cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
α7 Receptor-selective agonists and modes of α7 receptor activation

The alpha7-selective agonists 3-(2, 4-dimethoxybenzylidene)-anabaseine (GTS-21), also known as DMXB, and 3-(4-hydroxy,2-methoxybenzylidene)anabaseine (4OH-GTS-21) produce a variety of behavioral and cytoprotective effects that may be related to the activation of either large transient currents at high concentrations or small sustained currents at lower agonist concentrations. We are using acutely dissociated hypothalamic neurons, which express a central nervous system (CNS) alpha7-type receptor, to test a model for the concentration-dependent desensitization of alpha7-mediated responses. Our results confirm that 4OH-GTS-21 is a potent activator of neuronal alpha7 nicotinic-acetylcholine receptor. The rapid application of agonist leads to a brief period of maximal receptor-activation followed by desensitization. Rise rates, decay rates, and the degree to which current was desensitized were all concentration-dependent. Following the initial peak response to a 300-microM 4OH-GTS-21 application, current is reduced to baseline values within about 100 ms. Application of 30 microM 4OH-GTS-21 produced both a transient peak current and a sustained current that decayed only slowly after the removal of agonist. In the case of a 300-microM 4OH-GTS-21 application, after agonist was removed, we saw a rebound response up to the level of the 30-microM sustained current. The data, therefore, suggest that a sufficient level of agonist occupation can be retained on the receptor to promote activation for up to several hundred milliseconds.
Behavior therapy in practice: A national survey of behavior therapists

A mail survey investigated the characteristics of behavior therapy as practiced. Information about a variety of demographic, professional, and strategy variables was collected. Questionnaires and follow-up prompts were sent to 840 randomly selected members and associate members of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy; the final sample (N=353) represented 24% of the organization's total nonstudent membership. Discrepancies between behavior therapy as represented in research and behavior therapy as reportedly practiced include: (1) likelihood of therapists to deal exclusively with presenting problems; (2) reported success rates for treated clients; (3) uses of standardized assessment procedures; and (4) the importance of relationship-enhancement methods. Implications are discussed with respect to their impact on behavior therapy as an applied science.
Understanding errors in diagnostic radiology: proposal of a classification scheme and application to emergency radiology

Errors in image interpretation are a common problem in diagnostic radiology. Although many published articles provide trainees with the means to correctly interpret imaging studies, they do not provide a framework for understanding why and how errors occur. In this article, we propose a classification system that allows categorization of errors, which we hope can serve as a basis for peer review, self-education, and quality improvement programs. Our scheme incorporates elements of a classification system proposed by previous authors but also includes novel categories. In this article, we show the usefulness of our scheme by applying it to a specific, and particularly problematic, diagnosis in emergency radiology, namely that of dural sinus thrombosis.
Instrumentality, task value, and intrinsic motivation: Making sense of their independent interdependence

Abstract The relationships among instrumentality, task value, and intrinsic orientation were investigated among undergraduate students. The sample comprised 207 undergraduates who were participating in a lower-division human development course. Results confirm that endogenous instrumentality is an independent construct, which—although related to task value and intrinsic motivation—is empirically and theoretically distinguishable. Results suggest that the present orientation of intrinsic motivation and task value (as measured by the MSLQ) may serve a different motivational function than the more future oriented endogenous instrumentality.
A fixed-lag Kalman smoother for retrospective data assimilation

Analyses incorporating future data, as well as current and past data, are termed retrospective analyses. In this paper, the fixed-lag Kalman smoother (FLKS) is proposed as a means of providing retrospective analysis capability in data assimilation. The FLKS is a direct generalization of the Kalman filter. It incorporates all data observed up to and including some fixed amount of time past each analysis time. A computationally efficient form of the FLKS is derived. A simple scalar examination of the FLKS demonstrates that incorporating future data improves analyses the most in the presence of dynamical instabilities, for accurate models and for accurate observations. An implementation of the FLKS for two-dimensional linear shallow-water model corroborates the scalar analysis. The numerical experiments also demonstrate the ability of the FLKS to propagate information upstream as well as downstream, thus improving analysis quality substantially in data voids.
Studies in Cranial Suture Biology: In Vitro Cranial Suture Fusion

Abstract The biology underlying craniosynostosis remains unknown. Previous studies have shown that the underlying dura mater, not the suture itself, signals a suture to fuse. The purpose of this study was to develop an in vitro model for cranial-suture fusion that would still allow for suture-dura interaction, but without the influence of tensional forces transmitted from the cranial base. This was accomplished by demonstrating that the posterior frontal mouse cranial suture, known to be the only cranial suture that fuses in vivo, fuses when plated with its dura in an organ-culture system. In such an organ-culture system, the sutures are free from both the influence of dural forces transmitted from the cranial base and from hormonal influences only available in a perfused system. For the cranial-suture fusion in vitro model study, the sagittal sutures (controls that remain patent in vivo) and posterior frontal sutures (that fuse in vivo) with the underlying dura were excised from 24-day-old euthanized mic...
Effect of Corticosterone Upon Mammary Gland Growth of Pregnant Rats1

Groups of pregnant Sprague-Dawley-Rolfsmeyer rats were injected daily with graded amounts of corticosterone from 0.25 to 1.75 mg from day 1 to day 19 to determine its effect upon mammary gland growth an measured by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and upon protein synthetic activity as measured by ribonucleic acid (RNA). The optimal levels of corticosterone were in the range of 0.75 and 1.25 mg/day, with a mean DNA increase of 23%. RNA was increased 52% with 1.00 mg and 40% with 0.75 and 1.25 mg corticosterone/day. Lower and higher levels showed a reduced effect upon DNA and RNA. The levels of corticosterone used were without effect upon the somatic growth rate of the pregnant animals or upon the mean pup weight at the end of the experiment. (Endocrinology 81: 658, 1967)
The Electronic Structure of Mn in Oxides, Coordination Complexes, and the Oxygen-Evolving Complex of Photosystem II Studied by Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering

Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) was used to collect Mn K pre-edge spectra and to study the electronic structure in oxides, molecular coordination complexes, as well as the S1 and S2 states of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II (PS II). The RIXS data yield two-dimensional plots that can be interpreted along the incident (absorption) energy or the energy transfer axis. The second energy dimension separates the pre-edge (predominantly 1s to 3d transitions) from the main K-edge, and a detailed analysis is thus possible. The 1s2p RIXS final-state electron configuration along the energy transfer axis is identical to conventional L-edge absorption spectroscopy, and the RIXS spectra are therefore sensitive to the Mn spin state. This new technique thus yields information on the electronic structure that is not accessible in conventional K-edge absorption spectroscopy. The line splittings can be understood within a ligand field multiplet model, i.e., (3d,3d) and (2p,3d) two-electron interactions are crucial to describe the spectral shapes in all systems. We propose to explain the shift of the K pre-edge absorption energy upon Mn oxidation in terms of the effective number of 3d electrons (fractional 3d orbital population). The spectral changes in the Mn 1s2p3/2 RIXS spectra between the PS II S1 and S2 states are small compared to that of the oxides and two of the coordination complexes (MnIII(acac)3 and MnIV(sal)2(bipy)). We conclude that the electron in the step from S1 to S2 is transferred from a strongly delocalized orbital.
Surface Estimation, Variable Selection, and the Nonparametric Oracle Property

Variable selection for multivariate nonparametric regression is an important, yet challenging, problem due, in part, to the infinite dimensionality of the function space. An ideal selection procedure should be automatic, stable, easy to use, and have desirable asymptotic properties. In particular, we define a selection procedure to be nonparametric oracle (np-oracle) if it consistently selects the correct subset of predictors and at the same time estimates the smooth surface at the optimal nonparametric rate, as the sample size goes to infinity. In this paper, we propose a model selection procedure for nonparametric models, and explore the conditions under which that the new method enjoys the aforementioned properties. Developed in the framework of smoothing spline ANOVA, our estimator is obtained via solving a regularization problem with a novel adaptive penalty on the sum of functional component norms. Theoretical properties of the new estimator are established. Additionally, numerous simulated and real examples further demonstrate that the new approach substantially outperforms other existing methods in the finite sample setting.
The Zymomonas mobilis regulator hfq contributes to tolerance against multiple lignocellulosic pretreatment inhibitors

Background Zymomonas mobilis produces near theoretical yields of ethanol and recombinant strains are candidate industrial microorganisms. To date, few studies have examined its responses to various stresses at the gene level. Hfq is a conserved bacterial member of the Sm-like family of RNA-binding proteins, coordinating a broad array of responses including multiple stress responses. In a previous study, we observed Z. mobilis ZM4 gene ZMO0347 showed higher expression under anaerobic, stationary phase compared to that of aerobic, stationary conditions.
A short guide to exponential Krylov subspace time integration for Maxwell's equations

The exponential time integration, i.e., time integration which involves the matrix exponential, is an attractive tool for solving Maxwell's equations in time. However, its application in practice often requires a substantial knowledge of numerical linear algebra algorithms, in particular, of the Krylov subspace methods. This note provides a brief guide on how to apply exponential Krylov subspace time integration in practice. Although we consider Maxwell's equations, the guide can readily be used for other similar time-dependent problems. In particular, we discuss in detail the Arnoldi shift-and-invert method combined with recently introduced residual-based stopping criterion. Two of the algorithms described here are available as MATLAB codes and can be downloaded from the website \url{http://eprints.eemcs.utwente.nl/} together with this note.
Scanlon on Promissory Obligation

This article offers a critique of Thomas Scanlon's well-known account of promissory obligation by reference to the rights of promisees. Scanlon's account invokes a moral principle, the "principle of fidelity". Now, corresponding to a promisor's obligation to perform is a promisee's right to performance. It is argued that one cannot account for this right in terms of Scanlon's principle. This is so in spite of a clause in the principle relating to the promisee's "consent", which might have been thought to do the trick. Most likely this argument can be applied to all "moral principle" accounts of promissory obligation. An alternative both to these and to "social practice" accounts is needed.
FRACTURE FACES OF OSMOTICALLY DISRUPTED ZONULAE OCCLUDENTES

Exposing the mucosal epithelium of the toad urinary bladder to 240 mM urea in Ringer's solution is known to cause a dramatic increase in the permeability of the zonulae occludentes and the appearance of distended, bubble-like compartments within these junctions. Examination of such osmotically disrupted junctions with the freeze-fracture technique reveals that these bubbles result from a distention of the compartments existing within the meshwork of interconnecting fibrils characteristic of the zonulae occludentes in this epithelium. Frequent discontinuities in the meshwork of fibrils are also found after osmotic disruption of the junction. These observations indicate the essential role of these fibrils in maintaining the characteristic properties of the zonula occludens as a site of cell-to-cell attachment and as a permeability seal.
Revision of the New World species of the genus Monomachus Klug (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupoidea, Monomachidae)

Nous avons fait la revision des especes du genre Monomachus Klug qui habitent les Ameriques. Le genre se repartit depuis le Chili et l'Argentine jusqu'aux etats mexicains d'Oaxaca et du Chiapas vers le nord, en tout, 20 especes valides, dont 9 sont decrites pour la premiere fois: M. atratus sp. nov., M. aurifer sp. nov., M. cultratus sp. nov., M. exul sp. nov., M. intonsus sp. nov., M. paulus sp. nov., M. satyrus sp. nov., M. serratus sp. nov. et M. velatus sp. nov. Nous decrivons de nouveau les especes M. bicolor Szepligeti, M. cubiceps Scrottky, M. eurycephalus Schletterer, M. fuscator (Perty), M. glaberrimus Schletterer, M. klugii Westwood, M. megacephalus Schletterer, M. pallescens Schletterer, M. porteri Brethes, M. segmentator Westwood et M. variegatus Schletterer. Nous considerons M. lateralis Westwood comme un nomen dubium, stat. nov.; nous avons designe un lectotype pour M. cubiceps; et nous traitons M. fuscator andinus Schulz comme un synonyme plus recent de M. fuscator, syn. nov. Nous avons dresse une clef d'identification des especes du Nouveau Monde et une liste des especes a l'echelle mondiale. Monomachus fuscator et M. eurycephalus sont des parasitoides du ravageur du cafeier Chiromyza vittata Wiedemann (Diptera : Stratiomyidae, Chiromyzinae).
Do Parents Excuse the Misbehavior of Children with Physical or Emotional Symptoms? An Investigation of the Pediatric Sick Role

Assessed attributions and responses to descriptions of the misbehavior of children with symptoms of physical and emotional illnesses. Subjects (160 mothers; 160 fathers) read a vignette about a child in one of four illness conditions (medically explained pain with organic etiology; medically unexplained pain, depression, well) who was described as misbehaving at home and school. Within each illness condition, the child protagonist varied by age (8 vs. 16) and gender. A between-subjects design was used in which subjects made judgments regarding causes and responsibility for the child's misbehavior, affective reactions to the child, and the consequences that should be administered to the child. Results indicated that, in comparison to subjects' perceptions of the misbehavior of children in the other conditions, subjects viewed the misbehavior of children with medically explained pain as less intentional, more excusable, and due to causes that were less internal to the child. Subjects held children with medically explained pain less responsible for their misbehavior and indicated that they would respond to them with less anger, disappointment, blame, and punishment than to children in the other conditions. Subjects did not hold children with symptoms of depression and children with unexplained pain complaints less responsible for their misbehavior, but indicated that they would respond to them with less anger, disappointment, and punishment than to well children.
Sexual dimorphism and allometry in primate ossa coxae

Five measurements were taken on the ossa coxae of 454 adult primates representing Ceboidea, Cercopithecoidea and Hominoidea. Sex differences in these variables and their relationships to overall body size and sexual dimorphism were tested by means of Student's T-test and regression analysis. The study attempts to clarify the nature of primate pelvic sexual dimorphism, including allometric effects, and more specifically, test the assertion made by Mobb and Wood (1977) that sexual dimorphism in body size in not an important determinant in pelvic sex differences. Variables that contribute to the size of the birth canal tend to be larger in females than males in all taxa studied except two. In these, Hylobates and Alouatta, there were no significant differences between the sexes for any of the five variables. In general, sexual dimorphism in variables contributing to the size of the birth canal was correlated (r approximately or equal to 0.8) with sexual dimorphism in body size. Furthermore, the coefficients of allometry underlying pelvic sex differences were shown to be moderately correlated (r approximately or equal to 0.5) with sexual dimorphism in size. The influence of other adaptive factors on primate pelvic sexual dimorphism are also briefly discussed.
Quantitative investigation of optical phase-measuring techniques for ultrashort pulse lasers

We have performed a quantitative investigation into the capabilities and the limitations of two phase-measuring techniques: second-harmonic-generation frequency-resolved optical gating and direct optical spectral phase measurement. In particular, we have studied the reproducibility and the accuracy of these techniques in measuring the frequency-dependent phase of ultrashort pulses with varying amounts of cubic and quadratic phase. We find that both of these techniques are accurate to within 5% in measuring phase distortions in optical pulses.
Transcriptional Co-activator p300 Maintains Basal Hepatic Gluconeogenesis

A major cause of fasting hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus is unregulated hepatic glucose production (HGP). Insulin suppresses HGP by phosphorylating CBP and disassembling the CREB-CBP complex from gluconeogenic genes. p300 is closely related to CBP; but in contrast to CBP, p300 binds constitutively to CREB due to the absence of phosphorylation site found in CBP. In a phosphorylation-competent p300(G442S) knock-in mouse model, we demonstrate that HGP is now exquisitely sensitive to insulin suppression. p300(G422S) and hepatic-deleted p300 mice exhibited significant lower blood glucose levels in the fasted and post-prandial states, indicating a role for p300 in maintaining basal HGP.
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Strength, Physical Function, and Health Perception in Older, Community-Dwelling Men

Objectives: To study the effects of vitamin D supplementation in healthier populations of men. Design: Randomized, controlled trial. Setting: General clinical research center. Participants: Sixty-five healthy, community-dwelling men (mean age±standard deviation=76±4, range 65–87). Intervention: Cholecalciferol (1,000 IU/d) or placebo supplementation for 6 months; all received 500 mg supplemental calcium. Measurements: Upper and lower extremity muscle strength and power, physical performance and activity, health perception, calcium and vitamin D intake, and biochemical assessment, including 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and ionized calcium levels. Results: The levels of 25OHD increased and PTH decreased in the cholecalciferol group, whereas there were no significant changes in the control group (P<.001). Baseline 25OHD levels correlated with baseline single-leg stance time and physical activity score. Baseline PTH levels correlated with baseline 8-foot walk time and physical activity score. No significant difference in strength, power, physical performance, or health perception was found between groups. Conclusion: The 25OHD or PTH levels correlated with physical activity and physical performance in older, community-dwelling men with normal 25OHD status. Vitamin D supplementation increased 25OHD levels and decreased PTH levels but did not increase muscle strength or improve physical performance or health perception in this group of healthy, older men. Further investigations of the effects of vitamin D supplementation should focus on individuals with low levels of vitamin D.
Human origins and the transition from promiscuity to pair-bonding

A crucial step in recent theories of human origins is the emergence of strong pair-bonding between males and females accompanied by a dramatic reduction in the male-to-male conflict over mating and an increased investment in offspring. How such a transition from promiscuity to pair-bonding could be achieved is puzzling. Many species would, indeed, be much better off evolutionarily if the effort spent on male competition over mating was redirected to increasing female fertility or survivorship of offspring. Males, however, are locked in a “social dilemma,” where shifting one’s effort from “appropriation” to “production” would give an advantage to free-riding competitors and therefore, should not happen. Here, I first consider simple models for four prominent scenarios of the human transition to pair-bonding: communal care, mate guarding, food for mating, and mate provisioning. I show that the transition is not feasible under biologically relevant conditions in any of these models. Then, I show that the transition can happen if one accounts for male heterogeneity, assortative pair formation, and evolution of female choice and faithfulness. This process is started when low-ranked males begin using an alternative strategy of female provisioning. At the end, except for the top-ranked individuals, males invest exclusively in provisioning females who have evolved very high fidelity to their mates. My results point to the crucial importance of female choice and emphasize the need for incorporating between-individual variation in theoretical and empirical studies of social dilemmas and behaviors.
Reactions of hydrogen atom with hydrogen peroxide.

Rate coefficients are calculated using canonical variational transition state theory with multidimensional tunneling (CVT/SCT) for the reactions H + H2O2 → H2O + OH (1a) and H + H2O2 → HO2 + H2 (1b). Reaction barrier heights are determined using two theoretical approaches: (i) comparison of parametrized rate coefficient calculations employing CVT/SCT to experiment and (ii) high-level ab initio methods. The evaluated experimental data reveal considerable variations of the barrier height for the first reaction: although the zero-point-exclusive barrier for (1a) derived from the data by Klemm et al. (First Int. Chem. Kinet. Symposium 1975, 61) is 4.6 kcal/mol, other available measurements result in a higher barrier of 6.2 kcal/mol. The empirically derived zero-point-exclusive barrier for (1b) is 10.4 kcal/mol. The electronic structure of the system at transition state geometries in both reactions was found to have “multireference” character; therefore special care was taken when analyzing electronic struct...
Commentary: Successes and missed opportunities

In their historical review of child health in the early 20th century, Markel and Golden1 help us understand current child health policy in the United States. Their essay describes the path not taken in 2 related areas: the professional development of pediatricians and our broader policy choices for child health. In the first path not taken, pediatrics followed the field of medicine more generally, with its emphasis on technologically sophisticated treatment for acute illnesses. In the second, our policy toward child health in the United States has focused on science and technology while generally ignoring the underlying social determinants of health. For the casual observer of history, these seem to have been wise choices. In the last 100 years, the infant mortality rate has dropped from >100 deaths per 1000 live births to <8 per 1000, and the average life expectancy has nearly doubled. The polio vaccines of the 1950s were particularly salient proof of the value of our … Address correspondence to Jeffrey P. Brosco, MD, PhD, Clinical Pediatrics, University of Miami, PO Box 016820 (D-820), Miami, FL 33101. E-mail: jbrosco{at}miami.edu
Analysis of three multi-layer parallel-coupled lines

A spectral-domain analysis is performed on three multi-layer parallel-coupled lines. The self and mutual capacitances of the structure, the per-unit-length capacitance matrix elements, and the three quasi-TEM mode per-unit-length capacitances are derived explicitly for the first time in terms of capacitances corresponding to arbitrary excitations. The mode impedances of the lines are found to be unequal for lines of equal width unlike previously reported.
THE COLONNA RECONSTRUCTION OPERATION FOR UNUNITED FRACTURES OF THE NECK OF THE FEMUR

1. This type of reconstruction operation has proved suitable for those cases of old ununited fracture of the neck of the femur which present. complete absorption of the neck and necrosis of the head. 2. The results are better in cases without preoperative evidence of arthritis about the joint and without previous hip-joint surgery (Table V).
Catalytic strategies of the non-heme iron dependent oxygenases and their roles in plant biology

Non-heme iron-dependent oxygenases catalyse the incorporation of O2 into a wide range of biological molecules and use diverse strategies to activate their substrates. Recent kinetic studies, including in crystallo, have provided experimental support for some of the intermediates used by different subclasses of this enzyme family. Plant non-heme iron-dependent oxygenases have diverse and important biological roles, including in growth signalling, stress responses and secondary metabolism. Recently identified roles include in strigolactone biosynthesis, O-demethylation in morphine biosynthesis and regulating the stability of hypoxia-responsive transcription factors. We discuss current structural and mechanistic understanding of plant non-heme iron oxygenases, and how their chemical/genetic manipulation could have agricultural benefit, for example, for improved yield, stress tolerance or herbicide development.
SELECTIVE FEEDING BY BLACK-TAILED DEER: FORAGE QUALITY OR ABUNDANCE?

Selectivity of forages by ungulates may be in response to the abundance of forages (forage-abundance hypothesis) or the nutrient quality of palatable forages (selective-quality hypothesis). I examined predictions of both hypotheses by measuring feeding behaviors of free-ranging black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus columbianus ) at Hopland Field Station, Mendocino Co., California. I observed 98 foraging sessions (foraging bout of 7–10 min) of adult males and females in all seasons and measured the number of bites, time the head was in the feeding position, type of forage, and biomass of plants along foraging paths. Selection (seconds per bite) was strongly correlated with biomass of forages only when deer foraged on dried grass or forbs. Seconds per bite varied considerably among types of forages: green grass-forbs ( X = 1.3 s), leafy browse (3.8 s), dry grasses and forbs (6.1 s), acorns (19.6 s). The head was in the feeding position significantly less when foraging on dry grasses and forbs, and acorns than when deer foraged on green grass-forbs and leafy browse. Selectivity (seconds per bite) of leafy browse and acorns by deer was correlated with Julian date, an index to nutrient content. Number of bites was positively related to time the head was in the feeding position only when deer foraged on green grass-forbs. Selectivity of deer ostensibly varied in response to nutrient content, and searching was probably the dominant process influencing selectivity on most types of forages.
Effect of Time Dependent Excitation Signals on Gating in Nanofluidic Channels

Nanofluidic field effect devices feature a gate electrode embedded in the nanochannel wall. The gate electrode creates local variation in the electric field allowing active, tunable control of ionic transport. Tunable control over ionic transport through nanofluidic networks is essential for applications including artificial ion channels, ion pumps, ion separation, and biosensing. Using DC excitation at the gate, experiments have demonstrated multiple current states in the nanochannel, including the ability to switch off the measured current; however, experimental evaluation of transient signals at the gate electrode has not been explored. Modeling results have shown ion transport at the nanoscale has known time scales for diffusion, electromigration, and convection. This supports the evidence detailed here that use of a time-dependent signal to create local perturbation in the electric field can be used for systematic manipulation of ionic transport in nanochannels.In this report, sinusoidal waveforms of various frequencies were compared against DC excitation on the gate electrode. The ionic transport was quantified by measuring the current through the nanochannels as a function of applied axial and gate potentials. It was found that time varying signals have a higher degree of modulation than a VRMS matched DC signal.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
When to transplant: Recipient selection for heart transplantation

Heart transplantation is an accepted therapeutic alternative for patients with end-stage heart failure. The most common diagnoses of patients who require heart transplantation are ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Evaluation for heart transplantation involves an examination of the patient's heart disease including left ventricle ejection fraction, hemodynamic status, presence of ventricular ectopy, New York Heart Association functional class, symptoms, exercise tolerance, and sympathetic nervous system activation. In addition, absolute and relative contraindications must be identified to determine their influence on a patient's candidacy. Care must be taken to determine the best use of a donor heart, a scarce resource, with regard to posttransplant morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
Increasing news content and diversity improves revenue

A time-series analysis of 10 years of a newspaper’s content and financial data confirms the positive content and revenue relationship in cross-sectional data also exists in longitudinal data. Publi...
Effects of Condensed-Phase Oxidants on Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation.

In this study we investigate the hypothesis that oxidants present within atmospheric particles can promote the formation of highly oxidized organic aerosol (OA) via oxidation reactions in the condensed phase. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) was generated from the ozonolysis of α-pinene and isoprene in an environmental chamber, with seed particles systematically varied in order to assess the effects of condensed-phase oxidant levels on SOA loading and composition. The effects of particle phase (aqueous vs dry), condensed-phase oxidant source (none vs H2O2 vs Fenton chemistry), and irradiation (none vs UV) were all examined. For experiments conducted with aqueous particles but without any added oxidants, UV irradiation resulted in a small but measurable enhancement in the oxygen-to-carbon ratio (O/C). OA formed in the presence of aqueous oxidants was substantially more oxidized, with the highest oxidant concentrations leading to OA with an O/C as high as 1.4 for α-pinene and 2.0 for isoprene, strongly sugge...
An Overview of Cardiac Management in Neuromuscular Disease

Muscular dystrophy and myasthenia gravis are two neuromuscular disorders that can involve significant cardiovascular complications. The frequency and severity of cardiac pathology varies widely among the muscular dystrophies. In some, it is nearly inevitable and requires regular evaluation. In others, assessment of cardiac function can be more symptom-driven. On-ly a minority of myasthenic patients manifest disease-related cardiovascular complications; however, their presentation can be rapidly progressive and life-threatening..
Chevron Deference or the Rule of Lenity? Dual-Use Statutes and Judge Sutton's Lonely Lament

A dual-use statute is a provision that has both civil and criminal implications. With the expansion of the criminal grounds of removability in the Immigration and Nationality Act, immigration law now contains several such provisions. But the question then arises, if a dual-use provision is found to be ambiguous, how should that ambiguity be resolved? Should traditional deference principles apply to the agency's reasonable interpretation of the ambiguous language? Or, given the potential for collateral criminal consequences, should the rule of lenity apply and resolve the ambiguity in favor of the alien?Using the Sixth Circuit's recent decision in Esquivel-Quintana v. Lynch as a lens, this article examines whether Chevron Deference or the Rule of Lenity should apply when a dual-use statute is found to be ambiguous. Its conclusion is that deference principles should apply and, so long as the agency can reasonably resolve the ambiguity, the rule of lenity should have no role to play. This conclusion is based on several considerations. First, the Supreme Court has never declined to extend some form of deference to dual-use statutes in favor of applying the rule of lenity, and so this article's interpretation is the more faithful application of existing precedent. Second, applying deference prior to lenity comports with the traditional conception of the rule of lenity, which is applied only as a rule of absolute last resort. It thus makes sense to apply deference to attempt a reasonable resolution of statutory ambiguity, and to rely on lenity only where a "grievous" ambiguity remains. Finally, application of lenity is a solution in search of a problem -- whereas the Board has to address dual-use provisions in thousands of cases each year, the criminal provisions are raised in only a handful of proceedings, meaning that applying lenity to the exclusion of deference would be a disproportionate encroachment in an area of law where the agency would otherwise receive broad latitude on judicial review.
Integral Transforms: Infinite Intervals *

This chapter describes the integral transforms with infinite intervals applicable to linear differential equations. To solve a linear differential equation, it is sometimes easier to transform the equation to some “space,” solve the equation in that “space,” and then transform the solution back. For a linear differential equation, the equation is multiplied by a kernel and integrated over a specified region. Integration by parts is used to obtain an equation for the transform of the dependent variable. The “correct” transform is used if the boundary conditions given with the original equation are utilized. The equation is then solved for the transform of the dependent variable. The solution is obtained by multiplying by the inverse kernel and performing integration.
The Inclusion of Minority Interests in Congress and the Presidency

Burke, Christopher M. The Appearance of Equality: Racial Gerrymandering, Redistricting, and the Supreme Court. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1999. Pp. viii, 212. $59.95, hardbound. Bybee, Keith. Mistaken Identity: The Supreme Court and the Politics of Minority Representation. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1998. Pp. 206. $40.00, hardbound. Riley, Russell L. The Presidency and the Politics of Racial Inequality: Nation Keeping from 1831 to 1965. New York: Columbia University Press, 1999. Pp. xiv, 373. $22.50, softbound; $49.50, hardbound.
Cortical Localization of Reading in Normal Children

Brain regions involved in processing written text while reading were identified by fMRI in 9 right-handed normal children, ages 7.9 to 13.3 years.
Unified analysis of transient and steady-state electrophosphorescence using exciton and polaron dynamics modeling

Phosphorescent organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) can suffer a significant reduction in device efficiency under high current density excitation. This steady-state efficiency roll-off is frequently modeled by including losses from exciton-exciton and exciton-polaron quenching. Despite success in modeling the steady-state efficiency roll-off, the corresponding transient electroluminescence behavior has not been modeled as effectively using the same quenching processes. In this work, both the steady-state and transient electroluminescence behavior of phosphorescent OLEDs based on tris[2-phenylpyridinato-C2,N]Iridium(III) (Ir(ppy)3) are successfully reproduced by considering a dynamic polaron population. Within this model, polarons are able to either form excitons or leak through the device emissive layer, reducing the overall efficiency. This formalism permits a natural and rigorous connection between exciton and polaron dynamics and device charge balance, with the charge balance cast as the efficiency o...
The Epigenomics of Embryonic Pathway Signaling in Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer death in developed countries. While early detection (e.g., colonoscopy) generally yields excellent outcomes, metastatic and drug-resistant disease is uniformly fatal, and noncompliance for screening remains over 25%. Familial CRCs (10% of total cases) primarily include mutations in the gene APC. Somatic disease is linked to several environmental several risk factors, including mutations in WNT, KRAS, and TGFβ. To reflect the genesis/progression of CRC, a series of five discrete stages, from normal colon mucosa to fully invasive carcinoma, each regulated by specific “gatekeeper” genes, remains well accepted after twenty years. However, many CRC tumors do not possess those particular mutations, thus suggesting alternative mechanisms. More recently, embryo-like “cancer stem cells” have been proposed to undergo self-renewal and drive tumorigenesis (and possibly, metastasis), as governed by specific “epigenomic” alterations. Here, we review recent literature describing possible mechanisms that underlie these phenotypes, including cancer “stemness,” believed by many to associate with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We further propose that maintenance of undifferentiated phenotypes, by the activity of distinct transcription factors, facilitates chromatin remodeling and phenotypic plasticity. With that regard, we support recent assertions that EMT is not an “either/or” event, but rather a continuous spectrum of mesenchymal vs. epithelial phenotypes (in various degrees of aberrant differentiation/undifferentiation). Finally, we discuss possible methods of pharmacologically targeting such aberrant epigenomes, with regard to their possible relevance toward halting, or even reversing, colorectal cancer progression.
Long distance contributions to penguin processes b → sγ and b → dγ

Abstract We consider the long distance contributions to inclusive penguin processes through processes like b → sV and b → dV where V are 3 S 1 (c c ) states ψi in the former case and include ϱ, ω for the latter case. We carefully examine vector dominance for c c states, and conclude that there is a large suppression of ψ ∼ γ transition when ψ is at q2 = 0. The long distance effects can be at most 7% in the amplitude for b → sγ. The long distance contribution to b → dγ is also found to be small.
Critical Thinker: Supporting Collaborative Argumentation with Structure and Awareness

Collaborative learning technology has been widely applied in various disciplines in support of dialectical discourse and argumentation. Technologies not only allow multiple users to concurrently analyze and edit documents in the same virtual space but also present richer cues for collaboration awareness. However, researchers still know very little about how the synching mechanisms work together to support small group collaborative argument creation. This study investigates the experiences of 14 dyads that worked together in Critical Thinker, a web application that enables learners to collaborate on an argumentative task with a juxtaposed argumentation structure and multiple synchronous collaboration affordances. Our qualitative data showed that the learners are able to leverage different synching mechanisms in a complementary manner and appropriate the dialectic structure for collaborative argumentation.
Retrospective Analyses Are Hard: A Cautionary Tale from EPA’s Air Toxics Regulations

Under the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was required to establish standards limiting air toxics emissions from industrial plants. This paper examines the effects of five of the largest-cost rules issued by EPA in the initial round of air toxics rulemaking over the 1995 to 2000 period. Our estimates suggest that plants in the printing and publishing and pulp and paper industries realized important reductions in their air toxics emissions in the period between publication of the final rule and the effective date for compliance with the rule – although the reduction in air toxics emissions by pulp and paper mills fell short of EPA’s ex ante projections. However, our estimates also suggest that plants in three other industries – petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, and wood furniture – achieved little or no additional reduction in air toxics emissions over the compliance period in response to EPA’s rules. Finally, the paper explores steps that EPA should take in setting up future retrospective analyses.
A Macromarketing View of Sustainable Development in Vietnam.

The authors apply methods and perspectives from several disciplines to explore the effects of Vietnam's economic development on various ecosystems, to offer a macromarketing view of sustainable development in Vietnam. An adapted version of the Sustainable Society Index was used to assess Vietnam's sustainability, how Vietnam's measures compare to other countries, with implications for future sustainable-development. Among several findings, Vietnam earns favorable sustainability ratings in absolute terms for water resources, healthy living, energy use, greenhouse gases, genuine savings, and employment. Ominously, Vietnam and some of its nearby neighbors post poor scores for energy savings and education. Going forward, energy savings, a well-educated population, and a coordinated marketing system will be required to ensure favorable sustainability measures. Drawing on macromarketing explorations of complex and interdependent systems, key factors are considered to redress unsustainable resource exploitation and degradation. Particular attention is given to the complexities and dilemmas inherent to waterways, such as the Mekong River Basin and Delta. The authors argue for multi-win goals, systemic understanding, stakeholder inclusion, and resolutions via cooperation and constructive engagement—including projects, products, services, and institutional leadership for best practices designed and administered to enhance sustainability and citizen/societal well-being.
Teaching Theatre History: Re-Directing an Existing Course

TEACHING THEATRE HISTORY: RE-DIRECTING AN EXISTING CLASS By Brian Robert Vrtis, MFA A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2006 Major Director: Dr. Noreen C. Barnes Director of Graduate Studies, Theatre This thesis is written to detail the process and results of the theatre history class that I assisted in teaching during the fall semester of 2005. It details the process of formulating the class structure, how the class proceeded, my lecture process, and finally the responses that the students had to the class. The first chapter of this paper goes into the process of getting the class formulated. When Shaun McCracken and I were asked to take over instruction of THEA 307 for the fall during Dr. Barnes' sabbatical, rather than exactly following the process that the class had previously taken, we decided to alter some of the elements of the class. We added in a
Contrasting effects of aging on the expression of transposons, the piRNA machinery and mitochondrial transcripts in the Drosophila ovary

Redistribution of heterochromatin during aging has been linked to the de-repression of transposable elements and an overall loss of gene regulation in the soma. Whether or not epigenetic factors such as heterochromatin marks are perturbed in reproductive and germline tissues is of particular interest because some epigenetic factors are known to transmit across generations. Additionally, the relative contribution of factors intrinsic or extrinsic to the germ line have in reproductive decline remains unknown. Using mRNA sequencing data from late stage egg chambers in Drosophila melanogaster, we show that age-related expression changes occur in genes residing in heterochromatin, particularly on the largely heterochromatic 4th chromosome. In addition, we identify an increase in expression of the piRNA machinery. We further identify a striking age-related reduction in mitochondrial transcripts that we can attribute to the somatic tissues. Other than a modest increase in overall TE expression in the aging germline, we find no global TE derepression in reproductive tissues. Rather, the observed effects of aging on TEs are primarily strain and family specific. These results indicate unique responses in somatic versus germline tissue with regards to epigenetic aging effects and suggest that the global loss of TE control observed in other studies may be specific to certain tissues, genetic backgrounds and TE family. This study also demonstrates that while age-related effects can be maternally transmitted, the germline is generally robust to age-related changes.
Some Current Problems in the Interpretation of Enzyme Kinetic Data

In this chapter we discuss problems which come to notice when data obtained in experiments with isolated enzymes are combined into complex metabolic models. The need for using experimental conditions reflecting those in vivo when studying isolated enzymes is discussed. By now there is an extensive literature concerned with analyzing enzyme kinetic data. The consensus is that the traditional linearized methods yield inaccurate results, and that some form of nonlinear regression should be used instead. However, nonlinear methods, which require computing, are now readily available only to experts. This situation is likely to be changed considerably due to rapid decreases in computer costs and the development of “friendly” software which can readily be used by workers who are not computer experts. Together, these should make proper computation much easier and cheaper, compared to experiment, than it is at present.