cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paying for tissue: net benefits.

In their Policy Forum “Paying patients for their tissue: The legacy of Henrietta Lacks” (6 July, p. [37][1]), R. D. Truog et al. oppose sharing biomedical research revenues with the patients whose tissues enable that research. They argue that “reconceptualizing tissue acquisition as an economic exchange rather than as a gift relationship” might reduce tissue donation by “crowd[ing] out” altruistic motivations. We are skeptical of this argument. The possibility of compensation might crowd out some individual donations, but other altruism-motivated donations would increase because of compensation, and nonaltruistic donations would also increase. It thus seems unlikely that net willingness to supply tissue would decline. Patients for whom compensation would truly decrease the enjoyment of donating tissues could pass on their compensation to nonprofits such as the American Cancer Society. Truog et al. also argue that offering compensation proportional to tissue value would be “unjust” because patients whose tissues yield “financial blockbusters” would be paid more than the vast majority of donors. This argument, too, is unconvincing. “Blockbuster” cell lines make some researchers very rich, whereas other researchers do not benefit at all; is that unjust? Moreover, it is standard to tie compensation to the value of personal characteristics such as intelligence or athletic ability. How could such a system, if applied to compensation for tissue donation, be less fair to patients than the current system, under which all revenues from tissue lines—“blockbuster” or otherwise—accrue to the medical community? Offering value-based compensation to tissue donors would likely boost tissue supply. The great majority of patients would likely be willing to donate waste tissue in exchange for either a fixed fee or a chance to share in the rewards of financially successful research. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1216888
Identification and localization of a possible rhodopsin in the echinoderms Asterias forbesi (Asteroidea) and Ophioderma brevispinum (Ophiuroidea).

Protein extracts of optic cushion tissue from the asteroid Asterias forbesi and arm tissue from the ophiuroid Ophioderma brevispinum were subjected to Western blot analysis. Both tissues contain a membrane-associated protein that reacts with two monoclonal antibodies raised against bovine rhodopsin. This protein migrates slightly behind bovine rhodopsin during sodium-dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, suggesting that its molecular weight is slightly larger. Immunohistochemical examination of the optic cushions of A. forbesi revealed a substance that reacts with both monoclonal antibodies; moreover, this substance is more abundant in dark-adapted animals than in light-adapted animals. The arms and central disk of O. brevispinum were also examined immunohistochemically. The tips of the arm spines contain a substance that reacts with both monoclonal antibodies, and at higher magnification this immunoreactive material is localized to small regions within the stroma of the ossicles. Taken toge...
Pairing Behavior of the Monogamous King Quail, Coturnix chinensis.

Animals with socially monogamous mating systems are valuable for discovering proximate mechanisms of prosocial behavior and close social relationships. Especially powerful are comparisons between related species that differ in monogamous tendency. Birds are the most socially monogamous vertebrates. Thus far most research on mechanisms of pairing has used zebra finches, which do not have a relative with a different mating system, however. The goal of the experiments reported here was to develop a new comparative avian system by studying the pairing behavior of a reportedly strongly monogamous quail, the king quail (Coturnix chinensis), a species in the same clade as the less monogamous Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), the subject of much prior research. In Experiment 1 male-female pairs of king quail housed together were initially avoidant or aggressive but most rapidly progressed to allopreening and huddling. A separation-reunion paradigm reliably elicited both of these behaviors in males that had cohabited for one week. In Experiment 2 the allopreening and huddling behavior of males in cohabiting pairs was highly selective, and a majority of the males were aggressive toward a familiar female that was not the cohabitation partner. In Experiment 3 males were separated from their female cohabitation partners for 9–10 weeks and then given two-choice tests. All but one male spent more time near an unfamiliar female, which may have reflected aggression and shows recognition of and memory for the past pairing experience. Thus king quail show robust, selective and easy to measure pairing behavior that can be reliably elicited with simple separation-reunion testing procedures. Copulation is rarely seen during tests. The behavior of king quail is a striking contrast to that of Japanese quail, providing a new comparative system for discovering mechanisms of behavior related to close social relationships and monogamy.
The Accounting Choice to Record Share Repurchases

This paper examines U.S. firms’ accounting for share repurchases and the accounting choice provided to Delaware-incorporated firms between the treasury and retirement methods. This accounting choice does not affect income, cash flows, or net assets, but it nevertheless affects financial reporting transparency and the allocation of equity between retained earnings and contributed capital. According to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the accounting choice to record share repurchases should reflect management’s intended disposition of the repurchased shares. First, using a sample of U.S. public companies, we examine whether firms use the treasury stock account consistent with GAAP. We find the average treasury firm repurchases shares and reduces shares outstanding more frequently than the average retirement firm, a result which seems contrary to the underlying economic differences we expect under GAAP. Next, we compare characteristics of Delaware-incorporated treasury and retirement firms and find that the choice between the two methods is not random; rather, this choice is related to a number of firm characteristics, including idiosyncratic risk, leverage, firm growth, and industry membership. Finally, we find that a firm’s accounting method has explanatory power in predicting share repurchases.
Habitat, communication and cooperative strategies

Using communication is not the only cooperative strategy that can evolve when organisms need to solve a problem together. This paper describes a model that extends MacLennan and Burghardt's (1993) model to show that using a spatial world in a simulation allows a wider range of strategies to evolve in response to environmental demands. The model specifically explores the interaction between population density and resource abundance and their effect on the kinds of cooperative strategies that evolve. Signaling strategies evolve except when population density is high or resource abundance is low.
Surface-Enhanced Separation of Water from Hydrocarbons: Potential Dewatering Membranes for the Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Pine Biomass

The impact of surface-selective coatings on water permeation through a membrane when exposed to catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) vapor products was studied by tailoring the surface properties of the membrane coating from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic. Our approach used high-performance architectured surface-selective (HiPAS) membranes that were inserted after a CFP reactor. At this insertion point, the inner wall surface of a tubular membrane was exposed to a mixture of water and upgraded product vapors, including light gases and deoxygenated hydrocarbons. Under proper membrane operating conditions, a high selectivity for water over one-ring upgraded biomass pyrolysis hydrocarbons was observed as a result of a surface-enhanced capillary condensation process. Owing to this surface-enhanced effect, HiPAS membranes have the potential to enable high flux separations, suggesting that water can be selectively removed from the CFP product vapors.
A Computed Tomography-Guided Demonstration of the Unilateral Distribution of Low-Volume Epidural Injectate.

Objectives The primary objective of this case report was to demonstrate the unilateral distribution of the low volume injectate given in the epidural space when paramedian interlaminar approach is utilized under computed tomography guidance. Methods This was a case report on a single patient with history of unilateral epidural contrast distribution under fluoroscopy views, who presented with bilateral lumbar radicular symptoms, and underwent epidural injections via bilateral paramedian interlaminar approach under computed tomography guidance. Multiple-level computed tomography scans were obtained for demonstration purposes. Results There was primarily unilateral distribution of low–volume injectate in the epidural space when paramedian interlaminar approach is utilized.
An Evaluation of Possible Sites of Phosphate Secretion in the Rat Nephron

Although net secretion of phosphate has been demonstrated in non-mammalian species, the secretion of phosphate in mammals has been difficult to demonstrate using clearance methods (1). In these studies, plasma phosphate was elevated by infusion of phosphate and the clearance of phosphate was compared to the clearance of a glomerular marker (usually inulin). The results were equivocal with some investigators reporting net secretion, while others did not. In recent studies by Boudry et al (2), phosphate clearances were greater than inulin clearances in conscious rats when plasma Pi concentration was corrected for ultrafilterability. Likewise, in studies by Troehler et al (3), rats fed a high phosphate diet for 10 days and then infused acutely with phosphate, had a FEp% of 97% without correction for plasma ultrafilterability. Since it is highly unlikely that unidirectional outflux of phosphate (reabsorption) was abolished completely in these studies, this data has been taken as evidence for a secretory component of net phosphate transport if not net secretion per se.
Structured light generation by magnetic metamaterial half-wave plates at visible wavelength

Metamaterial or metasurface unit cells functioning as half-wave plates play an essential role for realizing ideal Pancharatnam–Berry phase optical elements capable of tailoring light phase and polarization as desired. Complex light beam manipulation through these metamaterials or metasurfaces unveils new dimensions of light–matter interactions for many advances in diffraction engineering, beam shaping, structuring light, and holography. However, the realization of metamaterial or metasurface half-wave plates in visible spectrum range is still challenging mainly due to its specific requirements of strong phase anisotropy with amplitude isotropy in subwavelength scale. Here, we propose magnetic metamaterial structures which can simultaneously exploit the electric field and magnetic field of light for achieving the nanoscale half-wave plates at visible wavelength. We design and demonstrate the magnetic metamaterial half-wave plates in linear grating patterns with high polarization conversion purity in a deep subwavelength thickness. Then, we characterize the equivalent magnetic metamaterial half-wave plates in cylindrical coordinate as concentric-ring grating patterns, which act like an azimuthal half-wave plate and accordingly exhibit spatially inhomogeneous polarization and phase manipulations including spin-to-orbital angular momentum conversion and vector beam generation. Our results show potentials for realizing on-chip beam converters, compact holograms, and many other metamaterial devices for structured light beam generation, polarization control, and wavefront manipulation.
Bringing a structural perspective to work: Framing occupational safety and health disparities for nursing assistants with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Background Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) experience a high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and are further made vulnerable by their situation in low levels of workplace and societal hierarchies of power and privilege. Objective This study applies structural vulnerability theory to CNA WMSD experiences in order to identify structural factors that may influence such injuries. Methods A sample of CNAs (n = 26) working in Nursing and Residential Care Facilities (NRCFs) was selected from workers who filed a claim during 2011-2014 for a WMSD of the back, shoulder, knee, or hand/wrist in the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries workers' compensation system. Interviews included questions about workers' injury experiences and work contexts. Qualitative data was analyzed for themes related to structural vulnerability theory and occupational safety and health (OSH) models. Results Themes illustrate a work environment in NRCFs with major organizational deficiencies for CNA safety and a broader structural environment that appears to mediate them. CNAs described policies and practices that result from management priorities being diverted away from worker safety. These difficulties are compounded by several aspects of CNAs' socio-economic vulnerability. Conclusions This study demonstrates the utility of a structural perspective for OSH disparities research and points to the need for occupational health intervention on a structural level.
Variation of Traditional Biomarkers of Liver Injury After an Ultramarathon at Altitude.

Background:Significant elevations of traditional biomarkers of liver injury can occur as a result of running an ultramarathon.Hypothesis:Traditional serum biomarker levels of liver injury will significantly increase as the result of participating in this 161-km race at altitude.Study Design:Prospective cross-sectional study.Level of Evidence:Level 3.Methods:A total of 64 (before) and 83 (after) volunteer runners participated in a prospective observational field-based study at the Leadville 100 ultramarathon race. Changes in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), and bilirubin levels were measured.Results:Of 669 athletes who started the race, 352 successfully completed the race within the 30-hour cutoff (53%). Of 36 runners who had pre- and postrace blood samples taken, the mean ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels were increased from 23 ± 10 U/L, 23 ± 5 U/L, and 0.60 ± 0.29 mg/dL to 117 ± 106 U/L, 485 ± 500 U/L, and 1.60 ± 0.61 m...
Safety of Running Two Rooms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Overlapping Neurosurgical Procedures.

Objective Overlapping surgery, a long-standing practice within academic neurosurgery centers nationwide, has recently come under scrutiny from the government and media as potentially harmful to patients. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the safety of overlapping neurosurgical procedures. Methods The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A review of PubMed and Medline databases was undertaken with the search phrase “overlapping surgery AND neurosurgery AND outcomes.” Data regarding patient demographics, type of neurosurgical procedure, outcomes, and complications were extracted from each study. The principle summary measure was odds ratio (OR) of the association of overlapping versus non-overlapping surgery with outcomes. Results The literature search yielded a total of 36 studies, of which 5 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in this study. These studies included a total of 25,764 patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures. Overlapping surgery was associated with an increased likelihood of being discharged home (OR, 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–1.44; P Conclusions Overlapping neurosurgical procedures were not associated with worse patient outcomes. In addition, prospective studies are needed to assess the safety overlapping procedures.
Carbon Metabolism in Legume Nodules

This paper reviews recent efforts to understand carbon metabolism in legume nodules. Because of space limitations the review is limited, with a few exceptions, to papers published within the past 2 years (1983–85). Also, because of the emphasis on nodules, papers dealing with carbon metabolism in cultured Rhizobium have, for the most part, been omitted. Within the past few years, papers on the identification and metabolism of carbon compounds in actinorhizal nodules have begun to appear, but this work is also not reviewed here. Several topics relevant to this subject have recently been reviewed in another symposium volume (Ludden, Burris, 1985).
Her choice : identity formation and dress among Iranian, Muslim women living in the United States

The purpose of the present study was to explore how a first generation, female, Iranian, Muslim, immigrant to the United States forms an identity through dress. To investigate women’s identity formation, I used macro and micro-sociological theory as well as feminist theory to guide my understanding of what influences the women’s identity to form or reform after immigration to the United States. For each participant in the study, a symbolic meaning of veiling played a prominent role in understanding how individual and societal influences impact her dress on a daily basis.
How to Deliver Faster with CI/CD Integrated Testing Services?

After Volkswagen AG has setup its hybrid cloud products and services are expected to have a significant shorter time-to-market and a high quality level. To satisfy these expectations, the existing testing procedures should have to speed up, so that it won’tbe the bottle neck for new features that have to be shipped fast. In order to realize a faster delivery of products and services Testing as a Service is developed with lean/agile methods [1, 2] and integrated into the CI/CD pipeline of the Volkwagen Group IT Cloud.
Cardiac, Aortic, and Pulmonary Vascular Involvement in Alagille Syndrome

Congenital heart disease is present in over 75% of patients with Alagille syndrome. In fact, stenosis and/or hypoplasia of the branch pulmonary arteries, the most common cardiovascular abnormality, is one of the five elements used in the clinical diagnosis of this syndrome. Other commonly occurring lesions include tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary valve stenosis or atresia, valvar or supravalvar aortic stenosis, and aortic coarctation. The peripheral vasculature is frequently affected as well. In this chapter, we discuss in detail the spectrum and incidence of congenital cardiovascular disease in patients with Alagille syndrome, as well as recommended diagnostic approaches and findings, surveillance, management, and outcomes.
A Unified Framework for Specifying Cost Models of IT Service Offerings

Information technology (IT) service providers compete to win highly-valued service contracts in a tender-like kind of process. The process starts with clients submitting a request for proposals, for which competing providers prepare a solution that covers the client requirements, and then begin the negotiation with the client trying to win the deal. Traditionally, IT providers design solutions by establishing a laundry list of services that the customer needs. Then, they try to cost and price each of these services individually. The more recent trend is that IT providers identify and design solutions that integrate a set of services bundles, usually called offerings, to allow for standardization and usage of economies of scale. This makes defining cost models for such integrated solution challenging as there is no consistent way to specify these costs for individual offerings which may have their own characteristics. In this work, we provide a unified framework that provides a consistent approach for specifying cost models for different service offerings while being flexible enough to handle individual differences among them.
The Pay Gap: Pay Inequality but Pay Equity Found in the Construction Industry

Pay inequality was found for Project Managers (N=317) in an organization with a history of high pay satisfaction and that has been deemed a “best place to work.” Women made 87 cents on the male dollar. However, Hayes conditional process modeling found that when productivity-relevant inputs (company experience, previous experience, performance ratings, education) were included there were neither direct effects of gender on pay nor were there indirect effects of gender on company experience–pay, previous experience–pay, performance rating–pay or education–pay relationships. Implications include support for the notion that equality and equity may not be synonymous.
The Role of Sponsorship in Achieving Workforce Diversity in Academic Pediatrics.

* Abbreviation: URM — : underrepresented minority Despite large-scale initiatives to promote workforce diversity in academic medicine, results have been disheartening, with marginal improvements in some areas and clear regression in others.1 Although the proportion of underrepresented minority (URM) faculty in US academic medical centers has remained essentially flat over the last 2 decades (7% vs 8%), the number of African American men in medical school is currently lower than it was in 1978.2,3 These data unquestionably reveal that workforce diversity in medicine is not only stagnating but failing to keep pace with population trends toward a majority minority country.1 In “Factors That Influence the Choice of Academic Pediatrics by Underrepresented Minorities” in this issue of Pediatrics , Dixon et al4 explore, through focus groups and interviews, the experiences of URM academic faculty in their professional identities. The authors identified 7 themes that framed being a URM in academic pediatrics. These themes collectively overlap with a group of factors colloquially termed the “minority tax,” defined as the burden of extra responsibilities placed on minority faculty to achieve diversity.5 The responsibilities representative of the minority tax manifest in numerous areas of academic life. URMs may be disproportionately charged to lead institutional diversity initiatives. These commitments rarely come with time allocation or resources and leave less time for scholarly productivity … Address correspondence to Jean L. Raphael, MD, MPH, Texas Children’s Hospital, 6701 Fannin St, Suite D.1540.00, Houston, TX 77030. E-mail: raphael{at}bcm.edu
Enhanced mechanical properties for 304L stainless steel parts fabricated by laser-foil-printing additive manufacturing

Abstract In this study we demonstrate that the mechanical properties of 304L stainless steel (304L SS) parts fabricated by the laser-foil-printing (LFP) additive manufacturing process can be enhanced as compared to parts fabricated by the selective laser melting (SLM) technology. The tensile test results indicate that the LFP fabricated parts achieve ˜15% and ˜10% higher in yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, respectively, compared to the SLM fabricated parts. This is mainly because the use of foil feedstock in LFP leads to a higher cooling rate during the solidification of molten metal than the use of powder bed in SLM, due to higher thermal conductivity in foils than powders. By using electron backscattered diffraction it is confirmed that the LFP parts have finer grain structures than the SLM parts, implying a higher cooling rate in LFP. The LFP process also produces metal parts with an average oxygen content about 75% less than those by the SLM process, due to ˜10 times of surface area per unit volume in powders than foils.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN POSITIVE END-EXPIRATORY PRESSURE, FILLING PRESSURES, AND MORTALITY IN MECHANICALLY VENTILATED PATIENTS WITH PRIMARILY LEFT OR RIGHT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION

Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) may have differential hemodynamic effects according to right ventricular (RV), left ventricular (LV) function and filling pressures. We assessed the association between PEEP and outcomes in patients (pts) admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU)
Retinal Biomarkers of Alzheimer Disease.

Purpose To address challenges associated with identifying retinal biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and strategies for future investigation of novel ophthalmologic biomarkers. Design Perspective. Methods Summarization of the current understanding of retinal changes that have been identified using advances in imaging technology, analysis of current research into how these changes reflect neurodegenerative pathology, and recommendations for further research in this area that will allow for the identification of unique biomarkers for early AD. Results Some retinal changes detectable using various imaging modalities may reflect neurodegeneration or other AD-related pathology on a cellular level. Structural changes in both the peripapillary and macular retina and changes in vascular parameters have been identified. Some imaging findings correlate with known histopathologic findings, and some are associated with cognitive decline. However, multiple challenges exist, such as identifying retinal biomarkers that are specific to biomarker-positive AD, clinical syndrome of AD, and/or pathologic AD brain, finding features that are highly sensitive and specific to AD in patients with other eye diseases, and validating potential biomarkers in population-based longitudinal cohorts. Conclusions Further research is needed to validate retinal biomarkers for AD, with accurate classification of patients according to diagnosis and cognitive symptoms. Advances in imaging technology, big data, and machine learning, as well as carefully designed studies, will help to identify and confirm potential biomarkers and may lead to novel treatment approaches.
Obesity phenotypes are preserved in intestinal stem cell enteroids from morbidly obese patients

Obesity and obesity-related comorbidities are significant health care challenges. Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective therapy for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. A barrier in the development of therapeutic alternatives is incomplete mechanistic understanding of the benefits of BS and the lack of human intestinal models that recapitulate the pathophysiology of obesity. Using adult intestinal stem cell-derived enteroid cultures established from healthy lean subjects and morbidly obese patients, including post-BS cases, four phenotypes correlating patient BMI and intestinal glucose absorption were identified suggesting that enteroids retain patient phenotype heterogeneity associated with healthy and diseased state. In a sub-population of obese patients, increased dietary glucose absorption and gluconeogenesis was due to significantly higher expression of intestinal carbohydrate transporters (SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5) and gluconeogenic enzymes (PEPCK1 and G6Pase) compared to enteroids from lean subjects that demonstrated low glucose absorption and lacked gluconeogenesis. Enteroids established from successful BS cases exhibited low glucose absorption similar to that observed in lean subjects. These data show that human enteroids preserve the patient phenotype in long-term cultures and represent a reliable preclinical model to study the heterogeneity of the obesity mechanisms, which is necessary to determine the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.
Impact of delivery mode in early life microbiome and risk of disease

Abstract Over the last few decades, and in spite of recommendations by the World Health Organization, the rate of cesarean section deliveries (CSD) has increased dramatically. This increase is not harmless, as numerous epidemiological studies have found an association with higher risk of developing metabolic and immune diseases later in the life of the infants. Although there are numerous factors involved in the pathogenesis of these conditions, it has been often suggested that CSD might be causally involved through perturbations in the early-life microbiome, as this procedure interrupts the natural transfer of vaginal microbiota to the newborn. In this chapter, we will summarize current knowledge on how CSD impacts early-life microbiome, how it might be associated with immune and metabolic diseases, and available approaches to modulate the microbiome following delivery by cesarean section.
Magnetic Bubble Memory

The sections in this article are 1 History 2 Magnetic Bubble Memory 3 Bloch Line Memory Keywords: magnetic bubble memory; bloch line; micromagnetic memory; domain wall; wall mobility; winding number; hard/soft bubbles; bubble memory
Multicenter phase II study of romidepsin plus lenalidomide for patients with previously untreated peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

7514Background: PTCL are aggressive malignancies associated with poor prognosis when treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Novel agents, such as HDAC inhibitor romidepsin and immunomodulatory agent ...
Parental beliefs, language practices and language outcomes in Spanish-English bilingual children

As the U.S. population who speaks a language other than English at home continues to grow, few studies have focused on the effect of parental beliefs on the importance of bilingualism have on langu...
Large, open datasets for human connectomics research: Considerations for reproducible and responsible data use.

Abstract Large, open datasets have emerged as important resources in the field of human connectomics. In this review, the evolution of data sharing involving magnetic resonance imaging is described. A summary of the challenges and progress in conducting reproducible data analyses is provided, including description of recent progress made in the development of community guidelines and recommendations, software and data management tools, and initiatives to enhance training and education. Finally, this review concludes with a discussion of ethical conduct relevant to analyses of large, open datasets and a researcher's responsibility to prevent further stigmatization of historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups. Moving forward, future work should include an enhanced emphasis on the social determinants of health, which may further contextualize findings among diverse population-based samples. Leveraging the progress to date and guided by interdisciplinary collaborations, the future of connectomics promises to be an impressive era of innovative research, yielding a more inclusive understanding of brain structure and function.
Familial hirschsprung’s disease: a systematic review

Introduction Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) is a multi-genetic disorder with complex inheritance patterns. Population risk is 1 in 5000 but is reported to be increased in families of patients with HSCR. Appropriate counseling of affected families could be assisted by data from a large volume of patients. It was the aim of this study to systematically analyse the patterns of familial HSCR in the published literature.
Poisson Statistics for the Largest Eigenvalues in Random Matrix Ensembles

Author(s): Soshnikov, Alexander | Abstract: The paper studies the spectral properties of large Wigner, band and sample covariance random matrices with heavy tails of the marginal distributions of matrix entries.
Enhancing Integrin α1 Inserted (I) Domain Affinity to Ligand Potentiates Integrin α1β1-mediated Down-regulation of Collagen Synthesis

Integrin α1β1 binding to collagen IV, which is mediated by the α1-inserted (I) domain, down-regulates collagen synthesis. When unligated, a salt bridge between Arg(287) and Glu(317) is thought to keep this domain in a low affinity conformation. Ligand binding opens the salt bridge leading to a high-affinity conformation. How modulating integrin α1β1 affinity alters collagen homeostasis is unknown. To address this question, we utilized a thermolysin-derived product of the α1α2α1 network of collagen IV (α1α2α1(IV) truncated protomer) that selectively binds integrin α1β1. We show that an E317A substitution enhanced binding to the truncated protomer, consistent with a previous finding that this substitution eliminates the salt bridge. Surprisingly, we show that an R287A substitution did not alter binding, whereas R287E/E317R substitutions enhanced binding to the truncated protomer. NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling suggested that eliminating the Glu(317) negative charge is sufficient to induce a conformational change toward the open state. Thus, the role played by Glu(317) is largely independent of the salt bridge. We further show that cells expressing E317A or R287E/E317R substitutions have enhanced down-regulation of collagen IV synthesis, which is mediated by the ERK/MAPK pathway. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that modulating the affinity of the extracellular α1 I domain to collagen IV enhances outside-in signaling by potentiating ERK activation and enhancing the down-regulation of collagen synthesis.
Relevant Feature Selection for Human Pose Estimation and Localization in Cluttered Images

We address the problem of estimating human body pose from a single image with cluttered background. We train multiple local linear regressors for estimating the 3D pose from a feature vector of gradient orientation histograms. Each linear regressor is capable of selecting relevant components of the feature vector depending on pose by training it on a pose cluster which is a subset of the training samples with similar pose. For discriminating the pose clusters, we use kernel Support Vector Machines (SVM) with pose-dependent feature selection. We achieve feature selection for kernel SVMs by estimating scale parameters of RBF kernel through minimization of the radius/margin bound, which is an upper bound of the expected generalization error, with efficient gradient descent. Human detection is also possible with these SVMs. Quantitative experiments show the effectiveness of pose-dependent feature selection to both human detection and pose estimation.
Spontaneous R-parity breaking in supersymmetric models

We investigate a mechanism for spontaneous $R$-parity breaking in a class of extensions of the minimal supersymmetric standard model with an extra Abelian gauge symmetry which is a linear combination of $B\ensuremath{-}L$ and weak hypercharge. Both $U(1{)}_{X}$ and $R$-parity are broken by the vacuum expectation value of the right-handed sneutrinos, which is proportional to the soft supersymmetric masses. In these models the mechanism for spontaneous $R$-parity violation can be realized even with positive soft masses. In this context one has a realistic mechanism for generating neutrino masses as well as a realistic spectrum. We briefly discuss the possible collider signals which could be used to test the theory, the contributions to proton decay, and the possibility of a gravitino as a dark matter candidate.
Evaluation of Malolactic Bacteria Isolated from Oregon Wines.

Oregon is a cool wine-producing region where grapes characteristically contain high concentrations of organic acids. To reduce the natural acidity and increase the microbiological stability and flavor complexity of the wine, malolactic fermentation is encouraged. In this study, strains of Leuconostoc oenos indigenous to Oregon wines were evaluated for their suitability to conduct malolactic fermentation in Oregon wines. Tests determined the malolactic activity of the Oregon isolates in comparison with commercial strains ML-34, PSU-1, MLT-kli, and ens 44-40 under various temperature and pH conditions. Sensitivities to sulfur dioxide, ethanol, and fumaric acid also were determined. Two Oregon strains, Er-1a and Ey-2d, were selected for commercial winemaking tests because they had greater malolactic activity under conditions of low pH (3.0) and low temperature (15 and 8°C), respectively.
Abstract T MP119: Forced Swim Test as an Index of Post-Stroke Depression in Rats

Background: Depression is common after stroke. The Porsolt Forced Swim Test (FST) is used to screen for depression and response to therapy in rodent models. The duration of immobility is considered to be an indication of learned helplessness. In this study we aimed to characterize post-stroke depression using the FST. Methods: Male Lewis (N=6), Wistar (N=5), and Sprague Dawley (SD; N=11) rats were subjected to the FST (10 minutes) prior to 2 hours middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and then again at 28 days after MCAO. Sham-operated animals were used as controls. The latency to immobility and the duration of immobility were assessed along with the maximum velocity of movement. Blood was obtained at the time of sacrifice and assayed for interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β and IL-10. Statistics are non-parametric; data are displayed as median and interquartile range. Results: Prior to stroke, the latency to immobility was similar in all strains, but the duration of immobility was greater in Lewis rats (201 [159...
Plasma Convection in the Vicinity of the Geosynchronous Orbit

An analytic function respresenting the quiet time magnetospheric electric field has been constructed with which it is possible to compute complete particle trajectories in a fraction of a second. The function was determined by a trial and error procedure such that it provides reasonable explanations for the characteristics of the plasma observed by the geosynchronous satellite ATS 5. It is believed that the model field is usefully accurate within the region of 5 to 7 Re on the dawn side of the magnetosphere and 5 to 10 Re on the dusk side. At a fixed distance of 6.7 Re, the model field peaks at a value of 1.2 mV m-1 near local midnight and is at a minimum of 0.04 mV m-1 near 19 LT.
Absorption Signatures of the Gaseous Phases of Galaxies

High resolution quasar absorption line spectra, covering a wide variety of chemical transitions, provide an imprint from which we can extract detailed information on the physical conditions of gas. The kinematics, densities, ionization states and mechanisms, and temperatures can be inferred for the full range of gaseous environments. This information can then be used to understand the phase structure of galaxies. Guided by similar absorption studies of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, we can begin to study different physical structures and processes in galaxies of various morphological types.
How I treat older patients with AML.

When managing an older patient with untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML), my primary goal is to determine whether standard treatment, investigational treatment, or palliative care is most appropriate. “Standard therapy” includes remission induction regimens, commonly referred to as “3 +
Corporate restructuring and incentive effects of leverage and taxes

Recent empirical studies have indicated that mergers are value enhancing, yet the theoretical aspects of merger gains have not been as well explored. This paper presents a theoretical analysis of mergers. In the model of the firm presented, outstanding risky debt gives rise to agency costs of underinvestment which are offset by the benefit of debt-related tax shields. The trade-off specifies the optimal leverage for a firm. Within this framework, we then consider whether and under what circumstances firm value could be enhanced by a merger. Under a fairly broad set of assumptions it is shown that most firm combinations ‘improve’ investment incentives and increase the value of debt-related tax shields. Mergers between optimally financed firms result in a merged firm that is also optimally financed, but such mergers are not synergistic. Nevertheless, firm value may be increased if mergers are undertaken in tandem with a refinancing program to bring the combined firms from suboptimal to optimal debt levels.
In silico screening for agonists and blockers of the β2 adrenergic receptor: implications of inactive and activated state structures

Ten crystal structures of the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) have been published, reflecting different signaling states. Here, through controlled docking experiments, we examined the implications of using inactive or activated structures on the in silico screening for agonists and blockers of the receptor. Specifically, we targeted the crystal structures solved in complex with carazolol (2RH1), the neutral antagonist alprenalol (3NYA), the irreversible agonist FAUC50 (3PDS) and the full agonist BI-167017 (3P0G). Our results indicate that activated structures favor agonists over blockers while inactive structures favor blockers over agonists. This tendency is more marked for activated than for inactive structures. Additionally, agonists tend to receive more favorable docking scores when docked at activated rather than inactive structures, while blockers do the opposite. Hence, the difference between the docking scores attained with an activated and an inactive structure is an excellent means for the classification of ligands into agonists and blockers, as we determined through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). With respect to virtual screening, all structures prioritized well agonists and blockers over non-binders. However, inactive structures worked better for blockers and activated structures worked better for agonists. Notably, the combination of individual docking experiments through receptor ensemble docking (RED) resulted in an excellent performance in the retrieval of both agonists and blockers. Finally, we demonstrated that the induced fit docking of agonists is a viable way of modifying an inactive crystal structure and bias it towards the in silico recognition of agonists rather than blockers.
Interspecific variation in tephritid fruit fly larvae surface hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons extracted from seven species of tephritid fruit fly larvae were analyzed using capillary column gas-liquid chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Interspecific variation in hydrocarbon patterns was evaluated using both classical and nonparametric discriminant analysis for four of the seven Anastrepha taxa; A. acris, A. Fraterculus, A. suspensa and A. obliqua. Three of the four taxa, excluding A. acris, were correctly classified using a linear discriminant model at 72–83% and a nonparametric kernel density discriminant model at 87–92%. © 1993 Wiley-Liss. Inc.
Viscous-inviscid interaction and local grid refinement via truncation error injection

A methodology is presented which makes it possible to decouple a complex problem having multiple disparate length scales into problems of single length scale so that they can be solved more efficiently on a computer. The method is applied to a viscous transonic flow over an airfoil. It is found that accurate prediction of the flow over an airfoil can be obtained by solving the Euler equations on a relatively coarse global grid with viscous effects computed separately on a boundary-layer type grid and injected into the global grid solution as a combination of vorticity and trucation error.
Multiyear La Niña Events and Persistent Drought in the Contiguous United States

[1] La Nina events typically bring dry conditions to the southwestern United States. Recent La Ninas rarely exceed 2 years duration, but a new record of ENSO from a central Pacific coral reveals much longer La Nina anomalies in the 1800s. A La Nina event between 1855–63 coincides with prolonged drought across the western U.S. The spatial pattern of this drought correlates with that expected from La Nina during most of the La Nina event; land-surface feedbacks are implied by drought persistence and expansion. Earlier periods also show persistent La Nina-like drought patterns, further implicating Pacific anomalies and surface feedbacks in driving prolonged drought. An extended index of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation suggests that extratropical influences would have reinforced drought in the 1860s and 1890s but weakened it during the La Nina of the 1880s.
Teaching Real-World Political Economy: Simulating a WTO Negotiation

“If free trade is a no-brainer, why isn't trade free?” Students often express such sentiments at the conclusion of a typical international trade course, during which they have learned that free trade is optimal, but that countries continue to restrict trade substantially. This article describes a simulation of a round of trade liberalization under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The simulation differs from others in the literature in that it represents a substantial component of the course, but it is not the course's focal point. Because the simulation has proven beneficial to students, the article attempts to provide a blueprint that will enable other professors to implement the project with minimal start-up costs.
Mechanisms of regular wide QRS tachycardia in infants and children

Abstract A regular, wide QRS tachycardia was electrocardiographically documented in 32 patients aged 1 month to 18 years. The mechanisms of the tachycardia were evaluated using standard multicatheter electrophysiologic techniques. These mechanisms included (1) orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia with bundle branch aberration (seven patients), (2) antidromic reciprocating tachycardia using single (three patients), or multiple (three patients) atrioventricular connections (Kent bundles), (3) atrial flutter with ventricular preexcitation over accessory connections (eight patients), (4) reciprocating tachycardia using a nodoventricular connection (Mahaim fiber) (five patients), and (5) ventricular tachycardia (six patients). Regular, wide QRS tachycardias are not rare in pediatric patients. Their mechanisms can be quite complex, and electrocardiographic analysis with respect to QRS configuration, heart rate, or the presence or absence of ventriculoatrial dissociation is not sufficient for diagnostic purposes. Our results show that considerable understanding of the mechanism of regular, wide QRS tachycardias can be obtained by multicatheter electrophysiologic study. Understanding the mechanism is essential in order to make rational use of available therapeutic options.
Laser processing of II–VI compounds for improved doping: application to ZnSe:N

Abstract II–VI materials have not been as widely used or studied as the III–V and elemental semiconductors, but are nevertheless useful and interesting as well. Obtaining adequate doping for good device properties in the wide-gap II–VIs has been a persistent problem. We focus on this aspect here, with particular emphasis on obtaining p-type ZnSe with N doping. We shall discuss reasons for trying non-equilibrium incorporation, as well as our work on excimer laser processing as a means of accomplishing this. We also discuss some important differences in decomposition properties between II–VI and III–V compounds.
Principles of noise reduction in communication channels

THE development of communication theory has led to the introduction of concepts such as integration, correlation, matched filtering, comb filtering, probability of detection, etc. Much confusion centers about the significance of these concepts because of functional equivalence and because of inadequately defined purposes in using them. Thus, it may be overlooked that integration and correlation are equivalent operations, or that matched filtering and comb filtering are techniques of integration. The purpose in using these concepts can be understood properly only within frameworks of suitable criteria of performance. For example, it is frequently assumed that the end object of a filtering technique is to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Actually, improvement in signal-to-noise ratio is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. This end is to increase the information rate over a communication channel by reducing the probability of error.