cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Terpyridine-based metallosupramolecular constructs: tailored monomers to precise 2D-motifs and 3D-metallocages.

This overview represents a comprehensive summary of the recent developments in the growing field of terpyridine-based, discrete metallosupramolecular architectures. The N-heteroaromatic ligand [2,2′:6′,2′′]terpyridine (tpy) presents a convergent N,N′,N′′-chelating donor set and has the ability to bind diverse metal ions to form stable pseudo-octahedral 〈tpy–M2+–tpy〉 bonds. Use of 〈tpy–M2+–tpy〉 connectivity for the edges and directed organic vertices has opened the door to diverse, dynamic, utilitarian macromolecular materials. New strategies have been employed to synthesize a range of 2D- and 3D-fractals as well as novel macrocyclic constructs by employing new designer strategies, such as: triangle-based frameworks, hexagonal fractal designs, flexible polyterpyridine linkers, and noncovalent interactions for spontaneous quantitative self-assembly. Numerous examples of heteroleptic self-assembly have been described along with the synthesis of heterometallic conjugates using step-wise protocols. Utilizing multiplanar, directed spacer units in the polyterpyridine vertices, new 3D-polyhedra were obtained facilitating the assembly of hybrid fractal-dendritic materials. These constructs are shown to undergo tunable conformational transformations by responding to specific stimuli such as concentration, temperature, and counter ions. The increasing ability to exploit hierarchical self-assembly of complex, higher order supramolecular nanomaterials is discussed.
Multiple stable integrals appearing in weak limits

Limit laws of certain finite multilinear random forms coincide with distributions of stable multiple integrals.
Crises of Governments - The Ongoing Financial Crisis and Recession

In this short book, Robert Barro, one of the world’s leading economists, examines the causes and consequences of the financial crash. In particular, he looks at the effects of fiscal stimulus packages and suggests that, whilst they may lead to an immediate positive impact on growth, the effect will quickly wear off and the effect of the so-called stimulus packages will then be negative. These are important observations given the pressure that Western governments are under to increase government borrowing in the face of slowing growth rates.The author moves on to discuss what he believes will be the next crisis – a crisis of government indebtedness. This publication is based on a lecture given in July 2011 and such a crisis has, indeed, unfolded. However, Professor Barro expects that this crisis will not be confined to the Eurozone. For example, US states are failing to deal with the problems of both explicit debt and future pensions and social insurance obligations. The author concludes with suggestions as to how governments should deal with these growing problems.This publication should be of interest to all who want to understand the wider economic implications of the financial crisis and the policy response to that crisis.
Mao, Stalin, and Kim il sung: An interpretive essay

To secure Soviet interests in Manchuria after the Yalta agreement on the Far East had been invalidated by the Kuomintang’s defeat, Stalin was forced to welcome the PRC into the “socialist camp.” In attempting to eliminate Mao’s foreign policy alternatives, he was assisted by an unwitting United States, where Truman was under fire for “losing” China. Data which has recently become available shows that Stalin cemented his accord with Mao by urging him to lead revolution in Asia. Mao’s heroic self-image and need to prove to Stalin that he was not “another Tito,” caused him to overrule his Politburo and plunge China into the Korean War, thereby assuring its isolation and lasting dependence on the Soviets. The author has long been a student of relations among socialist states; a few interviews in Beijing with Mao Zedong’s personal interpreters and a multitude of newly declassified documents have inspired him to reconstruct the Stalin-Mao-Kim relationship during the formative years of the PRC.
Large-scale SVD and manifold learning

This paper examines the efficacy of sampling-based low-rank approximation techniques when applied to large dense kernel matrices. We analyze two common approximate singular value decomposition techniques, namely the Nystrom and Column sampling methods. We present a theoretical comparison between these two methods, provide novel insights regarding their suitability for various tasks and present experimental results that support our theory. Our results illustrate the relative strengths of each method. We next examine the performance of these two techniques on the large-scale task of extracting low-dimensional manifold structure given millions of high-dimensional face images. We address the computational challenges of non-linear dimensionality reduction via Isomap and Laplacian Eigenmaps, using a graph containing about 18 million nodes and 65 million edges. We present extensive experiments on learning low-dimensional embeddings for two large face data sets: CMU-PIE (35 thousand faces) and a web data set (18 million faces). Our comparisons show that the Nystrom approximation is superior to the Column sampling method for this task. Furthermore, approximate Isomap tends to perform better than Laplacian Eigenmaps on both clustering and classification with the labeled CMU-PIE data set.
Turbulence coherence and its impact on wind-farm power fluctuations

Using a physics-based approach, we infer the impact of the coherence of atmospheric turbulence on the power fluctuations of wind farms. Application of the random-sweeping hypothesis reveals correlations characterized by advection and turbulent diffusion of coherent motions. Those contribute to local peaks and troughs in the power spectrum of the combined units at frequencies corresponding to the advection time between turbines, which diminish in magnitude at high frequencies. Experimental inspection supports the results from the random-sweeping hypothesis in predicting spectral characteristics, although the magnitude of the coherence spectrum appears to be over-predicted. This deviation is attributed to the presence of turbine wakes, and appears to be a function of the turbulence approaching the first turbine in a pair.
Reticular Oral Lichen Planus

Reticular oral lichen planus is a common clinical finding, often found incidentally on routine oral examination. Patients rarely complain of symptoms and the condition does not require treatment, as a result, biopsies and ancillary laboratory evaluation are seldom performed. We present a case of reticular oral lichen planus with a classic clinical presentation and characteristic histologic findings.
Comparison of the host macrophage response to synthetic and biologic surgical meshes used for ventral hernia repair

Abstract The host innate immune response to a surgical mesh is arguably the most important determinant of tissue remodeling and functional outcome. Macrophage phenotype and the associated secretion of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines during the first 10–14 days following implantation has been strongly associated with downstream events such as chronic inflammation vs. functional tissue remodeling, respectively, and the associated clinical consequences. A persistent, pro-inflammatory (M1-like) macrophage phenotype is typically associated with fibrosis and scarring. In contrast, an early transition to a regulatory, pro-remodeling (M2-like) macrophage phenotype is predictive of organized, site-appropriate connective tissue deposition. The ratio of M2-like to M1-like macrophages in the early post-implantation period defines the microenvironmental milieu and the associated tissue response. The present study evaluated the early macrophage response to a synthetic non-resorbable (Bard® Mesh), synthetic resorbable (TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh and GORE® BIO-A® Tissue Reinforcement), synthetic mesh composed of the naturally occurring molecule 4-hydroxybutyrate, (Phasix™ Mesh), and a biologic surgical mesh composed of dermal extracellular matrix (Strattice™ Reconstructive Tissue Matrix); all of which are used in ventral hernia repair. The spatiotemporal distribution of pro-inflammatory (CD68+CD86+TNF-α+) and pro-remodeling (CD68+CD206+) macrophages, and the remodeling response in terms of vascularization, total number of infiltrating cells, presence of multinucleate giant cells (MNGC), and cell layer thickness around the implanted materials was evaluated at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 35 days post implantation. Results showed an association of the synthetic non-resorbable and resorbable meshes with a robust, pro-inflammatory response within 3 days of implantation, and an increased presence of MNGC around the mesh fibers at longer time points. Phasix™ Mesh was associated with an increased presence of M2-like macrophages immediately adjacent to the mesh fibers at earlier time points, and a favorable tissue remodeling outcome at 35 days. Results of the present study are consistent with the premise that an early shift of M1-like to M2-like macrophages is associated with favorable outcomes, including reduced fibrosis, at later time points.
SIZING UP FONTAN FAILURE: AFFECTS OF INCREASING BMI IN ADULTHOOD

As the Fontan population ages, it is important to identify factors that negatively affect this unique physiology. The association between increasing body mass index (BMI) and Fontan outcome has been incompletely studied. We hypothesize that increasing BMI in adulthood is associated with the
The Future is Wide Open: Sustainable Scholarly Communications and Affordable Learning in Libraries

AbstractOur current scholarly publishing model is not sustainable. Librarians need to engage our academic communities in a shift toward open access models. It will involve new work, new positions i...
Bangladesh: From an Electoral Democracy to a Hybrid Regime (1991–2018)

The democratization process in Bangladesh began in 1991, after two decades of civilian and military authoritarian rule. Various features of an electoral democracy became the hallmarks at the auspicious beginning. However, within the following two decades, the quality of democracy deteriorated, and the country became an electoral authoritarianism, a variant of the hybrid regime. A manipulated general election in 2014, boycotted by all parties, paved the way for a reversal of democracy. This chapter discusses the political developments between 1991 and 2018, the backsliding of democracy, and the progressive attenuation of inclusive governance as a background to the 2018 election.
Epitaxial Oxides on Glass: A Platform for Integrated Oxide Devices

The fabrication of epitaxial, ultra-thin SrTiO3 (STO) on thick SiO2 without the need for complicated wafer-bonding processes has been demonstrated. The resulting transition metal oxide (TMO)-on-glass layer stack is analogous to traditional silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers, where the crystalline device silicon layer of SOI has been replaced by a crystalline functional TMO layer. Fabrication starts with ultra-thin body SOI on which crystalline STO is grown epitaxially by molecular beam epitaxy. The device silicon layer is subsequently fully oxidized by ex situ high-temperature dry O2 annealing, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray reflectivity, and high-resolution electron microscopy. STO maintains its epitaxial registry to the carrier silicon substrate after annealing and no evidence for degradation of the STO crystalline quality as a result of the TMO-on-glass fabrication process is observed. The ease of fabricating the TMO-on-glass platform without the need for wafer bonding will enab...
Hydrophobic ligands influence the structure, stability, and processing of the major cockroach allergen Bla g 1.

The cockroach allergen Bla g 1 forms a novel fold consisting of 12 amphipathic alpha-helices enclosing an exceptionally large hydrophobic cavity which was previously demonstrated to bind a variety of lipids. Since lipid-dependent immunoactivity is observed in numerous allergens, understanding the structural basis of this interaction could yield insights into the molecular determinants of allergenicity. Here, we report atomic modelling of Bla g 1 bound to both fatty-acid and phospholipids ligands, with 8 acyl chains suggested to represent full stoichiometric binding. This unusually high occupancy was verified experimentally, though both modelling and circular dichroism indicate that the general alpha-helical structure is maintained regardless of cargo loading. Fatty-acid cargoes significantly enhanced thermostability while inhibiting cleavage by cathepsin S, an endosomal protease essential for antigen processing and presentation; the latter of which was found to correlate to a decreased production of known T-cell epitopes. Both effects were strongly dependent on acyl chain length, with 18–20 carbons providing the maximal increase in melting temperature (~20 °C) while completely abolishing proteolysis. Diacyl chain cargoes provided similar enhancements to thermostability, but yielded reduced levels of proteolytic resistance. This study describes how the biophysical properties of Bla g 1 ligand binding and digestion may relate to antigen processing, with potential downstream implications for immunogenicity.
An Institutional Theory Perspective on Retailer Loyalty

Trust has been referred to as the single most powerful relationship marketing tool available to marketers with robust empirical support for the trust—loyalty relationship. However, are there contex...
The role of pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating polypeptide in affective signs of nicotine withdrawal.

Recent evidence implicates endogenous pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the aversive effect of nicotine. In the present study, we assessed if nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) or affective signs of nicotine withdrawal would be altered in the absence of PACAP and if there were any sex-related differences in these responses. Male and female mice lacking PACAP and their wild-type controls were tested for baseline place preference on day 1, received conditioning with saline or nicotine (1 mg/kg) on alternate days for 6 days and were then tested for CPP the next day. Mice were then exposed to four additional conditioning and were tested again for nicotine-induced CPP 24 hr later. Controls were conditioned with saline in both chambers and tested similarly. All mice were then, 96 hr later, challenged with mecamylamine (3 mg/kg), and tested for anxiety-like behaviors 30 min later. Mice were then, 2 hr later, forced to swim for 15 min and then tested for depression-like behaviors 24 hr later. Our results showed that male but not female mice lacking PACAP expressed a significant CPP that was comparable to their wild-type controls. In contrast, male but not female mice lacking PACAP exhibited reduced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors compared to their wild-type controls following the mecamylamine challenge. These results suggest that endogenous PACAP is involved in affective signs of nicotine withdrawal, but there is a sex-related difference in this response.
Aaron Copland and the American Legacy of Gustav Mahler: by Matthew Mugmon, Rochester, NY, University of Rochester Press, 2019, 225 pp., $49.95 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-58046-964-7

Matthew Mugmon presents a compelling twentieth-century examination that outperforms the modest yet intriguing title of this tome. While Copland remains central as we follow him through his formatio...
Managing obesity in adults as a chronic condition.

ABSTRACT Despite extensive evidence-based guidelines, clinicians still face many barriers to reducing the incidence of obesity. Recognizing that obesity is a chronic disease will allow clinicians to properly treat patients and bill for reimbursement. With enhanced education, knowledge of reimbursement, and a push for legislation, physician assistants can pave the way to reducing rates of obesity in adults.
Effects of Needs and Need Satisfaction on Wellbeing

There are varied conceptualizations of happiness, subjective wellbeing, and positive mental health based on need satisfaction concepts. In this chapter, I describe these conceptualizations in terms of needs for having, loving, and being; needs for being, belonging, and becoming; physical, social, and self-actualization needs; needs for subsistence, protection, affection, understanding, participation, idleness, creation, identity, and freedom; the need for self-determination (competence, autonomy, and relatedness); the needs for a pleasant life, an engaged life, and a meaningful life; The PERMA model; the human need to flourish; and the need for a purposeful life.
Cyp2c-deficiency depletes muricholic acids and protects against high-fat diet-induced obesity in male mice but promotes liver damage.

Abstract Objective Murine-specific muricholic acids (MCAs) are reported to protect against obesity and associated metabolic disorders. However, the response of mice with genetic depletion of MCA to an obesogenic diet has not been evaluated. We used Cyp2c-deficient (Cyp2c−/−) mice, which lack MCAs and thus have a human-like bile acid (BA) profile, to directly investigate the potential role of MCAs in diet-induced obesity. Methods Male and female Cyp2c−/− mice and wild-type (WT) littermate controls were fed a standard chow diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 18 weeks. We measured BA composition from a pool of liver, gallbladder, and intestine, as well as weekly body weight, food intake, lean and fat mass, systemic glucose homeostasis, energy expenditure, intestinal lipid absorption, fecal lipid, and energy content. Results Cyp2c-deficiency depleted MCAs and caused other changes in BA composition, namely a decrease in the ratio of 12α-hydroxylated (12α-OH) BAs to non-12α-OH BAs, without altering the total BA levels. While WT male mice became obese after HFD feeding, Cyp2c−/− male mice were protected from obesity and associated metabolic dysfunctions. Cyp2c−/− male mice also showed reduced intestinal lipid absorption and increased lipid excretion, which was reversed by oral gavage with the 12α-OH BA and taurocholic acid (TCA). Cyp2c−/− mice also showed increased liver damage, which appeared stronger in females. Conclusions MCA does not protect against diet-induced obesity but may protect against liver injury. Reduced lipid absorption in Cyp2c-deficient male mice is potentially due to a reduced ratio of 12α-OH/non-12α-OH BAs.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Select Papers Presented at the 2020 OLC Accelerate Conference and the 2021 OLC Innovate Conference

Each year, OLJ presents a special section devoted to research shared at the Online Learning Consortium conferences. We are happy to present five research articles selected from the many presented at OLC Accelerate, held virtually November 9-18, 2020 and OLC Innovate, held virtually March 15-19, 2021. We invite the readers to consider presenting their research to OLC conferences in the future and submitting to OLJ to share their work with others in the field.
Human B-cell isotype switching origins of IgE.

Background B cells expressing IgE contribute to immunity against parasites and venoms and are the source of antigen specificity in allergic patients, yet the developmental pathways producing these B cells in human subjects remain a subject of debate. Much of our knowledge of IgE lineage development derives from model studies in mice rather than from human subjects. Objective We evaluate models for isotype switching to IgE in human subjects using immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) mutational lineage data. Methods We analyzed IGH repertoires in 9 allergic and 24 healthy adults using high-throughput DNA sequencing of 15,843,270 IGH rearrangements to identify clonal lineages of B cells containing members expressing IgE. Somatic mutations in IGH inherited from common ancestors within the clonal lineage are used to infer the relationships between B cells. Results Data from 613,641 multi-isotype B-cell clonal lineages, of which 592 include an IgE member, are consistent with indirect switching to IgE from IgG- or IgA-expressing lineage members in human subjects. We also find that these inferred isotype switching frequencies are similar in healthy and allergic subjects. Conclusions We found evidence that secondary isotype switching of mutated IgG 1 -expressing B cells is the primary source of IgE in human subjects, with lesser contributions from precursors expressing other switched isotypes and rarely IgM or IgD, suggesting that IgE is derived from previously antigen-experienced B cells rather than naive B cells that typically express low-affinity unmutated antibodies. These data provide a basis from which to evaluate allergen-specific human antibody repertoires in healthy and diseased subjects.
Behavioral factors in software development

Software development is essentially a human activity. As a result, factors affecting the behavior of those involved in the development process are of great importance to the software community. We identify three levels at which behavioral factors associated with software development can be investigated: individual behavior, team behavior and organizational behavior. Analysis of studies on individual and team behavior in software development environments reveals the failure of existing tools in supporting team-based software development. Our survey on team practices among software professionals also confirms this fact. To address this situation we propose a software development environment based on a blackboard architecture that supports multi-agent, opportunistic problem-solving. We expect that this architecture holds promise for the next generation software tools by providing a kernel for team-based software development.
Task similarity measures for transfer in reinforcement learning task libraries

Recent research in task transfer and task clustering has necessitated the need for task similarity measures in reinforcement learning. Determining task similarity is necessary for selective transfer where only information from relevant tasks and portions of a task are transferred. Which task similarity measure to use is not immediately obvious. It can be shown that no single task similarity measure is uniformly superior. The optimal task similarity measure is dependent upon the task transfer method being employed. We define similarity in terms of tasks, and propose several possible task similarity measures, d/sub T/, d/sub P/, d/sub Q/, and d/sub R/ which are based on the transfer time, policy overlap, Q-values, and reward structure respectively. We evaluate their performance in three separate experimental situations.
Incremental Growth Structures in Nile Fish and Molluscs from Archaeological Sites as Indicators of Holocene Environmental Change in Egypt

Incremental growth structures of fish and molluscs have been used as palaeoenvironmental indicators for nearly two decades, but the validity of the method's underlying assumptions has not been fully explored, particularly with regard to the use of fish remains. Towards this goal, the basic assumption-that annulus width is correlated with changing temperature-is reviewed and a test on two species of Nile fish (Lates niloticus and Clarias spp.) is conducted to investigate the validity and limits of the method. Using the geological record of Holocene environments in Egypt as a standard for comparison, results suggest that incremental growth of the tested species is a reasonable measure of local environmental conditions over periods of time represented by the collective life span of the studied individuals. The environmental changes inferred by this study, in turn, appear to be correlated with changes in human subsistence and settlement patterns in the western desert of Egypt and the Nile valley.
Frozen human serum reference material for standardization of sodium and potassium measurements in serum or plasma by ion-selective electrode analyzers.

Three interlaboratory round-robin studies (RR1, RR2, and RR3) were conducted to identify a serum-based reference material that would aid in the standardization of direct ion-selective electrode (ISE) measurements of sodium and potassium. Ultrafiltered frozen serum reference materials requiring no reconstitution reduced between-laboratory variability (the largest source of imprecision) more than did other reference materials. ISE values for RR3 were normalized by the use of two points at the extremes of the clinical range for sodium (i.e., 120 and 160 mmol/L), with values assigned by the flame atomic emission spectrometry (FAES) Reference Method. This FAES normalization of ISE raw values remarkably improved all sources of variability and unified the results from seven different direct ISE analyzers to the FAES Reference Method value. Subsequently, a three-tiered, fresh-frozen human serum reference material was produced to the specifications developed in RR1-RR3, was assigned certified values for sodium and potassium by Definitive Methods at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and was made available in 1990 to the clinical laboratory community as a Standard Reference Material (SRM); it is now identified as SRM 956. Albeit retrospectively, we show how applying an FAES normalization step identical to that used in RR4/5 to the ISE data for SRM 956 after the NIST Definitive Method values were known, consistently moved the ISE results for RR3 closer to the true value for Na+ and K+.
Is dermatologic usage of coal tar carcinogenic? A review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Coal tar ointments have been used for decades in the treatment of various dermatoses, most notably eczema and psoriasis. Occupational exposure to coal tar poses an increased risk of developing cutaneous malignancies. The evidence of an increased risk of skin cancer in humans, as a result of dermatologic usage of tar, however, is conflicting. OBJECTIVE A consensus on the carcinogenicity of tar is sought. METHODS The existing literature (in vitro, animal, and human studies) on this subject is reviewed. RESULTS The carcinogenicity of coal tar has clearly been demonstrated by in vitro and animal studies, and appears to be potentiated by concomitant use of ultraviolet radiation. Systemic absorption of mutagens from topically applied tar has been demonstrated in humans. Epidemiologic studies in humans, however, have not definitively shown an increase in skin cancer with therapeutic use of tar. CONCLUSIONS Conclusive evidence for the carcinogenicity of tar used in dermatologic practice is lacking. Further controlled studies are necessary.
Ca2(+)-induced secretion by electropermeabilized human neutrophils. The roles of Ca2+, nucleotides and protein kinase C.

Abstract Studies of stimulus-response coupling have benefitted from the availability of permeabilization techniques, whereby putative second messengers and intracellular modulators can be introduced into the cell interior. Electropermeabilization, which uses high-intensity electric fields to breach the plasma membrane, creates small pores, permitting access of solutes with molecular masses below 700 KDa. Neutrophils permeabilized by this technique, but not intact cells, discharged lysosomal constituents when exposed to micromolar levels of Ca2+. Secretion by electroporated neutrophils was significantly enhanced by the presence of Mg-ATP (0.3–1.0 mM). Contrary to expectations, it was determined that ATP was not the only nucleotide which enhanced Ca2+-induced secretion in the presence of Mg2+. Not only could GTP, XTP, ITP, UTP or ADP partially or completely replace ATP, but even non-hydrolyzable nucleotides such as ADPβS ATPγS, and App[NH]p were effective. GTPγS and GDPβS were inhibitory, while Gpp[NH]p was inactive. None of these nucleotides induced secretion on its own. In contrast, neutrophils which were permeabilized and then washed, were only slightly activated by Mg-ATP and other nucleotides; even the response to Ca2+ alone was less. This hyporesponsiveness of washed cells proved to be due to a time-dependent deactivation of the permeabilized neutrophils taking place at 4° C. In an effort to assess the role for protein kinase C (PKC) in secretion in this system, we examined the effects of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a PKC agonist. PMA enhanced degranulation induced by Ca2+ by lowering the requirement for this divalent cation; enhancement by PMA was not dependent upon exogenous ATP. Three inhibitors of PKC with varying specificity, namely H-7, K-252a, and staurosporine, all abrogated PMA-enhanced secretion. These agents also inhibited secretion stimulated by Ca2+ plus ATP in parallel with that induced by Ca2+ plus PMA, strongly suggesting a role for PKC in modulation of degranulation by ATP. Our results show that electroper-meabilized neutrophils provide a convenient, useful model for stimulus-secretion coupling. These data also suggest that the ‘requirement’ for Mg-ATP, which has been observed in other permeabilized cell systems, is not simply for metabolic energy or as a substrate for kinases. It is possible that these nucleotides all interact with a recently described neutrophil receptor for adenine nucleotides or with a recently postulated exocytosis-linked G-protein.
Analytical Performance of Immobilized Pronase for Glycopeptide Footprinting and Implications for Surpassing Reductionist Glycoproteomics

Received September 4, 2008 A fully developed understanding of protein glycosylation requires characterization of the modifying oligosaccharides, elucidation of their covalent attachment sites, and determination of the glycan heterogeneity at specific sites. Considering the complexity inherent to protein glycosylation, establishing these features for even a single protein can present an imposing challenge. To meet the demands of glycoproteomics, the capability to screen far more complex systems of glycosylated proteins must be developed. Although the proteome wide examination of carbohydrate modification has become an area of keen interest, the intricacy of protein glycosylation has frustrated the progress of large-scale, systems oriented research on site-specific protein-glycan relationships. Indeed, the analytical obstacles in this area have been more instrumental in shaping the current glycoproteomic paradigm than have the diverse functional roles and ubiquitous nature of glycans. This report describes the ongoing development and analytically salient features of bead immobilized pronase for glycosylation site footprinting. The present work bears on the ultimate goal of providing analytical tools capable of addressing the diversity of protein glycosylation in a more comprehensive and efficient manner. In particular, this approach has been assessed with respect to reproducibility, sensitivity, and tolerance to sample complexity. The efficiency of pronase immobilization, attainable pronase loading density, and the corresponding effects on glycoprotein digestion rate were also evaluated. In addition to being highly reproducible, the immobilized enzymes retained a high degree of proteolytic activity after repeat usage for up to 6 weeks. This method also afforded a low level of chemical background and provided favorable levels of sensitivity with respect to traditional glycoproteomic strategies. Thus, the application of immobilized pronase shows potential to contribute to the advancement of more comprehensive glycoproteomic research methods that are capable of providing site-specific glycosylation and microheterogeneity information across many proteins.
Dropped gallstones disguised as a liver abscess.

The patient, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy 3 months ago, now has abdominal pain and a spot on computed tomography that could be a liver abscess. But is it?
A study of the effects of propagation and antenna variations on handoff errors in cellular systems

This study attempts to evaluate the number of errors in site assignments that may occur during the process of handoff that is the process following the determination by the serving site that a marginal condition exists. Variations due to propagation and antenna's are introduced in a simulation by adding log-normal variables to the appropriate expected mean received carrier power from each site. Handoff threshold and handoff barrier values are shown to have a minor role. The major contributor is the log-normal standard deviation. Sites using omni receive antenna's are more prone to handoff errors than those using directive antenna's.
Inhibitory effect of norepinephrine on the single-unit activity of caudally projecting paraventricular neurons.

The role of norepinephrine (NE) in controlling the single-unit activity of paraventricular (PVN) neurons projecting to or passing through the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) was investigated in adult male rats anesthetized with urethane. Of 72 PVN neurons studied, 19 were antidromically activated by CVLM stimulation (Group I) and 48 were antidromically activated by posterior pituitary (PP) stimulation (Group II). The remaining 5 neurons were antidromically driven by both CVLM and PP stimulation (Group III). In 14 of the 19 Group I neurons and in all the 5 Group III neurons, iontophoretically applied NE was demonstrated to inhibitory to the single-unit activity. No excitatory effect of NE was observed. In contrast, both excitatory and inhibitory actions of NE were observed in the Group II neurons. Of 37 Group II neurons tested, 28 were excited and 7 were inhibited by NE. The inhibitory effect of NE in Group I and Group III neurons was selectively blocked by the alpha antagonist, phentolamine, that was coiontophoresed with NE, but not by the beta antagonist, timolol (n = 9). The unit activity of Group I neurons that were inhibited by NE was not altered by an increase in arterial blood pressure (n = 3), whereas the unit activity of one NE-insensitive Group I neuron was decreased by an increase in blood pressure. Taken together, the results suggest that NE plays an alpha-adrenoreceptor-mediated inhibitory role in controlling the single-unit activity of caudally projecting PVN neurons. These neurons include a subpopulation of PVN neurons that project caudally as well as to the PP. The possible function associated with the NE-sensitive, caudally projecting PVN neurons may be other than the regulation of blood pressure.
The Macroeconomics of Medium-Term Aid Scaling-Up Scenarios

We develop a model to analyze the macroeconomic effects of a scaling-up of aid and assess the implications of different policy responses. The model features key structural characteristics of low-income countries, including varying degrees of public investment efficiency and a learning-by-doing (LBD) externality that captures Dutch disease effects. On the policy front, it distinguishes between spending the aid, which is controlled by the fiscal authority, and absorbing the aid - financing a higher current account deficit - which is influenced by the central bank's reserve accumulation policies. We calibrate the model to Uganda and run several experiments. We find that a policy mix that results in full spending and absorption of aid can generate temporary demand and real exchange rate appreciation pressures, but also have a positive effect on real GDP in the medium term, through higher public capital. Full spending with partial absorption, on the other hand, may stem appreciation pressures but can also induce adverse medium-term real GDP effects, through private sector crowding out. When aid is very inefficiently invested and there are strong LBD externalities, aid can be harmful, and partial absorption policies may be justified. But in this case, a welfare improving solution is to defer spending or - even better if possible - raise its efficiency.
Dermatologic manifestations of fibromyalgia

The aim of this study was to determine the common dermatologic diagnoses and skin-related symptoms in a cohort of patients with fibromyalgia seen in a tertiary referral center. A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients with a fibromyalgia diagnosis from January 1 to December 31, 2008, whose diagnosis was confirmed in the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Charts were reviewed for dermatologic conditions and cutaneous symptoms. Demographic and clinical data were collected to assess the frequency of skin-related issues in patients with fibromyalgia. Of 2,233 patients screened, 845 patients met the inclusion criteria of having a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Among these fibromyalgia patients, various dermatologic conditions and cutaneous problems were identified, including hyperhidrosis in 270 (32.0 %), burning sensation of the skin or mucous membranes in 29 (3.4 %), and various unusual cutaneous sensations in 14 (1.7 %). Pruritus without identified cause was noted by 28 patients (3.3 %), with another 16 patients (1.9 %) reporting neurotic excoriations, prurigo nodules, or lichen simplex chronicus. Some form of dermatitis other than neurodermatitis was found in 77 patients (9.1 %). Patients with fibromyalgia may have skin-related symptoms associated with their fibromyalgia. No single dermatologic diagnosis appears to be overrepresented in this population, with the exception of a subjective increase in sweating.
The Indiana experience with artificial urinary sphincters in children and young adults.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We reviewed a 22-year single institutional experience with the artificial urinary sphincter in children and adolescents. To our knowledge this report represents the largest series in the world in children.Materials and Methods: Between 1980 and 2002, 142 patients underwent implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter, of whom 93 males and 41 females with a median age of 10 years (range 3 to 39) were available for analysis. A total of 59 patients initially received an AMS 742/792 (American Medical Systems, Inc., Minnetonka, Minnesota) artificial urinary sphincter, of whom 33 were subsequently changed to an AMS 800, while 75 initially received an AMS 800 model. Sphincter followup was terminated at device removal or at the last documented contact. The etiology of incontinence was neuropathic bladder in 107 cases (80%), the exstrophy/epispadias complex in 21 (16%) and other in 6 (4%). Outcome measures included continence, mechanical complications (leakage, tube kink and pump malfunction), ...
SMS Text Reference Comes of Age: The My Info Quest Collaborative

The advent of the nationwide My Info Quest text message reference collaborative not only helped propel United States libraries' use of telephone text messaging to a new standing, it also demonstrated the effectiveness of a nationwide non-hierarchical librarian collective built on an organic foundation of radical trust. Much of the collaborative's development parallels similarly probing steps taken years earlier by instant messaging reference librarians, albeit with profound organizational differences. This article reports on important contrasts and commonalities with earlier services and describes some of the day-to-day workings of My Info Quest during its 2009–2010 pilot phase.
Separation of two active forms (holo-a and holo-b) of pigeon liver fatty acid synthetase and their interconversion by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation.

Summary Apo-, holo- a - and holo- b -pigeon liver fatty acid synthetases 4 were separated by affinity gel chromatography under conditions identical to those used for the separation of apo and holo forms [Qureshi et al . (1975) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 64, 836-844], except that an additional elution step at a high salt concentration, pH 7.0, and room temperature was included. The interconversion of the two forms of holo-fatty acid synthetase was then carried out in vitro . In the presence of Mg++ and a phosphatase preparation, holo- b was converted to holo- a . The reverse conversion, holo- a to holo- b , was carried out in the presence of ATP and a kinase fraction prepared from the 100, 000 g supernatant of liver homogenate. These results indicate that the interconversion of holo- a - and holo- b -fatty acid synthetases occurs by phosphorylation-dephosphorylation. These results also suggest the possibility that this process may be a mechanism of short term regulation of liver fatty acid synthetase activity.
Unilateral pulmonary edema-differential diagnosis.

SUMMARY Our experience with fifteen cases of unilateral pulmonary edema, its roentgen appearance and differential diagnosis is presented. Representative patients with unilateral pulmonary edema caused by rapid re-expansion of pneumothorax, congestive heart failure, blunt chest trauma, aspiration of acid gastric contents and following systemic pulmonary artery shunt procedures in children with cyanotic congenital heart lesions are reported in more detail.
The effect of the Helmholtz term on a two-layer model baroclinic atmosphere

The effects of the inclusion of a Helmholtz term in a quasi-geostrophic model, formulated as part of a lower boundary condition, are investigated using a two-layer model. The Helmholtz term has two main effects, both of which appear desirable in a quasi-geostrophic model. As well as reducing the phase speed of all waves, and thereby controlling the otherwise large retrograde motion of ultra-long Rossby waves, it reduces growth rates of unstable waves. The Helmholtz term reduces the westward slope with height of unstable waves, more so for shorter wave lengths. The Helmholtz term is shown to be important for all quasi-geostrophic models. However, its use with an enhanced factor of about 10, although desirable for “best” forecasts, has little physical basis and merely serves to offset shortcomings of the model. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1978.tb00866.x
The impact of the home environment on children's development: Clinical relevance for the pediatrician

Pediatricians utilize standardized screening techniques to monitor children's development. Typically, however, pediatricians fail to assess the quality of the child's home environment. This paper selectively reviews the literature which demonstrates the major impact of the environment on children's development in the three developmental high-risk categories. Specific aspects of the home environment which optimize or impede developmental progression are discussed. Finally, the various instruments which are available to screen the home environment are presented. Information regarding the environment increases accuracy of developmental predictions, facilitates more appropriate treatment plans, and serves as a basis for specific counseling. The optimal clinical instrument for screening the child's social and inanimate environment has not yet been developed.
Unsupported intermolecular argentophilic interaction in the dimer of trinuclear silver(I) 3,5-diphenylpyrazolates

Abstract The reaction of a solution of sodium 3,5-diphenylpyrazolate, Na[Ph2pz], with Ag(tht)NO3 in dichloromethane affords thin needles of unsolvated and light-stable dimer of trimers [Ag3(μ-3,5-Ph2pz)3]2. The complex is characterized by X-ray crystallography and elemental analysis. The two trimers are rotated anti to each other. Three silver atoms bridged through exobidentate pyrazolate groups form a slightly puckered nine-membered ring with the shortest Ag⋯Ag intramolecular interaction in the metallocycle of 3.3571(8) A. The other two silver centers are weakly interacting, Ag(3)⋯Ag(1) = 3.49 A and Ag(3)⋯Ag(2) = 3.52 A. The intermolecular interaction between the two trimers is Ag⋯Ag = 2.9712(14) A. Packing diagram shows the dimer of trimer units are independent. Density Functional Theory calculations show that the M⋯M interaction is due to dispersion forces. [Ag3(μ-3,5-Ph2pz)3]2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 22.169(4), b = 15.269(3), c = 22.482(5) A, β = 103.69(3)° and V = 7394(3) A3.
Scale effects in international migration to the United States.

CLARK W. A. V. (1996) Scale effects in international migration to the United States, Reg. Studies 30, 589–600. The literature on international migration is voluminous and increasing rapidly, but the research to date has paid much less attention to issues of regional variability in the flows, than to the flows themselves. Most studies simply note the concentrated nature of immigration to a few states, principally to California, New York and Florida. This paper adds considerable detail to the geographic concentration of flows by examining the variation in the characteristics of the flows to the largest immigrant states. The flows are analysed by country of origin and by age, skill levels and labour force participation. The paper also examines flows at a finer scale to counties within the largest receiving state, California. Just as across states in the United States, the variations across counties within California create disproportionate effects on particular localities. The paper documents the range of re...
Sesquiterpene lactones of Artemisia— A. verlotorum and A. vulgaris

Abstract Three new sesquiterpene lactones have been isolated from a European Artemisia verlotorum Lamotte. They show a close structural relationship to other lactones from allied spp. of the vulgaris complex and provide further insight into probable biosynthetic pathways in the genus.
Effect of Sampling Location on the Air Void Analyzer Test Results on Concrete Pavements: Evaluation of Data from a 16 State-Pooled Fund Project

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sampling location on the air void analyzer (AVA) results from a 16 state-pooled fund study. The samples were obtained at locations ahead of the paver and behind the paver on a vibrator trail and between vibrator trails. The AVA air content, specific surface, spacing factor, and percent of air voids less than 300 μm in diameter were analyzed. The total air content of concrete ahead and behind the paver was also measured according to ASTM C231 for comparison. The ASTM C231 test results showed a significant drop in total air content of the samples behind the paver compared with the samples in front of the paver. The results show that the total air content is not an indicator of the spacing factor or percent of air voids less than 300 μm in diameter. There is no significant difference in the AVA results between the samples obtained on a vibrator trail and those obtained between vibrator trails based on the data from all 16 states. When the data for each state were studied individually, the data from some states showed a significant difference in the percent of air voids less than 300 μm (D≤300 μm) as well as the specific surface between the samples obtained ahead and behind the paver. The results imply that vibration removes mainly the large air voids in concrete, and this feature can be captured by the AVA test but not by the conventional ASTM C231 pressure meter test.
Spectroscopic determination of health levels of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) leaves

Three sets of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) leaf samples were collected on three dates: 20 April 2002, 23 July 2002 and 11 September 2001, respectively, for Sudden Oak Death (SOD) monitoring. A total of 330 reflectance spectra (covering 350–2500 nm) were measured in the laboratory with a spectrometer FieldSpec®Pro FR. In this study, the spectroscopic determination of two health levels of the coast live oak leaves was conducted with three sets of spectra. We used two classification algorithms, penalized discriminant analysis (PDA) and cross correlogram spectral matching (CCSM), to discriminate between healthy and infected leaves. PDA is a penalized version of Fisher's linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and can considerably improve upon LDA when it is used for the classification of hyperspectral data. CCSM is practised by calculating the cross correlation at different match positions between a test spectrum and a reference spectrum and is also suitable for processing hyperspectral data. Experimental re...
Tuning the affinity of a synthetic sialic acid receptor using combinatorial chemistry

Abstract Combinatorial libraries of carbohydrate receptors were produced by first derivatizing poly(allylamine) with the fluorescent boronic acid 1 followed by various mixtures of carboxylic acids. The libraries were screened for members that exhibited a larger response for sialic acid than glucose or fructose. The derivatized polymers appear to bind sialic acid by a cooperative mechanism.