cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The serum protein transthyretin as a platform for dimerization and tetramerization of antibodies and Fab fragments to enable target clustering.

Transthyretin (TTR) is an abundant homotetrameric serum protein and was selected here for engineering higher-valency molecules because of its compact size, simple structure, and natural propensity to tetramerize. To demonstrate this utility, we fused TTR to the C terminus of conatumumab, an antibody that targets tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2, as heavy chains to form antibody dimers and Fab heavy chains to form Fab tetramers. Moreover, we used constant heavy domain 3 heterodimerization substitutions to create TTR-mediated conatumumab tetramers. The conatumumab–TTR fusions displayed substantially enhanced potency in cell-based assays, as well as in murine tumor xenograft models. We conclude that antibody–TTR fusions may provide a powerful platform for multimerizing antibody and Fab fragments to enhance the capabilities of human therapeutics that benefit from target clustering and higher-order antigen-binding valency.
Predictors of Nonroutine Discharge Disposition Among Patients with Parasagittal/Parafalcine Meningioma

Objective Discharge disposition is an important outcome for neurosurgeons to consider in the context of high-quality, value-based care. There has been limited research into how the unique anatomic considerations associated with parasagittal/parafalcine meningioma resection may influence discharge disposition. We investigated the effects of various predictors on discharge disposition within a cohort of patients with parasagittal/parafalcine meningioma. Methods A total of 154 patients treated at a single institution were analyzed (2016–2019). Bivariate analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests. Multivariate analysis was conducted using logistic regression. An optimism-corrected C-statistic was calculated using 2000 bootstrap samples to assess logistic regression model performance. Results Our cohort was mostly female (67.5%) and white (72.7%), with a mean age of 57.29 years. Most patients had tumors associated with the middle third of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) (60.4%) and had tumors that were not fully occluding the SSS (74.0%). In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of nonroutine discharge disposition included 5-factor Modified Frailty Index score (odds ratio [OR], 2.06; P = 0.0088), Simpson grade IV resection (OR, 4.22; P = 0.0062), and occurrence of any postoperative complication (OR, 2.89; P = 0.031). The optimism-corrected C-statistic of our model was 0.757. Conclusions In our single-institution experience, neither extent of SSS invasion nor location along the SSS predicted nonroutine discharge, suggesting that tumor invasion and posterior location along the SSS are not necessarily contraindications to surgery. Our results also highlight the importance of frailty and tumor size in stratifying patients at risk of nonroutine discharge disposition.
Imprecision nutrition? Different simultaneous continuous glucose monitors provide discordant meal rankings for incremental postprandial glucose in subjects without diabetes.

BACKGROUND High postprandial glucose excursions may increase risk for disease. Individuals have widely varying glucose responses to different meals, and precision nutrition approaches often seek to personalize diets to minimize postprandial glycemic responses as measured by continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). However, it is unknown whether different CGM devices result in concordant meal rankings according to postprandial glycemic excursions. OBJECTIVE We explored whether meal rankings according to postprandial glycemic excursions differ between 2 simultaneously worn CGMs. METHODS We collected 27,489 simultaneous measurements from Dexcom G4 Platinum and Abbott Freestyle Libre Pro CGMs during 28 inpatient days in 16 adults without diabetes. Simultaneous glucose measurements obtained for 2 h following 760 ad libitum meals were used to compare within-subject meal rankings between the CGM devices according to their incremental glucose response. RESULTS Postprandial responses to ad libitum meals were highly variable, with the Abbott and Dexcom systems resulting in within-subject incremental mean ± SD glucose CVs of 91.7 ± 1.9% and 94.2 ± 2.7%, respectively. Within-subject meal rankings for incremental glycemic responses were relatively discordant between CGMs, with a mean Kendall rank correlation coefficient of 0.43 ± 0.05. Meals in the bottom compared with those in the top half of incremental glycemic responses ranked by Abbott resulted in 50 ± 10% (P = 0.0002) less glycemic reduction as measured by Dexcom, and vice versa. The missing glycemic reduction by eating meals ranked according to the discordant CGM was inversely correlated with each subject's Kendall rank correlation coefficient (r = -0.95; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Precision nutrition approaches that use CGMs to personalize meal recommendations for minimizing glycemic excursions may be premature given the discordance of within-subject meal rankings between simultaneous CGM devices. More research is needed to clarify the source of this imprecision. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03407053.
Acute cardiomyopathy following a single dose of doxorubicin in a patient with adult T-Cell leukemia/lymphoma.

IntroductionAnthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens are associated with decreased cardiac function with cumulative dosing, yet there is limited information regarding the acute cardiotoxic potenti...
Omadacycline for the Treatment of Mycobacterium abscessus Disease: A Case Series.

Background Omadacycline is an aminomethylcycline antimicrobial approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2018 for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. It has in vitro activity against nontuberculous mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium abscessus complex, but clinical data for this indication are lacking. Methods Omadacycline use was reviewed at an 804-bed academic medical center. Patients were included if they received omadacycline for culture-proven M abscessus disease in 2019. Results Four patients received omadacycline for the treatment of culture-positive M abscessus disease in 2019. Two patients had cutaneous disease, 1 had pulmonary disease, and 1 had osteomyelitis and bacteremia. The patients received omadacycline for a median duration of 166 days (range, 104-227) along with a combination of other antimicrobial agents. Omadacycline-containing regimens were associated with a clinical cure in 3 of 4 patients, with 1 patient improving on ongoing treatment. Omadacycline's tolerability was acceptable for patients with M abscessus disease, with 1 patient discontinuing therapy in month 6 due to nausea. Conclusions Omadacycline is a novel oral option for the treatment of M abscessus disease, for which safe and effective options are needed. Although this case series is promising, further data are required to determine omadacycline's definitive role in the treatment of M abscessus disease.
Fast Cyclic Coordinate Dual Averaging with Extrapolation for Generalized Variational Inequalities.

We propose the \emph{Cyclic cOordinate Dual avEraging with extRapolation (CODER)} method for generalized variational inequality problems. Such problems are fairly general and include composite convex minimization and min-max optimization as special cases. CODER is the first cyclic block coordinate method whose convergence rate is independent of the number of blocks, which fills the significant gap between cyclic coordinate methods and randomized ones that remained open for many years. Moreover, CODER provides the first theoretical guarantee for cyclic coordinate methods for solving generalized variational inequality problems under only monotonicity and Lipschitz continuity assumptions. To remove the dependence on the number of blocks, the analysis of CODER is based on a novel Lipschitz condition with respect to a Mahalanobis norm rather than the commonly used coordinate-wise Lipschitz condition; to be applicable to general variational inequalities, CODER leverages an extrapolation strategy inspired by the recent developments in primal-dual methods. Our theoretical results are complemented by numerical experiments, which demonstrate competitive performance of CODER compared to other coordinate methods.
Trained Immunity in Anopheles gambiae: Antibacterial Immunity Is Enhanced by Priming via Sugar Meal Supplemented With a Single Gut Symbiotic Bacterial Strain.

Mosquitoes have evolved an effective innate immune system. The mosquito gut accommodates various microbes, which play a crucial role in shaping the mosquito immune system during evolution. The resident bacteria in the gut microbiota play an essential role in priming basal immunity. In this study, we show that antibacterial immunity in Anopheles gambiae can be enhanced by priming via a sugar meal supplemented with bacteria. Serratia fonticola S1 and Enterobacter sp. Ag1 are gut bacteria in mosquitoes. The intrathoracic injection of the two bacteria can result in an acute hemocoelic infection in the naive mosquitoes with mortality of ∼40% at 24 h post-infection. However, the Enterobacter orSerratia primed mosquitoes showed a better 24 h survival upon the bacterial challenge. The priming confers the protection with a certain degree of specificity, the Enterobacter primed mosquitoes had a better survival upon the Enterobacter but not Serratia challenge, and the Serratia primed mosquitoes had a better survival upon the Serratia but not Enterobacter challenge. To understand the priming-mediated immune enhancement, the transcriptomes were characterized in the mosquitoes of priming as well as priming plus challenges. The RNA-seq was conducted to profile 10 transcriptomes including three samples of priming conditions (native microbiota, Serratia priming, and Enterobacter priming), six samples of priming plus challenges with the two bacteria, and one sample of injury control. The three priming regimes resulted in distinctive transcriptomic profiles with about 60% of genes affected by both bacteria. Upon challenges, different primed mosquitoes displayed different transcriptomic patterns in response to different bacteria. When a primed cohort was challenged with a heterogenous bacterium, more responsive genes were observed than when challenged with a homogenous bacterium. As expected, many canonical immune genes were responsive to the priming and challenge, but much more non-immune genes with various functions were also responsive in the contexts, which implies that the prior priming triggers a delicately coordinated systemic regulation that results in an enhanced immunity against the subsequent challenge. Besides the participation of typical immune pathways, the transcriptome data suggest the involvement of lysosome and metabolism in the context. Overall, this study demonstrated a trained immunity via priming with bacteria in diet.
Passive soft-reset controllers for nonlinear systems.

Soft-reset controllers are introduced as a way to approximate hard-reset controllers. The focus is on implementing reset controllers that are (strictly) passive and on analyzing their interconnection with passive plants. A passive hard-reset controller that has a strongly convex energy function can be approximated as a soft-reset controller. A hard-reset controller is a hybrid system whereas a soft-reset controller corresponds to a differential inclusion, living entirely in the continuous-time domain. This feature may make soft-reset controllers easier to understand and implement. A soft-reset controller contains a parameter that can be adjusted to better approximate the action of the hard-reset controller. Closed-loop asymptotic stability is established for the interconnection of a passive soft-reset controller with a passive plant, under appropriate detectability assumptions. Several examples are used to illustrate the efficacy of soft-reset controllers.
Pseudo-Political Terrorism

This paper describes a variety of homicides which are motivated by psychopathology but rationalized by political ideas. A psychopath or a psychotic with a political rationale is treated differently from one who does not offer ideological explanations. There are psychopaths and psychotics who are unable to act out murderous impulses without political camouflage. Examples from terroristic activities are offered to demonstrate the use of political cover for murderous behavior. The danger of psychopathic terrorism has increased as a result of technology and the failure to differentiate political and pseudo-political terrorism. Such differentiation may be useful in prevention of terrorism and in negotiation with individual terrorists.
On Schur's Q -functions and the Primitive Idempotents of a Commutative Hecke Algebra

Let Bn denote the centralizer of a fixed-point free involution in the symmetric group S2n. Each of the four one-dimensional representations of Bn induces a multiplicity-free representation of S2n, and thus the corresponding Hecke algebra is commutative in each case. We prove that in two of the cases, the primitive idempotents can be obtained from the power-sum expansion of Schur's Q-functions, from which follows the surprising corollary that the character tables of these two Hecke algebras are, aside from scalar multiples, the same as the nontrivial part of the character table of the spin representations of Sn.
The new consumer advocates for safer chemicals: mandating healthy products

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a variety of rationales for adopting a proactive posture related to removing chemicals of concern from consumer products. Design/methodology/approach – The author’s methodology included reviewing existing and proposed international and domestic legislation. The author also reviewed topical literature and numerous scientific studies related to chemicals in consumer products, and undertook a comprehensive review and summary of current advocacy work. Findings – The pace of change legislatively and in the marketplace is rapid in the area of chemicals of concern in consumer products. Companies could mitigate and manage a myriad of risks more effectively by contemplating a proactive approach to removing chemicals of concern from consumer products. Practical implications – Affected industries could maintain or increase market share and reputation by recognizing and responding to growing consumer demand and legislative and supply chain pressures. Social implicat...
Introduction: Mission Accomplished

The process of selecting a symposium topic is an extremely difficult mission that every editorial board confronts each year. There are several challenging questions that must be addressed in order to produce a highquality symposium, such as: Is the topic relevant? What will be our contribution to legal scholarship? Can we engage the brilliant scholars in this area of the law? Can we engage our student body? Each positive response to these questions inches us closer to our goal: Publication of a Law Review book in which the strength of each Article provides unique insights that make us—the reader—better lawyers. This Book accomplished just that. This year’s Symposium Book—Restitution Rollout: The Restatement (Third) of Restitution & Unjust Enrichment—surpassed all of the Review’s expectations. We selected authors by invitation and by a call for papers. The call for papers broadened and enriched the Symposium’s scholarship by attracting beginning scholars and lawyers in addition to the usual (restitution) suspects. The quality of discussion during the Symposium and the extraordinary Articles submitted gives us great confidence that this Book will shape the way lawyers analyze the Restatement. As a brief preview, this Book consists of Articles written by esteemed professors, scholars, and practitioners, and includes a student Note on restitution. Each Article invites the reader to think critically, challenge assumptions, and reach conclusions when analyzing the Restatement. There will be agreements, disagreements, praise, and criticism, all of which are elements of a great conversation that will lead to further Symposiums and Articles. This Book is the first collection of scholarly and professional commentary; we welcome the curiosity and candor of the professional world to continue the conversation. The Review would like to thank the American Law Institute and the Frances Lewis Law Center who co-sponsored the Symposium. The Review would also like to thank all of the participants and organizers. Specifically, the Review would like to thank Professor Doug Rendleman, Wendy Rice, and Lisa Gearheart for all of their efforts.
Singularity of two diffusion on C

Abstract For each x and t, assume that two diffusions P′ and P0, where P0 is Wiener, are mutually absolutely continuous in the σ-field C t = σ{Xs, 0 ⩽ s ⩽ t}, then unless P′ is also Wiener, these two diffusions are singular in C ∞ = σ{Xs, 0 ⩽ s
The Foundations of Rigid Body Mechanics and the Derivation of its Laws from Those of Particle Mechanics

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a system of axioms for classical rigid body mechanics (RBM), to show how these axioms can be derived from those of particle mechanics (PM), and the usage of the foregoing derivation in order to give a general characterization of the notion of reduction of theories in the natural sciences. The axioms considered, comprise of the theory of rigid motions under finite applied forces with moments of inertia. The laws of rigid motion in the axioms are presented de novo . The chapter analyzes the logical relation between the two theories of RBM and PM in an order that one can be reduced to the other. There is also a discussion about how RBM can be reduced to PM in accordance with the theory of reduction. The axioms considered are essentially based on seven primitive notions, five of which are closely analogous to the primitive notions of McKinsey, Sugar, and Suppes axiomatization of classical PM.
Universal mixing of quantum walk on graphs

We study the set of probability distributions visited by a continuous-time quantum walk on graphs. An edge-weighted graph G is universal mixing if the instantaneous or average probability distribution of the quantum walk on G ranges over all probability distributions on the vertices as the weights are varied over non-negative reals. The graph is uniform mixing if it visits the uniform distribution. Our results include the following: • All weighted complete multipartite graphs are instantaneous universal mixing. This is in contrast to the fact that no unweighted complete multipartite graphs are uniform mixing (except for the four-cycle K2,2). • For all n ≥ 1, the weighted claw K1,n is a minimally connected instantaneous universal mixing graph. In fact, as a corollary, the unweighted K1,n is instantaneous uniform mixing. This adds a new family of uniform mixing graphs to a list that so far contains only the hypercubes. • Any weighted graph is average almost-uniform mixing unless its spectral type is sublinear in the size of the graph. This provides a nearly tight characterization for average uniform mixing on circulant graphs. • No weighted graphs are average universal mixing. This shows that weights do not help to achieve average universal mixing, unlike the instantaneous case. Our proofs exploit the spectra of the underlying weighted graphs and path collapsing arguments.
Intraspecific taxonomy and ecology characterize morphological divergence among cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii ssp. Richardson) populations

We compared the proportion of morphological variation accounted for by subspecies categories with the proportion encompassed by ecologically based categories in cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii ssp.), as a means of assessing the relative importance of each approach in identifying intraspecific diversity. We used linear and geometric morphometrics to compare measures of body shape, fin length, and head features between and within subspecies of cutthroat trout. Both categories accounted for a significant proportion of the variation between and within the subspecies; however, the larger proportion was explained by subspecific differences, with the greatest morphological divergence between coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) and interior subspecies. Ecotypic categories within each subspecies also explained significant morphological differences: stream populations had longer fins and deeper, more robust bodies than lake populations. The largest ecotypic differences occurred between stream and lake populations of Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri). Given that many cutthroat trout subspecies are of conservation concern, our study offers a better understanding of intraspecific variation existing within the species, providing precautionary evidence of incipient speciation, and a framework of describing phenotypic diversity that is correlated with ecological conditions. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 96, 266–281.
Challenges and requirements for an effective trace exploration tool

Building efficient tools for the analysis and exploration of large execution traces can be a very challenging task. Our experience with building a tool called SEAT (software exploration and analysis tool) shows that there is a need to address several key research questions in order to overcome these challenges. SEAT is intended to integrate several filtering techniques to tackle the size explosion problem that make traces hard to understand. However, the incorporation of these techniques into one efficient tool raises many issues. This paper focuses on these issues and underlies future research directions to advance the area of dynamic analysis of large software systems.
SH compounds in mitosis. I. The action of mercaptoethanol on the eggs of the sand dollar Dendraster excentricus.

Abstract 1. 1. Mercaptoethanol in adequate concentration (about 0.1 M) will block division of Dendraster excentricus eggs if applied at any time before metaphase. Since the time schedules of various echinoid eggs seem to be comparable, it may be useful to restate this finding in time units. In this case where the normal time from fertilization to first cleavage is 50 minutes, the mercaptoethanol block can be applied at any time from fertilization to about the fortieth minute. 2. 2. If the mercaptoethanol is applied after metaphase, it has no detectable effect on the division that is about to take place, but will block the next division. The discontinuity between the sensitive period and the insensitive period is very sharp. 3. 3. Concentrations of mercaptoethanol that are too low to block the first division may arrest cleavage at a subsequent division. In general, the lower the concentration, the more divisions will take place before blockage occurs. 4. 4. The effect of mercaptoethanol is completely reversible. 5. 5. Roughly, the time required for the blocked eggs to complete division when mercaptoethanol is removed is equivalent to the normal time required for the eggs to pass to division from the stage at which the mercaptoethanol was applied.
Vacuum periodicity in the instanton angle, chiral perturbation theory, and fractional topological charge

Following Crewther, the methods of chiral perturbation theory and Dashen's theorem are applied to the QCD quark mass matrix. Stable domains of theta-vacua are found. The period of the system with respect to the instanton angle is 2..pi... It is concluded that non-integer topological charge is not required by chiral cymmetry breaking. An argument to the contrary by the present authors and by Crewther is refuted.
Evolution: Redundancy as an Opportunity for Innovation

Four recently duplicated flowering genes in sunflower have met diverse fates, including acquisition of a new regulatory function, providing intriguing insights into duplicate gene evolution as well as sunflower domestication.
Binding studies on a mouse-myeloma immunoglobulin a having specificity for β-D-(1→6)-linked D-galactopyranosyl residues

Abstract The free energies of binding between immunoglobulin A J 539 (Fab′) and methyl 6- O -acetyl-β- D -galactopyranoside ( 1 ) and 6- O -β- D -galactopyranosyl-1,2:3,4-di- O -isopropylidene-α- D -galactopyranose ( 2 ) have been measured. The values found suggest that bulky substitution on O′-6 or O-1, O-2, O-3, and O-4 in the hapten 6- O -β- D -galactopyranosyl- D -galactose ( 3 ) does not interfere with effective binding of that ligand and the immunoglobulin. This conclusion supports the postulations that ( a ) the ligand 3 binds only on one side of the molecule, and ( b ) the combining site of the immunoglobulin J 539 appears to be located on an exposed surface area.
Some practical considerations in sampling livestock populations to estimate disease prevalence and other parameters

Abstract Inferential statistics consists of methods for making inferences about parameters of a populations, such as the disease prevalence in a livestock population, based on estimates of the parameters obtained from a sample of the population. Since the sample size is usually much smaller than the size of the population it is imperative that the sample be representative of the population sampled. This paper discusses two general characteristics of estimates that are used to evaluate the accuracy of an estimate of a population parameter and presents the general class of sampling designs that can be evaluated in terms of these characteristics. Examples of sample designs that belong to this general class are described with emphasis on those designs that would be practical in sampling populations for estimating the prevalence of disease.
2006 North Dakota Pharmacists' Wage and Workload Assessment

Background: While literature on workforce studies is growing, there are no studies that collect accurate information concerning wages and workload issues of North Dakota pharmacists. Objective: To evaluate the wages and workload issues of pharmacists in North Dakota. Methods: A survey was modified based on the Wage and Benefit Survey for pharmacists used in the Upper Midwest Pharmacists Workforce Study and the 2004 National Pharmacist Workforce Study. A survey was mailed to the 689 pharmacists practicing in North Dakota. Results: Overall, 424 of 689 completed surveys (61.5% response rate) were analyzed. Pharmacists (n = 377) reported that they worked in a primary employment setting an average of 39.3 hours per week at an average hourly rate of $41.03, and the gross 2005 salary (excluding benefits) was $80,525. Chains had the highest average hourly pay rate ($43.92 / hour), followed by hospitals ($41.89) and independents ($38.71). Commonly reported benefits included paid vacation (88.6%), employee health insurance (84.1%), sick leave (62.9%), and tax-sheltered plans (70.6%). Pharmacists spent the majority (50.8%) of their time in medication dispensing activities, followed by consultation (18.5%), business management (16.7%), and drug use management (12.5%). Ideally, pharmacists would like to spend less time in medication dispensing (36.1%) and business management (12.8%) and more time in consultation (28.7%) and drug use management (19.7%). Conclusions: The North Dakota study revealed that pharmacists want to spend more time in consultation and drug use management activities and less time in medication dispensing. These results are similar to those of the 2004 National study. While pharmacist average hourly pay rates and benefits are reflective of North Dakota practice settings, the respondents' rates are lower when compared with those in Minnesota.
Magneto-telluric fields for a segmented overburden.

Abstract : Adopting an idealized two-dimensional model, the authors consider the electro-magnetic fields existing in a crustal layer that has any number of homogeneous segments with vertical interfaces. The magnetic field vector is everywhere parallel to these interfaces and to the earth's surface. Using a quasistatic approach, expressions for the electric fields at the earth's surface are derived and calculations for the actual surface impedance are then presented. It is shown that the vertical contacts will cause strong perturbations of the surface impedance calculated on the basis of a locally uniform slab model. This could be an important factor in carrying out the interpretation of magneto-telluric data. (Author)
Dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis for scapholunate dissociation: Biomechanical analysis in a cadaver model

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in cadavers a new method for treating scapholunate dissociations, dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis (DILC), and to compare its performance with that of a previously described soft tissue reconstruction, Blatt capsulodesis (BC). A cadaver model was used to simulate normal and abnormal wrist motions. The positions of the scaphoid and lunate and their changes with wrist motion and ligament condition were recorded using biplanar radiographs taken posteroanteriorly and laterally. The scapholunate gap was measured on the posteroanterior radiographs and the scapholunate angle was measured on the lateral view radiographs. Following scapholunate interosseous ligament sectioning, a diastasis developed between the scaphoid and lunate that was maximum in the clenched fist position 2.1 +/- 0.33 mm (mean +/- SEM) with the ligament intact versus 8.0 +/- 1.74 mm after the ligament was sectioned. Dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis reduced gap formation more than BC, including when the specimens were in the clenched fist position: increased gap versus intact specimens equals 1.0 mm for DILC versus 3.7 mm for BC. The differences in diastasis were statistically significant between BC and DILC when the wrist was in extension, radial deviation, and clenched fist positions. After the scapholunate interosseous ligament was divided, the scaphoid flexed relative to the lunate. Both capsulodeses improved scapholunate alignment and there was a trend for DILC to correct the scapholunate angle more than BC. The results demonstrate that DILC is an attractive alternative to BC ex vivo. Because DILC does not tether the scaphoid to the distal radius, as BC does, improved wrist motion, especially flexion, might be possible in vivo. The use of DILC in the treatment of scapholunate dissociation warrants further investigation and clinical trials.
The production of 21Na by low‐energy protons in meteorites

The cross sections for 21Na production induced by 10-, 12-, 14-, and 16-MeV protons on natural Mg targets have been measured as 0.21 ± 0.08,17.0 ± 2.5, 45.2 ± 6.8, and 44.0 ± 6.6 mb, respectively. These values imply that just below the surface the 22Ne/21Ne ratios found in extraterrestrial samples would be lowered by an excess of low-energy protons. Unfortunately, the lowering will in most cases be masked by other effects.
Cerebello-olivary projections in the rat: an autoradiographic study

The cerebello-olivary projection was studied in the albino rat using conventional autoradiographic techniques. The results indicated that the cerebello-olivary projection in the rat is topographically organized in a pattern similar to other mammalian species. The anterior interpositus projects to the dorsal accessory olive, the posterior interpositus to the medial accessory olive, and the dentate to both lamellae of the principal nucleus. A point of controversy may arise, however, when one considers the fastigio-olivary projection.
The influence of international status and operating segments on firms’ choice of bonus plans

Abstract This paper investigates why firms select different accounting measures of performance when determining executive bonus compensation. Specifically, we investigate whether firms with a greater multinational presence and with more operating segments are more likely to use after-tax bonus plans. Newman (1989) investigated the relation between multinational status and bonus plan choice for the mid-1970s and did not find strong results. However, given the increased global implications of business decisions over the last two decades, it should be beneficial to investigate this issue for a more recent time period. We obtained financial information from 266 firms, 70 with after-tax compensation plans, 186 with before-tax compensation plans, and 10 with hybrid compensation plans. Logistic regression analysis suggests that large firms reporting a large number of operating segments and having a high level of multinational operations are more likely to select after-tax rather than before-tax compensation plans.
Differential Regulation of Exocytosis by Calcium and CAPS in Semi-Intact Synaptosomes

Using a novel approach to measure exocytosis in vitro from semi-intact synaptosomes, we establish that the Ca2+-dependent release of glutamate requires cytosolic factors for mobilization from the reserve pool. The cytosolic activity for glutamate release was not satisfied by CAPS, a soluble component required for norepinephrine (NE) release. Moreover, the CAPS-independent glutamate release from synaptic vesicles (SVs) was 200-fold less sensitive to Ca2+ than that required for dense core vesicles (DCVs). The differential regulation of exocytosis by CAPS, Ca2+, and potential novel cytosolic factor(s) suggests that the docking and fusion machinery controlling DCVs has diverged from that regulating glutamate-containing SVs.
Comparisons of Three Approaches for Discrete Conditional Models

This article describes three methods for computing a discrete joint density from full conditional densities. They are the Gibbs sampler, a hybrid method, and an interaction-based method. The hybrid method uses the iterative proportional fitting algorithm, and it is derived from the mixed parameterization of a contingency table. The interaction-based approach is derived from the canonical parameters, while the Gibbs sampler can be regarded as based on the mean parameters. In short, different approaches are motivated by different parameterizations. The setting of a bivariate conditionally specified distribution is used as the premise for comparing the numerical accuracy of the three methods. Detailed comparisons of marginal distributions, odds ratios and expected values are reported. We give theoretical justifications as to why the hybrid method produces better approximation than the Gibbs sampler. Generalizations to more than two variables are discussed. In practice, Gibbs sampler has certain advantages: i...
Isolation and characterization of cDNA clones encoding aldose reductase

The action of aldose reductase has been implicated in the etiology of a variety of diabetic complications affecting the visual system. However, very little is known regarding the structure and functional organization of the genes encoding this key enzyme. In the present study, we have isolated and characterized complementary DNA clones encoding bovine lens aldose reductase. Nucleotide sequencing of four independently isolated clones was used to establish a 1154 nucleotide composite cDNA sequence. The cDNA sequence encodes 296 amino acids of the aldose reductase primary structure, and contains an additional 261 nucleotides of apparently untranslated sequence downstream from the coding region. No nucleotide sequence differences were found among the four independently isolated aldose reductase cDNA clones. The aldose reductase amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA shows high homology to that reported for aldose reductase of the rat lens. Significant similarities are also evident between bovine lens aldos...
Conversion to Ca2+-independent form of Ca2+/calmodulin protein kinase II in rat pancreatic acini

CCK rapidly converted Ca2+/calmodulin kinase II (CaMK II) to a Ca(2+)-independent form with peak action at 30 sec followed by decline to the basal level at 10 min. The threshold concentration of CCK for this action was 30 pM and maximum effect occurred at 1 nM, which induced a 6-10-fold increase. Bombesin and carbachol similarly induced CaMK II autonomous activity, whereas secretin and JMV 180 did not. lonomycin induced a more stable elevation of CaMK II autonomous activity and the intracellular Ca2+ chelator, BAPTA/AM, blocked the effect of CCK. In conclusion, pancreatic CaMK II is rapidly activated by a large increase in [Ca2+]i generated by either stimulation of phosphatidylinositol pathway or by an influx of extracellular Ca2+.
Analytical Model of Carbon Nanotube Electrostatics: Density of States, Effective Mass, Carrier Density, and Quantum Capacitance

Fundamental electrostatic properties of achiral carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are derived analytically. These include an exact derivation of the density of states within the nearest neighbor tight-binding formalism, the group velocity, and the effective mass. In addition, the non-degenerate equilibrium carrier density, and quantum capacitance are presented analytically. The quantum capacitance is used to provide a low energy C-V theory for a top-gated CNT device with good correlation to experimental data.
On Improving the Chromatic Effects of Storage Rings with Antisymmetric Insertions

High luminosity storage rings require good chromatic behavior for beams with large momentum spreads. This requires that the effects of half-integer structure resonances for off-momentum particles be minimized. We show that a lattice with antisymmetric insertions can be so designed that the driving term for the half-integer structure resonance is suppressed by cancellation of successive pairs of highbeta multiplets. Hence, even though the periodicity is half that of a lattice with symmetric insertions, the chromatic properties are similar.
Simple model for amplified spontaneous emission in a Ti:A1(2)O(3) amplifier.

The influence of amplified spontaneous emission on the time-dependent gain of a laser amplifier is considered by using a simple model. Experimental measurements of Ti:Al2O3 amplifier gain are in excellent agreement with the model.
Reduction in pulmonary blood volume during positive end-expiratory pressure.

The response of intravascular (PBV) and extravascular (EVLW) pulmonary fluid volumes to varying degrees of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was examined using double indicator techniques (thermal green dye) in six open-chest anesthetized dogs during the production of oleic acid (0.15 cc/kg)-induced pulmonary injury. Data were obtained at a control state, then 1.5 hr after the oleic acid was injected. Positive-end expiratory pressure (5, 10, 15, and 20 cm H2O) consistently reduced cardiac output prior to and after oleic acid edema was created, with greater reductions occurring with higher levels of PEEP. Increasing amounts of PEEP consistently produced greater reductions in PBV (with and without pulmonary edema), though without significant effect on EVLW. PBV declined from 6.0 ± 2.4 to 4.0 ± 1.0 ml/kg with 20 cm H2O of PEEP (P
Bone SPECT/CT in skeletal trauma.

The utility of radionuclide bone scanning in skeletal trauma has been greatly enhanced over the last decade by hybrid technology merging multislice CT with SPECT that can take advantage of CT-based correction of attenuation and scatter. The resulting images have been particularly helpful in giving us new insights into the evaluation of foot and ankle injuries and vertebral pathology both before and after surgery. The physiological information and anatomical detail allow a better understanding of the causes of patients׳ pain and have proven to be particularly useful in planning surgical intervention.
Green brand extension strategy and online communities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine current and prospective consumer perceptions, purchase intent and parent brand evaluation due to green brand – line and category extensions by marketers of established (non‐green) brands for products with high vs low perceived environmental impact.Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses responses to online surveys by 602 pet‐owners at social networking websites. The quasi‐experiment considered perceived environmental impact of core product, parent‐brand user status, and green extension strategy (line vs category). Brand extension evaluation, purchase intent, and parent brand evaluation were then measured.Findings – Results suggest that consumers are more likely to purchase green extensions of products with high perceived environmental impact and that current consumers prefer green line extensions to green category extensions. Both have similar reciprocal impact on parent brand evaluation among current consumers.Research limitations/implications – ...
Long-term follow up of 57 patients undergoing automated percutaneous discectomy

Automated percutaneous discectomy has been performed in 57 patients at the author's institution since 1989, representing 4% of all lumbar spine surgeries. All 57 patients had unilateral sciatica. There were 33 women and 24 men ranging from 24 to 49 years of age, with a mean age of 45 years. All patients underwent computerized tomography (CT) in the prone position and CT and magnetic resonance imaging in the supine position. Diffuse versus eccentric disc bulging was determined for each patient. Four patients underwent surgery at the L3-4 level, four at L5-S1, and 49 at L4-5. One L5-S1 case could not be cannulated and surgery was aborted. There have been no complications related to surgery. Fifty patients (88%) stated they had reduced sciatica in the first 2 postoperative weeks. Forty (70%) had reduced sciatica 2 months postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 27 months (range 6 to 45 months), with no patient lost to follow up. At their last follow-up examination, 33 patients (58%) showed improvement in their sciatica but only three (5%) were completely pain free. Of the 17 recurrences of sciatica, 11 patients have undergone microdiscectomy, with eight showing improvement. Chi-square analysis demonstrated a significantly better chance of improvement in patients with discs bulging eccentrically to the side of sciatica (p < 0.05) compared to patients with diffusely bulging discs. Automated percutaneous discectomy is safe and in selected patients can reduce sciatica, but only completely eliminated sciatica in 5% of patients with a follow-up period of 2.5 years.
Learning in Dynamic Decision Tasks: Computational Model and Empirical Evidence

Dynamic decision tasks include important activities such as stock trading, air traffic control, and managing continuous production processes. In these tasks, decision makers may use outcome feedback to learn to improve their performance “on-line” as they participate in the task. We have developed a computational formulation to model this learning. Our formulation assumes that decision makers acquire two types of knowledge: (1) How their actions affect outcomes; (2) Which actions to take to achieve desired outcomes. Our formulation further assumes that fundamental aspects of the acquisition of these two types of knowledge can be captured by two parallel distributed processing (neural network) models placed in series. To test our formulation, we instantiate it to learn the Sugar Production Factory (Stanley, Mathews, Buss, & Kotler-Cope,Quart. J. Exp. Psychol.,1989) and then apply its predictions to a human subjects experiment. Our formulation provides a good account of human decision makers' performance during training and two tests of subsequent ability to generalize: (1) answering questions about which actions to take to achieve goals that were not encountered in training; and (2) a new round of performance in the task using one of these new goals. Our formulation provides a less complete account of decision makers' ability after training to predict how prespecified actions affect the factory's performance. Overall, our formulation represents an important step toward a process theory of how decision makers learn on-line from outcome feedback in dynamic decision tasks.
Feeding preferences of eastern spruce budworm larvae in two‐choice tests with combinations of host‐plant extracts

Three extracts were obtained from each of four host plants: sugars/glycosides; amino acids/bases; and organic acids. The four hosts studied were balsam fir, black spruce, red spruce, and white spruce. The effects of recombined host plant extracts on the feeding behaviour of eastern spruce budworm larvae were examined in two-choice tests. Results compare feeding preferences as well as feeding rates between combinations of extracts. The importance of each class of polar compounds is discussed. RESUME Preferences des larves de la tordeuse des bourgeons de l'epinette envers extraits combines de leurs plantes-hotes Trois extraits ont ete obtenus de chacune de quatre plantes-hotes: sucres/glycosides; acides aminees/bases organiques; acides organiques. Les quatre plantes-hotes etudiees furent le sapin baumier, et les epinettes blanc, noir, et rouge. Le comportement gustatoire des larves a ete etudie en raison de l'effet de combinaisons d'extraits de chaque plante-hote. Les resultats comparent la preference des larves ainsi que leur consommation totale envers ces extraits.
Identification of molecular markers linked to the stem rust resistance gene rpg4 in barley

The gene rpg4 in barley confers resistance to pathotype QCC of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici. To facilitate the efficient transfer of rpg4 into breeding lines, an investigation was initiated to identify molecular markers linked to the gene. A doubled haploid population (125 individuals) derived from Q21861, the source of rpg4, was subjected to bulked segregant analysis by using random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). From 500 10-mer primers evaluated, only three reliably amplified fragments in one of the DNA bulks and not in the other. Linkage of the three RAPD markers, OPP-05 (900), OPH-13 (1600), and OPH-15 (1000), with rpg4 was confirmed by segregation analysis of the doubled haploid progeny. Primer OPH-15 generated the most closely linked (0.8 centimorgans [cM]) marker to rpg4. RFLP probes were used to map rpg4 and associated RAPD markers to chromosome 7M. The RFLP markers, ABG390 and MWG740, mapped 5.7 and 4,9 cM distal and proximal to the resistance gene, respectively. The RAPD and RFLP markers identified for rpg4 in this study should facilitate the efficient transfer of stem rust resistance in barley germ plasm
Intraocular noise: origin and characteristics.

Abstract Intraocular noise, as described in this paper, is the fluctuating voltage that can be detected with electrodes on opposite sides of the eyeball with steady or no retinal illumination. Various sources contribute to this noise like, for example, movements of the lens, blood flow pulsation, EKG crosstalk, and spontaneous random excitations of photoreceptors. By varying the experimental conditions, the character of each contribution can be identified more precisely. In all cases, the noise activity has been measured by the autocorrelation function.
ATP occlusion by P-glycoprotein as a surrogate measure for drug coupling.

The multidrug efflux pump P-glycoprotein (Pgp) couples drug transport to ATP hydrolysis. Previously, using a synthetic library of tetramethylrosamine (TMR) analogues, we observed significant variation in ATPase stimulation (VmD). Concentrations required for half-maximal ATPase stimulation (KmD) correlated with ATP hydrolysis transition-state stabilization and ATP occlusion (EC50D) at a single site. Herein, we characterize several TMR analogues that elicit modest turnover (kcat ≤ 1–2 s−1) compared to verapamil (VER) (kcat ∼ 10 s−1). Apparent ATPase activities manifest as nearly equivalent to basal values. In some cases, KmD parameters for drug stimulation of ATPase could not be accurately determined, yet these same TMR analogues promoted ATP occlusion at relatively low concentrations (∼0.4–40 µM). Moreover, the TMR analogues competitively inhibited VER-dependent ATPase activity at concentrations similar to those required for ATP occlusion. Finally, the TMR analogues facilitated uptake of calcein-AM into CR...