cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of kidney donor profile index on delayed graft function and transplant outcomes: A single-center analysis.

Introduction Renal transplant outcomes result from a combination of factors. Traditionally, donor factors were summarized by classifying kidneys as extended criteria or standard criteria. In 2014, the nomenclature changed to describe donor factors with the kidney donor profile index (KDPI). We aim to evaluate the relationship between KDPI and delayed graft function (DGF), and the impact KDPI on transplant outcomes for both donor after cardiac death (DCD) and donor after brain death (DBD). Methods An IRB-approved single-center retrospective chart review was performed from January 1999 to July 2013. The patients were divided into six groups: DBD KDPI ≤60, DBD KPDI 61-84, DBD KDPI ≥85, DCD KDPI ≤60, DCD KPDI 61-84, and DCD KDPI ≥85. Rates of DGF, patient survival, and graft survival were examined among groups. Results A total of 2161 kidney transplants were included. DGF rates increased, and graft and patient survival decreased with increasing KDPI (P .302). There was no significant difference in graft or patient survival in all-comers when comparing DCD and DBD kidneys with equivalent KDPIs (P > .317). Patients with DGF across all categories demonstrated worse graft half-lives. Conclusion The KDPI system is an accurate predictor of donor contributions to transplant outcomes. Recipients of DBD kidneys experience an increase in the rate of DGF as their KDPI increases. DCD kidneys have higher DGF rates than their DBD counterparts with similar KDPIs. Patients with documented post-transplant DGF had between 3- and 5-year shorter graft half-lives when compared to recipients that did not experience DGF. Initiatives to reduce the rate of DGF could provide a significant impact on graft survival and result in a reduction in the number of patients requiring retransplant.
The Beginning of the Gospel at Philippi

On the basis of two controversial verses in the Pauline corpus—Galatians 5:11 and Philippians 4:15—Garroway shows that Paul first conceived the gospel midway through his apostolic career, just before his first voyage to Macedonia. In the first stage of his career, Paul preached Christ to Gentiles with the expectation that they would become circumcised upon baptism; hence, his rivals can accuse him of “preaching circumcision” in Galatians 5:11. Then, following an alleged revelation from Christ, Paul began to preach the gospel, which proclaimed the availability of salvation for Gentiles without subjugation to Jewish Law. According to Garroway, Paul preached this scandalous message for the first time in Philippi, which is why Paul, in Philippians 4:15, can describe his departure from Philippi as “the beginning of the gospel.”
Numerical evaluation of the effects of fire on steel connections; Part 1: Simulation techniques

Abstract Steel connections are used to connect between beam and column in steel moment frame structures. As of present time, there is a huge lack of understanding of the performance of steel connections and their response to fire especially the uncontrolled fires. Therefore, in this paper, by using a finite element program ABAQUS and with the static analysis of coupled temperature- displacement and to fully understand the behavior of such connection under the fire scenario, developed a temperature-dependent models for different types of steel connections are implemented. Finite Element Analyses (FEA) of selected experimental models are performed to verify the implementation of these models. Fully detailed, field-variable-dependent conductivity element models of the connections are developed, and analyses are performed to determine the effects of heat on the behavior of the materials in the elastic and plastic areas are considered. Moreover, severe deformation in the nonlinear region was investigated.
Ode to the Pickwickian

O Pickwickian, thou art a pugnacious person, persistently in pursuit of ponderous portions of pasta, pastry, and powerful punch. Thou develop a protuberant paunch and pendulous jowls. Pernicious narrowing of thy upper passageway pitifully fails to prevent the procurement of porridge. But, as if by malfeasance, periodically pinches from you the breath of life. In a recurring nightmare of plummeting O2 and purplish hue, periodic perturbations of cardiac rhythm ensue. Alas, the penultimate penalty must be paid, ending thy feeding frenzied way.
Deformation and Failure of A533B Steel at High Rate and Various Temperatures

ABSTRACT A torsional split Hopkinson bar is used to study the response of A533B at high rates of deformation (800 1/sec and 5000 1/sec) and various temperatures (−150°C to 300°C). The results show that both temperature and strain rate affect the material response.
Quantitative Subsurface Imaging by Acoustic AFM Techniques

We review the modeling techniques developed for analyzing the effects of 2-D and 3-D subsurface structures on the stiffness measurements by acoustic AFM. Starting from the analytical Hertzian model, we describe important parameters such as penetration depth and subsurface resolution for acoustic AFM imaging. These definitions point to the need for analytical–numerical models based on mechanical surface impedance method and finite element modeling of arbitrary 2-D and 3-D structures buried under the surface. By using the 2-D and 3-D models, the dependence of penetration depth and subsurface resolution on material properties, subsurface structure geometry, and imaging parameters are investigated. It has been shown that high contrast between subsurface structure and substrate increases the detectability of the structure and the visible depth of the structure depends highly on the contact radius. Soft subsurface structures or voids can be detected with appropriate tip radius and force even if they are as deep as 450 nm. However, the sensitivity is higher while detecting stiff structures under thin soft layers. These results can be extrapolated for different applications using the presented guidelines.
Sperm Donation: Ethical Aspects

Because the practice of sperm donation for third-party reproduction has been in place for decades, it seems that as a sophisticated, industrialized society we would have solved the ethical dilemmas by now. Yet the proliferation of scholarship on the matter will alone testify that, alas, we have not. In the United States, and elsewhere in the Western world, sperm donation triggers debate regarding compensation; discriminatory and exclusionary screening practices; regulation of donor offspring numbers; how to balance offspring’s potential right to know of their biogenetic lineage with donors’ interest in anonymity; and how to reduce the transmission of genetic disease while both respecting offspring and donors’ right to not know their genotype, and preventing neo-eugenics policies and practices from emerging. This chapter surveys these debates, and addresses the larger issue: whether the fertility industry generally, and sperm donation industry particularly—currently subject to few restrictions—will require increased regulations and heightened governmental oversight in the years to come.
Abstract 11280: Long-Term Therapy with a Partial Adenosine A1-Receptor Agonist Improves Left Ventricular Systolic Function and Prevents Progressive Ventricular Remodeling in Dogs with Chronic Heart Failure

Background: Adenosine (AD) is an important component of the intrinsic cardioprotective arsenal of the heart. Many of the AD-induced protective effects are mediated through A1 receptor activation. The therapeutic use of AD A1 receptor agonists in cardiac diseases has been limited by undesirable actions of full AD A1 receptor agonism such as bradycardia. This study examined the long-term effects of partial AD A1-receptor agonism on left ventricular (LV) systolic function and chamber remodeling in dogs with chronic heart failure (HF) (LV ejection fraction, EF∼30%). Methods: Studies were performed in 12 HF dogs randomized to 3 months oral monotherapy with the partial A1 receptor agonist capadenoson (CAP) (7.5 mg twice daily, n=6) or to no therapy at all (Control, n=6). LV end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV) volumes, EF, mean aortic pressure (mAoP) and cardiac output (CO) were measured before initiating therapy (PRE) and at 3 months after initiating therapy (POST). Ambulatory 24 hours ECG Holter monitoring studies were also performed to determine average HR at PRE and POST. LV tissue obtained at POST was used for histomorphometeric assessment of volume fraction of interstitial fibrosis (VFIF), capillary density (CD), and myocyte cross-sectional area (MCSA), a measure of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Results: In Controls, EDV and ESV increased and EF decreased while CO and mAoP were unchanged. In CAP-treated dogs, EDV and mAoP were unchanged, while ESV decreased and EF and CO increased significantly (Table). There were no differences in ECG Holters-derived HR at between groups (Table). Compared to Controls, treatment with CAP reduced VFIF and MCSA and increased CD. Conclusions: In dogs with HF, long-term therapy with CAP improves LV function and prevents progressive LV remodeling in the absence of significant HR or blood pressure reduction. The findings support continued development of partial A1-receptor agonists for the treatment of chronic HF.
Photofragment Imaging, Spectroscopy, and Theory of MnO+

Density functional and ab initio calculations, along with photodissociation spectroscopy and ion imaging of MnO+ from 21,300 to 33,900 cm–1, are used to probe the photodissociation dynamics and bond strength of the manganese oxide cation (MnO+). These studies confirm the theoretical ground state (5Π) and determine the spin–orbit constant (A′ = 14 cm–1) of the dominant optically accessible excited state (5Π) in the region. Photodissociation via this excited 5Π state results in ground state Mn+ (7S) + O (3P) products. At energies above 30,000 cm–1, the Mn+ (5S) + O (3P) channel is energetically accessible and becomes the preferred dissociation pathway. The bond dissociation energy (D0 = 242 ± 5 kJ/mol) of MnO+ is measured from several images of each photofragmentation channel and compared to theory, resolving a disagreement in previous measurements. MRCI+Q calculations are much more successful in predicting the observed spectrum than TD-DFT or EOM-CCSD calculations.
New Perspectives on New Deal Housing Policy: Explicating and Mapping HOLC Loans to African Americans:

Scholarship on the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) has typically focused on this New Deal housing agency’s invention of redlining, with dire effects from this legacy of racial, ethnic, and cla...
Impact of induction immunosuppression on patient survival in heart transplant recipients treated with tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid in the current allocation era.

Background The practice of induction therapy with either rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) or interleukin-2 receptor antagonists (IL-2RA) is common among heart transplant recipients. However, its benefits in the setting of contemporary maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus/mycophenolic acid (TAC/MPA) are unknown. Methods We compared post-transplant mortality among three induction therapy strategies (r-ATG vs IL2-RA vs no induction) in a retrospective cohort analysis of heart transplant recipients maintained on TAC/MPA in the Organ Procurement Transplant Network (OPTN) database between the years 2006 and 2015. We used a multivariable model adjusting for clinically important co-morbidities, and a propensity score analysis using the inverse probability weighted (IPW) method in the final analysis. Results In multivariable IPW analysis, r-ATG (HR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.05-1.46, P = 0.01) remained significantly associated with a higher mortality. There was a trend toward having a higher mortality in the IL2-RA (HR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.00-1.24, P = 0.06) group. Subgroup analyses failed to show a patient survival benefit in using either r-ATG or IL2-RA among any of the subgroups analyzed. Conclusion In this contemporary cohort of heart transplant recipients receiving TAC/MPA, neither r-ATG nor IL2-RA were associated with a survival benefit. On the contrary, adjusted analyses showed a significantly higher mortality in the r-ATG group and a trend toward higher mortality in the IL2-RA group. While caution is needed in interpreting treatment effects in an observational cohort, these data call into question the benefit of induction therapy as a common practice and highlight the need for more studies.
Strategies to Ensure Accurate Calculation of Parameters of the VO 2 Response Profile During Heavy Intensity Cycle Ergometer Exercise

BackgroundThe parameters of the VO2 response profile are obtained by fitting breath-by-breath VO2 data from an exercise test to an appropriate mathematical model. Several strategies have been recommended to ensure, or at least improve, the accuracy of the values.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate two strategies to enhance the accuracy of parameter estimates that describe the two-component VO2 response during heavy intensity exercise. The first was to use data from a number of tests rather than just one. The second was to ‘smooth’ the data, using three-breath, five-breath, or seven-breath rolling averages of the breath-by-breath VO2 data prior to fitting the data to the two-component model.MethodsTwenty participants (eight women and twelve men) performed six 6-min heavy-intensity (midway between the ventilatory threshold and VO2max) cycle ergometer tests. Breath-by-breath data and smoothed data from each test were fit to a two-component model. The parameter estimates from the first test, and the average of the values from the first two, first three, first four, first five, and all six tests were compared against the criterion value, which was the average of all six values obtained using five-breath averages.ResultsModeling five-breath averages of data from the first test generated values for the parameters that were closely related to the criterion values. Modeling data from two or three tests improved the accuracy slightly, but improvements were small, and negligible when more than three tests were included.ConclusionsDepending upon the accuracy required, that is depending upon how close each and every participant’s value must be to his or her ‘true’ value, smoothed data from one or two tests is sufficient to calculate the values that describe the two-parameter VO2 response profile in heavy intensity cycling exercise.
T Lymphocytes in Acute Kidney Injury and Repair

Innate and adaptive immune systems participate in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI). Considerable data from different research teams have shown the importance of T lymphocytes in the pathophysiology of AKI and, more recently, prevention and repair. T cells can generate or resolve inflammation by secreting specific cytokines and growth factors as well as interact with other immune and stromal cells to induce kidney injury or promote tissue repair. There also are emerging data on the role of T cells in the progression of AKI to chronic kidney disease and organ cross-talk in AKI. These data set the stage for immunomodulatory therapies for AKI. This review focuses on the major populations of T lymphocytes and their roles as mediators for AKI and repair.
Practice patterns using minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of ovarian cancer: A survey of physician members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists

Abstract Retrospective studies suggest that minimally-invasive surgery may be safe and effective for the treatment of early-stage ovarian cancer as well as interval cytoreduction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Adoption rates and attitudes towards its use remain largely unknown. We aimed to determine the current use of minimally-invasive surgery for the treatment of ovarian cancer and identify perceived barriers towards further adoption of this method. Electronic survey was administered to physician members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology. Chi-square analysis was used to determine if any correlation existed between variables and the current use of minimally invasive surgery in general practice and, specifically, for the treatment of ovarian cancer. There was a survey response rate of 15.1%. Sixty-five percent of respondents practiced in an academic setting, and 32.1% of respondents had completed fellowship training within the past 5 years. Ninety percent of respondents were performing >50% of their current procedures using minimally invasive surgery. Over seventy percent of respondents said that they performed minimally invasive surgery for primary staging and interval cytoreductive surgery for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Concern for residual disease and lack of scientific validation were the most frequently cited barriers to the implementation of minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of ovarian cancer. A majority of respondents have adopted the use of MIS for the management of early stage ovarian cancer. Advances in imaging to detect occult tumor deposits and a randomized trial to study and promote the use of minimally invasive surgery in ovarian cancer is warranted.
Electrochemical Kinetics of SEI Growth on Carbon Black: Part I. Experiments

Author(s): Attia, PM; Das, S; Harris, SJ; Bazant, MZ; Chueh, WC | Abstract: Growth of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is a primary driver of capacity fade in lithium-ion batteries. Despite its importance to this device and intense research interest, the fundamental mechanisms underpinning SEI growth remain unclear. In Part I of this work, we present an electroanalytical method to measure the dependence of SEI growth on potential, current magnitude, and current direction during galvanostatic cycling of carbon black/Li half cells.We find that SEI growth strongly depends on all three parameters; most notably, we find SEI growth rates increase with nominal C rate and are significantly higher on lithiation than on delithiation. We observe this directional effect in both galvanostatic and potentiostatic experiments and discuss hypotheses that could explain this observation. This work identifies a strong coupling between SEI growth and charge storage (e.g., intercalation and capacitance) in carbon negative electrodes.
The Cryogenic Electron Microscopy Structure of the Cell Adhesion Regulator Metavinculin Reveals an Isoform-Specific Kinked Helix in Its Cytoskeleton Binding Domain

Vinculin and its heart-specific splice variant metavinculin are key regulators of cell adhesion processes. These membrane-bound cytoskeletal proteins regulate the cell shape by binding to several other proteins at cell-cell and cell-matrix junctions. Vinculin and metavinculin link integrin adhesion molecules to the filamentous actin network. Loss of both proteins prevents cell adhesion and cell spreading and reduces the formation of stress fibers, focal adhesions, or lamellipodia extensions. The binding of talin at cell-matrix junctions or of α-catenin at cell-cell junctions activates vinculin and metavinculin by releasing their autoinhibitory head-tail interaction. Once activated, vinculin and metavinculin bind F-actin via their five-helix bundle tail domains. Unlike vinculin, metavinculin has a 68-amino-acid insertion before the second α-helix of this five-helix F-actin-binding domain. Here, we present the full-length cryogenic electron microscopy structure of metavinculin that captures the dynamics of its individual domains and unveiled a hallmark structural feature, namely a kinked isoform-specific α-helix in its F-actin-binding domain. Our identified conformational landscape of metavinculin suggests a structural priming mechanism that is consistent with the cell adhesion functions of metavinculin in response to mechanical and cellular cues. Our findings expand our understanding of metavinculin function in the heart with implications for the etiologies of cardiomyopathies.
Good conversations: Grounding, convergence, and richness

Abstract We apply three communication theories (the collaborative theory of language use, communication accommodation theory, and media richness theory) to aspects of conversational structure (openings, closings) and communicative setting (audiovisual, written) in order to make predictions about how people will feel about conversational interactions. We distinguish between two sources of information that interlocutors use to evaluate conversations: conversational outcomes and subjective conversational experience. We propose that positive subjective conversational experience comes about when interlocutors reach common ground with one another and do so with the least required effort possible (collaborative theory of language use), converge on their language use and communicative behaviors (communication accommodation theory), and select the appropriate medium for their conversation to take place (media richness theory). This positive subjective conversational experience is an important component of good conversations.
An updated distance to the Cygnus Loop based on Gaia Early DR3

We present a revised distance to the Cygnus Loop supernova remnant of 725 ± 15 pc based on Gaia Early Data Release 3 parallax measurements (EDR3) for several stars previously found to be located either inside or behind the supernova based on the presence of high-velocity absorption lines in their spectra. This revised distance estimate and error means the Cygnus Loop remnant now has an estimated distance uncertainty comparable to that of its ≃18 pc radius.
2021 Supplement to Stephen H. Legomsky & David B. Thronson, Immigration and Refugee Law and Policy

This Supplement covers developments since the publication of the seventh edition of Immigration and Refugee Law and Policy (Foundation Press 2019, ISBN 9781640207349) in January 2019. It incorporates and replaces the 2019 and 2020 Supplements.
Topology-aware routing in structured peer-to-peer overlay networks

Structured peer-to-peer (p2p) overlay networks like CAN, Chord, Pastry and Tapestry [19.14], [19.20], [19.17], [19.22] provide a self-organizing substrate for large-scale p2p applications. They can implement a scalable, fault-tolerant distributed hash table (DHT), in which any item can be located within a small number of routing hops using a small per-node routing table. These systems have been used in a variety of distributed applications, including distributed stores [19.7], [19.18], [19.10], [19.6], event notification, and content distribution [19.23], [19.5], [19.9], [19.4].
The basal component of the nematode dense-body is vinculin

We have constructed a genomic DNA expression library and screened it with antibodies in order to clone the deb-1 gene from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. This gene encodes a protein found at the base of the muscle dense-bodies, structures which attach actin thin filaments to the sarcolemma. We report the complete sequence of the deb-1 gene, its localization on the C. elegans genetic map, and the finding that it encodes a protein with a sequence very similar to chicken vinculin. We also show that the difference in size between this nematode protein and chicken vinculin is due in part to the absence from the nematode sequence of one of the three internal repeats found in the chicken sequence.
A Finite Dimensional Integrable System Arising in the Study of Shock Clustering

In this work, we consider a finite dimensional Hamiltonian system that contains as a special case an exact discretization of the Lax equation for shock clustering. We characterize the generic coadjoint orbits of the underlying Lie group and establish the Liouville integrability of the system on such orbits. We also solve the Hamiltonian equation explicitly via Riemann–Hilbert factorization problems.
Coagulation in a rotating cylinder

The need for laboratory systems to study coagulation processes in the ocean has led to the use of rotating cylinders as a means to simulate particle dynamics in marine systems. While their hydrodynamics are well understood, the nature of coagulation in them has not been analyzed. This article derives corrections to the standard coagulation equations that describe particle dynamics in the system and simulates the development of a growing algal culture. The results are compared to simulations of algal coagulation in an oceanic mixed layer. Coagulation rates are initially slower in the rotating system because of the lack of shear, but rates increase as coagulation creates larger particles that become concentrated within smaller regions of the rotating vessel. Once there is active coagulation, the reactors form a disproportionate number of the largest aggregates because large particles must remain within the vessel, whereas they can fall out of the surface mixed layer in the ocean. In addition, coagulation for larger particles within the rotating tanks is faster than in nature. These simulation results suggest that rotating coagulators simulate ocean conditions best in early stages of coagulation, before large particles form and are concentrated within smaller regions of the tanks. Having a quantitative description of the dynamics within the rotating tanks provides a means of testing hypotheses about ocean particle dynamics.
As(V) and PO4 Removal by an Iron-Impregnated Activated Carbon in a Single and Binary Adsorbate System: Experimental and Surface Complexation Modeling Results

AbstractThe objective of this study was to predict As(V) removal by an iron-oxide impregnated carbon (L-Act, 9% Fe(III) amorphous iron-oxide) over a range of environmental conditions using the surface complexation modeling (SCM) approach. The L-Act surface sites and electric double layer were modeled using the two monoprotic site-diffuse layer model (2MDLM). As(V) and PO4 surface complexes were modeled as bidentate complexes at low hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and monodentate complexes at high pH. L-Act-As/PO4 surface complexation constants were determined from a single pH-adsorbent edge, and these were used to effectively predict pH-dependent removal of As(V) and PO4 across a range of adsorbent/adsorbate ratios in single and binary adsorbate systems and from a National Sanitation Foundation challenge water. The 2MDLM also successfully predicted As(V) removal by three literature-based iron-based adsorbents: two iron-impregnated ion exchange resins (PWX5, 16% Fe; PWX3, 10% Fe) and a hydrous ferric oxide...
Correlation of Increased Metabolic Activity, Resistance to Infection, Enhanced Phagocytosis, and Inhibition of Bacterial Growth by Macrophages from Listeria- and BCG-Infected Mice

Macrophages from mice infected with facultative intracellular organisms such as Listeria monocytogenes and BCG have been shown to resist infection by antigenically unrelated intracellular bacterial parasites. This study compares phagocytosis, bacterial growth inhibition, and oxidation of glucose by macrophages from normal mice, mice infected with listeria or BCG, or mice immunized with killed listeria in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Macrophages from listeria- and BCG-infected mice ingested more listeria; 67 and 57%, respectively, had three or more cell-associated bacteria versus 22% of controls (P < 0.001). Peritoneal macrophages from listeria- and BCG-infected animals significantly (P < 0.001 covariance analysis) inhibited growth of listeria in suspension, whereas control macrophages had no such inhibitory effect. The rate of oxidation of glucose-1-(14)C was higher in macrophages from listeria- and BCG-infected mice than from either uninfected animals or those immunized with killed listeria. During phagocytosis of killed or live bacteria, or latex particles, the rate of glucose oxidation was increased (P < 0.01). These data suggest that the cellular immunity after infection by an intracellular organism is associated with an increase in metabolic activity of macrophages, namely, an increase in the rate of glucose oxidation resulting in enhancement of phagocytosis and killing.
An interdisciplinary model of soybean yield in the Amazon Basin: The climatic, edaphic, and economic determinants

Abstract Soybean production is one of the main economic forces driving the expansion of the agricultural frontier in the Brazilian Amazon. To assess the potential for expansion we estimate a model of soybean yield that integrates the major climatic, edaphic, and economic determinants in the Amazon Basin. Yield is modeled as a function of yield as simulated by a crop physiology model that captures the effects of climate and physical attributes on the development of soybean plant; fertilizer applications; and economic/spatial parameters such as credit, transports costs and latitude. Current values of these determinants indicate that roughly 20% of Amazon Region or ∼ 1,000,000 km 2 (excluding protected areas) can generate yields greater than 2000 kg/ha. Soybean production may be possible over a wider area of Amazon, but realizing this potential requires improvements in economic determinants such as the transportation infrastructure.
The quasibinary system In2Te3-SnTe

Abstract Thermal analysis, micrographic, and X-ray techniques have been used to investigate the In2Te3-SnTe isopleth of the ternary system In-Te-Sn. The diagram is a simple eutectic type with no ternary compound formation. The eutectic melts at 611 °C and contains 20 wt.% SnTe, 80 wt.% In2Te3. The solid-solubility of SnTe in In2Te3 is less than 0.5%, but the solid-solubility of In2Te3 in SnTe at the eutectic temperature is 20%. At 550 °C the latter solubility is 15%.
Regulation of Cellular and System Function by Activin

Activin is an important molecule that regulates hormonogenesis, cellular homeostasis (divide or die pathways), and differentiation programs (developmentally and in adult cells). The cellular mechanisms that integrate an activin signal into a physiological response include a binary receptor complex and tandem serine threonine kinases, intracellular signal mediators, and nuclear transcription factors. Activin antagonists (inhibins) and bioneutralizing binding proteins (follistatins) act as gating molecules to ensure accurate delivery of activin signals to cellular machinery. Correct execution of an activin cue intracellularly permits actions as fundamental as embryonic mesoderm development, neuronal survival, hematopoietic function, and reproductive cyclicity. Absent or incorrect activin signaling results in phenotypes as catastrophic as embryonic lethality, tumor formation, and infertility. The general ways in which a cell senses and responds to an activin signal will be reviewed in the first part of this paper. The role of this ligand in reproductive function will also be examined as a specific example of activin activity.
Characteristics of directors of medical student education in psychiatry.

A 27-item questionnaire that focused on general characteristics of directors of medical student education in psychiatry was sent to 132 U.S. medical schools (return rate: 64%, or 84 questionnaires). A tally of the responses revealed that the directors are relatively young, mostly male, with some appointed to their position relatively soon after resi-dency. They have been in this position for a relatively short time, and their replacement rate is fairly high. They are frequently on a clinical track, generating their income from several sources. The women did not endorse research as a major activity as often as the men. The implications of these findings and some recommendations are discussed.
China's sovereignty over its offshore oil and the new Law of the Sea

Abstract China's offshore petroleum resources law establishes a broad framework of principles and guidelines for petroleum operations on the continental shelf. Some of its provisions are rooted in its experiences of subjugation by imperialist powers. China has not yet defined the limit of its continental shelf; there are boundary disputes with Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Trends in law of the sea such as equitable principles and the erosion of physical definitions of the continental shelf offer a solution to these boundary problems. Joint development may be a workable option for some of the disputes. For the Vietnam-China boundary issue, however, rapprochement between China and the Soviet Union is a necessary first step.
THE ENDOGENOUS HEAT-STABLE GLUCOCORTICOID RECEPTOR STABILIZING FACTOR AND THE H-2 LOCUS

Abstract It has recently been suggested that the level of the endogenous glucocorticoid receptor stabilizing factor in mouse liver is regulated by the major hisiocompatibility, H-2 . complex (Katsumata et al . [1]). We have developed an asssay for the activity of the endogenous heat-stable factor in mouse liver and have assayed this factor in liver cytosols prepared from two pairs of two H-2 congenic mouse strains. Our results show that the amount of the endogenous factor is the same in all four mouse strains and that it is not regulated by the H-2 locus.
Design of virtual private networks (VPNs) over optical wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) networks

The bandwidth requirements of the Internet are increasing every day and there are newer and more bandwidth-thirsty applications emerging on the horizon. Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is the next step towards leveraging the capabilities of the optical fiber, especially for wide-area backbone networks. Virtual private networks are seen as the killer applications of tomorrow, and a great amount of research and development effort is being channeled into finding efficient ways for implementing them. In our work, we introduce the notion of VPNs operating over optical wavelength-routed WDM backbone networks. We formulate the problem of VPN design over optical WDM networks as an integer linear problem. A new method to deal with traffic from diverse VPNs is introduced and its performance analyzed.
Applications of the atomic candle: accessing low-frequency amplitude variations via an atomic time interval

Just as it is possible to stabilize the frequency of an electromagnetic field to an atomic resonance between energy eigenstates, so too is it possible to stabilize the amplitude (or 'brightness') of a field to atomic parametric resonances, the so-called Rabi-resonances. For ease of reference, and by analogy to the atomic clock, we have coined the term 'atomic candle' for this quantum-mechanical, amplitude-stabilization system. Though the atomic candle was originally developed to stabilize microwave power in gas-cell atomic clocks, thereby eliminating a source of timekeeping instability in these devices, the atomic candle's applications extend well beyond the area of precise timekeeping. Basically, the atomic-candle provides a means for detecting and controlling subtle amplitude changes in electromagnetic fields at very low Fourier frequencies (i.e., f < 0.1 Hz). In the present work, we discuss a number of atomic candle applications: laser stabilization, absorption/refractive-index measurements, observations of cavity mode stability over very long time scales (i.e., 50 days), and measurements of low-frequency absorption/scattering fluctuations along a propagation path.
An ERP investigation of the co-development of hemispheric lateralization of face and word recognition.

The adult human brain would appear to have specialized and independent neural systems for the visual processing of words and faces. Extensive evidence has demonstrated greater selectivity for written words in the left over right hemisphere, and, conversely, greater selectivity for faces in the right over left hemisphere. This study examines the emergence of these complementary neural profiles, as well as the possible relationship between them. Using behavioral and neurophysiological measures, in adults, we observed the standard finding of greater accuracy and a larger N170 ERP component in the left over right hemisphere for words, and conversely, greater accuracy and a larger N170 in the right over the left hemisphere for faces. We also found that although children aged 7–12 years revealed the adult hemispheric pattern for words, they showed neither a behavioral nor a neural hemispheric superiority for faces. Of particular interest, the magnitude of their N170 for faces in the right hemisphere was related to that of the N170 for words in their left hemisphere. These findings suggest that the hemispheric organization of face recognition and of word recognition does not develop independently, and that word lateralization may precede and drive later face lateralization. A theoretical account for the findings, in which competition for visual representations unfolds over the course of development, is discussed.
Longitudinal changes in phonological whole-word measures in 2-year-olds

AbstractThe purpose of this investigation was to describe changes in whole-word productions in the speech of children as they aged from 24 to 36 months. Spontaneous language samples were obtained from 12 participants during parent–child interactions every 3 months, beginning with each participant's second birthday. Fifty different words from each sample were analysed to determine changes in a variety of whole-word measures including phonological mean length of utterance (PMLU) for target words and words produced, proportion of whole-word proximity (PWP), and proportion of words produced correctly (PWC). Significant changes in whole-word measures were evidenced by the participants over the course of the investigation, and those scores did not show stabilization by the age of 36 months.
Bacterial chemotaxis transverse to axial flow in a microfluidic channel

Swimming bacteria sense and respond to chemical signals in their environment. Chemotaxis is the directed migration of a bacterial population toward increasing concentrations of a chemical that they perceive to be beneficial to their survival. Bacteria that are indigenous to groundwater environments exhibit chemotaxis toward chemical contaminants such as hydrocarbons, which they are also able to degrade. This phenomenon may facilitate bioremediation processes by bringing bacteria into closer proximity to these contaminants. A microfluidic device was assembled to study chemotaxis transverse to advective flow. Using a T-shaped channel design (T-sensor), two fluid streams were brought into contact by impinging flow. They then flowed adjacent to each other along a transparent channel. An advantage to this design is that it allows real-time visualization of bacterial distributions within the channel. Under laminar flow conditions a chemotactic driving force was created perpendicular to the direction of flow by diffusion of the chemical attractant from one input stream to the other. A comparison of the chemotactic band behavior in the absence and presence of flow showed that fluid velocity did not significantly impede chemotactic migration in the transverse direction.
Measuring the impact of incentive regulation on technical efficiency in telecommunications in the United States

Abstract The question addressed is whether the adoption of incentive regulation, which has become an important regulatory tool in the telecommunications industry in the United States, has resulted in a change in the technical efficiency of local exchange carriers in the United States. After providing an overview of the nature of incentive regulation, a methodology for measuring technical efficiency and its change is introduced. This is a multiple-output/multiple-input distance function approach to measuring technical efficiency. The results of implementing this approach for 19 local exchange carriers for the 1988–2001 period indicate that in the production of local service, intrastate toll/access service, and interstate access to local loops, there was no change in technical efficiency between the 1988–1990 period and the 1991–2001 period, something that incentive regulation was specifically designed to promote.
Direct In Situ Observation and Numerical Simulations of Non-Shrinking-Core Behavior in an MCMB Graphite Composite Electrode

Most models of battery charging assume a shrinking core model with a Lithium-rich shell and Li-poor core. In this study, we provide direct experimental evidence from in situ optical measurements and that suggests that the lithiation of (spherical) MCMB (meso carbon micro beads) particles do not follow the shriking-core model, even for particles which eventually become uniformly lithiated. We observe “hot spots” which expand until the particles are fully charged. The observations are explained using a microstructural model of MCMB particles that 1) accounts for their polycrystalline nature, 2) anisotropy in diffusion and 3) dependence of the intercalation rate at the surface on the orientation of the graphene planes. We show that our model reproduces the key features of the charging process observed in experiments. Implications of these results to Li-plating are discussed. © 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.055209jes] All rights reserved.
Positive reinforcement: An extension of the Premack principle to response chains'

Premack’s principle, which applies only to response pairs, was tested on response chains composed of three differentially probable responses, arranged in two different sequences. The principle applied to one chain, but not to the other. A revision of Premack’s principle is proposed which permits an account of the reinforcement relations that may be obtained between the responses which compose a response chain, as well as an account of the reinforcement relation between response pairs.
Neurotrophic regulation of resting membrane potential and acetylcholine sensitivity in rat extensor digitorum longus muscle.

Abstract In this study the effect of brief exposure of rat sciatic nerve to various concentrations of colchicine was examined. Low concentrations (4 to 15 m m ) did not affect the resting membrane potential of extensor digitorum longus muscles but increased their acetylcholine (ACh) sensitivity. Intermediate concentrations (30 to 60 m m ) reduced the resting membrane potential and increased ACh sensitivity. High concentrations (120 to 240 m m ) impaired neuromuscular transmission in addition to reducing the resting membrane potential and increasing ACh sensitivity. The changes caused by 30 to 60 m m colchicine were not correlated with any detectable change in muscle activity and were not due to a direct effect of colchicine on muscle because muscles from the treated and contralateral sides invariably contained the same concentration of colchicine whereas changes in the resting membrane potential and ACh sensitivity occurred only on the treated side. These changes were evident in 3 days, progressed to a maximum in 5 to 7 days, and returned almost to normal 16 days after 60 m m colchicine treatment. The block of axoplasmic transport caused by 60 m m colchicine was examined and behaved in a manner consistent with the concept that it is responsible for the decrease in resting membrane potential and the increase in ACh sensitivity. The block was most severe in 1 day, had recovered considerably in 7 days, and was essentially gone 17 to 21 days after colchicine application.
Lenalidomide therapy in del(5)(q31)-associated myelofibrosis: cytogenetic and JAK2V617F molecular remissions.

Lenalidomide therapy in del(5)(q31)-associated myelofibrosis: cytogenetic and JAK2 V617F molecular remissions
Characterization of a Ca(II)-, Mineral-Interactive Polyelectrolyte Sequence from the Adhesive Elastomeric Biomineralization Protein Lustrin A

The lustrin protein superfamily represents a class of elastomeric biomineralization proteins which are localized between layered aragonite mineral plates (i.e., nacre layers) in mollusk shell. These proteins exhibit adhesive behavior within the mineralized matrix, suggesting that there may be interfacial interactions between lustrin proteins and aragonite mineral surfaces and/or other surfaces of organic matrix components. Previously, within one lustrin protein (Lustrin A) we identified a 24 amino acid Asp-rich polyelectrolyte sequence, named D4, which adopts an open, unfolded conformation in solution. This sequence contains a putative Ca(II) interaction sequence, −DTDADSGSD−, which potentially represents a site for Ca(II)-mediated Lustrin A−mineral or Lustrin A−organic matrix interactions. In this present study, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, circular dichroism, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we confirm that the D4 sequence is a Ca(II)-bi...
“This is MY school, NOT YOURS” A Novice Assistant Principal's Attempt to Lead

A novice assistant principal, eager to lead, begins her career as an administrator in school beset with problems and far removed from the textbook definitions of learning community . She works with...
Using Student-Produced Time-Lapse Plant Movies to Communicate Concepts in Plant Biology

Why do students think plants are “boring”? One factor may be that they do not see plant movement in real (i.e., their) time. This attitude may negatively impact their understanding of plant biology. Time-lapse movies of plants allow students to see the sophistication of movements involved in both organ development and orientation. The objective of this project was to develop simple methods to capture image sequences for lab analysis and for converting into movies. The technology for making time-lapse movies is now easily attainable and fairly inexpensive, allowing its use for skill levels from grade school through college undergraduates. Presented are example time-lapse movie exercises from both an undergraduate plant physiology course and outreach activities. The time-lapse plant exercises are adaptable to explore numerous topics that incorporate science standards core concepts, competencies, and disciplinary practices as well as to integrate higher order thinking skills and build skills in hypothesis development and communicating results to various audiences.
THE ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF NONECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTS BY AMERICAN FIRMS: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

This paper reports preliminary results of a study of how relatively large U.S. international firms assess noneconomic environments, how the resulting evaluations are integrated into decision making or planning, and how the process affects managerial strategy. A mailed survey of 455 firms was followed up by personal interviews with approximately 113 managers in 37 firms selected via a stratified quota sample of respondents. Findings support a conclusion that assessment and evaluation of nonmarket environments is emerging as a new managerial function in relatively large international firms. Over half of the respondents indicated that they have a group or groups which have been assigned formal assessment responsibility; however, both the survey results and interview data suggest a number of problems with current practice. Assessments tends to be reactive rather than active; the most important sources of information about environments are internal to the firm; assessments are typically not conducted independently of an investment or planning proposal; and resulting evaluations serve as a context in which decisions are taken rather than as input to a decision-making process.
THE ROLES OF SIDE CHAIN AND BACKBONE IN PROTEIN STRUCTURE PROBED WITH GLYCINE- AND SARCOSINE-RICH SYNTHETIC LEUCINE ZIPPER PEPTIDES

Abstract The protein folding problem has long been a formidable challenge. Here we present a synthetic natural motif approach that exploits small preexisting structural models for the dissection of forces important in protein folding. An example for this approach is shown in the modification of a 31-residue leucine zipper peptide with the helix-breaking amino acid glycine and the hydrogen bond-breaking imino acid sarcosine. Circular dichroism and NMR experiments have shown that the glycine-modified leucine zipper peptide adopts a stable helical conformation similar to the native conformation while the sarcosine-modified leucine zipper peptide adopts a random coil conformation. These results provide valuable insight into the current controversy over the relative importance of long-range side chain–side chain interactions versus local backbone interactions in protein structure and suggest that the natural motif strategy may represent a useful model to study protein folding.