cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managing the Macaw: Third-Party Harassers, Accommodation, and the Disaggregation of Discriminatory Intent

This Article exploits an anomaly in Title VII doctrine to develop a new theory of employment discrimination law. The anomaly is employers' liability for not protecting employees from harassment by customers or other third parties. Plaintiffs prevail without establishing either disparate treatment or disparate impact. Instead, their claims essentially assert denial of reasonable accommodations, notwithstanding the consensus that Title VII disallows such claims. To understand this anomaly, I propose disaggregating discriminatory intent into two functions. One identifies the presence of "membership causation": workplace harm caused by the employee's membership in a protected class. Membership causation also can arise without the employer's discriminatory intent, as it does with third-party harassment and nonaccommodation generally. The second function establishes the employer's responsibility for preventing membership causation. Hostile work environment claims explicitly inquire into employer responsibility apart from causation, as do nonaccommodation claims. These structural continuities facilitate Title VII liability where membership causation exists in conjunction with some basis for employer responsibility other than its discriminatory intent, such as its negligence. This analysis also illuminates a series of other confused areas where Title VII doctrine deviates from a discriminatory intent standard without turning to disparate impact. Membership causation and employer responsibility enable a theoretical synthesis of disparate treatment and nonaccommodation. That synthesis offers employment discrimination law a firmer normative foundation in liberal egalitarian thought. Such a theory may provide an alternative to established approaches built on discriminatory intent or group subordination while retaining their primary virtues.
Mixed-species biofilm compromises wound healing by disrupting epidermal barrier function.

Biofilm represents a specialized growth form of bacteria that allows them to evade both diagnosis and eradication. Though a recent discovery, biofilm permeates medicine and is especially impactful on chronic wounds. Biofilm negatively impacts wound healing by allowing for prolonged inflammation, evasion of host immune responses, and disruption of the skin barrier function. Although wounds with biofilm infection are able to heal and re-epithelialize, the barrier function of the skin is quite compromised due to a direct effect on the functioning of tight junctions. The overall result of impaired skin barrier function can be increased risk of infection and additional complications.
Difference in B Cell Mitogen Responsiveness Between Closely Related Strains of Mice

Spleen cells from C3H/HeJ mice respond very poorly to the mitogenic action of endotoxin (LPS) in vitro whereas cells from a very closely related strain, C3H/HeN respond very well. An analysis of the genetic similarity of these two strains was performed. There is no significant MLR measurable between cells of these strains under a variety of culture conditions. They do not manifest a significant graft-vs-host response nor do they reject reciprocal skin grafts. Because of this genetic similarity, it is possible to reconstitute the LPS response of nonresponder mice by an adoptive transfer of spleen cells from C3H/HeN mice. This strain pair should therefore prove useful in analyzing the genetic and cellular basis of endotoxin reactivity.
Traffic barrier performance related to passenger car characteristics

Etude des performances des barrieres de securite en fonction des caracteristiques d'une automobile
ADP and epinephrine-induced release of platelet fibrinogen

Human platelets gel-filtered into Tyrode's buffer containing 1 mM Mg++ and 0.35% bovine serum albumin were studied to determine whether they would undergo biphasic aggregation and release of alpha-granule proteins in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or epinephrine without addition of exogenous fibrinogen. Fibrinogen concentration in the supernatant of unaggregated gel-filtered platelets was less than 1 pmole/ml. With addition of ADP or epinephrine, biphasic aggregation was seen, with release of platelet fibrinogen, beta-thromboglobulin, and platelet factor 4. Fibrinogen concentration in the supernatant after aggregation ranged from 15 to 70 pmole/ml. Release of the alpha-granule proteins by epinephrine was coincidental with release of the dense granule adenine nucleotides. Aggregation and alpha-granule protein release by both ADP and epinephrine were inhibited by added Ca++ at 1--2 mM. The ability of gel-filtered platelets to undergo ADP- and epinephrine-induced aggregation and release in the absence of exogenous fibrinogen suggests that released platelet fibrinogen may be able to fulfill the requirement for fibrinogen in ADP- and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation and release.
An Exploration of Neural Networks and Its Application to Real Estate Valuation

This research applies neural network (NN) technology to real estate appraisal and compares the performance of two NN models in estimating the sales price of residential properties with a traditiona...
CALGB 50401: A randomized trial of lenalidomide alone versus lenalidomide plus rituximab in patients with recurrent follicular lymphoma.

8000 Background: Lenalidomide (L) and rituximab (R) are active as single agents in follicular (FL) and other B-cell lymphomas, although combination strategies have not been previously assessed in a...
Sustainable Human Development: Concepts and Priorities

In preparation for the discussion that will arise from recent efforts to study the degree of consistency between economic growth and social concerns and between economic growth and sustainable development this paper that was prepared as background for the UNs "Human Development Report 1992" has been reissued. The simple but far-reaching thesis of this paper is that recognition of a shared claim of present and future generations to the basic capacity to lead worthwhile lives may be the link between human and social development. This theme is explored in four chapters. The first introduces the concept of universalism which is an elementary demand for impartiality applied within and between generations. Thus contemporary human development must be integrated with safeguards for future human development. Chapter 2 considers contrasts and convergence in development approaches that focus on human development or on overall wealth. The human development approach is described as embracing the universalist perspective and focusing on the capability to lead worthwhile lives. It is argued that application of this approach which calls for reproductive freedom would contribute to the solution of the population problem. The third chapter considers the environment and sustainable development in terms of intergenerational equity and sustainable development and intergenerational justice and human development. The final chapter looks at development and human agency in terms of institutions; markets and governance; values information and indicators; and the relationship between human capital and human development. This chapter ends with the warning that the development efforts must always regard the quality of human life as an end in itself and consider humans as persons not merely the means of production. An appendix applies a two-period model to a consideration of the relationship between optimal development and sustainable development.
The Spectrum of Irritant-Induced Asthma: Sudden and Not-So-Sudden Onset and the Role of Allergy

A retrospective investigation of 86 asthmatic subjects defined clinical features of irritant-induced asthma and assessed the contributory role of an allergic predisposition. Three categories of asthma were evaluated: (1) occupational asthma due to a sensitizer (11 subjects, 13%); (2) irritant-induced asthma (54 persons, 63%); and (3) not occupational/environmental exposure-related asthma (21 subjects, 24%). Two distinct clinical presentations of irritant-induced asthma emerged: the first was sudden onset (29 subjects) and the second was not so sudden in onset (25 subjects). Sudden-onset, irritant-induced asthma was analogous to the reactive airways dysfunction syndrome. Clinical manifestations began immediately or within a few hours (always within 24 h) following an accidental, brief, and massive exposure. In contrast, for the not-so-sudden-onset asthma subjects, the causative irritant exposure was not brief, usually not massive, continued for >24 h, and the initiation of asthma took longer to evolve. Eighty-eight percent of individuals with not-so-sudden irritant-induced asthma displayed an atopy/allergy status (p
Instructional Design for Online Course Development

There is a big difference between preparing to teach in the classroom and preparing to teach online. The classroom environment is typically marked by a level of spontaneity in instruction; beyond the preparation-the course syllabus and the PowerPoint slides, for example-the delivery of the course is largely altered by both the dynamics of the class and the impromptu decisions of the professor. Mediating this dynamic is the nature of the subject matter itself-teaching a course in computer programming varies dramatically from a course in sociology. The goal of this article is to explain the uses and misuses of instructional design, its foundational frameworks, and its implications for online education.
Prevention of postpneumonectomy syndrome in children with prophylactic tissue expander insertion

Abstract Introduction Postpneumonectomy syndrome (PPS) is an often life-threatening complication of pneumonectomy that occurs in up to 15% of children. This occurrence is higher than in adults, presumably because of more elastic tissues in younger patients. Methods We present a case series of 4 pediatric patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in whom prophylactic tissue expanders were inserted immediately after pneumonectomy. Results Insertion of the tissue expander and prevention of PPS was successful in all patients. The presence of the tissue expander did not result in infection in any patient. Our only complication was rupture of the tissue expander in 1 patient, but by the time of removal, a capsule had already formed within the lung and replacement was unnecessary. Conclusion This case series, although limited in number and follow-up, presents evidence that prophylactic tissue expander insertion appears to be a safe option for children requiring pneumonectomy. Its insertion at the time of pneumonectomy may prevent the devastating complications of PPS. Because it may result in a higher total number of procedures, the benefits must be weighed against the risks of insertion and decisions made for individual patients on a case-by-case basis.
Revealing linear aggregates of light harvesting antenna proteins in photosynthetic membranes.

How light energy is harvested in a natural photosynthetic membrane through energy transfer is closely related to the stoichiometry and arrangement of light harvesting antenna proteins in the membrane. The specific photosynthetic architecture facilitates a rapid and efficient energy transfer among the light harvesting proteins (LH2 and LH1) and to the reaction center. Here we report the identification of linear aggregates of light harvesting proteins, LH2, in the photosynthetic membranes under ambient conditions by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging and spectroscopic analysis. Our results suggest that the light harvesting protein, LH2, can exist as linear aggregates of 4 ± 2 proteins in the photosynthetic membranes and that the protein distributions are highly heterogeneous. In the photosynthetic membranes examined in our measurements, the ratio of the aggregated to the nonaggregated LH2 proteins is about 3:1 to 5:1 depending on the intensity of the illumination used during sample incubation and o...
Effect of diallyl sulfide, a naturally occurring anti-carcinogen, on glutathione-dependent detoxification enzymes of female CD-1 mouse tissues

Abstract The present studies were undertaken to elucidate the mechanism(s) of the anti-neoplastic effect of diallyl sulfide (allyl sulfide, DAS), a naturally occurring organosulfide abundant in vegetables of the Allium genus, against benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[a]P)-induced carcinogenesis in the mouse. DAS treatment caused a significant increase in glutathione S -transferase (GST) activity, an enzyme system responsible for detoxification of a variety of electrophilic xenobiotics including several harmful B[a]P metabolites, of mouse stomach in a dose-dependent manner. This activity in the stomach of mice treated with 25, 50 and 75 μmol DAS was higher by 1.13-, 1.20- and 1.58-fold, respectively, when compared to the control. Purification and quantitation of GST from equal amounts (1.2g) of control and 50 μmol DAS-treated mice stomach tissues demonstrated that elevation in activity occurred as a result of increased de novo synthesis of the enzyme protein. DAS treatment also resulted in increased pulmonary GST activity, but not in a dose-dependent fashion. On the other hand, treatment of mice with DAS did not alter hepatic GST activity. Interestingly, a small but statistically significant (P ⩽ 0.05) reduction in kidney GST activity was observed in mice treated with 50 or 75 μmol DAS, as compared to the control. The effect of DAS treatment was also assessed on glutathione (GSH) peroxidase activity, another GSH-dependent detoxification enzyme, in mouse tissues. Treatment of animals with 25, 50 and 75 μmol DAS increased stomach GSH peroxidase activity by 1.64-, 1.93- and 2.52-fold, respectively, over the control. This enzyme activity in the lungs of mice treated with 25, 50 and 75 μmol DAS was higher by 1.44-, 1.54- and 1.21-fold, respectively, when compared to the control. On the other hand, GSH peroxidase activity in liver and kidney was unchanged by DAS treatment. These results suggest that DAS and perhaps other naturally occurring organosulfur compounds may exert an anti-neoplastic effect by modulating GSH-dependent detoxification enzymes.
Ecology and genomics of Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis is a remarkably diverse bacterial species that is capable of growth within many environments. Recent microarray-based comparative genomic analyses have revealed that members of this species also exhibit considerable genomic diversity. The identification of strain-specific genes might explain how B. subtilis has become so broadly adapted. The goal of identifying ecologically adaptive genes could soon be realized with the imminent release of several new B. subtilis genome sequences. As we embark upon this exciting new era of B. subtilis comparative genomics we review what is currently known about the ecology and evolution of this species.
Cognitive functioning in Lesch–Nyhan syndrome: a 4‐year follow‐up study

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome (LNS) is a rare disorder of metabolism caused by a defective gene on the X chromosome. It is typically characterized by choreoathetosis, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, and self-mutilation. The present study is a 4-year follow-up investigation of the cognitive status of six subjects with a mean age of 17 years 10 months (range 14 years 9 months to 23 years). The Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scale: IV was used. Each of the four domains assessed by this battery (verbal reasoning, abstract/visual reasoning, quantitative, and short-term memory) was compared with previous findings of the same subjects at their initial test and 2-year follow up; the aim being to gain further insight into the clinical course of LNS over time. The results suggest that while the subjects generally continued to acquire new information and skills over time, their standardized scores declined, indicating that a plateau was reached in their skill levels relative to their peers, as also seen in other developmental disabilities. Deficits were noted in working memory, particularly on tasks that involve considering multiple features simultaneously.
PSYCHIATRIC IMPLICATIONS OF PRESYMPTOMATIC TESTING FOR HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE

Responses of 69 at-risk individuals suggest that potential for psychiatric problems exists for those testing positive for the Huntington Disease gene and for their relatives. Their families were found to have high rates of psychiatric dysfunctions and suicide. Poorly developed social support networks and the psychological defensive strategies of many at-risk people may also contribute to post-test psychiatric morbidity. The active involvement of mental health professionals is emphasized.
Development of novel Alicyclobacillus spp. isolation medium

Aim: To develop a new isolation medium with higher recovery rates of Alicyclobacillus spp. Methods and Results: SK agar was developed with optimized incubation temperature, pH, acidulant, Tween 80 concentration and divalent cation addition. Results indicate that detection of Alicyclobacillus spp. by SK agar was significantly higher (P > 0·05) than those obtained by K agar, orange serum agar, and potato dextrose agar. Conclusions: Current media used for Alicyclobacillus spp. isolation still resulted in high numbers of false negative products. The sensitivity of SK agar to Alicyclobacillus spp. allows detection of low numbers of Alicyclobacillus spp. and also provides a more higher isolation results compared with currently used media. Significance and Impact of the Study: SK agar will be useful to the fruit juice industry to obtain more accurate numbers of contaminant Alicyclobacillus spp. With this media, false negative samples can be reduced, and the likelihood of exported products being rejected can be greatly reduced.
Inorganic single crystals from reactions in fused salts

Abstract A number of new compounds as well as some well-established ones have been synthesized in single crystal form by the reaction of fused CaCl 2 and BaCl 2 with water and solid oxides. Structural and other physical parameters of the products are reported.
Thermal management for high-power active amplifier arrays

Much of the active array work reported to date has been directed toward the demonstration of prototypes at low-power levels. Analysis results presented here show that overheating failures will occur as these arrays are scaled to reasonable output powers. Large air-cooled heat sinks attached to the backside of a thinned array can be used for single-sided designs such as oscillator arrays, but heat sinking becomes substantially more difficult for two-sided transmission-type arrays. For these designs, a possible solution is described which uses an aluminum-nitride dielectric layer to facilitate conduction to heat sinks on the array's perimeter.
Effect of Heating Schedule on the Microstructure and Fracture Toughness of α‐SiAlON—Cause and Solution

The effect of heating schedule on microstructure and fracture resistance has been investigated in single-phase Nd-, Y-, and Yb-α-SiAlON. Such effect is strongly system dependent, reflecting the strong influence of phase stability on α-SiAON nucleation and the amount of transient/residual liquid during processing. The addition of 1% of α-SiAlON seeds to the starting powders nearly completely obliterates such effect, while it simultaneously improves microstructure homogeneity and fracture resistance. SENB toughness of 7 MPa·m1/2 and peak R-curve toughness of ∼11 MPa·m1/2 have been obtained for seeded Y-α-SiAlON ceramics using heating rates from 1°C/min to 25°C/min.
Growth-phase-dependent response to DNA damage in poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase deficient cell lines: basis for a new hypothesis describing the role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in DNA replication and repair

We have studied the role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in the repair of DNA damage induced by x-ray and N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) by using V79 Chinese hamster cells, and two derivative mutant cell lines, ADPRT54 and ADPRT351, that are deficient in poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity. Under exponentially growing conditions these mutant cell lines are hypersensitive to x-irradiation and MNNG compared to their parental V79 cells which could be interpreted to suggest that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is involved in the repair of DNA damage. However, the level of DNA strand breaks induced by x-irradiation and MNNG and their rates of repair are similar in all the cell lines, thus suggesting that it may not be the difference in strand break formation or in its rate of repair that is contributing to the enhanced cell killing in exponentially growing poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase deficient cell lines. In contrast, under growth-arrested conditions, all three cell lines become similarly sensitive to both x-irradiation and MNNG, thus suggesting that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase may not be involved in the repair of DNA damage in growth-arrested cells. These paradoxical results could be interpreted to suggest that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is involved in DNA repair in a cell-cycle-dependent fashion, however, it is functionally active throughout the cell cycle. To resolve this dilemma and explain these results and those obtained by many others, we propose that the normal function of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is to prevent DNA recombination processes and facilitate DNA ligation. (Mol Cell Biochem 138: 61–69, 1994)
Intramolecular Excimer Kinetics of Fluorescent Dipyrenyl Lipids: 2. DOPE/DOPC Membranes

The intramolecular dynamics of the excimer-forming dipyrenyl lipids (DipynPE) of different chain lengths (n) in fully hydrated dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) and dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) binary mixtures was investigated by the use of frequency-domain fluorescence intensity dcay technique. Using a 3-state model (see companion paper), the extent of aggregation and rotational rate of the two covalently attached pyrene moieties in DipynPE were estimated from the frequency-domain data. At 1 degrees C, the rotational rate and aggregation for Dipy4PE and Dipy10PE were insensitive to DOPE% of the lipid bilayer. At 27 degrees C, the rotational rate decreased, whereas the aggregation increased steadily for Dipy10PE as the DOPE% of the bilayer increased from 0 to 80. However, an abrupt increase in the rotational rate and a decrease in the aggregation for Dipy10PE were detected as the DOPE% reached 100, at which point the membranes are in the inverted hexagonal (HII) phase. No similar changes were found for Dipy4PE. These results indicate that the presence of PE with large intrinsic-curvature increases the lateral stress at the region near the center of the bilayer, and that this stress can be relieved as the membranes enter the highly curved HII phase.
The use of a helium refrigerator for Mössbauer studies

Abstract A closed-cycle helium refrigerator for Mossbauer experiments is described. The vibrations caused by the refrigerator mechanism are decoupled and suppressed from affecting the relative sources-absorber motion. The equipment operates successfully with both radioactive and Coulomb-excited sources. Source and absorber are thermally connected to the cooling station of the refrigerator. The temperature of the source and absorber can be controlled by the helium gas pressure and by an electric heater. The operating range is 20°K to 300°K for radioactive sources and 25°K to 300°K for Coulomb-excited sources. Operation is convenient and economical.
Parameter estimation and multivariable model building for the non-destructive, on-line determination of eggshell strength

Abstract In the non-destructive quality assessment of agro-products using vibration analysis, the resonant frequency and the damping of the vibration are the main interest. Those parameters are usually calculated starting from the frequency spectrum, obtained after a fast Fourier transformation (FFT) of the time signal. However, this method faces several drawbacks when applied to short-time signals, as in the case of impact testing of highly damped specimen. An alternative to the FFT method is used for the high-resolution estimation of both resonant frequency and damping. Furthermore, the mass–spring model that is used in the literature for non-destructive quality assessment of various agro-products is extended with the incorporation of the damping and a shape characteristic. As a practical example, eggshell stiffness was estimated using vibration measurements. A data set consisting of 229 eggs was measured. It is shown that both the damping and the shape characteristics are of major importance to explain eggshell strength. This paper makes clear that a univariable model, as is mostly used in the literature, is not always satisfactory to describe the vibration behaviour of biological products.
Task-Centered Case Management for the Elderly: Developing a Practice Model:

This article describes the early development and field testing of a task-centered case manage ment modelfor social work practice with the elderly. Integrating a specific intervention protocol with ...
Computerized image analysis and flow cytometric evaluation of ovarian bordeline tumors: A study of 24 cases

DNA content evaluation in the study of ovarian borderline tumors has been shown to be a useful adjunct to histopathologic diagnosis. This study compares flow cytometry and computerized image analysis (CIA) in evauating the DNA content of these lesions. Twenty-four cases of ovarian borderline tumors (15 serous, 9 mucinous) were studied utilizing formalinfixed paraffin-embedded tissue. Flow cytometry of cell suspensions and CIA of cell suspensions and paraffin sections were compared in the evaluation of DNA content. Twenty-three tumors (96%) were diploid and only 1 (4%) was aneuploid. There was 100% correlation between flow cytometry and CIA of cell suspensions. Image analysis of Feulgen-stained paraffin sections was found to be unreliable when compared with the use of cell suspensions in the evaluation of DNA content. Clinical follow-up in 17 patients showed recurrent disease in two patients with diploid tumors and no evidence of disease in the patient with an aneuploid tumor. The reported rate of aneuploidy in borderline tumors varies depending on the diagnostic method employed in evaluating DNA content. This study shows good correlation between flow cytometry and image analysis of cell suspensions and supports the low rate of aneuploidy found in these lesions by other authors utilizing these method. The majority of borderline ovarian tumors have been shown to have a diploid DNA content; however, the finding of aneuploidy in histologically classified borderline tumors warrants close clinical follow-up since aneuploidy in these tumors has been associated with an adverse prognosis. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Growth of Epitaxial Thin Pd(111) Films on Pt(111) and Oxygen-Terminated FeO(111) Surfaces

Abstract Thin Pd films (1–10 monolayers, ML) were deposited at 35 K on a Pt(1 1 1) single crystal and on an oxygen-terminated FeO(1 1 1) monolayer supported on Pt(1 1 1). Low energy electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy, and Kr and CO temperature programmed desorption techniques were used to investigate the annealing induced changes in the film surface morphology. For growth on Pt(1 1 1), the films order upon annealing to 500 K and form epitaxial Pd(1 1 1). Further annealing above 900 K results in Pd diffusion into the Pt(1 1 1) bulk and Pt–Pd alloy formation. Chemisorption of CO shows that even the first ordered monolayer of Pd on Pt(1 1 1) has adsorption properties identical to bulk Pd(1 1 1). Similar experiments conducted on FeO(1 1 1) indicate that 500 K annealing of a 10 ML thick Pd deposit also yields ordered Pd(1 1 1). In contrast, annealing of 1 and 3 ML thick Pd films did not result in formation of continuous Pd(1 1 1). We speculate that for these thinner films Pd diffuses underneath the FeO(1 1 1).
Development of Soviet Agriculture under a Vintage Model of Production

The purpose of this paper is to examine within the framework provided by a vintage model of productive activity the pertinent evidence on output, inputs, and the age of fixed capital to further understanding of the sources of growth (1928–62) in Soviet agricultural output. The basic procedure consists of tentatively accepting the embodiment hypothesis, which states that any positive growth in factor productivity is the consequence of improved quality of fixed capital. Data on the age of capital are taken as indicative of its technological quality, and implied rates of growth in such quality are computed as a residual. Conclusions drawn from strict acceptance of the hypothesis are tempered to account for additional qualitative evidence and for the possibility that equipment may be a more effective carrier than structures. Everything considered, it seems that the embodiment hypothesis can make a useful contribution to understanding Soviet agricultural development.
Continuum phase shifts and partial cross sections for photoionization from excited states of atomic helium measured by high-order harmonic optical pump-probe velocity map imaging

Phase shift differences and ratios of radial dipole matrix elements of the outgoing $S$ and $D$ continuum waves from state-selected helium atoms are directly measured from the photoelectron angular distributions using pump-probe velocity map imaging. Aligned $1s3p$ $^{1}P_{1}$ and $1s4p$ $^{1}P_{1}$ states in helium are prepared by high-order harmonics and ionized with either 800, 400, or $267\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ light. The results allow for the determination of energy-dependent quantum defect differences and ratios of partial cross sections and agree favorably with theoretical calculations on electron scattering and photoionization.
Cellular Binding of Soluble CD14 Requires Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding Protein

The stimulation of nonmyeloid cells by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is mediated by the serum protein, soluble CD14 (sCD14). We have examined the interaction of sCD14 with whole cells using a biologically active radiolabeled sCD14 molecule as a ligand. Specific binding of sCD14 to nonmyeloid cells is detected only when it is first incubated with both LPS and the serum LPS-binding protein (LBP). Through the use of an anti-CD14 monoclonal antibody, we demonstrate that sCD14 must interact with LPS in order for cellular binding to occur. Although LBP is traditionally known to function as a catalyst in the transfer of LPS to sCD14, our results reveal that LBP is actually a physical part of sCD14-containing, cell-associating complexes. The LPS- and LBP-dependent cell surface binding of sCD14 appears to be distinct from events leading to cell stimulation, since certain anti-CD14 and anti-LBP monoclonal antibodies have different effects on cellular binding versus cellular activation. Bound sCD14 is internalized, indicating that the LBP- and LPS-dependent binding of sCD14 may represent a novel general mechanism by which nonmyeloid cells clear LPS.
Partial small bowel obstruction and ileus following gynecologic laparoscopy.

Abstract Study objective To assess the incidence and management of partial small bowel obstruction (PSBO) and ileus after gynecologic endoscopy. Design Internet-based cross-sectional survey (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). Material and methods An online survey was distributed to gynecologic surgeons to collect information about frequency and management of ileus and PSBO after gynecologic laparoscopy. Measurements and main results Of the 58 physician respondents, 22 had managed at least 1 patient with PSBO or ileus after gynecologic laparoscopy. A total of 12 PSBOs and 14 patients experiencing ileus were identified for an overall incidence of 0.036%. Patients showed symptoms between 1 and 20 days postoperatively and had findings ranging from hypoactive (45%), to normal (30%), to hyperactive (25%) bowel sounds. Plain film radiographs (75%) were the most commonly used diagnostic modality followed by computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen. Most patients were initially managed with intestinal rest and nasogastric tube placement for 2 to 16 days. Fifty percent required a second procedure, with reported findings that included intestinal herniation (n = 7), bowel injury (n = 4), volvulus (n = 2), and urinoma (n = 1). Conclusion Ileus and PSBO are rare findings after gynecologic laparoscopy. We identified 26 cases, most of which were initially managed conservatively. The majority of patients ultimately required a second operation. Surgeons should have a high index of suspicion when managing a patient with PSBO or ileus after gynecologic laparoscopy. Given the findings from the second procedures, CT scans would seem to be the diagnostic procedure of choice.
Efficacy of slow infusion of gadolinium contrast agent in three-dimensional MR coronary artery imaging.

The impact of the contrast infusion scheme on contrast-enhanced coronary artery imaging was investigated. The imaging technique was a retrospective respiratory-gated gradient-echo sequence. To improve the contrast between blood vessels and myocardium, an inversion pulse was applied to null the myocardial signal. Extravascular contrast agent was infused slowly during data acquisition. Two contrast infusion schemes were compared in animal and volunteer studies and with simulations. One scheme enhanced blood signals during acquisition of both peripheral and central k-space data, which resulted in a relatively flat low-pass k-space filter. The other scheme mainly enhanced blood signals during acquisition of central k-space data, which resulted in a sharp low-pass k-space filter. It is concluded that the former scheme improves the signal-to-noise ratio and edge definition of coronary arteries compared with the latter scheme. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:800-805.
Thermodynamic Properties of Universal Fermi Gases

We develop a simple, mean-field-like theory for the normal phase of a unitary Fermi gas by deriving a self-consistent equation for its self-energy via a momentum-dependent coupling constant for both attractive and repulsive universal fermions. For attractive universal fermions in the lower branch of a Feshbach resonance, we use zero-temperature Monte Carlo results as a starting point for one-step iteration in order to derive an analytical expression for the momentum-dependent self-energy. For repulsive universal fermions in the upper branch of a Feshbach resonance, we iteratively calculate the momentum-dependent self-energy via our self-consistent equation. Lastly, for the case of population imbalance, we propose an ansatz for higher-order virial expansion coefficents. Overall, we find that our theory is in good agreement with currently available, high-temperature experimental data.
Measurement of reaction-in-flight neutrons using thulium activation at the National Ignition Facility

We report on the first observation of tertiary reaction-in-flight (RIF) neutrons produced in compressed deuterium and tritium filled capsules using the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA. RIF neutrons are produced by third-order, out of equilibrium (“in-flight”) fusion reactions, initiated by primary fusion products. The rate of RIF reactions is dependent upon the range of the elastically scattered fuel ions and therefore a diagnostic of Coulomb physics within the plasma. At plasma temperatures of ∼5 keV, the presence of neutrons with kinetic energies greater than 15 MeV is a unique signature for RIF neutron production. The reaction 169Tm(n,3n)167Tm has a threshold of 15.0 MeV, and a unique decay scheme making it a suitable diagnostic for observing RIF neutrons. RIF neutron production is quantified by the ratio of 167Tm/168Tm observed in a 169Tm foil, where the reaction 169Tm(n,2n)168Tm samples the primary neutron fluence. Averaged over 4 implosions1–4 at the NIF, the 167Tm/168Tm ratio is measured to be 1.5 ± 0.3 x 10−5, leading to an average ratio of RIF to primary neutron ratio of 1.0 ± 0.2 x 10−4. These ratios are consistent with the predictions for charged particle stopping in a quantum degenerate plasma.
Surface-enhanced magnetic order and critical behavior of Tb(0001) films on W(110)

Etude, par spectroscopie de capture des electrons, des proprietes magnetiques de couches epitaxiques de Tb(0001) sur W(110)
The (p, 2p) reaction for slightly deformed nuclei

Abstract A perturbation approach for the calculation of (p, 2p) angular correlations for slightly deformed nuclei is developed using the formalism of the distorted wave t-matrix approximation (DWTA) in the static limit where approximations that incorporate absorption and focussing effects are used for the spin-orbit independent optical-model waves. Using a finite-range off-shell t-matrix that fits p-p scattering at 90° to approximate the p-p interaction inside the nucleus, a zero-order calculation is performed and normalized to 19F(p, 2p)18O angular correlation data at 42.7 MeV. A rms study is undertaken in order to parametrize the bound-state and the sensitivity of the shape of the angular correlation to the rms value is observed. The deformation of the bound-state is introduced using normalized perturbation theory and calculations with various values of the deformation parameter β for prolate and oblate deformations are performed and the results are compared. The shape of the (p, 2p) angular correlation is shown to be highly sensitive to the degree of deformation and is consistent with the shape dependence of the correlation to the rms value of the bound-state wave function.
Preference and meaning of arboretum landscapes: Combining quantitative and qualitative data

Abstract A group of members and volunteers at the Morton Arboretum near Chicago rated their preferences for photographs of landscapes in the arboretum, wrote open-ended descriptions of their favorite arboretum settings, and described the thoughts, feelings, and memories they associated with those settings. Most participants rated densely forested, natural landscapes highest in preference, but some also liked either open, natural fields or maintained, formal landscapes. The open-ended descriptions revealed a variety of significant meanings and experiences, some of which appeared to be associated with specific kinds of environments. The combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods yields a more complete understanding of how people experience arboretum landscapes, than would either method used by itself.
Role of Cytokines in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Recent Progress from GWAS and Sequencing

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder, known to have a strong genetic component. Concordance between monozygotic twins is approximately 30–40%, which is 8–20 times higher than that of dizygotic twins. In the last decade, genome-wide approaches to understanding SLE have yielded many candidate genes, which are important to understanding the pathophysiology of the disease and potential targets for pharmaceutical intervention. In this paper, we focus on the role of cytokines and examine how genome-wide association studies, copy number variation studies, and next-generation sequencing are being employed to understand the etiology of SLE. Prominent genes identified by these approaches include BLK, FCγR3B, and TREX1. Our goal is to present a brief overview of genomic approaches to SLE and to introduce some of the key discussion points pertinent to the field.
Identification of 5α-Androst-1-ene-3β,17β-diol in the Fat of Sus scrofa L.: A “Nutritional Supplement” Not Found Previously in the Food Supply

5α-Androst-1-ene-3β,17β-diol (1) was detected in extracts from fat of Sus scrofa L. (pig) by comparison with the commercially available synthetic compound, using gas chromatography−mass spectrometry. This observation is unprecedented because 1 is currently sold as a nutritional supplement, yet has not been previously reported as naturally occurring in the food supply.
A nomenclature for experiential education

The experiential education field is new and growing and so are the problems of communication within the field. Terminology is being developed which is not clear, or is ambiguous, or is inappropriate. Four suggested typologies from the literature for classifying program “types” provide a base for analyzing this problem of nomenclature in experiential education. A recommended typology of program types is presented along with the positions supporting the types selected as well as those rejected.
Transition to Teaching: 3D classroom simulation and management

Despite the widespread efforts towards using games for student learning, little has addressed their use for training of our educators and educational leaders. One exception is the multidiscipline collaboration being developed at Drexel University for training new high school educators to handle classroom situations. As part of a US Department of Education grant program called Transition To Teaching (TTT), Drexel's Digital Media Program collaborated with the Drexel's School of Education to include gaming as a pedagogical strategy in curriculum-based learning. Drexel's Goodwin College of Professional Studies, with its expertise in Creativity & Innovation that includes programs in the field of teacher training, contributed overall project oversight as well instruction in creativity theories and creativity problem solving and their application to grades 5–12 with the Project Teachers. This pedagogy was incorporated by the RePlay Lab's game design teams in the creation of two interactive game simulations for training teachers in classroom management through virtual classroom environments.
Multiscale isotropic morphology and shape approximation using the Voronoi diagram

The Voronoi diagram of a sample set obtained from a shape boundary can be analyzed to perform morphological erosions, dilations, openings, and closings of the shape with a scaled unit disk as the structuring element. These operations collectively comprise isotropic morphology--meaning the fundamental morphological operations with a parameterized disk operator. The isotropic morphology operations are the basis of multi-scale morphological shape analysis. For instance, features obtained from a series of openings and closings by disks of varying size can be used to characterize a shape over a range of scales. In general, the isotropic morphology operations are a significant class of operations with broad potential applications. The new, Voronoi-diagram-based isotropic morphology algorithm has four significant advantages over existing algorithms: (1) the Voronoi diagram need only be computed once, and then an entire series of scale-based analyses can be performed at low incremental cost; (2) the time/space complexity of the algorithm is independent of the disk radius and depends only on the number of boundary samples; (3) the scale parameter (disk radius) can assume non-integral values; (4) the implied metric is the Euclidean metric, rather than an approximation thereof.
The Gender Gap in Ideology

Over the past few decades, a gender gap has emerged in the mass public in ideological self-placement. While most men and women moved in the conservative direction, another segment of women retained their liberal self-identifications. A gender gap also exists in how men and women define their ideology. Which issues are linked to ideological identities is conditioned by gender and time period. Finally, ideological identities are structure by nonpolitical values as well as political issues. Religiosity and religious beliefs have come to increasingly shape Americans’ ideological identities, with some differences across the two sexes.
Differences between smokers and nonsmokers in regional gray matter volumes and densities.

Abstract Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have demonstrated large-scale brain abnormalities in cigarette smokers, such as ventricular enlargement and atrophy. Converging lines of evidence point to functional differences between smokers and nonsmokers in specific brain regions, namely the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), ventral striatum, and thalamus. Using MRI, we examined these regions for differences in gray matter between smokers and nonsmokers. Methods Thirty-six otherwise healthy adults (19 smokers and 17 nonsmoking control subjects) underwent three-dimensional Fourier-transform spoiled-gradient-recalled acquisition MRI of the brain. Both hand-drawn regions of interest and the computer program voxel-based morphometry were used to assess group differences in regional gray matter volumes and densities, respectively. Results Smokers had smaller gray matter volumes and lower gray matter densities than nonsmokers in the PFC bilaterally, along with smaller volumes in the left dorsal ACC and lower gray matter densities in the right cerebellum. Smokers also had negative associations between pack-year smoking history and PFC gray matter densities. Conclusions Smokers and nonsmokers differed in regional gray matter in brain areas previously linked with nicotine dependence. These findings might reflect effects of chronic smoking, predisposing traits that lead to smoking, or some combination of these factors.
Potential anticonvulsants. VIII. Some hydrazones of indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde

Synthese d'hydrazones par condensation de l'indolecarbaldehyde-3, du pyridinecarbaldehyde-4 ou du pyrrolecarbaldehyde-2 avec des hydrazines, hydrazides ou composes apparentes
Epidemiology of CN IV Palsies

ObjectiveTo examine the etiologies of CN IV palsies based on age and aid the clinician in more effective work-up and treatment.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 124 patients presenting to Housto...
EXPERIMENTAL IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ARTIFICIAL IMMUNE SYSTEM ON A ROBOTIC MANIPULATOR

An artificial immune system (AIS) has been used to realize robust control of a robotic manipulator. The AIS recognizes “self” and “non-self” operation of a closed-loop system, where self is defined as a condition where controller gains are appropriate for a given manipulator configuration. As configuration changes occur, the changing performance of the system indicates a transition to non-self. When non-self operation is first detected, the corresponding dynamic response is defined as a receptor and a genetic algorithm (GA) is called to optimize the controller for the new configuration. A library of receptors is built as additional configuration changes are experienced. For subsequent self to non-self transitions, new and recorded receptors are compared. In the event of a high correlation between the receptors, previously determined controller gains are implemented without calling the GA. The system is agile and robust and can recognize and respond to recognized receptors within a single reference step.
Laparoscopic colonic procedures

With the advent and general acceptance of laparoscopy as a means of surgically treating intraabdominal disease processes, procedures on organs other than the gallbladder and female genital tract have slowly evolved. After developing basic techniques in an animal model, a clinical series (n = 19) of laparoscopic procedures for a variety of colonic lesions was undertaken and is herein presented. It included both malignant and nonmalignant disease processes and has carried an acceptable complication rate and survival. The average age of our patients was 68, and except for two extended postoperative hospitalizations and one death for non-procedure-related complications, the patients were generally ready for discharge in less than 96 hours. Our current techniques and indications for laparoscopic colonic surgery are detailed.