cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glycerol reorientation during the conversion of phosphatidylglycerol to bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate in macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells

Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP) has the unique stereoconfiguration of 3-acyl-sn-glycero-1-phosphoryl-1'-sn-[3'-acylglycerol] (Brotherus, J., Renkonen, O., Herrmann, J., and Fischer, W. (1974) Chem. Phys. Lipids 13, 178-182) which differs from other known mammalian phospholipids that have the sn-glycero-3-phosphoryl configuration. This stereochemistry may contribute to its physiologic function. Here we describe studies using the macrophage-like cell line RAW 264.7 designed to determined how this unique stereoconfiguration occurs. These studies show that the stereoconfiguration of BMP produced from exogenous phosphatidylglycerol (PG) by RAW 264.7 cells has the expected stereoconfiguration of 3-acyl-sn-glycero-1-phosphoryl-1'-sn-[3'-acylglycerol]. Experiments using diacyl-sn-[2-3H]glycero-3-phosphoryl-sn-1'-[2-3H]glycerol demonstrate that this unique stereoconfiguration is not produced due to an oxidation/reduction mechanism involving the sn-2-glycerol carbon. When dioleoyl-sn-[1-14C]glycero-3-phosphoryl-rac-glycerol was converted to 14C-labeled BMP, the 14C label was found esterified to the phosphate moiety. These results suggest that a stereospecific enzyme is capable of reorienting the radiolabeled glycerol backbone of this PG substrate, effectively changing the stereochemistry of the lipid. We also show that this enzyme is stereoselective with regard to the base glycerol moiety of the substrate PG used. Finally, we propose a new pathway for the synthesis of BMP from PG.
Quantitation of Antibody to Non-Hemagglutinating Viruses by Single Radial Hemolysis: Serological Test for Human Coronaviruses

Abstract A single radial hemolysis test was developed for quantitation of specific antibody to non-hemagglutinating viruses. With the human coronaviruses as models, this test utilizes the binding properties of the chromic cation to attach viruses to glutaraldehyde-treated sheep erythrocytes. The most satisfactory system consisted of stabilizing washed sheep erythrocytes with 0.0073% glutaraldehyde for 15 min at 23°C, binding a high concentration of virus to a 25% erythrocyte suspension with 0.0016% chromic chloride for 20 min at 23°C, stopping the reaction with phosphate-saline, and finally mixing the treated, rewashed cells with complement and agarose at 45°C to prepare a slide gel. The gel mix, which was dispensed in plastic plates (23 by 73 mm) in 3-ml volumes, consisted of 1% agarose, 0.1% sodium azide, 5% reconstituted complement, and 0.82% treated cells. Wells 2 mm in diameter were loaded with 5 μl of antiserum, incubated for 18 h at 4°C for diffusion of antiserum and fixation of complement, and then incubated for 8 to 24 h at 37°C for development of hemolysis zones. The diameter of a zone was linearly related to antibody concentration, as determined by conventional serological tests. This single radial hemolysis test was applicable to human and animal coronaviruses and to selected serotypes of the adenovirus, picornavirus, rhabdovirus, and rotavirus groups.
Transcriptional Regulation of the Elastin Gene by Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Involves Disruption of Sp1 Binding EVIDENCE FOR THE ROLE OF Rb IN MEDIATING Sp1 BINDING IN AORTIC SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS

We have recently identified a novel element (EFE 5/6) in the human elastin gene promoter that modulates the ability of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) to up-regulate elastin gene transcription in aortic smooth muscle cells. In the present study, we have pursued the identification of those nuclear proteins binding to the EFE 5/6 element and affected by IGF-I treatment. Chelation inactivation and metal reactivation experiments together with supershift gel analyses demonstrated that Sp1 was one of the proteins affected by IGF-I. Southwestern and Western analyses showed that Sp1 was present in IGF-I nuclear extracts and capable of binding DNA after fractionation. Addition of retinoblastoma gene product (Rb) antibody mimicked the effect of IGF-I in gel shift analysis, suggesting that Sp1 binding may be regulated by an inhibitor normally associated with Rb. The fact that the phosphorylation state of Rb was affected by IGF-I was shown by Western blot analysis. The control smooth muscle cells transcribed the elastin gene at a high level without addition of IGF-I, so it is likely that disruption of Sp1 binding is the first step in allowing the binding of a more potent activating factor.
Effect of ceramic monolith particulate filters on diesel exhaust odorant and irritant species

Ceramic monolith particulate filters were evaluated for reduction of odor and irritant species in diesel exhaust. Three types of diesel particulate filters (dpf's) were tested: high efficiency catalyzed and uncatalyzed, and mid efficiency uncatalyzed. Testing was done with a single cylinder cfr diesel test engine run under steady-state conditions at low, mid and high equivalence ratios. Exhaust was sampled immediately upstream and downstream of the dpf's and analyzed on liquid chromatographs. The odorant species analyzed were oxygenated hydrocarbons (oxygenates), measured using the doas methodology. The irritant species analyzed were c1 to c5 aldehydes, measured using a dnph reagent method. The high efficiency catalyzed dpf reduced exhaust equivalence ratios, which was the only substantial oxygenate reduction seen. However, this corresponds to only a slight reduction in perceived diesel odor intensity, due to the logarithmic dependence of tia (total intensity of aroma) on oxygenate concentration. None of the measured exhaust aldehydes were affected by the dpf's. For the covering abstract see IRRD 287303.
Revolution and Counterrevolution: An analysis of U.S. Policy towards Latin America.

Entre 1960 y 1990 los Estados Unidos baso su politica exterior en “ideologia de la Guerra Fria” la cual se auto justificaba en la contencion del comunismo en el Hemisferio Occidental. La tesis propuesta en este articulo es que durante este periodo Latinoamerica encauso varias revoluciones y los EE.UU. actuo como instigador de contrarrevolucion. Este trabajo analiza tres movimientos revolucionarios en Cuba, Brasil, y Chile. Estos casos representan diferentes metodos que hubo en Latinoamerica donde se buscaba lograr la justicia social. Sin embargo, Washington coordino un fracasado ataque militar contra Cuba en 1961. Despues, apoyo dictaduras brutales en Brasil y Chile. Finalmente, los EE.UU. se avocaron a finales de la decada de 1980 a implementar una politica neoliberal que ha causado serios estragos en las economias Latinoamericanas. Asimismo, el articulo analiza las futuras relaciones entre EE.UU y las naciones estudiadas. Asi por ejemplo, se examina el impacto de las recientes elecciones presidenciales en Brasil, Ecuador y Venezuela (que sugieren que estos paises necesitan un cambio de politica economica y no el status quo que es lo que busca Washington para expander su agenda economica de mercados abiertos en America Latina).
Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis during the recovery from high +Gz profiles

In order to investigate human cardiovascular response after exposure to various acceleration (/spl plusmn/Gz), heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) analyses were performed by both time and frequency domain methods on electrocardiogram data from six volunteers who participated at a study conducted at the Naval Air Warfare Center Dynamic Flight Simulator Facility. Extracted HR and HRV information were respectively processed to estimate the recovery time interval until heart rate becomes stabilized from the point of G offset, and statistical results were compared for evaluation.
Topical Therapeutics for Otitis Media

In chronic draining ear associated with a tympanic membrane perforation, cholesteatoma, or both, the infection is that of bacterial contamination. Both aerobic and anaerobic organisms are found, notably pseudomonas, staphylococcus, and enteric organisms, particularly bacteroides. The disease exists because of a structural defect in the middle ear cleft, which requires surgery as definitive treatment. Medical therapy is valuable as a temporary measure in preoperative preparation, and in prevention and management of intracranial extension. Topical therapy with antibiotic ear drops is often helpful, but also important is local care with cleansing, drying, and antiseptic solutions or powders. Therapy is usually directed toward the pseudomonas organisms with aminoglycoside-polymyxin combination otic drops. However, Bacteroides fragilis now looms as an important pathogen in 13% of affected patients. Chloramphenicol otic drops are indicated when such an infection is suspected or identified.
“They’re Too Focused on Being Progressive to Actually Be Progressive”: Understanding the Lived Experience of Progressivism at a Liberal Arts College

AbstractThis article investigates to what extent students’ experiences at a small liberal arts college reflect the institutional commitment to progressive thinking and practice. Through in-depth interviews across two studies carried out in 2012 and 2014, the authors found students reported that they felt institutional-level multicultural programming can promote shallow commitments to progressivism that silence student voices, creating a context in which daily emotional concerns are overlooked. Students referred to this silencing as “politically correct” talk. In this article, the authors explore student understandings of the politically correct and offer solutions for creating a more open and welcoming campus environment.
Suicidality among patients with mixed and manic bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVE: Patients with mixed or manic bipolar disorder were studied to determine whether suicidality in mania is associated with increasing depression in general (i.e., a dimensional construct based on symptom severity) or with the presence of a mixed state per se (i.e., a categorical construct requiring the presence of a full depressive syndrome). METHOD: Diagnostic (categorical) assessments of 91 consecutively hospitalized patients with DSM-III-R mixed or manic bipolar disorder were made by using the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. Symptom (dimensional) assessments were made by using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Young Mania Rating Scale, and the Scale of the Assessment of Positive Symptoms. Logistic regression models were employed to test the relative associations between suicidality and dimensional and categorical depression measures. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was performed to identify a potential threshold depression rating that predicted suicidality. RESULTS: Suicidality was more common in mixed than manic bipolar disorder. However, when adjusted for total depression scores, this association with affective state did not persist, but the statistical model significantly improved. In the improved model, depressive symptom ratings were significantly associated with suicidality. Hamilton depression scale ratings greater than 18 identified over 90% of the patients with suicidality, although there was also a high rate of false positives (32%). CONCLUSIONS: It is the severity of concurrent depressive symptoms in mania, rather than the presence of a depressive syndrome per se (i.e., mixed state), that is associated with suicidality in bipolar patients. Language: en
Imaging free-falling particles for multipoint measurement of plasma fluctuations

The measurement of plasma fluctuations by insertable probes is sometimes limited by the perturbation of the probe on the plasma, and some non-invasive diagnostics such as photodiode arrays can only measure integrated values. In this paper, we introduce a new approach to plasma fluctuation measurement using small, free-falling particles imaged with a fast camera to provide simultaneous multipoint measurement of visible light emissions surrounding each particle. We find that the fluctuations measured in this manner are in agreement with existing diagnostics, and the particle signals are correlated to those measured on inserted floating potential probes. Signals from multiple particles demonstrate an application of multipoint measurement of the plasma spatial structure and coherence.
RhoA/Rho-kinase as a therapeutic target for the male urogenital tract.

ABSTRACT Introduction Rho‐kinase (ROCK) is a serine/threonine kinase and is one of the major downstream effectors of the small guanosine triphosphatase Rho. In the past few years, evidence has been accumulating to suggest that the RhoA/ROCK system may play an important role in the pathogenesis of a number of cardiovascular and urogenital disorders. Aim The aim of this study is to review the literature pertaining to the role of the RhoA/ROCK system in male urogenital function. Methods Comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed. Main Outcome Measures Inhibitors of ROCK may have potential therapeutic applications, as derived from preclinical and a few clinical studies. Results Published reports suggest that elevated RhoA/Rho‐kinase signaling plays a role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, kidney failure, ejaculation disorders, prostate and bladder cancer initiation, and eventual metastasis. Conclusions This review focuses on our current understanding of the role of the RhoA/Rho‐kinase pathway in the regulation of the male urogenital system. Rho‐kinase inhibitors may evolve into an important pharmacologic option in the future treatment of urogenital system disorders. Gur S, Kadowitz PJ, and Hellstrom WJG. RhoA/Rho‐kinase as a therapeutic target for the male urogenital tract.
Analysis of Interfacial Failure in Particle-Filled Elastomers

The evolution of microdamage (interfacial dewetting) in highly filled elastomers under consideration of high deformation gradients is examined. The interface between hard (rigid, two-dimensional) inclusions embedded in an elastomer characterized by a three-term Ogden (rate insensitive) model, and the elastomer matrix is represented by a cohesive-zone type interfacial model to follow the whole process of interfacial dewetting and its effect on the global (multiphase) material response in a plane strain setting. The analysis is carried out through a mixed finite element formulation for hyperelasticity, incorporating interface elements. We consider the effects of particle geometry and loading conditions on the process of interfacial failure. The results indicate that the distributed failure process is highly unstable and depends heavily on the size, shape, orientation and interactions of inclusions as well as the global loading conditions. The overall material behavior of the model agrees qualitatively with experimental observation.
Mapping tissue chromophore changes in cerebral ischemia: a pilot study

We describe the projection of spatially modulated light for quantitatively mapping changes in oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and oxygen saturation in two pilot studies in the rat barrel cortex during both permanent and temporary cerebral ischemia. The approach is based on the projection of spatial modulation of white light onto the brain. The reflected light is captured on a CCD camera, which is then processed to obtain the concentration and distribution of chromophores over a wide field. Preliminary results confirm a measurable and quantifiable increase in tissue molecular concentration of deoxy-hemoglobin and decrease in hemoglobin oxygen concentration in both experimental settings. Our preliminary data from our pilot studies demonstrate that spatial modulation of light can provide quantitative chromophore mapping of the brain and has a potential role in monitoring the course and severity of cerebral ischemia in cerebrovascular disease patients.
Emotional intelligence in the context of adaptive personality: Implications for counselling psychology

The Mayer and Salovey (1997) model of emotional intelligence (EI) was compared to adaptive personality organization as represented by Bellak's (1984) Ego Functions Assessment (EFA). Partial bivariate correlations, controlling for cognitive reasoning, supported some of the hypothesized relationships. Emotional knowledge, one of the EI components, had significant correlations with several ego functions suggesting that it is the best single EI indicator of overall ego strength. Implications are made for counselling by considering the role of cognitive-affective processes within the spectrum of ego functions.
What happens when the standard for openness goes unmet in romantic relationships? Analyses of stress, coping, and relational consequences

The current investigation advances existing research by exploring the stress elicited when individuals perceive their standard for openness has been unmet, identifying the coping strategies individuals engage in when faced with this stress, and assessing the consequences of individuals’ coping efforts on relational quality. Data were gathered from 205 individuals in newly dating relationships. Analyses revealed that punishing, exiting, reframing, and using humor coping strategies partially mediated the negative association between the stress linked to unfulfilled openness standards and relationship satisfaction. Specifically, stress was related to individuals’ use of each of these strategies. In turn, using humor was positively associated with relationship satisfaction, whereas punishing, exiting, and reframing were negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. Theoretical contributions and implications are discussed.
Hand Dermatitis: an Allergist’s Nightmare

Hand dermatitis is a common skin complaint. We use our hands to explore our environment; subsequently, our hands are in frequent contact with potential allergens and irritants. Patients with hand dermatitis may present to their allergist with this complaint. Approaching the diagnosis and treatment of hand dermatitis can be challenging, as both internal and external factors may contribute to the overall condition. Furthermore, the differential diagnosis of hand dermatitis is broad and the cause often multifactorial. Obtaining a thorough history and performing a focused examination may help the clinician differentiate between multiple causes of hand dermatitis. Numerous treatment options exist for hand dermatitis, and new potential treatments are in development as well. We aim to provide the allergist with a streamlined toolkit for help in the diagnosis and management of hand dermatitis.
Neutron response of a laser-heated thermoluminescence dosimetry system

Abstract A laser-heated thermoluminescence dosimetry (LHTLD) system was tested for albedo response to mono-energetic neutrons ranging in energy from 200 keV to 2.8 MeV. For neutron response measurements, pairs of magnesium borate (Mg 10/11 B 4 O 7 :Tm) and lithium fluoride ( 6/7 LiF:Mg,Ti) phosphor chips were used. In general, the LHTLD system based on Mg 10/11 B 4 O 7 :Tm shows response similar to the LiF system, that is a decreasing response ratio (R=dose read/dose applied) with increasing neutron energy approaching a response of 0.07 for higher energies. In addition, the neutron responses consistently indicates a higher response for the LiF system than the LHTLD system by about 22%, possibly due in part to the internal shielding of non-albedo thermal neutrons in the LHTLD badge.
Microbial Eukaryotes in the Human Microbiome: Ecology, Evolution, and Future Directions

High throughput sequencing technology has opened a window into the vast communities of bacteria that live on and in humans, demonstrating tremendous variability and that they play a large role in health and disease. The eukaryotic component of the human gut microbiome remains relatively unexplored with these methods, but turning these tools toward microbial eukaryotes in the gut will likely yield myriad insights into disease states as well as the ecological and evolutionary principles that govern the gut microbiota. Microbial eukaryotes are common inhabitants of the human gut worldwide and parasitic taxa are a major source of morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries, though there are also many taxa that cause no harm or are beneficial. While the role microbial eukaryotes play in healthy individuals is much less clear, there are likely many complex interactions between the bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic components of the human microbiome that influence health and disease states. Integrating eukaryotic microbes into a broad view of microbiome function requires an integrated ecological approach rather than one focused on specific, disease-causing taxa. Moving forward, we expect broad surveys of the eukaryotic microbiota and associated bacteria from geographically and socioeconomically diverse populations to paint a more complete picture of the human gut microbiome in health and disease.
An accelerated domain decomposition procedure based on robin transmission conditions

A domain decomposition procedure based on Robin transmission conditions applicable to elliptic boundary problems was first introduced by P. L. Lions and later discussed by a number of authors. In all of these discussions, the weighting of the flux and the trace of the solution were independent of the iterative step number. For some model problems we introduce a cycle of weights and prove that an acceleration of the convergence rate similar to that occurring for alternating-direction iteration using a cycle of pseudo-time steps results. In some discrete cases, the cycle length can be taken to be independent of the mesh spacing.
SIMS quantification of SiGe composition with low‐energy ion beams

Systematic SIMS analyses with low-energy (250 eV ~1 keV) oxygen, cesium and krypton primary beams have been carried out on a set of fully strained uniform epitaxial Si 1-x Ge x films (x = 5 ~ 60%), as well as a germanium ion-implanted silicon standard to investigate the matrix effect under various conditions. It is shown that preferential ion yield enhancement of one matrix component over the other can occur as the result of primary ion incorporation. Through defining a matrix yield factor, this work demonstrated that constant secondary ion yield ratios between Si ion and Ge ion over a large concentration range are only valid under some very specific analysis conditions. Emphases were placed on oxygen beam analyses with regard to steady-state ion yields and surface transients. Both show some unique features only accessible under low-energy conditions.
The subrenal capsule assay: A critical commentary

Staff Physician, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Veterans Administration Medical Center and Associate Professor, Division of Oncology, Departnwnt of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit MI 48202, U.S.A. (A COMMENT ON: Mienpii J, Kangas L, Criinroos M. Predictive testing of vulvar and cervical cancers to chemotherapy by the subrenal capsule assay. Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol 1985, 21, 1141-l 146.)
Department of energy strategic roadmap for Earth system science data integration

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER) Climate and Environmental Sciences Division (CESD) produces a diversity of data, information, software, and model codes across its research and informatics programs and facilities. This information includes raw and reduced observational and instrumentation data, model codes, model-generated results, and integrated data products. Currently, most of these data and information are prepared and shared for program specific activities, corresponding to CESD organization research. A major challenge facing BER CESD is how best to inventory, integrate, and deliver these vast and diverse resources for the purpose of accelerating Earth system science research. This paper provides a concept for a CESD Integrated Data Ecosystem and an initial roadmap for its implementation to address this integration challenge in the “Big Data” domain.
Immune cells in term and preterm labor

Labor resembles an inflammatory response that includes secretion of cytokines/chemokines by resident and infiltrating immune cells into reproductive tissues and the maternal/fetal interface. Untimely activation of these inflammatory pathways leads to preterm labor, which can result in preterm birth. Preterm birth is a major determinant of neonatal mortality and morbidity; therefore, the elucidation of the process of labor at a cellular and molecular level is essential for understanding the pathophysiology of preterm labor. Here, we summarize the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in the physiological or pathological activation of labor. We review published literature regarding the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in the cervix, myometrium, fetal membranes, decidua and the fetus in late pregnancy and labor at term and preterm. Accumulating evidence suggests that innate immune cells (neutrophils, macrophages and mast cells) mediate the process of labor by releasing pro-inflammatory factors such as cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases. Adaptive immune cells (T-cell subsets and B cells) participate in the maintenance of fetomaternal tolerance during pregnancy, and an alteration in their function or abundance may lead to labor at term or preterm. Also, immune cells that bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems (natural killer T (NKT) cells and dendritic cells (DCs)) seem to participate in the pathophysiology of preterm labor. In conclusion, a balance between innate and adaptive immune cells is required in order to sustain pregnancy; an alteration of this balance will lead to labor at term or preterm.
Peptide insertion, positioning, and stabilization in a membrane: Insight from an all-atom molecular dynamics simulation

Peptide insertion, positioning, and stabilization in a model membrane are probed via an all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. One peptide (WL5) is simulated in each leaflet of a solvated dimyristoylglycero-3-phosphate (DMPC) membrane. Within the first 5 ns, the peptides spontaneously insert into the membrane and then stabilize during the remaining 70 ns of simulation time. In both leaflets, the peptides localize to the membrane interface, and this localization is attributed to the formation of peptide-lipid hydrogen bonds. We show that the single tryptophan residue in each peptide contributes significantly to these hydrogen bonds; specifically, the nitrogen heteroatom of the indole ring plays a critical role. The tilt angles of the indole rings relative to the membrane normal in the upper and lower leaflets are approximately 26 degrees and 54 degrees , respectively. The tilt angles of the entire peptide chain are 62 degrees and 74 degrees . The membrane induces conformations of the peptide that are characteristic of beta-sheets, and the peptide enhances the lipid ordering in the membrane. Finally, the diffusion rate of the peptides in the membrane plane is calculated (based on experimental peptide concentrations) to be approximately 6 A(2)/ns, thus suggesting a 500 ns time scale for intermolecular interactions.
Anti-inflammatory effects of thiazolidinediones in human airway smooth muscle cells

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells have been reported to contribute to the inflammation of asthma. Because the thiazolidinediones (TZDs) exert anti-inflammatory effects, we examined the effects of troglitazone and rosiglitazone on the release of inflammatory moieties from cultured human ASM cells. Troglitazone dose-dependently reduced the IL-1β–induced release of IL-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor, the TNF-α–induced release of eotaxin and regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES), and the IL-4–induced release of eotaxin. Rosiglitazone also inhibited the TNF-α–stimulated release of RANTES. Although TZDs are known to activate peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), these anti-inflammatory effects were not affected by a specific PPARγ inhibitor (GW 9662) or by the knockdown of PPARγ using short hairpin RNA. Troglitazone and rosiglitazone each caused the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as detected by Western blotting using a phospho-AMPK antibody. The anti-inflammatory effects of TZDs were largely mimicked by the AMPK activators, 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide ribose (AICAR) and metformin. However, the AMPK inhibitors, Ara A and Compound C, were not effective in preventing the anti-inflammatory effects of troglitazone or rosiglitzone, suggesting that the effects of these TZDs are likely not mediated through the activation of AMPK. These data indicate that TZDs inhibit the release of a variety of inflammatory mediators from human ASM cells, suggesting that they may be useful in the treatment of asthma, and the data also indicate that the effects of TZDs are not mediated by PPARγ or AMPK.
Macroscopic far-field observation of the sub-wavelength near-field dipole vortex

The energy flow lines of the radiation emitted by a rotating electric dipole moment have a vortex structure near the source. The spatial extend of this vortex is well below an optical wavelength. This near-field vortex has a macroscopic effect which could be observed in the far field.
The Logic of Institutional Interdependency: The Case of Day Laborer Policy in Suburbia

This article challenges public choice and regime theory interpretations of constraints on local politics, developing instead the institutional logic behind coalitions of local institutional actors designing redistributive policies addressing immigrant newcomers in increasingly diverse suburban jurisdictions. Employing qualitative data from a data set consisting of over 100 in-depth interviews among state and local elected and appointed officials, and community-based leaders in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, the authors find that elected officials, bureaucrats, and nonprofits partner to gain additional leverage to overcome suburban NIMBY problems such as those associated with day labor workers.These partnerships develop for at least three reasons: (1) they give community-based organizations (CBOs) access to resources available in the public sector; (2) for public agencies, these alliances lower the transaction costs associated with overcoming language and cultural barriers between newcomers and e...
Fast and accurate generation of ab initio quality atomic charges using nonparametric statistical regression

We introduce a class of partial atomic charge assignment method that provides ab initio quality description of the electrostatics of bioorganic molecules. The method uses a set of models that neither have a fixed functional form nor require a fixed set of parameters, and therefore are capable of capturing the complexities of the charge distribution in great detail. Random Forest regression is used to build separate charge models for elements H, C, N, O, F, S, and Cl, using training data consisting of partial charges along with a description of their surrounding chemical environments; training set charges are generated by fitting to the b3lyp/6-31G* electrostatic potential (ESP) and are subsequently refined to improve consistency and transferability of the charge assignments. Using a set of 210 neutral, small organic molecules, the absolute hydration free energy calculated using these charges in conjunction with Generalized Born solvation model shows a low mean unsigned error, close to 1 kcal/mol, from the experimental data. Using another large and independent test set of chemically diverse organic molecules, the method is shown to accurately reproduce charge-dependent observables--ESP and dipole moment--from ab initio calculations. The method presented here automatically provides an estimate of potential errors in the charge assignment, enabling systematic improvement of these models using additional data. This work has implications not only for the future development of charge models but also in developing methods to describe many other chemical properties that require accurate representation of the electronic structure of the system.
The effect of captopril on renal, coronary, and systemic hemodynamics in patients with severe congestive heart failure.

The effects of captopril (CPT), an oral angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, on systemic renal and coronary hemodynamics were studied in 22 patients with severe congestive heart failure (CHF). In 15 patients, CPT decreased mean arterial pressure from 75 ± 3 to 60 ± 3 mm Hg associated with a 16% increase in cardiac output, a 24% reduction in systemic vascular resistance, and a 36% decrease in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (all p < 0.01). Despite the improved cardiac output, renal blood flow, creatinine clearance, and sodium excretion did not rise during the first 2 days of CPT therapy. In eight patients, coronary sinus blood flow diminished from 98 ± 11 to 82 ± 9 ml/min (p < 0.01) following drug administration in association with a fall in arterial pressure and heart rate but no change in coronary sinus oxygen saturation. Thus, despite improved systemic hemodynamics, short-term therapy with this ACE inhibitor failed to improve renal hemodynamics. In addition, initial CPT administration produced a decrease in coronary blood flow that was related to a decrease in myocardial oxygen requirements.
Idiopathic ulcerative laryngitis causing midmembranous vocal fold granuloma

Idiopathic ulcerative laryngitis (IUL) is characterized by bilateral midmembranous vocal fold ulceration, which follows upper respiratory infection with cough. In contrast, granuloma of the membranous vocal fold can occur rarely following microlaryngoscopy, presumably secondary to surgical violation of deep tissue planes. We report a novel case of noniatrogenic membranous vocal fold granulation developing in a patient with IUL. Although the presence of granulation implied injury to the entire microstructure of the vibratory portion of the vocal fold, the lesion resolved with conservative management without adverse sequelae.
Using a Microfluidic Device for High-Content Analysis of Cell Signaling

Quantitative analysis and understanding of signaling networks require measurements of the location and activities of key proteins over time, at the level of single cells, in response to various perturbations. Microfluidic devices enable such analyses to be conducted in a high-throughput and in a highly controlled manner. We describe in detail how to design and use a microfluidic device to perform such information-rich experiments.
Flammability Properties of Polymer - Layered-Silicate Nanocomposites. Polypropylene and Polystyrene Nanocomposites

Our continuing study of the mechanism of flammability reduction of polymer−layered-silicate nanocomposites has yielded results for polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride and polystyrene−layered-silicate nanocomposites using montmorillonite and fluorohectorite. Cone calorimetry was used to measure the heat release rate and other flammability properties of the nanocomposites, under well-controlled combustion conditions. Both the polymer−layered-silicate nanocomposites and the combustion residues were studied by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. We have found evidence for a common mechanism of flammability reduction. We also found that the type of layered silicate, nanodispersion, and processing degradation have an influence on the flammability reduction.
TSERIES—A User-Oriented Computer Program for Time Series Analysis

TSERIES is a computer program which was written to perform Box-Jenkins type analyses for univariate time series data. The program is capable of performing the analyses described in the first nine chapters of Box and Jenkins (1976) and it follows the general outline given there. TSERIES is both versatile and easy to use. Input is accomplished through a series of simple, compact commands, only a small number of which are needed for standard analyses. However, there are a large number of additional commands that can be used to modify standard assumptions and invoke special options. It is easy to learn to use the program. As a result, it has been very useful in practical applications as well as for giving students "hands-on" experience in courses on applied time series analysis. One of the important features of TSERIES is its easy-to-use free field command structure which was patterned after two other popular statistical packages, OMNITAB and MINITAB. For example, the following commands would be sufficient to produce outputs for identification of a time series model for a stationary time series of length 200:
Coverage of environmental events in US and UK newspapers: frequency, hazard, specificity, and placement

This study analyzes how well two major newspapers – one from the US and one from the UK – cover important environmental issues. The article includes a literature review of media and the environment, problems with environmental media, and methods of assessing news quality; the research focus; methodology, with an explanation of the content categories and rationale, which applies a conceptual framework of ‘technological hazard’; results; and a discussion with limitations and possible additional research.
AAEM minimonograph #36: basic concepts of electricity and electronics in clinical electromyography.

Fundamental principals of electricity provide a basis for understanding the design and operation of electromyography equipment. An intuitive and quantitative explanation of charge, voltage, current, and impedance provides an introduction to the concepts of resistance, capacitance, and input impedance. These concepts form the basis for discussion of filters, amplifiers, electrodes, digital electronics, stimulators, and patient safety. The monograph assumes no specialized training in engineering or mathematics. The topics are discussed at an introductory level to provide understanding for readers with no electronics background and intuitive insight for more experienced readers.
The Spectrum of Sexual Abuse in Daycare: An Exploratory Study

Findings from an exploratory study of 48 children sexually abused in daycare centers and daycare homes are presented. About two thirds were female and one third male. Approximately half of victims were maltreated by a single perpetrator and about half by more than one perpetrator, in the latter instance almost always by both men and women. On average, the children were subjected to 5.3 types of sexual abuse, experienced 2.1 different sorts of threats to obtain their cooperation or prevent disclosure of their victimization, and suffered from 3.7 symptoms regarded as sequelae of sexual abuse. Differences in the characteristics of offenders, victims, the sexual abuse, threats, and sequelae were found based upon the daycare context, that is, whether children were victimized in a center with multiple perpetrators, a center with a single perpetrator, or a daycare home.
Desert Island Journal

January 14 Dear Diary, The desert island on which my ALA colleagues and I were tossed up after our shipwreck is sadly lacking in the necessities of life: no four‐star restaurants, no video‐discos (indeed, no discos at all), no Neiman‐Marcus branches, and very little of the Heidsieck 1966 Cuvee Royale. Exactly how the 26 of us happened to be on the cruise ship SS Alanet is unclear to us, although someone had faint recollections of that final fatal party at the end of Midwinter. But on one point we're all perfectly clear: we paid our own expenses for the cruise.
Recent results on output feedback problems

Given a real linear system ? = (A,B,C) with m inputs, p outputs and degree n, we study the problem of generic pole placemmat by output feedback, which is to compute the constant C(m,p) such that the inequality C(m,p) ? n is necessary and sufficient for generically positioning. the poles of the generic linear system by constant output feedback. In this note, we determine a constant C' (m,p), which gives a sufficient condition for generic pole placement and which, to the best of the author's knowledge, is at least as good an estimate of C(m,p) as any in the literature. In particular, we obtain Kimura's first theorem [6a] and the recent result by Brockett and Byrnes [3] on pole assignability for the case mp = n as corollaries. We also announce some results on the construction of solutions in case mp= n, based on the degree formula of [3] and Galois theory. In particular, we answer a question, raised by Anderson, Bose, and Jury, on the existence of a rational procedure for computing the feedback law from the desired characteristic polynomial.
Dynamic Mission Planning for Communication Control in Multiple Unmanned Aircraft Teams

A multi-UAV system relies on communications to operate. Failure to communicate remotely sensed mission data to the base may render the system ineffective, and the inability to exchange command and control messages can lead to system failures. This paper describes a unique method to control network communications through distributed task allocation to engage under-utilized UAVs to serve as communication relays and to ensure that the network supports mission tasks. This work builds upon a distributed algorithm previously developed by the authors, CBBA with Relays, which uses task assignment information, including task location and proposed execution time, to predict the network topology and plan support using relays. By explicitly coupling task assignment and relay creation processes, the team is able to optimize the use of agents to address the needs of dynamic complex missions. In this work, the algorithm is extended to explicitly consider realistic network communication dynamics, including path loss, stochastic fading, and information routing. Simulation and flight test results validate the proposed approach, demonstrating that the algorithm ensures both data-rate and interconnectivity bit-error-rate requirements during task execution.
Improved magnetic retarding system for watthour meters

Because of the squared relationship between the flux and braking torque of the retarding magnet of the watthour meter, and the need to maintain high meter accuracy under all operating conditions over long periods of time, stability of the magnet is essential. Over the years, this stability and the resistance to demagnetization by extraneous magnetic fields or short-circuit currents have increased with each new material development applied to the retarding system of the meter. A continuation of this series of improvements is currently taking place with the introduction of rare earth magnets.
Equivariant stable homotopy and Sullivan's conjecture

Let G be a p-group, and let X be a G-complex. Let EG denote a contractible space on which G acts freely. By the "homotopy fixed point set" of X, we mean the fixed point set F(EG, X) G, where F(EG, X) denotes the function space of all maps EG ~ X, equipped with a G-action by 9f = 9f9-1. If we let * denote the one point space with trivial G-action, we may also consider the G-space F ( , ,X ) ; it is canonically G-homeomorphic to X. The G-map E G ~ , induces a map ~/: X G ~F( , , X) G. In [19], D. Sullivan proposed the following.
Conditional distribution analyses of probabilistic forecasts

Probabilistic forecasts have good ‘external correspondence’ if events that are assigned probabilities close to 1 tend to occur frequently, whereas those assigned probabilities near 0 tend to occur rarely. This paper describes simple procedures for analysing external correspondence into meaningful components that might guide efforts to understand and improve forecasting performance. The procedures focus on differences between the judgements made by the forecaster when the target event occurs, as compared to when it does not. The illustrations involve a professional oddsmaker's predictions of baseball game outcomes, meteorologists' precipitation forecasts and physicians' diagnoses of pneumonia. The illustrations demonstrate the ability of the procedures to highlight important forecasting tendencies that are sometimes more difficult to discern by other means.
Characterization of in Vivo Disulfide-Reduction Mediated Drug Release in Mouse Kidneys

Due to the overexpression of a folate receptor (FR) on many malignant cells, folate-targeted drugs have been developed to improve the cancer specificity of chemotherapeutic agents. Therapeutic index is further enhanced with the use of self-immolative linkers that efficiently release the attached drug upon cellular internalization of the folate–drug conjugate. Because FR is also abundant in normal kidney proximal tubule (PT) cells, we sought to examine in real time the trafficking and release of folate-targeted drugs in the kidney in vivo. Thus, we conducted two-photon kidney imaging studies in mice utilizing a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) based folate conjugate that undergoes a color shift from red to green upon reduction of the disulfide bond linking folate to a surrogate drug molecule. Following infusion via intravenous injection, folate–FRET reached the kidney in its intact unreduced form. The folate–FRET conjugate was then filtered into the lumen of PT, where it was efficiently captured by...
Prognostic nomogram and index for overall survival in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The clinical course for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia is extremely heterogeneous. The Rai and Binet staging systems have been used to risk-stratify patients; most patients present with early-stage disease. We evaluated a group of previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at initial presentation to University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to identify independent characteristics that predict for overall survival. Clinical and routine laboratory characteristics for 1674 previously untreated patients who presented for evaluation of CLL from 1981 to 2004 were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified several patient characteristics at presentation that predicted for overall survival in previously untreated patients with CLL. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was developed, including the following independent characteristics: age, β-2 microglobulin, absolute lymphocyte count, sex, Rai stage, and number of involved lymph node groups. Inclusion of patients from a single institution and the proportion of patients younger than 65 years may limit this model. A weighted prognostic model, or nomogram, predictive for overall survival was constructed using these 6 characteristics for 5- and 10-year survival probability and estimated median survival time. This prognostic model may help patients and clinicians in clinical decision making as well as in clinical research and clinical trial design.
Growth inhibition by protein kinase C late in mitogenesis.

The importance of α-thrombin in the clotting cascade is well-known, but it is also a potent mitogen1–3. Like many other mitogens, thrombin causes receptor-mediated activation of a phosphatidy-linositol-specific phospholipase C (PLC), leading to the release of diacylglycerol and the subsequent activation of protein kinase C (refs 3–6). Protein kinase C is probably important in cell proliferation, as activation of this enzyme by phorbol esters promotes growth in many systems4–6. Some growth factors have tyrosine kinase activity and function without activation of PLC or protein kinase C7–9 . In this report we show that α-thrombin retains its mitogenicity in vascular smooth muscle cells depleted of protein kinase C. Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) is found to be a potent growth inhibitor when added to vascular smooth muscle cells with α-thrombin. Moreover, growth inhibition is maximal when protein kinase C is activated 4 hours after exposure to thrombin, long after the completion of 'early events' induced by thrombin. Thus, PMA probes an event late in the G1 phase of the cell cyle or at the G1–S transition.
A fermentable non-reducing substance in plasma following insulin administration.

SummaryData are presented showing that insulin induces the appearance of a ‘fermentable non-reducing substance’ in substantial quantity in the plasma of eviscerated and normal rabbits after 8 hours of constant injection of C14-labeled glucose.