cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Formation of the initial kidney and mouth opening in larval amphioxus studied with serial blockface scanning electron microscopy (SBSEM)

For early larvae of amphioxus, Kaji et al. (Zool Lett 2:2, 2016) proposed that mesoderm cells are added to the rim of the forming mouth, giving it the quality of a coelomoduct without homology to the oral openings of other animals. They depended in part on non-serial transmission electron microscopic (TEM) sections and could not readily put fine structural details into a broader context. The present study of amphioxus larvae is based largely on serial blockface scanning electron microscopy (SBSEM), a technique revealing TEM-level details within an extensive anatomical volume that can be reconstructed in three dimensions. In amphioxus larvae shortly before mouth formation, a population of compact mesoderm cells is present at the posterior extremity of the first left somite. As development continues, the more dorsal of these cells give rise to the initial kidney (Hatschek’s nephridium), while the more ventral cells become interposed between the ectoderm and endoderm in a localized region where the mouth will soon penetrate. SBSEM reveals that, after the mouth has opened, a majority of these mesoderm cells can still be detected, sandwiched between the ectoderm and endoderm; they are probably myoblasts destined to develop into the perioral muscles. SBSEM has provided the most accurate and detailed description to date of the tissues at the anterior end of amphioxus larvae. The present study supports the finding of Kaji et al. (2016) that the more dorsal of the cells in the posterior region of the first left somite give rise to the initial kidney. In contrast, the fate of the more ventral cells (called here the oral mesoderm) is less well understood. Although Kaji et al. (2016) implied that all of the oral mesoderm cells joined the rim of the forming mouth, SBSEM reveals that many of them are still present after mouth penetration. Even so, some of those cells go missing during mouth penetration and their fate is unknown. It cannot be ruled out that they were incorporated into the rim of the nascent mouth as proposed by Kaji et al. (2016). On the other hand, they might have degenerated or been shed from the larva during the morphogenetic interaction between the ectoderm and endoderm to form the mouth. The present SBSEM study, like Kaji et al. (2016), is based on static morphological data, and dynamic cell tracer experiments would be needed to decide among these possibilities.
Anesthesia for Thoracic Surgery

The preoperative evaluation of children scheduled to undergo thoracic surgery should include an assessment of whether the surgical condition is likely to result in either hemodynamic or pulmonary compromise. Infants and small children have compliant chest walls and high oxygen consumption. This makes them less able to tolerate lateral positioning and one lung ventilation than older children or adults. There now exists a variety of devices such as bronchial blockers and smaller double lumen tracheal tubes which makes one lung ventilation possible in most pediatric patients, particularly in the older age groups. However anesthesia care providers must be prepared to evaluate and treat hypoxemia during one-lung ventilation if it occurs. Carbon dioxide insufflation to provide exposure is also being used more frequently to provide exposure, and often eliminates the need for a bronchial blocker or double lumen tracheal tube. Postoperatively epidural analgesia, paravertebral catheters, chest wall infusion and patient controlled intravenous analgesia are being utilized to benefit infants undergoing these painful procedures.
The Use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Rotating Frame Experiments for One Dimensional Discrimination of Metabolites in Tissues

Over the last decade nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MIR) has emerged as the premier tool for the non-invasive study of tissue metabolism and its regulation, for examining cellular energetics, for monitoring physiologically relevant metabolic events, and for the assessment of tissue viability (1–11). This emergence to a position of prominence has occurred despite several restrictions inherent to the technique: observation is limited to NMR-active nuclei such as 1H, 19F, 31P, 23Na, 13C, 15N, and 39K, present in low molecular weight compounds or ions and existing unbound in the tissue milieu, and for the most part at concentration levels exceeding 0.1 mM. Despite these restrictions, NMR spectroscopy has become an extremely powerful tool by virtue of its ability to measure steady state metabolite levels and elucidate metabolic pathways and controls; to monitor intracellular pH; to assess reaction rates and cellular fluxes using specialized IWR techniques; and to perform these experiments in non-invasive, and hence a non-destructive, manner. The important movement of this research to in vivo experiments in animals has been facilitated by the recent development of wide bore, superconducting NMR magnets.
Using Biological Criteria to Protect Ecological Health

Among organisms that inhabit Earth, the human species is unique for three reasons. First, our population size and the extent of our geographic distribution gives us an impact that is unprecendented in the history of life on Earth. Five times in the last 600 million years, cataclysmic events, driven by major geological or astronomical forces such as meteorite strikes or climate change, have set back the evolutionary process with a spasm of extinction that was global in scope (Wilson 1992). As we move into the 21st century, the human species, a biological agent, is likely to be responsible for the next massive extinction event.
Focusing Quantum Many-body Dynamics: The Rigorous Derivation of the 1D Focusing Cubic Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation

We consider the dynamics of N bosons in 1D. We assume that the pair interaction is attractive and given by \({N^{\beta-1}V(N^{\beta}.) where }\) where \({\int V \leqslant 0}\). We develop new techniques in treating the N-body Hamiltonian so that we overcome the difficulties generated by the attractive interaction and establish new energy estimates. We also prove the optimal 1D collapsing estimate which reduces the regularity requirement in the uniqueness argument by half a derivative. We derive rigorously the 1D focusing cubic NLS with a quadratic trap as the \({N \rightarrow \infty}\) limit of the N-body dynamic and hence justify the mean-field limit and prove the propagation of chaos for the focusing quantum many-body system.
Update of the American Society of Breast Surgeons Toolbox to address the lumpectomy reoperation epidemic.

In 2015, the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) convened a multidisciplinary consensus conference, the Collaborative Attempt to Lower Lumpectomy Reoperation Rates (CALLER). The CALLER conference endorsed a “toolbox” of multiple processes of care for which there was evidence that they were associated with fewer reoperations. We present an update of the toolbox taking into consideration the latest advances in decreasing re excision rates. In this review, we performed a comprehensive review of the literature from 2015–2018 using search terms for each tool. The original ten tools were updated with the latest evidence from the literature and our strength of recommendation. We added an additional section looking at new tools and techniques that may provide more accurate intraoperative assessment of margins. The updates on the CALLER Toolbox for lumpectomy will help guide surgeons to various resources to aid in the removal of breast cancer, while being aware of cosmesis and decreasing re excision rates.
Quantifiers and Bound Variables

Frege’s argument-function model for predication and his theory of quantification are among the few really new ideas introduced into philosophy since the time of the Greeks. His critique of the traditional account of predication and his invention of the quantifier-variable notation for expressing generality revolutionized both logic and ontology.1 Before discussing the ontological implications of his new interpretation of the logical structure of the world, it will be helpful to clarify the relationship between his argument-function model and his account of quantification, and to consider some of the paradoxes engendered by his extensional logic.
Factors contributing to deer - vehicle crashes on rural two-lane roadways in Michigan.

Deer–vehicle crashes (DVCs) continue to be a problem in the United States, with 1.2 million such crashes occurring annually. DVCs are a particular issue on two-lane rural highways in Michigan, acco...
Spectral Estimation of Irregularly Sampled Nonstationary Multidimensional Processes by Time-Varying Periodogram

A multidimensional version of the time varying periodogram has been developed. The estimation method based on the multidimensional time-varying periodogram has been applied to a nonstationary multidimensional storm model. This work proposes that the multidimensional time varying periodogram is capable of estimating nonstationary spectral density functions in space and time.
Speech, language, and feeding phenotypes of SATB2-associated syndrome

SATB2-associated syndrome (SAS) is a recently identified disorder characterized by neurodevelopmental deficits and craniofacial anomalies. Assessments of speech, language, and feeding-related issues were conducted among 61 individuals with SAS (median age = 86 months, range = 26 months to 29 years of age). Individuals with SAS were mostly non-verbal communicators (72.1%) with severe deficits in both language comprehension and expression. The majority of individuals had receptive vocabulary skills of a child younger than 3 years of age. Based on parent report, the average spoken lexicon was 28.6 (SD = 84.6, n = 55) with a range of 0 to 500 (median = 5 words). All of the individuals with SAS with enough verbal ability either showed signs of childhood apraxia of speech or already had a diagnosis (n = 40) and 73.3% exhibited problems with reliable communication with unfamiliar partners. Hypernasal resonance (17.8%) due to velopharyngeal insufficiency secondary to a history of cleft palate and/or apraxic palatal movement (60.0% of hypernasal patients with no history of cleft palate), problems with chewing (68.2%), overstuffing the mouth with solids (64.9%), pharyngeal phase dysphagia (60.8%), and sialorrhea (63.3%) were common in this population. Mutation type was not predictive of receptive or expressive language abilities. We developed language and communication treatment recommendations based on these findings.
Spatial Pattern Analysis Reveals Randomness Among Carnivore Depredation of Livestock

Carnivore depredation of livestock is a global problem which negatively impacts both agropastoral livelihoods and carnivore population viability. Given the gravity of this issue, research has increasingly focused on applied techniques capable of quantifying the factors that increase the risk of livestock depredation. One such technique is risk modeling. This multivariate approach is designed to produce predictions of the spatial configuration of depredation so as to prioritize interventionist activities. Thus, the efficacy of subsequent interventions is, in part, dependent upon the accuracy of the predictions deriving from the risk models. The predictability of spatial patterns in carnivore depredation of livestock is influenced by the degree of spatial autocorrelation evident in the data distributions. We conducted a multi-year assessment to quantify the degree of spatial autocorrelation within livestock depredation data. We centered our study in the Maasai steppe of Tanzania, which experiences some of the highest rates of human-carnivore conflict in the world. We applied three geostatistical measures to assess spatial clustering in data describing livestock depredation by lions (Panthera leo), leopards (Panthera pardus), spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas), and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) at the household (i.e., livestock enclosure) scale. Using an ordinal spatial scan statistic, a Bernoulli spatial scan statistic, and the Getis-Ord local spatial statistic, we found that the spatial patterns in carnivore depredation of livestock tended not to significantly differ from random. As the predictive ability of spatial risk models may be limited where spatial patterns of carnivore depredation of livestock do not statistically differ from random, explicitly assessing such patterns is an important component of conflict mitigation efforts. We discuss the inferences of this analysis for the optimization of interventionist activities intending to develop sustainable solutions for human-carnivore conflict.
Long-term functional outcome following minimally invasive endoscopic intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation.

Background and purpose Preclinical studies suggest that clot removal may mitigate primary and secondary brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Although the MISTIE trial did not demonstrate an overall outcome benefit, it did demonstrate outcome benefit from effective reduction of clot burden. Minimally invasive endoscopic ICH evacuation may provide an alternative option for clot evacuation. Methods Patients presenting to a single healthcare system from December 2015 to October 2018 with supratentorial spontaneous ICH were evaluated for minimally invasive endoscopic evacuation. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were prospectively established by a multidisciplinary group in the healthcare system. The prespecified primary analysis was the proportion of patients with modified Rankin Score (mRS) 0–3 at 6 months. Results One hundred patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and underwent minimally invasive endoscopic ICH evacuation. The mean (SD) hematoma size was 49.7 (30.6) mL, the mean (SD) evacuation percentage was 88.2 (20.3)%, and 86% of patients had postoperative residual hematoma ≤15 mL. At 6 months the proportion of patients with an mRS of 0–3 was 46%. Conclusions This study suggests that minimally invasive endoscopic ICH evacuation may produce favorable long-term functional outcomes. Further evaluation of this technique in a randomized clinical trial is necessary.
Virulence determinants of the emerging pathogen Kingella kingae

Kingella kingae is a gram-negative coccobacillus that is a fastidious commensal organism in the oropharynx and is being recognized increasingly as a common cause of osteoarticular infections and other invasive diseases in young children. The pathogenesis of K. kingae disease begins with bacterial adherence to respiratory epithelium, followed by translocation across the epithelial barrier, survival in the bloodstream, and dissemination to distant sites, including bones, joints, and the endocardium, among others. Characterization of the determinants of K. kingae pathogenicity has revealed a novel model of adherence that involves the interplay of type IV pili, a non-pilus adhesin, and a polysaccharide capsule and a novel model of resistance to serum killing and neutrophil killing that involves complementary functions of a polysaccharide capsule and an exopolysaccharide. These models likely apply to other bacterial pathogens as well.
Managing Remote Projects Effectively with an Action Dashboard

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the College’s library, learning center, & archives and the office of institutional research & training (OIRT), along with all departments of our co...
Clinical Features of COVID-19 Infection in Patients Treated at a Large Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

INTRODUCTION: During recent months, reports describing the characteristics of COVID-19 patients in China, Italy, and the United States have been published. Military veterans represent another unique population affected by COVID-19. This report summarizes the demographics and baseline clinical comorbidities in veterans testing positive for COVID-19 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. METHODS: Patient evaluations were conducted at the Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin between March 11, 2020 and June 1, 2020. Patient demographics, baseline comorbidities, home medications, presenting symptoms, and outcomes were obtained via electronic medical record. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients (88 men, 7 women) tested positive for COVID-19 and were evaluated. Fourteen required mechanical ventilation; 50 and 31 patients were treated in the hospital without ventilation or were discharged to home isolation, respectively. Discharged patients were younger than patients hospitalized. Most patients with COVID-19 were African American (63.2%). Patients whose disease progressed to mechanical ventilation had, on admission, more dyspnea, higher heart and respiratory rates, and lower oxygen saturation than other patients. COVID-19 patients who required mechanical ventilation had a longer length of stay and higher mortality than other groups and were more likely to have a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia than patients who were discharged to home quarantine (85.7% and 78.6% vs 48.4% and 45.2%, respectively; P < 0.05 for each). CONCLUSION: COVID-19-positive veterans are predominantly African American men with hypertension and hyperlipidemia receiving beta blockers or ACEi/ARB. COVID-19-positive veterans who presented with dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, and hypoxemia were more likely to require endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, had longer hospital length-of-stay, and experienced greater mortality than comparison groups.
BIOFEEDBACK AND RELAXATION THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN AND DYSFUNCTION

SUMMARY Both biofeedback and relaxation therapy can be successful treatments for MPD.12-15 The combination of both psychophysiologic therapies may increase effectiveness, but this is not clear. These treatments also may be successful adjuncts to the use of bite appliances, medications, and/or surgery.
An Ambitious Approach: A Review of Lifetime Disadvantage, Discrimination and the Gendered Workforce

In this review of Susan Bisom-Rapp’s and Malcom Sargeant’s book, Lifetime Disadvantage, Discrimination and the Gendered Workforce, I both summarize and applaud the authors’ ambitious approach to exploring the disadvantages women experience in the workforce throughout their careers and the cumulative effects of those disadvantages over their lifetimes. The authors develop a “model of lifetime disadvantage,” and this model is presented in an exhaustively researched and thoroughly enjoyable read. In addition to exploring the causes and effects of the discrimination and disadvantages women face, the authors also explore possible solutions, both here in the United States as well as in the United Kingdom. The authors take a broad and ambitious approach to solving the lifetime disadvantage suffered by women. Because I also like to think broadly when reimagining what is possible in the workplace and in life, I use this review to preview my own book in progress, which is an unabashedly ambitious approach to ameliorating the workplace disadvantages suffered by women and individuals with disabilities.
Online Soil Classification Using a UAS Sensor Emplacement System

Deployment of sensors in hard-to-access locations can improve data gathering for scientific studies. We have developed a sensor emplacement system that can be mounted to unmanned aircraft systems with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities to autonomously auger a sensor into the ground. Various techniques can be chosen to enhance the augering process when certain characteristics of the soil are known. Moisture content and compressive strength are the soil characteristics that most impact the augering process, yet directly measuring them would require additional sensors to an already-burdened airframe. We address this through a novel means of predicting these soil characteristics within the first 30 s of an average 85 s augering evolution using onboard sensors and a Gaussian process regression scheme that predicts the soil moisture content and compressive strength with accuracy of 86.53% and 90.53% of the respective measured values.
A mixtures approach to assessing relationships between environmental and social determinants of health and neonatal size and body composition in the Healthy Start cohort

Background: Previous studies have identified neighborhood-level environmental and social exposures associated with birth weight, but no studies have quantified the effects of simultaneous exposures...
A transwell assay method to evaluate Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto migratory chemoattraction toward tick saliva proteins.

Abstract We developed a transwell assay to quantify migration of the Lyme disease agent, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), toward Ixodes scapularis salivary gland proteins. The assay was designed to assess B. burgdorferi s.s. migration upward against gravity through a transwell polycarbonate membrane overlaid with 6% gelatin. Borreliae that channeled into the upper transwell chamber in response to test proteins were enumerated by flow cytometry. The transwell assay measured chemoattractant activity for B. burgdorferi s.s. from salivary gland extract (SGE) harvested from nymphal ticks during bloodmeal engorgement on mice 42 h post-attachment and saliva collected from adult ticks. Additionally, SGE protein fractions separated by size exclusion chromatography demonstrated various levels of chemoattractant activity in the transwell assay. Sialostatin L, and Salp-like proteins 9 and 11 were identified by mass spectrometry in SGE fractions that exhibited elevated activity. Recombinant forms of these proteins were tested in the transwell assay and showed positive chemoattractant properties compared to controls and another tick protein, S15A. These results were reproducible providing evidence that the transwell assay is a useful method for continuing investigations to find tick saliva components instrumental in driving B. burgdorferi s.s. chemotaxis.
How knowledgeable are high school students about food safety? Results from a predominantly minority Chicago charter school

Purpose – High school students are at an age where food handling may occur for themselves and as entry level workers in food service. An estimated 21 percent of food and beverage service workers are aged 16-19 years. The purpose of this paper is to determine baseline food safety knowledge and associated factors among high school students. Design/methodology/approach – A convenience sample of 231 Chicago high school students was approached to participate in a 34-question survey to obtain information about their food safety knowledge, behaviors, and personal hygiene. Frequencies of correct answers to each knowledge question were examined to determine knowledge gaps. Bivariate analyses were performed to identify student variables associated with knowledge score and regression models were used to examine the associations between eligible factors and knowledge score. Findings – Among the 195 participating students, 70 percent described themselves as Hispanic/Latino and 15 percent as non-Hispanic Black. In all,...
Burnet, Frank Macfarlane

1899–1985 Australian immunologist and virologist who proposed the clonal selection theory of acquired immunity. Keywords: influenza virus; clonal selection theory; antibody synthesis; immunological theory
Paradoxical vocal fold motion: respiratory retraining to manage long-term symptoms

Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) is a laryngeal disorder characterized by abnormal adduction of the vocal folds during respiration. It is caused by a multitude of etiologies and their interactions. In the current study, a 24-year-old female patient with a 12-year complaint of shortness of breath was diagnosed with paradoxical vocal fold motion following nasal endoscopy, spirometry testing and detailed case history analysis. She had no history or indication of laryngopharyngeal reflux or chronic cough. She performed respiratory retraining exercises three to four times daily for a period of four weeks, and continued daily exercises for two additional months as needed. After four weeks of treatment, abnormal vocal fold adduction continued to be seen on endoscopy and the patient was mildly symptomatic. One month post-treatment, there was no abnormal vocal fold adduction and the patient reported rare shortness of breath. At three months post-treatment, there was no abnormal vocal fold adduction and the patient no longer reported shortness of breath. She reported normal breathing with no symptoms one year later. The results suggest that non-pulmonary related shortness of breath treated with respiratory retraining can effectively eliminate dyspnea in patients with long term breathing difficulties caused by paradoxical vocal fold motion. Resolution may require treatment over an extended period of time.
c-Met, a potential personalized and therapeutic biomarker for mesenchymal and stemness characteristics in metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: c-Met, a high-affinity receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), is a tyrosine kinase that plays a critical role in cancer growth, invasion and metastasis. Recent work at the NCI has demonstrated that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with an active HGF/c-Met gene expression profile have a significantly worse prognosis and high association with metastatic disease. Although targeting the HGF/c-Met pathway has been effective in the treatment of multiple cancers, the effect of c-Met inhibition in HCC and metastatic HCC remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the significance of c-Met as a biomarker for mesenchymal/metastatic and stemness properties and as a personalized therapeutic target in metastatic HCC. Materials and Methods: Two human HCC cell lines, Huh7 and MHCC97-H were used in this study. Huh7 cells have no significant metastatic properties and MHCC97-H cells were initially isolated from a lung metastasis and have high metastatic potential. Using these cell lines, we examined the effect of a small molecule c-Met tyrosine kinase inhibitor, PHA665752. XTT assay and colony formation assay were used to investigate cell proliferation, annexin V/PI staining was conducted to determine cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, western-blot was performed to test protein expression, and quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure gene expression. Tumor xenograft model of MHCC97-H cells in nude mice was utilized to evaluate the effect of PHA665752 on tumor growth. Results: Using gene and protein expression analysis, the metastatic HCC cell line MHCC97-H demonstrates a mesenchymal phenotype with decreased expression of E-Cadherin and increased expression of c-Met, fibronectin and Zeb2 compared to Huh7 cells, an epithelial line. The c-Met inhibitor, PHA665752 blocked c-Met phosphorylation in MHCC97-H cells. XTT and colony formation assay demonstrated that PHA665752 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation in MHCC97-H, but not in Huh7 cells. Additionally, 16-hour PHA665752 treatment induced a significant level of apoptosis in MHCC97-H cells (9.5% of PHA665752 treatment vs 0.02% of control, p p >0.05). An investigation of downstream signaling indicated that inhibiting c-Met phosphorylation in MHCC97-H cells with PHA665752 resulted in a significant reduction in Akt and Erk phosphorylation. PHA665752 did not affect Akt and Erk phosphorlylation in Huh7 cells. In the MHCC97-H cell xenograft model, daily administration of PHA665752 significantly inhibited tumor growth compared to vehicle treated mice (tumor volume 152.6mm 3 of 12-day PHA665752 treatment vs 451.8mm 3 of vehicle treatment at day 33 after inoculation of MHCC97-H cells, p Conclusion: C-met is a potential biomarker for mesenchymal/metastatic and stemness properties in HCC and c-Met represents a target for personalized treatment in HCC patients with an active HGF/c-Met pathway.
Robust Reading: Identification and Tracing of Ambiguous Names

Abstract : A given entity, representing a person, a location or an organization, may be mentioned in text in multiple, ambiguous ways. Understanding natural language requires identifying whether different mentions of a name, within and across documents, represent the same entity. We develop an unsupervised learning approach that is shown to resolve accurately the name identification and tracing problem. At the heart of our approach is a generative model of how documents are generated and how names are sprinkled into them. In its most general form, our model assumes: (1) a joint distribution over entities, (2) an author model, that assumes that at least one mention of an entity in a document is easily identifiable, and then generates other mentions via (3) an appearance model, governing how mentions are transformed from the representative mention. We show how to estimate the model and do inference with it and how this resolves several aspects of the problem from the perspective of applications such as questions answering.
Antigen Signal Strength during Priming Determines Effector CD4 T Cell Function and Antigen Sensitivity during Influenza Virus Challenge

TCR signal strength during priming is a key determinant of CD4 T cell activation, but its impact on effector CD4 T functions in vivo remains unclear. In this study, we compare the functionality of CD4 T cell responses induced by peptides displaying varying binding half-lives with MHC class II before and after influenza virus infection. Although significant quantitative and qualitative differences in CD4 T cell responses were observed before infection between mice vaccinated with low- or high-stability peptides, both mice mounted robust early Th1 effector cytokine responses upon influenza challenge. However, only effector CD4 T cells induced by low-stability peptides proliferated and produced IL-17A after influenza challenge. In contrast, effector T cells elicited by higher-stability peptides displayed a terminally differentiated phenotype and divided poorly. This defective proliferation was T cell intrinsic but could not be attributed to a reduced expression of lymph node homing receptors. Instead, we found that CD4 T cells stimulated with higher-stability peptides exhibited decreased responsiveness to low levels of Ag presentation. Our study reveals the critical role of TCR signal strength during priming for the function and Ag sensitivity of effector CD4 T cells during viral challenge.
Empirical Essays on Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility

This dissertation is comprised of three essays on entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In the first essay, I find that prior employment in the medical device sector has a positive impact on performance due to non-technical knowledge gained at the parent firm. In the second essay, I examine the validity of CSR ratings and find low validity across ratings, implying that there is uncertainty about the underlying construct of CSR. The third essay studies the impact of local contracting set aside programs on minority entrepreneurship and finds that minority entrepreneurship increased between 2.5%-5% after the introduction of these programs.
17β-Estradiol: Effect on CA1 Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity ☆

An understanding of synaptic plasticity in the mammalian brain has been one of R. F. Thompson's major pursuits throughout his illustrious career. A current series of experiments of significant interest to R. F. Thompson is an examination of the interactions between sex hormones, synaptic plasticity, aging, and stress. This research is contained within a broader project whose aim is to investigate animal models that evaluate estrogen interactions with Alzheimer's disease. This paper reviews the recent results that have led to a better understanding of how the sex hormone estrogen influences synaptic plasticity in an important structure within the mammalian brain responsible for learning and memory: the hippocampus. In this review, a number of experiments have been highlighted that investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie estrogen's effect on two specific forms of synaptic plasticity commonly studied in neurophysiology and the behavioral neurosciences: long-term potentiation and long-term depression.
Identification of RNA species in the RNA-toxin complex and structure of the complex in Clostridium botulinum type E.

Abstract Clostridium botulinum type E toxin was isolated in the form of a complex with RNA(s) from bacterial cells. Characterization of the complexed RNA remains to be elucidated. The RNA is identified here as ribosomal RNA (rRNA) having 23S and 16S components. The RNA–toxin complexes were found to be made up of three types with different molecular sizes. The three types of RNA–toxin complex are toxin bound to both the 23S and 16S rRNA, toxin bound to the 16S rRNA and a small amount of 23S rRNA, and toxin bound only to the 16S rRNA.
Local Ratcheting by Elastic-Plastic FEA: Criteria and Code Based Approaches

Emanating from a discussion of local ratcheting effects and appropriate limiting criteria this paper examines existing ratcheting rules based on local (or material) response that are currently in Section III of the ASME B&PV Code, German KTA rules, and other design codes. The objective is to offer clarification of the rules that may be useful to the designer, their bases and practical application. Among these rules, different ratcheting checks are required that use different ratcheting measures. The paper considers only the rules for which the ratcheting checks can be evaluated by a direct cycle-by-cycle elastic-plastic FEA. Examples are provided to illustrate the procedures.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Gender differences in laboratory aggression under response choice conditions

Eighty-four undergraduate student volunteers were tested on the Response Choice Aggression Paradigm [Zeichner et al., 1999]. Men (n=43) and women (n=41) participants were provoked in a reaction time competition by receiving electric shocks and were allowed to respond to a confederate with similar shocks or to refrain from any retaliation. Results indicated that men administered more shocks, chose more intense shocks, and administered the highest available shock at a greater proportion relative to all their shock selections than did women. In contrast, women evinced a longer latency before becoming aggressive and initiated aggression at lower intensities than did men. Moreover, across shock trials, gender-specific aggression patterns indicated that while men alternated response frequency, women gradually increased their response frequency to a peak close to the end of the task. The results confirm earlier findings of gender differences in aggression and offer new indices of aggression “flashpoint” as a step closer to understanding aggressive behavior in naturalistic circumstances. Aggr. Behav. 29:95–106, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Near-field imaging of optical diffraction radiation generated by a 7-GeV electron beam

We report the first unambiguous demonstration of near-field imaging of optical diffraction radiation (ODR). The source of the ODR was an aluminum metal reflective surface with a 7-GeV electron beam passing nearby its single edge. Because of the high Lorentz factor involved, appreciable ODR is emitted at visible wavelengths even for impact parameters of 1 to 2 mm, so standard imaging techniques were employed. The experimental results are compared to a simple near-field model. We show that the ODR signals are sensitive to both beam size and position. Applications to multi-GeV beams in transport lines in the major synchrotron radiation facilities, x-ray free-electron lasers, energy recovering linacs, and the International Linear Collider are possible.
An Experimental Investigation of Videotaped Lectures in Online Courses

Lecture videos are often praised as a great medium of instruction in online education. There is a lack of research, however, that tests whether videos are superior to other teaching tools in online classes. This article examines whether videos are better than lecture notes and still slides in an online introductory political science course. The results show that lecture videos might not be the best tool of instruction for introductory students. Students in the non-video course gave higher evaluations of the instructor and the course and scored higher on exams.
CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein β Deletion Reduces Adiposity, Hepatic Steatosis, and Diabetes in Leprdb/db Mice

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) plays a key role in initiation of adipogenesis in adipose tissue and gluconeogenesis in liver; however, the role of C/EBPbeta in hepatic lipogenesis remains undefined. Here we show that C/EBPbeta inactivation in Lepr(db/db) mice attenuates obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes. In addition to impaired adipogenesis, livers from C/EBPbeta(-/-) x Lepr(db/db) mice had dramatically decreased triglyceride content and reduced lipogenic enzyme activity. C/EBPbeta deletion in Lepr(db/db) mice down-regulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma2) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 and up-regulated PPARalpha independent of SREBP1c. Conversely, C/EBPbeta overexpression in wild-type mice increased PPARgamma2 and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 mRNA and hepatic triglyceride content. In FAO cells, overexpression of the liver inhibiting form of C/EBPbeta or C/EBPbeta RNA interference attenuated palmitate-induced triglyceride accumulation and reduced PPARgamma2 and triglyceride levels in the liver in vivo. Leptin and the anti-diabetic drug metformin acutely down-regulated C/EBPbeta expression in hepatocytes, whereas fatty acids up-regulate C/EBPbeta expression. These data provide novel evidence linking C/EBPbeta expression to lipogenesis and energy balance with important implications for the treatment of obesity and fatty liver disease.
Breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Every year in the United States, breast cancer is diagnosed in more than 200,000 women. Because of the prevalence of breast cancer, treatment-related sequelae are of importance to many survivors of the disease. One such sequela is upper extremity lymphedema, which occurs when fluid accumulates in the interstitial space and causes enlargement and usually a feeling of heaviness in the limb. Axillary surgery contributes considerably to the incidence of lymphedema, with the incidence and severity of swelling related to the number of lymph nodes removed. Lymph-edema after standard axillary lymph node dissection can occur in up to approximately 50% of patients. However, the risk of lymph-edema is decreased substantially with newer sentinel lymph node sampling procedures. Adjuvant radiotherapy to the breast or lymph nodes increases the risk of lymphedema, which has been reported in 9% to 40% of these patients. Management of lymph-edema requires a multidisciplinary approach to minimize the effect on the patient's quality of life. This review presents an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema.
Amperometric detection for liquid chromatographic separation of polynuclear hydrocarbons

Abstract Oxidative electrochemical detection is used for liquid chromatographic separation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's). The amperometric response is shown to be dependent on the working potential, ionic strength, flow rate, pH, temperature and pretreatment of the glassy carbon electrode surface. These experimental factors were optimized by choosing the maximum signal-to-noise ratio for anthracene and benz(a)-anthracene. The figures of merit (sensitivity, limit of detection and linear dynamic range) of six PAH's are reported and compared with ultraviolet absorption detection. Varying the applied potential gives the capability for selective detection.
Characteristics of an acid active thiamine diphosphatase from beef brain.

That thiamine has a role in nerve conduction as well as synaptic transmission is suggested by the following observations. (1) Thiamine phosphate esters are hydrolyzed and released from nerve membranes during nerve conduction. (2) Ultraviolet radiation of single nerve fibers at the wavelength specific for thiamine destroys the ability of that nerve to conduct an impulse. (3) Thiamine diphosphatase (TDPase) is present on synaptosomes. Previous articles have characterized an alkaline active TDPase in brain; this report characterizes a pH 5 active TDPase and compares its properties to the pH 9 enzyme. Both enzymes require a divalent cation for optimal activity. The pH 5 enzyme is more sensitive to ATP. Myelin fractions of brain have the highest specific activity for the acid TDPase, and the nerve ending particles the highest total activity. No PO43− inhibition was observed. Kinetic constants of this enzyme activity are reported.
Modelling post-glacial rebound with lateral viscosity variations

SUMMARY Observations of isostatic adjustment of the Earth's surface due to glacial loading provide important constraints on mantle viscosity structure. We solve the forward problem of glacial isostatic adjustment in two complementary ways: a spectral method for strictly 1-D (spherically symmetric) earth models, and a finite element method that can accommodate 3-D viscosity structure. We discuss how each method may be augmented in three ways: to accommodate motion of the centre of mass, to implement a gravitationally self-consistent ocean load via the sea level equation and to include the influence of polar wander. With all these effects implemented, the two methods are benchmarked against each other. We also study the influence of lateral viscosity variations upon measurements of post-glacial rebound (PGR) in two ways: first by observing the effect of viscosity perturbations in an idealized model and second by developing a realistic 3-D viscosity model and comparing it with results of related 1-D (spherically symmetric) models. The 3-D viscosity structure is derived starting from seismic tomography models. We conclude from both approaches that PGR observations are sensitive to both the local viscosity structure and to the viscosity structure beneath the loaded region, even if it is removed from where the observations are made. In particular, PGR measurements made at Hudson Bay tend to reflect the local viscosity structure beneath Hudson Bay; PGR measurements made along the east coast of North America, being sensitive to both the local (east coast) viscosity structure as well as the loaded (continental) viscosity structure, are not reproducible with a 1-D viscosity model.
Different distribution of fluorinated anesthetics and nonanesthetics in model membrane: a 19F NMR study

Despite their structural resemblance, a pair of cyclic halogenated compounds, 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluorocyclobutane (F3) and 1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane (F6), exhibit completely different anesthetic properties. Whereas the former is a potent general anesthetic, the latter produces no anesthesia. Two linear compounds, isoflurane and 2,3-dichlorooctofluorobutane (F8), although not a structural pair, also show the same anesthetic discrepancy. Using 19F nuclear magnetic spectroscopy, we investigated the time-averaged submolecular distribution of these compounds in a vesicle suspension of phosphatidylcholine lipids. A two-site exchange model was used to interpret the observed changes in resonance frequencies as a function of the solubilization of these compounds in membrane and in water. At clinically relevant concentrations, the anesthetics F3 and isoflurane distributed preferentially to regions of the membrane that permit easy contact with water. The frequency changes of these two anesthetics can be well characterized by the two-site exchange model. In contrast, the nonanesthetics F6 and F8 solubilized deeply into the lipid core, and their frequency change significantly deviated from the prediction of the model. It is concluded that although anesthetics and nonanesthetics may show similar hydrophobicity in bulk solvents such as olive oil, their distributions in various regions in biomembranes, and hence their effective concentrations at different submolecular sites, may differ significantly.
Number of Negative Acid-Fast Smears Needed To Adequately Assess Infectivity of Patients With Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Study objectives To investigate the relationship between the number of negative acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear results and infectivity of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Design Retrospective analysis. Methods and subjects We examined 122 index cases in Harris County, TX, reported in 1998 and 1999. All cases had only negative AFB smear results during the infectious period and were categorized in two groups: group A consisted of cases with only one or two sputum specimens collected and processed, and group B consisted of cases with at least three sputum specimens or at least one bronchoscopic specimen. Tuberculin skin test (TST) results of contacts were ascertained from the results of contact investigations performed by the City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services, Tuberculosis Control Division. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to explore index case and contact attributes associated with tuberculosis (TB) transmission using positive TST results of contacts as a measure of recent transmission. Results We found male gender and younger age of index cases along with Hispanic ethnicity of contacts to be independently associated with positive TST results, while younger contacts were less likely to be TST positive. Smear category of the index case (group A vs group B) was not independently associated with transmission. We also found that the first two sputum specimens in cases where three or more were performed yielded 90% of all positive culture results for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Conclusions We conclude that two sputum specimens negative for AFB stain are adequate for both assessing infectivity and for isolating MTB from patients with pulmonary TB.
Comparison of the effects of ketoprofen on platelet function in the presence and absence of aspirin.

Abstract Purpose Although aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exert inhibitory effects on platelets in vitro and in vivo, there are insufficient data to substantiate the use of NSAIDs alone as antiplatelet drugs in patients already taking aspirin. We therefore sought to determine whether aspirin, added to NSAID therapy, further suppresses platelet function. Subjects and methods We enrolled 25 healthy adult volunteers who were administered ketoprofen (extended-release capsules, 200 mg daily) for 1 week, followed by ketoprofen (200 mg daily) and aspirin (325 mg daily) or ketoprofen (200 mg daily) alone during the second week. Platelet aggregation, stimulated by epinephrine and arachidonic acid, and cyclooxygenase activity, measured by thromboxane B 2 , were measured at baseline, on day 8, and on day 15. Results On day 8, all subjects demonstrated abnormal platelet aggregation (>50% inhibition), which persisted at day 15 in both the aspirin and no aspirin groups. One week of ketoprofen treatment reduced thromboxane B 2 levels by 84% in the aspirin group and by 85% in the no aspirin group ( P = 0.8), without any further inhibition measured on day 15. Conclusion Extended-release ketoprofen significantly inhibited platelet aggregation and thromboxane B 2 production in healthy volunteers. Addition of aspirin had no additional effect. Trials are warranted to determine whether these in vitro effects result in clinical antiplatelet activity in patients who require chronic treatment with NSAIDs, thereby avoiding the toxicity of NSAID/aspirin combination therapy.