cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Procollagen C-proteinase enhancer 1 (PCPE-1) functions as an anti-angiogenic factor and enhances epithelial recovery in injured cornea

Procollagen C-proteinase enhancer 1 (PCPE-1) has been characterized as a protein capable of enhancing the activity of bone morphogenetic protein 1/tolloid-like proteinases in the biosynthetic processing of C-propeptides from procollagens I-III. This processing step is thought necessary to the formation of collagen I-III monomers capable of forming fibrils. Thus, PCPE-1 is predicted to play an important role in scarring, as scar tissue is predominantly composed of fibrillar collagen. Corneal scarring is of great clinical importance, as it leads to loss of visual acuity and, in severe cases, blindness. Here, we investigate a possible role for PCPE-1 in corneal scarring. Although differences in corneal opacity associated with scarring following injury of Pcolce -/- and wild-type (WT) mice using full-thickness excision or alkali burn models of corneal injury were not grossly apparent, differences in procollagen I processing levels between Pcolce -/- and WT primary corneal keratocytes were consistent with a role for PCPE-1 in corneal collagen deposition. An unexpected finding was that neoangiogenesis, which follows alkali burn cornea injury, was strikingly increased in Pcolce -/- cornea, compared to WT. A series of aortic ring assays confirmed the anti-angiogenic effects of PCPE-1. Another unexpected finding was of abnormalities of epithelial basement membrane and of re-epithelialization following Pcolce -/- corneal injury. Thus, PCPE-1 appears to be of importance as an anti-angiogenic factor and in re-epithelialization following injury in cornea and perhaps in other tissues as well.
Eating Plants for Health

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To design and implement an educational nutrition program to help patients make the transition to a more plant-based diet Increasing evidence is emerging that documents the health benefits of eating a more plant-based diet with a concurrent reduction in consumption of animal products, particularly those high in fat. A plant-based diet is linked not only to lower rates of heart disease and many types of cancer, but may also reduce risk of non-insulin-dependent diabetes, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis and other illnesses. Furthermore, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, and the nutrition guidelines from both the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society advocate this way of eating. In order to educate patients in our Executive Health Program to make the transition from a meat-based to a more plant-based diet, a class was developed. The class goals were twofold: 1) to increase awareness of the health benefits of a plant-based diet and generate enthusiasm for eating this way and 2) to empower patients with the skills to implement such dietary practices in their lifestyle. A slide series developed for the class explained the health benefits of a plant-based diet, the protective factors in plants (e.g., fiber, phytochemicals, antioxidants, folate), the health risks of excessive animal foods, and how to incorporate more grain products, fruits, vegetables and legumes into one's diet. Several interactive activities reinforced learning: 1) identification of unfamiliar grains and legumes, 2) a demonstration of commercial vegetarian products, 3) a discussion of how to apply the new guidelines to various situations such as modifying meals at home, restaurant dining and travel, and 4) a brief self-assessment questionnaire for participants to rate their current plant-eating status. Take-home resources included an outline of the class, the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, menu ideas and recipes. Initial feedback has been favorable and an ongoing patient survey will provide further feedback to assess the program's effectiveness. Although the class was designed as part of an outpatient wellness program, it could easily be adapted to other settings such as cardiovascular health or weight control programs.
The apoB 100-apo(a) complex: relation to triglyceride-rich particles.

Lipoprotein(a) is one of the plasma lipoproteins with general characteristics of LDL but having as a protein moiety apoB100 linked by disulfide bridge(s) to apolipoprotein(a) or apo(a), the specific glycoprotein marker of Lp(a) (1–3). Thus, the protein moiety of Lp(a) is the apoB100-apo(a) complex. We will here examine the physico-chemical properties of this complex and try to relate them to its function.
Simulated Computational Model Lesson Improves Foundational Systems Thinking Skills and Conceptual Knowledge in Biology Students

It is important for undergraduate biology students to understand biological phenomena from a systems perspective because it is important for solving world problems related to the life sciences (e.g., medical and environmental). Unfortunately, students have few opportunities to develop the skills and conceptual knowledge required for a systems perspective. Simulated computational models are promising tools to help students achieve a systems perspective. We examined one lesson that uses simulations of a computational model to teach students about cellular respiration, and we report on its effectiveness to improve systems thinking skills and conceptual knowledge. Concept models revealed that the lesson helped the students identify, relate, and interconnect the components of cellular respiration, thereby improving aspects of their systems thinking skills and conceptual knowledge. We discuss how learning was affected by how the students interacted with the computational model.
Quick - Somebody Call Amnesty International! Intel Says EU Antitrust Fine Violated Human Rights

This articles discusses Intel's claim that the EU's fine against it for a competition law violation was so large that its human rights' were violated.
Conservation Development: Designing and Managing Residential Landscapes for Wildlife

Residential development is a leading cause of habitat loss and fragmentation, which contribute to global declines in wildlife populations and biodiversity. In the USA, sprawl and urbanization are major sources of land use change, and together with introductions of nonnative species, urbanization endangers more species than any other human activity. Residential sprawl is a particular concern for wildlife because private lands where development most often occurs are typically lower in elevation and more biologically productive and provide habitat for a disproportionate number of species compared to public lands.
Whipple Disease Lymphadenitis

Whipple disease lymphadenitis is bacterial lymphadenitis caused by Tropheryma whipplei. Initially described by George Whipple in 1907, Whipple disease is a systemic infection characterized by fever, diarrhea, weight loss due to malabsorbtion, intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy, and migratory polyarthritis or polyarthralgia. Endocarditis and central nervous system involvement also can develop. The causative agent remained elusive for decades, but has been identified definitively as a gram-positive bacillus related to actinomycetes. T. whipplei is found in soil and sewage but not in animal hosts. Whipple disease is rare, with its highest frequency in farmers and those in occupations with exposure to soil or animals. Whipple disease is usually most common in men with a mean age of 50 years. The T. whipplei organisms infect and reside within the cell cytoplasm. The pathogenesis of Whipple disease appears to involve aberrant antigen presentation and attenuated T. whipplei-specific Th1 reactivity.
Mild hydrothermal crystal growth, structure, and magnetic properties of ternary U(IV) containing fluorides: LiUF5, KU2F9, K7U6F31, RbUF5, RbU2F9, and RbU3F13.

Single crystals of several ternary alkali uranium fluorides, LiUF5, KU2F9, K7U6F31, RbUF5, RbU2F9, and RbU3F13, have been obtained in a mild hydrothermal process using UO2(CH3CO2)2(H2O)2 as the uranium source. Their crystal structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The uranium in the starting reagent was successfully reduced from U6+ to U4+ in a dilute hydrofluoric acid environment, aided by the presence of a copper salt. All materials exhibit highly complex crystal structures that range from two-dimensional to three-dimensional. The U4+ cations are found in high (UF8 and UF9) coordination environments. The magnetic susceptibility measurements yielded effective magnetic moments of 3.01–3.83 μB for the U4+ cations. The temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements confirmed that the U4+ cation exhibits a nonmagnetic singlet ground state at low temperatures. No long-range magnetic order was observed for any of the above compositions down to 2 K. Optical and thermal behavio...
Metabolic trajectories across early adolescence: differences by sex, weight, pubertal status and race/ethnicity.

AbstractBackground: Biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic risk track from adolescence into adulthood, therefore characterising the direction and magnitude of these changes is an important firs...
Donation approval among obese living kidney donor candidates: The impact of metabolic syndrome.

Abstract Background The scarcity of organs available for transplantation has increased attempts to augment transplantation by utilizing obese living kidney donors. The literature has suggested that these donors have increased risks postdonation. Not surprising, the threshold for living kidney donor approval among obese persons is typically higher and the process more costly. Therefore, a screening tool to predict the likelihood of approval among obese living kidney donor candidates was created. Methods A single-center retrospective study was performed among obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) living kidney donor candidates evaluated in clinic (January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017). Approved candidates were compared with those not approved using multivariable logistic regression, and a prediction tool was generated. Results Among 389 obese living kidney donor candidates, there were no significant differences in sex or race and ethnicity by approval status. However, nonapproved candidates had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome. In the prediction model, glucose impairment and hypertension were most predictive of nonapproval. Conclusion Among obese living kidney donor candidates, several metabolic syndrome components were associated with decreased odds of approval. This tool may serve as a useful initial screening for obese living kidney donor candidates, permitting more cost-effective evaluation processes. The tool could also be used to promote expeditious interventions in the preclinical setting, including weight management programs, to improve the likelihood of donation and postdonation outcomes.
The Globalized Governance of Finance

Big banks are capable of wreaking havoc on the global economy, and governments have often felt powerless to stop them. Regulators have responded by developing coordinated programs to handle banks, insurers, broker dealers, shadow banks and other businesses that can blow up in a crisis. This program began informally and undemocratically, and has developed into something much more organized, formalized and predictable, even though it has never been legally enforceable. David Zaring examines the realities of the current international financial system and concludes that in fact this is a well-ordered and functioning regulatory environment: the international financial system enjoys a substantial degree of compliance, and operates predictably and harmoniously. As a result, perhaps this could serve as a paradigm for future global governance. Zaring explores three aspects of international financial regulation that can inform global governance: harmonization through rules, cooperation on enforcement and agreement on fundamental principles.
Spillover effects of increased health insurance enrollment on workers’ compensation insurance

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to increase the accessibility and affordability of health insurance. While the ACA did not contain direct provisions related to workers’ compensation (WC), because health‐related coverage is a significant portion of WC costs, the ACA could have unintentionally impacted the WC market. Specifically, expanded health insurance enrollment could reduce WC losses and result in higher performance among insurers participating in the WC market. Using insurer‐state level data, we consider the impact of increased health insurance enrollment on the performance of property‐casualty (PC) insurers. Utilizing multiple measures of performance, we find that the post‐ACA period is generally associated with greater profitability for PC insurers operating in the WC market, a positive unintended consequence of this federal regulation.
Social and general intelligence improves collective action in a common pool resource system.

On a planet experiencing global environmental change, the governance of natural resources depends on sustained collective action by diverse populations. Engaging in such collective action can only build upon the foundation of human cognition in social–ecological settings. To help understand this foundation, we assess the effect of cognitive abilities on the management of a common pool resource. We present evidence that two functionally distinct cognitive abilities, general and social intelligence, improve the ability of groups to manage a common pool resource. Groups high in both forms of intelligence engage in more effective collective action that is also more consistent, despite social or ecological change. This result provides a foundation for integrating the effects of cognitive abilities with other dimensions of cognitive diversity to explain when groups will and will not sustainably govern natural resources.
The Use of PRF for Hard and Soft Tissue Grafting

The use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a second-generation platelet concentrate, has gained popularity in the field of oral regenerative surgery. This review presents data from published clinical trials on outcomes from PRF application in regeneration of infrabony defects, implant site development, and mucogingival surgery. When PRF is used for regeneration of infrabony defects, minor improvements are noted in the clinical parameters that in the majority of the cases does not reach the level of statistical significance. The use of PRF appears to limit the dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge after tooth extraction when compared with sockets that are allowed to heal with no grafting. When combined with coronally advanced flaps (CAF) for root coverage, PRF shows a slight advantage over CAF alone. Despite the adequate volume of publications in the field, the limitations of the existing studies highlight the need for high level of evidence to support the significant benefit of PRF in hard and soft tissue within the scope of periodontal and peri-implant surgery.
Capacidad corporal obligatoria y existencia discapacitada queer

This paper was originally published with the title “Compulsory Able-bodiedness and Queer/Disabled Existence” in the volume Disabling the Humanities edited by Sharon L. Snyder, Brenda Jo Brueggemann y Rosemarie Garland-Thomson in 2002. In the paper, Robert McRuer proposes a theory of compulsory able-bodiedness based both in the work of Adrienne Rich and in Judith Butler’s performativity theory. The paper questions that the trouble lies not in disability, but in normality. The author argues the necessity of an alliance among studies and movements of disability and queer.
Double Marginalization and the Paths of Natural Gas Gathering Pipelines

Efficient natural gas recovery requires the development of an extensive pipeline network of gathering lines, connecting individual gas wells with processing stations and major transmission lines. Networks of gathering lines are likely to face the economic problem of double marginalization, whereby it is more expensive to run a pipe of a given length through a geographic area that is owned by multiple parties than it would be if the area were owned by a single party, ceteris paribus. Due to the economics of double marginalization, gathering lines may be placed so as to avoid paths with multiple property owners. I formalize this using a simple game theoretic model, and explore this theory empirically in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, a jurisdiction that has recently experienced a dramatic increase in natural gas production due to recent innovations in drilling. In Bradford, I observe the locations of recently drilled gas wells and, importantly, gathering lines for a single cross-section of the county taken in 2012. I combine these data with data on tax parcel boundaries in order to investigate whether the paths taken by gathering lines are influenced by parcel ownership patterns in ways consistent with the economic theory of double marginalization.
Phase contrast coronary blood velocity mapping with both high temporal and spatial resolution using triggered Golden Angle rotated Spiral k-t Sparse Parallel imaging (GASSP) with shifted binning.

PURPOSE High temporal and spatial resolutions are required for coronary blood flow measures. Current spiral breath-hold phase contrast (PC) MRI at 3T focus on either high spatial or high temporal resolution. We propose a golden angle (GA) rotated Spiral k-t Sparse Parallel imaging (GASSP) sequence for both high spatial (0.8 mm) and high temporal (<21 ms) resolutions. METHODS GASSP PC data are acquired in left anterior descending and right coronary arteries of eight healthy subjects. Binning of GA rotated spiral data into cardiac frames may lead to large k-space gaps. To reduce those gaps, the binning window is shifted and a triggered GA scheme that resets the rotation angle every heartbeat is proposed. The gap reductions are evaluated in simulations and all subjects. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), peak diastolic velocity (PDV), coronary blood flow rate, and vessel area are validated against two reference scans, and repeatability/reproducibility are determined. RESULTS Shifted binning reduced the mean k-space gaps of the triggered GA scheme by 14°-22° in simulations and about 20° in vivo. The k-space gap across three cardiac frames was reduced with the triggered GA scheme compared to the standard GA scheme (35.3°± 3.6° vs. 43°± 13.7°, t-test P = .04). PSV, PDV, flow rate, and area had high intra-scan repeatability (0.92 ≤ intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] ≤ 0.99), and inter-scan (0.78 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.91) and intra-observer (0.91 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.98) reproducibility. CONCLUSION GASSP enables single breath-hold coronary PC MRI with high temporal and spatial resolutions. Shifted binning and a triggered GA scheme reduce k-space gaps. Quantitative coronary flow metrics are highly reproducible, especially within the same scanning session.
Principles and Practice of Sex Therapy, Sixth Edition: edited by K. S. K. Hall and Y. M. Binik. New York and London: The Guilford Press, 2020, 536 pages, $56.25 (hardback and e-book).

Sexuality is a genomic-based life force, a developmental potential that is intra-psychically and environmentally shaped in conspicuous and yet mysterious ways. It has problematic manifestations at ...
[Effect of omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the fatty acid composition of breast milk in the first months of life: a narrative review].

espanolLos acidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga omega-3 son esenciales, por lo que deben aportarse a traves de la dieta al ser su sintesis biologica limitada; por ello es imprescindible administrarlos para lograr cubrir los requerimientos durante los estadios fisiologicos como el embarazo y la lactancia. Se realizo una revision narrativa de los efectos de la suplementacion de omega-3 durante los periodos de embarazo y lactancia en la composicion de acidos grasos de la leche materna en los primeros meses de vida. En ella se analizaron siete estudios clinicos aleatorizados, de los que se obtuvo un aumento significativo de las concentraciones de acido docosahexaenoico (DHA) en la leche materna (LM) despues de la suplementacion, en comparacion con los grupos de control. Un estudio evaluo la dosis necesaria para alcanzar un 8 % de DHA en los eritrocitos y un 1 % de DHA en la LM, alcanzandose estos niveles con una suplementacion cercana a 1 g de acido docosahexaenoico + acido eicosapentaenoico (EPA). Finalmente, se encontro un ensayo que utilizo la suplementacion con pequenos aportes de lipidos (0,59 g de acido α-linolenico (ALA)), sin generar cambios significativos en la composicion de DHA de la LM pero si en el contenido de ALA. Por lo tanto, se infiere que la suplementacion con omega-3 modifica de forma beneficiosa los niveles de DHA y EPA en la composicion de la LM en las mujeres embarazadas y durante la etapa de lactancia, aunque son necesarios mas estudios para identificar las dosis, los tiempos, los efectos beneficiosos sobre el desarrollo y las formas de entrega mas eficientes de la suplementacion con omega-3. EnglishOmega-3 long-chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential, so they must be provided through the diet, as their biological synthesis is limited, making it essential to meet their requirements during physiological stages such as pregnancy and lactation. A narrative review was conducted on the effects of omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the fatty acid composition of breast milk in the first months of life. Seven randomized clinical studies were analyzed, showing a significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentration in breast milk (BM) post-supplementation, compared to control groups. One study evaluated the dose needed to achieve 8 % DHA in erythrocytes and 1 % DHA in BM, reaching these levels with a supplementation close to 1 g of docosahexaenoic acid + eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Finally, a trial was found that used supplementation with small lipid contributions (0,59 g α-linolenic acid (ALA)), without generating significant changes in the DHA composition of LM, but in the ALA content. Therefore, it is inferred that omega-3 supplementation beneficially modifies DHA and EPA levels in the composition of BM in pregnant women and during the lactation stage, although further studies are needed to identify doses, times, beneficial effects on development, and more efficient forms of delivery of omega-3 supplementation.
Nonlinear convergence in contact mechanics: Immersed boundary finite volume

Abstract We present an immersed boundary finite volume (IBM) method for simulating quasistatic contact mechanics of linearly elastic domains at small strains. In IBM, all external boundaries and internal contacts of an object are represented by embedded surfaces inside a Cartesian mesh, which need not conform to the grid lines. The contact constraints consist of the non-penetrability condition and Coulomb’s friction law, which are discretized using special interpolation stencils and enforced via penalty parameters. The resulting nonlinear system depends on displacement unknowns only. To solve it, we use the Newton method but find that it diverges frequently. To understand the divergence pattern, we analyze a simplified 2-cell problem and show that the global convergence of Newton cannot be ensured for any choice of penalty parameters. We thus propose a modified Newton solver, which guarantees convergence for the 2-cell problem and is numerically verified to converge for all the challenging simulations considered herein. While both 1st- and 2nd-order variants of IBM, in displacement unknowns, are proposed, the modified Newton solver applies only to the 1st-order variant.
Storying Teacher Preparation

The need to understand and guide migrant and refugee student teachers into early childhood leadership roles is imperative as they are joining the profession in growing numbers. Using stories as teacher preparation is vital, serving as a means of teacher empowerment. Higher education students of today will be teaching children of diverse histories and cultures tomorrow, and their own experiences will guide them. Course work and reflection offer them a way to synthesize their identities as practitioners. These dedicated student teachers share how their experiences as migrants, refugees, and first-generation college students capitalize on their humanity to inform them in their role as teachers of young children and how their personhood is a contribution to changing the narrative of early childhood professionals.
Survey of Vineyard Insects and Plants to Identify Potential Insect Vectors and Non-crop Reservoirs of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus

Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) is a DNA virus in the family Geminiviridae. This pathogen is the causal agent of grapevine red blotch disease, which affects cultivated grapevines and leads to neg...
Prosomatostatin processing in pituitary GH3 cells. Identification and secretion of the intact propeptide.

Abstract Preprosomatostatin (preproSRIF) is a peptide hormone precursor that undergoes tissue-specific processing at either a single set of paired basic residues to yield SRIF-14 or, alternatively, at a monobasic site to produce SRIF-28, an NH2 terminally extended form of SRIF-14. Mammalian preproSRIFs are a family of precursors that are remarkably conserved from rat to humans. In five species, the signal peptide and propeptides are approximately 96% identical; this high degree of sequence identity may be indicative of functional conservation. Since the propeptide is approximately five times larger than SRIF-14, we hypothesized that it would be secreted as a separate polypeptide following proSRIF proteolytic processing. To test this idea, we raised polyclonal antibodies to the entire propeptide to follow its biosynthesis and secretion. Here we demonstrate that in transfected rat anterior pituitary GH3 cells both SRIF-14 and the intact 9.5-kDa propeptide were processed coordinately from proSRIF with identical kinetics. Treatment of the cells with chloroquine, a weak base which inhibits processing to mature SRIF-14, also inhibited the appearance of the 9.5-kDa propeptide. Approximately 40% of the propeptide was targeted to the regulated secretory pathway as determined by its quantitative secretion in response to secretagogues. We also examined the secretion of the SRIF propeptide independently of SRIF-14 by expressing a truncated "propeptide" in which SRIF-14 was deleted. Significantly, the SRIF propeptide was itself efficiently transported through the secretory pathway and secreted into the culture medium. This suggests that the propeptide possesses all the topogenic information necessary for intracellular transport. The coordinate secretion of the intact propeptide with mature SRIF-14 suggests that it might function as a novel bioactive peptide.
Controlling the Ir genes.

By 1970, it was clear that the genes located in the MHC were key to controlling the ability to produce Abs in response to an immunogen ([1][1], [2][2]). Termed the immune response genes, the actual identification and sequence determination of these genes in the class II region of the human and
Exkurs: Die Sozialpolitik der Europäischen Union

Die rechtlichen Fundamente der EU, die romischen Vertrage von 1957, enthalten Ziele, die nicht nur und nicht allein durch die Wirtschaftspolitik erreicht werden konnen, sondern erganzender sozialpolitischer Masnahmen bedurfen: wirtschaftlicher und sozialer Fortschritt, stetige Verbesserung der Lebens- und Beschaftigungsbedingungen und die beschleunigte Hebung der Lebenshaltung. Als konkretere sozialpolitische Ziele sind im EG-Vertrag jedoch nur zu finden: 1. die Art. 48 bis 51 uber die Freizugigkeit der Arbeitnehmer und die soziale Sicherheit der Wanderarbeitnehmer, die ihrerseits eine Voraussetzung fur wirtschaftliche Integration sind; 2. die Art. 120 bis 127 uber den Europaischen Sozialfonds, der kein Fonds fur die Finanzierung von Sozialleistungen, sondern ein arbeitsmarktpolitisches Instrument ist; denn der Fonds dient dazu, durch Zuschusse an die nationalen Trager der Arbeitsmarkt- bzw. der Sozialpolitik bei Masnahmen der beruflichen Umschulung, der Umsiedlung oder der Produktionsumstellung Belastungen auszugleichen, die im Zuge der Verwirklichung des gemeinsamen Marktes fur bestimmte Regionen oder Bevolkerungsgruppen entstehen. Der Fonds diente also ursprunglich dazu, negative Folgen des Integrationsprozesses abzumildern; 3. die Forderung einer engen Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Mitgliedsstaaten in sozialen Fragen (Art. 117 und 118), die Anwendung des Grundsatzes des gleichen Entgelts fur Manner und Frauen (Art. 119) und die Entwicklung allgemeiner Grundsatze zur Durchfuhrung einer gemeinsamen Politik in der beruflichen Bildung (Art. 128).
The Psychological Citizen and the Two Concepts of Social Contract: A Preliminary Analysis

A shift in focus from the logical to the psychological social contract allows us to better explore the socialization of the psychological citizen, and the relationship between identity of individuals and the socio-political order; with its particular group-based inequalities. Traditional psychological studies have provided valuable insights into certain aspects of identity, but the new narrative research is leading to novel insights into longer term processes associated with the positioning of identity. The new approach recognizes the dual nature of mental processes and the integral role of context in individual development. Illustrative examples are discussed of the role of cultural carriers in the formation of identity, highlighting the infusion of the macrolevel normative system to thought and action at the microlevel of individuals.
Meta‐analysis of studies with bivariate binary outcomes: a marginal beta‐binomial model approach

When conducting a meta-analysis of studies with bivariate binary outcomes, challenges arise when the within-study correlation and between-study heterogeneity should be taken into account. In this paper, we propose a marginal beta-binomial model for the meta-analysis of studies with binary outcomes. This model is based on the composite likelihood approach and has several attractive features compared with the existing models such as bivariate generalized linear mixed model (Chu and Cole, 2006) and Sarmanov beta-binomial model (Chen et al., 2012). The advantages of the proposed marginal model include modeling the probabilities in the original scale, not requiring any transformation of probabilities or any link function, having closed-form expression of likelihood function, and no constraints on the correlation parameter. More importantly, because the marginal beta-binomial model is only based on the marginal distributions, it does not suffer from potential misspecification of the joint distribution of bivariate study-specific probabilities. Such misspecification is difficult to detect and can lead to biased inference using currents methods. We compare the performance of the marginal beta-binomial model with the bivariate generalized linear mixed model and the Sarmanov beta-binomial model by simulation studies. Interestingly, the results show that the marginal beta-binomial model performs better than the Sarmanov beta-binomial model, whether or not the true model is Sarmanov beta-binomial, and the marginal beta-binomial model is more robust than the bivariate generalized linear mixed model under model misspecifications. Two meta-analyses of diagnostic accuracy studies and a meta-analysis of case-control studies are conducted for illustration.
Lysis of grouped and ungrouped streptococci by lysozyme.

Thirty strains of streptococci were tested for lysis with lysozyme, and 29 of these could be lysed by the following method: (i) suspension of the cells to a Klett reading of 200 units (no. 42 filter) in 0.01 m tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer, pH 8.2, after washing twice with the buffer; (ii) addition of lysozyme to a final concentration of 250 μg/ml with incubation for 60 min at 37 C; (iii) addition of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) to a final concentration of 0.2% and incubation up to an additional 15 min at 37 C. Significant lysis was obtained only after the addition of SLS. (Strains of groups A, E, and G were treated with trypsin at a concentration of 200 μg/ml for 2 hr at 37 C before exposure to lysozyme.) These parameters for optimal lysis of streptococci by lysozyme were established by testing the group D Streptococcus faecalis strain 31 which lyses readily with lysozyme and the group H strain Challis which is less susceptible to the action of the enzyme. Viability of S. faecalis decreased 96% after 3 min of exposure to 250 μg of lysozyme per ml, whereas the more resistant strain Challis retained 27% of the initial viability after the same period. After 60 min, there was almost total loss of viability in each case. Variations of three methods of lysing streptococci with lysozyme were compared with respect to the decrease in turbidity and the release of protein and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) effected by each variation. The method presented in this paper allowed the greatest release of these cytoplasmic constituents from S. faecalis and strain Challis. Transformation experiments using DNA obtained from strain Challis (streptomycinresistant) by this method showed that the DNA released is biologically active.
Adding a Third Wh‐phrase Does Not Increase the Acceptability of Object‐initial Multiple‐wh‐questions

. This paper quantitatively evaluates the empirical claim that adding a third wh-phrase to object-initial multiple-wh-questions increases their acceptability (e.g., Bolinger 1978, Kayne 1983)—a claim that posed a problem for accounts of the subject/object asymmetry in multiple-wh-questions (e.g., Chomsky 1973, 1993; Lasnik & Saito 1984; Pesetsky 1987, 2000; Richards 2001). Recently, Clifton et al. (2006) evaluated this claim using quantitative methods and failed to find support for it. However, a potential concern with Clifton et al.’s results was insufficient power to detect the effect of the third wh-phrase, possibly because of variance associated with several potential interpretations of multiple-wh-questions in null contexts. The goal of this paper is to extend the findings of Clifton et al. to cases where the critical sentences are presented in supportive contexts, so that the pair-list reading—the reading that has been argued to result in Superiority effects—is unambiguously supported. The results of the current study were similar to those of Clifton et al. and therefore provide further evidence against the claim that adding a third wh-phrase to object-initial multiple-wh-questions increases their acceptability.
PKC sulfhydryl targeting by disulfiram produces divergent isozymic regulatory responses that accord with the cancer preventive activity of the thiuram disulfide.

The protein kinase C (PKC) isozyme family plays key roles in cell growth regulation and influences neoplastic disease development and progression. For example, PKC∈ is oncogenic, and PKCδ tumor-suppressive. PKC isozymes are characterized by distinct activation mechanisms entailing phosphatidylserine-dependent cofactor binding to the regulatory domain. Evidence is now emerging that redox signaling offers another platform of PKC regulation. We have established that PKC isozymes are regulated by S-thiolation, a posttranslational modification entailing disulfide linkage of low-molecular-weight species to select protein sulfhydryls. Our recent studies demonstrate that physiologically occurring disulfides with cysteinyl constituents, e.g., cystine, regulate cellular PKC isozymes by S-thiolation-triggered mechanisms. This report shows that PKC isozymes are also molecular targets of a chemically distinct class of disulfides. Disulfiram is a thiuram disulfide with potent cancer preventive activity in in vivo model...
Morphology of inspiratory neurons located in the ventrolateral nucleus of the tractus solitarius of the cat

The morphology of 11 dorsal respiratory group (DRG) inspiratory neurons located in the ventrolateral nucleus of the solitary tract (vl-NTS) was studied using the technique of intracellular labeling with the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Six of these cells were cut in the transverse plane and had a mean somal diameter of 30.4 micron, while five others sectioned in the horizontal plane had a mean of 38.2 micron. These neurons produced an average of 6.2 primary dendrites (range: 4-10), many of which projected rostrally or caudally up to 1.0 mm from the cell bodies. These dendrites were oriented along the longitudinal axis; they ran parallel and ventral to the tractus solitarius. In general, all dendrites possessed numerous spines and appendages. Many axons could be traced for considerable distances within the medulla (in one instance, up to 8 mm). These axons were last discerned in the contralateral ventral medulla rostral to the level of their cell bodies. The axons of three neurons bifurcated in the ipsilateral medulla; one branch remained ipsilateral and projected caudally, while the other crossed the midline. A small number of counterstained cells of size similar to or larger than the HRP-stained neurons formed a column that constituted the vl-NTS. Based upon our observations of stained and counterstained cells, we conclude that the inspiratory neurons of the vl-NTS are few in number and represent a morphologically homogeneous population. The primary orientation of the dendritic arbors of vl-NTS inspiratory neurons appears to optimize the surface area available to receive synaptic contacts from sensory afferents emerging from the tractus solitarius.
Why managers fail, and how organizations can rewrite the script

A failed management relationship is a primary cause of poor performance, work dissatisfaction and loss of talent as well as other organizational ills. Dramatic improvement in management quality, with its associated operational and financial benefits, requires an accurate understanding of the core drivers of management failure. This article reviews seven of the prime culprits in this organizational drama, accompanied by prescriptions for improvement.
Polishing of a 6.5-m f/1.25 mirror for the first Magellan telescope

We describe the optical fabrication and testing of the 6.5 m f/1.25 primary mirror for the first Magellan telescope. Figuring was performed with a 1.2m stressed lap, which bends under active control to match the local curvature of the optical surface, and a variety of small passive tools. The figure was measured with RI and visible interferometers, using refractive null correctors to compensate 810 microns of aspheric departure. After subtraction of Seidel astigmatism and spherical aberration, the finished mirror is accurate to 14 nm rms surface error, and has an encircled energy of 80 percent in 0.06 inch diameter at 500 nm.
Recurrent unexplained hyperammonemia in an adolescent with arginase deficiency.

Abstract Objectives This report investigates the etiology of recurrent episodic elevations in plasma ammonia in an adolescent male with arginase deficiency as there were concerns regarding pre-analytical and analytical perturbations of ammonia measurements. There were repeated discrepancies between the magnitude of his ammonia levels and the severity of his clinical signs of hyperammonemia. Patient and methods The patient is a fourteen-year-old arginase-deficient male diagnosed at three years of age. Since 2008 (when he reached 10 years of age), there appeared to be an increase in the frequency of hospitalizations with elevated ammonia. A typical emergency visit with initial ammonia of 105 μmol/L (reference interval: 16–47 μmol/L) is illustrated. Pre-analytical and analytical procedures for the patient's sample handling were retrospectively examined. His ammonia levels were compiled since diagnosis. The frequency of his initial or peak ammonia levels greater than two times (94 μmol/L) or four times (188 μmol/L) the upper limit of normal was computed. Student t-test was used to calculate the significance of the differences before 2008 and since 2008. Results One out of eleven and ten out of 19 hospitalizations had initial ammonia greater than two times normal before and after 2008, respectively. Both the patient’s overall ammonia and peak ammonia levels are significantly higher since 2008 (p value Conclusions To our knowledge, few adolescent males with arginase deficiency experience recurrent episodes of hyperammonemia requiring intravenous nitrogen scavenging agents. We hope that this study provides new insights into the natural history of arginase deficiency and the management of such patients.
Model studies on the hydrolysis of a cyclic ester showing high reactivity toward proteolytic enzymes biological implications

Abstract We have begun to examine the organic chemistry underlying the reversible reactions which various five-membered cyclic esters undergo with α-chymotrypsin, processes which appear to have wide biological implications. Kinetic results for the imidazole, N -methylimidazole and hydroxide-ion-catalyzed hydrolysis of 2-hydroxy-5-nitro-α-toluenesulfonic acid sultone (I) in normal and deuterated media have been obtained. Deuterium oxide kinetic solvent isotope effects of 4.2 and 3.5 were found for the imidazole and N -methylimidazole catalyzed solvolyses, respectively. Thus, it appears that these catalyses occur by a general basic rather than a nucleophilic pathway in analogy to the catalytic behavior of the imidazole residue of histidine 57 in the action of the enzyme α-chymotrypsin and in contrast to the action of imidazole as a nucleophilic catalyst in the hydrolysis of phenyl esters of carboxylic acids. An interpretation of the absence of nucleophilic catalysis in the reactions of imidazole and N -methylimidazole with I based on the reversibility of the formation of the corresponding sulfonyl-imidazole species is proposed.
Approximation trade-offs in Markovian stream processing: An empirical study

A large amount of the world's data is both sequential and imprecise. Such data is commonly modeled as Markovian streams; examples include words/sentences inferred from raw audio signals, or discrete location sequences inferred from RFID or GPS data. The rich semantics and large volumes of these streams make them difficult to query efficiently. In this paper, we study the effects—on both efficiency and accuracy—of two common stream approximations. Through experiments on a realworld RFID data set, we identify conditions under which these approximations can improve performance by several orders of magnitude, with only minimal effects on query results. We also identify cases when the full rich semantics are necessary.
Defining the issues in the treatment of elderly patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

SUMMARY Elderly patients constitute a substantial proportion of patients with advanced NSCLC. Several unresolved issues surround the treatment of elderly patients with NSCLC, including under-representation in clinical trials, the definitions of fit and unfit patients and the appropriate age cut-off for this population. Taken together, these factors have a large impact on the treatment of elderly patients with advanced NSCLC. An urgent need exists to develop new strategies for clinical trial design that may lead to improved outcomes in these patients. This review will address the existing barriers and controversies in the management of advanced NSCLC in the elderly, focusing on cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens. Results of clinical trials conducted in the elderly and those from planned subset analyses for age-unspecified trials will be provided, with a focus on recently reported studies. Outcomes from population databases reporting on this population in a nonclinical trial setting will be reviewed.
Goserelin-induced depression in a man with prostate cancer.

Received November 5, 2013; revised December 11, 2013; accepted December 12, 2013. From University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL; Acute Recovery Center, James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL. Send correspondence and reprint requests to Jonathan T. Stewart, MD, Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service (116A), James A Haley VA Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612; e-mail: jonathan.stewart1@va.gov Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. None of the authors have any financial or other potential conflict of interest pertinent to this work. All authors contributed to the conceptualization, data collection, literature review, manuscript preparation and final approval of this work. There was no source of funding or other sponsorship or support for this work. This work was presented as a poster at the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, November 2012. Introduction
Measures of anxiety: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A)

This review covers commonly used measures of anxiety. For this review, the author included measures that were 1) measures of general measures of anxiety and severity of anxiety symptoms, 2) administered by self-report, 3) used in rheumatologic populations, and 4) has evidence of adequate psychometric data. To maintain brevity, the majority of the measures reviewed here were selected to provide broad coverage of general symptoms of anxiety, and measures were excluded if they are intended to identify or characterize a specific Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) anxiety disorder (1). Specifically, this author excluded measures typically used to evaluate diagnostic criteria or features of specific anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and others. In addition, broader measures of psychiatric distress, including the Symptom Checklist-90, the General Health Questionnaire, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 are not included in this review since they are included elsewhere in this special issue. However, subscales that have been used frequently in rheumatology as “stand-alone” measures, such as the anxiety scale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, are included in this review. Importantly, the measures included in this review should not be interpreted as diagnostically significant for an anxiety disorder, even generalized anxiety disorder, but should be used to measure the presence of symptoms and to calibrate the severity of general symptoms of anxiety commonly occurring in rheumatic disease. The measures reviewed below include the State Trait Anxiety Index, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. In this review, the content and structure of each measure is presented (number of items, recall period, response options, presence of translations, and adaptations), the use in rheumatic disease when possible is discussed, and the psychometric properties of each measure, particularly when validated in any of the rheumatic diseases, is detailed. In addition, information regarding responsiveness of each measure to longitudinal change is presented, including responsiveness to change in rheumatology when available. Finally, a summary of the strengths and weaknesses specific to rheumatology is presented.