cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identifying Political Participants on Social Media: Conflicts of Epistemic Justice

Social media are now at the heart of political debate and discourse. Yet these media present challenges of epistemic justice because of the voices they may both amplify and suppress and the influence they wield. Contributions may be difficult to evaluate, especially if the identity of contributors is masked or unknown. Three approaches to these problems have predominated: regulating content, as in Germany; relying on the marketplace of open ideas to identify and criticize problems in contributions, as in the United States; and requiring transparency about the identity of social media users. This contribution sketches the epistemological disadvantages faced by consumers of social media and inquires whether they are different in kind from the disadvantages associated with more traditional media. It then sets out the epistemological difficulties of both content-regulation and the marketplace of ideas. It concludes with a defense of source transparency, tempered by the need to protect the identities of those who may be endangered by disclosure.
Pasture in crop rotations influences microbial biodiversity and function reducing the potential for nitrogen loss from compost

Abstract Agroecosystems make up a significant portion of terrestrial ecosystems and receive a disproportionally high amount of terrestrial nitrogen inputs from fertilizer, leading to nitrogen loss and associated environmental problems. Integrated crop livestock systems, such as pasture-integrated crop rotations, may be more environmentally sustainable however the long-term effects of this management practice on soil microorganisms and nitrogen transformations are not well understood. To address this knowledge gap, samples were collected from a long-term experiment designed to assess the impacts of, and interaction between, compost application and pasture-integrated crop rotations. The compost-input and pasture-integrated rotation treatments increased soil organic matter by 41 % and 14 % respectively, carbon mineralization by 127 % and 146 %, and extracellular enzyme activity by 74 % and 35 %, suggesting enhanced heterotrophic microbial activity. Compost addition led to rapid ammonification, increased potential nitrification rates ∼3-fold, and enhanced nitrate concentration by ∼75%. Further, compost addition more than doubled the abundance of prokaryotic ammonia oxidizing organisms (AOO). These effects of compost on nitrogen cycling were greatly mitigated by the pasture-integration likely due to enhanced microbial decomposition activity associated with carbon inputs from perennial grasses. Specifically, pasture-integration mitigated increases in potential nitrification, AOO abundance, and soil nitrate concentrations. The rates of potential nitrification were correlated with the abundance of AOO, highlighting the connection between nitrogen cycling processes and microbial community composition. These patterns in nitrifier abundances, potential nitrification rates, and nitrate levels indicate that the long-term integration of pasture in crop rotations has the potential to reduce early-season nitrogen loss without reducing crop productivity. This work demonstrates how management practices that facilitate favorable interactions between microbial carbon and nitrogen cycling may enhance agroecosystem sustainability and reduce nitrogen pollution.
Investigating temporal variations in pedestrian crossing behavior at semi-controlled crosswalks: a Bayesian multilevel modeling approach

Abstract “Semi-controlled” crosswalks are unsignalized, but have clear pavement markings and “yield to pedestrian” signs. At these locations, pedestrians and motorists frequently interact to determine who should proceed first. When interacting with drivers, pedestrian crossing decisions are complex events that involve a variety of human responses, as well as vehicle dynamics, traffic characteristics, and environmental conditions. In addition, these complexities can be subject to temporal effects. Without considering temporal variations in pedestrian-motorist interaction, statistical methods could lead to biased coefficient estimates and inaccurate conclusions. The study developed a Bayesian multilevel logistic regression (BMLR) model to capture heterogeneities in pedestrian interaction behavior during four different time periods. The proposed method incorporates time-specific effects that vary randomly between time-periods based on a weakly informative prior. The results indicate significant factors, some of which confirm previous research and some that are new ways to explain pedestrian behavior at the individual level. The identification of variables such as FlowOn and FlowWait sheds light on the interactions between pedestrians – providing more information than the single GroupSize measure. Some consequent safety implications are discussed from the perspectives of vehicle dynamics, vehicle flow rate and pedestrian volume. The more detailed metrics developed in this paper will provide a valuable starting point. for the design of crosswalk controls that will foster a higher degree of compliance and less delay.
Does the Medical Student Performance Evaluation Change the Decision to Invite Residency Applicants

Introduction: Although emergency medicine (EM) residency program directors (PD) have multiple sources to evaluate each applicant, some programs await the release of the medical student performance evaluation (MSPE) to extend interview offers. While prior studies have demonstrated that MSPE content is variable and selectively positive, no prior work has evaluated the impact of the MSPE on the likelihood to invite (LTI) applicants for a residency interview. This study aimed to evaluate how information in the MSPE impacted LTI, with the hypothesis that changes in LTI would be relatively rare based on MSPE review alone. Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study analyzing applications to three EM residency programs during the 2019-2020 match cycle. Reviewers assessed applications and rated the LTI on a five-point Likert scale where LTI was defined as follows: 1 = definitely no; 2 = probably no; 3 = unsure; 4 = probably yes; and 5 = definitely yes. The LTI was recorded before and after MSPE review. A change in LTI was considered meaningful when it changed the overall trajectory of the applicant’s likelihood to receive an invitation to interview. Results: We reviewed a total of 877 applications with the LTI changing ≥1 point on the Likert scale 160 (18.2%) times. The LTI was meaningfully impacted in a minority of applications – 48 total (5.5 %, p< 0.01) – with only 1 (0.11%) application changing from 1 or 2 (definitely/probably no) to 4 or 5 (probably/definitely yes) and 34 (3.8%) changing from 3 (unsure) to 4 or 5 (probably/definitely yes). Thirteen (1.5%) applications changed from 4 or 5 (probably/definitely yes) to 3 (unsure or probably/definitely no). Conclusion: Review of the MSPE resulted in a meaningful change in LTI in only 5.5% of applications. Given the time required for program leadership to review all parts of the variably formatted MSPEs, this finding supports a more efficient application review, where the PD’s focus is on succinct and objective aspects of the application, such as the Standardized Letter of Evaluation.
The Supreme Court and the Attrition of State Power

[T]he judiciary of the United States is the subtle corps of sappers and miners constantly working under ground to undermine the foundations of our confederated fabric. They are construing our Constitution from a co-ordination of a general and special government to a general and supreme one alone. This will lay all things at their feet, and they are too well versed in English law to forget the maxim, "boni judicis est ampliare jurisdictionem." THOMAS JEFFERSON1
Neurosurgical Otolaryngology I: Neurotology/Posterior Fossa Surgery

Neurotologic surgery uses the temporal bone as a gateway to the posterior cranial fossa and skull base. Neurotologists collaborate with neurosurgeons to treat a variety of neoplastic, inflammatory, and traumatic disorders of this anatomically complex area, of which acoustic neuroma is the most common. Posterior fossa surgery presents significant perioperative challenges to both the surgeon and anesthesiologist. In addition to containing the medulla, pons and cerebellum, this compartment houses cranial nerve nuclei and centers crucial to respiratory and cardiovascular function. The pathology as well as surgical manipulation can lead to potential hemodynamic instability, compression of vital areas, and damage to important neural pathways. These factors combined with the limited size of the posterior fossa compartment can make this surgery tenuous.
Evaluating the impact of NCLB school interventions in New York State: Does one size fit all?

This study examines the efficacy and moderators of New York State interventions for schools in need of improvement under NCLB, including: (1) school transfer, (2) supplementary education service (3) corrective action, (4) planning for restructuring, and (5) restructuring. Despite the fact that schools in increasingly aggressive treatment groups had higher performance gains relative to schools in good standing, propensity score matching analysis results reveal negative or null effects of the interventions. There are indications of treatment effect heterogeneity and the effects varied by the year of implementation and the propensity of treatment assignment (schooling conditions prior to interventions). The findings of our study have implications for both theory of action and program implementation.
Aberrant expression and localization of deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferase 3B in endometriotic stromal cells.

Objective To define the expression and function of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in response to decidualizing stimuli in endometriotic cells compared with healthy endometrial stroma. Design Basic science. Setting University research center. Patient(s) Premenopausal women with or without endometriosis. Intervention(s) Primary cultures of stromal cells from healthy endometrium (E-IUM) or endometriomas (E-OSIS) were subjected to in vitro decidualization (IVD) using 1 μM medroxyprogesterone acetate, 35 nM 17β-estradiol, and 0.05 mM 8-Br-cAMP. Main Outcome Measure(s) Expression of DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B in E-IUM and E-OSIS were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. Recruitment of DNMT3B to the promoters of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) and estrogen receptor α (ESR1) was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Result(s) IVD treatment reduced DNMT3B messenger RNA (74%) and protein levels (81%) only in E-IUM; DNMT1 and DNMT3A were unchanged in both cell types. Significantly more DNMT3B bound to the SF-1 promoter in E-IUM compared with E-OSIS, and IVD treatment reduced binding in E-IUM to levels similar to those in E-OSIS. Enrichment of DNMT3B across 3 ESR1 promoters was reduced in E-IUM after IVD, although the more-distal promoter showed increased DNMT3B enrichment in E-OSIS after IVD. Conclusion(s) The inability to downregulate DNMT3B expression in E-OSIS may contribute to an aberrant epigenetic fingerprint that misdirects gene expression in endometriosis and contributes to its altered response to steroid hormones.
The German Defeat in the East, 1944–1945

The last decade or so has seen a great deal of exciting research breakthroughs which have tremendously enriched our understanding of the fighting on the Eastern Front during the Second World War. B...
Femorodistal By-pass Surgery

Disorders of the vascular system are the leading causes of death and disability in the western world. One of the most debilitating forms of vascular disease is peripheral arterial occlusive disease when it is manifested as critical limb ischaemia. Patients with limbs threatened by distal tibioperoneal occlusive disease present an ongoing chal- lenge to the vascular surgeon.
Use of High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Stimulation for Patients with Levator Ani Syndrome

Levator ani syndrome is characterized by brief, intermittent pain and discomfort in the perirectal or rectal region that can be aggravated by sitting. Physical therapists are beginning to receive referrals for pain reduction in this patient population. The purpose of the study was to examine the use of high voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation (HVPGS) for reducing symptoms in patients with levator ani syndrome. A descriptive research design was used. Treatment consisted of one hour of HVPGS at a frequency of 120 Hz and at an intensity to the patient's maximum tolerance applied through a rectal probe. Results on 28 patients indicate that 50% had pain or symptom relief, or both, after an average of eight treatments. Those patients who were unresponsive to treatment had a primary diagnosis of irritable colon or were postsurgical. We are continuing to examine this treatment and will conduct follow-up examinations on those patients who obtained pain relief. Based on these preliminary results, we believe that HVPGS is an effective treatment for selected patients in this population.
Power analysis for trend in ordinal cover classes: implications for long‐term vegetation monitoring

Question: We provide a method to calculate the power of ordinal regression models for detecting temporal trends in plant abundance measured as ordinal cover classes. Does power depend on the shape of the unobserved (latent) distribution of percentage cover? How do cover class schemes that differ in the number of categories affect power? Methods: We simulated cover class data by “cutting-up” a continuous logit-beta distributed variable using 7-point and 15-point cover classification schemes. We used Monte Carlo simulation to estimate power for detecting trends with two ordinal models, proportional odds logistic regression (POM) and logistic regression with cover classes re-binned into two categories, a model we term an assessment point model (APM). We include a model fit to the logit-transformed percentage cover data for comparison, which is a latent model. Results: The POM had equal or higher power compared to the APM and latent model, but power varied in complex ways as a function of the assumed latent beta distribution. We discovered that if the latent distribution is skewed, a cover class scheme with more categories might yield higher power to detect trend. Conclusions: Our power analysis method maintains the connection between the observed ordinal cover classes and the unmeasured (latent) percentage cover variable, allowing for a biologically meaningful trend to be defined on the percentage cover scale. Both the shape of the latent beta distribution and the alternative hypothesis should be considered carefully when determining sample size requirements for long-term vegetation monitoring using cover class measurements.
Prevalence and demographics of systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis among US children with Medicaid coverage, 2002-2004

Methods Children aged 5-19 years with SLE (> 2 ICD-9 codes of 710.0) were identified from Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) data, containing all inpatient and outpatient claims codes for Medicaid patients for all 50 U.S. States, 2002-2004. Within this group, lupus nephritis was identified from billing codes for > 2 of a range of ICD-9 codes for glomerulonephritis, proteinuria and renal failure (PPV 88%, validated by Chibnik et al., 2009). We calculated the prevalence of SLE and lupus nephritis among Medicaid-eligible children and within specific sociodemographic segments.
Accumulative sampling of trace pesticides and other organics in surface water using xad‐4 resin

Abstract XAD‐4 resin accumulative sampling was tested as a means of on‐site extraction of surface waters. Recoveries for most organochlorine, organophosphorus, organonitrogen, chlorophenol, and chlorophenoxy acid pesticides and related pollutants were acceptable (>50%) when spiked at the 10 and 0.1 ppb levels. Detection limits of 1–100 ppt were attainable for most compounds in river water, although lower levels required the use of an HPLC cleanup/fractionation step prior to those GC determinations using electron‐capture detection. XAD‐4 accumulative sampling was competitive with solvent extraction of grab samples in terms of recoveries, and offered advantages in volume of water sampled, detection limits, and sample handling. The wide range of solute applicability combined with the ease of constructing and operating the accumulative sampler recommends it over grab sampling for many types of monitoring applications.
Cholesterol, GM1, and Autism

Disruption of cholesterol metabolism has been hypothesized to contribute to dementia, possibly due to its role in maintaining membrane fluidity as well as the integrity of lipid rafts. Previously, we reported an apparent inverse relationship between membrane cholesterol levels and those of GM1, another lipid that can be found in rafts. This paper describes the observation that red blood cell (RBC) membranes isolated from blood drawn from children diagnosed with autism have on the average significantly less cholesterol and significantly more GM1 than RBC membranes isolated from blood obtained from control children. While cholesterol in the circulation does not cross the blood brain barrier, a generalized defect in its synthesis could affect its concentration in the central nervous system and that, coupled with a change in ganglioside expression, could contribute to development of the behaviors associated with autism.
Description, the Novel and the Senses

ABSTRACTThe realist novel depicts both consciousness and the world by privileging precise descriptions of objects. In fact, attention to Defoe's “formal realism” explains his twentieth-century critical reassessment. Alryyes concentrates on how Defoe's exquisite depiction of his characters' sensual observations underlies his realist art. The article postulates that Defoe often used “accidental details,” visual aspects of objects that did not inhere in them but were the result of human and natural disasters, to imbue his scenes with motion and psychological depth. Defoe's attention to how accidents highlight the work of the senses echoes the manner in which several Enlightenment cognitive texts not only emphasized the epistemological role of the senses, but also studied their operations by examining, in both thought experiments and real-life cases, the effects of the senses' injuries on human consciousness.
Conditioning causes an increase in glucose transporter-4 levels in mononuclear cells in sled dogs.

Abstract This study was designed to investigate the effects of physical conditioning on the expression of the insulin sensitive glucose transporter-4 protein (GLUT4) on mononuclear cells and HOMA-IR levels in dogs and compared to results reported in human skeletal muscle and the skeletal muscle of rodent models. Blood was sampled from conditioned dogs (n = 8) and sedentary dogs (n = 8). The conditioned dogs were exercised four months prior the experiment and were following a uniform training protocol, whereas the sedentary dogs were not. GLUT4 expression in mononuclear cells and plasma insulin levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blood glucose levels were determined using blood plasma. HOMA-IR was calculated using plasma insulin and blood glucose levels using the linear approximation formula. Our results indicate that the state of conditioning had a significant effect on the GLUT4 expression at the surface of mononuclear cells. HOMA-IR was also affected by conditioning in dogs. GLUT4 levels in mononuclear cells of sled dogs were inversely correlated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity. This study demonstrates that conditioning increases GLUT4 levels in mononuclear cells of sled dogs as it has been previously reported in skeletal muscle. Our results support the potential of white blood cells as a proxy tissue for studying insulin signaling and may lead to development of a minimally invasive and direct marker of insulin resistance. This may be the first report of GLUT4 in mononuclear cells in response to exercise and measured with ELISA.
Serologic evidence of H1 swine Influenza virus infection in swine farm residents and employees.

We evaluated seropositivity to swine and human H1 influenza viruses in 74 swine farm owners, employees, their family members, and veterinarians in rural south-central Wisconsin, compared with 114 urban Milwaukee, Wisconsin, residents. The number of swine farm participants with positive serum hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibody titers > or = 40 to swine influenza viruses (17/74) was significantly higher (p or = 4 days/week. Because pigs can play a role in generating genetically novel influenza viruses, swine farmers may represent an important sentinel population to evaluate the emergence of new pandemic influenza viruses.
Training changes processing of speech cues in older adults with hearing loss

Aging results in a loss of sensory function, and the effects of hearing impairment can be especially devastating due to reduced communication ability. Older adults with hearing loss report that speech, especially in noisy backgrounds, is uncomfortably loud yet unclear. Hearing loss results in an unbalanced neural representation of speech: the slowly-varying envelope is enhanced, dominating representation in the auditory pathway and perceptual salience at the cost of the rapidly-varying fine structure. We hypothesized that older adults with hearing loss can be trained to compensate for these changes in central auditory processing through directed attention to behaviorally-relevant speech sounds. To that end, we evaluated the effects of auditory-cognitive training in older adults (ages 55-79) with normal hearing and hearing loss. After training, the auditory training group with hearing loss experienced a reduction in the neural representation of the speech envelope presented in noise, approaching levels observed in normal hearing older adults. No changes were noted in the control group. Importantly, changes in speech processing were accompanied by improvements in speech perception. Thus, central processing deficits associated with hearing loss may be partially remediated with training, resulting in real-life benefits for everyday communication.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target achievement in patients at high risk for coronary heart disease.

Objectives Although improvement in target lipid achievement has been observed in recent studies, a significant proportion of patients still do not reach their recommended low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) targets. We conducted a study in high-risk patients to evaluate the success rate in attaining LDL-C goals. Methods Medical records of patients referred for cardiac stress testing were reviewed. Demographic data, coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, and the most recent lipid profile were recorded. The patients who did not achieve LDL-C target on initial evaluation were reassessed in 12 months. Results A total of 765 patients were classified as high-risk CHD. The average age was 66 ± 12 years; 62% were men, and 29% had a previous history of CHD. The mean LDL-C was 96 ± 35 mg/dL and the LDL-C goal of less than 100 mg/dL was achieved in 62%. In 217 patients with very high CHD risk, 83% had LDL-C less than 100 mg/dL and 37% had LDL-C less than 70 mg/dL. At month 12, data from 267 patients were reviewed, and 161 patients (60%) reached LDL-C less than 100 mg/dL. The mean LDL-C was 131 ± 27 mg/dL and 100 ± 29 mg/dL (P Conclusion Our study confirms an improving trend in lipid goal attainment in high and very high CHD-risk patients, but despite this, certain high- and very high-risk patients may require more aggressive intervention.
Mycobacterium kansasii pulmonary infection in patients with AIDS: spectrum of chest radiographic findings.

PURPOSE: To determine the chest radiographic findings and clinical manifestations of Mycobacterium kansasii pulmonary infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Criteria for diagnosis included two or more positive cultures from respiratory sources, pulmonary symptoms or fever, and no other identifiable cause of pulmonary disease. Chest radiographs at initial examination and follow-up were evaluated for parenchymal opacities, cavitation, adenopathy, and pleural effusions. Medical records were reviewed for clinical signs and symptoms, CD4 cell count, presence of additional pathogens, and response to antimycobacterial therapy. RESULTS: Of 96 patients, 16 (17%) satisfied all criteria for M kansasii pulmonary infection. The mean CD4 cell count was 24/mm3. Twelve patients (75%) demonstrated alveolar opacities, only three (19%) of which were cavitary. Interstitial opacities (6%) and pleural effusions (12%) were uncommon. Four (25%) patients had thoracic lymphaden...
A rapid and sensitive lipase assay using triethylaminoethyl cellulose columns.

Abstract A procedure has been developed for the separation of labeled fatty acids from tri-, di-, and monoglycerides using small disposable columns of TEAE-cellulose. This procedure is used as the basis of a lipase assay which is rapid, sensitive and unaffected by wide variations in the composition of the reaction mixtures. 0.5 nmole [14C]oleic acid can be detected, and the entire procedure requires less than 3 min.
⁎4486 Polypectomy of large polyps (= 2 cm): efficacy and safety.

Introduction: The potential for malignancy increases when adenomatous colonic polyps are larger than 2 cm. Many of these are amendable to endoscopic removal. Aim: To assess long-term efficacy and safety of colonoscopic removal of large colonic polyps. Methods: Patients with large colonic polyps (>2 cm), who underwent polypectomy were identified using the Mayo Biostatistics and GI database systems. Data obtained included: demographics, colonoscopy reports, polyp size and location, removal methods, pathology, complications, subsequent procedures, and recurrence. Results: From May 1990 to March 1999, 287 pts underwent polypectomy for 320 large polyps. One hundred seventy eight (62%) were males. Mean age was 68±2.8 yrs (32-90). Mean polyp size was 2.79±0.94 cm (2-8). Polyp location was: cecum 31 (9.7%), ascending 62 (19.4%), hepatic flexure 24 (7.5%), transverse 22 (6.9%), splenic flexure 21 (6.6%), descending 23 (7.2%), sigmoid 98 (30.6%), and rectum 39 (12.2%). One hundred seventy five (54.7%) were sessile and 141 (44%) were pedunculated. Invasive carcinoma was found in 13 polyps (4%). Four synchronous cancers (1.4%) were found, all distant to the index polyp. Initial follow-up colonoscopy after a median interval of 189 days in 138 pts (47%) revealed residual polyp at the index site in 69 (50%) which were retreated. Bleeding occurred in 6 pts (2%) with hospitalization over a mean of 8±8 days (2-30) with 1 requiring surgery. Two (0.6%) perforations occurred requiring surgery. Ten pts (3.4%) underwent surgery because of persistent polyp on follow-up colonoscopy (mean procedures 1.7±1.1, range 1-4). There was no procedure related mortality. Conclusions: 1. Polypectomy of large polyps is safe. 2. Colonoscopic removal of large polyps is desirable since only a small number (4%) of large polyps will contain invasive carcinoma. 3. Intensive follow-up with repeated therapy is warranted because of a high residual polyp rate.
Improving Life Quality for the Destitute: Contributions from Multiple-Method Fieldwork in War-Ravaged Transition Economies:

This paper demonstrates the use of eclectic field methods to understand market-conditions following war engagement and thus to accelerate appropriate relief efforts. Field reclamation and food quality are themes addressed in the study. Policy recommendations are included.
Comparative synthesis of oligomeric group IV polyesters

Oligomeric group IV polyesters of the form: have been synthesized by using the interfacial technique. Polymerization rate follows the order Sn > Ge > Si as M is varied. Aliphatic-substituted organometallic compounds exhibit higher polymerization rates than do aromatic-substituted organometallic compounds. This may be the result of (p → d)π bonding between the vacant d orbitals of the metal and the p electrons of the phenyl rings.
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator regulates cranial neural crest cell migration in vitro

Proper migration and differentiation of neural crest (NC) cells are required for normal development of craniofacial structures, heart and great vessels, sensory and autonomic nervous systems, and other organs with vertebrate embryos. Serine-protease inhibitors reduce NC cell migration in vitro, suggesting the extracellular proteases are important mediators of NC cell migration. While plasminogen activator activity levels are high in NC cells relative to other embryonic tissue, its ability to regulate NC cell migration has not been specifically tested in vivo or in vitro through its ability to convert plasminogen to plasmin. Using a transfilter migration assay, NC cell migration was measured in the presence or absence of plasminogen. Our results showed that plasminogen significantly enhanced NC cell migration. This increase could not be attributed to differences in initial NC cell attachment or cytotoxicity and did not require a chemotactic gradient. The plasminogen-enhanced NC cell migration was blocked by aprotinin (a plasmin inhibitor) and was mimicked by the direct addition of plasmin to the NC cells, indicating that the plasminogen effect was mediated through plasmin generation. Furthermore, anticatalytic-uPA antibody blocked the plasminogen-enhanced NC cell migration showing that NC cell-associated uPA activity was required for this effect. Finally, decreasing NC-uPA activity by treating cells with transforming growth factor-Beta, also blocked the plasminogen-dependent increase in cell migration. These data show that in vitro, NC cell migration is regulated by NC-associated uPA activity suggesting that growth factor-regulation of this activity may play a major role in regulating NC cell migratory capacity in vivo.
Isolated aortic stenosis in the neonate. Natural history and hemodynamic considerations.

We have reviewed the clinical and catheterization data and pathologic findings in ten infants under one month of age with isolated severe aortic valve stenosis. All presented with evidence of progressive cardiac failure and diminished cardiac output. A hyperdynamic right ventricular impulse was present in nine infants who were subsequently shown to have a left-to-right atrial shunt, through a stretched patent foramen ovale. Calculated aortic valve area ranged from 0.12 cm2/m2 to 0.29 cm2/m2. Three patients died prior to surgical intervention because of low cardiac output and refractory metabolic acidosis. Aortic valvotomy was attempted in the remaining seven. Five died intraoperatively or in the immediate postoperative period and one other died six months after surgery. Necropsy was obtained in all nine patients who died. We believe that, in this group, the clinical course reflects fetal and postnatal hemodynamics. We have discussed the probable hemodynamic factors which occur and have related them to the...
The Integrity Objection, Reloaded

Abstract Bernard Williams’ integrity objection poses a significant challenge to utilitarianism, which has largely been answered by utilitarians. This paper recasts the integrity objection to show that utilitarian agents could be committed to producing the overall best states of affairs and yet not positively act to bring them about. I introduce the ‘Moral Pinch Hitter’ – someone who performs actions at the bequest of another agent – to demonstrate that utilitarianism cannot distinguish between cases in which an agent maximizes utility by positively acting in response to her duty, and cases in which an agent fails morally by relying upon someone else to perform the obligatory act. The inability to distinguish among these cases establishes a new, reloaded integrity objection to utilitarianism: utilitarianism cannot explain why it would be wrong to have someone else make difficult moral decisions, and to act on those decisions, for me.
The effect of boron, oxygen, and fluorine in ion implanted GaAs

Effects of boron, fluorine, and oxygen in GaAs have been investigated by electrical characterization using current-voltage, capacitance-voltage and deep level transient spectroscopy techniques. Ion implantation at 100 keV energy was conducted with doses of 1011 and 1012/cm2. Carrier compensation was observed in each implanted sample. The compensation effect strongly depended on ion implantation condition and ion species. More free carriers were compensated for higher dose and heavier species; however, severe surface damage would also be induced that degrade electrical performance. Rapid thermal annealing treatment showed the heavier ion implanted samples to be more thermally stable. Defect levels for each implanted species were compared and identified. A native shallow defect E4 was easily removed by ion implantation. In higher dose and heavier ion implantation, both electron and hole traps were induced. However, in some cases, heavier ion implantation also removed native defects. Acceptor-type surface states were created by implantation that degrade material electrical characteristics and also reduce the effect of compensation. The damage induced traps were mostly point-defects or point-defect/impurity complexes as evidenced by sensitivity to heat treatment.
Some Recent Developments in Econometric Inference

Abstract Recent results in information theory, see Soofi (1996; 2001) for a review, include derivations of optimal information processing rules, including Bayes' theorem, for learning from data based on minimizing a criterion functional, namely output information minus input information as shown in Zellner (1988; 1991; 1997; 2002). Herein, solution post data densities for parameters are obtained and studied for cases in which the input information is that in (1) a likelihood function and a prior density; (2) only a likelihood function; and (3) neither a prior nor a likelihood function but only input information in the form of post data moments of parameters, as in the Bayesian method of moments approach. Then it is shown how optimal output densities can be employed to obtain predictive densities and optimal, finite sample structural coefficient estimates using three alternative loss functions. Such optimal estimates are compared with usual estimates, e.g., maximum likelihood, two‐stage least squares, ordi...
Single-vesicle imaging reveals that synaptic vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis are coupled by a single stochastic mode

The nature of synaptic vesicle recycling at nerve terminals has been a subject of considerable debate for >35 years. Here, we report the use of an optical strategy that allows the exocytosis and retrieval of synaptic components to be tracked in real time at single-molecule sensitivity in living nerve terminals. This approach has allowed us to examine the recycling of synaptic vesicles in response to single action potentials. Our results show that, after exocytosis, individual synaptic vesicles are retrieved by a stochastic process with an exponential distribution of delay times, with a mean time of ≈14 s. We propose that evidence for fast endocytosis, such as that proposed to support the presence of kiss-and-run, is likely explained by the stochastic nature of a slower process.
Infrared thermographic calorimetry applied to preterm infants under radiant warmers

Abstract Infrared thermographic calorimetry uses an infrared camera and heat loss equations as a non-invasive method to obtain the energy expenditure of humans. This study focused on preterm infants under radiant warmers, and physiological changes the infants underwent when the radiant heat source was removed. Ten infants with a mean weight of 1.88±1.29 kg (±=SD) showed a mean energy expenditure of 3.08±0.55 kcal kg −1 h −1 . When the warmer was removed for 2 min and 30 s, heat loss increased to 6.50±1.07 kcal kg −1 h −1 and mean body temperature dropped by 1.0±0.3°C. Thirty seconds after the warmer was returned, mean body surface temperature and heat loss returned to original levels.
Solar flare line emission between 6 Å and 25 Å

A list of emission lines in the spectra of solar flares between 6 and 25 A has been compiled using data obtained with a KAP crystal spectrometer on the OSO-5 satellite. The emission lines have been classified according to their sensitivity to flare activity. This classification provides a method for discriminating between iron in high stages of ionization (Fe XX-Fe XXV) and lower stages (Fe XVII-Fe XIX), the lines of which are both present in the same spectral region during flares. Identifications consistent with these classifications are proposed. Anomalous intensities in the spectra of Fe XVII and Fe XX are pointed out, and implications of the observations for models of the X-ray emitting regions are discussed.
Synthesis of ZnO quantum dot/graphene nanocomposites by atomic layer deposition with high lithium storage capacity

Zinc oxide, as an inexpensive anode material, has attracted less attention than other metal oxides due to its poor cycling stability. A rational design of ZnO nanostructures with well-controlled particle sizes and microstructures is essential in order to improve their stability and performance as electrodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Here, we demonstrate a simple approach via atomic layer deposition (ALD) to synthesize ZnO quantum dots (QDs) on graphene layers, in which the size of the ZnO QDs can be controlled from 2 to 7 nm by ALD cycles. A strong relationship between size and electrochemical performance is observed, in which smaller sized QDs on graphene display enhanced electrochemical performance. A high reversible specific capacity of 960 mA h g−1 is achieved at a current density of 100 mA g−1 for 2 nm ZnO QDs, approaching to the theoretical value of ZnO as the LIB anode. The greatly enhanced cycling stability and rate performance of the ALD ZnO QD/graphene composite electrode can be attributed to the well-maintained structural integrity without pulverization upon electrochemical charge/discharge for ZnO QDs with the grain size below a critical value.
Pulsed IR Heating Studies of Single-Molecule DNA Duplex Dissociation Kinetics and Thermodynamics

Single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy is a powerful technique that makes it possible to observe the conformational dynamics associated with biomolecular processes. The addition of precise temperature control to these experiments can yield valuable thermodynamic information about equilibrium and kinetic rate constants. To accomplish this, we have developed a microscopy technique based on infrared laser overtone/combination band absorption to heat small (≈10−11 liter) volumes of water. Detailed experimental characterization of this technique reveals three major advantages over conventional stage heating methods: 1), a larger range of steady-state temperatures (20–100°C); 2), substantially superior spatial (≤20 μm) control; and 3), substantially superior temporal (≈1 ms) control. The flexibility and breadth of this spatial and temporally resolved laser-heating approach is demonstrated in single-molecule fluorescence assays designed to probe the dissociation of a 21 bp DNA duplex. These studies are used to support a kinetic model based on nucleic acid end fraying that describes dissociation for both short ( 10 bp) DNA duplexes. These measurements have been extended to explore temperature-dependent kinetics for the 21 bp construct, which permit determination of single-molecule activation enthalpies and entropies for DNA duplex dissociation.
Incisor microwear textures of five bioarcheological groups

Dental microwear texture analysis has proven to be a valuable tool for inferring aspects of subsistence behaviour in human groups and diet in other mammals. Studies have to date been limited to molar teeth. Here we report on the first microwear texture analysis of incisors. Five bioarcheological groups were included in this analysis: Aleuts from various islands in the Bering Sea (n = 24), Arikara from the Mobridge site in South Dakota (n = 18), ethnic Chinese cannery workers from Kodiak Island (n = 16), a Late Woodland Bluff sample from Jersey County, Illinois (n = 18) and Puye Pueblo from Pajarito Plateau in New Mexico (n = 18). First, point clouds with 0.18 µm lateral spacing and 0.005 µm vertical resolution were obtained from maxillary central incisor labial surfaces using a white-light confocal profiler. Four adjoining fields were sampled for a total area of 276 µm × 204 µm for each specimen. Surface data were then imported into scale-sensitive fractal analysis software for texture characterisation. Results indicate significant variation among groups in anisotropy, fill volume and heterogeneity. These differences are likely related to differences in diet, degrees and types of non-dietary incisor use, as well as exposure to abrasives. This study also suggests that texture variables most useful for characterising and comparing incisor microwear may differ from those most useful for distinguishing molar microwear patterns. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The V499G/Y501H mutation impairs fast motor kinetics of prestin and has significance for defining functional independence of individual prestin subunits.

Outer hair cells (OHCs) are a mammalian innovation for mechanically amplifying sound energy to overcome the viscous damping of the cochlear partition. Although the voltage-dependent OHC membrane motor, prestin, has been demonstrated to be essential for mammalian cochlear amplification, the molecular mechanism by which prestin converts electrical energy into mechanical displacement/force remains elusive. Identifying mutations that alter the motor function of prestin provides vital information for unraveling the energy transduction mechanism of prestin. We show that the V499G/Y501H mutation does not deprive prestin of its voltage-induced motor activity, but it does significantly impair the fast motor kinetics and voltage operating range. Furthermore, mutagenesis studies suggest that Val-499 is the primary site responsible for these changes. We also show that V499G/Y501H prestin forms heteromers with wild-type prestin and that the fast motor kinetics of wild-type prestin is not affected by heteromer formation with V499G/Y501H prestin. These results suggest that prestin subunits are individually functional within a given multimer. Background: Prestin converts electrical energy into mechanical work. Results: The V499G/Y501H mutation significantly impairs fast motor kinetics of prestin. Conclusion: Impaired kinetics is attributable to mutation at the Val-499 site that is conserved among SLC26 proteins regardless of their function as motors or transporters. Significance: V499G/Y501H mutated prestin provides clues to the molecular mechanisms underlying somatic electromotility and thus cochlear amplification.
Cell-Surface Changes after Infection with Oncogenic Viruses: Requirement for Synthesis of Host DNA

The change in the surface structure of cultutred mammalian cells infected with oncogenic DNA viruses was similar to that described for the fully and permanently transformed cell surfaces. The course of appearance of this change was established. Synthesis of host DNA is required for expression of the surface change triggered by infection with the oncogenic virus.
Recurrent corneal erosion (RCE) secondary to lattice dystrophy in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Background We present a case of an Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patient with recurrent erosion (RCE) secondary to lattice corneal dystrophy. As a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient becomes more immunocompromised, the ocular surface defense mechanisms may be compromised. Lattice dystrophy, RCE, and modifying approaches to the management of RCE in an HIV-positive or AIDS patient are reviewed. Case Report A 49-year-old man presented with RCE. His ocular history included lattice corneal dystrophy OU, recurrent corneal erosion O.S., and herpes simplex virus keratitis O.S. Systemic history included hepatitis C and HIV infection with a diagnosis of AIDS with secondary Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Viral load was 35533 HIV-RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecules/ml of plasma and CD4 lymphocyte count 99 cells/mm 3 . Acuities were O.D. 20/80 and O.S. 20/50. The abrasion was treated with cycloplegia and bacitracin/polymyxin B ointment q.i.d. O.S. and it resolved in 3 days. Conclusion Management of lattice dystrophy with secondary RCE in an AIDS patient requires that the clinician be familiar with the patient’s immune status. As the CD4 count declines and the viral load increases, the patient is at higher risk for opportunistic anterior segment infections. Clinicians need to monitor these patients closely for potential complicating ocular sequelae of AIDS such as herpes zoster ophthalmicus, herpes simplex keratitis, fungal/bacterial keratitis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Our patient responded well to antibiotic therapy and cycloplegia. The importance of daily monitoring of immunocompromised patients is emphasized.
Internal Waves in the Upper Ocean

Abstract Previous work has shown that the deep-ocean internal-wave field has little variability and can be described by a stationary spectrum. This analysis of upper-ocean internal-wave data supports the hypothesis that the variable upper-ocean (within the upper 200 m) internal-wave field can be represented as fluctuations superimposed on the base-state stationary spectrum, such as that given by the model Of Garrett and Munk. That is, we hypothesize that the variability is present in addition to the stationary background, rather than instead. The parameters of the Garrett-Munk model are particularized by a best fit to the deep-ocean IWEX data; the model is then directly compared to upper ocean internal-wave data from Cape Cod, FLIP, GATE, St. Croix, and the NRL towed chain. These data, properly interpreted line-sensor data, and the existence of a dynamic saturation mechanism are all consistent with the hypothesis.
NOTE: First record of natural reproduction by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in the St. Marys River, Michigan

Abstract Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are native to Lake Ontario; but their populations severely declined by the late 1800s due to human influences. During the early to mid-1900s, Atlantic salmon were stocked throughout the Great Lakes in effort to reestablish them into Lake Ontario and introduce the species into the upper Great Lakes. However, these efforts experienced minimal success. In 1987, Lake Superior State University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources began stocking Atlantic salmon in the St. Marys River, Michigan, which has resulted in a successful, self-supporting hatchery operation and stable recreational Atlantic salmon fishery. Possibly due to a combination of competition with other salmonid species for spawning habitat, prey selection causing detrimental effects on early life stages and high rates of early mortality syndrome, Atlantic salmon appeared to be severely limited in their ability to naturally reproduce within the upper Great Lakes. In 2012, the first unequivocal documentation of naturally reproduced Atlantic salmon in the St. Marys River was recorded, downstream from the compensation works and parallel to the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.