cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes by dioxin.

(1997). Induction of Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes by Dioxin. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 29, No. 4, pp. 1107-1127.
On the Art of Building in Ten Books

Book one - lineaments book two - materials book three - construction book four - public works book five - works of individuals book six - ornament book seven - ornament to sacred buildings book eight - ornament to public secular buildings book nine - ornament to private buildings book ten - restoration of buildings.
An integrated view of the role of the endocrine system in the genesis of the osteoporosis associated with aging

Estrogen deficiency is the major determinant of increased bone resorption and bone loss occurring in early menopause (first 5-6 years). The increased bone resorption is probably caused by the release of immune system cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF by osteoblasts, the biosynthesis of which is no longer suppressed by estrogen. PTH secretion, although decreased in early menopause, may also contribute to increased bone destruction because of the presence of cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF which increase the sensitivity of bone to the resorptive effects of PTH. For the same reasons, the bone-destructive effects of increased serum levels of PTH occurring in the late menopause may be exaggerated.
The expression domain of PHANTASTICA determines leaflet placement in compound leaves

Diverse leaf forms in nature can be categorized as simple or compound. Simple leaves, such as those of petunia, have a single unit of blade, whereas compound leaves, such as those of tomato, have several units of blades called leaflets. Compound leaves can be pinnate, with leaflets arranged in succession on a rachis, or palmate, with leaflets clustered together at the leaf tip. The mechanisms that generate these various leaf forms are largely unknown. The upper (adaxial) surface is usually different from the bottom (abaxial) surface in both simple and compound leaves. In species with simple leaves, the specification of adaxial and abaxial cells is important for formation of the leaf blade, and the MYB transcription factor gene PHANTASTICA (PHAN) is involved in maintaining the leaf adaxial (upper) domain. Here we show that downregulation of PHAN is sufficient to reduce the adaxial domain of leaf primordia and to change pinnate compound leaves into palmate compound leaves. Furthermore, this mechanism seems to be shared among compound leaves that arose independently.
Actors Rely on Distinctiveness and Observers Rely on Consensus: Two Causal Schemata

An integrative model was offered to specify a theo retical link between Kelley's (1967) analysis of variance model of attribution processes and Jones and Nisbett's (1971) discus sion of divergent actor and observer attributional tendencies. Specifically, two different causal schemata were proposed to account for actors' preference for environmental attributions based on distinctiveness and observers' preference for personal attributions based on consensus information. Further, empirical discrepancies with regard to observers' use of consensus were explained by distinguishing between normative and autonomously generated consensus information.
The Rashomon Effect Combining Positivist and Interpretivist Approaches in the Analysis of Contested Events

Positivist and interpretivist analytical approaches are frequently believed to be incompatible as research strategies and ways of understanding the world. This article argues that not only may versions of positivism and interpretivism be combined in the analysis of contested events, but this combination can further the goals of both approaches by contributing information that may have been missed by adopting only one perspective. The authors illustrate this using two case studies of lethal school shootings near Paducah, Kentucky, and Jonesboro, Arkansas, and introduce methodological strategies to manage potential biases that may lead to contradictory testimony. However, these same contradictions act as distinct data points from the interpretivist perspective, offering insight into the cultural understandings of a community. The authors develop new forms of triangulation that are tailored to these research goals and illustrate how, just as positivist analysis may be used to aid interpretivism, an interpret...
Facile syntheses of 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and 1-deoxymannojirimycin (DMJ)

1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and 1-deoxymannojirimycin (DMJ) were synthesized through a concise and practicable pathway. A strategy of using carbohydrate derivatives bearing two leaving groups in the preparation of azasugars by di-N-alkylation of amines was developed. The strategy involved the selective partial protection of dibromo alditols.
Discovering lag intervals for temporal dependencies

Time lag is a key feature of hidden temporal dependencies within sequential data. In many real-world applications, time lag plays an essential role in interpreting the cause of discovered temporal dependencies. Traditional temporal mining methods either use a predefined time window to analyze the item sequence, or employ statistical techniques to simply derive the time dependencies among items. Such paradigms cannot effectively handle varied data with special properties, e.g., the interleaved temporal dependencies.In this paper, we study the problem of finding lag intervals for temporal dependency analysis. We first investigate the correlations between the temporal dependencies and other temporal patterns, and then propose a generalized framework to resolve the problem. By utilizing the sorted table in representing time lags among items, the proposed algorithm achieves an elegant balance between the time cost and the space cost. Extensive empirical evaluation on both synthetic and real data sets demonstrates the efficiency and effectiveness of our proposed algorithm in finding the temporal dependencies with lag intervals in sequential data.
Complex ICA by Negentropy Maximization

In this paper, we use complex analytic functions to achieve independent component analysis (ICA) by maximization of non-Gaussianity and introduce the complex maximization of non-Gaussianity (CMN) algorithm. We derive both a gradient-descent and a quasi-Newton algorithm that use the full second-order statistics providing superior performance with circular and noncircular sources as compared to existing methods. We show the connection among ICA methods through maximization of non-Gaussianity, mutual information, and maximum likelihood (ML) for the complex case, and emphasize the importance of density matching for all three cases. Local stability conditions are derived for the CMN cost function that explicitly show the effects of noncircularity on convergence and demonstrated through simulation examples.
Solid-State Microrefrigeration in Conjunction With Liquid Cooling

Thermal design requirements are mostly driven by the peak temperatures. Reducing or eliminating hot spots could alleviate the design requirement for the whole package. Combination of solid-state and liquid cooling will allow removal of both hot spots and background heating. In this paper, we analyze the performance of thin film Bi 2 Te 3 microcooler and the 3D SiGe-based microrefrigerator, and optimize the maximum cooling and cooling power density in the presence of a liquid flow. Liquid flow and heat transfer coefficient will change the background temperature of the chip but they also affect the performance of the solid-state coolers used to remove hot spots. Both Peltier cooling at interfaces and Joule heating inside the device could be affected by the fluid flow. We analyze conventional Peltier coolers as well as 3D coolers. We study the impact of various parameters such as thermoelectric leg thickness, thermal interface resistances, and geometry factor on the overall system performance. We find that the cooling of a conventional Peltier cooler is significantly reduced in the presence of fluid flow. On the other hand, 3D SiGe cooler can be effective to remove high power density hot spots up to 500 W/cm 2 . 3D microrefrigerators can have a significant impact if the thermoelectric figure-of-merit, ZT, could reach 0.5 for a material grown on silicon substrate. It is interesting to note that there is an optimum microrefrigerator active region thickness that gives the maximum localized cooling. For liquid heat transfer coefficient between 5000 and 20, 000 W m -2 K -1 , the optimum is found to be between 10 μm and 20 μm.
The Rape Reform Movement

In the past twenty years, we have witnessed a virtual revolution in rape law in the United States. Traditional rape laws have been repealed or modified and evidentiary reforms have been enacted in all 50 states. In this chapter, we summarize the criticisms of traditional rape law. We also discuss the rape reform movement, focusing on the four most common reforms and their predicted effects.
The human thymic microenvironment: thymic epithelium contains specific keratins associated with early and late stages of epidermal keratinocyte maturation.

Abstract Normal T-cell development is dependent on interactions with the thymic microenvironment; thymic epithelial cells are thought to play a key role in the induction of thymocyte maturation, both through direct contact and, indirectly, via thymic hormone secretion. It has been postulated that thymic epithelial cells progress through an antigenically defined pathway of differentiation similar to that of epidermal keratinocytes. As keratins vary according to epithelial cell type and the stage of epithelial cell maturation, we used a panel of monoclonal antibodies against keratins to study specific types of keratin intermediate filaments within human thymic epithelium. The demonstration in human thymus of keratins previously shown to be associated with distinct stages of epidermal keratinocytic maturation would support the hypothesis that thymic epithelial cells undergo sequential stages of differentiation. Two-dimensional immunoblot analysis of cytoskeletal extracts from human thymus revealed that thymic epithelium contains the following keratins: 1–2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 (molecular masses, 65–67, 58, 56, 54, 52, 56.5, 51, 50, 50′, 48, and 46 kilodaltons, respectively). Thus, in thymic epithelium, we found keratins previously observed in epidermal basal cells (5, 14, 15), as well as keratins specific for terminally differentiated keratinocytes in supra-basal epidermis (1–2, 10). Indirect immunofluorescence (IF) performed on fetal and postnatal human thymus demonstrated that keratin epitopes recognized by antibodies AE-3, 35βH11, and RTE-23 are present on epithelial cells of the subcapsular cortex, the cortex, the medulla, and Hassall's bodies. In contrast, antibodies AE-1 and RTE-22 reacted primarily with neuroendocrine thymic epithelium (subcapsular cortex, medulla, Hassall's bodies). The epithelial reactivity of antibody AE-2 was limited to epithelial cells in Hassall's bodies and did not appear until 16 weeks of fetal gestation i.e., when Hassall's bodies first formed. Two-dimensional gel analysis of thymic keratins demonstrated that antibody AE-2 identified only the keratins with molecular masses of 56.6 and 65–67 kilodaltons (10 and 1–2 respectively) in thymus. These data, together with the selective reactivity of AE-2 with Hassall's bodies in fluorescence assays, demonstrate the localization in Hassall's bodies of the high-molecular-weight keratins associated with the late stages of epidermal cell maturation. In summary, we demonstrated that human thymic epithelium contains specific keratins found in multiple epithelial types as well as keratins associated with both early and late stages of epidermal cell differentiation. These data support the concept that human thymic epithelium is capable of undergoing sequential stages of maturation in the postnatal thymus.
Acid Protease Activity of Leishmania gp63 and Its Possible Role in Virulence

Virulent determinants of most parasitic protozoa remain largely unknown. Of particular interest are leishmanias, which live in the digestive tract of the sandfly vector as extracellular promastigotes and, when delivered into the mammalian hosts, in the phagolysosomes of their macrophages as intracellular amastigotes (Chang, Fong & Bray 1985). Leishmanial virulence thus must hinge on their ability not only to multiply in these varied environments but also to evade the extracellular and intracellular digestive enzymes and immune lytic factors therein. Here, we present evidence that a major surface glycoprotein identified and purified previously as gp63 (Chang & Chang 1986) is an acid protease. Its broad spectrum of activity and increased expression on the cell surface of virulent phenotype suggest that this novel molecule is an important virulent factor in leishmanial promastigotes.
Modelling and optimization of multilayer RF passives using coupled neural networks and genetic algorithms

We present the first combined neural network and genetic algorithm based modelling, design and optimization of multilayer passives. The embedded multilayer passives considered are of great interest for RF system-on-package for W-CDMA and C-band applications. An accurate neural network model for multilayer inductors and capacitors is developed using measured results for the frequency range of 1-5 GHz. The neural network model is used to perform sensitivity analysis and derive response surfaces. An innovative technique is then applied in which genetic algorithm based optimization is coupled with neural network modelling of electrical performance. The proposed neuro-genetic algorithm based design promises to minimize the time and cost for multilayer passive design while providing greater accuracy.
Component-Based Malicious Software Engineer Intrusion Detection

These days, security-sensitive business application systems are developed and maintained by more than one software engineer, some of which may be unethical or malicious. Unethical software engineers can insert malicious code to the systems or maliciously change the existing code in the systems to gain personal benefits. As the result, security of the business application systems can be compromised. This paper describes an approach to detecting malicious code created by malicious software engineers in components. This paper is an extension to our previous work detecting malicious code attacking security-sensitive information within a component. In particular, this paper focuses on detecting malicious code in a component that intrudes security-sensitive information in different components in an application. For this, an application system monitor(s) is designed to detect intrusion between components using the business process encapsulated in the monitor(s). The proposed approach is applied to the ATM system and B2B electronic commerce system to evaluate the performance.
Marburg Virus VP24 Protein Relieves Suppression of the NF-κB Pathway Through Interaction With Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1.

Background. Marburg virus (MARV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that causes hemorrhagic fever. MARV VP24 (mVP24) protein interacts with the host cell protein Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Keap1 interacts with and promotes the degradation of IκB kinase β (IKKβ), a component of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex that regulates nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity. We studied whether mVP24 could relieve Keap1 repression of the NF-κB pathway. Methods. Coimmunoprecipitation assays were used to examine the interaction between Keap1 and IKKβ in the presence of wild-type mVP24 and mutants of mVP24 defective for binding to Keap1. Western blotting was used to determine levels of IKKβ expression in the presence of Keap1 and mVP24. NF-κB promoter-luciferase assays were used to determine the effect of mVP24 on Keap1-induced repression of activity. Results. Expression of wild-type mVP24 disrupted the interaction of IKKβ and Keap1, whereas weakly interacting and noninteracting mVP24 mutants did not disrupt the interaction between Keap1 and IKKβ. The interaction of mVP24 with Keap1 enhanced IKKβ levels in the presence of Keap1. The interaction of mVP24 with Keap1 also relieved Keap1 repression of NF-κB reporter activity. Conclusions. mVP24 can relieve Keap1 repression of the NF-κB pathway through its interaction with Keap1.
Revisiting spurious-free dynamic range of communication receivers

The spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) is commonly used as a measure of dynamic range for the radio frequency and microwave front-end receivers. Although well defined in narrow-band systems, the definition becomes less clear in wide-band systems, when the nonlinearity is memoryless and the the noise figure is frequency dependent. To generalize the SFDR to wide-band systems, a meaningful physical interpretation of the conventional two-tone test is first developed. Based on this interpretation, the upper bound of the wide-band SFDR is obtained by applying a multitone test, while the lower bound is computed using the effective noise figure. The multitone test in both the memoryless and memory nonlinear Volterra systems is considered. A practical measurement technique to characterize the Volterra kernel is also provided. A realistic example based on a low noise amplifier shows a significant difference between the conventional and wide-band SFDR values. In this example, our results suggest that the use of two tones widely separated in frequency to model the interferers provides sufficiently accurate results compared to a multitone approximation.
Zone-based trust management in sensor networks

In this work, we propose a zone-based trust management scheme in wireless sensor networks in order to detect and revoke groups of compromised nodes by region. Our scheme works with less overhead than the existing trust management schemes since multiple compromised nodes in a zone can be detected and revoked at a time. We also present the possible attacks against our scheme and describe the countermeasures of these attacks.
Revised 3p 6 3d 8 1 S 0 level of Sr xiii, Y xiv, Zr xv, Nb xvi, and Mo xvii

Following an observation by Wyart et al. [ Phys. Scr.26, 141 ( 1982)], we have revised the position of the 3p63d8 1S0 level in Sr xiii, Y xiv, Zr xv, Nb xvi, and Mo xvii and have redetermined the 3p63d8 energy parameters in these ions.
Social Life Under Cover: Tree Canopy and Social Capital in Baltimore, Maryland

To what extent does the density of the tree cover in a city relate to the amount of social capital among neighbors? To address this question, we linked social survey data (N = 361) from the Baltimore Ecosystem Study with socioeconomic, urban form, and green space data at the census block group level using a geographic information system. We found a systematically positive relationship between the density of urban tree canopy at the neighborhood block group level and the amount of social capital at the individual level (r = .241, p < .01). Multiple regression analyses showed that tree canopy added a 22.72% increase in explanatory power to the model for social capital. This research adds a new variable—neighborhood tree canopy—to the typologies of green space that affect human social connection. Trees are a relatively inexpensive and easy intervention to enhance the strength of social ties among neighbors.
Kinetics, equilibria, and modeling of the formation of oligosaccharides from D‐glucose with Aspergillus niger glucoamylases I and II

Near-homogeneous forms of glucoamylases I and II, previously purified from an industrial Aspergillus niger preparation, were incubated with D-glucose at a number of temperatures and pH values. Kinetics and equilibria of the formation of alpha,beta-trehalose, kojibiose, nigerose, maltose, isomaltose, panose, and isomaltotriose, which with isomaltotetraose were the only products formed, were determined. There was no difference in the abilities of GA I and GA II to form these products. Activation energies for the formation of maltose and panose were lower than those of the other Oligosaccharides. Relative rates of oligosaccharide production based on glucoamylase hydrolytic activity did not vary significantly between pH 3.5 and 4.5 but were lower at pH 5.5. Maltose was formed much faster than any other product. Equilibrium concentrations at higher dissolved solids concentrations decreased in the order isomaltose, isomaltotriose, kojibiose, nigerose, maltose, alpha, beta-Mrehalose, panose, and isomaltotetraose. They were not appreciably affected by changes in temperature or pH. A kinetic model based on adsorption of D-glucose and the seven di- and trisaccharides by the first three glucoamylase subsites was formulated. Oligosaccharide formation was simulated with the model, using equilibrium data gathered for this article and subsite binding energies and kinetic parameters for oligosaccharide hydrolysis measured earlier. Agreement of simulated and actual oligosaccharide formation data through the course of the reaction was excellent except at very high solid concentrations.
Defining the RNA-Protein Interactions in the Trypanosome Preribosomal Complex

In eukaryotes, 5S rRNA is transcribed in the nucleoplasm and requires the ribosomal protein L5 to deliver it to the nucleolus for ribosomal assembly. The trypanosome-specific proteins P34 and P37 form a novel preribosomal complex with the eukaryotic conserved L5-5S rRNA complex in the nucleoplasm. Previous results suggested that P34 acts together with L5 to bridge the interaction with 5S rRNA and thus to stabilize 5S rRNA, an important role in the early steps of ribosomal biogenesis. Here, we have delineated the domains of the two protein components, L5 and P34, and regions of the RNA partner, 5S rRNA, that are critical for protein-RNA interactions within the complex. We found that the L18 domain of L5 and the N terminus and RNA recognition motif of P34 bind 5S rRNA. We showed that Trypanosoma brucei L5 binds the β arm of 5S rRNA, while P34 binds loop A/stem V of 5S rRNA. We demonstrated that 5S rRNA is able to enhance the association between the protein components of the complex, L5 and P34. Both loop A/stem V and the β arm of 5S rRNA can separately enhance the protein-protein association, but their effects are neither additive nor synergistic. Domains in the two proteins for protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions overlap or are close to each other. This suggests that 5S rRNA binding might cause conformational changes in L5 and P34 and might also bridge the interactions, thus enhancing binding between the protein partners of this novel complex.
Where does microfinance flourish? Microfinance institution performance in macroeconomic context

Abstract We study whether and how the success of microfinance institutions (“MFI"s) depends on the country-level context, in particular macroeconomic and macro-institutional features. Understanding these linkages can make MFI evaluation more accurate and, further, can help to locate microfinance in the broader picture of economic development. We collect data on 373 MFIs and merge it with country-level economic and institutional data. Evidence arises for complementarity between MFI performance and the broader economy. For example, MFIs are more likely to cover costs when growth is stronger; and MFIs in financially deeper economies have lower default and operating costs, and charge lower interest rates. There is also evidence suggestive of substitutability or rivalry. For example, more manufacturing and higher workforce participation are associated with slower growth in MFI outreach. Overall, the country context appears to be an important determinant of MFI performance; MFI performance should be handicapped for the environment in which it was achieved.
Discrete Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) Thin-Film Interdigital Varactors on Alumina: Design, Fabrication, Characterization, and Applications

Discrete barium strontium titanate (BST) thin-film capacitors in industry standard 0603 footprint are introduced and characterized. BST capacitors have a voltage-dependent permittivity, enabling BST thin-film capacitors to be used as tuning elements in frequency agile devices. The capacitance changed by 1.5:1 at 35 V (116 kV/cm) bias. The temperature dependence of the capacitance was measured to be less than plusmn 20 % from -100 degC to +100 degC. A 2nd-order tunable combline bandpass filter on FR4 substrate has been implemented using the discrete BST varactors. The filter showed a center frequency tuning of 22% from 2.14 GHz to 2.61 GHz upon application of 130 V (433 kV/cm) bias. The zero-bias insertion loss was 4.9 dB which decreased to 2.9 dB at the high bias state. The return loss was better than 11 dB over the tuning range. Nonlinear characterization of the filter using two-tone test and a digitally-modulated CDMA 2000 signal showed an IP3 of +32 dBm and an ACPR of better than -50 dBc up to 26 dBm of input power, respectively
Bicuspid-valved PTFE conduit optimization for pediatric RVOT reconstruction

Conduits available for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction eventually become stenotic and/or insufficient due to calcification. To reduce the incidence of reoperations, using a bicuspid-valved polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) conduit for the RVOT reconstruction can be a viable alternative. The previous designs of this PTFE conduit performed well both in vitro and in clinical evaluations, with relatively low pressure drop, and intact valve motion independent from the conduit curvature, orientation or valve location, but at the expense of increased diastolic flow regurgitation. This undergraduate research project aims to optimize the conduit hemodynamics through the joint use of computational bioengineering modeling, bicuspid heart-valve shape optimization and in vitro hemodynamic evaluation. In addition, the development of a novel device for the intra-operative creation of sinuses in the conduit for improved valve closure is described.
Timing of Embryo Development

In vitro produced (IVP) embryos often exhibit wide variations in developmental competence and viability, considerably more than are exhibited by embryos that develop in vivo. These anomalies in IVP embryos may be due to heterogeneity of oocyte quality, suboptimal culture conditions, disturbances in gene expression, or most likely a combination of these factors (Ho et al., 1994 Roth et al., 1994; McKiernan and Bavister, 1998; Hasler, 1998; Schramm and Bavister, 1999; Doherty et al., 2000; Hyttel et al., 2000; Niemann and Wrenzycki, 2000; Wrenzycki et al., 2001). In research studies or in clinical applications with domesticated animals, cats, non-human primates and humans, oocytes used for IVP are usually collected from a heterogeneous cohort of ovarian follicles that include oocytes which normally might not be ovulated and/or are deficient in developmental competence. Moreover, although major improvements in culture media for oocyte maturation and embryo culture have been made in the last decade or so, IVP technology is still far from perfect (Bavister, 1995; Thompson and Peterson, 2000; Gardner et al., 2000; Vanroose et al., 2001. It is now clear that gene expression, including the critical transition from maternal to embryonic genome control, is subject to perturbations by culture media components, although the mechanism of this disturbance is not understood.
From Altruists to Outlaws: The Criminalization of Traveling Islamic Volunteers

The volunteerist dimension of Islamic philanthropy, although often overshadowed of late by its financial counterpart as a focal point of interest, was until recently an equally vibrant expression of transnational Muslim solidarity. The emblematic figures of the itinerant doctor, the aid worker, the preacher and the fighter featured prominently in the actual mobilization and associated narratives spurred by bloody conflicts in Muslim-majority lands such as Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya, and Afghanistan.1 Along with the scrutiny and policing of Islamic charities and financial networks amplified by the so-called War on Terror came a heightened military and intelligence focus on traveling Muslims who volunteered in various capacities in distant and troubled regions. “Out of place” Muslims came to be regarded and treated as combatants by various governments. 2 The aforementioned emblematic figures were conflated into one -- that of the fighter -- and were criminalized. This Article will begin to explore how that particular process of conflation, exclusion and criminalization occurred.
Introducing Testo Junkie

ABSTRACTThis article introduces the portfolio of essays on Paul B. Preciado’s Testo Junkie: Sex, Drugs, and Biopolitics in the Pharmacopornographic Era (2013). After briefly describing the project of that book, the essay explains the history of the public forum and, now, publication in which Preciado was in conversation with 3 clinicians: Kirsten Lentz, Carolyn Stack, and Jamieson Webster.
Influence of M. varians on Oral Infectivity of Mouse-Hamster (M-H)Virus.∗

SummarySuspensions of mouse brain tissue infected with the M-H (Mouse-Hamster) virus when incubated with a pure culture of the Micrococcus varians organism were found to have a markedly reduced oral infectivity for the white Swiss mouse. In spite of this reduction in oral infectivity there is no change in the infectivity of the virus material containing the micrococcus when it is injected subcutaneously. Filtrates of the micrococcus culture do not appear to inhibit the oral infectivity of the virus. It is suggested that the M-H virus may have been absorbed on the Micrococcus varians organism, and is thus not as readily available for invasion through the intestinal tract or that the virus itself may have been modified so that its oral infectivity has been reduced while its infectivity by subcutaneous inoculation is unchanged.
Agency Strategic Orientation and Involvement in Knowledge Sharing Relationships

We posit that the impact of strategic orientation of an organization extends beyond the organizational boundary to its management of external search for ideas about service innovations. We combine ...
Clitocybe illudens: its cultivation, chemistry, and classification.

SUMMARY Clitocybe illudens is a tetrapolar fungus. The conditions required for the completion of its life cycle in the laboratory have been determined. It is the only Clitocybe species from which the illudin group of sesquiterpenes has been isolated. Further, it produces compounds of the pulvinic acid group, a type of compound found in species of Xerocomus, Suillus, Paxillus, Gomphidius, Hydnum, and Hydnellum, but not in other Clitocybe species (except in Clitocybe subilludens with which it may be conspecific). Its chemical as well as it morphological distinctiveness support its exclusion from the genus Clitocybe. In the course of an investigation of single-basidiospore cultures of Clitocybe illudens (Schw.) Sacc. a number of biological and chemical properties of the fungus were examined: cultural characteristics, matingtype reactions, fruiting in the laboratory, and production of unusual metabolites. Single-basidiospore cultures (9-30 per sporophore) of C. illudens were isolated from each of 10 sporophores collected from 1965 to 1969, in seven localities in New York and New Jersey. The basidiospores were germinated at 25 C on 2% malt extract agar in Petri dishes. Germination after 10 da was close to 100%. A culture was obtained, with the aid of a dissecting microscope, by cutting out a block of agar containing a single, germinating basidiospore. Subsequently, it was found necessary to purify further the resulting cultures, either by isolating a single, germinating oidium of each, or a single hyphal tip. To determine the mating types of the cultures, these were combined in pairs within each strain, on the same medium at 25 C. Combinations made by placing inocula 3 cm apart on the medium in the center of a Petri dish did not readily form heterokaryons. Therefore, combinations were made on sterile, dry, paper discs (the type used to assay for penicillin). The disc was placed on the medium in the center of a Petri dish. Mycelial suspensions of each culture were prepared by lifting off the aerial mycelium of a culture with a sterile metal spatula, and crushing this on the inside of a test tube in 10 ml of sterile distilled water. One
Liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure

SUMMARY In conclusion, the availability of liver transplantation has dramatically advanced the management of fulminant hepatic failure. A major responsibility of the gastroenterologist/hepatologist involved in the care of patients with liver failure is early decision making regarding likelihood of spontaneous recovery and consideration toward referral to a transplantation center. In particular, patients with exposure to drugs or toxins (other than acetaminophen); patients with presumed non-A, non-B hepatitis; children or older patients; patients with prolonged jaundice; profoundly jaundiced patients; or patients with severe coagulopathy should be given the highest consideration for urgent transplantation. Supportive care should take into account the potential complications of bleeding, sepsis, cerebral edema, renal failure, and respiratory failure. Such complications are the major limiting factors that prevent patients with fulminant hepatic failure from undergoing liver transplantation and contribute to the majority of postoperative deaths among patients who undergo transplantation. If these issues are heeded, and in light of emerging therapeutic modalities and surgical innovations, it is anticipated that ongoing improvement of the overall outcome of patients with fulminant hepatic failure will continue to be seen.
Epitope-Specific Vaccination Limits Clonal Expansion of Heterologous Naive T Cells during Viral Challenge.

Despite robust secondary T cell expansion primed by vaccination, the impact on primary immune responses to heterotypic antigens remains undefined. Here we show that secondary expansion of epitope-specific memory CD8+ T cells primed by prior infection with recombinant pathogens limits the primary expansion of naive CD8+ T cells with specificity to new heterologous antigens, dampening protective immunity against subsequent pathogen challenge. The degree of naive T cell repression directly paralleled the magnitude of the recall response. Suppressed primary T cell priming reflects competition for antigen accessibility, since clonal expansion was not inhibited if the primary and secondary epitopes were expressed on different dendritic cells. Interestingly, robust recall responses did not impact antigen-specific NK cells, suggesting that adaptive and innate lymphocyte responses possess different activation requirements or occur in distinct anatomical locations. These findings have important implications in pathogen vaccination strategies that depend on the targeting of multiple T cell epitopes.
ATM multimedia traffic prediction using neural networks

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) broadband networks support a wide range of multimedia traffic (e.g. voice, video, image, and data). Accurate characterization of the multimedia traffic is essential, in ATM networks, in order to develop a robust set of traffic descriptors. Such set is required, by the usage parameter control (UPC) algorithm, for traffic enforcement (policing). In this paper, we present a novel approach to characterize and model the multimedia traffic using neural networks (NNs). A backpropagation neural network is used to characterize and predict the statistical variations of the packet arrival process resulting from the superposition of N packetized video sources and M packetized voice sources. The accuracy of the results were verified by matching the index of dispersion for counts (IDC), the variance, and the autocorrelation of the arrival process to those of the NN output. The reported results show that the NNs can be successfully utilized to characterize the complex non-renewal process with extreme accuracy. >
Brain metastases from breast cancer during pregnancy.

Background Brain metastasis during pregnancy is a rare occurrence. In particular, there have only been three prior cases regarding breast cancer metastasis. We report a patient with breast cancer metastasis to the brain during pregnancy and review the literature. Case description The patient was a 35-year-old female with a history of breast cancer (estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu positive, status post-neoadjuvant docetaxel/carboplatin/trastuzumab/pertuzumab therapy, status post-bilateral mastectomies), and prior right frontal brain metastases (status post-resection, capecitabine/lapatinib/temozolomide therapy, and cyberknife treatment). Patient was found to be pregnant at 9 weeks' gestation while on chemotherapy; the patient elected to continue with the pregnancy and chemotherapy was discontinued. At 14 weeks' gestation, she returned with recurrent right frontal disease. She was taken for a craniotomy at 16 weeks' gestation, which confirmed metastases. Six weeks later, patient returned with worsening headaches and fatigue, with more recurrent right frontal disease. She was started on decadron and chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil, adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide). Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated enlarging right frontal lesions. She underwent a craniotomy at 27 weeks' gestation, and chemotherapy was discontinued promptly. Starting at 30 weeks' gestation, she received whole brain radiation for 2 weeks. Subsequently, she delivered a baby girl via cesarean section at 32 weeks' gestation. At 6 weeks follow-up, an MRI brain demonstrated no new intracranial disease, with stable postoperative findings. Conclusion There is a lack of guidelines and clinical consensus on medical and surgical treatment for breast cancer metastases in pregnant patients. Treatment usually varies based upon underlying tumor burden, location, gestational age of the fetus, and patient's preference and symptomatology.
Automated Classification of Pain Perception using High Density Electroencephalography Data

The translation of brief, millisecond-long pain-eliciting stimuli to the subjective perception of pain is associated with changes in theta, alpha, beta, and gamma oscillations over sensorimotor cortex. However, when a pain-eliciting stimulus continues for minutes, regions beyond the sensorimotor cortex, such as the prefrontal cortex, are also engaged. Abnormalities in prefrontal cortex have been associated with chronic pain states, but conventional, millisecond-long EEG paradigms do not engage prefrontal regions. In the current study, we collected high-density EEG data during an experimental paradigm in which subjects experienced a 4-s, low- or high-intensity pain-eliciting stimulus. EEG data were analyzed using independent component analyses, EEG source localization analyses, and measure projection analyses. We report three novel findings. First, an increase in pain perception was associated with an increase in gamma and theta power in a cortical region that included medial prefrontal cortex. Second, a decrease in lower beta power was associated with an increase in pain perception in a cortical region that included the contralateral sensorimotor cortex. Third, we used machine learning for automated classification of EEG data into low- and high-pain classes. Theta and gamma power in the medial prefrontal region and lower beta power in the contralateral sensorimotor region served as features for classification. We found a leave-one-out cross-validation accuracy of 89.58%. The development of biological markers for pain states continues to gain traction in the literature, and our findings provide new information that advances this body of work.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The development of a biological marker for pain continues to gain traction in literature. Our findings show that high- and low-pain perception in human subjects can be classified with 89% accuracy using high-density EEG data from prefrontal cortex and contralateral sensorimotor cortex. Our approach represents a novel neurophysiological paradigm that advances the literature on biological markers for pain.
Derivative-free trajectory optimization with unscented dynamic programming

Trajectory optimization algorithms are a core technology behind many modern nonlinear control applications. However, with increasing system complexity, the computation of dynamics derivatives during optimization creates a computational bottleneck, particularly in second-order methods. In this paper, we present a modification of the classical Differential Dynamic Programming (DDP) algorithm that eliminates the computation of dynamics derivatives while maintaining similar convergence properties. Rather than relying on naive finite difference calculations, we propose a deterministic sampling scheme inspired by the Unscented Kalman Filter that propagates a quadratic approximation of the cost-to-go function through the nonlinear dynamics at each time step. Our algorithm takes larger steps than Iterative LQR—a DDP variant that approximates the cost-to-go Hessian using only first derivatives—while maintaining the same computational cost. We present results demonstrating its numerical performance in simulated balancing and aerobatic flight experiments.
Tamoxifen and its active metabolites inhibit dopamine transporter function independently of the estrogen receptors

As one of the primary mechanisms by which dopamine signaling is regulated, the dopamine transporter (DAT) is an attractive pharmacological target for the treatment of diseases based in dopaminergic dysfunction. In this work we demonstrate for the first time that the commonly prescribed breast cancer therapeutic tamoxifen and its major metabolites, 4-hydroxytamoxifen and endoxifen, inhibit DAT function. Tamoxifen inhibits [3 H]dopamine uptake into human DAT (hDAT)-N2A cells via an uncompetitive or mixed mechanism. Endoxifen, an active metabolite of tamoxifen, asymmetrically inhibits DAT function in hDAT-N2A cells, showing a preference for the inhibition of amphetamine-stimulated dopamine efflux as compared to dopamine uptake. Importantly, we demonstrate that the effects of tamoxifen and its metabolites on the DAT occur independently of its activity as selective estrogen receptor modulators. This work suggests that tamoxifen is inhibiting DAT function through a previously unidentified mechanism.
Centrifuge tests to assess seismic site response of partially saturated sand layers

Abstract Seismic response of unsaturated soil layers may differ from that of saturated or dry soil deposits. A set of centrifuge experiments was conducted to study the influence of partial saturation on seismic response of sand layers under scaled Northridge earthquake motion. Steady state infiltration was implemented to control and provide uniform degree of saturation profiles in depth. The amplification of peak ground acceleration at the soil surface was inversely proportional to the degree of saturation, especially in low period range. The cumulative intensity amplification of the motion was also higher in unsaturated soils with higher suctions. The lateral deformation and surface settlement of partially saturated sand with higher stiffness were generally lower than that in dry soil. Although neglecting the effect of partial saturation in sand layers might be conservative with respect to seismic deformations, it may result in underestimating the surface design spectra.
Stress-induced chemical waves in sediment burial diagenesis

Lateral metre-scale periodic variations in porosity and composition are found in many dolomite strata. Such variations may embed important information about dolomite formation and transformation. Here we show that these variations could be fossilized chemical waves emerging from stress-mediated mineral-water interaction during sediment burial diagenesis. Under the overlying loading, crystals in higher porosity domains are subjected to a higher effective stress, causing pressure solution. The dissolved species diffuse to and precipitate in neighbouring lower porosity domains, further reducing the porosity. This positive feedback leads to lateral porosity and compositional patterning in dolomite. The pattern geometry depends on fluid flow regimes. In a diffusion-dominated case, the low- and high-porosity domains alternate spatially with no directional preference, while, in the presence of an advective flow, this alternation occurs only along the flow direction, propagating like a chemical wave. Our work provides a new perspective for interpreting diagenetic signatures in sedimentary rocks. Dolomite sedimentary rock has lateral metre-scale periodic variations in porosity and composition, which may provide information on formation and transformation. This study suggests that such variations are fossilized chemical waves emerging from stress-mediated mineral-water interaction during sediment burial diagenesis.
Influenza Vaccination Beliefs and Practices in Elderly Primary Care Patients

The majority of influenza related deaths and hospitalizations occur among individuals ≥65 years, yet the national influenza vaccination rate for this group is 63% and is lower in the Hispanic population. Previous studies have described negative predictors of vaccination; however, there is a knowledge gap of how influenza vaccine-specific beliefs affect vaccination rates. We examined the relationship between influenza vaccine health beliefs and vaccination behaviors in a cross sectional sample of 200 primarily Hispanic patients aged ≥65 years in an academic general internal medicine clinic. Participants were asked about perceptions of influenza vaccine effectiveness and safety. Interview responses regarding influenza vaccine concerns were evaluated qualitatively with conventional content analysis. Logistic regression evaluated associations between beliefs and self-reported vaccination the previous year, adjusted for age, gender, and language. Of those approached to complete the questionnaire, 88% participated. Self-reported influenza vaccination rate during the study year was 75%. Only 46.5% endorsed the belief that influenza vaccine is very effective and 47% that it is very safe. Many stated specific concerns about flu vaccine including that it causes side effects/adverse outcomes, is not effective, vaccine components are harmful, and vaccination is not necessary. Belief that the flu shot causes the flu and concern for variability of the flu shot were associated with reduced odds of vaccination (aOR 0.19, 95% CI [0.05, 0.83] and 0.06 [0.006, 0.63] respectively). The patient-perceived distinction between cold, flu, and other symptoms warrants further exploration. This information can be used to develop targeted communication to promote vaccination.
Evolution of Robotic Surgery: Past, Present, and Future

Robotic surgery is a major advancement in minimally invasive surgery. The history of this technology can be dated back a few thousand years. This chapter revisits these pioneers and takes a glimpse into the future of surgery.
Abstract 16032: Trends in Smoking among Adults from 1980 to 2009: The Minnesota Heart Survey

Introduction: While the prevalence of smoking has declined, recent smoking trends in the general population are not well studied. We describe these trends in a population-based sample in Minnesota....