cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIRECT THROMBIN INHIBITION SUPERIOR TO HEPARIN DURING AND AFTER THROMBOLYSIS : DOSE, DURATION, AND DRUG

Thrombosis and thrombolysis are dynamic, simultaneous, and opposing processes. Blocking one opposing process will enhance the other. The more potent the antithrombotic drug, the more rapid and thorough the thrombolysis.1 Enhancing thrombolysis reduces the residual mass of mural thrombus and thus the residual stenosis, local shear force, and propensity for platelet deposition and reocclusion. The immediate increase in thrombin generation and activity with thrombolysis necessitates the simultaneous administration of an antithrombotic drug with the lytic agent to maximize the extent of thrombolysis.1 2 Recombinant hirudin, a 65–amino acid peptide that nearly encircles the thrombin molecule, is the prototype and gold standard of direct thrombin inhibitors.3 It is the tightest-binding ( K i=10−13) thrombin inhibitor and can be detected as the hirudin-thrombin complex at least 18 hours after r-hirudin administration is stopped.4 When administered to humans intravenously to prolong the aPTT ratio to only 1.7× to 2.2× control levels, its potency for blocking growth of thrombus on aortic tunica media during ex vivo perfusion at moderate shear force is similar in quantitative antithrombotic potency to c7E3.4A Other direct thrombin inhibitors with lower binding affinities ( K i=10−11 and K i=10−9) experimentally have proved to be less potent antithrombotics against thrombosis than r-hirudin in porcine carotid and coronary arteries after deep arterial injury by angioplasty.5 Two other direct anti-thrombins, Inogatran ( K i=10−9) and Efegatran, a tripeptide (LY 294468), have low binding affinities and were clinically no better than heparin during studies in patients with unstable angina6 7 and acute myocardial infarction,6 7 respectively. Although effectiveness may be improved by increasing the dose of antithrombins with low binding affinities, previous studies of thrombolysis combined with heparin or direct thrombin inhibition with hirudin in humans suggest that high aPTTs signal …
The Commercial Uses of Radio

TO a surprisingly large number of people, radio is an awe-inspiring subject. While true that its technique is a highly complicated one, nevertheless the question, "What is radio?" can be answered simply and directly. Radio is an up-to-date means of flashing intelligence through space. If we couch this intelligence in the dots and dashes of the coded message, we have wireless telegraphy; if we transmit sound itself, either in the form of the spoken word or as vocal or instrumental music, we have broadcasting; if we flash a "still picture" through space as the facsimile of the printed page, signature or legal document, we have photoradio; and when we are able to send the moving image-as we are now doing on a small scale in the laboratory-we shall have achieved the ultimate in radio transmission and reception-television.
Informal care and Medicare expenditures: Testing for heterogeneous treatment effects

We estimate the effect of informal care on Medicare expenditures not only for care provided by children but also by the source of informal care (sons versus daughters, children versus others) and recipient characteristics (marital status). Our conceptual framework predicts heterogeneous effectiveness by source and recipient of informal care. We estimate two-part expenditure models as a function of informal care, controlling for endogeneity. We find that informal care by children reduces Medicare long-term care and inpatient expenditures of single elderly. We find that children are less effective caregivers among recipients who are married. For single elderly, child caregivers are more effective than other types. Gender of a child caregiver does not matter.
Regional Financial Integration in the Caribbean: Evidence from Financial and Macroeconomic Data

This paper assesses the extent of regional financial integration in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) by analyzing equity prices in the region and rigidity of external financing constraints. The results are presented in a cross-regional perspective. The Caribbean stock markets are not as well integrated as one would expect from the extent of cross-listing and importance of regional banking groups: price differentials of cross-listed stocks reach an average of 5 percent. Auto-Regressive models suggest that these price differentials are only slowly arbitraged away, with half-lives exceeding 7 worked days, even when looking only at large arbitrage opportunities (using a Threshold Auto-Regressive model). A speculative methodology using macroeconomic data seems to confirm these findings. A strong mean reversion of the current account (respectively regional trade imbalances) is interpreted, following Obstfeld and Taylor (2004), as a lack of ways to finance current account deficits, i.e. a lack of global (respectively regional) financial integration. The region appears to be much less integrated than the EU15 or the ASEAN+3 groups, although it fares well compared to other LDCs.
Review, case studies, therapy, and interpretation of the acute exhaustive psychoses

The writer has reviewed the literature, noting the various groupings under which this syndrome has been reported and noting the various etiological approaches. He has presented the problems of therapy and discussed them. He has presented two cases, the first terminating fatally, and the second recovering (returning to her community in her pre-psychotic or better than prepsychotic condition). These cases have been discussed as to etiology, dynamics and organic and functional factors operating. The conclusion is: (1) That the “Acute Exhaustive Psychosis” or Exhaustive Syndrome is a psychogenic illness originating in a need for self-annihilation as a solution to a problem. (2) That the syndrome is manifested in a mental picture resembling a schizophrenic panic, and an organic picture which results from the massive somatic expression of the emotional energy. (3) That emergency measures are necessary to tide the patient over the severe, overactive, self-destructive period in order to maintain food and fluid intake and to obtain rest and relaxation for the patient. But (4) that recovery, which is infrequent, may depend to a major degree on the development of a strong relationship between patient and physician, through which relationship, the patient is able to manage the conflict situation.
Experiments in nonreacting compressible shear layers

Two-dimensional, compressible tubulent shear layers are studied in a new wind-tunnel facility. Helium, nitrogen, and argon gases are used in various combinations to produce shear layers with isentropically computed convective Mach numbers that range from near zero to unity. Side-view schlieren photographs of these compressible flows are generally devoid of the two-dimensional, large-scale structures seen in incompressible flows
An assessment of remote sensing algorithms for colored dissolved organic matter in complex freshwater environments.

Abstract This study evaluated fifteen algorithms representing four major categories of retrieval algorithms for aquatic colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM): empirical, semi-analytical, optimization, and matrix inversion methods. The specific goal here was to evaluate (and understand) the strengths and limits of these algorithms in predicting CDOM dynamics along a gradient of varying water quality in a large, freshwater ecosystem. The data were collected in May and October of 2012 from the estuarine areas of the Kawkawlin and Saginaw Rivers, and Lake Huron. Algorithms were evaluated through comparisons to in-situ CDOM measurements, such that the analysis of these field measurements showed that CDOM levels in these areas displayed a range of CDOM absorption coefficients aCDOM(440) (0.1–8.5 m− 1). In general, the majority of the algorithms underestimated high CDOM waters (aCDOM(440) > 2 m− 1) and overestimated low CDOM scenarios ( 600 nm in the algorithms improves CDOM estimation accuracy significantly, particularly for complex freshwater environments.
Development and characterization of a codominant marker linked to root-knot nematode resistance, and its application to peach rootstock breeding

The presence of a codominant AFLP marker, EAA/MCAT10, correlates with the primary source of resistance to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica) in rootstock cultivars of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]. Two allelic DNA fragments of this AFLP marker were cloned, sequenced and converted to sequence tagged sites (STS). Four nucleotide differences (i.e. one addition and three substitutions) were observed between the two clones. Furthermore, there was a diagnostic Sau3 AI cleavage site (GATC) in the large fragment that was absent from the small fragment (GTTC at this site). The applicability of this STS marker system to peach germplasm improvement was evaluated: genomic DNAs of cross parents (i.e. ‘Lovell’ and ‘Nemared’), four F1 hybrids (K62-67, K62-68, P101-40 and P101-41) and two F2 populations (from K62-68 and P101-41), as well as DNA from a test panel of 18 rootstock cultivars or selections, were PCR-amplified with the Mij3F/Mij1R primer pair and then digested with Sau3 AI. The banding patterns showed that the EAA/MCAT10 STS markers can clearly distinguish the three genotypes – homozygous resistant, heterozygous resistant and homozygous susceptible – in the ‘Lovell’×‘Nemared’ cross. In addition, results from the rootstock survey were consistent with each rootstock’s phenotypic response to nematode infection, except for ‘Okinawa’, ‘Flordaguard’ and ‘Yunnan’ where root-knot resistance may have arisen independently. Therefore, the EAA/MCAT10 STS markers will be a useful tool to initiate marker assisted selection studies in peach rootstock breeding for root-knot nematode resistance.
Effect of the Electrolyte Composition on SEI Reactions at Si Anodes of Li-Ion Batteries

Solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers formed at the surface of silicon anodes due to reductive decomposition of the electrolyte components are partially responsible of the irreversible capacity loss that negatively affects battery performance. We use ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how the electrolyte composition including organic carbonates and LiPF6 affects such reactions. Solvent polarity defines salt dissociation, and there is a competition between salt and solvent/additive dissociation. The salt anion decomposes, yielding a PF3 group and three F– anions. The PF3 group is relatively stable, but after some time, it decomposes nucleating on the anode surface as LiF. During anion decomposition the P atom progressively reduces finally becoming coupled to a surface atom or to fragments of the solvent/additive decomposition that takes place prior or simultaneously with the salt decomposition. New pathways are found for formation of CO2 from vinylene carbonate reaction with the su...
Sensitivity of fNIRS measurement to head motion: an applied use of smartphones in the lab.

Abstract Background Powerful computing capabilities in small, easy to use hand-held devices have made smart technologies such as smartphones and tablets ubiquitous in today's society. The capabilities of these devices provide scientists with many tools that can be used to improve the scientific method. Method Here, we demonstrate how smartphones may be used to quantify the sensitivity of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) signal to head motion. By attaching a smartphone to participants’ heads during the fNIRS scan, we were able to capture data describing the degree of head motion. Results Our results demonstrate that data recorded from an off-the-shelf smartphone accelerometer may be used to identify correlations between head-movement and fNIRS signal change. Furthermore, our results identify correlations between the magnitudes of head-movement and signal artifact, as well as a relationship between the direction of head movement and the location of the resulting signal noise. Conclusions These data provide a valuable proof-of-concept for the use of off-the-shelf smart technologies in neuroimaging applications.
Accelerated wear testing of head-disc interfaces

Abstract To better assess wear characteristics of head and media combinations under conditions that approximate drive operation, we describe an accelerated wear test in which the z -height is increased so that the trailing edge of the air bearing surface makes contact. Using this test, we find that the wear rate for a particular head-media combination decreases as time 1/2 and we document the effect of media wear on the head wear rate. These experimental findings are combined with numerical modeling of head-disc interface wear that correlates well with our results and predicts a shift in wear mechanisms as surface deformation shifts from dominantly plastic to elastic.
The Concept of Efficiency in Item Analysis

In this paper a new item analysis index, e, is derived as a function of difficulty and discrimination to represent item efficiency. It is demonstrated algebraically that the maximum discriminating power of an item may be determined from its difficulty and then item efficiency is defined as the ratio of observed discrimination to maximum discrimination. The magnitude of the e-index will range from zero to unity and will provide additional information for item analyses.
Multigigahertz range-Doppler correlative signal processing in optical memory crystals.

Analog optical signal processing of complex radio-frequency signals for range-Doppler radar information is theoretically described and experimentally demonstrated using crystalline optical memory materials and off-the-shelf photonic components. A model of the range-Doppler processing capability of the memory material for the case of single-target detection is presented. Radarlike signals were emulated and processed by the memory material; they consisted of broadband (>1 GHz), spread-spectrum, pseudorandom noise sequences of 512 bits in length, which were binary phase-shift keyed on a 1.9 GHz carrier and repeated at 100 kHz over 7.5 ms. Delay (range) resolution of 8 ns and Doppler resolution of 130 Hz over 100 kHz were demonstrated.
High resolution interferometric observations of Venus at three radio wavelengths

Abstract We present new 6.0 and 21.1 cm interferometric observations of Venus. When combined with our previous 3.12 cm work they provide s self-consistent set of high-resolution observations at three wavelengths covering a range in which the opacity of the Venus atmosphere varies by a factor of 50. Model calculations indicate that a model atmosphere of CO 2 in adiabatic equilibrium containing uniformly mixed gaseous absorbers surrounding a dielectric sphere cannot simultaneously and adequately predict the radio interferometric measurements at all wavelengths together with the radar and radio occultation measurements.
Studies on intraocular inflammation produced by intravitreal human interleukins in rabbits

Abstract Recombinant human inteluekin-1α, interleukin-1β (10, 80 or 200 units), interleukin-8 (10 or 40 units) or endotoxin was injected intravitreally into rabbit eyes. Twenty-four hours thereafter aqueous humor protein, leukocyte number, prostaglandin E 2 , leukotriene B 4 and rabbit interleukin-1β were measured. In addition, synthesis of prostaglandin E 2 and leukotriene B 4 in iris-ciliary body and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were determined. Recombinant human interleukins 1α and 1β, but not interleukin-8 induced signs of uveitis, i.e. protein and leukocytic infiltration into aqueous humor. At 200 unit activities, human interleukin-1β was significantly greater than interleukin-1α in causing leukocyte infiltration response. Interleukin-1α did not stimulate the release of prostaglandin E 2 or leukotriene B 4 . In fact, interleukin-1β significantly inhibited the synthesis of prostaglandin E 2 in iris-ciliary body. Both of these human interleukins caused a release of rabbit interleukin-1β in aqueous achieving a level significantly higher than observed after endotoxin injection. This study demonstrates that intravitreal injections of human IL-1α and 1β induce uveitis by releasing rabbit interleukin-1α within the eye.
Preferential Image Segmentation Using Trees of Shapes

A novel preferential image segmentation method is proposed that performs image segmentation and object recognition using mathematical morphologies. The method preferentially segments objects that have intensities and boundaries similar to those of objects in a database of prior images. A tree of shapes is utilized to represent the content distributions in images, and curve matching is applied to compare the boundaries. The algorithm is invariant to contrast change and similarity transformations of translation, rotation and scale. A performance evaluation of the proposed method using a large image dataset is provided. Experimental results show that the proposed approach is promising for applications such as object segmentation and video tracking with cluttered backgrounds.
N2 CARS thermometry and O2 LIF concentration measurements in a flame under electrically induced microbuoyancy

Abstract Microgravity combustion is fundamentally characterized by the absence of buoyancy driven flows. To facilitate a large range of diagnostics on microgravity flames, it is useful to create an equivalent microbuoyant condition in an earth-based laboratory. This experiment simulates microbuoyancy using electric fields to balance local convection in a region of the flame. Previous studies used N 2 coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) temperature measurements to show that a region exists in which the temperature profile corresponds to that of a spherically symmetric diffusion profile, as would be expected in a true microgravity environment. The current study utilizes CARS thermometry and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) to examine the temperature and O 2 concentration profiles in a region below the flame. The results show that the electrically balanced flame apparatus produces a spherically symmetric wedge of microbuoyant flame extending 10° from the vertical axis of the capillary flame arrangement; thereby quantifying the extent of the microbuoyant region.
Phase 2 study of erlotinib in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND. Growth factor overexpression, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, is common in hepatocellular cancers. Erlotinib is a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor with specificity for EGFR. The primary objective of this study was to determine the proportion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with erlotinib who were alive and progression-free (PFS) at 16 weeks of continuous treatment. METHODS. Patients with unresectable HCC, no prior systemic therapy, performance status (PS) of 0, 1, or 2, and Childs-Pugh (CP) cirrhosis A or B received oral erlotinib 150 mg daily for 28-day cycles. Tumor response was assessed every 2 cycles by using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST; National Cancer Institute Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Bethesda, Md) criteria. Patients accrued to either “low” or “high” EGFR expression cohorts; each cohort had stopping rules applied when there was a lack of efficacy. RESULTS. Forty HCC patients were enrolled. Median age was 64 years (range, 33–83 years), sex distribution was 32 males and 8 females, performance scores were 40% PS 0, 55% PS 1, Childs-Pugh distribution was 75% A and 20% B. There were no complete or partial responses; however, 17 of 40 patients achieved stable disease at 16 weeks of continuous therapy. The PFS at 16 weeks was 43%, and the median overall survival (OS) was 43 weeks (10.75 months). No patients required dose reductions of erlotinib. No correlation between EGFR expression and outcome was found. CONCLUSIONS. Results of this study indicated that single-agent erlotinib is well tolerated and has modest disease-control benefit in HCC, manifested as modestly prolonged PFS and OS when compared with historical controls. Cancer 2007. Published 2007 by the American Cancer Society.
Fear Responses of Offspring from Divergent Quail Stress Response Line Hens Treated with Corticosterone During Egg Formation

Increased fearfulness has been associated with adrenocortical activation. Maternal corticosterone (B) treatment increases egg B, and elevated B in ovo enhances chick avoidance of humans. Quail selected for exaggerated (high stress, HS) rather than reduced (low stress, LS) plasma B response to stress are more fearful, and more B is found in HS hen eggs. Thus, we used tonic immobility (TI) and hole-in-the-wall box (HWB) emergence tests to assess fear in chicks hatched from eggs of LS and HS hens implanted with B or no B (CON). The number of inductions required to attain TI, latency to first alert head movement, and duration of TI were determined in one study and the latency until first vocalization (LATVOC), numbers of vocalizations (VOCS), proportions of chicks vocalizing, and the latencies to head (HE) and full-body (FE) emergence from a HWB were assessed in another. The LS chicks required less inductions (P < 0.0005) and had shorter latency to first alert head movement (P < 0.02) than HS chicks, although the duration of TI was unaffected by any of the treatments. During the acclimation period of the HWB tests, more (proportions of chicks vocalizing; P < 0.0001) HS chicks alarm-called sooner (LATVOC; P < 0.0001) and more often (VOCS; P < 0.0001) than did LS chicks, and, although maternal implant treatment did not affect LATVOC, progeny of B-implanted hens showed a tendency toward less (P < 0.07) VOCS than the CON. Chicks hatched from eggs of B-implant mothers also took longer to achieve HE (P < 0.06) and FE (P < 0.05) from the HWB than did their CON counterparts. Stress line, implantation treatment, and their interaction did not alter HE or FE responses. The data suggest that quail stress line genome may or may not be affecting certain fear and alarm responses in chicks via the same mechanism(s) that underlies how elevating maternal B increases egg levels of B that in turn alters the fear behavior of progeny.
The Declining Status of Women: Popular Myths and the Failure of Functionalist Thought

Despite frequent claims of equality of status for women and men, U.S. Census data from 1940-64 suggest a gradual but persistent decline in women's occupational, economic, and educational achievements, compared to those of men. These findings suggest that women have suffered a loss in status, as measured by the variables usually used to determine social status.. In the discussion of these findings the normative nature of the functional definition of sex roles; is identified as a justification for discrimination against women. A common theme of much literature in the social sciences has developed the idea of a gradual but persistent equalization of statuses of men and women. It often has been assumed that the battle for women's rights is won, and whatever inequity still persists derives entirely from a failure of women to exercise their legal, educational, occupational, and social prerogatives.1 It is the purpose of this paper to challenge some current conceptions of the status of women, especially in contrast to their status of earlier years, and to make some assessment of the sources of the increasing inequality that has developed in the United States. Further, the institutionalization of this inequality will be used to illustrate the conservative nature of much modern social science research. THE MODERN CONTEXT OF SEX-DEFINED STATUSES While the modern industrial society has effectively destroyed the narrow definition of appropriate female roles that persisted throughout 1 An example of assumed near equality over 20 years ago is contained in the volume Victory, How Women Won It (Anonymous, 1940). In the foreword it is stated: "The Century from 1840 to 1940 may appropriately be called the Woman's Century.... In 1840 for the first time women proposed to unite, organize and to remove their grievances. In 1940 this aim with slight exceptions has been eliminated." This content downloaded from 207.46.13.127 on Fri, 14 Oct 2016 04:07:37 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
MapReduce optimization using regulated dynamic prioritization

We present a system for allocating resources in shared data and compute clusters that improves MapReduce job scheduling in three ways. First, the system uses regulated and user-assigned priorities to offer different service levels to jobs and users over time. Second, the system dynamically adjusts resource allocations to fit the requirements of different job stages. Finally, the system automatically detects and eliminates bottlenecks within a job. We show experimentally using real applications that users can optimize not only job execution time but also the cost-benefit ratio or prioritization efficiency of a job using these three strategies. Our approach relies on a proportional share mechanism that continuously allocates virtual machine resources. Our experimental results show a 11-31% improvement in completion time and 4-187% improvement in prioritization efficiency for different classes of MapReduce jobs. We further show that delay intolerant users gain even more from our system.
Generation of the volatile spiroketals conophthorin and chalcogran by fungal spores on polyunsaturated fatty acids common to almonds and pistachios.

The spiroketal (E)-conophthorin has recently been reported as a semiochemical of the navel orangeworm moth, a major insect pest of California pistachios and almonds. Conophthorin and the isomeric spiroketal chalcogran are most commonly known as semiochemicals of several scolytid beetles. Conophthorin is both an insect- and plant-produced semiochemical widely recognized as a nonhost plant volatile from the bark of several angiosperm species. Chalcogran is the principal aggregation pheromone component of the six-spined spruce bark beetle. Recent research has shown conophthorin is produced by almonds undergoing hull-split, and both spiroketals are produced by mechanically damaged almonds. To better understand the origin of these spiroketals, the volatile emissions of orchard fungal spores on fatty acids common to both pistachios and almonds were evaluated. The volatile emission for the first 13 days of spores placed on a fatty acid was monitored. The spores investigated were Aspergillus flavus (atoxigenic), ...
Lamotrigine use in pregnancy

Lamotrigine is a sodium-channel-modulating, antiepileptic drug (AED), which was approved in the USA in 1994 for use in partial-onset seizures. It was ultimately approved for monotherapy in 1998. Lamotrigine has gained widespread use in the USA as both an immediate and an extended-release agent. Lamotrigine is effective against a broad spectrum of seizure types and has a favorable metabolic profile, with few but significant drug interactions. Pregnancy registries in several countries have demonstrated that AED use in women with epilepsy is associated with an increased risk of fetal malformations, if the infant is exposed during the period of organogenesis. In addition, new evidence demonstrates that AEDs may affect the intellectual development of a child, as measured up until the age of 3 years. This information has made the choice of an anticonvulsant for a woman who might become pregnant significantly more important. Pregnancy registries have consistently demonstrated lamotrigine to be among the safest medications for a developing fetus, both in terms of fetal malformations and postpartum cognitive development. These findings make lamotrigine probably the first choice of AED for women wishing to become pregnant and for whom the medication is appropriate.
The mitochondrial genome of Hydra oligactis (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) sheds new light on animal mtDNA evolution and cnidarian phylogeny

The 16,314-nuceotide sequence of the linear mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecule of Hydra oligactis (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa)--the first from the class Hydrozoa--has been determined. This sequence contains genes for 13 energy pathway proteins, small and large subunit rRNAs, and methionine and tryptophan tRNAs, as is typical for cnidarians. All genes have the same transcriptional orientation and their arrangement in the genome is similar to that of the jellyfish Aurelia aurita. In addition, a partial copy of cox1 is present at one end of the molecule in a transcriptional orientation opposite to the rest of the genes, forming a part of inverted terminal repeat characteristic of linear mtDNA and linear mitochondrial plasmids. The sequence close to at least one end of the molecule contains several homonucleotide runs as well as small inverted repeats that are able to form strong secondary structures and may be involved in mtDNA maintenance and expression. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial genes of H. oligactis and other cnidarians supports the Medusozoa hypothesis but also suggests that Anthozoa may be paraphyletic, with octocorallians more closely related to the Medusozoa than to the Hexacorallia. The latter inference implies that Anthozoa is paraphyletic and that the polyp (rather than a medusa) is the ancestral body type in Cnidaria.
Identification and Mutational Analysis of Arabidopsis FLS2 Leucine-Rich Repeat Domain Residues That Contribute to Flagellin Perception

Mutational, phylogenetic, and structural modeling approaches were combined to develop a general method to study leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains and were used to identify residues within the Arabidopsis thaliana FLAGELLIN-SENSING2 (FLS2) LRR that contribute to flagellin perception. FLS2 is a transmembrane receptor kinase that binds bacterial flagellin or a flagellin-based flg22 peptide through a presumed physical interaction within the FLS2 extracellular domain. Double-Ala scanning mutagenesis of solvent-exposed β-strand/β-turn residues across the FLS2 LRR domain identified LRRs 9 to 15 as contributors to flagellin responsiveness. FLS2 LRR-encoding domains from 15 Arabidopsis ecotypes and 20 diverse Brassicaceae accessions were isolated and sequenced. FLS2 is highly conserved across most Arabidopsis ecotypes, whereas more diversified functional FLS2 homologs were found in many but not all Brassicaceae accessions. flg22 responsiveness was correlated with conserved LRR regions using Conserved Functional Group software to analyze structural models of the LRR for diverse FLS2 proteins. This identified conserved spatial clusters of residues across the β-strand/β-turn residues of LRRs 12 to 14, the same area identified by the Ala scan, as well as other conserved sites. Site-directed randomizing mutagenesis of solvent-exposed β-strand/β-turn residues across LRRs 9 to 15 identified mutations that disrupt flg22 binding and showed that flagellin perception is dependent on a limited number of tightly constrained residues of LRRs 9 to 15 that make quantitative contributions to the overall phenotypic response.
Chronic mesenteric ischemia: Open surgery versus percutaneous angioplasty and stenting

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous angioplasty and stenting (PAS) in comparison with traditional open surgical (OS) revascularization for the treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia. Methods: Over a 3.5-year period, 28 patients (32 vessels) underwent PAS (balloon angioplasty alone, 5 [18%] of 28; angioplasty and stenting, 23 [82%] of 28) for symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischemia. These patients were compared with a previously published series of 85 patients (130 vessels) treated with OS (bypass grafting, 60 [71%] of 85; transaortic endarterectomy, 19 [22%] of 85; or patch angioplasty, 6 [7%] of 85). Results: The PAS and OS groups were similar with respect to baseline comorbidities, duration of symptoms (median: 6.7 vs 10.5 months, P =.52), and the number of vessels involved, but the patients differed in their age at presentation (median: 72 vs 65 years, P =.005). Fewer vessels were revascularized per patient in the PAS group (1.1 ± 0.4) compared with the OS group (1.5 ± 0.6, P =.001). Overall, 85.7% (24/28) had one vessel and 14.3% (4/28) had two vessels revascularized in the PAS group versus 48.2% (41/85) with one-vessel and 47.1% (40/85) with two-vessel revascularization in the OS group. No difference was noted in the early in-hospital complications (median: 17.9% [PAS] vs 32.9% [OS], P =.12) or mortality rate (10.7% [PAS] vs 8.2% [OS], P =.71). A reduced length of hospital stay in the PAS patients did not attain statistical significance (median: 5 days [PAS] vs 13 days [OS], P =.08). Although the 3-year cumulative recurrent stenosis ( P =.62) and mortality rate ( P =.99) did not differ, the PAS treatment group had a higher incidence of recurrent symptoms ( P =.001). Conclusion: Although the results of PAS and OS were similar with respect to morbidity, death, and recurrent stenosis, PAS was associated with a significantly higher incidence of recurrent symptoms. These findings suggest that OS should be preferentially offered to patients deemed fit for open revascularization. (J Vasc Surg 2001;33:63-71.)
Tilt and Azimuthal Angles of a Transmembrane Peptide: A Comparison between Molecular Dynamics Calculations and Solid-State NMR Data of Sarcolipin in Lipid Membranes

We report molecular dynamics simulations in the explicit membrane environment of a small membrane-embedded protein, sarcolipin, which regulates the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase activity in both cardiac and skeletal muscle. In its monomeric form, we found that sarcolipin adopts a helical conformation, with a computed average tilt angle of 28 ± 6° and azymuthal angles of 66 ± 22°, in reasonable accord with angles determined experimentally (23 ± 2° and 50 ± 4°, respectively) using solid-state NMR with separated-local-field experiments. The effects of time and spatial averaging on both 15N chemical shift anisotropy and 1H/15N dipolar couplings have been analyzed using short-time averages of fast amide out-of-plane motions and following principal component dynamic trajectories. We found that it is possible to reproduce the regular oscillatory patterns observed for the anisotropic NMR parameters (i.e., PISA wheels) employing average amide vectors. This work highlights the role of molecular dynamics simulations as a tool for the analysis and interpretation of solid-state NMR data.
Methionine-121 coordination determines metal specificity in unfolded Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin binds copper so tightly that it remains bound even upon polypeptide unfolding. Copper can be substituted with zinc without change in protein structure, and also in this complex the metal remains bound upon protein unfolding. Previous work has shown that native-state copper ligands Cys112 and His117 are two of at least three metal ligands in the unfolded state. In this study we use isothermal titration calorimetry and spectroscopic methods to test if the native-state ligand Met121 remains a metal ligand upon unfolding. From studies on a point-mutated version of azurin (Met121Ala) and a set of model peptides spanning the copper-binding C-terminal part (including Cys112, His117 and Met121), we conclude that Met121 is a metal ligand in unfolded copper-azurin but not in the case of unfolded zinc-azurin. Combination of unfolding and metal-titration data allow for determination of copper (CuII and CuI) and zinc affinities for folded and unfolded azurin polypeptides, respectively.
Differences in Anti-Herbivore Defenses in Non-Myrmecophyte and Myrmecophyte Cecropia Trees

Little is known about antiherbivore defenses in non-myrmecophyte Cecropia trees. We compare two non-myrmecophyte Cecropia—Cecropia sciadophylla and Cecropia tacuna—with Cecropia membranacea, a myrmecophyte. High levels of chemical defenses in young leaves and physical toughness of mature leaves compensate for the absence of mutualistic ants in C. sciadophylla. Some C. tacuna trees produce trichilia and Mullerian bodies suggesting it has lost a mutualism with ants. Resumen Poco se sabe sobre las defensas contra a los herbivoros en las especies de Cecropia no-mirmecofitas. Hemos examinado las defensas contra herbivoros en dos especies no-mirmecofitos – Cecropia sciadophylla y Cecropia tacuna. Comparamos estos con Cecropia membranacea, un mirmecofita. Nuestro estudio demuestra que para C. sciadophylla hay niveles altos de defensas quimicas en las hoyas nuevas y la fortaleza fisica de las hojas maduras esto compensa por la ausencia de hormigas mutualistas. Algunos arboles C. tacuna producen trichilia y cuerpos de Muller sugiere la perdida de mutualism con hormigas.
An NCME Instructional Module on Polytomous Item Response Theory Models

A polytomous item is one for which the responses are scored according to three or more categories. Given the increasing use of polytomous items in assessment practices, item response theory (IRT) models specialized for polytomous items are becoming increasingly common. The purpose of this ITEMS module is to provide an accessible overview of polytomous IRT models. The module presents commonly encountered polytomous IRT models, describes their properties, and contrasts their defining principles and assumptions. After completing this module, the reader should have a sound understating of what a polytomous IRT model is, the manner in which the equations of the models are generated from the model's underlying step functions, how widely used polytomous IRT models differ with respect to their definitional properties, and how to interpret the parameters of polytomous IRT models.
Multi-state decoding of point-and-click control signals from motor cortical activity in a human with tetraplegia

Basic neural prosthetic control of a computer cursor has been recently demonstrated by Hochberg et al. (2006) using the BrainGate system (Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems, Inc.). While these results demonstrate the feasibility of intracortically-driven prostheses for humans with paralysis, a practical cursor-based computer interface requires more precise cursor control and the ability to "click" on areas of interest. Here we present the first practical point and click device that decodes both continuous states (e.g. cursor kinematics) and discrete states (e.g. click states) from a single neural population in human motor cortex. We describe a probabilistic multi-state decoder and the necessary training paradigms that enable point and click cursor control by a human with tetraplegia using an implanted microelectrode array. We present results from multiple recording sessions and quantify the point and click performance
The use of vermilion bordered flaps in surgery about the mouth

Abstract The vermilion bordered lip flap was first described by Estlander in 1872. It is useful in repairing the lip after a wide excision for carcinoma, as the need of widespread relaxing incisions in the cheek is eliminated and no normal tissue is sacrificed. It is also useful for the secondary correction of harelip deformities both in securing a better balance between the upper and lower lips, and in replacing deficiencies in the floor of the nose. Five cases in which the flap was used are presented.
Was there science in ancient Judaism? Historical and cross-cultural reflections on "religion" and "science"

This article considers the place of scientific inquiry in ancient Judaism with a focus on astronomy and cosmology. It explores how ancient Jews used biblical interpretation to situate "scientific" ...
Role for IgE in airway secretions: IgE immune complexes are more potent inducers than antigen alone of airway inflammation in a murine model

IgE is present in airway secretions from human patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. However, the contribution of IgE present locally to the overall airway inflammation is not well understood. We hypothesize that Ag-specific IgE can capture airborne Ags and form immune complexes. These immune complexes may function as potent inducers of immune responses in the lung, contributing to the perpetuation of airway inflammation. BALB/c mice were first sensitized with OVA in alum systemically and then challenged with nebulized OVA. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from these mice contained significant amounts of IgE, of which >50% was Ag specific. The IgE levels in airway secretions remained elevated for more than 15 days after the termination of Ag exposure. Significant amounts of IgE-OVA immune complexes were detected in BAL fluid from the OVA-challenged mice. For comparison of IgE immune complexes vs Ag alone, we treated OVA-immunized mice with intranasal administration of trinitrophenyl-OVA or trinitrophenyl-OVA-anti-DNP IgE. Those treated with the immune complexes showed significantly higher levels of IL-4 and more pronounced eosinophilia in BAL fluid than did those receiving the Ag alone. The IgE immune complexes did not augment the inflammatory response in high affinity IgE receptor (FceRI)-deficient mice. We conclude that IgE present in the airways can capture the Ag and that the immune complexes thus formed may augment allergic airway response in an FceRI-dependent manner. Thus, IgE present in airway secretions may facilitate Ag-mediated allergic airway inflammation.
New ara-C resistant mutants of the Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Mutants of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell resistant to cytosine arabinoside (ara-C), an inhibitor of DNA synthesis and antitumour drug, have been isolated and characterized both biochemically and genetically. Mutants occurring spontaneously and those induced by treatment with N-methyl-N′-Nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNG), were obtained at a frequency of 0·24 × 10−6 and 3·4 10−6 respectively. The mutants showed a stable ara-C resistant phenotype which was inherited as a dominant trait in genetic crosses. The wild type (CHO K-1) and the mutant (103, 002 and 003) cells showed no differences in the levels of the uptake of ara-C or of its degradation. Results of biochemical studies further excluded the involvement of deaminase, kinase and ribonucleotide reductase as the possible factor(s) in conferring drug resistance to the mutant cells. However, the wild type and mutant DNA polymerases differed in the level of the in vitro incorporation of specific dNMP in the presence of ara-CTP. These data suggested that the wild-type DNA polymerase which becomes error prone in the presence of ara-CTP may cause the drug sensitivity of the wild-type cells and that a change in the mutant enzyme making it resistant (or less prone) to ara-CTP induced errors in dNMP incorporation may control the drug resistance of the mutant cells.
Metodología combinada para entender la duración del amamantamiento en barrios pobres de Managua, Nicaragua

This study examined the relationship of several maternal variables to the duration of exclusive breast-feeding and the total duration of breast-feeding, along with attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs about breast-feeding among women living in poor neighborhoods of Managua, Nicaragua. The field work was carried out in December 1992 and January 1993 using qualitative and quantitative methods. A structured questionnaire was administered in interviews with 556 mothers of children under 12 months of age, and meetings of four directed discussion groups were held, in which a total of 20 women participated. At one week of age, almost all the children of the mothers who were surveyed had been breast-fed, but only 45% had been exclusively breast-fed. At 12 weeks old, 30% were already completely weaned. The discussion groups revealed the coexistence of positive opinions about both breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. However, exclusive breast-feeding was considered harmful for the mother, and breast milk was not thought to be sufficient nourishment for the child. Previous experience was strongly related to the duration of exclusive breast-feeding and to total breast-feeding duration. Attitudes, social support, and work situation were important factors influencing the total length of time women breast-fed a child. In general, the results obtained through the interviews and in the discussion groups were in agreement and showed that the elements needed to promote exclusive breast-feeding were social support, a favorable community environment, and policies that dealt with problems faced by working mothers. The complementary research methods were useful for obtaining information about the relative importance of different factors that determine the duration of breast-feeding and for understanding that practice in greater depth from the mother's point of view.
Studies on the Mechanism of Heterochromatic Position Effect at the Rosy Locus of DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Experiments are described that extend the characterization of position effect variants of the rosy locus and test possible mechanisms of heterochromatic position effect. Rosy position effect variants exhibit a variegated phenotype with respect to xanthine dehydrogenase activity in malpighian tubules. The breakpoints of the position effect mutations are located on the DNA map of the rosy region outside of the rosy locus DNA; ryps11136 is located in the DNA of the l(3)S12 gene immediately proximal to rosy, whereas ryps1149 is located some 15 kb distal to rosy in the pic locus. Southern blot experiments are described that test and reject the notion that heterochromatic position effect results from underreplication of the position-affected gene. Rather, the results of Northern blots serve to direct attention to position effect as a defect in transcription. Histone region deletion heterozygosity and butyrate-feeding experiments failed to exhibit specific suppression of position effect at the rosy locus.
/sup 242/Am/sup m/ fission cross section

The neutron-induced fission cross section of $^{242}\mathrm{Am}^{m}$ has been measured over the energy region from ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ eV to \ensuremath{\sim}20 MeV in a series of experiments utilizing a linac-produced "white" neutron source and a monoenergetic source of 14.1 MeV neutrons. The cross section was measured relative to that of $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ in the thermal (0.001 to \ensuremath{\sim}3 eV) and high energy (1 keV to \ensuremath{\sim}20 MeV) regions and normalized to the ENDF/B-V $^{235}\mathrm{U}(\mathrm{n},f)$ evaluated cross section. In the resonance energy region (0.5 eV to 10 keV) the neutron flux was measured using thin lithium glass scintillators and the relative cross section thus obtained was normalized to the thermal energy measurement. This procedure allowed a consistency check between the thermal and high energy data. The cross section data have a statistical accuracy of \ensuremath{\sim}0.5% at thermal energies and in the 1-MeV energy region, and a systematic uncertainty of \ensuremath{\sim}5%. We confirmed that $^{242}\mathrm{Am}^{m}$ has the largest thermal fission cross section known with a 2200 m/sec value of 6328 b. Results of a Breit-Wigner sum-of-single-levels analysis of 48 fission resonances up to 20 eV are presented and the connection of these resonance properties to the large thermal cross section is discussed. Our measurements are compared with previously reported results.
Legitimacy, Interest Group Pressures and Institutional Change: The Case of Foreign Investors and Host Country Governments

We offer a simple model of policymaking emphasizing socialization and limits on human cognition to explicate mechanisms of change in emergent (as opposed to established) institutions. Emergent institutions are more susceptible to change, and their opponents may use frames or existing reference points to illustrate inconsistency with prevailing notions of legitimacy. Broader institutional structures and specific organizational characteristics moderate pressure for change. This perspective has novel implications for strategy and policy design.