cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EXPRESSION OF THE NEONATAL FC RECEPTOR, FCRN, ON HUMAN INTESTINAL EPITHELIAL CELLS

Maternal IgG is transferred to the suckling mouse and rat through a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-related Fc receptor (FcRn) on the brush border of the proximal small intestine. We have previously described a site on the epithelial surface of the human fetal intestine with IgG binding characteristics similar to FcRn. We report here the identification by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of the human orthologue of rat and mouse FcRn in tissue obtained from human fetal and adult intestine. FcRn protein was detected in adult human intestine by western blot. Immunohistochemical studies of sections of human intestine show that the FcRn is localized mostly to the epithelial cells, where it is in the apical region. These data suggest that the binding of IgG previously seen in the fetal intestine is due to the presence of FcRn. Potential roles for this MHC class I-like Fc receptor in the human intestine include the transfer of passive immunity, induction of oral tolerance, and immunosurveillance.
Chronica: a temporal web search engine

Search engines regularly crawl the web taking vast snapshots of sitecontent. Because previous crawls are not archived, however, searchresults pertain only to a single, recent instant in time. Search engine users are unable to request pages discussing UK politics in2001, for example. The Internet Archive, an organization dedicated to maintaining such snapshots of the Internet, provides access to many previous web crawls, but lacks a search facility. Users of the ``Way Back Machine'' must provide a specific URL for which they want a listof snapshots organized by date. This short paper describes Chronica, atemporal search engine that indexes Internet Archive crawl data in order to provide search results spanning user-specified time ranges. Chronica can generate graphs showing query result hit counts across a given time span and even side-by-side comparisons of different query results. These graphs can be used to, among other things, track a term's popularity over time for marketing or academic research purposes.
Neck hair plate sensilla of the praying mantis: Central projections of the afferent neurones and their physiological responses to imposed head movement in the yaw plane

Abstract In the praying mantis the neck hair plates are covered with small socketed hairs. Exterior morphological studies (scanning electron microscopy) and transmission electron micrographs of sections through the whole sensory nerve branch show that proprioceptive information about head displacement is transmitted by a large number of sensory fibres from the neck region. Approximately 400–450 sensilla are grouped on the two prominent hair plates located on each side of the neck. The primary afferents identified by cobalt ‘backfills’ project into the prothoracic ganglion with a complex arborization pattern. Neck hair plate afferents were recorded extracellularly (with bipolar hook electrodes) from whole sensory nerves during directional, passive head displacements in the yaw (horizontal) plane. Yaw movements applied to the mantis' head elicit impulse discharges patterns with a directional sensitivity in the neck hair plate sensilla. The strength of these discharges depends linearly on the size of the given angle through which the head is turned. The results indicate that (i) the neck hair plates sensilla are able to register information about dynamic and static head position relative to the prothorax and elicit correlated patterns of nervous activity in the sensory axons and (ii) the neck hair plates play a dominant role in the head control system.
High-power, high-brightness wavelength-beam-combined diode arrays

We have obtained 90 W CW with a 1-cm-wide single-mode 970-nm array, and have wavelength beam combined 50 W quasi-CW and 29 W CW in nearly-diffraction-limited beams, the highest brightness all-diode lasers reported.
The adsorption and underpotential deposition of thallium on gold in 0.5 M potassium chloride

The rotating ring-disk electrode technique has been used to study the adsorption of Tl(I) and Tl(0) on gold in slightly acidified 0.5 M KCl solution. The processes which occur, starting at the most anodic potential sustainable without appreciable supporting electrolyte (and gold electrode) oxidation are: +0.7 V (vs. SCE) to −0.2 V, adsorption of an ionic thallium species containing a formal oxidation charge of +1, Tl(I)ads; E< −0.2 V, (1) reduction of Tl(I)ads to underpotentially deposited Tl(0), (2) reduction of Tl(I) in solution to underpotentially deposited Tl(0). The surface coverage of Tl(0) at the Nernst potential is 150 μC per real cm2. As the electrode potential is scanned to anodic potentials, underpotentially deposited Tl(0) is oxidized to Tl(I), part of which dissolves in solution, and part of which remains as Tl(I)ads. In 0.11 mM Tl(I) solutions, the maximum coverage for Tl(I)ads is about 50 μC per real cm2.
Is additional pulsatile pulmonary blood flow beneficial to patients with bidirectional Glenn

Objective To compare the results of bidirectional Glenn when performed with or without pulsatile pulmonary blood flow in a cohort of patients with a single ventricle. Methods Records of 212 patients undergoing staged single ventricle palliation during a 10-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Of those, 103 (33 in pulsatile group A and 70 in nonpulsatile group B) were selected. Results Demographics and pre- and intraoperative variables were comparable for both groups. There was no difference in oxygen saturations immediately after the bidirectional Glenn in the 2 groups. The duration and output of chest tube drainage, incidence of chylothorax, and total length of stay was higher in group A. There was no difference in the number of diuretics or oxygen requirement upon discharge between groups. Pre-Glenn measurements showed a mean McGoon ratio in group A of 1.5 (1.46-1.57) and in group B of 1.59 (1.53-1.7) ( P = .11); however, there was a significant difference in the ratio between groups at pre-Fontan measurements: group A, 1.76 (1.73-1.79) and group B, 1.6 (1.53-1.66) ( P P Conclusions Pulsatile bidirectional Glenn is associated with better pulmonary artery growth, which might improve long-term outcomes after Fontan. However, it was associated with a higher postoperative complication rate.
Nonparametric Tests for Monopsonistic Market Power Exertion

Measurement of market power exerted in imperfectly competitive markets has received considerable attention in recent years. This literature has become known as the "New Empirical Industrial Organization" (NEIO). Bresnahan (1989) provides an extensive review of these studies. Most often, empirical work relies on estimating monopoly market power exertion from first-order profit maximization conditions using aggregate industry data. Estimates of market power exertion depend on the functional forms selected for aggregate supply and demand. Importantly, econometric identification of the market power parameter estimated from the first-order conditions depends critically on second-order curvature properties of the functions selected (Bresnahan 1982, Lau). Little is known about the effects of model misspecification on estimated market power parameters. While most of the NEIO market power literature focuses on monopoly power, it is likely that firms with potential market power in agricultural and natural resource markets more of-
Subject Review: Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in the Setting of Mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Gene: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most commonly inherited lethal autosomal recessive genetic disease amongst Caucasians. CF results from mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous CFTR mutations have a risk of pancreatitis, but typically do not live long enough to develop pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a disease that has an average age at diagnosis of 65 years. Little is known about the risk of the development of PDA in people who are heterozygous for mutations in the CFTR gene. We report a case of a patient with PDA who underwent resection, who is a carrier for the W1282X nonsense mutation in the CFTR gene. The patient is of Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity and has a family history of CF, but no family history of PDA. We reviewed the English language literature for the prevalence of PDA in CF patients (and CFTR mutations in the setting of PDA) and their significance in terms of screening, and the use of this mutation as a biomarker for an increased risk of the development of PDA. We conclude that patients with CFTR mutations, who also have other risks for the development of PDA such as a family history of the disease, should undergo screening and be educated about their risks.
Possible Solar Flare Effects in the F Region of the Ionosphere

DR. MUNRO'S scepticism regarding our recent suggestion1 that certain large flares are associated with effects in the F region of the ionosphere is understandable. As he points out, a solar photon phenomenon of this type would be expected to be evident over the entire sunlit hemisphere and not only at one or two isolated stations. However, since the submission of our original communication, our work has revealed several new facts which may help to account for this apparent non-uniformity.
Development of electrically insulating coatings for service in a lithium environment

Several experiments were conducted to develop electrically insulating CaO coatings on a V-4Cr-4Ti alloy for application in an Li environment. The coatings were developed by vapor phase transport external to Li, and also in-situ in an Li-Ca environment at elevated temperature. In the vapor phase study, several geometrical arrangements were examined to obtain a uniform coating of Ca on the specimens, which were typically coupons measuring 5 to 10 x 5 x 1 mm. After Ca deposition from the vapor phase, the specimens were oxidized in a high-purity argon environment at 600 C to convert the deposited metal into oxide. The specimens exhibited insulating characteristics after this oxidation step. Several promising coated specimens were then exposed to high-purity Li at 500 C for 48--68 h to determine coating integrity. Microstructural characteristics of the coatings were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Electrical resistances of the coatings were measured by a two-probe method between room temperature and 700 C before and after exposure to Li.
Using system dynamics for safety and risk management in complex engineering systems

This paper presents a new approach to modeling and analyzing organizational culture, particularly safety culture. We have been experimentally applying it to the NASA manned space program as part of our goal to create a powerful new approach to risk management in complex systems. We describe the approach and give sample results of its applications to understand the factors involved in the Columbia accident and to perform a risk analysis of the new Independent Technical Authority (ITA) structure for NASA, which was introduced to improve safety-related decision-making.
Modelling crack growth by level sets in the extended finite element method

SUMMARYAn algorithm which couples the level set method (LSM) with the extended!nite element method(X-FEM) to model crack growth is described. The level set method is used to represent the cracklocation, including the location of crack tips. The extended!nite element method is used to computethe stress and displacement!elds necessary for determining the rate of crack growth. This combinedmethod requires no remeshing as the crack progresses, making the algorithm very e#cient. Thecombination of these methods has a tremendous potential for a wide range of applications. Numericalexamples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the combined methods. Copyright ? 2001John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. KEY WORDS : extended!nite elements method; level set method; crack growth 1. INTRODUCTIONIn this paper, we describe an algorithm where the level set method (LSM) is coupled withthe extended!nite element method (X-FEM) [1–3] to model crack growth. The LSM isa numerical scheme developed by Osher and Sethian [4] to model the motion of interfaces.In the LSM the interface is represented as the zero level set of a function of one higherdimension. The current formulation of the LSM has no provision for modelling free movingendpoints on curves or free moving edges on surfaces. A similar level set representation wasused in Reference [5] to model the evolution of a curve segment. However, unlike the methodpresented here, in Reference [5] the endpoints of the evolving curve segment remain!xed.We present an extension of the LSM for modelling the evolution of an open curve segmentand use this extension to model the growth of a fatigue crack.
A subcell remapping method on staggered polygonal grids for arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian methods

We describe a new remapping algorithm for use in arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) simulations. The new features of this remapper are designed to complement a staggered-mesh Lagrangian phase in which the cells may be general polygons (in two dimensions), and which uses subcell discretizations to control unphysical mesh distortion and hourglassing. Our new remapping algorithm consists of three stages. A gathering stage, in which we interpolate momentum, internal energy, and kinetic energy to the subcells in a conservative way. A subcell remapping stage, in which we conservatively remap mass, momentum, internal, and kinetic energy from the subcells of the Lagrangian mesh to the subcells of the new rezoned mesh. A scattering stage, in which we conservatively recover the primary variables: subcell density, nodal velocity, and cell-centered specific internal energy on the new rezoned mesh. We prove that our new remapping algorithm is conservative, reversible, and satisfies the DeBar consistency condition. We also demonstrate computationally that our new remapping method is robust and accurate for a series of test problems in one and two dimensions.
Rasburicase for the management of tumor lysis syndrome in neonates.

Objective:TO describe the management of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) with rasburicase in 2 patients who presented with cancer within the first month of life and compare and contrast both cases with respect to their underlying renal physiology, management, and eventual outcome.Case Summary:TLS developed in 2 neonates born at 38 weeks' gestational age; both were managed in part with rasburicase. One patient was a 21 -day-old infant who received 2 days of induction chemotherapy for the treatment of congenital Stage IV-S neuroblastoma. With a single 0.2 mg/kg dose of rasburicase, the serum urate level normalized and the infant completed therapy without incident. The second patient was a 4-day-old neonate with congenital precursor-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia who presented with spontaneous TLS complicated by renal dysfunction. Despite several doses of intravenous rasburicase (2 doses of 0.1 mg/kg and 4 doses of 0.2 mg/kg), as well as aggressive supportive therapy, the infant died of complications arising ...
Ezproxy for Electronic Resource Librarians: Conference Report

Welcome to another edition of E-Resource Round Up! This issue's column includes reports from numerous conferences held in early 2014, including Electronic Resources & Libraries (ER&L), the Art Libr...
Tunneled dialysis catheter exchange with fibrin sheath disruption is not associated with increased rate of bacteremia

PurposeTunneled dialysis catheters are the most common form of vascular access among incident dialysis patients in the United States. Fibrin sheath formation is a frequent cause of late catheter dy...
Density/length profiles and trellis complexity of linear block codes and lattices

The dimension/length profile (DLP) of a linear code C is equivalent to its generalized Hamming weight (GHW) hierarchy. The trellis complexity of C is intimately related to its DLP; indeed, these two topics should be regarded as parts of the same subject. Using this concept,easy proofs of unknown results and some new results are given. An analogous concept is introduced for lattices, the density/length profile (DLP). Analogous results are derived, which however look quite different. >
Accuracy of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) As a Research Tool for Identification of Patients with Uveitis and Scleritis

AbstractPurpose: To report on the accuracy of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for identifying patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and concurrent noninfectious inflammatory ocular conditions in a large healthcare organization database.Methods: Queries for patients with PMR and uveitis or scleritis were executed in two general teaching hospitals’ databases. Patients with ocular infections or other rheumatologic conditions were excluded. Patients with PMR and ocular inflammation were identified, and medical records were reviewed to confirm accuracy.Results: The query identified 10,697 patients with the ICD-9-CM code for PMR and 4154 patients with the codes for noninfectious inflammatory ocular conditions. The number of patients with both PMR and noninfectious uveitis or scleritis by ICD-9-CM codes was 66. On detailed review of the charts of these 66 patients, 31 (47%) had a clinical diagnosis of PMR, 43 (65%) had noninfectious uveiti...
Robust System Design to Overcome CMOS Reliability Challenges

Today's mainstream electronic systems typically assume that transistors and interconnects operate correctly over their useful lifetime. With enormous complexity and significantly increased vulnerability to failures compared to the past, future system designs cannot rely on such assumptions. For coming generations of silicon technologies, several causes of hardware reliability failures, largely benign in the past, are becoming significant at the system level. Robust system design is essential to ensure that future systems perform correctly despite rising complexity and increasing disturbances. This paper describes three techniques that can enable a sea change in robust system design through cost-effective tolerance and prediction of failures in hardware during system operation: 1) efficient soft error resilience; 2) circuit failure prediction; and 3) effective on-line self-test and diagnostics. The need for global optimization across multiple abstraction layers is also demonstrated.
Epidermal mast cells in the cat.

— Mast cells were found in the surface epidermis and outer root sheath epithelium in 37 of 338 cats (11.6 per cent) with non-neoplastic skin disorders. Epidermal mast cells were most commonly found in the eosinophilic plaque and the eosinophilic granuloma. Thevast majority of dermatoses wherein epidermal mast cells were found were characterised by: (1) a presumed immune-mediated pathogenesis, and (2) tissue eosinophilias. Resume— Des mastocytes ont ete observes dans l'epiderme superficiel ainsi que dans l'epithelium folliculaire chez 37 chats parmi 338 (11,6%) atteints de dermatoses non neoplasiques. Les mastocytes epidermiques ont ete le plus souvent trouves dans la plaque eosinophilique et le granulome eosinophilique. La grande majorite des dermatoses presentant des mastocytes epidermiques etait caracterisee par: (1) la presomption d'une pathogenie immunodependante et (2) une eosinophilie tissulaire. Zusammenfassung— Mastzellen konnten in der oberflachlichen Epidermis und in den Epithelien der auseren Wurzelscheide bei 37 von 338 untersuchten Katzen (11.6%) mit nicht-neoplastischen Plaques oder eosinophilem Granulom gefunden werden. Die uberwiegende Zahl der Dermatosen, bei denen epidermale Mastzellen auftraten, war durch die beiden Kriterien 1) vermutlich immunvermittelte Pathogenese und 2) Gewebs-Eosionophilie charakterisiert. Resumen En el presente trabajo se describe la presencia de mastocitos en la epidermis superficial y en la vaina folicular externa de 37 gatos de 338 examinados (11,6%) ninguno de los gatos examinados padecia enfermedades neoplasicas. Los mastocitos epidermicos fueron mas frecuentes en animates que padecian placas eosinofilicas y granulomas eosinofilicos. La gran mayoria de las dermatosis en las cuales se detectan mastocitos epidermicos cuales se se caracterizan por: 1. Una posible patogenia inmunomediada y 2. eosinofilia tisular.
A pluripotent human stem‐cell clone isolated from the TERA‐2 teratocarcinoma line lacks antigens SSEA‐3 and SSEA‐4 in vitro, but expresses these antigens when grown as a xenograft tumor

Human embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells generally express the cell-surface, stage-specific embryonic antigens 3 and 4 (SSEA-3 and SSEA-4), the epitopes of which are defined by two monoclonal antibodies that recognize different portions of an extended globoseries oligosaccharide. To examine further the relationship between these epitopes and the human EC phenotype, we investigated the properties of two newly isolated clones from the human teratocarcinoma cell line, TERA-2. One clone expresses SSEA-3 and SSEA-4; the other does not. Nevertheless, these clones otherwise resemble one another, and based upon their morphology, their expression of other cell-surface antigens, and their ability to form xenograft tumors containing a variety of cell types, we conclude that both clones are composed of pluripotent human EC cells. When exposed to retinoic acid in vitro, neither clone differentiates as extensively as other clones that we have previously derived from TERA-2. These observations indicate heterogeneity among stem cells derived from a single human teratocarcinoma, and suggest that SSEA-3 and SSEA-4 are not necessarily integral features of the human EC phenotype. On the other hand, EC cells in xenograft tumors derived from the SSEA-3- and SSEA-4-negative clone re-express these epitopes. Further, this re-expression is stable, since EC cell lines that are SSEA-3- and SSEA-4-positive grow out when the tumors are explanted in vitro. We conclude that the expression of these globoseries epitopes can be modulated by environmental influences.
Can feelings be enumerated

Doubt has been expressed as to whether deep emotional experiences can be assessed only in intensive clinical interviews or whether they can be studied in survey interviews on representative samples as well. A series of studies on transcendental experiences shows that these experiences can be investigated in surveys. The results meet the criteria of comprehension and scalability. Positive responses about having the experiences increased over a six-year span. This change seems to be due partly to increased acceptability of these experiences, and partly to methodological reasons, namely increased confidence of the interviewers in asking the questions.
Surveillance in occupational health and safety. Challenges for the future.

In this monograph, we have presented a general overview of concepts relating to surveillance and described programs that attempt to improve the capacity for performing surveillance of occupational diseases and injuries in the United States. Various authors have described current efforts in specific areas such as injury surveillance, exposure surveillance, or the surveillance of reproductive hazards while others have critiqued these efforts and have recommended directions for improvement. The high level of activity over the past several years to improve surveillance is encouraging. As discussed elsewhere in this monograph, congressional committees, a committee of the National Academy of Sciences, the General Accounting Office, and an expert group convened by the Keystone Center have examined various issues relating to surveillance. As a result of this increased attention, programs have been developed. In considering the future, where are the challenges? How should we define success? In five key areas, criteria for success can be stated, based in part on recent accomplishments, and potential obstacles identified. In so doing, the basis is set for evaluating the efforts of the future and for determining how best to allocate time and resources.
Abnormal patterns of embryogenesis in Dirofilaria immitis treated with ivermectin.

The percentage composition and spatial distribution of embryogenic stages in the uteri of female Dirofilaria immitis were examined at various times after treatment with a microfilaricidal dose of ivermectin and compared to nontreated parasites. Worms sampled 42 days post-treatment (PT) exhibited an increased proportion of stretched microfilariae in the distal portion of the uterus. A decreased proportion of developed embryos was noted in the mid body region of worms sampled 42 days PT, and these forms were completely absent from the proximal area of the uterus. Relative numbers and spatial distribution of other stages remained virtually identical to controls. Radical changes in the composition and spatial distribution of embryogenic forms were noted in the uteri of a single worm sampled 80 days PT. Unlike nontreated parasites and worms sampled 42 days PT, stretched crofilariae constituted the predominant form in the distal uterus of this worm, and these stages were found in decreasing numbers throughout the proximal segments. Also, the intermediate embryogenic stages were either rare or absent.
An Illustration of the Consequences of Meta-Analysis Model Choice

Fixed- and random-effects models represent two different approaches to analyzing and understanding data with meta-analysis. The current article describes the results of a two-part study to illustrate the effect of choice of meta-analytic model on study conclusions. Part 1 illustrates the effect of model choice by analyzing data simulated to conform to either fixed- or random-effects scenarios with both fixed- and random-effects methods of data analysis. Part 2 uses two published meta-analyses to show that methodological choices, in this case mainly the choice of fixed- or random-effects models, affect estimates both of mean effect size and of the random-effects variance component (REVC). Overall, results suggest that random-effects procedures represent the best initial choice when conducting a meta-analysis.
The Roles of Vision and Antennal Olfaction in Enemy Avoidance by Three Predatory Heteropterans

We examined the relative importance of vision and antennal olfaction in enemy avoidance by three heteropterans. Jumping spiders (Phidippus spp.) served as enemies of Nabicula subcoleoptrata (Kirby) and Nabis americoferus Carayon, and praying mantids (Tenodera aridifolia sinensis Saussure) were used as enemies of Sinea diadema (F.). In a greenhouse study, the number of bugs surviving enclosure with spiders or mantids was compared among individuals without vision, without antennal olfaction and controls after 0.5, 1, 4, and 24 h. For Nabicula subcoleoptrata and S. diadema, vision appeared to be of primary importance in avoiding capture by enemies. In contrast, most Nabis americoferus were killed by spiders and no significant difference in survival existed among the treatment groups. The importance of vision in predator avoidance is in contrast with a recently documented reliance on antennal olfaction for prey location in these species. Thus, stimuli from prey and predators may be segregated to maximize the efficiency of sensory information processing.
Platelet Activation After Lung Transplantation

Initially recognized for their central role in thrombosis, there has been an emerging understanding that platelets also play an important role in both the innate as well as the adaptive immune response. The profound impact and putative role of platelet activation in both acute and chronic allograft failure after lung transplant are just beginning to be truly appreciated. To understand this multifactorial interaction, one must first understand the basics of platelet physiology.
The Incidence of Middle Ear Infection and Pneumonia in Albino Rats at Different Ages

Donaldson 1 in a brief statement on the pathology of the rat notes that pneumonia is commonly present in rats over 2 years of age and occurs in the wild Norway as well as in the albino. Meyer2 states that pneumonia is more prevalent in the albino and is rarely found among young rats although the incidence may be very high among adults. The prevalence of infections of the upper respiratory tract and lung in rats on a diet deficient in vitamin A has been pointed out by McCollum,? by Steenbock, Sell and Buell,4 and by Sherman and Storms.5 The latter found that old rats were more susceptible than young ones to lung infection Most of the studies on pneumonia, however, have dealt with the bacteriology of the lung. These will be mentioned in a subsequent paper. The few published reports pertaining to middle ear infection indicate that it is likewise often encountered in supposedly normal rats and in rats on a vitamin-deficient diet, but do not define precisely the nature of the infection nor the factors associated with its maintenance. In 1923, Daniels, Armstrong, and Hutton6 called attention to the prevalence of a purulent infection of the middle ear and nasal sinus in young rats fed a diet lacking in vitamin A. Adult control rats showed no involvement. McCordock and Congdon 7 in 1924 studied a suppurative otitis in rats in connection with a condition known as twisting characterized by altered equilibrium and deafness. The condition was referred to an involvement of the inner ear by the extension of a middle ear infection. Inflammation could be traced from the nose through the eustachian tube to the middle ear. Fifty fy of a group of 152 rats, mostly discards, and 22% of a group of rats in their prime showed middle ear infection. Sherman and Storms 5 in 1925 found the middle ear infected in 7S^c of a group of 134 rats dying of a vitamin A deficiency, and sinusitis in 507c of 79 similar rats.
Networks of Third-Party Interveners and Civil war Duration

With growing attention to peace-building in civil wars, scholars have increasingly focused on the role that international and regional organizations play in conflict resolution. Less attention has ...
Meta-Analysis of Problem-Solving Studies: A Critical Response

In the past decade, meta-analysis has been applied with increasing frequency to the synthesis of educational research findings. My initial skepticism of its use has, if anything, grown greater during this period. Some of the difficulties with the methods described in the early texts (Glass, McGaw, & Smith, 1981; Hunter, Schmidt, & Jackson, 1982) were, I would begin by acknowledging, effectively addressed through careful delineation of the assumptions underlying the statistical procedures and greater attention to the limits of their applicability (Hedges & Olkin, 1985). Meta-analysis can in fact provide answers to certain kinds of carefully formulated questions, when great caution is exercised (e.g., see Wachter, 1988, and Iyengar, 1991, for interesting and critical perspectives). Nevertheless, a substantial fraction of meta-analytic studies in education violate the conditions that would be necessary for acceptance of their conclusions. When this occurs, the method lends an aura of quantitative certainty to questionable generalizations. Even statistically sound meta-analyses are subject to concern. By their nature, they sometimes include only superficial, easily measured variables that lend themselves readily to linear models of effect size but are of minimal scientific value. More important, but less tractable, variables are ignored. The resulting research syntheses can then actually impede progress in understanding. Researchers working on more sophisticated theoretical models for educational or psychological processes, or carrying out studies where complex (and crucial) interactions occur among several quantitative and qualitative parameters, can but experience deep frustration. The most promising theories and experiments are thoroughly buried, their findings absent from seemingly definitive reports based on hundreds of published studies. The meta-analysis dilutes the most salient empirical data, omits the variables that do not readily accommodate the statistical technique, and disregards the most fundamental insights obtained through research in the field. These broadly sketched reservations that I have are especially acute in the domain of my own educational research, the study of mathematical problem solving. I approached this work with the perspective of a physical scientist, valuing both theoretical models and empirical investigations, aware of the (often tacit) interplay between them, and certainly with an appreciation of the value of replicability and consistency in scientific experiments. Good empirical work is motivated by theory in its choice of questions to answer, variables to study, and outcomes to measure; it includes qualitative, exploratory investigations as well as statistically sound, generalizable experimental studies, according to the nature of the questions being asked; and it helps to shape the development of theory. A good scientific perspective
Creating an electronic filing cabinet.

This article describes how physicians can create an "electronic filing cabinet" that allows them to access select journal articles and other medical references easily, quickly and from any computer.
Coccidioidomycosis in Patients with Selected Solid Organ Cancers: A Case Series and Review of Medical Literature

Coccidioidomycosis is a common infection in the desert southwestern USA; approximately 3 % of healthy persons in Arizona alone become infected annually. Coccidioidomycosis may be severe in immunocompromised persons, but experience among patients with solid organ cancer has not been fully described. Therefore, we aimed to describe the clinical courses of patients whose cancers were complicated by coccidioidomycosis at our institution, which is located in an area with endemic Coccidioides. To do so, we conducted a retrospective review from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2014, of all patients with breast, colorectal, or ovarian cancer whose cancer courses were complicated by coccidioidomycosis. We identified 17,576 cancer patients; 14 (0.08 %) of these patients met criteria for proven or probable coccidioidomycosis diagnosed within the first 2 years after the cancer diagnosis. All of these patients had primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, none had relapsed prior infection, and 1 had possible extrapulmonary dissemination. Five had active coccidioidal infection during chemotherapy, 1 of whom was hospitalized for coccidioidal pneumonia. All were treated with fluconazole, and all improved clinically. Eleven did not require prolonged courses of fluconazole. There were no clearly demonstrated episodes of relapsed infection. In conclusion, coccidioidomycosis was not a common complication of breast, colorectal, or ovarian cancers in patients treated at our institution, and it was not commonly complicated by severe or disseminated infection.
Path Scan Operational Data-Based Test Report

The TTP program is managed by DHS S&T Cyber Division and facilitates the transition of technology from the research lab to the Homeland Security Enterprise. It serves as a connection point for cyber security researchers, the Federal Government, and the private sector. Technologies targeted are those that are likely to transition successfully to the commercial market and expected to have notable impact on the cyber security of our Nation’s networks or systems. The test element of the TTP program aids in the technology transfer process and is not intended to be adversarial. Additional information on the TTP program and the iterative process used can be found in Appendix A - TTP Program Overview.
Carbonic Anhydrases in Mammalian Cell Culture and Tumors

This chapter describes some of the work that has been performed with tissue culture cells to understand how carbonic anhydrase (CA) is regulated in various cell types. The advantages of studying genes and gene products in tissue culture are that the treatments of the cells can be completely defined and, in many cases, homogeneous populations of cells can be used without the confounding effects of other cell types. The chapter is not all-inclusive, focusing primarily on the analysis of a number of leukemic cell lines and tissue types that have been studied most frequently or that may be most useful in dissecting the regulation of the CA isozymes and their genes at the molecular level. Many excellent studies using other cell types have not been included.
Regulation of Ldb1 Stability and Transcriptional Complex Assembly by Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Protein SSDP2.

The LIM domain-binding protein Ldb1 is known to form higher order complexes with LIM-homeodomain and LIM-only (LMO) proteins to regulate diverse developmental programs, including hematopoiesis. The level of Ldb1 is critical for its cellular roles, and its turnover is regulated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase RLIM. Single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSDP), an Ldb1-interacting partner, is an essential gene for embryonic development and has been shown to regulate axis formation in Xenopus and wing development in Drosophila through Ldb1; however, the mechanisms by which SSDPs regulate these and other developmental programs are still obscure. We previously reported that a DNA-binding complex containing the basic helix-loop-helix protein TAL1/SCL, its DNA-binding partner E47, zinc finger protein GATA-1, LIM domain protein LMO2, and Ldb1 stimulates Protein 4.2 ( P4.2 ) transcription in erythroid progenitors through tandem E box-GATA elements in the gene’s proximal promoter. We have now established that SSDP2 is associated with this complex (by supershift analysis) and occupies the promoter of this gene (by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis) in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells. Further, enforced expression of SSDP2 in these cells stimulated P4.2 reporter activity and accumulation of P4.2 and beta-globin mRNAs, and cotransfection of SSDP2 with the five originally identified components of this complex further increased promoter activity in reporter analysis. Importantly, overexpression of SSDP2 in MEL cells significantly increased Ldb1 protein half-life and steady-state levels of Ldb1 and LMO2 protein. This effect on Ldb1 stability required the Ldb1-interacting domain of SSDP2, consisting of its first 94 amino acids (SSDP2(1–94)), and was also observed in Cos7L and CHO cells. We showed, in addition, that SSDP2 or SSDP2(1–94), but not an Ldb1 interaction-defective mutant, prevented RLIM-mediated degradation of both Ldb1 and LMO2 in transfected cells, that SSDP2 protection of LMO2 degradation required Ldb1, and that SSDP2 directly inhibited RLIM-mediated ubiquitination of Ldb1. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that overexpression of SSDP2 or SSDP2(1–94) significantly decreased interaction between Ldb1 and RLIM. Finally, SSDP2 protein expression in differentiating MEL cells paralleled this multi-protein DNA-binding activity and overexpression of SSDP2 in these cells dramatically increased E box-GATA DNA-binding activity, with maximal formation of the ternary complex requiring coexpression of SSDP2, Ldb1, and LMO2. Together, these studies reveal a positive role for SSDP2 in erythroid gene expression and identify a biochemical function for SSDP2 in regulating Ldb1 stability and transcriptional complex assembly. The mechanism mediating Ldb1 stabilization appears to involve competitive inhibition of RLIM interaction with Ldb1.
One Health Interactions of Chagas Disease Vectors, Canid Hosts, and Human Residents along the Texas-Mexico Border

Background Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi infection) is the leading cause of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy in Latin America. Texas, particularly the southern region, has compounding factors that could contribute to T. cruzi transmission; however, epidemiologic studies are lacking. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of T. cruzi in three different mammalian species (coyotes, stray domestic dogs, and humans) and vectors (Triatoma species) to understand the burden of Chagas disease among sylvatic, peridomestic, and domestic cycles. Methodology/Principal Findings To determine prevalence of infection, we tested sera from coyotes, stray domestic dogs housed in public shelters, and residents participating in related research studies and found 8%, 3.8%, and 0.36% positive for T. cruzi, respectively. PCR was used to determine the prevalence of T. cruzi DNA in vectors collected in peridomestic locations in the region, with 56.5% testing positive for the parasite, further confirming risk of transmission in the region. Conclusions/Significance Our findings contribute to the growing body of evidence for autochthonous Chagas disease transmission in south Texas. Considering this region has a population of 1.3 million, and up to 30% of T. cruzi infected individuals developing severe cardiac disease, it is imperative that we identify high risk groups for surveillance and treatment purposes.
Public Health Aspects of Cream-filled Pastries. A Review

In the United States foodborne disease outbreaks for which cream-filled pastry was identified as the vehicle have declined from 17.8% in the 1930's to 2.3% in the 1970's. Cream fillings or cream-filled pastries were usually contaminated with staphylococci and Salmonella typhi by workers and with salmonellae by ingredients such as eggs and milk. These contaminants multiplied as a result of favorable nutrients, water activity, temperature, and pH; and they survived the effects of competing organisms and processes. Prevention and control of such outbreaks have been based on formulating the product so it will not support bacterial growth, using pathogen-free ingredients, thorough cooking and reheating, sanitary handling of fillings and finished pastry, rapid cooling and storing at low temperature, establishing microbiological standards for the finished products, training food-processing and food-service personnel, and educating the consumer to refrigerate products after purchase.
Surface-hydrogen-induced metallization and rumpling in thin BaTi O 3 films

We study theoretically metallization and polarization enhancement effects of H adsorption at the $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$-terminated (001) $\mathrm{BaTi}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ (BTO) surface. The clean BTO slab does not polarize because the slab is too thin to support a ferroelectric state. We find that the metallization of the surface is a strong function of hydrogen coverage and that the insulating surfaces do not support a rumpling or polarization in BTO films, whereas all metallic surfaces do so. The donated charge from the adsorbed H transforms the $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ into a metallic capping layer, stabilizing the ferroelectric state.
A Faculty Internship: Reconnecting with the Profession

After spending eight years as a full-time academic administrator at Lafayette College in Easton, PA – one of only a handful of institutions where discipline-specific engineering programs are embedded in an undergraduate-only, liberal arts environment – I returned to full-time teaching in fall 2015. I began teaching civil engineering at Lafayette in 1991 and became department head in 2003, the start of an administrative journey that eventually reduced my teaching load to zero. From 2006 until 2014, I served as an American Council on Education fellow, the interim director of engineering, and then associate provost for academic operations.
Exposing Approximate Computing Optimizations at Different Levels: From Behavioral to Gate-Level

Many classes of applications exhibit significant tolerance to inaccuracies in their computations. Some examples include image processing, multimedia applications, and machine learning. These inaccuracies can be exploited to build circuits with smaller area, lower power, and higher performance. Most previous work restricts the approximate optimizations to a particular level of abstraction or step within the VLSI process. This paper shows that a combined multilevel approach is far more superior. Thus, this paper exploits different optimizations visible only at each particular level, leading to better results than single-level methods. Moreover, approximate computing is highly data-dependent. Therefore, in this paper, we study the stability of the approximate circuits when the circuit is optimized for a particular data distribution and the final workload differs from it. Previous work mainly considers a single input data distribution and that this distribution is equal to the final workload. Results show that our proposed method can find better and more optimal configurations compared with previous work and can achieve circuits, which are more robust in environments with dynamic workloads.
Catalytic Enantioselective Nazarov Cyclization

The detailed account of an asymmetric Nazarov cyclization that leads to α-hydroxycyclopentenones bearing either vicinal, all-carbon atom quaternary centers, or vicinal quaternary and tertiary centers is described. The all-aliphatic examples represent the greatest challenge as the dienone starting materials are not activated toward cyclization by an aryl group. The rational design and optimization of the substrates in parallel with the optimization of the chiral Bronsted acid catalyst is also described as well as a series of diastereoselective transformations of a fully substituted cyclopentenone product.
FEAST 2017: The Second Workshop on Forming an Ecosystem Around Software Transformation

The Second Workshop on Forming an Ecosystem Around Software Transformation (FEAST 2017) is held in conjunction with the 24th ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS 2017) on November 3, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. The workshop is geared toward discussion and understanding of several critical topics surrounding software executable transformation for improving the security and efficiency of all software used in security-critical applications. The scope of discussion for this workshop includes topics that may be necessary to fully exploit the power and impact of late-stage software customization effort.
Overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint blockade with RNA-loaded nanoparticles.

117Background: While checkpoint blockade has shown promising survival benefits in patients with solid tumors, immune escape through loss of MHCI expression juxtaposed to an immunoregulatory milieu ...
Get to know Percy

This month Nick Butterworth is in the spotlight. Use his books to support children to make connections with others, learning to share their thoughts and ideas about family and trips out of the setting.
Lithography for Manufacturing at 0.25 Micrometer and Below

The manufacture of state-of-the-art integrated circuits uses UV optical projection lithography. Whether this technology will take the industry to quarter-micrometer minimum feature sizes and below is currently a subject of intense debate. In this paper we argue that proximity x-ray lithography is better matched to the “system problem” of lithography and for this reason offers the most cost-effective path to ultra-large-scale integrated circuits with feature sizes of one tenth micrometer and below (i.e., gigascale electronics and quantum-effect electronics).
The House Mouse in Biomedical Research

The house mice has become the primary rodent model in much of biomedical research because of its ability to adapt to a variety of environments. They are omnivorous, adapt to the environment with varied social structures, show considerable genetic variability, and share many similar physiological functions with humans. Recently the mouse has become the species of choice in transgenic studies because of the relative ease to transfer genes from other species, including humans. This chapter reviews the origins of the laboratory mouse, the use and care of the mouse, and its social structure and adaptability to different environments. Furthermore, it discusses the influence of pheromones on puberty onset, ovarian synchrony, and social communication. By making appropriate genetic selections and genetic manipulations, and providing an appropriate environment for the laboratory mouse, it will continue to serve the biomedical research community.