cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morphology of hereditary mouse cataract

Abstract Histological changes of hereditary cataractous mice lens were studied by light and electron microscope. Until the sixth postnatal day the lens of the defective mouse appeared to develop normally. However, immediately after this period, the denucleation process of the lens cells appeared impaired. Another abnormality observed at this period is the swelling at the distal portion of the lens fibers in the deep posterior suture area of the perinuclear zones. In the bow area, the lens of 12–13-day-old mice the abnormal persistence of the nuclei becomes most apparent. In addition, the lens cells which had failed to show normal denucleation appear to become hydropic. Electron microscopic study revealed that the cytoplasm of the affected lens fibers contained coarse granular substance and many micro-organelles, which are absent in the normal lens fibers.
Estimation of a Population Total under a “Bernoulli Sampling” Procedure

Abstract At least two computer program packages, SPSS and STRATA, use simulated Bernoulli trials to draw (without replacement) a random sample of records from a finite population of records. Therefore, the size of the sample is a random variable. Two estimators of a population total under this sampling procedure are compared with the usual estimator under simple random sampling. Conditions under which the Bernoulli sampling estimators have almost the same mean squared error as the simple random-sample estimator are illustrated.
Analysis and dissipation of dislodgable residues of acephate, dimethoate and formetanate hydrochloride on citrus foliage

Dislodgable residues of acephate and its hydrolysis product methamidophos, dimethoate and its oxygen analogue omethoate (dimethoxon), and formetanate hydrochloride on citrus foliage were determined by gas–liquid chromatography. The use of 5% OV-101 coated on a Carbowax 20M surface-modified support (Ultra-Bond 20M) allowed the reproducible analysis of dimethoate and omethoate residues. Formetanate hydrochloride residues were analysed as the free base, without preparation of a derivative, on a column packed with 5% Apiezon N coated on 80–100 mesh Ultra-Bond 20M. The dissipation of the residues of the three pesticides applied to citrus trees was studied. Acephate and formetanate hydrochloride dissipation curves followed first-order kinetics; dimethoate residues were best characterised by two first-order kinetic processes. The half-life values were 8.2 days for acephate, undeterminably long for formetanate hydrochloride, and 2.2 days (the 1–10 days portion) and 7.0 days (the 10–49 days portion) for dimethoate.
A mathematical model for the isothermal growth of bubbles in wheat dough

Abstract The objective of this research is to develop a set of mathematical relations that can describe the dynamics of a bubble inside an expanding viscoelastic fluid mass. The specific case of isothermal growth of a CO2 bubble in bread dough as the dough exits an extruder with a circular die and expands, is modeled. Inertia, mass transfer to the bubble, mass transfer to the atmosphere, viscoelasticity and surface tension were considered. The Cell Model proposed by Amon and Denson [Amon, M. & Denson, C. (1984). A study of the dynamics of foam growth: Analysis of the growth of closely spaced spherical bubbles. Polymer Engineering and Science, 24(13), 1026–1034] to consider the growth of a bubble in close proximity to other bubbles was modified and applied. The mathematical relations developed were solved by a commercial solver and the result compared to the model and experimental results of Alavi et al. [Alavi, S. H., Rizvi, S. S. H., & Harriot, P. (2003). Process dynamics of starch based microcellular foams produced by supercritical fluid extrusion. I: Model development and II: Numerical simulation and experimental evaluation. Food Research International, 36, 309–330]. During the solution process, a characteristic time was defined in terms of system parameters. It was found that the model developed in this research fit the available data better while considering more phenomena in the analysis.
Decomposing the Change in the Wage Gap Between White and Black Men Over Time, 1980-2005: An Extension of the Blinder-Oaxaca Decomposition Method:

This article extends the Blinder—Oaxaca decomposition method to the decomposition of changes in the wage gap between white and black men over time. The previously implemented technique, in which the contributions of two decomposition components are estimated by subtracting those at time 0 from the corresponding ones at time 1, can yield an untenable conclusion about the extent to which the contributions of the coefficient and endowment effects account for changes in the wage gap over time. This article presents a modified version of Smith and Welch’s (1989) decomposition method through which the sources of the change over time are decomposed into five components. The extents to which the education, age, region, metro residence, and marital status variables contribute to the rising racial wage gap between white and black men from 1980 to 2005 are estimated using the five-component detailed decomposition method and are contrasted with the results of the old simple subtraction decomposition technique. In con...
News we can use from bacterial chromosomes

Abstract Keystone Symposium: Bacterial Chromosomes , Santa Fe, NM, USA, 6–12 February 1998.
Bayesian lasso regression

Summary The lasso estimate for linear regression corresponds to a posterior mode when independent, double-exponential prior distributions are placed on the regression coefficients. This paper intro duces new aspects of the broader Bayesian treatment of lasso regression. A direct characterization of the regression coefficients' posterior distribution is provided, and computation and inference under this characterization is shown to be straightforward. Emphasis is placed on point estima tion using the posterior mean, which facilitates prediction of future observations via the posterior predictive distribution. It is shown that the standard lasso prediction method does not neces sarily agree with model-based, Bayesian predictions. A new Gibbs sampler for Bayesian lasso regression is introduced.
Good news! Behavioral economics is not going away anytime soon

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to defend the fast emerging field of behavioral economics which, like marketing, does not require that consumers be rational and, also like marketing, draws on multiple disciplines to answer research questions on consumers' economic behavior.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents recent work showing how behavioral economists are posing interesting and significant questions and answering them in novel ways.Findings – The basic finding is that behavioral economics has already developed a rich research tradition. It has made a major contribution to understanding economic behavior. It will not soon disappear.Originality/value – The value in this paper is in demonstrating that there are multiple approaches to understanding consumers' pricing behavior.
768 PRESENCE OF RESPIRATORY VIRUSES DURING ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA (AOM)

AOM is generally considered to be a bacterial disease. We studied 71 infants and children (1 mo. to 9 yr.) with AOM for evidence of viral infection. During a 2 year period, middle ear fluids (MEF) were cultured for bacteria and viruses and nasal washings (NW) were cultured for viruses. Seventy-nine pathogens were isolated from MEF of 58(82%) cases: 27 strains of H. influenzae; 23 S. pneumoniae; 9 Neisseria; 5 influenza virus (infl); 3 rhino-virus (rhino); 3 enterovirus (entero); 3 S. aureus; 2 S. pyogenes: 2 gram negative bacilli; 1 respiratory syncytial virus(RSV); 1 parainfluenza virus (para). One pathogen was found in MEF of 39 (55%) cases, 2 pathogens in 17 (24%) and 3 pathogens in 2(3%). In 10 of 13 cases the virus in MEF was found in NW. Two had the virus (infl, rhino) in both MEF and NW but no bacteria in MEF. An additional 11 cases had 12 viruses in NW, 2 (adeno and para) had no pathogen in MEF. Total of 24(34%) cases of AOM had viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Presence of virus in MEF/NW for rhino was 3/3, infl 5/9, para 1/2, entero 1/3, RSV 0/1,adeno 0/1 and CMV 0/3. AOM is often a result of combined viral and bacterial infection although virus alone can cause AOM. Ototropic viruses include rhino, infl, and entero. The relative contribution of viral and bacterial pathogens to the development of AOM requires further study.
The impact of self‐directed videotape feedback on students’ self‐reported levels of communication competence and apprehension

This research examines whether having students privately watch their own videotaped speeches impacts their self‐reported levels of communication competence and speaker apprehension. Based on a naturally occurring experiment, results indicated that: a) students’ reported levels of apprehension about meetings decreased significantly in sections with videotape feedback; b) students reported significant increases in competency and decreases in apprehension across work and social settings but reported the largest improvements in the classroom setting; and c) the videotape feedback had a limited differential impact on students’ perceived improvements based on their initial levels of competence and apprehension. Results suggest the need to further evaluate use of videotapes in the basic course.
High-speed handheld multiphoton multifoci microscopy

For the last decade, multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscopy has found numerous applications in biology. Multiphoton microscopy provides several advantages over conventional fluorescence microscopy, including increased penetration depth, improved signal-to-background ratio, and reduced photodamage. Despite its suitability for tissue imaging, multiphoton microscopy has not been used for in-vivo clinical applications due to its lack of portability and its slow imaging speed. Multiphoton microscopy has recently been improved with the development of high speed imaging systems and handheld devices. High speed imaging has been achieved by simultaneously exciting multiple foci in the specimen, known as multiphoton multifocal microscopy (MMM). Compact devices have been developed by combining fiber optic delivery and miniaturized scanning devices. We have developed a handheld device for high speed multiphoton microscopy based on optical fiber delivery, multifoci excitation/detection and a novel scanner. Our system is designed to be sufficiently compact such that it can be used for in vivo clinical imaging, or optical biopsy with potential applications in dermal, cervical and colorectal cancer diagnosis. The power available from a typical Ti:sapphire laser is fully utilized by using multifoci excitation; this results in reduced image acquisition time. Femto-second pulses from a Ti:sapphire laser are delivered to our system through conventional optical fiber. We realize multifoci excitation with a microlens array, and multifoci detection with a multi-anode PMT. A high bandwidth tip tilt mirror is further used as the scanning element for high speed imaging. The feasibility of this handheld MMM is demonstrated by measuring the performance of major components individually. This work is supported by NIH R33 CA091354.
DNA methylation patterns provide insight into epigenetic regulation in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism with important regulatory functions in animals. While the mechanism itself is evolutionarily ancient, the distribution and function of DNA methylation is diverse both within and among phylogenetic groups. Although DNA methylation has been well studied in mammals, there are limited data on invertebrates, particularly molluscs. Here we characterize the distribution and investigate potential functions of DNA methylation in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas). Methylation sensitive PCR and bisulfite sequencing PCR approaches were used to identify CpG methylation in C. gigas genes and demonstrated that this species possesses intragenic methylation. In silico analysis of CpGo/e ratios in publicly available sequence data suggests that DNA methylation is a common feature of the C. gigas genome, and that specific functional categories of genes have significantly different levels of methylation. The Pacific oyster genome displays intragenic DNA methylation and contains genes necessary for DNA methylation in animals. Results of this investigation suggest that DNA methylation has regulatory functions in Crassostrea gigas, particularly in gene families that have inducible expression, including those involved in stress and environmental responses.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: IS AFRICA DIFFERENT?

This paper uses data on new firm registrations to examine entrepreneurship in Africa relative to other developing countries. The results show that new firm creation is more pronounced in other developing regions than in Africa. In addition, the results also show that entry deregulation and political stability are relatively more important for the creation of new businesses in Africa. These results imply that Africa is different; therefore, it is important to implement reforms to create a business environment conducive for new firm creation in Africa. Reforms in governance are also required to address problems related to political stability to increase entrepreneurial activity in Africa.
A review of interspinous fusion devices: High complication, reoperation rates, and costs with poor outcomes

Background: Interspinous fusion devices (IFDs) are increasingly offered to patients over the age of 50 with lumbar spinal stenosis and intermittent neurogenic claudication. Here, we review the literature on complication rates, reoperation rates, and outcomes for implanting IFD, and offer an assessment of IFD charges at a single institution in 2010.
High-dose anabolic implants are not all the same for growth and carcass traits of feedlot steers: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis of studies evaluating feedlot steer implant programs was conducted to evaluate the differential effects of anabolic implant dosage on feedlot performance and carcass traits. The effect sizes of the implant dosage of interest vs. negative controls and vs. other implant dosages on various dependent variables (ADG, F:G, DMI, dressing percentage [DP], HCW, yield grade, percentage Choice or higher, and marbling score) were calculated. Treatments used for comparisons included no implant, EST (20 mg estradiol benzoate + 200 mg progesterone, 36 mg zeranol, or 72 mg zeranol), ET120 (24 mg estradiol 17β + 120 mg trenbolone acetate [TBA]), and ET200 (28 mg estradiol benzoate + 200 mg TBA or 20 mg estradiol-17β + 200 mg TBA). In the first analysis, the 3 implant dosages were compared to negative control. A second analysis was conducted to compare ET120 vs. ET200 using only studies that included a direct comparison of these 2 dosages. The number of studies included in the analysis for each implant dosage and response variable ranged from 34 to 7. A mixed model was used to evaluate individual implant treatments; implant dosage was a fixed effect, and individual study was included as a random effect. All dosages had greater ADG, DMI, and HCW and lower F:G, percentage Choice, and marbling score vs. negative controls (P < 0.05) In the second direct comparison analysis, ET200 tended to have greater ADG (P = 0.10) and HCW (P = 0.07) and had lower F:G (P < 0.01) and percentage of carcasses grading Choice or greater (P < 0.01) vs. ET120. Differences in HCW between ET120 and ET200 diminished numerically with increasing days of implant activity (P < 0.01). All dosages of implants evaluated herein increased performance and decreased quality grade vs. negative controls. Combination implants containing estrogen (E) and 200 mg TBA have greater potency for growth promotion than implants containing E+120 mg TBA resulting in slightly greater performance.
Positive-negative symptom assessment in schizophrenia: Psychometric issues and scale comparison

The positive-negative distinction has emerged as a meaningful basis for understanding the heterogeneity of schizophrenia and treatment alternatives, but its delineation requires carefully devised, well validated techniques. This article considers the psychometric requisites for such an instrument and describes 30 criteria associated with operationalization, scale construction, and standardization. Six prominent positive-negative scales are compared on these criteria, and most are found deficient in terms of: a formalized interview procedure; detailed definitions for levels of symptom severity; exclusion of “secondary” negative symptoms; comparative scales to assess positive symptoms, depression, and global severity of illness; broad sampling of negative symptoms; large scale standardization studies; and determination of multiple facets of reliability and validity. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) is described as an effort to approach these principles of test standardization, and its clinical and research applications are discussed.
xfACL: an extensible functional language for access control

The main goal of modern access control policy languages is to offer high-level languages, by using which security officers and application developers can express a large variety of access restrictions and isolate the security logic from the application logic. However, the current state-of-the-art language, XACML, suffers from some design flaws and lacks important features, such as those that characterize the RBAC model. Therefore, we propose an access control language that combines the benefits of both XACML and RBAC while avoiding their drawbacks.
Extraction of esophageal foreign bodies in children: rigid versus flexible endoscopy

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common and potentially serious problem in children. Both rigid (RE) and flexible (FE) endoscopic techniques are used for removal of esophageal FBs; however, there is no consensus amongst pediatric surgeons regarding the best method. This study reviewed our experience managing esophageal FBs using both techniques. A 12-year retrospective review of children admitted with an esophageal FB between 1999 and 2012 was undertaken. Clinical data, management techniques, and complications were abstracted. Differences between these two groups were compared with standard statistical methods. 657 children were treated for esophageal FB ingestion, of which 366 (56 %) were treated with FE. The most frequently ingested item was a coin (84 %), and FBs were most commonly lodged in the upper third of the esophagus (78 %). There was a slightly younger population in the FE group (4.0 vs. 3.3 years, p < 0.01), but otherwise no significant differences were found between the groups. The FB was successfully removed with the initially chosen technique in 97 % of patients. Esophageal FBs may be successfully removed with either RE or FE. Since treatment failures were managed with conversion to the other technique, both procedures should be included in the training curriculum.
Optical absorption in strong-coupling-limit Hubbard models.

Les resultats exacts sur un reseau fini, pour la conductivite optique des modeles de Hubbard au voisinage du demi-remplissage sont compares aux resultats experimentaux recents pour l'absorption en infrarouge moyen induite par le dopant et pour l'absorption photoinduite des materiaux a temperature critique elevee a base de cuprats. Prediction d'une structure d'absorption photoinduite dans le domaine 4-6 et jamais observee jusqu'a present
U.S. Latinas' Knowledge and Attitudes toward Mammography: Meta-synthesis

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Latinas in the United States. The primary purpose of this meta-synthesis was to integrate findings on qualitative studies related to Latinas' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding breast cancer and its prevention through mammography. After applying inclusion criteria, eleven studies were located. Results were organized around four areas of inquiry that cross-cut primary studies: 1) Latina participants' knowledge of breast cancer and its prevention; 2) barriers for regular mammography; 3) facilitators that encouraged such screening; and 4) recommendations on how to provide screening for Latina women.
Renormalization of Gauge Theories: Unbroken and Broken

A comprehensive discussion is given of the renormalization of gauge theories, with or without spontaneous breakdown of gauge symmetry. The present discussion makes use of the Ward-Takahashi identities for proper vertices (as opposed to the identities for Green's functions) recently derived. The following features of the present discussion are significant: (1) The present discussion applies to a very wide class of gauge conditions. (2) The present discussion applies to any gauge group and any representation of the scalar fields. (3) The renormalized S matrix is shown to be gauge-independent. (4) Dependence of counterterms on the gauge chosen is discussed.
Winter-spring evolution and variability of HOx reservoir species, hydrogen peroxide, and methyl hydroperoxide, in the northern middle to high latitudes

[1] The Tropospheric Ozone Production about the Spring Equinox (TOPSE) experiment examined the evolution of tropospheric chemical compositions from February to May 2000 over North America, 40 to 85 N. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and methyl hydroperoxide (CH3OOH) were investigated using instrumental observations aboard the NCAR C-130 research aircraft. Primary TOPSE results indicate both photochemistry and atmospheric dynamics are critical factors controlling the variability of peroxides in this region. From February to May, H2O2 and CH3OOH mixing ratios increased with the greatest relative changes at mid-altitudes. H2O2 ranged from below the detection limit (BDL = 25 pptv) to 380 pptv in winter and from BDL to 1330 pptv during spring. Winter measurements of CH3OOH were from BDL (35 pptv) to 740 pptv with higher levels of BDL to 1400 pptv measured during spring. Peroxides also decreased with latitude at all altitudes. These findings are consistent with those expected from photochemical theory. Evidence also supports a source of CH3OOH to the Arctic from the transport of subtropical air masses. Air mass back trajectories and GOES-derived specific humidity products indicate transport of moist tropical air to the study region coincides with elevated levels of CH3OOH up to 940 pptv. The concurrence of this transport regime with episodic elevated CH3OOH events suggests a source of HOx to the Arctic. However, evidence from this study shows CH3OOH does not greatly contribute to total HOx production which is dominated primarily by reactions of O(1D) and H2O at low latitudes and CH2O at high latitudes.
Temporomandibular joint sounds : correlation to joint structure in fresh autopsy specimens

In an attempt to better understand the cause of different types of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds, we recorded joint sounds from 27 fresh autopsy specimens, displayed the time frequency distribution of the sound as a three-dimensional graph, and correlated the sound character to morphologic observations at subsequent dissection. Eleven joints elicited sounds, and 16 joints were silent. All joints with sounds had different degrees of intraarticular changes. These ranged from disk displacement with reduction to displacement without reduction and arthrosis of the articular surfaces. Reciprocal clicking occurred both in joints with disk displacement with and without reduction, as well as in joints with arthrotic changes. Crepitation only occurred in joints with arthrosis and perforation. The sample was too small to demonstrate any statistically significant association between the joint sound classified as clicking or crepitation and joint structure types of joint pathosis in this small sample. A high frequency component to the sound appeared to be associated with arthrosis of the articular surfaces. It was concluded that joint sounds indicate joint abnormality but that the absence of joint sound does not exclude intraarticular pathosis.
Optimizing antiangiogenic therapy for tumor minimization

In this paper, optimization of antiangiogenic therapy for tumor management is considered as a nonlinear control problem. A new technique is developed to optimize antiangiogenic therapy which minimizes the volume of a tumor and prevents it from growing using an optimum drug dose. To this end, an optimum desired trajectory is designed to minimize a performance index. Two controllers are then presented that drive the tumor volume to its optimum value. The first controller is proven to yield exponential results given exact model knowledge. The second controller is developed under the assumption of parameteric uncertainties in the system model. A least-squares estimation strategy based on a prediction error formulation and a Lyapunov-type stability analysis is developed to estimate the unknown parameters of the performance index. An adaptive controller is then designed to track the desired optimum trajectory. The proposed tumor minimization scheme is shown to minimize the tumor volume with an optimum drug dose despite the lack of knowledge of system parameters.
Optimal dichotomization of screening test variables

In the application of a screening test to ascertaining the status of a characteristic on individuals from a certain population, the accuracy of the screening test often depends on the dichotomization of the test outcome variable. There is then the need to find a most favorable dichotomizer for which optimal performance of the test is obtained. In this paper, determination of optimal dichotomizers is considered in a decision-theoretic Bayesian approach. Parametric models are introduced for continuous, numerical discrete, and ordinal categorical screening variables. Optimal dichotomization adjusted for individual-dependent covariates also is discussed. When the within-model parameters are unknown, predictive inference of optimal dichotomizers is emphasized.
INVISIBLE INFLUENCE: A CITATION ANALYSIS OF CRIME AND JUSTICE ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN LEADING SOCIOLOGY JOURNALS

ABSTRACT Although research consistently ranks leading sociology periodicals among the most prestigious places to publish in criminology and criminal justice, no recent citation study has examined these journals. Through an analysis of 107 articles and research notes appearing from 1991 to 1997 in four prominent general-interest sociology journals, we list the 50 most- cited scholars and the 25 most-cited works. We discovered many influential scholars and works that were invisible in previous citation studies that examined only leading criminology and criminal justice journals. By neglecting prominent sociology journals, previous citation researchers have misrepresented the influence of scholarship on crime and justice.
Cross-linking of phospholipids in human erythrocyte membrane

Summary Treatment of human erythrocyte membranes with a short (5 A) bifunctional reagent produced only monosubtituted products of amino-phospholipids. Treatment with longer reagents (9 A and 18 A) produced 24% and 33% of cross-linked PE molecules, respectively. No cross-linked products containing PS molecules could be isolated. These data are consistent with a view that PE and PS molecules are largely located in lipoprotein complexes at the inner surface of the membrane rather than in the lipid bilayer.
A millinewton microloading device

Abstract We present a new microelectromechanical device that can apply a compressive or tensile force on the order of a millinewton quasistatically by electrically actuating a set of comb capacitors. The same capacitors can be used to sense the displacement of the device by recording the change of capacitance. The device is fabricated using the SCREAM (single-crystal reactive etching and metallization) process developed at Cornell. The functionality of the device is demonstrated by compressing two slender bars and buckling them. The buckling experiment is then used to calibrate the load generated by the device and the spring constant. The device can be applied to the characterization of materials as their size is reduced to the sub-micron scale. An assortment of test samples can be patterned, cofabricated, and attached to the device, including 20 nm diameter tips, composite beams of thin films, thin-film plates (e.g., polysilicon) and other more complex micromechanical structures. It can also be coupled with other devices to improve their performance, such as tuning resonance frequencies by applying tension or compression. The material samples or other devices can be integrated, i.e., designed, patterned, and cofabricated with the loading device, thus avoiding the problem of attachment and alignment. The device's small size, low thermal mass, vacuum compatibility, and built-in vibration isolation allow material characterization to be performed over a wide range of environmental conditions: high vacuum (electron microscopy and surface analysis), high humidity, high pressure, and high and low temperatures.
Optical rotation curves of distant field galaxies: Keck results at redshifts to z~1

Spatially resolved velocity profiles are presented for nine faint field galaxies in the redshift range 0.1 z 1, based on moderate-resolution spectroscopy obtained with the Keck 10 m telescope. These data were augmented with high-resolution Hubble Space Telescope images from WFPC2, which provided V and I photometry, galaxy type, orientation, and inclination. The effects of seeing, slit width, and slit misalignment with respect to galaxy major axis were modeled along with inclination for each source, in order to derive a maximum circular velocity from the observed rotation curve. The lowest redshift galaxy, though highly elongated, shows a distorted low-amplitude rotation curve that suggests a merger in progress seen perpendicular to the collision path. The remaining rotation curves appear similar to those of local galaxies in both form and amplitude, implying that some massive disks were in place at z ~ 1. The key result is that the kinematics of these distant galaxies show evidence for only a modest increase in luminosity (ΔMB 0.6) compared to velocity-luminosity (Tully-Fisher) relations for local galaxies.
Peripheral injection of lipopolysaccharide prevents brain recruitment of leukocytes induced by central injection of interleukin-1.

Abstract I.c.v. injection of interleukin-1β induces infiltration of leukocytes into the brain. I.p. injection of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide induces the expression of interleukin-1 in the CNS without causing the entry of leukocytes into the brain. This suggests that during systemic inflammation trafficking of potentially damaging leukocytes into the CNS is inhibited. In this study, we investigated the effects of peripheral injection of lipopolysaccharide on brain leukocyte recruitment induced by i.c.v.-interleukin-1 in mice. I.c.v.-interleukin-1 induced widespread infiltration of leukocytes into the brain 16 h after the injection. Pretreatment with i.p.-lipopolysaccharide 2 h before the i.c.v. interleukin-1 injection completely blocked interleukin-1-induced leukocyte infiltration, whereas i.p.-LPS only attenuated the effect of interleukin-1 if it was given 12 h before i.c.v. interleukin-1 injection. I.p.-lipopolysaccharide given 24 h before i.c.v. interleukin-1 injection did not alter interleukin-1 induced leukocyte infiltration. I.c.v.-interleukin-1 induced expression of p- and e-selectins in brain vasculatures prior to the appearance of leukocytes in the brain parenchyma. Induction of p- and e-selectin was inhibited by the pretreatment of i.p.-lipopolysaccharide 2 h, but not 24 h, before i.c.v.-interleukin-1 injection. I.c.v.-interleukin-1-induced leukocyte infiltration was diminished in both e- and p- selectin knockout animals. These results suggest that systemic inflammation actively inhibits recruitment of leukocytes by CNS. Inhibition of the expression of p- and e-selectins is a mechanism by which peripheral inflammation regulate CNS leukocyte recruitment.
Crystal Structures of Lgr4 and Its Complex with R-Spondin1

The leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptors (Lgrs) are a large membrane protein family mediating signaling events during development and in the adult organism. Type 2 Lgrs, including Lgr4, Lgr5, and Lgr6, play crucial roles in embryonic development and in several cancers. They also regulate adult stem cell maintenance via direct association with proteins in the Wnt signaling pathways, including Lrp5/6 and frizzled receptors. The R-spondins (Rspo) were recently identified as functional ligands for type 2 Lgrs and were shown to synergize with both canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways. We determined and report the structure of the Lgr4 ectodomain alone and bound to Rspo1. The structures reveal an extended horseshoe leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor architecture that binds, with its concave side, the ligand furin-like repeats via an intimate interface. The molecular details of ligand/receptor recognition provide insight into receptor activation and could serve as template for stem-cell-based regenerative therapeutics development.
Anatomy of a Gel. Amino Acid Derivatives That Rigidify Water at Submillimolar Concentrations

On the basis of suggestive X-ray data, 14 aroyl l-cystine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and examined for their ability to gelate water. Several members of this amino acid family are remarkably effective aqueous gelators (the best being one that can rigidify aqueous solutions at 0.25 mM, ca. 0.01%, in less than 30 s!). A few of the analogues separate from water as crystals, indicating a close relationship between gelation and crystallization. All effective gelators self-assemble into fibrous structures that entrain the solvent in the capillary spaces among them. Hydrogen-bonding sites on the compounds that might stabilize the fibers were identified from specific substitutions that replace a hydrogen donor with a methyl group, enhance the hydrogen-accepting ability of a carbonyl oxygen, or promote the hydrogen-donating ability of an amide proton. The structural variations were characterized via minimal gelation concentrations and times, X-ray crystallography, light and electron microscopy, rheolog...
The Mountain States Lamb Cooperative: Can Vertical Integration Keep Lamb Producers from Being Fleeced?

The Mountain States Lamb Cooperative was formed in 2001 to ensure markets for fed lambs. The cooperative partnered with B. Rosen & Sons, Inc., a company with over fifty years of experience in the lamb industry. Together, they market approximately 750,000 lambs per year, or almost 25% of U.S. domestic lamb production. The case is designed for senior- and graduate-level courses in agribusiness management. The case describes how trade and exchange rates affect U.S. lamb industry competitiveness and how a firm's choice of strategy is dictated by global trade issues.
A multiuser multi-antenna system for downlink transmission in frequency-selective fading channels

In frequency-dispersive multipath environments, multiuser multi-antenna systems have to deal with both co-channel interference (CCI) and inter-symbol interference (ISI). This paper presents a novel low-complexity scheme employing single-carrier frequency-domain pre-processing. With known channel information at the transmitter, we derive the optimal pre-weighting matrix which effectively removes the CCI and suppresses ISI simultaneously with low complexity. Simulation results show the improved bit error rate and throughput performance provided by the proposed scheme.
Analysis of growth rate effects on productivity of recombinant Escherichia coli populations using molecular mechanism models

The influence of growth rate on Escherichia coli plasmid content and expression of a cloned-gene product has been described by a mathematical model based upon the molecular mechanism of λdv plasmid replication and known relationships between growth rate and transcription and translation activities of the host cell. The model simulates correctly decreases in plasmid content with increasing growth rate as observed experimentally for pBR322, NR1, R1, and Col E1 plasmids. A maximum with respect to growth rate in intracellular product accumulation is indicated by the model, as is a transient overshoot in product concentration following a shift from smaller to larger growth rate. Available data, although very limited, show the same trends. These results, obtained without parameter or kinetic form adjustments or manipulation, clearly illustrate the advantages of kinetic descriptions of recombinant systems based upon the pertinent molecular mechanisms.
Fast planning by search in domain transition graph

Recent advances in classical planning have used the SAS+ formalism, and several effective heuristics have been developed based on the SAS+ formalism. Comparing to the traditional STRIPS/ADL formalism, SAS+ is capable of capturing vital information such as domain transition structures and causal dependencies. In this paper, we propose a new SAS+ based incomplete planning approach. Instead of using SAS+ to derive heuristics within a heuristic search planner, we directly search in domain transition graphs (DTGs) and causal graphs (CGs) derived from the SAS+ formalism. The new method is efficient because the SAS+ representation is often much more compact than STRIPS. The CGs and DTGs provide rich information of domain structures that can effectively guide the search towards solutions. Experimental results show strong performance of the proposed planner on recent international planning competition domains.
Relationship Between Deficits in Overall Quality of Life and Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Survival

Purpose Evidence has suggested a clinically meaningful relationship between self-reported quality of life (QOL) of a patient with cancer at the time of receiving a cancer diagnosis and overall survival (OS). This study evaluated the prognostic value of QOL assessments with regard to OS in a large cohort of patients with lung cancer. Patients and Methods A total of 2,442 patients with non–small-cell lung cancer were observed between 1997 and 2007 and completed a single-item measure of overall QOL within the first 6 months of receiving a lung cancer diagnosis; these were dichotomized using an a priori definition of a clinically deficient score (CDS; ≤ 50 v > 50). Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox models were used to evaluate the prognostic importance of QOL on OS alone and in the presence of covariates. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify which clinical and patient characteristics were related to a clinically meaningful deficit in QOL. Results QOL deficits at time of lung cancer diagnosis were si...
Perspectives of quality care in cancer treatment: a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Approximately 1.7 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer annually. There is an increasing demand for high-quality cancer care; however, what constitutes quality care is not well defined. There remains a gap in our knowledge regarding the current perceptions of what defines quality care. OBJECTIVE To review the current understanding and perspectives of key stakeholders regarding quality cancer care for adult patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy-based treatment regimens. METHODS This systematic qualitative literature review involved a search of MEDLINE and PubMed databases for articles that were published between January 2009 and May 2013 using a predefined search strategy with specific Medical Subject Headings terms encompassing 3 core concepts-cancer, chemotherapy, and quality of healthcare. Articles were eligible to be included if they focused on adult cancers, discussed quality indicators of cancer care or quality of care in the article's body, discussed treating cancer with chemotherapy, were conducted in the United States and with US respondents, and reported data about cancer quality that were obtained directly from stakeholders (eg, patients, caregivers, providers, payers, other healthcare professionals). Thematic analyses were conducted to assess the perspectives and the intersection of quality care issues from each stakeholder group that was identified, including patients, providers, and thought leaders. RESULTS The search strategy identified 542 articles that were reviewed for eligibility. Of these articles, 15 were eligible for inclusion in the study and reported perspectives from a total of 4934 participants. Patients with cancer, as well as providers, noted information needs, psychosocial support, responsibility for care, and coordination of care as important aspects of quality care. Providers also reported the importance of equity in cancer care and reimbursement concerns, whereas patients with cancer considered the timeliness of care an important factor. The perspectives of thought leaders focused on barriers to and facilitators of quality care. CONCLUSION Thematic elements related to cancer quality were relatively consistent between patients and providers; no additional information was found regarding payer perspectives. The perspectives of these groups are important to consider as quality initiatives are being developed.
The spatiotemporal expression of multiple coho salmon ovarian connexin genes and their hormonal regulation in vitro during oogenesis

Throughout oogenesis, cell-cell communication via gap junctions (GJs) between oocytes and surrounding follicle cells (theca and granulosa cells), and/or amongst follicle cells is required for successful follicular development. To gain a fundamental understanding of ovarian GJs in teleosts, gene transcripts encoding GJ proteins, connexins (cx), were identified in the coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, ovary. The spatiotemporal expression of four ovarian cx transcripts was assessed, as well as their potential regulation by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). Salmonid ovarian transcriptomes were mined for cx genes. Four gene transcripts designated cx30.9, cx34.3, cx43.2, and cx44.9 were identified. Changes in gene expression across major stages of oogenesis were determined with real-time, quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) and cx transcripts were localized to specific ovary cell-types by in situ hybridization. Further, salmon ovarian follicles were cultured with various concentrations of FSH, LH and IGF1 and effects of each hormone on cx gene expression were determined by qPCR. Transcripts for cx30.9 and cx44.9 were highly expressed at the perinucleolus (PN)-stage and decreased thereafter. In contrast, transcripts for cx34.3 and cx43.2 were low at the PN-stage and increased during later stages of oogenesis, peaking at the mid vitellogenic (VIT)-stage and maturing (MAT)-stage, respectively. In situ hybridization revealed that transcripts for cx34.3 were only detected in granulosa cells, but other cx transcripts were detected in both oocytes and follicle cells. Transcripts for cx30.9 and cx44.9 were down-regulated by FSH and IGF1 at the lipid droplet (LD)-stage, whereas transcripts for cx34.3 were up-regulated by FSH and IGF1 at the LD-stage, and LH and IGF1 at the late VIT-stage. Transcripts for cx43.2 were down-regulated by IGF1 at the late VIT-stage and showed no response to gonadotropins. Our findings demonstrate the presence and hormonal regulation of four different cx transcripts in the salmon ovary. Differences in the spatiotemporal expression profile and hormonal regulation of these cx transcripts likely relate to their different roles during ovarian follicle differentiation and development.
Correlation Between Static and Dynamic Response of Model Masonry Structures

Abstract The paper presents correlations between response of the same structural system subjected to either dynamic shaking or static lateral forces. Two one‐quarter scale test structures were constructed with identical designs and were tested in the laboratory using two different methods. The first structure was subjected to simulated earthquake motions on a shaking table while the second structure was forced to displace through the same history at static rates using computer controlled servohydraulic actuators. Characteristics of dynamic lateral force distributions are examined first and followed by a description of techniques used for the static loading experiment. Correlations are made between observed response of the statically and dynamically tested twin structures to suggest differences in strength, stiffness and energy dissipation that may arise with each test method.
Understanding the 'Corporate' in Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporations are increasingly focal actors in battles that progressives wage, but progressives have not pursued a realistic model of corporate behavior into their strategies. Relying on organizational theory, we offer some political strategies based on a more nuanced understanding of the firm and firm behavior.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners’ Perceptions of the Influence of Race and Ethnicity on Victims’ Responses to Rape

Race/ethnicity plays a role in the perception of rape and experiences of victims. This research explores sexual assault nurse examiners’ (SANE) perceptions of the influence of victims’ race/ethnici...
Participation in the ARGA study: Long term impact on asthma management

Background : preliminary results of "Respiratory allergic diseases: monitoring study of GINA and ARIA guidelines (ARGA)" study show a poor effect of a medical education course on Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines in improving asthma management. Aim : to evaluate the long term impact of participating in a prospective study on Italian General Practitioners (GP) focused on monitoring the utilization of GINA and Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines for asthma and allergic rhinitis management. Methods: 107 GP enrolled 936 asthmatic patients (mean age 44yrs). For each patient, a self-administered questionnaire on respiratory allergic diseases/symptoms, daily activity limitations, quality of life (by RHINASTHMA questionnaire), disease control (by Asthma Control Test – ACT), health self perception and the relative form filled in by GP were available at baseline and follow up 12 months apart. Results: comparing baseline with follow up, asthma outcomes show an improvement: from 54.2 to 67.4% for asthma control, from 85.2 to 80.0% for asthma-like symptoms in the last 12 months, from 71.9 to 67.2% for daily activity limitations, from 61.2 to 66.6% for good health self perception and from 21.7 to 18.9 for quality of life score. Conclusions : Involvement in a prospective study on asthma management seems to produce a long term effect in GP attitudes ameliorating their asthmatic patients quality of life. This work was supported by the “Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA)”, within the independent drug research program, contract no. “FARM5JYS5A”.
Comparative feeding preference of Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (Echinoidea) for the invasive seaweed Codium fragile ssp. tomentosoides (Chlorophyceae) and four other seaweeds

Laboratory experiments conducted during 1987 on Appledore Island, Maine, USA, tested whether feeding preference or the absence of an attractant was the cause for the occurrence of beds of Codium fragile ssp. tomentosoides (herein referred to as “Codium fragile”) within rocky barrens grazed clear of kelp by the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. Consumption of C. fragile in single-diet experiments (1 seaweed/sea urchin) was highly variable and was not significantly different from that for several other seaweeds (Agarum cribrosum, Ascophyllum nodosum, Chondrus crispus, and Laminana saccharina) important in the field diet of the green sea urchin. In multiple-diet experiments (5 seaweeds/sea urchin) significantly less Codium fragile was eaten than Chondrus crispus, but significantly more Codium fragile was eaten than A. cribrosum. Chemosensory experiments suggest that C. fragile does not attract the sea urchin. Sea urchins are unable to detect C. fragile but will eat it when they come in contact with it.