cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Super-Resolution Imaging of IgE-FcεRI Stimulated with Structurally Defined Ligands

IgE-mediated signaling via its receptor FceRI in mast cells is of interest due to its role in allergic responses, and as a model system for immune receptor signaling. To investigate IgE-FceRI redistribution and dynamics in response to antigen stimulation, we utilize stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), a super-resolution imaging technique. STORM permits visualization of IgE at the membrane of live or chemically fixed cells at a resolution of about 30 nm, which allows us to examine the initial events of IgE receptor signaling at a new level of molecular detail.Physiologically, cross-linking of IgE-FceRI by multivalent antigen initiates the transmembrane signal, and we ask how this signaling capacity relates to the cross-linked structure of the clustered IgE-FceRI. To investigate this question, we utilize STORM imaging in conjunction with structurally defined ligands, which correspondingly cross-link IgE with a high level of definition. We use trivalent ligands based on rigid Y-shaped scaffolds of double-stranded DNA, which have one 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) hapten conjugated to each arm. The distance between DNP groups can be tuned by changing the lengths of the arms of the scaffolds. We show through STORM that changes in hapten spacing effectively change the structure of the cross-linked clusters, in terms of their average area and receptor density. To investigate more limited IgE aggregation, we also use other structurally defined ligands, including bivalent DNA-based ligands and monoclonal antibodies specific for IgE or FceRI.Our ongoing work focuses on how these structurally defined IgE-FceRI clusters mediate subsequent molecular events at the plasma membrane. Using two-color super-resolution microscopy, we will characterize the recruitment of early signaling partners, including Lyn tyrosine kinase. We are also investigating whether changes to membrane lipid composition alter clustering of cross-linked IgE-FceRI or consequent interactions with signaling partners.
Projecting the Incidence of AIDS

Projections of the course of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic are crucial for developing public health policies to control the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and to meet future health care needs. The first Public Health Service projection 1 was 270 000 cumulative AIDS cases in the United States by the end of 1991. This projection was made at the 1986 Coolfont Planning Conference, at which time fewer than 30 000 AIDS cases had been reported, and, although this projection appears to have overestimated the incidence of AIDS somewhat, it has proved to be a good guide for health planning. The original successful Coolfont projection was based on simple extrapolation of the observed incidence of AIDS. 2 Successful extrapolation depends on a fortunate choice of the mathematical curve used, and certain specialized mathematical functions can produce surprising results. For example, in this issue ofThe Journal, Bregman
Determinants of end-stage renal disease in Pima Indians with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and proteinuria.

To identify factors related to the development of end-stage renal disease after the onset of proteinuria, its incidence was determined in 364 Pima Indians aged 35 years or older with Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and proteinuria (protein-to-creatinine ratio ≥0.5 g/g). Of these 364 subjects, 95 (36 men, 59 women) developed end-stage renal disease. The cumulative incidence was 40% 10 years after and 61% 15 years after the onset of proteinuria. The incidence of end-stage renal disease was significantly related to the duration of diabetes, the duration of proteinuria, higher 2-h plasma glucose concentration, type of diabetes treatment, and the presence of retinopathy at the time of recognition of the proteinuria, but not to age, sex, or blood pressure. Duration of proteinuria influenced the risk of end-stage renal disease, contingent, however, upon the duration of diabetes at the onset of proteinuria. The higher cumulative incidence of end-stage renal disease 15 years after the onset of proteinuria in Pima Indians (61 %) than in Caucasians from Rochester, Minnesota (17%) may be attributable, in part, to the younger age of onset of Type 2 diabetes in Pima Indians than in Caucasians, to ethnic differences in susceptibility to renal disease, or to lower death rates among the Pima Indians from competing causes of death, such as coronary heart disease.
A constraint on impact theories of chondrule formation

The association between agglutinates and chondrule-like spherules, which characterizes the assemblage of impact-derived melt products in lunar regolith samples and some gas-rich achondrites, is not found in primitive chondrites. This observation suggests that impacts into a parent-body regolith are unlikely to have produced the chondrules. We believe that if chondrules were formed from impact melt, it was probably generated by jetting during particle-to-particle collisions, presumably in the nebula.
cw planar supersonic jet spectroscopy of ν2 OCHCl using a computer-controlled tunable diode laser

Abstract Rovibrational analysis of ν 2 OCHCl is reported in a cw supersonic jet using a computer-controlled tunable infrared diode laser spectrometer. The following fitted molecular parameters were determined (in cm −1 ): for OCH 35 Cl: ν 2 = 2155.499915(27), B 2 = 0.05548062(22), D J (2) = 1.608(3) × 10 −7 , B 0 = 0.05576299(2), D J (0) = 1.6004(25) × 10 −7 ; and for OCH 37 Cl: ν 2 = 2155.505054(40), B 2 = 0.05420894(30), D J (2) = 1.550(4) × 10 −7 , B 0 = 0.05448403(2), D J (0) = 1.5294(30) × 10 −7 . Observed transitions in both isotopic species are consistent with excited state lifetimes greater than 0.64 ns and no rotational dependence was discerned.
Gastroschisis revisited: role of intraoperative measurement of abdominal pressure.

Abstract Background Animal studies have shown that visceral circulation is well preserved when intraabdominal pressure does not exceed 20 mm Hg. Our aim was to analyze the outcomes of a series of infants with gastroschisis whose surgical management was directed by the intraoperative measurement of bladder pressure. Methods Forty-two neonates with gastroschisis were surgically managed using intraoperative measurement of bladder pressure at a tertiary care center between July 31, 1992, and March 20, 2004, and their outcome was evaluated. Primary closure with or without prosthetic material was performed when pressures measured 20 mm Hg or less. Delayed closure using a silon pouch was performed when pressures measured more than 20 mm Hg. Categorical variables were analyzed including mode of delivery, associated anomalies, type of closure, complications, and mortality. Continuous variables were analyzed including gestational age, birth weight, bladder pressure, time to full feeds, and length of hospital stay. Categorical and continuous variables for both groups were compared using Fisher's Exact and Wilcoxon's rank-sum tests, respectively, and a significance level of .05 was used. Preapproval of this study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (No. 6690). Results Thirty-three (79%) neonates with a mean bladder pressure of 16 mm Hg underwent primary closure and 9 neonates with a mean bladder pressure of 27 mm Hg underwent delayed closure with a silon pouch that was not spring loaded ( P P = .04). Surgical morbidity and mortality was nil in patients after primary closure. One patient with total abdominal evisceration died during attempted delayed closure and another patient required reoperation for bowel necrosis after delayed closure. Conclusion Primary closure was safely accomplished in 100% of neonates with gastroschisis whose bladder pressure measured 20 mm Hg or less. Further, this group of patients had a faster return to full feeds and a significantly shorter hospital length of stay compared with neonates who required delayed closure.
Biogenic hydrogen sulfide emissions from selected Florida wetlands

Biogenic H2S emissions from Florida wetland surfaces enclosed by transparent polycarbonate cylinders were collected on silver nitrate impregnated filters and analyzed fluorometrically. The areal emission rates ranged from 0.024 to 0.272 g S M-2 yr−1 for a mangrove and from 0.001 to 0.110 g S m−2 yr−1 for two freshwater wetlands (cypress swamp and riverine marsh) and a saltwater marsh. The total quantity of biogenic S emitted from these wetlands was estimated to range from 1.8 x 109 to 3.0 × 109 g yr−1. While biogenic emissions from wetlands may be a factor in local patterns of acid deposition, they are probably insignificant contributors to Florida's atmospheric S burden and acidity of precipitation compared to anthropogenic S sources.
Reducing Strain and Fracture of Electrophoretically Deposited CdSe Nanocrystal Films. I. Postdeposition Infusion of Capping Ligands

Thick electrophoretically deposited (EPD) films of ligand-capped colloidal nanocrystals that adhere to the substrate typically crack after they are removed from the deposition solvent due to the loss of residual solvent. We report the suppression of fracture in several micrometers thick EPD films of CdSe nanocrystals by treating the wet, as-deposited films with solutions containing the NC core-capping ligand, trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO). The increase in TOPO ligand density increases photoluminescence of the dried film and leads to a decrease in elastic modulus.
Maintaining a steady fire: Sustaining adults' commitment to community based learning

Adults' engagement in community based learning offers new perspectives on persistent issues, future research questions, and priorities for action - leading toward deepened commitment to civic engagement.
A new look at smoothness

Abstract We reconcile various authors' different definitions of smoothness. Also we give direct proofs and some new formulations of standard results about smoothness. Often hypotheses are weakened, and many examples are given to show the necessity of our hypotheses. Finally, we correct errors published in two standard references [EGA, Mu].
EVALUATION OF THE INTACT SPECIMEN AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL NEPHRECTOMY FOR CLINICALLY LOCALIZED RENAL CELL CARCINOMA IDENTIFIES A SUBSET OF PATIENTS AT INCREASED RISK FOR RECURRENCE

ABSTRACT Purpose: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) is emerging as a standard approach for low stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Some suggest that specimen morcellation for extraction results in less morbidity and a faster recovery. However, morcellation may preclude accurate pathological staging and may hinder precise pathological grading. With pathological evaluation of an intact specimen we identified patients harboring high risk disease that was not anticipated preoperatively, defined as pT2 high grade (G3–4) or lesions greater than pT2. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 192 patients who underwent LRN for renal lesions at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between April 2002 and April 2004. Results: A total of 192 patients underwent LRN for presumed RCC. In all cases specimens were removed intact. Of these cases 137 were cT1/T2 N0 M0 and had a final pathological diagnosis of RCC. All surgical margins were negative. Of the 137 patients 40 (29.2%) were at increased risk for recurrence based on high risk features. Specifically up staging from cT1–2 to pT3 disease occurred in 30 patients (21.9%) while 12 patients (8.8%) were found to have pT2 G3–4 disease. All 40 patients with high risk disease underwent more intensive surveillance and 17 (43%) participated in adjuvant systemic therapy trials. Conclusions: In our study 21.9% of patients with clinical T1–2 disease were pathologically up staged and 29.2% were identified as being at high risk for recurrence after intact specimen extraction for localized RCC. These patients are candidates for more intensive followup treatment and may benefit from enrollment in adjuvant therapy protocols.
Runoff in the Santa Ynez River Basin, California, following the excessive rainfall of 1940–41

This paper reports briefly on the runoff-characteristics of the Santa Ynez River in Santa Barbara County, California, following the excessive rainfall in the winter of 1940–41; also, it contrasts these conditions of 1940–41 with earlier years of less rainfall. The data for this report were compiled in connection with an investigation of the water-resources of Santa Barbara County which is being conducted by the United States Geological Survey in cooperation with the County of Santa Barbara.
The equations of 1-D compressible flow with area change in a Lagrangian particle description

Abstract The equations for one-dimensional compressible flow with area change are derived in the Lagrangian particle description for the first time. A simple finite difference code based on the α method is used to obtain the solution for three problems; the passage of a rarefaction wave through an area reduction and an area enlargement, and the passage of a shock wave through an area enlargement. Results are presented in the form of Lagrangian particle trajectories as well as spatial distributions of pressure, velocity and density.
The superreactive disulfide bonds in alpha-lactalbumin and lysozyme.

The disulfide reduction kinetics in equine lysozyme (ELZ), which is a Ca2+-binding lysozyme, and human (HLA) and equineα-lactalbumin (ELA) at pH 8.5 and 25°C by excess dithiothreitol were studied, and it was found that in ELZ there is no superreactive disulfide bond, while one of the disulfides is reduced very quickly by the reducing agent in HLA and ELA, as in bovineα-lactalbumin. The local conformation around the surface disulfide in ELZ seems to be more similar to that in hen egg-white lysozyme than inα-lactalbumin. The four disulfides in ELZ were reduced slowly in an apparently single-exponential form, and the bound Ca2+ lowered the reduction rate. The torsion energy on each of the disulfides in threeα-lactalbumin and eight c-type lysozymes whose native conformations have been experimentally or theoretically analyzed was calculated, and it was found that torsion imposed on the surface disulfide between Cys 6 and Cys 120 inα-lactalbumin is a main cause of the superreactivity and all of lysozymes, including the Ca2+-binding ones, have no such strained surface bond.
Immunocytochemical localization of vacuolar H+-ATPase and Cl--HCO3- anion exchanger (erythrocyte band-3 protein) in avian osteoclasts: effect of calcium-deficient diet on polar expression of the H+-ATPase pump

Osteoclasts attach to the bone surface and resorb bone by secreting protons into an isolated subosteoclastic compartment. Previous studies have shown the presence of a vacuolar type H+-ATPase, and a functional Cl−-HCO3− anion exchanger in the osteoclast. In the present studies, using a monoclonal antibody to the 31-kDa subunit of H+-ATPase and a rabbit antiserum to the erythrocyte band-3 protein (Cl−-HCO3− anion exchanger) we have immunocytochemically localized the respective pumps in bone sections obtained from chickens fed a normal or a calcium-deficient diet for 4 weeks. Our results indicate that although H+-ATPase is either evenly distributed throughout the osteoclast or is more polarized at its ruffled membrane juxtaposed to the bone surface, the band-3 protein immunoreactivity is always localized to the plasma membrane which is not attached to the bone surface (basolateral membrane). Four weeks of a calcium-deficient diet resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of osteoclasts that were polarized for the H+-ATPase pump at their ruffled membrane, and a trend toward increased total number of osteoclasts, although the latter did not reach statistical significance (P =0.09). These changes were not accompanied by a significant increase in the intensity of staining for H+-ATPase. Band-3 protein immunoreactivity was always prominent, limited to the basolateral membrane, and did not alter with calcium-deficient diet or with changes in the degree of H+-ATPase polarization.
The effect of ammonium, glutamine, methionine sulfoximine and azaserine on asparagine synthesis in soybean leaves

Abstract When [14C]aspartate was infiltrated into soybean leaves, it was converted to asparagine. This conversion was markedly stimulated (10-fold) when ammonium or glutamine was added as a nitrogen donor. Methionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, inhibited asparagine synthesis from aspartate in the presence of ammonium but not in the presence of glutamine. Azaserine, a glutamine analog, inhibited the ammonium stimulated asparagine synthesis but no apparent inhibition of the glutamine stimulated asparagine synthesis was observed. The latter was likely due to the high glutamine concentration overcoming the inhibition. The results are consistent with asparagine being synthesized from aspartate with glutamine as the nitrogen donor.
Ultrafast beam self-switching by using coupled vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Dynamic beam switching of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) has important applications for switching and routeing in optical interconnect networks. VCSEL arrays of various kinds have been quite extensively researched for tailoring and engineering near- and far-field patterns. In this paper, a new method of directional beam switching is proposed that uses two coupled VCSELs. When two VCSELs are coupled by a small separation and biased at the same steady current near threshold, then the resulting light output is dynamic at an extremely high frequency. The model equations are based on an approximation to the semiconductor Maxwell-Bloch equations. The simulations are for coupled VCSELs operating at 980 nm with circular current apertures of 5.6 μm diameter. Figures of the results will show far-field beam intensity patterns during a cycle of oscillation. The simulation results show directional switching at a speed of about 40 μm GHz and between directions about 8° apart. Results of addition simul...
The role of choline phospholipids in hypertonic cryohemolysis

Hemolysis resulting from a warm-to-cold temperature shift in a hypertonic environment (hypertonic cryohemolysis) is studied with the use of phospholipases as membrane probes of the phospholipids of the outer leaflet of the bilayer. Bee venom phospholipase A2 which attacks only phosphatidylcholine (PC) in the intact erythrocyte results in inhibition of cryohemolysis produced by both hypertonic sodium chloride and sucrose. In both cases, about 25% of the loss of PC occurs before any such inhibition, suggesting the possibility of functionally separate domains of PC in the outer leaflet of the bilayer. Sphingomyelinase also attacks only sphingomyelin in the intact erythrocyte and results in inhibition of cryohemolysis due to hypertonic sodium chloride but not of that due to sucrose. In each case, inhibition of the enzymatic hydrolysis by EDTA abolished the effect on cryohemolysis. It is postulated that cryohemolysis is inhibited when phospholipid interaction with membrane (cytoskeletal) proteins are abolished, but present knowledge of membrane structure does not permit a detailed mechanism to be proposed.
A chronic and latent lymphatic insufficiency follows recovery from acute lymphedema in the rat foreleg.

Secondary lymphedema in humans is a common consequence of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) to treat breast cancer. Remarkably, secondary lymphedema generally first appears following a delay of...
The Effect of Leptin on Mouse Trophoblast Cell Invasion

The hormone leptin is produced by adipose tissue and can function as a signal of nutritional status to the reproductive system. The expression of leptin receptor and, in some species, leptin, in the placenta suggests a role for leptin in placental development, but this role has not been elucidated. Leptin is required at the time of embryo implantation in the leptin-deficient ob/ ob mouse and has been shown to upregulate expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes involved in trophoblast invasion, in cultured human trophoblast cells. This led us to the hypothesis that leptin promotes the invasiveness of trophoblast cells crucial to placental development. We found that leptin stimulated mouse trophoblast cell invasion through a matrigel-coated insert on Day 10, but not Day 18 of pregnancy. Optimal stimulation occurred at a concentration of 50 ng/ml leptin, similar to the peak plasma leptin concentration during pregnancy in the mouse. Leptin treatment did not stimulate proliferation of mouse trophoblast cells in primary culture. Leptin stimulation of invasion was prevented by 25 μM GM6001, an inhibitor of MMP activity. Our results suggest that leptin may play a role in the establishment of the placenta during early pregnancy and that this function is dependent on MMP activity. This effect of leptin may represent one mechanism by which body condition affects placental development.
Summon, EBSCO Discovery Service, and Google Scholar: A Comparison of Search Performance Using User Queries

Abstract Objectives - To evaluate and compare the results produced by Summon and EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) for the types of searches typically performed by library users at North Carolina State University. Also, to compare the performance of these products to Google Scholar for the same types of searches. Methods - A study was conducted to compare the search performance of two web-scale discovery services: ProQuest’s Summon and EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS). The performance of these services was also compared to Google Scholar. A sample of 183 actual user searches, randomly selected from the NCSU Libraries’ 2013 Summon search logs, was used for the study. For each query, searches were performed in Summon, EDS, and Google Scholar. The results of known-item searches were compared for retrieval of the known item, and the top ten results of topical searches were compared for the number of relevant results. Results - There was no significant difference in the results between Summon and EDS for either known-item or topical searches. There was also no significant difference between the performance of the two discovery services and Google Scholar for known-item searches. However, Google Scholar outperformed both discovery services for topical searches. Conclusions - There was no significant difference in the relevance of search results between Summon and EDS. Thus, any decision to purchase one of those products over the other should be based upon other considerations (e.g., technical issues, cost, customer service, or user interface).
Group velocity dispersion cancellation and additive group delays by cascaded fiber Bragg gratings in transmission

We have demonstrated that cascaded fiber Bragg gratings can provide delays of propagating pulses with minimal pulse reshaping. The grating pair used exhibited an overlap transmission region centered at 1551.05 nm, where both gratings contribute to the group delay and the group velocity dispersion (GVD) was canceled. Using wavelength tunable pulses spectrally sliced from a mode-locked fiber laser, the measurement was performed in the time domain with single picosecond resolution. Both gratings were 3 mm long and a maximum group delay of 15 ps was measured for the cascaded sequence. This compound grating configuration can be implemented as encoders and decoders in spread spectrum CDMA systems.
Distributed management by delegation

This paper introduces a novel approach to distributed computing based on delegation-agents, and describes its applications to decentralize network management. Delegation agents are programs that can be dispatched to remote processes, dynamically linked and executed under local or remote control. Unlike scripted agents, delegation agent programs may be written in arbitrary languages, interpreted or compiled. They can thus be more broadly applied to handle such tasks as real-time monitoring, analysis and control of network resources. Distributed management by delegation (MbD) uses this to manage remote elements and domains. MbD provides a paradigm for distributed, flexible, scalable and robust network management that overcomes the key limitations of current centralized management schemes.
Detrimental effects of short-term glucocorticoid use on the rat diaphragm.

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of short-term, high doses of glucocorticoids on both body and diaphragm weights as well as contractile characteristics of the rat diaphragm. Subjects. Adult, female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups: a control group (n=16) and a prednisolone group (n=16). Methods. The prednisolone group received prednisolone at a dosage of 5 mg/kg, and the control group received sham saline injections for 5 days. Animals were weighed prior to and after completion of the drug injection period. At the completion of the drug injection period, the animals were sacrificed, and the diaphragm, soleus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles were removed and weighed. A small strip of the costal diaphragm was connected to a force transducer, and the following contractile characteristics were measured: maximal specific isometric tetanic tension, peak isometric twitch specific tension, one-half relaxation time, and time to peak tension. Results. Both body and diaphragm weights decreased by 15% in the prednisolone group as compared with the control group. Maximal specific isometric tetanic tension was reduced 13% in the prednisolone group as compared with the control group. There was no difference in any twitch contractile characteristics between the 2 groups. Conclusion and Discussion. These data support the hypothesis that glucocorticoid treatment over a 5-day period results in a decrease in specific tension as well as diaphragm and body weight. These results may have implications for the treatment of patients receiving high doses of glucocorticoids for acute medical conditions.
Recruitment and Retention Strategies for a Community‐Based Weight Management Study for Multi‐Ethnic Elementary School Children and Their Parents

This article describes successful recruitment and retention strategies for a community-based weight management study in two school districts in North Carolina. Recruitment and retention on both district and school levels and child and parent levels are discussed. A total of 358 children and 358 parents from eight schools in rural North Carolina participated in a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a nutrition and exercise education, coping skills training, and exercise intervention. Recruitment and retention at the district and school level included meeting with superintendents and receiving a proper introduction to school principals and consistently clear communication throughout the study. At the school level, relationships were developed with the principal and other key personnel to keep lines of communication open during the study. Recruitment and retention strategies at the child and parent level included allowing adequate time for questions during consent and assent and providing a free nutrition and exercise program, a light meal, homework assistance, child care for other children who came to the program, and transportation vouchers if needed. Successful recruitment and retention strategies at the district and school levels and child and parent levels are important for conducting longitudinal community-based studies.
TRANSMISSION OF ULTRA-VIOLET RAYS IN QUARTZ FIBRES.

An apparatus is described for use in studies of the biological effects of ultraviolet radiation in the brain. Ultraviolet photons are conducted to the deeper cells of the brain with quartz fibers that act as conductors. The preparation and properties of the quartz fibers are discussed. (C.H.)
Optimum mixing of inertial navigator and position fix data

The filtering problem is studied analytically for a system composed of an inertial navigator giving continuous indication of position and velocity and an external position fixing device giving continuous or discrete positional information. Accelerometer and external position errors are represented by white noise. Gyro drift is represented by a random walk process. Reasonable approximations lead to simplified models plus analytic predictions of the filter's performance. The analytic results are verified by comparison with computer simulations using more accurate models. Error growth of the inertial navigator without external information is shown to be extremely small for the first eight minutes following alignment. During that interval accelerometer noise is the predominant source of error. Estimation of the platform misalignment is not necessary unless the inertial system must subsequently navigate without external position information.
A second-site noncomplementation screen for modifiers of Rho1 signaling during imaginal disc morphogenesis in Drosophila.

NIH Grant Number P20 RR15563 and NIH Grant Number R01HD047570 from the National Center for Research Resources
Tetrabutylammonium tetrachloroferrate(III)

In the title compound, [(C4H9)4N][FeCl4], the central FeIII atom in the anion is tetrahedrally coordinated by four Cl atoms, while the cation exists as a central N atom bonded to four n-butyl groups, also in a tetrahedral arrangement. Both the cation and anion lie on crystallographic twofold axes.
Technology and Social Complexity

Maurice N. Richter 1982 Technology and Social Complexity. Albany, N. Y.: State University of New York Press.
Brief paper: Control design with arbitrary information structure constraints

In this paper, a new method is proposed for designing robust control laws that are subject to arbitrary information structure constraints. The computation of the gain matrix is formulated in terms of a static output feedback problem, which can be efficiently solved using linear matrix inequalities. The resulting control laws ensure stability with respect to a broad class of additive nonlinear uncertainties in the system.
Nicotine excites cardiac vagal neurons via three sites of action

SUMMARY 1. Nicotine is involved in many cardio-respiratory diseases, including hypertension and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is the most common cause of death in infants between 1 month and 1 year of age. While the aetiology of SIDS remains largely unknown, recent clinical studies suggest maternal cigarette smoking is a major risk factor in SIDS and an abnormality of cardio-respiratory control, particularly a centrally mediated slowing of the heart that precedes or accompanies apnoea, is involved. 2. Because the sites, mechanisms of action and diverse receptor types of nicotine within the central nervous system are controversial and poorly understood, in the present study we examined the effects of nicotine on specific brainstem neurons that control heart rate. Cardiac vagal neurons were identified in an in vitro slice preparation using a retrograde fluorescent tracer and were studied using both whole-cell and perforated patch-clamp electrophysiological techniques. 3. We have found there are different pre- and post-synaptic nicotinic receptors that have dramatic effects on glutamatergic neurotransmission as well as directly activating vagal cardio-inhibitory neurons.
Engaging unactivated alkyl, alkenyl and aryl iodides in visible-light-mediated free radical reactions

Visible-light-mediated photocatalytic generation of carbon-centred radicals from alkyl, alkenyl and aryl iodides, which then undergo subsequent hydrogen-atom abstraction or reductive cyclizations, is reported. The protocol is characterized by the use of inexpensive reagents, mild conditions, exceptional functional group tolerance, and good to high yields.
The Political Economy of Kenya's Crisis

Abstract Using political economy analysis, this paper discusses three precipitating factors that were ignited by Kenya's 2007 election, which was too close to call beforehand and highly contested afterwards. These factors were: the gradual loss of the state's monopoly of legitimate force and the consequent diffusion of violence; the deliberate weakening of institutions outside the executive in favour of personalized presidential power, raising questions about the credibility of other institutions to resolve the election on the table rather than in the streets; and a lack of programmatic political parties which gave rise to a winner take all view of parties that were inherently clientist and ethnically driven, something that raised the stakes of winning and gave rise to violence. The paper discusses each of these factors in historical perspective. It explains how and why they arose and what made each so dangerous. It also aims to place what happened in Kenya into a wider framework of understanding by drawi...
Antibody responses following immunotherapy with cat pelt extract.

IgG antibody responses to a major allergen, cat allergen 1 (cat 1), and to a minimally allergenic protein, cat albumin (alb), were studied in patients who had received 4 to 11 mo of immunotherapy with three concentrations of crude cat pelt extract. A double-antibody radioimmunoassay utilizing 125 I-labeled antigen was used to measure IgG and IgE antibody. The high-dose group (HDG) (n=5), which was composed of the active-treatment group of a previously reported double-blind study, 1 received a mean cumulative dose of 3440 μg cat 1 and 10,660 μg alb. The intermediate-dose group (IDG) (n=6) and low-dose group (LDG) (n=5) received 70 and 0.930 μg of cat 1 and 217 and 2.86 μg of alb. IgE antibody to cat 1 before treatment was measurable in most patients. IgE antibody to alb was either not measurable or of a low level. Mean (geometric) before-and-after IgG levels (U/ml) to cat 1 in the HDG, IDG, and LDG were 420 and 7794, 158 and 1388, and 191 and 1365, respectively. Mean before-and-after IgG levels (U/ml) to alb in the HDG, IDG, and LDG were 72 and 348, 1.9 and 4584, and 0.4 and 508, respectively. Two patients (HDG) had no IgG antibody to alb after treatment. Another patient (HDG) had 82,364 U/ml IgG antibody to alb and precipitating antibody by gel diffusion. Very intense IgG antibody responses to both cat 1 and alb were seen over a wide range of immunizing doses.
Protease-Mediated Entry via the Endosome of Human Coronavirus 229E

Human coronavirus 229E, classified as a group I coronavirus, utilizes human aminopeptidase N (APN) as a receptor; however, its entry mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. We found that HeLa cells infected with 229E via APN formed syncytia when treated with trypsin or other proteases but not in a low-pH environment, a finding consistent with syncytium formation by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). In addition, trypsin induced cleavage of the 229E S protein. By using infectious viruses and pseudotyped viruses bearing the 229E S protein, we found that its infection was profoundly blocked by lysosomotropic agents as well as by protease inhibitors that also prevented infection with SARS-CoV but not that caused by murine coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus strain JHMV, which enters cells directly from the cell surface. We found that cathepsin L (CPL) inhibitors blocked 229E infection the most remarkably among a variety of protease inhibitors tested. Furthermore, 229E infection was inhibited in CPL knockdown cells by small interfering RNA, compared with what was seen for a normal counterpart producing CPL. However, its inhibition was not so remarkable as that found with SARS-CoV infection, which seems to indicate that while CPL is involved in the fusogenic activation of 229E S protein in endosomal infection, not-yet-identified proteases could also play a part in that activity. We also found 229E virion S protein to be cleaved by CPL. Furthermore, as with SARS-CoV, 229E entered cells directly from the cell surface when cell-attached viruses were treated with trypsin. These findings suggest that 229E takes an endosomal pathway for cell entry and that proteases like CPL are involved in this mode of entry.
STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTICES, TOP MANAGEMENT TEAM SOCIAL NETWORKS, AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: THE ROLE OF HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTICES IN CREATING ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

In this article, we begin to explore the black box between human resources (HR) practices and firm performance. Specifically, we examine the relationships between a set of network-building HR pract...
Harnessing the Nitrate–Nitrite–Nitric Oxide Pathway for Therapy of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Nitrate accumulates in the plasma from oral intake of foods rich in nitrate such as green leafy vegetables and root plants such as beet root or from the intravascular oxidation of nitric oxide (NO), produced by the NO synthase enzymes, to nitrate by oxyhemoglobin. Nitrate is then concentrated in the saliva and reacts with oral commensal bacteria, which contain nitrate reductase enzymes.1 Humans do not possess nitrate reductase enzymes and thus require these bacteria for conversion of nitrate to nitrite. Nitrite is then swallowed and systemically absorbed so that it can be further reduced via single-electron transfer reactions with hemoglobin, myoglobin, neuroglobin, and molybdopterin-containing enzymes (such as xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, and mARC).2–7 Now referred to as the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, this involves a series of oxygen-independent and NO synthase–independent single-electron transfer reactions [Figure (A)]. Figure. A , The nitrate–nitrite–nitric oxide (NO) pathway is a series of oxygen-independent and NO synthase–independent single-electron transfer reactions that ultimately facilitate vasodilation. NO therapeutics (nitrate [NO3−] or nitrite [NO2−]) are potentially effective at reversing pathological features of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). B , Findings from Zamani et al8 suggest that nitrate improves exercise capacity in HFpEF by reducing systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and left ventricular (LV) pulsatile afterload and enhancing cardiac output and oxygen delivery to exercising muscles. C , Webb et al9 found that nitrite significantly dilated both conduit and peripheral arteries. The mechanism by which nitrite dilates conduit arteries is still unknown. ETC indicates electron transport chain; and oxyHb, oxyhemoglobin. Articles see p 371 and p 381 Nitrate and nitrite have now been shown to regulate blood pressure, hypoxic vasodilation, mitochondrial efficiency, and exercise performance.2,10–14 Infusions of nitrite have been shown to directly …
Nuclear Weapons, Deterrence, and Crisis Escalation:

The effect of the possession of nuclear weapons on patterns of international conflict is the subject of an extensive but generally impressionistic body of work. Assumptions in this area determine o...
Translatable? On Mixed Methods and Methodology

I argue two things here, in response to Andrew Bennett’s ‘Found in Translation: Combining Discourse Analysis with Computer Assisted Content Analysis’. The first is that to speak of a single method within any given research project is misleading. All research projects are necessarily multi-method, so our conversation should be about how to mix, not whether to do so. The second is that, while methods are necessarily mixed within research projects, mixing methodologies is a much more fraught exercise, inasmuch as methodology implies an epistemology, a philosophy of science, in a way that method does not.
Labor force status transitions at older ages in the Philipines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, 1970-1990

While there is considerable evidence of a trend toward earlier retirement in the United States and Europe, trends in rapidly growing economies in other parts of the world have not been closely examined. This paper traces the labor force participation rates of older men and women in four Asian countries, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, over the period of 1970 to 1990. Aggregate census data are used to calculate net transitions into and out of the labor force so as to permit the analysis of differences by country and cohort as well as change over time. Results show that, although men exhibit a general trend toward earlier net labor force exit, labor force participation rates at older ages remain high. Older women are found to be increasingly engaged in economic activity, especially in Singapore and Taiwan.
ESCRT regulates surface expression of the Kir2.1 potassium channel

The Kir2.1 potassium channel is targeted by endoplasmic reticulum–associated degradation in yeast. To identify other Kir2.1 quality control factors, a novel yeast screen was performed. ESCRT compon...
DOES SAMPLE DESIGN MATTER FOR POVERTY RATE COMPARISONS

Poverty comparisons—an increasingly important starting-point for welfare policy analysis-are almost always based on household surveys. Therefore they require that one be able to distinguish underlying differences in the populations being compared from sampling variation: standard errors must be calculated. This has typically been done assuming that the household surveys are simple random samples. However, household surveys are more complex than this. We show that taking into account sampling design has a major effect on estimated standard errors for well-known poverty measures. In our samples they increase by around one-half. We also show that making only a partial correction for sample design (taking into account clustering, but not stratification, whether explicit or implicit) can be as misleading as not taking any account of sampling design at all.
Ictal asystole in epilepsy patients undergoing inpatient video-EEG monitoring

Ictal asystole (IA) is uncommonly diagnosed and has been implicated as a potential cause of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy is an increasingly recognizable condition and is more likely to occur in patients with medically intractable epilepsy and those suffering from convulsive epilepsy. We report 2 cases of recent onset of prolonged syncope and unrevealing cardiac work up. The inpatient video-EEG monitoring recorded left temporal ictal discharges followed by IA. Although the role of cardiac pacing is controversial in these patients, both patients had favorable outcome following cardiac pacemaker insertion. This report demonstrates the variability in IA pathophysiology and clinical manifestations. It also advocates that cardiac pacing might have a role in the management of IA.
Follicular large-cell lymphoma: intermediate or low grade?

PURPOSETo evaluate the benefit of anthracycline-based chemotherapy, identify prognostic factors, and determine the value of the International Prognostic Factors Index for patients with follicular large-cell (FLC) lymphoma.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis retrospective study includes 96 patients with FLC lymphoma treated at Stanford University Medical Center between 1969 and 1991. Fifty-five patients received doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide-containing chemotherapy regimens, 21 patients received other chemotherapy regimens, 15 patients received radiotherapy only, and five patients received no initial therapy. Thirty-four patients had stage I or II disease and 62 patients had stage III or IV disease.RESULTSWith a median follow-up duration of 5.2 years (range, 1 to 18), the actuarial 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 75% and 54%, with actuarial 5- and 10-year freedom from progression (FFP) rates of 53% and 42%, respectively. Patients treated with chemotherapy regimens that contained both doxorubicin and cy...
Pacemakers and Other Cardiac Implantable Devices in Children: Learning From Practice Variation Including Outliers in the Electronic Age.

> … Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — > > I took the one less traveled by , > > And that has made all the difference . > > —Robert Frost, Mountain Interval, 1920. The first myocardial pacing wire was implanted ≈6 decades ago in 1957 by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr C. Walton Lillehei.1 The recipient of this epicardial therapeutic cardiac electronic device was a 3-year-old girl with complete heart block after repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Since then, the science and practice of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) use for diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm and heart failure disorders in children and adults has grown exponentially. Indeed, in 2016, the tables have turned, whereas Dr Lillehei and other pioneers in cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and CIED development faced a void of options to diagnose and treat their patients with life-threatening rhythm problems, modern clinicians, in a new era characterized by “should we” rather than “can we,” face the relatively innocuous dilemma of what type of CIED to choose. See Article by Konta et al Scientific publications like the study by Konta et al2 in this issue of Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology add valuable information to the body of knowledge that guides our choice of CIED for individual patients. Despite >5 decades of use in children and congenital heart disease, the decision process is not straightforward. Clinical reports describing outcomes of CIED including pacemakers for children and adult patients with congenital heart disease often provide conflicting results. Prospective randomized trials or registries of CIED use in children and congenital heart disease are rare, and nearly all published data come from retrospective studies like the current report from Konta et al.2 As a result, guidelines that address appropriate indications for pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator use in children and congenital heart disease …
Antigen-Specific Binding of Multivalent Soluble Antigen Arrays Induces Receptor Clustering and Impedes B Cell Receptor Mediated Signaling

A pressing need exists for autoimmune disease therapies that act in an antigen-specific manner while avoiding global immunosuppression. Multivalent soluble antigen arrays (SAgAPLP:LABL), designed to induce tolerance to a specific multiple sclerosis autoantigen, consist of a flexible hyaluronic acid (HA) polymer backbone cografted with multiple copies of autoantigen peptide (PLP) and cell adhesion inhibitor peptide (LABL). Previous in vivo studies revealed copresentation of both signals on HA was necessary for therapeutic efficacy. To elucidate therapeutic cellular mechanisms, in vitro studies were performed in a model B cell system to evaluate binding and specificity. Compared to HA and HA arrays containing only grafted PLP or LABL, SAgAPLP:LABL displaying both PLP and LABL exhibited greatly enhanced B cell binding. Furthermore, the binding avidity of SAgAPLP:LABL was primarily driven by the PLP antigen, determined via flow cytometry competitive dissociation studies. Fluorescence microscopy showed SAgAPLP:LABL induced mature receptor clustering that was faster than other HA arrays with only one type of grafted peptide. SAgAPLP:LABL molecules also reduced and inhibited IgM-stimulated signaling as discerned by a calcium flux assay. The molecular mechanisms of enhanced antigen-specific binding, mature receptor clustering, and dampened signaling observed in B cells may contribute to SAgAPLP:LABL therapeutic efficacy.
Undergraduates' Perceptions of Their Psychiatric Practicum: Positive and Negative Factors in Inpatient and Community Experience

To identify factors contributing to positive or negative undergraduate experiences, often cited as influencing student selection of practice area, 38 baccalaureate students were queried about their inpatient/community psychiatric practicum. Positive, negative and potentially helpful factors were derived from the themes of their responses. Positive factors included staff's professionalism, enthusiasm and acceptance of students; diversity of learning opportunities; and direct involvement with patients. Negative factors related to nursing staff performance. Potentially helpful factors were those promoting goodness of fit between program expectations for students, characteristics of the clinical setting and modeling of psychiatric nursing career options.
The Prothrombin Conversion Rate in Various Species.

SummaryThe rate at which prothrombin is converted into thrombin is much slower in the plasmas of man and guinea pig than in those of other vertebrates studied. The sluggish conversion of prothrombin in man is no doubt a factor which aggravates hemorrhagic diseases.