cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mate choice for a novel male phenotype in zebrafish, Danio rerio

Studies of mating preferences contribute to understanding the evolution of male secondary sexual traits. How females respond to novel male characteristics may lend additional insight into their mating preferences and subsequent mate choice patterns. Studies on several species have shown that females prefer males with manipulated or novel phenotypes. However, few studies have investigated the mechanisms that underlie female preferences. Adopting a relatively underutilized technology in studies of mate choice (genetic modification), we used transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) to evaluate female preference for normal versus novel transgenic (red GloFish™) males. We conducted four mate choice experiments in which females differed in rearing history to determine whether female mating preferences are influenced by population history, sexual imprinting or colour of food in their diet. We used a two-male association protocol in all four experiments as well as a one-male mating protocol in one experiment. In all four experiments, the association protocol demonstrated that females preferred novel transgenic males to normal males. The one-male protocol revealed no pattern of female mating preference; instead, mating patterns were strongly influenced by male coercion. Overall, our results suggest that zebrafish may possess a sensory bias for the colour red; however, more research using both closely related species and other colour morphs of GloFish™ are needed to resolve this issue. Our study exemplifies the utility of using transgenic organisms to study mate choice, and we propose that future studies incorporate this untapped technology.
Snell’s window in wavy water

The angular diameter of Snell's window as a function of maximum wave slope is calculated. For flat water the diameter is 97° and increases up to about 122° when the wave slope is about 16°. Steeper waves break and disrupt the smooth surface used in the analysis. Breaking waves produce a window almost 180° wide. The brightness of the dark area around Snell's window is heavily influenced by turbidity and upwelling radiation, especially in shallow water.
Cell-specific expression of mRNAs encoding Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha- and beta-subunit isoforms within the rat central nervous system.

Abstract We have used in situ hybridization histochemistry to analyze the subcellular distribution of mRNAs encoding Na,K-ATPase alpha- and beta-subunit isoforms in the rat central nervous system. Substantial differences in the cell-specific pattern of expression were found for the genes encoding three isoforms of the alpha subunit. Transcripts of alpha 1-subunit gene were detected in virtually all cell types and structures examined. Expression of alpha 2-subunit mRNA was characteristic of glia, whereas alpha 3-subunit transcripts were predominant in neurons. Transcripts encoding the beta 1 subunit were detected in neurons, whereas beta 2-subunit mRNA expression was characteristic of glia. mRNA encoding both beta-subunit isoforms was present in choroidal epithelial cells. The distribution pattern of alpha- and beta-subunit mRNAs in structures throughout the central nervous system is consistent with the possibility of six structurally distinct Na+,K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes.
The neuropeptide histidyl proline diketopiperazine throughout human pregnancy: an inverse correlation with amniotic fluid prolactin.

Abstract Histidyl proline diketopiperazine values have been established in human amniotic fluid (n = 81) and maternal serum (n = 36) throughout gestation (10 to 42 weeks). Newborn cord serum (n = 10) and first-voided fetal urine (n = 10) levels were also documented. These measurements reveal increasing amniotic fluid levels with term gestation values (15,551 pg/ml) nearly thirteen-fold higher than maternal serum concentrations (1150 pg/ml). Corresponding fetal urine and cord serum concentrations were 16,781 and 2160 pg/ml, respectively. The amniotic fluid values are not influenced by fetal sex or maternal labor, nor do they correlate with amniotic fluid a-fetoprotein levels. However, there is a significant inverse correlation (r = -0.628; p
Intrapleural doxycycline control of malignant pleural effusions

The intrapleural instillation of agents for pleural sclerosis has proved effective in preventing the reaccumulation of symptomatic malignant pleural effusions. Because manufacture of the most popular agent, tetracycline, was recently discontinued, a preliminary study was undertaken to evaluate an alternative agent, doxycycline, for treating symptomatic malignant pleural effusions. From November 1991 to September 1992, 21 patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusions have undergone overnight chest tube drainage followed by intrapleural instillation of 10 mL 1% lidocaine and then doxycycline, 500 mg in 30 mL 0.9% saline solution. The chest tube was clamped 2 hours with patient repositioning every 15 minutes. Tubes were removed when drainage was less than 50 mL/8 h. Of surviving patients, a complete objective response at 1 month was obtained in 88% (15/17), who were free of a symptomatic or radiographic recurrence of the effusion. Complications included mild pain in 23% (5/21), moderate pain requiring analgesics in 19% (4/21), and mild fever in 5% (1/21). There were no treatment-related deaths. The mean time for chest tube removal was 1.7 +/- 0.7 days after the last treatment. Based on this preliminary study, we conclude that doxycycline is a highly effective agent for the palliative treatment of symptomatic malignant pleural effusions. Its safety profile and efficacy compare favorably with those of tetracycline and other agents used for pleural sclerosis.
Automated aural classification used for inter-species discrimination of cetaceans

Passive acoustic methods are in widespread use to detect and classify cetacean species; however, passive acoustic systems often suffer from large false detection rates resulting from numerous transient sources. To reduce the acoustic analyst workload, automatic recognition methods may be implemented in a two-stage process. First, a general automatic detector is implemented that produces many detections to ensure cetacean presence is noted. Then an automatic classifier is used to significantly reduce the number of false detections and classify the cetacean species. This process requires development of a robust classifier capable of performing inter-species classification. Because human analysts can aurally discriminate species, an automated aural classifier that uses perceptual signal features was tested on a cetacean data set. The classifier successfully discriminated between four species of cetaceans—bowhead, humpback, North Atlantic right, and sperm whales—with 85% accuracy. It also performed well (100% accuracy) for discriminating sperm whale clicks from right whale gunshots. An accuracy of 92% and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.97 were obtained for the relatively challenging bowhead and humpback recognition case. These results demonstrated that the perceptual features employed by the aural classifier provided powerful discrimination cues for inter-species classification of cetaceans.
Biology of the harpacticoid copepod, Harpacticus uniremis Kröyer on Dayville Flats, Port Valdez, Alaska

Abstract The biology of the harpacticoid copepod Harpacticus uniremis Kroyer was studied for three years on an intertidal beach in Port Valdez, Alaska. The species shows a relatively distinct reproductive period with a single brood of eggs produced approximately 9 to 10 months after insemination. The harsh environmental conditions typical of sediment beaches in Port Valdez and the resultant selective pressures acting on H. uniremis there have apparently resulted in high fecundity. Males do not live longer than six months while the longevity offemales is at least eight months. Densities of this species from Port Valdez are directly proportional to temperature.
Bilateral cerebral infarction in the setting of pituitary apoplexy: a case presentation and literature review

Pituitary tumor apoplexy (PTA) is a potentially fatal condition caused by hemorrhage and rapid expansion of a pituitary tumor. One rare consequence of PTA is occlusion of the intracavernous carotid arteries, very rarely leading to cerebral infarction. To describe a case of PTA leading to bilateral cerebral infarction and provide an extensive literature review of all previously reported cases of PTA leading to cerebral infarction. We discuss how these cases contribute to our understanding of the management of PTA, and we also discuss the differences between cases associated with the reported mechanism of carotid occlusion (compression vs. vasospasm). A 56-year-old previously healthy woman complained of severe headache and visual loss one day after sustaining a fall from standing. Computed tomography demonstrated an enlarged sellar and suprasellar mass displacing both cavernous ICAs laterally, with multiple bilateral hypodense areas in the ICA distribution consistent with infarction. She clinically deteriorated and underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal gross total resection for suspected PTA within 48 hours after falling. Her prognosis remained poor after 5 days, and support was withdrawn. Twenty-four cases of PTA leading to cerebral infarction have been previously documented—four bilateral, our case being the fifth. Based on our review, the presence of infarction itself does not seem to warrant surgical management in the absence of previously established indications for surgery (such as a deteriorating visual field), despite a 3–5 times mortality increase. No conclusion regarding the role of the mechanism of occlusion can be made at this time.
Bayesian estimation and Kalman filtering: a unified framework for mobile robot localization

Decision and estimation theory are closely related topics in applied probability. In this paper, Bayesian hypothesis testing is combined with Kalman filtering to merge two different approaches to map-based mobile robot localization; namely Markov localization and pose tracking. A robot carries proprioceptive sensors that monitor its motion and allow it to estimate its trajectory as it moves away from a known location. A single Kalman filter is used for tracking the pose displacements of the robot between different areas. The robot is also equipped with exteroceptive sensors that seek for landmarks in the environment. Simple feature extraction algorithms process the incoming signals and suggest potential corresponding locations on the map. Bayesian hypothesis testing is applied in order to combine the continuous Kalman filter displacement estimates with the discrete landmark pose measurement events. Within this framework, also known as multiple hypothesis tracking, multimodal probability distribution functions can be represented and this inherent limitation of the Kalman filter is overcome.
Identification and molecular tagging of a gene from PI 289824 conferring resistance to leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) in wheat

Host-plant resistance is the most economically viable and environmentally responsible method of control for Puccinia triticina, the causal agent of leaf rust in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The identification and utilization of new resistance sources is critical to the continued development of improved cultivars as shifts in pathogen races cause the effectiveness of widely deployed genes to be short lived. The objectives of this research were to identify and tag new leaf rust resistance genes. Forty landraces from Afghanistan and Iran were obtained from the National Plant Germplasm System and evaluated under field conditions at two locations in Texas. PI 289824, a landrace from Iran, was highly resistant under field infection. Further evaluation revealed that PI 289824 is highly resistant to a broad spectrum of leaf rust races, including the currently prevalent races of leaf rust in the Great Plains area of the USA. Eight F1 plants, 176 F2 individuals and 139 F2:3 families of a cross between PI 289824 and T112 (susceptible) were evaluated for resistance to leaf rust at the seedling stage. Genetic analysis indicated resistance in PI 289824 is controlled by a single dominant gene. The AFLP analyses resulted in the identification of a marker (P39 M48-367) linked to resistance. The diagnostic AFLP band was sequenced and that sequence information was used to develop an STS marker (TXW200) linked to the gene at a distance of 2.3 cM. The addition of microsatellite markers allowed the gene to be mapped to the short arm of Chromosome 5B. The only resistance gene to be assigned to Chr 5BS is Lr52. The Lr52 gene was reported to be 16.5 cM distal to Xgwm443 while the gene in PI 289824 mapped 16.7 cM proximal to Xgwm443. Allelism tests are needed to determine the relationship between the gene in PI 289824 and Lr52. If the reported map positions are correct, the gene in PI 289824 is unique.
Exact and Limiting Distributions in Diagonal Pólya Processes

We investigate the polya process, which underlies an urn of white and blue balls growing in real time. A partial differential equation governs the evolution of the process. For urns with (forward or backward) diagonal ball addition matrix the partial differential equation is amenable to asymptotic solution. In the case of forward diagonal we find a solution via the method of characteristics; the numbers of white and blue balls, when scaled appropriately, converge in distribution to independent Gamma random variables. The method of characteristics becomes a bit too involved for the backward diagonal process, except in degenerate cases, where we have Poisson behavior. In nondegenerate cases, limits characterized implicitly by their recursive sequence of moments are found, via matrix formulation involving a Leonard pair.
Enhanced monomer-monomer interactions can suppress the recombination deficiency of the recA142 allele.

Summary The RecA142 protein, in which valine is substituted for isoleucine-225, is defective for genetic recombination in vivo and for DNA strand exchange activity in vitro under conventional growth and reaction conditions respectively. However, we show that mildly acidic conditions restore both the in vitro DNA strand exchange activity and the in vivo function of RecA142 protein, suggesting that recombination function can be restored by a slight change in protein structure elicited by protonation. Indeed, we identified an intragenic suppressor of the recombination deficiency of the recA142 allele. This suppressor mutation is a substitution of leucine for glutamine at position 124. Based on the three-dimensional structure, the Q-124L substitution is predicted to make a new monomer‐monomer contact with residue phenylalanine-21 of the adjacent RecA monomer. The Q-124L mutation is not allele specific, because it also suppresses the recombination deficiency of a recA deletion (D9), lacking nine amino acids at the amino-terminus, presumably by reinforcing the monomer‐monomer interactions that are attenuated by the D9 deletion. Expression of RecA(Q124L) protein is toxic to Escherichia coli, presumably because of enhanced affinity for DNA. We speculate as to how enhanced monomer‐monomer interactions and acidic pH conditions can restore the recombination activity of some defective recA alleles.
Hypersensitivity reactions to carboplatin in children with low-grade gliomas

The prognosis of pediatric low-grade gliomas is relatively favorable, but unresectable progressive tumors remain a challenge. Chemotherapy including carboplatin-containing regimens can delay the need for radiation therapy in young children. However, hypersensitivity reactions to carboplatin can at times be a severe complication. We have retrospectively evaluated and characterized the hypersensitivity reactions associated with carboplatin administration in pediatric low-grade glioma patients treated on an outpatient basis according to the SIOP/GPOH (International Society of Pediatric Oncology/ Gesellschaft fur Padiatrische Onkologie und Hamatologie) low-grade glioma 1996 protocol, and also reviewed the literature. Of nine patients consecutively treated with carboplatin, seven (78%) developed carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions. The first hypersensitivity reactions (always grade 2) occurred after a median of nine courses (range, 7-12). Although desensitization has been used successfully, there have been reports of severe cases of allergic reaction to carboplatin despite desensitization, including anaphylaxis and death. Since carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions are common and desensitization has not been proven to be safe, efforts should be made to design future therapy protocols for low-grade gliomas with clear guidelines on how to substitute carboplatin when hypersensitivity reactions occur. (J Pediatr Neurol 2004; 2(3): 151-155).
A Toy Model of the Instability in the Equatorially Trapped Convectively Coupled Waves on the Equatorial Beta Plane

The equatorial atmospheric variability shows a spectrum of significant peaks in the wavenumber– frequency domain. These peaks have been identified with the equatorially trapped wave modes of rotating shallow water wave theory. This paper addresses the observation that the various wave types (e.g., Kelvin, Rossby, etc.) and wavenumbers show differing signal strength relative to a red background. It is hypothesized that this may be due to variations in the linear stability of the atmosphere in response to the various wave types depending on both the specific wave type and the wavenumber. A simple model of the convectively coupled waves on the equatorial beta plane is constructed to identify processes that contribute to this dependence. The linear instability spectrum of the resulting coupled system is evaluated by eigenvalue analysis. This analysis shows unstable waves with phase speeds, growth rates, and structures (vertical and horizontal) that are broadly consistent with the results from observations. The linear system, with an idealized single intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) as a mean state, shows peak unstable Kelvin waves around zonal wavenumber 7 with peak growth rates of 0.08 day 1 (e-folding time of 13 days). The system also shows unstable mixed Rossby–gravity (MRG) and inertio-gravity waves with significant growth in the zonal wavenumber range from 15 (negative indicates westward phase speed) to 10 (positive indicates eastward phase speed). The peak MRG n 0 eastward inertio-gravity wave (EIG) growth rate is around one-third that of the Kelvin wave and occurs at zonal wavenumber 3. The Rossby waves in this system are stable, and the Madden–Julian oscillation is not observed. Within this model, it is shown that in addition to the effect of the ITCZ configuration, the differing instabilities of the different wave modes are also related to their different efficiency in converting input energy into divergent flow. This energy conversion efficiency difference is suggested as an additional factor that helps to shape the observed wave spectrum.
Binding of mouse spermatozoa to the zonae pellucidae of mouse eggs in cumulus: evidence that the acrosomes remain substantially intact.

Cumulus-intact mouse eggs inseminated in vitro with capacitated mouse sperm have sperm bound to the zonae pellucidae as early as 20 mm postinsemination. Maximal sperm binding was observed at 60 mm, after which time the number of sperm bound per egg decreased to about 30% of maximal. This extent of binding remained constant from 120 to 180 mm postinsemination. All the sperm bound to the zonae had intact acrosomes as determined by chlortetracycline fluorescence assay. The sperm binding was retarded during the first 60 mm by 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate, a specific inhibitor of the acrosome reaction induced by zona glycoprotein, but this compound had no effect on sperm binding during the next 60 mm. The observation that sperm, which bind to zonae pellucidae after traversing the cumulus, have intact acrosomes is consistent with the same observation of intact acrosomes made with sperm binding to cumulus-free eggs ISaling and Storey (1979). J. Cell Biol. 83�544-555l, and further supports the hypothesis that the sequence of events leading to fertilization of mouse eggs is: binding of intact sperm to the zona pellucida followed by the acrosome reaction induced by zona glycoprotein.
Characterization of inhibitory T cells induced by an analog of type II collagen in an HLA-DR1 humanized mouse model of autoimmune arthritis.

Introduction We used DR1 transgenic mice and covalently linked DR1 multimers to characterize analog-specific inhibitory T cells in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Because of the low numbers of antigen-specific T cells in wild-type mice, functional T-cell studies in autoimmune arthritis have been challenging. The use of T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice has provided useful information, but such T cells may not represent the heterogeneous T-cell response that occurs in natural settings. Our focus was to develop tools to identify and characterize the population of immunoregulatory T cells induced in wild-type mice by an analog peptide of CII259-273, which contains amino acid substitutions at positions 263 (N) and 266 (D) (analog peptide A12).
The cost-effectiveness of psychotherapy for the major psychiatric diagnoses.

Abstract Psychotherapy is an effective and often highly cost-effective medical intervention for many serious psychiatric conditions. Psychotherapy can also lead to savings in other medical and societal costs. It is at times the firstline and most important treatment and at other times augments the efficacy of psychotropic medication. Many patients are in need of more prolonged and intensive psychotherapy, including those with personality disorders and those with chronic complex psychiatric conditions often with severe anxiety and depression. Many patients with serious and complex psychiatric illness have experienced severe early life trauma in an atmosphere in which family members or caretakers themselves have serious psychiatric disorders. Children and adolescents with learning disabilities and those with severe psychiatric disorders can also require more than brief treatment. Other diagnostic groups for whom psychotherapy is effective and cost-effective include patients with schizophrenia, anxiety disor...
The quality assurance of proficiency testing programs for animal disease diagnostic laboratories.

Laboratory data credibility has 3 major components: 1) valid methods, 2) proficiency testing (PT) to verify that the analyst can conduct the method and to compare results of other laboratories using the same method, and 3) third-party accreditation to verify that the laboratory is competent to conduct testing and that the method validation has been done within the environment and requirements of an effective quality-manage- ment system. Participation in external PT programs by a laboratory is strongly recommended in International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission International Standard 17025. Most laboratory accreditation bodies using this standard require that laboratories participate in such programs to be accredited. Internal PT is also recommended for each analyst. Benchmarking, or comparison between labora- tories using PT or reference materials, is also recommended as part of the validation and evaluation of test methods. These requirements emphasize the need for proficiency test providers to demonstrate their competence. Requirements for competence are documented in national and international standards and guidelines, and ac- creditation is available for providers. This article discusses the activities and the components that are necessary and recommended for PT projects and programs for animal disease diagnostic testing. These are based on the requirements of the national and international standards, which address this subject, and on the experience of the author. The accreditation of external PT programs is also discussed. Organizations that accredit PT providers or that provide PT programs are listed. Existing references, guidelines, and standards that are relevant to PT in veterinary diagnostic laboratories are discussed. Valid test results are critical to laboratory, practi- tioner, or regulatory program credibility and liability, client livelihoods, the public health, trade, and of course, the health and well-being of countless animals, including those that are beloved family members. Pro- ficiency testing (PT) is an important quality assurance (QA) activity that helps ensure that test results are val- id. With accreditation and the use of valid methods, PT forms the third essential part of a laboratory data credibility system. The Proficiency Testing also assists in the verification of test method validity, verification of laboratory and analyst capability, and acquisition of data, which may be used in a number of ways. Profi- ciency Testing also has QA requirements of its own. As for any complex, critical technical and operational production activity, it is necessary to implement a QA program to ensure that the product of this activity, PT results, is reliable. The definition of PT depends on use. For example, external PT is defined as the use of interlaboratory comparisons to determine the individual laboratory's performance for specific tests or measurements and to monitor a laboratory's continuing performance. 14 The
Phenotypic and Functional Effects of Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibition on Dendritic Cell

The 90-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90) plays an important role in conformational regulation of cellular proteins and thereby cellular signaling and function. As Hsp90 is considered a key component of immune function and its inhibition has become an important target for cancer therapy, we here evaluated the role of Hsp90 in human dendritic cell (DC) phenotype and function. Hsp90 inhibition significantly decreased cell surface expression of costimulatory (CD40, CD80, CD86), maturation (CD83), and MHC (HLA-A, B, C and HLA-DP, DQ, DR) markers in immature DC and mature DC and was associated with down-regulation of both RNA and intracellular protein expression. Importantly, Hsp90 inhibition significantly inhibited DC function. It decreased Ag uptake, processing, and presentation by immature DC, leading to reduced T cell proliferation in response to tetanus toxoid as a recall Ag. It also decreased the ability of mature DC to present Ag to T cells and secrete IL-12 as well as induce IFN-γ secretion by allogeneic T cells. These data therefore demonstrate that Hsp90-mediated protein folding is required for DC function and, conversely, Hsp90 inhibition disrupts the DC function of significant relevance in the setting of clinical trials evaluating novel Hsp90 inhibitor therapy in cancer.
Heparan sulfate proteoglycan is a mechanosensor on endothelial cells.

The objective of this study was to test whether a glycosaminoglycan component of the surface glycocalyx layer is a fluid shear stress sensor on endothelial cells (ECs). Because enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production in response to fluid shear stress is a characteristic and physiologically important response of ECs, we evaluated NOx (NO2− and NO3−) production in response to fluid shear stress after enzymatic removal of heparan sulfate, the dominant glycosaminoglycan of the EC glycocalyx, from cultured ECs. The significant NOx production induced by steady shear stress (20 dyne/cm2) was inhibited completely by pretreatment with 15 mU/mL heparinase III (E.C.4.2.2.8) for 2 hours. Oscillatory shear stress (10±15 dyne/cm2) induced an even greater NOx production than steady shear stress that was completely inhibited by pretreatment with heparinase III. Addition of bradykinin (BK) induced significant NOx production that was not inhibited by heparinase pretreatment, demonstrating that the cells were still able to pr...
Relationship Between Aboveground Biomass and Multiple Measures of Biodiversity in Subtropical Forest of Puerto Rico

Anthropogenic activities have accelerated the rate of global loss of biodiversity, making it more important than ever to understand the structure of biodiversity hotspots. One current focus is the relationship between species richness and aboveground biomass (AGB) in a variety of ecosystems. Nonetheless, species diversity, evenness, rarity, or dominance represent other critical attributes of biodiversity and may have associations with AGB that are markedly different than that of species richness. Using data from large trees in four environmentally similar sites in the Luquillo Experimental Forest of Puerto Rico, we determined the shape and strength of relationships between each of five measures of biodiversity (i.e., species richness, Simpson’s diversity, Simpson’s evenness, rarity, and dominance) and AGB. We quantified these measures of biodiversity using either proportional biomass or proportional abundance as weighting factors. Three of the four sites had a unimodal relationship between species richness and AGB, with only the most mature site evincing a positive, linear relationship. The differences between the mature site and the other sites, as well as the differences between our richness‐AGB relationships and those found at other forest sites, highlight the crucial role that prior land use and severe storms have on this forest community. Although the shape and strength of relationships differed greatly among measures of biodiversity and among sites, the strongest relationships within each site were always those involving richness or evenness.
Activity Analysis Using Spatio-Temporal Trajectory Volumes in Surveillance Applications

In this paper, we present a system to analyze activities and detect anomalies in a surveillance application, which exploits the intuition and experience of security and surveillance experts through an easy- to-use visual feedback loop. The multi-scale and location specific nature of behavior patterns in space and time is captured using a wavelet-based feature descriptor. The system learns the fundamental descriptions of the behavior patterns in a semi-supervised fashion by the higher order singular value decomposition of the space described by the training data. This training process is guided and refined by the users in an intuitive fashion. Anomalies are detected by projecting the test data into this multi-linear space and are visualized by the system to direct the attention of the user to potential problem spots. We tested our system on real-world surveillance data, and it satisfied the security concerns of the environment.
Compliance with Price Controls in the United States and the United Kingdom During World War II

We are concerned here with the evasion of price controls in the United States and the United Kingdom in World War II. The evidence suggests that controls produced less evasive activity in the United Kingdom. After considering several explanations we conclude that the key was the degree of regimentation. The British controlled all stages of production, limited the range of products available at each stage, and allocated relatively more resources to managing and enforcing controls.
Accounting Faculty Perceptions Regarding Diversity Issues and Academic Environment

Recently, the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International began requiring a descriptive summary of strategies used to address and ensure diversity, particularly when determining an institution's eligibility for accreditation. As a result, business schools (accounting programs) will have to define diversity with respect to their missions and cultural contexts (demographic make‐up). Therefore, this study's objective is to provide comparisons between majority and minority accounting faculty respondents regarding diversity issues and the current academic environment. Survey results indicate women (Caucasian) and minorities, more so than men (Caucasian), feel departments are not diverse with respect to gender and race, and cite under‐representation in terms of tenure and higher ranks. The respondents' written comments note current problems with diversity initiatives related to reverse discrimination, “window dressing” rather than real commitment, and market constrain...
Managing Demand and Sales Dynamics in New Product Diffusion Under Supply Constraint

The Bass diffusion model is a well-known parametric approach to estimating new product demand trajectory over time. This paper generalizes the Bass model by allowing for a supply constraint. In the presence of a supply constraint, potential customers who are not able to obtain the new product join the waiting queue, generating backorders and potentially reversing their adoption decision, resulting in lost sales. Consequently, they do not generate the positive "word-of-mouth" that is typically assumed in the Bass model, leading to significant changes in the new product diffusion dynamics. We study how a firm should manage its supply processes in a new product diffusion environment with backorders and lost sales. We consider a make-to-stock production environment and use optimal control theory to establish that it is never optimal to delay demand fulfillment. This result is interesting because immediate fulfillment may accelerate the diffusion process and thereby result in a greater loss of customers in the future. Using this result, we derive closed-form expressions for the resulting demand and sales dynamics over the product life cycle. We then use these expressions to investigate how the firm should determine the size of its capacity and the time to market its new product. We show that delaying a product launch to build up an initial inventory may be optimal and can be used as a substitute for capacity. Also, the optimal time to market and capacity increase with the coefficients of innovation and imitation in the adoption population. We compare our optimal capacity and time to market policies with those resulting from exogeneous demand forecasts in order to quantify the value of endogenizing demand.
Optimizing spatial Min/Max aggregations

Aggregate computation over a collection of spatial objects appears in many real-life applications. Aggregates are computed on values (weights) associated with spatial objects, for example, the temperature or rainfall over the area covered by the object. In this paper we concentrate on MIN/MAX aggregations: “given a query rectangle, find the minimum/maximum weight among all objects intersecting the query rectangle.” Traditionally such queries have been performed as range searches. Assuming that objects are indexed by a spatial access method (SAM), the MIN/MAX is computed while retrieving those objects intersecting the query interval. This requires effort proportional to the number of objects satisfying the query, which may be large. A better approach is to maintain aggregate information among the index nodes of the spatial access method; then various index paths can be eliminated during the range search. Yet another approach is to build a specialized index that maintains the aggregate incrementally. We propose four novel optimizations for improving the performance of MIN/MAX queries when an index structure (traditional or specialized) is present. Moreover, we introduce the MR-tree, an R-tree-like dynamic specialized index that incorporates all four optimizations. Our experiments show that the MR-tree offers drastic performance improvement over previous solutions. As a byproduct of this work we present an optimized version of the MSB-tree, an index that has been proposed for the MIN/MAX computation over 1D interval objects.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Genes Involved in fimA Regulation

Porphyromonas gingivalis is an important component of the complex plaque biofilm that is a direct precursor of periodontal disease. The major fimbriae are required for attachment to oral surfaces and are an important virulence factor. Fimbrillin (FimA) expression in P. gingivalis is inhibited by surface molecule of Streptococcus cristatus, an early colonizer of dental plaque. In this study, differential display PCR was used to identify P. gingivalis genes that are regulated in response to S. cristatus. Of several differentially expressed genes, pg2131 and pg2167 were upregulated by S. cristatus signaling molecules. A null mutant of pg2167 did not transcriptionally regulate fimA following exposure to S. cristatus. In fact, fimA transcription was enhanced in the pg2167 mutant, suggesting that pg2167 may act to repress fimA expression. In contrast, a mutation in pg2131 did not affect transcription of fimA in the presence of S. cristatus. However, production of fimbrillin was significantly diminished in the pg2131 mutant, implicating involvement in posttranscriptional regulation in fimbriation. These data suggest that P. gingivalis fimbriation is controlled by more than one regulation mechanism, involving both transcriptional and posttranscriptional processes.
Resection upregulates the IGF-I system of parenterally fed rats with jejunocolic anastomosis.

Rats maintained with parenteral nutrition following 60% jejunoileal resection plus cecectomy exhibit minimal adaptive growth in the residual jejunum but a dramatic adaptive growth in the residual c...
Archaeology and Afrocentrism: An Attempt to Set the Record Straight:

In his essay that appeared in this Journal (Egypt and European Supremacy: A Bibliographic Essay), Kwame Nantambu attempts to use the extant archaeological record to support an Afrocentrist—actually...
Social Programme Evaluation in the USA: Trends and Issues

Allan Brawley is Professor of Social Work at The Pennsylvania State University where he teaches social policy and social work with the ageing. He has a doctorate in social work from the University of Pennsylvania and is the author of numerous publications, including The New Human Service Worker (Praeger, 1975), Mass Media and Human Services (Sage, 1983) and, with Ruben Schindler, Social Care at the Front Line (Tavistock, 1987). Emilia Martinez-Brawley, who is also a Professor of Social Work at the same university, teaches community organization, rural social work and minority group relations. She has a masters degree in social work from Bryn Mawr College and a doctorate in education from Temple University. Her publications (numbering over fifty) include Pioneer Efforts in Rural Social Welfare (Penn State Press, 1980), Seven Decades of Rural Social Work (Praeger, 1981) and Rural Social and Community Work in Britain and the U.S. (Praeger, 1982). This is a revised version of a paper prepared for an International Expert Group Meeting on Evaluation of Social Services organized by the European Centre for Social Welfare Training and Research, Vienna, Austria, and hosted by the Escola Universitaria de Treball Social de Barcelona and the Diputacio de Girona in Calella de Palafrugell, Spain, May 1987.
Intensive care treatment decisions : the roots of our confusion

Background. Decisions to withdraw or withhold treatment from infants and children are continuing concerns. Physicians voice confusion over perceived legal requirements. This confusion may lead to overtreatment of patients. Recent evidence suggests legal concerns still shape physician treatment decisions. Objective. This study was undertaken to determine if the legal standard governing these medical decisions was clearly stated. Design. Conventional legal research was performed. Because the 1984 Federal Child Abuse Amendments require these issues to be resolved by state laws, statutes of the 50 states and the District of Columbia were reviewed to ascertain if they would support a charge of child abuse for the inappropriate withdrawal of life-support from a child. An electronic legal database was queried for all cases involving withdrawal of life-support in children since 1984; the cases were analyzed to determine if judges were applying the federal legal standard. Results. Current child abuse reporting laws would support the federal standard in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Six reported withdrawal cases were identified; none applied the federal standard. There is an emerging state legal standard that is flexible and subjective and allows a quality of life analysis because it is based on parental authority. This standard conflicts with the federal standard. Conclusions. The current law is unclear because two competing legal standards coexist; physicians cannot simultaneously meet both standards. Choosing to apply the state legal standard in clinical medical practice should support families in times of stress and relieve physicians of the burden of considering who is potentially overtreated.
Abstract A102: Genetic reduction of circulating IGF-1 decreases growth of pancreatic tumors in an orthotopic transplant model

Pancreatic cancer is the 4th deadliest cancer in the U.S. Obesity has emerged as a significant and modifiable risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Calorie restriction (CR) is an anti‐obesity intervention that has been shown in many model systems to have potent anticancer effects. Levels of bioavailable insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1, an established mitogen in a variety of cancer cell lines, increase in response to positive energy balance and decrease with CR. We hypothesized that the genetic reduction of circulating IGF‐1 levels seen in liver‐specific IGF‐1‐deficient (LID) mice would diminish the tumor burden of orthotopically transplanted pancreatic cancer cells, similar to CR, while administration of exogenous IGF‐1 would restore the tumor burden. To test this hypothesis, mouse pancreatic cancer cells (JC101, derived from our BK5‐COX‐2 transgenic mouse model of spontaneous pancreatic cancer) were orthotopically transplanted in LID and littermate control (LC) mice. LID mice were also randomized to receive Alzet miniature osmotic pumps (implanted subcutaneously) continuously infusing either vehicle (n=8) or 1 µg/hr of recombinant human IGF‐1 (Increlex®, Tercica, Inc., Brisbane, CA; n=8). LC mice were infused with vehicle (n=8). Mice were killed 28 days after injection, blood was collected by cardiac puncture and serum samples were stored at −80°C, and tumors were weighed and fixed in 10% normal buffered formalin for histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. IHC staining was performed on paraffin‐embedded tissues using antibodies against Ki67 and cyclin D1 to assess proliferation. LID mice exhibited significantly smaller tumors (0.20 ± 0.02 g) than LC mice (0.45 ± 0.11 g, p Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A102.
Complementary and alternative modalities to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms: a review of the evidence on several therapies often used for osteoarthritis management.

OVERVIEW Conventional medical treatment of osteoarthritis often successfully relieves pain but can also produce adverse gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects, especially with long-term use. Hence, many patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to prevent, control, and manage the pain of osteoarthritis. The author reviews the evidence on the efficacy and safety of several CAM therapies often used for osteoarthritis management, including mind-body therapies, supplements, and body-based treatments.
THE ESTABLISHMENT AND APPLICATION OF NETWORK COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL IN MINI-CONTROL SYSTEM

Aimed at a class of communication problem between the SCM and main computers, a network communication protocol in mini-control system used in SCM has been establish. The principle of protocol has been given. Furthermore, the question of a checkout-code has been analyzed. A checkout-code used for mini-control system of communication protocol, the Non-Zero Checkout-Code, was brought out. In the end, it was been realized in SCM and was checked with stability and validity.
Abstract A116: A predictive model to identify immunogenic neoepitopes in patients with melanoma treated with CTLA-4 blockade

Recent studies have shown that CD8+ T cells that recognize neoantigens presented by tumor cells, but the target specificity of these tumor infiltrating T cells are largely unknown. Developing a predictive model that identifies immunogenic neoepitopes presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules is critical to identify potential vaccine targets and to improve prediction of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. We hypothesize that the immunogenic heterogeneity of tumors may explain, in part, differences in clinical response that individual patients derive to checkpoint blockade therapy. We have recently shown that the relative hydrophobicity of T cell receptor (TCR) contact residues is a hallmark of immunogenic MHC class I epitopes, and that this may represent a biochemical basis by which T cells discriminate immunogenic epitopes within the background of self-peptides. Here, we extend this analysis using candidate MHC class I tumor neopeptides from patients with melanoma. Somatic missense mutations were identified from recently published data on whole-exome sequencing of tumors from 11 patients who derived a long-term benefit and 14 patients who derived a minimal or no benefit from ipilimumab or tremelimumab. Mutational burden ranged from 1 to 1,304 mutations per tumor. More than 3,200 potential MHC class I neopeptides were identified based on a predicted binding algorithm (binding affinity, ≤500 nM). Our preliminary results indicate significant differences in hydrophobicity at the anchor residues P2 and P9 (P Citation Format: Diego Chowell, Sri Krishna, Alexandra Snyder, Makarov Vladimir, Timothy A. Chan, Karen S. Anderson. A predictive model to identify immunogenic neoepitopes in patients with melanoma treated with CTLA-4 blockade. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A116.
Serotonergic Neurons Differentially Modulate the Efficacy of Two Motor Neurons Innervating the Same Muscle Fibers in Aplysia

Fox, Lyle E. and Philip E. Lloyd. Serotonergic neurons differentially modulate the efficacy of two motor neurons innervating the same muscle fibers in Aplysia. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 647–655, 1998. F...
Abstract 51: Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Mortality in Stage D Heart Failure Patients

Background Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has shown to be a predictor of prognosis in acute heart failure and other disorders like pancreatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but utility of NLR in chronic heart failure has not been evaluated before. Our hypothesis is that NLR is an independent predictor of prognosis in advanced (“stage D”) chronic heart failure. Methods We reviewed 537 consecutive patients with stage D heart failure who underwent evaluation for advanced heart failure therapies from 2007 to 2010. Patients were divided into tertiles based on NLR. Predictors of NLR and mortality were determined. Survival was determined by chart review and confirmed by Social Security Death Index. Results In our study cohort (mean age 53.6 ± 12.8 years, 73% male, mean LVEF 21.6 ± 14.2%), higher NLR was associated with lower albumin (OR, 0.23, 95% CI, 0.16-0.34) and higher blood urea nitrogen (OR, 1.03, 95% CI, 1.01, 1.04). Death rates increased with NLR by tertiles (7.3%, 31.6%, and 41.8%). NLR (HR, 1.02, 95% CI, 1.01, 1.05) proved to be an independent predictor of mortality in a multivariate model including albumin and blood urea nitrogen. Conclusion In patients with advanced Stage D chronic heart failure, NLR is an independent predictor of mortality. Figure 1: Survival Analysis showing increasing mortality with increasing NLR by tertiles. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif