cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Marketing System Concept and an Environmental Analysis: The Case of Nigeria

Given that marketing exists within an environment, this paper presents a normative perspective on the limited relevance of marketing in an environment characterized by persistent shortages. As an example, the Nigerian environment is examined. The investigation revealed that Nigerian sellers with a higher reliance on imported raw materials and incidental constraints find demand increases hard to tackle. The key words in the Nigerian environment seem to be allocation and rationing, and not marketing.
On the Transfer of Technology and Management Know-How

Technology transfer and creation as a tool for economic development has gained increased importance after World War II. The countries that were successful in technology creation also became the world’s most advanced countries and transferor of technology; whereas other nations unsuccessful in their attempts tried to catch up with their counterparts by means of technology transfers. Those nations that were successful in adapting and absorbing the incoming technologies began to improve existing technologies and create new technologies. Therefore, one of the prerequisites of domestic technology creation is the success achieved in adaptation of imported technology. By increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of technology transfers, the technology base may be widened and a greater number of countries should be able to enjoy its merits.
Assessing Military Missions

Military missions are a component of everyday life in Latin America, but seldom studied and often misunderstood. Pion-Berlin provides a framework for understanding whether or not military missions serve any useful purpose. He reviews the classic guns versus butter debate, and then assesses literature on the location and nature of missions. Finding that these two literatures do not adequately address the question of mission utility, he turns to his own pragmatic approach predicated on an appraisal of the nature and gravity of problems afflicting a country, the capability of the military to address them, and the availability of civilian alternatives. He argues there must be a compatibility between a military’s organizational strengths on the one hand, and problems which it is asked to address on the other. When that convergence is achieved, the armed forces can perform well in domestic operations, conducting themselves in a manner that is effective, humane, and that fulfills the policy objectives of democratic governments.
Empirical Multiphase Dielectric Mixing Model for Cement-Based Materials Containing Alkali-Silica Reaction Gel

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a common cause of concrete deterioration. Water (either in free or bound form), in the presence of reactive aggregates, plays a major role in the reaction itself and in the formation and expansion of the deleterious gel produced. Since microwave signals are sensitive to the presence of water in dielectric materials, microwave materials characterization techniques have the potential to detect and monitor ASR gel in concrete structures. Dielectric mixing models are physics-based models that relate the macroscopic (i.e., effective) dielectric constant of a material to the dielectric constant of its constituents and their respective volumetric contents. In this investigation, an empirical multiphase dielectric mixing model is developed in conjunction with measured dielectric constants of two sets of mortar samples with ASR-reactive and nonreactive aggregates at R-band (1.7–2.6 GHz). The proposed model is capable of closely predicting the effective (temporal) dielectric constant of the samples. The modeling results are validated by a comparison with the measured temporal dielectric constant of the samples, showing good agreement. Through this investigation, quantitative information on the influence of constituents of ASR-reactive mortar samples (including ASR gel) are obtained, and the pertinent results indicate significant potential for microwave materials characterization techniques for ASR detection and evaluation.
Comparing neural control and mechanically intrinsic control of powered ankle exoskeletons

There are an infinite number of ways to control an assistive robotic device; however, there is little consensus on which ways are better than others and why. We designed this study to compare the control of powered ankle exoskeletons using neural measurements to drive control versus that using mechanically intrinsic measurements. The controller driven by neural measurements was a dynamic gain proportional myoelectric controller using user's soleus muscle activity for an actuation signal. The controller driven by mechanically intrinsic measurements was a timing-based controller using detected heel-strikes of the user to appropriately time actuation. We designed these two controllers in such a way that both had the same average actuation signal and tested them with 8 healthy subjects. Results show no significant difference in metabolic work rate between the two controllers. Both controllers resulted in reductions in metabolic work rate of 19% below walking in the devices unpowered. We found that subjects using the timing-based mechanically intrinsic controller exhibited less positive and negative total ankle power than when using the dynamic gain proportional myoelectric controller. This finding was coupled with a reduction of 11.8% in soleus muscle activity. We believe these finding can have large implications for applications in rehabilitation and lend insight to when one controller is more appropriate to use than another.
Fetal Overnutrition and Adolescent Hepatic Fat Fraction: The Exploring Perinatal Outcomes in Children Study

Objective To determine if fetal overnutrition resulting from maternal obesity or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased liver fat during adolescence, adjusting for past and current metabolic risk factors. Study design Data come from a historical prospective cohort study (Exploring Perinatal Outcomes in Children) of 254 mother-child pairs in Colorado who participated in 2 research visits at T1 (mean age 10.4, SD = 1.5 years) and at T2 (mean age 16.4, SD = 1.5 years), and had complete exposure and outcome data. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the effects of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and GDM on hepatic fat fraction (HFF) by magnetic resonance imaging at T2. Results Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity (BMI 30+) was significantly associated (β = 1.59, CI = 0.66, 2.52) with increased HFF relative to mothers with normal pre-pregnancy weight (BMI Conclusions Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with increased HFF in offspring independent of childhood and adolescent adiposity. Intervention studies are needed to test the hypothesis that maternal obesity is a modifiable risk factor for childhood fatty liver disease.
Phylogenomic analysis of Fundulidae (Teleostei: Cyprinodotiformes) using RNA-sequencing data.

Abstract Fishes of the New World cyprinodontiform family Fundulidae display a wide variety of tolerance to environmental conditions, making them a valuable model system for comparative, evolutionary, and environmental studies. Despite numerous attempts to resolve the phylogenetic relationships of family Fundulidae, the basal structure of the phylogeny remains unresolved. The lack of a robust and fully resolved phylogeny for family Fundulidae and its most speciose genus Fundulus is an impediment to future research. This study utilized novel RNA-sequencing data for phylogenetic inference among16 members of Fundulidae to better refine the basal nodes of the family and confront long-standing questions regarding (1) the monophyletic status of genus Fundulus, and validity of the Lucania and recently synonymized Adinia genera; (2) the relationship of the west coast endemic Fundulus parvipinnis and F. lima to other Fundulus species; and (3) the validity of subgeneric classifications. In addition, previously published nuclear gene sequences for 32 Fundulidae species were re-analyzed in combination with novel RNA-sequencing data. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses generated identical phylogenies with strong statistical support at nearly all nodes, demonstrating the utility of RNA-sequencing data in constructing robust phylogenies not achievable by previous methods. While many past hypothesized evolutionary relationships for Fundulidae were reinforced, several alternative relationships are hypothesized at basal nodes resulting in a re-analysis of the deeper structure of family Fundulidae. These results reveal family Fundulidae as a paraphyletic grouping of members of genus Fundulus and Lucania and supports the previous synonymy of genus Adinia with genus Fundulus.
Asians as Individuals: The Japanese Community:

Both Japanese Americans and non-Asian social workers must adopt new attitudes if human services needs of this minority are to be met effectively
“They Learn to Convivir”: Immigrant Latinx Parents’ Perspectives on Cultural Socialization in Organized Youth Activities

This qualitative study explored immigrant Latinx parents’ views of the role organized youth activities play in their children’s cultural socialization. Respondents were 29 Latinx caregivers of adol...
Wavelength selective separation of metal ions using electroactive ligands

The separation of metal ions can be challenging because of similarities in charge density, size, and binding affinities. Here, we introduce a new photochemical separation strategy that relies on the intrinsically unique photophysical properties of metal ion complexes and the selective transformation of an electroactive ligand.
Life Histories of Resource Species

I have chosen to discuss separately the history of fisheries research from two aspects of fisheries that rely on basic research: fish population dynamics and fisheries management. Fisheries research encompasses effort directed to obtaining knowledge on all life history aspects of commercial and recreation fish and shellfish life histories such as mating, spawning, early development, food, feeding habits, age estimation, growth, extent of migration, survival, effects of parasites, and diseases.
Tocilizumab and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Direct Comparison Among Biologic Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Objective Multiple studies have shown seemingly unfavorable changes in lipid profiles associated with interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) antagonists and some other therapies for rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to assess the real-world cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associated with tocilizumab, the first anti-IL-6R medication approved for the treatment of RA. Methods We conducted a cohort study using 2006-2015 Medicare and MarketScan claims for patients with RA in whom treatment with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs was initiated after January 1, 2010. The primary outcome was a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, and fatal CVD, assessed using a validated method. The influence of potential confounding due to RA disease activity was assessed in a subgroup analysis (~5-10% of biologic therapy initiations) using the multi-biomarker disease activity (MBDA) score. Results A total of 88,463 patients with RA were included. The crude incidence rate (IR) per 1,000 patient-years for composite CVD events among Medicare patients ranged from 11.8 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 9.7-14.4) for etanercept users to 17.3 (95% CI 15.2-19.7) for infliximab users. The crude IR for pooled users of a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor was 15.0 (95% CI 13.9-16.3). Compared to tocilizumab, the corresponding adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.01 (95% CI 0.79-1.28) for abatacept, 1.16 (95% CI 0.89-1.53) for rituximab, 1.10 (95% CI 0.80-1.51) for etanercept, 1.33 (95% CI 0.99-1.80) for adalimumab, and 1.61 (95% CI 1.22-2.12) for infliximab. There were no statistically significant differences in the risk of CVD between tocilizumab and any other biologic when MarketScan data were used. Results were robust in numerous subgroup analyses and after external adjustment to control for RA disease activity in the subgroup of patients with linked MBDA test results (n = 4,156). Conclusion Tocilizumab was associated with a CVD risk comparable to that for etanercept as well as a number of other biologics used for the treatment of RA.
Large-area GMR bio-sensors based on reverse nucleation switching mechanism

Abstract In the past 20 years, several studies have been performed on the detection of biomarkers by the stripe-shaped spin valve sensors, whose sensitivity is limited by their small sensing area and large sensor resistance. In this paper, large-area spin valve sensors with lower aspect ratio are introduced. A reverse nucleation mechanism is proposed to demonstrate the different switching processes in large-area sensors. The simulation results further prove the involvement of reverse nucleation sites during the magnetization reversal. Large-area sensors also exhibit a linear response to the concentration of magnetic nanoparticles with a sensor signal more than 20 times larger than the stripe sensors.
Compact Planar Antenna System for Full- Duplex Wireless Applications

Orthogonal polarization and ninety-degree rotational symmetry are used to design a compact antenna system with high port isolation for full-duplex wireless applications. Two transmitter and two receiver elements are fed perfectly out of phase with wideband one-hundred-eighty-degree couplers. The system is modeled, achieving a simulated isolation of greater than 52.3 dB and gain of greater than 8.6 dB over the band from 5.24 to 6.94 GHz.
Survey response burden in caregivers of civilians and service members/veterans with traumatic brain injury.

Purpose Caregivers have expressed interest in survey research, yet there is limited information available about survey response burden, ie, the time, effort, and other demands needed to complete the survey. This may be particularly important for caregivers due to excessive time demands and/or stress associated with caregiving. Method Survey response burden indicators were collected as part of a study to develop and validate a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measurement system for caregivers of civilians or service members/veterans (SMVs) with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Results Compared to the group caring for civilians (n=335), the group caring for SMVs (n=123) was comprised of all women, was younger, had fewer racial/ethnic minorities, had more education, and nearly all were the spouse of a person with TBI. All PRO outcomes were poorer for the group caring for SMVs. Although the caregivers of SMVs had poorer PRO outcomes compared to caregivers of civilians, they were more likely to report that they would recommend the study to others. Caregivers with less education and those from racial/ethnic minority groups had more favorable ratings of their study participation experience, even though they needed more help using the computer or answering the questions. Conclusion The results of this study provide useful information about the acceptability of computer-based survey administration for caregiver PROs. PROs are widely gathered in clinical and health services research and could be particularly useful in TBI care programs. More data are needed to determine the best assessment strategies for individuals with lower education who are likely to require some assistance completing PRO surveys. Studies evaluating PROs administered by multimedia platforms could help researchers and clinicians plan the best strategies for assessing health-related quality of life in TBI caregivers.
An Examination of Advocacy Education in Residency Training

Context.— Pathology-related advocacy is best when performed directly by pathologists. Practicing advocacy is included in the Milestones 2.0 and should be introduced during residency training. Objec...
The Commodification of Identity in Victorian Narrative: Autobiography, Sensation, and the Literary Marketplace

In the first half of the nineteenth century autobiography became, for the first time, an explicitly commercial genre. Drawing together quantitative data on the Victorian book market, insights from the business ledgers of Victorian publishers and close readings of mid-century novels, Sean Grass demonstrates the close links between these genres and broader Victorian textual and material cultures. This book offers fresh perspectives on major works by Charles Dickens, George Eliot, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Wilkie Collins and Charles Reade, while also featuring archival research that reveals the volume, diversity, and marketability of Victorian autobiographical texts for the first time. Grass presents life-writing not as a stand-alone genre, but as an integral part of a broader movement of literary, cultural, legal and economic practices through which the Victorians transformed identity into a textual object of capitalist exchange.
Chicken MBD4 Regulates Immunoglobulin Diversification by Somatic Hypermutation

Immunoglobulin (Ig) diversification occurs via somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR), and is initiated by activation-induced deaminase (AID), which converts cytosine to uracil. Variable (V) region genes undergo SHM to create amino acid substitutions that produce antibodies with higher affinity for antigen. The conversion of cytosine to uracil in DNA promotes mutagenesis. Two distinct DNA repair mechanisms regulate uracil processing in Ig genes. The first involves base removal by the uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG), and the second detects uracil via the mismatch repair (MMR) complex. Methyl binding domain protein 4 (MBD4) is a uracil glycosylase and an intriguing candidate for involvement in somatic hypermutation because of its interaction with the MMR MutL homolog 1 (MLH1). We found that the DNA uracil glycosylase domain of MBD4 is highly conserved among mammals, birds, shark, and insects. Conservation of the human and chicken MBD4 uracil glycosylase domain structure is striking. Here we examined the function of MBD4 in chicken DT40 B cells which undergo constitutive SHM. We constructed structural variants of MBD4 DT40 cells using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Disruption of the MBD4 uracil glycosylase catalytic region increased SHM frequency in IgM loss assays. We propose that MBD4 plays a role in SHM.
Is the atonement necessary or fitting

In her impressive Atonement, Eleonore Stump claims that her novel Marian theory of the atonement meets a desideratum for a successful theory that Aquinas's theory does not, namely, showing that Christ's passion and death are essential to the solution to the problem of human sin. Here I suggest reasons to side with Aquinas, who says that Christ's suffering and death are not necessary, but merely a fitting way of solving the problem. If the fittingness of Christ's passion and death is a good enough justification for it, we lose a motivation for adopting the Marian theory over the Thomistic one.
Outcomes in intermediate-risk squamous cell carcinomas treated with Mohs micrographic surgery compared with wide local excision

Background Brigham and Women's Hospital stage T2a squamous cell carcinomas, demonstrating a single high-risk feature, have a low risk of metastasis and death but an increased risk of local recurrence. Little evidence exists for the best treatment modality and associated outcomes in T2a squamous cell carcinoma. Objective We aimed to compare outcomes for T2a squamous cell carcinoma treated by Mohs micrographic surgery compared with wide local excision with permanent sections. Methods Retrospective review of an institutional review board–approved single-institution registry of T2a squamous cell carcinoma. Results Three hundred sixty-six primary T2a tumors were identified, including 240 squamous cell carcinomas (65.6%) treated with Mohs micrographic surgery and 126 (34.4%) treated with wide local excision. A total of 32.5% of patients were immunosuppressed and mean oncologic follow-up was 2.8 years. Local recurrence was significantly more likely after wide local excision (4.0%) than after Mohs micrographic surgery (1.2%) (P = .03). Multiple logistic regression demonstrated immunocompromised state (odds ratio [OR] 5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-23.3; P = .03) and wide local excision (OR 4.8; 95% CI 1.1-21.6; P = .04) associated with local recurrence; and wide local excision (OR 7.8; 95% CI 2.4-25.4; P Conclusion Mohs micrographic surgery provides improved outcomes in Brigham and Women's Hospital T2a squamous cell carcinoma.
Effectiveness of Isolation and Contact Tracing for Containment and Slowing Down a COVID-19 Epidemic: A Modelling Study

Background: Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is extending its range of transmission in all parts of the world, with substantial variation in rates of transmission and severity of associated disease. Methods: We evaluated whether and under which conditions it is possible to control and slow down a COVID-19 epidemic in the early stages by isolation and contact tracing. We used a stochastic transmission model in which every person generates novel infections according to a probability distribution that is affected by the incubation period distribution (time from infection to symptoms), distribution of the latent period (time from infection to a person becoming infectious), and overall transmissibility. The model distinguishes between close contacts (e.g., within a household) and other contacts in the population. Findings: The analyses showed that transmissibility and the duration of the latent period relative to the duration of incubation period have strong impact on the controllability of the disease. Delays in diagnosis of cases and proportion of asymptomatic cases are key factors for containment and slowing down the epidemic. Interpretation: Isolation and contact tracing can be an effective means to control early epidemics, but only if transmissibility as measured by R0 is in the lower ranges of reported values. Timeliness as well as completeness of tracing and diagnosis of cases are paramount to achieve containment and effective slowing down of the epidemic growth rate. Funding Statement: This research was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and by ZonMw project number 91216062. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
Disparities in food insecurity at the intersection of race and sexual orientation: A population-based study of adult women in the United States.

Abstract Food insecurity affects 1 in 8 American adults annually, and is more prevalent in Black and sexual minority women. We applied an intersectional approach to investigate food insecurity prevalence in women with intersecting minority race and sexual orientation. We used two United States surveillance systems—National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2013–2018 and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2014, to estimate how race and sexual orientation jointly influence food insecurity prevalence in women aged 18–59 years (NHIS: N = 47596; NHANES: N = 5106). All analyses were stratified for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) use. Relative measures estimated weighted prevalence ratios (PR) comparing Black and White sexual minority women (SMW) to heterosexual White women. Absolute prevalence measures estimated the excess prevalence of food insecurity due to multiple marginalization. Patterns of food insecurity prevalence were similar across NHIS and NHANES, and differed only for non-SNAP users. Relative prevalence of food insecurity was greater in Black SMW than heterosexual White women in NHIS (PR: 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41–3.30) and NHANES (PR: 2.79; 95% CI, 1.73–4.51). The strength of the association between multiple marginalization and food insecurity was stronger for Black SMW than White SMW. Absolute measures were significant only for NHIS and did not support our a priori hypothesis: For non-SNAP users, being Black and sexual minority reduced the joint disparity in food insecurity by approximately 50% (Synergy Index: 0.52; 95% CI, 0.11–0.93). Overall, our study illuminated population-level differences in food insecurity among women of diverse minority races and sexual orientations. Black SMW experienced high rates of food insecurity, which may contribute to chronic disease disparities. Yet, intersecting minority social positions (race and sexual orientation) reduced food insecurity; these findings are unexpected and must be further investigated. Increasing SNAP use among multiply marginalized women may attenuate food insecurity disparities.
Ultraperipheral Collisions at RHIC and the LHC

Abstract The current status of ultraperipheral measurements in heavy ion collisions is discussed, with an emphasis on what is learned from one photon (photonuclear) and two photon ( γ + γ ) processes. The interpretation of recent data on “nonUPC” events, in which electromagnetic processes occur simultaneously with hadronic ones, is also discussed. Results from the LHC (ALICE, ATLAS, CMS, and LHCb) and the STAR experiment at RHIC are discussed.
17 Activity sensors for noninvasive monitoring of immune response and tumor resistance during immune checkpoint blockade therapy

Background Despite the curative potential of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, only small subsets of patients achieve tumor regression while many responders relapse and acquire resistance. Monitoring treatment response and detecting the onset of resistance are critical for improving patient prognoses. Here we engineered ICB antibody-sensor conjugates known as ICB-Dx by coupling peptides sensing the activity of granzyme B (GzmB), a T cell cytotoxic protease, directly on αPD1 antibody to monitor therapeutic responses by producing a fluorescent reporter into urine. To develop biomarkers that indicate mechanisms of resistance to ICB, we generated B2m-/- and Jak1-/- tumor models and performed transcriptomic analyses to identify unique protease signatures of these resistance mechanisms. We then built a multiplexed library of αPD1-Dx capable of detecting early therapeutic response and illuminating resistance mechanisms during ICB therapy. Methods FITC-labeled GzmB substrates were synthesized (CEM) and conjugated to αPD1 antibody. B2m-/- and Jak1-/- tumors were generated from WT MC38 cells using CRISPR/Cas9. For tumor studies, 106 cells were inoculated s.c. in B6 mice. Tumor mice were treated with αPD1 or IgG1 isotype conjugates (0.1 mg), and urine was collected at 3 hours. Tumor RNA was isolated with RNEasy kit (Qiagen) and prepared for sequencing with TruSeq mRNA kit (Illumina). Results To synthesize αPD1-Dx, we coupled FITC-labeled GzmB substrates to αPD1 antibody (figure 1a). In MC38 tumors, systemic administration of αPD1-Dx lowered tumor burden relative to control treatment while producing significantly elevated urine signals that preceded tumor regression (figure 1b, c). To investigate the ability to monitor tumor resistance to ICB, we developed knockout tumors to model B2m and Jak1 mutations, which are observed in human patients. in vivo, B2m-/- and Jak1-/- MC38 tumors were resistant to αPD1 monotherapy (figure 1d). Tumor RNA sequencing revealed that gene expression was altered during αPD1 treatment only in WT tumors. Importantly, B2m-/- tumors showed very different expression profiles than Jak1-/- tumors during αPD1 treatment, indicative of unique regulation of resistance (figure 1e). We used differential expression analyses to discover unique protease signatures associated with these two resistance mechanisms. Finally, a multiplexed library of αPD1-Dx engineered to monitor both tumor and immune proteases detected early on-treatment responses and stratified B2m-/- from Jak1-/- resistance with high diagnostic validity (figure 1f). Conclusions We have engineered activity sensors that accurately detect therapeutic responses and stratify resistance mechanisms noninvasively from urine, thereby potentially expanding the precision of ICB therapy to benefit cancer patients. Ethics Approval All animal studies were approved by Georgia Tech IACUC (A100193)
Coveting thy neighbor’s manufacturing: the dilemma of state income apportionment

Abstract This paper investigates the economic impact of the apportionment formulae used to divide corporate income taxes among the states. Most apportionment formulae, by including payroll, turn the state corporate income tax at least partially into a payroll tax. Using panel data from 1978–1994, the results show that this distortion has an important effect on state-level employment. For the average state, reducing the payroll weight from one-third to one-quarter increases manufacturing employment around 1.1%, concentrated in durable goods manufacturing and with larger effects in the long-run. The results also suggest that apportionment changes have important negative externalities on other states. On average, the aggregate effects of apportionment formula changes are close to zero.
Highway Asset and Pavement Condition Management using Mobile Photogrammetry

Highway asset condition is of the utmost importance for transportation maintenance and pedestrian safety. Transportation facility managers must have up-to-date information on the status of all tran...
Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics in Measuring Carbon Footprints: Disentangling Structure and Artifact in Input-Output Accounting.

Author(s): Loomis, Samuel P; Cooper, Mark; Crutchfield, James P | Abstract: Multiregional input-output (MRIO) tables, in conjunction with Leontief analysis, are widely-used to assess the geographical distribution of carbon emissions and the economic activities that cause them. We examine Leontief analysis as a model, demonstrating commonalities with modern approaches in information theory and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. Paralleling the physical concept of thermo-majorization, we define the concept of eco-majorization and show it is a sufficient condition to determine the directionality of embodied impact flows. Surprisingly, relatively small trade deficits and geographically heterogeneous impacts greatly increase the appearance of eco-majorization, regardless of any further content in the MRIO tables used. Our results are bolstered by a statistical analysis of null models of MRIO tables developed by the Global Trade Aggregation Project.
Thinking inside the box: Current insights into targeting orbital tissue remodeling and inflammation in thyroid eye disease.

Abstract Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune disorder that manifests in the orbit. In TED, the connective tissue behind the eye becomes inflamed and remodels with increased fat accumulation and/or increased muscle and scar tissue. As orbital tissue expands, patients develop edema, exophthalmos, diplopia, and optic neuropathy. In severe cases, vision loss may occur secondary to corneal scarring from exposure or optic nerve compression. Currently there is no cure for TED, and treatments are limited. A major breakthrough in TED therapy occurred with the FDA approval of teprotumumab, a monoclonal insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) blocking antibody. Yet, teprotumumab therapy has limitations, including cost, infusion method of drug delivery, variable response, and relapse. We describe approaches to target orbital fibroblasts and the complex pathophysiology that underlies tissue remodeling and inflammation driving TED. Further advances in the elucidation of the mechanisms of TED may lead to prophylaxis based upon early biomarkers as well as lead to more convenient, less expensive therapies.
Some Subcortical Mechanisms Involved in Experimental Generalized Seizures

The involvement of the cerebral cortex in the initiation, spread, and expression of many types of seizures was recognized as early as the nineteenth century by Hughlings Jackson (46,47). This was confirmed through observations of seizures resulting from electrical cortical stimulation in animals (25). Functional localization studies and electroencephalography (48,70) led to further emphasis on the role of the cerebral cortex, since subcortical contributions to unaveraged scalp recordings are insignificant (19). Nevertheless, noncortical structures are undoubtably involved in virtually all epileptic seizures since all cortical regions have direct subcortical connections which join these areas to systems subserving motor, sensory and other functions. Forty years ago, Penfield and Jasper (49,69,70) postulated an upper brainstem neural system, the “centrencephalic integrating system” with symmetric ascending connections with each hemisphere. Primary generalized seizures of all types were believed to originate in this system (70) and it was also felt to mediate the transformation of focal cortical seizures into generalized convulsions. This system was tentatively identified with the mesencephalic reticular formation and the midline and intralaminar thalamic nuclei and was thought to also be involved in higher cerebral functions such as voluntary movement, memory and consciousness itself (70).
Technological Progress and the Earnings of Older Workers

Economists’ standard model assumes that improvements in total factor productivity (TFP) raise the marginal product of labor for all workers evenly. This paper uses an earnings dynamics regression model to study whether, in practice, older workers benefit less from TFP growth than younger workers. We utilize panel earnings data from the Social Security Administration’s Continuous Work History Sample. The data include workers of all ages, and we use annual figures for 1950-2004. Our first specification relies on BLS measurements of TFP. Our second model develops a new TFP measure using a principal components analysis. We find that although the earnings of younger workers track TFP growth 1-for-1, the earnings of older workers do not: we find, for example, that a 60-year-old male’s earnings grow only 85-90% as fast as TFP. Nevertheless, our analysis implies that in an economy with an aging labor force, gains from experience tend to outweigh older workers’ inability to benefit fully from TFP improvements.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging as a Biomarker for REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and Parkinson's Disease (S57.003)

OBJECTIVE: To determine if diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the substantia nigra (SN) is an effective biomarker for premotor Parkinson’s disease (PD). BACKGROUND: To date, a highly specific and sensitive premotor biomarker has yet to be established for the identification of premotor Parkinson’s disease. REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a condition for which there is a substantially increased relative risk of developing PD. Using DTI of the SN, fractional anisotropic (FA) analysis has been reported to be highly sensitive and specific for separating early idiopathic PD from age-matched controls. Detection of hyposmia may further increase sensitivity for identifying premotor PD. DESIGN/METHODS: Subjects with untreated idiopathic PD within 1 year of symptom onset, idiopathic RBD, and age-matched controls were imaged using DTI sequences of the midbrain. Three regions of interest dividing the substantia nigra into thirds (medial to lateral) in an axial plane just caudal to the red nucleus were ascertained by two blinded neuroradiologists, and FA values were calculated. University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Tests (UPSITs) were administered to RBD subjects. RESULTS: 9 subjects (3 PD, 3 RBD and 3 controls) were scanned. Mean FA values in PD were significantly reduced in the lateral (0.45 vs 0.54) and medial (0.61 vs 0.74) thirds of the SN compared to controls (p<0.001). Mean FA values in RBD were significantly reduced in the medial third of the SN compared to controls (0.66 vs 0.74, p<0.001). One RBD subject had abnormally low UPSIT (score=11) and at 1 year followup had developed motor PD. This subject had significantly reduced FA values in all segments of SN. CONCLUSIONS: DTI of the SN, combined with smell identification testing, may be a valuable imaging biomarker to identify premotor PD in an at-risk cohort such as RBD. Further longitudinal imaging studies of this cohort are warranted. Study Supported by: a pilot grant from the OHSU Advanced Imaging Research Center Disclosure: Dr. Brodsky has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience and Medtronic, Inc. Dr. Brodsky has received research support from Ipsen and Merz. Dr. Grinstead has received personal compensation for activities with Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. as an employee. Dr. Lahna has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pollock has nothing to disclose.
Production, Isolation, and Preliminary Toxicity Studies of Brevianamide A from Cultures of Penicillium viridicatum

Brevianamide A, one of a novel group of alkaloids first obtained from Penicillium brevi-compactum, has also been isolated as a principal metabolite from two key isolates of P. viridicatum. Procedures for bioproduction and purification are described. This compound was not toxic when fed or injected into mice and had no antibiotic properties against several common bacterial and fungal microorganisms. Brevianamides A and B are among at least four yellow metabolites that may be formed by isolates of P. viridicatum.
Heat-induced hyperactivation

Purpose:The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the sperm hyperactivation and related kinematic parameters at 40°C after using four sperm wash procedures and (2) to correlate the heat-induced hyperactivation data with cases of clinical pregnancies from either artificial insemination or standard in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Performance of MIMO space-time coded discrete modulations .1. Introduction and flat-fading channels

We consider the maximum-likelihood (ML) decoding performance of concatenated space-time (ST) random coded communication utilizing multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) antennas on quasi-static fading channels. The ensemble-averaged codeword error rates of such systems can be upper bounded by the outage probabilities of the corresponding conditional cutoff rates. We refer to these as the information cutoff probabilities and evaluate them numerically for a wide range of ST coding schemes. The slope behaviors of these cutoff probabilities are found to be consistent with the maximum achievable diversity orders given by a new unified bound. With simulations of a class of ST coding schemes based on bit-interleaved coded modulations and iterative spatial/temporal decoders, we further show these cutoff probabilities can provide accurate predictions for total performance gains.
Limit Analysis of Ductile Fiber-Reinforced Structures

A continuum theory of plastic behavior of fiber-reinforced materials, presented earlier by the writers, is outlined. The theory, valid for general states of stress, is based on a maximum shear stress criterion and accounts for plastic extensibility of the fibers as well as plastic flow of the ductile matrix material. Application of the general theory, stated in terms of appropriate stress resultants, is made to reinforced beams and plates. Yield or interaction surfaces are constructed giving the critical combinations of generalized stresses under which yielding may occur. Significant features of structural behavior, as predicted by the theory, are brought out by studying the characteristics of the interaction surfaces and by considering some simple applications. One outstanding feature is the apparent shear-limited plastic behavior of structures with strong reinforcing fibers. The presence of strong fibers is shown to induce transverse shear failure rather than bending failure in structures composed of isotropic materials.
Analysis of astrovirus serotype 1 RNA, identification of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase motif, and expression of a viral structural protein.

Abstract We report the results from sequence analysis and expression studies of the gastroenteritis agent astrovirus serotype 1. We have cloned and sequenced 5,944 nucleotides (nt) of the estimated 7.2-kb RNA genome and have identified three open reading frames (ORFs). ORF-3, at the 3' end, is 2,361 nt in length and is fully encoded in both the genomic and subgenomic viral RNAs. Expression of ORF-3 in vitro yields an 87-kDa protein that is immunoprecipitated with a monoclonal antibody specific for viral capsids. This protein comigrates with an authentic 87-kDa astrovirus protein immunoprecipitated from infected cells, indicating that this region encodes a viral structural protein. The adjacent upstream ORF (ORF-2) is 1,557 nt in length and contains a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase motif. The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase motifs from four astrovirus serotypes are compared. Partial sequence (2,018 nt) of the most 5' ORF (ORF-1) reveals a 3C-like serine protease motif. The ORF-1 sequence is incomplete. These results indicate that the astrovirus genome is organized with nonstructural proteins encoded at the 5' end and structural proteins at the 3' end. ORF-2 has no start methionine and is in the -1 frame compared with ORF-1. We present sequence evidence for a ribosomal frameshift mechanism for expression of the viral polymerase.
Transportation research for community objectives

An action-oriented research project was initiated by the Transportation Institute of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. The researchers initially conducted a preliminary analysis of transportation problems faced by the low-income neighborhoods. They then designed and conducted a research project that emphasized the possible solutions to the problems investigated. Language: en
Highly enantioselective synthesis of alky- and aryl-substituted α-allenic alcohols

Abstract Metalation of 2-alkynes with BuLi followed by treatment with diisopinocampheylchloroborane and warming to room temperature gives exclusively the propargylic diisopinocampheylboron derivatives. These on treatment with aldehydes at −100 °C in ether, provide alkyl- and aryl-substituted α-allenic alcohols in high regiomeric and enantiomeric purities.
The effect of deformation on abnormal grain growth in tungsten ingots

This paper reports a study of abnormal grain growth in tungsten ingots that had been deformed in compression at elevated temperatures. The results show that very large grains form in these samples directly from the polygonized structure when the deformed samples are annealed. A critical amount of deformation is required to begin this process. Beyond that point, the resulting grain size decreases with increasing amounts of deformation and decreasing test temperature. Abnormal grain growth occurs first in the regions of the sample that have undergone the most strain. Two factors appear to provide the driving force for the formation of these large grains. One is the elimination of grain boundary area. This effect would be present in any system undergoing regular or abnormal grain growth. The other is the elimination of grains that are more highly strained by grains that are less strained. In this way, this process is similar to the large grain growth resulting from strain annealing.
Localized orbitals in hydrogen bonded systems

Abstract The localized molecular orbitals for a variety of hydrogen bonded systems are obtained from their INDO and CNDO/2 wavefunctions. The bonding of these systems is qualitatively discussed in light of the localized orbitals.
Magnetic anisotropy in low-dimensional ferromagnetic systems: Fe monolayers on Ag(001), Au(001), and Pd(001) substrates.

A second-variation full-potential linear augmented-plane-wave total-energy method for thin-film ferromagnetic systems is used to study the spin-orbit-interaction contribution to the magnetic anisotropy. For a free-standing Fe monolayer, the spin magnetization is determined to lie in the plane. Results for Fe monolayers on Au(001), Ag(001), and Pd(001) substrates indicate a preference for the spin direction to be perpendicular to the plane of the film. Computational details for this magnetic anisotropy are also discussed.
Freshwater mussel abundance and species richness: GIS relationships with watershed land use and geology

We tested the hypotheses that mussel species richness and density are related to landscape features of watersheds. Measures of species richness and mussel density were estimated at 118 sites in 36 ...
The right approach to sublobar resection: Segmentectomy is superior to non-anatomic wedge resection in patients with Stage IA non-small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most frequent indication for lung transplantation. The pathophysiology of IPF is unknown and effective treatments other than transplantation are not available. It has been speculated that proteasomes, the major non-lysosomal proteases in eukaryotes, are involved in IPF pathophysiology. However, information on 26S/20S proteasomes in normal human lungs and lungs from patients with IPF is lacking. Therefore, we studied whether lung 20S/26S proteasome content, activity and biochemical characteristics are altered in patients with IPF.
Lossless to lossy compression for hyperspectral imagery based on wavelet and integer KLT transforms with 3D binary EZW

In this paper, a lossless to lossy transform based image compression of hyperspectral images based on Integer Karhunen-Loeve Transform (IKLT) and Integer Discrete Wavelet Transform (IDWT) is proposed. Integer transforms are used to accomplish reversibility. The IKLT is used as a spectral decorrelator and the 2D-IDWT is used as a spatial decorrelator. The three-dimensional Binary Embedded Zerotree Wavelet (3D-BEZW) algorithm efficiently encodes hyperspectral volumetric image by implementing progressive bitplane coding. The signs and magnitudes of transform coefficients are encoded separately. Lossy and lossless compressions of signs are implemented by conventional EZW algorithm and arithmetic coding respectively. The efficient 3D-BEZW algorithm is applied to code magnitudes. Further compression can be achieved using arithmetic coding. The lossless and lossy compression performance is compared with other state of the art predictive and transform based image compression methods on Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) images. Results show that the 3D-BEZW performance is comparable to predictive algorithms. However, its computational cost is comparable to transform- based algorithms.
Evidence of autocatalysis in methanol to hydrocarbon reactions over zeolite catalysts

An analysis of the kinetic data for the conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons and the composition of light olefinic products suggests that autocatalytic reactions between methanol/dimethylether and olefins are important steps in the conversion process. Based on rate data obtained in an isothermal reaction system, the rate of higher olefin formation via an autocatalytic route is 50 times faster than the rate of initial formation of ethylene from methanol/dimethylether. This kinetic interpretation is supported by the observation that propylene instead of ethylene is the major hydrocarbon product at below 15% conversion (on a CH2 basis). A linear relationship exists between the intrinsic acid activity of the zeolite catalyst and the activity for methanol to hydrocarbon conversion.
Flow and fracture of free-standing Ag and Cu thin films and Ag/Cu multilayers

Free-standing polycrystalline films of Ag, Cu and Ag/Cu multilayers were tested in tension using an optical diffraction grating for the measurement of the strain. The yield stress and the rate of work hardening both increase strongly with decreasing layer thickness. These effects combine to raise the stress for ductile fracture up to 700 MPa and to lower the maximum plastic strain.
Production of prostaglandins by cells in vitro: Radioimmunoassay measurement of the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGE2 and PGF2α

Abstract A specific radioimmunoassay has been applied to the measurement of the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGE2 and PGF2α. PGE2 and PGF2α biosynthesis was linearly related to the amount of arachidonic acid added and was significantly inhibited by indomethacin in concentrations as low as 10−10 M. Sonicated Hela, L, and HEp-2 cells synthesized 244.0, 42.3, and 22.6 ng PGE2 per mg of protein, but made substantially less PGF2α.