cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hands Off My Brand! The Financial Consequences of Protecting Brands Through Trademark Infringement Lawsuits

AbstractWell-known brands are frequently imitated, misused, or tampered with. Firms facing these threats routinely turn to the legal system and file trademark infringement lawsuits in an attempt to prevent revenue losses and brand equity dilution. In this article, the authors address the largely unexplored issue of brand protection. First, they categorize all major types of trademark infringement. Second, using signaling and prospect theories, they present a conceptual model that outlines the financial consequences of defending a brand in court. The authors test the predictions of this framework using a large sample of trademark infringement lawsuits and find that although investors react negatively in the short term to firms’ filing and even to firms’ winning such cases, the long-term performance of firms that successfully leverage the legal system to protect their brands is positive.
Spicer, P. M. (2005). The therapeutic value of creative writing

(2006). Spicer, P. M. (2005). The therapeutic value of creative writing. SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 189-189.
A possible biological analogue of the reinforcement control device in self-organizing systems.

Virtually all self-organizing systems proposed as models for learning require a reinforcement control device. The biological analogue of this device has never been clear. Slow changes in the cortical potential may be correlates of a biological analogue of reinforcement control devices. Frequent pairings of novel stimuli with other stimuli eliciting specific responses produce a slow shift and oscillation in the cortical potential. This D. C. shift and oscillation occurs first in the sensory, and then in the motor cortex involved; it may be associated with the decreases or increases which occur in the threshold of cells in these cortical areas.
Brownian Motion and Gaussian Processes

We started this text with discussions of a single random variable. We then proceeded to two and more generally, a finite number of random variables. In the last chapter, we treated the random walk, which involved a countably infinite number of random variables, namely the positions of the random walk S n at times n = 0, 1, 2, 3, …. The time parameter n for the random walks we discussed in the last chapter belongs to the set of nonnegative integers, which is a countable set. We now look at a special continuous time stochastic process, which corresponds to an uncountable family of random variables, indexed by a time parametert belonging to a suitable uncountable time set T. The process we mainly treat in this chapter is Brownian motion, although some other Gaussian processes are also treated briefly.
The Physiological Range of Pressure Difference and Cupula Deflections in the Human Semicircular Canal: Theoretical Considerations

The question of what constitutes the “physiologic” behavior of the cupula has been the subject of debate for some time. Calculations are presented which suggest that the cupula constitutes a biological pressure transducer with a threshold of the same order of magnitude as that of the auditory system. This indicates that it would probably be extremely easy to traumatize the cupula by exposing it to pressure gradients far beyond its normal dynamic range in the course of experimental preparations intended to visualize cupula motion. An estimate of the dynamic range of cupula motion may also be obtained which indicates that the center of the cupula may move as little as ten millimicrons at the 0.1 deg/sec2 acceleration levels commonly associated with behavioral thresholds. Accelerations of 30 deg/sec2 or sudden velocity changes of 600 deg/sec, typical of maximal self-induced head motions should produce cupula midpoint motions no greater than about three microns. Because of the small dynamic range of cupula mo...
Linear Birth-Immigration-Death Migration Models

Consider now adding births to the previous linear multidimensional models discussed in Chapters 10 and 11. The assumptions are then 1 Prob{Xiwill increase by 1 due to immigration{ = I i Δt 2 Prob{Xiwill decrease by 1 due to death{=µ i X i Δt 3 Prob {Xiwill increase by 1 due to birth{=λ i X i Δt 4 Prob{Xiwill increase by 1 and Xjwill decrease by 1 due to migration{= k ij X j Δt for i,j=1,2 with i ≠ j
Testing the AC/DC hypothesis: Rock and roll is noise pollution and weakens a trophic cascade

Anthropogenic sound is increasingly considered a major environmental issue, but its effects are relatively unstudied. Organisms may be directly affected by anthropogenic sound in many ways, including interference with their ability to detect mates, predators, or food, and disturbances that directly affect one organism may in turn have indirect effects on others. Thus, to fully appreciate the net effect of anthropogenic sound, it may be important to consider both direct and indirect effects. We report here on a series of experiments to test the hypothesis that anthropogenic sound can generate cascading indirect effects within a community. We used a study system of lady beetles, soybean aphids, and soybean plants, which are a useful model for studying the direct and indirect effects of global change on food webs. For sound treatments, we used several types of music, as well as a mix of urban sounds (e.g., sirens, vehicles, and construction equipment), each at volumes comparable to a busy city street or farm tractor. In 18-hr feeding trials, rock music and urban sounds caused lady beetles to consume fewer aphids, but other types of music had no effect even at the same volume. We then tested the effect of rock music on the strength of trophic cascades in a 2-week experiment in plant growth chambers. When exposed to music by AC/DC, who articulated the null hypothesis that "rock and roll ain't noise pollution" in a song of the same name, lady beetles were less effective predators, resulting in higher aphid density and reduced final plant biomass relative to control (no music) treatments. While it is unclear what characteristics of sound generate these effects, our results reject the AC/DC hypothesis and demonstrate that altered interspecific interactions can transmit the indirect effects of anthropogenic noise through a community.
Hybrid LQG Problems

This chapter develops asymptotic optimal controls of a class of hybrid linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) systems that consist of a collection of diffusions coupled by a finite-state Markov chain. It is well known that LQG systems are most popular in the control systems community, especially owing to their simple structure. In addition, many nonlinear systems can be linearized locally to simplify the analysis. Many LQG systems stem from various applications in speech recognition, pattern recognition, signal processing, telecommunications, and manufacturing. Owing to their importance, there has been a growing interest in studying the control and optimization of such systems.
Abstract BL1: Modeling Immune Response: Lessons Learned from Mouse Models of Cancer Development

The concept that leukocytes are critical components of solid tumors is now generally accepted, however, their role(s) in regulating aspects of cancer progression, and/or response to cytotoxic, targeted and/or immune therapy is only beginning to be understood. Utilizing de novo mouse models of mammary tumor development, we now appreciate that CD4+ T lymphocytes differentially regulate myeloid cell recruitment, activation and effector function, and in turn, activated tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells foster malignancy and repress anti-tumor immunity by a diversity of mechanisms. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with therapeutic agents disrupting lymphocyte-myeloid interactions, myeloid activation, or myeloid functionality generally slow primary tumor growth kinetics when combined with cytotoxic therapy; however, their impact on metastases is variable. Similar to organ-specific regulatory programs co-opted to foster primary tumor growth, regulation of metastatic seeding and outgrowth is also regulated by tissue- and organ-specific mechanisms. Based on this, it stands to reason that therapeutic strategies may not be efficacious in both primary and metastatic locations. To be presented will be our recent insights into organ-specific regulation of primary and metastatic mammary cancer development by adaptive and innate immune cells regulating pro- and/or anti-tumor immunity, and new studies evaluating how attenuating protumor properties of select lymphoid and myeloid cells can be exploited to enhance therapeutic responses to cytotoxic and immune-based therapy. LMC acknowledges generous support from the NIH / NCI, the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program Era of Hope Scholar Expansion Award, Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Health, and a Stand Up To Cancer – Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Convergence Dream Team Translational Research Grant. Citation Format: Coussens L. Modeling Immune Response: Lessons Learned from Mouse Models of Cancer Development [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr BL1.
The Effects of a Teacher-Implemented Video-Enhanced Activity Schedule Intervention on the Mathematical Skills and Collateral Behaviors of Students with Autism.

This study used a multiple probe design to evaluate the effects of a teacher-implemented video-schedule intervention on the mathematical skills and untargeted challenging behaviors of five elementary-school students with autism. Results indicated that the intervention was effective in improving participants’ academic performance, and a decrease in the level of challenging behaviors and stereotypy was observed for participants following the introduction of intervention. Additionally, academic gains generalized across academic problems and to a small group setting, suggesting that this technology-based intervention is an efficient use of instructional time. Future research targeting a variety of academic skills and examining intervention implementation by additional practitioners (e.g., teaching assistants) is warranted.
The Systemic Gentrification of Education in India: A Media Case Study

Every year across India, families anxiously await the announcement of their children’s standard board exam results for grades ten and twelve. These high-stakes exams are at the very center of India’s education system, and they serve as the gatekeepers for future educational opportunities and life prospects. These results are generally announced in late May, and the event garners heightened media attention across media platforms on the topic of education. It was this annual event that presented the researcher the opportunity to investigate the frequency and the content of media messages for the weeks preceding and following the announcement for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019. The data samples were drawn from newsprint media, television and film, and street signage, and data were analyzed using ethnographic content analysis as a means to intertextually triangulate emergent themes. The primary research question asked, to what extent does Jaipur’s cultural media domain expose people to market-model education initiatives, and how might these messages impact educational practices and social equitability for students across socioeconomic levels? The overarching finding is that education in India is increasingly and systemically gentrified and inequitable, leaving low-income students with limited educational and life choices.
Underneath the Wedding Veil: Class Conflicts in Wyspiański’s "Wesele"

The article discusses the descriptions of social class strife included but masked in the plot and characters’ construction in the famous Polish play Wesele(The Wedding) by Stanislaw Wyspianski. According to the author of the article, the scenes depicting the wedding customs and party are inherently a facade that attempts to mask class conflicts. The class tensions appear consequently in dialogues throughout the play (especially in its climax) and with regard to several different characters. Their role reversals consist of extrinsic signs, which suggest that they are playing the roles and not actually fulfilling them. Thus, the symbols they use in the play are merely costumes that mask their actual backgrounds, drawing for the readers or audience of Wyspianski’s drama the line between appearance and reality.
Single-Nuclei RNA Sequencing Assessment of the Hepatic Effects of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

Background and Aims Characterization of cell specific transcriptional responses to hepatotoxicants is lost in the averages of bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Single-cell/nuclei RNA-seq technologies enable the transcriptomes of individual cell (sub)types to be assessed within the context of in vivo models. Methods Single-nuclei RNA-sequencing (snSeq) of frozen liver samples from male C57BL/6 mice gavaged with sesame oil vehicle or 30 μg/kg 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) every 4 days for 28 days was used to demonstrate the application of snSeq for the evaluation of xenobiotics. Results A total of 19,907 genes were detected across 16,015 nuclei from control and TCDD-treated livers. Eleven cell (sub)types reflected the expected cell diversity of the liver including distinct pericentral, midzonal, and periportal hepatocyte subpopulations. TCDD altered relative proportions of cell types and elicited cell-specific gene expression profiles. For example, macrophages increased from 0.5% to 24.7%, while neutrophils were only present in treated samples, consistent with histological evaluation. The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each cell type ranged from 122 (cholangiocytes) to 7625 (midcentral hepatocytes), and loosely correlated with the basal expression level of Ahr, the canonical mediator of TCDD and related compounds. In addition to the expected functions within each cell (sub)types, RAS signaling and related pathways were specifically enriched in nonparenchymal cells while metabolic process enrichment occurred primarily in hepatocytes. snSeq also identified the expansion of a Kupffer cell subtype highly expressing Gpnmb, as reported in a dietary NASH model. Conclusions We show that snSeq of frozen liver samples can be used to assess cell-specific transcriptional changes and population shifts in models of hepatotoxicity when examining freshly isolated cells is not feasible.
Controller Design for an Inverted-Pendulum Model of Postural Balance with Delayed Proprioceptive Feedback

Postural control during quiet standing is a challenging task for the neural controller due to the inherent instabilities involved in the task. Researchers have often employed inverted-pendulum (IP) type neuromechanical models to investigate postural balance in standing humans. In this study, we employ an IP-type robotic model with linear viscoelastic formulation of the skeletal anti-gravity muscles to study postural stability and control in the sagittal plane. The model includes delayed proprioceptive feedback from the muscle spindle and golgi tendon organ (GTO) with parameters drawn from physiological references. We propose a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DoF) internal model controller (IMC) for neural control of postural movements. We demonstrate the efficacy of the controller through simulations performed on the biomechanical model with realistic feedback latencies. We hypothesize that the closed-loop control system replicates the behavior of the physiological system during maintenance of postural balance.
Differences in cervical cancer screening and follow-up for black and white women in the United States.

Abstract Objective To study differences in screening adherence and follow-up after an abnormal Pap test in Non-Hispanic Black (Black) and Non-Hispanic White (White) women. Methods An observational cohort study using 2010 National Health Interview Survey cancer module to examine HPV knowledge, screening behavior, and follow-up to abnormal Pap test in Black and White women 18 years of age or older without a hysterectomy. We fit logistic regression models to examine associations between race and primary outcome variables including: HPV awareness, Pap test in the last three years, provider recommended Pap test, received Pap test results, had an abnormal Pap test, recommended follow-up, and adhered to the recommendation for follow-up. Results Analyzing data for 7509 women, Black women had lower odds ratios [OR] for: 1) HPV awareness (71% vs 83%; OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.36–0.49); 2) reporting Pap screening was recommended (59% vs 64%; OR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.66–0.88), and 3) acknowledging receipt of Pap results (92% vs 94%; OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.49–0.83). Group differences persisted after covariates adjustment. In adjusted models, Black women had higher odds of reporting recent Pap screening (84% vs 77%; OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.42–2.03), but reported lower odds of receiving a follow-up recommendation subsequent to abnormal test (78% vs 87%; OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.31–0.95). Conclusion Black women reported higher cervical cancer screening adherence but lower rates of being informed of an abnormal Pap test and contacted for follow-up treatment. We recommend a multilevel approach to deliver culturally appropriate education and communication for patients, physicians, clinicians in training, and clinic level ancillary staff.
Clinical Information Systems and COVID-19: Support for Health System Response

Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organizations across the world worked expeditiously to prepare for and manage the outbreak. In the modern era, clinical information systems (CIS) and the electronic health record (EHR) are essential tools that can support patient care and enhance healthcare delivery. Researchers out of the University of California, San Diego, were the first to describe in detail the rapid development and implementation of EHR based tools designed specifically to support the management of COVID-19. Drs. Jeff Reeves and Chris Longhurst will describe how CIS are utilized in response to COVID-19, challenges to successful implementation of informatics tools, and the future of informatics in pandemic management.
The role of chemotherapy plus immune checkpoint inhibitors in oncogenic driven non-small cell lung cancer: A University of California Lung Cancer Consortium retrospective study.

9059Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated limited efficacy in patients (pts) with actionable oncogenic drivers. As a result, pts with the prototypic oncogenic drivers (E...
Factors associated with post-traumatic growth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a national sample of U.S. military veterans.

Abstract Rationale The COVID-19 pandemic has had numerous negative effects globally, contributing to mortality, social restriction, and psychological distress. To date, however, the majority of research on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has focused on negative psychological outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective Although there is debate about the constructive vs. illusory nature of post-traumatic growth (PTG), it has been found to be prevalent in a broad range of trauma survivors, including individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to identify pre- and peri-pandemic factors associated with pandemic-related PTG in a national sample of U.S. veterans. Methods Data were analyzed from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, which surveyed a nationally representative cohort of 3078 U.S. veterans. A broad range of pre-pandemic and 1-year peri-pandemic factors associated with pandemic-related PTG were evaluated. Curve estimation and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to characterize the association between pandemic-related PTSD symptoms and PTG. Results Worries about the effect of the pandemic on one's physical and mental health, PTG in response to previous traumas (i.e., new possibilities and improved interpersonal relationships), and pandemic-related avoidance symptoms were the strongest correlates of pandemic-related PTG. An inverted-U shaped relationship provided the best fit to the association between pandemic-related PTSD symptoms and endorsement of PTG, with moderate severity of PTSD symptoms optimally efficient in identifying veterans who endorsed PTG. Conclusions Results of this study suggest that psychosocial interventions that promote more deliberate and organized rumination about the pandemic and enhance PTG in response to prior traumatic events may help facilitate positive psychological changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic in U.S. military veterans. Longitudinal studies on functional correlates of PTG may help inform whether these changes are constructive vs. illusory in nature.
Towards equity in energy efficiency analyses

The electric grid has begun a profound transition from primarily using carbon-intensive energy to instead using carbon-free renewable energy. In parallel, smart meters and other sensors are now providing us unparalleled visibility into the energy-efficiency of building and grid operations. Researchers are actively using building and grid energy data from these sensors to develop analytics techniques, e.g., using machine learning, that can improve energy-efficiency and facilitate the energy transition. Unfortunately, much of this research ignores the impact of these analytics on equity. That is, while current data analytics techniques may accurately identify energy-inefficiencies, they generally do not contextualize the underlying reasons for these inefficiencies. For example, data analytics that identify the most energy-inefficient homes might motivate new programs that target these homes for subsidies to improve energy-efficiency. However, the most energy-inefficient homes might also correlate with those with the highest income that have less need for subsidies, and engage in the most energy wasteful behavior. In contrast, the most energy-efficient homes might be the homes that can least afford to waste (or even use) energy. In this paper, we use an example from recent research to illustrate the inequity of state-of-the-art energy analytics, and argue that energy analytics research should elevate equity to a first-class concern.
The Making of an Erogenous Zone

AbstractThis study examined the evolution of midriff exposure in fashionable apparel between 1900 and 1946. There were two objectives: 1) to understand the cultural factors that influenced its adoption, and 2) discover its stages in becoming an erogenous zone. In this exploratory study, a content analysis was conducted on the fashion magazines Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar; these primary sources, plus analysis of selections from three newspapers, proved to be useful for the exploration of how the exposed midriff evolved from exotic dance wear to fashionable apparel. Cultural events assisted in the progression of fashionable exposure from underwear, swimwear, casual wear to evening wear in clothing that bared the midriff. Standards of morality were instrumental in the process of evolution. Production Codes established for motion pictures reflected and reinforced the morality standards of US society. Parts of the body deemed inappropriate for show in the movies were likewise considered inappropriate for fashion...
Metabolism of 1-Nitro[U-4,5,9,10-14C]pyrene in the F344 Rat

1-Nitro[ U -4,5,9,10-14C]pyrene was synthesized and administered to male F344 rats by intragastric gavage at a dose of 100 mg/kg of body weight. During the first 48 hr, 41% of the dose was eliminated in the feces, and 16% was eliminated in the urine. The corresponding figures after 120 hr were 51 and 19%. In rats with bile cannulae, 37% of the dose was excreted in the bile after 72 hr, and 6% was excreted in the urine. Fecal metabolites included 1-aminopyrene (isolated amount, 11.7% of the dose), 1-amino-6-hydroxypyrene and 1-amino-8-hydroxypyrene (4.6%), and unchanged 1-nitropyrene (6.6%). 1-Aminopyrene and the 1-aminohydroxypyrenes were identified as their acetyl-derivatives by comparison of their chromatographic retention times, mass spectra, and UV spectra to those of synthetic standards. Biliary metabolites included 1-aminopyrene, 1-amino-6-hydroxypyrene, 1-amino-8-hydroxypyrene, 1-nitro-6(8)-hydroxypyrene, and 1-nitro-3-hydroxypyrene, as well as their glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. The isolated amounts of these metabolites accounted for approximately 5% of the dose. 1-Amino-6-hydroxypyrene and 1-amino-8-hydroxypyrene and their glucuronide and sulfate conjugates were also tentatively identified in the urine and accounted for about 3% of the dose. Significant quantities of unidentified water soluble metabolites were present in the urine and bile. The results of this study indicate that metabolic reduction of the highly mutagenic 1-nitrohydroxypyrenes occurs in vivo in the rat and suggest that this is a possible activation pathway in 1-nitropyrene carcinogenesis.
Proteoglycans and Related Components in Plant Cells

After the context is set by a brief description of the plant cell surface, emphasis is placed on one class of cell surface components, the arabinogalactan proteins. An expansion of knowledge regarding the structure, expression, and function of these proteoglycans has been initiated and is being sustained through new experimental approaches, including the development of monoclonal antibody probes and the cloning of cDNAs corresponding to core polypeptides. An examination of the structure of both the polypeptide and carbohydrate components of arabinogalactan proteins is presented with emphasis placed on recently deduced core polypeptide sequences. Information about the biosynthesis and turnover of arabinogalactan proteins is incomplete, especially with regard to the carbohydrate component. Although functions of arabinogalactan proteins have not been clearly identified, regulated expression and several other lines of evidence point to involvement in plant reproductive development, pattern formation, and somatic embryogenesis, as well as in the underlying processes of cell division, cell expansion, and cell death. Arabinogalactan proteins are compared with animal proteoglycans and mucins, and the results of searches for plant analogues of other animal extracellular matrix components are examined.
Designing and Implementing INTREPID, an Intensive Program in Translational Research Methodologies for New Investigators

Senior housestaff and junior faculty are often expected to perform clinical research, yet may not always have the requisite knowledge and skills to do so successfully. Formal degree programs provide such knowledge, but require a significant commitment of time and money. Short-term training programs (days to weeks) provide alternative ways to accrue essential information and acquire fundamental methodological skills. Unfortunately, published information about short-term programs is sparse. To encourage discussion and exchange of ideas regarding such programs, we here share our experience developing and implementing INtensive Training in Research Statistics, Ethics, and Protocol Informatics and Design (INTREPID), a 24-day immersion training program in clinical research methodologies. Designing, planning, and offering INTREPID was feasible, and required significant faculty commitment, support personnel and infrastructure, as well as committed trainees.
The Usefulness of MD&A Disclosures in the Retail Industry:

The SEC believes that MD&A disclosures provide investors with useful information that clarifies and supplements the financial statements. In this study, we use data from retail firms to examine the predictive ability and value relevance of MD&A discussion of the results of operations and capital resources. In particular, we examine the usefulness of information on the sources of revenue changes (comparable store sales growth, store openings, and store closings) and of two measures of future capital resource plans (planned store openings and capital expenditures). We find that these variables contribute incremental explanatory power in future revenues, future earnings, and contemporaneous stock return regressions that include financial statement variables.
The dissonance mutation at the no-on-transient-A locus of D. melanogaster: genetic control of courtship song and visual behaviors by a protein with putative RNA-binding motifs

Genetic and molecular results are here presented revealing that the dissonance (diss) courtship song mutation is an allele of the no-on- transient-A (nonA) locus of Drosophila melanogaster. diss (now called nonAdiss) was originally isolated as a mutant with aberrant pulse song, although it was then noted to exhibit defects in responses to visual stimuli as well. The lack of transient spikes in the electroretinogram (ERG) and optomotor blindness associated with nonAdiss are shown to be similar to the visual abnormalities caused by the original nonA mutations. nonAdiss failed to complement either the ERG or optomotor defects associated with four other nonA mutations. However, all four of these nonA mutants--which were isolated on visual criteria alone--sang a normal courtship song. nonAdiss complemented at least three of the nonA mutations with regard to the singing phenotype, as assessed by a new method for temporal analysis of the male9s pulse song. Both visual and song abnormalities caused by nonAdiss were rescued by P-element- mediated transformation with overlapping 11 and 16 kilobase (kb) fragments of genomic DNA (originally cloned from the nonA locus by Jones and Rubin, 1990). Analysis of behavioral phenotypes in transformed flies carrying mutagenized versions of the 11 kb genomic fragment (in a nonAdiss genomic background) localized the rescuing DNA to a region containing an open reading frame that encodes a polypeptide (NONA) with similarity to a family of RNA-binding proteins. Immunohistochemical determination of NONA9s spatial and temporal expression revealed that it is localized to the nuclei of cells in many neural and non-neural tissues, at all stages of the life cycle after very early in development. Genetic connections between the control of two quite different behaviors--reproductive and visual--are discussed, along with precedences for generally expressed gene products playing roles in specific behaviors.
The role of mRNA-based duplication in the evolution of the primate genome

Analysis of the human genome suggests novel genes created by retroposition may play an important role in primate evolution. However, data from non-human primates is still scarce. A comprehensive comparison was thus performed among four primate genomes (human, chimpanzee, orangutan, and macaque), which detects elevated rates of retroposition in both the common ancestor of hominoids and macaques. Further analysis shows approximately 10% of intact retrocopies may be under positive selection and at least 4% of retrocopies become functional copies eventually. Moreover, human intact retrocopies were found enriched in transcription-related functions. Collectively, these findings emphasize the important contribution of retroposition to primate genome evolution.
Clinical and hemodynamic results after mitral valve replacement in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Mitral valve replacement has been performed in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy if: (1) the interventricular septum is smaller than 18 mm in the region of usual resection; (2) atypical septal morphology is encountered; (3) a previous left ventricular myomectomy has been performed but residual major obstruction and symptoms persist; or (4) intrinsic mitral valve disease exists. Since 1983, mitral valve replacement has been performed in 58 patients with obstructive HCM only. Thirty-three female patients (mean age, 47.9 years) and 25 men (mean age, 45.7 years) met criteria 1 through 3 for mitral valve replacement. Patients with intrinsic mitral valve disease (criterion 4) were omitted from this study. All patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV and had failed optimal medical therapy. Low-profile mechanical prostheses and bioprostheses were implanted, and the early mortality ( 5 / 58 ). Six patients (11.3%) died late, 3 suddenly of probable arrhythmia, 2 of respiratory failure, and 1 of an anticoagulant-related complication. After mitral valve replacement, 40 (83%) of 48 patients surviving operation and returning for evaluation were in functional class I or II, whereas 8 patients were in functional class III. Hemodynamic data obtained 6 months postoperatively showed that pulmonary artery wedge pressure was normal (13.7 ± 4 mm Hg [± standard deviation]), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure had decreased (10.9 ± 3.4 mm Hg), cardiac index was maintained (2.6 ± 9.6 L/min/m2), and resting and provoked gradients were unremarkable. Mean follow-up was 24.2 months, actuarial survival was 86% at 3 years, and survival free from thromboembolism, anticoagulantrelated complication, reoperation, and congestive heart failure for the same interval was 68%. Complications such as ventricular septal defect and complete heart block are avoided in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement, but device-related and cardiac-related complications can add to the morbidity and mortality in these patients in the long term.
Effect of stress on sulfated glycol, metabolites of brain norepinephrine.

The present study examined the effect of footshock stress on the formation of the two major metabolites of rat brain norepinephrine (NE) - the sulfate conjugates of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MOPEG-SO4) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DOPEG-SO4). Rats receiving intraventricular injections of either 3HNE or Na235SO4 prior to 0.5 hour of footshock showed significant and comparable increases in both sulfated glycols labeled with 3H or 35SO4. Elevations were greatest in the hypothalumus using Na235SO4. In pheniprazine pretreated rats footshock did not increase the production of MOPEG-35SO4 from intraventricular labeled sulfate given alone or in combination with various doses of exogenous MOPEG. The results indicate that neuronally released brain NE is metabolized to form both MOPEG-SO4 and DOPEG-SO4. The increase in these metabolites results from an increased glycol production and not from a stress-induced activation of brain sulfation mechanisms.
Validation of in vivo fluorochrome concentrations measured using fluorescence molecular tomography

Fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) has emerged as a means of quantitatively imaging fluorescent molecular probes in three dimensions in living systems. To assess the accuracy of FMT in vivo, translucent plastic tubes containing a turbid solution with a known concentration of Cy 5.5 fluorescent dye are constructed and implanted subcutaneously in nude mice, simulating the presence of a tumor accumulating a fluorescent molecular reporter. Comparisons between measurements of fluorescent tubes made before and after implantation demonstrate that the accuracy of FMT reported for homogeneous phantoms extends to the in vivo situation. The sensitivity of FMT to background fluorescence is tested by imaging fluorescent tubes in mice injected with Cy 5.5-labeled Annexin V. For small tube fluorochrome concentrations, the presence of background fluorescence results in increases in the reconstructed concentration. This phenomenon is counteracted by applying a simple subtraction correction to the measured fluorescence data. The effects of varying tumor photon absorption are simulated by imaging fluorescent tubes with varying ink concentrations, and are found to be minor. These findings demonstrate the in vivo quantitative accuracy of fluorescence tomography, and encourage further development of this imaging modality as well as application of FMT in molecular imaging studies using fluorescent reporters.
Shear bond strengths and scanning electron microscope evaluation of three different retentive methods for resin-bonded retainers.

T he “Maryland bridge” with resin-bonded retainers has been well described in the literature.‘-‘3 Electrolytically etching the base metal markedly improved the bond strength between the metal and resin.8J0 However, to avoid contamination by saliva and foreign substances on the internal surface of the retainer, etching has been advocated after a try-in appointment.‘0~‘2 Because of the laboratory equipment needed and the sensitivity of the electrolytic technique, dentists have limited control of the quality of the metal etch. Table I. Composite shear bond strengths (megapascals)
Interleukin-1β inhibitors for the treatment of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) comprises a group of rare, but severe, inherited autoinflammatory disorders associated with aberrant secretion of interleukin (IL)-1. These distinct conditions of autoinflammatory origin include Muckle–Wells syndrome, familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome, and neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID), which is also referred to as chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous and articular syndrome. Recently, this group of diseases has been associated with mutations in the NLRP3 gene that encodes for the protein cryopyrin, a component of the inflammasome complex that regulates the maturation and secretion of inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Immune cells from patients with NOMID secrete higher levels of active IL-1β compared with monocytes from healthy subjects. Overproduction of IL-1 is believed to promote aberrant inflammatory response in CAPS patients. Evidence supporting the clinical value of IL-1β in CAPS has been provided from the complete response of patients after treatment with IL-1 blocking agents.
Digitizing ‘Development’ Balinese water temples, complexity and the politics of simulation

This article examines a recent use of computer simulation in modeling the ecological dynamics of a rural indigenous community. It takes as its central example anthropologist J. Stephen Lansing’s mo...
Editorial: Research is a team sport: updated authorship guidelines for CORR.

No accepted standard exists for what constitutes “authorship” of a scientific manuscript. Leading journals use different criteria [5, 9], and thoughtful organizations have opined on the subject, with each group’s recommendation reflecting subtle–but-important–differences [2, 8].
Role of a tRNA base modification and its precursors in frameshifting in eukaryotes.

Little is known about the role of specific base modifications of transfer RNAs. Wyosine bases are tRNAPhe-specific modifications that are distinguished by differentiated, lateral side chains and base methylations appended to the core ring structure of a universally conserved G37, adjacent to the anticodon of Phe tRNAs. Based on previous data, we hypothesized that this modification was needed for –1 frameshifting. Using a reporter system incorporating a SCV-LA yeast virus slippery site for detecting –1 frameshifts in vivo, yeast strains were created that enabled chemical-genetic dissection of the role of different functional groups of wyebutosine that are added in a three-step post-transcriptional set of reactions. With this system, hypomodification increased Phe-specific frameshifting, with incremental changes in frameshift efficiency after specific intermediates in the progression of wyebutosine synthesis. These data combined with investigations of wild-type and hypomodified tRNA binding to ribosomes suggest that frameshift efficiency is kinetically and not thermodynamically controlled. The progressive nature of frameshift efficiency with the stage of modification is consistent with a stepwise evolution and tuning of frameshift potential. The stepwise tuning of frameshift efficiency could explain why tRNAPhe in some eukaryotes is not fully modified but, rather, hypomodified to capture a specific frameshift potential.
Formation control in mobile actuator/sensor networks

In this paper, the application of wheeled mobile robot (WMR) formation control in diffusion process characterization and control is discussed. We present a review over the current approaches on mobile robot formation control. A new consideration is presented on formation control within the framework of networked control system with wireless communication. The potential benefits of robot formation in distributed diffusion process measurement and control are discussed. In this paper, we present a new nonlinear control law for a general formation that can be useful in diffusion process boundary measurement. Then, we introduce our on-going project called Mobile Actuator and Sensor Network (MAS-net) on the diffusion process characterization and control. Experiment results are presented to illustrate how pattern formation can be achieved in MAS-net.
HIV and Pregnancy

Antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a proven strategy to help prevent mother to child transmission of HIV-1. Pharmacokinetic and physiologic changes during pregnancy affect absorption and distribution of effective antiretroviral therapy, and can result in lower therapeutic concentrations of drug although this may not impact mother to child transmission. Continued antiretroviral therapy postpartum can help to prevent transmission via breastfeeding in resource-limited settings, but more importantly, help preserve a mother’s health, which is critical to child survival. Current commercially available tools may be inadequate to assess the acquisition of drug resistant viral populations late in pregnancy, and therapeutic drug monitoring is not widely available. There is little longitudinal information on pharmacokinetics of antiretroviral agents during pregnancy and the postpartum period to help guide dosing and regimen choices, though very recently some data have become available and incorporated into new treatment guidelines. Consideration of fetal risks in the timing and choice of agents further narrows the spectrum of choices among the many antiretroviral agents now available. Postpartum challenges to adherence can further erode the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy and potentially compound the issue of adequacy of dosing in late pregnancy. In resource rich settings, frequent monitoring of pregnant women for regimen tolerance, adherence and virologic success, with intensification of such monitoring postpartum, are strategies that may help preserve maternal health. Often women are intensively monitored during pregnancy, and subsequently less frequently at postpartum when more adherence issues can occur. These problems are compounded in resource-limited settings where continued drug availability may be the predominant challenge and choices of antiretroviral agents are narrow. Pregnancy represents one (and often more than one) time point in the continuum of a woman’s life, and it is important that in the course of treating mothers and infants to prevent vertical transmission of HIV, strategies that preserve future treatment options are critical to both maternal and child health.
Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of bupropion for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence

Abstract Objective To compare bupropion to placebo for reducing methamphetamine (MA) use, increasing retention, and reducing the severity of depressive symptoms and MA-cravings. A secondary objective compared bupropion to placebo for reducing cigarette smoking among MA dependent participants. Methods Following a 2-week, non-medication baseline screening period, 73 treatment-seeking MA dependent participants were randomly assigned to bupropion sustained release (150 mg twice daily; N = 36) or placebo (twice daily; N = 37) for 12-weeks under double-blind conditions. Participants attended clinic thrice weekly to provide urine samples analyzed for MA-metabolite, to complete research measures and assessments, and to receive contingency management and weekly cognitive behavioral therapy sessions. Results There were no statistically significant effects for bupropion relative to placebo on MA use verified by urine drug screens, for reducing the severity of depressive symptoms or MA-cravings, or on study retention. In a post hoc analysis, there was a statistically significant effect of bupropion treatment on MA use among participants with lighter (0–2 MA-positive urines), but not heavier (3–6 MA-positive urines) MA use during baseline (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.61–4.93, p p = 0.0002). Conclusion Bupropion was no more effective than placebo in reducing MA use in planned analyses, though bupropion did reduce cigarette smoking. Post hoc findings of an effect for bupropion among baseline light, but not heavy, MA users suggests further evaluation of bupropion for light-MA users is warranted.
Wind tunnel generation of horizontal roll vortices over a differentially heated surface

Wildland crown fires represent an extreme type of forest fire that advances from top to top of trees or shrubs. Some such fires generate energy comparable to several nuclear explosions. They occur most frequently in coniferous forests found in the United States and Canada, and in broad-leafed eucalyptus forests of Australia. Here we report visualization of wind tunnel experiments in which airflow along the perimeter of a simulated forest fire produced horizontal vortex pairs with axes in the downstream direction. These vortex pairs formed above a differentially heated surface simulating the thermal energy flux from a crown fire. The thermal energy was produced by an electrically heated surface ribbon at a temperature of ∼250°C and also, in a separate experiment, by an electrically heated embedded wire coil at a temperature of ∼825°C. Wind velocities ranged from 0.2 to 3.6 m s−1. Similar vortex action may cause the unburned tree-crown strips that are observed when crown fires, driven by a significant wind, burn over flat terrane.
Oritavancin – an investigational glycopeptide antibiotic

Antibiotics save countless lives each year; however, increasing rates of drug-resistant bacteria have limited antibiotic selection. Currently, there are few available options for treating resistant...
Coagulation affects vasculogenesis and angiogenesis: does it affect the development of the heart?

THE HYPOTHESIS THAT COAGULATION DEFECTS may play a role in the development of the heart arose in an epidemiologic study of congenital heart disease, the Baltimore–Washington Infant Study (BWIS), in which families of infants with cardiovascular malformations displayed heritable blood disorders that were not observed in families of controls (1). Thus, the hemangioblast, the postulated common ancestor of the heart, blood vessels, and the blood that percolates through them, became an evasive target of interest to the cardiologists, pediatricians, and epidemiologists of the BWIS for well over a decade. Then advances in vascular biology rendered the hypothesis of an etiologic association of hematologic and cardiac disorders exceedingly likely. These new research horizons were reviewed in a “Letter-to-the-Editor” of Teratology, the journal of abnormal development (2). English (3) replied with new evidence on platelet-derived lipids that may direct critical early vascular development. These findings shift the leading edge of research to the biology of cardiovascular malformations (4): hematologists and molecular biologists will direct the research that can define this new approach to recognize populations at increased risk and, perhaps, achieve prevention by hematotherapies. Epidemiologic studies will be essential in these efforts.