cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postsynthetic regulation of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 by MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in culture

Breast cancer cells are exposed to insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) which stimulate their proliferation, and to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) which sequester and modulate IGF action. The primary circulatory IGFBP is IGFBP-3. In the present study, cultured MCF-7 breast cancer cells regulated clearance of IGFBP-3 via both cell association and proteolysis. Exogenously added IGFBP-3 was significantly cleared from the medium over time yielding the formation of smaller sized immunodetected fragments. Clearance was inhibited by IGF-I and -II. In contrast, clearance was not affected by growth factors and an IGF-analog having mitogenic activity but not binding to IGFBPs. In fact, activity of the IGFs and analogs paralleled their degree of binding to the IGFBP, suggesting that the IGF-binding altered IGFBP-3 making it less susceptible to clearance. Qualitatively similar results were obtained when these experiments were conducted using cell-free conditioned medium, thus suggesting the presence of secreted protease(s). However, level of proteolytic activity was much less than that found in the presence of cells. Clearance of rhIGFBP-3 also involved binding to the cell. Disappearance of rhIGFBP-3 was shown to be attenuated by heparin, which blocks cell surface binding sites. In contrast, compounds which block internalization did not inhibit IGFBP-3 clearance.
The Economic Knowledge and NATO’s Financial Visibility

This article examines the financial performance of NATO as a peripheral international organization, in a rapidly changing security environment. It argues that while NATO has adopted a Strategic Concept that was so largely discussed in the past 2 years, it has to now clearly put to the test its civilian and military practicability. This article estimates that NATO has to examine the range of its activities via the spectrum of its budgetary financial allowance and future that is not yet explicitly portrayed nor established. Questionably, how can NATO practically enhance its financial performance, in a rapidly changing security environment? To identify the essential ingredients, we examined the NATO legal framework of the Treaty, the Strategic Concept of 1999, work towards the outcome of the November 2010, and established the motive for financial change as current and new security challenges are created and must be confronted. The paper indicates important financial issues, while at the same time proposes methods and tools that need to be considered in order to enhance its financial practicability countering existing and new challenges.
Metabolism of 2-benzylthio-5-trifluoromethyl benzoic acid (BTBA) by the rat, dog and man.

Abstract1. Benzylthio-5-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid (BTBA) is well absorbed by rat, dog and man. The time course of disappearance from plasma in all three species suggests enterohepatic circulation.2. The principal excretion product in rat urine has been identified as 2-mercapto-5-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid arising via S-dealkylation.3. 2-Mercapto-5-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid is also converted to the disulphide metabolite, [2,2′-dithiobis(5-trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid], which is secreted together with BTBA and their glucuronide conjugates in rat bile. Rapid hydrolysis in the intestine results in faecal elimination of largely free BTBA and disulphide metabolite (2,2′-dithiobis[5-trifluoromethyl]benzoic acid).4. In man, approximately 50% of the dose is recovered from urine as amino-acid and glucuronide conjugates of the drug and its debenzyl metabolite (2-mercapto-5-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid).5. The drug is not readily metabolized by the dog and is secreted with bile and eliminated unchanged with faeces.
Complete magnetization reversal in a magnetostrictive nanomagnet with voltage-generated stress: A reliable energy-efficient non-volatile magneto-elastic memory

Rotating the magnetization of a magnetostrictive nanomagnet with electrically generated strain dissipates far less energy than any other rotation method and would have been the perfect choice for writing bits in non-volatile magnetic memory, except strain cannot ordinarily rotate the magnetization of magnet in a memory cell by more than 90° and “flip” it. Here, we describe a scheme to achieve complete 180° rotation with strain alone without having to precisely time the strain cycle. At room temperature, this writing method results in: (1) energy dissipation <6200 kT per bit, (2) write error probability <10−6, (3) write time of ∼1 ns, and (4) low read error.
Synthesis and Rearrangements of Tungsten Germyl Silyl Complexes

Germyl silyl complexes Cp2W(SiMe3)(GeR3) have been synthesized by the reaction of the tungsten silene complex Cp2W(η2-Me2SiCH2) with germanes HGeR3 (GeR3 = GeMe3 (2), GeMe2H (3a), GetBu2H (3b), GePh2H (3c)). Chlorogermyl derivatives are synthesized by the reaction of 3a-c with CCl4 to yield Cp2W(SiMe3)(GeMe2Cl) (4a), Cp2W(SiMe3)(GetBu2Cl) (4b), and Cp2W(SiMe3)(GePh2Cl) (4c). Complex 4a has been structurally characterized by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The corresponding triflate derivative, Cp2W(SiMe3)(GeMe2OTf) (5a), has been prepared by the reaction of 4a and trimethylsilyl triflate. Substitution of triflate for chloride in Cp2W(SiMe3)(GetBu2Cl) (4b) requires mild heating (80 °C) and is accompanied by concurrent redistribution of groups between silyl and germyl centers to yield the silyl triflate Cp2W(SiMe2OTf)(GetBu2Me) (6b). Under thermolytic conditions, germyl silyl complexes undergo intra- and intermolecular redistribution of substituents between the germyl and silyl ligands. This proce...
Prediction of fiber orientation in the injection molding of long fiber suspensions

The properties of long glass fiber reinforced parts are highly dependent on the fiber orientation generated during processing. In this research, the orientation of concentrated long glass fibers generated during the filling stage of a center-gated disk (CGD) mold was simulated. The orientation of the fibers was calculated using both the Folgar-Tucker model and a recently developed semiflexible Bead-Rod model. Rheologically consistent model parameters were used in these simulations, as determined from a previously proposed method, using a sliding plate rheometer and newly modified stress theory. The predicted CGD orientations were compared with experimentally measured values obtained from the parts. Both models performed very well when using model parameters consistent with the independent rheological study, and the results provide encouragement for the proposed method. Comparatively, the Folgar-Tucker model provided slightly better orientation predictions up to 20% of the fill radius, but above 20% the Bead-Rod model predicted better values of the orientation in both the radial and circumferential directions. The Folgar-Tucker model, however, provided better orientation values perpendicular to the flow direction. Lastly, both models only qualitatively represented the orientation above 70% of the fill radius where frontal flow effects were suspected to be non-negligible. The uniqueness of this research rests on a method for obtaining model parameters needed to predict fiber orientation which are independent of the experiments being simulated and a method for handling long semiflexible fiber suspensions. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fracture Time of Composites Under Tensile Loading

Reaction-rate theory is employed to model the fracture problem of composite materials under external stress. Effect of change of parameters and the composite ratios are studied by numerical solution of reaction-rate equations. Combinations of elastic and viscoelastic materials are consid ered. Fracture times are tabulated and the changes in the number of bonds per unit area of the material as a function of time have been plotted under various initial conditions to demonstrate the fracture process of com posites.
Principles of Antimicrobial Use in Older Adults

The fundamental principles of treating infectious diseases apply to elderly patients, but certain aspects of therapy such as the selection of empiric regimens and risk stratification for severe or atypical disease are influenced by comorbidities, lifestyle, and immunosenescence. Knowledge of age-related changes in pharmacokinetic parameters and potential drug-drug interactions assists the clinician in determining appropriate dosing and monitoring parameters. Based on current evidence, the recommended approach includes careful selection and aggressive dosing of initial broad-spectrum antimicrobials followed by de-escalation to appropriate agents to maximize clinical outcomes and minimize toxicity and adverse effects. Greater enrollment of the elderly in therapeutic studies is needed to detect differences in the efficacy and safety of antimicrobials.
In vivo depression of lymphocyte traffic in sheep by VIP and HIV (AIDS)-related peptides

Abstract Core pentapeptides and an octapeptide (Peptide T) computer deduced from amino acid sequences from vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the 120 gp external envelope of the HIV (AIDS) virus and synthesized have been reported to have important in vitro and in vivo activity including inhibition of HIV binding to CD4 surface antigens of brain cells and lymphocytes and limitation of HIV infectivity. Two of these core pentapeptides, peptide TTNYT (Peptide T [4–8]) and peptide TDNYT (VIP[7–11]), are reported here, on acute infusion into cannulated afferent popliteal lymphatics of sheep, to produce prompt and marked depressions in the output of both small recirculating and blast lymphocytes into popliteal lymph node efferent lymph. As with a prior VIP infusion study, there appeared to be a selective effect on T4 (CD4) lymphocytes, with a marked predominance of T4 (CD4) lymphocytes in the lymphocyte depleted efferent lymph.
The enthalpy method for heat conduction problems with moving boundaries

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how an enthalpy method for heat conduction problems with moving boundaries associated with phase changes can be combined with Kirchoff and coordinate transformations to put these problems in a particularly simple form. All nonlinearities in density, conductivity, and specific heat can be concentrated in the functional relation between enthalpy and the generalized temperature. Convection in the fluid is neglected. A simple numerical example is included.
Optimality Framework for Hausdorff Tracking using Mutational Dynamics and Physical Programming

The task of visual surveillance involves pervasively observing multiple targets as they move through a field of sensor nodes. Mutational analysis and shape based control have been proposed to overcome the limitations of current feature (point) based visual servoing and tracking techniques generally employed to provide an optimal solution for the surveillance task. Hausdorff tracking paradigm for visual tracking of multiple targets using a single sensor has been proposed for accomplishing the surveillance task. However, Hausdorff tracking incorporates some redundancy in the actuation mechanism. This paper exploits this redundancy in the camera motion in order to accomplish various sub-tasks which can be assigned to the system, such as minimization of consumed energy maintaining manipulability etc. The complete task can then be expressed in a multi-objective constrained optimization framework and can be solved, i.e., the input to the camera can be derived, using various methods such as physical programming, nonlinear programming, weighted sum method, etc. In this paper, we use the physical programming method based on the various advantages such as ease of expressing multiple objectives in a physically significant manner. Experimental results are provided which show the advantages of using the physical programming approach over the weighted sum method for constructing the task criterion for multi-objective optimization problems.
Gamma Interferon Is Not Required for Mucosal Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Responses or Heterosubtypic Immunity to Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice

Heterosubtypic immunity (HSI) is defined as cross-protection against influenza virus of a different serotype than the virus initially encountered and is thought to be mediated by influenza virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Since gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) stimulates cytotoxic cells, including antigen-specific CTL which may control virus replication by secretion of antiviral cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and IFN-gamma, we have investigated the mechanism of HSI by analyzing the role of IFN-gamma for HSI in IFN-gamma gene-deleted (IFN-gamma(-/-)) mice. It has been reported that IFN-gamma is not required for recovery from primary infection with influenza virus but is important for HSI. Here, we conclusively show that IFN-gamma is not required for induction of secondary influenza virus-specific CTL responses in mediastinal lymph nodes and HSI to lethal influenza A virus infection. Although T helper 2 (Th2)-type cytokines were upregulated in the lungs of IFN-gamma(-/-) mice after virus challenge, either Th1- or Th2-biased responses could provide heterosubtypic protection. Furthermore, titers of serum-neutralizing and cross-reactive antibodies to conserved nucleoprotein in IFN-gamma(-/-) mice did not differ significantly from those in immunocompetent mice. These results indicate that lack of IFN-gamma does not impair cross-reactive virus-specific immune responses and HSI to lethal infection with influenza virus. Our findings provide new insight for the mechanisms of HSI and should be valuable in the development of protective mucosal vaccines against variant virus strains, such as influenza and human immunodeficiency virus.
Abnormalities in circadian patterns of bone resorption and renal calcium conservation in type I osteoporosis.

We compared changes over 24 h in 15 postmenopausal normal women (mean [+/- SD] age, 64 +/- 7 yr) with those in 15 postmenopausal women with type I osteoporosis and vertebral fractures (mean age, 64 +/- 5 yr). The serum osteocalcin concentration, a sensitive index of bone formation, increased by about 5% at night in both groups. Urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion, a sensitive index of bone resorption, increased by 48% at night (P less than 0.01) in the normal women, whereas in the osteoporotic women it was 62% higher overall (P less than 0.05), and the increase persisted into the morning. At night, urinary fractional excretion of calcium decreased by 20% (P less than 0.001) in the normal women, but was unchanged in the osteoporotic women; this circadian pattern differed between groups (P less than 0.05). The serum ionized calcium concentration did not change at night in either group. There was a trend (P = 0.07) for blunting of the nocturnal increase in the serum intact PTH level in osteoporotic women. Th...
A simple method of representing azimuthal anisotropy on a sphere

SUMMARY We describe a method of expressing azimuthally anisotropic surface wave velocities on the Earth using a local and smooth spherical-spline parametrization. Anisotropy in the Earth leads to azimuthally varying Love and Rayleigh wave velocities that can be expressed as (cos 2ζ , sin 2ζ ) and (cos 4ζ , sin 4ζ ) perturbations to the isotropic velocities, where ζ is the direction of surface-wave propagation. The strength of the perturbations varies laterally, and a current goal of seismic tomography is the detailed global mapping of these variations. Several parametrizations have previously been used to describe azimuthally varying velocities. The representation proposed here uses spherical splines and is designed to describe smooth variations in both the strength and geometry of azimuthal anisotropy. The method builds on a simple geometrical approximation for the local azimuth of propagation expressed at the defining spline knot points. It avoids the singularities at the poles that result when azimuthal variations are parametrized using traditional scalar spherical harmonics. Compared with a generalized spherical-harmonic expansion of the tensor fields that represent 2ζ and 4ζ azimuthal variations smoothly on a sphere, the new method offers the advantages of local geographical support and simplicity of implementation.
Joint estimation and compression of correlated nonbinary sources using punctured turbo codes

We propose a system to perform data compression of correlated nonbinary sources when the correlation between sources is not known, either at the encoder or the decoder. The sequences of nonbinary symbols are transformed into sequences of bits, and then source coded using punctured turbo codes, with the puncturing adjusted to achieve the desired compression rate. Each source is compressed without knowledge about the other source, and the correlation model is not assumed to be known at the encoder. The source decoder uses iterative schemes over the compressed binary sequences, and recovers the nonbinary symbol sequences from both sources. The correlation model between sources does not need to be known at the decoder, since it can be estimated jointly with the iterative decoding process. Compared with the case in which the correlation is known at the decoder, no significant performance loss is observed. The performance of the proposed scheme is close to the Slepian-Wolf theoretical limit.
ZOOARCHAEOLOGY AND ARCTIC MARINE MAMMAL BIOGEOGRAPHY, CONSERVATION, AND MANAGEMENT

The Holocene zooarchaeological record of the subarctic and Arctic can be used to aid in the conservation and management of marine mammals. A synthesis of selected zooarchaeological data indicates that there have been significant changes in species ranges, that northern marine ecosystems varied temporally and spatially, and that changes in sea ice extent may be accessible through retrospective research. Despite some limitations, the analysis of faunal collections from regionally appropriate coastal prehistoric and historic-era archaeological sites can be used to provide baseline information on marine systems that is less likely than more recent data to be compromised by intensive and extensive human impacts. The long-term time series data derived through zooarchaeology are particularly relevant to marine conservation and management decision-making in the Arctic where climate change scenarios predict accelerated environmental changes in the coming decades.
The impact of altered precipitation variability on annual weed species.

 Premise of the study : Climate change models predict increasing variability in precipitation across the globe, with an increase in the incidence of large precipitation events but decreasing overall event frequency. Research with annual species in arid and semiarid ecosystems has demonstrated that precipitation variability can infl uence plant community dynamics; however, less is known about the impact of precipitation variability in less water-limited ecosystems, including economically important agricultural systems.  Methods : We conducted three greenhouse experiments to determine how variation in total precipitation and the interval between precipitation events affected emergence and growth of two common annual midwestern weed species, Chenopodium album (Chenopodiaceae) and Setaria faberi (Poaceae).  Key results : Both species responded to precipitation variability; however, the effect depended on life stage and precipitation amount, indicating that responses are highly context-dependent. Emergence of both species increased with longer intervals between precipitation events at low total precipitation, but species ’ responses varied under typical precipitation amounts. Individual seedling biomass of both species depended on interactions between total water and interval, but species ’ responses differed; Setaria faberi biomass was reduced with longer intervals, but Chenopodium album had either a positive or no response.  Conclusions : Our results suggest that changes in precipitation variability likely will affect the composition and relative abundance of agriculturally important weeds. These results are important for understanding how changes in the temporal variability of precipitation due to global climate changes could impact plants in non-arid communities.
Search for backwards-produced exotic meson resonances in 8.4 GeV/c π + p interactions

Results are reported from a hybrid experiment designed to search for backwards-produced charge = + 2 exotic meson resonances by investigating the reaction π+ + p → X++ + n (forward) at 8.4 GeV/c. The data reported here correspond to approximately 30 events per microbarn. No clear evidence for narrow exotics mesons was found for masses ⩽ 3.0 GeV in the decay modes accessible for study which included: X++→π+π+, π+π+π+π−, π+π+π+π+π−π−, and ppπ+π+.
Hardware Reconfiguration Capability for Third-Generation Sensor Nodes

Minimizing third-generation sensor nodes' power consumption will be vital to their successful deployment.
T Lymphocytes Redirected against the Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan-4 Control the Growth of Multiple Solid Tumors both In Vitro and In Vivo

Purpose: Because of its high expression on various types of tumors and its restricted distribution in normal tissues, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-4 (CSPG4) represents an attractive target for the antibody-based therapy of several solid tumors. We tested whether T cells transduced with a CSPG4-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) inhibited the growth of CSPG4-expressing tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. Experimental Design: We first independently validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) the expression of CSPG4 in an extensive panel of tumor arrays and normal tissues as well as queried public gene expression profiling datasets of human tumors. We constructed a second-generation CSPG4-specific CAR also encoding the CD28 costimulatory endodomain (CAR.CSPG4). We then evaluated human T lymphocytes expressing this CAR for their ex vivo and in vivo antitumor activity against a broad panel of solid tumors. Results: IHC showed that CSPG4 is highly expressed in melanoma, breast cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and mesothelioma. In addition, in silico analysis of microarray expression data identified other important potential tumors expressing this target, including glioblastoma, clear cell renal carcinoma, and sarcomas. T lymphocytes genetically modified with a CSPG4-CAR controlled tumor growth in vitro and in vivo in NSG mice engrafted with human melanoma, HNSCC, and breast carcinoma cell lines. Conclusions: CAR.CSPG4-redirected T cells should provide an effective treatment modality for a variety of solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 20(4); 962–71. ©2013 AACR .
NLRs, inflammasomes, and viral infection

NLR proteins are innate immune sensors that respond to microbial infection. Upon pathogen infection, some NLR proteins form large complexes, called inflammasomes, which activate caspase-1 and induce the production of active IL-1β and IL-18. Activation of inflammasomes can also lead to an inflammatory cell death program, named pyroptosis. In this review, we will discuss the role of various NLR proteins in sensing different viral infections, as well as the strategies used by several RNA and DNA viruses to counteract the antiviral effects of NLR-dependent inflammasomes.
Creating flexibility in pediatric resident education.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric residency programs must meet the challenge of producing graduates who are prepared to enter primary care, subspecialty fellowships or another career path. Meeting this challenge requires flexibility, which can be difficult to achieve. A program with 2 half days of continuity clinic that offers an option for residents to use 1 half day for advocacy or research projects may offer such flexibility. OBJECTIVE: To describe 1 residency program9s experience with an alternative half- day continuity clinic program. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of resident participation, project types, scholarly products, and test scores associated with alternative half day program participation. RESULTS: Second- and third-year resident participation increased from 21% (7/33) in 2005 to 2006 to 41% (17/42) in 2008 to 2009. Forty-six residents undertook projects: 80% were research and 20% advocacy. The number of residents who presented abstracts at national meetings increased to 5 from a baseline of 4 per year. Four residents received advocacy grants. Three residents won national or regional research awards. The average score on the American Board of Pediatrics certifying examination was lower for residents in the alternative half day group, but pass rates remained high. All participants met the requirements for continuity clinic days and patient numbers. CONCLUSIONS: This unique 2 half day continuity clinic program not only enhances the education of residents entering primary care but also allows opportunities for residents anticipating careers in research or advocacy. This approach allows programmatic flexibility without creating a track system.
A prospective study of arm circumference and risk of death in Bangladesh

Background: Epidemiological studies have observed protective effects of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) against all-cause mortality mostly in Western populations. However, evidence on cause-specific mortality is limited. Methods: The sample included 19 575 adults from a population-based cohort study in rural Bangladesh, who were followed up for an average of 7.9 years for mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the effect of MUAC, as well as the joint effect of body mass index (BMI) and MUAC, on the risk of death from any cause, cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Results: During 154 664 person-years of follow-up, 744 deaths including 312 deaths due to CVD and 125 deaths due to cancer were observed. There was a linear inverse relationship of MUAC with total and CVD mortality. Each 1-cm increase in MUAC was associated a reduced risk of death from any cause [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.85; 95% confidence interval (C), 0.81–0.89) and CVD (HR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.80–0.94), after controlling for potential confounders. No apparent relationship between MUAC and the risk of death from cancer was observed. Among individuals with a low BMI (<18.5 kg/m2), a MUAC less than 24 cm was associated with increased risk for all-cause (HR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.52–2.17) and CVD mortality (HR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.11–1.91). Conclusions: MUAC may play a critical role on all-cause and CVD mortality in lean Asians.
Impact of Experiential Learning on Latino College Students' Identity, Relationships, and Connectedness to Community.

Using mixed methods of inquiry, this study examines the impact of experiential learning on Latino/a college students' development as they move away from home to study and do community service in an...
The unexpected recovery of hybrids in a Drosophila species cross: a genetic analysis

The species cross between Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans was first described by Sturtevant in the 1920s. According to his description, the hybridization of D. simulans females and D. melanogaster males produces only (or almost only) male progeny. Female hybrids are embryonic lethal. Here it is shown that these traditional results no longer hold. Instead, D. simulans is polymorphic for factor(s) that qualitatively affect the outcome of species crosses to D. melanogaster. Remarkably, many, if not most, strains of D. simulans produce abundant female hybrids when crossed to D. melanogaster males. Genetic analysis of the difference between D. simulans strains that produce many versus few hybrid females shows that recovery of hybrid females depends on autosomal, maternally acting gene(s).
Dynamical dark energy: Current constraints and forecasts

We consider how well the dark energy equation of state w as a function of redshift z will be measured using current and anticipated experiments. We use a procedure which takes fair account of the uncertainties in the functional dependence of w on z, as well as the parameter degeneracies, and avoids the use of strong prior constraints. We apply the procedure to current data from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and the supernova searches, and obtain results that are consistent with other analyses using different combinations of data sets. The effects of systematic experimental errors and variations in the analysis technique are discussed. Next, we use the same procedure to forecast the dark energy constraints achievable by the end of the decade, assuming 8 years of Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe data and realistic projections for ground-based measurements of supernovae and weak lensing. We find the 2{sigma} constraints on the current value of w to be {delta}w{sub 0}(2{sigma})=0.20, and on dw/dz (between z=0 and z=1) to be {delta}w{sub 1}(2{sigma})=0.37. Finally, we compare these limits to other projections in the literature. Most show only a modest improvement; others show a more substantial improvement, but there are seriousmore » concerns about systematics. The remaining uncertainty still allows a significant span of competing dark energy models. Most likely, new kinds of measurements, or experiments more sophisticated than those currently planned, are needed to reveal the true nature of dark energy.« less
Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of West Indian toads (Anura: Bufonidae).

Toads of the Bufo peltocephalus Group (Anura: Bufonidae) occur throughout the Greater Antilles (Cuba to the Virgin Islands), a geographic region of relatively high endemicity. Previous morphological and immunological studies suggested that the West Indian toads are a monophyletic lineage derived from Neotropical Bufo but were unable to clarify relationships within the group. We examined the evolutionary relationships and biogeography of this group of frogs by collecting approximately 2 kb of mitochondrial DNA sequence data from eight West Indian species and selected non-West Indian species from the New World and the Old World. Our analyses support the monophyly of native West Indian toads and a New World origin for the group. Relationships among the West Indian species are less certain, but a Cuban lineage is defined in most analyses.
Toward a theory of sustainable entrepreneurship: Reducing environmental degradation through entrepreneurial action

This article explains how entrepreneurship can help resolve the environmental problems of global socio-economic systems. Environmental economics concludes that environmental degradation results from the failure of markets, whereas the entrepreneurship literature argues that opportunities are inherent in market failure. A synthesis of these literatures suggests that environmentally relevant market failures represent opportunities for achieving profitability while simultaneously reducing environmentally degrading economic behaviors. It also implies conceptualizations of sustainable and environmental entrepreneurship which detail how entrepreneurs seize the opportunities that are inherent in environmentally relevant market failures. Finally, the article examines the ability of the proposed theoretical framework to transcend its environmental context and provide insight into expanding the domain of the study of entrepreneurship.
Lyotropic mesophase of cellulose in ammonia/ammonium thiocyanate solution

Solutions of cellulose in a mixture of 27:73 (w/w) of liquid ammonia and ammonium thiocyanate become liquid crystalline at room temperature above a certain critical concentration which depends on the degree of polymerization of the dissolved cellulose. The high optical rotations of the solution suggest that the cellulose mesophase is cholesteric in nature. In the two-phase region, the cellulose solutions exhibit negatively birefringent spherulites that possess both ringed and nonringed internal structures. The anisotropic solutions can be oriented by shear, indicating high potential for spinning them into useful fibers.
Improved echo classification in shallow water

This paper describes a classification approach designed to automate operations and reduce false alarms for active sonars in shallow water environments. There are two main innovations that characterize the approach. The first innovation is to break down the classifier into four sub-classifiers, each targeting a different target characteristic. These characteristics are: (a) echo spatial and temporal shape, (b) echo amplitude, (c) echo tracking consistency, and (d) Doppler. The classifier forms a likelihood statistic for each characteristic which is represented in the display symbols. The second innovation is the use of parameters for conditioning the distributions which sets the stage for environmental adaptability. The paper stresses system design and not performance.
A proposed laser frequency comb-based wavelength reference for high-resolution spectroscopy

High resolution spectroscopy is the foundation for many of the most challenging and productive of all astronomical observations. A highly precise, repeatable and stable wavelength calibration is especially essential for long term RV observations. The two wavelength references in wide use for visible wavelengths, iodine absorption cells and thorium/argon lamps, each have fundamental limitations which restrict their ultimate utility. We are exploring the possibility of adapting emerging laser frequency comb technology in development at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, Colorado, to the needs of high resolution, high stability astronomical spectroscopy. This technology has the potential to extend the two current wavelength standards both in terms of spectral coverage and in terms of long term precision, ultimately enabling better than 10 cm/s astronomical radial velocity determination.
How are bisphosphonates used today in breast cancer clinical practice

In the United States there are approximately 100,000 women living with metastatic breast cancer. Bone is the most common site of breast cancer metastases and it is estimated that up to 85% of patients dying from this disease have developed osseous involvement. Skeletal metastases are often associated with dangerous and painful events such as fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia. Bisphosphonates, through their inhibition of osteoclastic bone-resorptive activity, offer a rational approach to the management of bone metastases as they are of proven efficacy in reducing skeletal-related events. Bisphosphonates are also effective in the prevention and treatment of hypercalcemia and osteoporosis. The American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines are instructive regarding patient selection for bisphosphonate therapy; however, a number of unanswered questions remain on how best to utilize this therapeutic intervention. This article reviews the role of bisphosphonates in the care of patients with breast cancer.
Clark's intellectual Sudoku

For many years, Greg Clark was mainly known amongst economic historians for two things - his devesting book reviews are as witty as they are insightful. He also invented a signature recipe for academic articles. Start with a fresh puzzle. Chop some theory and carefully knead into puzzle. Gently squeeze some data and mix well. Garnish with a racy dressing of Cambridge-honed essay-writing skills, while stirring the pot. Then, turn up the heat and watch how the puzzle slowly mushrooms into an ever larger paradox. Wrap into some mystery and serve as is. Given these two proclivities, news that Greg Clark was writing a book caused a bit of a stir. There were those who expected that the right to review the book would be auctioned off on Ebay, with high bids by Graham Snooks and the friends of Walt Rostow. Others predicted that a book by Greg would turn into a mega-mystery maze manuscript - one out of which the author himself could not possibly emerge with proofs in hand. As it turns out, the book hit the bookshelves quite quickly. What started out as lecture notes (which Greg Clark lent me when I was a struggling visiting professor, trying to prepare my first course on European economic history) has turned into a handsome 420-page tome - just big enough not to be suspected of being pop scholarship, and still small enough to be taken down to the beach or onto the next interminable flight. It is the latest contribution in the distinguished Princeton University Press economic history series, edited by Joel Mokyr. Instead of having to outbid each other for the right to review the book, there are actually opportunities to offer one's views galore. After the New York Times correspondent Nicolas Warde discovered the book and wrote about it with the eye-catching headline 'In dusty archives, a theory of affluence', a staggering number of reviews have appeared. From the Atlantic Monthly to the Economist and the Suddeutsche Zeitung , journalists, economic historians and economists have dissected the book's merits. It clearly touched a nerve. For months, the blogosphere has been alive with commentary, criticism and rebuttal. Works with such wide appeal only come along once a decade or so. Not since Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs and Steel has a single book on economic history been discussed so vigorously, by so many.
The Case for Asteroids: Commercial Concerns and Considerations

The idea that one could mine the asteroids has long been a topic for science fiction writers including such notable authors as Robert A. Heinlein and Ben Bova. Science fiction has been the preeminent place where the access to extra-terrestrial resources has been envisioned for decades. The lure of space-based resources has been a consistent focal point as a metaphor for moving toward a new frontier or simply a reflection of humanity’s desire to expand beyond the earth. However, it has been the nonfiction proponents of space resource utilization that generate the most interest in some respects (Lewis and Lewis 1987; Lewis 1996).
Stressed-out dads can (metabolically) stress their kids

Stressed-out dads are clearly a torment to their children, but new research suggests that even unborn offspring aren’t protected from frazzled fathers. Genetic and environmental risk factors have historically taken center stage in the understanding of metabolic diseases such as type II diabetes. However, recent studies of nongenetic inheritance mechanisms suggest that parents’ behavioral patterns—even prior to conception—can have far reaching effects on the metabolic programming of their offspring. Stress is a common affliction of modern society and increases the risk of type II diabetes, but whether paternal stress could increase this risk in offspring was unknown. Now, Wu et al . show that in mice, paternal stress leads to hyperglycemia in offspring through up-regulation of the enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). Mice (the F0 generation) subjected to a daily restraint stress model for 14 days exhibited hyperglycemia, as did their offspring (F1). Abnormal pyruvate tolerance in the F1 mice, in the presence of normal insulin sensitivity, implicated hyperactive hepatic gluconeogenesis, an effect that was most prominent in F1 males. Examination of the key enzymes that regulate gluconeogenesis revealed control amounts of PEPCK mRNA but significantly increased protein levels. To investigate posttranslational regulation of gene expression, the authors conducted a hepatic microRNA (miR) microarray analysis; it revealed down-regulation of miR-466b-3p in F1 mice, which targets the PEPCK 3ʹ untranslated region. Using multiple approaches, the authors showed that miR-466b-3p represses the translation of PEPCK, preventing excess gluconeogenesis. miR-466b-3p is encoded within the Sfmbt2, a polycomb gene, and the transcription of miR-466b-3p was shown to be negatively regulated by methylation of the Sfmbt2 promoter. Indeed, increased methylation of this promoter was demonstrated in both the sperm of stressed mice and specifically in the livers of their male offspring. This pattern of methylation was replicated by injecting exogenous glucocorticoids into nonstressed male F0 mice and blocked by injecting a glucocorticoid inhibitor into stressed F0 male mice. These observations implicate stress-induced glucocorticoid release as the mechanism of inducing posttranslational regulation of PEPCK. Although genetic and environmental risk factors are clearly important to the pathogenesis of type II diabetes, behavior patterns—including paternal stress—appear to have a deleterious effect on male offspring’s health, through nongenetic inheritance. If these findings prove true in humans, avoiding stress might be prudent not only for an individual’s health, but also for that of their children. L. Wu et al ., Paternal psychological stress reprograms hepatic gluconeogenesis in offspring. Cell Metab. 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.01.014 (2016). [[Full Text]][1] [1]: http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/pdfExtended/S1550-4131(16)30006-7
The Math and Science Teaching Workforce in the KC Metro Area

This study provides a descriptive statistical profile of the math and science teaching workforce in 22 school districts in Kansas City, Missouri region (Clay, Jackson and Platte counties). We also report separately tabulations for the Kansas City, Missouri school district (KC district), and independent charter schools operating within this district.
A National Snapshot of Assistive Technology for Students With Disabilities

Assistive technology (AT)—included in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act since 1990—supports students with disabilities. Yet, research repeatedly suggests an underutilization of AT. Th...
USING STUDENT PREFERENCES TO GUIDE DESIGN TEAM COMPOSITION

For five years now Stanford's Mechanical Engineering Design Division has experimented with restrictions on how students choose the members of their design teams. The constraints are based on voluntary student responses to a short questionnaire, essentially a sampling of questions from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator widely used for vocational and educational counseling. This has produced teams performing qualitatively and quantitatively better, as measured by prizes won in the nationwide Lincoln Foundation Design Competition, than did teams of the thirteen years preceding. In 1995, Stanford teams won all but two of the twelve prizes awarded. This article describes these experiments, lists the results, describes how to construct a suitable questionnaire, reviews pertinent psychological theory, and gives mathematically precise instructions for constraining construction of the teams. The current procedure also incorporates information obtained from a recent survey on team satisfaction in a different project design course. This modified method seeks to generate satisfied teams without sacrificing prize-winning ability.
Volition and Copyright Infringement

When should Internet service providers or other system owners be directly liable for copyright infringements committed by the users of their systems? In a 2014 dissent in American Broadcasting Cos. v. Aereo, Justice Scalia sought an answer to that question in “a simple but profoundly important rule” of copyright law: “A defendant may be held directly liable only if it has engaged in volitional conduct that violates the Act.” Scalia’s “profoundly important rule,” however, is hardly an accepted bedrock of copyright law. As he himself admitted, the Supreme Court had never previously used the word “volition” in the context of copyright, nor have a majority of the federal courts of appeals. The leading treatise on copyright law calls the “volition” element “revolutionary.” It is a startling debate, coming as it does more than two centuries after Congress first imposed liability for copyright infringement. “Volition” in copyright law has come to mean much more than the traditional inquiry into the voluntariness of a defendant’s conduct. It is best understood as requiring a connection between the service provider and the infringed work that is sufficiently robust to allow the provider to control the infringement without the necessity of monitoring the conduct of third-party users. The doctrine serves a basic channeling function. If the only way for a service provider to avoid infringement is to monitor and police the conduct of third parties, the provider’s potential liability for any resulting violations should be determined not on the basis of principles governing direct liability but instead under the rules that determine secondary liability for infringements committed by others.
The epidemiological study on hepatitis C epidemic situation in Nanshan district of Shenzhen during 2006 to 2012

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C in Nanshan district of Shenzhen in 2006-2012,and provide scientific control strategy. Method The reported epidemic data of hepatitis C in Nanshan district of Shenzhen during 2006-2012 were collected from the China Diseases Prevention and Control Information System,and statistically analyzed with descriptive epidemiological methods. Results Totally 676 cases were reported in Nanshan district of Shenzhen from 2006 to 2012. The incidence rate of hepatitis C was in an ascending trend. There was no seasonal character. Most of them were in the age group of 40-60 years old. The ratio of male to female was 1.40∶1. Conclusion The situation of hepatitis C in Nanshan district is serious,so we should take specific intervene measures to reduce the incidence of hepatitis C.
Similar Simulation Research on Pressure Distribution of Surrounding Rock in Full-mechanized Caving Mining Field

Based on similar simulation theory and the condition of 1221(3) full-mechanized caving mining face,distortion rules of overlying rock strata,abutment pressure distribution rules in dip and strike,spread rules of abutment pressure along floor strata and supports distortion rules in roadway and mining field are simulated and compared with actual observation data.The results show that similar simulation results are reliable and provide some theory bases for surrounding rock control in full-mechanized caving mining field.
A gene expression profile independently predicted disease outcome in young women with breast cancer.

Source Citation van de Vijver MJ, He YD, van’t Veer LJ, et al. A gene-expression signature as a predictor of survival in breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2002;347:1999-2009. 12490681
Acute Bowel Obstruction in a Giant Recurrent Right Bochdalek's Hernia: A Report of Complication on Both Sides of the Diaphragm.

Context: Diagnosis of congenital Bochdalek's hernia (BH) in adulthood is extremely rare and requires a fastidious surgical repair, the failure of which might result in a recurrence with severe complications. We report a rare case of a giant, right BH that recurred after surgical repair and was complicated with complete bowel obstruction. Case Report: A 51-year-old Saudi male, with past surgical history of laparotomy that failed to repair BH, presented to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and hypovolemic shock. Computerized tomography (CT) showed an unusual picture of closed-loop bowel obstruction above and below the diaphragm. We carried out laparotomy and thoracotomy that achieved lysis of adhesions, reduction of bowel, and repair of diaphragmatic defect. Conclusion: Acute presentation of complicated BH poses a formidable challenge because of its rarity and complexity. The preferred approach for elective repair of adult BH is debatable, where surgeons-guided by hernia type and biased by their experience-recommend either laparotomy or thoracotomy. Nevertheless, a complicated, giant, recurrent BH typically requires both laparotomy and thoracotomy.
Chirurgische Strategie und Prognosefaktoren bei gastrointestinalen Stromatumoren

Klinisches Merkmal gastrointestinaler Stromatumoren (GIST) ist das variable biologische Verhalten, welches von benignen Zufallsbefunden bis zu metastasierenden Tumoren reicht. In dieser Arbeit wurden klinischer Verlauf und pathohistologische Parameter von 26 Patienten retrospektiv untersucht mit dem Ziel, Prognosefaktoren zu definieren. Das Risiko eines Tumorrezidives war bei Tumoren > 4 cm signifikant (p = 0,024) erhoht. Ein erhohter Proliferationsindex gemessen mit dem Anti-Ki-67-Antikorper MIB-1 war bei MIB-1 > 3 auch mit einer signifikant (p = 0,0031) gesteigerten Rezidivrate assoziiert. Der MIB-1 Index erscheint daher zur Abschatzung der Prognose geeignet.