cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Note on Hajo Holborn's Unfinished Business

One of the perquisites of the scholarly profession is the gradual leave-taking of our friends and colleagues which eases the pain of good-by. Despite the approximate conjunction of Hajo Holborn's death with the completion of his great History of Modern Germany , a conjunction which seemed to seal the finality of the abrupt stillness, he actually had in hand several lines of unfinished business which will keep his inimitable and indispensable historical spirit with us still during the coming months. These enterprises, which represented Hajo Holborn's integration of the variegated concerns in his wide-ranging career and his definitive settling of accounts with them, included two kinds of projects: on the one hand, collections and editions of his own writings and, on the other, interpretive essays prefacing new editions of other historians and of their historical works on themes with which he had long associated himself. He left these enterprises in various stages of execution, ranging from books ready for the printing to unrealized designs which can testify only to his mature intentions but which, at least, are being carried through to publication in his spirit by those who have been close to him.
Clinical Management After Bariatric Surgery: Value of a Multidisciplinary Approach

Comprehensive and collaborative longitudinal care is essential for optimal outcomes after bariatric surgery. This approach is important to manage the many potential surgical and medical comorbidities in patients who undergo bariatric surgery. Medical management programs require prompt and often frequent adjustment as the nutritional program changes and as weight loss occurs. Familiarity with the recommended nutritional program, monitoring and treatment of potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies, effects of weight loss on medical comorbid conditions, and common postoperative surgical issues should allow clinicians to provide excellent care. Patients must understand the importance of regularly scheduled medical follow-up to minimize potentially serious medical and surgical complications. Because the long-term success of bariatric surgery relies on patients' ability to make sustained lifestyle changes in nutrition and physical activity, we highlight the role of these 2 modalities in their overall care. Our guidelines are based on clinical studies, when available, combined with our extensive clinical experience. We present our multidisciplinary approach to postoperative care that is provided after bariatric surgery and that builds on our presurgical evaluation.
Asymptotic Behaviour of Elementary Spherical Functions

This chapter, as well as the next one, will be devoted to the formulation and proofs of the main theorems of the L2 harmonic analysis of spherical functions. At the center of the theory is the Harish-Chandra transform (see §3.3) $$f \mapsto Hf$$ where $$f Hf(\lambda ) = \int\limits_G {f(x)\varphi (\lambda :x)dx.} $$
Contact between human bone marrow stromal cells and B lymphocytes enhances very late antigen-4/vascular cell adhesion molecule-1-independent tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, paxillin, and ERK2 in stromal cells

Contact with bone marrow stromal cells is crucial for the normal growth and development of B-cell precursors. We have previously shown that human bone marrow stromal cell tyrosine kinase activity can be activated by direct contact with B-lymphoid cells (J Immunol 155:2359, 1995). In the present study, we show that increased tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, paxillin, and extracellular-related kinase 2 (or p42 MAP kinase) accounted for the major changes occurring in stromal cell tyrosine phosphorylation after 5 to 10 minutes of contact with the RAMOS B-lymphoma cell line. Although adhesion of B-cell precursors to stromal cells is primarily mediated by very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), VLA-4-deficient and adhesion-deficient RAMOS cells were equally capable of stimulating stromal cell tyrosine phosphorylation. Similar changes in the tyrosine phosphorylation pattern of stromal cells were induced by contact with normal human B-cell precursors and several other B-lineage cell lines. After 5 to 30 minutes of contact with stromal cells, no change in protein tyrosine phosphorylation was detected in RAMOS or normal human B-cell precursors removed from stromal cells. Pretreatment of stromal cells with cytochalasin D abrogated contact-mediated enhancement of stromal cell tyrosine phosphorylation, suggesting that an intact cytoskeleton was essential. These results suggest that B-cell contact activates stromal cell signaling cascades that regulate cytoskeletal organization and transcription, independent of the interaction mediated by VLA-4 and VCAM-1.
Electromyographic analysis of exercises proposed for differential activation of medial and lateral quadriceps femoris muscle components

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine whether active exercises combining hip adduction with knee extension activate medial components of the quadriceps femoris muscle (QF) more than does knee extension alone. Subjects. Twelve healthy adults (6 men, 6 women), aged 20 to 36 years (X=24.8, SD=5.8), participated in the study. Methods. The subjects performed quadriceps femoris setting (QS), straight leg raising (SLR), straight leg raising with the hip laterally rotated (SLR/LR), and straight leg raising combined with isometric hip adduction (SLR/ADD). Electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from the oblique (VMO) and longitudinal (VML) portions of the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoris muscles. Results. Comparison of normalized mean EMG magnitudes revealed that the single-joint QF components (VMO, VML, and VL) demonstrated significantly greater activity during QS than during any of the three SLR variations and that SLR/LR and SLR/ADD did not elicit greater relative activity of medial QF components than did QS or SLR. Conclusion and Discussion. These findings do not support the notion that concurrent use of the hip adductors during knee extensor exercises results in preferential strengthening of the VMO.
Liquid Chromatographic Determination of the Enantiomeric Composition of Amphetamine and Related Drugs by Diastereomeric Derivatization

A procedure is described for the derivatization of amphetamine and methamphetamine enantiomers with 4-nitrophenylsulfonyl-(S)-prolyl chloride. The resulting diastereomeric amphetamine derivatives were resolved by a reversed-phase procedure. The derivatization yield was maximized in the 95% range using a five-fold molar excess of the chiral derivatizing agent and an approximate 18 to 1 ratio of base (NaHCO3) to total acid generated in the reaction.
Factors associated with compliance of critical care nurses with universal precautions: a pilot study

Background Universal precautions for all healthcare workers have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and were mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 1991. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine compliance with universal precautions by direct observation and by self-reporting questionnaire in a random sample of critical care nurses, a group with a high daily index of exposure to blood and body fluids. Additionally, knowledge, attitudes, and supply and equipment variables that might affect the rate of compliance were examined. Methods Data were collected on a random sample of 25 nurses in two critical care units in a military medical center. The same sample of nurses was then asked to complete an 85-item questionnaire that produced a score for knowledge of universal precautions, attitudes toward universal precautions, and the nurses' opinions of the supplies and equipment. Results The overall observed compliance score for all nurses was 67%, with a range of 25% to 100%. The observed compliance rates showed no statistically significant correlations with knowledge of universal precautions, attitudes toward universal precautions, or the quality, fit, availability, or accessibility of supplies and equipment. Power analyses showed that the sample size was too small to reveal significant findings. Conclusions A larger sample size might show that these factors are indeed associated with use of universal precautions.
Uniform Lab-Scale Biocatalytic Nanoporous Latex Coatings for Reactive Microorganisms

This chapter describes a method for generating uniform lab-scale biocatalytic nanoporous latex coatings. Nearly everything we come into contact with on a daily basis has been coated with some polymer material. High-speed waterborne polymer coating and ink-jet printing techniques are mature technologies. Methods for immobilizing microorganisms in lab-scale waterborne latex biocatalytic coatings draw on existing coating technologies for generating precision industrial paint and paper coatings and would therefore be amenable to scale up in future applications. An inherent problem for many lab-scale techniques is coating uniformity. The method described here has been developed to dramatically increase the uniformity of multiple individual small surface area coatings derived from a single coating template by minimizing edge effects due to emulsion drying adjacent to the edge of the mask.
Julia Miller. Books Will Speak Plain: A Handbook for Identifying and Describing Historical Bindings . Ann Arbor, Mich.: The Legacy Press, 2010. xv, 510p. ISBN 978-0-9797974-3-9. $80.00

Part of what makes Books Will Speak Plain unique in the field of bookbinding history is that it approaches the topic from a conservation standpoint rather than a curatorial one. Julia Miller has worked in the field of book conservation for more than 30 years, including ten at the University of Michigan Library, and her experience as a conservator is evident in this work. Miller offers a history of the handmade book and its distinguishing characteristics, but her stated objective is ultimately preservation of, and access to, these items in library collections. In the introduction, she states that the purpose . . .
Männliches und weibliches Gehirn

Kapitel 17 untersucht den Einfluss des Geschlechts auf das Gehirn und den des Gehirns auf das Sexualverhalten. Das Sexual- und Fortpflanzungsverhalten von Mannern und Frauen sind zweifellos unterschiedlich. Wie unterschiedlich sind aber die Gehirne der beiden Geschlechter? Wir werden uns mit dieser Frage auseinandersetzen und betrachten, ob die Unterschiede in den Gehirnen nur das Fortpflanzungsverhalten betreffen oder sich auch allgemeiner auf Verhalten und Kognition auswirken. Was bedeutet es, mannlich oder weiblich zu sein? Wird das Geschlecht genetisch, durch die Anatomie oder das Verhalten bestimmt? Dies zu beantworten ist nicht ganz einfach. Es gibt Falle geschlechtlicher Identitat, die nicht mit biologischen und Verhaltensfaktoren ubereinstimmen. Und wie steht es mit der sexuellen Orientierung? Wird die Anziehung durch Vertreter des anderen oder desselben Geschlechts durch Erlebnisse in der Kindheit bestimmt oder durch die Struktur des Gehirns? Das sind schwierige Fragen, bei denen es darum geht, wie man sich selbst und andere wahrnimmt. Es wird sich zeigen, inwieweit man solche Fragen durch eine genauere Betrachtung der Anatomie und Physiologie des Nervensystems beantworten kann.
Galvano-Diffusion Effect in Thin Film Metal Dielectric Structures

THIS paper describes further studies of galvano-diffusion phenomena as first reported at the 1963 Failure Mechanism Symposium. It has been found that a voltage is generated between the metal electrodes of a thin film metal-dielectric-metal sandwich. A necessary requirement for the phenomenon is ionic diffusion through the dielectric accompanied by an oxidation of one of the metal films. The ionic diffusion is characterized by an activation energy which is characteristic of the dielectric material. The process involves the diffusion of metal ions through the dielectric which then results in a chemical reaction. The electrical circuit is completed by an external load resistor which provides a path for electron flow. It has beeb possible to experimentally correlate the rate of consumption of metal ions (increase in dielectric thickness) with the integrated electron flow through the load resistor. This was accomplished by recording both capacitance and current flow as a function of time while the structure was held at a constant elevated temperature. The test vehicle has consisted primarily of Al-A12O3-Au devices. In these experiments, the Au film acts as an oxygen collector while the Al film is the electrode that is oxidized. Tests have been performed to determine the effect of electrode thickness (both Au and Al) and dielectric thickness on the diffusion rate. The theoretical model that has been proposed and which agrees qualitatively with experiment can be used to predict the life of electronic devices that are susceptible to this phenomenon.
The Age of Methods: William Whewell, Charles Peirce, and Scientific Kinds.

AbstractFor William Whewell and, later, Charles Peirce, the methods of science merited scientific examination themselves. Looking to history to build an inductive account of the scientific process, both men transformed scientific methods into scientific evidence. What resulted was a peculiar instance of what Ian Hacking calls “the looping effects of human kinds,” in which classifying human behavior changes that behavior. In the cases of Whewell and Peirce, the behavior in question was their own: namely, scientific study. This essay brings Hacking’s formulation to bear on the status of science in nineteenth-century intellectual history, revealing the continued entanglement of science and philosophy even as they were being prized apart. Focusing on how Whewell and Peirce turned themselves into “scientific kinds,” the essay reveals the slippage between “what” and “how” across what Peirce once called “the age of methods.”
Same-Sex Spouses as 'Spouses' Under the EU Family Reunification and Citizens Directives

This article analyzes the European Union (EU) Family Reunification and Citizens Directives in context and ultimately concludes that their use of the term “spouse” is best interpreted through a broadly inclusive autonomous EU definition or a state-of-formalization choice-of-law rule similar to that adopted by the Obama administration in the United States.
The Constitutionality of Flag Burning: Hate or Free Speech? An Analysis of Texas v. Johnson

Ever since the Supreme Court handed down its 1989 ruling in Texas v. Johnson allowing desecration of the American flag as protected symbolic speech under the First Amendment, conservative forces in the United States have fought to pass a constitutional amendment that would make flag desecration a special category of speech subject to regulation by Congress. Arguments for and against a right to flag desecration made by the Supreme Court in the 5-4 Johnson decision and reactions to flag desecration will be discussed, with emphasis on legislators’ and lobbyists’ attempts to pass a flag protection amendment. General theories of free expression, in particular the work of philosopher John Stuart Mill and civil libertarian Alexander Meiklejohn, will show the necessity of supporting a right to flag desecration in a nation based on a concept of government by the people.
Glutathione, Glutaredoxin And S-Glutathionylation In Lung Disease

Chronic lung diseases, like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and COPD are accompanied by marked changes in redox homeostasis, that affect glutathione. The covalent attachment of glutathione to reactive protein cysteines, a process known as S-glutathionylation (PSSG), has become recognized as a mechanism whereby changes in glutathione redox homeostasis may contribute to chronic diseases. Our laboratory has developed approaches to detect PSSG in intact tissues and demonstrated strong increases in PSSG in lungs from patients with IPF, notably in epithelial cells in areas of active disease progression. Our laboratory has furthermore demonstrated that Fas (CD95) is a critical target for S-glutathionylation, that S-glutathionylation of Fas is a prominent apoptotic signal in lung epithelial cells, and that this contributes to the development of fibrosis. The biochemical processes that control S-glutathionylation will be discussed, and their impact for progression of pulmonary fibrosis presented. Lastly, opportunities to harness S-glutathionylation chemistry as a potential treatment modality for pulmonary fibrosis also will be covered.
Succession Planning Models, Conceptual Maps: Ethical Considerations and Best Practices

In today’s society, numerous career fields are battling with supply versus demand in reference to the workforce. The world’s best and brightest now view the USA as a decreasingly attractive place to live and work (Wadhwa, 2012). Leaders in general are currently in positions to internalize and externalize the business rules of an organization which organically derives from their professional and educational experiences. However, these rules may or may not transfer to new leaders who descend from Generation X, millennials, and beyond. For succession to be successful, this transferral must happen and must incorporate effectiveness processes, ensuring that it occurs with formality in accordance with the needs of the organization.
Supercontinuum generation and beatnote detection using ultrafast VECSEL seed oscillators

We present preliminary results showing the potential of VECSEL technology for the generation of high power coherent supercontinuum. Among these results, we demonstrate a stable output power of 16 W with a pulse duration of 71 fs and a repetition rate of 1.7 GHz from a VECSEL oscillator and Ytterbium fiber amplifier. This system was used to generate a coherent supercontinuum averaging 3 W of power using a highly nonlinear photonic crystal fiber. In addition, we discuss the possible methods for the detection and stabilization of the carrier offset frequency. The beatnote between a VECSEL seeded supercontinuum and an external CW laser reveals a relatively stable signal, well above the detection noise. A discussion about system design considerations for noise reduction and increased offset frequency stability is also included.
An Alternative Approach to the Extended Drude Model

The original Drude model, proposed over a hundred years ago, is still used today for the analysis of optical properties of solids. Within this model, both the plasma frequency and quasiparticle scattering rate are constant, which makes the model rather inflexible. In order to circumvent this problem, the so-called extended Drude model was proposed, which allowed for the frequency dependence of both the quasiparticle scattering rate and the effective mass. In this work we will explore an alternative approach to the extended Drude model. Here, one also assumes that the quasiparticle scattering rate is frequency dependent; however, instead of the effective mass, the plasma frequency becomes frequency-dependent. This alternative model is applied to the high Tc superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (Bi2212) with Tc = 92 K, and the results are compared and contrasted with the ones obtained from the conventional extended Drude model. The results point to several advantages of this alternative approach to the extended Drude model.
Genetic and phenotypic (co)variances for growth and carcass traits of purebred and composite populations of beef cattle.

Least squares means, genetic (sigma g), and phenotypic (sigma p) standard deviations, and phenotypic coefficients of variation (CV) were estimated on an age-constant basis for growth, carcass, and meat traits of castrate males from 12 breed groups combined, for 9 purebreds combined, and for the F3 generation of three composite populations combined to which the nine purebreds contributed. Also, heritabilities (h2) and genetic (rg) and phenotypic (rp) correlations were estimated among growth, carcass, and meat traits for all breed groups combined involving 1,594 individuals that were the progeny of 306 sires (214 purebred and 92 composites). Coefficients of variation and sigma g generally were similar for composites and contributing purebreds for growth and size-related traits. For traits relating to carcass composition and meat quality, means, sigma p, or CV for composites and contributing purebreds generally were similar. Generally, estimates of sigma g and h2 were similar among all breed groups combined, contributing purebreds combined, and composites combined. Generally, rg were high among all measures of carcass fat, indicating major difficulty in achieving a high percentage of retail product simultaneously with a high fat content of the longissimus muscle that is required for carcass quality grade. Generally, rp were of smaller magnitude than rg. All rp of marbling score or percentage of ether-extracted fat in the longissimus muscle with all end-use properties relating to palatability including shear force, and sensory evaluation of tenderness, juiciness, and flavor were below .30.
Microinjection of Culture Cells via Fusion with Loaded Erythrocytes

Because of its relative simplicity, the non-nucleated mammalian erythrocyte has often served as a paradigm for study of more complex eukaryotic cells. About 10 years ago, studies of the erythrocyte membrane and investigations employing erythrocytes as models for understanding cell fusion converged, resulting in the technique referred to as erythrocyte-mediated microinjection. The seminal studies of Seeman (1967) indicated that mac-romolecules could enter and be trapped inside erythrocytes whose membrane integrity was reversibly interrupted by a hypotonic shock treatment. Loyter and colleagues (Peretz et al., 1974) then described conditions under which erythrocytes could be fused with one another by Sendai virus without losing their membrane integrity, so that intracellular mac-romolecules were retained. Under these same sorts of conditions hemoglobin could be transferred from erythrocytes to nucleated eukaryotic cells to which they were fused (Zakai et al., 1974; Furusawa et al., 1974). Finally, these findings on loading of erythrocytes with exogenous mac-romolecules and fusion of such carriers to recipient cells were combined to afford an efficient method for introducing macromolecules into eu-karyotic cells (Schlegel and Rechsteiner, 1975; Loyter et al., 1975; Nishimura et al., 1976).
Abstract 2368: Long-term Apelin Infusion Rescues Chronic Cardiomyopathy and Potentiates the Effects of ACE-Inhibition

Introduction: We have previously shown an important role for apelin-APJ signaling in human heart failure and recently described in vivo effects of short term infusions of apelin in mice. Whether apelin can rescue chronic heart failure is not known. Methods: Spontaneously hypertensive heart failure-prone rats were subjected to coronary artery ligation. Approximately 6 months later, when serial echocardiography had revealed decrements in cardiac function, the animals were randomized into 3 treatment groups (apelin, captopril, or apelin and captopril combined) and one control group (saline). Agents were infused by osmotic minipumps and echocardiography was repeated at 4 and 8 weeks. Results: This model successfully reproduced chronic heart failure. After 240 days, there was a significant decline in fractional shortening (FS, pre: 0.47 0.001 post: 0.21 0.001, p Conclusion: Apelin is a potent vasodilator, and can augment contractile reserve and inhibit vasopressin release making it an attractive therapeutic agent in heart failure. This is the first study to describe the effects of long term apelin administration in chronic heart failure. Long-term apelin infusion not only rescued chronic cardiomyopathy but showed a synergistic benefit when combined with captopril.
Evaluation of Landscape Fabrics in Suppressing Growth of Weed Species

Abstract Two tests were conducted to evaluate weed penetration up through landscape fabrics. The degree of weed suppression varied depending on the specific landscape fabric. No landscape fabric gave total suppression of weeds tested. Sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia L.) and smallflower morningglory (Jacquemontia tamnifolia (L.) Grisebach.) were inhibited by all landscape fabrics. Growth of pigweed (Aranthus sp.), bermudagrass (Cynodon datylon (L.) Persoon.), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.), and johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Persoon.) was suppressed by certain landscape fabrics.
Information Security: Awareness and Training Program in the Middle East Universities

An effective Security Awareness and Training (SAT) program enables organizational members to understand the organization’s security strategies, know their responsibilities, and control risks that are caused by security incidents. Therefore, deploying a SAT program is one of the most important steps for any organization to assure that information assets are appropriately secured. The aim of this paper is into folds: first, to gain an insight and determine the information security awareness and training program levels in Middle Eastern higher education sector through a case study that examined 182 institute websites over eight countries. Second, to provide recommendations based on the findings that aid information security professionals to establish a new or improved existing awareness and training program. Literature showed that no study has been done on the SAT program at the level of the Middle Eastern region. However, there was a need to this investigation and therefore, it was a pioneering study at the region level in the field of information security.
Quantifying NFL Players’ Value With the Help of Vegas Point Spreads Values:

This study develops a new method for converting performance statistics into marginal product by using Las Vegas sportsbooks’ individual point spread values (PSVs) for National Football League playe...
Network Models for Malaria: Antigens, Dynamics, and Evolution Over Space and Time

Abstract Networks provide a flexible and powerful data structure for analysis of complex relationships, from genes and genomes, to geographical transmission regions. Recent advances in statistical inference, community detection, multilayer methods, and network visualization, now allow network analyses to be conducted rapidly, at large scale, and increasingly with statistical substantiation. In this Review Article, we summarize the various ways in which networks have been used to understand malaria parasites, primarily focused on genetics and genomics, but also touching on epidemiology and immunology. This review is written for the reader who does not have extensive experience with networks but is interested in learning about them and their applications for understanding and interpreting malaria antigenic diversity, evolution and transmission.
Quaternary cerium(iv) containing fluorides exhibiting Ce3F16 sheets and Ce6F30 frameworks.

A series of new Ce(IV) based fluorides with two different compositions, Cs2MCe3F16 (M = Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+) and Na3MCe6F30 (M = Al3+, Ga3+, Fe3+, and Cr3+) were synthesized as high quality single crystals via a mild hydrothermal route. The compounds with the composition Cs2MCe3F16 (M = Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+) crystallize in the hexagonal crystal system with space group P63/mmc and are isotypic with the uranium analogs, whereas the Na3MCe6F30 (M = Al3+, Ga3+, Fe3+, and Cr3+) compounds crystallize in the trigonal space group Pc1 and are isotypic with the uranium and thorium analogs NaxMM′6F30 (M′ = Th, U). The Cs2MCe3F16 compounds exhibit a complex 3D crystal structure constructed of edge-sharing cerium trimers, in which all three Ce atoms share a common μ3-F unit. The Na3MCe6F30 compounds are constructed of edge- and vertex-sharing cerium polyhedra connected to each other to form Ce6F306− framework, which can accommodate only relatively smaller trivalent cations (M3+ = Al3+, Ga3+, Fe3+, and Cr3+) as compared to uranium and thorium analogs. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were carried out on the samples of Cs2MCe3F16 (M = Ni2+ and Co2+), which exhibit paramagnetic behavior.
Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Oncogene-Driven Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Patients with oncogene-driven lung cancer have limited therapeutic options after progressing on their targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Given the growing role of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in the treatment of lung cancer, oncogene-driven cancer has warranted further evaluation regarding ICI therapy. However, initial ICI studies have suggested that ICI monotherapy is not only lacking in efficacy, but that it may be less tolerable in oncogene-driven non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We performed a detailed review of the literature using Pubmed, and present the current and impactful findings here. Studies evaluating the use of concurrent ICI therapy and TKI therapy have also suggested increased toxicity and lack of increased activity in these patients. Larger studies have suggested that the sequence of ICI therapy and TKI, such as utilizing ICI therapy after TKI as opposed to before TKI, may play a role in reducing toxicity (hepatotoxicity, pneumonitis); however, these studies are limited in number. Novel methods of patient selection, including low tumor mutational burden, inflamed phenotyping, and high CD8 + tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, may aid in determining ideal patients to give ICI therapy. Novel therapeutic combinations including the addition of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapy or radiotherapy show promising findings for these patients. Given the growing unmet need for therapeutic options in patients with oncogene-driven NSCLC who have failed TKI therapy, further research is warranted.
Behavior in Transition: Recovery of Behavior by an Obligate Parasitic Ant (Formica subintegra) Following Host Removal

Dulosis is a type of social parasitism in which a parasitic ant has become dependent on captured workers (hosts) of a closely related species. Dulosis can be either facultative or obligate depending on the degree of dependence on host workers. As parasites become more specialized over evolutionary time, their domestic abilities degenerate until they become unable to survive without the host. However, depending on the degree of specialization, the “lost” behaviors may display some degree of recovery when host workers are unavailable to do the tasks. The 12 species of the Formica sanguinea group are all traditionally considered to be facultative parasites. However, recent studies suggest that one member of the group, F. subintegra, has characteristics that are more consistent with obligate parasitism. To explore the degree to which F. subintegra has become obligate, this study examined the degree of recovery of foraging and nest excavation behaviors of parasites when hosts are removed. When parasites were isolated from hosts, they spent more time foraging and feeding regurgitated food to nestmates (oral trophallaxis), and tended to begin feeding sooner following a period of fasting than when hosts were present. Isolated parasites were able to excavate suitable tunnels and engaged in nest building behavior significantly more often than parasites in groups with hosts. These results indicate that F. subintegra demonstrates some recovery of its foraging and nest excavation abilities, and can be considered a less specialized (more primitive) obligate parasite. Formica subintegra and its facultative relatives can be used as models for studying the progression of dulotic evolution within a closely related group of social parasites, and may shed light on which factors contribute to the transition from facultative to obligate parasitism.
Automation and validation of a MALDI-TOF MS (Mass-Fix) replacement of immunofixation electrophoresis in the clinical lab.

Objectives A matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method (Mass-Fix) as a replacement for gel-based immunofixation (IFE) has been recently described. To utilize Mass-Fix clinically, a validated automated method was required. Our aim was to automate the pre-analytical processing, improve positive specimen identification and ergonomics, reduce paper data storage and increase resource utilization without increasing turnaround time. Methods Serum samples were batched and loaded onto a liquid handler along with reagents and a barcoded sample plate. The pre-analytical steps included: (1) Plating immunopurification beads. (2) Adding 10 μl of serum. (3) Bead washing. (4) Eluting the immunoglobulins (Igs), and reducing to separate the heavy and light Ig chains. The resulting plate was transferred to a second low-volume liquid handler for MALDI plate spotting. MALDI-TOF mass spectra were collected. Integrated in-house developed software was utilized for sample tracking, driving data acquisition, data analysis, history tracking, and result reporting. A total of 1,029 residual serum samples were run using the automated system and results were compared to prior electrophoretic results. Results The automated Mass-Fix method was capable of meeting the validation requirements of concordance with IFE, limit of detection (LOD), sample stability and reproducibility with a low repeat rate. Automation and integrated software allowed a single user to process 320 samples in an 8 h shift. Software display facilitated identification of monoclonal proteins. Additionally, the process maintains positive specimen identification, reduces manual pipetting, allows for paper free tracking, and does not significantly impact turnaround time (TAT). Conclusions Mass-Fix is ready for implementation in a high-throughput clinical laboratory.
Long periodic ripple in a 2D hybrid halide perovskite structure using branched organic spacers

Two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites have great promise in optoelectronic devices because of their stability and optical tunability, but the subtle effects on the inorganic layer when modifying the organic spacer remain unclear. Here, we introduce two homologous series of Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) structures using the branched isobutylammonium (IBA) and isoamylammonium (IAA) cations with the general formula (RA)2(MA)n−1PbnI3n+1 (RA = IBA, IAA; MA = methylammonium n = 1–4). Surprisingly, the IAA n = 2 member results in the first modulated 2D perovskite structure with a ripple with a periodicity of 50.6 A occurring in the inorganic slab diagonally to the [101] direction of the basic unit cell. This leads to an increase of Pb–I–Pb angles along the direction of the wave. Generally, both series show larger in-plane bond angles resulting from the additional bulkiness of the spacers compensating for the MA's small size. Larger bond angles have been shown to decrease the bandgap which is seen here with the bulkier IBA leading to both larger in-plane angles and lower bandgaps except for n = 2, in which the modulated structure has a lower bandgap because of its larger Pb–I–Pb angles. Photo-response was tested for the n = 4 compounds and confirmed, signaling their potential use in solar cell devices. We made films using an MACl additive which showed good crystallinity and preferred orientation according to grazing-incidence wide-angle scattering (GIWAXS). As exemplar, the two n = 4 samples were employed in devices with champion efficiencies of 8.22% and 7.32% for IBA and IAA, respectively.
Selenium Isotope Shifts during the Oxidation of Selenide-Bearing Minerals

Oxidation of selenium (Se) largely drives the mobilization of soluble selenium oxyanions from rock and soil. Isotopic fractionation of selenium (82Se/76Se) has been used to track attenuating proces...
TGF beta -1, -2 and -3 in the modulation of fibrosis in the cornea and other organs

Abstract The TGF beta-1, -2 and -3 isoforms are transcribed from different genes but bind to the same receptors and signal through the same canonical and non-canonical signal transduction pathways. There are numerous regulatory mechanisms controlling the action of each isoform that include the organ-specific cells producing latent TGF beta growth factors, multiple effectors that activate the isoforms, ECM-associated SLRPs and basement membrane components that modulate the activity and localization of the isoforms, other interactive cytokine-growth factor receptor systems, such as PDGF and CTGF, TGF beta receptor expression on target cells, including myofibroblast precursors, receptor binding competition, positive and negative signal transduction effectors, and transcription and translational regulatory mechanisms. While there has long been the view that TGF beta-1and TGF beta-2 are pro-fibrotic, while TGF beta-3 is anti-fibrotic, this review suggests that view is too simplistic, at least in adult tissues, since TGF beta-3 shares far more similarities in its modulation of fibrotic gene expression with TGF beta-1 and TGF beta-2, than it does differences, and often the differences are subtle. Rather, TGF beta-3 should be seen as a fibro-modulatory partner to the other two isoforms that modulates a nuanced and better controlled response to injury. The complex interplay between the three isoforms and numerous interactive proteins, in the context of the cellular milieu, controls regenerative non-fibrotic vs. fibrotic healing in a response to injury in a particular organ, as well as the resolution of fibrosis, when that occurs.
Nonsurgical management of mediastinal abscess and Lemierre syndrome in an infant

Non-surgical management of descending necrotizing mediastinitis secondary to a retropharyngeal abscess is a viable management option in children in contrast to the adult experience. We describe a pediatric case that underwent incision and drainage of a retropharyngeal abscess but did not require surgical drainage of a subsequent mediastinal abscess because of excellent clinical and radiologic response to intravenous antibiotics. The patient also had a co-existing Lemierre syndrome. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was recovered from the purulent drainage of the retropharyngeal abscess.
Characteristics of children having multiple Medicaid-paid asthma hospitalizations.

Objectives: We undertook this population-based study to describe the characteristics of poor children with multiple asthma hospitalizations and to discern if poor minority children have a greater risk for these events than poor white children. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1994 California hospital discharge data for asthma hospitalizations among 1 to 12-year-old Medicaid patients (N = 6844 discharges). Risk factors for multiple Medicaid asthma hospitalizations were calculated by using logistic regression procedures. Results: In 1994, asthma hospitalizations accounted for 11.6% of Medicaid-funded hospitalizations for 1 to 12-year-olds in California. These hospitalizations had a mean length of 2.7 days and a mean hospital charge of $6532. After we controlled for source of admission and length of stay, African American children (OR, 1.93; 95% CI 1.49–2.49) and Latino children (OR, 1.34; 95% CI 1.04–1.72) had a higher risk of multiple Medicaid-paid hospitalizations for asthma than did white children. Adjusted odds ratios for multiple asthma hospitalizations were 1.35 (CI, 1.05–1.74) for children with emergency room admissions, and 1.16 (CI, 0.97–1.39) for children having hospital stays of at least 5 days duration. Conclusions: Among children with Medicaid-paid hospitalizations for asthma, the risk for multiple asthma hospitalizations within a year was greater among African Americans and Latinos than among whites. Programs attempting to decrease repeat hospitalizations for asthma may benefit by focusing on these populations.
Biochemical properties of the Escherichia coli recA430 protein: Analysis of a mutation that affects the interaction of the ATP-recA protein complex with single-stranded DNA

Abstract The biochemical properties of the recA430 protein have been examined and compared to those of wild-type recA protein. We find that, while the recA430 protein possesses ssDNA-dependent rATP activity, this activity is inhibited by the Escherichia coli single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB protein) under many conditions that enhance wild-type recA protein rATPase hydrolysis. Stimulation of rATPase activity by SSB protein is observed only at high concentrations of both rATP (>1 m m ) and recA430 protein (>5 μ m ). In contrast, stimulation of ssDNA-dependent dATPase activity by SSB protein is less sensitive to protein and nucleotide concentration. Consistent with the nucleotide hydrolysis data, recA430 protein can carry out DNA strand exchange in the presence of either rATP or dATP. However, in the presence of rATP, both the rate and the extent of DNA strand exchange by recA430 protein are greatly reduced compared to wild-type recA protein and are sensitive to recA430 protein concentration. This reduction is presumably due to the inability of recA430 protein to compete with SSB protein for ssDNA binding sites under these conditions. The cleavage of lexA repressor protein by recA430 protein is also sensitive to the nucleotide cofactor present and is completely inhibited by SSB protein when rATP is the cofactor but not when dATP is used. Finally, the steady-state affinity and the rate of association of the recA430 protein-ssDNA complex are reduced, suggesting that the mutation affects the interaction of the ATP-bound form of recA protein with ssDNA. This alteration is the likely molecular defect responsible for inhibition of recA430 protein rATP-dependent function by SSB protein. The biochemical properties observed in the presence of dATP and SSB protein, i.e. the reduced levels of both DNA strand exchange activity and cleavage of lexA repressor protein, are consistent with the phenotypic behavior of recA430 mutations.
A Neurological Cause of Recurrent Choking During Sleep

We describe a case of nocturnal choking episodes caused by insular seizures. Recurrent choking spells from sleep showed no response to treatment for sleep apnea or gastroesophageal reflux. Laryngoscopy revealed no abnormalities. Although continuous EEG monitoring during events was normal, ictal SPECT imaging showed increased radiotracer uptake in the left insular region, an area involved in sensation of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The episodes remitted after initiation of an antiepileptic drug. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common cause for presentation to a sleep center, but seizures should remain in the differential diagnosis of nocturnal choking episodes. Citation: Davis KA; Cantor C; Maus D; Herman ST. A neurological cause of recurrent choking during sleep. J Clin Sleep Med 2008;4(6):586–587.
Spectroscopic Determination of Surface Pressure and Elevation Differences on Mars

Observations of a carbon dioxide band at 1.2206 μ (8192.6 cm-1) made at the opposition of Mars in June, 1969, are used with laboratory data to derive a value for the pressure at the surface of Mars. This band is especially suitable because it is sensitive to pressure, lying in the transition region of the curve of growth, but is relatively free of telluric contamination. The pressure derived is 5.3 -2.6 +2.2 mb, corresponding to the Martian desert region Amazonis.
Chronic calorie restriction increases susceptibility of laboratory mice (Mus musculus) to a primary intestinal parasite infection

Summary Long-term calorie restriction (CR) has numerous benefits; however, effects of CR on susceptibility to intact pathogens are not well understood. Because CR enhances immune function of laboratory mice (Mus musculus), it was hypothesized that mice subjected to CR would be less susceptible to experimental infections of the intestinal parasite Heligmosomoides bakeri. Furthermore, because H. bakeri must combat a greater host immune response by CR mice compared to fully fed mice, it also was also hypothesized that (i) worms living in CR hosts would have lower reproduction than worms from ad libitum-fed mice, and (ii) CR mice would have a more female-biased sex ratio as male worms may be more vulnerable to host immune response than female worms. Mice were subjected to CR for 6.7 months and were then infected with H. bakeri for one additional month. As expected, CR mice had equal or enhanced immune response (eosinophils and immunoglobin G1 production) to H. bakeri infection compared to ad libitum-fed mice, and CR mice harbored a more female-biased sex ratio than ad libitum-fed mice. Contrary to predictions, CR mice had more worms than ad libitum-fed mice and the worms from CR mice produced more eggs than worms from ad libitum-fed mice. These data indicate that, despite the evidence that long-term CR enhances traditional measures of immune function, CR may actually increase susceptibility to intact parasite infection. Furthermore, changes in worm reproduction and differential survival of male vs. female worms may influence host–parasite transmission dynamics during long-term host CR.
Oxidative Stress Differentially Regulates the Expression of γ‐Glutamyl Transpeptidase mRNAs in the Initial Segment of the Rat Epididymis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a powerful cytotoxic effect on spermatozoa and have been implicated in spermatozoal dysfunction and male infertility. gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is essential to the metabolism of the antioxidant glutathione and, as such, is believed to be important in protecting spermatozoa against oxidative stress. The aims of this study were 1) to establish in vitro conditions in which ROS were generated and 2) to determine whether oxidative stress regulated the expression of GGT mRNAs I-IV in the initial segment of the epididymis. Initial segments were collected from adult male rats and incubated in culture media to which ROS-generating compounds, hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase, were added. By 6.5 hours, incubation of tissue in high-oxidative stress conditions caused a 56% decrease in reduced glutathione concentration, a concomitant 240% increase in oxidized glutathione concentration, and a 25% decrease in adenosine triphosphate concentration. RNase protection analyses demonstrated an approximate 70% up-regulation of GGT mRNAs II-IV in a differential manner, depending on the concentration of oxidizing agents and the type of ROS generated. gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase mRNA I was not expressed. These results support the hypothesis that expression of GGT mRNAs is regulated by oxidative stress in the initial segment of the rat epididymis.
Neutron Interference in the Gravitational Field of a Ring Laser

The neutron split-beam interferometer has proven to be particularly useful in measuring Newtonian gravitational effects such as those studied by Colella, Overhauser, and Werner (COW). The development of the ring laser has led to numerous applications in many areas of physics including a recent general relativistic prediction of frame dragging in the gravitational field produced by the electromagnetic radiation in a ring laser. This paper introduces a new general technique based on a canonical transformation of the Dirac equation for the gravitational field of a general linearized spacetime. Using this technique it is shown that there is a phase shift in the interference of two neutron beams due to the frame-dragging nature of the gravitational field of a ring laser.