cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Examination of Financial Performance: Distilling the Essential Causal Factors

In Chapter II we developed, from various theories and empirical studies of performance, a substantial list of potential factors that might cause superior financial performance. We demonstrated that the mix of environmental, strategic and organizational dimensions that researchers believe might impact financial performance has evolved from several rather disparate fields of study.
Sudden cardiac arrest survival in HEARTSafe communities

Abstract Background The HEARTSafe Communities program promotes community efforts to improve systems for treating sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The study hypothesis was that the rates of SCA survival to admission, discharge, and discharge with CPC score 1 or 2 are higher in HEARTSafe-designated communities than non-designated communities in Connecticut, USA. Secondary outcomes included bystander CPR and AED application. Methods The state Office of EMS supplied a list of towns that are HEARTSafe-designated, and dates of designation. The Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival provided data for all SCA from 2013 to 2017 in the 70 participating towns. For each SCA, it was determined whether the town was HEARTSafe-designated at the time. Results Of 2922 SCA cases, 1569 (54%) occurred in towns that were HEARTSafe-designated. Patients in designated towns were 1.15 times more likely to have AEDs applied by bystanders, and 1.15 times more likely to have CPR started by bystanders, than were patients in non-designated towns, but these differences were not significance (p = 0.66 and 0.28). The likelihood of surviving to admission was 1.33 times higher (p = 0.02) in designated towns. The likelihood of surviving to discharge was 1.33 times higher, and of surviving to discharge with CPC 1 or 2 was 1.4 times higher, but these differences were not significant (p = 0.17 and 0.13). Conclusion SCA survival rates do not differ between HEARTSafe and non-HEARTSafe communities in Connecticut. SCA patients in HEARTSafe communities are no more likely to receive bystander AED application or bystander CPR.
Early Efficacy of Multitiered Dual-Language Instruction: Promoting Preschoolers' Spanish and English Oral Language.

The purpose of this cluster randomized group study was to investigate the effect of multitiered, dual-language instruction on children’s oral language skills, including vocabulary, narrative retell...
Nanoparticle-based Immunoengineered Approaches for Combating HIV

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) serves as an effective strategy to combat HIV infections by suppressing viral replication in patients with HIV/AIDS. However, HAART does not provide HIV/AIDS patients with a sterilizing or functional cure, and introduces several deleterious comorbidities. Moreover, the virus is able to persist within latent reservoirs, both undetected by the immune system and unaffected by HAART, increasing the risk of a viral rebound. The field of immunoengineering, which utilizes varied bioengineering approaches to interact with the immune system and potentiate its therapeutic effects against HIV, is being increasingly investigated in HIV cure research. In particular, nanoparticle-based immunoengineered approaches are especially attractive because they offer advantages including the improved delivery and functionality of classical HIV drugs such as antiretrovirals and experimental drugs such as latency-reversing agents (LRAs), among others. Here, we present and discuss the current state of the field in nanoparticle-based immunoengineering approaches for an HIV cure. Specifically, we discuss nanoparticle-based methods for improving HAART as well as latency reversal, developing vaccines, targeting viral fusion, enhancing gene editing approaches, improving adoptively transferred immune-cell mediated reservoir clearance, and other therapeutic and prevention approaches. Although nanoparticle-based immunoengineered approaches are currently at the stage of preclinical testing, the promising findings obtained in these studies demonstrate the potential of this emerging field for developing an HIV cure.
U.S. consumers' attitudes toward RNA interference technology in the beef sector

Abstract RNA interference (RNAi) is a naturally occurring biological process that has the potential to cut production costs in the livestock sector. RNAi can be used to silence gene expression in organisms. Yet, genetic technologies are often viewed as controversial in the food sector. An online survey was used to determine U.S. consumers' perceptions and attitudes toward RNAi technology's application in the beef sector. Respondents were given one of four information treatments in addition to a base statement describing RNAi. We estimate three models of demographic variables using a generalized ordered logit. Findings reveal that consumers would prefer RNAi be applied to the beef sector for the purpose of increasing animal health, reducing the use of antibiotics, and to protect cattle from disease. Overall, consumers show an apprehension toward the technology due to food safety concerns. Females and older individuals are less accepting while having a college graduate are more receiving of RNAi technology.
(Re) Defining the High-Power Field for Digital Pathology.

Background: The microscope high-power field (HPF) is the cornerstone for histopathology diagnostic evaluation such as the quantification of mitotic figures, lymphocytes, and tumor grading. With traditional light microscopy, HPFs are typically evaluated by quantifying histologic events in 10 fields of view at × 400 magnification. In the era of digital pathology, new variables are introduced that may affect HPF evaluation. The aim of this study was to determine the parameters that influence HPF in whole slide images (WSIs). Materials and Methods: Glass slides scanned on various devices (Leica's Aperio GT450, AT2, and ScanScope XT; Philips UltraFast Scanner; Hamamatsu's Nanozoomer 2.0HT; and 3DHistech's P1000) were compared to acquired digital slides reviewed on each vendor's respective WSI viewer software (e.g., Aperio ImageScope, ImageScope DX, Philips IMS, 3DHistech CaseViewer, and Hamamatsu NDP.view) and an in-house developed vendor-agnostic viewer. WSIs were reviewed at “×40” equivalent HPF on different sized monitors with varying display resolutions (1900 × 1080–4500 × 3000) and aspect ratios (e.g., Food and Drug Administration [FDA]-cleared 27” Philips PS27QHDCR, FDA-cleared 24” Dell MR2416, 24” Hewlett Packard Z24n G2, and 28” Microsoft Surface Studio). Digital and microscopic HPF areas were calculated and compared. Results: A significant variation of HPF area occurred between differing monitor size and display resolutions with minor differences between WSI viewers. No differences were identified by scanner or WSIs scanned at different resolutions (e.g., 0.5, 0.25, 0.24, and 0.12 μm/pixel). Conclusion: Glass slide HPF at × 400 magnification with conventional light microscopy was not equivalent to “×40” digital HPF areas. Digital HPF quantification may vary due to differences in the tissue area displayed by monitor sizes, display resolutions, and WSI viewers but not by scanner or scanning resolution. These findings will need to be further clinically validated with potentially new digital metrics for evaluation.
Hepatectomy for Breast Cancer Metastasis and Sarcoma are more likely to have Adverse Outcomes than Hepatectomy for Primary Hepatocellular Cancer or for Colorectal Metastasis.

Introduction Outcomes for hepatectomy for breast cancer metastasis and sarcomatous disease processes are not well defined in literature. We sought to use a national database to identify outcomes in these patients compared to subset of patients more well studied in literature - primary Hepatocellular cancer patients and patients with colorectal metastasis. Methods We identified patients undergoing major hepatectomy (≥ 3 segments) for primary hepatocellular cancer (HCC), sarcoma metastasis, breast cancer metastasis, and colorectal metastasis using NSQIP database. The Primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome measures were 30-day readmission and complication rates. Results A total of 5580 patients underwent major hepatectomy during the study period. Patients who underwent hepatectomy for breast cancer metastasis had higher incidence of in-hospital complications (37%) compared to sarcoma (29%), colon (26%), and HCC patients (24%) and 30-days readmission rate (37% vs. 29% - sarcoma vs. 26% - colon vs. 25% HCC). There was no difference in 30-days mortality among the groups. Conclusion Patients undergoing major hepatectomies for breast cancer metastasis and sarcoma are more likely to have adverse outcomes than compared to their counterparts. This difference highlights the lack of experience in managing breast cancer and sarcoma with metastatic disease to the liver. This also highlights the difference in tumor biology among all the lesions we studied. An extensive discussion should take place when dealing with breast and sarcoma lesions in the liver because of these outcomes.
Mechanism Design for Correlated Valuations: Efficient Methods for Revenue Maximization

Traditionally, much of the focus of the mechanism/auction design community has been on revenue optimal mechanisms for settings where bidders’ private valuations over outcomes can be reasonably thou...
The Associations of Handgrip Strength and Leg Extension Power Asymmetry on Incident Recurrent Falls and Fractures in Older Men

Background Evaluating asymmetries in muscle function could provide important insights for fall risk assessments. We sought to determine the associations of 1) handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry, and 2) leg extension power (LEP) asymmetry on risk of incident recurrent falls and fractures in older men. Methods There were 5,730 men with HGS asymmetry data and 5,347 men with LEP asymmetry data from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study. A handgrip dynamometer measured HGS and a Nottingham Power Rig ascertained LEP. Percent difference in maximal HGS between hands was calculated, and asymmetric HGS was defined as men in the highest quartile of dissimilarity for HGS between hands. The same approach was used to determine asymmetric LEP. Participants self-reported falls every four-months after the baseline exam, and persons with ≥2 falls in the first year were considered recurrent fallers. Fractures and their dates of occurrence were self-reported and confirmed with radiographic reports. Results Older men in the highest HGS asymmetry quartile had a 1.20 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.43) relative risk for incident recurrent falls. Likewise, men in the highest HGS asymmetry quartile had a higher risk for incident fractures: 1.41 (CI: 1.02-1.96) for hip, 1.28 (CI: 1.04-1.58) for major osteoporotic, and 1.24 (CI: 1.06-1.45) for non-spine. There were no significant associations between LEP asymmetry and recurrent falls or fractures. Conclusions Asymmetric HGS could be a novel risk factor for falls and fractures that is more feasible to measure than LEP. Fall risk assessments should consider evaluating muscle function, including HGS asymmetry.
Return to Sports After Primary Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Outcomes at Mean 4-Year Follow-up:

Background:With the expanding use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) to treat various shoulder conditions, there has been a rise in the number of RSAs performed, especially in physically active...
Lower Extremity Biomechanics Predicts Major League Baseball Player Performance.

Background:Although lower extremity biomechanics has been correlated with traditional metrics among baseball players, its association with advanced statistical metrics has not been evaluated.Purpos...
Conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons over silica-alumina: Selective Formation of Lower Olefins

Abstract The catalytic conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons, particularly to the lower olefins, has been studied in a fixed-bed flow reactor over amorphous silica-alumina and over silica-alumina containing small amounts of zeolite. The amorphous silica-alumina catalysts were prepared by the cogelation method such that the alumina content varied from 1.5 to 30 wt.-%. The composite catalysts were prepared by adding crystallites of HAlZSM-5 (SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 =35) during the cogelation procedure. In each of these composite catalysts the silica-alumina matrix contained 15 wt.-% alumina whereas the ratio of the HAIZSM-5 to the silica-alumina matrix varied from 4 to 19 wt.-%. The conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons other than dimethyl ether at 375°C, 1 atm and 1 h −1 space velocity, over the synthesized amorphous silica-alumina catalysts increased from 22.5 to 96.5% as the alumina content increased from 5 to 20 wt.-%. The selectivity to C 2 -C 4 olefins was essentially constant (62 to 65%) over this range of SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 ratios. These amorphous silica-alumina catalysts deactivated significantly over a period of 15 h. When small amounts (5 to 10 wt.-%) of HAlZSM-5 zeolite were added to the silica-alumina matrix having 15 wt.-% Al 2 O 3 , a more stable and active catalyst for the conversion of methanol to lower olefins was obtained.
Safety and efficacy of ipilimumab to treat advanced melanoma in the setting of liver transplantation

Ipilimumab is a first-in-class immunological checkpoint blockade agent and monoclonal antibody against Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4) that has demonstrated survival benefit and durable responses in patients with metastatic melanoma. To date, solid organ transplant recipients have been excluded from clinical trials with cancer immunotherapies on the basis of their concurrent treatment with immunosuppressive agents. We present the first case to our knowledge of a patient with advanced cutaneous melanoma receiving ipilimumab status post orthotopic liver transplantation with a partial response. Transaminitis was observed 4 months after administration of ipilimumab that resolved with close observation. No evidence of graft rejection has been observed to date. This case advocates for further investigation of the safety and efficacy of cancer immunotherapies in solid organ transplant recipients.
Evaluating Usability-Supporting Architecture Patterns: Reactions from Usability Professionals

Usability professionals and software engineers approach software design differently, which creates a communication gap that hinders effective usability design discussions. An online survey was conducted to evaluate how usability professionals react to Usability-Supporting Architecture Patterns (USAPs) as a potential way to bridge this gap. Members of the Usability Professionals Association (UPA) participated in a pretest-posttest control group design experiment where they answered questions about USAPs and software design. Results suggest that participants perceived USAPs as useful to account for usability in software architectures, recognizing the importance of the USAPs stated usability benefits. Additionally, results showed a difference in perception of the USAPs stated usability benefits between US and European participants. A better understanding of what the usability community thinks about USAPs can lead to their improvement as well as increased adoption by software engineers, which can lead to better integration of usability and HCI principles into software design.
Reduced Triphosphopyridine Nucleotide Oxidase-catalyzed Alterations of Membrane Phospholipids III. TRANSIENT FORMATION OF PHOSPHOLIPID PEROXIDES

Abstract Transient formation of phospholipid peroxides was observed during the TPNH-dependent cleavage of phospholipid-bound polyunsaturated fatty acids in liver microsomes. The peroxide functions are associated with the β position polyunsaturated fatty acids and appear to be intermediates in the chain cleavage process. The data support the conclusion that microsomes contain an enzyme system which promotes multiple peroxidative cleavage of endogenous membrane-bound polyunsaturated fatty acids, producing a variety of carbonyl-containing residues. Concomitant with the alteration of the membrane-bound phospholipids, there is evidence for major structural changes in the membrane itself. The reaction may represent an explicit metabolic function for unsaturated phospholipids during electron transport in the endoplasmic reticulum, as well as a possible alternative pathway for polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation. On the other hand, the changes observed may be the result of chemical damage to the microsomal membrane as a consequence of TPNH-linked electron transport.
PLACENTITIS AND FIBROUS OCCLUSION OF FETAL VESSELS IN THE PLACENTAS OF STILLBORN INFANTS.

Abstract 1. 1. Seventy-three placentas of stillborn infants were described, sectioned, and appraised in a retrospective study of the diseases of the placenta after fetal death in utero. 2. 2. Moderate to marked placentitis, in which maternal and fetal response by neutrophilic infiltration had extended to the amnion, chorion, or umbilical cord was apparent in 42 per cent of the 73 placentas. 3. 3. Moderate to marked maceration with denudation or bullae of the skin, softness of the eyeball, red-brown fluid of the body cavity, and loss of organ weight was recorded in 39 per cent or 29 out of the 73 stillborn infants. Fetal maceration was frequently associated with erythroblastosis and diabetes mellitus. 4. 4. Sixty-four per cent or 47 of the 73 stillborn infants were premature (45 per cent) or immature (19 per cent). 5. 5. Partial or complete fibrous occlusion of the fetal vessels in the stem villi was observed in 38 per cent or 28 of 73 placentas of stillborn infants. This vascular changes was commonly associated with moderate to marked fetal maceration. Villous infarction and thrombosis were independent of this vascular change, however. 6. 6. Partial or complete occlusion of the fetal vessels in the placentas of stillborn infants was often produced by subintimal proliferation of fibrous tissue and not by intimal proliferation or thrombosis.
Testing for lead in toys at day care centers.

OBJECTIVE Exposure to lead-based paint or material has been found to impact children's cognitive and behavioral development at blood lead levels far below current standards. The purpose of the project was to screen for lead in toy items in daycare centers in order to raise awareness of inside environmental lead exposures and minimize lead-based exposures for children. METHODS Occupational therapy students in a service learning class tested for lead in ten daycare or public centers using the XRF Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t, a method accepted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). RESULTS A total of 460 items were tested over a two-month period for an average of 66 toys per setting. Fifty six (56) items tested > 100 ppm, which represented 12% of the entire sample. Items with high lead levels included selected toys constructed with lead-based paint, lead metals, plastics using lead as a color enhancer, and decorative objects. CONCLUSION While the actual number of lead-based products is small, the cumulative exposure or habitual use may pose an unnecessary risk to children. Indoor exposures occurred for all day care centers regardless of socio-economic levels. Recommendations to minimize exposures are provided.
Ultrasonic Signal Enhancement Using Order Statistic and Morphological Filters

Order statistic and morphological filters belong to a class of nonlinear filters that have recently found many applications in signal analysis and image processing. In this paper, order statistic and morphological filters have been applied to enhance the features of the ultrasonic signal when it has been contaminated by multiple interfering microstructure echoes with random amplitudes and phases. These interfering echoes (i.e., speckles or grain scattering noise) often become significant to the point where detection of flaw echoes becomes very difficult. We have examined frequency diverse order statistic and time domain morphological and recursive median filters for improved ultrasonic flaw detection. In particular, the performance of these filters is evaluated using different ranks of order statistics and different shapes of structuring elements in the application of morphological filters. The processed experimental results in testing steel samples demonstrate that these filters are capable of improving flaw detection in ultrasonic systems.
Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α produced by renal parenchymal cells

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent that induces tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α ) production in many cell types with unfortunate renal toxicity. We sought to determine the contributions of renal parenchymal cells and bone marrow-derived immune cells to the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced renal injury in vivo . To do this we created chimeric mice in which the bone marrow was ablated and replaced with donor bone marrow cells from wild-type or from TNF- α knockout mice. Six weeks after reconstitution, the chimeric mice were treated with cisplatin and renal structural and functional parameters were measured. Chimeras with kidneys of wild-type animals all developed significant renal failure after 72 h of cisplatin treatment regardless of the immune cell source. Chimeras with kidneys of TNF- α knockout mice showed significantly less renal dysfunction (blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate), renal histologic injury, and serum TNF- α levels; again regardless of the immune cell source. Urinary excretion of several proinflammatory cytokines was lower in the wild-type bone marrow-knockout kidney chimera mouse than in wild-type background mice. Our results indicate that a substantial portion of circulating and urinary TNF- α is derived from nonimmune cells after cisplatin administration. We conclude that the production of TNF- α by renal parenchymal cells, rather than by bone marrow-derived infiltrating immune cells, is responsible for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.
Thermodynamic Functions of Concentrated Protein Solutions from Phase Equilibria

For insight into the thermodynamics and phase behavior in concentrated protein solutions, we study the liquid−liquid phase separation with lysozyme. We determine independently the binodal and spinodal lines, and the second virial coefficient of the protein at 275 < T < 295 K. From these data, we determine the protein chemical potential and osmotic pressure for concentrations as high as 320 mg mL-1 in the above temperature range. We find that for this protein, the enthalpy of the liquid−liquid separation vanishes at the critical temperature, Tc, and is comparable to and may exceed the crystallization enthalpy (∼65 kJ mol-1) at lower Ts. The enthalpy of the pair interactions averaged over all polar angles is significantly lower; this comparison suggests structuring of the dense liquid. We propose that the pair of parameters (molecular volume, second virial coefficient) may be an adequate predictor of the phase behavior of solutions of proteins with relatively simple interaction potentials.
A novel arsenate respiring isolate that can utilize aromatic substrates.

A novel anaerobic bacterium was isolated from the sediment of Onondaga Lake (Syracuse, NY), which can use arsenate [As(V)] as a respiratory electron acceptor. The isolate, designated strain Y5 is a spore-forming, motile rod, with lateral flagella. It is Gramnegative though it phylogenetically falls within the low G + C Gram-positive organisms. In addition to the more usual electron donors such as lactate and succinate, strain Y5 also can use H2 +C O2 chemoautotrophically and metabolize aromatic compounds such as syringic acid, ferulic acid, phenol, benzoate and toluene, coupled to arsenate reduction. Aside from As(V), nitrate, sulfate, thiosulfate and Fe(III) can also serve as electron acceptors. Based on 16S rDNA phylogeny and its physiological characteristics, strain Y5 was identified as most closely related to the genus Desulfosporosinus. The ability of microorganisms to reduce arsenate for respiration appears to be widely distributed and may be relevant in the biogeochemical cycling of arsenic in environments containing mixed contaminants. 2004 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Leudugeria thermalis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta): a new centric diatom from shallow hydrothermal venting systems in Saba, Dutch Antilles

Leudugeria thermalis is a new diatom species that was collected in abundance from inter-tidal shallow hydrothermal venting systems in the Caribbean island of Saba, Dutch Antilles. Frustules of freshly collected individuals were examined in light and scanning electron microscopy and their ultrastructural morphology compared to other members of the semi-circular biddulphioid diatoms, as well as to the closely related species Leudugeria janischii. Gross valve morphology and areola pattern are characters shared by both Leudugeria species, whereas smaller frustules, shorter pseudoseptum, unique cingulum structure, complete hyaline valvocopula, unusual occluded pseudocellus, and remarkable valve granulation are the characters specific to L. thermalis. The distribution and ecology of L. thermalis are discussed, particularly in relation to its occurrence in extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents.
‘I just want to make love to you’ - Seductive strategies in blues lyrics☆

In this paper, speech act theory has been applied to the analysis of seductive strategies in blues lyrics. The songs in the study center around the high-cost request for making love, and it will be argued that the requests in the songs are composed of the same elements as high-cost requests in real life. While in most songs, there is a core speech act, which may vary in directness, songwriters add the same kind of supporting strategies that are used in similarly high-cost real-life requests: the core request can contain internal modifiers (i.e. hedges), and it is generally embedded in a variety of external modifying moves, which may include flattery, downplayers, promises, and reasons.
Secretory proteins move through the endoplasmic reticulum membrane via an aqueous, gated pore

The environment of secretory proteins undergoing translocation across the ER membrane was determined by incorporating fluorescent probes into nascent chains during translation. Dyes were positioned at various locations across the entire bilayer and inside the ribosome, and in each case the probes were in an aqueous milieu, as shown both by their fluorescence lifetimes and by collisional quenching of their fluorescence by iodide ions introduced into the ER lumen. The nascent chain therefore occupies an aqueous pore that spans the entire membrane. Since the pore is sealed off from the cytoplasm, cotranslational translocation is effected topographically. This pore is not open to the lumen after targeting is completed; it opens only after the nascent chain length reaches about 70 residues.
Recurrent sepsis in home parenteral nutrition patients: an analysis of risk factors.

Septicemia is the major cause of morbidity in home parenteral nutrition patients, accounting for approximately 70% of rehospitalizations. To identify risk factors, the incidence of infection was examined in 41 current home parenteral nutrition patients, 30 with short-bowel syndrome (including 16 with inflammatory bowel disease and 11 with bowel infarction) and 11 with chronic obstructive disorders. Management, which was followed for a mean duration of 78.6 months (range, 1 to 15 1/2 years), was standardized by protocol. Ten patients never experienced infection during the average follow-up of 61 months (range, 14 to 174 months), whereas seven patients experienced frequent infections during the mean follow-up of 77 months (range, 24 to 180 months). Significant distinguishing features in the frequent-infection group were younger age (45 +/- 12 vs 66.9 +/- 14.3 years, p < .05), Crohn's disease (in five of seven vs zero of 10 subjects, p < .05), jejunostomies (in seven of seven vs one of 10 subjects, p < .0005), and central vein thrombosis (in five of seven vs zero of 10 subjects, p < .05). A greater proportion of the frequent-infection group had poor catheter-care technique and more were smokers. One hundred fifty septicemias were confirmed by blood culture, giving an average infection rate of one every 31 months, 52% caused by Gram-positive organisms (chiefly coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus), 30% caused by Gram-negative organisms, and 16% caused by fungus (chiefly Candida albicans).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Drug-induced leukoencephalopathy presenting as catatonia

We discuss the case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with thought impoverishment, disorganized behavior, and echolalia. The patient's condition progressed to treatment-refractory catatonia. She was started on oral Coenzyme Q10 after magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed findings consistent with drug-induced leukoencephalopathy (DIL). Following improvement, she acknowledged cocaine use that suggested a diagnosis of cocaine-induced leukoencephalopathy (CIL). This case report seeks to elucidate radiological and clinical features of DIL.
Soil inactivation of the Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki CryIIA insecticidal protein within transgenic cotton tissue : Laboratory microcosm and field studies

The environmental fate of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki CryIIA insecticidal protein expressed within transgenic cotton plant tissue (= Bt-cotton) was evaluated by determining reduction in the biological activity of the protein incubated in soil for 120 days. Studies were conducted in a laboratory microcosm and under field conditions during the fall and winter of 1995−1996 in St. Louis, MO. An insect bioassay, based on growth inhibition of larval Heliothis virescens (F.), was used to estimate DT50 values (50% dissipation time = “half-life” of bioactivity) of the CryIIA protein. DT50 values were 15.5 and 31.7 days for the laboratory and field, respectively. The percentages of initial CryIIA protein bioactivity remaining after 40 days of incubation were similar for the laboratory and field samples. In both environments, <25% of the initial bioactivity remained after 120 days. These results indicate that the biological activity of CryIIA protein, as a component of postharvest Bt-cotton plants, readil...
Differentiation antigens expressed predominantly on CD4− CD8− T lymphocytes (WC1, WC2)

Abstract The 14 mAbs representing workshop cluster 1 recognise a 215 300 kDa antigen expressed on a subpopulation of lymphocytes which express low levels of CD5 but are negative for other B and T cell markers defined by workshop antibodies. Separate studies with cDNA probes for bovine CD3 and T cell receptor indicate that these lymphocytes are gamma/delta T cells. It is of note that the different mAbs react with varying proportions of this cell population, suggesting that the antigen undergoes considerable post-translational modification. A further two mAbs, designated workshop cluster 2, react withh a 37 47 kDa heterodimeric molecule expressed in a subpopulation of the WC1+ cells and on an additional small population of T lymphocytes. The cell populations recognised by the two mAbs are different although they overlap in some animals. It is suggested that these mAbs may be specific for T cell receptor molecules.
Ligand exchange and the stoichiometry of metal chalcogenide nanocrystals: spectroscopic observation of facile metal-carboxylate displacement and binding.

We demonstrate that metal carboxylate complexes (L–M(O2CR)2, R = oleyl, tetradecyl, M = Cd, Pb) are readily displaced from carboxylate-terminated ME nanocrystals (ME = CdSe, CdS, PbSe, PbS) by various Lewis bases (L = tri-n-butylamine, tetrahydrofuran, tetradecanol, N,N-dimethyl-n-butylamine, tri-n-butylphosphine, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylbutylene-1,4-diamine, pyridine, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylene-1,2-diamine, n-octylamine). The relative displacement potency is measured by 1H NMR spectroscopy and depends most strongly on geometric factors such as sterics and chelation, although also on the hard/soft match with the cadmium ion. The results suggest that ligands displace L–M(O2CR)2 by cooperatively complexing the displaced metal ion as well as the nanocrystal. Removal of up to 90% of surface-bound Cd(O2CR)2 from CdSe and CdS nanocrystals decreases the Cd/Se ratio from 1.1 ± 0.06 to 1.0 ± 0.05, broadens the 1Se–2S3/2h absorption, and decreases the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) from 10% to <1% (CdSe) an...
Morphine as a conditioned stimulus in a conditioned emotional response paradigm

A Pavlovian conditioning experiment was conducted to determine whether morphine (6 mg/kg, IP) could act as a conditioned stimulus (CS) when paired with an electric shock unconditioned stimulus (US), and later produce a conditioned suppression of drinking (CR) in water deprived rats. Seven groups were tested for conditioning after exposure to one of the following conditioning procedures: (1) morphine paired with shock; (2) morphine alone with no shock; (3) shock but no morphine; (4) no shock and no morphine; (5) morphine paired with vocalizations of shocked rats; (6) saline paired with shock; (7) saline alone with no shock. Groups 1 and 2 tested whether morphine could act as a CS. Groups 3 and 4 tested for sensitization. Group 5 tested whether exposure to the vocalizations of other rats could act as a US when paired with a morphine CS. Groups 6 and 7 tested whether cues associated with the injection procedure could act as a CS. Only subjects in group 1 showed conditioned suppression of drinking, when compared to control groups. Overall, the results indicate that morphine could act as a conditioned stimulus and that several of the more obvious possible sources of artifact did not significantly contribute to the CR that is produced.
Behavioral Laterality of the Brain: Support for the Binary Construct of Hemisity

Three terms define brain behavioral laterality: Hemispheric dominance identifies the cerebral hemisphere producing one’s first language. Hemispheric asymmetry locates the brain side of non-language skills. A third term is needed to describe a person’s binary thinking, learning, and behaving styles. Since the 1950s split-brain studies, evidence has accumulated that individuals with right or left brain behavioral orientations (RPs or LPs) exist. Originally, hemisphericity sought, but failed, to confirm the existence of such individual differences, due to its assertion that each individual lay somewhere on a gradient between competing left and right brain extremes. Recently, hemisity, a more accurate behavioral laterality context, has emerged. It posits that one’s behavioral laterality is binary: i.e., inherently either right or left brain-oriented. This insight enabled the quantitative determination of right or left behavioral laterality of thousands of subjects. MRI scans of right and left brain-oriented groups revealed two neuroanatomical differences. The first was an asymmetry of an executive element in the anterior cingulate cortex. This provided hemisity both a rationale and a primary standard. RPs and LPs gave opposite answers to many behavioral preference “either-or”, forced choice questions. This showed that several sex vs. hemisity traits are being conflated by society. Such was supported by the second neuroanatomical difference between the hemisity subtypes, that RPs of either sex had up to three times larger corpus callosi than LPs. Individuals of the same hemisity but opposite sex had more personality traits in common than those of the same sex but different hemisity. Although hemisity subtypes were equally represented in the general population, the process of higher education and career choice caused substantial hemisity sorting among the professions. Hemisity appears to be a valid and promising area for quantitative research of behavioral laterality.
A comparative study of facial growth in Homo and Macaca

Sections were prepared throughout all areas of the various facial bones in young, growing Rhesus monkeys. The detailed distribution of resorptive and depository surfaces and the distribution of endosteal and periosteal bone tissue types were determined. From this information, the sequence of remodeling changes associated with the growth of the facial skeleton was then interpreted. This study is a sequal to previous reports in which growth and remodeling processes in the human face were described using similar procedures. In the present report, growth changes in the monkey and human facial skeleton are compared and contrasted. The general plan of facial growth is similar in both species, but major differences exist in the area of the muzzle. The maxillary arch in the monkey is entirely depository in nature, and it grows in a forward and downward direction as the maxillary tuberosity simultaneously grows backward. In the human, the forward part of the maxillary arch is resorptive in character. This contrasting growth factor results in a downward but not forward movement of this area. The result is decreased prognathism. Other differences in growth pattern exist in the forehead, malar, chin, and orbit. The developmental and phylogenetic basis for the upright human face is discussed and evaluated.
Total percutaneous access for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (“Preclose” technique)

Objective Percutaneous access during endovascular aneurysm repair has been difficult owing to the large size of the delivery catheters. This study reports a single-center experience of totally percutaneous access during endovascular abdominal and thoracic aortic repairs using the Perclose Proglide device (Abbott Vascular, Redwood City, Calif). Methods Between December 2004 and August 2006, 262 endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs were performed. Percutaneous access was used for the introduction of 12F to 24F sheaths (4.4-mm to 8.6-mm outer diameter). The technique involved deployment of two Proglide devices before insertion of the sheath ("Preclose" technique) with the sutures left extracorporeally for closure after conclusion of the procedure. A prospectively maintained endovascular database and medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Rates of technical success, failure modes, and the overall duration of the endovascular repair compared with a similar cohort using open femoral exposures were examined. Results A total of 559 Proglide devices were used to close 279 femoral arteries, and 175 (63%) required the insertion of 18F to 24F sheaths. There were 16 failures, mainly due to obesity, device malfunction, severe calcific disease, and faulty arterial punctures, for a technical success rate of 94.3%. The success rates for 12F to 16F size sheaths were significantly higher than for the larger 18F to 24F sheaths (99.0% vs 91.4%, P P P = .019). Despite this reduction of procedure time, the savings on the cost of operating room time was negated by the cost of the Proglide devices ($295 per device). Conclusions Percutaneous access for endovascular aortic repair is safe and feasible using the Proglide device. Although the success rates are higher for smaller size sheaths, successful closures may be obtained for up to 24F sheaths. Percutaneous access may result in shorter overall procedure times and potentially lower operating room costs, but this appears to be offset by the cost of the closure devices.
Lack of dietary Δ7-sterol markedly shortens the periods of locomotor vigor, reproduction and longevity of adult female Xyleborus ferrugineus (coleoptera, scolytidae)

Abstract The sterols cholesterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol and ergosterol were provided as sole dietary sterols to adult female Xyleborus ferrungineus in a chemically defined diet under germ-free conditions and their effects on locomotor (tunneling) vigor, reproductive (ovipositional) capability and survival in relation to animal age were studied. The two dietary Δ 7 -sterols had similar effects on all measured parameters. However, dietary cholesterol markedly shortened the age when 50% of the animals had experienced a termination in each parameter. Changing the environment of the females by the omission of one carbon-carbon double bond, i.e. Δ 7 , in the dietary sterol reduced the mean longevity of life by 36.1%. Experimental data suggest that even when ergosterol, the sterol that the invect normally obtains in its diet, is provided in a nutritionally optimized diet, sterol metabolism plays a major role in the induction of the observed accelerated rates of disability and death with age. The apparent effect of dietary cholesterol is to induce the final, rapid phase of decrement of survival, tunneling and oviposition at markedly earlier ages.
Should Earnings Per Share (EPS) Be Taught as a Means of Comparing Intercompany Performance

Accounting standards state that the purpose of presenting earnings per share (EPS) is to provide financial statement users with information on the performance of a single entity. Yet, several textbook authors go further to state that EPS can be used to make comparisons among firms. In this article, the authors show that although EPS comparisons among large publicly traded companies may be appropriate, such comparisons should not be made among small publicly traded firms because the number of common shares outstanding represents a poor scaling measure for entity size. As such, accounting professors should refrain from teaching EPS as a tool for making intercompany performance comparisons or at the very least should warn students of the pitfalls of making such comparisons.
CLOCK expression identifies developing circadian oscillator neurons in the brains of Drosophila embryos

The Drosophila circadian oscillator is composed of transcriptional feedback loops in which CLOCK-CYCLE (CLK-CYC) heterodimers activate their feedback regulators period (per) and timeless (tim) via E-box mediated transcription. These feedback loop oscillators are present in distinct clusters of dorsal and lateral neurons in the adult brain, but how this pattern of expression is established during development is not known. Since CLK is required to initiate feedback loop function, defining the pattern of CLK expression in embryos and larvae will shed light on oscillator neuron development. A novel CLK antiserum is used to show that CLK expression in the larval CNS and adult brain is limited to circadian oscillator cells. CLK is initially expressed in presumptive small ventral lateral neurons (s-LNvs), dorsal neurons 2 s (DN2s), and dorsal neuron 1 s (DN1s) at embryonic stage (ES) 16, and this CLK expression pattern persists through larval development. PER then accumulates in all CLK-expressing cells except presumptive DN2s during late ES 16 and ES 17, consistent with the delayed accumulation of PER in adult oscillator neurons and antiphase cycling of PER in larval DN2s. PER is also expressed in non-CLK-expressing cells in the embryonic CNS starting at ES 12. Although PER expression in CLK-negative cells continues in ClkJrk embryos, PER expression in cells that co-express PER and CLK is eliminated. These data demonstrate that brain oscillator neurons begin development during embryogenesis, that PER expression in non-oscillator cells is CLK-independent, and that oscillator phase is an intrinsic characteristic of brain oscillator neurons. These results define the temporal and spatial coordinates of factors that initiate Clk expression, imply that circadian photoreceptors are not activated until the end of embryogenesis, and suggest that PER functions in a different capacity before oscillator cell development is initiated.
Long-range order model of aqueous electrolyte solutions.

A partial long-range order model for aqueous electrolyte solutions is proposed to avoid contradictions present in the Debye-Huckel theory. The partial long-range order increases with increasing salt concentration because, as the ions are closer together, the coulombic energy of interaction which generates a quasi-lattice increases. Furthermore, the order decreases with increasing temperature because the thermal energy increases relative to the coulombic attraction of the ions. The long-range order parameter L and a parameter v which results from fluctuations and other effects are obtained for LiCl, NaCl and KCl by comparing the theoretical configurational free energy to the electrical free energy obtained from the experimental activity coefficients. The specific interaction and the cluster integral models are discussed briefly at the end of this work.
An investigation of U.S. and Chinese students’ mathematical problem posing and problem solving

This study explored the mathematical problem posing and problem solving of 181 U.S. and 223 Chinese sixth-grade students. It is part of a continuing effort to examine U.S. and Chinese students’ performance by conducting a cognitive analysis of student responses to mathematical problem-posing and problem-solving tasks. The findings of this study provide further evidence that, while Chinese students outperform U.S. students on computational tasks, there are many similarities and differences between U.S. and Chinese students in performing relatively novel tasks. Moreover, the findings of this study suggest that a direct link between mathematical problem posing and problem solving found in earlier studies for U.S. students is true for Chinese students as well.
Carboxyhemoglobin levels in fire fighters

The occupational effect of carbon monoxide on blood carboxyhemoglobin levels (COHb) from smoke inhalation was studied in 51 fire fighters. Nonsmoking fire fighters had a baseline mean blood COHb saturation higher (P<.005) than non-smoking controls, while there was no difference in the blood COHb between smoking fire fighters and smoking control subjects. The blood COHb was repeated in 16 fire fighters after three building fires and there was a significant increase (P<.001) in the mean blood COHb level over the baseline values. Fire fighters should avoid cigarette smoking after a fire to prevent further increases in blood COHb levels. The use of the self-contained air breathing apparatus is protective against undue exposure to carbon monoxide during fire fighting.
Realms, subfields, and perspectives: On the differentiation and fragmentation of sociology

This article proposes a heuristic classification of intradisciplinary structure and applies that scheme to the current debate over the relationship between the proliferation of subfields and disciplinary fragmentation in sociology. It is argued here that the fragmentation of sociology is caused by the multiplication of competing perspectives rather than by the differentiation of fields of specialization. While competition among perspectives reflects disagreements among sociologists on what their subject matter should be and how to approach it, the proliferation of subfields is generally a result of disciplinary progress.
Conversion of Metmyoglobin to Bright Red Myoglobin Derivatives by Chromobacterium violaceum, Kurthia sp., and Lactobacillus fermenturn JCM1173

Lactic: acid bacteria (LAB) and various bacteria isolated from the environment were screened on microbiological media for the ability to convert brown metmyoglobin to more desirable bright red derivatives. Of 1,550 environmental isolates tested, two isolates (Kurthia sp. K-22 and Chromobacterium violaceum K-28) were recovered which consistently converted metmyoglobin to more desirable color derivatives as characterized spectrophotometrically. Strains K-22 and K-28 produced oxymyoglobin and nitric oxide myoglobin, respectively. Of 347 LAB tested, one strain (Lactobacillus fermentum JCM1173) was identified that generated nitric oxide myoglobin. These data indicate certain bacteria can effectively convert metmyoglobin to more red forms, and establish the potential of bacterial systems for preserving or improving rhe color of meat products.