cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Mutagenic Screen Identifies a TonB-Dependent Receptor Required for the Lanthanide Metal Switch in the Type I Methanotroph "Methylotuvimicrobium buryatense" 5GB1C.

ABSTRACT Several of the metabolic enzymes in methanotrophic bacteria rely on metals for both their expression and their catalysis. The MxaFI methanol dehydrogenase enzyme complex uses calcium as a cofactor to oxidize methanol, while the alternative methanol dehydrogenase XoxF uses lanthanide metals such as lanthanum and cerium for the same function. Lanthanide metals, abundant in the earth’s crust, strongly repress the transcription of mxaF yet activate the transcription of xoxF. This regulatory program, called the “lanthanide switch,” is central to methylotrophic metabolism, but only some of its components are known. To uncover additional components of the lanthanide switch, we developed a chemical mutagenesis system in the type I gammaproteobacterial methanotroph “Methylotuvimicrobium buryatense” 5GB1C and designed a selection system for mutants unable to repress the mxaF promoter in the presence of lanthanum. Whole-genome resequencing for multiple lanthanide switch mutants identified several unique point mutations in a single gene encoding a TonB-dependent receptor, which we have named LanA. The LanA TonB-dependent receptor is absolutely required for the lanthanide switch and controls the expression of a small set of genes. While mutation of the lanA gene does not affect the amount of cell-associated lanthanum, it is essential for growth in the absence of the MxaF methanol dehydrogenase, suggesting that LanA is involved in lanthanum uptake to supply the XoxF methanol dehydrogenase with its critical metal ion cofactor. The discovery of this novel component of the lanthanide regulatory system highlights the complexity of this circuit and suggests that further components are likely involved. IMPORTANCE Lanthanide metals, or rare earth elements, are abundant in nature and used heavily in technological devices. Biological interactions with lanthanides are just beginning to be unraveled. Until very recently, microbial mechanisms of lanthanide metal interaction and uptake were unknown. The TonB-dependent receptor LanA is the first lanthanum receptor identified in a methanotroph. Sequence homology searches with known metal transporters and regulators could not be used to identify LanA or other lanthanide metal switch components, and this method for mutagenesis and selection was required to identify the receptor. This work advances the knowledge of microbe-metal interactions in environmental niches that impact atmospheric methane levels and are thus relevant to climate change.
Brønsted acid-catalyzed C–C bond forming reaction for one step synthesis of oxazinanones

Abstract An efficient Bronsted acid-catalyzed synthesis of oxazinanones ( 2 ) from corresponding Boc-imines ( 1 ) in one-step has been developed. Oxazinanones are obtained via an unprecedented tandem elimination-cycloaddition reaction. The reaction is remarkably significant given its novelty, mild reaction conditions, simplicity and low cost of the catalyst system.
The effects of medication adherence on study outcomes in randomized clinical trials: A role for cognitive dysfunction?

Medication nonadherence is common and has been associated with poor health outcomes. Older adults are especially likely to be non-adherent to their medications, as they often have more medications to manage and are at greater risk for cognitive dysfunction. Though less frequently examined, the association between cognitive dysfunction and nonadherence also likely extends to clinical trials research. The current study used archival data to examine the potential impact of cognitive dysfunction on adherence to a nutritional supplement as part of a 90-day randomized clinical trial in neurologically healthy middle-aged and older adults. Results showed overall cognitive performance was predictive of adherence to capsule intake when controlling for polypharmacy [F(1,157) = 6.53, p < .01]. These results suggest that cognitive dysfunction may impact findings from RCTs through its adverse impact on adherence to study protocol, possibly leading to greater treatment variance, artificially reduced treatment effects, lower study power, and distorted study outcomes and conclusions. A better understanding of methodological and statistical approaches to account for these unwanted effects are needed.
A Single-Joint Implementation of Flow Control: Knee Joint Walking Assistance for Individuals With Mobility Impairment

This paper describes the implementation of a movement control method for lower limb exoskeletons with single-joint actuation. In such applications, the single-joint must coordinate movement with other non-controlled joints. The authors have previously proposed a multi-joint control method called a flow controller, which provides several desirable characteristics for such assistance. In this paper, the authors adapt the fundamentally multi-joint flow control approach to a system with a single actuated joint, but with multiple movement degrees of freedom. The single degree of actuation flow control method was implemented on a representative system, specifically a knee exoskeleton that coordinates assistance with ipsilateral thigh movement during walking. The ability of the controller and knee exoskeleton to appropriately influence knee movement was evaluated in level walking experiments on three subjects with unilateral lower-limb impairment. Results show the device and controller provide improvements in knee movement in all subjects. Subjective feedback from the subjects indicates a high level of comfort with the controller.
ACCOUNTING FOR SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH IMPROVES PREDICTIVE ACCURACY OF RISK MODELS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are powerful predictors of cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, but are absent from guideline-recommended CV risk prediction models. It is unknown if including SDOH in clinical risk prediction models improves model accuracy. We used the 2016 Medicare Current
Chapter 36 – Caterpillars

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses caterpillars. The larvae of butterflies, skippers, and moths of the order Lepidoptera are generally known as caterpillars. Caterpillars come in a diversity of sizes, shapes, and colors. The most common form has a conspicuous head, a thorax with three pairs of legs, and an abdomen with five pairs of prolegs that bear crochets (hooks) that enable the caterpillar to cling tightly to or wedge itself between materials. Caterpillars are commonly encountered because many are leaf feeders and are not concealed feeders, although they may be cryptically shaped or colored. The realistic twig mimicry and behavior found in some inchworms (Geometridae) are complete with body markings that resemble bark irregularities, scars, and stipules. Another excellent mimic is the caterpillar of the orangedog, Papilio cresphontes, whose black and white larvae resemble bird droppings in all instars. Most caterpillars move by a wavelike movement of the legs from rear to front. However, those with reduced numbers of prolegs or none at all proceed in a different manner. Caterpillars may be aposematically colored to advertise that they are distasteful or poisonous. They may also bear diverse lobes, spines, horns, knobs, and urticating hairs or spines that may or may not be irritating in some way.
A Case of Left Retroexternal Iliac Artery Megaureter Associated with Additional Renal and Vascular Congenital Anomalies.

Introduction. A number of rare anatomical anomalies, including retroexternal iliac ureter, extrarenal calyces (ERCs), and vascular anomalies, were observed in a 96-year-old female cadaver during a routine dissection. Description. A markedly dilated left extrarenal pelvis (ERP) with a diameter of 3.15 cm was noticed. Three major calyces were found outside of the normal-sized left kidney. The abdominal aorta (AA), instead of normal bifurcation, branched to the right common, left external, and left internal iliac arteries. The median sacral artery was a direct branch from the right common iliac artery. No hydronephrosis was observed on the affected side, and no urinary tract anomalies were observed on the right side. Significance. The retroiliac megaureter is a rare congenital anomaly, with fewer than 25 cases reported to date. Additionally, the ERCs are amongst the rarest anomalies of the renal collecting system. Further, the current case is one of few reported cases where the particular branching pattern of the AA was observed. The combination of such anatomical anomalies is rare, and the relationship between them is unclear. Common clinical manifestations of retroiliac ureters are the results of ureteric obstruction, hydronephrosis, and secondary infection. Precise knowledge of anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract can help radiologists and surgeons make a definitive diagnosis and prevent inadvertent injury during surgery.
On Modeling of Uncertainty in Behavioral Economics

This paper is about a closer look at mathematical analysis of various types of uncertainty, in natural science as well as in social sciences, for econometricians. The emphasis is upon the current effort to promote quantum probability as the most appropriate and reliable model for uncertainty in behavioral economics, both in human decision-making (e.g., in investment portfolio selection), and modeling of financial data, taking into account of human factor.
Immune Escape After Adoptive T-cell Therapy for Malignant Gliomas.

Purpose: Immunotherapy has been demonstrably effective against multiple cancers, yet tumor escape is common. It remains unclear how brain tumors escape immunotherapy and how to overcome this immune escape. Experimental Design: We studied KR158B-luc glioma-bearing mice during treatment with adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) with polyclonal tumor-specific T cells. We tested the immunogenicity of primary and escaped tumors using T-cell restimulation assays. We used flow cytometry and RNA profiling of whole tumors to further define escape mechanisms. To treat immune-escaped tumors, we generated escape variant-specific T cells through the use of escape variant total tumor RNA and administered these cells as ACT. In addition, programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) checkpoint blockade was studied in combination with ACT. Results: Escape mechanisms included a shift in immunogenic tumor antigens, downregulation of MHC class I, and upregulation of checkpoint molecules. Polyclonal T cells specific for escape variants displayed greater recognition of escaped tumors than primary tumors. When administered as ACT, these T cells prolonged median survival of escape variant-bearing mice by 60%. The rational combination of ACT with PD-1 blockade prolonged median survival of escape variant glioma-bearing mice by 110% and was dependent upon natural killer cells and T cells. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the immune landscape of brain tumors are markedly different postimmunotherapy yet can still be targeted with immunotherapy.
THE DIFFERENTIATION OF MACROPHAGES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the differentiation of macrophages. The mononuclear phagocytes that comprise the reticuloendothelial system (RES) represent a large, morphologically heterogeneous group of cells that are widely distributed throughout all organs and tissues. These cells may be most simply divided into an intravascular, immature component characterized by the blood monocyte and a more mature tissue counterpart, the macrophage or histiocyte. Both the formation of acid phosphatase-positive, phase-dense granules and the cell content of acid hydrolases could be blocked through the use of inhibitors of protein synthesis. The macrophage contains two types of lysosomes. The first and more obvious is the dense granule. This, by definition, is a secondary lysosome or digestive body, which contains both endogenously synthesized hydrolases and substrates taken up by endocytic activity. The primary lysosome of the macrophage would then be the Golgi vesicle in which enzyme is packaged and transported to the pinocytotic vacuole. Although the secondary lysosome is already involved in the digestive process, it may share its contents with a membrane-bounded structure derived from a subsequent endocytic event.
Assessing Trypanosoma cruzi Parasite Diversity through Comparative Genomics: Implications for Disease Epidemiology and Diagnostics

Chagas disease is an important vector-borne neglected tropical disease that causes great health and economic losses. The etiological agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, is a protozoan parasite endemic to the Americas, comprised by important diversity, which has been suggested to contribute to poor serological diagnostic performance. Current nomenclature describes seven discrete typing units (DTUs), or lineages. We performed the first large scale analysis of T. cruzi diversity among 52 previously published genomes from strains covering multiple countries and parasite DTUs and assessed how different markers summarize this genetic diversity. We also examined how seven antigens currently used in commercial serologic tests are conserved across this diversity of strains. DTU structuration was confirmed at the whole-genome level, with evidence of sub-DTU diversity, associated in part to geographic structuring. We observed very comparable phylogenetic tree topographies for most of the 32 markers investigated, with clear clustering of sequences by DTU, and a few of these markers suggested some degree of intra-lineage diversity. At least three of the currently used antigens represent poorly conserved sequences, with sequences used in tests quite divergent from sequences in many strains. Most markers are well suited for estimating parasite diversity to DTU level, and a few are particularly well-suited to assess intra-DTU diversity. Analysis of antigen sequences across all strains indicates that antigenic diversity is a likely explanation for limited diagnostic performance in Central and North America.
Thalamic Neurometabolite Alterations in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Before and After Total Knee Replacement

The weak association between disability levels and “peripheral” (i.e., knee) findings suggests that central nervous system alterations may contribute to the pathophysiology of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Here, we evaluated brain metabolite alterations in KOA patients, before and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Thirty-four pre-surgical KOA patients and 13 healthy controls were scanned using a PRESS sequence (TE=30ms, TR=1.7s, voxel size=15 × 15 × 15mm). Additionally, a subset of patients (n=13) were re-scanned 4.1±1.6 (mean±SD) weeks post-TKA. When using Creatine (Cr)-normalized levels, pre-surgical KOA patients demonstrated lower N-acetylaspartate (NAA) (p≤0.01) and higher myoinositol (mIns) (p≤0.001), compared to healthy controls. The mIns levels were positively correlated with pain severity scores (r=0.37, p 0.05), irrespective of metric. Additionally, patients demonstrated post-surgical increases in Cr-normalized (p
A scoping review of literature assessing the impact of the learning assistant model

Much of modern education reform is focused on implementation of evidenced-based teaching, but these techniques are sometimes met with trepidation from faculty, due to inexperience or lack of necessary resources. One near-peer teaching model designed to facilitate evidenced-based teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics classrooms is the Learning Assistant (LA) model. Here, we describe the details of the LA model, present a scoping review of literature using the four original goals of the LA model as a framework, and suggest future areas of research that would deepen our understanding of the impact that the LA model may have on education. We summarize how the LA model improves student outcomes and teacher preparation and identify a relative deficiency of literature that addresses how the LA model impacts faculty and departmental/institutional change. Additionally, of the 39 papers reviewed, 11 are strictly pre-experimental study designs, 28 use quasi-experimental designs or a combination of quasi and pre-experimental, and none of them included a true experimental design. Thus, we conclude that current studies suggest that LA model positively impacts education, but more refined assessment would improve our understanding of the model. Furthermore, despite the encouraging research on the impact of the LA model and the proliferation of LA programs at institutions across the world, the study of the LA model has been, for the most part, limited to a small group of education researchers. Therefore, a major objective of this review is to introduce the LA model to a new group of instructors and researchers who can further our understanding of this promising model.
Abstract 3041: ASPSCR1-TFE3 gene fusion in transgenic mouse as a new pediatric kidney cancer model

A novel genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model for pediatric kidney cancer expressing proximal tubule specific ASPSCR1 :TFE3 fusion gene has been developed. The Rosa26 knock-in ASPSCR1 :TFE3 mouse was crossed with SGLT2-Cre mouse that expresses Cre recombinase in the proximal tubules of the kidney. The ASPSCR1 :TFE3 fusion gene retains the DNA binding and activation domain of TFE3, whereas the N-terminal region of TFE3 is replaced with ASPSCR1 sequences. ASPSCR1 :TFE3 is known to up-regulate the Met receptor tyrosine kinase gene and induce oncogenic phenotypes such as uncontrolled cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. However, the molecular roles of ASPSCR1 :TFE3 are poorly understood and no standard of care (SOC) exists for pediatric TFE3 fusion renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Ultrasound (US) and histological analyses of the kidneys of 5, 6 and 7 month old mice revealed bilateral cysts and tumors, while 6-week-old mouse kidney appears normal. At gross inspection, 5-month-old mouse had cysts with a diameter of 1-2 mm while 7-month-old mouse had a polycystic kidney and in the end stage disease. Histopathology revealed neoplastic changes in initial stages in the 5-month-old mouse whereas the neoplasia was predominantly a papillary cystic renal carcinoma; solid tumor formations were observed in the 7-month-old mouse. Neoplastic cells seen in within the blood vessel walls of the 7-month-old mouse indicated future metastasis. This new TFE3 fusion GEM will provide an avenue to understand molecular events of tumorigenesis and progression as well as a model for testing novel therapeutics with survival benefit for a cancer with no current SOC. Citation Format: Aylin Alasonyalilar-Demirer, James L. Miller, Erin E. Miller, Justyna J. Gleba, Han W. Tun, John A. Copland. ASPSCR1-TFE3 gene fusion in transgenic mouse as a new pediatric kidney cancer model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 3041.
High-Frequency Photographic Imaging Provides Novel Insights into Nesting Bald Eagle Diet and Opportunities for Public Engagement

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were formerly endangered in the contiguous United States, but have since recolonized much of their past range. Maintaining bald eagle populations following recovery requires knowledge of factors that influence nesting success, including food habits during the brood-rearing period. We examined over 26,000 images from a high-resolution, above-nest digital camera to document the diet of a nesting bald eagle pair in north-central Indiana, U.S.A., during the 2018 brood-rearing period. After the hatch of two eaglets in April 2018, the camera was programmed to take still photos of the nest every 20 min, in addition to live-streaming video to YouTube for public audiences. Still images were used to quantify and identify all prey deliveries to the lowest taxonomic level possible, typically species. A total of 135 prey items and at least 26 prey taxa were recorded during the 75 d of the study, although daily prey count became uncertain in the final 20 d as fledglings began to move out of camera view. The majority of recorded prey items (73%) were fish, with redhorse suckers (Moxostoma spp.) representing the most numerous of the 13 fish taxa observed. Smaller numbers of birds (13%), mammals (10%), and reptiles (4%) were also observed. Although our results represent one nest across a single brood-rearing season, we gained novel insights through the analysis of high-frequency, high-definition images that provided increased temporal and taxonomic resolution of prey deliveries. The use of a camera not only avoided historical biases in bald eagle diet analysis, but also provided a valuable tool to engage public audiences.
On the Strategic Advantages of a Lack of Common Knowledge

I illustrate the surprising strategic effects a lack of common knowledge can have in a simple example. I analyze a two-person bargaining game in which the seller makes a single take-it-or-leave-it offer. The seller knows everything except possibly what information the buyer has. If it is common knowledge that the buyer knows the value of the object or if it is common knowledge that the buyer does not know the value, then the buyer's expected payoff is zero. However, if the seller does not know what the buyer knows, then the buyer may be able to obtain some of the gains from trade. In the exogenous information case, where there is a fixed probability q that the buyer is informed, if q is far enough from zero and one, the buyer's expected payoff is strictly positive. However, if the seller is almost sure of what the buyer knows, the buyer's expected payoff is zero. Surprisingly, the endogenous information case, where, after seeing the seller's offer, the buyer decides whether or not to become informed, is quite different. If the cost of obtaining information is zero, we get the same outcome as it is common knowledge that the buyer is informed. However, if the cost of obtaining the information is small but strictly positive, the buyer's payoff is strictly positive. As the cost goes to zero, the limit of the buyer's payoff is strictly positive and may even be virtually all of the gains from trade.
Coverage of Dependent Children to Age 26 Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) enacted March 23, 2010, and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (HCERA) enacted March 30, 2010, require that group health plans and insurers make dependent coverage available for children until they attain the age of 26 regardless of tax, student, or dependent status as it relates to financial support. Group plans and insurers also may not limit dependent coverage based on whether the child is married, although the law does not extend the mandate for access to coverage to the married child’s spouse and/or children. Grandfathered group health plans are not required to offer coverage to adult children if they currently have their own employment-based coverage or if they are eligible for such coverage. The mandate to offer coverage to adult children ages 19-25 takes effect for policy years that begin on or after September 23, 2010. However, many insurers have already announced that they will adopt the requirements of the law early. Recently released regulations suggest that between 190,000 and 1.6 million uninsured individuals ages 19-25 will gain coverage in 2011 as a result of the mandate for group plans and insurers to extend coverage to age 26. Another one-half million individuals will leave the nongroup market for group coverage. Hence, the overall increase in employment-based coverage due to newly enrolled 19-25-year-olds in 2011 would range from 680,000 to 2.12 million individuals. The regulations not only provide a range of estimates for take-up but they also provide estimates on the impact of premiums. It is expected that, among those enrolling in their parents’ plan, the annual premium (using mid-range assumptions) will be $3,380 in 2011, $3,500 in 2012, and $3,690 in 2013. When distributing these costs across the entire population of families with employment-based coverage, premiums are expected to rise 0.7 percent in 2011, 1 percent in 2012, and 1 percent in 2013. If the initial enrollment estimates are too low, the effect of the age 19-25 provision will be higher.This paper reviews the estimates presented in the recently released regulations and discusses why the enrollment estimates may understate the number of 19-25-year-olds who enroll in their parents’ employment-based health plan. The analysis also compares, among the 19-25-year-old age cohort, the population with employment-based coverage and the uninsured population in order to get a sense of the types of individuals employers may see joining their plans in terms of their health status and health behavior.The PDF for the above title, published in the August 2010 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the fulltext of another August 2010 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: “EBRI’s Spring Policy Forum: Retirement Income Adequacy -- How Big Is the Gap and How Might the Market Respond?”
Changes in glycosylation alter the affinity of the human transferrin receptor for its ligand

When transferrin receptors of human erythroleukemic cells were pulse-labeled with [35S]methionine and then chased in the absence of radioactive precursor, the first detectable immunoprecipitable form of the receptor had a molecular mass of 85 kDa. This form of the receptor was converted to the mature form of 93 kDa with a half-time of about 40-60 min. Both the immature (85 kDa) and mature (93 kDa) receptors associated as dimers, the native form of the receptor. The 85-kDa, as well as the 93-kDa, receptors bound to a monoclonal antibody raised against the transferrin receptor or to transferrin-Sepharose. In order to determine whether glycosylation was necessary for ligand binding, purified receptors were isolated from cells grown in the presence of tunicamycin. When K562 cells were grown in the presence of tunicamycin, an 80-kDa nonglycosylated form of the receptor was synthesized. This nonglycosylated receptor was also capable of dimer formation; however, much less of it reached the cell surface than the fully glycosylated form, although both untreated and tunicamycin-grown cells appeared to synthesize transferrin receptors at similar rates. Although the number of receptor molecules/cell was similar in control and tunicamycin-treated cells, the nonglycosylated receptors exhibited a much lower affinity for transferrin than those of untreated cells; in contrast, when receptors were purified by immunoprecipitation and digested with bacterial alkaline phosphatase, no difference was observed between the affinity of these receptors and undigested immunoprecipitated receptors. These results suggest that glycosylation is not necessary for specific binding of transferrin to its receptor, but the affinity of this binding can be influenced greatly by the presence or absence of carbohydrate residues.
Operating Cash Flows: A Growing Need for Separate Reporting

This study provides empirical evidence on the extent to which cash flow from operations is not proxied by more traditional performance measures such as income from continuing operations and working capital from operations. The study reaches definitive conclusions about the potential of these three measures to have differential information content; accordingly, an effort should be made to clarify and standardize the separate reporting of cashflow from operations statements. These results and those of previous research lead to the conclusion that a requirement for separate reporting of cashflow from operations is an idea whose time has come.
Concept development in a scaffolded neural network

The scaffolded network is a network of neural networks whose objective is to test the hypothesis that such a compound network can learn increasingly complex concepts in a developmental, cumulative progression. The scaffolded network, which is motivated by physiological and psychological, models, incorporates three kinds of basic neural network architectures: a recurrent cascade network, a Kohonen network, and a recurrent back-propagation network. It is tested by teaching it simple mathematical concepts and functions and then comparing output and intermediate results with data from developmental psychology. This design attempts to extend neural network capabilities to a more robust approximation of cumulative, complex concept learning that occurs during development. >
The Mined Mind: Domination, Desire, and Melancholy in The Corn is Green

INTRODUCTION Problems of domination, determination, and liberation have always gone hand in hand with questions of education. As in other political genres, those doctrines that have promised the most radical new freedoms and human flourishings through pedagogy have consistently served as education’s great new tyrannies. The reversal or “unmasking” of modern education as ideologically suspect marks a “crisis of legitimation” in contemporary discourses on education, because the oppositional pole to which one would swing in rejecting emancipatory educational projects is presumably a conventionalism no less ideologically based and sustained in domination. If all education is fraught with ideology and domination, however, perhaps we come to experience a bit of relief: not from the interest in educational freedom, but from the task of imagining freedom as something we might create. Instead, we might be drawn to mine the resources of more conventional approaches to education for forms of liberty and human flourishing that may have gone overlooked.
Comment on ``Integrability and Coherence of Hopping between 1D Correlated Electron Systems''

We comment on recent numerical studies concerning coupled 1D electron liquids (F. Mila and D. Poilblanc, Phys. Rev. Lett. 76, 287 (1996)). In particular, we point out that the importance of integrability observed in the results of these authors for the quantity $P(t)$ is really an indication of the importance of integrability for questions of ergodicity, rather than questions of coherence. We discuss why this is so, and why the quantity $ $ is a more appropriate function for determining whether or not interliquid hopping is coherent.
Supermarkets and Gasoline: An Empirical Study of Bundled Discounts

Bundled discount is a widely used business practice and has been the key issue of prominent antitrust cases, yet the market effects of bundled discounts are rarely the subject of empirical studies. This paper studies the competitive effects of bundled discounts in an increasingly important setting: supermarket and gasoline retailing. Many supermarkets in the U.S. and other countries offer a grocery-gasoline bundled discount whereby supermarket customers receive a gasoline price discount if they purchase a certain amount of supermarket groceries. In this paper, we are able to observe the features and timing of the grocery-gasoline bundled discounts in an Australian market, track the pricing behaviour of the bundling firms and their competitors, and measure the competitiveness of the market before, during, and after the bundled discounts take effect. Our evidence suggests that grocery-gasoline bundled discounts are used as an advertising strategy, not as an exclusionary device. The results support the idea that bundled discount should not be assessed by the logic of single-product predatory pricing. The results also have implications on sales-below-cost laws.
Carotid artery access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement

We report three patients who had successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) via carotid artery access. None were candidates for thoracotomy (including minimal access incisions) and had no other vascular access sites that would accommodate the transcatheter valve sheath. Antegrade carotid perfusion and retrograde insertion of the delivery sheath maintained cerebral blood flow without sequelae. Carotid access for TAVR is an option for unusual patients without other access. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Very High Energy Cosmic Rays

Results from ground level and underground experiments on cosmic rays with energy 1012to 1020eV are reviewed. They show that the energy spectrum has two significant features, a ‘knee’ and an ‘ankle’. The arrival directions of these cosmic rays at the solar system are anisotropic, features of the anisotropy appearing to be correlated with features of the spectrum. Detailed interpretation of this information awaits conclusive evidence regarding the composition of these cosmic rays. New results and prospective new results on the composition are described and discussed.
Preparing College Unions for the Future Through Assessment, Evaluation, and Research

This chapter calls for more intentional use and design of assessment, evaluation, and research about the topics and trends in colleges unions highlighted in this volume.
An audit of transforaminal epidural steroid injections without sedation: low patient dissatisfaction and low vasovagal rates.

Objective To assess frequency of sedation in transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) and to analyze patient dissatisfaction and vasovagal rates. Design Retrospective audit over a 6-year period, January 1, 2006–December 31, 2011. Setting Single academic center radiology pain management practice. Subjects Four thousand four hundred thirty-two patients undergoing 6,878 consecutive TFESI. Outcome Measures Frequency of sedation for TFESI was assessed. Vasovagal and patient dissatisfaction rates were assessed, the latter by patients' responses to two follow-up survey questions at 2 weeks postprocedure. Results Six thousand eight hundred seventy-eight TFESI were performed, of which only 0.1% (N = 7) were performed with sedation. Only 0.4% (N = 28) of TFESI were complicated by vasovagal reaction. Seventy-two percent (N = 4,980) of nonsedated patients responded to the survey. Overall medical care in the nonsedated was rated as: excellent 51%, very good 30%, good 15%, fair 3%, and poor 1%. Ninety-five percent confidence interval (CI) for the 3.9% of the nonsedated patients who rated their care at best “fair” was (3.3, 4.4%). Likelihood of referring friends/family members in nonsedated patients was: definitely 53%, probably 28%, uncertain 16%, probably not 3%, definitely not 0.2%. Ninety-five percent CI for the 3.2% of the nonsedated patients who would at best “probably not refer” their friends/family was (2.7, 3.7%). Conclusions In our radiology pain management practice, sedation was rarely utilized for TFESI. A small minority of nonsedated patients rated their care at best fair and would at best probably not refer friends/family members. TFESI can be performed without sedation with low patient dissatisfaction and low vasovagal rates.
Occupational categories at risk for Parkinson's disease

Background The etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is considered to have a strong environmental component, but relatively few studies have investigated the potential association between occupation and the disease. Methods In a population-based case-control study, we collected comprehensive occupational histories from all study participants, 144 case and 464 control subjects. Results Chi-square analysis revealed that working in an agricultural occupation increased estimated PD risk (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 0.85, 3.60). In contrast, a history of ever working in a service occupation was negatively associated with PD risk (OR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.47, 1.00). Risk estimates were close to one for specific service occupations. Adjusted odds ratios for all non-service occupational and industrial categories were similar, and working in a service occupation was the only significant inverse predictor of PD risk. Conclusions Future investigations focusing on lifestyle factors and environmental exposures within the agricultural and service occupational categories are warranted. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:564–571, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Relativistic Pion-Hyperon Dispersion Relations

Relativistic, fixed momentum-transfer dispersion relations are derived (but not proved) for pion scattering from $\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ and $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ particles and the processes $\ensuremath{\pi}+\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\leftrightarrows}\ensuremath{\pi}+\ensuremath{\Sigma}$. Separate equations for the $S$- and $P$-wave amplitudes are obtained under the assumptions that high-energy processes and baryon recoil may be neglected. The $P$-wave equations are identical to those derived from Chew-Low theory for these processes. A brief discussion is given of the behavior of the $P$-wave amplitudes under the assumption of global symmetry. It is pointed out that the production of $K\ensuremath{-}N$ pairs may play an important role in both the $S$- and $P$-wave equations.
Thecal vascularity in ovarian follicles of different size and rank in the lizard Anolis carolinensis.

Ovarian follicular histology of the lizard Anolis carolinensis was studied in relation to follicular size and rank. The structure of the Anolis follicular granulosa is similar to that described in other reptiles. Changes in the granulosa during follicular hypertrophy are also similar to those described in other species. Follicles of low rank in the linear size-gradation exhibited atresia. Counts were made of erythrocytes per millimeter of thecal tissue in crosssections of follicles of different size and rank. Follicles greater than 2.6 mm in diameter exhibited a marked increase in the number of thecal erythrocytes. Also, follicles of a similar diameter tended to possess a greater number of thecal erythrocytes the highter the rank in the linerar size-gradation. These observations support the hypothesis that follicular selection involves appropriation of blood and blood-borne hormones by larger follicles.
ERK/MAPK regulates ERRγ expression, transcriptional activity and receptor‐mediated tamoxifen resistance in ER+ breast cancer

Selective estrogen receptor modulators such as tamoxifen (TAM) significantly improve breast cancer-specific survival for women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) disease. However, resistance to TAM remains a major clinical problem. The resistant phenotype is usually not driven by loss or mutation of the estrogen receptor; instead, changes in multiple proliferative and/or survival pathways over-ride the inhibitory effects of TAM. Estrogen-related receptor γ (ERRγ) is an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily that promotes TAM resistance in ER+ breast cancer cells. This study sought to clarify the mechanism(s) by which this orphan nuclear receptor is regulated, and hence affects TAM resistance. mRNA and protein expression/phosphorylation were monitored by RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to disrupt consensus extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) target sites. Cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression were measured by flow cytometric methods. ERRγ transcriptional activity was assessed by dual-luciferase promoter–reporter assays. We show that ERRγ protein levels are affected by the activation state of ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase, and mutation of consensus ERK target sites impairs ERRγ-driven transcriptional activity and TAM resistance. These findings shed new light on the functional significance of ERRγ in ER+ breast cancer, and are the first to demonstrate a role for kinase regulation of this orphan nuclear receptor.
MR imaging (including MR angiography) of abdominal aortic aneurysms: comparison with conventional angiography.

The purpose of this report is to compare the results of MR imaging, including MR angiography, with the results of conventional angiography in the imaging of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).Twenty seven nonconsecutive patients with known AAA underwent both MR imaging (including MR angiography) and conventional angiography preoperatively. MR imaging was done before angiography according to the following protocol in all patients: sagittal and coronal T1-weighted images of the abdomen, followed by axial MR angiograms obtained with a multiple overlapping thin-slab acquisition (MOTSA) three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D TOF) volume centered on the renal arteries. Last, coronal MR angiograms were obtained with a dynamic contrast-enhanced 3D TOF volume centered on the aorta. Conventional angiography was subsequently performed in all patients. Data from each study were collected prospectively and analyzed in a blinded manner. For the MR studies, all sequences were used to determine the extent of the AAA and the ...
Cellular dopamine is increased following exposure to a factor derived from immortalized striatal neurons in humans

A factor obtained from an immortalized hybrid monoclonal cell line (X61) of striatal origin is capable of increasing the dopamine content of hybrid, monoclonal cells expressing a dopaminergic phenotype (MN9D) and of aggregate cultures containing primary dopaminergic neurons. The factor is a protein smaller than 100 kDa and appears to be different than a number of other trophic agents with effects on the dopaminergic neuron. The effect on dopamine content appears to be specific to centrally-derived neuronal elements; the protein having no effect on the dopamine content of PC12 cells. Given that parkinsonian symptoms are only apparent following degeneration of a substantial portion of the mesencephalic dopaminergic cell population, activity capable of increasing dopamine content of the surviving cells may represent an interesting candidate therapeutic agent.
Collisionless plasma flow over a wedge.

Ion current drawn to conducting wedge in collisionless plasma flow, deducing flow velocity and ion number density
Direct Temporal-Occipital Feedback Connections to Striate Cortex (V1) in the Macaque Monkey

Although there have been reports of sparse projections from temporal areas TE, TF, and even TH to area V1, it is generally believed that cortical afferents to V1 originate exclusively from prestriate areas. Injections of anterograde tracers in anterior occipital and temporal areas, however, consistently produce labeled terminals in area V1. In order to confirm these results and display the full range of foci projecting to V1, we injected V1 in two monkeys with the retrograde tracer fast blue. Feedback connections were found, as expected, from several prestriate areas (V2, V3, V4, and MT). These originate from neurons in layers 3A and 6. Connections were also found from several more distal regions, namely, areas TEO, TE, TF, TH, and from cortex in the occipitotemporal and superior temporal (STS) sulci. Filled neurons occurred in two small foci in the caudal intraparietal sulcus. These more distal feedback connections tend to originate only from layer 6. An additional injection of the retrograde tracer diamidino yellow in area V2 of one animal revealed a similarly widespread network of feedback connections. In some areas (in the STS and in TEO), 10-15% of fluorescent neurons were double-labeled. These results indicate that feedback connections to early visual cortex derive from a widespread network of areas, including limbic-associated cortices. These connectional patterns testify to the massive recursiveness of anatomical pathways. As there are no reports of projections from V1 to anterior temporal cortices, our results also indicate that some cortical feedback connections may not be strictly reciprocal.
Reproductive Isolation in Colias eurytheme and C. philodice (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) : Use of Olfaction in Mate Selection

The basis of mate selection in the hybridizing sulphur butterflies Colias eurytheme Boisduval and C. philodice Latreille was evaluated by treating newly emerged virgin females as follows: eyes covered with paint, antennae removed or covered with Vaseline™, and portions of antennae removed. Mature females with painted eyes mated selectively with conspecific males indicating that accurate mate selection can occur in the absence of visual stimuli. Removal of the distal ⅔ of the antennae reduced mating by C. eurytheme females after 30 minutes but increased mating by C. philodice females. Perception of olfactory stimuli through antennal receptors evidently matured when most females were 20-30 minutes old.
Ideal observer estimation and generalized ROC analysis for computer-aided diagnosis

The research presented in this dissertation represents an innovative application of computer-aided diagnosis and signal detection theory to the specific task of early detection of breast cancer in the context of screening mammography. A number of automated schemes have been developed in our laboratory to detect masses and clustered microcalcifications in digitized mammograms, on the one hand, and to classify known lesions as malignant or benign, on the other. The development of fully automated classification schemes is difficult, because the output of a detection scheme will contain false-positive detections in addition to detected malignant and benign lesions, resulting in a three-class classification task. Researchers have so far been unable to extend successful tools for analyzing two-class classification tasks, such as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, to three-class classification tasks. The goals of our research were to use Bayesian artificial neural networks to estimate ideal observer decision variables to both detect and classify clustered microcalcifications and mass lesions in mammograms, and to derive substantial theoretical results indicating potential avenues of approach toward the three-class classification task. Specifically, we have shown that an ideal observer in an N-class classification task achieves an optimal ROC hypersurface, just as the two-class ideal observer achieves an optimal ROC curve; and that an obvious generalization of a well-known two-class performance metric, the area under the ROC curve, is not useful as a performance metric in classification tasks with more than two classes. This work is significant for three reasons. First, it involves the explicit estimation of feature-based (as opposed to image-based) ideal observer decision variables in the tasks of detecting and classifying mammographic lesions. Second, it directly addresses the three-class classification task of distinguishing malignant lesions, benign lesions, and false-positive computer detections. Finally, it develops important theoretical results for N-class classification tasks that should prove of value in the development of a three-class extension to ROC analysis methods.
The effect of methanol and ethylene glycol on cobalt carbonyl-catalyzed hydroformylation

The disproportionation of Co2(CO)8 by methanol or ethylene glycol 3 C o 2 ( C O ) 8 + 12 R O H → 2 C o ( R O H ) 6 [ C o ( C O ) 4 ] 2 + 8 C O is a reversible reaction the equilibrium position of which depends not only on the partial pressure of CO but also on the structure of the alcohol. Under typical catalytic hydroformylation conditions this equilibrium lies far to the left when methanol is the solvent. When ethylene glycol is added to a hydroformylation reaction, it appears to have an inhibiting effect during the early stages of the reaction because the equilibrium of Eq. (1) lies far to the right. As the reaction proceeds, however, the inhibiting effect disappears, possibly because the ethylene glycol is consumed by acetal formation.