cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Illegal Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Territories: Is Annexation the Answer?

This paper reviews the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip following the Six-day War in 1967. In this essay, the author describes the history surrounding the Six-Day War and the subsequent occupation of the Palestinian territories by the Israeli Defense Forces. Shortly after the Israeli occupation, Israeli citizens and the Israeli government began the systematic creation of Israeli settlements within Palestinian territory. These settlements were established in direct violation of international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 242. Furthermore, the construction of these settlements and their security has significantly affected Palestinian’s human rights. This study was done by reviewing relevant literature on the Israeli occupation written by authors who have spent time in the region and who extensively interviewed residents of the occupied territories. The author himself also spent time in the region. During the summer of 2016, the author lived in the Palestinian city of Hebron, which contains one of the largest Israeli settlements, and was able to experience the effects of the occupation firsthand. From this research, the author has concluded that the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and the subsequent creation of settlements in violation of international law has effectively annexed the land into the State of Israel. The author concludes that the only solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is for Israel to officially annex the territory and grant Palestinians the full rights and privileges of Israeli citizenship.
The Curtis Flowers Saga: A Failure of Prosecutorial Accountability

The job of a prosecutor is to both “do justice” and advocate for the state. Our justice system ensures that they are able to perform this dual duty free from public criticism through the doctrines of prosecutorial discretion and immunity. These doctrines allow prosecutors to exercise great power with very little consequence. They decide whether to charge, what to charge, how many charges to bring, and at what level. They negotiate plea agreements with impunity. And when they are caught behaving badly — withholding evidence, asking improper questions, making prejudicial statements during closing argument, or even using strikes to remove all the persons of color from a jury — most face no consequences at all. In fact, they often get a chance to try again. This can be seen most recently through the multiple trials of Curtis Flowers, a man who has been tried, retried, and retried again on the same charges by the same prosecutor six different times. Appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have found that Doug Evans, the prosecutor in that case, has engaged in misconduct. At various points he has made improper statements during trial, withheld evidence, and most damningly, struck all or most of the black members of multiple juries in violation of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Batson v. Kentucky. And yet, though Mr. Flowers is now out on bail, his future still depends on a decision by prosecutor Doug Evans, the same man who engaged in misconduct in at least four out of the previous six trials. This paper will analyze the current state of prosecutorial accountability, different forms of prosecutorial misconduct, the checks that currently exist, and why those checks tend to be ineffective. It will do so through the lens of the Curtis Flowers case. It will analyze how and why District Attorney Doug Evans was able to retry the case six times, even after multiple appellate court findings of prosecutorial misconduct and Batson violations. Finally, this paper will conclude with an argument for a simple, albeit partial solution: once a prosecutor is found guilty of serious misconduct in a case, he must recuse himself and his entire office from re-arguing the case. This will help to ensure a defendant’s right to a fair trial without overturning past jurisprudence or punish a prosecutor too harshly for a “technical error.” It will also give prosecutors incentive to act ethically if they want to win the case.
Disability and Health in the Age of Triage

Most disability activists and op-ed writers have appropriately focused their efforts on critiquing the most extreme and egregious triage protocols. But an unfortunate byproduct has been that productive discussion of moderate triage protocols, which are most likely to prevail, is largely missing (with some exceptions). This paper fills that gap.
New Virus Discovery in the 21st Century

The development of new technologies has propelled virus discovery efforts forward at an unprecedented pace. As this area of research has become increasingly active, a review of virus discovery efforts over the last ~10 years is warranted. This chapter describes the evolution of sequence-independent PCR methods, panviral microarrays, and mass sequencing in the discovery of novel viruses. It also highlights the viruses discovered by these methods, and the importance and novelties of some of these viruses. Sequence-independent PCR strategies and new technologies such as microarrays and mass sequencing, while not without their own limitations, circumvent many of the limitations associated with traditional virus discovery methods and consequently have revolutionized the process of virus discovery. The discovery in 2001 of a novel human pneumovirus, called human metapneumovirus (HMPV), relied upon a sequence-independent PCR approach in conjunction with viral culture to identify a previously unknown virus. The first application of virus discovery based on cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (VIDISCA) to virus discovery resulted in the identification of HCoV-NL63. DNA microarrays first emerged in the mid-1990s as powerful tools to measure gene expression or genomic content changes in various organisms. Dideoxy sequencing or Sanger sequencing, first described in 1977, has been the dominant DNA sequencing technology used during the last ~30 years. With the advent of new technologies, a shift has occurred such that in many instances, the rate-limiting step is no longer discovery but understanding the biological relevance and impact of newly discovered viruses.
Elevated Total Iron-Binding Capacity Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Celiac Disease.

Several lines of evidence suggest that abnormal iron homeostasis may itself play an important role in the development of celiac disease. We sought to determine whether abnormalities in iron status could be detected prior to the diagnosis of celiac disease, and to understand the relationship between altered iron indices and the natural history of celiac disease. We conducted a case–control study at two major tertiary referral hospitals. Cases were comprised of patients with celiac disease in whom iron status was assessed prior to the diagnosis. Each case was matched to five controls without known gastrointestinal disease according to age and sex. Information on potential covariates and laboratory values within 1, 1–3, and 3–5 years prior to diagnosis was collected. We used conditional logistic regression to evaluate the effect of iron indices on risk of celiac disease. We identified 157 celiac cases and 695 matched controls. Compared to participants with normal TIBC, the age-adjusted risk of celiac disease was significantly elevated among patients with elevated TIBC. For each 10 μg/dL increase in TIBC, the risk of celiac disease increased by 4.6, 3.8, and 7.9 % within 1, 1–3, and 3–5 years prior to diagnosis, respectively. Patients with elevated pre-diagnosis TIBC were more likely to have abnormal liver enzymes and osteoporosis. Elevated TIBC is associated with an increased risk of celiac disease. Further investigation into the potential role of altered iron homeostasis may uncover important environmental factors that contribute to the development of celiac disease.
Technology in the Service of the Aging Veteran

In this paper I share a view of the promise of technology in the service of the aging veteran which, although it may be parochial, has had the virtue of some testing and some actual deployment. I will further discuss a basic division of effort in technology in the service of the aging into two major components: health care technology and quality of life technology. It is important to recognize this distinction because the two different subgroups of technology tend to develop in isolated fashion when interchange between them might be mutually beneficial.
Series-fed, nested, edge-loaded, wide-angle, conical monopoles

The authors propose wide-angle conical monopoles as an alternative to whip-type antennas when adequate mounting surface is available. The reduced height of wide-angle conical monopole systems makes possible: the use of edge loading for design versatility, nesting of multiple units for increasing bandwidth, and the incorporation of the antenna into the structure of a host vehicle so that no protrusion and a minimum of intrusion are required. A system of nested, wide-angle, conical monopoles can be made to cover a wide frequency band with near constant return loss. The size can be adjusted to fit the available space with reduced efficiency resulting for smaller size. A system within a hemisphere of radius /spl lambda//8 at the lowest resonance with return loss of 5 dB will have an efficiency of about 50% at the low end of the band. If the radius can be near /spl lambda//4 at the lowest frequency, the return loss will increase to about 10 dB and the efficiency will be near unity. >
Trusses in the current management of hernia

To assess the frequency and reasons for truss prescription, we surveyed 437 general practitioners collaborating with the surgical department of the Kantonsspital Winterthur and all members of the Swiss Association of Orthotists. 59% of the general practitioners answered. For 85% of them trusses are obsolete. Based on the data of the orthotists, an estimated 1740 trusses are issued in Switzerland annually (250 per million population). In Switzerland approximately 16,000 hernia operations are performed annually. Therefore, 11% of hernia patients are supplied with a truss rather than referred for a consultant surgical opinion. Patients can be divided into groups, one that wears the truss only for a short time in order to delay surgery for medical or occupational reasons and another group, especially elderly patients, that wears the truss permanently. Poor hernia control and pain, hernia incarceration, or dissatisfaction with the uncomfortable truss are reasons for referral to a surgeon. In our personal experience with 14 patients, all judged their situation after the operation better than with the truss. Our study confirms that despite advances in hernia surgery and in the use of regional and local anesthesia trusses are often prescribed.
Vagal modulation of catecholamines in the adrenal gland controls systemic inflammation in experimental sepsis (INM2P.437)

Sepsis is the leading cause of mortality in non-coronary Intensive Care Units accounting for 9.3% of overall deaths in the USA. Sepsis and other critical conditions like hemorrhage, resuscitation, shock, and trauma are characterized by overzealous inflammatory responses that cause lethal multiple organ failure. Despite its recent identification, multiple investigators have already reported that the vagus nerve controls systemic inflammation in experimental ischemia and reperfusion, hemorrhage and resuscitation, pancreatitis, colitis, endotoxemia, septic shock and severe sepsis. Vagus nerve stimulation controls systemic inflammation, but its clinical use is precluded by the surgical exposure of the vagus nerve, the use of anesthetics, and its temporal effect(1,2). Transcutaneous activation of the vagus nerve improves survival in experimental sepsis without surgery. Transcutaneous activation of the vagus nerve inhibits the production of multiple inflammatory cytokines including TNFα, IL6 and INFγ. This anti-inflammatory potential has a lasting effect and does not merely delay the pathogenesis of sepsis. Transcutaneous activation of the vagus nerve controls systemic inflammation by modulating catecholamine9s production in the adrenal gland. Studies funded by NIH-GM084125 to LU. REFERENCES 1. Wang, H., et al. Nature medicine 10, 1216-1221 (2004). 2. Wang, H., et al. Nature 421, 384-388 (2003).
Village of Painters: Narrative Scrolls from West Bengal

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Frank J. Korom Year: 2006 Pages: 120 Publisher: Museum of New Mexico Press ISBN: 978-0-89013-489-4 (soft cover). Prices: $29.95 USD(soft cover).
Child Language: Acquisition And Growth

The remarkable way in which young children acquire language has long fascinated linguists and developmental psychologists alike. Language is a skill that we have essentially mastered by the age of three, and with incredible ease and speed, despite the complexity of the task. This accessible textbook introduces the field of child language acquisition, exploring language development from birth. Setting out the key theoretical debates, it considers questions such as what characteristics of the human mind make it possible to acquire language; how far acquisition is biologically programmed and how far it is influenced by our environment; what makes second language learning (in adulthood) different from first language acquisition; and whether the specific stages in language development are universal across languages. Clear and comprehensive, it is set to become a key text for all courses in child language acquisition, within linguistics, developmental psychology and cognitive science.
On The Dynamics of Weakly Curved Detonations

Recent progress in detonation theory involves systematic perturbation analyses based on the fact that the radii of front curvature are typically large compared to an average reaction zone thickness. The present paper contributes to the theory for near-Chapman-Jouguet waves. It explains weakly nonlinear acoustic effects in the near-sonic burnt gas flow which act on time scales much shorter than the overall evolution time of the front.
Intermediary Metabolism of Phospholipids in Brain Tissue III. PHOSPHOCHOLINE-GLYCERIDE TRANSFERASE

Abstract The conditions have been described for measuring quantitatively phosphocholine-glyceride transferase and choline phosphokinase activities in microgram quantities of nervous tissue. It was observed that the various parameters affecting enzyme activity in brain are quite similar to those previously reported for the liver enzyme. The enzymatic formation of labeled phosphatidylcholine from 14C-cytidine diphosphocholine was stimulated more than 20-fold on the addition of D-α,β-diglyceride to the incubation mixtures. Diglycerides having a high degree of unsaturated fatty acids were the most active substrates. The activity of phosphocholine-glyceride transferase was elevated in neonatal brain tissue (peak activity at 10 to 20 days postnatally). The enzyme activity was also elevated in a peripheral nerve undergoing demyelination. The neurone-rich grey structures of adult rabbit brain were 2- to 8-fold more active than adjacent white (myelinated) matter. Phosphocholine-glyceride transferase was predominantly located in the microsomal fraction of brain, but it is suggested that a significant portion of activity is also present in mitochondria.
Brown fat activity deepens depression: true or false?

Circadian clocks have evolved a slowing-down mechanism. Temperature may be the original and universal time-giver to the organism. Brown adipose tissue generates heat and guides the circadian rhythm of core body temperature. The cryptochrome proteins regulate the temperature entrainability, and their dysfunction may let the activation of brown adipose tissue affect the brain more easily. Therefore, the activity of brown adipose tissue may compromise the slowing-down mechanism and thereby contribute to the emergence of mood disorders and the increase in suicide mortality around the time of puberty.
Integrating external functions in an object oriented reasoning system

The paper describes an object-oriented system that smoothly integrates procedural function invocation and declarative rule reasoning into a single homogeneous system. This allows efficient computations expressed as external functions to be incorporated into rule systems to improve computational efficiency and extensibility of intelligent systems. We first discuss the differences between declarative rules and procedural functions. We then describe an object-oriented model that incorporates both of these. The model has a translation phase and an execution phase. We also discuss problems arising from the different ways that data are represented (terms in rules vs. data objects in functions), from the existence of user-defined types in functions and the necessary argumentations to the unification process in the rule system. >
A thousand points of light or just dim bulbs? Radiolabeled antibodies and colorectal cancer imaging.

Radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS) is coming into its own as an imaging modality in clinical oncology. Early experience with indium-III-labeled intact murine monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) in colorectal cancer suggested that RIS images hepatic metastases poorly. Moreover, an antimurine immune response was frequently provoked, precluding multiple follow-up RIS studies in individual patients due to reticu-loendothelial sequestration of the radioimmunoconjugate before tumor targeting could occur. Recent trials of technetium-99m- labeled antibody fragments and human MoAbs have demonstrated significant improvement in imaging efficacy, and repeated or serial imaging is possible because of the absence of associated immunoge-nicity. RIS is demonstrably more sensitive than conventional diagnostic modalities (CDM) such as computed tomography (CT)for detection of extrahepatic abdominal and pelvic colorectal carcinoma and is complementary to CDM in imaging liver metastases. In a surgical decision-making analysis comparing ...
Microwave dielectric relaxation of methyl and ethylcellosolve

Abstract The complex dielectric permittivity of methyl and ethylcellosolve at 25°C and in the frequency range 1–90 GHz are reported. The real and imaginary coefficients of the permittivity show a relaxation profile with frequency that can be interpreted either by a Cole-Davidson distribution function or by the sum of two discrete Debye-relaxation processes. Preference for the latter description is given not on the basis of an optimum of a numerical fit, but rather on the proposal that the two Debye processes are related to H-bond breaking, as for the alcohols, and to alkoxy and/or molecular tumbling respectively. Evidence of the above hypothesis is given by reporting the complex permittivity of methylcellosolve-dimethoxyethane mixtures in the whole composition range. It is shown that the relaxation contribution e0-e∞1, attributed to the lower Debye relaxation process (and assigned to the H-bond breaking process) is proportional to the molarity of methylcellosolve up to the pure liquid. This shows that by substituting the OH group by the methoxy group, the effect attributed to (e0-e∞1) decreases and disappears when no -OH groups are present as for pure dimethoxyethane. Further, by taking the position that the contribution e0-e∞1 is to be dealt with as in liquid mixtures, the apparent dipole moment μ∼3 Debyes is calculated by the Bottcher theory. This figure is comparable to the values of μ calculated by the Onsager theory for the alcohols. The above seems to suggest that although the Cole-Davidson distribution function may fit the relaxation profile numerically, it eludes (by its own nature) the molecular description of the dielectric relaxation processes.
Quadratic inference function approach to merging longitudinal studies: validation and joint estimation

SUMMARY Merging data from multiple studies has been widely adopted in biomedical research. In this paper, we consider two major issues related to merging longitudinal datasets. We first develop a rigorous hypothesis testing procedure to assess the validity of data merging, and then propose a flexible joint estimation procedure that enables us to analyse merged data and to account for different within-subject correlations and follow-up schedules in different studies. We establish large sample properties for the proposed procedures. We compare our method with meta analysis and generalized estimating equations and show that our test provides robust control of Type I error against both misspecification of working correlation structures and heterogeneous dispersion parameters. Our joint estimating procedure leads to an improvement in estimation efficiency on all regression coefficients after data merging is validated.
Macrophage scavenger receptors and atherosclerosis

The fatty streak is the earliest visible atherosclerotic lesion. Microscopically, this lesion consists of a subendothelial collection of macrophage foam cells that are characterized by their content of numerous lipid droplets. Investigations into the mechanisms responsible for foam cell formation have led to the identification of macrophage scavenger receptors that are capable of recognizing and internalizing modified forms of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The recent cloning of a macrophage scavenger receptor that is capable of recognizing acetylated and oxidized LDL has permitted the application of molecular approaches to the study of scavenger receptor expression and the determinants of ligand recognition. These studies suggest the possibility that treatment strategies that inhibit LDL modification or influence macrophage gene expression might be effective in the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.
DNA polymerase in nuclei isolated from herpes simplex virus type-2-infected cells. Characterization of the reaction product and inhibition by substrate analogs

Abstract Nuclei isolated from herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2-infected KB cells were examined for their capacity to serve as an in situ source of herpes DNA polymerase. In contrast to purified enzymes with added template, approx. 80% of the DNA synthesized in isolated nuclei was viral. The average size of DNA fragments labeled in vitro was 3.2·10 6 Da. Based on an increase in DNA density when nuclei were incubated in the presence of BrdUTP rather than dTTP, 16% of the nucleotides were added during the in vitro reaction. Sucrose gradient analysis of DNA polymerase activity in extracts of isolated nuclei demonstrated the nearly exclusive presence of herpes DNA polymerase. K m concentrations for the four dNTPs were from 0.14 to 0.55 μM. DNA synthesis was inhibited competitively by the 5′-triphosphates of ara-A and ara-C ( K i = 0.03 and 0.22 μM, respectively) but not by the 5′-triphosphate of dideoxythymidine. aATP also served as a substrate ( K m = 0.014 μ M) for the reaction. We conclude that nuclei from HSV-infected cells have significant advantages for the detailed study of inhibitors of herpesvirus replication.
Relationship of raised atherosclerotic lesions to fatty streaks in coronary heart disease and hypertension

The abdominal aortas and right coronary arteries removed during autopsies were gathered from over 18,000 subjects in 19 location-race groups. Sudanstained intimal surfaces were graded for the percent as raised lesions (R) and fatty streaks (F). The proportions of all types of lesions (ATL = F + R) that were raised (RaL = R divided by ATL) were examined. The difference between the observed RaL (in subjects having atherosclerosis-related conditions) and the expected RaL (in age-, sex-, and ATL-matched subjects without such conditions) measured the excess of RaL, which by inference indicated the tendency for an excess of raised lesions to be produced in place of fatty streaks. In cases of coronary heart disease (CHD), a large excess of RaL was found consistently on the average. The coronary arteries and aortas of hypertensive subjects, compared with those of nonhypertensives, had only a small and inconsistent excess of RaL. Both CHD and hypertension were characterized by a marked tendency for severe involvement by ATL, including extensive fatty streaks, leaving only small remnants of normal intima. Some factors (Class A) act to form fatty streaks and also to continue advancing them into raised lesions. Once the fatty streaks are formed, some new factors (Class B2) convert them into raised lesions. We concluded that hypertension is almost, if not entirely, a Class A type of atherogenic agent, and that CHD is promoted by exceptionally strong effects of both A and B2 types of causation. This conclusion exposes a biological priniciple that, if the assumptions of the model are true, is of considerable importance: Some of the more important causes of atherosclerosis (Class B causes) begin to act only after the fatty streaks have formed.
Resolution enhancement techniques in optical lithography: It's not just a mask problem

Over the past decade, optical lithography's k 1 factor has been continuously eroding despite aggressive improvements in exposure wavelength and numerical aperture. To compensate for the increased difficulty in maintaining adequate process windows at smaller k 1 's, lithographers have gradually introduced mild resolution enhancement techniques (RETs) such as the use of optical proximity correction (OPC) and attenuated phase shifted mask enhanced lithography (attPSM). The penetration of the k 1 =0.5 barrier with the 180nm technology node forced serious consideration of strong resolution enhancement techniques such as the use of sub-resolution assist features (SRAFs) with off-axis illumination (OAI), and alternating phase shifted mask enhanced lithography (altPSM). Penetrating into the deep-sub-k 1 =0.5 lithography regime for the 130nm and 100nm technology nodes requires broad implementation of these strong RETs in well integrated lithography solutions. After briefly reviewing the history and challenges associated with OPC, this paper will discuss the fundamental concepts and theoretical resolution limits of altPSM and SRAF followed by some experimental results. The paper will then review the challenges facing the implementation of SRAF and altPSM in deep-sub-k 1 =0.5 production lithography.
In vitro evaluation of clindamycin in combination with oxacillin, rifampin, or vancomycin against Staphylococcus aureus

In a study of antibiotic combinations of clindamycin with rifampin, oxacillin, or vancomycin using the time kill-curve method, the combination of clindamycin and rifampin were sometimes synergistic (5 of 15 times), otherwise indifferent and always enhanced killing of fifteen tested Staphylococcus aureus isolates. In contrast, vancomycin and clindamycin or oxacillin and clindamycin were either indifferent or antagonistic (approximately 50%). Vancomycin alone, however, was generally as effective as the combinations of clindamycin and rifampin.
Effects of in utero exposure to 4.7 T MR imaging conditions on fetal growth and testicular development in the mouse

Abstract The effects of exposure in utero to high field (4.7 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conditions on fetal growth, adult growth, and testicular development in the mouse were investigated. Exposures of 8-h duration were made on day 9 and/or day 12 of gestation. Also investigated were effects of a combined treatment regime using continuous wave, unfocussed 1 MHz ultrasound on day 9 and MRI on day 12. Treatment groups consisted of 8 to 10 pregnant dams. Fetal data were taken on day 18 of gestation and data from adult animals that were exposed in utero were taken on day 50 postpartum. Significant differences in sensitive biological end points following in utero exposure to complex MRI field conditions were found. Fetal weights of the exposed groups ranged from 11% (day 9 MRI) to 17% (day 9 ultrasound/day 12 MRI) lower ( p ≤ .05) than those of the cage control and sham-exposed fetuses and crown-rump length of exposed animals was reduced by 8% ( p ≤ .05). The postpartum death rate was as high as 38% (significant at p ≤ .05 level) following MRI exposure on day 9 and day 12 of gestation. Daily sperm production was reduced by as much as 44% ( p ≤ .05) in adults exposed to MRI on day 12 of gestation. A reduction in testis weight and volume in the adult males was also seen, but the difference was not statistically significant at the p ≤ .05 level. No effect was seen on embryonic deaths, sex ration, body weight at day 50, spleen weight, or seminal vesicle weight. The mechanism responsible for these results could involve one or more of the applied fields interacting with a sensitive stage of fetal development. Further studies are planned to isolate the individual field components and to elucidate biochemical and/or hormonal changes that may follow in utero exposure.
Open-market stock repurchases as signals for earnings and risk changes

Abstract This paper is an empirical examination of the nature of information conveyed by open-market stock repurchase announcements. The findings weakly indicate that: (1) there are positive unexpected annual earnings in the repurchase announcement year and positive revisions of earnings forecasts by analysts around announcement dates, and that (2) repurchase announcements are followed by declines in the repurchasing firms' common-stock risk. In addition, a regression analysis shows that repurchase announcement returns are positively (negatively) correlated with the earnings (risk) changes conveyed by repurchase announcements.
A Review of the Genus Heleonomus (Mallophaga: Menoponidae) from the Cranes

Ten species in Heleonomus are recognized, discussed, and illustrated. This includes 4 new species: H. sami from Grus monacha, H. laveryi from G. antigone, H. furgalai from Anthropoides paradisea , and H. elbeli from A. virgo . Neotypes are designated for H. semiluctus (Gervais), H. cornutus (Rudow), and H. macilentus (Nitzsch). A key to the species is given.
Immunogenicity to Therapeutic Proteins: Impact on PK/PD and Efficacy

The development of therapeutic proteins requires the understanding of the relationship between the dose, exposure, efficacy, and toxicity of these molecules. Several intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to the challenges for measuring therapeutic proteins in a precise and accurate manner. In addition, induction of an immune response to therapeutic protein results in additional complexities in the analysis of the pharmacokinetic profile, toxicity, safety, and efficacy of this class of molecules. Assessment of immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins is a required aspect of regulatory filings for a licensing application and for the safe and efficacious use of these compounds. A systematic strategy and well-defined criteria for measuring anti-drug antibodies (ADA) have been established, to a large extent, through coordinated efforts. These recommendations are based on risk assessment and include the determination of ADA content (concentration/titer), affinity, immunoglobulin isotype/subtype, and neutralization capacity. This manuscript reviews the requirements necessary for understanding the nature of an ADA response in order to discern the impact of immunogenicity on pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and efficacy.
Genetic polymorphisms in sepsis.

Context:Wide variability exists in the susceptibility to and outcome from sepsis even within similar intensive care unit populations. Some of this variability in the host may be due to genetic variation in genes coding for components of the innate immune response.Objective:To review the evidence for
Testing the neutrino annihilation model for launching GRB jets

The mechanism behind the launching of gamma-ray-burst (GRB) jets remains debated resulting in large uncertainty over the jet composition. Both magnetohydrodynamical and neutrino annihilation models have been proposed for the energy extraction in a black hole/accretion-disc central engine. In particular, for the extreme accretion rates $\dot M\sim 0.1-1$~ M$_\odot$s$^{-1}$ expected for bursts of duration $T\lesssim 100$~s, the disc can be an efficient neutrino emitter. Neutrino-antineutrino annihilation results in an energy deposition rate at the jet that can, in principle, account for the burst's energetics. Recent discoveries of X-ray flares hours after the burst and of ultra-long GRBs suggest that GRB activity can last for $\sim 10^4$~s or longer. These long-lived events have fluence similar to that of classical GRBs. In view of these findings, we re-evaluate the neutrino annihilation model. We derive the maximum possible energy of a neutrino-powered jet as a function of the burst duration and show that the available energy drops fast for longer bursts. For a standard choice of the parameters, the model falls short by three to four orders of magnitude in explaining the observed energetics of events that last longer than $\sim 10^3$~s.
PARTICLE FILTERS IN A MULTISCALE ENVIRONMENT: WITH APPLICATION TO THE LORENZ-96 ATMOSPHERIC MODEL

The study of random dynamical systems involves understanding the evolution of state variables that contain uncertainties and that are usually hidden, or not directly observable. Therefore, state variables have to be estimated and updated based on system models using information from observational data, which themselves are noisy, in the sense that they contain uncertainties and disturbances due to imperfections in observational devices and disturbances in the environment within which data are being collected. The development of efficient data assimilation methods for integrating observational data in predicting the evolution of random state variables is thus an important aspect in the study of random dynamical systems. In this paper, we consider a particle filtering approach to nonlinear filtering in multiscale dynamical systems. Particle filtering methods [1–3] utilizes ensembles of particles to represent the conditional density of state variables using particle positions, distributed over a sample space. The distribution of an ensemble of particles is updated using observational data to obtain the best representation of the conditional density of the state variables of interest. On the other hand, homogenization theory [4, 5], allows us to estimate the coarse-grained (slow) dynamics of a multiscale system on a larger timescale without having to explicitly study the fast variable evolution on a small timescale. The results of filter convergence presented in [6] shows the convergence of the filter of the actual state variable to a homogenized solution to the original multiscale system, and thus we develop a particle filtering scheme for multiscale random dynamical systems that utilizes this convergence result. This particle filtering method is called the Homogenized Hybird Particle Filter, and it incorporates a multiscale computation scheme, the Heterogeneous Multiscale Method developed in [7], with the novel branching particle filter described in [8–10]. By incorporating a multiscale scheme based on homogenization of the original system, estimation of the coarse-grained dynamics using observational data is performed over a larger timescale, thus resulting in computational time and cost reduction in terms of the evolution of the state variables as well as functional evaluations for the filtering aspect. We describe the theory behind this combined scheme and its general algorithm, concluded with an application to the Lorenz-96 [11] atmospheric model that mimics midlatitude geophysical dynamics with microscopic convective processes.
Superconducting glass behavior and frustration in polycrystalline Sm2−xCexCuO4−y

Abstract A magnetic field was used to separate contributions to superconductivity from islands and inter-island Josephson coupling in polycrystalline samples of Sm 2− x Ce x CuO 4− y (0.14≤x≤0.17). The electrical resistivity below the Josephson coupling temperature T cJ is significantly larger in the zero-field-cooled state than in the field-cooled state up to 1 kOe, implying metastable configurations. As the field is increased, T cJ decreases rapidly up to 1 kOe and saturates at higher fields. These observations indicate a glass state in a disordered Josephson array.
In Vitro Metabolism of Thiazopyr Plant Metabolites by Rat Liver Enzymes

Abstract Thiazopyr [methyl 2-(difluoromethyl)-5-(4,5-dihydro-2-thiazolyl)-4-(2-methylpropyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinecarboxylate] is an experimental herbicide being developed for weed control in cotton, citrus, and other crops. The in vitro metabolic fate of key thiazopyr crop metabolites in animals was investigated using rat liver homogenates. The thiazopyr crop metabolites studied were sulfoxide ester, sulfone ester, nitrile ester, amide acid, and sulfonic diacid. Our results showed that the ester crop metabolites were extensively metabolized by rat liver homogenates to products previously observed during in vivo rat metabolism studies. Metabolites were identified using several techniques including high-performance liquid chromatography coelution with standards, direct identification by mass spectrometry and comparison with standards, and derivatization followed by mass spectrometry. In contrast, the acidic crop metabolites (amide acid and sulfonic diacid) were not metabolized, likely due to their water solubility and high polarity. Our study showed that these crop metabolites, if absorbed by rats, are further transformed to polar products that are likely to be eliminated rapidly from the body.
Discordance in Femoral Neck Bone Density in Subjects With Unilateral Hip Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that increases in incidence with age and currently affects an estimated 27 million Americans. To determine whether site-specific hip bone mineral density (BMD) measures are confounded by the presence of OA, we measured bilateral hip BMD by dual X-ray absorptiometry in 34 subjects (19 women and 15 men) scheduled for hip replacement for confirmed advanced unilateral hip OA. The femoral neck (FN) BMD (p=0.035) and T-score (p=0.017) for the hip with OA was higher than those of the contralateral hip. There was a difference in osteoporosis classification depending on which hip was considered: for 11 of the 34 subjects (32%), the FN T-score was normal for OA hip, but the contralateral hip was classified as osteopenic (T-score between -1.0 and -2.5). For 1 subject, the FN T-score was normal for OA hip, but the contralateral hip was classified as osteoporotic (T-score below -2.5). Discordance was also present for trochanter values and not for total hip values. These data indicate that advanced hip OA can be associated with a higher bone density at the FN and trochanter but not at total hip and that the discrepancy between hips at the FN may have an impact on patient treatment decisions.
The role of transduced bone marrow cells overexpressing BMP-2 in healing critical-sized defects in a mouse femur

The role that transduced mouse bone marrow stromal cells (mBMSCs) engineered to overexpress human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) play in healing critical-sized skeletal defects is largely unknown. We evaluated the interaction between host osteoprogenitor cells and donor mBMSCs transduced with either a lentiviral (LV) vector-expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP) with or without BMP-2 that were implanted into a critical-sized femoral defect. Radiographs taken at the time of killing were evaluated using a five-point scaled scoring system. Frozen histologic sections were analyzed to assess both the transduced cells' role in bone repair and the local osteoprogenitor response. There was complete radiographic bridging in 94% of group I (LV-RFPch-BMP-2-cmyc) and 100% of group III (recombinant human BMP-2) specimens. Radiographs demonstrated a lack of healing in group II (LV-RFPch). Mouse BMSCs transduced with an LV-RFPch-BMP-2 vector were able to induce host cells to differentiate down an osteoblastic lineage and heal a critical-sized defect. However, the donor cells appeared to be functioning as a delivery vehicle of BMP-2 rather than actually differentiating into osteoblasts capable of participating in bone repair as evidenced by a lack of colocalization of the transduced cells to the sites of skeletal repair where the host progenitor cells were found.
Profile imaging of surfaces and surface reactions

Abstract The technique of profile imaging in the high-resolution electron microscope can be used to provide information about surfaces and surface reactions. Applications of the method to metals, oxides, semiconductors and small particles, as well as electron-beam-induced surface reactions, are reviewed. The role of image simulations and the need for ultra-high-vacuum and specimen-treatment facilities are also discussed.
The City Hotel as Landscape Artifact and Community Symbol

Hotels, or their precursor, the tavern, were cornerstones of urban development on America's settlement frontier. As a landscape artifact the hotel marked the early business and social core of cities; it also symbolized community progress and achievement, as well as investment opportunity. The hotel evolved from a democratic social institution into a grand central-city palace that showcased technological innovation while gradually yielding its democratic character to entrepreneurial expedience. The modern convention hotel mirrors some aspects of the 19th century hotels, but it has not recaptured its democratic connection to the local community.
Studies on the mechanism of avoidance facilitation by nicotine.

A series of experiments were conducted to determine whether nicotine facilitates avoidance acquisition by enhancing consolidation or merely by stimulating performance. Sprague-Dawley albino rats were trained for 15 one-hour sessions in a discriminated leverpress avoidance situation with buzzer as a conditioned stimulus. More rats receiving nicotine, 0.4 mg/kg, i.p. immediately before each one-hour daily session (presession) reached a preset learning criterion than did saline controls, and rats receiving 0.1 mg/kg of nicotine performed better than controls but not as well as those receiving the higher nicotine dose. Rats given similar doses of quaternary nicotine bismethiodide in an identical presession experiment did not learn more proficiently than controls. Other groups of rats were given four doses of nicotine in photocell activity cages and the doses of nicotine which facilitated avoidance acquisition actually depressed spontaneous motor activity. Later studies in which rats were given 0.1 and 0.4 mg/kg nicotine or saline i.p. immediately after each session (postsession) showed that the drug also facilitates avoidance acquisition by this method; however, only the lower dose produced significant facilitation in this instance. Finally, rats were again trained with precession nicotine, but saline was substituted for nicotine beginning on session 16. No drug dissociation effect was seen. Thus the results of these studies strongly suggest that small doses of nicotine permanently facilitate the consolidating neural memory trace and do not enhance avoidance acquisition merely by stimulating performance.
Muscularity and its ramifications: Mimetic male bodies in Indian mass culture

(2001). Muscularity and its ramifications: Mimetic male bodies in Indian mass culture. South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies: Vol. 24, Sexual sites, seminal attitudes: Sexualities, masculinites and culture in South Asia, pp. 197-224.
Inhibition of Ser/Thr Phosphatases Induces Capacitation-associated Signaling in the Presence of Src Kinase Inhibitors

Signaling events leading to mammalian sperm capacitation rely on activation/deactivation of proteins by phosphorylation. This cascade includes soluble adenylyl cyclase, an atypical bicarbonate-stimulated adenylyl cyclase, and is mediated by protein kinase A and the subsequent stimulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Recently, it has been proposed that the capacitation-associated increase in tyrosine phosphorylation is governed by Src tyrosine kinase activity. This conclusion was based mostly on the observation that Src is present in sperm and that the Src kinase family inhibitor SU6656 blocked the capacitation-associated increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. Results in the present manuscript confirmed these observations and provided evidence that these inhibitors were also able to inhibit protein kinase A phosphorylation, sperm motility, and in vitro fertilization. However, the block of capacitation-associated parameters was overcome when sperm were incubated in the presence of Ser/Thr phosphatase inhibitors such as okadaic acid and calyculin-A at concentrations reported to affect only PP2A. Altogether, these data indicate that Src is not directly involved in the observed increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. More importantly, this work presents strong evidence that capacitation is regulated by two parallel pathways. One of them requiring activation of protein kinase A and the second one involving inactivation of Ser/Thr phosphatases.
Comparing educational experiences and on-the-job needs of educational software designers

This paper reports on part of the findings of a mixed-methods study which explored the educational experiences of Computing Professionals who design and develop educational software. A particular focus is given on the gaps professionals perceive between what was covered in their formal (university) education and the skills and knowledge that have been most important to them in their professional roles. Discrepancies were found particularly in areas related to practical skills (such as testing, maintaining code over time, use of source code control and development tools), communication, critical thinking and problem solving, and strategies used to continue learning on-the-job. Participant suggestions for improving university programs focused largely on the use of large scale, complex, authentic projects of significant duration. The author recommends further consideration be given to explicitly teaching the type of self-learning skills and strategies used by experienced professionals.
Performance and standardization of Australian, Japanese and US firms

Purpose – Globalization has fostered greater interest in all aspects of standardization theory including the 4Ps of the marketing mix or program and process marketing. The purpose of this paper is to probe the question: “Is there a benefit to the firm's strategy of marketing standardization that correlates positively to the firm's profit?”.Design/methodology/approach – Multinational firms from Australia, Japan and the USA operating in a global environment were studied in order to correlate marketing standardization to profit performance. Several methods of analysis were used including regression and analysis of variance measures.Findings – The results indicate there is increasing support for a strategy of standardizing marketing mix components and contributing to a firm's profit performance.Originality/value – The paper adds to the current literature by providing further empirical research correlating marketing mix standardization to profit.
The binding of p-chloromercuribenzoate by myosin.

Rabbit myosin rapidly binds 3–4 moles PCMB/10 5 g. protein. Further binding, up to a maximum of 7–8 moles PCMB/10 5 g., occurs at a progressively diminishing rate. The reaction rate increases with both myosin and PCMB concentrations. The binding of 3–4 moles PCMB/10 5 g. causes an acceleration of ATPase and inhibition of ITPase activity. These effects are more pronounced if the myosin-PCMB reaction is carried out at high myosin concentration (∼1 mg./ml.). Enzymic rates after such treatment are not constant in time. The changes are accelerated in the presence of substrate and are suggestive of a rearrangement of PCMB on the protein after the initial reaction. Treatment of myosin with PCMB for long times (48 hr.) avoids some of these complications. A linear relation between ITPase and PCMB titer is then found. The reversal of PCMB binding by glutathione has also been studied. The results are interpreted in terms of a model of two-point attachment of substrate to the enzyme.