cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of radioactive iodine for the treatment of well-differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastasis.

Objective Radioactive iodine (I) has been used as a treatment for high-risk well-differentiated thyroid cancer after thyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term follow-up results after using high accumulated doses of I (>600 mCi) for the treatment of well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Patients and methods In this study, we retrospectively evaluated prospectively enrolled patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer who were treated and followed up in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Linkou and Keelung, Taiwan. All the patients underwent thyroidectomy between 1979 and 2016. Results For our study, 228 patients with papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma with distant metastases were enrolled. Of the 228 patients, 71 (31.1%) received I therapy with an accumulated dose of at least 600 mCi. Forty-four died because of disease-specific mortality (DSM) after a mean follow-up of 10.6±6.3 years. Compared with the patients in the DSM group, which included 27 survival cases, patients who were younger, and those with a multifocal tumor, more extensive thyroidectomy, and papillary thyroid carcinoma showed better prognosis. The DSM group included a higher percentage of patients who developed a secondary primary cancer after receiving a diagnosis of thyroid cancer than the survival group (18.2 vs. 3.7%). However, the difference did not reach statistical significance (P=0.075). Conclusion I provided an effective therapeutic modality for well-differentiated thyroid cancer patients with distant metastasis. After a mean of follow-up 10 years, more than 60% of cases resulted in DSM when high accumulated I doses were administered.
Thermochemical reactions of Al-based intermetallic composites to AlN

Abstract Rapid, self-sustaining thermochemical reactions of reactive materials are not well understood at molecular/atomic levels, regarding how they evolve chemically and release energy at high temperatures. This situation emphasizes the need of real-time structural and temperature data obtained during thermochemical reactions in reactive materials. In this paper, we describe time- and angle-resolved x-ray diffraction (TARXD) capable of probing the structural and temperature evolution of reactive materials upon thermal ignitions using pulse laser- and electric-heating. Several types of reactive materials were investigated to elucidate chemical mechanisms for: (i) intermetallic exchange reactions in Al/Ni(50:50) to Al3Ni2 and Al3Ni, upon rapid quenching of molten phases of Al/Ni alloys; (ii) diffusion-controlled, solid-state combustion reactions in intermetallic composites of (Al/Ni(50:50) + h-BN) and metallic composites (Al + h-BN) to produce h-AlN; and (iii) combustion reactions of metallic mixtures (Al + B) with N2 in air to produce metastable cubic AlN.
Evaluation of methane release from coals from the San Juan basin and Powder River basin

Abstract To enhance methane release from bituminous coal in the Illinois basin, a nutrient recipe, an adapted microbial community, and optimal biogasification condition leading to maximum methane release have been developed. To evaluate whether the developed strategy is applicable to coals from other geological settings, coal samples from the San Juan (SJ) basin and Powder River (PR) basin were investigated. This study showed that without the addition of ethanol, more methane was released from PR coal than from SJ coal. Ethanol increased and inhibited methane production from SJ and PR coal, respectively. The dominant degradation products in all microcosms were similar even though the concentrations of identified compounds were dependent on the coal samples used. The addition of 2-bromoethanesulfonate completely arrested methanogenesis and resulted in higher content of total organic carbon in fermentation broth than those without. Comparing the coals before and after biotreatment, the elemental compositions did not change much even though significant mass losses were found for both coals. This study demonstrated that a given microbial community can be used for different ranks of coals. To maximize methane release, nutrient recipes may be shared for coals with the same rank, but not for coals having different compositions.
Can board leadership contribute to board dynamic managerial capabilities? An empirical exploration among Norwegian firms

This study explores how board leadership may influence the board dynamic managerial capabilities. We draw on the dynamic capabilities perspective to examine the effect of board chairs on the dynamic managerial capabilities of the board of directors. Using survey data from a sample of 410 Norwegian firms, our results reveal that board chair human capital is positively related to the board’s sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring capabilities. Moreover, we find the positive effects of board chair human capital on board sensing and seizing capabilities to be stronger under higher environmental dynamism. Our study suggests that board chairs can play an important leadership role in developing dynamic managerial capabilities at the board level, particularly in more dynamic environments.
What We Know About Team Dynamics for Long-Distance Space Missions: A Systematic Review of Analog Research

Background: To anticipate the dynamics of future long-distance space exploration mission (LDSEM) teams, research is conducted in analog environments (e.g., Antarctic expeditions, space chamber simulations), or environments that share key contextual features of LDSEM such as isolation and confinement. We conducted a systematic review of research conducted on teams in LDSEM-analog environments to identify which factors have been examined with quantitative research, and to summarize what the studies reveal about team dynamics in LDSEM-analog environments. Methods: We used a comprehensive search strategy to identify research on teams that lived and worked together. Data on team dynamics were extracted where possible, and sources were coded for key contextual features. The data did not lend themselves to traditional meta-analysis. We used two approaches to summarize the data: a weighted averages approach when the study reported enough data to calculate an effect size, and descriptive figures when data across studies were directly comparable. Results: Seventy-two sources met our inclusion criteria, yielding 253 effect sizes and 1,150 data points. Results from our weighted averages approach suggested that the team cohesion and performance relationship may be operating differently in isolated and confined environments than other teams that lived and worked together (e.g., military teams), and that, given the available data, we can say very little about the magnitude and direction of the relationship. Our descriptive figures revealed important trends: (a) team members in longer missions generally spent less social time together than shorter missions; (b) consistent team efficiency over time was typical, whereas decreased team efficiency over time was atypical; (c) by 40% of mission completion or 90 days, all teams reported at least one conflict, (d) commanders' written communication with mission control decreased in length over time, and (e) team mood dynamics did not consistently support the third-quarter phenomenon. Conclusions: There are inherent limitations to our study, given the nature of the analog research (e.g., correlational studies, small sample size). Even so, our systematic review provides key insights into team dynamics in LDSEM-analog environments. We discuss the implications of our research for managing future space crews. Importantly, we also provide guidance for future research.
Housing for People with Serious Mental Illness

This chapter summarizes the state of knowledge on the housing arrangements of people with serious mental illness (SMI) in the United States. Americans with serious mental illness have the legal right to live in as integrated housing as feasible and we estimate that more than 90% of people with SMI live in the community and not in institutions or specialized programs. However, the lack of affordable housing, discrimination in the rental market, difficulties accessing community-based health services, and insufficient benefits still contribute to people with serious mental illness being at greater risk for homelessness, inadequate or unaffordable housing, or incarceration. This chapter describes what we know about the housing situations of people with SMI, the challenges they face in the rental housing market, and the effectiveness of different program models for providing housing and services. The chapter concludes with a discussion of emerging topics for research and policy on housing for people with SMI.
Multiple Source Interference with Sound

The construction of a linear speaker array, which emits coherent sound radiation from multiple sources, is described. The device is an improvement over the two-speaker systems for demonstrating wave interference effects. The operation of the array is demonstrated with example data.
Foveated holographic near-eye 3D display

We present a foveated rendering method to accelerate the amplitude-only computer-generated hologram (AO-CGH) calculation in a holographic near-eye 3D display. For a given target image, we compute a high-resolution foveal region and a low-resolution peripheral region with dramatically reduced pixel numbers. Our technique significantly improves the computation speed of the AO-CGH while maintaining the perceived image quality in the fovea. Moreover, to accommodate the eye gaze angle change, we develop an algorithm to laterally shift the foveal image with negligible extra computational cost. Our technique holds great promise in advancing the holographic 3D display in real-time use.
Neural Network Assisted Compact Model for Accurate Characterization of Cycle-to-cycle Variations in 2-D $h$ -BN based RRAM devices

Resistive random-access memory (RRAM) is one of the most promising candidates for realizing the next generation of non-volatile memories and neuromorphic computing architectures. Although these devices have been extensively researched; accurate modeling of non-ideal effects such as cycle-to-cycle (C2C) variation and resistance drift remain challenging due to the stochastic nature of filament formation and filament evolution [1]–[3]. In this paper, resistive switching (RS) in 2-dimensional (2D) hexagonal Boron Nitride ( $h$ -BN) is demonstrated, and techniques for modeling C2C variations are presented. Using an autoregressive neural network, a VerilogA model for RRAM is created to accurately reproduce experimentally observed C2C variations. This modeling approach is intended to aid circuit designers in evaluating stochastic phenomenon at the large array level and model emerging devices using advanced materials in their early phase of technology development.
Experiences and Insights for Collaborative Industry-Academic Research in Artificial Intelligence

The factors that define and influence the success of industry–academic research in artificial intelligence have evolved significantly in the last decade. In this article, we consider what success means from both sides of a collaboration and offer our perspectives on how to approach the opportunities and challenges that come with achieving success. These perspectives are grounded on the recent and significant investments that have been made between IBM and several higher education institutions around the world, including IBM’s Artificial Intelligence Horizons Network, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology–IBM Watson Artificial Intelligence Lab, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Quest for Intelligence.
Development of Superhydrophobic Polyester (Polyethylene terephthalate) Fabric for Multiple Applications

This study intended to develop a healthy and environmentally friendly super-hydrophobic PET polyester textile fabric using a specific Fluoro Silane finish (SHF). A novel SHF was prepared and applied on a polyester fabric using a pad-dry-cure method. The finished fabric was evaluated for the degree of hydrophobicity, durability and stain repellence. The finished fabric exhibited static water contact angle greater than 170o and received 90 AATCC (4 ISO) rating that is recognized as super-hydrophobicity and this property was maintained even after a 50,000-cycle abrasion test. FTIR analysis identified the characteristic peaks related to Si-O-Si and C-F asymmetric stretching bands of the finish on the fabric indicating a robust attachment on the fabric. Finished fabric did not show any change in appearance or tactile characteristics of the fabric.
In situ mapping identifies distinct vascular niches for myelopoiesis.

In contrast to nearly all other tissues, the anatomy of cell differentiation in the bone marrow remains unknown. This is owing to a lack of strategies for examining myelopoiesis—the differentiation of myeloid progenitors into a large variety of innate immune cells—in situ in the bone marrow. Such strategies are required to understand differentiation and lineage-commitment decisions, and to define how spatial organizing cues inform tissue function. Here we develop approaches for imaging myelopoiesis in mice, and generate atlases showing the differentiation of granulocytes, monocytes and dendritic cells. The generation of granulocytes and dendritic cells–monocytes localizes to different blood-vessel structures known as sinusoids, and displays lineage-specific spatial and clonal architectures. Acute systemic infection with Listeria monocytogenes induces lineage-specific progenitor clusters to undergo increased self-renewal of progenitors, but the different lineages remain spatially separated. Monocyte–dendritic cell progenitors (MDPs) map with nonclassical monocytes and conventional dendritic cells; these localize to a subset of blood vessels expressing a major regulator of myelopoiesis, colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1, also known as M-CSF)1. Specific deletion of Csf1 in endothelium disrupts the architecture around MDPs and their localization to sinusoids. Subsequently, there are fewer MDPs and their ability to differentiate is reduced, leading to a loss of nonclassical monocytes and dendritic cells during both homeostasis and infection. These data indicate that local cues produced by distinct blood vessels are responsible for the spatial organization of definitive blood cell differentiation. A combination of fluorescent antibodies is used to build visual maps of all myeloid cells in the bone marrow, providing new insight into how the bone marrow microenvironment regulates cell-fate decisions.
Low Interfacial Free Energy Describes the Bulk Ordering Transition in Colloidal Cubes.

Many hard faceted nanoparticles are known to undergo disorder-to-order phase transitions following a classical nucleation and growth mechanism. In a previous study [J. Phys. Chem. B2018, 122, 9264-9273], it was shown that hard cubes undergo a nonclassical phase transition with a bulk character instead of originating from consolidated nuclei. Significantly, an unusually high fraction of ordered particles was observed in the metastable basin of the disordered phase, even for very low degrees of supersaturation. This work aims to substantiate the conjecture that these unique properties originate from a comparatively low interfacial free energy between the disordered and ordered phases for hard cubes relative to other hard particle systems. Using the cleaving wall method to directly measure the interfacial free energy for cubes, it is found that its values are indeed small; e.g., at phase coexistence conditions, it is only one-fifth that for hard spheres. A theoretical nucleation model is used to explore the broader implications of low interfacial tension values and how this could result in a bulk ordering mechanism.
Antecedents of and Outcomes after Finance Committee Use

We study why firms voluntarily create and use finance committees and whether firms realize benefits. Firms are more likely to have a finance committee when they have defined benefit pension plans, debt equity issuance, and active dividend payout. Capital expenditures, restructuring, material weaknesses in internal controls, and restatements are drivers of creating a finance committee. While we find a weak association between finance committee use and financial performance on average, we find that finance committees that are highly independent have better-performing investments. Finance committees contribute to lowering the cost of debt for firms with small audit committees.
Spinal cord injury-mediated changes in electrophysiological properties of rat gastric nodose ganglion neurons.

In preclinical rodent models, spinal cord injury (SCI) manifests in gastric vagal afferent dysfunction both acutely and chronically. However, the mechanism that underlies this dysfunction remains unknown. In the current study, we examined the effect of SCI on gastric nodose ganglia (NG) neuron excitability and voltage-gated Na+ (NaV) channels expression and function in rats after an acute (i.e. 3-days) and chronic period (i.e. 3-weeks). Rats randomly received either T3-SCI or sham control surgery 3-days or 3-weeks prior to experimentation as well as injections of 3% DiI solution into the stomach to identify gastric NG neurons. Single cell qRT-PCR was performed on acutely dissociated DiI-labeled NG neurons to measure NaV1.7, NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 expression levels. The results indicate that all 3 channel subtypes decreased. Current- and voltage-clamp whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed on acutely dissociated DiI-labeled NG neurons to measure active and passive properties of C- and A-fibers as well as the biophysical characteristics of NaV1.8 channels in gastric NG neurons. Acute and chronic SCI did not demonstrate deleterious effects on either passive properties of dissociated gastric NG neurons or biophysical properties of NaV1.8. These findings suggest that although NaV gene expression levels change following SCI, NaV1.8 function is not altered. The disruption throughout the entirety of the vagal afferent neuron has yet to be investigated.
Treatment Efficacy: Hearing Loss in Children

This article provides a review of the topic of treatment efficacy for children with hearing loss. Efficacy is related to a wide range of treatment goals in the areas of sensory and perceptual skill development, language development (regardless of communication modality), speech-production skill development, academic performance, and social-emotional growth. Topics addressed in this article include (a) the definition of hearing loss in children; (b) incidence and prevalence data; (c) the effects of childhood hearing loss on daily life, including language and literacy, speech perception and production, socialization and family dynamics; (d) the role of audiologists and speech-language pathologists in managing children with hearing loss; and (e) a summary of pertinent efficacy research for children with hearing loss. The analysis of the available research suggests that (a) early intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing has long-term positive effects on overall development; (b) a variety of communication modalities exist for this population, and research to date has been more descriptive than prognostic on the choice of modality; (c) sensory aids (hearing aids, tactile aids, and cochlear implants) provide different degrees of benefit for children in the areas of speech perception, production, and language development, depending upon the extent of their hearing loss; (d) few studies have addressed rates of learning and long-term outcomes, but existing data suggest that enriched programs provide some children with hearing loss with the ability to overcome developmental lags in language and academic skills.
Chemistry of Collapse and Disk Accretion

Recent results relevant for the survival and chemical alteration of interstellar material at the nebular accretion shock are summarised.
GLUTAMIC DECARBOXYLASE OF ERGOT, CLAVICEPS PURPUREA

Anderson, John A. (Oregon State University, Corvallis), Vernon H. Cheldelin, and Tsoo E. King. Glutamic decarboxylase of ergot, Claviceps purpurea . J. Bacteriol. 82: 354–358. 1961.—l-Glutamic acid is the only naturally occurring amino acid which can be decarboxylated by cell-free extracts of Claviceps purpurea . This decarboxylase was partially purified and the properties of the enzyme studied. The specific activity of the purified preparation was 111 μliters per 10 min per mg of protein. The products formed, stability, inhibition, stimulation of activity with pyridoxal phosphate, and pH activity curve were typical of l-glutamic decarboxylase in Escherichia coli and other microorganisms. The substrate constants at pH 4.6, 5.25, and 5.65 were 0.0169 m, 0.0174 m, and 0.0139 m, respectively. The respective maximal velocities at these pH values were 104, 104, and 90 μliters per 10 min. The pH optimum was 4.8 to 5.2. The enzyme was unstable below pH 4.5 and it was suggested that the fall in activity at the lower end of the pH curve was due to inactivation of the enzyme. The decrease in activity above pH 5.2 did not appear to be due to a change in affinity of enzyme for substrate but to a change of the enzyme-substrate complex into an inactive form.
Characteristics, adverse events, and racial differences among delivering mothers with peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Objectives The aim of this study was to identify clinical features associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and possible racial differences and to quantify in-hospital outcomes in delivering mothers with PPCM. Background Investigation of patient characteristics and outcomes in PPCM has been limited to small cohorts. Hospital discharge data allow assembly of the largest number of PPCM cases to date. Methods Hospital records from 6 states were screened for PPCM. Clinical profiles, maternal, and fetal outcomes in delivering mothers with and without PPCM were compared and stratified by race. A maternal major adverse event (MAE) was defined as death, cardiac arrest, heart transplantation, or mechanical circulatory support. Logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with PPCM. Results In total, 535 of 4,003,914 records of delivering mothers specified a diagnosis of PPCM. Prevalence of PPCM was highest among African Americans and similar in Caucasians and Hispanics. Established risk factors including age ≥30 years, African- American race, hypertension, preeclampsia/eclampsia, and multigestational status were associated with PPCM, and novel associations such as anemia and asthma were identified. Autoimmune disease and substance abuse, which can cause cardiomyopathy independently, were also associated with PPCM. Maternal MAE (odds ratio: 436, p Conclusions The prevalence of PPCM at the time of delivery in Hispanics was similar to Caucasians and lower than African Americans. Autoimmune disease, substance abuse, anemia and asthma were conditions associated with PPCM not consistently identified in smaller cohorts. Peripartum cardiomyopathy was also associated with increased risk of stillbirth and maternal MAEs at delivery.
An old epithelial cell never dies, it just agonesces away

The behavior of mammary epithelial cells during aging is dynamic and is likely to have significant implications in the pathogenesis of human breast cancer. The growth of epithelial cells over time was thought to parallel that of their underlying stroma, sequentially undergoing a defined period of growth, followed by senescence and, ultimately, cell crisis or rarely immortalization. Recent findings, however, suggest that the evolution of mammary epithelium at the proliferative and chromosomal levels is distinct from that of stroma, contributing to the neoplastic susceptibilities of epithelial cells.
The effect of ethylenediamine chemical modification of plastocyanin on the rate of cytochrome f oxidation and P-700+ reduction.

Abstract Chemical modification of plastocyanin was carried out using ethylenediamine plus a water-soluble carbodiimide, which has the effect of replacing a negatively charged carboxylate group with a positively charged amino group at pH 6–8. The conditions were adjusted to produce a series of singly and doubly modified forms of plastocyanin. Differences in charge configuration allowed separation of these forms on a Pharmacia fast protein liquid chromatograph using a Mono Q anion exchange column. These forms were used to study the interaction of plastocyanin with its reaction partner cytochrome f. The rate of cytochrome f oxidation was progressively inhibited upon incorporation of increasing numbers of ethylenediamine moieties indicating a positively charged binding site on cytochrome f. However, differential inhibition was obtained for the various singly modified forms allowing mapping of the binding site on plastocyanin. The greatest inhibition was found for forms modified at negatively charged residues Nos. 42–45 and Nos. 59–61 which comprise a negative patch surrounding Tyr-83. In contrast, the form modified at residue No. 68, on the opposite side of the globular plastocyanin molecule, showed the least inhibition. It can be concluded that the binding site for cytochrome f is located in the vicinity of residues Nos. 42–45 and Nos. 59–61. Modification of plastocyanin at residues Nos. 42–45 showed no effect on the rate of P-700+ reduction, suggesting that these residues are not involved in the binding of Photosystem I. However, an increase in the rate of P-700+ reduction was observed for plastocyanins modified at residue No. 68 or Nos. 59–61, which is consistent with the idea that the reaction domain of Photosystem I is negatively charged and Photosystem I binds at the top of the molecule and accepts electrons via His-87 in plastocyanin. These results raise the possibility that plastocyanin can bind both cytochrome f and Photosystem I simultaneously. The effect of ethylenediamine modification on the formal potential of plastocyanin was also examined. The formal potential of control plastocyanin was found to be +372 ± 5 mV vs. normal hydrogen electrode at pH 7. All modified forms showed a positive shift in formal potential. Singly modified forms showed increases in formal potentials between +8 and +18 mV with the largest increases being observed for plastocyanins modified at residues Nos. 42–45 or Nos. 59–61.
Freezing avoidance by deep undercooling of tissue water in winter-hardy plants.

Abstract Freezing avoidance by deep undercooling of tissue water to near its homogeneous nucleation temperature (approximately −40 °C) has recently been shown to be an important survival mechanism in reproductive and vegetative parts of many winter-hardy plants. Biophysical experiments which support the concept of undercooling of the tissue water include thermal analyses, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and low-temperature microscopy of tissue freezing. All these experiments suggest that in plant parts that undercool, tissue water is compartmentalized and is not removed to extracellular ice as tissue temperature declines. When freezing takes place at low temperature, it occurs rapidly and appears to be intracellular, resulting in instant death. Analyses of freezing and injury of winter-hardy plants at the northern limits of the deciduous forest in North America and near timberline in the Rocky Mountains of the western United States indicate that freezing survival by deep undercooling is an important factor in limiting plant distribution.
60 Hz ventricular fibrillation thresholds for large-surface-area electrodes.

The paper describes a series of animal experiments in which large-surface-area disk electrodes were used to study the current density required for ventricular fibrillation. The electrical currents were introduced to the heart both by applying the electrodes directly to the heart and by applying the electrodes to the surface of the chest near the heart. The electrode areas studied ranged from 1000 to 30 000 mm2. The results show that, for large-area electrodes, fibrillation thresholds are determined by current density. The thresholds approach a constant value of 3·5 μA mm−2
Subcultural approaches to management: a comparative study of African‐ and Euro‐American values

States that as managing a culturally diverse workforce has become increasingly important to business and government, organizations across the USA have focused considerable attention on diversity and diversity training. Highlights that, despite this emphasis, there is little data in terms of the attitudes of specific subcultures as related to management values. Compares the attitudes of individuals from Afro‐American and euro‐American cultures with respect to 18 value statements related to management. Suggests that there were no significant differences.
Differences between white subjects and Chinese subjects in the in vivo inhibition of cytochrome P450s 2C19, 2D6, and 3A by omeprazole

Objectives To determine the effects of omeprazole on indexes of CYP2D6, CYP2C19 and 3A in vivo activity and to compare these in white subjects and Chinese subjects. Methods Omeprazole, 40 mg/day, or placebo were administered in a double-blind crossover study for 3 weeks to eight healthy white and seven Chinese male extensive metabolizers of mephenytoin and debrisoquin. Debrisoquin (10 mg), dapsone (100 mg), and mephenytoin (100 mg) were given 1 week before administration, on the last day of administration, and 3 weeks after administration, and urine was collected over 8 hours. Phenotypic trait values were obtained from the urinary recoveries of the probe drugs or their metabolites. Results In the white subjects, omeprazole significantly inhibited CYP2C19-mediated S-mephenytoin metabolism as indicated by decreases in the urinary R/S enantiomeric ratio (63% ± 13%; p < 0.02; mean ± SD) and the excretion of 4′-hydroxymephenytoin (39% ± 13%; p < 0.001). Similar but smaller changes were also noted in Chinese subjects, 22% ± 25% (p = 0.08) and 29% ± 13% (p < 0.002), respectively. The interracial differences in the extent of inhibition of metabolism were statistically significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). In contrast, the debrisoquin urinary metabolic ratio, a measure of CYP2D6, was unaffected. The excretion of hydroxylamine dapsone—a putative probe of CYP3A activity—was reduced by 40% ± 30% (p < 0.03) in white subjects but not in Chinese subjects. Conclusions Omeprazole selectively inhibits the in vivo metabolism of S-mephenytoin, consistent with the predictions based on in vitro studies. The extent of interaction is greater in subjects of white European ancestry. It is to be expected that similar situations would also occur when omeprazole is coadministered with other substrates of CYP2C19. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1996) 60, 396–404; doi:
Selective inhibition of the MCP-1-CCR2 ligand-receptor axis decreases systemic trafficking of macrophages in the presence of UHMWPE particles

The biological mechanisms leading to periprosthetic osteolysis involve both chemokines and the monocyte/macrophage cell lineage. Whether MCP-1 plays a major role in macrophage recruitment in the presence of wear particles is unknown. We tested two hypotheses: (1) that exogenous local delivery of MCP-1 induces systematic macrophage recruitment and (2) that blockade of the MCP-1 ligand-receptor axis decreases macrophage recruitment and osteolysis in the presence of UHMWPE particles. Six groups of nude mice were used. We used non-invasive imaging to assay macrophage recruitment and osteolysis. A murine macrophage cell line and primary wild type and CCR2 knockout murine macrophages were used as the reporter cells. Particles were infused into the femoral canal. Bioluminescence and immunohistochemical staining were used to confirm the migration of reporter cells. Locally infused MCP-1 induced systemic macrophage trafficking to bone. Injection of MCP-1 receptor antagonist significantly decreased reporter cell recruitment to bone infused with UHMWPE particles and decreased osteolysis. Systemic migration of reporter cells to infused particles was decreased when the reporter cells were deficient in the CCR2 receptor. Interruption of the MCP-1 ligand-receptor axis appears to be a viable strategy to mitigate trafficking of macrophages and osteolysis due to UHMWPE particles.
REPLY TO COMMENT ON THE LIFE CYCLE AND TOXICITY OF PFIESTERIA PISCICIDA REVISITED1

Free-living, marine dinoflagellates are typified by a well-defined, haplontic life cycle with relatively few stages. The most unusual departure from this life cycle is one reported for the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Pfiesteria piscicida Steidinger et Burkholder. This species is alleged to have at least 24 life cycle stages including amoebae and a chrysophyte-like cyst form (Burkholder et al. 1992, Burkholder and Glasgow 1997a) not previously known in free-living marine dinoflagellates. Litaker et al. (2002) redescribed the life cycle of P. piscicida from single-cell isolates and found only life cycle stages typical of free-living marine dinoflagellates. The discrepancy between these observations and the life cycle reported in the literature prompted a rigorous study to resolve the life cycle of P. piscicida.Burkholder and Glasgow (2002) took exception to this study, arguing that Litaker et al. (2002) misunderstood the life cycle of P. piscicida and ignored recent publications. We present a rebuttal of their criticisms and suggest a simple way to resolve the discrepancies in the P. piscicida life cycle.
Thermodynamics of aqueous association and ionization reactions at high temperatures and pressures

Electrochemical and electrical conductance cells have been widely used at ORNL over the years to quantitatively determine equilibrium constants and their salt effects to 300°C (EMF) and 800°C (conductance) at the saturation pressure of water (EMF) and to 4000 bars (conductance). The most precise results to 300°C for a large number of weak acids and bases show very similar thermodynamic behavior, which will be discussed. Results for the ionization constants of water, NH3(aq), HCl(aq), and NaCl(aq), which extend well into the supercritical region, have been fitted in terms of a model with dependence on density and temperature. The entropy change is found to be the driving force for ion-association reactions and this tendency increases (as it must) with increasing temperature at a given pressure. Also, the variation of all thermodynamic properties is greatly reduced at high fixed densities. Considerable variation occurs at low densities. From this analysis, the dependence of the reaction thermodynamics on the P-V-T properties of the solvent is shown, and the implication of large changes in hydration for solutes in the vicinity of the critical temperature will be discussed. Finally, the change in the molar compressibility coefficient for all reactions in water is shown to be the same and dependent only on the compressibility of the solvent.
The Authority of Humanity

In “The Value of Rational Nature,” Donald Regan challenges a central argument of much recent Kantian moral philosophy. For such contemporary Kantians as Christine Korsgaard and Allen Wood, the heart of Kant’s ethics is the claim that our capacities for rational deliberation and choice are unconditionally valuable. These Kantians hold that for Kant, the unconditional worth of our rational nature or “humanity” is presupposed by our ability to act for the sake of any values at all. According to this approach, morality is grounded in the norms that express a proper recognition of rational nature’s preeminent value as the sine qua non of all possible value. We are supposedly committed to these norms insofar as we aspire to any coherent and nondelusive experience of practical deliberation and choice. On this view, moral skepticism may remain a minimally coherent philosophical option, but only at the cost of a thoroughgoing nihilism about value in general. Regan does not deny that our rational nature has real value. He even accepts that this value may be an essential aspect of all value whatsoever. Regan allows that appreciative engagement by a rational subject may indeed be a necessary part of any truly good organic whole. He challenges only the claim that rational nature or rational choice is the sole original value from which the significance of all other concerns is derived. Regan’s central objection is that this position is wildly implausible, if not downright incoherent. He argues that the exercise of rational
Trajectory analysis of MAP3S precipitation chemistry data at Ithaca, N.Y.

Abstract Trajectory analysis have been performed for precipitation events collected by the MAP3S station at Ithaca, N.Y. over the period October 1977 to October 1979. The analysis have shown a clear seasonal dependence of the acidity due to precipitation events associated with air mass movement. During the summer, when biological activity is high, most of the NH4+ and SO42− deposited by precipitation are carried by the same air masses thus reducing the acidity of the precipitation event. Most of the acidity on a per event basis during the summer is associated with air masses which have traveled over large NO x sources to the east. When biological activity is low, however, most of the acidity on a per event basis is associated with air masses which have traveled over large SO2 sources to the south west.
Tool wear estimation in micro-machining.: Part I: tool usage–cutting force relationship

The relationship between the cutting force characteristics and tool usage (wear) in a micro-end-milling operation was studied for two different metals. Neural-network-based usage estimation methods are proposed that use force-variation- and segmental-averaging-based encoding techniques.
Polyphonic pitch tracking by example

We introduce a novel approach for pitch tracking of multiple sources in mixture signals. Unlike traditional approaches to pitch tracking, which explicitly attempt to detect periodicities, this approach is using a learning framework by making use of previously pitch-tagged recordings as training data to teach spectrum/pitch associations. We show how the mixture case of this task is a nearest subspace search problem which is efficiently solved by transforming it to an overcomplete sparse coding formulation. We demonstrate the use of this algorithm with real mixtures ranging from solo up to a quintet recordings.
How Does a Solvent Affect Chemical Bonds? Mixed Quantum/Classical Simulations with a Full CI Treatment of the Bonding Electrons

Understanding how a solvent affects the quantum mechanics and reactivity of the chemical bonds of dissolved solutes is of fundamental importance to chemistry. To explore condensed-phase effects on a simple molecular solute, we have studied the six-dimensional two-electron wave function of the bonding electrons of the Na2 molecule in liquid argon via mixed quantum/classical simulation. We find that even though Ar is an apolar liquid, solvent interactions produce dipole moments on Na2 that can reach magnitudes over 1.4 D. These interactions also change the selection rules, induce significant motional-narrowing, and cause a large (26 cm−1) blue shift of the dimer’s vibrational spectrum relative to that in the gas phase. These effects cannot be captured via classical simulation, highlighting the importance of quantum many-body effects.
Twitter as a tool to enhance student engagement during an interprofessional patient safety course

AbstractTwitter and other social media forums are gaining popularity in both the academic and conference arenas as tools to increase participant engagement, attention and interaction. While Twitter has been used successfully to engage college students, it has not been explored for use in an interprofessional curriculum. We sought to explore it as a method to foster student engagement. During a weeklong interprofessional patient safety course we invited students and faculty to participate in a Twitter conversation. It was found that this form of social media successfully captured a “behind the scenes” conversation and the experiences of the students which would have not been otherwise captured. This information is guiding future interprofessional educational programming in both the medical and nursing schools.
The Binet-Pexider functional equation for rectangular matrices

IfK is a field of characteristic 0 then the following is shown. Iff, g, h: M n (K) →K are non-constant solutions of the Binet—Pexider functional equation $$f(AB) = \frac{1}{{n!}}\sum\limits_{\left| s \right| = n} {\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} n \\ {s_1 \cdots s_{n{\mathbf{ }} + {\mathbf{ }}r} } \\ \end{array} } \right)g(A^s )h(B_s )}$$ for rectangular matricesA ∈ M n ×(n + r) (K) andB ∈ M (n + r) ×n (K), and a fixed non-negative integerr thenf(X) = ab d(X), g(X) = a d(X), andh(X) = b d(X) wherea andb are arbitrary constants fromK andd: M n (K) →K is a non-constant solution of the Binet—Cauchy functional equation $$d(AB) = \frac{1}{{n!}}\sum\limits_{\left| s \right| = n} {\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} n \\ {s_1 \cdots s_m } \\ \end{array} } \right)d(A^s )d(B_s )}$$ forA ∈ M n ×m (K) andB ∈ M M ×n (K) wheren ⩽ m ⩽ n + r. The general non-constant solution to (2) has been shown by Heuvers, Cummings, and K. P. S. bhaskara Rao, to bed(X) = φ(perX), whereφ is an isomorphism ofK, provided thatd(E) ≠ 0 for then × n matrixE with all entries 1/n. Heuvers and Moak have shown that the general non-constant solution to (2) is given byd(x) = μ(detX), whereμ is a non-constant multiplicative function onK ifm = n andd(E) = 0. Ifn ⩽ m ⩽n + 1 andd(E) = 0 they have shown that it is given byd(X) = φ(detX), where φ is an isomorphism ofK.
Diameter of the Cell-to-Cell Junctional Membrane Channels as Probed with Neutral Molecules

The cell-to-cell channels in the junctions of an insect salivary gland and of insect and mammalian cells in culture were probed with fluorescent molecules-neutral linear oligosaccharides, neutral branched glycopeptides, and charged linear peptides. From the molecular dimensions of the largest permeants and smallest impermeants the permeation-limiting channel diameter was obtained: 16 to 20 angstroms for the mammalian cells and 20 to 30 angstroms for the insect cells.
Broiler Growth in Diurnally Cycling Temperature Environments

Abstract MAXIMUM growth and feed efficiency are not attained when broilers are grown in environmental temperatures constantly above or below an optimal range for their age (Barott and Pringle, 1947Barott and Pringle, 1949Barott and Pringle, 1950; Joiner and Huston, 1957; Squibb et al., 1959a; Prince et al., 1961; Adams et al., 1962; Huston, 1965). After four weeks of age, requirements become less stringent with a constant temperature within the range 15 to 27°C. (approximately 60–80°F.) appearing to give the best weight gains and feed efficiency (Milligan and Winn, 1964; Prince et al., 1965). There are few data, however, on the effects of fluctuating temperatures on broiler growth. Reece et al. (1969) have reported that cycling the temperature from 4.4 to 15.6°C. diurnally during the eight week growing period results in increased mortality but does not appear to influence the percentage condemned, with or without the presence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum. It has been suggested that…
Magnetic resonance imaging of the thalamus in male patients with schizophrenia

Thalamic abnormalities have been hypothesized to explain much of the psychopathology in schizophrenia, however, quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have yielded discrepant results as to whether there are thalamic volume alterations. The current study utilized high resolution MRI and an axial voluming protocol to determine if there was a significant reduction in the volume of the thalamus in patients with schizophrenia. Quantitative analysis was performed on magnetic resonance images of the brain in 41 male medicated schizophrenic patients and 39 male normal control subjects similar in age, education and handedness. There were no group differences in thalamic volumes between controls and patients with schizophrenia, even after adjusting for intracranial volume, total brain tissue volume, and gray matter volume. There were also no significant correlations between thalamic volume and either current neuroleptic dose or illness duration. However, there was a significant right greater than left thalamic volume asymmetry in schizophrenics and controls, and the degree of thalamic volume asymmetry was similar in both groups. The failure to detect any significant difference in thalamic volumes may be due to the heterogeneity of the schizophrenic population and as yet undetermined chronic effects of neuroleptic medication on the thalamus. However, another reasonable explanation for the study findings is that quantitative MRI voluming of the entire thalamus may not be sensitive enough to detect more subtle regional neuropathology within the thalamus.
Strategic groups: A resource-based approach

Abstract This article develops a resource-based model of strategic groups. The model helps to situate future empirical studies on the subject and addresses three fundamentally unresolved questions pertaining to this stream of research: Are strategic groups an integral part of industry structure or are they mere statistical artifacts? What are the performance implications of strategic group membership? How stable are these groupings?
The κ-like pre-B receptor: Surplus biology or a missing link?

Abstract After the demonstration that surrogate JCκ polypeptides could covalently bind μ heavy chain and upon the characterization of the Vκ-like component of the κ-like pre-B cell receptor, it became evident that germline transcription is not sterile. The present review discusses the concept of the alternative usage of κ-like pre-B cell receptors and classical pre-B cell receptors utilizing the λ-like surrogate light chain composed of λ5 and VpreB. We propose that both κ-like and λ-like pre-B cell receptors work in concert in a fail–safe mechanism to promote light chain rearrangement, heavy chain allelic exclusion and B-lymphocyte maturation.
Mislocalization of melanosomal proteins in melanocytes from mice with oculocutaneous albinism type 2.

More than 10% of admissions worldwide to institutions for the visually impaired are due to some form of albinism. The most common form, oculocutaneous albinism type 2, results from mutations at the p locus. The function of the p gene is yet to be determined. It has been shown that melanocytes from p -null mice exhibit an abnormal melanosomal ultrastructure in addition to alterations in activity and localization of tyrosinase, a critical melanogenic enzyme. In light of these observations, we examined tyrosinase trafficking in p -null vs wildtype mouse melanocytes in order to explore p function. Electron microscopy of wildtype melan-a and p -null melan-p1 cells demonstrated accumulation of tyrosinase in 50 nm vesicles throughout the cell in the absence of p, an observation corroborated by an increase in tyrosinase activity in vesicle-enriched fractions from melan-p1 compared to melan-a cells. Misrouting in the absence of p was not limited to tyrosinase; a second melanosomal protein, tyrosinase-related protein 1, also trafficked incorrectly. In melan-p1, mislocalization led to secretion of tyrosinase into the medium. Adding tyrosine to the medium was found to partially correct tyrosinase trafficking and to reduce secretion; the cysteine protease inhibitor E64 also reduced secretion. We propose that p is required by melanocytes for transport of melanosomal proteins. In its absence, tyrosinase accumulates in vesicles and, in cultured melanocytes, is proteolysed and secreted.
Uptake of riboflavin across the brush border membrane of rat intestine: Regulation by dietary vitamin levels

Abstract Background: Possible regulation of riboflavin (RF) intestinal uptake process by dietary substrate level is not known and was examined in this study. Methods: RF uptake was examined using intestinal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV). Results: Oversupplementation with RF caused significant decrease (P
Faculty Retirement Transitions Revitalized

It has been almost ten years since the American Council on Education (ACE) began to raise awareness of the importance of workplace flexibility in faculty careers and to encourage colleges and unive...