cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract T P237: Effect of Danger Associated Molecular Pattern Receptor Complex Proteins CD24 and Siglec-G on Stroke Outcome and Microglial Responses

Background: Both microglia and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are critical in stroke pathophysiology. In ischemic brain, microglia sense endogenous TLR agonists (danger associated molecular patterns or DAMPs) and respond with varied immune reactions. CD24 and Siglec-G form a receptor complex that modulates TLR4 function and controls responses to DAMPs. The role of CD24 and Siglec-G in stroke is unknown. Methods: We performed 45 min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) on 12 - 14 week old wild-type, TLR4-/-, CD24-/- and Siglec-G-/- male mice and assessed total and regional adjusted infarct volumes at 48 hours with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium staining. Number of mice per group was determined by power analysis. Cerebral blood flow was assessed with laser doppler flowmetry. In vitro, we examined the effects of endogenous TLR4 agonists heat shock protein-70 and high mobility group box 1 on cytokine (TNFα, IL-6) and chemokine (CXCL10, CCL5) release from microglia derived from wild-type, TLR4-/-, CD24-/- and Siglec-G-/- mice. Results: Following exclusions for weight, temperature and sub-optimal vessel occlusion/reperfusion, total infarct volumes (mean±SEM) were 51±8 mm3 (n = 21), 51±10 mm3 (n = 8), 28±8 mm3 (n = 13) and 54±8 mm3 (n = 19) in wild-type, TLR4-/-, CD24-/- and Siglec-G-/- mice, respectively (p>0.05, one-way ANOVA). Release of cytokines and chemokines was absent (as expected) in microglia from TLR4-/- mice and differentially regulated in microglia from CD24-/- and Siglec-G-/- mice. Conclusions: Genetic deficiency in TLR4, CD24 or Siglec-G modulated microglial response to endogenous TLR4 agonists but did not significantly alter post-stroke infarct volume.
The Effect of the ISM Model on Star Formation Properties in Galactic Discs

Modelling global disc galaxies is a difficult task which has previously resulted in the small scale physics of the interstellar medium being greatly simplified. In this talk, I compare simulations of galaxies with different ISM properties to determine the importance of the ISM structure in the star formation properties of the disc.
Serial Evaluation of Microcirculatory Dysfunction in Patients With Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy by Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography

Background Stress cardiomyopathy manifests as reversible left ventricular apical ballooning in the absence of epicardial coronary obstruction. Transient microcirculatory dysfunction has been proposed as a potential putative mechanism. This study aimed to understand the natural history of this dysfunction using readily available noninvasive methods. Hypothesis Stress cardiomyopathy presents with profound microvascular dysfunction that improves quickly over a period of 3 to 4 weeks. Methods Nine consecutive patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy were followed serially with myocardial perfusion echocardiograms at 24 hours, within 1 week, and 3 to 6 months after index admission. Results The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) steadily improved from 38% at baseline to 48% within 1 week to 67% by the end of 3 to 6 months follow-up. The number of wall segments with reduced or absent perfusion decreased from 4.1 at baseline to 2 at 1 week. By 3 to 6 months, perfusion had returned to normal in all but 1 segment in 1 patient. At 1 week, the relative improvement in mean LVEF was 26%, whereas perfusion had improved by nearly 50%, suggesting a fairly pronounced improvement in microcirculatory function prior to recovery of wall motion. Conclusions Patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy present with significant acute microcirculatory dysfunction that recovers quickly prior to the recovery of regional wall motion abnormalities.
Invasive Electrophysiologic Testing: Role in Sudden Death Prediction

The placement of intracardiac catheters to assess the risk of arrhythmia dates back nearly 40 years. The discovery by Wellens et al. in 1972 that clinical ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI) could be initiated by programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) generated real enthusiasm about the technique. In the 1980s, many cardiologists would have labeled PVS the most precise and perhaps the most important tool for risk stratifi cation of patients at risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Selection of antiarrhythmic treatment on the basis of suppression of VT inducibility was reasonably believed to represent a scientific approach to management of life-threatening arrhythmias.
Density-functional study of organic-inorganic hybrid single crystal ZnSe(C2H8N2)(1/2).

Unusual properties (i.e., strong band dispersion, high carrier mobility, wide absorption-energy window, and sharp band-edge transition) that are desirable for hybrid-material electronics and for solar electric energy conversion are predicted to exist in the organic–inorganic chalcogenide single crystal ZnSe(C2H8N2)1/2 by using density-functional calculations. A simple mechanism, namely that the band-edge electronic states of the hybrid composite is predominantly determined by the inorganic constituent, is revealed to be responsible for governing these properties. Suggestions for further engineering hybrid semiconductors are also provided.
Complexities. Women in Mathematics Bettye Ann Case and Anne M. Leggett, editors

Sophie Germain taught herself mathematics by candlelight, huddled in her bedclothes. Ada Byron Lovelace anticipated aspects of general-purpose digital computing by more than a century. Cora Ratto de Sadosky advanced messages of tolerance and equality while sharing her mathematical talents with generations of students. This captivating book gives voice to women mathematicians from the late eighteenth century through to the present day. It documents the complex nature of the conditions women around the world have faced--and continue to face--while pursuing their careers in mathematics. The stories of the three women above and those of many more appear here, each one enlightening and inspiring. The earlier parts of the book provide historical context and perspective, beginning with excursions into the lives of fifteen women born before 1920. Included are histories of collective efforts to improve women's opportunities in research mathematics. In addition, a photo essay puts a human face on the subject as it illustrates women's contributions in professional associations. More than eighty women from academe, government, and the private sector provide a rich melange of insights and strategies for creating workable career paths while maintaining rewarding personal lives. The book discusses related social and cultural issues, and includes a summary of recent comparative data relating to women and men in mathematics and women from other sciences. First-person accounts provide explicit how-tos; many narratives demonstrate great determination and perseverance. Talented women vividly portray their pleasure in discovering new mathematics. The senior among them speak out candidly, interweaving their mathematics with autobiographical detail. At the beginning of a new century, women at all stages of their careers share their outlooks and experiences. Clear, engaging, and meticulously researched, Complexities will inspire young women who are contemplating careers in mathematics and will speak to women in many fields of endeavor and walks of life.
Magnetic Noise, Barkhausen Effect

The change of the magnetic state of a ferromagnetic body under the effect of a slowly changing externally applied magnetic field is a complex process, involving reversible and irreversible changes of the magnetization. Due to irreversible magnetization processes, the change of the magnetic state is accompanied by losses, manifested by the presence of magnetic hysteresis. The physical origin of the losses is that a real material has a microstructure, material defects, and internal stresses responsible for the details of the hysteresis loop. The magnetization changes discontinuously in space and in time by jumps from defect to defect, giving rise to magnetic noise. This process and the corresponding noise are named after its discoverer, H. Barkhausen (1919) as Barkhausen jumps and Barkhausen noise. Superconducting materials display similar phenomena. The Barkhausen noise spectrum is an important non-destructive characterization tool in metallurgy and manufacturing. In the following the physical mechanism, measurement and instrumentation, and applications of the Barkhausen noise are reviewed. Keywords: Barkhausen noise; magnetic domain wall motion; hysteresis loss; magnetization process; superconducting flux pinning; nondestructive evaluation
Cultural Reciprocity in Sociocultural Perspective: Adapting the Normalization Principle for Family Collaboration

The principle of normalization/social role valorization provides a powerful framework for improving the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. However, the principle needs to be adapted to the increasing cultural heterogeneity of the United States. Decisions about the goals of service provision should be informed by two principles: (1) cultural reciprocity, whereby professionals work in a collaborative manner with families, and (2) a sociocultural view of learning and development, which targets social rather than individual processes. Findings from a collaborative action research project with culturally diverse families are used to illustrate how professionals can provide assistance in a family's zone of proximal development, rather than targeting goals that are normative for the mainstream, but not for the family.
Myo-Inositol Deficiency in Gerbils: Changes in Phospholipid Composition of Intestinal Microsomes

Phospholipid composition and fatty acid pattern in major phospholipid classes of intestinal microsomes were determined in female Mongolian gerbils under various dietary conditions. The intestinal microsomal phosphatidylinositol level was decreased to 53, 43 and 77% of the control by the feeding of the myo-inositol-deficient diet containing high carbohydrate-low fat, high coconut oil or high safflower oil, respectively. Under these conditions, the intestinal lipid level was increased to 24 and 12.7% in the deficient gerbils fed the high coconut oil and the high-safflower oil diets, respectively, but no change occurred in those fed the high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. The decreased phosphatidylinositol level was compensated by increasing the proportion of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine but not phosphatidylcholine. Feeding high dietary carbohydrate and coconut oil increased the ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid on phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol as compared to the feeding of high safflower oil. This ratio was also increased due to myo-inositol deficiency, especially in phosphatidylethanolamine, with the degree correlated to the amount of fat accumulated in the intestine. These data indicated that the change in the microsomal composition was related to the fat accumulation in the intestine when high-fat diets were fed.
Multimodality intracranial angiography: Registration and integration of conventional angiograms and MRA data

MRA and conventional angiographic data sets are registered in order to produce an integrated 3-D model of intracranial vasculature with high spatial and temporal resolution. The correlation is achieved with help of a 3-D digitizer and a retrospective surface matching program.
Multiple structural elements in voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels support their inhibition by G proteins.

Abstract Molecular determinants of Ca 2+ channel responsiveness to inhibition by receptor-coupled G proteins were investigated in Xenopus oocytes. The inhibitory response of α 1B (N-type) channels was much larger than α 1A (P/Q-type) channels, while α 1C (L-type) channels were unresponsive. Differences in both degree and speed of inhibition were accounted for by variations in inhibitor off-rate. We tested proposals that inhibitory G protein and Ca 2+ channel β subunits compete specifically at the I-II loop. G protein–mediated inhibition remained unaltered in α 1B subunits containing a point mutation in the I-II loop segment critical for Ca 2+ channel β subunit binding, and in chimeras where the I-II loop of α 1B was replaced with counterparts from α 1A or α 1C . Full interconversion between modulatory behaviors of α 1B and α 1A was achieved only by swapping both motif I and the C-terminus in combination. Thus, essential structural elements for G protein modulation reside in multiple Ca 2+ channel domains.
Work in progress - the redesign of a fluid mechanics lab

Most fluid labs were built back in the 1960-1970 time frames and consisted of large facilities that included flumes, wind tunnels, pump stations, wet wells, etc. Today these labs are out dated and the need for lab space is forcing the closing of large scale labs. This same basic problem exists within the Engineering School at the University of Pittsburgh, thus over the past two years we have begun the task of removing all the old equipment and replacing it with small bench top scale experiments. This paper will describe the concepts behind the design of the new experiments and the learning improvements discovered as a result of moving from a few large experiments to a large number of small scale experiments.
State behavior and crystal growth kinetics of sucrose and corn syrup mixtures

Abstract Effects of 63DE (dextrose equivalent) commercial corn syrup on the state behavior and crystal growth rate of sucrose and corn syrup mixtures in thin films (1.08 mm) were investigated using DSC and polarized light microscopy. Glass transition temperature (Tg) and solubility temperature increased significantly as moisture content decreased from 16.75% to 3.75%. Additionally, higher levels of corn syrup depressed solubility temperature but at the levels studied, showed no apparent effect on Tg. Addition of corn syrup significantly decreased sucrose crystal growth rate. For systems containing 14% and 30% corn syrup, growth rates measured between 40 and 120 °C ranged from 5.6 to 3400 μm2/min and 1.8 to 470 μm2/min, respectively. Growth rate dispersion (GRD) was observed for all conditions and the extent of the GRD increased with increasing growth rate. By overlaying crystallization rate zones on the state diagram, the competing effects of supersaturation driving force and molecular mobility inhibition on sucrose crystal growth rates were clearly observed.
Performance comparison of pentacene organic field-effect transistors with SiO2 modified with octyltrichlorosilane or octadecyltrichlorosilane

Abstract Performance of pentacene organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) is significantly improved by treatment of SiO2 with octyltrichlorosilane (OTS-8) compared to octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS-18). The average hole mobility in these OFETs is increased from 0.4 to 0.8 cm2/Vs when treating the dielectric with OTS-8 versus OTS-18 treated devices. The atomic force microscope (AFM) images show that the OTS-8 treated surface produces much larger grains of pentacene (∼500 nm) compared to OTS-18 (∼100 nm). X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed that the pentacene on OTS-8 is more crystalline compared to the pentacene on OTS-18, resulting in higher hole mobility.
Cyclides in computer aided geometric design

Abstract Extensions are made to the methods of Pratt (1990) for the use of cyclides in solid modelling, with particular regard to their application as blend surfaces. New insights are given into the geometry and Bezier representation of cyclide surface patches. The existing theory of symmetric cyclide blends is extended and then generalised to cover asymmetric problems. Finally, some details are given of a wider class of surfaces which show great promise for CAD use in the future.
Mid-frequency structural acoustic and vibration analysis in arbitrary, curved three-dimensional domains

Abstract A high-order finite element infrastructure is described for the numerical solution of the vibratory response of fluid–structure systems in the mid-frequency range. Underlying variational forms along with the use of an unstructured, topology-based, variable-degree, polymorphic finite element discretization scheme is described. Accurate numerical solutions to practical problems, including rigid and elastic acoustic scattering and interior acoustics, are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and flexibility of the infrastructure.
Theoretical analysis of the binding of salicylate by human serum albumin: the relationship between free and bound drug and therapeutic levels.

The binding of salicylate by human serum albumin was analyzed by use of a computer program using previously published association constants and binding capacities for the two sets of binding sites on the protein. The analysis consisted of computing free and bound salicylate for a range of therapeutic and toxic concentrations from 181 to 7246 µmole/L (25 to 1000 mg/L). At low and therapeutic levels the total amount of bound drug would exceed the amount of free drug. At higher levels, which included therapeutic and toxic ranges, the amount of free drug would equal or exceed the amount of bound salicylate. At low levels of drug in the plasma, up to 2000 µmole/L the high affinity sites (Site 1), would bind most of the drug, but as the concentration of drug increased this site would approach saturation and the low affinity Site 2 would bind increasing amounts of salicylate. At high salicylate levels the amount of drug bound by the low affinity sites would exceed the amount bound by the high affinity sites. Computation also showed that when the total amount of protein in the analysis was reduced, from 5,4,3 to 2 gm%, as in hypoalbuminemia, the total amount of drug bound by the protein would decrease and the quantity of free drug would increase. The amount of drug bound by each of the two sets of sites also fell as the concentration of protein decreased. Some of the possible clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of symmetric positive solutions of multi-point boundary value problems

Abstract We study the nonlinear boundary value problem with multi-point boundary condition ( | u ″ | p − 1 u ″ ) ″ = f ( t , u , u ′ , u ″ ) , t ∈ ( 0 , 1 ) , u ( 2 i ) ( 0 ) = u ( 2 i ) ( 1 ) = ∑ j = 1 m a i j u ( 2 i ) ( t j ) , i = 0 , 1 . Necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of symmetric positive solutions of this problem using fixed point theorems on cones. Applications of our results to the special case where f is a power function of u and its derivatives are also discussed. Moreover, similar conclusions for a more general higher order boundary value problem are established. Our results extend some recent work in the literature on boundary value problems for ordinary differential equations.
What I Have Learned So Far: Observations on Managing an Academic Accounting Career

In this commentary, I offer several observations for managing a successful and satisfying academic accounting career. First, I encourage readers to appreciate two key realities of the academic accounting labor market: the rewards derived from research and the massive shortage of accounting Ph.D.s. Second, I encourage readers to carefully consider the culture of potential employers, including such issues as the emphasis on “face time,” homogeneous versus heterogeneous treatment of faculty, and the fit between an institution's research culture and its resources and constraints. Finally, I encourage readers to maintain personal focus on critical goals by choosing opportunities judiciously, achieving multiple outputs from one effort, and recognizing that personal organization promotes success. These observations are based primarily on my own experiences and those of experienced, successful colleagues. While my comments are primarily for Ph.D. students and junior faculty, I hope that faculty at all ranks will ...
Estimating demand from eBay prices

Abstract This paper presents results for identification and estimation of the value distribution from eBay auction prices. The paper presents results for eBay type auctions with independent private values and unobserved participation. It is first shown that the distribution of values is identified from observing the distribution of prices and knowing the distribution of potential bidders. The main identification result presents conditions for which the distribution of values and the distribution of potential bidders are simultaneously identified. Not surprisingly, the intuition is similar to the standard results for identifying demand from observed equilibrium prices. The estimation method suggested by the identification results is used to estimate the value distribution for the “C5” Chevrolet Corvette sold on eBay. The results suggest that a simple OLS model on prices will over estimate the mean value of the item. The estimation results are then used to calculate the optimal reserve price for these cars. The estimated optimal reserves are compared to the actual reserves. Actual hidden reserves are set much higher than actual non-hidden reserves. The evidence suggests sellers set Buy-It-Nows and hidden reserves optimally to account for re-listing opportunities.
Radiative transfer within a stellar absorption line. The contribution curves of fine-analysis methods

Abstract Three methods of fine analysis of stellar spectral lines, the formal-solution (F-S), the Planckian-gradient (P-G), and the weight-saturation (W-S), are formally equivalent under the condition of pure absorption or LTE. Comparisons of these methods have been carried out for various model atmospheres of Procyon and the sun and for four representative spectral lines (Table 1). These comparisons were made between curves of growth, line profiles, and related contribution curves. The principal result is that the contribution curves for the three methods and for residual flux are quite different. Small but in some cases not negligible differences in line profiles and curves of growth results from the differences in contribution curves of the three methods, those involving the W-S method being somewhat larger. The P-G method has the advantage of not requiring accurate knowledge of the upper layers of a model atmosphere and normally should be used for fine analyses. The contribution curve for residual flux is a physically significant indicator of stratification in line formation; the others are not. Because this contribution curve has better resolution in atmospheric depth, residual flux should be calculated in inverse fine analyses.
Fear and Loathing in the Fog: The Perceived (and Persistent) Vagaries of Tenure Standards Among Mass Communication Professors

Perhaps nothing strikes more fear into the hearts of all tenure-track professors than the process itself. Are four papers in this journal good enough? Are eight papers in another okay? What if someone doesn’t like me or my area of research? These issues have plagued academia since the first essay was penned by the first researcher hundreds of years ago. While personal bias and journal preference continue to infect honest tenure reviews, solutions exist. This does not mean we have a magic bullet to solve issues of bullying or elitism. However, if we are honest in our desire to improve the Academy, we should avail ourselves of every possible tool for improvement. This essay is based on a survey sent to 2,500 mass communication educators. Of the almost 500 respondents, roughly 10% took the time to express emotions that ranged from fear and confusion to outright rage and anger, all because what ought to be clear is not. The author offers 10 ideas of how academia can improve its evaluation of new faculty, as well as a few suggestions regarding the unnecessary inclusion of personal issues in a process that ought to be about creating better researchers and teachers.
Magnetic resonance imaging detects early changes in microvascular permeability in xenograft tumors after treatment with the matrix metalloprotease inhibitor Prinomastat.

Macromolecular contrast medium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was applied to monitor the effect of matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibition on microvascular characteristics of human breast cancers implanted in athymic rats. Twice-daily intraperitoneal administration of Prinomastat over 1.5 days induced significant declines in MRI-assayed microvascular permeabilities (p<0.05); but this leak suppression effect had extinguished by the 10th day of MMP treatment using the same dose and time schedule. Results demonstrate that Prinomastat produces a rapid but transient decrease in tumor vascular permeability. Contrast-enhanced MRI using macromolecular contrast medium may prove useful as a biomarker for the dynamic MMP biological effect in cancers.
An Observational Study of Coyote (Canis latrans) Scent-marking and Territoriality in Yellowstone National Park

Free-ranging coyotes (Canis latrans) living in neighboring packs were observed in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, from Jan. to May 1997. Through direct observation, we recorded the location of coyote scent marks and information regarding the identity of the marking animal. Patterns of scent-marking were then analyzed spatially and demographically. All of the evidence from the present study supports a strong relationship between scent-marking and territoriality in these coyotes, and all predictions were met. A preponderance of scent marks was found in the periphery of territories. Most of those marks were raised-leg urinations (RLUs) and forward-lean urinations (FLUs), postures associated very strongly with males, particularly dominant individuals. Ground-scratching was also closely associated with these types of marks and was performed more on the periphery of territories than in the interior. A complete lack of overlap of adjacent territories and very limited overlap of movements into territories fits classic definitions of territory and home range. Scent-marking seems to be strongly associated with the establishment and maintenance of these boundaries between packs of coyotes competing for the same resources in a limited space.
The sociology of agricultural sustainability: some observations on the future of sustainable agriculture

It is argued that sociology and the other social sciences can contribute to agricultural sustainability in several ways, one of which is to help in assessing and understanding the social forces that affect agricultural research and agricultural policy. Many of the conditions that gave rise to expansion of sustainable agriculture in the 1980s are changing, and sustainable agriculture faces several fiscal and political vulnerabilities. A typology of sustainable agriculture research is developed to illustrate the point that scientists and proponents of sustainable agriculture can help to address these vulnerabilities by deversifying their approaches to developing environmentally sound agricultural technologies.
Tension stiffening in reinforced high performance fiber reinforced cement-based composites

Abstract High Performance Fiber-Reinforced Cement-based Composite (HPFRCC) materials carry tension to strains greater than the yield strain of reinforcing steel and exhibit distributed compression damage with minimal spalling. Characterization of the interaction between the composite and steel reinforcement to large strains (i.e., >0.005) remains largely unknown. Three HPFRCC materials as well as concrete with a single reinforcing bar are tested in a prismatic specimen in uniaxial tension up to fracture of the reinforcement. Multiple cracking of the composite led to uniform bar yielding throughout the specimen and early hardening of the reinforcement at the location of dominant cracks. The reinforcement fractured within the HPFRCC at lower strain levels relative to the reinforced concrete. A modified approach based on planar analysis to estimate flexural strength of reinforced HPFRCC components using tension-stiffening data is proposed.
1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits productive infection of human monocytes by HIV-1

Pretreatment of freshly isolated human peripheral blood monocytes with the steroid hormone, lα,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH)D), markedly reduced (by 95% ) productive infection of human monocytes by HIV-1. Equivalent concentrations (10nM) of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 (25(OH)D), the biologic precursor of 1,25(OH)D, were ineffective at reducing either CD4 expression or HIV-1 production. Pretreatment was required for modulation of HIV-1 infection by 1,25(OH)D. Interestingly, 1,25(OH)D-mediated decreases in p24 antigen production were observed prior to any observed reduction in CD4 expression, suggesting that 1,25(OH)D treatment may modulate HIV-1 infection of monocytes through additional factors besides decreased HIV-1 binding. These data raise the possibility that 1,25(OH)D compounds may be important in host resistance to HIV-1.
Bioinformatic approaches to identifying orthologs and assessing evolutionary relationships

Non-human primate genetic research defines itself through comparisons to humans; few other species require the implicit comparative genomics approaches. Because of this, errors in the identification of non-human primate orthologs can have profound effects. Gene prediction algorithms can and have produced false transcripts that have become incorporated into commonly used databases and genomics portals. These false transcripts can arise from deficiencies in the algorithms themselves as well as through gaps and other problems in the genome assembly. Putative genes generated can not only miss microexons, but improperly incorporate non-coding sequence resulting in pseudogenes or other transcripts without biological relevance. False transcripts then become identified as orthologs to established human genes and are too often taken as gospel by unwary researchers. Here, the processes through which these errors propagate are isolated and methods are described for identifying false orthologs in databases with several representative errors illustrated. Through these steps any researcher seeking to make use of non-human primate genetic information will have the tools at their disposal to ascertain where errors exist and to remedy them once encountered.
Weak identification robust tests in an instrumental quantile model

Abstract We develop a testing procedure that is robust to identification quality in an instrumental quantile model. In order to reduce the computational burden, a multi-step approach is taken, and a two-step Anderson–Rubin (AR) statistic is considered. We then propose an orthogonal decomposition of the AR statistic, where the null distribution of each component does not depend on the assumption of a full rank of the Jacobian. Power experiments are conducted, and inferences on returns to schooling using the Angrist and Krueger data are considered as an empirical example.
Central effects of rat versus mouse leptin: ingestive behavior and adipose apoptosis

Abstract Leptin decreases food intake, body weight and fat mass while sparing lean mass. Although mouse leptin (ML) and rat leptin (RL) are 95.9% identical, our impression from previous studies was that they were not equally potent in rats. Thus, in the present study, 0μg (vehicle) or 10μg of ML or RL was injected into the lateral ventricle of rats (eight per treatment) once a day for four consecutive days. Body temperature, body weight, food intake and water intake were measured daily. Intrascapular and perirenal brown fat pads, white fat tissues (retroperitoneal, epididymal and inguinal fat pads) and the gastrocnemius muscle were collected and weighed 24h after the last treatments. Body temperature was not affected by either ML or RL. Both ML and RL caused significant reductions in food intake ( P P P P
Methodology for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's radionuclides in foods program

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for the wholesomeness of the nation's food supply. The FDA modified its food monitoring program in January, 1973, to include radioactive isotopes. The methodology used to perform, analyses on these food products are taken from the standerd setting societies such as the AOAC International, American Society for Testing Materials and American Public Health Association Standard Methods. In addition, methods not tested by these societies are taken from the literature or from Department of Energy manuals such as the Health and Safety Laboratory and also from Environmental Protection Agency, Public Health Service, and Food and Agricultural Organization manuals. These include the methods for long-lived radionuclides such as tritium, strontium-90, cesium-137 and plutonium. Also, the short-lived radionuclides such as iodine-131, radiocesium, radiocerium and radioruthenium. In addition, they include the natural occurring radionuclides such as radium and uranium isotopes. The activity concentrations of gamma-emitters such as radiocesium, iodine-131 and radioruthenium are determined by gamma-ray spectrometry. This is done using intrinsic germanium detectors with the appropriate hardware and software. The alpha and “pure” beta-emitters are determined by various radiochemical methods and techniques. The radiochemical methodology and equipment used in analyzing these radionuclides are described and discussed. Also, the methodology and equipment for the gamma-emitters are described in more detail in this paper. In addition, the limits of detection for the methods used will be discussed.
Phase transition induced by cosmic strings

It is shown that gauge-theory strings can alter the nature of a cosmic phase transition. An otherwise first-order transition is converted to a smooth one and supercooling is precluded. Unlike the simplest string configurations, the full symmetry group is not restored in the core of the strings responsible for this phenomenon. Bubbles of true vacuum nucleate on strings by a real-time evolution rather than quantum tunneling, and then begin to grow at the speed of light. Implications for cosmology are discussed, and conditions needed to produce the observed smooth Universe are derived.
Observations in the nocturnal boundary layer

Low-latitude observations of the stably-stratified planetary boundary layer (SBL) above rough terrain are compared to observations of the mid-latitude SBL mainly through the depth h and its dependence upon surface fluxes. This involves the quantity h/L and the similarity prediction h = γ(u * L/f)1/2. Mid-latitude observations are consistent with model calculations for nighttime-averaged quantities and their deviations, as functions of latitude and surface roughness, from the equilibrium values found at large t. The above applies to horizontally-homogeneous terrain. Low-latitude observations of % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafeart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGafq4SdCMbae% baaaa!37AB!\[\bar \gamma \] and h/L are significantly smaller than mid-latitude values, apparently the result of katabatic flows at the site and not the differences in latitude. This is consistent with model calculations for non-zero slope terrain.
Poor base stacking at DNA lesions may initiate recognition by many repair proteins

A fundamental question in DNA repair is how a mismatched or modified base is detected when embedded in millions to billions of normal base pairs. A survey of the literature and structural database reveals a common feature in all repair protein-DNA complexes: the DNA double helix is discontinuous at a lesion site due to base unstacking, kinking and/or nucleotide extrusion. Lesions induce destabilization and distortion of short linear DNAs, and underwinding in negatively supercoiled DNA presumably could compound the reduced stability caused by a lesion. A hypothesis is thus put forward that DNA lesion recognition occurs in two steps. Repair proteins initially recognize the weakened base stacking, and thus a flexible hinge at a DNA lesion. Sampling of flexible hinges rather than all DNA base pairs can reduce the task of finding a lesion by two to three orders of magnitude, from searching millions base pairs to thousands. After the initial encounter, a repair protein scrutinizes the shape, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic potentials of bases at the flexible hinge and dissociates if it is not a correct substrate. MutS, which has a broad range of substrates, actively dissociates from non-specific binding via an ATP-dependent proofreading mechanism. A single lesion may thus be sampled by BER, NER and MMR proteins until repaired. This proposition immediately suggests a mechanism for crosstalk between different repair and signaling pathways. It also raises the possibility that sampling of a lesion by one protein could facilitate loading of another by direct protein-protein or DNA mediated interactions.
Endoscopic free electron laser technique development for minimally invasive optic nerve sheath fenestration.

Purpose This study proposed to develop a technique for efficiently accessing the posterior orbital space using endoscopy and attempted application of free electron laser (FEL) energy, biopsy forceps, electrocautery, and CO2 insufflation to posterior orbital tissues. Methods Through an inferior transconjunctival incision, access to the posterior orbital space was attempted in 14 eyes of 7 non-survival pigs. FEL energy (6.1 µm, 30 Hz, delivered via 250 µm hollow-glass waveguide), biopsy forceps, and monopolar electrocautery application were endoscopically attempted in the posterior orbit. CO2 gas insufflation effects were assessed by analyzing arterial blood gases at 30-minute intervals for 1.5 hours. Results The posterior orbit was accessed in 13 of 14 eyes, the optic nerve was encountered, and FEL energy was applied in 8 of 14 eyes. Use of biopsy forceps and electrocautery were successful. Although ANOVA results for arterial blood gas changes were not statistically significant, visibility was adequate without CO2 insufflation. Conclusions The posterior orbit was endoscopically accessed and the optic nerve was exposed and successfully treated with FEL energy. CO2 insufflation did not alter blood gases, but did not further enhance visibility in this study. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:589–596, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On positive solutions of a nonlinear equilibrium boundary value problem

Abstract We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of positive solutions to a nonlinear elliptic system arising from mathematical ecology with the Dirichlet boundary data assigned by the equilibria of the corresponding ODE system. The main result is Theorem 1. The tools are Dancer fixed point index and degree theory.
A paradigm shift for local blood flow regulation

a remarkable example of physiological regulation is the coordination between metabolic rate and local blood flow in microscopic volumes of an organ. In skeletal muscle an increase in oxygen consumption (Vo2) over a wide range evokes a proportional (∼5 to 6 × Vo2) increase in blood flow ([29][
Hematopoietic niches: targets of GVHD.

In this issue of Blood, Shono and colleagues provide clear evidence that the disrupted hematopoiesis associated with graft-versus-host disease is not caused by the direct elimination of hematopoietic precursors, but instead is the product of an attack to the osteoblastic cell compartment by alloreactive CD4 + T cells. This destruction is mediated by Fas-Fas ligand interactions and results in the loss of integrity of the microenvironment able to support hematopoiesis. 1 .
Ultrafast Dynamics of Fe(II) Polypyridyl Chromophores: Design Implications for Dye-Sensitized Photovoltaics

Femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy has been used to probe charge transfer-state deactivation in Fe(II) complexes. A sub-100 fs process, which appears to be characteristic of a number of simple Fe(II) polypyridyl complexes, is implicated as a reason why TiO2-based photovoltaic devices utilizing such chromophores as sensitizers exhibit low photocurrents.
On the partitioning strategy based on symmetry transformations

A computational procedure is presented for the analysis of unsymmetric structures. The procedure is based on a modified version of the symmetry-transformation partitioning strategy, in which the response of the structure is approximated by a linear combination of symmetric/antisymmetric response vectors, each obtained by using only a fraction of the degrees of freedom of the original FEM model. The three key elements of the procedure are: (1) mixed (or primitive-variable) formulation with independent shape functions for the different fields; (2) restructuring of the governing discrete equations of the structure into uncoupled sets in the symmetric and antisymmetric response vectors; and (3) a stable and efficient iterative process for generating the response of the structure. The effectiveness of the proposed procedure and its advantages over classical substructuring are demonstrated by means of numerical examples.
Crystallographic study of the phase transition in (Me4P)2ZnBr4

Abstract The compound (Me 4 P) 2 ZnBr 4 , a member of the β-K 2 SO 4 structure class, undergoes a phase transition at 84°C from the room temperature space group P 12 1 / c 1 to the parent Pmcn structure. The room temperature structure corresponds to a ferrodistortive transition of B 1 g symmetry at the zone center. At room temperature, the compound has lattice constants a =9.501(1), b =16.055(2), c =13.127(2) A and β =90.43(1)°. For the high temperature phase, the orthorhombic cell has dimensions a =9.466(2), b =16.351(3) and c =13.284(2) A. The structures consist of two crystallographically independent Me 4 P + cations and the ZnBr 4 2− anions. In the room temperature phase, all three ionic species show substantial displacement from the mirror plane perpendicular to the a -axis that exists in the high temperature phase, as well as rotations out of that plane. The thermal parameters of the cations are indicative of substantial librational motion. Measurements of lattice parameters have been made at 2–5°C intervals over the temperature range 40–140°C. The changes in the lattice constants appear continuous at T c (within experimental limits) indicating that the phase transition is likely second-order. The a lattice constant shows an anomalous shortening as T c is approached. Thermal expansion coefficients are calculated from this data. An application of Landau theory is used to derive the temperature dependencies of spontaneous shear strain and corresponding elastic stiffness constants associated with the primary order parameter.
Methamphetamine-induced stereotypy correlates negatively with patch-enhanced prodynorphin and arc mRNA expression in the rat caudate putamen: the role of mu opioid receptor activation.

Abstract Amphetamines induce stereotypy, which correlates with patch-enhanced c-Fos expression the patch compartment of caudate putamen (CPu). Methamphetamine (METH) treatment also induces patch-enhanced expression of prodynorphin (PD), arc and zif/268 in the CPu. Whether patch-enhanced activation of any of these genes correlates with METH-induced stereotypy is unknown, and the factors that contribute to this pattern of expression are poorly understood. Activation of mu opioid receptors, which are expressed by the neurons of the patch compartment, may underlie METH-induced patch-enhanced gene expression and stereotypy. The current study examined whether striatal mu opioid receptor blockade altered METH-induced stereotypy and patch-enhanced gene expression, and if there was a correlation between the two responses. Animals were intrastriatally infused with the mu antagonist CTAP (10 μg/μl), treated with METH (7.5 mg/kg, s.c.), placed in activity chambers for 3 h, and then sacrificed. CTAP pretreatment attenuated METH-induced increases in PD, arc and zif/268 mRNA expression and significantly reduced METH-induced stereotypy. Patch-enhanced PD and arc mRNA expression in the dorsolateral CPu correlated negatively with METH-induced stereotypy. These data indicate that mu opioid receptor activation contributes to METH-induced gene expression in the CPu and stereotypy, and that patch-enhanced PD and arc expression may be a homeostatic response to METH treatment.
Parkinson's disease and resistive exercise: Rationale, review, and recommendations

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) are not only burdened with disease-specific symptoms (i.e., bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor), but are also confronted with age-associated progressive loss of physical function, perhaps to a greater extent than neurologically normal adults. Suggestions for the inclusion of resistive exercise into treatment to attenuate these symptoms were made over 10 years ago, yet very few well controlled investigations are available. The objective of this review is to establish a clear rationale for the efficacy of resistance training in individuals with PD. Specifically, we highlight musculoskeletal weakness and its relationship to function as well as potential training-induced adaptive alterations in the neuromuscular system. We also review the few resistance training interventions currently available, but limit this review to those investigations that provide a quantitative exercise prescription. Finally, we recommend future lines of inquiry warranting further attention and call to question the rationale behind current exercise prescriptions. The absence of reports contraindicating resistive exercise, the potential for positive adaptation, and the noted benefits of resistance training in other populations may provide support for its inclusion into a treatment approach to PD.
On some simple degree conditions that guarantee the upper bound on the chromatic (choice) number of random graphs

It is well known that almost every graph in the random space G(n, p) has chromatic number of order O(np-log(np)), but it is not clear how we can recognize such graphs without eventually computing the chromatic numbers, which is NP-hard. The first goal of this article is to show that the above-mentioned upper bound on the chromatic number can be guaranteed by simple degree conditions, which are satisfied by G(n, p) almost surely for most values of p. It turns out that the same conditions imply a similar bound for the choice number of a graph. The proof implies a polynomial coloring algorithm for the case p is not too small. Our result has several applications. It can be used to determine the right order of magnitude of the choice number of random graphs and hypergraphs. It also leads to a general bound on the choice number of locally sparse graphs and to several interesting facts about finite fields. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Graph Theory 31: 201–226, 1999 This article was written while the author was with the Mathematics Department at Yale University.
EFFECT OF ACTINOMYCIN AND INSULIN ON THE METABOLISM OF ISOLATED RAT DIAPHRAGM.

Abstract The postulation that RNA synthesis is the molecular site of action of insulin was tested by examining the effect of actinomycin on the response of isolated rat diaphragm muscle to the hormone. Actinomycin markedly suppressed, but did not completely inhibit, nucleic acid synthesis in muscle; the effect of the antibiotic on protein synthesis was not nearly as great. Actinomycin treatment of diaphragm muscle did not prevent the insulin stimulation of protein synthesis, of glucose uptake, or of aminoisobutyric acid accumulation; nor, for that matter, did it prevent the influence of the hormone to increase incorporation of [ 14 C 8 ]adenine into nucleic acids. The results do not lend comfort to the theory that an effect of insulin on the synthesis of messenger RNA is fundamental to its action, although it does not rule out that possibility with certainty.