cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeted gene knockdown validates the essential role of lactate dehydrogenase in Cryptosporidium parvum

Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic protozoan that can cause a life-threatening gastrointestinal syndrome in children and in immunocompromised adults. Currently, the only approved drug for treatment of Cryptosporidium infections in humans is nitazoxanide, but it is not effective in immunocompromised individuals or in children with malnutrition. This is compounded by the lack of genetic methods for studying and validating potential drug targets in the parasite. Therefore, in this study, we endeavoured to adapt the use of a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (morpholino) antisense approach to develop a targeted gene knockdown assay for use in C. parvum. We show that morpholinos, at non-toxic concentrations, are rapidly internalised by both C. parvum and host cells (HCT-8), and distribute diffusely throughout the cytosol. Using morpholinos to separately target C. parvum lactate dehydrogenase and putative arginine n-methyltransferase genes, within 36h of in vitro culture, we achieved over 10-fold down-regulation of the respective encoded proteins in C. parvum. Pursuant to this, we observed that knockdown of C. parvum lactate dehydrogenase produced a dramatic reduction in intracellular growth and development of C. parvum by 56h of culture. On the other hand, C. parvum putative arginine n-methyltransferase knockdown did not appear to have any effect on parasite growth, but nevertheless provided the proof-of-principle that the morpholino knockdown assay in C. parvum was consistent. Together, our findings present a gene regulation approach for interrogating gene function in C. parvum in vitro, and further provide genetic evidence for the essential role of C. parvum lactate dehydrogenase in fueling the growth and development of intracellular C. parvum.
Immunohistochemical and molecular features of gastric hyperplastic polyps

1.1.Context:Gastric hyperplastic polyps are generally considered to be inflammatory lesions that develop in association with gastritis. Large polyps may contain foci of dysplasia, suggesting that they represent neoplasms, although molecular data regarding their pathogenesis are lacking. 1.2.Objective:To describe the clinical, pathologic, and molecular features of large (>1 cm) gastric hyperplastic polyps and compare them to those of small (≤1 cm) hyperplastic polyps and gastric adenomas. 1.3.Design:15 large hyperplastic polyps (>1 cm), including 4 with dysplastic foci, 10 small hyperplastic polyps (≤1 cm), and 9 gastric adenomas were evaluated for immunohistochemical expression of MGMT, MLH-1, β-catenin, p27, p16, and p53. Polyps with dysplasia or abnormal β-cateninexpression were assessed for APC and β-catenin (CTNNB1) mutations. Large hyperplastic polyps and adenomas were analyzed for KRAS and BRAF mutations. 1.4.Results:Complete loss of MGMT expression was significantly more frequent in large hyperplastic polyps (47%), often in combination with loss of p27 (47%), compared to adenomas (0% and 0%, p=0.02, respectively) and smaller lesions [0% (p=0.02) and 10% (p=0.09), respectively]. All non-dysplastic hyperplastic polyps showed preserved MLH1 and lacked nuclear β-catenin staining, but 3 with dysplasia had APC or β-catenin mutations. KRAS or BRAF mutations were detected in 20% of large hyperplastic polyps and 11% of adenomas. Most polyps were entirely negative for p16, although 6 (40%) large hyperplastic polyps and 3 (33%) adenomas showed expression in 10% p53 expression in the epithelium. Conclusion:Small gastric hyperplastic polyps are likely non-neoplastic, reparative lesions, but large polyps often show immunohistochemical and molecular abnormalities such as concomitant loss of MGMT with p27 staining, APC or β-cateninmutations in areas of dysplasia, and KRAS or BRAF mutations. These findings raise the possibility that some large hyperplastic polyps of the gastric mucosa represent early neoplasms.
Complaint Ratios and Property-Casualty Insurer Characteristics

We extend previous research by Doerpinghaus (1991) and others by examining relationships between private passenger auto insurance complaint ratios and insurer characteristics. Consistent with Doerpinghaus, results indicate that insurers with higher complaint ratios are more likely to write high-risk auto coverage. In addition, this study provides evidence that insurers experiencing relatively fewer complaints spend significantly less on legal and auditing expenses and have a larger share of the state auto insurance market under consideration. While the direct writer distribution system is associated with significantly lower complaint ratios in a three factor model, the significance ceases when the model is expanded to include additional insurer characteristics. Results also vary somewhat across the two states examined (Illinois and Oregon), but findings for several variables are consistent across these states. Robustness tests highlight the importance of the complaint ratio definition and the need for consistent complaint reporting at the state level.
"We Are Disaster Response Experts": A Qualitative Study on the Mental Health Impact of Volunteering in Disaster Settings Among Combat Veterans.

Volunteers serving in a disaster context may experience harmful mental health effects that could impede rescue operations. Exploratory research suggests that combat veterans who volunteer in Team Rubicon (TR)-a disaster relief social service organization with the mission of uniting the skills and experiences of military Veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams-have positive mental health responses when providing disaster relief. The objective of this qualitative study was to identify those nuances associated with combat veterans' mental health response in TR. The study consisted of (N = 9) male combat Veterans who volunteered with TR. Data was thematically analyzed. Results suggested that members did not experience negative mental health effects because of prior military training and preparedness relevant to disaster situations. Positive outcomes in mental health were associated with the uniqueness of peer support in TR and applying skills from military training. Veterans in TR reported that providing disaster relief afforded them the opportunity to continue serving others after having served in the military. Implications for public health social work are discussed as well as the need for further research.
Control relevant system identification using multiple short data sets

In this paper, we develop a data-driven model of a model-sized aircraft using system identification (SysID) techniques. The emphasis is placed on multiple short data records that are used in obtaining an initial model of the system. The records are “short” with respect to the length of a “typical” identification experiment and are necessary because of the unstable nature of the open-loop system. Owing to this, our formulation can also be applied to other systems that are highly non-linear or have external influences that act over relatively longer periods of time. The length of each record is at least an order smaller than what a full-length PseudoRandom-Binary-Sequence (PRBS) sequence would require. For the model aircraft, the lengths are a second or less and are dictated by the length of time a “novice” operator could keep the aircraft in unconstrained flight. A set of decentralized PID controllers are then tuned using robust control techniques augmented with computation of control-relevant uncertainty estimates from data. The uncertainty, together with closed loop sensitivities serve as an essential metric to evaluate the utility of the obtained model. The designed controller showed acceptable stabilization properties for the aircraft in hover mode. A second iteration of SysID using longer data records from the initial stabilized system resulted in a controller with improved bandwidth and reference tracking. Results from the experiment are presented to illustrate the sequence of operations.
Silver-Catalyzed Minisci Reactions Using Selectfluor as a Mild Oxidant

A new method for silver-catalyzed Minisci reactions using Selectfluor as a mild oxidant is reported. Heteroarenes and quinones both participate in radical C–H alkylation and arylation from a variety of carboxylic and boronic acid radical precursors. Several oxidatively sensitive and highly reactive radical species are successful, providing structures that are challenging to access by other means.
Dexamethasone effect on heart rate variability in preterm infants on mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND Dexamethasone is administered to some preterm infants with chronic lung disease to facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation. Heart rate characteristics (HRC), including heart rate variability (HRV), may be impacted by glucocorticoids and may predict extubation readiness. A commercially available monitor developed for sepsis detection continuously calculates HRV and an HRC index, which are inversely related. OBJECTIVES Determine the impact of dexamethasone on HRV and the HRC index, in relation to extubation success. METHODS We identified 109 preterm infants who received dexamethasone while on mechanical ventilation and had HRC index monitoring data available. Average hourly HRV and HRC index were compared the day before and the day after initiation of dexamethasone in three groups: infants who remained on mechanical ventilation, those who were successfully extubated, and those who were extubated and required reintubation in < 3 days. RESULTS There was a significant increase in HRV and decrease in the HRC index the day after dexamethasone was started (HRV 16.2±0.5 vs 27.6±1.1 ms; HRC index 1.51±0.11 vs. 0.79±0.06 mean SE, p < 0.001). The 63 infants who were extubated within a day of starting dexamethasone had significantly higher HRV compared to those who remained on mechanical ventilation. There was no difference in HRV or its change with dexamethasone in the 45 infants who remained successfully extubated compared to the 18 infants who required reintubation within 3 days. CONCLUSION Dexamethasone improves HRV and lowers the HRC index in preterm infants with chronic lung disease on mechanical ventilation.
Profit Driven User Association with Dual Batteries in Green Heterogeneous Cellular Networks

Owing to the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment and climate change, the on-grid energy consumption of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has received much attention in recent years. Cellular networks are among the major energy guzzlers in ICT, and their contributions to the global energy consumption increase rapidly. In cellular networks, base stations (BSs) account for more than 50 percent of the energy consumption. Utilizing green energy to power BSs is essential to save the on-grid energy and reduce the electricity expenditure of the network providers. However, in order to furthest save on-gird energy, most existing works only focus on maximizing the green energy utilization, while compromising the services received by the mobile users. In fact, dissatisfaction of services eventually leads to loss of market shares and profits of the network providers. Therefore, we propose a novel profit driven user association scheme for green heterogeneous cellular networks by jointly considering the green energy utilization and traffic delivery latency to maximize the profit of the network providers. Since this profit driven user association problem is NP-hard, we further propose some heuristics to maximize the profit with low computational complexity. Finally, we validate the performance of the proposed algorithm through extensive simulations.
The zebrafish: A fintastic model for hematopoietic development and disease

Hematopoiesis is a complex process with a variety of different signaling pathways influencing every step of blood cell formation from the earliest precursors to final differentiated blood cell types. Formation of blood cells is crucial for survival. Blood cells carry oxygen, promote organ development and protect organs in different pathological conditions. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are responsible for generating all adult differentiated blood cells. Defects in HSPCs or their downstream lineages can lead to anemia and other hematological disorders including leukemia. The zebrafish has recently emerged as a powerful vertebrate model system to study hematopoiesis. The developmental processes and molecular mechanisms involved in zebrafish hematopoiesis are conserved with higher vertebrates, and the genetic and experimental accessibility of the fish and the optical transparency of its embryos and larvae make it ideal for in vivo analysis of hematopoietic development. Defects in zebrafish hematopoiesis reliably phenocopy human blood disorders, making it a highly attractive model system to screen small molecules to design therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the key developmental processes and molecular mechanisms of zebrafish hematopoiesis. We also discuss recent findings highlighting the strengths of zebrafish as a model system for drug discovery against hematopoietic disorders. This article is categorized under: Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cell Differentiation and Reversion Vertebrate Organogenesis > Musculoskeletal and Vascular Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development Comparative Development and Evolution > Organ System Comparisons Between Species.
Social Climate Change: The Advancing Extirpation of Snowmobilers in Vermont

Climate change has potential to substantially affect the availability and quality of snow and thus has potential to affect snow-dependent winter recreation activities. Research has shown that participants in these recreation activities are adapting to climatically changed conditions and are likely to continue to adapt in the future. This study explores these issues as they apply to snowmobiling in Vermont, identifying a suite of climate change manifestations, investigating their salience to the snowmobiler recreation experience, and assessing how these manifestations may impact the snowmobile participation rate and quality of experience. Climate change manifestations are informed by climate change models, helping to define the future conditions and supply of snowmobiling opportunities. Social science research on how snowmobilers may adapt to these changing conditions helps define the future demand for snowmobiling. We conducted an online survey of snowmobilers in Vermont, asking respondents if and how they would change the amount of snowmobiling they do in response to climate change manifestations that may impact snowmobiling conditions. Study findings suggest that the amount of snowmobiling in Vermont is already declining and that these declines are likely to become more substantial. For example, 44.7% of respondents have noticed declines in the length of the winter season during which there is enough snow to snowmobile, and 30.7% of respondents have decreased their amount of snowmobiling in response. Moreover, study data define the future relationship between climate-related changes in snowmobiling conditions and changes in amount of snowmobiling. For example, with 150 days of adequate snow cover, the amount of snowmobiling will increase 36.9%, but with 25 days of adequate snow cover, the amount of snowmobiling will decrease 44%. The length of season threshold for participation in snowmobiling is estimated at 79 days; more than 79 days will cause snowmobiling to increase from current levels, and fewer than 79 days will cause a decrease. Given the climate change sensitivity of snowmobiling found in this study, along with the predictions of climate models for Vermont, snowmobiling may ultimately be unsustainable. This will decrease the benefits of snowmobiling, including the enjoyment of locals and tourists who participate in the sport, the economic contributions, and the culture of the state. Substitution of other winter season recreation activities is a potential adaptation to declining opportunities for snowmobiling. Subscribe to JPRA
On the History of Indeterminate Problems of the First Degree in Greek Mathematics

One of the most interesting issues in the early history of algebra is that of the formation of the methods for solving the first-degree indeterminate equations. In the traditional historiography such methods are primarily associated with the Chinese and the Indian mathematical traditions. The fact that the Remainder Theorem is commonly called “Chinese Remainder Theorem” in almost all the textbooks on Number Theory, strikingly expresses the traditional viewpoint. The same holds about the so called problem of the “hundred fowls”, the origins of which are also reduced to the Chinese mathematical tradition.1
The Ethics of Deference: Learning from Law's Morals

Part I. Law's Morals: 1. Introduction 2. Understanding authority 3. Claiming authority 4. The nature of law Part II. The Ethics of Deference: 5. The puzzle of promise 6. The problem of fair play 7. Political obligation 8. The nature of deference.
Wildfire risk, salience & housing demand

Abstract In this paper we develop a parsimonious model that links underlying changes in location-specific risk perceptions to housing market dynamics. Given estimates of both the price and quantity effects induced by shocks to agents' beliefs, the model allows us to draw inferences about the underlying changes in risk perceptions that gave rise to observed housing market dynamics. We apply the model's predictions to an empirical analysis of the influence of severe wildfires on housing prices and sales rates in the Front Range of Colorado. Interpreted in the context of the model, our empirical results suggest that natural disasters lead to significant, but short-lived increases in risk perceptions.
The influence of masseter and temporalis sarcomere length operating ranges as determined by laser diffraction on architectural estimates of muscle force and excursion in macaques (Macaca fascicularis and Macaca mulatta).

Abstract Objective Determine sarcomere length (Ls) operating ranges of the superficial masseter and temporalis in vitro in a macaque model and examine the impact of position-dependent variation on Ls and architectural estimates of muscle function (i.e., fiber length, PCSA) before and after Ls-normalization. Design Heads of adult Macaca fascicularis (n = 4) and M. mulatta (n = 3) were bisected postmortem. One side of the jaw was fixed in occlusion, the other in maximum gape. Ls was measured bilaterally using laser diffraction and these measurements were used to estimate sarcomere-length operating ranges. Differences in fiber length and PCSA between sides were tested for significance prior to and following Ls-normalization. Results Sarcomere-length operating ranges were widest for the anterior superficial masseter and narrowest for the posterior temporalis. Compared with other mammals, macaque operating ranges were wider and shifted to the right of the descending limb of a representative length-tension curve. Fibers were significantly stretched by as much as 100%, and PCSAs reduced by as much as 43%, on the maximally gaped compared with occluded sides. Ls-normalization substantially reduced position-dependent variance. Conclusions The superficial masseter ranges between 87–143% and the temporalis between 88–130% of optimal Ls from maximum gape to occlusion, indicating maximum relative Ls for these macaque muscles exceeds the upper end range previously reported for the jaw muscles of smaller mammals. The wider macaque operating ranges may be functionally linked to the propensity for facially prognathic primates to engage in agonistic canine display behaviors that require jaw-muscle stretch to facilitate production of wide jaw gapes.
COVID-19: Obstetric anesthesia care considerations.

• Pre-hospital COVID-19 screening should be implemented for all pregnant patients. • Limit the number of staff in a delivery room or operating room when feasible • Encourage the use of video messaging with other members of the patient's support system • An experienced provider should perform neuraxial procedures and intubations, whenever possible.
Parental Incarceration and School Readiness: Findings From the 2016 to 2018 National Survey of Children's Health.

Abstract Objective Research has documented several collateral consequences of parental incarceration for the development of children. However, there is limited research on how experiencing parental incarceration impacts the school readiness of preschool-aged children. This study examines the relationship between parental incarceration and school readiness among 3- to 5-year-old children in the United States. Methods The current study employs data from 2016 to 2018 National Survey of Children's Health. The measure of school readiness is comprised of the following 4 domains: early learning skills, self-regulation, social-emotional development, and physical health & motor development. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the extent to which children were on-track across these key school readiness domains. Results Parental incarceration is associated with a reduction in the predicted probability of being on-track across all 4 domains. Furthermore, while only about 1 in 33 children without incarcerated parents will be on-track in none of the domains, approximately 1 in 6 children experiencing parental incarceration will be on-track in none of the domains. Ancillary analyses reveal that these results largely hold across items in each school readiness domain. Conclusions Using a novel measure of school readiness, the current study finds parental incarceration is associated with reduced school readiness of preschool-aged children in the United States. Considering the vast benefits of early school readiness for development and academic achievement, our findings suggest a need for interventions that enhance school readiness among children who experience parental incarceration.
Methods for the discovery of small molecules to monitor and perturb the activity of the human proteasome

Regulating protein production and degradation is critical to maintaining cellular homeostasis. The proteasome is a key player in keeping proteins at the proper levels. However, proteasome activity can be altered in certain disease states, such as blood cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Cancers often exhibit enhanced proteasomal activity, as protein synthesis is increased in these cells compared with normal cells. Conversely, neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by protein accumulation, leading to reduced proteasome activity. As a result, the proteasome has emerged as a target for therapeutic intervention. The potential of the proteasome as a therapeutic target has come from studies involving chemical stimulators and inhibitors, and the development of a suite of assays and probes that can be used to monitor proteasome activity with purified enzyme and in live cells.
Derrick Bell’s Interest Convergence and the Permanence of Racism: A Reflection on Resistance

Nothing about this moment — COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on Black people, Trump’s explicit anti-Black racism, or the mass demonstrations following lethal police use of force against Black people — would have surprised Professor Derrick Bell. These fault lines are not new; rather, these events merely expose longstanding structural damage to the nation’s foundation. A central theme of Bell’s scholarship is the permanence and cyclical predictability of racism. He urged us to accept “the reality that we live in a society in which racism has been internalized and institutionalized,” a society that produced “a culture from whose inception racial discrimination has been a regulating force for maintaining stability and growth.” Bell would have also foreseen Trump’s presidency as the likely follow-up to eight years of the nation’s first Black President. Any amount of racial advancement, Bell argued, signified “temporary ‘peaks of progress,’ short-lived victories that slide into irrelevance as racial patterns adapt in ways that maintain white dominance.” In this reflection, I revisit Bell’s arguments, including his interest convergence theory, to provide clarity on the current moment and to reflect on the way his scholarship has impacted my work as a civil rights lawyer, scholar, and teacher.
A ABORDAGEM DE CONCEITOS DE ESTATÍSTICA: Possibilidades a partir da história da Matemática e investigação matemática

Este artigo relata a experiencia da aprendizagem de Estatistica, em especifico,Probabilidades e tem por objetivo investigar como a Historia e a InvestigacaoMatematica contribuem no processo de ensino e aprendizagem. A investigacaodesenvolveu-se por meio de uma Oficina de Matematica e engajou estudantes de umaturma do terceiro ano do Ensino Medio. Utilizamos a metodologia de pesquisa em queos procedimentos foram planeamento e execucao da Oficina. Os dados constituidoscorrespondem a notas do pesquisador, registros dos alunos e fotografias. Aexperiencia mostrou que a compreensao dos conceitos foi mais significativa do pontode vista de docente.
A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF A VINTAGE AMERICAN AIRLINES ADVERTISEMENT

Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is a rapidly increasing area of study used by Applied Linguists to examine discourse, that is spoken or written communication, found in areas such as education, media and politics. CDA studies focus on the relationship between society and discourse and how the use of language reinforces already established societal roles. This paper focused on a vintage American Airlines advertisement of 1968 which is a classic example of utilitarian advertising that purported a false reality of air travel in the late 20 th century. Using the three-dimensional CDA framework designed by Fairclough (1989) the results showed a manipulation of gender roles by the advertisers intended to appeal to the male dominated passengers of the airline. Primarily, the alignment of air hostess with that of a mother. The maternalisation of this profession reflected the advertisers’ views of the time and in a wider societal perspective, power inequalities between men and women.
Brazil's Road to Serfdom

This paper applies Hayek’s arguments in “The Road to Serfdom” to the case of Brazil in the first three decades of the twentieth century. We describe the Brazilian experiment under a liberal regime from 1892 and 1930 and the causes of its demise. We identify these causes as stemming from a shift in the political ideology following World War I and the breakdown of the constitutional rule of limited government. We argue that the Hayekian analysis of “The Road to Serfdom” correctly identifies these causes as stemming from an ideological and practical over-reliance on government’s capacity to direct the economy.
Demystifying phase transformations in metal halide perovskites

Metal halide perovskites have become one of the most studied optoelectronic materials, but their stability remains a grand challenge due to the lack of understanding of the phase transformation process. Recently, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley have devised direct monitoring methods to track the phase transformation process of metal halide perovskites. Their results shed light on the mechanisms of this phase transformation, providing a basis for stabilizing this class of exciting materials under various conditions.
Is heart failure an obstacle to air travel

Rapid increasing trend in air travel brings necessity of urgent approach to health situations such as heart failure (HF). The prevalence of HF was projected to be more than 8 million patients ≥18 years of age in 2030; Main factors that contribute to physiological changes to cardiovascular system during a flight are changes in cabin pressure, humidity, stress, prolonged mobility. Identifying patients at risk of pre/post and during air travel along with adequate care by physicians and crew would help in better outcomes and comfortable travel for patients with HF.
Organizational Powers: Capture of Professional Jurisdiction in the Case of U.S. Retail Clinics

Understanding inertia and change in professionalized organizational fields like health care is key to addressing inefficiencies like poor access to services, high costs, and inconsistent quality. New entrants are one source of change that may reduce the inefficiencies, but we lack a good understanding of how new entrant organizations overcome jurisdictional barriers of license and legitimacy that shelter professionalized fields. I analyze a case of emergence of retail health clinics in the U.S. primary care to theorize a strategy that allows external change agents to enter a professionalized field. Circumventing jurisdictional barriers and overcoming resistance of the incumbent profession requires jurisdictional work — cultural and market actions that effectively put forth a jurisdictional claim. Two aspects of jurisdictional work by retail clinics appear important: employing individual professionals as “front-men” who legitimize the new organizational form and finding allies among incumbent organizations that value efficiency. The problem of professional collective action allowed for the front-men strategy, in which organizations decoupled rights encoded in professional license and their use and thus turned license from a barrier into a vehicle for entry. The heterogeneity of logics and the competitive tensions among field incumbents allowed for the subsequent integration. The elaborated process model of entry generalizes the theory of professional jurisdictional competition by including organizations as actors in the division of expert labor.
Volumetric Flow Rate Measurement using Surface Imaging Techniques

The purpose of our research is to validate an experimental method developed by Johnson and Cowen (2016) aimed at measuring volumetric discharge in an open channel using Surface particle image velocimetry (SPIV) combined with turbulent boundary layer analysis to infer the bathymetry and calculate volumetric flow rate, ultimately extending this work to natural systems (Hendrickson, 2020).
Chapter 21 Human herpesvirus-6 and bone marrow transplantation

Publisher Summary Marrow transplantation is being increasingly used for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including aplastic anemia, leukemia, and breast cancer. This chapter discusses a series of studies concerning the role of HHV-6 as a pathogen in marrow transplant patients. Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is a cause of severe interstitial pneumonitis, either directly, or in concert with other respiratory pathogens, in marrow transplants patients. In addition, a series of clinical and experimental observations have implicated HHV-6 marrow infection as an important cause of poor graft function in marrow transplant recipients. Serological and virological evaluation of marrow transplant patients has shown that HHV-6 reactivations are common in seropositive patients after marrow transplantation. Post-transplant HHV-6 primary infections occur and these infections frequently have peripheral and CNS clinical manifestations. This chapter also discusses that HHV-6 is an important pathogen in marrow transplant patients, and the two most common serious clinical manifestations of HHV-6 infection appear to be interstitial pneumonitis and poor marrow function.
In vitro selection of DNAs with an increased propensity to form small circles

A protocol was devised to select for DNA molecules that efficiently form circles from a library of 126 base pair DNAs containing 90 randomized base pairs. After six rounds of selection, individual molecules from the library showed 20- to 100-fold greater j-factors compared with the starting library, validating the selection protocol. High-throughput sequencing revealed a sinusoidal pattern of enrichment and de-enrichment of A/T dinucleotides in the random region with a 10.4 base pair period associated with the helicity of DNA. A similar, but more moderate pattern of C/G dinucleotides was offset by precisely half a helical turn. While C/G dinucleotide enrichments were evenly distributed, A/T dinucleotide enrichments displayed a preference to cluster in individual DNA molecules. The most highly enriched 10 base pair sequences in the random region contained adjacent blocks of A/T and C/G trinucleotides present in some, but not all, rapidly cyclizing molecules. The phased dinucleotide enrichments closely match those present in accurately mapped yeast nucleosomes, confirming the importance of DNA bending in nucleosome formation. However, at certain sites the nucleosomal DNAs show dinucleotide enrichments that differ substantially from the cyclization data. These discrepancies can often be correlated with sequence specific contacts that form between histones and DNA. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 103: 303–320, 2015.
PCR Detection of Bacteria in Seven Minutes

A portable, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instrument, consisting of an array of microfabricated silicon reaction chambers with integrated optical detectors, analyzed samples of 5 to 500 bacteria cells in as little as 7 minutes. The analysis included cell lysis, PCR, detection of the PCR product with a target-specific fluorescence energy transfer probe, and automated alerting of positive signals by the software. Thermal cycle times of only 17 seconds, the fastest that could be achieved on the instrument, yielded good productivity at each cycle and indicated that still faster analysis could potentially be performed. The short run times were achieved because of efficient heating and cooling of the reactions, precision in which the target temperatures were reached, and the sensitive, dedicated mini-optical detection systems.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin, FAK, and p130CAS: effects on cell spreading and migration.

Abstract Integrins are transmembrane receptors that mediate cell attachment to the substrate. At the cytoplasmic surface of the integrin, cytoskeletal proteins cluster into focal adhesions. The focal adhesions contain multiple proteins that provide a structural and signaling complex inside the cell. This review focuses on three of the cytoskeletal components of the focal adhesion, paxillin, FAK, and p130CAS, that are phosphorylated and play a regulatory role in cell spreading and cell migration. A brief discussion is included of tyrosine phosphorylation of the integrin in relation to localization and phosphorylation of these cytoskeletal proteins. The phosphorylation of integrins and cytoskeletal proteins regulates localization and downstream signaling with profound effects on cell movement.
Comparing Expert Reported Outcomes to National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Risk Calculator-Predicted Outcomes: Do Reporting Standards Differ?

Abstract Introduction: Expert-reported outcomes and complications may not reflect the standardized coding that can be provided by independent, third-party evaluations. The goal of this article is to compare expert-reported complications with standardized coding by the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). The procedures evaluated were laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN), robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), and radical cystectomy (RC). Methods: The 10 largest LRN, RARP, and RC series were reviewed for reported complications. An index patient was derived from each series using patient demographic data. Index patients were entered into the NSQIP surgical risk calculator (SRC), which provides 11 predicted outcomes based on inputted data. SRC-predicted outcomes were compared with available complication rates in each series. Results: Across the 30 studies, 172 out of 330 (52%) of NSQIP-provided outcome types were presented within expert manuscripts. Death and venous thromboembolism ...
Separation and identification of chiralN-acylcalix[4]arene amino acid derivatives by use of reversed-phase HPLC

This work focuses on the separation and identification of p-tert butyl calix[4]arene derivatives. An isocratic mixture of 65% (v/v) acetonitrile and 35% (v/v) water with 0.1% (v/v) phosphoric acid was used as the mobile phase. A Bio-Rad Bio-Sil ODS-5S (250 mm×4 mm) column was used as the stationary phase with UV detection of the analytes at 274 nm. The reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method which was developed provided baseline separation of five p-tertbutyl calix[4]arene derivatives in twenty minutes.
Leakage of amalgam, composite, and Super-EBA, compared with a new retrofill material: bone cement

An in vitro leakage study was conducted to compare the root-end sealing ability of amalgam with cavity varnish, composite with dentin bonding agent, and Super-EBA with a new retrofill material: bone cement. Eighty single-rooted teeth were instrumented and obturated with gutta percha, resected and retroprepared. The teeth were then randomly divided into 4 groups of 20, with each group receiving one of the previously mentioned retrofill materials. The bone cement group was either etched or unetched. The teeth were immersed in silver nitrate and developer for leakage assessment. The teeth were grooved and split longitudinally to measure leakage. Statistical analysis showed that amalgam leaked significantly less than Super-EBA and unetched bone cement; composite leaked significantly less than Super-EBA. Amalgam was not statistically different from composite or etched bone cement. No significant difference between composite and both bone cements was noted, nor between both bone cements and Super-EBA.
Sympathy Work: Identity and Emotion Management Among Victim-Advocates and Counselors

Advocates and counselors who assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault often claim a moral identity that depends, in part, on their ability to sympathize with their clients. However, when their clients behave in ways that staff members perceive as “difficult” (i.e., lie, return to their abusers, break rules, express anger at those trying to help them, or fail to show up for appointments), feelings of sympathy can begin to wane—creating a moral identity dilemma. Data collected from participant observation and in-depth interviews outline four generic processes that advocates and counselors engage in to overcome this dilemma. These findings highlight the interdependent nature of identity and emotion management and contribute to previous scholarship on how those who claim a moral identity negotiate feelings that run counter to their identity code.
Nutritional factors in hemodynamics; dissociation of pressor response and hemorrhage resistance in avitaminosis C.

Conclusions and Summary1. As compared to pair fed controls, guinea pigs on a vit. C free diet showed no obvious differences in blood pressure or in ability to respond in pressure manner to intravenous or intra-arterial injections of epinephrine at the doses employed. 2. The animals were bled by a standard procedure of hemorrhage. Avitaminosis C was accompanied by a significant reduction in the survival time, in resistance to anesthesia, and in the ability to withstand comparable amounts of blood loss. In addition, all deficient animals, with one exception, were unable to elaborate renal VEM as determined by rat assays of the plasma. 3. The significance of these observations is discussed. The suggestion is offered, in relation to earlier findings, that the larger arterioles with undiminished constrictor responses to epinephrine in avitaminosis C may function primarily in maintaining normotension and in producing the vasoconstrictor component of acute pressor reactions. The smaller, terminal arterioles, wit...
Use of a priori-a posteriori models of change in policy analysis: Applications to simulating the white flight phenomenon

Theory is the foundation of policy studies in the social sciences; its specification via a model is a key element in the selection of appropriate methodologies to study policy. Many policy analysts, due to their professional training and the availability of computer software, sometimes fail to distinguish between theory which is a priori based or theory that is a posteriori based; hence they tend to develop a dependence on one type of methodology in their studies. The purpose of this study is to examine empirically how this important dichotomy might lead to different methods of analysis and to possibly erroneous conclusions. In some cases, the poor selection of research methods severely limits the range of findings and insights available to the policy analyst. The applications of a priori and a posteriori based models to educational policy studies of white flight are presented and the results compared to underscore the importance of recognizing the distinctions between a priori and a posteriori models.
Characterization of diesel particulate exposure

This report summarizes our work on the physical and chemical characterization of diesel exhaust with emphasis on the extractable and benzo(a)pyrene content of the particulate. Compared with benzene-ethanol, methylene chloride is an unsuitable extraction solvent for the measurement of benzo(a)pyrene in diesel particulate. Using recently developed analytical techniques, a series of studies of sampling parameters shows that the composition of the particulate is fixed when it leaves the tailpipe and that the composition does not change with dilution. Further, sampling results in a dilution tunnel agree quite well with those observed in open air sampling. Finally, based on various air quality models and projections of the diesel sales-emission scenario, we find that the light-duty diesel will be a minor contributor to total ambient particulate.
Hehe Magical Justice

THE expression of legitimate grievance and the quasi-legal rectification of wrongs appear to be very important components of many systems of magical belief. Marett's venerable position that magic is basically antisocial appears to be misleading in the light of accumulated ethnographic experience (Marett 1909). Similarly, the distinction often drawn between religion as public and moral, and magic as private and amoral is simplistic. For example, "white" magic is almost universal and magic used for explicitly moral, or quasi-legal ends is reported from many parts of the world. The Azande, Nyakyusa, Ifugao, Trobrianders, and Cheyenne, to mention but a few well-known cases, all possess such magic. Thus Evans-Pritchard (1937) tells us, "When a man dies Azande consider that he is a victim of witchcraft or sorcery and they make vengeance-magic to slay the slayer of the dead man. It is regarded as a judge which seeks out the person who is responsible for the death, and as an executioner which slays him. Azande say of it that 'it decides cases' and that it 'settles cases as judiciously as princes.' Like all good magic it acts impartially and according to the merits of the case." We have chosen to term magic of this sort "moral magic." This choice is based not simply on the fact that this magic does not have an immoral status, but because it is so manifestly a negative sanction against violation of moral norms. In the Hehe view, it will not work if the cause is not just. If there has been no violation of morality by the intended victim the magic not only fails to harm him, it rebounds on its maker who has used it unjustly. This positive moral character of magic is not peculiar to the Hehe; it may be found in numerous other societies, and we suggest that viewing magic as, at best, an amoral instrumentality runs against a substantial body of ethnographic fact. Reviewing the literature on several societies, Hoebel (1954) concludes: " ... magic, the use of the supernatural for moral ends, long remains the handmaid of the law, mopping up where the broom of the law fails to sweep clean." In Hehe society, the handmaid wields her magical mop in a most vigorous manner, for not only is some magic moral, it is jural as well. Magic, divination, confession, apology and compensation provide a moral-jural complex in which grievance is expressed and justice is achieved. Courts and moots also exist and are often used, but the frequency of their use is rivaled, if not exceeded, by recourse to magical-jural techniques.
Grades/Classes of Hard Wheats Exported from North America: Analysis of Growth and Market Segments

Issues about grain quality are integral to export demand and competition. In the past, debate focused on wheat class and country of origin. This study analyzed changes in imports for wheat grades and classes for hard wheats in Canada and the United States. Clustering techniques were utilized to examine importer behavior and identify market segments for characteristics of U.S. wheats over time. Shifts in marketing toward shipment of specific classes and from lower to higher grades were identified. Cluster analysis indicated changes in composition and an increase in the number of market segments.
Discussion: Corrosion of Steel in Cracked Concrete

Abstract The present work discusses “Corrosion of Steel in Cracked Concrete” by N.S. Berke, M.P. Dallaire, M.C. Hicks, and R.J. Hoopes, which was published in Corrosion 49, 11 (1993), pp. 934–943. The authors did not submit a reply.
The promise of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as novel technology for the management of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose is the standard of care in management of hyperglycemia among patients with diabetes mellitus. To increase the sensitivity and specificity of current devices, a novel method of detecting glucose using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technology is explored. The enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) was fixed to gold electrodes and a sine wave of sweeping frequencies was induced using a wide range of concentrations of glucose. Each frequency in the impedance sweep was analyzed for the highest response and R-squared value. The frequency with both factors optimized is specific for the glucose–GOx binding interaction and was determined to be 1.17 kHz in purified solutions in both higher and lower ranges of glucose. The correlation between the impedance response and concentration at the low range of detection (0–100 mg dL−1 of glucose) was determined to be 3.53 ohm/ln (mg dL−1) with an R-squared value of 0.90 with a 39 mg dL−1 lower limit of detection. The same frequency of 1.17 kHz was verified in whole blood under the same glucose range. The above data confirm that EIS offers a new method of glucose detection as an alternative to current technology in use by patients. Additionally, the unique frequency response of individual markers allows for modulation of signals so that several other markers important in the management of diabetes could be measured with a single sensor.
HARD DIFFRACTION, BFKL DYNAMICS, AND SUBJET MULTIPLICITY

We discuss three recent tests of QCD at D0: (a) measurements of the rates and momentum transfers in 'rapidity gap' events for both di-jet and W events; (b) measurement of the intercept of the 'BFKL pomeron'; and, (c) quark and gluon subjet multiplicities.
Digoxin: Single versus divided daily. Maintenance dosage

Abstract Some recent reports on digoxin dosage are reviewed. A short clinical study, designed to resolve the somewhat conflicting evidence, has failed to support certain previous recommendations. It was found that some patients could be satisfactorily maintained on a higher daily dose of digoxin if this was given in divided doses. To minimize toxicity and achieve optimal maintenance in the majority of patients, the daily dose is probably best administered in this way.