cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lanthanide Phosphate Nanorods as Inorganic Fluorescent Labels in Cell Biology Research

One of the fundamental goals in biology is to understand the complex spatiotemporal interplay of biomolecules from the cellular to the integrative level. To study these interactions, researchers commonly use fluorescent labeling for both in vivo cellular imaging and in vitro assay detection (1)(2). In this context, one of the fastest developing and most exciting interfaces of nanotechnology is the use of inorganic quantum dots or fluorescent nanoparticles in cell biology. The unique optical properties of inorganic particles make them appealing as in vivo and in vitro fluorophores in a variety of biological investigations. In addition, the ability to make such nanoparticles and then target these particles to specific biomolecules has led to promising applications in cellular labeling, deep-tissue imaging, and assay labeling, and also as efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer donors. Conventionally used fluorescent labels, such as organic dyes in cell biology, are prone to problems such as broad spectral features, short lifetime, photobleaching, and potential toxicity to the cells. Inorganic fluorescents, especially europium (Eu) and terbium (Tb) in the lanthanide group, have several unique optical and electronic properties, such as size- and composition-tunable emission from visible to infrared wavelengths, large absorption coefficients across a wide spectral range, symmetric emission spectrum, a large Stokes shift, simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescent colors, very high levels of brightness, and photostability (3)(4)(5). Furthermore, analysis by cell proliferation and apoptosis assay (dUTP nick-end labeling) showed that lanthanide phosphate (LnPO4 · H2O, where Ln = Eu) and Tb nanorods synthesized by microwave (MW) were nontoxic to endothelial cells(5). In this study, we synthesized LnPO4 · H2O nanorods by an exclusive MW technique and used a transmission electron microscope (TEM) to investigate the internalization of LnPO4 · H2O …
Differences and Similarities in Muscarinic Receptors of Rat Heart and Retina: Effects of Agonists, Guanine Nucleotides, and N‐Ethylmaleimide

: Muscarinic receptor stimulation inhibits cyclic AMP formation in rat atria but not in retina. We compared the properties of the muscarinic receptors in rat atrial and retinal membranes using the antagonist [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate. In both atria and retina there is a single binding site for antagonists, while agonists appear to interact at two classes of binding sites. Muscarinic receptors in atria and retina have the same apparent affinities for several antagonists and for a series of muscarinic agonists. In both tissues N-ethylmaleimide decreases agonist affinity for the high-affinity binding sites. Muscarinic receptors in atria and retina differ, however, in several properties relating to the proportions of highand low-affinity agonist sites. First, guanine nucleotides markedly increase the proportion of low-affinity binding sites in atria, but not in retina. Second, for all agonists there are fewer high-affinity binding sites in retina. Third, the “partial agonist” pilocarpine appears to interact with two classes of binding sites in atria, but with only a single class of sites in retina. Our data suggest that muscarinic receptors that inhibit cyclic AMP formation and those that do not share common properties that determine receptor affinity for agonists and classic antagonists. The differences between these receptors are manifest, however, in the effects of guanine nucleotides and the ability of agonists, especially those of low efficacy, to affect the proportion of high- and low-affinity sites and to effect a biological response.
Buffer tree synthesis with consideration of temporal locality, sink polarity requirements, solution cost, congestion, and blockages

We give an overview of a buffer tree synthesis package which pays particular attention to the following issues: routing and buffer blockages, minimization of interconnect and buffer costs, congestion, exploitation of temporal locality among the sinks, and addressing sink polarity requirements. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the tool in comparison with previously proposed techniques.
Extended two-temperature model for ultrafast thermal response of band gap materials upon impulsive optical excitation

Thermal modeling and numerical simulations have been performed to describe the ultrafast thermal response of band gap materials upon optical excitation. A model was established by extending the conventional two-temperature model that is adequate for metals, but not for semiconductors. It considers the time- and space-dependent density of electrons photoexcited to the conduction band and accordingly allows a more accurate description of the transient thermal equilibration between the hot electrons and lattice. Ultrafast thermal behaviors of bismuth, as a model system, were demonstrated using the extended two-temperature model with a view to elucidating the thermal effects of excitation laser pulse fluence, electron diffusivity, electron-hole recombination kinetics, and electron-phonon interactions, focusing on high-density excitation.
Vaginal brachytherapy for postoperative endometrial cancer: 2014 Survey of the American Brachytherapy Society.

Abstract Purpose Report current practice patterns for postoperative endometrial cancer emphasizing vaginal brachytherapy (VBT). Methods and Materials A 38-item survey was e-mailed to 1,598 American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) members and 4,329 US radiation oncologists in 2014 totaling 5,710 recipients. Responses of practitioners who had delivered VBT in the previous 12 months were included in the analysis. Responses were tabulated to determine relative frequency distributions. χ2 analysis was used to compare current results with those from the 2003 ABS survey. Results A total of 331 respondents initiated the VBT survey, of whom 289 (87.3%) administered VBT in the prior 12 months. Lymph node dissection and number of nodes removed influenced treatment decisions for 90.5% and 69.8%, respectively. High-dose-rate was used by 96.2%. The most common vaginal length treated was 4 cm (31.0%). Three-dimensional planning was used by 83.2% with 73.4% of those for the first fraction only. Doses to normal tissues were reported by 79.8%. About half optimized to the location of dose specification and/or normal tissues. As monotherapy, the most common prescriptions were 7 Gy for three fractions to 0.5-cm depth and 6 Gy for five fractions to the surface. As a boost, the most common prescriptions were 5 Gy for three fractions to 0.5-cm depth and 6 Gy for three fractions to the vaginal surface. Optimization points were placed at the apex and lateral vagina by 73.1%. Secondary quality assurance checks were performed by 98.9%. Conclusions VBT is a common adjuvant therapy for endometrial cancer patients, most commonly with HDR. Fractionation and planning processes are variable but generally align with ABS recommendations.
Mechanistic implications from structures of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase complexed with coenzyme and an alcohol.

Abstract Yeast alcohol dehydrogenase I is a homotetramer of subunits with 347 amino acid residues, catalyzing the oxidation of alcohols using NAD+ as coenzyme. A new X-ray structure was determined at 3.0 A where both subunits of an asymmetric dimer bind coenzyme and trifluoroethanol. The tetramer is a pair of back-to-back dimers. Subunit A has a closed conformation and can represent a Michaelis complex with an appropriate geometry for hydride transfer between coenzyme and alcohol, with the oxygen of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol ligated at 2.1 A to the catalytic zinc in the classical tetrahedral coordination with Cys-43, Cys-153, and His-66. Subunit B has an open conformation, and the coenzyme interacts with amino acid residues from the coenzyme binding domain, but not with residues from the catalytic domain. Coenzyme appears to bind to and dissociate from the open conformation. The catalytic zinc in subunit B has an alternative, inverted coordination with Cys-43, Cys-153, His-66 and the carboxylate of Glu-67, while the oxygen of trifluoroethanol is 3.5 A from the zinc. Subunit B may represent an intermediate in the mechanism after coenzyme and alcohol bind and before the conformation changes to the closed form and the alcohol oxygen binds to the zinc and displaces Glu-67.
Live RB51 vaccine lyophilized hydrogel formulations with increased shelf life for practical ballistic delivery

Ballistic delivery capability is essential to delivering vaccines and other therapeutics effectively to both livestock and wildlife in many global scenarios. Here, lyophilized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-glycolide dimethacrylate crosslinked but degradable hydrogels were assessed as payload vehicles to protect and deliver a viable bacterial vaccine, Brucella abortus strain RB51 (RB51), ballistically using commercial thermoplastic cellulosic degradable biobullets. Degradable PEG hydrogel rods loaded with ∼10(10) live RB51 bacteria (CFUs) were fabricated using three different polymerization methods, cut into fixed-sized payload segments, and lyophilized. Resulting dense, glassy RB51 vaccine-loaded monoliths were inserted into thermoplastic biobullet 100-μL payload chambers. Viability studies of lyophilized formulations assessed as a function of time and storage temperature supported the abilities of several conditions to produce acceptable vaccine shelf-lives. Fired from specifically designed air rifles, gel-loaded biobullets exhibit down-range ballistic properties (i.e., kinetic energy, trajectory, accuracy) similar to unloaded biobullets. Delivered to bovine tissue, these hydrogels rehydrate rapidly by swelling in tissue fluids, with complete hydration observed after 5h in serum. Live RB51 vaccine exhibited excellent viability following carrier polymerization, lyophilization, and storage, at levels sufficient for vaccine dosing to wild range bison, the intended target. These data validate lyophilized degradable PEG hydrogel rods as useful drug carriers for remote delivery of both live vaccines and other therapeutics to livestock, wildlife, or other free-range targets using ballistic technologies.
From Stock to Flow Capital Inputs for Agricultural Production Functions: A Microanalytic Approach

CAPITAL is a multiperiodic input of production: it jointly supplies outputs with different time subscripts, and it contributes a major part of its services to future rather than to current production. While the distinction between current and future services may be unimportant for some purposes of analysis, production theory is exclusively concerned with the former. Only the current service flow of capital goods properly belongs as an input to the production function. The flow of capital services in a period of time, e.g., a year, would be approximated in a perfect market by the rental price of the capital assets per unit of time, times the units worked in a year. Unfortunately, data on work units performed by capital assets are notoriously scanty-to say nothing about the monetary evaluation of such services. Thus starts the search for an acceptable proxy, which satisfies the criterion of data availability, to be used as capital input. It mercifully turns out that for certain purposes a proxy is a perfect substitute for capital service flows as long as there is proportionality between the two concepts. In production functions of a multiplicative form, the Cobb-Douglas for instance, the constant term will absorb the proportionality and the elasticities of production will not be affected. However, the proportionality property, although implicitly assumed in most empirical studies, is very difficult to satisfy. The common practice in empirical research on the theory of production has been to measure capital inputs by a stock concept-be it gross or netted by a depreciation factor. Therefore, in the next section I examine the relationship that exists between service flows and the value of the stock of capital, before and after depreciation. The search for an acceptable proxy having failed, Section 3 of the paper is devoted to deriving the ideal service flow input itself from capital stock data that are readily available. In the final section, I provide the empirical vindication of the use of the capital service flow input in production functions. Microeconomic Greek agricultural data are used for this application.
The Structure of Tn5

Tn5 is a transposable genetic element which encodes resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics such as kanamycin and neomycin. This resistance results from the synthesis of the enzyme neomycin phosphotransferase type II (NPTII, also named aminoglycoside 3′-phos-photransferase-II) (Berg et al., 1978). Its structure is in general similar to other transposons with two inverted repeats 1534 bp long (Auerswald and Schaller, 1980) flanking a unique central region approximately 2700 bp long (Berg et al., 1975; Jorgensen et al., 1979).
Characterizing Kinetic Intermediate in Amyloid Self-Assembly

Amyloid self-assembly is tightly associated with protein misfolding diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, but the pathway of self-assembly as well as the genesis of amyloid polymorphism remains unclear. Combining isotope-edited IR and solid state NMR, we experimentally demonstrated that the nucleating core of Dutch mutant, Aβ (16-22) E22Q or Ac-16KLVFFA22Q-NH2 assembles into a kinetic intermediate of anti-parallel β-sheet that later transition automatically into parallel arrays as thermodynamically stable conformation. Additionally, we developed a method of quantifying such transition using IR spectroscopy. Our findings reveal that the process of amyloid self-assembly is subject to both kinetic and thermodynamic control and that the actually mechanism of self-assembly could be far more complicated than currently expected.
Comparison of arterial compliance indices derived via beat-to-beat blood pressure waveforms: Aging and ethnicity

Reduced arterial compliance has been implicated as a risk factor for future cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. Recently, several non-invasive techniques have been used to access arterial compliance. However, comparisons of these techniques with older individuals and African-Americans have not been done. In the present study, beat-to-beat blood pressure was examined in 75 males and females (n = 24 old Caucasian; n = 24 young Caucasian; n = 27 African-Americans) who were part of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Resting beat-to-beat blood pressure (5 minutes) was assessed using the PORTAPRES Ambulatory Blood Pressure Device. Results indicated that the three-element windkessel and the stroke volume-pulse pressure ratio measures of arterial compliance provide comparable estimates. Specifically, arterial compliance is reduced in the oldest individuals in our sample with young and African-Americans showing higher compliance. These results indicate that the simpler stroke volume-pulse pressure ratio provides reliable estimates of arterial compliance in both older adults and African-Americans. This technique is an excellent means to assess arterial compliance and is a useful measure to determine risk for adverse cardiovascular events.
Effects of Ethanol on Liver Metabolism

Changes in the liver level of lipids and fatty acids occur as results of either acute or chronic administration of ethanol, but the mechanism of such changes is not completely known. Theoretically, there are several possible mechanisms which may explain this process: e.g., ethanol may stimulate the synthesis of hepatic triglycerides from peripheral and administered fatty acids and glycerol (Mallov, 1957; Di Luzio, 1958; Horning et al., 1960; Nikkila & Ojala, 1963; Scheig & Isselbacher, 1965; Kessler & Mishkin, 1966) or it may stimulate fatty acid synthesis in the liver as suggested by Lieber and Schmidt (1961; Lieber et al., 1959). The accumulation of lipids may also be produced by suppressing the oxidation of fatty acids (Majchrowicz & Quastel, 1959, 1961, 1963; Reboucas & Isselbacher, 1961; Wooles, 1966; Fex & Olivecrona, 1968) in the liver or by suppression of lipid release from the liver (Schapiro et al., 1964; Bezman-Tarcher, 1966).
Scalable Formation Control of Multi-robot Chain Networks Using a PDE Abstraction

This work investigates the application of boundary control of the wave equation to achieve leader-induced formation control of a multi-robot network with a chain topology. In contrast to previous related work on controlling formations of single integrator agents, we consider a model for double integrator agents. For trajectory planning, we use the flatness based method for assigning trajectories to leader agents so that the agents’ trajectories and control inputs are computed in a decentralized way. We show how the approximation greatly simplifies the planning problem and the resulting synthesized controls are bounded and independent of the number of agents in the network. We validate our formation control approach with simulations of 100 and 1000 agents that converge to configurations on three different type of target curves.
MHC-like Molecules on Mucosal Epithelial Cells

Publisher Summary MHC class Ib molecules are nonpolymorphic MHC class I-like molecules which fulfill functions divergent from the classisal, MHC class Ia molecules. The human intestine is a unique immunologic compartment, which expresses two of these molecules: the neonatal Fc receptor for IgG (FcRn) and CD1. The FcRn is expressed by adult enterocytes where mRNA, protein, and Fc binding of IgG characteristic of this molecule can be detected. This suggests that the FcRn is functional beyond the neonatal period which has important implications for mucosal immune regulation. Whereas CD1d is expressed by intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and upregulated by IFNγ, CD1a, b, and c are expressed primarily on mononuclear cells of the lamina propria. CD1d can be recognized in its native form on IECs by peripheral CD8+ T cells. CD8+ T intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) T-cell clones can recognize several members of the CD1 gene family in a transfected LA-A,B negative, B-cell line. The IEC appears to express at least two forms of CD1d, a cell surface and intracellular form. The cell surface form that is likely recognized by peripheral CD8+ T cells is distinct from all previously described class 1 MHC molecules, suggesting that it is transported to the cell surface by a distinct pathway and does not function as a conventional antigen-presenting molecule. This form is expressed independently of β2M, without N-linked carbohydrate side-chain modification. Complex transcriptional processing of CD1d also occurs. Thus, distinct structural isoforms of CD1d are detectable which may function in IEL-mucosal T cell interactions.
Radiation-Induced Partial Epilepsy

Intractable epilepsy in 3 patients treated with low-dose irradiation to “strawberry” scalp nevi in infancy is reported from the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Glucose Metabolism Reprogrammed by Overexpression of IKKε Promotes Pancreatic Tumor Growth.

Aberrant expression of the kinase IKKe in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we define a pathobiologic function for IKKe in reprogramming glucose metabolism and driving progression in PDAC. Silencing IKKe in PDAC cells, which overexpressed it endogenously, was sufficient to reduce malignant cell growth, clonogenic potential, glucose consumption, lactate secretion, and expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism, without impacting the basal oxygen consumption rate. IKKe silencing also attenuated c-Myc in a manner associated with diminished signaling through an AKT/GSK3β/c-MYC phosphorylation cascade that promoted MYC nuclear accumulation. In an orthotopic mouse model, IKKe-silenced PDAC exhibited a relative reduction in glucose uptake, tumorigenicity, and metastasis. Overall, our findings offer a preclinical mechanistic rationale to target IKKe to improve the therapeutic management of PDAC in patients. Cancer Res; 76(24); 7254-64. ©2016 AACR.
Habenula-Induced Inhibition of Midbrain Dopamine Neurons Is Diminished by Lesions of the Rostromedial Tegmental Nucleus.

Neurons in the lateral habenula (LHb) are transiently activated by aversive events and have been implicated in associative learning. Functional changes associated with tonic and phasic activation of the LHb are often attributed to a corresponding inhibition of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. Activation of GABAergic neurons in the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg), a region that receives dense projections from the LHb and projects strongly to midbrain monoaminergic nuclei, is believed to underlie the transient inhibition of DA neurons attributed to activation of the LHb. To test this premise, the effects of axon-sparing lesions of the RMTg were assessed on LHb-induced inhibition of midbrain DA cell firing in anesthetized rats. Quinolinic acid lesions decreased the number of NeuN-positive neurons in the RMTg significantly while largely sparing cells in neighboring regions. Lesions of the RMTg reduced both the number of DA neurons inhibited by, and the duration of inhibition resulting from, LHb stimulation. Although the firing rate was not altered, the regularity of DA cell firing was increased in RMTg-lesioned rats. Locomotor activity in an open field was also elevated. These results are the first to show that RMTg neurons contribute directly to LHb-induced inhibition of DA cell activity and support the widely held proposition that GABAergic neurons in the mesopontine tegmentum are an important component of a pathway that enables midbrain DA neurons to encode the negative valence associated with failed expectations and aversive stimuli. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Phasic changes in the activity of midbrain dopamine cells motivate and guide future behavior. Activation of the lateral habenula by aversive events inhibits dopamine neurons transiently, providing a neurobiological representation of learning models that incorporate negative reward prediction errors. Anatomical evidence suggests that this inhibition occurs via the rostromedial tegmental nucleus, but this hypothesis has yet to be tested directly. Here, we show that axon-sparing lesions of the rostromedial tegmentum attenuate habenula-induced inhibition of dopamine neurons significantly. These data support a substantial role for the rostromedial tegmentum in habenula-induced feedforward inhibition of dopamine neurons.
Sexually Objectifying Environments

In this study, we investigated the relations between sexually objectifying restaurant environments (SOREs) and anxiety and disordered eating in a sample of 252 waitresses working in restaurants located in the United States. Supporting our hypotheses, results indicated that higher levels of SOREs were positively correlated with waitresses’ anxiety and disordered eating. Our findings also supported a theorized four-chain mediation model in which higher levels of SOREs were related to both anxiety and disordered eating directly and indirectly via, in serial: less organizational power, less personal power and control, and more rumination. In addition, SOREs and a lack of organizational power had direct, unique links to rumination. Our findings highlight the importance of both contextual and intrapersonal factors in understanding waitresses’ mental health problems. These findings underscore the need to implement both system-level and individual-level interventions to combat the existence of SOREs and the negat...
Johne's control in cow-calf operations

The economic impact of Johne's in beef cattle has not been reported. It is largely dependent on the perception of the industry about Johne's disease and this, in turn, is quickly changing. For commercial beef producers, direct economic impacts such as decreased weight gains or decreased fertility are probably minimal. Purebred producers, however, face huge economic problems from Johne's disease. If, in the future, buyers of cattle consider it important to keep Mycobacterium paratuberculosis infections out of their herds, owners of infected herds may find their cattle bringing a lower sale price or are even unsaleable, while those from herds that are test-negative for paratuberculosis or are certified-free of the infection will bring a premium. This economic impact will be driven by buyer perception of the importance of Johne's disease. Five techniques or critical points for para tuberculosis control will be discussed beginning with the most effective and feasible and ending with the more difficult to implement.
Case 6—What Is the Standard of Care for a Corpse?

A mother inadvertently gave her young daughter expired insulin and told the Emergency Department physicians only that her daughter was experiencing flu-like symptoms. She refused to allow her daughter to be removed from life support even after she was declared brain dead, and threatened the hospital with a lawsuit for failing to accurately diagnose her daughter’s condition in a timely way.
Psychology’s Replication Crisis as Scientific Opportunity: A Précis for Policymakers:

Psychological science is in the midst of what has been referred to as a “replication crisis.” The realization that many individual findings do not replicate in new studies has led to questioning th...
Turbulence modeling effects on the CFD predictions of flow over a NASCAR Gen 6 racecar

Abstract Turbulence modeling effects on the RANS CFD simulations of a full-scale NASCAR Gen 6 Cup car are presented in this paper using three commonly used eddy viscosity turbulence models, viz. the realizable and AKN k − e , and SST k − ω . The simulations were completed using a finite volume code with an unstructured predominantly hexahedral or trimmed mesh of 115 million cells. The prediction disagreements between different turbulence models are highlighted with delta drag and lift force plots along the vehicle model, and generated delta scalar scenes of pressure and velocity fields. The observed differences in the predicted flow-fields were explained in terms of differences in the vortical flow fields educed using the Q-criterion. The simulation results suggest that the turbulence modeling effects are mainly pronounced in the recirculation and separated regions. Compared to the AKN and SST, the realizable k − e model showed an inability to properly capture vortex dominated flows, especially towards the rear end of the vehicle, due to under-predictions of the velocity gradients in the separated and wake regions. The SST model predicted vortex shedding similar to the AKN in most part of the vehicle body, except for those on the decklid and off of the spoiler, however, its poor performance in total downforce prediction requires further investigation. Overall, the AKN model appears to be superior to the other two models as the predictions from it best agree with the wind tunnel data in terms of drag, total downforce and front-to-rear vehicle balance.
Are low earnings of nonresidential fathers a barrier to their involvement with children

Abstract Understanding the correlates of nonresident fathers' involvement, particularly the association between involvement and fathers' economic status is important for improving child well-being. However, previous research has produced mixed results. Using data from the longitudinal Survey of Wisconsin Works Families (N = 828), and administrative records that improve the accuracy of measuring economic status, this study revisits the relationship between fathers' earnings and father-child contact, while controlling for whether the father has children with multiple partners. Using logistic regressions and lagged dependent variable analysis, we find that low earnings are to some extent a barrier to nonresident fathers' involvement with their nonresidential child. When predicting contact at least once a year we find a consistent and significant association between earnings and contact. In contrast, when predicting frequent contact, earnings were not statistically significant once previous contact was controlled. We conclude that fathers' earnings open the door for contact, as the models predicting contact once a year show. However, the frequency, after the initial contact, is better predicted by other variables. The results underscore the need to complement policy attempts to increase noncustodial father's involvement with policies aimed at improving father's economic status. Moreover, they highlight the importance of interventions that simultaneously work to enhance fathers' economic resources and relationship with the resident mother.
A Finite Element Analysis of an SSC Dipole Magnet (NC-9 Cross-Section)

Finite element methods are used to calculate the mechanical behavior of an SSC superconducting dipole magnet under different loading conditions. A two-dimensional model of the NC-9 design (aluminum collars) has been developed and used to calculate the transverse deflections and stresses in the dipole after assembly of the magnet, cooldown to 4.2 K, and energization to 6.6 T. Verification of the results with experimental measurements and observations, and limitations of the analysis, are also discussed.
Institutional Corruption as a Problem of Institutional Design: A General Framework

Even though developed to explain institutional dysfunction in Congress, the concept of institutional corruption has been applied to different types of organizations and industries. This application has generated insights about the problems affecting different sectors, but it has also raised questions about the accuracy of using the concept in other, non-Congress, contexts. This paper argues that the concept of institutional corruption has broad applicability, but it needs some conceptual adaptation when used in contexts different from the original one. By analyzing the institutional corruption features with this adaptation in mind, this paper proposes a more general framework for the theory that is broadly applicable to different settings while retaining its internal coherence. To do so, this paper approaches institutional corruption from the lens of organizational design. In this perspective, institutional corruption will be described as a type of failure in achieving the institutional purpose that happens because of the institutional design, rather than because of unsatisfactory performance. This paper explains the institutional mechanisms that cause this failure, and concludes with some theoretical implications of the framework proposed.
XYZ on a Chip: Nanoscale fabrication, fluidics, and optics directed toward applications within biology and medicine

We have developed techniques for fabrication of micro-scale and nano-scale structures in polymeric media and we have developed methodology for control of fluid flow within these systems. We have also developed methods for modeling fluid flow in these systems under both electrokinetically driven and hydrostatically driven conditions. These capabilities offer new opportunities for exploration of biological function in many systems. We have illustrated these capabilities for in vitro studies by examination of the influence of medium composition and flow rate on the growth of cells by studying cell volume and shape changes of chondrocyte cells and ACL fibroblast cells at regulated osmotic loadings close to physiological frequencies. We have also demonstrated the development of an artificial medium for study of the kinetics and biological function of biological cells with specific application to understanding the function of osteocyte and osteoblast cells within the bone structures. These experiments demonstrate the efficacy of new generations of bio-chips for studies of biological function.
Exchange of Parental DNA during Genetic Recombination in Bacteriophage φX174

Two-factor crosses were performed between am mutants of φX174 in which one or both of the single-stranded parental bacteriophages were labeled with heavy isotopes. Recombinants were formed that contained DNA from each of the two parental phages and were composed almost entirely of parental RF DNA. A small amount of the parental-strand DNA (less than 700 nucleotides on the average) was removed and replaced during the formation of a recombinant molecule.
The Impact of the Consulting Profession on Academic Research and Teaching: What this Means for Trade Policy Research

Within the debate pertaining to ways to link practical and theoretical approaches, a few studies examine the relationship between private-sector consulting and academia. These studies draw a connection between consulting and research productivity, explore the impact of academic and business collaborations on developing nations, and cover the trends of those with Ph.D.s becoming consultants. As a result, we learn about another avenue for researchers seeking practical experience, in addition to that which involves working directly with a government agency. Political science research could benefit from an understanding of the practical field of consulting as a way of becoming involved in government policy, a discussion of ways to unite the distinctive approaches in consultant reports and academic studies, and the opportunities and challenges that consulting presents for research and teaching. The paper bridges the gap between research conducted by consultants and that by academics. The paper examines the link between consultant work and academics in the area of international trade. Based on personal experience as a trade policy consultant in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Eastern Caribbean on projects funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the proposed paper argues that practical experience as a consultant in the field adds accuracy and depth to both research and teaching. The emphasis on research pertaining to trade policy and engaging practitioners is timely in the current administration, during which President Barack Obama continues to focus on expanding the U.S. role in the global trading market while also protecting domestic workers and consumers.
On Entry Preventing Behavior and Limit Price Models of Entry

Formally, the market is regarded as a supergame in which one established firm and one potential entrant are players. Both players know all relevant demand and cost functions, and throughout the paper, noncooperative behavior is assumed. The model has two distinct stages: pre- and post entry. In the pre-entry stage, the monopolist chooses his price and capital stock so as to maximize his discounted profits, noting that his investment decision may affect the entry plans of the entrant. Existence of equilibrium is proved, entry preventing behavior is characterized and conditions are shown under which it will be employed.
Developing a Measure of Virtual Community Citizenship Behavior

This study examines the kinds of behaviors that constitute virtual community citizenship behaviors (VCCB) and tests three factors that may influence community members’ willingness to engage in VCCB. More specifically, the authors propose a multi-dimensional VCCB construct (altruism, civic virtue, consciousness, courtesy, and sportsmanship) and three antecedents of VCCB (affective commitment, structural embeddedness and membership tenure). Four dimensions including altruism, civic virtue, courtesy and loyalty emerged as a result of behavioral examples collection from SMEs using critical incident technique and a VCCB survey with 19 Likert type items reflecting the behavioral examples within each dimension was created. Data was collected from an online discussion forum (The Grad Cafe) to address the research questions of this study. Results indicate that affective commitment was a significant predictor of the virtual community citizenship behaviors. A research agenda for studying VCCB is presented. https://doi.org/10.34105/j.kmel.2011.03.044
Phosphoprotein stability in clinical tissue and its relevance for reverse phase protein microarray technology.

Phosphorylated proteins reflect the activity of specific cell signaling nodes in biological kinase protein networks. Cell signaling pathways can be either activated or deactivated depending on the phosphorylation state of the constituent proteins. The state of these kinase pathways reflects the in vivo activity of the cells and tissue at any given point in time. As such, cell signaling pathway information can be extrapolated to infer which phosphorylated proteins/pathways are driving an individual tumor’s growth. Reverse Phase Protein Microarrays (RPMA) are a sensitive and precise platform that can be applied to the quantitative measurement of hundreds of phosphorylated signal proteins from a small sample of tissue. Pre-analytical variability originating from tissue procurement and preservation may cause significant variability and bias in downstream molecular analysis. Depending on the ex vivo delay time in tissue processing, and the manner of tissue handling, protein biomarkers such as signal pathway phosphoproteins will be elevated or suppressed in a manner that does not represent the biomarker levels at the time of excision. Consequently, assessment of the state of these kinase networks requires stabilization, or preservation, of the phosphoproteins immediately post tissue procurement. We have employed reverse phase protein microarray analysis of phosphoproteins to study the factors influencing stability of phosphoproteins in tissue following procurement. Based on this analysis we have established tissue procurement guidelines for clinical research with an emphasis on quantifying phosphoproteins by RPMA.
Large-Scale Isolation of Cytochrome b6/f Complex from Spinach Chloroplasts

The cytochrome b/c 1 complex (ubiquinol: cytochrome c oxidoreductase) and the cytochrome b 6 /f complex (plastoquinol:plastocyanin oxidoreductase) occur in energy transducing membranes in organisms widely separated on the evolutionary scale such as photosynthetic bacteria, chloroplasts, and mitochondria from yeast to human (1–3). The function of these complexes in all cases appears to involve transmembrane charge transfer (3).
Assessing the maximum size of annual foodborne outbreaks in the United States: An analysis of 1973–2016 outbreaks

Abstract Foodborne disease outbreaks are rare events that can be extremely costly in terms of public health as well as monetary losses for industry and government. These events can overwhelm the local public healthcare network and exceed the capacity of epidemiologists and local public health officials to investigate and manage the outbreak. Planning and allocation of sufficient resources requires an understanding of both the frequency and magnitude of large foodborne outbreaks. Describing these two characteristics is difficult because most statistical methods describe central tendencies of the phenomena under study. An exception is extreme value theory (EVT), which intends to estimate the size and frequency of adverse events as large as, or larger than, those previously observed. This study applies extreme value theory methods to foodborne disease outbreak data collected in the United States between 1973 and 2016. A brief summary of the data, including changes in the surveillance system and their effect on the outbreak data, is provided. Estimates of the outbreak size expected to be exceeded within time periods of 10, 20, 40 and 100 years, referred to as the return level, ranged from 2500 to 10,400. The estimated time period time between outbreaks (i.e., the return period) of at least 500, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 cases ranged from 1 to greater than 400 years.
Comparison of definitive chemoradiation with 5-fluorouracil versus capecitabine in anal cancer.

Background: Capecitabine (Cap) is an established treatment alternative to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for chemoradiation in rectal cancer. Few studies have compared the two agents in anal cancer. We compared outcomes and toxicities using Cap versus 5-FU in non-metastatic anal cancer patients at Stanford. Methods: All non-metastatic anal cancer patients treated with definitive chemoradiation at Stanford from 1997–2016 were included. Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare nominal and continuous variables. Gray’s test was used to compare incidence of recurrence and colostomy, and Log-rank test was used to compare survival. Results: Sixty-eight patients were included. Thirty-six patients received Cap and 32 received 5-FU (12 received standard 5-FU and 20 received low-dose continuous 5-FU). Patient characteristics were similar between the two groups. There was no difference in the 3-year overall and disease-specific survival between Cap and 5-FU (94% vs . 80%, P=0.197; 100% vs . 86%, P=0.051). Overall incidence of recurrence was equivalent between Cap and 5-FU (11% vs . 13%, P=0.703), but incidence of locoregional recurrence was higher in the 5-FU group (0% vs . 13%, P=0.042); patients treated with Cap had longer recurrence-free intervals (18 vs . 6 months, P=0.400), and all recurrences were distant. More colostomies were needed with 5-FU (3% vs . 13%, P=0.133). Toxicities were similar between the two groups. The most common grade ≥2 toxicities were dermatitis (77%), anal pain (78%), and diarrhea (56%). Conclusions: Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival and incidence of recurrence were equivalent between Cap and 5-FU in anal cancer. Patients treated with Cap had statistically significant lower incidence of loco-regional relapses.
Expedient Synthesis of N-Acyl Anthranilamides and β-Enamine Amides by the Rh(III)-Catalyzed Amidation of Aryl and Vinylic C—H Bonds with Isocyanates.

Rhodium-catalyzed reaction of enamides and anilides with isocyanates provides access to enamine amides, e.g. (III) and (VI), and N-acyl anthranilamides, e.g. (X) and (VIII).
Return to Sport After Coracoid Transfer in Athletes With Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Systematic Review:

Context:Recurrent shoulder instability in young athletes can lead to a spectrum of soft tissue and bony lesions that can be bothersome and/or disabling. Coracoid transfer is a treatment option for ...
Robotic Proctectomy and Ileoanal Pouch Creation

Restoration of intestinal continuity following total proctocolectomy is performed by constructing an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Since the advent of this technique in 1978, the operation has evolved from hand-sewn to stapled anastomoses, a two-stage to three-stage approach in the setting of immunosuppression, and from an open technique to a minimally invasive approach. While laparoscopy has become widely used for IPAA construction, a robotic approach may offer several advantages and may become more widely used in the future years. The bony confines of a narrow pelvis make the angles of laparoscopy challenging, and the robot provides improved three-dimensional and high-definition visualization of the pelvis. Once the pelvic floor has been exposed, the better visualization and multiple degrees of freedom help to improve deployment of intracorporeal stapling devices. We will herein discuss our approach to a robotic IPAA and highlight steps that may require intraoperative troubleshooting.
A Promising Partnership: An Undergraduate Intern and Librarian Collaborate on Research Guides and Collection Development.

Though library science internships for undergraduates are not as well documented as those for MLIS students, internships for undergraduates can be impactful for both the intern and the library. Undergraduate students have firsthand, immersive experience with their major curriculum and this expertise can benefit science librarians making collection development decisions and creating content for research guides. This article discusses two such projects undertaken by an undergraduate mathematics major as part of a science librarianship internship.
Interaction of Gut Microbiota and High‐Sodium, Low‐Potassium Diet in Altering Plasma Triglyceride Profiles Revealed by Lipidomics Analysis

Scope High sodium and low potassium (HNaLK) intake increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic syndrome. The authors investigate if the dietary minerals interact with the gut microbiota to alter circulating lipid profiles, implicated in CVD and metabolic syndrome. Methods and results Plasma samples from Wistar rats fed a control or HNaLK diet with or without antibiotic treatment (n = 7 each, a total of 28) are subjected to lipidomics analysis. Lipidomic data are then analyzed using statistical and bioinformatics tools, which detect numerous lipid species altered by the treatments, and consistently demonstrated interactions between the gut microbiota and the HNaLK diet in altering circulating lipids, mainly triglycerides (TGs). Two distinct TG groups differentially regulated by antibiotic treatment are identified. One group (cluster 1), representing the majority of TG species detected, is downregulated, whereas the other group (cluster 2) is upregulated by antibiotic treatment. Interestingly, cluster 2 TGs are also regulated by the diet. Cluster 2 TGs exhibit greater carbon-chain length and double-bond content and include TGs composed of very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, associated with reduced diabetes risk. Conclusion The HNaLK diet interacts with gut bacteria to alter plasma lipid profiles, which may be related to its health effects.
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF YOYO, A GYPSY-LIKE RETROTRANSPOSON FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY, CERATITIS CAPITATA

We have isolated and characterized a new LTR-retrotransposon in the genome of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata. This retrotransposon, which we named yoyo, appears to be a member of the gypsy/Ty3 class of elements. The yoyo element was originally discovered on the Y chromosome of the Medfly. Although the Y chromosome copy appears to be truncated, at least two other apparently complete copies of yoyo from other genomic locations have been isolated and characterized. The complete element is approximately 7.7 kb in size. In addition to fairly typical GAG and POL coding regions, the yoyo element contains a potential ENV gene. The presence of an ENV gene is a key feature distinguishing potential retroviral-like elements, such as gypsy (and possibly yoyo), from many other invertebrate retrotransposons previously described. In addition to the structural features of yoyo, evidence is provided to show that yoyo is capable of movement in the genome, including RFLPs showing variability in genomic localization of copies of yoyo between strains, and differences among individuals in the presence of yoyo at a specific site in the genome.
Nursing effect evaluation of health education on women with urinary incontinence

Objective To discuss nursing effect of health education on women with urinary incontinence. Methods From January to december in 2010, 1 943 adult women who received gynecology general survey in our hospital were treated with health education for urinary incontinence and were followed up regularly. They were investigated by questionnaire survey before health education and 6 months later after health education respectively. The effect of nursing for women with urinary incontinence were assessed. Results In these women patients,after health education, there were more women who participated in pelvic floor muscle training and adhered to training than before health education, the number of patients who received consultation and treatment increased significantly more than before. Afterf health education, the incidence of SUI, the proportion of moderate and severe symptoms were also significantly lower than before (P ＜0. 001 ). The differences was statistically significant. Conclusions Making health education on women with urinary incontinence and promoting pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and bladder functional training can significantly improve women's awareness of urinary incontinence, reduce the incidence of urinary incontinence, reduce the proportion of moderate and severe symptoms. These measures are important to protect women's reproductive health. Key words: Health education; Urinary incontinence women; Nursing effect; Evaluation