cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systematic dissection of ORMDL3 function in vitro and in vivo

ORMDL3 on human chromosome 17q21 is a major genetic influence for childhood asthma, severe asthma and asthma exacerbations. To understand further the functional roles of ORMDL3, we established both human airway epithelial models and a recombineering-generated murine Ormdl3 knockout model. The influences of ORMDL3 on inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo were investigated. We performed gene silencing using siRNA for two days in airway epithelium cells (A549, Beas2B and NHBE cells) after which cells were stimulated with IL1B. ORMDL3 knockdown-epithelial cells released much less IL6 and IL8 at 10 hours after stimulation ( P ORMDL3 knockdown epithelial cells revealed ORMDL3 to be involved not only in regulating sphingolipid metabolism but also lysophospholipids metabolism and the regulation of glycolysis. Parallel global gene expression profiling of the same cells identified key transcripts involved in regulating the inflammatory response. The lung function of Ormdl3 knockout mice also exhibited a reduced response after Alternaria alternata challenge. Our findings indicate ORMDL3 is a key molecule involved in the regulation of the inflammation response through multiple pathways and is a potential therapeutic target for asthma.
Teaching Social Psychology with Crito

Socrates is visited in his prison cell by his friend Crito, who tries to get Socrates to escape. Socrates responds to Crito with a shocking refusal to escape prison, even though he is able. The bulk of the dialogue consists of Socrates’ reasons for not fleeing. Socrates says the citizen is bound to the Laws like a child is bound to a parent, and so to go against the Laws would be like striking a parent. Students also read the section of the introductory text where they learn about conformity, compliance, and obedience. Class time is spent discussing the meaning of society, weighing how powerful social forces can be upon individuals, and what enables some individuals to resist these forces.
Effect of Salt and Ethanol Addition on Zein–Starch Dough and Bread Quality

Development of viscoelastic doughs from non‐wheat proteins allows for a wider range of gluten‐free products. Little work has been completed to describe mechanisms of zein functionality in food systems. To identify factors responsible for dough development in zein–starch mixtures and their influence on zein bread quality, a mixture of 20% zein–80% maize starch was mixed with water and various reagents. Salts, NaSCN, NaCl, and Na2SO4were evaluated at concentrations from 0 to 2M for their influence on the properties of zein–starch dough systems. NaSCN at low concentrations produced softer dough. Ethanol treatments produced softer more workable dough in the absence of salts. Increasing concentrations of NaCl and Na2SO4resulted in coalescing of the proteins and no dough formation. The addition of β‐ME had minimal softening effects on zein–starch dough. Specific volumes of zein–starch bread increased with decreasing NaCl addition in bread formulations. Likewise, including 5% ethanol (v/v) in the bread formula increased bread quality.
Laser Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Rotating-Lattice Single Crystal

A rotating lattice single (RLS) crystal is a unique form of solid, which was fabricated recently as one-dimensional architecture in glass via solid state transformation induced by laser irradiation. In these objects, the lattice rotates gradually and predictably about an axis that lies in the plane of the crystal and is normal to the laser scanning direction. This paper reports on the fabrication of Sb2S3 two-dimensional (2D) RLS crystals on the surface of 16SbI3–84Sb2S3 glass, as a model example: individual RLS crystal lines are joined together using “stitching” or “rastering” as two successful protocols. The electron back scattered diffraction mapping and scanning Laue X-ray microdiffraction of the 2D RLS crystals show gradual rotation of lattice comprising of two components, one along the length of each line and another normal to this direction. The former component is determined by the rotation of the first line of the 2D pattern, but the relative contribution of the last component depends on the exte...
Health Experts Consider a Post-ACA World

With the election of President Donald Trump, no domestic policy is a bigger target for change than the Affordable Care Act (ACA), former President Obama’s signature health insurance law. His very first executive order, signed within hours of being inaugurated, was aimed at rolling back parts of the ACA. But how, exactly, is the law likely to change, and how will this fundamental policy shift affect the U.S. health care and health insurance systems? Those questions were explored by a panel of health and policy experts at the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 79th policy forum held in Washington, DC, last December, attended by more than one hundred people. The short answer, as the new administration was taking shape: Nobody knows. But whether it’s a “repeal and replace,” as many congressional Republicans have advocated ever since the law was enacted in 2010, or “repeal and delay” or “partial repeal” or “repair” (as some are now suggesting) or just “repeal,” it seems certain that change is on the way. Some observers say there could be seismic effects on the financing and even the structure of health care and health insurance in America -- and consequently on patients and health-care providers -- depending on how quickly and how sweeping those changes are. Some also express the hope that this latest attempt to reconfigure the U.S. health care system will focus on controlling costs, rather than just coverage -- the deliberately limited focus of the ACA. The EBRI forum focused on three key points: Strengths and weaknesses of the current U.S. health system; what panelists foresee happening this year; and what they expect for the future. This paper presents a synopsis of the discussion.
THE EFFECT OF INSURANCE COVERAGE ON PREVENTIVE CARE

Despite the growth in health insurance products that differentially cover preventive care and nonpreventive care, little is known about how preventive care utilization responds to targeted changes in coverage. Using administrative data from a large company, this paper examines the implementation of an insurance benefit design which differentially increased the price of nonpreventive care while decreasing the price of prevention. Leveraging a difference-in-differences research strategy, we find that preventive care utilization did not increase and even declined due to the differential price change. This evidence indicates a meaningful negative cross-price effect, suggesting that nonpreventive care and preventive care are complements. (JEL I13, I11)
Prospective Comparison of Enfamil and Similac Liquid Human Milk Fortifier on Clinical Outcomes in Premature Infants.

Objective To compare growth and metabolic outcomes of premature infants receiving either Enfamil liquid human milk fortifier (ELHMF) or Similac liquid human milk fortifier (SLHMF). Study Design Infants born at ≤31 weeks' gestational age (GA) with birth weights Results In total, 31 preterm infants were recruited (ELHMF = 16; SLHMF = 15) with a mean GA of 27.1 ± 2.1 weeks and birth weight of 993 ± 245 g. The SLHMF group had significantly better weight gain as measured by individual weight z-scores (p = 0.008), better median weight gain velocity (p = 0.014), and less metabolic acidosis (p = 0.016). Overall weight gain was significantly better on mother's own milk in both the fortifier groups. The SLHMF group showed a trend toward higher growth velocity on donor milk compared with ELHMF (p = 0.06). We also observed a higher reticulocyte count (p = 0.003) in the SLHMF group compared with the ELHMF group. Conclusion In premature infants, between the two liquid human milk fortifiers, ELHMF fortifier is associated with relatively less weight gain and more metabolic acidosis.
A comparison of baseline professional attitudes and behaviors among student pharmacists to inform a co-curricular professional engagement program.

Abstract Background Professionalism in pharmacy students is an area of great focus with the release of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Standards 2016. This study assessed and compared student pharmacists’ professionalism at one college of pharmacy to inform the implementation of a co-curricular professional engagement program. Methods Two validated instruments (Behavioral Professionalism Assessment Instrument [BPAI] and Pharmacy Professionalism Instrument [PPI]) were administered to assess baseline professionalism. Kruskall-Wallis tests compared responses among the three pharmacy classes. Analysis was conducted using SPSS. This research was approved by the Mercer University's Institutional Review Board. Results A total of 362 students completed the survey (75% response rate), of which 131 were first-year, 139 were second-year, and 92 were third-year students. There were significant differences in agreement among these classes of students as to whether a program focused on professional engagement was important and helpful (p Discussion At baseline, 12 statements were significantly different in the level of agreement among the three pharmacy classes. Differences may be explained by perceived professionalism (in first-year students) versus actual professional behaviors (second- and third-year students), as well as breadth and depth of experience. A co-curricular professional engagement program could increase student awareness of professionalism and professional behaviors and be tailored to meet assessed student needs.
Qui Tam Troubles, Part III: A Potential Solution

In an extended interview with STATE TAX NOTES, Professor Dennis Ventry endorses tax whistleblower statutes on the state level as a complement to traditional tax enforcement. In particular, he argues that knowledgeable informant insiders can provide unique information to assist state tax agencies in combatting two persistent problems in tax administration, namely the information gap and the tax gap. In addition, Ventry offers simple solutions to potential concerns that whistleblower statutes might result in nuisance suits, undue disclosure of taxpayer information, and a duplicative tax enforcement regime.
Torsional Stresses, Strains, and Rotations

A major part of this chapter is concerned with shearing stresses and angles of twist of circular and hollow circular cylindrical shafts subjected to torques. Mathematically, this is the simplest torsion problem and an important practical one because such sections resist torque efficiently. Principal stresses and strains in shafts are evaluated with the aid of the Mohr’s circle construction. Elements taken from shafts are usually free of stresses on the surface, and the analysis reduces to one of plane stress.
Peak Search Method for the Optical Spectrum Signals

Nowadays, optical fiber sensors were widely used in physics and chemistry. And the processing of the optical spectrum signals was important in the sensing area. In the paper, a simple peak and notch search method was proposed to obtain the wavelengths of peaks and notches in the fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer sensor. The method efficiently reduced the noise of the optical spectrum and detected the wavelengths of peaks and notches, and it could be also extended for other optical spectrum signals.
Neuroimaging of Narcolepsy

Neuroimaging methods provide a means to understand brain function during sleep and in patients with narcolepsy. This chapter summarizes early neuroimaging findings in narcolepsy patients aimed at clarifying the brain mechanisms of this disorder.
Neuroendocrine cell proliferations in lungs explanted for fibrotic interstitial lung disease and emphysema

Summary Using recently proposed pathological criteria, we determined the incidence of neuroendocrine cell proliferation in a series of explants with lung disease. Cases were defined as NECH (≥3 bronchioles with ≥5 endocrine cells), borderline diffuse neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DPNECH) (1–3 tumourlets with or without NECH), and DPNECH (≥3 tumourlets with NECH). Endocrine cells were identified by immunohistochemical staining for synaptophysin. There were 65 explants with interstitial lung disease (57 with non-sarcoid fibrotic lung disease, 8 with sarcoidosis), and 21 with centrilobular emphysema. Over one-third of all explant cases demonstrated histological criteria for NECH. There were three cases of DPNECH in the non-sarcoid fibrotic lung disease group (5%) and 20 cases of NECH (35%). The emphysema group had one case of DPNECH (5%), two cases of borderline DPNECH (10%), and seven cases with NECH (33%). The sarcoidosis group had two cases of DPNECH (25%) and three cases of NECH (38%). NECH is common in interstitial lung disease and emphysema. These results suggest that fibrotic lung disease is a predisposing factor for neuroendocrine cell proliferation, in addition to the known risk of epithelial neoplasms.
Folding and Faulting: The Formation of ‘Himalayan Art’

This essay considers how Himalayan art is defined today, how it got to be demarcated in this manner, and how it has been investigated in the past. My postulations are trifold. First, Himalayan art ...
A Subset of Olfactory Sensory Neurons Express Forkhead Box J1-Driven eGFP

Abstract Forkhead box protein J1 (Foxj1), a member of the forkhead family transcription factors, is a transcriptional regulator of motile ciliogenesis. The nasal respiratory epithelium, but not olfactory epithelium, is lined with FOXJ1-expressing multiciliated epithelial cells with motile cilia. Using a Foxj1-eGFP reporter mouse, we find robust eGFP expression not only in the multi-ciliated cells of the respiratory epithelium, but in a distinctive small subset of olfactory sensory neurons in the olfactory epithelium. These eGFP-positive cells lie at the extreme apical part of the neuronal layer and are most numerous in dorsal-medial regions of olfactory epithelium. Interestingly, we observed a corresponding small number of glomeruli in the olfactory bulb wherein eGFP-labeled axons terminate, suggesting that the population of eGFP+ receptor cells expresses a limited number of olfactory receptors. Similarly, a subset of vomeronasal sensory neurons express eGFP but these distribute throughout the full height of the vomeronasal sensory epithelium. In keeping with this broad distribution of labeled vomeronasal receptor cells, eGFP labeled axons terminate in many glomeruli of the accessory olfactory bulb. These findings suggest that Foxj1-driven eGFP marks a specific population of olfactory and vomeronasal sensory neurons although neither receptor cell population possess motile cilia.
Rectus abdominis muscle transplant for repair of abdominal wall defects required for cancer resections: Case report.

Abstract Background Cancer cells from peritoneal metastases may gain access to tissues of the abdominal wall. If laparotomy or laparoscopy is performed in a patient with peritoneal metastases, the abdominal incision or trochar sites may become seeded by cancer cells. Progression of disease may require resection if cancer at other sites can be controlled. Methods Metastases in an appendectomy incision occurred from peritoneal metastases of an appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma. The clinical features and treatment strategy of this condition in a single patient was studied. Results In this patient, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) was used to eradicate the peritoneal metastases. The cancer isolated within the appendectomy site was resected leaving a large abdominal wall defect. The defect was closed by a rectus abdominis muscle flap dissected from the contralateral side of the abdominal wall. No mesh was required. Conclusions Abdominal wall defects from resection of cancerous masses of the abdominal wall can be closed with a contralateral rectus abdominis muscle transplant in the absence of mesh.
Ibuprofen treatment after the first days of life in preterm neonates with patent ductus arteriosus.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is treated with ibuprofen and it is known that the clearance of ibuprofen increases with postnatal age. We aimed to study whether postnatal age-adjusted ibuprofen dos...
THE EFFECTS OF INDY ON FLY HEALTH

Indy (I’m not dead yet) gene encodes a plasma membrane transporter of Krebs’ cycle intermediates with highest affinity for citrate. Indy is the fly homolog of a mammalian mIndy (SLC13A5), which has the same physiological function. Reduced expression of the Indy gene extends longevity in fruit flies and worms. Genetic and pharmacological INDY reduction affects metabolism in flies, worms, mice, rats and non-human primates by affecting the levels of cytoplasmic citrate. In flies, INDY is predominantly expressed in the midgut, fat body and oenocytes, all tissues with a key role in metabolism. Our first goal was to examine our working hypothesis that INDY reduction in the midgut regulates citrate levels leading to metabolic changes that preserve intestinal stem cell (ISCs) homeostasis and slows aging by modifying Insulin/Insulin-like signaling (IIS). ISC homeostasis is vital for midgut homeostasis and contributes to health and longevity. We found that reduction of Indy preserves ISC homeostasis and intestinal integrity. The IIS is a key nutrient sensing pathway, which regulates growth, metabolism and longevity. Indy reduction is associated with decreased IIS activity. Our second goal was to examine the role of IIS in Indy mediated changes in ISC homeostasis and health. We found that at least some of INDY’s beneficial effects on fly health are mediated by the IIS.
Examining the Present and Looking to the Future of DSS and Intelligent Systems

In many respects, the decision making capability/promise of information technology has gone unfulfilled. In fact, many organizations have not advanced much past spreadsheets when it comes to computerized decision making assistance. This research attempts to examine why this is the case, and looks to the future by asking the questions “What’s the next spreadsheet? Is there a next killer app for intelligent systems/DSS?” Fifty-eight business professionals were surveyed to assist in answering these questions. Results suggest that while the spreadsheet is still by far the most used intelligent system, continuing improvements in the ease of use of information technology are helping to allow some organizations to begin to easily test and use newer DSS technologies. As additional organizations then begin to understand the purpose and usefulness of these newer technologies, their long term impact could be substantial. Statistical results suggest that Knowledge Management and GDSS technologies have the best chance in the near term to equal the impact of spreadsheets. INTRODUCTION Advances in information technology continue at a remarkable pace, yet many questions remain concerning the fulfillment of the promise that technology would dramatically assist humans’ decision making processes (Adam, et al., 1998; Aggarwal and Mirani, 1999; Chari et al., 1998; Courtney, 2001; Sen, 1998; Shim et al., 2002). While operational and transaction processing systems are reaching the point of stability, even commoditization, systems which could be deemed “intelligent” are much more difficult to identify in operating organizations (Carlsson, 1985; Downing and Ringuest, 2002; Kim and Burns, 1998; Lang and Whinston, 1999; Kivijarvi, 1997; McHaney and Douglas, 1997; Shim et al., 2002; Subramanian and Yen, 1997; Vahidov and Elrod, 1999; Zhang and Wang, 1998). Gorry and Morton (1971) first illuminated the promise of decision making assistance in 1971 with the coining of the acronym “DSS”, for “Decision Support System”. Such a system was described as one which would interact with the user to help with decision making, rather than simply store or quickly calculate data. Such an idea was revolutionary at the time, and the advent of the personal computer and the spreadsheet in the early 1980s made the authors seem like brilliant prophets. The PC spreadsheet
The Pleiotropic Role of the KEAP1/NRF2 Pathway in Cancer

The unregulated proliferative capacity of many tumors is dependent on dysfunctional nutrient utilization and ROS (reactive oxygen species) signaling to sustain a deranged metabolic state. Although ...
ASSOCIATION OF ADIPONECTIN WITH RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS AND HEART FAILURE IN OLDER ADULTS: ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK IN COMMUNITIES (ARIC) STUDY

Despite the anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, and insulin sensitivity enhancing properties of adiponectin, clinical studies have found a positive association of adiponectin with heart failure (HF), particularly in older adults. We assessed whether plasma adiponectin was associated with incident
Pointwise Methods to Measure Long-term Visual Field Progression in Glaucoma.

Importance Rates of visual field (VF) progression vary among patients with glaucoma. Knowing the rate of progression of individual patients would allow appropriately aggressive therapy for patients with high rates of visual loss and protect those with low rates from unnecessary therapy. Objective To compare 3 pointwise methods of estimating the rate of VF progression in glaucoma. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective, observational cohort study included 729 eyes of 567 consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who had at least 6 reliable VFs and at least 3 years of follow-up. One hundred seventy-six patients (257 eyes) were treated at a tertiary glaucoma center; in addition, data were collected from 391 participants (472 eyes) in the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study. Data were collected from May 1988 to November 2004 and analyzed from October 2018 to February 2019. Exposures Estimates of VF progression were measured with guided progression analysis (GPA), pointwise linear regression (PLR), and the glaucoma rate index (GRI). A subgroup analysis was performed in a subset of patients with likely VF progression and likely VF stability. Main Outcomes and Measures Proportion of VF series detected as progressing, estimates of false-positive proportions, time to detect progression, and agreement among measures. Results Among the 567 patients included in the analysis, mean (SD) age was 65.6 (9.7) years, 300 (52.9%) were female, and 295 (52.0%) were white. The median baseline mean deviation was −6.7 (interquartile range [IQR], −11.6 to −3.5) dB; the median follow-up time, 8.9 (IQR, 7.3-10.4) years. The proportion of eyes labeled as progressing was 27.7% according to the GPA, 33.5% according to the PLR, and 52.9% according to the GRI; pairwise differences for GRI vs PLR were 20% (95% CI, 17%-23%); for GRI vs GPA, 25% (95% CI, 22%-29%); and for PLR vs GPA, 6% (95% CI, 3%-9%;P 16 years). The hazard ratio of VF progression for GRI vs PLR (reference) was 11.3 (95% CI, 9.2-13.7); for GRI vs GPA (reference), 18.1 (95% CI, 14.5-22.6); and for PLR vs GPA (reference), 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3-1.9;P Conclusions and Relevance These results suggest GRI can detect long-term VF progression in glaucoma earlier than PLR or GPA. Validation with prospective designs may strengthen the generalizability and value of this method.
Biases on Social Media Data: (Keynote Extended Abstract)

Social media data is often used to pulse the opinion of online communities, either by predicting sentiment or stances (e.g., political), to mention just two typical use cases. However, those analysis assume that the data samples really represent the underlying demographics of the overall community, both, in number and characteristics, which in most cases is not true. As a result, extrapolating these results to larger populations usually do not work. This happens because social media data is inherently biased, mainly due to two facts: (1) not all people is equally active in social media platforms and most of them are really passive; and (2) there are demographic biases in gender and age, among other attributes. Hence, the questions of how representative is the data and if is possible to make it representative are of crucial importance. We also discuss related issues such as using public samples of mostly private platforms as well as typical errors in the analysis of such data.
Facilitating culturally sustaining, functional literacy practices in a middle school ESOL reading program: a design-based research study

This paper explores how Culturally Sustaining Systemic Functional Linguistics (CSSFL), a theoretical and pedagogical approach, facilitates emergent bilingual (EB) students’ engagement in explicit, ...
Somatic DNA copy number alterations in non-dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus

The purpose of this study was to analyze non-dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus (NDBE) biopsy tissue and compare the rate of somatic DNA copy number alterations (CNAs) in patients who subsequently progressed to high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) to those patients who did not. A retrospectively collected database of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) patients spanning a 16-year period was queried. Patients who progressed from NDBE to HGD or EAC were identified and compared to patients who did not. Initial biopsy specimens were microdissected and extracted DNA underwent Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) for CNAs. Comparisons between progressors and non-progressors were made with Fisher’s exact and two-sample t tests. Logistic regression assessed factors associated with progression. Of the 2459 patients in the BE database, 36 patients progressed from NDBE to either HGD or EAC. There were eight progressors who had biopsy specimens with adequate DNA for analysis. The progressor and non-progressor cohort had similar demographic information and medical history. The progressor group trended towards being older at diagnosis (72 ± 10 vs. 64 ± 13 years, p = 0.097) and fewer progressors reported reflux symptoms (50 vs. 94.7%, p < 0.001). Progressor specimens had more overall CNAs (75% vs. 33.6%, p = 0.026). On univariable analysis, there was an association between progression and absence of GERD symptoms (OR 16.54 [3.42–80.03], p = 0.001), any CNA (OR 5.10 [1.18–23.30], p = 0.035), and CNA in GATA6 or ERBB2 (OR 6.72 [1.18–38.22], p = 0.032). Patients who progressed from NDBE to HGD or EAC were older at first diagnosis of BE and fewer of the progressors reported symptoms of reflux when compared to non-progressors. Progression was associated with the presence of any CNA and specific CNAs in GATA6 or ERBB2.
Virtual LiDAR: self-driving scenes classification

In this research, we propose the use of end-to-end deep learning simulation approach for assisting the design of LiDAR. The results show that two million points per second rate is optimal for point cloud based intersection classification task. The detection range of up to 100 meters corresponds to optimal classification performance. The 10 degree of upper field of view and 10 degree of lower field of view is sufficient for intersection classification. A linear increase of classification accuracy from 10 to 70 channels is evident. The research bridges the gap of lower level LiDAR simulation and development and self-driving visual tasks and expected to find applications to improve self-driving performance and safety.
Exploration of the Effects of Protective Person–Environment Factors Between Functional Impairments and Stress in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: Mediation and Moderation Analyses:

Functional impairments can lead to stress in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study examined protective person and environment factors (i.e., positive cognitive stress appraisal, core ...
Low-cost and Rapid micro-RNA Assay for Identification of Pancreactic Cancer

Electromagnetic based micro-RNA sensor was developed and applied to analyze pancreatic cancer biomarkers in plasma samples. Results confirmed the previous finding of differential expression levels of micro-RNA between healthy and pancreatic cancer patients.
Chapter 3. War And Peace In Rwanda

This chapter examines the Rwandan war with a view to understanding how these peacemaking efforts failed in such emphatic fashion. It evaluates the unsuccessful attempts by local regional actors to design enduring cease-fires with a view to peace in 1991. The chapter also evaluates internationally sponsored Arusha negotiations of 1992-1993, which, despite concluding with a signed comprehensive peace agreement, ultimately failed to prevent both the genocide and the reengagement of the warring factions. The fate of the Tutsi refugees in Uganda was to play a critical role in the trajectory toward war in Rwanda. From the very beginning, they sought the right to return to their homeland. War-stopping efforts began at some level from the moment of the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) initial invasion in October 1990. Keywords: peace; Rwanda; Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF); Tusti refugees; Uganda; war
Analgesic abuse syndrome: A frequently overlooked cause of reversible renal failure

Abstract The incidence of analgesic nephropathy in the United States is greater than previously reported. Because of the characteristic radiographic features of papillary necrosis, this diagnosis may be made while it is still clinically unsuspected. Early diagnosis is extremely important because cessation of analgesic abuse may avert progressive renal damage. Uncovering the diagnosis calls for special care in obtaining the telltale history. This must be sought in patients with radiographic evidence of papillary necrosis when a history of diabetes mellitus, obstructive uropathy, or sickle cell anemia is absent, or in patients with unexplained nephrocalcinosis or nephrolithiasis.
Using Entropy to Identify Shape and Text in Hand Drawn Diagrams

Most sketch recognition systems are accurate in recognizing either text or shape (graphic) ink strokes, but not both. Distinguishing between shape and text strokes is, therefore, a critical task in recognizing hand drawn digital ink diagrams which commonly contain many text labels and annotations. We have found the ‘entropy rate’ to be an accurate criterion of classification. We found that the entropy rate is significantly higher for text strokes compared to shape strokes and can serve as a distinguishing factor between the two. Using entropy values, our system produced a correct classification rate of 92.06% on test data belonging to diagrammatic domain for which the threshold was trained on. It also performed favorably on data for which no training examples at all were supplied.
The Experience of Grief After Bereavement: A Phenomenological Study With Implications for Mental Health Counseling

Phenomenological methods were used to explore the experience of grief after bereavement. Nine bereaved adults volunteered to participate in open-ended interviews in which they were asked to discuss their experience of grief after the death of a loved one. An analysis of the interviews revealed the following themes in the experience of grief after bereavement: Coping, Affect, Change, Relationship, and Details. Implications for the practice of mental health counseling are discussed.
The Effect of Focused Written Corrective Feedback and Language Aptitude on ESL Learners´ Acquisition of Articles.

This study examines the differential effect of two types of written corrective feedback (CF) and the extent to which language analytic ability mediates the effects of CF on the acquisition of articles by adult intermediate ESL learners of various LI backgrounds (N = 91). Three groups were formed: a direct-only correction group, a direct metalinguistic correction group, and a control group. The study found that both treatment groups performed much better than the control group on the immediate posttests, but the direct metalinguistic group performed better than the direct-only correction group in the delayed posttests. It also found a significantly positive association between students' gains and their aptitude for language analysis. Moreover, language analytic ability was more strongly related to acquisition in the direct metalinguistic group than in the direct-only group. The results showed that written CF targeting a single linguistic feature improved learners' accuracy, especially when metalinguistic feedback was provided and the learners had high language analytic ability. article examines the role of corrective feedback (CF) in L2 acquisition by addressing written CF and the role of one individual difference factor: language analytic ability. In addition, this research is relevant to writing pedagogy, given that such pedagogy aims to improve students' written grammatical accuracy. However, writing is a complex activity, and writing teachers view CF more broadly than second language acquisition (SLA) researchers (i.e., as encompassing correction of content, organization, and mechanics as well as linguistic form). Thus, this article does not intend to present a model for correcting students' writing but rather to investigate one important aspect of the model, linguistic accuracy. Truscott's (1996) review of written CF studies and his controversial conclusion that written CF is ineffective and even harmful in promoting L2 acquisition constituted a challenge to researchers. Subsequently, the CF literature has offered an array of theoretical counterarguments and
A new apoprotein of human plasma very low density lipoproteins.

Abstract A new apoprotein has been isolated from delipidated human very low density lipoproteins by Sepharose 6B chromatography in 6 m guanidine hydrochloride. This water-insoluble protein was noted to be unique to the plasma very low density and chylomicron fractions. This protein was shown to be homogeneous by urea-DEAE-cellulose chromatography, rechromatography in a guanidine-Sepharose system, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and isoelectric focusing. The molecular weight of this apoprotein obtained by guanidine gel filtration, sedimentation equilibrium in guanidine hydrochloride, and by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was 33,000. The amino acid content was significantly different from any previously characterized very low density lipoprotein apoprotein, containing relatively more arginine. By the dansylation and cyanate techniques the NH2-terminal amino acid was found to be lysine. Digestion with carboxypeptidase revealed the COOH-terminal sequence to be -Leu-Ser-Ala-COOH.
A role for the Tec family kinase ITK in regulating SEB-induced interleukin-2 production in vivo via c-jun phosphorylation.

Background Exposure to Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB), a bacterial superantigen secreted by the Gram-positive bacteria Staphyloccocus aureus, results in the expansion and eventual clonal deletion and anergy of Vβ8+ T cells, as well as massive cytokine release, including Interleukin-2 (IL-2). This IL-2 is rapidly secreted following exposure to SEB and may contribute to the symptoms seen following exposure to this bacterial toxin. The Tec family kinase ITK has been shown to be important for the production of IL-2 by T cells stimulated in vitro and may represent a good target for blocking the production of this cytokine in vivo. In order to determine if ITK represents such a target, mice lacking ITK were analyzed for their response to SEB exposure.
Heterotrimeric G protein subunits are located on rat liver endosomes.

Rat liver endosomes contain activated insulin receptors and downstream signal transduction molecules. We undertook these studies to determine whether endosomes also contain heterotrimeric G proteins that may be involved in signal transduction from G protein-coupled receptors. By Western blotting Gsα, Giα1,2, Giα3 and Gβ were enriched in both canalicular (CM) and basolateral (BLM) membranes but also readily detectable on three types of purified rat liver endosomes in the order recycling receptor compartment (RRC) > compartment for uncoupling of receptor and ligand (CURL) > multivesicular bodies (MVB) >> purified secondary lysosomes. Western blotting with antibodies to Na, K-ATPase and to other proteins associated with plasma membranes and intracellular organelles indicated this was not due to contamination of endosome preparations by CM or BLM. Adenylate cyclase (AC) was also identified on purified CM, BLM, RRC, CURL and MVB. Percoll gradient fractionation of liver postnuclear supernatants demonstrated co-occurrence of endosomes and heterotrimeric G protein subunits in fractions with little plasma membrane markers. By confocal microscopy, punctate staining for Gsα, Giα3 and Gβ corresponded to punctate areas of endocytosed Texas red-dextran in hepatocytes from control and cholera toxin-treated livers. We conclude that heterotrimeric G protein subunits as well as AC likely traffic into hepatocytes on endosome membranes, possibly generating downstream signals spatially separate from signalling generated at the plasma membrane, analogous to the role(s) of internalized insulin receptors.
Models of Auroral‐Zone Conductances

The magnetosphere-ionosphere system is strongly coupled, with magnetospheric Birkeland currents feeding ionospheric Pedersen and Hall currents. Central to any computer simulation of this system is a detailed, valid conductivity model. An accurate conductivity model is also vital in order to infer Birkeland currents and electric field patterns from inversions of magnetometer chain data. Several recent attempts at constructing conductivity models are presented and their strengths and weaknesses discussed. Incoherent scatter radar measurements can determine height profiles of electron content, from which Pedersen and Hall conductances may be calculated. These yield excellent spatial and good temporal resolution; however, they are limited in field of view. A global pattern requires either 24 hours of data or a chain of stations. Synoptic empirical models (quantized by indices such as Kp or AE) typically are limited by their large bin size (1 deg invariant latitude x 1 hour MLT), and cannot reproduce arcs. Estimating conductivity globally from Dynamics Explorer auroral images is promising, and can yield reasonable time scales (of about 10 minutes); however, this procedure is still only now being tested.
Initial Public Offering Database: Data Overview

This data set is comprised of all initial public offerings filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from June 1996 through 2006, excluding spin-offs, mutual funds, REITs, and so-called small business IPOs. Download the slides at: http://papers.ssrn.com/paper=1028004 Download the audio file at: http://papers.ssrn.com/paper=1028846
Environmental and economic analysis of using SWAT to simulate the effects of switchgrass production on water quality in an impaired watershed

Abstract Future bioenergy demand will likely result in the conversion of significant amounts of crop and pasture/hay lands in the mid-south of US. The objective of this research is to analyze the effects of the large-scale land use conversion to switchgrass as a bioenergy feedstock on water quality and economic feasibility in Oostanaula Creek watershed in East Tennessee. The soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model was first used to simulate nutrient loadings of current land use in the watershed. Statistical criteria such as Nash–Suttcliffe efficiency (E) and R2 were calculated for model calibration and validation. The calibrated SWAT model was then used to simulate the effect of the land use conversion from the entire current crop and pasture/hay lands to switchgrass production. Results show that the conversion reduces average annual watershed loadings of sediment, nitrate (NO3), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorous (TP) by an estimated 77%, 62%, 34%, and 46%, respectively. Analysis of net present values of ten years of farm profits and cost-effectiveness ratios for abatement of nutrient loadings indicates that the land use conversion is economically feasible.
Proteins with Intrinsically Disordered Domains Are Preferentially Recruited to Polyglutamine Aggregates.

Intracellular protein aggregation is the hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. Aggregates formed by polyglutamine (polyQ)-expanded proteins, such as Huntingtin, adopt amyloid-like structures that are resistant to denaturation. We used a novel purification strategy to isolate aggregates formed by human Huntingtin N-terminal fragments with expanded polyQ tracts from both yeast and mammalian (PC-12) cells. Using mass spectrometry we identified the protein species that are trapped within these polyQ aggregates. We found that proteins with very long intrinsically-disordered (ID) domains (≥100 amino acids) and RNA-binding proteins were disproportionately recruited into aggregates. The removal of the ID domains from selected proteins was sufficient to eliminate their recruitment into polyQ aggregates. We also observed that several neurodegenerative disease-linked proteins were reproducibly trapped within the polyQ aggregates purified from mammalian cells. Many of these proteins have large ID domains and are found in neuronal inclusions in their respective diseases. Our study indicates that neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins are particularly vulnerable to recruitment into polyQ aggregates via their ID domains. Also, the high frequency of ID domains in RNA-binding proteins may explain why RNA-binding proteins are frequently found in pathological inclusions in various neurodegenerative diseases.
Calcium mobilization and Na+/H+ antiport activation by endothelin in human skin fibroblasts

Endothelin (ET-1) has been shown to exert vasoconstrictor activity in vivo and mobilize Ca2+ in vascular smooth muscle cells in culture. In this paper we show that the human skin fibroblast exhibits specific receptors to ET-1 and that activation of these receptors results in increased intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+i) and accelerated Na+/H+ antiport activity. ET-1 raised Ca2+i in a dose-response manner; the peak Ca2+i rise was from basal levels of 112.2 +/- 21.9 to 299.2 +/- 49.7 nM at 300 nM ET-1. This rise was attenuated by removal of extracellular Ca2+i0. Although ET-1 did not alter basal intracellular pH, it enhanced Na+/H+ antiport activity of acidified cells. Fibroblasts demonstrated 156 +/- 18 (mean +/- SE) ET-1 receptors per unit cell and an equilibrium dissociation constant of 203.4 +/- 35.6 pM. Inasmuch as ET-1 plays a role in the metabolism of cells such as the undifferentiated fibroblast, an important action of this peptide may be to act as a growth factor.
Exercise duration to angina at two and twelve hours after timolol

Eight patients who improved their exercise duration to angina or marked fatigue (≥25%) on timolol 10 to 30 mg twice daily over that on placebo 8 to 14 mo previously were subjects in a double-blind, randomized, crossover 4-wk study of the effect of timolol on exercise duration 2 and 12 hr after medication. One patient was discontinued from the study because unstable angina developed on placebo. Mean exercise duration on timolol over control was increased at 12 hr (p < 0.02) and at 2 hr (p < 0.001) after drug. There was an increase in exercise duration ≥25% on timolol over control compared with placebo in three of seven patients (43%) 12 hr after drug and in seven of seven (100%) 2 hr after drug. Timolol 10 to 30 mg twice daily prolongs exercise duration to angina or marked fatigue at 2 hr after drug and in some responders at 12 hr after drug. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1981) 29, 155–159; doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.25
Reduction of Fe(III), Mn(IV), and Toxic Metals at 100°C by Pyrobaculum islandicum

It has recently been noted that a diversity of hyperthermophilic microorganisms have the ability to reduce Fe(III) with hydrogen as the electron donor, but the reduction of Fe(III) or other metals by these organisms has not been previously examined in detail. When Pyrobaculum islandicum was grown at 100°C in a medium with hydrogen as the electron donor and Fe(III)-citrate as the electron acceptor, the increase in cell numbers of P. islandicum per mole of Fe(III) reduced was found to be ca. 10-fold higher than previously reported. Poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxide could also serve as the electron acceptor for growth on hydrogen. The stoichiometry of hydrogen uptake and Fe(III) oxide reduction was consistent with the oxidation of 1 mol of hydrogen resulting in the reduction of 2 mol of Fe(III). The poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxide was reduced to extracellular magnetite. P. islandicum could not effectively reduce the crystalline Fe(III) oxide minerals goethite and hematite. In addition to using hydrogen as an electron donor for Fe(III) reduction, P. islandicum grew via Fe(III) reduction in media in which peptone and yeast extract served as potential electron donors. The closely related species P. aerophilum grew via Fe(III) reduction in a similar complex medium. Cell suspensions of P. islandicum reduced the following metals with hydrogen as the electron donor: U(VI), Tc(VII), Cr(VI), Co(III), and Mn(IV). The reduction of these metals was dependent upon the presence of cells and hydrogen. The metalloids arsenate and selenate were not reduced. U(VI) was reduced to the insoluble U(IV) mineral uraninite, which was extracellular. Tc(VII) was reduced to insoluble Tc(IV) or Tc(V). Cr(VI) was reduced to the less toxic, less soluble Cr(III). Co(III) was reduced to Co(II). Mn(IV) was reduced to Mn(II) with the formation of manganese carbonate. These results demonstrate that biological reduction may contribute to the speciation of metals in hydrothermal environments and could account for such phenomena as magnetite accumulation and the formation of uranium deposits at ca. 100°C. Reduction of toxic metals with hyperthermophilic microorganisms or their enzymes might be applied to the remediation of metal-contaminated waters or waste streams.
Lichens as Nesting Material for Northern Flying Squirrels in the Northern Rocky Mountains

We examined the composition of nest material used by northern flying squirrels ( Glaucomys sabrinus ) occupying artificial nest boxes in central Idaho and western Montana. Nests were constructed almost entirely of arboreal lichens (96% lichen by volume). In both regions, three species of Bryoria dominated nesting material although a total of 15 species of lichens were identified in 159 nest samples from central Idaho. Species of lichens used for nests differed across four types of forest vegetation. Nests in stands of lodgepole pine ( Pinus contortd ) had more Bryoria fremontii and less B. pseudofuscescens than nests in other forest types. The rank-order abundance of lichens used in nests was related to the rank-order abundance of lichens collected from forests at nest sites, although the relationship was not strong. We suggest that lichen nests may function to reduce thermal energy expenditures during winter or act as food caches. The dominant lichen used in nests lacked acids and other secondary compounds found in other arboreal lichens and, thus, may be more palatable to squirrels.
Brief shock therapy—An adjuvant to psychotherapy

1. Electric shock therapy on an out-patient basis offers some important psychotherapeutic advantages. It permits the patient to stay on his job, at his normal social routine, and in contact with his family. It spares him the psychologic trauma of confinement in a mental hospital. It offers opportunities for influencing his environment and changing the environmental attitudes. It opens possibilities for intensive individual psychotherapy on a scale not usually realized within a hospital. 2. The full advantage of out-patient electric shock therapy is obtained when organic mental complications are kept to a minimum by making the course of electric shock as short as possible. 3. Brief shock therapy necessitates careful selection of cases. When it is to be integrated with intensive psychotherapy it should be used primarily when psychotherapy on an out-patient basis has become impossible as a result of the severity of depression. 4. The doctor-patient relationship in psychotherapy, as it is affected by electric shock treatment, is discussed.