cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating the variance of a combined forecast: Bootstrap-based approach

Abstract This paper considers bootstrap inference in model averaging for predictive regressions. We first show that the standard pairwise bootstrap is not valid in the context of model averaging. This common bootstrap approach induces a bias-related term in the bootstrap variance of averaging estimators. We then propose and justify a fixed-design residual-based bootstrap resampling approach for model averaging. In a local asymptotic framework, we show the validity of the bootstrap in estimating the variance of a combined forecast and the asymptotic covariance matrix of a combined parameter vector with fixed weights. Our proposed method preserves non-parametrically the cross-sectional dependence between different models and the time series dependence in the errors simultaneously. The finite sample performance of these methods is assessed via Monte Carlo simulations. We illustrate our approach using an empirical study of the Taylor rule equation with 24 alternative specifications.
Geometry effects in nodal discontinuous Galerkin methods on curved elements that are provably stable

We investigate three effects of the variable geometric terms that arise when approximating linear conservation laws on curved elements with a provably stable skew-symmetric variant of the discontinuous Galerkin spectral element method (DGSEM). We show for a constant coefficient system that the non-constant coefficient problem generated by mapping a curved element to the reference element is stable and has energy bounded by the initial value as long as the discrete metric identities are satisfied. Under those same conditions, the skew-symmetric approximation is also constant state preserving and discretely conservative, just like the original DGSEM.
The phosphorylation state of tau in the developing rat brain is regulated by phosphoprotein phosphatases.

The paired helical filaments (PHFs) in Alzheimer's disease neurofibrillary tangles are composed of PHF-tau which is thought to be hyperphosphorylated because several residues in postmortem samples of PHF-tau and human fetal tau are phosphorylated while the corresponding sites are not phosphorylated in autopsy-derived normal adult human brain tau. To determine how the phosphorylation of these sites is regulated, we isolated tau from rat brains at different embryonic and postnatal ages in the presence of okadaic acid to obtain tau in its most native in situ phosphorylation state. Fetal tau was highly phosphorylated from embryonic day 18 (E18) until postnatal day 11 (P11). Thereafter, the levels of fetal tau diminished as did its phosphorylation state concomitant with the appearance of the five adult tau isoforms. Several phosphorylation-dependent antibodies (i.e. AT270, AT8, AT180, T3P, and PHF1) that recognize PHF-tau also recognized these tau isoforms, albeit at reduced levels in the mature rat brain. This suggests that Thr172, Ser193, Thr222, Ser387, and Ser395 are normal sites of phosphorylation in rat brain tau. The inclusion of OK in the microtubule assembly buffers did not alter the ability of tau to bind microtubules at any age. However, phosphatases were activated and kinases were down-regulated in the rat brain after P12 since adult tau proteins were partially dephosphorylated at and beyond this time in the absence of OK. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and 2B (PP2B) activities in the adult rat brain extracts dephosphorylated tau efficiently, but protein phosphatases in extracts of the P6 rat brain did not have a similar effect. This suggests that the sensitivity of tau to OK after P12 may be regulated by the de novo induction of adult brain phosphatases. Finally, PP2A and/or PP2B in adult rat brain extracts dephosphorylated tau in a site-specific manner. Thus, PP2A and PP2B (or closely related phosphatases) may regulate the phosphorylation state of adult tau isoforms in vivo, and the generation of PHF-tau in the AD brain may result from the abnormal inactivation of similar phosphatases.
The Dynamic Performance of Articulated Highway Vehicles - A Review of the State-of-the-Art

THIS PAPER REVIEWS THE STATE OF THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL TECHNOLOGY RELATIVE TO THE DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE OF ARTICULATED HIGHWAY VEHICLES. THE REVIEW CONTAINS THREE MAJOR SECTIONS CORRESPONDING TO THE TRADITIONAL BREAKDOWN OF VEHICLE PERFORMANCE: DIRECTIONAL PERFORMANCE, BRAKING PERFORMANCE, AND COMBINED DIRECTIONAL AND BRAKING PERFORMANCE. AN ATTEMPT IS MADE TO TAKE A FRANKLY EVALUATIVE POINT OF VIEW AND TO POINT OUT KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND UNANSWERED QUESTIONS, IN ADDITION TO DOCUMENTING PREVIOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PROGRESS. THE PAPER CONCLUDES WITH SOME RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH CONSISTENT WITH THE FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW. /AUTHOR/
An association between decreased cardiopulmonary complications (transfusion-related acute lung injury and transfusion-associated circulatory overload) and implementation of universal leukoreduction of blood transfusions.

Background Cardiopulmonary adverse events after transfusion include acute lung injury (TRALI) and circulatory overload (TACO), which are potentially lethal and incompletely understood.
Abstract 16765: Cyclophilin-D: A Regulator of Mitochondrial Gene Expression

Background: Cyclophilin-D (Cyp-D) is a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase resident in the mitochondrial matrix; and like other cyclophilins it can catalyze conformational changes of proteins. Cyp-D is best known for its role in lowering the threshold for opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. However, a serendipitous observation by us, whereby Cyp-D silencing halted cell proliferation, and reports by others that Cyp-D could interact with nuclear transcription factors that have translocated to mitochondria, prompted us to hypothesize that Cyp-D could interact with native mitochondrial transcription factors (mTFs; TFB1M, TFB2M, and TFAM) and therefore be a key regulator of mitochondrial gene expression. Given that all 13 mitochondrial-encoded proteins are components of respiratory chain complexes, our hypothesis would support a central role of Cyp-D in cellular respiration. Methods and Results: We first analyzed the interaction of Cyp-D with mTFs by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and reverse co-IP after transfection of constructs expressing FLAG-tagged Cyp-D and V5-tagged mTFs in HEK 293T cells, showing specific interactions of Cyp-D with TFB1M and with TFB2M but not with TFAM. We then quantitated by real time qPCR mitochondrial-encoded respiratory chain transcripts in HEK 293T cells at day 8 post-infection with lentiviruses encoding shRNA against Cyp-D, showing striking reductions in transcripts ND1, COX1, and ATP6 (initiated from the heavy strand promoter 2) but not in transcript ND6 (initiated from the light strand promoter). Finally, we measured cellular oxygen consumption, also on post-infection day 8, and found it reduced without improvement after uncoupling of electron transport from ATP synthesis with FCCP, consistent with the aforementioned reductions in mitochondrial transcripts of electron transport complexes. At the same time, mitochondrial mass, expression of nuclear genes, and cell viability were all preserved. Conclusion: In HEK 293 T cells, Cyp-D is required for mitochondrial gene expression modulating transcription possibly through the heavy strand promoter 2 suggesting a novel Cyp-D function as regulator of oxidative phosphorylation and thus of the fundamental process of cellular respiration.
Redirecting State Takeover Laws at Proxy Contests

During the 1980s, many states adopted statutes intended to regulate corporate takeovers. The Supreme Court validated one of these statutes, The Indiana Control Shares Acquisition Statute, in CTS Corp. v. Dynamics Corp., 481 U.S. 69 (1987), against both preemption and commerce clauses challenges. Since CTS, state takeover laws have routinely withstood constitutional scrutiny, even though it is generally acknowledged that, by erecting new barriers to hostile tender offerors, they make tender offers less attractive. At the time this article was published (1992), proxy contests were becoming an increasingly important component of hostile takeover battles. Today, of course, proxy contests and various other forms of shareholder activism have become a common feature of the corporate governance scene.This article considered whether state laws designed to regulate proxy contests would withstand constitutional scrutiny. It surveys whether such laws would be preempted by the federal proxy rules or the Williams Act’s tender offer regulations. It also briefly touches upon the Commerce Clause aspects of any such challenge. The article concludes that state regulation of proxy contests should withstand constitutional challenge.
Pharmacotherapy effects on smoking cessation vary with nicotine metabolism gene (CYP2A6).

Background and aims Evidence suggests that both the nicotinic receptor α5 subunit (CHRNA5) and Cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) genotypes influence smoking cessation success and response to pharmacotherapy. We examine the effect of CYP2A6 genotype on smoking cessation success and response to cessation pharmacotherapy, and combine these effects with those of CHRNA5 genotypes.
Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetic Counseling in an Academic Medical Center: Consultands' Satisfaction, Knowledge, and Behavior in the First Year.

In 1995, we formally established a multifaceted cancer genetics program of clinical services, research, and education at a general academic medical center. In the first year, 58 families, mostly physician referred, received cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling for a family and/or medical history of cancer. The primary reasons for seeking consultation were to determine their risk or their offspring's risk for developing certain cancers and to inquire about the availability of DNA testing for predisposition to breast, ovarian, or colon cancers. To assess the level of satisfaction with program services, 51 consultands (22% with a personal history of cancer) were interviewed independently by telephone 3–12 months after the session. One goal of the survey was to improve program service. Ninety percent of respondents reported that the consultation was worth their time and money. Forty-two percent stated that their anxiety related to their cancer risk had decreased following counseling and 56% indicated no change. Recall of exact numerical risk was poor and one-third could not remember hearing any risk estimate. More respondents would recommend the service to friends (90%) than to family members (75%). Overall, the service was positively received by the majority of patients.
Effects of Hydrophobic Interactions on Dynamics in Aqueous solutions Studied by EPR [1]

The EPR spectra of several aqueous solutions of mixtures of hydrophobic species such as t-butanol or Bu4 NBr with a nitroxide free radical probe 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone-N-oxide have been analyzed in an attempt to learn about the local effects produced by hydrophobic solutes on the water structure and about the dynamics of the interactions among hydrophobic particles in water. Effects characteristic of hydrophobic interactions are identified by comparison of the spectra with those of solutions of the probe in aqueous glycerol at the same viscosity. The probe studied here exhibits several interesting effects which may be associated with its interaction with clusters of hydrophobic species but seems less sensitive to the effects of pair interaction with a single other hydrophobic particle, except perhaps the ion B(C6H5)4−. Es wurden EPR-Spektren einiger wasriger Mischungen hydrophober Stoffe wie t-Butanol oder Bu4NBr mit 2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl-4-piperidon-N-oxid aufgenommen; das Nitroxid als freies Radikal diente dabei als Messonde. Aus den Spektren konnten Informationen uber die lokalen Einflusse der hydrophoben Molekule auf die Struktur des Wassers sowie uber die Dynamik der Wechselwirkung zwischen den hydrophoben Teilchen im Wasser gewonnen werden. Effekte, die fur hydrophobe Wechselwirkungen charakteristisch sind, wurden durch Vergleich der Spektren mit Spektren von Losungen des N-oxids in Wasser-Glycerin-Mischungen bei gleicher Viskositat identifiziert. Das hier untersuchte Radikal zeigt einige interessante Effekte, die mit der Wechselwirkung zwischen Radikal und Clustern des hydrophoben Stoffes zusammenhangen konnten. Dagegen scheint das Radikal die Effekte der Paarwechselwirkung mit einzelnen anderen hydrophoben Teilchen nur mit geringerer Empfindlichkeit anzuzeigen, vom Fall des B(C6H5)4−Ions vielleicht abgesehen.
Stability and Change Self‐Integration for Negative Events: The Role of Listener Responsiveness and Elaboration

Self-integration, critical to identity, is the process of connecting experiences to the self and often occurs as individuals narrate events. Elaboration (Fivush & Nelson, 2006; King & Raspin, 2004; Smyth & Pennebaker, 2008) and listener responsiveness (Pasupathi & Rich, 2005) correlate with better self-integration, but these variables are seldom disentangled. In this set of studies, we examine how individuals construct connections between the self and experience for negative events. In Study 1, 90 friendship pairs discussed a negative event. Stability self-integration, change self-integration, elaboration, and listener responsiveness were assessed independently of the narrative. Elaboration and listener responsiveness contributed independently and positively to change self-integration but were unrelated to stability self-integration. Study 2 manipulated listener responsiveness and added preconversation measures of self-integration. Study 1 results were replicated, except that elaboration failed to achieve significance, and a significant interaction between initial change self-integration and listener responsiveness was found. Implications are discussed.
Al/Al2O3 film growth and laser-induced transformation

Abstract The cermet, Al/Al 2 O 3 deposited on clean Si(1 0 0), was investigated for the mechanism of its transformation induced by laser irradiation. The films were deposited by reactive sputter deposition and, subsequently, irradiated with a single 1064 nm laser pulse in ambient air and 10 −2 Torr vacuum. Characterization included X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Irradiation in vacuum led to re-distribution of components within the first ∼35 nm beneath the surface. Irradiation in air increased the concentration of Al 2 O 3 in the same region. Irradiation increased the RMS surface roughness by a factor of 10 in both environments (from 3.5 to 36 nm). On the other hand, Al films irradiated in air do not oxidize measurably with a single laser pulse. Model calculations indicate that a single laser pulse (∼16 MW cm −2 ) can increase the local temperature of cermet from 300 to 1200 K. We interpret the observed transformations as a result of local heating and, in air, as accompanying thermal oxidation.
Estrogen receptor activation at serine 305 is sufficient to upregulate cyclin D1 in breast cancer cells.

Recent studies have shown that p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) phosphorylates estrogen receptor-α (ERα) at Ser 305 and also promotes its transactivation function. Here, we sought to investigate whether substitution of serine 305 in ER with glutamic acid (ERα-S305E), which mimics the phosphorylation state, would influence the status of ER-target genes. To explore this possibility, we generated clones overexpressing ERα-S305E in ER-negative MDA-MB-231 cells and analyzed the status of ER-regulated genes using a gene array. Results indicated that the expression of ERα-S305E is sufficient to upregulate the expression of a few but not all ER-regulated genes, i.e., cyclin D1 and zinc finger protein 147 (estrogen-responsive finger protein), while there was no significant change in the expression of remaining genes on the array. In addition, we found an increased expression as well as nuclear accumulation of cyclin D1 protein in MDA-MB-231 cells expressing ERα-S305E as compared to the level of cyclin D1 in MDA-MB-231 cells expressing WT-ERα or pcDNA. Furthermore, ERα-S305E, but not mutation of ERα-S305 to alanine, enhanced the cyclin D1 promoter activity. These findings suggest that ERα activation at S305 is sufficient to upregulate the expression of cyclin D1, an ER-regulated gene that is implicated in the progression of breast cancer. Phosphorylation of ERα by Pak1 or its upstream regulators could upregulate the expression of a subset of ER-target genes in a ligand-independent manner and hence, might contribute toward the development of hormone independence in breast cancer cells.
Conditions for sympatric speciation: A diploid model incorporating habitat fidelity and non-habitat assortative mating

Three types of genes have been proposed to promote sympatric speciation: habitat preference genes, assortative mating genes and habitat-based fitness genes. Previous computer models have analysed these genes separately or in pairs. In this paper we describe a multilocus model in which genes of all three types are considered simultaneously. Our computer simulations show that speciation occurs in complete sympatry under a broad range of conditions. The process includes an initial diversification phase during which a slight amount of divergence occurs, a quasi-equilibrium phase of stasis during which little or no detectable divergence occurs and a completion phase during which divergence is dramatic and gene flow between diverging habitat morphs is rapidly eliminated. Habitat preference genes and habitat-specific fitness genes become associated when assortative mating occurs due to habitat preference, but interbreeding between individuals adapted to different habitats occurs unless habitat preference is almost error free. However, ‘nonhabitat assortative mating’, when coupled with habitat preference can eliminate this interbreeding. Even when several loci contribute to the probability of expression of non-habitat assortative mating and the contributions of individual loci are small, gene flow between diverging portions of the population can terminate within less than 1000 generations.
Scope of the Friedel‐Crafts Synthesis and 1H NMR of Phenoxaphosphinic Acids

A meta-methyl substituent on diphenyl ether blocks attack ortho to it in the reaction with phosphorus trichloride and aluminum chloride, allowing the synthesis in acceptable yield of the phenoxaphosphinic acids II–VI. The NMR of the aromatic hydrogens reveals a long-range coupling of 8 Hz between phosphorus and hydrogens at the 4- and 6-positions. Revised rules for predicting methyl chemical shifts of phenoxaphosphinic acids are given.
On the Redefinition of the Second and the Velocity of Light

This summary article resulted from an informal discussion period held during the International Conference on Precision Electromagnetic Measurements, August 14-17, 1962. This session was presided over by Prof. Norman Ramsey of Harvard University. The Radio Standards Laboratory of the National Bureau of Standards in Boulder, Colorado, sponsored the meeting along with the IRE Professional Group on Instrumentation and the AIEE Instrumentation Division. Partial support for the conference came from a grant from the National Science Foundation.
The use of transepithelial models to examine host-pathogen interactions.

Abstract Many pathogens must overcome an epithelial barrier in order to establish an infection. Unsurprisingly, such pathogens have evolved different mechanisms to overcome this obstacle, targeting specific epithelial structures or functions. These include disruption of epithelial barrier function, transcytosing from the apical to the basolateral membrane domain or inducing cell movement such as neutrophil recruitment. When studying these processes in vivo , animal models often fail to mimic the disease observed in humans and present a complex system in which many variables cannot be controlled. Therefore, in vitro transepithelial models that permit the study of a relevant biological surface have been developed, to integrate not only interactions between bacteria and epithelial cells but also, under certain conditions, to integrate a third cell type, such as neutrophils or dendritic cells. Such models are particularly useful for studying the bacteria–host relationship as it would occur in the microenvironment of the human epithelium and have enhanced our understanding of the unique strategies by which pathogenic bacteria exploit host cells to overcome the initial epithelial hurdle.
Dynamic pattern formation in a vesicle-generating microfluidic device.

Spatiotemporal pattern formation occurs in a variety of nonequilibrium physical and chemical systems. Here we show that a microfluidic device designed to produce reverse micelles can generate complex, ordered patterns as it is continuously operated far from thermodynamic equilibrium. Flow in a microfluidic system is usually simple—viscous effects dominate and the low Reynolds number leads to laminar flow. Self-assembly of the vesicles into patterns depends on channel geometry and relative fluid pressures, enabling the production of motifs ranging from monodisperse droplets to helices and ribbons.
A model for short-term control of the bacterioplankton by substrate and grazing

Substrate supply and grazing are the factors with the greatest potential for short-term control of planktonic bacterial density and productivity. A model was developed based on Monod kinetics, where growth rates are limited by food supply in a saturation type equation. In the model, substrate, bacteria, heterotrophic flagellates and zooplankton are state variables linked by trophic transfer and expressed as carbon. The steady state assumption allows calculation of equations indicating the following: (l) bacterial density is determined primarily by the ratio of substrate input to grazing rate; (2) bacterial production is balanced by a combination of losses due to maintenance, death and grazing, and occurs at a rate determined by the rate of substrate input and the growth yield; (3) ambient substrate concentration is directly related to grazing rate.
Effect of particle morphology on flow characteristics of a composite plasma spray powder

The effects of BaF2-CaF2 particle morphology on National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) PS304 feedstock powder flowability were investigated, BaF2-CaF2 eutectic powders were fabricated by comminution (producing an angular morphology) and by gas atomization (producing a spherical morphology). The fluoride powders were added incrementally to the other powder constituents of the NASA PS304 feedstock, (Ni-Cr, Cr2O3, and Ag powders). A linear relationship between flow time and concentration of the BaF2-CaF2 powder was found. The flow of the powder blend with spherical BaF2-CaF2 was better than that with angular BaF2-CaF2. The flowability of the powder blend with angular fluorides decreased linearly with increasing fluoride concentration. However, the flow of the powder blend with spherical fluorides was independent of fluoride concentration. The results suggest that for this material blend, particle morphology plays a significant role in flow behavior, offering potential methods to improve powder flowability and enhance the commercial potential. These findings may be applicable to other difficult-to-flow powders such as cohesive ceramics.
"Collecting an Anecdote": The Role of Narrative in School Consultation

In recent years, an increasing number of studies regarding narrative have appeared in the literature of diverse fields including anthropology, gender studies, history, and developmental psychology. The role of narrative in the practice of consultation, however, has not yet been explored. In this article, the authors make visible how narrative is already at work in their practice as consultants. Through analysis of a case example and a brief exploration of narrative theory, the authors also offer recommendations as to how narrative can be effectively and helpfully used in the practice of consultation.
Incident and persistent vulvovaginal candidiasis among human immunodeficiency virus–infected women: Risk factors and severity

Abstract Objective To examine risk factors for vulvovaginal candidiasis among women with or at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Methods Data were from 856 HIV-infected women and 421 at-risk uninfected women observed semiannually at four study sites from April 1993 through February 1999. At enrollment women were 15–55 years old and had no acquired immunodeficiency syndrome–defining conditions. Three definitions for vulvovaginal candidiasis of differing severity were constructed using data from vaginal Candida culture and Gram stains scored for yeast and three signs on pelvic examination (vulvovaginal edema, erythema, or discharge): 1) culture or Gram stain positivity plus at least one clinical sign, 2) culture or Gram stain positivity plus at least two clinical signs, and 3) visible yeast on Gram stain plus at least one clinical sign. Results The prevalence and cumulative incidence of each definition of vulvovaginal candidiasis were greater among HIV-infected women than among women not infected with HIV (P Conclusion Vulvovaginal candidiasis occurred with higher incidence and greater persistence, but not greater severity, among HIV-infected women.
Facial feminization surgery: current state of the art

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a group of surgical procedures; the objectives of which are to change the features of a male face to that of a female face. This surgery does not aim to rejuvenate the face. FFS is carried out almost exclusively on transsexual women (males who are transitioning into females) and who have gender dysphoria. Some non-transsexual women may undergo some feminizing surgical procedures if they feel that they have male facial characteristics. Most transsexual women will have lived in role for sometime and they often undergo FFS before any other form of gender reassignment surgery as it assists them in passing as a female and integrating into everyday society. Various specific facial surgical procedures are utilized to feminize the face, often involving sculpture and contouring of the facial skeleton. These include correction of the hairline by scalp advance, contouring the forehead, brow lift, rhinoplasty, cheek implants, resection of the buccal fat pads of Bichat, lip lift and lip augmentation with dermis graft, mandible angle reduction and taper, genioplasty and thyroid shave. This article discusses the current state of the art in facial feminization surgery.
KEX2 Influences Candida albicans Proteinase Secretion and Hyphal Formation

Candida albicans possesses at least seven differentially expressed genes that encode virulence-related secretory aspartyl proteinases (Saps). Sap DNA sequences predict post-translational processing at lysine-arginine residues in the preproteins, reminiscent of the maturation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor, where a prepropolypeptide is converted into a biologically active pheromone by Kex2, a subtilisin-like proprotein convertase. To investigate involvement of a C. albicans KEX2 homologue in Sap activation, a genetic selection was performed based on KEX2 function. A kex2 strain of S. cerevisiae was transformed with a C. albicans genomic DNA library and screened for the production of active alpha-factor. Positive clones were assayed for killer toxin activity, another Kex2-dependent phenotype. Plasmids that rescued both defects contained a sequence encoding a protein homologous to S. cerevisiae Kex2. Both alleles of the C. albicans KEX2 were inactivated by successive mutations. Null mutants continued to secrete active Sap2; however, the enzyme was abnormally processed and secreted at reduced levels. Unexpectedly, null mutants were incapable of forming hyphae, instead differentiating into aberrantly shaped cells. The ability to normally process Sap2 and form hyphae was restored upon transformation of null mutants with a KEX2-containing plasmid.
How Far Is Too Far? – A Statistical Approach to Context-contingent Proximity Modeling

Proximity is a fundamental concept in any comprehensive ontology of space (Worboys 2001). The provision of a context-contingent translation mechanism between linguistic proximity measures (e.g. “near”, “far”) and metric distance measures is an important topic in current GIS research. After a discussion of context factors that mediate the relationship between linguistic and metric distance measures, we present a statistical approach, Ordered Logit Regression, to the context-contingent proximity modeling. The approach can predict proximity given the corresponding metric distance and context variables. An empirical case study with human subjects is carried out using this statistical approach. Interpretation and predictive accuracy of the empirical case study are discussed.
Identifying polymer structures for oral drug delivery – A molecular design approach

Abstract A computer aided molecular design (CAMD) approach is proposed for generating molecular structures of polymer candidates which have the potential to be effective polymer carriers in drug delivery. A group contribution method has been used to predict properties such as glass transition temperature ( T g ), expansion coefficient ( α f ) and water absorption ( W ). A mixed integer nonlinear optimization technique is used to successfully generate some novel polymer structures not available in the literature. The generated polymers are ranked according to a desirability curve. A solubility parameter analysis is done to further analyze and filter the generated polymers. The proposed new polymers need to be synthesized and analyzed to make them practical for use in oral drug delivery.
Investigating Essential Characteristics of Scientific Practices in Elementary Science Learning Environments: The Practices of Science Observation Protocol (P‐SOP)

Within the field of science education, there remains little agreement as to the definition and characteristics of classroom inquiry. The emerging emphasis on scientific practices in science education reform discourse is underpinned by a need to better articulate the constituent elements of inquiry-based science. While a small number of observation-based instruments have been developed to characterize science learning environments, few are explicitly aligned with theoretical constructs articulated by the National Research Council and/or have been substantially field-tested. We employ a newly developed instrument, the Practices of Science Observation Protocol (P-SOP), to investigate essential features of inquiry and scientific practices in which early learners engage in elementary classrooms. This research is part of a multiyear professional development program designed to support elementary teachers (K-5) in a large, urban school district to learn to better engage students in scientific practices. Project teachers video-recorded enacted science lessons (n = 124) which were used as data. Findings illustrate both essential features of inquiry and scientific practices observed in elementary classrooms, as well as establish the P-SOP as a valid and reliable observation protocol. These findings have important implications for the design of elementary science learning environments and associated research and development efforts in the field.
An evaluation of cobalt chloride as an O2-sensitive chemoreceptor stimulant in channel catfish.

Abstract The effects of cobalt chloride on heart rate, blood pressure, ventilatory frequency and opercular pressure amplitude in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus were measured to evaluate the potential of cobalt as a histochemical probe to study mechanisms of oxygen chemoreception, as well as assess the general effects of cobalt on the cardioventilatory physiology of fishes. Cobalt, like cyanide, has been previously used to stimulate oxygen chemoreceptors and hypoxic reflexes in mammals but there is little information on the cardioventilatory effects of cobalt on fish. Catfish were exposed to increasing concentrations (1–20 mg/kg) of cobalt in the water (external) or injections into the dorsal aorta (internal) and the cardioventilatory effects recorded. Mean arterial pressure showed a significant, dose-dependent increase in response to cobalt injections. Heart rate increased slowly, but significantly after cobalt injections but the magnitude of change was not dose-dependent. There was a small increase in ventilatory rate but no effect on amplitude. External cobalt had similar effects but the responses were weaker. Although cobalt stimulated some cardioventilatory reflexes the pattern and magnitude of the responses were noticeably different from those of cyanide and hypoxia. The results suggest that the cardioventilatory reflexes stimulated by cobalt were not mediated by O2-sensitive chemoreceptors and that cobalt is not an effective O2 receptor stimulant in fishes.
Evaluation of Variables Influencing the Measurement of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1.

ABSTRACT Objective Our aim was to identify the frequency and possible clinical and analytical factors leading to “falsely” elevated insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients with IGF-1 concentrations above the reference interval. They were selected from a database of patients who had consecutive IGF-1 measurements between the years 2007-2010. Results Out of 2,747 unique patients, 117 (4%) were found to have IGF-1 concentrations above the reference interval that were considered false-positives following a review of the clinical data. There was no relationship between the percentage of increase in IGF-1 and age, sex, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, medication use, gonadal status, baseline growth hormone (GH), or insulinlike growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) concentrations. An abnormal IGF-1 concentration led to performance of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for GH suppression in 21 of 117 patients (18%) and repeat IGF-1 measurements in 52 patients (44%). In 34 of 52 patients (65%) with a median follow-up of 36 months, the subsequent IGF-1 concentration was within the reference interval. Conclusion Discovery of “falsely” elevated IGF-1 concentrations may lead to unnecessary testing and physician visits.Although the cause of the “falsely” elevated IGF-1 concentrations during the study period remains to be elucidated, it appears they are caused by a combination of high biological variability and method-specific assay performance issues. Clinicians should consider retesting patients with potentially spurious IGF-1 elevations after some time interval before embarking on more extensive investigations. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:421-426)
Gold in seawater

Abstract A suite of seawater samples has been analyzed for Au by inductively coupled plasma quadrupole mass spectroscopy (ICPMS). The recently developed method involves preconcentration by anion exchange followed by flow injection-sample introduction into a VG Plasmaquad ICPMS. Profiles in the Atlantic Gulf Stream, Northeast Pacific and Mediterranean are presented. In addition, the first measurements of Au in hydrothermal fluids are reported. The measured concentrations of Au in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific (50–150 fmol/l) are within a factor of 2–3 of recently reported values for Pacific waters [1] and nearly three orders of magnitude less than reported in the literature prior to 1988, indicating contamination problems with the earlier data. In general, Au concentrations for Atlantic and Pacific samples reported here are the same ( ≈ 50 fmol/l) however differences of up to a factor of ≈ 2 between the oceans cannot be ruled out due to large uncertainties associated with the Pacific data. Mediterranean deep waters contain higher concentrations of Au (100–150 fmol/l); this is attributed to proximal aeolian dust and/or riverine sources. Gold is enriched in hydrothermal fluids (10–100's of pmol/l) with respect to ambient seawater. Although the fluxes remain poorly constrained, preliminary budget considerations indicate that rivers and hydrothermal venting are the most significant sources of Au to the oceans.
Constructing Breast Cancer in the News Betty Ford and the Evolution of the Breast Cancer Patient

In this article, the author explores a key moment in breast cancer history—the publicity surrounding Betty Ford's radical mastectomy in 1974—and points to the ways in which the print news coverage of Ford's mastectomy offers an identity, or subject position, for breast cancer patients that is constrained by stereotypical gender roles, particularly the need for breast cancer patients to maintain their femininity. Betty Ford is articulated as an “ideal patient” within a medical success narrative that tells a story of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in a progressive, linear fashion that minimizes the complexity of breast cancer as a disease and the questions surrounding best treatment practices. The aestheticization of breast cancer in the coverage of Betty Ford's mastectomy is one of the primary discursive building blocks of the contemporary subjectivity of the breast cancer survivor.
The Influence of Graduate Advisor Use of Interpersonal Humor on Graduate Students.

The current study is the fourth in a series on various components of advisor-advisee communication. In the latest study, the influence of a variety of communication variables on the graduate advisor–advisee interpersonal relationship is examined. Graduate students' perceptions of their graduate advisors' use of humor as it relates to other communication variables (nonverbal immediacy, social support, mentoring, and relationship satisfaction) were investigated. Results revealed a positive, statistically significant relationship between an advisee's perception of his or her advisor's use of humor and that advisee's perception of the advisor's nonverbal immediacy, social support, and mentoring as well as the relationship satisfaction reported by the advisee. Relative Emphasis: theory, research, practice
Studies and critique of amido black 10B, Coomassie blue R, and fast green FCF as stains for proteins after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Abstract The properties of amido black 10B (C.I. 20470), Coomassie blue R (C.I. 42660), and fast green FCF (C.I. 42053) as protein stains, along with a few comments on Coomassie blue G (C.I. 42655), are presented and dye impurities and their effects on protein-dye binding within gels are discussed. All three dyes produced metachromatic effects with some proteins. Problems encountered with long-term stability and fixation of certain maize seed proteins are reported along with procedures for overcoming them. The low solubility of Coomassie blue R in trichloroacetic acid prevented maximum staining and destaining within a reasonable time, whereas other solvents allowed diffusion of some proteins during staining. Coomassie blue R binds to proteins in much higher amounts than do amido black and fast green, which accounts for its sensitivity in detection of protein bands in gels. Procedures for obtaining maximum contrast with photographs are also outlined.
Expanding Economic Democracy in American Higher Education: A two‐step approach to hiring more teachers from poverty‐ and working‐class backgrounds

American universities are seeking to increase ‘academic staff diversity’ by hiring more females, racial/ethnic minorities, military veterans, and persons with disabilities. Various researchers have presented evidence showing that people of poverty and working‐class origins are significantly underrepresented within the US academic staff. Nevertheless, no college or university includes social class background considerations among its diversity criteria. The first part of this study recommends informal procedures currently employed teachers can use to expand economic democracy in higher education by hiring more academics of humble origins. The second part shows how the consequences of these unofficial efforts can be directed toward making social class background a formal part of every American university's academic staff hiring standards. The discussion also lists anticipated criticisms of this proposal and appropriate responses for each complaint. [P]reserving the status quo without tackling the accumulated...
Perceiving the causes of coarticulatory acoustic variation: Consonant voicing and vowel pitch

Coarticulatory acoustic variation is presumed to be caused by temporally overlapping linguistically significant gestures of the vocal tract. The complex acoustic consequences of such gestures can be hypothesized to specify them without recourse to context-sensitive representations of phonetic segments. When the consequences of separate gestures converge on a common acoustic dimension (e.g., fundamental frequency), perceptual parsing of the acoustic consequences of overlapping spoken gestures, rather than associations of acoustic features, is required to resolve the distinct gestural events. Direct tests of this theory were conducted. These tests revealed mutual influences of (1) fundamental frequency during a vowel on prior consonant perception, and (2) consonant identity on following vowel stress and pitch perception. The results of these converging tests lead to the conclusion that speech perception involves a process in which acoustic information for coarticulated gestures is parsed from the stream of speech.
Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase reduces renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Introduction: Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to organ damage and dysfunction. Nitric oxide production via inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been implicated as a causative factor in the pathogenesis of I/R injury. This study investigates the effects of 1400W, a highly-selective iNOS inhibitor, on renal dysfunction mediated by I/R. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent left renal ischemia (45 minutes) with concurrent right nephrectomy (non-ischemic control kidney). Experimental groups included: ischemia plus 3 hours of reperfusion (I/R3), and ischemia plus 48 hours of reperfusion, administrating 1400W (I/R48+1400W) or saline (I/R48+S) 20 minutes prior to insult. Plasma creatinine, body weight (bw), kidney weight (kw), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa), and creatinine clearance (CrCl) were studied. Immunohistochemistry for iNOS was performed. Results: Renal function was significantly improved in I/R48+1400W (n = 7) versus I/R48+S (n = 6) rats; 1400W decreased creatinine from 1.9 to 1.1 mg/dL (p < 0.05), and increased CrCl from 0.31 to 0.54 mL/min (p < 0.05). There was a two-fold decrease in FENa with 1400W, suggesting marked improvement in tubular function (p < 0.16). Mean bw and non-ischemic kw did not differ among groups; conversely, ischemic kw was higher than non-ischemic kw in both I/R48+1400W and I/R48+S groups (p < 0.05). Localization of iNOS protein showed a focal increase in the vasculature of I/R3 (n = 5) kidneys versus non-ischemic controls. Conclusions: Inhibition of iNOS ameliorates renal I/R injury, as evidenced by significant improvement in creatinine, CrCl, and FENa. Our data supports the hypothesis that iNOS contributes to the pathogenesis of renal I/R injury.
Evaluation of different sperm separation techniques for harvesting equine spermatozoa intended for in vitro culture

Summary Sperm separation techniques have been utilized for enhancing success of in vitro fertilization in humans. Similar techniques were evaluated in an attempt to isolate populations of highly motile equine spermatozoa for research investigating in vitro fertilization and spermatozoal maturation. Spermatozoa were harvested from ejaculates (n = 9) of three stallions. Ejaculates were split to compare the efficacy of Sperm Selec a (sodium hyaluronate), SpermPrep b (sephadex), Perception c (percoll) and swim-up procedures in the recovery and maintenance of a population of highly motile spermatozoa. The recovery of motile and viable spermatozoa was similar (P>.05) among Perception, SpermPrep and swim-up procedures, whereas the Sperm Select procedure yielded a lower (P
Cortical cholinergic denervation is associated with depressive symptoms in Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonian dementia

Aim: To investigate the relationship between ratings of depressive symptoms and in vivo cortical acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in subjects with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and parkinsonian dementia (PDem). Methods: Subjects (with PD, n = 18, including subjects with PDem, n = 6, and normal controls, n = 10) underwent [ 11 C]methyl-4-piperidinyl propionate AChE positron emission tomography imaging and clinical assessment including the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD). Results: Subjects with PD and PDem had higher scores on the CSDD compared with normal controls: 7.3 (5.4) and 2.8 (2.6), respectively (F = 6.9, p = 0.01). Pooled analysis demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between cortical AChE activity and CSDD scores: R = −0.5, p = 0.007. This correlation remained significant after controlling for Mini-Mental State Examination scores. Conclusion: Depressive symptomatology is associated with cortical cholinergic denervation in PD that tends to be more prominent when dementia is present.
Tradeoff Between Contrail Reduction and Emissions in United States National Airspace

This paper describes a class of strategies for reducing persistent contrail formation with the capability of trading o between contrails and aircraft induced emissions. The concept of contrail frequency index is dened and used to quantify the contrail activities. The contrail reduction strategies reduce the contrail frequency index by altering aircraft’s cruising altitude with consideration to extra emissions. The strategies use a user-dened factor to trade o between contrail reduction and extra emissions. The analysis shows that contrails can be reduced with extra emissions and without adding congestion to airspace. For a day with high contrail activities, the results show that the maximal contrail reduction strategy can achieve a contrail reduction of 88%. When a trade-o factor is used, the strategy can achieve less contrail reduction while emitting less emissions compared to the maximal contrail reduction strategy. The user-dened trade-o factor provides a exible way to trade o between contrail reduction and extra emissions. Better understanding of the trade-os between contrails and emissions and their impact on the climate need to be developed to fully utilize this class of contrail reduction strategies. The strategies provide a starting point for developing operational policies to reduce the impact of aviation on climate.
Robust frontal view search using multi-camera constrained Isomap

Many 2D face processing algorithms can perform better using frontal or near frontal face. In this paper, we present a robust frontal view search method, and apply it to a scene where a rotating head is simultaneously captured by multiple cameras. Our method is based on manifold embedding using Isomap, with the assumption that with head pose being the only variable, the face images should lie in a smooth and low dimensional manifold. We constrain Isomap by (1) a spatio-temporal constraint which improves the neighborhood graph of Isomap to make the manifold retain smooth and low-dimensional under uncontrolled conditions; (2) a multi-camera constraint which reflects the relative pose of multiple simultaneous video streams to adjust the graph distance of manifold in iteration. Using the constrained Isomap, the frontal view is in the vertex of the parabola-shaped manifold in 2D embedding. The experiments show that the results have high reliability.