cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spine Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Metastatic Pheochromocytoma.

Purpose: Despite aggressive primary treatment, up to 13.5% of patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma may develop metastases, most often affecting the axial skeleton. Given that systemic therapy options are often inadequate, local therapy remains the cornerstone of palliation for these patients. Historically poor responses to standard fractionated radiotherapy have led to the consideration of stereotactic radiosurgery as an option to overcome potential radioresistance and provide durable local control of these tumors. Here we report our institutional experience in treating spine metastases from pheochromocytoma with spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS). Methods and materials: Our clinical databases were retrospectively reviewed for patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma treated with SSRS from 2000-2017. Seven patients with 16 treated metastatic spinal lesions were identified. Local control was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pain and symptom data were assessed to evaluate toxicity using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.03. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess local control and overall survival (OS). Results: Median follow-up for treated lesions was 11 months (range 2.2 - 70.8). Most lesions were treated to a dose of 27 Gy in three fractions (62.5%). Other fractionation schemes included 24 Gy in one fraction (25%), 16 Gy in one fraction (6.3%), and 18 Gy in three fractions (6.3%). Treatment sites included the cervical spine (18.8%), thoracic spine (37.5%), lumbar spine (31.3%), and sacrum (12.5%). The crude local control rate was 93.7%, with one thoracic spine lesion progressing 20.7 months after treatment with 24 Gy in one fraction. Kaplan-Meier OS rates at 1 and 2 years after SSRS were 71.4% and 42.9%, respectively. Most common toxicities included acute grade 1-2 pain and fatigue. There was one case of vertebral fracture in a cervical spine lesion treated to 27 Gy in three fractions, which was managed non-surgically. Conclusion: Very few studies have explored the use of SSRS in metastatic pheochromocytoma. Our data suggest this modern radiation modality is effective, safe, and provides durable local control to palliate symptoms and potentially limit further metastatic seeding. Larger patient numbers and longer follow-up will further define the role of SSRS as a treatment option in these patients.
Extension-Aware Automated Testing Based on Imperative Predicates

Bounded exhaustive testing (BET) techniques have been shown to be effective for detecting faults in software. BET techniques based on imperative predicates, enumerate all test inputs up to the given bounds such that each test input satisfies the properties encoded by the predicate. The search space is bounded by the user, who specifies the number of objects of each type and the list of values for each field of each type. To optimize the search, existing techniques detect isomorphic instances and record accessed fields during the execution of a predicate. However, these optimizations are extension-unaware, i.e., they do not speed up the search when the predicate is modified, say due to a fix or additional properties. We present a technique, named iGen, that speeds up test generation when imperative predicates are extended. iGen memoizes intermediate results of a test generation and reuses the results in a future search – even when the new search space differs from the old space. We integrated our technique in two BET tools (one for Java and one for Python) and evaluated these implementations with several data structure pairs, including two pairs from the Standard Java Library. Our results show that iGen speeds up test generation by up to 46.59x for the Java tool and up to 49.47x for the Python tool. Additionally, we show that the speedup obtained by iGen increases for larger test instances.
Knowledge-Based Engineering

The first computer-aided engineering systems were actually automated drafting systems used for generating design drawings. Later, computer-aided manufacturing systems automated the generation of numerical-control output for machine tools. Increased quality, shorter development cycle times, and lower costs are crucial to ensure manufacturability and to bring products to market sooner. These CAD/CAM systems did not address the area with the greatest potential for reducing development time and costs—which is design (Potter, 1989).
Foreword for international conference on the organic chemistry of sulfur, ISOCS-28

I am pleased to present a collection of accepted papers from ISOCS-28 that represent an array of oral and plenary talks at the conference held in Tokyo, Japan from 26th – 31st August 2018. They wer...
What Does Richard Posner Know About How Judges Think? (Book Review)

Richard Posner may be America’s most celebrated living judge, and although he does not sit on our highest court, his career marks an unmatched fusion of judicial leadership and prolific scholarship. Given such renown and experience, Posner’s book How Judges Think cannot escape high expectations. Indeed, Posner cites his credentials in offering to “part[] the curtains” and reveal truths about judging that he thinks have been overlooked by bookshelves of prior commentary.For professors, practitioners, students, and even other judges, Posner’s lure may seem irresistible — after all, who wouldn’t like to know how judges think? Yet the book does not match its promise. Posner offers no descriptive anecdotes about his colleagues or himself, and he proffers only meager evidence about judges’ behavior in the aggregate. Instead, Posner’s arguments are conceptual or theoretical, and thus the book describes primarily “how Posner thinks” and “how Posner thinks judges should think.”This Review criticizes several of Posner’s substantive points, but my main argument is that his book is methodologically incomplete. Just like the theorists he condemns, Posner discounts judicial history as a determinant of judicial role. Judicial behavior is heavily influenced by historical traditions, as is law itself. By neglecting the foundational links between history and judicial conduct, Posner cannot answer the questions posed by his book’s title, and this offers a cautionary tale for the rest of us who study judicial behavior.
Comparison of Poly-A + Selection and rRNA Depletion in Detection of lncRNA in Two Equine Tissues Using RNA-seq

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are untranslated regulatory transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that can play a role in transcriptional, post-translational, and epigenetic regulation. Traditionally, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) libraries have been created by isolating transcriptomic RNA via poly-A+ selection. In the past 10 years, methods to perform ribosomal RNA (rRNA) depletion of total RNA have been developed as an alternative, aiming for better coverage of whole transcriptomic RNA, both polyadenylated and non-polyadenylated transcripts. The purpose of this study was to determine which library preparation method is optimal for lncRNA investigations in the horse. Using liver and cerebral parietal lobe tissues from two healthy Thoroughbred mares, RNA-seq libraries were prepared using standard poly-A+ selection and rRNA-depletion methods. Averaging the two biologic replicates, poly-A+ selection yielded 327 and 773 more unique lncRNA transcripts for liver and parietal lobe, respectively. More lncRNA were found to be unique to poly-A+ selected libraries, and rRNA-depletion identified small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) to have a higher relative expression than in the poly-A+ selected libraries. Overall, poly-A+ selection provides a more thorough identification of total lncRNA in equine tissues while rRNA-depletion may allow for easier detection of snoRNAs.
Capability Traps and Self-Confirming Attribution Errors in the Dynamics of Process Improvement:

To better understand the factors that support or inhibit internally focused change, we conducted an inductive study of one firm's attempt to improve two of its core business processes. Our data sug...
Single-Port Robotic Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Bowel Diversion: Initial Experience and Review of Surgical Outcomes.

Introduction & Objective: Scant literature is available on surgical outcomes of radical cystectomies on the new single-port (SP) system. This study compares short term outcomes in patients undergoi...
Fractionating a COVID-19 Ad5-vectored vaccine improves virus-specific immunity.

SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic that has infected more than 230 million people worldwide. Although several vaccine candidates have received emergency use authorization (EUA), there is still...
Hamel’s Formalism and Variational Integrators

Hamel’s formalism is a representation of Lagrangian mechanics obtained by measuring the velocity components relative to a frame that generically is not induced by configuration coordinates. The use of this formalism often leads to a simpler representation of dynamics. Utilizing the variational discretization approach, this paper develops a discrete Hamel’s formalism with applications to nonholonomic integrators.
Purification of Viruses

Each virus poses an individual purification problem that is related to the properties of the virus, the nature of the host, and the culture conditions. Consequently, it is not possible to outline a purification procedure that will work with equal effectiveness for all viruses. Nevertheless, it is possible to describe a few methods and their underlying principles that have led to purified preparations of some viruses, and, hence, that are potentially useful, separately or in combination, for the purification of other viruses. Attention is directed here to comprehensive reviews on the purification of plant and animal viruses (Steere 1959; Sharp 1953; Maramorosch and Koprowski 1967; Habel and Salzman 1969; Kado and Agrawal 1972).
Laparoscopic vs. laparotomic ovarian cystectomy in reproductive age women: an economic evaluation

Objective This study was carried out to assess both the efficacy and the economic advantages of two different surgical techniques in the treatment of ovarian cysts in women of reproductive age. Design A prospective randomized clinical study. Setting Endocrinological Gynaecology Department of the Catholic University of S. Cuore, Rome. Subjects These were 68 women of reproductive age (16–39 years) who were hospitalized for ovarian cysts which had persisted for at least 3 months, or who were noted to have an increase in ovarian volume detected by consecutive ultrasound investigations. Interventions Of these patients, 34 received laparotomic treatment using a Pfannewstiel incision and traditional techniques. The other 34 patients underwent a laparoscopic stripping of the capsule of the cyst with no sutures on the ovary. Results The two techniques showed similar levels of safety and efficacy. The comparison of direct and indirect costs for the two procedures showed an average total cost of $4940 for laparotomic surgery and $3543 for laparoscopy. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that ovarian cysts can be as well treated using laparoscopic access as with laparotomy, but with an average cost reduction of 28% for the former.
Composite Endpoints in Clinical Trials

The primary analysis plays a key role in clinical trials to determine efficacy. By providing a single P-value, the primary analysis provides the basis for controlling the overall type I error rate. However, it is often desirable to consider multiple important patient outcomes in the primary analysis in order to use the most comprehensive and most clinically meaningful assessment of the patient. These properties also tend to increase the power of the resulting statistical tests. Composite endpoints are an effective way of combining the information from multiple endpoints when identification of a single primary outcome is not possible. We discuss a variety of ways for forming such composites. The ideal is an existing composite that has been extensively studied, validated, and used in clinical practice, and where a meaningful effect size has been identified. Statistical alternatives that may be useful when such an existing composite is not available include a rank sum approach and least squares methods and other methods described in global assessment variables. Keywords: Composite endpoints; primary endpoint; primary analysis; Bonferroni; multiple testing
Advanced age protects microvascular endothelium from aberrant Ca2+ influx and cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide

KEY POINTS Calcium signalling in endothelial cells of resistance arteries is integral to blood flow regulation. Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction can prevail during advanced age and we questioned how calcium signalling may be affected. Intact endothelium was freshly isolated from superior epigastric arteries of Young (∼4 months) and Old (∼24 months) male C57BL/6 mice. Under resting conditions, with no difference in intracellular calcium levels, hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) availability was ∼1/3 greater in endothelium of Old mice while vascular catalase activity was reduced by nearly half. Compared to Old, imposing oxidative stress (200 μm H2 O2 ) for 20 min increased intracellular calcium to 4-fold greater levels in endothelium of Young in conjunction with twice the calcium influx. Prolonged (60 min) exposure to H2 O2 induced 7-fold greater cell death in endothelium of Young. Microvascular adaptation to advanced age may protect endothelial cells during elevated oxidative stress to preserve functional viability of the intima. ABSTRACT Endothelial cell Ca(2+) signalling is integral to blood flow control in the resistance vasculature yet little is known of how its regulation may be affected by advancing age. We tested the hypothesis that advanced age protects microvascular endothelium by attenuating aberrant Ca(2+) signalling during oxidative stress. Intact endothelial tubes (width, ∼60 μm; length, ∼1000 μm) were isolated from superior epigastric arteries of Young (3-4 months) and Old (24-26 months) male C57BL/6 mice and loaded with Fura-2 dye to monitor [Ca(2+) ]i . At rest there was no difference in [Ca(2+) ]i between age groups. Compared to Young, the [Ca(2+) ]i response to maximal stimulation with acetylcholine (3 μm, 2 min) was ∼25% greater in Old, confirming signalling integrity with advanced age. Basal H2 O2 availability was ∼33% greater in Old while vascular catalase activity was reduced by half. Transient exposure to elevated H2 O2 (200 μm, 20 min) progressively increased [Ca(2+) ]i to ∼4-fold greater levels in endothelium of Young versus Old. With no difference between age groups at rest, Mn(2+) quench of Fura-2 fluorescence revealed 2-fold greater Ca(2+) influx in Young during elevated H2 O2 ; this effect was attenuated by ∼75% using ruthenium red (5 μm) as a broad-spectrum inhibitor of transient receptor potential channels. Prolonged exposure to H2 O2 (200 μm, 60 min) induced ∼7-fold greater cell death in endothelium of Young versus Old. Thus, microvascular endothelium can adapt to advanced age by reducing Ca(2+) influx during elevated oxidative stress. Protection from cell death during oxidative stress will sustain endothelial integrity during ageing.
Empirical Exploration of Complexity in Human Systems : Data Collection a Interpretation techniques

Empirical Exploration of Complexity in Human Systems : Data Collection & Interpretation techniques
Incinerator Residues as Aggregates in Asphaltic Concrete Wearing Mixes

The object of this work was to investigate the use of incinerator residue as an aggregate replacement material in a bituminous concrete wearing course. Five types of incinerator residue were investigated in the laboratoryin the production of asphaltic concrete specimens. The residues ranged from a poorly burned material to a well-burned material. Some experimentation was performed using a 100 percent substitution; however, this did not produce acceptable asphalt concrete. The reported work used a 50 percent substitution rate with conventional Pennsylvania limestone. All mixes were designed to conform to the Pennsylvania ID-2 wearing course gradation and were laboratory tested using the Marshall method of mix design. Satisfactory laboratory mixes were identified for the well-burned incinerator residue. After completion of the laboratory research and design, three experimental pavements were designed, constructed, and monitored.
Analytic models and comparative study of the latency and steady-state throughput of TCP Tahoe, Reno and SACK

In this paper we present analytic models to estimate the latency and steady-state throughput of TCP Tahoe, Reno and SACK and validate our models using both simulations and TCP traces collected from the Internet. We also conduct a study comparing the performance of these versions of TCP under different loss scenarios. In addition to being the first models for the latency of finite Tahoe and SACK flows, our model for the latency of TCP Reno gives a more accurate estimation of the transfer times than existing models. Our models show that under the losses introduced by the droptail queues which dominate most routers in the Internet, current implementations of SACK fail to provide adequate protection against timeouts and a loss of roughly more than half the packets in a round will lead to timeouts. We also show that with independent losses, SACK performs better than Tahoe and Reno and as losses become correlated, Tahoe can outperform both Reno and SACK.
Ear acupuncture for migraine

Allais G, Romoli M, Rolando S, Airola G, Castagnoli Gabellari I, Allais R, Benedetto C. Ear acupuncture in the treatment of migraine attacks: a randomized trial on the efficacy of appropriate versus inappropriate acupoints. Neurol Sci 2011; 32: S173–S5.
Estimation of sensitivity level of personal interview survey questions

In this paper, an optional randomized response model is proposed. The estimator of the mean of the stigmatized variable based on the optional randomized response sampling is shown to be more efficient than the usual estimator of the mean based on randomized response technique method. In addition to estimating population mean and variance, it has been shown that the optional randomized response technique is useful in quantifying the sensitivity levels of the questions in the personal interview surveys. An estimator for the sensitivity level of a question is proposed and an empirical study is carried out to show the validity of the proposed estimation technique. We also propose a test for the sensitivity level of the stigmatized variable.
Antiplasmodial activity of ineupatorolides A from Carpesium rosulatum

Samples of Carpesium genus used as traditional remedies for the treatment of parasite infections were collected, and methanol extracts were obtained by sonication. The ethylacetate-, n-butanol- and H2O-soluble fractions exhibited weak antiplasmodial activity (IC50 > 100 μg/ml; IC50, 50% inhibitory concentration). However, the chloroform fraction exhibited more impressive antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 8.2 μg/ml). The antiplasmodial activity of the chloroform fractions was evaluated in vitro against the chloroquine-resistant D10 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Bioactivity-guided isolation of the chloroform fractions of the whole plants of Carpesium rosulatum has led to the isolation of a sesquiterpene lactone, ineupatorolides A, displaying high antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 0.007 μg/ml). This is the first report of the isolation of ineupatorolides A from this species and of its remarkable antiplasmodial activity.
Air quality impacts of a scheduled 36-h closure of a major highway

Elevated concentrations of ultrafine particles (UFPs, <0.1 μm) are commonly found near roadways. On the July 16–17, 2011 weekend, a section of a major Los Angeles freeway, the I-405, was closed for 36 h. We measured UFPs and other pollutants at two fixed locations, one upwind and one downwind, and at various distances from I-405 using a mobile measurement platform (MMP) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays before, during, and after closure. On the closure Saturday on July 16, I-405 traffic flow was reduced by ∼90% relative to non-closure Saturday observations. Downwind of I-405, fixed-site measurements showed the following reductions: 83% of particle number concentration (PNC), 36% of PM2.5, and 62% of black carbon. Fixed-site measurements showed daily average UFP size distributions were bimodal for non-closure conditions (nucleation modes ∼20 nm, accumulation modes ∼60 nm), but only showed an accumulation mode ∼50 nm during closure. Spatial measurements from the MMP confirmed no nucleation mode was detected at any location 0–300 m downwind during closure. In 2011, non-closure particle emission factors were 5.0, 2.7, and 3.4 × 1013 particles vehicle−1 km−1 for Friday through Sunday respectively. After accounting for instrumental and traffic flow differences, weekday PNC in 2011 was 60% lower than 2001 at the same study location. During the closure event, regional freeway traffic was reduced compared to four selected control Saturdays. Eight stationary monitoring stations throughout the South Coast Air Basin showed PM2.5 was reduced between 18 and 36% relative to the same control days. The outcome of this natural experiment during the I-405 closure confirms that substantial traffic reduction can improve local and regional air quality in sprawled urban regions such as Los Angeles, CA.
How to use your business lawyer

Abstract An egective lawyer-client relationship requires a capable client as well as a competent lawyer. The relationship best develops through numerous interactions over a period of time. Confusion and dissatisfaction result when the client fails to appreciate that lawyers in their practice play multiple and potentially conflicting roles. For instance, a lawyer may simultaneously act as an arbitrator and a detective in the roles of advocate and investigator. Some of these roles are discussed, and suggestions are made for the selection of an appropriate lawyer. Five criteria for a capable client are proposed: the client makes timely requests for legal advice; he discloses all pertinent facts to counsel; he has some understanding of the legal process and the law pertinent to his business; he has a general understanding of the appropriate role of the lawyer; and he demands high quality legal service.
Combined experimental and mathematical approach for development of microfabrication-based cancer migration assay.

Migration of cancer cells is a key determinant of metastasis, which is correlated with poor prognosis in patients. Evidence shows that cancer cell motility is regulated by stromal cell interactions. To quantify the role of homotypic and heterotypic cell–cell interaction in migration, a two-dimensional migration assay has been developed by microfabrication techniques. Two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453, were used to develop micropatterns of cancer cells (cell islands) that revealed distinct migration profiles in this assay. Although the individual migration rates of these cells showed only a sevenfold difference, MDA-MB-453 islands migrated significantly lower than MDA-MB-231 islands, indicating differential regulation of migration in isolated cells vs. islands. Island size had the greatest impact on migration, primarily for MDA-MB-231 cells. Migration of MDA-MB-231 islands was decreased by interaction with homotypic cells, and significantly more by heterotypic non-cancer-associated fibroblasts. In addition, a mathematical model of island migration in multi-cellular population has been developed using Stefan–Maxwell’s equation. The model showed qualitative agreement with experimental results and predicted a biphasic relation between cell densities and island sizes. The combined experimental and mathematical model can be used to quantitatively study the impact of cell–cell interactions on migration.
Iron speciation in intestinal contents of rats fed meals composed of meat and nonmeat sources of protein and fat

Abstract Our objective was to test the hypothesis that interactions of iron with protein and fat digestion products are responsible for the iron-absorption-enhancing properties of meat. Rats were fed meals labeled with 59 FeCl 3 and 14 C-oleic acid, formulated from various combinations of protein and fat sources (lean beef, skim milk or egg white; tallow, butter or vegetable shortening). After 30 min, iron absorption was determined, and stomach and intestinal contents were collected and fractionated by gel filtration chromatography. Iron absorption was highest from the beef + tallow and beef + shortening meals. Different protein sources produced different Chromatographic profiles of peptides in the intestinal lumen. Soluble iron in intestinal contents was associated with peptides, but not with amino acids, fatty acids or bile salt micelles. Results suggest that specific peptides produced during protein digestion may be one factor influencing iron bioavailability.
THE PECULIAR COLLAGENS OF MUSSEL BYSSUS

The byssal collagens of marine mussels are extracorporeal collagens that function in byssal threads under tension. Each byssal thread resembles a shock absorber in its mechanical design: it is strong and stiff at one end and pliably elastic at the other. Primary structures of three of these collagens (preCols), deduced from cDNAs, reveal signal peptide sequences, but no N-glycosylation sites or propeptides typical of procollagens. The collagen domain (40-50 kDa) represents roughly half the mass of the mature molecules and is distinguished by its central location, abundant Gly-Gly-X repeats, and "flaws" (usually Gly deletions). Flanking the collagen domains on both sides are structural domains that resemble elastin in preCol-P, spider drag-line silk in preCol-D, and Gly-rich cell wall proteins in preCol-NG. Not surprisingly, studies of preCol distribution in byssal threads suggest preCol-P enhancement in the elastic proximal portion, while preCol-D predominates in the stiffer distal portion. PreCol-NG, in contrast, is evenly distributed. Although no data are yet available on the fibrillogenesis and cross-linking of the preCols, the quarter-stagger assembly of fibrillar interstitial collagens does not pertain since preCols lack the terminal peptides of tropocollagen. Metal-binding by histidines may mediate the initial inter- and intramolecular stabilization of preCols in the byssus.
The San Fernando Observatory Video Spectra-Spectroheliograph

We describe recent work in the development of the San Fernando Observatory (SFO) Video Spectra-Spectroheliograph (VSSHG), a spectrum-based instrument for the measurement of the solar Stokes profiles. Its most important features are: simultaneous measurement of Stokes I plus one of Stokes Q, U, or V; spatial sampling of 0.5 arc sec; spectral sampling of 8.8 mA; and time sampling of one minute (for one pair of Stokes profile) to three minutes (for all four profiles). Routine data processing is carried out using a moments technique; tests of this technique show it to be reasonably accurate. Sample data are shown and briefly discussed: a longitudinal magnetogram and Dopplergram of NOAA 5573 observed on 17 August, 1989, and a vector magnetic field map and Dopplergram of NOAA 6659 observed on 10 June, 1991.
Estimation of nonlinear mechanical properties of vascular tissues via elastography

A new method is proposed for estimation of nonlinear elastic properties of soft tissues. The proposed approach involves a combination of nonlinear finite element methods with a genetic algorithm for estimating tissue stiffness profile. A multipoint scheme is introduced that satisfies the uniqueness condition, improves the estimation performance, and reduces the sensitivity to image noise. The utility of the proposed techniques is demonstrated using optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. The approach is, however, applicable to other imaging systems and modalities, as well, provided a reliable image registration scheme. The proposed algorithm is applied to realistic (2D) and idealized (3D) arterial plaque models, and proves promising for the estimation of intra-plaque distribution of nonlinear material properties.
A Matter of Vocabulary II: Low-Income African American Children’s Performance on the Expressive Vocabulary Test

The Expressive Vocabulary Test (EVT) has recently been found culturally fair for an economically mixed sample of African American children, and others have argued that it is fairer for such participants than the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test— III (PPVT-III). In this study, the authors sought to replicate these findings with an exclusively low-income group in the southeastern United States and to analyze errors. An African American graduate student administered the EVT and the PPVT-III to 53 African American children ages 5 years 4 months to 12 years 3 months (kindergarten through fourth grade) receiving free lunch. Contrary to prior research, children performed significantly below the norm on both the EVT and the PPVT-III. Neither test seemed easier. An item analysis of 785 errors revealed that approximately 75% were strong associates of target words and/or accurate descriptions of EVT pictures. African American children from low-income backgrounds appear to interpret EVT instructions differently from t...
ELECTROPHORETIC SEPARATION AND PROPORTIONAL DETERMINATION OF UROBILINS.

Abstract A method for the separation and proportional determination of d -, l - and I urobilins by electrophoresis on Whatman No. I paper is proposed. The separation is obtained with pyridine-acetate buffer of pH 6.1 at 14 V/cm during 3 h. In this method tetrahydromesobilene and mesobilene migrate to the anode, while d -urobilin migrates to the cathode.
Is the Effect of Competition on Price Dispersion Non-Monotonic? Evidence from the U.S. Airline Industry

We investigate the effect of competition on price dispersion in the airline industry. Using panel data from 1993 to 2008, we find a non-monotonic effect of competition on price dispersion. An increase in competition is associated with greater price dispersion in concentrated markets but is associated with less price dispersion in competitive markets (i.e. an inverse-U relationship). Our empirical findings are consistent with an oligopolistic second-degree price discrimination model and encompass contradictory findings in the literature.
Detection of glycoproteins separated by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using the periodic acid-Schiff stain

We observed that published methods for staining glycoproteins in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels did not stain glycoproteins separated by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Therefore, the periodic acid-Schiff stain for glycoprotein was adapted for use with proteins analyzed by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Following nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis proteins were denatured in situ by incubation with aqueous 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate, 5% 2-mercaptoethanol, 40% ethanol, and 5% acetic acid at 90 degrees C for 15 min followed by periodic acid-Schiff staining. This modified procedure will detect at least 0.2 micrograms protein-associated carbohydrate. Omission of the periodic acid treatment from the protocol was used as a control to detect nonspecific staining of some proteins. This modified procedure was validated using both purified glycoproteins and extracellular culture fluid containing carbohydrate-associated proteins of Ruminococcus flavefaciens.
Cytological studies of carcinogen-treated bovine pancreatic ductal organ explants.

In order to develop a model to study cytological alterations in human pancreatic cancer, we have exposed bovine pancreatic ductal organ explants to a single dose of 2.5 micrograms per ml of N-methyl-N-nitroso-N'- nitroguanidine (MNNG). At serial time intervals, contact cytology smears of the explants were prepared and stained with the Papanicolaou stain. Control samples contained classic tall columnar and cuboidal ductal cells. Cells were uniform in size, shape, staining characteristics, and nuclear morphology. Ductal explants exposed to MNNG progressed through a series of dysplastic and atypical stages during the first 5 to 12 days in culture. Chromatin became increasingly more granular and nucleoli increased in both number and size. Exposed cells were larger than controls and had many dysplastic features. From day 15 to 30, the cells underwent changes morphologically consistent with those of human pancreatic adenocarcinomas .
Race/Ethnicity and Perceptions of Safety Among a National Sample of Americans:

This article examined the role of race/ethnicity on the perceptions of safety among a diverse sample of Americans. Using a recent Gallup poll, it was revealed that Blacks and Hispanics were less likely than Whites to be satisfied with their safety from harm and violence. The multivariate analyses also found that more educated individuals and those with higher incomes were more likely to be satisfied with their level of safety. Other significant factors included political ideology, church attendance, and region. Split sample logistic regression models found additional significant differences by race/ ethnicity. The implications of the research also are discussed.
Hearing in 70 and 75 year old people: Results from a cross sectional and longitudinal population study***

Audiometric data are presented from a cross sectional and longitudinal population study of 70 and 75 year old people in Gothenburg, Sweden. The population studied included 1148 randomly selected 70 year old men and women. A subsample of 376 was tested with pure tone and speech audiometry. Five years later 261 of those were tested again with the same methods. The mean pure tone thresholds were only 8 to 10 dB. higher than data chosen as representative for presbycusis in selected populations. Between the ages of 70 and 75 there was no detectable change in the pure tone thresholds for men. The hearing threshold in women had deteriorated throughout the entire frequency range and most were at 4 and 8 kHz. Speech discrimination scores were unexpectedly high. Seventy-five per cent of the women and 50 per cent of the men had discrimination scores equal to or better than 92 per cent at the age of 70. At the age of 75 about 65 per cent of the women and 35 per cent of the men had the same excellent speech discrimination
Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) show high digestibility of lipid and fatty acids from marine Schizochytrium sp. and of protein and essential amino acids from freshwater Spirulina sp. feed ingredients

We determined apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of macronutrients, amino acids and fatty acids for freshwater (Spirulina, SPI; Chlorella, CHL) and marine (Schizochytrium, SCI) microalgal ingredients in Nile tilapia via four diets: reference (Ref containing fish and plant feedstuffs) and SPI, CHL and SCI (Ref/dried algal cells at 7:3). ADCs of crude protein were significantly higher in SPI than in CHL, comparing well with literature values for fishmeal and plant feedstuffs. ADCs of all essential amino acids were generally higher in SPI. Very high lysine and methionine ADCs in SPI and SCI were similar to or higher than reported value for plants. SCI had 5–10 times richest lipid and n−3 PUFA contents, significantly highest ADCs for lipid, n−3 and n−6 PUFA; and highest content and digestibility of DHA (undetected in other microalgae). Crude fibre ADCs were significantly higher in Ref and SPI than in SCI and CHL. CHL's highest fibre content (79 g kg−1) possibly depressed its ADCs of five essential amino acids and n−3 PUFA. Results suggest that SPI is a good alternative protein and SCI a quality fish oil substitute or long-chain PUFA supplement for tilapia diets.
REGIONAL COEXISTENCE AND LOCAL DOMINANCE IN CHAOBORUS: SPECIES SORTING ALONG A PREDATION GRADIENT

Variation in the intensity of predation across the well-known environmental gradient of freshwater habitats from small, ephemeral ponds to large, permanent lakes is a key factor in the development and maintenance of aquatic community structure. Here, we present data on the distribution and abundance of four species of Chaoborus (Diptera: Chaoboridae) across this environmental gradient. Chaoborus show a distinct pattern of species sorting when aquatic systems are divided into fish and fishless environments, and this pattern is consistent with species traits known to influence their vulnerability to fish predation (i.e., pigmentation, diel vertical migration [DVM] behavior, and body size). To test whether fish are the drivers of this pattern, we created a gradient in fish density by stocking bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) into 15 experimental ponds in southwestern Michigan, USA, and then allowed Chaoborus species to colonize. There was clear evidence of species sorting along the predation gradient; Chaoborus americanus was most abundant in the fishless ponds, C. flavicans was neutral in response to fish, and C. punctipennis and C. albatus were most abundant at high fish biomass, a response consistent with their field pattern. Furthermore, prey preference experiments confirm that size selective predation and differences in Chaoborus species traits contribute to the pattern of Chaoborus abundance and distribution.
Epidemiology of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

The Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Registry has compiled data from 453 instances of SSPE occurring in the United States from 1960 through 1976. The mean annual incidence during this period was 3.5 per 10 million persons under 20 years of age, 2.3 times higher for males than females, and 4.0 times higher for whites than blacks. Although the long-term pattern of incidence is unknown, the incidence of reported SSPE declined dramatically from 1970 to 1976. There are marked geographic variations of SSPE activity within the United States and also a higher incidence for children from farms (9.4 per 10 million persons under 20) compared with children from other rural domiciles (3.7 per 10 million), suburban children (2.9 per 10 million), and inner-city children (1.6 per 10 million). Available epidemiologic evidence suggests that some extrinsic factor, unrelated to measles or measles vaccine, is important in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Long-Term Outcomes After Double-Balloon Enteroscopy for Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background & Aims Long-term outcomes after double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), performed for the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, have not been determined. Methods We invited 274 patients undergoing DBE at Stanford University or the University of Chicago between 2004 and 2006 to participate in the study; 135 (49%) agreed (mean age, 64 ± 14.8; range, 23–90 years). Telephone interviews were conducted at a mean of 11 and 30 months after DBE. Results Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) were detected in 43% of the cohort. One hundred one patients (37%; 56 with overt, 45 with occult bleeding) were interviewed 12 ± 5 (range, 6–26) months after DBE. At 12 months, 43% reported no further overt bleeding or iron/transfusion needs, 23% reported overt bleeding, and 35% reported ongoing iron and/or transfusions. Eighty-five patients (31%) participated in the second survey, conducted 30 ± 5.7 (range, 19–51) months after DBE. Fifty (59%) reported no overt bleeding or iron/transfusion needs, 20 (24%) reported overt bleeding, and 15 (18%) reported ongoing iron and/or transfusions. In the 40 patients evaluated after endoscopic treatment for AVMs, 17 (43%) reported no bleeding or iron therapy at 12 months and 16 of 29 (55%) at 30 months. Of the 40 patients with normal DBE examinations to the depth of insertion, 19 of 40 (48%) reported no bleeding or iron/transfusion needs at 12 months and 25 of 43 (58%) at 30 months. Conclusions At 30 months after DBE, up to 60% of patients report no further bleeding. Patients with AVMs or normal examinations to the depth of insertion are most likely to report recurrent hemorrhage.
Respect for god's world: the Biblical and Rabbinic foundations of environmentalism

The ancients faced many of the same environmental issues that society is facing today. This paper demonstrates that the Bible and the Talmud are the ideal starting points for those interested in raising moral standards for business and society when it comes to the environment. Issues of concern to the ancients included conservation of resources, waste, pollution, animal rights, beautifying the environment and appreciating the world and improving it.
Human CD4+ T cells specifically recognize a shared melanoma-associated antigen encoded by the tyrosinase gene

Although commonly expressed human melanoma-associated antigens recognized by CD8+ cytolytic T cells have been described, little is known about CD4+ T-cell recognition of melanoma-associated antigens. Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells were used to present antigens derived from whole cell lysates of autologous and allogeneic melanomas for recognition by melanoma-specific CD4+ T-cell lines and clones cultured from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. HLA-DR-restricted antigens were detected in the lysates on the basis of specific release of cytokines from the responding T cells. Antigen sharing was demonstrated in the majority of melanomas tested, as well as in cultured normal melanocytes, but not in other normal tissues or nonmelanoma tumors. T-cell clones manifested a single recognition pattern, suggesting the presence of an immunodominant epitope. This epitope was identified as a product of the tyrosinase gene, which has also been shown to encode class I-restricted epitopes recognized by CD8+ T cells from melanoma patients. Identification of commonly expressed tumor-associated protein molecules containing epitopes presented by both class I and class II major histocompatibility molecules may provide optimal reagents for cancer immunization strategies.
High‐voltage antenna‐plasma interaction in whistler wave transmission: Plasma sheath effects

[1] We study the plasma sheath surrounding an antenna that transmits whistler mode waves in the inner magnetosphere in order to investigate the feasibility of conducting controlled experiments on the role of wave-particle interactions in the pitch angle diffusion of relativistic radiation belt electrons. We propose a model for an electrically short antenna-sheath-plasma system with transmission frequencies below the electron characteristic frequencies and much higher than the ion characteristic frequencies. The ion current is neglected. We analytically solve a time-dependent one-dimensional situation by neglecting the effects of the wave's magnetic field. In our model, the antenna is charged to a large negative potential during a steady transmission. Positive charge occurs in the sheath and the sheath is free of electrons and conduction current. The net charge on the antenna and in the sheath is zero. The volume, or the radius in a cylindrical case, of the sheath varies in response to the charge/voltage variation on the antenna. The oscillating radius of the sheath translates to a current in the plasma, which radiates waves into the plasma. A whistler wave transmission experiment conducted by the RPI-IMAGE has shown that the model may describe the most important physical processes occurring in the system. The system response is predominately reactive, showing no evidence for significant sheath current or sheath resistance. The negligibly small sheath conduction electron current can be understood if the antenna is charged to a substantial negative potential, as described by the model. Quantitatively, the model may underestimate the sheath capacitance by about 20%.
Stratified k-means clustering over a deep web data source

This paper focuses on the problem of clustering data from a {\em hidden} or a deep web data source. A key characteristic of deep web data sources is that data can only be accessed through the limited query interface they support. Because the underlying data set cannot be accessed directly, data mining must be performed based on sampling of the datasets. The samples, in turn, can only be obtained by querying the deep web databases with specific inputs.We have developed a new stratified clustering method addressing this problem for a deep web data source. Specifically, we have developed a stratified k-means clustering method. In our approach, the space of input attributes of a deep web data source is stratified for capturing the relationship between the input and the output attributes. The space of output attributes of a deep web data source is partitioned into sub-spaces. Three representative sampling methods are developed in this paper, with the goal of achieving a good estimation of the statistics, including proportions and centers, within the sub-spaces of the output attributes.We have evaluated our methods using two synthetic and two real datasets. Our comparison shows significant gains in estimation accuracy from both the novel aspects of our work, i.e., the use of stratification(5%-55%), and our and representative sampling methods(up to 54%).
Sediment processes can be significant source of ambient noise

Many studies of ambient ocean noise have focused on anthropogenic, biological, and weather-related sources, but collisions of sediment grains can also generate a significant amount of background noise.
Plasmon-Resonant Nanoparticles and Nanostars with Magnetic Cores: Synthesis and Magnetomotive Imaging

Plasmon-resonant gold nanostars (NSTs) with magnetic cores were synthesized by a multistep sequence from superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and evaluated as optical contrast agents under magnetomotive (MM) imaging conditions. Core−shell Fe3O4@Au NPs were prepared in nonpolar organic solvents with nanometer control over shell thickness and with good epitaxy to the Fe3O4 surface. Anisotropic growth was performed in micellar solutions of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) under mildly reducing conditions, resulting in NSTs with physical features similar to those produced from colloidal gold seeds. NSTs could be produced below 100 nm from tip to tip, but seed size had a significant impact on growth habit, with larger seed particles producing submicrometer-sized “morning stars”. Both NSTs and aggregated core−shell NPs are responsive to in-plane magnetic field gradients and can provide enhanced near-infrared (NIR) contrast under MM conditions, but do so by different mechanisms. NSTs can modulate pol...
Diversity of cell surface hematopoietic antigens on K-562 sublines identified with monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract The surface antigen profile of 8 sublines of K-562 cells, the original line, and the clone RA6 was determined with a panel of 12 monoclonal antibodies reactive with hematopoietic cell differentiation antigens. Cells from all sublines expressed the precursor hematopoietic antigen reactive with RFB-1, the T-cell antigen reactive with OKT17, the B cell/granulocyte antigen reactive with BA-1, the My-1 antigen, and glycophorin A which reacted with R10. A low percentage of cells in some of the sublines expressed platelet/monocyte glycoprotein I binding AN51, monocyte antigen binding 63D3, and an erythroblast/monocyte/platelet antigen binding 5F1. The use of a panel of K-562 sublines demonstrates that K-562 cells do share several “common” antigens but express a marked diversity and variability of other hematopoietic antigens.