cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antigenic cross-reactivity of human tracheal mucin with human sperm and trophoblasts correlates with the expression of mucin 8 gene messenger ribonucleic acid in reproductive tract tissues

Objective To test whether autoimmunity to sperm in men with cystic fibrosis (CF) is a result of cross-reactivity between sperm and carbohydrate sequences of the abnormal CF mucins, we investigated the possible epitope sharing between sperm surface antigens and CF mucin antigens using specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed to purified CF tracheobronchial mucin-1 (HTM-1) and the expression of tracheal mucin 8 gene (MUC8) mRNA in normal male and female reproductive tract tissues by Northern blot analysis. Design A panel of mAbs directed to HTM-1 subspecies (types I to V) and polyclonal antibodies (pAb) to native and deglycosylated HTM-1 were tested for their ability to agglutinate motile sperm. An indirect immunofluorescence assay was used to detect expression of cross-reactive HTM-1 epitopes on sperm, term placenta (n=3), and purified trophoblasts (n=9). Northern blot analysis was used to detect MUC8 messenger RNA (mRNA) in male and female reproductive tract tissues. Setting University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, a tertiary care referral center. Main Outcome Measures The demonstration of cross-reactive mucin at the protein and mRNA levels in reproductive tract tissues. Results Of the five mucin subspecies, type II, IV, and V mucin-specific mAbs (21.3, 33.3, and 54.1) induced head-to-head agglutination of motile sperm; pAb to deglycosylated mucin had no effect. Sperm agglutination mediated by type IV mucin mAb 33.3 was abrogated completely by d-mannose. Within the term placental villi, type II mucin was localized to fetal endothelium, type IV mucin was localized to syneytiotrophoblast, and type V mucin was localized to cytotrophoblasts. Immunologic studies correlated with the results of Northern blot analysis, which revealed strong MUC8 mRNA expression in the human testis, placenta, endometrium, and cervix and weak or undetectable levels in the human epididymis, seminal vesicle, ovary, fallopian tube, and uterus. Conclusions Both male and female reproductive tract tissues synthesize tracheal MUC8 mucin. Monoclonal antibodies specific to human tracheal mucin subtypes induced "immune-type" agglutination of motile sperm. Therefore, expression of cross-reactive MUC8 mucin epitopes in reproductive tract tissues may contribute to the development of low affinity, carbohydrate-specific, agglutinating antisperm antibodies in the genital tract.
Of content, context, and conveyance: editorial

Content is about ideas: It involves the thoughts, concepts, and perspectives we wish to convey to others. Context is what gives it form. If we know the setting in which we wish to convey information, we can present content in a manner that enhances the chances our ideas will be received (and understood as intended) by an audience. Of course, how we perceive a given context and how our users perceive it can be two different things. We thus need to know what individuals look for in a given context to guide how to design content for that setting.
Abstract WMP96: Incidence of Ischemic Strokes in the Clot Lysis: Evaluating Accelerated Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage (CLEAR) Phase III Clinical Trial

Background: Concomitant acute ischemic lesions are detected in 0-39% of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Etiology and impact on functional outcomes are poorly understood no...
Can You Gig It? An Empirical Examination of the Gig-Economy and Entrepreneurship

We examine how the entry of gig-economy platforms influences local entrepreneurial activity. On one hand, such platforms may reduce entrepreneurial activity by offering a stable employment for the ...
Comparing outcomes of fusion versus repeat discectomy for recurrent lumbar disc herniation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Objectives Current surgical treatment options for one-time recurrent lumbar disc herniation (RLDH) include repeat discectomy or discectomy supplemented with fusion. Significant contention exists within the surgical spine community with regard to the most effective treatment modality. The objective of this study is to compare reoperation rates and patient reported outcomes following fusion versus repeat discectomy for RLDH. Patients and Methods The electronic literature search was performed in Ovid Medline/Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane, Scopus and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for human studies directly comparing repeat discectomy with fusion for ipsilateral or contralateral RLDH. Random effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool the estimates of effect, using mean differences (MD) and odds ratios (OR) for continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively. Results A total of 1405 patients with RLDH (746 fusions and 659 repeat discectomies) from 15 studies (13 observational and 2 randomized controlled trials) were analyzed. Mean time to reherniation was 54.4 ± 30.4 months, while average follow-up time was 40 ± 11.7 months (range: 12–92.6). No difference was found between fusions and repeat discectomies with regards to related reoperations (OR: 0.68; 95% C.I: 0.14–3.2). Changes in PRO scores from baseline to last follow-up were also similar between the two groups, including VAS-back pain (MD, −0.3; 95% CI, −1.4 to 0.7), VAS-leg pain (MD, −0.3; 95% CI, −1.4 to 0.7), ODI (MD, 0.6; 95% CI, −0.2 to 1.4), JOA (MD: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.02 to 2.0) and MacNab satisfaction (OR: 1.5; 95% CI, 0.9 to 2.3). Conclusion Available evidence shows that in treating one-time recurrent disc herniations, repeat discectomy and fusion are associated with comparable reoperation rates, incidence of dural tears, functional outcomes as well as satisfaction with surgical treatment at last follow-up. Future longitudinal, randomized controlled trials should be completed to validate any associations found in this study.
The Search for Learning and Memory Mechanisms

The understanding of behavior usually moves along several different but, hopefully, related tracks. One track involves investigations of the behaviors themselves. Another track involves formulations, theories, about the processes involved in these behaviors. At different times in the history of this search for understanding, these two tracks have assumed different magnitudes and slopes, so the train of understanding has moved at different speeds and shifted from track to track. At the present time, investigations and formulations are both moving rapidly. However, effective engineering requires some appreciation of the route previously traveled. Many eminent philosophers, psychologists, and biologists have dealt with the problems of learning and memory. In the context of the present volume, we are primarily concerned with the types of formulations that these individuals have suggested as mechanisms associated with the understanding of learning and memory.
Rhythmogenesis of Deterministic Breathing Patterns

The physiological act of breathing functionally can be conceived as being governed by separate central rhythm and pattern generators within the brainstem/spinal cord which are subject to nonlinear afferent feedback and suprapontine feedforward inputs of varying coupling strengths. This complex network sculptures the spatiotemporal configurations and movements of the diaphragm and chest wall to effect the exchange of gases between alveolar space and the environment. As is common for many intrinsically stable physiological systems, the respiratory controller is characterized by nonstationarities and transients, the presence of which may preclude the accuracy of otherwise useful ergodic techniques in the analysis of complex systems. From the geometric perspective, however, recurrence plots are robust against dynamical transients and system drifts, and they are proving to be very helpful in assessing the dynamics of breathing patterns. Their general applicability to numerous other rhythmical phenomena in the physiological realm (cardiovascular, central neural, gastrointestinal systems, etc.) is intuitive. Finally, Shannon entropy, a gauge of randomness and information, and percent recurrence are introduced as possible measures of complexity for biological systems in quasi-steady states or transition phases.
Getting to Know the Class

No two people are alike. Some people are taller than others. Some people love classical music, and others do not. Indeed, people vary from one another in many interesting ways. A good way to begin thinking about data is to collect and then analyze data from those around you. In this activity we will collect data from members of the class. This will lead to some graphical methods of data analysis and a discussion of topics like the wording of questions. Once the data are compiled, you can explore them and see where you fit within the class distribution of the variables measured.
The HF Dimer: Potential Energy Surface and Dynamical Processes

In this paper I give an overview of the current status of knowledge of the four-body potential energy function and dynamics of the HF dimer. The discussion of potential energy functions includes both single-center expansions and multi-site functions. The discussion of dynamics includes both intramolecular processes of the Van der Waals dimer and diatom-diatom energy transfer collisions.
Prologue to a Farce: Communication and Democracy in America by Mark Lloyd Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 2006, 338 Pp.

(2007). Prologue to a Farce: Communication and Democracy in America by Mark Lloyd Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 2006, 338 Pp. American Journalism: Vol. 24, No. 4, pp. 213-214.
Cloud-Based Source Code Security and Vulnerabilities Analysis Tool for C/C++ Software Systems

A study is presented that examines the distribution and the usage of some unsafe functions, and their alternatives, that are known to introduce security vulnerabilities in two software systems both written in C/C++ as well as comparing the performance and efficiency of a web/cloud based analysis tool to a desktop based analysis tool. Multiple versions of Bitcoin and Curl were examined in our study to notice a trend over time. In our study, a static analysis is applied to each system, and the number of calls to unsafe functions and their alternatives is recorded and tallied. Additionally, we applied the analysis with both the cloud based web application and the desktop based solutions. The results of our study show that vulnerable functions such as, strcmp, sscanf, and memcpy are the most common unsafe functions that are used in the software systems. This information is important because it can allow those who educate in the fields of software engineering and computer science to better prepare their students to implement a coding practice that is secure and sustainable. As well as providing information for educators, this also gives engineers in the field a more effective and efficient way of refactoring their code to clean their systems from vulnerabilities by focusing on the unsafe code that is the most prevalent to their system. The historical data for the two systems, is presented over a five version period. The data shows that for both systems the number of unsafe calls are increasing from version to version. This is an alarming trend that both contradicts and is quite surprising, because of the growing use of Bitcoin and Curl. Another component of this study is the difference in performance between the cloud based web application analysis and the desktop based analysis. The hopes of the cloud based web application analysis tool is to allow for greater accessibility and the ability to track a software system from version to version. Currently, the web application allows a user to login and upload an XML version of their source code using srcML and the results of the analysis, presented as graphs, are stored in their account.
The Relationship Between Suicide-Related Exposure and Personal History of Suicidal Behavior in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Veterans.

Abstract Purpose: Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) veterans experience a high prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). Within the general U.S. population, suicide-related exposure ...
D-PMU based applications for emerging active distribution systems: A review

Abstract In recent years, the design of low-cost distribution phasor measurement units (D-PMU) together with the development of relevant applications for emerging active distribution systems are in ascendant. Pilot distribution systems have shown prominent evidence on the necessity and benefits of deploying D-PMUs for various applications. To this end, D-PMUs are recognized as indispensable in constituting the next-generation distribution systems. However, it is noticed that existing review papers on prevailing D-PMU based applications is very limited, let alone the state-of-the-art progresses in academic research field. To bridge the gap, this paper reviews four categories of D-PMU based applications in emerging active distribution systems, including: (1) system state awareness, (2) event detection, (3) auxiliary operation, and (4) data mining. In each category, backgrounds, current statuses, and future research directions of applications are discussed thoroughly. Among all reviewed applications, several are evaluated as containing high potential benefits but with low research interests, and consequently deserve immediate attentions.
Perioperative Ischemic Stroke in Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Surgical or Endovascular Therapy.

Background: Ischemic stroke among hospitalized patients who underwent surgical or endovascular therapies for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) has not been previously examined in nationally representative samples. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare the occurrence and in-hospital outcomes (nonroutine discharge, length of stay) of perioperative ischemic stroke among hospitalized patients diagnosed with unruptured IA across treatment selection [surgical clipping, endovascular coiling, stent- or balloon-assisted coiling (SAC or BAC), combined clipping and coiling]. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using 23,053 hospital discharge records from the 2002-2012 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Rates, β coefficients, and odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated accounting for survey design complexity, patient- and hospital-level confounders. Results: Ischemic stroke rate was 6.9% [surgical clipping (4.3%), endovascular coiling (8.1%), BAC or SAC (1.9%), and combined techniques (4.2%)]. Multivariable logistic regression models suggested that compared to patients undergoing surgical clipping alone, those undergoing SAC or BAC were less likely to be diagnosed with ischemic stroke (adjusted OR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.85). Compared to clipping, endovascular techniques resulted in fewer nonroutine dispositions and shorter hospitalizations, whereas combined techniques resulted in longer hospitalizations. Differences in hospitalization outcomes between treatment types were only affected by ischemic stroke when comparing coiling to clipping. Conclusions: Perioperative ischemic stroke rate among patients with unruptured IA may be less among those undergoing SAC or BAC as compared to those undergoing surgical clipping alone. Improved in-hospital outcomes among coiling versus clipping recipients may depend on ischemic stroke diagnosis.
Twitter and the Federal Reserve

In the last generation, the Federal Reserve launched a “quiet revolution” in how it approaches communication. Most of the tools that the Fed uses to communicate, however, have remained relatively static and indifferent to rapid technological change: speeches, congressional testimony, press conferences and select interviews, and the like. This white paper undertakes the first systematic analysis of the Fed’s participation on Twitter, a medium of increasing importance to public policy discussions. We also analyze how President Donald Trump, one of the most prolific users of the medium, has influenced conversations about the Fed on Twitter. Using several large datasets—including a dataset containing one percent of all tweets published worldwide—we reach several novel conclusions. Most prominently, we find that the Fed’s Board of Governors is more engaged on Twitter than other independent agencies, but less than executive departments; that other Twitter users engage the Fed more negatively than they do other central banks and federal agencies; that President Trump amplified the conversation on Twitter regarding the Fed; and that the President’s tweets criticizing the Fed elicited a larger, more favorable response than his other tweets. We conclude with suggestions on improving the Fed’s presence on Twitter, particularly at the Federal Reserve Regional Banks, and discuss the ways that political conversations on Twitter may influence Fed communication strategies.
Expanding Family Medicine Scholarship to All Faculty: The Minnesota Model for Harmonizing Clinical Care, Education, and Research Missions.

Background: The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota engaged in a 5-year transformation to expand research and scholarship opportunities to all faculty. A harmonization framework was used to integrate the 3 missions of clinical care, education, and research to ensure that research and scholarship were an ongoing focus of the department. Methods: The key elements of our transformation included as follows: (1) a general culture of inquiry, (2) harmonized leadership, (3) training and mentoring, and (4) infrastructure and resources. Components of each of these elements were intentionally instituted simultaneously and iteratively across the 5 years to provide robust and sustainable research and scholarship opportunities for all faculty. Results: Outputs and outcomes of the harmonized transformation indicated that clinical and research faculty publications increased, and the percentage of clinical faculty trained in research and scholarship skills increased across the 5 years. Conclusions: Important lessons learned during the harmonized transformation included the following: (1) key elements of the transformation need to be balanced as an ensemble, (2) cultural and organizational shifts take concerted effort and time, (3) embrace iteration: allow “bumps in the road” to propel the work forward, (4) transformation is financially feasible, (5) career research faculty can mutually benefit from clinical faculty engaging in scholarship, and (6) honor skepticism or disinterest and let people cultivate enthusiasm for research and scholarship rather than being forced.
Enhanced mid-infrared emission of Pr 3+ ions in solids through a “3-for-1” excitation process – quantified

Evidence is presented that a “three-for-one” process based on two cross-relaxations between Pr3+ ions efficiently populates the mid-infrared-emitting 3H5 manifold in a Pr3+-doped low-maximum-phonon-energy host. The concentration dependence of infrared fluorescence spectra and lifetimes of polycrystalline Pr:KPb2Cl5 initially excited to the 3F3,4 manifolds indicate that the 3500-5500-nm fluorescence becomes strongly favored over shorter-wavelength infrared emission bands in the higher-concentration sample. The strong concentration dependence of the 3F3 and 3H6 manifold lifetimes suggests that both of these decay by cross-relaxation processes, resulting in more than one ion excited to 3H5 for each ion initially excited to 3F3. Indeed, modeling and accounting for all possible decay paths indicate that, on average, about 2.3 ions are excited to 3H5 for each initially-excited ion. This confirms that the three-for-one excitation process must occur and contribute significantly to the total excitation efficiency. These results indicate that the two distinct cross-relaxation processes observed between Pr ions result in substantially higher excitation quantum efficiency, 230%, than any ever reported in rare-earth doped materials.
Using Telemedicine to Reduce Suicide Ideation and Behavior: A Systematic Literature Review

Objective: To review the published research for reported effectiveness of telemedicine in reducing suicide ideation and behavior in patients already diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Design: A thorough literature search on the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, and TRIP (Turning Research Into Practice) Medical Database was conducted. Phrases such as “telemedicine,” “telehealth,” “remote consultation,” “mobile health,” “psychiatric disorders,” “suicide,” “suicide, attempted or ideation,” and “telepsychiatry” were employed in a variety of combinations. The primary inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles published in the past 5 years. Secondary inclusion criteria comprised: (1) the diagnosis of any psychiatric disorder for all patients included in the study, (2) the absence or presence of use of telepsychiatry to offer consultation and communication, and (3) reported outcomes involving suicide rates or attempted suicide rates. The research publications passing inclusion criteria were assessed, and all their corresponding outcome measures were included in a meta-analysis. Results: A total of 705 studies were identified by applying the initial search strategy to the electronic databases described. Of these, 205 passed the primary inclusion criteria. After excluding duplicates and non-English articles, 105 articles were screened using the secondary inclusion criteria. Nine articles remained, including three systematic reviews that were excluded. Finally, a total of six independent, non-overlapping studies were included in this meta-analysis, encompassing data for 576 participants. The 18 outcome measures in this meta-analysis included five “positive” measures: perceived ability to cope with suicidal ideation, optimism, gratitude, positive affect, and the Mini Mental State Exam. The “negative” measures included: suicidal ideation intensity, hopelessness, depression, suicidality, HAMD (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) score, HAMD score without suicide item, medical admissions, number of days of medical hospitalizations, number of psychiatric hospitalizations, number of emergency room visits, suicide ideation questionnaire (SIQ) from baseline to posttreatment, and SIQ from baseline to follow-up. Overall, this review found support for the hypothesis that telemedicine can reduce suicide ideation and behavior. There was a moderate effect size for the 18 measures analyzed. Based on the four different forest plots presented in this analysis, all average effect sizes calculated showed that the intervention of telemedicine has a small-to-moderate effect on the measures studied, which translates loosely to a small-to-moderate effect on the patient’s suicide ideation and behavior. Conclusions: Telemedicine appears to be a promising way to reduce suicidal ideation, although how this translates into reductions in self-harm and/or suicide attempts is unclear from this review alone.
The Difficulty of Tolerance: Essays in Political Philosophy

1. A theory of freedom of expression 2. Rights, goals, and fairness 3. Due process 4. Preference and urgency 5. Freedom of expression and categories of expression 6. Human rights as a neutral concern 7. Contractualism and utilitarianism 8. Content regulation considered 9. Value, desire and the quality of life 10. The difficulty of tolerance 11. The diversity of objections to equality 12. Punishment and the rule of law 13. Promises and contracts.
Reduced-Rank Regression Model With Autoregressive Errors

The classical multivariate regression methods are based on the assumptions that (i) the regression coefficient matrix is of full rank and (ii) the error terms in the model are independent. In Chapters 2 and 3, we have presented regression models that describe the linear relationships between two or more large sets of variables with a fewer number of parameters than that posited by the classical model. The assumption (i) of full rank of the coefficient matrix was relaxed and the possibility of reduced rank for the coefficient matrix has produced a rich class of models. In this chapter we also weaken the assumption (ii) that the errors are independent, to allow for possible correlation in the errors which may be likely with time series data. For the ozone/temperature time series data considered in Chapter 3, the assumption of independence of errors appears to hold.
Ubiquitous and Ambient Computing

This article summarizes the background and operation of ubiquitous and ambient computing. It discusses both traditional and emerging technologies based on these ideas. It provides numerous examples of where ubiquitous and ambient computing applications have been or may be implemented. Keywords: ubiquitous computing; ambient computing; RFID; sensors
Modeling at the Speed of Light

For over half a century, semiconductor physics has played a vital role in almost every aspect of modern technology. Advances in this field have allowed scientists to adapt the conducting properties of materials and have led to the transistor revolution in electronics. New research suggests that we may now be able to initiate a similar revolution by adapting the properties of light. The key in achieving this goal lies in the use of a new class of materials called photonic crystals [1 3].
Solid-Phase Radioimmunoassay of Total and Influenza-Specific Immunoglobulin G

An antigen-antibody system of polystyrene tubes coated with immunoglobulin antibody was used for quantitating immunoglobulins. A similar radioimmunoassay method was adapted for a viral antigen-antibody system. The viral system can be used for quantitating viruses and for measuring virus-specific antibodies by reacting with (125)iodine-labeled anti-immunoglobulin G (IgG). Optimal conditions for coating the solid phase, specificity of the immune reaction, and other kinetics and sensitivities of the assay method were investigated. Comparison of direct and indirect methods of assaying for immunoglobulins or viral antibody indicates that the indirect method is more sensitive and can quantitate a minimum of 0.037 mug of IgG per ml. Results of solid-phase radioimmunoassay for influenza antibody correlate well with hemagglutinin antibody titers but not with complement-fixing antibody titers. Radioimmunoassay results for influenza antibody by solid phase are likewise in agreement with results by the carrier precipitate radioimmunoassay method. The simplicity, reproducibility, and versatility of the solid-phase procedure make it diagnostically useful.
Abstract 2708: Development of allosteric regulators of the dimerization domains of the plasminogen-related growth factor family for the treatment of pancreatic cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The plasminogen-related family of growth factors includes the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and macrophage stimulating protein (MSP), both of which normally mediate a variety of cellular behaviors including proliferation, survival, and migration. A major contributor to the formation and persistence of various cancers is the dysregulation of these growth factor systems. Overexpression of the HGF receptor, c-Met, is common in many cancers including pancreatic cancer, and is associated with poor prognosis. Dysregulation of this system often leads to tumorigenesis and induction of various malignant phenotypes including increased proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion. In order to activate c-Met, HGF must first undergo an activation step in which it forms an HGF homodimer. Small molecule antagonists with homology to a putative “hinge” region within the HGF sequence have been developed that bind to HGF and allosterically block dimerization, therefore inhibiting c-Met signaling. Norleual [Nle-Tyr-Ile-ψ-(CH2-NH2)3-4-His-Pro-Phe] has previously been shown to inhibit HGF dimerization and HGF-dependent c-Met activation. We have assessed the ability of Norleual to block HGF dimerization and activation of c-Met within pancreatic cancer cells. Similar to the HGF/c-Met system, over-activation of the closely related MSP/Ron (MSP receptor) growth factor system has been identified as a critical contributor to pancreatic cancer progression. Due to overall high sequence homology between HGF and MSP, including the putative “hinge” region, we have hypothesized that MSP must also dimerize in order to efficiently activate the Ron receptor, and that this activation step can be targeted by “hinge” region homologs. Our results indicate that MSP naturally forms dimers and incubation with Norleual and similar “hinge” region antagonists inhibits dimerization. Further, we have demonstrated that MSP dimerization may be biologically significant and inhibition of dimerization suppresses MSP-dependent cell signaling and cell behaviors. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop a dual inhibitor capable of suppressing both the HGF and MSP growth factor systems, and further assess the therapeutic potential of these inhibitors for treatment of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Kevin J. Church, Leen Kawas, Joseph Harding, Malte Lang, Michelle McMicheal. Development of allosteric regulators of the dimerization domains of the plasminogen-related growth factor family for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2708. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2708
Characterization of the DNA-binding properties of the polyomavirus capsid protein VP1.

The major capsid protein of polyomavirus, VP1, has been expression cloned in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant VP1 protein has been purified to near homogeneity (A. D. Leavitt, T. M. Roberts, and R. L. Garcea, J. Biol. Chem. 260:12803-12809, 1985). With this recombinant protein, a nitrocellulose filter transfer assay was developed for detecting DNA binding to VP1 (Southwestern assay). In optimizing conditions for this assay, dithiothreitol was found to inhibit DNA binding significantly. With recombinant VP1 proteins deleted at the carboxy and amino termini, a region of the protein affecting DNA binding was identified within the first 7 amino acids (MAPKRKS) of the VP1 amino terminus. Southwestern analysis of virion proteins separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis demonstrated equivalent DNA binding among the different VP1 isoelectric focusing subspecies, suggesting that VP1 phosphorylation does not modulate this function. By means of partial proteolysis of purified recombinant VP1 capsomeres for assessing structural features of the protein domain affecting DNA binding, a trypsin-sensitive site at lysine 28 was found to eliminate VP1 binding to DNA. The binding constant of recombinant VP1 to polyomavirus DNA was determined by an immunoprecipitation assay (R. D. G. McKay, J. Mol. Biol. 145:471-488, 1981) to be 1 x 10(-11) to 2 x 10(-11) M, which was not significantly different from its affinity for plasmid DNA. McKay analysis of deleted VP1 proteins and VP1-beta-galactosidase fusion proteins indicated that the amino terminus was both necessary and sufficient for DNA binding. As shown by electron microscopy, DNA inhibited in vitro capsomere self-assembly into capsidlike structures (D. M. Salunke, D. L. D. Caspar, and R. L. Garcea, Cell 46:895-904, 1986). Thus, VP1 is a high-affinity, non-sequence-specific DNA-binding protein with the binding function localized near its trypsin-accessible amino terminus. The inhibitory effects of disulfide reagents on DNA binding and of DNA on capsid assembly suggest possible intermediate steps in virion assembly. Images
Modeling of metal ion sorption phenomena in environmental systems

Abstract A systematic approach for modeling metal ion sorption phenomena occurring in aqueous solutions is presented here, with a discussion on environmental applications. Three different models are introduced: the surface complex formation model (SCFM) to describe sorption equilibrium; the KINEQL model to describe sorption kinetics; and the HYDROGEOCHEM model to describe transport of metal ions in treatment systems, as well as in natural subsurface systems.
Some current problems in helioseismology

Helioseismology is enjoying a tremendous surge of activity, spurred by the combination of reliable data and effective interpretation methods. Since I cannot do justice to the entire field, I attempt in this review to describe two current topics that I find interesting. (1) Several workers have now made measurements relating to the variation of rotation with depth and latitude inside the Sun. Most of the observations agree fairly well on the depth dependence, but not so well on the latitude dependence. I explain how such measurements are made, and discuss the current state of this controversy. (2) The driving mechanism for solar p-modes remains a mystery. The best (in my view) explanation involves stochastic driving of the modes by turbulent convection. This theory (proposed by Goldreich and Keeley) has recently been extended by Goldreich and Kumar in a way that illuminates some issues and obscures others. I attempt to provide a simple introduction to these ideas.
On the Language of (Counter)Terrorism and the Legal Geography of Terror

In this paper, I will discuss the difficulties in defining a place for the global war on terror and the implications this lack of terrestrial bounds has for the law. I will then discuss the way language impacts not only the idea of terrorism, but also the politics of place. On our journey will be philosophers Martin Heidegger and Jacques Derrida, discussed extensively below, who help flesh out the important politics of language and place. Ultimately, I will urge for a deconstructive approach to the global war on terror, which I hope will encourage a more thoughtful consideration of the place and politics of this war, and a more careful consideration of place and the law.
Pharmacokinetic Properties of Anticancer Agents for the Treatment of Central Nervous System Tumors: Update of the Literature

Despite significant improvement in outcomes for patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors over the past 10 years, patients with primary or metastatic brain tumors continue to have a poor prognosis. A primary reason for this is the inability of many chemotherapeutic drugs to penetrate into the brain and brain tumors at concentrations high enough to exert an antitumor effect because of unique barriers and efflux transporters. Several studies have been published recently examining the central nervous system pharmacokinetics of various anticancer drugs in patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors. To summarize recent advances in the field, this review critically presents studies published within the last 9 years examining brain and cerebrospinal fluid penetration of clinically available anticancer agents for patients with central nervous system tumors.
Estimating lumber strength with radio frequency scanning

Abstract The amount of lumber graded by machine stress rating (MSR) has continued to increase since the development of the technology in the early 1960s. Accuracy of lumber strength estimation by X-ray method is reported to be equal to that of MSR. This study examined whether lumber specific gravity and strength can be accurately estimated with radio frequency waves if the moisture content influence in a signal passed through the lumber thickness can be eliminated. Strength of a radio frequency signal passed through the lumber thickness was measured at 6.35 mm intervals along the length of lumber central axis. A linear regression predictive equation was estimated relating modulus of rupture (MOR) to measured signal voltage. Correction for the influence of moisture content on MOR resulted in a predictive equation with an R 2 of 0.59. Validation results based on the developed equation gave an R 2 of 0.67. The results indicate potential for accurate radio frequency estimation of MOR if adequate correction for moisture content influence is performed.
The physical factor structure of random forms and their judged complexity1

This study relates the perceived complexity of 2fl random forms to their physical factor structure. Ten principal axes, accounting for 94 per cent of the total variance of 24 physical measures, were rotated using the Varimax criterion. Factor scores for each form were correlated with the complexity ratings of the forms by each of 11 Ss. A single factor accounted for most of the variance in the complexity ratings. This factor was best described by four physical measures: the number of turns in the form, the length of the perimeter, the perimeter squared to area ratio, and the variance of the internal angles of the form.
Branching process of the grafting reaction between two reactive polymers

Abstract Graft coupling between two reactive polymers can lead to the formation of compatibilized blends. There is a need to control the extent of graft coupling if the grafting system is capable of gelation, not just for the control of phase size and morphology, which depend on the amount and structures of graft copolymers in a ternary blend. In this paper, we give a thorough analysis of the molecular characteristics of the grafting system of two reactive polymers each having a large number of reactive groups. A kinetic approach is employed to quantify the molecular characteristics: concentration of individual species, molecular-weight averages and gel point. It is found that the percentage conversions of the reactive polymers to copolymers are quite limited in order to avoid a weight-average molecular weight of the system that is too high. The presence of a high-molecular-weight tail in the polydisperse reactive polymers further limits the extent of the grafting reaction, an undesirable factor in such a grafting system.
Dynamic renal scintigraphy in children with vesicoureteral reflux and suspected coexisting ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We evaluated whether findings on voiding cystourethrography suggesting ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction coexists with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) are associated with parameters on dynamic renal scintigraphy that support significant obstruction.Materials and Methods: We reviewed records of 44 patients referred for scintigraphy after voiding cystourethrography performed at age 1 day to 9.4 years (mean 7 months, median 1.7 months) showed VUR and findings suggestive of UPJ obstruction (blockage of contrast material at the UPJ, contrast dilution in the renal pelvis, slow renal pelvic drainage). Results were correlated with Society for Fetal Urology hydronephrosis grade and ureteral morphology.Results: Halftime was in the obstructive range (20 minutes or greater) for 7 of 47 kidneys (15%). The prevalence of a post-furosemide pelvicaliceal drainage halftime in the obstructive range increased with hydronephrosis grade (0% grade 1, 17% grade 2, 50% grade 3 to 4, p = 0.002) but did not vary...
Alternative mating tactics in male white-faced dragonflies: experimental evidence for a behavioural assessment ESS

Abstract Abstract. Locations of artificial perches were manipulated relative to oviposition substrate to test whether the maintenance of discrete, daily alternative mating tactics, either territorial defence or wandering to encounter reproductively active females, among a population of male white-faced dragonflies, Leucorrhinia intacta , was better described by a mixed ESS (probability of tactic use fixed in ecological time) or behavioural assessment ESS (probability of tactic use varies with environmental conditions) model. Females responded to the manipulations by ovipositing significantly more frequently in areas with good oviposition substrate. Territorial males settled where artificial perches occurred, but preferred perches in areas with good oviposition substrate. Sequential daily manipulation of perch position produced significant effects on tactic frequency. A significantly lower proportion of the male population exhibited territoriality when perches were not in areas with good oviposition substrate than when perches were either all in areas with good substrate or equally distributed between areas with and without good substrate. Tactic frequencies did not differ significantly between the latter two experimental configurations. Average reproductive success, measured as eggs laid by females mated to males using each tactic, generally was not statistically different within experimental treatments. The data support a changing probability of using a tactic (behavioural assessment ESS) and not a fixed probability (mixed ESS). It is hypothesized that natural variation in availability of perches and substrate, even within the short adult life of these dragonflies, selects for flexibility of tactic choice by individual males. Mechanisms of assessment and the factors producing negative frequency dependence of payoffs to one or both tactics are unknown at present.
Associations between glucose tolerance and sex hormone binding globulin among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus

We examined cross-sectional associations of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) with glucose among women recent GDM (n=55). SHBG was associated with fasting glucose levels before and after adjustment for covariates (p=0.015), but not with 2-hour glucose. We conclude SHBG should be explored in prospective studies in GDM women.
A partition theorem for the complete graph on ωω

Abstract This paper is a proof of the following theorem: ω ω →(ω ω , 3) 2 Here ωω denotes the ordinal exponentiation of the ordinal ω to the power ω, and the arrow notation means the following: Let the set of all (non-ordered) pairs of elements from ωω be divided into two classes R and B. Then either there is a subset X of ωω with three elements such that all pairs from X belong to R, or else there exists a subset X of ωω with order type ωω (the ordering on X is inherited from ωω) such that all pairs from X belong to B.
EFFECT OF BILATERAL NEPHRECTOMY AND KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION ON HYPERTENSION IN MAN.

In conclusion, we consider that renal hypertension may have two components: a renal component and a renoprival component (fig. 6). Bilateral nephrectomy abolishes the renal component and leaves a renoprival hypertension that is sensitive to water and salt. Implantation of a kidney may cure the renoprival hypertension. Rejection of the graft may then be followed by a return of renal hypertension. Since the technique of transplantation of kidneys taken from cadavers is improving steadily, repeated nephrectomies and a second transplant become possible.
Finance and Misallocation: Evidence from Plant-Level Data

Abstract We use producer-level data to evaluate the role of financial frictions in determining total factor productivity (TFP). We study a model of establishment dynamics in which financial frictions reduce TFP through two channels. First, finance frictions distort entry and technology adoption decisions. Second, finance frictions generate dispersion in the returns to capital across existing producers and thus productivity losses from misallocation. Parameterizations of our model consistent with the data imply fairly small losses from misallocation, but potentially sizable losses from inefficiently low levels of entry and technology adoption. (JEL E32, E44, F41, G32, L60, O33, O47)
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in an evolutionary perspective.

The proximate mechanisms underlying gestational nausea and vomiting have been intensively studied, but the possibility that the symptoms themselves serve a useful function has only recently been considered seriously. We synthesized evidence to evaluate various hypotheses for the adaptive significance of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, as well as the possibility that symptoms are nonfunctional byproducts of pregnancy hormones. We found greatest support for the hypothesis that normal levels of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (excluding hyperemesis) protect pregnant women and their embryos from harmful substances in food, particularly pathogenic microorganisms in meat products and toxins in strong-tasting plants. We discuss the data that support critical predictions of this “maternal and embryo protection hypothesis” (and contradict other hypotheses), as well as appropriate implications of these results. Knowledge that normal nausea and vomiting of pregnancy indicates the functioning of a woman’s defense system, rather than a bodily malfunction, may reassure patients and enable health care providers to develop new ways of minimizing the uncomfortable symptoms. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:S190-7.)
A comparison of alfalfa-brome grass silage and corn silage for dairy cows.

Summary 1. Alfalfa-brome grass silage and corn silage were found to be very similar in feeding value for milk production. 2. The alfalfa-brome grass silage was higher in carotene than the corn silage. This higher carotene content was reflected in higher carotene values of the blood plasma and butterfat, and in higher total vitamin A values of the milk fat secreted by the cows.
A Molecular Dynamics Study of Lys-Trp-Lys: Structure and Dynamics in Solution Following Photoexcitation

We report studies of the structure and dynamics of a tripeptide Lys-Trp-Lys (KWK) in aqueous solution following photoexcitation by molecular dynamics simulations. For ground-state KWK, we observe three stable conformations with free energy differences of less than 5.2 kJ/mol. Each conformer is stabilized by a π-cation interaction between one of three protonated amino groups and the indole moiety. For the excited state of tryptophan in KWK, the simulated molecular dynamics of the three isomers are similar, all in good agreement with recent femtosecond experiments (J. Phys. Chem. B 2005, 109, 16901). Specifically, we observe: (1) the fluorescence anisotropy is dominated by a single-exponential component and decays in ∼130 ps, (2) the total dynamic Stokes shift reaches ∼2700 cm-1, and (3) the excited state relaxation dynamics occurs on several time scales ranging from femtoseconds to tens of picoseconds. The relaxation dynamics involve rapid initial response of neighboring water, followed by local motions o...
Characterizing bone strain distributions in vivo using three triple rosette strain gages.

Abstract Three triple-element rosette strain gages were attached to the equine third metacarpal midshaft to record site-specific strains engendered by locomotion. The distribution of strains acting upon the midshaft cross section were characterized using a combined beam theory and finite element model analysis that did not presume the manner by which the bone was inertially loaded. A medium-speed trot (3.6 m s −1 ) was chosen as a representative speed and gait, with normal and shear strains, and strain energy density (SED) distributions determined throughout the stance and subsequent swing phase. Importantly, the sites of maximum compression (−2400 μϵ), tension (810 μϵ), shear (1500 μϵ), and SED (54 kPa) were not located at any of the gage attachment sites, emphasizing that a minimum of three rosette gages are necessary to resolve the peaks and locations of functionally induced normal and shear strains. Considering the nonuniform strain distributions across the cortex, we conclude that the third metacarpal is subject to a complex loading milieu comprised of bending, axial compression, end shear, and torsion. As this complex manner of loading was consistent through the entire stance phase, it would appear that, at least during the trot, specific sites within the same cross section are subject to vastly different magnitudes of strain stimulus.