cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automotive Production and Its Relationship with the Built Environment

This chapter draws attention to the complex relationship between the restructuring of the automotive industry and the physical restructuring of the built environment that occurs at multiple scales. We examine the relationship between automotive manufacturing, which has dispersed across the world in the last few decades, and the once-thriving industrial belts now in decline, so-called rustbelts dotted with “shrinking cities.” We then scale down, focusing on the evolving form of the factory itself. We describe the challenges that local governments face in managing the consequences of shuttered plants, particularly in weak markets. This chapter highlights the need for rigorous research on decommissioned auto plants, which have a profound influence on a place even as they lie empty.
Kinetoplast Division Factors in a Trypanosome.

Inheritance of the single mitochondrial nucleoid (kinetoplast) in the trypanosome requires numerous proteins, many of whose precise roles are unclear. By considering kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) as a template for cleavage into two equal-size networks, we predicted sets of mutant kinetoplasts associated with defects in each of the five steps in the kinetoplast cycle. Comparison of these kinetoplasts with those obtained after gene knockdowns enabled assignment of proteins to five classes – kDNA synthesis, site of scission selection, scission, separation, and partitioning. These studies highlight how analysis of mutant kinetoplast phenotypes may be used to predict functional categories of proteins involved in the biogenesis of kinetoplasts.
Facilitating the WELL Building Standard through Wellness Programs in the Workplace

ABSTRACT: This study explores establishing a theoretical connection between wellness programs and the built environment based on the WELL Building Standard, aiming to identify affordable building strategies which can support wellness program implementation. First, this study outlines the process of building a wellness program designed under both U.S. regulations and programs designed by wellness program providers. Second, existing wellness programs are broken down by respective categories in the outlined structure. Third, the categorical concepts and criteria of the WELL Building Standard are arranged according to the established categories and programs. Fourth, overlaps between the subdivided wellness programs and the WELL Building Standard are compared to identified elements of existing wellness programs. Finally, this paper suggests the incorporation of the WELL Building Standard into wellness programs by changing the paradigm of the built environment from an environmental context to an active contributor to a wellness program. KEYWORDS: Workplace, WELL Building Standard, Wellness Program, Health, Built Environment
The Shoes Make a Difference.

SPEAK Out! Day is an annual event in which SHAPE America members converge in Washington, D.C. to meet with representatives and senators to discuss issues related to quality health and physical educ...
QUALITY OF LIFE 2 : ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF DRUG THERAPIES

In 1990, health care expenditures in the United States reached $666.2 billion, 12.2% of the gross domestic product (GDP). It is projected for the year 2000, the USA will spend $1.6 trillion for health care which will be comparable to 16.4% of that year's GDP. As a result of the rapid increase in costs of health care and limited resources available, patients/third-party payers and the government have initiated and implemented more rigid cost control measures. Economic analyses can help ensure the efficient use of health care dollars in areas such as drug therapy. The four methodologies available are cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-minimization analysis and cost-utility analysis. This article reviews methods and provides examples from the medical literature. These tools can assist care providers in determining which treatments are most cost-effective.
Factors Associated With Live Discharge of Heart Failure Patients From Hospice: A Multimethod Study

Abstract Objectives This study identified sociodemographic and clinical factors that predicted live discharge among home hospice patients with heart failure, and related these findings to perspectives among health care providers about challenges to caring for these patients. Background Hospice patients with heart failure are frequently discharged from hospice before death (“live discharge”). However, little is known about the factors and circumstances associated with live discharge among patients with heart failure. Methods Quantitative analyses of patient medical records (N = 1,498) and qualitative interviews were performed with health care providers (n = 19) at a not-for-profit hospice agency in New York City. Results Thirty percent of home hospice patients with heart failure experienced a live discharge, most frequently due to 911 calls that led to acute hospitalization. The odds of acute hospitalization were higher for younger patients (age 18 to 74 years: adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34 to 3.28), African American (AOR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.31 to 3.24) or Hispanic (AOR: 2.99; 95% CI: 1.99 to 4.50) patients, and higher functioning patients (Palliative Performance Scores of 50% to 70%; AOR: 5.68; 95% CI: 3.66 to 8.79). Qualitative interviews with health care providers highlighted the unique characteristics of heart failure (e.g., sudden changes in patients’ condition), the importance of patients’ understanding of hospice and their own prognosis, and the role of sociocultural and family context in precipitating and potentially preventing live discharge (e.g., absence of social supports in the home). Conclusions Live discharge from hospice, especially due to acute hospitalization, is common with heart failure. Greater attention is needed for patients’ knowledge of and readiness for hospice care, especially among younger and diverse populations, and for factors related to the social and family context in which hospice care is provided.
Abstract 4780: An antisense-based approach to induce anti-tumorigenic variants of MET receptor

Rational: Aberrant activity of MET receptor, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), is implicated in various forms of cancer. Moreover, functional crosstalk of MET with other RTKs has been reported in tumors and MET has emerged both as a driver and as a primary mechanism of resistance, thus, making MET an attractive target for cancer therapeutics. Aim: Recently, we have described natural soluble decoy variants for multiple RTKs (sdRKTs), including MET, which can antagonize RTK signaling by ligand sequestration and non-functional dimerization. These isoforms can be generated via intronic polyadenylation (IPA) of RTK’s pre-mRNA in a U1-snRNP dependent manner. Our aim is to activate IPA in MET pre-mRNA using antisense compounds and to increase mRNA variants that express dominant-negative soluble decoy MET (sdMET). Methods: Identify actionable IPA sites within introns upstream of the transmembrane-coding exon. Express potential sdMET isoforms and characterize their biological properties. For sdMET isoforms with inhibitory functions, anti-sense compounds are utilized to block the upstream U1 binding site, activate IPA sites, and thus increase expression of sdMET variants in MET-dependent cancer cells. Results: Ectopically expressed sdMET isoforms are secreted into the culture medium. When then added to MET-expressing cells, sdMET variants functioned in a dominant-negative manner over full length MET (FL-MET) and suppressed activation of AKT and MAPK pathways. Moreover, antisense compounds that induce IPA effectively convert oncogenic FL-MET into sdMET variants in multiple cell lines, leading to suppression of downstream pathways and dramatic reduction in cell viability of MET-dependent cells. Conclusion: Most sdMET isoforms are secreted into extracellular space and have inhibitory function. Our anti-sense approach induces IPA, generates truncated sdMET variants at the expense of FL-MET and efficiently blocks FL-MET’s biological activity. Citation Format: Trushar Rathod, Luca Cartegni. An antisense-based approach to induce anti-tumorigenic variants of MET receptor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4780.
Precipitation and ice core δD-δ 18 O line slopes and their climatological significance

Abstract. The meteoric water line, defined by the correlation of hydrogen (δD) and oxygen (δ18O) values, is one of the earliest described characteristics of precipitation isotopic variations. However, spatial and temporal variations in the slope of this line are less studied. The slope of the δD-δ18O relationship is coupled with how d-excess covaries with δD or δ18O, and may provide an integrated tool for inferring hydrologic processes from the evaporation to condensation site. We present a study of δD-δ18O relationships on seasonal and annual timescales for event-based precipitation and a 15-meter ice core (Owen) at Summit, Greenland. Seasonally, precipitation δD-δ18O slopes are less than eight (summer = 7.71; winter = 7.77), while the annual slope is greater than eight (8.27). We suggest intra-season slopes result primarily from Rayleigh distillation, which, under prevailing conditions, produces slopes less than eight. The summer line has a greater intercept (higher d-excess) than the winter line. This separation causes annual slopes to be greater than seasonal ones. We attribute high summer d-excess to contributions of vapor sublimated from the Greenland Ice Sheet. Higher sublimated moisture proportions in summer cause larger separations between seasonal δD-δ18O lines, and thus higher annual slopes. Intra-seasonal distributions of precipitation amount also influence annual slopes because slopes are weighed by the number of storms each season. We generate indices to quantify sublimation proportion (SPI) and precipitation distribution (PDI), and find that annual Owen core slope measurements are significantly related to these indices, demonstrating that sublimation and precipitation distribution represent important climate conditions recorded in ice cores.
Perspectives of the unmanned cargo transport with electric traction development under the conditions of the Russian Federation

The development of road transport in the world is highly connected with increased requirements for safety and cost-effectiveness of carrying out passenger and cargo transportation, reducing the negative impact of road transport on people and the environment, as well as the desire of countries that do not have direct access to energy sources, "get off the oil needle". To ensure the fulfillment of these requirements, the key development areas in the automotive industry of developed countries are unmanned vehicles and electric vehicles. Taking into account foreign experience, the article looks at the prospects and features of developing unmanned cargo vehicles with electric traction, at operation conditions of the Russian Federation, which differ markedly from the conditions of vehicle operation in Central Europe, North America and the countries of the Asian region.
Alterted Adipogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Photobiomodulation Using 1064 nm Laser Light

Background and objectives Photobiomodulation (PBM) describes the influence of light irradiation on biological tissues. Laser light in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum has been shown to mitigate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing. The cellular mechanism that mediates PBM's effects is generally accepted to be at the site of the mitochondria, leading to an increased flux through the electron transport chain and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Moreover, PBM has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress through an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sequestering enzymes. The aim of the study is to determine whether these PBM-induced effects expedite or interfere with the intended stem cell differentiation to the adipogenic lineage. Study design/materials and methods To determine the effects of 1064 nm laser irradiation (fluence of 8.8-26.4 J/cm2 ) on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) undergoing adipogenic differentiation, the ATP and ROS levels, and adipogenic markers were quantitatively measured. Results At a low fluence (8.8 J/cm2 ) the ATP increase was essentially negligible, whereas a higher fluence induced a significant increase. In the laser-stimulated cells, PBM over time decreased the ROS level compared with the non-treated control group and significantly reduced the extent of adipogenesis. A reduction in the ROS level was correlated with a diminished lipid accumulation, reduced production of adipose-specific genetic markers, and delayed the chemically intended adipogenesis. Conclusion We characterized the use of NIR light exposure to modulate adipogenesis. Both the ATP and ROS levels in hMSCs responded to different energy densities. The current study is expected to contribute significantly to the growing field of PBM as well as stem cell tissue engineering by demonstrating the wavelength-dependent responses of hMSC differentiation. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Development Without Borders? Informal Cross-Border Trade in Africa

The goal of this chapter is to illustrate the role of informal cross-border trade in African economies. While the role of cross-border trade is substantial, it is often unrecorded in official trade statistics, pointing out a rather loud criticism of the formal sector in the sustaining of Africa’s economies. Perhaps, a much more pointed study focusing on informal cross-border trade (ICBT) offers an interrogation of the driving factors and the consequences. Therefore, this chapter seeks to explore why and how Africans engage in informal cross-border trade. The significance of this chapter is, first, to highlight the untapped potential of ICBT and the ingenuity of its practitioners as well as their resilience in a way that can draw benefits of open markets and free movement of labor. Second, the chapter sheds light on the survivalist systems taking shape in most African countries in the neoliberal era characterized by shrinking welfare and limited employment. Lastly, it highlights the challenges of ICBT on the development of formalized markets in Africa and the apparent failure of states to regulate cross-border trade. Fundamentally, the chapter contributes to the discussion of African political economy by introducing the role of people in villages and small towns in the frontiers of states and how their economic disenfranchisement poses problems for the economic sanity of states at the major cities.
S146—Jejunojejunal intussusception after roux-En-Y gastric bypass: a case series of 34 patients

Jejunojejunal intussusception (JI) is a serious but rare complication that may occur following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Causes of JI and best management strategy are not clearly defined. Electronic health records were queried for ICD 9/10 codes for intussusception after RYGB surgery (2009–2019), and charts retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, operative technique, presentation, radiology, and JI management were analyzed. Of the 2,327 RYGB patients identified at our institute, 34 (1.5%) were treated for JI. The mean age was 45.0 ± 8.6 years, mean BMI (RYGB surgery) was 43.1 ± 8.2 kg/m2, mean BMI at JI was 28.3 ± 5.8 kg/m2, and 30/34 were female, The mean time between RYGB and JI was 5.5 ± 4.3 years (range 1–17 years). Of the JI patients identified, 9 had operative notes that did not include jejunojejunostomy linear stapler length (JJ-LSL). Of the remaining 25 JI patients, 9 had a 60-mm JJ-LSL and 16 had a 120-mm JJ-LSL. Rate of intussusception was higher in the 120-mm versus 60-mm JJ-LSL group (p < 0.05). Acute abdominal pain was present in all JI patients and 32/34 had radiologic findings (CT scan) that corroborated for JI. The majority of JI patients were managed operatively (26/34) with 22/26 using laparoscopy (2/22 were converted to open). Intraoperative findings included intussusception (15/26), and 9/26 had other pathologies (internal hernia (2/26), cholecystitis (4/26), marginal ulcer (3/26)). Operative management of JI was either reduction and enteropexy (7/15), reduction only (5/15), or JJ revision (3/15). Recurrence of JI occurred in 7/23 patients, of who 4/7 were managed operatively. In our experience, JI appears to be a relatively rare complication after RYGB surgery. However, for patients developing JI, the majority had a JJ length ≥ 120 mm, and most patients required operative management which was associated with a higher rate of conversion to open and risk of JI recurrence. Reduction only technique had the highest risk of JI recurrence and therefore is not recommended.
Exploring Police Legitimacy Perceptions Among Arab and Chaldean Business Owners in Detroit

Most agree that police officers cannot do their jobs effectively without the support of community members. However, little is known about the perceptions of small business owners who could potentially make a meaningful contribution to safety and security in such communities. There is also a paucity of research on immigrant-owned businesses in disorderly urban communities. To address the gap, this study explores the attitudes of small business owners toward the police in Detroit, Michigan, a city known for high levels of violent crime and presents an analysis of the qualitative data collected from in-depth interviews with small business owners (n=39), with a special focus on Arab and Chaldean business owners. The findings indicate that although procedural justice perceptions are closely associated with police legitimacy perceptions, business owners are equally concerned about the effectiveness of police in dealing with crime. In particular, the perceived risk of victimization influences many Arab and Chaldean business owners’ perceptions of police. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Primary HPV and Molecular Cervical Cancer Screening in US Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Background Primary human papillomavirus (HPV) screening (PHS) utilizes oncogenic human papillomavirus (oncHPV) testing as the initial cervical cancer screening method and typically, if positive, additional reflex-triage (eg, HPV16/18-genotyping, Pap testing). While US guidelines support PHS usage in the general population, PHS has been little studied in women living with HIV (WLWH). Methods We enrolled n = 865 WLWH (323 from the Women's Interagency HIV Study [WIHS] and 542 from WIHS-affiliated colposcopy clinics). All participants underwent Pap and oncHPV testing, including HPV16/18-genotyping. WIHS WLWH who tested oncHPV[+] or had cytologic atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse (ASC-US+) underwent colposcopy, as did a random 21% of WLWH who were oncHPV[-]/Pap[-] (controls). Most participants additionally underwent p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry. Results Mean age was 46 years, median CD4 was 592 cells/µL, 95% used antiretroviral therapy. Seventy WLWH had histologically-determined cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or greater (CIN-2+), of which 33 were defined as precancer (ie, [i] CIN-3+ or [ii] CIN-2 if concurrent with cytologic high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions [HSILs]). PHS had 87% sensitivity (Se) for precancer, 9% positive predictive value (PPV), and a 35% colposcopy referral rate (Colpo). "PHS with reflex HPV16/18-genotyping and Pap testing" had 84% Se, 16% PPV, 30% Colpo. PHS with only HPV16/18-genotyping had 24% Colpo. "Concurrent oncHPV and Pap Testing" (Co-Testing) had 91% Se, 12% PPV, 40% Colpo. p16/Ki-67 immunochemistry had the highest PPV, 20%, but 13% specimen inadequacy. Conclusions PHS with reflex HPV16/18-genotyping had fewer unnecessary colposcopies and (if confirmed) could be a potential alternative to Co-Testing in WLWH.
Fibronectin-based nanomechanical biosensors to map 3D surface strains in live cells and tissue.

Mechanical forces are integral to cellular migration, differentiation and tissue morphogenesis; however, it has proved challenging to directly measure strain at high spatial resolution with minimal perturbation in living sytems. Here, we fabricate, calibrate, and test a fibronectin (FN)-based nanomechanical biosensor (NMBS) that can be applied to the surface of cells and tissues to measure the magnitude, direction, and strain dynamics from subcellular to tissue length-scales. The NMBS is a fluorescently-labeled, ultra-thin FN lattice-mesh with spatial resolution tailored by adjusting the width and spacing of the lattice from 2–100 µm. Time-lapse 3D confocal imaging of the NMBS demonstrates 2D and 3D surface strain tracking during mechanical deformation of known materials and is validated with finite element modeling. Analysis of the NMBS applied to single cells, cell monolayers, and Drosophila ovarioles highlights the NMBS’s ability to dynamically track microscopic tensile and compressive strains across diverse biological systems where forces guide structure and function. The ability to measure strain in cells and tissues in vitro with minimal perturbation and at high spatial resolution has proven challenging. Here the authors develop a fluorescently-labelled fibronectin square lattice mesh that can be applied to the surface of cells and tissues to enable direct quantification and mapping of strain over time.
Considerations from the College of American Pathologists for implementation of an assay for SARS-CoV-2 testing after a change in regulatory status.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration FDA regulates the marketing of manufacturers' in vitro diagnostic tests IVDs including assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The U.S. government's Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments CLIA of 1988 regulate the studies that a clinical diagnostic laboratory needs to perform for an IVD before placing it into use. Until recently, the FDA has authorized the marketing of SARS-CoV-2 IVDs exclusively through the Emergency Use Authorization EUA pathway. The regulatory landscape continues to evolve, and IVDs will eventually be required to pass through conventional non-EUA FDA review pathways once the emergency declaration is terminated in order to continue to be marketed as an IVD in the U.S. When FDA regulatory status of an IVD changes or is anticipated to change, the laboratory should review manufacturer information and previously performed internal verification studies to determine what, if any, additional studies are needed before implementing the non-EUA version of the IVD in accordance with CLIA regulations. Herein, the College of American Pathologists' Microbiology Committee provides guidance for how to approach regulatory considerations when an IVD is converted from EUA to non-EUA status.
Primary bilateral ovarian artery embolization for uterine leiomyomatosis in the setting of a rare anatomic variant - hypoplastic uterine arteries.

Abstract We present the case of a 50-year-old female who underwent bilateral ovarian artery embolization for uterine fibroids in the setting of hypoplastic uterine arteries. Ovarian artery embolization is usually conducted during uterine artery embolization for fibroids to increase the procedure success when ovarian feeders are seen. The bilateral ovarian artery embolization is rarely performed due to fears of amenorrhea and early menopause from decreased blood supply to both ovaries. According to our knowledge, this the first case report describing primary bilateral ovarian artery embolization in the setting of a rare anatomic variant- hypoplastic uterine arteries. The patient had complete resolution of symptoms from her uterine fibroids after treatment with bilateral ovarian artery embolization with no ovarian failure findings on the follow-up.
Unified Property Evaluations of Constrained-DEVS Models for Simulation and Model Checking

Properties represent the state of a system at any instance of time or for a period of time. We consider properties as a common concept for Experimental Frame (EF) that can be used for simulation and modeling checking. This affords to define experimental frames that can evaluate the dynamics of models of systems purposed for both validation and verification. We show this approach through simulation of Parallel DEVS models as well as model checking of Constrained-DEVS models. We develop experiments for simulating and model checking a prototypical Network-on-Chip (NoC) system. The models and experiments are developed and executed using the DEVS-Suite tool. New capabilities of this tool include support for defining experimental frames that stimulate and monitor executions of models. The proposed approach with the developed execution engine affords both simulation validation and model checking verification.
Vehicle Design in Aerial Robotics

Robotic technology has given rise to many advances in aviation as well as shaped the design of air vehicles. The goal of this work is to synthesize the recent advances in vehicle design as it pertains to aerial robotics. A secondary use of this work is for guidance on the different vehicle design options one has in the space of aerial robotics. Within aerial robotics, vehicle design and morphology are diversifying to meet the needs of expanding mission profiles. Robotics technology, such as robotic legs and arms, are integrating on to aerial systems with improved results. Aerial robotic missions have grown in diversity, and choice of vehicle to accomplish a mission is important. There are many different aerial robotic platforms: rotorcraft, fixed-wing, rocketry, flapping-wing, canopy, lighter-than-air, and hybrid designs. There are also many robotic features that can be integrated into an aerial system: robotic landing gear, aerial manipulators, and interfacing.
The Effect of Successive Founder Events on Mating Propensity of Drosophila

Nonrandom mating within and between experimental populations of Drosophila has been observed many times (Spieth and Ringo 1983). Deviations from randomness can take many forms, but in experiments testing pairs of populations under very simple conditions, three such deviations are measured most commonly. These are deviations from (1) equal mating frequencies of the two types of female, (2) equal mating frequencies of the two types of male, and (3) rates of intertype vs. intratype matings expected under a random model. The first two are equivalent to unequal female mating propensities and unequal male mating propensities; the third is either positive or negative assortative mating. The evolutionary implications of genetic variation for the three components of mating are profound. Assortative mating can affect the amount of inbreeding and level of heterozygosity within populations and the amount of gene flow between populations (perfectly positive assortative mating between populations is equivalent to complete sexual isolation). Variation in the mating success of different male genotypes within a population is the basis of sexual selection acting upon males. Although little considered by theoreticians or experimentalists, variation in the mating rates of different female genotypes would seem to play as important a role in intersexual selection as sexual responsiveness to particular male traits (e.g., sexual preferences).
Nonequilibrium Transport Processes in Amorphous and Other Low Conductivity Materials

It has to be admitted that macroscopic transport theory, in the sense in which it will here be discussed, is less fundamental than band theory or the theory of electron scattering. However, let us consider how our insights are gained. We conduct some kind of an experiment, and we have designed that experiment in a particular way because we have certain expectations of what the outcome should be. True, some experiments are purely exploratory, but in most cases we have definite expectations. If these are fulfilled, then we feel that the system is well understood. If they are not fulfilled, then we have a few choices. We can invoke the possibility of experimental errors, e.g., through malfunctioning equipment. Alternatively, we could question the model. We could propose, for instance, that mobility that is usually regarded as constant is not in fact constant. It is clear in some such way we can fit any data to a model. This is how physics has always progressed, but if this procedure is to be useful, it is very necessary that we have the correct expectations to begin with.
Multiple doses of diacylglycerol and calcium ionophore are necessary to activate AP-1 enhancer activity and induce markers of macrophage differentiation.

Abstract In contrast to phorbol esters, multiple doses of diacylgycerols are needed to differentiate U937 human monoblastic leukemic cells to a macrophage-like phenotype. Although both of these agents similarly activate protein kinase C in vitro, it is not known why these agents appear to have differing biologic effects. One possibility is that they regulate gene transcription in slightly different ways. Regulation of gene transcription by phorbol esters is complex and involves the stimulation of the transactivating proteins Jun and Fos which form dimers and bind to the AP-1 enhancer elements (5'-TGAGTCA-3'). To understand whether diacylglycerols regulate gene transcription similarly to phorbol esters and to examine whether activation of AP-1 enhancer activity is correlated with differentiation, we have treated U937 human monoblastic leukemic cells with these agents and examined activation of transcription from AP-1 enhancer elements. We find that, although a single dose of diacylglycerol, like phorbol esters, is sufficient to elevate mRNA levels of both the c-jun and c-fos protooncogenes, in contrast to phorbol esters there is no increase in either Jun protein or activation of AP-1 enhancer activity. However, multiple doses of this agent given over 24 h stimulate repeated elevations in c-jun and c-fos mRNA, increases in Jun protein, and enhancer activation. Treatment of U937 cells with ionomycin, a calcium ionophore, also stimulates an increase in c-jun mRNA, but neither activates AP-1 enhancer activity nor stimulates differentiation of these cells. However ionomycin functions to enhance the effects of diacylglycerols both on transcriptional activation and U937 differentiation. These results suggest a complex regulation of AP-1 enhancer activity in U937 cells by diacylglycerols involving both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Maximal activation of AP-1 enhancer elements, and not changes in jun and fos mRNA, is correlated with increases in markers of U937 differentiation. These changes may be important in the early events leading to differentiation of hematopoietic cells.
European Securitization: A Garch Model of CDO, MBS and Pfandbrief Spreads

Asset-backed securitization (ABS) is a highly flexible yet complex refinancing technique that involves the issuance of contingent claims with varying seniority on the cash flow performance of a designated pool of asset exposures. Efficient risk management of ABS obligations requires both investors and issuers to thoroughly understand the inherent spread dynamics in this growing segment of fixed income markets. We model the heteroskedasticity of weekly secondary market spreads of European CDO, MBS and Pfandbrief transactions in a multi-factor GARCH process for valuation and forecasting purposes. We find that expected spread changes follow a positive trend with asymmetric mean reversion depending on the direction of past spread changes. Model estimates indicate a statistically and economically stronger contribution by negative first moments of past spreads on mean spread changes. Most of the conditional spread volatility is informed by negative past innovations, which constitute most of the economic significance of a positive general GARCH effect. These spread dynamics over our sample period imply that negative shocks associated with unexpected spread declines seem to induce higher spread volatility when persistent (or increasing) spread levels testify to negative investor sentiment.
On Meyniel's conjecture of the cop number

Meyniel conjectured that the cop number c(G) of any connected graph G on n vertices is at most for some constant C. In this article, we prove Meyniel's conjecture in special cases that G has diameter 2 or G is a bipartite graph of diameter 3. For general connected graphs, we prove , improving the best previously known upper-bound O(n/ lnn) due to Chiniforooshan. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Contract grant sponsor: NSF; contract grant numbers: DMS 0701111; DMS 1000475 (to L. L. and X. P.).)
Comparative Statics in Two-Player Contests

We analyze two-player contests in which each player exerts effort to influence his probability of winning the prize. Using minimal assumptions on the contest success function, we determine the dependence of equilibrium efforts, success probabilities, and expected payoffs on players' values for the prize. Although some of these results are ambiguous, the ambiguity is resolved if we further assume that the contest success function is homogeneous of degree zero. These findings extend previous results based on more restricted forms of the contest success functions.
On l 1 - Optimal Simultaneously Stabilizing Controller Design

In this paper we propose a systematic design methodology, which yields a controller that simultaneously optimizes an l 1 performance objective for a number of plants. To obtain this optimal controller we employ decomposition techniques that guarantee global optimality of the solution.
Stellar Rotation and Activity

This review is limited to solar-type stars (late-F to early-K main sequence stars) and to recent developments in the study of the evolution of angular momentum in those stars. Observations of rotation in young clusters are discussed, together with the models that have been put forth to account for what is seen. One key question is whether or not the convective envelopes of solar-type stars decouple from the radiative cores when the stars near the Zero-Age Main Sequence. That question cannot yet be answered, but forthcoming observations are likely to address the issue. Another significant open question is the degree to which any one cluster of stars is typical of all stars at that age, and that too is near to being resolved as we reach deeper into the Galaxy at high spectroscopic resolution. Finally, some general properties of activity in solar-type stars are presented.
The Wealth of Cultures and the Problem of Generations

EDUCATION IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT I would like to present for your consideration a cultural wealth approach to education. Let me assure you that I do not stress the wealth of cultures and worry about whether it is preserved and transmitted to the next generation in order to justify the curriculum of an earlier, supposedly golden, age. On the contrary, a framework for thinking about education that takes into account the brute fact of cultural superabundance, illuminates the poverty of traditional education. I hope this will become clear as I first show the extent of our cultural riches, then explore what this means for education, and finally bring into focus the problem of generations.
New method of extracting non-Gaussian signals

We propose a new general method of extracting non-Gaussian features in a given field. It sets the mean of the field to zero and renormalizes its Fourier (or multipole) power to white noise, while keeping the phase information unchanged. Using simulated cosmic microwave background (CMB) as an example, we demonstrate the power of this method under many challenging circumstances. In particular, we show its capability of detecting cosmic strings in the CMB.
A Novel Approach: The Sociology of Literature, Children's Books, and Social Inequality:

This article discusses the complexity of literary analysis and the implications of using fiction as a source of sociological data. This project infuses literary analysis with sociological imagination. Using a random sample of children’s novels published between 1930 and 1980, this article describes both a methodological approach to the analysis of children’s books and the subsequent development of two analytical categories of novels. The first category captures books whose narratives describe and support unequal social arrangements; the second category captures those whose narratives work instead to identify inequality and disrupt it. Building on Griswold’s methodological approach to literary fiction, this project examines how children’s novels describe, challenge, or even subvert systems of inequality. Through a sociological reading of three sampled texts – Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, A Wrinkle in Time, and Hitty: Her First Hundred Years – readers learn how these analytical categories work and how the sociology of literature might be enriched by attention to structural forms of inequality within literary fiction. This essay investigates children’s books in order to reinvigorate the discussion and use of novels by sociologists.
Theory of thermal nonequilibrium entropy in near-field thermal radiation

We propose a theoretical formalism to evaluate the entropy density and entropy flux that takes into account near-field effects, i.e., interference, diffraction, and tunneling of waves. Using the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, expressions for entropy density and entropy flux in a vacuum cavity between planar multilayered media are derived in terms of local density of photons, local density of accessible microscopic states, and velocity of energy transmission. The proposed method is used to determine the maximum work that can be extracted and a thermodynamic limit of the energy conversion efficiency that can be obtained in near-field thermal radiation.
A putative FAD-binding domain in a distinct group of oxidases including a protein involved in plant development

Using methods for database screening with individual protein sequences and alignment blocks, a conserved domain is delineated in a group of proteins including several FAD-dependent oxidases. Two motifs within this domain resemble phosphate-binding loops and may be directly involved in FAD binding. These motifs can be readily distinguished from previously described nucleotide-binding sites using a method for database screening with position-dependent weight matrices derived from alignment blocks. Unexpectedly, this group of known and predicted FAD-dependent oxidases includes the product of the DIMINUTO gene, which is involved in Arabidopsis development, and its homologues from man and Mycobacterium leprae.
Investigation of side looking EM field scattering from a buried metallic object to support UXO discrimination

Detection and identification of buried unexploded ordinance (UXO) remains a challenging problem. Despite limitations due to clutter and ground coupling, ground penetrating radar has shown considerable virtues for UXO discrimination. Recent UWB field tests between 10's of MHz and 100's of MHz have demonstrated that certain of the target's dimensions can be estimated from analysis of complex natural resonances in the signal. The problem becomes much more complicated when objects are placed in layered ground and oriented vertical to the antenna, so the incident field cannot excite currents along the major axes and the scattered field from the object cannot easily be separated from the layer interface response. To investigate this, we pursue simulations here designed to test side looking EM field scattering from a buried object placed in layered ground. The numerical calculation is done using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method in conjunction with the generalized perfectly matched layer GPML. The results are analyzed for a cylinder placed in a uniform and layered earth.
Spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to spinal aneurysms: diagnosis and treatment paradigm.

Introduction Isolated spinal aneurysms are rare; only a few have been reported. To the best of our knowledge, this series represents the largest experience with four ruptured spinal aneurysms, all of which were treated surgically. Methods Clinical information from the hospital charts and diagnostic images of four patients with the diagnosis of spinal aneurysms were reviewed from the senior authors' (RFS, JMZ) office database, surgical reports, and radiological imaging database. Follow-up examinations were performed by phone interview, when possible, and by chart review. Results Between 1997 and 2004, four patients with ruptured spinal aneurysms underwent surgical treatment. All aneurysms were located within the spinal canal and manifested with spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage. No collagen disease, aortic coartaction, arteriovenous fistula, or arteriovenous malformations were identified in these patients. Conclusion Subarachnoid hemorrhage within the spinal cord can be caused by ruptured aneurysms. Spinal aneurysms are rare, but should be considered within the differential diagnosis of patients with intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage when cranial angiography is negative. Magnetic resonance imaging and selective spinal angiography are useful for workup, but definitive diagnosis may require surgical exploration.
Deletions in the plastid trn T– trn L intergenic spacer define clades within Cactaceae subfamily Cactoideae

The phylogenetic distribution of two deletions, of about 350 and 250 bp respectively, within the chloroplast trnT–trnL intergenic spacer was examined. One deletion was found in all members of Cactaceae subfamily Cactoideae sampled, totaling 37 species, but not in taxa from other subfamilies or closely related families. The second was shared by a subset of Cactoideae comprising members of tribes Cereeae, Trichocereeae, and Browningieae (in part), as well as Harrisia. Close links among the former three South American tribes have been previously hypothesized. This distribution suggested that Browningieae, a tribe defined largely by shared primitive features, were not monophyletic, and that Harrisia may have been incorrectly placed outside the Browningieae–Cereeae–Trichocereeae group.
The Use of Routine Wrist Radiography is Not Useful in the Evaluation of Patients with a Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of routine wrist radiography in the evaluation of patients with a wrist ganglion. In the setting of a University-based hand surgery practice, 103 consecutive patients with a dorsal or volar wrist ganglion underwent posteroanterior, lateral, and oblique radiographs of the involved wrist. There were 24 men and 79 women with an average age of 34 years (range 4–67 years). A retrospective review of the medical records was performed. Abnormalities on plain radiographs were noted in only 13 patients (13%). Findings included six cases of thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis and one case each of an enchondroma, congenital distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) anomaly, DRUJ degenerative changes, intraosseous ganglion, carpal boss, radiocarpal arthritis, and thumb metacarpophalangeal joint osteoarthritis. In only one case (1%) did the findings alter the management. At our institution, the professional and technical charge for three views of the wrist is $172. This confers a cost of $17,716 per therapeutically significant finding in our series. We conclude that routinely performing wrist radiography is not cost-effective in the evaluation and treatment decision-making process in patients with a wrist ganglion.
Site-Directed Mutations Affecting the Spectroscopic Characteristics and Midpoint Potential of the Primary Donor in Photosystem I †

Photosystem I is a member of the iron-sulfur center or type I reaction centers. The primary electron donor in photosystem I is a chlorophyll a dimer termed P700. The biophysical properties of P700 are well understood, but the protein environment that gives it such unique properties is unknown. We have characterized site-directed mutants of the photosystem I reaction center protein PsaB and identified an amino acid, His-656, that interacts closely with one of the P700 chlorophylls. Mutation of His-656 to Asn or Ser increases the oxidation midpoint potential of P700/P700+. by 40 mV. The P700/P700+. optical difference spectra show the appearance of a new bleaching band at 667 nm. Electron nuclear double resonance spectroscopy indicates a significant increase in the hyperfine coupling corresponding to methyl protons at position 12 of the spin carrying chlorophyll a of P700+. The implication of these results to current structural models of the photosystem I reaction center is discussed.
PATTERNS OF PARAPATRIC SPECIATION

Geographic variation may ultimately lead to the splitting of a subdivided population into reproductively isolated units in spite of migration. Here, we consider how the waiting time until the first split and its location depend on different evolutionary factors including mutation, migration, random genetic drift, genetic architecture, and the geometric structure of the habitat. We perform large-scale, individual-based simulations using a simple model of reproductive isolation based on a classical view that reproductive isolation evolves as a by-product of genetic diver- gence. We show that rapid parapatric speciation on the time scale of a few hundred to a few thousand generations is plausible even when neighboring subpopulations exchange several individuals each generation. Divergent selection for local adaptation is not required for rapid speciation. Our results substantiates the claims that species with smaller range sizes (which are characterized by smaller local densities and reduced dispersal ability) should have higher speciation rates. If mutation rate is small, local abundances are low, or substantial genetic changes are required for reproductive isolation, then central populations should be the place where most splits take place. With high mutation rates, high local densities, or with moderate genetic changes sufficient for reproductive isolation, speciation events are expected to involve mainly peripheral populations.
The developmental anatomy of Metaxya rostrata (Filicales: Metaxyaceae)

The systematically problematic fern Metaxya rostrata, commonly regarded as an ally of the cyatheoid and dicksonioid tree ferns, is investigated, and features of its organography, shoot vascular anatomy and development, soral initiation and early development, and gametophyte structure are described. The rhizome is creeping, dorsiventral, with an unusual fourseriate phyllotaxis. Typical protoxylem is lacking from the internodes of the solenostele, but are present in the leaf trace and end blindly proximally. Tangential cells are found in the phloem of the stem. The early maturing "protoxylem" of the stem is scattered, and, apart from some identifiable protoxylem strands, is not clearly associated with the young leaves. Sori are initiated as groups of large cells on the abaxial side of developing leaflets, distant from the marginal meristem initials, and in close association with a lateral vein. Two sori may arise by the subdivision of a single large patch of cells. Soral maturation is of the simple type. Gametophytes are cordate to ribbonlike, with moderately primitive gametangia. Morphologically and systematically, Metaxya appears isolated. It shares few significant derived conditions with the tree ferns, and a separate family Metaxyaceae seems well justified. Metaxya rostrata (HBK.) Presl, the sole species in the genus Metaxya, is a highly distinctive fern found in moist lowland tropical habitats from extreme southern Mexico