cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cooperative Activation of Gene Expression by Agonists and Antagonists Mediated by Estrogen Receptor Heteroligand Dimer Complexes

Estrogen receptor (ER) antagonists are generally thought to inhibit estrogen action through competitive inhibition, resulting in receptor binding to antagonist rather than agonist. However, microarray analyses reveal a group of genes for which ER agonist and antagonist cooperatively regulate expression, suggesting additional models of combined agonist/antagonist action must exist. In conjunction with a chimeric reporter gene and two modified ERs, one [ERα(GSCKV)] with a mutation in the DNA-binding domain and the other (ERα-G521R) with a ligand-binding specificity mutation, we herein demonstrate that ER agonist and antagonist cooperatively activate gene expression through an ER heteroligand dimer complex (ER-HLD) consisting of one subunit of the receptor dimer bound to agonist and another occupied by antagonist. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed interaction between the agonist-bound and antagonist-bound receptors. This cooperative activation of gene expression was enhanced by steroid receptor coactivator 3 coactivator, and required each ligand-bound subunit of the dimer to bind to DNA, as well as both activation function 1 domains for maximal transcriptional activity. Ligand combinations able to induce ER-HLD transcriptional activity include the agonists 17β-estradiol or conjugated estrogens with the antagonists tamoxifen, raloxifene, bazedoxifene, or fulvestrant. Moreover, ER-HLD can activate transcription in the context of a natural promoter. Taken together, these findings broaden our understanding of the complex relationship between ER agonist and antagonist, and suggest a novel model by which cell and tissue selective effects of antiestrogens may be achieved.
Embolization of varices

Variceal embolization once served as a primary tool for the treatment of recurrent or refractory variceal hemorrhage. Despite the use of a variety of techniques and embolic agents, it proved to not be durable because of persistent portal hypertension leading to variceal recanalization or enlargement of untreated varices. The role of embolization returned with the widespread creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). Despite the formation of thousands of TIPS, the optimal indications, techniques, and attributable results of adjunctive esophageal variceaf embolization remain largely based on uncontrolled single-site reports. The specific effect of the embolization is difficult to assess amidst the more powerful effect of reducing a patient's portal pressure with TIPS. It is unclear whether embolization should be performed before tract angioplasty and stent placement, performed routinely after TIPS, or reserved for certain anatomic subsets, such as gastric varices. This article reviews techniques for variceal embolization and the unique anatomic subsets for which embolization should be performed.
Time reversal imaging of obscured targets from multistatic data

The methods employed in time-reversal imaging are applied to radar imaging problems using multistatic data collected from sparse and unstructured phased array antenna systems. The theory is especially suitable to problems involving the detection and tracking (locating) of moving ground targets (MGT) from satellite based phased array antenna systems and locating buried or obscured targets from multistatic data collected from phased array antenna systems mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The theory is based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the multistatic data matrix K and applies to general phased array antenna systems whose elements are arbitrarily located in space. It is shown that the singular vectors of the K matrix together with knowledge of the Green function of the background medium in which the targets are embedded lead directly to classical time-reversal based images of the target locations as well as super-resolution images based on a generalized Multiple-Signal-Classification algorithm recently developed for use with the K matrix. The theory is applied in a computer simulation study of the TechSat project whose goal is the location of MGTs from an unstructured and sparse phased array of freely orbiting antennas located above the ionosphere.
Minimum generation error criterion considering global/local variance for HMM-based speech synthesis

Due to the inconsistency between the maximum likelihood (ML) based training and the synthesis application in HMM-based speech synthesis, a minimum generation error (MGE) criterion had been proposed for HMM training. This paper continues to apply the MGE criterion to model adaptation for HMM-based speech synthesis. We propose a MGE linear regression (MGELR) based model adaptation algorithm, where the regression matrices used to transform source models to target models are optimized to minimize the generation errors for the input speech data uttered by the target speaker. The proposed MGELR approach was compared with the maximum likelihood linear regression (MLLR) based model adaptation. Experimental results indicate that the generation errors were reduced after the MGELR-based model adaptation. And from the subjective listening test, the discrimination and the quality of the synthesized speech using MGELR were better than the results using MLLR.
Newton's revival of the aether hypothesis and the explanation of gravitational attraction

In his recent paper, ‘Newton’s Optical Aether’ (i), Professor Guerlac has uncovered much of interest in explanation of the format of the second English edition of the Opticks . That Newton intended that there should be a ‘Part II’ to the third book of the Opticks , seems now to be irrevocably proved, as also is the fact that the contents of this part were to include some of the electrostatic experiments of Hauksbee. It has previously been Professor Guerlac’s contention that these experiments of Hauksbee’s formed a distinct part in a revival of Newton’s belief in an aetherial medium (2), and in this recent paper he further suggests that for more, ‘persuasive experimental confirmation’ of the aether hypothesis, Newton devised the ‘two-thermometer experiment’ (3). I should like to suggest, and later in this paper to expound, that Newton’s interest in Hauksbee’s experiments, which were mostly performed between the years 1705-1712 (4), was related to a general interest in electrical phenomena and a specific interest in the attractive and repulsive forces exerted between the smallest particles of matter. Initially, however, there are other points which deserve of further consideration.
Transmission of carbapenem-resistant pathogens in New York City hospitals: progress and frustration

Methods: Isolates of K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa were collected from 14 hospitals in New York City over a 3 month period in 2009, and analysed for the presence of genes encoding important carbapenemases. Comparisons were made with a similar study conducted in 2006. Demographic and infection control-related information from hospitals was collected. Results: Overall, 29% of K. pneumoniae possessed the carbapenemase KPC, significantly improved from the 38% observed in 2006 (P,0.001). However, carbapenem resistance worsened in A. baumannii (mostly due to the emergence of strains with OXA-type carbapenemases) and P. aeruginosa. The decline in KPC-possessing K. pneumoniae was not uniformly observed in all of the hospitals. In a subset analysis of nine hospitals, those with a decreasing prevalence of blaKPC had shorter average lengths of stay. Conclusions: Measurable improvement has occurred in reducing the spread of KPC-possessing K. pneumoniae, and reducing the average length of stay may augment infection control efforts. However, the problem of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa lingers. New approaches, including respiratory isolation and environmental cleaning, need to be examined to control the spread of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa.
From cue to meaning: Brain mechanisms supporting the construction of expectations of pain

The brain mechanisms by which sensory cues become transformed into expectations of impending events are a critical component of cognitive tuning of sensory processing. However, distinctions among the afferent processing of cue-related activity itself versus those mechanisms supporting the contextual meaning imparted to the cue remain limited. Do sensory cues with equal meaning engage similar patterns of brain activations even if they are delivered in separate modalities? To address this question, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging of an expectation paradigm in which cues were delivered with visual or innocuous thermal stimuli. Cues were designed to be highly meaningful because they predicted the delivery of high and low painful stimuli. As expected, the cues themselves activated unimodal sensory cortices. This cue modality-specific activation was transformed into a pattern of activity reflecting cue meaning. Cues signaling high pain produced greater activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. Such activity is consistent with the graded encoding of the magnitude of expected pain. In contrast, cues signaling low pain produced greater activity in the right intraparietal sulcus. This activation may reflect processes directing spatial attention to the stimulated body region in order to more accurately evaluate the relatively weak, low pain stimulus. Taken together, these findings indicate that cues arising from different sensory modalities ultimately engage common brain mechanisms that reflect the meaning of the cue. This meaning-related activity is presumably critical for preparing sensory systems to optimally process afferent information.
Umbilical hernia, inguinal hernias, and hydroceles in children: Diagnostic clues for optimal patient management

The assessment of pediatric patients with a possible umbilical hernia, inguinal hernias, or hydroceles can often be problematic for the pediatric nurse practitioner. Understanding the embryologic processes related to these conditions may increase the diagnostic capabilities of the practitioner. Clues to assist in the differential diagnosis and current treatment modalities will be offered. Tips for parental guidance related to these conditions will enhance the team approach to effective referrals and optimal treatment of the children in this clinical population.
Use of genotoxicity data to support clinical trials or positive genetox findings on a candidate pharmaceutical or impurity .... now what

Results from carcinogenicity studies are generally not available for drugs until the time of approval. Many people, including healthy volunteers are often exposed to pharmacologically active doses of the drug before carcinogenicity results are available. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research uses results of genetic toxicology studies as a surrogate for carcinogenicity during the drug development phase (clinical trials). A number of issues are considered in deciding whether drugs that give positive results in genetic toxicology studies can be given to subjects in clinical trials. These relate to the drug indication, the target population, duration of treatment, and importance of the drug. In general, single-dose clinical studies are permitted regardless of the genetox results. In situations where a genetic toxicology assay showed a positive result, some review divisions have asked sponsors to perform a Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cell transformation assay or a p53 carcinogenicity study prior to allowing repeat-dose clinical trials to proceed. This paper discusses alternatives to SHE cell and p53 assays when faced with a positive result in a genetic toxicology assay. In addition, this paper discusses factors to consider when setting limits for genotoxic impurities in drug substances and products.
Sex differences in odor-stimulated flank marking in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus).

Abstract To determine whether sex differences exist in the frequency of odor-stimulated flank marking, intact male and female hamsters were exposed to the recently vacated home cages of male stimulus hamsters for a 10-min test on 4 consecutive days. Females were found to mark at significantly higher levels than males. To investigate the role of gonadal hormones in the sex differences in flank marking, gonadectomized male and female hamsters were implanted with Silastic capsules containing estradiol or testosterone. Females exhibited twofold higher levels of odor-stimulated flank marking than males, and the amount of flank marking was significantly higher when the hamsters were administered testosterone than when they were administered estradiol. These data demonstrate that sex differences exist in the frequency of flank marking stimulated by the odors of male hamsters, and that these sex differences do not appear to result from the typical sexspecific patterns of circulating levels of estradiol and testosterone.
Attribute vs Activity Orientation as Related to Sub-Culture Purchase Behavior Differences

In this study an attempt was made to contrast clothing purchase behavior of a group of employed black females and a group of employed white females. It was hypothesized that the blacks are more likely to be attribute oriented and whites activity oriented. The hypothesis was accepted. This implies that there some sub-cultural differences in clothing purchases. If understood and further verified, these differences can be used to satisfy consumer needs more readily.
Electronic Health Record (EHR) Training in Undergraduate Medical Education: Theory-Informed Development of a Longitudinal Curriculum for Empowering Patient- and Relationship-Centered Care in the Computerized Setting

Objectives: While electronic health record (EHR) use is becoming state-of-the-art, formal teaching of Health Care Information Technology (HCIT) competencies is not keeping pace with burgeoning use. Medical students require training to become skilled users of HCIT but formal pedagogy is sparse. Fundamental challenges include preserving and fostering effective health care provider-patient communication skills in the computerized setting to preserve patient and relationship-centered care and facilitate reciprocity within whole person care. Thus, curriculum innovation with overarching goal of empowering undergraduate medical students’ patient- and relationship-centered interviewing skills, information mastery, electronic documentation skills, and HCIT-supported patient education is needed.Methods: The authors describe innovative, systematic curriculum development for EHR training within a series of clinical skills courses at their institution, informed by Kern et al.’s framework, narrative medicine, and reflective practice. Initially, a didactic and an observed standardized patient encounter were piloted in Year 3. Subsequent surveys of participating faculty both validated the session’s educational value and identified the need for additional practice opportunities.Results: In addition to the existing presentation and individualized practice, second iteration revisions include reflective readings and exercises, relevant “introductory” skills presented in grid format, and opportunities for direct observation of and by mentor physicians in clinical settings. The behavior grid was then expanded to include “advanced” Year 4 skills, i.e. patient participation for chart building, patient education/information sharing, shared decision-making, and sending information to the interprofessional health care team.Conclusions: Effective triangulation of physician-patient-computer may be optimized with medical education curriculum developing competencies of effective EHR use preserving patient-and relationship-centered care, reflection, and narrative medicine. Systematic, longitudinal monitoring of learners' skill development by faculty, standardized patient, self-assessment, and reflective writing will inform our innovative multi-faceted, longitudinal, transferable curriculum presented herein. Further research is needed on formal pedagogy for EHR use by learners.
Computer-Assisted Cure Cycle Design, Monitoring, Control and Post-Fabrication Damage Assessment in Thermoset Composites

A computer aided design and manufacturing methodology, in conjunction with a multi-functional intelligent sensor, has been developed that can be used throughout the manufacturing and service-life cycles of thermoset composite materials. The concept of the sensor, called mechanical impedance analysis (MIA), involves measuring the relation between a force input (excitation) and a motion output (response) between various points in the material and therefore can provide a quantitative indication of the resin cure state and the structural health of the composite. Rapid measurements and analysis of the dynamic mechanical properties such as G’, Gil”, and tan δ of a composite can be obtained in real-time by using a multi-channel Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectrum analyzer interfaced with a microcomputer. This methodology, including the MIA concept, has proven to be effective in (1) the cure cycle design and optimization, (2) serving as a real time monitor for resin/prepreg aging/shelf life, (3) determining the processability of a resin/prepreg, (4) acting as an in-situ cure monitor for press curing and autoclaving of composites and (5) providing structural health state or condition monitoring of composites when subjected to various stressing conditions. In the present report, we will discuss the feasibility, advantages, and limitations of applying the computer-assisted MIA methodology for quality assurance, control and management before, during and after composite manufacturing.
RVFam: an R package for rare variant association analysis with family data

Summary: Family-based designs offer unique advantage for identifying rare risk variants in genetic association studies. There are existing tools for analyzing rare variants in families but lacking components to handle binary traits properly and survival traits. In this report, we introduce an R software package RVFam (Rare Variant association analysis with Family data) designed to analyze continuous, binary and survival traits against rare and common sequencing variants in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving family data. Single and multiple variant association tests were implemented while accounting for arbitrary family structures. Extensive simulation studies were performed to evaluate all the approaches implemented in RVFam. Availability and Implementation: http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/RVFam/ Contact: ude.ub@gnayq Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Fabrication and Characterization of Cold Rolled Ni/Al Multilayer Foils

Ni/Al reactive multilayer foils were fabricated by cold rolling method and self-propagating reactions in these foils were investigated. A two-stage phase formation process was observed in the ignition experiment. The first step is the lateral growth of Al3Ni phase from isolated nucleation sites and the following coalescence into a continuous layer; the second step is the growth of such Al3Ni layers in the perpendicular direction of the interface until all Al is consumed. As there is still Ni available, Al3Ni will continuously react with Ni until no Ni is left, and the final reaction product turns out to be ordered B2 AlNi compound. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments showed that the reaction product of the cold rolled foil was the same as the physical vapor deposition (PVD) foil. The reaction process was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Three peaks can be identified from the DSC curve. Cold rolled foils were heated to different peak temperatures obtained from DSC curve with the same heating rate as DSC. XRD results for such foils showed that the first two peaks were the exothermic formation of Al3Ni, while the last one was for the formation of AlNi. The enthalpy of the reaction for the cold rolled foil was calculated to be -57.5 KJ/mol, which was in good agreement with the formation enthalpy of AlNi (-59 KJ/mol). The reaction velocities of the first formation stage were measured to be 7mm/s for cold rolled foils, which were much smaller than the reaction velocities of PVD foils (which range between 1-30 m/s).
Reactions K − p → Λ π 0 and K − p → K ¯ 0 n in the Center-of-Mass Energy Range 1700-2100 MeV

Cross sections, angular distributions, and polarizations are presented for the reactions ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ and ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\overline{K}}^{0}n$ for 19 incident beam momenta in the c.m. energy range 1709-2106 MeV. Legendre-polynomial expansion coefficients to seventh order are also given for the data. The experimental procedures and results from two exposures in the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory 25-in. hydrogen bubble chamber are discussed.
Circular polarization on depolarizing chipless RFID tags

We propose a new chipless RFID scheme that relies on circularly polarized waves to provide an alignment-independent chipless RFID solution. This approach not only increases the readability of the tags, but also incorporates depolarization capability, reducing the interference effects produced by changes in the environment. The reading signal is right hand circularly polarized (RHP), while the signal reflected by objects in the environment produce a left-hand circularly polarized (LHP) signal that is rejected by the receiver. The proposed tags reflect a RHP signal that is properly detected.
Two new objections to explanationism

After a period of inactivity, interest in explanationism as a thesis about the nature of epistemic justification has been renewed. Poston (Reason and explanation: a defense of explanatory coherentism, 2014) and McCain (Evidentialism and epistemic justification 2014; Erkenntnis 79:99–109, 2014) have both recently offered versions of explanationist evidentialism. In this paper, we pose two objections to explanationist evidentialism. First, explanationist evidentialism fails to state a sufficient condition for justification. Second, explanationist evidentialism implies a vicious regress.
A Critique of the Discursive Systems and Foundation Concepts of Distribution Analysis

Insofar as economic actors are motivated by a desire to maximize their respective incomes and wealth, rather than the allocation of resources to the production of particular outputs, distribution is, as David Ricardo said, the central problem of political economy. Whatever else its concerns, economic science has political or policy significance with regard to distribution. Such may be its ultimate significance.
A Thoughtful Thomas Pynchon

I recently renewed my friendship with a former student, Jeff Bartlett, who told me a story that will add to the lore about Thomas Pynchon, particularly his thoughtfulness.
The roots of interdisciplinary conflict around ethical issues.

Interdisciplinary conflict around ethical issues is an important problem. This article addresses some of the myths and stereotypes that hamper collaboration and suggests five reasons for interdisciplinary conflicts around care of the critically-ill patient that stem from professional training and socialization. These include differences in clinical judgment style, differences in calculating and valuing patient survival, differences in information from the patient and family, differences in perceptions of potential legal repercussions, and different views of patient advocacy and patient autonomy. The author concludes by making suggestions for changes in education and practice.
Dance of the Savior-King: Statecraft, Stagecraft and the Grand Durbar of Ghanaian Independence

On 6th March 1957 Ghana was the toast of nations as the country celebrated independence from British colonial rule. Its leader, Kwame Nkrumah, was the center of Ghanaians admiration for his presumably salvific role in the independence struggle but also for his expressive, populist public image that would soon entail, among other things, reinvented trappings of "traditional" royalty. This expressive image, for which he earned the sobriquet Show-Boy, was in majestic display during the celebrations. My paper, based on ethnographic research and on my analyses of the audio-visual and written archives, applies to Nkrumah's image a Ghanaian (specifically, Akan) vernacular theory about political acumen and the dancing skills of Kings. In the paper, I genealogically connect the independence festivities and the durbar (an event where such skills find expression), to argue that the celebrations constituted a performance of political legitimation. In other words they were the meeting point of stagecraft and statecraft, where the prime ministers dancing body interacted with the assortment of other public enactments, to assert the coherence of the new nation-state and the rightfulness of its new leaderships authority and power.
Curricular Inclusion of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Content in Occupational Therapy Education in the United States

An exploratory, cross-sectional survey design was used to explore the extent to which CAM was included, what factors impacted its inclusion, topics and student learning outcomes covered, who taught the material, and what sources were used to prepare for delivering course content. While the vast majority of responding occupational therapy educators reported curricular inclusion of CAM, educational experiences for occupational therapy students varied widely. This overview of the curricular inclusion of CAM by faculty in occupational therapy programs in the United States indicated that many occupational therapy educators are responding to the demands of a more integrative healthcare system. Resolving ethical and pragmatic issues, providing faculty development opportunities, and standardizing student learning outcomes would align all stakeholders and mitigate ambiguities that currently exist surrounding the inclusion of CAM in occupational therapy education.
Computational Repacking of HIF-2α Cavity Replaces Water-Based Stabilized Core.

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are heterodimeric transcription factors central to hypoxia response and cancer development. Within the HIF-2 complex, one domain (HIF-2α PAS-B) contains a large (290 A3) buried cavity filled with water molecules within its hydrophobic core. Such cavities are uncommon except in the case of ligand-binding proteins, leading to the hypothesis that HIF-2α can be regulated by small molecules. The development of artificial HIF-2α inhibitors validates this hypothesis but raises questions about the impact of this cavity on HIF-2α PAS-B structure and function. To answer these points, we used computational methods to construct a repacked protein containing a smaller cavity within the native fold. Experimental validation of a five-mutation variant confirms achieving these objectives and stabilizing the folded structure. Complementary functional data establish that ligands cannot bind this variant although heterodimerization remains unchanged. Altogether, our strategy innovatively addresses the roles of solvated cavities in maintaining protein stability and function.
A Knowledge-Based Computerized Approach to the Development of a Sinkhole Database

This study proposes a knowledge-based, computerized method to develop an initial sinkhole database as a basis for subsequent field investigation to improve on the established database. The knowledge-based data analysis represents sinks (i.e., topographic depressions) as isolines and associates them with contextual land use, land cover, and hydrologic information relevant to potential sinkhole hazard. Sinks of high priority for subsequent field investigation are identified based on combinations of contextual attributes. The proposed methodology for knowledge-based development of a preliminary sinkhole database is valuable for hazard planning and management.
The Problem Stoma

Creating a stoma requires exteriorization of a segment of bowel to the skin surface, constructed with the end of the bowel or with a loop of bowel. Both colon and terminal ileum may be used in the construction of stomas. Loop stomas are commonly utilized to temporarily divert the fecal stream prior to a definitive procedure, or to protect a tenuous distal anastomosis, and are generally intended to be reversed at a later date. End stomas are more frequently used as definitive therapy with the intention of permanent bowel diversion, but are sometimes utilized in emergency situations such as colorectal trauma and abdominal sepsis, with the potential for later reversal. End stomas generally function better and have fewer complications than loop stomas. Overall complication rates for stomas range from 21 to 70 % [1, 2, 3]. Rates of complications are similar between ileostomies and colostomies, although the complication profiles are different. Higher rates of dehydration, leakage, and stenosis are seen with ileostomies while wound infections, prolapse, and parastomal hernias are more frequent in those with colostomies. Other common complications include stoma necrosis, retraction, leakage, and dermatitis. Because of the wide range and variable frequency of complications following stoma creation, it is essential for the general surgeon to have an understanding of the risk factors for, strategies to prevent, options to treat stoma-related complications.
Giving, Fast and Slow: Reflection Increases Costly (but Not Uncostly) Charitable Giving

Are people intuitively generous or stingy? Does reflection make people more willing to give generous amounts to charity? Findings across the literature are mixed, with many studies finding no clear relationship between reflection and charitable giving (e.g., Hauge, Brekke, Johansson, Johansson-Stenman, & Svedsater, 2016; Tinghog et al., 2016), while others find that reflection negatively affects giving (e.g., Small, Loewenstein, & Slovic, 2007), and still others find that reflection is positively associated with giving (e.g., Lohse, Goeschl, & Diederich, 2014). I demonstrate that reflection consistently increases costly giving to charity. In Study 1, people were initially reluctant to give costly amounts of money to charity, but those who reflected about the decision were more willing to give. In Studies 2–3, I isolated the role of costly stakes by randomly assigning people to either an uncostly donation ($0.40) or costly donation condition (e.g., $100), and randomly assigning them to decide under time pressure or after reflecting. Reflection increased their willingness to give costly amounts, but did not influence their willingness to give uncostly amounts. Similarly, the relationship between decision time and giving was positive when the stakes were costly but was relatively flat when the stakes were uncostly (Study 4). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cation ordering in the tetrahedral sites of the thiospinel FeIn2S4 (indite)

Abstract Recent X-ray and electron diffraction studies have substantiated earlier indications, based on dielectric behavior, e.s.r. studies, elastic constants, magnetic measurements, specific heat and spectral data, that in many cases the cubic spinel structure exhibits a small deviation from Fd3m symmetry. This discrepancy has been associated with a small displacement (less than 0.10A) of the octahedrally coordinated metal atom along [111] in space group F43m but has not hitherto been tested using precise single crystal X-ray diffraction data. Although more than thirtyhk0 reflections of the type h + k = 4n + 2, structurally forbidden for the space group Fd3m, are clearly visible in diffraction patterns from the thiospinel indite ( FeIn 2 S 4 ; a = 10.618(3) A ), a refinement in space group Fd3m using 412 unique X-ray data (u = 0.25907(7); inversion parameter = 0.947(7); R = 0.048) indicates that the structure may be satisfactorily described in terms of the conventional symmetry. A refinement of the data in space group F43m shows that the displacement, if present, is not detectable within experimental error but allows a rationalization of the observed diffraction symmetry in terms of an unequal distribution of In atoms over the two nonequivalent tetrahedral sites in F43m (100 and 83 ± 1% In, respectively) and the presence of a nonspherical distribution of residual electron density about the octahedral site.
Reductions of C C and C C by Noncatalytic Chemical Methods

This chapter is devoted to the discussion of the reduction of carbon-carbon double and triple bonds by noncatalytic methods. These methods include reductions by diimide, by dissolving metals in the presence or absence of proton donors, by low-valent metal ions, by metal hydride-metal halide combinations and by so-called ‘ionic hydrogenation’ procedures. Of these widely diverse methods of reduction of carbon-carbon double and triple bonds, the reduction by diimide appears to be the most versatile. The reduction of carbon-carbon double and triple bonds by diimide occurs with complete stereoselectivity and stereospecificity, and can be effected in the presence of a variety of other, very chemically reactive functional groups. The other methods of reduction of carbon-carbon double and triple bonds described in this chapter possess excellent synthetic utility in certain cases; however, their application depends critically on the structure of the unsaturated organic substrate and the reagent(s) used to effect the reduction.
Personality and Specialty Choice in Speech-Language Pathology Students:

The role of personality in specialty choices of speech-language pathology (SLP) students was examined. Specialty choices were obtained using a demographic questionnaire, and personality was measured with the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) in an electronic survey. The personalities of SLP students were compared to students in nine educational majors using Hotelling’s T2-test analyses. Multivariate analyses of variance were conducted to evaluate the effects of the 11 primary personality traits on age and setting choice. SLP students were found to significantly differ from the nine examined majors in the MPQ primary traits—social potency, alienation, aggression, harm avoidance, and control. Students were found to be organized, trusting of peers, nonaggressive, and harm avoidant when compared to other student groups. Personality traits did not significantly contribute to age or facility choice, and the degree of variance in the responses may indicate that a variety of personality types can t...
Towards zero-threshold optical gain using charged semiconductor quantum dots.

Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots are attractive materials for the realization of solution-processable lasers. However, their applications as optical-gain media are complicated by a non-unity degeneracy of band-edge states, because of which multiexcitons are required to achieve the lasing regime. This increases the lasing thresholds and leads to very short optical gain lifetimes limited by nonradiative Auger recombination. Here, we show that these problems can be at least partially resolved by employing not neutral but negatively charged quantum dots. By applying photodoping to specially engineered quantum dots with impeded Auger decay, we demonstrate a considerable reduction of the optical gain threshold due to suppression of ground-state absorption by pre-existing carriers. Moreover, by injecting approximately one electron per dot on average, we achieve a more than twofold reduction in the amplified spontaneous emission threshold, bringing it to the sub-single-exciton level. These measurements indicate the feasibility of ‘zero-threshold’ gain achievable by completely blocking the band-edge state with two electrons. Blocking band-edge absorption of compositionally graded quantum dots with suppressed Auger recombination by pre-existing electrons allows for demonstrating near-zero-threshold optical gain and amplified spontaneous emission at sub-single-exciton pump levels.
Behavioral, cellular and molecular maladaptations covary with exposure to pyridostigmine bromide in a rat model of gulf war illness pain.

Abstract Many veterans of Operation Desert Storm (ODS) struggle with the chronic pain of Gulf War Illness (GWI). Exposure to insecticides and pyridostigmine bromide (PB) have been implicated in the etiology of this multisymptom disease. We examined the influence of 3 (DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), permethrin, chlorpyrifos) or 4 GW agents (DEET, permethrin, chlorpyrifos, pyridostigmine bromide (PB)) on the post-exposure ambulatory and resting behaviors of rats. In three independent studies, rats that were exposed to all 4 agents consistently developed both immediate and delayed ambulatory deficits that persisted at least 16 weeks after exposures had ceased. Rats exposed to a 3 agent protocol (PB excluded) did not develop any ambulatory deficits. Cellular and molecular studies on nociceptors harvested from 16WP (weeks post-exposure) rats indicated that vascular nociceptor Na v 1.9 mediated currents were chronically potentiated following the 4 agent protocol but not following the 3 agent protocol. Muscarinic linkages to muscle nociceptor TRPA1 were also potentiated in the 4 agent but not the 3 agent, PB excluded, protocol. Although K v 7 activity changes diverged from the behavioral data, a K v 7 opener, retigabine, transiently reversed ambulation deficits. We concluded that PB played a critical role in the development of pain-like signs in a GWI rat model and that shifts in Na v 1.9 and TRPA1 activity were critical to the expression of these pain behaviors.
Eicosapentaenoic and arachidonic acid: comparison of metabolism and activity in murine epidermal cells

The biological activity, including metabolism and modulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity and DNA synthesis, of arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were compared in epidermal cells from SENCAR mice. Radiolabelled AA and EPA were found to be similarly incorporated into and released from membrane phospholipids of unstimulated cultures. However, when cells were stimulated with the tumor promoter 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), the release of AA was significantly higher than the release of EPA. The extent of metabolism of AA and EPA to prostaglandins was determined in both freeze-thawed cell preparations and in viable cultured cells. In the freeze-thawed preparations, use of AA as a substrate resulted in significantly more PGF than when EPA was used as the substrate. However, more PGE3 was formed than PGE2. PGD levels were the same for either fatty acid precursor. Prostaglandin production was also determined in viable cultured cells since other influences such as phospholipase A2 activity can modify prostaglandin production. Control cultures prelabelled with either AA or EPA produced similar amounts of the respective PGF, PGE, and PGD. However, TPA-stimulated cultures produced significantly higher amounts of each prostaglandin in cultures prelabelled with AA compared to cells prelabelled with EPA. HETE or HEPE production was the same both for cultured cells prelabelled with AA or EPA and for homogenates from uncultured cells incubated directly with the radiolabelled fatty acids. TPA-induced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) was significantly higher in AA-treated cultures compared to EPA-treated cultures. AA supports DNA synthesis to a greater extent than EPA, either alone or in the presence of TPA. These findings suggest that AA and EPA do not have equivalent biological activity in mouse epidermal cells.
SMOOTHING IN MAXIMUM QUANTUM ENTROPY

The method of Maximum Quantum Entropy (MQE) has been described in a companion paper. Here we give criteria for the smoothness properties of the MQE estimate, as a function of the smoothing operator and the dimension. With point constraints, the MQE estimate will have continuous derivatives of order l in d dimensions if and only if the elliptic smoothing operator is of order 2m, where 2m > l+d. It is thus impossible to constrain individual points unless 2m > d, and the derivative will have discontinuities unless 2m > d + 1.
SC-CoJava: A Service Composition Language to Unify Simulation and Optimization of Supply Chains

The Service Composition (SC) CoJava language extends the programming language Java with (1) a modular service composition framework; (2) an extensible library of supply-chain modeling components such as items, services and business metrics; and (3) decision choice constructs for program variables, assertions of constraints and a designation of a program variable to serve as the objective to be minimized or maximized. The SC-CoJava provides not only the procedural “simulation-like” semantics of Java, but also an optimization semantics. The optimization semantics of SC-CoJava amounts to (1) finding an optimal instantiation of values into the choice-variables, based on automatic construction of a standard optimization model and solving it using a mathematical programming solver, and then (2) executing the Java program procedurally, where all the decision choice values are taken from the optimization result.
A COMPARISON OF ALVEOLAR AND PERITONEAL MACROPHAGES AS ACCESSORY CELLS IN PHA INDUCED PROLIFERATION OF GUINEA PIG LYMPHOCYTES

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a comparison of alveolar and peritoneal macrophages (MO) as accessory cells in phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced proliferation of guinea pig lymphocytes. In a study described in the chapter, guinea pig tracheobronchial lymphnode lymphocytes were cultured alone and in the presence of alveolar or peritoneal cells from the same animal. PHA was added to the cultures and proliferation was measured by incorporation of tritiated thymidine at intervals over 160 h. The chapter presents a representative experiment from this series. The PHA response of lymphocytes with alveolar or peritoneal cells present was significantly greater than lymphocytes alone and with a peak response 24–48 h later. The PHA response of lymphocytes with alveolar MO was significantly greater than with peritoneal MO. Control experiments with mitomycin-treated alveolar and peritoneal cells indicated that these cells account for an insignificant amount of measured thymidine incorporation. The results suggest that MO from different sources differ in their efficiency as accessory cells in PHA-induced lymphocyte proliferation with alveolar MO being more efficient in this function.
Canonical Equation K 23 for Random Matrices with Independent Pairs of Entries with Different Variances and Equal Covariances

In this chapter, we consider the problem of description of the limit spectral functions for random matrices \( {\Xi _n} = [\xi _{ij}^{(n)}]_{i,j = 1}^n \) with independent pairs of entries \( \left\{ {\left. {\xi _{ij}^{(n)},\;\xi _{ij}^{(n)}} \right\},\;i \ge j,} \right.\;i,j = 1, \ldots , n, \) which may have different variances and equal covariances. In this case, the spectral theory is much more complicated than the corresponding theory for random matrices whose entries have equal variances and the pairs of entries \( \left\{ {\left. {\xi _{ij}^{(n)},\;\xi _{ij}^{(n)}} \right\},\;i \ge j,} \right.\;i,j = 1, \ldots , n, \) have equal covariances. As in the previous chapters, we consider the regularized V-transform $$ V\{ t,s,z\} = {n^{ - 1}}Tr\;{[({\Xi _n} - \tau {I_n})({\Xi _n} - \tau {I_n})* - z{I_n}]^{ - 1}}, $$ where z = x + iy, y > 0, and τ = t + is. We prove limit theorems for V {t, s, z} for all τ and z, Imz > 0, and then find the limit n.s.f. of the matrix Ξ n . We omit the technical details of our derivation and present only the main idea.
Decline in Sirtuin-1 expression and activity plays a critical role in blood-brain barrier permeability in aging.

Abstract Accumulating evidence suggest that cerebral microvascular disease increases with advancing age and is associated with lacunar stroke, leukoaraiosis, vascular dementia and Alzheimer disease. Increased blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability/leakage takes “center stage” in ongoing age-related vascular/brain parenchymal injury. Although significant effort has been made in defining the gene mutations and risk factors involved in microvascular alterations in vascular dementia and Alzheimer disease, the intra- and intercellular pathogenic mechanisms responsible for vascular hyperpermeability are still largely unknown. The present study aimed to reveal the ongoing senescence process in brain endothelial cells and its effect on BBB integrity in healthy/non-disease conditions. An analysis of BBB integrity during the life span of C56Bl6 mice (young, 2–6 months; middle-aged, 6–12, months; old, 16–22 months) showed increased BBB permeability for different molecular sized tracers (sodium fluorescein, inulin and 20 kDa dextran) in aged mice which was accompanied by modifications in tight junction (TJ) complex organization, manifested as altered TJ protein expression (particularly claudin-5). A gene screening analysis of aging associated markers in brain microvessels isolated from “aged” mice (C56Bl6, 18-20 months) and human brain samples showed a significant decline in sirtuin-1 expression (Sirt1; ~2.8-fold) confirmed at mRNA and protein levels and by activation assay. Experiments in Sirt1 transgenic mice and brain endothelial cell-specific Sirt1 knockout mice indicated that Sirt1 affects BBB integrity, with loss increasing permeability. Similarly, in vitro, overexpressing Sirt1 or increasing Sirt1 activity with an agonist (Sirt1720) protected against senescence-induced brain endothelial barrier hyperpermeability, stabilized claudin-5/ZO-1 interactions and rescued claudin-5 expression. These findings reveal a novel role of Sirt1 in modulating aging-associated BBB persistent leakage.
A Conceptual Framework for Developing Recommendations for No-Harvest Buffers around In-Field Feces

ABSTRACT Results of previous studies revealed that (i) splash can transfer microbes from in-field feces to preharvest produce and (ii) wildlife can be vectors for the introduction of foodborne path...
Consumer-Optimal Market Segmentation

Advances in information technologies have enhanced firms' ability to personalize their offers based on consumer data. A central regulatory question regarding consumer privacy is to what extent, if at all, a firm's ability to collect consumer data should be limited. As a 2012 report by the Federal Trade Commission puts it, ?The Commission recognizes the need for flexibility to permit [...] uses of data that benefit consumers. At the same time, [...] there must be some reasonable limit on the collection of consumer data."1 We study consumer surplus when a multi product firm uses data to segment the market and make segment-specific offers. Consider a multi product seller, for example an online retailer such as Amazon. There is a finite number of consumer types. The type of a consumer specifies her valuation for every possible product or bundles of products. We refer to the distribution of consumer types in a population as a market. The seller may be able to observe certain characteristics of its buyers, perhaps noisily, such as age, sex, or location. Based on the available information, the seller may be able to segment the market and offer each market segment a potentially different menu of products and bundles of products. For instance, the seller may offer bundle discounts to consumers in certain locations, or offer products exclusively to different age groups. The resulting producer and consumer surplus depend on how the market is segmented (the "segmentation"), which in turn depends on the information available to the seller.