cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate (soman) on selected endocrine, glucose, and catecholamine levels in fasted and fed rats.

Abstract Fed and 18-h fasted rats were given acute doses of either saline or the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate (soman) 40, 60, or 80 μg/kg. After 30 min plasma samples were collected and assayed for glucose, insulin, glucagon, corticosterone, epinephrine and norepinephrine and the hypothalamus was isolated and assayed for acetylcholinesterase activity. Toxic sign scores were determined and they indicated that soman may be more toxic in the fasted rat. Soman-induced increases in corticosterone were observed in both fasted and fed rats; these levels were significantly higher in fasted rats given either soman or saline. Also, soman-induced increases in glucagon were more pronounced in fasted rats. Soman also caused an apparent dose-dependent increase in catecholamines and a decrease in hypothalamic acetylcholinesterase activity in both groups of rats. The expected lower insulin and glucose levels in the fasted rats were present in the saline-dosed animals and remained lower than fed rats after each dose of soman. This lack of soman-induced hyperglycemia may contribute to the toxicity of soman in fasted rats.
Augustine, Addiction and Lent: A Pedagogic Exercise

The article describes a series of pedagogic exercises developed to help students in a General Education course at a Jesuit university to engage fruitfully with Augustine’s Confessions in a way that will facilitate and deepen their understanding of a classic text of the Western tradition and, at the same time, promote their personal formation in keeping with the goals of Ignatian pedagogy.
The Ability for Posterior Predictive Checking to Identify Model Misspecification in Bayesian Growth Mixture Modeling

Proper model specification is an issue for researchers, regardless of the estimation framework being utilized. Typically, indexes are used to compare the fit of one model to the fit of an alternate model. These indexes only provide an indication of relative fit and do not necessarily point toward proper model specification. There is a procedure in the Bayesian framework called posterior predictive checking that is designed theoretically to detect model misspecification for observed data. However, the performance of the posterior predictive check procedure has thus far not been directly examined under different conditions of mixture model misspecification. This article addresses this task and aims to provide additional insight into whether or not posterior predictive checks can detect model misspecification within the context of Bayesian growth mixture modeling. Results indicate that this procedure can only identify mixture model misspecification under very extreme cases of misspecification.
Food assistance programs for children afford mixed dietary quality based on HEI-2010

Backpack programs across the United States distribute easy-to-prepare foods in a backpack to potentially food-insecure students on Fridays to help reduce weekend hunger. This study used Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) to assess foods provided in Montana backpack programs. Healthy Eating Index 2010 measures compliance with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines and is a tool to assess the diet quality of foods provided in supplemental food assistance programs. We hypothesized that HEI-2010 scores would be of average dietary quality. One randomly selected menu was collected from each Montana backpack program (n = 5) from the 2011-2012 academic year. Each food provided was analyzed for diet quality using HEI-2010 to obtain component and total scores. Descriptive statistics and t tests were calculated to assess whether mean HEI-2010 component scores and total scores differed significantly (P < .05) from the maximum scores. The mean total score for HEI-2010 was significantly lower than the maximum score of 100 (58.65; SD, 15.59; P = .004). Analysis resulted in significantly lower mean scores for total vegetables (2.26; SD, 1.37; P = .011), greens and beans (0; SD, 0; P < .001), fatty acids (0; SD, 0; P < .001), and sodium (3.90; SD, 2.52; P = .006). Dietary quality of backpack programs may further improve with information sharing between programs about the availability of specific food group items. To better suit children's nutritional needs and increase HEI-2010 scores, researchers, practitioners, and the food industry should identify food options for the backpack program that are easy to prepare, appealing, and affordable.
Lipoprotein aggregation protects human monocyte-derived macrophages from OxLDL-induced cytotoxicity

Oxidative modifications render low density lipoprotein cytotoxic and enhance its propensity to aggregate and fuse into particles similar to those found in atherosclerotic lesions. We showed previously that aggregation of oxidized LDL (OxLDL) promotes the transformation of human macrophages into lipid-laden foam cells (Asmis, R., and J. Jelk. 2000. Large variations in human foam cell formation in individuals. A fully autologous in vitro assay based on the quantitative analysis of cellular neutral lipids. Atherosclerosis. 148: 243–253). Here, we tested the hypothesis that aggregation of OxLDL enhances its clearance by human macrophages and thus may protect macrophages from OxLDL-induced cytotoxicity. We found that increased aggregation of OxLDL correlated with decreased macrophage injury. Using 3H-labeled and Alexa546-labeled OxLDL, we found that aggregation enhanced OxLDL uptake and increased cholesteryl ester accumulation but did not alter free cholesterol levels in macrophages. Acetylated LDL was a potent competitor of aggregated oxidized LDL (AggOxLDL) uptake, suggesting that scavenger receptor A plays an important role in the clearance of AggOxLDL. Inhibitors of actin polymerization, cytochalasin B, cytochalasin D, and latrunculin A, also prevented AggOxLDL uptake and restored OxLDL-induced cytotoxicity. This suggests that OxLDL-induced macrophage injury does not require OxLDL uptake and may occur on the cell surface. Our data demonstrate that aggregation of cytotoxic OxLDL enhances its clearance by macrophages without damage to the cells, thus allowing macrophages to avoid OxLDL-induced cell injury.
Calcium-to-Argon and Nickel-to-Argon Abundance Ratios as Tracers of the Source Region of Postflare Loop System Material

Intensities of abundance diagnostic lines of Ca XV, Ca XVI, Ni XVII, Ar XIII, and Ar XV have been derived for a classic flare loop system observed during the Skylab mission. These have been used to test for photospheric or coronal origin of the flare loop material. The resulting FIP-bias factors are between 1.7 and 4.6 with a majority of the values around 4.5 indicating a source with material modified by the FIP effect. The loop system bias factors are similar to those observed in a sample of Skylab prominences, suggesting that the disrupted mass of the preflare embedded filament provided the loop system material.
A health maintenance organization's initial experience with laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and endometrial ablation

Abstract Study Objective . To determine how the integration of laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy (LAVH) and endometrial ablation into a health maintenance organization's (HMO) gynecologic practice affected quality of care and operating costs. Design . A clinical study reviewing charts of HMO patients having a hysterectomy or endometrial ablation during 1990–1993. Setting . A group practice in Worcester, Massachusetts. Patients . Female members of the Fallon Community Health Plan, classic program. Interventions . Total hysterectomies and endometrial ablations for 1990 through 1993; the numbers were 126, 105, 142, and 185, respectively. Hysterectomy was subdivided as total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), vaginal hysterectomy (VH), vaginal hysterectomy with anterior or posterior colporrhaphy (VHC), and LAVH. All records of patients undergoing endometrial ablation (33), LAVH (59), and VH (44) were reviewed. Also reviewed were a random sample of the records of 60 patients (1990–1992) having TAH for benign conditions and 40 patients (1990–1993) having VHC. Measurements and Main Results . We analyzed indications, uterine weights, endometriosis and adhesion classification, complications, surgical outcomes, total charges, trends in hysterectomy type, and annual hysterectomy rates. The annual hysterectomy rate did not change significantly over the study years, varying 1.83 to 2.71 per 1000 women. Menorrhagia as an indication for vaginal hysterectomy dropped from 58% in 1990–1991 to 17% in 1992–1993 after endometrial ablation was initiated. Postoperative complications were highest for TAH (45%) and lowest for LAVH (9%) and endometrial ablation (3%). The mean total charges were greatest for LAVH ($9739) and the least for endometrial ablation ($3580). The group reduced the rate of TAH from 78% (1990) to 47% (1993) of total procedures. For all procedures the number of weeks before return to work dropped from 5.57 to 4.45 during the study years. The mean cost per procedure did not change significantly, varying from $6634 to $7180. Conclusions . The integration of LAVH and endometrial ablation into an HMO's gynecologic practice improved quality of care by a marked reduction in surgical complications and more rapid return to work, but has not reduced operating costs due to the high total charges for LAVH. Continued study over the next few years may reveal further reduction in operating costs with an increased rate of endometrial ablation versus hysterectomy for menorrhagia.
Transcending death in Departures (Okuribito): A case study of film, literature and Buddhism in modern Japan

ABSTRACTOkuribito/Departures (2008) is a representative example of Japanese cinema on the theme of living and dying, built on the pattern of Japanese spirituality in which the people resist taking refuge in organized religion because they embrace diverse spiritual sensibilities all at the same time. This article situates the film historically within Japanese society, where ancestral worship aided by Buddhist rituals is critical to their cultural identity, and analyses how the book Coffinman/Nōkanfu Nikki was made into a film. It also explores Departures's thematic relationship to modern Japanese literature and other Japanese films, including aesthetic encounters in nature through which a main character attains self-realization, after reflecting on the death of a loved one.
Proof of the maximality of the orthogonal group in the unimodular group

Let D be a real inner product space of dimension n. The inner product is assumed to be positive definite. The unimodular group U and the orthogonal group O of D are defined by $$ U = \left\{ {H\left| {H \in L,\left| {\det H\left| { = 1} \right.} \right.} \right.} \right\} $$ (1) and $$ O = \left\{ {Q\left| {Q \in L,{Q^{T}} = {Q^{{ - 1}}}} \right.} \right\} $$ (2) , where L is the algebra of all linear transformations of D into itself. It is the purpose of this note to give a simple proof of the fact that O is a maximal subgroup of U.
First Atmospheric Science Results from the Mars Exploration Rovers Mini-TES

Thermal infrared spectra of the martian atmosphere taken by the Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES) were used to determine the atmospheric temperatures in the planetary boundary layer and the column-integrated optical depth of aerosols. Mini-TES observations show the diurnal variation of the martian boundary layer thermal structure, including a near-surface superadiabatic layer during the afternoon and an inversion layer at night. Upward-looking Mini-TES observations show warm and cool parcels of air moving through the Mini-TES field of view on a time scale of 30 seconds. The retrieved dust optical depth shows a downward trend at both sites.
piecewiseSEM: Piecewise structural equation modelling in r for ecology, evolution, and systematics

Summary Ecologists and evolutionary biologists rely on an increasingly sophisticated set of statistical tools to describe complex natural systems. One such tool that has gained significant traction in the biological sciences is structural equation models (SEM), a form of path analysis that resolves complex multivariate relationships among a suite of interrelated variables. Evaluation of SEMs has historically relied on covariances among variables, rather than the values of the data points themselves. While this approach permits a wide variety of model forms, it limits the incorporation of detailed specifications. Recent developments have allowed for the simultaneous implementation of non-normal distributions, random effects and different correlation structures using local estimation, but this process is not yet automated and consequently, evaluation can be prohibitive with complex models. Here, I present a fully documented, open-source package piecewiseSEM, a practical implementation of confirmatory path analysis for the r programming language. The package extends this method to all current (generalized) linear, (phylogenetic) least-square, and mixed effects models, relying on familiar r syntax. I also provide two worked examples: one involving random effects and temporal autocorrelation, and a second involving phylogenetically independent contrasts. My goal is to provide a user-friendly and tractable implementation of SEM that also reflects the ecological and methodological processes generating data.
Nitrate reductase activity and nitrogen compounds in xylem exudate of Juglans nigra seedlings: relation to nitrogen source and supply

Nitrogen (N) limits plant productivity and its uptake and assimilation may be regulated by N source, N availability, and nitrate reductase activity (NRA). Knowledge of how these factors interact to affect N uptake and assimilation processes in woody angiosperms is limited. We fertilized 1-year-old, half-sib black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) seedlings with ammonium (NH4+) [as (NH4)2SO4], nitrate (NO3−) (as NaNO3), or a mixed N source (NH4NO3) at 0, 800, or 1,600 mg N plant−1 season−1. Two months following final fertilization, growth, in vivo NRA, plant N status, and xylem exudate N composition were assessed. Specific leaf NRA was higher in NO3−-fed and NH4NO3-fed plants compared to observed responses in NH4+-fed seedlings. Regardless of N source, N addition increased the proportion of amino acids (AA) in xylem exudate, inferring greater NRA in roots, which suggests higher energy cost to plants. Root total NRA was 37% higher in NO3−-fed than in NH4+-fed plants. Exogenous NO3− was assimilated in roots or stored, so no difference was observed in NO3− levels transported in xylem. Black walnut seedling growth and physiology were generally favored by the mixed N source over NO3− or NH4+ alone, suggesting NH4NO3 is required to maximize productivity in black walnut. Our findings indicate that black walnut seedling responses to N source and level contrast markedly with results noted for woody gymnosperms or herbaceous angiosperms.
The Cloning and Characterization of a Novel Cytochrome P450 Family, CYP26, with Specificity Toward Retinoic Acid

A new family of cytochrome P450 enzymes, CYP26, has been cloned and characterized in zebra fish, human, and mouse tissues. CYP26 displays specificity toward retinoic acid and it may function as an important regulator of differentiation and a possible modulator of disease states by controlling retinoid concentration and homeostasis.
Novel and nondetected human signaling protein polymorphisms.

The frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in downstream signaling proteins was determined by combination heteroduplex HPLC and double-stranded sequencing of genomic DNA from 96–144 co...
Appraising Qualitative Research Reports: A Developmental Approach

In this paper, the author discusses the development of an appraisal instrument designed for evaluating submissions to The Qualitative Report—the TQR Rubric. Following a description of the context of TQR, she explains what led to the development of the TQR Rubric and describes its components. She concludes by presenting the plan of implementation of the rubric and a discussion of how the TQR Rubric’s elements relate to notions of quality presented in the literature. Key Words: Qualitative Research, Appraising, Quality, Peer Review Process, Social Constructionism. There is a rich and helpful body of academic literature related to writing and appraising qualitative research. This literature includes a discussion of what constitutes quality in qualitative research, as well as what contributes to a quality research report. In addition, there are several appraisal tools available to help those seeking to assess the quality of qualitative research reports. All of the Editors of The Qualitative Report think about how to evaluate qualitative research reports on a regular basis. We consider this issue both from a process perspective and a quality control perspective. In this paper, I describe how we as Editors of TQR came to the decision to develop our own appraisal tool for papers submitted to the journal and describe the tool that we developed—the TQR Rubric (Chenail, Cooper, Patron, & TQR Associates, 2011), as well as the developmental approach that guides our editorial processes and products. Quality in Qualitative Research Flick (2007) points out that the question of quality in qualitative research can be addressed on four different levels: the researcher interested in learning how well they have conducted their research, funding bodies seeking to determine what studies should be funded or evaluating funded research, journal editors deciding which research reports to publish, and readers hoping to learn what research they can rely on in their own work. In this paper we address quality in qualitative research from the perspective of journal editors. As Flick notes, “Here, the quality issue is in some way doubled. Consideration of rigour and criteria in the research is seen as essential if the research is to be published. The research in its presentation has to be linked back to existing literature, for example— which is a criterion at the level of presentation” (p. 5). In the peer review process of reviewing manuscripts for journals, “a growing number of guidelines for assessing research papers (articles, proposals) are developed,
Cylindrocyclophane Biosynthesis Involves Functionalization of an Unactivated Carbon Center

The cylindrocyclophanes are a family of natural products that share a remarkable paracyclophane carbon scaffold. Using genome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses, we have discovered a biosynthetic gene cluster involved in the assembly of cylindrocyclophane F. Through a combination of in vitro enzyme characterization and feeding studies, we confirm the connection between this gene cluster and cylindrocyclophane production, elucidate the chemical events involved in initiating and terminating an unusual type I polyketide synthase assembly line, and discover that macrocycle assembly involves functionalization of an unactivated carbon center.
Seasonal differences in equine spermatocytogenesis

Spermatocytogenesis plays a pivotal role in regulation of spermatogenesis; however, its details remain relatively obscure in nonrodent species. The equine testis contains approximately 100% more spermatogonia in summer than in winter and appears to be a good model to identify the flexible components of spermatocytogenesis that cause seasonal changes in daily sperm production. Testes were taken from horses in the winter (n = 47) and in summer (n = 43). Tissues were fixed by glutaraldehydeperfusion and submission in osmium, embedded in Epon or methacrylate, sectioned at 0.5 jam or 5 jam, stained with toluidine blue, and observed using bright-field microscopy. The combined total number of A1, A2, A,, and B, (A plus B,) spermatogonia/ testis and the numbers of B2 spermatogonia or early primary spermatocytes were determined by stereology of Epon sections involving testicular volume density and volume of spermatogonial nuclei. In a subset of horses, different spermatogonial subtypes (A,, A2, A,, and B1) were counted per 100 Sertoli cells in each of the 8 spermatogenic stages and expressed as percentage of all A plus B, spermatogonia. The number of each spermatogonial subtype/testis for the large series of horses was calculated by multiplying the number of A plus B, spermatogonia/testis (determined for each horse) by the percentage of that given spermatogonial subtype. Season did not significantly affect the number of any given subtype per 100 Sertoli cells in any stage or percentages of different subtypes of spermatogonia. Numbers of A, (p 0.05) influence the yield of B2 spermatogonia per A, or B2 per B, spermatogonia; however, the yields of BS/A, and 82/A2 were greater (p < 0.01) in the breeding season. Seasonal differences in spermatogonial number are due to a combination of a small but significant increase in number of A, spermatogonia and a significant (� < 0.01) increase in yield of spermatogonial divisions early in spermatocytogenesis in the breeding season.
Patients Living in Impoverished Areas Have More Severe Ischemic Strokes

Background and Purpose—Initial stroke severity is one of the strongest predictors of eventual stroke outcome. However, predictors of initial stroke severity have not been well-described within a population. We hypothesized that poorer patients would have a higher initial stroke severity on presentation to medical attention. Methods—We identified all cases of hospital-ascertained ischemic stroke occurring in 2005 within a biracial population of 1.3 million. “Community” socioecomic status was determined for each patient based on the percentage below poverty in the census tract in which the patient resided. Linear regression was used to model the effect of socioeconomic status on stroke severity. Models were adjusted for race, gender, age, prestroke disability, and history of medical comorbidities. Results—There were 1895 ischemic stroke events detected in 2005 included in this analysis; 22% were black, 52% were female, and the mean age was 71 years (range, 19–104). The median National Institutes of Health S...
Dietary vitamin E supplementation and discoloration of pork bone and muscle following modified atmosphere packaging.

The effects of modified atmosphere (80% O2: 20% CO2) and illumination on the discoloration rate of pork bone (lumbar vertebrae) and muscle (longissimus lumborum), and on muscle lipid stability were studied in vitamin E-supplemented and unsupplemented pigs. Bone-in pork chops were placed in 80% O2: 20% CO2 at 0 °C and stored for 5 days in the dark. The chops were then displayed under (a) fluorescent light in air or modified atmosphere or (b) in air with or without illumination. Lipid oxidation was increased by the modified atmosphere packaging but this detrimental effect was offset by vitamin E supplementation. Higher supplementation levels (198 and 207mg/kg) improved bone color stability regardless of the packaging atmosphere or the lighting conditions. Although vitamin E supplementation improved muscle color stability during display in air or modified atmosphere, the benefit of supplementation on muscle color was detectable only for illuminated storage.
Gain-assisted surface plasmon microcavity

The enhancement of cavity Q factor of a gain-assisted surface plasmon microcavity is experimentally demonstrated. This is believed to be the first experimental demonstration of gain-assisted cavity Q enhancement in a surface plasmon microcavity.
Chain flattening and infrared dichroism of adsorbed poly(ethylene oxide)

Abstract The adsorption of poly(ethylene oxide), PEO, from dilute solutions in 1 mM aqueous NaCl to germanium at 30°C, was investigated by polarized infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total internal reflection (ATR). PEO aggregation could be prevented with careful sample preparation. After adsorption, chain anisotropy was deduced from the COC stretching vibrations along the polymer backbone and found to indicate substantial backbone alignment parallel to the surface.
Paraheliotropism in two Phaseolus species: combined effects of photon flux density and pulvinus temperature, and consequences for leaf gas exchange

Phaseolus species exhibit paraheliotropic (light-avoiding) leaf movements in response to environmental stimuli. We investigated the response of two ecologically contrasting species, Phaseolus vulgaris (mesic) and Phaseolus acutifolius (xeric), to various combinations of photosynthetic photon flux density (PFD) and pulvinus temperature to compare the control and consequences, in terms of photosynthetic gas exchange, of paraheliotropism under identical conditions. Leaflet angles were measured in a cuvette that exposed the leaf to controlled PFD and pulvinus temperature. A gas exchange system was used to determine carbon assimilation, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency (WUE) in response to environmental factors and leaf movements. The effect of tilting leaves was compared with an equivalent reduction of PFD for horizontal leaves. Both species showed significant (but different) responses to PFD and temperature, with increased light avoidance at high levels of both factors. P. acutifolius exhibited greater light avoidance under equivalent conditions. The gas exchange consequences of changing leaf angles were similar but not identical to those of an equivalent modification of radiation level. The photosynthetic cost of the leaf movements was negligible, but there was a substantial increase in WUE, especially for P. acutifolius. Thus, the benefits of paraheliotropism are achieved at virtually no cost to the plant.
Tool Contact Acceleration Feedback for Telerobotic Surgery

Minimally invasive telerobotic surgical systems enable surgeons to perform complicated procedures without large incisions. Unfortunately, these systems typically do not provide the surgeon with sensory feedback aside from stereoscopic vision. We have, thus, developed VerroTouch, a sensing and actuating device that can be added to Intuitive Surgical's existing da Vinci S Surgical System to provide auditory and vibrotactile feedback of tool contact accelerations. These cues let the surgeon feel and hear contact with rough textures as well as the making and breaking of contact with objects and other tools. To evaluate the merits of this approach, we had 11 surgeons use an augmented da Vinci S to perform three in vitro manipulation tasks under four different feedback conditions: with no acceleration feedback, with audio feedback, with haptic feedback, and with both audio and haptic. Subjects expressed a significant preference for the inclusion of tool contact acceleration feedback, although they disagreed over which sensory modality was best. Other survey responses and qualitative written comments indicate that the feedback may have improved the subject's concentration and situational awareness by strengthening the connection between the surgeon and the surgical instruments. Analysis of quantitative task metrics shows that the feedback neither improves nor impedes the performance of the chosen tasks.
An overview of Markov chain methods for the study of stage-sequential developmental processes.

This article presents an overview of quantitative methodologies for the study of stage-sequential development based on extensions of Markov chain modeling. Four methods are presented that exemplify the flexibility of this approach: the manifest Markov model, the latent Markov model, latent transition analysis, and the mixture latent Markov model. A special case of the mixture latent Markov model, the so-called mover‐stayer model, is used in this study. Unconditional and conditional models are estimated for the manifest Markov model and the latent Markov model, where the conditional models include a measure of poverty status. Issues of model specification, estimation, and testing using the Mplus software environment are briefly discussed, and the Mplus input syntax is provided. The author applies these 4 methods to a single example of stage-sequential development in reading competency in the early school years, using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten Cohort.
Nursing Roles and Strategies in End-of-Life Decision Making in Acute Care: A Systematic Review of the Literature

The objective of this paper is to analyze the literature concerning nurses' roles and strategies in EOL decision making in acute care environments, synthesize the findings, and identify implications for future research. We conducted searches in CINAHL and PubMed, using a broad range of terms. The 44 articles retained for review had quantitative and qualitative designs and represented ten countries. These articles were entered into a matrix to facilitate examining patterns, themes, and relationships across studies. Three nursing roles emerged from the synthesis of the literature: information broker, supporter, and advocate, each with a set of strategies nurses use to enact the roles. Empirical evidence linking these nursing roles and strategies to patients and family members outcomes is lacking. Understanding how these strategies and activities are effective in helping patients and families make EOL decisions is an area for future research.
Common Factors and Specific Effects

Weinberger presents a number of reasoned arguments to explore the nature of common factors in psychotherapy among different theoretical approaches. While it is apparent that common factors are both inconsistently described and often ignored as one looks at various approaches, I contend that there are some unrecognized common elements. The attempt to derive a common list ignores both the different ways that these factors may develop and the variable interaction that may characterize each factor's impact across different theories. Moreover, Weinberger's suggestion that the technical eclectic movement lacks a theoretical base is erroneous. Rather than being a weakness, the absence of a single theory of pathology and change is the strength of technical eclectic approaches.
Endogenous viral antigen processing generates peptide-specific MHC class I cell-surface clusters

Sensitivity is essential in CD8+ T-cell killing of virus-infected cells and tumor cells. Although the affinity of the T-cell receptor (TCR) for antigen is relatively low, the avidity of T cell-antigen-presenting cell interactions is greatly enhanced by increasing the valence of the interaction. It is known that TCRs cluster into protein islands after engaging their cognate antigen (peptides bound to MHC molecules). Here, we show that mouse K(b) class I molecules segregate into preformed, long-lasting (hours) clusters on the antigen-presenting cell surface based on their bound viral peptide. Peptide-specific K(b) clustering occurs when source antigens are expressed by vaccinia or vesicular stomatitis virus, either as proteasome-liberated precursors or free intracellular peptides. By contrast, K(b)-peptide complexes generated by incubating cells with synthetic peptides are extensively intermingled on the cell surface. Peptide-specific complex sorting is first detected in the Golgi complex, and compromised by removing the K(b) cytoplasmic tail. Peptide-specific clustering is associated with increased T-cell sensitivity: on a per-complex basis, endogenous SIINFEKL activates T cells more efficiently than synthetic SIINFEKL, and wild-type K(b) presents endogenous SIINFEKL more efficiently than tailless K(b). We propose that endogenous processing generates peptide-specific clusters of class I molecules to maximize the sensitivity and speed of T-cell immunosurveillance.
"As Soon as I Get Out Ima Cop Dem Jordans": The Afterlife of the Corporate Gang

Sudhir Venkatesh and Steven Levitt's influential 2000 article transformed the way social scientists study gangs by showing the context in which Chicago gang members built an organization modeled on a corporation. But if this research helped to demonstrate that the underground economy is a logical response to the inner city's isolation from the rest of the country, it also makes it difficult to see that the very same factors that have led to urban decay and “social isolation” (i.e., escalating unemployment, the loss of manufacturing jobs, and the emergence of gangs to fill bureaucratic voids) serve to connect gangs to wider social worlds. This study expands upon recent gang research by detailing the improvisational economic and social practices, as well as the intricate narratives, and the social practices that allow Chicago gangs and their members to access a variety of people, institutions, and resources, while marking the diverse modes of historical consciousness that gang affiliates develop. A gang tha...
Spectrophotometric characteristics and assay of biological stains. III. The xanthenes.

In this continuation paper of the work on the chemical and spectrophotometic characteristics of commercial stains, data on the xanthene dyes are presented. In the xanthene group of dyes, it has been found possible to assay pyronin B, eosins B and Y and ethyl eosin by spectrophotometric means. Phloxine B, rose Bengal, and erythrosin B are assayed by die color acid precipitation method. Typical absorption curves are given for these dyes as well as representative spectral and assay data.
Drugging immune regulation

A T cell faces a crucial cell fate decision as it develops—a naive CD4+ T cell can become either an effector T cell that promotes tissue inflammation or a regulatory T cell that suppresses inflammation. The balance between proinflammatory and regulatory T cells is critical to human health; impaired regulatory T cell differentiation and function contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. Khor and colleagues screened for small molecules that prod naive cells toward a regulatory T cell identity. The hits from the screen are potential lead compounds for treatment of autoimmune diseases and reveal a new pathway controlling regulatory T cell development. The authors established an arrayed screening platform to search for small molecules that affect the fate of naive T cells, measuring the effect of each compound on protein signatures of effector and regulatory T cells. A screen of 3281 FDA-approved small molecules and tool compounds identified a host of chemicals that enhanced regulatory T cell differentiation under in vitro conditions not otherwise conducive to the development of these cells. In addition to confirming some previously reported compounds, the screen also hit on 14 new molecules that selectively boosted regulatory T cells. Harmine—a small molecule hit that stood out because of its structural novelty—promoted development of bona fide regulatory T cells that effectively suppressed inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Intranasal treatment with harmine limited airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma. These studies highlight harmine as a potential lead compound to instruct the development of future small-molecule therapies for human autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, several targets have been reported for harmine, including dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation regulated kinases (DYRKs). The effects of harmine pointed the authors towards DYRK1A, which turned out to be a new molecular switch controlling T cell fate. This study demonstrates the power of small molecules to modulate immune cell fate. Small molecules may have pleiotropic effects—influencing multiple pathways—so a specific target protein will not always be identifiable. Nonetheless, chemical biology is proving to be a powerful and unbiased approach that can combine with transcriptomic, proteomic, and genetic studies to identify molecular targets essential for immune regulation. B. Khor et al ., The kinase DYRK1A reciprocally regulates the differentiation of Th17 and regulatory T cells. eLife 10.7554/eLife.05920 (2015). [[Full Text]][1] [1]: http://elifesciences.org/content/4/e05920
F-Commerce platform for apparel online social shopping

Openness to experience influenced market mavenism.Arousal needs influenced social browsing.Market mavenism influenced socializing gratification and social shopping intention.Value consciousness influenced information-seeking gratification and intention.Social browsing influenced gratifications and social shopping intention.Tie strength and homophily moderated the links between gratifications and intention. Applying the Meta-Theoretic Model of Motivation and Personality (3M Model), this research examined (1) whether online social shopping intention in Facebook commerce was affected by users' personality traits, psychographic characteristics, and gratifications and (2) whether tie strength and homophily moderated the links between gratifications and intention. U.S. Facebook users who had online social shopping experience (n=601) were drawn from a consumer panel. Users who were market mavens and social browsers were likely to use online social shopping for the purpose of socializing and intended to engage in online social shopping. Users who were value conscious and social browsers were likely to use online social shopping for the purpose of information-seeking and intended to engage in online social shopping. Tie strength and homophily moderated the links between gratifications and intention.
Work more and play less? Time use impacts of changing ecosystem services: The case of the invasive emerald ash borer

Abstract Invasive alien species may have indirect impacts on human behavior through disruption of ecosystem services. Individuals in infested areas may optimally reallocate how they spend their time in response to degradations in environmental quality, for example, by altering their outdoor interactions with nature or levels of community engagement. Limited qualitative evidence is suggestive that indirect impacts of invasive species on behavior and time use may be substantial, though causally-consistent empirical evidence on the sign and magnitude of such impacts is lacking. To address this gap, this study exploits a natural experiment provided by exogenous variation in ash tree ( Fraxinus spp.) coverage produced by the invasive emerald ash borer ( Agrilus planipennis ) to investigate changes in time use patterns across infested US counties over 2003–2013. Focusing on the labor–leisure decision, results indicate a negative and persistent relationship between emerald ash borer detection and daily outdoor leisure time as well as a positive and persistent relationship between detection and daily time spent on labor market activities. Results highlight a previously unexplored dimension of impacts created by invasive species induced ecological shocks.
Perfluoroalkyl substances in older male anglers in Wisconsin.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of contaminants. Certain PFAS are regulated or voluntarily limited due to concern about environmental persistence and adverse health effects, including thyroid disease and to dyslipidemia. The major source of PFAS exposure in the general population is seafood.In this analysis we examine PFAS levels and their determinants, as well as associations between PFAS levels and self-reported health outcomes, in a group of older male anglers in Wisconsin with high fish consumption.A biomonitoring study of male anglers aged 50 and older living in Wisconsin collected detailed information on fish consumption, demographics and self-reported health outcomes, along with hair and blood samples for biomarker analysis. Sixteen different PFAS were extracted from serum samples. Regression models were used to identify factors (demographic characteristics and fish consumption habits) associated with PFAS biomarker levels in blood, as well as associations between PFAS and self-reported health outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders.Seven PFAS were detected in at least 30% of participants and were used in subsequent analyses (PFDA, PFHpS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, PFuDA). The PFAS with the highest levels were PFOS, followed by PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA (medians of 19.0, 2.5, 1.8 and 1.4ng/mL). In general, increasing age was associated with higher PFAS levels, while increasing BMI were associated with lower PFAS levels. Greater alcohol consumption was associated with higher levels of PFHpS, PFHxS and PFOA. Associations with smoking and employment did not show a consistent pattern. Associations between fish consumption and PFAS were generally weak, with the exception of notably higher PFDA and PFHpS with both other locally-caught fish, and restaurant-purchased fish. Regarding associations with health outcomes, PFuDA, PFNA and PFDA were all associated with increased risk of pre-diabetes and/or diabetes. PFHpS was associated with a significantly increased risk of high cholesterol; PFDA and PFuDA also showed notable, though non-significant associations. All PFAS evaluated were associated with lower risk of hypertension although the only significant odds ratio was that for PFNA. There were no associations between any of the PFAS examined and either coronary heart disease, or the grouped outcome of any cardiovascular condition.PFAS are emerging contaminants with widespread exposure, persistence, and potential for adverse health effects. In this study population, demographic patterns may reflect differences in exposure sources, or possibly differences in adsorption and metabolism. PFAS were associated mainly with endocrine related outcomes, with a general trend towards increased risk of glucose intolerance and high cholesterol. Continued research on the risks and benefits of fish consumption is important due to potential exposure to PFAS and noted associations with highly prevalent adverse health outcomes.
Acetaminophen overdose with fetal demise

A case of fetal demise and maternal recovery after acetaminophen overdose is presented, to our knowledge the first reported. Fetal liver and maternal serum concentrations indicate overdose to be the cause of fetal death. Maternal disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) may have been related to maternal acetaminophen-induced liver disease alone or to a combination of liver disease and the presence of a dead fetus.
Onset of Resistance to Fenvalerate, a Pyrethroid Insecticide in Argentine Horn Flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

Haematobia irritans (L.) horn flies recently have immigrated into Argentina from Brazil or Paraguay. Bioassays were conducted with fenvalerate to develop baseline information on pyrethroid susceptibility. Four populations tested in 1994 and 1995 were more susceptible than a laboratory strain of horn fly not exposed to insecticides since 1970, but 3 populations from Corrientes Province tested in 1996 were moderately resistant to fenvalerate, with resistance ratios ranging from 3 to 26. Argentine horn fly populations were exposed to pyrethroid treatments of pour-on, spray, and dip formulations for 4 yr before developing resistance. Horn flies in the United States developed pyrethroid resistance after 2 yr of treatment with pyrethroid ear tags.
In vitro Study of the Rheological Effect of Mixtures of Perfluorotributylamine (FC-43) and Stroma Free Hemoglobin (SFH) On Sickled Erythrocytes

Stroma Free Hemoglobin (SFH) and Perfluorotributylamine (FC-43) have been extensively studied as oxygen carriers. Therefore, capitalizing on the role of oxygen reversing sickling, and thus decreasing resistance, this study was undertaken to investigate possible differences in the rheological effects of mixtures of FC-43 and SFH at different ratios. We used the positive pressure cell filtration system (PPCFS) of Lessin and Kurantsin- Mills. FC-43 was purchased from Alpha Therapeutics Corporation, and SFH was prepared by the method of Rabiner et al. The FC-43/SFH mixtures were made on a volume basis in ratios of 1:1 and 1:2. Fresh sickle cell anemia (HbSS) blood was used to prepare 0.2% cell suspensions which were deoxygenated, by bubbling with moist N 2 for one hour. Studies of the rheological effects of FC-43/SFH mixtures on sickled erythrocytes were determined by obtaining filtration measurements on the following:- 1. sickle cells in ambient air; 2. deoxygenated sickle cells; 3. deoxygenated sickle cells + oxygenated FC-43/SFH (1:1 v/v); 4. deoxygenated sickle cells + oxygenated FC - 43/SFH (1:2 v/v). The results showed that treatment of deoxygenated sickle erythrocytes with oxygenated SFH/FC-43 mixtures decreased the flow resistance of the deoxygenated cells. Secondly, the SFH/FC-43 (1:2 v/v) mixture caused greater decrease in flow resistance than the 1:1 mixture. Therefore it is reasonable to conclude that the mixtures of SFH/FC-43 (1:2 v/v) ratio appear to have a additive effect in reducing the flow resistance i.e. increasing the filterability of sickled erythrocytes.
A research portfolio approach to evaluating finance journal quality

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to update and extend Danielson and Heck (2014) to provide additional evidence about the relative quality of a set of 23 high-impact finance journals. In particular, the paper summarizes the research records of all scholars contributing articles to each of the 23 journals from 1970 to 2014, and uses this information to identify journals that publish articles by similar sets of authors, and rank the 23 journals based upon publication activity from 2010 to 2014. Design/methodology/approach – The names of all authors appearing in each of the 23 journals during the 1970 to 2014 period – and the number of appearances by each author – were summarized directly from the journals’ table of contents. From this data, the lifetime (1970-2014) research portfolio of each journal’s average author was quantified for two sub-periods: 1970-2009 and 2010-2014. Using the assumption that a journal’s quality is positively related to its ability to attract submissions from accomplished rese...
Partial J2 Invariance for Spacecraft Formations

This paper presents a method for finding spacecraft formation initial conditions (ICs) that minimize the drift resulting from J2 disturbances and also minimize the fuel required to attain those ICs. A third goal that the formation remain in a particular geometry can also be considered. The approach uses linear optimization, but is valid for highly eccentric and widely spaced orbits. Optimization allows for the intelligent selection of degrees of freedom in already existing invariance conditions, as well as the minimization of different types of drift. Results are compared to J2-invariance conditions in the literature and the method is shown to find relative orbits with slightly lower levels of drift that require significantly less ∆V to obtain.
Infestation Patterns of Mediterranean Fruit Fly and the Oriental Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the Kula Area of Maui, Hawaii

Infestation rates of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), and the oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel, were studied in a 13-km2 area of Kula, Maui, in Hawaii from 1978 to 1981 by counting fruits on trees and collecting and holding fruits in the laboratory for adult eclosion. The number of trees in the area, number of fruits per tree, percent infestation of the fruits, number of parasitoids, and number of pupae reared per infested fruit were examined. Loquats, peaches, and figs produced the largest number of flies. Other minor fruits produced relatively small numbers of flies. More C capitata than D. dorsalis were recorded from peach fruits at the higher elevations than at the lower elevations. Eclosion data showed that both fruit fly species developed successfully together in individual peach fruits, the larvae of one species causing no apparent reduction in the number of larvae of the other species in those fruits.