cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacterial endotoxin-induced behavioral alterations in two variations of the Morris water maze

Several studies report that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin-1β (IL-1β) may affect behavior in a variety of learning tasks, including the Morris water maze (MWM), though the nature of these effects varies with testing parameters. The present study used C57BL/6J mice to evaluate the effect of a single intraperitoneal LPS injection 4 h prior to day 1 of testing, LPS before each day of testing, or saline prior to each test day, on performance in two variations of the MWM. In the first experiment, one that utilized a standard hidden platform, LPS clearly affected performance, as shown by increased latencies and greatly decreased swimming speeds. However, a modest effect on distance swam was only present during later test days. These data show a clear deficit in performance (driven by decreased swim speed), and some evidence for learning decrements on later test days. To explore to what degree the effects of LPS in the water maze were the result of alterations in performance factors such as motor behavior, a second experiment was conducted in which a highly visible jet-black platform was utilized. Despite eliminating the need for spatial learning, mice administered LPS still exhibited significantly increased latency scores and decreased swim speed. However, there was no difference between treatment groups in distance swam. These results reinforce the idea that, even when present, potential learning effects of LPS may sometimes be difficult to untangle from performance effects unrelated to learning, and underscore the need for utilizing behavioral tests that offer suitable control for LPS-induced performance effects.
CT reconstruction of x-ray source profile of a medical accelerator

A technique is developed to measure the x-ray source intensity profile of a medical accelerator using its built-in collimators, and two reconstruction techniques are investigated.
Influences of material parameters and microstructure on superplastic forming

The strain rate sensitivity of flow stress has long been recognized as an important factor in determining superplastic ductility, and its relationship to high tensile elongations is well understood from the mechanics point of view. However, the measurements of this parameter and other properties of superplastic materials are challenging, and quite varied results are observed from different test procedures used. In this paper a discussion of the various characterization methods is presented, and the relationship between the superplastic characteristics and the microstructure is brought forth. The applicability of the uniaxial superplastic properties on the biaxial deformation behavior as in the superplastic forming process is addressed, including a relationship of such properties to the selection of forming parameters.
An automated multi-channel programming, data collection, and printout system for avoidance and stress conditioning of monkeys

A multichannel programming, data collection, and printout system is described for the investigation of avoidance and stress conditioning of monkeys, individually or yoked.
Symbolic methods to construct exact solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations

Abstract Two straightforward methods for finding solitary-wave and soliton solutions are presented and applied to a variety of nonlinear partial differential equations. The first method is a simplied version of Hirota's method. It is shown to be an effective tool to explicitly construct. multi-soliton solutions of completely integrable evolution equations of fifth-order, including the Kaup-Kupershmidt equation for which the soliton solutions were not previously known. The second technique is the truncated Painleve expansion method or singular manifold method. It is used to find closed-form solitary-wave solutions of the Fitzhugh-Nagumo equation with convection term, and an evolution equation due to Calogero. Since both methods are algorithmic, they can be implemented in the language of any symbolic manipulation program.
Isolation of mutants of Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 deficient in protease activity

In this study we report the isolation of mutants ofClostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 that are deficient in protease activity. The mutants were formed by use of Tn916 transposon mutagenesis, and this study further indicates this technique as a viable method for studying the genetics ofC. acetobutylicum. The reduced protease phenotype can be distinguished on milk agar plates and was confirmed by enzyme activity measurements with the fluorescent protease substrate FITC-casein. The protease-deficient strains are capable of normal spore formation and solvent production.
Geometric Patterns, Upper Cretaceous Sandstones, Rocky Mountain Region: ABSTRACT

The Cretaceous of the Rocky Mountain region contains sandstones that were deposited in marine, transitional, and non-marine environments. Geometric patterns of sandstones deposited in shallow neritic and transitional environments are regular in character and are easily defined. Only these sandstones are here considered and units illustrating their minimum and maximum geometric aspects are treated. Minimum-size sand bodies are well shown by the Fox Hill sandstone where it is exposed on the northeast flank of the Rock Springs uplift, Wyoming. This formation consists of a series of barrier-bar sandstones that change northwestward to lagoonal shales (Lance formation) and change southeastward to marine shale (Lewis shale). Detailed surface analysis of one barrier bar shows a thickness ranging from 30 to 50 feet and a width of 5 miles from the lagoonal shale and sandstone facies to the marine shale and siltstone facies. Each bar is believed to have extended along much of the western margin of the Cretaceous seaway. The Judith River formation of central and eastern Montana exemplifies a transitional and marine sandstone unit have a maximum width. The unit is 50-75 miles wide and was deposited between lagoonal shale facies to the west and marine shale facies (Pierre shale) to the east. Thickness of the unit varies from 50 to 100 feet. The geometric pattern of most of the sand bodies that accumulated along the Cretaceous shoreline is similar in character to the above examples and ranges in size between these extremes. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1260------------
The Politics of the Fairy Tale: The Voice of the Pueblo in Galdós' La Desheredada

Published in 1881, La desheredada incorporates facets of the folklore movement that reached its height of activity during the same period as the novel. This study offers insights into the use of fairy tales as an expression of the evolving consciousness of the proletarian class in Spain.
Minimally invasive surgical enucleation or esophagogastrectomy for benign tumor of the esophagus.

Experience in surgical resection of benign tumor of the esophagus is limited. Authors performed a chart review of 5 patients who underwent minimally invasive surgical resection of benign esophageal...
PROFICIENCY SCALING BASED ON CONDITIONAL PROBABILITY FUNCTIONS FOR ATTRIBUTES

Abstract : This study introduces procedures for constructing a proficiency scale for a large-scale test by applying Tatsuoka's Rule Space Model. The SAT mathematics (SAT M), Section II, is used for illustrating the process and the results. A task analysis is summarized in a mapping sentence, and then 14 processess and content attributes are identified for explaining the underlying cognitive aspects of the examinees' performance on the SAT M. Analysis results show that almost 98% of 2,334 examinees are successfully classified into one of 468 cognitive states. The cognitive states are characterized by mastery or non- mastery of the 14 attributes. Attribute Characteristic Curves, which are conditional probability functions defined on the SAT Scale, are introduced and used for interpreting an examinee's proficiency. Prototypes of a student's performance report and a group performance report are given as examples of possible ways for summarizing the analysis results.
The State Safety Participation Program

State involvement in the State Safety Participation Program, a project grant to finance rail safety inspections, varies greatly from state to state. Participation tends to be higher among states with a greater need for the program, as indicated by the number of railroad accidents and fatalities, and in more metropolitan states, which tend to be more involved in nonhighway transportation programs. Contrary to expectations, however, participation tends to be lower in states where more of the economy is likely to depend on rail transportation.
Expression of Cell Adhesion Molecules in Murine Placentas and a Placental Cell Line

Integrins and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are required for normal placental development. In this study, integrin subunits a4, av, b1, and b3, and VCAM-1 were investigated for expression in uteroplacental units (gestation day [g.d.] 6 and 8) and placentas (g.d. 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18) of Swiss-Webster mice. All subunits and VCAM-1 mRNA (identified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) and protein (detected by immunofluorescence) were present in all tissues throughout gestation. VCAM-1 was expressed strongly in the ectoplacental cone and trophoblast giant cells, a 4w as expressed strongly by trophoblast giant cells and moderately by spongiotrophoblast and labyrinthine trophoblast, and av was expressed more strongly in the spongiotrophoblast than in the labyrinthine zone. The b1 was more strongly expressed in the labyrinthine than the spongiotrophoblast zone, while b3 and VCAM-1 were essentially equal in the two zones. Trophoblastlike SM9‐1 cells were positive for all of the adhesion molecules when tested by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Adhesion molecule expression in SM9‐1 cells was consistent with expression in the labyrinthine zone. Collectively, the results of this study demonstrate that murine placentas contain mRNA and protein for a4, av, b1, b3, and VCAM-1, and that expression is cell-specific. These results and the identification of an adhesion molecule-expressing trophoblastic cell line should facilitate future studies on the function of adhesion molecules in placental development.
Mercury concentrations and pools in four Sierra Nevada forest sites, and relationships to organic carbon and nitrogen

Abstract. This study presents data on mercury (Hg) concentrations, stochiometric relations to carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), and Hg pool sizes in four Sierra Nevada forest sites of similar exposure and precipitation regimes, and hence similar atmospheric deposition, to evaluate how ecosystem parameters control Hg retention in ecosystems. In all four sites, the largest amounts of Hg reside in soils which account for 94–98% of ecosystem pools. Hg concentrations and Hg/C ratios increase in the following order: Green Needles/Leaves Mineral soil layers show strong positive correlations of Hg to C across all sites and soil horizons (r2=0.83), but Hg concentrations are even more closely related to N with a similar slope to that observed in litter (r2=0.92). Soil N levels alone explain over 90% of Hg pool sizes across the four Sierra Nevada forest sites. This suggests that soil organic N and C groups provide sorption sites for Hg to retain atmospheric deposition. However, the patterns could be due to indirect relationships where high soil N and C levels reflect high ecosystem productivity which leads to corresponding high atmospheric Hg deposition inputs via leaf litterfall and plant senescence. Our results also show that two of the sites previously affected by prescribed burning and wildfires show significant depletion of above-ground Hg pools but that belowground Hg pools remain unaffected. We conclude that sequestration of Hg in remote Sierra Nevada forest sites is strongly co-determined by ecosystem parameters with C and N pools being excellent determinants for the pool sizes of Hg.
Inherent Self, Invented Self, Empty Self: Constructivism, Buddhism, and Psychotherapy

Constructivist and Buddhist approaches to counseling and psychotherapy share increasing popularity as well as similar epistemological assumptions and understanding of human dysfunction and its amelioration. These approaches can be seen as consistent with postmodern psychology, which is distinguished from a realist or foundationalist view. This article provides an overview of these 2 models and describes some of their implications for psychopathology and psychotherapy, including examples of specific therapeutic approaches drawn from each perspective that might mutually inform practitioners who wish to apply this perspective to a higher view of the human situation.
Dual-soliton dense dispersion-managed system with BL product of 2x10(15) b/s km.

A two-channel long-haul soliton propagation system is demonstrated. Extensive variations of system parameters were numerically studied to provide the optimized system reported. In this system each soliton carries 80 Gb/s pseudo-random bit signal over 14,000 km. Key system parameters, such as the input peak power, the non linear coefficient, average dispersion and the number of sections of fiber in one amplifier length, are optimized, while the Q factor is monitored. As the Q factor falls below the threshold of 6.0 (corresponding to a BER of one error in a billion bits) the propagation distance is noted. For this optimized system a Q-factor threshold distance of 12700 km was obtained. This yields a bit-rate-distance (BL) product in excess of 2 ∙ 1015 b/s km.
DIETARY VARIATION OF BRAZILIAN FREE-TAILED BATS LINKS TO MIGRATORY POPULATIONS OF PEST INSECTS

We examined food habits of Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) at 3 colonies in central Texas over 3 summers. Fecal samples collected from 1,550 bats contained remains of 12 orders and 35 families of insects, documenting the most diverse diet ever reported in insect-eating bats. Daily and seasonal patterns of insect consumption were similar at the 3 sites and closely correlated to patterns of emergence, migration, and availability of adult populations of corn earworms Helicoverpa zea and fall armyworms Spodoptera frugiperda, both species of noctuid moths and major crop pests. The percentage of feces volume comprised by moth remains increased from 14.8% 6 2.1 SE (range: 6.3–43.7%) to 43.0% 6 7.1 (range: 1.7–73.5%) in samples collected at midnight versus dawn on days when large influxes of migratory moths arrived in Texas in early morning, following their massive emergence from northern Mexico. Daily patterns diminished later in the season, after moth populations became established in local crops and were available in large numbers throughout night. Moth consumption decreased in both evening and dawn feeding periods when crops senesced and moth populations declined. These and other data suggest that crop pests comprise a substantial portion of the bats’ diet and that bats provide valuable natural pest control services.
Omental cakes in American Burkitt lymphoma computed tomography demonstration

Abstract Diffuse tumor infiltration of the omentum or so-called omental “cakes” is well recognized on computed tomography (CT) and is usually associated with pelvic or gastrointestinal carcinoma. However, this has not been described in American Burkitt lymphoma despite frequent intraabdominal involvement in this disease. We report two cases of American Burkitt lymphoma in which omental cakes were demonstrated by CT.
CS262: a breadth-second survey of informatic CS

"Information and knowledge management" is the title and theme of a course outlined in CC2001 that was designed to cover a diverse range of core CS topics. In this paper we discuss our experiences implementing it: it succeeds at guaranteeing coverage, but also acts as a useful prerequisite for advanced electives, and as a survey course that engages student interest in unexpected topics.
Palatal vowels, glides and obstruents in Argentinian Spanish

The goal of this article is to contribute to our understanding of glides – their properties and distribution in underlying and surface representations, the range and the features of their various phonetic manifestations, and their role in the assignment of syllable structure and stress. Spanish provides a rich opportunity for carrying out this study because of the special properties of high vocoids in this language, which are systematically realised as glides in particular contexts: they can function as both onsets and rhymes; they can occur in prepeak, peak and postpeak position; up to four can occur in a row; and they take on a wide range of surface realisations.In the pursuit of our goal, we confront a problem in Spanish phonology that has tantalised investigators for the better part of this century, and rightly continues to do so. The conundrum involves the two sets of phonetic segments we transcribe as [i j y [barred dotless j] ž jˇ] and [u w γw gw] (articulatory descriptions and feature characterisations are given below). Classical structuralist studies, and some current analyses as well, see the problem as the taxonomic exercise of assigning each of these segments to a particular ‘phoneme’ or ‘underlying segment’. Our study includes the notion of phonemic inventory, but considers it as only one of many intersecting issues involved in the attempt to elucidate aspects of the mental representations that native Spanish speakers employ in their phonological computations. We undertake to raise the level of discourse concerning the problem at hand not only by redefining it but also by enlarging the set of data and descriptive issues brought to bear on it and by situating the discussion in a rich theoretical context.
A hybrid optimization-simulation approach for itinerary generation

Simulation models are often employed to evaluate projected future performance of the US National Airspace System (NAS) for the purposes of long-term aviation investment planning and performance benchmarking. The future schedules are developed as input for simulation to represent the forecast for airport operations. The itinerary structure of a future schedule has a significant impact on the operational characteristics such as schedule peaks and aircraft utilization. Itinerary generation algorithms seeking to maximize the aircraft utilization may cause schedule smoothing or de-peaking which is undesirable for airlines wishing to maintain their schedule peaks. In addition, itineraries with high aircraft utilization are likely to have more propagated delay. To achieve a certain level of balance between aircraft utilization and a desired level of schedule peaks and delay performance is a complex task for the itinerary generation process especially when the entire NAS is involved. This paper proposes a new method for creating future itineraries based on a hybrid solution of simulation and optimization techniques. The Mixed-Integer Programming (MIP) technique is used to solve the itinerary generation problem with the objective to maximize the aircraft utilization of the itinerary structure of the flights. The simulation technique is used to evaluate the performance of the NAS in terms of delay with the generated itineraries from the MIP solution. Based on the output of the simulation, the MIP model will be modified by adjusting its parameters and solved again. This iterative process will continue until the desired result is obtained from the simulation. This paper also provides a quantitative analysis to demonstrate a trade-off between the de-peaking strategies that minimize the number of aircraft in service and the banking strategies that maintain schedule banks.
Why don't they beat?: Cripto, apelin/APJ, and myocardial differentiation.

See related article, pages 231–238 The convoluted maze of transcription and signaling factors that underpin cardiomyocyte differentiation has taken 2 major paths of inquiry that inform and sometimes puzzle each other: embryonic in situ development of cardiomyocytes and differentiation of stem cells to cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocyte differentiation in embryonic development has fascinated scientists for millennia. In the middle of the 20th century, embryonic cardiomyocytes were tracked down in the embryo using extirpations and in vitro cultures of either cardiogenic or noncardiogenic mesoderm. Cultures that beat were relegated to the cardiogenic region of the anterior lateral plate mesoderm.1 Maps created in this way have been verified and refined in vivo. In the case of noncardiogenic mesoderm explants, treatment with “cardiogenic” factors resulted in beating cultures.2,3 These studies allowed us to begin to understand where the specified cardiogenic cells resided in the mesoderm and, later, to determine what signaling factors promoted myocardial specification in noncardiogenic mesoderm and subsequent differentiation. In an era when stem cell transplantation has become a reasonable goal of adult medical regenerative treatment, the ability to specify and differentiate large numbers of cardiomyocytes (or other pure populations of differentiated cells) from stem cells has become something of a holy grail. In this regard, a novel signaling pathway promoting cardiomyocyte differentiation in embryonic stem cells is introduced in this issue of Circulation Research . D'Aniello et al, using cripto -null embryonic stem cells, which are unable to differentiate as cardiomyocytes, show that the apelin ligand …
Intrinsic Organic-Based Synthetic/Artificial Antiferromagnets

Mn(TCNE)[C4(CN)8]1/2 (TCNE = tetracyanoethylene) and [NEt4]Mn(II)3(CN)7 have extended layers with nearest neighbor intralayer S = 5/2 and S = 1/2 spin sites that couple antiferromagnetically forming ferrimagnetic layers. These layers are uniformly connected via diamagnetic (nonmagnetic) bridging μ4-[(C4(CN)8](2-) (8.77 A) or μ-CN (5.48 A) ligands, respectively, that antiferromagnetic couple the ferrimagnetic layers resulting in an antiferromagnet. The Jinter/kB is -1.0 and -1.8 K (H=-JSi⋅Sj) for Mn(TCNE)[C4(CN)8]1/2 and [NEt4]Mn(II)3(CN)7, respectively. Albeit intrinsically multilayered, these antiferromagnets have the same motif as that for artificial/synthetic antiferromagnets that exhibit giant magnetoresistance (GMR) and are commercially used in many magnetic memory applications.
Genome-wide linkage analysis of families with obsessive-compulsive disorder ascertained through pediatric probands.

The goal of this study was to identify chromosomal regions likely to contain susceptibility alleles for early-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A genome scan was done in 56 individuals from seven families ascertained through pediatric OCD probands; 27 of the 56 subjects had a lifetime diagnosis of definite OCD. Denser mapping of regions on chromosomes 2, 9, and 16 was subsequently done with those subjects and ten additional subjects from the largest family in the study. Direct interviews were completed with 65 of the 66 genotyped individuals. Relatives were interviewed blind to proband status. Of the 65 interviewed individuals, 32 had a lifetime diagnosis of definite OCD. Three of the seven probands had a history of Tourette disorder. Two of the 25 relatives with OCD had a tic history, whereas none of the 33 relatives without OCD had tics. The genome scan consisted of 349 microsatellite markers with an average between-marker distance of 11.3 centiMorgan (cM). Fine mapping was done with 24 additional markers at an average spacing of 1.6 cM. Parametric and nonparametric linkage analyses were conducted using GENEHUNTER(+). The maximum multipoint LOD score with a dominant model was 2.25 on 9p. However, with fine mapping and additional subjects, that LOD score decreased to 1.97. The maximum multipoint nonparametric LOD* score was 1.73 on 19q. The maximum multipoint LOD score with a recessive model was 1.40 on 6p. The results provide suggestive evidence for linkage on 9p and identify regions requiring further study with much larger samples.
The Social Setting of "Turning the Other Cheek" and "Loving One's Enemies" in Light of the Didache

This study investigates the social setting implied by the sayings regarding "turning the other cheek" found in Matthew, Luke, and the Didache. Upon closely examining Gerd Theissen's reconstruction, numerous reasons are offered for dismissing the notion that these texts were expected to offer householders practical guidance for dealing with Roman aggression or highway robbers. Beginning afresh with Matthew's identification of "enemies" as members of "one's own household" (Matt 10:36), the opening rules of the two-ways training manual of the Didache are investigated as providing a coherent alternative context for understanding the social setting of these texts. Herein "turning the other cheek" functions to equip new recruits to overcome the specific obstacles that their elders might fabricate to block their new religious commitments.
The RecA Binding Locus of RecBCD Is a General Domain for Recruitment of DNA Strand Exchange Proteins

RecBCD enzyme facilitates loading of RecA protein onto ssDNA produced by its helicase/nuclease activity. This process is essential for RecBCD-mediated homologous recombination. Here, we establish that the C-terminal nuclease domain of the RecB subunit (RecBnuc) forms stable complexes with RecA. Interestingly, RecBnuc also interacts with and loads noncognate DNA strand exchange proteins. Interaction is with a conserved element of the RecA-fold, but because the binding to noncognate proteins decreases in a phylogenetically consistent way, species-specific interactions are also present. RecBnuc does not impede activities of RecA that are important to DNA strand exchange, consistent with its role in targeting of RecA. Modeling predicts the interaction interface for the RecA-RecBCD complex. Because a similar interface is involved in the binding of human Rad51 to the conserved BRC repeat of BRCA2 protein, the RecB-domain may be one of several structural domains that interact with and recruit DNA strand exchange proteins to DNA.
Ultrasonography of rotator cuff tears: A review of 500 diagnostic studies

Ultrasonography of the rotator cuff has been shown to be of value in diagnosing rotator cuff tears. This report summarizes our experience with our first 500 diagnostic examinations. All patients were examined in the hyperextended internal rotation view with commercially available high-resolution real-time ultrasound equipment. Patients were diagnosed as having a rotator cuff tear if a focal echogenic lesion or a defect within the rotator cuff was identified. This study confirmed the value of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity all exceeded 90%, and correlated with surgical findings. This was better than arthrography in the same patient population. Ultrasound is an accurate noninvasive method of examining the rotator cuff for the presence of tears. We suggest that rotator cuff ultrasonography is the procedure of choice for the diagnosis of tears if adequate instrumentation is available.
Primary prevention of diseases of old age

Although increasing disability is a common concomitant of old age, several interventions may prevent or delay disabling diseases. The "young-old" differ little from middle-aged people in their potential to benefit from many interventions. As age increases, clinicians need to become increasingly circumspect about interventions with a potential for harm and for benefit. By carefully weighing existing disease burden, the state of our knowledge about prevention, and patient values, however, clinicians may develop a reasonable preventive program in consultation with the patient and, where there is diminished competence, relevant family members. As we gain new knowledge about genetic and other risk factors, we may be able to more accurately and effectively target preventive services to maximize benefits and minimize harms in the population as a whole.
The analysis of Lyon's hypothesis through preferential X-activation

Abstract Lyon's hypothesis of random X-inactivation or activation can be represented as a problem of compound binomials: (p + q) n , where p=q = 0.5 and n is the number of early cells representing a future embryo, expresses initial clonal compositions of XX-embryos immediately after the random but irreversible decision on the fate of individual X-chromosomes. Clonal compositions of a given somatic cell type in the adult body, on the other hand, can be expressed as (p′ + q′) n′ where p′ and q′ are now variables determined by the initial clonal composition, while n′ is the number of embryonic cells which serve as the immediate progenitors of that somatic cell type. Since n is considerably larger than 10 even in the mouse, a paradox is created because so long as the initial decision process remains random, experimental tests of the hypothesis also remain impractical. We have determined the frequency with which the entire somatic cell type becomes Tfm + (0 hv ) Blo monoclonal on a number of divergent organs of Tfm + (0 hv ) Blo / + + (0 + ) + heterozygotes. The results are compatible with parameters of (0.8 + 0.2) 60 , determining the initial clonal compositions of these heterozygotes. Alleles, such as (0 hv ) and (0 + ) of Cattanach's "controlling element" site on the X-chromosome, apparently determine the values which p and q take in the initial decision process.
Properties of Corynebacterium acnes bacteriophage and description of an interference phenomenon.

Nine virulent bacteriophages of the anaerobe Corynebacterium (Propionibacterium) acnes , the P-a series, are DNA phages, with long, curved nonretractile tails (130 nm) without tail plates or fibers. They have isometric heads (420 by 460 nm), and are placed in Bradley9s group B-1. There is permanent plaque suppression at highest phage concentrations. After 100- to 1,000-fold dilution, plaques are evident. The latent period is 1 h and burst size 25. Cross-neutralization data of antisera for the nine phages are similar. There is an unexplained precipitous drop in plaque-forming units during the first 5 min of neutralization, after which the rate is linear for 2 h. They are sensitive to pH extremes but are partially protected even at pH 4 or 9 by storage at 4 C. They are resistant to ether and chloroform and are inactivated within 10 min at 70 C. Images
High-resolution imaging reveals indirect coordination of opposite motors and a role for LIS1 in high-load axonal transport

The specific physiological roles of dynein regulatory factors remain poorly understood as a result of their functional complexity and the interdependence of dynein and kinesin motor activities. We used a novel approach to overcome these challenges, combining acute in vivo inhibition with automated high temporal and spatial resolution particle tracking. Acute dynein inhibition in nonneuronal cells caused an immediate dispersal of diverse forms of cargo, resulting from a sharp decrease in microtubule minus-end run length followed by a gradual decrease in plus-end runs. Acute LIS1 inhibition or LIS1 RNA interference had little effect on lysosomes/late endosomes but severely inhibited axonal transport of large, but not small, vesicular structures. Our acute inhibition results argue against direct mechanical activation of opposite-directed motors and offer a novel approach of potential broad utility in the study of motor protein function in vivo. Our data also reveal a specific but cell type–restricted role for LIS1 in large vesicular transport and provide the first quantitative support for a general role for LIS1 in high-load dynein functions.
Radiation-damage-induced phasing with anomalous scattering: substructure solution and phasing.

Substructure-solution and phasing procedures using a combination of anomalous scattering and radiation-damage-induced isomorphous differences have been investigated. The tyrosine residues in thaumatin were iodinated with N-­iodosuccinimide in the crystalline form as well as prior to crystallization. Several data sets were collected from both forms and used for substructure solution and phasing using various protocols, employing anomalous, isomorphous or both these signals. It was shown that combination of the anomalous and isomorphous signals in the form of the RIPAS (radiation-damage-induced phasing with anomalous scattering) strategy is beneficial for both locating the substructure and subsequent phasing.
Treatment options for advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: what is on the horizon?

Abstract: Treatment options for patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic tumors (pNET) have expanded greatly in recent years. These treatments include resection, ablation or embolization of liver metastases and systemic therapy with everolimus or sunitinib and cytotoxic agents. New investigational approaches include the use of inhibitors of multiple downstream effectors in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, novel antiangiogenics, somatostatin analogues, new tyrosine kinase inhibitors and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. The treatment horizon for pNET patients may offer improved duration of tumor control and survival and more effective symptom control.
Evidence for the mutagenic potential of the vinyl chloride induced adduct, N2, 3-etheno-deoxyguanosine, using a site-directed kinetic assay.

N2,3-Ethenoguanine (epsilon G) is a product of vinyl chloride reaction with DNA in vivo and of its ultimate metabolite, chloroacetaldehyde, in vitro. The synthesis of the very labile 5'-triphosphate of N2,3-etheno-deoxyguanosine (epsilon dGuo) has made it possible to study the base pairing properties of this derivative placed opposite a defined normal base in a 25-base oligonucleotide template. The kinetic parameters, Km and Vmax were determined from elongation of a [32P]5'-end labeled primer annealed one base prior to the designated template base, epsilon G.T pairs, which would be mutagenic, were formed with a frequency 2- to 4-fold greater than the analogous wobble pair, G.T. The non-mutagenic pairing, epsilon G.C, occurs with a lower frequency than G.C but neither epsilon G.T or epsilon G.C constitute a significant block to replication. The frequency of epsilon G.T formation was similar with all polymerases tested: Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I (Klenow fragment), exonuclease-free Klenow, Drosophila melanogaster polymerase alpha-primase complex and human immunodeficient virus-I reverse transcriptase (HIV-RT). It is concluded that these prokaryotic and eukaryotic replicating enzymes apparently recognize the same structural features, and on replication G----A transitions would occur, which in turn, could initiate malignant transformation. In contrast to the G.T mismatch which is known to have a specific repair system, etheno derivatives are apparently not repaired in vivo.
Credit Fluctuations and Lodging Firms: An Investigation of the Differing Capital Structures in the U.S. Lodging Industry

In the area of corporate finance, decisions regarding the constituents of overall capital structure are the most critical. These financing decisions are even more critical to lodging firms because of the unique nature of the industry. This study empirically investigates the effect of credit availability on the leverage of the lodging industry in the U.S. using multivariate analysis of variance. Three time points of differing credit availability (low, high, and average) were identified using the Case-Shiller home price index. Leverage, net leverage, and short-to-long-term debt ratios of large and small U.S. lodging firms were analyzed at these differing credit availability time points to assess any significant differences. Significant effects of credit availability were found on the leverage and net leverage of lodging firms, but no significant effect was found on the short- to long-term debt ratio of U.S. lodging firms. Interestingly, the leverage levels were found to be highest at the average availabilit...
Abstract A10: The development of a culturally appropriate informed consent communication tool

The Cancer Disparities Research Network (CDRN) is an NCI-funded regional partnership spanning the Northeastern portion of the U.S. from the Dakotas to the eastern seaboard with a southern border of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, eastward to New Jersey. CDRN, utilizing a community-engaged research approach seeks to improve participation of underrepresented populations in clinical trials and biospecimen research. The work described below, spearheaded by CDRN9s clinical trials and biospecimen science arm was originally funded by Biospecimen Management Project (BMaP) initiative. We detail the development of a tool intended to facilitate dialogue and enhance the consent process between trial recruiters and potential research participants. We conducted a series of meetings across our region with biospecimen/biobanking experts, community engaged researchers, community partners, and cancer center administrators regarding barriers to improving clinical trial and biospecimen research. The informed consent process was identified as a major factor in limiting participation of underrepresented populations in research. The communication tool was developed after an extensive literature review of existing tools and collection of region-wide pilot data from community focus group reflections on a biospecimen research education module. CDRN partners participated in 10 iterations of this tool prior to cognitive testing with participants and recruiters. The tool consists of a deck of cards that seeks to optimize the conversation around research participation. Cards are organized into three sections: Part 1: basic research information; Part 2: trial-specific details; Part 3: research participants9 rights. Based on the literature, this tool introduces research and clinical trial participation and seeks to solicit feedback on the following concepts: 1) understanding of research, 2) importance of informed consent, 3) meaning of your signature, 4) understanding of biobanking research and biological samples, 5) randomization, 6) healthy participants within research, 7) withdrawal from a study, and 8) understanding access to personal health information. We will present data on the tool9s development and cognitive testing amongst African American, Latino, and White potential research participants as well as clinical trial recruiters. This tool has the potential to improve communication at the point of trial recruitment. We envision that this tool will increase potential research subjects understanding of research and thus increase study participation by honoring the principles of valid informed consent. Citation Format: Samantha Torres, Erika de la Riva, Chirisse Taylor, Marla Clayman, Melissa Simon. The development of a culturally appropriate informed consent communication tool. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A10. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-A10
The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity

Acknowledgments List of Tables Preface Maps Chapter One: The Christian Revolution Chapter Two: Disciples of All Nations Chapter Three: Missionaries and Prophets Chapter Four: Standing Alone Chapter Five: The Rise of the New Christianity Chapter Six: Coming to Terms Chapter Seven: God and the World Chapter Eight: The Next Crusade Chapter Nine: Coming Home Chapter Ten: Seeing Christianity Again for the First Time Index
Cyberlab: A New Business Opportunity for Prico (a)

The president of a large and established manufacturer of laboratory equipment has to decide whether to invest a million dollars for 30% equity in a start-up company in the field of lab robotics. The agreement would also allow his company the right to market the product. He already has a Lotus spreadsheet that projects the best guess of the future scenario and calculates several measures of performance (ROS, ROE, ROI, NPV, and IRR). He must decide which of the criteria are most useful. A relevant-cost issue that is introduced must be resolved, because it makes a big difference in the NPV. In the supplement some background material is provided for a forecasting/judgmental assessment exercise based on this decision. The supplement could, assuming students have already been introduced to this topic, form the basis for a short workshop (an hour or less) on judgmental probability, or it could be used with a note on cumulative probability distributions for an introductory class on the topic. (The B case is QA-0383, and a supplement to the A case is QA-0384.)
Abstract 305: The Accuracy of Profiling Methods to Identify Hospital Outliers for Ischemic Stroke Mortality in the Presence of Missing Data: Effect of Hospital Volume

Objective: We used simulation modeling to assess the impact of missing risk adjustment data, exemplified by incomplete National Institute of the Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) documentation, on the ability of risk adjustment models to accurately identify hospital ischemic stroke mortality performance outliers using a complete case analysis. Methods: Simulation parameters were generated from analysis of 10,716 ischemic stroke patients aged 65 and older from the Michigan Stroke Registry (MSR). 250 datasets were simulated in a way such that distributions of risk score (including NIHSS) and mortality within and between 100 hospitals were similar to the MSR. We randomly assigned missing NIHSS data to each simulated dataset using a plausible range of hospital-level NIHSS documentation (30%-100%). Hospitals were assigned a random intercept from a distribution of intercepts observed in the MSR (true performance), and estimated from a hierarchical mortality model using a complete case analysis of the simulated data (observed performance). If the assigned (true) or estimated (observed) random intercepts were outside their respective 95% CIs, they were considered outliers. Accuracy was assessed as the percent of true outliers and non-outliers correctly identified by the hierarchical model, i.e., sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp). To understand the impact of case volume, we modified hospital patient volume as 100, 300 and 500. Results: As NIHSS documentation fell, Se decreased while Sp increased. (Figure) The relative change in both Se and Sp was strongly impacted by patient volume: in hospitals with low stroke volume (n=100), Se was 90%). In moderate (n=300) and high (n=500) stroke volume hospitals when NIHSS documentation was very high, Se was near perfect, but declined rapidly with reduced documentation. Conversely, as NIHSS documentation fell, Sp increased in both moderate and high volume hospitals. Conclusions: Reductions in sample size when using a complete case analysis in the presence of missing data have a dramatic effect on correctly identifying performance outliers, especially in lower case volumes. Limitations to identifying ischemic stroke performance mortality outliers - even with complete NIHSS documentation - should be appreciated. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Surgical Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by progressive parenchymal fibrosis resulting in loss of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine function. The pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis is unclear, but is thought to be secondary to repeated parenchymal injury. Common etiologies include alcoholic pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, and pancreatic duct obstruction caused by pancreatic divisum or stricture. The disease affects all elements of the gland; exocrine dysfunction can occur early in the disease process followed by subsequent endocrine dysfunction. Parenchymal fibrosis often causes pancreatic duct strictures resulting in distal pancreatic duct dilation. Intraparenchymal calcification and intraductal calcium calculi are common.
Uniformity-Based Superpixel Segmentation of Hyperspectral Images

Superpixel segmentation algorithms attempt to group contiguous image pixels which are in homogeneous regions into segments (superpixels). Superpixel segmentation maps have proven successful in improving the performance of unmixing algorithms on hyperspectral images. For hyperspectral images (HSIs), segment members must contain spectrally similar pixels, a requirement we refer to as segment uniformity. Existing superpixel segmentation algorithms which have been applied to HSIs provide no guarantees on the uniformity inside segments. In the absence of such guarantees, the only viable option is to make the segments small enough that uniformity is always ensured; this leads to an oversegmentation of the image. An accurate uniformity measure would lead to a more accurate segmentation. We propose a graph-based agglomerative approach that enforces segment uniformity by setting a threshold for maximum variability inside segments. The threshold is computed by a statistical analysis of the within-class and between-class spectral divergences of several mineral families of interest. We show that the proposed algorithm can be used to generate parsimonious segmentations and facilitate the computation of accurate mineralogical summaries for several simulated and real HSIs of terrestrial and planetary geological surfaces.
The Epidemiology of Mental Disorders in African American Children and Adolescents

One in five children and adolescents experience significant symptoms of emotional distress and approximately 10 % of youth suffer from emotional disorders, which impair their personal, school, and family lives. African American youth may experience even higher rates of some psychiatric distress due to a number of environmental challenges they face that place them at risk, including a lack of access to mental health services. Yet little is known about the mental health of African American youth and the risk or protective factors they may experience. In this chapter we provide an overview of the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among African American or Black youth, with special attention to within group ethnic (i.e., African American and Caribbean Black youth when available) and gender differences, along with an assessment of available data and consideration of what is known about mental health service use for African American children and adolescents.
Effects of lactational level on reactivation of ovarian function, and interval from parturition to first visual oestrus and conception in high-producing holstein cows

Data were collected on 19 high-producing Holstein dairy cows from day 20 post partum until they were either determined pregnant or reached 150 days post partum. Blood metabolites (progesterone (P4), glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and free fatty acids (FFA)) were related to the interval from parturition to first luteal phase, first visual oestrus and conception. Prior to data analysis, cows were divided into two groups based on their 120-day milk production and designated as below herd average (BHA; no. = 9) or above herd average (AHA; no. = 10). Average 120-day milk productions for BHA, AHA and herdmates (no. = 56) were 3932 (s.e. 157), 4841 (s.e. 60) and 4353 (s.e. 96) kg, respectively. Days from parturition to first luteal phase were not different between the BHA and AHA groups (31·7 (s.e. 1·7) and 31·5 (s.e. 6·9), respectively). In contrast, days from parturition to first visual oestrus and to conception oestrus were less for the BHA group than for the AHA group (46·8 (s.e. 4·6) and 76·9 (s.e. 7·5) v. 67·7 (s.e. 5·2) and 102·5 (s.e. 9·2) days, respectively (P < 0·05)). Further, average glucose concentration from day 20 to first luteal phase was higher (P < 0·05) for the BHA group than for the AHA group (64·1 (s.e. 1·6) v. 58·4 (s.e. 1·6) mg/dl). From day 20 to first visual oestrus, plasma glucose concentration increased while BHBA and FFA declined; all three metabolites then remained relatively constant until conception. These data suggest that as the amount of milk a dairy cow produces increases, the interval from parturition to first visual oestrus and conception increases. These data are consistent with a suppression of oestrus behaviour rather than with a delayed interval to ovarian cyclicity.