cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Injectable hydrogels for sustained co-delivery of subunit vaccines enhance humoral immunity

Vaccines aim to elicit a robust, yet targeted, immune response. Failure of a vaccine to elicit such a response arises in part from inappropriate temporal control over antigen and adjuvant presentation to the immune system. In this work, we sought to exploit the natural response of the immune system to extended pathogen exposure during infection by designing an easily administered slow-delivery vaccine platform. We utilized an injectable and self-healing polymer-nanoparticle (PNP) hydrogel platform to prolong the co-delivery of vaccine components to the immune system. We demonstrated that these hydrogels exhibit unique delivery characteristics whereby physicochemically distinct compounds (such as antigen and adjuvant) could be co-delivered over the course of weeks. When administered in mice, hydrogel-based sustained vaccine exposure enhanced the magnitude, duration, and quality of the humoral immune response compared to standard PBS bolus administration of the same model vaccine. We report that the creation of a local inflammatory niche within the hydrogel, coupled with sustained release of vaccine cargo, enhanced the magnitude and duration of germinal center responses in the lymph nodes. This strengthened germinal center response promoted greater antibody affinity maturation, resulting in a more than 1000-fold increase in antigen-specific antibody affinity in comparison to bolus immunization. In summary, this work introduces a simple and effective vaccine delivery platform that increases the potency and durability of subunit vaccines.
Reciprocal Links of the Corpus striatum with the Cerebral Cortex and Limbic System: A Common Substrate for Movement and Thought?

Broadly speaking, the cerebral hemisphere of mammals can be said to be composed of three major anatomical and functional realms: the neocortex, the limbic system, and the extrapyramidal system (also referred to as basal ganglia or corpus striatum). Traditionally, and not without good physiological and clinicopathological reason, the neocortex is considered to embody the highest level of sensory analysis and perceptual integration, as well as certain of the more differentiated mechanisms subserving somatic motor function. Last but not least, it is regarded as the staging ground for ideational processes. The limbic system, by contrast, is generally viewed as the main cerebral representative of the internal milieu, expressing its functions, in part at least, in the form of affects and motivation. And finally, the basal ganglia are generally considered to be essential components of the brain’s somatic motor system.
Teaching Video NeuroImages: Cluster breathing in brainstem-sparing bihemispheric cerebral and cerebellar lesions

A 65-year-old comatose man with metastatic melanoma developed rapidly cycling breathing, with clusters of approximately 10 abdominal excursions within 3 seconds, interspersed by 10 seconds of apnea (video 1 and figure), mimicking abdominal myoclonus. Introduced by Plum and Posner1 as a respiratory pattern associated with lesions in the low pons or high medulla, cluster breathing can occur without pontomedullary lesions when respiratory alkalosis accompanies bihemispheric lesions.2 It differs from the constant tachypnea of central neurogenic hyperventilation, also associated with respiratory alkalosis, and from the crescendo-decrescendo breathing pattern of Cheyne-Stokes. Combined cerebellar and cerebral lesions may suffice to affect brainstem-mediated respiratory control in the absence of brainstem lesions.
Retrospective evaluation of the prognostic utility of quick sequential organ failure assessment scores in dogs with surgically treated sepsis (2011-2018): 204 cases.

OBJECTIVE To assess the prognostic utility of admission quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) scores for in-hospital mortality in a population of dogs with surgically treated sepsis. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of dogs from January 2011 to January 2018. SETTING University teaching hospital. ANIMALS One thousand three hundred nine cases were identified with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis requiring surgical source control. Two hundred and four dogs with surgically treated sepsis met inclusion criteria, defined as: meeting 2 or more systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria with a documented source of infection. One hundred and forty-three cases of septic peritonitis, 26 cases of septic soft tissue infection, 20 cases of pyometra, and 15 cases of pyothorax were evaluated. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Overall in-hospital mortality was 63 of 204 (30.9%). Patients with a qSOFA ≥ 2 were more likely to die or be euthanized (odds ratio [OR] 7.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9-16.4; P < 0.0001). Survivor and nonsurvivor qSOFA scores were significantly different in all categories. Dogs with septic peritonitis and a qSOFA ≥ 2 had an increased risk of postoperative complications (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.3-11.1; P = 0.02). qSOFA scores were correlated with length of hospitalization in survivors of all-cause surgical sepsis (r = 0.28, P = 0.0007), septic peritonitis (r = 0.33, P = 0.001), and septic soft tissue infection (r = 0.59, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS This was the first study to retrospectively evaluate the prognostic utility of qSOFA scores in dogs surgically treated for sepsis. Dogs diagnosed with septic peritonitis and other causes of surgically treated sepsis with a qSOFA ≥ 2 may have a higher risk of in-hospital mortality, although future prospective studies are necessary.
Experimental investigation of a simple shear connection to concrete-filled FRP tube (CFFT) columns

Abstract The concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tube (CFFT) system has been widely studied as a robust alternative to conventional reinforced concrete (RC) for column construction. Despite the superior structural performance of this column system in terms of durability, strength and ductility, its application in building construction is limited due to a lack of viable designs for beams-to-column connections. To address this gap, this study proposes a simple connection for a circular CFFT column and a steel I-shape beam. The connection consists of a curved end plate with a shear tab that is attached to the finished CFFT using commercially available concrete anchors. In this study, three connection assemblies with adhesive and expansion anchors were tested under half-cyclic loading. The connection assemblies varied based on the type of the anchors and installation torque. The performance was evaluated in terms of ease of construction, shear capacity, moment-rotation relationship, and observable damage. The FRP shell eliminated concrete breakout failure and the anchors exceeded the theoretical pullout capacity noted by the manufacturer. A methodology for estimating the proof load of the proposed connection detail is presented. The proposed connection provides a viable option for simple connection of steel beams to circular CFFT columns. The findings may inform future research on beam-column connections for CFFTs and lead to an increased use of CFFT systems in building construction.
Production and Marketing of Off-Season Vegetables in Himachal Pradesh

The present study was conducted in Chhota Bhangal, one of the remotest area of district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Since the region has vast potential for production and marketing of off-season vegetables. A two-stage random sampling technique was employed for the selection of 10 vegetable growing villages and the 60 growers from selected villages through proportional allocation method in the second and final stage of sampling. The findings of the study revealed that the total production on an average farm was highest for cabbage (57.53 q/household) followed by cauliflower (15.11 q/household). The plastic net bags, gunny bags and corrugated boxes were used as the packaging material for most of the vegetables. Channel I (Producer Local trader Commission agent-cum-wholesaler Retailer Consumer) was the most important channel for all the cole vegetable crops. In case of problems relating to production of vegetables, high incidence of pest and diseases was reported top most problems by the farmers. In case of problems relating to marketing of produce, unfavorable price received by producers was the most prominent problem recorded at first place using Garrett's mean score of 70.70 on an all farm situation.
WNV-BOT portal project summary

The WNV-BOT Portal project is an NSF-funded infectious disease informatics project (grant number: EIA-9983304) aimed at demonstrating and assessing the technical feasibility and scalability of a cross-jurisdiction, cross-species infectious disease information sharing, alerting, and analysis framework. The related technical and system development research is summarized in a regular paper and a demonstration plan appeared in this proceedings. In this project summary, we briefly present the project accomplishments and describe the inter-agency, inter-disciplinary, and academia-government partnership that has been critical to the success of our project. We also share the lessons learned from our project on important issues faced by many digital government projects such as data sharing, academic research versus practical applications, funding mechanism, and project management.
Electron microscopic study of the base sequence in nucleic acids. IX. Absence of fragmentation and of cross-linking during reaction with osmium tetroxide and cyanide.

Abstract Density and sedimentation analysis as well as electron microscopy demonstrate that upon reaction at 55° single-stranded DNA binds the osmium-cyanide complex and is left free of fragmentations, cross-links and aggregations.
A Cluster-Based Classification Approach to Semantic Role Labeling

In this paper, a new approach for multi-class classification problems is applied to the Semantic Role Labeling (SRL) problem, which is an important task for natural language processing systems to achieve better semantic understanding of text. The new approach applies to any classification problem with large feature sets. Data is partitioned using clusters on a subset of the features. A multi-label classifier is then trained individually on each cluster, using automatic feature selection to customize the larger feature set for the cluster. This algorithm is applied to the Semantic Role Labeling problem and achieves improvements in accuracy for both the argument identification classifier and the argument labeling classifier.
Photochemistry of Nitrate Chemisorbed on Various Metal Oxide Surfaces

Atmospheric aerosols are known to provide an important surface for gas–solid interfaces that can lead to heterogeneous reactions impacting tropospheric chemistry. In this work, α-Fe2O3, TiO2, γ-Al2O3, SiO2 and ZnO, common components of atmospheric aerosols, served as models to investigate the gas–solid interface of nitric acid with aerosols in the presence of simulated solar radiation. Adsorbed nitrate and gaseous products can be continuously monitored with infrared spectroscopy (IR). Kinetic studies of adsorbed species were carried out using attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Ex situ simultaneous infrared spectroscopy of gas-phase products using a 2 m long path cell allowed the detection of gaseous products at early stages of the heterogeneous photochemical reaction. In addition, photoactive gaseous products, such as HONO, were detected as gas analysis was carried out outside the region of irradiation. All reactions were found to be first order with respect to adsorbed nitric acid and yielded gas-phase products such as NO, NO2, N2O4, N2O, and HONO. While the correlation between semiconductor properties of the metal oxide and the heterogeneous photochemical rate constant (j) is not direct, the semiconductor properties were found to play a role in the formation of relatively high proportions of greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O).
Relative Prevalence of Grapevine Leafroll-Associated Virus Species in Wine Grape-Growing Regions of California

Some diseases manifest as one characteristic set of symptoms to the host, but can be caused by multiple pathogens. Control treatments based on plant symptoms can make it difficult to effectively manage such diseases, as the biology of the underlying pathogens can vary. Grapevine leafroll disease affects grapes worldwide, and is associated with several viral species in the family Closteroviridae. Whereas some of the viruses associated with this disease are transmitted by insect vectors, others are only graft-transmissible. In three regions of California, we surveyed vineyards containing diseased vines and screened symptomatic plants for all known viral species associated with grapevine leafroll disease. Relative incidence of each virus species differed among the three regions regions, particularly in relation to species with known vectors compared with those only known to be graft-transmitted. In one region, the pathogen population was dominated by species not known to have an insect vector. In contrast, populations in the other surveyed regions were dominated by virus species that are vector-transmissible. Our survey did not detect viruses associated with grapevine leafroll disease at some sites with characteristic disease symptoms. This could be explained either by undescribed genetic diversity among these viruses that prevented detection with available molecular tools at the time the survey was performed, or a misidentification of visual symptoms that may have had other underlying causes. Based on the differences in relative prevalence of each virus species among regions and among vineyards within regions, we expect that region and site-specific management strategies are needed for effective disease control.
EFFECT OF DEPOSITING TEMPERATURE ON THE INTERFACIAL ADHESION OF NANOCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND FILMS GROWN ON TITANIUM BY MICROWAVE PLASMA ASSISTED CVD PROCESS

In contrast to their exceptional mechanical properties, titanium and its alloys possess poor friction and wear characteristics. Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films appear to be a promising solution for their tribological problem due to their smooth surfaces and small grain size. However, the synthesis of a well adherent NCD film on titanium and its alloys is always complicated due to the different thermal expansion coefficients of the two materials, the complex nature of the interlayer formed during diamond deposition, and the difficulty in achieving very high nucleation density. In this work NCD thin films have been deposited on pure Ti substrates in a microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MWPCVD) reactor under fixed pressure and methane concentration in hydrogen but over a wide temperature range. The effects of depositing temperatures on the adhesion of films are evaluated using Rockwell indentation tests. It is found that by increasing the deposition temperature the films bonding deteriorates. Th...
Metabolism of all-trans-retinyl acetate to retinoic acid in hamster tracheal organ culture.

Abstract All-trans-[3H]retinyl acetate has been shown to be metabolized to all-trans-[3H]retinoic acid in a target tissue of vitamin A action, the hamster trachea in organ culture. That the compound produced is indeed all-trans-retinoic acid is demonstrated by chromatography of the biosynthetically produced retinoic acid with synthetic all-trans-retinoic acid in two different high-pressure liquid chromatographic systems, either as the free acids in a reverse-phase system or as the methyl esters in a normal-phase system. The all-trans-[3H]retinoic acid was also found in the tracheal epithelium and cartilage as well as in the medium. In addition the tracheal tissue also contained retinyl palmitate and other esters. Finally, further in vitro metabolism of [3H]retinyl acetate paralleled the metabolism of [3C]retinoic acid suggesting that these two compounds are being metabolized through similar pathways.
A short proof of a conjecture of De Remer and Pennello

In this paper we offer a short proof of the DeRemer-Pennello conjecture that if the LR(0) automaton for a grammar G contains a state p and a nonterminal A such that (p, A) is a nonterminal transition, (p, A) includes+ (p, A) and Read(p, A) is not empty, then grammar G is not LR(k) for any k.
mTOR Signaling Fades POMC Neurons during Aging

Hypothalamic POMC neurons contribute to the regulation of energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism. In this issue of Neuron, Yang et al. (2012) show that the mTOR pathway has a pivotal role in deterioration of POMC neurons during age-dependent obesity.
Beam dynamics for FEL injection of the linac preinjector of ELETTRA

Abstract A 100 MeV preinjector, followed by a 1.4 GeV linac for the storage ring ELETTRA in Trieste, will deliver electron beams according to three operation modes; a single-bunch, a multibunch, and a “FEL” mode which will be obtained at the end of the 100 MeV linac. The present article deals with the description and computation of the beam dynamics for this last operation mode. The energy of the accelerator will be variable from 30 to 75 MeV. It is expected to obtain more than 0.15 nC at a 32 MHz maximum bucket repetition rate in a 10 μs pulse. We show that it is possible to obtain 0.4 nC in a 10 ps bunch length with the same characteristics as for the warranted specifications.
Pseudocomponent test of the relative utilization of feed components in fluid catalytic cracking

A pseudocomponent mixture is used to test the relative reactivity of hydrocarbon classes over a range of zeolite catalysts (USY, CREY, Beta, Omega, and ZSM-5) under industrial fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) conditions. The hydrocarbon mixture (32.7% n-hexadecane, 45.3% phenyloctane, 17.3% cyclohexyloctane, and 2.3% 2-methylhexadecane) was chosen to reflect the molecular distribution of n-paraffins, i-paraffins, naphthenes, and aromatics in a standard FCC gas oil feed. Analysis of the cracking results of the hydrocarbon mixture determines relative kinetic reaction rates which are decoupled from deactivation, volume expansion, and some adsorption terms. Each zeolite type cracks the hydrocarbons in the mixture at different relative rates, which reflects differences in competitive adsorption, relative diffusion rates, and acid site strength. The relative reaction rates of the hydrocarbon classes over a given zeolite are a strong determinant of the molecular distribution of the gasoline produced by that zeolite catalyst for both the pseudocomponent mixture and the full gas oil.
Alveolar bone measurement precision for phosphor-plate images.

Objectives The aim was to demonstrate methods for determining measurement precision and to determine the precision of alveolar bone measurements made with a vacuum-coupled positioning device and phosphor plate images. Study design Subjects were rigidly attached to the x-ray tube by means of a vacuum coupling device and custom cross-arch bite plates. Original and repeat radiographs (taken within minutes of each other) were obtained of the mandibular posterior teeth of 51 subjects, and cementoenamel junction–alveolar crest (CEJ-AC) distances were measured on both sets of images. In addition, x-ray transmission (radiodensity) and AC height differences were determined by subtracting one image from the other. Image subtractions and measurements were performed twice. Based on duplicate measurements, the root mean square standard deviation (precision) and least significant change (LSC) were calculated. LSC is the magnitude of change in a measurement needed to indicate that a true biologic change has occurred. Results The LSCs were 4% for x-ray transmission, 0.49 mm for CEJ-AC distance, and 0.06 mm for crest height. Conclusion The LSCs for our CEJ-AC and x-ray transmission measurements were similar to what has been previously reported. The LSC for AC height (determined with image subtraction) was
An Investigation of the Partitioning of Dissociated H 2 and D 2 on Activated Nickel Catalysts

Heterogeneous nickel catalysts play an important role in numerous processes. In the past, a number of H/D isotopic labeling studies have probed catalytic mechanisms during specific associative and dissociative steps. The current work investigates the adsorption of hydrogen on Ni0 sites, the active surface where H-transfer reactions take place, to determine if preferential partitioning of H or D occurs on the metal surface. This is important for understanding whether differences in surface coverages between H and D could potentially impact KIE analyses. Overall, when H2 and D2 were added competitively to either H-activated NiO or Ni/alumina catalysts, no significant isotopic preference was identified. However, when the catalyst was pretreated with H2 (or D2) prior to flowing the equimolar mixture, a slight isotopic preference for H2 (or D2) was observed. This residual effect suggests that, in both cases, hydrogen exchange with hydroxyl groups on the support occurred. That is, in the case of hydrogen activated NiO, the resulting catalyst is likely a mixture of Ni and residual NiO, the latter presumably containing surface hydroxyl groups. The isotopic preference when H2 (or D2) pretreatment is conducted prior to running the H2/D2 (50–50 %) mixture is enhanced when alumina is used as a support due to greater OH/OD exchange. A similar, but even less pronounced effect, was observed previously with cobalt/alumina catalysts.
σ-bonded complexes of substituted phospha- and arsacarboranes and their π-ollyl derivatives

The photochemical reaction of (1,7-B9H9CHE)2Fe2− (E  P or As) with Group VI metal carbonyls leads to the formation of complexes with the general formula, [1,7-B9H9CHE-M(CO)5]2Fe2−. It is proposed that each heteroatom carborane ligand is π-bonded to the iron atom and σ-bonded through either the phosphorus or arsenic atom to a Group VI metal carbonyl. The preparation and characterization of a neutral phosphacarborane σ-complex is described.
The sustainability-diversification dilemma

Diversification poses a strategic management dilemma. Paths to sustainability require firms to develop new products and technologies and to adjust their networks of suppliers and customers; sustainability requires diversification. To become fully sustainable, firms need to diversify in ways unrelated to their core knowledge of technology and markets. Financial markets tend to discount shares of firms that diversify. The current literature does not distinguish sustainability related diversification (SRD) from other motives for diversification. This paper, after reviewing the related literature, proposes some testable propositions that could lead to the development of a mid-range theory of sustainability-related diversification.
Measurement Of Focal Spot Sizes

There are two methods to determine the dimensions of a focal spot: 1. Imaging with a pin-hole camera. 2. Measuring the geometric unsharpness.© (1975) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Home Range and Habitat Use of Northern Flying Squirrels in the Black Hills, South Dakota

Abstract Northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) of the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) of South Dakota represent a unique and isolated population, but little is known about the home range size and habitat use of this population. Fifty-nine northern flying squirrels (34 males and 25 females) were radio-collared and tracked during their active period, from dusk until dawn, by point sampling. Minimum convex polygons (MCPs) were determined from observation locations of squirrels with ≥15 radio-tracking locations (n = 49). Males occupied larger home ranges (n = 30; 11.23 ± 1.48 ha) than females (n = 19; 6.91 ± 0.94 ha; P = 0.02). Using the radiotelemetry data and GIS vegetation layers, habitat use (grass-shrub, aspen-birch, bur oak and pine) and structural stage class (1, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B and 4C) selection were determined for all squirrels with ≥10 radio-tracking locations (n = 54). Habitat selection was determined by comparing the proportion of radio-tracking locations (observed) within...
Anesthetic considerations in orthopedic patients with or without trauma.

Anesthetic management of orthopedic patients could vary from normal routine management to more challenging critical management depending on the state in which the patient is presented. Multimodal pain management strategies incorporating opioids, which are the mainstay drugs for pain management, along with adjunctive drugs like local anesthetics (eg, lidocaine), dissociative anesthetics (eg, ketamine), and α-2 agonists (eg, dexmedetomidine), could improve overall patient comfort and help prevent establishment of chronic pain pathways. Also, use of local nerve blocks can prevent nociception right at the point of origin. Orthopedic patients with multiple organ traumas like head injuries, spinal injuries, pulmonary fat embolism, compartment syndrome, or thoracic injuries are high-risk patients in which any life-threatening organ pathology should be addressed before the patient is put under general anesthesia. Interactions of various drugs like antibiotics and neuromuscular blocking agents used in the perioperative period in orthopedic patients should warrant a careful consideration with respect to their interactions with each other and other anesthetic drugs used.
Long-term outcomes of patients with Barrett's esophagus and high-grade dysplasia or early cancer treated with endoluminal therapies with intention to complete eradication.

Background Endoluminal therapy is an option for selected patients with Barrett's esophagus and high-grade dysplasia or early cancer. Objective To assess long-term outcomes of patients treated with endoluminal therapy with the goal of complete eradication of all dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia. Design Retrospective cohort study. Patients Selected patients referred with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. Intervention Endoluminal therapy combining resection and photodynamic therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and/or argon plasma coagulation treatment was individualized based on patient and lesion characteristics, technique evolution, and interval response. Main Outcome Measurements We assessed complete eradication of dysplasia, all intestinal metaplasia, and recurrences. Results A total of 166 patients were treated and had at least 1 year of follow-up. Complete elimination of neoplasia was achieved in 157 patients (95%) and complete elimination of intestinal metaplasia in 137 patients (83%). After therapy, patients were followed for 33 (range 18-58) months. Among patients who achieved complete elimination of intestinal metaplasia, subsequent recurrent intestinal metaplasia was detected in 48 (35%) and dysplasia in 12 (9%). Among those who achieved only complete elimination of dysplasia, recurrent dysplasia was detected in 6 of 19 patients (32%). Multifocal dysplasia and patient's age were dysplasia and/or carcinoma recurrence risk factors in the multivariable and univariable analyses. Complete elimination of intestinal metaplasia was a protective factor in the univariable analysis. Retreatment achieved remission in 90% of cases. Forty-two patients (23.9%) had complications, including 21 with stricture (11.9%) and 1 treatment-related death. Limitations Retrospective study and evolution of endoscopic modalities. Conclusion Multiple-mode endoluminal therapy for Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia or early cancer with intention to complete eradication of all intestinal metaplasia was successful, with low observed recurrence of dysplasia or cancer. However, recurrence of intestinal metaplasia occurs in one-third of cases and supports continued endoscopic surveillance even after complete eradication.
Detection and enhancement of scale-coherent structures using wavelet transform products

Most of the information in a typical image is concentrated in a few regions. These are dominated by structures characterized by discontinuities in intensity. Inherent to the identification of significant structures is determining the location of the structures and assigning saliency values to them. In this paper, we present a wavelet based algorithm that identifies significant structures in an image. We first decompose the image using the wavelet transform. Then, for each pixel, a combining process computes a function that collects all the information available at the sub-band scales. The rationale of the method relies on the assumption that images and volumes possess scale-coherent structures. A structure is scale-coherent if it persists across the scales, or contains all frequencies. The detection of these features forms the core of our approach. We construct a combining function of the image by multiplying the sub-bands obtained from the wavelet transform. The result of this operation is a mask that delineates regions comprising of significant structures. This mask can then be used to provide saliency values at each pixel. Additional processing and image enhancement algorithms can now concentrate their efforts in regions where the mask has high values. We show how our method can be employed to remove noise, enhance, and smooth features in images arising from medical imaging modalities including MRI and mammography.
Using Living Cases to Teach the Strategic Planning Process

Abstract This article describes a field-based approach to teaching students the strategic planning process. The approach uses multiple task forces or teams to develop a strategic plan for a local organization. Each team develops and coordinates its activities with the teams to analyze the “living case.” Each student participates on at least two task forces in developing the plan, which is presented to the host organization at the end of the term. The approach has been tested with several business, public health, and health administration classes. The students learn by doing, and the organizations are appreciative of the outside assistance.
Effects of Lens Major Intrinsic Protein on Glycerol Permeability and Metabolism

Lens Major Intrinsic Protein (MIP) is a member of a family of membrane transport proteins including the Aquaporins and bacterial glycerol transporters. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, MIP increased both glycerol permeability and the activity of glycerol kinase. Glycerol permeability (p Gly ) was 2.3 ± 0.23 × 10−6 cm sec−1 with MIP vs. 0.92 ± 0.086 × 10−6 cm sec−1 in control oocytes. The p Gly of MIP was independent of concentration from 5 × 10−5 to 5 × 10−2 m, had a low temperature dependence, and was inhibited approximately 90%, 80% and 50% by 1.0 mm Hg++, 0.2 mm DIDS (diisothiocyanodisulfonic stilbene), and 0.1 mm Cu++, respectively. MIP-enhanced glycerol phosphorylation, resulting in increased incorporation of glycerol into lipids. This could arise from an increase in the total activity of glycerol kinase, or from an increase in its affinity for glycerol. Based on methods we present to distinguish these mechanisms, MIP increased the maximum rate of phosphorylation by glycerol kinase (0.12 ± 0.03 vs. 0.06 ± 0.01 pmol min−1 cell−1) without changing the binding of glycerol to the kinase (K M ∼ 10 μm).
Naming Products in China: Local or Foreign Branding

ABSTRACT As China's entry into the WTO is imminent and more multinational corporations (MNCs) enter and expand in the Chinese market, the issue of how to name the brand of a product in the largest developing country market becomes a frequently asked question. Should MNCs adopt a locally meaningful brand or one that sounds like the original brand name of the product but is meaningless to the Chinese consumers? In spite of the obvious importance of brand-naming decisions in the Chinese market, this issue has not been empirically addressed in the marketing literature. Our study found that, in contrary to common beliefs, local branding approach leads to more positive product perceptions among Chinese consumers. Marketing implications for international brand management and marketing strategies were drawn from our results.
INCREASED ARTERIAL COLLAGEN SYNTHESIS IN EXPERIMENTAL CANINE ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Abstract The rates of collagen synthesis by normal and atherosclerotic canine arteries have been measured in vitro by determining the amount of peptidyl [ 14 C]hydroxy-proline formed after incubation at 38° for 1–4 hr in the presence of [U- 14 C]l-proline. Atherosclerotic lesions were produced by feeding dogs a cholesterol supplemented essential fatty acid deficient, semi-synthetic diet for 14 months. Atherosclerotic regions of the aorta, coronary, renal, mesenteric, iliac and femoral arteries were found to synthesize collagen at a rate between 5 and 20 times that of non-atherosclerotic regions of the same arteries, or that of normal arteries from dogs fed a stock laboratory ration. The degree of stimulation of collagen synthesis was related to the extent of the atherosclerotic process in the artery, the mean rates of synthesis in femoral arteries being 97 ± 42 ng/g/4 hr when no atherosclerosis was present, 476 ± 397 in arteries with between 40% and 80% atherosclerosis and 1954 ± 821 in arteries with 100% surface involvement. The percentage of protein synthesis represented by collagen rose from a mean of less than 5% in normal aortic branch arteries to 14% in severely atherosclerotic branch arteries, showing that the increases in collagen synthesis were not associated simply with an overall increase in protein synthesis. Segments of atherosclerotic and normal arteries were also incubated with [5- 3 H]l-proline and autoradiographs prepared following the incubation. These autoradiographs provided evidence suggesting that the thickened intima was more responsible for the observed increases in synthesis than the media and that these increases were brought about by enhanced rates of collagen formation within each cell.
The effect of chilling temperature on flower bud expansion of rabbiteye blueberry

Abstract Shoots containing terminal flower buds of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei, Reade), cultivars ‘Bluebelle’, ‘Bluegem’, ‘Briteblue’, ‘Climax’, ‘Delite’, ‘Southland’, ‘Tifblue’ and ‘Woodard’, were collected at selected chilling hours ranging from 0 to 700 for 2 years to determine a rapid method of estimating chilling requirements of rabbiteye cultivars. Chilling hours in this study were defined as hours of cold temperatures below 7.2°C (45°F). Growth of flower buds as influenced by chilling hours varied with cultivar, the duration of chilling (400–700 h or 0–700 h), when measurements were made after treatment, and the type of measurement. Chilling requirements for the bud break of the 8 cultivars ranged from 250 to 650 h. Measurement of flower buds 2 weeks after exposure to chilling hours appears to be a reliable system to determine chilling requirements of rabbiteye blueberry plants.
Treatment variables and amino acid profile of acid-treated straw

Abstract Treatment variables such as acid treatment, hydrolysis time, and liquid-to-solid ratio were analysed for straw treated for possible use as animal feed. The acids used were 0·26 n and 0·5 n HCl, 0·5 n H 3 PO 4 , 0·28 n and 0·5 n H 2 SO 4 and a combination of 0·15 n H 3 PO 4 and 0·23 n HCl. The fermentability of acid-treated straw measured by the growth of Candida utilis was highest when 0·23 n HCl plus 0·15 n H 3 PO 4 were used to hydrolyse the straw. The lowest cell growth occurred with 0·5 n HCl, while the rest of the acid treatments resulted in non-significant differences. The time of hydrolysis (10 or 30 min) and the liquid-to-solid ratios (3/1 or 5/1) had no significant effect on microbial growth. Different acids released different amounts of sugar during hydrolysis. In general, the higher the acidity the higher the sugar yield. There was an interaction between the acid treatment and the liquid-to-solid ratio. Overall, 30 min hydrolysis released more sugar than did hydrolysis for 10 min. In the HCl/H 3 PO 4 -treated straw the protein was increased two-fold after fermentation. The amino acid profile of the straw fermented with Aureobasidium pullulans was similar to that of alfalfa.
Reuse of compiler analysis in a programming environment

Productivity in the development of software can be increased by reusing code and design analysis. Following this approach we have developed an incremental optimizing compiler that reuses target code and compiler analysis. In order to be practical, it shares a database of information with other tools in a programming environment. The analysis performed by a compiler is reused to greatly reduce the recompilation time during program development and to incrementally produce target code that is optimized across a larger unit than the unit of recompilation. The resulting code is as optimized as that produced in a batch environment, while saving up to 96% of the time for recompilation. The database used in the incremental optimizing compiler is also useful for other tools in a programming environment and is an approach to solving the problems of debugging optimized code.
Evaluation of the endogenous glucocorticoid hypothesis of denervation atrophy.

The effects are studied of the oral administration of RU38486, a potent selective glucocorticoid antagonist, on muscle weight, non-collagen protein content, and selected enzyme activities (choline acetyltransferase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glutamine synthetase) following denervation of rat skeletal muscle. Neither decreases in muscle weight, protein content, and choline acetyltransferase activity, nor increases in the activities of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogernase and glutamine synthetase were affected by RU38486. These data do not support the hypothesis that denervation atrophy results from enhanced sensitivity of muscle to endogenous glucocorticoids.
Online Behaviour of Social Media Participants’ and Perception of Trust, Comparing Social Media Brand Community Groups and Associated Organized Marketing Strategies

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess social media participants’ perception of similarities and differences of the authenticity and trustworthiness of online advertising versus the authenticity and trustworthiness of respective online brand communities. We were looking at brand communities associated with Social Media that were formed on the basis of specific products or services. We further aimed to assess the trust individual participants in those brand communities obtain in contrast to information provided by companies and their marketing and public relations strategies. Our research then went beyond this comparative discussion in order to assess differences and similarities among individuals across different cultures. We believe that the connection between consumers may be stronger and perceived as equally or more trustworthy than the ‘traditional’ connection between an individual consumer and the information portrayed in marketing or public relations strategies by the company itself. We further believe that cultural differences in perceptions of trust may be minimal or non-existent.
Theories of terrorism: Instrumental and organizational approaches

(1987). Theories of terrorism: Instrumental and organizational approaches. Journal of Strategic Studies: Vol. 10, Inside Terrorist Organizations, pp. 13-31.
Physician treatment preferences in rheumatoid arthritis of differing disease severity and activity: the impact of cost on first-line therapy.

Objective To conduct a pilot study to identify rheumatologists' treatment preferences for first-line rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy and determine whether pharmacoeconomic variables modify physician choice(s). Methods A questionnaire describing 3 different RA scenarios was mailed to American College of Rheumatology members within 4 geographic regions of the US. Physicians were asked to identify their choice(s) of first-line therapy for each of the cases, first taking cost into consideration, second without considering the influence of cost, and third identifying the therapy that would be chosen for either themselves or a family member. Results Three hundred seventy-five questionnaires out of a total of 994 (37.7%) were returned between 3/12/00 and 4/25/00. Hydroxychloroquine was the most commonly cited medication for a mild disease activity/severity presentation, and methotrexate for a moderate-to-severe disease activity/severity presentation. For the severe disease activity/severity presentation, when cost was not considered, 217 (65%) rheumatologists included new disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (leflunomide, etanercept, and infliximab) in their choice of first-line agents; this number decreased to 47 (14%) when cost was a consideration. Conclusion Pharmacoeconomics appear to play a dominant role in rheumatologists' choice of treatment regimens, at times contrary to the physician's perception of the effectiveness of a drug. Future studies should address physician preferences in more depth with respect to cost and its various components.
Changes in risk and strategic interaction

Abstract In this paper we study the comparative statics of Nth degree stochastic dominance shifts in a large class of non-cooperative games. We consider symmetric equilibria as well as asymmetric equilibria in which the risk changes are idiosyncratic and not necessarily of the same stochastic order. Furthermore, we establish conditions for risk changes to produce multiplier effects on equilibrium strategies. Finally, we evaluate the comparative statics of stochastic dominance shifts in supermodular games, which may feature multiple equilibria and non-convex strategy sets.
Computational characterization of sulfur-oxygen-bonded sulfuranyl radicals derived from alkyl- and (carboxyalkyl)thiopropionic acids: Evidence for σ*-type radicals

Sulfide radical cations are known to stabilize via sulfur-oxygen bond formation with carboxylic acid functions. However, structural information on the resulting sulfuranyl radicals has so far only been provided by ESR spectroscopy for more stable, aromatic-substituted species, while the rather short-lived aliphatic sulfuranyl radicals have largely been characterized by time-resolved UV spectroscopy only. Therefore, we have obtained theoretical structural information on S-O-bonded sulfuranyl radicals from three model compounds, tert-butyl 2-(methylthio)peroxybenzoate, 3-methylthiopropionic acid, and 3,3'-thiodipropionic acid, using density functional theory, semiempirical, and molecular mechanics methods. All S-O-bonded species exist predominantly as three-electron-bonded sigma-radicals with an estimated heterolytic bond dissociation energy of the S therefore O bond on the order of 23-27 kcal mol(-1). Characteristic optical absorption bands, vibrational frequencies, and hyperfine coupling tensors are evaluated to facilitate the identification of such radicals by time-resolved UV, IR, and ESR spectroscopy.
The nature of the influence of x-translocations on sex of progeny in Sciara coprophila.

1. A reciprocal translocation between chromosomes X and II in S. coprophila was used to elucidate the occurrence of exceptional sons and daughters among the progeny of females heterozygous for any one of several X-translocations. 2. The studies support the view that the exceptions result from non-disjunction of sex chromosomes during oogenesis and not from genetic change induced by rearrangement on the X. 3. The percentage of exceptions was found to increase when chromosomal rearrangements were used to decrease synapsis of the sex chromosomes. Conversely, when the barrier to sex chromosome pairing was removed, by making the translocation homozygous, the exceptions did not occur. 4. The studies support the view that (1) the X′ influence on sex of progeny is one on sex chromosome elimination from the embryonic soma, and (2) sex of the individual fly is determined by the chromosome complement which remains in the soma after elimination. 5. Provided there are two sex chromosomes in the somatic complement, differentiation of the ovary is normal even when an extra sex chromosome is present in the germ line. Likewise, the testis differentiates normally provided the somatic complement is XO (maternal X) even when an extra autosome is present in the germ cells. 6. When an additional sex chromosome is transmitted to the zygote (i.e., 4 sex chromosomes present), errors may occur in the kind or the number of chromosomes eliminated from the embryonic soma. No errors in elimination of chromosomes from the germ line have been detected.
Supporting delay-intolerant applications

Reliable transport protocols that offer low per-packet delays are becoming increasingly important, particularly for critical infrastructure services. Forward error correction (FEC) protocols have been used to reduce per-packet delays, but are only reliable if the error rate remains below a threshold. In this paper we present a reliable FEC protocol that combines retransmissions and FEC in a way that minimizes per-packet delays. We compute a cumulative distribution function(CDF) that helps receivers decide when to send a retransmission request to reduce per-packet delays. The result is a reliable FEC protocol with low per-packet delays capable of reacting to unexpected network congestion. A prototype implementation of the protocol is currently being developed.
New chemistry of an old molecule: cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2]

The discovery that cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cis-DDP) has clinically useful antitumor properties and can form platinum blues spawned an extensive investigation of its chemistry in water. Several new molecules have been synthesized, some rather old ones have been characterized for the first time, and clues have begun to emerge about the chemical interaction of cis-DDP with its likely biological target, DNA.
The Economics of Race and Discrimination

Argues that the poverty of minorities is rarely the result of discrimination. Cultural traits are far more important. State intervention to protect minorities effectively subsidises discrimination and free markets impose costs on the prejudiced.
Cross-valley communities: Identity and interaction in Early Postclassic period highland Chiapas

Abstract Over the last half-century, anthropologists have employed the concept of “communities” as an interpretive framework. While many scholars have conceptualized the community as a territorial unit, it may be more usefully viewed as a type of social network. As social networks, communities create patterned relationships and interactions between their members, which can be reflected in various aspects of material culture from landscape markers to similarities in the stylistic attributes of domestic artifact assemblages. This article examines the nature and degree of interaction between the Early Postclassic period archaeological sites of Moxviquil, Huitepec, and Yerba Buena in highland Chiapas, and the degree to which the relationships between them constitute communities as social networks. Statistical measures of homogeneity and boundedness are used to compare ceramic vessel attributes at these three sites, and to identify patterns of exchange, emulation and distinction in ceramic assemblages. The results of the analysis suggest high degrees of homogeneity in ceramic attributes between Jovel Valley sites, in contrast with low degrees of homogeneity between the Jovel Valley sites and Yerba Buena. However, the results also indicate a low degree of boundedness between these three sites, suggest low-intensity inter-valley interaction between separate communities.