cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monyet Yang Dihargai, Monyet Yang Dibenci: The Human-Macaque Interface in Indonesia

In this chapter we discuss the complex relationships between macaques and humans in Indonesia. The Indonesian archipelago is spread across a wide geographic range and located throughout are many distinct cultural communities. Without a homogenous cultural identity, Indonesia has become home to numerous unique worldviews. Included in many of these worldviews are folklore and mythology about the natural world and its relationship to human beings. Additionally, many cultures have their own set of perspectives specifically regarding macaques that influence their interactions with nearby macaque populations. With this in mind, we can best characterize the macaque-human interface in Indonesia by its variability rather than its uniformity. This chapter begins by addressing the high level of macaque species diversity in Indonesia and introducing the ecological contexts in which they are found. We then describe the relationship between macaques and humans in Indonesia as comprising a combination of interrelated ecological and cultural facets. Therefore, the overarching goal of this chapter is to discuss and contextualize the influence of these ecological and cultural facets in shaping the dynamic relationships that shift between tolerance and intolerance, reverence and disdain, and cooperation and conflict between humans and macaques throughout the archipelago. These potentially paradoxical relationships are further examined here through a research project addressing perceptions of macaque sacredness among Balinese Hindu communities outside of Bali. Specifically, we investigate whether the relocation of Balinese transmigrants to South Sulawesi has affected their perceptions of macaque sacredness and, if so, to what degree does that alter the two species’ interactions and coexistence. By focusing on a specific cultural worldview (i.e., Balinese Hinduism) across different locations we hope to examine the effect of changing ecological and cultural contexts on the overall relationship between macaques and local humans. We conclude by discussing the relevance of future research on the human-macaque interface in Indonesia and how accurate representations of culture’s dynamic capacity for change can be usefully applied to nonhuman primate conservation programs.
A Pregnant Patient with Mitral Stenosis

This case describes a pregnant patient who presented prior to delivery with an unspecified cardiac condition that was determined to be severe mitral stenosis Although a scheduled cesarean section was planned, the patient presented prior to the planned procedure in active labor with uncontrolled pain. Management of this patient, the pathophysiology of mitral stenosis, and considerations relevant to this condition in pregnancy are discussed.
Laser-Plasma Accelerators

In this chapter, the basic physics of laser-plasma accelerators (LPAs) is introduced. In the LPA, electron properties such as energy, energy distribution, bunch duration, charge and divergence depend on the interplay between the drive laser and the plasma
EnABLing Tumor Growth and Progression: Recent progress in unraveling the functions of ABL kinases in solid tumor cells.

The goal of this review is to summarize our current knowledge regarding how ABL family kinases are activated in solid tumors and impact on solid tumor development/progression, with a focus on recent advances in the field. Although ABL kinases are known drivers of human leukemia, emerging data also implicates the kinases in a large number of solid tumor types where they promote diverse processes such as proliferation, survival, cytoskeletal reorganization, cellular polarity, EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition), metabolic reprogramming, migration, invasion, and metastasis via unique signaling pathways. ABL1 and ABL2 appear to have overlapping but also unique roles in driving these processes. In some tumor types, the kinases may act to integrate pro- and anti-proliferative and pro- and anti-invasive signals, and also may serve as a switch during EMT/MET (mesenchymal-epithelial) transitions. Most data indicate that targeting ABL kinases may be effective for reducing tumor growth and preventing metastasis; however, ABL kinases also may have a tumor-suppressive role in some tumor types and in some cellular contexts. Understanding the functions of ABL kinases in solid tumors is critical for developing successful clinical trials aimed at targeting ABL kinases for the treatment of solid tumors.
A hybrid modeling framework to estimate pollutant concentrations and exposures in near road environments.

Traffic related air pollution is one of the major local sources of pollution challenging most urban populations. Current air quality modeling approaches can estimate the concentrations of air pollutants on either regional or local scales but cannot effectively estimate concentrations from the combination of regional and local sources at both local and regional scales simultaneously. This study describes a hybrid modeling framework, HYCAMR, combining a regional model, CAMx, and a local-scale dispersion model, R-LINE, to estimate concentrations of both primary and secondary species at high temporal (hourly) and spatial (40 m) resolution. HYCAMR utilizes all the chemical and physical processes available in CAMx and the Particulate Matter Source Apportionment Technology (PSAT) tool to estimate concentrations from both onroad and nonroad emission sources. HYCAMR employs R-LINE, to estimate the normalized dispersion of pollutant mass from onroad emission sources, from primary and secondary roads, at high resolution. Applying R-LINE for one day per month using average daily meteorology yields seasonally-resolved spatial dispersion profiles at low computational cost. Combining the R-LINE spatial dispersion profile with CAMx concentration estimates yields an estimate of the combined concentrations for a range of pollutants at high spatial and temporal resolution. In three major cities in Connecticut, HYCAMR shows strong temporal and seasonal variability in NOx, PM2.5, and elemental carbon (EC) concentrations. This study evaluates HYCAMR year 2011 estimates of NO2 and PM2.5 against two sources: satellite-based estimates at coarse resolution and regression model estimates at census block group resolution. In this evaluation, HYCAMR demonstrates improved agreement with the land-use regression modeling and mixed agreement with satellite-based estimates when compared to the regional CAMx estimates.
Altered R-spondin 1/CART neurocircuit in the hypothalamus contributes to hyperphagia in diabetes.

This study reports that cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of hypothalamus acted downstream of R-spondin 1 (Rspo1) to inhibit food intake. The ...
SAIL: A Scalable Wind Turbine Fault Diagnosis Platform

Failure of a wind turbine is largely attributed to faults that occur in its gearbox. Maintenance of this machinery is very expensive, mainly due to large downtime and repair cost. While much attention has been given to detect faults in these mechanical devices, real-time fault diagnosis for streaming vibration data from turbine gearboxes is still an outstanding challenge. Moreover, monitoring gearboxes in a wind farm with thousands of wind turbines require massive computational power. In this paper, we propose a three-layer monitoring system: Sensor, Fog, and Cloud layers. Each layer provides a special functionality and runs part of the proposed data processing pipeline.
‘A more colorful picture of my own vision’: expansive learning in Puerto Rico’s student anti-austerity movement

Social movement scholars have long been aware of leadership competition or ‘factionalism’ as one of the mechanisms within the longer process of polarization. As such, competition is often discussed...
Pulse Heat Stress and Parasitism in a Warming World.

Infectious disease outbreaks emerged across the globe during the recent 2015–2016 El Nino event, re-igniting research interest in how climate events influence disease dynamics. While the relationship between long-term warming and the transmission of disease-causing parasites has received substantial attention, we do not yet know how pulse heat events – common phenomena in a warming world – will alter parasite transmission. The effects of pulse warming on ecological and evolutionary processes are complex and context dependent, motivating research to understand how climate oscillations drive host health and disease. Here, we develop a framework for evaluating and predicting the effects of pulse warming on parasitic infection. Specifically, we synthesize how pulse heat stress affects hosts, parasites, and the ecological interactions between them.
In situ humoral selection in human lupus tubulointerstitial inflammation

In human lupus nephritis, tubulointerstitial inflammation (TII) is associated with in situ expansion of B cells expressing anti-vimentin antibodies (AVAs). The mechanism by which AVAs are selected is unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that AVA somatic hypermutation and selection increase affinity for vimentin. However, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) suggested that affinity maturation might be a non-specific consequence of increasing polyreactivity. Subsequent multi-color confocal microscopy studies indicated that while TII AVAs often appeared polyreactive by ELISA, they bound selectively to vimentin fibrils in whole cells or inflamed renal tissue. Using a novel machine learning pipeline (CytoSkaler) to quantify the cellular distribution of antibody staining, we demonstrated that TII AVAs were selected for both enhanced binding and specificity in situ. These data suggest a new approach to assess and define antibody polyreactivity based on quantifying the distribution of binding to native and contextually relevant antigens.
Mechanotransduction and dynamic outflow regulation in trabecular meshwork requires Piezo1 channels

Abstract Mechanosensitivity of the trabecular meshwork (TM) is a key determinant of intraocular pressure (IOP) yet our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that subserve it remains in its infancy. Here, we show that mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels modulate the TM pressure response via calcium signaling and dynamics of the conventional outflow pathway. Pressure steps evoked fast, inactivating cation currents and calcium signals that were inhibited by Ruthenium Red, GsMTx4 and Piezo1 shRNA. Piezo1 expression was confirmed by transcript and protein analysis, and by visualizing Yoda1-mediated currents and [Ca2+]i elevations in primary human TM cells. Piezo1 activation was obligatory for transduction of physiological shear stress and was coupled to reorganization of F-actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesions. The importance of Piezo1 channels as pressure sensors was shown by the GsMTx4 -dependence of the pressure-evoked current and conventional outflow function. We also demonstrate that Piezo1 collaborates with the stretch-activated TRPV4 channel, which mediated slow, delayed currents to pressure steps. Collectively, these results suggest that TM mechanosensitivity utilizes kinetically, regulatory and functionally distinct pressure transducers to inform the cells about force-sensing contexts. Piezo1-dependent control of shear flow sensing, calcium homeostasis, cytoskeletal dynamics and pressure-dependent outflow suggests a novel potential therapeutic target for treating glaucoma. Significance Statement Trabecular meshwork (TM) is a highly mechanosensitive tissue in the eye that regulates intraocular pressure through the control of aqueous humor drainage. Its dysfunction underlies the progression of glaucoma but neither the mechanisms through which TM cells sense pressure nor their role in aqueous humor outflow are understood at the molecular level. We identified the Piezo1 channel as a key TM transducer of tensile stretch, shear flow and pressure. Its activation resulted in intracellular signals that altered organization of the cytoskeleton and cell-extracellular matrix contacts, and modulated the trabecular component of aqueous outflow whereas another channel, TRPV4, mediated a delayed mechanoresponse. These findings provide a new mechanistic framework for trabecular mechanotransduction and its role in the regulation of fast fluctuations in ocular pressure, as well as chronic remodeling of TM architecture that epitomizes glaucoma.
Comparison of Fuzzy-based Value of Information to Bayesian Inference in a Military Domain

Determining the relative importance of vast amounts of individual pieces of information presents a significant challenge in the military intelligence domain. Using Subject Matter Expert (SME) knowledge to create decision support tools requires aggregation of the various experts' knowledge. The goal of this research endeavor is to investigate a Bayesian inference model for aggregating opinions of military intelligence analysts with respect to the Value of Information (VoI) problem. This paper discusses ongoing VoI research and presents results from an experiment using the Bayesian Thurstonian ranking aggregation model. The Thurstonian rankings are compared to the “ground truth” as generated by the current fuzzy-based VoI prototype system. Results demonstrate the usefulness of the Thurstonian method in aggregating SME opinions and clearly demonstrate the well-know “wisdom of the crowd” effect. Implications related to ongoing VoI research are discussed along with future research plans.
How Democracy Backslides: Tracing the Pathway in Six Countries

The state of global democracy has been witnessing a consistent trend called ‘democratic backsliding’. Several studies have explained ‘why democracy backslides’, nevertheless, attention towards ‘how democracy backslides’ remains less explored. The current paper meets this gap and examines the processes of democratic backsliding in six countries, namely Bangladesh, Bolivia, Mali, Turkey, Ukraine, and Zambia. We make three interrelated arguments. First, we argue that there are specific milestones in the process of democratic backsliding which accentuates the processes and provides legitimate cover to the actions of the incumbent. Second, as opposed to Levitsky & Ziblatt (2018)’s three stage model of the backsliding – attacking referees, targeting opponents, and changing the rules of the game, we show that a pattern of changes in the constitution, in other words, changing the rules of the game, is the first step. Third, media manipulation is the second target in the backsliding processes.
Impact of Moderate versus Deep Sedation and Trainee Participation on Adenoma Detection Rate-Analysis of a Veteran Population.

Background/aims The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is used as a quality indicator for screening and surveillance colonoscopy. The study aimed to determine if moderate versus deep sedation affects the outcomes of the ADR and other quality metrics in the veteran population. Methods A retrospective review of colonoscopies performed at Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center over a one-year period was conducted. A total of 900 colonoscopy reports were reviewed. After exclusion criteria, a total of 229 index, average-risk screening colonoscopies were identified. Data were collected to determine the impact of moderate (benzodiazepine plus opioids) versus deep (propofol) sedation on the ADR, polyp detection rate (PDR), and withdrawal time. Results Among 229 screening colonoscopies, 103 (44.9%) used moderate sedation while 126 (55%) were done under deep sedation. The ADR and PDR were not significantly different between moderate versus deep sedation at 35.9% vs. 37.3% (p=0.82) and 58.2% vs. 48.4% (p=0.13), respectively. Similarly, there was no significant difference in withdrawal time between moderate and deep sedation (13.4 min vs. 14 min, p=0.56) during screening colonoscopies. Conclusion In veterans undergoing index, average-risk screening colonoscopies, the quality metrics of the ADR, PDR, and withdrawal time are not influenced by deep sedation compared with moderate sedation.
Comparison of Invasive and Oscillometric Blood Pressure Measurement in Obese and Nonobese Children.

Background Obesity and hypertension are public health priorities, with obesity considered to be a potential cause of hypertension. Accurate blood pressure (BP) determination is required and often obtained by automated oscillometric cuff devices. We sought to determine the correlation of oscillometric measurement in children, and if obesity was associated with worse correlation between methods than nonobese children. Methods Retrospective matched case-controlled study of 100 obese (97-99th percentile) and 100 nonobese (25-70th percentile) children after cardiac surgery with simultaneous systolic, diastolic, and mean invasive and oscillometric measurements. Matching was 1:1 for age, sex, race, and Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 score. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots were used to determine agreement with 0.75 as threshold. Results Median age was 13 years (10-15). Agreement was low for systolic (0.65 and 0.61), diastolic (0.68 and 0.61), and mean measurements (0.73 and 0.69) (obese/nonobese). Bland-Altman plots demonstrated oscillometric BP measurements underestimated systolic hypertension (oscillometric readings lower than intra-arterial). Oscillometric measurements underestimated hypotension (systolic oscillometric measurements were higher than intra-arterial). This occurred in obese and nonobese patients. Correlation of oscillometric measurements was similar for nonobese and obese patients. Conclusions In this first ever study of simultaneous BP measurement by oscillometric vs. intra-arterial in obese and nonobese children, correlation is below accepted norms. The correlation of oscillometric cuff measurements is not affected by habitus in children. There is less correlation between oscillometric measurements and intra-arterial measurements during hypertension or hypotension. Healthcare providers should be aware of the limitations of oscillometric measurements.
Using ThinPrep Papanicolaou test samples to evaluate sexually transmitted infection screening practices.

Introduction We sought to evaluate the use of Papanicolaou samples as a screening tool for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Methods Retrospective chart review analyzing Papanicolaou samples for STI. Samples were processed and results compared to clinical data to assess this technique’s viability. Cases and controls were matched by sample date. Characteristics of women with STI testing were compared in bivariate analyses. Results We analyzed 50 STI-positive and 50 date-matched samples. Thirteen (26.0%) of the STI-positive patients were not screened at their visit. Women without STI screening were older (39.5 vs. 30.0 years, P = 0.001); non-Hispanic White (65.9% vs. 46.4%, P = 0.05); and married (60.0% vs. 26.9%, P = 0.005) than women with STI screening. Fifty-eight were offered and accepted STI testing at their visit; 37 samples were STI-positive: 17 (29.3%) Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen), 10 (17.2%) chlamydia, 6 (10.3%) trichomoniasis, 1 (1.7%) gonorrhea, and 3 (5.2%) had two STIs. Among the 42 patients without STI testing, 12 (28.6%) had positive samples: 6 (14.3%) chlamydia, 5 (12.0%) Mgen, and 1 (2.4%) trichomoniasis. Conclusions Over one-quarter of STI-positive patients were not screened; though low-risk by current screening criteria, a significant number may harbor untreated STIs; using Papanicolaou samples may allow for increased screening in this population.
Economic Feedback Loops: Crisis Communication Methods and Exhibited by the Travel and Tourism Industry During the COVID19 Pandemic

This chapter focuses on the resiliency exhibited by the travel and tourism industries during the COVID19 pandemic. Through quick responses focused on risk management and crisis communication, the industries have become more poised to focus on their post-COVID19 future. The travel industry was greatly affected by the COVID19 pandemic. From significant decreases in check-ins and ticket sales to expensive enhanced cleaning procedures, the transportation and hotel industries continue to experience economic hardships. Since the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic, the World Travel and Tourism Council (World Travel and Tourism Council (Recovery scenarios 2020 and economic impact from COVID19: America’s recovery scenarios updates. Retrieved from https://wttc.org/Research/Economic-Impact/Recovery-Scenarios/moduleId/1902/) indicates over 10.8 million travel and tourism jobs were lost in the United States. In addition to the job losses, the travel and tourism industry has lost 907 billion dollars in GDP in 2020. Despite the financial and job losses experienced by the travel and tourism industries, they have had to quickly develop communication policies, procedures, and marketing techniques to prevent further losses. This chapter focuses on the external crisis communication and pandemic communication techniques adopted by U.S. based hotel chains and airlines during the COVID19 pandemic. Best practices for pandemic-based crisis communication for the travel and tourism industries will also be presented during this chapter.
Reproductive Decision-Making Capacity in Women With Psychiatric Illness: A Systematic Review.

Background Decision-making capacity can be affected by psychiatric illness. Women who have psychiatric illness who make decisions about their reproductive health may require evaluation of their decision-making capacity. Objective This article aims to characterize existing literature about capacity evaluations in women with psychiatric illness making reproductive decisions. Methods We conducted a systematic review searching PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases through July 2020. Articles were evaluated for relevance to inclusion criteria, first by title and abstract screening then by reading the full text of articles. Our inclusion criteria were case reports and studies that involved women of childbearing age with psychiatric illness making obstetrical decisions for whom decision-making capacity was evaluated. We qualitatively analyzed our data by examining themes within the studies, such as the circumstances of the referral and characteristics of reproductive decision-making. We also collected information about the clinical circumstances, such as the clinical setting (e.g., inpatient or outpatient, in primarily psychiatric or obstetric care) and who made the determination of capacity. Results We identified 18 articles, which included 22 distinct patient cases and 27 distinct obstetrical decisions. Decisions about termination of pregnancy were most common, which were 10 of 27 decisions. Decisions about timing and mode of delivery accounted for 7 and 5 decisions, respectively. The most common psychiatric diagnosis reported was schizophrenia, which was present in 8 patients. Major depression and bipolar disorder were also frequently reported, present in 3 and 5 patients, respectively. Conclusion Patients who make health care decisions must have decision-making capacity. A patient with psychiatric illness does not inherently lack capacity, and in fact, most patients with psychiatric illness have decision-making capacity. Psychiatric illness, however, can add complexity to obstetrical medical decision-making. Reasons for this complexity include the involvement of many stakeholders, the often time-sensitive nature of these decisions, and the potentially unpredictable course of psychiatric illness. Successful management of these cases involves multidisciplinary collaboration, the use of preventative ethics through advanced care planning, and identification of a guardian or surrogate decision-maker when a patient is determined to lack decision-making capacity or for a patient who has capacity through advanced care planning. PROSPERO Registration Number CRD42020143434
A Bayesian approach to comparing human reliability analysis methods using human performance data

Abstract Various methods for human reliability analysis have been developed, but a rigorous approach to quantitatively comparing these methods is still lacking. This research proposed a Bayesian approach with an attempt to address this problem. The Bayesian approach is based on ensemble modeling, which outputs the weighted average of the human error probability predictions by the human reliability analysis methods to be compared. Before incorporating any human performance data, the weights in the ensemble model represent the prior probabilities of or one’s prior beliefs in the human reliability analysis methods. Using human performance data, the weights can be updated based on Bayes’ rule to reflect one’s updated beliefs in the human reliability analysis methods. The ensemble model with updated weights itself can be further used as a posterior predictive model for human reliability. The proposed approach is demonstrated using the human performance data collected from the international human reliability analysis empirical study. The results show that the posterior beliefs vary with the data set used in the analysis. Future research using a larger human performance data set is expected to reach more conclusive comparisons.
Not a Children's Story

The story of the Little Red Riding Hood is in many ways a story about nursing home abuse and neglect. In the story, a granddaughter visits a grandmother who fell target to a bully-like figure. Yet, current problems in nursing homes can be unique as well. Factors contributing to the uniqueness include the growing proportion of elders in the population, that elders of certain sub-groups tend to be more vulnerable, and financial interests.This Essay first compares the role of the civil justice with other possible alternatives, and then argues that the civil justice is the best approach to addressing the problems in nursing homes. While the civil justice system has its limitations, alternatives such as state agency enforcement and local policy suggest that they are at times not as tailored or as effective. As such, the civil justice system is best suited to address the unique factors of the current nursing home abuse and neglect problems.
Quaternary Landscape Ecology

Quaternary landscape ecology represents a holistic approach to the understanding of the long-term patterns and processes operative on landscapes. It is a perspective for understanding the development of terrain, climate, and the biota, including mankind. Contemporary syntheses emphasize that studies of landscape ecology can be undertaken on virtually any geographic scale (Tjallingii and de Veer 1982; Naveh and Lieberman 1984; Forman and Godron 1986). We suggest that additional dimensions of landscape dynamics can be perceived by integrating landscape patterns with processes of landscape development over time scales of hundreds of years to tens of thousands of years.
Down-regulation of the expression of O-acetyl-GD3 by the O-acetylesterase cDNA in hamster melanoma cells: effects on cellular proliferation, differentiation, and melanogenesis.

Abstract : The composition of the gangliosides of hamster melanoma cells is closely related to their cellular growth and degree of differentiation, with slow-growing, highly differentiated melanotic melanoma MI cells expressing GM3 and fast-growing, undifferentiated amelanotic Ab melanoma cells having a preponderance of GD3 and O-acetyl-GD3. To study the putative function of O-acetyl-GD3, we established stably transfected AbC-1 amelanotic hamster melanoma cells with O-acetylesterase gene from influenza C virus to hydrolyze the O-acetyl group from O-acetyl-GD3. The content of O-acetyl-GD3 in the transfected cells expressing O-acetylesterase gene was reduced by >90%. These O-acetyl-GD3-depleted cells differed from the parental ones in their cellular morphology, growth behavior, and melanogenesis activity. The absence of O-acetyl-GD3 in the transfected cells was accompanied by increased thick dendrite formation with an enlarged cell body, which is in striking contrast to the control cells, which were rounded and flattened, with few processes. Their growth was significantly slower than that of the control cells. They also demonstrated significantly lower tyrosinase activity and melanogenic potential. We suggest that the enhanced expression of melanoma-associated O-acetyl-GD3 ganglioside may stimulate cellular growth and suppress certain differentiated phenotypes such as dendrite formation but not melanogenesis.
Testosterone restores respiratory long term facilitation in old male rats by an aromatase‐dependent mechanism

Steroidal sex hormones play an important role in the neural control of breathing. Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that gonadectomy in young male rats (3 months) eliminates a form of respiratory plasticity induced by intermittent hypoxia, known as long term facilitation (LTF). Testosterone replenishment restores LTF in gonadectomized male rats, and this is dependent on the conversion of testosterone to oestradiol by aromatase. By middle age (12 months), male rats no longer exhibit LTF of hypoglossal motor output; phrenic LTF is significantly reduced, and this persists into old age. We tested the hypothesis that LTF can be restored in old male rats by administration of testosterone. Intact Fischer 344 rats (>20 months) were implanted with Silastic tubing containing testosterone (T), T plus an aromatase inhibitor (T+ADT), or 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a form of testosterone not converted to oestradiol. One week post-surgery, LTF of hypoglossal and phrenic motor output was measured. By comparison with control rats, hypoglossal LTF was increased in testosterone-treated rats, with levels approaching that of normal young rats. LTF was not restored in T+ADT or DHT-treated rats. Aromatase levels in hypoglossal and phrenic nuclei did not change with age. As serum testosterone levels did not decline with age, local bioavailability of testosterone in old rats may be a limiting factor in the expression of this form of respiratory plasticity. Our findings suggest that testosterone supplementation could potentially be used to enhance upper airway control in the elderly.
STATISTICAL ENTROPY OF FOUR-DIMENSIONAL ROTATING BLACK HOLES FROM NEAR-HORIZON GEOMETRY

We show that a class of four-dimensional rotating black holes allow five-dimensional embeddings as black rotating strings. Their near-horizon geometry factorizes locally as a product of the three-dimensional anti{endash}de Sitter space-time and a two-dimensional sphere (AdS{sub 3}{times}S{sup 2} ), with angular momentum encoded in the global space-time structure. Following the observation that the isometries on the AdS{sub 3} space induce a two-dimensional (super)conformal field theory on the boundary, we reproduce the microscopic entropy with the correct dependence on the black hole angular momentum. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society }
Experience looping, design looping and concept crossing: The key to successful product invention, development and adaptation

Abstract The management of product invention, development and adaptation (PIDA) is as important as technology transfer, although some PIDA principles are not culturally transferrable. This article discusses three principles which are applicable in a variety of cultural contexts-experience looping, design looping and concept crossing. The firm which can successfully incorporate such principles into its PIDA planning, particularly in overseas operations, is likely to improve market share.
User-Generated Content Creation and Dissemination in Rural Areas

A majority of the world’s population does not have access to the Internet. Therefore, there is a need for a simple and affordable interaction technology that can enable easy content creation and dissemination for this population. In this paper, we present the design, development, and usage pattern of a VoiKiosk system that provides a voice-based kiosk solution for people in rural areas. This system is accessible by phone and thus meets the affordability and low-literacy requirements. We present usability results gathered from usage by more than 6,000 villagers during nine months of the field deployment of the system. The field experiments and post-pilot feedback suggest the importance of locally-created content in their own language for this population. The system provides interesting insights about the manner in which this community can create and manage information. Based on the use of the system in the nine months, the VoiKiosk also suggests a mechanism to enable social networking for the rural population.
Discussing the Implications of Genetic Testing With Patients

TO THE EDITOR: On March 20, 2015, the American Society of Clinical Oncology submitted a letter to the US Food and Drug Administration, Division of Dockets Management, to note that next-generation sequencing (NGS) is increasingly used to identify patients at high risk for developing cancer. Recently, in Journal of Clinical Oncology, Jagsi et al repeatedly stressed the critical need for physicians to discuss with patients the potential results of genetic testing before it is ordered so that patients can make informed decisions regarding genetic testing. Although NGS testing is typically explained to patients as a tool that might identify actionable molecular abnormalities, which suggests the potential benefit of a targeted therapy, NGS also might suggest that the patient harbors a germline mutation characteristic of an inherited syndrome. Furthermore, a mutation first suggested in this context might have a far different or unknown penetrance than one identified when the patient is tested because clinical criteria for the inherited syndrome is met. I agree with both the American Society of Clinical Oncology statement that strongly supports additional exploration of NGS and that of Jagsi et al to remind clinicians that, before we order genetic testing with such profound implications, a thorough discussion is essential. Before NGS is ordered, the clinician should also discuss the possibility that the test might imply a germline mutation of uncertain significance, even if the test is ordered primarily to identify somatic mutations that might direct therapy.
Glycosylation of the nuclear pore

The O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) posttranslational modification was first discovered 30 years ago and is highly concentrated in the nuclear pore. In the years since the discovery of this single sugar modification, substantial progress has been made in understanding the biochemistry of O-GlcNAc and its regulation. Nonetheless, O-GlcNAc modification of proteins continues to be overlooked, due in large part to the lack of reliable methods available for its detection. Recently, a new crop of immunological and chemical detection reagents has changed the research landscape. Using these tools, approximately 1000 O-GlcNAc-modified proteins have been identified. While other forms of glycosylation are typically associated with extracellular proteins, O-GlcNAc is abundant on nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. In particular, phenylalanine-glycine nucleoporins are heavily O-GlcNAc-modified. Recent experiments are beginning to provide insight into the functional implications of O-GlcNAc modification on certain proteins, but its role in the nuclear pore has remained enigmatic. However, tantalizing new results suggest that O-GlcNAc may play roles in regulating nucleocytoplasmic transport.
Dissecting G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways with membrane-permeable blocking peptides. Endogenous 5-HT(2C) receptors in choroid plexus epithelial cells.

To determine the intracellular signaling mechanism of the 5-HT2C receptor endogenously expressed in choroid plexus epithelial cells, we implemented a strategy of targeted disruption of protein-protein interactions. This strategy entails the delivery of conjugated membrane-permeable peptides that disrupt domain interaction at specific steps in the signaling cascade. As proof of concept, two peptides targeted against receptor-G protein interaction domains were examined. Only GqCT, which targets the receptor-Gq protein interacting domain, disrupted 5-HT2C receptor-mediated phosphatidylinositide hydrolysis. GsCT, targeting the receptor-Gs protein, disrupted β2 adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of cAMP but not 5-HT2C receptor-mediated phosphatidylinositide hydrolysis. The peptide MPS-PLCβ1M, mimicking the domain of phospholipase Cβ1 (PLCβ1) interacting with active Gαq, also blocked 5-HT2C receptor activation. In contrast, peptides PLCβ2M and Phos that bind to and sequester free Gβγ subunits were ineffective at blocking 5-HT2C receptor-mediated phosphoinositol turnover. However, both peptides disrupted Gβγ-mediated α2A adrenergic receptor activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase. These results provide the first direct demonstration that active Gαq subunits mediate endogenous 5-HT2C receptor activation of PLCβ and that Gβγ subunits released from Gαq heterotrimeric proteins are not involved. Comparable results were obtained with metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 expressed in astrocytes. Thus, conjugated, membrane-permeable peptides are effective tools for the dissection of intracellular signals.
Possible role of brain histamine in morphine addiction.

Abstract Several biogenic amines have been suggested to play a possible role in opiate addiction. While some reports indicated changes in brain norepinephrine and dopamine concentrations and/or synthesis (1,2,3), others have demonstrated the involvement of serotonin or acetylcholine (4,5,6,7). In view of recent reports suggesting a possible role for histamine in brain function as another putative neurotransmitter (8), we have investigated whether this biogenic amine might also participate in morphine addiction and withdrawal.
The Impact of Virus Attack Announcements on the Market Value of Firms

Abstract This paper reports the impact of virus attack announcements on the market value of affected companies over a period of 15 years. Information Systems (IS) risk is a top concern for organizations.1 These concerns are due to the fact that the consequence of a security breach can be detrimental to a company's financial performance.2 Thus, security strategies revolve around the act of a security breach (or an attempt at one) and the need to minimize the financial loss resulting from such a breach. Gordon et al.3 proposed a framework to manage cyber-risk. The antecedent activities include the assessment of the risk involved in a security breach. Subsequent steps involve the preventive measures necessary to avert such an attempt. These measures are divided into technical or procedural measures (i.e., access control, firewalls) and financial measures (such as buying cyber insurance). The final step entails the maintenance of an accepted level of risk.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF SOY PROTEIN FIBERS FRACTURED BY VARIOUS TEXTURE MEASURING DEVICES

. Spun soy fibers fractured by the tensile test, Warner-Bratzler shear, Kramer Shear Press and a modified Volodkevich wedge were examined with the scanning electron microscope. Fracture in the tensile test occurred almost always at a macrocavity, the weakest point in the fiber. Warner-Bratzler shear induced compression and flow at the zone of rupture, but not as markedly as in the case of the modified Volodkevich wedge. Fracture by the Kramer Shear Press was the closest to pure shear. Some of the exposed fracture surfaces revealed internal structures in the fibers such as macrocavities and distinct skin and core sections. The mechanism of rupture by these tests was more complex than expected.
A note on discount rate policy and the variability of discount window borrowing

Abstract The purpose of this note is to evaluate the appropriate discount rate policy rules consistent with minimization of the variability of borrowing at the Federal Reserve discount window. In the context of Goodfriend's (1983) model of the bank borrowing decision, it is demonstrated that either a penalty rate or a subsidy rate policy will produce minimized variability of borrowing, so long as the subsidy rate adjusts point for point to changes in the value of the Federal funds rate. These policy rules are compatible with a policy procedure designed to target borrowed or non-borrowed reserves. If the Fed does not adhere to one of these specific rules, minimization of borrowing variability requires an open market procedure in which the Fed pegs the Federal funds rate.
Cathepsin B Is Inhibited in Mutant Cells Selected during Persistent Reovirus Infection

Persistent reovirus infections of murine L929 (L) fibroblast cells select mutant (LX) cells that do not support proteolytic disassembly of reovirus virions within the endocytic pathway. To better understand the function and regulation of endocytic proteases, we conducted experiments to define the block to reovirus disassembly displayed by LX cells. In contrast to parental L cells, mutant LX cells harbor defects that interfere with the maturation and activity of cathepsin B and cathepsin L but not cathepsin H. The cDNAs encoding cathepsin B and cathepsin L in L cells are identical to those in LX cells, indicating that LX cells manifest an extrinsic block to the function of these enzymes. Mixed lysates of L cells and LX cells lack activity of both cathepsin B and cathepsin L, suggesting the presence of an inhibitor of cathepsin function in LX cells. A cathepsin B-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein expressed in L cells and purified by immunoprecipitation retains cathepsin B activity, whereas cathepsin B-GFP expressed in LX cells does not. However, activity of cathepsin B-GFP expressed in LX cells can be recovered by incubating the immunoprecipitate with L cell lysate followed by immunoprecipitation, providing further evidence that LX cells express a cathepsin inhibitor. Native-gel electrophoresis and gel filtration chromatography demonstrate that, in both cell lines, the double-chain form of cathepsin B is sequestered in a large molecular weight complex that renders this form of the enzyme inactive. Alteration of this sequestration complex appears to be responsible for inhibition of cathepsin B in LX cells. These findings suggest that cathepsins can be regulated within the endocytic pathway. Moreover, this regulation influences host cell susceptibility to intracellular pathogens.
Molecular Properties of Dihydropyridine‐Sensitive Calcium Channels

In muscle tissues, voltage-sensitive calcium channels mediate calcium influx during cellular depolarization and play an important role in excitation-contraction coupling (reviewed by Reuter, 1979; Hagiwara and Byerly, 1981). In neurons, they produce action potentials in dendrites (Schwartzkroin and Slawsky, 1977; Llinaset al., 1981) and couple changes in membrane potential at nerve terminals to the release of neurotransmitter (Katz and Miledi, 1969). Multiple classes of calcium channels have been distinguished in neurons (Carbone and Lux, 1984; Armstrong and Matteson, 1985; Nowyckyet al., 1985) and in cardiac muscle cells (Niliuset al., 1985; Bean, 1985). This article focuses on molecular properties of calcium channels that are blocked by dihydropyridine calcium antagonists. These are the most prom inent calcium channels in smooth, cardiac, and skeletal muscle and they are also present in neurons and neurosecretory cells.
Constructing a Low-budget Laser Axotomy System to Study Axon Regeneration in C. elegans

Laser axotomy followed by time-lapse microscopy is a sensitive assay for axon regeneration phenotypes in C. elegans(1). The main difficulty of this assay is the perceived cost ($25-100K) and technical expertise required for implementing a laser ablation system(2,3). However, solid-state pulse lasers of modest costs (<$10K) can provide robust performance for laser ablation in transparent preparations where target axons are "close" to the tissue surface. Construction and alignment of a system can be accomplished in a day. The optical path provided by light from the focused condenser to the ablation laser provides a convenient alignment guide. An intermediate module with all optics removed can be dedicated to the ablation laser and assures that no optical elements need be moved during a laser ablation session. A dichroic in the intermediate module allows simultaneous imaging and laser ablation. Centering the laser beam to the outgoing beam from the focused microscope condenser lens guides the initial alignment of the system. A variety of lenses are used to condition and expand the laser beam to fill the back aperture of the chosen objective lens. Final alignment and testing is performed with a front surface mirrored glass slide target. Laser power is adjusted to give a minimum size ablation spot (<1 um). The ablation spot is centered with fine adjustments of the last kinematically mounted mirror to cross hairs fixed in the imaging window. Laser power for axotomy will be approximately 10X higher than needed for the minimum ablation spot on the target slide (this may vary with the target you use). Worms can be immobilized for laser axotomy and time-lapse imaging by mounting on agarose pads (or in microfluidic chambers(4)). Agarose pads are easily made with 10% agarose in balanced saline melted in a microwave. A drop of molten agarose is placed on a glass slide and flattened with another glass slide into a pad approximately 200 um thick (a single layer of time tape on adjacent slides is used as a spacer). A "Sharpie" cap is used to cut out a uniformed diameter circular pad of 13 mm. Anesthetic (1 ul Muscimol 20mM) and Microspheres (Chris Fang-Yen personal communication) (1 ul 2.65% Polystyrene 0.1 um in water) are added to the center of the pad followed by 3-5 worms oriented so they are lying on their left sides. A glass coverslip is applied and then Vaseline is used to seal the coverslip and prevent evaporation of the sample.
Case report: boldo (Peumus boldus) and tacrolimus interaction in a renal transplant patient.

Abstract Introduction Boldo is an extract of a Chilean tree leave ( Peumus boldus mol ) that have been traditionally employed in folk medicine. We have presented a case of subtherapeutic tacrolimus levels in a renal transplant patient while taking boldo. In the literature search, no interaction has been reported between boldo and tacrolimus. Case Report A 78-year-old Hispanic man with history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and deceased donor renal transplant in 2005 presented to the renal clinic for regular follow-up on September 1, 2010. No complaints were reported and physical examination was unremarkable. Laboratory tests taken on July 26, 2010, were significant for tacrolimus level of Conclusions We have reported a case of an allograft renal transplant recipient who presented to the clinic with subtherapeutic levels of tacrolimus while taking the herbal remedy boldo. Tacrolimus levels rose to the intended target after discontinuation of boldo. Although it is a single case report, our observation suggests a possible herb–drug interaction.
Synthesis of rare-earth carbonates under hydrothermal conditions

Rare earth carbonate systems of Y, La, Gd and Er were investigated over the temperature range from 250 to 500°C and 1 to 2 kb conditions. In the presence of 6 M NH4Cl solution, LnOHCO3 (Ln = rare-earth element) is the stable phase over most of the studied ranges. The thermal stability field of LnOHCO3 decreases systematically with decrease of the ionic radii of the rare-earth elements. In the presence of 6 M K2CO3, the stability field of LnOHCO3 is further reduced. Instead, hexagonal Y2O2CO3 and Er2O2CO3 crystallize with an unknown phase at temperatures as low as 250°C. Crystal morphology is sensitive to the variation of temperature, solution chemistry, and the identity of rare-earth elements. By combining the experimental results of this study and the literature as well as topological relationships, a preliminary phase diagram is proposed.