cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large-scale control on the frequency of tropical cyclones and seeds: a consistent relationship across a hierarchy of global atmospheric models

A diagnostic framework is developed to explain the response of tropical cyclones (TCs) to climate in high-resolution global atmospheric models having different complexity of boundary conditions. The framework uses vortex dynamics to identify the large-scale control on the evolution of TC precursors—first non-rotating convective clusters and then weakly rotating seeds. In experiments with perturbed sea surface temperature (SST) and $$\hbox {CO}_2$$ concentration from the historical values, the response of TCs follows the response of seeds. The distribution of seeds is explained by the distribution of the non-rotating convective clusters multiplied by a probability that they transition to seeds. The distribution of convective clusters is constrained by the large-scale vertical velocity and is verified in aquaplanet experiments with shifting Inter tropical Convergence Zones. The probability of transition to seeds is constrained by the large-scale vorticity via an analytical function, representing the relative importance between vortex stretching and vorticity advection, and is verified in aquaplanet experiments with uniform SST. The consistency between seed and TC responses breaks down substantially when the realistic SST is perturbed such that the spatial gradient is significantly enhanced or reduced. In such cases, the difference between the responses is explained by a change in the ventilation index, which influences the fraction of seeds that develop into TCs. The proposed TC-climate relationship serves as a framework to explain the diversity of TC projection across models and forcing scenarios.
Spectrum and impact of checkpoint inhibitor-induced irAEs.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are used to treat many types of cancer, can cause syndromes similar to rheumatic diseases known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). In 2020, several studies illustrated the clinical heterogeneity of rheumatic irAEs and highlighted their substantial effect on morbidity and mortality.
The Role of Speed in Atomic Scale Wear

Decoupling the role of various stress components during atomic scale wear—such as normal, shear, and hoop stresses—remains one of the biggest challenges preventing a full understanding of how wear ...
Visualizing the Collaborative Problem Solving Process in an Immersive Cross Platform Game

This study explores how players engage in problem solving during a cross-platform collaborative learning game about cellular biology. We tested the game with 8 pairs of students: 2 pairs of middle school students, 2 pairs of high school students, and 4 pairs of students in a biotechnology workforce program. Players took on one of two roles: An Explorer in virtual reality head mounted display and a Navigator using a tablet. Players took on one of two roles: An Explorer in virtual reality head mounted display and a Navigator using a tablet. Videos of 40-minute game play sessions for 8 pairs of players were transcribed and examined for patterns of game play based on stages of collaborative problem solving (CPS) developed by Fiore et al (2017). Players' discussion during gameplay was analyzed and visualized through Epistemic Network Analysis. Results suggested that players engaged in two-way communication using biology terms throughout the game, and that communication styles were linked to roles. After initial orientation, players moved through multiple cycles of clue finding and discussion that followed similar patterns even in groups with different knowledge levels. These results suggest that collaborative problem solving can be initiated through roles in a serious game and documented through participants' conversation during a serious game. Future research will focus on whether the game can be used to learn, practice, and improve players' CPS skills.
A guide to accelerated direct digital counting of single nucleic acid molecules by FRET-based intramolecular kinetic fingerprinting.

Abstract Cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) such as short non-coding microRNA (miRNA) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) that reside in bodily fluids have emerged as potential cancer biomarkers. Methods for the rapid, highly specific, and sensitive monitoring of cfNAs in biofluids have, therefore, become increasingly attractive as clinical diagnosis tools. As a next generation technology, we provide a practical guide for an amplification-free, single molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET)-based kinetic fingerprinting approach termed intramolecular single molecule recognition through equilibrium Poisson sampling, or iSiMREPS, for the rapid detection and counting of miRNA and mutant ctDNA with virtually unlimited specificity and single molecule sensitivity. iSiMREPS utilizes a pair of fluorescent detection probes, wherein one probe immobilizes the target molecules on the surface, and the other probe transiently and reversibly binds to the target to generate characteristic time-resolved fingerprints as smFRET signal that are detected in a total internal reflection fluorescence microscope. Analysis of these kinetic fingerprints enables near-perfect discrimination between specific binding to target molecules and nonspecific background binding. By accelerating kinetic fingerprinting using the denaturant formamide and reducing background signals by removing target-less probes from the surface via toehold-mediated strand displacement, iSiMREPS has been demonstrated to count miR-141 and EGFR exon 19 deletion ctDNA molecules with a limit of detection (LOD) of ~1 and 3 fM, respectively, as well as mutant allele fractions as low as 0.0001%, during a standard acquisition time of only ~10 s per field of view. In this review, we provide a detailed roadmap for implementing iSiMREPS more broadly in research and clinical diagnostics, combining rapid analysis, high specificity, and high sensitivity.
Pathways for sustainable phosphorus loop in Germany: Key lessons from stakeholders' perspectives

Abstract Phosphorus (P), being a soil macronutrient, is known to contribute to eutrophication when in excess and to impede plant growth when in short supply. The management and sustainable use of P have been major topics for research. Germany, in particular, has made significant advances in P management through concrete action, including technology for P recovery, amendments to ordinances to make it mandatory to recover P from sewage sludge, and active stakeholder dialogue through a common platform, namely the German Phosphorus Platform. The study takes Germany as a case to understand the existing institutional arrangements for P management by analysing the current P discourse from stakeholders' perspectives based on in-depth interviews of ten key experts, each representing a different stakeholder group. A systematic analysis of the interviews, using the problem-and-solution tree (PAST) tool, revealed that institutional fragmentation and absence of dialogue between some categories of stakeholders were the main challenges to effective management of P. Other challenges include lack of technology upscaling and those related to economic, behavioural, and cultural matters resulting in lack of market for recovered P. Potential solutions for Germany include defining roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders more clearly, encouraging greater communication among stakeholders, ensuring greater transparency, strengthening market links, incentivizing farmers and consumers to accept P recovered from sewage, and developing innovative options to decrease the demand for P through behavioural changes, such as moving from P-intensive meat-based diets to less P-intensive vegetarian diets.
Comparative R Squared

This paper proposes a simple statistic for testing statistical significance of R squared. This statistic, called "comparative R squared," also tests statistical significance of the difference of R squared between null and alternative models with additional explanatory variables. The asymptotic distribution of the test statistic is a chi square distribution with the degree of freedom equal to the number of (additional) explanatory variables. Unlike the F test, this statistic is useful when dealing with non-normality. Simulations show that the test statistic behaves well and has no distortion of size, even in small samples.
Carbon dioxide as a reinforcer in escape conditioning

The effects of varying CO2 concentration, and intervals between CO2 presentations, were determined from the performance by five pigeons of a learned motor act which eliminates CO2 from the inspired air. The length of time from the onset of an externally-produced increase in inspired CO2 to the performance of the learned motor response terminating the CO2 presentation was inversely related to the CO2 concentration presented (3 per cent and 5 per cent) and directly related to the inter-trial interval (3 minutes and 1.5 minutes). Chemoreceptors on the ventrolateral surfaces of the medulla are postulated to be the initial site of stimulation in the chain of events leading to the behavioral bioregulation of inspired CO2 concentration.
Dynamic Gao Beam in Contact with a Reactive or Rigid Foundation

This chapter constructs and analyzes a model for the dynamic behavior of nonlinear viscoelastic beam, which is acted upon by a horizontal traction, that may come in contact with a rigid or reactive foundation underneath it. We use a model, first developed and studied by D.Y. Gao, that allows for the buckling of the beam when the horizontal traction is sufficiently large. In contrast with the behavior of the standard Euler–Bernoulli linear beam, it can have three steady states, two of which are buckled. Moreover, the Gao beam can vibrate about such buckled states, which makes it important in engineering applications. We describe the contact process with either the normal compliance condition when the foundation is reactive, or with the Signorini condition when the foundation is perfectly rigid. We use various tools from the theory of pseudomonotone operators and variational inequalities to establish the existence and uniqueness of the weak or variational solution to the dynamic problem with the normal compliance contact condition. The main step is in the truncation of the nonlinear term and then establishing the necessary a priori estimates. Then, we show that when the viscosity of the material approaches zero and the stiffness of the foundation approaches infinity, making it perfectly rigid, the associated solutions of the problem with normal compliance converge to a solution of the elastic problem with the Signorini condition.
Insights from the inside: a view of botnet management from infiltration

Recent work has leveraged botnet infiltration techniques to track the activities of bots over time, particularly with regard to spam campaigns. Building on our previous success in reverse-engineering C&C protocols, we have conducted a 4-month infiltration of the MegaD botnet, beginning in October 2009. Our infiltration provides us with constant feeds on MegaD's complex and evolving C&C architecture as well as its spam operations, and provides an opportunity to analyze the botmasters' operations. In particular, we collect significant evidence on the MegaD infrastructure being managed by multiple botmasters. Further, FireEye's attempt to shutdown MegaD on Nov. 6, 2009, which occurred during our infiltration, allows us to gain an inside view on the takedown and how MegaD not only survived it but bounced back with significantly greater vigor. In addition, we present new techniques for mining information about botnet C&C architecture: "Google hacking" to dig out MegaD C&C servers and "milking" C&C servers to extract not only the spectrum of commands sent to bots but the C&C's overall structure. The resulting overall picture then gives us insight into MegaD's management structure, its complex and evolving C&C architecture, and its ability to withstand takedown.
Public Agencies as Lobbyists

In this Article Professors DeShazo and Freeman identify a new mechanism by which Congress can control delegated power: the use of other agencies as lobbyists - a phenomenon the Article calls lateral legislative control. Agency lobbying can help to solve the problem that Congress creates when it charges an agency with additional mandates that conflict with the primary mandates in the agency's enabling act. Rather than balancing these competing duties, agencies frequently resolve such interstatutory conflicts by prioritizing their primary mission and letting their secondary obligations fall by the wayside. The Article proposes that Congress can overcome this problem of agency reluctance to comply with secondary mandates by enabling other public agencies to lobby the reluctant agency to take the mandates more seriously. The Article presents an empirical study of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) hydropower relicensing decisions between 1982 and 1998 to show that passage of the Electric Consumers Protection Act (ECPA) of 1986 strengthened resource agencies' ability to lobby FERC, and resulted in a significant increase in the number of environmental conditions imposed. The Article thereby shows that agencies lobby one another, that Congress can facilitate interagency lobbying, and that lobbying alters agency outcomes. The Article concludes by showing that interagency lobbying has significant implications for several current issues in administrative law and political science. It presents a new mechanism for controlling delegated discretion, suggests a means for counterbalancing private interest groups that challenges conventional interest group theory, and proposes, paradoxically, that interagency conflict can be constructive. Additionally, the Article examines the separation-of-powers concerns that interagency lobbying may raise and suggests that interagency lobbying supplies a new rationale for judicial deference to agency decisions.
Atchafalaya Delta--Louisiana's New Prograding Coast: ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Building of the Atchafalaya Delta constitutes one of the most significant geological events in historical times within the Mississippi Delta complex. Periodic upstream diversions, such as the present Atchafalaya River, result in switching of the major loci of active deposition and are among the fundamental mechanisms of Mississippi delta growth. Prior to 1950, Atchafalaya sediment was trapped in intrabasin lakes and swamps. Thereafter, progressive basin filling prompted silt/clay deposition in Atchafalaya Bay and initiated the subaqueous phase of delta building. This developmental stage started in the early 1950's and continued until the appearance of sand-dominant subaerial lobes in 1972, after which rapid subaerial growth occurred. Development of the Atchafalaya Delta is related to major flood pulses of the Mississippi River. Interpretation of LANDSAT imagery and aerial photography indicates subaerial growth during years of major floods. Distributary channels experienced up to 40 percent reduction in cross-sectional area owing to levee migration and mid-channel bar formation during floods. River-mouth processes are frictionally dominated. Channel-mouth bifurcation, accompanied by coarse-particle deposition, is the major process of lobe initiation. Larger lobes are the result of coalescence of numerous distributary-mouth bars and channel-fill sequences. Major channels, separating large lobes, supply sediment to areas bayward of the subaerial delta. The Atchafalaya Delta represents an entirely new prograding sand body in an area of the Mississippi deltaic plain which over the past several thousand years has been characterized by slow deposition of fine-grained sediments and coastal retreat.
Implementing School Restructuring in the Inner City.

The purpose of this research was to examine school reform at a local level. Our analysis centered on the impact that the Accelerated Schools model had on two inner-city elementary schools in New Orleans. Key to our interpretation was addressing prevalent social issues, including poverty, racism, and single-parent families, embedded in everyday life in urban communities. The findings illuminate the need to resolve racial, social, and ideological conflicts for school change to take root in inner-city schools.
Bayesian hazard modeling based on lifetime data with latent heterogeneity

Lifetime data collected from reliability tests or field operations often exhibit significant heterogeneity patterns caused by latent factors. Such latent heterogeneity indicates that lifetime observations may belong to different sub-populations with different distribution parameters. As a result, the assumption on data homogeneity adopted by conventional reliability modeling techniques becomes inappropriate. Effective identification and quantification of such heterogeneity is crucial for more reliable model estimation and subsequent optimal decision making in a variety of reliability assurance activities. This research proposes a full Bayesian modeling framework for statistical hazard modeling of latent heterogeneity in lifetime data. The proposed framework is generic and comprehensive by systematically addressing different modeling aspects, which include modeling sub-populations with different hazard rates changing over time and different responses to the same stress factors, determining the number of sub-populations, identifying the most appropriate sub-population model structures, estimating model parameters and performing predictive inference. A numerical case study demonstrates the validity and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Visual Evoked Potentials as a Readout of Cortical Function in Infants With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

Tuberous sclerosis complex is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that confers a high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Studies have demonstrated specific delays in visual reception skills that may predict the development of autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Based on evidence for alterations in the retinogeniculate pathway in animal models of tuberous sclerosis complex, we asked whether children with tuberous sclerosis complex demonstrate alterations in early visual processing that may undermine the development of higher-level visual behaviors. Pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials were recorded in infants with tuberous sclerosis complex (n ¼ 16) and typically developing infants (n ¼ 18) at 12 months of age. Infants with tuberous sclerosis complex demonstrated remarkably intact visual evoked potentials even within the context of intellectual disability and epilepsy. Infants with tuberous sclerosis complex show intact visual cortical processing, suggesting that delays in visually mediated behaviors in tuberous sclerosis complex may not be rooted in early visual processing deficits.
Contact counter current bleaching of vegetable oils

T H E Counter current principle of bleaching oils by percolation has long been used. It is our purpose to make a stud), of this principle in contact bleaching to determine the economy that can be effected. The presence of color can be considered as due to the attractive force that an oil has for certain color bodies, a force commonly called solution. There are many solid bodies whose surfaces have attractive forces for these same color bodies, a force commonly called adsorption. I f we put an adsorbent surface, e.g., full lers earth or active carbon, in contact with an oil, we have two forces, (1) solvent power of t h e oil, and (2) adsorptive pull of the solid surface competing for the color bodies, and these color bodies will be distributed according to the relative strength of these two forces. I f we were to place a sample of oil in a beaker having no adsorptive power and could see the individualmolecules of the color bodies (Fig. 1), they would appear in the case of a lighter colored oil as in 1A, and in the case of a darker oil as in 2A. I f the beaker were made of an adsorptive material such as fullers earth or active carbon, we would get a condition such as shown in 1B and 2B. In each case, some, but not all, of the color molecules are attracted to the solid surface. I t should be noted that where the concentration of color in the oil is greater as in 2B, that more color molecules are attracted to the solid surface. Thus, we arrive at an important conclusion, namely, that the amount of color that is adsorbed or removed by a solid surface is directly related to the amount of color present in the liquid. It is apparent that if we were to empty the oil out of 1B and then place the darker oil into it we would get a Condition that would approach 2B. In other words after the adsorbent 'has done its work on the light oil as in 1A it still has reserve power for removing some color from the darker oil. The first step in applying this principle was to take a sample of cocoanut oil and study the amount of color removed by treatment with WEST VIRGINIA PULP AND PAPER CO. TYRONE, PA.
Parameters affecting light-induced excess conductivity in amorphous silicon doping-modulated multilayers

The phenomenon of light-induced excess conductivity (LEC) which occurs in a-Si:H npnp doping-modulated multilayers is found experimentally to be dependent on several different factors. The concentrations of the dopants in n-type and p-type layers affect the Fermi level position, the height of the barriers, and also the density of defects. These parameters are altered by different choices of inert gas diluent (Ar or He) and substrate temperature T/sub s/. For a given set of deposition conditions, the LEC effect can be maximized by varying the layer thickness. With undiluted silane at T/sub s/ = 250/sup 0/C, the effect was relatively small, reaching a maximum in relatively thick layers (540 A). The largest effects were obtained for films deposited from silane diluted in helium, using thinner (330 A) layers. However, for films deposited from silane diluted in argon, the magnitude of the effect and optimum layer thickness was intermediate (440 A). When T/sub s/ was varied, a minimum in LEC was found near 200 to 250/sup 0/C. The influence of internal field was examined by using nini, pipi and npnp multilayers. The internal field is a necessary factor to observe a large LEC effect. A compensated film shows a small LECmore » effect.« less
Resistance and the Social History of Africa

This article examines an episode of worker flight in colonial Mozambique and urges a rethinking of resistance in African social history. Worker flight has often been cast as a form of resistance to colonial rule and wage labor but the case considered here rests awkwardly within the paradigm. The social history of resistance in Africa has occupied a central place in the historiography since the 1960s. Such work has contributed greatly to the writing of African history, especially of the colonial era. The article suggests that it may be time, historiographically and methodologically, to look beyond resistance. Moving beyond resistance may permit examinations of African politics that do not fit neatly into the category of resistance or the related ones of collaboration and domination. The resistance paradigm often clothes historical actors in the guise of oppressed and oppressor, when they frequently possessed multiple and overlapping identities. The now orthodox use of oral testimony makes it possible to explore these identities, defined as much by societies as by the demands of the state.
Gi2 mediates alpha 2-adrenergic inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in platelet membranes: in situ identification with G alpha C-terminal antibodies.

Abstract A panel of antibodies to synthetic decapeptides corresponding to the C termini of guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G protein) alpha subunits has been generated in rabbits. The specificity of each antibody was assessed by ELISA for peptide binding and by immunoblotting for binding to defined, recombinant G alpha subunits expressed in Escherichia coli. Immunoblotting of human platelet membranes with these antibodies identified a variety of endogenous G proteins including Gs (stimulatory), Gi2 (inhibitory), Gi3, and Gx(z) (unknown function). Pretreatment of platelet membranes with C-terminal antibodies reactive with Gi2, but not with antibodies to Gi3 or Gx(z), blocked alpha 2-adrenergic inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. This identifies Gi2 as the dominant mediator of cyclase inhibition in this pathway. This approach may provide a general means of identifying relevant functional interactions of G proteins with receptors and effectors in situ.
Examining Renewal in an Urban High School through the Lens of Systemic Change

Researchers collaborated with an urban high school community to help provide direction for school improvement efforts. The results of a series of focus group interviews involving more than 150 members of the school community were analyzed using an urban schools systemic change framework. Researchers identified three common themes across students, families, teachers and administrators: (1) missed connections and disconnections, (2) learning and teaching, and (3) community building. These themes reflected other urban school research efforts that connect families with their students' school success and identify culturally responsive teaching and shared governance as features of successful school improvement. By viewing the themes through a systemic change framework, researchers were able to assist the school in its efforts toward reform, targeting specific areas of work that would leverage more coherence in improving student learning outcomes.
Development of a synthetic replace ent for the flexor tendon pulleys—An experimental study

A method was developed to reconstruct the fibro-osseous pulleys with Nitex, a synthetic materia1. Nitex is a closely woven fabric constructed from monofilament nylon fibers. Six adult monkeys (24 digits) had excision of the A1 and A2 pulleys; this was followed by reconstruction of the A2. pulley with the Nitex synthetic material. The animals were killed, two at a time, at 4, 8, and 12 weeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nitex pulleys. Flexor tendon function was assessed by biomechanical methods with a tensile testing machine to measure the tendon excursion and the work of flexion (the area under the force-excursion curve) necessary to fully flex each digit; these parameters revealed that the Nitex pulleys were capable of preventing tendon bow-stringing and did not significantly impair tendon gliding. The breaking strength of the Nitex pulleys was comparable to that of normal A2 pulleys (for monkeys weighing less than 10 kg) and it was sufficient to allow immediate mobilization of the digits postoperatively without fear of pulley rupture. Histologic examination showed minimal foreign body reaction around the Nitex, and the gliding surface of a Nitex pulley was found to be covered with a smooth layer of fibrous tissue with minimal adhesions to the underlying flexor tendon. The synthetic Nitex pulley appears to have the potential to function as an effective fibro-osseous pulley replacement.
Pump–probe second harmonic generation study of ultrafast spin dynamics in semiconductor multilayers

experiment, spin-polarized electrons are excited selectively by a pump beam in the GaAs layer of GaAs/GaSb/InAsstructures.However,theresultingnetmagnetizationmanifestsitselfthroughtheinduced SHG probe signal from the GaSb/InAs interface, thus indicating a spin-polarized electron transport across the heterostructure. We find that the magnetization dynamics are governed by an interplay between the spin density evolution at the interfaces and the spin relaxation. Copyright  2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SOME ASPECTS OF DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUING IN INTERNATIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY

The first volume of the Isis cumulative bibliography, based on the critical bibliographies published annually in Isis, will be a kind of biobibliography. It will contain all entries relating to men of science or to personalities of interest to the historian of science that have appeared in the annual critical bibliographies, forming a personal name index. The names will be in alphabetical order.
Renormalization group theory of anomalous transport in systems with Hamiltonian chaos.

We present a general scheme to describe particle kinetics in the case of incomplete Hamiltonian chaos when a set of islands of stability forms a complicated fractal space‐time dynamics and when there is orbit stickiness to the islands’ boundary. This kinetics is alternative to the ‘‘normal’’ Fokker–Planck–Kolmogorov equation. A new kinetic equation describes random wandering in the fractal space‐time. Critical exponents of the anomalous kinetics are expressed through dynamical characteristics of a Hamiltonian using the renormalization group approach. Renormalization transformation has been applied simultaneously for space and time and fractional calculus has been exploited.
Construction of pegylated multilayer architectures via (strept)avidin/biotin interactions

Abstract Pegylated multilayer architectures were fabricated as films on planar substrates, as shells on colloidal particles, or as free-standing hollow capsules using layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly of biotinylated poly- l -lysine (PLL) and (strept)avidin. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was incorporated into the multilayer architectures by assembly with biotin-derivatized poly( l -lysine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol)(PPB). Stepwise growth of multilayers was followed by UV–vis spectroscopy and the formation of core–shells and hollow capsules characterized by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both absorbance and TEM data suggest that approximately two layers of FITC–avidin were adsorbed with each surface deposition. In contrast, use of unmodified PLL did not lead to formation of multilayer coatings, confirming that (strept)avidin–biotin interactions were responsible for film growth even in the presence of electrostatic repulsive forces between PLL and avidin and the steric hindrance of associated PEG chains. This technique provides new opportunities for the generation of robust films with tailored interfacial binding and transport properties.
Adaptive Control Theory and Applications to Drug Delivery

It is often necessary to maintain one or more physiological variables within certain desirable limits via the administration of therapeutic drugs. This control may be imposed for a relatively short time, as in the case of anesthesia or blood pressure regulation during a surgical procedure or it may be required over a patient's remaining lifetime, as in the case of a diabetic patient receiving insulin. In both cases, an automated system to monitor appropriate physiological variables would potentially aid the physician and improve patient care. However, the penalty for controller malfunction is extremely high. In this talk, controller design considerations specific to automatic drug delivery will be discussed, and the suitability of adaptive control algorithms for this class of applications will be argued.
How do actuaries use data containing errors?: Models of error detection and error correction

Information systems provide data for business processes and decision making. There is strong evidence that data items stored in organizational databases have a significant rate of errors. If undetected in use, errors in data may significantly affect business outcomes. The question examined in this paper is the extent to which business professionals are able to evaluate the quality of data in the information systems they use and the impact of their evaluations on decision-making behavior. Models of error detection and error correction processes are developed. The validity of the models is then examined through an analysis of interviews with ten actuaries. The findings show that actuaries detect errors in data using three general methods and that actuaries consider feasibility and costs when deciding whether to correct data errors.
Current Catholic Thought on Religious Liberty

tonishing reality that frustrates Catholics who have seldom attempted to question their faith, raises the suspicions of conservative-minded Catholics and non-Catholics who are always uneasy when changes threaten well-engrained attitudes and positions, and compels the admiration of nonCatholics who wish to encourage Catholics to draw upon their rich heritage and make it relevant to the present day. In point of fact, the renewal of Catholicism is understandable only in relation to several current considerations among Catholics: fundamental disagreement, lengthy and critical dialogue, and careful argumentation. Various differences were dramatized during the sessions of Vatican Council II, and many new developments in Catholic thought have appeared. The notion of freedom is basic to the renewal of Catholicism.' A new
Adoption of France-Originated and United Kingdom-Originated Medicines by Older and Younger Health Care Professionals in the Ivory Coast and in Zambia:

Medicines are a key aspect of the health care delivery system of a country. Their availability contributes to the effectiveness of health services. In most African countries, the major issues facing the drug supply sector are commonly viewed as those related to an inadequate supply of drugs at all levels, particularly in the primary health care facilities; poor performance of health workers in drug management and in the area of diagnosis, prescribing, and dispensing; misinformation and inappropriate practices on the part of the public; and critical weaknesses in public sector institutions (Silverman, Lee, and Lydecker, 1986; Sohou, 1992). Analysts of African health care systems often focus mainly on these issues while failing to embrace a broader analytical framework and to properly recognize the negative role of colonialism and neocolonialism in the drug diffusion process. Also overlooked in this analytical process are the attitudes of health care professionals. It is as if African health professionals were deprived of feelings, beliefs, and values related to the practice of modern medicine and particularly to the use of Western pharmaceutical products. Analysts thus overlook the fact that these health professionals are part of national communities that have
Long Chain Fatty Acyl-CoA Synthetase 4 Is a Biomarker for and Mediator of Hormone Resistance in Human Breast Cancer

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) in breast cancer. Public databases were utilized to analyze the relationship between ACSL4 mRNA expression and the presence of steroid hormone and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in both breast cancer cell lines and tissue samples. In addition, cell lines were utilized to assess the consequences of either increased or decreased levels of ACSL4 expression. Proliferation, migration, anchorage-independent growth and apoptosis were used as biological end points. Effects on mRNA expression and signal transduction pathways were also monitored. A meta-analysis of public gene expression databases indicated that ACSL4 expression is positively correlated with a unique subtype of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by the absence of androgen receptor (AR) and therefore referred to as quadruple negative breast cancer (QNBC). Results of experiments in breast cancer cell lines suggest that simultaneous expression of ACSL4 and a receptor is associated with hormone resistance. Forced expression of ACSL4 in ACSL4-negative, estrogen receptor α (ER)-positive MCF-7 cells resulted in increased growth, invasion and anchorage independent growth, as well as a loss of dependence on estrogen that was accompanied by a reduction in the levels of steroid hormone receptors. Sensitivity to tamoxifen, triacsin C and etoposide was also attenuated. Similarly, when HER2-positive, ACSL4-negative, SKBr3 breast cancer cells were induced to express ACSL4, the proliferation rate increased and the apoptotic effect of lapatinib was reduced. The growth stimulatory effect of ACSL4 expression was also observed in vivo in nude mice when MCF-7 control and ACSL4-expressing cells were utilized to induce tumors. Our data strongly suggest that ACSL4 can serve as both a biomarker for, and mediator of, an aggressive breast cancer phenotype.
An auxiliary table for concentration calculations in atomic-absorption flame photometry

Abstract A table has been prepared for atomic-absorption work which gives concentrations in ppm and percent of analyte in original sample for a given series of standards as a function of the dilution ratio used during the steps of sample preparation. The use of original concentrations simplifies the calculation of concentration in manual graphical interpolation and allows the operator the use of simple interpolation computer programs, if desired, without the need of introducing constant or variable conversion factors. The table covers the most frequent concentration ranges of minor and micro components and dilution ratios from 1:10 to 1:10000.
NMDA receptor activation induces differential epigenetic modification of Bdnf promoters in hippocampal neurons

Transcriptional regulation of the gene encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been widely studied. However, an understanding of mechanisms modifying chromatin, events that are essential for controlling transcription, is rudimentary. We focused on two activation-dependent regions of the Bdnf gene physically linked to known transcription sites for exons 1 and 4. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we determined that N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation derepressed promoters 1 and 4-mediated transcription. This derepression correlated with reduced occupancy by histone deacetylase 1 and methyl cytosine-binding protein 2 of each promoter region near known transcription start sites in cultured hippocampal neurons. These changes did not occur at all sites upstream of transcription initiation. Taken together, these findings suggest that histone and other DNA-binding proteins are involved in remodeling of chromatin at some, but not all sites, within Bdnf promoters 1 and 4 and are associated with NMDA receptor-dependent increases in transcription.
Use of open access in GI endoscopy at an academic medical center.

Background: Open access endoscopy systems (those in which endoscopy is performed without prior gastroenterology consultation) are becoming more common in the current cost-conscious environment. The aim of this study was to compare appropriateness and yield of endoscopy for patients referred for open access endoscopy with those for patients who had prior contact with a gastroenterologist. We also evaluated patients’ preference for undergoing open access endoscopy as opposed to having prior consultation with a gastroenterologist and compared preparedness for endoscopic procedures between the two groups. Methods: The cases of all outpatients referred for upper endoscopy and colonoscopy were assessed prospectively over a 5-month period. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guidelines for indications for gastrointestinal endoscopy were used to determine appropriateness of referrals. Significant pathologic findings were rated independently by two investigators using defined criteria. Patients’ opinions regarding preparedness for endoscopy and referral preference were measured by means of questionnaires administered before endoscopy. Results: Eighty-six percent of endoscopies after consultation with gastroenterologists were performed for accepted indications compared with 65% of open access procedures (p < 0.01). Significant pathologic findings were present in 40% of the former group compared with 28% of those undergoing open access endoscopy (p < 0.01). Significant pathologic findings were found in 37% of endoscopies performed for indications listed in the ASGE guidelines compared with 20% for unlisted indications (p < 0.01). Forty percent of patients referred for open access endoscopy would have preferred prior consultation with a gastroenterologist. Conclusion: Patients initially seen by a gastroenterologist are more likely to undergo endoscopy for accepted indications, and the yield of endoscopy is higher than among patients referred through an open access system. The system of open access endoscopy as currently practiced may have to be reassessed. (Gastrointest Endosc 1999;50:480-5.)
Benjamin Franklin and earthquakes

Benjamin Franklin, the colonial American, maintained a now little-known interest in geological questions for more than sixty years. He began as a follower of English theorists, but soon assimilated...
Randomized trial of a teleconference-delivered fatigue management program for people with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Previous studies support the efficacy and effectiveness of face-to-face group-based fatigue management education for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Nevertheless, many people are u...
Interaction of Organic Cations with Organic Anion Transporters

Studies of the organic anion transporters (Oats) have focused mainly on their interactions with organic anionic substrates. However, as suggested when Oat1 was originally identified as NKT (Lopez-Nieto, C. E., You, G., Bush, K. T., Barros, E. J., Beier, D. R., and Nigam, S. K. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 6471-6478), since the Oats share close homology with organic cation transporters (Octs), it is possible that Oats interact with cations as well. We now show that mouse Oat1 (mOat1) and mOat3 and, to a lesser degree, mOat6 bind a number of "prototypical" Oct substrates, including 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium. In addition to oocyte expression assays, we have tested binding of organic cations to Oat1 and Oat3 in ex vivo assays by analyzing interactions in kidney organ cultures deficient in Oat1 and Oat3. We also demonstrate that mOat3 transports organic cations such as 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium and cimetidine. A pharmacophore based on the binding affinities of the tested organic cations for Oat3 was generated. Using this pharmacophore, we screened a chemical library and were able to identify novel cationic compounds that bound to Oat1 and Oat3. These compounds bound Oat3 with an affinity higher than the highest affinity compounds in the original set of prototypical Oct substrates. Thus, whereas Oat1, Oat3, and Oat6 appear to function largely in organic anion transport, they also bind and transport some organic cations. These findings could be of clinical significance, since drugs and metabolites that under normal physiological conditions do not bind to the Oats may undergo changes in charge and become Oat substrates during pathologic conditions wherein significant variations in body fluid pH occur.
Monoid deformations and group representations

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of monoid deformations in connection with group representations. The underlying philosophy for finite reductive monoids M is that while M is contained in a modular representation of the unit group G, a deformation M(q) is contained in a complex representation of G. This is worked out in detail in the case of the Steinberg representation.
The surgical approach to esophageal achalasia in children.

Abstract Esophageal achalasia is not common in the pediatric age group and hence may not be recognized promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in order to save the child from immense discomfort, both physical and emotional. In 15 patients whose symptoms of achalasia developed before age 15 years, the favorable results obtained from esophagomyotomy according to the modified Heller technique have led us to believe that this should be the primary treatment of choice for pediatric achalasia. Best results have been achieved in patients operated on early in the course of the disease.
Serologic surveillance of pathogens in a declining harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) population in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, USA and a reference site.

The harbor seal population in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, has declined by over 70% since 1992. The reasons for this decline are not known. We examined serum antibodies and feces for evidence of exposure to multiple pathogens in this population. We also studied harbor seals from a reference site on Kodiak Island. In 2007, we found antibodies against Leptospira spp. in 31% of specimens from harbor seals in Glacier Bay, but no detectable serum antibodies in samples from Kodiak. In 2008, no samples had detectable antibodies against Leptospira spp. No serum antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, morbilliviruses, or presence of Cryptosporidium in fecal samples were detected. However, Giardia was found in 6% of the fecal samples from Glacier Bay. Our results indicate that the harbor seal population in Glacier Bay National Park could be immunologically naive to distemper viruses and therefore vulnerable to these pathogens. Given the relatively low prevalence of antibodies and low titers, pathogens likely ar...
Immunoenzymology of acetylcholinesterase. IV. Studies on an enzyme-inhibiting antibody.

Abstract Inhibitory antibody was obtained from the serum of a rabbit immunized with AChE. This antibody differed from previously described noninhibitory antibody only in its effect on the hydrolysis of ATCh by AChE. Both inhibitory and noninhibitory antibody-enzyme complexes showed increased stability to heat and demonstrated similar activity and kinetic parameters with other substrates. When in complex with the enzyme, both the whole inhibitory IgG molecule and F(ab′) 2 fragments inhibited hydrolysis of ATCh and protected AChE from heat inactivation.
Differential effects of lactacystin on cytokine production in activated Jurkat cells and murine splenocytes

Previous studies have demonstrated that the proteasome inhibitor, lactacystin, suppresses cytokine production and induction of other inflammatory mediators by LPS-stimulated macrophages. The purpose of the present studies was to determine the effect of lactacystin upon the function of activated human Jurkat T cells and murine splenocytes. Lactacystin treatment suppressed interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)γ, and IL-13 production similarly in both activated Jurkat cells and primary splenocytes. Interestingly, lactacystin produced differential effects on IL-4 transcription in the two models. While lactacystin inhibited IL-4 mRNA transcription in primary splenocytes, it induced IL-4 mRNA in a concentration-dependent manner in Jurkat cells. The increase in IL-4 mRNA levels by lactacystin did not correlate with increases in TH2-specific transcription factors, avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma AS42 oncogene homolog (c-maf) or GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3). In addition, the binding of both GATA-3 and t-bet to their respective response elements was essentially unchanged by lactacystin treatment in both splenocytes and Jurkat T cells, suggesting the induction of IL-4 is due to other mechanisms. Collectively, the current studies suggest proteasomal activity has differential effects on IL-4 transcription in activated Jurkat cells and primary splenocytes.
Engineering the structure and magnetic properties of crystalline solids via the metal-directed self-assembly of a versatile molecular building unit.

We report the supramolecular chemistry of several metal complexes of N-(4-pyridyl)benzamide (NPBA) with the general formula [Ma(NPBA)2AbSc], where M = Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Ag+; A = NO3-, OAc-; S = MeOH, H2O; a = 0, 1, 2; b = 0, 1, 2, 4; and c = 0, 2. NPBA contains structural features that can engage in three modes of intermolecular interactions: (1) metal−ligand coordination, (2) hydrogen bonding, and (3) π−π stacking. NPBA forms one-dimensional (1-D) chains governed by hydrogen bonding, but when reacted with metal ions, it generates a wide variety of supramolecular scaffolds that control the arrangement of periodic nanostructures and form 1- (2−4), 2- (5), or 3-D (6−10) solid-state networks of hydrogen bonding and π−π stacking interactions in the crystal. Isostructural 7−9 exhibit a 2-D hydrogen bonding network that promotes topotaxial growth of single crystals of their isostructural family and generates crystal composites with two (11) and three (12) different components. Furthermore, 7−9 can ...