cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generalized gap equations and the coherence of the α-α pair field

Abstract Gap equations are derived, which include T = 0 pairing correlations between nucleons in identical spatial orbitals (α-α pairing) as well as T = 0 and T = 1 correlations between nucleons in time-reversed orbitals ( α g a pairing). Solution of the gap equations for the N = Z doubly even nuclei in the s-d shell with the Yale t-matrix demonstrates that α-α correlations can create coherent potentials. Solution of the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov equations confirms the coherence of the α-α pair field.
Modulatory effects and afferent pathways of gastric electrical stimulation on rat thoracic spinal neurons receiving input from the stomach

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been suggested as a potential therapy for patients with obesity or gastric motility disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the spinal mechanism of GES effects on gastric functions. Extracellular potentials of single spinal (T9–T10) neurons were recorded in pentobarbital anesthetized, paralyzed, ventilated male rats (n=19). Gastric distension (GD) was produced by air inflation of a balloon. One pair of platinum electrodes (1.0–1.5 cm apart) was sutured onto the serosal surface of the lesser curvature of the stomach. GES with four sets of parameters was applied for one minute: GES-A (6 mA, 0.3 ms, 40 Hz, 2s on, 3s off), GES-B (6 mA, 0.3 ms, 14 Hz, 0.1s on, 5s off), GES-C (6 mA, 3 ms, 40 Hz, 2s on, 3s off), GES-D (6 mA, 200 ms, 12 pulses/min). 62/158 (39%) spinal neurons responded to GD (20, 40, 60 mmHg, 20s. Most GD-responsive neurons (n=43) had excitatory responses; the remainder had inhibitory (n=12) or biphasic responses (n=7). GES-A, -B, -C and –D affected activity of 12/33 (36%), 4/31 (13%), 22/29 (76%) and 13/30 (43%) GD-responsive neurons, respectively. Bilateral cervical vagotomy did not significantly alter mean excitatory neuronal responses to GD (n=5) or GES (n=6). Resiniferatoxin (2.0 μg/kg, i.v.), an ultrapotent agonist of vanilloid receptor-1, abolished excitatory responses to GD and GES in 4/4 neurons recorded in vagotomized rats. The results suggested that GES mainly had an excitatory effect on T9–T10 spinal neurons with gastric inputs; neuronal responses to GES were strengthened with stimulation at an increased pulse width and/or number of pulses. The modulatory effect of GES involved thoracic spinal (sympathetic) afferent fibers containing vanilloid receptor-1.
Retention model for high-performance ion-exchange chromatography☆

Abstract Protein retention on an ionic surface is the result of protein charge, surface charge and the charge characteristics of the surrounding medium. To date, a “net charge” model has been used to explain this phenomenon; however, retention mapping studies on strong ion-exchange columns showed it to be inadequate. Deviations may result from charge asymmetry, since it appears that only a fraction of the protein surface interacts with the stationary phase. Retention is also altered by the type of displacing salt. A non-mechanistic model has been developed which shows a positive correlation between protein retention and the number of charges associated with the adsorption-desorption process. Integration of these observations and concepts provides a deeper understanding of protein retention on ion-exchange surfaces.
RADIATION INDUCTION OF DRUG RESISTANCE IN RIF-1: CORRELATION OF TUMOR AND CELL CULTURE RESULTS

Abstract The RIF-1 tumor line contains cells that are resistant to various anti-neoplastic drugs, including 5-fluorouracil (5FU), methotrexate (MTX), adriamycin (ADR), and etopside (VP16). The frequency of these drug-resistant cells is increased after irradiation. The frequency of drug-resistant cells and the magnitude of radiation-induced drug resistance are different in cell culture than in tumors. The dose-response and expression time relationships for radiation induction of drug resistance observed in RIF-1 tumors are unusual. We hypothesize that at high radiation doses in vivo , we are selecting for cells that are both drug resistant and radiation resistant due to microenvironmental factors, whereas at low radiation doses in vivo and all radiation doses in vitro , we are observing true mutants. These studies indicate that there can be significant differences in drug-resistance frequencies between tumors and their cell lines of origin, and that radiation induction of drug resistance depends significantly on whether the induction is done in tumors or in cell culture. These results imply that theories about the induction of drug resistance that are based on cell culture studies may be inapplicable to the induction of drug resistance in tumors.
The Axeman Cometh

Earlier this summer, Susan Urahn, managing director of the Pew Center on the States, offered four things states must do to adjust to the deep cuts made to their budgets this year 1 . First, states ...
Human serum transferrin: a tale of two lobes. Urea gel and steady state fluorescence analysis of recombinant transferrins as a function of pH, time, and the soluble portion of the transferrin receptor

Iron release from human serum transferrin (hTF) has been studied extensively; however, the molecular details of the mechanism(s) remain incomplete. This is in part due to the complexity of this process, which is influenced by lobe-lobe interactions, the transferrin receptor (TFR), the salt effect, the presence of a chelator, and acidification within the endosome, resulting in iron release. The present work brings together many of the concepts and assertions derived from previous studies in a methodical, uniform, and visual manner. Examination of earlier work reveals some uncertainty due to sample and technical limitations. We have used a combination of steady-state fluorescence and urea gels to evaluate the effect of conformation, pH, time, and the soluble portion of the TFR (sTFR) on iron release from each lobe of hTF. The use of authentic recombinant monoferric and locked species removes any possibility of cross-contamination by acquisition of iron. Elimination of detergent by use of the sTFR provides a further technical advantage. We find that iron release from the N-lobe is very sensitive to the conformation of the C-lobe, but is insensitive to the presence of the sTFR or to changes in pH (between 5.6 and 6.4). Specifically, when the cleft of the C-lobe is locked, the urea gels indicate that only about half of the iron is completely removed from the cleft of the N-lobe. Iron release from the C-lobe is most affected by the presence of the sTFR and changes in pH, but is unaffected by the conformation of the N-lobe. A model for iron release from diferric hTF is provided to delineate our findings.
Transplantation in autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease: liver and/or kidney?

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is characterized by enlarged kidneys with dilated collecting ducts and congenital hepatic fibrosis. There is a variable rate of progression of kidney and liver disease. Portal hypertension and Caroli’s disease occur from liver involvement that contributes to morbidity and mortality. Approximately 40 % of patients have a severe disease phenotype leading to rapid onset of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and signs of portal hypertension and the rest may have predominant involvement of either the kidney or liver. It is important for the physician to establish the extent of organ involvement before deciding on the ultimate plan of management, especially when transplantation is required. Isolated renal transplantation can be considered when liver involvement is minimal. If hepatobiliary disease is prominent, and kidney function is preserved, management options are based on individual characteristics. In the presence of significant liver disease and ESKD, consideration should be given to combined liver kidney transplantation, which can be beneficial in eliminating the consequences of both kidney and liver disease. However, this is a complex surgical procedure that needs to be performed at experienced transplant centers. Improvement in surgical techniques has considerably improved short-term graft survival with the added advantage of the liver offering immunologic protection to the kidney allograft.
Hexosamines and TGF-β1 use similar signaling pathways to mediate matrix protein synthesis in mesangial cells

Hyperglycemia-induced alterations in mesangial (MES) cell function and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein accumulation are seen in diabetic glomerulopathy. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) me...
Diffraction theory modeling of near-forward radio wave scattering from particle clusters

Abstract We investigate the use of diffraction theory as an alternative to solving the full electromagnetic problem of near-forward scattering by a collection of dielectric spheres of arbitrary spacing and orientation. We define an amplitude screen, which is constructed by projecting the shadows of a cluster of spheres onto a plane perpendicular to the wave vector of the incident radio wave. The far-field (Fraunhofer) diffraction pattern of the amplitude screen is then computed and compared with the Mie-theoretic result. We show that for EM scattering from a cluster of electrically large spheres—both singly-sized and belonging to a size distribution—there is excellent agreement between the exact Mie solution and its diffraction theory approximation when near-forward scattering is the angular range of interest. This excellent agreement holds over a broad range of particle separation and orientation configurations relative to the incidence direction. It is also achieved at a much reduced computational cost compared with an exact solution of the electromagnetic interaction problem. Fortified by these results, the authors have applied diffraction theory to the analysis of Cassini radio occultation data, thereby detecting fine-scale structure in Saturn’s rings [Thomson, F.S., Marouf, E.A., Tyler, G.L., French, R.G., Rappoport, N.J., 2007. Periodic microstructure in Saturn’s rings A and B. Geophys. Res. Lett. 34, L24203].
Enhanced Photocurrent and Dynamic Response in Vertically Aligned In2S3/Ag Core/Shell Nanorod Array Photoconductive Devices

Enhanced photocurrent values were achieved through a semiconductor-core/metal-shell nanorod array photoconductive device geometry. Vertically aligned indium sulfide (In2S3) nanorods were formed as the core by using glancing angle deposition technique (GLAD). A thin silver (Ag) layer is conformally coated around nanorods as the metallic shell through a high pressure sputter deposition method. This was followed by capping the nanorods with a metallic blanket layer of Ag film by utilizing a new small angle deposition technique combined with GLAD. Radial interface that was formed by the core/shell geometry provided an efficient charge carrier collection by shortening carrier transit times, which led to a superior photocurrent and gain. Thin metal shells around nanorods acted as a passivation layer to decrease surface states that cause prolonged carrier lifetimes and slow recovery of the photocurrent in nanorods. A combination of efficient carrier collection with surface passivation resulted in enhanced photoc...
THE PALESTINIANS OF DEARBORN, MICHIGAN

Michigan has a Palestinian community of 400, of whom 71 were interviewed. Topics covered were assimilation, social relations, USA politics, USA Mideast policy, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The article suggests that Palestinians view themselves as a nation in exile rather than as immigrants and that this affects their attitudes and behavior.
Radical performance enhancements for combinatorial optimization algorithms based on the dead‐end elimination theorem

Recent advances in protein design have demonstrated the effectiveness of optimization algorithms based on the dead-end elimination theorem. The algorithms solve the combinatorial problem of finding the optimal placement of side chains for a set of backbone coordinates. Although they are powerful tools, these algorithms have severe limitations when the number of side chain rotamers is large. This is due to the high-order time dependence of the aspect of the calculation that deals with rotamer doubles. We present three independent algorithmic enhancements that significantly increase the speed of the doubles computation. These methods work by using quantities that are inexpensive to compute as a basis for forecasting which expensive calculations are worthwhile. One of the methods, the comparison of extrema, is derived from analytical considerations, and the remaining two, the “magic-bullet” and the “qrs” and “quv” metrics, are based on empirical observation of the distribution of energies in the system. When used together, these methods effect an overall speed improvement of as much as a factor of 47, and for the doubles aspect of the calculation, a factor of 95. Together, these enhancements extend the envelope of inverse folding to larger proteins by making formerly intractable calculations attainable in reasonable computer time. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 19: 1505–1514, 1998
Developing above-ground woody biomass equations for open-grown, multiple-stemmed tree species : Shelterbelt-grown russian-olive

Multiple-stemmed tree species are often used in agricultural settings, playing a significant role in natural resource conservation and carbon sequestration. Biomass estimation, whether for modeling growth under different climate scenarios, accounting for carbon sequestered, or inclusion in natural resource inventories, requires equations that can accurately describe biomass in these species. Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a common tree species used in Great Plains shelterbelts and has a growth form typical to open-grown, multiple-stemmed tree species. Using shelterbelt-grown Russian-olive, we present a procedure of choosing predictors, formulating models, and determining equations by optimizing the accuracy in above-ground woody biomass estimates associated with labor costs for opengrown, multiple-stemmed tree species. Trunk (a primary stem) diameter at breast height and/or tree height were satisfactory for trunk biomass prediction but insufficient for determining branch (secondary stems and limbs) biomass, a major component of biomass in these trees. Incorporating the diameters of the three largest stems into the branch biomass equations improved the prediction satisfactorily. Two sets of equations, each of which includes two equations for trunk and branches, respectively, are presented. One set has the cost-saving-preferred (CSP) equations having lower precision but only requiring easily measured DBH variables of trunk and stems. The other set has the precision-preferred (PP) equations that have better precision but at the added cost required for taking an additional measurement of height and the inconvenient measurements of stem diameters at branch bark ridge. Both sets of equations were used to estimate the biomass of the same representative shelterbelts. The results indicated that the PP equations consistently gave better precision for trunk, branches, and whole tree than the CSP equations, but reduced the relative error in whole-tree biomass estimates by only 0.8–1.2%. Ultimately, the decision to use the CSP or the PP equations will depend on the desired precision level and/or available budget. The procedure we have presented, along with the chosen predictors and formulated models, provides a reference for estimating above-ground woody biomass of other open-grown, multiple-stemmed tree species in agricultural settings.
Visitation rate and behavior of urban mesocarnivores differs in the presence of two common anthropogenic food sources

Cat food left out for feral and domestic cats and bird seed spilled from backyard bird feeders are two common anthropogenic food sources that may attract non-target animals like urban mesocarnivores but no studies have quantified mesocarnivore visitation at these food sources. We used motion-activated video cameras to monitor mesocarnivore use of spilled bird seed below 25 bird feeders maintained by residents in four neighborhoods in Flagstaff, Arizona, June-September 2012 and 2014. During the first five nights of monitoring only seed that spilled naturally below feeders was available. On each of the subsequent five nights, we placed a bowl of commercially available dry cat food below feeders so that both spilled seed and cat food were present. In both years, after cat food was added, the number of visits by striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), raccoons (Procyon lotor) and domestic cats (Felis cattus) doubled and the number of times two animals were present simultaneously also increased. Aggressive interactions, in the form of displays or contacts, increased for all species combinations but significantly only between skunks in the presence of cat food. These results demonstrate that both spilled bird seed and cat food may be exploited frequently by urban mesocarnivores and that the type of food can elicit different behavioral responses that could have important implications for human-wildlife conflict and disease transmission.
An improved record system for the emergency department

Two component system designed to circumvent many of the problems inherent in emergency department record keeping is described. First, a pocket of multiple forms interleaved with carbon paper allows copies of relevant data to be produced for distribution, including to the following physician, simultaneously. Second, physicians use a hand-held portable dictating machine with mini-cassettes to dictate each patient's history on a separate cassette. The record is typed from the cassette by a nscription typist based in the emergency department. Thus a typewrition record of the patient's visit, including prescription for medications, is induced before the patient leaves the department.
A Private Practice Supervisory Evaluation Format

Supervisors in private practice face specific problems not encountered in formal training and academic settings. A supervisory evaluation format developed by its authors to address some of those problems is described. The format requires the logging of goals, procedures, evaluations and plans over time, and provides a ready reference for writing comprehensive supervision reports.
Transient operation of internal combustion engines with rankine waste heat recovery systems

Abstract Prior papers have shown the potentials of gasoline-like internal combustion engines fitted with Rankine cycle systems to deliver Diesel-like steady state fuel conversion efficiencies recovering the exhaust and the coolant waste heat with off-the-shelf components. In addition to the pros of the technology significantly increasing steady state efficiencies – up to 5% in absolute values and much more in relative values – these papers also mentioned the cons of the technology, increased backpressures, increased weight, more complex packaging, more complex control, troublesome transient operation, and finally the cold start issues that prevent the uptake of the technology. This paper further explores the option to use Rankine cycle systems to improve the fuel economy of vehicles under normal driving conditions. A single Rankine cycle system is integrated here with the engine design. A latest turbocharged 1.6 L direct injection engine has the coolant circuit modified to serve as pre-heater for the Rankine cycle fluid. This fluid is then vaporised and superheated in the boiler/superheater coaxial to the exhaust pipe located downstream of the turbocharger turbine and the closed coupled catalytic converter. The exhaust ports are insulated to reduce the heat losses. The pump of the Rankine cycle system is electrically operated. The expander of the Rankine cycle system drives a generator to recharge the traction battery pack. The thermal engine is connected to the transmission through an electric clutch and a motor/generator that permits to supplement/replace the thermal engine energy supply, recover the braking energy and start/stop the thermal engine. The integrated Rankine cycle system is intended to permit short warming-up profiles, reduced heat losses and reduced weight and packaging issues, delivering significant benefits during cold start driving cycles as the NEDC in addition to the long term, constant load and speed extra urban driving.
Anti-interleukin-5 therapy for asthma and hypereosinophilic syndrome

Interleukin 5 (IL-5) is a key cytokine in the regulation of eosinophilia and eosinophil activation in humans. Monoclonal antibodies to anti-IL-5 have become available for use in clinical studies in humans. This article discusses the rationale for the use of anti-IL-5 therapy in asthma and hypereosinophilic syndrome and summarizes the available clinical data on the use of anti-IL-5 to treat these disorders.
Study of the Forced Vibration of Shell-Plate Combinations Using the Receptance Method

Abstract The forced response of a plate-shell joined structure has been studied using the line receptance concept and modal expansion techniques. Harmonic single point forces, which are expressed in terms of harmonic line forces through Fourier series expansion, were applied to the combined system. The frequency responses of the system at certain locations were calculated for different damping coefficients and illustrated in the frequency range of interest.
Spatial analysis of a large magnitude erosion event following a Sierran wildfire.

High intensity wildfire due to long-term fire suppression and heavy fuels buildup can render watersheds highly susceptible to wind and water erosion. The 2002 "Gondola" wildfire, located just southeast of Lake Tahoe, NV-CA, was followed 2 wk later by a severe hail and rainfall event that deposited 7.6 to 15.2 mm of precipitation over a 3 to 5 h time period. This resulted in a substantive upland ash and sediment flow with subsequent down-gradient riparian zone deposition. Point measurements and ESRI ArcView were applied to spatially assess source area contributions and the extent of ash and sediment flow deposition in the riparian zone. A deposition mass of 380 Mg of ash and sediment over 0.82 ha and pre-wildfire surface bulk density measurements were used in conjunction with two source area assessments to generate an estimation of 10.1 mm as the average depth of surface material eroded from the upland source area. Compared to previous measurements of erosion during rainfall simulation studies, the erosion of 1800 to 6700 g m(-2) mm(-1) determined from this study was as much as four orders of magnitude larger. Wildfire, followed by the single event documented in this investigation, enhanced soil water repellency and contributed 17 to 67% of the reported 15 to 60 mm ky(-1) of non-glacial, baseline erosion rates occurring in mountainous, granitic terrain sites in the Sierra Nevada. High fuel loads now common to the Lake Tahoe Basin increase the risk that similar erosion events will become more commonplace, potentially contributing to the accelerated degradation of Lake Tahoe's water clarity. Language: en
Role of nonrandomly oriented cell division in shaping and bending of the neural plate

Neural plate shaping and bending are crucial to the process of neural tube formation. Shaping requires intrinsic forces generated by alterations in neuroepithelial cell behavior, whereas bending requires similar intrinsic forces and extrinsic forces generated by alterations in cell behaviors outside the neural plate. This study evaluates the role of nonrandomly oriented cell division in neural plate shaping and epidermal ectoderm expansion during bending by examining mitotic spindle orientation in the neuroepithelium and epidermal ectoderm throughout neurulation. Neuroepithelial mitotic spindles are oriented preferentially in the rostrocaudal plane, suggesting a role for nonrandomly oriented (i.e., rostrocaudal) neuroepithelial cell division in longitudinal lengthening of the neural plate during shaping. Epidermal ectoderm mitotic spindles are oriented preferentially in both rostrocaudal and mediolateral planes, suggesting a role for nonrandomly oriented cell division in epidermal ectoderm elongation and expansion. In neural plate and epidermal ectoderm isolates separated prior to shaping and bending, mitotic spindles continued to be oriented preferentially in the rostrocaudal plane; however, a preferential mediolateral mitotic spindle orientation could not be demonstrated in the epidermal ectoderm isolates. We conclude that the nonrandom rostrocaudal orientation of cell division in the neuroepithelium and epidermal ectoderm is an autonomous process, occurring in the absence of forces from adjacent tissues, whereas the nonrandom mediolateral orientation of cell division in the epidermal ectoderm is dependent upon interactions with the neural plate.
Quantum wave-packet revivals in circular billiards

We examine the long-term time dependence of Gaussian wave packets in a circular infinite well (billiard) system and find that there are approximate revivals. For the special case of purely $m=0$ states (central wave packets with no momentum) the revival time is ${T}_{\mathrm{rev}}^{(m=0)}=8\ensuremath{\mu}{R}^{2}/\ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\pi},$ where $\ensuremath{\mu}$ is the mass of the particle, and the revivals are almost exact. For all other wave packets, we find that ${T}_{\mathrm{rev}}^{(m\ensuremath{\ne}0)}=({\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}{/2)T}_{\mathrm{rev}}^{(m=0)}\ensuremath{\approx}{5T}_{\mathrm{rev}}^{(m=0)}$ and the nature of the revivals becomes increasingly approximate as the average angular momentum or number of $m\ensuremath{\ne}0$ states is increased. The dependence of the revival structure on the initial position, energy, and angular momentum of the wave packet and the connection to the energy spectrum is discussed in detail. The results are also compared to two other highly symmetrical two-dimensional infinite well geometries with exact revivals, namely, the square and equilateral triangle billiards. We also show explicitly how the classical periodicity for closed orbits in a circular billiard arises from the energy eigenvalue spectrum, using a WKB analysis.
A study of the chronopotentiometric reductions of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide at a palladium electrode

Abstract The chronopotentiometric reductions of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide at a palladium cathode are profoundly affected by the chemical and physical state of the electrode surface. In alkaline medium, the reduction of oxygen produces a singlet 4-electron wave. In i M sulfuric or perchloric acid, the chronopotentiogram depends on the state of subdivision of the electrode surface. At an electrode on which a layer of finely divided palladium has been deposited by the reduction of an oxide film, a singlet 4-electron wave, or a well-developed doublet, is observed. As reaction with dissolved oxygen removes the finely divided metal from the electrode surface, the overpotential of the reduction increases, and the first wave of the doublet, originally enhanced by the disproportionation of some of the product hydrogen peroxide, approaches the theoretical transition time. The direct reaction of dissolved oxygen with palladium has been studied both in acidic and basic media. The dissolution of palladium by reaction with oxygen in acid medium, and the spontaneous formation of an oxide film in oxygen-saturated 1 M sodium hydroxide, both affect the electrode surface. A direct analysis of the oxidized film formed during anodization of palladium supplements previous qualitative studies by other authors and indicates the presence of two palladium oxides, the lower of which contains +2 palladium.
Early neurosurgical procedures enhance survival in blunt head injury: propensity score analysis.

Abstract Background: Studies of trauma systems have identified traumatic brain injury as a frequent cause of death or disability. Due to the heterogeneity of patient presentations, practice variations, and potential for secondary brain injury, the importance of early neurosurgical procedures upon survival remains controversial. Traditional observational outcome studies have been biased because injury severity and clinical prognosis are associated with use of such interventions. Objective: We used propensity analysis to investigate the clinical efficacy of early neurosurgical procedures in patients with traumatic brain injury. Methods: We analyzed a retrospectively identified cohort of 518 consecutive patients (ages 18–65 years) with blunt, traumatic brain injury (head Abbreviated Injury Scale score of ≥ 3) presenting to the emergency department of a Level-1 trauma center. The propensity for a neurosurgical procedure (i.e., craniotomy or ventriculostomy) in the first 24 h was determined (based upon demographic, clinical presentation, head computed tomography scan findings, intracranial pressure monitor use, and injury severity). Multivariate logistic regression models for survival were developed using both the propensity for a neurosurgical procedure and actual performance of the procedure. Results: The odds of in-hospital death were substantially less in those patients who received an early neurosurgical procedure (odds ratio [OR] 0.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05–0.41). The mortality benefit of early neurosurgical intervention persisted after exclusion of patients who died within the first 24 h (OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.04–0.48). Conclusions: Analysis of observational data after adjustment using the propensity score for a neurosurgical procedure in the first 24 h supports the association of early neurosurgical intervention and patient survival in the setting of significant blunt, traumatic brain injury. Transfer of at-risk head-injured patients to facilities with high-level neurosurgical capabilities seems warranted.
The Complex History of the Domestication of Rice

Background Rice has been found in archaeological sites dating to 8000 bc, although the date of rice domestication is a matter of continuing debate. Two species of domesticated rice, Oryza sativa (Asian) and Oryza glaberrima (African) are grown globally. Numerous traits separate wild and domesticated rices including changes in: pericarp colour, dormancy, shattering, panicle architecture, tiller number, mating type and number and size of seeds.
KIR2DS4 promotes HIV-1 pathogenesis: new evidence from analyses of immunogenetic data and natural killer cell function

Background: KIR2DS4 gene variants encode full-length and truncated protein products, with only the former serving as membrane-bound receptors to activate natural killer (NK) cells. We have previously shown that full-length KIR2DS4 was associated with relatively high viral load and accelerated heterosexual HIV-1 transmission. Our objective here was to provide confirmatory data and to offer new insights about the potential mechanisms. Methodology/Principal Findings: Mixed models for repeated (longitudinal) outcome measurements on 207 HIV-1 seropositive American youth revealed an association of full-length KIR2DS4 with relatively high viral load and low CD4 + T-cell count (p,0.01 for both). Depending on KIR2DS4 expression (presence or absence) on cell surface, NK cells from 43 individuals with untreated, chronic HIV-1 infection often differed in functional properties, including degranulation and secretion of IFN-c and MIP-1b. In particular, polyfunctional NK cells were enriched in the KIR2DS4-positive subset. Conclusions/Significance: Full-length KIR2DS4 promotes HIV-1 pathogenesis during chronic infection, probably through the maintenance of an excessively pro-inflammatory state.
The Politics of Inequality and Redistribution in Latin America's Post-Adjustment Era

Declining social and economic inequalities since the late 1990s coincided with several basic shifts in Latin America’s political landscape, including an electoral turn to the left and a revival of social mobilization from below. These shifts helped to ‘repoliticize’ inequality and return redistributive policies to a central place on the political agenda in the aftermath to the structural adjustment policies of the 1980s and 1990s.Equity gains, however, have occurred under conservative governments as well as leftist ones, and they are associated with a diverse set of public policy initiatives. The new politics of inequality, therefore, differ significantly from those of Latin America’s ISI era, as well as those that prevailed during the period of economic liberalization.
Role of Vascular and Interventional Radiology in the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Trauma Patients

Vascular and interventional radiology provides an important service in the diagnosis and management of the acute trauma patient. Historically angiography was used primarily as a diagnostic tool for both vascular and solid organ injuries. However, with technological advances, such as the advent of stents, stent grafts, newer embolization materials and sophisticated delivery devices, micro-catheters, and steerable guide wires, vascular and interventional radiology can now offer definitive treatment in selected cases. Transcatheter embolization can effectively treat acute hemorrhage and is useful in locations that are difficult to access surgically, or when surgical disruption of fascial planes, which may eliminate a tamponade effect, is less desirable. Stents and stent grafts have been used to preserve, rather than sacrifice, an injured blood vessel. In splenic, hepatic, and renal trauma, a trend in nonoperative management has been developed by traumatologists. Transcatheter embolization can increase the su...
Quantitative Microassay in Cell Culture for Enterotoxin of Shigella dysenteriae 1

Shigella dysenteriae enterotoxin is cytotoxic to HeLa-cell monolayers and results in rapid detachment of cells from glass surfaces. The number of cells that detach during incubation overnight is directly related to the quantity of toxin present in the medium. Based on these observations, a quantitative microassay, which reproducibly detected subnanogram quantities of toxin, was developed. The technique involves enumeration of the number of cells that remain fixed to glass after exposure to toxin and may also be adaptable to other cytotoxic bacterial products, such as the exotoxin of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Validation and Extension of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Prognostic Factors Model for Survival in Patients With Previously Untreated Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose To validate the Motzer et al prognostic factors model for survival in patients with previously untreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to identify additional independent prognostic factors. Patients and Methods Data were collected on 353 previously untreated metastatic RCC patients enrolled onto clinical trials between 1987 and 2002. Results Four of the five prognostic factors identified by Motzer were independent predictors of survival. In addition, prior radiotherapy and presence of hepatic, lung, and retroperitoneal nodal metastases were found to be independent prognostic factors. Using the number of metastatic sites as surrogate for individual sites (none or one v two or three sites), Motzer’s definitions of risk groups were expanded to accommodate these two additional prognostic factors. Using this expanded criteria, favorable risk is defined as zero or one poor prognostic factor, intermediate risk is two poor prognostic factors, and poor risk is more than two poor prognostic fact...
Kinetic Modeling Using BioPAX Ontology

Thousands of biochemical interactions are available for download from curated databases such as Reactome, Pathway Interaction Database and other sources in the Biological Pathways Exchange (BioPAX) format. However, the BioPAX ontology does not encode the necessary information for kinetic modeling and simulation. The current standard for kinetic modeling is the System Biology Markup Language (SBML), but only a small number of models are available in SBML format in public repositories. Additionally, reusing and merging SBML models presents a significant challenge, because often each element has a value only in the context of the given model, and information encoding biological meaning is absent. We describe a software system that enables a variety of operations facilitating the use of BioPAX data to create kinetic models that can be visualized, edited, and simulated using the Virtual Cell (VCell), including improved conversion to SBML (for use with other simulation tools that support this format).
The morphology of small fresh craters on Mars and the Moon

The depth/diameter ratio for new meter- to decameter-scale Martian craters formed in the last ~20 years averages 0.23, only slightly deeper than that expected for simple primary craters on rocky surfaces. Large variations in depth/diameter (d/D) between impact sites indicate that differences between the sites such as target material properties, impact velocity, angle, and physical state of the bolide(s) are important in determining the depth of small craters in the strength regime. On the Moon, the d/D of random fresh small craters with similar diameters averages only 0.10, indicating that either the majority of them are unrecognized secondaries or some proportion are degraded primaries. Older craters such as these may be shallower due to erosional infilling, which is probably not linear over time but more effective over recently disturbed and steeper surfaces, processes that are not yet acting on the new Martian craters. Brand new meter- to decameter-scale craters such as the Martian ones studied here are statistically easily distinguishable as primaries, but the origins of older craters of the same size, such as the lunar ones in this study, are ambiguous.
Parallel program correctness through refinement

We develop a theory for the correctness of asynchronous parallel programs. A program is considered correct if its behavior is in some sense similar to that of an abstract version of the program. We discuss various criteria for this similarity. We then concentrate on one of them and develop a technique for showing that a parallel program is correct with respect to this criterion.
VALUATION EFFECT OF ISSUING NONSUBORDINATED VERSUS SUBORDINATED DEBT

Recent studies analyzing stock market reaction to announcements of straight debt offerings report, in general, insignificant abnormal stock returns. In this study we examine the effect of debt seniority on market reaction. The evidence shows weakly positive abnormal returns upon the announcements of nonsubordinated straight debt offerings. In contrast, announcements of subordinated straight debt offerings induce significantly negative abnormal returns. Our findings generally support the information release hypothesis.
The Lebanese Crisis: The Limits of Consociational Democracy

(1976). The Lebanese Crisis: The Limits of Consociational Democracy. Journal of Palestine Studies: Vol. 5, No. 3-4, pp. 109-122.
THE RETENTION CONSEQUENCES OF CAPS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DURING FINANCIAL CRISES

We estimate a structural model of CEO compensation and turnover during financial crises and public bailouts, using it to analyze one of the main provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), namely a cap on executive compensation imposed on firms accepting bailouts. Using Compustat and ExecuComp data, we estimate the model's pre-policy regime and then simulate the effect of the policy on the design of executive compensation contracts, CEO turnover, the probability a firm accepts a bailout, and the probability of bankruptcy. The analysis characterizes the distortion in compensation contracts that results from the policy, i.e. the piece rate is suboptimal and is either too high or too low depending upon the executive's risk preferences and the variance in the performance measure on which the variable pay is based. While the theoretical model allows base pay and the piece rate to be either substitutes or complements, the data reveals them to be substitutes.
The Protection of Conscience: On ACA, RFRA and Free Exercise Guarantees

This article discusses the protections accorded to conscience under federal free exercise guarantees, noting that they were much weaker than commonly appreciated even prior to Smith. The article then discusses the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, explaining how Hobby Lobby not only offered an unpersuasive interpretation of that Act, but opened up the floodgates, so that a variety of previously foreclosed challenges may be brought unless the Court narrows or repudiates its Hobby Lobby analysis.
Decentralized Cooperative Control of Autonomous Surface Vehicles

Many pressing issues associated with control of cooperative intelligent systems involve challenges that arise from the difficulty of coordinating multiple task objectives in highly dynamic, unstructured environments. This chapter presents a multi-objective cooperative control methodology for a team of autonomous surface vehicles deployed with the purpose of protecting a waterway against hostile intruders. The methodology captures the intent of a human commander by breaking down high-level mission objectives into specific task assignments for a fleet of autonomous boats with a suite of on-board sensors, limited processing units, and short-range communication capabilities. The fundamental technologies supporting our control method have already been field-tested on a team of autonomous aerial vehicles, and the aim of this work is to extend the previously developed theories to multiple problem domains using heterogeneous vehicle platforms.
Infectious Diseases in the Elderly

Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. The elderly have an increased susceptibility to infection not only because of longer and more frequent periods of hospitalization but also because of the impairment of host defense mechanisms associated with aging.
Turbulent Structure near Smooth Boundary

For a Reynolds number range 18,600<R<136,000, digital time series analysis of the constant temperature anemometer signals revealed the following information: (1) The instantaneous boundary shear stress is a low frequency process with most of its spectral energy associated with frequencies, less than 5 Hz; (2) the spectral distributions are dependent on the bulk flow variables with increasing spectral content at higher frequencies with increasing Reynolds number; (3) decomposition of the instantaneous boundary shear stress into an extreme value counting process has been shown to agree with the so-called “bursting process;” (4) the mean period between shear stress excursions varies to 3/4 power of the Reynolds number and when made dimensionless using the bulk flow variables the dimensionless mean bursting is a constant; and (5) time-space correlation between the longitudinal velocity fluctuations and the boundary shear stress indicates the existence of a large inclined turbulent structure which is responsible for the transfer of turbulence into the passive viscous sublayer.
Lessons Learned from Sandy: Business Recovery and Resilience

This analysis identifies dominant local conditions after a natural disaster and the subsequent needs of small businesses in the area. We highlight the role of SBDCs as supporting the recovery of communities by helping local businesses. The analysis also advances that local SBDCs need to be helped before they are able to help their constituencies.
Synthesis conditions of europium tetrakis dibenzoylmethide triethylammonium crystals

Europium tetrakis dibenzoylmethide triethylammonium crystals are highly triboluminescent, indicating possible use in structural health monitoring. This work investigates the effect of synthesis conditions on crystalline yield and morphology of this material. Less solvent yields more material, but may cause striations in crystal faces. No statistical effect on triboluminescent yield was recorded. Scanning electron microscopy shows crystal size varies from 30–400 μm based on synthesis conditions.
Abstract 1582: Identification of miRNAs that regulate breast cancer stem cells and spontaneous metastases in orthotopic mouse models

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL To examine the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in breast cancer progression, we profiled miRNA expression in both clinical breast tumors and human-in-mouse breast tumor models, where breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) contribute to spontaneous metastasis. CD44+ cells from both primary tumors and lung metastases were highly enriched for tumor initiating cells. Based on the miRNA profile analyses, we identified a limited number of miRNAs that are differentially expressed in metastatic triple-negative breast tumors and that regulate BCSCs and tumor invasion in vitro. To facilitate miRNA functional studies in vivo, we also developed tumor imaging approaches by transducing BCSCs with optical reporter fusion genes (Luc2-eGFP or -tdTomato), which enabled both bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and FACS-based analysis and sorting. With non-invasive BLI approaches, as few as 10 cells of stably labeled BCSCs can be tracked in vivo. When optical reporters are expressed along with miRNA precursors or inhibitors, the effects of introduced miRNA candidates can be evaluated by selective imaging of the transduced tumor cells, thereby eliminating the noise of un-transduced cells. Using this model system and imaging technology, we have screened and identified miRNAs that regulate BCSCs (e.g. miR-200 family) and metastatic CSCs (MCSCs). Our metastatic cancer models, combined with non-invasive imaging techniques, comprise an integrated approach that could be applied to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying the dissemination of MCSCs, to explore therapeutic strategies targeting metastasis in general, or to evaluate individual patient tumor cells and predict response to therapy. Supported in part by the NIH T90, DOD BC087695 and Chicago Fellows Program at The University of Chicago (H.L.), University of Chicago Cancer Research Center Pilot Research Fund, UCMC/Northshore Collaborative Research Award and Ludwig Fund (G.L.G and H.L). NIH R01 and Breast Cancer Research Foundation (M.F.C. and H.L.). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1582. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1582
Perspectives of Health-Care Providers Toward Advance Care Planning in Patients With Advanced Cancer and Congestive Heart Failure.

Background:Advance care planning (ACP) discussions afford patients and physicians a chance to better understand patients’ values and wishes regarding end-of-life care; however, these conversations typically take place late in the course of a disease. The goal of this study was to clarify attitudes of oncologists, cardiologists, and primary care physicians (PCPs) toward ACP and to identify persistent barriers to timely ACP discussion following a quality improvement initiative at our health system geared at improvement in ACP implementation.Methods:A 20-question, cross-sectional online survey was created and distributed to cardiologists, oncologists, PCPs, and cardiology and oncology support staff at the NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) from February to March 2015. A total of 117 individuals (46% of distributed) completed the surveys. The results were compiled using an online survey analysis tool (SurveyMonkey, Inc., Palo Alto, California, USA).Results:Only 15% of cardiologists felt it was th...