cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contemporary glycomic approaches using ion mobility–mass spectrometry

Characterization of complex oligosaccharides has historically required extensive sample handling and separations before analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electron impact mass spectra following hydrolysis, derivatization, and gas chromatographic separation. Advances in liquid chromatography separations and tandem mass spectrometry have expanded the range of intact glycan analysis, but carbohydrate structure and conformation-integral chemical characteristics-are often difficult to assess with minimal amounts of sample in a rapid fashion. Because ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) separates analytes based upon an effective 'size-to-charge' ratio, IMS is, by extension, highly applicable to glycomics. Furthermore, the speed of IMS, its growing levels of separation efficiency, and direct compatibility with all forms of mass spectrometry, illustrates is core role in the future of glycomics efforts. This review assesses the current state of ion mobility-mass spectrometry applied to glycan, glycoprotein, and glycoconjugate analysis. Currently, assessing optimal ion polarity and adduct type for a glycan class along with the appropriate tandem mass spectrometry technique underpin many of the current glycan analysis efforts using ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IMMS). Once determined, these parameters have enabled a growing and impressive range of glycomics campaigns employing this technique. Additionally, the combination of IMS with tandem mass spectrometry, and even spectroscopic methods, further expands the dimensionality of hybrid instrumentation to provide a more comprehensive assessment of glycan structure across a wide dynamic range. Continued computational efforts to complement experimental and instrumental advancements also serve as a core component of IMMS workflows applied to glycomics and promise to maximize the information gained from mobility separations.
Review: Quest for Beauty: The Architecture, Landscapes, and Collections of John Yeon

Quest for Beauty: The Architecture, Landscapes, and Collections of John Yeon Portland Art Museum, Oregon 13 May–3 September 2017 It was the compelling power of towering snowcapped mountains, deep forests, and sharp peaks plunging precipitously into the Pacific Ocean that served as the driving force of John Yeon's life. Born in 1910, he grew up in the shadow of an ambitious father who began as a logger, rose to become a leading figure in Portland, Oregon, and in 1913 supervised the construction of the state's first paved highway along the Columbia Gorge, the nation's first scenic route. Equally important was Yeon's mother, whose pioneering family began as homesteaders in Portland in the 1850s and through whom her son acquired an appreciation of the arts. Thus early on Yeon was drawn to the vast scale and powerful pull of the natural beauty of untouched wilderness—the rugged Oregon coastline, the deep Columbia Gorge with its powerful river, the flora and fauna of the forest—but also to the small scale and refinement of fine art. Having grown up in privileged circumstances and inherited wealth, Yeon turned to architecture in his late teens. He worked summers in the offices of A. E. Doyle, Portland's largest and most successful architectural firm, whose practice followed the classicizing tradition of McKim, Mead & White, and in the office of the Beaux-Arts–trained architect Herman Brookman. Granted access to their extensive libraries of architectural books, Yeon acquired a knowledge of and taste for European traditions at once Palladian and English picturesque. …
High velocity micro- and nano-particle optical manipulation (Conference Presentation)

In contrast to many micromanipulation and microassembly techniques, optical tweezers (OT) are non-contact and are fully capable of 3D positioning. While OT have been used extensively for the ultra-precise measurement of small biomechanical forces and displacements, more recently, OT have been proposed for applications such as cell sorting, tissue engineering, and micro/nano fabrication, which all require larger translation distances and stronger forces. In these applications, manipulation speed is a key specification, but the majority of OT systems do not have the ability to reach the high velocities necessary to compete with other micromanipulation techniques in terms of throughput. In order to create faster OT systems, it is essential to understand the factors that limit the maximum manipulation speeds for different objects. Here, we present our measurements of the maximum lateral transport speeds of polystyrene, gold, and silver spheres ranging from 100 nm to 5 µm in diameter as a function of trapping beam power over a long translation distance of >0.5 mm. In particular, we investigate the behavior at high laser powers, beyond the traditional linear relationship between laser power and maximum manipulation velocity that is predicted by the balance of Stokes’ drag and optical gradient forces. We find that the nonlinear relationship between laser power and maximum velocity depends on the particle size and material, and may be caused by different factors, such as mechanical vibrations or thermal effects. Furthermore, to our knowledge, we demonstrate the fastest recorded object manipulation speed achieved using optical tweezers of 0.22 mm·s-1.
After the Sunset: The Impact of Brexit on EU Market Access for Banks and Investment Firms

The UK’s decision to leave the EU and the potential withdrawal of the UK from the single market triggered unprecedented legal and regulatory issues, particularly for UK-based banks and investment firms. A major consequence of Brexit will be the loss of EU passports for UK-based Institutions that are currently authorised to provide their services across the EEA. This paper examines whether and how UK-based institutions can continue to offer their services within the EU/EEA without the EU passport from a European and German regulatory law perspective. The analysis is based on a ‘hard Brexit’ scenario, which means that the UK will cease to be a Member State, leave the Single Market and will not apply to join the EEA.
Abnormal flow-mediated epicardial vasomotion in human coronary arteries is improved by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition: A potential role of bradykinin

Abstract OBJECTIVES This study was performed to determine whether angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition improves endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation in patients with atherosclerosis or its risk factors and whether this is mediated by enhanced bradykinin activity. BACKGROUND Abnormal coronary vasomotion due to endothelial dysfunction contributes to myocardial ischemia in patients with atherosclerosis, and its reversal may have an antiischemic action. Previous studies have shown that ACE inhibition improves coronary endothelial responses to acetylcholine, but whether this is accompanied by improved responses to shear stress remains unknown. METHODS In 19 patients with mild atherosclerosis, metabolic vasodilation was assessed during cardiac pacing. Pacing was repeated during separate intracoronary infusions of low-dose bradykinin (BK) and enalaprilat. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation was estimated with intracoronary BK and sodium nitroprusside respectively. RESULTS Enalaprilat did not alter either resting coronary vascular tone or dilation with sodium nitroprusside, but potentiated BK-mediated dilation. Epicardial segments that constricted abnormally with pacing (−5 ± 1%) dilated (3 ± 2%) with pacing in the presence of enalaprilat (p = 0.002). Similarly, BK at a concentration (62.5 ng/min) that did not alter resting diameter in the constricting segments also improved the abnormal response to a 6 ± 1% dilation (p CONCLUSIONS Thus ACE inhibition: A) selectively improved endothelium-dependent but not -independent dilation, and B) abolished abnormal flow-mediated epicardial vasomotion in patients with endothelial dysfunction, in part, by increasing endogenous BK activity.
Annexins in Bruch's membrane and drusen.

Annexins (also known as lipocortins) are a family of calcium and phospholipid-binding proteins. At least 20 members of this family are known, and they have a wide range of potential functions, such as vesicular transport and trafficking, endocytosis, exocytosis and cellcell adhesion. Annexins have molecular weights ranging between 30 and 40kDA (the exception is annexin VI which is 66kDA) and possess striking structural features. To qualify as an annexin, a protein must have 1) the presence of a conserved 70 amino acid domain repeated either 4 or 8 times in the overall structure (annexin VI has an 8 repeating amino acid domain; whereas the rest have 4), 2) the ability to bind phosopholipids in the presence of calcium. Annexins are exported from the cytosol to the exterior of cells across the plasma membrane by an unknown mehanism. When located extracellular, some annexins have been shown to function as receptors for other extracellular proteins: annexin II binds to tenascin and tissue plasminogen activator, while annexin V binds to collagen (Kojima, 1997).
SEQUENTIAL CONFIDENCE SETS: ESTIMATION-ORIENTED VERSUS TEST-ORIENTED CONSTRUCTION

Publisher Summary In fixed sample size problems, there is a standard method for constructing a confidence set (CS) for a parameter θ with prescribed coverage probability 1– α. It employs a family of level a tests, with acceptance regions A(θ), and converts this into a CS by including in the CS all θ for which the observable random variable X lies in A(θ). This method is valid just as well in sequential situations. However, the sequential CSs that have appeared in the literature generally have not been derived this way. Rather, the approach has been to choose a sensible stopping rule and proposing a terminal decision rule consisting of a CS of desired shape. These two approaches to the construction of sequential CSs are termed test-oriented and estimation-oriented, respectively. This chapter discusses the estimation-oriented approach and shows that there is an estimation-oriented confidence intervals (CI) having the desired characteristics. In terms of sample size behavior, this CI is superior to the test-oriented CI's in most points of the parameter space.
Variable breakpoints on the Philadelphia chromosome in chronic myelogenous leukemia.

The abl oncogene is translocated from chromosome 9 to 22 in the creation of the Philadelphia (Ph1) chromosome. This article describes new translocation breakpoints identified in two patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia using Southern blotting and cloned human DNA probes from chromosome 9. The translocation breakpoints on chromosome 9 in both of these patients lie closer to the human cellular abl (c-abl) gene, and the chromosome 22 breakpoints are distributed more widely than previously reported. These data help to define more clearly the chromosomal span of the breakpoints and indicate that some translocations include very little chromosome 9 sequence located 5′ to the c-abl gene.
p-Diamond as candidate for plasmonic terahertz and far infrared applications

High values of the hole mobility, low contact resistance, and high hole sheet densities in diamond two-dimensional hole gas make p-diamond field effect transistors superb candidates for implementing high temperature plasmonic sub-terahertz, terahertz, and far infrared devices. Our calculations show that p-diamond sub-THz transistors are viable contenders, especially for applications in the 200 to 600 GHz atmospheric window which are of special interest for the beyond 5 G sub-THz communications.
Accelerated Integrated Reading and Writing: A Statewide Natural Experiment

A recent state-wide curricular shift in developmental course offerings mandated that the exit levels of developmental reading and writing coursework in every public institution of higher education ...
Preservation of bacteria by lyophilization.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the preservation of bacteria by lyophilization. Lyophilization, or freeze-drying, is a term applied to the procedure of freezing and subliming water from frozen preparations. “Lyophil method” is specifically applied to the condensation of water, sublimed from frozen preparations, on a cold surface as distinct from the use of desiccants. As most biological materials dried from the frozen state are lyophilic, regardless of how water is removed, the term “lyophilization” is adopted by a number of workers to describe any process involving the sublimation of water from frozen preparations. Plug Freezing, Shell Freezing, Evaporative Freezing, and Pelletizing are the general procedures of bacterial preservation by lyophilization. In many instances lyophilization may be the preferred method but other methods, such as preservation at liquid nitrogen temperatures, may prove to be superior to lyophilization for the preservation of stock cultures. However, as the reliability of preserving viability in lyophilized cultures is increased there will probably be an increased use of lyophilized organisms to be used directly as a reagent, as in microbiological assays.
A Compact Law of the Iterated Logarithm for Random Vectors in the Generalized Domain of Attraction of the Multivariate Gaussian Law

For a sequence of independent identically distributed random vectors, we prove that the limiting cluster set of the appropriately operator normed partial sums is, with probability one, the closed unit euclidean ball. The result is proved under the hypotheses that the law of the random vectors belongs to the Generalized Domain of Attraction of the multivariate Gaussian law and satisfy a mild integrability condition. The two conditions together are still weaker than finite second normed moment and are necessary and sufficient.
Eignung der Sensoren, Strategien, Einsatzbedingungen

Die Firma KUKA ubernahm im vorliegenden Projekt als Industriepartner Aufgaben in den Teilprojekten 1, 3 und 4 mit Schwergewicht Sensorversuchsfeld. Zum Ziel des Verbundprojekts, durch Zusammenarbeit von Industrie und wissenschaftlich orientierten Instituten die Innovation und Praxiseinfuhrung auf dem Gebiet der Sensorik zu beschleunigen, konnte KUKA insbesondere durch Einbringung seiner langjahrigen Erfahrungen im Sensoreinsatz beitragen. Die Erfahrungen der letzten Jahre haben immer deutlicher gezeigt, das ein Hauptproblem des Sensoreinsatzes die Integration der Sensoren in das Gesamtkonzept darstellt. Insbesondere die immer komplexer werdenden Sensoren erfordern noch einen betrachtlichen Anpassungsaufwand und nicht zuletzt eine sorgfaltige Optimierung des Gesamtsystems Sensor-Steuerung-Roboter-Prozes.
Poster: Wireless Network Functions in the Era of Low-Power IoT

Network Function Virtualization has demonstrated how general purpose infrastructure in the cloud can match the performance of specialized hardware while providing greater flexibility and scalability. Yet, specialized hardware remains the preferred implementation choice for the wireless physical layer. This is primarily due to the tight latency requirements and high bandwidth demanded by operations at the wireless PHY, as opposed to the network-layer. This poster argues that in the era of low-power Internet of Things, virtualization of physical layer functions deserves a revisit. We specifically study low-power Internet of Things technologies that present a ripe opportunity for cloudification of wireless network functions, with their lower bandwidths and lax latency constraints. We present our vision of how physical layer function virtualization should be structured to maximize benefits and performance. We present a feasibility study on the latency and scalability limits of such virtualization for various physical layer functions that could leverage such an architecture.
FAM20A is essential for amelogenesis, but is dispensable for dentinogenesis

Mutations in the gene encoding family with sequence similarity 20, member A (FAM20A) caused amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), in humans. However, the roles of FAM20A in amelogenesis and dentinogenesis are poorly understood. In this study, we generated a Fam20a knockout (Sox2-Cre;Fam20afl/fl) mouse model by crossing Fam20afl/fl mice with Sox2-Cre transgenic mice, in which Fam20a was ablated in both dental epithelium and dental mesenchyme. We found that these mice developed an enamel phenotype that resembles human AI associated with FAM20A mutations, but did not have apparent dentin defects. The secretory stage ameloblasts in the mandibular incisors from the Sox2-Cre;Fam20afl/fl mice were shorter and detached from the enamel matrix, and subsequently lost their polarity, became disorganized and formed numerous spherical extracellular matrices in place of normal enamel. At the molecular level, the Sox2-Cre;Fam20afl/fl mice displayed dramatically reduced expression levels of the genes encoding the enamel matrix proteins, but unaltered levels of the genes encoding the dentin matrix proteins. Moreover, Fam20a ablation resulted in a great decrease in FAM20C protein level, but it did not alter the intracellular localization of FAM20C protein in ameloblasts and odontoblasts. These results indicate that FAM20A is essential for amelogenesis, but is dispensable for dentinogenesis.
Characters matter: How narratives shape affective responses to risk communication.

Introduction Whereas scientists depend on the language of probability to relay information about hazards, risk communication may be more effective when embedding scientific information in narratives. The persuasive power of narratives is theorized to reside, in part, in narrative transportation. Purpose This study seeks to advance the science of stories in risk communication by measuring real-time affective responses as a proxy indicator for narrative transportation during science messages that present scientific information in the context of narrative. Methods This study employed a within-subjects design in which participants (n = 90) were exposed to eight science messages regarding flood risk. Conventional science messages using probability and certainty language represented two conditions. The remaining six conditions were narrative science messages that embedded the two conventional science messages within three story forms that manipulated the narrative mechanism of character selection. Informed by the Narrative Policy Framework, the characters portrayed in the narrative science messages were hero, victim, and victim-to-hero. Natural language processing techniques were applied to identify and rank hero and victim vocabularies from 45 resident interviews conducted in the study area; the resulting classified vocabulary was used to build each of the three story types. Affective response data were collected over 12 group sessions across three flood-prone communities in Montana. Dial response technology was used to capture continuous, second-by-second recording of participants’ affective responses while listening to each of the eight science messages. Message order was randomized across sessions. ANOVA and three linear mixed-effects models were estimated to test our predictions. Results First, both probabilistic and certainty science language evoked negative affective responses with no statistical differences between them. Second, narrative science messages were associated with greater variance in affective responses than conventional science messages. Third, when characters are in action, variation in the narrative mechanism of character selection leads to significantly different affective responses. Hero and victim-to-hero characters elicit positive affective responses, while victim characters produce a slightly negative response. Conclusions In risk communication, characters matter in audience experience of narrative transportation as measured by affective responses.
SINR Modeling for Evaluating the CRLB for ATSC Signal Based Passive Radar Systems

Passive radar systems, which are inherently bistatic, can use multiple transmitters of opportunity that are spatially distributed to improve the detection and tracking performance. The Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB), which bounds the error variance of the radar range and velocity estimates, provides a quantitative way to evaluate the performance of a multistatic radar system by selecting the emitter that provides the best estimation accuracy for the radar parameters. The range and velocity modified Cramer-Rao lower bound (MCRLB) was derived for the advanced television system committee (ATSC) signal which is the digital television standards in North America. This work discusses the effect of varying the signal to interference noise ratio on the MCRLB as a result of using multiple transmitters with different geometries and a moving target, by accounting for the direct signal interference (DSI) component which results from the continuous nature of the passive radar signals. An example is provided for calculating the range and velocity MCRLB in Columbus, Ohio for one receiver site located in the Ohio State University ElectroScience (OSU-ESL) and multiple digital television (DTV) transmitters with different geometries. Optimal emitter maps are plotted showing the emitter that provides the best range and velocity measurement accuracy in the analyzed area.
Effect of a technology‐supported physical activity intervention on health‐related quality of life, sleep, and processes of behavior change in cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES This pilot trial tested the effect of adding a multi-level, technology-based physical activity intervention module to a standard survivorship care plan for breast and colorectal cancer survivors. The objective of this analysis was to determine whether the physical activity module improved health-related quality of life, sleep, and factors key to lasting behavior change (eg, social support, self-efficacy). METHODS Breast and colorectal cancer survivors (n = 50) were enrolled alongside a support partner. Survivors were assigned to receive a standard survivorship care plan either alone or augmented by a 12-week multi-component physical activity module. The module included a Fitbit tracker (with the physical activity data integrated into the electronic health record for clinician review) and customized email feedback. Physical activity was measured using the ActiGraph GT3X+. Psychosocial outcomes included the SF-36, FACT, ISEL, PROMIS sleep measures, and physical activity beliefs. Data were analyzed using linear mixed modeling. RESULTS Cancer survivors were aged 54.4 ± 11.2 years and were 2.0 ± 1.5 years from diagnosis. Relative to comparison, the intervention was associated with moderate-to-large improvements in physical health (effect size: d = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.0, 0.78), mental health (d = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.99), sleep impairment (d = 0.62, 95% CI = -1.02, -0.22), and exercise self-efficacy (d = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.20, 1.0). CONCLUSIONS The intervention delivered meaningful improvements in survivors' quality of life, social support, and sleep impairment. If replicated in a larger sample, adding a technology-supported physical activity module to survivorship care plans may be a practical strategy for supporting healthy survivorship. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov#: NCT02677389.
Time required to complete transvaginal cervical length in women receiving universal cervical length screening for preterm birth prevention

Preterm birth contributes to over one-third of infant deaths, and although there are several risk factors for preterm birth few tests predict this obstetric complication. Midtrimester transvaginal ...
Sarcomatoid features and lymph node-positive disease in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract Purpose The presence of sarcomatoid features and/or lymph node-positive disease may be associated with a worse prognosis in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC). We sought to better characterize patients' long-term outcomes with these features compared with those without these features. Materials and methods We identified 300 patients treated for sporadic, unilateral, nonmetastatic ChRCC between 1993 and 2019. Clinical and pathologic features were summarized, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier plots. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with recurrence. Patients with sarcomatoid features and/or nodal disease were grouped as high-risk in a secondary analysis. Results The median age was 60 years, 43.7% were female, 29.3% had pT3/T4 disease, 3.3% had sarcomatoid features, and 4% had pathologic N1 disease. Sixteen patients were categorized as high-risk based on the presence of sarcomatoid features (n = 4), pathologic N1 disease (n = 6), or both (n = 6). There were 22 recurrences; the recurrence rate in the low-risk group was 4.9% and 50% in the high-risk group. 10-year RFS was 91.4% in the low-risk group and 34.4% in the high-risk group (P Conclusions The presence of sarcomatoid features and/or lymph node-positive disease portends a poor prognosis in ChRCC. Further studies evaluating the impact of novel therapeutic agents in these patients are warranted.
Implementation of an Embedded In-Clinic Genetic Testing Station to Optimize Germline Testing for Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

Background Germline genetic testing is universally recommended for patients with pancreatic cancer, but testing remains infrequent. In May 2018, we implemented a systematic patient intake workflow featuring an in-clinic genetic testing station (GTS) at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) to expedite genetic counseling and facilitate sample collection. We sought to determine the impact of this innovation on rates of genetic counseling and testing. Methods Medical records, patient intake records, and genetic test reports were retrospectively reviewed for new patients with pancreatic cancer eligible for germline testing at UCSF from May 2018 to May 2019. Primary outcomes included the rate of offered genetic counseling and confirmed germline testing. Data were compared for periods before and after GTS implementation. Associations between demographic characteristics and testing rates were assessed. Results Genetic counseling/testing was offered to 209 (94%) of 223 eligible patients, and 158 (71%) completed testing (135 at UCSF, 23 elsewhere). Compared with a traditional referral-based genetic counseling model, confirmed testing increased from 19% to 71%, patient attrition between referral and genetics appointment decreased from 36% to 3%, and rate of pathogenic variant detection increased from 20% to 33%. Patients who were younger, identified as non-Hispanic White, and spoke English as a primary language were more likely to complete testing. Conclusions Implementation of a systematic patient intake workflow and in-clinic GTS resulted in the highest reported real-world rate of germline testing for patients with pancreatic cancer. Health care disparities were identified and will guide future innovation. This report provides a model for other centers to create a similar testing infrastructure. Implications for practice This study demonstrates that a systematic patient intake workflow and associated in-clinic genetic testing station improve delivery of genetic counseling and completion of germline testing for patients with pancreatic cancer. This study achieved, to the authors' knowledge, the highest real-world rate of confirmed genetic testing in this patient population. This article describes this innovation in detail to guide replication at other medical centers and facilitate guideline-concordant care for patients with pancreatic cancer. This infrastructure can also be applied to other cancers for which germline testing is recommended.
Gold-tantalum alloy films deposited by high-density-plasma magnetron sputtering

Gold-tantalum alloy films are of interest for biomedical and magnetically-assisted inertial confinement fusion applications. Here, we systematically study the effects of substrate tilt ( 0°–80°) and negative substrate bias (0–100 V) on properties of ≲3- μm-thick films deposited by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) from a Au–Ta alloy target (with 80 at. % of Ta). Results reveal that, for all the substrate bias values studied, an increase in substrate tilt leads to a monotonic decrease in film thickness, density, residual compressive stress, and electrical conductivity. Larger substrate bias favors the formation of a body-centered cubic phase, with films exhibiting lower column tilt and higher density, electrical conductivity, and residual compressive stress. These changes are attributed to metal atom ionization effects, based on the lack of correlation with distributions of landing energies and incident angles of depositing species as calculated by Monte Carlo simulations of ballistic collisions and gas phase atomic transport. By varying substrate tilt and bias in HiPIMS deposition, properties of Au–Ta alloy films can be controlled in a very wide range, including residual stress from −2 to +0.5 GPa, density from 12 to 17 g/ cm3, and the electrical resistivity from 50 to 4500 μΩ cm, enabling optimum deposition conditions to be selected for specific applications.
High-Throughput Biophysical Approaches to Therapeutic Protein Development

High-throughput methods have become indispensible tools in the development of proteins as therapeutic agents and are being applied in every phase of protein product development from candidate selection and purification development through commercial formulation development. This chapter presents some of the latest refinements in high-throughput biophysical methods and their application in therapeutic protein development. The methods discussed include liquid chromatography, surface plasmon resonance, light absorption spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, calorimetry (both isothermal titration and differential scanning), and light scattering. In addition, empirical phase diagram as a tool to interpret results from high-throughput biophysical approaches is discussed. Finally, an industry perspective on the advantages and challenges of implementing high-throughput technology in therapeutic protein development is presented.
Glance Privacy: Obfuscating Personal Identity While Coding Behavioral Video.

Behavioral researchers code video to extract systematic meaning from subtle human actions and emotions. While this has traditionally been done by analysts within a research group, recent methods have leveraged online crowds to massively parallelize this task and reduce the time required from days to seconds. However, using the crowd to code video increases the risk that private information will be disclosed because workers who have not been vetted will view the video data in order to code it. In this Work-in-Progress, we discuss techniques for maintaining privacy when using Glance to code video and present initial experimental evidence to support them.
Effects of the property tax on operating and investment decisions of rental property owners: An empirical test

Abstract A model of landlord behavior presented in DeSalvo (1971) is combined with the bid curve of Rosen (1974) to yield the hypothesis that, in the stationary state, a reduction in the property tax rate will lead housing capital to rise unambiguously and housing's current input either to rise or fall. Since the theory only predicts the directions of change in the inputs, the magnitudes of these changes are estimated with the result that a ten percent reduction in the tax rate will lead capital to rise by 0.6 percent and the current input by 4.9 percent, both at the one percent significance level. Thus, if, as DeSalvo suggests, upgrading is defined as a rise in capital, the null hypothesis that upgrading will not occur with a fall in the property tax rate must be rejected at the one percent level.
Development of read-out circuit and level 2 buffering for multi-channel time measurement chip

The authors describe the design and development of the read-out circuit and level two buffering for a multichannel time measurement chip, L21. The current design interfaces a four-channel version of the time measurement cell with the next level in the data acquisition chain, the data collection chip, for the read-out of the SDC (Solenoidal Detector Collaboration) straw tracking detector. The entire chip was implemented as a standard cell design, except for a full-custom dual-port embedded SRAM (static random-access memory). To verify the logical functionality of the design it was simulated using Verilog. Timing simulations were done with Hspice on blocks of up to 7000 transistors to verify the operation of certain critical high-speed interconnects. The chip was submitted for fabrication in a 1.2 mu m n-well process and measured 12 mm/sup 2/. >
Gamma interferon prevents diabetes in the BB rat.

BB rats were initially injected intraperitoneally with murine recombinant IFN-g (rIFN-g) at doses of 0.5 3 10 4 to 40 3 10 4 U three times a week for 6 weeks beginning at 35 days of age. The effects of altering the duration of treatment (2 to 6 weeks) and the age at which injections were initiated (45 through 65 days) were also assessed. rIFN-g administration prevented the development of diabetes in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal treatment condition resulted in a 9.1% incidence of diabetes versus a 90% incidence in control rats. This diabetes-sparing effect was long lasting and continued to 7 months of age. A 4- to 6-week course resulted in maximal inhibition. Treatment initiated as late as 55 days of age, when insulitis is already present, was effective in preventing diabetes. Islet inflammation was dramatically lower in rIFN-g- versus saline-injected rats (P < 0.01). Total leukocyte count and subpopulations of peripheral mononuclear cells were unaltered by rIFN-g. In summary, rIFN-g paradoxically and potently prevents diabetes in BB rats in a dose-dependent fashion by inhibiting islet inflammation. This diabetes-sparing effect occurs even when injections are initiated after evidence of the diabetic process is already present. The BB rat spontaneously develops diabetes and serves as an animal model to study the pathogenesis of human insulindependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) (15, 17). As in IDDM, the pathogenesis of diabetes is due to a T-cell-mediated autoimmune process associated with specific class II major histocompatibility complex molecules and is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of islets (2, 13, 15). Gamma interferon (IFN-g), a cytokine secreted by T lymphocytes in response to antigen stimulation, has important immunomodulatory properties (33) and is thought to play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus. IFN-g has been detected in the sera of patients with new-onset IDDM (6, 26). IFN-g antibody administration has been demonstrated to inhibit diabetes in both the BB rat and NOD mouse models of type 1 diabetes (3, 18). This cytokine not only sensitizes beta cells to T-cell lysis (14) but is beta cell cytotoxic (20). Furthermore, diabetes has been induced in transgenic mice expressing IFN-g within beta cells (22). However, we hypothesize that IFN-g can paradoxically inhibit the autoimmune diabetic process since IFN-g treatment has been shown to suppress and inhibit the course of other autoimmune diseases including human rheumatoid arthritis (11, 12) and autoimmune polyarteritis (19). Thus, IFN-g administration could also favorably alter the development of IDDM. This report explores the hypothesis that IFN-g inhibits the development of diabetes in the BB rat model of human IDDM.
Structural Basis of Specificity and Cross-Reactivity in T Cell Receptors Specific for Cytochrome c–I-Ek

T cells specific for the cytochrome c Ag are widely used to investigate many aspects of TCR specificity and interactions with peptide-MHC, but structural information has long been elusive. In this study, we present structures for the well-studied 2B4 TCR, as well as a naturally occurring variant of the 5c.c7 TCR, 226, which is cross-reactive with more than half of possible substitutions at all three TCR-sensitive residues on the peptide Ag. These structures alone and in complex with peptide-MHC ligands allow us to reassess many prior mutagenesis results. In addition, the structure of 226 bound to one peptide variant, p5E, shows major changes in the CDR3 contacts compared with wild-type, yet the TCR V-region contacts with MHC are conserved. These and other data illustrate the ability of TCRs to accommodate large variations in CDR3 structure and peptide contacts within the constraints of highly conserved TCR–MHC interactions.
A priori degeneracy of one-dimensional rotation sets for periodic point free torus maps

Diffeomorphisms of the two torus that are isotopic to the identity have rotation sets that are convex compact subsets of the plane. We show that certain line segments (including all rationally sloped segments with no rational points) cannot be realized as a rotation set.
RISK OF SUBSEQUENT AND SIMULTANEOUS SIDS IN INFANTS OF TWIN PREGNANCIES• 453

Background: Previous reports suggest that infants of twin births are at an increased risk for SIDS. It has also been reported that the risk of a SIDS death for the surviving co-twin is increased above the risk of either twin dying of SIDS. Studies of simultaneous or subsequent SIDS deaths among twin pairs have been,for the most part, regional population studies or small case series studies. We, therefore, examined the risk of simultaneous or subsequent SIDS death among twin pairs in the 1987 U.S. live birth cohort. Methods: A SIDS death was defined as a death ascribed an ICD-9 code of 7890, having had an autopsy, and dying within the first 365 days of life. The data came from the 1987 U.S. Vital Statistics Linked Birth and Death Certificate tapes. Results: There were 76,292 infants of twin pregnancies (TP) in the birth cohort weighing 500 or more grams at birth and 24 or more weeks gestation. Using a matching algorithm described by Fowler, et al(Am J Obstet Gynecol 1991;165:15-22) we matched 66,276 twins to their co-twin (33,138 twin pregnancies). There were 183 SIDS deaths among the twin births for a SIDS rate of 5.52/1,000 TP. There were 6 twins (3 pair) in which the co-twin also died of SIDS yielding a probability of both twins dying of SIDS of 0.18/1,000 TP. There were no simultaneous SIDS deaths reported. The probability of a 2nd twin dying of SIDS given one twin had already died of SIDS was 0.0339 for a relative risk of a 2nd twin dying of SIDS compared to 1 twin dying of SIDS of 6.1. Conclusions: These data document the rarity of the occurrence of both twins dying of SIDS, but support the observation of the increased risk of SIDS in a surviving co-twin. Further research into the timing of subsequent SIDS deaths among twin pairs could provide important information on the potential etiology of SIDS among infants of both twin and singleton pregnancies.
A new approach to study mucoadhesion: colloidal gold staining

Abstract A new in vitro method called “mucin-gold staining” was developed for the quantitative comparison of mucoadhesive properties of various hydrogels. The technique employs red colloidal gold particles which are stabilized by the adsorbed mucin molecules (mucin-gold conjugates). Upon interaction with mucin-gold conjugates, mucoadhesive hydrogels develop a red color on the surface. Thus, the mucoadhesive properties of hydrogels can be compared quantitatively by measuring the intensity of the red color. The pH-dependent stability of mucin-gold conjugates were examined and optimum conditions for mucin-gold staining were determined. The validity of the mucin-gold staining as a method to determine mucoadhesive property was tested using acrylic hydrogels of which mucoadhesive properties were well known. The potential applications and the advantages of this new in vitro technique are discussed.
Factors affecting the utility of technology-mediated collaboration in science and engineering

There is significant interest in scientific and industrial collaboration and the CSCW technologies to support it. What is missing, however, is a means for systematic assessment of prospective users, in order to determine what tools are needed and how organizational factors encourage or discourage collaboration. This study proposes development and deployment of a survey instrument measuring social and organizational factors that will likely affect the utility of collaboration for scientists in 3 fields. Results will drive the design of other types of tools for assessing group needs, and specific recommendations about tools likely to be useful under different conditions.
Sirolimus in combination with cyclosporine or tacrolimus plus methotrexate for prevention of graft-versus-host disease following hematopoietic cell transplantation from unrelated donors.

Abstract In 2 consecutive prospective clinical trials, we evaluated the efficacy of sirolimus together with a calcineurin inhibitor (cyclosporine or tacrolimus) and low-dose methotrexate for prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after unrelated hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Nine patients received sirolimus with cyclosporine, and 17 received sirolimus with tacrolimus. The incidence of grade II-IV GVHD was 77%, with the median onset at day 7 after HCT. Because of toxicity, administration of sirolimus was discontinued earlier than planned in 11 patients, but after the onset of GVHD. Three patients developed renal failure requiring hemodialysis. Accrual in both studies was terminated because of lack of efficacy. In these studies, the addition of sirolimus to regimens containing a calcineurin inhibitor and methotrexate appeared to cause toxicity and provided no detectable improvement in preventing GVHD.
Diethylene glycol-induced toxicities show marked threshold dose response in rats

Diethylene glycol (DEG) exposure poses risks to human health because of widespread industrial use and accidental exposures from contaminated products. To enhance the understanding of the mechanistic role of metabolites in DEG toxicity, this study used a dose response paradigm to determine a rat model that would best mimic DEG exposure in humans. Wistar and Fischer-344 (F-344) rats were treated by oral gavage with 0, 2, 5, or 10g/kg DEG and blood, kidney and liver tissues were collected at 48h. Both rat strains treated with 10g/kg DEG had equivalent degrees of metabolic acidosis, renal toxicity (increased BUN and creatinine and cortical necrosis) and liver toxicity (increased serum enzyme levels, centrilobular necrosis and severe glycogen depletion). There was no liver or kidney toxicity at the lower DEG doses (2 and 5g/kg) regardless of strain, demonstrating a steep threshold dose response. Kidney diglycolic acid (DGA), the presumed nephrotoxic metabolite of DEG, was markedly elevated in both rat strains administered 10g/kg DEG, but no DGA was present at 2 or 5g/kg, asserting its necessary role in DEG-induced toxicity. These results indicate that mechanistically in order to produce toxicity, metabolism to and significant target organ accumulation of DGA are required and that both strains would be useful for DEG risk assessments.
A Procedure for Including the Dam and Maternal Grandsire in USDA-DHIA Cow Indexes

Abstract The United States Department of Agriculture-Dairy Herd Improvement Association Cow Index currently uses data from only the cow and her sire. The suggested procedure also will include data from the dam and maternal grandsire. Substituting the dam's Cow Index for the dam and maternal grandsire data is equivalent to a four-source Cow Index. The procedure provides necessary weights for the four sources by one simple calculation of a weight rather than by inversion of a matrix. These efficiencies of calculation permit economical calculations of more accurate Cow Indexes.
Behavioral antecedents of cocaine-induced stereotypy.

Abstract The effect of cocaine on discriminative behavior was determined in a study in which the subject's ongoing behavior at the time of drug administration was manipulated. Cats were trained in a discrimination task where bar-pressing when a tone was present (S+) resulted in milk reinforcement. When the tone was absent (S-) milk was not delivered. The duration of these periods varied randomly during 30-min sessions and responses during S- delayed the next trial. Once a high level of discrimination was achieved, drug testing was begun. Ongoing behavior was manipulated by scheduling either a 5-min S+ or S- period immediately after cocaine injection (1 mg/kg). When S+ followed cocaine, stereotyped bar-pressing developed with markedly increased responding during the remainder of the session. In contrast, when S- followed cocaine, suppression of bar-pressing developed. The effect could be reversed in most subjects when stimulus conditions were later reversed. A similar experiment using rats yielded similar results. These results indicate that ongoing behavior and stimulus conditions are critically important in determing the behavioral effects of cocaine.
Fruits from shade trees in coffee: how important are they?

Agroforestry systems often receive attention and support in the literature for what is perceived as the benefits from multiple products associated with the trees that create the “forest” component of the setting. A comparison of small coffee growers’ use of fruits derived from the coffee agroforestry holding in Guatemala and Peru reveals that significant differences exist between these groups—not merely in the importance of the fruits themselves, but in the ways they are used. The overall importance of fruits from the coffee system accounts for a relatively small portion of the total value coming from the coffee area (about 10%), but the consumption and sales of the various products do generate needed income or sustenance for most farmers. The fate of fruits shows significant differences between the two countries. Whether at the farm level or on a per hectare basis, Guatemalan coffee farmers are more linked into a market economy and sell significantly more fruits than Peruvian farmers. The opposite is the case when on-farm consumption (use value) of the fruits is compared. While the potential value of these products may be quite large (from $95 to $270/ha), we find that little gets consumed or sold, resulting in tremendous loss of potential benefits that could flow from these sources. Both groups lose more fruits than are sold or used, with Guatemalans foregoing more than three times the dollar value per hectare than Peruvians ($151/ha vs. $44/ha). Data about the economic context within which these growers and the fruits from coffee are found reveal possible reasons as to why we see the differences in use and exchange values realized in the two countries.
Spectral induced polarization effect in unconventional reservoir rocks

Unconventional hydrocarbon (HC) reserves, e.g., heavy oils, bituminous sands, and oiland gas-shale substantially surpass those of conventional resources and therefore are extremely economically attractive; however, exploration and production of unconventional reserves is challenging. This paper demonstrates that one can observe significant induced polarization (IP) effects in shale reservoir rocks, which can be used in exploration for unconventional reserves. This study is based on application of the generalized effective-medium theory of induced polarization (GEMTIP) for analysis of the complex resistivity (CR) of oiland gas-shale rocks. GEMTIP modeling provides a basis for remote petrophysical analysis of shale rocks, which we compared with an actual structural analysis of shale rocks using Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy (QEMSCAN) and core analysis. We demonstrate that GEMTIP modeling provides an evaluation of mineral composition and volume fractions in rock samples. Spectral induced polarization (SIP) measurements were conducted for different types of shale rocks to test the feasibility of the SIP method and GEMTIP modeling for studying unconventional HC reserves. The results of this study provide a basis for future application of the SIP method for exploration and monitoring of unconventional reserves.