cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Precision of Multiple Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissue

We compared the reproducibility of multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry-based peptide quantitation in tryptic digests from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and frozen clear cell renal cell carcinoma tissues. The analyses targeted a candidate set of 114 peptides previously identified in shotgun proteomic analyses, of which 104 were detectable in FFPE and frozen tissue. Although signal intensities for MRM of peptides from FFPE tissue were on average 66% of those in frozen tissue, median coefficients of variation (CV) for measurements in FFPE and frozen tissues were nearly identical (18–20%). Measurements of lysine C-terminal peptides and arginine C-terminal peptides from FFPE tissue were similarly reproducible (19.5% and 18.3% median CV, respectively). We further evaluated the precision of MRM-based quantitation by analysis of peptides from the Her2 receptor in FFPE and frozen tissues from a Her2 overexpressing mouse xenograft model of breast cancer and in human FFPE breast cancer sp...
Aging and the Hidden Costs of Going Home to Mexico

Data from the Mexican Census reveal that between 2005 and 2015, nearly two million migrants returned voluntarily to Mexico from the United States. Currently, high rates of voluntary-return migration to Mexico continue at the same time that migration flows to the U.S. steadily decline. This return migration trend presents serious challenges for Mexico, a country that has long struggled to satisfy the health care demands of its population. However, little is known about return migrants' health care needs. In this study, we examine the health risk profiles and healthcare utilization for Mexican return migrants and the non-migrant population. We examine how these outcomes are affected by both the migration and return migration experience of the returnee population, while paying close attention to age-group differences. We employ inverse probability weighting regression adjustment (IPWRA) and logistic regression analysis of a sample of 348,450 respondents from the 2014 National Survey of Demographic Dynamics (ENADID) to test for differences in health conditions between those Mexican return migrants and non-migrants. We then turn to the Survey of Migration at Mexico's Northern Border (EMIF Norte, for its Spanish acronym) for the 2014-2017 period to further assess whether certain characteristics linked to aging and the migration experience influence the prevalence of chronic health conditions, and health insurance coverage among 17,258 returned migrants. Findings reveal that compared to non-migrants, returnees are more likely to be physically impaired. These poor health outcomes are influenced by the migration and return migration experience and vary by age group and duration of residence, the time that has elapsed since returning to Mexico. We do not find an association between return migration and mental or emotional distress. Policy implications are discussed in light of immigration reform and restrictions on eligibility for health insurance coverage for older adults in Mexico.
Comparable clinical outcomes using knotless and knot-tying anchors for arthroscopic capsulolabral repair in recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability at mean 5-year follow-up

To compare rates of recurrent instability, revision surgery and functional outcomes following arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair for recurrent anterior instability using knot-tying versus knotless suture anchor techniques. Patients who had undergone arthroscopic anterior labrum and capsular repair for recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability using knotless anchors were identified. Those with minimum 2-year follow-up were matched (1:2) to knot-tying anchor repair patients. Rates of failure and recurrent instability were compared, as well as Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and Rowe scores. One hundred and two patients (89 males, 13 females) with a mean age of 24.3 ± 9.6 were included. Repair was performed with knotless anchors in 34 and knot-tying anchors in 68 shoulders. At mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 2.5 years, re-dislocation rates between groups were not significantly different (knotless anchor: 9% versus knot-tying group: 15%, n.s.), but the knot-tying group showed a higher re-subluxation rate (p = 0.039). 12 (18%) revisions were performed in the knot-tying group at a mean 2.9 years after surgery and 1 (3%) revision in the knotless anchors group at 1.4 years (n.s.). There was no difference in mean VAS with use (1.3 ± 1.9 versus 0.8 ± 1.5, n.s.), SANE scores (91.8 ± 12.7 versus 92.0 ± 11.0, n.s.), QuickDASH scores (4.1 ± 5.5 versus 3.0 ± 6.5, n.s.), UCLA Shoulder Score (32.5 ± 3.6 versus 33.2 ± 3.1, n.s.), or Rowe scores (90.5 ± 18.5 versus 92.2 ± 16.6, n.s.) between knotless and knot-tying groups, respectively. VAS at rest was higher in the knotless group (0.7 ± 1.5 vs 0.1 ± 0.4, p = 0.021). Knotless anchors demonstrated similar rates of re-dislocation and revision surgery, and lower rates of recurrent subluxation, compared to knot-tying anchors. Patients achieved good-to-excellent functional outcomes. This supports the efficacy of knotless anchors as an alternative to knot-tying anchors for arthroscopic anterior labral repair of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation. III.
Civic and Moral Learning

As a public servant and an educator, Thomas Ehrlich has spent his adult life serving the public good. Recently he has also dedicated himself to finding ways students can develop the knowledge, skil...
Accelerating the rate of discovery: Towards high-repetition-rate HED science

As high-intensity short-pulse lasers that can operate at high-repetition-rate (HRR) (>10 Hz) come online around the world, the high-energy-density (HED) science they enable will experience a radical paradigm shift. The >10^3x increase in shot rate over today’s shot-per-hour drivers translates into dramatically faster data acquisition and more experiments, and thus the potential to significantly accelerate the advancement of HED science. We will present the vision and ongoing work to realize a HRR framework that allows for rapidly delivered optimal experiments by bringing together feedback laser control loops, high-throughput targetry and diagnostics, cognitive simulation, enhanced HED codes, and advanced data analytics.
State preemption of local gun regulations: taking aim at barriers to change in firearm policy

Forty-five states have adopted express preemption statutes curtailing or entirely prohibiting local gun regulation, and several jurisdictions now threaten localities with penalties for violating such restrictions. These measures have been remarkably effective in reducing the breadth and variety of gun laws nationwide, but their consequences have only just begun to attract attention. Public debates over guns tend to center on the Second Amendment while overlooking state-level obstacles to local lawmaking, and the scholarship on state-local preemption lacks an analysis devoted exclusively to the gun-policy space. To fill these gaps, this Article provides a comprehensive account of the firearm preemption phenomenon. Part I argues for greater local autonomy with respect to gun rights and regulations, highlighting what is at stake when states preclude communities from responding to local problems and preferences. In Part II, the Article traces the rise of firearm preemption and offers a framework for classifying the relevant statutes. Part III examines the mechanisms through which these laws derail local gun policymaking, and Part IV evaluates strategies for restoring and expanding local authority over firearms. Ultimately, the Article demonstrates that state preemption is the primary barrier to local gun regulation and a severe constraint on opportunities for addressing many firearm-related challenges. Absent a concerted effort to scale back firearm preemption provisions, local governments will remain incapable of realizing their potential as sites for effective gun lawmaking. These conclusions yield new insights for both the firearms-law literature specifically and the ongoing dialogue around state-local relations more broadly.
The role of cognitive change in desistance from crime: do cognitive-behavioral programs spark cognitive change and desistance?

Considerable research has been conducted to understand the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral programs in reducing recidivism. This is a result of continued interest in understanding ‘what works...
The associations of CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio, and HIV viral load with survival from non-small cell lung cancer in persons living with HIV.

HIV status may influence survival from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Among NSCLC patients in the Bronx, NY, we assessed (1) associations of CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio and HIV viral load (VL) with survival and (2) prognostic factors among persons living with HIV (PLWH). We compared survival from NSCLC diagnosis (2004-2017) between HIV-negative persons (HIV-, n=2,881) and PLWH (n=88) accounting for clinical and sociodemographic factors. HIV-survival was also compared with PLWH, dichotomized by CD4 (<200 vs. ≥200cells/µL), CD4/CD8 (median, <0.43 vs. ≥0.43) and VL (<75 vs. ≥75copies/mL) at NSCLC diagnosis. Among PLWH, we assessed the relationships of CD4, CD4/CD8, and VL with survival, adjusting for age, sex, and cancer stage. PLWH with CD4< 200cells/µL had lower survival than HIV- [hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval [HR(95%CI)]=1.86(0.98-3.55)]. Survival was similar between PLWH with CD4≥ 200cells/µL and HIV- [HR(95%CI) = 0.90(0.61-1.33)]. Results were similar when categorizing PLWH by CD4/CD8 [vs. HIV-: low CD4/CD8: HR(95%CI) = 1.74(1.07-3.89); high CD4/CD8: HR(95%CI) = 0.63(0.37-1.07)] and VL [vs. HIV-: <75copies/mL: HR(95%CI) = 0.74(0.46-1.21), ≥75copies/mL: HR(95%CI) = 1.41(0.88-2.27)]. Among PLWH, CD4< 200cells/µL was associated with worse survival [vs. CD4≥ 200cells/µL: HR(95%CI) = 2.37(1.14-4.92)]. CD4, CD4/CD8, and VL may be prognostic markers for PLWH with NSCLC, suggesting immune status may be important in NSCLC survival among PLWH.
Black Feminist Mathematics Pedagogies (BlackFMP): A curricular confrontation to gendered antiblackness in the US mathematics education system

This essay introduces Nicole Joseph’s Black Feminist Mathematics Pedagogies (BlackFMP), a theoretical and pedagogical model grounded in Black feminism and Black girlhood. BlackFMP is a framework in...
Utilizing a tyrosine exporter to facilitate 4-hydroxystyrene biosynthesis in an E. coli-E. coli co-culture

Abstract 4-hydroxystyrene is an important commodity chemical with recognized industrial values. In this study, 4-hydroxystyrene biosynthesis was achieved using engineered E. coli. An amino acid exporter protein PhpCAT was utilized in combination with a previously developed biosensor-assisted cell selection mechanism to strengthen the biosynthesis of the pathway intermediate tyrosine. When incorporated into an E. coli-E. coli co-culture, the exporter also improved tyrosine’s mass transfer between the co-culture members to facilitate the streamlined 4-hydroxystyrene bioproduction. It was shown that the resulting co-culture produced 298 mg/L 4-hydroxystyrene from 5 g/L glucose, which is 96% higher than the control co-culture without the exporter. The achieved yield of 0.06 g/g glucose, to our knowledge, is the highest among previous studies on microbial biosynthesis. Our finding demonstrates that the utilization of the exporter protein for a pathway intermediate is an effective methodology for enhancing biosynthesis performance of microbial co-cultures.
Acute Genetic Ablation of Cardiac Sodium/Calcium Exchange in Adult Mice: Implications for Cardiomyocyte Calcium Regulation, Cardioprotection, and Arrhythmia.

Background Sodium-calcium (Ca2+) exchanger isoform 1 (NCX1) is the dominant Ca2+ efflux mechanism in cardiomyocytes and is critical to maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis during excitation-contraction coupling. NCX1 activity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, but a lack of specific NCX1 blockers complicates experimental interpretation. Our aim was to develop a tamoxifen-inducible NCX1 knockout (KO) mouse to investigate compensatory adaptations of acute ablation of NCX1 on excitation-contraction coupling and intracellular Ca2+ regulation, and to examine whether acute KO of NCX1 confers resistance to triggered arrhythmia and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Methods and Results We used the α-myosin heavy chain promoter (Myh6)-MerCreMer promoter to create a tamoxifen-inducible cardiac-specific NCX1 KO mouse. Within 1 week of tamoxifen injection, NCX1 protein expression and current were dramatically reduced. Diastolic Ca2+ increased despite adaptive reductions in Ca2+ current and action potential duration and compensatory increases in excitation-contraction coupling gain, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2 and plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase. As these adaptations progressed over 4 weeks, diastolic Ca2+ normalized and SR Ca2+ load increased. Left ventricular function remained normal, but mild fibrosis and hypertrophy developed. Transcriptomics revealed modification of cardiovascular-related gene networks including cell growth and fibrosis. NCX1 KO reduced spontaneous action potentials triggered by delayed afterdepolarizations and reduced scar size in response to ischemia/reperfusion. Conclusions Tamoxifen-inducible NCX1 KO mice adapt to acute genetic ablation of NCX1 by reducing Ca2+ influx, increasing alternative Ca2+ efflux pathways, and increasing excitation-contraction coupling gain to maintain contractility at the cost of mild Ca2+-activated hypertrophy and fibrosis and decreased survival. Nevertheless, KO myocytes are protected against spontaneous action potentials and ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Purification and structure of caltrin-like proteins from seminal vesicle of the guinea pig.

Two different small proteins that cross-react with the antiserum against bovine caltrin (calcium transport inhibitor) have been purified from the seminal vesicle contents of the guinea pig. The primary structure and some molecular characteristics of the pure proteins are reported. The two proteins interact with concanavalin A indicating the presence of carbohydrates in their molecules. Chemical deglycosylation with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, after reduction and carboxymethylation, results in complete loss of affinity for the lectin. Removal of sugar components from the structure destroys the ability of caltrin-like proteins to react with antibodies to bovine caltrin. The protein moving faster on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is designated guinea pig caltrin I, the other is II. They contain 45 and 55 amino acids, and the molecular weights of the peptide portions are 5082 and 6255, respectively. Although they have entirely different amino acid sequences, they share some common features: recognition by rabbit antibodies to bovine caltrin, the predominance of basic residues and the presence of 3 cysteine residues in fraction I and 8 in fraction II. The proteins have pI values of 9.5 and 10.2, respectively, which are consistent with the amino acid composition. The two pure fractions are approximately equally effective, on a weight basis, as inhibitors of 45Ca2+ uptake by guinea pig spermatozoa. The data presented reinforce the hypothesis that caltrin-like proteins are responsible for the previously reported (Coronel, C.E., San Agustin, J., and Lardy, H.A. (1988) Biol. Reprod. 38, 713-722), calcium-transport inhibitor activity detected in reproductive tract fluid from adult male guinea pigs.
Quick Service Restaurant (Fast) Food and Obesity: A systematic review of human studies

BACKGROUND: Some hypothesize that quick service restaurant food (QSRF; i.e., fast-food) uniquely contributes to obesity. Here, we present preliminary characterizations of scientific reports on the ...
Serum TNF-α in psoriasis after treatment with propylthiouracil, an antithyroid thioureylene

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and its receptors play important roles in the development and persistence of psoriatic plaques. The antithyroid thioureylenes, propylthiouracil and methimazole, are effective in the treatment of patients with psoriasis with a significant number of patients showing clearing or near clearing of their lesions after a several weeks of treatment. The present study examined the effect of treatment with propylthiouracil, given in a dose of 100 mg every 8 hours for 3 months, on the serum levels of TNF-α in 9 patients with plaque psoriasis. Propylthiouracil therapy did not result in a significant decline in serum TNF-α concentrations. The findings suggest that the therapeutic effect of propylthiouracil in psoriasis appears not to be related to any change in the concentration of TNF-α but occurs via an anti-proliferative mechanism as we have previously speculated.
FATALITIES INVOLVING BICYCLES: A NON-RANDOM POPULATION

Bicycle riders constitute a small subgroup of all roadway deaths. Bicycle/motor vehicle collision fatalities are less frequent than pedestrian/motor vehicle fatalities. Studies have shown that non-fatal injuries of bicyclists are not randomly distributed, but follow age and sex trends that differ in the U.S. and Scandinavia. Although the bicycle-related fatalities reviewed herein do not constitute a complete profile of all such cases within our geographic area, review of these cases does provide insight into the non-random population of fatally injured cyclists in urban and rural America. A retrospective demographic and forensic medical review of 36 bicycle-related fatalities was done to clarify features of this non-random population. Consistent features including age and sex, patterned injuries and risk-taking behavior are discussed. Three of 24 (12%) adult cyclists died of homicidal gunshot wounds.
Isolation and Characterization of Single and Sulfide-Bridged Double [4Fe–4S] Cubane Clusters with 4-Pyridinethiolato Ligands

Cuboidal iron–sulfur clusters, [4Fe–4S], are important electron-transfer (ET) sites in biology. In addition, more complex structures, usually consisting of modified or fused cubane clusters, are used as active sites in many important enzymes. For example, the Fe–Mo cofactor (FeMoco) of nitrogenase contains two fused cubanes. Here, we report the synthesis of three new para-pyridylthiolate ligated iron–sulfur cubane clusters, two single clusters (Bu4N)2[Fe4S4(SMePy)4] and (Bu4N)2[Fe4S4(SPy)4], and the sulfide-bridged double cubane (Bu4N)4[{Fe4S4(SPy)3}2S] with 4-pyridinethiolato exogenous ligands. The properties of these clusters were then explored by 1H NMR, IR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and X-ray crystallography. Importantly, (Bu4N)4[{Fe4S4(SPy)3}2S] is the first example of a crystallographically characterized sulfide-bridged double cubane with all-thiolato exogenous ligands that is not supported by a large encapsulating ligand. This cluster shows a bridging Fe–S–Fe angle of 104°, its other structural parameters are in close agreement with those of the single-cluster analog (Bu4N)2[Fe4S4(SPy)4]. Finally, the one-electron-reduced forms of (Bu4N)2[Fe4S4(SPy)4] and (Bu4N)4[{Fe4S4(SPy)3}2S] were studied by low-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Both clusters exhibit reversible one-electron reductions at –401 and –528 mV [vs. the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE)], respectively. The one-electron-reduced forms of both clusters show S = 1/2 ground states as evident from EPR spectroscopy at liquid-helium temperature. The temperature-dependent data for the double cubane further indicate that the extra electron is trapped in one of the clusters of the dimer and that a low-lying excited state is likely present in this complex, close in energy to the ground state.
SIMS and modeling of ion implants into photoresist

Silicon wafers were coated with Shipley AZ-7500 photoresist and SIMS was carried out directly on the resist and the underlying silicon. The samples were implanted with B, P, and As with a dose of 5E13/cm/sup 2/ in the 100 to 1500 keV energy range. Two different resist thicknesses were picked: a 3 /spl mu/m resist to completely stop the ions within the resist and a 2.3 /spl mu/m resist to allow partial penetration of the implant into the silicon substrate. SIMS was done with 5.5 keV O/sub 2//sup +/ or 3 keV Cs/sup +/ on carbon-capped specimens. The SIMS data show a sharp transition at the photoresist to silicon interface indicating high depth resolution. Comparison of single versus multiple implants demonstrate that the implants do not interfere with each other. Range, sigma, and skewness are extracted by matching the SIMS profiles within SUPREM-3. With the exception of an exponential tail in the front-side of the implant maximum for the boron profiles, agreement between SIMS and simulation is good. Results were compared with the predictions of TRIM using the gravimetrically-measured density and known chemical composition of the cured resist. TRIM data were fitted by adjusting the density and adding a range offset, resulting in an excellent agreement over the entire energy range. From these fitted data, graphs for range and sigma from 0-2 MeV were derived. Analytical expressions for skewness and kurtosis are presented.
Microarray analysis of retinal gene expression in the DBA/2J model of glaucoma.

PURPOSE. The DBA/2J mouse is a model for secondary angleclosure glaucoma, due to iris atrophy and pigment dispersion, which ultimately lead to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). The study was undertaken to correlate changes in retinal gene expression with IOP elevation by performing microarray analysis of retinal RNA from DBA/2J mice at 3 months before disease onset and at 8 months after IOP elevation. METHODS. IOP was monitored monthly in DBA/2J animals, and animals with normal (3 months) or elevated IOP (8 months) were identified. RNA was prepared from three individual retinas at each age, and the RNA was amplified and used to generate biotin-labeled probe for high-density mouse gene microarrays (U430.2; Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). A subset of genes was selected for confirmation by quantitative RT-PCR, by using independent retina samples from DBA/2J animals at 3, 5, and 8 months of age and compared to retinas from C57BL/6J control animals at 3 and 8 months. RESULTS. There were changes in expression of 68 genes, with 32 genes increasing and 36 genes decreasing at 8 months versus 3 months. Upregulated genes were associated with immune response, glial activation, signaling, and gene expression, whereas downregulated genes included multiple crystallin genes. Significant changes in nine upregulated genes and two downregulated genes were confirmed by quantitative RTPCR, with some showing changes in expression by 5 months. CONCLUSIONS. DBA/2J retina shows evidence of glial activation and an immune-related response after IOP elevation, similar to what has been reported after acute elevation of IOP in other models. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006;47:977‐985) DOI:
Sphingomyelinase D activates Native Voltage-Gated Ion Channels in Mammalian Cells

Sphingomyelinase D (SMase D), a phospholipase present in the venom of Loxoceles spiders and also expressed by certain pathogenic bacteria, cleaves the choline headgroup from sphingomyelin. In Xenopus oocytes, SMase D treatment enables voltage sensors to mobilize at more negative potentials, consequently activating voltage-gated ion channels at more hyperpolarized voltages. If this effect is not an idiosyncrasy of the sphingomyelin-rich oocyte membrane or a function of aberrant membrane trafficking of over-expressed channels, SMase D may permit control of voltage-gated ion channel activity in non-excitable cells (e.g. lymphocytes). Hence, we tested the effect of SMase D on voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels in mammalian cells. SMase D treatment left-shifts the conductance-voltage (G-V) relation of Kv channels heterologously expressed in CHO cells, resembling its effect in oocytes. Furthermore, SMase D also shifts the G-V curve of endogenously expressed Jurkat T-lymphocyte Kv1.3 channels in the hyperpolarized direction, activating channels at hyperpolarized potentials where they otherwise remain largely deactivated. Conceivably, modification of membrane lipids via either a physiological or pathological means can control or alter activity of voltage-gated ion channels.
Synthesis of histidine in E. coli. I. Biochemical mutant studies.

Abstract 1. 1. The normal pathway for the synthesis of l -histidine in E. coli involves l -histidinol and its α-keto analog, imidazoleacetol. 2. 2. E. coli is capable of converting l -imidazolelactic acid and imidazolepyruvic acid to l -histidine. There is however no evidence that these compounds are normally produced by this organism. 3. 3. In the biosynthesis of histidine in E. coli, the five-carbon chain of the histidine molecule appears to be established prior to the formation of the imidazole ring.
IR-Thermography for strain analysis in pultruded fiber reinforced plastics

PULTRUDED FRP COMPOSITES Pultruded composites are thick heterogeneousmaterial systems thatmay combine different layers repeated through the thickness of themember, such as roving, continuous filamentmats (CFM),woven fabrics,and braidedpreforms. Commonpultrudedcomposites have roving layers as the primary reinforcement. The CFM layer consists of relatively long and swirled filaments that are randomly dispersed in the plane of the layer. The CFM is usually used for multi-directional secondary reinforcement.
A polymorphism in myostatin influences puberty but not fertility in beef heifers, whereas µ-calpain affects first calf birth weight.

The use of genetic markers to aid in selection decisions to improve carcass and growth characteristics is of great interest to the beef industry. However, it is important to examine potential antagonistic interactions with fertility in cows before widespread application of marker-assisted selection. The objective of the current experiment was to examine the influence of 2 commercially available markers currently in use for improving carcass traits, the myostatin (MSTN) F94L and μ-calpain (CAPN1) 316 and 4751 polymorphisms, on heifer development and reproductive performance. In Exp. 1, beef heifers (n = 146) were evaluated for growth and reproductive traits over a 3-yr period to determine if these polymorphisms influenced reproductive performance. In Exp. 2, heifers representing the 2 homozygous genotypes for the MSTN F94L polymorphism were slaughtered on d 4 of the estrous cycle and reproductive tracts were collected for morphological examination. In Exp. 1, there was a tendency (P = 0.06) for birth BW to be affected by MSTN with the Leu allele increasing birth BW in an additive fashion. Additionally, MSTN significantly affected the proportion of pubertal heifers by the start of the breeding season (P 0.15). The GT haplotype of CAPN1, which was previously associated with decreased meat tenderness, was associated with an additive decrease in birth BW of the first calf born to these heifers (P 0.05). From these results, we concluded that the MSTN F94L and CAPN1 polymorphisms can be used to improve carcass traits without compromising fertility in beef heifers. The influence of these markers on cow performance and herd life remains to be determined. While the delay in puberty associated with the MSTN F94L polymorphism did not negatively impact reproductive performance in heifers, caution should be used when combining this marker with other markers for growth or carcass traits until the potential interactions are more clearly understood.
The matricellular protein CCN1 promotes mucosal healing in murine colitis through IL-6

The matricellular protein CCN1 (CYR61) is known to function in wound healing and is upregulated in colons of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, yet its specific role in colitis is unknown. Here we have used Ccn1(dm/dm) knockin mice expressing a CCN1 mutant unable to bind integrins α6β1 and αMβ2 as a model to probe CCN1 function in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Ccn1(dm/dm) mice exhibited high mortality, impaired mucosal healing, and diminished interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression during the repair phase of DSS-induced colitis compared with wild-type mice, despite having comparable severity of initial inflammation and tissue injury. CCN1-induced IL-6 expression in macrophages through integrin αMβ2 and in fibroblasts through α6β1, and IL-6 promoted intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) proliferation. Administration of purified CCN1 protein fully rescued Ccn1(dm/dm) mice from DSS-induced mortality, restored IEC proliferation and enhanced mucosal healing, whereas delivery of IL-6 partially rectified these defects. CCN1 therapy accelerated mucosal healing and recovery from DSS-induced colitis even in wild-type mice. These findings reveal a critical role for CCN1 in restoring mucosal homeostasis after intestinal injury in part through integrin-mediated induction of IL-6 expression, and suggest a therapeutic potential for activating the CCN1/IL-6 axis for treating inflammatory bowel disease.
Bias Adjustment in Bayesian Estimation of Bird Nest Age-Specific Survival Rates

The populations of many North American landbirds are showing signs of declining. Gathering information on breeding productivity allows early detection of unhealthy populations and helps develop good habitat-management practices. In this paper, we study the performance of the Bayesian model (He, 2003, Biometrics 59, 962-973) for age-specific nest survival rates with irregular visits. We find that the estimates are satisfactory except for the age-one survival rate. Usually the more days skipped between two visits, the more serious the underestimation of the age-one survival rate. We investigated the problem and developed three approaches to adjust for the underestimation bias. The simulation results show that the three approaches can significantly improve the estimation of the age-one survival rate.
An expert system for diagnosis and therapy in lung transplantation

An expert system for diagnosis and therapy after lung transplantation has been developed and evaluated by domain experts. The system captures a total of 21 diagnoses encompassing rejection, pulmonary infection, and some diseases of gastrointestinal origin. The disease hypotheses are scored and ranked by their ability to explain the patient findings. A hypothesis is accepted as a candidate disease if it is ranked high on the list and is able to account for the cardinal findings of the disease. The therapy knowledge is captured in the form of rules. The results demonstrate the feasibility of an expert system for diagnosis and therapy after lung transplantation.
Prosurvival and proapoptotic intracellular signaling in rat spiral ganglion neurons in vivo after the loss of hair cells.

Neurons depend on afferent input for survival. Rats were given daily kanamycin injections from P8 to P16 to destroy hair cells, the sole afferent input to spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Most SGNs die over an ∼14-week period after deafferentation. During this period, the SGN population is heterogeneous. At any given time, some SGNs exhibit apoptotic markers—TUNEL and cytochrome c loss—whereas others appear nonapoptotic. We asked whether differences among SGNs in intracellular signaling relevant to apoptotic regulation could account for this heterogeneity. cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, which reflects neurotrophic signaling, is reduced in many SGNs at P16, P23, and P32, when SGNs begin to die. In particular, nearly all apoptotic SGNs exhibit reduced phospho-CREB, implying that apoptosis is due to insufficient neurotrophic support. However, >32% of SGNs maintain high phospho-CREB levels, implying access to neurotrophic support. By P60, when ∼50% of the SGNs have died, phospho-CREB levels in surviving neurons are not reduced, and SGN death is no longer correlated with reduced phospho-CREB. Activity in the proapoptotic Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-Jun signaling pathway is elevated in SGNs during the cell death period. This too is heterogeneous: <42% of the SGNs exhibited high phospho-Jun levels, but nearly all SGNs undergoing apoptosis exhibited elevated phospho-Jun. Thus, heterogeneity among SGNs in prosurvival and proapoptotic signaling is correlated with apoptosis. SGN death following deafferentation has an early phase in which apoptosis is correlated with reduced phospho-CREB and a later phase in which it is not. Proapoptotic JNK-Jun signaling is tightly correlated with SGN apoptosis. J. Comp. Neurol. 503:832–852, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Breeding Racism: The Imperial Battlefields of the “German” Shepherd Dog

During the first half of the twentieth century, the Shepherd Dog came to be strongly identified with Imperial and Nazi Germany, as well as with many other masters in the colonial world. Through its transnational diffusion after World War I, the breed became a pervasive symbol of imperial aggression and racist exploitation. The 1930s Japanese empire subtly Japanized the dogs who became an icon of the Imperial Army. How could a cultural construct so closely associated with Germany come to represent many different colonial regimes? Using Imperial Japan as a case study, this paper argues that this symbolic pliability is a derivative of the high functionality, wide adaptation, and conspicuous nature of the Shepherd Dog as protector, deterrent, and enforcer of social control. As a visible intermediary in hierarchal relationships between different human groups, the Shepherd Dog became a powerful metaphor of Nazi and colonial memories throughout much of the world.
Nondestructive Testing for Crack Width and Variability on Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements

Previous research has shown that the main failure mode in continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP) is the punchout, a distress associated with the loss of load transfer capacity across transverse cracks. Despite the fact that crack width is widely recognized as one of the most important factors in CRCP punchout development, little research has been focused on effectively quantifying this variable. This paper presents results of crack width determined by measuring the crack closing movement under the action of vertical loads. The CRCP crack width data were acquired by using a rolling wheel load and a falling weight deflectometer (FWD) measuring technique. Crack width was successfully determined with an FWD, which enables future use of this device and technique to determine field CRCP crack widths. Crack width distribution is difficult to assess initially on CRCP test sections because the zero-crack width temperature needs to be known and the average pavement temperature must be less than this valu...
INHIBITION AND ACTIVATION OF BARLEY PEPTIDE HYDROLASES I. PEPTIDE HYDROLASE A

Barley peptide hydrolase A acting on N-benzoyl-dl-arginine-p-nitroanilide as substrate is inhibited by the sulphydryl reagents N-ethyl maleimide and p-chloro-mercuriphenyl sulphonate. Oxidized glutathione, however, is non-inhibitory and several sulphydryl compounds are not stimulatory. Di-isopropylphosphofluoridate and 8-hydroxyquinoline also are effective inhibitors. The results are consistent with the presence of one or more exposed serine residues and a metal cation in the active centre, and one or more sulphydryl groups near the active centre of the enzyme.
Treatment of a Pseudo-Class III Malocclusion and Associated Follicular Cyst: Report of Case

Teamwork between a general dental practitioner, an orthodontist, and an oral surgeon brought about successful resolution of a malocclusion associated with a dentigerous follicular cyst. In this case, because the mucosa separated and sequestration occurred, an epithelial cyst had to be removed after two years. Nevertheless, recontouring of the jaw continued and the patient was never in pain.
Chemically Functional Alkanethiol Derivitized Magnetic Nanoparticles

Chemically functional magnetic nanoparticles, comprised of an Fe core encased in a thin Au shell, have been prepared by sequential high temperature decomposition of organometallic compounds in a coordinating solvent. A novel approach to encapsulate the Fe core in Au has been developed. TEM analysis confirms that the nanoparticles are monodisperse (∼20%) with average diameters of 8nm. The nanoparticles were subsequently functionalized with alkanethiolate ligands, which prevent aggregation, enable solubility in a range of solvents (both hydrophobic and hydrophilic), and permit subsequent derivatization (e.g., via ligand exchange reactions). The functionalized particles are characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy. We have utilized place-exchange to impart chemical functionality to the nanoparticles by attaching either (1) thiol-derivatized redox moieties (e.g., ferrocene) or (2) alkanethiols with terminal reactive groups such as alcohols, amines and carboxylic acids. This paper presents our preliminary investigations of the voltammetry of the former class of these magnetic core/shell nanoparticles.
Possible Bounds on the Earth's Surface Temperature: From the Perspective of a Conceptual Global-Mean Model

Abstract A global-mean model is used here to elucidate possible bounds on the surface temperature of a simplified ocean–atmosphere system. Extending previous one-dimensional models, it has included as internal variables the low-level and high-level cloud covers and the turbulent wind at the surface. The main hypothesis for the model closure is that the conversion rate from the solar to the kinetic energy—or, equivalently, the rate of internal entropy production—is maximized, which has been applied with considerable success in past latitudinal models. From the model derivation, it is found that the surface temperature is narrowly bounded below by the onset of the greenhouse effect and above by the rapid increase of the saturation vapor pressure. Because both are largely intrinsic properties of water, the resulting surface temperature is mostly insensitive to detailed balances or changing external conditions. Even with a 50% change of the solar constant from its present-day value, the model temperature has ...
Syntheses and X-ray crystal structures of monomeric zinc and mercury bis(silylamides)

Abstract Lithium amides Li[N(SiMe3)(R)] (R = –SiPh2tBu and adamantyl), generated in situ from the reaction of the corresponding secondary amine with nbutyllithium, have been treated with anhydrous ZnCl2 and HgBr2 to yield the corresponding homoleptic metal silylamides Zn[N(SiMe3)(SiPh2tBu)]2 (1), Hg[N(SiMe3)(SiPh2tBu)]2 (2), Zn[N(SiMe3)(Ad)]2 (3) and Hg[N(SiMe3)(Ad)]2 (4). All complexes are monomeric and have been fully characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectra and elemental analyses, as well as single crystal X-ray crystallography. X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that the complexes 1–4 are two coordinate with roughly linear N–M–N arrangements, although the N–Zn–N angle in 1 deviates significantly at 167.87°. An unusual feature of the adamantyl-containing compounds is that 3 adopts a syn arrangement of the Ad groups, while 4 shows an anti arrangement in the solid state. We have investigated the interactions of these complexes with CO2 and have determined that 1, 2 and 4 do not react with CO2 while 3 reacts to form (Ad)N C N(Ad).
Impedance spectroscopy of protein polymer modified silicon micromachined probes

The electrical properties of thin films of a biologically active protein polymer (SLPF) deposited onto micromachined neural prosthetic devices were examined by impedance spectroscopy (IS) over a broad range of temporal frequencies (10 Hz to 1 MHz). The properties of the protein polymer films were examined as a function of morphology as characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the differences between continuous and discontinuous films were determined and compared. There was an increase in the capacitive component of the impedance as the coverage increased. The total increase in impedance of a coated probe at the biologically-relevant frequency of 1 kHz was less than the decrease in impedance seen during probe activation. For a given thickness, solution cast continuous films were of higher impedance than discontinuous electrospun films. The magnitude of the impedance of the coated probes as a function of temporal frequency showed a power law dependence which was correlated with the roughness of the surface. By combining information from IS and quantitative measurements of surface roughness from AFM, it was possible to estimate the dynamics of carrier transport at the interface between the electronically conductive device and the ionically conductive solution.
Establishing a Quality Laboratory In a Rural Medical Practice

Laboratory services are not as readily accessible to the rural medical practitioner as to the practitioner in an urban setting. Thus, the office laboratory in a rural medical practice, by necessity, becomes an integral component of that practice. In addition to procedural methodologies, the rural physician must give consideration to the types of laboratory services needed, the requirements for test performance, the factors influencing test costs, the establishment of charges, the necessary protocols and paperwork, the arrangements of the laboratory work area, and the requisite quality control to insure that the office laboratory functions expediently and cost-accountable.
Fact Checks, Voter Guides, and GOTV: Civic Learning Projects in American Politics Courses

To make a difference in their communities, students need to develop the “knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference” (Ehrlich 2000, p. vi). Taking advantage of Iowa's role in the 2008 presidential nominations, I designed three “civic learning” projects: a collaborative fact-checking weblog, a nonpartisan voter guide on policy issues, and a student-led voter registration drive. I then tracked the classes' scores on pre- and postcourse measures of civic skills and attitudes, comparing the results to courses without civic projects. I found that the projects greatly improved students' skills and attitudes related to civic engagement. Students who did the fact-checking research made gains in their analysis and presentation skills. Students who compiled the voter guides improved their analysis skills, civic participation skills, and also became more aware of their biases. Students who participated in voter registration became more confident leaders and more positive about the value of vol...
Raman Spectroscopy Studies of Reactions Between Sulfur Dioxide and Microparticles of Hydroxides

Gas-aerosol chemical reactions between dilute SO2 and alkali-metal hydroxides have been explored using elastic and inelastic (Raman) light scattering. Single charged particles of NaOH, KOH, and Ca(OH)2 were levitated electrodynamically in a reaction chamber and exposed to humid nitrogen. Particles that were not water soluble remained crystalline while water soluble compounds deliquesced into solution microdroplets. The resulting solids or solutions were reacted with dilute SO2 in humid N2. Elastic scattering measurements and Raman spectra were taken during the gas-aerosol reactions, and results indicate that reaction products and sorbent utilization are highly dependent on the water content of the particle.
Spinally projecting noradrenergic neurons of the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum: a combined immunocytochemical and retrograde labeling study.

Abstract Two to three days following injection of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the spinal cords of 5 cats, the animals were sacrified and perfused, and the brainstems removed and sectioned. The sections were then processed for HRP and, immunocytochemically, for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The dorsolateral pontine tegmentum was divided into the locus coeruleus, subcoeruleus and Ko¨lliker-Fuse nucleus; the mean percentage of pontospinal neurons containing TH were found to be 85.5 ± 2.5 (S.E.M.), 79.6 ± 5.6 and 87.1 ± 3.1, respectively. The cell diameters of locus coeruleus cells were also measured.
The Possibility of Multiple Temperature Maxima in Geologic Repositories for Spent Fuel From Nuclear Reactors

Heat transfer studies for CANDU spent fuel repositories showed that two temperature maxima at the disposal horizon could occur: one near 60 years, and another one at 13,000 years. Because CANDU spent fuels display a monotonically decreasing heat generation rate, it is not immediately obvious why such behavior occurs. This paper demonstrates that the double peak phenomenon is due to the presence of the right mixture of short- and long-lived nuclides in the fuel and the second peak disappears for repository sizes less than about 1 km/sup 2/. For larger repositories, radial and surface heat transfer reduces the magnitude of the second peak. Spent fuel from pressurized water reactors did not produce a double temperature peak even for the infinite plane source model. The differences result because of the different amounts and distribution of transuranic elements and isotopes. 8 references, 7 figures, 1 table.
Ethnicity and the Economy: The State, Chinese Business, and Multinationals in Malaysia

THE ETHNIC FACTOR IN DEVELOPMENT: The limits of rational economic models The psychology and politics of ethnic claims the ethnic framework of development methodology, propositions and data THE COLONIAL IMPACT: Introduction historical background ethnicity and economic segmentation the making of ethnic political structures THE RESTRAINED RULE OF THE STATE 1957-1969 Introduction departing from the colonial framework constraints to state expansion preserving the foreigners' role the spread of Chinese business Malay business developments the breakdown of the Laissez-Faire framework conclusion THE ENLARGED STATE: Introduction gearing for state expansion the state as entrepreneur pernas and PNB other sectors the SEDCs the state and private Malay capitalists group worth and support for the state the over-burdened state conclusion THE STATE AND CHINESE BUSINESS Introdution the emerging economic environment the limits and possibilities of economic protest the NEP and Chinese strategies of accommodation the failure of a state-capitalist alliance conclusion THE ROLE OF MULTINATIONALS introduction state interests and the business climate capitalizing on international diversity labour intensive, export-oriented production casting the multinational net widely foreign investment and economic crisis.
Clarifications to the standard neutrophil response criteria for clinical trials in myelodysplastic syndromes are needed.

The recent article by Cheson et al[1][1] represents an important step toward standardizing the response criteria used in clinical trials of new therapeutic agents for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs). We believe that 3 clarifications are necessary to the proposed neutrophil response
Inequalities for trace norms of 2 × 2 block matrices

This paper derives an inequality relating the p-norm of a positive 2×2 block matrix to the p-norm of the 2×2 matrix obtained by replacing each block by its p-norm. The inequality had been known for integer values of p, so the main contribution here is the extension to all values p≥1. In a special case the result reproduces Hanner’s inequality. A weaker inequality which applies also to non-positive matrices is presented. As an application in quantum information theory, the inequality is used to obtain some results concerning maximal p-norms of product channels.
Perylene monoanhydride diester: a versatile intermediate for the synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted perylene tetracarboxylic derivatives

A soluble perylene monoanhydride diester has been designed and synthesized. It was successfully utilized as an efficient intermediate for the synthesis of the first unsymmetric perylene tetracarboxylic tetraester and a series of unsymmetric perylene diester monoimides in good to excellent yields. Its application in synthesis of unsymmetric perylene diimides was also demonstrated. Availability of such a versatile intermediate would enable the convenient integration of perylene tetracarboxylic tetraesters and perylene biester monoimides into intricate functional molecular systems.