cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TEORIA EVOLUCIONÁRIA DA MUDANÇA TÉCNICA DE NELSON E WINTER: Uma análise bibliográfica

O presente artigo busca demonstrar, guiado pela revisao bibliografica, uma concisa discussao no que tange a teoria neo-shumpeteriana evolucionaria de Nelson e Winter. A teoria de Nelson e Winter foi criada tomando como base a teoria evolucionaria de Charles Darwin para explicar a evolucao economica das firmas, relacionando os conceitos de rotinas, busca e selecao, com os conceitos criados pelo naturalista, e adotando a inovacao como principal fonte para o sucesso das firmas. Para realizar-se este estudo foram consideradas obras publicadas em plataformas de pesquisa on-line , buscadas atraves de palavras chave especificas. Atraves da analise bibliografica das obras demonstra-se que, apesar de apresentar limitacoes, a teoria de Nelson e Winter pode ser utilizada para progressos na discussao sobre os determinantes do processo de inovacao, desenvolvimento, transformacao tecnologica e inovacao da firma.
Development of a machine vision system for corn plant population, spacing and height measurement

14 INTRODUCTION 14 OBJECTIVE 16 NEURAL NETWORK METHOD 16 SEGMENTATION PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS 18 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 19 CONCLUSIONS 20 REFERENCES 20 CHAPTER 4. AUTOMATIC CORN PLANT POPULATION MEASUREMENT USING MACHINE VISION 22 ABSTRACT 22 INTRODUCTION 22 METHODOLOGY 25 EXPERIMENTAL SETTING 25 IMAGE SEQUENCING 26 IMAGE SEGMENTATION 30 PLANT COUNTING 31 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN 33 IMAGE SEQUENCING PERFORMANCE 33 PLANT COUNTING PERFORMANCE 33 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 34 IMAGE SEQUENCING PERFORMANCE 34 PLANT COUNTING PERFORMANCE 35 CONCLUSIONS 37 REFERENCES 3722 INTRODUCTION 22 METHODOLOGY 25 EXPERIMENTAL SETTING 25 IMAGE SEQUENCING 26 IMAGE SEGMENTATION 30 PLANT COUNTING 31 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN 33 IMAGE SEQUENCING PERFORMANCE 33 PLANT COUNTING PERFORMANCE 33 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 34 IMAGE SEQUENCING PERFORMANCE 34 PLANT COUNTING PERFORMANCE 35 CONCLUSIONS 37 REFERENCES 37
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TO TUMOR SPECIFIC EPITOPE OF MURINE LYMPHOMA CELLS: USE IN CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIGEN AND IN IMMUNOTHERAPY

A monoclonal antibody was produced that recognizes a cell surface antigen of an X-ray induced lymphoma, C6XL. The antibody is highly specific for C6XL cells and does not react with normal syngeneic lymphoid cells or with any of a panel of other murine lymphomas. The antigen reactive with MAb 124–40 was isolated and found to be a glycoprotein composed of disulfide-linked subunits of 39Kd and 41Kd. A molecule with similar structure, but not reactive with MAb 124–40, could be detected in extracts of thymocytes and T lymphocytes, but not B cells. These results suggest that the epitope reactive with MAb 124–40 might be a clonally expressed epitope carried by a T cell specific surface component.
Does teaching with PowerPoint increase students' learning? A meta-analysis

Abstract PowerPoint has become a ubiquitous tool for instructors who teach college students. Almost two decades of student learning research has examined the impact of traditional instruction (i.e., chalk and talk) versus instruction aided by PowerPoint. This research has revealed inconsistent and contrasting results. To probe this inconsistency, a meta-analysis of 48 studies was conducted to determine if students learn more when taught the same material using PowerPoint compared to traditional instruction. Results revealed that on average, there was no difference in students' learning based on the type of instruction they received (Hedges' g = 0.067; 95% CI: −0.103 to 0.236). Moderation analyses revealed that the sampling frame, such as a focus on K-12 versus college students, explained heterogeneity in the findings. Specifically, K-12 students' cognitive learning increased as a result of PowerPoint instruction, but this effect did not emerge for college students. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that researchers should move past strictly comparing the absence or presence of this instructional tool, to instead examine how instructors are integrating features of PowerPoint in ways that help students learn.
Role of PPAR-β/δ/miR-17/TXNIP pathway in neuronal apoptosis after neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injury in rats.

Abstract Activation of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor beta/delta (PPAR-β/δ), a nuclear receptor acting as a transcription factor, was shown to be protective in various models of neurological diseases. However, there is no information about the role of PPAR-β/δ as well as its molecular mechanisms in neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). In the present study, we hypothesized that PPAR-β/δ agonist GW0742 can activate miR-17-5p, consequently inhibiting TXNIP and ASK1/p38 pathway leading to attenuation of apoptosis. Ten-day-old rat pups were subjected to right common carotid artery ligation followed by 2.5 h hypoxia. GW0742 was administered intranasally 1 and 24 h post HI. PPAR-β/δ receptor antagonist GSK3787 was administered intranasally 1 h before and 24 h after HI, antimir-17-5p and TXNIP CRISPR activation plasmid were administered intracerebroventricularly 24 and 48 h before HI, respectively. Brain infarct area measurement, neurological function tests, western blot, reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Fluoro-Jade C and immunofluorescence staining were conducted. GW0742 reduced brain infarct area, brain atrophy, apoptosis, and improved neurological function at 72 h and 4 weeks post HI. Furthermore, GW0742 treatment increased PPAR-β/δ nuclear expression and miR-17-5p level and reduced TXNIP in ipsilateral hemisphere after HI, resulting in inhibition of ASK1/p38 pathway and attenuation of apoptosis. Inhibition of PPAR-β/δ receptor and miR-17-5p and activation of TXNIP reversed the protective effects. For the first time, we provide evidence that intranasal administration of PPAR-β/δ agonist GW0742 attenuated neuronal apoptosis at least in part via PPAR-β/δ/miR-17/TXNIP pathway. GW0742 could represent a therapeutic target for treatment of neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Are college students health literate

Objective: To examine the health literacy of college students. Participants: A convenience sample of 245 graduate and undergraduate college students. Methods: During February-April of 2018 participants completed the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy which assessed literacy on two passages describing a thyroid scan, and basic healthcare insurance information. Results: Most college students displayed adequate health literacy (99.2%). The ANOVA analyses revealed college classification was the most significant predictor, followed by ethnicity, sex, and primary language. Age was significantly related to health literacy, when holding college classification constant. Interestingly, college major, healthcare work experience, or having health care credentials were not predictors of health literacy. Conclusion: This group of college students had adequate health literacy skills. However, the results of this study revealed demographic disparities that suggest further study.
Opportunities and Challenges of mmWave NR

The realization of a seamless, fully connected world requires enhancements to our current communications technology, from both a network infrastructure perspective and a user equipment (UE) perspective. These demands are directly driven by the consumer’s expectations, application requirements, and saturation of frequency bands used in current spectrum. The fifth generation (5G) of mobile communication networks, and specifically millimeter-wave (mmWave) New Radio (NR), aims to enable this future with ultra-low-latency, ultra-wideband services, opening up a whole new era of applications and services, much like 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) did a decade ago. To enable 5G, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is focusing on defining the technical specifications for NR technology, as well as enhancements to the current LTE. However, enabling and launching 5G NR presents both technological opportunities and challenges. In this column, we explore how 5G mmWave challenges are being approached in 3GPP standardization and how solutions can enable the technology to help achieve broader bandwidths and harness some of the inherent benefits of higher-frequency communications.
Sex cord-stromal tumors of the testis

Abstract Testicular tumors apart from those in the germ cell family are uncommon and are mostly sex cord-stromal tumors and may pose a major diagnostic challenge. This review focuses on the clinicopathologic features of these uncommon neoplasms, pertinent differential diagnoses, relevant immunohistochemical and molecular findings as well as the recent updates proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Contrast between these neoplasms as seen in the male and female gonad will also be made when warranted. The commonest sex cord-stromal tumor of the testis is the Leydig cell tumor which, when seen in children, is often associated with sexual precocity. The histologic features are generally those of an easily recognized oxyphilic neoplasm but various peculiarities such as microcysts and spindling of the tumor cells may case diagnostic difficulty on occasion. In the male, in contrast to the female, the most common sex cord-stromal tumor of epithelial nature is the Sertoli cell tumor. Most of these fall in the not otherwise specified category and are usually characterized by a diagnostically helpful at least focal hollow or solid tubular pattern. Occasional malignant Sertoli cell tumors have a predominantly diffuse pattern sometimes interrupted by septa with a lymphocytic infiltrate that can cause seminoma to be mimicked. Rare Sertoli cell tumors are associated with marked sclerosis. The so-called large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor, may be sporadic or associated with manifestations of the Carney syndrome. A distinctive entity referred to as intratubular hyalinizing Sertoli cell neoplasia occurs in the testis of young boys with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. It is often bilateral, microscopic and associated with gynecomastia. Testicular granulosa cell tumors are much rarer than their ovarian counterparts but can be similarly subdivided into adult and juvenile forms. In the male, the juvenile granulosa cell tumor has a particularly striking tendency to occur in the first 6 months of life. The primitive appearance of the nuclei and brisk mitotic activity of the juvenile granulosa cell tumor may result in a misdiagnosis of a more malignant neoplasm. The histologic spectrum of the adult granulosa cell tumor is as seen in the more common female examples. Pure stromal tumors of the testis are much less common than similar tumors in the ovary and the well-known thecoma is remarkably rare in the testis. Fibromas of stromal derivation in the testis should be distinguished from fibromas that originate from the tunica albuginea and from examples of the non-neoplastic process nodular pseudotumor.
Nutrition Interventions in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Potential Use of Plant-Based Diets. A Review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, affects roughly 1% of the world's population. RA pathogenesis remains unclear, but genetic factors account for 50-60% of the risk while the remainder might be linked to modifiable factors, such as infectious diseases, tobacco smoking, gut bacteria, and nutrition. Dietary triggers may play an inciting role in the autoimmune process, and a compromised intestinal barrier may allow food components or microorganisms to enter the blood stream, triggering inflammation. In addition, excessive body weight may affect pharmacotherapy response and the likelihood of disease remission, as well as the risk of disease mortality. Evidence suggests that changes in diet might play an important role in RA management and remission. Several studies have shown improvements in RA symptoms with diets excluding animal products. Studies have also shown that dietary fiber found in these plant-based foods can improve gut bacteria composition and increase bacterial diversity in RA patients, thus reducing their inflammation and joint pain. Although some of the trigger foods in RA patients are individualized, a vegan diet helps improve symptoms by eliminating many of these foods. This review examines the potential role of a plant-based diet in mediating RA symptoms. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness of plant-based diets on joint pain, inflammation, and quality of life in patients with RA.
The Effects of Mobile Push Notifications on News Consumption and Learning

A number of mobile news apps deploy push notifications that appear on users’ locked screens and alert users to breaking news. Push notifications are theoretically important because they transcend t...
Dosimetric Study for Spine Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Magnetic Resonance Guided Linear Accelerator Versus Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy

Background Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) given in 1-5 fractions is an effective treatment for vertebral metastases. Real-time magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) improves soft tissue contrast, which translates into accurate delivery of spine SBRT. Here we report on clinical implementation of MRgRT for spine SBRT, the quality of MRgRT plans compared to TrueBeam based volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans in the treatment of spine metastases and benefits of MRgRT MR scan. Patients and methods Ten metastatic lesions were included in this study for plan comparison. Lesions were spread across thoracic spine and lumbosacral spine. Three fraction spine SBRT plans: 27Gy to planning target volume (PTV) and 30Gy to gross tumor volume (GTV) were generated on the ViewRay MRIdian Linac system and compared to TrueBeamTM STx based VMAT plans. Plans were compared using metrics such as minimum dose, maximum dose, mean dose, ratio of the dose to 50% of the volume (R50), conformity index, homogeneity index and dose to the spinal cord. Results MRIdian plans achieved equivalent target coverage and spinal cord dose compared to VMAT plans. The maximum and minimum PTV doses and homogeneity index were equivalent for both planning systems. R50 was lower for MRIdian plans compared to VMAT plans, indicating a lower spread of intermediate doses with MRIdian system (5.16 vs. 6.11, p = 0.03). Conclusions MRgRT can deliver high-quality spine SBRT plans comparable to TrueBeam volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans.
Effects of invasive Cirsium arvense on pollination in a southern Appalachian floral community vary with spatial scale and floral symmetry

Invasive plants can alter pollination dynamics by disrupting pollinator visitation and pollen transfer dynamics. However, a consensus regarding the direction of their overall effects (competitive vs. facilitative) remains elusive. Here, we evaluate the role of floral traits and spatial scale (community vs. floral neighborhood) in mediating invasive Cirsium arvense effects on resident plant species at multiple stages of the pollination process. C. arvense decreased pollinator visitation rate at the community level only for species with radial floral symmetry. At the floral neighborhood scale, pollinator visitation rate to all resident species was lower in the presence of C. arvense regardless of symmetry. C. arvense altered patterns of conspecific pollen receipt at the floral neighborhood scale, but the direction of the effect varied by plant species. We argue that these scale-dependent effects may be mediated by differences in foraging range and behavior of the main pollinators in the community. C. arvense, however, did not affect the overall reproductive success of resident species at either scale, suggesting that plants at our study sites may not be pollen limited. We further show evidence suggesting that C. arvense may alter the structure of community-level plant–plant interactions via heterospecific pollen transfer by subverting the roles of resident pollen donors within the pollen transfer network. Overall, our results suggest that generalized species (with radial flowers) may be more susceptible to invasive species’ effects than specialized ones (bilateral flowers) and highlight the need to consider scale-dependent effects in order to develop a more predictive understanding of invasive species effects in nature.
Living vs deceased donor liver transplantation in cholestatic liver disease: An analysis of the OPTN database.

Background Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and donation after circulatory death (DCD) can expand the donor pool for cholestatic liver disease (CLD) patients. We sought to compare the outcomes of deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) vs LDLT in CLD patients. Methods Retrospective cohort analysis of adult CLD recipients registered in the OPTN database who received primary LT between 2002 and 2018. Cox proportional hazards regression models with mixed effects were used to determine the impact of graft type on patient and graft survival. Results Five thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine DDLT (5730 donation after brain death [DBD], 269 DCD) and 912 LDLT recipients were identified. Ten-year patient/graft survival rates were DBD: 73.8%/67.9%, DCD: 74.7%/60.7%, and LDLT: 82.5%/73.9%. Higher rates of biliary complications as a cause of graft failure were seen in DCD (56.8%) than LDLT (30.5%) or DBD (18.7%) recipients. On multivariable analysis, graft type was not associated with patient mortality, while DCD was independently associated with graft failure (P = .046). Conclusion DBD, DCD, and LDLT were associated with comparable overall patient survival. No difference in the risk of graft failure could be observed between LDLT and DBD. DCD can be an acceptable alternative to DBD with equivalent patient survival, but inferior graft survival likely related to the high rate of biliary complications.
Implementation and Utilization of a "Pink Card" Walk-In Screening Mammography Program Integrated With Physician Visits.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation and utilization of the Pink Card program, which links a physician-delivered reminder that a woman is due for screening mammography (SM) during an office visit with the opportunity to undergo walk-in screening. Methods In 2016, the authors’ community-based breast imaging center provided physicians from three primary care and obstetrics and gynecology practices located in the same outpatient facility business card–sized Pink Cards to offer women due for SM during office visits. The card includes a reminder that screening is due and can be used to obtain SM on a walk-in basis. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of women who used Pink Cards among all screened women over 2 years. Independent predictors of Pink Card utilization were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Among 3,688 women who underwent SM, Pink Cards were used by 19.9% (733 of 3,688). Compared with women with prescheduled screening visits, Pink Card users were more likely to be Asian (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; P =.032), Black (OR, 2.05; P = .002), and Medicaid insured (OR, 1.71; P = .013) and less likely to use English as their primary language (OR, 2.75; P = .003). Additionally, Pink Card users were less likely to be up to date for biennial SM compared with women with prescheduled visits (31.9% [234 of 733] versus 66.6% [1,968 of 2,955], P Conclusions The Pink Card walk-in SM program can improve screening access, particularly for racial/ethnic minorities and Medicaid-insured patients. Expansion of this program may help reduce disparities and increase engagement in breast cancer screening.
Editors’ introduction: Alive and Kicking: French and Francophone Feminisms Now:

This article provides an overview of the diversity of feminist activism throughout the world over the last decade and situates these contributions to a transnational feminist (re)surge(ence) within...
Journalism’s visual construction of place in environmental coverage:

This study builds on our understanding of how visual journalism is used with environmental reporting to create a sense of place and understanding. Although most American photojournalism tends to fa...
Triple Nitrate Isotopes Indicate Differing Nitrate Source Contributions to Streams Across a Nitrogen Saturation Gradient

Nitrogen (N) deposition affects forest biogeochemical cycles worldwide, often contributing to N saturation. Using long-term (>30-year) records of stream nitrate (NO3 −) concentrations at Fernow Experimental Forest (West Virginia, USA), we classified four watersheds into N saturation stages ranging from Stage 0 (N-limited) to Stage 3 (N-saturated). We quantified NO3 − contributions from atmospheric and microbial sources using δ15N, δ18O, and Δ17O of NO3 − and characterized the concentrations and isotopes of NO3 − in precipitation. Despite receiving identical atmospheric inputs, the proportions of atmospheric NO3 − in streams averaged from 7 to 10% in the hardwood watersheds (stages 1, 2, and 3) and 54% in the conifer watershed (Stage 0). This suggests that the hardwood watersheds may be less responsive to future reductions in N deposition than the conifer watershed, at least in the short term. As shown in other studies, atmospheric NO3 − proportions were higher during stormflow. Despite large proportions of atmospheric NO3 − in the Stage 0 stream, total atmospheric NO3 −–N flux from this watershed (2.9 g ha−1) was lower than fluxes in the other watersheds (range = 117.8–338.5 g ha−1). Seasonal patterns of δ15N–NO3 − in the hardwood watersheds suggest enrichment of the soil NO3 − pool during the growing season due to plant uptake. In all watersheds, δ18O-based mixing models over-estimated atmospheric NO3 − contributions to streams by up to 12% compared to Δ17O-based estimates. Our results highlight the importance of atmospheric deposition as a NO3 − source in low-concentration streams and demonstrate the advantage of using Δ17O–NO3 − over δ18O–NO3 − for NO3 − source apportionment.
Formation of substituted aromatic rings in amino acid systems via ruthenium activated SNAr reactions

Numerous natural products contain biaryl ether linkages, a functionality that restricts conformational freedom. While there are many methods available to form biaryl ethers, the ruthenium activated reaction offers access to these systems under mild conditions. Previously we showed that cyclic biaryl ether-containing tripeptides K-13 and OF-4949III could be synthesized using a ruthenium activated intramolecular reaction for the macrocyclization step [1]. Here we report the expansion of the ruthenium activated methodology to intermolecular reactions of protected chloro-phenylalanines with heteroatom and carbon nucleophiles as well as intramolecular reactions utilizing the amino acids histidine, cystine, and lysine.
Multifaceted terahertz applications of parallel-plate waveguide: TE 1 mode

Presented is a review of recent work by the authors in which the lowest-order transverse-electric (TE 1 ) mode of a parallel-plate waveguide (PPWG) is used for terahertz (THz) applications. This work adds a new dimension to the multitude of diverse THz applications made possible by PPWGs. Using the TE 1 mode, demonstration is presented of an ultra-low loss THz waveguide, a highly sensitive microfluidic sensor, a whispering-gallery mode waveguide, and an artificial dielectric with an effective refractive index less than unity.
Article I, Article III, and the Limits of Enumeration

Article I, § 8 and Article III, § 2 of the U.S. Constitution deploy parallel strategies for constraining the power of the federal government. They enumerate powers that the national legislature and judiciary, respectively, are permitted to exercise and thereby implicitly prohibit these two branches of government from exercising powers not enumerated. According to conventional thinking, this strategy has failed in connection with Article I and succeeded in connection with Article III. That is, it is widely acknowledged that Congress routinely exercises powers that are difficult to square with the Article I enumeration; but it is commonly thought that the subject matter jurisdiction of the federal courts is, in fact, limited to the nine categories of cases specified in Article III, § 2. If one examines the crucial cases governing the constitutional limits on federal court jurisdiction, however, it becomes apparent that the enumeration in Article III, § 2, like its cousin in Article I, does little work when it comes to reining in federal power. This is reflected most dramatically in the fact that the Supreme Court has never struck down a federal statute on the ground that it confers jurisdiction on the federal courts in cases lying outside the enumeration in Article III. Instead, over the years, Congress has enacted numerous jurisdictional statutes that push hard on the limits specified in Article III, § 2, and the Justices have consistently found ways - through a series of highly tendentious interpretive moves - to avoid deeming these provisions unconstitutional. This article explores the similarity of our practice under Articles I and III. It seeks to demonstrate, in particular, that despite the strict enumeration rhetoric that pervades the case law and scholarly commentary relating to federal court jurisdiction, the Supreme Court has shown little interest in keeping the federal courts within the subject matter limits of Article III, § 2.
Market Entry and Expansion

When firms expand abroad one task they need to do is to determine the best way to structure their new foreign operation. Research focusing on this choice of market entry mode has grown rapidly over the past two decades but still much more work is needed. Primarily, past research has focused on country- and firm-specific attributes and has used rational decision-making models. Marketing scholars can add to our knowledge by exploring the impact of marketing strategy on market entry decisions. In this article, we briefly review the existing research and then offer suggestions on adding marketing insights that can impact foreign subsidiary choice and performance. Keywords: institutional theory; entry mode; channel choice; marketing strategy; TCE; RBV; market orientation; brands
Interaktive Visualisierung hochaufgelöster Volumendaten durch Vernetzung graphischer und numerischer Höchstleistungsrechner

Aus dem Bereich der Computergraphik existieren vielzahlige Methoden, welche hochste Anforderungen an die zugrundeliegenden Resourcen stellen. Benotigt werden hierbei sowohl grose Speicher- und Rechenkapazitaten zur effizienten Handhabung und Bearbeitung der anfallenden Datenmengen als auch schnelle Graphikrechner zur Darstellung der generierten Resultate. Da heutige Rechnerarchitekturen bislang nicht beiden Anforderungen genugen, und eine erhebliche Kostendifferenz zwischen numerischen, speicherkapazitiven Hochstleistungsrechnern und speziellen Graphikrechnern besteht, ist man auf breitbandige Kommunikationskanale angewiesen, welche eine effiziente Kopplung verschiedener Systeme erlauben. In der folgenden Arbeit soll szenarisch die Visualisierung groser Datenmengen durch Vernetzung graphischer und numerischer Hochstleistungsrechner dargestellt werden. Die konkrete Anwendung besteht hierbei in der interaktiven Darstellung und Bearbeitung hochaufgeloster skalarer Volumendatensatze, welche durch spezielle Verfahren fur die graphische Darstellung aufbereitet werden mussen.
Wittgenstein, liberal education, philosophy

In these remarks I want to discuss liberal education, indicating along the way how my acquaintance and struggle with Wittgenstein have affected both my theory and practice as a liberal educator. In no way, however, do I promise an account of Wittgenstein’s view of liberal education (or the view he supposedly would have held or should have held, had he thought about such a thing). For better or for worse he never, either in print or in recorded recollection of friends, discussed the matter (although of course he did have views about the modern university, culture, etc.). This fact makes my job both easier in some ways, and more difficult in others than (for example) that of one writing on Wittgenstein on logic or language or knowledge. It is easier because in many ways there are fewer constraints, and less pressure for accuracy (and of course therefore less worry about trivial debates as to whether there is a theory to be found). But it is more difficult insofar as it is harder to define exactly what one is writing about.
ECSCR enhances KDR activation and promotes proteolysis of internalized KDR (LB160)

The endothelial cell-specific chemotaxis receptor (ECSCR) is a cell-surface protein selectively expressed by endothelial cells (ECs), with roles in EC migration, apoptosis and proliferation. Our pr...
Abstract P029: Sucralose Promotes Increase in Fat Accumulation in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background: Artificial sweeteners are extensively used nowadays as a non-caloric sugar alternative. They are sweeter than sugar, with a presumed high safety profile, hence commonly promoted in weight loss and weight maintenance programs as a sugar substitute. However, recent studies showed that saccharin and acesulfame potassium may actually increase adipogenesis. Here we choose to study the effect of Sucralose on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), which was never been tested before. MSCs are multipotent cells which can differentiate to adipocytes, myoblasts, osteoblasts or chondroblasts. We were interested to note if presence of sucralose promotes adipocyte formation. Methods: We cultured MSCs in Normal Glucose DMEM media (5.5mM) or in Adipogenic Media (Lonza Inc., 5.5mM) with or without 0.00mM, 0.45mM or 4.5mM of Sucralose for a total of 6 days. At the end of day 6, cells were stained with Oil Red O stain (lipolysis). Cells were lysed post staining and absorbance of the assimilated dye was measured using a plate reader at 520 nm. Non-stained cells from each media and Sucralose concentration were also lysed as control and RNA was collected for RT-PCR to measure oxidation, inflammation and adipogenesis gene expression estimation. Results: Before lysing the cells for absorbance readings, cells were observed under the microscope for phase contrast image. As we increased the Sucralose concentration, (10-fold) a higher number of fat droplets was observed in MSCs cultured. Moreover, absorbance measurements showed that adipogenesis increased by 1.8 folds as we increased the Sucralose concentration from 0.00mM to 0.45mM. It was also increased by 2.85 folds as we increased the concentrations from 0.00mM to 4.5mM in cells cultured in both Normal Glucose and Adipogenic Media. RT-PCR results for oxidation genes ( Catalase, Superoxide dismutase 1, 2 and 3) , inflammation (TNF, IL-6) and adipogenesis( leptin, adiponectin, PPAR-g, FABP-4, c/EBP alpha and c/EBP beta) are pending. In summary, sucralose appears to promote fat accumulation by Oil Red O stain quantification. RT-PCR studies will confirm if adipogenic genes follow a similar pattern of up-regulation. Conclusion: Our studies indicate that sucralose may promote fat accumulation and warrants further cellular and animal model studies
Spontaneous rupture of the kidney with massive hemorrhage. A complication of anticoagulation.

Abstract A case of spontaneous or nontraumatic rupture of the kidney resulting in nearly fatal massive hemorrhage in a patient on long-term anticoagulant therapy has been reported. This case illustrates that rupture can occur in an essentially normal kidney. Rupture of the kidney is a diagnosis that should be considered in any acute abdominal crisis manifested by sudden flank pain and shock. Diagnosis is best made by intravenous pyelography or, as in this case, by transfemoral arteriography. After the patient is treated for shock, nephrectomy should be performed as soon as possible.
Ornithine Decarboxylase and Polyamines in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), due to germ-line mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, is characterized by development of colorectal adenomas and ultimately colorectal cancer. The usefulness of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and polyamine levels in normal-appearing colorectal mucosa to stratify risk for colorectal neoplasia by discriminating presymptomatic individuals with germ-line APC mutation (genotype-positive) from genotype-negative family controls was evaluated in 36 at-risk subjects undergoing endoscopic and genetic screening for FAP. ODC activity and levels of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine were significantly higher in presymptomatic genotype-positive patients compared to genotype-negative persons (P = 0.029, <0.001, 0.002, and <0.001, respectively). Moreover, a putrescine level with a cutoff point of 1.5 nmol/mg protein was the most accurate single discriminator of risk status. ODC activity and polyamine levels are significantly elevated in gene carriers of FAP before the development of polyposis, suggesting a role for these compounds in tumorigenesis of FAP. These assays may be useful in evaluating at-risk members of FAP families in which mutation of the APC gene cannot be found.
Pyridine nucleotide oxidizing enzymes of Lactobacillus casei: II. Oxidase and peroxidase☆☆☆★

Abstract The soluble DPNH oxidase and peroxidase activities of Lactobacillus casei were isolated in partially purified form and their properties were examined. The two activities could not be separated by any of the techniques of protein separation that were employed. The peroxidase is an FAD enzyme and retains its flavin tenaciously during purification. It is very specific for hydrogen peroxide as electron acceptor and is not effective with methylene blue, indophenol, benzoquinone, and similar compounds. The enzyme is inhibited strongly by p -hydroxymercuribenzoate and moderately by N -ethylmaleimide, but not by cyanide, amytal, or versene. The oxidase is also a flavoprotein, but loses activity during isolation or on storage and reaches maximal activity only when incubated with a thiol compound and FAD. Oxygen, FAD, or methylene blue will serve as electron acceptor, but FMN and ferri-cyanide are totally inactive. The activity was not affected significantly by any of the inhibitors tested.
The structure and antigenicity of novel polysaccharides from microorganisms and plants

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses procedures for the isolation of polysaccharides, methods for the structural analysis, and the types of assays for antigenicity. The pioneering studies of Avery and Heidelberg that established for the first time an immunological function for microbial cell wall polysaccharides are included along with some appropriate contributions of other notable scientists. Some applications of polysaccharide antigens and the anti-carbohydrate antibodies are also considered in the chapter. The antigenic polysaccharides from gums have useful properties such as high viscosity, gel forming ability and stabilizing of suspensions. Included in this class are gum arable, gum mesquite, gum xanthan, gum guaran and gum linseed. The polysaccharides have been used to prepare many anticarbohydrate antibodies and these have specificity for glucose, galactose, glucuronic acid, rhamnose, glucose-1-phosphate, N-acetyl- glucosamine-1-phosphate, and oligosaccharides of glucose, galactose, glucuronic acid 4,6-pyruvyl-mannose, arabinose, N-acetyl-glucosamine and N-acetyl-galactosamine. Such anti-carbohydrate antibodies are likely to have value for the detection and identification of glycoproteins and glycolipids in normal and diseased tissues.
Substitution of murine transthyretin (prealbumin) regulatory sequences into the Moloney murine leukemia virus long terminal repeat yields infectious virus with altered biological properties.

The effects of inserting cellular regulatory sequences from the murine transthyretin (TTR) gene into the Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) long terminal repeat (LTR) were investigated. Transthyretin is expressed predominantly in the liver and choroid plexus in adult mice, and TTR upstream regulatory elements were previously shown to potentiate transcription in liver-derived cells. The effects of inserting the TTR distal enhancer and/or promoter-proximal sequences into an M-MuLV LTR lacking its enhancers were measured in three ways. (i) Chimeric LTRs were fused to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene (cat) and tested for transient gene expression by transfection into liver-derived cells or NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. (ii) Infectious M-MuLV containing an altered LTR [delta Mo + TTR(PD) MuLV) was generated, and infectivity in culture on hepatocyte lines and NIH 3T3 cells was tested. (iii) Infection of delta Mo + TTR(PD) MuLV in vivo was tested by inoculating NFS/N mice and performing in situ hybridization of whole animal sections. Chimeric LTR-cat constructs showed higher levels of cat gene expression in liver-derived cell lines than in NIH 3T3 cells, indicating increased LTR activity in these cells. However, in vitro infection did not show significantly higher infectivity in hepatocytes for delta Mo + TTR(PD) M-MuLV than did wild-type M-MuLV. In vivo, delta Mo + TTR(PD) MuLV showed expression in the same tissues as with wild-type M-MuLV-inoculated mice, i.e., lymphoid organs and the intestines and, additionally, two novel sites not seen in wild-type M-MuLV-inoculated animals. Of 10 mice, 8 showed viral expression in the brain and 3 showed expression in the liver. Thus, insertion of TTR elements into the M-MuLV LTR altered LTR activity both in vitro and in vivo.
Ecology and the Sacred: Engaging the Anthropology of Roy A. Rappaport.

Ecology and the Sacred: Engaging the Anthropology of Roy A. Rappaport. Ellen Messer and Michael Lambek. eds. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2001. 376 pp.
Fetoplacental deamination and decarboxylation of leucine.

Fetal and placental metabolism of leucine (Leu) and ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) were studied in seven fetal lambs at 132 +/- 1.3-days gestation. Fetal infusions of [1-13C]Leu, [1-14C]Leu, and antipyrine were carried out for 4 h. Uterine and umbilical blood flows were measured using the antipyrine steady-state diffusion technique. Leu and KIC concentrations, [14C]Leu-specific activities, 14CO2, [13C]Leu, and [13C]KIC enrichment (mole percent enrichment) were measured in the maternal artery, uterine vein, and umbilical artery and vein to calculate net fluxes of tracee and tracer molecules between fetus and placenta and between the uteroplacenta and the maternal circulation. There were net Leu and KIC fluxes into the fetus from the placenta with the KIC flux equal to approximately 19% of the combined Leu plus KIC flux. In addition, there was a net KIC flux into the uterine circulation. The fraction of infused tracer Leu escaping the placenta into the mother was small (approximately 6%). By contrast, there was a rapid exchange of tracer Leu carbon between placenta and fetus resulting in a significant flux of labeled KIC from placenta to fetus. Approximately 20% of the infused tracer carbon was converted to CO2 within the fetus. This rate of conversion was greater than 80% of the total fetoplacental conversion rate and significantly higher than the flux of KIC tracer carbon from placenta to fetus. Fetal KIC decarboxylation rate, calculated from the fetal KIC enrichment data, was 2.83 +/- 0.40 mumol.min-1.kg fetus-1 and approximately 60% of the combined net Leu and KIC flux into the fetus from the placenta.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
High-Throughput Analysis of an RNAi Library Identifies Novel Kinase Targets in Trypanosoma brucei

New drugs are needed to treat human African trypanosomiasis because the currently approved treatments are toxic or limited in efficacy. One strategy for developing new drugs involves discovering novel genes whose products can be targeted for modulation by small-molecule chemotherapeutic agents. The Trypanosoma brucei genome contains many genes with the potential to become such targets. Kinases represent one group of genes that regulate many important cell functions and can be modulated by small molecules, thus representing a promising group of enzymes to screen for potential therapeutic targets. RNAi screens could help identify the most promising kinase targets, but the lack of suitable assays represents a barrier for optimizing the use of this technology in T. brucei. Here, we describe an RNAi screen of a small RNAi library targeting 30 members of the T. brucei kinome utilizing a luciferase-based assay. This screen both validated the luciferase-based assay as a suitable method for conducting RNAi screens in T. brucei and also identified two kinases (CRK12 and ERK8) that are essential for normal proliferation by the parasite.
Impact of citrus thrips chemical treatments on the predatory mite Euseius tularensis

The impacts of four pesticides used for control of citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton), were evaluated in both field and laboratory populations of a predaceous mite, Euseius tularensis Congdon. Abamectin and chlorfenapyr had the least impact of pesticides evaluated on a field population of E. tularensis and predaceous mite levels mirrored those observed in the untreated control but at a slightly depressed level. Spinosad reduced predaceous mites somewhat but they recovered to 50% of the level in the untreated control by the end of the trial. Mite populations were low throughout the trial in plots treated with cyfluthrin. As an overall summary statistic, cumulative predator mite-days ranged from 73.6% of the level observed in the untreated control with abamectin to 67.1% with chlorfenapyr, 36.8% with spinosad and 11.7% with cyfluthrin. Three additional field trials confirmed abamectin's minimal impact. In laboratory studies of adult female mite mortality on field-weathered, pesticide-treated leaves, cyfluthrin caused high mortality on day 1 after treatment and all mites that were not killed were driven off leaf discs until day 21. When mites were placed on leaf discs 1 day after treatment with abamectin, spinosad, or chlorfenapyr, 67.5% of the mites died on chlorfenapyr discs. By 7 days after treatment, no material but cyfluthrin showed a significant impact. Implications to citrus integrated pest management are discussed.
Non-conventional algorithm for representing and recognizing complicated two-dimensional objects

Abstract A non-conventional method for representing and recognizing shape descriptions is described. For any shape S, a modified Cobweb form representation, which is referred to as a shell descriptor (SD), is established for the most significant vertex V. The shell descriptor is then used as a registered description for the shape S at vertex V. This method is computationally efficient as compared to most of the conventional techniques in shape recognition. The new algorithm provides an effective and reliable tool for shape representation and classification, especially for complicated objects such as logos.
Hypermedia authoring and annotation in InfoStation

This paper describes the hypermedia authoring and annotation capability of the VTLS InfoStation. Such a capability offers library users services previously unavailable in a traditional library automation system. Hypermedia enables readers to travel from one document to another with ease. In effect, it automates the process of following references in an encyclopedia. It also supports collaboration among researchers, professors and students by allowing them to annotate within the context of a body of scholarly material. Furthermore, it helps users look up related items in a library more efficiently without having to search through an entire database.
Propylene oxide mutagenesis at template cytosine residues

Propylene oxide (PO) is a widely used industrial reagent which is mutagenic and carcinogenic. We have recently shown that a variety of aliphatic epoxides, including propylene oxide, can react with DNA to form hydroxyalkyl adducts at N-3 of cytosine which rapidly undergo hydrolytic deamination to produce uracil adducts. These 3-hydroxyalkyl uracil adducts are stable in DNA and are postulated to be an important class of potentially mutagenic lesions. Mutagenesis at cytosine residues due to PO modification of single-stranded M13mp2/C141 DNA was studied by transfection of modified DNA into SOS and non-SOS induced E. coli host cells. Mutations of the proline (CCC) codon at C141 which result in reversion of the lacZ phenotype (blue plaques) were scored. It was found that PO treatment of single-stranded DNA results in dose-dependent mutagenesis that is highly SOS dependent. The spectrum of base-substitution mutations found at this site differed when PO-modified DNA was transfected into E. coli with different DNA repair backgrounds. These results indicate that propylene oxide induced DNA adducts at template cytosine residues are mutagenic in E. coli and that this mutagenesis is greatly increased by SOS processing. They also show that these lesions may be repaired by one or more mechanisms.
Stable classes of phenotypic expression in methicillin-resistant clinical isolates of staphylococci.

A collection of coagulase-positive and -negative clinical strains of staphylococci, all of which gave a positive reaction with a mec-specific DNA probe, was analyzed for the mode of phenotypic expression of methicillin resistance by using population analysis on agar plates containing different concentrations of the antibiotic. Strains could be divided into four arbitrary expression classes. Cultures of class 4 strains were composed of uniformly and highly resistant bacteria (MIC greater than or equal to 800 micrograms/ml). In contrast, cultures of strains belonging to classes 1, 2, and 3 were heterogeneous: they were composed of two or more subpopulations of cells that differed from one another in MICs and frequencies. In cultures of strains belonging to expression class 1, most of the cells had methicillin MICs of 1.5 to 3 micrograms/ml, i.e., only two to three times higher than those for truly susceptible strains. In cultures of strains belonging to expression classes 2 and 3, the methicillin MICs for the majority of bacteria ranged from 6 to 12 and up to 50 to 200 micrograms/ml, respectively. While the definition of the expression classes was arbitrary, the modes of phenotypic expression were specific and reproducible: randomly picked colonies of a given strain produced identical population profiles. The strain-specific mode of expression was also retained after numerous single-colony picks and sequential passages in antibiotic-free medium. We suggest that these classes represent stages in an evolutionary sequence leading to progressively improved phenotypic expression of methicillin resistance in staphylococci. Images
Metabolic presbycusis: differential changes in auditory brainstem and otoacoustic emission responses with chronic furosemide application in the gerbil.

Auditory characteristics of metabolic or strial presbycusis were investigated using an animal model in which young adult Mongolian gerbils (Merionesunguiculates) were implanted with an osmotic pump supplying furosemide continuously to the round window. This model causes chronic lowering of the endocochlear potential (EP) and results in auditory responses very similar to those seen in quiet-aged gerbils (Schmiedt et al., J. Neurosci. 22:9643–9650, 2002). Auditory function was examined up to one week post-implant by measurement of auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Emission “threshold” was defined as the stimulus level required to reach a criterion emission amplitude. Comparing all responses on a “threshold-shift diagram,” where emission threshold increases were plotted versus ABR threshold increases, the following results were obtained: (1) On average, the increase of the emission threshold was about 55% of the increase in ABR threshold, with comparatively little scatter. (2) The main dysfunction in metabolic presbycusis appears to be a decrease in the gain of the cochlear amplifier, combined with an additional, smaller increase in neural threshold, both effects caused by a chronically low EP. (3) For ABR threshold increases over 20 dB, the points for the chronic low-EP condition were largely separate from those previously found for permanent acoustic damage. The threshold-shift diagram therefore provides a method for noninvasive differential diagnosis of two common hearing dysfunctions.