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Showing papers by "Louisiana State University published in 2007"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a discussion of mixed methods sampling techniques, which combines well-established qualitative and quantitative techniques in creative ways to answer research questions posed by MM research designs.
Abstract: This article presents a discussion of mixed methods (MM) sampling techniques. MM sampling involves combining well-established qualitative and quantitative techniques in creative ways to answer research questions posed by MM research designs. Several issues germane to MM sampling are presented including the differences between probability and purposive sampling and the probability-mixed-purposive sampling continuum. Four MM sampling prototypes are introduced: basic MM sampling strategies, sequential MM sampling, concurrent MM sampling, and multilevel MM sampling. Examples of each of these techniques are given as illustrations of how researchers actually generate MM samples. Finally, eight guidelines for MM sampling are presented.

3,256 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Sabeeha S. Merchant1, Simon E. Prochnik2, Olivier Vallon3, Elizabeth H. Harris4, Steven J. Karpowicz1, George B. Witman5, Astrid Terry2, Asaf Salamov2, Lillian K. Fritz-Laylin6, Laurence Maréchal-Drouard7, Wallace F. Marshall8, Liang-Hu Qu9, David R. Nelson10, Anton A. Sanderfoot11, Martin H. Spalding12, Vladimir V. Kapitonov13, Qinghu Ren, Patrick J. Ferris14, Erika Lindquist2, Harris Shapiro2, Susan Lucas2, Jane Grimwood15, Jeremy Schmutz15, Pierre Cardol16, Pierre Cardol3, Heriberto Cerutti17, Guillaume Chanfreau1, Chun-Long Chen9, Valérie Cognat7, Martin T. Croft18, Rachel M. Dent6, Susan K. Dutcher19, Emilio Fernández20, Hideya Fukuzawa21, David González-Ballester22, Diego González-Halphen23, Armin Hallmann, Marc Hanikenne16, Michael Hippler24, William Inwood6, Kamel Jabbari25, Ming Kalanon26, Richard Kuras3, Paul A. Lefebvre11, Stéphane D. Lemaire27, Alexey V. Lobanov17, Martin Lohr28, Andrea L Manuell29, Iris Meier30, Laurens Mets31, Maria Mittag32, Telsa M. Mittelmeier33, James V. Moroney34, Jeffrey L. Moseley22, Carolyn A. Napoli33, Aurora M. Nedelcu35, Krishna K. Niyogi6, Sergey V. Novoselov17, Ian T. Paulsen, Greg Pazour5, Saul Purton36, Jean-Philippe Ral7, Diego Mauricio Riaño-Pachón37, Wayne R. Riekhof, Linda A. Rymarquis38, Michael Schroda, David B. Stern39, James G. Umen14, Robert D. Willows40, Nedra F. Wilson41, Sara L. Zimmer39, Jens Allmer42, Janneke Balk18, Katerina Bisova43, Chong-Jian Chen9, Marek Eliáš44, Karla C Gendler33, Charles R. Hauser45, Mary Rose Lamb46, Heidi K. Ledford6, Joanne C. Long1, Jun Minagawa47, M. Dudley Page1, Junmin Pan48, Wirulda Pootakham22, Sanja Roje49, Annkatrin Rose50, Eric Stahlberg30, Aimee M. Terauchi1, Pinfen Yang51, Steven G. Ball7, Chris Bowler25, Carol L. Dieckmann33, Vadim N. Gladyshev17, Pamela J. Green38, Richard A. Jorgensen33, Stephen P. Mayfield29, Bernd Mueller-Roeber37, Sathish Rajamani30, Richard T. Sayre30, Peter Brokstein2, Inna Dubchak2, David Goodstein2, Leila Hornick2, Y. Wayne Huang2, Jinal Jhaveri2, Yigong Luo2, Diego Martinez2, Wing Chi Abby Ngau2, Bobby Otillar2, Alexander Poliakov2, Aaron Porter2, Lukasz Szajkowski2, Gregory Werner2, Kemin Zhou2, Igor V. Grigoriev2, Daniel S. Rokhsar6, Daniel S. Rokhsar2, Arthur R. Grossman22 
University of California, Los Angeles1, United States Department of Energy2, University of Paris3, Duke University4, University of Massachusetts Medical School5, University of California, Berkeley6, Centre national de la recherche scientifique7, University of California, San Francisco8, Sun Yat-sen University9, University of Tennessee Health Science Center10, University of Minnesota11, Iowa State University12, Genetic Information Research Institute13, Salk Institute for Biological Studies14, Stanford University15, University of Liège16, University of Nebraska–Lincoln17, University of Cambridge18, Washington University in St. Louis19, University of Córdoba (Spain)20, Kyoto University21, Carnegie Institution for Science22, National Autonomous University of Mexico23, University of Münster24, École Normale Supérieure25, University of Melbourne26, University of Paris-Sud27, University of Mainz28, Scripps Research Institute29, Ohio State University30, University of Chicago31, University of Jena32, University of Arizona33, Louisiana State University34, University of New Brunswick35, University College London36, University of Potsdam37, Delaware Biotechnology Institute38, Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research39, Macquarie University40, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences41, İzmir University of Economics42, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic43, Charles University in Prague44, St. Edward's University45, University of Puget Sound46, Hokkaido University47, Tsinghua University48, Washington State University49, Appalachian State University50, Marquette University51
12 Oct 2007-Science
TL;DR: Analyses of the Chlamydomonas genome advance the understanding of the ancestral eukaryotic cell, reveal previously unknown genes associated with photosynthetic and flagellar functions, and establish links between ciliopathy and the composition and function of flagella.
Abstract: Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a unicellular green alga whose lineage diverged from land plants over 1 billion years ago. It is a model system for studying chloroplast-based photosynthesis, as well as the structure, assembly, and function of eukaryotic flagella (cilia), which were inherited from the common ancestor of plants and animals, but lost in land plants. We sequenced the approximately 120-megabase nuclear genome of Chlamydomonas and performed comparative phylogenomic analyses, identifying genes encoding uncharacterized proteins that are likely associated with the function and biogenesis of chloroplasts or eukaryotic flagella. Analyses of the Chlamydomonas genome advance our understanding of the ancestral eukaryotic cell, reveal previously unknown genes associated with photosynthetic and flagellar functions, and establish links between ciliopathy and the composition and function of flagella.

2,554 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed the original theory and its improvements, and a few examples of experimental two-qubit gates are given, and the use of realistic components, the errors they induce in the computation, and how these errors can be corrected is discussed.
Abstract: Linear optics with photon counting is a prominent candidate for practical quantum computing. The protocol by Knill, Laflamme, and Milburn [2001, Nature (London) 409, 46] explicitly demonstrates that efficient scalable quantum computing with single photons, linear optical elements, and projective measurements is possible. Subsequently, several improvements on this protocol have started to bridge the gap between theoretical scalability and practical implementation. The original theory and its improvements are reviewed, and a few examples of experimental two-qubit gates are given. The use of realistic components, the errors they induce in the computation, and how these errors can be corrected is discussed.

2,483 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A comprehensive phylogenetic classification of the kingdom Fungi is proposed, with reference to recent molecular phylogenetic analyses, and with input from diverse members of the fungal taxonomic community.

2,096 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is suggested that self-compassion attenuates people's reactions to negative events in ways that are distinct from and, in some cases, more beneficial than self-esteem.
Abstract: Five studies investigated the cognitive and emotional processes by which self-compassionate people deal with unpleasant life events. In the various studies, participants reported on negative events in their daily lives, responded to hypothetical scenarios, reacted to interpersonal feedback, rated their or others’ videotaped performances in an awkward situation, and reflected on negative personal experiences. Results from Study 1 showed that self-compassion predicted emotional and cognitive reactions to negative events in everyday life, and Study 2 found that self-compassion buffered people against negative self-feelings when imagining distressing social events. In Study 3, self-compassion moderated negative emotions after receiving ambivalent feedback, particularly for participants who were low in self-esteem. Study 4 found that low-self-compassionate people undervalued their videotaped performances relative to observers. Study 5 experimentally induced a self-compassionate perspective and found that selfcompassion leads people to acknowledge their role in negative events without feeling overwhelmed with negative emotions. In general, these studies suggest that self-compassion attenuates people’s reactions to negative events in ways that are distinct from and, in some cases, more beneficial than self-esteem.

1,384 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
13 Apr 2007-Science
TL;DR: The genome sequence of an Indian-origin Macaca mulatta female is determined and compared with chimpanzees and humans to reveal the structure of ancestral primate genomes and to identify evidence for positive selection and lineage-specific expansions and contractions of gene families.
Abstract: The rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is an abundant primate species that diverged from the ancestors of Homo sapiens about 25 million years ago. Because they are genetically and physiologically similar to humans, rhesus monkeys are the most widely used nonhuman primate in basic and applied biomedical research. We determined the genome sequence of an Indian-origin Macaca mulatta female and compared the data with chimpanzees and humans to reveal the structure of ancestral primate genomes and to identify evidence for positive selection and lineage-specific expansions and contractions of gene families. A comparison of sequences from individual animals was used to investigate their underlying genetic diversity. The complete description of the macaque genome blueprint enhances the utility of this animal model for biomedical research and improves our understanding of the basic biology of the species.

1,297 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The main conclusions are: both GGE biplot analysis and AMMI analysis combine rather than separate G and GE in mega-environment analysis and genotype evaluation, and the G GE biplot is superior to the AMMI1 graph in Mega-Environment analysis and Genotype evaluation.
Abstract: The use of genotype main effect (G) plus genotype-by-environment (GE) interaction (G+GE) biplot analysis by plant breeders and other agricultural researchers has increased dramatically during the past 5 yr for analyzing multi-environment trial (MET) data. Recently, however, its legitimacy was questioned by a proponent of Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis. The objectives of this review are: (i) to compare GGE biplot analysis and AMMI analysis on three aspects of genotype-by-environment data (GED) analysis, namely mega-environment analysis, genotype evaluation, and test-environment evaluation; (ii) to discuss whether G and GE should be combined or separated in these three aspects of GED analysis; and (iii) to discuss the role and importance of model diagnosis in biplot analysis of GED. Our main conclusions are: (i) both GGE biplot analysis and AMMI analysis combine rather than separate G and GE in mega-environment analysis and genotype evaluation, (ii) the GGE biplot is superior to the AMMI1 graph in mega-environment analysis and genotype evaluation because it explains more G+GE and has the inner-product property of the biplot, (iii) the discriminating power vs. representativeness view of the GGE biplot is effective in evaluating test environments, which is not possible in AMMI analysis, and (iv) model diagnosis for each dataset is useful, but accuracy gain from model diagnosis should not be overstated.

939 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is found that belowground resource availability plays an important role in the assembly of tropical tree communities at local scales and provide the basis for future investigations on the mechanisms of resource competition among tropical tree species.
Abstract: The importance of niche vs. neutral assembly mechanisms in structuring tropical tree communities remains an important unsettled question in community ecology [Bell G (2005) Ecology 86:1757-1770]. There is ample evidence that species distributions are determined by soils and habitat factors at landscape ( 0.5 million individual trees of 1,400 species and 10 essential plant nutrients, we used Monte Carlo simulations of species distributions to test plant-soil associations against null expectations based on dispersal assembly. We found that the spatial distributions of 36-51% of tree species at these sites show strong associations to soil nutrient distributions. Neutral dispersal assembly cannot account for these plant-soil associations or the observed niche breadths of these species. These results indicate that belowground resource availability plays an important role in the assembly of tropical tree communities at local scales and provide the basis for future investigations on the mechanisms of resource competition among tropical tree species.

819 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
J. Abraham1, P. Abreu2, Marco Aglietta3, C. Aguirre  +449 moreInstitutions (69)
09 Nov 2007-Science
TL;DR: In this article, the authors demonstrate that there is a correlation between the arrival directions of cosmic rays with energy above 6 x 10{sup 19} eV and the positions of active galactic nuclei lying within 75 Mpc.
Abstract: Using data collected at the Pierre Auger Observatory during the past 3.7 years, we demonstrate that there is a correlation between the arrival directions of cosmic rays with energy above {approx} 6 x 10{sup 19} eV and the positions of active galactic nuclei (AGN) lying within {approx} 75 Mpc. We reject the hypothesis of an isotropic distribution of these cosmic rays at over 99% confidence level from a prescribed a priori test. The correlation we observe is compatible with the hypothesis that the highest energy particles originate from nearby extragalactic sources whose flux has not been significantly reduced by interaction with the cosmic background radiation. AGN or objects having a similar spatial distribution are possible sources.

798 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
23 Mar 2007-Science
TL;DR: Science must guide MDP restoration, which will provide insights into delta restoration elsewhere and generally into coasts facing climate change in times of resource scarcity.
Abstract: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita showed the vulnerability of coastal communities and how human activities that caused deterioration of the Mississippi Deltaic Plain (MDP) exacerbated this vulnerability. The MDP formed by dynamic interactions between river and coast at various temporal and spatial scales, and human activity has reduced these interactions at all scales. Restoration efforts aim to re-establish this dynamic interaction, with emphasis on reconnecting the river to the deltaic plain. Science must guide MDP restoration, which will provide insights into delta restoration elsewhere and generally into coasts facing climate change in times of resource scarcity.

757 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Community adolescents reported high rates of non-suicidal self-injury, engaged in to influence behaviors of others and to manage internal emotions, and intervention efforts should be tailored to reducing individual issues that contribute to NSSI.
Abstract: Background. Few studies have investigated non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), or the deliberate, direct destruction of body tissue without conscious suicidal intent, and the motivations for engaging in NSSI among adolescents. This study assessed the prevalence, associated clinical characteristics, and functions of NSSI in a community sample of adolescents.Method. A total of 633 adolescents completed anonymous surveys. NSSI was assessed with the Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation (FASM).Results. Some form of NSSI was endorsed by 46.5% (n=293) of the adolescents within the past year, most frequently biting self, cutting/carving skin, hitting self on purpose, and burning skin. Sixty per cent of these, or 28% of the overall sample, endorsed moderate/severe forms of NSSI. Self-injurers reported an average of 12.9 (S.D.=29.4) incidents in the past 12 months, with an average of 2.4 (S.D.=1.7) types of NSSI used. Moderate/severe self-injurers were more likely than minor self-injurers, who in turn were more likely than non-injurers, to have a history of psychiatric treatment, hospitalization and suicide attempt, as well as current suicide ideation. A four-factor model of NSSI functions was indicated, with self-injurers likely to endorse both reasons of automatic reinforcement and social reinforcement. The most common reasons for NSSI were 'to try to get a reaction from someone', 'to get control of a situation', and 'to stop bad feelings'.Conclusions. Community adolescents reported high rates of NSSI, engaged in to influence behaviors of others and to manage internal emotions. Intervention efforts should be tailored to reducing individual issues that contribute to NSSI and building alternative skills for positive coping, communication, stress management, and strong social support. Language: en

Journal ArticleDOI
10 May 2007-Nature
TL;DR: A high-quality draft of the genome sequence of the grey, short-tailed opossum is reported, indicating a strong influence of biased gene conversion on nucleotide sequence composition, and a relationship between chromosomal characteristics and X chromosome inactivation.
Abstract: We report a high-quality draft of the genome sequence of the grey, short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica). As the first metatherian ('marsupial') species to be sequenced, the opossum provides a unique perspective on the organization and evolution of mammalian genomes. Distinctive features of the opossum chromosomes provide support for recent theories about genome evolution and function, including a strong influence of biased gene conversion on nucleotide sequence composition, and a relationship between chromosomal characteristics and X chromosome inactivation. Comparison of opossum and eutherian genomes also reveals a sharp difference in evolutionary innovation between protein-coding and non-coding functional elements. True innovation in protein-coding genes seems to be relatively rare, with lineage-specific differences being largely due to diversification and rapid turnover in gene families involved in environmental interactions. In contrast, about 20% of eutherian conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) are recent inventions that postdate the divergence of Eutheria and Metatheria. A substantial proportion of these eutherian-specific CNEs arose from sequence inserted by transposable elements, pointing to transposons as a major creative force in the evolution of mammalian gene regulation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Examination of micro-RNA abundance in the hippocampal region of fetal, adult and Alzheimer's disease brain indicates that micro-RNAs encoding miR-9, microR-124a,miR-125b, miM-128, miR -132 and miR –219 are abundantly represented in fetal hippocampus, are differentially regulated in aged brain, and an alteration in specific micro- RNA complexity occurs in Alzheimer hippocampus.
Abstract: Micro-RNAs constitute a family of small noncoding ribonucleic acids that are posttranscriptional regulators of messenger RNA activity. Although micro-RNAs are known to be dynamically regulated during neural development, the role of micro-RNAs in brain aging and neurodegeneration is not known. This study examined micro-RNA abundance in the hippocampal region of fetal, adult and Alzheimer's disease brain. The data indicate that micro-RNAs encoding miR-9, miR-124a, miR-125b, miR-128, miR-132 and miR-219 are abundantly represented in fetal hippocampus, are differentially regulated in aged brain, and an alteration in specific micro-RNA complexity occurs in Alzheimer hippocampus. These data are consistent with the idea that altered micro-RNA-mediated processing of messenger RNA populations may contribute to atypical mRNA abundance and neural dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease brain.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article examined how cash flows, investment expenditures, and stock price histories affect debt ratios and found that these variables have a substantial influence on changes in capital structure, but in contrast to previous conclusions, their effects are partially reversed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The selective catalytic conversion of biomass-derived syngas into ethanol is thermodynamically feasible at temperatures below roughly 350 degrees C at 30 bar, but if methane is allowed as a reaction product, the conversion to ethanol (or other oxygenates) is extremely limited.
Abstract: The selective catalytic conversion of biomass-derived syngas into ethanol is thermodynamically feasible at temperatures below roughly 350 °C at 30 bar. However, if methane is allowed as a reaction product, the conversion to ethanol (or other oxygenates) is extremely limited. Experimental results show that high selectivities to ethanol are only achieved at very low conversions, typically less than 10%. The most promising catalysts for the synthesis of ethanol are based on Rh, though some other formulations (such as modified methanol synthesis catalysts) show promise. (Critical review—173 references.)

Journal ArticleDOI
15 Nov 2007-Cancer
TL;DR: The 2007 report features a comprehensive compilation of cancer information for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN).
Abstract: BACKGROUND. The American Cancer Society, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Cancer Institute, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries collaborate annually to provide updated information on cancer occurrence and trends in the U.S. The 2007 report features a comprehensive compilation of cancer information for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). METHODS. Cancer incidence data were available for up to 82% of the U.S. population. Cancer deaths were available for the entire U.S. population. Long-term (1975 through 2004) and fixed-interval (1995 through 2004) incidence and mortality trends were evaluated by annual percent change using regression analyses (2-sided P < .05). Cancer screening, risk factors, socioeconomic characteristics, incidence data, and stage were compiled for non-Hispanic whites (NHW) and AI/AN across 6 regions of the U.S. RESULTS. Overall cancer death rates decreased by 2.1% per year from 2002 through 2004, nearly twice the annual decrease of 1.1% per year from 1993 through 2002. Among men and women, death rates declined for most cancers. Among women, lung cancer incidence rates no longer were increasing and death rates, although they still were increasing slightly, were increasing at a much slower rate than in the past. Breast cancer incidence rates in women decreased 3.5% per year from 2001 to 2004, the first decrease observed in 20 years. Colorectal cancer incidence and death rates and prostate cancer death rates declined, with colorectal cancer death rates dropping more sharply from 2002 through 2004. Overall, rates for AI/AN were lower than for NHW from 1999 through 2004 for most cancers, but they were higher for cancers of the stomach, liver, cervix, kidney, and gallbladder. Regional analyses, however, revealed high rates for AI/AN in the Northern and Southern Plains and Alaska. For cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, prostate, and cervix, AI/AN were less likely than NHW to be diagnosed at localized stages. CONCLUSIONS. For all races/ethnicities combined in the U.S., favorable trends in incidence and mortality were noted for lung and colorectal cancer in men and women and for breast cancer in women. For the AI/AN population, lower overall cancer incidence and death rates obscured important variations by geographic regions and less favorable healthcare access and socioeconomic status. Enhanced tobacco control and cancer screening, especially in the Northern and Southern Plains and Alaska, emerged as clear priorities. Cancer 2007;110:2119–52. Published 2007 by the American Cancer Society.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review addresses specific variables in diagnosis and classification of comorbid symptoms, and proposes potential avenues for research and practice with respect to differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the performance of carbon materials in a neutral electrolyte for the first time has been studied, and the structural and surface properties of the prepared carbon materials were studied using scanning electron microscopy and N2 adsorption/desorption studies.
Abstract: Carbon materials were synthesized from banana fibers by treating the fibers with pore-forming substances such as ZnCl2 and KOH with an intention to improve the surface area and their electrochemical performance as electrical double-layer capacitor electrodes. The performance of these materials was studied in a neutral electrolyte for the first time. There has been a substantive increase in the specific surface area of the treated carbon material because of the effective pore generations. The structural and surface properties of the prepared carbon materials were studied using scanning electron microscopy and N2 adsorption/desorption studies. The surface area of the 10% ZnCl2 treated sample was found to be 1097 m2/g. The electrochemical properties of untreated and porogen treated carbons were evaluated by using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge−discharge studies, and the specific capacitance as high as 74 F/g in 1 M Na2SO4 neutral electrolyte was obtained for 10% ZnCl2 treated carbon as determine...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The approximately 60 million members of Generation Y are a major force in the consumer marketplace and represent a significant behavioral shift as discussed by the authors, and to develop the broad, multifaceted advertising strat...
Abstract: The approximately 60 million members of Generation Y are a major force in the consumer marketplace and represent a significant behavioral shift. To develop the broad, multifaceted advertising strat...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A microporous metal-organic framework, MOF, Cu(FMA)(4,4'-Bpe)0.5, rationally designed from a primitive cubic net whose pores are tuned by double framework interpenetration shows highly selective sorption behaviors of gas molecules.
Abstract: A microporous metal−organic framework, MOF, Cu(FMA)(4,4'-Bpe)0.5 (3a, FMA = fumarate; 4,4'-Bpe = 4,4’-Bpe = trans-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene) was rationally designed from a primitive cubic net whose pores are tuned by double framework interpenetration. With pore cavities of about 3.6 A, which are interconnected by pore windows of 2.0 × 3.2 A, 3a shows highly selective sorption behaviors of gas molecules.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Preliminary data suggest that prostaglandin E2 produced by the tumor induces arginase I expression in myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and blocking MDSC activity may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy in RCC.
Abstract: Tumor-induced tolerance is a well-established phenomenon in cancer patients that can severely impair the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy. One mechanism leading to T-cell tolerance is the generation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) by soluble factors produced by the tumor. MDSC express CD11b(+) as a common marker but may vary in their stage of maturation, depending on the tumor factors being produced. Arginase production by MDSC depletes arginine from the tumor microenvironment and impairs T-cell signal transduction and function. We studied whether an increase in MDSC could explain the molecular alterations and dysfunction found in T cells of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Arginase activity in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 117 RCC patients was increased between 6- to 8-fold compared with normal controls. The increased arginase activity was limited to the CD11b(+)CD14(-) myeloid cells and resulted in significantly decreased serum levels of arginine and increased ornithine in patients. Depletion of MDSC restored IFN-gamma production and T-cell proliferation. Preliminary data suggest that prostaglandin E(2) produced by the tumor induces arginase I expression in MDSC. Therefore, blocking MDSC activity may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy in RCC.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors constructed a gamma-ray burst (GRB) HD with 69 GRBs over a redshift range from 0.17 to >6, with half the bursts having a redshifts larger than 1.7.
Abstract: One of the few ways to measure the properties of dark energy is to extend the Hubble diagram (HD) to higher redshifts with gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). GRBs have at least five properties (their spectral lag, variability, spectral peak photon energy, time of the jet break, and the minimum rise time) that have correlations to the luminosity of varying quality. In this paper I construct a GRB HD with 69 GRBs over a redshift range from 0.17 to >6, with half the bursts having a redshift larger than 1.7. This paper uses over 3.6 times as many GRBs and 12.7 times as many luminosity indicators as any previous GRB HD work. For the gravitational lensing and Malmquist biases, I find that the biases are small, with an average of 0.03 mag and an rms scatter of 0.14 mag in the distance modulus. The GRB HD is well behaved and nicely delineates the shape of the HD. The reduced χ2 for the fit to the concordance model is 1.05, and the rms scatter about the concordance model is 0.65 mag. This accuracy is just a factor of 2.0 times that gotten for the same measure from all the big supernova surveys. I fit the GRB HD to a variety of models, including where the dark energy has its equation of state parameter varying as w(z) = w0 + waz/(1 + z). I find that the concordance model is consistent with the data, that is, the dark energy can be described well as a cosmological constant that does not change with time.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: X-ray crystal structure determination of the inclusion complex with buckminsterfullerene C60 provides experimental evidence for the importance of attractive concave−convex π−π interactions in the supramolecular chemistry of fullerenes with buckybowls.
Abstract: Double Diels−Alder addition of isocorannulenofuran to dibenzocyclooctadiyne followed by deoxygenation produces a molecular tweezers C60H28 with two corannulene pincers and a tetrabenzocyclooctatetraene tether. X-ray crystal structure determination of its inclusion complex with buckminsterfullerene C60 provides experimental evidence for the importance of attractive concave−convex π−π interactions in the supramolecular chemistry of fullerenes with buckybowls. An association constant of 8600 ± 500 M-1 was estimated for the complex formation by NMR titration experiment in toluene-d8.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of donation proximity and message framing on campaign attitudes and participation intentions of less-involved consumers was assessed in two experiments, and it was shown that local donations and positive message framing serve as effective message cues to produce favorable CRM outcomes among this market segment that strategists consider fertile ground.
Abstract: Arguably, the majority of cause-related marketing (CRM) campaigns implemented since their inception over 20 years ago offer consumers who are highly involved with causes a strong reason to participate. Their involvement represents a significant motivating factor. However, a multitude of CRM campaigns competing for the limited number of socially conscious consumers and the emergence of new generations that are reportedly less socially conscious suggests that firms and their nonprofit partners should consider additional target-market opportunities. In two experiments, we assess the role of donation proximity and message framing on campaign attitudes and participation intentions of less-involved consumers. Findings reveal that local donations and positive message framing serve as effective message cues to produce favorable CRM outcomes among this market segment that strategists consider fertile ground. Additional findings and implications for creating and communicating CRM campaigns are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the MiniBooNE Collaboration reported the first results of a search for {nu}{sub e} appearance in a {nu}sub {mu}} beam.
Abstract: The MiniBooNE Collaboration reports first results of a search for {nu}{sub e} appearance in a {nu}{sub {mu}} beam. With two largely independent analyses, we observe no significant excess of events above the background for reconstructed neutrino energies above 475 MeV. The data are consistent with no oscillations within a two-neutrino appearance-only oscillation model.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors update and reevaluate the scientific information on the distribution, history, and causes of continental shelf hypoxia that supports the 2001 Action Plan for Reducing, Mitigating, and Controlling Hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico (Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force 2001).
Abstract: We update and reevaluate the scientific information on the distribution, history, and causes of continental shelf hypoxia that supports the 2001 Action Plan for Reducing, Mitigating, and Controlling Hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico (Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force 2001), incorporating data, publications, and research results produced since the 1999 integrated assessment. The metric of mid-summer hypoxic area on the LouisianaTexas shelf is an adequate and suitable measure for continued efforts to reduce nutrients loads from the Mississippi River and hypoxia in the northern Gulf of Mexico as outlined in the Action Plan. More frequent measurements of simple metrics (e.g., area and volume) from late spring through late summer would ensure that the metric is representative of the system in any given year and useful in a public discourse of conditions and causes. The long-term data on hypoxia, sources of nutrients, associated biological parameters, and paleoindicators continue to verify and strengthen the relationship between the nitratenitrogen load of the Mississippi River, the extent of hypoxia, and changes in the coastal ecosystem (eutrophication and worsening hypoxia). Multiple lines of evidence, some of them representing independent data sources, are consistent with the big picture pattern of increased eutrophication as a result of long-term nutrient increases that result in excess carbon production and accumulation and, ultimately, bottom water hypoxia. The additional findings arising since 1999 strengthen the science supporting the Action Plan that focuses on reducing nutrient loads, primarily nitrogen, through multiple actions to reduce the size of the hypoxic zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors interviewed twenty doctoral students in the disciplines of chemistry and history to better understand the socialization processes that influence their success and how these processes differ by year in the degree program and disciplinary culture.
Abstract: Twenty doctoral students in the disciplines of chemistry and history were interviewed to better understand the socialization processes that influence their success and how these processes differ by year in the degree program and disciplinary culture. Five major themes emerged describing these socialization processes and how they facilitate or impede degree success, including Ambiguity, describing the programmatic guidelines and expectations that surrounded much of the students’ experience; Balance, pointing to the students’ need to balance graduate school responsibilities along with external relationships and demands; Independence, describing the students’ desire to find equilibrium as they transitioned to the role of independent scholar; Development, highlighting the significant cognitive, personal, and professional development that occurs in these students’ graduate experience; and Support, describing the faculty, peer, and financial support needed for the students’ success in their degree programs. Suggestions for policy, practice, and further research are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Effect of the RTI model on number of evaluations conducted, percentage of evaluated children who qualified for services, and proportion of identified children by sex and ethnicity before and after implementation of the model was examined.

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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the influence of three online retailer communication practices (e.g., evoking vividness through pictures, allowing consumers to control information presentation, and presenting information from third-party sources) on consumer perceptions of product performance uncertainty.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Tropical forests are a non-Liebig world of multiple nutrient limitations, with at least four elements shaping rates of litterfall and decomposition, and multiple metallomic enzymes and cofactors likely create gradients in the break down of leaf litter.
Abstract: To explore the importance of 12 elements in litter production and decomposition, we fertilized 36 1600 m 2 -plots with combinations of N, P, K, or micronutrients (i.e. B, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, S, Zn) for 6 years in a lowland Panamanian forest. The 90% of litter falling as leaves and twigs failed to increase with fertilization, but reproductive litter (fruits and flowers) increased by 43% with N. K enhanced cellulose decomposition; one or more micronutrients enhanced leaf-litter decomposition; P enhanced both. Our results suggest tropical forests are a non-Liebig world of multiple nutrient limitations, with at least four elements shaping rates of litterfall and decomposition. Multiple metallomic enzymes and cofactors likely create gradients in the break down of leaf litter. Selection favours individuals that make more propagules, and even in an N-rich forest, N is a non-substitutable resource for reproduction.