cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Institution as looting apparatus: impact of gender equality and institutions on female entrepreneurship

Do all institutions have similar impact on female entrepreneurs? While most papers consider female entrepreneurship to be influenced by a single factor, the novel approach of this paper is to suggest that interaction of national level institutions and attitude toward to female labor freedom influence female entrepreneurship. This paper examines the factors that influence different types of entrepreneurial activity, paying particular attention to gender differences. We find that countries that have large number of female participate in the labor market and have higher level of education experience more entrepreneurial activity than their counterpart. Higher level of entrepreneurship is also evident in countries with lower level of corrupt when female participate in the economic activity.
The Multiple Identities of Aztec Craft Specialists

This paper argues that because Atec specialists worked in a variety of institutional settings and produced a range of goods with different symbolic implications, they shared no single social identity. These factors produced almost a continuous range of variation in the social identities of specialists. For both male and female specialists, the concentration of production was the most important determinant of specialist identity because it determined the ability of specialists to negotiate their own status through collective action and public ritual.
Conditions for safe separation of external stores

The trajectory of external stores ejected from a carrier aircraft is studied with the goal of developing straightforward safe separation criteria. It is shown that the initial velocity and initial acceleration provide a means of defining a sufficient condition for safe separation. This condition is sufficiently simple that it can be programmed on handheld computers. Since the condition is only sufficient, any store that fails to satisfy the condition requires a further more detailed study to determine whether its separation is safe or not.
Cytokines and Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling

Data suggest that the activation of immune responses and the release of inflammatory cytokines may play a role in the pathophysiology of major depression. One mechanism by which cytokines may contribute to depression is through their effects on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Altered GR function in depression has been demonstrated by neuroendocrine challenge tests that reliably reveal reduced GR sensitivity as manifested by nonsuppression of cortisol following dexamethasone administration in vivo and lack of immune suppression following administration of glucocorticoids in vitro. Relevant to the GR, cytokines have been shown to decrease GR expression, block translocation of the GR from cytoplasm to nucleus, and disrupt GR-DNA binding through nuclear protein-protein interactions. In addition, cytokines have been shown to increase the expression of the relatively inert GR beta isoform. Specific cytokine signaling molecules that have been shown to be involved in the disruption of GR activity include p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, which is associated with reduced GR translocation, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)5, which binds to GR in the nucleus. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) also has been shown to lead to GR suppression through mutually inhibitory GR-NF-κB nuclear interactions. Interestingly, several antidepressants have been shown to enhance GR function, as has activation of protein kinase A (PKA). Antidepressants and PKA activation have also been found to inhibit inflammatory cytokines and their signaling pathways, suggesting that drugs that target both inflammatory responses and the GR may have special efficacy in the treatment of depression.
Uridine Diphosphoglucose Pyrophosphorylase Activity and Differentiation in the Acellular Slime Mold Physarum polycephalum

The specific activity of uridine 5'-triphosphate:alpha-d-glucose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.9) (also called uridine 5'-diphosphate [UDP]-glucose pyrophosphorylase) has been found to increase up to eightfold during spherule formation by the slime mold Physarum polycephalum. The enzyme accumulates during the first 8 to 9 h after initiation of spherule formation, declines to basal levels found in vegetative microplasmodia by 15 h, and is undetectable in completed spherules. Specific activities for UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase in vegetative microplasmodia range from 15 to 30 nmol of UDP-glucose formed per min per mg of protein, whereas accumulated levels during spherule formation can attain a specific activity as high as 125 nmol of UDP-glucose formed per min per mg of protein. The scheduling and extent of accumulation are critically dependent on an early log-phase age of microplasmodia originally induced to form spherules. Spherule induction by 0.2 M or 0.5 M mannitol delays this schedule in a variable and unpredictable manner. Spherule-forming microplasmodia which have accumulated high levels of UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase spontaneously excrete the enzyme when transferred to salts medium containing 0.2 M or 0.5 M mannitol. The excreted enzyme is subsequently destroyed or inactivated. Studies with preferential inhibitors of macromolecular synthesis indicate that accumulation of UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase requires concomitant protein synthesis and prior ribonucleic acid synthesis.
Real-time monitoring of the TVA power system

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is experimenting with one of the many concepts for the uses of phasor measurements, that of utilizing phasor measurement units (PMUs) as a state estimation system. However, the term state estimation no longer applies; what is being performed is a state determination in near real-time. >
A META-ANALYTIC REVIEW OF ATTITUDINAL AND DISPOSITIONAL PREDICTORS OF ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR

A quantitative review of 55 studies supports the conclusion that job attitudes are robust predictors of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). The relationship between job satisfaction and OCB is stronger than that between satisfaction and in-role performance, at least among nonmanagerial and nonprofessional groups. Other attitudinal measures (perceived fairness, organizational commitment, leader supportiveness) correlate with OCB at roughly the same level as satisfaction. Dispositional measures do not correlate nearly as well with OCB (with the exception of conscientiousness). The most notable moderator of these correlations appears to be the use of self- versus other-rating of OCB; self-ratings are associated with higher correlations, suggesting spurious inflation due to common method variance, and much greater variance in correlation. Differences in subject groups and work settings do not account for much variance in the relationships. Implications are noted for theory, practice, and strategies for future research on OCB.
Development of a Practical and Reliable Synthesis of Laquinimod

Laquinimod (5-chloro-1,2-dihydro-N-ethyl-4-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-oxo-N-phenyl-3-quinoline carboxamide) is a drug candidate for treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. A short and industrially feasible process for the preparation of laquinimod starting from 2-amino-6-chlorobenzoic acid, in essentially four steps, is dis-cussed. The key step is a novel reaction in which a methyl ester is converted to an amide in very high yield and with excellent purity. The present article elucidates the scale-up process along with safety aspects and the impurity profiles of the intermediates and product. Initial laboratory conditions are described as well as the changes made on transfer to pilot-plant scale.
Some effects of response-independent shocks after unsignaled avoidance conditioning in rats

Abstract After extended unsignaled avoidance training, the majority of rats continued frequent responding during long periods when only response-independent shocks were presented. Most responses were shock elicited, i.e., followed immediately after shock. Response rates were directly related to both the frequency and the intensity of response-independent shocks. Responding continued to approximately the same extent, whether shocks were presented at fixed or variable intervals. Few responses were directed toward a second lever in the test chamber, even when the lever previously associated with avoidance was removed. When avoidance was scheduled on the second lever, the rats learned to avoid by operating it. Meanwhile, responding on the first lever became infrequent. Subsequently, when only response-independent shocks were presented, almost all responses occurred upon the lever initially associated with avoidance. Responding that was elicited by response-independent shocks was suppressed by response-dependent (punishment)_shocks of the same intensity. When punishment was withdrawn, recovery of responding occurred. An explanation of the results based upon shock-elicited behaviors is preferred to one stressing unextinguished avoidance responding.
Heat Coagulation of Evaporated Milk as Affected by Mixing Different Grades of Raw Milk

Summary When small amounts of poor milk were mixed with larger batches of good quality milk an evaporated product of uncertain heat stability was produced. The change in heat stability which was observed as a result of mixing quality, of adding lactic acid, or of aging the milk is ascribed to the accompanying change in pH. It is again suggested that for every milk there is an optimum pH, the attainment of which will result in maximum heat stability for the system involved. Identical results in terms of heat coagulation may be obtained by mixing milks of different quality or by aging a single sample.
Permeability characteristics of primary cultured rabbit conjunctival epithelial cells to low molecular weight drugs

Purpose. To evaluate the permeability characteristics of primary cultured rabbit conjunctival epithelial cell (RCEC) layers to low molecular weight drugs of varying lipophilicity.Methods. 3H-mannitol; hydrophilic sotalol and atenolol; moderately lipophilic metoprolol, timolol, propranolol; and highly lipophilic betaxolol were used as model compounds.Results. The conjunctival apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of mannitol (I × 10−7 cm/s) was 2.4 times lower than that of the most hydrophilic β-blocker, sotalol (Papp = 2.4 × 10 7 cm/s). Differences in the degree of tightness of the epithelial cell layers brought about a 30-fold difference in the transport of atenolol in favor of the leaky cell layers, while not affecting the transport of the lipophilic drug, propranolol. Within the log partition coefficient (PC) range of -0.62 (sotalol) and 3.44 (betaxolol), there was a hundred-fold difference in the Papp. A sigmoidal curve was used to depict the influence of lipophilicity on solute permeation across c...
Chondrocytes from the cartilage proteoglycan-deficient mutant, nanomelia, synthesize greatly reduced levels of the proteoglycan core protein transcript

Nanomelia is an avian mutation that results in the absence of the major proteoglycan of cartilage. The deficiency in mutant chondrocytes results from their failure to express the cartilage proteoglycan core protein. Using cartilage proteoglycan core protein cDNA probes, the present study shows that nanomelic chondrocytes synthesize greatly reduced levels of this core protein mRNA. The transcript is normal in size and, in addition, comparative analyses of normal and nanomelic genomic DNA show no indication of a major deletion of the core protein gene. These results are interpreted to mean that the mutation affects the regulation of transcription of the cartilage proteoglycan core protein gene.
Complex hygrothermal effects on the glass transition of an epoxy-amine thermoset.

Anomalous hygrothermal behavior in an epoxy-amine thermoset was observed in terms of increases in glass-transition temperatures (Tg) after immersion in water at different temperatures. Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopic measurements showed that an increase in conversion was responsible for the increase in glass transition, while plasticization occurred simultaneously, rendering the hygrothermal behavior to be complex. To consider other factors affecting this complex hygrothermal behavior, a relationship between Tg and conversion was constructed for the unexposed system and compared to the corresponding Tg values for the exposed system at the same point of each conversion value. With this method, the conversion was successfully excluded to compare the Tg values directly between the unexposed and exposed systems. This indicates the effects of other factors are negligible compared with the large plasticization effect. The plasticization effect was also evaluated quantitatively by observin...
Effects of subcortical ablations on cortical association responses in the cat

Abstract The effects of subcortical lesions on cortical polysensory association area responses to peripheral sensory and direct reticular stimulation were investigated in acute chloralosed cats. Large lesions of the mesencephalic reticular formation were followed by a reduction in the amplitude of polysensory association responses to approximately 0–20% of control levels, with little or no reduction of evoked potentials in the primary sensory cortical areas. Unilateral lesions of posterior medial thalamus or the rostral pole of the thalamus had similar effects of polysensory cortical association responses, and also abolished cortical association area responses to direct electrical stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation, but only in the ipsilateral cortex. More ventral lesions, in the subthalamic region, reduced nonspecific evoked responses of orbital cortex to both peripheral and reticular stimulation without impairing responses in dorsal cortical association areas. The results are discussed with regard to the pathways of sensory input to the cortical association responses areas.
Shuttle for the 21st Century

A range of mission requirement, economic, system concept, and technology issues relating to a 21st-Century launch vehicle replacement for the Space Shuttle are examined. Issues addressed include: future space scenarios and traffic demands; the economics of both development and operations; potential developers, operators, and users; probable vehicle system concepts; and needed technologies. A broad data base of advanced systems studies, primarily over the past 10 years, along with experience drawn from the Space Shuttle provide the basis for this review.
Medicare+Choice: doubling or disappearing?

ABSTRACT: Although the changes in the program created by the Balanced Budget Act are often viewed as the reason for the current instability in the Medicare+Choice (M+C) program, in fact, health pla...
Su1402 Initial Experience With the EchoTip Procore Needle for Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Guided-Diagnosis of Mass Lesions

malignancy lesion by cytology was died in one patient due to cancer. The remaining 6 survived without enlargement of IPMN.I-3 Main duct and mixed type of IPMN is studied in our criteria.Max height of Mural nodule over 5 mm has a significant difference (P 0.026). Cross-sectional area of mural nodule over 33 mm2 has not a significant difference (P 0.235).II-1 Among 4 surgical patients with BD-IPMN (average of cyst size21 mm), 3 patients were diagnosed with EUS malignancy before surgery (one is adenocarcinoma-cyst size 38 mm ,two are adenoma). The remaining patient received a cytological diagnosis of class IIIb and was found to have coexisting adenoma upon surgery.II-2 Among 24 patients with BD-IPMN( average of cyst size29 mm), 2 elderly patients follow up diagnosed with EUS malignancy. They have not received surgical operation due to elder age. Among 22 patients who were diagnosed with benign lesions, 2 patients were found to have enlarging IPMN (average of cyst size26 mm). II-3 BD-IPMN were studied in our criteria.Max height over 5 mm of mural nodule has not significant difference (P 0.429). Cross-sectional area of Mural nodule 33 mm2 has significant difference (P 0.429).When the size of cyst is over 30 mm,it has significant difference (P 0.008).We should change the criteria of BD-IPMN: Max height over 9 mm significant difference (P 0.029). Crosssectional area over 50 mm2 has significant difference (P 0.029). Conclusion: EUSand/or IDUS-based preoperative diagnosis, in combination with pathologic diagnosis was effective in accurately identifying all patients with main duct-type or mixed-type IPMN in our criteria.
An adaptive model for synchrony in the firefly Pteroptyx malaccae

We describe a new model for synchronization of neuronal oscillators that is based on the observation that certain species of fireflies are able to alter their free-running period. We show that by adding adaptation to standard oscillator models it is possible to observe the frequency alteration. One consequence of this is the perfect synchrony between coupled oscillators. Stability and some analytic results are included along with numerical simulations.
Should anticoagulation be resumed after intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most feared and the most deadly complication of oral anticoagulant therapy, eg, with warfarin (Coumadin). After such an event, clinicians wonder whether their patients should resume anticoagulant therapy. The authors review the management of anticoagulation during and after anticoagulation-associated ICH.
State Space Models and MIDAS Regressions

We examine the relationship between Mi(xed) Da(ta) S(ampling) (MIDAS) regressions and the Kalman filter when forecasting with mixed frequency data. In general, state space models involve a system of equations, whereas MIDAS regressions involve a single equation. As a consequence, MIDAS regressions might be less efficient, but could also be less prone to parameter estimation error and/or specification errors. We examine how MIDAS regressions and Kalman filters match up under ideal circumstances, that is in population, and in cases where all the stochastic processes—low and high frequency—are correctly specified. We characterize cases where the MIDAS regression exactly replicates the steady state Kalman filter weights. We compare MIDAS and Kalman filter forecasts in population where the state space model is misspecified. We also compare MIDAS and Kalman filter forecasts in small samples. The paper concludes with an empirical application. Overall we find that the MIDAS and Kalman filter methods give similar ...
Paleoceanographic significance of sediment color on western North Atlantic drifts: I. Origin of color

Reflectance spectra collected during ODP Leg 172 were used in concert with solid phase iron chemistry, carbonate content, and organic carbon content measurements to evaluate the agents responsible for setting the color in sediments. Factor analysis has proved a valuable and rapid technique to detect the local and regional primary factors that influence sediment color. On the western North Atlantic drifts, sediment color is the result of primary mineralogy as well as diagenetic changes. Sediment lightness is controlled by the carbonate content while the hue is primarily due to the presence of hematite and Fe 2þ /Fe 3þ changes in clay minerals. Hematite, most likely derived from the Permo-Carboniferous red beds of the Canadian Maritimes, is differentially preserved at various sites due to differences in reductive diagenesis and dilution by other sedimentary components. Various intensities for diagenesis result from changes in organic carbon content, sedimentation rates, and H2S production via anaerobic methane oxidation. Iron monosulfides occur extensively at all high sedimentation sites especially in glacial periods suggesting increased high terrigenous flux and/or increased reactive iron flux in glacials. 7 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The role of estrogens in men and androgens in women

The past years several have witnessed a significant transformation in our understanding of sex steroid action in the male and female skeleton. Data from animal and human studies indicate that sex steroids have important skeletal effects in both genders. It seems from the in vivo human data that estrogen is likely more potent than testosterone in inhibiting bone resorption. Estrogen and testosterone appear to be important for maintaining bone formation. In addition, androgens clearly enhance bone size, likely through effects on periosteal bone formation. How much of this gender cross-talk at the physiological level is caused by "promiscuous" actions of sex steroids at the molecular level, with estrogen acting by way of the androgen receptor (and androgens via the estrogen receptor) is an interesting and important question, the answer to which may well provide additional surprises.
Relation of Phytochrome-enhanced Geotropic Sensitivity to Ethylene Production

Brief exposure of etiolated pea (Pisum sativum cv. Alaska) seedlings to red light enhances subsequent development of geotropic curvature of the stem. Both this response and inhibition of ethylene production by red light become maximal 8 hours after illumination. Very low concentrations of applied ethylene inhibit development of geotropic curvature, whereas hypobaric treatment enhances geotropic sensitivity by removing endogenous ethylene. Increased geotropic sensitivity after illumination is accompanied by increased lateral migration of 3H-indoleacetic acid in response to gravity, and ethylene inhibits this lateral migration. It is suggested, therefore, that red light-enhanced geotropic sensitivity is caused by increased lateral auxin transport resulting from a reduction in ethylene production after illumination.
Responses of Birds to Humans at a Coastal Barrier Beach: Napatree Point, Rhode Island

Human activity is one of the most important factors affecting disturbance to birds that use coastal barrier beaches in southern New England. The barrier beach at Napatree Point, RI, provides important breeding habitat for several bird species, key stop- over habitat for thousands of migrating shorebirds, and is also a popular destination for people. Anecdotal evidence suggested that walkers, joggers, dogs, and watercraft were disrupting birds that foraged and roosted at this site. Our objectives were to character- ize the frequency and sources of disturbance to birds and use this information to develop management recommendations to minimize the frequency of human disturbances to birds at Napatree Point. We conducted 106 hours of observation from May through August in 2013. Of 211 flight responses, the most common sources of disturbance to birds were beach walkers (57.8%), motorboats (8.5%), kayaks (8.5%), bird watchers (7.6%), and an- glers (6.2%). Birds typically flushed when pedestrians (e.g., walkers, bird watchers, and anglers) were within 39 ± 24 m (median ± inter-quartile range) and watercraft (e.g., mo- torboats and kayaks) were within 38 ± 33 m. Flight responses were positively correlated with the number of people on the beach and the number of boats in the area. Disturbances to birds peaked in July when human visitation was highest. Using a spatially explicit den- sity map of flight-initiation distance vectors, we identified the most important area to set as a buffer zone for human access if managers seek to reduce the frequency of human dis- turbances to birds at Napatree Point.
Electrosynthesis of oligo-and polysilanes using a modified gas diffusion hydrogen anode

A modified gas diffusion hydrogen anode (GDHA) was developed for electropolymerization of dichlorosilianes. This GDHA consists of three layers: an H 2 dispersion layer made of a fine glass frit, a Teflon-bound electrical conductive carbon layer, and a Pt/carbon catalyst layer. The performance of this H 2 electrode configuration, having different Pt loadings, was evaluated by electropolymerizing MePhSiCl 2 at different monomer concentrations, current densities, and supplied electricities. The modified hydrogen anode is reported to yield polymethylphenylsilane with Mw = ∼11000. The product yield, using this hydrogen electrode, approaches 99% (i.e., oligomer + polymer).
Contraceptive Hormone Use and Cardiovascular Disease

Contraceptive hormones, most commonly prescribed as oral contraceptives (OCs), are a widely utilized method to prevent ovulation, implantation, and, therefore, pregnancy. The Women's Health Initiative demonstrated cardiovascular risk linked to menopausal hormone therapy among women without pre-existing cardiovascular disease, prompting a review of the safety, efficacy, and side effects of other forms of hormone therapy. A variety of basic science, animal, and human data suggests that contraceptive hormones have antiatheromatous effects; however, relatively less is known regarding the impact on atherosclerosis, thrombosis, vasomotion, and arrhythmogenesis. Newer generation OC formulations in use indicate no increased myocardial infarction risk for current users, but a persistent increased risk of venous thromboembolism. There are no cardiovascular data available for the newest generation contraceptive hormone formulations, including those that contain newer progestins that lower blood pressure, as well as the nonoral routes (transdermal and vaginal). Current guidelines indicate that, as with all medication, contraceptive hormones should be selected and initiated by weighing risks and benefits for the individual patient. Women 35 years and older should be assessed for cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, smoking, diabetes, nephropathy, and other vascular diseases, including migraines, prior to use. Existing data are mixed with regard to possible protection from OCs for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events; longer-term cardiovascular follow-up of menopausal women with regard to prior OC use, including subgroup information regarding adequacy of ovulatory cycling, the presence of hyperandrogenic conditions, and the presence of prothrombotic genetic disorders is needed to address this important issue.
Response to Selection of United States Holstein Sires in Latin America

Abstract Milk yield was regressed on sire PD for 28,755, 65,990, and 30,279 sire identified records from Colombia, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Milk yields were expressed as daughter herd-year deviations for projected or actual 305-d milk yield after adjustments for age and season of calving. Herd-year means and standard deviations were determined using all cows in a herd-year including those with unknown sires. Average herd-year mean and SD were less for Colombia and Puerto Rico than for Mexico. Average herd-year SD within same herd-year mean classification also were smaller for Colombia and Puerto Rico compared to Mexico. Coefficients for daughter milk response regressed on sire PD were similar in Colombia (.31 ± .02) and Puerto Rico (.32 ± .02) and greater in Mexico (.54 ± .02). Daughter responses increased similarly and approximately linearly with increasing herd-year SD in each country but not with increasing herd-year mean. Daughter milk response to sire selection was less than reported responses in US herds with similar herd-year means and SD. Therefore, using sire PTA estimated from US daughters will overestimate milk responses of daughters in Latin American dairy herd environments.
Frankl-Füredi Type Inequalities for Polynomial Semi-lattices

Let $X$ be an $n$-set and $L$ a set of nonnegative integers. ${\cal F}$, a set of subsets of $X$, is said to be an $L$ -intersection family if and only if for all $E \neq F \in {\cal F}, \, |E \cap F | \in L$. A special case of a conjecture of Frankl and Furedi states that if $ L = \{1, 2, \dots,k\}$,$ k$ a positive integer, then $|{\cal F}| \leq\sum_{i=0}^{k}{n-1\choose i}$. Here $|{\cal F}|$ denotes the number of elements in ${\cal F}$. Recently Ramanan proved this conjecture. We extend his method to polynomial semi-lattices and we also study some special $L$-intersection families on polynomial semi-lattices. Finally we prove two modular versions of Ray-Chaudhuri-Wilson inequality for polynomial semi-lattices.
Impairment and Functional Interventions for Aphasia: Having it All

Aphasia, a cognitive-linguistic disorder secondary to stroke, is a frequent and often chronic consequence of stroke with detrimental effects on autonomy and health-related quality of life. Treatment of aphasia can be approached in a number of ways. Impairment-based approaches that focus on training a specific linguistic form can be implemented. Additionally, functionally oriented intervention such as supported conversation and aphasia groups are also frequently utilized when providing a treatment program for an individual with aphasia. Creating a treatment approach that includes both impairment and functional methodologies and considers how these relate to the three domains proposed by the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF)—body functions and structure, activity, and participation—can provide an individual with aphasia an optimal treatment program that is person-centered and multi-faceted.
The measurement of risk perceptions: the case of smoking

Smoking is among the most debated areas of risk perception, with varying conclusions about people’s understanding of the risks. Part of the debate has focused on the measures being employed to support such claims. However, studies have not been conducted to compare the best methods to measure the perceived risk. This research first discusses the use of such measures, including survey data from tobacco industry archives that have not previously appeared in publication. Then, using nationally representative survey data of youth and adults in the USA, verbal probability scales and numeric scales are compared. The relationships between these measures are first examined for logical consistency with one another. Additionally, the strength of the relationships with and modeling power of the behavior of interest, smoking, are analyzed The results of difference of means tests, correlations and logistic regressions show that the numeric measures are inconsistent with logical semantic understanding, and more importa...
Reoperation on the abdomen encased in adhesions.

Abstract Purpose To determine outcome after lysis of intestinal adhesions, relief of obstruction, closure of fistulas and drainage of abscesses in patients with an abdominal cavity obliterated by chronic postoperative adhesions. Methods Among 40 patients with an abdomen encased in dense adhesions after a mean of 5 previous operations, 31 patients also had intestinal obstruction, 25 enteric fistulas and 20 abdominal abscesses. Reoperation was done and outcome assessed from the medical records and by a mailed questionnaire. Results Only 1 postoperative death occurred, but 24 early complications appeared. At hospital discharge, obstruction, fistula and abscess were completely resolved in all but 3 patients ( P P = 0.004). At late follow-up (mean, 4.6 years) the patients' quality of life (mean score ± SD, 8.6 ± 2.1) was similar to that of a healthy control population (9.2 ± 1.2, P = 0.17). Conclusions: Reoperation on the abdomen encased in adhesions restores most patients to good health and an excellent long-term quality of life.
Characteristics of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Who Use Cannabis for Therapeutic Purposes

Background: People with spinal cord injury (SCI) are accessing cannabis for therapeutic purposes (CTP), the use of which has been legalized in more than 20 states. In the past, illicit marijuana use had positive correlations with other health risk behaviors. It is not known whether access to CTP has shifted patterns of use and altered health outcomes. Objective: To describe the self-reported patterns of CTP use among individuals with SCI and correlations with health behaviors and health indicators. Method: Secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study involving community-dwelling individuals with chronic SCI and neurogenic bladder and bowel, at least 5 years post injury. Data were collected via structured interviews. Results: 92.2% of the current sample (n = 244) lived in states that, at the time of the study, permitted the use of CTP. 22.5% reported using CTP at least monthly to relieve pain (70.4%) and spasticity (46.3%). Of those 54 participants, 52.7% were daily users. Whereas 23.0% of non-C...
Changing The Ethical Standards Of Organizations

The scandals of Enron and WorldCom appear to be contagious and are the impetus for the media’s current focus on ethical issues. Business has been and continues to confront ethical dilemmas that impact decision-making and financial reporting. Codes of conduct and a focus on ethical standards continually surface as proposals to change the ethical values of organizations. Many argue that it is the “tone at the top” that is the driving force behind any serious changes to the ethical culture in organizations. This study presents the results of a survey of practicing CPAs. A factor analysis identifies the actions and procedures that are linked with a management culture that emphasizes the importance of integrity and ethical values. The results provide guidance on the key factors involved in invoking ethical change in organizations. These results should prove to be of assistance to both educators and employers in the development of feasible programs that maximize the ethical potential of organization members.
Epidermal Growth Factor: Biology and Receptor Metabolism

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a small (Mr 6045) protein that stimulates cell proliferation in cell culture systems and in intact animals. This growth factor has been isolated from rodents and human material and probably exists in nearly all animal species. In humans EGF has been detected in many body fluids and receptors for the growth factor are also ubiquitous. While the mitogenic activity of EGF has been most frequently reported, it clearly has other functions, such as the inhibition of gastric acid secretion, that are unrelated to mitogenic responses. Correspondingly, receptors for EGF have been localized on cells that are rapidly proliferating and cells that are essentially non-proliferating. Nevertheless, it has not been possible to define experimentally the biological function(s) of the endogenous EGF present in the intact animal. Studies of the mechanism of action of EGF have concentrated, to date, on the plasma membrane receptor that specifically binds this ligand. The receptor is undoubtedly the first cellular component that mediates the eventual biological response(s) of the cell to this extracellular signal. Studies of the EGF receptor have shown that this molecule, which has no subunit structure, functions not only in ligand recognition, but also may produce an intracellular 'second message'. The receptor contains a protein kinase activity that is activated by the binding of EGF and it is this enzymic function that may yield the critical 'second messenger', by phosphorylation of an intracellular protein. Although intracellular targets of this EGF-sensitive protein kinase have been identified, it has not been possible to demonstrate their relevance as regulatory mediators of EGF activity.
BPA Derivatives in Dental Resins Safe — If Precautions Are Followed

Source: Fleisch A, Sheffield P, Chinn C, et al. Bisphenol A and related compounds in dental materials. Pediatrics. 2010; 126: 760– 768; doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-2693[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Drs Berg and Sathyanarayana have disclosed no financial relationship relevant to this commentary. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/service. Bisphenol A (BPA), the resin used in the manufacture of plastic products, is also increasingly used in derivative form in dental sealants and composite filling materials in childhood dentistry. Evidence is mounting that BPA and some BPA derivatives can pose health risks because of endocrine-disrupting, estrogenic, and … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DPediatrics%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1542%252Fpeds.2009-2693%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F20819896%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=pediatrics&resid=126/4/760&atom=%2Faapgrand%2F25%2F4%2F48.atom
An investigation of pharmacy students’ perceptions of their oral health knowledge and education: A preliminary study

Abstract Purpose To investigate the California pharmacy students' perception of their oral health education and knowledge. Methods In Spring 2015, we e-mailed experiential directors from all the eight accredited pharmacy schools in California requesting them to forward the survey cover letter, including a link to a 16-item online survey, to all their senior students. The e-mail also explained the purpose of the study. The survey measured students' opinions on oral health and its interface with general health and students' demographic characteristics. Results A total of 58 responses were received from students from five schools. Many ( n = 25; 44%) students reported that oral health was not taught in any course of their pharmacy curriculum. Most ( n = 43; 75.4%) students believed there was limited collaboration between primary care providers in managing patients' oral and overall health concerns. Most students ( n = 51; 89.5%) indicated that "limited time is devoted to oral health topics in pharmacy education" and that they needed more education on oral health ( n = 41, 73.2%). Conclusions Many students have limited knowledge and education on oral health and indicated that they needed more education on oral health topics. Further research using larger and more representative samples is needed.
Numerical analysis for nitrogen dilution on flammability limits of hydrocarbon mixtures

Abstract There are numerous flammability literature data available for pure substances. For fuel mixtures, however, these are not always available. Especially, for fuel mixture storage, operation, and transportation, inert gas inerting and blanketing have been widely applied in chemical process industries while the related data are even more scarce. Lower and upper flammability limits of hydrocarbon mixtures in air with additional nitrogen were measured in this research. Typically, fuel mixture lower flammability limits almost keep constant at different fractions of added nitrogen; and approximately upper flammability limits of fuel mixture vary linearly with the addition of nitrogen except those mixtures containing ethylene. Numerical analysis of effect from inert gas dilution on fuel mixture lower and upper flammability limits was conducted by introducing the parameter of inert gas dilution coefficient, through which fuel mixture flammability properties, e.g., lower flammability limit, upper flammability limit, and minimum inerting concentration, can be quantitatively characterized with the modified Le Chatelier’s mixing rule.
Conclusion: Ethics, Religion, and Democracy

In concluding this book I want to start with a short redescription of its task. The overall problem it addresses is how, in a liberal democracy – a free and democratic society – a proper balance may be achieved between church and state and between religious and political considerations. The problem is particularly urgent today, and I hope that this book will help both individuals and institutions to arrive at sound and well-reasoned positions on how they should approach it. I have sought to speak not only to individuals whose interest in politics, religion, or philosophy is mainly intellectual, but also to conscientious activists; and not only to clergy and churches but to educators, journalists, legislators, judges, writers, and others who are in positions of authority or can influence some segment of the life of a free democracy. Despite the diversity among major religious groups, they tend to share a wide range of specific concerns about the present direction of Western culture. Many believe, for instance, that there is too much violence and indiscriminate sex in the media, especially on television and the Internet; a pervasive self-centeredness that affects the tone of life and, in particular, conduct toward the poor and the unfortunate; a marginalization of religion, and, especially in the United States and other Western nations, of Christianity; an aggressively secular atmosphere in many educational institutions, private as well as public; and far too much permissiveness toward abortion and other forms of killing.
Global tectonic regionalization for seismological data analysis

A global tectonic regionalization, GTR1, has been constructed for use in seismological studies of aspherical heterogeneity. Three oceanic regions are defined by equal increments in the square root of crustal age (25- and lO0-m.y. isochrons), and three continental regions are distinguished according to their generalized tectonic behavior during the Phanerozoic (Precambrian shields and platforms, Phanerozoic platforms, Phanerozoic orogenic zones and magmatic belts). The regionalization is presented both as a tectonic map and by its discretization on a 5 ° by 5 ° geographic grid. GTR1 is reasonably successful in accounting for the large-scale geographic variations in body-wave, surfacewave, and free-oscillaUon data, and it should prove useful in the seismological testing of the competing theories of tectospherm development.
Framing Artful Speech: Focusing Persuasive Discourse with Fine Arts Imagery

AbstractA study finds thai the vocabulary of ninth graders has declined from a command of25,000 words in 1940 to 10,000 words in 1990. Todd Gitlin attributes this regression to a host of factors, including the limited language of mass media, the diminished role of reading, and a scarcity of public figures modeling eloquent, inspiring rhetoric. Gitlin contends that the fleeting attention span of dominant media contributes to a panoramic speaking style that too often lacks rich, supportive detail. No one antidote will reverse such trends, but college speech instructors can promote improvement through assignments in presentational speaking courses. The “Art of Speech” project has a fourfold purpose; to promote a richer use of language; to achieve a finer focus on subjects; to demonstrate the interdisciplinary relationship of art and speech; and to promote the skill of exploiting the persuasive potential of a single, compelling image. Designed for my public speaking course, the Art of Speech assignment has st...
Diagnosis and treatment of CD20 negative B cell lymphomas

CD20 negative B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is rare and accounts for approximately 1-2% of B cell lymphomas. CD20- negative NHL is frequently associated with extranodal involvement, atypical morphology, aggressive clinical behaviour, resistance to standard chemotherapy and poor prognosis. The most common types of these include plasmablastic lymphoma, primary effusion lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma arising from HHV8-associated multicentric Castleman’s disease, and ALK+ large B cell lymphoma. This review provides an overview of the diagnostic and treatment modalities for CD20 negative B cell NHL.
Network meta-analysis of studies included in the Clinical Practice Guideline on the nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis

Aim The recent ADA-commissioned Clinical Practice Guideline on the nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis has provided the most exhaustive library of clinical trials on scaling and root planing (SRP) with or without adjuncts. This network meta-analysis (NMA) compared the adjuncts against each other. Materials and Methods A star-shaped NMA was performed based on 36 indirect comparisons of clinical attachment-level (CAL) gains among nine adjuncts in 74 studies from the Clinical Practice Guideline. Results All pairwise differences were accompanied by wide confidence intervals, and none of the adjuncts were statistically significantly superior to another. Local doxycycline hyclate and photodynamic therapy with a diode laser had the highest probabilities for ranking first and second, respectively. Publication bias was evident, with fewer than expected studies with small effects. The lack of these studies inflated the treatment effects by an estimated by 20%. Conclusions Adjuncts improve CAL gain by about a third of a mm over 6–12 months compared with SRP alone, but no significant differences were found among the adjuncts. The patient-perceived benefit of this gain is unclear because CAL is a physical measure made by the clinician and not a patient-oriented outcome. Publication bias inflated the observed treatment effects.
Engineering design analysis utilizing a cloud platform

Abstract In this paper we present a novel methodology for modeling engineered and other systems based on integrating a set of component models that are accessible as “model-as-a-service” components within a cloud platform. These component models can be combined together to form a systems model. The component models are stateless and web-enabled. The advantage of being web-enabled is that developers can use the models as API endpoints as opposed to library components, hence making the models themselves language agnostic and less restrictive in their use. These ideas are presented within the context of a previously published engineering model for the thermal analysis and preliminary design of a small biomass cookstove. In this paper the monolithic biomass cookstove model is separated into six independent, stateless component models supported by a generic model application infrastructure. Interaction between the models is orchestrated by a federated model system. Finally, the results of the cookstove from the monolithic model were compared with the distributed systems model. It was found that there was no change in the results. However, the systems model increased the time-to-solution due to network latency. However, the ability to share models and data via API endpoints, will likely offset the overall wall-clock time for model integration, since model developers do not have to make code changes. In conclusion, it is advantageous to build web-enabled component models for their easy reuse across multiple systems models.
Ultrasonic Microstructural Noise Parameters in a Powder Metal Alloy

The ultrasonic backscattering characteristics were measured for IN-100, a powder metallurgy alloy used for engine disk components. The data were obtained with a variety of different transducers placed either in a waterbath or in sample contact for a frequency range from about 2 to 18 MHz and statistically averaged over numerous volume elements of the samples. Micrographical examination provided size and number distributions for grain and pore structure and showed that the predominant source for backscatter were the larger micropores. Two samples with different micropore densities were used to demonstrate the feasibility of calculating microstructural parameters from the ultrasonic data.
The Morphogenesis of Primordial Vascular Networks

This chapter will address the morphogenesis of the first blood vessels formed in the vertebrate embryo and several mechanisms regulating this process. The focus will be on the development of vessels and vascular networks that arise within the embryo proper. We have chosen to study the formation of the intraembryonic vessels (stage 7–10) because their morphogenesis is both well characterized and is free of associated hematopoiesis. The intraembryonic vessels arise from isolated mesodermal cells, angioblasts, and rapidly organize into a network of endothelial tubes arranged in a reproducible spatial pattern. We refer to these networks as primary vascular networks. The physical characteristics of primary networks, coupled with the fact that they can be studied in vivo, make them an important tool in understanding general principals of vessel formation. We will, in the following pages: (1) describe the early events of vasculogenesis that lead to the formation of the first vessels and vascular networks; (2) review our experimental efforts to understand the formation of this vasculature; and (3) discuss some of the interesting unanswered questions regarding early vessel morphogenesis.