cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypertonic Saline Resuscitation Restores Hemorrhage-Induced Immunosuppression by Decreasing Prostaglandin E2and Interleukin-4 Production☆

Abstract It was previously shown that hypertonic saline (HTS) enhancesin vivoandin vitrocellular immune function of normal mice and reversesin vitroprostaglandin E2(PGE2)-induced immunosuppression of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Hemorrhage induces immunosuppression despite adequate isotonic fluid resuscitation. The effects of HTS resuscitation on immunosuppression following hemorrhage were studied. A mouse model of hemorrhagic shock was used. Bleeding was performed through a catheter placed in the femoral artery. Phytohemagglutinin-induced splenocyte proliferation and interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, transforming growth factor β, and PGE2plasma levels were measured 2 and 24 hr following hemorrhage and resuscitation with lactated Ringer's and HTS.In vivocellular immune function was measured using a contact hypersensitivity test. Suppression of splenocyte proliferation (40%) 24 hr following hemorrhage occurred after lactated Ringer's resuscitation. HTS prevented immunosuppression.In vivocell-mediated immune function 24 hr after hemorrhage was improved by HTS. HTS-resuscitated animals showed significantly lower levels of IL-4 and PGE2, and slightly elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, and IL-6). HTS reverses hemorrhage-induced T-cell suppression by reducing the production and/or release of IL-4 and PGE2.
Omega-Theorems for the Iterated Additive Convolution of a Nonnegative Arithmetic Function

Let Rk(n) denote the number of ways of representing the integers not exceeding n as the sum of k members of a given sequence of nonnegative integers. Suppose that 12 < β < k, δ = β2 − β(4 min(β, k2)) and ξ=1/2β if β<k/2,β−1/2 if β=1/2,(k − 2)(k + 1)/2k if k/2<β<k. R. C. Vaughan has shown that the relation Rk(n) = G(n) + o(nδ log−ξn) as n → +∞ is impossible when G(n) is a linear combination of powers of n and the dominant term of G(n) is cnβ, c > 0. P. T. Bateman, for the case k = 2, has shown that similar results can be obtained when G(n) is a convex or concave function. In this paper, we combine the ideas of Vaughan and Bateman to extend the theorems stated above to functions whose fractional differences are of one sign for large n. Vaughan's theorem is included in ours, and in the case β < k2 we show that a better choice of parameter improves Vaughan's result by enabling us to drop the power of log n from the estimate of the error term.
Assets, Expectations, and Children’s Educational Achievement in Female‐Headed Households

This study examines the relationships of mother's assets (home ownership and savings) to, respectively, mother's expectations of child's educational achievement and child's actual educational outcomes in female‐headed households. Analysis of data from the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH) indicates that assets of single mothers are positively associated with child’s educational achievement and that this relationship is partially mediated through expectations. Positive association of household income with child’s outcomes occurs mainly through mother's assets. The study indicates that regression models that include income but not assets are underspecified. Results support expansion of asset‐based policies for poor women with children.
Effects of light on human melatonin production and the human circadian system

Bright artificial light appears to have similar effects in humans as in other species. Bright light may therefore be used as a clinical research tool and as a therapeutic modality for treating certain biological rhythm disorders. Melatonin production appears to be a particularly useful "biological marker" for the human endogenous circadian pacemaker and the effects of light.
Unbiased estimates of the number of nucleotide substitutions when substitution rate varies among different sites

When the number of nucleotides examined is relatively small, the estimators of nucleotide substitutions between DNA sequences often introduce systematic error even if the data used fit the mathematical model underlying the estimation formula. The systematic error of this kind is especially large for models that allow variation in substitution rate among different sites. In the present paper we present a number of formulas that produce virtually bias-free estimates of evolutionary distances for these models.
Mutation at the acidic residue-rich domain of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α)-associated glycoprotein p67 increases the protection of eIF2α phosphorylation during heat shock

Abstract Eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2)-associated glycoprotein p67 protects eIF2α phosphorylation from kinases. The N-terminal lysine-rich domains increase this activity and the acidic residue-rich domain inhibits it. Conserved amino acid residues D251, D262, E364, and E459 are involved in this inhibition. During heat shock, the overall protein synthesis rate decreases due to the increased levels of eIF2α phosphorylation. In this study, we examined whether the above inhibition is also found during heat shock. Indeed, the acidic residue-rich domain mutant (D6/2) showed a decreased level of eIF2α phosphorylation, and its second-site alanine substitutions at D251, D262, and E459 reversed this effect, whereas second-site alanine substitution at H331 and E364 residues further augmented it. A high-molecular-weight phosphoprotein and at least two faster-migrating phosphoproteins were detected by the monospecific polyclonal antibody against eIF2α(P) form in rat tumor hepatoma cells constitutively expressing the double mutant D6/2 + D251A. Although the levels of p67 mutants were unaffected during heat shock, those of p67 and p67-deactivating enzyme varied. Furthermore, the overall rate of protein synthesis correlated with the level of eIF2α phosphorylation. Taken together, these results suggest that the lysine-rich domains and conserved amino acid residues of p67 are involved in the regulation of eIF2α phosphorylation during heat shock.
A flexible hierarchical model-based control methodology for vehicle active safety systems

A hierarchical control scheme is applied to the problem of integrated chassis control of a collision avoidance system (CAS). This includes both lateral and longitudinal control, using Active Front Steer in addition to the brake actuators. The inherent flexibility of the control system is provided by the intermediate layer, which employs a form of model predictive control to determine actuator apportionment. The desired vehicle motions in the upper layer, in the form of reference yaw rate and two-dimensional mass center accelerations, are determined using a kinematic policy (KP) for collision avoidance. The KP uses simple information about range and azimuth angles for multiple points that bound the available vehicle trajectory, and prioritises yaw motion response based on the worst case collision threat. This KP approach for CAS is more practical than trajectory tracking approaches because the KP does not need a pre-defined a reference path and does not need any computationally intensive optimisation of the vehicle motion control.
The role of dysfunctional attitudes in models of negative symptoms and functioning in schizophrenia

Neurocognitive impairment is associated with negative symptoms and poor real world functioning in schizophrenia. Dysfunctional attitudes (e.g., “If I fail partly, it is as bad as being a complete failure”) have been found to mediate these relationships between neurocognition and negative symptoms and functioning. In this study, these relationships were examined in 179 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder using structural equation modeling. Defeatist attitudes were found to mediate the relationship between neurocognition and negative symptoms but not the relationships between neurocognition and performance-based or self-reported functioning. A full model with the best fit showed mediation between neurocognition and self-reported functioning through two different pathways: One from neurocognition to functional skill capacity to real-world functioning, and a second from neurocognition to defeatist attitudes to negative symptoms to real-world functioning. These results may implicate skill deficits and defeatist attitudes as a separate treatment targets for negative symptoms and functioning in schizophrenia.
Crystal Growth Inhibitors for the Prevention of l-Cystine Kidney Stones Through Molecular Design

Crystallization of L-cystine is a critical step in the pathogenesis of cystine kidney stones. Treatments for this disease are somewhat effective but often lead to adverse side effects. Real-time in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals that L-cystine dimethylester (L-CDME) and L-cystine methylester (L-CME) dramatically reduce the growth velocity of the six symmetry-equivalent {100} steps because of specific binding at the crystal surface, which frustrates the attachment of L-cystine molecules. L-CDME and L-CME produce l-cystine crystals with different habits that reveal distinct binding modes at the crystal surfaces. The AFM observations are mirrored by reduced crystal yield and crystal size in the presence of L-CDME and L-CME, collectively suggesting a new pathway to the prevention of L-cystine stones by rational design of crystal growth inhibitors.
Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Allelic Frequencies in Cotton Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract Temporal variation in allozyme frequencies at 10 allozyme loci was assessed by sampling six local populations of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), near cotton fields over 3 yr (1995–1997) in Leflore County, MS. Population structure over local and regional areas and changes in population structure over generations were analyzed using F-statistic estimators. There was low population differentiation at both local and regional scales, suggesting that extensive gene flow occurred within the spatial scale under investigation. Allele frequencies, heterozygosity, and the mean number of alleles per locus were stable over time and space. Measurements of population differentiation, FST, ranged from 0.0002 to 0.0072 over generations. However, there was no significant population subdivision when evaluated by bootstrapping over loci. Moreover, population differentiation as a whole and differentiation between regions was also very low, indicating that extensive gene flow occurs at both local and re...
Optical Biopsy with Optical Coherence Tomographya

A need exists in medicine for a technology capable of 'optical biopsy,' imaging at or near the resolution of histopathology without the need for excisional biopsy. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a recently developed imaging technology that uses infrared light to generate cross-sectional images on a micron scale. In this work, the feasibility of OCT for optical biopsy was confirmed with in vitro tissue from the skeletal and male reproductive systems. This work supports the hypothesis that OCT is an attractive technology for in vivo optical biopsy.
A guide to LISREL-type structural equation modeling

Recently, researchers in psychology have achieved the statistical sophistication necessary for building and testing LISREL-type causal models. However, the literature is devoid of any description of how to proceed in the LISREL modeling process. Using reading test scores obtained from empirical studies, causal models were constructed and tested. The guide resulted from these analyses and features descriptions of (1) a goodness-of-fit test, (2) the use of multiple indicator variables, (3) evaluation of any possible causal relationship, (4) a “residual” analysis for detecting measurement problems, (5) a “derivative” analysis for correlated measurement error, and (6) estimation of the amount of unexplained variability for each dependent latent variable.
Growing up with chronic illness: the experience of growing up with cystic fibrosis.

The article describes the experience of growing up with a chronic illness. A hermeneutic-phenomenologic design based on van Manen's technique and set in Watson's theory of human caring was used to explore the meaning of the experience for 10 adults with cystic fibrosis. Themes that emerged included
Andean bear density and abundance estimates — How reliable and useful are they?

Abstract Few attempts have been made to estimate numbers and densities of Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus). It is understandable that the many challenges involved in these efforts have made it difficult to produce rigorous estimates. A crude estimate of ∼20,000 Andean bears was derived by extrapolating the lowest observed density of American black bears (Ursus americanus) across the range of Andean bears. A second estimate, based on rangewide genetic diversity, produced a wide range of values; however, the low end of the confidence interval roughly matched the population estimate based on minimum black bear density. A mark–recapture analysis of 3 camera-trapped bears in Bolivia also yielded a similar density (4.4–6 bears/100 km2), but overlapping home ranges of 2 radiocollared bears at that same site suggested a higher density (≥12 bears/100 km2). Neither of these estimates can be considered reliable or representative of the wider population because of the small sample sizes. Moreover, the effective samp...
Molecular approach to common causes of female infertility.

Abstract Pivotal genetic information has been derived for a host of rare genetic disorders, but progress has been much slower in relation to the common causes of female infertility. In this chapter, we shall illustrate the approaches being applied in elucidating conditions causing infertility that are inherited in a polygenic/multifactorial fashion. The task is to determine the number of genes responsible and their chromosomal location(s). The first approach is to use genome-wide quantitative linkage analysis, searching throughout the genome with no prior expectation that a given gene or chromosomal region is casually involved. A second approach is to search across the genome for altered gene expression, for example comparing endometriosis and normal (non-endometriosis)cells. The third approach is less indiscriminate and more focused, depending upon identifying specific candidate genes. Aromatase, calhedrin, oestrogen receptor, galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase ( GALT ) and tumour suppressor genes such as p53 are attractive candidate genes for endometriosis. Endometriosis, which has long been suspected to possess a familial tendency, has been subjected to genome-wide linkage analysis in Oxford, UK, where sib-pair analysis uses polymorphic DNA markers and fluorescence-based automated analysis. Several regions of exclusion have been found, but no linkages have so far been reported. A candidate gene approach focuses on the presence of chromosomal aberrations, the assumption being that endometriosis parallels neoplasia. At Baylor College of Medicine, we thus began by showing chromosome alterations involving trisomy 11, monosomy 16 and monosomy 17 in late-stage endometriosis. A loss of only the p53 tumour suppressor gene, rather than a loss (monosomy) of chromosome 17 per se, however, seems to be the pivotal event. A second representative polygenic/multifactorial disorder causing female infertility is polycystic ovarian syndrome. Both quantitative linkage analysis and candidate gene approaches are being pursued. In the far more commonly observed ‘idiopathic' variety (non-adrenal polycystic ovarian syndrome and hirsutism), consensus has long existed that one or more dominant genes causes the condition. Although the mode of inheritance in ‘essential' polycystic ovarian syndrome remains uncertain, dominant tendencies are clearly more pertinent than recessive ones. Genes for adrenal biosynthetic enzymes, insulin receptors, leptin and leptin receptors, follistatin, activin and inhibins are attractive candidates for polycystic ovarian disease. A linkage to 37 candidate genes was sought using affected sib-pair analysis and transmission/disequilibrium methods.
Ca2+-sensing receptor expression and PTHrP secretion in PC-3 human prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer metastasizes frequently to bone. Elevated extracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]o) stimulate parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) secretion from normal and malignant ce...
Vitamin A analogs as tests for liver vitamin A status in the rat

Two chlorinated retinol analogs (Ro 1 1-0503 and Ro 1 1-8284) were assayed in rat serum and correlated to retinol in liver. Rats were fed a retinol-free diet to deplete their liver stores, then repleted with 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 10.0 mg retinyl palmitate/kg diet. Rats were given intraperitoneal injections ofthe analog then killed after an additional week on the diets. Analogs were measured by HPLC. The relative abundance of both analogs in serum was in- versely correlated with the amount of retinyl palmitate in the liver. Serum analog concentra- tions may be useful as indications ofliver retinol stores. Am J C/in Nutr l988;47:458-62.
Oswald Külpe and the Würzburg school.

This article is based on research in the Kulpe archives in Munich, as well as on analysis of his published works. It addresses itself to some of the unresolved questions regarding Kulpe's relation to the Wurzburg School and seeks to explain this relation in terms of Kulpe's changing philosophical views. Kulpe's shift in the late 1890s from Machian phenomenalism to realism led to his interest in the psychology of thinking and may be seen as part of the “revolt against positivism” of that decade.
Tibial and proximal fibular stress fracture in a rower.

Proximal fibular stress fractures are rare injuries that usually result from jumping and running activities of military recruits and athletes. This article describes a female university athlete wit...
Computing call-blocking probabilities in LEO satellite networks: the single-orbit case

We study the problem of carrying voice calls over a low-Earth-orbit satellite network and present an analytical model for computing call-blocking probabilities for a single orbit of a satellite constellation. We have devised a method to solve the corresponding Markov process efficiently for orbits of up to five satellites. For orbits consisting of a larger number of satellites, we have developed an approximate decomposition algorithm to compute the call-blocking probabilities by decomposing the system into smaller subsystems and iteratively solving each subsystem in isolation using the exact Markov process. Our approach can capture blocking due to handoffs for both satellite-fixed and Earth-fixed constellations. Numerical results demonstrate that our method is accurate for a wide range of traffic patterns and for orbits with a number of satellites that is representative of commercial satellite systems.
A role for anti-inflammatory agents and cyclic AMP in regulating fibronectin-mediated phagocytosis.

AbstractThe present study deals with the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs and agents known to elevate intracellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) on plasma fibronectin-mediated (PFn) phagocytosis of radiolabeled, gelatin-coated latex particles (g-Ltx*) by inflammatory macrophages. Monolayers of casein-elicited peritoneal macrophages were preincubated with the specified agents for either 1 or 24 hrs at 37°C prior to the measurements of phagocytosis in the presence of human plasma fibronectin (47 ug/ml) and heparin (6.7 U/ml).Under these conditions, prostaglandin E1, colchicine, vincristine, and cytochalasin B were all effective in inhibiting g-Ltx* phagocytosis by macrophages in a dose-dependent fashion. More potent inhibition of phagocytosis was manifested by agents known to increase intracellular levels of cAMP in phagocytic cells. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP), d, 1–isoproterenol and aminophylline (10−-5 to 10−-3M) were all effective in reducing the uptake of g-Ltx* by macrophages. The combination of db...
Registration of orthogonal MR images

Analyses of heart wall motion, cavity volumes and myocardial mass in 3D are essential for understanding global function of the heart. One method for obtaining this information is to acquire two orthogonal series of 2D magnetic resonance (MR) images and reconstruct back to 3D using finite element analysis. Misregistration between the two series can occur due to patient motion. We have developed a program to register orthogonal series. For matching of two series, one series is fixed while the other one can be shifted and rotated with respect to the fired series. The matching process can be done manually or automatically. The manual matching is mouse driven and result is displayed in real time. The automatic method is based on minimizing the mean squared distance between the intersecting points of the contours of the moving series at the imaging plane of the fixed series and the contours of the fixed series. Results of validation tests show good registration for phantom and ex vivo data. The algorithm is also immune to small amount of noise in contours (<15%).
A fast algorithm for optimal buffer insertion

The classic buffer insertion algorithm of van Ginneken has time and space complexity O(n/sup 2/), where n is the number of possible buffer positions. For more than a decade, van Ginneken's algorithm has been the foundation of buffer insertion. In this paper, we present a new algorithm that computes the same optimal buffer insertion, but runs much faster. For 2-pin nets, our time complexity is O(nlogn) and space complexity is O(n). For multipin nets, our time complexity is O(nlog/sup 2/n) and space complexity is O(nlogn). The speedup is achieved by four novel techniques: predictive pruning, candidate tree, fast redundancy check, and fast merging. On industrial test cases, the new algorithms is 2-80 times faster than van Ginneken's algorithm and uses 1/4-1/500 of the memory. Since van Ginneken's algorithm and its variations are used by most existing algorithms on buffer insertion and buffer sizing, our new algorithm significantly improves the performance of all these algorithms. The predictive pruning technique has been applied to buffer cost minimization (Shi et al., 2004), and significantly improved the running time.
Reply to “Comment on ‘An Exact Solution for Effects of Topography on Free Rayleigh Waves’ by William Z. Savage,” by H. Goto and S. Sawada

I appreciate Goto and Sawada’s (Goto and Sawada, 2007) interest in my article (Savage, 2004). After reading their …
Epistemology, Politics, and Ethics in Sociocultural Theory

This article describes the history and continuing development of Vygotsky-inspired sociocultural theories (SCT) and their application in second and foreign language research. In particular, I emphasize the intellectual traditions out of which SCT emerged and the relation of SCT to other critical scholarship. The discussion includes long-standing as well as recent conceptual and methodological innovations in SCT research, the philosophical entailments of SCT in regard to epistemology and ethical issues, and a select review of SCT second language studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Using Web Services to Exchange Security Tokens for Federated Trust Management

In federated networks, trust management is critical to information sharing and online collaboration. Security tokens provide a way to convey and exchange trust-related information for security and privacy purposes. Common users encounter difficulties when they have to handle security tokens across heterogeneous domains. Semantic gaps and incompatibilities are major barriers for trust-related information exchange in federated trust management. This paper uses intermediary-based, query-based and hybrid approaches to resolve these issues for different types of information in security tokens, and proposes three exchange models accordingly. This paper also provides a comprehensive framework using Web services to exchange security tokens across security domains with suitable approaches and exchange models.
A Versatile Ta 2 N-W-Au/SiO 2 /Al/SiO 2 Thin Film Hybrid Microcircuit Metallization System

A versatile thin film metallization technique in which both gold and aluminum can be incorporated on sapphire or fine grained alumina substrates in a two level metallization system with thin film resistors is described. Tungsten is used as a lateral transition metal permitting electrical contact between the gold and aluminum without the two metals coming in physical contact. Silicon dioxide serves as an insulator between the tungsten and aluminum for crossover purposes and vias through the silicon dioxide permit interconnections where desired. Tantalum nitride is deposited first and serves as the resistor film. Sheet resistance of the film is typically 100 ohms per square. Tungsten-gold is the first level conductor except at crossovers where tungsten only is used. Aluminum is the second level conductor. Sheet resistances of the two conductor levels can be as Iow as 0.01 ohm/square. I inewidths and spaces as small as 0.025 mm can be attained. A second layer of silicon dioxide is deposited over the metallization and opened for all gold and aluminum bonding areas. The metallization system permits effective interconnection of a mixture of devices having both gold and aluminum terminations without creating undesirable gold-aluminum interfaces. Devices can be attached by epoxy or silicone directly on the circuitry. Processing temperatures up to 400°C can be tolerated for short times without effect on bondability, resistor, conductor, and insulator characteristics, thus permitting silicon-gold eutectic die attachment, component soldering, and higher temperatures during gold lead bonding. Tests conducted on special test pattern circuits indicate good stability over the temperature range--55°C to +150°C. Aging studies showed no degradation in characteristics in tests of 500 hours duration at 150°C.
Where Is My Digital Holographic Display

Are high-resolution digital holographic displays just around the corner? In the 1990s, two hurdles seemed to be preventing the practical implementation of computational holography techniques: computational workload and hardware projection capabilities. Are these hurdles still in place?
Attribute Dominance Utility

We present an analogy between joint cumulative probability distributions and a class of multiattribute utility functions, which we call attribute dominance utility functions. Attribute dominance utility functions permit assessing multiattribute utility functions using common techniques of joint probability assessment such as marginal-conditional assessments and the method of copulas. By itself, this class of utility functions appears in many cases of decision analysis practice. Furthermore, we show that many functional forms of multiattribute utility function can be decomposed into attribute dominance utility functions that are easier to elicit. We introduce the notion of utility inference analogous to Bayes rule for probability inference and provide a graphic representation of attribute dominance utility functions, which we call utility diagrams.
Adaptation of Kirkpatrick’s four level model of training criteria to assessment of learning outcomes and program evaluation in Higher Education

Assessment of educational effectiveness provides vitally important feedback to Institutions of Higher Education. It also provides important information to external stakeholders, such as prospective students, parents, governmental and local regulatory entities, professional and regional accrediting organizations, and representatives of the workforce. However, selecting appropriate indicators of educational effectiveness of programs and institutions is a difficult task, especially when criteria of effectiveness are not well defined. This article proposes a comprehensive and systematic approach to aligning criteria for educational effectiveness with specific indicators of achievement of these criteria by adapting a popular organizational training evaluation framework, the Kirkpatrick’s four level model of training criteria (Kirkpatrick 1959; 1976; 1996), to assessment in Higher Education. The four level model consists of reaction, learning, behavior and results criteria. Adaptation of this model to Higher Education helps to clarify the criteria and create plans for assessment of educational outcomes in which specific instruments and indicators are linked to corresponding criteria. This provides a rich context for understanding the role of various indicators in the overall mosaic of assessment. It also provides Institutions of Higher Education rich and multilevel feedback regarding the effectiveness of their effort to serve their multiple stakeholders. The importance of such feedback is contextualized both in the reality of stakeholder pressures and in theoretical understanding of colleges and universities as open systems according to the systems theory (Katz and Kahn 1966). Although the focus of this article is on Higher Education, core principles and ideas will be applicable to different types and levels of educational programs.
Aquatic toxicities of halogenated benzoic acids to Tetrahymena pyriformis.

Halogenated benzoic acids are widespread environmental pollutants resulting primarily from the production and use of xenobiotics. Two significant environmental sources of chlorinated benzoic acids are the microbial metabolism of herbicides (Maybury et al. 1996) and polychlorinated biphenyls (Abramowicz 1990; Harkness et al. 1993). Bryant and Schultz (1994) and Schultz and Dawson (1995) demonstrated that partial biodegradation or biotransformation produces byproducts that are more toxic than the parent substance. Aquatic studies while limited, have demonstrated benzoic acids to be toxic to a range of biota including bacteria (Ramos-Nino et al. 1996) as well as invertebrates and fish (Zhao et al. 1996).
Statistical Considerations in Caries Models: Reaction Paper

This discussion paper focuses on validity and reliability concerns associated with the PCK methodology. Examples of subtle validity issues from the product-testing arena are presented to illustrate the importance of validity issues, even with use of the strongest of all experimental designs, the randomized controlled clinical trial. Findings from two specific profile models are presented to illustrate the need for validating that a surrogate marker for dental caries is indeed a marker. Careful use of the two-stage PCK testing procedure is recommended, but only for intra-oral model response measures which are bona fide surrogate markers for dental caries in humans.
Short-term study abroad: culture and the path of least resistance

American universities are decreasing the length of study abroad programs in an effort to send more students abroad. Recent publications find that “short-term” programs struggle to increase participants’ cultural understanding. However, these research findings fail to offer an explanation as to why shorter programs are falling short. This study suggests that “culture traveling the path of least resistance” is one of the main inhibitors to students’ cultural understanding. Conclusions are based on participant observation, focus group, and semi-structured interview data gathered from two short-term programs. It is concluded that pre-trip and while-abroad activities must be administered in order to allay “least resistance.”
Finding the Sectarian Self

Elements of the Matthean mission discourse (Matt 10:5b–42) contributing to the evangelist’s sectarian agenda are identified and analyzed through comparison with the Hodayot, drawing on the work of Carol Newsom ( The Self as Symbolic Space: Constructing Identity and Community at Qumran , 2004). Each composition is shown to address basic challenges of sectarian legitimation and differentiation by constructing a “figured” world in which subjectivities resistant to those promulgated by the dominant cultural script are articulated through the reaccentuation of normative idioms, situating these subjectivities in relation to mythoi of both the group’s leader and the group’s members. The two compositions are also shown to demonstrate significant differences, especially in terms of the types of normative idioms to which they appeal, the forms of experience and agency assigned the respective mythoi, and the manner in which the ideal sectarian subject negotiates the dynamics of self-alienation, non-acceptance, and conflict engendered by its interaction with the non-sectarian world.
Electron-hole compensation effect between topologically trivial electrons and nontrivial holes in NbAs

Via angular Shubnikov--de Haas (SdH) quantum oscillations measurements, we determine the Fermi surface topology of NbAs, a Weyl semimetal candidate. The SdH oscillations consist of two frequencies corresponding to two Fermi surface extrema: 20.8 T $(\ensuremath{\alpha}$ pocket) and 15.6 T $(\ensuremath{\beta}$ pocket). The analysis, including a Landau fan plot, shows that the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ pocket has a Berry phase of $\ensuremath{\pi}$ and a small effective mass of $\ensuremath{\sim}0.033\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{m}_{0}$, indicative of a nontrivial topology in momentum space, whereas the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ pocket has a trivial Berry phase of 0 and a heavier effective mass of $\ensuremath{\sim}0.066\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{m}_{0}$. From the effective mass and the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-pocket frequency, we determine that the Weyl node is 110.5 meV from the chemical potential. An electron-hole compensation effect is discussed in this system, and its impact on magnetotransport properties is addressed. The difference between NbAs and other monopnictide Weyl semimetals is also discussed.
Specifying and Estimating a Regional Agricultural Railroad Demand Model

In recent years there have been few railroad demand studies. Also, no study has investigated the possibility of regional differences in railroad demand. The objective of the paper is to estimate railroad demand functions for wheat, corn, sorghum, and soybeans for the United States as well as the east and west regions. A two-region spatial equilibrium model is employed to specify the empirical model in which railroad tons originated is the dependent variable. The explanatory variables include railroad price per ton, crop production, and barge price per ton. The theoretically expected sign is negative for rail price. Alternatively, the expected sign is positive for crop production and barge rate. Results include estimates of railroad own-price elasticities and cross price elasticities relative to barge transport. The estimates also reveal regional differences in railroad grain demand.
EP2 receptors mediate airway relaxation to substance P, ATP, and PGE2

Substance P (SP) and ATP evoke transient, epithelium-dependent relaxation of constricted mouse tracheal smooth muscle. Relaxation to either SP or ATP is blocked by indomethacin, but the specific ei...
Disseminated candidiasis. i. an experimental model in the guinea pig.

A model of experimental disseminated candidiasis was developed in the guinea pig; Candida albicans was injected intraperitoneally or intravenously. The kidney was the most severely affected organ, with maximal colony counts of 26,208 x 9,152 colony-forming units/g of tissue five days after a sublethal inoculation (one-sixth of the 50% lethal dose) of viable organisms. The heart was the next most severely affected organ, and other organs were affected little. Histologic studies confirmed the data from colony counts and showed a progression of inflammation similar to that seen in human disease. A leukocytosis predominantly of mononuclear cells, and to a lesser degree of granulocytes, occurred and was maximal four days after inoculation. This model will provide the framework for a series of future studies of the various factors important in natural host defense against infection with Candida, as well as the effects of various immunosuppressive agents, particularly corticosteroids, on the development and expression of immunity and protection against infection. In recent years, with the increased use of cytotoxic and immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of neoplasms as well as a variety of nonmalignant diseases [1], infections with Candida, particularly disseminated candidiasis, have become an increasingly important clinical problem. Patients receiving high-dosage, longterm corticosteroid therapy are particularly at risk for disseminated candidiasis [2]. The precise mechanisms responsible for this susceptibility to infection are unclear. It is uncertain whether the predominant factors are the underlying diseases themselves, independent of the immunosuppressive therapy, or whether the therapeutic regimens predispose to infection by one or several of a variety of mechanisms [2, 3]. These mechanisms include suppression of (1) nonimmune clearance or elimination of or
Premenstrual-menstrual increases in psychiatric hospital admission rates

An increase in the number of acute psychiatric hospital admissions occurs during the "premenstrual-menstrual" phase of the menstrual cycle. This finding emphasizes the psychosomatic implications of psychiatric illness.
Ovarian ∆5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in aging rats

Ovaries of rats 1, 2, 4, and 18 months old revealed significant delta-5-3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-OHSD) activity when dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), pregnenolone, and 16-dehydropregnenolone served as substrates. No enzyme activity was evident in ovaries 4 and 18 months of age when the substrates 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, pregnenolone sulfate, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were used. A marked increase in enzyme activity occurred in the granulosae of mature vesicular follicles at 18 months of age. DHA, pregnenolone, and 16-dehydropregnenolone provided similar activities. On the other hand, interstitial enzyme activity exhibited an aging decline with DHA and 16-dehydropregnenolone but increased with pregnenolone. Corpora lutea were less evident in aging ovaries but did exhibit strong 3beta-OHSD activity when DHA was used. Pregnenolone use by corpora lutea was sharply increased in aging rats but no change occurred with 16-dehydropregnenolone. Thus aging was associated with changes in 3beta-OHSD distribution and use of steroid substrate; a change in function is suggested.
Mice deficient in endothelial α5 integrin are profoundly resistant to experimental ischemic stroke.

Stroke is a disease in dire need of better therapies. We have previously shown that a fragment of the extracellular matrix proteoglycan, perlecan, has beneficial effects following cerebral ischemia...
Static and Dynamic Analysis of Laminated Shells Using A triangular Conforming Element

Laminated composite materials have become important in various engineering applications (aerospace, automotive, etc.)during the past three decades. The engineer’s control over the material properties, e.g. the lamination angle and stacking sequence, gives him a wider range of options leading to an optimal design. Shell components are often encountered in these applications.
Anatomy of the Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve has a larger distribution than any other cranial nerve. Originating in the medulla, the vagus nerve innervates structures in the neck, thorax, and abdomen and has influence over cardiac and digestive functions. As the vagus nerve travels from the brain stem to the abdomen, it gives off many branches. Two branches of great importance are the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves. The vagus nerve carries five different fiber types: general somatic afferent, general visceral afferent, special visceral afferent, general visceral efferent, and special visceral efferent fibers. A neurological exam and, if necessary, imaging and electrophysiological testing, are useful in diagnosing and localizing pathology of the vagus nerve.
Chondroid Syringoma: A Case Report in the Foot and Ankle

Chondroid syringoma is a cutaneous sweat gland tumor. Despite its relative rarity, a benign and malignant variant have been described. We present a case report of chondroid syringoma of the foot in...
Two Systems, Two Stances: A Novel Theoretical Framework for Model-Based Learning in Digital Games

Recent reviews of quantitative research suggest that some but not all digital games add value when used as pedagogical tools. A more sophisticated cognitive theory of learning is required to guide the advance of educational games through improvements in design, scaffolding, and assessments. This chapter extends and improves existing mental model-based hypotheses about learning in games, particularly in terms of science learning and seeks to conceptualize simulation and game-based learning within a more general two-system theory of human cognition.
Telephone-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Older, Rural Veterans with Depression and Anxiety in Home-Based Primary Care.

ABSTRACTObjectives: Rural, homebound older adults are at increased risk for anxiety and depression and have limited access to mental health services. These individuals face many barriers to receiving evidence-based mental health treatment and would benefit from interventions that increase access to and efficiency of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate use of a telephone-delivered, modular, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for both late-life depression and anxiety delivered to rural, homebound Veterans.Methods: Three cases are presented to illustrate the flexible adaptation of the intervention for use among older Veterans enrolled in home-based primary care, with varying symptom presentations and functional limitations. The Veterans received 7 to 9 sessions of the CBT intervention, with ordering of skill modules based on symptom presentation and determined collaboratively between patient and therapist.Results: The three Veterans showed improvement in depression and/or anxiety symptom...
Biomimetics and textile materials

Abstract: Textiles may be considered the archetype for biomimesis: humans needed protection from the elements, so used nature as a model to learn how to cover ourselves. In the intervening millennia, we have learned much and applied our knowledge well. This chapter will present an overview of how the field of biomimesis has informed the field of textiles, and how this has resulted in improved fibrous materials. At the end of the chapter, some musings on future directions are presented.
A lattice study ofΛb semileptonic decay

Abstract We present results from a lattice study of the semileptonic decay Λ b → Λ c lν l . We use O(a 2 , α s a 2 ) improved quenched lattices of the MILL collaboration, with lattice spacing ∼ 0.13 fm. For the valence quarks, the tadpoleimproved clover action is used, with the Fermilab method employed for the heavy quarks. Form factors are extracted from the vector as well as the axial-vector part of the current.
Reflecting on International Educative Experiences: Developing Cultural Competence in Preservice Early Childhood Educators.

Given urgent need for culturally competent early childhood educators and the strategic encouragement by colleges for students to travel internationally, this analysis focuses on the question: What ...
Bone Loss, Vitamin D and Bariatric Surgery: Nutrition and Obesity

Publisher Summary Bariatric surgery is becoming commonplace in western countries and the rates continue to increase. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), restrictive procedures, and sleeve gastrectomy are all increasingly employed worldwide. These diverse surgical procedures each have different success rates, different metabolic sequelae, and different influences upon nutrient adequacy. Rapid and severe loss of bone density is, however, seen with rapid weight loss by bariatric surgery across procedures. Post-surgical bone density change is a confirmed, disconcerting consequence of RYGBP and of unknown magnitude in sleeve gastrectomy patients. Furthermore, the regulatory role of adipose tissue on bone, through the influence of adipokines on osteoblast and osteoclast number, has recently been established. Research on adipokine–osteokine interactions as well as the role of gastric hormones after various types of bariatric surgery is needed to disentangle the role of weight loss, fat loss, malabsorption, and preexisting micronutrient (including vitamin D) deficiencies in this patient population. The focus of future research should be on RYGB sleeve gastrectomy and restrictive procedures due to their popularity.
Leveraging Big Data to Balance New Key Performance Indicators in Emergency Physician Management Networks

Managing emergency physicians is a complex task and has increasingly intensified with the recent consolidation of many emergency departments (EDs). Large‐scale physician groups are facing challenges in resource deployment and performance evaluation. To objectively evaluate physicians across facilities, we leverage big data from an emergency physician management network and propose data‐driven metrics using a large‐scale database consisting of 84 hospitals, 1,079 physicians, and 10,615,879 patient visits in 14 states over 600,000 clinical shifts from 2010 to 2014. To ensure physicians are fairly evaluated and compensated within diverse facilities, we propose an index system and use clustering to help identify factors which might impact physician performance. The proposed indices benchmark physicians from the perspectives of revenue potential, patient volume, patient complexity, and patient experience by controlling for exogenous factors at the facility level. We empirically show the volume and complexity indices are key elements of the revenue potential index, and use two‐stage least squares regression to relate volume and complexity and uncover their drivers. Revenue potential and patient experience are found to be positively correlated, which suggests productive physicians are often liked by their patients. Through implementing the proposed evaluation system, administrators can better manage and incentivize physicians and provide directions for performance improvement, while controlling for location idiosyncrasies. The proposed framework can also be adapted to non‐medical professional settings such as value chains, where employees often provide services in various profit‐ and cost‐centers.
Risk Adjustment May Lessen Penalties On Hospitals Treating Complex Cardiac Patients Under Medicare's Bundled Payments.

To reduce variation in spending, Medicare has considered implementing a cardiac bundled payment program for acute myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass graft. Because the proposed program does not account for patient risk factors when calculating hospital penalties or rewards (“reconciliation payments”), it might unfairly penalize certain hospitals. We estimated the impact of adjusting for patients’ medical complexity and social risk on reconciliation payments for Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for the two conditions in the period 2011–13. Average spending per episode was $29,394. Accounting for medical complexity substantially narrowed the gap in reconciliation payments between hospitals with high medical severity (from a penalty of $1,809 to one of $820, or a net reduction of $989), safety-net hospitals (from a penalty of $217 to one of $87, a reduction of $130), and minority-serving hospitals (from a penalty of $70 to a reward of $56, an improvement of $126) and their counterparts. Acco...