cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro evaluation of relative perforating potential of central venous catheters: Comparison of materials, selected models, number of lumens, and angles of incidence to simulated membrane

Perforation of the vena cava or atrium is a serious complication of monitoring with a central venous catheter. We designed an in vitro model with a pulsating simulated membrane to evaluate a number of variables that could affect relative perforating potential of different types of central venous catheters. To determine the perforating potential of central venous catheters, we studied the effects of (1) the angle of incidence (n=6) between catheter and simulated membrane; (2) catheter material (polyurethane and polyethylene); (3) make (manufacturer and model) (n=6), with 3 catheters of each make tested; (4) design (n=3 each: silicone rubber, open-ended, blunt-ended, and polyurethane pigtail); and (5) number of lumens (single, double, or triple). Each trial was repeated five times with each catheter that was tested. Perforation was significantly more likely when the angle of incidence between catheter and pulsating simulated membrane was greater than 40° than when it was 40° (P<0.05). Perforation was less likely with single-lumen than comparable Frenchsized double- and triple-lumen catheters; among single-lumen catheters, perforation required many more pulsations with a polyurethane than a polyethylene catheter (P<0.001). Perforation potential differed significantly among 6 makes of 7-French triple-lumen catheters (P<0.05). Compared with other materials or designs, silicone rubber or a pigtail tip decreased the perforation potential of catheters (P<0.001). These data offer additional objective information to consider when choosing and positioning central venous catheters.
Mass spectrometric analysis of pentafluorobenzyl oxime derivatives of reactive biological aldehydes

Abstract We recently demonstrated that a battery of reactive aldehydes can be generated by human neutrophils through the action of myeloperoxidase on α-amino acids. To determine the aldehydes, we formed the pentafluorobenzyloxime (PFBO) derivatives by reacting them with pentafluorobenzylhydroxylamine (PFBHA) and submitting the derivatives to gas chromatography electron-capture mass spectrometry (GC/EC/MS). Two geometric isomers are formed for each of the aldehydes, and they are separable by gas chromatography (GC) and exhibit distinguishable electron-capture (EC) mass spectra. Major fragment ions include [M − HF] · − , which probably has a six-membered ring formed via HF loss from the molecular radical anion. Subsequent decomposition of this intermediate yields other characteristic ions (e.g. those formed by elimination of NO and the anion of m / z 178). We proposed fragmentation pathways and mechanisms that are consistent with the data derived from collisionally-activated dissociations (CAD) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, exact-mass measurements, studies of deuterium-labeled analogs, and calculations by PM3 semiemperical and ab initio methods. The generality of the structurally informative fragmentation pattern together with GC separation is the basis of a powerful means for the identification of reactive aldehydes in biological processes and the pathogenesis of disease.
Syllable-Based Reading Strategy for Mastery of Scientific Information

This article describes a strategic approach for reading and comprehending scientific information from a middle school science textbook. First, the word-reading skills of children with and without reading difficulties are compared. Second, studies investigating the effectiveness of a syllable-based reading approach on the word-reading skills of middle school children with reading difficulties are reviewed. Finally, the use of a syllable-based approach for reading and comprehending information from a middle school science textbook is described, with specific emphasis on learning words presented within and outside the context of text passages.
Acute Endotoxin-Induced Thymic Atrophy Is Characterized By Intrathymic Inflammatory and Wound Healing Responses

Background Productive thymopoiesis is essential for a robust and healthy immune system. Thymus unfortunately is acutely sensitive to stress resulting in involution and decreased T cell production. Thymic involution is a complication of many clinical settings, including infection, malnutrition, starvation, and irradiation or immunosuppressive therapies. Systemic rises in glucocorticoids and inflammatory cytokines are known to contribute to thymic atrophy. Little is known, however, about intrathymic mechanisms that may actively contribute to thymus atrophy or initiate thymic recovery following stress events.
Lymphangiosarcoma associated with hyonatraernia and hyperkalaemia in a dog

Lymphangiosarcoma was diagnosed in a 13-year-old castrated male terrier cross dog. Clinical and laboratory evaluation revealed concurrent hypovolaemia, hyponatraemia and hyperkalaemia. Plasma cortisol and aldosterone concentrations excluded hypoadrenocorticism as the cause of these changes. The laboratory abnormalities may be associated with isotonic fluid loss and a transient defect in renal potassium excretion.
COL6A3 Protein Deficiency in Mice Leads to Muscle and Tendon Defects Similar to Human Collagen VI Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

Collagen VI is a ubiquitously expressed extracellular microfibrillar protein. Its most common molecular form is composed of the α1(VI), α2(VI), and α3(VI) collagen α chains encoded by the COL6A1, COL6A2, and COL6A3 genes, respectively. Mutations in any of the three collagen VI genes cause congenital muscular dystrophy types Bethlem and Ullrich as well as intermediate phenotypes characterized by muscle weakness and connective tissue abnormalities. The α3(VI) collagen α chain has much larger N- and C-globular domains than the other two chains. Its most C-terminal domain can be cleaved off after assembly into microfibrils, and the cleavage product has been implicated in tumor angiogenesis and progression. Here we characterize a Col6a3 mutant mouse that expresses a very low level of a non-functional α3(VI) collagen chain. The mutant mice are deficient in extracellular collagen VI microfibrils and exhibit myopathic features, including decreased muscle mass and contractile force. Ultrastructurally abnormal collagen fibrils were observed in tendon, but not cornea, of the mutant mice, indicating a distinct tissue-specific effect of collagen VI on collagen I fibrillogenesis. Overall, the mice lacking normal α3(VI) collagen chains displayed mild musculoskeletal phenotypes similar to mice deficient in the α1(VI) collagen α chain, suggesting that the cleavage product of the α3(VI) collagen does not elicit essential functions in normal growth and development. The Col6a3 mouse mutant lacking functional α3(VI) collagen chains thus serves as an animal model for COL6A3-related muscular dystrophy.
Splenic Embolization in Liver Transplant Recipients: Early Outcomes

Clinical improvement has been reported following splenic embolization for a wide variety of indications. Improvement following splenic embolization has been described in cirrhotic patients awaiting hepatic transplantation who are not candidates for surgical splenectomy. Occasionally, patients who have undergone hepatic transplantation have conditions that may also benefit from nonsurgical intervention with splenic embolization. Indications include persistent hypersplenism and pancytopenia precluding optimal treatment with antiviral therapy or chemotherapy, risk for persistent gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage, and splenic artery steal syndrome attenuating hepatic arterial perfusion. Limited data is available on the outcome of splenic embolization in liver transplant recipients. We present the early outcomes of liver transplant recipients who were treated with splenic embolization. A retrospective chart review of all liver transplant recipients who underwent splenic embolization between 1997 and 2006 was performed, under minimal-risk study approval by the institutional review board. Five liver transplant recipients received splenic embolization: 3 for persistent hypersplenism, 1 for increased risk of gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage, and 1 for splenic artery steal syndrome. The patients with hypersplenism demonstrated hematologic improvement, the patient with gastroesophageal varices did not experience any hemorrhage on follow-up, and the patient with splenic artery steal experienced resolution of the steal phenomenon. Postembolization syndrome was observed but no splenic abscess or death occurred. Mean follow-up was 20.2 months. In conclusion, splenic embolization is a safe and effective nonsurgical alternative for a variety of indications in liver transplant recipients.
IT-Integration im Kontext von Unternehmensfusionen

Laut der Deloitte-Studie »Solving the Merger Mystery« schatzen nur ein Viertel bis ein Drittel aller Unternehmen ihre »Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)«-Transaktionen als erfolgreich ein. Eine genauere Analyse ergibt jedoch, dass Unternehmen, die einen ganzheitlichen Ansatz zu M&A verfolgen, diese Erfolgsquote auf uber 80 % steigern konnen. Der Hauptgrund liegt dabei in fruhzeitiger und umfassender Planung, die wiederum auf einer ganzheitlichen Betrachtung des gesamten M&A-Zyklus basiert. An dieser Stelle setzt der Beitrag an. Er beleuchtet den M&A-Lebenszyklus, beschreibt die Planung der IT-Integration und erlautert die Erfolgsfaktoren im Rahmen einer systematischen Vorgehensweise (Programm-Management).
A Study of Online Transaction Self-Efficacy, Consumer Trust, and Uncertainty Reduction in Electronic Commerce Transaction

Trust has been accepted as a critical element in electronic commerce due to the fact that online transactions are characterized as a process that involves uncertainty and risk. Trust also has been thought of as the most effective means of reducing uncertainty and risk. The effect of measures to build and maintain trust in e-commerce is subject to person-specific and situation-related factors that cannot be controlled by web vendors. This study has explored a factor that influences trust during online transaction. Self-efficacy, which is an important factor in explaining motives and motivations of individual behaviors and choices, has an impact on trust building and uncertainty reduction. By incorporating self-efficacy into electronic commerce research, this study expands the understanding of what factor plays a role in reducing uncertainty. The results show that self-efficacy affects trust in the web vendor and, consequently, positively influencing the respondent's purchase intentions.
Functional Effects of GRM1 Suppression in Human Melanoma Cells

Ectopic expression of a neuronal receptor, metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (Grm1), in melanocytes has been implicated in melanoma development in mouse models. The human relevance of this receptor's involvement in melanoma pathogenesis was shown by detecting GRM1 expression in subsets of human melanomas, an observation lacking in benign nevi or normal melanocytes. Grm1-transformed mouse melanocytes and a conditional Grm1 transgenic mouse model confirmed a requirement for sustained expression of Grm1 for the maintenance of transformed phenotypes in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Here, we investigate if continued GRM1 expression is also required in human melanoma cell lines by using two inducible, silencing RNA systems: the ecdysone/Ponasterone A and tetracycline on/off approaches to regulate GRM1 expression in the presence of each inducer. Various in vitro assays were conducted to assess the consequences of a reduction in GRM1 expression on cell proliferation, apoptosis, downstream targeted signaling pathways, and in vivo tumorigenesis. We showed that suppression of GRM1 expression in several human melanoma cell lines resulted in a reduction in the number of viable cells and a decrease in stimulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/AKT and suppressed tumor progression in vivo. These results reinforce earlier observations where a reduction in cell growth in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo were correlated with decreased GRM1 activities by pharmacologic inhibitors of the receptor, supporting the notion that GRM1 plays a role in the maintenance of transformed phenotypes in human melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo and could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of melanoma.
Approximate controllability for semilinear differential equations with unbounded delay

Approximate controllability for a class of control systems described by semilinear functional differential equations with infinite delay is discussed in this paper. Sufficient condition for approximate controllability is established provided the approximate controllability of the corresponding linear systems.
Repetitive Elements in Mammalian Telomeres Suppress Bacterial DNA-Induced Immune Activation

Bacterial DNA contains immunostimulatory CpG motifs that trigger an innate immune response capable of promoting host survival following infectious challenge. Yet CpG-driven immune activation may also have deleterious consequences, ranging from autoimmune disease to death. We find that repetitive elements present at high frequency in mammalian telomeres, but rare in bacteria, down-regulate CpG-induced immune activation. Suppressive activity correlates with the ability of telomeric TTAGGG repeats to form G-tetrads. Colocalization of CpG DNA with Toll-like receptor 9 in endosomal vesicles is disrupted by these repetitive elements, although cellular binding and uptake remain unchanged. These findings are the first to establish that specific host-derived molecules can down-regulate the innate immune response elicited by a TLR ligand.
Foxwoods Casino Resort: An Unusual Experiment in Economic Development

: The Foxwoods Casino Resort owned by the Mashantucket Pequots of Connecticut is the largest gambling casino in the Western world. The Pequots' Connecticut location enabled the tribe to open a casino, with accessibility to a large market and limited competition. The opening of Foxwoods is also the result of changes in relationships between Americans and Indians and shifts in American attitudes toward gambling. As attitudes and laws change, however, there is little chance that another Indian Foxwoods will be created here or elsewhere in the United States.
Dose-related induction of hepatic preneoplastic lesions by diethylnitrosamine in C57BL/6 mice.

The C57BL/6 mouse strain (or derivation of this strain) is used as a background for many transgenic mouse models. This strain has a relatively low susceptibility to chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis compared with other commonly used experimental mouse strains. In the present study, the authors treated C57BL/6 mice with 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) for 4 or 8 weeks by intraperitoneal injection to investigate the dose-response pattern of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesion formation in the liver. DEN induced preneoplastic lesions and cytokeratin 8/18–positive foci in a dose-dependent manner. In the 75 mg/kg for 8 weeks treatment group, hepatocellular adenoma, cholangioma and hemangioma, and cytokeratin 19–positive foci were also induced, but a significant decrease in body weight was observed. The suitable DEN treatment range for this strain was concluded to be from 75 mg/kg for 4 weeks (total amount = 300 mg/kg) to 50 mg/kg for 8 weeks (total amount = 400 mg/kg). These results shou...
The Dynamics of Residential Segregation in Buffalo: An Agent-based Simulation:

Race and class factors have been studied as underlying causes of segregation for many years. Individual choices on race and economic constraints of living in one area versus another play an important role in residential segregation. An attempt has not yet been made to simulate the interplay of neighbourhood racial and economic composition in forming segregation using empirical micro-level data. Using City of Buffalo data, this study explores how individuals’ housing location choices with respect to racial composition and housing sale prices in their neighbourhoods can give rise to aggregate patterns of residential segregation and how segregation at one point in time was contributing to increased segregation at later stages. The results show that observed patterns of segregation in the city could plausibly arise from the interaction of racial and economic factors. This study also demonstrates the application of such models on exploring the possible effects of proposed integration efforts.
Attraction and transport of male gametes for fertilization

Two capabilities are critical in attracting and transporting male gametes for fertilization: (1) the pollen tube must locate, enter and discharge its contents at the correct site within the female gametophyte, and (2) once inside the embryo sac, the non-motile male gametes must be transported to the egg and the central cells for double fertilization. This review summrizes current information about evidence for communication between embryo sac and pollen tube and the means by which the non-motile male gametes are transported from the aperture of the pollen tube to the site of gamete fusion.
Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in canine epithelial nasal tumors

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme upregulated in some human and animal tumors. Enzymatic products are associated with tumorigenic activities. Given the poor response of canine nasal tumors to radiation, we considered the possibility that some of this resistance may be associated with COX-2 expression. To test this, 21 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, and archived biopsy samples from canine epithelial nasal tumors were analyzed for COX-2 expression using immunohistochemistry. The biopsies were collected from dogs prior to radiation therapy. COX-2 expression was present in 17 of 21 (81%) tumors. The expression was observed in several different tumor types, including nasal carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. Samples from five control dogs without nasal neoplasia were also analyzed for COX-2 staining. These specimens were characterized by varying degrees of lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis with scattered regions of COX-2 positive respiratory epithelial and stromal cells. Whether the intensity and distribution of COX-2 expression in nasal tumors can be used as a prognostic marker requires further investigation. A combination therapy of irradiation and a selective COX-2 inhibitor appears worthy of clinical investigation in the treatment of canine epithelial nasal tumors.
The Decline in Hip Bone Density after Gastric Bypass Surgery Is Associated with Extent of Weight Loss

Context: Bariatric surgery is common and may be associated with deleterious effects on the skeleton. Objective: Our objective was to assess bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Design and Setting: We conducted a 1-yr prospective longitudinal study at a university hospital bariatric surgery practice and metabolic bone disease unit. Participants: Participants included 23 obese (mean body mass index 47 kg/m2) men and women, aged 20–64 yr. Main Outcome Measures: Serum PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, osteocalcin, and urinary N-telopeptide, and BMD were assessed. Results: Patients lost 45 ± 2 kg 1 yr postoperatively (P < 0.01). PTH increased early (3 months, 43–50 pg/ml; P < 0.001) and urinary calcium dropped (161–92 mg/24 h; P < 0.01), despite doubling of calcium intake (1318–2488 mg/d; P < 0.001). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were unchanged (23–26 ng/ml), although vitamin D intake increased by 260% (658 IU/d at baseline to 1698 IU/d at 12 months; P < 0.05). Mark...
How to read the new recommendation statement: Methods update from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Since 2001, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has worked to refine its methods of evidence review and assessment and to create more usable documents in response to clinicians’ needs. These changes have resulted in a revised grading system, as well as a new format and new language for the recommendation statement. This paper focuses on the changes to and the new look of the USPSTF recommendation statement. The new recommendation statement comprises 9 sections. Important changes include standardization of the format of the summary statement to specify what service is being recommended in what population; standardization of the headings in the rationale section; a change in the wording of the grade C recommendation and the I statement; and a new section, called “Other Considerations,” in which salient issues related to cost-effectiveness, mandates, and other implementation issues are described. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147:123-127. www.annals.org For author affiliations, see end of text.
The matrix pencil for power system modal extraction

This work introduces the matrix pencil modal extraction method through the use of several illustrative examples. This method is used to estimate the eigenvalues of reduced-order models of large nonlinear systems based on their dynamic responses.
A Comparison of Breastfed Children with Nutritional Rickets Who Present During and After the First Year of Life

This study compares the patient characteristics of breastfed children in Baltimore, Maryland from 1990 to 2000 diagnosed with nutritional rickets at 12 months or younger to those older than 12 months to gain a better understanding of nutritional and environmental factors. All 30 of the patients were African American. Patients 12 months or younger (n=15) compared to those older than 12 months (n=15) were more likely to be born during the summer and to present with seizures and hypocalcemia. We recommend vitamin D supplementation of all breastfed infants at an early age and that supplementation continue throughout the duration of breastfeeding.
A Trobriand Complex

In an earlier article (Kurtz 1991), I reinterpreted Malinowski's Trobriand Island ethnography (1985 [1927], 1987 [1929]) in order to suggest a new way of looking at the debate over the universality of the Oedipus complex. That article juxtaposed my more relativist handling of this issue to Melford Spiro's (1982) powerful defense of the universalist position. Spiro has since published a sharp critique of my argument (Spiro 1992), and in the present essay I hope both to respond to Spiro's criticisms and to advance the debate by applying my interpretive framework to the question of the father's role in the Trobriand boy's nuclear complex. Before turning to Spiro's critique, however, I want to address some of the broader theoretical issues raised by this debate. Precisely because Spiro has so completely rejected the argument of my earlier article, these important theoretical issues are in danger of being lost in the
Three cases of donor-derived pulmonary tuberculosis in lung transplant recipients and review of 12 previously reported cases: opportunities for early diagnosis and prevention.

Introduction Solid organ transplant recipients have a higher frequency of tuberculosis (TB) than the general population, with mortality rates of approximately 30%. Although donor-derived TB is reported to account for <5% of TB in solid organ transplants, the source of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is infrequently determined. Methods We report 3 new cases of pulmonary TB in lung transplant recipients attributed to donor infection, and review the 12 previously reported cases to assess whether cases could have been prevented and whether any cases that might occur in the future could be detected and investigated more quickly. Specifically, we evaluate whether opportunities existed to determine TB risk on the basis of routine donor history, to expedite diagnosis through routine mycobacterial smears and cultures of respiratory specimens early post transplant, and to utilize molecular tools to investigate infection sources epidemiologically. Findings On review, donor TB risk was present among 7 cases. Routine smears and cultures diagnosed 4 asymptomatic cases. Genotyping was used to support epidemiologic findings in 6 cases. Conclusion Validated screening protocols, including microbiological testing and newer technologies (e.g., interferon-gamma release assays) to identify unrecognized M. tuberculosis infection in deceased donors, are warranted.
Robust Dynamic Programming

In this paper we propose a robust formulation for discrete time dynamic programming (DP). The objective of the robust formulation is to systematically mitigate the sensitivity of the DP optimal policy to ambiguity in the underlying transition probabilities. The ambiguity is modeled by associating a set of conditional measures with each state-action pair. Consequently, in the robust formulation each policy has a set of measures associated with it. We prove that when this set of measures has a certain "rectangularity" property, all of the main results for finite and infinite horizon DP extend to natural robust counterparts. We discuss techniques from Nilim and El Ghaoui [17] for constructing suitable sets of conditional measures that allow one to efficiently solve for the optimal robust policy. We also show that robust DP is equivalent to stochastic zero-sum games with perfect information.
Translation is required to remove Y14 from mRNAs in the cytoplasm.

Abstract Background: Y14 is an RNA binding protein which is part of a multiprotein complex, the exon-exon junction complex (EJC), that assembles on the exon-exon junctions of mRNAs produced by splicing. The position-specific binding of Y14 persists on mRNAs after their export to the cytoplasm. Thus, Y14, together with its interacting proteins, has the capacity to communicate to the cytoplasm the processing history of the mRNA, including the position of the removed introns, information that is likely to be important for defining premature termination codons. How Y14 and other components of the EJC are removed from mRNAs into the cytoplasm has not been determined. Results: We show that Y14 but not another EJC component, Aly/REF, is present in polysome profile fractions containing one ribosome per mRNA. Using reporter constructs in an in vitro splicing/translation-coupled system, we show that Y14 remains associated with untranslated mRNAs but is removed from translationally active mRNAs. Importantly, mRNAs whose translation in vivo is prevented by the presence of strong secondary 5′ UTR structure retain Y14 in the cytoplasm. Conclusions: These findings indicate that Y14 remains associated with mRNAs in the cytoplasm until they are translated, and translation is required to remove Y14 from mRNAs. Thus, the process of translation removes the splicing-dependent EJC protein imprints, which most likely function in the surveillance of mRNAs to define premature termination codons and possibly also in modulating the translation activity of cytoplasmic mRNAs.
Equidad y capital humano avanzado: Análisis sobre las políticas de formación de doctorado en Chile

Criterios de productividad cientifica y crecimiento economico han sido largamente usados para evaluar el efecto de las politicas de formacion de doctorado. Desde una perspectiva distinta, analizamos la expansion de las becas de doctorado en Chile desde una nocion de equidad con justicia social. En la ultima decada, Chile ha invertido la mayor cantidad de recursos en formacion de postgrado. Tras realizar un estudio de caso con enfasis en el componente cualitativo, los resultados muestran que el paradigma de la economia del conocimiento domina la racionalidad del proceso de expansion de las becas de doctorado en Chile, mientras que la equidad no se define ni se menciona a excepcion de una iniciativa puntual y algunos criterios aislados. Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE
Impact of Mass and Lattice Difference on Thermal Boundary Conductance

The impact of mass and lattice difference on thermal boundary conductance is investigated using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics with the Lennard-Jones interatomic potential. Results show that the maximum thermal boundary conductance is achieved when the mass and the lattice of two dissimilar materials are matched, although the composite thermal conductance is not necessarily a maximum. It is observed that the small difference in mass and potential well depth has as significant an impact as large differences, and that the frequency mismatch is an important factor that affects thermal boundary conductance. It is, also, found that inelastic scattering begins to play a role at the interface as the temperature increases.
A robust method to determine historical annual cone production among slow-growing conifers

Abstract Forest and woodland ecosystems may be strongly affected by climate change influences on tree population processes such as seed production and seedling recruitment. Yet climate effects on seed production are generally poorly understood, particularly for trees that exhibit masting behavior (i.e. high synchronicity and high inter-annual variability in seed production). This is largely due to the limited amount of long-term datasets on seed production, which are necessary to characterize the highly variable reproductive outputs of masting species. The cone abscission scar method provides a promising approach to accurately determine historical (past 10–20 years) annual cone production, but the method has not been rigorously validated. Here we use a long-term dataset of cone abundance on individually monitored pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) trees to validate the cone abscission scar methodology. Tree cone production estimated using abscission scars was positively associated with observed mature cone and conelet abundances from 8 to 13 years previously (Spearman’s ρ = 0.52 and 0.66, respectively), the time period of our observed historical cone production data. Further, we show that between 4–5 branches per tree and 4–6 trees per site need to be sampled to minimize the variance in cone abundance estimates. Thus, only approximately 3–4 h are needed to obtain an estimate of historical annual cone production in a stand. Overall, we show that the cone abscission scar method provides a robust and time efficient approach to accurately determine historical annual cone production for P. edulis and likely other slow-growing conifer trees.
Military Cybersomethings

You can hardly read the news without seeing dire warnings of national security problems lurking in our computers. If it isn't some country stealing some other country's commercial secrets&#x2014;just who's the victim and who's the thief varies with the teller, of course&#x2014;it's the threat of a "cyber Pearl Harbor" or "cyberterrorism" or "cyberwarfare" or "cyberespionage" or "cyber disturbing the peace" or cybersomething-or-other. What are all of these things? Are they real? And what should "we"&#x2014;one nation, or the whole world&#x2014;do about them?
Targeting MicroRNA in Cancer Using Plant-Based Proanthocyanidins

Proanthocyanidins are oligomeric flavonoids found in plant sources, most notably in apples, cinnamon, grape skin and cocoa beans. They have been also found in substantial amounts in cranberry, black currant, green tea, black tea and peanut skins. These compounds have been recently investigated for their health benefits. Proanthocyanidins have been demonstrated to have positive effects on various metabolic disorders such as inflammation, obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance. Another upcoming area of research that has gained widespread interest is microRNA (miRNA)-based anticancer therapies. MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNA segments, which plays a crucial role in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Currently, miRNA based anticancer therapies are being investigated either alone or in combination with current treatment methods. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and investigate the potential of naturally occurring proanthocyanidins in modulating miRNA expression. We will also assess the strategies and challenges of using this approach as potential cancer therapeutics.
The Disquisition on Influence of Lipemia to Coagulation Testing Results

Objective:To investigate the influence of lipemia on coagulation tests. Methods:100 lipemia samples are collected,to measure plasma coagulation time and contents. Results:There are statistic significances(P0.05)for PT,APTT,TT,Fbg testing results between lipemia group and no lipemia group. Conclusion:There are influences about coagulation testing results to lipemia samples.After fasting for 12 hours, drawing blood once more and retesting are suggested.
Talking about NSA Wiretapping and Guantanamo: A Systematic Examination the Language used by Different Networks to Report Post-9/11 Policy Dilemmas Concerning Rights

Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, American leaders confronted difficult dilemmas involving civil liberties in the context of terrorism. Previous scholarship has made clear that exposure to threatening information may result in significant decreases in the public's willingness to support expansive civil liberties guarantees, yet relatively few researchers have systematically examined the content of information transmitted to the public during these debates. This study employs a computerized content analysis to investigate differences in broadcast media coverage following the reporting of significant post-9/11 security/rights dilemmas. The analysis focuses on two key periods: the reporting of President Bush's authorization of warrantless NSA wiretapping in late 2005 and the coverage of President Obama's 2009 proposal to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Findings suggest that broadcast sources diverged significantly in the amount of threatening information conveyed to the public during the reporting of key security/rights dilemmas.
Generation of Mouse Lung Epithelial Cells

Although in vivo models are excellent for assessing various facets of whole organism physiology, pathology, and overall response to treatments, evaluating basic cellular functions, and molecular events in mammalian model systems is challenging. It is therefore advantageous to perform these studies in a refined and less costly setting. One approach involves utilizing cells derived from the model under evaluation. The approach to generate such cells varies based on the cell of origin and often the genetics of the cell. Here we describe the steps involved in generating epithelial cells from the lungs of KrasLSL-G12D/+; p53LSL-R172/+ mice (Kasinski and Slack, 2012). These mice develop aggressive lung adenocarcinoma following cre-recombinase dependent removal of a stop cassette in the transgenes and subsequent expression of Kra-G12D and p53R172 . While this protocol may be useful for the generation of epithelial lines from other genetic backgrounds, it should be noted that the Kras; p53 cell line generated here is capable of proliferating in culture without any additional genetic manipulation that is often needed for less aggressive backgrounds.
Investigating the Impact of Crude Oil Solubility on Water-in-Oil Emulsion Stability and Its Relation to Molecular Composition of Crude Oil at the Oil–Water Interface

Substantial work in the literature has been devoted to studying emulsion stability caused by specific fractions of crude oil, such as asphaltenes or naphthenic acids. However, emulsion stability issues occur in the field with whole crude oil present and not just fractions. Understanding how all molecules in whole crude oils behave when the solubility parameter is varied could help to answer the question of what makes an emulsion stable from a molecular perspective. This work attempts to address solubility and the molecules that lead to emulsion stability from the whole crude oil perspective. Investigating the specific solubility class of molecules for emulsion stability limits understanding of interactions between different solubility classes, whether competitive or synergistic. In this work, emulsion stability and the composition of the interfacially active crude oil molecules are studied in parallel. Emulsion stability tests were performed with solutions containing different amounts of asphaltenes and h...
Board Evaluations and Boardroom Dynamics

The boards of all publicly traded companies are required to conduct a self-evaluation at least annually to determine whether they are functioning effectively. Research suggests that while many directors are satisfied with the job that they and their fellow board members do, board evaluations and boardroom performance fall short along several important dimensions. We review the current state of board evaluations, and summarize how they can improve. We ask: • Why do board evaluations fail to review the performance of individual directors? • What are the social and psychological barriers to conducting effective evaluations, and how can they be reduced? • What behaviors are required to be successful in a boardroom setting? • How important is boardroom culture, and how does it influence decision making? The Closer Look series is a collection of short case studies through which we explore topics, issues, and controversies in corporate governance and executive leadership. In each study, we take a targeted look at a specific issue that is relevant to the current debate on governance and explain why it is so important. Larcker and Tayan are co-authors of the books Corporate Governance Matters and A Real Look at Real World Corporate Governance.
Evidence for an early innate immune response in the motor cortex of ALS.

Recent evidence indicates the importance of innate immunity and neuroinflammation with microgliosis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology. The MCP1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and CCR2 (CC chemokine receptor 2) signaling system has been strongly associated with the innate immune responses observed in ALS patients, but the motor cortex has not been studied in detail. After revealing the presence of MCP1 and CCR2 in the motor cortex of ALS patients, to elucidate, visualize, and define the timing, location and the extent of immune response in relation to upper motor neuron vulnerability and progressive degeneration in ALS, we developed MCP1-CCR2-hSOD1G93A mice, an ALS reporter line, in which cells expressing MCP1 and CCR2 are genetically labeled by monomeric red fluorescent protein-1 and enhanced green fluorescent protein, respectively. In the motor cortex of MCP1-CCR2-hSOD1G93A mice, unlike in the spinal cord, there was an early increase in the numbers of MCP1+ cells, which displayed microglial morphology and selectively expressed microglia markers. Even though fewer CCR2+ cells were present throughout the motor cortex, they were mainly infiltrating monocytes. Interestingly, MCP1+ cells were found in close proximity to the apical dendrites and cell bodies of corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN), further implicating the importance of their cellular interaction to neuronal pathology. Similar findings were observed in the motor cortex of ALS patients, where MCP1+ microglia were especially in close proximity to the degenerating apical dendrites of Betz cells. Our findings reveal that the intricate cellular interplay between immune cells and upper motor neurons observed in the motor cortex of ALS mice is indeed recapitulated in ALS patients. We generated and characterized a novel model system, to study the cellular and molecular basis of this close cellular interaction and how that relates to motor neuron vulnerability and progressive degeneration in ALS.
Endoscopic Management of Benign Esophageal Strictures.

This paper presents the author’s approach to esophageal dilation. It offers a tailored approach to the application of dilation to specific types of esophageal stenotic lesions. In patients with inflammatory stricture, recent studies confirm the importance of treating the underlying inflammatory condition in order to decrease the rate of recurrence. The paper reviews some of the novel techniques that have been suggested for the treatment of refractory benign esophageal strictures, including incisional therapy, stenting, or the injection steroids or antifibrotic agents. The endoscopist who treats esophageal strictures must be familiar with the tools of the dilation and how they are best applied to specific types of stenotic lesions. If inflammation is present, effective management requires treatment of the inflammatory process in addition to mechanical dilation of the stenotic lesion. Controlled trials of novel approaches to treatment of refractory benign esophageal strictures are limited and will be necessary to determine efficacy.
Robustification and Parametrization of Switching Controllers for a Class of Set Invariance Problems

Abstract In this paper, we consider the robustification and parametrization of an invariance switching controller with respect to a scalar variable (parameter) that affects the system dynamics. By robustification, we mean searching for a switching controller that guarantees invariance of a set, under a large enough range of the parameter values. In case such a robust controller does not exist, we do parametrization, i.e., searching for a collection of controllers, each one robust to a smaller range of parameter values. A parametrized controller can be applied in real-time by picking the appropriate switching surfaces based on the measurement of the parameter. To be more specific, assuming (i) the system dynamics is affine, and is monotone in the considered parameter, (ii) the invariance switching controller is defined on a rectangle in the state space, we show that the robustification and parametrization problems can be reduced to solving a sequence of linear programming problems. The proposed approach is illustrated by several numerical examples.
The Mnemonic Effect of Choice

Making choices during encoding leads to superior memory compared with having the same choices made for you. Evidence also suggests that chosen items might be more memorable than unchosen alternatives. In prior experiments, an incidental memory advantage was found for chosen over unchosen items when participants chose which one of two words would be more useful to a situation. However, it remains uncertain whether this mnemonic benefit is due to the act of choosing or to a better "fit" of chosen items to the encoding situation (congruity). In the present research, we conducted two experiments to dissociate choice and congruity effects. In both experiments, we manipulated choice and congruity and showed mnemonic benefits for chosen words over unchosen words and for congruent words over incongruent words, but these effects did not interact. There is apparently a unique mnemonic benefit for chosen words that cannot be explained by their "fit" to the encoding task.
Student Learning Outcome Assessment in NASPAA Programs: A Review of Validity and Reliability

Developments in regional and professional accreditation have brought profound changes to how public affairs programs measure student learning outcomes (SLOs). There is little doubt that these devel...
Posterior Pole Manifestations of Cysticercosis

Cysticercosis is an infestation that results from the ingestion of eggs of Taenia solium. Eggs are found in fecally contaminated water or food. Autoinfection as a result of the entry of eggs into stomach due to retroperistalsis or accidental ingestion of eggs is possible. The larval stage of T. solium(cysticercus) locates in tissues with high blood requirement, such as the central nervous system (CNS), muscle, or eye. Ocular cysticerci may be located in any part of the eye. For diagnostic purposes, B-ultrasonography should be selected first. Cysticerci induce severe inflammation due to toxins contained inside the cyst. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice.
Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid inhibits growth of xenograft tumors in mice bearing human pancreatic cancer cells (BxPC-3) transfected with delta-5-desaturase shRNA.

Abstract We recently reported that siRNA-knockdown of delta-5-desaturase (D5D), the rate-limiting enzyme converting upstream ω − 6 dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) to arachidonic acid, promoted formation of the anti-cancer byproduct 8-hydroxyoctanoic acid (8-HOA) from COX-2-catalyzed DGLA peroxidation, consequently suppressing pancreatic cancer cell growth, migration and invasion. In this study, we have further investigated the anti-tumor effects of D5D-knockdown and the resulting intensified COX-2-catalyzed DGLA peroxidation in subcutaneous xenograft tumors. Four-week old female nude mice (Jackson Laboratory, J:Nu-007850) were injected with human pancreatic cancer cell line BxPC-3 or its D5D knockdown counterpart ( via shRNA), followed by 4-week treatments of: vehicle control, DGLA supplementation (8 mg/mouse, twice a week), gemcitabine (30 mg/kg, twice a week), and a combination of DGLA and gemcitabine. In D5D-knockdown tumors, DGLA supplementation promoted 8-HOA formation to a threshold level (> 0.3 µg/g) and resulted in significant tumor reduction (30% vs . control). The promoted 8-HOA not only induced apoptosis associated with altered expression of Bcl-2, cleaved PARP, procaspase 3 and procaspase 9, but also suppressed the tumor metastatic potential via altering MMP-2 and E-cadherin expression. DGLA supplementation resulted in similar anti-tumor effects to those of gemcitabine in our experiments, while the combined treatment led to most significant inhibitory effect on D5D-knockdown tumor growth (70% reduction vs . control). Compared to conventional COX-2 inhibition in cancer treatment, our new strategy that takes advantage of overexpressed COX-2 in cancer cells and tumors, and of abundant ω − 6 fatty acids in the daily diet, should lead us to develop a better and safer anti-pancreatic cancer therapy for patients.
An On-chip Optical Brillouin Gyroscope with Earth-Rotation-Rate Sensitivity

A chip-based gyroscope is demonstrated that uses counter-propagating Brillouin lasers to measure rotation as a Sagnac-induced frequency shift. Demonstration of rotation measurement below the Earth rotation rate is presented. Prospects for improved performance are discussed. © 2019 The Author(s)
Understanding the Effects of Lifestyles and Routine Activities on Adolescents' Physical and Non-physical Peer Victimization: A Zero-Inflated Analysis of the 2007 NCVS-SCS

The current study aims to expand previous empirical tests of lifestyle and routine activity theories (LRAT) by introducing a zero-inflated approach to the study of adolescents’ physical and nonphys...
Determinants of Residential Preferences Related to Built and Social Environments and Concordance between Neighborhood Characteristics and Preferences.

We explored associations between residential preferences and sociodemographic characteristics, the concordance between current neighborhood characteristics and residential preferences, and heterogeneity in concordance by income and race/ethnicity. Data came from a cross-sectional phone and mail survey of 3668 residents of New York City, Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, St. Paul, and Winston Salem in 2011–12. Scales characterized residential preferences and neighborhood characteristics. Stronger preferences were associated with being older, female, non-White/non-Hispanic, and lower education. There was significant positive but weak concordance between current neighborhood characteristics and residential preferences (after controlling sociodemographic characteristics). Concordance was stronger for persons with higher income and for Whites, suggesting that residential self-selection effects are strongest for populations that are more advantaged.
A new aerobic fitness score based on lactate sensing during submaximal exercise

Given the known clinical utility of cardiorespiratory fitness, measurement of physiological responses to submaximal exercise may be a feasible approach well suited for diagnostic and prognostic pur...