cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
o-Bromo-p-methoxyphenyl Ethers. Protecting/Radical Translocating (PRT) Groups That Generate Radicals from C−H Bonds β to Oxygen Atoms

The o-bromo-p-methoxyphenyl ether group is introduced as a new protecting/radical translocating (PRT) group. This group protects an alcohol both before and after its use as a translocating group to generate a radical from a C−H bond β to the protected alcohol. All prior PRT groups generate radicals α to the functional group that they protect. The group is introduced by Mitsunobu reaction or Williamson ether synthesis, and removed by oxidation with ceric ammonium nitrate. The efficiency of the radical translocation reaction has been studied by isotopic labeling experiments with tributyltin deuteride. These results were used to design and execute a series of tandem radical translocation/cyclization reactions that illustrate the potential usefulness of the PRT group in synthesis. Secondary radicals are generated with about 50% efficiency due to slow 1,5-hydrogen transfer and competing 1,6-hydrogen transfer. Tertiary radicals are generated with efficiencies of about 80%. Modified PRT groups with added ortho s...
Women and the music profession in Victorian England: The Royal Society of Female Musicians, 1839–1866

Abstract In the early nineteenth century new social, educational, and professional opportunities made it possible for women musicians to achieve levels of financial success and professional status which they could not attain in any other occupation. At the same time they continued to face obstacles such as their exclusion from all‐male professional organizations like the Royal Society of Musicians, a benefit society for musicians experiencing financial hardship. By the late 1830s the first generation of female students at the Royal Academy of Music were entering the London musical scene just as stories of destitution among once‐famous women singers and debates over women's role and rights were particularly acute and well‐publicized. These circumstances led the singer Elizabeth Masson, who had tried unsuccessfully to gain admittance to the all‐male RSM, to found a comparable society for women. Founded in 1839, the Royal Society of Female Musicians included many of the leading female musicians of the time. ...
A Balance Principle Approach for Modeling Phase Transformation Kinetics

A balance principle is offered to model volume fraction kinetics of phase transformation kinetics at a continuum level. This microbalance provides a differential equation for transformation kinetics which is coupled to the differential equations governing the mechanical and thermal aspects of the process. Application here is restricted to diffusive transformations for the sake of clarity, although the principle is discussed for martensitic phase transitions as well. Avrami-type kinetics are shown to result from a special class of energy functions. An illustrative example using a 0.5% C Chromium steel demonstrates how TTT and CCT curves can be generated using a particularly simple effective energy function.
Rotational level dependence of electronic quenching of OH(A 2Σ+, ν′ = 0)

Abstract Rotational state-specific rate constants are measured for the electronic quenching of the OH(A 2Σ+, ν′ = 0) state by N2, O2, H2, D2, H2O and D2O using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence. A significant decrease in the electronic quenching rate constant is observed as the amount of rotational excitation in the OH is increased from N′ = 0 to N′ = 7. The decrease is ⩾60% for the diatomics and ⩾2O% for H2O and D2O.
Job-Related Barriers and Coping Behaviors in the Career Development of Hospitality Undergraduates

Although the causes of high turnover are many, ill-planned career development may partially explain the low retention rate among hospitality students in the industry. This study investigated the career development processes of hospitality students by measuring the effects of job-related barriers and coping behaviors on their career decision self-efficacy. Data addresses the importance of career competencies in addition to professional expectations. Results of this study were expected to (a) improve the career assistance provided by hospitality programs, (b) assist students with their career goals, (c) increase effectiveness of career advising, and (d) suggest future studies investigating career barriers of hospitality students.
Detection of multiple passively acquired alloantibodies following infusions of IV Rh immune globulin.

BACKGROUND: Passively acquired blood group alloantibodies are detected regularly after infusions of IV Rh immune globulin (RhIG) for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in D+ patients. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood samples from 16 D+ patients with ITP were tested after treatment with IV RhIG for the presence of passively acquired alloantibodies. Similar studies were conducted for three D– patients after injections of IM RhIG for Rh immunoprophyl-axis. Four production lots of IV RhIG and 2 lots of IM RhIG were tested for the presence of alloantibodies. RESULTS: All 16 D+ patients with ITP developed a positive DAT, as well as positive antibody detection test results, after infusions of IV RhIG. All postinfusion plasma samples contained anti-D, as well as one or more additional antibodies, usually anti-C, -E, -G, -V, or -Fya. Eluates from patients' RBCs with positive DAT results contained multiple passively acquired alloantibodies. Multiple alloantibodies were detected in samples of different production lots of IV RhIG or IM RhIG. No acute transfusion reactions were observed in five D+ patients with ITP who had been treated with IV RhIG and had been given serologically incompatible D+ RBCs. After injections of IM RhIG, the only passively acquired alloantibody detected was anti-D. CONCLUSION: Plasma samples from D+ patients with ITP treated with IV RhIG regularly contained anti-D and multiple other passively acquired Rh, Duffy, or Kidd system alloantibodies. Postinfusion RBC samples all had positive DAT results with eluates containing anti-D and multiple other Rh, Duffy, or Kidd system antibodies. The consistent detection of multiple passively acquired alloantibodies after IV RhIG, in contrast to the detection of anti-D only after IM RhIG, reflects the immediate effect of the entire (bolus) dose of RhIG by the IV route, the dose for treating ITP that is approximately 10 times the dose for Rh immunoprophylaxis, and the expected serologic incompatibility with recipients' D+ RBCs.
Multiphoton-multiphonon theory of laser-stimulated surface processes

Abstract A theoretical model for multiphoton laser-excitation and multiphonon ( T 1 ) and phase ( T 2 ) relaxation of molecules adsorbed on a solid surface is developed. The ensemble-average excitation number for the infrared-active adspecies is obtained within a Heisenberg-markovian approximation. The selective nonthermal excitation is sensitive to the mass ratio of the surface atoms and the adspecies, the order of the multiphonon excitation and the duration of the laser pulse.
Poster — Thur Eve — 29: Characterization of Patient Immobilization for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Purpose: Evaluate an immobilization system to determine its adequacy for the reduced margins required for proton therapy. Methods: Twelve head-and-neck cancer patients were immobilized for conventional photon radiotherapy and imaged with pre- and post-treatment cone beam CTs (CBCTs) for each treatment fraction. To quantify the patient positioning reproducibility, each CBCT was registered to the simulation CT offline. Registrations were performed using auto-match tools and a matching volume-of-interest (VOI) consisting of a 5mm expansion around the mandible, occipital bone, C1/C2 and C7/T1. For each registration, the bony anatomy in the VOI was evaluated for agreement with the simulation position using 3 and 5mm margins. Registrations were initially restricted to translational corrections. If the bony anatomy did not agree with the simulation position to within 3mm or 5mm, the auto-match was repeated with 3 additional rotational corrections. Intrafraction motion was calculated as the difference between the pre- and post-treatment CBCT matches. Results: Pre-treatment patient positioning agreed with the simulation CT to within 3mm/5mm for 62%/86% of fractions using translational matching and 84%/100% of fractions when rotations were included. Intrafraction motion averaged 1.1±0.8mm, with 12% of fractions having >2mm intrafraction motion. Post-treatment positioning accuracy was 57%/84% and 80%/100% for registrations without/with rotations. For the mandible, positioning accuracy dropped from 93% pre-treatment to 82% post-treatment. Conclusion: If rotational corrections are available, the immobilization system studied created reproducible patient positioning to within 3mm for 84% of fractions. However, intrafraction motion caused additional anatomy to fall outside the 3mm margin by the end of treatment.
An Amniotic Fluid Index ≤5 cm Within 7 Days of Delivery in the Third Trimester Is Not Associated with Decreasing Umbilical Arterial pH and Base Excess

OBJECTIVE: To determine if an amniotic fluid index (AFI) r5.0 cm within 7 days of delivery in the third trimester is associated with decreasing umbilicalarterial pH and base excess. STUDY DESIGN: Cases for this retrospective cohort study were all pregnancies ≥26 weeks with intact membranes and an AFI ≤5.0 cm within 7 days of delivery between 11/99 and 7/02. Multiple gestations, aneuploid, and anomalous fetuses were excluded. Controls with an AFI >5.0 cm within 7 days of delivery were matched to each case within 1 week by gestational age. For a control group with a mean±SD umbilical arterial pH of 7.26±0.07 and α=0.05, a sample size of 100 would have a power of 99% to detect a difference with a study group whose mean was 7.20. Data were compared using paired Student's t-test, Mann–Whitney, Fisher's exact, χ2 and risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: In all, 131 neonates with an AFI ≤5.0 cm were matched to 131 controls with an AFI >5 cm. There was no difference in gestational age (37.6±3.0, 37.7±3.0 weeks) or birth weight (2897±810, 2762±788 g). There was no difference in umbilical artery pH (7.25±0.07, 7.26±0.07) or base excess (−3.32±2.59, −2.83±2.45 mmol/l), even in small for gestational age (SGA) infants in both groups. There was no difference in the number of SGA neonates, 5-minute Apgar <7, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, or neurologic morbidity. Linear regression showed no correlation between AFI and either umbilical arterial pH (r=−0.00047, SE=0.001, p=0.63) or base excess (r=−0.029, SE=0.037, p=0.428). CONCLUSION: An AFI ≤5.0 cm measured within 7 days of delivery in the third trimester is not associated with decreasing umbilical arterial pH and base excess.To determine if an amniotic fluid index (AFI) ≤5.0 cm within 7 days of delivery in the third trimester is associated with decreasing umbilical arterial pH and base excess.
Genetic and physical mapping of a rice blast resistance locus, Pi-CO39(t), that corresponds to the avirulence gene AVR1-CO39 of Magnaporthe grisea

We have identified, genetically mapped and physically delineated the chromosomal location of a new rice blast resistance locus, designated Pi-CO39(t). This locus confers resistance to Magnaporthe grisea isolates carrying the AVR1-CO39 avirulence locus. The AVR1-CO39 locus is conserved in non-rice (cereals and grasses)-infecting isolates of M. grisea, making Pi-CO39(t) useful for engineering M. grisea resistance in rice and other cereals. The resistance in the rice line CO39 was inherited as a single dominant locus in segregating populations derived from F2 and F3 crosses between disease-resistant (CO39) and susceptible (51583) rice genotypes. Microsatellite, RFLP and resistance gene analog (RGA) markers were used to map the Pi-CO39(t) locus to a 1.2-cM interval between the probenazole-responsive (RPR1) gene (0.2 cM) and RFLP marker S2712 (1.0 cM) on the short arm of rice chromosome 11. RFLP markers G320 and F5003, and resistance gene analogs RGA8, RGA38 and RGACO39 were tightly linked to the Pi-CO39(t) locus (no recombination detected in a sample of ~2400 gametes). A large-insert genomic library of CO39 was constructed in the binary plant transformation vector pCLD04541. A library screen using RGA8, RGA38 and probes derived from the ends of CO39 clones, as well as BAC end probes from the corresponding locus in the rice cv. Nipponbare, resulted in the assembly of three CO39 contigs of 180 kb, 110 kb and 145 kb linked to the Pi-CO39(t) locus. A 650-kb contig was also constructed representing the susceptible locus, pi-CO39(t), in the Nipponbare genome. The two genomes are highly divergent with respect to additions, deletions and translocations at the Pi-CO39(t) locus, as revealed by the presence or absence of mapping markers.
Long-term anabolic effects of prostaglandin-E2 on tibial diaphyseal bone in male rats.

The effects of long-term prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on tibial diaphyseal bone were studied in 7-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats given daily subcutaneous injections of 0, 1, 3 and 6 mg PGE2/kg/day for 60, 120 and 180 days. The tibial shaft was measured by single photon absorptiometry and dynamic histomorphometric analyses were performed on double-fluorescent labeled undecalcified tibial diaphyseal bone samples. Exogenous PGE2 administration produced the following transient changes in a dose-response manner between zero and 60 days: (1) increased bone width and mineral density; (2) increased total tissue and total bone areas; (3) decreased marrow area; (4) increased periosteal and corticoendosteal lamellar bone formation; (5) activated corticoendosteal lamellar and woven trabecular bone formation; and (6) activated intracortical bone remodeling. A new steady-state of increased tibial diaphyseal bone mass and elevated bone activities were observed from day 60 onward. The elevated bone mass level attained after 60 days of PGE2 treatment was maintained at 120 and 180 days. These observations indicate that the powerful anabolic effects of PGE2 will increase both periosteal and corticoendosteal bone mass and sustain the transient increase in bone mass with continuous daily administration of PGE2.
La Frontera Química: Toxic emissions and spills along the U.S.‐Mexican Border

Abstract Toxic releases and spills along the U.S.‐Mexican border are examined to define the “chemical frontier,” where economic growth is increasing industrial‐chemical risks to local populations. The chemical frontier is expanding into Mexico as a consequence of industrialization and free trade, creating what is known as la frontera quimica. Analyses show that emitting facilities are found in counties with higher population densities and little or no agricultural activity. Spill reports were greatest in counties with high populations of non‐Hispanics and non‐Spanish speakers, high incomes, low poverty rates, and low percentages of employment in the agricultural sector. The borderland is being assimilated into the U.S. industrial landscape. The growth and movement of non‐Hispanic populations into the greater border region represents not only economic growth and development, but also the transference of the hazards that come with that growth.
ATTRIBUTES BELIEVED TO IMPACT FLAVOR: AN OPINION SURVEY

The definition of “flavor” is a term that appears to vary from one area to the next. A survey was conducted on 140 individuals in various areas of specialization (agriculture, food science, sensory evaluation, and the chemical senses) to see what sensations are thought to be involved in “flavor,” as well as whether there were any differences in definitions across groups. The results demonstrate that while a fairly stable definition of the term does exist, there is some difference in what different groups of expertise mean when they refer to “flavor.”
Benefits, costs, and determinants of dominance in a polygynous oriole

Abstract In southeastern Peru, males of the yellow-rumped cacique (Icterinae: Cacicus cela L.) gather at colony sites where they display and compete for dominance. However, because mating takes place away from the colony, males can only be assured of paternity if they consort with and guard each sequential mate during the egg-laying period. There are two major benefits of dominance. First, high-ranking males consort with females during the period when eggs are most likely to be fertilized. Second, high-ranking males preferentially consort with females which nest in the sites that are safest from predators, a possible form of mate choice by males. Dominance, however, is short-lived both within a season and over a male's lifetime. High-ranking males lose weight as they grow older, which lessens their combative ability and leads to a decline in dominance with age. Therefore, young adult males enjoy access to females both at and away from colony sites, while older males are forced to peripheral positions. This is the reverse of the situation reported for some species with lek-based mating systems. Consorting apparently entails considerable cost to dominant males and acts to limit the extent to which males can monopolize females. The mating system of the cacique is rare among birds, but widespread among large herbivorous mammals and primates. These results demonstrate that sexual dimorphism in size can evolve even when intrasexual competition favours large size in both sexes, as is the case in the cacique.
Zinc-Binding Sites on Selected Flavonoids

Flavonoids have attracted increased attention due to their broad bioactivities related to health and diseases. Modulating metal homeostasis may play an important role in their bioactivities. Recent studies have suggested that dietary flavonoids may affect zinc homeostasis, uptake, and transport. In this work, the zinc-binding sites on a few selected flavonoids have been investigated by (1)H NMR spectroscopy under physiological relevant pH and the species formed were verified by mass spectrometry. Zinc binding induces distinct changes in the proton resonances on the flavonoid rings, providing useful information to locate the Zn-binding sites. No Zn-binding was observed with flavone which lacks a chelation site. Zinc was found to bind to the 3-hydroxyl-4-keto, catechol, and 5-hydroxyl-4-keto chelation sites of flavonol, 3',4'-dihydroxylflavone and chrysin, respectively. Kaempferol and myricetin chelate zinc at the 3-hydroxyl-4-keto site while rutin binds zinc preferentially at the 5-hydroxyl-4-keto site. However, morin appears to bind zinc at the 1-ether-2-hydroxyl site.
The relationship of host and virus in molluscum contagiosum.

Although the disease molluscum contagiosum was first described by Bateman in the second edition of his synopsis (1814) (1), and its vital nature was definitely demonstrated as long as 44 years ago by Juliusberg (2), it is only recently that the utilization of new physical and chemical tools have allowed us to understand better the true nature of the lesion.
The impact of hemodynamic stress on sensory signal processing in the rodent lateral geniculate nucleus

Hemodynamic stress via hypotensive challenge has been shown previously to cause a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-mediated increase in tonic locus coeruleus (LC) activity and consequent release of norepinephrine (NE) in noradrenergic terminal fields. Although alterations in LC-NE can modulate the responsiveness of signal processing neurons along sensory pathways, little is understood regarding how continuous CRF-mediated activation of LC-NE output due to physiologically relevant stressor affects downstream target cell physiology. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of a physiological stressor [hemodynamic stress via sodium nitroprusside (SNP) i.v.] on stimulus evoked responses of sensory processing neurons that receive LC inputs. In rat, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the thalamus is the primary relay for visual information and is a major target of the LC-NE system. We used extracellular recording techniques in the anesthetized rat monitor single dLGN neuron activity during repeated presentation of light stimuli before and during hemodynamic stress. A significant decrease in magnitude occurred, as well as an increase in latency of dLGN stimulus-evoked responses were observed during hemodynamic stress. In another group of animals the CRF antagonist DpheCRF12–41 was infused onto the ipsilateral LC prior to SNP administration. This infusion blocked the hypotension-induced changes in dLGN stimulus-evoked discharge. These results show that CRF-mediated increases in LC-NE due to hemodynamic stress disrupts the transmission of information along thalamic-sensory pathways by: (1) initially reducing signal transmission during onset of the stressor and (2) decreasing the speed of stimulus evoked sensory transmission.
The Parameter Oscillation Problem in Adaptive Vibration Isolation

A fundamental problem in the design of adaptive control systems for vibration isolation is discussed. This application is often characterized by lightly damped dynamics in the adaptive loop. It is shown that these dynamics can adversely affect the stability and performance of the adaptive algorithm. The result is typically an oscillation in parameter estimates, which is not predicted by general analysis approaches, such as averaging theory. Compensation for these dynamics is suggested, based on a control design viewpoint, and simulation evidence for its efficacy is provided.
The Influence of Sodium Channel Blockade on the Defibrillation Energy Requirements of Diphasic Versus Monophasic Shocks

The sodium channel-blocking actions of some Class I antiarrhythmic agents can increase the defibrillation energy requirements (DER) of monophasic shock waveforms. The influence of sodium channel blockade on biphasic shocks is less certain. The purpose of this study was to compare, in a randomized, placebo controlled study, the influence of lidocaine on the DER of biphasic and monophasic shock waveforms in a canine model of transvenous internal defibrillation. The DER was determined by the iterative increment-decrement protocol. Monophasic and biphasic shock DERs were tested at baseline and during lidocaine infusion (group A) or saline control (group B). Group A biphasic shock DERs increased significantly from a baseline of 12.1 +/- 3.6 J to 19.1 +/- 9.3 J when compared to group B (P = 0.005). In group A, the mean DER during lidocaine was significantly higher with monophasic shocks than biphasic shocks (29.6 +/- 11.8 J vs 19.1 +/- 9.3 J, respectively; P < 0.003), but the magnitude of change in biphasic versus monophasic shock DERs was not significantly different (F = 1.78; p = 0.193). There was a linear relationship between the baseline DER and the DER during lidocaine (r2 = 0.63, P < 0.0001). Sodium channel blockade with lidocaine increases the DER of both monophasic and biphasic shocks. However, the DER of biphasic shocks during lidocaine are significantly lower than monophasic shock DERs, a finding that can be explained by the linear relationship between the baseline DER and the DER during lidocaine. These results may have favorable implications for the use of Class I antiarrhythmics with biphasic shock defibrillators.
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging localizes established extracapsular extension of prostate cancer.

Abstract Objective To define the accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) for identifying focal and established extracapsular extension (ECE) in various zones of the prostate. Methods Between 2010 and 2013, 342 patients underwent MP-MRI of the prostate (3 T, no endorectal coil with axial perfusion and diffusion images). The findings of the images were reported as negative, suspicious, or positive for ECE by a single expert radiologist. Radical prostatectomy specimens were reviewed to confirm the size and the location of ECE and further defined as focal or established ECE. Established ECE included extension that was multifocal or involving more than 5 glands. The accuracy of MRI in localizing focal and established ECE to each zone of the prostate was determined. Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of ECE. Results We identified 112 patients who underwent prostate MP-MRI and radical prostatectomy. MRI findings considered suspicious or definite for ECE accurately predicted pathologic ECE (P Conclusion MP-MRI is useful for identifying established but not focal ECE in all zones of the prostate. MRI was a significant independent predictor of established ECE and may be a useful adjunct in staging prostate cancer.
306: Maternal and perinatal outcomes in trial of labor after one prior cesarean delivery versus elective repeat cesarean section in gestational diabetes

306 Maternal and perinatal outcomes in trial of labor after one prior cesarean delivery versus elective repeat cesarean section in gestational diabetes Oscar Viteri, Sean Blackwell, Hind Moussa, Baha Sibai UT Health University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Houston, TX OBJECTIVE: The absolute and relative risks associated with a trial of labor (TOL) in woman with gestational diabetes (GDM) attempting vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) as compared to elective repeat cesarean (ERCD) are uncertain. Our objective is to compare maternal and perinatal outcomes between women undergoing a TOL and those who have an ERCD. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a prospective observational study conducted at 19 academic centers of all women with singleton, vertex gestation and a diagnosis of GDM, who had one prior documented low transverse CD. Patients with contraindications for a TOL were excluded. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared between those with and without a TOL. RESULTS: Among 4988 women with GDM in the CD registry, 2161 met the inclusion criteria. TOL was attempted by 948 (44%) with 555 (58%) ending in successful VBAC; and 1203 (56%) women underwent an ERCD. There were no differences between groups in mean gestational age at delivery, however the mean birth weight was higher in ERCD than TOL (3480 g vs 3370 g). Table below compares maternal and perinatal outcomes overall. In addition, compared to ERCD those who had failed TOL had higher rates of chorioamnionitis (9% vs 0.6%, p<0.001), and higher rate of readmission (3% vs 1.8%, P 1⁄4 0.16). There was 1 maternal death in the ERCD cohort. CONCLUSION: In women with gestational diabetes the overall rate of successful VBAC is only 58%. We found no differences in either adverse maternal or perinatal outcomes between those who underwent TOL and those who had ERCD. These findings suggest that VBAC is as safe in GDM as it is in normal pregnancies, but the success rate is lower.
Time-dependent responses to glp-1-mediated inductions in early C. elegans embryos

In an embryo of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, two blastomeres at the 4-cell stage, ABa and ABp, are born with equivalent developmental potential. Subsequently, interactions with the P2 blastomere at the 4-cell stage and the MS blastomere at the 12-cell stage generate differences in developmental fate among descendants of ABa and ABp. We have reproduced these inductions in vitro using embryonic blastomeres isolated in cell-culture medium. We show that during these inductions only the responding AB descendants require the activity of the glp-1 gene, which is similar in sequence to Drosophila Notch, supporting models in which GLP-1 protein acts as a receptor for both the P2 and MS signals. We also show that P2 signaling requires the activity of the apx-1 gene, similar in sequence to Drosophila Delta, and that MS signaling requires the putative transcription factor SKN-1. We present evidence that the primary factor determining the different responses to these two signals is the age of the AB descendants, not the identity of the signaling cell or ligand. Therefore, we suggest that time-dependent changes in factors within AB descendants are responsible for their different responses to inductive signals that use a common receptor.
Integrated information systems and transparency in business reporting

Inter-organizational (I-O) relationships have greatly proliferated in the past years. Business organizations are faced with significant risks in the exchange of information in their I-O environment. Research findings show that these exchanges are governed in such a way as to better manage coordinated tasks and enhance the overall quality of information-sharing. Business reporting can be supported by integrated information technologies that enhance transparency in shared information. Integrated information systems may help enact a firm's embeddedness in a value network and thus contribute to establishing an effective information value chain. This article proposes a conceptual business reporting model to show that higher levels of transparency in a firm's information value chain can lead to the creation of organizational capabilities and the realization of relational capital. This article contributes to the current stream of research on business reporting and proposes some conceptual elements in the design of a business reporting model for I-O information-sharing. Future research could expand on these elements and further associate information technology capabilities with a firm's relational capabilities in its information value chain.
SOCIAL SCIENCE AND SOCIAL POLICY: ROLES OF THE APPLIED RESEARCHER*

Research on policy impact has increasingly focused on the practical application of social science research. This paper outlines four roles—substantive expert, information processor, change agent, and scholar—which have helped to increase the potential usefulness of our research while maintaining linkages to the academic community. This paper suggests the general nature of these roles and suggests specific implementation strategies, which need to be pursued as an early and continuing aspect of the research enterprise. Balancing these multiple roles presents several analytical and ethical difficulties, but helps to establish credibility in both the scientific and policymaking communities.
Insulin is a superior antidote for cardiovascular toxicity induced by verapamil in the anesthetized canine.

Because of its positive inotropic effects that are independent of cyclic AMP, insulin was compared to epinephrine and glucagon as a novel treatment for cardiac toxicity from verapamil. Twenty-four alpha-chloralose-anesthetized mongrel canines of either sex were instrumented to monitor standard hemodynamic and cardiodynamic parameters and maximum elastance at end systole, via the transit-time technique, as our index of contractility. Toxicity was induced by 0.1 mg/kg/min of verapamil (i.v.), until 50% reduction in mean arterial blood pressure or complete AV dissociation for 30 min. This was followed by continuous infusion of 1.0 mg/kg/hr of verapamil during one of four treatment protocols: 1) control (0.9% NaCl, 2.0 ml/min); 2) epinephrine (1.0 micrograms/kg/min); 3) hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic (HIE) clamp (recombinant insulin at 4.0 U/min with 20% dextrose, arterial glucose clamped); or 4) glucagon (0.2-0.25-mg/kg bolus infusion followed by 150-micrograms/kg/min infusion). Treatments were continued until death or 240 min after which time surviving animals received a 3.0-mg/kg additional bolus of verapamil. Verapamil decreased all hemodynamic parameters during titration. All controls died within 85 min. All treatments tended to improve hemodynamics; however, HIE significantly improved maximum elastance at end systole, left ventricular end diastolic pressure and coronary artery blood flow vs. other treatments (P < .05, repeated measures). Glucagon transiently restored sinus rhythm (four animals), but in all cases reverted to A-V dissociation, coincident with sharp decreases in circumflex artery blood flow and contractility.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Dynorphin A-(1-17) induces alterations in free fatty acids, excitatory amino acids, and motor function through an opiate-receptor-mediated mechanism

The endogenous opioid dynorphin A-(1-17) (Dyn A) has been implicated as a mediator of tissue damage after traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and causes hindlimb paralysis when administered intrathecally. Motor impairment following intrathecal Dyn A is attenuated by antagonists of excitatory amino acids (EAAs); whether opioid receptors mediate such injury has been questioned. TSCI causes various biochemical changes associated with secondary tissue damage, including alterations in tissue amio acids, phospholipids, and fatty acids. Such changes reflect injury severity and correlate with motor dysfunction. The present studies examined whether dynorphin administration causes similar biochemical alterations and whether effects of Dyn A can be modified by treatment with opioid-receptor antagonists. At 24 hr after intrathecal Dyn A, there were significant declines in tissue levels of glutamate, aspartate, and glycine. Increases in total free fatty acids were found at 2 and 24 hr, reflecting changes in both saturated and unsaturated components, which were associated with significant decreases in tissue cholesterol and phospholipid phosphorus at the earlier time point. Each of these neurochemical changes, as well as corresponding motor deficits, were limited by pretreatment with the opioid antagonist nalmefene. In separate experiments, both nalmefene and the selective kappa-opioid antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) limited dynorphin-induced motor dysfunction; effects of nor-BNI were dose related, and those of nalmefene were stereospecific. Therefore, behavioral and neurochemical consequences of Dyn A administration are mediated in part through opiate receptors, most likely kappa-receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nisin Resistance in Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 700302 Is a Complex Phenotype

Nisin resistance in Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 700302 is a complex phenotype involving alterations in both the cytoplasmic membrane and the cell wall and a requirement for divalent cations. In addition to a lower ratio of C15 to C17 fatty acids than in the wild-type strain (A. S. Mazzotta and T. J. Montville, J. Appl. Microbiol. 82:32–38, 1997), this nisin-resistant (Nisr) strain contained significantly more zwitterionic phosphatidylethanolamine and less anionic phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin. The extraction of cardiolipin was enhanced by a penicillin-lysozyme step to disrupt the cell wall. This study is the first to quantify the phosphatidylethanolamine component of the L. monocytogenes cytoplasmic membrane. While these cytoplasmic membrane changes were induced by nisin, the Nisr strain also showed altered sensitivities to cell wall-acting compounds, even when grown in the absence of nisin, suggesting a constitutive alteration in the strain’s cell wall. A model which integrates the roles of the cell membrane, cell wall, and divalent cations is presented. Finally, nisin resistance in L. monocytogenes ATCC 700302 conferred cross-resistance to the class IIa bacteriocin pediocin PA-1 and the class IV leuconocin S.
Endovascular Stenting of Venous Sinus Stenosis for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

T M w b s t m I n their article, Albuquerque et al. add to a growing body of literature supporting the role of venous sinus stenting for sinus stenosis in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). It is a elcome addition to a new approach to treatment for patients with IH, many of whom can be notoriously difficult to treat and resilient o interventions. There is controversy in every facet of this disease, rom the causation, pathophysiology, the relationship between enous sinus stenosis and the intracranial hypertension, and the ost efficacious treatment for IIH. Most of the other surgical reatments of IIH, including ventriculoperitoneal and lumboperitoeal shunting, optic nerve sheath decompression, and bilateral ubtemporal decompression, aim toward the treatment of the high ntracranial pressure (ICP) or its sequelae, most important of which s papilledema and visual loss. Venous sinus stenting, if widely ccepted as the treatment of choice, will be the first modality to ttempt treating the causative factor of the disease. However, the ause and effect relationship between venous sinus stenosis and IH is unproven.
Neurologic monitoring for special cardiopulmonary bypass techniques

Low flow hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, and regional low-flow cerebral perfusion are special techniques used to facilitate complex intracardiac and aortic surgery in neonates and infants. Each carries a risk of cerebral hypoxia and neurologic morbidity. Neurologic monitoring in the form of near-infrared spectroscopy for cerebral oxygenation, transcranial Doppler ultrasound, and the bispectral index electroencephalogram can monitor the brain during these techniques to determine the minimum acceptable bypass flow rates or maximum acceptable duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The use of this monitoring has the potential to improve long-term neurologic and developmental outcome.
The Antiinflammatory Effects of Purple Grape Juice Consumption in Subjects with Stable Coronary Artery Disease

To the Editor: Moderate consumption of red wine is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular disease,1–4 and some of the cardioprotective effects have been attributed to the distinct polyphenolic compounds present in red wine and purple grape products. These polyphenols possess multiple biological effects, including antioxidant and free radical–scavenging properties5,6 as well as inhibition of platelet activation.7 The growing interest in the presumed benefits of wine in protecting against coronary heart disease coupled with the inherent limitations in promoting alcohol consumption8,9 has led to the examination of the potential beneficial vascular properties of alternative purple grape products. The effect of these flavonoid-rich substances in subjects with cardiovascular disease taking aspirin is unknown. In addition, their impact on the inflammatory properties of platelets has not been studied. A double blind crossover study was conducted, in which 20 subjects with previously diagnosed coronary disease on standard medications were randomly assigned to drink either placebo or purple grape juice …
Should Conversion to SI System Continue to Be Debated

Ninety five percent of the world's population uses the international system of units—Systeme International (SI). However, we continue to debate converting to the international system of units in the United States. In this paper, a comprehensive list is presented of the advantages of the SI system. We then give the reasons why we need to convert to the SI system of units. A few major corporations in the United States have already made the changeover to the SI system, but the general population is still reluctant to make the change from U.S. customary units. Studying these conflicting issues simultaneously is important in the implementation of the SI system, if enforced in our country. We have also enumerated the ways we can progress toward the changeover. These ways include learning from the experiences of our own failed effort of the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 and study how other countries made the successful changeover in recent decades.
Performance-based Self-organizing Approximation for Scalar State Estimation and Control

Adaptive approximation based control typically uses approximators with predefined basis functions. Recently, self-organizing approximators have been introduced that define the basis set during system operation. In exploration dependent self-organization methods, new locally supported basis elements were defined when existing basis elements were insufficiently excited. More recently, performance dependent self-organizing approximators were introduced that only define new basis elements when necessary to achieve a prespecified performance objective. Herein, a new performance dependent self-organizing approach is developed. A positive tracking error criteria and controller bandwidth are specified, the state estimator monitors the state estimation performance and adds basis elements only as needed to achieve a derived state estimation error specification. The controller designed based on the state estimator model is shown to achieve the tracking specifications.
Retrometabolic drug design: Principles and recent developments*

Retrometabolic drug design incorporates two major systematic approaches: the de- sign of soft drugs (SDs) and of chemical delivery systems (CDSs). Both aim to design new, safe drugs with an improved therapeutic index by integrating structure-activity and -metab- olism relationships; however, they achieve it by different means: whereas SDs are new, ac- tive therapeutic agents that undergo predictable metabolism to inactive metabolites after ex- erting their desired therapeutic effect, CDSs are biologically inert molecules that provide enhanced and targeted delivery of an active drug to a particular organ or site through a de- signed sequential metabolism that involves several steps. General principles and recent de- velopments are briefly reviewed with various illustrative examples from different therapeu- tic areas with special focus on soft corticosteroids and on brain targeting.
RA-cing Toward Drugs from a Genetics Starting Line

For translational scientists, a metaphorical checkered flag has been waved: the myriad genetic loci associated with human diseases. The race is on to unearth disrupted genes, pathways, and mechanisms of action associated with risk-conferring genetic variants, particularly for diseases with few treatment options. A new report by Li et al. describes the translational sprint from an association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a variant at the CD40 gene to high-throughput screening for small-molecule RA therapeutics. The investigators began with systematic genotyping to fine-map the CD40 association in >20,000 individuals to identify the causal mutation responsible for the association signal. These results were jointly interpreted with additional flow-cytometry experiments so as to reveal a gain-of-function mechanism for a leading variant, in which the allele that predisposes people to RA correlated with higher CD40 expression on the surface of primary human CD19+ B cells. B cells are linked to the pathogenicity of RA, and CD19 expression is the earliest hallmark of the B cell lineage. In a human B cell line (BL2), the elevated CD40 on the surface of these cells increased activation of the inflammatory nuclear factor–κB (NF-κB) pathway, revealing a potential pathogenic mechanism for the disease. The authors then optimized a high-throughput, NF-κB−driven luciferase reporter screen to test the effects of >2200 chemical compounds on CD40 pathway activity. Twenty of the identified candidate compounds—some known and some new—were shown, in secondary screens to be BL2 cell viable, dose-dependent inhibitors of the CD40 pathway at concentrations potentially reasonable for a lead compound. Two known and two new compounds were selected for further testing, which revealed that all four inhibited CD40-mediated NF-κB signaling in primary CD19+ B cells collected from healthy control donors. More research is needed (such as target identification and animal model) to assess whether these promising compounds will proceed to clinical trials. But the authors have designed a model “race track” that may inspire other researchers to run their best candidate mutations toward the drug-discovery finish line. G. Li et al. Human genetics in rheumatoid arthritis guides a high-throughput drug screen of the CD40 signaling pathway. PLoS Genet . 9 , e1003487 (2013). [[Full Text]][1] [1]: http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pgen.1003487
JAK2 germline genetic variation affects disease susceptibility in primary myelofibrosis regardless of V617F mutational status: nullizygosity for the JAK2 46/1 haplotype is associated with inferior survival.

JAK2 germline genetic variation affects disease susceptibility in primary myelofibrosis regardless of V617F mutational status: nullizygosity for the JAK2 46/1 haplotype is associated with inferior survival
Periodic Prompts and Reminders in Health Promotion and Health Behavior Interventions: Systematic Review

Background: Health behavior interventions using periodic prompts have utilized technology, such as the Internet, that allows messages to be sent to participants in cost-effective ways. To our knowledge, no comprehensive evidence review has been performed specifically to evaluate the effectiveness of communicating regular messages and to examine how characteristics of the prompts change the effectiveness of programs aimed at reminding people to adopt healthy behaviors, maintain those they already practice, and cease unhealthy behaviors. Objective: A systematic literature review was performed to investigate the effectiveness of limited contact interventions targeting weight loss, physical activity, and/or diet that provided periodic prompts regarding behavior change for health promotion. The review sought to identify specific characteristics of these interventions that may be associated with superior results. Methods: Electronic literature searches were performed between February and April, 2008. Articles were included if periodic prompts were used as an intervention or a component of an intervention, a behavioral or biological outcome measure was used, and an ongoing health promotion behavior was targeted. A rating system was applied to each study to provide a quantitative representation of the quality of the evidence provided by each article. Results: There were 19 articles with a combined sample size of 15,655 that met the inclusion criteria, and 11 studies reported positive findings regarding the utility of periodic prompts. Several articles showed enhanced effectiveness when prompts were frequent and personal contact with a counselor was included. Long-term behavior change and health improvements were not examined by this review because of a lack of long-term follow-up in the literature. Conclusions: In light of promising results of most studies, additional research on limited contact interventions targeting health behaviors including weight loss, physical activity, and/or diet is merited that utilizes rigorous methods including control groups; follow-up data collection; and testing of prompt frequencies, specific intervention components, or prompt characteristics. Future research would be especially valuable if it improves understanding of the most effective types of periodic prompts for fostering long-term behavior change in order to maximize use of this tool in limited contact health promotion programs. Specifically, various types of communication technology should be used and evaluated to expand and refine their use. [J Med Internet Res 2009;11(2):e16]