cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second primary malignancy among older adults with multiple myeloma receiving first-line lenalidomide-based therapy: A population-based analysis.

Abstract Objectives Clinical trials have suggested that patients with myeloma treated with lenalidomide may have an increased risk of second primary malignancies (SPM). Whether such risks are of significant relevance in the real-world clinical practice, particularly among older patients receiving first-line lenalidomide based therapy, remains unclear. Methods Using Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare database, we identified adults ≥ 65 years with plasma cell myeloma diagnosed in 2007–2015 who received at least one oral anti-myeloma agent. We defined first-line lenalidomide-containing therapy as use within 90 days of diagnosis. SPM was defined as a malignancy reported to a cancer registry > 90 days after myeloma diagnosis. We computed cumulative incidence of SPM (with death being a competing event) and compared SPM rates between patients treated with or without first-line lenalidomide using a Fine-Gray's model, adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, prior malignancy, and histologic subtype. Results Of 9850 Medicare beneficiaries, 4009 (41%) received first-line lenalidomide. During median follow up of 5.0 years, 423 patients (4.3%) developed SPM, including 361 solid tumors (85%) and 61 hematologic malignancies (14%). The cumulative incidence of any SPM at 5 years was similar among those who received first-line lenalidomide and those who did not (5.3% vs 4.4%; sub-hazard ratio, SHR 1.06, P = .53). Consistent results were seen in the risk of solid tumor (4.7% vs 3.6%; SHR 1.13, P = .24) or hematologic malignancy (4.7 vs 3.6%, SHR 0.73; P = .72). Conclusion First-line lenalidomide therapy among older adults with myeloma was not associated with a significantly increased risk of any SPM.
Safety of Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy in Nonagenarians.

Background Although widely accepted for adults, the safety of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in very old patients has not been examined. Methods Nonagenarians (age ≥90 years) discharged from the hospital on OPAT over a 5-year period were identified from the Cleveland Clinic OPAT Registry. Three matched controls (<90 years) were selected for each nonagenarian. Times to OPAT-related emergency department (ED) visit and OPAT-related readmission were compared across the 2 groups in multivariable subdistribution proportional hazards competing risks regression models. Incidence of adverse drug events and vascular access complications were compared using negative binomial regression. Results Of 126 nonagenarians and 378 controls, 7 were excluded for various reasons. Among the remaining 497 subjects, 306 (62%) were male, 311 (63%) were treated for cardiovascular or osteoarticular infections, and 363 (73%) were discharged to a residential health care facility. The mean (SD) ages of nonagenarians and controls were 92 (2) and 62 (16) years, respectively. Compared with matched controls, being a nonagenarian was not associated with increased risk of OPAT-related ED visit (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.33-1.80; P = .55), OPAT-related readmission (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.28-2.16; P = .63), adverse drug event from OPAT medications (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.00; 95% CI, 0.43-2.17; P = .99), or vascular access complications (IRR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.27-1.51; P = .32). Nonagenarians had a higher risk of death overall (HR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.52-4.58; P < .001), but deaths were not from OPAT complications. Conclusions Compared with younger patients, OPAT in nonagenarians is not associated with higher risk of OPAT-related complications. OPAT can be provided as safely to nonagenarians as to younger patients.
Normal-Branch Quasi-periodic Oscillations in Scorpius X-1: Viscous Oscillations of a Spherical Shell Near the Neutron Star

We present a comprehensive classification of all observed quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) within the framework of the transition layer model using a large set of Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer data for Scorpius X-1. The model assumes an optically thin material along the observer's line of sight in the horizontal branch and an increasingly optically thick material while in the other two branches that is consistent with X-ray and radio observations and the disk transition layer model of QPOs. We identify the ~6 Hz frequencies in the normal branch as acoustic oscillations of a spherical shell around the neutron star (NS) that is formed after radiation pressure near the Eddington accretion rate destroys the disk. The size of the shell is on the order of one NS radius from the NS. We also estimate the upper limit of Sco X-1's magnetic field to be 0.7 × 106 G at about one NS radius above the NS surface while in the horizontal X-ray branch.
Embryo Recipients’ Considerations of Connections with Donors

This study phenomenologically explored 36 embryo adoption couples’ experience of choosing a donor and considering what kind of connection, if any, they wished to have with the donor. Thirty-six emb...
An MDS 3.0 Distressed Behavior in Dementia Indicator (DBDI): A Clinical Tool to Capture Change.

Background/objectives Persons with dementia frequently demonstrate distress behaviors in dementia (DBD), associated with poorer outcomes. This study aimed to create a measure of DBD from routinely administered Minimum Data Set (MDS 3.0) behavior section items that demonstrated sensitivity to change, for evaluation of intervention efforts for VA Community Living Center (CLCs) residents exhibiting DBD. Setting 72 VA nursing home settings, or Community Living Centers (CLCs). Participants CLC residents with DBD (n = 302) were enrolled in an interdisciplinary behavioral intervention between 2013 and 2017. Design A factor analysis of MDS behavior section items from assessments closest to baseline was conducted. Internal consistency, hypothesized associations between MDS factors and clinical measures, and sensitivity to detect change over time was explored. Measurements Residents were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the MDS behavior section items and a validated clinical measure of DBD. Results The Distress Behavior in Dementia Indicator (DBDI) was created as a consistent factor with internal consistency, and was related to a validated measure as predicted at baseline and post-intervention. Sensitivity to change was demonstrated by using change score correlations (r = 0.40-0.50), effect size (d = 0.63), and reliable change indices. Conclusion The DBDI is recommended for routine use in CLCs to evaluate impact of intervention effectiveness and provide quality improvement feedback.
Cardiovascular complications of COVID-19

The emergence of the novel SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has resulted in an unprecedented pandemic that has been accompanied by a global health crisis. Although the lungs are the main organs involved in COVID-19, systemic disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations also develops in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. One of the major systems affected by this virus is the cardiovascular system. The presence of preexisting cardiovascular disease increases mortality in patients with COVID-19, and cardiovascular injuries, including myocarditis, cardiac rhythm abnormalities, endothelial cell injury, thrombotic events, and myocardial interstitial fibrosis, are observed in some patients with COVID-19. The underlying pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated cardiovascular complications is not fully understood, although direct viral infection of myocardium and cytokine storm have been suggested as possible mechanisms of myocarditis. In this Review, we summarize available data on SARS-CoV-2-related cardiac damage and discuss potential mechanisms of cardiovascular implications of this rapidly spreading virus.
Financial Statement Presentation of Discontinued Operations: Determinants and Consequences

US GAAP requires firms to separately report income from discontinued operations within the income statement. Current financial reporting guidance, however, allows managers to either aggregate or disaggregate operating income (or loss) and gain (or loss) from discontinued operations on the face of the income statement. Using this unique setting, we hand-collect data on the presentation of discontinued operations (i.e., aggregated versus disaggregated presentation) to understand factors that affect the discretionary presentation choices in financial statements. We show that managers' disaggregation preference in reporting discontinued operations reflect properties of prospect theory and mental accounting theory. We fail to find empirical evidence that investors' valuation of discontinued operations is different for aggregated and disaggregated presentations. These results should help managers, regulators, and investors understand the implications of discontinued operations' presentation choices in financial reporting.
Student Perspectives on Trauma-Informed Education Practices in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science

As educators who teach about sexual violence and victimization in our criminal justice and forensic science courses and a psychology undergraduate who was learning about these topics, we were curio...
A bat-pigeon algorithm to crack detection-enabled autonomous vehicle navigation and mapping

Abstract Autonomous vehicles have nowadays received widespread attention, and path planning is one of the most important components of its autonomous operation. However, due to the long-term use of roads and lack of maintenance, the roads that autonomous vehicles need to pass inevitably have cracks. In this case, while the autonomous vehicles pass through these cracked areas at high speed, it will increase the sense of bumps and even deviate from the originally planned route, which may potentially cause vehicle damage. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an adjustable speed navigation method in light of crack detection for autonomous vehicle path planning, which can automatically adjust the speed in the cracked areas of the road. Based on the obtained image of the road environment, an image processing algorithm to accurately locate the crack is developed. Then, in light of the obtained location of cracks and obstacles, a Bat-Pigeon algorithm (BPA) is proposed to conduct adjustable speed navigation of autonomous vehicles. Take advantage of the same individual speed update rule, we integrate the global search of the Pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO) algorithm and the local search by the Bat algorithm (BA), which can effectively improve the speed and performance of the convergence algorithm. The proposed Bat-Pigeon algorithm navigates the autonomous vehicle to decelerate around small crack areas while planning a collision-free path with the least travel time. In addition, a local reactive navigator is developed that builds environmental maps locally while avoiding dynamic and unknown obstacles. To verify the theoretical advantages of the developed algorithms, we perform comparative experiments under various scenarios. Simulation and comparative studies validate that the proposed algorithms effectively carry out the adjustable speed navigation and mapping of autonomous vehicles based on road conditions in various real-world scenarios.
The Control of Microtubule Assembly in Vivo

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the control of microtubule assembly in vivo. Microtubule assembly depends on the formation or activation of microtubule-organizing centers or structures, the primary cellular signals for which are largely unknown. A variety of microtubule-organizing centers has been observed; the most ubiquitous consists of amorphous electron-dense material, sometimes exhibiting a fibrous or granular substructure, of uncertain biochemical composition. There are some indications that one component of these centers may be tubulin itself, but it is not clear if this material has a general or typical composition. In different cell types or at different times this material may give rise either directly to microtubules or to more elaborate microtubule-containing organelles, particularly centrioles. Centrioles (after some morphological modifications and in some cases after physical relocation to the cell surface) may function as basal bodies and give rise directly to the microtubules of the flagella or cilia axoneme, thus themselves constituting a microtubule-organizing structure.
Analyzing Information Security Model for Small-Medium Sized Businesses

As large organizations invest heavily in security frameworks, cyber criminals and malicious insiders are turning their attention to smaller businesses to steal or damage sensitive information. Unlike large enterprises, small businesses often pay little attention to hackers, cyber criminals, and malicious insiders. Furthermore, small-medium sized organizations are challenged to implement proper information security strategies due to insufficient resources. Very few methods and publications focus on information security for small and medium sized organizations. This paper reviews the National Institute of Standards and technology (NIST) framework for security in small and medium-sized businesses. After discussing several concerns with NIST’s approach, our proposed methodology is introduced and examined to provide an information security framework suited for small and medium sized businesses.
Queuine-containing isoacceptor of tyrosine tRNA in Drosophila melanogaster: Alteration of levels by divalent cations

Abstract Dietary cadmium causes the queuine-containing, Q(+), isoacceptors to increase relative to the guanine-containing, Q(−), ones of tRNA Tyr , tRNA His and tRNA Asp of Drosophila melanogaster . Of the other divalent cations examined, Sr 2+ , Ni 2+ , Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ and Hg 2+ , only Hg 2+ failed to cause an increase in Q(+)tRNA Tyr . For these results, all pre-adult stages of the organism were spent on media containing the divalent ions. Adult flies that had developed on a normal diet also responsed to divalent ions; Hg 2+ as well as Cd 2+ , Sr 2+ and Zn 2+ caused an increase in Q(+)tRNA Tyr in 4 days. Using adult flies, the rate of the response was measured; when placed on a Cd 2+ -containing diet, they formed significantly more Q(+)tRNA Tyr within 24 h as compared to adults on a normal diet. Whether the queuine is derived from the diet or from de novo synthesis is yet to be determined. Since the metal ions represent a range of values in the ‘hard-soft’ classification, different sites of reaction are expected, yet for Drosophila a common result is an alteration in the ratio of Q(+) and Q(−) isoacceptors of these tRNAs. The transition to Q(+)tRNA may be an early indication of the metabolic imbalances resulting from the presence of the divalent cation.
An Erupting Active Region Filament: Three-Dimensional Trajectory and Hydrogen Column Density

From 15:33 through 16:02 UT on 13 June 1998, observations of an erupting filament as it crossed solar disk center were obtained with the NSO/KPVT and SOHO/CDS instruments as part of the SOHO Joint Observing Program 70. Context observations show that this event was the eruption of the north-east section of a small active region filament associated with NOAA 8237, that the photospheric magnetic field was changing in this active region between 12–14 June 1998, and that a coronal Moreton-wave disk event occurred, as well as a white-light CME off the south-west solar limb. The NSO/KPVT imaging spectroscopy data covered 512 × 512 arc sec of the disk center and were spectrally centered at the He i 1083 nm line and captured ± 1.0 nm of surrounding solar spectrum. The He i absorption line is seen blue-shifted to velocities of between 200 and 300 km s−1. The true solar trajectory of the eruption is obtained by using the projected solar coordinates and by integrating the Doppler velocity. The filament travels with a total velocity of about 300 km s−1 along a path inclined roughly 49 deg to the solar surface and rises to a height of just over 1.5 solar radii before it becomes too diffuse to follow. The filament also shows internal motions with multiple Doppler components shifted by ± 25 km s−1. Finally, the KPVT data show no Stokes V profiles in the Doppler-shifted He i 1083.03 nm absorption to a limit of roughly 3×10−3 times the continuum intensity. The SOHO/CDS scanned the center of the KPVT FOV using seven EUV lines; Doppler-shifted filament emission is seen in lines from He i 58.4 nm, He ii 30.4 nm, O iv 55.5 nm, O v 63.0 nm, Ne vi 56.3 nm, and Mg x 61.0 nm representing temperatures from about 2×104K through 1×106K. Bound-free continuum absorption from H i, without confusion from foreground emission and line emission, is seen as the filament obscures underlying chromospheric emission. A fit to the wavelength dependence of the absorption from five lines between 55.5 to 63.0 nm yields a column density ξH I =4.8±2.5×1017 cm−2. Spatial maps show that this filament absorption is more confined than the regions which show emission.
Becoming Board Certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology by C. M. Nezu, A. J. Finch, and N. P. Simon (Eds.)

The practice of hypnosis is regulated by law in less than a handful of jurisdictions in the United States. Virtually anyone can—and apparently does—claim to be a hypnosis clinician and offer servic...
Controlled Dietary Folate Affects Folate Status in Nonpregnant Women

In a study designed to estimate the requirement for dietary folate in nonpregnant women, 17 women (21-27 y) consumed 200, 300, or 400 micrograms/d of total folate for 70 d which was provided by low folate conventional foods (30 micrograms) plus supplemental folic acid. Group means for initial serum and erythrocyte folate and plasma homocysteine concentrations were not significantly different. Serum and erythrocyte folate decreased relative to the initial value in the 200 micrograms/d group (43.4 +/- 12.1%, 13.6 +/- 16.6%, respectively; mean +/- SD), in contrast to an increase in the 400 micrograms/d group (16.8 +/- 52.0%, 10.2 +/- 18.5%, respectively). The final serum folate in the 200 and 300 micrograms/d groups (6.4 +/- 0.8 nmol/L, 7.3 +/- 1.1 nmol/L, respectively) was significantly lower than that of the 400 micrograms/d group (14.3 +/- 2.0 nmol/L), with evidence in the 200 micrograms/d and 300 micrograms/d groups of low ( 16 mumol/L) were observed in the 200 micrograms/d group only.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intersecting adjectives in syllogistic logic

The goal of natural logic is to present and study logical systems for reasoning with sentences of (or which are reasonably close to) ordinary language. This paper explores simple systems of natural logic which make use of intersecting adjectives; these are adjectives whose interpretation does not vary with the noun they modify. Our project in this paper is to take one of the simplest syllogistic fragments, that of all and some, and to add intersecting adjectives. There are two ways to do this, depending on whether one allows iteration or prefers a "flat" structure of at most one adjective. We present rules of inference for both types of syntax, and these differ. The main results are four completeness theorems: for each of the two types of syntax we have completeness for the all fragment and for the full language of this paper.
Decreased cardiac output at the onset of diabetes: renal mechanisms and peripheral vasoconstriction.

Recently we reported that hindquarter blood flow, measured 24 h/day, decreased progressively over the first 6 days of type 1 diabetes in rats. That response, coupled with the tendency of mean arter...
Differential Effects of Hydroxyurea upon Deoxyribonucleoside Triphosphate Pools, Analyzed with Vaccinia Virus Ribonucleotide Reductase

Hydroxyurea inhibits DNA synthesis by destroying the catalytically essential free radical of class I ribonucleoside diphosphate (rNDP) reductase, thereby blocking the de novosynthesis of deoxyribonucleotides. In mammalian cells, including those infected by vaccinia virus, hydroxyurea treatment causes a differential depletion of the four deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate pools, suggesting that the activities of rNDP reductase are differentially sensitive to hydroxyurea. In the presence of different substrates and allosteric modifiers, we measured rates of free radical destruction in the vaccinia virus-coded rNDP reductase, by following absorbance at 417 nm as a function of time after hydroxyurea addition. Also, we followed enzyme activity directly, by using a recently developed assay that allows simultaneous monitoring of the four activities, in the presence of substrates and effectors at concentrations that approximate the intracellular environment. We found the primary determinant of radical loss to be not the ensemble of allosteric ligands bound but the activity of the enzyme. Nucleoside triphosphate effectors accelerated radical decay, compared with rates seen with the free enzyme. Adding substrate to the holoenzyme, under conditions where the enzymatic reaction is proceeding, further accelerated radical decay. Alternative models are discussed, to account for selective depletion of purine nucleotide pools by hydroxyurea.
A prospective functional outcome study of shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff

Prospective pain relief and functional outcome data were obtained on 65 shoulder arthroplasties in 55 patients. Thirty-seven total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs) and twenty-eight hemiarthroplasties were followed up for a mean of 4.3 years (range, 2-8 years). The mean age was 63 years. Pain scores on a visual analog scale improved from a preoperative mean of 64 to 12 postoperatively. TSA and hemiarthroplasty postoperative scores did not differ significantly, but TSA patients started with a worse preoperative score and improved more. Five other visual analog scale scores improved, including function and quality of life. There were similar relationships between TSAs and hemiarthroplasties in each instance (poorer preoperative scores and more improvement). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score Index improved from 39 to 88 with surgery. The hemiarthroplasty group improved from a mean of 42 to 84, and the TSA group improved from 37 to 91. Although the numerical differences were small, the superiority of TSAs with regard to final score and rate of improvement was statistically significant. Patients with the poorest preoperative scores improved the most, regardless of prosthesis type. Mean active forward elevation improved from 100 degrees to 147 degrees, external rotation improved from a mean of 7 degrees to 39 degrees, and internal rotation improved by a mean of 3 spinal segments. These measures did not differ between TSA and hemiarthroplasty patients. One implant failure was treated with revision from TSA to hemiarthroplasty. Radiographic parameters characterizing component position and offset were measured, but none was found to predict outcome. The results suggest a modest superiority of TSA over hemiarthroplasty in the medium term. Because both TSA and hemiarthroplasty provide considerable and nearly comparable improvement, the long-term risks of glenoid wear and loosening need to be clearly defined before a definitive conclusion can be reached regarding the differential indications for these two procedures.
Doppler velocimetry and small for gestational age pregnancies in sickle cell disease associated with abnormal placental pathology

SummaryPlacentas from singleton deliveries of 108 prospectively followed pregnant women, 18 with sickle cell disease (16 SS, 2 SC) 36 with AS and 54 with AA haemoglobin were examined and findings correlated with antepartum Doppler results and neonatal outcome. Systolic/diastolic ratios ⩾3 were designated as abnormal. Gross and microscopical examinations of placentas were done by a pathologist blinded to the Doppler results and pregnancy outcome.Results of our study show moderate to severe villous sclerosis as well as intervillous fibrin deposits in 31 per cent (5/16) of SS placentas examined but these were absent in the placentas of SC, AS and AA patients. The same patients with sickle cell (SS) disease demonstrated both abnormal uterine and umbilical systolic/diastolic ratios. Four of these five pregnancies resulted in the births of small for dates babies. In contrast, the nine SS women with normal Doppler studies and the two patients with only an abnormal uterine Doppler had normal or minimal placental ...
Morphological and proliferative abnormalities in renal mesangial cells lacking RhoGDI

The regulation of Rho GTPase activities and expression is critical in the development and function of the kidney. Rho GTPase activities and cytosol-membrane cycling are regulated by Rho GDP Dissociation Inhibitor (RhoGDI), and RhoGDI knockout mice develop defects in kidney structure and function that lead to death due to renal failure. It is therefore important to understand the changes in RhoGDI-regulated Rho GTPase activities and cell morphology that lead to kidney failure in RhoGDI (-/-) mice. Here, we characterize a renal mesangial cell line derived from the RhoGDI (-/-) mouse in which we verify the absence of GDI proteins. In the absence of RhoGDI, we show an increase in the specific activity of Rac1, and to a lesser extent, RhoA and Cdc42 GTPases in these cells. This is accompanied by a compensatory decrease in the steady-state protein levels of Rho GTPases. Morphological analysis of RhoGDI (-/-) mesangial cells reveals a decrease in cell spreading and in focal contacts compared to wild-type cells. Finally, RhoGDI (-/-) mesangial cells show a decreased ability to proliferate and survive. These functional and structural changes are likely to contribute to the defects in renal architecture and function observed in the RhoGDI (-/-) mouse.
Surface science of single-site heterogeneous olefin polymerization catalysts.

This article reviews the surface science of the heterogeneous olefin polymerization catalysts. The specific focus is on how to prepare and characterize stereochemically specific heterogeneous model catalysts for the Ziegler–Natta polymerization. Under clean, ultra-high vacuum conditions, low-energy electron irradiation during the chemical vapor deposition of model Ziegler–Natta catalysts can be used to create a “single-site” catalyst film with a surface structure that produces only isotactic polypropylene. The polymerization activities of the ultra-high vacuum-prepared model heterogeneous catalysts compare well with those of conventional Ziegler–Natta catalysts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses identify the oxidation states of the Ti ions at the active sites. Temperature-programmed desorption distinguishes the binding strength of a probe molecule to the active sites that produce polypropylenes having different tacticities. These findings demonstrate that a surface science approach to the preparation and characterization of model heterogeneous catalysts can improve the catalyst design and provide fundamental understanding of the single-site olefin polymerization process.
Recipe optimization of fab mask inspection for 180~90nm reticles to save inspection time and improve productivity

IC manufacturing fabs are experiencing mask reliability issues caused by progressive mask defects, such as crystal growth, haze and etc. with the increase of the usage of DUV, especially 193nm lithography on 90nm technology node and beyond. 193nm lithography has triggered an increasing demand for mask re-qualification in those manufacturing fabs which process 90nm technology node wafers in mass production. Due to dramatic increase in re-qualification demand, the capacity of mask inspection becomes constrain of the manufacturing output. In this paper authors employed widely used KLA SLF inspection systems and investigated inspection scan modes (Fastscan mode and Normal scan mode) and algorithms to optimize recipes on STARlight. Economically and practically, it is important for wafer fabs to optimize mask inspection recipes and improve throughput in order to extend the capacity of mask inspections without additional equipment investment. The Fastscan mode has the capability to move reticle stage as fast as twice of the Normal scan mode in x-direction resulting in a substantial saving of inspection time. Even faster stage move causes slightly reduction on the sampling of contamination defects, the overall defect inspection maintains the same quality as the Normal scan mode in terms of early warning of mask re-qualification. During the study we collect and analyze inspection data on two production masks and a standard test mask Orion5B. Based on empirical data collected in the study, the Fastscan inspection mode is able to reduce inspection time approximately 28% to 38% at P150.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TEACHING IN WORLD LANGUAGE EDUCATION: CRITICAL CRITERIA FOR GLOBAL TEACHERHOOD

In world language teacher education, there are few opportunities that integrate preparing prospective educators for meaningful participation in intercultural dialogues and for deeper understanding of value conflicts. Student teaching abroad offers one such promising opportunity. With our conceptualization of a critical systems approach towards heightened global awareness, we present an alternative framework that can be used in studies on international student teaching (IST). Furthermore, we theorize a type of mindset that intercultural understanding can develop in student teachers: global teacherhood. After reviewing studies and drawing attention to the importance of preparing teachers for intercultural communication in their field experiences, we discuss the elements of our framework that include teacher reflection and worldview reframing. Focusing on interpretive findings from our exploratory study, we apply critical systems criteria to the cases of two prospective teachers participating in an IST program.
Harnessing the power of HR analytics

Analytics enable HR to make strategic contributions, but not all analytics offer equal insights. Alec Levenson compares the usefulness of ROI, cost‐benefit, and impact analysis. He also explains why the time is right for HR to build an HR analytics centre of expertise and create a foundation of analytic skills across the function.
Decline in the endocochlear potential corresponds to decreased Na,K-ATPase activity in the lateral wall of quiet-aged gerbils

The ion transport-mediating enzyme, Na,K-ATPase, is abundantly present in the cochlear lateral wall. This enzyme is essential for the generation and maintenance of the endocochlear potential. Diminished enzyme activity has been observed previously in the lateral wall of quiet-aged gerbils. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of the age-related decline in Na,K-ATPase specific activity upon auditory function. Measures of the resting endocochlear potential value and the level of Na,K-ATPase specific activity were made in cochleae obtained from gerbils aged in quiet conditions. Analysis revealed a high degree of correspondence between the level of lateral wall Na,K-ATPase specific activity and the value of the endocochlear potential measured in the round window/turn 1 region of the cochlea. Nonlinear regression models showed a strong relationship between the age-related reductions in enzyme activity and the magnitude of the endocochlear potential. The data suggest that during metabolic presbyacusis a decrease in Na,K-ATPase specific activity can explain most, but not all, of the decline in the endocochlear potential.
The effects of stress concentrators on strength of materials at nanoscale: A molecular dynamics study

Abstract There is evidence that when at least one spatial dimension of a material component is in the nanometer range, the effects of nanosize stress concentrators (NSCs) such as impurities, inclusions, pores, and cracks are either eliminated or significantly reduced. The aim of the paper is to examine such evidence using atomistic simulation techniques for a crystalline metal and identify the critical dimensions below which the effects of NSCs are minimal or even nonexistent. The preliminary results reported herein show that for Cu single crystals subjected to constant external strain rate, such critical dimensions are larger than about 30 nm. Since atomistic details are crucial in understanding material behavior at such scales, the paper points to the need for multiscale simulations techniques, presently being developed, for identifying critical dimensions and for examining slow strain rates. Based on the results, the paper presents simulation-based explanations why NSCs may be insignificant at nanoscales.
COLLAGEN CHARACTERISTICS OF PRONGHORN ANTELOPE AND SHEEP MUSCLE

Guanidine hydrochloride soluble intramuscular collagen (GSIC) obtained from purified longissimus intramuscular collagen of five yearling and five older doe antelope and from two lambs and two ewes varied with age but did not differ significantly (P < 0.05) between species. Gel-disc electrophoresis of denatured GSIC showed a lower percentage of α-chain and a higher percentage of β-component for antelope than for sheep. Total collagen content was lower in antelope than in sheep muscle. Therefore, the extreme tenderness in antelope muscle may result from a lack of intramuscular collagen rather than variation in collagen crosslinking.
Relationship between Two Price Quotes for Eggs

Most transfers of shell eggs at all levels of the marketing channel from the production to the retail level are priced by formula based on published market quotations. Most pricing formulas in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains are based on prices quoted in Producers' Price-Current. West coast egg-pricing formulas most often use quotes by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Poultry Market News. The pervasive use of formula-pricing results in a thinly traded cash market and focuses attention on the price quotes. The validity and accuracy of quotes are major concerns of the trade. The problems of egg pricing are documented by Rogers and Voss and by Schrader, Larzelere, Rogers and Forker. The desire on the part of the trade for a means to facilitate price discovery and price reporting for eggs motivated the establishment of Egg Clearinghouse, Inc. (ECI). ECI is a cash exchange trading gradable nest-run eggs, where trades are matched by computer with the product moving directly from seller to buyer once a trade has been completed. Trading on ECI has been thin, representing less than 0.5% of all eggs produced in 1978. Yet trades on ECI and Defense Personnel Support Center purchases represent the only transactions for which quality and delivery are clearly specified and for which prices are available to the public. Other transactions are known to participants and, to some extent, to Urner Barry or USDA reporters. Both Urner Barry and Market News report prices paid by retailers for cartoned eggs; however, these prices usually are determined by formula using a prior quotation. Much of the trading on ECI represents trading among grading and packing firms to correct shortterm imbalances. As such, these relatively few trades may represent the marginal price-making transactions. The quality specifications are such that only eggs suitable for cartoning for table use are acceptable for delivery in the gradable nest-run classes.
Heart rate offset responses to visual stimuli in infants from 14 to 26 weeks of age.

Heart rate offset responses to visual stimuli were studied in infants tested cross-sectionally at 14, 20, and 26 weeks of age. In Experiments 1 and 2, offset responses were measured in each infant following visual stimuli presented with three procedures. The fixed interval method consisted of stimulus presentations of 7 s in duration. The infant control method consisted of stimulus presentations which were terminated when the infant looked away from them. The interrupted stimulus method consisted of stimulus presentations which were terminated when the infant looked away toward an interrupting, secondary stimulus. In Experiment 3 these procedures were compared with two procedures in which stimulus termination occurred at the point of heart rate deceleration or the return of heart rate toward prestimulus level. The stimuli in Experiment 1 were checkerboard patterns, in Experiment 2 were complex and varying stimuli, and in Experiment 3 were either TV stimuli or an overhead light. The offset responses were similar for the fixed interval and infant control methods, and consisted of brief heart rate decelerations. The magnitude of the heart rate response was generally small (1.5 to 2 bpm), with the largest heart rate response being 4 bpm. The pre-offset heart rate response was similar for the infant control and interrupted stimulus and heart rate acceleration trials, with heart rate showing a return to prestimulus levels immediately preceding subject-controlled fixation termination. Infants with high levels of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) measured during a 5-min baseline showed larger heart rate offset responses than did low RSA infants. These results call into question the interpretation of heart rate offset responses in the context of Sokolov's model of the orienting response. However, the offset paradigm is useful in the study of subject-controlled attention processes.
Conceptualizing Psychopathy in Triarchic Terms: Implications for Treatment

Clarifying the nature and origins of psychopathy is crucial to establishing effective methods for treating this severe form of pathology. The Triarchic Model of Psychopathy (Patrick, Fowles, & Krueger, 2009) is presented as a framework for resolving historic debates regarding the nature of psychopathy, and for guiding research on neurobiological influences contributing to its characteristic symptom picture. Evidence is reviewed for two distinct processes underlying “boldness” and “disinhibition” components of psychopathy in particular: underreactivity of the brain's defensive motivational system, and impairment in fronto-cortical regulatory circuitry. A third symptomatic facet, “meanness” (or callous-unemotionality) is theorized to reflect dysfunction in brain systems important for emotional empathy, and in endogenous neuromodulators such as oxytocin and vasopressin. We discuss how this variegated perspective on the nature and etiology of psychopathy can inform approaches to treatment. Specifically, focus...
Powering, Puzzling, or Persuading? The Mechanisms of Building Institutional Orders

This article offers an agent-centered constructivist analysis of institution building; that of the “first” New Deal of the National Recovery Administration. It argues that in moments of uncertainty generated by the failure of existing institutions, institutional choice becomes underdetermined by structure and open to attempts at creative and underdetermined inter-elite persuasion. What matters in such moments are the locally generated “crisis-defining” ideas at hand rather than simply the ostensible material positions of the actors in question. How this process took place in the U.S. is compared with both similar historical cases and alternative materialist models. An alternative model is developed, and in conclusion it is suggested why periods of deflation may be particularly open to inter-elite attempts at persuasion.
"The Mask of Ceremony": Rutgers' Growing Collection of Festival Books with a List of Holdings

Baroque and Rococo art sprang from a culture of extravagance celebrated in mind-dazzling festivals. Those festivals, signatures of their age both in elegance and in conspicuous consumption, vanished as quickly as the fireworks they consumed in enormous quantities. They left behind souvenirs in the form of commemorative books, many of them sumptuously illustrated. Though long neglected, like Baroque and Rococo art itself, festival books have now been recognized as splendid artistic achievements in their own right and as invaluable sources for research, not only in many fields of early modern European history, but also in comparative studies of religion and political orders. International commissions have been established to inventory and study them. This article celebrates the growth of the Rutgers' Special Collections and University Archives' collection of festival books into a useful resource for research.
Toward a New Genetic System with Expanded Dimensions: Size-Expanded Analogues of Deoxyadenosine and Thymidine

We describe the design, preparation, and properties of two key building blocks of a size-expanded genetic system. Nucleoside analogues of the natural nucleosides dA and dT are reported in which the fusion of a benzo ring increases their size by ca. 2.4 A. The expanded dA analogue (dxA), having a tricyclic base, was first reported by Leonard nearly three decades ago. We describe a shortened and more efficient approach to this compound. The expanded dT analogue (dxT), a methylquinazolinedione C-glycoside, was previously unknown; we describe its preparation in eight steps from 5-methylanthranilic acid. The key glycoside bond formation employed Pd-mediated coupling of an aryl iodide precursor with a dihydrofuran derivative of deoxyribose. Both nucleosides are shown to be efficient fluorophores, emitting light in the blue-violet range. The base-protected phosphoramidite derivatives were prepared, and short oligonucleotides containing them were characterized. The two size-expanded nucleosides are key components...
Study of structural defects inside natural cork by pulsed terahertz tomography

For the past several years there has been considerable development of THz imaging systems and their application to 3D computed tomography. In this work, the methodology of 3-D pulsed THz computed tomography using the Radon Transformation is applied to identify the internal defects of natural cork stoppers. It is observed that one can clearly distinguish between internally defective and non-defective corks using the reconstructed 3-D images.
Isolation of four rat creatine kinase genes and identification of multiple potential promoter sequences within the rat brain creatine kinase promoter region

Rat genes encoding muscle creatine kinase (gene ckm) and brain creatine kinase (gene ckb) have been cloned. The two genes have an identical intron-exon distribution, although introns of the ckb gene are much smaller than those for ckm. The complete nucleotide sequence has been determined for the ckb gene. 5'-Flanking sequences have been compared for both ckm and ckb. The ckb gene has a structurally complex 5'-flanking region with multiple TATA and CAAT sequences suggesting that the gene may contain overlapping promoter elements. Examination of ckb RNA from brain tissue provides no evidence for the existence of more than one set of transcriptional start points. The ckm and ckb genes show little homology in the 5'-flanking regions, although we observed some sequence conservation in the regions immediately surrounding the CAAT and TATA sequences. The rat genome also contains two other creatine kinase-like sequences which may represent processed pseudogenes or mitochondrial creatine kinase.
Cloning and sequencing of a copper-containing, topa quinone-containing monoamine oxidase from human placenta.

Abstract A 4040-bp cDNA was cloned from a human placenta library by screening with a polymerase chain reaction-amplified fragment. The fragment was generated from the library using primers corresponding to conserved sequences encompassing the topa quinone (TPQ) cofactor sites of the copper-containing proteins, bovine serum amine oxidase (BSAO) and human kidney diamine oxidase (DAO). The cloned cDNA contains a coding sequence from positions 161 to 2449. Between bases 2901 and 2974, in a very long 1591-bp 3′-untranslated region, there is a G/A-rich region in the minus strand, which contains a (AGG) 5 tandem repeat. The human placenta cDNA sequence and its translated amino acid sequence are 84% and 81% identical to the corresponding BSAO sequences, while the identities for the placenta sequences and those for human kidney DAO are 60% and 41%, respectively. The TPQ consensus nucleotide and protein sequences are identical for the placenta enzyme and BSAO, but the corresponding sequences for human kidney DAO are nonidentical. Three His residues that have been identified as Cu(II) ligands in other amine oxidases are conserved in the human placenta amine oxidase protein sequence. It was concluded that the placenta cDNA open-reading frame codes for a copper-containing, TPQ-containing monoamine oxidase. A putative 19-amino acid signal peptide was identified for human placenta amine oxidase. The resulting mature protein would be composed of 744 amino acids, and would have a M r of 82 525. Comparison of the human placenta amine oxidase with DNA sequences found in GenBank suggests that the gene for this enzyme is located in the q21 region of human chromosome 17, near the BRCA1 gene.
Antitumor drug cross-resistance in vivo in a cisplatin-resistant murine P388 leukemia

Since 1978, over 50 clinically useful antitumor drugs or new candidate antitumor agents have been evaluated in vivo against cisplatin-resistant P388 leukemia (P388/DDPt) in our laboratories. Analysis of this data base has yielded insights into the cross-resistance, collateral sensitivity, and mechanisms of resistance of P388/DDPt. P388/DDPt was cross-resistant or marginally crossresistant to eight agents [carmethizole·HCl, rhizoxin, dibromodulcitol, spirohydantoin mustard, hepsulfam, arabinosyl-5-azacytosine (ara-AC), tiazofurin, and deoxyspergualin]. Of these eight agents, the latter six have entered various phases of clinical trials. For these trials, it may be important to exclude or to monitor with extra care patients who have previously been treated with cisplatin. P388/DDPt was collaterally sensitive to six agents [fludarabine phosphate (2-F-ara-AMP), amsacrine (AMSA), mitoxantrone, etoposide (VP-16), batracylin, and flavone acetic acid] and, possibly, to two others (merbarone and echinomycin). These observations of collateral sensitivity suggest that a combination of cisplatin plus any one of these drugs might exhibit therapeutic synergism. Therapeutic synergism has been observed in animal models for combinations of cisplatin plus VP-16, AMSA, or mitoxantrone. The observation of collateral sensitivity for P388/DDPt to four agents (AMSA, mitoxantrone, merbarone, and VP-16) that have been reported to interact with DNA topoisomerase II suggests the possible involvement of the latter in cisplatin resistance. Both the increased sensitivity of P388/DDPt to these agents and a portion of its resistance to cisplatin could be the result of an increase in DNA topoisomerase II activity.
An Atypical psbA Gene Encodes a Sentinel D1 Protein to Form a Physiologically Relevant Inactive Photosystem II Complex in Cyanobacteria

Photosystem II, a large membrane-bound enzyme complex in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts, mediates light-induced oxidation of water to molecular oxygen. The D1 protein of PSII, encoded by the psbA gene, provides multiple ligands for cofactors crucial to this enzymatic reaction. Cyanobacteria contain multiple psbA genes that respond to various physiological cues and environmental factors. Certain unicellular cyanobacterial cells, such as Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142, are capable of nitrogen fixation, a highly oxygen-sensitive process, by separating oxygen evolution from nitrogen fixation using a day-night cycle. We have shown that c-psbA4, one of the five psbA orthologs in this cyanobacterium, is exclusively expressed during nighttime. Remarkably, the corresponding D1 isoform has replacements of a number of amino acids that are essential ligands for the catalytic Mn4CaO5 metal center for water oxidation by PSII. At least 30 cyanobacterial strains, most of which are known to have nitrogen fixing abilities, have similar psbA orthologs. We expressed the c-psbA4 gene from Cyanothece 51142 in a 4E-3 mutant strain of the model non-nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, which lacks any psbA gene. The resultant strain could not grow photoautotrophically. Moreover, these Synechocystis 6803 cells were incapable of PSII-mediated oxygen evolution. Based on our findings, we have named this physiologically relevant, unusual D1 isoform sentinel D1. Sentinel D1 represents a new class of D1 protein that, when incorporated in a PSII complex, ensures that PSII cannot mediate water oxidation, thus allowing oxygen-sensitive processes such as nitrogen fixation to occur in cyanobacterial cells.