cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assembly and analysis of a functional vaccinia virus "amplicon" containing the C-repeat region from the M protein of Streptococcus pyogenes.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that when inoculated intranasally into mice, vaccinia virus (VV) recombinants expressing the carboxyl half of the Streptococcus pyogenes M protein [which contains the C-repeat region (CRR)] could elicit a protective immune response against subsequent challenge by both homologous and heterologous serotypes of pathogenic group A streptococci. In the present study, an insertion plasmid was constructed that contained three tandem in-frame repeats of a 310-base-pair DNA sequence encoding the CRR from streptococcal M6 protein under control of a constitutive viral promoter. The plasmid was used to introduce the bacterial sequences into the VV genome by homologous recombination. Surprisingly, the recombinant VV:CRR3X virus that was isolated appeared to represent not an individual recombinant virus but a complex mixture of variants that contained from 1 to greater than 20 tandem copies of the CRR region at the insertion site. This genomic complexity was mirrored at the transcriptional level in that a nested set of coterminal transcripts was detected in VV:CRR3X-infected cells, which increased in size from 1400 to 6600 bases by increments of approximately 300 bases. All transcripts containing two or more CRR inserts appeared functional, as Western (immuno) blot analyses of VV:CRR3X-infected cell extracts revealed a family of CRR-related proteins with apparent molecular masses that increased from 30 kDa upward in increments of 10 kDa. All data are consistent with the hypothesis that variation in the VV:CRR3X recombinants is from random crossover events that occur within the CRR region during viral DNA replication. These results suggest that the genomic diversity generated by the "recombinogenic" properties of vaccinia recombinants containing tandem foreign inserts could be used to facilitate induction of a broadly protective immune response against antigenically diverse pathogenic agents.
Thyroxine excretion, a possible cause of goiter.

TWENTY-FIVE years ago McCarrison (1) described an iodide resistant goiter in rats kept under “unsanitary” conditions or fed soy bean meal. A more thorough report was later presented by Sharpless, et al. (2) who showed that rats fed soy meal required two times more dietary iodide to prevent goiter than control rats. It was suggested but not demonstrated that these goiters may have been due to a thiocyanate-type substance in the soy meal. Wilgus, et al. (3) and Halverson, et al. (4) have amply confirmed the goitrogenic action of soy flour. Astwood (5) observed that the goiter in soy-fed rats exhibited a very high 6-hour uptake of I131. This latter observation reduced the likelihood of thiocyanate or propylthiouracil type goiters which, typically prevent retained uptake of I131. At present, all known goitrogenic substances (except thyrotrophic hormone) interfere with thyroid function and cause decreased uptake of I131. Soy bean flour, therefore, must be different since it produced
Design, Fabrication, and Low-Power Tests of a W-band Omniguide Traveling-Wave Tube Structure

We have designed, fabricated, and tested with low power a novel W-band traveling-wave tube (TWT) structure based on a slow-wave cylindrically symmetric photonic band gap (PBG) structure, or an ldquoomniguide.rdquo The development of wideband millimeter-wave power amplifiers is underway at Los Alamos National Laboratory. PBG TWT structures have great potential for very large bandwidth and linear dispersion. In addition, being cheap to fabricate, the PBG structures enhance commercial transferability of W-band TWT technology. The omniguide structure was designed and fabricated with silica dielectric with a copper harness. Cold-test results were found to be in excellent agreement with the design. A bandwidth of more than 10% was demonstrated. This structure is designed to generate millimeter-wave RF when driven by a 2-A 120-keV electron beam.
Fluorine-18 NaF PET imaging of child abuse

We describe the use of 18F-NaF positron emission tomography (PET) whole-body imaging for the evaluation of skeletal trauma in a case of suspected child abuse. To our knowledge, 18F NaF PET has not been used in the past for the evaluation of child abuse. In our patient, this technique detected all sites of trauma shown by initial and follow-up skeletal surveys, including bilateral metaphyseal fractures of the proximal humeri. Fluorine-18 NaF PET has potential advantage over Tc-99m-labeled methylene diphosphonate (MDP) based upon superior image contrast and spatial resolution.
Simultaneous and hybrid beta-encodings

In this paper we will describe a constructive method to find szlig-encodings (szlig-representations) with special properties. These include simultaneous szlig-encodings with respect to several bases and hybrid SigmaDelta/szlig-encodings. The main motivation for the latter scheme is to have bit representations whose robustness to additive circuit noise is tunable.
The DOG Scale: A valid measure of dogmatism?

Abstract. Since the 1960s Rokeach's conception and measurement of dogmatism has dominated the landscape of dogmatism research. In 1996, Altemeyer proposed a new conception of dogmatism, suggesting that it is best defined as an unchangeable and unjustified certainty in one's beliefs. This conception was operationalized in the form of the DOG Scale with validity evidence generally coming in the form of relationships between the measure and several criterion-related variables. The present study assessed the factorial validity of the measure and tested for convergent and discriminant validity. Criterion-related validity evidence was also reconsidered. The DOG Scale demonstrated reasonable factorial, discriminant, convergent, and criterion-related validity, providing additional support for the measure's construct validity.
The relative importance of tropical variability forced from the North Pacific through ocean pathways

To what extent is tropical variability forced from the North Pacific through ocean pathways relative to locally generated variability and variability forced through the atmosphere? To address this question, in this study we use an anomaly-coupled model, consisting of a global, atmospheric general circulation model and a 4½-layer, reduced-gravity, Pacific-Ocean model. Three solutions are obtained; with coupling over the entire basin (CNT), with coupling confined to the tropics and wind stress and heat fluxes in the North and South Pacific specified by climatology (TP), and with coupling confined to the Tropics and wind stress and heat fluxes in the North Pacific specified by output from CNT (NPF). It is found that there are two distinct signals forced in the North Pacific that can impact the tropics through ocean pathways. These two signals are forced by wind stress and surface heat flux anomalies in the subtropical North Pacific. The first signal is relatively fast, impacts tropical variability less than a year after forcing, is triggered from November to March, and propagates as a first-mode baroclinic Rossby wave. The second signal is only triggered during springtime when buoyancy forcing can effectively generate higher-order baroclinic modes through subduction anomalies into the permanent thermocline, and it reaches the equator 4–5 years after forcing. The slow signal is found to initiate tropical variability more efficiently than the fast signal with one standard deviation in subtropical zonal wind stress forcing tropical SST anomalies centered on the equator at 135°W of approximately 0.5°C. Allowing extratropically forced tropical variability is found to shift primarily 2-year ENSO variability in a tropics-alone simulation to a more realistic range of 2–6 years.
Discontinuing Prophylaxis for Opportunistic Infection: Guiding Principles

Several large observational studies have documented the reduced risk of opportunistic infections among recipients of potent combination antiretroviral therapy. These data raise the question of whether subjects who respond to antiretroviral therapy need to continue prophylaxis for opportunistic infection. Factors to consider when deciding whether it is safe to discontinue prophylaxis include the following: (1) the risk of developing the specific opportunistic infection; (2) the consequences of the infection (morbidity and availability of effective therapy); (3) both the short-term and long-term toxicity of the agent used for prophylaxis; (4) the potential for drug interactions between the agent used for prophylaxis and other therapies for human immunodeficiency virus infection; (5) the psychological benefit of discontinuing a treatment during the course of a chronic disease; (6) the risk of development of drug resistance during prophylaxis; and (7) costs. This article reviews current data on predicting risk of opportunistic infection, the most critical of these factors.
High‐frequency jet ventilation using a helium–oxygen mixture

Summary The physiological basis for the use of helium relates to the relationship described by Poiseuille. During turbulent gas flow, the factors determining the resistance to flow include the density of gas as well as the length and the radius of a tube. While it may not be possible to readily change the latter two, altering the density of the gas is possible by using helium instead of nitrogen. A helium–oxygen combination has been used most commonly to improve air exchange in patients with upper airway obstruction. Anecdotal reports also suggest the beneficial effects of helium during mechanical ventilation in patients with status asthmaticus, hyaline membrane disease, and other pulmonary parenchymal disorders. To date, the clinical reports have utilized helium only with conventional mechanical ventilation. We present a child whose progressive respiratory failure was treated by using high-frequency jet ventilation with a combination of helium and oxygen. The techniques for the delivery of helium and oxygen through the jet ventilator are discussed.
Parental Recreational Drug Use and Risk for Neural Tube Defects

The authors investigated whether maternal or paternal periconceptional use of recreational drugs increased the risk of having neural tube defect (NTD)-affected pregnancies using a population-based case-control study of fetuses and liveborn infants with NTDs among 1989-1991 California births. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with mothers of 538 (88% of eligible) NTD cases and 539 (88%) nonmalformed controls, usually within 5 months of delivery. Periconceptional maternal use of cocaine (odds ratio (OR) = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40-1.4), amphetamines/speed (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.39-1.2), or marijuana (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.43-0.95) or preconceptional use of alcohol as or = 1 drink/day (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.42-1.2) or of cigarettes as or = 1 pack/day (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.36-0.96) did not increase the risk for delivering NTD-affected offspring. Risks were not substantially altered after adjustment for maternal age, race/ethnicity, vitamin use, education, and household income. Increased NTD risk was also not generally associated with paternal drug use. The authors could not discern whether the decreased risks observed for these maternal exposures reflected a true association or were due to reporting bias, a disproportionate number of drug-exposed NTD cases among spontaneous abortuses that could not be ascertained, or some other bias.
Placement movement in out-of-home care: patterns and predictors

Abstract The present study examines retrospectively the placement patterns of a cohort of 430 children between the ages of 1–16 who entered out-of-home care in San Diego County between May 1990 and October 1991, and were still in placement after 18 months. It investigates movement through out-of-home care across different placement settings for children who spent an equal amount of time in out-of-home care. Using an inductive methodology, patterns of movement are classified along two main dimensions: The timing and duration of the longest placement and movement along degree of restrictiveness. This paper describes the development of the pattern criteria. It further presents findings of subsequent polychotomous logistic regression analysis, which identifies significant non-clinical and clinical predictors of these patterns.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonism mitigates cytokine-mediated inflammatory signalling in primary human fibroblast-like synoviocytes

Objectives Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unclear aetiology, which is associated with inflamed human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS). Epidemiological studies have identified a positive correlation between tobacco smoking (a rich source of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonists) and aggressive RA phenotype. Thus, we hypothesise that antagonism of AHR activity by a potent AHR antagonist GNF351 can attenuate the inflammatory phenotype of HFLS-RA cells. Methods Quantitative PCR was used to examine IL1B-induced mRNA expression in primary HFLS-RA cells. A structurally diverse AHR antagonist CH223191 and transient AHR repression using AHR small interfering RNA (siRNA) in primary HFLS-RA cells were used to demonstrate that effects observed by GNF351 are AHR-mediated. The levels of PTGS2 were determined by western blot and secretory cytokines such as IL1B and IL6 by ELISA. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation was used to assess occupancy of the AHR on the promoters of IL1B and IL6 . Results Many of the chemokine and cytokine genes induced by IL1B in HFLS-RA cells are repressed by co-treatment with GNF351 at both the mRNA and protein level. Pretreatment of HLFS-RA cells with CH223191 or transient gene ablation of AHR by siRNA confirmed that the effects of GNF351 are AHR-mediated. GNF351 inhibited the recruitment of AHR to the promoters of IL1B and IL6 confirming occupancy of AHR at these promoters is required for enhanced inflammatory signalling. Conclusions These data suggest that AHR antagonism may represent a viable adjuvant therapeutic strategy for the amelioration of inflammation associated with RA.
Arabidopsis Nitric Oxide Synthase1 Is Targeted to Mitochondria and Protects against Oxidative Damage and Dark-Induced Senescence

The Arabidopsis thaliana protein nitric oxide synthase1 (NOS1) is needed for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and signaling during defense responses, hormonal signaling, and flowering. The cellular localization of NOS1 was examined because it is predicted to be a mitochondrial protein. NOS1-green fluorescent protein fusions were localized by confocal microscopy to mitochondria in roots. Isolated mitochondria from leaves of wild-type plants supported Arg-stimulated NO synthesis that could be inhibited by NOS inhibitors and quenched by a NO scavenger; this NOS activity is absent in mitochondria isolated from nos1 mutant plants. Because mitochondria are a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which participate in senescence and programmed cell death, these parameters were examined in the nos1 mutant. Dark-induced senescence of detached leaves and intact plants progressed more rapidly in the mutant compared with the wild type. Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, oxidized lipid, and oxidized protein levels were all higher in the mutant. These results demonstrate that NOS1 is a mitochondrial NOS that reduces ROS levels, mitigates oxidative damage, and acts as an antisenescence agent.
Local amplification of seismic waves from the Denali Earthquake and damaging seiches in Lake Union, Seattle, Washington

[1] The Mw7.9 Denali, Alaska earthquake of 3 November, 2002, caused minor damage to at least 20 houseboats in Seattle, Washington by initiating water waves in Lake Union. These water waves were likely initiated during the large amplitude seismic surface waves from this earthquake. Maps of spectral amplification recorded during the Denali earthquake on the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) strong-motion instruments show substantially increased shear and surface wave amplitudes coincident with the Seattle basin. Because Lake Union is situated on the Seattle basin, the size of the water waves may have been increased by local amplification of the seismic waves by the basin. Complete hazard assessments require understanding the causes of these water waves during future earthquakes.
Small‐angle light scattering from thin polymer films: Multiple scattering from Debye–Bueche scatterers

An extension of Hartel's theory for multiple scattering has been applied to the case of small-angle light scattering from polymer films with random two-phase morphology. The scattering is treated in terms of Debye–Bueche theory from which values of the correlation length, an average phase size, and mean-square fluctuation in polarizability are determined. It is shown that multiple scattering leads to a reduction in the angular dependence of scattering due to an enhancement of scattering at high angles. This leads to an underestimate of the correlation length and an overestimate of the magnitude of the mean-square polarizability fluctuation.
Exciton Diamagnetic Shifts and Magnetic Field Dependent Linewidths in Ordered and Disordered InGaP Alloys

Abstract : We have measured the diamagnetic shifts and photoluminescence linewidths of excitonic transitions in ordered and disordered In(0.48)Ga(0.52)P alloys, lattice matched to GaAs, in pulsed magnetic fields at 4 and 76 K. The pulsed magnetic field ranged between 0 and 50 T. The variations diamagnetic shifts with magnetic field in disordered and weakly ordered samples are considerably smaller than those calculated using a free exciton model. For a given magnetic field, the value of the diamagnetic shifts are found to increase with increasing order parameter. Furthermore, for all samples, the diamagnetic shifts at 76 K are larger than at 4 K suggesting that the excitons are strongly localized.
Effect of Egg Production Level, Dietary Protein and Energy on Feed Consumption and Nutrient Requirements of Laying Hens

Abstract This experiment was conducted to better estimate the minimum protein and energy requirements of the laying hen at different production levels. The experiment was also designed to estimate the maintenance level of energy and protein, and to ascertain the amounts of protein and energy needed to produce an egg. Egg production levels of 4.2, 29.8, 49.1 and 70.5 percent were actually obtained with hormonal therapy (progesterone). The effects of egg production level and dietary energy level on feed consumption were statistically significant. As egg production increased feed intake increased and as energy level increased feed intake decreased. The low producing hens (4.2 percent) consumed an average of 9.3 grams of protein and 182 Kcal. M.E. per bird daily. The 29.8 percent producing hens consumed 2.1 grams of protein and 45 Kcal. M.E. more than the 4.2 percent hens. The increase in egg production from 29.8 to 49.1 percent required an additional 1.1 grams of protein and 23 Kcal. M.E. As egg production increased from 49.1 to 70.5 percent, an additional 1.0 grams of protein and 19 Kcal. M.E. were needed. The maintenance requirement was estimated to be 6.1 grams of protein and 156 Kcal. M.E. per hen per day. It appeared that 15 grams of protein and 299 Kcal. M.E. per hen per day would be adequate for birds producing 80 percent or more. As egg production declined to 70 percent, 13.5 grams of protein and 269 Kcal. M.E. seemed adequate. Finally, when production declined to 50 percent, 12.5 grams of protein and 250 Kcal. M.E. per hen per day appeared to be sufficient.
Yolk Measurements Used as an Indication of Temperature Deterioration of Eggs

Abstract INTRODUCTION FOR research on storage conditions and for predictions of storage life a measurement is needed that varies as little as possible among eggs with the same degree of deterioration. Previous studies have shown that there is less variation among yolk measurements than among albumen measurements. Sharp and Powell (1930) measured the indexes for separated yolks and noted that raising the temperature of storage rapidly lowered the yolk index. Similar results have been obtained by many workers, including Hoist and Almquist (1932), Funk (1944), Gibbons, Michael, and Irish (1947) and Gibbons (1950). Therefore, it was decided to make yolk measurements, and to determine which of three estimates of yolk condition would be simplest and easiest to take and would show the least variation not associated with treatment. The estimates chosen were those of yolk height, yolk index, and “yolk factor” (yolk index divided by egg. weight. The decimal point in . . .
Dealing with Difference: Problems and Possibilities for Dialogue in International Relations

This address suggests some avenues through which IR scholars from a variety of methodological approaches and different geographical locations might better dialogue with each other in mutually respectful ways. It begins by briefly revisiting IR’s great debates since they represent the way the discipline has traditionally defined itself. It claims that these debates have centred on challenging the predominance of a US-centred discipline and its commitment to neo-positivist methodologies. Drawing on postcolonial and feminist literatures, it then offers some suggestions as to how might envisage an IR that is built on more global foundations and on a more pluralist understanding of what we define as scientific knowledge. It concludes with some thoughts on possible paths towards placing different scientific traditions on a more equal and mutually respectful footing.
A NEW SPECIES OF ARCHAEOHIPPUS (MAMMALIA, EQUIDAE) FROM THE ARIKAREEAN OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

The origin of the small, Miocene horse Archaeohippus is poorly known. A recently collected specimen from the late Oligocene or earliest Miocene (Arikareean) of Florida represents Archaeohippus mannulus, sp. nov. It includes a complete upper dentition, a partial left dentary with dp1–m3, and most of the right and left manus. It is the most nearly complete skeleton of an Arikareean Archaeohippus. Distinguishing characteristics of A. mannulus include: on upper P2–P3, anteroposteriorly narrow hypocone with a pronounced medivallum ridge originating on the metaloph; lower cheek teeth with a mediolaterally broad and flat hypoconulid; and extremely small body size with very gracile limb elements. Body mass of this individual is estimated at 10 kg. The revised generic diagnosis includes derived features of Archaeohippus relative to Miohippus and Anchitherium such as crochets on upper cheek teeth and reduced tridactyly, which link it with Parahippus, merychippine-grade equids, hipparionines, and equines.
A Tale of Two Campuses: Providing Virtual Reference to Distance Nursing Students

This paper describes the collaborative efforts of Southeastern Louisiana University librarians and faculty working on two campuses to provide one-on-one research coaching via digital reference service. In the fall of 2002, the University's Sims Memorial Library instituted a Virtual Reference Desk (VRD) for library patrons. In the summer of 2003, the Library began offering dedicated online VRD service to undergraduate and graduate Nursing students. Librarians worked with Nursing faculty to promote this service to students in two courses, the undergraduate Research in Nursing and the graduate Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing. The purpose of dedicated VRD is to augment traditional bibliographic instruction with dedicated virtual reference sessions once students refine their research objectives and to enhance library access for graduate students who participate in a three university consortium.
The Impact of GNMA Futures Trading on Cash Market Volatility

Excerpt] A general conclusion that can be drawn from theoretical analyses of spot market volatility when futures markets exist is best summarized by Turnovsky [1983, p. 1364] who states "under their (theoretical studies) respective assumptions, the futures market almost certainly stabilizes the “spot price." This suggests that trading in futures contracts may originate when cash markets experience considerable volatility. Indeed, futures trading on a variety of financial instruments was initiated shortly after periods of historically high interest rates.
Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling of nasal airflow to understand drug delivery process

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is off late used in multidisciplinary studies like respiratory flows in understanding the flow mechanisms and in optimizing therapeutic and surgical treatments in patients with respiratory disorders. This study is one such attempt to understand nasal drug delivery processes. Three dimensional anatomically accurate nasal airway model is reconstructed from axial Computed Tomography (CT) scans of a patient using MIMICS®. Computational volume for the nasal airway model is discretized using TGRID® and Gambit®. Flow and Particle tracking simulations are carried for a range of peak inspiratory flow rates 7.5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 lpm and particle diameters in range of 0.5 30 µm using commercial CFD package FLUENT®. Flow field is solved using a steady RANS k-ω SST turbulence closure model. For discrete phase modeling (DPM), a stochastic random walk model with a random eddy life time is used for turbulent dissipation. Effect of particle deposition efficiencies in nasal airway with several factors like particle diameter, particle density, turbulence intensity, injection types, flow rate, spray half-cone angles were studied. Increase in particle diameter, particle diameter or flow rate or all increases impaction factor and also chances of total particle deposition. Increase in turbulence intensities shows only small improvement in particle deposition and that too for smaller particle diameters only (<10 µm). Modes of particle injection studied in this report have not so significant improvement in terms of total deposition; however local deposition varies with modes of injections. In spray injection, half cone-angles appear to have little influence on total particle depositions.
Costimulation Endows Immunotherapeutic CD8 T Cells with IL-36 Responsiveness during Aerobic Glycolysis

CD134- and CD137-primed CD8 T cells mount powerful effector responses upon recall, but even without recall these dual-costimulated T cells respond to signal 3 cytokines such as IL-12. We searched for alternative signal 3 receptor pathways and found the IL-1 family member IL-36R. Although IL-36 alone did not stimulate effector CD8 T cells, in combination with IL-12, or more surprisingly IL-2, it induced striking and rapid TCR-independent IFN-γ synthesis. To understand how signal 3 responses functioned in dual-costimulated T cells we showed that IL-2 induced IL-36R gene expression in a JAK/STAT-dependent manner. These data help delineate a sequential stimulation process where IL-2 conditioning must precede IL-36 for IFN-γ synthesis. Importantly, this responsive state was transient and functioned only in effector T cells capable of aerobic glycolysis. Specifically, as the effector T cells metabolized glucose and consumed O2, they also retained potential to respond through IL-36R. This suggests that T cells use innate receptor pathways such as the IL-36R/axis when programmed for aerobic glycolysis. To explore a function for IL-36R in vivo, we showed that dual costimulation therapy reduced B16 melanoma tumor growth while increasing IL-36R gene expression. In summary, cytokine therapy to eliminate tumors may target effector T cells, even outside of TCR specificity, as long as the effectors are in the correct metabolic state.
THE PROTEIN AND ANIMO ACID REQUIREMENTS OF THE PREMATURE INFANT

The optimal feeding for the premature infant has yet to be defined and, in particular, the most advantageous intake of protein has been the subject of considerable investigation. Human milk with its low protein content was widely used and considered to be the feeding of choice until the studies of Gordon and Levine (I) indicated that premature infants, especially those with birth weights of under 1600 grams, gained weight more rapidly and retained more nitrogen when fed cow’s milk mixtures that contained a good deal more protein. These mixtures, however, also contained more minerals and several observers (2–4) suggested that the increased weight gain was the result of fluid retention. With greater appreciation of the strain of an increased solute load on the immature kidney, most recently there has been a tendency to feed a more moderate protein intake, in the range of 3 to 3.5 grams/kilogram/day.
The evaluation and treatment of urinary incontinence in women: a primary care approach.

Background: Urinary incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine severe enough to have adverse social or hygienic consequences, is a major clinical problem and a significant cause of disability and dependency. At least 10 million adults in the US suffer from urinary incontinence, including an estimated 15 to 30 percent of community-dwelling older persons. In spite of its high rate of occurrence, fewer than one-half of women with regular urinary incontinence seek medical help for their problem, either because of embarrassment or the perception that their symptoms are normal. Methods: MEDLINE files were searched from 1970 to 1990 using the key words “incontinence,” “prevalence,” and “diagnosis” and for specific nonsurgical treatments. Only articles pertaining to adult women were chosen. Results and Conclusions: Urinary incontinence frequently can be diagnosed accurately by family physicians using basic tests in the office. Many women experience improvement of incontinence with properly employed behavioral and pharmacologic therapy. Other women benefit from referral for specialized evaluation and consideration for surgical therapy.
Note on Valuation Analysis for Mergers and Acquisitions

This note surveys the classic firm-valuation methods and provides a comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches. It is meant to be used as a convenient technical reference and supplement to cases emphasizing firm valuation.
Bioavailability of Fullerene under Environmentally Relevant Conditions: Effects of Humic Acid and Fetal Bovine Serum on Accumulation in Lipid Bilayers and Cellular Uptake

Carbon fullerene (C60) has emerged at the forefront of nanoscale research and application due to its unique properties. As the production of this nanoparticle rapidly increases, it can be released into natural aquatic environments and can accumulate in biological systems. This research examined the effects of humic acid and fetal bovine serum (FBS), which are ubiquitous in aquatic environments and representative of blood plasma in living organisms, respectively, on bioavailability of fullerene. Bioavailability was investigated using in vitro methods for lipid membrane accumulation and cellular uptake studies. Humic acid and FBS significantly changed the characteristics of fullerene including its particle size and surface charge. The effects of humic acid on lipid accumulation of fullerene depended on the lipid head charge. FBS also significantly decreased the lipid accumulation when positively charged and zwitterionic head groups were present on the lipids, possibly due to the higher steric repulsion of t...
Visualization for Hyper-Heuristics: Back-End Processing

Modern society is faced with increasingly complex problems, many of which can be formulated as generate-and-test optimization problems. Yet, general-purpose optimization algorithms may sometimes require too much computational time. In these instances, hyperheuristics may be used. Hyper-heuristics automate the design of algorithms to create a custom algorithm for a particular scenario, finding the solution significantly faster than its predecessor. However, it may be difficult to understand exactly how a design was derived and why it should be trusted. This project aims to address these issues by creating an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) for hyper-heuristics and an easy-to-understand scientific visualization for the produced solutions. To support the development of this GUI, my portion of the research involved developing algorithms that would allow for parsing of the data produced by the hyper-heuristics. This data would then be sent to the front-end, where it would be displayed to the end user.
Numerical Analysis of Rodent Distributional Patterns in Zacatecas, México

Rodent distributional patterns in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico, were analyzed by cluster and factor techniques. Forty-six species and five environmental variables were recorded from 57 quadrats within the state. Three separate indices of association between quadrats produced four major clusters in common to each that represented major ecogeographic units in the state: Desert, Grassland, Montane, and Tropical. Factor analysis defined or refined the same four ecogeographic units. Factor I separated a Desert fauna from a Grassland fauna. Factor II defined the Montane fauna. Factor III was associated with desert mountain ranges. Factor IV was associated with tropical canyons. Factor V defined a Desert-Grassland ecotone. Factor VI was associated with southern tropical canyons. Factor VII was associated with mesic habitats. A synthesis of the results of the two techniques produced five Rodent Faunal Areas.
Clinical equipoise and treatment decisions in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Equilibre clinique et decision de traitement dans la myelopathie cervico-arthrosique. Objectif: Le principal objectif de cette etude etait d'evaluer l'attitude des cliniciens concernant le traitement de la myelopathie cervico-arthrosique (MCA) afin d'etablir s'il existe un equilibre clinique pour une partie de cette population de patients. L'objectif secondaire etait d'examiner les facteurs qui influencent la decision de traitement. Methodes: Il s'agit d'une enquete transversale par Internet aupres des neurologues, des neurochirurgiens et des orthopedistes. Resultats: De 40 a 60% des repondants recommandaient la chirurgie: 1) aux patients qui avaient peu ou pas de symptomes, chez qui une augmentation du signal T2 au niveau de la moelle cervicale etait une decouverte fortuite; 2) aux patients presentant des symptomes legers et une indentation de la moelle cervicale sans augmentation du signal T2; 3) a ceux qui avaient des manifestations cliniques moderement severes et une IRM demontrant un effacement du sac thecal sans indentation de la moelle ou sans augmentation du signal T2. La severite des anomalies radiologiques influence fortement la decision de traitement. Conclusions: Nous concluons que l'equilibre clinique existe pour certains groupes de patients atteints de MCA et qu'un essai controle, randomise, pourrait etre fait dans cette population de patients.
Competition in the Multilateral Development Organizations: A Holistic Perspective (Competencia En Los Organismos Multilaterales De Desarrollo: Una Perspectiva Holística)

This analysis presents a holistic perspective on the use of competition policy by Multilateral Development Banks' (MDBs) as an instrument to fulfill these organizations' mandate vis-a-vis poverty reduction and reveals the areas that could benefit from further cooperation with the competition community. The study is an attempt to inform potential cooperation opportunities between MDB's and the competition community with the aim of bringing closer together both communities.
Spaces of consent and the making of fracking subjects in North Dakota: A view from two corporate community forums

Abstract Although hydraulic fracturing (fracking) has become a key area of analysis in extractive studies, North Dakota’s Bakken Formation has been largely ignored. In addition, while scholars have begun to link subject formation with environmental behavior, explicit reference to existing theories of environmentality have been noticeably absent. This essay seeks to both introduce the Bakken to ethnographic studies of fracking as well as explicitly provide a model for using environmentality alongside existing political economic approaches. Such engagements help not only to better connect fracking subjectivities to larger societal processes, but also allows for the drawing of connections with bodies of literature on subjectivity and institutional analysis.
The Packaging Structure and Development Trend of Intelligent/smart Power Module

In consumer and general industrial filed,the development for Intelligent/Smart Power Module for power and motor control application is facing the big challenge on robust design,Packaging Process Optimization,Yield Improvement,Cost Reduction and Capacity Increment.The solution for these problems are the Package Design itself.While the product application,reliability and marketing factors are becoming the limit to designer's imagination.The paper introduced the development status of power semiconductor and Intelligent/Smart Power Module,analyzed the SPM/IPM package structure,character,process flow and materials including the process problems and solutions,finally discussed the trend of package design.
Rigid and Elastic Articulated Rotating Composite Blades

In Chaps. 5 and 6, the nonlinear elasto-dynamics of rotating hingeless (cantilever) blades was analyzed. Contrary to hingeless blades that cannot perform rigid body motions, in order to reduce moment loads that are induced at the root, in many helicopters blades are articulated. Analyzing the dynamics of these articulated or hinged blades requires the inclusion of rigid body motions as a new set of unknown variables.
David Oliver: Nurse staffing levels are still not safe

Setting out his vision to make the NHS “the safest in the world,” Jeremy Hunt has discussed the need for a less bureaucratic, more people centred system using data.1 But endless bureaucratic flip-flopping and political meddling over safe nurse staffing levels illustrate the emptiness of his rhetoric. In the final 2013 report of his public inquiry into Mid Staffordshire Hospital,2 Robert Francis specifically recommended that “minimum safe staffing and skill-mix levels should be drawn up by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence [NICE] and policed by the Care Quality Commission [CQC].” …
Reliability and validity of the Lifestyle Hypertension Cognitive Representations scale.

Lifestyle behaviors are thought to be guided by cognitive or mental representations that function to structure knowledge related to behaviors and goals. The Lifestyle Hypertension Cognitive Representations (LHCR) scale was developed to measure cognitions about hypertension-related behaviors on three cognitive dimensions. Items were derived from a literature and content analysis of qualitative data from 124 hypertensive patients. The three dimensions based on cognitive research generated subscales for perceptions (recognition), preferences (importance), and possibilities (future usefulness). Internal consistency reliability was adequate with alpha coefficients near .80 for composite and subscales in two independent culturally diverse samples. The total-to-total correlation with a related construct was low. One-way ANOVA demonstrated the expected results for known group differences by severity of blood pressure state for the composite, perceptions and possibilities subscales of the LHCR. Multiple regression revealed that the perceptions and possibilities subscales interacted to predict diastolic blood pressure. Together with socio-demographic variables explained the variance for a total of 25%. Further work is indicated to determine the instrument's usefulness as a basis for interventions to reduce blood pressure.
Communications: Comment: “The Impact on Managers of Frequency of Feedback”— By Doris M. Cook

This article comments on the paper “The Impact on Managers of Frequency of Feedback,” by Doris M. Cook. The article is believed to be an example of over reliance on the obvious and a failure to con...
Withdrawing from Investment Treaties but Protecting Investment

A backlash against Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), in which multinational corporations can sue governments, has led some states to unilaterally withdraw from some of the thousands of investment treaties that facilitate ISDS. But thanks to redundancies in the dense, decentralized network of investment treaties, states can reject some treaty commitments to ISDS and maintain most (if not all) international legal protections for foreign investors. In this article, we explain the source of redundancies, document the group of states that have taken advantage of unilateral withdrawal, and demonstrate that states can recalibrate their international legal commitments without eschewing contemporary international investment law.
Complete traumatic transection of urethra and vagina in a child

Abstract Urethral injury in females is rare in the absence of pelvic fracture. We report a case of a five year-old girl who sustained sharp perineal trauma that resulted in complete transection of both the vagina and urethra. We discuss management and review the literature.
LUCIA a new italian talking-head based on a modified cohen-massaro's labial coarticulation model.

LUCIA, a new Italian talking head based on a modified version of the Cohen-Massaro’s labial coarticulation model is described. A semi-automatic minimization technique, working on real cinematic data, acquired by the ELITE optoelectronic system, was used to train the dynamic characteristics of the model. LUCIA is an MPEG-4 standard facial animation system working on standard FAP visual parameters and speaking with the Italian version of FESTIVAL TTS.
Developing Evaluation Indicators to Improve the Process of Coproducing Usable Climate Science

AbstractResource managers and decision-makers are increasingly tasked with integrating climate change science into their decisions about resource management and policy development. This often requires climate scientists, resource managers, and decision-makers to work collaboratively throughout the research processes, an approach to knowledge development that is often called “coproduction of knowledge.” The goal of this paper is to synthesize the social science theory of coproduction of knowledge, the metrics currently used to evaluate usable or actionable science in several federal agencies, and insights from experienced climate researchers and program managers to develop a set of 45 indicators supporting an evaluation framework for coproduced usable climate science. Here the proposed indicators and results from two case studies that were used to test the indicators are presented, as well as lessons about the process of evaluating the coproduction of knowledge and collaboratively producing climate knowledge.
Mathematical formulation and numerical methods

Numerical solution of the mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations governing mixed convection in fluid-superposed porous layers is described. The momentum equation includes the Brinkman and Forchheimer terms and the Boussinesq equation of state accounts for buoyancy. The lower boundary of the system is heated over a finite length with the heat sink on the upper surface of the fluid sublayer. Test cases against prior investigations give very good results for free and mixed convection in saturated porous layers and cavities with full bottom heating.
Longitudinal imaging of HIV-1 spread in humanized mice with parallel 3D immunofluorescence and electron tomography

Dissemination of HIV-1 throughout lymphoid tissues leads to systemic virus spread following infection. We combined tissue clearing, 3D-immunofluorescence, and electron tomography (ET) to longitudinally assess early HIV-1 spread in lymphoid tissues in humanized mice. Immunofluorescence revealed peak infection density in gut at 10-12 days post-infection when blood viral loads were low. Human CD4+ T-cells and HIV-1-infected cells localized predominantly to crypts and the lower third of intestinal villi. Free virions and infected cells were not readily detectable by ET at 5-days post-infection, whereas HIV-1-infected cells surrounded by pools of free virions were present in ~10% of intestinal crypts by 10-12 days. ET of spleen revealed thousands of virions released by individual cells and discreet cytoplasmic densities near sites of prolific virus production. These studies highlight the importance of multiscale imaging of HIV-1-infected tissues and are adaptable to other animal models and human patient samples.
Applying systems thinking models of organizational design and change in community operational research

Abstract In this article, we present a systems thinking approach to organizational design and change called VMCL (vision, mission, culture/capacity, learning) and describe different community applications to illustrate its theoretical and practical relevance to community operational research (Community OR). VMCL was developed to apply systems thinking and complexity theory to any situation that involves groups of people, such as organizations. Additionally, we elaborate a network-based theory of change called NFST (naysayers, fence-sitters, supporters, thought leaders) for implementing VMCL in any community context. We describe how VMCL was extensively applied to local grassroots movements involving community members, students, staff, teachers, school leaders, and board members to change US school districts. We then discuss the relevance and application of VMCL and NFST to community mobilization by a grassroots movement in Wisconsin, USA. We conclude by discussing the ways in which VMCL and NFST foster systemic Community OR, and how they are useful tools for community organizers and other practitioners.
Open Up to Make New Contacts: Caldendrin Senses Postsynaptic Calcium Influx to Dynamically Organize Dendritic Spines.

In this issue of Neuron, Mikhaylova et al. (2018) report how the Ca2+ sensor caldendrin interacts in dendritic spines with cortactin to control actin remodeling. Combining molecular and functional approaches, this work gains insights into postsynaptic dynamics relevant for synaptic plasticity.
Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Acquired Thrombocytopenia After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Pooled, Patient-Level Analysis of the CHAMPION Trials (Cangrelor Versus Standard Therapy to Achieve Optimal Management of Platelet Inhibition)

Background— The influence of cangrelor on the incidence and outcomes of post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) thrombocytopenia is not defined. We aimed to explore the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of thrombocytopenia after PCI in cangrelor-treated patients. Methods and Results— This was a pooled, patient-level analysis of the CHAMPION trials (Cangrelor Versus Standard Therapy to Achieve Optimal Management of Platelet Inhibition), which compared cangrelor with clopidogrel for prevention of thrombotic complications during and after PCI. Acquired thrombocytopenia was defined as either a drop in platelet count to 50% between baseline and a follow-up. The main efficacy outcome was major adverse cardiac events. The primary safety outcome was noncoronary artery bypass grafting–related Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries–defined severe bleeding at 48 hours. Patients (23 783) were enrolled, and 3009 (12.7%) received a GPI (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor). Acquired thrombocytopenia occurred in 200 patients (0.8%). The adjusted rate of major adverse cardiovascular events at 48 hours was significantly higher in patients who developed thrombocytopenia compared with those who did not (odds ratio, 3.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.89–4.69; P P P Conclusions— Acquired thrombocytopenia after PCI is strongly associated with substantial early morbidity and mortality, as well as major bleeding. GPI use is a significant predictor of thrombocytopenia. Cangrelor is not associated with acquired thrombocytopenia, and its clinical efficacy and safety is consistent irrespective of thrombocytopenia occurrence. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT00305162, NCT00385138, and NCT01156571.