cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Destination image representation on the web : Content analysis of Macau travel related websites

Abstract This study attempted to identify the image representations of Macau on the Internet by analyzing the contents of a variety of web information sources—Macau official tourism website, tour operators and travel agents’ websites, online travel magazine and guide websites, and online travel “blogs.” Both qualitative (text mining and expert judgment) and quantitative approaches (correspondence analysis) were used to content-analyze the narrative and visual information on the sampled websites. The results showed that the image of Macau projected online varies by the different online information sources. These variations could largely be explained by the different communication objectives and targeted audiences of the different web information sources. This study underscores the importance of understanding the multiplicity of destination image representations on the web and the challenges of managing and delivering the desired image of a destination online.
An intrahemispheric columnar projection between two cortical multisensory convergence areas (inferior parietal lobule and prefrontal cortex): An anterograde study in macaque using HRP gel

Abstract Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) gel and tetramethylbenzidine neurohistochemistry were used successfully in demonstrating the columnar organization of an intrahemispheric projection from the inferior parietal lobule to the prefrontal cortex in the macaque monkey. Following an HRP gel implant within the upper portion of the posterior (caudal) bank of the intraparietal sulcus, a prominent anterograde terminal projection field, consisting of alternate light and dark (300–500 μm) columns, was observed using low-power dark-field microscopy in the caudal third of the sulcus principalis cortex (area 46). At higher magnification large numbers of small retrogradely-labeled pyramidal cells were present in layers III and V of the same cortex. The regionally-specific projection, coupled with its discrete anatomical organization, lends support to the reputed functional/behavioral subsectors within the prefrontal cortex and its apparent capacity for spatial representation.
Principles of Geriatric Care

The increase in the numbers of elderly in the United States, and their projected continued increase to 21% or more of the population by 2030, has provided impetus for the growth of geriatrics. Recognition of change that is age-related rather than disease-related, and the ways in which the elderly differ from their young counterparts is vital in the care of the elderly. A functional approach and appropriate geriatric assessment have been shown to be beneficial to the individual.
Gastric tuft cells express DCLK1 and are expanded in hyperplasia

Epithelial tuft cells are named after their characteristic microtubule bundles located at the cell apex where these are exposed to the luminal environment. As such, tuft cells are found in multiple organs, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract where the apical “tuft” is hypothesized to detect and transmit environmental signals. Thus, the goal of our study was to characterize gastric tuft cells during GI tract development, then subsequently in the normal and metaplastic adult stomach. GI tracts from mouse embryos, and newborn and postnatal mice were analyzed. Tuft cells were identified by immunohistochemistry using acetylated-α-tubulin (acTub) antibody to detect the microtubule bundle. Additional tuft cell markers, e.g., doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), were used to co-localize with acTub. Tuft cells were quantified in human gastric tissue arrays and in mouse stomachs with or without inflammation. In the developing intestine, tuft cells in both the crypts and villi expressed all markers by E18.5. In the stomach, acTub co-localized with DCLK1 and other established tuft cell markers by E18.5 in the antrum, but not until postnatal day 7 in the corpus, with the highest density of tuft cells clustered at the forestomach ridge. Tuft cell numbers increased in hyperplastic human and mouse stomachs. In the adult GI tract, the tuft cell marker acTub co-expressed with DCKL1 and chemosensory markers, e.g.,TRPM5. In summary, tuft cells appear in the gastric antrum and intestine at E18.5, but their maximal numbers in the corpus are not achieved until after weaning. Tuft cell numbers increase with inflammation, hyperplasia, and metaplasia.
A re-examination of the Lansing Effect

The Lansing Effect, simply stated, is that the offspring of old parents tend to have shorter lifespans than the offspring of young parents and in both cases these tendencies are transmitted to successive generations. This statement is difficult to justify from Lansing’s data because of the variation in mean lifespan that was observed from one generation to the next. A more precise statement of the Lansing Effect is that isogenic lines derived from young parents tend to persist for more generations than lines derived from old parents.
Low-Temperature Adsorption of Hydrogen on Activated Carbon

Abstract The adsorption isotherm of pure hydrogen on activated carbon (coconut shell) was determined at — 186[ddot]C over a pressure range of 1 to 772 mm Hg. A McBain balance apparatus with a modified refrigerant thermostat was used.
Rehabilitation following brain damage: some neurophysiological mechanisms. Functional recovery in the visual and vestibular pathways.

SummaryThe visual and labyrinthine sensing systems are often neglected in the rehabilitation process of patients with central nervous system (CNS) lesions. Nevertheless, their integrity is essential for the construction of motor tasks ranging from accurate reaching to the co-ordinated behaviours of posture and locomotion. This tasks may be influenced considerably by the roles of the visual and vestibular systems in the perceptual analysis of localizing objects in space (“egocentric localization”) and of spatial orientation of the body (“egoorientation”) and in controlling oculomotor and postural stability. The anatomy, physiology, clinical relevance and patterns of recovery of function of two specific visual-vestibular related behaviours is addressed, namely ocular stability and egocentric localization. Emphasis is placed upon such issues as (a) motor learning in complete and incomplete lesions as adjudged from observations of peripheral vestibular nerve disorders; (b) the role of the cerebellum in calibr...
High Energy Gamma-rays and Modern Electronics

As requirements for satellite on-board processing throughput continue to increase, users of radiation tolerant electronics are driven to ever decreasing feature sizes. As device feature sizes drop below the current radiation hardened capabilities of 130 nm one should include more of the high-energy space environment in the analysis of the potential effects. The effects due to particle showers produced by very high-energy celestial gamma-rays and charged particles have been neglected to date because of their low numbers, but small feature size large area devices may have susceptibilities. Above an energy of 30 MeV, the primary photon interaction with matter is pair production. These particles in turn interact producing an electromagnetic shower. The result of such an interaction is that many charged particles will pass through the system at one time. The integrated flux is approximately 10 photons/cm2/day with each photon producing two or more charged daughter particles. Since the incident particles are photons they are not affected by the Earth's magnetic field and the integrated rate will be approximately the same for any orbit. An interaction anywhere on the space vehicle, primary structure, subsystem enclosures, or actual electronic parts will produce a shower that can affect any components downstream of it. There is a definite need to study this problem. The NASA gamma-ray large area space telescope, to be launched in the spring of 2008, will be the most sophisticated Gamma- ray telescope ever flown. GLAST is a pair conversion telescope which measures the direction and energy of the daughter products of the incident photon using a silicon strip tracker and CsI calorimeter. It will provide detailed information on both celestial and Earth albedo Gamma-rays as well as providing additional detail on the charged particle environment in low Earth orbit through its on-board and ground segment charged particle rejection capabilities.
Freud, Hitler, and National Socialism.

“On April 1, 1924, I entered upon my prison term in the fortress of Landsberg am Lech, as sentenced by the People’s court in Munich on that day” (Hitler, 1927, p. vi) And thus begins Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf. It was not a book that he wrote so much as dictated to two colleagues, Emil Maurice, his chauffeur and allaround lackey, and then to Rudolf Hess, who would one day head the Nazi Party. Early on in this distorted and reimagined memoir, Hitler addressed the issue of the Jew. “Today, it is difficult if not impossible, for me to say when the word ‘Jew’ first gave me ground for special thoughts.” Not too much further along, he seemed to have found his answer, “Once as I was strolling though the Inner City, I suddenly encountered an apparition in a black caftan and black hair locks. Is this a Jew, was my first thought.” Hitler went on, “Ever since I had begun to concern myself with this question and to take cognizance of the Jews, Vienna appeared to me in a different light. Wherever I went , I began to see Jews and the more I saw, the more sharply they became distinguished in my eyes from the rest of humanity.” Hitler described his researches into this question before he announced his epiphany, “To my deep and joyful satisfaction, I had at last come to the conclusion that the Jew was no German!” (p. 51) All this Hitler professed to have discovered before the age of twenty while still living in Vienna. Several things are of interest. First there is ample evidence that Hitler’s “epiphany” came to him in a very different form than the one he relates, that his “insights” were more of a reaction to on-going events than a sudden “awakening,” that his reconfigured autobiography was not in the service of self-aware-
Gene use restriction technologies for transgenic plant bioconfinement.

Summary The advances of modern plant technologies, especially genetically modified crops, are considered to be a substantial benefit to agriculture and society. However, so-called transgene escape remains and is of environmental and regulatory concern. Genetic use restriction technologies (GURTs) provide a possible solution to prevent transgene dispersal. Although GURTs were originally developed as a way for intellectual property protection (IPP), we believe their maximum benefit could be in the prevention of gene flow, that is, bioconfinement. This review describes the underlying signal transduction and components necessary to implement any GURT system. Furthermore, we review the similarities and differences between IPP- and bioconfinement-oriented GURTs, discuss the GURTs’ design for impeding transgene escape and summarize recent advances. Lastly, we go beyond the state of the science to speculate on regulatory and ecological effects of implementing GURTs for bioconfinement.
Evaluating the Learning Object Metadata for K-12 educational resources

The Learning Object Metadata (LOM) is an emerging standard for organizing descriptions of digital or nondigital entities used to support learning. The descriptions include educational, legal, and technical characteristics of these resources. The article describes an application of the LOM to the construction of a database of resources available to public schools in Hawaii and reports on issues encountered, focusing on structural issues such as dependencies between elements. The paper illustrates why the development of metadata formats cannot be divorced from an understanding of educational context.
Architectures and platforms for knowledge discovery from data: workshop at WICSA/ECSA 2012

Inaugural APKDD workshop presents state-of-the-art research and industry practices in the areas of analytic platforms and architectures for large scale data collection and organization, comprehensive data analysis, improvement of collection and organization methods and analysis of large data sets. Workshop participants will share presentations, empirical and theoretical studies, best practices and algorithms related to data management platforms for heterogeneous data storage including mobile, large scale data analysis platforms, requirements methodology and "big data" analytic software
Photodissociation of the diacetylene dimer and implications for hydrocarbon growth in Titan's atmosphere

The surface of Titan is obscured by multiple aerosol layers whose composition and formation mechanism have remained poorly understood. These organic haze layers are believed to arise from photolysis and electron impact triggered chemistry in the dense nitrogen (N2) and methane (CH4) atmosphere involving highly unsaturated hydrocarbon molecules such as acetylene (HCCH), diacetylene (HCCCCH), and triacetylene (HCCCCCCH). Here we show via laboratory studies combined with electronic structure calculations that the photodissociation of the diacetylene dimer ((HCCCCH)2) readily initiates atomic hydrogen loss and atomic hydrogen transfer reactions forming two prototypes of resonantly stabilized free radicals, C4H3 and C8H3, respectively. These structures represent hydrogenated polyynes which can neither be synthesized via traditional photodissociation pathways of the monomer nor via hydrogen addition to the polyynes. The photodissociation dynamics of mixed dimers involving acetylene, diacetylene, and even triacetylene present a novel, hitherto overlooked reaction class and show the potential to synthesize more complex, resonantly stabilized free radicals considered to be major building blocks to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Titan's low-temperature atmosphere.
Dirhodium(II) Tetrakis[N‐phthaloyl‐(S)‐adamantylglycine]

[909389-99-7] C80H80N4O16Rh2 (MW 1559) InChI = 1S/4C20H21NO4.2Rh/c4*22-17-14-3-1-2-4-15(14)18(23)21(17)16(19(24)25)20-8-11-5-12(9-20)7-13(6-11)10-20;;/h4*1-4,11-13,16H,5-10H2,(H,24,25);;/q;;;;2*+2/p-4/t4*11?,12?,13?,16-,20-;;/m1111../s1 InChIKey = SGEDWOHAUXKUGM-YJRRUZOKSA-J (catalyst for enantioselective intramolecular CH insertion reactions, catalyst for enantioselective intermolecular cyclopropanation, CH activation and tandem cyclopropanation/Cope rearrangement reactions) This catalyst is commercially available and supplied by Strem. Physical Data: mp 270–275 °C; [α]25d +35.9° (c = 0.1, CDCl3); 1H NMR (CDCl3, 500 MHz): δ7.85 (dd, J = 8.5, 5.0 Hz, 2H), 7.59 (d, J = 3.5 Hz, 2H), 4.71 (s, 1H), 2.0–1.5 (m, 15H); FTIR: 2905, 2850, 1713, 1605, 1382, 1113, 906, 729, 674 cm−1. Solubility: soluble in dichloromethane, toluene, and sparingly soluble in hydrocarbons. Form Supplied in: green solid. Preparative Methods: from dirhodium tetraacetate by ligand exchange with N-phthaloyl-(S)-adamantylglycine1 according to the method of Callot.2 Purification: further purification is generally not necessary, may be purified by column chromatography on silica gel with hexanes/EtOAc (3:2) as solvent. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the catalyst is air and thermally stable but hygroscopic; stored in a desiccator. The toxicity of the title reagent, Rh2(S-PTAD)4, is unknown.
Contributions of stretch activation to length-dependent contraction in murine myocardium.

The steep relationship between systolic force production and end diastolic volume (Frank-Starling relationship) in myocardium is a potentially important mechanism by which the work capacity of the heart varies on a beat-to-beat basis, but the molecular basis for the effects of myocardial fiber length on cardiac work are still not well understood. Recent studies have suggested that an intrinsic property of myocardium, stretch activation, contributes to force generation during systolic ejection in myocardium. To examine the role of stretch activation in length dependence of activation we recorded the force responses of murine skinned myocardium to sudden stretches of 1% of muscle length at both short (1.90 μm) and long (2.25 μm) sarcomere lengths (SL). Maximal Ca2+-activated force and Ca2+ sensitivity of force were greater at longer SL, such that more force was produced at a given Ca2+ concentration. Sudden stretch of myocardium during an otherwise isometric contraction resulted in a concomitant increase in force that quickly decayed to a minimum and was followed by a delayed development of force, i.e., stretch activation, to levels greater than prestretch force. At both maximal and submaximal activations, increased SL significantly reduced the initial rate of force decay following stretch; at submaximal activations (but not at maximal) the rate of delayed force development was accelerated. This combination of mechanical effects of increased SL would be expected to increase force generation during systolic ejection in vivo and prolong the period of ejection. These results suggest that sarcomere length dependence of stretch activation contributes to the steepness of the Frank-Starling relationship in living myocardium.
Photonic crystal optofluidics for high throughput biosensing

Photonic crystal reflectance filters are co-fabricated/integrated with microfluidic channels that enable selective tuning of resonant reflectance spectra on flexible, transparent plastic substrates. Label-free biodetection within the fluid network is demonstrated as an exemplary application.
Crystallization of Anorthite‐Seeded Albite Glass by Solid‐State Epitaxy

Stoichiometric albite glass (NaAlSi3O8) was seeded with 5 wt% crystalline anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8) to make albite glass-ceramics. The epitaxial crystallization of the albite glass to the glass-ceramics was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). High albite was observed as the major crystallization product over the temperature range of 800–1200°C. No crystalline albite could be crystallized from pure albite glass without seeds. Small amounts of nepheline (NaAlSiO4), however, crystallized along with albite after heat treatments at temperatures lower than 1000°C. The platelike microstructure of albite crystals was revealed in the seeded glasses. The albite blades grew epitaxially from the anorthite seeds, and the Ca content decreased in the direction away from the seeds. The degree of crystallization and the grain size were dependent upon the heat treatment conditions. By increasing the particle size of the seed, the crystallization process was retarded and the resultant microstructure was degraded. The seeding efficiency was also lowered by adding nonisostructural hexagonal anorthite seeds which produced less albite but more nepheline crystals. Crystallization of albite glass by seeding with 5 wt% anorthite is much greater than with the surface nucleation which takes place in a homogeneous 95 wt% albite + 5 wt% anorthite glass.
Estimating Import Supply and Demand Elasticities: Analysis and Implications I

Feenstra (1994) developed, and Broda and Weinstein (2006) refined, a structural estimator to estimate import demand and supply elasticities. Working through the first principles of the methodology from Leamer (1981), this paper analyzes and improves the technique to provide a unified estimator of import supply and demand elasticities. The proposed LIML routine corrects small sample biases and constrained search inefficiencies. Standard estimates are shown to overestimate the median elasticity of substitution by over 35%. Applied to US import data from 1993-2007, the biases of the standard estimates translate into an understatement of consumer gains from product variety by a factor of 6. Lastly, I investigate the implications of violations to the underlying assumptions of the model.
EVERYDAY ANTIRACISM: Competence and Religion in the Cultural Repertoire of the African American Elite

This exploratory study makes a contribution to the literature on antiracism by unpacking the cultural categories through which everyday antiracism is experienced and practiced by extraordinarily successful African Americans. Using a phenomenological approach, we focus on processes of classification to analyze the criteria that members of the African American elite mobilize to compare racial groups and establish their equality. We first summarize results from earlier work on the antiracist strategies of White and African American workers. Second, drawing upon in-depth interviews with members of the Black elite, we show that demonstrating intelligence and competence, and gaining knowledge, are particularly valued strategies of equalization, while religion has a subordinate role within their antiracist repertoire. Thus, gaining cultural membership is often equated with educational and occupational attainment. Antiracist strategies that value college education and achievement by the standards of American individualism may exclude many poor and working-class African Americans from cultural membership. In this way, strategies of equalization based on educational and professional competence may prove dysfunctional for racial solidarity.
Generic Substitution of Levetiracetam Resulting in Increased Incidence of Breakthrough Seizures

Objective:We report on 4 patients having an increased incidence of seizures when treatment was switched from brand name levetiracetam (Keppra) to generic levetiracetam formulations.Case Summary:Patients reported an increase in seizure activity to their neurologists after treatment was switched from Keppra to generic levetiracetam formulations. To confirm the timeline of increased seizure activity with use of the generic drug and report these adverse events to MedWatch, we made a telephone call to each patient's pharmacy to collect information on dispensing dates and the generic formulations' manufacturers. Subsequent to the increase in seizure frequency with generic levetiracetam, treatment in all 4 patients was switched back to Keppra. Seizure frequency in all patients returned to baseline when Keppra was reinstituted.Discussion:The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers generic medications to be therapeutically equivalent to their corresponding brand name formulation when the generic meets bioequi...
Correlations between motor persistence and plasma levels in methylphenidate-treated boys with ADHD.

Following a 0.9 mg/kg methylphenidate loading dose, serial plasma level determinations, self-scored mood ratings, and measures of motor persistence were gathered on eight previously unmedicated boys with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD) during a 9-h period. The measures were repeated using the same loading dose after 6 months of maintenance treatment with methylphenidate (1.3 mg/kg.d). Kinetic-dynamic modelling suggests inverse correlative relationships between motor performance errors and plasma levels. Pharmacokinetic parameters did not change between acute and maintenance drug treatment phases, and there was no evidence of long-term tolerance.
PROFINITE G-SPECTRA

We construct a stable model structure on profinite spectra with a continuous action of an arbitrary profinite group. The motivation is to provide a natural framework in a subsequent paper for a new and conceptually simplified construction of continuous homotopy fixed point spectra and of continuous homotopy fixed point spectral sequences for Lubin-Tate spectra under the action of the extended Morava stabilizer group.
The Proper Conduct of Research

Scientific misconduct has garnered recent attention by the media over scandals concerning falsification and fabrication of data surrounding potentially promising breakthroughs in stem-cell research, allegations of plagiarism at a U.S. university, and financial conflicts of interest between researchers and drug companies. While this makes for interesting copy, discussion of scientific fraud provides an excellent opportunity to review ethical standards for research and examine the conflicts that confront researchers today. This review specifically focuses on five areas that involve scientific integrity-plagiarism, falsification, fabrication, authorship, and conflict of interest-as well as nuances in each area that even senior investigators may not be aware of (e.g., self-plagiarism). The standards for ethical conductance of research discussed in this review are those set by many scientific, peer-reviewed journals and by federal and private granting agencies, and therefore it highlights the expectations and guidelines surrounding manuscript and grant submissions and review, and the consequences associated with violations. This review is intended to stimulate discussion among readers and assess what is necessary to become a good, competitive, but ethical researcher, especially in an era of shrinking financial resources for research.
Development and Evaluation of a Training Program on Whole Farm Nutrient Planning for Organic Farms

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. nutrient management, organic nutrient sources, compost, train-the-trainer SUMMARY. Organic growers have indicated a need for help with the challenge of nutrient management. To address this challenge, an intensive training program for agricultural educators was convened to study this issue. Through the program, existing soil and compost analysis recommendations were modified to make them more relevant for organic growers; computer-based whole farm nutrient planning tools were evaluated using situations common to organic farms; and educational materials on using organic nutrient sources were developed for grower audiences. Educational workshops, presentations, and farm visits reached 714 growers and publicationsreached over2575people.Surveyrespondents of theintensivetraining program rated their ability to help organic growers with nutrient management as 3.50 before and 5.50 (7-point scale, with 7 = excellent) after the sessions. About 1 year later, all survey respondents rated their ability to help growers using organic nutrient sources as excellent or above average. Grower knowledge of using organic nutrient sources improved to 5.92 from 3.92 as a result of a workshop and to 5.62 from 3.89 (7-point scale, with 7 = excellent) after a 1-day class developed by intensive training participants. Methodology used allowed for expansion of individual and collective knowledge of a complicated topic and development of high impact, relevant, and effective educational programming for clientele.
Hemangiogenic response after pre-operative COX2 inhibition predicts recurrence in esophageal cancer

15077 Background: Growth of esophageal cancer involves a proliferative hemangiogenic component. Biomarkers that predict this propensity in esophageal cancer and the impact of anti-angiogenic strate...
From XML to RDF: Syntax, Semantics, Security, and Integrity (Invited Paper)

In this paper we evaluate security methods for eXtensible Markup Language (XML) and the Resource Description Framework (RDF). We argue that existing models are insufficient to provide high assurance security for future Web-based applications. We begin with a brief overview of XML access control models, where the protection objects are identified by the XML syntax. However, these approaches are limited to handle updates and structural modifications of the XML documents. We argue that XML security methods must be based on the intended meaning of XML and the semantics of the application using XML. We identify two promising research directions to extend the XML model with semantics. The first approach incorporates traditional database concepts, like key and integrity constraints, in the XML model. The second approach aims to associate XML documents with metadata supporting Web-based applications. We propose the development of security models based on these semantics-oriented approaches to achieve high assurance. Further, we investigate the security needs of Web metadata, like RDF, RDFS, and OWL. In particular, we study the security risks of unwanted inferences and data aggregation, supported by these languages.
Birth Plans: What Matters for Birth Experience Satisfaction.

Background To categorize individual birth plan requests and determine if number of requests and request fulfillment is associated with birth experience satisfaction. Methods This is a sub-analysis of a prospective cohort study of 302 women with singleton pregnancies with and without birth plans. Women with a hard copy of their birth plans who completed a postdelivery satisfaction survey were included in this study. We described the number and type of birth plan requests and associated the number of requests and request fulfillment with overall satisfaction, expectations met, and sense of control. Differences between groups were analyzed using chi-square, Spearman rank correlation, and logistic regression. Results One hundred and nine women presented to Labor and Delivery with a hard copy of their prewritten birth plan. We identified 23 unique requests. The most common requests were no intravenous analgesia (82%) and exclusive breastfeeding (74%). The requests most fulfilled were avoidance of episiotomy (100%) and no operative vaginal delivery (89%). Having a higher number of requests fulfilled correlated with greater overall satisfaction (p = 0.03), higher chance of expectations being met (p < 0.01), and feeling more in control (p < 0.01). Having a high number of requests was associated with an 80 percent reduction in overall satisfaction with the birth experience (p < 0.01). Conclusions Having a higher number of requests fulfilled was positively associated with birth experience satisfaction, while having a high number of requests was inversely associated with birth experience satisfaction. Further research is needed to understand how to improve birth plan–related birth experience satisfaction.
Educational Value of a Free Medical Clinic Operated by Medical Students.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The Student Outreach Clinic (SOC) at the University of Nevada School of Medicine is one of several student-run free medical clinics associated with US medical schools. We report on the educational value of the SOC to medical students who volunteer at this clinic. METHODS The records of all patients seen between August 1, 2012, and July 31, 2013, at the SOC were abstracted on a deidentified basis to collect key demographic and clinical components of the visit, including past medical history, components of the physical exam performed, clinical diagnoses recorded, patient disposition, and medications prescribed. RESULTS A total of 593 clinic visits were reviewed. Students performed a full physical exam on 80% of patients, primarily for educational purposes. The most frequent diagnoses mapped to a considerable extent to the top diagnoses seen in primary care as well as to the medical school curriculum, and the most frequent medications prescribed mapped to a considerable extent to the pharmacology curriculum. CONCLUSIONS The SOC provides incremental opportunities for medical students to gain valuable clinical experience during their first 2 years of medical school. The diagnoses encountered and medications prescribed parallel and supplement the medical school curriculum, with a particular focus on primary care. The educational value of these experiences should influence curriculum development and decisions.
Opsonic Characteristics of Chylomicron-Bound Protein:

SummaryA blood protein in complex with native chylomicrons was labeled with radiogold colloid, thus indirectly identifying the protein material in the complex as op-sonin and suggesting the possibility that native chylomicrons may utilize the opsonin system for its clearance from the circulation. The protein in question has been shown to be at least divalent, in that the protein in com-binaton with one type of particle could still react with another. It is felt that these studies provide further insight into the complex surface events that result during the process of opsonization.
Stabilized Mode-locked Diode Lasers & Applications

Stabilized ultrafast mode-locked lasers are developed to generate ultralow noise optical frequency combs and pulse trains. The resulting pulses and associated frequency combs are then used for a variety of optical signal processing functions, such as optical sampling and waveform generation.
Engaging Older Adults in Environmental Volunteerism: The Retirees in Service to the Environment Program

Purpose of the study Retirees in Service to the Environment (RISE) is a program designed to promote participation of older people in volunteering for the environment. Based on principles of adult learning and best practices for the development of effective volunteer programs, RISE engaged older individuals in environmental volunteering and involved them in community stewardship activities. Design and methods This article details the development and formative evaluation of RISE. We describe program assessment, benefits to the community, and effects on participants. Results The program successfully recruited individuals new to environmental volunteering and substantial hours of volunteer time were provided to communities. Program satisfaction was high and preliminary evidence suggests positive outcomes from RISE participation. Implications The innovative structure combined with local relevance of the RISE program has the potential to expand older adults' engagement in environmental volunteerism.
Combined treatment approaches in regionally advanced bladder cancer.

SUMMARY Multimodal therapy for locally advanced bladder carcinoma is being pursued in a wide diversity of protocols at this same time. While a number of innovative approaches are being explored, neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy in conjunction with cystectomy remains the dominant approach. The M-VAC regimen has become the dominant combination for the treatment of advanced bladder cancer; its use in an adjunctive setting is a logical progression. Although it is capable of effecting a response in the primary bladder lesion in a high percentage of cases, it is still not known whether survival will be enhanced. The use of radiosensitizing cytotoxics in conjunction with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, when combined with external-beam radiotherapy, is a provocative new approach that attempts to achieve both bladder salvage and enhanced patient survival. Completion of well-designed randomized studies will be necessary to determine whether these therapeutic innovations will yield any clinical benefit.
Deterministic load balancing for parallel joins

We study the problem of distributing the tuples of a relation to a number of processors organized in an r-dimensional hypercube, which is an important task for parallel join processing. In contrast to previous work, which proposed randomized algorithms for the task, we ask here the question of how to construct efficient deterministic distribution strategies that can optimally load balance the input relation. We first present some general lower bounds on the load for any dimension; these bounds depend not only on the size of the relation, but also on the maximum frequency of each value in the relation. We then construct an algorithm for the case of 1 dimension that is optimal within a constant factor, and an algorithm for the case of 2 dimensions that is optimal within a polylogarithmic factor. Our 2-dimensional algorithm is based on an interesting connection with the vector load balancing problem, a well-studied problem that generalizes classic load balancing.
Therapeutic efficacy of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies in statin-nonresponsive patients with hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background and objective Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia are the predominant causes for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Clinical guidelines for lowering CVD risk have advocated that low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) must be reduced. The primary choice of therapy for controlling lipidemia has been statins, which are not completely effective. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9), which interferes with LDL clearance from circulation, inversely relates to the LDL-C levels. The loss of statin efficacy is likely due to increased circulating PCSK9 and antibody therapy against PCSK9 has been found to be efficacious in lowering LDL-C. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of PCSK9-mAbs for lowering LDL-C, in statin non-responsive hypercholesterolemia patients. Study design and methods PubMed, EMBASE, Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials of PCSK9 antibody–statin combination vs statin, published till 2015. Two reviewers independently screened the articles, and a collective decision was reached about the included studies in the metaanalysis. Parameters analyzed: change from baseline in LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC); ApoB and ApoA1 levels. Results A total of 12 studies with 4909 patients were selected. Overall, add-on therapy with PCSK9-mAb to the ongoing statin therapy was found to achieve greater reduction in LDL-C, ApoB, TC, compared to statin therapy. There were no major treatment emergent adverse effects due to PCSK9-mAb therapy. Conclusions In adult patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia, PCSK9-mAb therapy in combination with statins was able to achieve the goal of lowering LDL-C.
Twitter as a Potential Data Source for Cardiovascular Disease Research.

Importance As society is increasingly becoming more networked, researchers are beginning to explore how social media can be used to study person-to-person communication about health and health care use. Twitter is an online messaging platform used by more than 300 million people who have generated several billion Tweets, yet little work has focused on the potential applications of these data for studying public attitudes and behaviors associated with cardiovascular health. Objective To describe the volume and content of Tweets associated with cardiovascular disease as well as the characteristics of Twitter users. Design, Setting, and Participants We used Twitter to access a random sample of approximately 10 billion English-language Tweets originating from US counties from July 23, 2009, to February 5, 2015, associated with cardiovascular disease. We characterized each Tweet relative to estimated user demographics. A random subset of 2500 Tweets was hand-coded for content and modifiers. Main Outcomes and Measures The volume of Tweets about cardiovascular disease and the content of these Tweets. Results Of 550 338 Tweets associated with cardiovascular disease, the terms diabetes (n = 239 989) and myocardial infarction (n = 269 907) were used more frequently than heart failure (n = 9414). Users who Tweeted about cardiovascular disease were more likely to be older than the general population of Twitter users (mean age, 28.7 vs 25.4 years; P P Conclusions and Relevance Twitter offers promise for studying public communication about cardiovascular disease.
Growth of single-phase wurtzite BAlN with 7.2%-B contents

We report on growth of 100-nm single-phase wurtzite BAlN layers with B contents up to 7.2% by MOCVD, which can be potentially applied to deep UV DBRs for VCSELs.
Failure of Ethical Leadership: Implications for Stakeholder Theory and “Anti‐Stakeholders”

Leaders in a variety of organizations are beset by challenges that test their commitments to ethical behavior in interactions with stakeholders who make up their working environments. Situations that present themselves include complex management of expectations, people, and resources, which require novel solutions that also test the boundaries between right and wrong. Such conditions arose after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers. President Bush asked the Central Intelligence Agency to round up persons who represented a continuing threat of harm to U.S. interests. What followed was a series of decisions and actions by a number of internal and external constituencies based on inaccurate reporting of treatment of and information gleaned from detainees. Lessons for understanding and avoiding resulting leadership ethical dilemmas and a novel stakeholder perspective are provided in the close.
Influence of weight at the time of first palliation on survival in patients with a single ventricle.

Background Numerous advances in surgical techniques and understanding of single-ventricle physiology have resulted in improved survival. We sought to determine the influence of various demographic, perioperative, and patient-specific factors on the survival of single-ventricle patients following stage 1 palliation at our institution. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of all single-ventricle patients who had undergone staged palliation at our institution over an 8-year period. Data were collected from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery database and from patient charts. Information on age, weight at stage 1 palliation, prematurity, genetic abnormalities, non-cardiac anomalies, ventricular dominance, and type of palliation was collected. Information on mortality and unplanned reinterventions was also collected. Results A total of 72 patients underwent stage 1 palliation over an 8-year period. There were 12 deaths before and one death after stage 2 palliation. There was no hospital mortality following Glenn or Fontan procedures. On univariate analysis, low weight at the time of stage 1 palliation and prematurity were found to be risk factors for mortality following stage 1 palliation. However, multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed weight at stage 1 palliation to be a strong predictor of mortality. The type of stage 1 palliation did not have any influence on the outcome. No difference in survival was noted following the Glenn procedure. Conclusion Low weight has a deleterious impact on survival following stage 1 palliation. This is mitigated by stage 2 palliation. The type of stage 1 palliation itself has no bearing on the outcome.
No Relationship Between Joint Position Sense and Force Sense at the Shoulder.

ABSTRACTIn practice, a single test is used to quantify an individual's proprioception. Previous studies have not found a correlation between joint position sense (JPS) and force sense (FS), which are submodalities of proprioception. The purpose of the present study is to determine if root mean square (RMS) error in JPS and FS are related at the shoulder, controlling for external load and elevation angle. Active shoulder angle and force reproduction protocols were performed. No correlation was found between JPS and FS (r = –.019, p = .941) nor were any individual angle and load combinations significant. The main effect for angle in JPS was significant (p < .001). Follow-up contrast demonstrated a significant (p < .001) decrease in RMS error with increased elevation. A significant load by angle interaction was found for FS (p = .014). Follow-up simple effects tests by angle demonstrated RMS error decreased with load at 50° and 70° but not at 90°. By load, RMS error only decreased for 120% between 50° and 90...
The Effect of Mindfulness and Acupuncture on Psychological Health in Veterans: an Exploratory Study

iRest Yoga Nidra® is a guided mindfulness approach that encourages relaxation, focused attention, experience of joy, observation of opposite feelings and emotions, non-judgment, and integration of these principles into daily life. iRest was developed for the military population, but the research on its effectiveness is in its infancy. This exploratory study examined the effectiveness of iRest in combination with acupuncture compared to acupuncture alone in improving psychological health in Veterans. The combined treatment yielded significant psychological benefit in depression, psychological symptom severity, depression or tension due to pain, and emotional interference with life activities, while the acupuncture-only treatment did not. Although both conditions showed significant decreases in perceived stress, the effect size for the treatment group was medium to large compared to a small effect size for those receiving acupuncture only. The combined treatment condition, iRest plus acupuncture, also demonstrated clinically meaningful change, with significant decreases in the number of Veterans meeting criteria for mild, moderate, and severe depression. Finally, the combined treatment was equally beneficial independent of factors such as age, gender, or race. Given the pervasiveness of psychological distress and depression in the Veteran population and the efficiency with which these group treatments can be provided, these findings lend preliminary support for the extension of complementary and integrative health offerings including iRest and acupuncture into more Veterans Administration hospitals across the country to improve military mental health. Indeed, the encouraging results of this exploratory study underscore the importance of expanded research on iRest and acupuncture for the treatment of psychological health.
Exploring provider and parental perceptions to influenza vaccination in the inpatient setting.

Background Hospitalization provides an ideal opportunity for immunization, but few studies have explored provider and parental attitudes toward pediatric inpatient vaccination against influenza. Objectives The objectives were to determine provider and caregiver attitudes and explore potential barriers to inpatient influenza vaccination. Methods We developed and distributed two surveys to parents/caregivers as well as providers of general pediatric inpatients at Children's Hospital Colorado between October 2014 and March 2015 assessing attitudes toward influenza and inpatient influenza vaccination. We analyzed the Likert scale responses using univariate analyses and multiple logistic regression to assess associations between responses and vaccination status. Results The overall response rate was 95% and 58% for parents and providers, respectively. Parents of hospitalized children who agreed that flu vaccines are safe (adjusted OR 2.50 [95%CI 1.76-3.58]), and that the influenza vaccine is needed every year had higher odds of having a vaccinated child (adjusted OR 3.30 [95%CI 2.30-4.81]). Most providers (91%) agree that influenza vaccination is an important priority among inpatients, but believe that parental misconceptions and their reluctance for inpatient vaccination are the most important barriers to influenza vaccination. Providers forgetting to ask about vaccination status and order the vaccine are the next most commonly identified barriers. In contrast, most parents surveyed had favorable attitudes toward inpatient influenza vaccination and disagreed that their child was too sick to receive the vaccine during hospitalization.
Estimation of System Matrices

This chapter is central to this book. It describes two types of estimators for system matrices of state space models from given sets of time series data, and examines statistical properties of the proposed estimators. The estimators of the first type are based on the stochastic realization theory, and are suggested by the systems literature on the deterministic realization theory. The estimators of the second type are instrumental variable estimators often found in the econometric literature. We describe an important relation between these two estimators. The first type of estimators is computationally faster than the second, but the second is asymptotically more efficient than the first. There is an important class of VAR data-generating processes for which the two types of estimators are equally efficient asymptotically.
Changes in Receptors and Signal Transduction Events during Aging

Physiological and behavioral responses to many classes of stimuli are altered during aging. Best studied among these have been hormone and neurotransmitter signal transduction sequences. Age-related alterations in these processes have been grouped into receptor and postreceptor changes. Our laboratory has focused on three systems that exhibit representative age-associated alterations in signal transduction mechanisms: (1) dopaminergic regulation of motor function, (2) estrogenic regulation of uterine anabolic function, and (3) α-adrenergic regulation of parotid secretory function (for review, see Roth, 1985).