cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 118: Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Program improves Management of Hypertension

Objectives: Regular self-monitoring of blood pressure is an important aspect of the management of hypertension; it enables the hypertensive patient makes better lifestyle choices informed by the measurements obtained from their blood pressure devices. The BP monitoring program by the Center for Connected Health is aimed at empowering patients to better self-manage their health and facilitating improved communication between patients and providers. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the blood pressure connect program on lowering blood pressures of participants in the program. Methods: The Blood Pressure Connect is a home monitoring program enabling patients to easily collect their blood pressure readings, monitor trends and also share their readings with their providers. Patients measure their blood pressures and upload to a secure web-based platform via modem connection with a home telephone line. Of the 277 hypertensive patients from several Partners affiliated centers enrolled in the program between 7/10/2009 and 11/18/2011, 219 patients aged 22-90 years (59±13 years) were included in the analysis; and 58 (21%) patients were excluded from analysis because they either have only one blood pressure reading or did not upload their blood measurements at all. Paired t-test was used to assess mean change in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Results: Average interval between baseline and final blood pressure measurements was 154 days. According to the JNC-7 classification of blood pressures, 11% had normal SBP, 48% were pre-hypertensive, 30% had stage 1 hypertension and 11% had stage 2 hypertension. Overall, SBP decreased by 6mmHg (95% CI= 4 -8mmHg, p-value Conclusion: The results show that the program is extremely successful in helping lower the blood pressures of patients with hypertension. These patients belong to a variety of practices, are on different medications and for disparate lengths of time. Despite these differences, all active patients had very similar changes in blood pressure, varying only by their starting blood pressure. Those with established hypertension (stage 1 or 2) saw the most significant change, indicating where the maximum rewards of this program lie. These results reflect the applicability of remote monitoring tools in managing chronic conditions effectively and efficaciously.
Celiac Disease and Autoimmunity — The Missing Ingredient

Celiac disease, like other common diseases involving immunity, has myriad risk factors. A recent study of a mouse model implicates reovirus infection as a potential risk factor.
Property Values and Risks: Evidence from Shale Development

The profitability of extracting oil and gas trapped within the nation’s extensive shale formations has generated a boom in the oil-and-gas industry. Operators are pushing to drill close to populations and sensitive resources, and many states are facilitating such extensive drilling with laws that preempt local land-use control. On one hand, shale production has the potential to enrich local land owners who can collect lucrative royalty payments from operators. On the other hand, shale production is not without potential local risks. Some of these risks are speculative, and the magnitudes of the risks are uncertain. Using property sales data from Washington County, Pennsylvania, this paper finds that an additional horizontal well within a mile of a property tends to increase the property’s value. This positive effect, however, is diminished for properties that rely on private water wells for drinking water. In addition, all properties with nearby horizontal wells lose value as the number of recent environmental, health, and safety well violations increases in the county.
Accelerated humoral renal allograft rejection due to HLA-C14 mediated allosensitization to HLA-Bw6.

Abstract Objectives To investigate immunological mechanisms underlying accelerated antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) of a living-related renal allograft in a patient with no detectable antibodies to donor human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in pre-transplant sera. Methods Pre- and post-transplant HLA antibody specificities were determined by single-antigen bead assay, and crossmatching was performed by flow cytometry- and complement-dependent cytotoxicity-based methods. Intermediate- and high-resolution HLA typing were performed by molecular methods. Results Pre-transplant patient serum reacted weakly against Bw6-positive beads; cytotoxicity and flow crossmatches were negative. The patient was mismatched for the donor antigens B62 and C10 (Bw6-positive). Following transplantation, strong antibody responses against B62, C10, and all Bw6-positive beads were detected. This reactivity was initially masked by complement interference, but became apparent at 1:20 dilution. High-resolution typing suggested that the anti-C16 antibody reactivity detected was an allele-specific response to donor C ∗ 16:01 (Bw6-positive) but not recipient C ∗ 16:02 (Bw6-negative). Alloimmunization likely occurred during pregnancy, during which HLA-C14 (Bw6-positive) was the only mismatched paternal HLA Class I allele. Conclusions Sensitization to HLA-Bw6 via exposure to paternal HLA-C14 during pregnancy likely predisposed this patient to AMR. The case demonstrates the immunogenicity of HLA-C14-associated Bw6 epitopes in vivo and the clinical significance of low-level antibodies to HLA-Bw6.
Multi-camera Microenvironment to Capture Multi-view Time-Lapse Videos for 3D Analysis of Aging Objects

We present a microenvironment of multiple cameras to capture multi-viewpoint time-lapse videos of objects showing spatiotemporal phenomena such as aging. Our microenvironment consists of four synchronized Raspberry Pi v2 cameras triggered by four corresponding Raspberry Pi v3 computers that are controlled by a central computer. We provide a graphical user interface for users to trigger captures and visualize multiple viewpoint videos. We show multiple viewpoint captures for objects such as fruit that depict shape changes due to water volume loss and appearance changes due to enzymatic browning.
Dynamics of populations with individual variation in dispersal on bounded domains.

Most classical models for the movement of organisms assume that all individuals have the same patterns and rates of movement (for example, diffusion with a fixed diffusion coefficient) but there is...
Defining and Testing Models: Concepts and Examples

This chapter introduces the general notation and framework for modeling and testing discrete multivariate data. Through a series of examples we introduce the concept of a null model for the parameters of the sampling distribution in Section 2.1, and motivate the use of goodness-of-fit test statistics to check the null model in Section 2.2. A detailed example is given in Section 2.3, which illustrates how the magnitudes of the cell frequencies cause the traditional goodness-of-fit statistics to behave differently. An explanation of these differences is provided by studying the power-divergence statistic (introduced in Section 2.4) and is developed throughout this book. Section 2.5 considers an application from the area of visual perception.
Enhancing residents' compassionate communication to family members: A family systems breaking bad news simulation.

Introduction Surgical residents often need to break bad news (BBN) to patients and family members. While communication skills are a core competency in residency training, these specific skills are rarely formally taught. We piloted a simulation training to teach pediatric surgical residents how to compassionately BBN of an unexpected, traumatic pediatric death to surviving family members. This training was unique in that it was influenced by family systems theory and was a collaborative effort between our institution's surgery residency and medical family therapy (MedFT) programs. Method This study provides outcomes of surgery residents' communication skills, attitudes, and self-perceptions after a BBN simulation activity with standardized family members at a major academic teaching hospital. Each resident participated in two 30-min simulations and received feedback from observers. Outcome data were collected through self-assessments completed before, immediately after, and 6 months after the simulation. Participants were 15 surgery residents, and MedFT students served as simulated family members and trainers. Results A statistically significant change with medium to large effect sizes in participant self-reported perceptions of skill and confidence were documented and maintained over 6 months. Responses to open-ended questions supported practice changes in response to the training. Discussion This collaborative training promoted significant improvement in resident compassionate communication skills. The curriculum was highly valued by the learners and resulted in sustained application of learned skills with patients and families. Our novel approach was feasible with promising results that warrant further investigation and could be reproduced in other institutions with similar programs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
South Andean Ceramic

relative time period: Follows the Highland Andean Formative and precedes the historic period. The Incas strongly influenced the region prior to the Spanish conquest.
Modified Individual and Group Treatment Approaches for the Mentally Retarded-Mentally Ill

Individual and group therapeutic approaches with the mentally retarded (mild to moderate range) have gained increased acceptance in recent years. Retarded individuals, who once were thought to be incapable of benefiting from psychotherapy,1 are, in fact, participating in a wide range of therapies in various treatment settings. An assortment of innovative strategies, procedures, and techniques has been developed and refined for use with retarded citizens. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss and consider the role of individual and group psychotherapy with the retarded as important treatment procedures that can be used effectively by mental health professionals.
Human Physiological Responses to Dietary Fiber

Dietary fiber refers to the components of plant foods that are not digestible by the endogenous enzymes in the mammalian digestive system. The major components include nonstarch polysaccharides and lignin. This definition includes a diverse array of polysaccharides, including: cellulose, hemicelluloses, β-glucans, pectins, and gums. Three physiological responses associated with fiber consumption in human studies are providing fecal bulk, lowering plasma cholesterol, and blunting the plasma glycemic response. The properties that appear most important to understand the physiological responses to dietary fiber are waterholding capacity (WHC), viscosity, bile acid binding capacity (BABC), and microbial degradation. An increase in fecal bulk can be due to increasing the WHC of the fecal residue or supporting increased microbial growth. A high viscosity and BABC are both associated with the ability of a fiber source to lower plasma cholesterol, and high viscosity and WHC contribute to blunting the glycemic response. Improvements in plants that are sources of dietary fiber should consider the functional properties of the fibers as well as the chemical composition.
A Contrarian Perspective on Altruism: The Dangers of First Contact

The key word in the title of this chapter – Altruism – generally conveys certain assumptions. The first of these is that altruism – a selfless imperative to assist others without expectation of reward – is likely to be a valued attribute among advanced technological civilizations. Moreover, in the SETI context, it implies that humanity should strive to display this attribute in communicating with extraterrestrial life forms that may be 1E8 to1E9 years ahead of us in development. Finally, one topic much under discussion within the SETI community – how to craft and send a deliberate message from Earth into space – is based on the supposition that we can dismiss any substantial likelihood that transmitting will expose humanity and our world to danger. Are all of these assumptions warranted? Or do they reflect the personal inclinations and wishes of a narrow group, arising from a particular culture and era? Given the potentially overwhelming implications of contact, we may be wise to reflect upon the full range of possible outcomes, not only those we yearn for. I, for one, would feel more confident in the inevitability of alien altruism if that beneficent trait appeared more often in nature.
Poetry and Place: Some Personal Reflections

(2008). Poetry and place: some personal reflections. Geography: Vol. 93, No. 3, pp. 172-175.
Development of the Pediatric Disability Inventory-Patient Reported Outcome (PEDI-PRO) measurement conceptual framework and item candidates.

Background To address the gap in patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) of functional performance appropriate for youth and young adults with developmental disabilities (DD) we developed the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Patient Reported Outcome (PEDI-PRO). Aim/objective We used a participatory process to: (1) Develop the measurement conceptual framework; (2) Identify discrete functional tasks to include in the PEDI-PRO; and (3) Refine item candidates. Methods We collaborated with eight youth with DD over 33 months. These youth and university researchers explored the construct of functional performance, developed and refined items, and collected and analyzed data. We also conducted focus groups with youth with DD (n = 62) and rehabilitation professionals (n = 26), and consulted with PEDI measurement experts (n = 3). Results Youth's understanding of their functional performance is embedded in their experiences participating in everyday life situations. We developed 78 Daily Activities, 65 Social/Cognitive, and 52 Mobility item candidates that are linked to 11 everyday life situations to assess discrete functional tasks important to youth with DD and rehabilitation professionals. Conclusion and implications As a result of our participatory development process, the PEDI-PRO's proposed conceptual framework and item candidates are grounded in the lived experience of youth with DD.
A High-Performance Cost-Effective Resonant Converter with a Wide Input Range in Solar Power Applications

In this paper, a novel hybrid-resonant PWM switching scheme is presented for an isolated high-performance and cost-effective LLC multi-resonant dc-dc converter with an output voltage-doubler in solar power applications. The new hybrid-resonant PWM switching scheme enables a resonant converter topology to achieve very high energy efficiency over a wide range of input line and load. The proposed control scheme not only maximized the efficiency, but also simplifies the implementation of MPPT in resonant converters. Finally, using SiC wide-band gap semiconductor technology will make it possible to operate these devices and the electronic board in an elevated temperate, thus achieving higher reliability and required life time. Experimental results are presented for a prototype unit converting input voltage range of 17 V to 48 V dc from a solar panel to an output voltage of 400 V dc at 250 W. The prototype achieves a peak efficiency of 98.5%.
A Recurrent Neural Network Classifier for Ultrasonic NDE Applications

This work presents a classifier architecture for N on-Destructive Evaluation (NDE)applications which can robustly detect the presence and location of flaws using Wavelet Transforms (WT)and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN). A pre-processing WT decomposition is used as a feature extractor prior to the RNN. WT can analyze both time and frequency information simultaneously and can filter out higher frequency clutter via the selection of the appropriate wavelet and number of decomposition levels. Two popular RNN classifiers were investigated. Bidirectional Recurrent Neural Networks (BRNN)and Long Short Term Memory (LSTM). Simulation results confirm that the proposed architecture offers highly reliable flaw detection and localization with significant Flaw to Clutter Ratio (FCR)enhancements. This architecture also performs well when multiple adj acent flaws exist.
Neonatologists' preferences regarding guidelines for periviable deliveries: do we really know what we want?

To examine neonatology providers’ preferences regarding periviability guidelines. An online cross-sectional survey of American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine members. Most of the 480 respondents desired standardized guidelines for upper (85%) and lower (87%) gestational age limits for offering resuscitation and comfort care. Standardization was most to least frequently desired at the national, institutional, and regional levels. Within scenarios involving parents’ preferences conflicting with institutional guidelines, respondents chose parent-preferred options more often (66 vs. 34%). Overall, resuscitation (48%) versus comfort care (52%) were nearly equally chosen. In emergency scenarios, more versus less experienced respondents favored parent-preferred options over guidelines (55 vs. 46%, p = 0.003) and chose resuscitation over comfort care (50 vs. 36%, p < 0.001). Neonatal providers desire age-based periviability guidelines, but do not agree on the level of standardization. Such limits may be insufficient to guide clinical practice. Policies should include processes that direct providers through fair transparent decision-making.
Disabled children and their family surroundings

Abstract The relationship between the society and disabled people has experienced various stages from mockery and condemnation to the present endeavour to create conditions for integration of persons with different handicaps into the normal life of the society. With disabled children, a significant role in this process is represented by the family which experiences various periods of dealing with the disabilities of its member from the moment when it has met the unfavourable prognosis of being handicapped and they must cope with this situation in a different way and for an extended period of time. The family will often face internal problems, as well as adversity involving their surroundings. The attending paediatrician must provide care in these cases, not only for the disabled child, but they must also influence the atmosphere within the entire family in a positive way.
Innovative Statistics in Regulatory Science

Statistical methods that are commonly used in the review and approval process of regulatory submissions are usually referred to as statistics in regulatory science or regulatory statistics. In a broader sense, statistics in regulatory science can be defined as valid statistics that are employed in the review and approval process of regulatory submissions of pharmaceutical products. In addition, statistics in regulatory science are involved with the development of regulatory policy, guidance, and regulatory critical clinical initiatives related research. This book is devoted to the discussion of statistics in regulatory science for pharmaceutical development. It covers practical issues that are commonly encountered in regulatory science of pharmaceutical research and development including topics related to research activities, review of regulatory submissions, recent critical clinical initiatives, and policy/guidance development in regulatory science. Devoted entirely to discussing statistics in regulatory science for pharmaceutical development. Reviews critical issues (e.g., endpoint/margin selection and complex innovative design such as adaptive trial design) in the pharmaceutical development and regulatory approval process. Clarifies controversial statistical issues (e.g., hypothesis testing versus confidence interval approach, missing data/estimands, multiplicity, and Bayesian design and approach) in review/approval of regulatory submissions. Proposes innovative thinking regarding study designs and statistical methods (e.g., n-of-1 trial design, adaptive trial design, and probability monitoring procedure for sample size) for rare disease drug development. Provides insight regarding current regulatory clinical initiatives (e.g., precision/personalized medicine, biomarker-driven target clinical trials, model informed drug development, big data analytics, and real world data/evidence). This book provides key statistical concepts, innovative designs, and analysis methods that are useful in regulatory science. Also included are some practical, challenging, and controversial issues that are commonly seen in the review and approval process of regulatory submissions. About the author Shein-Chung Chow, Ph.D. is currently a Professor at Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC. He was previously the Associate Director at the Office of Biostatistics, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Chow has also held various positions in the pharmaceutical industry such as Vice President at Millennium, Cambridge, MA, Executive Director at Covance, Princeton, NJ, and Director and Department Head at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Plainsboro, NJ. He was elected Fellow of the American Statistical Association and an elected member of the ISI (International Statistical Institute). Dr. Chow is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Biopharmaceutical Statistics and Biostatistics Book Series, Chapman and Hall/CRC Press, Taylor & Francis, New York. Dr. Chow is the author or co-author of over 300 methodology papers and 30 books.
Connecting cytokines and cellular signals in the nephron during CKD and hypertension.

Chronic kidney disease features chronic inflammation and fibrosis, both of which contribute to and are exacerbated by arterial hypertension. The contribution of immune responses to renal sodium retention has received intense scrutiny. In this regard, the article by Furusho et al. details a mechanism wherein intrarenal TNFα augments salt-sensitive hypertension during CKD via activation of the WNK1-SPAKNCC phosphorylation cascade.
Bioprosthetic Heart Valve Calcification: Clinicopathologic Correlations, Mechanisms, and Prevention

Bioprostheses, composed of chemically treated animal tissue and termed heterografts or xenografts, are the most widely used type of substitute heart valve. Their major limitation is structural degeneration caused by calcification. Calcification following implantation occurs in a tissue made vulnerable to calcification by the chemical treatment and physical changes induced during valve fabrication and their consequences following implantation. Data from clinical valve explants and subdermal and circulatory experiments in animal models have elucidated the pathophysiology, earliest events, and determinants of this significant clinical problem. The primary mechanism of calcification appears to result from exposure of a susceptible substrate (with phosphoester-containing devitalized cells and cell fragments) to extracellular fluid rich in calcium. The key drivers are (1) biochemical environment, (2) implant structure and chemistry, both of which are prerequisite to calcification, and (3) mechanical stress, which accelerates site-specific mineralization. Therefore, the primary approaches to inhibiting the fundamental process of calcification target the processes involved in the nucleation of calcific deposits and thus have sought to remove cell-based phospholipids or otherwise alter the substrate.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Graphical Kinetic Data Analysis of the Dopamine Neurotransmitter System: An Exercise for an Undergraduate Laboratory Course

Neuroimaging techniques, including positron emission tomography (PET), are widely used in clinical settings and in basic neuroscience research. Education in these methods and their applications may be incorporated into curricula to keep pace with this expanding field. Here, we have developed pedagogical materials on the fundamental principles of PET that incorporate a hands-on laboratory activity to view and analyze human brain scans. In this activity, students will use authentic PET brain scans generated from original research at Brookhaven National Laboratory (Volkow et al., 2009) to explore the neurobiological effects of a drug on the dopamine system. We provide lecture and assignment materials (including a 50-minute PowerPoint presentation introducing PET concepts), written background information for students and instructors, and explicit instructions for a 4-hour, computer-based laboratory to interested educators. Also, we discuss our experience implementing this exercise as part of an advanced undergraduate laboratory course at Stony Brook University in 2010 and 2011. Observing the living human brain is intriguing, and this laboratory is designed to illustrate how PET neuroimaging techniques are used to directly probe biological processes occurring in the living brain. Laboratory course modules on imaging techniques such as PET can pique the interest of students potentially interested in neuroscience careers, by exposing them to current research methods. This activity provides practical experience analyzing PET data using a graphical analysis method known as the Logan plot, and applies core neuropharmacology concepts. We hope that this manuscript inspires college instructors to incorporate education in PET neuroimaging into their courses.
Fractured America: How did we get here?

An August 2020 CBS Poll asked Americans whether they considered the number of fatalities from Covid-19 – then around 170,000 in the United States – acceptable. The vast majority of Americans, including 90% of Democrats, said it was not. But among Republicans, fully 57% did deem it acceptable, though many also wondered whether the number of deaths was being exaggerated. Regardless, the reporting of that poll was accompanied by widespread shock that so many Republicans could be so blase about s...
Nature and Strategic Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility in Emerging Markets: Case of Russia

While most studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) are conceptualized and conducted in the context of developed countries, there is little understanding of what CSR means both in terms of ...
The Prosocial Leadership Development Process and Its Applications to Business and Education

This chapter explores motivations organizations have for sustainability, seeks to delineate the recent emergence of positive leadership theories and their contribution to prosocial centered leadership. Specifically, the chapter discusses (Ewest, Prosocial leadership: Understanding the development of prosocial behavior within leaders and their organizational settings, Springer, 2017) Prosocial Leadership Development process, which can be appended to numerous existing positive leadership theories, as a means to describe and guide a leader’s prosocial leadership development. The four-stage model is intuitive, yet based on extensive research. These four stages of the Prosocial Leadership Development Process include: (1) antecedent awareness and empathic concern, (2) community and group commitment, (3) courage and action and (4) reflection and growth. Finally, the chapter resolves by discussing two applications of the Prosocial Leadership Development process. The first application considers Prosocial Leadership Development within leaders of small to medium enterprises (SME), endeavoring to determine to what degree the prosocial leadership development model is representative of the identified four-stage model. The research on SME leaders of social enterprises determined a fifth stage. Secondarily, the Prosocial Leadership Development Process is compared to theoretical pedagogical strategies for cultivating social justice awareness and actions within the lives of students (Ewest, 2018).
ELIMINATION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES ON COOKED CHICKEN BREAST MEAT SURFACES BY NEAR-INFRARED SURFACE PASTEURIZATION PRIOR TO FINAL PACKAGING

The objective of this research was to develop a process to eliminate Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat chicken meats by near-infrared (NIR) surface pasteurization immediately prior to final packaging. Cooked chicken breast meats, surface-inoculated with a cocktail of L. monocytogenes, were subjected to NIR treatment. The surface temperature of the inoculated samples was increased to and then maintained at a temperature set point (62, 68 or 75C) for up to 8 min, depending on the temperature. On average, the overall rates of bacterial inactivation were 0.35, 0.89 and 1.6 log cycles/min for the samples treated at 62, 68 or 75C, respectively. In contrast, the bacterial inactivation rates were only 0.21, 0.53, 0.63 or 0.95 log-cycles/min for samples submerged under hot water maintained at 62, 68, 75 or 85C, respectively. NIR surface pasteurization process was convincingly more effective than the hot water immersion process to eliminate L. monocytogenes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Far-infrared (FIR) surface pasteurization, alone or in combination with hot water immersion (HWI) heating, has been used in the food industry to decontaminate ready-to-eat (RTE) meat surfaces immediately prior to final packaging. Near-infrared surface pasteurization provides another potentially faster alternative to FIR and HWI to eliminate L. monocytogenes on RTE meats.
‘Livin’ on the Straights’: Identity, Desistance, and Work among Women Post-Incarceration*: ‘LIVIN’ ON THE STRAIGHTS’

This study explores how a group of women recently released from prison as parolees attempt to sustain their exit from deviant careers by constructing replacement selves. To examine this process, I analyze semi-structured interviews with female ex-offenders and show how they draw on work as a hook for change (Giordano et al. 2002) in their unfolding identity work. Contrary to traditional gendered scripts, these women view themselves as active participants in the world of work. Upon release not only do they desire to work to meet financial needs, but they also use employment as an avenue through which they begin to construct pro-social replacement selves. Drawing on longitudinal qualitative data, I point out that as time on the outside passed, many of the women continued to use work as a way to fashion new conventional selves despite their experiences with low-quality working conditions. I also provide evidence, however, that when women experience significant employment instability, they are unable to sustain their hopeful identity project and, instead, reengage their past deviant selves.
Influence of copulation on time of ovulation in women.

Data from animal studies and clinical literature suggesting that coitus-induced ovulation may occur in women is reviewed. Although a spontaneous ovulator the rat has displayed ovulation following coitus with a rise in plasma LH 5 to 10 minutes after intercourse and it has been shown that reflex ovulation in the rat is a function of the intensity of vaginal and cervical stimulation. Direct evidence evidence of spontaneous human ovulation at midcycle (range 8 to 10 days) has been found while other studies indicate that ovulation may occur during any day of the menstrual cycle and that copulation may be the initiator of the response. Conception following rape has been found to occur at any stage. The intensity of coitus during rape is likely to be greater than normal coitus and this increased intensity could be an important factor in human reflex ovulation. Coitus-induced ovulation may be a factor in the observed failures of the rhythm method. Menstrual cycle length in both monkeys and women is extremely variable (24 to 38 days for humans) but it is generally agreed that the postovulatory period is fairly constant with an average length of 14 days. Coitus-induced ovulation early in the cycle would produce a short cycle and long cycles would result if reflex ovulation occurred later in the preovulatory phase. Research of rhesus monkeys kept isolated from males revealed that only 50% ovulated. If women were similarly isolated the number showing anovulatory cycles might increase considerably. Studies of human ovulation should include records of the effects of coital activity and its influence on results.
The Case for gTLD Auctions: A Framework for Evaluating Domain Name Policy

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is charged with designing and implementing policies for "domain names," which function as address identifiers for computers on the Internet. Domain names can have tremendous economic value, as do the registration services that control the databases that resolve domain names into numerical Internet addresses. Economic value is partly the consequence of scarcity in the domain name space. Incumbents strive to perpetuate scarcity so as to preserve the values of their domain names and name services. ICANN has struggled to establish a coherent domain name policy, especially for generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs), for almost the entirety of its 5-year existence. In this policy paper we first present a framework for evaluating Internet domain name policy in general and gTLD policy in particular. We demonstrate that the domain name system (DNS) is what economists call a "private good" and not a "public good." We then show that, because of what economists call "networking effects," root service, the part of the domain name system that handles the TLDs, is a natural monopoly. At the first level of analysis, we establish that gTLD policy ought to take into account these two fundamental economic facts: (1) domain name service is a private good, and (2) root service is a natural monopoly created by networking effects. We next argue for a specific set of conclusions about gTLD policy. In particular, we demonstrate that there is a compelling case for allowing the market to operate in the creation of new gTLDs. This could be accomplished through a variety of mechanisms, including a rule of first occupation or through an auction. Although the creation of gTLDs should allow for the operation of market forces, it does not follow that ICANN itself should act as a profit-maximizer. Instead, we reason that, because ICANN is a non-profit corporation and because it is the trustee for a natural monopoly, ICANN ought to act in the public interest. We conclude that ICANN should structure the expansion of the root in a way that insures the stability and efficiency of root service. We offer a specific proposal for an auction of new gTLDs, and show that this approach offers substantial advantages over current domain name policy. Our conclusions are reinforced by a set of comparisons between the policy questions faced by ICANN as both a participant in and regulator of the DNS and with analogous policy questions faced by market participants and regulators in other sectors of the telecommunications system. In particular, we argue that there are important insights to be gleaned and lessons to be learned by comparing domain name service with broadcasting and telephone service.
An iterative LR-aided MMSE extended soft MIMO decoding algorithm

This paper presents an iterative soft decision based lattice reduction (LR) aided Schnorr-Euchner (SE) multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) decoding algorithm, which reduces the gap in performance between suboptimal K-best and maximum likelihood (ML) detectors. Following IEEE 802.16e standard, we develop an iterative soft decoding algorithm for 4×4 MIMO with different modulation schemes. Using this method, we obtain 1.1 to 2.7 dB improvement over iterative soft decision based least sphere decoding (LSD) for different iterations. Then, using extensive simulation, we determine the optimum values for list size and saturation limit, which are the two governing parameters of our algorithm. Finally, we demonstrate that limiting the log likelihood ratio (LLR) values in LR-aided and LSD algorithm results in more than 8x reduction in list size as well as in the complexity of detectors and LLR calculation units.
In Support of Access and Inclusion: Joint Professional Development for Science and Special Educators.

This article addresses the need for collaborative professional development of science and special educators to enhance access and inclusion for students with disabilities and improve science learning for all students. The purpose of the study was to examine changes in the teaching practices of science and special educators, grades 4 to 8, as they jointly completed an intense year-long professional development program designed to promote hands-on, inquiry-based science in their classrooms; expand their instructional repertoires to better serve students with disabilities and other learning problems; and facilitate communication between the groups. Quantitative and qualitative measures, including pre and post ratings of teacher classroom performance, action research projects, and teacher interviews, were used to determine changes in teacher instructional and collaborative practices.
Television advertising exposure and children’s nutritional awareness

The nutritional implications of children’s advertising has bean an issue of interest for nearly two decades. This study examines the relationship between the amount of a child’s exposure to television commercials and a child’s nutritional awareness. Nutritional awareness is measured by tests for nutritional knowledge and level of understanding of nutritional phraseology. The results indicate that exposure to television advertising during times characterized by a high proportion of child-oriented commercials is associated with lower scores on nutritional knowledge and understanding of nutritional phraseology. This relationship was not found for times characterized by a mixture of child- and nonchild-oriented advertising. Exposure to nonchild-oriented commercials was found to correlate with higher nutritional knowledge scores. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Conformationally restricted hybrids of CP-55,940 and HHC: Stereoselective synthesis and activity

Abstract A stereoselective total synthesis of each of the two diastereomeric C6-hydroxyethyl analogs of (−)-9-nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol has been reported. Control of the stereochemistry at C6 during the key step is accomplished through an intramolecular oxymercuration reaction. The prediction that the analogs would exhibit different degrees of binding to the cannabinoid receptor was borne out. This observation sheds light on the stereochemical requirements of the receptor.
Does genetic conflict drive rapid molecular evolution of nuclear transport genes in Drosophila

The Segregation Distorter (SD) system of Drosophila melanogaster is one the best-characterized meiotic drive complexes known. SD gains an unfair transmission advantage through heterozygous SD/SD+ males by incapacitating SD+-bearing spermatids so that virtually all progeny inherit SD. Segregation distorter (Sd), the primary distorting locus in the SD complex, is a truncated duplication of the RanGAP gene, a major regulator of the small GTPase Ran, which has several functions including the maintenance of the nucleocytoplasmic RanGTP concentration gradient that mediates nuclear transport. The truncated Sd-RanGAP protein is enzymatically active but mislocalizes to the nucleus where it somehow causes distortion. Here I present data consistent with the idea that wild-type RanGAP, and possibly other loci able to influence the RanGTP gradient, has been caught up in an ancient genetic conflict that predates the SD complex. The legacy of this conflict could include the unexpectedly rapid evolution of nuclear transport-related proteins, the accumulation of chromosomal inversions, the recruitment of gene duplications, and the turnover of repetitive sequences in the centric heterochromatin. BioEssays 29:386–391, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The flowering of Arabidopsis flower development

Flowers come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Despite this variety, flowers have a very stereotypical architecture, consisting of a series of sterile organs surrounding the reproductive structures. Arabidopsis, as the premier model system for molecular and genetic analyses of plant development, has provided a wealth of insights into how this architecture is specified. With the advent of the completion of the Arabidopsis genome sequence a decade ago, in combination with a rich variety of forward and reverse genetic strategies, many of the genes and regulatory pathways controlling flower initiation, patterning, growth and differentiation have been characterized. A central theme that has emerged from these studies is the complexity and abundance of both positive and negative feedback loops that operate to regulate different aspects of flower formation. Presumably, this considerable degree of feedback regulation serves to promote a robust and stable transition to flowering, even in the face of genetic or environmental perturbations. This review will summarize recent advances in defining the genes, the regulatory pathways, and their interactions, that underpin how the Arabidopsis flower is formed.
Multi-modal network protocols

Many of the basic parameters of a ubiquitous computing environment are highly variable. For example, rate of mobility, quality of wireless communication, density of communicating nodes, power constraints and computational constraints all vary greatly from situation to situation. Unfortunately, existing routing protocols, transport protocols and adaptive applications can only adapt in a limited way. One feature that is missing from many systems is the ability to identify gross operating conditions and take on very different modes of operation. Such adaptability would improve the efficiency of many solutions. We use the term multi-modal protocols to describe systems that adapt in this way. We have explored two such systems: Wireless TCP and Overlay Routing.
Influence of obesity on mortality of drivers in severe motor vehicle crashes

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between obesity and mortality of drivers in severe motor vehicle crashes involving at least one fatality. BASIC PROCEDURES: Fatalities were selected from 155 584 drivers included in the 2000-2005 Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Drivers were stratified by body mass index, confounders were adjusted for, and multiple logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratio (OR) of death in each body mass index class compared with normal weight. MAIN FINDINGS: The adjusted risk of death from lowest to highest, reported as the OR of death compared with normal weight with 95% confidence intervals, was as follows: (1) overweight (OR, 0.952; 0.911-0.995; P = .0293), (2) slightly obese (OR, 0.996; 0.966-1.026; P = .7758), (3) normal weight, (4) underweight (OR, 1.115; 1.035-1.201; P = .0043), (5) moderately obese (OR, 1.212; 1.128-1.302; P Language: en
Potentials and direct current in Si-(20 to 40 Å)SiO2-metal structures

Abstract The effects of oxide thickness and interface states on potentials in and direct currents through MOS structures with various metal contacts on 20–40 A thick SiO2 films and nondegenerate Si were investigated using a recently developed method of determining surface potential vs. bias and interface state vs. energy distributions of such structures from conventional admittance measurements. For Cr, Cu, and Mg contacts, the interface states are predominantly of acceptor type. The metal silicon work function differences are φMS = 0.91 V for Au, −0.04 for Cr, 0.18 for Cu, and −1.07 V for Mg. The forward device current consists mainly of majority carriers emitted over the Si barrier and tunneling through the oxide into the metal for depletion or weak inversion of Si, and of majority carriers tunneling from Si through the oxide into the metal for Si accumulation. Excess currents in forward and reverse direction are caused by carrier generation-recombination in interface states and tunneling through the oxide to and from the metal. The drooping of the forward current, deviating strongly from an ideal exponential characteristic, is mainly caused by the drop of a considerable part of the applied bias across the oxide layer.
LIMITATIONS OF BIOPSY GLEASON GRADE: IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELING PATIENTS WITH BIOPSY GLEASON SCORE 6 PROSTATE CANCER

ABSTRACTPurpose: We examined the implications of underestimating Gleason score by prostate biopsy in patients with biopsy Gleason 6 prostate cancer with respect to adverse pathological findings and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and pathological data on a cohort of 531 patients with Gleason score 6 on prostate biopsy who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy between June 1992 and January 2002. Patients were excluded if they received neoadjuvant androgen deprivation. Concordance between biopsy and radical prostatectomy Gleason score was examined. A comparison was made with respect to final radical prostatectomy specimen pathology and the risk of biochemical recurrence between cases that remained Gleason 6 and those with a final grade of 7 or greater.Results: A total of 451 patients were included in the analysis. Mean followup was 55.1 months (range 12 to 123.4). Of the patients 184 (41%) had a Gleason score of 7 or greater...
Receptors: Clicking class B GPCR ligands

Peptide agonists of class B G protein–coupled receptors have separate segments for binding and activation. Synthesizing peptidic analogs that can be 'clicked' together allows for rapid optimization of agonist activity—as well as providing some surprises about receptor pharmacology.
Empirical Models of Discrete Choice and Belief Updating in Observational Learning Experiments

Abstract Subjects in economics experiments are often asked to choose an action from a set of discrete choices. The logit-QRE approach to analyse these data places strong restrictions on how subjects in information cascades experiments extract information from observed outcomes and how they update beliefs in response to new information. We add a belief elicitation procedure to the experimental design that allows us to measure directly both the inferences drawn from publicly announced decisions and how beliefs are updated in response to new information. The reported beliefs tend to be well calibrated to frequentist probabilities and also predict individual choices. Contrary to previous conclusions, we find that respondents do not tend to overweight private information when updating beliefs. Our analysis suggests that the earlier findings arise because identification of the discrete choice model relies on a misspecified model of belief updating in response to preceding announcements.
Abstract LB-128: Targeted RNAi screening of an EGFR network reveals molecular determinants of tumor cell sensitivity to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)

Monoclonal antibodies can modulate signal transduction and survival of tumor cells, and can induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) through immune effectors, such as natural killer (NK) cells. Although clinical evidence suggests a role for ADCC in effective antibody therapy, molecular determinants of ADCC responsiveness—in oncogenic signaling networks, for example—have not been identified. Using a novel high-throughput screening platform, siRNAs targeting 60 genes of an EGFR network were reverse transfected into A431 cells, and cetuximab and an NK-like cell line (NK92-CD16V) were used to induce ADCC. Primary and validation screens identified four genes whose knockdown enhanced ADCC: GRB7, PRKCE, RET and ABL1. Pharmacological inhibition of Abl kinase activity enhanced ADCC, recapitulating the effects of ABL1 gene knockdown. Additional studies revealed distinct mechanisms associated with enhanced ADCC, including increased EGFR surface expression and enhanced susceptibility to apoptosis. This screening strategy has revealed putative molecular determinants of tumor cell sensitivity to ADCC that may translate to increased monoclonal antibody efficacy in the clinic. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-128. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-128