cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical assessment identifies hemodynamic profiles that predict outcomes in patients admitted with heart failure

Abstract Objectives This study was designed to determine the relevance of a proposed classification for advanced heart failure (HF). Profiles based on clinical assessment of congestion and perfusion at the time of hospitalization were compared with subsequent outcomes. Background Optimal design of therapy and trials for advanced HF remains limited by the lack of simple clinical profiles to characterize patients. Methods Prospective analysis was performed for 452 patients admitted to the cardiomyopathy service at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital with a diagnosis of HF. Patients were classified by clinical assessment into four profiles: profile A, patients with no evidence of congestion or hypoperfusion (dry-warm, n = 123); profile B, congestion with adequate perfusion (wet-warm, n = 222); profile C, congestion and hypoperfusion (wet-cold, n = 91); and profile L, hypoperfusion without congestion (dry-cold, n = 16). Other standard predictors of outcome were included and patients were followed for the end points of death (n = 117) and death or urgent transplantation (n = 137) at one year. Results Survival analysis showed that clinical profiles predict outcomes in HF. Profiles B and C increase the risk of death plus urgent transplantation by univariate (hazard ratio [HR] 1.83, p = 0.02) and multivariate analyses (HR 2.48, p = 0.003). Moreover, clinical profiles add prognostic information even when limited to patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV symptoms (profile B: HR 2.23, p = 0.026; profile C: HR 2.73, p = 0.009). Conclusions Simple clinical assessment can be used to define profiles in patients admitted with HF. These profiles predict outcomes and may be used to guide therapy and identify populations for future investigation.
Use of an ELISA-based assay for the detection of antibody-secreting cells in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

. An ELISA-bascd plaque assay for the detection and quantification of antibody-secreting cells has been adapted for use in fish. The assay involves incubating catfish lymphocytes in 24-well plates previously coated with the antigen of interest. Cells producing antibody to the antigen leave an immunological fingerprint of bound antibody which is detected through the use of an ELISA technique to yield a colored plaque (Elisaplaque). Specificity of the assay was established by demonstrating that cells taken from fish vaccinated with an antigen exhibit the greatest response on plates coated with the given antigen. A strong positive correlation was also demonstrated between the number of Elisaplaques generated and serum agglutination titre. Using the ELISA plaque assay, it was found that antibody-secreting lymphocytes located at a different density interface and behaved differently from other lymphocyte populations when separated through discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation. Among the haematopoietic organs examined, the head kidney appeared to produce more antibody-secreting cells per million lymphocytes than did spleen or peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Very Low Birthweight (VLBW) Infants: Can We Identify These Infants Earlier?

Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Very Low Birthweight (VLBW) Infants: Can We Identify These Infants Earlier?
The role of thermal spike compactness in radiation-induced disordering and Frenkel pair production in Ni3Al

We show that the shape of the kinetic energy distribution in radiation-induced thermal spikes may be described using a dimensionless number, proportional to (volume) 2/3 /(surface area), known as compactness. The disorder produced in thermal spikes in Ni 3 Al increases with compactness because the thermal spike cooling rate, which determines the time available for thermal disordering, decreases with compactness. On the other hand, Frenkel pair production is inversely correlated to compactness because longer thermal spike lifetimes enhance vacancy–interstitial recombination.
Measurement of an exceptionally weak electron-phonon coupling on the surface of the topological insulator Bi2Se3 using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy.

Gapless surface states on topological insulators are protected from elastic scattering on nonmagnetic impurities which makes them promising candidates for low-power electronic applications. However, for widespread applications, these states should have to remain coherent at ambient temperatures. Here, we studied temperature dependence of the electronic structure and the scattering rates on the surface of a model topological insulator, ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$, by high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We found an extremely weak broadening of the topological surface state with temperature and no anomalies in the state's dispersion, indicating exceptionally weak electron-phonon coupling. Our results demonstrate that the topological surface state is protected not only from elastic scattering on impurities, but also from scattering on low-energy phonons, suggesting that topological insulators could serve as a basis for room-temperature electronic devices.
Note on the validity of the Kozeny-Carman formulas for consolidated porous media

The simplest and oldest capillaric model is one representing the porous medium by a bundle of parallel straight capillaries of uniform radius. In deriving this Kozeny-Carman model, the multiple connectivity of the pore space is completely neglected. The authors undertook this research with four main objectives in mind: (1) to re-examine the effective medium theory to treat conductor networks based on the distribution of individual conductances, (2) to study the region of validity of the effective medium theory by comparing its results with conductances evaluated numerically using large 3-D simple cubic networks in which the values of the conductances are chosen by a Monte Carlo procedure from one of several distributions, (3) to compare results with the critical-path analysis which focuses on the details of the critical paths along which much of the flow must occur (4) to study the validity of the Kozeny-Carman formulas for consolidated porous media as they relate to the microscopic spatial variations of channel dimensions using the effective medium theory, network theory, and the critical path analysis, and ultimately (5) to compare the analytical results thus obtained with experimental results for a variety of consolidated porous materials.
Laparoscopic versus open repair of parastomal hernias: an ACS-NSQIP analysis of short-term outcomes.

Background Parastomal hernia (PSH) is a frequent complication following the creation of a stoma. While a significant number of cases require operative management, data comparing short-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open repair of parastomal hernias are limited.
Methanation over transition metal catalysts: II. carbon deactivation of CoAl2O3 in sulfur-free studies

Abstract Hydrogenation of CO catalyzed by Co Al 2 O 3 was studied in an all-quartz internal-recycle reactor between 200 and 400 °C and from 0.1 to 20% CO in H 2 at atmospheric pressure. The surface and subsurface regions of the aged Co Al 2 O 3 catalysts were investigated using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Two pseudo steady states were observed. The upper pseudo steady state corresponds to a cobalt surface mainly containing active reaction intermediates; the lower pseudo steady state corresponds to deactivated cobalt which has large deposits of graphitic carbon on its surface, and for which the bulk CO is carburized to great depths as shown by AES. Methane is the primary reaction product; other hydrocarbons constitute less than 10% of the total products formed. The activation energy for methanation over Co Al 2 O 3 in the upper pseudo steady state is 28 ± 2 kcal/mole, whereas that in the lower pseudo steady state is 16 ± 2 kcal/mole. The change in the activation energy appears to be caused by changes in the electronic structure of CO due to bulk carburization.
Left atrial appendage thrombus; young or old? Role of CMR in definition

Methods An 83-year-old male with history of AF, DM, cardiomyopathy presented with acute weakness and numbness of the left upper extremity. Two weeks prior to his presentation his INR reportedly ranged from 1.1 to 1.6. However, his INR level was 2.3 at the time of presentation. Upon examination, he was alert and vital signs were stable. Cardiovascular examination revealed irregularly irregular rhythm without any murmurs. Neurological evaluation revealed normal cranial nerves, mild weakness (4/5) of the left upper limb, normal motor strength over the rest of the limbs, normal sensory examination, gait and reflexes were normal.
Codes and Circuits

Marshall Nirenberg will always be remembered for deciphering the genetic code by which DNA and RNA sequences specify the amino acid sequence in proteins. His switch to neurobiology in the 1960s was driven, in part, by an interest in the possibility of a neural code specifying the development and functioning of the neural circuits that underlie brain function. Neural cell adhesion or recognition molecules would probably be involved in such circuit formation, and this review briefly examines one set of such molecules. The specific binding between presynaptic neurexins and postsynaptic neuroligins could constitute one aspect of the code underlying the formation of specific synaptic circuits.
TACITUS: research in text understanding

The aim of the TACITUS project is to develop a general, domain-independent capability for text understanding that allows for variable levels of analysis, depending on the requirements of the task. Four stages of processing are being developed: preprocessing, syntactic analysis, inferential pragmatics processing, and template generation. Template generation is a straightforward programming task, but the other three stages of processing consititute research issues.
Smart fastener for KC-135 structural integrity monitoring

Hidden and inaccessible corrosion in aircraft structures is the number-one logistics problem for the U.S. Air Force, with an estimated maintenance cost in excess of $DOL1.0 billion per year in 1990-equivalent dollars. The Smart Aircraft Fastener Evaluation (SAFE) system is being developed to provide early warning detection of corrosion- related symptoms in hidden locations of aircraft structures. The SAFE incorporates an in situ measurement approach that measures and autonomously records several environmental conditions (i.e., pH, temperature, chloride, free potential, time-of-wetness) within a Hi-Lok aircraft fastener that could cause corrosion to occur. The SAFE system integrates a miniature electrochemical microsensor array and a time-of- wetness sensor with an ultra-low-power 8-bit microcontroller and 5-Mbyte solid-state FLASH archival memory to measure the evidence of active corrosion. A summary of the technical approach, system design definition, software architecture, and future field test plans will be presented.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Advanced Vaccine Candidates for Lassa Fever

Lassa virus (LASV) is the most prominent human pathogen of the Arenaviridae. The virus is transmitted to humans by a rodent reservoir, Mastomys natalensis, and is capable of causing lethal Lassa Fever (LF). LASV has the highest human impact of any of the viral hemorrhagic fevers (with the exception of Dengue Fever) with an estimated several hundred thousand infections annually, resulting in thousands of deaths in Western Africa. The sizeable disease burden, numerous imported cases of LF in non-endemic countries, and the possibility that LASV can be used as an agent of biological warfare make a strong case for vaccine development. Presently there is no licensed vaccine against LF or approved treatment. Recently, several promising vaccine candidates have been developed which can potentially target different groups at risk. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the LASV pathogenesis and immune mechanisms involved in protection. The current status of pre-clinical development of the advanced vaccine candidates that have been tested in non-human primates will be discussed. Major scientific, manufacturing, and regulatory challenges will also be considered.
NetFPGA--An Open Platform for Gigabit-Rate Network Switching and Routing

The NetFPGA platform enables students and researchers to build high-performance networking systems in hardware. A new version of the NetFPGA platform has been developed and is available for use by the academic community. The NetFPGA 2.1 platform now has interfaces that can be parameterized, therefore enabling development of modular hardware designs with varied word sizes. It also includes more logic and faster memory than the previous platform. Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) logic is used to implement the core data processing functions while software running on embedded cores within the FPGA and/or programs running on an attached host computer implement only control functions. Reference designs and component libraries have been developed for the CS344 course at Stanford University. Open-source Verilog code is available for download from the project website.
The correlation of washability with the rate of surfactant adsorption

A relation between the rate of adsorption of surfactant molecules at a gas-liquid interface and the soil removal ability of the surfactant solution is presented. The relation is of the form SR=A+Bk+Ck2 where SR is the percentage soil removed, A, B, and C are constants, and k is the first order rate constant for the adsorption process. The relation is empirical and as yet has not been coupled with a fundamental explanation of the detergency process on a molecular scale.
Design and control of a real-time variable stiffness vibration isolator

The purpose of this work is to explore the application and potential of Magnetorheological Elastomers (MRE) in vibration isolators. While several researchers have applied MREs to Tunable Vibration Absorbers (TVA), little work has been done using MREs in primary isolation systems. Further, in cases where TVAs were developed, few if any, Semi-Active (SA) controllers were implemented in proof of concept experiments. This paper presents a MRE based vibration isolator design. To test the effectiveness of the MRE isolator a SA controller is developed to minimize payload velocity. Finally, experimental results are given, showing that the MRE isolator and SA controller system reduce resonances and payload velocities by 16 to 30 percent when compared to passive systems.
Continuous Hydrologic Modeling of Snow-Affected Watersheds in the Great Lakes Basin Using HEC-HMS

To reproduce historical stream flows, climate and land-use change studies require watershed models with physically based parameters, rather than empirical models that are simply calibrated. With this in mind, soil moisture accounting and the temperature index (degree-day) snowmelt models embodied in the Hydrologic Engineering Center's hydrologic modeling system (HEC-HMS) are applied to three Great Lakes watersheds—Kalamazoo, Maumee, and St. Louis—with different climatic and land-use characteristics. Watershed and subwatershed models are calibrated and validated on a daily time step using gauge precipitation measurements, observed snow water equiv- alent data, and physically based parameters estimated using geospatial databases. Results are compared with area-scaled outputs from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) large basin runoff model (LBRM) for historical conditions. The results show modest improvements resulting from the increased spatial resolution of the HEC-HMS models, in addition to the benefits of the more process- based snow algorithm in HEC-HMS, particularly for the snow-dominated St. Louis watershed. However, both LBRM and HEC-HMS models had difficulty reproducing peaks in late winter and early spring runoff, and discrepancies could not be attributed to any systematic errors in the snowmelt models. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000591. © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Hydrologic models; Snow; Calibration; Runoff; Great Lakes; Watersheds. Author keywords: Hydrologic modeling; Snow modeling; Calibration; Hydrologic Engineering Center's hydrologic modeling system (HEC-HMS); Snow water equivalent; Large basin runoff model; Great Lakes; Runoff.
Hypersensitive Mechanistic Probe Studies of Cytochrome P450-Catalyzed Hydroxylation Reactions. Implications for the Cationic Pathway

Details of the mechanism of cytochrome P450-catalyzed hydroxylation reactions were investigated by oxidation of trans-2-phenyl-1-alkylcyclopropanes (alkyl = methyl (1), ethyl (2), 1-propyl (3), 1-methylethyl (4)) and trans-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1-alkylcyclopropanes (alkyl = methyl (5), ethyl (6)). The syntheses of 3 and 6 and their possible oxidation products are reported. Oxidation of the probes with the cytochrome P450 isozyme CYP2B1 gave unrearranged cyclopropylcarbinols as major products and small amounts of ring-opened alcohol products in all cases except for 4. Phenolic products also were produced from substrates 1−4. The maximum lifetimes of putative radical intermediates were less than 1 ps, and the results with substrate 4 require that no intermediate was formed. The results were analyzed in the context of recent mechanistic proposals for cytochrome P450-catalyzed hydroxylations. Oxidation of a “radical” component in the transition state of an insertion reaction to produce a cation is inc...
Cloning and Characterization of the Human Megakaryocyte Growth and Development Factor (MGDF) Gene

The megakaryocyte growth and development factor (MGDF) is a cytokine that regulates megakaryocyte development and is a ligand for the MPL receptor. In this study, we describe the genomic structure of the human MGDF gene. The MGDF gene was found to consist of seven exons and six introns spanning 8 kilobases. The protein is encoded by exons 3 through 7. The human MGDF gene has been mapped to chromosome 3q26.3. In addition to the previously described full-length cDNA, two cDNA variants were isolated from human fetal liver. Comparison of these two cDNA sequences with the genomic sequence indicates that they arise by differential splicing.
Environmental and Institutional Influences on Police Agency Responses to Human Trafficking

In response to domestic and international concern about individuals being exploited for labor or commercial sex, the U.S. Government passed legislation in 2000, creating a new crime of human trafficking and devoting resources to the identification of victims and prosecution of perpetrators. Since that time, all 50 states have passed legislation criminalizing trafficking of persons, yet law enforcement responses to these new legal mandates have been uneven. Recent research suggests police agencies are generally unprepared to identify and respond to human trafficking incidents in local communities and, as a result, relatively few cases have been identified. Using data from medium-to-large municipal police agencies in the United States, this research examines competing explanations for the adoption of responses in the wake of new human trafficking laws. The findings suggest the importance of institutional explanations including organizational experience with change.
Spatial dilemmas of diffusible public goods

The natural world is often thought of as a cruel place, with most living things ruthlessly competing for space or resources as they struggle to survive. However, from two chimps picking the fleas off each other to thousands of worker ants toiling for the good of the colony, cooperation is fairly widespread in nature. Surprisingly, even single-celled microbes cooperate. Individual bacterial and yeast cells often produce molecules that are used by others. Whilst many cells share the benefits of these ‘public goods’, at least some cells have to endure the costs involved in producing them. As such, selfish individuals can benefit from molecules made by others, without making their own. However, if everyone cheated in this way, the public good would be lost completely: this is called the ‘public goods dilemma’. Allen et al. have developed a mathematical model of a public goods dilemma within a microbial colony, in which the public good travels from its producers to other cells by diffusion. The fate of cooperation in this ‘diffusible public goods dilemma’ depends on the spatial arrangement of cells, which in turn depends on their shape and the spacing between them. Other important factors include rates of diffusion and decay of the public good—both of which affect how widely the public good is shared. The model predicts that cooperation is favored when the diffusion rate is small, when the colonies are flatter, and when the public goods decay slowly. These conditions maximize the benefit of the public goods enjoyed by the cell producing them and its close neighbors, which are also likely to be producers. Public goods dilemmas are common in nature and society, so there is much interest in identifying general principles that promote cooperation.
Intra-arterial tenecteplase for treatment of acute ischemic stroke: Feasibility and comparative outcomes

OBJECTIVE Tenecteplase (TNK) is a third-generation thrombolytic agent. We evaluated the safety and feasibility of intra-arterial (IA) administration of TNK in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS Patients who received endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke were identified from prospectively collected databases at three university hospitals. We compared clinical and radiological outcomes of patients treated with TNK to those treated with other IA thrombolytics or mechanical thrombectomy alone. Primary outcome measures were favorable functional outcome at 30 days (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2), and rate of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Early neurological improvement, angiographic recanalization, time to recanalization, and mortality at 30 days were additional outcome measures. RESULTS We identified 114 patients (mean age 67 ± 15 years, 54 were women). Thirty-three patients received IA TNK, 48 received alteplase (n = 11) or reteplase (n = 37), and 33 patients had mechanical thrombectomy alone. Stroke severity was similar among the three groups. No difference between the groups was found in the secondary outcome measures and ICH. Borderline statistical significance was seen toward favorable functional outcome at 1 month in the TNK-treated patients [odds ratio (OR) = 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) .96-8.1, P = .063 vs. other thrombolytics, and OR = 3.0, 95% CI .97-9.5, P = .06 vs. mechanical thrombectomy alone]. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that administration of IA TNK in acute stroke is safe and results in rates of favorable outcomes that are comparable to those observed with currently used drugs. Additional studies are needed to further determine the safety and efficacy of IA TNK in acute stroke treatment.
Preparing the Workforce for Behavioral Health and Primary Care Integration.

Purpose: To identify how organizations prepare clinicians to work together to integrate behavioral health and primary care. Methods: Observational cross-case comparison study of 19 U.S. practices, 11 participating in Advancing Care Together, and 8 from the Integration Workforce Study. Practices varied in size, ownership, geographic location, and experience delivering integrated care. Multidisciplinary teams collected data (field notes from direct practice observations, semistructured interviews, and online diaries as reported by practice leaders) and then analyzed the data using a grounded theory approach. Results: Organizations had difficulty finding clinicians possessing the skills and experience necessary for working in an integrated practice. Practices newer to integration underestimated the time and resources needed to train and organizationally socialize (onboard) new clinicians. Through trial and error, practices learned that clinicians needed relevant training to work effectively as integrated care teams. Training efforts exclusively targeting behavioral health clinicians (BHCs) and new employees were incomplete if primary care clinicians (PCCs) and others in the practice also lacked experience working with BHCs and delivering integrated care. Organizations9 methods for addressing employees9 need for additional preparation included hiring a consultant to provide training, sending employees to external training programs, hosting residency or practicum training programs, or creating their own internal training program. Onboarding new employees through the development of training manuals; extensive shadowing processes; and protecting time for ongoing education, mentoring, and support opportunities for new and established clinicians and staff were featured in these internal training programs. Conclusion: Insufficient training capacity and practical experience opportunities continue to be major barriers to supplying the workforce needed for effective behavioral health and primary care integration. Until the training capacity grows to meet the demand, practices must put forth considerable effort and resources to train their own employees.
Mefloquine in the nucleus accumbens promotes social avoidance and anxiety-like behavior in mice

Mefloquine continues to be a key drug used for malaria chemoprophylaxis and treatment, despite reports of adverse events like depression and anxiety. It is unknown how mefloquine acts within the central nervous system to cause depression and anxiety or why some individuals are more vulnerable. We show that intraperitoneal injection of mefloquine in mice, when coupled to subthreshold social defeat stress, is sufficient to produce depression-like social avoidance behavior. Direct infusion of mefloquine into the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain reward region, increased stress-induced social avoidance and anxiety behavior. In contrast, infusion into the ventral hippocampus had no effect. Whole cell recordings from NAc medium spiny neurons indicated that mefloquine application increases the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents, a synaptic adaptation that we have previously shown to be associated with increased susceptibility to social defeat stress. Together, these data demonstrate a role for the NAc in mefloquine-induced depression and anxiety-like behaviors.
Structure of the Respiratory and Female Genitourinary Tracts

The respiratory and genitourinary tracts comprise two major mucosal tissues. There are some similarities between the structure and cells of these sites, and there are also important differences. The respiratory tract is arguably more exposed to the outside environment than the genitourinary tract, as it is essential for continuously acquiring oxygen. Therefore, it is also more accessible, and socially acceptable, as a vaccination route. The genitourinary tract, together with the rectal mucosa, is a major site of a variety of sexually transmitted diseases, and as such they comprise the most important mucosal routes for transmission of HIV and many other pathogens. In this chapter, a description of the structure and cells of the upper and lower respiratory tract as well as the genitourinary and rectal mucosa is given.
The Influence of Dopants on the Effectiveness of Alginate Beads in Immobilized Cell Reactors

Zymomonas mobilis immobilized in doped calcium alginate (Ca-alginate) was successfully employed for the production of ethanol in an immobilized cell reactor. Polyethylene oxide and F127 dimethacrylate were evaluated as potential dopants for Ca-alginate beads to decrease lag time and increase initial ethanol yield. The influence of the type and concentration of the dopant on the effectiveness of the microbe immobilized in Ca-alginate beads to produce ethanol was studied, and results were compared to the widely used 2 % Ca-alginate with no dopants, which acted as control. Immobilized cell reactors that were operated using beads doped with 0.25 % polyethylene oxide (PEO) reached an ethanol yield of ∼70 % in 24 h, which was significantly higher than an ethanol yield of 25 % obtained for the control reactor operated using undoped Ca-alginate beads. This study shows that the use of water-soluble dopants can potentially reduce the lag phase and thus improve the initial production yield of immobilized cell reactors, likely due to an increase in porosity and diffusion rate of the doped beads.
The effects of light, temperature, after-ripening, nitrate and water on Chenopodium album seed germination

Chenopodium album is a widespread and troublesome weed in Iowa and agricultural areas throughout the north temperate regions of the world. This study investigated the effects of various factors on the stimulation of germination of two populations of C. album seeds collected in 2007 and 2008 at a common location. These factors included light, temperature, after-ripening time, nitrate, and water level. Germination of both populations was generally stimulated by light, warm (15-25℃)and hot (25-35℃) temperatures, 0.01 M nitrate, 3 to 5 weeks of after-ripening (4℃, dark, moist), and with the 2008 population, 1.0 and 1.25 ml of water. The interaction of these factors, particularly light, warm temperatures and nitrate, stimulated higher germination than when applied individually. Germination was very low in cold (5-15℃) temperatures or darkness, regardless of other treatments applied. The goal of this experiment was to lay a foundation with two local Iowa populations to guide further studies developing a seed germination assay to determine variability of dormancy among individual seeds of and between populations. Insights about dormancy variability in C. album gained from the current research included positive responses by both populations to light, warm and hot temperatures, nitrate, and intermediate after-ripening times. However, the populations differed in their response to water quantity and, for most conditions, the 2008 population achieved greater overall germination. The overarching goal of this project is to build a condensed C. album seed germination assay to characterize individual populations to predict seedling emergence patterns in agricultural soils in an effort to decrease interference with crop productivity.
Another Look at the Executive-Board Relationship

private social work agencies. It notes the popular view in social work literature that regards the relationship as a partner ship, but suggests that this view is not valid, that it is contradicted by the reality as well as the organizational theory of the mana gerial level—the executive being subordin ate to the higher level control, the board of directors. While holding that the relation is not one of partners, the author nonethe less submits several propositions descriptive of situations that permit the executive to maximize his power at the expense of the board.
Which is More Value Relevant: Earnings or Cash Flows? A Life Cycle Examination

Statements in the financial press and recent research suggest that controversy exists as to which accounting measure is more value-relevant: earnings or cash flows. This study examines the relative value-relevance of earnings and cash flow measures in different life-cycle stages. Earnings are predicted to be more value-relevant in mature stages. Cash flows are expected to be more value relevant in stages characterized by growth and/or uncertainty. In general the hypotheses are supported using Wald X tests (Biddle, Seow, and Siegel 1995) of a model based on the theoretical work of Feltham and Ohson (1995). Evidence supports the hypothesis that earnings are more value-relevant than operating, investing, or financing cash flows in mature life-cycle stages. However, in the start-up stage investing cash flows are more value relevant than earnings. In growth and decline stages, operating cash flows are more value relevant than earnings.
Biomechanical Scaling of Limb Bones and Differential Limb Use in Caviomorph Rodents

Cross-sectional geometric properties associated with the amount of cortical bone in a section (cross-sectional area) and mean bending and torsional rigidity (cross-sectional moments of area) were estimated for selected locations on femoral and humeral diaphyses of caviomorph rodents. Customary limb usages are reflected in the differential values of these properties. Femoral diaphyses of non-burrowing caviomorph rodents have greater capacities to with-stand mechanical stresses compared with those of the humeri. This pattern is consistent with hind limb dominated activities, such as locomotor propulsion. Terrestrial quadrupeds that rely on speed and acceleration to escape predators have well-buttressed femoral shafts. Only ctenomyids are characterized by having rigid humeral diaphyses, presumably as an adaptation for burrowing. Cross-sectional geometric properties also can be used to detect more subtle differences in patterns of limb use.
Beyond 100 Gb/s Transmission over Graded-Index Plastic Optical Fiber (GI-POF) Links

We present a power-variable-rate-adaptive LDPC-coded-OFDM scheme, suitable for communication over GI-POF-links. We demonstrate that channel-capacity can be closely approached with proposed scheme. We show that transmission at 100Gb/s over 500m of perfluorinated-GI-POF-links can be achieved.
Management of End-Stage Radiation Cystitis in the Cancer Survivor

Millions of cancer survivors have received pelvic radiation, and a significant minority of them will have long-term lower urinary tract sequelae manifesting as hematuria, storage and emptying dysfunction, and fistulas. Hemorrhagic radiation cystitis is managed with intravesical agents in the acute setting, and systemic oral and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for long-term control. In certain cases, however, urinary diversion will be required. Similarly, most cases of lower urinary tract symptoms relating to poor storage and emptying can be managed conservatively. However, some will warrant urinary diversion. Radiation-related urinary fistulas have notoriously poor outcomes after attempts at repair, and early consideration to urinary diversion should be given in these cases. Continent as well as incontinent urinary diversion can be safely performed in patients with prior pelvic radiation, and limited contemporary data confirm significant quality-of-life improvements after urinary diversion in patients with end-stage radiation cystitis.
Effects of Telephone-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Nondirective Supportive Therapy on Sleep, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Disability

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered by telephone (CBT-T) and telephone-delivered nondirective supportive therapy (NST-T) on sleep, health-related quality of life, and physical disability in rural older adults with generalized anxiety disorder. Methods This was a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial on 141 rural-dwelling adults 60 years and older diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Sleep was assessed with the Insomnia Severity Index. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Physical disability was assessed with the Pepper Center Tool for Disability. Assessments occurred at baseline, 4 months, 9 months, and 15 months. Results Insomnia declined in both groups from baseline to 4 months, with a significantly greater improvement among participants who received CBT-T. Similarly, Mental and Physical Component Summaries of the SF-36 declined in both groups, with a differential effect favoring CBT-T. Participants in both interventions reported declines in physical disability, although there were no significant differences between the two interventions. Improvements in insomnia were maintained at the 15-month assessment, whereas between-group differences shrank on the Mental and Physical Component Summaries of the SF-36 by the 15-month assessment. Conclusion CBT-T was superior to NST-T in reducing insomnia and improving health-related quality of life. The effects of CBT-T on sleep were maintained 1 year after completing the treatment.
Pancreatic cancer survivors' preferences, barriers, and facilitators related to physical activity and diet interventions.

To conduct a telephone survey establishing pancreatic cancer survivors’ level of interest in, preferences for, and perceived barriers and facilitators to participating in exercise and diet intervention programming. These data will inform the development of such interventions for newly-diagnosed patients. Seventy-one survivors treated for resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma from October 2011 to August 2014 were identified through an institutional cancer registry and contacted via telephone. A telephone survey was conducted to query survivors’ level of interest in, preferences for, and perceived barriers and facilitators to participating in an exercise and dietary intervention program shortly after disease diagnosis. Acceptability of a technology-based visual communication (e.g., Skype™, FaceTime®) intervention was also assessed. Fifty participants completed the survey (response rate 71.8 %). Over two-thirds of participants reported interest in exercise and diet intervention programming. Over half reported comfort with a technology-delivered visual communication intervention. Barriers to participation included older age and physical, personal, and emotional problems. The most common facilitator was program awareness. Outcomes for future research important to participants were supportive care and quality of life. Most pancreatic cancer patients are interested in exercise and diet interventions shortly after diagnosis; however, some barriers to program participation exist. Future research and intervention planning for pancreatic cancer survivors should focus on developing messaging and strategies that provide support for survivorship outcomes, increase survivor awareness, address lack of familiarity with technology, reduce fears about potential barriers, and help survivors overcome these barriers. In so doing, survivorship needs can be better met and quality of life improved in this understudied population.
RELATIONSHIP OF THE GRAVITY LINE TEST TO POSTURE, TRUNK STRENGTH, AND HIP-TRUNK FLEXIBILITY OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRLS.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the significance of the gravity line test as a diagnostic measure of posture. When correlated with angle readings (Massey test) taken from photographs of 117 elementary school girls, it was found that the position of the gravity line, relative to the base of support, is of no value in evaluating the standing posture. No significant relationship exists between the position of the gravity line and abdominal or back muscle strength, nor hip-trunk flexibility. A high negative correlation exists between hip-trunk flexibility and posture of the lumbar region.
Long-term results with the Kaufman prosthesis.

Abstract Patients with incontinence after prostatectomy were examined for long-term results following implantation of a Kaufman prosthesis. There appears to be a dichotomy between patients who underwent implantation of the device after radical procedures versus those who had been operated upon for benign disease. Patients undergoing implantation of the prosthesis after an operation for malignant disease experienced a higher rate of complications and a lower over-all continence rate. Also, patients who underwent implantation of the Kaufman prosthesis in conjunction with the Small-Carrion prosthesis showed a 100 per cent failure rate. It appears from the data that the Kaufman prosthesis is not the long sought panacea.
Cystectomy After Radiotherapeutic Ablation of Invasive Transitional Cell Cancer

AbstractOf 282 patients with invasive bladder carcinoma treated by a combined protocol of preoperative irradiation and total or partial cystectomy 84 had no residual carcinoma in the surgical specimens. Of these 84 patients who have been at risk for 12 to 149 months 59 (70 per cent) are alive.
Growth of Carbon Nanotubes with Controlled Morphologies

The alignment, orientation and morphologies of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) can be tailored by controlling catalyst deposition on porous silicon substrates. During the growth of MWNTs, H2 promoted the growth of carbon nanotubes and prevented the formation of amorphous carbon particles. With the introduction of H2, the average diameter of MWNTs decreased from 130 nm to 15 nm, and the average growth rate of nanotubes increased from 50 nm/s to 145 nm/s. The use of CH4 as the carbon source resulted in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with an average diameter of 2 nm, and the use of C2H2 as the carbon source resulted in MWNTs with an average diameter of 15 nm.
Critical Illness Weakness

Weakness may complicate the course of a significant number of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. This weakness may affect the respiratory musculature, in which case it is usually recognized as a failure to wean from the ventilator. It may also commonly affect limb muscles, and more rarely, both facial and extra-ocular muscles. Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) and critical illness myopathy (CIM) are two of the better recognized causes of such weakness that arise during the course of the ICU stay.
Increased Tissue Stiffness in Tumors from Mice with Neurofibromatosis-1 Optic Glioma

Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) cancer predisposition syndrome are prone to the development of low-grade brain tumors (gliomas) within the optic pathway (optic gliomas). One of the key obstacles to developing successful therapeutic strategies for these tumors is the striking lack of information about the mechanical properties that characterize these tumors relative to non-neoplastic optic nerve tissue. To study the physical changes that may occur when an optic nerve glioma is present, we employed atomic force microscopy to measure the stiffness of healthy versus tumor-bearing optic nerve tissue. We found that the average elastic moduli of non-neoplastic and tumor-bearing optic nerves were ∼3 and ∼6 kPa, respectively. Based on previous studies implicating changes in extracellular matrix remodeling in other, related optic nerve pathological states, we found decreased expression of one major metalloproteinase protein (MMP-2) and unchanged expression of lysyl oxidase and a second metalloproteinase, MMP-9, in murine optic gliomas relative to normal non-neoplastic optic nerve. Collectively, these observations suggest a productive interplay between physical properties of mouse optic nerve gliomas and the extracellular matrix.
Cache locality optimization for recursive programs

We present an approach to optimize the cache locality for recursive programs by dynamically splicing---recursively interleaving---the execution of distinct function invocations. By utilizing data effect annotations, we identify concurrency and data reuse opportunities across function invocations and interleave them to reduce reuse distance. We present algorithms that efficiently track effects in recursive programs, detect interference and dependencies, and interleave execution of function invocations using user-level (non-kernel) lightweight threads. To enable multi-core execution, a program is parallelized using a nested fork/join programming model. Our cache optimization strategy is designed to work in the context of a random work stealing scheduler. We present an implementation using the MIT Cilk framework that demonstrates significant improvements in sequential and parallel performance, competitive with a state-of-the-art compile-time optimizer for loop programs and a domain-specific optimizer for stencil programs.
Abstract IA05: Immunoprevention of oral cancers

Oral pre-malignant lesions (OPLs) are usually clinically characterized as leukoplakia or erythhroplakia, and confer an increased risk of oral cancer. Despite decades of clinical investigations with candidate chemopreventive agents such as 13-cis-retinoic acid, beta-carotene, fenretinide, green-tea extract, celecoxib, erlotinib, among others, a standard-of-care chemoprevention strategy for oral cancers has not yet been developed. Importantly, OPLs and oral cavity cancers are not related to HPV, thus HPV vaccines are not expected to be effective in this setting. One of the greatest challenges in managing patients with OPLs is determining risk for malignant transformation and need for intervention. To that end, retrospective and prospective studies have been completed by our group and others and demonstrate that LOH profiles (primarily at 13p14 and/or 9p21) in OPLs are associated with higher incidence of oral cancers. LOH is now considered the most robust prognostic marker of cancer risk in this setting, and these data now set the stage for development of clinical trials focused on molecularly-defined high risk groups of OPLs. Immune checkpoint blockade with antibodies directed at programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) has recently been successfully developed for the management of advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, validating the importance of immune modulation in the progression of these invasive tumors. Given the favorable toxicity profile, there is interest in studying these agents for prevention of oral cancers in patients with high risk OPLs. In this presentation, we will review the data that support a role for immune surveillance and immune editing in the development of oral cancers, and describe the rationale and clinical trial design of the Immunoprevention of Oral Cancer (IPOC) study, the first randomized trial to evaluate the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab for oral cancer prevention in patients with molecularly-defined high-risk OPLs. Citation Format: William N. William, Jr. Immunoprevention of oral cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Optimizing Survival and Quality of Life through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; April 23-25, 2017; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(23_Suppl):Abstract nr IA05.
Fun in the workplace: A review and expanded theoretical perspective

Abstract Since the turn of the century, a growing body of research has systemically examined the role of fun in the workplace. In general, the extant body of research has demonstrated that fun in the workplace has a beneficial impact for individuals and organizations, but some evidence has been mixed. To help advance research in this area, the aims of this paper are two-fold. The first aim is to review previous research on fun in the workplace and identify gaps in the literature to provide direction for future work. The second aim is to offer a theoretical framework that helps explain how individuals may interpret fun in the workplace and how it may be most beneficial. Drawing on the notion that fun in the workplace is in the eye of the beholder, our proposed framework provides a more nuanced understanding of the temporal processes and contextual factors that explain how individuals appraise and ultimately benefit from fun.
Association of Rhabdomyolysis with Uncontrolled Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in Adolescents

Objective: To illustrate the rare occurrence of rhabdomyolysis presenting in adolescents with autoimmune thyroid disease and to briefly review the literature regarding pathophysiology and treatment. Methods: We present 3 children who developed rhabdomyolysis in the setting of concurrent thyroid disease: a 17-year-old female with undiagnosed hyperthyroidism, a 16-year-old female with undiagnosed hypothyroidism, and a 12-year-old female who had been treated for hypothyroidism for several years but was noncompliant. Each one presented with severe proximal muscle pain and weakness. They were afebrile and had no history of trauma. Results: All 3 patients had dark urine (urinalysis was heme positive but had no red blood cells) and very high creatine kinase (CK) levels. They were treated with aggressive hydration since the most dangerous complication of rhabdomyolysis is acute renal failure. The urine cleared in a few days in all patients and CK normalized in a few months. Conclusion: Even though rhabdomyolysis ...