cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engineering a Monomeric Fc Domain Modality by N-Glycosylation for the Half-life Extension of Biotherapeutics

Human IgG is a bivalent molecule that has two identical Fab domains connected by a dimeric Fc domain. For therapeutic purposes, however, the bivalency of IgG and Fc fusion proteins could cause undesired properties. We therefore engineered the conversion of the natural dimeric Fc domain to a highly soluble monomer by introducing two Asn-linked glycans onto the hydrophobic CH3-CH3 dimer interface. The monomeric Fc (monoFc) maintained the binding affinity for neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in a pH-dependent manner. We solved the crystal structure of monoFc, which explains how the carbohydrates can stabilize the protein surface and provides the rationale for molecular recognition between monoFc and FcRn. The monoFc prolonged the in vivo half-life of an antibody Fab domain, and a tandem repeat of the monoFc further prolonged the half-life. This monoFc modality can be used to improve the pharmacokinetics of monomeric therapeutic proteins with an option to modulate the degree of half-life extension. Background: The bivalency of IgG and Fc fusion could cause undesired therapeutic properties. Results: We developed a stable monomeric Fc modality by N-glycosylation engineering, enabling the generation of crystal structure. Conclusion: The monomeric Fc prolonged the half-life of Fab domain through the interaction with neonatal Fc receptor. Significance: The monomeric Fc will be used for pharmacokinetics enhancement of biotherapeutics that require monovalent properties.
The Role of Critical Formalism in Music Education

This article discusses the emancipatory potential of critical formalism, a mode of critique that may be helpful in revealing to music students the taken-for-granted nature of some common musical and educational notions whose socially constructed nature may not always appear evident. The work is presented in two parts: “theory” and “praxis.” The theoretical component briefly outlines the notion of critical formalism as loosely derived from Adorno’s aesthetic theory, and the practical component illustrates two examples of reified forms that may be subject to such critique. First, Louth discusses the idea of critiquing theoretical musical structures insofar as they function normatively. Then, by way of showing how critical formalism can be broadened to encompass a kind of meta-analysis, the issue of instructional language in music classes, in both spoken and textual variations, is examined.
Phosphorylation of Sar1b Protein Releases Liver Fatty Acid-binding Protein from Multiprotein Complex in Intestinal Cytosol Enabling It to Bind to Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and Bud the Pre-chylomicron Transport Vesicle

Native cytosol requires ATP to initiate the budding of the pre-chylomicron transport vesicle from intestinal endoplasmic reticulum (ER). When FABP1 alone is used, no ATP is needed. Here, we test the hypothesis that in native cytosol FABP1 is present in a multiprotein complex that prevents FABP1 binding to the ER unless the complex is phosphorylated. We found on chromatography of native intestinal cytosol over a Sephacryl S-100 HR column that FABP1 (14 kDa) eluted in a volume suggesting a 75-kDa protein complex that contained four proteins on an anti-FABP1 antibody pulldown. The FABP1-containing column fractions were chromatographed over an anti-FABP1 antibody adsorption column. Proteins co-eluted from the column were identified as FABP1, Sar1b, Sec13, and small VCP/p97-interactive protein by immunoblot, LC-MS/MS, and MALDI-TOF. The four proteins of the complex had a total mass of 77 kDa and migrated on native PAGE at 75 kDa. When the complex was incubated with intestinal ER, there was no increase in FABP1-ER binding. However, when the complex member Sar1b was phosphorylated by PKCζ and ATP, the complex completely disassembled into its component proteins that migrated at their monomer molecular weight on native PAGE. FABP1, freed from the complex, was now able to bind to intestinal ER and generate the pre-chylomicron transport vesicle (PCTV). No increase in ER binding or PCTV generation was observed in the absence of PKCζ or ATP. We conclude that phosphorylation of Sar1b disrupts the FABP1-containing four-membered 75-kDa protein complex in cytosol enabling it to bind to the ER and generate PCTV.
Selection rules for the inelastic scattering of electrons from surfaces with glide planes

If a surface has glide reflection as a symmetry then the phonon modes in the surface can be characterized by their behavior under this operation. We exploit this observation to study phonon modes excited by electron scattering off the reconstructed Ni(100) surface with a c(2 × 2) carbon overlayer. The space group of this structure contains glides, while the space group of the unreconstructed surface contains simple reflections instead. We show the connection between phonon modes in the two structures and find the selection rules that relate the momentum lost by a scattered electron to the q-vector and symmetry of the phonon mode excited by the scattering. Our results agree with the data of Rocca et al. on this system and are more widely applicable.
The Effects of Realistic Job Previews on Newcomer Behavior: A Laboratory Study.

Abstract Previous studies have yielded mixed results concerning the effects of Realistic Job Previews (RJPs) on satisfaction, turnover, and other variables. Some variation may have resulted from inconsistencies in the control of the self-selection variable. A laboratory design separating the effects of self-selection from other preview effects was employed. Subjects were given one of four previews, and some were permitted a choice of tasks. Consistent with social information processing approach (SIPA) predictions and contrary to “reality shock” (RS) predictions, task satisfaction was positively associated with preview favorability. Performance also varied by preview but turnover did not. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Prevention of benzene-induced myelotoxicity and prostaglandin synthesis in bone marrow of mice by inhibitors of prostaglandin H synthase

Administration of benzene to mice causes bone marrow toxicity and elevations in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a negative regulator of myelopoiesis. In these experiments, benzene (400 mg/kg; 2 x/day for 2 days) administered to DBA/2 or C57Bl/6 mice decreased bone marrow cellularity and myeloid progenitor cell development (measured as colony-forming units per femur) by 40%. When inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase component of prostaglandin H synthase (PHS) (either indomethacin, 2 mg/kg; aspirin, 50 mg/kg; meclofenamate, 4 mg/kg) were coadministered with benzene, myelotoxicity and the elevation in bone marrow PGE level were prevented. Additionally, when indomethacin (1 microM) was added to cultures of bone marrow cells from benzene-treated mice, myeloid progenitor cell development was the same as the controls. The doses of indomethacin used had no affect on the hepatic conversion of benzene to its major metabolite, phenol. Using purified PHS, indomethacin (10 microM) inhibited the arachidonic acid-dependent oxidation of hydroquinone to p-benzoquinone, a putative reactive metabolite of benzene. Indomethacin (10 microM) had no effect on the H2O2-driven oxidation of hydroquinone catalysed by either PHS-peroxidase or myeloperoxidase. Coadministration of the benzene metabolites, phenol and hydroquinone, has been reported previously to reproduce the myelotoxicity of benzene. In our studies, phenol and hydroquinone (50 mg/kg each; 2 x/day for 2 days) decreased bone marrow cellularity by 40%; however, coadministration of indomethacin (2 mg/kg) or meclofenamate (4 mg/kg) with these metabolites did not prevent the decrease in bone marrow cell number. Our results implicate marrow PHS in mediating the short-term myelotoxicity of benzene.
A model of tentacle function in certain suctorians.

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that suctorian tentacles go through a refractory period immediately after feeding on a prey organism. In this paper, a model of the foraging process in these protozoa is devised, incorporating a refractory period. Predictions of this model, as well as one without a refractory period, are compared with the data of MacKeen & Mitchell (1977) . The results support the idea that there is a refractory period. Directions in which the model might be generalized are discussed.
An overview of loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) bycatch and technical mitigation measures in the Mediterranean Sea

This paper reviews the gear parameters responsible for loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) capture and mortality while taking into account the mitigation measures tested in the Mediterranean Sea. Incidental catch is considered as one of the major threats for turtle survival; however, the loggerhead bycatch estimated in different areas seems to be unrealistic, which highlights the need of a method for homogenising the estimates. Drifting longlines and bottom trawls have the greatest impact on Mediterranean turtle populations, respectively in pelagic and demersal phase, while passive nets (gillnets and trammel nets) seem to be responsible for the highest direct mortality, due to drowning. Most of the experiments available for the Mediterranean are focused on drifting longline. The longline parameters, hook shape and size, bait type, setting position and the reaction to sensory stimuli, strongly affect the sea turtle bycatch and mortality. Circle hooks have the potential to reduce turtle mortality only in certain fisheries and areas; larger hooks are less likely to be swallowed by turtles due to physical constraints of the mouth, reducing the mortality rate and the catch of juveniles; branchlines, once ingested, appear to be one of the major causes of sea turtle mortality; squid bait, which consistently catches more turtles than mackerel, and lightsticks, which strongly attract turtles, should be banned, at least in some areas and seasons. On the contrary only two bottom trawl studies are available from the Mediterranean. Turtle excluder devices have been tested with promising results in Turkey and Italy, even if the loss of large fish should be carefully investigated. For set nets no practical solutions are available at this time. The analysis allows the conclusion that technical parameters affecting turtle bycatch and mortality should only be studied one at a time, in order to avoid inconclusive results, studies on post-release mortality should be implemented and finally fishermen cooperation is paramount in reducing turtle bycatch and mortality.
A quality measure-based rate control strategy for MPEG video encoders

Rate control is an essential part of most video encoders. In this paper, a rate control scheme based on block based-features which has a high correlation with subjective test experiments is presented. Four block-based features (the average of DFT differences, the standard deviation of DFT differences, the mean absolute deviation of wepstrum differences, and the variance of UVW differences) are extracted from the input and output video sequences and fed into a four-layer back-propagation neural network that has been trained by subjective testing. The bit assignment between frames and macroblocks is selected based on the nonconvex quality and bitcount functions and a subjective activity measure which is computed as the average of the nonconvex quality bitcount ratios over the mquant index ranges [1...31]. The proposed rate control scheme has a higher, and also a more consistent, quality measure than the MPEG Test Model 5 scheme. The objective quality, as measured by the signal-to-noise ratio is also improved, and the variations in the signal-to-noise ratio and bit-rate from frame to frame are reduced.
Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of excessive gingival display.

Purpose: One cause of excessive gingival display is the muscular capacity to raise the upper lip higher than average. Several surgical procedures have been reported to improve the condition, but surgery always involves risk and is costly. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) (Botox; Allergan, Irvine, Calif) has been studied since the late 1970s for the treatment of several conditions associated with excessive muscle contraction or pain. This clinical pilot study was performed to determine whether BTX-A injections would reduce excessive gingival display. Material: Five subjects with excessive gingival display due to hyperfunctional upper lip elevator muscles were treated with BTX-A injections. Results: This treatment modality was effective, producing esthetically acceptable smiles in these patients. The improvements lasted 3 to 6 months. Conclusions: Injection with BTX-A at preselected sites is a novel, cosmetically effective, minimally invasive alternative for the temporary improvement of gummy smiles caused by hyperfunctional upper lip elevator muscles.
Stereoselective syn aldol reaction of the lithium ester enolate of ethyl N,N-dimethylglycine in the presence of triethylborane

Abstract Aldol condensation of acetaldehyde and benzaldehyde with the lithium ester enolate of ethyl N,N-dimethylglycine in the presence of one equivalent of triethylborane resulted in the formation of the corresponding 3-hydroxy-2-amino acid ester with excellent stereocontrol (>95% de ) for the formation of syn products. The stereochemical outcome of these reactions is rationalized via the selective formation of the (Z)-enolate of 1 in the presence of triethylborane.
Experiments on the use of local statistics for adaptive image processing

In this paper, we report results from our experiments to find useful measures of local image statistics from small subblocks of data. Our criteria for the reliability of statistical estimates is that they should yield high quality results when used in adaptive image processing. We describe a method for estimating the correlation parameters of first-order Markov autocovariance models using relatively few computational steps. An application to block-interpolative data compression is given.
Integrin-linked kinase regulates phosphatase and tensin homologue activity to promote tumorigenesis in neuroblastoma cells.

Background The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), a critical intracellular pathway, is negatively regulated by phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN). Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) induces phosphorylation of Akt leading to an increase in cell survival. However, a potential interaction between ILK and PTEN activity in neuroblastoma cells is unknown. We sought to examine the relationship between ILK and PTEN in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in neuroblastoma tumorigenesis. Methods The human neuroblastoma cell line, BE(2)-C, was transfected with small interfering or short hairpin RNA to silence ILK expression. A plasmid containing the ILK wild-type (ILK wt) gene was transfected to overexpress ILK. Cell proliferation was assessed, and anchorage independence was measured by soft agar assay. Insulin-like growth factor-1 was used to stimulate the PI3K/Akt pathway. Protein levels were determined by Western blotting. Results Transient silencing of ILK produced correlative decreases in PTEN expression, cell proliferation, and soft agar colony formation. Conversely, stably transfected ILK knockdown cells showed an increase in phospho–Akt levels, leading to cell proliferation. Conclusion ILK plays an important role in the regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway via PTEN or an upstream effector of PTEN. The effects of ILK silencing on PTEN expression seem to be critically dependent on duration of ILK dysregulation.
Image-receptor performance: a comparison of Trophy RVG UI sensor and Kodak Ektaspeed Plus film.

Abstract Objective. This study compares the physical characteristics of the RVG UI sensor (RVG) with Ektaspeed Plus film. Study Design. Dose-response curves were generated for film and for each of 6 available RVG modes. An aluminum step-wedge was used to evaluate exposure latitude. Spatial resolution was assessed by using a line-pair test tool. Latitude and resolution were assessed by observers for both modalities. The RVG was further characterized by its modulation transfer function. Results. Exposure latitude was equal for film and RVG in the periodontal mode. Other gray scale modes demonstrated much lower latitude. The average maximum resolution was 15.3 line-pairs per millimeter (lp/mm) for RVG in high-resolution mode, 10.5 lp/mm for RVG in low-resolution mode, and 20 lp/mm for film ( P Conclusions. In periodontal mode, the RVG UI sensor demonstrates exposure latitude similar to that of Ektaspeed Plus film. Film images exhibit significantly higher spatial resolution than the RVG images acquired in high-resolution mode. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2001;91:109-19)
Sensitivity Analysis of Multiterminal Flow Networks

Given an undirected flow network with finite arc capacities, an algorithm is developed for the determination of the effect of a reduction or increase in the capacity of any arc on the maximum flow between any two nodes of the network. The algorithm is based on the Gomory-Hu construction of "cut-trees."
Multidimensional Collisional Dielectric Barrier Discharge for Flow Separation Control at Atmospheric Pressures

Abstract : Radio frequency based discharges at atmospheric pressures are the focus of increased interest in aerodynamics because of a wide range of potential applications including specifically actuation in flows at moderate speeds. Recent literature describing promising experimental observations, especially on separation control, have spurred efforts in the development of parallel theoretical modeling to alleviate limitations in current understanding of the actuation mechanism. The present effort builds on a recently developed finite element-based one- and two-dimensional multi-fluid formulation of plasma sheath for atmospheric optical glow discharge in partially ionized gas. The model was relatively straightforward but formed the foundation of a versatile first-principles based methodology. Higher-fidelity models are included to yield a more sophisticated framework to predict discharge-induced momentum exchange. Here, the complete problem of a dielectric barrier discharge based separation control with axially displaced electrodes is simulated in a self-consistent manner. Model predictions for transient evolution of charge densities, the electric field, electrodynamic force and induced gas velocity distributions for helium gas in quiescent condition are shown to mimic trends reported in the experimental literature. For the first time, results also document the decay process of a separation bubble formed due to flow past a flat plat inclined at 12 deg angle of attack. This effort sets the basis for extending the formulation further to include polyphase power input in multi-dimensional settings, and to apply the simulation method to flows past common aerodynamic configurations.
Different γ-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Subtypes are Involved in the Regulation of Opiate-Dependent and Independent Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Secretion

The neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) appears to be involved in the control of gonadotropin secretion. These studies were conducted 1) to evaluate the effect of GABAergic drugs on in vitro LHRH secretion and 2) to characterize the role of different types of GABA receptors (the GABA-A and GABA-B subtypes) in these actions. Arcuate nuclei- median eminence fragments were incubated in vitro, and the release of LHRH, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), arginine vasopressin, and oxytocin was measured by RIA. Both GABA and muscimol at different concentrations induced an increase in LHRH release, but did not affect the release of arginine vasopressin and oxytocin. This stimulatory effect was blocked by the specific GABA antagonist bicuculline, suggesting the involvement of GABA-A type receptors. Muscimol-stimulated LHRH release was not affected by the presence of phentolamine, suggesting that the stimulatory effect of GABA-A receptors on LHRH release is not mediated by interactions with the noradrenergic system. P...
Multimodal analysis of body sensor network data streams for real-time healthcare

Fundamental advances in low power circuits, wireless communication, physiological sensor design, and multimedia stream processing, have led to the deployment of body sensor networks for the real-time monitoring of individual health in diverse settings. In this paper we will present a summary of the state-of-the-art in the design and development of aggregation, processing, analysis, and retrieval techniques for body sensor network data streams. In particular, we will focus on multi-modal stream analysis techniques, in distributed and resource constrained environments, for effective real-time healthcare applications. We will describe the associated research challenges ranging from designing novel applications and mining algorithms to systems issues of resource-adaptation, reliability etc., and the intersection of these. We will also present practical deployments and emerging applications of body sensor networks both in individual healthcare as well as in applications for large-scale public health tracking of communities. We will conclude with a summary of open challenges in the field.
Proteolytic processing of human brain alpha spectrin (fodrin): identification of a hypersensitive site

The processing of brain spectrin (fodrin) by calcium-dependent proteases at the postsynaptic membrane has been postulated to be one of the central molecular mechanisms underlying long-term potentiation (LTP). The effect of such processing on the structure and function of brain spectrin, and on spectrin's ability to organize or otherwise regulate receptor function remains unclear. To address these issues, human and bovine brain spectrin were digested under mild conditions with several proteases, and the resulting cleavage fragments analyzed by 2-dimensional chymotryptic 125I peptide mapping. These studies identify an underlying protease-resistant domain structure reminiscent of, yet distinctly different from, human erythroid spectrin. More importantly, fodrin is unusual for the presence of a single, proteolytically hypersensitive site in the center of the alpha subunit, which is the favored site of action by many proteases, including the calcium-dependent neutral proteases. This proteolytically hypersensitive site is a unique feature of alpha nonerythroid spectrin since it is absent from human erythrocyte spectrin and appears to be the site at which the molecule is processed in vivo. In addition, on the basis of gel overlay techniques, it appears that the hypersensitive site is also the site at which calmodulin binds to the alpha-subunit in a calcium-dependent manner. These studies thus establish at the molecular level 2 calcium-dependent mechanisms by which brain spectrin function might be regulated and provide a conceptual and methodological framework for further investigation into the function of this important molecule.
Time-parallel trace-driven simulation of CSMA/CD

Time-parallel simulation defines a methodology thatcan be applied to certain specific simulation problems. Inthis paper, we present a time-parallel approach for tracedrivensimulation of the CSMA/CD protocol. The"memoryless" property of the physical system undermoderate traffic loads allows for efficient time-parallelsimulation. We also present two optimization techniques:the estimation of idle points and the incremental fix-upcomputation. The former can improve the probability thata subtrace begins with a known initial system state. Thelatter can speedup the fix-up computation that is requiredwhen the estimation of the initial state is incorrect.
The Cognitive Neuroscience of Human Memory Since H.M.

Work with patient H.M., beginning in the 1950s, established key principles about the organization of memory that inspired decades of experimental work. Since H.M., the study of human memory and its disorders has continued to yield new insights and to improve understanding of the structure and organization of memory. Here we review this work with emphasis on the neuroanatomy of medial temporal lobe and diencephalic structures important for memory, multiple memory systems, visual perception, immediate memory, memory consolidation, the locus of long-term memory storage, the concepts of recollection and familiarity, and the question of how different medial temporal lobe structures may contribute differently to memory functions.
Insulin Strategies for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVETo review the currently available insulin analogs and the benefits of insulin therapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.DATA SOURCESA MEDLINE search (1990–March 2004) was conducted using insulin and type 2 diabetes mellitus as search terms to identify clinical trials and review articles. The bibliographies of identified articles were reviewed.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTIONAll articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and deemed relevant if they included and assessed clinical outcomes.DATA SYNTHESISSince its discovery in 1922, insulin therapy has been the only available pharmacologic treatment for type 1 diabetes and a mainstay therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes who fail to obtain glycemic control with oral antidiabetic agents. This article reviews the current insulin analogs available on the market and insulin regimens that are designed to mimic the pancreatic β-cells’ response to a glucose load.CONCLUSIONSInsulin therapy is often withheld until late in the d...
Mechanism of dispersed‐phase mass transfer in viscous, single‐drop extraction systems

The theory of solute extraction in viscous single-drop systems is extended to show (1) the dependence of the asymptotic Nusselt number on the Peclet number from NPe = 0, the molecular diffusion limit, to NPe = ∞, the Kronig and Brink limit, and (2) the dependence of the diffusion entry region Nusselt number on the Peclet number and the initial concentration profile. A numerical solution of the diffusion equation, limited to dilute solute concentrations and solute transport by viscous convection and molecular diffusion, is presented from which the nature of the Nusselt number is deduced. The observed oscillatory behavior of the Nusselt number in the diffusion entry region, as NPe → ∞, is given a simple physical interpretation in terms of the circulation period of the drop liquid. The model is based upon the Hadamard stream function which theoretically is limited to creeping flow; however some experimental evidence indicates that flow fields similar to the Hadamard stream function exist at continuous phase Reynolds numbers of the order of ten.
Efficiently GPU-accelerating long kernel convolutions in 3-D DIRECT TOF PET reconstruction via a kernel decomposition scheme

The DIRECT approach for 3-D Time-of-Flight (TOF) PET reconstruction performs all iterative predictor-corrector operations directly in image space. A computational bottleneck here is the convolution with the long TOF (resolution) kernels. Accelerating this convolution operation using GPUs is very important especially for spatially variant resolution kernels, which cannot be efficiently implemented in the Fourier domain. The main challenge here is the memory cache performance at non-axis aligned directions. We devised a scheme that first re-samples the image into an axis-aligned orientation offering good memory coherence for the convolution operations. In order to maintain good accuracy, we carefully design the resampling and new convolution kernels to combine into the original TOF kernel. This paper demonstrates the validity, accuracy, and high speed-performance of our scheme for a comprehensive set of orientation angles. Future work will apply these cascaded kernels within a GPU-accelerated version of DIRECT.
Delayed Complications following Technically Successful Thoracic Duct Embolization

Abstract Purpose Thoracic duct (TD) embolization (TDE) has become a universally accepted treatment of chylous pleural effusion. However, the long-term sequelae of occlusion of the TD are unknown. The objective of the present study was to determine the rate of delayed complications after technically successful TDE. Materials and Methods A total of 169 patients underwent TDE for symptomatic chylous effusion between January 1, 1994, and June 11, 2010. In 106 of 169 cases (63%), TDE embolization was technically successful. Retrospective review of these charts was performed, and patients were interviewed to determine the development of lower-extremity edema, diarrhea, abdominal swelling, and other symptoms. Results Follow-up information was available in 78 of 106 patients (73.6%). Mean length of follow-up was 34 months. During follow-up, 32 patients (41%) died of causes unrelated to TDE, and 46 (59%) were alive at the end of follow-up. The families of three deceased patients were available for interview. Four of 49 patients (8%) had chronic leg swelling that was probably related to the procedure, three (6%) had abdominal swelling, and six (12%) had chronic diarrhea. In four of these six cases, diarrhea was considered “probably related” to the procedure. Overall, a 14.3% rate of probably-related long-term complications after TDE was recorded. Conclusions Chronic diarrhea and lower-extremity swelling may be related to TDE and should be part of informed consent before the procedure. A prospective follow-up study is needed to further establish these relationships.
Blunted Sleep-Related Luteinizing Hormone Rise in Healthy Premenarcheal Pubertal Girls with Elevated Body Mass Index

Objective: Our objective was to determine whether excessive adiposity is associated with alteration of the normal hormonal changes of early pubertal girls. Design and Participants: Healthy 6.4- to 9.5-yr-old, prepubertal (PRE, n = 20) and 9.4- to 13.0-yr-old pubertal premenarcheal volunteers (PUB, n = 20) were divided into excessive-weight (EW) or normal-weight (NW) groups according to the 85th percentile body mass index. Interventions and Setting: Overnight blood sampling; GnRH agonist (GnRHag), low-dose ACTH, oral glucose tolerance tests, and pelvic ultrasonograms were performed in our Clinical Research Center. Results: EW girls were similar in age and baseline and ACTH- and GnRHag-stimulated androgen levels to stage-matched NW girls. However, the sleep-related LH rise was blunted in EW-PUB girls compared with NW-PUB girls. The sleep-related rise of mean LH in EW-PUB [0.68 ± 0.35 (sem) U/liter] was insignificant, less than that of NW-PUB (2.1 ± 0.45, P < 0.05) and not significantly different from that of PRE girls (0.08±0.03). EW-PUB had slower LH pulse frequency and a lower rise in LH pulse amplitude during sleep than NW-PUB girls (both P < 0.05). Overnight FSH patterns paralleled LH patterns, whereas estradiol levels were similar in stage-matched NW and EW groups, differing between stages as expected. Early morning and peak LH, FSH, and estradiol responses to GnRHag were similar in EW-PUB and NW-PUB and significantly greater than those of PRE girls. Conclusions: Healthy EW-PUB girls have significantly blunted sleep-related LH production. These data suggest that excess adiposity, in the absence of sex steroid excess, may subtly suppress hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal function in premenarcheal pubertal girls.
A Post-Hoc Analysis of Music Therapy Services for Residents in Nursing Homes Receiving Hospice Care

This study analyzed the use of music therapy for residents in nursing homes receiving hospice care. An ex-post facto design was utilized to evaluate participants' length of life on the hospice program, time of death in relation to last visit by the social worker and music therapist, the number of sessions and total number of minutes spent in direct care by the social worker and music therapist, and care plan needs treated by the nurse, social worker, and music therapist. A total of 80 participants' medical records were randomly selected for this study. All participants were in nursing homes, 40 of whom had been referred to music therapy. Results showed no significant differences on the time of death in relation to last visit by hospice professional, but there were significant differences in the length of life for those receiving music therapy. Females in this study lived significantly longer than males. Participants received significantly more music therapy sessions than social work sessions, and music therapists spent significantly more time in direct care with participants than did social workers. Care plan needs were analyzed graphically and indicate that music therapists meet important needs of participants.
Experimental Oral Transmission of United States Origin Scrapie to Neonatal Sheep

Scrapie, a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), is a naturally occurring fatal neurodegenerative disease of sheep and goats. The current study documents incubation periods, pathologic findings, and distribution of abnormal prion proteins (PrP Sc ) by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in tissues of genetically susceptible and resistant neonatal lambs inoculated with pooled brain homogenates from 13 U.S. origin scrapie-affected ewes. Nine Suffolk lambs with genotypes AA/RR/QQ (n 5 5) and AA/RR/QR (n 5 4) at codons 136, 154, and 171, respectively) were orally inoculated, within 12 hr of birth, with 1 ml of a 10% (w/v) brain homogenate prepared from scrapie-affected sheep brains. Inoculated animals were euthanized when advanced clinical signs of scrapie were observed. All QQ sheep developed clinical signs of scrapie, with a mean survival time of 24 months. Spongiform lesions in the brains and PrP Sc deposits in the central nervous system and lymphoid tissues were present in these sheep. None of the QR sheep succumbed to the disease. A previous study that used a larger volume (30 ml of 10% brain suspension) of the same inoculum in 4-month- old Suffolk lambs of susceptible genotype documented longer survival periods (average 32 months), and only 5 of 9 inoculated sheep developed scrapie. Findings of this study suggest that orally exposed neonatal lambs of a susceptible (QQ) genotype exhibit a higher attack rate and shorter incubation period than older (4-month-old) lambs exposed to a larger dose (303) of the same inoculum.
The Effects of Domain Choice on Summer Precipitation Simulation and Sensitivity in a Regional Climate Model

Abstract Recent results show disagreement between global and limited-area models as to the role of soil moisture feedback during the summer of 1993 in the central United States. July precipitation totals increase by 50% in the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts global model when soil moisture is initialized “wet,” but two separate regional modeling groups [University of Utah Limited Area Model group and National Center for Atmospheric Research Regional Climate Model (RegCM) group] have found very different responses to soil moisture, indicating that drier soil moisture conditions might actually lead to increased precipitation via an increase in convective instability and an enhancement of the low-level jet from the Gulf of Mexico. To further evaluate the sensitivity results of RegCM in this context, a new suite of simulations, driven by analyses of observations for May–July of 1988 and 1993 is performed. The model domain is larger than in the previous experiments and the sensitivity of pre...
Abstract 249: Formative Evaluation of a National Social Network of Heart Failure Providers: What is its Perceived Value by the Participating Members?

Objective: There is growing interest in the use of networks to facilitate knowledge exchange in health-care settings. The goal of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) QUERI program is to improve the quality of care for heart failure (HF) patients and implement evidence-based practices (EBP) throughout the VA system. One strategy to achieve this goal was to create a VA Heart Failure Provider Network which occurred in 2006. We sought to conduct a formative evaluation of this well-established network to assess its perceived value by the members participating in it to improve HF care for Veterans. Method: Qualitative data was gathered using semi-structured phone interviews with selected HF Network members (n=25). All current members who had been participating in the HF Network for at least six months and hadn’t participated in the phone interview completed a web-based survey (n=878). The survey response rate was 24.9%. The HF Network members include leaders from Central Office, regional and facilities, chiefs of cardiology, physicians, nurses and others from all VA facilities (n=144). Results: Qualitative analysis of interviews showed that members participated in the HF Network to stay informed and maintain or enhance their knowledge in this area. Collaboration within and between VA facilities was frequently mentioned as a facilitator to achieve the goals of the HF Network. Also, many members mentioned that the web-based meetings and conference calls about HF clinics/programs were the most helpful because these methods provided access to new and practical ideas about solving problems and implementing changes in their own facility and to the members stay informed concerning heart failure care. Regarding barriers to greater involvement in HF Network activities, the most commonly noted barrier was lack of resources with members frequently mentioning lack of staff, time and local support. Quantitative findings strongly support the findings. Among the respondents (n=219), 90% of all members reported that the HF Network helped them establish collaborations and/or to network among members of the HF Network at least to a moderate extent. Interestingly, 63.8% of all members also reported that their participation in the HF Network provided them with names of contacts for networking and potential problem solving. 94.1% of the members found attending the web-based meetings and conference calls helpful in learning about barriers and facilitators in setting up or running HF program. Conclusions: Members perceived this social network of heart failure providers as a platform for the exchange of both explicit and tacit knowledge with the goal of improving quality of care for Veterans with heart failure. Implications for Policy or Practice: Social networks offer an effective platform for the implementation of EBP to improve the quality of HF care from local, regional to national levels.
The impact of customer satisfaction on chief marketing officer's compensation

As an intangible marketing asset, customer satisfaction is rarely apparent on financial statements. The contribution of customer satisfaction on firm financial performance is well documented, but it is unclear whether this positive link is reflected in executive compensation. Besides, executives are often compensated for short-term financial results but the outcome of marketing actions is rarely captured in a short horizon. This research seeks to determine if the compensation of Chief Marketing Officers (CMO), who is primarily responsible for marketing outcome, is impacted by customer satisfaction. We find that customer satisfaction has a significantly positive impact on the total cash compensation of CMO and its cash and bonus components when controlling for firm performance, firm size, and innovation. Overall, our results support the inclusion of nonfinancial performance measures, specifically customer satisfaction, in designing senior marketing executive compensation packages.
Electric field-induced second-order nonlinear optical effects in silicon waveguides

The symmetry of crystalline silicon inhibits a second-order optical nonlinear susceptibility, χ(2), in complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor-compatible silicon photonic platforms. However, χ(2) is required for important processes such as phase-only modulation, second-harmonic generation (SHG) and sum/difference frequency generation. Here, we break the crystalline symmetry by applying direct-current fields across p–i–n junctions in silicon ridge waveguides and induce a χ(2) proportional to the large χ(3) of silicon. The obtained χ(2) is first used to perturb the permittivity (the direct-current Kerr effect) and achieve phase-only modulation. Second, the spatial distribution of χ(2) is altered by periodically patterning p–i–n junctions to quasi-phase-match pump and second-harmonic modes and realize SHG. We measure a maximum SHG efficiency of P2ω/Pω2 = 13 ± 0.5% W−1 at λω = 2.29 µm and with field-induced χ(2) = 41 ± 1.5 pm V–1. We expect such field-induced χ(2) in silicon to lead to a new class of complex integrated devices such as carrier-envelope offset frequency stabilizers, terahertz generators, optical parametric oscillators and chirp-free modulators. The application of d.c. fields across p–i–n junctions in silicon ridge waveguides leads to crystal symmetry breaking. This induces a second-order optical nonlinear susceptibility that enables phase-only modulation and second-harmonic generation with an efficiency of ∼13% W–1 at 2.29 µm.
Impact of patient factors on operative duration during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: evaluation from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database

Abstract Background Patient factors impact laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) difficulty, specifically operative duration. This study quantifies the impact of patient factors on LC duration. Methods The national surgery database (American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) was reviewed for all elective LC for biliary colic from 2005 to 2013. Multivariate general linear model and logistic regression were used to evaluate patient factors as predictors of operative duration greater than 60 minutes, adjusted for resident involvement and cholangiography. Results A total of 24,099 LC met inclusion criteria. Regression analysis found procedure duration greater than 60 minutes was less likely for patients age greater than 40 and less than 30 ( P P P P P Conclusions Higher BMI, younger age, male gender, higher ASA, and abnormal LFTs are possible predictors of prolonged LC duration and can aid in operating room scheduling and utilization.
Inside-Out or Outside-In Suturing Should Not Be Considered the Standard Repair Method for Radial Tears of the Midbody of the Lateral Meniscus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Biomechanical Studies.

The purpose was to evaluate which meniscal repair technique for radial tears of the midbody of the lateral meniscus demonstrates the best biomechanical properties. An electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect databases. Biomechanical studies investigating the repair characteristics of radial tears in the midbody of the lateral meniscus were included. After appropriate screening, a total of 54 studies were reviewed in detail (full text), and 6 met inclusion criteria. The most common cause of exclusion was the investigation of longitudinal tears. Only two studies could be meta-analyzed. Stiffness was significantly higher for all-inside compared with inside-out repair techniques ( p = 0.0009). No significant differences were observed between both suture methods for load to failure ( p = 0.45). However, both studies used different all-inside devices and suture constructs. No clear conclusions can be drawn from the comparison of both types of repairs for displacement, site of failure, or contact pressure changes. Overall, there are no conclusive data to suggest that inside-out or outside-in suture repair has better load to failure or stiffness, less displacement, or different site of failure compared with all-inside repair. According to biomechanical data, it is under surgeon's preference to elect one repair technique over the other.
Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer

Carcinoma of the large bowel, which will afflict over 150,000 Americans this year, is second only to lung cancer as a cause of death from cancer1. Although most patients present with surgically resectable disease, almost half die of the cancer. Radiation therapy has a largely palliative role. In the past, chemotherapy resulted in only infrequent and usually transient shrinkage of the tumor, scarcely justifying the discomforts and costs of the treatment. In recent years, however, there have been some advances. In the discussion that follows, credence is given only to therapeutic claims validated by controlled trials with sufficiently long . . .
Does Morphology Play an Important Role in L2 Chinese Vocabulary Acquisition

The present study examined the role of morphological awareness in second language (L2) Chinese vocabulary acquisition through an investigation of linguistic universality and specificity underlying morphological awareness. Morphological awareness in this study was conceptualized as a universal and sharable cognitive resource as well as a language-dependent metalinguistic skill. College-level Chinese as a second language learners (N = 171) participated in this study. Assessments of universal morphological awareness (morpheme recognition and morpheme discrimination), language-specific morphological awareness (compound structure analysis and compound structure discrimination), and vocabulary knowledge (word-meaning knowledge and character knowledge) were administered to the participants. A structural equation modeling analysis indicated that language-universal morphological awareness and language-specific morphological awareness jointly predicted L2 Chinese vocabulary knowledge. More important, a follow-up regression analysis verified the relative contribution of multifaceted morphological awareness to vocabulary knowledge. The findings revealed that language-specific morphological awareness in the form of compound structure awareness predicted a significant but small proportion of variance after universal morphological awareness was controlled for. The importance of morphological awareness and pedagogical implications is discussed.
Understanding differences between self-ratings and population ratings for health in the EuroQOL.

Objective: To examine the source and magnitude of differences between self-ratings for health and ratings of corresponding health state profiles by the general population in the EuroQOL. Data and methods: EuroQOL data were analysed from the 1993 measurement and valuation of health study (MVH), a sample of 2997 members of the UK adult population, nationally representative by age, gender and social class. Multivariate regression analyses were used to examine the source of differences in visual analogue scores (VAS) between self-ratings and general population ratings. The source of observed differences were investigated with respect to four hypothesized factors: (1) Socio-demographics (age, gender, education, social class); (2) The level of respondent difficulty in completing the rating task; (3) Values for particular EQ-5D health profile attributes; and (4) Differences in the scope of health attributes and levels considered in the rating task (e.g., self-ratings may reflect preferences for attributes not captured by EQ-5D profiles). Results: Overall, mildly ill individuals provided lower self-ratings (3–4 points), and moderately ill individuals higher self-ratings (7 points), than ratings for these states provided by the general population. Socio-demographic characteristics and difficulties in rating task completion did not explain differences between self and general population VAS ratings, contributing differences of 1 point or less in all 15 rating comparisons examined. Rating differences related more closely to a lack of correspondence between health state descriptions and self-raters' actual health experiences (differences in scope) than differences in values for health profile attributes between self-raters and the general population. Conclusions: EQ-5D health state descriptions may be too sparse to comprehensively describe certain health states. Adding new health state levels or dimensions, or changing the nature and tone of health state descriptions, may be useful steps for improvement.