cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Techniques used for Nonhuman Primates

This chapter covers restraint, collection of biological samples, and techniques for administering therapy to nonhuman primates. Techniques used in the clinical setting are the focus of this chapter; techniques used strictly for research are not discussed. The authors present most information using a systems approach. However, techniques which may succinctly lend themselves to a less integrated approach are covered separately. To ensure the safety of both the handler and the nonhuman primate, most of the techniques discussed should involve sedating or anesthetizing the animal. Nonetheless, it is not unreasonable to think that with the proper training, some subjects will choose to voluntarily cooperate during the procedures. When compared to other species of animals commonly undergoing clinical procedures, the authors offer that nonhuman primates present a host of unique challenges in the conduct of various safe and humane manipulations.
Factors That Influence Self-Reported Health Changes With Caregiving.

Objective: This study examined factors associated with the self-reported change in health status as a result of caregiving. Method: Multinomial logistic regression were performed to examine the sociodemographic characteristics, care recipients’ characteristics, and caregiving experiences that affect caregivers’ perceptions of health affected by caregiving using data from 1,087 caregiver respondents in the Caregiving in the U.S. 2015 data set. Data were collected through an online or telephone survey of randomly selected adults in 50 states. Results: Worsened self-reported health with caregiving occurred for caregivers aged 50 to 64, racial/ethnic minorities, those who lived within 20 min of the care recipient’s home, the presence of cognitive deficits, prolonged caregiving, and limited availability of accessible and affordable care services. Importantly, the feeling of choice in taking on care responsibilities was associated with an over fourfold increase in the odds ratio (OR) of better health in respons...
MARITAL EQUALITY AND SATISFACTION IN STAY-AT-HOME MOTHER AND STAY-AT-HOME FATHER FAMILIES*

Two recent studies have focused on marital equality and satisfaction in couples where one of the spouses stays at home full-time with the children and the other spouse works full-time outside of the home. One study looked at couples with a stay-at-home mother/career father while the other study examined couples with a stay-at-home father/career mother. Similarities as well as differences emerged between the two samples when comparing the experiences of these couples. In general, couples in both arrangements shared positive feelings about their marriages, although the mothers across both samples reported higher levels of stress and exhaustion than fathers.
Geriatric Syncope and Cardiovascular Risk in the Emergency Department.

Abstract Background Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness that is caused by a brief loss in generalized cerebral blood flow. Objective This article reviews the background, epidemiology, etiologies, evaluation, and disposition considerations of geriatric patients with syncope, with a focus on cardiovascular risk. Discussion Although syncope is one of the most common symptoms in elderly patients presenting to the emergency department, syncope causes in geriatric patients can present differently than in younger populations, and the underlying etiology is often challenging to discern. History, physical examination, and electrocardiography (ECG) have the greatest utility in evaluating syncope. Additional testing should be guided by history and physical examination. There are multiple scoring tools developed to aid in management and these are reviewed in the article. Common predictors that would indicate a need for further work-up include a history of cardiac or valvular disease (i.e., ventricular dysrhythmia, congestive heart failure), abnormal ECG, anemia or severe volume depletion (i.e., from a gastrointestinal bleed), syncope while supine or with effort, report of palpitations or chest pain, persistent abnormal vital signs, or family history of sudden death. With advancing age, cardiovascular morbidity plays a more frequent and important role in the etiology of syncope. Conclusions The syncope work-up should be tailored to the patient's presentation. Disposition should be based on the results of the initial evaluation and risk factors for adverse outcomes.
Controlling bacterial fouling with polyurethane/N-halamine semi-interpenetrating polymer networks.

N-halamine-based interpenetrating polymer networks were developed as a simple and effective strategy in the preparation of antimicrobial polymers. An N-halamine monomer, N-chloro-2, 2, 6, 6-tetrame...
Basis for Cost-Effective Decisions on Upgrading Existing Structures for Earthquake Protection

Publisher Summary This chapter proposes a systematic approach for formulating cost-effective decisions on the specification of appropriate levels of upgrading existing structures for earthquake protection. This involves the determination of the acceptable risks (or target reliabilities) for damage control and life safety. The approach is illustrated for rehabilitating/strengthening a specific reinforced concrete building in Mexico City that was damaged during the 1985 earthquake. A key decision in the upgrading of existing structures or rehabilitating damaged structures through strengthening or retrofitting for protection against future earthquakes is the specification of an appropriate level of upgrading, which may require a tradeoff between the cost of upgrading and the desired level of protection against potential future losses caused by earthquakes. This approach is based on the minimization of the life-cycle cost as a function of structural reliability against earthquake damage. The economics of upgrading existing structures for earthquake protection is of fundamental concern, which has not been integrated properly or explicitly with the technical issues in the development of criteria for upgrading of structures. This chapter examines such issues and suggests specific models. The purpose of upgrading criteria is to insure adequate level of safety or performance of a structure. During unavoidable uncertainties in the prediction of loadings and in the estimation of structural capacities, structural safety or performance may be measured in terms of probability or risk. Decisions for upgrading existing structures for earthquake protection can be developed systematically by integrating all the important technical factors with the economics of earthquake hazard mitigation.
Modafinil: Is it ready for prime time?

Psychostimulants have been used to treat many symptoms associated with advanced cancer. The primary role of psychostimulants in such cases is the treatment of symptoms such as cancer-related fatigue, opioid-induced sedation, depression, and cognitive dysfunction associated with malignancies. These uses for psychostimulants came after approval for treatment of disorders such as attention deficit disorder. Modafinil, a new psychostimulant, is following a similar path after its approval for use in attention deficit disorder in 1998. Modafinil has been used to treat fatigue associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is now being increasingly used for cancerrelated symptoms targeted by psychostimulants. Preliminary evidence from literature review suggests that modafinil is efficacious in improving opioid-induced sedation, cancer-related fatigue, and depression. There is no evidence to support its use in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction related to cancer or to support its having analgesic properties. Well-designed, randomized, controlled clinical trials are still needed to further elucidate the precise role of this drug in the care of patients with cancer. Specifically, large placebo-controlled trials with modafinil must be conducted in patients with cancer, with specific attention paid to pain control, depression, cognitive function, and adverse effects.
Complementarities and Coordination: Implications for Governance Mode and Performance of Multiproduct Firms

We explore the fit between a firm’s product portfolio strategy and its governance mode with respect to complementary activities that underlie its product offering. We view firm’s governance choice through the lens of orchestrating complementary activities that entail multiple interrelated and often simultaneously occurring transactions. Our key premise is that a broader product portfolio, while offering benefits through the bundle of complementary activities, raises the coordination costs for firms, making integration of complementary activities a preferred mode of governance. We find strong support for our arguments in the context of the U.S. healthcare industry. Hospitals with a narrow service portfolio are more likely to have contracts with physicians as external service providers, and hospitals with a broad service portfolio are more likely to employ their own physicians. Moreover, hospitals that deviate from this fit-based relationship suffer a significant penalty in terms of their financial performa...
Information blackouts in a multi-echelon supply chain simulation

Information blackouts, defined as sudden and short-duration failures of the information flow in a supply chain, amplify the bullwhip effect in supply chains. We develop a discrete-event simulation of a multi-echelon supply chain, utilizing Rockwell Automation's Arena software tool, to investigate this phenomenon. We investigate inventory order history blackouts of three different durations (1, 2, and 3 time periods). Based on the increased bullwhip effect observed as the result of an information blackout, managers may decide to “wait out” the amplification or to use an estimate to replace the missing inventory order history by utilizing the last known value. The latter choice employs the common manager's heuristic of trusting the recent past to be the best predictor of the future. Our results provide supporting evidence for such managerial decisions.
Ultrawideband (5 GHz) mixed-signal front end and recorder for software defined radio

Dual 5 Gsps ADCs and DACs are used to provide a waveform-agnostic mixed-signal front end. The digitized data is sent over a 100 GbE network to one or more off-the-shelf servers. A small FPGA is used to interface between the ADC/DAC and Ethernet. The FPGA firmware allows the user to specify packet destination(s) for either unicast or multicast UDP. Processing the enormous volume of data (10 GB/s) generated by the front end in real time is challenging. This paper addresses lessons learned in selecting appropriate hardware, tuning of the Linux kernel, and software optimization. While the system is designed for a fully-featured software defined radio, the initial implementation only records the received data to disk and plays it back. The paper also addresses the cost and risk tradeoffs considered during the system development.
Thinking (Scientifically) Responsibly: The Cultivation of Character in a Global Science Education Community

What does it mean to think in scientifically responsible ways? What does it mean to think globally and act locally if words and deeds are to be viewed in a global context? Do normative expectations of morality hinder or facilitate the development of character? Is the exercise of prudence and virtue commensurable with a global perspective of science education? This chapter explores the issues surrounding these and related questions as they impact policy and practice in science education. The conundrum of what it means to think responsibly in a pluralistic society is both an academically interesting challenge and a task that greatly impacts the quality of our physical, organic, and social world. Here, we need to consider the notion of western dominant science, indigenous science, and scientific worldviews. We will analyze and evaluate the boundaries that we place between these concepts in order to reveal the common threads that flow through them. By viewing our ever-fluctuating context through a lens grounded in the inspection of common social tapestries (structures), we will begin to understand what it means to think responsibly as human beings in the modern world and in turn formulate a foundation for responsible scientific thinking. This framework has the potential to guide and inspire policymakers and science educators toward creating a dynamic environment conducive to formation of character.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Findings and Endoscopic Sphincterotomy for Cholangitis and Pancreatitis

This article reviews acute cholangitis and pancreatitis with respect to the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic sphincterotomy in the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
Grafting-from lipase: utilization of a common amino acid residue as a new grafting site

Protein–polymer hybrids are used in a variety of fields including catalysis, detection, and therapeutics. The grafting-from method for the synthesis of these biohybrids has gained popularity due to the ease of synthesis and purification. In this method, an initiator or chain transfer agent (CTA) is ligated onto an amino acid residue, typically lysine or cysteine, and polymers are subsequently grown in situ. In this manuscript, we report the preparation of protein polymer hybrids by grafting-from a previously overlooked acidic amino acid residue (glutamic and aspartic acid) and compare our results to protein polymer hybrids, grafted from the traditional lysine residue. Herein, we conjugated an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator to acidic amino acid residues and lysine residues and grew polymers from Thermomyces lanuginosa lipase (TL). N-[3-(N,N-Dimethylamino)propyl] acrylamide was grafted from the TL initiator, and the enzymatic activity of protein polymer hybrids was compared. We found that the acidic residues are easily modified with multiple ATRP initiators and polymers are readily grown. Additionally, the hybrids grafted from acidic residues demonstrated a 50% increase in enzyme activity compared to those grafted from lysine residues. Moreover, the activity was higher than that of native lipase TL in both cases. The polymers that were grafted-from the acid residues tended to provide the hybrids with a higher activity at elevated temperatures. These results point to a new amino acid ligation strategy for preparing protein polymer hybrids via a grafting-from method.
Role of Residual Fragments on the Risk of Repeat Surgery after Flexible Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy: Single Center Study

Purpose:We analyzed the impact of residual stone fragments seen on abdominal x-ray after ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy on the risk of repeat surgical intervention.Materials and Methods:Our study included 781 patients (802 renal units) who underwent ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy with abdominal x-ray within 3 months postoperatively and who had at least 1 year of followup. Ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy were performed using the dusting technique. We analyzed the association between surgical recurrence-free survival and the size of the largest residual fragment.Results:During a median followup of 4.2 years repeat surgery was performed on 161 renal units (20%). Of the repeat interventions 75% were done for symptomatic nephrolithiasis. Postoperative imaging showed residual stone fragments in 42% of cases. In the entire group the risk of repeat surgery was increased in renal units with residual fragments greater than 2 mm. The effect of the size of residual fragments on the risk of surgical recurre...
Electrosprayed extracellular matrix nanoparticles induce a pro‐regenerative cell response

Decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) is an effective tissue repair scaffold. Additionally, ECM has recently been shown to be protective to the lungs. However, current processing is inadequate for effective delivery of ECM to the lungs. Processing methods, such as milling, produce large variability in particle sizes. The size variation produced is ineffective at treating the lung because only a small range of sizes reach the distal regions of the alveoli. The aim of this work is to formulate decellularized ECM to reach the distal lung while retaining the pro-regenerative effects of ECM. We first digested the protein in acid and then electrosprayed the solution into nanoparticles. The average size of the nanoparticles was 225 (±67) nm, within size requirements to reach the alveoli. After characterizing the particles, we measured cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles. Adding 0.125 mg/ml of nanoparticles to the media increased cellular proliferation in A549 alveolar epithelial cells and caused no cytotoxicity in BEAS-2B cells. We added the formed nanoparticles to macrophages derived from murine bone marrow-derived monocytes. The macrophages exposed to the formed nanoparticles expressed cell surface marker CD206 (mannose receptor C type 1), commonly attributed to a pro-regeneration phenotype. Electrosprayed ECM formed nanoparticles may improve bronchoalveolar deposition while maintaining the pro-regenerative benefits shown by other decellularized ECM materials.
Selection of prosthetic aortic valve and root replacement in patients younger than age 30 years

Abstract Objective Long-term outcomes of prosthetic aortic valve/root replacement in patients aged 30 years or younger are not well understood. We report our single institutional experience in this young cohort. Methods From 1998 to 2016, 99 patients (age range, 16-30 years) underwent aortic valve replacement (n = 57), aortic valve replacement and supracoronary ascending aorta replacement (n = 6), or aortic root replacement (n = 36). A prospectively maintained aortic valve database was retrospectively reviewed to complete longitudinal functional and clinical data. Total follow-up was 493 patient years. Results Surgical indications included primary stenosis/insufficiency (52% [n = 51]), Marfan syndrome (10% [n = 10]), and endocarditis (33.3% [n = 33]). Fifty-eight patients (59%) underwent mechanical valve replacement, with 41 patients (41%) receiving a biologic/bioprosthetic valve. Twenty-five patients underwent aortic valve reoperation after index procedure with following indications: prosthesis–patient mismatch 1.0% (n = 1), prosthetic valve degeneration/dysfunction 10% (n = 10), connective tissue 2% (n = 2), and endocarditis 12% (n = 12). Mortality (30-day/in-hospital) and stroke rate were 3.0% (n = 3) and 1% (n = 1), respectively. One-, 5-, and 10-year actuarial freedom from aortic valve reoperation by valve type was 89.1%, 84.6%, and 69.4% for the Mechanical Valve group and 89.6%, 70.9%, and 57.6% for the Biologic/Bioprosthetic Valve group, respectively (log rank P = .279). Replacement valve size ≤21 mm was a significant risk factor for reoperation, and was associated with progression of mean aortic valve transvalvular gradients over follow-up. Valve type had no effect. Conclusions The choice of mechanical versus biologic/bioprosthetic valve does not affect freedom from reoperation or survival rates in this young cohort during mid- to long-term follow-up. Smaller aortic valve replacement size (≤21 mm) is a significant risk factor for reoperation and progression of mean aortic valve gradients.
Pathology and epidemiology of nasopulmonary acariasis (Halarachne sp.) in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis).

Halarachne sp. nasal mites infest harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) in California, but little is known about the pathophysiology of these infestations, or risk factors for exposure. To investigate these questions, a retrospective case-control study was performed using necropsy data from 70 mite-infested sea otters, and 144 non-infested controls. Case records for sea otters examined by pathologists from February 1999 through May 2015 were examined to assess risk factors for infestation, and lesions associated with nasopulmonary acariasis. Animals with a history of captive care within 10 days of death or carcass recovery were 3.2 times more likely to be infested with nasopulmonary mites than those with no history of recent rehabilitation. Sea otters stranding within 1 km of Elkhorn Slough in Monterey Bay were 4.9 times more likely to be infested with nasal mites than other areas; this site is characterized by high sea otter contact with sympatric harbor seals (a common host for Halarachne sp.), and a comparatively large population of rehabilitated and released sea otters. Aged adult otters were 9.4 times more likely to be infested than younger animals, and sea otters with nasopulmonary acariasis were 14.2 times more likely to have upper respiratory inflammation than un-infested animals. Additional findings in otters with nasopulmonary acariasis included lower respiratory tract bacterial infections, presence of medium-sized and/or fresh nose wounds at necropsy (indicators of recent face-to-face interaction between otters during copulation or fighting), and turbinate bone erosion. Our findings, although preliminary, suggest that captive rehabilitation and close contact with harbor seals could facilitate nasopulmonary mite transmission to sea otters. We also identified a high-risk zone for nasopulmonary acariasis in sea otters. We also provide preliminary data to suggest that nasopulmonary mite infestations can cause significant respiratory pathology in sea otters.
Quantum Capacitors for Electronic Read-out in Spin-based Quantum Information Processing

Quantum capacitors are demonstrated for gauging of quantum energy states, which provide an unprecedented electronic read-out for spintronic systems applied in quantum information processing. © 2019 The Author(s)
Superradiance and the Spins of Black Holes from LIGO and X-ray binaries

Author(s): Fernandez, Nicolas; Ghalsasi, Akshay; Profumo, Stefano | Abstract: Measurements of the spin of stellar mass black holes (BHs) are now possible both through LIGO observations of binary BH mergers and for BHs in X-ray binary systems. The spins of BHs as inferred from LIGO observations suggest that BH spins are on the lower end of what is expected for a ``flat'' distribution of spins, while those from BHs in X-ray binaries tend to be large. Superradiance, a process that can effectively reduce the spin of BHs before they merge, could explain the lower observed spins in binary BH mergers for a non self-interacting light boson. In this paper, we use Bayesian analysis to infer the posterior probability distribution for the mass of a light boson that could fit LIGO data. We also analyze spins of BHs from X-ray binaries, and find that the X-ray binary data can be explained by superradiance due to a light boson with large self-interactions. We infer the mass range for such a boson that is consistent with the X-ray binary data.
Lessons learned from public participation in hydrologic engineering projects

Public participation in engineering projects has been minimal to date, whereas it is growing in other fields. This paper assesses the lessons learned from public participation in two hydrologic eng...
Competence of Faculty, Staff, and Administrators in Hispanic Culture: Evidence from Three Surveys of Personnel and Students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Survey data were gathered from college and university faculty, staff, and administrators at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) regarding Hispanic culture and Hispanic students as part of an NSF-funded investigation that focused on the characteristics and programming of HSIs as well as the background and experiences of their students. Two surveys of students were also conducted. A minimum of 44 HSIs in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado were represented in the 393 usable responses gathered from faculty, staff, and administrators. Fourteen HSIs in New Mexico and Texas were represented in student survey data gathered in 2018 and three in north Texas in a survey completed in 2019. Responses from 213 Hispanic students were isolated from the 2018 student survey and 307 from the 2019 data. This material was used to verify and expand on the findings from the survey of faculty, staff, and administrators. A consistent and strong difference of opinion was found between Hispanic faculty, staff, and administrators at the HSIs and their non-Hispanic peers regarding information available to higher education professionals about Hispanic culture, the elements of Hispanic culture, and the characteristics and background of Hispanic students. Survey responses of Hispanic students confirmed, at many points, that the perspective of the Hispanic faculty, staff, and administrators was accurate. It appears, based on this information, that the non-Hispanic employees at the HSIs were less well informed about Hispanic culture and a major portion of their student population than would be desirable. The findings, while from the south-central United States, can inform multiple academic and support services at Hispanic-Serving Institutions and other colleges and universities as they include information about how Hispanic culture is understood by Hispanics, detail gaps in competence regarding Hispanic culture among faculty, staff, and administrators at HSIs, and describe characteristics and the cultural orientation of Hispanic students attending the HSIs in the sample.
Studies Using Randomized Trial Data to Compare Nonrandomized Exposures

Post hoc analyses of randomized trial data can help answer important questions by making use of valuable data collected in controlled settings. Using trial data to compare nonrandomized exposures r...
Piezoresistive nanocomposites for sensing MMOD impact damage in inflatable space structures

Abstract Future space exploration requires easy-to-transport, easy-to-build and deployable space habitats. One of the biggest threats faced by the habitat structures is the impact damage caused by micrometeoroid orbital debris (MMOD) traveling at high velocities of few km/s. This work presents fabrication and testing of hybrid nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) as fillers in a flexible epoxy matrix, that are proposed to be used for sensing the impact damage by MMOD on inflatable space structures. CNTs and GNPs are chosen as fillers owing to their excellent electrical properties and piezoresistivity. A hypervelocity impact is conducted on the nanocomposite sensors to study their functionality in the space environment. The results prove that the piezoresistive nanocomposites can be utilized as a part of damage detection system, which would not only detect the impact damage caused by MMOD of 3 mm diameter traveling at 7 km/s but also discern its location and depth within the inflatable structural layers.
Lung fibrosis enters the iron age

Iron is an essential nutrient for numerous cellular processes. However, excess iron in the lung (e.g. inhaled in pollution/cigarette smoke) can be harmful, acting as a catalyst in the formation of free radicals. Pulmonary iron content is therefore tightly regulated and alterations in iron metabolism have been associated with chronic lung disease. In particular, patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have been reported to have numerous aspects of dysfunctional iron metabolism in the lung, including increased iron levels, presence of iron-laden macrophages and iron-induced oxidative stress. In a recent issue of The Journal of Pathology, Ali et al showed a mechanistic link between iron accumulation and pulmonary fibrosis pathology. Using mouse models of iron overload, the authors showed that increased iron levels resulted in reduced lung function and worse pulmonary fibrosis upon lung injury by bleomycin. Treatment with inhaled iron chelator deferoxamine ameliorated pulmonary fibrosis and prevented lung function decline in vivo. This study highlights the importance of iron homeostasis in the lung and provides evidence of pulmonary iron overload contributing to the development and progression of pulmonary fibrosis. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Disease Process, Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Cervical Resorption: A Review

Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a localized, subepithelial, supra-osseous resorptive process of the tooth. Although there are several predisposing factors associated with ICR, its etiology and pathogenesis are poorly understood. The damage to the protective layer on the external root surface appears to allow for the attachment of clastic cells and initiate the resorptive process, which is confined by the inner protective pericanalar resorption-resistant sheet surrounding the root canal space. The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is recommended for the diagnosis and assessment of a resorptive lesion. Based on the thorough evaluation of the size and location of the ICR lesion using CBCT, surgical or nonsurgical treatment can be chosen to address the source of the resorption. This review discusses the current status of knowledge regarding the biology of ICR lesions as well as their external or internal treatment using hydraulic calcium silicate-based materials. Future clinical outcome studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of hydraulic calcium silicate-based materials on the healing of ICR lesions.
Performance Goals at Tractors, Inc.

This case presents the coming year's performance goals as established by Marietta Austin, the new president of Tractors, Inc. (a subsidiary of AA Equipment Corporation [AAEC], a fictional company), along with data pertaining to several years of actual financial performance. Austin has asked her direct reports to come to a meeting with specific ideas for actions that they plan to pursue in order to help the business unit achieve those performance goals. Students are tasked with creating their own ideas for action to meet the stated goals. Excerpt UVA-C-2443 Sept. 25, 2020 Performance Goals at Tractors, Inc. It had been a good prior year for Tractors, Inc., one of four business segments of AA Equipment Corporation (AAEC). Marietta Austin was finally beginning to feel comfortable in her new role as president of Tractors, Inc. She had been with the company for 10 years, first serving as controller and then CFO. Early this year, upon the unexpected death of the prior president, she had been tapped for that position. As she put the final touches on next year's goals for her business unit—her first full year at the helm of the company—she wondered if those goals, in combination and individually, were: (a) too aggressive, (b) easily understood, (c)likely to prompt potentially risky behaviors as her direct reports strove to deliver their respective parts of the targeted results, and (d) better off being prioritized. Certainly, stretch goals were admirable but not if they were incompatible, too daunting, and/or too vague. Tractors, Inc. Tractors, Inc., manufactured tractors in two general categories—subcompact models (three distinct models) for the homeowner who generally had between 2 and 25 acres, and full-sized, heavy-duty tractors (four distinct models) for commercial farmers/ranchers whose livelihood depended on reliable, powerful, and rugged equipment. All models of tractors were sold through a worldwide network of affiliated dealers and partnering retailers. Market share had slowly, but steadily, increased over the past several years. . . .
SPARC ameliorates ovarian cancer-associated inflammation

4202 Background: We have recently identified that the role of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) in amelioration of peritoneal ovarian carcinomatosis is mediated, in part, through a mesothelial cell/LPA-induced inflammatory response in ovarian cancer cells. The aim of this study was to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms through which SPARC regulates interactions between tumor cells and the cellular components of the ovarian cancer peritoneal microenvironment, specifically, mesothelial cells and macrophages. Methods: Co-cultures of macrophages and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells, or triple-cultures of EOC cells/macrophages/mesothelial cells were used to assess the role of SPARC in macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production, as well as its mitogenic, chemotactic, and pro-invasive effects. Ectopic overexpression of SPARC in EOC cells was achieved by adenoviral transduction. Changes in the levels and activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-6, prostanoids (prostaglandins E2 and 8-isoprostanes), as well as that of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) were determined by ELISA, gelatin zymography, and colorimetric u-PA activity assays, respectively. Results: We found that SPARC not only significantly reduced macrophage MCP-1 production and its macrophage chemotactic effect, but also attenuated the response of ovarian cancer cells to the mitogenic, chemotactic, and proinvasive effects of MCP-1. Ectopic overexpression of SPARC in ovarian cancer cells significantly attenuated macrophage- and mesothelial cell-induced production and activity of VEGF, IL-6, prostanoids, as well as that of MMP-2, MMP-9, and u-PA. Moreover, these effects of SPARC overexpression in ovarian cancer cells were mediated, in part, through inhibition of NFκB promoter activation. Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicate, for the first time, that the effects of tumor SPARC as a negative regulator of ovarian cancer are mediated not only through decreased recruitment of macrophages, but also by down-regulation of the associated inflammation.
Leveraging epigenetics to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy

Epigenetic mechanisms regulate chromatin accessibility patterns that govern interaction of transcription machinery with genes and their cis-regulatory elements. Mutations that affect epigenetic mechanisms are common in cancer. Because epigenetic modifications are reversible many anticancer strategies targeting these mechanisms are currently under development and in clinical trials. Here we review evidence suggesting that epigenetic therapeutics can deactivate immunosuppressive gene expression or reprogram tumor cells to activate antigen presentation mechanisms. In addition, the dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms commonly observed in cancer may alter the immunogenicity of tumor cells and effectiveness of immunotherapies. Therapeutics targeting epigenetic mechanisms may be helpful to counter immune evasion and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapies.
Skill, Thrill, and Will: The Role of Metacognition, Interest, and Self-Control in Predicting Student Engagement in Mathematics Learning Over Time

Maintaining learning engagement throughout adolescence is critical for long-term academic success. This research sought to understand the role of metacognition and motivation in predicting adolescents' engagement in math learning over time. In two longitudinal studies with 2,325 and 207 adolescents (ages 11-15), metacognitive skills, interest, and self-control each uniquely predicted math engagement. Additionally, metacognitive skills worked with interest and self-control interactively to shape engagement. In Study 1, metacognitive skills and interest were found to compensate for one another. This compensatory pattern further interacted with time in Study 2, indicating that the decline in engagement was forestalled among adolescents who had either high metacognitive skills or high interest. Both studies also uncovered an interaction between metacognitive skills and self-control, though with slightly different interaction patterns.
Thermodynamics, Phase Transitions, Equations of State, and Elasticity of Minerals at High Pressures and Temperatures

This chapter reviews some of the basic notions and equations describing thermodynamics of solids. Particular attention is paid to questions related to the elasticity and thermal equations of solids (especially at high pressures and temperatures) and phenomenology of phase transitions. Examples of applications of these ideas include modeling the thermal structure of the Earth's core and mantle, elucidation of the origin of the anisotropy of the D″ region, and a schematic picture of the effects of the spin transition of iron impurities on the properties of iron-bearing minerals in the Earth's mantle.
Solar Sailing Is Not Science Fiction Anymore

Over 400 years ago Johannes Kepler envisioned the use of sunlight to propel a spacecraft. Just this year, a solar sail was deployed in orbit for the first time and proved that a spacecraft could effectively use a solar sail for propulsion. NASA's first nano-class solar sail satellite, NanoSail-D was designed and developed in only four months. Although the first unit was lost during the Falcon 1 rocket failure in 2008, the second flight unit has been refurbished and is waiting to be launched later this year. NanoSail-D will further the research into solar sail enabled spacecraft. It will be the first of several more sail enabled spacecraft to be launch in the next few years. FeatherSail is the next generation nano-class sail spacecraft being designed with the goal to prove low earth orbit operational capabilities. Future solar sail spacecraft will require novel ideas and innovative research for the continued development of space systems. One such pioneering idea is the Small Multipurpose Advanced Reconfigurable Technology (SMART) project. The SMART technology has the potential to revolutionize spacecraft avionics. Even though solar sailing is currently in its infancy, the next decade will provide great opportunities for research into sailing in outer space.
Rapid Whole-Mount Radioautography

To prepare labeled live hydra as intact extended specimens for whole-mount radioautographs.
Cyclophilin-40, a protein with homology to the P59 component of the steroid receptor complex. Cloning of the cDNA and further characterization.

We have reported previously the isolation and preliminary characterization of a 40-kDa cyclosporin A (CsA)-binding protein, cyclophilin-40 (CyP-40). To determine the sequence of this protein, degenerate oligonucleotide primers based on bovine brain CyP-40 tryptic peptides were used to generate a polymerase chain reaction fragment of CyP-40 cDNA. This was used to isolate the complete cDNA from a human pancreatic islet cell library. Northern analysis indicated ubiquitous distribution of CyP-40 mRNA throughout human tissues. The CyP-18 domain of CyP-40 is most similar to maize CyP (64.3% identity), whereas 150 amino acids of the non-CyP-18 domain of CyP-40 share 30.7% identity with P59, a member of the steroid receptor complex. Failure to detect glycosylation and mass spectroscopy with isolated CyP-40 indicate minimal, if any, posttranslational modification. Employing a new assay for calcineurin protein phosphatase activity to compare the effects of CyP-40.CsA and CyP-18.CsA complexes, IC50 values of 320 nM +/- 20 and 195 nM +/- 15, respectively, were obtained. A chemical cross-linking study revealed that CyP-40 competes for 125I-CyP-18 binding to calcineurin in the presence of CsA. The homology of CyP-40 to P59 suggests that CyP-40 might be involved in modulating the activity of biologically important receptors.
Increasing Clients' Knowledge of Community Pharmacists' Roles

Purpose. The pharmaceutical care framework requires an active client-pharmacist partnership, particularly with respect to consultation about medications. With low client expectations for pharmacist consultation documented by several studies, this research sought to identify: 1) what information clients want from pharmacists, 2) what barriers prevent clients from asking pharmacists their questions, and 3) whether an inexpensive intervention could increase client short-term knowledge of pharmacist roles related to patient consultation and monitoring prescription appropriateness. Role theory provides a framework for this study. Methods. Nineteen community pharmacies and 355 pharmacy clients participated in the study. Each client completed a survey on their needs for information and knowledge of pharmacist roles, with clients in the experimental arm receiving a short brochure on pharmacist roles while a control group did not. Results. Sixty percent wanted information about side effects; 51% wanted directions for how to take the medication correctly. Most frequently listed barriers to asking pharmacists questions were client embarrassment and ignorance that it was appropriate to seek information from pharmacists. Significantly more experimental group clients than control group clients correctly answered survey questions about pharmacist roles and training. Only 52% of the control group believed the pharmacist always checks for possible drug interactions. Only 55% believed pharmacists were required to provide appropriate patient consultation for prescriptions under state law. Conclusions. Brief exposure to a short pamphlet about pharmacists' activities increased knowledge of pharmacist roles and training, suggesting that inexpensive interventions can impact on client short term knowledge of pharmacist roles.
The representation and coding of volumetric images using the 3-D derivative of Gaussian transform

Compression is essential for the efficient storage, transmission, and processing of volumetric image data. While volumetric image compression has not been pursued as actively as still image and video compression, a variety of approaches have been proposed. Many of these approaches have been inspired by existing image or video compression techniques. Local 2-D and 3-D decompositions (most notably local scale (wavelet) transforms) have proven to be particularly useful. We examine the state-of-the-art in this field, and consider a 3-D extension of a previously developed local frequency decomposition (the derivative of Gaussian transform) for the representation and coding of volumetric data.
An approximative algorithm for the fixed charge problem

This paper describes an approximate solution method for solving the fixed charge problem. This heuristic approach is applied to a set of test problems to explore the margin of error. The results indicate that the proposed fixed charge simplex algorithm is capable of finding optimal or near optimal solutions to moderate sized fixed charge problems. In the absence of an exact method, this heuristic should prove useful in solving this fundamental nonlinear programming problem.
Pain is independently associated with impaired physical function in HIV-infected patients.

Introduction HIV-infected patients in the current treatment era can achieve normal life expectancies, but experience a high degree of medical and psychiatric comorbidity. Impaired physical function and pain, often in the context of mood disorders and substance abuse, are common in HIV-infected patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of pain, a modifiable condition, to functional impairment in HIV-infected patients, independent of mood disorders and substance abuse.
Are Capital Controls Prudential? An Empirical Investigation

A growing recent theoretical literature advocates the use of prudential capital control policy, that is, the tightening of restrictions on cross-border capital flows during booms and the relaxation thereof during recessions. We examine the behavior of capital controls in a large number of countries over the period 1995-2011. We find that capital controls are remarkably acyclical. Boom-bust episodes in output, the current account, or the real exchange rate are associated with virtually no movements in capital controls. These results are robust to decomposing boom-bust episodes along a number of dimensions, including the level of development, the level of external indebtedness, or the exchange-rate regime. We also document a near complete acyclicality of capital controls during the Great Contraction of 2007-2009.
Loving People for Who They Are (Even When They Don't Love You Back)

The debate on love's reasons ignores unrequited love, which—I argue—can be as genuine and as valuable as reciprocated love. I start by showing that the relationship view of love cannot account for either the reasons or the value of unrequited love. I then present the simple property view, an alternative to the relationship view that is beset with its own problems. In order to solve these problems, I present a more sophisticated version of the property view that integrates ideas from different property theorists in the love literature. However, even this more sophisticated property view falls short in accounting for unrequited love's reasons. In response, I develop a new version of the property view that I call the experiential view. On this view, we love a person not only in virtue of properties shaped by and experienced in a reciprocal loving relationship, but also in virtue of perspectival properties, whose value can be properly assessed also outside of a reciprocal loving relationship. The experiential view is the only view that can account not only for reciprocated love's reasons, but also for unrequited love's reasons.
Inhibition of acid secretion in guinea pigs by tricyclic antidepressants: comparison with ranitidine and omeprazole.

The antisecretory properties of imipramine on gastric secretion in guinea pig in comparison with other antisecretory agents was determined. In awake guinea pigs s.c. infusion of histamine (30 micrograms/kg/hr) increased acid and fluid secretion by 3- to 4-fold. When acid output peaked, a bolus administration of the tricyclic anti-depressant imipramine inhibited acid and fluid secretion. Imipramine and other agents, such as ranitidine and omeprazole, inhibited gastric secretion in a dose-dependent fashion. The most potent was the H2-antagonist ranitidine (IC50, 0.2-0.3 mumol/kg), followed by the gastric H-K-adenosine triphosphatase inhibitor, omeprazole (IC50, 0.5-0.6 mumol/kg). Imipramine (IC50 1-2 mumol/kg) was the least potent of the inhibitors. Both ranitidine and omeprazole could abolish acid secretion, but maximal inhibition with imipramine was 60% of initial. Promethazine (25 mumol/kg), an H1 antagonist, and atropine (12 mumol/kg), a muscarinic antagonist, inhibited gastric secretion by 40 to 50%. Imipramine and atropine also inhibited basal acid secretion. In dispersed gastric cells comparison between imipramine and omeprazole showed that imipramine was about 5-fold more potent than omeprazole in blocking histamine or dibutyryl cyclic AMP stimulation of aminopyrine accumulation. Imipramine probably acts as a protonophore by increasing the rate of proton-gradient dissipation rather than by interfering with the hydrogen-pump system because, in gastric membranes, imipramine was 20-fold less potent than omeprazole in inhibiting the gastric H-K-adenosine triphosphatase activity. These results suggest that imipramine administered s.c. in guinea pigs is a potent antisecretory drug. Its action may be due to a combination of anticholinergic and antihistamine H2 activities.