cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advance care planning safeguards.

To the Editors:—We read with interest the recent article by Dr. Billings.1 In the article, Dr. Billings defines the goal of advance care planning as promoting the autonomy of decisionally incapacitated patients in decision-making about life-sustaining treatment, and cites public fears about restricting life-sustaining treatment as evidence for implementing certain safeguards in advance care planning, such as erring on the side of preserving life when advance directives are unclear. However, a broader conceptualization of advance care planning as the process by which patients can receive preference-concordant care over the course of a serious illness,2 including but not limited to life-sustaining treatment, makes advance care planning relevant to more patients. We believe that this frame for advance care planning may shift public and political attention away from fears about restricting treatment, and toward increasing access to patient-centered care overall. Defining the goal of advance care planning as providing preference-concordant care through the trajectory of an illness requires a different set of safeguards, including 1) having early and repeated patient-provider discussions about values of care within the context of the patient’s illness trajectory; 2) identifying ways to usefully translate broad values into specific preferences at the time of decision-making; 3) encouraging a re-evaluation of documented preferences with changing clinical and personal circumstances; and 4) implementing a system-wide transportable and flexible method of preference documentation that more adequately reflects patients’ values than traditional advance directives. A first step in achieving this vision of advance care planning includes helping patients clarify and articulate their underlying values for care and thereby identifying specific treatment preferences. Clinicians might facilitate this goal with multiple, brief, discussions about patients’ reflections and feelings regarding health states, as personally experienced or observed.3 While the relevance of advance care planning might be most apparent when decisions about life-sustaining treatment need to be made, we suggest a focus on the process of consideration, evaluation and discussion of values and preferences rather than towards the life or death decision itself. Such a shift within the medical community in thinking and practice, we believe, will have the effect of positively shifting public opinion about advance care planning and would support patient-centered care in serious illness.
Yes, hepatocellular cancer does occur in primary biliary cirrhosis

Objectives: The prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is not well established, as some reports suggest a low risk, whereas others indicate that HCC may be no less frequent than in other types of cirrhosis. Methods: We compared the incidence of HCC in a series of 140 patients with PBC (five men, 135 women, mean age 54 ± 1.6 yr) followed-up for a mean of period of 5.6 ± 0.4 yr with a group of patients with cirrhosis related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) who were matched for age, sex, and follow-up period. In all patients, HCC was prospectively screened by clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound procedures. Results: Five patients with PBC (3.6%) developed HCC. All were in stage IV of the disease. The incidence of HCC in the 45 patients with late stages of the disease (III or IV) was 11.1%, similar to that found in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis, which was 15.0%. The relative risk for HCC in late stages of PBC was of 0.812 (95% CI, 0.229-2.883) with respect to HCV-related cirrhosis. The probability for developing HCC was significantly higher in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis than in PBC patients overall (p = 0.001), but was similar in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis and in patients with PBC in stages III and IV (p = ns). Conclusion: The risk for HCC in patients with late stages of PBC is similar to that in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis.
A novel local learning based approach with application to breast cancer diagnosis

In this paper, we introduce a new local learning based approach and apply it for the well-studied problem of breast cancer diagnosis using BIRADS-based mammographic features. To learn from our clinical dataset the latent relationship between these features and the breast biopsy result, our method first dynamically partitions the whole sample population into multiple sub-population groups through stochastically searching the sample population clustering space. Each encountered clustering scheme in our online searching process is then used to create a certain sample population partition plan. For every resultant sub-population group identified according to a partition plan, our method then trains a dedicated local learner to capture the underlying data relationship. In our study, we adopt the linear logistic regression model as our local learning method's base learner. Such a choice is made both due to the well-understood linear nature of the problem, which is compellingly revealed by a rich body of prior studies, and the computational efficiency of linear logistic regression--the latter feature allows our local learning method to more effectively perform its search in the sample population clustering space. Using a database of 850 biopsy-proven cases, we compared the performance of our method with a large collection of publicly available state-of-the-art machine learning methods and successfully demonstrated its performance advantage with statistical significance.
Endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery

Abstract With the advancements in endoscopic techniques and instrumentation, endoscopic pituitary surgery is gaining in popularity. The sphenoid sinus and sella turcica may be approached transseptally, transethmoidally, or direct transnasally. We describe our direct transnasal, nontransseptal, transsphenoidal approach.
Interrupting the renin-angiotensin system: the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin ii receptor antagonists in the treatment of hypertension

Abstract The renin-angiotensin system has two roles in clinical hypertension: its vasoconstrictor properties directly govern blood pressure, and its actions on arterial smooth muscle, connective tissue, and endothelial integrity affect cardiovascular prognosis. Additionally, the direct actions of angiotensin II on the function and structure of the heart and renal vasculature influence clinical events. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have produced functional and clinical outcome benefits in clinical trials of patients with congestive heart failure, systolic dysfunction after myocardial infarction, and diabetic nephropathy. Similar favorable trends have been noted in observational studies in hypertension. Because such enzymes as chymase can substitute for ACE, the ACE inhibitors may not completely block angiotensin II formation, although they enhance bradykinin accumulation and secondarily stimulate nitric oxide and vasodilatory prostaglandins. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) selectively block the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor that not only mediates the known effects of angiotensin II but, according to recent reports, might be responsible for sequestering angiotensin II molecules in renal and cardiac cells. Moreover, by increasing plasma concentrations of angiotensin II, the ARB stimulate the unblocked angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptors, which—if they exist in meaningful numbers in human hypertension—mediate additional vasodilatory and antiproliferative effects. The contrasting actions of these two classes of drugs might be clinically relevant. For example, they may have additive antihypertensive efficacy; they have differing effects on renal plasma flow; and in a small pilot study of patients with congestive heart failure, the ARB demonstrated an apparent advantage in survival. Ongoing clinical trials will try to determine whether the effects of ARB can equal or even exceed the beneficial effects of ACE inhibitors on cardiovascular prognosis.
The future of diffraction at RHIC

Abstract The future of diffraction program at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) is discussed. Most of the program is associated with an approved experiment Total and Differential Cross Sections and Polarization Effects in pp Elastic Scattering at RHIC, PP2PP experiment. In the medium |t| range, diffractive region, with four momenta transferred 0.006
Three-Dimensional Vibrational Imaging by Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering

A multiphoton microscopy based on coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering is accomplished with near-infrared ultrashort laser pulses. We demonstrate vibrational imaging of chemical and biological samples with high sensitivity, high spatial resolution, noninvasiveness, and three-dimensional sectioning capability. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Trace of heat kernel, spectral zeta function and isospectral problem for sub-laplacians

In this article, we first study the trace for the heat kernel for the sub-Laplacian operator on the unit sphere in ℂn+1. Then we survey some results on the spectral zeta function which is induced by the trace of the heat kernel. In the second part of the paper, we discuss an isospectral problem in the CR setting.
Regulation of fluid and electrolyte secretion in salivary gland acinar cells.

▪ Abstract The secretion of fluid and electrolytes by salivary gland acinar cells requires the coordinated regulation of multiple water and ion transporter and channel proteins. Notably, all the key transporter and channel proteins in this process appear to be activated, or are up-regulated, by an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Consequently, salivation occurs in response to agonists that generate an increase in [Ca2+]i. The mechanisms that act to modulate these increases in [Ca2+]i obviously influence the secretion of salivary fluid. Such modulation may involve effects on mechanisms of both Ca2+ release and Ca2+ entry and the resulting spatial and temporal aspects of the [Ca2+]i signal, as well as interactions with other signaling pathways in the cells. The molecular cloning of many of the transporter and regulatory molecules involved in fluid and electrolyte secretion has yielded a better understanding of this process at the cellular level. The subsequent characterization of ...
Instantaneous Perturbation of Dentate Interneuronal Networks by a Pressure Wave-Transient Delivered to the Neocortex

Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and immunocytochemical experiments were performed to determine the short- and long-term effects of lateral fluid percussion head injury on the perisomatic inhibitory control of dentate granule cells in the adult rat, with special reference to the development of trauma-induced hyperexcitability. One week after the delivery of a single, moderate (2.0-2.2 atm) mechanical pressure wave to the neocortex, the feed-forward inhibitory control of dentate granule cell discharges was compromised, and the frequency of miniature IPSCs was decreased. Consistent with the electrophysiological data, the number of hilar parvalbumin (PV)- and cholecystokinin (CCK)-positive dentate interneurons supplying the inhibitory innervation of the perisomatic region of granule cells was decreased weeks and months after head injury. The initial injury to the hilar neurons took place instantaneously after the impact and did not require the recruitment of active physiological processes. Furthermore, the decrease in the number of PV- and CCK-positive hilar interneurons was similar to the decrease in the number of the AMPA-type glutamate receptor subunit 2/3-immunoreactive mossy cells, indicating that the pressure wave-transient causes injurious physical stretching and bending of most cells that are large and not tightly packed in a cell layer. These results reveal for the first time that moderate pressure wave-transients, triggered by traumatic head injury episodes, impact the dentate neuronal network in a unique temporal and spatial pattern, resulting in a net decrease in the perisomatic control of granule cell discharges.
Neural modelling of the large-signal drain current of the dual-gate MESFET with DC and pulsed I-V measurements

This work presents a neural network model of the drain current for dual-gate MESFET. The model is a combination of two sub-models; a static model represented by DC IV characteristics and dynamic model represented by pulsed IV characteristics. Pulsed measurements are performed at many bias points to capture the full dynamic behaviour of the device. The final model has a total of 25 neurons and is generated in a few minutes. The measurements and model data are in very good agreement with model error of less than 1%.
USING WEB‐BASED FRAME‐OF‐REFERENCE TRAINING TO DECREASE BIASES IN PERSONALITY‐BASED JOB ANALYSIS: AN EXPERIMENTAL FIELD STUDY

We identify sources of biases in personality-based job analysis (PBJA) ratings and offer a Web-based frame-of-reference (FOR) training program to mitigate these biases. Given the use of job analysis data for the development of staffing, performance management, and many other human resource management systems, using biased PBJA ratings is likely to lead to a workforce that is increasingly homogenous in terms of personality but not necessarily a workforce with improved levels of performance. We conducted a field experiment (i.e., full random assignment) using 2 independent samples of employees in a city government and found evidence in support of the presence of biases as well as the effectiveness of the proposed solution. Specifically, FOR training was successful at decreasing the average correlation between job incumbents’ self-reported personality and PBJA ratings from .27 to .07 (administrative support assistants) and from .30 to .09 (supervisors). Also, FOR training was successful at decreasing mean PBJA ratings by d = .44 (administrative support assistants) and by d = .68 (supervisors). We offer the entire set of Web-based FOR training materials for use in future research and applications.
A junction branch point adjacent to a DNA backbone nick directs substrate cleavage by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mus81-Mms4

The DNA structure-selective endonuclease Mus81-Mms4/Eme1 incises a number of nicked joint molecule substrates in vitro. 3'-flaps are an excellent in vitro substrate for Mus81-Mms4/Eme1. Mutants in MUS81 are synthetically lethal with mutations in the 5'-flap endonuclease FEN1/Rad27 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Considering the possibility for isoenergetic interconversion between 3'- and 5'- flaps, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that Mus81-Mms4/Eme1 acts on 3'-flaps in vivo. FEN1/Rad27 prefers dually flapped substrates and cleaves in a way that allows direct ligation of the resulting nick in the product duplex. Here we test the activity of Mus81-Mms4 on dually flapped substrates and find that in contrast to FEN1/Rad27, Mus81-Mms4 activity is impaired on such substrates, resulting in cleavage products that do not allow direct religation. We conclude that Mus81-Mms4, unlike FEN1/Rad27, does not prefer dually flapped substrates and is unlikely to function as a 3'-flapase counterpart to the 5'-flapase activity of FEN1/Rad27. We further find that joint molecule incision by Mus81-Mms4 occurs in a fashion determined by the branch point, regardless of the position of an upstream duplex end. These findings underscore the significance of a nick adjacent to a branch point for Mus81-Mms4 incision.
Progressive and Regressive Taxation in the United States: Who's Really Paying (and Not Paying) Their Fair Share?

The 2010 debate over extending the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts often focused the fairness of the tax distribution in the United States. Unfortunately, discussions of tax fairness rarely take into account the distribution of the overall tax system, typically focusing only on the federal income tax or on federal taxes without consideration of the state and local tax system. This paper updates a 2003 analysis (Roach, 2003) to present a current assessment of the distribution of all components of the U.S. tax system, including recent trends. The results show that the overall federal tax system is quite progressive. But when state and local taxes are included as well, the overall U.S. tax system is only slightly progressive. Further, most of the progressivity of the overall tax system occurs in the lower half of the income spectrum. At upper-income levels, progressivity levels off and actually reverses at the highest income levels. Medianincome taxpayers pay about 25% of their total income in taxes, while taxpayers in the top 1% pay about 31% of their income in taxes. Thus claims that America has a “highly progressive” tax system do not appear to be valid. There is no clear long-term trend in the progressivity of the federal tax system – it is about as progressive now as it was in 1979 with progressivity generally declining in the 1980s and rising since then. The limited data on state and local tax progressivity also fail to indicate a trend in either direction over the last 15 years. Relative stability in tax progressivity stands in stark contrast to rising economic inequality. Since 1979, lower-income households have seen their real incomes stagnate, median households have experienced modest gains, while those in the top 10%, and in particular to the top 1%, have realized dramatic gains. While changes in tax progressivity could have partially offset the rise in income inequality, this has not been the case. Analysis of the compromise plan to extend the Bush tax cuts shows that the progressivity of the plan is much closer to the original Republican proposal than President Obama’s proposal that would have eliminated the Bush tax cuts for high-income households.
Sp3 inhibits Sp1-mediated activation of the cardiac troponin T promoter and is downregulated during pathological cardiac hypertrophy in vivo

Combinatorial interactions between cis elements and trans-acting factors are required for regulation of cardiac gene expression during normal cardiac development and pathological cardiac hypertroph...
ATOM: A Powerful Gene-Based Association Test by Combining Optimally Weighted Markers

Background: Large-scale candidate-gene and genome-wide association studies genotype multiple SNPs within or surrounding a gene, including both tag and functional SNPs. The immense amount of data generated in these studies poses new challenges to analysis. One particularly challenging yet important question is how to best use all genetic information to test whether a gene or a region is associated with the trait of interest. Methods: Here we propose a powerful gene-based Association Test by combining Optimally Weighted Markers (ATOM) within a genomic region. Due to variation in linkage disequilibrium, different markers often associate with the trait of interest at different levels. To appropriately apportion their contributions, we assign a weight to each marker that is proportional to the amount of information it captures about the trait locus. We analytically derive the optimal weights for both quantitative and binary traits, and describe a procedure for estimating the weights from a reference database such as the HapMap. Compared with existing approaches, our method has several distinct advantages, including (i) the ability to borrow information from an external database to increase power, (ii) the theoretical derivation of optimal marker weights and (iii) the scalability to simultaneous analysis of all SNPs in candidate genes and pathways. Results: Through extensive simulations and analysis of the FTO gene in our ongoing genome-wide association study on childhood obesity, we demonstrate that ATOM increases the power to detect genetic association as compared with several commonly used multi-marker association tests. Contact: ude.nnepu.dem.liam@oaygnim; ude.tlibrednav@il.nuhc Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The behaviour of Loligo opalescens (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) as observed by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)

The behaviour of Loligo opalescens as observed by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was analysed. Thirty-nine behavioural components were identified and classed into four categories: chromatic, postural, locomotory, and inking. The frequency with which components were expressed was correlated to whether or not an individual was schooling, shoaling, alone with the ROV, or in the presence of other species. Behaviours observed were compared to those reported for other Loligo species. Observations of schooling and feeding behaviour, and reactions to other species are included.
Numerical small-signal AC modeling of deep-level-trap related frequency-dependent output conductance and capacitance for GaAs MESFET's on semi-insulating substrates

A two-dimensional numerical deep-level-trap (DLT) model suitable for small-signal AC analysis is described. The model reproduces the experimentally observed frequency-dependent output conductance for a GaAs MESFET on a semi-insulating substrate, clarifies the relations between the frequency characteristics and trap parameters, and identifies two trap levels with proper energy separation supported by DLTS measurement. The model also predicts some frequency-dependent output capacitance contributed by the two trap levels. >
Automatic tracking of flying vehicles using geodesic snakes and Kalman filtering

This paper describes a tracking algorithm relying on active contours for target extraction and an extended Kalman filter for relative pose estimation. This work represents the first step towards treating the general problem for the control of several unmanned autonomous vehicles flying in formation using only local visual information. In particular, we only allow on-board passive sensing. The problem is an excellent paradigm for studying the use of visual information in a feedback loop, the central theme of controlled active vision.
Regionalization of thunderstorm rainfall in the contiguous United States

The amount of precipitation recorded during individual thunderstorms was determined at 220 stations in the contiguous United States of America for a 30-year period. The probability distribution of thunderstorm rainfall amounts at each station during each season was summarized by use of the incomplete gamma distribution. The incomplete gamma distribution is completely described by two parameters, which were used in a clustering routine to determine whether regionalizing tendencies exist in the probability distributions. Large-scale regions were found when the results of the clustering were mapped. In general, these regions corresponded well with the areas of dominance of many of the proposed mechanisms for thunderstorm development.
Cu Induced Optical Transitions in MOCVD Grown Cu Doped GaN

ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and found to vary from 2x10 16 cm -3 to 5x10 17 cm -3 . Raman studies confirmed high crystalline quality of GaN:Cu with no major structural damages due to Cu incorporation. PL investigation revealed that the origin of the emission around 2.4 eV is most likely due to Cu incorporation. The electrical conductivity of the samples was analyzed by Hall measurements and the found semi-insulating behavior was assigned to the compensation of intrinsic donors by the deep Cu acceptor states.
Lead isotopes by LA-MC-ICPMS: Tracking the emergence of mantle signatures in an evolving silicic magma system

At Long Valley (LV) model Sr isotope phenocryst ages and absolute U–Pb zircon ages from precaldera Glass Mountain (GM) and caldera-related Bishop Tuff (BT) rhyolites show that these crystals track >1 Myr of evolution of a voluminous rhyolite magmatic system. In detail, strong disparities between the different age populations complicate ideas for a unified model for rhyolite generation, differentiation, and storage. To better elucidate the age discrepancies a new in situ Pb isotope technique has been developed to measure the compositions of 113 individual LV feldspars (mainly sanidine) and their host glasses by UV laser ablation MC-ICPMS. Given sufficient signal the accuracy and precision of this technique approaches that of double-spike thermal ionization mass spectrometry. The utility of our technique for many geologic materials is, however, limited to determining Pb isotope ratios that include 206 Pb, 207 Pb, and 208 Pb, but exclude 204 Pb. New zircon 238 U– 206 Pb crystallization ages were also obtained for two older Glass Mountain domes. A >1.5& difference between the Pb isotope compositions of feldspars from older (1.7–2.2 Ma) precaldera Glass Mountain (GM) rhyolites and younger LV rhyolites, including the BT, is found. The Pb isotope data for feldspars and their host glasses lie along a regional trend line between young basalts and evolved crust compositions, spanning � 15% of that isotopic difference, and show a secular change towards increasing mantle contribution. Most feldspars have Pb isotope compositions that are similar to their host glasses and, as such, there persists an apparent >100 k.y. difference between Sr model feldspar ages and zircon ages for some GM rhyolites. Collectively, the feldspars define a Sr–Pb isotope mixing curve. Evidence for mixing complicates the interpretation that the Sr isotope data solely reflect radiogenic ingrowth. Where isotopically heterogeneous feldspar populations occur, there is greater uncertainty about the veracity of the Sr model ages. Specifically, we find no Pb isotope evidence that BT feldspars grew from older GM-like magmas. The distinct Pb isotope signatures for individual rhyolites and their feldspars support evidence based on zircon dating that LV volcanism did not erupt from a single long-lived magma chamber but rather tapped a number of different magmas. Moreover, contrary to the conventional model of gradual build-up prior to cataclysmic eruption, secular changes in the U–Pb age constraints on magma residence times and the magmas’ distinct Pb isotopic compositions suggest that, at Long Valley, eruptive volumes increase with shorter magma residence time and correlate with greater mantle input. Evidently, the plumbing and therefore activity at Long Valley was influenced by the evolving interaction between source and crustal magma system. � 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Ferroelectric phase transitions in cubic perovskites

In low-temperature phase, due to the pseudo Jahn-Teller effect in unit cells, atoms are coherently localized in one of eight trigonal wells of the adiabatic potential energy surface. With temperature, nuclear motion delocalizes over symmetry-equivalent wells. Depending on the size of potential barriers, the two limiting cases are considered: (a) shallow wells, and (b) deep wells. They correspond to two different mechanisms of delocalization. When potential barriers are shallow compared to kTC, the delocalization is due to over-the-barrier activation of Arrhenius type. Alternatively, when the over-the-barrier activation is thermally inaccessible, the delocalization is due to tunnelling. Temperature dependence of spontaneous polarization is treated in terms of the mean-field approximation. Using experimental data for BaTiO3, numerical values of the corresponding parameters are estimated. The qualitative description is followed by a numeric evaluation of the temperature sequence of ferroelectric phase transitions for the two cases of shallow and deep wells. The theory agrees with the experimental data.
Weight status, negative body talk, and body dissatisfaction: A dyadic analysis of male friends.

This study examined the associations among weight status, body dissatisfaction, and negative body talk with a sample of young adult male friends (N = 55 pairs). Actor–Partner Interdependence Model revealed that individuals’ body dissatisfaction was positively associated with their own body mass index, but was negatively associated with their friend’s body mass index. In addition, having a friend with low body mass index escalated the association between individuals’ own body mass index and body dissatisfaction. Further, when individuals with higher body mass index engaged in higher negative body talk, they had lower body dissatisfaction compared to those who engaged in lower negative body talk.
The role of social cohesion among residents in a therapeutic community

According to the Therapeutic Community (TC) treatment approach, social affiliation with the drug-free peer community is the basis for patients initiating therapeutic change. A total of 322 TC residents were assessed with regard to social affiliation, acceptance of TC philosophy, perceived benefit of program components, level of depression, and length of time in treatment. Residents exhibited a higher level of affiliation with TC members than with untreated substance abusers they knew outside the program. Being female, and separated from a spouse, were each associated with a higher level of TC member affiliation. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, two variables emerged as unique significant correlates of affiliation: perceived benefit for recovery of TC treatment was associated with greater TC member affiliation, whereas level of depression was inversely correlated. These findings are interpreted in relation to the goals of the TC process and to implications for treatment.
Wound instability and management after cataract surgery in a patient with prior laser in situ keratomileusis

We report a case of cataract wound instability and subsequent management after cataract surgery in a patient who had had hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Standard cataract surgery was performed through a nasal limbal incision. One day postoperatively, the uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/20 and the wound was stable. Subsequent examinations revealed overlying corneal edema, cataract wound slippage with corresponding with-the-rule astigmatism, and decreased vision. Separating and resuturing the cataract wound resulted in significant and stable improvement in the UCVA to 20/40. At 18 months, the best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 with a refraction of −3.50 +0.25 × 155 and keratometry of 44.75/45.00 @ 155. Understanding wound stability and its management in cataract surgery in patients with prior LASIK refractive surgery will become increasingly important as more of these patients present.
Education, Science and Technology in Developing Countries

It is no secret that the world is now changing at a rapid pace which is mainly driven by the accumulation of scientific knowledge and technological applications that follow it. However, we also observe that those who are in most need to benefit from innovations do not receive these benefits, i.e., the developing and underdeveloped countries.
An Analysis of International Accounting Research in U.S. Academic Accounting Journals, 1980 Through 1993

This study analyzes the number and quality of international accounting research articles during the period 1980 through 1993 by using a multidimensional analysis of refereed, academic, U.S.-based accounting journals. International accounting academics are concerned about the number and quality of publication outlets for their research. As the publication outlets for international accounting research increase and the perceived status of these outlets improves, academics will more likely engage in international accounting research and publish results that will benefit the business and professional communities. A study of the trends in the number of articles, the research methods used, the international breadth of the research, the topics covered, and the extent of foreign authorship suggests that international accounting research has increased in quantity and quality. Results of the present study also imply the need for more studies addressing transnational business and international capital market issues.
Taxation of Internet Sales - Where in the Cyberspace is Nexus?

The advent of the Internet in the 1980’s revolutionized the world of computers, information technology and communication. The Internet, with its international broadcasting capabilities, is an instrument for broadcasting information and a medium for partnership and interaction between persons and their computers without regard to geographic setting. Its viral capability has reinvented the way the world works, communicates, and deciphers information. Because of the Internet’s instantaneous abilities, news spreads like wildfire around the world, keeping secrets is virtually impossible, and persons and companies now have direct and immediate access to their target audience. With the dawn of the Internet age, the corporate world also found a new and efficient way of doing business – via e-commerce. In the U.S. alone, e-commerce retail sales grew from $995 billion in 1999 to $2,385 billion by 2006. A 2009 study estimated that e-commerce transactions are anticipated to rise from $3 trillion in 2010 to $4 trillion in 2012. This study further predicted that while $45.9 billion dollars in sales taxes will be due by the states cumulatively in 2012, only $34.5 billion of that amount will actually be collected, resulting in an anticipated overall U.S. sales tax loss of $11.4 billion dollars in 2012 alone. Amidst these staggering numbers, can states do anything more to collect sales tax emanating from e-commerce sales? The answer to this question lies at the heart of the query: Where in the cyberspace is nexus? While this article does not attempt to define a solution to this question, its purpose is to present an overview of statutory rules currently in place pertaining to sales and use tax, with particular attention paid to the area of e-commerce sales; examine the Constitutional mandates in place regarding “nexus” and “physical presence”, with heavy emphasis placed on federal and state judicial case law; scrutinize the current situation between deficit-stricken state taxing jurisdictions and cyber-retailers seeking shelter under the umbrella of the Due process and Commerce Clauses; and provide observations for the need to create uniformity among the states in dealing with e-commerce transactions.
Stability and transport of graphene oxide nanoparticles in groundwater and surface water

Abstract The effects of groundwater and surface water constituents (i.e., natural organic matter [NOM] and the presence of a complex assortment of ions) on graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONPs) were investigated to provide additional insight into the factors contributing to fate and the mechanisms involved in their transport in soil, groundwater, and surface water environments. The stability and transport of GONPs was investigated using dynamic light scattering, electrokinetic characterization, and packed bed column experiments. Stability results showed that the hydrodynamic diameter of the GONPs at a similar ionic strength (2.1±1.1 mM) was 10 times greater in groundwater environments compared with surface water and NaCl and MgCl2 suspensions. Transport results confirmed that in groundwater, GONPs are less stable and are more likely to be removed during transport in porous media. In surface water and MgCl2 and NaCl suspensions, the relative recovery was 94%±3% indicating that GONPs will be very mobile in s...
The biology of chronic myelogenous leukemia:mouse models and cell adhesion

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a biphasic neoplasm of the bone marrow that is precipitated by the Philadelphia chromosome, a t(9;22) balanced translocation that encodes a constitutively activated nonreceptor tyrosine kinase termed P210(BCR-ABL). This oncoprotein has several intracellular functions; however, the most important effect of P210(BCR-ABL) leading to cell transformation is phosphorylation of signaling molecules through a constitutively active tyrosine kinase domain. Despite extensive knowledge of the structure and functional domains of BCR-ABL, its precise function in transformation is not known. Progress has been hampered, in part, by the lack of relevant CML models, as cell culture and in vitro assays do not mimic the pathogenesis of CML. Recently, there has been significant progress toward improving murine models that closely resemble human CML. This has allowed researchers to evaluate critical functions of BCR-ABL and has provided a model to test the efficacy of therapeutic medications that block these pathways. Our laboratory has developed two intersecting research programs to better understand the functioning of P210(BCR-ABL) in leukemogenesis. In one approach, we have developed a murine CML model by transferring HSCs that express BCR-ABL from a retroviral vector. All recipients develop a rapidly fatal MPD that shares several important features with CML. This model has been extremely useful for studying the function of BCR-ABL in the pathogenesis of CML. A second approach utilizes a quantitative cell detachment apparatus capable of measuring small changes in cell adhesion to investigate the mechanism by which P210(BCR-ABL) causes abnormal cell binding. Altered cell adhesion may contribute to the imbalance between proliferation and self-renewal in the hematopoietic progenitor compartment. To better understand the role abnormal adhesion may play in the development of leukemia, we have attempted to correlate the effects of functional P210(BCR-ABL) mutants in regulating adhesion and oncogenicity.
The Status of Graduate Education in Poultry Science

Abstract Information concerning graduate programs was received from 26 departments offering advanced degrees in poultry science. Programs were offered in 11 areas of specialization. The programs most frequently available were genetics, nutrition, physiology, and products technology. The credit hour requirements (quarter hours or equivalent), exclusive of thesis, ranged from 27 to 45 for the M.S. degree. Some of the Ph.D. programs had no specific requirements for course hours, while the others ranged from a minimum of 36 to a maximum of 90 hours. There were 220 M.S. and 140 Ph.D. students working towards advanced degrees as of fall 1978; of these, 25.3% were foreign nationals. A total of 291 and 197 M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, respectively, were granted by the 26 departments during the last five years. The results of this survey indicate that graduate education is an important function of the instructional and research programs of most departments of poultry science.
A study of the functional capacities of spleen cells after maintenance in vitro.

SummarySpleen cells were cultured for varying lengths of time in vitro. The cells were then injected into lethally irradiated mice to ascertain their ability to protect the animals against irradiation death. Complete loss of ability to protect irradiated animals was found to occur after 9 days in vitro despite the injection of adequate numbers of viable spleen cells. The significance of these results is discussed.
Intrathecal Pump Exposure to Electromagnetic Interference: A Report of Device Interrogation following Multiple ECT Sessions.

BACKGROUND Intrathecal drug delivery systems represent an increasingly common treatment modality for patients with a variety of conditions, including chronic pain and spasticity. Pumps rely on electronic programming to properly control and administer highly concentrated medications. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a known exposure that may cause a potential patient safety issue stemming from direct patient injury, pump damage, or changes to pump operation or flow rate. OBJECTIVES The objective of our case report was to describe an approach to evaluating a patient with a pump prior to and following exposure to EMI from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), as well as to document findings from device interrogations associated with this event. STUDY DESIGN Case report. SETTING Academic university-based pain management center. RESULTS We present the case of a patient with an intrathecal pump who underwent multiple exposures to EMI in the form of 42 ECT sessions. Interrogation of the intrathecal drug delivery system revealed no safety issues following ECT sessions. At no time were error messages, unintentional changes in event logs, unintentional changes in pump settings, or evidence of pump stall or over-infusion noted. CONCLUSION Communication with multiple entities (patient, family, consulting physicians, and device manufacturer) and maintaining vigilance through device interrogation both before and after EMI exposure are appropriate safeguards to mitigate the risk and detect potential adverse events of EMI with intrathecal drug delivery systems. Given the infrequent reports of device exposure to ECT, best practices may be derived from experience with EMI exposure from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although routine EMI exposure to intrathecal drug delivery systems should be avoided, we describe one patient with repeated exposure to ECT without apparent complication.
Equine colic: a review of the equine hindgut and colic

Colic is the major cause of morbidity and mortality, premature deaths, and is the number one health concern in horses. To increase the quality of life for horses, it is vital to understand the causes, signs, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of colic. Horses are hindgut fermenters and their cecal microbiome can easily be altered due to environmental and physiological changes. Colic can be induced from starch overloading, which can have detrimental effects on the cecum microbiome, such as decreasing hindgut pH and altering the production of volatile fatty acids. In addition, if the immune system becomes compromised, causing changes in the hindgut microbiome, this will trigger a proliferation of opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria, which can cause numerous gastrointestinal diseases, resulting in colic. However, identifying a variety of microorganisms in the cecum is extremely difficult and understudied because difficulties in sampling and not all bacteria strains can be cultured. Therefore, next generation sequencing has helped in identifying microbes found in the gastrointestinal tract. Using the application of metagenomics, allows scientists to be able to sequence thousands of microorganisms simultaneously. In addition, exploring new techniques to help identify and achieve a clearer picture of the microbiome population and how it may change during bouts of colic could revolutionize the way veterinarians diagnose colic and tailoring a treatment specific to the microoganisms that are proliferating. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of colic and next technological advances could increase the quality of life for horses and minimize the mortality rates.
In Vitro Reconstitution of the Selection, Ubiquitination, and Membrane Extraction of a Polytopic ERAD Substrate

Secretory and membrane proteins that are destined for intracellular organelles in eukaryotes are first synthesized at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are then delivered to their final destinations. The ER contains high concentrations of molecular chaperones and folding enzymes that assist substrates to acquire their native conformations. However, protein misfolding is an inevitable event especially when cells are exposed to stress or during development or aging. ER-associated degradation (ERAD) is a major mechanism to eliminate misfolded proteins from the secretory pathway. The importance of ERAD is underscored by the fact that mutations in secretory and membrane proteins or corruption of the ERAD machinery have been linked to human diseases. Many components involved in ERAD have been identified by a genetic analysis using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and it now appears that most of these factors are conserved in higher eukaryotes. In this chapter, we describe a method to recapitulate the ubiquitination and extraction of misfolded polytopic membrane proteins in vitro using materials prepared from yeast. These techniques provide a powerful tool to further dissect the ERAD pathway into elementary steps.
Studies in hypertensive heart disease: IV. Factors in the production of congestive failure

Abstract It is known that a number of factors may contribute to heart failure in the course of hypertensive heart disease. The relative importance of these factors, however, has not been established. It is maintained, on the one hand, that myocardial weakness in hypertensive heart disease is due primarily to factors resulting from the hypertension itself, and, on the other, to concominant coronary disease. The purpose of the present study is to throw some light on the relative importance of these factors.
Abstract 262: Dominant Negative PPARG Influences Atherosclerosis Through Distinct Effects in Vascular Endothelium and Smooth Muscle

Agonists of the nuclear hormone receptor PPARγ inhibit atherosclerosis progression; however, direct actions of PPARγ in the vessel wall during atherosclerosis remain undefined. We reported that transgenic mice expressing dominant negative (DN) PPARγ targeted to the vascular endothelium (E-DN) or smooth muscle (S-DN) on the apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE -/- ) background exhibit increased diet-induced atherosclerotic lesion area in aorta compared to non-transgenic (NT) control mice without changes in plasma cholesterol or triglycerides. Here we show that abdominal aortic rings from standard diet-fed E-DN.ApoE -/- mice display impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to Ach (3μM: 44±2% vs 72±1% in NT.ApoE -/- ; P -/- mice display impaired nitric oxide-dependent relaxation in response to Ach (3μM: 47±3% vs 71±1% in NT.ApoE -/- ; P -/- mice (127±3 vs 112±2 mmHg in NT.ApoE -/- ; P -/- mice (123±1 vs 109±2 mmHg in NT.ApoE -/- ; P -/- mice had increased mRNA expression of Mcp1 (1.68±0.26-fold of NT.ApoE -/- ; P Catalase (0.59±0.13-fold; P Cd36 (0.69±0.09-fold; P Cd68 , Icam1 , Tnfα , Osteopontin , and Vcam1 were not changed. Aorta from S-DN.ApoE -/- mice had increased mRNA expression of Mcp1 (1.75±0.23-fold of NT.ApoE -/- ; P Osteopontin (2.18±0.13-fold; P Vcam1 (1.87±0.24-fold; P Cd36 (0.72±0.08-fold; P Cd68 , Icam1 , Tnfα , and Catalase were not changed. In summary, endothelial- or smooth muscle-specific DN PPARγ induces distinct alterations in vascular function and atherogenic markers. Inhibition of PPARγ function in the vessel wall may contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Transvenous pacemaker implantation after the bidirectional Glenn operation for patients with complex congenital disease.

Introduction The bidirectional Glenn operation for congenital heart disease produces anatomical constraints to conventional transvenous pacemaker implantation. An iliac approach, although not previously described in this population, is potentially a preferable alternative to a thoracotomy for epicardial pacing. Methods and results A single-center retrospective review was performed for all patients that underwent transvenous pacemaker implantation following the bidirectional Glenn operation with partial biventricular repair. Follow-up data, implant indications, and techniques were recorded. Five patients underwent a transvenous iliac approach (median age 26.9 years, interquartile range [IQR] 25.8-27.6). Pacing indications included AV block in 3 patients (2 requiring cardiac resychronization therapy) and sinus node dysfunction in 2. Implanted leads were atrial in 4 and ventricular in 3 (1 of the latter was placed in the coronary sinus). In two cases, transvenous leads were tunneled to a preexisting epicardial abdominal generator. Median follow-up was 4.1 years (range 1.0-16.7 years). One patient underwent device revision for lead position-related groin discomfort; a second patient developed atrial lead failure following a Maze operation and underwent lead replacement by the iliac approach. Patients were not routinely anticoagulated postprocedure given lead position in the subpulmonary circulation. At last follow-up, all patients were alive. One patient underwent heart transplantation 6 months after implant with only partial resolution of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. Conclusions Trans-iliac pacemaker placement may be an effective alternative to surgery for patients requiring permanent pacing after the Glenn operation.