cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative cardiovascular magnetic resonance perfusion imaging identifies reduced flow reserve in microvascular coronary artery disease

Preliminary semi-quantitative cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) perfusion studies have demonstrated reduced myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) in patients with angina and risk factors for microvascular disease (MVD), however fully quantitative CMR has not been studied. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether fully quantitative CMR identifies reduced MPR in this population, and to investigate the relationship between epicardial atherosclerosis, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), extracellular volume (ECV), and perfusion. Forty-six patients with typical angina and risk factors for MVD (females, or males with diabetes or metabolic syndrome) who had no obstructive coronary artery disease by coronary angiography and 20 healthy control subjects underwent regadenoson stress CMR perfusion imaging using a dual-sequence quantitative spiral pulse sequence to quantify MPR. Subjects also underwent T1 mapping to quantify ECV, and computed tomographic (CT) coronary calcium scoring to assess atherosclerosis burden. In patients with risk factors for MVD, both MPR (2.21 [1.95,2.69] vs. 2.93 [2.763.19], p < 0.001) and stress myocardial perfusion (2.65 ± 0.62 ml/min/g, vs. 3.17 ± 0.49 ml/min/g p < 0.002) were reduced as compared to controls. These differences remained after adjusting for age, left ventricular (LV) mass, body mass index (BMI), and gender. There were no differences in native T1 or ECV between subjects and controls. Stress myocardial perfusion and MPR as measured by fully quantitative CMR perfusion imaging are reduced in subjects with risk factors for MVD with no obstructive CAD as compared to healthy controls. Neither myocardial hypertrophy nor fibrosis accounts for these differences.
Perception of the tactile texture of raised-dot patterns: further evidence of an opponent process in the sense of touch.

Observers judged the tactile dissimilarities of raised-dot surfaces presented in pairs. The role of the SA I channel in determining these tactile dissimilarities was investigated by examining the d...
Item Location, the Interviewer–Respondent Interaction, and Responses to Battery Questions in Telephone Surveys:

Survey researchers often ask a series of attitudinal questions with a common question stem and response options, known as battery questions. Interviewers have substantial latitude in deciding how t...
Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of titania loaded Cd-MCM-41

Catalysts consisting of cadmium incorporated into MCM-41 mesoporous molecular sieves (Cd-MCM-41) with Si/Cd = 80 have been synthesized by the hydrothermal method using cadmium acetate as the source of cadmium. This was then loaded with titania via the sol-gel method to explore the photoactivity in UV light. These two materials were characterized by various physicochemical techniques such as N2 physisorption, O2 chemisorption, diffuse reflectance UV-vis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The pore size of the Cd-MCM-41 was higher and the BET surface area was lower than those commonly found in our siliceous MCM-41. This is due to the partial pore breakage, as recorded by pore size distribution analysis. The oxygen chemisorption results shows that the dispersion of cadmium is quite high, and decreased after loading of titania. The XRD patterns of Cd-MCM-41 and 25%TiO2/Cd-MCM-41 are similar to those of siliceous MCM-41; however, the intensity of the d100 peak is decreased and the unit-cell parameter increased with titania loading. Raman spectra could not detect any peaks, whereas peaks were detected at 144, 397, 518 and 641 cm-1 with loading of titania, these peaks being associated with the anatase phase of titania. The surface composition and binding energy of the Cd 3d5/2 peak for Cd-MCM-41 and 25%TiO2/Cd-MCM-41 was analyzed by XPS and showed considerable infusion of cadmium ions on to the surface upon loading of titania. The Cd/Si surface atomic ratio measured by XPS increases 10 times with loading of titania on Cd-MCM-41, indicating that the two separate surface electronic levels such as Cd-O-Si and Cd-O-Ti were found for 25%TiO2/Cd-MCM-41. The 25%TiO2/Cd-MCM-41 showed higher activity than 25%TiO2/MCM-41 for photocatalytic degradation of formic acid. The activity results are compared with the pure titania based on the transformation per site of Ti.
Parity violation in the n + 3He → 3H + p reaction: Resonance approach

The method based on microscopic theory of nuclear reactions has been applied for the analysis of parity-violating effects in few-body systems. Different parity-violating and parity-conserving asymmetries and their dependence on neutron energy have been estimated for the n+{sup 3}He{yields}{sup 3}H+p reaction. The estimated effects are in a good agreement with available exact calculations.
Left atrial hemodynamics and left ventricular remodeling –predictors of outcomes after Transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip device

BACKGROUND Increased afterload and reduced left ventricular (LV) performance are sequela of mitral valve repair. However, hemodynamic left atrial and ventricular parameters that can predict outcome following mitral valve repair remain elusive. METHODS One hundred and two consecutive patients undergoing MitraClip procedure from 2014 to 2017 at Banner University Medical Center were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent pre-procedure echocardiograms and intra-procedure invasive left atrial (LA) pressure monitoring. Clinical, laboratory, and procedural parameters were collected. The primary end-point was the composite outcome of all-cause mortality and repeat hospitalization within 90 days. RESULTS The mean age was 77 ±10 years, the majority were Caucasians (93, 91.2%) and 47 (46.1%) were males. Thirty-two patients (31.4%) had diabetes, 39 (38.2%) had renal insufficiency, and 38 (37.3%) had a history of congestive heart failure. The median society of thoracic surgeons score was 6.7% (Interquartile range [IQR]: 3.9, 10.2). Immediately post-procedure there was a significant reduction in the LA pressure (Mean 12.0 vs. 18.6 mmHg, P < 0.001) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (43.5 vs. 53.2 mmHg, P = 0.001) compared to baseline. LA pressure was an independent predictor of the composite outcome in an unadjusted (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00-1.13, P = 0.03) and adjusted (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00-1.14, P = 0.03) analysis respectively. CONCLUSION LA pressure drop is an independent predictor of outcome after the MitraClip procedure. This finding has implications for early identification of patients at risk of poor outcomes and instituting aggressive medical therapy and close follow-up for avoiding hospitalizations for heart failure decompensation.
Inorganic Membranes for Process Intensification: Challenges and Perspective

Membrane separators and reactors represent some of the most interesting options for process identification and modularization. In spite of intensive research and significant progress in material de...
Internet of Perishable Logistics: Building Smart Fresh Food Supply Chain Networks

Computer networks and logistics systems are two very rich fields of study that have grown almost entirely separately since they deal with entirely different entities–information packets versus packages. However, driven by extensive automation and infusion of information technology into distribution logistics and need to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the operations, the logistics have attempted to adopt the cyber Internet principles. In this paper, we specifically consider the distribution of perishable commodities, such as fresh food, perishable pharmaceuticals, blood, and so on, in this context and thereby introduce the notion of the Internet of Perishable Logistics (IoPL). We propose a layered architecture model for IoPL modeled after the cyber Internet and show how it can be useful in systematic and hierarchical modeling of perishable logistics operations, which are extremely complex. We also show the synergies between IoPL and the cyber Internet and discuss a number of research issues inspired by such synergies. We also show how the layered model can be exploited to construct a simplified analytical framework for studying some basic tradeoffs between the delivered quality of the perishable product, transportation efficiency (in terms of unused carrier space), and the number of active carriers (which translates into cost and carbon footprint of the transportation service). This paper also points out a number of future research challenges and directions for a smarter IoPL.
The Si 28 ( p , t ) Si 26 * ( p ) reaction and implications for the astrophysical Al 25 ( p , γ ) Si 26 reaction rate

Several resonances in $^{25}\mathrm{Al}$($p,\ensuremath{\gamma}$)$^{26}\mathrm{Si}$ have been studied via the $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$($p,t$)$^{26}\mathrm{Si}$ reaction. Triton energies and angular distributions were measured using a segmented annular detector array. An additional silicon detector array was used to simultaneously detect the coincident protons emitted from the decay of states in $^{26}\mathrm{Si}$ above the proton threshold in order to determine branching ratios. A resonance at $5927\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4$ keV has been experimentally confirmed as the first $\ensuremath{\ell}=0$ state above the proton threshold, with a proton branching ratio consistent with one.
Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of acid ceramidase prevents asymmetric cell division by neosis

Radiation treatment failure or relapse after initial response to chemotherapy presents significant clinical challenges in cancer patients. Escape from initial courses of treatment can involve reactivation of embryonic developmental stages, with the formation of polynuclear giant cancer cells (PGCCs). This strategy of dedifferentiation can insulate cancer cells from a variety of treatments and allows a residual subpopulation to reestablish tumors after treatment. Using radiation or docetaxel chemotherapy, we generated PGCCs from prostate cancer cells. Here, we show that expression of acid ceramidase (ASAH1), an enzyme in the sphingolipid pathway linked to therapy resistance and poor outcomes, is elevated in PGCCs. Targeting ASAH1 with shRNA or treatment with the ASAH1 inhibitor, LCL-521, did not impair the formation of PGCCs, but prevented the formation of PGCC progeny that arise through an asymmetric cell division called neosis. Similar results were obtained in lung cancer cells that had been exposed to radiation or cisplatin chemotherapy as stressors. In summary, our data suggest that endoreplication occurs independent of ASAH1 while neosis is ASAH1-dependent in both prostate and lung cancer cells. Because ASAH1 knockout is embryonic lethal but not deleterious to adult animals, targeting this enzyme has the potential to be highly specific to cells undergoing the dedifferentiation process to escape cancer treatments. Pharmacological inhibition of ASAH1 is a potentially powerful strategy to eliminate cells that could otherwise serve as seed populations for recurrence.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the Black–White child poverty gap in the United States

Black children in the United States are more than twice as likely as white children to live in poverty. While past research has primarily attributed this phenomenon to the family structure of black children, this paper investigates how state-level heterogeneity in social assistance programs contributes to the black-white child poverty gap. I find that racial inequities in states’ administration of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program contributed to the impoverishment of approximately 256,000 black children per year from 2012-2014. State-year panel data demonstrates that states with larger percentages of black residents are less likely to prioritize the ‘provision of cash assistance’ but more likely to allocate funds toward the ‘discouragement of lone motherhood.’ Neutralizing inequities in states’ TANF spending priorities would reduce the black-white child poverty gap by up to 15 percent – comparable to the reduction effect of moving all children in single-mother households to two-parent households.
Ferromagnetism in Narrow Bands of Moiré Superlattices.

Many graphene moir\'e superlattices host narrow bands with nonzero valley Chern numbers. We provide analytical and numerical evidence for a robust spin and/or valley polarized insulator at total integer band filling in nearly flat bands of several different moir\'e materials. In the limit of a perfectly flat band, we present analytical arguments in favor of the ferromagnetic state substantiated by numerical calculations. Further, we numerically evaluate its stability for a finite bandwidth. We provide exact diagonalization results for models appropriate for ABC trilayer graphene aligned with hBN, twisted double bilayer graphene, and twisted bilayer graphene aligned with hBN. We also provide DMRG results for a honeycomb lattice with a quasiflat band and nonzero Chern number, which extend our results to larger system sizes. We find a maximally spin and valley polarized insulator at all integer fillings when the band is sufficiently flat. We also show that interactions may induce effective dispersive terms strong enough to destabilize this state. These results still hold in the case of zero valley Chern number (for example, trivial side of TLG/hBN). We give an intuitive picture based on extended Wannier orbitals, and emphasize the role of the quantum geometry of the band, whose microscopic details may enhance or weaken ferromagnetism in moir\'e materials.
Crystal Structure of the LSD1/CoREST Histone Demethylase Bound to Its Nucleosome Substrate.

Summary LSD1 (lysine specific demethylase; also known as KDM1A), the first histone demethylase discovered, regulates cell-fate determination and is overexpressed in multiple cancers. LSD1 demethylates histone H3 Lys4, an epigenetic mark for active genes, but requires the CoREST repressor to act on nucleosome substrates. To understand how an accessory subunit (CoREST) enables a chromatin enzyme (LSD1) to function on a nucleosome and not just histones, we have determined the crystal structure of the LSD1/CoREST complex bound to a 191-bp nucleosome. We find that the LSD1 catalytic domain binds extranucleosomal DNA and is unexpectedly positioned 100 A away from the nucleosome core. CoREST makes critical contacts with both histone and DNA components of the nucleosome, explaining its essential function in demethylating nucleosome substrates. Our studies also show that the LSD1(K661A) frequently used as a catalytically inactive mutant in vivo (based on in vitro peptide studies) actually retains substantial H3K4 demethylase activity on nucleosome substrates.
Expandable-Partially Observable Markov Decision-Process Framework for Modeling and Analysis of Autonomous Vehicle Behavior

When modeling decision-making in autonomous vehicles (AVs), only a fraction of the required information is usually available at the start due to the presence of uncertainty in the knowledge of the state of the system and the environment. This article presents a probabilistic modeling framework based on a combination of partially observable Markov decision-process (POMDP) models and heuristics. In this article, POMDPs are expanded and redefined as expandable-POMDPs to account for uncertainty and unexplainable observations. Specifically, this approach incorporates new hidden states in the model and expands associated probability distributions in the model to account for partial knowledge and unexplainable observations. An online policy estimation algorithm is presented. This algorithm employs heuristic search combined with distance-based clustering to estimate long-term rewards in a finite-horizon look-ahead scheme for expandable-POMDPs. Specifically, heuristics are employed in model design and online policy evaluation to circumvent state-space explosion and reduce high computational complexity. Finally, the expandable-POMDP models are employed for designing multiple context-specific models for tactical planning and decision-making by AVs in simulated scenarios characterized by partial observability and uncertainty. One (or more) expandable-POMDP model is invoked when the contextual pattern of the ongoing scenario fits the objective of the tactical planning model.
Detailed wheel/rail geometry processing with the conformal contact approach

This paper proposes a new way of considering wheel–rail contact in multibody systems simulation that goes beyond the traditional planar constraint and elastic approaches. In this approach, wheel–rail interaction is modelled as a force element with pressures and shear stresses distributed over a contact area that may be curved, supporting conformal contact situations. This by-passes the selection of the contact reference location and reference angle, which are delicate aspects of planar contact approaches. The idea is worked out introducing the curved reference surface as the new backbone for the computations, instead of the tangent plane used previously in planar contact approaches. The steps are described by which the curved reference is constructed in CONTACT, using generic facilities for markers, grids, and coordinate transformations, by which generic wheel/rail configurations can be analyzed in a fully automated way. Numerical results show the capabilities of the new method for measured, worn profiles, suppressing discontinuities in the forces when multiple contact patches split or merge. A further application concerns the evaluation of strategies used in planar contact approaches. There we find that the tangent plane’s inclination is of the biggest importance. This should be defined in an averaged way to achieve maximum correspondence to the more detailed curved contact approach.
Abstract PO-022: The NKX3.1 homeoprotein functions in the mitochondria to protect against oxidative stress-dependent prostate tumorigenesis

The NKX3.1 homeobox gene is a key regulator of prostate differentiation, whose loss-of-function predisposes to prostate cancer. Here, we uncover an unexpected role for NKX3.1 in mitochondrial function and bioenergetics that regulates cancer initiation under conditions of oxidative stress. To investigate whether NKX3.1 plays a direct functional role in protection against oxidative stress, we studied the consequences of its loss- or gain-of-function in tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic human prostate cells, mutant mice, and primary human prostate cultures. Utilizing redox compounds to exogenously induce and study oxidative stress responses in our models, we show that NKX3.1 localizes to the mitochondria to protect against oxidative stress, while its loss-of-function leads to deregulation of mitochondrial-encoded oxidative phosphorylation genes, elevated reactive oxygen species, and accelerated prostate cancer initiation. Importantly, our studies reveal that cells lacking NKX3.1 have impaired intracellular energetics under oxidative stress, warranting further investigation into the role of NKX3.1 loss in cancer metabolism. These observations uncover a novel function for a tissue-specific differentiation regulator in mitochondria and demonstrate its functional relevance for suppressing prostate cancer initiation. Citation Format: Alexandros Papachristodoulou, Sukanya Panja, Antonina Mitrofanova, Aditya Dutta, Cory Abate-Shen. The NKX3.1 homeoprotein functions in the mitochondria to protect against oxidative stress-dependent prostate tumorigenesis [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Special Virtual Conference on Epigenetics and Metabolism; October 15-16, 2020; 2020 Oct 15-16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(23 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-022.
Transient Delivery of a KCNQ2/3-Specific Channel Activator 1 Week After Noise Trauma Mitigates Noise-Induced Tinnitus

Exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss and tinnitus in mice and humans. In mice, one major underlying mechanism of noise-induced tinnitus is hyperactivity of auditory brainstem neurons, due at least in part, to decreased Kv7.2/3 (KCNQ2/3) potassium channel activity. In our previous studies, we used a reflex-based mouse model of tinnitus and showed that administration of a non-specific KCNQ channel activator, immediately after noise trauma, prevented the development of noise-induced tinnitus, assessed 1 week after trauma. Subsequently, we developed RL-81, a very potent and highly specific activator of KCNQ2/3 channels. Here, to test the timing window within which RL-81 prevents tinnitus in mice, we modified and employed an operant animal model of tinnitus, where mice are trained to move in response to sound but not move in silence. Mice with behavioral evidence of tinnitus are expected to move in silence. We validated this mouse model by testing the effect of salicylate, which is known to induce tinnitus. We found that transient administration of RL-81 1 week after noise exposure did not affect hearing loss but reduced significantly the percentage of mice with behavioral evidence of tinnitus, assessed 2 weeks after noise exposure. Our results indicate that RL-81 is a promising drug candidate for further development for the treatment of noise-induced tinnitus.
Evaluation of Operative Notes for Splenic Flexure Mobilization: Are the Key Aspects Being Reported?

Background: Given the importance of operative documentation, we reviewed operative notes for surgeries that required splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) to determine their accuracy. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 51 operative notes for complete SFMs performed at a single institution from January 2015 to June 2020. Results: None of the operative notes reported a rationale for performing SFM, use of preoperative imaging to guide technical approach, reasoning for the operative method and mobilization approach used, or specific steps taken to ensure that SFM was done safely. Most reports did not include technical details, with one-third of the notes merely reporting that "the splenic flexure was mobilized." Conclusions: Increased awareness about the lack of operative documentation of the critical aspects of the SFM could stimulate initiatives to standardize the SFM method and improve the quality of operative notes for SFM.
A Novel Sampling Approach to Combinatorial Optimization Under Uncertainty

The generalized approach to stochastic optimization involves two computationally intensive recursive loops: (1) the outer optimization loop, (2) the inner sampling loop. Furthermore, inclusion of discrete decision variables adds to the complexity. The focus of the current endeavor is to reduce the computational intensity of the two recursive loops. The study achieves the goals through an improved understanding and description of the sampling phenomena based on the concepts of fractal geometry and incorporating the knowledge of the accuracy of the sampling (fractal model) in the stochastic optimization framework thereby, automating and improving the combinatorial optimization algorithm. The efficiency of the algorithm is presented in the context of a large scale real world problem, related to the nuclear waste at Hanford, involving discrete and continuous decision variables, and uncertainties. These new developments reduced the computational intensity for solving this problem from an estimated 20 days of CPU time on a dedicated Alpha workstation to 18 hours of CPU time on the same machine.
The coverage of operational semantics

Techniques of operational semantics do not apply universally to all language varieties: techniques that work for simple functional languages may not apply to more realistic languages with features such as objects and memory effects. We focus mainly on the characterization of the so-called finite elements. The presence of finite elements in a semantics allows for an additional powerful induction mechanism. We show that in some languages a reasonable notion of finite element may be defined, but for other languages this is problematic, and we analyse the reasons for these difficulties. We develop a formal theory of language embeddings and establish a number of properties of embeddings. More complex languages are given semantics by embedding them into simpler languages. Embeddings may be used to establish more general results and avoid reproving some results. It also gives us a formal metric to describe the gap between different languages. Dimensions of the untyped programming language design space addressed here include functions, injections, pairs, objects, and memories.
Independent feature analysis for image retrieval

Content-based image retrieval methods based on the Euclidean metric expect the feature space to be isotropic. They suffer from unequal differential relevance of features in computing the similarity between images in the input feature space. We propose a learning method that attempts to overcome this limitation by capturing local differential relevance of features based on user feedback. This feedback, in the form of accept or reject examples generated in response to a query image, is used to locally estimate the strength of features along each dimension while taking into consideration the correlation between features. This results in local neighborhoods that are constricted along feature dimensions that are most relevant, while enlongated along less relevant ones. In addition to exploring and exploiting local principal information, the system seeks a global space for efficient independent feature analysis by combining such local information. We provide experimental results that demonstrate the efficacy of our technique using real-world data.
Teaching Fractions and Ratios for Understanding: Essential Content Knowledge and Instructional Strategies for Teachers

Proportional Reasoning - an Overview Relative and Absolute Thinking Fractions and Rational Numbers Units and Unitizing Part-Whole Comparisons Partitioning and Quotients Rational Numbers as Operators Rational Numbers as Measures Relationships - Visual and Verbal Roots Reasoning With Fractions Ratios Analyzing Change Rates Proportional Reasoning Applications - Similarity and Percents.
Alumni of Geology B.S. Program Express Strong Support for Field Geology and Related Field and Laboratory Experiences

In a recent survey, alumni of a Bachelor of Science program in geology expressed strong support for a required summer Field Geology course and for related field and laboratory learning experiences in the undergraduate geology curriculum. On a 4-point scale (4=essential; 1=unimportant and unnecessary), geology alumni rated “summer Field Geology course” 3.77, higher than any of the ancillary requirements (mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, computer skills) or independent study. When asked about possible options for cutting the costs of the B.S. program in geology, only 1.8% of the alumni favored reducing the ratio of laboratory experiences to lecture contact hours and only 2.3% favored reducing the number of field trips and other out-of-classroom experiences.
Fast and exact out-of-core k-means clustering

Clustering has been one of the most widely studied topics in data mining and k-means clustering has been one of the popular clustering algorithms. K-means requires several passes on the entire dataset, which can make it very expensive for large disk-resident datasets. In view of this, a lot of work has been done on various approximate versions of k-means, which require only one or a small number of passes on the entire dataset. In this paper, we present a new algorithm which typically requires only one or a small number of passes on the entire dataset, and provably produces the same cluster centers as reported by the original k-means algorithm. The algorithm uses sampling to create initial cluster centers, and then takes one or more passes over the entire dataset to adjust these cluster centers. We provide theoretical analysis to show that the cluster centers thus reported are the same as the ones computed by the original k-means algorithm. Experimental results from a number of real and synthetic datasets show speedup between a factor of 2 and 4.5, as compared to k-means.
An Examination of the Role of Enterprise Architecture Frameworks in Enterprise Transformation

Enterprise architecture frameworks have been used to plan and manage large-scale enterprise information technology and business process deployments for more than four decades. They are increasingly being used as a proxy for managing and transforming entire organizations—enterprises. However, as an interdisciplinary tool for the management and transformation of the enterprise, there are limitations to their efficacy. This article discusses these limitations and proposes enhancements to the use the frameworks in enterprise transformation based on research into extant business management frameworks and surveys of enterprise architects and systems engineers involved in enterprise architecture and transformation. Research into the common elements of successful business management frameworks combined with surveys and interviews with enterprise architecture experts confirms the limitations of existing frameworks and suggests key considerations for enhanced efficacy. The article concludes with implications of the...
DefCOM: defensive cooperative overlay mesh

Distributed denial-of-service attacks can only be stopped with a distributed defense system. To be widely deployed, this system must accommodate diverse defense nodes, provide secure communication channels for participants to cooperate and exchange information, guarantee high effectiveness of the response and minimal collateral damage, and offer strong economic incentives for all involved parties. We present DefCOM-a distributed defense system that builds an overlay network of heterogeneous defense nodes. These nodes communicate via the overlay to achieve dynamic cooperative defense. DefCOM is specifically geared towards incremental, non-contiguous deployment, and has a good economic model to accelerate its wide acceptance.
Building global strategic alliances in the virtual space: a structural analysis of international nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations' transnational relationship networks

This study provides a benchmark analysis of how over 500 environmental international nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) used websites to communicate with the general public around the world and build virtual relationships with their strategic allies. Using social network analysis and data mining, this study found that INGOs were able to attract a considerable number of visitors from multiple countries. In addition, INGOs used their hyperlinks to build a globally connected network. Shared mission was an important consideration in INGOs' relationship building strategy. Further, many INGOs built reciprocal hyperlinks with other INGOs. A large number of INGOs were well embedded in in-groups but developed less connection with out-group organizations. Implications for practice, future research and theory building are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular mechanisms that mediate mechanosensation during secondary chondrogenesis (921.9)

The ability of cells to detect mechanical forces plays an essential role in generating the proper form and function of the craniofacial musculoskeletal system. One skeletal tissue that remains highly responsive to mechanical force is secondary cartilage, which develops along the surface of bone. Without appropriate mechanical stimulation, such as the forces that arise through motility of the embryo, secondary cartilage does not form, or degenerates. To elucidate how secondary cartilage is induced and maintained by mechanical force, we take advantage of the fact that secondary cartilage is closely associated with the specialized feeding of some species of birds. Duck utilize their jaws as a means to filter heavy sediment while chick peck at seed. Embryonic motility in duck induces secondary cartilage within the jaw adductor enthesis, creating a robust interface between tendon and bone on the coronoid process, and ultimately transducing the powerful muscle contractions needed to lift the jaw. In contrast, s...
A crippling virus: diagnosing tropical spastic paraparesis.

Purpose: To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with an overview of the pathogenesis, mode of transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and treatment of tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) caused by the human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). Data sources: A review of the scientific literature on tropical spastic paraparesis and HTLV I-associated myelopathy was conducted using PubMed and Medline. A case study was used to illustrate the complexity of the disease. Conclusions: NPs should be aware of the clinical features of TSP to improve diagnostic accuracy of symptomatic patients, reduce transmission rates, and provide appropriate patient counseling. The ability to accurately diagnose TSP early in the disease process and differentiate it from other neurological diseases will lead to improved patient outcomes. Timely diagnosis is important to maximize patient response to pharmacological interventions that are used to treat the clinical manifestations of TSP. Implications for practice: In this globalized society, NPs will need to be prepared to care for patients who have immigrated to the United States from parts of the world where the HTLV-I virus is endemic.
Surgical site infection impact of pelvic exenteration procedure

Author(s): Moghadamyeghaneh, Zhobin; Hwang, Grace S; Hanna, Mark H; Carmichael, Joseph C; Mills, Steven; Pigazzi, Alessio; Stamos, Michael J | Abstract: BackgroundWe sought to investigate morbidity and infectious complications following pelvic exenteration (PEx) and compare infectious complications of patients undergoing PEx and conventional rectal resections.MethodsThe NSQIP database was utilized to examine the clinical data of patients undergoing elective rectal resections during 2005-2013. Multivariate regression analysis was used to compare postoperative complications of patients who underwent PEx and proctectomy procedure.ResultsWe sampled a total of 7,950 patients who underwent rectal resection. Of these, 303 (3.8%) patients underwent pelvic exenteration. Mortality, morbidity, and infectious complications of patients who underwent pelvic exenteration were 1.7%, 65.7%, and 42.6%, respectively. Patients who underwent PEx had a significantly higher rate of morbidity (AOR: 2.01, P l 0.01), overall infectious complications (AOR: 1.49, P l 0.01), hemorrhagic complications (AOR: 3.36, P l 0.01), and surgical site infections (SSI) (AOR: 1.23, P = 0.04) compared to patients who underwent proctectomy. Return to operation room (AOR: 4.99, P l 0.01), obesity (AOR: 1.43, P l 0.01), disseminated cancer (AOR: 1.30, P = 0.01) were significantly associated with SSI complications.ConclusionPostoperative morbidity and infectious complication are significantly higher after PEx procedure. Return to operation room, obesity, and disseminated cancer are strongly associated with surgical site infections complications in rectal surgery. Specific consideration to infectious complications is recommended for these patients.
Measuring the validity and psychometric properties of a short form of the Hypomanic Personality Scale

The Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS) is used to investigate hypomanic traits and risk for bipolar spectrum disorders; however, the length of the HPS (48 items) may be prohibitive for clinical research and screening purposes. Meads and Bentall (2008) developed a promising 20-item version of the HPS; however, the psychometric properties and validity of the short form have not been thoroughly examined. The present study investigated the construct validity and psychometric properties of the short HPS. A sample of 2713 non-clinically ascertained young adults was used to assess psychometric properties of the short form relative to the original scale. Two non-overlapping subsamples (n = 522; n = 145) were used to investigate the validity of the short HPS using personality and temperament questionnaires and clinical interviews of bipolar psychopathology and diagnoses. The short and original HPS generally had comparable correlations with measures of temperament, personality, impulsivity, borderline personality, grandiosity, psychosocial functioning, and alcohol use, and comparably predicted DSM bipolar and bipolar spectrum diagnoses. Overall, the short HPS was found to be both reliable and valid. However, the short HPS tended to be more strongly correlated with pathological components of hypomanic personality and less strongly correlated with exuberant and potentially adaptive aspects of the construct.
Effect of Injector Shape on Penetration and Spread of Liquid Jets

L injection into a supersonic air stream finds applications in supersonic combustion ramjets (scramjets), transpiration cooling of re-entry bodies and thrust vector control of rockets. The injector geometry will have a significant role in liquid injection applications. The injection of liquid into a supersonic air stream produces an interaction shock and a freestream boundary-layer separation zone upstream of the injector. The separation zone plays an important role during combustion due to the high rate of heat transfer to the wall in this region. The shock system associated with each injector in a practical supersonic combustor has two important effects: 1) it reduces the total pressure of the freestream and thus adversely affects the overall performance of the engine; 2) static temperature and pressure of the freestream rise through the injector shock system thus creating better conditions from the viewpoint of chemical reaction rates. The shape and strength of the shock also affect the forces on the liquid column and thus penetration. In general, the shock system is a strong function of injector geometry. The influence of injector geometry on penetration and spread of the jet were given major emphasis in the present investigation. The purpose was to obtain experimental penetration and spread data suitable for engineering use and to seek theoretical correlations incorporating and governing parameters. The motivation for the present work comes from the work of Kush and Schetz who observed that a liquid jet through a rectangular slot aligned with the flow gives significantly higher penetration than through a circular hole of the same area.
The War on Grant Avenue: Business Competition and Ethnic Rivalry in San Francisco’s Chinatown, 1937-1942

In the 1930s, Japanese Americans owned a majority of the curio shops on Grant Avenue, the main tourist thoroughfare of San Francisco’s Chinatown. During this same period, Japan invaded China, starting a conflict that shaped relations between San Francisco’s Chinese American and Japanese American communities as well. While some Japanese American elites began to describe Issei business successes in Chinatown as an extension of Japan’s triumphs in Asia, the city’s Chinese American merchants cast their competitors as invaders and urged white tourists to boycott them. The ensuing “war” on Grant Avenue demonstrated the way the city’s traditional anti-Asian laws and practices constrained the opportunities and shaped the identities of San Francisco’s Asian Americans, ultimately encouraging them to struggle against each other for whatever small advantages they could gain.
Physical and Psychological Abuse in Breast Cancer Survivors and Cancer-Free Women

The purpose of this study was to provide a preliminary examination of intimate partner abuse in survivors of breast cancer relative to women who have never been diagnosed with cancer. The current study retrospectively evaluated the presence of physical or severe psychological abuse before cancer diagnosis, during treatment, and after remission of cancer in a sample of 206 ethnically diverse breast cancer survivors and 206 age- and ethnicity-matched control participants. Breast cancer survivors were less likely than controls to report abuse and did not report significant changes in frequency of abuse after cancer diagnosis or treatment.
A Validation of Hoppock's Job Satisfaction Measure

The article focuses on a study that examines the validity of job satisfaction measures applied to organizational research. The study presents a number of details on the job satisfaction measure dev...
Some Factors Affecting the Interferon-Induced Antiviral State

Summary and ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate that several factors affect the interferon-induced resistance to viruses in tissue culture. Reaction of cells and interferon results in rapidly increasing antiviral activity over about 7 hours. Thereafter antiviral activity remains relatively stable in the presence of an unchanging amount of interferon in the extracellular fluid. Continued presence of the initial concentration of interferon was required to maintain the established level of resistance. Addition of more interferon resulted in a further rise of resistance. The level of cellular antiviral activity was determined mainly by the concentration of interferon rather than by the amount applied. Maintenance of resistance required continued cellular protein synthesis and also probably required continued cellular RNA synthesis. These findings support the previous proposal that development of antiviral activity by cells exposed to interferon is due to the induction of a cellular antiviral ...
How text and audio chat change the online video experience

Many online video sites provide a text chat feature so viewers can chat with others while watching videos. How does chatting affect their experience? Would audio chat be more fun or would it be too distracting? The richer medium of audio may more closely approximate the living room or club experience, but human factors research suggests that audio chat could increase distraction and detract from the viewing experience. This paper presents the results of an experiment comparing text with audio chat when the video does or does not have dialogue, and when viewers are watching the videos in the same or a different order. A control group watched videos without chat. Overall, audio chat and text chat were equally distracting, and chat was more distracting when the video contained dialogue. Despite the presence of distraction, viewers found both text and audio chat enjoyable. Those who used audio chat preferred it to text chat for talking with others while watching videos with their friends.
Phosphorylation of glyceraldehyde, glyceric acid and dihydroxyacetone by kidney extracts

Abstract Glyceric acid, glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone can be phosphorylated in a dialyzed kidney homogenate supplemented by an oxidizable substrate and catalytic amounts of adenosinnetriphosphate and diphosphopyridine nucleotide. This was shown by measurement of the uptake of inorganic phosphate and characterization of the products formed on the basis of acid and alkali hydrolysis. The following other substances did not lead to a phosphate uptake which was significantly greater than that of the control: serine, ethanolamine, ribose, propanediol, glycol, glycolic acid, choline, ascorbic acid and gluconic acid. The inorganic phosphate which disappeared in the absence of phosphate acceptor was largely converted to inorganic pyrophosphate which was isolated as the cadmium salt.
Iron deficiency in Greece: Epidemiologic and hematologic studies

The epidemiology of iron deficiency (ID) and of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was studied in 289 Greek “healthy” children, aged 1/2 to 5 years and in 394 army recruits. Supplementary hematologic studies were done for identification and exclusion of individuals with β-thalassemia trait (8.4 per cent) and of those with G-6-PD deficiency (6 per cent). In children the prevalence of IDA was 33.6 per cent and of ID 43.9 per cent, as compared to 10 and 23.6 per cent, respectively, in army recruits. In children both IDA and ID decreased with increasing age. The degree and prevalence of ID in thalassemia trait and G-6-PD deficiency were similar to those in “healthy” individuals of the same ages. Our data show that even mild ID affects the Hb content and erythrocyte morphology to a minor degree; they also point to the need for more precise diagnostic criteria for IDA and ID, especially in certain age groups.
Studies on the generation and amplification of sendai virus defective-interfering genomes.

Abstract Sendai virus which had been cloned by successive plaque purification was found to generate a wide assortment of defective-interfering (DI) genomes on continued high-m.o.i. passage in eggs. No predisposition to generate a particular DI genome was noted. One stock of Sendai virus, which contained 13 different DI genomes varying in length from 670 to 7100 nucleotides was passaged undiluted in eggs for several more generations to see whether the smaller DI genomes could be selectively amplified. Our results indicate that the size of the DI genome per se does not confer a selective advantage and the implications of this finding are discussed.
Equitable allocations and the case for access

Reviews some recent neoclassical‐economic writing on equitable allocation of resources and inquires whether this approach to equity might lead to a case for a right to access, particularly with respect to medical care. The common logic of this literature is that equal access to all goods and services is fair, but inefficient, so that a fairness‐preserving shift to an efficient allocation could produce an allocation that is both efficient and fair. It seems, however, that this supports “rights to access” only where the person deprived of access would lack information necessary to determine whether compensation for the deprivation might be due. Medical care does seem to be a case in point.
TH‐D‐330A‐02: An Electronically‐Collimated Gamma‐Ray Detector for Intraoperative Localization of Radiation Sources

Purpose: We are developing a radiation detector for locating radiationsources, e.g. for intraoperative localization of sentinel lymph nodes and metastases. The design emphasizes compact size and portability, wide field of view, and efficiency and accuracy in source localization. Room‐temperature cadmium‐zinc‐telluride (CZT) detectors and electronic collimation via Compton‐scatter detection are used to achieve the design goals. Method and Materials: The detector design was simulated in GEANT4 to assess feasibility and optimize the design. The simulation model was a 6‐sided box with one detector module on each end and two modules per side. One end is the primary scatterdetector; the other modules detect the scatteredphotons, operating in coincidence with the primary module. The simulations allowed variations of detector dimensions, pixel size, energy resolution, and source energies. Experimental measurements with a 3‐module partial prototype were used to validate the simulations; each module is a 16×16‐pixel 38×38×5‐mm3 CZT detector.Results: The simulations indicated ∼15% of incident gamma rays produce valid direction measurements; 30–70% of these events are Compton‐photoelectric interaction pairs. The measured angular resolution varied from a few degrees for 100‐keV gamma‐rays up to about 10° FWHM at 1 MeV. Above ∼1.5 MeV, multiple Compton‐scatter events limit accurate measurement of Compton cone angles; below ∼50 keV, few Compton‐scatter events occur. Experimental validation with the prototype system is in progress.Conclusion: Efficiency and angular resolution vary with source energy but reasonable performance seems achievable for radioisotopes from Am‐241 through Co‐60. Ongoing work is investigating the effect on performance of design parameters such as pixel size and detector thickness. Coupled with concurrent development of real‐time methods to calculate the directional information, this system provides localization of radiationsources with high sensitivity. Acknowledgment: Supported by Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency, and Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego; Contract N66001‐05‐ C‐6024.