cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical Management of Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: An Analysis of the ACS NSQIP Database

Background: Despite advances in diagnostics for lower gastrointestinal bleeding, colorectal resection remains the only option when non-surgical management fails. This study examines a cohort of patients who underwent surgery for this indication to determine the effect of procedure type on postoperative outcomes. Methods: We identified all patients who underwent colorectal resection for bleeding in the ACS NSQIP Participant Use Data File and the Procedure Targeted PUF for colectomy from 2012 to 2013. We compared patients who underwent partial versus total colectomy using univariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of 38,486 colorectal resections performed for bleeding, 85.3% underwent a partial colectomy and 14.7% underwent total colectomy. Patients who had total colectomy were more likely to receive more than four units of blood prior to surgery and have operative times longer than 180 min. Patients who had partial colectomy were more likely to have laparoscopic procedures and to have a stoma created during surgery. On univariate analysis, total colectomy was associated with increased risk of postoperative ileus, cardiac and renal complications, and mortality. On multivariate analysis, total colectomy was associated with increased risk of cardiac and renal complications. Conclusion: The most common procedure performed for lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage was partial colectomy. J Curr Surg. 2017;7(1-2):4-6 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcs307w
Optimal Control of Transient Enhanced Diffusion

Abstract Transient enhanced diffusion of boron inhibits the formation of ultrashallow junctions needed in the next-generation of microelectronic devices. Reducing the junction depth using rapid thermal annealing with high heating rates comes at a cost of increasing sheet resistance. The focus of this study is to design the optimal annealing temperature program that gives the minimum junction depth while maintaining satisfactory sheet resistance. Comparison of different parameterizations of the optimal trajectories shows that linear profiles gave the best combination of minimizing junction depth and sheet resistance. Worst-case robustness analysis of the optimal control trajectory motivates improvements in feedback control implementations for these processes
Adenovirus-mediated transfer of siRNAs against MMP-2 mRNA results in impaired growth, invasion and migration of glioblastoma cells as well as inhibition of tumor-induced angiogenesis

3080 Invasive tumors, including gliomas, utilize proteinases to break down extracellular matrix components and diffuse into adjacent tissues or migrate towards distant ones. In addition, proteinase activity is critical for tumor angiogenesis. Because levels of the proteinase Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) are highly increased in gliomas, we studied the effect of downregulation of MMP-2 via adenovirus-mediated transfer of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in gliomas. Delivery of double-stranded small RNA molecules results in efficient, sequence-specific silencing of the targeted gene, which occurs at the post-transcriptional level. siRNAs against MMP-2 mRNA (Ad-SM2) significantly decreased MMP-2 activity and protein levels in the glioblastoma cell lines, U87 and U251, as shown by gelatin zymography and western blotting of conditioned media from cultured cells. MTT proliferation assay revealed impaired cell growth of the Ad-SM2-treated glioma cells. Moreover, infection of cells with the adenoviral construct inhibited cell invasion through matrigel and decreased migration from tumor spheroids. We also observed decreased VEGF protein levels as well as decreased tumor-induced angiogenesis in vitro . In addition, the results of a dorsal skin-fold chamber assay in mice indicated the efficient inhibition of angiogenesis in vivo . Finally, Ad-SM2 treatment triggered the cleavage of caspase 3 and DNA fragmentation in U87 and U251--both events are characteristic of apoptotic cell death. Thus, specific targeting of MMP-2 may provide an efficient approach in the development of new strategies to treat gliomas and improve the poor prognosis of these brain tumors.
Leveraging heterogeneity across multiple data sets increases accuracy of cell-mixture deconvolution and reduces biological and technical biases

In silico quantification of cell proportions from mixed-cell transcriptomics data (deconvolution) requires a reference expression matrix, called basis matrix. We hypothesized that matrices created using only healthy samples from a single microarray platform would introduce biological and technical biases in deconvolution. We show presence of such biases in two existing matrices, IRIS and LM22, irrespective of the deconvolution method used. Here, we present immunoStates, a basis matrix built using 6160 samples with different disease states across 42 microarray platforms. We found that immunoStates significantly reduced biological and technical biases. We further show that cellular proportion estimates using immunoStates are consistently more correlated with measured proportions than IRIS and LM22, across all methods. Importantly, we found that different methods have virtually no effect once the basis matrix is chosen. Our results demonstrate the need and importance of incorporating biological and technical heterogeneity in a basis matrix for achieving consistently high accuracy.
TCT-589 Meta-analysis of Early Initiation of Impella in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) has a reportedly high mortality despite early revascularization. The percutaneous micro-axial flow mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) device Impella provides significantly better hemodynamic support, however, no consensus
A Survey Study of Gastroenterologists' Attitudes and Barriers Toward Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Anti-TNF Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may improve the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of anti-TNF therapy. A standardized approach of utilizing TDM has not been established. The objective of this study was to determine gastroenterologists' attitudes and barriers toward TDM of anti-TNF therapy in clinical practice. Methods An 18-question survey was distributed to members of the American College of Gastroenterology and Crohn's and Colitis Foundation via email. We collected physician characteristics, practice demographics, and data regarding TDM use and perceived barriers to TDM. Factors associated with the use of TDM were determined by logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 403 gastroenterologists from 42 US states (76.4% male) met inclusion criteria: 90.1% use TDM, mostly reactively for secondary loss of response (87.1%) and primary nonresponse (66%); 36.6% use TDM proactively. The greatest barriers to TDM implementation were uncertainty about insurance coverage (77.9%), high out-of-pocket patient costs (76.4%), and time lag from serum sample to result (38.5%). Factors independently associated with the use of TDM and proactive TDM were practice in an academic setting (P = 0.019), and more IBD patients seen per month (P = 0.015), and Crohn's and Colitis Foundation membership (P < 0.001), and more IBD patients on anti-TNF therapy per month (P = 0.006), respectively. If all barriers were removed, an additional one-third of physicians would apply proactive TDM. Conclusions Lack of insurance coverage, high out-of-pocket costs, and the time lag from test to result limit use of TDM in the United States. Validation of low-cost assays, point of care testing, and studies that standardize the use of TDM are needed to make TDM more commonplace.
Fingerpointing correlated failures in replicated systems

Replicated systems are often hosted over underlying group communication protocols that provide totally ordered, reliable delivery of messages. In the face of a performance problem at a single node, these protocols can cause correlated performance degradations at even non-faulty nodes, leading to potential red herrings in failure diagnosis. We propose a fingerpointing approach that combines node-level (local) anomaly detection, followed by system-wide (global) fingerpointing. The local anomaly detection relies on threshold-based analyses of system metrics, while global fingerpointing is based on the hypothesis that the root-cause of the failure is the node with an "odd-man-out" view of the anomalies. We compare the results of applying three classifiers - a heuristic algorithm, an unsupervised learner (k-means clustering), and a supervised learner (k-nearest-neighbor) - to finger-point the faulty node.
Me, My Spouse, and My Avatar: The Relationship between Marital Satisfaction and Playing Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs)

A variety of online support groups exist for “gaming widows” who feel their spousal relationship has been displaced by time spent playing Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game(s) (MMORPGs)...
Remyelination and restoration of axonal function by glial cell transplantation.

Glial cell transplantation appears on the edge of being translated from a purely experimental approach into clinical application. Certain key questions remain however: what cell will be used, and in MS, what patient population and target sites will be selected? Answers to these questions are being eagerly sought and clinical advances should occur within the next 10 years. Repair of myelin sheaths offers the dual advantage of neuroprotection along with restoration of axonal function.
Improving Service Delivery to High-Risk Families: Home-based Practice:

Practitioners constantly seek innovative ways to improve service delivery to high-risk children and families who are isolated and unlikely to seek help at an agency. Home-based practice is rapidly ...
Modeling regional landslide susceptibility using dynamic soil moisture profiles

A landslide susceptibility mapping study was performed using dynamic hillslope hydrology. The modified infinite slope stability model that directly includes vadose zone soil moisture (SM) was applied at Cleveland Corral, California, US and Krishnabhir, Dhading, Nepal. The variable infiltration capacity (VIC-3L) model simulated vadose zone soil moisture and the wetness index hydrologic model simulated groundwater (GW). The GW model predictions had a 75% NASH-Sutcliffe efficiency when compared to California’s in-situ GW measurements. The model performed best during the wet season. Using predicted GW and VIC-3L vadose zone SM, the developed landslide susceptibility maps showed very good agreement with mapped landslides at each study region. Previous quasi-dynamic model predictions of Nepal’s hazardous areas during extreme rainfall events were enhanced to improve the spatial characterization and provide the timing of hazardous conditions.
Spurious Valleys in Two-layer Neural Network Optimization Landscapes

Neural networks provide a rich class of high-dimensional, non-convex optimization problems. Despite their non-convexity, gradient-descent methods often successfully optimize these models. This has motivated a recent spur in research attempting to characterize properties of their loss surface that may explain such success. In this paper, we address this phenomenon by studying a key topological property of the loss: the presence or absence of spurious valleys, defined as connected components of sub-level sets that do not include a global minimum. Focusing on a class of two-layer neural networks defined by smooth (but generally non-linear) activation functions, we identify a notion of intrinsic dimension and show that it provides necessary and sufficient conditions for the absence of spurious valleys. More concretely, finite intrinsic dimension guarantees that for sufficiently overparametrised models no spurious valleys exist, independently of the data distribution. Conversely, infinite intrinsic dimension implies that spurious valleys do exist for certain data distributions, independently of model overparametrisation. Besides these positive and negative results, we show that, although spurious valleys may exist in general, they are confined to low risk levels and avoided with high probability on overparametrised models.
Improving transitions of care between the operating room and intensive care unit

Transitions of care between individual providers or teams of providers have a high potential for errors due to the incomplete transfer of critical information and the need for ongoing care. The transition from the operating room (OR) to the intensive care unit (ICU) is a particularly dangerous time for critically ill children. Hand-offs of care between the OR and ICU teams during this key transition period require detailed communication of complete and accurate patient information at a time when the patient is perhaps most vulnerable from a physiologic standpoint. Improving the safety of transitions from the OR to the ICU is an active area of investigation, though there are a few notable best practices that are commonly employed in a number of centers. These best practices include having the appropriate personnel at the bedside for the hand-off, the use of scripts and the “sterile cockpit rule”, the use of checklists, double verification of post-operative orders, and maintaining an overall safety culture.
Strange Bedfellows: marriage in the age of women’s liberation

Strange Bedfellows: marriage in the age of women’s liberation illuminates the centrality of marriage to the organization of the larger political economy. This history of efforts to end wifely dutie...
Synthesis of the left-hand portion of geldanamycin using an anti glycolate aldol reaction.

A synthesis of the left-hand portion of the ansamycin antitumor natural product geldanamycin is reported. An advanced intermediate incorporates the methoxyquinone precursor as a pentasubstituted be...
Associations Between Vitamins C and D Intake and Cartilage Composition and Knee Joint Morphology Over 4 Years: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

Author(s): Joseph, Gabby B; McCulloch, Charles E; Nevitt, Michael C; Neumann, Jan; Lynch, John A; Lane, Nancy E; Link, Thomas M | Abstract: ObjectiveTo determine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of vitamin C and D intake with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of cartilage composition (T2) and joint structure (cartilage, meniscus, and bone marrow) using data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) cohort.MethodsA total of 1,785 subjects with radiographic Kellgren/Lawrence knee grades 0-3 in the right knee were selected from the OAI database. Vitamins C and vitamin D intake (diet, supplements, and total) were assessed using the Block Brief 2000 Food Frequency Questionnaire at baseline. The MRI analysis protocol included 3T cartilage T2 quantification and semiquantitative joint morphology gradings (Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score [WORMS]) at baseline and 4 years. Linear regression was used to assess the association between standardized baseline vitamin intake and both baseline WORMS scores and standardized cartilage T2 values.ResultsHigher vitamin C intake was associated with lower average cartilage T2 values, medial tibia T2 values, and medial tibia WORMS scores (standardized coefficient range -0.07 to -0.05, P l 0.05). Higher vitamin D intake was associated with a lower cartilage WORMS sum score and medial femur WORMS score (standardized coefficient range -0.24 to -0.09, P l 0.05). Consistent use of vitamin D supplements of 400 IU at least once a week over 4 years was associated with significantly less worsening of cartilage, meniscus, and bone marrow abnormalities (odds ratio range 0.40-0.56, P l 0.05).ConclusionSupplementation with vitamin D over 4 years was associated with significantly less progression of knee joint abnormalities. Given the observational nature of this study, future longitudinal randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation are warranted.
Análisis de la variación del valor de las acciones desde agosto 2005 a diciembre 2014, experimentada por empresas de los distintos sectores industriales de chile, frente a los principales hitos económicos que afectaron al país

El comportamiento que sufren las acciones se ve influenciado, en gran medida, por las contingencias economicas tanto nacionales como internacionales, pero tambien por diversos hitos economicos que pueden afectar al pais en el cual se transan dichas acciones. Esta investigacion consiste en analizar cuantitativamente la variacion del valor de las acciones desde agosto 2005 a diciembre 2014, que experimentan las empresas de los distintos sectores industriales de Chile, frente a los principales hitos economicos que afectaron al pais. Lo anterior con el objeto de dar validez empirica a la hipotesis planteada, la cual es que frente a un mismo hito economico el precio de las acciones experimenta las mismas variaciones en cada sector industrial. Esto se obtendra a traves del analisis de las variaciones mediante la correlacion de los valores de las acciones publicados en la bolsa de valores, entre los periodos senalados. Del analisis de las acciones y resultados de las variaciones, se obtiene que no existio correlacion en los grupos economicos. Un mismo hito economico no afecto de igual manera a todos los grupos de los diversos sectores industriales, rechazando la hipotesis planteada.
Tropical Pacific Ocean Dynamical Response to Short-Term Sulfate Aerosol Forcing

AbstractThe large-scale and long-term climate impacts of anthropogenic sulfate aerosols consist of Northern Hemisphere cooling and a southward shift of the tropical rain belt. On interannual time s...
TVS Devices Transient Behavior Modeling Framework and Application to SEED

The transient behavior for four different types of TVS (non-snapback, snapback, spark gap, varistor) is modeled using the same modeling framework. By a 10 ns VF-TLP, the quasi-static I-V curve and the transient turn-on are captured and modeled in ADS. The models are applied in a SEED simulation to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of the modeling frame.
Low-cost observations and experiments return a high value in plant phenology research

Plant ecologists in the Anthropocene are tasked with documenting, interpreting, and predicting how plants respond to environmental change. Phenology, the timing of seasonal biological events including leaf-out, flowering, fruiting, and leaf senescence, is among the most visible and oft-recorded facets of plant ecology. Climate-driven shifts in plant phenology can alter reproductive success, interspecific competition, and trophic interactions. Low-cost phenology research, including observational records and experimental manipulations, is fundamental to our understanding of both the mechanisms and effects of phenological change in plant populations, species, and communities. Traditions of local-scale botanical phenology observations and data leveraged from written records and natural history collections provide the historical context for recent observations of changing phenologies. New technology facilitates expanding the spatial, taxonomic, and human interest in this research by combining contemporary field observations by researchers and open access community science (e.g., USA National Phenology Network) and available climate data. Established experimental techniques, such as twig cutting and common garden experiments, are low-cost methods for studying the mechanisms and drivers of plant phenology, enabling researchers to observe phenological responses under novel environmental conditions. We discuss the strengths, limitations, potential hidden costs (i.e., volunteer and student labor), and promise of each of these methods for addressing emerging questions in plant phenology research. Applied thoughtfully, economically, and creatively, many low-cost approaches offer novel opportunities to fill gaps in our geographic, taxonomic, and mechanistic understanding of plant phenology worldwide.
Measles virus persistence and its consequences

Clearance of measles virus is complex. Infectious virus is cleared by the adaptive immune response manifested by the characteristic maculopapular rash. CD8+ T cells are major effectors of infectious virus clearance, a process that may fail in individuals with compromised cellular immune responses leading to progressive giant cell pneumonia and/or measles inclusion body encephalitis. In contrast to the usual rapid clearance of infectious virus, clearance of viral RNA is slow with persistence in lymphoid tissue for many months. Persistence of MeV RNA may contribute to the late development of the slowly progressive disease subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in children infected at a young age and to measles-associated immune suppression but also to maturation of the immune response and development of life-long immunity.
Influencing factors of the once cure rate of lacrimal passage probing for neonatal dacryocystitis

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of the once cure rate of lacrimal passage probing for neonatal dacryocystitis. Methods The once cure rate of 4 487 cases(4 927 eyes)of neonatal dacryocystitis treated by lacrimal passage probing were analyzed, and influence of age, preoperative numbers of lacrimal duct flush before operation, intraoperative and postoperative complications on once cure rate was analyzed. Results All of 4 480 cases (4 917 eyes) were cured, the cure rate was 99.8%; 4 364 cases (4 796 eyes) were cured at one time, the once cure rate was 97.54%. There were significant differences in cure times among different ages (P 0.01). The effect of intraoperative complication on the once cure rate was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusions Lacrimal passage probing is an effective method for neonatal dacryocystitis. The once cure rate of lacrimal passage is not related to the number of lacrimal duct flush before operation. In infants with neonatal dacryocystitis, the best ages of probing lacrimal passages is at 3-6 months, and the once cure rate is the highest. Gently perform operation and decrease the complication during operation, can improve the once cure rate effectively. Key words: Neonatal dacryocystitis; Lacrimal passage probing; Once cure rate
Who Writes about Archaeology? An Intersectional Study of Authorship in Archaeological Journals

Since the 1980s, activist archaeologists have used quantitative studies of journal authorship to show that the demographics of archaeological knowledge production are homogeneous. This literature, however, focuses almost exclusively on the gender of archaeologists, without deeply engaging with other forms of identity or adequately addressing the methodological limitations of assigning binary gender identifications based on first names. This paper rectifies these limitations through an intersectional study of inequities in academic archaeological publications by presenting the results of a survey of authors who published in 21 archaeology journals over a 10-year period (2007–2016). This survey asked them to provide their self-identifications in terms of gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation. The results demonstrate that although there has been an influx of women archaeologists in recent decades, we have not yet reached gender parity. They also show that because many women archaeologists are cisgender, white, and heterosexual, the discipline's knowledge producers remain relatively homogeneous. Furthermore, although there is demographic variation between journals, there is a strong correlation between journal prestige and the percentage of authors who are straight, white, cisgender men. This intersectional study of journal authorship demographics provides a comprehensive perspective on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the discipline of archaeology.
Examining relations between parent-child narrative talk and children’s episodic foresight and theory of mind

Abstract Participation in narratives that discuss the past and the future is associated with preschool-aged children’s language and cognitive development. In particular, adopting an elaborative style (asking questions to request information, and providing information) during narratives about the past has been shown to benefit children’s development, yet little is known about their participation in narratives about the future. We examined similarities and differences in parents' and children’s elaborativeness during narratives about the past and the future, and relations between parents’ elaborative features, children’s elaborative features, and children’s episodic foresight and Theory of Mind. Four-year-olds (N = 36) and their parents co-constructed narratives about past and future events in a laboratory setting. There were no differences in elaborativeness between past and future narratives for both parents and children. Controlling for parents’ narrative elaborativeness, children’s overall elaborativeness about the past and the future predicted their own episodic foresight, but the relation between children’s elaborativeness and their Theory of Mind was not significant.
An antibody toolbox to track complex I assembly defines AIF’s mitochondrial function

An ability to comprehensively track the assembly intermediates (AIs) of complex I (CI) biogenesis in Drosophila will enable the characterization of the precise mechanism(s) by which various CI regulators modulate CI assembly. Accordingly, we generated 21 novel antibodies to various mitochondrial proteins and used this resource to characterize the mechanism by which apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) regulates CI biogenesis by tracking the AI profile observed when AIF expression is impaired. We find that when the AIF-Mia40 translocation complex is disrupted, the part of CI that transfers electrons to ubiquinone is synthesized but fails to progress in the CI biosynthetic pathway. This is associated with a reduction in intramitochondrial accumulation of the Mia40 substrate, MIC19. Importantly, knockdown of either MIC19 or MIC60, components of the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS), fully recapitulates the AI profile observed when AIF is inhibited. Thus, AIF's effect on CI assembly is principally due to compromised intramitochondrial transport of the MICOS complex.
Otolaryngologic Management of Chronic Cough in School-aged Children: A Review

Importance The causes of pediatric chronic cough are numerous and span across several medical subspecialties. In addition to the vast array of underlying causes, there are also several different ways to approach and evaluate chronic cough. Given the frequency with which children present to otolaryngology clinics with this problem, a review of common otolaryngologic causes and an algorithm for evaluation and treatment can be beneficial. Observations The primary 3 causes of pediatric chronic cough presenting to an otolaryngologist include infectious causes, reflux, and airway hyperreactivity. In these cases and other instances of specific cough, treatment should be directed at the underlying cause—which may include supportive care, antibiotics, antireflux medication, bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, or other intervention. Patients with nonspecific cough should be treated according to pediatric-specific cough algorithms. Conclusions and Relevance Appropriate workup and treatment of chronic cough can lead to higher cure rates, shorter cough duration, and improved quality of life for both patients and caregivers. A systematic approach using cough algorithms can help otolaryngologists effectively manage this common yet complex problem.
Minimal Population Prevalence and Mortality of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Healthcare Personnel

Among 3926 healthcare personnel in a multisite healthcare system, the minimal population prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was 4.4% (bootstrap 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7%-5.0%), and the infection fatality rate was 0.6% (bootstrap 95% CI, 0.0%-1.7%). Rates reflected both local community prevalence and hospital exposures but not specifically exposure on COVID-19 units.
Pilot study of fetal brain development and morphometry in prenatal opioid exposure and smoking on fetal MRI.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess for any differences in brain maturation, structure and morphometry in fetuses exposed to opioids in utero, compared to non-opioid exposed fetuses on fetal MRI. Methods We performed a prospective study in pregnant women using opioids and healthy pregnant women without prenatal opioid use. We evaluated brain maturation, structure, and morphometry on second or third trimester fetal MRI and assessed group differences. Results 28 pregnant women were enrolled, 12 with opioid exposure (average gestational age 33.67, range 28–39 w), 9 of whom also smoked, and 16 without opioid exposure (average gestational age 32.53, range 27–38 w). There was a significant difference in the anteroposterior diameter of the fetal cerebellar vermis in the opioid exposed fetuses compared to non-opioid exposed fetuses (p = 0.004). There were no significant differences in brain biparietal diameter, fronto-occipital diameter, transverse cerebellar diameter and anteroposterior dimension of the pons in opioid exposed fetuses compared to non-opioid exposed fetuses. There were no abnormalities in brain maturation and no major brain structural abnormalities in the opioid exposed fetuses. Conclusion Smaller fetal anteroposterior cerebellar vermian dimension was associated with in utero opioid exposure. There were no abnormalities in brain maturation or major structural abnormalities in fetuses exposed to opioids.
Navigating the Retailing Frontier through Academic and Practitioner Collaboration

Abstract Retailing academics and practitioners must develop close, collaborative relationships, which might involve various, meaningful efforts to assist the other side of the collaboration while also furthering their own respective objectives. Only through such collaborations can retailing ensure sufficient research rigor and relevance to advance the field and expand its reach to nonacademic audiences. To achieve some innovative insights on why and how academics and practitioners can work together, a thought leadership conference was organized at the Walton College of Business (University of Arkansas), and one of its key outcomes is this special issue. All the entries in this special issue were crafted by teams of academics and practitioners, working together to describe new frontiers in retailing. They worked collaboratively for more than a year on topical, timely, relevant topics for today’s technology-based era. The meaningful results should provide inspiration for more collaborations, pursued by both sides, with the support of university administrators and corporate executive leadership. Without the support of both, bridging the gap between research and practice is not possible.
Divergent Regulation of Alveolar Type 2 Cell and Fibroblast Apoptosis by Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 in Lung Fibrosis.

Increased apoptosis sensitivity of alveolar type 2 (ATII) cells and increased apoptosis resistance of (myo)fibroblasts, the apoptosis paradox, contributes to the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The mechanism underlying the apoptosis paradox in IPF lungs, however, is unclear. Aging is the greatest risk factor for IPF. In this study, we show, for the first time, that ATII cells from old mice are more sensitive, whereas fibroblasts from old mice are more resistant, to apoptotic challenges, compared with the corresponding cells from young mice. The expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), an important profibrogenic mediator, was significantly increased in both ATII cells and lung fibroblasts from aged mice. In vitro studies using PAI-1 siRNA and active PAI-1 protein indicated that PAI-1 promoted ATII cell apoptosis but protected fibroblasts from apoptosis, likely through dichotomous regulation of p53 expression. Deletion of PAI-1 in adult mice led to a reduction in p53, p21, and Bax protein expression, as well as apoptosis sensitivity in ATII cells, and their increase in the lung fibroblasts, as indicated by in vivo studies. This increase was associated with an attenuation of lung fibrosis after bleomycin challenge. Since PAI-1 is up-regulated in both ATII cells and fibroblasts in IPF, the results suggest that increased PAI-1 may underlie the apoptosis paradox of ATII cells and fibroblasts in IPF lungs.
What Works Best: A Systematic Review of Actual Learning in Marketing and Management Education Research:

After decades of research in marketing and management education, what do we now know about what educational practices work best for improving actual learning? We answer this question with a qualita...
The Origins of Concrete Construction in Roman Architecture: Technology and Society in Republican Italy

In this study, Marcello Mogetta examines the origins and early dissemination of concrete technology in Roman Republican architecture. Framing the genesis of innovative building processes and techniques within the context of Rome's early expansion, he traces technological change in monumental construction in long-established urban centers and new Roman colonial cites founded in the 2nd century BCE in central Italy. Mogetta weaves together excavation data from both public monuments and private domestic architecture that have been previously studied in isolation. Highlighting the organization of the building industry, he also explores the political motivations and cultural aspirations of patrons of monumental architecture, reconstructing how they negotiated economic and logistical constraints by drawing from both local traditions and long-distance networks. By incorporating the available evidence into the development of concrete technology, Mogetta also demonstrates the contributions of anonymous builders and contractors, shining a light on their ability to exploit locally available resources.
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, and Myelodysplastic Syndromes

In the 2017 WHO classification, chronic myeloid neoplasms include myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPNs), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), mastocytosis and myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia with rearrangements in FGFR1, PDGFRA, PDGFRB, or PCM1-JAK2 fusions. This chapter focuses on the molecular and cytogenetic features of the chronic myeloid neoplasms, covering the underlying genetic abnormalities, and the molecular markers with important diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic, and disease monitoring utilities.
Integrating Arctic Plant Functional Types in a Land Surface Model Using Above- and Belowground Field Observations

Accurate simulations of high latitude ecosystems are critical for confident Earth system model (ESM) projections of carbon cycle feedbacks to global climate change. Land surface model components of...
Lynching Beyond Dixie: American Mob Violence Outside of the South

Review of: "Lynching Beyond Dixie: American Mob Violence Outside of the South," by Shawn Leigh Alexander.
Dynamic remodeling of the extra cellular matrix during zebrafish fin regeneration

Extracellular matrix plays a dynamic role during the process of wound healing, embryogenesis and tissue regeneration. Caudal fin regeneration in zebrafish is an excellent model to study tissue and skeletal regeneration. We have analyzed the expression pattern of some of the well characterized ECM proteins during the process of caudal fin regeneration in zebrafish. Our results show that a transitional matrix analogous to the one formed during newt skeletal and heart muscle regeneration is synthesized during fin regeneration. Here we demonstrate that a provisional matrix rich in hyaluronic acid, tenascin C, and fibronectin is synthesized following amputation. Additionally, we observed that the link protein Hapln1a dependent ECM, consisting of Hapln1a, hyaluronan and proteoglycan aggrecan, is upregulated during fin regeneration. Laminin, the protein characteristic of differentiated tissues, showed only modest change in the expression pattern. Our findings on zebrafish fin regeneration implicates that changes in the extracellular milieu represent an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that proceeds during tissue regeneration, yet with distinct players depending on the type of tissue that is involved.
Model Checking a Byzantine-Fault-Tolerant Self-Stabilizing Protocol for Distributed Clock Synchronization Systems

This report presents the mechanical verification of a simplified model of a rapid Byzantine-fault-tolerant self-stabilizing protocol for distributed clock synchronization systems. This protocol does not rely on any assumptions about the initial state of the system. This protocol tolerates bursts of transient failures, and deterministically converges within a time bound that is a linear function of the self-stabilization period. A simplified model of the protocol is verified using the Symbolic Model Verifier (SMV) [SMV]. The system under study consists of 4 nodes, where at most one of the nodes is assumed to be Byzantine faulty. The model checking effort is focused on verifying correctness of the simplified model of the protocol in the presence of a permanent Byzantine fault as well as confirmation of claims of determinism and linear convergence with respect to the self-stabilization period. Although model checking results of the simplified model of the protocol confirm the theoretical predictions, these results do not necessarily confirm that the protocol solves the general case of this problem. Modeling challenges of the protocol and the system are addressed. A number of abstractions are utilized in order to reduce the state space. Also, additional innovative state space reduction techniques are introduced that can be used in future verification efforts applied to this and other protocols.
Acidification-dependent dissociation of endocytosed insulin precedes that of endocytosed proteins bearing the mannose 6-phosphate recognition marker.

A key step in the sorting of endocytosed ligands from their receptors is dissociation, which is triggered by the acidic pH of endosomes. To determine whether dissociation occurs synchronously for all ligands, we compared in Chinese hamster ovary cells the intracellular dissociation of insulin, which dissociates between pH 6.3 and 7.0, with that of lysosomal hydrolases bearing the mannose 6-phosphate recognition marker (Man-6-P proteins), which dissociate around pH 5.8. Chinese hamster ovary cells were pulsed for 2 min with 125I-insulin, acid-washed to remove surface binding, and chased. During a 40-min period, about 50% of the internalized 125I-insulin was released intact via a retrocytotic pathway. Retrocytosis was not inhibited by monensin, suggesting that the release was not dependent on acidic endosomes. The remaining insulin dissociated from its receptor in an acidification-sensitive manner and was eventually degraded. Dissociation was 70% complete within 5 min of internalization. When cells were similarly incubated with 125I-Man-6-P proteins, about 35% of the internalized radioactivity was released during a 1-h chase, reflecting proteolytic maturation of the Man-6-P proteins. Dissociation of Man-6-P proteins was acidification-dependent (i.e. inhibited by monensin), and was 50% complete after about 11 min. The results indicate that acidification-dependent dissociation of ligands does not occur in a single step and suggest that multiple endocytic compartments are involved in receptor/ligand sorting.
EXTINCTION, ECOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITY, AND THE ORIGINS OF GLOBAL SNAKE DIVERSITY

Snake diversity varies by at least two orders of magnitude among extant lineages, with numerous groups containing only one or two species, and several young clades exhibiting exceptional richness (>700 taxa). With a phylogeny containing all known families and subfamilies, we find that these patterns cannot be explained by background rates of speciation and extinction. The majority of diversity appears to derive from a radiation within the superfamily Colubroidea, potentially stemming from the colonization of new areas and the evolution of advanced venom-delivery systems. In contrast, negative relationships between clade age, clade size, and diversification rate suggest the potential for possible bias in estimated diversification rates, interpreted by some recent authors as support for ecologically mediated limits on diversity. However, evidence from the fossil record indicates that numerous lineages were far more diverse in the past, and that extinction has had an important impact on extant diversity patterns. Thus, failure to adequately account for extinction appears to prevent both rate- and diversity-limited models from fully characterizing richness dynamics in snakes. We suggest that clade-level extinction may provide a key mechanism for explaining negative or hump-shaped relationships between clade age and diversity, and the prevalence of ancient, species-poor lineages in numerous groups.
Medical care in aluminum city—I: Families and their ‘regular doctors’

Abstract A survey on the perceptions and uses of ambulatory medical resources was conducted among a sample of families and unattached individuals in a small industrial community of Western Pennsylvania. This paper reports on the extent to which family units in the sample households have doctors whom they usually see when sick or injured. Over 89 per cent of the family units were found to have one or more members with a regular doctor whom they usually see. In over 10 per cent of the family units, a specialist was reported as the regular doctor for some family members, most often the children. In nearly 90 per cent of the units with regular doctors, one or more members had received medical services from his regular doctor during the two years prior to the interview. Certain demographic and socio-economic factors were examined as to whether or not family units have regular doctors. The most important of these factors was found to be the composition of family units, particularly whether 01 not there are children present in the unit. Family composition also was associated with the actual receipt of services from regular doctors: a larger proportion of families with children had members who received care from their regular doctors during the past two years than did married couples without children or single-member units. Age of the unit head also affected the extent to which regular doctors were reported for family members. In part this was due tc the close association between family composition and the age of the family head. The length of the family's residence in Aluminum City was of importance with regard to all members of the unit having a regular doctor: newer families in the community were less likely than established families to have a regular doctor for all family members. Only among married couples without children did family income have an effect on whether or not family members have a regular doctor. The socio-economic status of family units as measured by the education and occupation of the head of the family had little effect on whether or not family members have regular doctors. While the findings reported here cannot be generalized beyond the study community, they are suggestive of the influence of family composition and age on the perception and use of medical resources. We anticipate that further analysis of data obtained in these interviews (and comparisons with material derived from the future re-interviews) will throw additional light on the structure and patterns of medical care and on the public's concern with matters relating to health and illness.
Pharmacodynamics and toxicodynamics of drug action : Signaling in cell survival and cell death

In therapeutic response to drugs, the plasma concentration range leads to the establishment of a safe and effective dosage regimen. Our hypothesis is that by studying drug concentration-dependent effect on signal transduction mechanisms, a better understanding of the beneficial pharmacodynamic and adverse toxicodynamic responses elicited by the drug may be achieved. Using two classes of chemopreventive compounds (phenolic antioxidants and isothiocyanates), we illustrate the potential utility of two signal transduction pathways elicited by these agents to predict the pharmacodynamic effect (induction of Phase II drug metabolizing enzymes) and the potential toxicodynamic response (stimulation of caspase activity and cytotoxic cell death). At lower concentration, phenolic antioxidants and isothiocyanates activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK; extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 2, ERK2; and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1, JNK1) in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. The activation of MAPK by these compounds may lead to the induction of cell survival/protection genes such as c-jun, c-fos, or Phase II drug metabolizing enzymes. However, at higher concentrations, these agents activate another signaling molecule, ICE/Ced3 cysteine protease enzymes (caspases) leading to apoptotic cell death. The activation of these pathways may dictate the fate of the cells/tissues upon exposure to drugs or chemicals. At lower concentrations, these compounds activate MAPK leading to the induction of Phase II genes, which may protect the cells/tissues against toxic insults and therefore may enhance cell survival. On the other hand, at higher concentrations, these agents may activate the caspases, which may lead to apoptotic cell death, and have toxicity. Understanding the activation of these and other signal transduction events elicited by various drugs and chemicals may yield insights into the regulation of gene expression of drug metabolizing enzymes and cytotoxicity. Thus, the study of signaling events in cell survival (hemeostasis) and cell death (cytotoxicity) may have practical application during pharmaceutical drug development.
Regulation of development in the fully grown mouse oocyte: chromosome-mediated temporal and spatial differentiation of the cytoplasm and plasma membrane

The relationship between nuclear maturation and the differentiation of the cytoplasm and plasma membrane during resumption of arrested meiosis was investigated by culture of GV- and MII-stagemouse oocytes in the presence and absence of nocodazole. Culture in the presence of nocodazole was associated with dispersal of MI and MII chromosomes throughout the subplasmalemmal cytoplasm. A progression of cortical (thickening of actin filaments) and plasma membrane changes (denudation of microvilli, reduction in cell surface glycoproteins, formation of chromosome-containing evaginations) that normally occurs in proximity to chromosomes associated with intact MI or MII spindles tookplace only in those regions of the cortical cytoplasm containing the dispersed subplasmalemmal chromosomes. The dispersion and migration of the chromosomes occurred in an apparently random fashion. Fluorescent probe analysis of normal and treated oocytes indicated a stage-specific association between the spatial distribution of chromosomes and mitochondria. Transfer of individual bivalent chromosomes to untreated oocytes at different stages of maturation and to cytoplasts derived from oocytes anucleated prior to GVB demonstrated (1) the necessity of chromosomes for cytoplasmic and plasma membrane differentiation, and (2) that the capacity of the cytoplasm and plasma membrane to differentiate in response to the presence of a chromosome is acquired prior to GVB.
Light- and nucleotide-dependent increase in apparent viscosity in a suspension of retinal disks

Light triggers the cyclic nucleotide cascade in photoreceptor disk membranes. We report here that light-induced changes in the apparent viscosity of disk membrane suspensions can also be observed using either native disk membranes or washed membranes reconstituted with G protein and PDE. The viscosity changes are light- and GTP-dependent and require the presence of G protein and PDE. The magnitude of the viscosity change increases with increasing membrane concentration. Under the same conditions in which light elicits a change in viscosity, we observe a large increase in light scattering by the disk membrane suspension.