cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR MARKETS IN EMERGING ECONOMIES: A RESEARCH AGENDA

Most marketing , and particularly marketing communications concepts and approaches, have been developed and codified in western economies. Academicians and professionals have then tried to export those concepts to emerging markets, often with little success. In this paper, we argue many of those concepts are not applicable or relevant for the emerging economies around the world. Yet, due to the constrained and controlled nature of academic publishing , little new information has been developed or distributed on the differences and needs of scholars and professionals in emerging economies. This paper suggests a new marketing communications research agenda for emerging eco - nomies based on four specific areas: (1) consumers and consumer behaviors, (2) brands and bran- ding , (3) communication content and context and (4) emerging communication delivery systems. The authors encourage editors of academic journals to recognize the need and be more open to emerging economy research and papers.
Six Sigma: A Basic Overview

In the nearly thirty years since it was first introduced, Six Sigma has evolved to mean different things in different circumstances and in different organizations, so that now it is difficult to identify a single, universally accepted definition. The purpose of this note is to provide a basic overview of Six Sigma by explaining its underlying principles and most commonly utilized methods while providing a brief review of its history. Finally, this note provides a brief summary of a Six Sigma case study illustrating the practical application of Six Sigma.
Entamoeba histolytica RacC selectively engages p21-activated kinase effectors.

Rho family GTPases modulate actin cytoskeleton dynamics by signaling through multiple effectors, including the p21-activated kinases (PAKs). The intestinal parasite Entamoeba histolytica expresses ∼20 Rho family GTPases and seven isoforms of PAK, two of which have been implicated in pathogenesis-related processes such as amoebic motility and invasion and host cell phagocytosis. Here, we describe two previously unstudied PAK isoforms, EhPAK4 and EhPAK5, as highly specific effectors of EhRacC. A structural model based on 2.35 A X-ray crystallographic data of a complex between EhRacCQ65L·GTP and the EhPAK4 p21 binding domain (PBD) reveals a fairly well-conserved Rho/effector interface despite deviation of the PBD α-helix. A structural comparison with EhRho1 in complex with EhFormin1 suggests likely determinants of Rho family GTPase signaling specificity in E. histolytica. These findings suggest a high degree of Rho family GTPase diversity and specificity in the single-cell parasite E. histolytica. Because PA...
Stimulation of K-C1 cotransport in rat red cells by a hemolytic anemia-producing metabolite of dapsone.

Dapsone, a sulfone compound used in the treatment of leprosy and, more recently, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, produces as a major side effect a hemolytic anemia. This anemia is characterized by oxidation of hemoglobin to methemoglobin and increased splenic uptake of red blood cells. Using a rat model, Grossman and Jollow (J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 244: 118-125, 1988) found that dapsone hydroxylamine (DDS-NOH), a dapsone metabolite, is responsible for its hemolytic effect in vivo. DDS-NOH also promotes hemoglobin binding to SH groups on rat red cell membrane proteins (Budinsky et al., FASEB J. 2: A801, 1988). Since the binding of hemoglobin and other reagents (e.g., N-ethylmaleimide) to membrane SH groups has been associated with increased K transport in red blood cells, we examined the effect of DDS-NOH on K efflux from rat red blood cells in vitro. Cells shrink when exposed to DDS-NOH (100 microM) in media with plasma-like ionic composition. This shrinkage is prevented if extracellular K is raised to 110 mM or if intra- and extracellular Cl are replaced by methylsulfate (MeSO4), suggesting involvement of a K-Cl cotransport pathway. Indeed, 100 microM DDS-NOH produces a 4- to 5-fold increase in K efflux in cells containing Cl but less than a 2-fold increase in cells containing MeSO4. This stimulatory effect is specific for K; Na efflux is slightly inhibited by 100 microM DDS-NOH. The concentrations of DDS-NOH required for half-maximal stimulation of Cl-dependent K efflux (53 microM) is similar to its half-maximal hemolytic concentration in rats (approximately 100 microM). Furthermore, the stimulation of Cl-dependent K efflux by DDS-NOH is greater than 80% reversed by subsequent treatment of the cells with dithiothreitol, suggesting involvement of SH groups. Our results indicate that DDS-NOH exposure stimulates an apparent K-Cl cotransport in rat red blood cells, resulting in cell shrinkage under physiological ionic conditions. Since shrinkage of red blood cells renders them less deformable (Mohandas et al., J. Clin. Invest. 66: 563-573, 1980), this suggests a pathophysiological mechanism whereby DDS-NOH exposure in vivo could promote increased splenic uptake of red blood cells and hemolytic anemia.
Social Norms, Acculturation, and Physical Activity Among Latina Women

Physical activity promotes health and is important for preventing chronic conditions, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. Little is known about factors associated with different types of PA among Latina women, particularly Dominicans, who now constitute the fifth largest group of Latinos in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine whether occupational physical activity, acculturation, familism, and norms held by family and friends are associated with three types of PA: vigorous and moderate leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), and resistance training. Interviews were conducted with 418 Dominican women. We assessed self-reported PA using standardized measures. Data were collected between July 2010 and July 2012 in New York City. Most women reported no vigorous LTPA or resistance training (74.5 and 73.1 %, respectively); about half (52.1 %) reported no moderate LTPA. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, occupational physical activities were associated with greater LTPA. Acculturation was not associated with any outcome. Positive family norms about exercise were associated with increased LTPA and resistance training. Family norms may play a critical role in PA and should be included in programs to increase PA among Latina women.
Smog and Human Health

Smog in acute incidents, such as that in the Meuse Valley in 1930 and at Donora in 1948, exerts a heavy stress upon the organs of respiration and secondarily upon the circulatory system. Those already suffering from chronic respiratory or cardiac ailments may be seriously affected. Deaths can follow from cardiac failure. This acute action of smog is not due to any specific toxic activity of chemicals contaminating the air, but to the ability of solid particles and moisture droplets to concentrate irritant gases, which can then be conveyed to all parts of the respiratory tract and produce reactions which interfere with respiration.
Smart brace for monitoring patients with scoliosis using a multimodal sensor board solution

The aim of this study is to develop a platform to monitor compliance with brace treatment in patients with scoliosis. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that frequently occurs in adolescents. Nonoperative treatment with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) is widely used. However, a brace that is not worn correctly is not effective at controlling scoliosis, regardless of the duration of brace wear. As a solution for monitoring these patients, we developed a low power multi-modal sensor board capable of: 1) logging pressure distribution inside the brace using analog pressure sensors and 2) detecting different activities that the patient is involved in using accelerometer sensor. We employ the two modalities of signals recorded from the brace to achieve high precision compliance monitoring system. Our data processing algorithm suite includes a two-stage data classification design. In the first stage, we detect six predefined activities including: standing, sitting, walking, running, lying down, and climbing the stairs using an embedded motion sensor. In the second stage, we detect four levels of brace tightness based on features extracted from internal force sensors and activity specific models. Our results demonstrated high levels of accuracy for activity and tightness level classification.
Light-Based Procedures in Pediatric Dermatology

Light- and laser-based therapies are valuable and safe therapeutic options in the pediatric population. Laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) by definition delivers coherent monochromatic light to a concentrated area of tissue. Light therapy, on the other hand, employs a variety of lights and mechanisms. This chapter will focus on available light-based therapies used for the management of common and recalcitrant pediatric dermatologic conditions. This includes light-emitting diodes, intense pulsed light, photodynamic therapy, ultraviolet phototherapy and extracorporeal photopheresis.
Broadening Participation Research Project: Exploring Computing Careers through a Virtual Career Exploration Fair Using Embodied Conversational Agents (Abstract Only)

Research suggests that the African American population is continuously growing in America, yet African Americans are disproportionately represented when it comes to undergraduate and graduate degrees and careers in computing. Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) have been developed as tools to disseminate information about various jobs in computing. The ECAs used in this study are African American men and women in those fields. This paper is about a pilot study conducted at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia to assess user satisfaction and effectiveness of the website which houses those ECAs. Twenty-two male undergraduates who were pursuing a degree in computer science participated in a study where they engaged the ECAs to learn more about various computing careers. Those individuals who participated in the study said that the tool was easy to use and that they will consider a career in computing in the future. This pilot study will be used to conduct another study that will focus on African American, male and female high school students and individuals interested in obtaining a graduate degree and/or career in computing. The study's limitation is that there is no control group to compare the results with. Future work will include groups who will either interact with disembodied agents, agents that are presented as Caucasian, or a collection of agents who are more demographically diverse instead of trying to match the demographics of the target audience.
CRADLE-TO-GRAVE LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF SYNGAS ELECTRICITY FROM WOODY BIOMASS RESIDUES

Forest restoration and fire suppression activities in the western United States have resulted in large volumes of low-to-no-value residues. An environmental assessment would enable greater use while maintaining environmental sustainability of these residues for energy products. One internationally accepted sustainable metric tool that can assess environmental impacts of new bioenergy conversion systems is the life cycle assessment (LCA). Using the LCA method, this study evaluated the synthesis gas (syngas) electricity produced via a distributed-scale biomass thermochemical conversion system called the Tucker renewable natural gas (RNG) system. This system converts woody biomass in a high-temperature and extremely low-oxygen environment to a medium-energy syngas that is burned to generate electricity. The system also produced biochar as a by-product and tar as a waste. Results from the life cycle impact assessment included an estimate of the global warming (GW) impact from the cradle-to-grave production of syngas for electricity. When the carbon sequestration effect from the biochar by-product was included, GW impact value (0.330 kg CO2-eq/kWh) was notably lower compared with electricity generated from bituminous coal (1.079 kg CO2-eq/kWh) and conventional natural gas (0.720 kg CO2-eq/kWh). Other environmental impacts showed that syngas electricity ranged between the direct-biomass-burned electricity and fossil-fuel-combusted electricity for different impact categories. This occurred because, although the woody biomass feedstock was from a renewable resource with less environmental impact, propane was consumed during the thermochemical conversion. Specifically, the evaluation showed that the highest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contribution came from burning propane that was used to maintain the endothermic reaction in the Tucker RNG unit. If the tar waste from the system were converted into a low-energy syngas and used to supplement propane consumption, a further decrease of 41% in GHG emissions (ie fossil CO2) could be achieved in this cradle-to-grave assessment.
Strain fields induced by kink band propagation in Cu-Nb nanolaminate composites

Abstract Kink band formation is a common deformation mode for anisotropic materials and has been observed in polymer matrix fiber composites, single crystals, geological formations, and recently in metallic nanolaminates. While numerous studies have been devoted to kink band formation, the majority do not consider the often rapid and unstable process of kink band propagation. Here we take advantage of stable kink band formation in Cu-Nb nanolaminates to quantitatively map the local strain fields surrounding a propagating kink band during uniaxial compression. Kink bands are observed to initiate at specimen edges, propagate across the sample during a rising global stress, and induce extended strain fields in the non-kinked material surrounding the propagating kink band. It is proposed that these stress/strain fields significantly contribute to the total energy dissipated during kinking and, analogous to crack tip stress/strain fields, influence the direction of kink propagation and therefore the kink band inclination angle.
Variations in Knee Kinematics After ACL Injury and After Reconstruction Are Correlated With Bone Shape Differences

Background The factors that contribute to the abnormal knee kinematics after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and ACL reconstruction remain unclear. Bone shape has been implicated in the development of hip and knee osteoarthritis, although there is little knowledge about the effects of bone shape on knee kinematics after ACL injury and after ACL reconstruction.
Banc One Corporation: The Evolution of Partnership

Paul Walsh, newly appointed chairman of Banc One Diversified Services Corporation, with responsibility for products in the historically nonbanking areas of securities, insurance, leasing, consumer finance, asset management, and mortgage, reviewed 1992's successful results and thought of his upcoming meeting with the presidents of the affiliate banks. In light of Banc One's remarkable performance, he pondered what approach to take to persuade them of the need for a new strategic partnership between his organization and their banks in order to move Banc One beyond traditional banking as they knew it. Excerpt UVA-BP-0335 Rev. Feb. 25, 2011 Banc One Corporation: The Evolution of Partnership The most important difference between bankers in the 1980s and bankers in the 1990s will be their ability to manage opportunity. —John B. McCoy The year 1992 had proved to be the most successful year in Banc One Corporation's history. Its highlights included (1) the completion of a series of acquisitions that made Banc One the nation's ninth-largest bank; (2) a 32% increase in earnings that extended the bank's record of consecutive annual earnings-per-share increases to 24 years; and (3) a 10-year average return on equity and assets that placed it first among the 25 largest U.S. banks. In 1991, Institutional Investor named the firm “America's best-run bank.” “Banc One is only the leading example of the new strength of the United States' regional banks. The future lies outside the money centres,” The Banker stated. “Perhaps the most amazing aspect of Banc One is its consistency,” Forbes reported. “Year after year in a climate notoriously unfriendly to banks, Banc One has continued its stellar performance streak.” . . .
Seconds before the big one

The article discusses earthquake detection systems that can detect the earliest stages of an earthquake and sound an alarm to warn people of the danger. According to the author, earthquakes are unique natural disasters because they provide no warning before they strike. He notes that scientists have searched for precursory signs that would allow them to pinpoint where an earthquake will strike, but have yet to find any. Topics include how most traditional systems operate to detect earthquakes, the use of a network of seismometers to identify an earthquake's epicenter quickly, as well as improve predictions of a earthquake's magnitude, and a proposed statewide system in California, called the ShakeAlert System, that would help protect the population and business. INSET: Worldwide Warnings.
The 2017 Keystone Symposium on HIV Vaccines.

The Keystone Symposium on HIV Vaccines (meeting #C9) brought together more than 300 researchers from around the global in Steamboat Springs, Colorado from March 26th to March 30th 2017. The event w...
Slow-wave high power gyrotron (review)

Wideband ampiifiers at high frequency has been a challenge to achieve high power and high efficiency. Latest developments of slowwave gyrotron amplifiers will be reviewed here including dielectric, helix-loaded and folded waveguide gyrotrons.
Indices of major constellation atlases

This appendix contains a list of the plates numbered in order as found in eight classical constellation atlases that are mentioned in the text. The intention of such a list is twofold: to give the reader an idea of the content of these works, and to help the collector locate the source of a plate from its title. In addition, the internal image dimension or the diameter of the hemisphere of one or two representatives is given as an indication of the size of the plates from the listed edition, which should also help in identification (keeping in mind that the exact sizes vary from plate to plate in some cases). The dimensions of plates from other editions are given in the main text. Although many of the titles are in a non-English language, I have listed them using regular script rather than italics in order to simplify the presentation. Text found on the plates is underlined; otherwise, the plates are identified by the major constellations depicted. Notes are in brackets. The spelling reflects that used in the atlas.
Implementation of a screening program for identification of unrecognized inherited marrow failure syndromes.

7055Background: Inherited marrow failure syndromes (IMFS) are considered diseases of childhood, but testing adults with atypical presentations of diseases associated with IMFS is critical for estab...
Deep Architectures for Spatio-Temporal Modeling: Automated Seizure Detection in Scalp EEGs

Automated seizure detection using clinical electroencephalograms is a challenging machine learning problem because the multichannel signal often has an extremely low signal to noise ratio. Events of interest such as seizures are easily confused with signal artifacts (e.g., eye movements) or benign variants (e.g., slowing). Commercially available systems suffer from unacceptably high false alarm rates. Deep learning algorithms that employ high dimensional models have not previously been effective due to the lack of big data resources. In this paper, we use the TUH EEG Seizure Corpus to evaluate a variety of hybrid deep structures including Convolutional Neural Networks and Long Short-Term Memory Networks. We introduce a novel recurrent convolutional architecture that delivers 30% sensitivity at 7 false alarms per 24 hours. We have also evaluated our system on a held-out evaluation set based on the Duke University Seizure Corpus and demonstrate that performance trends are similar to the TUH EEG Seizure Corpus. This is a significant finding because the Duke corpus was collected with different instrumentation and at different hospitals. Our work shows that deep learning architectures that integrate spatial and temporal contexts are critical to achieving state of the art performance and will enable a new generation of clinically-acceptable technology.
Offset Stage of Development Affects Hosta Propagation by Stem Cuttings

Abstract Offset stem cuttings of Hosta sieboldiana at different stages of development (SOD) were removed from mother plants previously treated with BA; half of the cuttings at each SOD were treated...
Network-targeted stimulation engages neurobehavioral hallmarks of age-related memory decline

Objective To test whether targeting hippocampal-cortical brain networks with high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation in older adults influences behavioral and neural measures characteristic of age-related memory impairment. Methods Fifteen adults aged 64 to 80 years (mean = 72 years) completed a single-blind, sham-controlled experiment. Stimulation targets in parietal cortex were determined based on fMRI connectivity with the hippocampus. Recollection and recognition memory were assessed after 5 consecutive daily sessions of full-intensity stimulation vs low-intensity sham stimulation using a within-subjects crossover design. Neural correlates of recollection and recognition memory formation were obtained via fMRI, measured within the targeted hippocampal-cortical network vs a control frontal-parietal network. These outcomes were measured approximately 24 hours after the final stimulation session. Results Recollection was specifically impaired in older adults compared to a young-adult control sample at baseline. Relative to sham, stimulation improved recollection to a greater extent than recognition. Stimulation increased recollection fMRI signals throughout the hippocampal-cortical network, including at the targeted location of the hippocampus. Effects of stimulation on fMRI recollection signals were greater than those for recognition and were greater in the targeted network compared to the control network. Conclusions Age-related recollection impairments were causally related to hippocampal-cortical network function in older adults. Stimulation selectively modified neural and behavioral hallmarks of age-related memory impairment, indicating effective engagement of memory intervention targets in older adults.
Experiment Design Frameworks for Accelerated Discovery of Targeted Materials Across Scales

Over the last decade, there has been a paradigm shift away from labor-intensive and time-consuming materials discovery methods, and materials exploration through informatics approaches is gaining traction at present. Current approaches are typically centered around the idea of achieving this exploration through high-throughput (HT) experimentation/computation. Such approaches, however, do not account for the practicalities of resource constraints which eventually result in bottlenecks at various stage of the workflow. Regardless of how many bottlenecks are eliminated, the fact that ultimately a human must make decisions about what to do with the acquired information implies that HT frameworks face hard limits that will be extremely difficult to overcome. Recently, this problem has been addressed by framing the materials discovery process as an optimal experiment design problem. In this article, we discuss the need for optimal experiment design, the challenges in it’s implementation and finally discuss some successful examples of materials discovery via experiment design.
Tracking Newly Released Synaptic Vesicle Proteins at Ribbon Active Zones

Summary Clearance of synaptic vesicle proteins from active zones may be rate limiting for sustained neurotransmission. Issues of clearance are critical at ribbon synapses, which continually release neurotransmitter for prolonged periods of time. We used synaptophysin-pHluorin (SypHy) to visualize protein clearance from active zones in retinal bipolar cell ribbon synapses. Depolarizing voltage steps gave rise to small step-like changes in fluorescence likely indicating release of single SypHy molecules from fused synaptic vesicle near active zones. Temporal and spatial fluorescence profiles of individual responses were highly variable, but ensemble averages were well-fit by clearance via free-diffusion using Monte Carlo simulations. The rate of fluorescence decay of ensemble averages varied with the time and location of the fusion event, with clearance being most rapid at the onset of a stimulus when release rate is highest.
Carbonated water injection (CWI) for improved oil recovery and carbon storage in high-salinity carbonate reservoir

Abstract Carbonated water injection (CWI) is a promising alternative of conventional CO2 flooding which requires smaller amounts of CO2. Currently, most the CWI research focuses on the micromodel and sandstones, but a comprehensive study of the application of CWI in carbonate reservoir is missing in the literature, especially when the reservoir fluid has high salinity. A feasibility study is carried out in this work to design a workflow to thoroughly understand CWI mechanisms for improved oil recovery (IOR) in such reservoirs with the example of Lansing Kansas City (LKC) Group carbonate reservoirs of Kansas and the composition of the produced water. We literature survey and propose approaches for measurement and model of CO2 solubility in brine, so as to establish the apparatus for measuring CO2 solubility in brine to verify or modify existing models of high-salinity solubility. Also, we propose the approach to measure the contact angle when processes of dynamic wettability alternation and substrate dissolution in different minerals and natural carbonate rock occur. Further, we examine and predict outcomes of the micromodel experiment for exploring mechanisms contributing to additional oil recovery, contact angle measurement of carbonated-brine/oil/rock for observing rock wettability alternation and calcite dissolution, and core flooding experiment for observing oil recovery performance as a tertiary method or secondary method.
Observations of wave influence on alongshore ebb-tidal delta morphodynamics at Oregon Inlet, NC

Abstract A Radar Inlet Observation System (RIOS) collected hourly X-band radar data at the wave dominated Oregon Inlet, NC, for 9 months from September 2016 to May 2017. The intensity of the radar backscatter, predominantly associated with surface wave shoaling and breaking, was time-averaged to provide an implied measure of bedforms superimposed on the ebb-tidal delta. Eulerian and Lagrangian motion tracking analyses determined the bedform alongshore migration rates over the study period; these were found to be significantly correlated to estimates of longshore sediment flux based on offshore wave parameters given by Ashton and Murray (2006). Although the exact magnitude of sediment transport cannot be directly estimated from bedform migration, the correlation does support an underlying assumption that sediment transport varies proportionally in both magnitude and direction to average bedform movements. The implications of these findings were further explored through application of the sediment transport model to a year long period of continuous offshore wave data (20 Oct 2016 to 20 Oct 2017). The predicted net transport of 90,000 m3 southward during this year is consistent with a previous estimate of inlet bypassing (Dolan and Glassen 1973). However, pronounced and opposing seasonal transport patterns were an order of magnitude higher than the yearly net, and could lead to significant inter-annual variability in alongshore sediment transport with similar dynamic response in ebb-delta morphodynamics at Oregon Inlet.
CORNET Card Study #1: Do You See What I See? Provider Confidence in Caring for Children With Special Health Care Needs

ABSTRACT Objective Understanding differences between trainee and faculty experience with and confidence caring for children with special health care needs (CSHCN) can inform pediatric resident education. Methods Residents and faculty across the Continuity Research Network (CORNET) reported on a consecutive series of 5 primary care encounters. Respondents answered questions about visit characteristics, patient demographics, and applied the CSHCN Screener. Respondents also reported on how confident they felt addressing the patient's healthcare needs over time. We dichotomized confidence at “very confident” vs. all other values. We used logistic regression to describe the correlates of provider confidence managing the patient's care. Results We collected data on 381 (74%) resident-patient and 137 (26%) attending-patient encounters. A higher proportion of attending encounters compared to resident encounters were with CSHCN (49% vs. 39%, p Conclusion All providers felt less confident caring for CSHCN; however for certain needs, resident confidence did not increase with level of training. The data suggest potential educational/programmatic opportunities.
Incorporating Social-Marketing Insights Into Prejudice Research: Advancing Theory and Demonstrating Real-World Applications:

Prejudice researchers have proposed a number of methods to reduce prejudice, drawing on and, in turn, contributing to our theoretical understanding of prejudice. Despite this progress, relatively few of these methods have been shown to reliably improve intergroup relations in real-world settings, resulting in a gap between our theoretical understanding of prejudice and real-world applications of prejudice-reduction methods. In this article, we suggest that incorporating principles from another field, social marketing, into prejudice research can help address this gap. Specifically, we describe three social-marketing principles and discuss how each could be used by prejudice researchers. Several areas for future research inspired by these principles are discussed. We suggest that a hybrid approach to research that uses both theory-based and problem-based principles can provide additional tools for field practitioners aiming to improve intergroup relations while leading to new advances in social-psychological theory.
Heart failure in single right ventricle congenital heart disease: physiological and molecular considerations

Because of remarkable surgical and medical advances over the past several decades, there are growing numbers of infants and children living with single ventricle congenital heart disease (SV), where there is only one functional cardiac pumping chamber. Nevertheless, cardiac dysfunction (and ultimately heart failure) is a common complication in the SV population, and pharmacological heart failure therapies have largely been ineffective in mitigating the need for heart transplantation. Given that there are several inherent risk factors for ventricular dysfunction in the setting of SV in addition to probable differences in molecular adaptations to heart failure between children and adults, it is perhaps not surprising that extrapolated adult heart failure medications have had limited benefit in children with SV heart failure. Further investigations into the molecular mechanisms involved in pediatric SV heart failure may assist with risk stratification as well as development of targeted, efficacious therapies specific to this patient population. In this review, we present a brief overview of SV anatomy and physiology, with a focus on patients with a single morphological right ventricle requiring staged surgical palliation. Additionally, we discuss outcomes in the current era, risk factors associated with the progression to heart failure, present state of knowledge regarding molecular alterations in end-stage SV heart failure, and current therapeutic interventions. Potential avenues for improving SV outcomes, including identification of biomarkers of heart failure progression, implications of personalized medicine and stem cell-derived therapies, and applications of novel models of SV disease, are proposed as future directions.
Results from a pre-post, uncontrolled pilot study of a mindfulness-based program for early elementary school teachers.

Mindfulness-based programs are a novel and promising approach for supporting teachers’ occupational health and well-being. Although rationales for mindfulness programs for teachers have been offered, the empirical research base evaluating approaches for educating teachers in mindfulness is still developing. This study reports the findings of a pilot study of a mindfulness-based program. This study is unique in that it is one of the only studies of the Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance (MBEB) program to focus on early elementary teachers, to be implemented by a new instructor, and to recruit teachers via extrinsic motivators. A pre-post, uncontrolled pilot study of a 27.5-h mindfulness-based program for teachers was conducted with 21 pre-kindergarten–third-grade teachers from the Pacific Northwest of the USA. Program acceptability was assessed based on attendance and teacher reports of program benefits. Effect sizes for within-person changes (from pre- to post-program) in teachers’ skills and mindsets, well-being, occupational health, and teaching practices were calculated. Teachers also suggested improvements to the program. With regard to program attendance and acceptability, teachers attended 87% of sessions, with 58% of teachers reporting a personal benefit and 58% of teachers reporting a professional benefit of the program. Effect sizes for changes in teachers’ skills and mindsets ranged from small to large, |d| = 0.30 to 0.83, and ranged from small to medium for changes in teachers’ well-being |d| = 0.07 to 0.48, occupational health |d| = 0.14 to 0.39, and teaching practices |d| = 0.15 to 0.48. Teachers suggested shortening the program and linking it more closely to their work in the classroom. This study suggests that the MBEB program may be beneficial to early elementary teachers, even when implemented by someone other than the program developer, and when provided with extrinsic motivation to participate (more closely mapping to a larger-scale trial of the program). Teachers’ suggestions regarding program length and structure are considered, along with useful avenues for future research on mindfulness-based programs for teachers.
Cleaning the dose falloff in lung SBRT plan.

PURPOSE To investigate a planning technique that can possibly reduce low-to-intermediate dose spillage (measured by R50%, D2cm values) in lung SBRT plans. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dose falloff outside the target was studied retrospectively in 102 SBRT VMAT plans of lung tumor. Plans having R50% and/or D2cm higher than recommended tolerances in RTOG protocols 0813 and 0915 were replanned with new optimization constraints using novel shell structures and novel constraints. Violations in the RTOG R50% value can be rectified with a dose constraint to a novel shell structure ("OptiForR50"). The construction of structure OptiForR50% and the novel optimization criteria translate the RTOG goals for R50% into direct inputs for the optimizer. Violations in the D2cm can be rectified using constraints on a 0.5 cm thick shell structure with inner surface 2cm from the PTV surface. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare differences in dose conformity, volume of hot spots, R50%, D2cm of the target in addition to the OAR doses. A two-sided P-value of 0.05 was used to assess statistical significance. RESULTS Among 102 lung SBRT plans with PTV sizes ranging from 5 to 179 cc, 32 plans with violations in R50% or D2cm were reoptimized. The mean reduction in R50% (4.68 vs 3.89) and D2cm (56.49 vs 52.51) was statistically significant both having P < 0.01. Target conformity index, volume of 105% isodose contour outside PTV, normal lung V20, and mean dose to heart and aorta were significantly lowered with P < 0.05. CONCLUSION The novel planning methodology using multiple shells including the novel OptiForR50 shell with precisely calculated dimensions and optimizer constraints lead to significantly lower values of R50% and D2cm and lower dose spillage in lung SBRT plans. All plans were successfully brought into the zone of no RTOG violations.
Stock options, restricted stock, salary, or bonus? Managing CEO compensation to maximize organizational performance

Abstract CEO pay has gone through remarkable changes over the past two decades. The most striking new features have been the increased use of stock options in the early 2000s, and of restricted stock since then. Both forms of stock-based compensation are intended to resolve the agency problem that occurs when CEOs do not act in the best interests of stockholders, but each has its advantages and limitations. In this instalment of Organizational Performance, we discuss the history of their use and similarities and differences between the two, and argue that both are often overused. Bonuses based on strategic goals, on the other hand, may be underused. We conclude with a contextual approach to guide boards of directors in making choices among the forms of CEO compensation—stock options, restricted stock, salary, and bonus—to incentivize CEOs to work toward maximizing organizational performance. Briefly, stock options are most appropriate for growth firms, and restricted stock for stable firms. Both forms of stock-based compensation are more appropriate for new than for long-tenured CEOs.
Active History: Creating Sustainable Cities Through Heritage Trails

Sustainable city planning plays an important role in fighting climate change, and heritage trails are critical to this effort. Heritage trails are walking, hiking, and biking paths that link features of historical interest. Examples include paths in parks, trails connecting villages, and walking routes in the historic centers of cities. On its face, historic conservation is not a sustainable practice. Heritage sites can be constructed with non-sustainable materials, and they occupy valuable space that city planners could otherwise use. Heritage trails offer a solution. In addition to providing access to cultural sites, these trails are beneficial to the environment for two reasons. First, they promote emissions-free activities. Second, they are green spaces that offset carbon emissions. In order to create buy-in, constructing heritage trails should include a wide range of stakeholders from across the community.
The policy environment

Abstract This chapter summarizes the public policy environment in the context of policymaking relating to sleep health. The chapter provides an overview of how social scientists conceive of the policy process and discusses what is meant by the term “public policy.” It provides an overview of the textbook approach to the policy process and contrasts this with five modern theories of the policy process. Common features of these approaches to the public policy process are outlined, and then the chapter provides a set of strategic considerations for proponents of policy change in the realm of sleep health. The chapter concludes by noting that policy change is challenging, but that substantial progress in promoting policies that benefit sleep health has been made and is likely to continue.
Characterizing Martensitic Steel with Measurements of Ultrasonic Velocity

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the longitudinal and transverse velocities of ultrasound and the microstructure of martensitic steel, which changes due to the tempering process. The hardness of a material is determined by its microstructure.
MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome: A severe neurodevelopmental disorder with variable epilepsy

MEF2C haploinsuffiency syndrome is one of several recently identified conditions that have abnormalities in multiple areas of neurologic function. Infant-onset myoclonic seizures and infantile spasms are common, but later-onset forms of epi- lepsy have been reported as well. Most children have a hyperkinetic movement disorder consisting of frequent stereotypies that aid in clinical recognition of the syndrome. There is evidence that MEF2C is a member of several key neurodevelopmental genetic pathways, and the hope is that in the future one or more of these pathways may be amenable to pharmacologic modi- fication with the goal of symptom improvement.
Sulfation of fucoidan in Fucus embryos: II. Separation from initiation of polar growth

Sulfation of the brown algal polysaccharide fucoidan at the time and location of rhizoid formation in zygotes of Fucus distichus L. Powell suggested a possible role of fucoidan sulfate in the initiation of polarity. However, when sulfation of fucoidan was prevented by growing zygotes in artificial sea water lacking sulfate but containing methionine (10 mM), normal rhizoids were observed and protein synthesis was unaffected. Hence, establishment of a polar axis is not dependent upon fucoidan sulfation. The net negative charge introduced on fucoidan by sulfation, however, may still be involved in localizing this polysaccharide into the rhizoid cell by a self-electrophoresis mechanism.
Measurement of Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase Activity

Protoporphyrinogen oxidase catalyzes the oxidation of protoporphyrinogen to protophyrin. It is a membrane-bound mitochondrial enzyme and it is the target of photobleaching herbicides. The basic assay presented in this unit for measuring oxidase activity is based on oxidation of the colorless, nonfluorescent substrate, protoporphyrinogen, to the colored, fluorescent protophyrin. Alternate protocols are provided for the measuring the accumulation of protoporphyrinogen resulting from a decrease in oxidase activity due to treatment with diphenyl ether herbicides or oxidase inhibitor.
Microsoft Cambridge at TREC-12: HARD track.

We took part in the HARD track, with an active learning method to choose which document snippets to show the user for relevance feedback (compared to baseline feedback using snippets from the top-ranked documents). The active learning method is described, and some prior experiments with the Reuters collection are summarised. We also invited user feedback on phrases chosen from the top retrieved documents, and made some use of the ‘relt’ relevant texts provided as part of the metadata. Unfortunately, our results on the HARD task were not good: in most runs, feedback hurt performance, and the active learning feedback hurt more than the baseline feedback. The only runs that improved slightly on the no-feedback runs were a couple of baseline feedback runs.
Switching cost and brand loyalty in electronic markets: evidence from on-line retail brokers

The ability to retain and lock-in customers in the face of competition is a major concern for e-commerce businesses, especially those that invest heavily in advertising and customer acquisition. In this paper, we propose a method for measuring the magnitude of switching costs and brand loyalty for on-line service providers based on the random utility modeling framework. Applying this approach to the on-line brokerage industry, we find significant variation (as much as a factor of 2) in measured switching costs. We find that customer demographic characteristics have little effect on switching, but that customer behavior (such as usage, changes in usage, and adoption of multiple brokers) are better predictors of switching behavior. We also find that firm characteristics such as product line breadth and quality reduce switching and may also reduce customer attrition. Overall, we conclude that on-line brokerage firms appear to have different abilities in retaining customers and have considerable control over their switching costs through product and service design and various unobserved retention strategies.
Effects of MSM on exercise-induced muscle and joint pain: a pilot study

Background Participants in organized running commonly experience muscle and joint pain while training for and competing in distance events. Many runners report pain as a major influence on changes or breaks in training regimens, and as a common deterrent for returning to exercise after a break. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfurbased nutritional supplement shown through several clinical trials to be effective in reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis, and to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. To further investigate the role of MSM in pain management, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of MSM supplementation on exercise-induced muscle and joint pain.
Optically controlled ligand delivery, 1. Synthesis of water-soluble copolymers containing photocleavable bonds

To verify the possibility of developing a ligand delivery system which is controlled by light pulses, we synthesized copolymers of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (1) containing sidechains terminated in ligands (Boc-Gly, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine) bound via photocleavable 2-nitrobenzyl groups. Copolymers in solution were exposed to light of wavelength ≈ 360 nm which resulted in release of the bound ligands. Depending on the experimental conditions (type of solvent, presence of oxygen) changes in the structure of released fluorochromes were observed (photofading effect). These effects were quantified by determining the binding constants of released modified fluorochromes with monoclonal antifluorescyl anti-bodies.
Assessing Attitudes Toward Laxative Preparation in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Effects on Future Testing: Potential Receptivity to Computed Tomographic Colonography

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether removal of the laxative preparation would improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates. RESPONDENTS AND METHODS Data are from a mixed-mode mail and telephone survey of 1636 noninstitutionalized Minnesota residents who were 18 years or older that was conducted from July 15 through October 25, 2005. The overall response rate was 49%. Analysis focused on the 759 respondents who were 50 years or older. RESULTS One third (32%) of the respondents identified the laxative preparation as the most troublesome part of CRC screening. Overall, the self-reported likelihood and anticipated timing of examination increase when the laxative preparation is removed. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the odds of being "much more likely" to undergo screening in the future with a test that does not include a laxative preparation are greatest among those who have been tested previously, regard the laxative preparation as a big problem, or both. CONCLUSION In this prospective survey, laxative preparation appeared to be a major disincentive to CRC screening. Emerging data suggest that performance of laxative-free computed tomographic colonography may represent an attractive option that removes this relatively common disincentive to CRC screening participation.
Gastrin stabilises β-catenin protein in mouse colorectal cancer cells

As gastrin may play a role in the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, the elucidation of the mechanisms governing gastrin-induced proliferation has recently gained considerable interest. Several studies have reported that a large percentage of colorectal tumours overexpress or stabilise the β-catenin oncoprotein. We thus sought to determine whether gastrin might regulate β-catenin expression in colorectal tumour cells. Amidated gastrin-17 (G-17), one of the major circulating forms of gastrin, not only enhanced β-catenin protein expression, but also one of its target genes, cyclin D1. Furthermore, activation of β-catenin-dependent transcription by gastrin was confirmed by an increase in LEF-1 reporter activity, as well as enhanced cyclin D1 promoter activity. Finally, G-17 prolonged the τ1/2 of β-catenin protein, demonstrating that gastrin appears to exert its mitogenic effects on colorectal tumour cells, at least in part, by stabilising β-catenin.
Providing Effective Feedback

Feedback promotes learning and ensures that trainees achieve predetermined standards. Feedback can be formative or summative. Learners should be encouraged to be self-reflective, and the teacher and learner should work together as allies to maximize the learner9s potential. Reviewers should be prepared to respond to defensive reactions and to consider their own biases. This article offers illustrative examples of effective and ineffective feedback.