cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bradykinin increases the in vivo expression of the CXC chemokine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Abstract Background: Increased levels of bradykinin and IL-8 have been detected within the airways of individuals with active symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Objective: We sought to investigate the in vivo effect of bradykinin on the expression of the IL-8 receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 in nasal cells. Methods: Nasal samples were obtained from patients with active allergic rhinitis; patients with mild, quiescent allergic rhinitis; and healthy control subjects. CXCR1 and CXCR2 mRNA expression in the nasal cells was measured by means of quantitative real-time RT-PCR in baseline samples from all subjects, as well as in samples obtained after in vivo bradykinin challenge in healthy control subjects and patients with mild allergic rhinitis. CXCR1 and CXCR2 cell-surface expression was also assessed by means of flow cytometry in nasal epithelial cells at baseline and after ex vivo bradykinin challenge. Results: No difference was seen in CXCR1 or CXCR2 mRNA expression between healthy control subjects and patients with quiescent allergic rhinitis at baseline; however, patients with active allergic rhinitis had increased baseline expression of both CXCR1 and CXCR2 mRNA. In vivo nasal bradykinin challenge significantly increased CXCR1 and CXCR2 mRNA expression in patients with quiescent allergic rhinitis but had no effect in healthy control subjects. Low levels of CXCR1 but not CXCR2 cell-surface expression was detected in nasal epithelial cells at baseline, and ex vivo bradykinin challenge induced CXCR2 cell-surface expression in nasal epithelial cells from patients with mild allergic rhinitis. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the in vivo regulation of chemokine receptors by means of bradykinin in human airway tissue in patients with allergic rhinitis. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;111:106–12.)
The Effect of a Derogatory Professional Label: Evaluations of a “Shrink”

A study was designed to examine the consequences of hearing a mental health professional referred to as a “shrink.” Participants (N = 129) viewed a videotape of a simulated therapy session after hearing a psychologist referred to as a shrink, a psychologist, or Mr. Smith. As hypothesized, exposure to shrink lowered evaluations of the therapist. However, this was focused on specific characteristics (e.g., expertise). After hearing the label shrink, participants expressed less interest in seeking therapy from the psychologist portrayed. The commenter of the shrink label was also viewed more negatively. The findings imply that the use of the term shrink may undermine people's attitudes toward mental health professionals, a consequence with implications for the utilization of their services.
Disciplining the Imagination

This essay applies one of the lessons from the lectures of James March on the necessity of imagination for understanding real-world phenomena such as the processes of innovation, despite the imagination's potential to ruin learning. A science of innovation depends on empirical studies from the past, yet it must capture those studies within stories. The essay concludes by encouraging scholars to examine the adequacy of those stories and consider enriching the storehouse of stories about processes of innovation from great works of literature.
Toward on-board synthesis and adaptation of electronic functions: An evolvable hardware approach

Future remote interplanetary space mission will drive the system to higher degrees of autonomy to adapt to new environments and perform new functions, beyond those specified at launch. Adaptation enables long-life meaningful survivability and should include both software and hardware. Reconfigurable hardware could speedup computation intensive tasks by orders of magnitude and could ensure fault-tolerance bypassing faulty cells. Evolvable Hardware is reconfigurable hardware that self-configures under the control of an evolutionary algorithm. The search for a hardware configuration can be performed using software models or, faster and more accurate, directly in reconfigurable hardware. Initial experiments demonstrate the possibility to automatically synthesize both digital and analog circuits. The paper introduces an approach to automated synthesis of CMOS circuits based on evolution on Programmable Transistor Arrays (PTAs). The approach is illustrated by an experiment showing evolutionary synthesis of a circuit with a desired DC characteristic; evolution using a software model of the PTA took /spl sim/20 minutes on a supercomputer and is expected to be take /spl sim/5 seconds on a PTA chip.
A parameterization of cloud droplet nucleation part I: single aerosol type

Abstract A critical link between clouds and aerosols is the nucleation process, in which supersaturation activates some fraction of the aerosols to form cloud droplets. Under conditions of strong updraft velocity or low aerosol number concentration, high supersaturations are achieved and most of the aerosols are activated. At weaker updraft velocities or higher aerosol number concentrations, supersaturations remain low and only a small fraction of the aerosols are activated. These limiting cases are represented in the parameterization, N = N a w /( w + dN a ) derived from Kohler theory, where N is the number of droplets nucleated, N a is the total aerosol number concentration and w is the updraft velocity. The coefficient d depends on the geometric standard deviation of the log-normal aerosol size distribution, the mode radius and the aerosol composition. The parameterization is compared with detailed simulations by a size-resolving Lagrangian parcel model. Differences are found to be less than 50% for realistic aerosol size distributions with aerosol number concentration ranging from 50 to 5000 cm −3 and updraft velocity ranging from 1 to 500 cm s −1 . Errors in the sensitivity of N to changes in N a are typically only 10%. Errors are comparable to those of the Twomey parameterization. The simplicity of the parameterization permits its application to three-dimensional atmospheric circulation models that cannot afford a size-resolving treatment of the nucleation process.
Enzymatic synthesis of a sucrose‐containing linear polyester in nearly anhydrous organic media

A variety of enzymes have been found to acylate sucrose in anhydrous pyridine. The enzymic reaction is highly selective; with trifluoroethylbutyrate as ester donor, enzyme-catalyzed transesterification of sucrose yielded sucrose 1'-butyrate and sucrose 6, 1'-dibutyrate. No sucrose-tributyrates were formed. Using a similar technique, a long-chain linear sucrose polyester has been prepared using Proleather, an alkaline protease from a Bacillus sp. This protease catalyzes the esterification of sucrose with bis(2, 2, 2-trifluoroethyladipate) in a 1:1 ratio to yield a sucrose-containing polyester with M(w) = 2100 and M(n) = 1600 for a polydispersity of 1. 31. Polymers with molecular weights in excess of 13, 000 have been prepared by this enzymic approach, indicating that molecules containing over 30 sucrose units have been produced. The polyester is extremely water soluble and soluble in polar organic solvents. As with the sucrose dibutyrate, the polyester has ester linkages at the C6 and C1' positions on the sucrose. The polyester can be depolymerized using Proleather in aqueous buffer, pH7. After 9 days in aqueous buffer, Proleather catalyzed the breakdown of the polyester to an M(w) of ca. 900. This sucrose-containing polyester may have applications as a water-absorbent, biodegradable plastic for use as diapers and hygienic products, water-treatment chemicals, and components of drug delivery systems.
Stabilizing nanometer scale tip-to-substrate gaps in scanning electrochemical microscopy using an isothermal chamber for thermal drift suppression.

The control of a nanometer-wide gap between tip and substrate is critical for nanoscale applications of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Here, we demonstrate that the stability of the nanogap in ambient conditions is significantly compromised by the thermal expansion and contraction of components of an SECM stage upon a temperature change and can be dramatically improved by suppressing the thermal drift in a newly developed isothermal chamber. Air temperature in the chamber changes only at ∼0.2 mK/min to remarkably and reproducibly slow down the drift of tip–substrate distance to ∼0.4 nm/min in contrast to 5–150 nm/min without the chamber. Eventually, the stability of the nanogap in the chamber is limited by its fluctuation with a standard deviation of ±0.9 nm, which is mainly ascribed to the instability of a piezoelectric positioner. The subnanometer scale drift and fluctuation are measured by forming a ∼20 nm-wide gap under the 12 nm-radius nanopipet tip based on ion transfer at the liquid/li...
Interfacial composition and microstructure of Fe/sub 3/O/sub 4/ magnetic tunnel junctions

Magnetic tunnel junctions with an Fe/sub 3/O/sub 4/ top electrode have been fabricated. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) shows that in as-deposited state, Fe and FeO phases exist at the interface. These two phases are believed to have formed as a result of the unstable plasma condition at the start of the Fe/sub 3/O/sub 4/ deposition. A relatively low magnetoresistance ratio (MR) (3.5%) and low switching field (H/sub C2/) (40 Oe) is observed which is associated with the fact that the FeO phase magnetically isolates the Fe phase from the Fe/sub 3/O/sub 4/ phase at the interface. After annealing at 150/spl deg/C for 5 h, the MR as well as the switching field (H/sub C2/) increases by a factor of two. HRTEM shows that the FeO phase at the interface has transformed into Fe and Fe/sub 3/O/sub 4/ in the annealed sample, resulting in the increased MR (7.0%) and higher switching field (H/sub C2/) (300 Oe). However, annealing does not completely remove Fe at the interface, thereby limiting the MR.
Sol-gel route to high Tc ceramic precursors

An aqueous sol-gel procedure to obtain fine Y--Ba--Cu particles with an approximately 1-2-3 stoichiometric ratio is described. This involves precipitating an aqueous solution of the oxides in HCl by neutralization with Ba(OH){sub 2}, and precipitation of BaCO{sub 3} from solution with CO{sub 2}. A novel treatment with H{sub 2}O{sub 2} decreased the weight loss while sintering. The average particle size and shape was characterized by rheology, light scattering, and scanning electron microscope. Particle composition was studied with x-ray diffraction, electron microprobe, and infrared spectroscopy. The suspension was formed into a fiber and sintered, and measurements were made indicating a superconducting transition temperature near 60 K.
Thermally reversible polymer systems by cyclopentadienylation. II. The synthesis of cyclopentadiene‐containing polymers

The synthesis of polymers containing either terminal or pendant cyclopentadiene (CPD) groups has been studied. Using information obtained from model studies, the synthesis of polyisobutylenes containing a CPD terminus was accomplished by the use of the tert-butylchloride–dimethylcyclopentadienylaluminum initiator system. Isobutylene polymerization by this system under carefully chosen conditions is essentially transfer free, and termination occurs by cyciopentadienylation. The presence of CPD end group has been established by UV spectroscopy and reaction with maleic anhydride. Selectivity toward termination by cyclopentadienylation increases with decreasing temperatures; at −41°C and low conversion (<10%) ca. 72% of the polymer chains terminate in this manner. The synthesis of polymers containing randomly distributed pendant CPD groups along the chain has been accomplished by cyclopentadienylating with dimethylcyclopentadienylaluminum chlorobutyl rubber and chlorinated poly(ethylene-co-propylene) (Cl-EPM). Pendant CPD groups undergo Diels-Alder/retro-Diels-Alder condensations yielding thermally reversible networks; e.g., a cyclopentadienylated Cl-EPM was remolded three times to elastic sheets.
Carbon-13 NMR in liquid crystals with the removal of proton-proton dipolar couplings

Abstract The carbon-13 spectra of liquid crystals can be simplified by applying a suitable pulse sequence to remove proton-proton dipolar couplings. The spectrum of benzene in a liquid-crystal solution becomes essentially first order. CH splittings up to four bonds can be clearly identified and dipolar coupling constants can be readily obtained without computer analysis. The one-bond coupling constant is accurate to 0.2% and the two-bond coupling constant is accurate to 2%. The three-bond and four-bond coupling constants have larger errors because of smaller splittings and overlapping of peaks.
In vivo assessment of anterior compartment compliance and its relation to prolapse

Introduction and hypothesis The objective of the study was to compare anterior compartment compliance between women with and without pelvic organ prolapse and to explore factors determining the extent of anterior compartment prolapse.
Life-time management of high voltage overhead line assets

This paper describes National Grid's approach to the life-time care of its overhead line assets. Generic asset lives, developed at a component level, and knowledge of geographical location are used to develop a long-term plan for asset replacement (>5 years ahead). Site-specific condition information is then used in the medium term (2-5 years ahead) to identify and prioritise candidate routes for works. Four levels of intervention strategy are used to manage safety and reliability issues. In this way, the workload and system access requirements associated with overhead line maintenance and replacement can be smoothed to give a cost-effective and deliverable programme.
Regulation of the formation and trafficking of vesicles from Golgi by PCH Family Proteins During Chemotaxis

Previous study demonstrated that WASP localizes on vesicles during Dictyostelium chemotaxis and these vesicles appear to be preferentially distributed at the leading and trailing edge of migrating cells. In this study, we have examined the role of PCH family proteins, Nwk/Bzz1p-like protein (NLP) and Syndapin-like protein (SLP), in the regulation of the formation and trafficking of WASP-vesicles during chemotaxis. NLP and SLP appear to be functionally redundant and deletion of both nlp and slp genes causes the loss of polarized F-actin organization and significant defects in chemotaxis. WASP and NLP are colocalized on vesicles and interactions between two molecules via the SH3 domain of NLP/SLP and the proline-rich repeats of WASP are required for vesicle formation from Golgi. Microtubules are required for polarized trafficking of these vesicles as vesicles showing high directed mobility are absent in cells treated with nocodazole. Our results suggest that interaction of WASP with NLP/SLP is required for the formation and trafficking of vesicles from Golgi to the membrane, which might play a central role in the establishment of cell polarity during chemotaxis.
"chem friendly": the institutional basis of "club-drug" use in a sample of urban gay men

In recent years, club-drug use among a segment of urban gay men has gained in popularity, contributing to a range of effects, including heightened sexual stimulation, increased sexual performance and endurance, but also, unsafe sexual practices, drug overdose, drug addiction and death. This article draws from a larger study of urban sexual careers and identifies two prominent forms of club-drug use: the first, to facilitate sexual performance; and the second, to facilitate community. The author argues that the basis of both patterns of drug use lie in adaptations to the institutional organization of urban gay sexual sociality.
Motion based adaptive calibration of pulse transit time measurements to arterial blood pressure for an autonomous, wearable blood pressure monitor

This paper presents a novel adaptive algorithm for calibrating non-invasive pulse transit time (PTT) measurements to arterial blood pressure (BP). This new algorithm allows complete calibration of PTT to BP without the use of an oscillometric blood pressure cuff or external pressure sensor. Further, the algorithm can be used to continually update the identified parameters in the calibration equation while the patient is wearing the device. The technique utilizes natural patient motion to generate a known change in the transmural pressure (input) acting on the arteries monitored by our device to produce a measurable change in pulse transit time (output). The natural motion includes varying the height of the sensor relative to the heart to alter hydrostatic pressure at the measurement site and adjusting proximal joint posture to vary the external arterial pressure at the measurement site. This new algorithm is applied to a unique wearable sensor architecture that combines two in-line PPG sensors, one located at the ulnar artery of the wrist and one located at the digital artery of the little finger along with a multi-axis accelerometer for height measurement. Initial human subject tests results using the new algorithm and device will be presented.
New Trends in Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT Despite the increasing recognition of the magnitude of disability throughout the world, in many countries the existing services are still meeting no more than two per cent of those in need. The World Health Organization has presented Community Based Rehabilitation as one contribution to meeting the challenge. This paper explores the value of this approach within the context of a rehabilitation programme that has been operating in the rural areas of Guyana for over eight years. The spiritual motivation of the volunteers who comprise the backbone of this project is explored.
A quantitative approach to estimate the size of the time buffer in the theory of constraints

This paper describes a new approach in calculating the optimal size of the time buffer which is used to accommodate disruptions in production processes and provide maximum productivity of capacity constrained resources (CCR). The problem is formulated in terms of single-server finite queue. The new approach is based on identifying the optimal number of units waiting in the line (the optimal size of the time buffer) that will maintain the highest operational profits while protecting CCRs from becoming idle. Sensitivity analysis of the derived results can help to schedule production at CCRs.
Power oscillation damping control strategies for FACTS devices using locally measurable quantities

This paper presents a way to derive power oscillation damping control strategies for flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices, and derives these laws for the four major types of FACTS devices using an energy function (Lyapunov) method. All controls rely only on locally measurable information, and are independent of system topology, implying structural uncertainty need not affect power oscillation damping control strategies. >
Ease of use, safety, and efficacy of integra bilayer wound matrix in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in an outpatient clinical setting: a prospective pilot study.

Background: Integra bilayer wound matrix (IBWM) is a bilayer skin replacement system composed of a dermal regeneration layer and a temporary epidermal layer. It is used to treat various types of deep, large wounds via an inpatient procedure in an operating room. We sought to determine ease of use and effectiveness of IBWM in an outpatient clinical setting when treating diabetic foot ulcers. In addition, no epidermal autografting was performed in conjunction with the IBWM after silicone release, as is common in the inpatient setting. Methods: This 12-week, single-arm, prospective pilot study was conducted in three outpatient clinics. Weekly evaluations included monitoring the wound for signs of infection during the 12-week follow-up phase. Results: Eleven patients with diabetic foot ulcers who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. One patient was discontinued from the study owing to noncompliance leading to a serious adverse event. Therefore, ten patients who received the study interventi...
External validation of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database.

Background The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) General Thoracic Surgery Database (GTSD) reports outstanding results for lung and esophageal cancer resection. However, a major weakness of the GTSD has been the lack of validation of this voluntary registry. The purpose of this study was to perform an external, independent audit to assess the accuracy of the data collection process and the quality of the database. Methods An independent firm was contracted to audit 5% of sites randomly selected from the GTDB in 2011. Audits were performed remotely to maximize the number of audits performed and reduce cost. Auditors compared lobectomy cases submitted to the GTSD with the hospital operative logs to evaluate completeness of the data. In addition, 20 lobectomy records from each site were audited in detail. Agreement rates were calculated for 32 individual data elements, 7 data categories pertaining to patient status or care delivery, and an overall agreement rate for each site. Six process variables were also evaluated to assess best practice for data collection and submission. Results Ten sites were audited from the 222 participants. Comparison of the 559 submitted lobectomy cases with operative logs from each site identified 28 omissions, a 94.6% agreement rate (discrepancies/site range, 2 to 27). Importantly, cases not submitted had no mortality or major morbidity, indicating a lack of purposeful omission. The aggregate agreement rates for all categories were greater than 90%. The overall data accuracy was 94.9%. Conclusions External audits of the GTSD validate the accuracy and completeness of the data. Careful examination of unreported cases demonstrated no purposeful omission or gaming. Although these preliminary results are quite good, it is imperative that the audit process is refined and continues to expand along with the GTSD to insure reliability of the database. The audit results are currently being incorporated into educational and quality improvement processes to add further value.
The Role of Structural and Planning Autonomy in the Performance of Internal Corporate Ventures

Historically, autonomy has been treated as a broad one‐dimensional construct. This paper proposes that there are two major types of autonomy for internal corporate ventures (ICVs)—planning autonomy...
Testosterone increases neurotoxicity of glutamate in vitro and ischemia-reperfusion injury in an animal model

Increasing evidence has demonstrated striking sex differences in the outcome of neurological injury. Whereas estrogens contribute to these differences by attenuating neurotoxicity and ischemia-repe...
The Formation and Fate of Tetrahymena patula Cryptostomes

A reliable method for producing reproductive cysts in Tetrahymena patula is described. The procedure involves the isolation of macrostomes without cytopharyngeal pouches in microdrops of distilled water under oil. The study of silver-impregnated specimens has shown that a complex pattern of oral resorption and reformation occurs within the cyst that leads to the formation of a group of small cells with recessed oral apparatuses. These cells, called “cryptostomes,” swim very rapidly on excystment and are incapable of either feeding or reproducing. They are presumably dispersal forms. Oral morphogenesis during the transformation of excysted cryptostomes into microstomes and macrostomes is also described.
Exploratory play with objects: Basic cognitive processes and individual differences

Manipulative play can be decomposed into exploratory and nonexploratory activity; only exploration is linked to focused attention and learning.
Latency of pulse oximetry signal with use of digital probes associated with inappropriate extubation during prehospital rapid sequence intubation in head injury patients: case examples.

Abstract Background Endotracheal intubation remains the definitive skill needed for airway management of both medical and surgical patients treated in the prehospital and hospital arenas. Subsequently, rapid sequence intubation (RSI) protocols have been established for various first-line emergency service providers. Because RSI results in the paralysis of skeletal muscles, with a subsequent period of apnea and an increased potential for oxygen desaturation, the accuracy of pulse oximetry (SpO 2 ) data is critical in guiding pre-oxygenation efforts and indicating abandonment of intubation attempts to avoid hypoxic injury. Latency of up to 120 s has been demonstrated in conditions producing peripheral vasoconstriction. The influence of peripheral oximetry on the decision-making process during the establishment of a definitive airway has not, to our knowledge, been previously investigated in the prehospital setting. Objective To demonstrate how signal latency may manifest itself as a perceived oxygen desaturation with a subsequent premature abortion of a primary RSI attempt or erroneous extubation. Case Examples We document endotracheal extubation associated with pulse oximetry signal latency during prehospital RSI with the use of digital SpO 2 probes. Two case examples are presented that are taken from a retrospective analysis of pre-hospital RSI data recorded by the City of San Diego Emergency Medical Services. Conclusion To avoid the possibility of mistaking oximetry signal latency for oxygen desaturation during pre-hospital RSI, we propose a conservative approach of aggressive pre-oxygenation to SpO 2 values≥94%, and the use of quantitative continuous capnometry for decision-making regarding whether the endotracheal tube is correctly placed. In cases of hypoxemia despite a properly placed tube, focus should be turned to other causes of post intubation hypoxemia.
Mechanisms And Rehabilitation Of Discoordination Following Stroke Using A Cortical Imaging Method

Mechanisms underlying discoordination, expressed in the form of obligatory coupling between the shoulder and the elbow muscles following stroke, are probed by simultaneously recording 163-channel EEG together with elbow/shoulder torques and EMGs from the upper arm. With this unique experimental protocol, we were able to have strict post hoc control of a subject's motor performance. Using this novel approach, this paper provides the first evidence of a linear relationship between an overlap in the cortical activities and obligatory shoulder/elbow torque coupling. Furthermore, results obtained from an 8 weeks multi-degree of freedom isometric training protocol showed that a well-designed treatment intervention could reduce obligatory torque coupling following stroke. Preliminary data indicates that this change in torque coupling appears to be associated with brain reorganization. Other potential rehabilitation methods based on an increased understanding of the mechanisms underlying discoordination following stroke are discussed
The Characterization of Spinning Quality

Four parameters characterizing spinning quality are described and determined for a set of yarn strength data by a method developed from one which was first proposed by F. T. Peirce. The skein break of any yarn number at any twist can be calculated for any fiber if these four parameters are known.
Editorial overview: host-microbe interactions: fungi: heterogeneity in fungal cells, populations, and communities.

In ecology, many studies support the notion that community strength positively correlates with diversity. A diverse community has a reservoir of varying genotypes and phenotypes allowing responses to fluctuating environments and exploitation of specific niches in the shared habitat. While most of the studies on the benefits on diversity have been performed on complex communities comprised of different species, it is becoming increasingly clear that functionally relevant diversity or heterogeneity also exists even at the scale of genetically identical single cells that coexist in the same niche. With the advent of new microscopic approaches involving fluorescent protein reporters, flow cytometry-based methods, and advances in high through-put sequencing technology, we are gaining new insight into heterogeneity of microbes including the world of fungi. Our contributors have reviewed many different aspects of functional heterogeneity in fungi at the scale of single cells or even within a single cell. Together, these contributions emphasize how heterogeneity exists on variable temporal and spatial scales. The pieces in this issue all highlight the need for future studies that will examine the mechanisms that drive variability in behavior and the function of diverse behaviors within populations of microbes.
Activated Sludge Process Models for Treatment of Toxic and Nontoxic Wastes

Design and operational aspects regarding the utilization of activated sludge processes for the treatment of both toxic and nontoxic organic wastes are presented; a key component of the technology concerns the application of a kinetic model which has been shown to be effective for predicting process performance for activated sludge systems treating such carbon sources. After developing an acclimated biomass which is capable of degrading a particular waste, it is prudent to determine the nature, inhibitory or noninhibitory, of the microbial growth rate equation as a function of exogenous substrate concentration. For noninhibitory wastes, one can employ the Monod function for relating µ to S; however, inhibitory wastes require the use of an inhibition function such as the Haldane equation; methods and analytical considerations regarding the evaluation of the biokinetic constants are discussed. The design and operational equations for activated sludge systems treating toxic compounds are developed. Analysis of these equations underscores the significance of the critical, or peak, growth rate, µ*, which is characteristic of systems treating inhibitory wastes. If this growth rate is exceeded in continuous flow units treating toxicants, rapid effluent deterioration and reactor failure can occur; this can be demonstrated analytically and has been verified in pilot plant studies. The predictive power of the model for establishing the critical operating conditions in activated sludge systems is also discussed.
Biomechanical characterization of keratoconus corneas ex vivo with Brillouin microscopy.

Purpose. Loss of corneal strength is a central feature of keratoconus progression. However, it is currently difficult to measure corneal mechanical changes noninvasively. The objective of this study is to evaluate if Brillouin optical microscopy can differentiate the mechanical properties of keratoconic corneas versus healthy corneas ex vivo.
Evaluating the Impact of Crime and Discipline on Student Success in Postsecondary Education

The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of crime and discipline on graduation rates in higher education. Using national data on more than 1250 public and private non-profit institutions that were drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the results reveal that more violence on and around campus is associated with lower 4-year graduation rates, whereas higher rates of disciplinary actions regarding alcohol, drugs, and weapons are associated with higher graduation rates. Furthermore, the findings suggest that utilizing the student conduct system rather than the criminal justice system to address minor offenses is more likely to lead to student success. This study contributes to the growing literature on college effectiveness and the influence of institutional structures and organizational policies on student achievement. The results of this study suggest that violent crime, institutional conduct systems, and campus police departments warrant further investigation.
Education Policies: Potential Impacts and Implications in Australia and Beyond.

ABSTRACTAustralian education is delivered through government and independent systems. This article discusses how education policies on gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer students in these different sectors have affected school climates. It describes how previously published policy analysis and survey data on Australian gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer students was used to identify the best policies currently in use in Australia. Significant correlations between policies and a variety of well-being and psycho-social outcomes for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer students were uncovered. Ideal policy visions were promoted collaboratively in interstate and international contexts. However, the article cautions against a simplistic view of transnational best-practice adoption.
Graphical simulation algorithm for Chinese traditional ink painting based on Perlin noise

It's a challenge brought by simulating Chinese traditional ink drawing.Based on analyzing the art effects of Chinese traditional ink painting,a novel graphical simulation algorithm based on Perlin noise is proposed.The experiment results indicate that the proposed algorithm can simulate the typical art effects of Chinese traditional ink painting successfully.This paper gives a new solution in Chinese traditional ink drawing simulation.
Mechanism mediating hypotensive effect of ANF in sodium-depleted dogs.

Previous studies have indicated that suppression of renin release and antagonism of the vasoconstrictor actions of angiotensin II (ANG II) may be important mechanisms whereby atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) decreases arterial pressure (AP). The objective of this study was to determine the importance of renin suppression and ANG II antagonism in mediating the hypotensive effects of ANF in Na-depleted, high-renin dogs. Infusion of ANF (300 ng.kg-1.min-1) for 45 min in Na-depleted dogs decreased plasma renin activity (PRA) from 7.5 +/- 2.3 to 3.1 +/- 1.1 ng ANG I.ml-1.h-1. Associated with this fall in PRA was a significant reduction in AP and total peripheral resistance (TPR). Although cardiac output (CO) tended to fall, statistically significant reductions in CO (2.11 +/- 0.19 vs. 1.99 +/- 0.10 l/min) did not occur. In contrast to these findings, infusion of ANF (300 ng.kg-1.min-1) in Na-depleted dogs with fixed circulating levels of ANG II had no significant effect on AP or TPR. Results from this study suggest that renin suppression may be an important mechanism whereby ANF reduces AP in Na-depleted dogs. The results also suggest that antagonism of the vasoconstrictor actions of ANG II is not a potent mechanism whereby ANF decreases AP.
Endocrine changes and ultrasonography of ovaries in suckled beef cows during resumption of postpartum estrous cycles.

Changes in follicular and luteal structures were assessed and concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were measured in 13 Hereford X Angus suckled beef cows during resumption of estrous cycles. Transrectal ultrasonography was used to monitor follicular size, ovulation, and formation and regression of the corpus luteum (CL). The interval from parturition to first postpartum ovulation (FO) was 82 +/- 4.7 d. Serum progesterone remained low before FO. One cow exhibited standing estrus, two cows showed other signs of estrus, and 10 displayed no signs of behavioral estrus preceding FO. All cows exhibited standing estrus before the second postpartum ovulation (SO). All cows had a short luteal phase after FO, with an average interval of 8.5 +/- .2 d between FO and SO. Concentrations of estradiol in serum during the 8 d preceding ovulation were similar before FO and SO. Maximal diameter of the preovulatory follicle was similar before FO and SO. However, the ovulatory follicle was larger in diameter at 2 d (P = .02) and 3 to 8 d (P less than .005) before FO than before SO. The time from detection until ovulation was less (P = .005) for the ovulatory follicle preceding SO than for the follicle associated with FO (8.5 vs 10.2 d, respectively, SE = .4). The second-largest follicle was larger (P less than .005) in diameter during the 8 d preceding the FO than before the SO. The difference in size between the ovulatory follicle and the second-largest follicle on the day before ovulation was greater (P less than .005) preceding SO than preceding FO (8.7 vs 6.6 mm, respectively, SE = .4).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Going home for the holidays? Take a shortcut!

In this issue of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Kurita et al.1 describe the results of a prospective phase I/II trial of intra-bone single unit cord blood transplant (IB-CBT) in 15 patients with hematologic malignancies. Clinical outcomes were compared with 150 matched pair historic controls that received intravenous cord blood transplants (IV-CBT). Although time to neutrophil engraftment was similar between cohorts, platelet recovery occurred significantly earlier in the IB-CBT group. Other outcomes such as non-relapse mortality, relapse, survival and GvHD incidence were similar.
Tau45-230 association with the cytoskeleton and membrane-bound organelles: Functional implications in neurodegeneration

The dysregulation of posttranslational modifications of the microtubule-associated protein (MAP) tau plays a key role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related disorders. Thus, we have previously shown that beta amyloid (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity was mediated, at least in part, by tau cleavage into the tau45-230 fragment. However, the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of tau45-230 remain unknown. To get insights into such mechanisms, we first determined the subcellular localization of this tau fragment in hippocampal neurons. Tau45-230 was easily detectable in cell bodies and processes extended by these neurons. In addition, cell extraction experiments performed using Triton X-100 and saponin showed that a pool of tau45-230 was associated with the cytoskeleton and the cytoskeleton plus membrane-bound organelles, respectively, in cultured hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, they suggested that these associations were independent of the presence of full-length tau. We also assessed whether this tau fragment could alter axonal transport. Our results indicated that tau45-230 significantly reduced the number of organelles transported along hippocampal axons. This altered axonal transport did not correlate with changes in the total number of organelles present in these cells or in motor protein levels. Together these results suggested that tau45-230 could exert its toxic effects by partially blocking axonal transport along microtubules thus contributing to the early pathology of AD.
Personality and Affect When the Central Nervous System is Sensitized: An Analysis of Central Sensitization Syndromes in a Substance Use Disorder Population.

Functional somatic syndromes, or more recently termed central sensitivity syndromes (CSS), comprise a significant portion of the chronic pain population. Although it is evident that personality is intricately related to the pain experience, it has not been widely studied. This article examines the impact of CSS on the clinical presentation of individuals presenting to treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD), with an emphasis on personality and emotional functioning. We examined personality profiles of individuals presenting to treatment with SUD between three groups: those with a CSS (n = 30), non-CSS chronic pain (n = 79), and no pain (n = 232). Based on previous research and a psychodynamic conceptualization of CSS, we hypothesized that predictors of the presence of a CSS in this sample would be higher rates of overall anxiety, traumatic stress, perfectionistic traits, and a need for interpersonal closeness. Logistic regression analyses did not support our hypothesis. Exploratory analyses indicated...
Breaking Down Hadoop Distributed File Systems Data Analytics Tools: Apache Hive vs. Apache Pig vs. Pivotal HWAQ

Apache Hive, Apache Pig and Pivotal HWAQ are very popular open source cluster computing frameworks for large scale data analytics. These frameworks hide the complexity of task parallelism and fault-tolerance, by exposing a simple programming API to users. In this paper, we discuss the major architectural component differences in them and conduct detailed experiments to compare their performances with different inputs. Furthermore, we attribute these performance differences to different components which are architected differently in the three frameworks and we show the detailed execution overheads of Apache Hive, Apache Pig and Pivotal HAWQ, in which the CPU utilization, memory utilization, and disk read/write during their runtime are analyzed. Finally, a discussion and summary of our findings and suggestions are presented.
Generating Outcomes from Organic Engagement Events

This chapter explores how organic public engagement is informed by middle-range methodological approaches. Drawing from sociological research, we argue that studying public engagement events through grounded theory and multi-sited ethnography produces more ecologically valid results. Grounded theory provides the ability to develop theories for understudied phenomena and draw new conclusions on existing studies. Multi-sited ethnography ameliorates the common concern that studying only single sites of engagement can distort researchers’ views of how publics engage with science. We conclude the book with a discussion of how the combination of multi-sited ethnography and grounded theory in the context of organic public engagement with science produces middle-range theories that are more robust and actionable than the insights generated by traditional models of artificial public engagement.
The Issue of Pu 5f Occupation

A brief review of the status of our understanding of the occupation of the Pu 5f states is provided herein, with an emphasis upon experimental measurements.
The American Black Duck: Three Decades of Science-Based Adaptive Management

The American black duck (Anas rubripes) population declined by 50% between 1955 and 1985, prompting more than three decades of intensive scientific research and strategic management. Analyses of band recovery data suggest that the historical declines may have been caused in part by harvest, but even with restrictive hunting regulations implemented in the mid 1980s, populations have not recovered. Increasing competition and hybridization with mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), coupled with habitat loss and fragmentation on northern breeding grounds are hypothesized to have contributed to a lower continental black duck population. Simultaneously, there is a concern that declines in the quantity and quality of wintering habitat—coastal salt marshes of the eastern United States—may have deleterious cross-seasonal effects on black duck demographics. Black ducks have a long legacy of intensive research and management, and ongoing threats to their populations make this a well-rooted and timely case study in science-based conservation.
Control of redundant pointing movements involving the wrist and forearm.

Many activities require us to point our hands in a given direction using wrist and forearm rotations. Although there are infinitely many ways to do this, we tend to follow a stereotyped pattern. Wh...
METABOLISM AND MUTAGENICITY OF 2-ACYLAMINOFLUORENES AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

ABSTRACT There is a strong association between aromatic hydrocarbon responsiveness and N-hydroxylation of phenacetin, acetanilide, and p-chloroacetanilide in the livers from progeny and the appropriate backcrosses and intercross involving B6 and D2 mice. Mutagenic activity in the Salmonella test system of several 2-acylaminofluorenes were compared using the S-9 liver fractions from B6 and D2 mice. Pretreatment of B6 mice with 3-MC increased the mutagenic activity of all the analogs in the S-9 liver fraction. No increase in mutagenic activity is found in S-9 liver fraction from D2 mice after 3-MC pretreatment, indicating that mutagenic activity correlates with aromatic hydrocarbon responsiveness and N-hydroxylase activity. ANF, an inhibitor of N-hydroxylation of 2-AAF in vitro, inhibits the mutagenic activity of these analogs indicating that N-hydroxylation is the first step in the activation of N-acylaminofluorenes into mutagens.
Lifetime economic burden of intimate partner violence among U.S. adults.

Introduction This study estimated the U.S. lifetime per-victim cost and economic burden of intimate partner violence. Methods Data from previous studies were combined with 2012 U.S. National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey data in a mathematical model. Intimate partner violence was defined as contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking victimization with related impact (e.g., missed work days). Costs included attributable impaired health, lost productivity, and criminal justice costs from the societal perspective. Mean age at first victimization was assessed as 25 years. Future costs were discounted by 3%. The main outcome measures were the mean per-victim (female and male) and total population (or economic burden) lifetime cost of intimate partner violence. Secondary outcome measures were marginal outcome probabilities among victims (e.g., anxiety disorder) and associated costs. Analysis was conducted in 2017. Results The estimated intimate partner violence lifetime cost was $103,767 per female victim and $23,414 per male victim, or a population economic burden of nearly $3.6 trillion (2014 US$) over victims’ lifetimes, based on 43 million U.S. adults with victimization history. This estimate included $2.1 trillion (59% of total) in medical costs, $1.3 trillion (37%) in lost productivity among victims and perpetrators, $73 billion (2%) in criminal justice activities, and $62 billion (2%) in other costs, including victim property loss or damage. Government sources pay an estimated $1.3 trillion (37%) of the lifetime economic burden. Conclusions Preventing intimate partner violence is possible and could avoid substantial costs. These findings can inform the potential benefit of prioritizing prevention, as well as evaluation of implemented prevention strategies.
Toward a more integrative cognitive neuroscience of episodic memory

Abstract The cognitive neuroscience of episodic memory is rapidly expanding its scope to comprehensively investigate both local specialization of function and complex, distributed functional interactions. Doing so necessitates building from general univariate models of neural activations to a more advanced science that accounts for the coordinated engagement of a broad set of cortical and subcortical regions. The inclusion of network theory into the cognitive neuroscience of episodic memory is changing how we understand the organization and dynamics of these cognitive and behavioral processes. Nonetheless, graph theoretical approaches to human neuroscience were largely developed and implemented outside of the cognitive neurosciences, and there is now some disconnect between researchers employing different methods. Here, we first delineate what different methodologies broadly offer, and we highlight their respective advantages and disadvantages. Next, we argue that, by adopting a multivariate network approach, new and unique insights can be obtained into the neural underpinnings of episodic memory. Finally, we use the progression of the summarized research to point toward a future for the cognitive network neuroscience of episodic memory that emphasizes distributed, integrative information processing in addition to more segregated, localized information processing.
On Proofs and Writing Mathematics

In this chapter, we study proof techniques by providing general guidelines and going over commented examples of proofs, in the context of arithmetic and elementary number theory, basic set-theory, and more. We go over direct proofs, proofs by contraposition, proofs by contradiction, the role of counterexamples, proof by induction including arguments using the well-ordering principle and smallest counterexamples. We conclude with remarks on writing mathematics.