cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacteriocin Production by Strains of Bacteroides Isolated from Human Feces and the Role of These Strains in the Bacterial Ecology of the Colon

Several human fecal isolates of Bacteroides have been found to produce bacteriocins. The bacteriocin-producing strain T1-1 was studied in the most detail. Strain T1-1 belongs to the 0061-1 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) homology group of Bacteroides. This homology group phenotypically resembles Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron but has little DNA homology with it. The bacteriocin-producing strains T1-12 and T1-48 belong to the 3452-A DNA homology group. This group has DNA homology with B. thetaiotaomicron and Bacteroides ovatus. The bacteriocin-producing strain T1-42 remains unidentified in that it does not belong to any recognized DNA homology group of the saccharolytic intestinal bacteroides. The extracellular bacteriocin produced by strain T1-1 was specifically bactericidal for other bacteria within the genus Bacteroides. The highest bacteriocin titers (32 to 64) were produced in complex media, with only trace amounts being produced in a defined medium. The bacteriocin appeared to have a high molecular weight (>/=300,000) and was unusual because it was stable from pH 1 to 12 and only a 50% reduction in activity resulted after 15 min at 121 degrees C in an autoclave. It was inactivated by trypsin and Pronase. Strain T1-1 was isolated from all three fecal samples obtained over a 25-week period from an individual who was part of a National Aeronautics and Space Administration mock Skylab flight. Strains T1-12, T1-48, and T1-42 were isolated only from the first fecal sample. Each of these strains was immune to the bacteriocins produced by the others. These strains were found to coexist in the colon with a larger population of non-bacteriocin-producing, bacteriocin-susceptible strains of Bacteroides.
Simulation method for automotive electronic equipment immunity testing

Since safety is critical for automotive electronics devices, severe immunity tests are applied, then automotive component suppliers have to spend time in design and testing. Using simulation is one of key to realize effective design and testing, however, conventional simulation techniques do not enable the designer to predict malfunction frequencies despite that they are important for devising solutions. This paper proposes a simulation technique for predicting malfunction frequencies, noticing the transmission level of applied noise. Using this technique, we verified that simulation results well agreed with measurement results for frequencies up to 200 MHz.
Notch Signaling Regulates Mouse and Human Th17 Differentiation

Th17 cells are known to play a critical role in adaptive immune responses to several important extracellular pathogens. Additionally, Th17 cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammatory disorders as well as in cancer. Therefore, it is essential to understand the mechanisms that regulate Th17 differentiation. Notch signaling is known to be important at several stages of T cell development and differentiation. In this study, we report that Notch1 is activated in both mouse and human in vitro-polarized Th17 cells and that blockade of Notch signaling significantly downregulates the production of Th17-associated cytokines, suggesting an intrinsic requirement for Notch during Th17 differentiation in both species. We also present evidence, using promoter reporter assays, knockdown studies, as well as chromatin immunoprecipitation, that IL-17 and retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt are direct transcriptional targets of Notch signaling in Th17 cells. Finally, in vivo inhibition of Notch signaling reduced IL-17 production and Th17-mediated disease progression in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Thus, this study highlights the importance of Notch signaling in Th17 differentiation and indicates that selective targeted therapy against Notch may be an important tool to treat autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis.
On the estimation of soil moisture profile and surface fluxes partitioning from sequential assimilation of surface layer soil moisture

Abstract Recent studies have shown that a variety of remote sensing techniques may be used for the estimation of soil moisture over large areas. The shallow moisture sensing depth of passive microwave measurements, however, limits the use of remotely sensed soil moisture for many land–atmosphere interaction studies. In this study, a method is proposed for soil moisture profile estimation by sequential assimilation of surface layer soil moisture using a four-layer land surface model. A key difference between this and earlier approaches is that it evaluates the relative merits of daily assimilation of microwave measurements of surface soil wetness and measurements of rainfall for the estimation of soil moisture profile. We compare and contrast the profile estimation from assimilation of soil moisture and rainfall measurements using observed data sets from the Kansas prairie in the United States. Influence of measurement error, frequency of assimilation, and availability of precipitation measurements on the estimation of soil moisture profile is also explored.
A comparative study of atmospheric conductivity at ground level and at one meter above ground

Observations made at various locations, with portable apparatus, from within New York City to one-hundred miles of the city show the following results: (1) The total conductivities at ground level and at one meter above ground are not equal. In general, the one-meter conductivity is greater than the ground during the day, but at night the ground value is the greater. Also, for high values of conductivity the total one-meter conductivity is greater than that at ground level. For lower values the reverse is the case. This might not be true for all locations. (2) The ratios of the polar conductivities of one sign at ground level to the corresponding values at one meter are not constant, and the ratio of the total conductivity at ground level to that at one meter is not constant. (3) These ratios depend upon wind velocities, the amount of pollution in the air, on the nature of the terrain, and upon the time, i. e., day or night.
Line & Page Breaks

The concepts of badness and penalties are central to these algorithms, which themselves are of interest to the advanced user. The concept of badness was described in section 3.16. Penalties were discussed in the Introduction (page 5. The reader should review these before reading any further, but here is a short recap.
Throughput analysis of Delay Tolerant Networks with finite buffers

Modeling the fundamental limits of communication in intermittently connected mobile wireless scenarios is an important problem in understanding such networks. Real-world deployments such as delay tolerant networks (DTNs) exhibit such intermittent connectivity. In addition, the effect of finite buffers in such communication paradigms requires investigation. This paper deals with the problem of modeling the throughput and message delivery delay in networks modeled by nodes performing a random walk on a grid-graph. In addition to finite buffer effects, features such as channel access constraints are introduced in the model , presenting a fairly realistic networking scenario. By means of identifying simple, finite-state embedded Markov chains in such mobile systems, closed-form solutions for the problems addressed may be obtained.
A Tactical Information Management Middleware for Resource-Constrained Mobile P2P Networks

In this paper we provide an architecture for Tactical Information Middleware for bandwidth constrained information management. We propose the ideas of rank-based data dissemination, and the use of a tactical information management query language. These ideas will deal with dynamic changes in bandwidth and explore opportunistic data dissemination. Thus, will lead to a cross layer design of a system capable of handling the dynamic data management issues relevant in many mission critical applications.
Nanostructured polymers with high surface area using inorganic templates for the efficient extraction of anionic dyes from solutions

A protonated polyaniline-functionalized SBA-15 mesoporous silica nanomaterial (H+-PANI/SBA-15) with high surface area and ideal surface properties for the adsorption of anionic dyes is synthesized. Compared with the conventional emeraldine salt of polyaniline (H+-PANI), H+-PANI/SBA-15 has a significantly higher adsorption capacity for the anionic dye Orange G and is a more effective sorbent for the removal of anionic pollutants from wastewater.
Dynamic imaging of speech and swallowing with MRI

Dynamic imaging with MRI holds great promise for visualizing soft tissue structures in the oropharyngeal region during speech and swallowing studies. However, MRI suffers from historically slow acquisition speed and sensitivity to significant magnetic susceptibility differences in this region. In this work, we describe our efforts in creating high temporal resolution, serial acquisitions of the muscles of the oropharyngeal region. We describe our imaging approach that leads to acquisition rates of up to 21 frames per second. Additionally, we compare the serial acquisition scheme to gated acquisitions that suffer from temporal blur due to limited repeatability of the dynamic action.
Data-Driven and Feedback Based Spectro-Temporal Features for Speech Recognition

This paper proposes novel data-driven and feedback based discriminative spectro-temporal filters for feature extraction in automatic speech recognition (ASR). Initially a first set of spectro-temporal filters are designed to separate each phoneme from the rest of the phonemes. A hybrid Hidden Markov Model/Multilayer Perceptron (HMM/MLP) phoneme recognition system is trained on the features derived using these filters. As a feedback to the feature extraction stage, top confusions of this system are identified, and a second set of filters are designed specifically to address these confusions. Phoneme recognition experiments on TIMIT show that the features derived from the combined set of discriminative filters outperform conventional speech recognition features, and also contain significant complementary information.
Thermo-physical properties for severe accident analysis

Several modern aspects of the severe accident analysis can not be understood if the engineer does not have accurate information of the material properties for the participating structural materials in solid, in liquid and in some cases in gaseous states. Chapter 17 contains valuable sets of thermo-physical and transport properties for severe accident analysis for the following materials: uranium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, stainless steel, zirconium, aluminum, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, iron oxide, molybdenum, boron oxide, reactor corium, sodium, lead, bismuth and lead-bismuth alloys. The emphasis is on the complete and consistent thermo dynamical sets of analytical approximations appropriate for computational analysis.
Efficient generation of electricity from methane using high temperature fuel cells - status, challenges and prospects.

High temperature fuel cells (HTFCs), comprising solid oxide fuel cells and molten carbonate fuel cells, present efficient means for generating electricity from methane and natural gas. The high quality heat generated by HTFCs allows operation in the combined heat and power mode (CHP) to further enhance efficiency. The overall fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiency of an HTFC system operating in CHP mode can approach up to 80 %. Despite the high operating efficiency of HTFCs, high capital costs and durability issues have hindered their widespread commercialization. This article provides an overview of the operating principles, technical challenges, commercialization status of HTFCs, and outlines the strategies being adopted to lower capital costs and increase durability.
Laser technology: Theory and operating principles: Application of the principles of quantum electronics has yielded hundreds of lasers whose wavelengths span from the infrared to the X-ray region of the spectrum

A brief overview is presented of the theory and operation of the laser and its most prominent applications. The treatment covers the new wavelengths that have been obtained by researchers and the methods by which radiation is shifted from a fixed wavelength laser to the desired portion of the spectrum (wavelength conversion). Three of the most efficient and most commonly used techniques for this conversion are discussed. These are stimulated Raman scattering, optical harmonic generation, and the operation of optical parametric oscillators.
Valuation of Callable Bonds: The Salomon Brothers Approach

This paper explain, analyze and apply in an example the original paper developed by Kopprasch, Boyce, Koenigsberg, Tatevossian, and Yampol (1987) from The Salomon Brothers Inc. Bond Portfolio Analysis Group. Please, be aware. This paper is for educational issues only. There is a Spanish version in EconWPA.
Factors Associated with Willingness to Use Mental Health Services in Korean Immigrants.

Responding to the concern about underutilization of mental health services in immigrant populations, the present study explored the factors associated with Korean immigrants' willingness to use mental health services. Guided by Andersen's behavioral model, consideration was given to the role of predisposing (age, gender, marital status, education, and years in the United States), need (depressive symptoms), and enabling (health insurance, acculturation, and personal beliefs about depression) variables. The study estimated, using data from a sample of 205 Korean immigrants (ages 18-45), a logistic regression model of willingness to use mental health services. Although participants experiencing more depressive symptoms tend to be less willing to use these services (odds ratio [OR] = .89, p < .05), an increase in the odds of willingness to use them are found among women (OR = 2.52, p < .01), highly acculturated individuals (OR = 1.09, p < .05), and individuals who believe that depression is a medical condition (OR = 4.71, p < .01). Educational interventions focused on increasing mental health literacy may be beneficial in promoting mental health services for Korean immigrants.
BOLETES DESCRIBED BY CHARLES C. FROST

The location and quantity of original specimens of boletes described by C. C. Frost are documented. Six known types are listed, and 19 additional ones are designated. The concepts of Boletus miniato-olivaceus and B. ferrugineus are refined, microscopic data are added for other species, relationships are postulated, and Suillus salmonicolor is proposed as a new combination.
Alfalfa Crop Micrometeorology and Its Relation to Insect Pest Biology and Control

Micrometeorology of summer alfalfa in Phoenix, Ariz., and its relation to resident insect pests, particularly the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), is discussed. Solar and net radiation, air and soil temperatures, wind speed, relative humidity, evaporation, soil heat flux, and soil moisture data were collected at weekly intervals throughout a typical growing cycle. Measurements were made concurrently within a mature uncut canopy and a freshly cut field to emphasize the impact that periodic canopy removal has on insect populations. Evapotranspiration and shading by a dense interlocking canopy prevented midday temperatures from reaching 35°C (Tamb = 44°C) and kept vapor pressure deficits (VPD) less than 10 mm Hg. Simultaneous measurements in the cut field revealed surface temperatures of 63°C and VPD's at +1 cm of 77 mm Hg. Temperatures and VPD's in the cut field 1 wk after irrigation were more moderate in comparison. The windrow microenvironment provides a temporary refuge from climatic extremes present in the cut field until plant growth, stimulated by irrigation, produces conditions more favorable for insect development. Eggs and larvae are especially limited by the microclimatic extremes and reduced food supply during the pre irrigation period. Pupae collected from burrows beneath windrow vegetation exhibited significantly less mortality than those collected in the open. Adults utilize both windrow microhabitat and cracks within the soil surface to reduce evaporative water loss and prevent body temperatures from surpassing physiological tolerances. Cultural practices which maximize the effect of macroclimatic extremes such as timed cutting, rapid windrow removal, and a short delay in irrigation are indicated when insect populations attain economically important levels.
Digestive action of human gastric juice.

Summary1. The digestive capacity of human gastric juice, adjusted to pH 1.6-1.7, has been measured by perfusion of the cat's esophagus. 2. The gastric secretions of patients with duodenal ulcer, patients in the early postoperative period, and acutely ill patients showed significantly increased necrotizing effects on the esophagus as compared with controls. Gastric secretions from patients with gastric cancer and benign gastric ulcer showed no such increased digestive activity. 3. Peptic activity measured in vitro was significantly increased in duodenal ulcer patients and patients in the postoperative period. The mean pH values were significantly lower than control values in duodenal and gastric ulcer patients, postoperative patients and acutely ill patients.
Changes in the Concentration of Certain Amino Acids in Homogenates of the Yellow Mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, During Aging

A chromatographic study of amino acids separated from homogenates of adult yellow mealworms, Tenebrio molitor L., of different ages obtained from young and old parents showed that methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophane, and tyrosine decreased during aging in each parental age group. Except for methionine, the changes were greater in beetles from old, than in those from young, parents. The decreases in phenylalanine and tyrosine probably are associated with cuticular pigmentation, and in tryptophane with ommochrome pigments of the eye and other structures. Methionine may be converted to cysteine which may bind free radicals. Its decrease may be concerned with changes associated with aging. Alanine, lysine, proline, threonine, and valine did not show changes which could be associated with aging or with parental age.
AIDS Related Knowledge,Attitude and Behaviors among Medical College Students

Objective To understand the status of knowledge,attitude and behavior about AIDS among medical students,and to provide basis for further health education.Methods An administered questionnaire survey,with the contents of AIDS knowledge,attitude and practice,was conducted among 1451 medical college students from Grade One to Four anonymously.Results A total of 1451 students were investigated.95.0% of them knew three transmission routes of HIV.57.6% of them believed that mosquito bite could transmit HIV,and the rate of recognition about other non-transmission routes was over 85.0%.About 78.0% of them knew that condom use could prevent HIV.56.0% of them responded that they would like to help and care people with HIV/AIDS.The major routes of acquiring the knowledge about HIV/AIDS were though TV,journals,newspapers and school education.76(5.2%) of 1451 students had sex in the past.The rate of condom use was very low.The reasons that they did not use condoms were that they were not willing to do so,and thought it unnecessary to use condoms for sex.Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen health education on HIV/AIDS,arrange the special course in the curriculum and conduct various activities of HIV/AIDS publicity,and improve the knowledge of AIDS and reduce risk behaviors in order to curb AIDS epidemic among the youth.
Hypoglycemia and cerebral autoregulation in anesthetized dogs.

We examined the effects of moderate hypoglycemia with near-normal cerebral glucose consumption on cerebral autoregulation during graded hemorrhagic hypotension in anesthetized dogs. Four groups of animals (n = 8 each) were studied: normoglycemia, insulin-induced hypoglycemia (1.1 mM), normoglycemia plus alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade [propranolol (1 mg/kg loading dose + 1 mg.kg-1.h-1 infusion) plus phentolamine (2 mg/kg loading dose + 2 mg/min infusion)], and hypoglycemia plus alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade. As cerebral perfusion pressure was reduced to 40-50 mmHg, cerebral blood flow and O2 consumption increased in the hypoglycemic group. These increases were not observed after adrenergic blockade or in the normoglycemic groups. The perfusion pressure at which cerebrovascular resistance was minimal was higher during hypoglycemia (40 mmHg) and hypoglycemia plus blockade (50 mmHg) than in either of the normoglycemic groups (30 mmHg). This study demonstrates that hypoglycemia increases the lower limit of cerebral autoregulation during hypotension. Furthermore, adrenergic mechanisms acting during combined hypoglycemia and hemorrhagic hypotension increase cerebral blood flow and O2 consumption and attenuate the hypoglycemia-induced increase in the lower limit of autoregulation.
Rabies — New Challenges by an Ancient Foe

It has only been four years since Dr. Jean Smith presented to the 5th session of this series of symposia an excellent talk entitled “The Changing World of Rabies” (Baer and Smith, 1986). That very timely report discussed new techniques in laboratory diagnosis, new knowledge of the pathogenesis of rabies and the host’s immune response, the exciting developments in monoclonal antibody analysis for strain differentiation, and hopeful trends in prevention and treatment of rabies. But it is worthwhile to check in again on the progress that is being made — and the challenges that still remain. I’ll need to repeat some of the topics covered in 1985, but will highlight some other new information as well; and anyway, this audience has changed; and the fascination and challenge of rabies are as great as ever.
Brain Training with Video Games in Covert Hepatic Encephalopathy

Despite the associated adverse outcomes, pharmacologic intervention for covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) is not the standard of care. We hypothesized that a video game-based rehabilitation program would improve white matter integrity and brain connectivity in the visuospatial network on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), resulting in improved cognitive function in CHE subjects on measures consistent with the cognitive skill set emphasized by the two video games (e.g., IQ Boost-visual working memory, and Aim and Fire Challenge-psychomotor speed), but also generalize to thinking skills beyond the focus of the cognitive training (Hopkins verbal learning test (HVLT)-verbal learning/memory) and improve their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The trial included three phases over 8 weeks; during the learning phase (cognitive tests administered twice over 2 weeks without intervening intervention), training phase (daily video game training for 4 weeks), and post-training phase (testing 2 weeks after the video game training ended). Thirty CHE patients completed all visits with significant daily achievement on the video games. In a subset of 13 subjects that underwent brain MRI, there was a significant decrease in fractional anisotropy, and increased radial diffusivity (suggesting axonal sprouting or increased cross-fiber formation) involving similar brain regions (i.e., corpus callosum, internal capsule, and sections of the corticospinal tract) and improvement in the visuospatial resting-state connectivity corresponding to the video game training domains. No significant corresponding improvement in HRQOL or HVLT performance was noted, but cognitive performance did transiently improve on cognitive tests similar to the video games during training. Although multimodal brain imaging changes suggest reductions in tract edema and improved neural network connectivity, this trial of video game brain training did not improve the HRQOL or produce lasting improvement in cognitive function in patients with CHE.
SIRT1 as a potential biomarker of response to treatment with glatiramer acetate in multiple sclerosis

SIRT1, a NAD dependent histone and protein deacetylase, is a member of the histone deacetylase class III family. We previously showed that SIRT1 mRNA expression is significantly lower in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients during relapses than in stable patients. We have now investigated SIRT1 as a possible biomarker to predict relapse as well as responsiveness to glatiramer acetate (GA) treatment in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients. Over the course of 2years, a cohort of 15 GA-treated RRMS patients were clinically monitored using the Expanded Disability Status Scale and assessed for MS relapses. Blood samples collected from MS patients were analyzed for levels of SIRT1 and histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) acetylation and dimethylation. During relapses, MS patients had a lower expression of SIRT1 mRNA than did stable MS patients. In addition, there was a significant decrease in H3K9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) during relapses in MS patients when compared to stable patients (p=0.01). Responders to GA treatment had significantly higher SIRT1 mRNA (p=0.01) and H3K9me2 levels than did non-responders (p=0.018). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess the predictive power of SIRT1 and H3K9me2 as putative biomarkers: for SIRT1 mRNA, the predictive value for responsiveness to GA treatment was 70% (p=0.04) and for H3K9me2 was 71% (p=0.03). Our data suggest that SIRT1 and H3K9me2 could serve as potential biomarkers for evaluating patients' responsiveness to GA therapy in order to help guide treatment decisions in MS.
Characterization of mathematics instructional practises for prospective elementary teachers with varying levels of self-efficacy in classroom management and mathematics teaching

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between prospective teachers’ (PTs) instructional practises and their efficacy beliefs in classroom management and mathematics teaching. A sequential, explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. Results from efficacy surveys, implemented with 54 PTs were linked to a sample of teachers’ instructional practises during the qualitative phase. In this phase, video-recorded lessons were analysed based on tasks, representations, discourse, and classroom management. Findings indicate that PTs with higher levels of mathematics teaching efficacy taught lessons characterised by tasks of higher cognitive demand, extended student explanations, student-to-student discourse, and explicit connections between representations. Classroom management efficacy seems to bear influence on the utilised grouping structures. These findings support explicit attention to PTs’ mathematics teaching and classroom management efficacy throughout teacher preparation and a need for formative feedback to inform development of beliefs about teaching practises.
Protective Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Against the Development of Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture in Mice.

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem or stromal cells found in multiple tissues. Intravenous MSC injections have been used to treat various diseases with an inflammatory component in animals and humans. Inflammation is emerging as a key component of pathophysiology of intracranial aneurysms. Modulation of inflammation by MSCs may affect sustained inflammatory processes that lead to aneurysmal rupture. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of MSCs on the development of aneurysm rupture using a mouse model. METHODS Intracranial aneurysms were induced with a combination of a single elastase injection into the cerebrospinal fluid and deoxycorticosterone acetate salt-induced hypertension in mice. We administered allogeneic bone marrow-derived MSCs or vehicle, 6 and 9 d after aneurysm induction. RESULTS MSC administration significantly reduced rupture rate (vehicle control vs MSCs, 90% vs 36%; P < .05). In cell culture experiments with an MSC and mast cell coculture, MSCs stabilized mast cells through cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-dependent production of prostaglandin E2, thereby reducing the release of proinflammatory cytokines from mast cells. Pretreatment of MSCs with COX-2 inhibitor, NS-398, abolished the protective effect of MSCs against the development of aneurysm rupture. CONCLUSION Intravenous administration of MSCs after aneurysm formation prevented aneurysmal rupture in mice. The protective effect of MSCs against the development of aneurysm rupture appears to be mediated in part by the stabilization of mast cells by MSCs.
Business Processes & Operations

This technical note defines and provides example calculations for certain process analysis concepts—capacity, bottleneck, cycle time, throughput time, Little's Law—relating inventory, throughput time, and throughput rate. Excerpt UVA-OM-1013 BUSINESS PROCESSES & OPERATIONS This note serves as an introduction to processes in business. It provides a background of terminology and measurements of processes and an example of using these tools to analyze a process. Effective business managers must be able to understand processes and make knowledgeable decisions on how to improve operations. Importance of Operations Processes Every business has a set of processes whose goal is to add value for customers. An organization's success is frequently determined by how effectively operations can satisfy customers' expectations. Operations fulfillment is often a critical part of realizing an organization's strategy. There are countless examples of businesses that depend upon their operational excellence for success. For instance, Wal-Mart's strategy is to be the low-cost retailer of general merchandise. Wal-Mart is the undisputable market leader because its operations processes are the best in supply-chain management, and its efficiency allows significant cost savings through best-practice distribution and inventory. Therefore, discount-store customers choose Wal-Mart because it offers the lowest prices with reasonable service. Alternatively, Ritz-Carlton hotels' strategy focuses on providing the highest personal service at a premium price. Their customers expect extraordinary service in return for the high rates of their hotel. Therefore, the operations at each hotel must ensure that every staff member provides superior service to their guests. . . .
A Preliminary Model of End-User Information Processing in the Software Exception Context

Exception management is a critical design function of organizational information systems (IS) whose effectiveness relies, in large part, on end-user decision-making about how to proceed. Because IS increasingly support the underlying business processes of the company, careless mismanagement of IS exceptions pose substantial risks to corporate information and operations. As a step toward better understanding this area of end-user computing, our study develops a theoretical model of end-user decision-making when faced with IS exceptions. Specifically, we apply heuristic-systematic processing theory to identify salient individual-, task-, and exception- related factors that predict when end-users will engage in effortful, more-thorough information processing when encountering an IS exception. The results can aid both managers and system designers in the development of interventions aimed at improving end-user management of IS exceptions.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 enhance human osteogenesis in vitro by synergistically accelerating the expression of bone-specific genes

To improve definition of the physical and hormonal support of bone formation, we studied differentiation of human osteoblasts in vitro at varying combinations of ACTH, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D), and extracellular calcium, with and without added cortisol. Bone mineralization, alkaline phosphatase activity, and osteoblast-specific markers RunX2, osterix, and collagen I increased with 10 pM ACTH, 10 nM 1,25(OH)2D, or at 2 mM calcium with important synergistic activity of combinations of any of these stimuli. Signals induced by ACTH at 10–30 min included cAMP, TGF-β, and Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Affymetrix gene expression analysis showed that 2 h treatment of ACTH or 1,25(OH)2D increased the expression of bone regulating and structural mRNAs, including collagen I, biglycan, the vitamin D receptor, and TGF-β. Accelerating expression of these bone-specific genes was confirmed by quantitative PCR. Expression of 1,25(OH)2D 1α-hydroxylase (1α-hydroxylase) increased with 1,25(OH)2D, ACTH, and extracellular calcium from 0.5 to 2 mM. Unlike renal 1α-hydroxylase, in osteoblasts, 1α-hydroxylase activity is independent of parathyroid hormone. In keeping with calcium responsivity, calcium-sensing receptor RNA and protein increased with 10 nM ACTH or 1,25(OH)2D. Inclusion of 200 nM cortisol or 10 nM ACTH in differentiation media blunted osteoblasts alkaline phosphatase response to 1,25(OH)2D and calcium. Our results point to the importance of ACTH in bone maintenance and that extra skeletal (renal) 1,25(OH)2D is required for bone mineralization despite 1α-hydroxylase expression by osteoblasts.
Energy Consumption – Bitcoin’s Achilles Heel

Bitcoin as a cryptocurrency has received wide public interest. As a decentralized transaction system, Bitcoin relies on the mining process, which is a necessary process to validate transactions. The mining process involves solving complex crypto-puzzles which requires significantly high computing power. This resource-hungry process has a significant impact on the energy consumption of the system. Our study looks at the mining process and the resources required to process large volumes of transactions. Using data from September 2014 to November 2018, we investigate how the mining protocol impacts the computing capacity needs of miners. We demonstrate that the complexity of the crypto-puzzle and the transaction volume significantly increase computing resource needs which in turn raises the energy consumption. We estimate that the energy demand from mining activities will drain 17.96 Gigawatt if the system processes 100 million transactions per week. Our findings suggest that the mining protocol drains significant resource requirements both from a computing hardware and energy consumption needs that the future growth of the Bitcoin network and the use of Bitcoin as a currency could be questionable.
Heavy anionic complex creates a unique water structure at a soft charged interface

Ion hydration and interfacial water play crucial roles in numerous phenomena ranging from biological to industrial systems. Although biologically relevant (and mostly smaller) ions have been studie...
The Politics of Precariousness and Resilience in Contemporary Colombian Films

This essay examines how a group of Colombian filmmakers, working under precarious conditions, portray the lives of vulnerable people. Oscar Ruiz Navia, with El vuelco del cangrejo (2009) and Los hongos (2014), William Vega with La sirga (2011), and Cesar Acevedo with La tierra y la sombra (2015) all focus on characters dealing with loss or dramatic changes in their lives, caused directly or indirectly by various forms of violence. They portray individuals from marginalized Colombian communities whose ways of life have been greatly impacted by both the decades-old internal war and the neoliberalization of the country’s economy. But these characters also engage in endeavors that reveal them to be strong, determined, and proud. Building on Judith Butler’s argument that loss can open up space for creativity and agency, the chapter reflects on the dual politics of precariousness and empowerment played out in these films, weaving into this analysis an examination of the production of the films, which evidences a different kind of precariousness. Competing both nationally and internationally for funding, these filmmakers are compelled to enter into a dialogue with diverse audiences and discourses. Their response has been to work collaboratively, a strategy that has both helped them secure funding to get their films made and shaped their individual styles around a joint project. In both the films’ textuality and their making, personal and local dilemmas are intertwined with more global challenges in a space where precariousness and resilience coexist.
Modified High-Dose Melphalan and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis.

Abstract High-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) have been used in patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis for over 2 decades now with durable responses, prolonged survival, and decreasing treatment-related mortality. Historically, patients with poorer baseline functional status, advanced age, renal compromise, and cardiac involvement have been treated with a risk-adapted modified conditioning dose of melphalan (mHDM) of 100 to 140 mg/m2 before SCT. In part because of these baseline characteristics, patients receiving mHDM/SCT have had poorer outcomes compared with patients receiving full-dose melphalan at 200 mg/m2. With the advent of novel therapeutic agents such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of AL amyloidosis, it is imperative to understand the long-term effects of mHDM/SCT. Here we report the long-term outcomes of 334 patients with AL amyloidosis treated with mHDM/SCT. Median overall survival was 6.1 years and median event-free survival 4.3 years, with median overall survival reaching 13.4 years for patients who had achieved a hematologic complete response (CR). Overall hematologic response rate was 69%, and treatment-related mortality was 3% after 2010. Thus, mHDM/SCT leads to prolonged survival and favorable outcomes, especially if a hematologic CR is achieved.
Advances in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: Targeting Receptors of Disease

The successful targeting of angiogenesis and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway has impacted the care of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Bevacizumab was the first antiangiogenic agent to show survival benefit in first-line setting and further trials suggested similar efficacy in the second-line and maintenance settings. Cetuximab is an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody that improved clinical outcomes for irinotecan-refractory advanced CRC patients and its role in first-line setting is under investigation. Panitumumab is a humanized anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody shown to improve the survival of treatment-refractory advanced CRC patients but failed to achieve similar benefits in first-line setting. Current research effort in CRC therapy focuses on developing the optimal approaches to integrate these biological agents into clinical care.
The Long Waves: Evolution or Chaos?

An intriguing aspect of the advance of knowledge in theoretical physics is the link between microcosmos — the atom and its constituents — and macro-cosmos — the nebulosae, distant Milky Ways, and black holes. Apparently, knowledge about elementary particles such as protons and bosons and muons can be directly translated into knowledge about the “big bang,” the birth of the universe, and its possible future.
Avoiding and Managing Complications in Shoulder Labral Repair

As participation in overhead and collision athletics increases, so does the risk of shoulder instability. Many young and middle-age individuals are interested in activities that place their shoulders at risk. Since age is a factor, there is a limited window of opportunity to return to playing a sport. Sports medicine physicians need to apply the best possible techniques to allow the athlete to continue his or her participation while minimizing the risk of developing premature degenerative arthritis.1 The athletes’ expectations are high and many feel that most can be returned to full participation. The obstacle that stands in the way of a full recovery is recurrence of instability and avoiding complications. This chapter will address commonly seen complications that can limit successful surgical repair of an unstable shoulder. The complications included are recurrence of instability, shoulder stiffness, implant complications, articular destruction due to inflammation or chondrolysis, and degenerative arthritis.
Improving Behavior by Using Multicomponent Self-Monitoring within a Targeted Reading Intervention.

Many researchers have documented the interrelatedness of reading and behavior (McIntosh, Sadler, & Brown, 2012). Thus, research examining the best way to intervene with students who exhibit problem...
Chylothorax: an assessment of current surgical management.

The development of chylothorax is a serious and often life-threatening clinical entity. Optimal management of this problem has not been well defined to date. We reviewed our experience with chylothorax in patients of all ages during the past 10 years. Ages ranged from 2 days to 69 years. The etiologies were traumatic in 17 and congenital or idiopathic in three. Six patients (five infants) were treated nonoperatively with either repeated thoracenteses or chest tube drainage. Fourteen patients (11 infants) underwent operative treatment: transthoracic thoracic duct ligation (five patients), pleuroperitoneal shunting (seven), pleuroperitoneal shunting combined with reoperation on a patient with congenital heart disease (one), and reoperation alone on a patient with congenital heart disease (one). Duration of preoperative therapy ranged from 9 days to 2 months (average 3.3 weeks). Five of six (83.3%) patients treated nonoperatively died. Of the surgically treated group, only two of 14 (14.3 %) died, and 11 of the 12 survivors had resolution of the chylothorax and immediate clinical improvement Our experience suggests that both pediatric and adult patients respond poorly to nonoperative treatment of chylothorax and that this treatment has a high mortality rate. Post-traumatic and congenital chylothorax should be treated operatively after a limited trial (1 to 2 weeks) of nonoperative therapy. Pleuroperitoneal shunting may offer a reasonable and effective alternative to thoracotomy and thoracic duct ligation.
The adoption decision: a human capital approach

The decision to adopt technological innovations was analyzed. A rate of adoption (adjustment) model was transposed into a single period model of the adoption decision. The decision to adopt was specified as an adjustment to a disequilibrium in the "optimal" set of inputs. The probability of adoption was determined by the level of innovative ability and the scale of production. Education, experience, and the availability of information were hypothesized to be measurable dimensions of innovative ability;The empirical results show that increases in education and information enhance innovative ability, and thereby raise the probability of adoption. Operators with more education and those who acquire more information about the use of new products and procedures are more aware of innovative factors of production, are more efficient evaluating the productive characteristics and costs of those innovations, and are more likely to adjust their utilized set of inputs through adoption. The estimated effect of increases in experience, however, did not support the hypothesis of the innovative ability model of adoption. The results also showed that operators are more cognizant of innovative factors when they can be applied in the larger scale activities of the operation. Also, scale economies in the usage of information exist, but the benefits realized by the average operator were small in relation to the potential benefits provided by larger scales of production. The results, however, did not indicate, either because of limitations of the data or the model, that the economic variables which are measurable dimensions of innnovative ability substitute for or complement each other's contribution to innovative efficiency. The results also suggest that if an innovation can be employed along with current inputs it is more likely to be adopted than if it displaces currently utilized inputs.
STUDIES ON THE USE OF PLASTIC PETRI DISHES FOR THE CULTIVATION OF BACTERIA1

Studies were made to determine whether or not plastic petri dishes affected bacterial growth when used in routine bacteriological examinations. No evidence of toxicity was demonstrated by the pour ...
SHUNT THE FRONT DOOR: PFO CLOSURE IN A PATIENT WITH PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

A right to left intracardiac shunt through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) can present with persistent unexplained hypoxia. When identified and in the appropriate patient population, an intracardiac closure device should be deployed. A 79 year old female with a history of scleroderma complicated by
Using Consumer Perceptions of a Voice-Activated Speaker Device as an Educational Tool

Voice-activated smart speakers, with their ease of setup, low cost, and versatility, could be an affordable and accessible way to improve health and mental health outcomes. In 2018, there were a total of 320 comments generated from verified purchases of a voice-activated smart speaker. These comments revealed there could be potential benefits of reducing loneliness and social isolation for adult users, especially for the older population. However, further research is warranted to determine whether using such devices would be harmful to children's physical or mental development.
Identifying Distinct Subgroups of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth for Suicide Risk: A Latent Profile Analysis.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the study was to identify profiles of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth who are at risk for suicidal behavior. Method Data were collected through the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (N = 2,738). We used latent profile analysis to create identity profiles using variables associated with suicide, including bullying, alcohol use, poor grades, electronics use, and sleep hours. Results The LPA revealed a 6-class solution. Class 6 represented the highest risk profile with the highest scores in alcohol, bullying, poor grades, electronics use, and the least sleep and were 17 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to class 2 (the lowest-risk class). Classes 1, 3, 4, and 5 had a mixture of both high and low risk mean scores across the variables, with class 3 showing the strongest relationship to suicide (7 times more likely than class 2). Conclusion Because high-risk classes in our study had multiple factors contributing to associations to suicide, programming aimed at attenuating youth suicide among LGB youth may benefit from addressing multiple issues simultaneously (e.g., substance use and bullying). This would be a departure from more traditional programs for LGB youth which are predicated on one specific risk behavior, such as coping with bullying or substance use separately.