cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship of the Amount of Physical Therapy to Time Lost From Work and Costs in the Workers' Compensation System

: Physical therapy (PT) is perceived as a cost driver in the US workers' compensation system. We conducted a 5-year (2013 to 2017) retrospective analysis utilizing 192,197 claims from a large Texas based workers' compensation insurance company to describe the relationship between the amount of physical therapy delivered and workers' compensation costs and lost-time. Closed, indemnity claims with 15 or more PT visits were six times more likely (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.50, 86.58) to result in high medical costs (>$7000, excluding PT costs) and were four times more likely (95% CI: 3.77, 4.42) to result in more than or equal to 6 months of lost-time, when controlling for confounders. When the number of PT visits more than or equal to 15 visits for a lost time claim, this level of PT exceeds all other predictors (opioid use, comorbidities, legal involvement, surgery, etc) of medical cost and extended time out from work.
Further examination of the effects of recombinant cytokines on the proliferation of human megakaryocyte progenitor cells.

The effect of several recombinant cytokines, including interleukin-3 (IL-3), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL- 6, and IL-1 alpha, on megakaryocyte (MK) colony formation by a normal human bone marrow subpopulation (CD34+ DR+), enriched for the MK colony- forming unit (CFU-MK), was studied using a serum-depleted, fibrin clot culture system. IL-3 and GM-CSF, but not IL-6 or IL-1 alpha, stimulated MK colony formation by CD34+ DR+ cells. However, the addition of IL-1 alpha to CD34+ DR+ cultures containing IL-6 resulted in the appearance of CFU-MK-derived colonies, suggesting that IL-6 requires the presence of IL-1 alpha to exhibit its MK colony-stimulating activity (MK-CSA). Addition of neutralizing antibodies to IL-3 and GM-CSF, but not to IL-6 and IL-1 alpha, specifically inhibited the MK-CSA of IL-3 and GM-CSF, respectively. The addition of either anti-IL-6, anti-IL-1 alpha, or anti-IL-3 antisera to cultures containing both IL-6 and IL-1 alpha totally abolished the MK-CSA of the IL-6/IL-1 alpha combination. However, neither anti-IL-3 nor anti-GM-CSF antisera could totally neutralize the additive effect of the combination of IL-3 and GM-CSF on MK colony formation, indicating that these two cytokines act by affecting distinct effector pathways. These results suggest that while IL-3 and GM-CSF can directly affect CFU-MK-derived colony formation, IL- 1 alpha and IL-6 act in concert to promote de novo elaboration of IL-3 and thereby promote CFU-MK proliferative capacity.
Evidence-Based Treatment Targets, Selection, and Strategies for Acute Manic and Mixed Episodes of Bipolar I Disorder

Too many patients receive incorrect treatment for bipolar disorder; prescribing seems to differ more by clinician than by patient characteristics. New treatment guidelines are available for the management of acute manic episodes and can help clinicians make treatment decisions tailored to their patients' individual symptom clusters and illness characteristics, leading to greater chances of lasting remission. However, many clinicians lack familiarity with these symptom targeting best practices. Therefore, clinicians need education on how to manage bipolar I disorder symptoms with evidence-based treatment options. In addition, as new treatment targets are identified, clinicians need education on psychopharmacologic and pharmacokinetic advances.
On the long‐term stability of reference gases for atmospheric O2/N2 and CO2 measurements

Measurements of changes in the atmospheric O 2 /N 2 ratio have typically relied on compressed air derived from high-pressure tanks as the reference material against which atmospheric changes are assessed. The validity of this procedure is examined here in the context of the history of 18 O 2 /N 2 reference tanks compared over a 12-yr time-frame. By considering differences in tank sizes, material types, and by performing additional tests, the long-term stability of the delivered gas is evaluated with respect to surface reactions, leakage, regulator effects, and thermal diffusion and gravimetric fractionation. Results are also reported for the stability of CO 2 in these tanks. The results emphasize the importance of orienting tanks horizontally within a thermally insulated enclosure to reduce thermal and gravimetric fractionation of both O 2 /N 2 and CO 2 concentrations, and they emphasize the importance of avoiding elastomeric O-rings at the head-valve base. With the procedures documented here, the long-term drift in O 2 /N 2 appears to be zero to within approximately ±0.4 per meg yr -1 , which projects to an uncertainty of ±0.16 Pg C yr -1 (1σ) in O 2 -based global carbon budgets. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.2006.00228.x
Vitamin d and stroke: Effects on incidence, severity, and outcome and the potential benefits of supplementation

Vitamin D serum level has been positively associated with improved cardiovascular health, especially with reduction of stroke risk. This systemic review summarizes and synthesizes findings from studies relevant to the relationship between vitamin D and stroke risk, severity, and outcome; potential mechanisms explaining such a relationship; and outcomes from vitamin D supplementation. The literature shows that vitamin D deficiency is a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke, with sun exposure, sex, age, race, diabetes, and genetics playing a role as well. Stroke severity and short- and long-term outcomes also worsen with vitamin D deficiency. The neuroprotective mechanisms by which vitamin D operates to mitigate stroke onset and outcomes have yet to be fully studied, but researchers have proposed several pathways, including promotion of certain neuroprotective growth factors, reduction of arterial pressure through vasodilation, and inhibition of reactive oxygen species. There is some evidence that vitamin D supplementation could lower stroke risk and improve recovery, though outcomes can also be negligible or negative. Although results are mixed and the limitations of vitamin D supplementation merit some caution, vitamin D overall plays a significant role in stroke health. Future research should further develop understanding of the neuroprotective mechanisms of vitamin D and study how supplementation could be administered effectively in stroke treatment.
Ethical Considerations for "Reopening" Health Care Organizations Amid COVID-19.

2020 has been an unprecedented time in contemporary US history, as drastic steps have been taken to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Many states established safer-at-home orders to enforce the Cent...
African American women managers' experiences in predominantly black work environments: a multiple case study

Research indicates that the agentic experience of the African American woman manager is unique and does not conform to the traditional gender standards of leadership. This study addressed the experiences of African American women managers in predominantly black work environments, as the implication of these experiences on their ability to lead remains unknown. To this end, a multiple-case study design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten African American women managers, and along with a literature review and reflective field notes constituted the major sources of data collection. Through thematic analysis and cross-case synthesis and analysis, eight categories enclosing a total of 12 themes were identified. The African American woman manager emphasises continuing education for career ascension and is determined to ascend in whatever arena provides the most likely opportunity for growth. This study makes an original contribution to the theoretical literature on intra-racial discrimination by offering insight into the experiences of the agentic African American woman leader and her experience as a double minority in a predominately black workplace. Recommendations are made for future research directions and social change initiatives on the topic of leadership experiences of African American women managers.
Distributed Machine Learning for Resilient Operation of Electric Systems

Power system resilience is crucial to ensure secure energy delivery to electricity consumers. Power system outages lead to economical and societal burdens for the society and industries. To mitigate the socio-economical impacts of a power outage, we need to develop efficient algorithms to ensure resilient operation of the power system. In this paper, we first explain the notion of data-driven resilience. Then, we present a pathway of leveraging edge intelligence to improve resilience. To this end, we propose a novel distributed machine learning paradigm. Our proposed structure relies on local Resilience Management Systems (RMS) that serve as intelligent decision-making entities in each area, e.g. an autonomous micro-grid or a smart home can act as RMS. The RMS agents, which are available in different areas, can share their local data (i.e., a microgrid's operational data) with their neighboring RMS to coordinate their decisions in a distributed fashion. This will provide two major advantages: 1) distributed intelligence replaces centralized decision-making leading to robust decision-making and enhanced resilience; 2) since local data are locally shared among all entities within an RMS, if one of the RMS agents fails to communicate with the rest of network, we still can maintain a feasible solution (which is not necessarily optimal). Finally, we presents different scenarios in the simulation results section that showcases the system performance for two buildings under various outage scenarios.
Intrinsic sources of tachykinin-related peptide in the thoracic ganglion mass of the crab, Cancer borealis.

Abstract Neuropeptides comprise the largest class of neural and neuroendocrine signaling molecules. Vertebrate tachykinins (TKs) and the structurally-related invertebrate tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs) together form the largest neuropeptide superfamily, with a number of conserved neural and neuroendocrine functions across species. Arthropods, including crustaceans, have provided many insights into neuropeptide signaling and function. Crustacean tachykinin-related peptide occurs in endocrine organs and cells and in two of the major crustacean CNS components, the supraoesophageal ganglion (“brain”) and the stomatogastric nervous system. However, little is known about TRP sources in the remaining major CNS component, the thoracic ganglion mass (TGM). To gain further insight into the function of this peptide, we aimed to identify intrinsic TRP sources in the TGM of the Jonah crab, Cancer borealis. We first adapted a clearing protocol to improve TRP immunoreactivity specifically in the TGM, which is a dense, fused mass of multiple ganglia in short-bodied crustaceans such as Cancer species of crabs. We verified that the clearing protocol avoided distortion of cell body morphology yet increased visibility of TRP immunoreactivity. Using confocal microscopy, we found TRP-immunoreactive (TRP-IR) axon tracts running the length of the TGM, TRP-IR neuropil in all ganglia, and approximately 110 TRP-IR somata distributed throughout the TGM, within and between ganglia. These somata likely represent both neural and neuroendocrine sources of TRP. Thus, there are many potential intrinsic sources of TRP in the TGM that are positioned to regulate behaviors such as food intake, locomotion, respiration, and reproduction.
Bacterial infections in lupus: Roles in promoting immune activation and in pathogenesis of the disease

Abstract Background Bacterial infections of the lung, skin, bloodstream and other tissues are common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) and are often more severe and invasive than similar infections in control populations. A variety of studies have explored the changes in bacterial abundance in lupus patients, the rates of infection and the influence of particular bacterial species on disease progression, using both human patient samples and mouse models of lupus. Objective The aim of this review is to summarize human and mouse studies that describe changes in the bacterial microbiome in lupus, the role of a leaky gut in stimulating inflammation, identification of specific bacterial species associated with lupus, and the potential roles of certain common bacterial infections in promoting lupus progression. Methods Information was collected using searches of the Pubmed database for articles relevant to bacterial infections in lupus and to microbiome changes associated with lupus. Results The reviewed studies demonstrate significant changes in the bacterial microbiome of lupus patients as compared to control subjects and in lupus-prone mice compared to control mice. Furthermore, there is evidence supporting the existence of a leaky gut in lupus patients and in lupus-prone mice. This leaky gut may allow live bacteria or bacterial components to enter the circulation and cause inflammation. Invasive bacterial infections are more common and often more severe in lupus patients. These include infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae and mycobacteria. These bacterial infections can trigger increased immune activation and inflammation, potentially stimulating activation of autoreactive lymphocytes and leading to worsening of lupus symptoms. Conclusions Together, the evidence suggests that lupus predisposes to infection, while infection may trigger worsening lupus, leading to a feedback loop that may reinforce autoimmune symptoms.
Grain Surface Simulator to Averiguate the Overlapping and Noise Problems on Computer Vision Granullometry of Fertilizers

The production of food for all the population in the world became the biggest concern. The population continues to grow and the number of farmable lands has been decreasing. To make the lands more productive, fertilizers are used on a larger scale. To guarantee the quality of the product, particle size analysis are made by mechanical sieving. With the time, the wear-out of the sieving in the fertilizer industry the results of the particle size analysis will be erroneous. So the computer vision appears as an alternative that is non-invasive and less time-consuming. In this context, this paper has the objective to develop a grain surface simulator capable of generating virtual images with overlapping grains, since there is a difficulty to obtain annotated data of images of fertilizers. In order to validate the proposed simulator using a DIP algorithm, noises are added in the virtual images to compare with the reality in the industry, to show how well the particle size analysis with computer vision were handled towards adversities. The results of the overlapping analysis show that when the virtual image has a fewer number of grains, the DIP algorithm can identify the majority of grains, consequently with less error in the particle size analysis. Different noises, at different intensities, have their effects analyzed on the algorithm. As the analyzes in this study match with the reality showing the consequences, tendencies, and errors of the overlapping of grains and noises in the images, the simulator developed here matches with reality and is extremely useful to facilitate the study of complex cases of application of visual computing and digital image processing in particle size analysis of fertilizers.
Whole grain claims: Do they matter?

Consumers are offered many food choices when grocery shopping and often use product package claims and labels to help in decision making. Although many studies have evaluated health‐related product claims, few have examined whole grain claims or the use of the whole grain stamp. Two experiments show that whole grain claims and stamp do influence consumer health perceptions about a fictitious brand of crackers. Also, consumer knowledge about whole grains is not always accurate. Based on the results, more consumer education is needed for consumers to make informed decisions. Public policy suggestions are provided.
Two Patterns for Conversational Closings in Instant Message Discourse

This paper investigates the methods used by speakers to end conversations in instant message discourse. The analysis describes two distinct patterns of closing sequences – expanded archetype closings and partially automated closings – used to make a closing relevant to the interaction. The structure of these patterns are demonstrated to be reliant upon speaker orientation to various social and technological aspects of the medium, such as online presence and program- created automated messages. The analysis concludes that the ways in which speakers close conversations are similar in structure to spoken closings in face- to-face interactions, though contoured specifically to the online medium in their application.
The Role of Fatigue in Return to Sport Testing Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

# Background Fatigue may play a role in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, but has not been incorporated into objective test batteries for return to sport decisions following ACL reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. The effect of fatigue on muscle function and performance following surgery and rehabilitation has been poorly studied. # Purpose/Hypothesis The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of fatigue on performance of various hop tests used in clinical rehabilitation settings by examining LSI scores. The authors hypothesized that participants will have worse limb symmetry index scores following the fatigue protocol and that the operative limb (ACLR) will have a greater decline in function than the non-operative limb (CON). # Study Design Cross-Sectional Study. # Methods Participants (n=21 \[Male = 15, Female = 6\]; AGE = 24.6 ± 9.3) were at least six months post ACLR and in rehabilitation. Testing was performed over two separate sessions in either a non-fatigued (NFS) or fatigued state (FS). In the FS, individuals performed a series of exercises to exhaust muscular endurance, strength, and power systems, after which they performed as battery of seven hop tests (single hop for distance, triple hop for distance, crossover hop for distance, 6-meter timed hop, lateral rotation hop for distance, medial rotation hop for distance, and vertical jump for height). A 2(limb) x 2(time) ANOVA was used to compare limbs between each state. # Results Differences between limbs (CON vs ACLR) were observed for all hop tests in the NFS whereby the ACLR limb was observed to have reduced performance (↓5.4-9.1%, *p* \<0.05). When tested in the FS, significant differences in performance between limbs remained for only the crossover (↓4.9%), medial rotation (↓7.1%), lateral rotation (↓5.5%), and vertical hop (↓10.0%)(*p*\<0.05). When comparing the NFS and FS states, only the CON limb was observed to have significant decreases in performance of the Triple Hop (↓7.4%), Crossover (↓8.7%), and Lateral Rotation (↓5.2%)(*p*\<0.05). # Conclusions Following ACL reconstruction, there appears to be a greater loss in jump performance in the CON limb in the FS. These findings suggest it may be crucial to consider and assess the endurance of both limbs rather than just the ACLR limb when determining readiness for return to play. # Level of Evidence Level 3
Evaluation of refolding conditions for a recombinant human interleukin-3 variant (daniplestim)

The refolding of daniplestim, a human interleukin-3 variant (SC-55494) from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies, was optimized using a reversed-phase HPLC method developed to permit quantification of the reduced and oxidized forms of daniplestim. The presence of cysteine or dithiothreitol accelerated refolding of daniplestim from E. coli inclusion body slurries dissolved in urea or guanidine solutions and was complete in 4-6 h. Regardless of the dissolution and refolding protocol used to renature daniplestim, equivalently bioactive protein was produced. Under refolding conditions, no covalent modification of daniplestim by cysteine or cyanate was observed. The folding process was characterized further by following the unfolding of purified daniplestim by far-UV CD and fluorescence spectroscopies under both oxidizing and reducing conditions at pH values between 7 and 11. Formation of the single disulphide bond had a large stabilizing effect on daniplestim structure ( approximately 4-5 kCal at pH 9.5). This thermodynamic stabilization drove the refolding process towards the native form, even under conditions where the reduced protein was largely unfolded. From these data, scaleable refolding conditions for daniplestim were established.
Automated Deburring by Robot Manipulators

The deburring process of manufactured parts has been investigated theoretically and experimentally as a frequency domain control problem with special regard to application by industrial robot manipulators. A new control strategy has been developed for precision deburring to guarantee the burr removal while compensating for robot oscillations and small uncertainties in the location of the part relative to the robot. Compliant tool-holders, designed according to the above control strategy, provide the required normal and tangential forces for deburring. A servo positioning table used to hold parts, has been considered in this study to compensate for robot oscillations up to 80% of robot oscillations. The robot, the compliant tool-holder, and the servo positioning table, working together with a closed-loop process control, from a new system that deburrs manufactured parts.
Smart antennas and digital beam forming

Summary form only given. The objective of the article is to describe an efficient technique for the evaluation of the adaptive weights in phased array antennas. This approach is unlike the conventional statistical techniques by eliminating the requirement of an interference covariance matrix and represents a rethinking of the entire conventional approach to adaptive processing. Thus, it provides greater flexibility in solving a wider class of highly transient problems at the expense of a slightly reduced number of degrees of freedom. The goal is also to couple the electromagnetics and the signal processing aspects of the problem so that mutual coupling between the sensors and near-field scattering can be taken into consideration. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the applications of this novel methodology.
Transcription elongation factor SII (TFIIS) enables RNA polymerase II to elongate through a block to transcription in a human gene in vitro.

Elongation and termination by RNA polymerase II are important regulatory steps for eukaryotic gene expression. We have previously studied the transcription of linear DNA templates where specific initiation of transcription by highly purified RNA polymerase II can be achieved in the absence of promoters and promoter-specific factors. Using these templates we have shown that a human histone gene, H3.3, contains sequences (intrinsic terminators) within which purified RNA polymerase II will efficiently terminate transcription (Reines, D., Wells, D., Chamberlin, M.J., and Kane, C. M. (1987) J. Mol. Biol. 196, 299-312). Curiously, these signals were found within an intron, 3'-untranslated, and protein-encoding regions of the gene suggesting that they might act to attenuate transcription of H3.3 in vivo. Here we show that intrinsic terminator sequences from an H3.3 gene intron also block in vitro transcript elongation by RNA polymerase II when the enzyme has initiated transcription from a promoter using highly purified transcription initiation factors. However, under the conditions used for promoter-specific transcription there is little transcript release. Instead the polymerase can pause at these sites for periods exceeding 60 min. We have identified and partially purified an activity from HeLa cells that causes the transcription complex to read through this block to transcription elongation. This readthrough activity fractionates with a previously characterized elongation factor (SII) over three chromatographic columns. A homogeneous preparation of calf thymus SII can also provide this activity in trans. This factor may facilitate passage of the RNA polymerase II transcription complex through such intragenic sites in cellular genes in vivo.
Interaction of Aromatic Amines with Rat Liver Proteins in Vivo I. PREFERENTIAL LABELING OF A CYTOPLASMIC PROTEIN OR PROTEINS BY N-2-FLUORENYLACETAMIDE-9-14C

Abstract A rapid and reproducible chromatographic method for the partial resolution of the basic soluble proteins in rat liver cytoplasm has been devised. The method involves the successive fractionation of the soluble proteins by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25 and by ion exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl cellulose. With the use of this method, a weakly basic protein (proteins) has been isolated which binds preferentially a metabolite (metabolites) of the carcinogenic aromatic amide, N-2-fluorenylacetamide-9-14C. The physical properties of this protein (proteins) suggest that it is related to or identical with the h2 proteins isolated from rat liver cytoplasm by means of column electrophoresis by Sorof and his associates.
CHAPTER 10 – Development and Function of B Cell Subsets

This chapter discusses the development and function of B cell subsets. Precursor B cells differentiate int B-lymphocytes after expressing a functional surface immunoglobulin receptor (sIgM). These newly formed B cells are then subject to further selection steps during their entry in the mature, long-lived pool of peripheral B-lymphocytes. Phenotypic, topographic, and functional characteristics have been used to delineate subsets of mature B-lymphocytes. Based on such criteria, these subsets have been shown to have different developmental programs as well as generation and maintenance requirements. The most prevalent of these subsets is the mature B2 cell population, which is also heterogeneous. B1 B cells are self-renewing cells with cell cycle and activation properties, different from the bulk of recirculating B2 cells. These predominate in the peritoneal and pleural cavities. Marginal zone (MZ) B and B1 cells are characterized by their ability to respond early and rapidly in immune responses. B cell subsets being functionally different have preferences for particular niches in the immune system. The compartmentalization of each of these B cell subsets is suggestive of specialized functions linked to the niches within the spleen in which they reside. This chapter closes with future research that will be directed at the elucidation of clonal signals and co-signals and the miroenvironments, within which B cell subsets receive these developmental guides. Knowledge of the chemokines and adhesion molecules that are involved in the direction of and retention of B cells within these microenvironments will be forthcoming.
Veterans Affairs (VA)

Psychology has had profound growth and impact in the delivery of mental health care in the Department of Veterans Affairs health-care system, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The profession has helped to foster mental health care integration, interdisciplinary practice, recovery-oriented care, and service innovation. In so doing, psychology staffing and training positions have grown to historic high levels, to support delivery of mental health care in VHA. Keywords: mental health; organizational change; practice in clinical psychology; United States; Veterans Affairs; health care system; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Reestablishing Jury Trials in Japan: Foundational Lessons from the Russian Experience

This Article examines the foundational and systemic impact of Japan's transition to a lay participation jury in an inquisitorial system accustomed to near-perfect conviction rates. Part I of the Article discusses Japan's Act Concerning Participation of Lay Assessors in Criminal Trials, the statute outlining the criteria for participation in the jury trial process as well as the responsibilities of lay assessors. Next, for purposes of comparison, Part II explores Russia's transition to a lay jury system in the early 1990s. Russia's "experiment" with jury trials is a very instructive comparative assessment because, like Japan, Russia reestablished jury trials after a sweeping reform of its judge dominated criminal justice system with near universal conviction rates. However, Russia's revival of lay participation in the criminal justice system was short-lived, and a mere fifteen years later jury trials were eliminated for most cases primarily due to a perception that leniency by jurors was resulting in excessive acquittals. The political and social dynamics that led to Russia's shift away from citizen participation in the criminal justice system is a cautionary tale that is discussed with an eye toward analyzing whether Japan's new system might suffer a similar fate.
NKT Cell Exacerbation of Liver Metastases Arising from Melanomas Transplanted into Either the Eyes or Spleens of Mice

Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular tumor in adults. Liver metastasis is the leading cause of death in uveal melanoma patients and it has been reported that approximately 95% of patients who die of uveal melanoma have liver metastases.1 At the present time, there are no therapeutic modalities that significantly control liver metastases or extend the 5-year survival of patients harboring liver metastases arising from uveal melanomas.2 Although immunotherapy has been touted as a promising therapeutic modality, the results to date have been disappointing.3,4 A possible explanation is the observation that tumors employ a wide array of strategies for evading immune surveillance. These mechanisms include downregulation of antitumor immune responses by CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), M2 macrophages, and natural killer T (NKT) cells.3,5,6 In recent years, it has become clear that innate T cells, such as NKT cells, play an important role in modulating the adaptive immune response.7 NKT cells express both T-cell and NK-cell receptors, but unlike conventional T cells that respond to peptides presented by conventional major histocompatibility (MHC) molecules, NKT cells recognize lipid antigens presented by CD1d, a nonclassic MHC molecule. Despite being a small proportion of the total T lymphocyte population (1%–3% of circulating T cells in mice and 0.02%–0.2% in humans),8,9 NKT cells are involved in a broad range of immunologic phenomena, including autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, graft-versus-host disease, graft rejection, airway hypersensitivity, and cancer.7,10,11 CD1d-restricted NKT cells can function as either effector or regulatory cells. In cancer, type I NKT cells exert antitumor effects by producing IFN-γ, which activates NK cells and CD8+ T cells and by activating dendritic cells. By contrast, type II NKT cells, which recognize a more diverse array of glycolipids presented by CD1d, inhibit tumor immunity by inducing regulatory cytokines, such as TGF-β, or by recruitment of Tregs.11,12 NKT cells also function differently, depending on their anatomic location. Murine liver–derived NKT cells are protective and control tumor growth, unlike thymic and splenic NKT cells, which have far less antitumor effects but have immunoregulatory properties.13 The liver is the target organ for metastases arising from uveal melanoma. It also has the highest NKT-cell/T-cell ratio in the body. Up to 50% of the lymphocytes in the liver are NKT cells.14–16 Given the wide range of activities mediated by NKT cells, we sought to determine the role that liver NKT cells have in the development of liver metastases arising from intraocular melanomas.
Numerical treatment of engineering problems with uncertainties. The fuzzy set approach and its application to the heat exchanger problem

An important part of predicting responses with computational models is the definition of systems parameters such as material properties. The reliability of model-based predictions depends on the quality of these data, and the knowledge of their uncertainties. When experiments cannot be performed to determine parameter values, they must be obtained from the literature, namely handbooks, standards, specification sheets, etc. This paper addresses the use of literature-based parameters and other information for assessing uncertainty in computational predictions. The uncertainties in the data and the solution (prediction) are described in the framework of fuzzy sets. A double-pipe heat exchanger thermal analysis problem is used to illustrate the difficulties with computational predictions when only informations from the literature are available. It is shown that the resulting uncertainties are significant and cannot be neglected. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individual and Group Decisions in Response to a Mock Trial: A Methodological Note1

An audiovisual slide-show presentation of a murder trial was used to examine the effects of group deliberations on juror's responses. Sex of defense attorney and race of defendant were systematically varied in the mock trial. Verdicts were assessed immediately following the trial presentation (before group deliberations) and immediately following group deliberations. Neither sex nor race significantly affected distributions of individual juror's predeliberation verdicts. Following group deliberations, however, an effect of attorney's sex emerged in both jury (group) verdicts and in individual, postdeliberation verdicts. Jurors in the male defense attorney conditions were more likely to vote not guilty following deliberations than were jurors in the female defense attorney conditions. This effect is discussed in terms of group shift.
Adaptation of Agricultural and Food Systems to a Changing Climate and Increasing Urbanization

Climate change will pose risks for the world’s food supply in the coming decades; this comes at a time when the global demand for food is expected to soar based on 2050 world population estimates. It is important to recognize that climate change will necessitate temporal and geographical shifts in food production, but will most likely not result in the collapse of our food systems. However, because of differences in the severity of how climate change will affect agriculture, regional and temporal changes in production and harvest-time will challenge the existing and sometimes outdated agricultural infrastructure with respect to collection, storage, transportation, and distribution of food. Increasing regional and global urbanization will further perturb these systems. Adaptation to climate change with respect to crop and food animal production will have to occur at multiple temporal, seasonal, and geospatial levels. Other major adaptation measures will have to occur with respect to crop selection, genetics, CO2 and temperature sensitivity, and resilience of crops and food animals, water resources, and mitigation of invasive species. Technology, including sophisticated Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based modeling, coupled with publically available soil and weather data that help farmers optimize production and conservation will be essential toward adaptation. Communication of this type of localized technical information to agricultural stakeholders by national, federal, and state entities is beginning to occur in order to help farmers adapt and prepare for extreme events associated with climate change. As the largest agricultural state in the USA, California has developed a robust mitigation and adaptation strategy that may be useful for other nation-states.
Urea Kinetics and Intermittent Dialysis Prescription in Small Animals

Hemodialysis improves survival for animals with acute kidney injury beyond what would be expected with conventional management of the same animals. Clinical evidence and experience in human patients suggest a role for earlier intervention with renal replacement to avoid the morbidity of uremia and to promote better metabolic stability and recovery. For a large population of animal patients, it is the advanced standard for the management of acute and chronic uremia, life-threatening poisoning, and fluid overload for which there is no alternative therapy.
JC virus granule cell neuronopathy and hyper-IgE in HIV disease.

The polyomavirus JC (JCV) is the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in immunosuppressed patients. JCV is a neurotropic virus that causes productive infection of oligodendrocytes and restrictive infection of astrocytes. The concept of narrow host cell selection of JCV has been challenged by recent case studies. It was reported that JCV can also cause productive infection of cerebellar granular neurons (CGN) independently of PML infection in the cerebral hemisphere. This novel syndrome was called JCV granule cell neuronopathy (JCV-GCN).1,2 Isolated cerebellar degeneration due to JCV infection restricted to the cerebellum in the absence of typical features of PML in HIV disease was only reported in one case.1 Hyperimmunoglobulinemia E (hyper-IgE) and eosinophilia have been described in some HIV-infected patients.3 The immunoglobulin E (IgE) level was correlated with immune status. Very high IgE level (20- to 100-fold above normal) usually occurred with significant decrease in CD4 cells. These patients usually presented with atopic dermatitis …
Developmental effects of an intervention for preterm infants of teenage mothers

Since preterm infants and infants born to teenage mothers are noted to be at risk for developmental delays, a group of infants who were both preterm and born to teenage mothers was provided a sensorimotor exercise intervention program for the first year of infancy. The development of these infants was compared to the development of preterm infants without intervention and term infants of teenage mothers as well as term and preterm infants of adult mothers to determine the degree to which developmental delays were prevented. The intervention infants showed more optimal growth, cognitive development, temperament and play behaviors during interactions with their mothers across the first year of development.
Inhibition of gene expression in transformed plants by antisense RNA

We report the successful suppression of nopaline synthase (EC 1.5.1.19) enzymatic activity in the leaves of tobacco plants via the overproduction of RNAs complementary to the nopaline synthase (nos) mRNA. Several different regions of the nos gene were fused, in antisense orientation, to the promoter from a strongly expressed petunia chlorophyll a/b-binding protein gene. These constructions were directly introduced into a tobacco line which contained a single copy of the wild-type nos gene and transgenic plants were regenerated. The degree of nopaline synthase suppression in the leaves of the double transformants ranged up to 85% and was dependent on the particular region of the nos gene present in the antisense RNA. The most effective nos antisense sequences were derived from the 3′ half of the nos gene transcript. In addition, we report a new sensitive method for the detection and quantitation of nopaline synthase activity in crude plant extracts.
Fracture mechanisms and strengthening of slab lasers

The fracture mechanisms of slab lasers are examined and the critical defects, induced during optical fabrication, are identified. A rationale for determining an appropriate operating stress for the slab laser is outlined, based on Weibull statistics, and this method is experimentally assessed in full-sized slab fracture tests. Techniques for achieving strong slabs are then examined. We determine that strengthening by subsurface damage minimization has the highest potential for strengthening, but that slab durability must also be enhanced in order for the slab to remain strong in practice. Good chemical durability is achieved by the use of water-proof overcoats. Good mechanical durability is achieved by the use of compressive surface layers. The compressive surface layers prevent the deterioration in slab strength from physical damage to the slab surface.
Social Media as Technologies of Accountability Explaining Resistance to Implementation Within Organizations

This study extends recent work exploring the affordances of social media in organizations by considering how social media may also operate as technologies of accountability. This perspective adopts a performative view of social media use in organizations and recognizes that the technologies not only display communication to organizational members but also, in doing so, potentially increase the accountability of workers. Using a case study of the implementation of a social media system inside a financial services company, this work explores how workers view social media in terms of various forms of accountability. The findings reveal that prior to implementation of the social media system workers expressed concern about the accountability social media would create, and that the reluctance to face the accountability associated with communications led to low use of the social media system.
Lightweight hollow rooftop mirrors for stabilized interferometry

Hollow rooftop mirrors, also known as dihedral retroreflectors, can simultaneously preserve polarization, minimize chromatic dispersion, and allow beams to be stacked inside an interferometer. Two hollow rooftop mirrors were fabricated and characterized using a Fizeau interferometer and an inexpensive home-built jig instead of a master cube. The mass was 3.3 g for a clear aperture surface area of 110 mm 2 with maximum retroreflected beam deviation of 12 arc s. With a hollow rooftop mirror mounted on a piezoelectric transducer in one arm of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, a displacement stability of ± 0.8 nm rms was achieved using active feedback. The rooftop mirrors’ suitability for Fourier transform spectroscopy was demonstrated.
Detection of carcinomas in an asymptomatic Chinese population: advantage of screening with multiple tumor markers

A total of 73,443 asymptomatic individuals were screened on a voluntary basis for cancer at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan using a panel of tumor markers, including alpha fetoprotein (AFP), CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), prostate specific antigen (PSA), chromogranin A (CgA), and squamous cell specific antigen (SCC). The results are derived from data collected from January 1998 to October 2003. A total of 210 cancers (approximately 0.3%) were detected, including cancers of the liver, lung, colon, prostate, stomach, pancreas, breast, cervix, ovary, and bladder. Of the tumor markers monitored, elevated CA 19-9, CEA, and CA 125 were the most frequently detected in a variety of cancers. It was surprising to find that many cancers were not detected by their dominant markers but by the elevation of tumor markers not recommended for monitoring their tumor activity. Screening with multiple circulating tumor markers provides improved sensitivity for cancer detection in asymptomatic individuals before they reach the fatal advanced stage. Screening with multiple tumor markers also allows cancers to be detected in the absence of their dominant markers. If we had not measured the multiple tumor markers, these cancers would have gone undetected.
Carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity:status quo and future prospects

A new line of work has opened up in the study of CCl4 hepatotoxicity, centred on the possibility that the action of this hepatotoxin may involve a disturbance in hepatocellular calcium homeostasis.
A study of the process and the outcome of mental health consultation.

This study begins to explore the effectiveness of the mental health consultation process in relation to an experimental, interdisciplinary continuing education program. The program was designed for regional mental health professionals who were interested in learning more about the theory and practice of mental health consultation. Each participant selected an agency in his own community to offer a consultation service as part of the learning experience. To assess the quality of these services, a series of evaluation instruments were administered by the faculty. Findings from three instruments revealed the consultant's impact and showed a high level of agreement between consultant-consultee pairs on specific items. These results could reflect the nature of the working relationship developed between the consultant and consultee.
Rules over Real Estate Trade, Territorial Conflict, and International Borders as Institution

Territorial disputes between governments generate a significant amount of uncertainty for economic actors. Settled boundary agreements produce benefits to economic agents on both sides of the borde...
Radiation damage of F8 lead glass with 20 MeV electrons

Abstract Using a 20 MeV linear accelerator, we investigate the effects of electromagnetic radiation on the optical transparency of F8 lead glass. Specifically, we measure the change in attenuation length as a function of radiation dose. Comparing our results to similar work that utilized a proton beam, we conclude that F8 lead glass is more susceptible to proton damage than electron damage.
Importance of Hydrogen-Bonding Sites in the Chiral Recognition Mechanism Between Racemic D3 Terbium(III) Complexes and Amino Acids

The perturbation of the racemic equilibrium of luminescent D3 terbium(III) complexes with chelidamic acid (CDA), a hydroxylated derivative of 2,6-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid (DPA), by added chiral biomolecules such as L-amino acids has been studied using circularly polarized luminescence and 13C NMR spectroscopy. It is shown in this work that the chiral-induced equilibrium shift of [Tb(CDA)3](6-) by L-amino acids (i.e. L-proline or L-arginine) was largely influenced by the hydrogen-bonding networks formed between the ligand interface of racemic [Tb(CDA)3](6-) and these added chiral agents. The capping of potential hydrogen-bonding sites by acetylation in L-proline led to a approximately 100-fold drop in the induced optical activity of the [Tb(CDA)3](6-):N-acetyl-L-proline system. This result suggested that the hydrogen-bonding networks serve as the basis for further noncovalent discriminatory interactions between racemic [Tb(CDA)3](6-) and added L-amino acids.
Characterization of non-alpha helical conformations in Ala peptides

Abstract The folded (alpha helical) and unfolded (non-alpha helical) ensembles of the 21 amino acid peptide Ace-A21-Nme are characterized structurally. The replica exchange molecular dynamics approach is used to generate these ensembles at 46 different temperatures ranging from 278 to 487 K. Each replica system is simulated in explicit solvent for a period of 10 ns/replica, for a total of 460 ns. In addition to alpha helices, poly proline II (PPII) structures were identified to occur significantly. At low T the alpha helical content is larger than the PPII content, but near 300 K the PPII population is larger. Below 300 K, the PPII population increases with T, but it decreases above 300 K. The alpha helical content decreases with temperature. At temperatures below 300 K, there is a PPII propagation free energy that enhances the formation of long segments of PPII structure. This propagation term is smaller than for alpha helices. PPII segments of length 8 or less are more likely to form than alpha helices of the same length. The obtained low propensity for the formation of PPII segments of length shorter than five suggest that the interactions are responsible for the formation of PPII structures require a PPII segment of at least four amino acids. Stretches of four consecutive amino acids in the PPII conformations are needed for the formation of a groove around the peptide backbone that is strongly hydrated. Water in this groove is delocalized along a channel formed by the peptide in the PPII conformation.