cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distressed or not distressed? A mixed methods examination of reactions to weight stigma and implications for emotional wellbeing and internalized weight bias.

Abstract People react to, and are affected by, stigmatizing experiences in different ways. The current study examined different reactions to weight stigma to identify who may be vulnerable to lasting distress from these experiences. Using a mixed methods approach, this study compared qualitative descriptions of reactions to experiences of weight stigma in conjunction with quantitative measures of weight bias internalization (WBI) and other health indices. Data were collected from September 2017 to August 2018. Participants were U.S. adults enrolled in a commercial weight management program (n = 425, 96% female) who reported previous experiences of weight stigma (on quantitative measures), and who also qualitatively described feeling either no longer distressed (n = 178) or still distressed (n = 247) by those experiences. Qualitative analyses revealed that participants who were no longer distressed engaged in self-acceptance, were not concerned about other's evaluations of them, and prioritized health rather than appearance. Those who were still distressed from previous weight stigma experiences considered their body weight, and being stigmatized for it, as playing a prominent role in shaping their self-perception, they blamed themselves for experiencing the consequences of weight stigma, and ruminated on their memories of stigmatizing experiences. Hierarchical regressions demonstrated that participants who were still distressed reported greater WBI, greater perceived stress, and poorer mental health than participants who were no longer distressed. When adding WBI to the model predicting perceived stress, differences between participants who were no longer distressed versus still distressed attenuated and became statistically insignificant, suggesting that these qualitative reaction patterns to stigma may be related to participants' level of WBI. Given that some people may experience longer term distress from weight stigma than others, this study can inform interventions aimed to prevent or mitigate the negative consequences associated with being stigmatized.
Simulating multifractal signals for risk assessment

Many data sets collected from physical processes or human engineered systems exhibit self-similar properties that are best understood from the perspective of multifractals. These signals fail to satisfy the mathematical definition of stationarity and are therefore incompatible with Gaussian-based analysis. Efficient algorithms for analyzing the multifractal properties exist, but there is a need to simulate signals that exhibit the same multifractal spectrum as an empirical data set. The following work outlines two different algorithms for simulating multifractal signals and addresses the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. We introduce a procedure for fitting the parameters of a multifractal spectrum to one extracted empirically from data and illustrate how the algorithms can be employed to simulate potential future paths of a multifractal process. We illustrate the procedure using a high-frequency sample of IBM’s stock price and demonstrate the utility of simulating multifractals in risk management.
Contraction as a Response to Group Threat: Demographic Decline and Whites’ Classification of People Who Are Ambiguously White:

How do members of dominant groups, like White people in the United States, react when their privileged social status is threatened, for example, by the prospect of numeric decline? Prior studies id...
Filtration Performance and Application of Activated Carbon Fiber Enhanced Microfibrous Entrapped Sorbent (ACF-MFES)

A novel composite nonwoven material, activated carbon fiber enhanced microfibrous entrapped sorbent (ACF-MFES), has been successfully prepared via the wet-laid and sintering process. Effects of fiber and particle sizes on the bed pressure drop of various filter media were studied. The performances of different filters were studied by breakthrough experiments. Results showed the adsorption rate constant of ACF-MFES was 10 times greater than that of the packed bed. And the ACF-MFES demonstrated highest adsorptive capacity. Finally, ACF-MFES was combined with the packed bed to develop a composite system. The filter’s adsorptive capacity of the three-layer composite bed with ACF-MFES as a polishing layer increased by 330%, compared with the sorbent packed bed.
Feminist Frustrations: The Enduring Neglect of a Women's Business History

The authors undertake an in-depth review of articles and book reviews to seek out important clues as to the problem of bringing gender and feminism from the periphery to the centre of business hist...
Breve revisión del uso de microalgas para la remoción de contaminantes emergentes en aguas residuales

Conventional treatments do not cope with removing efficiently emerging compounds from wastewater. This situation has motivated the investigation in new technologies with microalgae. This paper presents a brief review of the topic, since the definition, classification, and effects of these emerging compounds; the microalgae treatments; the mechanisms and the remove percentages from some emerging compounds. The information presented here is intended to be a help for future research in our country involving microalgae to remove emerging compounds from water.
Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome using Shear Wave Elastography and High-frequency Ultrasound Imaging.

Objectives The performance of ultrasound features from shear wave elastography (SWE) and high-frequency ultrasound imaging was evaluated independently and in combination to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Materials and Methods Twenty-five subjects were imaged in a sitting position with an arm extended and palm facing up. SWE of the medial nerve (MN) was acquired at the wrist level (site 1) and proximal to the pronator quadratus muscle (site 2). Cross-sectional area (CSA) and vascularity of the MN were assessed at the wrist using a 24 MHz probe. Color and power Doppler imaging (CDI and PDI), monochrome and color-coded Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) were performed for vascularity assessments. The diagnosis and severity of CTS was determined by clinical and electrodiagnostic tests. Diagnostic performance of the ultrasound features was assessed by t-tests, ANOVAs, and ROC analysis. Results The study included 20 control hands and 27 hands with CTS. All ultrasound features except for the stiffness ratio were significantly different between the CTS and control wrists (p Conclusions SWE with high-frequency ultrasound imaging showed potential for the diagnosis of CTS.
Applying a Human Factors Approach to Improve Patient Care in Colorectal Surgery

The focus of this chapter is to identify ways to improve the care of patients who require colorectal surgery through a focus on a novel, high-technology operation—transanal total mesorectal excision. The two cases analyzed demonstrate how a system can fail, resulting in poor surgical results, while another can function well to improve workflow, communication, and ultimately outcomes. This chapter focuses on how improved teamwork, communication, briefing, and debriefing can improve the outcomes of patients having colorectal surgery.
Emotion processing associated with aggression in early adolescents: A focus on affective theory of mind

Social-emotional factors associated with youth aggression have largely been studied in the context of social information-processing models. The ability to accurately encode and appropriately interpret others' emotions has yet to be fully examined in the context of aggressive behavior, particularly during adolescence. Using cross-sectional data from a sample of 282 at-risk early adolescents, the present study examined associations between teacher-reported aggression and youth performance on a task assessing two components of affective theory of mind: emotion recognition and situational attribution. Results indicated that emotion recognition, but not situational attribution accuracy, was significantly associated with teacher-reported aggressive behavior. Over-recognizing anger and under-recognizing sadness were unique error patterns associated with aggression, and these associations remained significant after controlling for demographics and other key social information-processing variables. Findings suggest that difficulties with emotion processing play an important role in the social information-processing patterns observed in the context of youth aggression. Implications for preventive interventions for youth at risk of engaging in aggressive behavior are discussed.
Aporte de la Ley Orgánica de Ordenamiento Territorial –LOOT, para la gestión turística territorial en Colombia

The Organic Law of Territorial Planning (Law 1454, 2011) defines a general framework which considers the Territorial Planning as an instrument planning and management to promote capacity for decentralization, planning, management and administration of their own interests in the entities territorial and regional integration organizations proposals. This document aims to articulate this Law with national regulations and guidelines issued by organizations dedicated to the study and management of tourism at global and national level, in order to serve as a support in shaping regional strategies for managing destinations tourist sustainable and competitive, concluding the powers in tourism indicate the regulations and associated instruments in order to comply with the Constitution in the consolidation of a ““social state of law, organized as a unitary republic, decentralized, with autonomous territorial units, democratic, participatory and pluralistic “.
Adolescent ethanol drinking promotes hyperalgesia, neuroinflammation and serotonergic deficits in mice that persist into adulthood

Adolescent alcohol use can permanently alter brain function and lead to poor health outcomes in adulthood. Emerging evidence suggests that alcohol use predispose to pain disorders or exacerbate existing pain conditions, but the neural mechanisms are currently unknown. Here we report that mice exposed to adolescent intermittent access to ethanol (AIE) exhibit increased pain sensitivity and depressive-like behaviors that persist after alcohol cessation and are accompanied by elevated CD68 expression in microglia and reduced numbers of serotonin (5-HT)-expressing neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). 5-HT expression was also reduced in the thalamus, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and amygdala as well as the lumbar dorsal horn of the spinal cord. We then found that chronic minocycline administration after AIE alleviated hyperalgesia and social deficits, while chemogenetic activation of microglia in the DRN of Cx3cr1-cre-GFP mice reproduced the effects of AIE on pain and social interaction. Taken together, these results indicate that microglial activation in the DRN may be a primary driver of pain and negative affect after AIE.
Fracture Toughness of Concrete: K I c Revisited

It is now widely accepted that many of the experimental investigations into the applicability of linear elastic fracture mechanics to cement paste, mortar, and concrete were performed before specimen size limitations were understood. Another less recognized problem was the lack of a simple but accurate stress-intensity factor analysis capability necessary to calibrate non-standard test configurations. In this paper, the results of a significant experimental investigation of a decade ago, one which concluded that linear elastic fracture mechanics concepts are not directly applicable to paste, mortar, and concrete, and reevaluated on the basis of a correct stress-intensity factor calibration not then available. The simplicity and accuracy of currently available analysis techniques for problems in linear elastic fracture mechanics are detailed. It is shown that, when evaluated with the corrected analysis, the previously reported experimental results indicate exactly the opposite of what had previously been concluded.
Institutionalization of Ethics: The Perspective of Managers

Corporate America is institutionalizing ethics through a variety of structures, systems, and processes. This study sought to identify managerial perceptions regarding the institutionalization of ethics in organizations. Eighty-six corporate level marketing and human resource managers of American multi-national corporations responded to a mail survey regarding the various implicit and explicit ways by which corporations institutionalize ethics. The results revealed that managers found ethics to be good for the bottom line of the organizations, they did not perceive the need for additional formalization of ethics, and that they perceived implicit forms of institutionalizing ethics (e.g., leadership, corporate culture, top management support) to be more effective than the explicit forms of institutionalizing ethics (e.g., ethics ombudspeople, ethics committees, ethics newsletters). Implications of the survey and future research directions conclude the paper.
The heat shock protein 70 family members HSC70 and HSP70 play distinct roles in the hepatitis C viral life cycle (144.1)

We have previously identified HSC70 in complex with viral NS5A along with other heat shock proteins. HSC70 has been reported to modulate HCV infectivity. Here, we further analyze the NS5A/HSC70 interaction biochemically and investigate the role of HSC70 in viral life cycle. We demonstrate that HSC70 knockdown significantly affects virus production with no cytotoxicity. We observed that HSC70 knockdown did not affect viral RNA replication and protein production. In fact, we found a slight, but statistically significant increase in viral RNA and protein levels likely caused by compensatory upregulation of HSP70, which we have previously shown to be required for viral protein production. NS5A-augmented IRES-mediated translation was also not inhibited by HSC70 knockdown and, rather, slightly increased. In contrast, we discovered that intracellular infectious virion assembly was significantly impaired by HSC70 knockdown. We also discovered that both HSC70 nucleotide binding and substrate binding domains direct...
The Role of Account Planning in U.S. Agencies

ABSTRACT It is now accepted that account planning recognizes the complexity of humans and their emotional attachment to products and that this understanding can be translated into effective campaigns extending far beyond advertising. The planning function in U.S. agencies may have progressed beyond only advertising. Jon Steel notes that planners are most useful when they go beyond advertising solutions and into broader business solutions. This article reports the results of a national survey of account planners and is part of a larger study aimed at assessing the attitudes and opinions of planners in the United States. Specifically, the study reported here focuses on the following questions: (1) How is account planning integrated into U.S. advertising agencies? (2) In which areas of strategy planning would account planners like to be more involved? In sum, the results of this study suggest that account planning is integrated up to a certain point in modern full service U.S. advertising agencies, and that planning today is highly integrated into the advertising development process. Further, most planners express high degrees of satisfaction with their involvement in molding consumer perceptions, emotional insights, and lifestyle observations into message strategy or creative briefs for mass advertising. Nevertheless, this study also highlights areas where integration of the account planning function is lacking and in need of improvement. In particular, the areas of media strategy, sales promotion, and public relations development could benefit from insights generated by account planners.
Absorption and fluorescence spectra of poly(ethylene terephthalate) dimers

Abstract The concentration and temperature dependence of the absorption and fluorescence spectra of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) solutions were measured. At concentrations above that associated with the onset of chain overlap, ground-state aggregation was observed. This aggregation phenomenon is similarly seen in the solid state, as well as in dimethyl terephthalate solutions. Elevated temperature effects dissociation of PET dimers, although their fluorescence intensity increases, presumably due to enhanced energy transfer.
Fermi-surface: A package to display perspective drawings of fermi surfaces in cubic systems

Title of program: FERMI-SURFACE Catalogue number: AARQ Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland (see application form in this issue) Computer: DEC-20; Installation: Academic Computing Center, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA Operating system: TOPS-20 Monitor 4 Programming language used: Fortran 20(5A) (this is a subset of Fortran-77) High speed storage used: 60 474 words No. of bits in a word: 36 Overlay structure: none required Other peripherals used: graphic terminal and disc or card reader No. of cards in the combined program and test deck: 2083
Hybrid inorganic–organic materials based on a 6FDA–6FpDA–DABA polyimide and silica: physical characterization studies

Abstract A series of hybrid polyimide–silica composites were fabricated from a functionalized fluorinated polyimide and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS), methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS), and phenyltrimethoxysilane (PTMOS) via a sol–gel process. Polyimides were solution imidized employing 4,4′-hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalic anhydride (6FDA), and various amounts of 4,4′-hexafluoroisopropylidene dianiline (6FpDA) and 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid (DABA). The degree of cross-linking between the silica structures and the polyimide matrixes, as well as the morphology of the hybrid systems were highly dependent on the type and content of the alkoxide employed. The higher functionality and reactivity of TMOS alkoxide gave rise to highly cross-linked, homogeneous hybrid systems, while the MTMOS and PTMOS based hybrid systems were phase separated and the silica structures largely uncondensed. Although the thermal stability changed a little, incorporation of the silica structures in the polyimide matrix increased the rigidity and mechanical strength of the hybrid materials, particularly at elevated temperatures.
The thermodynamics and vaporization of thorium, hafnium, and zirconium☆

Abstract The vapor pressures of liquid thorium, solid and liquid hafnium, and liquid zirconium have been determined by a combination of mass-effusion and mass-spectrometric techniques. Single crystal tungsten cups were used as containers. The substantial solubility of tungsten in both liquid hafnium and zirconium markedly extends the liquid range as a result of eutectic behavior. The measured partial pressures corrected for the respective solubilities via Raoult's law therefore yield the vapor pressures of the pure metals over ranges of temperature in which the liquids are in part supercooled. The results derived for the pure metals are given by the linear equations in terms of the enthalpies and entropies of vaporization: −(RT/ ca th mol −1 ) In {p°(Th, l)/atm} = (136 200±1000)−(27.57±0.45)T/K, (2020 to 2500 K −(RT/ cal th mol −1 ) In {p°(Hƒ, l)/atm} = (139 300±1100)−(28.85±0.39)T/K, (2020 to 2500 K) (2020 to 2500 K −(RT/ cal th mol −1 ) In {p°(Hƒ, s)/atm} = (145 500±700)−(31.37±0.33)T/K, (1940 to 2464 K −(RT/ cal th mol −1 ) In {p°(Zr, l)/atm} = (137 000±1100)−(29.93±0.37)T/K, (2134 to 2550 K The measured vapor pressures and enthalpies are consistent with the thermodynamic properties of the vapor and condensed phases and yield the following average values for the enthalpies of sublimation at 298.15 K: ΔHo(Th) = (142.8 ± 1.1) kcalth mol-1, ΔHo(Hf) = (148.4 ± 1.2) kcalth mol−1, and ΔHo(Zr) = (143.4 ± 1.2) kcalth mol−1.
Patient and family members' perceptions of palliative care in heart failure.

Abstract Purpose To describe patients with HF and their family members' (FMs) experiences with, and perceptions of, inpatient PC consultations. Methods 40 semi-structured interviews were completed with 24 patients with late-stage HF and/or 16 designated FMs. Content analysis was used to derive themes from the data. Results Four main themes resulted. Participants: 1) were generally ill-prepared for the PC consult; 2) pursued a plan that reflected their own understanding of patient prognosis, rather than that of the clinician; 3) described a primarily supportive role for PC; 4) often rejected or deferred PC services if they viewed hospice and PC as synonymous. Conclusion Lack of awareness of PC and the conflation of PC and hospice were barriers to PC, and many participants felt that PC services are needed to fill the gaps in their care. A collaborative model of care may best meet the complex needs of this group.
Nondominant right coronary artery occlusion and ventricular tachyarrythmias.

It is usually considered that occlusion of a nondominant right coronary artery is not associated with significant consequences. We report two cases of nondominant right coronary artery occlusion that presented with sudden cardiac death. Timely intervention resulted in complete resolution of the ventricular arrhythmias. This highlights the need for greater vigilance in the recognition and treatment of these lesions.
Residual-free bubbles for embedded Dirichlet problems

Abstract We examine a stabilized method employing residual-free bubbles for enforcing Dirichlet constraints on embedded finite element interfaces. In particular, we focus attention on problems where the underlying mesh is not explicitly “fitted” to the geometry of the interface. The residual-free bubble problem is derived for a simple case and extensions are discussed. We show that under certain conditions, stabilization only requires knowledge of the residual-free bubble on the interface. We then examine methods to approximate the residual-free bubble. A series of benchmark tests are used to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the method. Comparisons are made to Nitsche’s method employing an eigenvalue estimate for the global stability parameter. Particular emphasis is placed on the accuracy of flux evaluations on the interface. Finally, we employ the method to simulate an evolving interface problem motivated by resin transfer molding.
Visualization and quantification of intraperitoneal tumors by in vivo computed tomography using negative contrast enhancement strategy in a mouse model of ovarian cancer

Small animal computed tomography (CT) has poor intrinsic soft tissue contrast, limiting evaluation of intra-abdominal structures. Using standard intravascular-extracellular intravenous contrast (IE-IV) alone is theoretically limited by long acquisition times of traditional small animal scanners that may result in equilibration. We assessed whether a negative contrast strategy of enhancing normal tissue surrounding tumor, instead of the tumor itself, can visualize and quantify intraperitoneal (IP) cancer in a mouse model. Two and a half weeks after IP injection of Hey A8 cells, four groups of three animals each were administered serial dilutions of IV Fenestra LC (RES-IV), oral Gastroview, and IP Optiray 320. Another group of three animals was administered IV Optiray 320 (IE-IV), oral Gastroview, and IP Optiray 320 in successive combinations. Both groups were imaged by CT. Tumor and organ Hounsfield units were measured, and visualization was assessed. With increasing contrast amount, the Hounsfield unit of organs generally increased, whereas that of tumor remained essentially stable. The visualization of abdominal organs and tumor also generally increased with increasing contrast amount. Visualization of tumor and its margins adjacent to liver, spleen, and stomach was significantly better on administering RES-IV. However, for tumor adjacent to bladder, both IE-IV and RES-IV were equivalent. In vivo CT-derived tumor weights correlated highly with ex vivo tumor weights (r = 0.96, P < .0001, n = 15). Thus, CT using negative contrast enhancement strategy allows visualization and quantification of IP tumors. Such a strategy will also enable anatomic localization of functional signal for combination/molecular imaging.
Test Considerations for Gate Oxide Shorts in CMOS ICs

Gate oxide shorts are defects that must be detected to produce high-reliability ICs. These problems will continue as devices are scaled down and oxide thicknesses are reduced to the 100-A range. Complete detection of gate oxide shorts and other CMOS failure mechanisms requires measuring the IDD current during the quiescent state after each test vector is applied to the IC. A 100-percent stuck-at fault test set is effective only if each test vector is accompanied by an IDD measurement. This article examines the need for a fast, sensitive method of measuring IDD during each test vector and discusses problems confronting CMOS IC designers, test engineers and test instrumentation designers as they work to meet these demands.
Classification and molecular organization of satellites elucidated by phylogenetic network analysis - examples from Triturus salamanders and Palorus beetles.

A phylogenetic network of 244 satellite DNA sequences across five species of aquatic salamanders (genus Triturus) revealed four types of satellite DNAs in a 'p'-shaped 1-2*-3-4-2* arrangement. Analysis of dimer and trimer DNA sequences revealed a prevalence of homosequential (e.g. 1-1, 2-2) and particular (1-4 and 2-3) heterosequential repeat motifs. Genetic diversity across types and species phylogeny indicated that type 1 and type 4 are derived from types 2 and 3. Support was also found for alternating motifs in Palorus flour beetle tandem repeats. The results were statistically significant, whether or not the underlying satellite DNA phylogenies were robust under bootstrap analysis.
Scanning electron microscope method for rock-varnish dating

Rock-varnish coatings on cobbles from geomorphic surfaces and exposed deposits in arid environments are an effective medium for dating over a time range of several thousand to a few million years. A new analytical method for dating of rock varnish is presented wherein the varnish cation ratio (VCR) is determined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDAX). The experimental SEM method is a nondestructive technique that has several potential advantages over the original method of analysis, described by R. I. Dorn, that uses particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) of varnish scraped from rock surfaces. The SEM method can potentially eliminate analytical errors due to contamination from rock substrate because variations in varnish thickness and irregularities on the substrate surface are examined before cation ratios are determined. Because varnish surfaces remain intact, varnish sites that yield anomalous results may be reanalyzed or verified. In addition, the general accessibility of scanning electron microscopes will make rock-varnish dating more widely available for use in Quaternary studies. Cation ratios were calculated for rock varnish from Espanola Basin, New Mexico, and the Yucca Mountain region, Nevada, and were used to construct rock-varnish dating curves for these areas.
Engineering Circuits and Systems at the Interface of Environment and Health

As people go about their daily routine, they encounter myriad chemicals. Some of these chemicals, oxygen for instance, are absolutely essential for life. Others, environmental pollutants, are potentially harmful and a major factor that contributes to illness. The field of environmental health strives to understand not only what we encounter every day and over our lifespan, but also how our bodies respond to those exposures. The responses can be good (improving health), bad, or indifferent (by far the most common). Environmental health scientists have long studied the effects of environment on health using the tools we have available, steadily improving our ability to make connections and improve health as new technologies emerge. This commentary will lay out a number of challenges in two specific areas where the circuits and systems engineering community can help us address some of our biggest needs: the development of sensor systems for assessing exposures to environmental factors and the development of engineered tissue systems for assessing the biological response to the factors we are exposed to.
NAA characterization of the new Bovine Liver SRM

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is preparing a freeze-dried powdered bovine liver tissue Standard Reference Material (SRM) to replace SRM 1577b Bovine Liver as the stock of this material was exhausted during 2006. Like the original SRM 1577 issued in 1972, this renewal focuses on the key elements for diagnostic, nutritional, and toxicological measurements that are important to medical, veterinary, and environmental sciences investigations. NIST’s approach for value assignment included extensive characterization by neutron activation analysis (NAA). Difficulties in the determination of some elements present at very low levels were overcome by use of radiochemical separations. Twentyone elements were characterized in SRM 1577c by NAA. The previous materials, SRM 1577 and 1577b, served as quality control.
Formal model and policy specification of usage control

The recent usage control model (UCON) is a foundation for next-generation access control models with distinguishing properties of decision continuity and attribute mutability. A usage control decision is determined by combining authorizations, obligations, and conditions, presented as UCONABC core models by Park and Sandhu. Based on these core aspects, we develop a formal model and logical specification of UCON with an extension of Lamport's temporal logic of actions (TLA). The building blocks of this model include: (1) a set of sequences of system states based on the attributes of subjects, objects, and the system, (2) authorization predicates based on subject and object attributes, (3) usage control actions to update attributes and accessing status of a usage process, (4) obligation actions, and (5) condition predicates based on system attributes. A usage control policy is defined as a set of temporal logic formulas that are satisfied as the system state changes. A fixed set of scheme rules is defined to specify general UCON policies with the properties of soundness and completeness. We show the flexibility and expressive capability of this formal model by specifying the core models of UCON and some applications.
Genomic analysis of the Microphthalmia locus and identification of the MITF-J/Mitf-J isoform.

Abstract The deafness–pigmentary disorder Waardenburg Syndrome Type 2 is caused by mutations in the human Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) gene. Multiple related deafness–pigmentary disorders result from mutations in genes that regulate MITF expression or its activity. Similarly in mouse, homozygous mutations in the Mitf gene disrupt the development of melanocytes as well as retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, osteoclasts, mast cells, and NK cells. Because abnormalities in Mitf/MITF function are associated with numerous inherited disorders of mouse and man, a detailed understanding of its gene structure is important for both diagnostic and structure/function analyses. While at least eight distinct isoforms of MITF/Mitf have been identified to date, each differing in their promoter and initial exon usage, the positions of these exons and their order within the locus have yet to be fully defined. In this study, we provide a detailed description of the MITF/Mitf locus, identify corresponding human and mouse isoforms, and utilize an informatics-based approach to identify a novel ninth MITF/Mitf isoform, MITF-J/Mitf-J, which we show is expressed in multiple cell types. The MITF/Mitf locus is over 200 kb in length, with strong but imperfect exon conservation between human and mouse. MITF/Mitf tissue expression data are presented from multiple datasets, including EST expression patterns and isoform-specific RT-PCR. The majority of isoforms were found to be broadly expressed, with the M- and Mc-isoforms being tissue-restricted to melanocytes and mast cells, respectively. Consequently, a detailed characterization of this complex locus may help to identify additional unknown deafness–pigmentary syndrome mutations in human kindred and permit a better understanding of tissue-regulated expression that likely underlies divergent biological functions of this factor across multiple cell types.
Perinatal cortical and subcortical visual loss: mechanisms of injury and associated ophthalmologic signs.

Abstract Purpose To determine whether term and preterm injuries to the retrogeniculate visual system are associated with recognizable patterns of ophthalmologic abnormalities and whether these patterns can be attributed to cortical (gray matter) or subcortical (white matter) injury. Design A retrospective case series. Participants One hundred children with clinical and neuroimaging signs of perinatal posterior visual pathway injury who were examined at Arkansas Children's Hospital Eye Clinic between 1989 and 1999. Methods We reviewed magnetic resonance images or computed tomographic scans from 50 children with cortical (predominantly or exclusively involving cortical gray matter) and 50 children with subcortical (predominantly or exclusively involving subcortical white matter) perinatal injury to the retrogeniculate visual system. Ophthalmologic abnormalities were analyzed retrospectively in each group. Main outcome measures Conjugate gaze deviation, type of strabismus, abnormal eye movements, and optic disc morphology. Results Horizontal conjugate gaze deviation, exotropia, and a normal optic disc appearance were significantly more common in cortical than in subcortical visual loss. Tonic downgaze, esotropia, and optic nerve hypoplasia (with or without coexisting pallor) were significantly more common in subcortical than in cortical visual loss. Conclusions Perinatal cortical and subcortical visual loss produce differing profiles of ophthalmologic dysfunction. A reclassification of periventricular leukomalacia and other forms of retrogeniculate white matter injury as subcortical visual loss would increase diagnostic specificity.
Recent developments in the treatment of otitis media with effusion

The management of otitis media with effusion (OME) has received much attention recently as a result of, among other factors, the development of resistant bacteria and the finding of less long-term impact of middle-ear effusion (MEE) on development than previously believed. Guidelines have recently been published for the management of OME promoting more accurate diagnosis, particularly distinguishing acute otitis media from OME, and recommending the 'judicious' use of antibacterials. Today, more emphasis is being placed on prevention of disease by reducing risk factors and the development of vaccines. The identification of susceptibility genes may lead to better understanding of the pathogenesis of otitis media, which in turn may lead to the development of more innovative and satisfactory methods for prevention and treatment.
Chemical studies of H chondrites — 7. Contents of Fe3+ and labile trace elements in Antarctic samples

— Linear discriminant analysis and logistic regression have been applied to concentration data for 10 labile trace elements (Rb, Ag, Se, Cs, Te, Zn, Cd, Bi, Tl and In) in 33 Antarctic H4–6 chondrites. The proportion of bulk Fe in the Fe3+ state, Fe3+/Fe, of these same chondrites permit their assignment to less- and more-weathered suites. Wherever the division between these suites is placed, the results are identical and consistent with the null hypothesis that the suites sample a single preterrestrial compositional population. Hence, no evidence exists that preterrestrial contents of labile trace elements in Antarctic H4–6 chondrites have been significantly altered by weathering as quantified by Fe3+/Fe or the A-B-C weathering index.
The Earliest Published Figures (1613–1758) of the Oblong or Truncate-tailed Ocean Sunfish, Ranzania truncata

IN the course of my researches in the history of ichthyology, I have found the earliest published figure of the truncate-tailed ocean sunfish, Ranzania. This figure seems unknown to ichthyologists generally, and hence it should be reproduced where it will become widely known.
Solar composition noble gases in the Washington County iron meteorite

A sample of the Washington County iron meteorite is analyzed for its light noble gases by a combustion technique in two steps at 1160 C. The ratio of trapped to spallogenic noble gases in the sample was high enough to allow the resolution of trapped and spallogenic components in both combustion steps. The He:Ne:Ar elemental ratios in the trapped component are comparable to present-day solar-wind ratios. The (Ne-20)/(Ne-22) ratio, while subject to some uncertainty due to possible variation in either the spallation or the trapped component between the two steps, is in the range 13.3 + or 0.5, also comparable to present-day solar wind. Unless the Washington County iron formed by some unique process in a solar-wind-irradiated regolith, the fact that the trapped gas is of solar composition has implications with regard to the compositional history of the solar wind, to conditions in the early solar nebula during grain formation or accretion, and to primordial helium in the earth.
Tracking remotely sensed cloud images in time and space

Temporal and spatial analysis has been applied to a sequence of cloud top pressure (CTP) images and cloud optical thickness (TAU) images stored in the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project D1 database located at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Each pixel in the D1 data set has a resolution of 2.5 degrees or 280 kilometers. These images were collected in consecutive three-hour intervals for the entire month of April 1989 and April of 1994. The primary objective of this project was to develop a sequence of storm tacks from the satellite images that could be compared tracks developed from sea level historical records. Composite images where created by projecting ahead in time and substituting the first available valid pixel for missing data and a variety of CTP and TAU cut-off values were used to identify regions of interest. Region correspondences were determined from one time frame to another yielding the coordinates of storm centers. These tracks were compared to storm tracks computed from sea level pressure data obtain from the NMC by first matching the result in time and then in spatial distance.
Dehydroepiandrosterone, an endogenous immune modulator, after traumatic shock.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an endogenous immune modulator, reduces mortality after endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) administration in rodents. However, there have been no studies in clinically relevant large-animal models. A unique experimental model is used to study the effects of DHEA in resuscitated trauma and to evaluate the protective effect of DHEA on the systemic inflammatory response induced by a delayed LPS challenge. Anesthetized, ventilated pigs were instrumented and then subjected to local hind-limb trauma and 35% hemorrhage. After 1 h, animals were resuscitated with shed blood, supplemental Ringers solution, and in a randomized, blinded fashion, 4 mg/kg of DHEA or vehicle. Two additional groups received 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg of DHEA. Animals were dosed again at 24, 48, and 72 h. After 75 h, Escherichia coli LPS was administered. LPS caused a fall in DHEA levels (0.23 +/- .05 ng/mL (60 min post-LPS) versus .94 +/- 35 ng/mL (72 h), p = .01). DHEA levels 60 min post-LPS were significantly higher in treated animals (p < .002). After LPS, all groups manifested progressive septic symptoms with a hyperdynamic state and pulmonary failure. These symptoms were not blunted by the administration of DHEA. DHEA levels are suppressed by LPS in this two-stage model of trauma and delayed sepsis; however, exogenous DHEA administration fails to blunt the associated systemic inflammatory response and pulmonary failure.
Examples of wandering domains in p-adic polynomial dynamics

Abstract For any prime p >0, we contruct p-adic polynomial functions in C p [z] whose Fatou sets have wandering domains. To cite this article: R.L. Benedetto, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 335 (2002) 615–620.
Low intake of sugars may reduce risk of dental caries.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Effect on caries of restricting sugars intake: systematic review to inform WHO guidelines. Moynihan PJ, Kelly SA. J Dent Res 2014;93(1):8-18. Reviewer Teresa A. Marshall, PhD, RDN/LDN, FAND Purpose/Question To identify the effect of low compared to high free sugars intake on dental caries in children and adults, and to identify the effect of obtaining less than 10% compared to more than 10% of dietary energy from free sugars on dental caries in children and adults for the purpose of guiding WHO dietary guidelines. Source of Funding The study was funded by Newcastle University's Centre for Oral Health Research. Type of Study/Design Systematic review Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Grade B: Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence. Note evidence is consistent, but limited quality.
Simulation analysis on patient visit efficiency of a typical VA primary care clinic with complex characteristics

Abstract In this paper, we develop a simulation model to study the performance of clinic operations based on the settings of a typical VA primary care clinic with complex characteristics. The clinic serves three different types of patients, namely, regular appointment patients, walk-in patients, and nurse-only patients, and they each have different patient flow routes. The model captures the patient flow characteristics of the studied clinic, and it is validated by comparing the simulation results with the real key performance measures obtained from in the clinic. The system performance is mainly measured by two metrics: one is how the clinic makes efficient use of its resources, and the other is how long the patients need to wait for services. A scenario analysis is conducted which adopts the experiment design method for multiple factors to study the effect of six parameters on the system performance. The six parameters are walk-in arrival rate, no-show rate, post-triage rate, new patient rate, number of double booking, and nurse-only appointment rate. Based on the results, one major recommendation for the clinic is to reduce or eliminate the use of double booking because it causes the dramatic increase of patient waiting time. Also, based on the projection of the high new patient rate in the near future, it is recommended that the clinic manage the walk-in patient load by adjusting the existing admission policy. In addition, for the clinic with already high provider utilization, interventions for reducing patient no-show rate alone may further deteriorate the congestion of patient visit in the clinic.
Effects of consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue on growth, reproduction and lactation in mice selected for high fecundity.

Abstract Effects of a diet containing endophyte-infected tall fescue seed (83% infected) were investigated using 2 lines of mice, one line selected for fecundity (L+) and the other a randomly selected control line (K). Treatments included a commercial stock diet (C), 50% stock plus 50% non-infected tall fescue seed (N), and 50% stock plus 50% infected tall fescue seed (I). The experiment was conducted using mice on respective treatments in 2 phases (successive generations), with 15 to 23 mated females per line and diet subgroups. Mated females of Phase 1 were assigned at random within line to experimental diets which were fed during gestation and through 21 d of lactation. Litters were standardized to 10 pups 1 d after birth. Stock diets were fed to all groups from Day 21 to weaning on Day 28. Weaned male and female pups were allotted to previous diets. Mated females in Phase 2 were managed as in Phase 1 through weaning at 28 d. Diets of males did not affect reproduction and data were pooled within female diets. Selected (L+) dams gave birth to more live pups than K dams (P N>I. Growth of pups during both phases also ranked C>N>I. Vaginal opening at 28 d differed by line (71.4%, K
Isolation and preliminary characterization of the Porphyromonas gingivalis prtC gene expressing collagenase activity

A gene, prtC, has been isolated from Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 53977 in Escherichia coli utilizing the plasmid vector pPL-lambda. The resultant protease positive clone NHS1, harboring plasmid pS1 with a 5.9-kilobase P. gingivalis insert, expressed an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the synthetic collagenase substrate PZ-PLGPA as well as solubilized type I collagen. Subcloning and deletion analysis located the prtC gene at one end of the P. gingivalis DNA insert on plasmid pS1.
Current uses of fluorescence microscopy in coal petrology

SUMMARY Fluorescence analysis of the liptinite maceral content of various U.S. coal seams has shown that these macerals are consistently under-counted in conventional white-light analysis. Fluorescence analysis revealed a greater variety of liptinite macerals as well as a large amount of fluorescing vitrinite in all of the coals studied. However, pseudovitrinite was not observed to fluoresce. Textures and structures not visible in normal viewing are also seen in fluorescence analysis. Quantitative spectral analysis of single coals has shown that most liptinite macerals can be both petrographically and statistically separated on the basis of fluorescence parameters, with the wavelength at maximum intensity and the red/green quotient being the most significant. In coals of the Illinois Basin, one or more forms of fluorinite, resinite, sporinite and cutinite can be distinguished. As the rank of the coal increases, the fluorescence intensity decreases and the spectral maxima shift toward longer wavelengths. In some Rocky Mountain coals these effects occur at a much lower rank (<0.85% reflectance) than in the coals of the Appalachian Basin. Similar changes in fluorescence properties have also been found in naturally weathered coals. Fluorescence analysis of resinite-rich Rocky Mountain coals has shown that two major forms of resinite are present; one is the ‘normal’ resinite, and the other is a much more abundant fissure-filling resinite that carries coal xenoliths, shows flow structure, and has a spectral maximum well below that of the ‘normal’ resinite.
Yeast sphingolipids: Recent developments in understanding biosynthesis, regulation, and function

Sphingolipids function as required membrane components of virtually all eukaryotic cells. Data indicate that members of the sphingolipid family of lipids, including sphingoid bases, sphingoid base phosphates, ceramides, and complex sphingolipids, serve vital functions in cell biology by both direct mechanisms (e.g., binding to G-protein coupled receptors to transduce an extracellular signal) and indirect mechanisms (e.g., facilitating correct intracellular protein transport). Because of the diverse roles these lipids play in cell biology, it is important to understand not only their biosynthetic pathways and regulation of sphingolipid synthesis, but also the mechanisms by which some sphingolipid species with specific functions are modified or converted to other sphingolipid species with alternate functions. Due to many factors including ease of culture and genetic modification, and conservation of major sphingolipid metabolic pathways, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has served as an ideal model system with which to identify enzymes of sphingolipid biosynthesis and to dissect sphingolipid function. Recent exciting developments in sphingolipid synthesis, transport, signaling, and overall biology continue to fuel vigorous investigation and inspire investigations in mammalian sphingolipid biology.