cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engineering Innovation for Global Challenges : Peacebuilding in Refugee Camps: Creating Innovators and Witnesses

We present the design of a year-long engineering course, offered at USC Viterbi School of Engineering, that aims to teach students how to design products, services and technologies with a human-centered approach to help solve the needs of people caught in the midst of global crises. The course is geared towards students who are: interested in learning about the relationship between technology and society; who have a demonstrated interest in engineering for peacebuilding and community development and in designing solutions for the developing world; and who are tuned to cultural, economic and geographical nuances of the affected regions. The course is built on the three principles of create, collaborate, innovate as well as engineering diplomacy: namely, it is a systems-oriented, interdisciplinary thought process to problem solving and the analysis of global humanitarian crises. It provides students with an understanding of the design process, research methodologies and innovation strategies using a team-based project work through the process of observation, visualization, systems thinking, rapid prototyping and iteration. This paper provides an overview of the course, its description and content, and progress made so far in the accomplishment of its objectives.
The degree of polymerization and sulfation patterns in heparan sulfate are critical determinants of cytomegalovirus infectivity

Abstract Herpesviruses attach to host cells by interacting with cell surface heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans prior to specific coreceptor engagement which culminates in virus-host membrane fusion and virus entry. Interfering with HS-herpesvirus interactions results in significant reduction in virus infectivity indicating that HS play important roles in initiating virus entry. In this study, we provide convincing evidence that specific sulfations as well as the degree of polymerization (dp) of HS govern human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and binding by following line of evidences. First, purified CMV extracellular virions preferentially bound to the sulfated longer chain of HS on a glycoarray compared to unsulfated glycosaminoglycans and shorter chain unsulfated HS. Second, the fraction of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) displaying higher dp and sulfation had a major impact on CMV infectivity and titers. Finally, cell lines knocked out for specific sulfotransferases Glucosaminyl 3-O-sulfotransferase (3-O-ST-1 and −4 and double −1/4) produced significantly reduced CMV titers compared to wild-type cells. Similarly, a peptide generated against sulfated-HS significantly reduced virus titers compared to the control peptide. Taken together, the above results highlight the significance of the chain length and sulfation patterns of HS in CMV binding and infectivity. Importance The cell surface heparan sulfates (HS) are exploited by multiple viruses as they provide docking sites during cell entry and therefore are a promising target for the development of novel antivirals. In addition, the molecular diversity in HS chains generates unique binding sites for specific ligands and hence offers preferential binding for one virus over other. In the current study several HS mimics were analyzed for their ability to inhibit cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The results were corroborated by parallel studies in mutant mouse cells and virus binding to glycoarrays. Combined together, the data suggests that virus particles preferentially attach to specifically modified HS and thus the process is amenable to targeting by specifically designed HS mimics.
3A. Estrogen receptors (version 2019.4) in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology Database

Estrogen receptor (ER) activity regulates diverse physiological processes via transcriptional modulation of target genes. The selection of target genes and the magnitude of the response, be it induction or repression, are determined by many factors, including the effect of the hormone ligand and DNA binding on ER structural conformation, and the local cellular regulatory environment. The cellular environment defines the specific complement of DNA enhancer and promoter elements present and the availability of coregulators to form functional transcription complexes. Together, these determinants control the resulting biological response.
Help, My Metabolism Is Low!

Patients sometimes say they have “low metabolism,” which prevents them from losing weight. While there is substantial variability, metabolic rate is generally directly related to total body and lean mass. Ultimately, the difficulty in losing weight relates to greater energy intake than energy expenditure. While genetics and secondary causes of obesity are important, monogenic and secondary causes of obesity are rare. A thorough history and physical exam can help guide any necessary workup of weight gain due to medications or various endocrine disorders. To achieve weight loss, a patient must create a calorie deficit through dietary modification (i.e., calorie restriction), physical activity, or a combination of the two. Although patients often under-report their calorie intake, comprehensive lifestyle interventions can provide effective education and lead to significant weight loss. This chapter discusses new concepts in eating patterns such as intermittent fasting and time restricted feeding which are being studied in the context of weight loss. FDA-approved anti-obesity medications can also be excellent adjuncts to behavioral modification. Patient education and engagement are key to establishing a good provider-patient relationship and shared decision-making can provide patients who have weight struggles with the empowerment to successfully lose weight.
Novel Integration Approach for III-V Microdisk Cavities on Si

We present and evaluate a novel integration approach for III-V microdisk cavities on Si. We demonstrate InP room-temperature microdisk lasers and compare the performance to similar InP microdisks fabricated via direct wafer bonding. InP allows for future integration of QWs for the NIR spectral range.
Bioenterprise Media Strategy 2020

In 2012 and 2016, the first two strategic science-business media models were published (SBBMM 1.0 and 2.0). Since that time, there have been significant changes both to the media landscape and to the usage and capability of online and social media platforms. This paper seeks to describe the current bioindustry-relevant media landscape, to introduce a new media model, the Strategic Bioenterprise Media Model 2020 (SBMM 2020), which reflects this new landscape, and to present a mainstream submodel to support the latest opportunity for biotechnology media coverage: Mainstream Media. Examples are drawn from media coverage following the FDA approvals of Zulresso from Sage Therapeutics, Aimovig from Novartis and Amgen, and AquAdvantage salmon from AquAdvantage Technologies. The overall goal of this paper is to equip bioenterprise professionals with an understanding of media dynamics and the strategic potential it brings, ultimately contributing to bioenterprise success.
Surgical Approach to Orbital Floor Fractures: Comparing Complication Rates Between Subciliary and Subconjunctival Approaches

Background:There are multiple approaches to repairing orbital floor fractures. This study compares the postoperative complications of the subciliary and transconjunctival approaches.Methods:The ele...
Initially concealed concussion lowers in-game performance of NCAA Division I football players: a case series.

Objectives: Many athletes conceal concussion symptoms to continue to play. If athletes and coaches knew that performance drops significantly after a concussion, in turn hurting the team, athletes m...
Yhwh, Moses, and Pharaoh: Masculine competition as rhetoric in the exodus narrative:

This article contends that ancient Near Eastern gender ideals concerning masculinity are brought to bear by the Exodus narrative to shape an effective rhetoric, a rhetoric which compares and contra...
Outcomes of toric intraocular lens implantation after femtosecond laser and traditional cataract surgery

Having an understanding of the refractive outcomes of different forms of cataract surgery will assist optometrists in explaining the implication of such procedures to patients being referred for su...
Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A "Head to Toe" Examination

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy that can affect all blood cell lineages, the presentation varies, and infection is a common complication. This case involves a patient initially presenting with a necrotic foot ulcer and leukocytosis, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of osteomyelitis. After establishing adequate source control with serial debridements and intravenous antibiotics, the patient developed some knee swelling. On repeat assessment, he was discovered to have lymphadenopathy, and workup revealed AML. As indicated by this case, though it appeared a clear-cut diagnosis of osteomyelitis, there was an underlying malignancy that would have potentially gone unnoticed due to incomplete clinical examination.
Bilateral brachiocephalic vein stenosis in a chronic hemodialysis patient with well-functioning arteriovenous fistula - A rare entity

lbgIntroduction:l/bg Central vein stenosis has been reported in patients of end stage renal disease with subclavian vein being more commonly affected than brachiocephalic vein. lbrglbgCase report:l/bg We present a case of young female with bilateral brachiocephalic vein obstruction following arteriovenous fistula creation for hemodialysis.
Basketball Injuries: Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Basketball was first created in 1891 by Springfield College (Springfield, MA) instructor and graduate student James Naismith. By 1905, basketball was officially recognized as a permanent winter sport. Basketball involves jumping, landing, pivoting, cutting, forwards and backward running with acceleration, decelerations, and frequent changes in directions [1].
Improving the ice-melting capacity of traditional deicers

Abstract Deicers with low freezing point depression and rapid ice-melting capacity are ideal for winter maintenance of pavements located in snow-prone regions. The current study aims 1) to improve the ice-melting capacity of traditional rock-salt deicer at very low temperatures (0 °C, −10 °C, −20 °C, and −30 °C) by employing bio-based non-toxic corn-derived polyols, 2) to evaluate the skid resistance of the pavements when the polyol-modified deicing solutions are applied on the pavement surface, and 3) to determine the viscosity of the polyol-modified deicing solutions. The deicers investigated herein are prepared by adding three corn-derived polyols (sorbitol, mannitol, and maltitol) to the traditional deicing solution (23.3% wt. salt brine deicer) in varying weight concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, and 27.7%). The ice-melting capacity of the deicing solutions is evaluated by conducting ice-melting tests at different low temperatures using an in-house built ice-melting test setup. The viscosity of the deicing solutions, the skid resistance of the pavement surfaces, and dissolved oxygen values are then evaluated corresponding to the deicer combinations that resulted in high ice melting capacity. For temperatures up to −20 °C, the increase in the concentration of corn-derived polyols led to an increase in the ice melting capacity of the deicing solutions. Among the investigated additives, the mannitol and salt brine combination (27.7% wt. mannitol + 23.3% wt. salt brine) resulted in two times more ice melting at −20 °C when compared to the 23.3% wt. salt brine alone. The viscosity of the reference deicing solutions increased by up to 23.3% after the addition of optimal amounts polyols (27.7% wt. sorbitol or maltitol or mannitol) in the deicing solutions. The skid resistance tests revealed that the application of the polyol-based deicing solution on the pavements led to up to 33% reduction in the skid resistance of the Portland cement concrete pavement when compared to the skid resistance of dry pavement surface. Moreover, the polyol-modified deicers exhibited up to 64% higher viscosity and resulted in up to 33% consumption of dissolved oxygen in river water when compared to the salt brine deicer.
Status of Clinical Trials Evaluating Eicosanoids in Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease and Thrombosis

The indications for the use of agents that modify eicosanoid metabolism in the management of patients with arterial vascular disease are limited despite extensive basic, experimental animal and clinical studies. Aspirin is clearly beneficial in men with transient ischemic attacks and patients with unstable angina. It is also anti-thrombotic when used in combination with oral anticoagulants in patients with artificial heart valves and in patients with arteriovenous cannulas undergoing he-modialysis (and manifest associated underlying platelet dysfunction). In general, the negative clinical trials have been uninformative because of uncertainty with respect to the role of eicosanoids in the pathogenesis of the outcome events, inadequately defined mechanisms of drug actions, and uncertainty regarding the effective doses for the drugs in the trials. In the absence of established mechanisms of drug action, dose regimens appear to require objective assays with thrombotic endpoints rather than the use of in vitro biochemical measurements of less certain interpretation.
An Automated System To Measure The Quantum Efficiency Of Ccds For Astronomy

We describe a system to measure the Quantum Efficiency in the wavelength range of 300 nm to 1100 nm of 40 × 40 mm n-channel CCD sensors for the construction of the 3.2 gigapixel LSST focal plane. The technique uses a series of instrument to create a very uniform flux of photons of controllable intensity in the wavelength range of interest across the face the sensor. This allows the absolute Quantum Efficiency to be measured with an accuracy in the 1% range. This system will be part of a production facility at Brookhaven National Lab for the basic component of the LSST camera.
Demand for “Healthy” Products: False Claims and FTC Regulation

AbstractFirms sometimes make selective or deceptive claims, which can have negative consequences for consumers, especially if consumers are not fully informed and the claims are hard to verify. This study aims to measure the decline in demand that a firm making such claims faces when caught. In addition, it seeks to understand which type of consumer these claims primarily affect. Using a panel data set of consumer purchases and firm advertising, the authors measure this impact by exploiting the fact that four popular products settled charges raised by the Federal Trade Commission. They further control for and document firm responses in terms of price and advertisement changes around the date of the settlement. Findings indicate a significant decline in demand following the termination of the claims, resulting in a 12%–67% monthly loss in revenue across the four products, which amounts to a $.40 million–$3.82 million loss in monthly revenue. They also find that these claims primarily affect consumers who a...
Use of Apixaban after Lung Transplant for Atrial Fibrillation and Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism

Purpose Guidelines recommend the use of direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) therapy over warfarin for the treatment of venous thromboembolism and atrial fibrillation. However, there is uncertainty and lack of data supporting the safety and efficacy of DOACs in the lung-transplant population. Additionally, there are unique considerations that need to be made in this population, such as labile renal function, drug interactions, and the need to hold anticoagulation for routine biopsies and urgent procedures. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using apixaban in lung transplant patients for atrial fibrillation and the treatment of venous thromboembolism. Methods Data will be collected by a retrospective chart review of the electronic medical record. A list will be generated of patients who received apixaban orders from lung-transplant providers. These patients will then be evaluated for inclusion in the study. All adult patients who received a lung transplant at our institution and who were started on apixaban between January 1, 2018 and August 31, 2020 for atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism treatment post-lung transplant will be eligible for inclusion. Patients who were initiated on apixaban prior to lung-transplantation or who had a duration of apixaban for less than three days will be excluded. An estimation of 150 to 200 patients are expected to be included. Data on baseline characteristics will be collected in addition to anti-xa levels, apixaban dosing and dose adjustments, and drug-drug interactions. The protocol will be submitted to the Institutional Review Board for review and approval. Endpoints The primary efficacy outcome of the study will be the recurrence of a blood clot or the incidence of a stroke within 7 months from apixaban initiation. Safety outcomes will be determined by documentation of major and minor bleeding events, as defined by the ISTH score for each patient.
Learning through questing, not testing.

Tests are not fun. Students get nervous, cram rather than learn, and wish they didn't ever have to take tests. Faculty members need ways to assess learning, so we test. At least I used to, but I do...
Site-Dependent Immune Escape Due to Impaired Dendritic Cell Cross-Priming.

T-cell recognition of tumor neoantigens is critical for cancer immune surveillance and the efficacy of immunotherapy. Tumors can evade host immunity by altering their antigenicity or orchestrating an immunosuppressive microenvironment, leading to outgrowth of poorly immunogenic tumors through the well-established process of cancer immunoediting. Whether cancer immune surveillance and immunoediting depend on the tissue site of origin, however, is poorly understood. Herein, we studied T-cell–mediated surveillance of antigenic, clonal murine pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells expressing neoantigen. Whereas such tumors are robustly eliminated after subcutaneous or intravenous challenge, we observed selective immune escape within the pancreas and peritoneum. Tumor outgrowth occurred in the absence of immunoediting, and antitumor immunity could not be rescued by PD-1 or CTLA-4 checkpoint blockade. Instead, tumor escape was associated with diminished CD8+ T-cell priming by type I conventional dendritic cells (cDC1). Enhancing cDC1 cross-presentation by CD40 agonist treatment restored immunologic control by promoting T-cell priming and broadening T-cell responses through epitope spread. These findings demonstrate that immune escape of highly antigenic tumors can occur without immunoediting in a tissue-restricted manner and highlight barriers to cDC1-mediated T-cell priming imposed by certain microenvironments that must be addressed for successful combination immunotherapies.
Quantitative input-output dynamics of a c-di-GMP signal-transduction cascade in Vibrio cholerae

Bacterial biofilms are multicellular communities that collectively overcome environmental threats and clinical treatments. To regulate the biofilm lifecycle, bacteria commonly transduce sensory information via the second-messenger molecule cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP). Using experimental and modeling approaches, we quantitatively capture c-di-GMP signal transmission via the bifunctional polyamine receptor NspS-MbaA, from ligand binding to output, in the pathogen Vibrio cholerae. Upon binding of norspermidine or spermidine, NspS-MbaA synthesizes or degrades c-di-GMP, respectively, which in turn, drives alterations specifically to biofilm gene expression. A longstanding question is how output specificity is achieved via c-di-GMP, a diffusible molecule that regulates dozens of effectors. We show that NspS-MbaA signals locally to specific effectors, sensitizing V. cholerae to polyamines. However, local signaling is not required for specificity, as changes to global cytoplasmic c-di-GMP levels can selectively regulate biofilm genes. This work establishes the input-output dynamics underlying c-di-GMP signaling, which could be useful for developing bacterial manipulation strategies.
The Landscape of Machine Learning: Supervised and Unsupervised Learning, Optimization, and Other Topics

In this chapter we survey the different types of machine learning problems and the way they are formulated. The two broad classes of supervised and unsupervised learning are covered in detail. For supervised learning we discuss loss functions, parsimony, and overfitting. The discussion includes regression problems for computing numerical output and classification problems in binary and multiclass forms. In the context of supervised learning we also discuss time series predictions and reinforcement learning. Unsupervised learning is presented as a way to find structure in data. The topics discussed include low-dimensional representations, embeddings, and association rules. To complement the discussion of learning problems there is a section on optimization as a means of fitting models as well as how to use machine learning models to optimize objectives. Sections on Bayesian statistics and cross-validation are included to aid in discussions later in the text. The discussion of cross-validation includes k-fold cross-validation, leave-one-out cross-validation, and how to apply cross-validation to time series as well as problems with unknown parameters in the loss function.
'Living in a Material World': Frankenstein and new materialism.

This paper uses concepts from Karen Barad’s theories from quantum physics and other theoretical approaches from new materialism to show how Frankenstein can be used to introduce this new framework and to challenge an older one based on dualism, representationalism and individualism. A new ethical understanding of the message of the text emerges from this reading—one that rethinks the prohibitions against ‘playing God’ or creating the unnatural and relies instead on an ethics of care.
Radioactive Lead Isotopes

There are four radioactive isotopes of lead: 210Pb and 214Pb in the 238U decay chain, 211Pb in the 235U decay chain, and 212Pb in the 232Th decay chain. All except 210Pb have half-lives of less than 12 hours. Such short half-lives are of limited usefulness in geology; therefore, 210Pb with a half-life of 22.0 ± 0.5 yr. (Houtermans et al., 1964; Ramthun, 1964; Guten et al., 1967) has received the major interest. The analytical techniques for 210Pb are given in Goldberg (1963).
- PDGFR: PDGF receptor (vertebrates)

The chapter discusses the PDGF receptor that has been suggested to play an important role in atherosclerosis, some fibroproliferative pathological processes, wound healing, and tumorigenesis. There are two isoform of PDGF receptor α and β. The α isoform binds all three isoforms of PDGF (AA, AB, and BB) whereas the β isoform binds only PDGF-BB and -AB. The extracellular region of the PDGF receptor consists of five Ig-like domains that constitute the PDGF binding site. Following a single membrane-spanning region, there is a juxtamembrane domain. The cytoplasmic section contains a tyrosine kinase domain that is interrupted by the kinase insert region. Between the α and β receptors, there is 80% identity in the tyrosine kinase domain and 30% identity in the remaining regions. The α and β genes are coordinately expressed in vascular smooth muscle, fibroblasts, glial cells, microvascular endothelial cells, and embryonic tissues.
Genetic and spectrally distinct in vivo imaging: embryonic stem cells and mice with widespread expression of a monomeric red fluorescent protein

DsRed the red fluorescent protein (RFP) isolated from Discosoma sp. coral holds much promise as a genetically and spectrally distinct alternative to green fluorescent protein (GFP) for application in mice. Widespread use of DsRed has been hampered by several issues resulting in the inability to establish and maintain lines of red fluorescent protein expressing embryonic stem cells and mice. This has been attributed to the non-viability, or toxicity, of the protein, probably as a result of its obligate tetramerization. A mutagenesis approach directing the stepwise evolution of DsRed has produced mRFP1, the first true monomer. mRFP1 currently represents an attractive autofluorescent reporter for use in heterologous systems. We have used embryonic stem cell-mediated transgenesis to evaluate mRFP1 in embryonic stem cells and mice. We find that mRFP1 exhibits the most spatially homogenous expression when compared to the native (tetrameric) and variant dimeric forms of DsRed. High levels of mRFP1 expression do not affect cell morphology, developmental potential or viability and fertility of animals. High levels of widespread mRFP1 expression are maintained in a constitutive manner in embryonic stem cells in culture and in transgenic animals. We have used various optical imaging modalities to visualize mRFP1 expressing cells in culture, in embryos and adult mice. Moreover co-visualization of red, green and cyan fluorescent cells within a sample is easily achieved without the need for specialized methodologies, such as spectral deconvolution or linear unmixing. Fluorescent proteins with excitation and/or emission profiles in the red part of the visible spectrum represent distinct partners, or longer wavelength substitutes for GFP. Not only do DsRed-based RFPs provide a genetically and spectrally distinct addition to the available repertoire of autoflorescent proteins, but by virtue of their spectral properties they permit deeper tissue imaging. Our work in generating CAG::mRFP1 transgenic ES cells and mice demonstrates the developmental neutrality of mRFP1 in an organismal context. It paves the way for the use of DsRed-based monomeric RFPs in transgenic and gene targeted approaches which often necessitate spatially and/or temporally restricted reporter expression. Moreover animals of the CAG::mRFP1 transgenic strain serve as a source of RFP tagged tissue for the derivation of cell lines and explant, transplant and embryo chimera experiments.
Studies on the Electron Transfer System LXVIII. FORMATION OF MEMBRANES AS THE BASIS OF THE RECONSTITUTION OF THE MITOCHONDRIAL ELECTRON TRANSFER SYSTEM

Cytochrome oxidase (Complex IV), reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide-cytochrome c reductase (a mixture of Complexes I and III), and succinic-cytochrome c reductase (a mixture of Complexes II and III) can be induced to form membranes by reducing the bile salt level of the suspending medium (in concentrated solutions of the complexes as prepared, the level of bile salt is sufficient to achieve molecular dispersion of the repeating units). When the membranes formed separately from the individual complex or sets of complexes are mixed prior to or during assay, the mixture of membranes fails to show DPNH oxidase activity (mixture of I + III and IV) or succinic oxidase activity (mixture of II + HI and IV). In a sucrose gradient these mixtures are separable by centrifugation into two distinct bands corresponding to the component membranes. However, the membranes formed by mixing either I + III or II + III with IV in concentrated solution, and then diluting, will catalyze the oxidation of DPNH or succinate by molecular oxygen (the test of reconstitution). Each of these membranes shows only a single band when centrifuged in a sucrose gradient. On the basis of these observations, reconstitution is interpreted in terms of the incorporation within a single membrane of the complete set of complexes necessary for a reconstituted activity. Reconstitution of electron transfer activity does not require selective interactions between, or alignments of, the complexes of the electron transfer chain. A membrane can be formed by any one complex with or without any of the other complexes; any proportions of two or more complexes can be achieved. These observations exclude the notion of stoichiometry among complexes. Cytochrome c, one of the electron transfer links between complexes, is incapable of moving from one membrane to another. Thus, reconstitution requires that not only the complexes but also the mobile components must be in the same membrane system.
Race, genes and preterm delivery

High rates of preterm delivery (PTD) among African Americans are the leading cause of excess infant mortality among African Americans. Failure to fully explain racial disparity in PTD has led to speculation that genetic factors might contribute to this disparity. Current evidence suggests that genetic factors contribute to PTD, but this does not imply that genetic factors contribute to racial disparity in PTD. Environmental factors clearly contribute to PTD. Many of these factors acting over a women's life prior to pregnancy disproportionately affect African Americans and contribute significantly to racial disparity in PTD. Thus, inferring genetic contribution to racial disparity in PTD by attempting to control for environmental factors measured at a single point in time is flawed. There is emerging evidence of gene-environment interactions for PTD, some of which disproportionately affect African Americans. There is also evidence of racial differences in the prevalence of polymorphisms potentially related to PTD. However, to date there is no direct evidence that these differences contribute significantly to racial disparity in PTD. Given the complexity of polygenic conditions such as PTD, the possibility of any single gene contributing substantially to racial disparity in PTD seems remote.
Intranational Trade and Regional Tax Rates: A Welfare Analysis on the U.S. Economy

This paper analyzes the effects of personal tax rates on macroeconomic variables at regional and national levels through a general equilibrium trade model with private and public sectors, migrating individuals, intermediate inputs and ?nal goods trade, and an analytical solution. The regional model can explain state-level variables in the U.S. almost perfectly. The counterfactuals on the U.S. economy suggest that a nationwide increase in the state-level dividend-income tax rates would be the best option to expand the private sector, tax revenues, and, most importantly, the individual welfare in all states; a nationwide increase in the state-level wage-income tax rates would hurt the economy in all states; property and sales taxes have fewer effects on the U.S. economy. The results are mainly driven by intermediate input trade.
The Information Content of Quarterly Dividend Changes

This paper shows that dividend changes reveal new information about future earnings levels and are mixed with regard to future earnings variance. Revisions of Value Line earnings forecasts spanning...
Organizational design: A contingency approach

Abstract For those firms that operate in a stable environment—an unchanging technology and a certain market—a mechanistic management system is efficient. A great many corporations, however, must have a flexible organizational structure, which can adapt to constant changes in technology and fluctuations in the market. These firms are often characterized by their organic approach to management design. In this article, the authors develop a model for organizational design based on the variables of internal needs and external conditions and illustrate their model with nationally known firms as examples. The model's quadrants are: high uncertainty/low integration; high uncertainty/high integration; high certainty/low integration; and high certainty/high integration.
Time-efficient, high-resolution, whole brain three-dimensional macromolecular proton fraction mapping.

Purpose Macromolecular proton fraction (MPF) mapping is a quantitative MRI method that reconstructs parametric maps of a relative amount of macromolecular protons causing the magnetization transfer (MT) effect and provides a biomarker of myelination in neural tissues. This study aimed to develop a high-resolution whole brain MPF mapping technique using a minimal number of source images for scan time reduction. Methods The described technique was based on replacement of an actually acquired reference image without MT saturation by a synthetic one reconstructed from R1 and proton density maps, thus requiring only three source images. This approach enabled whole brain three-dimensional MPF mapping with isotropic 1.25 × 1.25 × 1.25 mm3 voxel size and a scan time of 20 min. The synthetic reference method was validated against standard MPF mapping with acquired reference images based on data from eight healthy subjects. Results Mean MPF values in segmented white and gray matter appeared in close agreement with no significant bias and small within-subject coefficients of variation (<2%). High-resolution MPF maps demonstrated sharp white–gray matter contrast and clear visualization of anatomical details, including gray matter structures with high iron content. Conclusions The proposed synthetic reference method improves resolution of MPF mapping and combines accurate MPF measurements with unique neuroanatomical contrast features. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Obstructive Jaundice Expands Intrahepatic Regulatory T Cells, Which Impair Liver T Lymphocyte Function but Modulate Liver Cholestasis and Fibrosis

Although obstructive jaundice has been associated with a predisposition toward infections, the effects of bile duct ligation (BDL) on bulk intrahepatic T cells have not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to determine the consequences of BDL on liver T cell phenotype and function. After BDL in mice, we found that bulk liver T cells were less responsive to allogeneic or syngeneic Ag-loaded dendritic cells. Spleen T cell function was not affected, and the viability of liver T cells was preserved. BDL expanded the number of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg), which were anergic to direct CD3 stimulation and mediated T cell suppression in vitro. Adoptively transferred CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells were converted into Treg within the liver after BDL. In vivo depletion of Treg after BDL restored bulk liver T cell function but exacerbated the degrees of inflammatory cytokine production, cholestasis, and hepatic fibrosis. Thus, BDL expands liver Treg, which reduce the function of bulk intrahepatic T cells yet limit liver injury.
AveBoost2: Boosting for noisy data

AdaBoost [4] is a well-known ensemble learning algorithm that constructs its base models in sequence. AdaBoost constructs a distribution over the training examples to create each base model. This distribution, represented as a vector, is constructed with the goal of making the next base model’s mistakes uncorrelated with those of the previous base model [5]. We previously [5] developed an algorithm, AveBoost, that first constructed a distribution the same way as AdaBoost but then averaged it with the previous models’ distributions to create the next base model’s distribution. Our experiments demonstrated the superior accuracy of this approach. In this paper, we slightly revise our algorithm to obtain non-trivial theoretical results: bounds on the training error and generalization error (difference between training and test error). Our averaging process has a regularizing effect which leads us to a worse training error bound for our algorithm than for AdaBoost but a better generalization error bound. This leads us to suspect that our new algorithm works better than AdaBoost on noisy data. For this paper, we experimented with the data that we used in [7] both as originally supplied and with added label noise – some of the data has its original label changed randomly. Our algorithm’s experimental performance improvement over AdaBoost is even greater on the noisy data than the original data.
Agreement Between Doppler and Invasive Blood Pressure Monitoring in Anesthetized Dogs Weighing <5 kg

The objectives of this study were to determine if Doppler (DOP) blood pressure measurements more closely estimate either invasive systolic or invasive mean arterial blood pressures (ISAP or IMAP, respectively) in small dogs under general anesthesia and to assess the ability of DOP to detect anesthesia-related hypotension in small dogs. Blood pressure measurements (n = 203) were obtained from 10 client-owned dogs. DOP, ISAP, and IMAP were recorded simultaneously, and the data were categorized into two groups: hypotensive (ISAP <90 mm Hg) and normotensive (ISAP ≥90 mm Hg and ≤160 mm Hg). DOP overestimated ISAP and IMAP in both the normotensive and hypotensive groups. The DOP was highly specific (97%) but poorly sensitive (56%) for detecting hypotension. The smallest bias was achieved when using DOP as an estimate of systolic arterial blood pressure in both normotensive and hypotensive dogs, suggesting that DOP measures systolic arterial blood pressure in dogs <5 kg. For dogs with hypotension, DOP met all of the performance criteria for noninvasive blood pressure monitors recommended by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. DOP is an acceptably accurate and highly specific means of detecting hypotension in small dogs under general anesthesia.
Error and error reduction in pathology.

Abstract Context.—Since publication of the Institute of Medicine's report on medical error in late 1999, there has been widespread interest in improving patient safety and in error reduction in all disciplines of medicine. In fields other than medicine, considerable knowledge has been obtained concerning error and error reduction. This body of knowledge can be successfully applied to pathology in order to make the specialty safer and less error prone. Objectives.—To review the fundamental conclusions of the Institute of Medicine's report on medical error, to provide a taxonomy of error that can be adapted to pathology, to provide a framework for studying and analyzing error in pathology, to contrast different approaches to error, and to explain the concept of a culture of safety. Design.—Review of pertinent literature, analysis of concepts of error reduction and safety used in other disciplines, analysis of pathology workflow, and adaptation of safety practices to the practice of pathology. Results.—A tax...
Proton pump inhibitors for acid suppression in the intensive care unit: formulary considerations.

Purpose. The rationale for limiting the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) products included in an institutional formulary, factors to consider when making formulary decisions about PPI products, the results and limitations of cost-effectiveness analyses of PPI therapy in critically ill patients, the role of clinical practice guidelines in improving PPI use in the intensive care setting, and how these guidelines can be developed are discussed. Summary. Therapeutic interchange may make it possible to limit the number of PPI products included in the formulary and reduce costs without compromising the efficacy or safety of drug therapy. The results of studies comparing the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of different PPI dosage forms and routes of administration; practical considerations; safety; and costs are among the factors to consider when making formulary decisions. Some of the newer oral PPI products offer advantages over older ones in improved palatability and ease of preparation, storage, and administration. The cost-effectiveness of intravenous (i.v.) PPIs for preventing the recurrence of peptic ulcer bleeding has been demonstrated, but the cost-effectiveness of oral therapy for this indication and both oral and i.v. therapy for preventing stress-related mucosal bleeding has not been well established. Conclusion. Intravenous PPIs are cost-effective for patients at risk for the recurrence of peptic ulcer bleeding. The introduction of new oral PPI products that can be administered as a suspension has expanded the therapeutic options for critically ill patients. The use of clinical practice guidelines can optimize the use of PPIs in the intensive care setting.
Transient Heat Transfer in Superfluid Helium — Part II

Three classical problems associated with the ordinary diffusion equation concern the temperature in (1) a half-space with clamped heat flux at the free face, (2) a half-space with clamped temperature at the free face, and (3) an infinite medium with a pulsed plane heat source. These problems are also important for the nonlinear diffusion equation based on the Gorter-Mellink relation, which describes heat transport in superfluid helium. A similarity solution to problem (1) , the champed-flux problem, has already been found1 and compared, with goou agreement, with experimental data of van Sciver.2 [A similarity solution is one in which the profiles of temperature rise AT versus distance Z at different times t can be obtained from one another by suitable (different) stretching of the temperature and distance axes.] In this paper, I give similarity solutions in analytic form to problems (2) and (3) , the clamped-temperature and pulsed-source problems.
Analysis of proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance with alternate membranes

Abstract Renewed interest in proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology for space and terrestrial (particularly electric vehicles) was stimulated by the demonstration, in the mid 1980s, of high energy efficiencies and high power densities. One of the most vital components of the PEMFC is the proton conducting membrane. In this paper, an analysis is made of the performances of PEMFCs with Dupont's Nafion®, Dow's experimental, and Asahi Chemical's Aciplex-S® membranes. Attempts were also made to draw correlations between the PEMFC performances with the three types of membranes and their physico-chemical characteristics. Practically identical levels of performances (energy efficiency, power density, and lifetime) were achieved in PEMFCs with the Dow and the Aciplex-S® membranes and these performances were better than in the PEMFCs with the Nafion®-115 membrane. The electrode kinetic parameters for oxygen reduction are better for the PEMFCs with the Aciplex-S® and Nafion® membranes than with the Dow membranes. The PEMFCs with the Aciplex-S® and Dow membranes have nearly the same internal resistances which are considerably lower than for the PEMFC with the Nafion® membrane. The desired membrane characteristics to obtain high levels of performance are low equivalent weight and high water content.
Response to Comment on 'Prevented Mortality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Historical and Projected Nuclear Power'

Sovacool et al.'s analysis of our paper contains numerous errors, misinterpretations, and dubious assumptions. For instance, we make no presumption in our paper that nuclear power is the only major option to replace fossil fuels nor have we in the past, as evidenced by our other peer-reviewed publications. Furthermore, all of our results are based on complete fuel cycle analysis and are presented as mean values along with their ranges. Thus it is incorrect to claim that we single out the worst estimates for coal mortality. Contrary to Sovacool et al.'s assertions, our only bias is our belief that humanity's best chance of success for mitigating the daunting challenge of climate change is to utilize all available and proven means.
Movement of Walleye, Stizostedion vitreum, in Lake Bemidji, Minnesota as Determined by Radio-biotelemetry

Abstract The daily and seasonal movements of the walleye, Stizostedion vitreum, were studied by use of a VHF radio-tag system for three seasons each year during 1973 and 1974 in Lake Bemidji, a large eutrophic lake in north central Minnesota. The walleye moved parallel to the shore and did not show a diel on-shore and off-shore movement pattern. Submerged projections on the lake bottom such as rock bars or spits tended to serve as boundaries of the ranges within which the test fish moved. Large movements of tagged fish coincided with extensive periods of heavy cloud cover and precipitation. Wind speed and direction also appeared to influence fish movement especially when the fetch was large. Marked daily changes in water temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration did not occur, and, thus, had little effect on the movement of test fish. There were slight seasonal changes in the extent of the daily movement of test fish, but the depth ranges shown by the tagged fish did not change greatly for each season.
Electronic structure and magnetic properties of a synthetic molecular oxygen carrier: Spin-only triplet behavior for divalent iron(II)

Abstract The magnetic susceptibility of a four coordinate, approximately square planar iron(II) complex of a substituted octa-aza [14] annulene of known structure has been studied over the range 1.6 to 300 K. The compound contains an FeN 4 chromophore and exhibits essentially spin-only magnetic behavior (μ eff = 2.94 μ β at 300 K) to as low as 25 K. Below this temperature zero-field splitting is evident, D ∼ 14 cm −1 , with the effective moment decreasing to 1.34 μ β at 1.6 K. Zero-field Mossbauer spectra have been measured over the range 300–4.2 K and this system as well as another less hindered analogue are found to have the largest quadrupole interactions (∼4 mm/sec) yet reported for triplet iron(II) complexes. The Mossbauer spectra also suggest temperature dependence of the recoil free fraction (Goldanskii-Karyagin effect). The large quadrupole effect is consistent with either a 3 B or 3 E ground term (based on 3 T 2g of O h ) with negligible reduction of the electric field gradient by cocalency effets. A reevaluation of the current use of Mossbauer spectroscopy data in distinguishing spin-triplet versus singlet iron(II) is made.
Measuring physical distribution service quality

The quality of the physical distribution service industrial purchasers receive from suppliers has been shown to be an important consideration in industrial purchasing decisions. To better understand the criteria used to assess physical distribution service quality, the authors examined the literature on physical distribution and service quality and conducted interviews with purchasing managers. Based on the results of the literature reviews and interviews, plus a two-step data-gathering process, a valid and reliable measurement instrument for perceptions of physical distribution service quality (PDSQ) was developed and refined.
The effects of hyperthyroidism on the fine structure of the zona fasciculata of the rat adrenal cortex

Chronic hyperthyroidism was induced in radiothyroidectomized and surgically thyroidectomized adult male rats by feeding a diet of 0.3–0.4% desiccated thyroid for four to ten week periods. Short term hyperthyroidism was induced in intact rats by the intraperitoneal injection of 250 μg/day of sodium levothyroxine for ten days. Adrenal glands were fixed by perfusion with 3% phosphate buffered glutaraldehyde and post-fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide. The zona fasciculata of the adrenal glands from experimental and control animals was examined in the electron microscope. Drastic mitochondrial alterations characterized the zona fasciculata of hyperthyroid rats. Initially, mitochondria became more nearly round and contained increased numbers of paracrystalline tubular inclusions of the type described by Kjaerheim ('67) and Wheatley ('68). In more altered states many mitochondria were filled with clusters of parallel tubular cristae of varying complexity which at times enveloped islands of mitochondrial matrix and fingers of cytoplasm which projected into the mitochondrion. Aggregations of numerous mitochondria occupied much of the cytoplasm of highly altered cells. Modifications of this nature have not been described following ACTH stimulation of the adrenal cortex. This raises the distinct possibility that thyroid effects on the adrenal cortex are not entirely ACTH mediated.
Destruction of availability (exergy) due to combustion processes: A parametric study:

AbstractAn analytical examination of the destruction of availability was completed for constant pressure, constant volume, and constant temperature combustion processes for isooctane vapour and air...