cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of four rice mutants with alterations in the defence response pathway

SUMMARY A fast-neutron mutagenized population of rice seedlings was screened with Magnaporthe grisea, the causal agent of rice blast disease, to identify mutants with alterations in the defence response. Three mutant lines, ebr1, ebr2 and ebr3 (enhanced blast resistance) were identified that display enhanced resistance to M. grisea. ebr1 and ebr3 also confer enhanced resistance to the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). ebr3 develops a lesion mimic (LM) phenotype upon inoculation with M. grisea, and the phenotype is also induced by a shift in environmental conditions. The fourth mutant line, ncr1 (necrosis in rice), has an LM phenotype under all conditions tested and lacks enhanced resistance to either M. grisea or Xoo. Complementation testing using the mutant lines ebr3 and ncr1 indicates that the ebr3 and ncr1 loci are nonallelic and recessive. ebr1 and ebr2 display no alterations in expression of the rice pathogenesis-related (PR) genes PBZ1 and PR1, compared to wild-type CO39. ebr3 has an elevated expression of PBZ1 and PR1 only in tissue displaying the LM phenotype. ncr1 strongly expresses PBZ1 in tissue displaying the LM phenotype, whereas PR1 expression in this tissue is similar to wild-type CO39.
Screen-Printed Al Back Contacts on Si Solar Cells: Issues and Some Solutions

This paper identifies some mechanisms that lead to problems in back Al contact formation. Major issues are related to a basic problem that the Al melt has a large surface tension and tries to ball up during the firing step. Other issues arise from dissolution of the Si-Al interface and entrapment of glass within the Si-Al alloy. Si diffusion into Al can be applied to control the melt, while cooling rate can help improve the structure of various regions of the back contact for a favorable series resistance. We also discuss a modified time-temperature profile that can lead to a deep and uniform back-surface field.
Definition and Measurement of Affective Variables: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations

Research in the affective domain is handicapped by the absence of a theory to guide empirical work. Without a theoretical framework to guide the selection of variables, to design appropriate measures, and to interpret results, research consists of a set of discrete studies that have no collective impact.
Plasma biomarkers for prediction of sudden cardiac death: another piece of the risk stratification puzzle?

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for most cardiovascular deaths in the United States, claiming an estimated 300 000 lives per year.1 Despite intense efforts to develop resuscitation techniques, survival rates are still low, at ≈5%.2 This has led to a renewed focus in this field directed toward optimizing risk prediction to identify the candidate that would qualify for prophylactic or preventive interventions.3 At present, the clinical risk stratification is largely limited to the use of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) for identifying primary prophylaxis candidates, but specificity of this predictor is modest.4 Moreover, the absolute numbers of these high-risk patients in the general population are low. Instead, the highest prevalence of SCD is likely observed among previously asymptomatic individuals, even though it is well-known that coronary artery disease (CAD) is present in most SCD cases.5 This underscores the need for the development of risk stratification models that can be applied to the general population where the largest health benefit is likely to be realized. The underpinnings of SCD are complex, and it is reasonable to believe that the risk stratification instrument of the future is likely to involve other components beyond clinical risk markers. Novel genomic variants show promise but are still in early phases of development as risk stratification targets. However, the “unbiased” approaches made possible through genomewide association studies have led to the recent identification of specific genetic variants that could predict SCD.6,7 This has reignited the interest in plasma biomarkers as a means for risk stratification. This article will review the emerging evidence and role of plasma biomarkers in predicting SCD in the general population and suggest a blueprint for future studies of potential utility. ### Uniform Definition of SCD Given the complexity and dynamic nature of the condition, there has been some variability …
Faunal diversity, heterogeneity and body size in the Early Triassic: testing post-extinction paradigms in the Virgin Limestone of Utah, USA*

The recovery intervals after mass extinction events are portrayed as times of ecological stress, with effects including reduced body size (Lilliput Effect), reduced taxonomic diversity and lowered ...
The relative influence of external versus internal integration on plant performance in China

Abstract In this study, we first examine the relative impact of integration (both internal integration and external integration) on plant performance. Internal integration is operationalized as process integration which includes both information management and statistical process control. External integration is operationalized as firm processes that are aligned with those of customers and suppliers. Next, we show that by including the key contextual variables of firm size, clockspeed and TQM maturity, some of the relationships between integration and plant performance are modified suggesting that contingencies matter. Plant data from China are used to test our hypotheses. The results provide interesting insights of how plant level capabilities in the areas of information management, process management, and aligning with external entities enhance different dimensions of plant performance. Also, the contingency analyses results show that consideration of key contexts in China inform the extent to which external and internal integration mechanisms are effective. Implications for academic literature and policy making in China are offered.
Light absorption by leaf chlorophyll and maximum light use efficiency

The MODIS Land Science Team has produced a standard product of gross primary production (GPP) for the global land biosphere, using a satellite-based Production Efficiency Model. In this special issue for the validation studies, two papers have examined the accuracy, error, and uncertainty of the GPP product. Here, we present a user's perspective on accuracy assessment of the data products and discuss two large sources of uncertainty in the context of model variables and parameters: 1) light absorption by chlorophyll versus light absorption by canopy and 2) maximum light use efficiency
Interpolatory tension splines with automatic selection of tension factors

A powerful and versatile method of shape-preserving interpolation is developed in terms of piecewise exponential functions with a tension factor associated with each interval. Knots coincide with data points, and the interpolant is formulated in terms of its values and first derivatives at these points. For a given set of derivatives, this enables the efficient computation of the minimum tension factor for which the interpolant satisfies locally defined properties such as monotonicity and convexity, as well as more general bounds on function values and derivatives, in each interval. A local derivative-estimation procedure results in a $C^1 $ interpolant satisfying the constraints with minimum tension, and an iterative procedure can be used to obtain a $C^2 $ spline fit which satisfies the constraints. Test results are presented which show both methods to produce visually pleasing interpolants to various data sets.
The interrelation of glucagon and gonadectomy upon hepatic triglyceride metabolism in rats

Abstract 1. 1.Livers obtained from normal female, normal male and gonadectomized rats were used in an isolated perfused liver system to study the interrelation of sexual differences and glucagon upon (1) secretion of triglyceride, (2) release of glucose, and (3) production of urea. The livers from normal female animals released more triglyceride into the perfusate than did livers from male rats; gonadectomy reduced triglyceride release from the livers of female animals but orchidectomy had no effect upon triglyceride release from livers of male animals. Glucagon, 10 −7 and 10 −6 M, reduced secretion of triglyceride from livers of normal male rats approximately 50 % and 10 −6 M glucagon reduced secretion of triglyceride from livers of normal female rats approximately 30 %. Both concentrations of hormone reduced triglyceride release from livers of ovariectomized rats. Orchidectomy abolished the inhibitory effect of glucagon upon triglyceride secretion. 2. 2.The action of glucagon upon glucose release was not altered by the sex of the animal or by gonadectomy. 3. 3.In the absence of glucagon more urea was produced by livers from female animals than by livers from male animals. Glucagon stimulated ureogenesis to similar levels in livers from both groups of animals. Castration of the male donor resulted in a greater stimulation of ureogenesis by glucagon. 4. 4.The possible roles of gonadal ablation and glucagon upon hepatic triglyceride secretion are discussed.
E-057 Endovascular management of pediatric aneurysms

Object Although the general principles of endovascular aneurysm treatment in adults hold true in children, these young patients pose unique challenges: small anatomy, longer life expectancy, associated conditions and unique morphological characteristics of the aneurysms. A few publications in literature have addressed the role of endovascular treatment for pediatric aneurysms. These include series by Agid et al (2005) revisiting the Toronto series (Laughlin et al 1997), Lasjaunias et al (2005) updating the Bicetre series (Lasjaunias et al 1997) and Nader et al presenting the San Francisco series (2006). In their conclusions, the authors of the former two publications favored endovascular treatment over microsurgery. On the other hand, the authors of the later publication favored microsurgery over endovascular treatment. The authors reviewed Louisiana State University experience regarding endovascular treatment of pediatric aneurysms focusing on outcomes. Methods A retrospective chart review of children under 18 years of age who underwent endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms between 2000 and 2009 in our institution was undertaken. 12 patients harboring 17 aneurysms were identified. The patients ranged in age from 17 months to 17 years. Complete aneurysm obliteration following endovascular treatment was 90%. Our results showed unique features for pediatric aneurysms compared with adult aneurysms. There was no intraoperative mortality. One aneurysm recurred (5% recurrence rate among total number of aneurysms). Six months after treatment, a control angiogram showed that the coils displaced towards the dome of the recurred aneurysm. This recurrence occurred before the introduction of the hydro coils. One patient died during the postintervention period (8% recurrence rate among total number of patients). Outcomes were better in anterior circulation aneurysms than in posterior circulation lesions. We had no mortality, morbidity or disability in the anterior circulation aneurysm group. In the posterior circulation group, there was one death representing 14% of the nine patients with aneurysms in this group. One recurrence occurred in the posterior circulation group representing 11% of the nine aneurysms in this group. The follow-up of all patients ranged from 2 to 8 years. Conclusion Endovascular treatment of pediatric intracranial aneurysm is safe and efficacious. The endovascular treatment in many instances provides less morbidity and mortality for treatment of pediatric aneurysms in inaccessible or eloquent locations than microsurgical clipping. The result of endovascular treatment depends on the location of the aneurysms and the underlying pathology. We advocate a multidisciplinary approach when choosing the therapeutic modality for treatment of pediatric aneurysms.
Improving Motorcycle Training Programs: Suggestions and Recommendations

Motorcycle training and licensing both play an important educational role for preventing traffic accidents and ensuring public safety. While the majority of motorcycle research focuses on preventin...
Pseudo-transient Continuation, Solution Update Methods, and CFL Strategies for DG Discretizations of the RANS-SA Equations

time integration strategies for discontinuous Galerkin discretizations of the RANS-SA equations. We consider the pseudo-time continuation method derived from the backward Euler scheme in its constrained and unconstrained versions. Solution update methods based on line-search are proposed and tested in combination with dierent CFL evolution strategies. We present results for test problems ranging from intermediate to dicult in two and three dimensions.
MOCVD ZnS: Mn films: Crystal structure and defect microstructure as a function of the growth parameters

Thin film electroluminescent devices employing zinc sulfide doped with manganese are extensively used for applications in which the weight, brightness and mechanical robustness requirements preclude the use of other types of displays such as cathode ray tubes or liquid crystal displays. The physical, optical and electrical properties of phosphors such as ZnS:Mn can often depend strongly on microstructure, which in turn depends on the growth and processing of the film. For this study, ZnS:Mn layers were fabricated by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) in the 250°-500°C range on an Al2TiO/ In2SnO5 /glass stack. Selected samples were then subjected to a post-deposition anneal in H2S/Ar at 700°C for up to 4 hours. The microstructure of the ZnS:Mn films was examined by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). For all growth and annealing conditions, the films consisted of columnar grains whose column axis was parallel to the growth direction, and which widened laterally through the thickness of the films. For the as-deposited films, the crystal structure was found to be predominantly 2H structure, with the 8H polytype being identified in the low-temperature ZnS:Mn films. The 700°C post-deposition annealing was found to initiate a solid state transformation to the cubic (3C) ZnS crystal structure. All films contained high densities of stacking faults and microtwins, whose role in the 2H-3C transformation is discussed. Also discussed are initial Ultrasonic Force Microscopy (UFM) results which suggest a correlation between the defect microstructure and the elastic response of the material.
State Practices, International Norms, and the Decline of Mercenarism

This article describes the evolution of state control over military manpower through an examination of three centuries of mercenarism. It documents the decline of several eighteenth-century forms of mercenarism and presents a critique of the conventional explanations for that decline. I argue that an institutional analysis provides a much richer understanding of how and why state control has varied. I present an empirical analysis of the institutional basis of mercenarism and construct an alternative explanation for its decline. My argument is that mercenarism's decline resulted from the institutionalization of a new international norm of state control over nonstate violence in the international system. The norm reflected a new set of state practices developed by leading states in the context of the French Revolutionary War. In the course of the nineteenth century, these practices were universalized in the state system, setting a new standard for competent statesmanship. State armies of the 1980s are citizen-armies. Nearly 90 percent of the world's armies recruit exclusively within their home states' territories, and the employment of foreigners in regular standing armies is an anomaly. Two hundred years ago this pattern was quite the reverse. 1 A peacetime army with a large contingent of foreigners was the norm and a pure citizen-army was an anomaly. In a state system characterized by enormous differences in size, population, strategic location, wealth, political regime-type, and development, it is striking that only a handful of armies employ foreigners. Among those that do are rich and poor, large and small, socialist and authoritarian and democratic, Eastern and Western, Northern and Southern. The theoretical implications of the decline in mercenarism are the subject of this article. Mercenarism, as I use the term, refers to the practices of recruiting for and enlisting in the service of a foreign army.2 In analytic terms, the I Because I am interested in the modern state system as it evolved and developed in Europe, the following analysis of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century mercenarism focuses primarily on that region.
Personality Traits and Leadership

While your cognitive abilities are the threshold competencies needed to get a job as a chair or dean, your personality and emotional attributes are the factors that enable you to be successful. No single personality type is required; in fact it is “fit”—your personality in the right place at the right time—that probably accounts for much of success. Nevertheless, there is a large literature suggesting that certain personality traits are pivotal to success. Extraversion, openness to experience, and conscientiousness have repeatedly been correlated with leadership success. We argue that not having these traits is not disqualifying, as there are thresholds and ways to compensate, which make up a large part of this chapter. In the end, the most important issue is whether you understand the traits you have and whether you can adapt to them. Can you compensate for your weaknesses, not become blinded by your preferred methods of processing information, and find a way to enhance the contributions of others by deploying their strengths?
Molten Al and (0001) α-Al 2 O 3 Single Crystal: Interface Stability

The roughness on the “c”-plane (0001) sapphire single crystal reduces wetting of molten aluminum under Ar gas (99.999 pct) and PO2 10−15 Pa from 1073 K to 1473 K (800 °C to 1200 °C). The contact angle effect was partially understood by the roughness factor, R; however, the interfacial phenomenon involving this effect is yet a topic to study as it also depends, between other things, on the shape of droplet and the relationship to its substrate. The theory explains that the surface tension of liquid aluminum obtained by the sessile drop test can be determined just when a substrate is polished or free of any surface imperfection. However, roughness of sapphire (0001) surface promotes an apparent surface tension that exhibits different trends of wetting to that proposed in previous studies. This property adds to the interfacial wetting phenomena obtained from the Al-Al2O3 couple system and provides answers for contact angle trends toward a much more stable interface, which when coupled with thermodynamic conditions may help in the manufacturing, deterioration, and reliability of the system.
Pseudarthrosis of the Cervical Spine: Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Management

Cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy are common pathologies that often improve with spinal decompression and fusion. Postoperative complications include pseudarthrosis, which can be challenging to diagnose and manage. We reviewed the literature with regard to risk factors, diagnosis, controversies, and management of cervical pseudarthrosis.
Morbidity and mortality after emergency lower extremity embolectomy.

Abstract Objective Emergency lower extremity embolectomy is a common vascular surgical procedure that has poorly defined outcomes. Our goal was to define the perioperative morbidity for emergency embolectomy and develop a risk prediction model for perioperative mortality. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database was queried to identify patients undergoing emergency unilateral and lower extremity embolectomy. Patients with previous critical limb ischemia, bilateral embolectomy, nonemergency indication, and those undergoing concurrent bypass were excluded. Patient characteristics and postoperative morbidity and mortality were analyzed. Multivariate analysis for predictors of mortality was performed, and from this, a risk prediction model was developed to identify preoperative predictors of mortality. Results There were 1749 patients (47.9% male) who met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 68.2 ± 14.8 years. Iliofemoral-popliteal embolectomy was performed in 1231 patients (70.4%), popliteal-tibioperoneal embolectomy in 303 (17.3%), and at both levels in 215 (12.3%). Fasciotomies were performed concurrently with embolectomy in 308 patients (17.6%). The 30-day postoperative mortality was 13.9%. Postoperative complications included myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest (4.7%), pulmonary complications (16.0%), and wound complications (8.2%). The rate of return to the operating room ≤30 days was 25.7%. Hospital length of stay was 9.8 ± 11.5 days, and the 30-day readmission rate was 16.3%. A perioperative mortality risk prediction model based on factors identified in multivariate analysis included age >70 years, male gender, functional dependence, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, recent myocardial infarction/angina, chronic renal insufficiency, and steroid use. The model showed good discrimination (C = 0.769; 95% confidence interval, 0733-0.806) and calibrated well. Conclusions Emergency lower extremity embolectomy has high morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization. These data provide a benchmark for this complex patient population and may assist in risk stratifying patients, allowing for improved informed consent and goals of care at the time of presentation.
Launch Velocities in Successful Golf Putting: An Analytical Analysis

Background: This study is concerned with the special case of a putted ball intersecting a standard golf hole at its diameter. The velocity of the ball at the initial rim of the hole is termed the launch velocity and depending upon its value the ball may either be captured or it may escape capture by jumping over the hole. The critical value of the launch velocity ( V ) is such that lesser values result in capture while greater values produce escape. Purpose : Since the value of the V entered prominently in some theoretical studies of putting, the aim of the current study is to provide an original re-evaluation of V and to contrast our results with existing results. Method : This analytical analysis relies on trigonometry in conjunction with Newtonian mechanics and the mathematics of projectiles. The results of a recent study into the mathematics of a bouncing ball which included the notions of restitution and friction were also employed in the analysis. Results : If bouncing and slipping do not occur when the ball hits the far rim of the hole our analysis produces a value of V of 1.356 m/s . When bouncing and slipping are present we find that V is at least 1.609 m/s but increases beyond this value as slipping and friction become greater. Useful relations which relate the dynamics and geometry of the ball to V are provided. Conclusion : Since ambient conditions may influence the extent of bounce and slippage we conjecture that the value of V is not unique.
Why are U.S. Households Claiming Social Security Later

Over the past two decades, the share of individuals claiming Social Security at the Early Eligibility Age has dropped and the average retirement age has increased. At the same time, Social Security rules have changed substantially, employer-sponsored retirement plans have shifted from defined benefit (DB) to defined contribution (DC), health has improved, and mortality has decreased. In theory, all of these changes could lead to a trend towards later claiming. Disentangling the effect of any one change is difficult because they have been occurring simultaneously. This paper uses the Gustman and Steinmeier structural model of retirement timing to investigate which of these changes matter most by simulating their effects on the original cohort (1931-1941 birth years) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). The predicted behavior is then compared to the actual retirements of the Early Baby Boomer cohort (1948-1953 birth years) to see how much of the later cohort’s delayed claiming and retirement can be explained by these changes. This paper found that: • The Early Baby Boomer cohort was less likely to be fully retired than the HRS cohort at both age 62 (36.7 percent vs. 44.0 percent) and age 64 (49.5 percent vs. 53.9 percent). • The model suggests that the shift from DB towards DC plans was the biggest contributor to these declines, followed by better health. • Changes to Social Security rules and improvements in mortality played smaller roles. • Taken together, the four changes explain about 60 percent of the drop in full retirement at 62 – the remaining could be due to changes in preferences or other changes not simulated like the rising cost of health care. The policy implications of this paper are: • As DB plans continue to fade in the private-sector, claiming will likely be further delayed. • If health continues to improve, claiming could be moderately delayed. • The resumption of the increase in the Full Retirement Age is not likely to lead to substantial delays in claiming.
Graph Analytics: Complexity, Scalability, and Architectures

Big Data as expressed as "Big Graphs" are growing in importance. Looking forward, there is also increasing interest in streaming versions of the associated analytics. This paper develops an initial template for the relationship between "traditional" batch graph problems, and streaming forms. Variations of streaming problems are discussed, along with their relationship to existing benchmarks. Also included is a discussion of classes of parallel architectures (including newly emerging ones) and how such kernels are liable to scale on them. Preliminary projections for some of these systems is presented.
Determination of Hydrophobic Lengths of Membrane Proteins with the HDGB Implicit Membrane Model

A protocol for predicting the hydrophobic length of membrane proteins using the heterogeneous dielectric generalized Born (HDGB) implicit membrane model is presented. The method involves optimal positioning in the membrane and identification of lipid-facing and inward-facing residues, followed by energy optimization of the implicit membrane model to obtain the hydrophobic length from the optimal membrane width. The latest HDGB version 3 (HDGBv3) and HDGB van der Waals (HDGBvdW) models were applied to a test set containing 15 proteins (seven β-barrel and eight α-helical proteins), for which matching membrane widths are available from experiment, and an additional set contains ten α-helical and ten β-barrel proteins without any experimental data. The results with the HDGB model compare favorably with predictions from methods used in the Orientations of Proteins in Membranes (OPM) and Protein Data Bank of Transmembrane Proteins (PDB-TM) databases.
Situational Strength as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Organizational Identification and Work Outcomes

Organizational identification theory suggests that the extent to which employees perceive a sense of oneness with their employer positively influences their workplace attitudes and behavior. We inv...
Inherited, enriched, heated, or recycled? Examining potential causes of Earth's most zircon fertile magmatic episode

Abstract The majority of granitic magmas generated during the Grenville Orogeny (1.2–1.0 Ga) are extremely zirconium rich (Zr contents often >500 ppm) and thus typically contain very abundant zircon. The extreme zircon fertility of Grenville granitoids appears to be unique in the geological record – no major magmatic event before or after produced on average such zircon-rich granitoids. Five potential mechanisms could explain the cause of the very high concentration of Zr (and other high field strength elements) in Grenville age magmas: an unusually high percentage of xenocrystic zircon; production of magmas from extremely trace element enriched sources; enrichment of crustal sources by moderate-temperature melting prior to Grenville magmatism; unusually high magmatic temperatures allowing for considerable Zr incorporation from source to magma prior to zircon saturation; massive continental crustal recycling via assimilation of significant amounts of sediment in subduction zones. Current data are not sufficiently abundant to completely dismiss any of these potential mechanisms. However, the notion that most high-Zr Grenville granitoids are solely the result of a very significant proportion of xenocrystic zircon is viewed as unlikely due to the limited number of xenocrystic ages that have been determined in conventional U Pb dating studies as well as the large number of zircon crystals (N ≥ 100) analyzed in this study of three extremely high-Zr granitoids (Zr range = 504–1306 ppm) that failed to demonstrate evidence of significant xenocrystic components. Massive degrees of crustal recycling via sediment subduction is also viewed as an unlikely dominant mechanism as it does not appear that the oxygen isotope composition of Grenville-age zircon is unique. Enrichment mechanisms of potential source regions, such as metasomatizing of the mantle or low-temperature melting of lower crust prior to Grenville magmatism, are viewed as more plausible mechanisms to produce high-Zr magmas. The occurrence of very high magmatic temperatures of at least some high-Zr granitoids, based on modeling and Ti-in-zircon thermometry, also appears to be critical in helping to explain the exceptional zircon fertility of 1.2–1.0 Ga granitoids in North America. Because Grenville magmas had such high Zr contents they produced intermediate-felsic plutons with a much higher zircon content compared to typical granitoids. This resulted in a disproportionate amount of ~ 1 Ga detrital zircon in the sedimentary record. This superabundance of detrital grains can cause biases in provenance studies and crustal growth models that use the magnitude of detrital zircon age modes as a proxy for source contribution or amount of new crustal material generated.
Association-based image retrieval for automatic target recognition

Model-based automatic target recognition (ATR) systems deal with recognizing three dimensional objects from two dimensional images. In order to recognize and identify objects the ATR system must have one or more stored models. Multiple two dimensional views of each three dimensional object that may appear in the universe it deals with are stored in the database. During recognition, two dimensional view of a target object is used a query image and the search is carried out to identify the corresponding three dimensional object. Stages of a model-based ATR system include preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, and searching the database. One of the most important problems in a model-based ATR system is to access the most likely candidate model rapidly from a large database. In this paper we propose new architecture for a model-based ATR system that is based on association-based image retrieval. We try to mimic human memory. The human brain retrieves images by association. We use generalized bi-directional associative memories to retrieve associated images from the database. We use the ATR system to identify military vehicles from their two dimensional views.
Imago Dei – Imitatio Dei

In the dramatic narrative of Genesis, the author affirms that human beings, male and female alike, are created in the image (selem) and likeness (demuth) of God. Every Adam and every Eve is endowed with a unique personal nature and a capacity to pattern their lives on the model of the living God. That is, each of us is created in God's image in a unique sense (eikon, imago) and given and called to exist in God's likeness (homoiosis, similitude). The former similarity between God and individual human beings constitutes the formal image of God in us, the latter similarity constitutes the material image of God in us. As free creatures we have the power to live or not live in a way compatible with the material image of God in us, and if we choose to reject God's gift of life and the call to pattern our lives on his or her divine perfection, we will fail to lead the good life and have the good life which God desires and intends for us. At least, this is the way the Genesis narrative has been understood in the mainstream of Judaism and Christianity.
Altered levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in chronic myelogenous leukemia: Clinical and prognostic correlates

We have recently demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-1 beta levels are elevated in advanced chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and that IL-1 inhibitors can suppress CML clonogenic growth. To further assess the clinical implications of increased IL-1 beta expression in CML, we analyzed IL-1 beta and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) levels in leukocyte lysates from a series of CML patients and from normal volunteers. Both IL-1 beta and IL-1RA were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), with the lower limits of sensitivity of the assays being 20 pg/mL and 6.5 pg/mL, respectively. The median IL-1 beta level in the 81 CML patients tested was higher (115.8 pg/2.4 x 10(7) cells; range, 0 to 2,000 pg/2.4 x 10(7) cells) than the median level in 25 control samples (10.8 pg/2.4 x 10(7) cells; range, 0 to 95.5 pg/2.4 x 10(7) cells) (P < .01). IL-1 beta was bioactive, as demonstrated with a bioassay based on cytotoxicity to a melanoma cell line (A375). For survival analysis, elevated IL-1 beta levels were defined as those exceeding the mean + 2 SD of normal levels (83 pg/2.4 x 10(7) cells). The survival of the 44 patients with elevated IL-1 beta levels was significantly shorter than that of those who had low IL-1 beta levels (median, 44 v 58 months; P = .049 by Wilcoxon-Gehan method). An association between IL-1 beta and CML prognostic criteria shows that IL-1 beta levels were significantly higher in patients in accelerated/blastic crisis phases of the disease (364.0 pg/2.4 x 10(7) cells) compared with patients in chronic phase (102.0 pg/2.4 x 10(7) cells) (P < .01), and that high IL-1 beta levels correlated with increased blasts in the marrow and peripheral blood (P < .01). In contrast, while IL-1RA levels did not differ between chronic-phase CML patients (median, 471.7 pg/2.4 x 10(5)) and healthy volunteers (median, 454.4 pg/2.4 x 10(5)), patients with accelerated/blast crisis disease had significantly lower levels of IL-1RA (median, 218.7 pg/2.4 x 10(5); P = .03). Finally, although IL-1 beta has been previously shown to increase IL-1RA levels, there was no correlation between IL-1 beta and IL-1RA levels in our CML patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Heterogeneity of response to therapy

As noted in prior chapters, US national and international guidelines provide a consistent approach to initial management of asthma, based on easily observed physical and physiologic findings, and a detailed history. From those data, a rational initial therapeutic regimen can be prescribed. In many cases, such therapy results in near complete control of asthma symptoms, restoration of normal lung physiology, and elimination of exacerbations. In fact, such improvement is frequent enough that therapeutic responsiveness to asthma treatments was thought to be nearly universal. However, it is not uncommon for patients to return with incomplete, or even trivial improvement in these clinical metrics of control (Langmack and Martin Curr Opin Pulm Med 16:13–18, 2010). In this chapter, we review the current literature on the variability of response to commonly used therapeutic agents in asthma.
Innovation Strategy and R&D Structure: Internal and External Contributors to R&D Structure

Decentralized R&D is on the rise among US public firms. This paper investigates the phenomenon of firm R&D structure decentralization by looking at potential antecedents that contribute to the deci...
Personality traits and income attainment of self-employed people—Accounting for model uncertainty

Abstract We examine the robustness of the relationship between income attainment and personality traits from Tellegen’s three-factor model that map into constructs of positive emotionality (well-being, social potency, achievement, and social closeness), negative emotionality (stress reaction, alienation, and aggression), and constraint (control, harm avoidance, and traditionalism). We do so by estimating the sampling distribution of 32,768 models in a sample of self-employed people from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study to account for model uncertainty. We find that only social potency and aggression are robust and positively correlated with income attainment among the self-employed. In contrast, income attainment for organizational employees is positively influenced by social potency and achievement and negatively influenced by traits such as alienation, impulsivity, traditionalism, and control. We find similar results when we examine a sub-group of self-employed people who employ and supervise others. Implications for future research are discussed.
Examining the Effects of Core Self-Evaluations and Perceived Organizational Support on Academic Burnout Among Undergraduate Students

Academic burnout is a prevalent issue that has debilitating effects on students and refers to the phenomena of long-term fatigue and loss of interest in schoolwork, and is characterized by a student's lack of engagement, dulled emotions, and feelings of helplessness. This survey-based study examined the predictive ability of two popular constructs in organizational psychology research, core self-evaluations, and perceived organizational support, to explain students' academic burnout. Extending the Job Demands-Resources model and Conservation of Resources theory to the university context, the study investigated whether core self-evaluations and perceived organizational support would similarly predict burnout for 199 undergraduate students in a university setting as they do employees in work settings. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to assess the factor structure of the variables, and moderated multiple regression was employed to test the hypotheses. Results indicated that that core self-evaluations and perceived organizational support were individually strong predictors of burnout, and that perceived organizational support had a small moderating effect on the core self-evaluations-burnout relationship. Implications and potential applications of these results are discussed as a means to mitigate the negative effects of academic burnout experienced by so many college students.
“I Didn’t Know Where To Go”: An Examination of Stop It Now!’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Helpline:

This study examines data from Stop It Now!’s Helpline in the United States primarily over a 5-year, 3-month period and offers insights into the needs of individuals and families confronting issues ...
Expanding Heart Transplant in the Era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C.

Importance For patients awaiting heart transplant, hepatitis C–positive donors offer an opportunity to expand the donor pool, shorten wait times, and decrease wait-list mortality. While early reported outcomes among few heart transplant recipients have been promising, knowledge of 1-year outcomes in larger cohorts of patients is critical to shared decision-making with patients about this option. Objective To better define the association of hepatitis C–positive donors with heart transplant volumes, wait-list duration, the transmission and cure of donor-derived hepatitis C, and morbidity and mortality at 1 year. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a prospective, single-center observational study of 80 adult (age 18 years or older) patients who underwent heart transplant using hearts from hepatitis C–positive donors between September 2016 and April 2019 at a large academic medical center. Among donors, who were considered hepatitis C–positive if results from hepatitis C antibody and/or nucleic acid testing were positive, 70 had viremia and 10 were seropositive but did not have viremia. Follow-up was available through May 15, 2019. Comparisons were drawn with patients who underwent transplant with hearts from hepatitis C–negative donors during the same period. Exposures In addition to standard posttransplant management, transplant recipients who developed donor-derived hepatitis C infection were treated with direct-acting antivirals. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes included wait-list duration and 1-year survival in all patients, and for those who developed donor-derived hepatitis C, the response to direct-acting antiviral treatment. Results Of 80 patients, 57 (71.3%) were men, 55 (68.7%) were white, and 17 (26.3%) were black; the median age at transplant was 54.5 years (interquartile range, 46-62 years). Following consent to accept hearts from hepatitis C-exposed donors, the median days to heart transplant was 4 (interquartile range, 1-18). No recipients of donors with negative nucleic acid testing results (10 [12.5%]) developed donor-derived hepatitis C. Of 70 patients who were recipients of donors with positive nucleic acid testing results, 67 (95.7%) developed donor-derived hepatitis C over a median follow-up of 301 days (interquartile range, 142-617). Treatment with direct-acting antivirals was well tolerated and yielded sustained virologic responses in all treated patients. Within the cohort with infection, 1-year patient survival was 90.4%, which was not significantly different compared with the cohort without infection or with patients who received transplants from hepatitis C–negative donors during the same period. Conclusions and Relevance In the era of direct-acting antivirals, hepatitis C–positive donors are a viable option to expand the donor pool, potentially reducing wait-list duration and mortality. In heart transplant recipients with donor-derived hepatitis C, infection is well-tolerated and curable, and 1-year survival is equivalent to that in recipients of hepatitis C–negative donors.
Reforming research to support culturally and ecologically responsive and developmentally meaningful practice in schools

Although advances have been made in educational research, broad discrepancies continue in the educational experiences and outcomes of subgroups of youth. Research that focus on “what works” and tie...
Abstract WP210: Preventability of Stroke Due to Large Vessel Occlusion Treated With Thrombectomy

Background and Objective: Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT) is standard treatment for stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, extent of preventability of these strokes is generally not addr...
Integrated management of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) in Florida tomatoes combining host resistance and nematicides

Abstract Host resistance governed by the Mi gene is available in many commercial tomato cultivars, and is effective against the most common tropical root-knot nematode species (Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria). The resistance has some drawbacks like the lack of activity against other common root-knot nematode species like M. hapla and M. enterolobii, the widespread emergence of resistance-breaking races of M. incognita, and the reported heat sensitivity of the Mi gene. In Florida, many tomato fields often also harbour soilborne pathogens and weeds, such as nutsedge, together with root-knot nematodes. Therefore, most tomato fields in Florida are fumigated, and nematode-resistant tomato cultivars are rarely planted. Two field trials were conducted during fall 2017 and spring 2018 to evaluate the potential of Mi-tomato cultivars in Florida, with or without additional use of a soil fumigant and/or nematicide. Root-knot severity in both seasons was significantly reduced in cultivars having Mi (Sanibel, Skyway, and Tasti Lee + Mi), as compared to the cultivar without Mi (FL 47). Fumigation with chloropicrin at 225 kg/ha and nematicides (fluensulfone in fall and fluazaindolizine in spring) also significantly reduced nematode damage. This was mostly noted for the cv. FL 47, and mostly during the fall growing season, when early nematode pressure was higher. End-of-season root-knot nematode soil populations were significantly lower with Mi cultivars. Chloropicrin on the other hand tended to increase end-of-season root-knot soil populations. No breakdown of resistance due to high soil temperature (>30 °C) was observed. Soil fumigation significantly increased fruit yield, especially in fall (95% increase) and to a lesser extent in spring (14.5% increase), and mostly so for cv. FL 47 and cv. Sanibel. Overall, cv. Sanibel produced the highest fruit yields.
#Mapping a movement: social media, feminist hashtags, and movement building in the digital age

Online feminist-based hashtag(#) campaigns, such as #WhyIStayed and #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou, have coalesced into the current #MeToo movement: a global movement to end gender-based violence, on and off...
Chapter 19 – Photodynamic Therapy

Publisher Summary Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is based on the intravenous injection of tumor-localizing photosensitizers (generally porphyrin derivatives), followed by an exposure of the tumor region to high fluence, usually of red light from a laser. PDT is effective only in cases wherein the whole tumor mass can be irradiated. Large tumors do not satisfactorily respond to the PDT unless light is applied interstitially. Unlike the PUVA treatment, the effectiveness of which primarily relies on oxygen-independent photosensitization, PDT involves type 2 photodynamic reactions, which are oxygen dependent. Thus, hypoxic tumors do not satisfactorily respond to the PDT. Another major difference with the PUVA is that irradiation relevant to the PDT is carried out with red to far-red radiations, making possible better penetration of light into the tumor, the optimum being in the phototherapic window in the 650–800 nm. New photo sensitizers strongly absorbing in the 650–800 nm range are already under preclinical evaluation. A generalized but still quite tissue-specific photosensitization may be induced if 5-Aminolevulinic acid is administered either by subcutaneous or intra-peritoneal injection, or by mouth. By using irradiation via an endoscopic approach it should be possible to treat tumors arising from the mucosa of internal cavities.