cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress Signaling Between Organs in Metazoa

Many organisms have developed a robust ability to adapt and survive in the face of environmental perturbations that threaten the integrity of their genome, proteome, or metabolome. Studies in multiple model organisms have shown that, in general, when exposed to stress, cells activate a complex prosurvival signaling network that includes immune and DNA damage response genes, chaperones, antioxidant enzymes, structural proteins, metabolic enzymes, and noncoding RNAs. The manner of activation runs the gamut from transcriptional induction of genes to increased stability of transcripts to posttranslational modification of important biosynthetic proteins within the stressed tissue. Superimposed on these largely autonomous effects are nonautonomous responses in which the stressed tissue secretes peptides and other factors that stimulate tissues in different organs to embark on processes that ultimately help the organism as a whole cope with stress. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which tissues in one or...
Analytical melting model for polymer pellets

The plasticating or melting behavior of polymer pellets sliding on a hot metal surface was investigated. An analytical model was developed for predicting the melting rate and the shear stress of an incompletely compacted solid bed of pellets in terms of the rheological and thermodynamic properties of the polymer, the pellet size, the degree of compaction, and the operating conditions. This investigation extends the results of the previous investigators obtained for a fully compacted solid bed of polymers to an incompletely compacted solid bed of polymers, closely representing the initial stage of the plasticating mechanism inside a screw extruder. Experimental verification of the analytical model developed here was made by testing six different commercial polymers.
Multifunctional Tricarbazolo Triazolophane Macrocycles: One-Pot Preparation, Anion Binding, and Hierarchical Self-Organization of Multilayers.

Programming the synthesis and self-assembly of molecules is a compelling strategy for the bottom-up fabrication of ordered materials. To this end, shape-persistent macrocycles were designed with alternating carbazoles and triazoles to program a one-pot synthesis and to bind large anions. The macrocycles bind anions that were once considered too weak to be coordinated, such as PF6−, with surprisingly high affinities (β2=1011 M−2 in 80:20 chloroform/methanol) and positive cooperativity, α=(4 K2/K1)=1200. We also discovered that the macrocycles assemble into ultrathin films of hierarchically ordered tubes on graphite surfaces. The remarkable surface-templated self-assembly properties, as was observed by using scanning tunneling microscopy, are attributed to the complementary pairing of alternating triazoles and carbazoles inscribed into both the co-facial and edge-sharing seams that exist between shape-persistent macrocycles. The multilayer assembly is also consistent with the high degree of molecular self-association observed in solution, with self-association constants of K=300 000 M−1 (chloroform/methanol 80:20). Scanning tunneling microscopy data also showed that surface assemblies readily sequester iodide anions from solution, modulating their assembly. This multifunctional macrocycle provides a foundation for materials composed of hierarchically organized and nanotubular self-assemblies.
Technical, Physiological and Anatomic Considerations in Nerve Conduction Studies

Nerve conduction studies and their interpretation are subject to a variety of factors. First, technical factors including submaximal stimulation, environmental electrical noise, inaccurate placement of the recording electrodes, and stimulus artifact can substantially interfere with accurate recording of nerve and muscle responses. Second, physiological factors, such as the effects of body height and age, can cause profound variation in all nerve conduction parameters, and studies require interpretation keeping these individual variations in mind. Another physiological factor is temperature, in which cooling can produce a variety of changes, including slowing of conduction velocity and increase of response amplitude. Anatomic factors are also important, the most common being the Martin-Gruber anastomosis, usually presenting with a reduction in response amplitude with proximal stimulation of the ulnar nerve, and the second most common being the presence of an accessory peroneal nerve. Paying constant attention to all of these details is a critical element to the accurate performance and interpretation of nerve conduction studies.
Evaluation of aestival diapause in hemlock woolly adelgid (Homoptera : Adelgidae)

Abstract Two hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand, generations complete their development on hemlocks (Tsuga spp.) that are native to eastern North America. Progrediens are present in the spring and sistens are present from early summer until the following spring. Following the settling of sistens crawlers at the base of hemlock needles, first-instar sistens go into aestival diapause for ≈4 mo. We conducted studies to determine if we could prevent the induction of diapause and determine the environmental conditions required to do so. Diapause was determined to be maternally regulated. We were able to prevent the induction of diapause by preconditioning parents at 12 and 14.5°C, but not at 17°C, indicating that temperature is a critical preconditioning cue. Preventing the induction of diapause was also most successful under a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D) h and was therefore chosen as a standard for rearing hemlock woolly adelgid. Egg stage through second-instar progrediens were found to be the mater...
Factors associated with non-adherence to Buprenorphine-naloxone among opioid dependent African-Americans: A retrospective chart review

Background and Objectives Opioid use disorders are common, chronic relapsing disorders. Buprenorphine (BUP) is an FDA approved medication in the treatment of opioid use disorders, but patient adherence to this medication remains a challenge. To identify risk factors for non-adherence, this chart review study examined the association between DSM-IV Axis I psychiatric disorders, substance use, demographics, and adherence to BUP-naloxone in African-American patients. Methods Charts were selected of patients who had ≥5 visits and completed psychometric screens (Patient Health Questionnaire, Mood Disorder Questionnaire, and a posttraumatic stress disorder questionnaire) at the time of the initial visit (N = 50). Urine drug screens (UDS) were also obtained. Treatment adherence was defined as BUP presence in UDS for ≥80% of the visits. Results A total of 48% of patients were adherent to treatment. Non-adherent patients had higher rates of use for not only opioids, but also cocaine, and alcohol. Cocaine use was associated with BUP-naloxone non-adherence even after controlling for opioid use. Attendance in cognitive behavioral group therapy sessions (CBT) was significantly associated with adherence. Patients endorsing PTSD symptoms showed higher adherence to treatment compared to those who did not endorse these symptoms. Conclusions and Scientific Significance Our results indicate that alcohol and illicit substance use is associated with non-adherence to BUP-naloxone treatment, and suggests that CBT and efforts to promote abstinence from non-opioid substance use may improve adherence among African-Americans. These findings contribute to growing literature on understanding adherence to BUP-naloxone, which is critical to reduce morbidity and mortality. (Am J Addict 2016;25:110-117) Language: en
Renormalization and Regulation of E-Cigarettes.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Smoking Norms and the Regulation of E-Cigarettes" by K. Voigt which appears in a 2015 issue of the journal, and it mentions the renormalization of smoking, as well as tobacco control efforts and nicotine addiction in the U.S.
Transcriptome of the inner circular smooth muscle of the developing mouse intestine: Evidence for regulation of visceral smooth muscle genes by the hedgehog target gene, cJun

Background Digestion is facilitated by coordinated contractions of the intestinal muscularis externa, a bilayered smooth muscle structure that is composed of inner circular muscles (ICM) and outer longitudinal muscles (OLM). We performed transcriptome analysis of intestinal mesenchyme tissue at E14.5, when the ICM, but not the OLM, is present, to investigate the transcriptional program of the ICM. Results We identified 3967 genes enriched in E14.5 intestinal mesenchyme. The gene expression profiles were clustered and annotated to known muscle genes, identifying a muscle-enriched subcluster. Using publically available in situ data, 127 genes were verified as expressed in ICM. Examination of the promoter and regulatory regions for these co-expressed genes revealed enrichment for cJUN transcription factor binding sites, and cJUN protein was enriched in ICM. cJUN ChIP-seq, performed at E14.5, revealed that cJUN regulatory regions contain characteristics of muscle enhancers. Finally, we show that cJun is a target of Hedgehog (Hh), a signaling pathway known to be important in smooth muscle development, and identify a cJun genomic enhancer that is responsive to Hh. Conclusions This work provides the first transcriptional catalog for the developing ICM and suggests that cJun regulates gene expression in the ICM downstream of Hh signaling. Developmental Dynamics 245:614-626, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Two-Staged Longitudinal Model of Collective Turnover on Unit-Level Performance

This paper argues that the impact of a turnover event on unit-level performance is manifest in two distinct stages. Drawing on collective turnover and team adaptation theory, we propose that Stage ...
Bibliographica Necronomica: Selections from the Literature of Grimoires, Cursed Books and Unholy Bindings

An ancient magical book with dangerous import. A cursed tome. A horrific binding. These are the elements that horror writer H. L. Lovecraft (and later Clark Ashton Smith) brought together in their depiction of the “Necronomicon of the mad Arab Abdul Alhazred,” a crucial bibliographic touchstone in the “Cthulhu mythos” that Lovecraft created and his followers expanded on. However, this legendary book of fiction was rooted in very tangible books that Lovecraft could have well examined in the rare book libraries of his native New England. This short essay explores the literature surrounding real books of magic, genuine book curses, and books bound in the skin of humans found in real libraries. It will start with a brief review of Owen Davies masterful treatise on grimoires. This will be followed by an examination of some scholarly articles by Nazi-hunter, classical scholar, and librarian Lawrence S. Thompson on book curses, chained-books, and books bound in the tanned flesh of human beings.
Object-Oriented Publics

Social computing-or computing in a social context-has largely concerned itself with understanding social interaction among and between people. This paper asserts that ignoring material components-including computing itself-as social actors is a mistake. Computing has its own agenda and agencies, and including it as a member of the social milieu provides a means of producing design objects that attend to how technology use can extend beyond merely amplifying or augmenting human actions. In this paper, we offer examples of projects that utilize the capacity of object-oriented publics to both analyze the conditions and consequences around existing publics and engage with matters of concern inherent to emerging publics. Considering how computing as an actor contributes to the construction of publics provides insight into the design of computational systems that address issues. We end by introducing the idea of the object ecology as a way to coordinate design approaches to computational publics.
Predictors of Stroke and Coma After Neurosurgery: An ACS-NSQIP Analysis.

Objective The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database aims to reduce 30-day postoperative complications. Reduction of postoperative stroke and coma can decrease length and cost of hospitalization, improve patient functional status, and decrease morbidity and mortality. Methods We performed a search of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for all patients from 2006 to 2013 undergoing an operation with a surgeon whose primary specialty was neurologic surgery. Results Of 94,546 neurosurgical patients reported, there were 687 (0.73%) cases of postoperative stroke and coma. The annual rate of coma longer than 24 hours decreased from 0.90% in 2006 to 0.002% in 2013 ( P P = 0.013). Multivariate analysis showed that inpatient status ( P = 0.001; odds ratio [OR], 30.3), age ( P = 0.005; OR, 1.012), history of diabetes ( P = 0.017; OR, 1.515), ventilator dependence ( P P P P = 0.022; OR, 1.492), cerebrovascular accident/stroke with neurologic deficit ( P P = 0.001; OR, 2.44), and tumor involving central nervous system ( P Conclusions The rate of postneurosurgical stroke decreased from 1.2% in 2006 to 0.5% in 2013 and the rate of postneurosurgical coma greater than 24 hours decreased from 0.9% in 2006 to 0.002% in 2013. Ten risk factors for developing postneurosurgical stroke and coma were identified using multivariable analysis. These risk factors should be assessed preoperatively and incorporated into clinical decision making so that individuals who are at higher risk for the development of stroke and coma can be appropriately monitored during the postoperative period.
Bioprinting the Cancer Microenvironment

Cancer is intrinsically complex, comprising both heterogeneous cellular compositions and microenvironmental cues. During the various stages of cancer initiation, development, and metastasis, cell–cell interactions (involving vascular and immune cells besides cancerous cells) as well as cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions (e.g., alteration in stiffness and composition of the surrounding matrix) play major roles. Conventional cancer models both two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) present numerous limitations as they lack good vascularization and cannot mimic the complexity of tumors, thereby restricting their use as biomimetic models for applications such as drug screening and fundamental cancer biology studies. Bioprinting as an emerging biofabrication platform enables the creation of high-resolution 3D structures and has been extensively used in the past decade to model multiple organs and diseases. More recently, this versatile technique has further found its application in studying cancer ge...
Impact of axial root growth angles on nitrogen acquisition in maize depends on environmental conditions.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS Crops with reduced requirement for nitrogen (N) fertilizer would have substantial benefits in developed nations, while improving food security in developing nations. This study employs the functional structural plant model SimRoot to test the hypothesis that variation in the growth angles of axial roots of maize (Zea mays L.) is an important determinant of N capture. METHODS Six phenotypes contrasting in axial root growth angles were modelled for 42 d at seven soil nitrate levels from 10 to 250 kg ha(-1) in a sand and a silt loam, and five precipitation regimes ranging from 0·5× to 1·5× of an ambient rainfall pattern. Model results were compared with soil N measurements of field sites with silt loam and loamy sand textures. KEY RESULTS For optimal nitrate uptake, root foraging must coincide with nitrate availability in the soil profile, which depends on soil type and precipitation regime. The benefit of specific root architectures for efficient N uptake increases with decreasing soil N content, while the effect of soil type increases with increasing soil N level. Extreme root architectures are beneficial under extreme environmental conditions. Extremely shallow root systems perform well under reduced precipitation, but perform poorly with ambient and greater precipitation. Dimorphic phenotypes with normal or shallow seminal and very steep nodal roots performed well in all scenarios, and consistently outperformed the steep phenotypes. Nitrate uptake increased under reduced leaching conditions in the silt loam and with low precipitation. CONCLUSIONS Results support the hypothesis that root growth angles are primary determinants of N acquisition in maize. With decreasing soil N status, optimal angles resulted in 15-50 % greater N acquisition over 42 d. Optimal root phenotypes for N capture varied with soil and precipitation regimes, suggesting that genetic selection for root phenotypes could be tailored to specific environments.
Orphans by Design: ‘Mixed-blood’ Children, Child Welfare, and Racial Nationalism in Postwar Japan

ABSTRACTAt the end of the Allied occupation in 1952, the Japanese press reported that two hundred thousand ‘mixed-blood’ children had been fathered and abandoned by foreign (mostly American) soldiers in Japan. Japanese commentators often converged on a single solution: the expulsion of all foreign troops and all ‘mixed’ children from Japan. Although most scholars treat the 1950s sense of ‘crisis’ surrounding ‘mixed’ children as a product of concern for their welfare, the ‘crisis’ is better understood as a complexly co-authored moral panic. Opposition politicians deployed wrath and fear over ‘blood mixing’ to discredit the dominant Liberal Party and its alliance with the United States. Meanwhile, ideological activists and mass media circulated false facts to present ‘mixed’ families as doomed and dangerous. Moral panic over ‘mixed-blood children’ fostered a ‘pure-blood’ identity in Japan after World War II and helped reconstruct Japanese nationalism on a new basis: that of the ‘pure’ race rather than the f...
Interactions Between Diet and Exposure to Secondhand Smoke on Glycated Hemoglobin Levels Among US Children: Results From NHANES 2007-2012.

Introduction Antioxidant-rich diets may lessen the adverse metabolic responses triggered by exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), but no studies have investigated these potential interactions. Objective To examine the interaction between diet and exposure to SHS on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels among 2551 children, ages 12-19 years, who participated in the 2007-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods Exposure to SHS was assessed by 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), cotinine, and self-report. Weighted linear regression models evaluated the cross-sectional association between exposure to SHS and HbA1c levels. Additive interaction was assessed by introducing product terms (with SHS) of individual nutrients (dietary fiber, eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], vitamin C, and vitamin E) to separate models. Results Over half of the children had NNAL or cotinine levels above the limit of detection (56% and 71%, respectively). The median HbA1c level was 5.2% (95% confidence interval: 5.17%, 5.23%). The interaction results suggest that the effects of exposure to SHS and certain dietary nutrients (EPA, DHA, vitamin C) on HbA1c levels may not be independent. For example, although there was only a slight difference in adjusted mean HbA1c levels across NNAL categories among children with high EPA intakes, the adjusted mean HbA1c level was 0.09% higher for high NNAL as compared to low NNAL among children with low EPA intakes. Conclusions Further research is needed to inform public health strategies for limiting increases in HbA1c levels among children. Messages may need to focus both on reducing exposure to SHS and improving diets to obtain the maximum benefit. Implications Our results suggest that the effects of exposure to SHS and diet on HbA1c levels may not be independent. For example, although there was little effect of exposure to SHS on HbA1c levels among children with high EPA intakes, high exposure to SHS was associated with an increase in HbA1c levels among children with low EPA intakes. Further research is necessary; however, based on these joint effects, strategies for limiting increases in HbA1c levels that focus both on reducing exposure to SHS and improving diets may achieve the largest public health benefits.
A comparison of cangrelor, prasugrel, ticagrelor, and clopidogrel in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A network meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Newer P2Y12 inhibitors have more rapid onset of platelet inhibition compared with clopidogrel, especially the intravenous P2Y12 inhibitor cangrelor. Direct comparisons between cangrelor and oral P2Y12 inhibitors ticagrelor and prasugrel do not exist. Thus, we performed a network meta-analysis to directly and indirectly compare different P2Y12 inhibitors in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods MEDLINE/PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared at least two P2Y12 inhibitors including cangrelor, clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor. Network meta-analysis with a Bayesian approach was performed to directly and indirectly compare the effects of the aforementioned P2Y12 inhibitors on clinical outcomes. Odds ratios with credible intervals (OR [CrIs]) were generated with random-effects models to compare outcomes. Results This analysis included 15 RCTs with 54,025 patients randomized to cangrelor (n=12,475), clopidogrel (n=26,903), prasugrel (n=7455), or ticagrelor (n=7192) at time of PCI. Patients had a mean age of 63±10, 74% were male, and 82% underwent PCI for acute coronary syndrome. No significant differences between cangrelor and clopidogrel were found with respect to cardiovascular death (OR 1.01 [CrI 0.23–4.39]), myocardial infarction (OR 0.94 [CrI 0.69–1.25]), major adverse cardiac events (OR 0.91 [CrI 0.69–1.18]), stent thrombosis (OR 0.66 [CrI 0.37–1.19]), or major bleeding (OR 1.52 [CrI 0.79–2.98]). Rank probability data suggested that ticagrelor and prasugrel were better than cangrelor for reducing ischemic events, though these differences were not significant. Conclusion Despite rapid platelet inhibition provided by cangrelor, newer oral P2Y12 inhibitors such as ticagrelor and prasugrel have comparable clinical outcomes.
Early Schooling and Growth of Literacy in the Transition to School

The chapter describes an ongoing project aimed at understanding the impact of instruction on children’s early literacy growth. Derived from direct observations of classroom instruction, findings revealed that the most effective instruction depends on the initial skill levels of the child. These child X instruction interactions imply that efforts to improve children’s literacy skills will be greatly enhanced by a focus on tailoring instruction to each child’s profile of strengths and weaknesses. An intervention is described that attempts to provide such indivi­­dualized instruction combining a small-group focus with computer support that specifies the amounts and types of instruction each child needs to advance. Findings from the intervention demonstrated greater reading growth for the individualized instruction group over a control group. Further, the more the instruction matched recommended amounts and types for each child, the more children grew. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Employee Mobility and Interfirm Relationship Transfer: Evidence from the Mobility and Client Attachments of United States Federal Lobbyists, 1998–2014

Research summary: Employee mobility can erode competitive advantage by facilitating interfirm knowledge and relationship transfer. This study investigates the latter and identifies factors that influence the likelihood of its occurrence. Using a novel database that tracks the employment and client attachments of U.S. federal lobbyists, I show that repeated exchange with employees (firms) increases (decreases) the likelihood clients follow employees who switch firms. Structurally, multiplexity reduces the likelihood of client transfer and weakens the effect of employee–client repeated exchange, with the multiplexity effect strongest when team members have specialized expertise. By examining the main and interactive effects of repeated exchange, multiplexity, and specialized human capital, this study extends prior work by demonstrating how individual, organizational, and structural relationship characteristics affect client transfer and retention ex-post employee mobility. Managerial summary: When do clients follow employees who switch firms? What can firms do to guard against it? These questions are important in service-based industries where clients may become loyal to individual employees within the firm rather than to the firm itself. This study provides evidence that helps practicing managers: (a) identify which clients are most at risk of defecting if employees exit, and (b) structure relationships in ways that mitigate the likelihood that employee exit results in client loss. Findings suggest that a client is more likely to defect when she has extensive history working with the exiting employee, particularly if the employee was the sole link between the client and firm. Managers, however, can reduce the risk of client loss following employee exit by structuring relationships so that clients work with teams of employees rather than exclusively with an individual and by increasing the degree of specialization within these teams. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Abuse Liability of Dextromethorphan Among Adolescents: A Review

ABSTRACT Dextromethorphan (DM) is a popular over-the-counter antitussive medication. Although adverse effects from appropriate use are rare, a specific toxidrome with significant psychomimetic effects occurs with ingestions in excess of those recommended. Both DM and its active metabolite, dextrorphan (DOR), share pharmacologic and neurobehavioral properties similar to opiates and phencyclidine (PCP). As such, cases of recreational DM abuse and, rarely, dependence, have been reported, and some data suggest that such abuse is on the rise. DM may be considered by substance abusers, especially adolescents, to be a dissociative agent devoid of financial concerns, legal limitations, negative stigma, problems with access or adverse health consequences. However, DM's popularity among adolescent substance abusers is generally not matched by adequate health care provider awareness, pharmacological understanding or epidemiological characterization. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of DM's addi...
Nicotinamide Ameliorates Disease Phenotypes in a Human iPSC Model of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a cell monolayer essential for photoreceptor survival, and is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. There are no disease-altering therapies for dry AMD, which is characterized by accumulation of subretinal drusen deposits and complement-driven inflammation. We report the derivation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from patients with diagnosed AMD, including two donors with the rare ARMS2/HTRA1 homozygous genotype. The hiPSC-derived RPE cells produce several AMD/drusen-related proteins, and those from the AMD donors show significantly increased complement and inflammatory factors, which are most exaggerated in the ARMS2/HTRA1 lines. Using a panel of AMD biomarkers and candidate drug screening, combined with transcriptome analysis, we discover that nicotinamide (NAM) ameliorated disease-related phenotypes by inhibiting drusen proteins and inflammatory and complement factors while upregulating nucleosome, ribosome, and chromatin-modifying genes. Thus, targeting NAM-regulated pathways is a promising avenue for developing therapeutics to combat AMD.
Black Beauty : The Emotional Work of Pretend Play

Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty, one of the most popular books ever written in the English language, has often been slighted by critics who have dismissed it as merely children’s literature. This chapter argues that the novel is an important statement about animal ethics, drawing upon Donna Haraway’s critique of Derrida’s The Animal That Therefore I Am to assess the significance of the concept of “play.” “Play” describes ways a human being may begin to imagine the perspective of nonhumans through observation and response to their postures, movements, and sounds. Sewell, an astute and sensitive observer of horses, deliberately invites her readers to develop similar perspectives as they “play in horsehood” through reading the autobiography of a horse.
Buy American: A User's Guide for Measuring Customer Motivations

Rather than a fad, buying American is a consistent and persistent motivation for many consumers. But which consumers are more likely to buy American and why? How can companies better cater to this need among their current and potential customers? This note reviews how companies can proactively respond to consumers’ buy-American motivations and increase customer satisfaction, loyalty behaviors, and financial outcomes. Four distinct motivations drive people to buy American: country branding, country animosity, consumer ethnocentrism, and local identity. This note identifies specific scales that can be administered via a survey for implementing a buy-American branding strategy based on these four motivations. Specific examples illustrate how companies use these four pillars to support their buy-American branding strategy.
The Effect of EGR System Response Time on NOx Feedgas Emissions during Engine Transients

Quantitative measurements were made of NOx feedgas emissions during transient engine operation as the response time of an EGR system was progressively degraded. For a simple acceleration-cruise-deceleration engine speed/torque versus time trajectory, it was found that the NOx emissions were higher during acceleration and lower during deceleration than corresponding values predicted from steady-state mapping data. The magnitude of the differences, as well as the total mass of NOx integrated over the speed/torque trajectory, all increased as the EGR response time was increased. Using a simple dynamic EGR model, NOx feedgas emissions were predicted for engine operation with a production EGR system over a 128 second portion of the FTP CVS cycle. The NOx feedgas predictions were shown to be in excellent agreement with actual emission measurements.
Localization of smooth muscle and nonmuscle actin isoforms in the human aqueous outflow pathway.

a-Smooth muscle actin is the isoform of actin restricted to vascular smooth muscle, pericytes, myofibroblasts and, certain other cells that are of myoid origin. We investigated the distribution of a-smooth muscle actin and nonmuscle specific filamentous actin in the human aqueous outflow system by immunohistochemical methods. Filamentous actin was observed in all cellular constituents of the outflow pathway, while distribution of a-smooth muscle actin was restricted to the ciliary muscle, to specific cells throughout the trabecular meshwork, and to cells adjacent to the outer wall and the collector channels. The ciliary muscle extended deep into the corneoscleral meshwork, far anterior to the scleral spur. These findings agree with our previous study localizing the distribution of smooth muscle myosin in the human aqueous outflow pathway. Although functionality of the immunoreactive cells needs to be demonstrated, our data show that a potentially contractile apparatus exists in a subpopulation of trabecular meshwork cells and in certain cells of the more distal components of the outflow system. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 33:424-429,1992 Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of cells rich in actin in the human aqueous humor outflow pathway, specifically in the trabecular meshwork (TM) and adjacent to the outer wall of Schlemm's canal. 12 In addition, smooth muscle-like cells have been reported in the aqueous outflow system of the rat and rabbit. 3 " 6 We recently showed that cells containing smooth muscle-specific myosin are found within the TM, adjacent to the outer wall of Schlemm's canal and the collector channels. 7 Such structural and cytoplasmic contractile proteins are involved in many biological functions, and the presence of these proteins in cells of the outflow pathway could be important in aqueous humor outflow dynamics. The objectives of the present study were to determine, by immunohistochemical methods, whether smooth muscle-specific actin is present in the human outflow pathway and to compare the distribution of
Topology of Families

In this chapter, we make a brief detour and study some aspects of the topology of families of algebraic varieties that will be used later on. As we will see, a family of smooth projective varieties is locally trivial topologically; in particular, all the fibers are diffeomorphic. However, the global topology may be nontrivial. An important measure of the nontriviality is the monodromy, which roughly tells us what happens to cycles when they are transported around a loop. This can also be understood using sheaf theory.
Atmospheric Change and Temperature-Related Health Effects

Recent history is full of examples of short-sighted management of the environment and the consequent development of environmental conditions that endanger human health. Thus, I welcome the opportunity to be part of the farsighted effort in which we are engaged today. Seldom have so many people paid so much attention to the possible consequences 50 or 60 years hence that may occur as the result of present actions. While substantial uncertainty still exists regarding the nature and extent of the climate changes that may arise from anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere, the potentially devastating environmental impacts predicted by some investigators clearly warrant both our attention and the initiation of systematic efforts to investigate scientifically the scope of the possible health effects that may result from global climate change.
Quantification of cDNA on GMR biosensor array towards point-of-care gene expression analysis.

Gene expression analysis at the point-of-care is important for rapid disease diagnosis, but traditional techniques are limited by multiplexing capabilities, bulky equipment, and cost. We present a gene expression analysis platform using a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) biosensor array, which allows multiplexed transcript detection and quantification through cost-effective magnetic detection. In this work, we have characterized the sensitivity, dynamic range, and quantification accuracy of Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified complementary DNA (cDNA) on the GMR for the reference gene GAPDH. A synthetic GAPDH single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) standard was used to calibrate the detection, and ssDNA dilutions were qPCR-amplified to obtain a standard curve. We demonstrate that the GMR platform provides a dynamic range of 4 orders of magnitude and a limit of detection of 1 pM and 0.1 pM respectively for 15 and 18-cycle amplified synthetic GAPDH PCR products. The quantitative results of GMR analysis of cell-line RNA were confirmed by qPCR.
The earth's radiation budget and its relation to atmospheric hydrology. I - Observations of the clear sky greenhouse effect. II - Observations of cloud effects

The clear-sky components of the earth's radiation budget (ERB), the relationship of these components to the sea surface temperature (SST), and microwave-derived water-vapor amount are analyzed in an observational study along with the relationship between the cloudy-sky components of ERB and space/time coincident observations of SST, microwave-derived cloud liquid water, and cloud cover. The purpose of the study is to use these observations for establishing an understanding of the couplings between radiation and the atmosphere that are important to understanding climate feedback. A strategy for studying the greenhouse effect of earth by analyzing the emitted clear-sky longwave flux over the ocean is proposed. It is concluded that the largest observed influence of clouds on ERB is more consistent with macrophysical properties of clouds as opposed to microphysical properties. The analysis for clouds and the greenhouse effect of clouds is compared quantitatively with the clear sky results. Land-ocean differences and tropical-midlatitude differences are shown and explained in terms of the cloud macrostructure.
Developing Self-Directed Learners

Objective. To discuss the meaning of self-directed learning, challenges with implementation, and strategies to overcome obstacles in educational settings. In this paper we define self-directed learning, differentiate it from similar terminology, and discuss the empirical evidence for its development and strategies for its use within higher education. Summary. Self-directed learning as a defined teaching pedagogy has been around since the 1960s and can be used in classroom and experiential settings. It is a term that is commonly used to describe a set of skills that college graduates should possess. A self-directed learning environment is dramatically different from a lecture-based classroom where the educator determines the goals, the assessments administered, and pacing of the course content. During the self-directed learning process, the learner sets goals, determines how progress will be assessed, defines the structure and sequence of activities and a timeline, identifies resources, and seeks out feedback. When teaching individuals who are new to this model, care must be taken to appropriately scaffold and structure learning to develop the underlying soft skills needed for students to be successful as self-directed learners. When implementing this pedagogy in a classroom setting, challenges are faced both by the learner and the educator. Faculty members should proactively plan for potential challenges during the course design process.
Repair of perineal lacerations in the cow

The increasing incidence of pneumovagina in beef cows may include heritable implications but many cases can be traced to injuries occurring during parturition. Simple vaginal lacerations are treated conservatively. Severe vulvar wounds and rectovulvar lacerations are successfully repaired by methods originally designed for use in mares. Pneumovagina complicated by extensive pooling of urine in the vagina is corrected by establishment of a transverse fold of vaginal floor cranial to the external urinary meatus.
Morel-Lavallée lesion of the anterior leg: a rare anatomical presentation

A Morel-Lavallee lesion (MLL) is a rare injury caused by blunt force trauma causing separation of subcutaneous tissue from the deep fascia. It is frequently seen in orthopaedic cases involving fractures of the hip or pelvis but is rare in the lower leg. The rarity of this condition often leads to misdiagnosis. A 66-year-old man presented to the emergency department after a 300-pound safe sheered across his left anterolateral leg causing skin avulsion, tenderness, swelling, ecchymosis, and erythema. The patient was treated for suspected cellulitis with oral antibiotics, but the lesion evolved into a necrotic eschar necessitating surgical intervention. In hindsight, MLL is a more appropriate diagnosis based on injury mechanism, disease progression and intraoperative findings. A history of shearing trauma with diffuse ecchymosis and erythema should prompt consideration of MLL. Due to rampant misdiagnosis, this case aims to increase awareness, as early diagnosis of MLL will improve patient outcomes.
What Every Lawyer Should Know About International Law

This paper provides a basic introduction to international law for the average lawyer. As lawyers and scholars, we all know that we and our clients interact in global economy. International law — at least to some degree — has become important to all of us. But many lawyers have had very little training in the field. The article is a brief introduction that lays out an overall framework for understanding what public international law is and how it works. It serves as a quick initiation into international law for some and a stepping stone for those who wish or need to go further into the topic.
Report: 'Problems with Authority: The II International Flann O’Brien Conference' (Rome, 2013)

Catherine Ahearn reports from Problems with Authority: II International Flann O’Brien Conference (Universita Roma Tre, June 19–21 2013)
The 'Indaganda' Survey of the Prussian Frontier: The Built World, Logistical Power, and Bureaucratic Knowledge in the Polish Partitions, 1772–1806

The Indaganda is an obscure but widely used survey designed by Prussian administrators to gather territorial information, especially about provinces acquired in the Polish Partitions (1772–1795). This essay uses the Indaganda of South Prussia—a highly urbanized province annexed in the Second Partition—as a nodal point in Prussia’s efforts to manage and control territory by using material means to transform the natural and built worlds. Prussian patterns of eighteenth-century infrastructure development were filtered through this survey, eliciting information that formed a knowledge base for bureaucratic administration, infrastructure development, and cartographic visualizations. The Indaganda and its implications for the built world were expressions of the state’s exercise of logistical power: the use of material means to insert its presence into daily life, to assert its prerogative to control things and people, and to express its right to govern both. Finally, this essay argues that the bureaucratic curation of technical knowledge, which operationalized logistics, facilitated the integration of technical experts into the Prussian state bureaucracy. This article is part of a special issue entitled “Histories of Bureaucratic Knowledge,” edited by Sebastian Felten and Christine von Oertzen.
A compressed representation of spatial distance in the rodent hippocampus

Abstract Principal cells in the rodent hippocampus often fire in response to traversal through a specific spatial location (place cells), as well as elapsed time during an imposed temporal delay or after stimulus offset (time cells). Sequences of time cells unfold rapidly at first, with many time cells with narrow time fields. As the triggering event recedes into the past, time cells are fewer and have broader fields. This means that the representation of time in the hippocampus is compressed with greater resolution for time points near the present. Using tetrode recordings we measured individual CA1 units while rats traveled along a track that could be changed in length. Consistent with previous results, most place cells coded for distance from the starting point of the trajectory. Critically, place cells became less numerous and showed gradually widening fields with distance from the starting location. These results suggest that as the animal leaves a landmark, the hippocampal place code forms a compressed representation of distance from the starting location. The representation of time and space in the hippocampus have similar properties suggesting that they arise from similar computational mechanisms. Significance Statement The hippocampus represents relationships between events in time and space. It has been hypothesized that temporal and spatial relationships are the result of a common computational mechanism. Previous work has shown that the representation of time in the hippocampus is compressed, with less neural resolution for more temporally remote events, consistent with the observation that temporal memory is worse for events further in the past. This paper shows an analogous result for spatial relationships. Place cells coded for distance from the start of a journey. As distance increased, place fields became broader and less numerous, showing a decrease in spatial resolution. This result suggests a unified coding scheme for the dimensions of time and space in the rodent hippocampus.
Midterm Patient-Reported Outcomes in Wrist Denervation for Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Purpose To analyze patient-reported outcomes and range of motion in a cohort of patients who underwent wrist denervation for advanced wrist osteoarthritis . We hypothesized that improvements in pain and function would be seen with preserved range of motion. Methods Thirty patients underwent wrist denervation for symptomatic stage 1–4 scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) arthritis. Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, and range of motion measurements were assessed preoperatively and at final follow-up. Results The mean follow-up duration was 47 months (range, 24–92 months). The mean age at surgery was 65 years, and 96% of the patients were men. The dominant hand was involved in 66% of cases. The SLAC grades of patients involved were as follows: 10% (n = 3) grade 1, 27% (n = 8) grade 2, 60% (n = 18) grade 3, and 3% (n = 1) grade 4. Two patients required conversion to a wrist fusion and were considered failures. In the remaining 28 patients, the mean Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation total score decreased 22 points (82.4 to 60.9) and the mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score decreased 8 points (32.4 to 24.8). Total arc of wrist flexion-extension showed an average 5° improvement. Conclusions This method of wrist denervation was a viable salvage option for patients with symptomatic SLAC wrist osteoarthritis to preserve motion, decrease pain, and increase function with a low absolute failure rate at mid- to long-term follow-up. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic, Level IV
Meeting Law’s Demand: Chinese Multinationals as Consumers of U.S. Legal Services

Chinese multinational companies (MNCs), as key agents in China’s global expansion, have elicited considerable academic attention. The accumulated scholarship, however, has neglected Chinese MNCs’ consumption of legal services that are crucial to understanding their adaptation to and impacts on host-country institutions. To narrow the gap, this article empirically explores several major aspects of Chinese MNCs in the U.S. legal market. It finds that Chinese investors generally recognize U.S. legal services as being costly but essential for their U.S. operations. Lacking legal expertise, Chinese managers surmount severe information asymmetry by relying primarily on trusted and knowledgeable third parties for U.S. lawyer recommendations. Most Chinese MNCs spend relatively insignificant amounts on U.S. legal services, leaving them with minimal bargaining power vis-a-vis legal service providers. The U.S. legal expenses of Chinese MNCs vary as a function mainly of their legal service demand, not special corporate attributes such as ownership structure. The findings contribute to ongoing debates about Chinese MNCs, their adaptation to host country institutions, and their impacts on the legal profession and the global legal service market.
Sexual and urinary dysfunction after proctectomy with or without abdominoperineal resection: Incidence and treatment

Abstract As oncologic outcomes of rectal cancer treatment continue to improve, there has been an increased focus on the quality of life of survivors, including urinary and sexual function. Given its profound impact, it is imperative to have a better understanding of urogenital dysfunction in this context in order to advance new therapies and promote patient rehabilitation. Clinicians should focus on broad preoperative counseling and postoperative interventions to counterbalance the negative impact of surgery and radiotherapy. Clinicians should be aware that although rectal cancer may be cured, long-term treatment sequelae may persist.