cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A case study: Enhancing execution of a nursing practice using organizational development principles

In 2013, a large health system endorsed bedside shift report as a nursing practice to increase patient engagement. While numerous hospitals in the system adopted the practice of bedside shift report, the system did not see anticipated improvements in patient safety or patient satisfaction. Observations across the system revealed tremendous variation in bedside shift report practice norms. The hypothesis was that bedside shift report was either (1) too different from entrenched hand-over processes to be effectively executed, or (2) the desired state of hand-over at the bedside had not been sufficiently articulated. The health system adopted a change management approach to tackle the issue, drawing from organizational development and organizational psychology literature. The result was the creation of a bedside shift report developmental framework which broke down the practice into a series of small, specific component parts, and demonstrated that it was normal to gradually evolve to the ideal, and only after basic behaviors became hardwired. The framework was revised once before arriving at the current iteration in use today. Patient safety and patient satisfaction data will be collected throughout 2017. In the meanwhile, ongoing observations show anecdotal evidence of specific safety catches as well as appreciations from nurses, patients and family members who have greatly benefitted from bedside shift report. The framework has also significantly increased nursing adoption and expertise with bedside shift report. The practice is now in place in 98% of the health system’s hospitals (compared to 52% in 2013), with many units at mastery level.
Baroreflex dysfunction and augmented sympathetic nerve responses during mental stress in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

Key points Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms underlying this increased risk are not known. Studies have suggested that PTSD patients have an overactive sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that could contribute to cardiovascular risk; however, sympathetic function has not previously been rigorously evaluated in PTSD patients. Using direct measurements of sympathetic nerve activity and pharmacological manipulation of blood pressure, we show that veterans with PTSD have augmented SNS and haemodynamic reactivity during both combat-related and non-combat related mental stress, impaired sympathetic and cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity, and increased inflammation. Identifying the mechanisms contributing to increased cardiovascular (CV) risk in PTSD will pave the way for developing interventions to improve sympathetic function and reduce CV risk in these patients. Abstract Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. We tested the hypothesis that PTSD patients have augmented sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and haemodynamic reactivity during mental stress, as well as impaired arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Fourteen otherwise healthy Veterans with combat-related PTSD were compared with 14 matched Controls without PTSD. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), continuous blood pressure (BP) and electrocardiography were measured at baseline, as well as during two types of mental stress: combat-related mental stress using virtual reality combat exposure (VRCE) and non-combat related stress using mental arithmetic (MA). A cold pressor test (CPT) was administered for comparison. BRS was tested using pharmacological manipulation of BP via the Modified Oxford technique at rest and during VRCE. Blood samples were analysed for inflammatory biomarkers. Baseline characteristics, MSNA and haemodynamics were similar between the groups. In PTSD vs. Controls, MSNA (+8.2 ± 1.0 vs. +1.2 ± 1.3 bursts min–1, P < 0.001) and heart rate responses (+3.2 ± 1.1 vs. −2.3 ± 1.0 beats min–1, P = 0.003) were significantly augmented during VRCE. Similarly, in PTSD vs. Controls, MSNA (+21.0 ± 2.6 vs. +6.7 ± 1.5 bursts min–1, P < 0.001) and diastolic BP responses (+6.3 ± 1.0 vs. +3.5 ± 1.0 mmHg, P = 0.011) were significantly augmented during MA but not during CPT (P = not significant). In the PTSD group, sympathetic BRS (–1.2 ± 0.2 vs. –2.0 ± 0.3 burst incidence mmHg−1, P = 0.026) and cardiovagal BRS (9.5 ± 1.4 vs. 23.6 ± 4.3 ms mmHg−1, P = 0.008) were significantly blunted at rest. PTSD patients had significantly higher highly sensitive-C-reactive protein levels compared to Controls (2.1 ± 0.4 vs. 1.0 ± 0.3 mg L−1, P = 0.047). Augmented SNS and haemodynamic responses to mental stress, blunted BRS and inflammation may contribute to an increased CV risk in PTSD.
Sicegar: R package for sigmoidal and double-sigmoidal curve fitting

Sigmoidal and double-sigmoidal dynamics are commonly observed in many areas of biology. Here we present sicegar, an R package for the automated fitting and classification of sigmoidal and double-sigmoidal data. The package categorizes data into one of three categories, "no signal," "sigmoidal," or "double-sigmoidal," by rigorously fitting a series of mathematical models to the data. The data is labeled as "ambiguous" if neither the sigmoidal nor double-sigmoidal model fit the data well. In addition to performing the classification, the package also reports a wealth of metrics as well as biologically meaningful parameters describing the sigmoidal or double-sigmoidal curves. In extensive simulations, we find that the package performs well, can recover the original dynamics even under fairly high noise levels, and will typically classify curves as "ambiguous" rather than misclassifying them. The package is available on CRAN and comes with extensive documentation and usage examples.
Unexpected Roles of Non-State Actors: International Bureaucrats in Institutional Design

International intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) now cover nearly every corner of the world and nearly every imaginable topic. Yet we lack answers to fundamental questions. Who created the IGOs that exist today? What issues do they address? Where are they located, and where does their focus lie? When were they launched? How do they function in terms of management of resources, institutional oversight, or decision-making practices? With a random sample of today’s IGOs, this paper answers these questions and uncovers novel insights. For instance, IGOs launched by states alone are relatively rare – instead, international bureaucrats employed in pre-existing IGOs regularly play various roles in creating new intergovernmental organizations. Thus, even in the crucial area of institutional design, non-state actors are carrying out activities once monopolized by states. This paper also identifies avenues for future research, and it offers a base that can be expanded for further data collection efforts.
Basic Experimental Methods

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the handling and sampling techniques of guinea pigs. Extensive use of the guinea pig in a variety of experimental procedures ranging from inhalation studies to hearing research has given rise to common biomethodology and the introduction of specialized experimental techniques. All surgical techniques described in this chapter are performed using aseptic technique, and with the administration of appropriate anesthesia and analgesia. Most simple procedures can be performed on guinea pigs under manual restraint and chemical restraint is rarely required. The animal can be held firmly against the body or with the head held in the crook of the elbow for minor procedures. Another restraint technique involves holding up the anterior portion of the animal while its rear legs remain on the surface supporting the animal, or by holding the chest and forelegs in one hand and the pelvis and hind legs in the other hand. With repeated handling, guinea pigs become accustomed to being held and struggle less. The sampling techniques involve blood sampling, cerebrospinal fluid collection, milk collection, semen collection, and urine. Furthermore, the specialized research techniques include endotracheal intubation, which is difficult in a guinea pig due to the narrow oral cavity and the anatomy of the larynx and upper airway. The guinea pig is preferred by many investigators for the study of pre- and neonatal cardiac or cortical activities under various maternal conditions.
An Academic Relative Value Unit System for Incentivizing the Academic Productivity of Surgery Faculty Members.

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate a new academic relative-value unit (aRVU) scoring system linked to faculty compensation and analyze its association with overall departmental academic productivity.Summary Background Data:Faculty are often not incentivized or financially compensa
Freedom is encapsulation: The invisible iron cage of job autonomy

By all accounts, the use of autonomy as a key job characteristic is increasing as organizations seek to retain the best employees, manage more employees with fewer managers, and keep up with advanc...
A Transaction on the Blockchain: An AIS Perspective, Intro Case to Explain Transactions on the ERP and the Role of the Internal and External Auditor

ABSTRACT This case promotes discussions about blockchain technology. It shows a transaction execution scenario and its tax implications. The case provides (1) an overview of the steps required to i...
Three-electron SN2 Reactions of Arylcyclopropane Cation Radicals. 1. Mechanism.

The mechanism of photosensitized nucleophilic substitution reactions on arylcyclopropanes was investigated. Stereochemical experiments with methanol, water, and cyanide as nucleophiles showed that the reactions occurred stereospecifically with complete inversion of configuration at the carbon atom undergoing substitution. Independent generation of the arylcyclopropane cation radicals by nanosecond transient methods showed that they reacted rapidly with nucleophiles with kinetics that were first-order in both the cation radical and the nucleophiles. Through a combination of transient kinetics and steady-state Stern−Volmer quenching experiments, the reaction of the phenylcyclopropane cation radical with methanol was kinetically correlated with the formation of the substitution product. The reaction of phenylcyclopropane cation radical with a series of alcohols as nucleophiles showed small steric effects.
A quantitative evaluation of microalloy precipitation strengthening in martensite and bainite

Abstract The influence of V content on the strengthening mechanisms in martensite and bainite tempered between 500 and 650 °C was investigated with scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. A quantitative methodology to measure the volume fraction of microalloy (MX) precipitates was employed to directly calculate the contribution of precipitation strengthening after tempering at 500 and 650 °C. Increased V contents result in larger increases in hardness at higher tempering temperatures compared to lower tempering temperatures for both martensite and bainite. The increase in hardness from increased V content is not significantly different between martensite and bainite. Greater volume fractions of MX are observed with higher V contents. The increased MX volume fractions inhibit recovery during tempering as indicated by higher measured dislocation densities in the high V conditions. The majority of the strengthening imparted by increased V content is calculated to be a result of higher dislocation densities rather than greater MX precipitation strengthening after tempering at 500 °C. However, greater V contents are calculated to primarily raise the hardness by increased MX precipitation strengthening after tempering at 650 °C. In general, higher dislocation densities as well as increased MX precipitation strengthening are both important strengthening mechanisms influenced by V content during tempering in the secondary hardening regime.
The mediating role of perceived crime in gender and built environment associations with park use and park-based physical activity among park users in high poverty neighborhoods.

Abstract Women use parks less for physical activity than men, and explanations include gendered concerns regarding personal safety and access to walking paths. This study conducted mediation analyses to examine the effects of gender and presence of park walking path on park use, participation in park programs, and park-based physical activity through the hypothesized mediator (perception of crime). The sample included 3213 park users from 48 parks in high poverty neighborhoods in Los Angeles surveyed between 2013 and 2015; park-level factors were assessed through systematic observations of study parks. Women reported fewer park visits than men in the last 7 days (β = −0.17, p = 0.02) and had significantly higher perceived crime (β = 0.12, p
Phenolic compounds from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) inhibit the endocannabinoid-modulating enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase.

OBJECTIVES The study aimed to identify nutmeg compounds that indirectly interact with the endocannabinoid system through inhibition of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) enzymes. METHODS Thirteen compounds were screened for FAAH and MAGL inhibition. Compounds demonstrating significant FAAH inhibition were evaluated to determine the halfmaximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ). The most potent compound was investigated in the elevated plus maze (EPM) rodent anxiety model. KEY FINDINGS Three compounds, licarin A (9), 5'-methoxylicarin A (8) and malabaricone C (6) were most active in inhibiting FAAH with IC50 of 7.02 μm ± 2.02, 4.57 μm ± 0.66 and 38.29 μm ± 6.18, respectively. None of the purified compounds showed significant MAGL inhibition. Because of its relative high potency and selectivity, compound 8 was further evaluated in the EPM animal model of anxiety. The compound showed significant increase in number of open arm entries (P < 0.05) when administered at 120 mg/kg dose. No effect was observed on the locomotor activity. CONCLUSIONS Results collected introduce active nutmeg compounds as potential leads for further development. Of the three compounds, 8 possesses highest potency and FAAH selectivity as well as anxiolytic activity. Furthermore, in vivo testing in appropriate behavioural animal paradigms is warranted.
Facilitating Learning to Improve Performance of Law Enforcement Workgroups: The Role of Inclusive Leadership Behavior

This article examines how law enforcement managers may cultivate learning and improve performance of their workgroups by demonstrating inclusive leadership. To this effort, we use multisource surve...
Changing attitudes toward technology: a multi-institutional study on student perceptions of mobile apps replacing textbooks before and after app use

Date Presented 04/04/19 This report will discuss multi-institutional data regarding student perceptions on the use of a mobile app as a required textbook before and after use. Outcomes reveal that student preference for using a mobile app over a traditional textbook improve significantly after exposure in a lab setting. When introducing new technologies, it is important to acknowledge how lack of experience can affect student preconceived notions and how attitudes can be altered after exposure within a classroom. Primary Author and Speaker: Amanda Giles Additional Authors and Speakers: Orli Weisser-Pike
Storage Policies: Stockpiling Versus Immediate Release

Storage policies are used in many countries to smooth price volatility and thereby support food security. When there is a global decrease in food supply caused by a number of extreme weather effects, food reserves are expected to reduce the potential negative implications for households with low purchasing power. In this paper, the properties of such a stockpiling policy are assessed and compared to a policy with storage but without stockpiling. The results show that a stockholding policy is an expensive strategy that generates economic benefits only in extreme cases.
Continued vertebral body growth in patients with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis following vertebral body stapling

Retrospective case series. To quantitatively measure the rate of growth of vertebral bodies in juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS) treated with vertebral body stapling (VBS). VBS has been suggested to be a safe and effective method for modulating the growth of the young scoliotic spine, but few long-term studies have examined its efficacy. Seven patients with JIS 11 years of age or younger underwent VBS with a minimum 6-year follow-up. Vertebral body height on the unstapled and stapled aspects of the curve was measured from initial and final postoperative radiographs and converted into rate of growth per year. Known staple dimensions were used to standardize the measurements between radiographs. Interstaple distance was measured to demonstrate continued growth of the spine. Adjacent vertebral bodies without instrumentation served as an internal control of growth. Each vertebral body (n = 35) was analyzed as an individual experimental unit. The average rate of growth was 0.86 mm/year (standard deviation [SD] 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–1.0) per vertebral body on the stapled side and 0.83 mm/year (SD 0.46, 95% CI 0.67–0.98) per vertebral body on the unstapled side of the vertebral body. The adjacent vertebral body segments grew at a rate of 0.91 mm/year (SD 0.42, 95% CI 0.66–1.15) on the stapled side and 0.99 mm/year (SD 0.66, 95% CI 0.61–1.37) on the unstapled side, p < 0.01. The distance between staples increased significantly from 3.0 mm (SD 2.0, 95% CI 2.3–3.6) to 8.4 mm (SD 2.4, 95% CI 7.7–9.3). Vertebral body growth in the presence of VBS occurred at a similar rate on the stapled and unstapled sides of the curve. The high standard deviation of instrumented segment growth further supports the conclusion that VBS is not a reliable method of growth modulation in the young scoliotic spine. IV.
The Impact of Measurement Noninvariance on Latent Change Score Modeling: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study

Measurement invariance (MI) overtime is required for meaningful interpretation of changes in the latent change score model (LCSM). In this simulation study, we investigate the impact of measurement...
Phosphorylation of mitochondrial transcription factor B2 controls mitochondrial DNA binding and transcription.

Abstract Mammalian cells contain genetic information in two compartments, the nucleus and the mitochondria. Mitochondrial gene expression must be coordinated with nuclear gene expression to respond to cellular energetic needs. To gain insight into the coordination between the nucleus and mitochondria, there is a need to understand the regulation of transcription of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Reversible protein post-translational modifications of the mtDNA transcriptional machinery may be one way to control mtDNA transcription. Here we focus on a member of the mtDNA transcription initiation complex, mitochondrial transcription factor B2 (TFB2M). TFB2M melts mtDNA at the promoter to allow the RNA polymerase (POLRMT) to access the DNA template and initiate transcription. Three phosphorylation sites have been previously identified on TFB2M by mass spectrometry: threonine 184, serine 197, and threonine 313. Phosphomimetics were established at these positions. Proteins were purified and analyzed for their ability to bind mtDNA and initiate transcription in vitro. Our results indicate phosphorylation at threonine 184 and threonine 313 impairs promoter binding and prevents transcription. These findings provide a potential regulatory mechanism of mtDNA transcription and help clarify the importance of protein post-translational modifications in mitochondrial function.
ML-Assisted Monitoring and Characterization of IoT Sensor Networks

IoT (Internet of Things) is a dynamic and evolving paradigm with a huge potential for applications across a variety of domains. The number of IoT sensors and volume of telemetry data is growing exponentially, while human capacity to analyze the data remains constant. Hence, current domain applications will benefit from ML-powered solutions that focus human attention on contextually relevant telemetry signals, and automatically infer non-trivial relationships between sensors within a network to assist engineers in troubleshooting complex systems faster. This paper proposes a machine-learning pipeline to characterize a system that is being monitored by an IoT sensor network via a three-pronged approach: monitoring, support diagnostics, ontology augmentation. The pipeline uses an adaptive anomaly detector and applies a novel multi-step, topologically-formulated clustering method on the detected sensor anomalies. It also utilizes an automated pattern mining engine to surface nontrivial sensor relationships based on historic clustering results to augment the static topology of the sensor network. We also provide an illustrative case study in the domain of smart building to showcase the potential application of our pipeline in aiding HVAC maintenance.
Cpt. Robert Hofmann, Austrian Artillery Officer and Artist with the Ottomans in World War I

This article investigates the life, artwork, and experiences of Cpt. Robert Hofmann, an Austrian artillery officer and artist who fought with the Ottomans in the Levant from 1917 to 1919 during World War I and its immediate aftermath. His experiences and artwork provide powerful and vivid insight into the life, times, and situations of war in the Middle East. Unlike those of most of his European compatriots fighting with the Ottomans, his work and perspectives were from a distinctly non-Orientalist perspective as he sketched the flora and fauna, cityscapes, landscapes, and people he encountered while in the Ottoman Empire, particularly in the Levant. His attention to detail and captivation by the everyday and mundane without an imperialist or Orientalist gaze begs explanation, particularly since he was a classically trained artist from the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. This article asserts that the combination of his own marginalized identity as an assimilated Jewish soldier, his gifted artistic talent, attention to detail, and his direct and sustained experience in the Middle East enabled him to develop a deep sense of empathy and appreciation for the peoples, places, and environments of the Middle East. This enabled him to transcend the bigotry and dehumanizing views of non-Western peoples so prevalent among his compatriots and European powers of the time.
MRI pattern approach of adult-onset inherited leukoencephalopathies

The importance of clinical review articles is sometimes minimized by those responsible for medical journals or those serving on Appointments, Promotion and Tenure committees. However, for those of us benefitting from reading an excellent review article and incorporating lessons learned into practice, they are a crucial source of education. A prime example is the article by Labauge et al. …
Lenguaje, Cultura y Procesos Cognitivos en la Comprensión del Lector

Este estudio se refiere a la interrelacion intrinseca existente entre el lenguaje, la cultura y los procesos cognitivos que influyen en las decisiones curriculares del docente al momento de seleccionar estrategias que generen aptitudes y destrezas en la lectura y la escritura en estudiantes de los diferentes niveles del sistema educativo. El humano usa con frecuencia la metafora del estar “fuera de forma” para referirse al bajo grado de tonicidad muscular, a la inflexibilidad del cuerpo, al sobrepeso y especialmente a la falta de ejercicio sistematico para mantenerse en forma. La expresion no se utiliza para indicar el estado del cerebro, pero si establecieramos la analogia, encontrariamos que el cerebro, al igual que los musculos, tambien necesita ejercitarse, mantenerse en forma, nutrirse adecuadamente y tener quien lo entrene para incrementar su potencial. En efecto, cuando consideramos al cerebro en el contexto educativo, vemos que este requiere ejercitarse de acuerdo a las necesidades del estudiante, adiestramiento en las habilidades que edifican la confianza, y dieta apropiada que le proporcione competitividad y prevenga deficiencias (Jackson, 2000). El cerebro es un procesador paralelo. todos los componentes estan ubicados en una misma localidad, interconectados y dependiendo uno del otro. Pero a pesar de esta red, todos funcionan armonicamente y no entran en conflictos de horario, no interfieren en las regulaciones de otros y hasta ejecutan funciones individuales. Cuando un individuo nace, su cerebro presenta estructuracion y organizacion. Es decir, nacemos equipados para interactuar con el medio que nos circunda. muchas investigaciones han demostrado que los infantes muestran estar mas alerta e interactivos de lo que se creia. Sumandose a la incidencia que tiene sobre funciones basicas como comer, respirar, eliminar, mantener la temperatura del organismo y dormir, el cerebro infantil tambien es capaz de crear patrones. Un ejemplo es el reconocimiento de las caras que le resultan familiares (Stucki, Kauffman, & Kauffman, 1987).
Low Growth and Low Inflation Expectations in the Post–COVID-19 World: A Market-Based Perspective

Recovering from the COVID sell-off, inflation brekaeven increased sharply in the second half of 2020 while real yields declined materially. The analysis decomposes the inflation breakevens to strip out the role of inflation expectations and risk premia. Despite evidence of upward movement in five-year market-implied inflation expectations after the March sell-off, especially in the United States, such recovery appears to represent more of a reversion toward a preexisting downward trend that emerged after the global financial crisis.
Prevalence of Cannabidiol Use in Patients With Spine Complaints: Results of an Anonymous Survey.

ABSTRACT Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis derivative that has been popularized as a medicinal product with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Given the anecdotal observations that several patients have reported use of CBD for spine-related pain, this study was designed to characterize CBD consumption patterns and perceived effects in patients with spine-related complaints. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional survey. Over a 4-week period, an anonymous paper survey was administered to all patients presenting for evaluation by 1 of 9 spine surgeons at a single institution. Surveys were given upon registration for the office visit and collected by the office manager or nurse before evaluation by the surgeon. Patients were included regardless of surgical status (ie, preoperative, postoperative, or nonoperative) or region of pathology (lumbar, thoracic, or cervical). The survey consisted of multiple-choice questions on patient patterns of CBD use. Results: Out of 300 surveys, 214 (71%) were completed. CBD use for spine-related pain was reported by 54 (25.2%) patients. CBD was initially used for potential relief of back pain (66.7%), neck pain (37.0%), leg pain (35.2%), and/or arm pain (9.3%). Users also sought improvements in insomnia (25.9%) and mood (18.5%). Oil was the most popular formulation (64.8%). CBD was most often consumed 2–5 times (40.7%) or 6–10 times (31.5%) per week. The most common source of initial recommendation for CBD was friends or family (75.9%). Reported benefits were pain relief (46.3%), improved sleep (33.3%), and reduced anxiety (20.4%); however, 24.1% of patients reported no benefit from CBD use. The most reported side effect was fatigue (7.4%). Most users (63.0%) would recommend CBD to a friend for pain relief. Conclusion: CBD is already used by many patients, and further high-quality research on this supplement is essential. Level of Evidence: 4. Clinical Relevance: CBD is a commonly used by spine patients as an off label treatment.
Males and Females Have Distinct Molecular Events in the Articular Cartilage during Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major public health challenge that imposes a remarkable burden on the affected individuals and the healthcare system. Based on the clinical observation, males and females have different prevalence rates and severity levels of OA. Thus, sex-based differences may play essential roles in OA's prognosis and treatment outcomes. To date, the comprehensive understanding of the relationship between sex and OA is still largely lacking. In the current study, we analyzed a published transcriptome dataset of knee articular cartilage (GSE114007) from 18 healthy (five females, 13 males) and 20 OA (11 females, nine males) donors to provide a slight insight into this important but complex issue. First, comparing female healthy cartilage samples with those of males revealed 36 differential expression genes (DEGs), indicating the fundamental sex-related differences at the molecular level. Meanwhile, 923 DEGs were distinguished between OA and healthy female cartilage, which can be enriched to 15 Reactome pathways. On the other hand, when comparing OA and healthy male cartilage, there are only 419 DEGs were identified, and only six pathways were enriched against the Reactome database. The different signaling response to OA in the male and female cartilage was further enforced by recognizing 50 genes with significantly different OA-responsive expression fold changes in males and females. Particularly, 14 Reactome pathways, such as "Extracellular matrix organization", "Collagen biosynthesis and modifying enzymes", "Dissolution of fibrin clot", and "Platelet Aggregation (Plug formation)", can be noted from these 50 sex-dependent OA-responsive genes. Overall, the current study explores the Sex as a Biological Variable (SABV) at the transcriptomic level in the knee articular cartilage in both healthy status and OA event, which could help predict the differential OA prognosis and treatment outcome of males and female patients.
Engineering Technical Review Planning Briefing

The general topics covered in the engineering technical planning briefing are 1) overviews of NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), and Engineering, 2) the NASA Systems Engineering(SE) Engine and its implementation , 3) the NASA Project Life Cycle, 4) MSFC Technical Management Branch Services in relation to the SE Engine and the Project Life Cycle , 5) Technical Reviews, 6) NASA Human Factor Design Guidance , and 7) the MSFC Human Factors Team. The engineering technical review portion of the presentation is the primary focus of the overall presentation and will address the definition of a design review, execution guidance, the essential stages of a technical review, and the overall review planning life cycle. Examples of a technical review plan content, review approaches, review schedules, and the review process will be provided and discussed. The human factors portion of the presentation will focus on the NASA guidance for human factors. Human factors definition, categories, design guidance, and human factor specialist roles will be addressed. In addition, the NASA Systems Engineering Engine description, definition, and application will be reviewed as background leading into the NASA Project Life Cycle Overview and technical review planning discussion.
Foodways, Economic Status, and the Antebellum Upland South in Central Kentucky

Regional cuisines or foodways have been a topic of interest to both historians and archaeologists for at least the past 30 years. scholars recognize a regional foodway in the antebellum Upland South that is part of the larger “Upland South” cultural tradition. The agricultural and archaeological data on subsistence in the antebellum Upland South have been woven into an idealized set of subsistence practices that revolved around agricultural practices. The examination of four contemporaneous faunal assemblages representative of different societal classes living in 19th-century Kentucky shows that this generalized version of Upland South food-ways does not hold true across economic classes. Instead, a closer look reveals that many people living on Kentucky’s antebellum farmsteads struggled regularly for food security and that the idealized version of a shared “Upland South foodway” was restricted to the wealthy planter class that had ready access to the market economy.
Spinal Canal Stenosis

This unit presents a basic protocol for fast spin echo sequences for imaging to diagnose stenosis of the spinal canal. Spinal stenosis is defined generally as a narrowing of one or more of the following: the central canal, foramina, and lateral recesses of the lumbar spine. Specifically, this stenosis can be classified into three types as defined by location: (a) stenosis of the central spinal canal, (b) stenosis of the intervertebral spinal neural foramen or foramina, and (c) stenosis of the lateral recess(es) of the central spinal canal.
Morphology and Evolution in Galaxy Clusters I: Simulated Clusters in the Adiabatic limit and with Radiative Cooling

We have studied morphological evolution in clusters simulated in the adiabatic limit and with radiative cooling. Cluster morphology in the redshift range, $0 < z < 0.5$, is quantified by multiplicity and ellipticity. In terms of ellipticity, our result indicates slow evolution in cluster shapes compared to those observed in the X-ray and optical wavelengths. The result is consistent with Floor, Melott & Motl (2003). In terms of multiplicity, however, the result indicate relatively stronger evolution (compared to ellipticity but still weaker than observation) in the structure of simulated clusters suggesting that for comparative studies of simulation and observation, sub-structure measures are more sensitive than the shape measures. We highlight a few possibilities responsible for the discrepancy in the shape evolution of simulated and real clusters.
Role of Oxidative Stress in a Rat Model of Radiation-Induced Erectile Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic oxidative stress is one of the major factors playing an important role in radiation-induced normal tissue injury. However, the role of oxidative stress in radiation-induced erectile dysfunction (ED) has not been fully investigated. Aims To investigate role of oxidative stress after prostate-confined irradiation in a rat model of radiation-induced ED. Methods Fifty-four young adult male rats (10–12 weeks of age) were divided into age-matched sham radiotherapy (RT) and RT groups. Irradiated animals received prostate-confined radiation in a single 20 Gy fraction. Main Outcome Measures Intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurements with cavernous nerve electrical stimulation were conducted at 2, 4, and 9 weeks following RT. The protein expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits (Nox4 and gp91 phox ), markers of oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]), lipid peroxidation (4-hydroxynonenal [4HNE]), and inflammatory response including inducible nitric oxide synthase, macrophage activation (ED-1), and nitrotyrosine, and endogenous antioxidant defense by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) were evaluated in irradiated prostate tissue and corpora cavernosa (CC). In addition, we investigated the relationships between results of ICP/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratios and expression level of oxidative stress markers. Results In the RT group, hemodynamic functional studies demonstrated a significant time-dependent decrease in ICP. Increased expression of Nox4, gp91 phox , 8-OHdG, and 4HNE were observed in the prostate and CC after RT. Similarly, expressions of inflammatory markers were significantly increased. There was a trend for increased Nrf2 after 4 weeks. ICP/MAP ratio negatively correlated with higher expression level of oxidative markers. Conclusions NADPH oxidase activation and chronic oxidative stress were observed in irradiated prostate tissue and CC, which correlated with lower ICP/MAP ratio. Persistent inflammatory responses were also found in both tissues after RT. These findings suggest that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of radiation-induced ED. Kimura M, Rabbani ZN, Zodda AR, Yan H, Jackson IL, Polascik TJ, Donatucci CF, Moul JW, Vujaskovic Z, and Koontz BF. Role of oxidative stress in a rat model of radiation-induced erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med 2012;9:1535–1549.
Inhibition of Turkey gizzard myosin light chain: Kinase activity by dihydropyridine calcium antagonists

Abstract Drugs which block the influx of calcium (Ca 2− ) across plasma membranes may additionally have direct effects upon smooth muscle contractile proteins. In a system of purified proteins comprised of calmodulin, turkey gizzard myosin light chains, and turkey gizzard myosin light chain kinase, the inhibition of myosin light chain phosphorylation by the dihydropyridine Ca 2+ antagonists felodipine [3-ethyl-5-methyl-1-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-3,5-pyridine dicarboxylate] and nitrendipine [3-ethyl-5-methyl-1-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridine dicarboxylate] was studied. In the presence of excess myosin light chain kinase, 50% inhibition of myosin light chain phosphorylation occurred at felodipine and nitrendipine concentrationsof 9.8 ± 1.1 × 10 −6 M and 5.6 ± 0.6 × 10 −5 M respectively. Inhibition of light chain kinase activity could not be overcome by increasing the free Ca 2+ concentration from 0.05 to 5.0 mM. Felodipine was unable to inhibit the activity of myosin light chain kinase rendered Ca 2+ /calmodulin-independent by limited tryptic digestion. Using molecular sieve chromatography, nitrendipine was found to bind to calmodulin with an apparent dissociation constant ( K app ) of 5.2 ± 0.3 × 10 −5 M, and this binding was Ca 2+ dependent. These data suggest that dihydropyridines inhibit the phosphorylation of smooth muscle myosin light chains in vitro by binding to Ca + /calmodulin and inhibiting the activation of myosin light chain kinase.
Investigations into the use of dielectric coatings in magnetic switches

The authors report the results of investigations into the possibility of using conformal dielectric coatings as a viable insulation option in high-speed magnetic switches. Most of the efforts have been directed at evaluating electrophoretic (EP) coating techniques. This process is analogous to electroplating and as such offers advantages over other coating techniques. A description of a continuous foil EP coating machine which is now operational is presented. In preliminary benchtop tests with a rounded probe on a single side of coated Metglas (nominal coating thickness of about 12 mu m), breakdown voltages between 500 and 2600 V have been observed. Also discussed are etching techniques to remove the largest Metglas surface protuberances, experiments in applying chemical conversion coatings to Metglas for insulation, and experiments in photofabricating cooling channels on Metglas to aid in core thermal management in a manner that can be scaled for economical continuous processing. >
On the Interpretation of Emission Wings of Balmer Lines in LBV’S

The optical spectra of Luminous Blue Variables (LBV’s) are characterized by strong Balmer emission lines. In many cases, the narrow emission component (FWHM ≲ 300 km/sec) shows extended emission wings reaching up to ~ 1000 km/sec. These wings are generally attributed to electron scattering of line photons in the dense stellar wind (Bernat and Lambert 1978). In this paper we discuss an alternative mechanism which may partly contribute to the observed line wings.
Evaluation of biocompatibility and degradation of chitosan nanofiber membrane crosslinked with genipin

Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide, has demonstrated potential as a degradable biocompatible guided bone regeneration membrane. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo biocompatibility and degradation of chitosan nanofiber membranes, with and without genipin crosslinking as compared with a commercial collagen membrane in rat model. Chitosan nanofiber membranes, with and without genipin crosslinking, and collagen membrane (control) were implanted subcutaneously in the backs of 30 rats. The membranes were analyzed histologically at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks. Sections were viewed and graded by a blinded pathologist using a 4-point scoring system (0 = absent, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = severe) to determine the tissue reaction to the membranes and to observe membrane degradation. There was no statistically significant difference in histological scores among chitosan and collagen membranes at different time points. Absence or minimal inflammation was observed in 57–74% of the membranes across all groups. Most chitosan membranes persisted for 16–20 weeks, whereas most collagen membranes disappeared by resorption at 12–16 weeks. The general tissue response to chitosan nanofiber membranes with and without genipin crosslinking, was similar to that of control commercial collagen membrane. However, the chitosan membranes exhibited slower degradation rates than collagen membranes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1084–1092, 2014.
A Conceptual Analysis about the Organizational Impact of Compliance on Information Security Policy

Protection of data and information security are crucial to business processes and include technical, sociological and organizational aspects. The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of information security policy and organizational compliance within a socio-technical framework. Citing come of the major compliance acts in the United States, this paper examines how the need arose for information security compliance and the antecedents that made compliance mandatory for organizations. This would apply to any organization, in whichever other country, within its legal compliance framework. A discussion follows to help shed light on how both individual employees and the organization as a whole often fail to implement a satisfactory compliance initiative. Finally, the research presents a set of key factors that influence successful implementation of information system security Compliance into the information security policy (ISP), along with what actions should be taken to make compliance a competitive advantage for the organization, taking advantage of the particular relationship between compliance and ISP.
Phosphorylation of synthetic peptide analogs of the phosphorylatable site of phosphorylase b with phosphorylase kinase.

Abstract A synthetic octapeptide of the phosphorylatable site of phosphorylase and its analogs were used to determine the specificity of nonactivated phosphorylase kinase. By substitution of each of six amino acid residues (lysine 11 , glutamine 12 , isoleucine 13 , serine 14 , valine 15 , and arginine 16 ), it was found that these residues were all important in the enzyme recognition. Valine 15 was more important than isoleucine 13 , when either valine 15 or isoleucine 13 was substituted by glutamic acid. A peptide containing two isoleucyl residues (surrounding serine 14 ) had a better phosphorylation rate than a peptide containing two valyl residues. A peptide with a threonine residue instead of serine could be phosphorylated but with a low reaction rate.
Strontium/calcium ratios in parts of rat femur.

SummaryAfter intraperitoneal injection of a mixture of Ca45 and Sr89 in the rat, the Sr/Ca Observed Ratio in parts of a long bone, the femur, was obtained 15 minutes to 48 hours after injection. A maximal Sr content appeared in bone within 30 minutes, with the shaft showing discrimination against Ca; during the next 48 hours the Observed Ratios fell but remained consistently higher in shaft portions of the bone. Data on blood Sr/Ca ratios are also presented.
Inflammation and clearance of Chlamydia trachomatis in enteric and nonenteric mucosae.

Immunization(s) fostering the induction of genital mucosa-targeted immune effectors is the goal of vaccines against sexually transmitted diseases. However, it is uncertain whether vaccine administration should be based on the current assumptions about the common mucosal immune system. We investigated the relationship between mucosal sites of infection, infection-induced inflammation, and immune-mediated bacterial clearance in mice using the epitheliotropic pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydial infection of the conjunctival, pulmonary, or genital mucosae stimulated significant changes in tissue architecture with dramatic up-regulation of the vascular addressin, VCAM, a vigorous mixed-cell inflammatory response with an influx of α4β1+ T cells, and clearance of bacteria within 30 days. Conversely, intestinal mucosa infection was physiologically inapparent, with no change in expression of the local MAdCAM addressin, no VCAM induction, no histologically detectable inflammation, and no tissue pathology. Microbial clearance was complete within 60 days in the small intestine but bacterial titers remained at high levels for at least 8 months in the large intestine. These findings are compatible with the notion that VCAM plays a functional role in recruiting cells to inflammatory foci, and its absence from the intestinal mucosa contributes to immunologic homeostasis at that site. Also, expression of type 1 T cell-mediated immunity to intracellular Chlamydia may exhibit tissue-specific variation, with the rate and possibly the mechanism(s) of clearance differing between enteric and nonenteric mucosae. The implications of these data for the common mucosal immune system and the delivery of vaccines against mucosal pathogens are discussed.
Marrow culture studies in adult acute myeloid leukemia at diagnosis and during complete remission

We used the human placental conditioned medium stimulated single layer agar culture technique to study the in vitro growth of marrow cells from 62 adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Bone marrow cells were cultured from 50 patients at the time of initial diagnosis, 19 patients in early remission and 20 patients during their full complete remission. Marrow cultures from untreated patients exhibited heterogeneous growth patterns ranging from complete growth failure to excessive microcluster formation. We classified the growth patterns into 4 groups: (1) Gr I: normal growth, (2) Gr II: no growth, (3) Gr III: decreased growth, (4) Gr IV: excessive growth of microclusters. At presentation, none had Gr I growth; Gr II growth was observed in 23; Gr III in 14 and Gr IV in 13. A predominance of no growth were seen in M1 and M3 subtypes, while Gr IV growth was more commonly observed in M2 or M4 subtype. We were unable to correlate the culture findings with age or white cell count. The present results not only indicated that AML at diagnosis was characterized by abnormal granulopoiesis but also demonstrated that leukemic progenitor cells were heterogeneous with different capacities to express their proliferating potential in vitro. Except few with decreased growth, the growth characteristics generally returned to normal with successful remission induction. Both Gr II and Gr IV growth patterns were not observed either in early remission or during full complete remission.