cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Glossary of Terms and Phrases Used in the Study of Social Insects

This glossary developed as a result of the author's personal need for definitions of terms and phrases used in the study of the social insects. It has been suggested that such a glossary might be of service to others in the same field and in related fields. It is hoped that this paper will serve such a need.
An Hrem Study of the Microstructure of Al Contact on GaN/AlN/SiC Thin Films

The microstructure of Al/n-type GaN contact interfaces and the effects of heat treatment have been investigated. The n type GaN films (Ge doped) and A1N buffer were grown on 6H-SiC substrates by means of gas-source MBE using an ECR plasma source. The microstructure of the layers and the interfaces between layers in both as-deposited and rapid thermal annealed samples were studied by HREM and EELS. The observed results were used to analyze the growth mode of the layers and the effect of the Ge doping on the growth. On the Al/GaN interface a new phase is observed in the annealed sample. The possible structure of the new phase and its effect on electric properties is discussed.
Etodolac Enhances the Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity and Clearance of Amyloid-Beta

The interface between the blood circulation and the neural tissue features unique characteristics that are encompassed by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The main functions of this barrier are maintenance of brain homeostasis, regulation of influx and efflux transport, and protection from harmful circulating endogenous and exogenous neurotoxins. These functions are determined by the BBB specialized multicellular structure. Every constituent cell type makes an indispensable contribution to the BBB integrity. Several reports indicated that the BBB is compromised in Alzheimer's disease (AD) which affects its integrity and functional activity. Furthermore, these changes in the BBB correlated well with dysfunction in the clearance of As across the BBB and formation of As plaques. Several hit compounds that were able to enhance the BBB integrity were identified from the high-throughput screening assay developed in our laboratory. Among these compounds etodolac, an NSAID drug, has shown to enhance the BBB model integrity measured by its ability to decrease the paracellular permeability markers Lucifer Yellow and inulin. Moreover, our data suggested that etodolac enhanced the active transport of amyloid-beta (As42) across the BBB model. In conclusion, the NSAID etodolac could be a promising drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In vivo studies are in progress to investigate etodolac effect in AD mouse model.
Study on the Early Laboratory Diagnosis of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome

Objective: To study the early laboratory diagnosis of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Methods: The specific IgM and IgG of the patients were detected by ELISA and IFA respectively. The hantavirus RNA in the patients was amplified by nested RT-PCR and the PCR products of the viral M segment were sequenced. Results: Positive rates of IgM and IgG were 9/16 and 9/16 respectively and 7 patients were postive in IgM and IgG detection among 16 patients. The IgM or IgG antibody of patients attacked with HFRS was detected on the fourth day. The virus RNA were detected and belonged to SEO type from 11 of 16 patients and RT-PCR positive rate was 11/12 in 12 patients at early stage(≤5 days). Conclusion: Compared with serological test,hantavirus RNA detection by RT-PCR is more useful in HFRS early diagnosis and molecular epidemiology.
Penaeopsis Bate, 1881 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Penaeidae) récoltées dans le Pacifique sud- ouest par les campagnes françaises depuis 1976. Description d'une espèce nouvelle

Les recoltes de Penaeopsis Bate, 1881 faites depuis 1976 dans le Pacifique sud-ouest par l'IRD (ex ORSTOM) et le Museum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, sont succinctement passees en revue. Elles concernent quatre especes: P. challengeri de Man, 1911, P. eduardoi Perez Farfante, 1977, P. rectacuta (Bate, 1881) et une espece nouvelle, P. mcloughlinae n. sp. Les trois especes deja connues voient leurs repartitions geographique et bathymetrique modifiees, surtout celles de P. challengeri. Penaeopsis mclaughlinae n. sp. est tres proche de P. eduardoi mais s'en distingue, sans aucune ambiguite, par les caracteres du petasma (pointe distale des lobes ventrolateraux a contour moins regulier) et du thelycum (presence d'un mamelon tres developpe sur la plaque mediane).
The determinants of household-level well-being in Northern Ghana

ABSTRACTEmpirical analysis of the physical well-being at the household level was conducted for a sample of households in Northern Ghana using a Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes model. Physical well-being was indicated by the number of stunted children, number of wasted children, and number of underweight women. Results suggest that well-being at the household level is indeed represented by the latent variable and can be conceptualized in much the same way as the well-being of the individuals who constitute the household. Results show that the literacy of father and the number of dependents are associated with the largest shift in the underlying household’s physical well-being. Locale and the household assets were also significantly associated with the collective underlying latent variable. The variability in household physical well-being is explained more by the number of stunted children in the household than any of the other indicators of household well-being.
Accountability in a Regime Complex: Charting Policy Reforms for Investor-State Dispute Settlement

Investor-state dispute settlement is a prime example of a regime complex, with thousands of bilateral treaties laying out standards of treatment, hundreds of ad hoc tribunals issuing interpretations, and a patchwork of multilateral treaties and national laws establishing enforcement provisions. While some states have expressed negotiators' remorse, the complexity of the system makes re-contracting difficult. This paper leverages data from original interviews with investment arbitrators to identify aspects of the system that are problematic from normative efficiency and fairness perspectives. It then proposes a set of sequenced policy reforms that could address these problems in the next U.S. administration.
FOXA2 inactivation by bacterial pathogens and excessive mucus in chronic airway diseases

A mucus protects lung epithelial surfaces from inhaled microbial pathogens. However, excessive mucus causes detrimental obstruction of airflow, favoring chronic microbial colonization. Cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are airway diseases characterized by abnormal changes of the bronchi with chronic inflammation and infection, goblet cell hyperplasia and metaplasia (GCHM) and mucus hypersecretion. Excessive mucus creates a favorable niche for chronic infection by microbial pathogens. Vicious cycles of pro/anti-inflammatory responses triggered by microbial pathogens progressively damage airways and exacerbate GCHM and mucus hypersecretion. FOXA2 is a major transcriptional repressor of GCHM and mucus biosynthesis. Strikingly, the expression of FOXA2 is depleted in the airways of bronchiectatic and asthmatic patients with GCHM. We examined the mechanism employed by the CF/ COPD pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the asthma pathogen Mycoplasma pneumoniae to induce GCHM and mucus hypersecretion. Using both primary and immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells as well as mouse models, we found that P. aeruginosa secretes a redox-active toxin pyocyanin, which induces STAT6 and EGFR signaling, as well as posttranslational modifications, resulting in the inactivation of FOXA2. Similarly, M. pneumoniae induces the expression of airway mucins by activating the STAT3-STAT6 and EGFR signaling pathways to down-regulate FOXA2. Inhibitors of STAT6, STAT3 or EGFR significantly restore the expression of FOXA2 and attenuate the expression of mucins induced by both pathogens. Collectively, these studies demonstrated that P. aeruginosa and M. pneumoniae induce airway mucus hypersecretion by inhibiting FOXA2 signaling. Gee W. Lau, J Bacteriol Parasitol 2013, 4:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2155-9597.S1.002
The Energy and Financial Impacts of High-Intensity Discharge Lighting System Component Selection and Luminaire Maintenance in Industrial Lighting Applications

AbstractElectric lighting is responsible for consuming approximately twenty-two percent of the electrical energy generated domestically, second only to that consumed by electric machinery. Of this quantity, approximately fifteen percent of the lighting energy usage is by those lighting products that fall within the category termed High-Intensity Discharge (HID). HID sources, which include Mercury Vapor, Metal-Halide, and High-Pressure Sodium, range in power level from 35 to 2000 watts. Luminaires equipped with these sources are used in outdoor lighting applications and also indoor applications, one category of which is the focus of this article - the illumination of industrial facilities. The term “lighting system” is used in this article to describe all of the elements required to illuminate the target area to required levels. This includes lamps, ballasts, housings, optical assemblies, support structures, and any other components involved in the operation and maintenance of the lighting system.Efforts t...
Dark Matter after LHC Run I: Clues to Unification

After the results of Run I, can we still ‘guarantee’ the discovery of supersymmetry at the LHC? It is shown that viable dark matter models in CMSSM-like models tend to lie in strips (co-annihilation, funnel, focus point). The role of grand unification in constructing supersymmetric models is discussed and it is argued that non-supersymmetric GUTs such as SO(10) may provide solutions to many of the standard problems addressed by supersymmetry.
Patient Selection for Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is underutilized in many industrialized countries. This underutilization is secondary to host of issues, including lack of modality education, poor identification of PD eligibility, lack of efforts to overcome barriers to self- care and incorrect exclusion of patients with certain demographics. This chapter will identify true contraindications to PD and differentiate barriers to performing PD versus contraindications to PD. It will also identify patient groups that are often not offered PD because of perceived contraindications that can successfully be offered this modality. With proper understanding of PD eligibility and medical/surgical contraindications to PD, this modality can successfully performed in most End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) patients.
Conditional Deletion of All Neurexins Defines Diversity of Essential Synaptic Organizer Functions for Neurexins

Neurexins are recognized as key organizers of synapses that are essential for normal brain function. However, it is unclear whether neurexins are fundamental building blocks of all synapses with similar overall functions or context-dependent specifiers of synapse properties. To address this question, we produced triple cKO (conditional knockout) mice that allow ablating all neurexin expression in mice. Using neuron-specific manipulations combined with immunocytochemistry, paired recordings, and two-photon Ca2+ imaging, we analyzed excitatory synapses formed by climbing fibers on Purkinje cells in cerebellum and inhibitory synapses formed by parvalbumin- or somatostatin-positive interneurons on pyramidal layer 5 neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex. After pan-neurexin deletions, we observed in these synapses severe but dramatically different synaptic phenotypes that ranged from major impairments in their distribution and function (climbing-fiber synapses) to large decreases in synapse numbers (parvalbumin-positive synapses) and severe alterations in action potential-induced presynaptic Ca2+ transients (somatostatin-positive synapses). Thus, neurexins function primarily as context-dependent specifiers of synapses.
A dual approach to inference for partially identified econometric models

Abstract This paper considers inference for the set Θ I of parameter values that minimize a criterion function. Chernozhukov et al. (2007) (CHT) develop a general theory of estimation and inference using the level-set of a criterion function. We establish a dual relationship between the level-set estimator and its support function and show that the properly normalized support function provides alternative Wald-type inference methods. These methods can be used to obtain confidence sets for Θ I and points inside it. For models with finitely many moment inequalities, we show that our Wald-type statistic is asymptotically equivalent to CHT’s statistic under regularity conditions.
The bored mind is a guiding mind: toward a regulatory theory of boredom

By presenting and synthesizing findings on the character of boredom, the article advances a theoretical account of the function of the state of boredom. The article argues that the state of boredom should be understood as a functional emotion that is both informative and regulatory of one's behavior. Boredom informs one of the presence of an unsatisfactory situation and, at the same time, it motivates one to pursue a new goal when the current goal ceases to be satisfactory, attractive or meaningful. Boredom ultimately promotes both movement and the restoration of the perception that one's activities are meaningful and congruent with one's overall projects.
Impact of Antiplatelet Therapy and Platelet Reactivity Testing on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) defined as GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for ≥ 3 months, affects a significant proportion of the United States population and impacts, among other biologic processes, platelet-mediated hemostasis and thrombosis. The paradoxical predilection for both bleeding and ischemic complications, often in the same patient, complicates decisions regarding anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies. The majority of cardiovascular research trials have excluded patients with moderate to severe CKD despite the wide acknowledgement that these patients are at high risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The currently available oral antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor) do not require adjustment for renal dysfunction, but vary greatly on the basis of potency, approved indications, and efficacy data in CKD. Available data suggests that aspirin monotherapy may be most appropriate for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events and is associated with an increase in minor bleeding. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel remains of uncertain value for secondary cardiovascular prevention in CKD patients and is not recommended for primary prevention. Dual antiplatelet therapy with prasugrel or ticagrelor, in addition to aspirin has shown promise but must be prospectively validated in appropriately sized outcomes studies. Inadequate pharmacodynamic response to oral antiplatelet therapy occurs in a significant proportion of CKD patients and has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events (versus similar patients who evidence an acceptable antiplatelet response). Multiple approaches have been developed to estimate de novo platelet function and gauge residual platelet reactivity on antiplatelet therapy. These techniques vary greatly in methodology, sample preparation and resource utilization, but may be broadly divided into laboratory-based versus point-of-care testing. Platelet reactivity testing for the purposes of adjusting antiplatelet therapy in the individual patient remains a potential avenue for balancing the risks of bleeding and atherothrombotic events, however further study is required in the CKD population.
Evaluation of breathable enclosures for thermal management of outdoor electronics

Thermal design of electronic enclosures for outdoor use is complicated by the need to isolate the system from moisture, dust, and other environmental contaminants. Traditionally this isolation is achieved by using sealed enclosures; however, breathable, water-resistant materials present an opportunity to achieve the thermal benefits of a vented enclosure while also maintaining the isolation offered by sealed enclosures. While breathable vents are routinely incorporated into enclosures for the purpose of pressure equalization, the concept of using breathability as a thermal management tool has not been fully realized. In this paper we describe the use of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to explore the application of breathable polymers, or textiles, as a part of the enclosure and assess the thermal benefit of this approach compared to a fully sealed enclosure. The results of the study reveal that there are several water-resistant textiles, traditionally used in sportswear, that have sufficient air permeability to achieve a significant cooling benefit when used in combination with internal fans. This study also reveals that the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane materials that are typically used for enclosure pressure equalization are too air-impermeable to achieve a significant cooling benefit.
Thyroxine Therapy for Thyroid Nodules

The administration of thyroid hormones at suppressive doses to shrink thyroid nodules remains controversial. While suppressive therapy may lead to nodular size regression, this is only seen in a small minority of patients and is, importantly, associated with complications caused by chronic low TSH. Here we offer some historical reference to this practice along with recent reports supporting current recommendations not to treat thyroid nodules with suppressive T4 therapy.
The Leading Edge of Turbulence Instrumentation

Trying to coax information from Mother Nature always has been a challenge to humans. Only in the last 400 years have we had instruments to measure the atmosphere, and only in the last 70 years have those instruments been sensitive enough to measure turbulence. Now, we are probing atmospheric flows with sound, light, radio waves, and wires. Each of these media utilizes a different physical characteristic of air to measure different properties, and complementary methods often are required to describe the turbulent atmosphere. The challenge for present-day observationalists is to choose the appropriate technology to fit a particular set of research needs — of course at a reasonable cost.
Translational Control of β and α Globin Chain Synthesis

THE requirement of tissue or species-specific initiation factors for the translation of messenger RNAs from eukaryotic cells is in doubt1–6. We have found that these factors are inside human reticulocytes which influence the selective translation of β and α globin messenger RNAs.
Umweltmanagment und EG-Öko-Audit

Seit Mitte der 80er Jahre begann sich die Diskussion um betrieblichen Umweltschutz und betriebliches Umweltmanagement dynamisch zu entwickeln (vgl. Schulz, K. / Schulz, W. 1994, S. 14ff.). Kennzeichnend fur den Aufbruch in der Praxis waren Pionierunternehmen31, die mit ersten Konzepten zur umweltorientierten Unternehmensfuhrung und originellen Umweltschutzideen (Produkte, Verpackungen, Ausstellungen, Wettbewerbe etc.) Akzente setzten (vgl. Wagner B. 1999, E. 312f.). Auch seitens der Wissenschaft wurde die Thematik des betrieblichen Umweltschutzes aufgegriffen. In einem interaktiven Prozess fusten die entwickelten Modelle einerseits auf der dynamischen Entwicklung der betrieblichen Praxis. Andererseits erfuhr die Praxis vielfach konzeptionelle Impulse aus der Wissenschaft (vgl. Wagner, B. 1999, E. 308ff).
Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease (CJD)

Human prion diseases are rare neurodegenerative diseases that can present with varied neurological symptoms, depending on the brain anatomy involved, but typically progress with rapidly progressive dementia and deteriorating motor skills. Though tragic, these diseases are of great interest in science and medicine because they are due to misshapen proteins, called prions, and occur in three different ways: sporadic, genetic, and acquired. In this article, different forms of human prion disease, including their cause, symptomology, diagnosis, and pathology are discussed. The potential for misdiagnosis surrounding this disease are highlighted and the utility of magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for these enigmatic disorders are discussed.
Interfaces Between C d T e and ALD A l 2 O 3

We present a combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) to probe the details of interface formation between CdTe and alumina deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Alumina ALD using water as the oxygen source causes the elimination of Te oxides that are initially present on air-exposed CdTe surfaces. TRPL on the resulting CdTe interface indicates some degree of passivation. On the other hand, postgrowth treatment of Al2O3/CdTe structures with CdCl2 and oxygen causes regrowth of Te oxides. Some of these structures show improved lifetimes, thereby pointing toward a critical role for Te oxides in interfacial CdTe passivation by Al2O3. Direct measurement of band positions with XPS indicates that the passivation is caused primarily by chemical rather than field effect mechanisms.
Virus-Bacteria Interactions: Implications for Prevention and Control of Human Enteric Viruses from Environment to Host.

Abstract Human enteric viruses, specifically human norovirus (hNoV), are the most common cause of foodborne illness boasting a wide range of transmission routes. These include person to person, con...
Pharmacological Modulation of Mitochondrial Ca2+ Content Regulates Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Release via Oxidation of the Ryanodine Receptor by Mitochondria-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species

In a physiological setting, mitochondria increase oxidative phosphorylation during periods of stress to meet increased metabolic demand. This in part is mediated via enhanced mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, an important regulator of cellular ATP homeostasis. In a pathophysiological setting pharmacological modulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake or retention has been suggested as a therapeutic strategy to improve metabolic homeostasis or attenuate Ca2+-dependent arrhythmias in cardiac disease states. To explore the consequences of mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation, we tested the effects of kaempferol, an activator of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU), CGP-37157, an inhibitor of mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, and MCU inhibitor Ru360 in rat ventricular myocytes (VMs) from control rats and rats with hypertrophy induced by thoracic aortic banding (TAB). In periodically paced VMs under β-adrenergic stimulation, treatment with kaempferol (10 μmol/L) or CGP-37157 (1 μmol/L) enhanced mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation monitored by mitochondrial-targeted Ca2+ biosensor mtRCamp1h. Experiments with mitochondrial membrane potential-sensitive dye TMRM revealed this was accompanied by depolarization of the mitochondrial matrix. Using redox-sensitive OMM-HyPer and ERroGFP_iE biosensors, we found treatment with kaempferol or CGP-37157 increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria and the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), respectively. Confocal Ca2+ imaging showed that accelerated Ca2+ accumulation reduced Ca2+ transient amplitude and promoted generation of spontaneous Ca2+ waves in VMs paced under ISO, suggestive of abnormally high activity of the SR Ca2+ release channel ryanodine receptor (RyR). Western blot analyses showed increased RyR oxidation after treatment with kaempferol or CGP-37157 vs. controls. Furthermore, in freshly isolated TAB VMs, confocal Ca2+ imaging demonstrated that enhancement of mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation further perturbed global Ca2+ handling, increasing the number of cells exhibiting spontaneous Ca2+ waves, shortening RyR refractoriness and decreasing SR Ca2+ content. In ex vivo optically mapped TAB hearts, kaempferol exacerbated proarrhythmic phenotype. On the contrary, incubation of cells with MCU inhibitor Ru360 (2 μmol/L, 30 min) normalized RyR oxidation state, improved intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and reduced triggered activity in ex vivo TAB hearts. These findings suggest facilitation of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in cardiac disease can exacerbate proarrhythmic disturbances in Ca2+ homeostasis via ROS and enhanced activity of oxidized RyRs, while strategies to reduce mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation can be protective.
Barriers to thyroid cancer screening with ultrasound in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To identify barriers to care in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) that have not undergone ultrasound for thyroid cancer (TC) screening. STUDY DESIGN Case series and survey. METHODS A study was conducted examining referral patterns for thyroid ultrasound (TUS) in FAP patients for TC screening. Patients with FAP seen at our institution were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision codes. Chart review was performed for TUS and the results were recorded. Patients and healthcare providers were surveyed to determine barriers to TUS and opportunities for improvement. RESULTS Thirteen out of 35 patients surveyed (37%) were told by a healthcare provider that TUS was recommended for TC screening. The incidence for TC in FAP patients ranges from 15 to 12%, whereas the general population risk is 0.02% to 1%. In our series, one patient of 12 (8%) had TC. Barriers to care included poor patient education about the risk of TC in FAP and miscommunication among specialties for referral for TUS. Also, patients enrolled in a FAP registry have improved care, as they are more likely to undergo TUS than those not enrolled. CONCLUSIONS FAP patients are at a higher risk of developing TC. Therefore, it is important for these patients to be informed and follow the recommended guideline to get a baseline TUS for screening as well as receive better patient education about the risk of TC and improved communication among specialties. Additionally, patients enrolled in a FAP registry are more likely to undergo ultrasound for TC screening, so there needs to be more centralized coordination for the multidisciplinary care of this disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 129:2436-2441, 2019.
2018 WSGC Elijah High Altitude Balloon Final Report

The 2018 Elijah Payload Project focused on designing, fabricating, and flying a high-altitude balloon payload.Â This payload had six different research topics: 360 degree video, atmospheric composition, flight path predictors, radiation sensors, sonification, and lighting fire at high altitudes.Â Flight predictors were run before and during the flight, and the payload included a separate GPS tracking payload to give us its exact location.Â
How to Enlarge NATO: The Debate inside the Clinton Administration, 1993–95

Newly available sources show how the 1993–95 debate over the best means of expanding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization unfolded inside the Clinton administration. This evidence comes from docu...
Toward an integrated analysis of risk and benefit in clinical research

16012 Background: Clincial data collection can be resource intensive, and yet typically only a proportion of the data is informative to determine outcome. Outcomes are conventionally displayed as s...
Student-Managed Commodity Fund—A New Frontier in Experiential Learning

This study provides a road map for creating and operating a student-managed investment fund (SMIF) as an experiential learning opportunity in commodity market analysis. We describe the reasons for implementing a SMIF and the benefits it offers relative to traditional simulation approaches. We outline the necessary steps for starting a SMIF and explain its organizational structure. We discuss a SMIF’s operation and main activities, which include recruitment, training, trading, and interaction with the client and alumni. The implications of participating in a SMIF are reviewed within a cost-benefit framework.
An Overview of the Non- Pharmacological and Non-surgical Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Over the years, the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has evolved, but given the high mortality and morbidity of COPD, much work still needs to be done. To date, none of the existing pharmacological therapies for COPD has been shown conclusively to modify the long-term decline in lung function. Several trials have been completed to evaluate options that can improve patient symptoms and quality of life. Optimal management for patients with COPD requires both pharmacological and non-pharmacological managements. Some of the non-pharmacological options for the management of COPD like Oxygen therapy have proven reduction in mortality and mortality, and an improvement in the quality of life. Lung transplant is the only treatment that can stop the decline in lung function. Smoking cessation is the non-pharmacological intervention with the greatest capacity to influence the natural course of COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are evidence based, multidisciplinary and comprehensive interventions for patients with COPD. These programs involve patient assessment, exercise training, education, nutrition and psychosocial support. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to reduce symptoms, optimize functional status, increase participation and reduce health care cost through stabilizing or reversing systemic manifestations of the disease. This article discusses the most used non pharmacological management of COPD and their usefulness in relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with severe COPD. These treatment options are used in addition to optimal pharmacological therapy.
Developing a Mentorship Program in Higher Education Institutions

Higher education institutions are currently tackling a growing number of organizational challenges that have forced departments to evolve their business practices. Administrators are faced with the need for more diverse programs which require facilities, faculty, and services, and must decide whether to develop talent internally or recruit new qualified candidates (Kutchner & Kleschick, 2016). Given the great cost of faculty searches, and the perceived diminishing availability of talented applicants, it is imperative that administrators understand the importance and value of mentoring relationships to fill needs with qualified candidates in higher education institutions. However, formal mentoring programs have been slow to develop in higher education institutions. This publication defines mentorship, explains the value of mentorship, and describes how mentoring programs can be established.
Gradient-Consensus: Linearly Convergent Distributed Optimization Algorithm over Directed Graphs

In this article, we focus on a multi-agent optimization problem of minimizing a sum, $f = \sum_{i=1}^n f_i$, of convex objective functions $f_i$'s, where, $f_i$ is only available locally to the agent $i$, over a network of $n$ agents. The agents communicate only to their neighbors connected through a directed edge governed by a directed graph. In this article, we propose a "optimize then agree" framework to decouple the gradient-descent step and the consensus step in the distributed optimization algorithms. Using this framework we develop a novel distributed algorithm to solve the above multi-agent convex optimization problem. In this method, each agent maintains an estimate of the optimal solution. During each iteration of the proposed algorithm, the agents utilize locally available gradient information along with a finite-time approximate consensus protocol to move towards the optimal solution (hence the name "gradient-consensus" method). We establish that the proposed algorithm converges with a global linear rate if the aggregate function $f$ is strongly convex and smooth. We also show that the proposed method has a linear rate of convergence (in terms of number of iterations), compared to prior state-of-the-art, until reaching an $O(\eta)$ neighborhood of the optimal objective function value, for a given $\eta > 0$, under the relaxed assumption of $f_i$'s being convex and smooth. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed method achieves a convergence rate better than the best known rate estimates existing in the literature under these assumptions. Further, we numerically evaluate the proposed algorithm by solving two distributed optimization problems. The results show that the proposed \textit{GradConsensus} algorithm has a reduced computational footprint compared to the existing distributed optimization schemes for a similar accuracy solution.
Liver in the limelight in the corona (COVID-19) time

The novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a topic of great interest currently in the medical field due to the significant morbidity and mortality associated with it. There is immense curiosity about this virus as knowledge about it is limited from pathogenesis, host related factors and the variable effect it has on different patient populations. Though it has claimed fame due to its ability to compromise the respiratory system, it possess the capability to infect other organs as well including the liver. It is important for clinicians to recognize that the virus can result in multi-organ dysfunction as well. Presentation with gastrointestinal symptoms and involvement of the liver can be subtle and can be misdiagnosed. Those with pre-existing liver disease may be more susceptible as well as those who are immunosuppressed or have other co-morbidities. This review article provides a brief overview of some of the information that is available so far with regards to how the liver is impacted by the coronavirus.
Movement-Activated Sound and Video Processing for Multimedia Dance/Theatre

Motion-sensing technology enables dancers to control various computer processes that can generate or process sound while altering their own projected video images. In turn the altered images and the sonic results influence choreographic decisions and kinesthetic response. This creates a dynamic three-way interaction that opens up new possibilities to explore the body as an agent for technological transformation, where the physical and virtual are merged.
The impact of movie reviews vs. word of mouth on post-viewing evaluations of films

Moviegoers regularly encounter movie reviews and word of mouth (WOM) prior to seeing a film. This thesis examined (1) whether reviews and WOM influence moviegoers’ post-viewing opinions of a film and (2) whether this information’s influence is moderated by moviegoing frequency. Using a between-subjects factorial design, the study gave participants positive or negative information about a film that they were led to believe came from either professional movie reviews or students at their university. Participants then watched the film and gave their opinions of its quality. The study found that, regardless of valence or source, this information did not significantly influence participants’ post-viewing opinions of the film. In addition, frequency of moviegoing did not moderate the information’s impact on those opinions. Potential explanations for these results and future directions for study are discussed.
The association of AIDS education and sex education with sexual behavior and condom use among teenage men.

Multivariate and 1 and 2-limit to bit models were used to analyze data from 1880 noninstitutionalized never-married men 15-19 years of age included in the US 1988 National Survey of Adolescent Males (NSAM). Cross-sectional data are compared in order to assess the levels of sexual behavior and condom use after AIDS and sex education. Condom consistency rates were calculated. Race age urban residence annual family income family receipt of welfare within the last 12 months religious denomination school attendance the state incidence of AIDS/100000 population and confirmation of mothers teenage pregnancy were used to control for confounding factors. AIDS knowledge and attitudes were also obtained. The 1-limit tobit model was used to analyzed the number of partners and acts of intercourse. Condom use was analyzed with a 2-limit tobit model. The findings were that there has been widespread receipt of AIDS education and sex education in topics on AIDs birth control biology and resistance skills which accounted for 77% of the variance in the 8 topics and were significantly correlated. The receipt of AIDS education was associated with decreases in the number of sexual partners after controlling for race age religion and other background variables. AIDS education was responsible for 1) a 4% increase in the proportion of students with recent sexual partners (within the past 12 months); 2) a mean reduction of .12 partners among those with recent sex partner; 3) a 7% decrease in the proportion who had never used condoms; recently sex partner; 4) a 9% increase in the proportion using condoms 100% of the time; and a mean increase of 2% among all who ever used a condom. Age ethnic group religion urban residence and presence of a teenage mother were significant variables in the analysis of AIDS education effects and the relationship is indicated. In the analysis of other sex education only AIDS resistance skills and birth control were analyzed. Each topic was associated with an increase in condom use (t = 1.91=1.98 at p = .05). In the ordinary least squares analysis the association between instruction and behavior was not mediated by changes in knowledge or attitudes. No topic affected the perceived risk of infection. Resistance instruction has a strong independent association with fewer sexual partners and acts of intercourse. An integrated and comprehensive approach to HIV education and sex education is suggested. Self-reporting and selection biases are discussed as limitations.
An Algorithm for Automatically Discovering Dynamical Rules of Adaptive Network Evolution from Empirical Data

An algorithm is proposed for automatic discovery of a set of dynamical rules that best captures both state transition and topological transformation in the empirical data showing time evolution of adaptive networks. Graph rewriting systems are used as the basic model framework to represent state transition and topological transformation simultaneously. Network evolution is formulated in two phases: extraction and replacement of subnetworks. For each phase, multiple methods of rule discovery are proposed and will be explored. This paper reports the basic architecture of the algorithm, as well as its implementation and evaluation plan.
Angiotensin II surface receptor coupling to inositol trisphosphate formation in vascular smooth muscle cells.

In some systems there are spare receptors for hormone action, i.e. only a fraction of the total number of surface receptors need be occupied by agonist to elicit maximum cellular responses. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between angiotensin II (AII) surface receptor number and AII-induced inositol trisphosphate (IP3) formation in rat-cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. To accomplish this purpose, it was necessary to develop a method to modulate AII surface receptor number without activating phospholipase C. Incubation with the putative AII receptor antagonist Sar1,Leu8-AII (SL) caused reductions in AII surface receptor number by redistribution of receptors to the cell interior. However, in contrast to AII, SL did not elicit IP3 responses. By varying the conditions of incubation with SL, graded (32-60%) reductions in AII surface receptor number were achieved. In association with reductions in surface receptors there were comparable reductions in AII-stimulated IP3 formation. The correlation between receptor number and stimulated IP3 formation was highly linear (r = 0.99, p less than 0.01). To determine if incubation with AII also caused reductions in stimulated IP3 formation in proportion to the degree of receptor loss, AII surface receptor number was decreased by incubation with AII. Despite decreases in AII receptor number comparable to those achieved with SL, incubation with AII resulted in 2-fold greater loss of AII-stimulated IP3 formation than did incubation with SL. We conclude that in vascular smooth muscle cells 1) the AII receptor antagonist SL stimulates AII receptor trafficking without eliciting IP3 formation, 2) there are no spare AII receptors for phospholipase C-mediated IP3 formation, and 3) AII desensitization of IP3 formation is mediated by reductions in surface receptors as well as by post-receptor mechanisms.
Motion parameter estimation-from spatial-temporal matching

Summary form only given. The problems of determining the location of the epipoles of two displaced image planes when they are displaced due either to the motion of an object along the time axis or to the displacement of stereo cameras along the space axes have been investigated. It has been assumed that a rigid object moves with respect to still stereo camera systems. >
Organopalladium approaches to prostaglandins. 7.1 : Synthesis of prostaglandin endoperoxide analogs by vinylpalladation of norbornene

Abstract Vinylpalladation of norbornene using vinylmercurial 5 and Li 2 PdCl 4 affords the corresponding cis-exo adduct 6 which can be directly carbonylated to methyl ester 7 in 60% overall yield. Reduction to aldehyde 9 and subsequent chain elaboration provides the new prostaglandin endoperoxide analog 12. Epimerization of exo aldehyde 9 to endo aldehyde 13 and chain extension provides the first synthesis of optically active endoperoxide analog 15, a known potent inhibitor of PGE 2 synthesis. Biological test results for compounds 12 and 15 are reported.
Dengue Virus Virulence and Transmission Determinants

The mechanisms of dengue virus (DENV) pathogenesis are little understood because we have no models of disease; only humans develop symptoms (dengue fever, DF, or dengue hemorrhagic fever, DHF) and research has been limited to studies involving patients. DENV is very diverse: there are four antigenic groups (serotypes) and three to five genetic groups (genotypes) within each serotype. Thus, it has been difficult to evaluate the relative virulence or transmissibility of each DENV genotype; both of these factors are important determinants of epidemiology and their measurement is complex because the natural cycle of this disease involves human-mosquito-human transmission. Although epidemiological and evolutionary studies have pointed to viral factors in determining disease outcome, only recently developed models could prove the importance of specific viral genotypes in causing severe epidemics and their potential to spread to other continents. These new models involve infection of primary human cell cultures, “humanized” mice and field-collected mosquitoes; also, new mathematical models can estimate the impact of viral replication, human immunity and mosquito transmission on epidemic behavior. DENV evolution does not seem to be rapid and the transmission and dispersal of stable, replication-fit genotypes has been more important in the causation of more severe epidemics. Controversy regarding viral determinants of DENV pathogenesis and epidemiology will continue until virulence and transmissibility can be measured under various conditions.
The Effect of Secretin on Bile Formation in Man

Summary 1)Secretin stimulates the formation of bile in man. 2)The increase in volume of bile secreted after secretin is accompanied by a decrease in viscosity, bilirubin and cholic acid concentration, closely resembling the response to sodium dehydrocholate.
Salivary gland mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma immunoglobulin VH genes show frequent use of V1-69 with distinctive CDR3 features

Salivary gland mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type lymphomas are B-cell neoplasms that develop out of a reactive infiltrate, often associated with Sjogren's syndrome. Previous reports from our laboratory involving 10 patients suggested these lymphomas expressed a restricted immunoglobulin (Ig) V H gene repertoire with over use of V1-69 gene segments. To better determine the frequency of V1-69 use and whether there may also be selection for CDR3 structures, we sequenced the V H genes from 15 additional cases. Over half of the potentially functional V H genes (8 of 14) used a VH1 family V1-69 gene segment, whereas the other cases used different gene segments from the VH1 ( V1-46 ), VH3 ( V3-7, V3-11, V3-30.3, V3-30.5 ), and VH4 ( V4-39 ) families. The 8 V1-69 V H genes used 5 different D segments in various reading frames, but all used a J4 joining segment. The V1-69 CDR3s showed remarkable similarities in lengths (12-14 amino acids) and stretches of 2 to 3 amino acids between the V-D and D-J junctions. They did not resemble CDR3s typical of V1-69 chronic lymphocytic leukemias. This study extends our earlier work in establishing that salivary gland MALT lymphomas represent a highly selected B-cell population. Frequent use of V1-69 appears to differ from MALT lymphomas that develop at other sites. The high degree of CDR3 similarity among the V1-69 cases suggests that different salivary gland lymphomas may bind similar, if not identical epitopes. Although the antigen specificities are presently unknown, similar characteristic CDR3 sequences are often seen with V1-69 encoded antibodies that have anti-IgG or rheumatoid factor activity.
Fostering entrepreneurship during international expansion:: Managing key challenges

Abstract The rapid globalization of world markets has encouraged companies of all sizes and national origins to expand internationally. To benefit from their international expansion, companies need to foster entrepreneurship throughout their operations. This article identifies several challenges companies encounter as they attempt to promote entrepreneurship and it discusses ways executives can creatively address them. The article shows how managing these challenges can encourage organizational learning of new skills, thereby giving companies new competencies that allow them to profit from expanding their international operations.
Conflict or Credibility: Analyst Conflicts of Interest and the Market for Underwriting Business

This paper argues that, contrary to conventional wisdom, conflicts of interest among equities research analysts (i.e., where investment banks would offer positive analyst research in quid pro quos for underwriting business) were beneficial to the capital markets. First, conflicted analyst research credibly signaled positive inside information that is otherwise too costly to communicate under 1933 Act liability, correcting adverse-selection problems. Second, conflicted analyst research mitigated agency costs between issuer and underwriter by allowing the underwriter to credibly commit to seek a higher offering price than the underwriter would prefer. Third, analyst research quid pro quos took the form of a competitive bidding market among underwriters, and may have improved competition in the underwriting industry. In light of these conclusions, recent reforms prohibiting analyst conflicts of interest do more harm than good. Preferable modes of regulation include liberalizing 1933 Act liability, increasing mandatory disclosure of conflicts, and increasing fraud penalties.
Distributed Control over Failing Channels

We give sufficient convex conditions for the existence of a distributed controller, with the same interconnection structure as the plant, when the latter is composed of heterogeneous subsystems that communicate with their neighbors over packet-dropping channels. Our linear matrix inequalities generalize previous results for the case of ideal communication links and, although conservative, are typically far more tractable for large-scale systems than recently obtained sufficient and necessary conditions.
Crystalline materials and structures for upconversion lasers

Infrared pumped lasers that produce radiation at wavelengths shorter than the pump wavelength are called "upconversion lasers". They operate by combining, through the operation of at least three different mechanisms, the energy of two or more infrared pump photons to produce an excited state of an impurity ion in an appropriate host crystal that has an energy greater than the energy of a single pump photon alone. >