cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sorption/Desorption of Lincomycin from Three Arid-Region Soils

1460 The antibiotic lincomycin is commonly found in treated municipal waste water and in waste from swine and poultry production. Environmental disposal of these wastes has the potential to introduce a significant mass of lincomycin into the ecosystem. In the present study, a series of sorption and desorption experiments were conducted to determine the potential mobility of lincomycin in soils from arid environments. Sorption and desorption isotherms were obtained for lincomycin using three different soils. Isotherms were fit to the Freundlich equation. Adsorption of lincomycin was found to have a K f of 11.98 for a biosolid-treated soil (1.58% OC) and a K f of 210.15 for a similar unamended soil (1.42% OC). It was also found that for a low-organic-content soil the K f was 5.09. The differences in adsorption can be related to the soil pH and the pKa of lincomycin (7.5–7.8). When the soil solution pH is below the pKa, the cationic species of lincomycin dominates, resulting in increased water solubility. Interaction with the cation exchange complex is minimal due to a high solution cation concentration (Ca 2+ and Na + ). Desorption isotherms also indicate that when the solution pH is lower than the pKa, retention of lincomycin is reduced. Our results indicate that the mobility of lincomycin in these arid region soils is dependent on soil pH.
Neuropathological findings of Onuf's nucleus and its significance

Onuf's nucleus is a small group of cells which are located mainly in the anterior horn of the second sacral segment of the spinal cord. This paper describes the history of studies relating to this nucleus including a discussion of its relation with the various pathological studies which have been made.
Induced hypothermia for trauma: current research and practice.

Induction of hypothermia with the goal of providing therapeutic benefit has been accepted for use in the clinical setting of adult cardiac arrest and neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)....
Spatial Bias and Right Hemisphere Function: Sex-Specific Changes with Aging

Patterns of cerebral asymmetry related to visuospatial functions may change with age. The typical leftward bias on a line bisection task may reflect cerebral asymmetry. With age, such leftward bias decreases. This study demonstrated that the age-related decrease of leftward bias may actually be sex-specific. In addition, previous research suggests that young adults' deviation in line bisection may reflect asymmetric hemispheric activation of perceptual-attentional "where" spatial systems, rather than motor-intentional "aiming" spatial systems; thus, we specifically fractionated "where" and "aiming" bias of men and women ranging in age from 22 to 93 years old. We observed that older men produced greater rightward line bisection errors, of primarily "where" spatial character. However, women's errors remained leftward biased, and did not significantly change with age. "Where" spatial systems may be linked to cortico-cortical processing networks involving the posterior part of the dorsal visuospatial processing stream. Thus, the current results are consistent with the conclusion that reduced right dorsal spatial activity in aging may occur in the male, but not female, adult spatial system development.
Corruption and Organization in Asian Management Systems

From an organizational viewpoint, research on corruption is both a frontier and a challenging issue~in Asian management systems. Corruption is rampant in many Asian countries but organization theorists are surprisingly silent in addressing what impact corruption has on an organization and its operations. Contrary to the belief of some that corruption is necessary for business survival and growth in Asia, we argue that corruption is an evolutionary hazard, a strategic impediment, a competitive disadvantage, and an organizational deficiency. In this article we explain why an organizational perspective of corruption is an important research agenda in Asian management, outline how corruption differs from interpersonal business networking, and illustrate why corruption impedes organizational development.
An adaptive critic global controller

A nonlinear control system comprising a network of networks is taught using a two-phase learning procedure realized through novel techniques for initialization, on-line training, and adaptive critic design. The neural networks are initialized algebraically by observing that the gradients of the networks must equal corresponding linear gain matrices at chosen operating points. On-line learning is based on a dual heuristic adaptive critic architecture that improves control for large, coupled motions by accounting for plant dynamics and nonlinear effects. The result is an adaptive controller that is as conservative as the linear designs and as effective as the global controller. The design method is implemented to control the full six-degree-of-freedom simulation of a business jet aircraft.
Application of trace-norm and low-rank matrix decomposition for computational anatomy

We propose a generative model to distinguish normal anatomical variations from abnormal deformations given a group of images with normal and abnormal subjects. We assume that abnormal subjects share common factors which characterize the abnormality. These factors are hard to discover due to large variance of normal anatomical differences. Assuming that the deformation fields are parametrized by their stationary velocity fields, these factors constitute a low-rank subspace (abnormal space) that is corrupted by high variance normal anatomical differences. We assume that these normal anatomical variations are not correlated. We form an optimization problem and propose an efficient iterative algorithm to recover the low-rank subspace. The algorithm iterates between image registration and the decomposition steps and hence can be seen as a group-wise registration algorithm. We apply our method on synthetic and real data and discover abnormality of the population that cannot be recovered by some of the well-known matrix decompositions (e.g. Singular Value Decomposition).
Canada's Anti-dumping and Safeguard Policies: Overt and Subtle Forms of Discrimination

Like many countries in the international trading system, Canada repeatedly faces political pressure from industries seeking protection from import competition. I examine Canadian policymakers’ response to this pressure within the economic environment created by its participation in discriminatory trade agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In particular, I exploit new sources of data on Canada’s use of potentially WTO-consistent import-restricting policies such as antidumping, global safeguards, and a China-specific safeguard. I illustrate subtle ways in which Canadian policymakers may be structuring the application of such policies so as to reinforce the discrimination inherent in Canada’s external trade policy because of the preferences granted to the United States and Mexico through NAFTA.
Expression of osmotic stress-related genes in tissues of normal and hyposmotic rats

TonEBP is a transcription factor that, when activated by hypertonicity, increases transcription of genes, including those involved in organic osmolyte accumulation. Surprisingly, it is expressed in...
Pseudowire System with VCCV Insertion (VI) in Optical Access Networks

In this paper, we propose a new scheme, VCCV insertion (VI), to tackle the pseudowire system data transmission in optical access networks. We build a state space model for VI performance analysis. We prove that the VI scheme is both controllable and stable.
Shock-wave generation in transparent media from ultra-fast lasers

Laser interactions with bulk transparent media have long been investigated for material processing applications involving ablation and shock wave generation in both the nanosecond and femtosecond pulse width regimes1. Shock waves have been studied in fused silica and other optical glasses but previously have been characterized by the morphology of the concurrent ablation. We perform ablation at distances of 30 meters using the non-linear self-channeling effect. Using silicon wafers as targets because of their clearly defined ablation zones, we examine the effect that the filament has on the thin SiO2 layer coating the wafer's surface. It is observed that the surface layer experiences a shock wave resulting from the explosive forces produced by the plasma. The use of several laser pulses in burst mode operation leads to the observation of multiple shock fronts in the material, and the possibility of shock wave addition for higher damage. Optical interferometry will be used to characterize the shock wave dynamics, using both traditional means of focusing in the near field and at 30 meters using propagating self-channeled femtosecond pulses. The novelty of using self-channeling laser pulses for shock wave generation has many implications for military applications. These experiments are to be performed in our secure test range using intensities of 1014W/cm2 and higher incident on various transparent media. Interferometry is performed using a harmonic of the pump laser frequency. Experiments also include burst-mode operation, where a train of ultra-fast pulses, closely spaced in time, and novel new beam distributions, strike the sample.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Socio-Cultural Impacts on Drug Trafficking Trends in Europe.

A myriad of national and international publications have detailed global patterns of drug trafficking for decades, with recent reports identifying Europe as a global consumption “hotspot” for the majority of popular drugs in the world. Yet, despite increasing levels of drug trafficking worldwide, scholars have not routinely examined this crime-type through the lens of a socio-cultural criminological theory. As such, this empirical study employed guidance from Institutional Anomie Theory. Data were collected from fourteen countries in Europe from 1995 to 2009 and analyzed using pooled cross-sectional multivariate time series. Trafficking patterns in cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and amphetamines were operationalized using officially reported drug seizure amounts. The findings from this study emphasize the need for differentiation between drug-types in future research, but also illustrate support for use of the theoretically informed variables.
Hybrid modulation for neutral point voltage ripple reduction in DC-fed three-level motor drive Systems

This paper presents a hybrid modulation method to limit the neutral point (NP) voltage ripple and reduce the requirement for dc link capacitors during the startup process for three level motor drive systems. The neutral point voltage calculation model is presented to study the large NP voltage ripple for three level modulation during the startup process. Moreover, the possible overvoltage issue on the semiconductors considering the different switching speed of the devices for two level modulation in three level NPC converters is analyzed in detail. To avoid such overvoltage on the semiconductors, zero neutral point voltage ripple modulation (ZNPVR) method is proposed to limit the NP voltage ripple when the output fundamental frequency is low. The implementation method of the proposed method is discussed in detail. When the output fundamental frequency is high, the modulation can smoothly transit to normal NTSV modulation for lower current ripple and higher efficiency. Both simulation and experimental results are shown to verify the analysis based on a 3 kW three level VSI dc-fed motor drive system.
Notes to the Underground: Responsibility Claims as Agenda-Setting and Standard-Setting by Activist and Terrorist Groups

Political groups engaged in violence and illegal activism must choose whether or not to claim responsibility for their actions. This paper demonstrates a previously unrecognized function of responsibility claims by terrorist and other clandestine activist groups: setting agendas and standards of conduct for actual and potential members. In anarchically structured groups - those without pyramidal leadership structures or formal processes for establishing membership - responsibility claims show current and potential members what a successful action should look like. This can be seen in an analysis of two anarchically structured groups: the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and the hackers’ collective Anonymous. A theoretical framework developed by analyzing these groups can also be applied to violent organizations more generally regarded as terrorists. Even groups that have leaders will face principal-agent problems because of the need for leaders and cells to evade government scrutiny. For any organization with an underground, responsibility claims convey information to the underground - telling members how to organize, which actions to take, and which rules to follow as they act on behalf of the group.
Simulation approach to support sustainability of higher education

We consider the paradigm of sustainability in higher education as a computational environment to analyze the numerical values of the institutional goal dynamics and the possibility to reach their rational balance. We suggest using a simulation approach to tie up the institutional goals, a set of traditional institutional internal subsystems (faculty, students, educational technology, administrative structure) and a set of external requests (labor market, government, natural environment, etc.). The set of already created or planned simulation models can be used to support the sustainability of a higher education institution within two areas: simulation models for educational/research goals and simulation models to support the logistics and management processes of the institution.
Reply to Wiens

In Human Nature and the Limits (If Any) of Political Philosophy, I argued that justice might require things of people that they cannot bring themselves to do. A central step was to argue that this does not entail an inability to ‘do’ the putatively required thing. David Wiens challenges that argument of mine, and this piece is my reply.
Specimen Orientation for Transmission Electron Microscopic Studies of Fungal Germ Tubes and Appressoria on Artificial Membranes and Leaf Surfaces

(1988). Specimen Orientation for Transmission Electron Microscopic Studies of Fungal Germ Tubes and Appressoria on Artificial Membranes and Leaf Surfaces. Mycologia: Vol. 80, No. 4, pp. 586-590.
Suitable Permutations, Binary Covering Arrays, and Paley Matrices

A set of permutations of length v is t-suitable if every element precedes every subset of t − 1 others in at least one permutation. The maximum length of a t-suitable set of N permutations depends heavily on the relation between t and N. Two classical results, due to Dushnik and Spencer, are revisited. Dushnik’s result determines the maximum length when \(t > \sqrt{2N}\). On the other hand, when t is fixed Spencer’s uses a strong connection with binary covering arrays of strength t − 1 to obtain a lower bound on the length that is doubly exponential in t. We explore intermediate values for t, by first considering directed packings and related Golomb rulers, and then by examining binary covering arrays whose number of rows is approximately equal to their number of columns. These in turn are constructed from Hadamard and Paley matrices, for which we present some computational data and questions.
Analysis of the financial support for agricultural products safety in Fujian province——Based on the financial data from Fujian provincial department of agriculture

Quality and safety of agricultural products is directly related to physical and mental health of consumers,the increasing of farmers' incomes,social stability in rural areas,the sustainable development of agriculture,and the international competitiveness of agricultural products,which becomes the main bottlenecks in current agricultural and rural economic development.It needs strong financial support from the government.In recent years,the quality and safety of agricultural products is being highly concerned in Fujian,but the quality and safety system for agricultural products is still insufficient.The analysis of the current status and existing problems of financial support for agricultural product safety in Fujian indicate the directions for future research in bringing the financial support for agricultural products safety into the government budget;incorporating the construction of agricultural products safety financial support system into government's development planning;and building financial support systems for agricultural production,circulation,supervision and monitoring.All these have important practical significance for solving the agricultural product safety problems.
Familial Hypohaptoglobinemia A Genetically Determined Trait Segregating from Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

1) A family is presented with an inherited deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and serum haptoglobin. 2) The inheritance patterns observed are consistent with those postulated for two genetically determined, independently segregating traits. 3) The presence of a benign metabolic defect, familial hypohaptoglobinemia, in individuals with Hp 2-1 and Hp 2-2 phenotypes and the lack of involvement to date of Hp 1-1 phenotypes is consistent with the hypothesis that some modification of the Hp2 allele is responsible for the low levels of haptoglobin observed. 4) The term hypohaptogiobinemia, rather than anhaptoglobinemia, is suggested for individuals who manifest a genetically determined depression in the level of circulating haptoglobin.
A Growth Factor in Bovine and Human Testes Structurally Related to Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

Abstract Homogenates of human testes, epididymides and prostate, and calf testes and epididymides are mitogenic for cultured human foreskin fibroblasts. The growth factors appear similar in that they are inactivated by boiling and acid, but not by treatment with reducing agent. The growth factor in human and bovine testes was partially purified from tissue homogenates, prepared in high ionic strength buffer (pH 7.6) containing protease inhibitors, by ammonium sulfate precipitation and two cycles of heparin-Sepharose chromatography. The growth factor in calf testes was also partially purified from tissue extracted in ammonium sulfate without protease inhibitors, acidified to pH 4.5, and precipitated by ammonium sulfate followed by two cycles of heparin-affinity chromatography. A predominant 17,500 molecular weight (MW) growth factor was identified from alkaline homogenates of human and calf testes by its reactivity with antisera prepared against synthetic peptides whose sequences corresponded to residues 1–12 (amino-terminal), 33–43 (internal) and 136–145 (carboxy-terminal) of bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). A slightly smaller 16,600 MW peptide from acidic extracts of calf testes also reacted with antisera to the three synthetic peptides. A 15,500 MW peptide, lacking immunoreactivity with antiserum to the amino-terminal synthetic peptide, was also seen. These findings suggest that a growth factor is present in human and calf testes that is structurally related to bFGF. The structure of the growth factors appears to be altered during the isolation procedure.
“An Exercise in Telemachry”: David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest and Intergenerational Conversation

ABSTRACTThis article examines David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest alongside its eponymous film, arguing that they share a common purpose, but that the former succeeds where the latter fails. Coupled with a biographical and phenomenological analysis, the aim of this examination is to better understand Infinite Jest’s place in the cultural and literary movement away from postmodernism. Through the novel, Wallace seeks a cure for the postmodern malaise that is irony, which creates a distancing effect between author and reader. I argue that he collapses this distance by creating a conversation-like novel that uses sentimentality and endnotes to converse with a generation bombarded with easily consumable irony from television, advertisements, and even art. The results of this conversation are the curtailing of passive consumption of entertainment and the beginning of a new sincerity in literature, which allows for grand narratives without the unending cynicism of postmodernism.
Iterative Solutions of the Linear Inverse Problem

This chapter introduces a general approach to the solution of the linear inverse problem based on the iterative method. We begin our study with the classical minimal residual method (MRM) and apply this method to the linear inversion. In order to accelerate the convergence of the MRM algorithm, we will develop a generalized MRM algorithm, based on the Krylov-subspace method. We will also discuss a Lanczos MRM method and its generalization. We then apply these principles to the linear inverse problem and implement the regularization. The chapter will conclude with the generalized MRM solutions of the Euler equation for the Tikhonov parametric functional. The important result of this chapter is that all iterative schemes, based on regularized MRMs, always converge for any linear inverse problem.
Measurements of Neuronal Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a natural process occurring during the development of central nervous system resulting in the elimination of neurons that may have formed faulty synapses. Apoptosis can also be triggered by deprivation of growth factors or by exposure to a variety of endogenous or exogenous compounds. Several methods exist to assess apoptosis in neuronal cells. The choice of a particular method for apoptosis detection is dependent on the cell system, the nature of the toxin or toxicant, the type of information being sought, and, finally, on technical limitations. In this chapter, we describe techniques to evaluate apoptosis in primary neuronal cell cultures based on the evaluation of three criteria: cell morphology, biochemical changes, and DNA degradation. To draw correct conclusions regarding the mode of cell death, a combination of some of the methods mentioned above should be used.
Antifungal therapeutics for dimorphic fungal pathogens

Dimorphic fungi cause several endemic mycoses which range from subclinical respiratory infections to life-threatening systemic disease. Pathogenic-phase cells of Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Paracocci...
Vision-Based Biometrics for Conservation

Identifying individuals in photographs of animals collected over time is a non-invasive approach that enables ecological studies and conservation planning. Here we propose SLOOP, the first image retrieval system incorporating interactive image processing and matching tools with relevance feedback from crowdsourcing to solve large-scale individual identification for multiple species. One outcome is an advance in matching and image retrieval methodology; another is the creation of a community-based individual identification system that enables conservation planning.
Soldier Load Carriage: Historical, Physiological, Biomechanical, and Medical Aspects

This study reviews historical and biomedical aspects of soldier load carriage. Before the 18th century, foot soldiers seldom carried more than 15 kg while on the march, but loads have progressively risen since then. This load increase is presumably due to the weight of weapons and equipment that incorporate new technologies to increase protection, firepower, communications, and mobility. Research shows that locating the load center of mass as close as possible to the body center of mass results in the lowest energy cost and tends to keep the body in an upright position similar to unloaded walking. Loads carried on other parts of the body result in higher energy expenditures: each kilogram added to the foot increases energy expenditure 7% to 10%; each kilogram added to the thigh increases energy expenditure 4%. Hip belts on rucksacks should be used whenever possible as they reduce pressure on the shoulders and increase comfort. Low or mid-back load placement might be preferable on uneven terrain but high load placement may be best for even terrain. In some tactical situations, combat load carts can be used, and these can considerably reduce energy expenditure and improve performance. Physical training that includes aerobic exercise, resistance training targeted at specific muscle groups, and regular road marching can considerably improve road marching speed and efficiency. The energy cost of walking with backpack loads increases progressively with increases in weight carried, body mass, walking speed, or grade; type of terrain also influences energy cost. Predictive equations have been developed, but these may not be accurate for prolonged load carriage. Common injuries associated with prolonged load carriage include foot blisters, stress fractures, back strains, metatarsalgia, rucksack palsy, and knee pain. Load carriage can be facilitated by lightening loads, improving load distribution, optimizing load-carriage equipment, and taking preventive action to reduce the incidence of injury.
Fractured Wire in the Left Internal Mammary Artery: A Novel Retrieval Technique

Although fractured coronary wires are a rare occurrence, failure to retrieve them successfully puts patients at undue risk. We offer a technique that can be used when traditional retrieval with a Microsnare system is unsuccessful.
Specific aqueous humor factors induce activation of regulatory T cells.

Purpose To examine the possibility that aqueous humor-induced regulatory T cells could function in vivo, these T cells were examined for their ability to suppress adoptive transfer of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). To begin to understand the mechanisms by which aqueous humor induces activation of regulatory T cells, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2 were examined for ability to induce regulatory T cells. Methods Primed T cells were treated with aqueous humor and assayed for regulatory activity by injecting them intravenously along with DTH-mediating T cells into syngeneic mice. Antigen-pulsed antigen-presenting cells (APCs) were injected into the pinna of the mouse ear, and swelling was measured 24 hours later. Primed T cells were also activated in vitro in the presence of alpha-MSH, TGF-beta1, or TGF-beta2 and were assayed for proliferation and TGF-beta production along with suppressing DTH. Results Aqueous humor-treated T cells suppressed inflammation mediated by DTH T cells. Maximum regulatory T cell activity was induced when primed T cells were activated in vitro in the presence of alpha-MSH followed 4 hours later with active TGF-beta2. Such T cells proliferated, produced TGF-beta, and suppressed DTH, suggesting that alpha-MSH and TGF-beta2 induce activation of regulatory T cells. No regulatory T cell activity could be induced in the presence of TGF-beta1. Conclusions The ocular microenvironment constitutively produces immunoregulatory factors that suppress the induction of inflammatory activity and promotes regulatory T cell activity. Such regulatory T cells can further contribute to maintaining the normal immunosuppressive ocular microenvironment through their ability to suppress activation of other inflammatory T cells.
Targeting tumor multicellular aggregation through IGPR-1 inhibits colon cancer growth and improves chemotherapy

Adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucially important for survival of normal epithelial cells as detachment from ECM triggers specific apoptosis known as anoikis. As tumor cells lose the requirement for anchorage to ECM, they rely on cell-cell adhesion 'multicellular aggregation' for survival. Multicellular aggregation of tumor cells also significantly determines the sensitivity of tumor cells to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutics. In this report, we demonstrate that expression of immunoglobulin containing and proline-rich receptor-1 (IGPR-1) is upregulated in human primary colon cancer. Our study demonstrates that IGPR-1 promotes tumor multicellular aggregation, and interfering with its adhesive function inhibits multicellular aggregation and, increases cell death. IGPR-1 supports colon carcinoma tumor xenograft growth in mouse, and inhibiting its activity by shRNA or blocking antibody inhibits tumor growth. More importantly, IGPR-1 regulates sensitivity of tumor cells to the chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin/adriamycin by a mechanism that involves doxorubicin-induced AKT activation and phosphorylation of IGPR-1 at Ser220. Our findings offer novel insight into IGPR-1's role in colorectal tumor growth, tumor chemosensitivity, and as a possible novel anti-cancer target.
Numerical approach for finite volume three-body interaction

In the present work, we study a numerical approach to one dimensional finite volume three-body interaction, the method is demonstrated by considering a toy model of three spinless particles interacting with pair-wise $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function potentials. The numerical results are compared with the exact solutions of three spinless bosons interaction when the strength of short-range interactions are set equal for all pairs.
Empathy and Reasoning in Context: Thinking About Anti-Gay Bullying

“Empathy” has negative connotations for many legal theorists, who may conceive of it as subjective, lacking in intellectual rigor, and emphasizing sensitivity over reason. Even those legal scholars who have embraced the importance of empathy in legal work have emphasized its affective dimensions: pointing out that empathy is central to human relations and motivations, and is therefore a crucial lawyering skill. This paper builds on social science literature that identifies both cognitive and affective dimensions to empathy, and recasts empathy as in part a central component to higher-order thinking in law. It draws examples from empathetic reasoning in foundational cases in studied by most law graduates, then proceeds to map the empathetic thinking at work in a series of recent cases in which students have sued school districts for failing to prevent anti-gay harassment which allegedly interfered with their ability to receive an education.
Incidence of metastasis and prostate-specific antigen levels at diagnosis in Gleason 3+4 versus 4+3 prostate cancer.

Aims: The aim is to assess for a difference in the incidence of metastasis (IM) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels at diagnosis in patients with Gleason score (GS) 3+4 versus 4+3 prostate cancer using a large veterans affairs database. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective review of 1402 medical records from 5 VA hospitals was conducted. The study period was from 2009 to 2014. Primary endpoints were IM and PSA levels at diagnosis. A secondary endpoint was overall survival. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square tests for categorical variables, Student's t-test for continuous, normally distributed variables, and rank sum tests for continuous nonnormally distributed variables. Results: There were 1050 patients with GS3+4 and 352 with GS4+3. There were no differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the study population. PSA at the time of diagnosis was significantly higher in the GS4+3 patients compared to GS3+4 (18.0 vs. 11.4, respectively; P Conclusions: Our results indicate that patients with GS4+3 prostate cancers have higher PSA levels at diagnosis. GS4+3 is associated with 3-fold increased risk of IM at diagnosis than GS3+4 though the overall incidence is low. Further research is needed to assess whether GS4+3 patients need routine staging imaging investigations at the time of diagnosis similar to patients with higher Gleason scores (GS ≥8).
Regulation of Passenger Car Diesel Exhaust: Comparative Regulatory Regimes and Proposals for the Future

Beginning in the 1990s, the United States and the European Union imposed limits on emissions from diesel engines in passenger cars. The US and European regimes differ in certain key respects, contributing to two disparate outcomes. In the US, diesel cars went from being dirty and abundant to being clean and rare, constituting a mere 0.6% of the 2010 market. In the European Union, however, diesel cars are both clean and abundant, constituting 53% of the 2010 market. This result has several implications. First, we can examine the impact of the disparate regimes on two relatively comparable car markets to elucidate the impact of individual components of the regimes. Second, the outcome in the EU is “better” than that in the US, and thus certain components of the EU regime suggest possible future policies for the US. Third, the experiences of the US and the EU in regulating diesel may have implications for future US environmental policymaking. The broad conclusions of this analysis are that US standards, at times more stringent than their EU counterparts, may have prevented manufacturers from supplying diesel cars to the US. Above all else, however, differences in fuel prices and fuel taxation between the US and Europe massively impact consumers’ economic incentives to purchase diesel, and are likely the single biggest determinant of demand. Now that diesel technology has advanced to the stage where diesel emissions are as clean as gasoline emissions, the US should pursue policies that would increase its adoption. The primary ways to do so are to lower the cost of diesel fuel relative to gasoline, raise the price of both fuels (to the extent politically feasible), and potentially force US manufacturers to re-enter the diesel market by imposing fuel economy requirements that are unattainable without the use of diesel.
Acute Alcohol Amnesia

Alcohol is a drug with potent effects on human emotions and cognition. Drinking enables individuals to alter their emotional state, their cognitive functioning, and their interactions with their environment. Certain cognitive responses to alcohoF seem to be the idiosyncratic response of a particular individual to a particular dose of alcohol. There are, however, other cognitive responses that have a more orderly relationship to alcohol and reflect a basic effect of the drug. It appears that one such response is the disruption in memory produced by modest doses of alcohol in both alcoholics and social drinkers (e.g., Parker et al., 1974; Rosen and Lee, 1976). Episodes of impaired memory can be viewed as isolated instances of dysfunction, yet they are bound to disrupt the drinker’s continuity of experience between past and future. Memory is the remarkable capacity that records both interactions with the environment and mental events. These records of past I experience shape and mold later behavior, thereby connecting internal represen tations of past, present, and future.
bcl-2 Gene hypomethylation and high-level expression in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The bcl-2 gene becomes transcriptionally deregulated in the majority of low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas as a result of t(14;18) translocations that place the bcl-2 gene at 18q21 into juxtaposition with the Ig heavy-chain locus at 14q32. This chromosomal translocation or similar bcl-2 gene rearrangements involving the Ig light-chain genes have been reported to occur in some cases of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). We analyzed the structure, methylation, and expression of the bcl-2 gene in 20 cases of B-CLL or closely related variants of this lymphoproliferative disorder, including at least 16 typical examples of CD5+ B-CLL. None of the 20 specimens had evidence of bcl-2 gene rearrangements, based on Southern blot analysis using three different bcl-2 probes. However, immunoblot analysis using antibodies specific for the Bcl-2 protein showed that 14 of 20 cases (70%) contained levels of p26-Bcl-2 that were equal to or greater than those found in a t(14;18)-bearing lymphoma cell line. Furthermore, in 19 of 20 cases (95%), the Bcl-2 protein was present at levels that were 1.7- to 25-fold higher than in normal peripheral blood lymphocytes. These differences in the relative levels of Bcl-2 protein among cases of B-CLL appeared to be functionally significant, in that a preliminary analysis of 3 representative cases showed that CLL cells with higher levels of Bcl-2 protein survived longer in culture and were delayed in their onset of DNA degradation relative to CLL cells with lower Bcl-2 protein levels. Evaluation of the methylation status of the bcl-2 gene using the isoschizomers Msp I and Hpa II, and a probe corresponding to the first major exon of the gene showed complete demethylation of both copies of the bcl-2 gene in a region corresponding to a 2.4-kb Msp I fragment in all 20 cases of B-CLL. In contrast, analysis of 6 of 6 B-cell lines that harbor a t(14;18) was consistent with hypomethylation of only one of the two bcl-2 alleles. Neither copy of the bcl-2 gene was demethylated in this region in 5 of 5 lymphoid cell lines that lack this translocation. However, hypomethylation of the bcl-2 gene did not necessarily correlate with the relative levels of Bcl-2 protein present in the B-CLL cells, suggesting that additional mechanisms for regulating bcl-2 expression are involved.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Mineralocorticoid Biosynthetic Pathways and Hypertension

The most important mineralocorticoid produced by some fish, and most amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals is aldosterone. Other adrenal corticosteroids with variable degree of mineralocorticoid activity are also produced in smaller amounts including deoxycorticosterone (DOC), 19-nordeoxycorticosterone (19-norDOC) and 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC). Some of these steroids are intermediates in the synthesis of aldosterone, others are terminal products of adrenal steroidogenic pathways, but have unclear physiological roles.
Interactive Proof Systems

A natural question associated with the SVP and the CVP search problems is whether one can recognize the optimality of solutions once they are found.
Abnormal Bones, Soft Tissue, and Other Findings

There are times when pathological processes occur outside the lungs and mediastinum, i.e., in the chest wall, to include bones and soft tissues. This is why we include these structures on the search pattern, in that one must think about those structures separately to deduce their potential involvement. I will also include a short synopsis of lines and tubes often seen in the ICU; they are easier to navigate than most think.
Experiments relevant to astrophysical jets

This paper summarizes the results of an experimental program at Caltech wherein magnetohydrodynamically driven plasma jets are created and diagnosed. The theory modelling these jets, the main experimental results and their relevance to astrophysical jets are presented. The model explains how the jets are driven and why they self-collimate. Characteristic kink and Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities are shown to occur and the ramifications of these instabilities are discussed. Extending the experimental results to the astrophysical situation reveals a shortcoming in ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) that must be remedied by replacing the ideal MHD Ohm’s law by the generalized Ohm’s law. It is shown that when the generalized Ohm’s law is used and the consequences of weak ionization are taken into account, an accretion disk behaves much like the electrodes, mass source and power supply used in the experiment.
Integrating the SEEV Model with Performance Improvement Methods to Increase Hand Hygiene in the Operating Room

The Main Hospital operating rooms at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia identified a decrease in hand hygiene compliance during the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2017. To address this, a combine...
On concept abstraction algorithms

We address two fundamental issues in the computational theory of mind (CTM): the extreme accuracy of visual signal perception and the quick recall of relevant information from a vast memory. The key component of our approach is an algorithm that converts the spatial signal into a temporal representation. The model is motivated by human vision, but it is valid for concept abstraction and analogical thinking in general.
Low Birth Weight Among Infants Born to Black Latina Women in the United States

Objectives To explore associations between race, nativity, and low birth weight (LBW) among Latina and non-Latina women, with special attention to the Black Latina subgroup. Methods Using US natality data from 2011 to 2013, we designed a population-based study to compare LBW (< 2500 g) rates across six groups of women with self-identified race (N = 7,865,264)—White and Black Latina, foreign-born and US-born; non-Latina Black; and non-Latina White—creating 4 models for analysis: unadjusted (Model 1) and adjusted for sociodemographic factors (Model 2), sociodemographic plus medical risk factors (Model 3), and Model 3 factors plus smoking (Model 4). Results Infant LBW rate for Black Latinas (7.9%) was higher than White Latinas (5.6%) and varied by nativity: US-born (8.9%) versus foreign-born (6.1%). Among all study groups, US-born Black Latinas’ LBW rate (8.9%) was second only to non-Latina Blacks (11.0%). In unadjusted Model 1, US-born Black Latinas had 81% (odds ratio [OR]: 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74–1.88) and foreign-born Black Latinas had 22% (OR: 1.22; 95% CI 1.15–1.29) higher odds of LBW than non-Latina White women (reference group). However, in Model 2, ORs for foreign-born Black Latinas were nearly identical to non-Latina Whites (OR: 1.03; 95% CI 0.97–1.1), while US-born Black Latinas’ odds were still 47% higher (OR: 1.47; 95% CI 1.42–1.53). Model 3 ORs for each group were similar to Model 2. Conclusions for Practice A significant subgroup of Latina women self-identify as Black, and their LBW rates are higher than White Latinas. Black Latinas born in the United States fare worse than their foreign-born counterparts, implicating negative effects of Black race specific to the US context.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Owing to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

Abstract Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) refers to a group of autosomal recessive genetic disorders that arise from defective steroidogenesis. The 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is the most common form of CAH, accounting for more than 90% of cases. It is the most common disorder of sexual development (DSD) in females. The gene is encoded by CYP21A2, which is located on the short arm of chromosome 6 (6p21.3). The activity of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase, encoded by the CYP21A2 gene, is deficient, leading to an accumulation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and subsequent elevation of androgens. The three forms of 21OHD are the salt-wasting form, simple-virilizing form, and non-classical form. The first two forms are classical forms of the disease where the hallmark finding is ambiguity of the genitalia in affected female newborns. Patients with the non-classical form have normal genitalia, yet may present with signs of early sexual development and other symptoms of hyperandrogenemia such as short stature, hirsutism, acne, and impaired fertility. Hormonal testing is important in making the diagnosis of 21-hydroxylase deficiency, yet genetic testing is crucial to secure the diagnosis. More than 100 mutations have been identified caused by gene conversions, large scale gene deletions, and de novo mutations, and novel mutations are continuously being identified. Genotype–phenotype non-concordance is observed in a significant number of patients.
A Lifestyle Intervention of Weight Loss via a Low-Carbohydrate Diet Plus Walking to Reduce Metabolic Disturbances Caused by Androgen Deprivation Therapy Among Prostate Cancer Patients: Carbohydrate and Prostate Study 1 (CAPS1) Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of this study was to test a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) plus walking to reduce androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-induced metabolic disturbances. This randomized multi-center trial of prostate cancer (PCa) patients initiating ADT was designed to compare an LCD (≤20g carbohydrate/day) plus walking (≥30 min for ≥5 days/week) intervention vs. control advised to maintain usual diet and exercise patterns. Primary outcome was change in insulin resistance by homeostatic model assessment at 6 months. To detect 20% reduction in insulin resistance, 100 men were required. The study was stopped early after randomizing 42 men due to slow accrual. Secondary outcomes included weight, body composition, lipids, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Changes from baseline were compared between arms using rank-sum tests. At 6 months, LCD/walking reduced insulin resistance by 4% vs. 36% increase in control (p = 0.13). At 3 months, vs. control, LCD/walking arm significantly lost weight (7.8kg; p<0.001), improved insulin resistance (↑36%; p = 0.015), hemoglobin A1c (↓3.3%; p = 0.01), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (↑13%; p = 0.004), and triglyceride (↓37%; p = 0.036). At 6 months, weight loss (10.6kg; p<0.001) and HDL (↑27%; p = 0.003) remained significant. LCD/walking preserved total body bone mineral count (p = 0.025), reduced fat mass (p = 0.002), lean mass (p = 0.036), and percent body fat (p = 0.004). There were no differences in PSA. Limitations include the effect of LCD, weight loss vs. walking instruction are indistinguishable, and small sample size. In an underpowered study, LCD/walking did not improve insulin sensitivity at 6 months. Given most secondary outcomes were improved at 3 months with some remaining improved at 6 months and a secondary analysis showed that LCD/walking reduced insulin resistance over the study, supporting future larger studies of LCD/walking intervention to reduce ADT-induced disturbances.
An Analysis of Theories Supporting Agile Scrum and the Use of Scrum in Systems Engineering

Agile methods have become popular in software development as they offer ways to adapt to constant change during development. Agile methods have begun to be employed on non-software systems. The met...
Exploring Whether White Male Postsecondary Presidents Respond to Racism

Most recently, leaders of predominantly White institutions, who are mostly White and male, have been called upon to address the racial violations that have plagued college campuses as well as their...
Making the Numbers? "Short Termism" and the Puzzle of Only Occasional Disaster

Much recent work in strategy and popular discussion suggests that an excessive focus on "managing the numbers"--delivering quarterly earnings at the expense of longer term performance--makes it difficult for firms to make the investments necessary to build competitive advantage. "Short termism" has been blamed for everything from the decline of the US automobile industry to the low penetration of techniques such as TQM and continuous improvement. Yet a vigorous tradition in the accounting literature establishes that firms routinely sacrifice long-term investment to manage earnings and are rewarded for doing so. This paper presents a model that reconciles these apparently contradictory perspectives. We show that if the source of long-term advantage is modeled as a stock of capability that accumulates over time, the intensity of the firm’s effort to manage short-term earnings at the expense of long-term investment can have very different consequences depending on whether the firm’s capability is close to a ...
Modulation of Dopamine for Adaptive Learning: a Neurocomputational Model

There have been many proposals that learning rates in the brain are adaptive, in the sense that they increase or decrease depending on environmental conditions. The majority of these models are abstract and make no attempt to describe the neural circuitry that implements the proposed computations. This article describes a biologically detailed computational model that overcomes this shortcoming. Specifically, we propose a neural circuit that implements adaptive learning rates by modulating the gain on the dopamine response to reward prediction errors, and we model activity within this circuit at the level of spiking neurons. The model generates a dopamine signal that depends on the size of the tonically active dopamine neuron population and the phasic spike rate. The model was tested successfully against results from two single-neuron recording studies and a fast-scan cyclic voltammetry study. We conclude by discussing the general applicability of the model to dopamine-mediated tasks that transcend the experimental phenomena it was initially designed to address.