cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of geriatric vulnerabilities on allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation outcomes in older patients with hematologic malignancies.

Older patients are at increased risk for complications and death following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Traditional transplant-specific prognostic indices such as hematopoietic cell transplant comorbidity index (HCT-CI) may not capture all underlying geriatric vulnerabilities, and in-depth evaluation by a geriatrician prior to transplant may not always be available. We hypothesize that routine pretransplant interdisciplinary clinical assessment may uncover prognostically important geriatric deficits. Using an institutional database of 457 adults aged 60 years and older who underwent first allo-HCT for hematological malignancies from 2010 to 2017, we examined the prognostic impact of pretransplant deficits in geriatric domains of function, mobility, mood, medication, nutrition, and relevant biochemical markers. We found that impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) was associated with reduced survival through increased nonrelapse mortality (NRM, HR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.04–3.19). The combination of IADL impairment with either HCT-CI/age index or disease risk index readily stratified NRM and overall survival, respectively. In addition, we found that even mild renal dysfunction adversely impacted survival in older transplant patients. Our findings establish important geriatric vulnerabilities in older patients prior to allo-HCT and may provide an entry point for prospective, interventional trials to improve their outcomes.
Outcome differences in acute vs. acute on chronic heart failure and cardiogenic shock.

AIMS Despite advances in coronary reperfusion and percutaneous mechanical circulatory support, mortality among patients presenting with cardiogenic shock (CS) remains unacceptably high. Clinical trials and risk stratification tools have largely focused on acute CS, particularly secondary to acute coronary syndrome. Considerably less is understood about CS in the setting of acute decompensation in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). We sought to compare outcomes between patients with acute CS and patients with acute on chronic decompensated HF presenting with laboratory and haemodynamic features consistent with CS. METHODS AND RESULTS Sequential patients admitted with CS at a single quaternary centre between January 2014 and August 2017 were identified. Acute on chronic CS was defined by having a prior diagnosis of HF. Initial haemodynamic and laboratory data were collected for analysis. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were use of temporary mechanical circulatory support, durable ventricular assist device implantation, total artificial heart implantation, or heart transplantation. Comparison of continuous variables was performed using Student's t-test. For categorical variables, the χ2 statistic was used. A total of 235 patients were identified: 51 patients (32.8%) had acute CS, and 184 patients (64.3%) had acute decompensation of chronic HF with no differences in age (52 ± 22 vs. 55 ± 14 years, P = 0.28) or gender (26% vs. 23%, P = 0.75) between the two groups. Patients with acute CS were more likely to suffer in-hospital death (31.4% vs. 9.8%, P < 0.01) despite higher usage of temporary mechanical circulatory support (52% vs. 25%, P < 0.01) compared with patients presenting with acute on chronic HF. The only clinically significant haemodynamic differences at admission were a higher heart rate (101 ± 29 vs. 82 ± 17 b.p.m., P < 0.01) and wider pulse pressure (34 ± 19 vs. 29 ± 10 mmHg, P < 0.01) in the acute CS group. There were no significant differences in degree of shock based on commonly used CS parameters including mean arterial pressure (72 ± 12 vs. 74 ± 10 mmHg, P = 0.23), cardiac output (3.9 ± 1.2 vs. 3.8 ± 1.2 L/min, P = 0.70), or cardiac power index (0.32 ± 0.09 vs. 0.30 ± 0.09 W/m2 , P = 0.24) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Current definitions and risk stratification models for CS based on clinical trials performed in the setting of acute coronary syndrome may not accurately reflect CS in patients with acute on chronic HF. Further investigation into CS in patients with acute on chronic HF is warranted.
Modified Depth-First Search for the Automated Design of RNAV Approach Procedures

Instrument flight procedures (IFPs) are a cornerstone of the National Airspace System (NAS) and provide paths and instructions for aircraft to safely operate in restricted visibility and in congested airspace. Design of IFPs that adhere to the criteria developed by the FAA to ensure safe flight can be a tedious, iterative task. This is particularly true in areas with complex obstacle/terrain environments. Previous work was conducted by MITRE to develop criteria modules (CM) capable of analyzing a procedure design’s compliance with FAA criteria. In this paper, these engines are leveraged to evaluate batches of candidate procedures. To ensure convergence to an acceptable solution in a reasonable period, a modified depth-first search algorithm was designed to mimic the general design flow used by human procedure designers. By combining this algorithm with the capability of the CMs and a batch cluster for analyzing multiple procedures in parallel, it is shown that procedures can be built in tightly constrained situations by adapting common algorithms to the specific requirements of IFP design.
Fine-mapping the consequences of site-specific glycan installation by shotgun scanning glycomutagenesis

Abstract N-linked glycosylation serves to diversify the proteome and is crucial for the folding and activity of numerous cellular proteins. Consequently, there is great interest in uncovering the rules that govern how glycosylation modulates protein properties so that the effects of site-specific glycosylation can be rationally exploited and eventually even predicted. Towards this goal, we describe a combinatorial strategy termed shotgun scanning glycomutagenesis (SSGM) that enables systematic investigation of the structural and functional consequences of glycan installation along a protein backbone. The utility of this approach was demonstrated with three different acceptor proteins, namely bacterial immunity protein Im7, bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A, and a human anti-HER2 single-chain Fv antibody, all of which were found to tolerate N-glycan attachment at a large number of positions and with relatively high efficiency. The stability and activity of many glycovariants was measurably altered by the N-linked glycan in a manner that critically depended on the precise location of the modification. Comparison of the results with calculations of simple geometrics and Rosetta energies suggested that glycosylation effects on protein activity may be predictable. By enabling a workflow for mapping glycan-mediated effects on acceptor proteins, glycomutagenesis opens up possibilities for accessing unexplored regions of glycoprotein structural space and engineering protein variants with designer biophysical and biological properties.
Interdisciplinary education and authentic development

Whereas economists do not traditionally address social harmony, and sociologists or political scientists do not usually tackle economic development, the interaction of social harmony and economic development has recently become an object of intense concern. In their aim to foster evolved rather than uprooted cultural values, the authors of this research note suggest an educational approach to promote the concept and the implementation of what they refer to as authentic development. They propose interdisciplinary courses that include notions of history, sociology and economy. Their methodology is based on two main resources: (1) a textbook providing a broad historical survey tracing the development of 28 nations in the Americas; and (2) analytical parameters related to the extent of social interaction and income generation. Students carry out digital and group research and elaborate the conditions that generate social harmony, economic well-being and a better balance between them. The authors have already piloted their educational approach in four secondary schools in Antigua, Guatemala with 50 students aged 17–19. Most of them are now enrolled at local universities, but the impact of this course on their performance will only emerge over time.
Eliminating Animal Agriculture Would Negate 56 Percent of Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas Emissions Through 2100

Abstract We used public data on greenhouse-gas emissions and land use to evaluate the potential impact of eliminating animal agriculture on atmospheric greenhouse gas levels, and global warming potential. We first updated estimates of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions from livestock and livestock feed production. We used these data, along with recent estimates of the atmospheric carbon dioxide that could be converted by photosynthesis into perennial biomass on land currently engaged in animal agriculture, to develop models of net anthropogenic emissions under food-system scenarios ranging from “business as usual” to the complete elimination of animal agriculture. We then used simple simulations to project atmospheric levels of these three gases through the end of the century under each scenario. Using cumulative differences in radiative forcing as a measure of the impact of different diets, we found that a gradual transition over the next 15 years to a plant-only diet would have the same effect through the rest of the century as an annual reduction of 28 Gt of CO2 emissions. This would effectively negate 56 percent of global emissions at the current rate of 50 Gt CO2eq per year, with a net negation of 2,200 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions by the year 2100. The climate benefits would accrue rapidly - most in the first few decades, effectively pausing greenhouse-gas accumulation for 30 years. These results establish the magnitude and the timescale of the positive climate impact that would accrue from eliminating, or significantly reducing, the emissions and land footprints of animal agriculture. How to orchestrate the dietary and agricultural shifts needed to accomplish this in a way that maximizes the beneficial environmental, public health, food security, economic and social consequences and minimizes potential harms should therefore be at the center of climate policy discussions.
Development of a highway geometry based noise abatement model

Abstract Exposure to noise generated from traffic has led to significant annoyance and sleep deprivation in people. Continuous exposure to traffic noise can lead to mental instability and reduce the learning rate of children. Many cases of cardiovascular diseases, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairment have been reported as a result of traffic noise. With increasing population of cars, health problems resulting from traffic noise will continue to increase and it is of utmost priority to abate this noise. Noise abatement is one of the most effective strategies in reducing noise level for communities close to roadways, although it is also one of the major cost drivers in highway projects to reduce noise. Extensive noise modeling is required to determine the feasibility of abatement choices; however, traffic noise models usually do not interact with highway geometries in selecting optimized noise abatement options. The Traffic Noise Model (TNM) developed by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) was used to compute highway traffic noise and evaluate the effect of noise abatements. A parametric study was conducted on a total of 23,093 scenarios generated to examine ten major variables influencing roadway noise level. A noise prediction model was developed using multiple regression analysis incorporating parameters such as roadway geometry (horizontal offsets and elevation differences), barrier height, receiver height, traffic volume, roadway section, road-surface material, barrier types, speed and roadway section. This model can be used to examine possible noise mitigation strategies to make the best decision at design stage of a roadway.
Large switches or blocking multi-stage networks? An evaluation of routing strategies for datacenter fabrics

Cloud computing clusters require efficient interconnects to deal with the increasing volume of inter-server (east-west) traffic. To cope with these new traffic patterns, datacenter networks are abandoning the oversubscribed topologies of the past, and adopt fat-tree fabrics with high bisection bandwidth. However, these fabrics typically employ either single-path or coarse-grained (flow-level) multipath routing.In this paper, we characterize the waste of bandwidth due to routing inefficiencies. Our analysis, confirmed by computer simulations, demonstrates that under a randomly selected permutation the expected throughputs of d-mod-k routing and of Equal-Cost-Multi-Pathing (ECMP) (or flow-level multipath routing) (Thaler and Hopps, 2000) 1 are close to 63% and 47%, respectively. Furthermore, nearly 30% of the flows are expected to undergo an unnecessary 3-fold slowdown. In contrast, packet-level multipath routing consistently delivers full throughput to all flows, thus serving the growing demands of inter-server (east-west) traffic better.Using unmodified TCP stacks, we also demonstrate that under typical traffic conditions and system configurations flow-level multi-path routing can abruptly increase the completion time of latency-critical flows by more than one order of magnitude. In contrast, packet-level multipath routing, proactively avoids in-fabric backlogs, and minimizes the flow completion time across the full range of configurations that we examine. Finally, we present the design of a cost-efficient switch node performing adaptive packet-level spraying.
Uncovering knowledge‐based time management practices

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to investigate individual perceptions of time and time management strategies that professionals utilize to achieve their productivity in the execution of their daily tasks, projects and routines. Projects have specific time durations from the beginning to the end, which often need to be broken down into smaller temporal elements (e.g. milestones), and require learning and knowledge capture throughout different project phases. It aims to observe how knowledge management processes tie to personal time management, and how this observation could contribute to project management practices in organizations. The understanding of individual time management strategies, especially when they are connected to the capture, storage, transfer and application of knowledge, can create operational efficiencies in projects.Design/methodology/approach – Two sets of in‐depth semi‐structured interviews and field observations were designed and conducted with 20 busy professionals at an ...
Do proteins predate DNA

There has been much debate about which evolved first: DNA, RNA, or protein? Although it is now widely accepted that versatile RNA, with its abilities for storing information like DNA and catalyzing enzymic reactions like proteins, came first, it is not clear whether DNA or protein came next. In a provocative Perspective, Stephen Freeland and colleagues examine new evidence suggesting that RNA-encoded proteins evolved after RNA but before DNA.
Microculture System for Detection of Newcastle Disease Virus Antibodies

A microculture system utilizing cytopathic effect (CPE) and hemadsorption (HAd) end points was effective in determining the level of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibodies. The microculture system was of comparable sensitivity to the plaque reduction test for the detection of NDV antibodies. The standards by which the CPE and HAd microculture tests would be considered reproducible were defined. The results indicate that the CPE and HAd microculture tests are reproducible within one twofold dilution.
The Antioxidant Hypothesis

Recent studies suggest that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This process serves as the basis for the oxidative-modification hypothesis of atherosclerosis. Several risk factors for atherothrombotic disease, such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, and hyperhomocyst(e)inemia, promote oxidative reactions in the vasculature. Oxidant stress damages LDL, attracts and activates leukocytes, and stimulates platelets. In order to combat factors promoting oxidative stress, mammals have evolved several antioxidant defenses to limit oxidant injury. These defenses, which include water-soluble antioxidants (e.g., glutathione, ascorbate), lipid soluble antioxidants (e.g., α-tocopherol), and antioxidant enzymes (e.g., glutathione peroxidases) in the vasculature and extracellular space, frequently fail to afford adequate protection from the oxidative reactions that accompany atherogenesis. The antioxidant hypothesis derives from this limitation of endogenous antioxidant defenses, and posits that inadequate endogenous antioxidants promote, and antioxidant supplemementation prevents, atherothrombotis.
Resistance to Gonorrhea Possibly Mediated by Bacterial Interference

Two men with no prior history of urethritis failed to develop gonorrhea after sexual exposures to women with genital gonococcal infection. Usual methods of prophylaxis, such as antibiotics or condoms, were not employed. The aerobic bacterial flora of these men's urethras consisted of several bacteria, some of which inhibited the in vitro growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The hypothesis is suggested that bacterial interference may have played a role in protecting these men from gonorrhea.
Size and shape of alfalfa mosaic virus.

IN the course of purifying alfalfa mosaic virus we have found that at least three kinds of macromolecular particles are produced by plants as a result of their infection with the virus, and that one of these is the infectious entity. In the electron microscope the virus particles, and also the other two particles, appear as small rodlets about 550 A. long and about 200 A. in diameter. Thus they are not spherical, as previous isolates of alfalfa mosaic virus apparently are, and indeed they look markedly different from any viruses reported in the literature.
Core and Satellite Portfolio Structure: Investment and Tax Considerations

The author first observes that there are three primary sources of investment risk and return: interest rate risk, equity market risk, and active risk. Interest rate risk and equity market risk are associated with the variable returns to bond and stock markets. Active or manager risk includes the pursuit of additional returns from active portfolio management. This covers a wide range of activities including market timing, security selection, and tactical asset allocation. He then observes that the traditional approach to portfolio structure involves hiring active portfolio managers to implement allocations to stock or bond markets. In that design, active management is bundled with market exposure. He turns to a description of a core and satellite approach, which involves separating active management from ownership of an asset class, examining the investment and tax considerations relevant to the choice of portfolio structure.
Biosynthesis of an antifungal oligopeptide in Burkholderia contaminans strain MS14

Strain MS14, exhibiting antifungal activity, was classified to belong to Burkholderia contaminans. When compared with the wild type strain, antifungal activities of mutants MS14MT13 and MS14MT18 against Geotrichum candidum were eliminated, and the activity of mutant MS14MT15 was reduced by approximately 80%. Sequence analysis of a 22.7-kb DNA segment revealed the presence of six open-reading frames (ORFs), including the genes disrupted in the mutants. The wild type level of antifungal activity was observed for mutant MS14MT15 (ambR2::Tn5) complemented in trans with the intact ambR2 gene, which encodes a LuxR type regulator. AmbR2 positively regulates the transcription of the other five ORFs identified, which including two nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes required for biosynthesis of antifungal compound. The compound consists of amino acid residues having a molecular weight of 1200.6 Da. These results show that strain MS14 possesses a novel set of genes dedicated to the biosynthesis of an antifungal oligopeptide.
Long-term lipid metabolism in combined kidney-pancreas transplant recipients under tacrolimus immunosuppression.

SIMULTANEOUS pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) has become a highly successful procedure that routinely allows patients to become insulin free and corrects many of the metabolic complications of long-standing diabetes. Previous studies of lipid metabolism with SPK patients have largely been conducted under cyclosporine immunosuppression. In these studies, SPK patients have enjoyed improvement of the prevailing pretransplant hyperlipidemia. Most studies, however, have been relatively short term and have not demonstrated that the improvement in total cholesterol after SPK can be sustained. Since CYA may cause hyperlipidemia, the advantage due to the SPK could be counteracted by the adverse effects of CYA. Tacrolimus (TAC) has experienced increasing use in pancreatic transplantation. Tacrolimus has a more beneficial effect on serum lipids and therefore would be likely to allow sustained normalization of total cholesterol over the long term. We report our experience with serum lipid metabolism over a 5-year period in SPK patients under TAC.
Contemporary medical therapy for polycystic ovary syndrome.

Abstract Polycystic ovary syndrome is a multi-system endocrinopathy with long-term metabolic and cardiovascular health consequences. Patients typically present due to symptoms of irregular menstruation, hair growth, or infertility; however, recent management options are aimed at further treating underlying glucose–insulin abnormalities as well as androgen excess for proactive control of symptoms. By a 2003 international consensus conference, diagnosis is made by two out of three criteria: chronic oligoovulation or anovulation after excluding secondary causes, clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism (but not necessarily hirsutism due to inter-patient variability in hair follicle sensitivity), and radiological evidence of polycystic ovaries. Traditional medical treatment options include oral contraceptive pills, cyclic progestins, ovulation induction, and anti-androgenic medications (aldosterone antagonist, 5α-reductase antagonist, and follicle ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor). Recent pharmacotherapies include insulin-sensitizing medications metformin and two thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone/Avandia® and pioglitazone/Actos®), a CYP19 aromatase inhibitor (letrozole/Femara®), and statins to potentially lower testosterone levels.
Sensory analysis of bitterness in apple wine

Summary A dilution test determining the occurrence of basic tastes in apple wine and hard cider showed sourness, sweetness and bitterness to be present. For selection of assessors a bitterness standard was defined as a taste difference between two apple wines. Ranking and paired comparison tests were used for analysis of bitterness levels. Additions to the fermentations improving the growing conditions for the yeast decreased the bitterness of the apple wine.
Talk shows’ representations of interpersonal conflicts

In the past ten years, daytime talk shows became very popular among television programmers and viewers alike. Given the large audiences to whom talk shows communicate, it is important to analyze the messages contained in the programs. Remarkably little academic attention has been paid to this phenomenon, however. The present study focuses on the presentation of interpersonal conflicts, particularly regarding the behaviors exhibited by women and men. Gender represents a fundamental way of categorizing individuals. Our goal was to determine how women and men argued in the context of daytime television talk shows. By content analyzing forty randomly selected talk shows, we found that the female/male dyad was most likely to be involved in an argument, and that women were more likely to dominate the conflict. Otherwise, women and men manifested similar behaviors during interpersonal arguments, which is inconsistent with gender communication research. Possible explanations for these findings are addressed.
Rapid expulsion of Trichinella spiralis in suckling rats

Orally administered Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae were rapidly expelled by rat pups suckling an immune dam. The immunity was delivered in the milk; substantial resistance was conferred on normal rat pups suckled for only 24 hours by a Trichinella-immune foster mother. The pups were protected by oral or systemic administration of specific serum antibodies. When infused into a normal lactating dam, these antibodies accumulated in the serum of her suckling pups.
Investigating the Effectiveness of the Least-Angle Strategy for Wayfinding in Unknown Street Networks:

In this paper the wayfinding criterion always to ‘proceed in the direction of the target’, which is the core of the least-angle strategy, is examined. Although human route-selection behavior is much more complex than this, results of empirical studies presented in the literature suggest that preference for most direct direction plays an important role in human route choice within street networks. The least-angle strategy can be applied once the navigator knows the direction of the destination, and is therefore an appropriate temporary heuristic for situations where the navigator lacks more detailed information about the environment. To assess the effectiveness of the least-angle strategy in urban environments, an agent simulation has been performed on the urban street networks of two cities for three different modes of transportation—pedestrian, bicycle, and car. The results of the simulation are analyzed.
“Dude, it's not a appropriate word”: Negotiating word meanings, language ideologies, and identities in a literature discussion group

Abstract This study explored how ideologies of language and literacy and social and academic identities were constructed and contested during a literature discussion. In the event, a group of five (and later six) boys in a fourth grade bilingual classroom attempt to identify an unknown word in their novel: booger. Microethnographic discourse analysis and analyses of participants’ movements across the classroom were conducted, and interpretations were informed by spatializing theories of social practice and identities. Findings illustrate how the students’ and teacher's physical and discursive moves involved the negotiation of multiple ideologies of language learning. Findings suggest the need for a deeper understanding of the micro-level processes in which academic and social identities and learning opportunities for students are forged.
Application of an empirically derived growth curve model to characterize Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm development on silicone elastomer

An in vitro model permitting the development of a staphylococcal biofilm on silicone elastomer is described. Biofilm was determined over time by viable cell quantitation for S. epidermidis strains 8-14B, RP62 and SP2. The log10 viable count data were analysed empirically as a function of time using a negative exponential growth curve model. Although initial colonization and biofilm 72 h cell density of silicone was significantly higher for strain RP62 than SP2, biofilm growth rates did not differ. Strain 8–14B demonstrated a faster biofilm growth rate for the initial 24 h than did RP62 or SP2. The statistical model described was sensitive enough to detect strain differences in biofilm development on silicone elastomer and can be further employed to evaluate the ability of selected biomaterials to retard biofilm development, and the ability of various antimicrobial agents to influence biofilm microbe development.
An application of the Helly property to the partially ordered sets

Abstract Quilliot (Discrete Math. 1982 .) showed that when the bowls of a connected graph satisfy the Helly property it is possible to deduce for this graph some fixed point and homomorphism extension theorems. For a partially ordered set E a special family of subsets is defined which, when it satisfies the Helly property, permits the deductions that every homomorphism from E into E has a fixed point, that every antitone function from E has “almost” a fixed point, and that there exists a simple criterion letting us know when a function f from a subset A of a partially ordered set G can be extended into a homomorphism from G to E.
Selection of cholera toxin specific IgNAR single-domain antibodies from a naïve shark library

Shark immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR, also referred to as NAR) variable domains (Vs) are single-domain antibody (sdAb) fragments containing only two hypervariable loop structures forming 3D topologies for a wide range of antigen recognition and binding. Their small size ( approximately 12kDa) and high solubility, thermostability and binding specificity make IgNARs an exceptional alternative source of engineered antibodies for sensor applications. Here, two new shark NAR V display libraries containing >10(7) unique clones from non-immunized (naive) adult spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) and smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis) sharks were constructed. The most conserved consensus sequences derived from random clone sequence were compared with published nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) sequences. Cholera toxin (CT) was chosen for panning one of the naive display libraries due to its severe pathogenicity and commercial availability. Three very similar CT binders were selected and purified soluble monomeric anti-CT sdAbs were characterized using Luminex(100) and traditional ELISA assays. These novel anti-CT sdAbs selected from our newly constructed shark NAR V sdAb library specifically bound to soluble antigen, without cross reacting with other irrelevant antigens. They also showed superior heat stability, exhibiting slow loss of activity over the course of one hour at high temperature (95 degrees C), while conventional antibodies lost all activity in the first 5-10min. The successful isolation of target specific sdAbs from one of our non-biased NAR libraries, demonstrate their ability to provide binders against an unacquainted antigen of interest.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN VETERANS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER WHO SEEK COUPLES THERAPY

Domestic violence rates among veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are higher than those of the general population. Individuals who have been diagnosed with PTSD who seek couples therapy with their partners constitute an understudied population. Self-report measures of domestic violence, relationship satisfaction, and intimacy were administered at intake to 179 couples seeking relationship therapy at a Veterans Affairs clinic. Couples in which the veteran was diagnosed with combat-related PTSD were compared with two other groups based on the veteran's primary diagnosis (depression, adjustment disorder/V-code). Both the PTSD- and depression-diagnosed veterans perpetrated more violence than did those with adjustment/V-code diagnoses. Domestic violence rates among depressed and PTSD-diagnosed veterans were much higher than those found in previous research. Implications for assessment and treatment are discussed.
Measuring the Impact of Project-Based Learning in Six Sigma Education

The goal of this research is to quantify the impact of project-based learning on students’ knowledge in Six Sigma and Design for Six Sigma graduate-level courses. Education in Six Sigma and Design for Six Sigma requires practical application of theoretical knowledge. Both the Six Sigma and Design for Six Sigma courses involve student teams conducting hands-on collaborative projects over a 16-week semester. After completing the project, student surveys were conducted and analyzed to observe the impact of the semester project on students’ knowledge. The student responses were analyzed from the Six Sigma and Design for Six Sigma courses by performing Fisher's exact test to determine the significance of the perceived knowledge the students received through the use of the semester project in both courses. The findings show the use of the semester project had a positive impact on the students’ knowledge in learning course concepts. In addition, the results indicated the students were able to apply the theoretic...
Automated inspection system for detecting metal surface cracks from fluorescent penetrant images

Cracks occurred in aircraft engine parts have to be detected as early as possible to prevent engine failure. Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI), that applies fluorescent materials on metallic surfaces for flaw detection, is a generally accepted technology for nondestructive inspection of surface cracks. The major problem with application of FPI technology is the costly false alarms caused by non-crack fluorescence indications (noise), especially when inspecting used engine parts. A novel crack-detection system for automatic FPI of engine parts using image processing and pattern recognition theories is presented. A strong noise reduction capability and a small number of reliable features for pattern recognition are the two primary characteristics of the system, which contains three major modules: noise-reduction and preclassifier module, feature extraction module, and pattern recognition module including four pattern classifiers. An image synthesizing technique is developed to simulate real-world situations by combining the segmented fluorescence images of man-made cracks with the noisy background of fluorescent images captured from actual used parts. The designed system can eliminate over 80% of noise while retain 94% of crack indication. The total error rate using Fisher's linear classifier is less than 3%, with only 4% of crack misclassification.
Reflection spectroscopy of optically active materials

Abstract Theoretical and experimental results are presented to determine under what conditions it is possible to obtain the optical constants of an optically active material by reflection techniques. Experimental results axe given for absorbing and non-absorbing materials. Typical examples include liquids, thin-films, and isotropic crystals. It is concluded that it is necessary to separate the back and front surface reflections. The front surface reflection contains information that is generally within the sensitivity of available spectropolarimeters. The back surface reflection contains recoverable data and is similar to the data found by transmission methods. Experimental verification of the front surface effect is presented for one highly absorbing amino acid, tryptophane.
Broad Spectrum Antibiotic Activity of the Arylomycin Natural Products is Masked by Natural Target Mutations

Novel classes of broad-spectrum antibiotics are needed to treat multidrug-resistant pathogens. The arylomycin class of natural products inhibits a promising antimicrobial target, type I signal peptidase (SPase), but upon initial characterization appeared to lack whole-cell activity against most pathogens. Here, we show that Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is sensitive to the arylomycins, evolves resistance via mutations in SPase and that analogous mutations are responsible for the natural resistance of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We identify diverse bacteria lacking these mutations and demonstrate that most are sensitive to the arylomycins. The results illustrate that the arylomycins have a broad-spectrum of activity and are viable candidates for development into therapeutics. The results also raise the possibility that naturally occurring resistance may have masked other natural product scaffolds that might be developed into therapeutics.
Role of oxidative stress in endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic pleomorphic disorder with pelvic or systemic manifestations, and is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma. In the United States, the prevalence of the disease is estimated to range from 2 to 50% in women of reproductive age. No single theory can explain the histogenesis and the pleomorphic manifestations of endometriosis. Endometriosis is being reported in younger age women and manifesting with increasing severity, hence the need to understand the role of oxidative stress (OS) in endometriosis. The presence of elevated concentrations of free radicals and lowered antioxidant potential leads to OS. The development of OS in the local peritoneal environment may be one of the links in the chain of events leading to endometriosis. Redox levels may modulate the severity and the dynamics of endometriosis and progression of the disease. OS has been implicated in infertility associated with endometriosis. Recent literature reviewed investigates the role of molecular mechanisms and genetic pathways that may modulate cellular response to OS. Antioxidant supplementation, immunomodulators, and selective progesterone receptor modulators with antioxidant effects have been investigated as possible treatments for endometriosis, but compelling evidence on the benefits of the various modalities is lacking. Results of the limited number of animal and human trials need to be corroborated by larger randomized controlled trials.
δ T for Electrical Cutaneous Stimulation

(1961). δ T for Electrical Cutaneous Stimulation. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 263-271.
RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS: CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND EVIDENCE FOR AN IMMUNOPATHOGENESIS

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common diseases affecting the oral mucosa, and one of its variants is the most painful affliction of the oral mucosa. The lesions of recurrent aphthous stomatitis can be manifested as part of a broad spectrum of clinical disease ranging from the common minor aphthous ulcers to Behcet's syndrome. Differential diagnosis, although not often difficult, must include many conditions capable of producing erosive and ulcerative oral mucosal lesions. The salient features of recurrent aphthous stomatitis suggest that it is a heterogeneous entity. Recent immunologic investigations have focused attention on a possible immunopathogenesis and the evidence for this is reviewed.
In-situ HVEM studies of the early stages of oxidation of nickel and nickel-chromium alloys

Abstract In-situ oxidation of Ni, Ni-5at%Cr and Ni-25at%Cr single crystals of 〈100〉 orientation was studied by electron diffraction and contrast experiments both in a high voltage electron microscope environmental cell, and in conventional 100 keV transmission electron microscopes. Environmental cell studies were conducted at temperatures between 500 and 700 ° C, and at oxygen partial pressures of 2.7 Pa and 2.4 kPa Torr for periods up to 90 min. The oxidation process was characterized using bright-field, dark-field imaging and selected-area diffraction techniques, as well as X-ray energy-dispersive and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Oxidation was observed to begin within 40 s. Simultaneous nucleation of small NiO crystallites of 5 to 10 nm diameter and growth of bright rectangular facets were observed, eventually resulting in non-uniform sample thickness. The epitaxial relationships were determined for Ni 〈100〉 and Ni-5at%Cr 〈100〉. These results and the conditions for the formation of Cr 2 O 3 are discussed and compared with those for oxidation processes in bulk alloys.
Evolution of regulation of steroid-mediated intercellular communication in vertebrates: Insights from flavonoids, signals that mediate plant-rhizobia symbiosis

Various flavonoids, such as genistein, luteolin, and coumestrol, have actions in mammals that are mediated by binding either to classical estrogen receptors or to type II receptors, which also bind estrogen. These actions are of intense interest because they may be the basis for the protective actions of plants against certain cancers, such as breast cancer. The biological activity of flavonoids in mammals raises some questions. Is the hormonal action of flavonoids "an accident" derived from their phenolic groups and general hydrophobicity, which gives them some properties in common with estrogens? Or do flavonoids regulate gene transcription in other organisms? And, if so, is there a connection between their actions in these organisms and in mammals? Some answers to these questions are provided by the actions of plant-derived flavonoids in regulating gene transcription in rhizobia, bacteria that form nitrogen-fixing nodules in the roots of legumes, which has several interesting similarities with steroid-mediated actions in vertebrates. First, there is specificity in the actions of flavonoids in rhizobia; oxidation or reduction of the flavonoid or removal of a hydroxyl group can alter its biological activity. Moreover, some flavonoids are anti-inducers functioning like steroid antagonists to negate the actions of inducers. Also there are sequence similarities between various steroid metabolizing enzymes and proteins found in rhizobia, which indicates that these proteins are derived from a common ancestor. For example, 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the interconversion of the alcohol and ketone a C17 on estrogens and androgens, 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the interconversion of the alcohol and ketone at C11 of glucocorticoids, and 3 alpha,20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the interconversion of the alcohol and ketone at C20 of corticosteroids, are homologs of proteins found in rhizobia. Thus, the binding of flavonoids to vertebrate proteins may represent an evolutionary linkage between the actions of steroids in mammals and communication between plants and rhizobia.
Human Resources as a Strategic Partner in Multiunit-Restaurants:

Abstract Despite the importance of human-resources issues to the success of chain-restaurant business, a close look at one such company indicates that human-resources managers are not yet party to firms' strategic decision making.
Dendrimer-Supported Oligothiophene Synthesis: Aliphatic Ether Dendrimers in the Preparation of Oligothiophenes with Minimal Substitution

The first dendrimer-supported synthesis of oligothiophenes is reported. The dendrimer serves both as a solubilizing group and a “handle” to facilitate the iterative synthesis of the oligothiophenes. The dendrimer-functionalized oligothiophenes with minimal ring substitution were found to have an extended conjugation compared to analogous oligomers having several linear alkyl chain solubilizing substituents.
Our children, our future

Abstract An overview is provided of the situation of children throughout the world. It is then argued that the root of children's problems is not absolute poverty, but the priorities with which the powerful treat children. Suggestions are made as to how families, communities and social agencies should fit together in fulfilling responsibilities towards children. After reviewing international responses, the need for a new Global Children's Agency is discussed. This top-down approach complements other strategies for promoting child survival based on empowerment of the weak.
The effects of excess copper sulfate on the metabolism of the duckweed Lemna minor

Abstract Several parameters of growth and metabolism of axenic cultures of the duckweed Lemna minor L. were evaluated for effects of a 60% elevation of the copper sulfate concentration in standard Hutner's medium (2.50 vs. 3.94 mg 1 −1 ). All cultures were grown for 20 days at 24°C in a 14-h photoperiod (120 μE). Relative to controls, presence of the excess copper sulfate resulted in the following effects: chlorophyll a decreased from 0.962 to 0.346 mg g wet wt. −1 ; phot synthetic CO 2 uptake from the water decreased from 0.101 to 0.003 mg C g dry wt. −1 ;h −1 ; heterotrophic uptake of glucose in the dark decreased from 0.46 to 0.075 mg glucose g dry wt. −1 h −1 . No significant changes occurred in the rates of dark respiration or release of organic carbon in the dark, but photorespiratory CO 2 release increased from 2.09 to 20.4% of recently fixed 14 CO 2 h −1 , and organic carbon release in the light increased from 1.19 to 8.88% of recently fixed 14 CO 2 h −1 . The results indicate that the high toxicity of a relatively small excess of copper sulfate is manifested in several ways in L. minor .
One-electron property from MCHF wavefunction: the dipole moment of ozone

A systematic study of electron correlation contributions to the dipole moment of ozone is presented. GVB and MCHF wavefunctions have been designed and calculated which point to the key role played by a charge transfer configuration in providing an accurate description of the charge separation in ozone. It is expected that the approach followed here could also be useful for other molecules.
The importance of secondary substratum in a rocky intertidal community

The maintenance of diversity of the rocky mid-intertidal community of western North America has long been considered the result of mechanisms which prevent the mussel Mytilus californianus Conrad, the dominant competitor, from occupying all rock surfaces. Proposed mechanisms include preferential predation by starfish and physical disturbances like wave shear. However, an examination of mussel beds along the Californian and Oregonian coastline revealed that virtually all species facing competitive exclusion on the rock are present on the shells of M. californianus. Therefore, while diversity on the rock would decline, that of the community would change little, if at all, were mussels to occupy all rock surfaces. Although the same species are found on the two substrata, their abundances differ on them. However, for the commonest species the sign and magnitude of this difference is different on the two sides of Pt Conception, California. This suggests that the impact of mechanisms which govern the amount of area occupied by mussels will vary depending upon location. While there are several possible explanations for this geographical difference, data are presented suggesting it may be due to differences in the relative hardness of the mussel and rock, or to differences in abundance of the territorial limpet Lottia gigantea Sowerby.
An economic interpretation of duality in linear programming

Abstract This paper develops new duality relations in linear programming which give new economic interpretations to the dual problem. These duality relations are part of a new closed-form solution to an economically interesting class of linear programming problems. A generalization of these results to geometric programming is announced, and potential extensions to integer programming as well as potential applications to stochastic programming are indicated.
Inquiry Teaching and Learning: The Best Math Class Study

This research reports on prospective middle school teachers' perceptions of a “best mathematics class” during their involvement in an inquiry-designed mathematics content course. Grounded in the prestigious Glenn Commission report (U.S. Department of Education, 2000), the study examined the prospective teachers' perceptions of effective mathematics instruction both prior to and after completing the inquiry course. Pre-essay analysis revealed that students could be grouped into one of two categories: the Watch-Learn-Practice view and the Self as Initiator view. Post-essay analysis indicated that over two thirds of all students involved in the study changed their views of a best math class after the inquiry courses. The Watch-Learn-Practice group's changes focused on developing reasoning skills and learning how one “knows” in mathematics. The Self as Initiator group noted expanded roles for the students, particularly emphasizing the importance of going beyond basic requirements to think deeply about the why and how of mathematics and expanded views of the benefits of group learning.
Population density and type of purchase as explanatory variables in consumer information search

The principal purpose of this study is to bring empirical evidence to bear upon several aspects of consumer prepurchase information search. Particular attention is given to determining the extent to which observable variation in search patterns can be explained by population density and type of products purchased.