cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining Question and Context Effects in Organization Survey Data Using Item Response Theory

Organizational researchers routinely use attitudinal surveys to track organizational development and identify areas for intervention. However, seemingly trivial changes to the survey instrument, such as question wording or question order, can introduce measurement artifacts leading to differences in observed responses that are not due to actual employee attitudinal change. Traditional methods for assessing the presence of artifacts because of survey changes require additional survey administration using multiple survey forms and random assignment. However, the item response theory method illustrated in this study eliminates the need for additional data collection, offers a more rigorous design, and requires fewer organizational resources.
Robust Adaptive Multiple Model Controller Design for an Airbreathing Hypersonic Vehicle Model

between the aerodynamics, propulsion, and structures result in a challenging control model. Capturing these uncertainties as real and complex uncertainties motivates the use of mixed-µ synthesis techniques to generate a controller. However, because the uncertainties limit achievable performance, adaptation is needed to achieve precise trajectory tracking. A new multiple model adaptive control (MMAC) approach, adaptive mixing control (AMC), is applied to achieve superior velocity and altitude tracking. The AMC approach, by combining mixed-µ synthesis and adaptive control approaches, incorporates robust-stability and -performance objectives into the control design. Discontinuous switching between candidate controllers is avoided by mixing. Stability issues of mixing multiple stabilizing controllers is addressed using a mixing strategy based on the Youla parameterization of all stabilizing controllers. An AMC scheme and a nonadaptive robust scheme (i.e. mixed-µ compensator) are designed for the uncertain AHFV model at hypersonic cruise (Mach 10, 98,425 ft altitude). A comparison of the two approaches is conducted, and simulation results demonstrate the eectiveness of the AMC approach.
Optimal output feedback regulation with frequency-shaped cost functional

The theory of optimal output feedback control is extended to a class of quadratic performance measures whose weighting matrices are functions of frequency. The incorporation of frequency-dependent weighting matrices allows one to emphasise or de-emphasise the importance of the variables being penalised over specific bands of frequencies. Optimization of the frequency-shaped performance measure yields optimal compensators that can be more meaningful for certain minimisation problems. Results are presented for different configurations of frequency-shaping feedback control. An example is presented to illustrate the usefulness of the design technique.
Chronic nicotine treatment up-regulates alpha3 and alpha7 acetylcholine receptor subtypes expressed by the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y.

SUMMARY Chronic exposure to nicotine has been reported to increase the number of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in brain. The mechanism of up-regulation for the a4b2 AChR subtype, which accounts for the majority of high affinity nicotine binding in mammalian brain, has previously been shown to involve a decrease in the rate of a4b2 AChR turnover. Here, we report an investigation of the extent and mechanism of nicotine-induced up-regulation of a3 AChRs and a7 AChR subtypes expressed in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. Up-regulation of human a3 AChRs and a7 AChRs, unlike a4b2 AChRs, requires much higher nicotine concentrations than are encountered in smokers; the extent of increase of surface AChRs is much less; and the mechanisms of up-regulation are different than with a4b2 AChRs. The mechanisms of up-regulation may be different for a3 AChRs or a7 AChRs. Chronic treatment with nicotine or carbamylcholine, but not d-tubocurarine, mecamylamine, or dihydro-b-erythroidine, induced a 500 ‐ 600% increase in the number of a3 AChRs but only a 30% increase in a7 AChRs. Chronic nicotine treatment did not increase affinity for nicotine or increase the amount of RNA for a 3o r a 7 subunits. The effect of nicotine on up-regulation of a7 AChRs was partially blocked by either d-tubocurarine or mecamylamine. The effect of nicotine treatment on the number of a3 AChRs was only slightly blocked by the antagonists d-tubocurarine, mecamylamine, or dihydro-b-erythroidine at concentrations that efficiently block a3 AChR function. Most of the nicotineinduced increase in a3 AChRs was found to be intracellular. The a3 AChRs, which accumulate intracellularly, were shown to have been previously exposed on the cell surface by their susceptibility to antigenic modulation. The data suggest that chronic exposure to nicotine may induce a conformation of cell surface a3 AChRs that at least in this cell line are consequently internalized but not immediately destroyed.
Recent advances in the probabilistic analysis of graph-theoretic algorithms

This ta lk is a survey of a research area at the interface between concrete comp lex i ty theory and the theory of random graphs. I t concerns the construction of graphtheoret ic algorithms which are e f f i c i en t on the average, when presented with inputs drawn from a wel l -def ined probabi l i ty d is t r ibu t ion . We present such algorithms for the fo l lowing problems: I) putt ing a graph in canonical form with respect to isomorphism; 2) computing a maximum flow in a network; 3) f inding a Hamiltonian c i r cu i t in a graph or digraph; 4) computing the connected and biconnected components of a graph; 5) computing the strongly connected components and the reaehabi l i ty re la t ion of a digraph; 6) computing a perfect matching of minimum weight in a b ipa r t i t e graph; 7) obtaining a good approximate solut ion to the directed traveling-salesman problem. We then observe that no fast-average-time algorithms are known for constructing minimum colorings or maximum cl iques, and we discuss some of the impediments to construct ing such algorithms.
Factors Associated with Clinical Research Recruitment in a Pediatric Academic Medical Center--A Web-Based Survey.

Background One of the most difficult aspects of conducting clinical research is the ability to successfully recruit participants. Pediatric clinical research presents unique recruitment challenges that relate to the need for parental consent on behalf of a minor, child assent, and school attendance. Yet, this has been less well studied. We conducted a survey of investigators performing human subjects research in a single large academic pediatric hospital to better understand characteristics of studies with successful recruitment.
Impact of Gestational Weight Gain on Perinatal Outcomes in Obese Women.

Objective This study aims to evaluate perinatal outcomes, according to gestational weight gain (GWG) in obese women. Study Design A retrospective cohort of perinatal outcomes in obese women who gained below, within, or above the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines and delivered ≥ 36 weeks. Additionally, outcomes, according to the rate of GWG (kg/week; minimal [ 0.49]) were compared among women delivering preterm. Results Overall, 5,651 obese women delivered ≥ 36 weeks. GWG above guidelines was associated with increased cesarean section (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–1.72), gestational hypertension (aOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.21–2.06), and macrosomia (birth weight ≥ 4,000 g) (aOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.62–2.67). GWG below recommendations was associated with less large for gestational age infants (aOR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.47–0.75). A total of 6,663 women delivered ≥ 20 weeks. Minimal weekly GWG was associated with increased spontaneous preterm birth (aOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.23–1.98) and more small for gestational age (SGA) infants (aOR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.19–2.01). Excessive weekly GWG was associated with increased indicated preterm birth (aOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.29–2.01), cesarean section (aOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.20–1.61), preeclampsia (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.49–2.26), neonatal intensive care unit admission (aOR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.08–1.63), and macrosomia (aOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.94–2.96). Conclusions Obese women with excessive GWG had worse outcomes than women with GWG within recommendations. Limited GWG was associated with increased spontaneous preterm birth and SGA infants.
Leveraging Health Information Technology for Fall-Risk Management in Home Care A Qualitative Exploration of Clinicians’ Perspectives

Falls have a detrimental impact on home care outcomes. This study investigated home care clinicians’ perspectives on (1) how the currently adopted health information technology (IT) solutions supported fall-risk management activities, (2) various shortcomings of these solutions, and (3) ways to improve upon them. Within a case study design, qualitative data were collected through interviews and focus groups at one suburban home health agency in the United States. The clinicians mainly used the electronic health record but experienced substantial difficulties with documenting and accessing fall-related information. Improvement opportunities include providing better workflow support and usability, implementing medication alerts, facilitating fall-related information exchange, and leveraging the IT capabilities at patients’ homes. Additional IT solutions can improve the awareness, assessment, and intervention dimensions of fall-risk management.
Minding their business: Discourses of colonialism and neoliberalism in the commercial guide for US companies in China

In recent years, China has emerged as a major economic and trade partner of the USA. In the light of the increasing ‘neoliberalization’ of the Chinese economy – as exemplified by privatization, deregulation and globalization, China has come to be situated in the economic and political imagination within mainstream managerial US discourses of commerce and trade. As a strategic economic partner for US-based businesses, much academic, policy-based, and commercial literature has focused on ‘relationship management’ issues to guide US-based business management practices directed toward China. In this article, we focus on the discourses of ‘relationship management’ in the 2009 through 2011 versions of one such document: Doing Business in China: Country Commercial Guide for US Companies, a publication of the US and Foreign Commercial Service and the US Department of State. Using an entry point for putting the postcolonial and ‘political economy’ theoretical frameworks in conversation, as exemplified by the works...
Mechanical Strength of 3-D Printed Filaments

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers are becoming more frequent in everyday use. These types of 3D printers are extremely useful for rapid prototyping. Fused deposition modeling printing melts the printing material and extrudes it through a nozzle. The material is laid out in a layer by layer fashion until the object is completed printing. Two common types of filament used in FDM printing are Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Some properties that can change the strength of 3D printed piece are things such as infill percentage, layer height, print orientation, extruding temperature, and build speed to name a few. Infill percentage and print orientation were tested to determine the mechanical strength of the material. The infill percentage varied from 20%-100% by increments of 20%. The goal of this project was to analyze the mechanical strength of PLA being printed in various orientations and infill percentages.
Carcinoid disease of the heart. Surgical management of ten patients.

Between 1982 and 1989, 10 patients with carcinoid heart disease underwent tricuspid valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis at our institution. Pulmonary vasectomy was performed in nine patients and pulmonary valve replacement with a pulmonary homograft was performed in one. Two patients had carcinoid tumor metastatic to the heart, involving the right atrium in one case and both ventricles in the other. One patient had concomitant coronary artery bypass with the saphenous vein, and one patient had a quadruple valve replacement for histologically proved carcinoid disease of all four valves. The 30-day mortality was 10% and the late mortality was 30%. The remaining six patients were alive 4, 4, 4, 7, 24, and 46 months postoperatively. A review of the English literature identified 28 additional patients who underwent tricuspid valve replacement for carcinoid heart disease. There was no significant difference in the survival of patients with a bioprosthesis versus a mechanical valve in the tricuspid position. The 4-year survival for the 38 patients undergoing tricuspid valve replacement for carcinoid heart disease was 48% ±13%. Symptomatic patients who have carcinoid heart disease and whose metastatic malignant disease is not an imminent threat to life should be offered valve replacement. Operating soon after the onset of increasing cardiac symptoms, before the often rapid deterioration in right ventricular failure, optimizes the benefits. (J T horac C ardiovasc S urg 1992;104:475-81)
The Relationship between Education and Mental Health: New Evidence from a Discordant Twin Study

Prior research has documented a strong and positive correlation between completed education and adults’ mental health. Researchers often describe this relationship using causal language: higher levels of education are thought to enhance people’s skills, afford important structural advantages, and empower better coping mechanisms, all of which lead to better mental health. An alternative explanation—the social selection hypothesis—suggests that schooling is a proxy for unobserved endowments and/or preexisting conditions that confound the relationship between the two variables. In this article, we seek to adjudicate between these hypotheses using a relatively large, US-based sample of identical adult twins. By relating within-twin-pair differences in education to within-twin-pair differences in mental health, we are able to control for the influence of genetic traits and shared family characteristics that may otherwise bias the estimates associated with educational attainment. Results from our analyses suggest that the observed association between education and mental health is attributable to confounding on unobserved variables. This finding holds across mental health conditions, is robust to several sensitivity checks, and survives a falsification test. Theoretical implications for the study of educational gradients in mental health are discussed.
Selective BRAF inhibitors make inroads in mutated metastatic melanoma

The discovery that up to 50% of melanomas harbor mutations in the BRAF gene was made in 2002 and fueled the investigation into its mechanistic role as a driver mutation. BRAF mutations at the V600 position result in a constitutively active protein that underlies a classic "oncogene addiction." Since then, there have been extensive efforts to inhibit the mutated BRAF V600E/K as a therapeutic strategy. Initial attempts were made with either nonspecifc inhibitors of BRAF or with MEK inhibitors in studies that were not enriched for tumors with the BRAF mutation. The development of selective BRAF inhibitors that potently inhibit BRAF V600E/K and quench its downstream signaling revolutionized targeted therapy in melanoma. Vemurafenib was the first such agent and was developed in a phase 1 study that determined its maximally tolerated dose (MTD) to be 960 mg taken orally twice a day, and observed unprecedented tumor regression in more than 80% of patients. Those impressive results were confirmed in phase 2 and 3 studies (BRIM2 and BRIM3) and led to the drug's approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2011.
Underreporting of ecstasy use among high school seniors in the US

BACKGROUND: National surveys suggest ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) use has decreased substantially among adolescents in the US since 2001; however, the recent phenomenon of "Molly" (ecstasy marketed as "pure MDMA") may be leading to underreporting of use as not all users are aware that "Molly" is a form of ecstasy. METHODS: We examined 2014 data from Monitoring the Future, a nationally representative survey of high school seniors in the US (N=6250, modal age: 18). Three randomly distributed survey forms asked about ecstasy use, and one included "Molly" in the definition. Self-reported lifetime, 12-month, and 30-day ecstasy use were compared to determine whether including "Molly" in the definition was associated with higher prevalence or frequency of use. RESULTS: The form including "Molly" in the definition had significantly higher prevalence than the two (combined) forms that did not. Lifetime use (8.0% vs. 5.5%) and 12-month use (5.1% vs. 3.6%) were significantly higher with "Molly" in the definition. Lifetime prevalence remained higher with "Molly" in the definition when controlling for correlates of ecstasy use; however, 12-month use did not. Differences in prevalence were associated with lifetime occasions of use, with lower concordance between forms at lower levels of lifetime occasions (e.g., 1-2 times). Survey form was not related to number of times used among more frequent users. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of ecstasy use appears to be underestimated when "Molly" is not included in the definition of ecstasy/MDMA. Surveys should include "Molly" in the definition of ecstasy to more adequately assess prevalence of use.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. Language: en
Salvage Posterior Urethroplasty after Failed Initial Repair of Pelvic Fracture Membranous Urethral Defects

Experience with 20 salvage urethroplasties in patients with pelvic fracture membranous urethral defects who failed previous delayed urethroplasty is presented. A total of 15 patients was successfully managed by 1-stage procedures, 14 by bulboprostatic reanastomosis and 1 by a tubed pedicled island of skin. Substitution urethroplasty with a staged perineoscrotal skin tube inlay was performed in 5 patients in whom an anastomosis could not be achieved either due to an excessively long urethral defect or inelasticity of the anterior urethra precluding its elongation for an anastomosis free of tension. A successful result was achieved in 19 of the 20 patients (95%). The rationale for procedure selection is discussed.
Comparison of symmetric dimethylarginine with creatinine, cystatin C and their eGFR equations as markers of kidney function

Abstract Objectives Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a catabolic product of arginine-methylated proteins and is an emerging biomarker for kidney function. A limited number of studies in selected populations have shown good correlation between SDMA and a few known markers of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). However, a comprehensive comparison of SDMA with all existing serum endogenous markers in a population with varied kidney function and against measured GFR is lacking. The objective of this study was to compare the correlations of SDMA, creatinine, cystatin C and their eGFR equations against GFR measured by iothalamate clearance in an adult population with varied kidney function. Design & methods Left-over serum and plasma specimens were collected from 40 adults with normal and reduced kidney function. GFR was measured using a radioactive iothalamate procedure. Creatinine and cystatin C were measured on Roche Cobas 8000. SDMA was measured by a published liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Results SDMA correlated highly with measured GFR (r = − 0.84), which was better than creatinine (r = − 0.70) but equivalent to cystatin C (r = − 0.86) and the eGFR equations [MDRD and CKD-EPI (separate and combined)]. Conclusions SDMA is a strong marker of kidney function and further studies are needed to establish an eGFR formula that includes it for widespread clinical use.
Multi-objective optimization of demand response in a datacenter with lithium-ion battery storage

Abstract This article optimizes lithium-ion battery management in a datacenter to: (i) maximize the dollar savings attainable through peak shaving, while (ii) minimizing battery degradation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, such multi-objective optimal datacenter battery management remains relatively unexplored. We solve this optimization problem using a second-order model of battery charge dynamics, coupled with a physics-based model of battery aging via solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) growth. Our optimization study focuses on a classical feedforward-feedback energy management policy, where feedforward control is used for peak shaving, and feedback is used for tracking a desired battery state of charge (SOC). Three feedforward-feedback architectures are examined: a proportional (P) control architecture, a proportional-integral (PI) architecture, and a PI architecture with a deadband in its feedforward path. We optimize these architectures’ parameters using differential evolution, for real datacenter power demand histories. Our results show a significant Pareto tradeoff between dollar savings and battery longevity for all architectures. The introduction of a deadband furnishes a more attractive Pareto front by allowing the feedforward controller to focus on shaving larger peaks. Moreover, the use of integral control improves the robustness of the feedback policy to demand uncertainties and battery pack sizing.
Reliability Assessment and Microstructure Characterization of Cu Pillars Assembled on Si and Glass Substrates

With the challenges of moving to 2.5/3D packaging structures, it has become imperative to improve our understanding of the materials science of fine pitch Pb-free solder joints. The use of Cu pillars capped with thin layers of SnAg solder provides for tighter bump pitches reducing the chance of solder bridging at chip joining. However, changes in geometry, materials and processes associated with 2.5 D packaging create new materials challenges. The thinner solder regions mean that a larger volume fraction of joints is consumed by the formation of intermetallic compounds at the pillar/SnAg solder interface. The final concentration of Ag in the joint can vary, and the Ag3Sn precipitate morphology in the solder joint may change, directly affecting the reliability of the joint. This can occur through the formation of Ag3Sn plates, or simply because of different distributions of much smaller Ag3Sn precipitates. Or, the entire solder joint may be transformed into intermetallic compounds during assembly or operation of fine pitch joints. The presence of interposer materials with a different CTE compared to FR-4 laminates may also affect the lifetime of the package during drop/shock or thermal fatigue. In the current study, relations between processing, microstructure and reliability of assemblies enabled through Cu pillar/interposer technology were examined. The effects of solder cap composition, thickness and volume on microstructure of assemblies on Si and glass substrates were examined. Effects of multiple reflows on the microstructure of solder joints were also studied. Significant variation in Ag3Sn precipitate morphology was observed under nominally identical fabrication conditions. These were correlated with relatively large variations in mechanical behavior, for instance in measured values of shear strength. Large variations in Ag3Sn precipitate size and number were also observed with changes in composition and upon aging, as would be expected. Cu pillar assemblies revealed small, but continuous solder layers. After failure during ATC, cracks were found to have propagated through these continuous solder layers.
Atomic-scale dynamics of edge dislocations in Ni and concentrated solid solution NiFe alloys

Abstract Single-phase concentrated solid solution alloys (CSAs), including high entropy alloys, exhibit excellent mechanical properties compared to conventional dilute alloys. However, the origin of this observation is not clear yet because the dislocation properties in CSAs are poorly understood. In this work, the mobility of a ½〈110〉{111} edge dislocation in pure Ni and equiatomic solid solution Ni0.5Fe0.5 (NiFe) is studied using molecular dynamics simulations with different empirical potentials. The threshold stress to initiate dislocation movement in NiFe is found to be much higher compared to pure Ni. The drag coefficient of the dislocation motion calculated from the linear regime of dislocation velocities versus applied stress suggests that the movement of dislocations in NiFe is strongly damped compared to that in Ni. The present results indicate that the mobility of edge dislocations in fcc CSAs are controlled by the fluctuations in local stacking fault energy caused by the local variation of alloy composition.
MULTIPLE BIOMARKERS FOR PREDICTING MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIAC EVENTS IN AT-RISK PATIENTS UNDERGOING DIAGNOSTIC CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY: RESULTS FROM THE CATHETER SAMPLED BLOOD ARCHIVE IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES (CASABLANCA) STUDY

Background: Clinical prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients undergoing cardiac evaluation or entering clinical trials remains challenging due to low sensitivity and specificity. We assessed whether a multiple biomarker approach improves prediction of incident MACE (composite
A multidimensional scaling analysis of vowel discrimination in humans and monkeys.

Multidimensional scaling (MDS) was used to compare perceptual maps for 10 synthetic English vowels in humans and Old World monkeys (Macaca fuscata andCercopithecus albogularis). Subjects discriminated among the vowels using a repeating background procedure, and reaction times were submitted to an MDS analysis to derive measures of perceived similarity. The dimensions that emerged related to the frequencies of the first(F1), second(F2), and third(F3) formants. Human data indicated a good match to previous MDS studies using rating procedures or confusion matrices: The dominant dimension mapped onto vowelF2, the phonetically most important formant, and the second and third dimensions mapped ontoF1 andF3, respectively.For monkeys, equal weightings occurred forF1 andF2, andF3 was not clearly represented. Monkey sensitivity to the formants appeared to relate to formant amplitudes. If monkeys are giving an accurate representation of the psychoacoustic relations among the formants, then our human results suggest that species-specific mechanisms, reflecting the salience of the phonetic feature of advancement, may contribute to vowel coding in humans.
Nonmaleficence, Nondisclosure, and Nocebo: Response to Open Peer Commentaries.

In our target article, “When Respecting Autonomy Is Harmful: A Clinically Relevant Approach to the Nocebo Effect,” we advocate for selective nondisclosure of medication-related side effects based o...
Calculation of the debye temperatures of hexagonal crystals from elastic constants

Abstract Hexagonal crystals are less symmetric than cubic crystals, but the integrations to calculate debye temperatures from single crystal elastic constants are simpler and easier for hexagonal crystals. Houston's method actually works for hexagonal crystals in contrast to cubic crystals where it fails. The literature on these calculations for hexagonal crystals is reviewed and checked against modern computer calculations, and errors both small and substantial have been found in the use of Houston's method for hexagonal crystals in published papers. Examples of correct calculations of transverse, longitudinal, and overall debye temperatures are given for eleven different hexagonal crystals of interest, and for a number of arbitrary sets of elastic constants in the Wolcott tables. Mixing of longitudinal and transverse modes is a major problem for some cubic crystals, but appears to be less for known hexagonal crystals. The mixing of modes was examined for a particular case of C 44 greater than C 11 for one set of values covering hexagonal, tetragonal, and cubic symmetries. The one integration for any hexagonal crystal that can be performed analytically is also reviewed.
Consequences of congenital Zika virus infection

The 2015 Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in the Americas led to the discovery that ZIKV causes congenital abnormalities including microcephaly, intrauterine growth restriction, and eye disease that can result in blindness. Studies in animal models and human organoid cultures, together with human epidemiological studies, have shown that ZIKV crosses the placenta and subsequently replicates within fetal tissues including the developing brain. Preferential infection of neural cell precursors causes damage to the developing fetal brain. However, a majority of congenitally infected humans do not develop microcephaly or other overt congenital abnormalities, so longitudinal epidemiological studies are necessary to more completely define the long-term consequences of in utero ZIKV infection.
When an Executive Departs: An Informational Content Story

Information about an executive's decisions at his/her former employer can have a significant impact on the stock returns of his/her current employer, even after the job change occurs. In this article, we analyze transfers of information, which, we argue, reflect executive decision‐making ability as executives change jobs. We examine information about restructurings and write‐downs at the new employer emerging after the executive has left an employer that indicates the executive is of lower ability than investors had expected at the time of the hiring. Our results show that such signals are associated with significant negative returns to the current employer's shares, particularly for within‐industry job changes. We distinguish between restructurings at firms with and without departing executives and find that following an executive's departure, firms that had executives depart experience negative market reactions. Le depart d'un cadre superieur : une question de contenu en informations Les informations relatives aux decisions prises par un cadre superieur dans le cadre de ses fonctions aupres de son employeur precedent peuvent avoir une incidence marquee sur le rendement des actions de son employeur actuel, meme apres le changement de fonctions. Les auteurs analysent les transferts d'informations qui, selon eux, refletent les aptitudes decisionnelles strategiques des cadres superieurs lorsque ceux‐ci changent de fonctions. Ils se penchent sur les informations relatives aux restructurations et aux reductions de valeur operees par le nouvel employeur qui font surface une fois que le cadre superieur a quitte un employeur et selon lesquelles les aptitudes dudit cadre sont inferieures aux attentes des investisseurs au moment de l'embauche. Les resultats de l’etude revelent que ces indicateurs sont associes a des rendements negatifs importants des actions de l'employeur actuel, en particulier dans le cas de changements de fonctions a l'interieur d'un meme secteur d'activite. Les auteurs etablissent la distinction entre les restructurations selon que les societes en cause affichent ou non des departs de cadres superieurs, et ils constatent qu’a la suite du depart de cadres superieurs, les societes concernees connaissent des reactions negatives du marche.
Optical detection of oral carcinoma via structured illumination fluorescence lifetime imaging

In this work, we compare standard wide-field fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and structured illumination FLIM (SI-FLIM) as methods for the early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Our technique, SI-FLIM, provides depth dependent fluorescence lifetime information of the oral epithelium, isolating the endogenous fluorophore of interest, NADH, from interfering fluorescence generated mainly by collagen in the lamina propria. Male golden Syrian hamsters (Cricetus auratus) were used as the animal model for OSCC. They were treated with a carcinogen, 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), for a twelve-week period by applying the DMBA suspended in mineral oil to their cheek pouches 3 times per week. The progression of OSCC was monitored over a 12-week period with imaging beginning at the 6th week. The cheek pouch with lesions was imaged in a 3x4 grid (twelve total images), with each section of the grid being correlated with histopathological analysis. The NADH fluorescence channel, as a diagnostic indicator, was compared for both SI-FLIM and widefield FLIM. ROC analysis, in the task of distinguishing between mild dysplasia and normal tissue, showed that SI-FLIM (AUCe0.83, see0.07) may be a better indicator for early cases of mild dysplasia when compared to widefield FLIM (AUCe0.63, see0.07) with statistical significance.
Abstract 15716: Tristetraprolin Protects the Heart Against Iron Deficiency by Reducing Expression of Iron-requiring Proteins and Optimizing Cellular Iron Utilization

Background: Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, however, patients with severe iron deficiency generally have normal cardiac function. This suggests that a mechanism exists in the heart that maintains cardiac iron levels despite systemic iron deficiency, however, the mechanism for this adaptation of the heart to iron deficiency is not known. We recently discovered an mRNA-binding protein tristetraprolin (TTP) to mediate iron utilization within an iron-deprived cell independently of the canonical iron regulatory proteins (IRPs). Here, we hypothesized that TTP protects the heart against iron deficiency through intracellular conservation of iron, and that disruption of this pathway will make the heart vulnerable to low-iron states. Results: Consistent with the above hypothesis, we demonstrated that hearts of TTP knockout mice have normal baseline function, yet deteriorate when subjected to iron deficiency. On contrary, iron-deficient TTP WT mice show no decline in cardiac function in spite of significant reduction in iron levels. Since TTP is known to reduce protein expression through mRNA degradation, we hypothesized that it halts expression of iron-consuming proteins, reducing overall cardiomyocyte’s iron requirements. We identified three mitochondrial iron-requiring proteins to be negatively regulated by TTP: NDUFS1 (part of complex I), UQCRFS1 (part of complex III), and mitochondrial aconitase (part of the TCA cycle). Specifically, we showed that TTP binds to and degrades mRNAs of these targets. This is based on data that the steady state level of the mRNAs for these proteins are decreased with iron chelation, but do not change with TTP deletion. Additionally, mRNAs of these proteins are protected against after actinomycin-D treatment with TTP deletion. RNA co-immunoprecipitation studies confirmed TTP binding to the mRNAs of these proteins. Thus, in the absence of TTP, these proteins continue to be expressed and act as “iron sinks” in a cell that is already iron deficient. Conclusions: Our results, for the first time, provide the mechanism of cellular adaptation to iron deficiency, and demonstrate a major role for TTP in this process by regulating mitochondrial proteins.
Bending of Sectorial Plates with Clamped Edges

A solution for the deflection of a uniformly loaded sectorial plate with all edges clamped is presented. Numerical results for both 60 and 90° sectors are given, but the method of solution applies to plates of other sectorial angles. The governing equation for the small deflection theory of thin plates is satisfied. The boundary conditions on the radial edges of the plate are satisfied exactly, while those on the circumferential edge are satisfied to vanishingly small residues. A homogeneous solution is derived to satisfy the boundary conditions along the radial boundaries and then superposed on the known solution for a clamped, uniformly loaded semi-infinite plate to correct for the slope and deflection along the circumferential edge. Carrier and Shaw presented a solution for the 60° sectorial plate using an infinite series of eigenfunctions and an averaging technique on the circumferential edge. This study employs the method of collocations on the same boundary. Carrier and Shaw outlined a solution but presented no numerical results. Numerical results which can be compared with those of this study were generated by Conway and Huang, who used the method of superposition in conjunction with a series of line loads along the radii of the plate defining a particular sector angle. The line loads were adjusted to correct for the boundary conditions along the radial edges. Their results, which do not include results for the 60° sector, compare very closely to the results of this investigation for both the magnitude and location of the maximum deflection for the 90° plate.
Presentation of Quantitative Data

We often think of data as being strictly numerical values, and in business, those values are often stated in terms of dollars. Although data in the form of dollars are ubiquitous, it is quite easy to imagine other numerical units: percentages, counts in categories, units of sales, etc. This chapter, and Chap. 3, discusses how we can best use Excel’s graphics capabilities to effectively present quantitative data (ratio and interval), whether it is in dollars or some other quantitative measure, to inform and influence an audience. In Chaps. 4 and 5 we will acknowledge that not all data are numerical by focusing on qualitative (categorical/nominal or ordinal) data. The process of data gathering often produces a combination of data types, and throughout our discussions it will be impossible to ignore this fact: quantitative and qualitative data often occur together.
PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY.

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses atomic absorption spectroscopy, and its principles and applications. The term atomic absorption spectroscopy was familiar to only a small group of scientists, to a few chemists working on special problems, and to astrophysicists. This analytical technique has found enthusiastic acceptance by science and industry. Several hundreds of papers have been published in a short time on basic research, instrumentation, development of methods, and practical application of atomic absorption spectroscopy. The chapter highlights that currently, atomic absorption spectroscopy is gradually finding entrance into medical research and service laboratories, and there is reason to expect that this technique will find wider use and greater application than emission flame spectroscopy. As atomic absorption spectroscopy is based on an atomic property unique for each element, the possibility exists to obtain “true” values, a challenge not to be overlooked by workers attempting to develop atomic absorption methods for a particular metal or material. Some of the original theoretical expectations in regard to freedom of interferences have not been fully substantiated in practice and almost every element has been found to suffer from one type of interference or another.
Electromagnetic Energy Storage

Several of the prior chapters in this text have shown that there is a wide range of energy storage needs with widely different time periods; some involve seasonal, weekly, and daily cycles, and others require energy intermittently, sometimes over much shorter time periods. A variety of different technologies are employed to meet these various requirements.
Risk scores overestimated risk for CVD in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Source Citation Read SH, van Diepen M, Colhoun HM, et al; Scottish Diabetes Research Network Epidemiology Group. Performance of cardiovascular disease risk scores in people diagnosed with type 2 di...
Novel tissue clearing method for preservation of morphology, fluorescence and epitope integrity permits quantitative cellular analysis in intact organs

Spatial organization of cells within tissues is critical for most biological processes, such as cellular differentiation, signal relay, and localized function. Our understanding of such events is historically based on section imaging, which discards 3-dimensional (3D) information and is problematic for understanding structure-function relationships of complex tissues and rare events. Although recent innovations in tissue clearing methods have paved way for whole organ microscopy, they suffer from various technique-specific artifacts, such as fluorophore quenching, poor epitope preservation, or morphological distortions. Here we report a new clearing method, Clearing-enhanced 3D (C e 3D), which generates excellent tissue transparency, preserves cellular morphology and protein fluorescence, and retains epitopes for antibody-based labeling. We use C e 3D to demonstrate whole-tissue microscopy of various cell types in lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs. Further, when coupled with highly multiplexed antibody labeling and Histo-Cytometry, C e 3D permits quantitative analysis of phenotypically complex cells in intact tissues. Collectively, this methodology provides a comprehensive strategy for whole-organ quantitative imaging and analysis, paving the way for improved understanding of cellular organization and physiology. This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, NIAID.
How Quantum, Dlj and Ziff-Davis are Keeping on Track with

Last month, Part I of this article provided an introduction to tracking stock. In particular, it looked at the benefits and risks of a tracking stock equity structure and why that structure may appeal to companies like Quantum, DLJ and Ziff-Davis. This part of the article focuses on the implementation of a tracking stock equity structure and the issuance of tracking stocks to existing shareholders and the public. It also describes features common to most tracking stocks in the marketplace. Once again, the efforts of Quantum, DLJ and Ziff-Davis will be used as examples.
On the eruption age and provenance of the Old Crow tephra

Abstract Tephrochronology is used to correlate and reconstruct geographically disparate sedimentary records of changing environment, climate, and landscape throughout geologic time. Single tephra layers represent isochronous markers across broad regions, thus accurate and precise radiometric constraints on the timing of eruption are critical to their utility. The Old Crow tephra is found throughout eastern Beringia and represents the largest preserved Pleistocene ashfall event in the region. Despite its volume and significance as a stratigraphic marker, the provenance of this tephra is debated, and the interpreted eruption age of marine isotope stage (MIS) 5 at ∼125 ka has vacillated. To investigate provenance and eruption age, we develop a geochemical fingerprint for the Old Crow tephra via titanomagnetite geochemistry, and zircon crystallization/cooling age via coupled U/Pb, U/Th, and (U Th)/He zircon geochronology. Our results indicate that Old Crow oxides are geochemically distinct from the commonly assumed source-caldera system at the Emmons Lake Volcanic Center (ELVC). Zircon crystals from the Old Crow tephra range in age from Proterozoic to Pleistocene, with concordant zircon U/Pb, U/Th, and (U Th)/He dates on the youngest population of grains suggesting crystallization in their parent magma, and in turn eruption, at 202.9 ± 9.5 ka. We discuss strengths and shortcomings of our radiogenic datasets in light of this result and review the far-reaching implications of a change in Old Crow eruption age.
Measuring the impact of computational thinking workshops on high school teachers

Computational thinking knowledge is used to develop solutions for computational problems, such as those found in mathematics and computer science. Over the past several years, workshops on computational thinking and computer science tools have been provided to high school teachers, most recently as part of Google's Computer Science for High School (CS4HS) initiative. The lasting impact of these workshops on the high school teachers and their students after the teacher returns to the classroom is not well known. The computational thinking knowledge and tools of high school teachers in a regional area of the U. S. was assessed during two workshops, one held several months after the other, to determine the utility and benefit, if any, of the workshops for the teachers and their students. The results of this research contribute to understanding the perception of computational thinking and computer science among high school teachers, as well as to the identification of the best tools and resources which high school teachers are most likely to use and which can be used to implement computational thinking in core curriculum standards, including mathematics.
Mental Health and Human Rights: The Role of Komnas HAM

In recent years, Indonesia has sought to protect the rights of individuals with mental illness through revised legislation, greater investment in community health organizations and increased awareness of discrimination against individuals with psychosocial disabilities. While the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2011, the passage of the Mental Health Act in 2014 and the enactment of Law No. 8 on Persons with Disabilities in 2016 have bolstered legal protections for individuals with mental illness, the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has served to identify and investigate human rights violations against individuals with psychosocial disabilities. Moreover, the “Indonesia Bebas Pasung” campaign, which aims to eliminate the practice of shackling or confining individuals with a mental illness, has helped shine a spotlight on the intersections of mental health and human rights.
How to treat expert judgment? With certainty it contains uncertainty!

Abstract To be acceptably safe one must identify the risks one is exposed to and decide what risk reducing measures are required. It is uncertain whether the threat really will materialize, but determining the size and probability of the risk is also full of uncertainty. When performing an analysis and preparing for decision making under uncertainty, quite frequently failure rate data, information on consequence severity or on a probability value, yes, even on the possibility that an event can or cannot occur, is lacking. In those cases, a possible way and sometimes the only way to proceed is to revert to expert judgment. Even in case historical data is available, an expert can be asked whether and to what extent such data still hold in the current situation. Anyhow, expert elicitation comes with an uncertainty depending on the expert's reliability, which becomes very visible when two or more experts give different answers or even conflicting answers. This is not a new problem, and very bright minds have thought how to tackle this in a rational and objective way. But so far, however, the topic has not been given much attention in daily process safety and risk assessment practice. Therefore, this paper has a review and applied character and will present various approaches with detailed explanation and examples.
A proposed pediatric risk stratification method (PRiSM) for disaster preparedness.

Objective: Children are a uniquely vulnerable population in times of disaster. Understanding the risk associated with the pediatric population is complex and involves aspects beyond just the medical needs of children. Design: We reviewed current literature in two databases regarding risk and disaster preparedness in children to assess current risk stratification methodologies across multiple domains including medical, social, and educational. Results: No comprehensive risk stratification tool exists that considers multiple domains. Three key domains are inter-related to a child’s vulnerability in times of disaster; medical, educational, and social. We propose a pediatric risk stratification method (PRiSM) for disaster preparedness as one way to consider the three critical domains. Using existing medical, educational, and social data, our proposed framework considers all three domains to stratify children by their degree of risk in terms of disaster preparedness. PRiSM consists of a three-digit alphanumeric guide to stratify patients based on complex medical, educational, and social needs. Conclusion: This framework provides a possible method to risk stratify children prior to a disaster to better inform planning and responses in the future.