cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reported earnings, auditor's opinion, and compensation: theory and evidence

We study the effect of the auditor's independence on executive compensation and executive effort allocation. Using principal-agent theory, we examine a compensation contract involving two signals, one for incentives and the other for control. The incentive signal is the earnings reported by the executive and the control signal is the auditor's opinion. The optimal weights on earnings and audit opinion in the agent's compensation contract are obtained in a LEN (linear compensation plan, exponential utility, normally distributed outcome) framework. The pay-performance sensitivity (incentive weight on earnings) increases monotonically as the auditor becomes more independent. However, the pay-opinion sensitivity (incentive weight on audit opinion) first increases and then decreases as the auditor becomes more independent. We test some of these results empirically with publicly available data and find that the executive is rewarded for higher reported earnings and penalised for audit qualification. Evidence al...
Work Cultures and Work/Family Balance

Abstract This study examined the relations between three aspects of work culture (flexibility of working hours, flexibility of the work itself, and supportive supervision) and work/family balance in the context of selected characteristics that can put individuals at risk for work/family imbalance (dual career partnerships, number of children, and hours worked per week). The data came from 179 individuals in a wide variety of family situations and workplaces. Results of the study indicated that the flexibility of the work itself was associated with increased work satisfaction and increased family well-being. Flexibility of work times was unassociated with any work or personal outcome. Supportive supervision was associated only with increased employee citizenship. An examination of interactive effects between aspects of culture and individuals' characteristics showed that work/family balance was lower when employees had a large number of children and supportive supervision.
The Fretting Fatigue Behavior of Ti-6Al-4V

This paper reviews the understanding of fretting fatigue with an emphasis on the behavior of Ti-6Al-4V. Advances in life prediction and assessment approaches are highlighted. The role of microstructure on fretting fatigue and its use to detect fretting fatigue damage can now be considered in assessment strategies. Various palliatives are used to enhance the fretting fatigue resistance. These include treatments to introduce compressive residual stress and surface coatings that reduce friction and/or protect the underlying structural material.
Rheo-optical and dielectric studies of the α loss region of low-density polyethylene

Abstract The α mechanical loss region of low-density polyethylene has been studied by vibrational and relaxational X-ray diffraction, birefringence, IR dichroism, light-scattering, and dielectric methods. These experiments are consistent with the proposal of Takayanagi that the α1 process is intercrystalline in nature and exhibits an activation energy of about 25 kcal/mole, where the α2 loss is intracrystalline and possesses an activation energy of about 50 kcal/mole.
Age-associated increases in the size of the infrapatellar fat pad in knee osteoarthritis as measured by 3T MRI

Obesity, as a primary risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA), has been shown to alter joint loading, but may also result in metabolic changes characterized by chronic, low-level inflammation due to increased circulating levels of adipose-derived cytokines, or "adipokines." The presence of the infrapatellar fat pad in the knee suggests that local changes in adipokine concentrations may influence knee OA. This study examined the hypotheses that the volume of the infrapatellar fat pad is correlated to the body mass index (BMI) of OA patients, and that fat pad volume is greater in subjects with OA. Fat pad volume was measured in sequential magnetic resonance (MR) images taken over one year in a cohort of 15 control and 15 knee OA subjects. No differences were observed in the fat pad volume between the two groups at baseline, 3, 6, or 12 months. In control subjects, no significant correlations were present between any parameters (age, BMI, weight, volume of fat pad at any time point). However, in the osteoarthritic group, fat pad volume was correlated with age at every time point. One possible explanation is that local factors related to knee OA may also induce enlargement of the fat pad with age. Alternatively, subjects who are prone to growth or enlargement of the fat pad may also be more prone to symptomatic OA. These findings provide intriguing preliminary data on the potential role of the infrapatellar fat pad in OA, although additional study is required to better understand the mechanisms of this relationship.
Pathology of the Spongiform Encephalopathy in the Gray Tremor Mutant Mouse

Gray tremor (gt) is an autosomal recessive mutation mapped to chromosome 15 in the mouse. Its phenotypic feature most relevant to human disease is a noninflammatory spongiform encephalopathy which has been transmitted to genetically normal mice in a previously reported, preliminary inoculation experiment. The present study describes the histopathology, topography, developmental sequence, and ultrastructure of the inherited spongiform encephalopathy in the gray tremor homozygote (gt/gt). Vacuolation is present in the first postnatal week in spinal and cerebellar white matter, and spreads rapidly by the second postnatal month to involve gray and white matter throughout almost the entire neuraxis. Adjacent swollen and vacuolated neuronal processes, particularly dendrites, appear to coalesce to form membrane-bound vacuoles in the neuropil. Neuronal abnormalities include focal distension of intracellular membranes and distension, fragmentation, bleb formation, rupture, and disintegration of plasma membranes. White matter vacuoles result from splitting of the myelin sheath at the intraperiod line and from vesicle formation in oligodendroglial inner loop cytoplasm. These ultrastructural abnormalities targeted on subcellular and cellular membranes in neurons and oligodendrocytes implicate a membrane disorder as a fundamental component of the pathogenetic mechanism. A comparison of the pathology of gt to that caused by unconventional agents and neurotropic retroviruses suggests that gt may be valuable in conceptually unifying the whole class of noninflammatory spongiform lesions.
A General Microprocessor Control Console For High Speed Rotaing-Mirror Camera

The general microprocessor control console described in this paper can be used for two kinds of high speed rotating-mirror camera driven by turbine or by motor. Its technical specifications, component parts and performance are expounded. The trial tests show that the control console is characteristic of high accuracy in r.p.m. measurement, stable and reliable in operation and easy to be operated and maintained.
Use of Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and an Atrial Septostomy for Pulmonary and Right Ventricular Failure

Background Right ventricular failure is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality on the lung transplant waiting list. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an atrial septostomy with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) as a novel potential bridge to transplantation. Methods Adult sheep (58 ± 3 kg; n=12) underwent a clamshell thoracotomy and instrumentation to measure all relevant pressures and cardiac output (CO). Sheep with tricuspid insufficiency (TI [n = 5]) and without tricuspid insufficiency (OTI [n = 7]) were examined. After creation of a 1-cm atrial septal defect and initiating VV-ECMO, the pulmonary artery (PA) was banded to allow progressive reduction of pulmonary blood flow, and data were collected. Results The CO in both groups remained unchanged from baseline at all pulmonary blood flow conditions. With TI, the CO was 5.1 ± 1.2 L/min at baseline versus 5.1 ± 1.2 L/min with a fully occluded PA ( p = 0.99). For OTI, the CO was 4.5 ± 1.4 L/min at baseline versus 4.5 ± 1.2 L/min with no pulmonary blood flow ( p = 0.99). Furthermore, CO was not affected by the presence of TI ( p = 0.76). Mean right ventricular pressures were significantly lower in the TI group (TI = 20.2 ± 11 mm Hg versus OTI = 29.9 ± 8.9 mm Hg; p p > 0.5). Lastly, VV-ECMO maintained normal blood gases, with mean O 2 saturations of 99% ± 4.1% in both groups. Conclusions Right to left atrial shunting of oxygenated blood with VV-ECMO is capable of maintaining normal systemic hemodynamics and normal arterial blood gases during high right ventricular afterload dysfunction.
Mixed aleatory-epistemic uncertainty quantification with stochastic expansions and optimization-based interval estimation

Abstract Uncertainty quantification (UQ) is the process of determining the effect of input uncertainties on response metrics of interest. These input uncertainties may be characterized as either aleatory uncertainties, which are irreducible variabilities inherent in nature, or epistemic uncertainties, which are reducible uncertainties resulting from a lack of knowledge. When both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties are mixed, it is desirable to maintain a segregation between aleatory and epistemic sources such that it is easy to separate and identify their contributions to the total uncertainty. Current production analyses for mixed UQ employ the use of nested sampling, where each sample taken from epistemic distributions at the outer loop results in an inner loop sampling over the aleatory probability distributions. This paper demonstrates new algorithmic capabilities for mixed UQ in which the analysis procedures are more closely tailored to the requirements of aleatory and epistemic propagation. Through the combination of stochastic expansions for computing statistics and interval optimization for computing bounds, interval-valued probability, second-order probability, and Dempster–Shafer evidence theory approaches to mixed UQ are shown to be more accurate and efficient than previously achievable.
Desiccation sensitivity and tolerance in the moss Physcomitrella patens: assessing limits and damage

The moss Physcomitrella patens is becoming the model of choice for functional genomic studies at the cellular level. Studies report that Physcomitrella survives moderate osmotic and salt stress, and that desiccation tolerance can be induced by exogenous ABA. Our goal was to quantify the extent of dehydration tolerance in wild type moss and to examine the nature of cellular damage caused by desiccation. We exposed Physcomitrella to humidities that generate water potentials from -4 (97% RH) to -273 MPa (13% RH) and monitored water loss until equilibrium. Water contents were measured on a dry matter basis to determine the extent of dehydration because fresh weights (FW) were found to be variable and, therefore, unreliable. We measured electrolyte leakage from rehydrating moss, assessed overall regrowth, and imaged cells to evaluate their response to drying and rehydration. Physcomitrella did not routinely survive water potentials \-13 MPa. Upon rehydration, moss dried to water contents(0.4 g g dm -1 maintained levels of leakage similar to those of hydrated controls. Moss dried to lower water contents leaked extensively, suggesting that plasma membranes were damaged. Moss protonemal cells were shrunken and their walls twisted, even at -13 MPa. Moss cells rehydrated after drying to -273 MPa failed to re-expand completely, again indicating membrane damage. ABA treatment elicited tolerance of desiccation to at least -273 MPa and limited membrane damage. Results of this work will form the basis for ongoing studies on the functional genomics of desiccation tolerance at the cellular level.
Intermediality and Spanish experimental cinema: text and image interactions in the lyrical films of the Barcelona School

AbstractThis article aims to revalorize how an understudied Spanish experimental cinema movement known as the Barcelona School or EdB (1960–1970) resisted Franco's dictatorship through avant-garde filmmaking. The article applies media theory's concept of “intermediality” to analyze how the school's films mobilized political critique by engaging in “impure” media practices (such as the deployment of collage, montage and metalepsis), especially in regards to relations between text and image. It traces those same intermedial practices to the historic avant-gardes, as well as to the influence of contemporary movements such as Fluxus, the New York School or the Nouvelle Vague. After situating the EdB in the context of Spain's 1960s film scene, it explores how text–image interactions activate anti-Francoist discourse in three strikingly different films: Vicente Aranda's Fata Morgana (1965), Jose Maria Nunes' Sexperiencias (1968), and Pere Portabella's Nocturno 29 (1968). Concurrently, the essay presents the str...
CpG island methylation, response to combination chemotherapy, and patient survival in advanced microsatellite stable colorectal carcinoma

The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is a distinct epigenetic phenotype in colorectal carcinoma with concordant methylation in multiple promoter CpG islands. The relationship between CpG island methylation and clinical outcomes among colorectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy has been a controversial subject. Utilizing real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR; MethyLight technology), we quantified DNA methylation in 13 CpG island loci (CACNA1G, CDKN2A, CRABP1, IGF2, MLH1, NEUROG1, RUNX3, SOCS1, MINT1, MINT31, IGFBP3, MGMT, and WRN) in 30 metastatic microsatellite stable colorectal carcinomas in phase I/II clinical trials of combination chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, leucovorin, and gefitinib). Tumor response was assessed by CT scans performed at baseline and every 6 weeks thereafter. Overall CIMP-high status (either ≥9/13 or ≥7/13 methylated markers; identifying 3 or 5 CIMP-high tumors, respectively) and methylation in CACNA1G, IGF2, MLH1, NEUROG1, RUNX3, MINT31, and WRN were associated with worse survival (all p < 0.01). Although not statistically significant, there was a trend toward resistance to chemotherapy among tumors with CpG island methylation. In conclusion, CpG island methylation may predict poor survival in metastatic microsatellite stable colorectal carcinoma treated with chemotherapy. Additional studies are necessary to examine the role of DNA methylation in treatment efficacy.
Modeling of Benzene Adsorption in Metal-Exchanged Zeolites by Calculation of 7Li Chemical Shifts

A 1:1 complex between Li+ and benzene is formed when benzene is adsorbed into a Li-exchanged zeolite. This was the result of calculations of the 7 Li chemical shifts for several model complexes, including Li+ ⋅2 H2 O⋅C6 H6 (depicted). After 13 C and 2 H, 7 Li is a further nucleus that can be studied to determine the structure and dynamics of complexes formed between organic species and metal cations in zeolites.
Predicting Winning Times for Stages of the 2011 Tour de France Using an Inclined-Plane Model

Using a modified version of the inclined-plane model I developed to predict winning times for each stage of the Tour de France in the years 2003-05, I present the results of my predicted winning stage times for the 2011 Tour de France. The model incorporates stage profiles, cyclist power input, air drag, and rolling friction. Each stage’s predicted winning time was put on my blog the day before a given stage was run. Just one stage prediction was worse than 8% off the actual winning time. Six of the 21 stages were predicted to better than 1% of the actual winning times. The sum of predicted stage-winning times missed the actual sum by 0.5%. © 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Cancer information disparities between U.S.- and foreign-born populations.

Immigrant health is an important component of American public health. But relatively little is known about immigrants' cancer information use. Using the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data, this study examined potential disparities between foreign-born (n = 563) and U.S.-born (n = 4,830) populations in their access to and experience with cancer information. Logistic regressions showed that foreign-born Hispanics were less likely than the U.S.-born to have ever sought cancer information (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = .51). Foreign-born individuals overall were also less likely to have had somebody else look for cancer information for them (OR = .66). Compared with the U.S.-born, foreign-born individuals in general faced greater obstacles during the process of cancer information seeking (ORs = 1.98–2.27). They were also less trusting of some important sources of health information (ORs = .50–.64), a pattern that was particularly pronounced among Hispanics (ORs = .20–.43). Implications o...
Structural transition and solid-like behavior of alkane films confined in nano-spacing

Abstract By carrying out accurate molecular simulation of dodecane fluid confined between mica surfaces using molecular models appropriately describing wall–fluid interaction, we show that the state condition of the confined fluid is strongly influenced by the wall–fluid interaction. At ambient condition, for strongly attractive surfaces, the effective density is significantly higher than the bulk density and increases with the narrowing of the confinement spacing. This increase results in the density crossing over into a density region higher than bulk freezing density when the confined film becomes narrower than about six molecular layers, driving the transition to solid-like structure. At six molecular layers, the confined film forms distinct layers as well as in-plane orientational order and inter-plane packing correlation. The results suggest that the strong interfacial interaction is the driving force for the dramatic effects observed in experiment.
Risk of warfarin-associated intracerebral haemorrhage after ischaemic stroke is low and unchanged during the 2000s

Commentary on : Asberg A, Erisksson M, Henriksson KM, et al. Warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage after ischemic stroke. Stroke 2014;45:2118–20.[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Since its isolation during the early half of the 20th century from the mouldy hay responsible for ‘sweet clover disease’ in cattle, warfarin has become the most widely used oral anticoagulant.1 Indications include atrial fibrillation (AF), mechanical prosthetic valves and venous thromboembolism treatment.2 Warfarin reduces stroke risk in patients with AF by nearly two-thirds; AF accounts for 20% of ischaemic strokes, which tend to be more severe than those due to other aetiologies. In the late 1990s, reports began to emerge concluding that patients … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DStroke%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1161%252FSTROKEAHA.114.005729%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F24876246%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=strokeaha&resid=45/7/2118&atom=%2Febmed%2F20%2F1%2F36.atom
The Migration of T Cells in Response to Influenza Virus Is Altered in Neonatal Mice

Influenza virus is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in children; however, little is known about the T cell response in infant lungs. Neonatal mice are highly vulnerable to influenza and only control very low doses of virus. We compared the T cell response to influenza virus infection between mice infected as adults or at 2 d old and observed defective migration into the lungs of the neonatal mice. In the adult mice, the numbers of T cells in the lung interstitia peaked at 10 d postinfection, whereas neonatal T cell infiltration, activation, and expression of TNF-α was delayed until 2 wk postinfection. Although T cell numbers ultimately reached adult levels in the interstitia, they were not detected in the alveoli of neonatal lungs. Instead, the alveoli contained eosinophils and neutrophils. This altered infiltrate was consistent with reduced or delayed expression of type 1 cytokines in the neonatal lung and differential chemokine expression. In influenza-infected neonates, CXCL2, CCL5, and CCL3 were expressed at adult levels, whereas the chemokines CXCL1, CXCL9, and CCL2 remained at baseline levels, and CCL11 was highly elevated. Intranasal administration of CCL2, IFN-γ, or CXCL9 was unable to draw the neonatal T cells into the airways. Together, these data suggest that the T cell response to influenza virus is qualitatively different in neonatal mice and may contribute to an increased morbidity.
How Confucius Does Things with Words: Two Hermeneutic Paradigms in the Analects and Its Exegeses

This essay attempts to discover patterns of communicative and hermeneutic practices in the Analects, as well as in the commentary tradition, known as jingxue (classicism). The Analects contains at least two distinctive paradigms showing different ways of interpreting speech: One is Confucius’s pragmatic approach, which emphasizes the intention and purpose of the speaker, and the other is Gongxi Hua’s approach, which focuses on the literal meaning of the speech. Examples of each paradigm can be found in the long history of the exegeses of the Analects. Commentaries by two groups of scholars are discussed: those whose approach is similar to that of Confucius (Sima Qian, Zheng Xuan, Mouzi, Huang Kan, Cheng Yi, and Zhu Xi) and those whose approach is similar to that of Gongxi Hua (Xianqiu Meng, Han Fei, Wing-tsit Chan, Ya Hanzhang, and Wang Yousan).
A lithographic process for integrated organic field-effect transistors

This paper reports a photolithographic process for fabricating organic field-effect transistors which provides two layers of metal with arbitrary via placement, and optionally allows for subtractive lithographic patterning of the transistor active layer. The demonstrated pentacene transistors have a field-effect mobility of 0.1/spl plusmn/0.05 cm/sup 2//(V/spl middot/s). Parylene-C is used both as the gate dielectric and an encapsulation layer which allows for subtractive lithographic patterning. Also demonstrated is a PMOS inverter without level shifting circuitry and level-restoring V/sub High/ and V/sub Low/. This work demonstrates a high definition, multilayer, integrated photolithographic process which creates organic field effect transistors suitable for use in integrated circuit applications such as a display backplanes.
Roles of MicroRNAs in Plant Abiotic Stress

Regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in response to abiotic stresses constitutes a major part of the biology of plant miRNAs. In this chapter, we exclusively review the current progress in the study of roles of miRNAs in plant abiotic stresses. The responses of various miRNAs to different types of abiotic stresses are discussed in detail. Finally, the perspective for application of the related studies and the future of plant biology are briefly presented.
Effects of the C-344T aldosterone synthase gene variant on preclinical vascular alterations in essential hypertension.

regulated kinase and angiotensin-converting enzyme in human atria during atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 2000;35:1669–77. [43] Kumagai K, Nakashima H, Urata H, et al. Effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist on electrical and structural remodeling in atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 2003;41:2197–204. [44] Shimano M, Tsuji Y, Inden Y, et al. Pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-gamma activator, attenuates atrial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation promotion in rabbits with congestive heart failure. Heart Rhythm 2008;5:451–9.
Developing Tailored Theory-based Educational Content for WEB Applications: Illustrations from the MI-HEART Project

This paper describes how theory facilitated the development of educational content for the MI-HEART project, a tailored Web-based intervention designed to favorably influence the appropriateness and rapidity of decision-making in patients suffering from symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. There were five steps involved: 1) formulating the behavioral goal, 2) defining intervention objectives based on an analyses of the determinants of behavior, 3) developing an assessment tool to measure a person's status on these determinants, 4) creating tailored content that address individual variation on determinants of the health behavior and, 5) developing algorithms and a computer program that link responses from the assessment to specific tailored communication. The approach we describe largely distinguishes Web-based applications that are designed to change health behavior from those that simply impart information. Developers of Web-based applications that propose to improve health status by modifying health-related behaviors need the understanding that although it is said that we live in an "information age", simply increasing knowledge has not been effective in changing behaviors in most instances. Furthermore, the one-size fits all approach to developing educational content cannot address the needs, concerns and interests of different individuals. With informatics technology, our ability to collect information from individuals and provide educational content tailored to the specific information collected is not only possibly, but practical.
Microbiological Response to Well Pumping

To better constrain sampling strategies for observing biologically sensitive parameters in ground water, we vigorously pumped for 120 h a lightly pumped well completed in a confined glacial aquifer while observing how various physical and chemical parameters evolve in the water produced. The parameters commonly monitored when sampling a well stabilized within about an hour, after 5 wellbore volumes were produced; these parameters include temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, oxidation-reduction potential (Eh), and electrical conductivity. The concentrations of ferrous iron, sulfide, and sulfate and various biological or biologically sensitive parameters, including the concentrations of dissolved hydrogen and methane, direct cell counts, and the microbial community profile, in contrast, required more than 8 h or 36 well volumes to stabilize. We interpret this result to mean that the zone of influence of the wellbore on biologic processes in the aquifer extends beyond the commonly recognized zone where physical properties are affected. A second period of adjustment of these biologically sensitive parameters began after about 50 h of pumping, following displacement of 230 wellbore volumes, and continued to the end of the experiment. During this period, the cell density and the composition of the microbial community suspended in the water samples changed. This finding indicates that the microbial community in and near the wellbore changed in response to pumping and the changes affected aspects of the composition of water produced from the well. The study demonstrates the importance of allowing adequate pumping time when sampling ground water for the analysis of biologically sensitive parameters.
Design and fabrication of nano-pyramid GaAs solar cell

We demonstrate a genetic method to fabricate large-area nano-structure III-V solar cells with conformal epitaxial growth on pre-patterned substrate. The design, simulation, fabrication, and characterization of a nano-structure gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cell device are presented. The optical simulation illustrates that the nano-pyramid array is able to suppress the reflection and enhance the absorption in a wide spectrum range. The IV characterization shows that the short circuit current of the nano-pyramid GaAs solar cell with 200 nm thick junction is as high as 18.5 mA/cm2, which is more than triple of the planar cell. Our results suggest this nano-structure thin film absorber could significantly reduce epitaxial growth cost and increase yield, thus provides a pathway towards high-efficiency and low-cost solar cells.
Bythotrephes cederstroemi Diapausing Egg Distribution and Abundance in Lake Michigan and the Environmental Cues for Breaking Diapause

Bythotrephes diapausing eggs found in the sediments of Lake Michigan ranged in density from less then 100 m−2 in shallow waters (20 m) to densities over 5,000 m−2 in offshore waters (> 60 m). The density of diapausing eggs was observed to increase with depth of the water column and is probably the result of higher input from greater adult abundance in off-shore waters. Temperature and photoperiod are environmental cues that are known to affect the time and success in hatching of diapausing eggs in many species. An increase in temperature above the storage temperature (4°C) was found to increase the success of hatching Bythotrephes diapausing eggs and shorten the incipient time to hatching, however, all temperature treatments had an equivalent effect on success implying that the cue is discrete and occurs close to 4°C. The onset of maximum hatching rate following the cue to break diapause was dependent on temperature, which is the probable result of development rate being a function of temperature. Length of photoperiod did not have a significant effect on the hatching success or development time of Bythotrephes diapausing eggs, unlike past observations for the cladoceran Daphnia.
Results of a screening program for prostate cancer in patients scheduled for abdominoperineal resection for colorectal pathologic findings.

Abstract Objectives. Because of the difficulty of accessing the prostate for tissue sampling after surgical removal of the rectum and obliteration of the anus, we started an early detection program for prostate cancer in all men scheduled for abdominoperineal resection. Methods. Twenty consecutive men were screened for prostatic adenocarcinoma before planned abdominoperineal resection for colorectal pathologic findings. Patients were 48 to 77 years old (mean 66.9). Screening included serum prostate-specific antigen determination and digital rectal examination. Those patients with suspicious findings underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided sextant biopsies of the prostate. Results. One patient was excluded because of a prior history of prostate cancer. Six (31.6%) of the remaining 19 patients demonstrated elevated prostate-specific antigen levels (greater than 4.0 ng/mL); two of these patients also had an abnormal digital rectal examination. Transrectal ultrasound and prostate biopsies in these 6 patients revealed prostatic adenocarcinoma in 3 patients (50% of those undergoing biopsies or 15.8% of those screened). The 13 patients who did not undergo prostate biopsies had prostate-specific antigen levels from 0.4 to 2.4 ng/mL (mean 0.9) and normal prostate glands according to the digital rectal examinations. Conclusions. Screening for prostate cancer in men 50 years old or older with 10 years or longer life expectancy before they undergo abdominoperineal resection detects a significant number of prostatic malignancies and should be encouraged.
Two O-Linked N-Acetylglucosamine Transferase Genes of Arabidopsis thaliana L. Heynh. Have Overlapping Functions Necessary for Gamete and Seed Development

The Arabidopsis SECRET AGENT (SEC) and SPINDLY (SPY) proteins are similar to animal O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferases (OGTs). OGTs catalyze the transfer of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) from UDP-GlcNAc to Ser/Thr residues of proteins. In animals, O-GlcNAcylation has been shown to affect protein activity, stability, and/or localization. SEC protein expressed in Escherichia coli had autocatalytic OGT activity. To determine the function of SEC in plants, two tDNA insertional mutants were identified and analyzed. Although sec mutant plants did not exhibit obvious phenotypes, sec and spy mutations had a synthetic lethal interaction. This lethality was incompletely penetrant in gametes and completely penetrant postfertilization. The rate of both female and male sec spy gamete transmission was higher in plants heterozygous for both mutations than in plants heterozygous for sec and homozygous for spy. Double-mutant embryos aborted at various stages of development and no double-mutant seedlings were obtained. These results indicate that OGT activity is required during gametogenesis and embryogenesis with lethality occurring when parentally derived SEC, SPY, and/or O-GlcNAcylated proteins become limiting.
Subcellular Distribution of UDP-Galactose:Ceramide Galactosyltransferase in Rat Brain Oligodendroglia

: Oligodendrocytes isolated from 18–19-day-old rat brain were homogenized in 0.32 M sucrose. The homogenate was centrifuged at 100,000 g for 50 min in a gradient containing 0.8, 1.05, and 1.3 M sucrose. Three discrete bands were obtained at the interfaces 0.32–0.8 (F1), 0.8–1.05 (F2), and 1.05–1.3 M (F3). The distribution of UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase (CgalT) activity in each fraction was measured using liposomes containing normal fatty acid-containing ceramides (NFA-CgalT activity) or 2-hydroxy fatty acid-containing ceramides (HFA-CgalT activity). Although detection of both CgalT activities was possible in all fractions, HFA-CgalT activity was enriched in F1 and F2 fractions, which also showed an enrichment of Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum markers, respectively. It is interesting that NFA-CgalT activity was significantly enriched in the F2 fraction. These results suggest that hydroxylated and nonhydroxylated galactocerebrosides may be synthesized at different intracellular locations.
Late Cutaneous Metastases in C3H SCID Mice Infected with Leishmania amazonensis

The biological behavior of Leishmania amazonensis in the mammalian host is highly variable, resulting in local to diffuse cutaneous lesions that sometimes metastasize. Inflammation and, more specifically, CD4+ T cells have been shown to enhance metastases in mice infected with L. amazonensis, suggesting that the process may be lymphocyte mediated. However, we document, in this study, the development of multiple cutaneous metastases in C3H SCID mice infected with L. amazonensis. This shows that functional T and B cells are not required for metastases to occur.
Brief Intervention for Unhealthy Alcohol Use

Brief intervention-brief advice and counseling that includes non-judgmental feedback about use-has efficacy for decreasing alcohol use among those with non-dependent unhealthy use. For those with non-dependent unhealthy alcohol use, the goal can be decreased use or abstinence. For those with dependence or an absolute contraindication to use, the best goal is abstinence. The goal of brief intervention can also be to continue care in the long term and link patients to specialty care if needed. When those with dependence are advised to cut down or abstain, attention must be given to the risk for withdrawal and its management.
Reliability-Based Design Optimization of a Vehicle Exhaust System

This paper focuses on the methodology development and application of reliability-based design optimization to a vehicle exhaust system under noise, vibration and harshness constraints with uncertainties. Reliability-based design optimization provides a systematic way for considering uncertainties in product development process. As traditional reliability analysis itself is a design optimization problem that requires many function evaluations, it often requires tremendous computational resources and efficient optimization methodologies. Multiple functional response constraints and large number of design variables add further complexity to the problem. This paper investigates an integrated approach by taking advantages of variable screening, design of experiments, response surface model, and reliability-based design optimization for problems with functional responses. A typical vehicle exhaust system is used as an example to demonstrate the methodology.
Mechanisms of Alcoholic Steatosis/Steatohepatitis

Despite extensive research, alcohol remains one of the most common causes of both acute and chronic liver disease in the USA. In Western countries, up to 50% of cases of end-stage liver disease have alcohol as a major etiologic factor. Excessive alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of death in the USA. Alcohol-related deaths, excluding accidents/homicides, accounted for 22,073 deaths in the USA in 2006 with 13,000 of those specifically attributed to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Given these grim statistics, the mortality of this liver disease is more than that of many major forms of cancer, such as breast, colon and prostate. Importantly, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapy for any stage of ALD.
A simplified methodology for the community-based assessment of breast-feeding and amenorrhoea in Mexico.

Reported here is the use of a simplified methodology for carrying out a community-based epidemiological assessment that is compatible with the goals of primary health care research. For this purpose a current status life table analysis of data from 1131 women who were served by community healthworkers in the state of Mexico was used to determine the distributions of the duration of postpartum breastfeeding amenorrhea and contraceptive use. The field methods used incorporated quality assurance procedures. At 1 month postpartum 78% of the infants were still being breastfed at 5 months 50% and at 12 months 25%. The level of amenorrhea at 1 month postpartum was 85% at 3 months 50% and at 5 months 25%. Use of contraceptives was initiated at an early stage with 42% of all users beginning during the 1st month postpartum. The simplified method described permitted the areas primary health care administrators to carry out research projects for program development rapidly and was compatible with the locally available resources. (authors) (summary in FRE)
Flocculation-Related Gene Identification by Whole-Genome Sequencing of Thauera aminoaromatica MZ1T Floc-Defective Mutants.

Thauera aminoaromatica MZ1T, a floc-forming bacterium isolated from an industrial activated-sludge wastewater treatment plant, overproduces exopolysaccharide (EPS), leading to viscous bulking. This phenomenon results in poor sludge settling and dewatering during the clarification process. To identify genes responsible for bacterial flocculation, a whole-genome phenotypic-sequencing technique was applied. Genomic DNA of MZ1T flocculation-deficient mutants was subjected to massively parallel sequencing. The resultant high-quality reads were assembled and compared to the reference genome of the wild type (WT). We identified nine nonsynonymous mutations and one nonsense mutation putatively involved in EPS biosynthesis. Complementation of the nonsense mutation located in an EPS deacetylase gene restored the flocculating phenotype. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of EPS isolated from the wild type showed a reduced C=O peak of the N-acetyl group at 1,665 cm−1 compared to the spectra of MZ1T floc-deficient mutant EPS, suggesting that the WT EPS was partially deacetylated. Gene expression analysis also demonstrated that the putative deacetylase gene transcript increased before flocculation occurred. These data suggest that targeting deacetylation processes via direct chemical modification of EPS or enzyme inhibition may prove useful in combating viscous bulking in this and related bacteria.
Passive Dissolution and Localized Corrosion of Alloy 22 High-Level Waste Container Weldments

Localized corrosion of high level nuclear waste containers is considered an important factor that will have a strong influence on the overall performance of the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain, NV. The present candidate container material, Alloy 22 [UNS N06022 (57Ni-22Cr-13.5Mo-3W-3Fe)], is highly resistant to localized corrosion. Assessing the performance of the HLW containers also requires an evaluation of localized corrosion resistance and determination of the passive corrosion rate of Alloy 22 weldments. The localized corrosion resistance of welded Alloy 22 specimens was evaluated by measuring the repassivation potential in chloride containing solutions whereas potentiostatic tests were used to determine the passive corrosion rate of the welded material. The results for the welded material are compared to those for the base metal.
Codling Moths: Fluorescent Powders as Markers

Fluorescent powders used as markers for adult Laspeyresia pomonella (L.) bad significant effects on the fecundity or longevity of marked moths in the laboratory: Day-Glo® Blaze Orange and Rocket Red reduced the number of eggs per female, and Day-Glo Arc Yellow, Fire Orange, and Neon Red reduced egg hatch. In the greenhouse and in the orchard, Helecon® 2200 and Rocket Red produced a reduced response of marked males to females. Eosin-Y, included as a standard, bad no apparent effects on adult moths, but was harder to apply and more difficult to detect than were fluorescent powders.
Research Possibilities in the Mexican Revolution: The Governorship

In the era of the Mexican Revolution, research opportunities on the sub-national level are numerous and varied, although not completely untested. In recent monographs and dissertations, historians have examined the revolution in a few states, leading regional figures, the workings of national reform commissions in selected localities and hinted at the conflict of provincial interests that provoked violence in the name of opposition to national programs. Each of these themes needs further, more systematic evaluation. Still wanting are studies of local demographic changes and concomitant political and economic adjustments accompanying the revolution, of the appropriation of state and local administration, and of the local issues that confused reform programs such as land reapportionment and educational missions. Professor James W. Wilkie has made important national studies of efforts to implement revolutionary programs and to evaluate statistically the church-state question. Both of these themes should be assayed through case studies of states or somewhat larger regions. But rather than cataloging research possibilities, this paper concentrates on one sub-national topic: the state governors.
Beach Boundary Layer: A Framework for Addressing Recreational Water Quality Impairment at Enclosed Beaches

Nearshore waters in bays, harbors, and estuaries are frequently contaminated with human pathogens and fecal indicator bacteria. Tracking down and mitigating this contamination is complicated by the many point and nonpoint sources of fecal pollution that can degrade water quality along the shore. From a survey of the published literature, we propose a conceptual and mathematical framework, the "beach boundary layer model", for understanding and quantifying the relative impact of beach-side and bay-side sources of fecal pollution on nearshore water quality. In the model, bacterial concentration in ankle depth water C(ankle) [bacteria L(-3)] depends on the flux m'' [bacteria L(-2) T(-1)] of fecal bacteria from beach-side sources (bather shedding, bird and dog feces, tidal washing of sediments, decaying vegetation, runoff from small drains, and shallow groundwater discharge), a cross-shore mass transfer velocity k [L T(-1)] that accounts for the physics of nearshore transport and mixing, and a background concentration C(bay) [bacteria L(-3)] attributable to bay-side sources of pollution that impact water quality over large regions (sewage outfalls, creeks and rivers): C(ankle) = m''/k + C(bay). We demonstrate the utility of the model for identifying risk factors and pollution sources likely to impact shoreline water quality, and evaluate the model's underlying assumptions using computational fluid dynamic simulations of flow, turbulence, and mass transport in a trapezoidal channel.
Fecundity and Oviposition Behavior in the Carpenterworm, Prionoxystus robiniae

Dissection revealed that eggs were mature when the carpenterworm moths ( Prionoxystus robiniae Peck) emerged. Except for a brief period on the afternoon of emergence, a nocturnal oviposition rhythm was indicated. The oviposition period averaged 4.2± 1.5 days (range 1-8). About two-thirds or more of the eggs were deposited during the 1st day regardless of how long the moths lived. Moths preferred maximum surface contact with the egg and favored the rough, flaky bark of overcup oak over the smoother bark of Nuttall oak. Twoyr-old moths were generally more fecund than 1-yr-old moths, and those reared from oaks were usually more prolific than those from American elm or green ash. Mean numbers of eggs deposited ranged from 331 for 1-yr-old moths reared from American elm to 737 for 2-yr-old moths from Nuttall oak.
Evaluation of the Risk of Relapse in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma at Event-Free Survival Time Points and Survival Comparison With the General Population in British Columbia

PurposeStudies in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) typically measure the time to events from diagnosis. We evaluated the risk of relapse at event-free survival time points in cHL and compared the risk of death to expected mortality rates in British Columbia (BC).MethodsThe BC Cancer Agency Lymphoid Cancer Database was screened to identify all patients age 16 to 69 years diagnosed with cHL between 1989 and 2012 treated with the chemotherapy regimen of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (or equivalent). We compared the observed mortality to the general population using age-, sex-, and calendar period–generated expected mortality rates from BC life-tables. Relative survival was calculated using a conditional approach and expressed as a standardized mortality ratio of observed-to-expected deaths.ResultsOne thousand four hundred two patients were identified; 749 patients were male (53%), the median age was 32 years, and 68% had advanced-stage disease. The median follow-up time was 8.4 years. ...
Proceedings of the Seventh Symposium on Usable Privacy and Security

Welcome to the Seventh Symposium On Usable Privacy and Security! This year's program features 15 technical papers, two workshops, two tutorials 12 posters, 12 posters published in the past year at other conferences, a panel, a lightning talks session, and an invited talk. On Thursday evening SOUPS 2011 attendees will enjoy a dinner at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. This year we received 45 technical paper submissions. The program committee provided two rounds of reviews. In the first round papers received an average of three reviews. In the second round, papers that had received one or more reviews better than "weak reject" in the first round received additional reviews. The goal of the second round was to ensure that a consistent standard of acceptance could be applied across all papers and, to this end, papers received as many as six reviews. We held an in-person program committee meeting (a SOUPS first) on Friday, the 13th of May. Fifteen papers were selected for presentation and publication.
Gamma radiation effects on siloxane-based additive manufactured structures

Abstract Siloxane-basedadditive manufactured structures prepared by the direct ink write (DIW) technology were exposed to ionizing irradiation in order to gauge radiolysis effects on structure-property relationships. These well-defined 3-D structures were subjected to moderate doses of gamma irradiation in an inert atmosphere and characterized by a suite of experimental methods. Changes in thermal, chemical, microstructure, and mechanical properties were evaluated by DSC, TGA, FT-IR, mass spectroscopy, EPR, solvent swelling, SEM, and uniaxial compressive load techniques. Our results demonstrated that 3-D structures made from aromatic-free siloxane resins exhibited hardening after being exposed to gamma radiation. This effect was accompanied by gas evolution, decreasing in crystallization levels, decreasing in solvent swelling and damage to the microstructure. Furthermore, long-lived radiation-induced radicals were not detected by EPR methods. Our results are consistent with cross-link formation being the dominant degradation mechanism over chain scission reactions. On the other hand, 3-D structures made from high phenyl content siloxane resins showed little radiation damage as evidenced by low off gassing.