cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Release of Membrane-Associated Mucins from Ocular Surface Epithelia

PURPOSE Three membrane-associated mucins (MAMs)--MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16--are expressed at the ocular surface epithelium. Soluble forms of MAMs are detected in human tears, but the mechanisms of their release from the apical cells are unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify physiologic agents that induce ocular surface MAM release. METHODS An immortalized human corneal-limbal epithelial cell line (HCLE) expressing the same MAMs as native tissue was used. An antibody specific to the MUC16 cytoplasmic tail was developed to confirm that only the extracellular domain is released into the tear fluid or culture media. Effects of agents that have been shown to be present in tears or are implicated in the release or shedding of MAMs in other epithelia (neutrophil elastase, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]), TNF-alpha-converting enzyme, and matrix metalloproteinase-7 and -9) were assessed on HCLE cells. HCLE cell surface proteins were biotinylated to measure the efficiency of induced MAM release and surface restoration. Effects of induced release on surface barrier function were measured by rose bengal dye penetrance. RESULTS MUC16 in tears and in HCLE-conditioned medium lacked the cytoplasmic tail. TNF induced the release of MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16 from the HCLE surface. Matrix metalloproteinase-7 and neutrophil elastase induced the release of MUC16 but not of MUC1 or MUC4. Neutrophil elastase removed 68% of MUC16, 78% of which was restored to the HCLE cell surface 24 hours after release. Neutrophil elastase-treated HCLE cells showed significantly reduced rose bengal dye exclusion. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that the extracellular domains of MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16 can be released from the ocular surface by agents in tears. Neutrophil elastase and TNF, present in higher amounts in the tears of patients with dry eye, may cause MAM release, allowing rose bengal staining.
Effect of postmanufacturing processing and shipping of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog on induced ovulation for production of channel catfish female × blue catfish male hybrid fry.

Abstract The potential effects of postmanufacturing processing and shipping of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog (LHRH-a) on induced ovulation for the production of hybrids of female channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus × male blue catfish I. furcatus were evaluated. There were no differences in efficacy regarding postmanufacturing bottling. Hand-weighed LHRH-a gave results similar to those of LHRH-a reconstituted in water, aliquoted, and relyophilized. Shipping without dry ice reduced the number of fry per kilogram of female body weight by 51–87% . Theoretically, dry ice is not necessary when shipping powdered LHRH-a, but these results indicate that to ensure efficacy (as indicated by total fry production) shipping LHRH-a on dry ice would be a best management practice. Hybrid embryos were successfully produced, and LHRH-a injections are a viable alternative to carp pituitary extract injections for producing hybrid catfish embryos.
Relationship between Immediate Post-Operative Appearance and 6-Week Operative Outcome in Trichiasis Surgery

Background Surgical technique, including suture placement and tension, is believed to contribute to the outcome of bilamellar tarsal rotation surgery for trachomatous trichiasis. However, the immediate post-operative appearance that minimizes the chance of recurrence and other adverse outcomes has not been investigated.
Sustained response to intrathecal rituximab in EBV associated Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease confined to the central nervous system following haematopoietic stem cell transplant

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in the central nervous system (CNS) is a very rare complication of haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and has a dismal prognosis. We report the successful treatment of this disorder with intrathecal rituximab therapy in two children who developed isolated CNS PTLD after HSCT. These children had failed to respond to standard chemotherapy, intravenous rituximab and EBV specific cellular therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 459–461. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polyribosome analysis for investigating mRNA translation in Xenopus oocytes, eggs and embryos

The earliest stages of animal development occur without the benefit of zygotic transcription. The absence of transcription necessitates that all changes in the levels of specific proteins must be controlled by post-transcriptional mechanisms, such as the regulated translation of stored maternal mRNAs. One of the major challenges to investigating translational mechanisms is the availability of reliable methods for assaying the translational state of specific mRNAs. The most definitive assay of an mRNA's translational state is polyribosome association; mRNAs actively translated are engaged with polyribosomes while mRNAs translationally repressed are not. While linear gradient centrifugation is commonly used to purify polyribosomes from a wide variety of cell types in different organisms, the isolation of polyribosomes from Xenopus oocytes, eggs and embryos presents some unique challenges. Here we detail the methodology for the isolation and analysis of polyribosomes from Xenopus oocytes, eggs and embryos using step gradient centrifugation. We present detailed protocols, describe the critical controls and provide several examples to guide the interpretation of experimental results regarding the translational state of specific mRNAs.
Speculations on a relativistic strong focusing self-collider with very high luminosity (≥1040 cm−2s−1): Macroproduction of antinuclei and other micro cross section events and formation of ambiplasma

Abstract The luminosity of the weak focusing self-collider (ESCOL) is intrinsically 108–1010 times greater than that of conventional colliding beams, due to the product of the solid angle factor, ∼106, and the neutralization factor, ∼102 −104. We extrapolate to 10-GeV protons the parameters of a recent low energy experiment demonstrating that a 1-MeV deuteron beam, stored in ESCOL as migma, can be neutralized bo oscillating electrons and operate an order of magnitude above the space charge limit without instabilities. With the number density achieved in ESCOL, n = 3.2 × 109 ions cm−3, such a relativistic strong focusing self-collider (XYDER) would have a luminosity L ∼ 1038 cm−2 s−1 for 10-GeV-on-10-GeV protons (equivalent to 250 GeV beam-on-target). At the diamagnetic “limit” density, which for 10 tesla is n = 1012 ions cm−3, l ∼ 1043 cm−2 s−1; this would produce 4 × 1016 antiprotons/s (2 gram of p /year). Other particles, rare nuclei, and rare effects produced with micro- (10−16), nano- (10−9 b), and picoscopic (10−12 b) cross sections will be macro-produced in XYDER. A newly proposed annular magnet would provide a large volume of stored, V = 109 cm3, as well as automatic ejection along the +z and −z axes of the p 's and other particles whose momentum is lower than that of the primary proton migma. Antiprotons, being produced with low rapidity, will have energies below 1 GeV in COM, and thus are suitable for beaming, extraction, cooling, abd slowing down to be either stored for space propulsion or used as a source for acceleration. If the magnetic field strength is adjusted for the antiprotons to be confined, an unusual plasma will be formed, consisting of the protons, antiprotons, electrons, and positrons (from pion-muon-electron decays), and similar to Alfvens “ambiplasman”. Its plasmic beta will be unity already at low densities (∼1011 cm−3 where ωpi/ωci ≤ 1); the ion-to-electron “temperature” ratio will never achieve unity; equilibrium will be achieved at Ti/Te ∼ 105. Antihydrogen atoms and molecules. H 0 and H 2−, will be produced at 10−3 −10−2 antiproton production rates, but will probably be ionized at comparable rates. Antideuterons, antihelium, antilithium will be produced at conservatively estimated rates of ∼1014 s−1, 1010 s−1, and ∼106 −104 s −1, respectively.
The impact of an oral hygiene education module on patient practices and nursing documentation

Background Oral hygiene is inconsistent among patients with cancer and is a national patient care issue. To promote comfort and nutritional status, oral hygiene for patients with cancer is important. Objectives The purpose of this study was to develop an evidence-based oral hygiene educational module (EM) for nursing and patient care technician (PCT) staff to promote consistent oral hygiene patient education; evaluate patient understanding of oral hygiene practices post-EM; and determine staff documentation frequency of oral hygiene care. Methods Pre- and post-EM data were collected using a developed oral hygiene assessment tool; nursing documentation data were collected by chart review. Post-EM data were collected eight weeks post-EM. Data were analyzed using frequencies and the Mann-Whitney U test. Findings Twenty-two patient documentation pairs were collected. Compared to pre-EM, admission teaching, patient education, and patient oral hygiene practices improved post-EM. Post-EM oral hygiene documentation and PCT teaching increased.
X-ray patterns from microtubules.

Electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction look at structures under different conditions. In general, there has been good agreement in relating images obtained with these methods. In the case of microtubules, however, the interpretation of the x-ray diffraction patterns in terms of the image seen in the electron microscope has not been straightforward. The results f rom the two methods have led to the proposal of different arrangements of subunits (i.e., different surface lattices) making up the microtubule. In this paper we consider this problem in the light of new experimental results. Most of our knowledge of microtubule structure has come from electron microscope observations. Microtubules from different systems appear to have certain common structural features, although they differ in stability. The tubule consists of a cylindrical shell about 250 A in diameter, with a wall thickness of about 50 A and a hollow center about 140 A in width. The wall of the tubule is made up of 13 longitudinal filaments about 50 A apart.', T h e filaments are built from globular subunits about 40 A in width which are revealed in negatively stained preparations. Fraying of the tubules into the filaments readily occurs. The surface lattice of microtubules was first described by Grimstone and Klug 3 in 1966. They used optical diffraction patterns from negatively stained protozoan flagella. A basic feature of the pattern is a 40 A layer line showing a strong maximum near the meridian. Klug and Grimstone were able to define the general features of the microtubule lattice, which was shown to be a lowpitch helix with a small vertical displacement between neighboring subunits (FIGURE l a ) . A similar structure has been found in negatively stained preparations of a variety of ciliary and flagellar microtubules.'
Frege on Definitions

This article treats three aspects of Frege's discussions of definitions. First, I survey Frege's main criticisms of definitions in mathematics. Second, I consider Frege's apparent change of mind on the legitimacy of contextual definitions and its significance for recent neo-Fregean logicism. In the remainder of the article I discuss a critical question about the definitions on which Frege's proofs of the laws of arithmetic depend: do the logical structures of the definientia reflect the understanding of arithmetical terms prevailing prior to Frege's analyses? Unless they do, it is unclear how Frege's proofs demonstrate the analyticity of the arithmetic in use before logicism. Yet, especially in late writings, Frege characterizes definitions as arbitrary stipulations of the senses or references of expressions unrelated to pre-definitional understanding. I conclude by examining some options for conceiving of the status of Frege's logicism in light of this apparent tension, and outline a suggestion for a philosophically fruitful way of resolving this tension.
Perturbative effect of heavy particles in an effective-Lagrangian approach

An effective-Lagrangian approach is summarized to estimate the perturbative effect of heavy-mass particles in the leading-logarithmic approximation: the logarithmic corrections to mass-suppressed amplitudes are given in a concise form. We apply the formalism to a simplified model with two scalar fields where one is heavy and the other is light. We derive an effective Lagrangian by calculating heavy-particle one-loop diagrams. Solving renormalization-group equations derived from the effective Lagrangian by light-particle one-loop corrections, we obtain logarithmic corrections to the mass-suppressed amplitudes. The results are confirmed by explicit two-loop calculation in the full theory, up to order O((1/M/sup 2/)1nM/sup 2/), where M is a heavy scalar mass. It is found that the boundary condition for solving the renormalization-group equations must be specified by the renormalization at the heavy-particle mass. It must also be emphasized that in an effective-Lagrangian approach minimal subtraction is not a proper method of renormalization. The necessity to adopt the conventional momentum-shell subtraction is stressed. Several applications of this formalism are also mentioned.
Applications of Risk Assessment in the Development of Climate Change Adaptation Policy

The consequences of c limate change will affect both natural systems and human populat ions. Adaptatio n policies that provide mitigation against these effects require t he collaboration of natural and socio -economic sciences to assess future risks of climat e change. Future impacts and the vulnerability of the impacted system are used to perform risk assessments allowing decision -makers to select optimal adaptation choices given available knowledge. Under climate change, however, future risk assessments are based on a number of possible climate scenarios . This multiplicity results in more than one assessment of risk with large uncertainty bounds . Present applications of ris k assessment for climate change adaptation have taken two main approaches. The main difference between the se approaches is in the presentation of the final risk either as cumulative probability distribution s of threshold exceedance or as a number of risk a ssessments assigned to different plausible futures . Different adaptation scenarios or policies are then evaluated in terms of their effect iveness in reducing risk . This paper presents a n analysis of applications of both approaches of risk assessment from r ecent literature for climatic effects such as sea -level rise. The analysis provides an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of present climate change risk assessment methods in terms of providing useful information to support decision -making at relev ant spatial and temporal scales, and the ability of each method to direct policy -development by providing the best representation of future uncertainties given policy objectives . This analysis sheds light on the utility of climate change risk assessment m ethods as a function of information availability and policy scope , thereby providing the necessary factors that decision -makers should consider when a choosing an approach for adaptation policy development .
Differential pre- and postsynaptic effects of desipramine on cardiac sympathetic nerve terminals in RHF.

Right heart failure (RHF) is characterized by chamber-specific reductions of myocardial norepinephrine (NE) reuptake, β-receptor density, and profiles of cardiac sympathetic nerve ending neurotransmitters. To study the functional linkage between NE uptake and the pre- and postsynaptic changes, we administered desipramine (225 mg/day), a NE uptake inhibitor, to dogs with RHF produced by tricuspid avulsion and progressive pulmonary constriction or sham-operated dogs for 6 wk. Animals receiving no desipramine were studied as controls. We measured myocardial NE uptake activity using [3H]NE, β-receptor density by [125I]iodocyanopindolol, inotropic responses to dobutamine, and noradrenergic terminal neurotransmitter profiles by glyoxylic acid-induced histofluorescence for catecholamines, and immunocytochemical staining for tyrosine hydroxylase and neuropeptide Y. Desipramine decreased myocardial NE uptake activity and had no effect on the resting hemodynamics in both RHF and sham animals but decreased myocardia...
Modification of Radiation-induced Division Delay by Caffeine Analogues and Dibutyryl Cyclic AMP

The mitotic selection procedure for cell cycle analysis was utilized to investigate the concentration-dependent modification of radiation-induced division delay in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells by methyl xanthines (caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine) and by dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The methyl xanthines (concentrations from 0.5 to 1000 micrograms/ml) all reduced radiation-induced division delay with the effect being linear between approximately 100 and 1000 micrograms/ml. After doses of 100-300 rad, delay was reduced by 75, 94 or 83 per cent at 1000 micrograms/ml for each drug, respectively. However, the addition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP had an opposite effect: radiation-induced delay was increased by the concentration range of 0.3 to 300 micrograms/ml. These results indicate that in mammalian cells the control of cell cycle progression and the modification of radiation-induced division delay are not simply related to intracellular levels of cyclic AMP. Rather, there appear to be at least two competing mechanisms which are differentially affected by caffeine analogues or by direct addition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The direct effect of caffeine and the methyl xanthines on membrane calcium permeability is considered.
Preparation of nanophase materials by thermal spray processing of liquid precursors

Abstract Thermal spray processes were modified to spray liquid feedstocks. Nanophase Al2O3, Mn2O3, ZrO2 and Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 powders and deposits were produced. Ceramic particles of 1–150 nm size were collected at a rate of ∼ 20 mg/min., with ∼ 20–35 % collection efficiency. Organometallic precursors produced oxide deposits with a powdery morphology, while aqueous solutions yielded hydroxide deposits, requiring post spray heat treatments for producing oxide coatings. Spray feedstock and processing conditions affected the size, shape and phase composition of the synthesized nanomaterials. Particles with wider distributions of larger size grains were produced from aqueous solutions, while a narrow distribution of fine-grained materials were produced when organometallic precursors were used.
In vitro studies of the killing of clinical isolates by povidone-iodine solutions

Two-hundred-and-thirty clinical isolates were surveyed for susceptibility to povidone-iodine (PVP-I) ('Betadine'). Of 95 staphylococcal isolates tested, only 18 (19%) were completely killed by exposure to 10% PVP-I (the usual stock concentration) for 15 s. Seventy-seven staphylococcal isolates (81%) exhibited varying degrees of apparent 'resistance' under these conditions. However, of 39 other Gram-positive isolates and 96 Gram-negative isolates tested (including 20 Pseudomonas aeruginosa and four Ps. cepacia), only one strain of Escherichia coli exhibited significant lack of killing. However, this apparent 'resistance' was completely lost by prolonging the contact time to as little as 30 s in 60% of the isolates, and all isolates were completely killed by 120 s. A paradoxical increase in killing by lower concentrations of PVP-I was observed (maximal killing about 0.1% PVP-I). A new PVP-I formulation ('SP-Betadine') was completely cidal for all isolates tested after only a 15-s contact time.
A new genus and four new species of felt scales on Eucalyptus (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Eriococcidae) in south‐eastern Australia

A new Australian eriococcid genus Fragorbis gen. n. (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) is described for 'Sphaero- coccus' pustulans Green and four new species, F. fructus sp. n., F. pseudopustulans sp. n., F. stipites sp. n. and F. superfacies sp. n. Four of the five species are known only from Victoria and the fifth species from the High Country east of Tumut in New South Wales. All species feed on Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae), either in blister galls, or under or on the bark. The adult female of each species and the first-instar nymph of F. pseudopustulans sp. n. are described and illustrated. Keys are provided to the adult females of the eriococcid genera found on Eucalyptus and Corymbia, and to the species of Fragorbis gen. n.
Silicon nano-transistors and breaking the 10 nm physical gate length barrier

In this paper, the performance and energy delay trends for research devices down to 10 nm and also discusses the 10 nm barrier and potential ways to break it were explored.
Interactions between TGFβ1 and cyclic strain in modulation of myofibroblastic differentiation of canine mitral valve interstitial cells in 3D culture

Objectives The mechanisms of myxomatous valve degeneration (MVD) are poorly understood. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFβ1) induces myofibroblastic activation in mitral valve interstitial cells (MVIC) in static 2D culture, but the roles of more physiological 3D matrix and cyclic mechanical strain are unclear. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that cyclic strain and TGFβ1 interact to modify MVIC phenotype in 3D culture.
WaterCooler: exploring an organization through enterprise social media

As organizations scale up, their collective knowledge increases, and the potential for serendipitous collaboration between members grows dramatically. However, finding people with the right expertise or interests becomes much more difficult. Semi-structured social media, such as blogs, forums, and bookmarking, present a viable platform for collaboration-if enough people participate, and if shared content is easily findable. Within the trusted confines of an organization, users can trade anonymity for a rich identity that carries information about their role, location, and position in its hierarchy.This paper describes WaterCooler, a tool that aggregates shared internal social media and cross-references it with an organization's directory. We deployed WaterCooler in a large global enterprise and present the results of a preliminary user study. Despite the lack of complete social networking affordances, we find that WaterCooler changed users' perceptions of their workplace, made them feel more connected to each other and the company, and redistributed users' attention outside their own business groups.
The Relationship between Plasma Adiponectin Concentration and Insulin Resistance Is Altered in Smokers

Context: Low plasma adiponectin concentrations in smokers may contribute to the adverse consequences that occur in these individuals. Objective: The objective of the study was to define the relationship among smoking, plasma adiponectin concentrations, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Design: This was a cross-sectional, observational study with a 2 × 2 factorial design and a prospective longitudinal arm. Setting: The study was conducted at a general clinical research center. Participants: Apparently healthy smokers (n = 30) and nonsmokers (n = 30), subdivided into insulin resistant (IR) (n = 15) and insulin sensitive (IS) (n = 15) subgroups participated in the study. Intervention: Intervention included pioglitazone administration for 3 months to 12 IR smokers and eight IS smokers. Main Outcome Measures: Measures included fasting plasma adiponectin and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and changes in adiponectin after pioglitazone treatment in IR and IS smokers. Results: Being either a smoker or...
Copper Futures: Ceruloplasmin and Heart Failure

Oxidative stress is a major mechanism contributing to heart failure (HF) pathogenesis. On one hand, oxidative reactions are central to a wide range of signaling cascades, both physiological and pathological. Such redox signaling events participate in the governance of myocyte plasticity, ion homeostasis, excitation–contraction coupling, and metabolism. However, high levels of oxidative stress can damage proteins, membranes, and DNA. There is great interest in understanding mechanisms whereby oxidative events contribute to disease pathogenesis, because clinical trials of antioxidant therapies in HF have disappointed. Article, see p 1723 One mechanism whereby reactive oxygen species contribute to disease pathophysiology is via post-translational modification of specific proteins.1 One such modification is tyrosine nitration. Tyrosine nitration is a covalent coupling of protein tyrosine residues with nitric oxide (•NO)–derived oxidants. Three major sources of •NO-derived reactive species have been identified2: (1) peroxynitrite anion, formed as the product of •NO metabolism and superoxide radicals; (2) (myelo)peroxidase-catalyzed nitrogen dioxide radical (•NO2), a product of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite; and (3) nitrogen dioxide radical derived from nitric oxide in oxygenated buffers used in in vitro experimentation. Although protein nitration has been recognized for a long time, its functional role in vivo is poorly understood. A wide variety of proteins involved in cardiovascular physiology are targets of tyrosine nitration, and the functional outcome for the targeted protein once modified is diverse, ranging from inactivation, which is most common, to gain of function. Proteins in the plasma, arterial wall, mitochondria, and sarcomere, many of which are involved in atherogenesis and vascular function, can be targeted. Some evidence suggests that protein nitration at tyrosine residues may serve as a marker of atherosclerotic heart disease.3 Nitration of tyrosine 294/295 in sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase has been linked with …
Moving forward: Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy

Since cloning of the CFTR gene more than 20 years ago a large number of pre-clinical and clinical CF gene therapy studies have been performed and a vast amount of information and know-how has been generated. Here, we will review key studies with a particular emphasis on clinical findings. We have learnt that the lung is a more difficult target than originally anticipated, and we describe the strength and weaknesses of the most commonly used airway gene transfer agents (GTAs). In our view, one of the most significant developments in recent years is the generation of lentiviral vectors, which efficiently transduce lung tissue. However, focused and co-ordinated efforts assessing lentiviral vector safety and scaling up of production will be required to move this vector into clinical lung gene therapy studies.
The Geography of Violence, Alcohol Outlets, and Drug Arrests in Boston

Objectives. We examined the relationship between alcohol outlets, drug markets (approximated by arrests for possession and trafficking), and violence in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2006. We analyzed geographic and environmental versus individual factors related to violence and identified areas high in violent crime.Methods. We used data from the Boston Police Department, US Census, and Massachusetts State Alcohol Beverage Control Commission. Spatial modeling was employed at the block group level, and violent crime, alcohol outlets, and drug markets were mapped.Results. Relative to other block groups, block groups in the highest decile of violent crime (n = 55) were found to be poorer (e.g., lower incomes, higher percentages of vacant homes), and they had greater numbers of alcohol outlets and higher drug arrest rates. Alcohol outlets and drug possession and trafficking arrests were predictive of violent crime. Also, spatial effects resulting from neighboring block groups were related to violent crime. Both ...
Supporting annotations on relations

Annotations play a key role in understanding and curating databases. Annotations may represent comments, descriptions, lineage information, among several others. Annotation management is a vital mechanism for sharing knowledge and building an interactive and collaborative environment among database users and scientists. What makes it challenging is that annotations can be attached to database entities at various granularities, e.g., at the table, tuple, column, cell levels, or more generally, to any subset of cells that results from a select statement. Therefore, simple comment fields in tuples would not work because of the combinatorial nature of the annotations. In this paper, we present extensions to current database management systems to support annotations. We propose storage schemes to efficiently store annotations at multiple granularities, i.e., at the table, tuple, column, and cell levels. Compared to storing the annotations with the individual cells, the proposed schemes achieve more than an order-of-magnitude reduction in storage and up to 70% saving in the query execution time. We define types of annotations that inherit different behaviors. Through these types, users can specify, for example, whether or not an annotation is continuously applied over newly inserted data and whether or not an annotation is archived when the base data is modified. These annotation types raise several storage and processing challenges that are addressed in the paper. We propose declarative ways to add, archive, query, and propagate annotations. The proposed mechanisms are realized through extensions to the standard SQL. We implemented the proposed functionalities inside PostgreSQL with an easy to use Excel-based front-end graphical interface.
Abnormal glucose screening in pregnancy in patients with normal oral glucose tolerance tests as a screening test for fetal macrosomia

Minor abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism in pregnancy are a risk factor for delivery of a macrosomic infant. However, the 50-g 1-h oral glucose screen at 28 weeks is not a useful screening test for macrosomia in pregnant patients with normal glucose tolerance tests, because a positive screen does not raise the probability of delivering a macrosomic infant sufficiently to warrant intervention.
Multi-nucleon phenomena in pion-nucleus reactions

At the peak of the delta resonance, the pion is the most strongly interacting particle we know. It follows that interactions between pions and nuclei at these energies all tend to involve multiple scattering to some degree. Multiple scattering includes different kinds of processes. In its simplest forms, it involves a sequence of interactions with single nucleons that take place as the pion bumbles its way through a nucleus. Much more interesting is the possibility that there are interactions that in some sense directly involve several nucleons at once. If there are such interactions, can we distinguish between them and the simpler, more prosaic forms of multiple scattering Experimental study of pion-nucleus reaction mechanisms has produced intriguing suggestions that truly multi-nucleon interactions do occur. They are the subject of this paper. To develop this subject I will focus on reactions that cannot happen at all without the essential participation of two or more nucleons.
Laplace Transform Characterization of Probabilistic Orderings

Using the Laplace transform, we characterize, by means of necessary and sufficient conditions, the property that two life distributions are ordered in the sense of stochastic ordering, hazard rate ordering, backward hazard rate ordering, and likelihood ratio ordering.
Radiation Protection of Technologists and Ancillary Personnel

Because PET-CT employs both radioactive material and x-rays in the same imaging suite, it presents special challenges for radiation protection. Diligent application of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle can minimize radiation doses to PET-CT technologists, ancillary personnel, and patients. Specifically, technologists should minimize the time spent in close proximity to patients following the administration of PET radiopharmaceuticals and during interventional CT localization procedures. Shielding PPE must be worn if there is a potential of exposure to scattered x-rays; tungsten-based shielding equipment should be employed to reduce hand and body exposure to annihilation photons during dose calibration and administration. Thorough documentation of standard operating procedures, training, personnel dose monitoring, receipt and disposal of radioactive material, shielding design, and the results of contamination surveys help ensure regulatory compliance.
The Use of Compensation for Tax Avoidance by Owners of Small Corporations

This study provides empirical evidence on the extent to which taxes influence owners' compensation in small (fewer than 500 employees) Subchapter Selecting corporations (S corporations), taxable corporations that provide professional services (PSC corporations), and other taxable corporations (C corporations). Paying additional compensation to owner‐employees likely increases the total after‐tax income for PSC corporations with positive taxable income. Paying additional compensation to owner‐employees is, however, less likely to increase the total after‐tax income for C corporations and does not increase the total after‐tax income for S corporations. Using data from the corporate tax returns of 503 small corporations, this study examines the marginal change in owners' compensation as taxable income changes. The study finds that, per dollar of taxable income, PSC corporations increase compensation to owneremployees significantly more than C corporations.
Toward a Business Case for Sustained Investment in State Longitudinal Integrated Data Systems

This report responds to an urgent need. The flow of federal funds invested in the development of state education and workforce integrated data systems is scheduled to end state by state between now and 2016. Prospects for future federal investment in state data system integration will depend upon the business case that is made for doing so, justifying this allocation over popular competing alternatives. There is scant evidence that a strong business case has been made for continued federal funding and successful promotion of state funding. However, essential components needed to make a strong business case for future investment can be drawn from existing administrative data sources. Illustrative new evidence of state education and workforce integrated data system value appears in the following pages; evidence that can help to inform and improve the effectiveness of future high impact education and workforce expenditure decisions.
Restoration of the CCAAT Box or Insertion of the CACCC Motif Activate δ-Globin Gene Expression

Hemoglobin A2 (HbA2), which contains delta-globin as its non-alpha-globin, represents a minor fraction of the Hb found in normal adults. It has been shown recently that HbA2 is as potent as HbF in inhibiting intracellular deoxy-HbS polymerization, and its expression is therefore relevant to sickle cell disease treatment strategies. To elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the low-level expression of the delta-globin gene in adult erythroid cells, we first compared promoter sequences and found that the delta-globin gene differs from the beta-globin gene in the absence of an erythroid Kruppel-like factor (EKLF) binding site, the alteration of the CCAAT box to CCAAC, and the presence of a GATA-1 binding site. Second, serial deletions of the human delta-globin promoter sequence fused to a luciferase (LUC) reporter gene were transfected into K562 cells. We identified both positive and negative regulatory regions in the 5' flanking sequence. Furthermore, a plasmid containing a single base pair (bp) mutation in the CCAAC box of the delta promoter, restoring the CCAAT box, caused a 5.6-fold and 2.4-fold (P < .05) increase of LUC activity in transfected K562 cells and MEL cells, respectively, in comparison to the wild-type delta promoter. A set of substitutions that create an EKLF binding site centered at -85 bp increased the expression by 26.8-fold and 6.5-fold (P < .05) in K562 and MEL cells, respectively. These results clearly demonstrate that the restoration of either an EKLF binding site or the CCAAT box can increase delta-globin gene expression, with potential future clinical benefit.
Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor Hypersensitivity in Aggressive Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Purpose: DNA repair defects have been previously reported in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) have shown activity in solid tumors with defects in homologous recombination (HR). The present study was performed to assess MPN sensitivity to PARP inhibitors ex vivo. Experimental Design: HR pathway integrity in circulating myeloid cells was evaluated by assessing formation of RAD51 foci after treatment with ionizing radiation or PARP inhibitors. Sensitivity of MPN erythroid and myeloid progenitors to PARP inhibitors was evaluated using colony formation assays. Results: Six of 14 MPN primary samples had reduced formation of RAD51 foci after exposure to ionizing radiation, suggesting impaired HR. This phenotype was not associated with a specific MPN subtype, JAK2 mutation status or karyotype. MPN samples showed increased sensitivity to the PARP inhibitors veliparib and olaparib compared to normal myeloid progenitors. This hypersensitivity, which was most pronounced in samples deficient in DNA damage-induced RAD51 foci, was observed predominantly in samples from patients with diagnoses of chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia or unspecified myelodysplastic/MPN overlap syndromes. Conclusions: Like other neoplasms with HR defects, MPNs exhibit PARP inhibitor hypersensitivity compared to normal marrow. These results suggest that further preclinical and possibly clinical study of PARP inhibitors in MPNs is warranted.
The nature of psychiatric disorders

A foundational question for the discipline of psychiatry is the nature of psychiatric disorders. What kinds of things are they? In this paper, I review and critique three major relevant theories: realism, pragmatism and constructivism. Realism assumes that the content of science is real and independent of human activities. I distinguish two "flavors" of realism: chemistry-based, for which the paradigmatic example is elements of the periodic table, and biology-based, for which the paradigm is species. The latter is a much better fit for psychiatry. Pragmatism articulates a sensible approach to psychiatric disorders just seeking categories that perform well in the world. But it makes no claim about the reality of those disorders. This is problematic, because we have a duty to advocate for our profession and our patients against other physicians who never doubt the reality of the disorders they treat. Constructivism has been associated with anti-psychiatry activists, but we should admit that social forces play a role in the creation of our diagnoses, as they do in many sciences. However, truly socially constructed psychiatric disorders are rare. I then describe powerful arguments against a realist theory of psychiatric disorders. Because so many prior psychiatric diagnoses have been proposed and then abandoned, can we really claim that our current nosologies have it right? Much of our current nosology arose from a series of historical figures and events which could have gone differently. If we re-run the tape of history over and over again, the DSM and ICD would not likely have the same categories on every iteration. Therefore, we should argue more confidently for the reality of broader constructs of psychiatric illness rather than our current diagnostic categories, which remain tentative. Finally, instead of thinking that our disorders are true because they correspond to clear entities in the world, we should consider a coherence theory of truth by which disorders become more true when they fit better into what else we know about the world. In our ongoing project to study and justify the nature of psychiatric disorders, we ought to be broadly pragmatic but not lose sight of an underlying commitment, despite the associated difficulties, to the reality of psychiatric illness.
Glucocorticoid therapy for nonendocrine disorders: withdrawal and "coverage".

The withdrawal of steroid medication from a pediatric patient who has been maintained on a course of therapy for a length of time poses several management problems, as does the “coverage” of such patients during times of stress. Recommendations for safe therapeutic regimens are presented.
Higher Education Leadership Graduate Program Development

Graduate programs in higher education administration and leadership have sought to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies for higher education leadership; that is, to prepare globally minded leaders who can navigate the internal and external demands of, and for, higher education. With the use of the Lattuca and Stark model of curriculum as an academic plan, this chapter provides an overview of opportunities and challenges to be considered when developing higher education leadership graduate programs.
Erratum to “Postoperative radiotherapy for diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint” [(American Journal of Otolaryngology) vol. 36 (2015) 106–113]

Kritika Joshi, BS, Benjamin Huang, MD, Lori Scanga, MD, PhD, Craig Buchman, MD, Bhishamjit S. Chera, MD e,⁎ a Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA b Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA c Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA d Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA e Linebeger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
The Impacts of Job Characteristics on is Employee Satisfaction: A Comparison between Permanent and Temporary Employees

The use of temporary employees in the information systems field continues at a high rate. In order to maintain a quality work environment, an organization must effectively manage both the temporary and permanent work force. A model of satisfaction is constructed based on previous literature and focus groups in three organization that proposes links to satisfaction from the job characteristics of dependence, autonomy, task interdependence, and management support. A survey of employees in public sector and non-profit organizations revealed that both permanent and temporary employees related management support to satisfaction, temporary employees related task interdependence to satisfaction, and permanent employees related job involvement to satisfaction. Follow-up interviews revealed satisfaction of the permanent employees to be negatively impacted by perceived workload imbalances.
Examining the Quality of Medicines at Kenyan Healthcare Facilities: A Validation of an Alternative Post-Market Surveillance Model That Uses Standardized Patients.

Promoting access to medicines requires concurrent efforts to strengthen quality assurance for sustained impact. Although problems of substandard and falsified medicines have been documented in low- and middle-income countries, reliable information on quality is rarely available. The aim of this study was to validate an alternative post-market surveillance model to complement existing models. The study used standardized patients or mystery clients (people recruited from the local community and trained to pose as real patients) to collect medicine samples after presenting a pre-specified condition. The patients presented four standardized conditions to 42 blinded facilities in Nairobi, Kenya, resulting in 166 patient–clinician interactions and dispensing of 300 medicines at facilities or nearby retail pharmacies. The medicine samples obtained thus resemble those that would be given to real patients. Sixty samples were selected from the 300, and sent for analysis at the Kenya National Quality Control Laboratory. Of these, ten (17%) did not comply with monograph specifications (three ibuprofen, two cetirizine, two amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combinations, and one each for prednisone, salbutamol and zinc). Five of the ten samples that failed had been inappropriately prescribed to patients who had presented symptoms of unstable angina. There was no association between medicine quality and ownership, size or location of the facilities. The study shows that the standardized patient model can provide insights into multiple dimensions of care, thus helping to link primary care encounters with medicine quality. Furthermore, it makes it possible to obtain medicines from blinded sellers, thus minimizing the risk of obtaining biased samples.
Predicting In Situ Responses of Taste- and Odor-Producing Algae in a Southeastern US Reservoir to a Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate Algaecide Using a Laboratory Exposure-Response Model

Efficacy of an in situ algaecide treatment can be predicted prior to an application by physically modeling exposures and responses with laboratory experiments. A sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (SCP) algaecide was used in a drinking water reservoir (Hartwell Lake, Anderson, SC) to control a benthic algal assemblage putatively producing 2-methylisoboreol (MIB) and geosmin, compounds with adverse taste and odor attributes. These SCP applications provided an opportunity to test hypotheses regarding potential convergence of laboratory and in situ exposures and responses. Objectives of this study were to (1) measure responses of a benthic algal assemblage from Hartwell Lake to 7-day laboratory exposures of SCP [measured as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations], (2) to measure the exposure of SCP (as H2O2) applied in a cove of Hartwell Lake and consequent responses of the algal assemblage, and (3) compare exposures and responses measured in the laboratory and in situ. Results demonstrated that in laboratory exposures, H2O2 released by SCP dissipated within 48 h. Significant responses of the algal assemblage in terms of phycocyanin concentrations and cell densities were measured 4 days after treatment (4-DAT) and 7-DAT following exposures of 453, 615, and 812 mg H2O2 m−2. The H2O2 exposure measured in situ was comparable to effective laboratory exposures in terms of initial exposure (619 ± 428 mg H2O2 m−2) and exposure duration (dissipation within 30 h), but the in situ exposure had a large deviation initially (i.e., ±428 mg H2O2 m−2) and was an order of magnitude less than the targeted initial exposure. Therefore, comparison of measured responses was critical to infer comparable exposures and confirm accuracy of the laboratory model. Significant in situ responses were measured 4-DAT and 7-DAT in terms of phycocyanin concentrations and cell densities, and were comparable to responses obtained from effective laboratory exposures (i.e., 453, 615, and 812 mg H2O2 m−2). Decreases in measured concentrations of MIB and geosmin at the intake of the drinking water treatment facility provided additional evidence that algae were sufficiently exposed to H2O2 from SCP. Results of this experiment provide evidence for the design and use of physical laboratory models to predict responses of algae in the field.
Multi Robot Object-Based SLAM

We propose a multi robot SLAM approach that uses 3D objects as landmarks for localization and mapping. The approach is fully distributed in that the robots only communicate during rendezvous and there is no centralized server gathering the data. Moreover, it leverages local computation at each robot (e.g., object detection and object pose estimation) to reduce the communication burden. We show that object-based representations reduce the memory requirements and information exchange among robots, compared to point-cloud-based representations; this enables operation in severely bandwidth-constrained scenarios. We test the approach in simulations and field tests, demonstrating its advantages over related techniques: our approach is as accurate as a centralized method, scales well to large teams, and is resistant to noise.