cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disease Severity and Immune Activity Relate to Distinct Interkingdom Gut Microbiome States in Ethnically Distinct Ulcerative Colitis Patients

ABSTRACT Significant gut microbiota heterogeneity exists among ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, though the clinical implications of this variance are unknown. We hypothesized that ethnically distinct UC patients exhibit discrete gut microbiotas with unique metabolic programming that differentially influence immune activity and clinical status. Using parallel 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer 2 sequencing of fecal samples (UC, 30; healthy, 13), we corroborated previous observations of UC-associated bacterial diversity depletion and demonstrated significant Saccharomycetales expansion as characteristic of UC gut dysbiosis. Furthermore, we identified four distinct microbial community states (MCSs) within our cohort, confirmed their existence in an independent UC cohort, and demonstrated their coassociation with both patient ethnicity and disease severity. Each MCS was uniquely enriched for specific amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism pathways and exhibited significant luminal enrichment of the metabolic products of these pathways. Using a novel ex vivo human dendritic cell and T-cell coculture assay, we showed that exposure to fecal water from UC patients caused significant Th2 skewing in CD4+ T-cell populations compared to that of healthy participants. In addition, fecal water from patients in whom their MCS was associated with the highest level of disease severity induced the most dramatic Th2 skewing. Combined with future investigations, these observations could lead to the identification of highly resolved UC subsets based on defined microbial gradients or discrete microbial features that may be exploited for the development of novel, more effective therapies. IMPORTANCE Despite years of research, the etiology of UC remains enigmatic. Diagnosis is difficult and the patient population heterogeneous, which represents a significant barrier to the development of more effective, tailored therapy. In this study, we demonstrate the clinical utility of the gut microbiome in stratifying UC patients by identifying the existence of four distinct interkingdom pathogenic microbiotas within the UC patient population that are compositionally and metabolically distinct, covary with clinical markers of disease severity, and drive discrete CD4+ T-cell expansions ex vivo. These findings offer new insight into the potential value of the gut microbiome as a tool for subdividing UC patients, opening avenues to the development of more personalized treatment plans and targeted therapies.
Early Detection of Corpus Callosum Growth Impairment in Premature Infants

The effect of preterm birth on the serial growth of the corpus callosum and cerebellar vermis and the earliest time of detected impairment were studied by cranial ultrasonography in 61 very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants (<33 weeks gestation; <1500 gms) admitted to a single regional level III NICU from 1998 to 2000 at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.
The Automation-by-Expertise-by-Training Interaction.

Objective:I introduce the automation-by-expertise-by-training interaction in automated systems and discuss its influence on operator performance.Background:Transportation accidents that, across a 3...
Righting past wrongs: A superintendent’s social justice leadership for dual language education along the U.S.-Mexico border

The role of superintendents in adopting and developing dual language education and other equity-oriented reforms that support the unique needs of Latina/o emergent bilinguals is a relatively unexplored area in educational leadership and policy research. Drawing upon theories of social justice leadership, this article examines how one superintendent in the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) engaged in leadership to address injustices against Mexican and Mexican-American emergent bilinguals through the implementation of district-wide dual language education. EPISD provided a strategic site for this study because the previous superintendent and administration were part of a large-scale cheating scandal that “disappeared” hundreds of Mexican and Mexican-American students. This study highlights the important role of the superintendent in supporting equity-oriented school reforms such as dual language education, identifies specific actions and values pertinent to social justice leadership at the district level, and describes the ways leaders can take advantage of political opportunities, frame educational injustices in ways that mobilize key stakeholders, and utilize networks and grassroots movements for social justice means. The article concludes with implications for future research.
Theory and Application of Three-Dimensional Treatment of Pool-Type Liquid-Metal Fast Breeder Reactor Components

Evaluation of the structural safety of reactors often involves the analysis of various types of fluid-structural components interacting in three-dimensional space. For example, in the design of a p...
A Psychological Re-Examination of Mental Health Problems among the 9/11 Terrorists

ABSTRACTMore than 15 years have passed since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, and a comprehensive re-examination of the 9/11 attackers is now warranted. Research on the psychology of terrorists has evolved dramatically, and there is also new information on some offenders. The present study provides the available psychological and psychiatric evidence on each of the 9/11 pilots, muscle hijackers, and thwarted hijackers who intended to participate in the “planes operation.” Overall, findings suggest that the 9/11 terrorists may have had significantly more mental health problems than previously assumed, and the leaders who planned 9/11 personally approved suicide attackers with prior histories of mental illness. By widely publicizing this information, security officials may be able to more effectively delegitimize suicide terrorism and reduce the number of individuals who would consider funding, supporting, or committing these deadly attacks.
Genetic Polymorphisms of CFH and ARMS2 Do Not Predict Response to Antioxidants and Zinc in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Independent Statistical Evaluations of Data from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study.

Purpose Considerable controversy has erupted in recent years regarding whether genotyping should be part of standard care for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who are being considered for treatment with antioxidants and zinc. We aimed to determine whether genotype predicts response to supplements in AMD. Design Three separate statistical teams reanalyzed data derived from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), receiving data prepared by the AREDS investigators and, separately, data from investigators reporting findings that support the use of genotyping. Participants The population of interest was AREDS participants with AMD worse than category 1 and genotyping data available. Data from the 2 groups overlap imperfectly with respect to measurements made: the largest common set involved 879 participants for whom the same CFH and ARMS2 single nucleotide polymorphisms were measured by both groups. Methods Each team took a separate but complementary approach. One team focused on data concordance between conflicting studies. A second team focused on replicating the key claim of an interaction between genotype and treatment. The third team took a blank slate approach in attempting to find baseline predictors of treatment response. Main Outcome Measures Progression to advanced AMD. Results We found errors in the data used to support the initial claim of genotype–treatment interaction. Although we found evidence that high-risk patients had more to gain from treatment, we were unable to replicate any genotype–treatment interactions after adjusting for multiple testing. We tested 1 genotype claim on an independent set of data, with negative results. Even if we assumed that interactions in fact did exist, we did not find evidence to support the claim that supplementation leads to a large increase in the risk of advanced AMD in some genotype subgroups. Conclusions Patients who meet criteria for supplements to prevent AMD progression should be offered zinc and antioxidants without consideration of genotype.
Climate change: Grazing and nitrous oxide.

Most emissions of nitrous oxide from semi-arid, temperate grasslands usually occur during the spring thaw. The effects that grazing has on plant litter and snow cover dramatically reduce these seasonal emissions.
Administrative and structural changes in student evaluations of teaching and their effects on overall instructor scores

AbstractUsing nine years of student evaluation of teaching (SET) data from a large US research university, we examine whether changes to the SET instrument have a substantial impact on overall instructor scores. Our study exploits four distinct natural experiments that arose when the SET instrument was changed. To maximise power, we compare the same course/instructor before and after each of the four changes occurred. We find that switching from in-class, paper course evaluations to online evaluations generates an average change of −0.14 points on a five-point scale, or 0.25 standard deviations (SDs) in the overall instructor ratings. Changing labelling of the scale and the wording of the overall instructor question generates another decrease in the average rating: −0.15 of a point (0.27 SDs). In contrast, extending the evaluation period to include the final examination and offering an incentive (early grade release) for completing the evaluations do not have a statistically significant effect on the over...
Fate of hopane biomarkers during in-situ burning of crude oil - A laboratory-scale study.

Abstract In-situ burning (ISB) is a remediation strategy that is used for managing oil spills. ISB generates heavy residues that can submerge and negatively impact benthic environments. To track the fate of toxic contaminants in ISB residues, a conservative hopane biomarker, such as C30-αβ hopane, is often used. Furthermore, diagnostic ratios of various hopanes are used for source oil identification. Use of these biomarkers assume that during ISB the quantity of C30-αβ hopane will be conserved, and the diagnostic ratios of various hopanes will be stable. The objective of this study is to test the validity of these two assumptions. We conducted laboratory-scale ISB experiments using a model oil prepared from commercial C30-αβ hopane standard, and a reference crude oil. Laboratory data collected under controlled burning conditions show that C30-αβ hopane will not be conserved; however, the diagnostic ratios of hopanes will still remain fairly stable.
Garcilaso’s Third Eclogue, Verses 65-68: The Tagus River, Exile, and Caesar’s Campaign in Gaul

La primera descripcion que hace Garcilaso de la Vega del rio Tajo en la Egloga tercera alude claramente a la Guerra de las Galias de Julio Cesar y la descripcion que hace este del rio Arar (hoy dia conocido como Saona). El presente estudio investiga las razones de esta sorprendente alusion y procura demostrar que el uso del texto cesariano como modelo funciona como una referencia al destierro de Garcilaso por el Emperador Carlos V. Con esta referencia Garcilaso lamenta su exilio a la vez que celebra la ciudad de Toledo y su rio que, a causa de ese destierro, jamas volveria a ver.
The Anthropological Usefulness of Highly Polymorphic Systems

In 1919 Hirszfeld and Hirszfeld published the first studies of human populations using the newly discovered ABO blood groups. Since that time an extensive array of hereditary markers have been defined on erythrocytes, leukocytes, plasma proteins, and erythrocyte and leukocyte enzymes. Some are of no anthropological use because only rare variants occur, while others are highly polymorphic. For working purposes, we will call a trait polymorphic if the frequency of at least one allele is greater than 1% and highly polymorphic if one or more alleles have frequency(ies) of 10% or more. Some genetic polymorphisms are of limited anthropological usefulness because the polymorphic allele only occurs in a single population, e.g., K, Js a , and Di a are limited to Caucasians, Black Africans, and Orientals, respectively (Mourant, Kopec, and Domaniewska-Sobczak, 1976).
Cuprous Ion Doped Crystals for Tunable Lasers

Studies of copper-doped silicate and fluoride glasses demonstrated that intense fluorescence could be obtained from cuprous ions in the 350–900 nm region, and that laser gain could be achieved under certain circumstances. However, solarization of the glass hosts by the UV pump light introduced a loss at the potential laser wavelengths, preventing laser oscillation. A crystalline host having a non-inversion symmetry site for the cuprous ions would maintain the large oscillator strength while possibly avoiding this solarization loss. We determined that Cu+1 doped crystals such as RbMgF3 exhibit strong fluorescence apparently without the solarization problem.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy for centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma: outcomes and toxicities

To examine safety and efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma (CL-HCC). Fifty-three patients with CL-HCC were treated with SBRT from 2011 to 2017 in our institution. CL-HCC was defined as a tumor sited in segments 4, 5, or 8 adjacent to the hepatic hilum, or 70 vs ≤ 70 Gy) 96.9 vs 72.5%, p = 0.01. The 2-year rates for disease-specific and overall survival were 53.2 and 39.1%, respectively. The incidence of any Grade ≥ 3 AE was 9 (17.0%). There were no grade 5 AEs. There was a trend toward an increased risk of grade ≥ 3 AE with mean liver dose > 10 Gy (p = 0.07). In the present cohort, SBRT to the CL-HCC produced excellent treatment response with acceptable HBT and LC. Select HCC patients who are not candidates for surgery or other locoregional therapies can be considered for SBRT to the central liver.
The infant with severe bronchiolitis: from high flow nasal cannula to continuous positive airway pressure and mechanical ventilation

Bronchiolitis is one of the most frequent reasons for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admission in children less than 1 year of age. It causes a wide spectrum of clinical scenarios from mild to severe respiratory failure and supportive therapy range from high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) to nonconventional ventilation and extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the most severe forms. Aim of this article is to review the available ventilation mode in children with bronchiolitis and the scientific evidence. The main medical databases were explored to search for clinical trials that address management strategies for respiratory support of infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. HFNC use is increasing and it seems to be useful as first line therapy in the emergency room and in the pediatric ward to prevent PICU admission but it is not clear yet if it is equivalent to noninvasive ventilation (NIV). NIV use in bronchiolitis is well established, mainly in continuous positive airway pressure mode in moderate and severe bronchiolitis. A mild evidence towards use of NIV to prevent endotracheal intubation is raising from few studies. Finally, for patients who failed a NIV trial, endotracheal intubation should be considered as the best option to support ventilation with conventional, nonconventional mode and ECMO in the most severe acute respiratory distress syndromes. There is a lack of quality studies for the use of any of the proposed ventilatory support in infants with bronchiolitis, especially in the severe forms. Nevertheless, in the last two decades daily use of noninvasive positive pressure supports have reached a large consensus based on clinical judgement and weak published evidence. We need specific and clear guidelines on which is the optimal management of these patients, and more robust randomized clinical trials to best evaluate timing and efficacy of HFNC and NIV use.
RNA-seq in Skeletal Biology

The goal of this paper is to review state-of-the-art transcriptome profiling methods and their recent applications in the field of skeletal biology. Next-generation sequencing of mRNA (RNA-seq) methods have been established and routinely used in skeletal biology research. RNA-seq has led to the identification of novel genes and transcription factors involved in skeletal development and disease, through its application in small and large animal models, as well as human tissue and cells. With the availability of advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA-seq, novel cell types in skeletal tissues are being identified. As the sequencing technologies are rapidly evolving, the exciting discoveries supported by transcriptomics will continue to emerge and improve our understanding of the biology of the skeleton.
Perceptions of the past and schooling for missionary kids An introduction to the dialogue on sacred children and colonial subsidies

In this brief piece, I present an introduction to a conversation on decisions surrounding the education of missionary children in the Belgian Congo during the period 1946 to 1959. This conversation...
Latinx Community College Students’ Transition to a 4-Year Public Research-Intensive University:

This ethnographic case study examined how 16 Latinx community college students experienced the transition to a selective 4-year public research-intensive university. Participants encountered challe...
A review of adaptive sport opportunities for power wheelchair users.

Purpose: To identify adaptive sports opportunities for individuals who use powered wheelchairs for their primary means of mobility, and to determine barriers and facilitators for new sporting oppor...
Balancing Functionality versus Portability for SMART on FHIR Applications: Case Study for a Neonatal Bilirubin Management Application

SMART on FHIR applications are standards-based tools integrated with electronic health record (EHR) systems and intended for dissemination across EHR platforms. A key challenge for disseminating many apps is that EHR vendors provide different levels of support for FHIR. Thus, app developers must balance functionality versus portability. In this case study, a feature-rich app for neonatal bilirubin management was developed prioritizing physician-requested functionality, with custom FHIR interfaces implemented within the EHR as needed. Following wide intra-institutional use, several approaches are being pursued for adapting the app for cross-institutional dissemination: user surveys and interviews to identify least-valued app features which could potentially be omitted; enabling the application to provide differential features depending on available EHR FHIR capabilities; replacing custom FHIR interfaces with native EHR FHIR interfaces as they became available; and using a canonical logical data model known as QUICK that can be mapped to different FHIR versions and profiles.
Profiles in Practice: Stories of Paleontology Within an Online, Scientific Community

The Community of Practice framework has been used theoretically and empirically to describe the diverse ways people learn from one another through social interaction in a variety of specific contexts. To date, most research of this genre has favored investigating the community and domain constructs of the theory over the authentic practice construct. Those interested in recognizing and supporting science learning in non-school contexts across a lifespan are then limited in efforts to delineate how communities engage in domain-specific practice. This is especially relevant in the study of online environments which afford more democratic forms of participation. With the goal of adding to both theoretical and practical knowledge, this study explored practices that members enacted on a community-based website specific to the domain of paleontology. We used a multiple case study approach to provide comparative and contrasting narratives concerning the development of practice within an online, scientific community. Methods consisted of downloading data from the website, including members’ self-described attributes within member profiles, followed by their contributions to three of the website’s features: the forums, activity feed, and messages. An analytical framework which typified members based on their self-described attributes was applied, then members’ contributions were coded using an empirically based Communities of Practice framework. For one of the first times, we identified practice within an online, scientific community through comparing the contributions of three community members, finding that practice consisted of providing social support to other community members and having domain-based conversations.
Perceptions of Fathers’ Confirmation and Affection as Mediators of Masculinity and Relational Quality in Father-Child Relationships

This study tested confirmation and affection as mediators of father’s traditional and new masculinity and young adults’ satisfaction and closeness with father. Participants included 227 young adult...
Risk-Taking Behavior and Management Ownership in Depository Institutions

We examine the relation between risk and ownership structure among depository institutions. The empirical results provide evidence that the relation between ownership by managers and various measures of depository institution risk is negative and significant suggesting that as managerial ownership increases, the level of risk-taking decreases. This finding, which supports a risk aversion hypothesis, is consistent across several risk measures. Furthermore, we document greater risk and greater risk aversion for savings institutions relative to commercial banks.
Diagnostic, Surgical, and Technical Considerations for Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Patients with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Osteoporosis is increasing in incidence as the ageing population continues to grow. Decreased bone mineral density poses a challenge for the spine surgeon. In patients requiring lumbar interbody fusion, differences in diagnostics and surgical approaches may be warranted. In this systematic review, the authors examine studies performing lumbar interbody fusion in patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis and suggest avenues for future study. Methods: A systematic literature review of the PubMed and MEDLINE databases was performed for studies published between 1986 and 2020. Studies evaluating diagnostics, surgical approaches, and other technical considerations were included. Results: A total of 13 articles were ultimately selected for qualitative analysis. This includes studies demonstrating the utility of Hounsfield units in diagnosis, a survey of surgical approaches, as well as exploring the use of vertebral augmentation and cortical bone screw trajectory. Conclusions: This systematic review provides a summary of preliminary findings with respect to the use of Hounsfield units as a diagnostic tool, the benefit or lack thereof with respect to minimally invasive approaches, and the question of whether or not cement augmentation or cortical bone trajectory confers benefit in osteoporotic patients undergoing lumbar interbody fusion. While the findings of these studies are promising, the current state of the literature is limited in scope and, for this reason, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from these data. The authors highlight gaps in the literature and the need for further exploration and study of lumbar interbody fusion in the osteoporotic spine.
A mobile technology-based cooperative learning platform for undergraduate biology courses in common college classrooms

As a high-impact educational practice, cooperative learning uses a structured group study to promote students' active learning. Currently, it lacks economical yet effective tools to facilitate the interactive nature of structured cooperative learning in regular classrooms. Here, we have established a mobile technology-based cooperative learning (MBCL) platform that comprises the 2018 iPad, Apple Pencil, LiveBoard, Google Forms, and Google Drive. We tested the MBCL platform in multiple undergraduate biology courses. During semester-long MBCL studies, the students engaged in cooperative learning to discuss a real-life issue or chapter-based contents. With the MBCL platform, the students' group study processes were shown on shared, visible electronic whiteboards that were updated in real-time, generating visible thinking and instant, interactive communication. The instructor was able to guide the students promptly to conduct knowledge integration and knowledge synthesis using tables and diagrams. The deep learning outcome was evident in the examples and quantitative analyses of students' whiteboard study results and team presentations. Thus, integrating innovative mobile technologies into high-impact teaching practices, exemplified by the MBCL platform, promotes deep learning in higher education.
Association of Gestational Opioid Exposure and Risk of Major and Minor Congenital Malformations

Importance The rapid increase of opioid-related overdoses and deaths has become a public health concern in the US. Use of prescription opioids in pregnant women has increased; results from teratogenicity studies remain controversial. Objective To evaluate the association between maternal prescription opioid use (excluding opioid use disorders) during pregnancy and the incidence of congenital malformations. Design, setting, and participants This retrospective population-based cohort study evaluated linked Rhode Island Medicaid claims and vital statistics data of live births from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2016. Data analysis was conducted from May 1, 2019, to May 31, 2020. Women who had a live birth during the study period, but no cancer or opioid use disorder, were followed up from 3 months before pregnancy to the end of pregnancy. Exposures Data on the mother's prescription opioid exposure were obtained through pharmacy claims and exposure was defined as dispensing of at least 1 prescription opioid during the first, second, or third trimester. Main outcomes and measures The primary outcome was overall major or minor congenital malformations, defined as 1 or more major or minor congenital malformation. Secondary outcomes were defined as 10 specific categories of congenital malformations classified by organ systems using International Classification of Diseases diagnosis codes. Results Of 12 424 included pregnancies, 891 mothers (7.2%) received prescription opioids during pregnancy and 3153 infants (25.4%) were diagnosed with major or minor congenital malformations. Comparing prescription opioid exposure vs nonexposure, no excess risk was observed for major birth defects in infants with opioid exposure in trimester 1 (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.40; 95% CI, 0.84-2.34), and higher risks were found for overall minor birth defects in trimester 3 (aRR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04-1.53) and minor birth defects in the musculoskeletal system in trimester 2 (aRR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.10-2.03) and trimester 3 (aRR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.23-2.22). Significant dose responses in selected minor malformations and effects of specific opioids were also identified. Hydrocodone in trimester 2 (aRR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.80-5.03) and oxycodone in trimester 3 (aRR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.37-4.02) were associated with plagiocephaly, polydactyly, and other specified congenital deformities of the hip. Conclusions and relevance The findings of this study suggest a higher risk of minor congenital malformations associated with use of prenatal prescription opioids in trimester 3, which seems to be dose-dependent. Further investigation is needed to establish causality and explore the physiologic plausibility of the association.
Surgical Resection After Talimogene Laherparepvec for Melanoma: Persistent Fuorodeoxyglucose Avidity on Positron Emission Tomography Despite No Viable Disease.

Background Talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC) is an injectable attenuated oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) used in the treatment of loco regionally metastatic melanoma. Lesions managed by TVEC are generally considered unresectable at time of initiation of intralesional therapy; however, a subset of patients go on to have surgical resection of loco regionally controlled disease. We sought to review our experience with surgical excision of treated lesions to offer an insight into the radiologic correlate, treatment effect, and pathological findings of intralesional TVEC therapy. Methods This is a retrospective descriptive case series of patients who underwent TVEC injection at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, between October 2016 and July 2020. Institutional Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Results Twenty-one patients underwent intralesional TVEC, met inclusion criteria, and were included in this series. Seven went on to surgical excision of the injected lesions after an initial course of TVEC. Of those 7 patients, 4 had residual melanoma in the specimen on final pathology, while 3 had a complete pathologic response. All 3 patients who had no residual disease on pathology continued to have fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avidity on preoperative positron emission tomography scan of the excised lesions. Discussion Despite ongoing FDG avidity on PET scan, patients who have well-controlled disease and stability over time of the injected lesions may benefit from surgical excision following a course of TVEC. This may render the patient clinically disease free and/or allow them a reprieve from TVEC treatment.
Analysis of Plasma Parameters and Conditions Required for Reconfigurable Antennas

As any electrical conductor, weakly ionized plasmas can be potentially used in RF antennas, but since plasmas can be turned on and off and their properties can be changed, plasmas could form a basis for reconfigurable antennas and arrays. Modeling of resonant dipole antennas shows that if the plasma conductivity exceeds a certain level, the antenna gain should be within a few dB of similar metallic antennas. Simulation of antenna arrays also demonstrates that cross-coupling between plasma array elements would be considerably lower than that between metallic dipoles, thus giving plasma an advantage.
Public Spending on Income-Tested Social Welfare Programs for Investment and Consumption Purposes

L'A. rappelle que Bill Clinton a affirme, en ce qui concerne les programmes sociaux, la necessite d'accroitre les investissements dans le domaine public en meme temps que la diminution des depenses de l'etat en matiere de consommation. Il etudie l'evolution des depenses publiques entre 1975 et 1992. Il s'interesse plus particulierement aux programmes sociaux en faveur des familles et des individus a bas revenu. Il montre que la part des depenses publiques en matiere d'investissement dans le domaine des programmes sociaux tend a decroitre sur toute cette periode mais que les depenses en matiere de consommation croissent
Myths and truths about coaching: How to acquire right perspective to enhance leadership excellence

Purpose – Demonstrates how to acquire right perspective to enhance leadership excellence. Design/methodology/approach – Considers 14 myths about coaching and puts forward an alternative viewpoint. Findings – Defines coaching as a process of hand-holding, questioning, listening, guiding and sharing knowledge and expertise. Practical implications – Shows that coaching helps people to acquire skills, abilities and knowledge to enhance their leadership excellence. Social implications – Seeks strong support from all stakeholders including educators, trainers, mentors and counselors to differentiate coaching from other disciplines. Originality/value – Turns the spotlight on coaching as a specialism that can make a difference to the lives of learners.
Accuracy of surface current velocity measurements obtained from HF radar in Corpus Christi Bay, Texas

Surface current mapping by means of high frequency radar is an operational oceanographic tool. Researchers have identified the basic sources of error associated with this technology. Further research evaluating errors relating to the HF radar system and corresponding algorithms can facilitate coastal environment data assimilation. Uncertainty due to two sources of error is studied to obtain a more complete accuracy of the HF radar-measured total surface current velocity vectors. The error sources include geometry of the two station HF radar system and limits of the deep-water wave assumption of the algorithm that calculates current velocity from the HF radar signal. The latter is of particular interest to our work in a shallow environment such as Corpus Christi Bay. Water depths in portions of this and other Texas bays will push the limits of the deep-water assumption for the wavelengths of interest. A map of Corpus Christi Bay illustrating quantified GDOP for each point on the radar grid and an applicable matrix transformation that accounts for error due to the deep water wave assumption. The deep water assumption error is quantified and shown to be minimal for depths as shallow as one meter
Suppression of Immune Responses to Protozoan Parasites

This chapter focuses on three protozoan parasites: malaria, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma cruzi, that have in common their transmission by insect vectors, their intracellular lifestyle in the mammalian host, and the requirement for Th1 responses to control these infections. It discusses the mechanisms used by these parasites to actively suppress the development and/or expression of cell-mediated immunity that contribute to the state of equilibrium that is established between the host and the parasite in sites of chronic infection. The chapter describes the manner in which protozoan pathogens have learned to condition their initial encounter with dendritic cells (DCs) as a means to suppress or delay the onset of the adaptive response. Infection with T. cruzi parasites typically produces an acute blood and tissue parasitemia that is controlled, followed by long-term persistence of low numbers of parasites in muscle and nerve tissue, leading to chronic inflammation in these tissues and the formation of Chagas’ disease. In leishmaniasis, there has been a concerted effort to understand the immunologic defects controlling both the delayed onset of acquired resistance and the long-term persistence of organisms in the immune host following clinical cure. The chapter talks about a number of regulatory T-cell populations that have in common their ability to suppress the generation and function of effector T cells. For T. cruzi, its ability to infect any nucleated cell type and to subsequently escape from endocytic vacuoles, allows it to persist in cell types and in an intracellular compartment that minimizes exposure to the toxic metabolites of activated cells.
Cosmic Explosions in an Accelerating Universe

Measurements of the distance to supernova explosions are providing new insights into fundamental cosmological questions. Recent observations indicate that the universe9s expansion is accelerating, contrary to previous assumptions. If confirmed, the results will revive the concept of the cosmological constant, that is, the action of some repulsive force on the largest scales of the universe, and imply that the universe will expand forever.
Building better monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics.

How can we improve the design of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to treat cancer? In this Review, George J. Weiner discusses the characteristics of mAbs that can affect their efficacy, the current approaches that use mAbs in cancer treatment and the numerous ways to enhance the potential of these mAb-based techniques.
Relation of Posterior Cerebellar Volume to Cognition in MS

Investigators from the Montreal Neurological Institute, York University, Universities of Toronto and McGill, Canada, and University of Pennsylvania, studied the relationship between cerebellar pathology and cognitive function in adolescent and pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS).
Febrile Ulceronecrotic Mucha‐habermann Disease: a Rare, Severe Variant

A 56 year old Hispanic man presented with extensive ulcerative skin lesions, involving his lower trunk, groin and upper legs, severe pain and a temperature of 38.7 degrees Celsius. He was admitted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit for empiric intravenous antibiotics. Several biopsies were performed. In the following days his condition worsened and ulcerative lesions involved nearly all of his skin. Previous biopsies were consistent with pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA), however, neither this, nor others in the histological differential diagnosis, fit his severe and worsening clinical picture. Histology revealed vacuolar alteration with dyskeratotic keratinocytes and a superficial perivascular mixed infiltrate of lymphocytes and eosinophils. There was confluent parakeratosis containing neutrophils, and a diminished granular layer with pallor in the upper portion of the spinous layer. Immunofluorescence studies were negative. These findings were consistent with PLEVA. A clinical diagnosis of febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha-Habermann disease was made. Febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha-Habermann disease is a rare and severe variant of PLEVA characterised by high fever and papulonecrotic skin lesions. Twenty-five cases have been previously reported. We present the clinical and histological findings in this unusual clinical presentation.
Identification and characterization of δB-CaM kinase and δC-CaM kinase from rat heart, two new multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase isoforms

We have identified, expressed and characterized two new isoforms of the multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaM kinase) cloned from rat heart. Both isoforms are variants of the neuronal delta-CaM kinase (termed delta A-CaM kinase), and are designated as delta B-CaM kinase and delta C-CaM kinase. The new isoforms differ from delta A-CaM kinase in its isoform-specific insert region, between nucleotides 984 to 1087 of the delta A-CaM kinase cDNA. Replacing these 102 nucleotides, a sequence of 33 nucleotides which code for 11 amino acids (KRKSSSSQMM) are introduced in delta B-CaM kinase. The delta C-CaM kinase lacks all 102 nucleotides and the corresponding 34 amino acids which they encode. The predicted molecular masses of the delta B- and delta C-CaM kinase isoforms are 57,697 Da and 56,446 Da, respectively. Recombinant delta-CaM kinases purified from transfected COS-7 cells were found to associate into a larger holoenzyme estimated to contain 8 to 10 subunits. The relative subunit molecular masses on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis are 59 kDa, 54 kDa and 52 kDa for delta A-, delta B- and delta C-CaM kinase, respectively. All three isoforms showed a strict dependence on Ca2+/calmodulin for activity and exhibited the Ca(2+)-dependent autophosphorylation and resultant conversion to Ca(2+)-independent kinase activity, characteristic features of multifunctional CaM kinase. Phosphopeptide analysis after partial CNBr digestion suggests that delta B-CaM kinase is the predominant soluble CaM kinase species purified from rat heart.
Euro M&A: Dealmakers rethink their strategies

M&A (merger and acquisition) activities in the European Union expanded steadily in the 1990s, reaching a peak in 1999 and 2000. But there was a big slowdown after that, due to a faltering global economy, the 9/11 attacks, and fears of terrorism and regulatory changes. Many firms were forced to rethink their M&A strategies. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alteration of cerebrospinal fluid findings by partial treatment of bacterial meningitis

Standard laboratory tests of cerebrospinal fluid were analyzed in 79 pediatric patients with acute meningitis. Forty-one patients were diagnosed prior to treatment as having bacterial or aseptic meningitis based on bacterial cultures of the cerebrospinal fluid and blood. Data of 38 partially treated children (prior to admission to hospital) were compared to the results of comparable tests observed in the untreated patients. Two partially treated patients had cell and differential counts characteristic of aseptic meningitis and had positive bacterial cultures; ten partially treated patients with a cellular response typical of bacterial meningitis had negative cultures. Two patients with glucose and protein values consistent with bacterial meningitis had aseptic type cellular responses and negative cultures. The apparent alteration of cell and differential counts and bacterial culture results in different patients following partial treatment suggests the possibility that all commonly employed tests could be altered by such treatment in an individual patient with bacterial meningitis.
High Throughput Testing

Several IFPA programs having large quantities of deliverable devices provided Rockwell with the necessity of solving the many problems associated with high volume production. The facility contains processing, assembly, and cryogenic testing equipment.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
CETP inhibitors downregulate hepatic LDL receptor and PCSK9 expression in vitro and in vivo through a SREBP2 dependent mechanism

Background CETP inhibitors block the transfer of cholesteryl ester from HDL-C to VLDL-C and LDL-C, thereby raising HDL-C and lowering LDL-C. In this study, we explored the effect of CETP inhibitors on hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR) and PCSK9 expression and further elucidated the underlying regulatory mechanism.
Validity of severity scores in hospitalized patients with nursing home-acquired pneumonia.

Background Several severity scores have been advanced to predict a patient's outcome from community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of confusion, urea, respiratory rate, BP (CURB); CURB plus age ≥ 65 years (CURB-65); CURB-65 minus urea (CRB-65); and systolic BP, oxygenation, age, and respiratory rate (SOAR) scoring systems in predicting 30-day mortality and ICU admission in patients with nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP). Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of 457 nursing home residents hospitalized with pneumonia at two university-affiliated tertiary care facilities. Clinical and laboratory features were used to compute severity scores using the British Thoracic Society severity rules and the SOAR criteria. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were compared for need for ICU admission and 30-day mortality. Results The overall 30-day mortality and ICU admission rates were 23% and 25%, respectively. CURB, CURB-65, and CRB-65 performed similarly in predicting mortality with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of 0.605 (95% CI, 0.559-0.650), 0.593 (95% CI, 0.546-0.638), and 0.592 (95% CI, 0.546-0.638), respectively, whereas SOAR showed superior accuracy with an AUC of 0.765 (95% CI, 0.724-0.803) (P Conclusions All three British Thoracic Society rules had lower performance accuracy in predicting 30-day mortality of hospitalized NHAP than SOAR. SOAR is also a superior alternative for better identification of severe NHAP. An improved rule for severity assessment of hospitalized NHAP is needed.
Optimizing sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] root and plantlet formation by selection of proper embryo developmental stage and size, and gel type for fluidized sowing

Potassium starch polyacrylamide, potassium acrylate, a copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide, and hydroxyethylcellulose carrier gels were tested to find a fluid drilling material suited for synthetic seeding of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) somatic embryos. Somatic embryo developmental stage and size, and maturation (incubation) time were also evaluated to improve plantlet formation. All embryos suspended in the fluidized hydroxyethylcellulose gel were viable after six days and 7% developed into plantlets after two weeks. Up to 97% of the somatic embryos suspended in acrylate and/or acrylamide gels died within six days. Root development was at least 10% and plantlet development at least 30% greater when embryos were subcultured on basal medium for 16 instead of 25 days prior to placement and suspension in hydroxyethylcellulose gel. Up to 25% more plantlets were obtained from embryos at the elongated torpedo stage than those at the cotyledonary or torpedo stages of development. When suspended in hydroxyethylcellulose gel embryo length had no effect on the percentage of plantlets obtained.
Modelling the effects of recrystallization on the flow behavior during hot deformation by modifying an existing constitutive model II: Predictive and fitting capabilities

Abstract The predictive and fitting capabilities of MATMOD-ReX are demonstrated by simulations using type 316 stainless steel and mild steel material constants. Lack of adequate data prevents the one-to-one comparison of computer predictions with data but the model is shown to simulate flow stress peaks, flow stress oscillations, the effects of strain rate and temperature on the flow behavior during hot deformation, complete annealing due to static recrystallization, and other observed effects of recrystallization on the flow behavior of steel during hot deformation and multipass forming operations.
Using Ordinary Least Squares Software to Compute Combined Intra-Interblock Estimates of Treatment Contrasts

Abstract Consideration is given to the computational aspects of the analysis of data from a comparative study, involving two or more treatments, in which the experimental units are arranged in b blocks. It may seem desirable, in making inferences about treatment contrasts, to carry out a combined intra-interblock analysis. Practitioners are sometimes reluctant to employ this analysis because of the computational requirements, which they regard as severe, and because they may not have ready access to directly applicable computer software. It is shown that by augmenting the actual data with b pseudo-observations, all of the computations can be accomplished efficiently, using only ordinary least squares software.
Characterization of interfacial chemistry of adhesive/dentin bond using FTIR chemical imaging with univariate and multivariate data processing

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) chemical imaging can be used to investigate molecular chemical features of the adhesive/dentin interfaces. However, the information is not straightforward and is not easily extracted. The objective of this study was to use multivariate analysis methods, principal component analysis, and fuzzy c-means clustering and to analyze spectral data in comparison with univariate analysis. The spectral imaging data collected from both the adhesive/healthy dentin and adhesive/caries-affected dentin specimens were used and compared. The univariate statistical methods such as mapping of intensities of specific functional group do not always accurately identify functional group locations and concentrations because of more or less band overlapping in adhesive and dentin. Apart from the ease with which information can be extracted, multivariate methods highlight subtle and often important changes in the spectra that are difficult to observe using univariate methods. The results showed that the multivariate methods gave more satisfactory, interpretable results than univariate methods and were conclusive in showing that they can discriminate and classify differences between healthy dentin and caries-affected dentin within the interfacial regions. It is demonstrated that the multivariate FTIR imaging approaches can be used in the rapid characterization of heterogeneous, complex structure.
Citedness scores for filtering information and ranking search results

There are many options available to savvy searchers to help focus topical searches. These include limiting the search to one or more specific fields, such as title, descriptor or abstract in full‐text databases to eliminate items where the search term(s) occur only in the full‐text, often just mentioned in passing. This article looks at systems that have a value‐added information element that shows users which documents are the most cited.