cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the Journal and the Field of Organization Design

This commentary reflects on how the themes in the Journal of Organization Design have evolved along with the field of organization design itself. Using topic modeling of abstracts, I assess the key topics or themes in the Journal of Organization Design and compare them to themes underlying design studies in mainstream management journals. I propose some mechanisms behind the differences and similarities and offer some implications for the future of the journal.
Elaborating the Human Aspect of the NIST Framework for Cyber-Physical Systems.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a Framework for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS Framework) that supports system engineering analysis, design, development, operat...
Hypogonadism is independently associated with varicocele repair in a contemporary cohort of men in the USA.

We aimed to identify demographic and clinical predictors of varicocele repair in a contemporary cohort of men in the USA. We queried the 2009–2015 MarketScan Database using relevant ICD9, ICD10, and CPT codes to identify all 18–45 year olds with varicoceles. Differences in age, area of residence, clinical characteristics, and medical management between men who did and did not undergo varicocelectomy (open, laparoscopic, or microsurgical) during the study period were compared using unpaired t-tests and Chi-squared tests for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate age, semen analyses, and serum hormone assessment as predictors of varicocele repair. SAS version 9.4 was used for all statistical analyses. Significance was set at P
Efficacy of Pharmacologic Therapy for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Goals:In order to provide a comparative evaluation of available pharmacologic treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), we conducted a network meta-analysis.Background:A variety of pharmacologic treatments for EoE have been reported, however there exists a paucity of direct comparisons.Study:We
Porcine somatotropin effects on performance, carcass and leg soundness traits of normal, carrier and stress susceptible swine

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of recombinantly-derived analog of porcine somatotropin (rpST) on growth, feed conversion and leg soundness characteristics of three stress-related genotypes. Ninety-six crossbred pigs (48 barrows, 48 gilts) of two replicates were classified as to their stress genotype (NN, Nn, nn) by halothane screening, S(AO) and H red blood cell typing, and biochemical polymorphisms of phosphohexose isomerase (Phi), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (Pgd) and serum postalbumin (Po2). Pigs of same sex and genotype were assigned, two to a pen, to receive daily administration of rpST (4 mg • hd) or excipient. The six treatment groups were NN excipi­ ent (NN), NN rpst (NNpST), Nn excipient (Nn), Nn rpST (NnpST), nn excipient (nn) and nn rpST (nnpST). Growth rate and feed intake were monitored from initiation of treatment at 109 kg pen weight (two penmates combined) to 109 kg individual pig weight. Soundness scores (1-9) were assigned by three observers at the beginning and the end of test period. After slaughter, six joints from each pig were scored for incidence and severity of osteochondrosis lesions using a 0 (none) to 3 (severe) scale. Treatment reduced days on test due to the average daily gain enhancement in rpST-treated pigs (.82±.02) compared to controls (.78±.02). A reduction in daily feed consumption (P < .001) occurred with rpST treatment and feed conversion ratio was also improved (19%, P < .001) with treatment. A treatment x genotype interaction (P < .001) was
Ovarian Hormones as a Source of Fluctuating Biological Vulnerability in Borderline Personality Disorder

To examine the potential role of ovarian hormones in biological vulnerability to borderline personality disorder (BPD). The review focuses primarily on research examining the menstrual cycle as a source of short-term lability of BPD symptom expression, while discussing the currently understudied possibility of ovarian hormone influence in the developmental course of BPD. Several patterns of menstrual cycle effects on BPD symptoms and relevant features in non-clinical samples have been observed in empirical studies. Most symptoms demonstrated patterns consistent with perimenstrual exacerbation; however, timing varied between high and low arousal symptoms, potentially reflecting differing mechanisms. Symptoms are typically lowest around ovulation, with an exception for proactive aggression and some forms of impulsive behaviors. Preliminary evidence suggests ovarian hormones may exert strong effects on BPD symptom expression, and further research is warranted examining mechanisms and developing interventions. Recommendations for researchers and clinicians working with BPD are provided.
The effect of CPAP on HRQOL as measured by the Quality of Well-Being Self Administered Questionaire (QWB-SA).

Background To examine the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as measured by the Quality of Well Being Self-Administered questionnaire (QWB-SA). Methods Participants from The Apnea Positive Pressure Long-term Efficacy Study (APPLES); a 6-month multicenter randomized, double-blinded intention to treat study, were included in this analysis. The participants with an apnea-hypopnea index >10 events/hour initially randomized to CPAP or Sham group were asked to complete QWB-SA at baseline, 2, 4, and 6-month visits. Results There were no group differences among either the CPAP or Sham groups. "Mean age was 52±12 [SD] years, AHI 40±25 events/hr, BMI 32±7.1 kg/m2, and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) 10±4 of 24 points." QWB-SA scores were available at baseline, and 2, 4 & 6 months after treatment in CPAP (n 558) and Sham CPAP (n 547) groups. There were no significant differences in QWB scores among mild, moderate or severe OSA participants at baseline. Modest improvement in QWB scores was noted at 2, 4 and 6- months among both Sham and CPAP groups (P <0.05). However, no differences were observed between Sham CPAP and CPAP at any time point. Comparison of the QWB-SA data from the current study with published data in populations with chronic illnesses demonstrated that the impact of OSA is no different than the effect of AIDS and arthritis. Conclusion Although the QoL measured by the QWB-SA was impaired in OSA it did not have direct proportionality to OSA severity.ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT00051363.
Aseptic Loosening at the Tibia in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Function of Cement Mantle Quality?

Abstract Background Aseptic loosening remains one of the leading causes for failure of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We sought to identify early radiographic measures that may associate with aseptic tibial component loosening, emphasizing systematic evaluation of the cement mantle. Methods All TKA revisions from 2007 to 2015 with the primary indication of tibial aseptic loosening were identified using in an institutional implant retrieval database. After exclusion criteria, 61 TKAs comprised the study group. A matched control group of 59 TKAs that had not failed at a minimum of 3 years was identified for comparison. Radiographic analysis on all 6-week postoperative radiographs included angulation of components, cement penetration depth, and presence of radiolucency at the implant-cement and bone-cement interfaces. Groups were compared with Student’s t-test, chi-squared test, and Mann-Whitney U-test. A final multivariable logistic regression model was formed for the outcome of aseptic loosening. Results On multivariable analysis, failure was associated with a greater number of zones with cement penetration Conclusion Our results suggest that radiographic indicators of poor cement mantle quality associate with later aseptic loosening. This emphasizes the need for surgeons to perform careful cement technique in order to reduce the risk of TKA failure. Level of Evidence III (Case-control).
CXCR4 expression in the bone marrow microenvironment is required for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell maintenance and early hematopoietic regeneration after myeloablation.

The bone marrow microenvironment/niche plays a key role in regulating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) activities, however mechanisms regulating niche cell function are not well understood. In this study, we show that niche intrinsic expression of the CXCR4 chemokine receptor critically regulates HSPC maintenance during study-state, and promotes early hematopoietic regeneration after myeloablative irradiation. At steady-state, chimeric mice with wild-type (WT) HSPC and marrow stroma that lack CXCR4 show decreased HSPC quiescence, and their repopulation capacity was markedly reduced. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) were significantly reduced in the bone marrow (BM) of CXCR4 deficient mice, which was accompanied by decreased levels of the HSPC supporting factors stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and stem cell factor (SCF). CXCR4 also plays a crucial role in survival and restoration of BM stromal cells after myeloablative irradiation, where loss of BM stromal cells was more severe in CXCR4 deficient mice compared to WT mice. In addition, transplantation of WT donor HSPC into CXCR4 deficient recipient mice demonstrated reduced HSPC homing and early hematopoietic reconstitution. We found that CXCR4 signaling attenuates irradiation-induced BM stromal cell loss by up-regulating the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Survivin via the PI3K pathway. Our study suggests that SDF-1-CXCR4 signaling in the stromal microenvironment cells plays a crucial role in maintenance of HSPCs during homeostasis, and promotes niche regeneration and early hematopoietic reconstitution after transplantation. Modulation of CXCR4 signaling in the HSPC microenvironment could be a means to enhance hematopoietic recovery after clinical hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Structure Theory of Baer ∗-Rings

Part 1 of the book dealt with more or less general Baer ∗-rings, liberally seasoned with such axioms of a general nature as are needed to make the arguments work. From here on, most arguments entail qualitative distinctions between Baer ∗-rings; a particular argument will generally apply only to certain kinds of Baer ∗-rings (with or with-out extra axioms-usually with). {Some analogous qualitative considerations in group theory: commutativity, finiteness, solvability, decomposability, simplicity, etc.} Such qualitative distinctions are the basis of structure theory.
KLF6-SV1 accelerates prostate cancer progression and metastasis

349 The molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from localized tumour to disseminated, hormone refractory prostate cancer (PCa) remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that increased tumor expression of KLF6-SV1, a splice variant of the KLF6 tumor suppressor gene, predicts a markedly poorer survival and disease recurrence profile in men following prostatectomy. As would be expected, KLF6-SV1 levels are specifically upregulated in hormone refractory, metastatic PCa. In two complementary mouse models, in vivo and ex vivo bioluminescent imaging of KLF6-SV1 overexpressing tumor cells demonstrated more rapid and frequent metastasis and increased dissemination to lymph nodes, bone, and brain, whereas increased KLF6-SV1 expression did not impact localized tumor growth. In accord with its role as a prosurvival protein, KLF6-SV1 inhibition using RNA interference induced spontaneous apoptosis in cell culture and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Together, these findings demonstrate that KLF6-SV1 expression levels, in tumors at the time of diagnosis or in genetically engineered cells, can define the metastatic behaviour of prostate cancer and that this "metastasis promoter gene" may thus represent a novel therapeutic target.
A Multifaceted Perspective of Pharmaceutical Innovation: A Consideration of the Regulatory Role

The pace of innovation, the creative engine of the pharmaceutical industry, has been variably described as stagnant, stable, or accelerating depending on the metric used for assessment or the quality of evidence. If the predominant perception holds that the speed of innovation is sluggish, pressure for changes in the regulatory environment intensifies. A systematic evaluation of the course of innovation in this industry was performed by applying a formula derived from economic market share theory to estimate the innovative contribution of each new molecular entity approved since 1938. The total and average innovation scores per year are described based on the therapeutic class, mechanism, and drug target. These data are compared to the number and percent of first-in-class drugs per year. The average annual score based on therapeutic class novelty has been declining; however, the therapeutic class total innovation score has been stable since the mid-1970s with occasional significant peaks of activity. While the average score based on mechanism or target experienced a decline beginning in the 1950s and 1960s, it has begun to rise since the early 1990s. Notably, the total innovation score has steadily increased since the 1970s. These variations closely parallel the number of first-in-class drugs approved on an annual basis. While the reasons underlying these activities are likely complex, there is a temporal association between regulatory efforts to expedite drug development and approval. These findings should be considered when considering future incentivizing regulations and policies.
Conclusion: Decay as Gift: Composting American Shit

This chapter focuses on the value of selected excremental fiction for environmentalist thinkers as they propose alternatives to ruinous systems of waste management. Because authors approach human waste as a resource for bringing readers home to our connectivity to each other and the world, they provide compelling visions of how readers might re-evaluate decay as fertile gift to the world. Rather than promoting zero waste, novelists explore forms of waste management that don’t promote pollution of environments, but instead work through our status as waste-producing bodies who can fertilize the world or poison it. Connecting insights from novels to a discussion of careful composting of waste to avoid pollution of waters, this chapter suggests that literary delight rather than disgust in our excremental nature provides rhetorical strategies that will be useful for larger environmental movements.
The Transition Metal Catalyzed [π2s + π2s + σ2s + σ2s] Pericyclic Reaction: Woodward-Hoffmann Rules, Aromaticity, and Electron Flow.

We have shown that the fundamental step responsible for enantioinduction in the inner-sphere asymmetric Tsuji allylic alkylation is C-C bond formation through a seven-membered pericyclic transition state. We employ an extensive series of quantum mechanics (QM) calculations to delineate how the electronic structure of the Pd-catalyzed C-C bond forming process controls the reaction. Phase inversion introduced by d orbitals renders the Pd-catalyzed [π2s + π2s + σ2s + σ2s] reaction symmetry-allowed in the ground state, proceeding through a transition state with Craig-Mobius-like σ-aromaticity. Lastly, we connect QM to fundamental valence bonding concepts by deriving an ab initio "arrow-pushing" mechanism that describes the flow of electron density through the reaction.
Making a scene: performance and Black maternal remembrances

This article draws attention to the oppositional critiques of History and Humanism four Black mothers performed as they (re)made public memories of their children who had been killed by state-sanct...
Methane dynamics of high-elevation lakes in the Sierra Nevada California: the role of elevation, temperature, and inorganic nutrients

Freshwater lakes are important but poorly constrained sources of methane (CH4) to the atmosphere, reflecting high but variable rates of CH4 production as well as limited and inconsistent measuremen...
Neutrino Oscillations through the Earth's Core

Neutrinos have two properties that make them fairly unique from other known particles: extremely low cross sections and flavor changing oscillations. With a good knowledge of the oscillation parameters soon in hand, it will become possible to detect low-energy atmospheric neutrinos sensitive to the forward elastic scattering off electrons in the Earth's core providing a measurement of the core properties and the matter effect itself. As the dynamics of the Earth's core are complicated and in a difficult to probe environment, additional information from upcoming neutrino experiments will provide feedback into our knowledge of geophysics as well as useful information about exoplanet formation and various new physics scenarios including dark matter. In addition, we can probe the existence of the matter effect in the Earth and constrain the non-standard neutrino interaction parameter $\epsilon_{ee}^\oplus$. We show how DUNE's sensitivity to low-energy atmospheric neutrino oscillations can provide a novel constraint on the density and radius of the Earth's core at the 9% level and the Earth's matter effect at the 5% level. Finally, we illuminate the physics behind low-energy atmospheric neutrino resonances in the Earth.
Older, Male Orthopaedic Surgeons From Southern Geographies Prescribe Higher Doses of Post-Operative Narcotics Than do their Counterparts: A Medicare Population Study

Purpose We wanted to evaluate opioid prescribing patterns among orthopaedic surgeons and to identify demographics that may be associated with more extensive opioid prescribing habits that could be candidates for targeted education policies. Methods Medicare Part D prescriber and prescription information for the most recent available year, 2017, was accessed via a publicly available database offered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Number of total prescriptions, number of opioid prescriptions, and the total days’ supply of opioids prescribed were analyzed for each of 19,219 orthopaedic surgeons. Demographics and board certification status were also recorded. Results Orthopaedic surgeons who wrote the most opioid prescriptions (>400 per year) also wrote the longest prescription durations (14.1 days/prescription, P Conclusion There are demographic correlations between orthopaedic surgeons and opioid prescribing patterns. In particular, male, older southern surgeons prescribe the highest volumes of opioids. This provides an opportunity for targeted education versus overarching, general policies. Potential directions for future investigation can focus on assessing recent trends in opioid prescriptions among orthopaedic providers. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Behavior-Based Coordination in Multi-Robot Systems

The successful deployment of a multi-robot system (MRS) requires an effective method of coordination to mediate the interactions among the robots and between the robots and the task environment in order for a given system-level task to be performed. The issue of choosing a particular action given inputs from potentially multiple sensors and behaviors is called action selection. In order to maximize the effectiveness of a MRS, the robots’ actions must be spatio-temporally coordinated and directed toward the achievement of a given system-level task or goal. Interaction through sensing can be used by a robot to model the behavior of other robots or to determine what another robot is doing in order to make decisions. The deliberative approach to robot control is usually computationally intensive due to the use of explicit reasoning or planning using symbolic representations and world models.
Expression of collagen I, smooth muscle alpha-actin, and vimentin during the healing of alkali-burned and lacerated corneas.

Purposes Alkali-burned corneas can seldom heal properly to restore corneal transparency. To provide a better understanding of this devastating corneal injury, we compared the expression of collagen I, smooth muscle alpha-actin (alpha-SMA), and vimentin in lacerated and alkali-burned rabbit corneas. Methods A radiolabeled cDNA probe of alpha 1(I) chain was used in slot-blot hybridization to determine the levels of alpha 1(I) mRNA in alkali-burned corneas. In situ hybridization was used to identify the cell types that express the alpha 1(I) chain. Antibodies against collagen I, alpha-SMA, and vimentin were used in immunohistochemical studies to determine the tissue distribution of collagen I and to identify cells expressing alpha-SMA and vimentin. Results The levels of alpha 1(I) mRNA in alkali-burned corneas increased steadily after the alkali burn and reached a plateau within 2 weeks. One day after alkali burn, specific in situ hybridization signals were detected in stromal cells immediately surrounding the edge of the corneal injury. As the healing proceeded, the fibroblastic cells migrated into the injured stroma, and they showed positive reactions by in situ hybridization and by immunostaining with anti-collagen I probes. In alkali-burned corneas, retrocorneal membranes were formed 1 week after injury. This fibrillar membrane was stained by anti-collagen I antibody, and the fibroblastic cells in the membrane were hybridized by the 3H-labeled alpha 1(I) cDNA probe. No retrocorneal membrane was formed in the lacerated corneas, even after the injured corneas were allowed to heal for 3 weeks. The epithelial cells in the epithelial plug of lacerated corneas were positive by in situ hybridization, whereas the epithelial cells in the regenerated epithelium of alkali-burned cornea was not. Antibodies against alpha-SMA reacted with the migrating fibroblastic cells but did not react with epithelial cells or endothelial cells in the injured corneas. Anti-vimentin antibody reacted with fibroblastic cells, endothelial cells, and keratocytes in normal and injured corneas, and with the basal epithelial cells of injured corneas. Conclusions During wound healing, the keratocytes that migrate to injured stroma transform into myofibroblasts. These myofibroblasts express high levels of alpha 1(I) mRNA, alpha-SMA, and vimentin. The healing of alkali-burned corneas differ from that of lacerated corneas in that the retrocorneal membranes are formed in the former but not in the latter. In addition, the epithelial cells of alkali-burned corneas lack alpha 1(I) mRNA, whereas it is found in the epithelium of lacerated corneas. These differences may result from the persistence of inflammatory cells in the alkali-burned corneas.
Mouse Hepatitis Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Phosphorylation

The coronavirus nucleocapsid (N) is a multifunctional phosphoprotein that encapsidates the genomic RNA into a helical nucleocapsid within the mature virion. The protein also plays roles in viral RNA transcription and/or replication and possibly viral mRNA translation. Phosphorylation is one of the most common post-translation modifications that plays important regulatory roles in modulating protein functions. It has been speculated for sometime that phosphorylation could play an important role in regulation of coronavirus N protein functions. As a first step toward positioning to address this we have identified the amino acids that are phosphorylated on the mouse hepatitis coronavirus (MHV) A59 N protein. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) was used to identify phosphorylated sites on the N protein from both infected cells and purified extracellular virions. A total of six phosphorylated sites (S162, S170, T177, S389, S424 and T428) were identified on the protein from infected cells. The same six sites were also phosphorylated on the extracellular mature virion N protein. This is the first identification of phosphorylated sites for a group II coronavirus N protein.
Computing a Rectilinear Steiner Minimal Tree in nO(sqrt(n)) Time

We propose an algorithm for computing a rectilinear Steiner minimal tree on n points in \(2^{O(\sqrt n \log n)}\)time and O(n2) space. This is an asymptotic improvement on the 2O(n) time required by current algorithms. If the points are distributed uniformly at random on the unit square, the Steiner tree calculated by our algorithm is minimal with high probability. The “constant factors” of our algorithm are such that it should be feasible to obtain exact solutions for n-point problems whenever n≤25. Previously, only problems of size n≤20 were feasible.
Investor Information Consumption and Stock Price Comovement

I introduce an approach for the empirical analysis of asset price comovement that relates the inter-firm textual similarity of newswire items to their equity return correlation. I find that this measure of information environment similarity can predict an economically meaningful portion of future cross-firm price comovement even after accounting for the pair’s contemporaneous return correlation. I also demonstrate how the effectiveness of information environment similarity as predictor of comovement responds to aggregate market states, and offer empirical support for an existing theory of information driven comovement. Finally, I explore the newswire’s role as a provider of information about individual firm systematic risk.
Timing the Phox-trot: duration of Phox2a-dependent transcription is controlled by an intramolecular dephosphorylation/phosphorylation clock.

In this issue, Shin et al. (17) provide an analysis of phosphorylation of three key serine residues on the transcription factor Phox2a that allow the biphasic activation of p27kip1, leading to differentiation of CAD neuronal progenitor cells. The results suggest some interesting predictions about regulation of Phox-dependent differentiation in vivo and add rich detail to the signaling mechanisms underlying the parallel transition of neuronal progenitors from dividing to nondividing cells and from cells without a neurotransmitter identity to cells with a unique and definitive one.
Survival After A First Episode of Ventricular Tachycardia or Fibrillation

Recent outcome analyses in ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) have included patients undergoing electrophysiological study (EPS) at tertiary care centers. The selection process involved could introduce bias in the reported populations. We analyzed the outcome of 42 consecutive patients (aged 63 +/- 11 years) admitted to a coronary care unit within 48 hours of a first episode of VT/VF not associated with reversible causes. All patients recovered neurologically and were candidates for EPS. Nine patients (21%) died during the initial hospitalization (none had EPS), and another nine died during a follow-up of 17 +/- 12 months. Actuarial survival at 1 and 2 years was 64% and 62%, respectively. By Cox's model, congestive heart failure functional Class III-IV (P = 0.008; hazard ratio = 3.7) was the only independent prognostic factor. Among patients discharged, subsequent survival did not depend on the performance of EPS or on the antiarrhythmic therapeutic modalities used. Mortality after a first episode of VT/VF is high. Severe congestive heart failure is the most powerful prognostic factor. Studies including successfully referred patients undergoing EPS may not reflect the true natural history of patients with VT/VF.
Bandwidth-Efficient Coded Cooperative Relaying in Wireless Networks

We present a bandwidth-efficient coded coopera-tive relaying technique that provides a significant coding gain without requiring an increase in bandwidth relative to uncoded cooperative relaying system. The key to the technique is that the redundant bits introduced by the code are accommodated by expanding the relay set, rather than expanding the signal set as in traditional trellis coded modulation. An increase in the number of relays produces additional interference, but its effect can be suppressed by signal processing (decorrelation) and channel coding techniques to produce a positive coding gain without sacrificing data rate or expanding bandwidth. We present the optimum number of relays and the optimal code rate that minimize the end-to-end bit error probability as well as the coding gain over uncoded cooperative relaying system.
Solution fluorescence spectrum of highly purified fluorene

Highly purified specimens of fluorene exhibited fluorescnece with maximum at 31 700 cm−1 without significant fine structure at lower frequencies in dilute solutions. At high concentrations excimer emission occurs and is seen, at low temperatures, as a new maximum at 27 000 cm−1 with resultant implications as to the excited state geometry.
Some fundamental results on base station movement problem for wireless sensor networks

The benefits of using a mobile base station to prolong sensor network lifetime have been well recognized. However, due to the complexity of the problem (time-dependent network topology and traffic routing), theoretical performance limits and provably optimal algorithms remain difficult to develop. This paper fills this important gap by contributing some theoretical results regarding the optimal movement of a mobile base station. Our main result hinges upon two key intermediate results. In the first result, we show that a time-dependent joint base station movement and flow routing problem can be transformed into a location-dependent problem. In the second result, we show that, for $(1- \varepsilon)$ optimality, the infinite possible locations for base station movement can be reduced to a finite set of locations via several constructive steps [i.e., discretization of energy cost through a geometric sequence, division of a disk into a finite number of subareas, and representation of each subarea with a fictitious cost point (FCP)]. Subsequently, for each FCP, we can obtain the optimal sojourn time for the base station (as well as the corresponding location-dependent flow routing) via a simple linear program. We prove that the proposed solution can guarantee the achieved network lifetime is at least $(1- \varepsilon)$ of the maximum (unknown) network lifetime, where $\varepsilon$ can be made arbitrarily small depending on the required precision.
A Conceptual Framework for Attracting Generation Y to the Hotel Industry Using a Seamless Hotel Organizational Structure

The increasing sophistication of well-traveled customers and the burgeoning young demographic known as Generation Y constitute major environmental forces that are beyond the lodging industry's immediate control. Generation Y will form the bulk of new hires who, by the nature of their drastic differences in work values and lifestyles, will not be attracted to hotels as they are currently operated. The purpose of the authors in this article is to examine these environmental forces and propose a conceptual framework for an organizational structure at the unit level in the hotel industry that will create an attractive work environment for Generation Y.
Pulmonary function in chronic spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional survey of 222 southern California adult outpatients.

Abstract Linn WS, Adkins RH, Gong H Jr, Waters RL. Pulmonary function in chronic spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional survey of a large southern California outpatient population. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000;81:757-63. Objectives: To evaluate risk factors for respiratory morbidity in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: Model SCI care system based at an urban public rehabilitation medical center. Design: Case series with evaluation of pulmonary function by conventional spirometric testing. Participants: Two hundred twenty-two adults with SCI of more than 1-year duration who were not chronically dependent on mechanical ventilation, including 98 with tetraplegia (62 with complete and 26 with incomplete motor lesions) and 124 with paraplegia (87 with complete and 37 with incomplete motor lesions). Main Outcome Measures: Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), all measured in the supine and erect seated positions and compared with predicted normal values for industrial workers. Results: FVC and FEV 1 were normal in persons with low-level paraplegia who had never smoked, but both decreased similarly with rising SCI level, more markedly in those with tetraplegia. PEFR decreased with rising SCI level. Incomplete lesions mitigated function loss in those with tetraplegia. In middle-aged individuals with tetraplegia, longer duration of injury was associated with greater function loss, independent of age. Current smokers showed excess function loss, except for those with high tetraplegia. Most people with complete tetraplegia showed FVC and FEV 1 increases in the supine position relative to the erect position. Conclusions: Pulmonary function is compromised by most lesions of the spinal cord, even in those with paraplegia, and is affected relative to the level of lesion. Efforts to help SCI patients minimize respiratory complications—in particular, assistance in smoking cessation—should be given high priority. © 2000 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
TU-E-BRB-03: Biological Dose Optimization for SBRT of Lung Cancer: One Size Does Not Fit All.

Purpose: Given the differences in tumor size and location, encountered in lungSBRT, we hypothesize that ‘one dose fractionation regimen does not fit all’, i.e. that there is a role for patient‐specific dose prescription based on optimization of biological models.Methods: Sixty one NSCLC patients (tumor volume 46.5+/−47.3 cc) treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (48 Gy in 4fx) were retrospectively studied. Clinically treated plans were generated using Brainlab's Pencil Beam (PB‐BL), and then recalculated with fixed MUs using Anisotropic Analytic Algorithm (AAA), Pencil Beam (PB‐EC), Monte Carlo(MC) and Collapsed‐Cone‐Convolution (CCC). DVHs were exported to calculate TCP (Poisson) and NTCP (Lyman‐Kutcher‐Burman). TCP/NTCP model parameters were utilized from published data. For each dose distribution two dose response curves were generated by scaling the prescription dose and assuming a linear relationship between the prescription dose and entire 3D dose distribution. In addition, associations were assessed between changes in each algorithm's TCP relative to PB‐BL, target diameter, and local density (density of the 70% isodose covering the PTV). Results: For PB‐BL, mean TCP was 99.6%±0.9%, whereas for same MUs, mean TCP for PB‐EC, AAA, CC and MC plans were 96.5±14.3%, 74.6±31.6%, 74.4±32.4% and 76.8±32.0%, respectively. With the same prescription dose for all plans, TCP values changed to 98.1±8.7%, 96.5±15.3%, 77.5±28.6%, 85.4±25.8% and 92.9±20.1% for PB‐BL, PB‐EC, AAA, and CCC, MC, respectively, indicating that AAA and CCC dose distributions are likely less homogeneous relative to MC. The TCP improvement was 12.3%, 8.9% and 4.4% for AAA, CCC and MC‐based plans when the average NTCP before optimization was set as the upper limit for lung toxicity. Conclusions: This work supports patient‐specific dose prescription strategies, based on biological optimization, for lungSBRT. However, further investigation is warranted. Acknowledgement: supported in part by a grant from Varian Medical Systems.
Mental processes in magnitude estimation of length and loudness

Subjects made magnitude estimates of line length in a short-term memory (STM) task in which the standard and comparison lines were presented for 1 sec each, separated by a 2-sec interval (Experiment 1). Response time (RT) increased systematically with judged magnitude. These findings are consistent with previous results for perceptual magnitude estimation of length (Hartley, 1977, 1981) and show that the effect takes place in STM as well. To explain this effect, Hartley has proposed that subjects repeatedly lay off a mental image of the standard line along the line to be judged. Similar results were found in Experiment 2, in which subjects made magnitude estimates of the loudness of a 1-kHz tone preceded by a standard. Since the relation between RT and judged magnitude appears to hold for the nonspatial continuum of loudness, Hartley’s visual imagery model may be too specific to account for the RT effect in the general case. Two alternative explanations are considered: (1) a sensory image model based on Hartley’s proposal and (2) an abstract analog model with a nonsensory representation.
NLRX1 Protein Attenuates Inflammatory Responses to Infection by Interfering with the RIG-I-MAVS and TRAF6-NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Summary The nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich-repeat-containing (NLR) proteins regulate innate immunity. Although the positive regulatory impact of NLRs is clear, their inhibitory roles are not well defined. We showed that Nlrx1 −/− mice exhibited increased expression of antiviral signaling molecules IFN-β, STAT2, OAS1, and IL-6 after influenza virus infection. Consistent with increased inflammation, Nlrx1 −/− mice exhibited marked morbidity and histopathology. Infection of these mice with an influenza strain that carries a mutated NS-1 protein, which normally prevents IFN induction by interaction with RNA and the intracellular RNA sensor RIG-I, further exacerbated IL-6 and type I IFN signaling. NLRX1 also weakened cytokine responses to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza virus in human cells. Mechanistically, Nlrx1 deletion led to constitutive interaction of MAVS and RIG-I. Additionally, an inhibitory function is identified for NLRX1 during LPS activation of macrophages where the MAVS-RIG-I pathway was not involved. NLRX1 interacts with TRAF6 and inhibits NF-κB activation. Thus, NLRX1 functions as a checkpoint of overzealous inflammation.
Photoelectron spectroscopic study of the valence and core-level electronic structure of BaTiO3.

We present valence and core-level photoemission measurements from vacuum-fractured, single-crystal barium titanate. These results resolve contradictory measurements in the literature which have employed other methods of sample surface preparation. The valence-shell electronic structure is compared with previously published results of band structure and cluster calculations. Resonant photoemission is used to probe the covalent coupling between titanium and oxygen in the cubic and tetragonal phases of this ionic compound. Photoelectron spectra of the Ti 2p and O 1s core levels reveal the valence of these two ions to be ${\mathrm{TiO}}_{2}$-like. Valence, core, satellite, and Auger transitions are also assigned and tabulated.
NMDA antagonists: lack of protective effect against hypoxic damage in CA1 region of hippocampal slices.

Abstract Rat hippocampal slices were exposed to a hypoxic insult in control medium or while exposed to the N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists dl -2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (100 μM) or dl -2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (25 or 100 μM). Synaptic transmission between Schaffer collaterals and CA1 pyramidal cells was evaluated before and after the hypoxic period, and the DC potential in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer was monitored during the hypoxic period. Neither antagonist significantly increased the proportion of slices in which synaptic transmission recovered following hypoxia, nor did they increase the latency of the spreading depression-like anoxic depolarization. We suggest that NMDA receptors are not involved in neural damage caused by severe hypoxia with sudden onset, while they may play a role in the effects of more moderate, gradual onset hypoxia and in post-ischemic reperfusion effects.
Photorefractive frequency converter and phase-sensitive detector

A photorefractive frequency converter and phase-sensitive detector is proposed and demonstrated. Dynamic photorefractive theory is used to examine device characteristics for inputs from available types of spatial light modulator to determine which reference modulations are optimal for a given signal modulation. The output linearity is determined for pairs of signal and reference modulation types, and both spatial and temporal intensity variations are analyzed. Photorefractive response times are measured from the frequency-conversion bandwidth.
Jump, Slip, and Creep Boundary Conditions at Nonequilibrium Gas/Solid Interfaces†

The notion of local (dynamical, thermal, and chemical) equilibrium at fluid/solid interfaces which are the site of interesting nonequilibrium processes has proven useful to engineers for nearly a century and provides the basis for widely used methods described in textbooks on Transport Processes. Indeed, continuity of tangential velocity (“no-slip”), temperature, and species chemical potential are usually treated as “commandments”, rather than often-useful approximations! However, in many current and emerging applications this class of approximations becomes unacceptable for easily understood reasons. We illustrate this here for ideal gas/solid interfaces across which, or tangent to, there are nonzero molecular fluxes of momentum, energy, and/or species mass. We make use of the concept of a Knudsen sublayer, at most several gaseous mean-free paths thick, inevitably present adjacent to the solid surface. While many scientific aspects of these phenomena have been known since the earliest studies of J. C. Ma...
Component wear of total knee prostheses using Ti-6Al-4V, titanium nitride coated Ti-6Al-4V, and cobalt-chromium-molybdenum femoral components

A knee simulator was used to study the wear of carbon fiber reinforced UHMWPE (Poly Two) (Poly Two is a registered trademark of Zimmer, USA) tibial and patellar components against Ti-6A1-4V, titanium nitride (TiN)-coated Ti-6A1-4V, and cobalt-chromium-molybdenum femoral components. The prostheses tested were regular sized Miller-Galante total knees mounted on 316L stainless steel fixtures using bone cement. An environmental chamber surrounded the knee and maintained bovine serum lubricant at 37 degrees C. The specimens were tested using consecutive blocks of 464 level walking steps, 8 ascending stairs and 8 descending stairs for a total of 100,000 steps. The wear mechanisms found on the tibial components were scratching, carbon-fiber associated damage, surface deformation, pitting, minor abrasion, and delamination. Three forms of carbon fiber associated damage were identified; fibers pulled from the surface, broken fibers, and UHMWPE removed from the surface fibers. The SEM evaluation revealed a pit forming mechanism. No correlation was found between femoral component material and tibial surface damage. Visual examination of the femoral components revealed no signs of wear or scratching on the cobalt-chromium-molybdenum or TiN-coated Ti-6A1-4V components. There were, however, many light surface scratches on the uncoated Ti-6A1-4V components, which were also observed in a supplementary test of an uncoated Ti-6A1-4V component tested with a conventional polyethylene tibial component.
Performance characterization of automotive computer vision systems using Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to abstract and classify vehicle data collected from vision sensors into road scenarios. The classified scenarios can be played back on specialized hardware designed to handle these scenarios to characterize its performance. Since the majority of existing automotive computer vision systems mandate real-time results, this study aims to introduce the utilization of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) as a prototype to perform these classification and abstraction tasks. This paper evaluates the ability of the GPU architecture to handle these tasks. It also discusses the suitability of GPUs for integrating navigation data with data from vision and RADAR sensors for aiding Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (V-SLAM) tasks for future autonomous vehicle platforms.
Marker-assisted selection for Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat

The cultivation of wheat varieties resistant to Fusarium head blight (FHB) is recognized as one of the most important components to diminish losses due to this disease. Although there is no known immunity to this disease in wheat germplasm, considerable improvements in genetic resistance have been achieved by concentrated breeding efforts that have relied primarily upon repeated field and greenhouse-based screening. DNA markers are a relatively new technology that can be used to increase breeding progress, especially for traits such as FHB that are difficult to select for under field conditions and that are controlled by multiple genes. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) uses markers to select for particular DNA segments that are genetically linked to genes that provide incremental resistance to FHB. One particular gene, designated Fhb1, provides a 20-25% average reduction in FHB symptoms. This gene and its associated markers have been validated in numerous breeding programs and is widely used to more precisely breed for resistance. About a dozen other genes affecting FHB reaction have been identified, but they have smaller and more inconsistent effects compared with Fhb1. Nevertheless, breeders are discovering which of these markers can be combined with Fhb1 in their genetic backgrounds to enhance resistance. The establishment of the USDA-ARS Regional Small Grains Genotyping Centers and similar facilities around the world have increased the capacity for wheat breeders to utilize this powerful technology. More efficient DNA extraction technologies and marker platforms will allow breeders to more fully implement MAS in the future.
Opening of single gap junction channels during formation of electrical coupling between embryonic muscle cells

Gap junctions, which are low-resistance intercellular pathways, may contribute to normal embryogenesis by allowing cell-to-cell passage of as yet unidentified regulatory or inductive signals. But little is known about the properties of newly formed single junctional channels which are the basis of the communicating junctions. Reported here are the first direct measurements of current passing through single junctional channels as they form. Individual pairs of embryonic Xenopus muscle cells in culture were manipulated into contact, allowing control of the onset time and area of cellular contact, and current was recorded with the patch clamp technique. The opening of single channels which pass current between the two cells at a conductance of about 100 pS was observed within minutes of cell-cell contact. The channels opened one-at-a-time, and once formed, remained open for long periods of time, with infrequent brief closures. This suggests that formation of electrical coupling between two cells proceeds by addition of single conducting junctional channels one channel-at-a-time.
SDS induced conformational changes in the combining site of anti-trinitrophenyl antibodies. A kinetic study.

Abstract The conformational stability of the combining sites of high affinity anti-TNP antibodies in the presence of SDS has been investigated by using several novel fluorescent and spectroscopic probes. Kinetic studies employing these probes along with circular dichroism measurements indicate that the binding of SDS monomer to hydrophobic sites on the antibody molecule causes a very rapid increase in the accessibility of the combining site to water. The loss in the ability of these antibodies to bind hapten in SDS solution appears to depend upon much slower conformational transitions; however, the presence of bound homologous hapten is observed to enhance the resistance of the anti-TNP combining site to denaturation by SDS.
Formations of mixed β,β-dihaloenals from halogenated secondary alkynols

Abstract Iodine and Koser's reagent have been used in stoichiometric amounts to convert 3-bromo-1-phenylpropynol to (Z)-3-bromo-3-iodo-2-phenylpropenal in high yield. The latter is a major component of reaction mixtures of 3-iodo-1-phenylpropynol and bromine with Koser's reagent.