cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin-Like Growth Factors in the Gastrointestinal Tract and Liver

The liver is a major source of IGF’s and IGFBP’s that are present in the circulation and have important endocrine activities relating to energy metabolism, body size, carcinogenesis, and various organ specific functions. While IGFs have only minor effects on the normal liver itself, production of IGF’s and IGFBP’s in a tissue specific fashion in the gastrointestinal tract exert important regulatory effects, via autocine and paracrine mechanisms, on cellular proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. IGF’s and IGFBP’s play important regulatory roles in the response of both the liver and the gastrointestinal tract to inflammation and in the development of neoplasia.
Source characterization of atmospheric releases using stochastic search and regularized gradient optimization

In this work, an inversion technique comprising stochastic search and regularized gradient optimization is used to solve the atmospheric source characterization problem. The inverse problem comprises retrieving the spatial coordinates, source strength and the wind speed and wind direction at the source, given certain receptor locations and concentration values at these receptor locations. The Gaussian plume model is adopted as the forward model and derivative-based optimization is chosen to take advantage of its simple analytical nature. A new misfit functional that improves the inversion accuracy of atmospheric inverse-source problems is developed and is used in the solution procedure. Stochastic search is performed over the model parameter space to identify a good initial iterate for the gradient scheme. Several Quasi-Monte Carlo point-sets are considered in the stochastic search stage and their performance is evaluated against the Mersenne–Twister pseudorandom generator. Newton's method with the Tikhon...
The socioeconomic benefits of Earth science and applications research: reducing the risks and costs of natural disasters in the USA

Abstract A wealth of satellite data has provided information on weather and climate phenomena for the past 40 years. Within this period, however, the heavy human and economic costs of natural disasters have increased considerably. Using hurricanes, droughts, floods and earthquakes which occurred in the USA as examples, this article describes how Earth science can be applied to such situations to predict or mitigate their effects. The economic value of providing such information is discussed, as are the issues that can affect how successful its provision will be.
Designing Student Citizenship: Internationalised Education in Transformative Disciplines.

Design is a transformative, socially engaged practice and design education must provide a platform from which that practice can grow. Education plays a vital role in preparing design students to move beyond a purely reactive state to one in which they are actively engaged in shaping the world around them. Such a shift is built upon the provision of a holistic education that invites interaction with the concepts of democracy, engagement and empathy at the global scale. At a time when our graduates need to be prepared for global citizenship and design without borders, higher education has moved sharply toward discipline specific training and job preparation and away from liberal education and the development of critical thinking abilities. The internationalisation of education in design disciplines is reliant upon the formation of deep connections that are an embedded part of a student's larger academic career, rather than an isolated opportunity. Rather than focus on ‘exposure’, the internationalised education that design students need includes deep immersion and diverse contact in order to transform the study abroad tour into a layer of embedded experience rather than an artificial veneer. As students develop relationships with students from other cultures and experience the richness of others, they explore their own knowledges, values and assumptions. While all design graduates will live and work in a global environment, not all students are able to study abroad. Therefore, alternative opportunities for internationalising the curriculum must be explored.
A remark on the three dimensional baroclinic quasi-geostrophic dynamics1This research was supported by the National Science Foundation Grant DMS-9704345 and a Clemson University Research Grant. This research was performed while the author was visiting the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences at Cambridge University, UK.1

We consider time-periodic patterns of the dissipative three dimensional baroclinic quasi-geostrophic model in spherical coordinates, under time-dependent forcing. We show that when the forcing is time-periodic and the spatial square-integral of the forcing is bounded in time, the model has time-periodic solutions.
The biosynthesis, intracellular processing, and secretion of parathormone.

EVOLUTIONARY pressures have brought into being a remarkable homeostatic mechanism in higher animals for the control of ionized calcium in the extracellular fluid. This system uses parathormone (PTH), the subject of this review, and two other hormones, calcitonin (1) and active metabolites of vitamin D3 (2–4), which in concert act on bone, kidney, and intestine to maintain the concentration of ionized serum calcium at its physiological set point, about 1.3 mM. This represents about one half of the total (ionized and bound) calcium in serum (5, 6). The parathyroid gland is the principal agent in this system since it responds to the moment to moment fluctuations of calcium in the extracellular fluids. When the concentration of ionized calcium in the blood perfusing the parathyroid drops below its set point, the gland immediately releases more PTH to the circulation (7). The hormone acts directly on osteoclasts to enhance resorption of bone and to bring the calcium and phosphate of the bone mineral into the c...
Siblings’ Differential Treatment in Mexican American Families

We investigated the patterns and correlates of parents’ differential treatment of adolescent siblings in 246 two-parent Mexican American families. In home interviews, siblings rated 7 domains of differential treatment (e.g., privileges, chores, warmth) as well as their adjustment and perceptions of parental acceptance and fairness, and both parents and adolescents reported on cultural dynamics. More gender-typed patterns of differential treatment were evident when parents were more oriented to Mexican than Anglo culture. The links between differential treatment and youth reports of adjustment, parental acceptance, and parental fairness were moderated by adolescents’ familism values, particularly for older siblings: Differential treatment was linked more strongly to adjustment and parent-youth relationship problems when youth reported lower levels of familism.
Mistuned Vibration of Radial Inflow Turbine Impeller

This paper is concerned with the numerical prediction of impeller blade vibration due to excitation by the wake of nozzle guide vanes in turbochargers. This problem is particularly important as turbochargers are used in a broad range of operation conditions, leading to some unavoidable resonant frequencies. In the paper, first the unsteady pressure distributions on the rotor blades are analyzed and structural response analysis is performed for the excitation component with largest contribution to pressure fluctuation. In a parametric survey, pressure expansion ratio and inlet flow temperature are varied in order to investigate the impact on vibration response. Unsteady CFD+FEM prediction well explains the qualitative trends that appeared in experimental survey. The result also points out that a fluctuation in natural frequency among the blades of only a few percent may cause large magnification factors. Finally, adjustment of disk thickness is suggested as a measure to reduce the magnification factor and its effectiveness demonstrated numerically as well as experimentally.
Interspecific hybridization and karyotype analysis in two species in the genus Collinsia.

Karyotype analysis of Collinsia verna and C. heterophylla revealed seven pairs of chromosomes with a decrease in length of chromosomes across each genome from approximately 11 microns to 5 microns. The smallest pair is knobbed in both species. A change in centromere position in the two longest chromosomes between the two species is indicative of the presence of chromosomal rearrangements such as pericentric inversions. Interspecific hybrids produced meiotic cells with many abnormalities including desynapsis and heteromorphic bivalents. This analysis revealed new cytological information and involved a hybrid cross between two groups of Collinsia species which had previously produced no fertile hybrids.
The Effect of Overdominance on Characterizing Deleterious Mutations in Large Natural Populations

Alternatives to the mutation-accumulation approach have been developed to characterize deleterious genomic mutations. However, they all depend on the assumption that the standing genetic variation in natural populations is solely due to mutation-selection (M-S) balance and therefore that overdominance does not contribute to heterosis. Despite tremendous efforts, the extent to which this assumption is valid is unknown. With different degrees of violation of the M-S balance assumption in large equilibrium populations, we investigated the statistical properties and the robustness of these alternative methods in the presence of overdominance. We found that for dominant mutations, estimates for U (genomic mutation rate) will be biased upward and those for h (mean dominance coefficient) and s (mean selection coefficient), biased downward when additional overdominant mutations are present. However, the degree of bias is generally moderate and depends largely on the magnitude of the contribution of overdominant mutations to heterosis or genetic variation. This renders the estimates of U and s not always biased under variable mutation effects that, when working alone, cause U and s to be underestimated. The contributions to heterosis and genetic variation from overdominant mutations are monotonic but not linearly proportional to each other. Our results not only provide a basis for the correct inference of deleterious mutation parameters from natural populations, but also alleviate the biggest concern in applying the new approaches, thus paving the way for reliably estimating properties of deleterious mutations.
THE ECONOMICS OF SECTION 301: A GAME‐THEORETIC GUIDE*

Extrapolating from some simple game-theoretic models, this paper suggests that invoking Section 301 will tend to shift the terms of agreement in the US's favor. This shift will be larger (a) the greater the harm to the targeted country from having its access to the US market limited; (b) the smaller the targeted country's ability to harm the US in retaliation; (c) the smaller the costs within the targeted country of complying with the US demands; and (d) the greater the benefit to the US – in the US negotiators' perception – from the demanded liberalization. But these determinants of the success of a Section 301 action do not identify the areas where the social gains from freer trade are largest. Thus there is a tendency to direct Section 301 actions at the wrong targets. Section 301 increases bargaining frictions: attempts to exploit the bargaining power that comes from either private information or commitments can lead to costly delays to agreement or even the possibility of a complete breakdown in the negotiations. And the use of retaliatory strategies can upset an existing global equilibrium and lead to counter-retaliation.
3D MR imaging of coronary arteriovenous fistulas

Coronary arteriovenous fistula are uncommon if not rare, but represent the most prevalent hemodynamically significant congenital malformations of the coronary arterial circulation. The goal of this report is to evaluate the use of 3D volume rendering from transaxial breathhold coronary MR angiograms to visualize coronary arteriovenous fistulas. Coronary MR angiography offers a new non-invasive technique that accurately defines the anatomy of these malformations, setting the stage for surgical intervention.
ELASTOGRAPHIC IMAGING OF LOW-CONTRAST ELASTIC MODULUS DISTRIBUTIONS IN TISSUE

Elastography is a new ultrasonic imaging technique that produces images of the strain distribution in compliant tissues. This strain distribution is derived from ultrasonically estimated longitudinal internal motion induced by an external compression of the tissue. The displayed two-dimensional (2-D) images are called elastograms. In this paper, it is demonstrated that, when signal-to-noise ratio-enhancing techniques are used, elastography is capable of imaging low-contrast elastic modulus tissue structures with high contrast-to-noise ratios. This is demonstrated using both computer simulations and data obtained from 3 days postmortem ovine kidneys in vitro. The elastograms of such organs suggest that the modulus slowly decays from the renal cortex (RC) to the interior of the renal sinus (RS). Such modulus variation is corroborated by independent measurements of the Young's moduli. It is found that the RC is approximately twice as hard as the interior of the RS. We invoke our previous results on elastographic contrast-transfer efficiency to demonstrate that, at low contrast, the elastogram may be interpreted as a quantitative image of the relative Young's modulus distribution.
Extensive angiosarcoma of the scalp involving the cranium

A case of angiosarcoma of the scalp involving the underlying bone is presented. Wide local excision of the scalp and full-thickness excision of the underlying calvarium and dura followed by reconstruction with latissimus dorsi free flap and skin graft was performed. Despite an initial negative frozen section of the margins, the final pathologic specimen showed microscopic involvement of the inferior margin. The positive margin was re-excised accomplished with the aid of mapping biopsies. This case demonstrates the typical nature of this rare tumor in terms of the difficulty of histologic diagnosis and surgical management.
Living Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone with Ti Alkoxides Derived from the Cp2TiCl-Catalyzed SET Reduction of Aldehydes

A series of substituted benzaldehydes were investigated as initiators for the living ring-opening polymerization (LROP) of e-caprolactone (CL) mediated by titanium alkoxides obtained from the Cp 2 TiCl-catalyzed single electron transfer (SET) reduction of the carbonyl group following the in situ reduction of Cp 2 TiCl 2 with Zn. The aldehyde initiation was demonstrated (NMR) by the presence of the initiator derived fragment on the polycaprolactone (PCL) chain end. The effect of the nature of the aldehyde functionality (R-Ph-CHO, R = H, Cl, PhCH 2 O, NMe 2, CH 3 O, NO 2 , and CHO), reagent ratios ([CL]/[aldehyde] = 50/1 to 400/1, [aldehyde]/[Cp 2 TiCl 2 ] = 1/1 to 1/4, and [Cp 2 TiCl 2 ]/[Zn] = 1/0.5 to 1/2), and temperature (T = 75-120 °C) was investigated over a wide range of values to reveal a living polymerization in all cases with an optimum observed at 90 °C with typical stoichiometric ratios of [CL]/ [aldehyde]/[Cp 2 TiCl 2 ]/[Zn] = 100/1/1/2.
Asymmetric Alfieri’s stitch to correct systolic anterior motion after mitral valve repair

Systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve is a feared complication after valve repair, with important implications in the postoperative period. Provocation with isoproterenol is valuable in the assessment of its mechanism and severity in high-risk patients. Surgical correction of this condition is sometimes difficult and may require valve replacement. We present a modification of Alfieri's edge-to-edge technique that adapts better to the mechanism of systolic anterior motion (SAM) after mitral repair in selected patients by placing the edge-to-edge suture between the A1-P1 segments and not in the midline.
Differentiating between congenital rhabdomyosarcoma versus fibromatosis of the pediatric tongue

Congenital rhabdomyosarcoma of the tongue is exceedingly rare. Fibromatosis of the tongue is also rare, and very difficult to distinguish from the spindle cell variant of rhabdomyosarcoma. Both appear histologically as spindle neoplasms replacing normal striated musculature of the tongue. The treatment protocol for the former has been developed by the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Studies (IRS) I–IV and requires surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. For fibromatosis, complete surgical excision is usually adequate without additional therapy, although some cases of aggressive fibromatosis also require chemotherapy. With significant differences in appropriate treatment and prognosis, each entity must not be mistaken for the other. We review the differences in radiologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical (IHC) features of both entities.
Discontinuous Change: Leading Organizational Transformation

The article reviews the book “Discontinuous Change: Leading Organizational Transformation,” by David Nadler, Robert Shaw, A. Elise Walton and Associates.
Influence of neonatal cochlear removal on the development of mouse cochlear nucleus: I. Number, size, and density of its neurons

Right cochleae were aspirated from 6-day-old mice to determine the influence of cochlear integrity on the development of cochlear nucleus (CN). At 45 days of age, cochlear destruction was confirmed histologically, and the CN of unilaterally deafferented and control animals were analyzed morphometrically. The molecular, fusiform, and polymorphic layers of deafferented dorsal CN were reduced in volume, and the polymorphic layer neurons were fewer, smaller, and less dense. The octopus and multipolar cells regions in deafferented ventral CN (VCN) were smaller, and their neurons were fewer, smaller, and more densely packed. The VCN globular and small spherical cell regions were also smaller with fewer, denser, but normal-sized neurons. There were fewer VCN large spherical cells, but no change was measured in their size. The granule cell regions throughout CN were also reduced in volume. Overall, CN was reduced to 46% of its normal size and 34% of its normal neuronal numbers. These results in the mouse show that deafferentation before the onset of hearing causes more severe CN changes than those reported after adult deafferentation in other mammals and support the theory of a critical period in development when presynaptic integrity is much more important for neuronal maturation than it is for maintenance after the neuron is mature. This suggests that any congenital pathology that compromises the sensorineural structures of the cochlea may cause severe structural and functional abnormalities in the maturing central auditory nuclei.
Time–Space Distribution of Long-Range Atmospheric Predictability

The global three-dimensional structure of long-range (one month to one season) atmospheric predictability was investigated with a general circulation model. The main focus was to ascertain the role of atmospheric initial conditions for such predictability as a function of lead time and space. Four types of predictability experiments with different types of initial and boundary conditions were conducted to this end. The experiments were verified against reanalysis and model data to determine real forecast skill, as well as skill under the perfect model assumption. Spatial maps and vertical cross sections of predictability at different lead times and for the two contrasting seasons were analyzed to document the varying influence of initial and boundary conditions on predictability. It was found that the atmosphere was remarkably sensitive to initial conditions on the week 3‐6 forecast range. Particularly, the troposphere over Antarctica, the region over the tropical Indian Ocean, and the lower stratosphere were affected. It was shown that most of the initial condition memory was related to the persistent nature of the atmosphere in these regions, which in turn was linked to the major modes of atmospheric variability.
Reliable group rekeying: a performance analysis

In secure group communications, users of a group share a common group key. A key server sends the group key to authorized new users as well as performs group rekeying for group users whenever the key changes. In this paper, we investigate scalability issues of reliable group rekeying, and provide a performance analysis of our group key management system (called keygem) based upon the use of key trees. Instead of rekeying after each join or leave, we use periodic batch rekeying to improve scalability and alleviate out-of-sync problems among rekey messages as well as between rekey and data messages. Our analyses show that batch rekeying can achieve large performance gains. We then investigate reliable multicast of rekey messages using proactive FEC. We observe that rekey transport has an eventual reliability and a soft real-time requirement, and that the rekey workload has a sparseness property, that is, each group user only needs to receive a small fraction of the packets that carry a rekey message sent by the key server. We also investigate tradeoffs between server and receiver bandwidth requirements versus group rekey interval, and show how to determine the maximum number of group users a key server can support.
The stability of colloidal carbon dispersions in nonaqueous media

Abstract : Suspensions of carbon black in toluene, m-xylene, nitrobenzene, and aniline have been investigated. Rigorous desiccation of materials generally gave unstable suspensions; this was not the case where strong interactions between the particles and dispersion medium were possible. The addition of water to dry systems gave suspensions with varying degrees of stability; oxidation products of the suspension medium also had a marked effect on stability. (Author)
POLITICS AND GASTROPOLITICS: GENDER AND THE POWER OF FOOD IN TWO AFRICAN PASTORALIST SOCIETIES

Male-centred aspects of political behaviour have generally remained the explanatory and interpretive focuses in analyses of the social organization of African pastoralists. While recent work on African pastoralists has shed increasing light on the lives of women, I argue that key assumptions underlying anthropological models of male dominance in these societies have been insufficiently challenged. Drawing on recent approaches in gender and social organization that highlight the mutual constitution of domestic and political domains, I examine comparative material from two well-known pastoralist societies: the Samburu of northern Kenya and the Nuer of southern Sudan. In doing so, I suggest strong linkages between male-dominated 'political spheres' and areas of domestic life in which the role of women is more significant - particularly processes of domestic food distribution. In re-examining central facets of Samburu politics - which are best known through Paul Spencer's seminal analysis of the gerontocratic aspects of Samburu political life - I suggest that the status and identities of Samburu men are in fundamental ways defined through their relationship to women as providers of food within Samburu households. Comparative material from the Nuer suggests, additionally, the strategic use of food by women in influencing male 'political spheres'. In comparing these cases, I suggest a more general model through which domestic processes of food allocation as realms of female-centred social action may be seen to play a central role in the forms and processes of pastoral 'political' life.
A survey of the marching cubes algorithm

A survey of the development of the marching cubes algorithm [W. Lorensen, H. Cline, Marching cubes: a high resolution 3D surface construction algorithm. Computer Graphics 1987; 21(4):163–9], a well-known cell-by-cell method for extraction of isosurfaces from scalar volumetric data sets, is presented. The paper’s primary aim is to survey the development of the algorithm and its computational properties, extensions, and limitations (including the attempts to resolve its limitations). A rich body of publications related to this aim are included. Representative applications and spin-off work are also considered and related techniques are briefly discussed. r 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Mutational Analysis of the Folding Transition State of the C-Terminal Domain of Ribosomal Protein L9: A Protein with an Unusual β-Sheet Topology†

The C-terminal domain of ribosomal protein L9 (CTL9) is a 92-residue α−β protein which contains an unusual three-stranded mixed parallel and antiparallel β-sheet. The protein folds in a two-state fashion, and the folding rate is slow. It is thought that the slow folding may be caused by the necessity of forming this unusual β-sheet architecture in the transition state for folding. This hypothesis makes CTL9 an interesting target for folding studies. The transition state for the folding of CTL9 was characterized by Φ-value analysis. The folding of a set of hydrophobic core mutants was analyzed together with a set of truncation mutants. The results revealed a few positions with high Φ-values (≥0.5), notably, V131, L133, H134, V137, and L141. All of these residues were found in the β-hairpin region, indicating that the formation of this structure is likely to be the rate-limiting step in the folding of CTL9. One face of the β-hairpin docks against the N-terminal helix. Analysis of truncation mutants of this ...
Amyloid Peptide-Induced Cytokine and Chemokine Expression in THP-1 Monocytes Is Blocked by Small Inhibitory RNA Duplexes for Early Growth Response-1 Messenger RNA

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD) one finds increased deposition of Aβ and also an increased presence of monocytes/macrophages in the vessel wall and activated microglial cells in the brain. AD patients show increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines by activated microglia. Here we used a human monocytic THP-1 cell line as a model for microglia to delineate the cellular signaling mechanism involved in amyloid peptides (Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42)-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We observed that Aβ peptides at physiological concentrations (125 nM) increased mRNA expression of cytokines (TNF-α, and IL-1β) and chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-8, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β)). The cellular signaling involved activation of c-Raf, extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK-1)/ERK-2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. This is further supported by the data showing that Aβ causes phosphorylation of ERK-1/ERK-2, which, in turn, activates Elk-1. Furthermore, Aβ mediated a time-dependent increase in DNA binding activity of early growth response-1 (Egr-1) and AP-1, but not of NF-κB and CREB. Moreover, Aβ-induced Egr-1 DNA binding activity was reduced >60% in THP-1 cells transfected with small interfering RNA duplexes for Egr-1 mRNA. We show that Aβ-induced expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, IL-8, and MIP-1β was abrogated in Egr-1 small inhibitory RNA-transfected cells. Our results indicate that Aβ-induced expression of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and chemokines (MCP-1, IL-8, and MIP-1β) in THP-1 monocytes involves activation of ERK-1/ERK-2 and downstream activation of Egr-1. The inhibition of Egr-1 by Egr-1 small inhibitory RNA may represent a potential therapeutic target to ameliorate the inflammation and progression of AD.
Disclosing near-death experiences to professional healthcare providers and nonprofessionals.

Researchers examined 88 near-death experiencers’ (NDErs’) perceptions of 188 of their most noteworthy experiences disclosing their near-death experiences (NDEs) to professional healthcare providers—medical, mental, social, and spiritual/religious. Participants scored 7 or higher on the NDE Scale and were 72% female and 28% male; aged 21 to 81 years, mean age 56; 89% Caucasian, 3% Native American, 1% Black, 1% Hispanic, and 6% mixed or other; and 18% Protestant, 6% Roman Catholic, 2% Jewish, 1% Buddhist, 51% spiritual–not religious, and 21% no or other religious or spiritual affiliation. The Near-Death Experiencers’ Experiences of Disclosure Scale (NEEDS) was developed to assess the extent that an NDEr perceived a confidante to have recognized their NDE and considered it at least potentially real and to have avoided pathologizing or demonizing the NDE or NDEr; the NEEDS proved valid and reliable. Results indicated that 19% of NDErs reported negative responses from all types of healthcare providers with no significant difference between professional groups, with no effect, F(3, 184) .67, p .57, p .01 and no significant difference by year of NDE, with small effect (1934 –2010), R .01, F(1, 186) .02. Participants reported significantly more negative experiences of disclosure the sooner they disclosed, with a small effect, B .26, t 3.59, p .01, and the deeper their NDE, with a small effect (r .21, p .01). The researchers concluded that, to do no harm, all healthcare providers need to be better educated about NDEs.
Correlation of MCP1 with toxicity in acetaminophen overdose

Purpose Studies in animal models of acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity have reported the upregulation of cytokines, some of which are anti-inflammatory or involved in hepatocyte regeneration. To further study this relationship, cytokines were measured in children/adolescents with acute APAP overdose. Methods: ELISA measurements of IL6, IL8, IL10, and MCP1 were performed on serum samples of APAP overdose patients. Results: 76 patients (age 13.72±4.41 yrs; 64 females) were enrolled and stratified by toxicity subgroups: Grp 1 (no/mild toxicity; AST 1000 IU/L, n=13). A significant relationship was present for MCP1 (presented as median, range) (Grp 1, 628.0 pg/mL, 181.6-1800.4; Grp 2, 1137.3 pg/mL, 167.8-1808.1; Grp 3, 2777.1 pg/mL, 472.6-6291.3) and toxicity subgroups (p<0.001). PT was higher (17.6 sec, 11.4-43.8 vs. 14.1 sec, 10.6-27.5; p<0.001) in patients with elevated MCP1 and in patients with delays in N-acetylcysteine (p<0.0003). Grp 2+3 had higher values for IL6 (5.3 pg/mL, 0.0-58.3, p=0.023) than Grp 1 (0.0 pg/mL, 0.0-35.2) and higher values for IL8 (17.6 pg/mL, 0.0-1013.8, p=0.027) than Grp 1 (0.0pg/mL, 0.0–1278.3). Conclusions: MCP1, a cytokine with hepatoprotective properties, appears to have a strong relationship with clinical measures of toxicity/risk in APAP overdose. This study supports the involvement of cytokines in repair processes in APAP toxicity. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P50–P50; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.187
Influence of race and neighborhood on the risk for and outcomes of burns in the elderly in North Carolina

Risk factors for mortality and length of hospital stay in elderly burn patients are well established, but the influence of race and socioeconomic status has not been evaluated. This study evaluates the effect of neighborhood level socioeconomic indicators on burns risk, and determines whether race and neighborhood influence burn injury outcomes in the elderly. Data from the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center was linked to United States Census Bureau block group socioeconomic data. The odds of death and increased length of hospital stay for European-Americans and Minorities were determined using logistic regression. Rates of burn were determined using Poisson regression, and multilevel modeling was used to evaluate the influence of neighborhood on outcomes. No significant differences in mortality were observed between European-American and Minority patients in individual (Minority OR 0.71; p=0.3200) and multilevel (0.72; p=0.4020) models. Minorities had significantly higher odds of increased length of hospital stay in individual (2.05; p=0.0020) and multilevel (2.55; 0.037) models. High proportions of rural households (RR=1.39; p=0.0010) and poverty (1.26; p Language: en
Evidence of zoonotic transmission of Cryptococcus neoformans from a pet cockatoo to an immunocompromised patient

An immunocompromised woman who owned a pet cockatoo developed cryptococcal meningitis. The patient and the cockatoo had indistinguishable isolates and biochemical patterns, a finding suggesting tha...
Initial experience with the four-arm computer-enhanced telesurgery device in foregut surgery.

Background: The da Vinci robotic system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) has been used effectively and with good results. Previously, the surgeon could manipulate three arms on the robot: one camera port and two working ports. This configuration required a second surgeon for most general surgical procedures. Recently, the robotic device has been modified to include a fourth arm, adding another computer-assisted instrument that the surgeon can manipulate. In this report, we describe our experience with the da Vinci robot with a fourth arm modification for the performance of selected surgical procedures. Materials and methods: A total of six patients were prospectively enrolled and underwent surgery using the modified da Vinci robot. Their average age was 56 years. Five patients underwent Nissen fundoplication, and one patient underwent Heller myotomy. Operative time, defined as the time from skin incision to completed skin closure, as well as robotic time, defined as the time during which the robot was ...
A Generation After Genocide: Catholic Reconciliation in Rwanda

Despite the Catholic Church’s majority status and deep historical influence in Rwanda, Catholic reconciliation work in postgenocide Rwanda has received scant scholarly attention. This article addre...
Sorting Out Single-Crossing Preferences

We extends the single-crossing property of preferences to tree graphs, and show that it is equivalent to intermediate preferences and order restriction, also extended to tree graphs. Moreover, to facilitate the use of single-crossing in network games, we develop algorithms to answer the following questions. Given a preference profile, can we construct a tree graph that supports single-crossing, if it is? Given a set of alternatives, can we generate single-crossing preference profiles with associated tree graphs?
Two Years Into The Journey: AACSB Assessment Of Learning In A Principles Of Marketing Course

Using a Principles of Marketing course, the authors demonstrate how compliance with AACSB standards and assessment of learning has been undertaken at Robert Morris University over a two-year period. Learning goals and objectives are tied to a specific assessment instrument to provide an illustration of how broad conceptual ideas are translated into classroom-level implementation. Numerous issues related to this two-year process are discussed.
Sampling in Two or More Dimensions

Populations of interest can often be subdivided into strata using more than one variable as the stratification consideration. This multiple stratification often leads to more strata cells than can be accommodated with a traditional one-way stratification design. Jessen, Goodman and Kish, and Bryant, Hartley, and Jessen have addressed this problem and have proposed procedures for drawing the sample that permits cross-classification restrictions to be met with less sample units than a one-way design. In this paper these procedures are reviewed with instances of competition between the procedures discussed. This leads to some recommendations for choices among them. Some examples of where each procedure has been used are also mentioned.
Preservice Teachers and Writing: An Analysis of Academic Performance--RESEARCH

It is necessary to address literacy throughout the curriculum, and writing is an effective tool for achieving it. This study sought to compare the academic performance of undergraduate students (n = 121) who sought teacher certification at elementary level (pre-kindergarten – 6 grade) and secondary level (7 grade – 12 grade). This study used a causal-comparative, quasi-experimental research design to compare the academic performance between these two groups in five university courses that were common among all education majors and contained a strong writing component. Data were collected in the form of final grades earned after completion of each of the five courses and analyzed using Mann-Whitney U analyses. Data analyses revealed two statistically significant findings between the two groups in both of the two sophomore-level English courses, and mean ranks showed that the academic performance of preservice elementary teachers was stronger. Effect sizes for these two findings suggested a low and moderate practical significance, which suggests a need for additional analyses. The article provides recommendations for teacher preparation programs to study the preparedness of preservice teachers with regard to writing efficacy and writing pedagogy, and to ensure that respective curricula are addressing these areas adequately.
Aromatic and Nitrogen-Containing Acid Separation by Reversed-Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Identification by Photodiode Array Detector

A new method of separation and identification of aromatic and nitrogen-containing acids is presented. Fifty-seven different acid standards were separated by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Detection and identification of the acids by ultraviolet (UV) spectra using a photodiode array detector (DAD) is demonstrated. Peak height ratios are reported and complete UV spectra of these acids are displayed. Possible applications of this technique are demonstrated using patients' urines.
Maximizing flow velocities in redox-magnetohydrodynamic microfluidics using the transient faradaic current.

There is a need for a microfluidic pumping technique that is simple to fabricate, yet robust, compatible with a variety of solvents, and which has easily controlled fluid flow. Redox-magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) offers these advantages. However, the presence of high concentrations of redox species, important for inducing sufficient convection at low magnetic fields for hand-held devices, can limit the use of redox-MHD pumping for analytical applications. A new method for redox-MHD pumping is investigated that takes advantage of the large amplitude of the transient portion of the faradaic current response that occurs upon stepping the potential sufficiently past the standard electrode potential, E°, of the pumping redox species at an electrode. This approach increases the velocity of the fluid for a given redox concentration. An electronic switch was implemented between the potentiostat and electrochemical cell to alternately turn on and off different electrodes along the length of the flow path to maximize ...
The Chemical Basis for the Attine Ant-Fungus Symbiosis. Absence of Antibiotics

The theory that attine ants maintain pure cultures of their food fungi by application of antibiotics to their fungus gardens has been rendered untenable. Extracts prepared from the ant Atta colombica tonsipes Santschi, from its wild fungus gardens, from expended fungus gardens, and from laboratory cultures of its fungus have been assayed for antibiotic activity against a wide spectrum of microorganisms, and no significant growthinhibiting activity has been detected. The conclusion is unavoidable that the mechanism by which the attines prevent contamination of their fungus cultures by alien microorganisms does not involve the elaboration of antibiotic substances by the ants, the fungus, or any unspecified 3rd symbiont.
Multifunction Keyboard Configurations for Single-Seat, Air-to-Ground Fighter Cockpits

Aircraft which utilize digital computers will require the use of multifunction controls and displays. Four different multifunction keyboard configurations were examined by pilots flying a simulated mission. Recommendations for optimizing keyboard configurations and control logic are given.
Tearing problems in the elderly.

The elderly patient may experience excessive tearing (epiphora) or a deficiency of tears. Epiphora usually results from impaired lacrimal outflow due to inflammation, foreign bodies, concretions or scarring. Treatment depends on the etiology. A deficiency of tears is generally due either to specific conjunctival disease or to deficient lacrimal secretion, such as in keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Instillation of drops or ointment often is helpful. Surgical treatment may be necessary.
Calcification in an Angiomyolipoma: A Case Report

AbstractA patient with tuberous sclerosis and angiomyolipoma of both kidneys is described in whom both tumors demonstrated associated calcification. This finding has not been previously stressed in the literature and is important in that ignorance of its occurrence in this tumor might result in an error of diagnosis and nephrectomy in a patient who can ill-afford the loss of renal parenchyma.
The Contribution of Ramp Demand in the Capacity of Merge Bottleneck Locations

Transportation engineers rely on the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) for estimating capacity at freeway segments. According to the HCM 2010, the capacity of the basic freeway segments is a function of the free-flow speed and it ranges from 2,400 passenger cars per hour per lane (pc/h/ln) for free-flow speed (FFS) 70 or 75 mi/h, to 2,250 pc/h/ln for FFS 55 mi/h. The freeway merge segments methodology in the HCM 2010 Update uses these same capacity values in the analysis procedure, although research has shown that capacities at these bottleneck locations are considerably lower. In addition to that, researchers have also observed that capacity varies significantly from day to day and from one site to the other. Researchers acknowledge that driver behavior and frequent interactions between mainline and ramp vehicles at these junctions are the causal factor of these variations in capacity and the low capacity values; however, this has not been reflected in the updated version of the HCM 2010. Furthermore, the HCM 2010 Update does not account for the conflicting movements and the contribution of the ramp vehicles on the overall merge junction capacity. This paper investigates the relationship between freeway and ramp demand and capacity at merge junctions. For the purposes of this research, historic data at merge bottleneck locations across North America with different geometric and operational characteristics were analyzed. The results of the analysis show that, there is a clear correlation between ramp demand, freeway demand and freeway capacity. More specifically, higher demand on the on-ramps produces lower overall capacity values. In addition, this paper proposes new capacity values for merge junctions as a function of the freeway and ramp demand and number of lanes.
AUTOMATIC MESH GENERATION

This chapter describes the automatic mesh generation technique. The practical application of the finite element method requires extensive amounts of input data. Special mesh generation programs could help reduce this burden. The most powerful commercial codes offer extensive mesh generation and data supplementation options. Most mesh generation techniques are divided into two general classes: (1) automatic generation and (2) manual generation. In manual generation, the user at least determines how many elements will be used in each section of the mesh and how many element neighbors each will have. In the extreme case, the manual method means the analyst supplies all the nodal and element data. It is common for manual procedures to employ an isoparametric mapping or an IJK mapping. A typical mesh generation program locates and numbers the nodal points, numbers the elements, and determines the element incidences. In addition, it usually allows for assignment of codes to each node and each element. Thus, it also has a capability to generate boundary condition codes and element material codes. Many such codes use a mapping, or transformation, method to generate the mesh data. This chapter also illustrates some of the techniques for mesh generation.
Integration of Combined Heat and Power Systems

The objective of this chapter is to present the principal aspects of energy integration with focus on the integrated design of heat and power systems.
Modeling Human Cancers in Drosophila

Cancer is a complex disease that affects multiple organs. Whole-body animal models provide important insights into oncology that can lead to clinical impact. Here, we review novel concepts that Drosophila studies have established for cancer biology, drug discovery, and patient therapy. Genetic studies using Drosophila have explored the roles of oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes that when dysregulated promote cancer formation, making Drosophila a useful model to study multiple aspects of transformation. Not limited to mechanism analyses, Drosophila has recently been showing its value in facilitating drug development. Flies offer rapid, efficient platforms by which novel classes of drugs can be identified as candidate anticancer leads. Further, we discuss the use of Drosophila as a platform to develop therapies for individual patients by modeling the tumor's genetic complexity. Drosophila provides both a classical and a novel tool to identify new therapeutics, complementing other more traditional cancer tools.
The Elimination of Cancer Health Disparities: Are We Ready to Do the Heavy Lifting?

Black Americans are under-represented in cancer clinical trials because of myriad factors. Minority under-representation in clinical trials likely contributes to the disparate cancer outcomes among minorities and the poor. This Commentary, in light of a clinical trial that was prematurely terminated because of poor accrual of black men, discusses strategies to identify and overcome barriers to enrollment for this particularly vulnerable population.
Abstract 223: Leptomeningeal Arteriole Vasoconstriction during Hypertension: Targeting Pial Collaterals in Stroke Treatment

Introduction: Collateral perfusion via leptomeningeal arterioles (LMAs) between middle and anterior cerebral artery (MCA/ACA) territories sustains the penumbra during MCA occlusion (MCAO) and is a ...
Predictors for Growth Mindset and Sense of Belonging in College Students

Mindset and sense of belonging are important predictors for college student success. Mindset refers to beliefs on how or whether intelligence can grow with time and effort. Belonging refers to students' sense of being respected and supported in their college environment. We measure several dimensions of mindset and belonging and educational and demographic background information for more than 2,000 students at two four-year universities including a public and a private university. We estimate factor analysis models to construct measures for mindset and belonging and we explore predictors for these including educational and demographic characteristics and frequency of instructor feedback to students. We find that formative instructor feedback on writing leads to improvements in mindset, belonging, perseverance, and confidence. We also find that frequent feedback on writing improves students' mindset regarding mathematics. We also find explanatory power from semesters in college, parents' educational attainment, race, and students' chosen fields of study.
Water depollution using metal-organic frameworks-catalyzed advanced oxidation processes: A review.

Abstract This paper presents a review on the environmental applications of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are inorganic-organic hybrid highly porous crystalline materials, prepared from metal ion/clusters and multidentate organic ligands. The emphases are made on the enhancement of the performance of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) (photocatalysis, Fenton reaction methods, and sulfate radical (SO 4 − )-mediated oxidations) using MOFs materials. MOFs act as adsorption and light absorbers, leading to superior performance of photocatalytic processes. More recent examples of photocatalytic degradation of dyes are presented. Additionally, it is commonly shown that Fe-based MOFs exhibited excellent catalytic performance on the Fenton-based and SO 4 •− -mediated oxidations of organic pollutants (e.g., dyes, phenol and pharmaceuticals). The significantly enhanced generation of reactive species such as OH and/or SO 4 − by both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis was proposed as the possible mechanism for water depollution. Based on the existing literature, the challenge and future perspectives in MOF-based AOPs are addressed.