cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring Slice-of-Life Versus Slice-of-Death Advertising Appeals: An Abstract

The article focuses on slice of life (SOL) and slice of death (SOD), as two types of semantic differential advertising appeals. We developed and validated a scale for measuring slice-of-life and slice-of-death (SOL&D) advertising appeals through our conceptualization of SOL&D advertising comprising of three factors: advertising complexity, advertising relevance, and advertising valence. SOL&D appeals use these three factors to evoke both positive and negative emotions in advertising, which in turn contribute to attitudes toward the ad and brand. Utilizing the theory of emotional information management (EIM), which draws on the emotional intelligence (EI) literature, we generated three indicators of advertising complexity, three indicators of advertising relevance, and four indicators of advertising valence. The authors make conceptual, measurement, and managerial contributions to the research dealing with slice-of-life versus slice-of-death advertising appeals. The research extends message framing and emotional advertising literature by utilizing emotional informational management framework for measuring and evaluating SOL&D advertising appeals. Practitioners will consider our findings relevant, while future researchers may view our study as a springboard into areas of SOL&D advertising and branding, advertising polysemy, consumer-based brand equity, and cultural differences in interpretation of SOL&D advertising attitudes and purchase intentions.
Structural Plasticity in Dendrites: Developmental Neurogenetics, Morphological Reconstructions, and Computational Modeling

Mature dendritic arbors emerge out of complex growth mechanisms involving intracellular, extracellular, and activity-dependent factors. These interactions converge on cytoskeletal effectors, mainly microtubules and actin filaments, which mediate the structural changes and stabilize the mature structure. The quantitative characterization of developmental dynamics remains challenging because current morphological descriptors are static and without explicit representation of subcellular composition. Large datasets of new time-varying reconstructions with co-registered internal cytoskeletal information are required to build statistically reliable models of dendritic growth and plasticity. Here we review the history and current state of experimental and theoretical approaches, and illustrate the progress of an innovative closed-loop research design using the Drosophila larva system. Time-lapse confocal images of the fluorescently labeled cytoskeletal components are digitally reconstructed into a novel file structure, enabling comprehensive statistical analysis and data-driven computational simulations of dendritic growth. These data in turn guide the most informative genetic manipulations for testing specific hypotheses.
Validating the Lower-Risk MD Anderson Prognostic Scoring System (LR-PSS) and the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) for Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Abstract Abstract 1720 Background: The myelodysplastic syndromes are commonly divided into lower- and higher-risk subtypes depending on blast percentage and International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) score (0–1.0, low or Int-1, median overall survival (OS) 3.5–5.7 years). Because the IPSS is limited in its ability to identify poor prognosis lower-risk patients (pts), a prognostic scoring system specifically for lower-risk MDS pts (LR-PSS) was developed (Garcia-Manero Leukemia 2008) at MD Anderson (MDA), based on unfavorable (non-del(5q), non–diploid) cytogenetics, hemoglobin (hgb) Methods: Of 1293 MDS patients identified at CC or MDA from 1991–2010, 664 had lower-risk disease and adequate data for analyses. OS was calculated from first date seen at either institution. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate median OS. Univariable analyses were performed using the log-rank test; multivariable analyses used a Cox proportional hazards model stratified by treatment center. Harrell’s c index and the Akaike information criteria (AIC) were used to assess the discriminatory power of the models and relative goodness of fit, respectively. Results: Comparing CC to MDA, baseline values were similar except median age: 70 vs. 67 years (p=.02); time since diagnosis: 2.7 vs. 1.1 months (p Table 1 and Figure 1 . In univariable analyses, The IPSS, LR-PSS, and IPSS-R were all predictive of OS (p=.002, Table 1: . LR-PSS and IPSS-R Survival Estimates LR-PSS Category: CC n = 292(%) MDA n = 372(%) Median Survival in Months, MDA 2008 (%) Median Survival in Months, CC + MDA (%) 1 52 (21) 79 (21) 80.3 (21) 91.4 (21) 2 139 (57) 190 (51) 26.6 (48) 35.6 (53) 3 53 (22) 103 (28) 14.2 (31) 22.0 (25) IPSS-R Category: Median Survival in Months, IPSS-R Very Good 48 (20) 64 (17) 81.6 91.4 (18) Good 135 (56) 202 (55) 51.6 35.9 (55) Intermediate 47 (19) 79 (21) 27.6 27.8 (27) * High 11 (5) 20 (5) 18 Very High 2 (1) 5 (1) 10.8 * (Combined Intermediate + Good + Very Good) Download : Download high-res image (27KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: The LR-PSS and IPSS-R are valid tools for distinguishing among pts previously thought to have lower-risk disease by the IPSS, and identifying those who have better and worse survival. This latter group of pts may benefit from earlier interventions with disease-modifying therapies, and should be considered in trials targeting higher-risk MDS pts. The LR-PSS appears to provide slightly better prognostic information. Disclosures: Sekeres: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Maciejewski: Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Comprehensive study of excess phosphate response reveals ethylene mediated signaling that negatively regulates plant growth and development

Excess Phosphorus (P) in agriculture is causing serious environmental problems like eutrophication of lakes and rivers. Unlike the enormous information available for phosphate starvation response (P0), very few information is available for the effect of excess phosphate Pi on plants. Characterization of Excess Phosphate Response (EPiR) is essential for designing strategies to increase phosphate accumulation and tolerance. We show a significant modulation in the root developmental plasticity under the increasing supply of excess Pi. An excess supply of 20 mM Pi (P20) produces a shallow root system architecture (RSA), reduces primary root growth, root apical meristem size, and meristematic activity in Arabidopsis. The inhibition of primary root growth and development is indeterminate in nature and caused by the decrease in number of meristematic cortical cells due to EPiR. Significant changes occurred in metal nutrients level due to excess Pi supply. A comparative microarray investigation of the EPiR response reveals a modulation in ethylene biosynthesis and signaling, metal ions deficiency response, and root development related genes. We used ethylene-insensitive or sensitive mutants to provide more evidence for ethylene-mediated signaling. A new role of EPiR in regulating the developmental responses of plants mediated by ethylene has been demonstrated.
Molecular Dynamics Studies of Glass Transitions: Vitrification and Amortization

The purpose of this talk is to briefly consider two current studies in molecular dynamics simulation of the formation of glassy states. The first problem, which I will call vitrification, is concerned with the liquid to glass transition in a one-component atomic system; my intent is to comment on the test of a recent mode-coupling theory which provides the first quantitative, dynamical description of such a transition. The second problem, which can be called amorphization, deals with the transition from crystal to glass induced by the presence of point defects. Here I would like to describe some preliminary simulation results obtained in a collaboration with A. Rahman (Argonne and Minnesota) and H. Hsieh (MIT).
The Poetics of Power in Augustan Rome: Latin Poetic Responses to Early Imperial Iconography

Augustus' success in implementing monarchical rule at Rome is often attributed to innovations in the symbolic language of power, from the star marking Julius Caesar's deification to buildings like the Palatine complex and the Forum Augustum to rituals including triumphs and funerals. This book illuminates Roman subjects' vital role in creating and critiquing these images, in keeping with the Augustan poets' sustained exploration of audiences' active part in constructing verbal and visual meaning. From Vergil to Ovid, these poets publicly interpret, debate, and disrupt Rome's evolving political iconography, reclaiming it as the common property of an imagined republic of readers. In showing how these poets used reading as a metaphor for the mutual constitution of Augustan authority and a means of exercising interpretive libertas under the principate, this book offers a holistic new vision of Roman imperial power and its representation that will stimulate scholars and students alike.
Clinical Utility of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pericardial Diseases.

Background Pericardial diseases are relatively common in clinical practice and encountered in various clinical settings with consequent significant morbidity and mortality. However, the diagnosis as well as management can be complex and challenging, as the clinical presentation is usually non-specific. Therefore, there is an increasing role for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR) as an imaging tool to facilitate the diagnosis of pericardial diseases. Conclusion Herein we describe conventional and unique CMR approaches to provide an increased non-invasive understanding of the pericardium in health and disease including a novel method to diagnose constrictive pericarditis via radio-frequency tissue tagging by defining unique visceralparietal adherence patterns easily learned by the cardiologist and radiologist.
Iterated pressure-correction projection methods for the unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations

Abstract Iterated pressure-correction projection schemes for the unsteady incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are developed, analyzed and exemplified, in relation to preconditioned iterative methods and the pressure-Schur complement equation. Typical pressure-correction schemes perform only one iteration per stage or time step, and suffer from splitting errors that result in spurious numerical boundary layers and a limited order of convergence in time. We show that performing iterations not only reduces the effects of the splitting errors, but can also be more efficient computationally than merely reducing the time step. We devise stopping criteria to recover the desired order of temporal convergence, and to drive the splitting error below the time-integration error. We also develop and implement the iterated pressure corrections with both multi-step and multi-stage time integration schemes. Finally, to reduce further the computational cost of the iterated approach, we combine it with an Aitken acceleration scheme. Our theoretical results are validated and illustrated by numerical test cases for the Stokes and Navier–Stokes equations, using implicit–explicit (IMEX) backwards differences and Runge–Kutta time-integration solvers. The test cases comprise a now classical manufactured solution in the projection method community and a modified version of a more recently proposed manufactured solution. The different error types, stopping criterion, recovered orders of convergence, and acceleration rates are illustrated, as well as the effects of the rotational corrections and time-integration schemes. It is found that iterated pressure-correction schemes can retrieve the accuracy and temporal convergence order of fully-coupled schemes and are computationally more efficient than classic pressure-correction schemes.
Mechanism of Hydrocarbon Formation in Combustion Processes

Emissions from transportation systems that derive their energy directly from combustion processes include products of incomplete combustion, oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur, and lead and other trace metals that are employed as combustion-improving additives. Emissions associated with the products of incomplete combustion can be further subdivided to include carbon monoxide, gaseous hydrocarbons, polynuclear aromatics, odor, and combustible particulates.
Reactive Mesothelial Hyperplasia

This condition often accompanies certain specific underlying medical conditions. However, in a large number of cases, no apparent cause can be assigned to the presence of reactive mesothelial hyperplasia (RMH) in an effusion specimen. Common causes of florid mesothelial hyperplasia include ischemic conditions of heart and lung (pulmonary infarction being the most notorious cause), systemic diseases (collagen-vascular diseases, SLE, etc.), hepatic cirrhosis, infections, radiation therapy, and underlying malignancy.
The Generation of Human Monoclonal Antibodies and Their Use in the Analysis of the Humoral Immune Response to Cancer

The discipline of cancer immunology can be defined as having two related but distinct aspects. The first is the search for antigens on tumor cells that might distinguish these cells from their normal counterparts, using immunologic methods. The second is the investigation of the ability of animals and humans to recognize and respond to their own tumors. The discovery that inbred strains of mice are able to recognize antigens expressed by chemically induced sarcomas (Gross, 1943; Foley, 1953; Prehn and Main, 1957) opened up both of these important areas of tumor immunology. Studies of cancer cells with heterologous antibodies, long thought to be the way in which antigens on tumors could best be studied (Bashford, 1913), have not, until quite recently, yielded much useful information. However, the use of mouse monoclonal antibodies as monovalent, heterologous probes has developed into a powerful approach to the serologic analysis of tumors, vastly increasing our knowledge about the antigenic phenotypes of cells (Dippold et al., 1980; Ueda et al., 1981; Papsidero et al., 1983). These reagents have already been applied to the histological diagnosis and definition of tumors, and to the localization and treatment of cancer in patients (Epenetos et al., 1982; Miller and Levy, 1981; Osborn and Weber, 1982; Houghton et al., 1985). Although the use of mouse monoclonal antibodies in vivo may be limited by their immunogenicity (Houghton et al., 1985; Miller et al., 1982), they have certainly secured a permanent niche in the armamentarium of the basic scientist, pathologist, and clinician interested in cancer.
Making history for justice reform: Can the country end girls’ incarceration?

Nationally, juvenile justice reforms have largely rolled back the surge in youth incarceration that resulted from the “tough on crime” era of the late 1990s and early 2000s: the numbers of young pe...
Current status of collectibility of gaming-related credit dollars.

In her piece entitled Current Status Of Collectability Of Gaming-Related Credit Dollars Ruth Lisa Wenof, Graduate Student at Florida International University initially states: “Credit is an important part of incentives used to lure gamblers to gaming establishments. However, a collection problem exists in casinos retrieving gaming-related credit losses of individuals living in states where gambling is illegal. The author discusses the history of this question, citing recent cases related to Atlantic City.” This author’s article is substantially laden with legal cases associated with casinos in New Jersey; Atlantic City to be exact. The piece is specific to the segment of the gaming industry that the title suggests, and as such is written in a decidedly technical style. “Legalized casino gaming, which was approved by the citizens of New Jersey on November 8, 1976, has been used as a unique tool of urban redevelopment for Atlantic City,” Wenof says in providing some background on this ‘Jersey shore municipality. “Since Resorts International opened its casino...revenues from gambling have increased rapidly. Resorts' gross win in 1978 was $134 million,” Wenof says. “Since then, the combined gross win of the city's 11 casinos has been just shy of $7.5 billion.” The author points out that the competition for casino business is fierce and that credit dollars play an integral role in soliciting such business. “Credit plays a most important part in every casino hotel. This type of gambler is given every incentive to come to a particular hotel,” says the author. “Airplanes, limousines, suites, free meals, and beverages all become a package for the person who can sign a marker. The credit department of a casino is similar to that of a bank. A banker who loans money knows that it must be paid back or his bank will fail. This is indeed true of a casino,” Wenof warns in outlining the potential problem that this article is fundamentally designed around. In providing further background on credit essentials and possible pitfalls, Wenof affords: “...on the Casino Control Act the State Commission of Investigation recommended to the legislature that casinos should not be allowed to extend credit at all, by reason of a concern for illicit diversion of revenues, which is popularly called skimming within the industry...” Although skimming is an after-the-fact problem, and is parenthetic to loan returns, it is an important element of the collective [sic] credit scheme. “A collection problem of prime importance is if a casino can get back gaming-related credit dollars advanced by the casino to a gambler who lives in a state where gambling is illegal,” is a central factor to consider, Wenof reveals. This is a primary focus of this article. Wenof touches on the social/societal implications of gambling, and then continues the discussion by citing a host of legal cases pertaining to debt collection.
Achieving Consensus on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Clinical Practice for Inflammatory Skin Disorders: On Behalf of International Dermatology Outcome Measures and the American Academy of Dermatology.

Abstract Background The International Dermatology Outcome Measures and the American Academy of Dermatology recently agreed on a physician-reported global severity measure to demonstrate quality of care in inflammatory dermatoses. Because patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are also important, we aimed to achieve consensus on a PROM for clinical practice. Methods Patients and providers participated in a consensus-building study using a modified-Delphi technique. Voting focused on identifying: (i)minimal set of assessments for clinical practice; (ii)patient-global assessments (PtGAs); (iii)Skindex instruments; and (iv)final instrument selection for quality improvement. Results Among 53 stakeholders, >70% agreed that identification of patient goals, assessment of treatment harm and assessment of the adequacy of treatment response were the minimal assessments for clinical practice. The most preferred PtGA was a 5-point PtGA (0=clear to 4=severe) with an optional check-box: “worst ever”. A new metric assessing change since treatment initiation called “trajectory measure” was proposed. Stakeholders preferred Skindex instruments over PtGAs and a trajectory measure for clinical practice. Conclusions PtGAs as standalone measures do not adequately capture the patient’s assessment of disease severity or impact of care. The combination of PtGAs with Skindex or other measure of health-related quality of life may provide a more comprehensive evaluation of patients in clinical practice.
For Women, Lynch Syndrome Is About More than Colon Cancer

Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, has historically been characterized by a predisposition to colorectal cancer; however, for women with Lynch syndrome, the risks for gynecologic cancers pose an equal or greater risk than colorectal cancer. In addition, the gynecologic cancer is often the first cancer that presents in these patients. Also of importance to women with Lynch syndrome is the efficacy of gynecologic cancer screening being significantly lower than colorectal cancer screening, leading to inconsistency in provider recommendations for gynecologic screening and surveillance. We had the chance to listen to women with Lynch syndrome, in their own words, discuss their health care experiences as they relate to gynecologic cancer risk, and identified several important themes. They describe feeling confused about their screening and surveillance options while also being heavily reliant on their health care providers for guidance. In addition, women with Lynch syndrome discuss attempting to balance medical management of Lynch syndrome with their reproductive choices. Finally, they believe that increased awareness by women and their providers about the gynecologic cancer risks associated with Lynch syndrome should be a higher priority. We view the words of these women as a call to action for Lynch syndrome patients, clinicians, researchers, and advocates.
Virtual treatment for veteran social anxiety disorder: A comparison of 360° video and 3D virtual reality

Virtual environments have been increasingly used in conjunction with traditional cognitive behavioral treatments for disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder. Re...
Safety and Effectiveness of MANTA Vascular Closure Device After Large-Bore Mechanical Circulatory Support: Real-World Experience.

Abstract Background Real world safety and effectiveness of MANTA vascular closure device (VCD) for large bore arteriotomy closure after decannulation of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices is not known. Methods All consecutive patients who underwent large bore arteriotomy closure with MANTA VCD following decannulation of MCS between February to October 2019 at a large tertiary care academic medical center were included. Safety and effectiveness of MANTA VCD was assessed on immediate post-closure angiogram for 23 access sites, and immediate post-closure duplex arterial ultrasound or manual vascular examination for 1 access site each. Technical success was defined as achievement of arteriotomy closure in absence of major bleeding or access site endovascular or surgical intervention. Results A total of 25 MANTA VCD were placed in 22 unique patients by 7 different operators. A 14 Fr or 18 Fr MANTA VCD was used in 15 (60%) and 10 (40%) of deployments, respectively via transfemoral (n = 23, 92%) or transaxillary (n = 2, 8%) access. Technical success was achieved in 24 of 25 (96%) cases. Minor access site bleeding occurred in 3 patients (12%) and failure of MANTA VCD with major access site bleeding occurred in 1 patient (4%) requiring endovascular balloon tamponade. No cases of retroperitoneal bleeding, collagen plug embolization, covered stent placement, or surgical vascular repair were observed. Conclusion In this single center experience, the use of MANTA VCD for large bore arteriotomy closure following percutaneous decannulation of MCS devices appears to be safe and effective. Larger multicenter studies of efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness are needed.
Anisotropic disclination cores in nematic liquid crystals modeled by a self-consistent molecular field theory

Disclination configurations of a nematic liquid crystal are studied within a self-consistent molecular field theory. The theory is based on a tensor order parameter, and can accommodate anisotropic elastic energies without the known divergences in the Landau-de Gennes formulation. Our results agree with the asymptotic results of Dzyaloshinskii for the Frank-Oseen energy far from the defect core, but reveal biaxial order at intermediate distances from the core, crossing over to uniaxial but axisymmetric configurations as the core is approached. The elastic terms considered in our energy allow for the separate control of surface tension, anchoring, and elasticity contrast, and are used to analyze recent results for lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals. The latter display unusually large defect cores (on the order of tens of microns) which can be used for a quantitative comparison with the theory. Both ±1/2 disclination configurations are well reproduced by our calculations. Elastic anisotropy is also shown to lead to qualitative changes in the disclination polarization, a quantity that is proportional to the active stress in models of active matter.
The Mediator Effects of Depressive Symptoms on the Relationship between Family Functioning and Quality of Life in Caregivers of Patients with Heart Failure.

Abstract Background Caregivers of patients with heart failure (HF) report depressive symptoms and poor quality of life (QOL) related to caregiving and poor family functioning, placing them at risk for poor health. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between family functioning and quality of life in the HF caregiver. Methods A sample of 92 HF caregivers were enrolled from an ambulatory clinic at a large academic medical center. A mediation analysis was used to analyze data obtained from the Family Assessment Device (FAD), the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Short Form-12 Health Survey Version 2 (SF-12v2). Results Depressive symptoms were found to be a significant mediator in the relationship between family functioning and caregiver quality of life. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that interventions targeting caregiver depression and family functioning could be effective in enhancing HF caregivers’ physical and mental QOL.
Genome-scale metabolic modeling reveals SARS-CoV-2-induced host metabolic reprogramming and identifies metabolic antiviral targets

Tremendous progress has been made to control the COVID-19 pandemic, including the development and approval of vaccines as well as the drug remdesivir, which inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. However, remdesivir confers only mild benefits to a subset of patients, and additional effective therapeutic options are needed. Drug repurposing and drug combinations may represent practical strategies to address these urgent unmet medical needs. Viruses, including coronaviruses, are known to hijack the host metabolism to facilitate their own proliferation, making targeting host metabolism a promising antiviral approach. Here, we describe an integrated analysis of 12 published in vitro and human patient gene expression datasets on SARS-CoV-2 infection using genome-scale metabolic modeling (GEM). We find that SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce recurrent and complicated metabolic reprogramming spanning a wide range of metabolic pathways. We next applied the GEM-based metabolic transformation algorithm (MTA) to predict anti-SARS-CoV-2 targets that counteract the virus-induced metabolic changes. These predictions are enriched for validated targets from various published experimental drug and genetic screens. Further analyzing the RNA-sequencing data of remdesivir-treated Vero E6 cell samples that we generated, we predicted metabolic targets that act in combination with remdesivir. These predictions are enriched for previously reported synergistic drugs with remdesivir. Since our predictions are based in part on human patient data, they are likely to be clinically relevant. We provide our top high-confidence candidate targets for their evaluation in further studies, demonstrating host metabolism-targeting as a promising antiviral strategy.
The interactive effects of gender and implicit theories of abilities on mathematics and science achievements

In this study, we investigated how gender and implicit theories of mathematics and science abilities interacted to predict mathematics and science achievements in a sample of elementary (primary) school students from the United States. Study participants came from six elementary schools (Grades 2 to 5) and were a part of a larger sample that participated in the Gifted Education in Mathematics and Science (GEMS) Project. We observed that, overall, boys had higher mathematics and science achievements than girls. Such gender differences were particularly significant among the 3rd and 4th graders. Moreover, there was a novel and yet consistent pattern of gender x implicit theories interaction effect on the achievements of the 3rd graders, such that boys had higher mathematics and science achievements than girls only when they endorsed strong incremental theories of mathematics and science abilities, but not when they endorsed weak incremental theories. The results demonstrate the importance of paying attention to early gender differences in mathematics and science achievements, particularly at transitional grades. The study also stimulates further investigations on how implicit theories of ability moderate such gender differences.
The effect of local chemical ordering on dislocation activity in multi-principle element alloys: A three-dimensional discrete dislocation dynamics study

Abstract The exceptional combination of strength and ductility in multi-component alloys is often attributed to the interaction of dislocations with the various solute atoms in the alloy. To study these effects on the mechanical properties of such alloys there is a need to develop a modeling framework capable of quantifying the effect of these solutes on the evolution of dislocation networks. Large scale three-dimensional (3D) Discrete dislocation dynamics (DDD) simulations can provide access to such studies but to date no relevant approaches are available that aim for a complete representation of real alloys with arbitrary chemical compositions. Here, we introduce a formulation of dislocation interaction with substitutional solute atoms in fcc alloys in 3D DDD simulations that accounts for solute strengthening induced by atomic misfit as well as fluctuations in the cross-slip activation energy. Using this model, we show that local fluctuations in the chemical composition of various CrFeCoNi-based multi-principal element alloys (MPEA) lead to sluggish dislocation motion, frequent cross-slip and alignment of dislocations with solute aggregation features, explaining experimental observations related to mechanical behavior and dislocation activity. It is also demonstrated, that this behavior observed for certain MPEAs cannot be reproduced by assuming a perfect solid solution. The developed method also provides a basis for further investigations of dislocation plasticity in any real arbitrary fcc alloy with substitutional solutes.
Teaching for citizenship: Instructional practices and open classroom climate

Open classroom climate for discussion (OCC) is consistently associated with positive civic outcomes for students, but research on the determinants of OCC primarily focuses on individual- and school...
Theoretical Plurality in Health Communication

(1988). Theoretical Plurality in Health Communication. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 11, Communication Yearbook 11, pp. 298-308.
Did you see that

The development of appropriate lab-based evaluation techniques for mobile technologies requires continued research attention. In particular, experimental design needs to account for the environmental context in which such technologies will ultimately be used. This requires, in part, that relevant environmental distractions be incorporated into evaluations. This chapter reflects on different techniques that were used in three separate lab-based mobile evaluation experiments to present visual distractions to participants and to measure the participants’ cognizance of the distractions during the course of mobile evaluations of technology. The different techniques met the different needs of the three studies with respect to the fidelity of the data captured, the impact of acknowledging distractions on the evaluation task, and the typical context of use for the technology being evaluated. The results of the studies showed that the introduction of visual distractions did have an impact on the experimental task and indicate that future work is required in this area.
Sleep profiles in children with down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and results from an extra chromosome 21 (Trisomy 21). Sleep issues and/or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are assumed to be part of the DS phenotype with a high prevalence but are often under recognized. This cross-sectional study of children with DS examines the caregiver reported sleep behaviors of 108 children with DS, ranging in age from 1.50 to 13.40 years (mean = 5.18 years) utilizing a standardized assessment tool, the Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ). The CSHQ revealed 76% of children with DS had sleep problems, which began at a young age, and continue to persist and may recur with increasing age. Furthermore, children with DS who undergone adenoid and tonsillectomy for OSA continued to have sleep problems suggesting that ongoing monitoring of sleep issues is needed in this population. Implications of sleep problems and recommended anticipatory guidance and intervention are discussed.
NOVAE and Other Cataclysmic Variables: Understanding the Effects of Accretion on a White Dwarf

During the past three years, the scientific community has had access to three operating satellites: IUE, ROSAT and HST. The data from these space missions, coordinated with ground-based photometry and spectroscopy, have provided unique fundamental insights into the physics of cataclysmic variables. The important results on novae (highlighting Nova Her 91 (V838 Her), Nova Cyg 92 (V1974 Cyg), and GQ Mus), dwarf novae (concentrating on the information gleaned on accretion disk and boundary layer structure), and magnetic accretors (AM Hers and DQ Hers) are reviewed. Future directions for research in these areas that will be possible with FUSE, AXAF, XTE, new HST instrumentation, the VLT, and Gemini are summarized.
Overview no. 48

Abstract A comprehensive review of toughening mechanisms in transformable brittle solids is presented. Primary emphasis is given to transformation toughening, although microcrack and deflection toughening are also considered. Models of toughness are developed using concepts from applied mechanics, but within the context of the thermodynamics and kinetics of the transformation process. The predictions of the models are compared with experimental data for various ZrO2 containing ceramic alloys. It is concluded that the predominant toughening mechanism depends on the alloy composition and microstructure; dilatational transformation toughening with shear modifications dominates in partially stabilized zirconia; uniaxial transformation and microcrack mechanisms prevail in zirconia toughened alumina; transformation toughening with partial reversibility predominates in tetragonal zirconia polycrystals.
Effects of precompression on elasticity imaging of the breast: development of a clinically useful semiquantitative method of precompression assessment.

Objectives Elastography of the breast is a new technique for characterization of breast lesions. The reproducibility of elastographic techniques has been questioned. Precompression is known to effect elastographic results. This study determined the effect of precompression on clinical images and proposes a method to semiquantify the amount of precompression applied. Methods Ten patients with different breast tissue types were evaluated with shear wave and strain elastography with varying amounts of precompression. The changes in the shear wave speed and images were documented. A semiquantitative method for determining the amount of precompression applied is presented. The reproducibility of the technique was determine by repeated measurements by 3 sonographers. Results Precompression substantially changes the elastographic results of patient images on both strain and shear wave elastography. Fat can have the same elasticity as cancer with clinically possible amounts of precompression. The proposed method for determining the amount of precompression applied has variability of less than 10%, which is within the error of the technique and would not affect clinical results. Four zones of precompression are identified, which are useful for explaining the effects of precompression on both strain and shear wave imaging. Conclusions Precompression is a substantial factor in obtaining accurate results with elastography. A proposed simple, easily applied technique can be used to semiquantify the amount of precompression applied. Precompression should be minimized in obtaining breast clinical images.
Determination of hydrogen sulfide in fermentation broths containing SO 2 .

A procedure for the determination of hydrogen sulfide in fermentation broths containing up to 100 μg of SO2 per ml is described. The method involves the sparging of H2S from the broth into a cadmium hydroxide absorption solution, the formation of methylene blue from the absorbed sulfide, and the measuring of this color spectrophotometrically. The use of cadmium hydroxide instead of zinc acetate, the common absorbent, substantially reduced the interference of SO2 with the analysis.
Major-element composition of the particulate matter in the near-bottom nepheloid layer of the gulf of Mexico

Abstract During cruises 71-A-12 and 73-A-3 of the R/V “Alaminos” eighty-six samples of suspended matter at eleven near-bottom stations in the Gulf of Mexico and northwestern Caribbean Sea were collected, and simultaneously, values for light scattering were measured. Selected samples of the suspended matter were analyzed for particulate aluminum, silicon, iron, calcium, magnesium, organic carbon and inorganic carbon. The results indicate that a permanent but highly variable near-bottom nepheloid layer exists in the Gulf of Mexico but not in the northwestern Caribbean Sea. Average total-suspended loads in the Gulf of Mexico nepheloid layer are two times higher than in the clear water above the nepheloid layer. Since there is a significant increase in the alumino-silicate fraction and a corresponding decrease in the organic fraction of the suspended matter in the nepheloid layer relative to the overlying water, it appears that sediments are the most probable source of the increased concentrations of suspended matter in the nepheloid layer. This hypothesis is supported by X-ray diffraction analyses on the nepheloid material collected at one station which show the same mineral assemblages as the underlying sediments. Time studies over periods of one week and one and one-half years showed large total-suspended-matter variations which indicate that non steady-state processes, primarily vertical eddy diffusion and possibly advection, are controlling the distribution of suspended matter in the nepheloid layer.
Heteroscedastic regression models with non-normally distributed errors

Although regression estimates are quite robust to slight departure from normality, symmetric prediction intervals assuming normality can be highly unsatisfactory and problematic if the residuals have a skewed distribution. For data with distributions outside the class covered by the Generalized Linear Model, a common way to handle non-normality is to transform the response variable. Unfortunately, transforming the response variable often destroys the theoretical or empirical functional relationship connecting the mean of the response variable to the explanatory variables established on the original scale. Further complication arises if a single transformation cannot both stabilize variance and attain normality. Furthermore, practitioners also find the interpretation of highly transformed data not obvious and often prefer an analysis on the original scale. The present paper presents an alternative approach for handling simultaneously heteroscedasticity and non-normality without resorting to data transforma...
Sequential delivery of maturation stimuli increases human dendritic cell IL-12 production and enhances tumor antigen-specific immunogenicity.

Abstract Background Despite the increasing use of dendritic cells (DCs) in clinical trials, questions regarding the optimal means of DC preparation, in particular how to achieve optimal maturation, remain unanswered. We hypothesized that delivering two separate sequential maturation signals to DC in vitro , mimicking the process of DC maturation that occurs in vivo , would enhance the ability of DCs to generate antigen-specific effector T cells in an experimental in vitro antimelanoma model. Materials and methods Human monocyte-derived DCs were transfected with mRNA encoding melanoma-associated antigen Mart-1 (MART) or influenza M1 matrix protein (M1). After mRNA transfection, DCs were left untreated or exposed to different maturation stimuli either added simultaneously or delivered sequentially 18 h after first stimulation. Phenotypic DC cell-surface marker changes and IL-12 secretion were analyzed. Specific antigen presentation by DCs was measured by IFN-γ release Elispot assay using a CD8 + MART peptide-specific T cell clone. RNA-transfected and treated DCs were cultured with autologous naive T cells and the induction of antigen-specific effector T cells were assessed by IFN-γ release Elispot assay. Results DCs transfected and matured had increased cell-surface expression of CD40 and costimulatory molecules CD80, and CD86. DCs matured and further treated by soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) had a 10- and 2-fold increase in MART antigen presentation compared to untreated (immature) DCs and DCs treated only with a first maturation signal, respectively (Elispot P = 0.02). Delivery of sequential maturation stimuli resulted in maximal DC IL-12 secretion compared to simultaneous stimuli. Last, generation of antigen-specific effector T cells more than doubled with the sequential addition of sCD40L to mature DC stimulators (Elispot P = 0.009). Conclusions Maturation of DCs following mRNA transfection increases expression of cell-surface costimulatory molecules. Delivery of a second sequential maturation stimulus enhances antigen presentation, increases IL-12 secretion, and augments immunogenicity as evidenced by generation of tumor antigen-specific effector T cells. This strategy should be considered in the future development of RNA-based DC vaccine strategies for the treatment of cancer.
Quantifying the proportion of perennial ryegrass cultivars in intra-species mixtures using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and inter-SSR (ISSR) markers and discriminant analysis

Abstract Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) can be sown as a mixture of cultivars, but different eco-physiological mechanisms among cultivars can cause the cultivar proportions to change over time. The objectives of this work were to differentiate the cultivars ‘Barnhem’, ‘Barmaco’, ‘Barlet’ and ‘Mara’, and to identify their proportions in mixture. Two seed-lots of each cultivar were characterised using one simple sequence repeat (SSR) and two inter-SSR (ISSR) markers. Simulated mixtures based on random sub-samples from monocultures of each cultivar showed that individuals could be correctly allocated to their respective seed-lot and cultivar with 78–87% accuracy using discriminant analysis. 100 BG34 plants were collected from three dairy pastures in Ohio, USA and their SSR/ISSR profiles were compared with the reference populations. One pasture had a similar cultivar proportion as the original sown mixture. Two pastures had increased proportions of ‘Mara’ and ‘Barmaco’ and decreases of ‘Barlet’ or ‘Ba...
Longterm Changes in Creatinine Clearance after Laparoscopic Renal Surgery

Background Controversy exists about the impact of ischemia on renal function. We evaluated the creatinine clearance of patients having undergone laparoscopic renal extirpative and ablative surgery. Study Design The records of patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures for renal masses from February 2000 to March 2004 were examined. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) for each patient was determined using the Cockcroft-Gault equation and ideal body weight. We compared CrCl changes of patients undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (without renal ischemia [LPN-none], with warm ischemia [LPN-warm], and with cold ischemia [LPN-cold]) with patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) and laparoscopic cryoablation. Patients predisposed to medical renal disease were substratified and evaluated. Results All patients who underwent LRN or LPN-warm sustained a significant drop in CrCl on the first postoperative day, compared with patients who had LPN without ischemia or cryoablation (p Conclusions Ischemia causes acute renal damage, which is apparently reversible in patients without evidence of medical renal disease. Patients with known medical renal disease have substantial longterm changes in renal function associated with unilateral renal ischemia. Considering the insensitivity of creatinine-based renal function metrics, only eliminating ischemic time will realize the goal of maximal nephron preservation, particularly in patients with preexisting medical renal disease.
Stringent constraint on galactic positron production

The intense 0.511 MeV gamma-ray line emission from the Galactic Center observed by INTEGRAL requires a large annihilation rate of nonrelativistic positrons. If these positrons are injected at even mildly relativistic energies, higher-energy gamma rays will also be produced. We calculate the gamma-ray spectrum due to inflight annihilation and compare it with the observed diffuse Galactic gamma-ray data. Even with a simplified but conservative treatment, we find that the positron injection energies must be $\ensuremath{\lesssim}3\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MeV}$, which strongly constrains models for Galactic positron production.
Interaction between transcription elongation factors and mRNA 3'-end formation at the Saccharomyces cerevisiae GAL10-GAL7 locus.

Spt6 is a conserved transcription factor that associates with RNA polymerase II (pol II) during elongation. Spt6 is essential for viability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and regulates chromatin structure during pol II transcription. Here we present evidence that mutations that impair Spt6, a second elongation factor, Spt4, and pol II can affect 3′-end formation at GAL10. Additional analysis suggests that Spt6 is required for cotranscriptional association of the factor Ctr9, a member of the Paf1 complex, with GAL10 and GAL7, and that Ctr9 association with chromatin 3′ of GAL10 is regulated by the GAL10 polyadenylation signal. Overall, these results provide new evidence for a connection between the transcription elongation factor Spt6 and 3′-end formation in vivo.
Brain Function, Intellectual Impairment and Education in the Aged

In assessing behavioral problems of the elderly there is a need for procedures which reliably indicate the presence and extent of impaired brain function. In this study, the relation of two mental status measures [the Mental Status Questionnaire (MSQ) and the Face-Hand test] to intellectual performance and education was evaluated. The sample consisted of 153 consecutive inpatients and outpatients referred to a gerontology clinic. Intellectual performance was assessed with 8 tests of learning and memory, such as Paired Associates and Babcock Story Recall. The findings indicate that positive ratings for impaired brain function on either mental status test were related to lower intellectual performance at each of three levels of education - grade school, high school, and college. Subjects with more education and mental status scores indicating mild impairment performed better on intellectual tests than did less educated persons with no brain dysfunction, but they showed significant deficits compared to other subjects with similar education and intact brain function. Larger intellectual deficits were found when the patient made more test errors and when both tests gave positive ratings. These results confirm the importance of the MSQ and Face-Hand tests as screening devices for the intellectual deficits associated with impaired brain function in a clinically heterogeneous population.