cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers of Inflammation as Surrogate Markers in Detection of Vulnerable Plaques and Vulnerable Patients

C-reactive protein (CRP) activates endothelial cells to express adhesion molecules, VCAM and ICAM, and Monocyte Chemotactic Protein, and CRP decreases the availability of nitric oxide. Thus, it is a proinflammatory substance and its serum level is also a predictor of future vascular events. White blood cell counts are independent predictors of cardiovascular events. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) may have both proinflammatory and antiinflammatory effects. High Lp-PLA2 levels predict future cardiovascular events. Myeloperoxidase is proinflammatory and its serum level is a predictor of prognosis of cardiovascular events in patients. In troponin-negative acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, elevated pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A is an independent predictor of adverse outcome during 6 months of follow-up. Elevated serum amyloid A at hospital admission in patients with unstable angina predicts a poorer prognosis. CD40 and CD40 ligand levels predict prognosis in patients with ACS. The primary proinflammatory cytokines are interleukin-1 and -6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Increased serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines are associated with a poorer prognosis, development of congestive heart failure (CHF), and of progressive atherosclerosis. Increased serum levels of interleukin-10 are associated with a better prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Genetic variability and potential sources of Grateloupia doryphora (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta), an invasive species in Rhode Island Waters (USA)

Grateloupia doryphora (Montagne) M.Howe is an invasive foliose alga that was reported for the first time in Rhode Island, USA in 1997. The population has since increased in size and expanded in range. In this study, the genetic variation and potential sources of the Rhode Island G. doryphora population were examined using three types of molecular markers: randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS ) sequences, and mitochondrial cox2-cox3 intergenic spacer (COX) sequences. No variation was detected in ITS or COX sequences among Rhode Island G. doryphora individuals. RAPDs, however, did reveal genetic variation, although banding patterns were similar, with RAPD genetic distances between individuals ranging from 0.00 to 0.17. The low level of genetic diversity observed within the Rhode Island population may be due to a small founder population or a founder population derived from a genetically uniform source. To identify possible sources of the Rhode Island invasion, individuals from nine geographically diverse populations of foliose Grateloupia were compared. Phylogenetic trees inferred from RAPD distances and ITS and COX sequences had similar topologies; thus there was phylogenetic congruence among these independent loci. The Rhode Island G. doryphora specimens were genetically similar to specimens from G. doryphora populations located in Portsmouth, England; Tholen Island, The Netherlands; and Brittany and Herault, France. Interestingly, the G. doryphora population in each of these locations is itself due to an introduction event within the past 40 years.
HEALTH STATUS ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR ADULTS : PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES

Over the past 30 years, health status assessment methods for adults have proliferated. Numerous generic, disease-specific, and preference-based measures now exist that tap diverse aspects of functioning, well-being, symptom states, and subjective perceptions of health. The evolution of the state of the art in adult health status assessment is reviewed. Applications of these tools in health services research, health policy, and clinical practice are discussed. Recommendations are offered for selecting among the armamentaria of tools. Conceptual and methodological challenges that confront instrument users and developers alike are identified and discussed.
The Role of Arachidonic Acid Metabolites in the Functional Renal Impairment Associated with Liver Disease

There are many morphologic and functional abnormalities of the kidney associated with liver disease. Both organs may be simultaneously affected by toxic agents such as carbon tetrachloride, by infections such as leptospirosis or generalized sepsis, and by metabolic changes such as hypoxia or shock. In addition, there are several well-described glomerulonephropathies such as those associated with hepatitis B infection, tubular abnormalities including renal tubular acidosis in chronic liver disease, and several genetic and neoplastic diseases. Among the more enigmatic associations are the functional changes in renal hemodynamics and sodium and water excretion that occur during the course of severe liver disease.1 These abnormalities are considered functional because anatomic changes have not been identified and because renal function is normal on successful transplantation to an unaffected recipient.2 In their most extreme phase the functional abnormalities progress to renal failure (hepatorenal syndrome) characterized by oliguria, intense sodium retention, and extensive vasoconstriction of the outer segments of the renal cortex.3 Although a number of liver disorders may be associated with renal failure, it is most common in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. Because of the functional nature of the renal impairment, there have been many studies of different vasoactive systems in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.
Effects of an auditory biofeedback device on plantar pressure in patients with chronic ankle instability

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients have been shown to have increased lateral column plantar pressure throughout the stance phase of gait. To date, traditional CAI rehabilitation programs have been unable to alter gait. We developed an auditory biofeedback device that can be worn in shoes that elicits an audible cue when an excessive amount of pressure is applied to a sensor. This study determined whether using this device can decrease lateral plantar pressure in participants with CAI and alter surface electromyography (sEMG) amplitudes (anterior tibialis, peroneus longus, medial gastrocnemius, and gluteus medius). Ten CAI patients completed baseline treadmill walking while in-shoe plantar pressures and sEMG were measured (baseline condition). Next, the device was placed into the shoe and set to a threshold that would elicit an audible cue during each step of the participant's normal gait. Then, participants were instructed to walk in a manner that would not trigger the audible cue, while plantar pressure and sEMG measures were recorded (auditory feedback (AUD FB) condition). Compared to baseline, there was a statistically significant reduction in peak pressure in the lateral midfoot-forefoot and central forefoot during the AUD FB condition. In addition, there were increases in peroneus longus and medial gastrocnemius sEMG amplitudes 200 ms post-initial contact during the AUD FB condition. The use of this auditory biofeedback device resulted in decreased plantar pressure in the lateral column of the foot during treadmill walking in CAI patients and may have been caused by the increase in sEMG activation of the peroneus longus.
Accessible Tailgating: An Examination of ADA Requirements and Implications Associated With Tailgating Activities

Tailgating activities have been often positively connected to sports events. However, despite nearly 57 million individuals with disabilities that possess more than $200 billion of annual discretionary spending in the United States, research regarding accessibility to tailgating activities by individuals with disabilities has been lacking. Illustrative of the evolution of the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, this article addresses the legal obligations as required by the ADA and other related laws as well as potential risk management recommendations to minimize legal issues concerning accessible tailgating. Using legal research methodology, significant issues of concern included the lack of institutional monitoring of the tailgate area and a disregard of parking issues for individuals with disabilities.
Photobiohybrid Solar Conversion with Metalloenzymes and Photosynthetic Reaction Centers

Abstract Natural photosynthesis integrates functionally diverse molecules into highly organized networks that capture solar energy to generate electrochemical energy for production of reduced chemical compounds. The underlying energy transduction principles and rich photochemistry of photosynthesis have inspired considerable effort to design robust artificial technologies for solar production of renewable fuels. Another route to solar conversion involves coupling the catalytic power of biomolecules with the synthetic tunability of materials to create photocatalytic biohybrids. Light-harvesting, electroconductive, and catalytic materials, in many cases, can be functionalized with surface chemistries to control molecular assembly, stability, photoenergetics, and electron transfer with biomolecules. Some of the latest research progress on developing biohybrids for photocatalytic CO2 reduction, H2 production, and fuel-cell devices are summarized in this chapter.
Pivot-isogonal cubics

We discuss general properties of pivotal cubics related to the isogonal transformation. We prove that circular cubics are pivotal and self-isogonal.
That's What They Say: The Implications of American Indian Gay and Lesbian Literature for Social Service Workers

This article presents an unusual approach to investigating lifestyle issues unique to the Native American gay and lesbian community. A review of poetry and literature composed by American Indian au...
Spot test for vanillylmandelic acid and other guaiacols in urine of patients with neuroblastoma.

A spot test for vanillylmandelic acid and other guaiacol derivatives in the urine of patients with neuroblastoma is presented. The test is based upon the reaction of these substances with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and sodium metaperiodate which, when alkalinized with sodium carbonate, form a bright blue color. Nine of 13 cases of clinically apparent neuroblastoma (69%) were detectable by this test. Urine from 255 control subjects on unrestricted diets produced only one false positive reaction. The test is simple to perform and utilizes random urine specimens.
Abnormalities of the Urinary Tract in “Essential Hypertension.”

SummaryAbnormalities of the urinary tract, as demonstrated in pyelograms obtained after intravenous injection of diodrast are frequently present in young persons suffering from “essential hypertension.” In 50 of 71 patients some abnormality was present. Under these circumstances it seems desirable to explore further the meaning of these phenomena.
Sacrococcygeal Chordoma with Sarcomatous Features (Spindle Cell Metaplasia)

A 62-year-old man had an enlarging painful sacrococcygeal mass for three months and constipation for two weeks. Aspirate from the lesion contained some physaliphorous cells and pleomorphic, undifferentiated tumor cells. The excised chordoma contained many areas infiltrated by anaplastic spindle cells. Only the sarcomatous component was observed in the pelvic recurrence and in the pulmonary and hepatic metastases two months later.
Experimental peripheral neuropathy induced by Campylobacter jejuni infection

Objective To induce experimental peripheral neuropathy by immunoreaction after Campylobacter jejuni (Cj) infection and explore their immune pathogenesis Methods PBMCs were taken from 21 Wistar rats that had been repeatedly injected with suspension of two Cj strains intraperitoneally The supernatants or fresh sera of the infected rats or control group were respectively injected perineurally and intravenously to totally 185 other rats (experimental group), and sacrificed on the 7th day after perineural injection and the 14th day after intravenous injection Histological examination of the sciatic nerves was performed microscopically and electron microscopically Results Typical axonal degeneration and demyelination were seen in most fibers with remarkable macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration in some severe damaged fascicles Pathological changes were identified in 42 5% teasing fibers after perineural injection Among them, 80 8% fibers had axonal degeneration, but in control group, only 3 1% of fibers were found damaged ( P 0 01) Pathological changes were found in 19 9% fibers after intravenous injection of PBMC supernatant, including 25 4% axonal degenerating and 74 6% demyelinating fibers No abnormality was found in control group Their livers, kidneys and brains of 10 rats were still normal although there were typical experimental neuropathies after intravenous injection of PBMC supernatant Conclusion Experimental neuropathy was successfully induced by immunoreaction after Cj infection Both cellular and humoral immunological pathogenesis were involved Immune specificity to peripheral nerves was well shown in the pathogenic process Axonal degeneration was much more often seen in the group injected with the PBMC supernatant perineurally than intravenously, indicating that local increase of pressure inside fascicles after perineurial injection probably plays a role in the pathogenesis of axonal degeneration
Study on land carrying capacity based on ecological footprint model in Qiqihar city

Qiqihar is in the study area, based on the theory of ecological footprint and use the ecological footprint method, correction the farmland and construction land yield's factor, quantitative calculation and analysis the Qiqihar 2001-2012 ecological footprint, ecological capacity and ecological deficit/surplus. The results showed that, 1 Qiqihar farmland and construction land yield factors were1.78, the growth rate of per capita ecological footprint was larger, and the ecological footprint on the rise, a substantial increase in the demand for human ecological footprint on the land; 2 Regional land carrying capacity increased slightly, but it increased to a lesser extent, the land can provide biological production area is limited, and has little growth potential; 3 The safety of regional land ecological was falling, the ecological pressure index was significantly increasing, appear a seriously ecological deficit,and the ecological deficit was expanding. In summary Qiqihar ecological environment has been in a state of insecurity, this seriously threat the sustainable development, should take the intensive industries road, adopt strictly control the quality of the arable land, improving the quality of the population andother countermeasures to change the unreasonable status of Qiqihar's land use.
Evidence-based guidelines for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in orthopedic surgery.

As a result of reading this article, physicians should be able to: 1. Explain why venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is necessary following orthopedic procedures. 2. Describe the recommendations for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis following orthopedic procedures in the 2004 American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based guidelines on venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. 3. Summarize the safety and efficacy evidence and newly included recommendations for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in orthopedic patients using factor Xa inhibitors. 4. Discuss key updates made in the 2004 evidence-based guidelines regarding orthopedic surgery.
Habituation reverses fear-based ecological effects in brown bears (Ursus arctos)

Fear induced by human activity is increasingly becoming recognized to influence both behavior and population biology of wildlife. Exposure to human activity can cause animals to avoid human-dominated areas or shift temporal activity patterns, but repeated, benign exposure can also result in habituation of individuals. Habituation is typically viewed as a negative potential consequence of human interactions with wildlife, with effects such as increased vulnerability of habituated animals to predation. Concurrently, the advancement of the understanding of the ecology of fear has shown reduced fitness in species because of behavioral changes in responses to fear of predators—including humans. Here, we test how habituation and fear drive the foraging ecology of brown bears (Ursus arctos) feeding on Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in Southeast Alaska, USA. We used motion-detecting trail cameras at salmon spawning areas across a gradient of human disturbance to record human and bear activity at fine spatial and extended temporal scales. Higher human activity was associated with increased nocturnality of non-habituated bears, likely leading to suboptimal foraging, but had no effect on habituated individuals. For the top 20% of sites for which human activity was greatest, an average of 78.7% of the activity of non-habituated bears was nocturnal, compared with an average of only 10.2% of the activity of habituated individuals. Habituation of brown bears in this system alleviated perceived risk and avoidance of human activity, allowing habituated individuals to overcome their fear of human presence and maximize foraging opportunities. While habituation may lessen some of the deleterious effects of human activity on large carnivores, the long-term effects of habituation may be negative, as habituated individuals may be at greater risk of depredation. Future research should examine whether habituated bears and their lower perceived risk of human activity ultimately experience smaller population-level effects of human disturbance than non-habituated individuals.
Reading Instruction for Youth with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in a Juvenile Correctional Facility

This study examined the effects of a systematic, phonics-based reading intervention on the oral reading fluency and accuracy of adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) receiving educational services in a juvenile correctional facility. A multiple-baseline design across four participants was used to calculate the effect of daily, one-on-one, 30-minute reading instructional sessions provided over nine weeks. Oral reading fluency increased markedly and error rates decreased for each participant in the intervention phase. Participants also experienced improvements in reading as measured pre- and postintervention on a standardized reading assessment. Findings underscore the promise of systematic reading intervention for improving academic outcomes for adolescents with EBD confined to juvenile correctional facilities who are also struggling readers.
The impact of financial crisis on bank revenue management

This paper examines bank management of revenue through loan loss provisions (LLPs) during the period of 2003-2013. The sample period includes the financial crisis of 2008-2009, during which banks experienced revenue slowdowns owing to plunging mortgage lending activity. We examine whether LLPs are significantly different between the pre- and post-crisis periods. Our findings indicate that LLPs are not lower after the crisis; that is, banks are not using LLPs to manage earnings upward and smooth earnings in the post-crisis period. We also examine the effect of regulatory intervention on LLPs, measuring regulatory intervention using three variables: capital ratio, liquidity of assets, and bank size. Our findings indicate that banks that are less likely to face regulatory intervention are more likely to use LLPs to manage earnings upward and to smooth earnings in the post-crisis period.
Airbrushed Liquid Crystal/Polymer Fibers for Responsive Textiles

We report formation of complex responsive fibers consisting of a low molecular weight liquid crystal (LC) core surrounded by a polymer sheath using simple airbrush or jet spraying techniques. The fibers are formed using a solution of LC and polymer dissolved in a common solvent. With proper control of the solution composition and formation conditions the fibers self‐assemble. The diameter of the resulting fibers can be adjusted over a range spanning from one to tens of microns. The core of the fiber retains all of the responsive properties associated with low molecular weight LCs. A nematic LC core's director aligns along the long axis of the fiber making them highly birefringent. An electric field applied across the fiber changes both the director alignment and the optical properties of the fiber. Alternatively, thermochromic fibers are formed using a cholesteric LC in the core. Unlike similar electrospun fibers, the airbrushed fibers can be sprayed as continuous mats on virtually any surface or woven into textiles. The resulting fabrics can be made into displays, thermochromic temperature sensors, or for detection of chemical or biological agents. They offer numerous opportunities for wearable textiles that respond optically to a variety of stimuli.
Size effects on the mechanical behavior of gold thin films

The Membrane Deflection Experiment was used to test the mechanical response of freestanding thin film gold specimens. We present stress-strain curves obtained on films 0.3, 0.5, and 0.1 μm thick. Elastic modulus was consistently measured in the range of 53–55 GPa. Several size effects on the mechanical properties were observed including yield stress variations with membrane width and film thickness. It was observed that a width of 2.5 μm and a thickness of 0.5 μm correspond to major transitions in the material deformation behavior.
ARAJI, Sharon K., SEXUALLY AGGRESSIVE CHILDREN: Coming to Understand Them

ARAJI, Sharon K., SEXUALLY AGGRESSIVE CHILDREN: Coming to Understand Them. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1997, 246 pp., S24.50 softcover. This work lays out a new field of social science study concerned with preadoleseent children who exhibit sexually aggressive behaviors towards other children. Sexually aggressive children are defined as those who are twelve and younger, who exhibit patterned behaviors of sexuality (which are too advanced for their ages) in conjunction with aggression (force, coercion, secrecy) towards other more vulnerable children. With chapter co-authors Rebecca L. Bosek and and Elizabeth A. Sirles, Araji provides a thorough review of research studies and includes correspondence with service providers. They identify, label and explain who these children are, what their social and psychological characteristics and risk factors look like, and how social service providers are responding to them in the United States. Araji argues that sexually aggressive children are produced in homes where physical violence and sexual abuse can be extreme. Aggression, anger, conflict, neglect and little support are common. Children are exposed to sexualized adult behaviors which may range from poor sexual boundary maintenance to genital contact and even intercourse. These children in turn exhibit coercive sexually aggressive behaviors towards other children. Araji argues that a "culture of denial" refuses to see children as capable of initiating aggressive sexuality and this inhibits adequate social service responses. Yet she argues that the physical abuse and aggression towards children may be more salient in explaining these behaviors than sexuality per se. She reviews the variations in system response across the United States which include legal responses such as charging children who demonstrate "culpability" with a sexual crime or sexual harassment; developing social service responses such as tools for identification, education and psychotherapy for children and their families, and developing community responses with training for schools, the media and other service providers. In "coming to understand" sexually aggressive children, this work is strongest in its literature review and in covering current social service project responses. It provides an overview and a state of the art of an emerging field. However, in the "work in progress" nature of the text (which is how Foreward-writer William Friedrich encourages us to approach it), the book reads like the beginning of a dissertation. …
Association Between Allergies and Psychiatric Disorders in Patients Undergoing Invasive Procedures

Background Associations between allergies and psychiatric disorders have been reported in the context of depression and suicide; psychiatric disorders may affect pain perception. Objective To investigate the relationship of allergies with psychiatric disorders and pain perception in the context of invasive procedures, specifically during tunneled hemodialysis catheter placement. Methods We identified 89 patients (51 men, 38 women), mean age 66 years (range: 23–96), who underwent tunneled hemodialysis catheter placement (1/2014–2/2015), recording numeric rating scale pain scores, medications, psychiatric history, allergies, and smoking status. Results Of 89 patients, 47 patients had no allergies, and 42 had ≥1 allergy. Patients with allergies were more likely to have a pre-existing psychiatric disorder compared to those without allergies, odds ratio 2.6 (95% CI: 1.0–6.8). Having allergies did not affect procedural sedation or postprocedural pain scores. Multiple logistic regression with age, sex, smoking, presence of allergies, psychiatric history, inpatient/outpatient status, procedure time, and procedural sedation administration as inputs and postprocedural pain as the outcome showed that the only independent predictor was receiving procedural sedation ( P = 0.005). Conclusions Findings corroborate anecdotal reports of allergies as a marker for psychiatric history. However, having allergies was not associated with increased pain or need for more sedation. Further studies could prospectively assess whether allergies and psychiatric disorders affect patient/doctor perceptions beyond pain during invasive procedures.
Analysis of Liver Offers to Pediatric Candidates on the Transplant Wait List

Background & Aims Approximately 10% of children on the liver transplant wait-list in the United States die every year. We examined deceased donor liver offer acceptance patterns and their contribution to pediatric wait-list mortality. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of children on the US liver transplant wait-list from 2007 through 2014 using national transplant registry databases. We determined the frequency, patterns of acceptance, and donor and recipient characteristics associated with deceased donor liver organ offers for children who died or were delisted compared with those who underwent transplantation. Children who died or were delisted were classified by the number of donor liver offers (0 vs 1 or more), limiting analyses to offers of livers that were ultimately transplanted into pediatric recipients. The primary outcome was death or delisting on the wait-list. Results Among 3852 pediatric liver transplant candidates, children who died or were delisted received a median 1 pediatric liver offer (inter-quartile range, 0–2) and waited a median 33 days before removal from the wait-list. Of 11,328 donor livers offered to children, 2533 (12%) were transplanted into children; 1179 of these (47%) were immediately accepted and 1354 (53%) were initially refused and eventually accepted for another child. Of 27,831 adults, 1667 (6.0%; median, 55 years) received livers from donors younger than 18 years (median, 15 years), most (97%) allocated locally or regionally. Of children who died or were delisted, 173 (55%) received an offer of 1 or more liver that was subsequently transplanted into another pediatric recipient, and 143 (45%) died or were delisted with no offers. Conclusions Among pediatric liver transplant candidates in the US, children who died or were delisted received a median 1 pediatric liver offer and waited a median of 33 days. Of livers transplanted into children, 47% were immediately accepted and 53% were initially refused and eventually accepted for another child. Of children who died or were delisted, 55% received an offer of 1 or more liver that was subsequently transplanted into another pediatric recipient, and 45% died or were delisted with no offers. Pediatric prioritization in the allocation and development of improved risk stratification systems is required to reduce wait-list mortality among children.
Short communication: Sensitive detection of norbixin in dried dairy ingredients at concentrations of less than 1 part per billion

Norbixin is the water-soluble carotenoid in annatto extracts used in the cheese industry to color Cheddar cheese. The purpose of norbixin is to provide cheese color, but norbixin is also present in the whey stream and contaminates dried dairy ingredients. Regulatory restrictions dictate that norbixin cannot be present in dairy ingredients destined for infant formula or ingredients entering different international markets. Thus, there is a need for the detection and quantification of norbixin at very low levels in dried dairy ingredients to confirm its absence. A rapid method for norbixin evaluation exists, but it does not have the sensitivity required to confirm norbixin absence at very low levels in compliance with existing regulations. The current method has a limit of detection of 2.7 μg/kg and a limit of quantification of 3.5 μg/kg. The purpose of this study was to develop a method to extract and concentrate norbixin for quantification in dried dairy ingredients below 1 μg/kg (1 ppb). A reverse-phase solid-phase extraction column step was applied in the new method to concentrate and quantify norbixin from liquid and dried WPC80 (whey protein concentrate with 80% protein), WPC34 (WPC, 34% protein), permeate, and lactose. Samples were evaluated by both methods for comparison. The established method was able to quantify norbixin in whey proteins and permeates (9.39 μg/kg to 2.35 mg/kg) but was unable to detect norbixin in suspect powdered lactose samples. The newly developed method had similar performance to the established method for whey proteins and permeates but was also able to detect norbixin in powdered lactose samples. The proposed method had a >90% recovery in lactose samples and a limit of detection of 28 ppt (ng/kg) and a limit of quantification of 94 ppt (ng/kg). The developed method provides detection and quantification of norbixin for dairy ingredients that have a concentration of <1 ppb.
Category membership, identity control, and the reevaluation of prosocial opportunities

Abstract We extend current knowledge on prosocial organizing by explaining how membership in organizational categories lead entrepreneurs to reevaluate their firms' activities and opportunities. Through a qualitative study of 46 firms that pursued B Corp certification, we developed an identity control model of prosocial opportunity. Our findings suggest that joining a prosocial category catalyzes identity-driven reflexivity, which can alter the firm's engagement in prosocial activity. This identity-driven process occurs in tandem with evaluations of opportunity viability and attractiveness, the potential for intra-organizational conflict, and the relative power and position that category legitimacy affords the firm. Our findings contribute to literature streams on prosocial organizing, identity, and categories.
The Effect of Import Competition on Wages in the Japanese Manufacturing Sector

This study estimates the effect of import competition in the final goods market on workers’ wages in the Japanese manufacturing sector by constructing a panel of matched worker–firm data for 1998–2...
Narratives of affect: Language and feeling in black queer space

Extending the work of those who center narratives in their discussions of affect, this essay considers black queer women’s (BQW) narratives describing the sensations associated with being in and out of spaces created for and by BQW. The narratives examine emerged during ethnographic interviews I conducted in Washington, D.C. between 2012 and 2015. Many BQW living in and around Washington, D.C. socialize within what is colloquially referred to as the Scene – an amorphous, loosely connected set of social networks made up of other BQW and their allies. One of the most important and recognizable aspects of the Scene are the spaces produced for and by these social networks. I refer to these as “scene spaces.” Scene spaces are highly-affect latent sites, as people frequently talk about how space makes them feel, or how they feel in particular spaces. Thus, scene spaces serve as the focal point of this paper’s discussion.
Phonons and Polaritons in Zincblende

The data for the Raman (R) scattering intensity ratio of LO and TO phonons ILO/ITO and its frequency dispersion are analyzed in terms of the atomic displacement contribution and the electro-optic contribution to the R scattering tensor χ (1) (ω 0). χ (1) (ω 0) is separated into a part χ (1)ex (ω 0) due to excitons and a part χ (1)cont (ω 0) due to continuum excitations, which have different frequency dispersion. χ (1)cont (ω 0) will, in general, dominate the scattering process at ω 0 ≪ ω ex because of the low oscillator strength of the exciton bands. On the other hand, χ (1)ex (ω 0) will dominate the scattering process at ω 0 ≈ ω ex, providing that the exciton lifetime is long and the exciton strength of the polariton is larger than the continuum exciton strength. The theory of exciton-enhanced R scattering is formulated in terms of the scattering of polaritons by optical phonons via the exciton part of the coupled modes. The expression for the exciton contribution χ (1)ex (ω 0) to the scattering tensor is given in terms of the same parameters that determine the exciton contribution to the frequency dependent dielectric constant. The effect of temperature on the exciton lifetime and thereby on the scattering efficiency is also discussed.
Fibular Nonunion After Closed Rotational Ankle Fracture

Background: Historically, the standard of care for minimally or nondisplaced, closed, distal fibula fractures has been short-term immobilization and progressive weight-bearing. The vast majority of...
Automated Analysis of Single-Channel Records

In this chapter I discuss the need for automated channel analysis, touch on various approaches to analyzing data, and discuss in some detail the experiences of our laboratory in automating data analysis. Colquhoun and Sigworth, in Chapter 11, have treated some of the aspects of channel analysis, and the reader is referred to that chapter for additional information.
The relationship of venous diameter to reflux, cephalad thrombus and cephalad reflux following deep venous thrombosis

Duplex ultrasonography was used to measure the diameters of the common femoral, superficial femoral and popliteal vein segments in 123 patients following DVT. A cross sectional analysis was done based on the most recent visit to determine chronic venous diameter changes following DVT. Venous diameters in recanalized segments were smaller at all levels compared to those never occluded (p = 0.06 for CFV and p < 0.05 for SFV and PV). After accounting for a previous history of occlusion, the diameters of the segments with and without reflux were not significantly different. There was also no evidence of venodilation in segments caudal to cephalad reflux or thrombus. Recanalized veins are smaller in diameter than those which were never thrombosed. Cephalad thrombus or reflux is not associated with venodilatation of caudal segments. Reflux following DVT is probably secondary to valvular damage rather than hypertension, since there was no diameter difference between refluxing and non-refluxing segments.
Hyperacute Carotid Stenting for Acute Ischemic Stroke After Systemic Thrombolysis with IV rt-PA (P1.282)

Objective: We detail 2 cases of use of hyperacute carotid stenting after thrombolysis with IV rt-PA. Background: Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to internal carotid artery (ICA) disease are at high risk of early recurrence. Use of anti-platelet therapy in the first 24 hours after IV rt-PA is usually contraindicated. Antiplatelet therapy is required in patients undergoing carotid stenting to prevent in-stent thrombosis. Design/Methods: We describe 2 patients who presented with middle cerebral artery syndromes due to ICA stenosis who received IV rt-PA and underwent carotid stenting with antiplatelet load, less than 12 hours after systemic thrombolysis. Results: Patient#1: 83-year-old man presented a full left middle cerebral artery (MCA) syndrome with NIHSS of 23. Head CT showed no early infarct signs and CT angiogram showed severe left ICA stenosis and no distal clot. He improved to NIHSS 3 after thrombolysis with IV rt-PA. He then worsened to NIHSS of 10 and was taken to angiography suite. ICA stent was placed and he received a clopidogrel load about six hours after IV rt-PA. He had full resolution of deficits and no intracranial hemorrhage. Patient#2: 62-year-old man presented with left hemiparesis and dysarthria that progressed to a full right MCA syndrome. CT showed no early infarct signs. He was thrombolysed within the hour without significant improvement. He underwent emergent angiography that showed critical occlusion of the right proximal ICA. ICA stent was placed and he received a clopidogrel load and aspirin 11 hours post IV rt-PA. He had profound improvement with only minor facial asymmetry. Conclusions: These 2 cases demonstrate a successful use of hyperacute carotid stenting and antiplatelet load in patients who received systemic thrombolysis with IV rt-PA. Both had excellent outcomes and no complications. This management may be considered in patients with similar clinical and imaging characteristics. Disclosure: Dr. Marulanda-Londono has nothing to disclose. Dr. DeLeon-Bendetti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ortiz has nothing to disclose.
Pricing Competition Between Cell Phone Carriers in a Growing Market of Customers

Many communication markets, such as cellular networks and Internet Service Providers, are characterized by a set of major service providers that support a large customer base. Typically the service providers must compete aggressively for customers, and thus face a problem involving three aspects: (i) how to attract new customers entering the market (i.e. the ones not signed up to any carriers), (ii) how to keep customers loyal to their provider, and (iii) how to entice the rival’s customers to change their carrier. Pricing plays a critical role in keeping customers loyal and also attracting customers to the service. The dynamics associated with pricing raises many challenging dilemmas: on the one hand, by reducing prices the carrier can attract new customers, while on the other hand, it results in a reduced profit resulting from each customer. To examine the inherent tradeoffs associated with pricing, we examine a game-theoretical model involving the sharing of a customer market by a set of providers. In particular, its solution allows to show a direct relationship between customer’s loyalty and pricing.
A high five for TB screening

Whole-blood transcriptional profiling identifies a five-gene signature for tuberculosis screening among people living with HIV.
Predicting Employer Recruitment of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders with Decision Trees

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a category of developmental disabilities and are categorized by difficulties with social interactions, verbal and nonverbal forms of communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests [1]. Research suggests that young adults with "high functioning" ASD experience significant difficulty in transitioning to work, but little research has examined attitudes, experiences, and needs from the viewpoint of the employer. This study utilized a decision tree to predict likelihood of employment of individuals with "high functioning" ASD based on a survey of 263 representatives from various organizations. The study also analyzes the attributes that are most significant in determining whether an employer will recruit an individual with ASD.
Does Generation Matter to Entrepreneurship? Four Generations of Entrepreneurs

This study for the first time addresses generation effects on eight entrepreneur types across four U.S. generations: Traditionalists, Boomers, Gen‐Xers, and Millennials. It adopts hierarchical age‐period‐cohort (HAPC) models using multilevel mixed‐effects logistic regression models with random period effect controls and the same‐age comparison between two neighboring generations. The empirical study relies on monthly Current Population Survey data across 11 years (2006–2016). When controlling for age, period, path dependency, seasonality, and other demographic and socioeconomic factors, no generational differences are identified for workers' entrepreneur propensity, mirroring entrepreneurs' misfits; for entrepreneur‐type propensities, limited generation differences are identified: the odds for Gen‐Xers to be novice (vs. non‐novice ) entrepreneurs are 10% higher than Boomers for the ages of 44 and 51; the odds for Boomers to be opportunity (vs. necessity ) entrepreneurs are 2.3 times higher than Traditionalists for the ages 63–70. The limited generational difference is consistent with prior literature using HAPC.
Brachyonychia in a patient with Bardet-Biedl syndrome: Case report and review of this rare syndrome.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a variably expressive autosomal recessive multisystem disorder caused by more than 20 distinct genes involved in cilia functioning, with a prevalence of approximately 1:100,000 in North America and Europe.1 Primary features include polydactyly (with supernumerary digits), genital abnormalities, rod-cone dystrophy resulting in retinitis pigmentosa and blindness, obesity, renal defects, and learning difficulties. Secondary features include brachydactyly (shortening of the digits) or syndactyly (fusion of 2 or more digits), dental defects, ataxia or poor coordination, developmental delay, speech deficit, olfactory deficit, diabetes mellitus, and congenital heart disease.1 A clinical diagnosis of BBS can be assigned when a patient has either 4 primary features or 3 primary and 2 secondary features.1 Features of BBS progressively emerge during or after the first decade of life, and multigene sequencing can help confirm the diagnosis. Manifestations of BBS involving the skin and nails are rarely reported in the literature. We present a novel case of brachyonychia in a patient with BBS. Brachyonychia (or racquet nails) is a clinical term defining nail units in which the width of the nail plates and nail beds is greater than the length.
Interdependence, Complementarity, and Ruggedness of Performance Landscapes

Interdependences among organizational choices are widely seen as central to the mapping between those choices and performance outcomes (i.e., performance landscape). However, interdependency lacks ...
A Case of Male Adoption in a Troop of Japanese Monkeys (Macaca fuscata fuscata)

During the past few years interest among primatologists in male parental care has increased. In this paper I will describe a series of events which occurred in the Arashiyama B troop of Japanese macaques in the spring of 1978 that resulted in the third highest ranking male, Ran63, becoming the primary caretaker of two sisters— one 10 months of age and the other 22 months of age at the time of the adoption — and another unrelated male infant also 10 months of age at the time of the adoption. The term primary caretaker is being used here to define a situation in which (1) the mother is no longer available to be the caretaker, (2) the adoptee(s) maintain close proximity to the male while traveling, foraging or eating provisioned food and may even be carried by the male (although Ran63 did not in this case carry any of his adoptees), (3) the male protects the adoptee(s) from the aggression of other troop members, and (4) the male and the adoptee(s engage in grooming and huddling while resting and sleeping. Following the description of the adoptions, a series of questions involving altruism, kin selection, and reproductive strategies will be explored. It is hoped that by exploring these questions the behavior of Japanese macaque males toward motherless infants and juveniles will be better understood. Because of the rarity of such adoptions, the data are necessarily anecdotal. As an aside, adult Arachiyama females have not been observed adopting motherless infants.
Improving the Accuracy of the Solution of a Multidimensional System by Differentiating the XY Probability Density Equations for the Identification of Gold Nanoparticles on Fibers

The results of computer modeling in determining the probability of intersection of distribution ellipses by solving a system of equations with multidimensional correlation components of Raman polarization spectra are presented. A method is proposed to improve the accuracy of identification of gold nanoparticles on polyester fibers taking into account the longitudinal and transverse polarization of laser radiation over the entire range of the Raman spectrum. The method of drawing up on the basis of vector-matrix analysis and solving a system of multidimensional differential correlation equations on the probability density of intersection of peak distributions of Raman spectra in the recognition of gold nanoparticles on the surface of dielectric materials is realized. The implementation of the proposed method allowed to obtain a solution of the system when differentiating by XY the probability density equations of the ellipses of the distribution with an accuracy of 10-16.
Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid (SAHA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, induces a unique mitotic effect and potentiates flavopiridol (F) induced apoptosis.

2443 SAHA is an HDAC inhibitor that induces prolongation or hyperacetylation of various histones leading to induction of both p21 and p27, resulting in both G1 and G2/M cell cycle arrest. The increase in the G2/M population of cells treated with SAHA has been attributed to an increase in the percentage of G2 cells. However, the effect of SAHA on mitosis is unknown. In view of this we treated MKN-74 gastric cancer cells with increasing concentrations of SAHA. As determined by western blot analysis this resulted in an anticipated time and dose dependent increase in p21. The flow cytometry and MPM-2 labeling of SAHA treated cells showed an unanticipated increase in cells accumulating in the M phase of the cell cycle. The mitotic index (number of cells in mitosis) of asynchronous untreated cells was 3-4%, which was increased to 30% after 12 h treatment of cells with 2.5 μM SAHA. This effect was first evident at 8 hours, peaked at 12-16 hours, and was absent by 30 hours. Similar results were observed with colon cancer Hct116 cells. We examined this process in vivo in Hct116 cells expressing green fluorescence protein-tagged histone 2B (GFP-H2B). The chromatin labeling by GFP-H2B allows real time visualization of chromatin changes by time-lapse videomicroscopy. Treatment of cells with 2.5 μM SAHA showed suppression of mitotic chromosome movement and transient arrest of the cells in prometaphase-like stage. This effect was evident by 6-12 h. There was no evidence of metaphase plate or anaphase spindle formation. Following this cells exit mitosis, as evident by chromatin de-condensation, and majority of cells enter the interphase without undergoing cytokinesis. In view of its effect on mitosis, we tested SAHA in combination with the CDK inhibitor flavopiridol (F). Treatment of MKN-74 cells with 5 μM SAHA and 300 nM F induced apoptosis in less than 3% of the cells. Concurrent treatment of SAHA and F for 24 h did not enhance the induction of apoptosis. The sequential treatment of MKN-74 cells with SAHA for 24 h followed by F for 24 h induced apoptosis in 38 ±2% of the cells which was significantly greater than that observed for SAHA followed by drug free media (4.8±1%). The reverse combination with F for 24 h followed by SAHA for 24 h did not result in enhancement in induction of apoptosis. Similar results were observed with Hct116 cells. The flow cytometry with MPM-2 labeled MKN-74 and Hct116 cells showed that F prevented the SAHA induced transient mitotic arrest when it was either given together with or preceded SAHA. Collectively, our results indicate that SAHA induces a unique mitotic arrest and this effect may be important for potentiation of its cytotoxicity by F. These studies show the promise in utility of this combination in treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies.