cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Friendship and Advice Networks in the Context of Changing Professional Values

In this article, I discuss the attributes of friendship and advice networks and hypothesize about their roles in maintaining and changing professional values. Advice networks sustain existing professional values in organizations. They are less likely to transmit new values because advice relations reflect current practice and may be negatively affected by changing values. Friendships rest on intimacy and trust rather than on existing task structures, so they can facilitate the development of new professional values without negatively affecting the friendship network. A longitudinal study of networks and teaching values in four public schools documented an initial alignment of advisors' and advisees' teaching values, followed by transmission of new teaching values through the friendship network. Changing professional values altered the advice network but did not affect the friendship network.
Additive representation for equally spaced structures

It is shown that additive conjoint measurement theory can be considerably generalized and simplified in the equally spaced case.
MEOX2 regulates nuclear factor-κB activity in vascular endothelial cells through interactions with p65 and IκBβ

AIMS Tumors secrete proangiogenic factors to induce the ingrowth of blood vessels, the end targets of which are vascular endothelial cells (ECs). The MEOX2 homeoprotein inhibits nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling and EC activation in response to serum and proangiogenic factors. We hypothesize that MEOX2 interacts with components of this pathway in vascular ECs to modulate NF-κB activity and EC activation and that these interactions depend upon specific domains within the MEOX2 protein. METHODS AND RESULTS To test our hypothesis, we transduced ECs with MEOX2 expression constructs. MEOX2 protein localized to the nuclear fraction, as did IκBβ and p65. By co-immunoprecipitation, MEOX2 bound to both p65 and IκBβ. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that MEOX2 colocalizes in the nucleus with both p65 IκBβ and that this colocalization requires the MEOX2 homeodomain and N-terminal domain. Finally, promoter assays revealed that MEOX2 expression has a biphasic effect on NF-κB-dependent promoters. At low levels, MEOX2 stimulates NF-κB activity, while at high levels it represses, effects that also depend upon the homeodomain and the N-terminal domain. CONCLUSIONS Our results represent the first report of an interaction between a homeobox protein and IκBβ and suggest that MEOX2 modulates the activity of the RelA complex through direct interaction with its components. These observations implicate MEOX2 as a potentially important regulatory gene inhibiting not only the angiogenic response of ECs to proangiogenic factors, but their response to chronic inflammatory stimulation that normally activates NF-κB, suggesting MEOX2 as a possible molecular target for the therapy of angiogenesis-dependent diseases such as cancer.
Early Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy for Term and Near-Term Newborn Infants with Hypoxic Respiratory Failure: Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy reduces the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in term and near term infants with hypoxic respiratory failure (1–4). Based on the initial randomized clinical trials, iNO therapy is commonly used for treating moderate to severe neonatal respiratory failure with an oxygenation index (OI) ≥25 (5). A review of the previous randomized trials (1–4) indicated that initiation of iNO therapy at a lower oxygenation index was associated with lower ECMO use/mortality. Therefore, we conducted a randomized, multi-center clinical trial of early initiation of iNO therapy for babies presenting with respiratory failure at an oxygenation index of 15–25 over a three-year period from July 1998 – May 2001. The primary hypothesis for this study was that initiation of iNO at an oxygenation index of 15–25 compared to use of standard iNO therapy at an oxygenation index ≥25 would decrease the rate of ECMO/mortality from 35% to 20%. A secondary hypothesis for this study was that early iNO therapy would not increase neurodevelopmental impairment or hearing loss rates among surviving infants at 18–24 months of age compared to use of standard iNO therapy. Analysis of the outcomes observed prior to discharge from the hospital indicated that early iNO therapy did not reduce the combined incidence of ECMO/mortality and the rates of ECMO and mortality individually were similar between the groups. Early iNO therapy decreased the progression of respiratory failure to an oxygenation index >25 and to an oxygenation index >40. Here we report the results of the neurodevelopmental follow-up of the surviving infants at 18–24 months of postnatal age.
Sol-Gel-Based Integrated Optical Microring Resonator Humidity Sensor

A novel humidity sensor based on sol-gel clad polymer microring resonator is presented. This sensor is based on the principle of change in refractive index of sol-gel on exposure to moisture. This change causes a shift in the resonant wavelength of the microring resonator. The performance of this sensor is analyzed and different ways of tailoring the sensor response are suggested. This sensor has a sensitivity of 16 pm/% relative humidity (RH) and a dynamic range up to 72% RH. The response time of this sensor can be tailored to be less than 200 ms, which could be utilized for monitoring human breathing condition in medical applications.
The essential degrees of freedom in space-time fading channels

The key to reliable communication is a fundamental understanding of the interaction between the signal space and the channel. In time- and frequency-selective multi-antenna (space-time) fading channels this interaction happens in time, frequency and space. In this paper we propose a four-dimensional Karhunen-Loeve-like Fourier series representation for space-time channels that captures the essence of such interaction and exposes the intrinsic degrees of freedom in the channel. The four dimensions are: time, frequency and the two spatial dimensions at the transmitter and receiver. The key signal space parameters are the signaling duration, bandwidth and the two array apertures. The corresponding channel parameters are the delay, Doppler and the two angular spreads associated with the scattering environment. The representation induces a virtual partitioning of propagation paths in time, frequency and space that reveals their contribution to channel capacity and diversity. It also exposes fundamental dependencies between time, frequency and space thereby revealing the essential independent degrees of freedom in the channel.
Acute Stroke: Techniques and Results With the Merci Retriever

Acute ischemic stroke is one of the most prominent causes of death and disability in the modern world. Despite extensive research, the only Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacologic treatment is intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). Although reperfusion remains the most robust predictor of clinical outcome, rt-PA has been linked to low recanalization rates in large-vessel occlusion. Endovascular techniques have been developed over past decade with several theoretic advantages over intravenous rt-PA alone, including longer treatment windows and higher recanalization rates in large-vessel occlusions. The Merci retriever thrombectomy device was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2004 for removing thrombus in acute ischemic stroke. In this article, we review the indications for acute stroke endovascular treatment with the Merci retriever as well as the involved techniques and the results of research studies.
Brillouin precursor decay in dispersive attenuative materials

The modern asymptotic theory [1, 2, 3, 4] of dispersive pulse propagation [5, 6, 7] has established the fundamental fact that the peak amplitude point of the Brillouin precursor only decays algebraically as z−1/2 with propagation distance z ≫ 0 in any causally dispersive dielectric. This asymptotic theory of ultrawideband electromagnetic pulse evolution as z → ∞ shows that for both Debye- and Lorentz-type dielectrics [3], the near saddle point that describes the Brillouin precursor evolution crosses the origin w = 0 of the complex w-plane at the space-time point ct/z = n(0). Here n(w) = n r (w) + in i (w) denotes the complex index of refraction of the material, where n(w) ≡ [μe c (w)]1/2, with μ denoting the (constant) relative magnetic permeability and equation denoting the relative complex permittivity. Because the medium attenuation α(w) ≡ (w)/c)n i (w) vanishes at the origin when σ = 0 (i.e. for a dielectric), this zero point crossing then results in a peak amplitude of the Brillouin precursor that experiences zero exponential decay for all z ≫ 0. However, for a semiconducting medium with σ ≠ 0, the conductivity introduces a simple pole singularity at the origin which prevents the near saddle point from crossing the origin, thereby partially destroying this unique feature in the dynamical field evolution. The question then remains as to what value of the static conductivity σ 0 ≡ σ(0) can be tolerated such that the Brillouin precursor decay is approximately nonexponential over some finite propagation distance interval.
Discovering Service Opportunities through Capability Modeling

By definition, service processes include consumer and producer interactions and input to co-produce the service. They differ from traditional enterprise processes in that the latter are often focused only on internal activities. Given this distinction, an enterprise wishing to ascertain what services they ought to offer will be required to analyze their resources with a different lens than the one provided by traditional process frameworks. Such a lens which facilitates making that determination focuses on the company's capabilities that represent its proficiencies deemed to be of long-standing value. Conceptually, IBM's Component Business Modeling (CBM) model can provide this capabilities-oriented lens. In practice, however, in order to make it a viable option a rigorous set of rules are needed to ensure that the CBM model is complete and that it can potentially evolve so as to be governed by a business architecture organization. This paper offers concrete ways on how three of the aspects of business architecture, Enterprise Process Frameworks, business process models, and activities as defined by Component Business Modeling (CBM) can be combined to produce a capability framework able to support services identification. The paper provides rules that guide rigorous establishment of the required composite elements so that the resulting capability framework is consistent. The paper also describes how the Enterprise can perform investment analysis to prioritize spending across its portfolio of emerging potential service opportunities vis-a-vis its traditional projects. The context is an organization that is maturing its use of other models such as process frameworks and business process models in support of Business Process Management (BPM) and would like to uncover service opportunities.
The Priority of Form over Event in the Ancients

All terms that compose a basic vocabularyl draw their meaning from their capacity to function as hinges or primary articulations of discursive totalities. Their meaning is completely dependent on the degree of articulateness, or flexibility, with which they manage to endow the given discourse that hinges on them. So it is with my use of the terms “form” and “event,” which are intended, at first, to articulate what I understand to be the basic discontinuity between classical and modern political thought, as this discontinuity is staged in Machiavelli’s discourse. My claim is that classical political thought understands the relation between political forms and historical becoming in and through the privilege accorded to the former, hence the priority of form over event in the ancients. Conversely, in modern political thought, beginning with Machiavelli, political form is historicized and there emerges a priority of the event over the form.
Managing information systems infrastructure: lessons from a VOIP-system implementation

Information systems infrastructure is increasingly being used also as a backbone of telephone systems. This is result of VOIP-based telephone systems which replace analogue PBX centres in organizations. IT departments are in pressure-not only do they need to verify the existing infrastructure, make development plans, investments and implement more advanced devices but also they will be acting as phone support personnel.
Why Kenya is a Nation in Embryo

Kenya, like most post-colonial African states, has yet to cohere into a nation. It is a nation in embryo. Nation building has been retarded by a kleptocratic elite incapable of defining -- and sustaining -- Kenya's national interests. Public corruption, political mobilization along ethnic lines, and an underdeveloped party culture have undermined the creation of a national consciousness in East Africa's anchor state.
Understanding and describing users’ wayfinding behavior in public library facilities

Wayfinding is the study of how humans use a variety of informational media to orient themselves and navigate in a space, such as a library. This multi-method case study tested the applicability of ...
The efficacy of grwoth hormone in different types of growth failure

One hundred and one children with GH deficiency, prenatal growth disorders, growth-retarding diseases, or normal variant short stature received GH for at least one year. Responders were observed in all groups. In the whole series of 72 prepubertal children the increments in height velocity showed negative correlations with the highest serum GH levels obtained in provocation tests.
Abstract C227: Doxorubicin induces AKT phosphorylation through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the heart

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most effective anticancer drugs in treating different types of tumors. However, cumulative cardiotoxicity is a significant side effect of this therapy resulting in clinical heart failure through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the protective responses of the heart to DOX treatment are still unknown. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand‐activated transcription factor that is primarily involved in the detoxification of xenobiotic agents that generate ROS. Activation of AhR results in its migration to the nucleus where it dimerizes with ARNT1 to form a transcription factor for genes coding many phase I drug metabolizing enzymes, such as the cytochrome P450, CYP1A1. We hypothesize that DOX treatment activates AhR and triggers Akt phosphorylation as a protective mechanism against oxidant stress. H9C2 cells incubated with 2.5 M DOX for 4 hours showed a significant increase of AhR protein levels in the nuclear fraction, which then decreased to baseline levels by 24 hours of treatment. The same pattern of change was seen for CYP1A1 expression. Immunoprecipitation of the nuclear protein fraction with AhR antibodies and subsequent immunoblotting with ARNT1 antibodies showed increased binding between these proteins after 4 hours of DOX treatment. Similar results were shown when ARNT1 immunoprecipitation and AhR immunoblotting were performed. Increased phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 was detected at 4 hours of DOX treatment, which decreased by 24 hours. A similar temporal pattern of phosphorylation was identified for known downstream targets of Akt (pSer9‐GSK3 and pSer136‐BAD). Transfection with either AhR or ARNT1 siRNAs blocked the phosphorylation of Akt following DOX treatment in H9C2 cells, increased ROS production as well as cytotoxicity. DOX treatment of isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes showed similar pattern of changes in Akt phosphorylation and its downstream targets as well as increased oxidative stress. In mice injected with 10 mg/kg DOX, AhR translocated into the nucleus by 4 hours after injection, which was associated with ARNT1 binding and increased CYP1A1 expression. Phosphorylation of Akt, GSK3 and BAD increased by 24 hours after DOX injection. Oxidative stress was significantly higher in mice injected with DOX after 4 hours. We conclude that the early cardiac response to DOX treatment involves Akt phosphorylation through AhR activation.Moreover, silencing of AhR might lead to higher oxidative stress and increased cellular toxicity. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):C227.
Gastroduodenal mucosal prostaglandin generation in patients with Helicobacter pylori before and after treatment with bismuth subsalicylate.

To determine whetherHelicobacter pylori has an effect on gastroduodenal mucosal prostaglandin generation, mucosal biopsies were obtained from the gastric body, antrum, and duodenal bulb of 30 patients who were undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for clinical indications. One biopsy from the gastric body and one from the antrum were tested for urease activity (urea broth) and one biopsy from each area including the duodenum was processed for histology. Two other biopsies form each area were incubated and the accumulation of prostaglandin E2 and 6-keto prostaglandin F1α in the incubation medium was measured by radioimmunoassay. Twelve of the 17H. pylori-positive patients and seven of the 13H. pylori-negative patients agreed to take bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) two tablets four times a day for four weeks. One week after treatment, these patients again underwent endoscopy and the above studies. This study indicates that: (1) mucosal PGE2 generation may be increased in the duodenum, gastric body, and antrum inH. pylori-positive patients compared toH. pylori-negative patients, and (2) treatment with bismuth subsalicylate for four weeks results in reduction of mucosal PGE2 in the duodenum, gastric body, and antrum ofH. pylori-positive patients and fails to eradicateH. pylori or reduce gastric inflammation.
Effects of 28-Day Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Isokinetic Exercise Performance and Body Composition in Female Masters Athletes.

AbstractGlenn, JM, Gray, M, Stewart, RW Jr, Moyen, NE, Kavouras, SA, DiBrezzo, R, Turner, R, Baum, JI, and Stone, MS. Effects of 28-day beta-alanine supplementation on isokinetic exercise performance and body composition in female masters athletes. J Strength Cond Res 30(1): 200–207, 2016—Beta-alani
An examination of factors affecting sustainability of domestic rainwater harvesting systems in a rural, semi-arid region of Mexico

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is increasingly utilized today by populations to alleviate water supply issues, particularly in rural, dry environments. Limited research has considered, simultaneously, the numerous factors that contribute to sustainability – for example, social acceptance, water quality, and maintenance needs – of RWH. This research aimed to improve the understanding of factors influencing the sustainability of rainwater harvesting systems for domestic use (DRWHS) through examination of social, water quality, and technical feasibility components. We conducted 50 household surveys and 17 rainwater quality analyses in San Jose Xacxamayo, a rural, semi-arid community in Puebla, Mexico. Results showed that DRWHS are socially accepted primarily because of the presence of existing local skills and knowledge, as well as critical need for water. Results from most of the water quality parameters measured were within World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for human consumption, with the exception of pH, total coliform, and heterotrophic plate count, which required water treatment prior to consumption. Technical feasibility was the main barrier to the sustainability of DRWHS; highly seasonal rainfall and small roof sizes (averaging 70 m 2 ) resulted in households unable to meet annual water needs. Increasing roof sizes and providing water treatment could ensure DRWHS sustainability in the studied community.
Comparative Study on Different Stain Methods for Melanin in Guinea Pig Skin

[Objective] To observe the reaction of melanin in guinea pig skin with several histochemical stain methods. [Methods] Melanocyte was stained with dopa oxidase (DopA),ferrovitriol,ferropotassuim cyanide and Masson-fontana silver,respectively. [Results] Only melanocyte showed black with DopA; melanocyte and argentaffinocyte were sap green with ferrovitriol; either melanocyte or argyrophilic grains showed black blue with ferropotassuim cyanide; melanocyte,argentaffinocyte and phaeochromocyte were black with Masson-fontana. [Conclusion] DopA is the most suitable method to observe the quantity of melanocyte and melanin granules.
New method to creat rabbit model of limbus stem cell deficiency

Objective To explore a new method on creating total limbus stem cell deficient (LSCD) model,and provide the reliable model for the remedial study of stem cell deficiency.Methods Lamellar keratectomy extending 1mm outside the limbus was made with a 9 mm trephine.Clinical evaluation,impression cytology(IC),histology and immunofluorescence staining were performed to vertify the establishment of total LSCD model.Results 30～45 days after the keratectomy,the corneal opacity,neovascularization and epithelial defects appeared.Corneal IC indicated goblet cells;HE staining showed that conjunctival phenotypic and monoclonal antibody (45M1) against MUC5AC were expressed.Conclusion Trepanation and lamellar keratectomy is an effective and dependable method to creat total LSCD model.
Rapid PCR Detection of Listeria monocytogenes virulence in Food

Objective: The virulence-associated genes of Listeria monocytogenes (L.m) isolates were detected by PCR amplification assay in order to provide experimental references for evaluating the virulence of L.m isolates and effectively limiting the transmission of L.m. Methods: Forty strains of L.m isolated in Chongqing from 2007 to 2009 were subjected to the PCR detection of seven virulence-associated genes (hly, plcB, inlA, inlB, inlC, inlJ, prfA) and toxicity test in mice. Results: The PCR assay revealed that 15 of the 40 L.m isolates possessed all the seven virulence-associated genes, 6 strains were hly-, 4 strains were plcB-, 4 strains were prfA- , 5 strains were inlA-, inlB-, 11 strains were inlC -, 9 strains were inlJ -, and 1 strain was negative for inlA, inlB, inlC and inlJ. Four isolates were defined as virulent strains, whose virulence was equivalent to the standard strain, ATCC 1961E with a mouse LD50 between 1.2 × 108 CFU/mL and 6.0 × 108 CFU/mL. The LD50 of the screened low virulent strain 09-132 was 1.7 ×1011 CFU/mL . Conclusions: There is a potential risk of Listeria food poisoning in Chongqing City, and the internalized gene (inlA, inlB, inlC, inlJ) loss may lead to virulence declination, while the prfA and plcB genes are less relevant to the virulent isolates.
A patient with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis in adults has been associated with a variety of internal malignancies. We present a case of a patient with dermatomyositis and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Affinity Partitioning of Metal Ions in Aqueous Biphasic Systems: Experimental and Theoretical Aspects

Even though the first report about aqueous biphasic systems appeared early in this century,1 their regular application to the purification of biomolecules did not start until 1956 when the partial isolation of organelles from cell extracts using a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/potassium phosphate system, was published by Albertsson.2 Over the years, aqueous biphasic systems have been used successfully in several separation schemes and the number of applications has expanded tremendously. Most of the research has been in the separation and purification of proteins, cells, cell organelles, viruses, membrane fragments, and other biological materials.3-7 In addition, aqueous biphasic systems have been used to characterize surface properties of biomolecules such as charge and hydrophobicity.8
Microsurgical aspiration of sperm from the epididymis: a mobile program

AbstractWe report data from 25 microsurgical aspirations of the epididymis on 22 men. There were 14 men with congenital absence of the vas, 6 with failed vasoepididymostomy, 1 with adult cystic fibrosis and 1 with a childhood hernia repair. The specimens were used for assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization and tubal embryo transfer. The protocol for aspiration, ovulation induction and sperm processing evolved during the course of these studies, and the patients were classified into 2 groups on the basis of methodology. Seventeen procedures were performed for the in-house in vitro fertilization team but 8 other procedures were done for nearby in vitro fertilization centers, and the final prepared sperm samples were transported as part of our mobile program. Group 1 patients underwent standard aspiration techniques, standard ovulation induction and sperm processing by wash and swim up. Among this group there were no fertilizations or pregnancies with 8 in-house and 2 transporte...
The Trouble with Institutions: How Women's Policy Machineries Can Undermine Women's Mass Participation

It is no secret that men and women continue to have unequal access in democratic systems. In nearly every country for which data exist, women participate less in politics and hold fewer government positions than men (Beauregard 2014). In recent years, analysis of this ongoing problem has taken an institutional turn: feminist institutionalism examines how the formal and informal “rules of the game” create persistent bias against women in office and the advancement of feminist policy agendas (e.g., Krook and Mackay 2011). Such analysis is important and enlightening, but it illuminates only part of the story. An ongoing problem in most democracies is women's lower level of participation: women are less interested in politics, less likely to be active in campaigning, and less likely to contact officials. While women often vote at the same rate as men, their lower rates of political engagement and higher-intensity forms of participation remains to be explained (Coffe and Bolzendahl 2011; Verba, Burns, and Schlozman 1997).
A classroom market for extra credit: A semester-long experiment

ABSTRACTThis article describes an innovative pedagogical technique, applicable to most economics courses, that offers students a deeper understanding of market equilibrium, inflation, real and nominal interest rates, intertemporal choice, and financial markets. Students earn extra credit, pooled together for the entire class, by correctly answering in-class clicker questions. Correctly answering questions also earns students classroom currency, which they can use to “purchase” extra credit from the pool. The creation and purchase of extra credit establishes an endogenous market system in which the price of extra credit clears the market. The experiment can be augmented with (a) a bank that allows students to borrow classroom currency, (b) bonds to enable direct transfers between students, and (c) stocks that produce randomly generated payouts.
Nascent Connections: R-Loops and Chromatin Patterning

RNA molecules, such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), have critical roles in regulating gene expression, chromosome architecture, and the modification states of chromatin. Recent developments suggest that RNA also influences gene expression and chromatin patterns through the interaction of nascent transcripts with their DNA template via the formation of co-transcriptional R-loop structures. R-loop formation over specific, conserved, hotspots occurs at thousands of genes in mammalian genomes and represents an important and dynamic feature of mammalian chromatin. Here, focusing primarily on mammalian systems, I describe the accumulating connections and possible mechanisms linking R-loop formation and chromatin patterning. The possible contribution of aberrant R-loops to pathological conditions is also discussed.
Skin-Resident Effector Memory CD8+CD28– T Cells Exhibit a Profibrotic Phenotype in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Loss of CD28 expression by CD8 + T cells occurs with age and during chronic inflammatory conditions. CD8 + CD28 – T cells are a heterogeneous cell subpopulation whose function ranges from immunosuppressive to effector. Here we analyzed the role of CD8 + CD28 – T cells in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc), a connective tissue disorder characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and extensive cutaneous and visceral fibrosis. We show that the frequency of CD8 + CD28 – T cells is increased in the blood and affected skin of SSc patients, independent of patient age, and correlates with the extent of skin fibrosis. We found that most skin-tropic CD8 + CD28 – T cells are resident in the skin lesions of patients in the early stage of the disease, exhibit an effector memory phenotype, and present a strong cytolytic activity ex vivo. Skin-resident and circulating SSc CD8 + CD28 – T cells produce high levels of the profibrotic cytokine IL-13, which induces collagen production by normal and SSc dermal fibroblasts. Thus, our findings indicate that CD8 + CD28 – T cells represent a pathogenic T-cell subset in SSc and likely play a critical role in the early stage of SSc skin disease.
Strategy for Detecting and Following Monoclonal Gammopathies

The preceding chapters in this section have dealt with several aspects of serum and urine protein analysis for immunoglobulins. Overwhelmingly, the single most important reason for performing these studies is to detect monoclonal gammopathies. This chapter briefly summarizes the various plasma cell proliferative diseases and then describes the use of the electrophoretic and nephelometric assays for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of monoclonal gammopathies. There are some general strategies for all laboratories as well as specific tests that are needed, depending on the disease presentation.
Environmental and individual attributes associated with child maltreatment resulting in hospitalization or death.

Abstract Maltreatment continues to be a leading cause of death for young children. Researchers are beginning to uncover which neighborhood attributes may be associated with maltreatment outcomes. However, few studies have been able to explore these influences while controlling for individual family attributes, and none have been able to parse out the most severe outcomes—injuries resulting in hospitalization or death. This study utilizes a retrospective, case-control design on a dataset containing both individual and environmental level attributes of children who have been hospitalized or died due to maltreatment to explore the relative influence of attributes inside and outside the household walls. Binary conditional logistic regression was used to model the outcome as a function of the individual and environmental level predictors. Separate analyses also separated the outcome by manner of maltreatment: abuse or neglect. Finally, a sub-analysis included protective predictors representing access to supportive resources. Findings indicate that neighborhood attributes were similar for both cases and controls, except in the neglect only model, wherein impoverishment was associated with higher odds of serious maltreatment. Dense housing increased risk in all models except the neglect only model. In a sub-analysis, distance to Family Resource Centers was inversely related to serious maltreatment. In all models, variables representing more extreme intervention and/or removal of the victim and/or perpetrator from the home (foster care or criminal court involvement) were negatively associated with the risk of becoming a case. Medi-Cal insurance eligibility of a child was also negatively associated with becoming a case. Government interventions may be playing a critical role in child protection. More research is needed to ascertain how these interventions assert their influence.
A pilot, prospective, randomized trial of video versus direct laryngoscopy for paramedic endotracheal intubation.

Abstract Background Prehospital intubation poses several unique challenges. Video assisted laryngoscopy has been shown to help increase intubation success in the hospital setting; however, little prospective data have examined video assisted laryngoscopy in traditional ground ambulance agencies. Methods We performed a randomized, cross-over, non-blinded trial in ground ambulances comparing first attempt success and overall intubation success between video assisted laryngoscopy using the King Video Laryngoscope (KVL) and direct laryngoscopy (DL). We collected patient and provider demographics along with intubation details. Success rates were compared on a per-protocol and an intention-to-treat analysis. Results Over 34 months, a total of 82 intubations were performed with 42 DL and 40 KVL based on the intention-to-treat analysis. First attempt success (28/42, 66.7% vs 25/40, 62.5%, p = 0.69) and overall success (34/42, 81% vs 29/40, 72.5%, p = 0.37) were similar between DL and KVL. Cormack-Lehane view and percentage of glottic opening were similar between devices. These results were consistent in the per-protocol analysis. Conclusions In our study utilizing two ground EMS agencies, video assisted laryngoscopy with the KVL had similar first attempt success rates to direct laryngoscopy.
Harnessing Alkyl Amines as Electrophiles for Nickel-Catalyzed Cross Couplings via C–N Bond Activation

We developed a strategy to harness alkyl amines as alkylating agents via C–N bond activation. This Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling of alkylpyridinium salts, readily formed from primary amines, is the first example of a metal-catalyzed cross coupling via C–N bond activation of an amine with an unactivated alkyl group. This reaction enjoys broad scope and functional group tolerance. Primary and secondary alkyl groups can be installed. Preliminary studies suggest a NiI/NiIII catalytic cycle.
Ancestral Interactions of Ribosomal RNA and Ribosomal Proteins

Abstract We have proposed that the ancient ribosome increased in size during early evolution by addition of small folding-competent RNAs. In this Accretion Model, small RNAs and peptides were subsumed onto subunit surfaces, gradually encasing and freezing previously acquired components. The model predicts that appropriate rRNA fragments have inherited local autonomy of folding and local autonomy of assembly with ribosomal proteins (rProteins), and that the rProtein and rRNA are co-chaperones. To test these predictions, we investigate the rRNA interactions of rProtein uL23 and its tail, uL23 tail , which is a β -hairpin that penetrates deep into the core of the large ribosomal subunit. In the assembled ribosome, uL23 tail associates with Domain III of the rRNA and a subdomain called "DIII core ". Here using band shift assays, fluorescence Job plots, and yeast three-hybrid assays, we investigate the interactions of rProtein uL23 and its tail with Domain III and with DIII core rRNA. We observe rRNA 1 -uL23 tail 1 complexes in the absence of Mg 2+ ions and rRNA 1 -uL23 tail n ( n > 1) complexes in the presence of Mg 2+ ions. By contrast, the intact uL23 rProtein binds in slightly anticooperative complexes of various stoichiometries. The globular and tail regions of rProtein uL23 are distinctive in their folding behaviors and the ion dependences of their association with rRNA. For the globular region of the rProtein, folding is independent of rRNA, and rRNA association is predominantly by nonelectrostatic mechanisms. For the tail region of the protein, folding requires rRNA, and association is predominantly by electrostatic mechanisms. We believe these protein capabilities could have roots in ancient evolution and could be mechanistically important in co-chaperoning the assembly of the ribosome.
Cheng Yi’s Moral Philosophy

Cheng Yi 程頤 (1033–1107), also known as Cheng Yichuan 伊川, and his brother Cheng Hao 程顥 (1032–1085), are often referred to as “the two Chengs” (er Cheng 二程). They are both identified with the group known as the Five Masters of the (Northern) Song period (with the other three being Zhou Dunyi 周敦頤 [1016–1073], Zhang Zai 張載 [1020–1077], and Shao Yong 邵庸 [1011–1077]). To the extent that Neo-Confucian philosophy can be characterized as the learning of li (li xue 理學, normally translated as “principle”), as it is most commonly called in contemporary Chinese scholarship, the two brothers can be properly credited as its founders: it is only in their philosophy that li obtains its central position for the first time. Thus, in comparison with classical Confucian philosophy, Neo-Confucian philosophy has a more fully developed metaphysics. However, moral life is still the central concern for Neo-Confucians as for classical Confucians. The metaphysics they develop is to provide an ontological articulation of classical Confucian values, and so it is essentially a moral metaphysics. Thus, in this essay on Cheng Yi, I focus on his moral philosophy, paying particular attention to such issues as why be moral, whether one can be moral, how to be moral, the possibility of a virtue politics, and moral metaphysics.
Addressing healthcare-management capacity building: The story of the African Institute for Healthcare Management

The focus historically on human-resource needs in healthcare has been on the development and training of physicians, nurses and allied health professionals. While there is still a gap that remains in these necessary roles, another acute gap has emerged, that of a scarcity of professionally trained managers for health systems, health facilities and the other organisations that comprise the healthcare system. Arguably, many of the issues in health equity, such as the migration of physicians and nurses across borders, the operational inefficiencies of facilities and dysfunctional supply chains derive from sub-optimal management. Throughout the emerging markets, particularly in Africa, there have been some attempts to address the management gap, but there have been few, if any, degree programmes established for healthcare management. A full-scale healthcare-management MBA programme has been established at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya. While the creation and development of the programme proceeded effectively and on schedule, the principals discovered that filling the ranks of qualified and experienced faculty in healthcare management was challenging. The faculty roster relied heavily on the recruitment of professors from healthcare-management departments in the USA and the UK. The attempts to design courses with locally relevant materials also revealed a serious lack of solid research and teaching materials. This article describes an approach to addressing the scarcity of Africa-oriented healthcare-management faculty, as well as the need for managerial teaching and learning materials focused on the African health context.
Elimination of active species crossover in a room temperature, neutral pH, aqueous flow battery using a ceramic NaSICON membrane

Abstract Flow batteries are an attractive technology for energy storage of grid-scale renewables. However, performance issues related to ion-exchange membrane (IEM) fouling and crossover of species have limited the success of flow batteries. In this work we propose the use of the solid-state sodium-ion conductor NaSICON as an IEM to fully eliminate active species crossover in room temperature, aqueous, neutral pH flow batteries. We measure the room temperature conductivity of NaSICON at 2.83–4.67 mS cm−1 and demonstrate stability of NaSICON in an aqueous electrolyte with conductivity values remaining near 2.5 mS cm−1 after 66 days of exposure. Charge and discharge of a full H-cell battery as well as symmetric cycling in a flow battery configuration using NaSICON as an IEM in both cases demonstrates the capability of the solid-state IEM. Extensive analysis of aged cells through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and UV–vis spectroscopy show no contaminant species having crossed over the NaSICON membrane after 83 days of exposure, yielding an upper limit to the permeability of NaSICON of 4 × 10−10 cm2 min−1. The demonstration of NaSICON as an IEM enables a wide new range of chemistries for application to flow batteries that would previously be impeded by species crossover and associated degradation.
Game Theoretic Characterization of Collusive Behavior Among Attackers

Recent observations have shown that most of the attacks are fruits of collaboration among attackers. In this work we have developed a coalition formation game to model the collusive behavior among attackers. The novelty of this work is that we are the first to investigate the coalition formation dynamics among attackers with different efficiency. Most of the related works have modeled the attacker as a single entity. We define a new parameter called friction to represent the unwillingness of an attacker to collude. We have shown that the proportion of attackers in the Maximum Average Payoff Coalition (MAPC) decreases with efficiency. We have also shown that as the friction increases, size and heterogeneity of MAPC decrease. We show, using text analysis on a hacker web forum chat data, that the hacker collaboration network shows a strong small-world characteristics. We identify the leaders in these coalitions. The cluster compositions of the hacker collaboration network agree with our model. We also develop method to estimate the friction parameters for the attackers to decide optimal coalition to join. As this model provides insight into coalition formation among attackers, e.g., leaders, composition, and homogeneity, this model will be helpful to develop better defender strategies.
Stereotype Content: Warmth and Competence Endure.

Two dimensions persist in social cognition when people are making sense of individuals or groups. The stereotype content model (SCM) terms these two basic dimensions perceived warmth (trustworthine...
Quantifying collagen quality in archaeological bone: Improving data accuracy with benchtop and handheld Raman spectrometers

Abstract Chemical analysis of collagen and other endogenous protein in excavated bones is ever more common in paleontology and archaeology to determine dietary ecology, migration patterns, age, and diagenetic pathways. Decisions to sacrifice valuable samples to destructive stable isotope, radiogenic isotope, and proteomic analyses are easier to make if one knows ahead of time whether sufficient undegraded organic material is preserved in the bone for chemical analysis. Recent advances with near–infrared Raman spectroscopy to non-destructively pre-screen bones for the presence of undegraded endogenous protein can indicate whether original isotopic or proteomic signatures have remained intact in long-buried bones. However, it is crucial to examine the different emerging approaches with benchtop and handheld Raman spectrometers and to establish uniform data reporting standards that will allow laboratories to accurately compare results. Three recently published studies are compared to understand the factors that affect protein screening success and to establish best practices for the technique in the laboratory and in the field. A set of 37 archaeological human bone samples analyzed previously by the authors using FT-Raman spectroscopy are re-analyzed with a handheld 1064 nm Raman spectrometer such that the laser power was similar but the spectral resolution and signal-to-noise were lower. Two methods to identify peak heights were evaluated: 1) peak height fixed at a specific wavenumber and baseline anchored at fixed points bracketing the band and 2) averaging peak intensities over a short wavenumber range while also setting the baseline of the band by an average of several anchor points. This second method appeared to better classify whether the bones contained well-preserved protein signatures. In particular, peak height ratios of 960 cm−1 to 1636 cm−1 or 1450 cm−1 can indicate quality and abundance of bone protein, but have benefits and trade-offs that depend on the instrument used. The 960 cm−1:1636 cm−1 ratio is more descriptive of collagen quality as defined by an extracted carbon:nitrogen ratio of 2.8–3.6, but the 1636 cm−1 peak can be difficult to resolve well with an inherently less sensitive handheld Raman spectrometer. The 1450 cm−1 peak is more prominent in the spectrum and therefore more easily resolved with a handheld spectrometer, but it describes a common C H stretch found in collagen and other organic molecules.
Pincer complexes of iron and their application in catalysis

Abstract Iron-based catalysis is an increasingly studied area of research, as is evident from the ever-increasing number of iron catalyzed chemical transformations developed over the past two decades. Well defined pincer based iron complexes are of interest, due to their thermal stability and the ability to fine tune (via synthesis) the electronic and steric properties of the metal complex. This chapter overviews the general pincer ligand framework, with detailed discussion of two of the most widely used ligand classes: 2,6-disubstituted pyridine and 1,3-disubstituted benzene. Discussion will include both ligand and complex synthesis and subsequent catalytic applications.
Hemoglobin H associated with an uncommon variant of thalassemia trait.

A 26 year old American housewife of Sardinian extraction with chronic hypochromic anemia was found to have a hemoglobin component identical to hemoglobin H. The A2 hemoglobin fraction was decreased. Relatives were found to exhibit the hematologic features of thalassemia trait. In this pedigree, in contrast to the usual finding in the "thalassemia trait," the A2 values were not increased. The same observation had been made in the only other comparable report.
Lymphocyte effector molecules and cell-mediated immune reactions.

When a foreign material or infectious agent, termed antigen(s), penetrates natural defense barriers and gains entry into the tissues of a mammalian host, specialized cells in the lymphoid tissue recognize and incite a biphasic reaction specifically directed against the foreign antigen. This response is composed of two separate components. One culminates in the synthesis and secretion by B lymphoid cells of specific antibodies, which are disseminated into the lymph and blood vascular systems where they gain access to and react specifically with the antigen(s). The second phase occurs simultaneously with the first and results in stimulation and expansion of a clone of reactive T lymphoid cells which, when fully differentiated, can migrate from the lymphoid tissue(s) to the antigen and there react against it. The latter reactions have been termed cell-mediated immunity (CMI) and are primarily associated with tissue destruction, typified by allograft rejection, tumor immunity, autoimmunity, and various forms of delayed hypersensitivities. The effector cells involved in these important immunologic reactions in vivo appear to be primarily lymphocytes and monocytes or macrophages. Our understanding of the basic mechanism(s) that are operative in this important group of reactions have come primarily from recent studies performed by numerous investigators. Indeed, it is the advent of in vitro systems which may be models of in vivo situations that have facilitated more-defined studies and allowed us to dissect these reactions into their various parts.
Enzyme kinetics. Rapid-equilibrium applications of Mathematica.

Preface. Chapter 1 Biochemical Thermodynamics. Chapter 2 A = P. Chapter 3 Ordered A + B -> Products. Chapter 4 Random A + B -> Products. Chapter 5 A + B = P + Q. Chapter 6 A + B + C -> Products. Chapter 7 Ordered O + mR -> Products. Chapter 8 Random O + mR -> Products. Chapter 9 Inhibition and Activation of A -> Products. Chapter 10 Modification of A -> Products. Chapter 11 Inhibition, Activation, and Modification of A + B -> Products. Chapter 12 Systems of Enzyme-Catalyzed Reactions. References. Index.