cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Opioids on Thermoregulatory Responses in Humans and the Special Antishivering Action of Meperidine

In summary, both mu-receptor and combined mu/kappa-receptor opioids impair thermoregulatory control. Alfentanil, a pure mu-receptor agonist slightly increased the thresholds for sweating and markedly decreased the thresholds for vasoconstriction and shivering. However, the vasoconstriction-to-shivering range remained normal during alfentanil administration as it does during general anesthesia. Meperidine, a combined mu- and kappa-receptor agonist, also slightly increased the threshold for sweating and reduced the thresholds for vasoconstriction. However, meperidine reduced the shivering threshold twice as much as the vasoconstriction threshold, thus significantly increasing the vasoconstriction-to-shivering range. Furthermore, shivering during meperidine administration, once triggered, was of low intensity suggesting that the drug also decreased the gain of shivering. The special antishivering action of meperidine appears to result, at least in part, from its kappa-receptor activity.
The cell surface metalloprotease/disintegrin kuzbanian is required for axonal extension in Drosophila

It has long been suspected that proteolytic activity associated with advancing growth cones may be required for axon extension. We have isolated mutations in the kuzbanian (kuz) gene, which is expressed in the nervous system and encodes a putative zinc metalloprotease with a disintegrin domain. Drosophila embryos with loss-of-function mutations in kuz have dramatic defects in the development of central nervous system axon pathways, with many axons stalling and failing to extend through the nerve cord. This phenotype is rescued by panneural expression of kuz mRNA in the embryo. These results show that the Kuz metalloprotease is required for axon extension, suggesting a requirement for proteolytic activity at the growth cone surface.
Hematology and serum chemistry of the young Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi)

Between January 1984 and May 1987, blood samples were collected from 12 young (3- to 6-mo-old) Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) that were captured in the wild and held in captivity. All samples evaluated were from clinically normal animals. Average hematologic and serum chemistry values were not remarkable for a young diving mammal. The blood and serum analyses performed established reference ranges, which can be used as indicators of health status for this endangered species.
Both Dendritic Cells and Macrophages Can Stimulate Naive CD8 T Cells In Vivo to Proliferate, Develop Effector Function, and Differentiate into Memory Cells

The generation of T cell immunity requires the acquisition and presentation of Ag on bone marrow-derived APCs. Dendritic cells (DC) are believed to be the most potent bone marrow-derived APCs, and the only ones that can stimulate naive T cells to productively respond to Ags. Because macrophages (MΦ) are bone marrow-derived APCs that are also found in tissues and lymphoid organs, can acquire and present Ag, and can express costimulatory molecules, we have investigated their potential to stimulate primary T cell responses in vivo. We find that both injected MΦ and DCs can migrate from peripheral tissues or blood into lymphoid organs. Moreover, injection of peptide-pulsed MΦ or DCs into mice stimulates CD8 T cells to proliferate, express effector functions including cytokine production and cytolysis, and differentiate into long-lived memory cells. MΦ and DCs stimulate T cells directly without requiring cross-presentation of Ag on host APCs. Therefore, more than one type of bone marrow-derived APC has the potential to prime T cell immunity. In contrast, another bone marrow-derived cell, the T lymphocyte, although capable of presenting Ag and homing to the T cell areas of lymphoid organs, is unable to stimulate primary responses. Because MΦ can be very abundant cells, especially at sites of infection and inflammation, they have the potential to play an important role in immune surveillance and the initiation of T cell immunity.
The Minskyan System, Part II: Dynamics of the Minskyan Analysis and the Financial Fragility Hypothesis

This is the second part of a three-part analysis of the Minskyan framework. It studies in detail the dynamics at the root of the endogenous financial weakening of capitalist economic systems. This part combines the properties presented in part I with other important concepts, such as the paradox of leverage and conventional expectations, to explain the Financial Instability Hypothesis. It is demonstrated that the signs of fragility are not always visible and that financial weakening can take many different (even though well-defined) routes. This is used to draw some conclusion about the appropriate way to test for this hypothesis and the limit of data.
2‐Bromobenzyl Bromide

[3433-80-5] C7H6Br2 (MW 249.93) InChI = 1S/C7H6Br2/c8-5-6-3-1-2-4-7(6)9/h1-4H,5H2 InChIKey = LZSYGJNFCREHMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used for protection of aldehydes and ketones in the alcohol oxidation state and as a coupling component in a wide array of reactions) Physical Data: mp 29–32 °C; bp 129 °C (19 mm). Solubility: soluble in alcohol, ether, and most organic solvents. Form Supplied in: slightly purple solid; widely available. Purification: washed with conc. H2SO4, water, 10% Na2CO3 or NaHCO3 solution, and again with water. Dried with CaCl2, Na2CO3 or MgSO4 and distilled in the dark under reduced pressure. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: 2-bromobenzyl bromide is a strong lachrymator and should be used only in a well-ventilated fume hood. It is also a corrosive agent that causes burns and requires the use of chemical resistant gloves and eye/face protection when handling. Store under nitrogen. Incompatible with strong bases, oxidizing, and reducing agents.
Oral Iodine Toxicity in Chicks Can Be Reversed by Supplemental Bromine

Four chick bioassays were conducted to quantify iodine (I) toxicity and its amelioration in young chicks. A supplemental I level from KI of 600 mg/kg depressed growth in chicks fed methionine-deficient diets but not in those fed methionine-adequate diets. An I dose level >or= 900 mg/kg was required to cause growth depression in chicks fed a methionine-adequate corn-soybean meal diet. Iodine intoxicated chicks also displayed neurological symptoms and extreme malaise, but dose levels up to 1200 mg I/kg had no effect on blood hemoglobin or hematocrit. Supplemental I levels of 1000-1500 mg/kg caused severe growth depressions that could be totally reversed by dietary addition of 50 or 100 mg/kg bromine provided as NaBr. Nuclear accidents or terrorist actions that result in I toxicity and thyroid cancer or goiter may benefit from use of NaBr as a therapeutic agent.
Regional Sedimentology and Stratal Surfaces of a Lower Silurian Clastic Wedge in the Appalachian Foreland Basin

ABSTRACT Detailed investigation of continuous cores from 44 wells and borehole geophysical logs from 200 wells extends sedimentological interpretations and sequence stratigraphic correlations of Lower Silurian siliciclastic rocks across a major part of the Appalachian foreland basin. Stratal surfaces in the Medina Group and Tuscarora Sandstone are correlated regionally across depositional strike, made possible by the large subsurface database. Above a sequence-bounding unconformity at the base of the Medina Group are an incised-valley fill and a transgressive systems tract represented by the Whirlpool Sandstone and the overlying Cabot Head Shale. The thickest sandstones, and most important hydrocarbon reservoirs, are in the Grimsby Sandstone, which is interpreted as a highstand systems tract with basinward-prograding deposits formed during a normal regression. Three major depositional systems are recognized for the Grimsby Sandstone: (1) wave-dominated shelf, (2) wave- and tide-influenced inner shelf, and (3) tide-dominated shoreline. In the landward direction, the Grimsby Sandstone shoreline deposits are correlative with coarse-grained fluvial and estuarine deposits of the Tuscarora Sandstone. Marine-flooding surfaces in the Medina Group are correlated regionally with flooding surfaces interpreted in the Tuscarora Sandstone. A marine-flooding surface in the upper part of the Grimsby Sandstone, as identified in cores from Ohio, Ontario, and western Pennsylvania, is correlated with the contact between fluvial/estuarine facies of the Tuscarora Sandstone and the overlying, much finer-grained Castanea Member in central Pennsylvania. This flooding event marks the first landward shift in facies of the Lower Silurian highstand accumulation, and is therefore recognized as an important, regionally correlative surface. A second regionally extensive marine-flooding surface occurs between uppermost Lower Silurian argillaceous sandstones and overlying carbonate rock and shale of the Clinton Group.
Interventions in schools for children with autism spectrum disorder: Methods and recommendations:

Although researchers have identified many promising teaching strategies and intervention programs for children with autism spectrum disorder, research on implementation of these interventions in school settings has lagged. Barriers to implementation include incompletely developed interventions, limited evidence of their utility in promoting long-term and meaningful change, and poor fit with school environments. To overcome these barriers, interventions need to be detailed in manuals that identify key components yet allow for flexibility, and studies need to evaluate long-term, real-life outcomes. Innovative research strategies also may be important, particularly carrying out research on new interventions in school settings from the outset, conducting partial effectiveness trials in which study personnel administer interventions in school settings, using community-partnered participatory research approaches, and redesigning interventions in a modular format.
A neural piecewise linear classifier for pattern classification

A neural piecewise linear classifier, based on the Kohonen learning vector quantization (LVQ2) and the Kohonen self-organizing feature map is proposed. The classifier has two stages and a feedback loop. In the first stage, the Kohonen self-organizing feature map network is used to find the approximate position of the prototype vectors for each class. In the second stage, the Kohonen LVQ2 supervised learning algorithm is used to fine-tune the position of the approximate prototype vectors. The accuracy of the classifier is improved by adding an adaptive feedback scheme. Depending on the intrinsic complexity of the class distribution and overall partitioning of the space, the neural classifier automatically increases the number of neurons, improving the error performance. The classifier was tested on a set of high-dimensional real data obtained from ship images. The performance is compared with a piecewise linear tree classifier and a neural classifier. >
Generalized Unified Formulation shell element for functionally graded Variable-Stiffness Composite Laminates and aeroelastic applications

Abstract Composite materials have been extensively used in engineering thanks to their lightweight, superior mechanical performances and possibility to tailor the structural behavior, increasing the available design space. Variable Angle Tow (VAT) structures exploits this advantage by adopting a curvilinear patterns for the fibers constituting the lamina. This work, for the first time, extends the Generalized Unified Formulation (GUF) to the case of fourth-order triangular shell elements and VAT composites. Functionally graded material properties in both the thickness and in-plane directions are also possible. The finite element has been formulated with layers of variable thickness with respect to the in-plane coordinates. GUF is a very versatile tool for the analysis of Variable Stiffness Composite Laminates (VSCLs): it is possible to select generic element coordinate systems and define different types of axiomatic descriptions (Equivalent Single Layer, Layer Wise, and Zig-Zag enhanced formulations) and orders of the thickness expansions. Each displacement is independently treated from the others. All the infinite number of theories that can be generated with GUF are obtained by expanding six theory-invariant kernels (formally identical for all the elements), allowing a very general implementation. Finally, the possibility of tailoring the theory/order to increase the accuracy in desired directions makes the GUF VAT capability a very powerful tool for the design of aerospace structures.
Broad-band U-slot patch antenna with a proximity-coupled double /spl Pi/-shaped feed line for arrays

The paper considers the design of a broad-band U-slot patch antenna using a new proximity-coupled double /spl Pi/-shaped feed line. The new feed is an improvement upon a /spl Pi/-shaped feed line and allows the elements to be spaced closely in two-dimensional (2D) arrays. The bandwidth of a single element is shown to be 21.5% for a return loss better than 10 dB.
Feasibility of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy in Veterans Administration patients.

Abstract Background Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pulmonary lobectomy has been associated with decreased complication rates and length of stay compared with lobectomy by thoracotomy. No studies have addressed VATS lobectomy in Veterans Administration (VA) patients. Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of 50 VATS lobectomies performed between August 2007 and June 2009 by one surgeon in a VA hospital, a university-affiliated county hospital, and a private community hospital. Results VA patients had more medical comorbidities, poorer lung function, greater current smoker status, and fewer preoperative biopsies. Pleural adhesions or hilar lymphadenopathy were encountered more commonly in VA than nonfederal patients. Surgical times and number of procedures performed were greater in VA patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of postoperative complications or chest tube duration although length of stay was longer for VA patients. Conclusions VATS lobectomy is feasible in a VA setting. The evidence strongly suggests that veterans can benefit from VATS lobectomy in terms of improved outcomes and diminished length of stay compared with thoracotomy.
The distortion of the Moon due to convection

Numerical calculations of the dynamical ellipticity of the moon due to finite-amplitude solid-state convection indicate that convection could be the cause of the nonhydrostatic gravitational figure, but only if the lunar lithosphere is capable of resisting global scale deformation. Thus lithospheric inhomogeneities and surface loads could also contribute substantially to the disequilibrium of the gravity figure. The calculations also show that it is unlikely that the geometrical distortion is due to convection.
Small-angle x-ray scattering by poly-L-alanine solutions.

The radius of gyration and “persistence length” of poly-L-alanine, calculated from small-angle x-ray scattering data, have values of 56 A and 44 A, respectively, in dichloroacetic acid, and 78 A and ∼30 A in a 1:1 v/v mixture of trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoroethanol. This can be interpreted to mean that poly-L-alanine exists in a relatively rigid, predominantly α-helical conformation in dichloroacetic acid and in an extended, more flexible form in the mixed solvent system.
Ab-initio Calculations of Electronic, Transport, and Bulk Properties of cubic Boron Nitride (zb-BN)

We present results from ab-initio, self consistent, local density approximation (LDA) calculations of electronic and related properties of cubic boron nitride ( zb- BN). We employed the Ceperley and Alder LDA potential and the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) formalism in our non-relativistic computations. We solved the system of LDA equations self-consistently, through the implementation of the LCAO formalism, following the Bagayoko, Zhao, and Williams (BZW) method as enhanced by Ekuma and Franklin (BZW-EF). The BZW-EF method includes a methodical search for the optimal basis set that yields the absolute minima of the occupied energies. This search entails increasing the size of the basis set and the related modifications of angular symmetry and of radial orbitals. Our calculated, indirect band gap of 6.48 eV, from the Γ to the Χ points, and bulk modulus of 375 GPa are in excellent agreement with corresponding experimental values at room temperature (RT). The calculated widths of the lowest valance band and that of the entire valence bands of 5.65 eV and 20.26 eV are in excellent agreement with the measured values of 5.5 eV and 20 eV, respectively. We have also calculated electron and hole effective masses for zb- BN, and the total (DOS) and partial (pDOS) densities of states.
Superconductivity above 125 K is predicted

The identification of the latest record-setting high-temperature superconductor has led to a prediction of even higher critical temperature in a related compound, but also to some indication that the current drive for room temperature superconductivity may stop short. For the past year, scientists have been turning out new superconducting compounds at an astounding rate, reaching levels of critical temperature (Tc, the highest temperature of electrical flow without resistance) considered impossible just a few years ago. The field is changing so quickly, commented one researcher, that now the preferred medium of scientific communication is not scholarly journals, but the Fax machine.
A new stochastic and state space model of human colon cancer incorporating multiple pathways.

Background and Purpose: Studies by molecular biologists and geneticists have shown that tumors of human colon cancer are developed from colon stem cells through two mechanisms: The chromosomal instability and the micro-satellite instability. The purpose of this paper is therefore to develop a new stochastic and state space model for carcinogenesis of human colon cancer incorporating these biological mechanisms. Results: Based on recent biological studies, in this paper we have developed a state space model for human colon cancer. In this state space model, the stochastic system is represented by a stochastic model, involving 2 different pathways-the chromosomal instability pathway and the micro-satellite instability pathway; the observation, cancer incidence data, is represented by a statistical model. Based on this model we have developed a generalized Bayesian approach to estimate the parameters through the posterior modes of the parameters via Gibbs sampling procedures. We have applied this model to fit and analyze the SEER data of human colon cancers from NCI/NIH. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the model not only provides a logical avenue to incorporate biological information but also fits the data much better than other models including the 4-stage single pathway model. This model not only would provide more insights into human colon cancer but also would provide useful guidance for its prevention and control and for prediction of future cancer cases. Reviewers: This article was reviewed by M.P. Little and M. Kimmel
Policing Iowa’s Katrina: Law Enforcement Response in Flood Disasters

Disaster response by law enforcement is an understudied topic in both police and disaster research. This paper analyses the actions of the police during a flood in a US city using a general model of disaster response by law enforcement. This model suggests that, because citizens have different priorities and engage in different behaviours before, during, and after a disaster, law enforcement must employ different styles of policing in each stage of a disaster to meet both the needs of citizens and the challenges of the disaster. Using information gathered from newspaper articles, we find strong support for the validity of this model. We also find that law enforcement actions were successful before and during the flood, but police response after the flood did not conform to the model and, consistent with our hypothesis, proved less effective. Implications for future research regarding the role, responsibilities, and efficacy of the police in disasters are discussed. Language: en
Ever changing landscape: Recent topographic landmark erosion in Kansas

Abstract Before and after photographs taken many years apart show historic changes to some of the more notable topographic features of Kansas. Recently, several prominent erosional remnants have been modified or destroyed, including the Indian petroglyphs (Ellsworth County), Natural Bridge (Barber County), and Castle Rock, Cobra Rock, and the Sphinx (all in Gove County). These unique and interesting topographic forms were carved by water and modified by wind erosion. Although erosion rates are slow by human standards, catastrophic events can change or modify features rather drastically by any time standard.
Portfolio Selection For Service Systems

The decision of selecting the portfolio of services to be included in a service system and the issues that complicate this decision problem are discussed. A general portfolio decision making framework is presented and compared with the Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) Business/IT Alignment Service Management Function (SMF).
Recruitment and Retention in Academic Medicine—What Junior Faculty and Trainees Want Department Chairs to Know

Abstract Attracting and retaining bright and motivated physicians remains a high priority for academia. Historically, the recruitment of trainees into academia and the retention of junior faculty have been suboptimal. To learn more about the perceived obstacles that discourage the pursuit of academic careers, a Workshop on Academic Career Pathways was conducted during the 2011 Southern Regional Meetings held in New Orleans. The audience included mainly residents and fellows as well as junior and senior faculties. Speakers described career options in academic medicine focusing on the clinician-investigator and the clinician-educator tracks. Afterward, the audience was asked to identify perceived obstacles to recruitment and retention in academic medicine. The group identified 10 major obstacles in 3 categories: financial challenges, personal mentoring and academic skills acquisition. This article summarizes the workshop proceedings and ends with recommendations to chairs and department leaders for improving recruitment and retention in academic medicine based on the discussion.
Looking Ahead to the 2005-2006 Term

This essay surveys the upcoming 2005-06 term of the Supreme Court, a term that may be as notable for what it says about the future direction of the Supreme Court as it is for specific decisions in any particular cases. This does not mean the term lacks important cases. To the contrary, this coming year the Court will consider the constitutionality of the Solomon Amendment, address the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to religious use of drugs, and determine whether the federal government can effectively preempt Oregon's decision to legalize doctor-assisted suicide. It will revisit contemporary federalism and abortion doctrines, clarify the scope of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), and address important questions in antitrust and criminal procedure. In addition, the Court may consider one or more cases challenging the scope of executive authority to combat terrorism. Nonetheless, the most striking thing about the upcoming term is that we will see a change in the Court's composition for the first time in over a decade.
Molecular modeling of lipid probes and their influence on the membrane.

In this review a number of Molecular Dynamics simulation studies are discussed which focus on the understanding of the behavior of lipid probes in biomembranes. Experiments often use specialized probe moieties or molecules to report on the behavior of a membrane and try to gain information on the membrane as a whole from the probe lipids as these probes are the only things an experiment sees. Probes can be used to make NMR, EPR and fluorescence accessible to the membrane and use fluorescent or spin-active moieties for this purpose. Clearly membranes with and without probes are not identical which makes it worthwhile to elucidate the differences between them with detailed atomistic simulations. In almost all cases these differences are confined to the local neighborhood of the probe molecules which are sparsely used and generally present as single molecules. In general, the behavior of the bulk membrane lipids can be qualitatively understood from the probes but in most cases their properties cannot be directly quantitatively deduced from the probe behavior. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biosimulations edited by Ilpo Vattulainen and Tomasz Rog.
Paso del Norte

Carlos Morton is a leading Chicano dramatist, who has been writing and producing plays for more than four decades. Among his best-known plays are The Many Deaths of Danny Rosales (1983) and Johnny Tenorio (1992). In addition to his work for the stage, which has been widely produced, he has written for television and radio, and taught at universities in Texas, California, and Mexico (he holds a PhD from the University of Texas, Austin). When he started his career, at the end of the 1960s and the start of the 1970s, his enthusiasm was sparked by the political theatre produced by Teatro Campesino and the San Francisco Mime Troupe. His work has since adopted a wider variety of styles and themes: evoking historical events, myths, biblical stories, and contemporary political issues, such as racism and machismo, interweaving realism with fantasy. But he always addresses a Chicano audience, and exposes the oppression of Chicano and Latino people. He is currently Professor of Theater at the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Abstract TP239: Race and the Utilization of Diagnostic Procedures in the Emergency Department for Acute Stroke in the United States

Introduction: In 2007, the AHA recommended the use of the following diagnostic procedures immediately upon admission to the emergency department (ED) for all adult patients with suspected stroke: n...
The Politics of Jewish Commerce: The Natural Relation of Things

Of all the Enlightenment-era treatments of the Jewish political economy, it was the work of a young official in the Prussian foreign affairs ministry, Christian Wilhelm Dohm (1751–1820) that came to exert the most far-reaching influence. Dohm's 1781 On the Civic Improvement of the Jews ( Ueber die burgerliche Verbesserung der Juden ) dominated discussions of Jewish civic status for decades. Any commentator – apologetic or denunciatory – who hoped to shift public opinion on the Jewish question was obligated to reckon with Dohm's analysis. By portraying Jewish economic life as profoundly distorted, while laying the blame on oppressive conditions imposed on Jews rather than their own natures or religion, Dohm formulated a new paradigm. At once sympathetic and critical, embracing economic freedom along with paternalistic state remediation, Dohm's approach suited an era of profound social reform. On the Civic Improvement of the Jews remained the touchstone of Jewish political economy through the early 1820s and retained its influence if not its vibrancy even well beyond that date. What made the work so effective was its unusual mixture of sobriety and advocacy, its qualities of informed and incisive analysis, of perceptive criticism and humane sympathy. More empirical in approach than even a philosemitic treatment like Reasons for Naturalizing the Jews , Dohm's book eschewed the messianic utopianism of Toland's pamphlet, even though its conclusions were essentially optimistic.
Alcohol intubation and its effect on voluntary consumption by rats.

When rats were intubated with an alcohol solution, their voluntary alcohol consumption decreased proportionately. The results seem to support the hypothesis that rats develop an internal system tha...
SU-G-BRC-11: Impact of Dose Calculation Algorithms On Lung SBRT Treatments

Purpose: To investigate potential dosimetrical differences between the Acuros XB (AXB) and AAA dose calculation algorithms, with a specific focus on lung SBRT treatments involving inherently high degrees of anatomical heterogeneity, small field sizes, and varying tumor locations relative to critical structures. Methods: A cohort of 20 SBRT patients treated in our clinic was selected to include varying lung tumor locations. For each patient, the Eclipse treatment planning system was employed to generate a lung SBRT plan using the AXB dose calculation algorithm, in addition to the AAA plan previously calculated for clinical use. The plans were then compared using common plan evaluation metrics. To assess the accuracies of the algorithms in a highly heterogeneous medium, identical AAA and AXB plans were delivered to a slab phantom consisting of solid water and a low-density insert representing lung. Field sizes of 3 × 3 cm through 12 × 12 cm were considered. The phantom dose was measured with OSLDs and radiochromic film and compared to the calculated dose distributions. Results: The average difference in mean PTV dose between the AAA and AXB plans, expressed as a percentage of the prescription dose, was 2.24% ± 1.58%. The differences in doses to critical structures were negligible. The OSLD and film measurements showed that the AXB dose calculations are more accurate in heterogeneous media. The difference between the algorithms became more significant as field size decreased. Using the same dose normalization, the conformity indices for the AAA plans were slightly closer to unity than the AXB plans. This was expected due to the higher dose calculation accuracy of AXB in heterogeneous media. Conclusion: Our results emphasize the importance of AXB for lung SBRT dose calculations due to its superiority in calculating dose for small lesions in heterogeneous tissue.
Great Versus Lovely: Stance Differences in American and British English

This study compares stance marker frequencies, part of speech frequencies, and the most common stance markers in British and American conversations. The corpus is comprised of 100,000 words of spoken English taken from conversations at home in America and Great Britain, excerpted from the Longman Corpus of Spoken and Written English. Stance marker frequencies are generated through the computer program, StanceSearch, which automates the identification of stanced lexical items occurring in particular grammatical frames. Four categories of stance markers are examined: affect (marking emotion and attitude), evidentials (marking certainty, doubt, and commitment), amount (marking hedges and emphatics), and modality (modal verbs). Similarities are found in American and British conversations in stance category and part of speech use. There is a strong relationship between part of speech and stance category: affect is expressed with adjectives and verbs, amount is adverbial, and evidentials are verbal. The main differences are in lexical choice. The British conversations have lower frequencies than American conversations in emotion-expressing affect markers, first-person verbs which express emotive affect, and emphatics. The American conversations have lower frequencies for modals verbs. The results suggest that cultural variations are not based on differences in stance categories as a whole, but rather on subtle lexical differences. To pinpoint where cultural variation lies, these lexical differences must be examined more closely.
Price behaviour of chillies in Guntur market of Andhra Pradesh, India

There was an increasing trend in the prices of chillies in the selected market and was found to be statistically significant at 5 per cent level of significance. The seasonal index was maximum in December with 108.52, while in November it was with 104.60 and the price indices ranged from 92.52 to 102.94. Only one cycle was observed which had lasted for four years. That chilli prices were subjected to high irregular variations during the period of study.
Visualizing Medieval Iberia’s Contested Space Through Multiple Scales of Visibility Analysis

Between the 12th and 14th centuries, Medieval Iberia’s military-religious frontier was a volatile, fluctuating band of contested space that tenuously bisected the peninsula into Muslim and Christian controlled territory. On both sides, the structures that best exemplified the material efforts to retain newly gained territory were the hilltop and spur castles occupied by frontier settlers from the interior of each side of the conflict. These castles—which are nearly as ubiquitous as windmills in images of central Spain—are often photographed as crumbling bits of crenellation set sharply against the sky. Even images captured within these fortresses tend to use the extant masonry as a frame for sublime views of the landscape below. Rather than attempt to separate the indelible connection between landscape views, topographic siting and architectural fabric at these sites, this paper will alternate between looking away from, and within these fortresses through two methods of remote sensing. The first is a series of viewshed analyses set from the observation points of over seven hundred fortresses, monasteries and towns during a two hundred year period. This GIS process employs a digital elevation model of the surrounding landscape to ask not only which frontier institutions occupied which fortresses during any month between 1150 and 1350 CE, but also what portions of the surrounding landscape the occupiers could see at that time. The second remote-sensing method combines an array of digital light meters to calculate volumetric visibility for spaces within a 3D model of the 14th century fortress-monastery headquarters for the military order of Montesa. The combination of the volumetric and GIS viewshed analysis methods will reveal how frontier institutions valued landscape visibility as a measurement of security and surveillance, while also acknowledging how vision affected architecture-scale decisions at a military-monastic complex on the frontier.
Modern Sexism and the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election: Reassessing the Casualties of the “War on Women”

The 2012 contest between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney included fierce dialogue about women and issues typically connected to them. The inflammatory comments that conservative radio-show host Rush Limbaugh made about female law student Sandra Fluke and the Affordable Health Care Act's (ACA) requirements that all workplaces cover contraceptives were central topics in the news. The controversy literally followed Romney in the form of “Pillamina,” a human-sized costume designed to look like a pack of birth control pills that shadowed the candidate's summer swing state tour. While “Pillamina” was the work of Planned Parenthood's Action Fund, the Obama campaign also took aim at Romney on this issue, running a television commercial featuring “Dawn and Alex,” two women talking about how out of touch Romney is with women's health issues. The Romney campaign's attempts to counter these attacks and shift the focus of conversation were largely thwarted, as questionable comments from Republican Senate candidates Todd Akin and Richard Mourdock brought the issue of abortion to the forefront. Both of these statements added fuel to the narrative that Republicans are out of touch with women's needs. And Romney himself contributed to the problem, as his notorious “binders full of women” debate response broadened the scope of the issue from reproductive rights to more general issues about gender equality. Altogether, these Republican comments and positions opened the door for Democrats on the campaign trail to attack the party, and a popular conclusion is that this “War on Women” narrative hurt the Republican Party and played an integral part in Obama's victory.
A daily diary examination of caffeine mixed with alcohol among college students.

OBJECTIVE: Caffeinated alcoholic beverage (CAB) use is associated with a range of substance-related problems. The majority of prior research on CABs is based on cross-sectional and retrospective reports, which do not account for intraindividual differences in use and may be subject to recall biases. The current research used a daily diary, within-subjects design to compare days where individuals simultaneously mixed alcohol with caffeine (CAB days) and days where individuals drank other types of alcohol (non-CAB days) on alcohol use outcomes. These relationships were tested further by examining the impact of the type of mixer (i.e., energy drink or cola-caffeinated). METHOD: Participants were 122 (73.8% women) heavy drinking, college student CAB users. Mean age was 20.39 (SD = 2.08) years. Students completed a baseline questionnaire and up to 14 consecutive daily surveys about the previous night's drinking behavior. RESULTS: Multilevel modeling results indicated that CAB days were associated with heavier alcohol use, regardless of mixer type. In addition, beyond amount of alcohol consumed the previous night and trait impulsivity, CAB days were linked with more alcohol-related problems, but only when the mixer was an energy drink. CAB days did not differ from non-CAB days on driving or sex after drinking. CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to demonstrate the unique risks posed by simultaneously consuming caffeine and alcohol in a within-subjects, daily diary design. Future research investigating use patterns may benefit from the use of fine-grained approaches in order to provide information relevant for CAB prevention and intervention efforts. (PsycINFO Database Record(c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Comparison of Blastocyst Development and Cycle Outcome in Patients with eSET Using Either Conventional or Time Lapse Incubators. A Prospective Study of Good Prognosis Patients

The aim of this study is to compare blastocyst development and cycle outcomes of good prognosis elective single embryo transfer patients using conventional or time lapse incubators. A randomized st...
SMAD3/Stat3 Signaling Mediates β-Cell Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Chronic Pancreatitis-Related Diabetes

Many patients with chronic pancreatitis develop diabetes (chronic pancreatitis-related diabetes [CPRD]) through an undetermined mechanism. Here we used long-term partial pancreatic duct ligation (PDL) as a model to study CPRD. We found that long-term PDL induced significant β-cell dedifferentiation, followed by a time-dependent decrease in functional β-cell mass-all specifically in the ligated tail portion of the pancreas (PDL-tail). High levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) were detected in the PDL-tail and were mainly produced by M2 macrophages at the early stage and by activated myofibroblasts at the later stage. Loss of β-cell mass was then found to result from TGFβ1-triggered epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by β-cells, rather than resulting directly from β-cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, TGFβ1-treated β-cells activated expression of the EMT regulator gene Snail in a SMAD3/Stat3-dependent manner. Moreover, forced expression of forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), an antagonist for activated Stat3, specifically in β-cells ameliorated β-cell EMT and β-cell loss and prevented the onset of diabetes in mice undergoing PDL. Together, our data suggest that chronic pancreatitis may trigger TGFβ1-mediated β-cell EMT to lead to CPRD, which could substantially be prevented by sustained expression of FoxO1 in β-cells.
Revision Total Shoulder Arthroplasty is Associated with Increased Thirty-Day Postoperative Complications and Wound Infections Relative to Primary Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

With an increasing volume of primary total shoulder arthroplasties (TSA), the number of revision TSA cases is expected to increase as well. However, the postoperative medical morbidity of revision TSA has not been clearly described. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of postoperative complications following revision TSA, relative to primary TSA. In addition, we sought to identify independent predictors of complications, as well as to compare operative time and postoperative length of stay between primary and revision TSA. Patients who underwent primary/revision TSA between 2005 and 2015 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Differences in complications, readmission rates, operative time, length of stay, and predictors of complications were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 10,371 primary TSA (95.4%) and 496 revision TSA cases (4.6%) were identified. The overall complication rate was 6.5% in primary and 10.7% in revision TSA patients (p 75, female sex, history of diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification ≥ 3 were associated with increased risk of any complication. Smoking history was the only significant predictor of wound infection. Revision TSA, in comparison to primary, poses an increased risk of postoperative complications, particularly wound infections. A history of smoking was an independent predictor of wound infections.
Style and Flow: A Commentary on Duinker & Martin

Duinker and Martin's excellent study presents a wealth of new data, findings, and analyses. It represents a welcome focus on the details of musical aspects of hip-hop, as well as an effort to combine those details with more global aspects of recordings in order to clarify what our notions of hip-hop 'style' or 'sound' are based on. The examination of instrumental backgrounds and production parameters is particularly novel. I would suggest, however, that the study could have benefitted from the use of details pertaining to flow , particularly in the examination of trends over time and stylistic sub-groupings. I show that several parameters pertaining to the complexity, rhythmic placement, and repetitiveness of rhymes help track changes in hip-hop style over time, distinguish between more and less similar songs, and capture effects of apparent time within the same actual time period.
Optimizing Ad Refresh In Mobile App Advertising

In-app advertising is a complex market worth billions of dollars per year, yet it has been studied significantly less than traditional web display ads. In this paper we study an important but often overlooked feature of ads in mobile apps (mostly absent in traditional web ads), that of ad refreshes : A user is shown a stream of banner ads during the app session, in which each ad is displayed in the ad slot for a certain amount of time (the refresh rate) before the ad-slot is refreshed to the next ad. Data analysis on our large-scale experiments that vary refresh rates reveals a surprising result, that cannot be explained by existing user click models: Varying ads» refresh almost preserves total number of clicks. We propose a new, natural, "two-phase" click model for this setting that explains this independence, as well as our measurements of the click-through rate as a function of the impression»s time-on-screen and of ad-repeat counts. The new click model leads to a clean formulation of the problem of auctioning the entire user-session: i.e., determining online, both the sequence of winning ads as well as the amount of time to display each one. We complement the theoretical auction design with results from a live-traffic experiment with its implementation. Our experiments and analysis provide the theoretical foundation for AdMob»s "Google-optimized refresh rate" feature, used by many mobile apps for better monetization of ads shown to millions of users.
Querying a Collection of Continuous Functions

We introduce a new query primitive called Function Query (FQ). An FQ operates on a set of math functions and retrieves the functions whose output with a given input satisfies a query condition (e.g., being among top k, within a given range). While FQ finds its natural uses in querying a database of math functions, it can also be applied on a database of discrete values. We show that by interpreting the database as a set of user-defined functions, FQ can achieve the same functionality as existing analytic queries such as top-k query and scalar product query. We address the challenge of efficient execution of FQ. The core of our solution is a novel data structure called Intersection-tree . Our research takes advantage of the fact that 1) the intersections of a set of continuous functions partition their domain into a number of subdomains , and 2) in each of these subdomains, the functions can be sorted based on their output. We evaluate the performance of the proposed techniques through analysis, prototyping, and experiments using both synthetic and real-world data. When querying a database of functions, our techniques scale well. When applied on a database of discrete values, our techniques are more versatile and outperform existing techniques in terms of various performance metrics.
U-SMART: (UCSD-small mass alt renal score tumor diameter) a novel scoring system of preoperative predictors to stratify oncologic risk of small renal mass.

700Background: Small renal masses (SRMs, < 4 cm in diameter) are heterogeneous, with significant proportions of benign as well as high-grade malignancy. We developed a scoring system incorporating patient factors, serum markers, and morphometric characteristics to elucidate benign and high grade pathology and guide decision making. Methods: Single institution retrospective analysis of surgically treated SRMs from 2003-2017. Demographic and clinical factors, including RENAL score, were analyzed. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: benign (BNGN), low grade (LG), or high grade (HG) disease and uni- and multivariable logistic regression were used to screen for association between potential parameters and the 3 groups. Each significant variable was analyzed by risk group and broken into quartiles. The 75th percentile of the HG group was assigned a value of 3. Below the 75th percentile of the BNGN group was assigned a value of 1; values that fell between these cutoffs were assigned 2 points. Tumor diameter...
Skin Anatomy and Physiology

If plastic surgeons are to provide state-of-the-art care in the techniques of skin rejuvenation and minimally invasive treatments for aging, a thorough understanding of skin, anatomy, and physiology is required. With the changing population demographics, the plastic surgeon must also be knowledgeable about ethnic variations in skin anatomy and physiology. The changes that occur with aging skin, inherent developmental disorders, and development of skin cancers are complex. This chapter provides a practical guide to the understanding of skin and its application to clinical conditions.
Rearranged T Cell Receptor Sequences in the Germline Genome of Channel Catfish Are Preferentially Expressed in Response to Infection

Rearranged V(D)J genes coding for T cell receptor α and β chains are integrated into the germline genome of channel catfish. Previous analysis of expressed TCR Vβ2 repertoires demonstrated that channel catfish express multiple public clonotypes, which were shared among all the fish, following infection with a common protozoan parasite. In each case a single DNA sequence was predominately used to code for a public clonotype. We show here that the rearranged VDJ genes coding for these expressed public Vβ2 clonotypes can be amplified by PCR from germline DNA isolated from oocytes and erythrocytes. Sequencing of the Vβ2 PCR products confirmed that these expressed public Vβ2 clonotypes are integrated into the germline. Moreover, sequencing of PCR products confirmed that all five Vβ gene families and Vα1 have rearranged V(D)J genes with diverse CDR3 sequences integrated into the germline. Germline rearranged Vβ2 and Vβ4 genes retain the intron between the leader and Vβ sequence. This suggests that the germline rearranged TCR Vβ genes arose through VDJ rearrangement in T cells, and subsequently moved into the germline through DNA transposon mediated transposition. These results reveal a new dimension to the adaptive immune system of vertebrates, namely: the expression of evolutionarily conserved, rearranged V(D)J genes from the germline.