cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence and survival in patients with sinonasal cancer: a historical analysis of population-based data.

Background The present study uses population-based data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to evaluate the behavior of sinonasal tumors. Methods Data for all sinonasal malignancies reported between 1973 and 2006 (n = 6739) were extracted from the database. Time-dependent trends in incidence and survival were analyzed by linear regression. Results The overall incidence of sinonasal cancer was 0.556 cases per 100,000 population per year with a male:female ratio of 1.8:1. The most common histologies were squamous cell carcinoma (51.6%) and adenocarcinoma (12.6%), whereas the most common primary sites were the nasal cavity (43.9%) and maxillary sinus (35.9%). The incidence of sinonasal cancer remained relatively stable during the study period. No significant changes in overall relative survival were noted. The best relative survival was noted in patients treated with surgery or a combination of surgery and radiotherapy. Conclusions The prognosis of patients with sinonasal cancer is generally poor, and has not changed substantially over the last 3 decades. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Jensen's inequality predicts effects of environmental variation.

Many biologists now recognize that environmental variance can exert important effects on patterns and processes in nature that are independent of average conditions. Jensen’s inequality is a mathematical proof that is seldom mentioned in the ecological literature but which provides a powerful tool for predicting some direct effects of environmental variance in biological systems. Qualitative predictions can be derived from the form of the relevant response functions (accelerating versus decelerating). Knowledge of the frequency distribution (especially the variance) of the driving variables allows quantitative estimates of the effects. Jensen’s inequality has relevance in every field of biology that includes nonlinear processes.
Single channel properties of P2X2 purinoceptors.

The single channel properties of cloned P2X2 purinoceptors expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and Xenopus oocytes were studied in outside-out patches. The mean single channel current–voltage relationship exhibited inward rectification in symmetric solutions with a chord conductance of ∼30 pS at −100 mV in 145 mM NaCl. The channel open state exhibited fast flickering with significant power beyond 10 kHz. Conformational changes, not ionic blockade, appeared responsible for the flickering. The equilibrium constant of Na+ binding in the pore was ∼150 mM at 0 mV and voltage dependent. The binding site appeared to be ∼0.2 of the electrical distance from the extracellular surface. The mean channel current and the excess noise had the selectivity: K+ > Rb+ > Cs+ > Na+ > Li+. ATP increased the probability of being open ( P o) to a maximum of 0.6 with an EC50 of 11.2 μM and a Hill coefficient of 2.3. Lowering extracellular pH enhanced the apparent affinity of the channel for ATP with a pKa of ∼7.9, but did not cause a proton block of the open channel. High pH slowed the rise time to steps of ATP without affecting the fall time. The mean single channel amplitude was independent of pH, but the excess noise increased with decreasing pH. Kinetic analysis showed that ATP shortened the mean closed time but did not affect the mean open time. Maximum likelihood kinetic fitting of idealized single channel currents at different ATP concentrations produced a model with four sequential closed states (three binding steps) branching to two open states that converged on a final closed state. The ATP association rates increased with the sequential binding of ATP showing that the binding sites are not independent, but positively cooperative. Partially liganded channels do not appear to open. The predicted P o vs. ATP concentration closely matches the single channel current dose–response curve.
Evolution of the nose and nasal skeleton in primates

One traditional diagnostic feature of the Order Primates is a decreased emphasis on olfaction.1, 2 Some authors attribute this feature only to tarsiers and anthropoids, either through convergence or as a common feature of haplorhines.2–4 Other authors de-emphasize olfaction relative to vision,5–7 which does not necessarily denote olfactory reduction per se. There are lengthy roots to this discussion. The importance of the sense of smell to at least some primates, humans in particular, has long been viewed as secondary to the importance of visual, auditory, and tactile senses. Smell, or olfaction, is viewed as the primitive special sense, the stimuli perceived in an unconscious manner, submerged relative to higher neural functions,1 and a sense that has been increasingly reduced during the course of primate evolution.1–8 Anatomical structures related to olfaction differ profoundly in proportions and complexity between higher taxonomic groups of primates (Haplorhini, Strepsirrhini). These anatomical differences are beyond dispute (Box 1). However, the relationship between the anatomical differences and primate sensory abilities, and hence the validity of using them to group primates into “microsmatic” or “macrosmatic” categories,9, 10 is less clear when we examine the physiological and genetic data on primate olfaction.
Useful Component Analysis: Graphical Views of Marketing Data

The authors present a proof demonstrating the relationship between general components and Fourier series. The process allows the inspection of all general components, not just principal components. The usefulness of Fourier plots for investigating general component structures is shown, and marketing applications of scale analysis, discriminant analysis, and classification analysis are presented.
Self-focusing and 2D spatial solitons in PTS

The authors show experimentally that spatial solitons with two transverse dimensions can be generated to 1600 nm in bulk polydiacetylene paratoluene-sulfonate (PTS) by a combination of third and fifth order nonlinearities.
Mode partition noise measurements of time stretched ultra low noise actively modelocked semiconductor based laser

We report measurement results of the mode partition noise of a temporally stretched ultra low noise modelocked laser output pulse train. It was observed that there are both random and a linear drift of fluctuations among modes.
On "Social Knowing"

Although the symposiasts present plausible theoretical positions and occasional ingenious arguments, their contributions can be criticized on several grounds. The) define the field of "social knowing" very narrowly, so that many significant contributions are overlooked. The focus of their papers is on theoretical disputes rather than on real phenomena. Finally, they seem to rely on an essentially passive conception of human nature, in which observation and judgment are taken as fundamental while social activity is rarely mentioned at all.
Quantum critical phenomena in the Schrödinger formulation : mapping to classical lattices

We present a path integral formalism to obtain the statistical mechanics transfer matrix of the system which leads to a straightforward mapping between the quantum problem and an effective classical lattice system. Thus, the quantum criticality of atomic and molecular systems can be studied by the standard statistical mechanics methods. We illustrate this general technique by presenting detailed calculations for the screened Coulomb potential.
Democratic control of technological risks in developing countries

Abstract With their rapid post-World War II industrialization, developing countries face unprecedented proliferation of technological risks and environmental hazards. These risks must be controlled to prevent these countries from ending up as dumping grounds for highly risky, hazardous, and environmentally destructive technologies. Democratic economic, political, and cultural mechanisms that serve to maintain societal control over technological risks in advanced industrialized countries are simply not developed enough in most developing countries to stop the proliferation of technological risks. The Bhopal disaster is used to exemplify the many limitations of developing nations in technological risk control. This paper advocates a “grass roots social learning” approach to improving democratic community control over technological risks. In this approach the public learns to assess and control risk decisions directly from other communities that have experienced similar risks. It also involves simultaneous building up of democratic economic, political, and cultural institutions.
Multiprocessor implementation of 2-D denominator-separable digital filters for real-time processing

The problem of realizing 2-D denominator-separable digital filters is considered. Four realizations are derived with emphasis on real-time processing in a multiprocessor environment. This implies maximizing parallelism and pipelining, minimizing data throughput delay, and developing computational primitives which can be used as building blocks for very-large-scale integrated-circuit (VLSI) implementation. Advantage is taken of well-known realization structures for 1-D systems in developing the derivations. The performance of each realization is evaluated using criteria appropriate for real-time processing and multiprocessor implementation. It is shown that a simple computational primitive of one multiplier and one adder can be used to realize the filter with data throughput delay time equal to the time required for one multiplication and one addition, independent of the order of the filter. However, the number of required processors is different for each realization, and thus each realization has a different efficiency measure. >
Comparing Modes of Instruction: The Relative Efficacy of On-Line and In-Person Teaching for Student Learning

For many faculty members, the move by universities toward greater reliance on online and hybrid courses raises questions of course content and quality. Many faculty, socialized to deliver information to students in a manner described as “chalk and talk,” wonder whether moving courses out into the online environment somehow compromises the education students receive. In fact, there is a small but growing body of information in political science and other cognate disciplines that addresses these questions and offers evidence that online courses, while different from more traditional face-to-face classes, can offer rich learning opportunities in their own right. This article seeks to contribute to that body of knowledge by reporting the results of a quasi-experiment comparing student success and satisfaction in online and face-to-face courses.The author gratefully acknowledges the support of the UWM Center for Instructional and Professional Development and the assistance of Anthony Ciccone, Connie Schroeder, and the anonymous reviewers.
Distributed data management for large-scale wireless sensor networks simulations

We tackle two important problems that arise in simulation-based studies of various data-related properties in the context of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs): (1) reducing the turnaround time for completing the simulations in a large-scale parameter space; (2) providing database functionalities for a more detailed insight into the simulation's evolution. Towards these goals, we have developed the DiSSIDnet (Distributed System for Simulation and Integrated Development for Wireless Sensor Networks). Leveraging upon our earlier works on the SIDnet-SWANS tool [3], DiSSIDnet not only provides the ability of a synchronized execution of the simulations in a distributed environment, but also maintains the simulation data over the parameter-space in a relational database. In addition to post-simulation queries that can be posed to the database, we also provide the feature of specifying triggers that can generate notifications upon detecting certain events of interest during the simulation process.
The Electrochemistry of Gold and Silver Complexes

1 Introduction 2 Dithiolenes and Diselenolenes 3 Dithiocarbamates 4 L2Au and LnAg Complexes 5 Phosphine Gold Halides 6 Phosphine Gold Thiolates and Mixed Donor Ligands 7 Phosphorus Ylides 8 Organometallics 9 Drugs 10 Imides and Anilides 11 Other Ligands and Structural Types Keywords: gold and silver complex electrochemistry; dithiolenes and diselenolenes; dithiocarbamates; phosphine gold halides; phosphine gold thiolates and mixed donor ligands; imides and anilides; organometallics; cyclic voltammetry measurement
Reappraisal of the inhibitory effect of certain sugars used as osmotica on phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity

Abstract An earlier report that various sugars, especially d -mannitol and d -sorbitol, severely inhibited phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) 1 activity from tobacco in vitro has been reappraised. This apparent inhibition resulted from complexing of the sugars with borate, used as buffer system in that study, leading to an undetected pH decrease. We find that d -mannitol, d -sorbitol, d -glucose and sucrose are not inhibitory to PAL preparations obtained from sweet-clover leaves or from protoplasts of tobacco and barley, when alternative buffers are used for the assay. Moreover, the inhibition of barley PAL due to borate—sugar complex formation was completely eliminated by readjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to 8.8 before assaying.
Maternal–fetal attachment: an integrative review

Aims. This paper presents an integrative review of the literature that aimed to (a) review, categorize and critique the published research on maternal–fetal attachment (MFA), (b) analyse and interpret the MFA findings and (c) evaluate the state of knowledge on MFA and provide directions for future research. Background. Previous researchers have examined MFA in independent studies using a variety of research designs. There was a need to synthesize the findings across studies in order to evaluate the knowledge developed about MFA since the construct was created. Methods. Five stages for conducting an integrative review were carried out. The research problem was identified; data were collected; data were evaluated; findings were analysed and interpreted. Forty-one studies of MFA were located using the online databases of Medline, International Nursing Index, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Psychological Information. The keywords for the search were MFA, parental–fetal attachment, and prenatal attachment. Findings. Of the 41 studies reviewed, there were 152 findings relevant to the analysis. Of the 152 findings, 70 were statistically significant, while 82 were not. Conclusions. Research focusing on MFA has begun to create a body of scientific knowledge. This needs to be expanded through continued research using a variety of designs.
Lessons Learned From a Tiered Service Delivery Implementation Project

Tiered models of service delivery for both academics and behavior are being increasingly adopted across the nation, and discussions of how to implement these models effectively and simultaneously are growing. In this article, the authors share some lessons learned from a 2-year implementation project to implement a comprehensive (both academic and behavior) model of tiered service delivery in an elementary school. The authors discuss four major issues that arose during implementation, including signs for predicting these challenges and insights into how they can be addressed.
Adatpive Precision Neural Networks for Image Classification

We present a technique and algorithms to solve the following problem: Given both a Neural Network trained to classify a set of images, along with a set of floating-point hardware blocks (in reconfigurable logic), find the arrangement of blocks that achieves the best mix of precision, resources and speed with respect to a given cost function. We first illustrate the technique in detail by using a small example, then show that it may be used for a larger problem, bar code classification.
Regulatory Forum Opinion Piece*: Tissue Cross-reactivity Studies: What Constitutes an Adequate Positive Control and How Do We Report Positive Staining?

In the context of monoclonal antibody drug development, tissue cross-reactivity (TCR) studies are immunohistochemical (IHC) studies conducted on a broad panel of normal body tissues, using the antibody therapeutic as the primary reagent. The ICH S6 guidance states that these studies are performed to support investigational new drug (IND) or clinical trial applications (CTAs) for the initial dosing of human subjects for all antibody-based therapeutics. The purpose of TCR studies is, ostensibly, to inform investigators and regulators of potential target organs of toxicity based upon the binding of the therapeutic agent to tissue components. The value of TCR studies in predicting toxicity that would not otherwise have been detected in in vivo pharmacology and toxicology studies in pharmacologically relevant animal models has been a subject of debate for more than a decade. The history, challenges, and proper and improper uses of TCR studies were reviewed in this forum by Leach et al. in 2010. Coincident with this publication, a cross-industry survey on the utility of TCR assays in predicting human toxicity was separately published by a working group of the preclinical safety committee of the Biotechnology Industry Organization
2,6-Dibromobiphenyl Primes Extensive Dechlorination of Aroclor 1260 in Contaminated Sediment at 8-30 °C by Stimulating Growth of PCB-Dehalogenating Microorganisms

We applied the most probable number (MPN) method to test the hypothesis that 2,6-dibromobiphenyl (26-BB) primes polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) dechlorination by stimulating the growth of microorganisms that dehalogenate 26-BB and PCBs. The experiments were conducted in anaerobic microcosms of Aroclor 1260-contaminated sediment from Woods Pond (Lenox, MA). We estimate that the number of microorganisms capable of dehalogenating 26-BB and PCBs increased approximately 1000-fold (from 3-4.9 10 5 to 2-5.8 10 8 cells/g of sediment (dry weight) or from 0.7-1.2 10 5 to 0.5-1.4 10 8 cells/mL of wet sediment) after priming for 48 days with 26-BB (1050 Imol/L of slurry) in the presence of 10 mM malate at 22 °C. All MPN samples that showed debromination of 26-BB also dehalogenated Aroclor 1260 even in the high dilutions. These results demonstrate for the first time that halogenated biphenyls prime PCB dechlorination by stimulating the growth of PCB-dechlorinating microorganisms. 26-BB primed exclusively meta-dechlorination of the PCBs (Process N), which effected extensive decreases (75-88%) in the hexa- through nonachlorobiphenyls in only 5-8 months at temperatures as low as 8 °C. The highest observed rates of primed dechlorination of Aroclor 1260 ranged from 250 to 1150 pmol of Cl mL -1 day -1 at 8 and 25 °C, respectively.
Chile: The Making of a Republic, 1830–1865: The Conservative System

The Liberals defeated in 1830 sometimes accused the Conservatives of having mounted a “colonial reaction.” The content of this rhetorical flourish was thin. It is more sensible to see the Conservative settlement as a fusion of the authoritarian legacy of the Spanish Empire with the outward forms, and increasingly much of the substance, of liberal, republican constitutionalism. Yet it is certainly true that political processes in Chile's early republic not only took place within but were partly dictated by the shape and form of the political system imposed by the Conservatives after 1830. The creation of a particularly strong presidency and the government's systematic manipulation of elections required justifications from the Conservatives (who obviously felt them to be necessary) and sharpened the determination of oppositions to reduce overwhelming executive power. It can be argued, in fact, that the nature of the political system helped in many ways to determine the main lines of political debate throughout the period, focusing Conservative minds on the issue of order and Liberal minds on the issue of liberty. In terms of political behavior, the defense of order sometimes led the government to act in a distinctly authoritarian manner, while the opposition (the Liberals, and after 1857–8, the Liberal-Conservative Fusion) was twice tempted into serious armed rebellion. None of this can easily be understood without knowledge of the political system – its constitutional basis, its institutional and administrative structure, and the techniques that successive governments used to keep the ship of state on the course fixed by the Conservatives after 1830.
How I Manage the Multiple-Ligament Injured (Dislocated) Knee

Knee dislocations are relatively rare injuries but necessitate immediate and appropriate management. The prompt reduction of the dislocation and detailed evaluation of the neurovascular status of the limb are required to avoid limb-threatening complications. Although there remains considerable controversy over the ideal management of the multiple-ligamentous injured knee, here we present our preferred approach to the treatment of this injury. Important principles begin with a detailed and specific diagnosis, including the timing, grade, and associated injuries. Next, operative management should be performed only after thorough preoperative planning, timed electively, and performed within an inpatient setting. Although we still operate on complete grade III lateral corner and medial collateral ligament injuries acutely, delayed and/or staged surgery is acceptable in many cases of cruciate reconstruction. Generally speaking, the postoperative rehabilitation and return to work/sports is slower in these patients compared with those undergoing primary anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Nevertheless, adherence to strict surgical principles of anatomic repair/reconstruction of all ligamentous injuries can result in regaining adequate knee function. We present important considerations in surgical indications, timing, graft selections, anatomic reconstruction, and postoperative rehabilitation.
Multiple frame motion inference using belief propagation

We present an algorithm for automatic inference of human upper body motion. A graph model is proposed for inferring human motion, and motion inference is posed as a mapping problem between state nodes in the graph model and features in image patches. Belief propagation is utilized for Bayesian inference in this graph. A multiple-frame inference model/algorithm is proposed to combine both structural and temporal constraints in human motion. We also present a method for capturing constraints of human body configuration under different view angles. The algorithm is applied in a prototype system that can automatically label upper body motion from videos, without manual initialization of body parts.
Clinical Outcomes of Using Lasers for Peri-Implantitis Surface Detoxification: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this systematic review is to compare the clinical outcomes of lasers with other commonly applied detoxification methods for treating peri-implantitis. An electronic search of four databases and a hand search of peer-reviewed journals for relevant articles were conducted. Comparative human clinical trials and case series with ≥6 months of follow-up in ≥10 patients with peri-implantitis treated with lasers were included. Additionally, animal studies applying lasers for treating peri-implantitis were also included. The included studies had to report probing depth (PD) reduction after the therapy.Results: Seven human prospective clinical trials and two animal studies were included. In four and three human studies, lasers were accompanied with surgical and non-surgical treatments, respectively. The meta-analyses showed an overall weighted mean difference of 0.00 mm (95% confidence interval = −0.18 to 0.19 mm) PD reduction between the laser and conventional treatment groups (P = 0.98) for non-surgica...
Adaptive mechanisms in a virtual hyperbook

We present a system for the creation and publication of virtual documents. Particularly, the underlying model takes care of e-learning requirements like adaptation and flexibility. People should be able to write and read easily virtual documents in the form of generated Web pages, in which link inference will help them to discover the environment of their subject and to establish relations between concepts. Beside informational fragments, the underlying model is composed of a domain ontology where concepts and their relations can be stored explicitly while the interface specification allows implicit link generation. For several years, experiences with students in the collaborative development of virtual hyperbooks about the course topics helped us to refine our hyperbook model. In this paper, we introduce adaptive mechanisms based on the notion of points of view.
Survey of Carcass Characteristics and the Estimated Economic Implications of Carcass Defects

Abstract A quarterly carcass survey was conducted to identify baseline characteristics of the Texas Panhandle cattle population. Carcass data means (±SD) were as follows: USDA yield grade, 2.65 (±0.86); adjusted fat thickness, 1.19 cm (±0.19 cm); hot carcass weight, 337.5 kg (±91.1 kg); longissimus area, 86.0 cm 2 (±12.3 cm 2 ); percent kidney-pelvic-heart fat, 2.09 (±0.45); USDA marbling score, 39.2 (±7.9); and USDA quality grade, High Select. Percentage of carcasses grading low Choice or greater increased as yield grade increased. A large proportion of carcasses surveyed were USDA Select, Yield Grade 2. Heifers had more desirable yield and quality grades than steers. Although no trends were evident, significant differences in USDA yield grade, fat thickness, hot carcass weight, longissimus area, and kidney-pelvic-heart fat were observed among the four collection periods; however, no difference was found for marbling score. Because of excessive Yield Grade 4, low quality grade, lightweight, carcass defects [dark, firm, and dry ( DFD )], and excessive maturity discounts likely from an increased population of heifer carcasses, the frequency of carcass defects was almost twice as great in February as in May. Incidence and estimated economic impact per carcass associated with defects were as follows: USDA yield grade ≥ 4.0, 6.37%, $7.48; low USDA quality (quality grade ≤ High Standard) 5.34%, $8.62; outlying carcass weight ( 430kg) 3.01%, $4.09; excessive external fat (≥0.635 cm trim), $69.12 (steers) and $61.26 (heifers); DFD, 1.31%, $2.69; other carcass defects, 0.69%, $1.59. Estimated decreased carcass values based on defects were $92.00 per steer and $84.14 per heifer.
A Brief History of Mass Restitution Litigation in the United States

This essay is a chapter in a book entitled "Calling Power to Account," which has been edited by David Dyzenhaus and Mayo Moran and will be published by the University of Toronto Press. The book contains essays written in response to Mack v. Canada, also known as the "Chinese-Canadian Head Tax Case." In Mack, a Chinese-Canadian who immigrated to British Columbia over 70 years ago filed a class action demanding that the Canadian government provide restitution to all Chinese-Canadians who, like him, paid a "tax" to be permitted to enter the country. The case was dismissed. This essay provides a framework against which the Mack case can be compared with similar cases in the United States. I argue that over the past ten years a new form of private law claim has evolved which is a blend between a class action for personal or dignitary tort and a claim for restitution or unjust enrichment. Using the tobacco litigation brought by the states for the restitution of health-care costs and the "Holocaust slavery" litigation brought by persons who were forced to work as slaves for German corporations during the Second World War, I argue that mass restitution is a novel form of private law action designed to use the procedural advantages of doctrines such as tracing and constructive trust to avoid certain doctrines in tort law which would make class action torts for the same wrongs almost impossible. The essay ends with an examination of the potential use of mass restitution by activists who want to private law to get compensation for African-American whose ancestors were enslaved in North America.
Research Data Integration in the Purdue Libraries

EDITOR'S SUMMARY At the 2015 ASIS&T Research Data Access and Preservation (RDAP) Summit, panelists from Research Data @ Purdue University Libraries discussed the organizational structure intended to promote campus-wide collaboration among diverse data specialists. Amy Barton explained her role as metadata specialist for research data and the importance of being engaged with evolving standards and best practices. As digital user experience specialist, Tao Zhang evaluated the Data Curation Profiles Toolkit, including an interview protocol librarians use to explore researchers’ data needs and a web application for researchers to create data management plans. Line Pouchard, an information specialist focusing on big data, explored the data curation lifecycle model in general and its unique aspects in the context of big data. Information specialist for molecular biosciences, Pete Pascuzzi addressed the importance of bioinformatics for data reuse and having librarians work in an embedded position with researchers.
Evaluating Measures of Fidelity for Substance Abuse Group Treatment With Incarcerated Adolescents

The evaluation of treatment fidelity has become increasingly important as the demand for evidence-based practice grows. The purpose of the present study is to describe the psychometric properties of two measures of treatment fidelity that can be used by therapists and supervisors - one for group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and one for combined Substance Education and Twelve-Step Introduction (SET) for adolescent substance use. At the end of group sessions (CBT n=307; SET n=279), therapists and supervisors completed an evaluation measure assessing adherence to certain core components of the intervention. The supervisor version of the fidelity measure also included items for rating the level of competency the therapist demonstrated when providing each component of the intervention. Results from split-half cross-validation analyses provide strong support for an 11-item, three-factor CBT fidelity measure. Somewhat less consistent but adequate support for a nine-item, two-factor SET fidelity measure was found. Internal consistencies ranged from acceptable to good for both the CBT and SET adherence scales and from acceptable to good for the CBT and SET competency scales, with the exception of the CBT practices competency scale. Preliminary validation of the measures suggests that both measures have adequate to strong factor structure, reliability, and concurrent and discriminant validity. The results of this study have implications for research and clinical settings, including the supervision process.
Beyond Framing: Influences of subject-photographer interactions on visual journalism

Visual news media's framing has been well studied; however, production factors and cultural conditions involved in photographer–subject interactions have attracted less scholarly attention although they are no less influential in determining the depiction. Guided by social constructionism theory, in-depth interviews with staff photojournalists at a daily community newspaper in the Midwest and an analysis of their work revealed 22 variables that impact how and why images look the way they do. Photojournalists have complete control of only two of these variables, share partial control of 13, but have no control over the remaining seven. The photographers also shared insights into how to improve their journalism's verisimilitude when dealing with reactive subjects. The results support concepts of social constructionism that the subjects of photographs are most comfortable with photographers who share similar characteristics, but that some characteristics can have greater influence. The results also highlight...
Continuous improvement as an ideal in health care.

Imagine two assembly lines, monitored by two foremen. Foreman 1 walks the line, watching carefully. "I can see you all," he warns. "I have the means to measure your work, and I will do so. I will find those among you who are unprepared or unwilling to do your jobs, and when I do there will be consequences. There are many workers available for these jobs, and you can be replaced." Foreman 2 walks a different line, and he too watches. "I am here to help you if I can," he says. "We are in this together for the long . . .
Effects of Pay Disclosure on Satisfaction for Sales Managers: A Longitudinal Study

The article discusses a study which examined the effects of pay disclosure on job satisfaction for sales managers. The author points out prior studies on the relationship between an open pay policy...
cAMP production by piglet cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells: pHo, pHi, and permissive action of PGI2

In newborn pig pial arterioles and cocultures of cerebral microvascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, hypercapnia increases cAMP. In the intact cerebral circulation, both the increase in cAMP and the accompanying vasodilation require the presence of PGI2. Using piglet cerebral microvascular smooth muscle in primary culture, we addressed the hypothesis that, in the presence of PGI2, hypercapnia-induced changes in extracellular pH cause increases in cAMP. The stable PGI2-receptor agonist iloprost did increase production of cAMP in response to combined extracellular pH and pHi (11 ± 6 vs. 32 ± 10% in the absence and presence of 10−10 M iloprost, respectively). However, there was no positive dose-response relationship between iloprost concentration and stimulation of cAMP production by acidosis (e.g., 58 ± 9 vs. 41 ± 5% in the presence of 10−12 and 10−9 M iloprost, respectively). Rapid decreases in pHi stimulate the cAMP production. Decreases in extracellular pH do not appear to contribute further. The...
Efficient introduction of specific homozygous and heterozygous mutations using CRISPR/Cas9

The bacterial CRISPR/Cas9 system allows sequence-specific gene editing in many organisms and holds promise as a tool to generate models of human diseases, for example, in human pluripotent stem cells. CRISPR/Cas9 introduces targeted double-stranded breaks (DSBs) with high efficiency, which are typically repaired by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) resulting in nonspecific insertions, deletions or other mutations (indels). DSBs may also be repaired by homology-directed repair (HDR) using a DNA repair template, such as an introduced single-stranded oligo DNA nucleotide (ssODN), allowing knock-in of specific mutations. Although CRISPR/Cas9 is used extensively to engineer gene knockouts through NHEJ, editing by HDR remains inefficient and can be corrupted by additional indels, preventing its widespread use for modelling genetic disorders through introducing disease-associated mutations. Furthermore, targeted mutational knock-in at single alleles to model diseases caused by heterozygous mutations has not been reported. Here we describe a CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing framework that allows selective introduction of mono- and bi-allelic sequence changes with high efficiency and accuracy. We show that HDR accuracy is increased dramatically by incorporating silent CRISPR/Cas-blocking mutations along with pathogenic mutations, and establish a method termed 'CORRECT' for scarless genome editing. By characterizing and exploiting a stereotyped inverse relationship between a mutation's incorporation rate and its distance to the DSB, we achieve predictable control of zygosity. Homozygous introduction requires a guide RNA targeting close to the intended mutation, whereas heterozygous introduction can be accomplished by distance-dependent suboptimal mutation incorporation or by use of mixed repair templates. Using this approach, we generated human induced pluripotent stem cells with heterozygous and homozygous dominant early onset Alzheimer's disease-causing mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP(Swe)) and presenilin 1 (PSEN1(M146V)) and derived cortical neurons, which displayed genotype-dependent disease-associated phenotypes. Our findings enable efficient introduction of specific sequence changes with CRISPR/Cas9, facilitating study of human disease.
Establishment of a system for quantitative evaluation of liver reservation function by combining relative factors of ASGPR with ICGR_(15)

Objective To establish a system for quantitative evaluation of liver reservation func- tion by combining relative factors of ASGPR with ICGR_(15).Methods By analyzing rat liver asialogly- coprotein receptor indexes(HH_(15),LHL_(15),and MRI)and ICGR_(15)after hepatectomy of different pro- portions,an integrative scale system for quantitative evaluation of liver reservation function was estab- lished.Results Remain of liver function(Y)was more sensitive than any of HH_(15),LHL_(15),MRI or ICGR_(15)when the liver reservation function changed.Conclusions The integrative coefficient Y in re- gression equation of Y=2.56+33.188×MRI-44.844×HH15+24.032×LHL_(15)-34.915× ICGR_(15)including such indexes as HH_(15),LHL_(15),MRI and ICGR_(15)etc.is the most sensitive index for quantitative evaluation of liver reservation function.It can quantitatively and accurately evaluate the liver reservation function in the model of liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride.
Surface hydrophobicity of the gastric mucosa in the developing rat: Effects of corticosteroids, thyroxine, and prostaglandin E2

Surface hydrophobicity of the gastric mucosa and its variation in response to treatments with corticosteroids, thyroxine, and 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 were measured in developing rats. A developmental increase in the hydrophobicity of the luminal surface of the gastric mucosa was recorded between the first and third weeks of life. The hydrophobicity of the stomach was not consistently influenced by an acute administration of 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (5 micrograms/kg, 30 min before examination) until the end of the third week of life, at which time a significant 40% increase was recorded. Similarly, the decrease in surface hydrophobicity that resulted from luminal administration of an ulcerogenic dose of HCl (0.6 N, 6 ml/kg) was blocked by 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 only in 3-wk-old rats and not in rats 1 and 2 wk of age. Neither the normal developmental increase nor the 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2-induced enhancement in gastric surface hydrophobicity was induced precociously by corticosterone or thyroxine. The possible importance of these findings on the development of gastric surface hydrophobicity to the ontogeny of both gastric barrier function and prostaglandin-induced gastric protection is discussed.
Sequential pictorial presentation of neural interaction in the retina. 1. The synaptic ribbon complex.

The analysis of circuits in the retina revealed by three-dimensional reconstructions (Sjostrand, 1958, 1974, 1976,1978, 1990) is presented in a simplified way by series of schematic drawings illustrating each individual step in the sequence of synaptic transmission between the neurones. In addition, the analysis has been extended further compared to earlier presentation (Sjostrand, 1998a). The circuit of the synaptic ribbon complex controls transmission between cones and bipolar cells by the inhibitory input from horizontal cells being controlled by the cone. At low light intensity, horizontal cell inhibition blocks transmission between cones and bipolar cells because of high concentration of transmitter at the critical synapse, explaining fading of cone vision. The requirement for maintaining a low transmitter concentration at the synapses to secure proportionality between input and output signals is established by horizontal cell inhibitory input both at the cone-bipolar cell and the cone-horizontal cell synapses. How one bipolar cell can transmit information regarding average light intensity over a large area of the retina is discussed in detail.
Client-centred home modifications improve daily activity performance of older adults:

BackgroundRemaining at home is a high priority for many older adults, but the capacity to “age in place” often is threatened by environmental barriers.PurposeTo describe a client-centred occupational therapy home modification intervention program and examine the impact of the intervention on daily activity performance over time.MethodsUsing a competence-environmental press framework, a client-centred home modification program for older adults was implemented. In this quasi-experimental, single group prospective study, participants' subjective ratings of daily activity performance were evaluated before and after the intervention (baseline/post/post).FindingsAfter home modification, participants' perception of their daily activity performance at home improved significantly and was maintained 2 years post-modification.ImplicationsHome modification may benefit older adults attempting to age in place.
STS Education and The Paradox of Green Studies

Since the dawn of the industrial era, social critics have identified problems unique to industrial society. Carlyle, Thoreau, and Dostoyevski worried about the erosion of human values, while Marx and Engels emphasized the dehumanization of the masses of industrial workers and the degradation of their urban environments.
An alternative kernel adaptive filtering algorithm for quaternion-valued data

Nonlinear adaptive filters are getting more common and are useful especially where performance of linear adaptive filters may be unacceptable. Such areas include communications, image processing and biological systems. Quaternion valued data has also been drawing recent interest in various areas of statistical signal processing, including adaptive filtering, image pattern recognition, and modeling and tracking of motion. The benefit for quaternion valued processing includes performing data transformations in a 3 or 4-dimensional space in a more convenient fashion than using vector algebra. In this paper we describe an alternative kernel adaptive filter for quaternion valued data we refer to as the involution Quaternion Kernel Least Mean Square (iQuat-KLMS) algorithm. The approach is based on the Quaternion KLMS (Quat-KLMS) algorithm obtained previously, as well as the recently-developed involution gradient (i-gradient). A modified HR Calculus for Hilbert spaces is used for finding cost function gradients defined on a quaternion RKHS. Simulation tests with a synthetic quaternion channel are used to verify the benefit of iQuat-KLMS in convergence compared to Quat-KLMS.
A Case of Pembrolizumab-Induced Central Nervous System Toxicity in a Patient with Metastatic Melanoma (P4.238)

OBJECTIVE: To present a case of central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disease mimicking recurrent melanoma following a dose of pembrolizumab (PMB). BACKGROUND: Nearly 60[percnt] of melanoma patients will develop brain metastases. While there is a strong rationale for combining immunotherapies with radiation to treat CNS disease, the safety, efficacy and appropriate timing of this approach remain unclear. DESIGN/METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: The patient, a 53 year-old man with stage IV melanoma metastatic to lung, was initially treated with interferon. Within 8 months, disease progression prompted a switch to ipilimumab. He received 4 cycles complicated by rash and colitis, then developed recurrent, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT) responsive to IVIG. After 6 months off treatment, he presented with a seizure. A right parietal metastasis was identified and resected. The surgical cavity was radiated 6 weeks later (30 Gy in 5 fractions) and PMB was initiated (after 8 months off immunotherapy). Shortly thereafter, his platelets dropped to 4 k/uL and treatment was again held. Two months post-PMB, he presented with a second seizure and MRI revealed enhancing disease -- larger than the metastasis resected 5 months prior. In contrast, body imaging showed improvement in the lung. He underwent a second craniotomy and resection. Pathologic examination revealed extensive inflammatory infiltrates comprised of myeloid cells and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, accompanied by microglia and reactive astrocytes. The cell proliferation index was ~3-10 [percnt]. There were small areas of necrosis, but no visible tumor. CONCLUSIONS: To date, there has been a single case report of an inflammatory CNS lesion in a patient treated with PMB, but this is the first in a patient with known brain metastasis. While the abscopal effect of radiation can improve systemic response, caution is warranted when combining PMB and radiation, particularly in patients with a history of immune-mediated toxicities. Disclosure: Dr. Massad has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lasala has nothing to disclose. Dr. Welch has nothing to disclose.
Properties and Applications of Polyvinyllactam Polymers

A number of polymers used in melt extrusion have been available to the pharmaceutical scientists for many decades. However, in one case, a vinylcaprolactam structure (Soluplus®) was developed with the intention of using it in particular for melt extrusion. It was designed to address some of the shortcomings of the available polymers. In addition, the properties and applications of many polyvinyllactam polymers, such as the Kollidons®, are outlined, discussing immediate release to sustained release. These “older and newer” polymers, including their structure and applications, are thoroughly discussed within this chapter, including a historical perspective.
Richard Brief's Contributions to Accounting Thought: Enlivening Accounting History

This is a personal appreciation of Richard Brief, the accounting historian and professor, who died in 2013. Dick served as a member of my doctoral dissertation committee in 1975–1976. The author of a number of provocative articles on the evolution of accounting practice in the United States and abroad, he published in The Journal of Accounting Research, The Accounting Review, and Business History Review. Brief was well-known for editing numerous books on accounting history in the United States and abroad. Additionally, his papers on the application of statistics to accounting issues and financial statement ratios were forerunners in the mathematical modeling of accounting research.
Women Cabinet Ministers in Highly Visible Posts and Empowerment of Women: Are the Two Related?

We evaluate global patterns of women’s access to the most powerful and prestigious cabinet posts: defense, finance, and foreign affairs. Although women remain dramatically underrepresented in these important portfolios, their access has increased notably in recent decades and varies dramatically across the globe. We theorize that women’s access to these posts may empower women citizens by fostering satisfaction and confidence with the government and cultivating beliefs in women’s ability to govern. Using our novel data, combined with the World Values Survey data from 58 countries from 1981 to 2014, we find that women’s presence in top cabinet posts is positively associated with women’s and men’s satisfaction with and confidence in government. Nonetheless, it is not associated with more positive evaluations of women’s ability to lead.
Non-parametric active target localization: Exploiting unimodality and separability

The problem of localizing the peak of a unimodal signal from noisy measurements is examined. A non-Bayesian framework is used to identify feasible peak locations based on collected measurements in the absence of prior information regarding the signal. An active sensing algorithm is designed to reduce the number of measurements without compromising the localization accuracy. The sensing algorithm exploits the unimodality of the signal using a group testing strategy to iteratively reduce the ambiguity associated with the location of the target while adaptively excluding sample locations that are irrelevant for localization. While it can be numerically demonstrated that the greedy approach is not always optimal; we can bound this probability and it is found to be small. Analysis and experiments suggest that the greedy step is optimal with high probability in most cases. Furthermore, it can be shown that using a greedy approach achieves better localization performance than using all the available samples.