cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of insufficient sleep with symptoms of anxiety and depression in the general population (S14.006)

Objective: To examine the independent association of sleep duration on presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in the general adult population. Background: Sleep disorders are common among people with depression and anxiety. The association of small sleep deficiencies while controlling for other risk factors in a general adult population has not been examined. Design/Methods: Data from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a cross-sectional nation-wide telephone-administered survey were used. Participants reported how often in the past month they felt nervous, hopeless, restless/fidgety, depressed, the number of days their mental health was “not good”, and the number of hours of sleep they received per day. Covariates included age, sex, race, education, BMI, marital status, exercise, employment and household income. Linear and ordinal logistic regression analyses included survey weighting procedures. Results: Data were examined for 20,851 participants (mean ± SE age = 47.47 ± 0.18 years; 49.64% men). Each additional hour of sleep was associated with decreased odds (OR; 95% CI) of depression (0.77; 0.73, 0.80), hopelessness (0.79; 0.76, 0.82), nervousness (0.80; 0.77, 0.82), and feeling restlessness/fidgety (0.75; 0.72, 0.77) controlling for other covariates. Sleep duration was inversely associated with number of poor mental health days (β = −0.80 ± 0.07 SE). Compared with optimum sleep time (7–9 hours/day), sleeping too little (≤5 hours/day) was independently associated with higher odds of depression (3.91; 3.39, 4.52), hopelessness (3.17; 2.75, 3.67), nervousness (3.11, 2.72, 3.56), and feeling restlessness/fidgety (3.93; 3.44, 4.49). One hour less than optimum sleep duration was associated with 60–80% higher odds of each symptom (p Conclusions: Sleep duration and mental health symptoms were strongly associated in this nation-wide, representative sample, independent of the effects of demographic characteristics. The temporal association of this observation should be examined in prospective studies. Providers should be aware that even minor sleep insufficiency is associated with these symptoms. Disclosure: Dr. Sullivan has nothing to disclose.
A systematic review of the evidence supporting post-operative diuretic use following cardiopulmonary bypass in children with Congenital Heart Disease.

Background: Paediatric cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass induces substantial physiologic changes that contribute to post-operative morbidity and mortality. Fluid overload and oedema are prevalent complications, routinely treated with diuretics. The optimal diuretic choice, timing of initiation, dose, and interval remain largely unknown. Methods: To guide clinical practice and future studies, we used PubMed and EMBASE to systematically review the existing literature of clinical trials involving diuretics following cardiac surgery from 2000 to 2020 in children aged 0–18 years. Studies were assessed by two reviewers to ensure that they met eligibility criteria. Results: We identified nine studies of 430 children across four medication classes. Five studies were retrospective, and four were prospective, two of which included randomisation. All were single centre. There were five primary endpoints – urine output, acute kidney injury, fluid balance, change in serum bicarbonate level, and required dose of diuretic. Included studies showed early post-operative diuretic resistance, suggesting higher initial doses. Two studies of ethacrynic acid showed increased urine output and lower diuretic requirement compared to furosemide. Children receiving peritoneal dialysis were less likely to develop fluid overload than those receiving furosemide. Chlorothiazide, acetazolamide, and tolvaptan demonstrated potential benefit as adjuncts to traditional diuretic regimens. Conclusions: Early diuretic resistance is seen in children following cardiopulmonary bypass. Ethacrynic acid appears superior to furosemide. Adjunct diuretic therapies may provide additional benefit. Study populations were heterogeneous and endpoints varied. Standardised, validated endpoints and pragmatic trial designs may allow investigators to determine the optimal diuretic, timing of initiation, dose, and interval to improve post-operative outcomes.
Active dv/dt Control with Turn-off Gate Resistance Modulation for Voltage Balancing of Series Connected SiC MOSFETs

Stacking devices in series allows to achieve higher blocking voltage in power applications. However, an unequal voltage sharing issue among devices is critical which may lead to failure of the devices. The unbalance can be caused by different device characteristics and mismatch of gate signals due to different parasitic components of circuits. In this paper, a dv/dt control method with the active gate driver (AGD) is proposed for voltage balancing of stacked SiC MOSFETs. The dv/dt is actively controlled by modulating the turn-off gate resistance (R off ) during turn-off transient. The proposed method is experimentally validated by achieving voltage balancing with six series connected SiC MOSFETs at 3 kV dc voltage.
Microstructural characterization of as-fabricated monolithic plates with boron carbide, aluminum boride, and zirconium boride burnable absorbers

Abstract The use of burnable absorbers can be beneficial for nuclear reactors by extending the fuel's operational cycle, providing additional criticality control, and flattening the power profile. In this work, three burnable absorber materials (boron carbide, aluminum boride, and zirconium boride) embedded in aluminum have been fabricated into foils and clad in AA-6061 for potential use in high performance research reactors. The as-fabricated boron-containing phases were determined using transmission electron microscopy to be AlB2, B4C, and ZrB2. TEM also revealed incomplete bonding at the B4C-matrix interface. SEM showed a relatively uniform spatial distribution of boron-containing phases for all the candidate materials. Higher porosity was observed in the foil containing ZrB2 in its as-rolled condition. The porosity in the ZrB2 foil was reduced by hot isostatic pressing. The size and shape distributions of the boron-containing phases were analyzed on the criteria of cross-sectional area, perimeter, roundness, circularity, and aspect ratio. A method of converting the 2D burnable absorber dispersoids seen in cross-sectional microscopy images into 3D volumes was derived using both spherical and ellipsoidal geometry models. The difference in calculated burnable absorber dispersoid average volume between the two models ranges from 20% to 100%, which could impact burnable absorber burnout rates due to differences in neutron self-shielding.
A Continuous-wave Terahertz Self-heterodyne Spectroscopy System without Using Short-carrier-lifetime Photoconductors

We present a continuous-wave terahertz self-heterodyne spectroscopy system, which is realized using plasmonics-enhanced sources and detectors with ultrafast carrier transport. With a 67 dB signal-to-noise ratio and a detection bandwidth more than 1.5 THz, this is the very first terahertz self-heterodyne spectroscopy system without utilizing short-carrier-lifetime photoconductors.
Effect of Chromosome Homology of Plasmid Transformation and Plasmid Conjugal Transfer in Haemophilus Influenzae

Homology between a resident plasmid in H. influenzae and a plasmid entering the cell has been shown to be very important for the acquisition by the cell of genetic markers from the incoming plasmid. For example, the frequency of transformation of recombination-proficient H. influenzae by two 51-kbp plasmids increases by more than 3 orders of magnitude when the recipient cells contain a partially homologous plasmid (1). This increase is not simply the result of increased uptake of plasmid DNA into the cell, since no transformation could be observed with Rec− recipients which take up DNA as well as the wild type. Furthermore, one of the plasmids has been shown to contain the DNA uptake sites necessary for efficient uptake into competent H. influenzae cells (Setlow and Albritton, unpublished experiments), and the data suggest that the other plasmid also contains such sites. Thus, the plasmids are able to transform Rec cells containing homologous DNA at a higher frequency because of events occurring following DNA uptake.
Brugada syndrome in a black man with seizures and urinary incontinence [1]

To the Editor: We would like to bring to readers' attention the case of a 59-year-old black man with hyperlipidemia who was brought to the emergency room with new onset of generalized weakness after waking at 3 AM. Ten minutes after arrival, he had an episode of tonic-clonic movements that lasted 30 seconds. He recovered immediately, without evidence of post-ictal confusion, but he had urinated on himself. The patient's wife reported that several episodes of bed-wetting had occurred in the past, including the previous night. While on telemetry, he became confused and went into multifocal ventricular tachycardia. Electrocardiography confirmed the presence of ventricular tachycardia (Fig. 1). After cardioversion, the ECG showed normal sinus rhythm with ST-elevation in the inferolateral leads with reciprocal changes in V1 and V2 (Fig. 2). Cardiac catheterization revealed normal coronary arteries. Results of serum laboratory tests were within normal ranges, and results of urine drug screening were negative. Two days later, an electrophysiological study confirmed that the patient had Brugada syndrome, which we were able to induce by procainamide challenge (Fig. 3). An automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was subsequently placed. Fig. 1 Electrocardiographic rhythm strip on admission shows ventricular tachycardia. Fig. 2 Electrocardiogram after cardioversion. Fig. 3 Electrocardiographic rhythm strip after procainamide induction in the catheterization laboratory.
A HOSPITALIDADE SOB A ÓTICA DO ROMEIRO NA ROMARIA AO SANTUÁRIO DE NOSSA SENHORA DE CARAVAGGIO – FARROUPILHA/RS E SEU COROLÁRIO NO CONCEITO DE TURISMO RELIGIOSO

Este trabalho volta-se para relacoes de hospitalidade na romaria ao Santuario de Nossa Senhora de Caravaggio – Farroupilha/RS sob a otica do romeiro. Pratica religiosa que perdura por mais de um seculo, mobiliza anualmente milhares de pessoas, abarcando uma ampla estrutura receptiva. Assim, num contexto teorico para o qual confluem conceitos de espiritualidade e religiosidade, turismo religioso e hospitalidade, tem-se como objetivo identificar, analisar e interpretar,324via discurso, sinalizadores de relacoes de hospitalidade sob a perspectiva do romeiro. A pesquisa, prioritariamente qualitativa, compreendeu entrevistas semiestruturadas com participantes da romaria de 2012. Mediante tecnicas de analise de conteudo e de marcas enunciativas, foram categorizados fragmentos das respostas dos entrevistados. Os sinalizadores discursivos apontam, relativamente, a hospitalidade para a predominância de aspectos vinculados ao planejamento e a organizacao socioadministrativa da romaria, seguidos das relacoes socio-humanas que nela se efetivam. Esses sinalizadores foram ainda analisados estabelecendo-se elos com as manifestacoes dos sujeitos sobre as motivacoes para a ida a Caravaggio, a experiencia de participacao no evento, assim como os destaques que seriam dados sobre a romaria a um eventual futuro romeiro – o que possibilitou, com o apoio de subsidios empiricos, aportar outro olhar teorico sobre os conceitos de peregrinacao/romaria e de turismo religioso. Palavras-chave: Turismo religioso. Hospitalidade/Acolhimento. Romaria ao Santuario de Nossa Senhora de Caravaggio – Farroupilha/RS.
Control of vitamin B 6 biosynthesis in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Pyridoxineless mutants of Escherichia coli B which specifically require pyridoxal or pyridoxamine for growth can be divided into classes according to their growth responses in enriched media. Members of the slowest growing class synthesize vitamin B6 at the fastest rates when starved for pyridoxal in glycerol minimal medium. After 80 min of synthesis at 4 × 10−10 moles of vitamin B6 per mg of cells per hr, the rate increases four- to fivefold and continues at the new rate for several hours. The shift to the new rate is prevented by chloramphenicol, thus suggesting that a derepression mechanism exists to control vitamin B6 synthesis in addition to the previously discovered feedback control.
The Drugs—Violence Nexus Among Rural Felony Probationers

Little research has focused on the drugs—violence nexus in rural areas. As such, the purpose of this study is to use Goldstein's tripartite conceptual framework to examine the relationship between drugs and violence among felony probationers in rural Appalachian Kentucky (n = 799). Data on demo-graphics, substance use criminal history, and violence were collected between 2001 and 2004 using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Rural probationers are partitioned into four groups based on lifetime violent victimization/perpetration experiences: (a) neither a perpetrator nor a victim, (b) perpetrator only, (c) victim only, and (d) both a perpetrator and a victim. Chi-square analyses indicate substance use, and criminal history varies across the four groups. Binary logistic regression analyses are used to explore the significant correlates of both perpetration and victimization. Multivariate analyses support both the psychopharmacological model and the economic compulsive models of perpetration and vict...
Path-Independent integral for rupture of perfectly elastic materials

The path-independent integral of Rice and Sanders is generalized to the case of perfectly elastic materials so that the rupture of rubber can be included. As a simple application to the tearing of rubber, the integral is used to relate the tearing energy and the strain concentration which confirms the strain concentration theory of Thomas.
A temporal window for lateralization of interaural time difference by barn owls.

Lateralization of interaural time difference by barn owls (Tyto alba) was studied in a dichotic masking experiment. Sound bursts consisted of two parts: binaurally time-shifted noise, termed the probe, was inserted between masking noise. The owls indicated that they detected and lateralized the time-shift in the probe by a head turn in the direction predicted from sign of the time-shift.
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection in a Female College Student Population

Abstract “Physical Dependence on Nicotine in Gum: A Placebo Substitution Trial,” JOHN R. HUGHES, et al. To test whether ex-smokers become physically dependent on nicotine in gum, we entered eight ex-smokers who were using nicotine gum into a randomized, double-blind, placebo-substitution trial. When placebo was substituted, seven of the eight subjects were observed to have withdrawal symptoms and two relapsed to smoking or nicotine gum. This result suggests that physical dependence (i.e., withdrawal) may be a cause of behavioral dependence on nicotine gum (i.e., use of gum beyond the recommended period) and physicians should emphasize the need for gradual reduction of nicotine gum. (Journal of the American Medical Association 1986;255:3277–3279.) “Absence of Therapeutic Benefit From Antacids or Cimetidine in Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia,” OLOF NYREN, et al. We randomly assigned 159 patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia, defined as chronic or recurrent epigastric pain without concomitant symptoms of the irritable bowel...
Osteoporosis and fractures: the size of the problem

The public health impact of osteoporosis-related fractures is enormous, with important economic implications. Government agencies and health-care providers must recognize the importance of early diagnosis of osteoporosis, implement policies for the prevention of disease, and develop effective payment policies for densitometry examinations.
Protein composition of endurance trained human skeletal muscle

Evidence suggests that myofibers from endurance trained skeletal muscle display unique contractile parameters. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To further elucidate the influence of endurance training on myofiber contractile function, we examined factors that may impact myofilament interactions (i. e., water content, concentration of specific protein fractions, actin and myosin content) or directly modulate myosin heavy chain (MHC) function (i. e., myosin light chain (MLC) composition) in muscle biopsy samples from highly-trained competitive (RUN) and recreational (REC) runners. Muscle water content was lower (P
Integrating parallel algorithm design with parallel machine models

In teaching of Parallel Algorithms, emphasis is usually placed on algorithms that are based on parallel random access machine (PRAM) model, but those algorithms may or may not be efficiently implementable on real parallel machines. In this paper we design parallel algorithms in relation with the actual parallel machine models and show the importance of integrating parallel algorithms with parallel machine models. We discuss this approach using traveling salesperson problem (TSP) as an example.
Legal and economic aspects of deeper EU integration in the Czech Republic

The deeper economic integration in form of fiscal union, bank union, or increased macroeconomic surveillance is for the Czech Republic not only the question of whether and when to enter the euro zone, but also whether and when to join the other institutes. The aim of this paper is to analyse the legal background of these instruments and estimate their possible economic impact. These hypotheses would be a subject of author's further search. The future impact on enterprises in the Czech Republic is evident in some areas of the EU enhanced cooperation. Adoption of the euro is an example. Other aspects of deeper economic integration as for example the bank union do not impact the microsphere so obviously; however can significantly change the business environment in the country.
Traces on simple AF C∗-algebras

Abstract The relations between the set of traces on a simple approximately finite dimensional C ∗ -algebra A and the algebraic and geometric properties of the Elliott dimension group K 0 ( A ) are studied. It is shown that every metrizable Choquet simplex occurs as the set of normalized traces of a simple unital AF algebra. A simple AF algebra can have both finite and infinite traces, so a finite simple AF algebra need not be algebraically simple. It is shown that a simple AF algebra is algebraically simple if and only if it has no infinite traces, and is stable if and only if it has no finite traces.
Inequalities for penetrable sphere model systems

We make use of certain inequalities derived for mixtures with a nonnegative interaction between particles of different species and no interaction between particles of the same species to derive bounds on the thermodynamic functions of these systems and of their one component, ``penetrable sphere model,'' analogs.
The Subjectivity of a Realist

Ever since experimental science, which is a cumulative cultural enterprise, first appeared upon the social scene in western Europe in about the seventeenth century, the philosophers, in order to avoid the sense of defeat and discouragement which its successes gave them, have felt crowded out of the public world and have retreated to a defense of their own sensations. Although themselves guided by a scrupulous adherence to fact and logic, they have been concentrating upon the subjective end of the knowledge relation, on the assumption that nobody would be able to disturb them there. The microcosm of feeling seemed to be a refuge from the macrocosm of the world where measurement and instruments are employed far and wide without limit. And the harder the philosophers become pressed by the progress of nearby sciences, such as neurophysiology, the more they concentrate on the privacy of the subject when he is alone with his feelings.
Effect of FG Motifs on Ordering Proteins within the Nuclear Pore Complex

Transport across the nuclear membrane occurs through the nuclear pore complex (NPC). The transport through the NPC is both selective and rapid, and involves the phenylalanine glycine repeat nucleoporins (FG nups). The FG motifs can bind cargo and may also be able to interact with each other but the mechanism of transport remains unclear. We have developed a theoretical framework which exploits the symmetry of the NPC and its organization in the nuclear envelope to resolve the order and disorder of individual protein domains within the complex. Specific domains of individual nucleoporins (nups) were tagged with GFP and examined using fluorescence polarization microscopy to determine their organization and dynamics. We characterized the degree to which the FG domains are ordered in vivo. This approach revealed different degrees of organization within a single FG domain: the tips and middle of the FG domains are less ordered than NPC-anchored domains, but still display a surprising degree of organization. We examined three mammalian nups: Nup54, Nup62, and Nup98. We observe that of these, Nup54 is the most ordered within the NPC and Nup62 is the least ordered. We then investigated the contribution of the FG repeats to the organization of these nucleoporins by mutating the FG motifs to AG. We show that these mutations have no effect on the organization of Nup62, decrease but do not eliminate the order shown by Nup54, and prevent Nup98 from localizing correctly to the NPC. We therefore propose that multiple factors contribute to the organization of FG nups in vivo, and that the influence of the FG repeats on order varies between different FG nups.
Errors of oral cytodiagnosis: Report of follow-up of 1,801 patients

To assess the precision of cytology in the diagnosis of oral cancer, the medical records of 1,801 patients seen for follow-up were reviewed. Eleven of these patients developed mouth cancers subsequent to a negative or indeterminate cytologic finding. Some of the weaknesses of cytology may be attributed to faulty clinical technics.
Toward a theory of intelligent behavior: A proposed model

Education is seen as a behavioral science consisting of planned intervention into developmental sequence. Intelligent behavior is the objective of education; the purpose is behavior modification toward socially determined criteria. With a dyadic model, intelligent behavior is shown to be the result of the invariant processes of (a) reciprocal interaction between the organism and its genetic, internal, and external environments, (b) the acquisition of experience which involves transformation within the organism, and (c) the development of central processes of control. The operational principle is seen as continuity-discontinuity in feedback from the organism-environment interaction.
COLORIMETRIC QUANTIFICATION OF VESICULAR-ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL INFECTION IN ONION

SUMMARY A colorimetric method of estimating vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal infection was developed and tested using onions inoculated with Glomus fasciculatus. Absorbances at 400 nanometers of water extracts from a series of mixtures of yellow (mycorrhizal) and white (nonmycorrhizal) roots had significant correlation with the percent yellow roots by weight in the mixtures. The percentage of mycorrhizal infection determined by a chitin assay or by a staining method was significantly correlated with the percentage of yellow roots by weight. The percentage of mycorrhizal infection determined by the colorimetric method was also significantly correlated with root/shoot ratios. The colorimetric method is offered as an alternative to the more time consuming quantitative methods of estimating the extent of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal infection now in use.
Migration-enhanced pulsed chemical beam epitaxy of GaP on Si(001)

Abstract In this paper, we present results on the heteroepitaxial growth of GaP on Si by migration enhanced pulsed chemical beam epitaxy (PCBE) using additional hydrogen and filament assisted techniques. For the real-time monitoring we applied a new technique, p-polarized reflectance spectroscopy (PRS) which provides information on the bulk, interface and surface properties of the grown GaP/Si heterostructures. The monitoring is initiated close to the Brewster angle for the substrate material, achieving high sensitivity in the initial phase of heteroepitaxial overgrowth. The bulk properties and growth rate are monitored using the quarter wave periodic structure in the reflectance based on interference in the film. The surface vicinity properties are monitored by the periodic fine structures in the intensity of the reflected light, which are correlated with the switching cycles of the metalorganic precursor pulses and are amplitude-modulated in accord with the repeat cycle of the heteroepitaxial growth process. Additional information regarding the surface roughness was revealed by scattered light measurements during the growth of the film. The results of real-time monitoring of nucleation and growth are combined with results of the ex-situ characterization of the GaP/Si heterostructure by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies to gain an understanding of the critical phase, in which the silicon surface becomes sealed by a contiguous epitaxial film of GaP. The defects formed in the GaP film during this phase determine the quality of the epilayers obtained upon prolonged growth.
Interband phonon assisted tunneling in InAs/GaSb heterostructures

Abstract The rate of LO-phonon assisted interband transitions in an InAs/GaSb double quantum well heterostructure is compared with the elastic interband tunneling rate through the heterostructure ‘leaky window’. We show that the phonon-assisted process can dominate over the elastic tunneling if the initial and final electron states anticross and the anticrossing gap is smaller than the LO-phonon energy.
Hepatitis C virus diagnostics: technology, clinical applications and impacts

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause several significant health problems. Sensitive and specific assays for antibodies to HCV are available to identify and confirm individuals infected with HCV. Evaluation of the clinical impact of HCV infection in a patient includes measuring liver biochemistries and possibly liver biopsy. Molecular assays such as HCV genotype identification and qualitative/quantitative HCV RNA analyses may be valuable in considerations of prognosis and therapy. Further refinement of antibody screening and confirmatory assays and standardization of molecular testing are necessary to optimize testing and thus fully characterize the diagnosis of HCV infection.
A comparison of high definition-image enhanced colonoscopy and standard white-light colonoscopy for colorectal polyp detection.

Background and study aims: Colonoscopy is widely used to detect and remove precancerous polyps, but fails to detect some polyps. Recent studies evaluating different image-enhanced methods have revealed conflicting results. The efficacy of colonoscopy imaging with simultaneous use of commercially available improvements, including high definition narrow band imaging (HD-NBI), and monochromatic charge-coupled device (CCD) video, was compared with a widely used standard definition white light (SDWL) colonoscopy system for detecting colorectal polyps. The primary aim was to determine whether the combination of image-enhanced colonoscopy systems resulted in fewer missed polyps compared with conventional colonoscopy. Patients and methods: In a randomized controlled trial (Clinicaltrials.gov. study number NCT00825292) patients having routine screening and surveillance underwent tandem colonoscopies with SDWL and image-enhanced (HD-NBI) colonoscopy. The main outcome measurement was the per-polyp false-negative (“miss”) rate. Secondary outcomes were adenoma miss rate, and per-patient polyp and adenoma miss rates. Results: 100 patients were randomized and 96 were included in the analysis. In total, 177 polyps were detected; of these, 72 (41 %) were adenomatous. Polyp and adenoma miss rates for SDWL colonoscopy were 57 % (60 /105) and 49 % (19 /39); those for image-enhanced colonoscopy were 31 % (22 /72) and 27 % (9 /33) (P = 0.005 and P = 0.036 for polyps and adenomas, respectively). Image-enhanced and SDWL approaches had similar per-patient miss rates for polyps (6 /35 vs. 9 /32, P = 0.27) and adenomas (4 /22 vs. 8 /20, P = 0.11). Conclusions: Utilization of multiple recent improvements in image-enhanced colonoscopy was associated with a reduced miss rate for all polyps and for adenomatous polyps. It is not known which individual feature or combination of image-enhancement features led to the improvement.
The Impact of Information Technology Internal Controls on Firm Performance

Since the introduction of the Sarbanes-Oxley SOX Act in 2002, companies have begun to place more emphasis on information technology IT internal controls. IT internal controls are policies that provide assurance that technical systems operate as intended, provide reliable data, and comply with regulations. Research suggests that firms with strong internal controls perform better than those with internal control weaknesses. In this study, the authors evaluate the impact of IT internal controls on firm performance. The sample includes 72 publicly traded firms, 36 that reported IT internal control weaknesses and 36 that did not. The results of ordinary least squares OLS regression indicate that substantive IT internal control weaknesses negatively impact firm performance. Results and implications for research and practice are discussed.
Kinetics and equilibrium adsorption of nano-TiO2 particles on synthetic biofilm

Abstract Understanding the environmental behavior of nanoparticles includes their interaction with biofilms, which is a covering on the surface of a living or nonliving substrate composed of microorganisms. This study focuses on nano-TiO2 sorption mechanism by synthetic biofilm that was prepared as superporous spherical beads from agarose, using batch stirred flasks kept at room temperature. The pH plays an important part in these phenomena, by its influence on the nanoparticles and biofilm chemistry, where the biofilm nanoTiO2 uptake at neutral pH was enhanced over acidic conditions. Hydroxylation of TiO2 nanoparticles, dependent on pH and the salinity of the solution, influences the stability of colloids, the sorption kinetics via the nature of limiting phases: diffusion through the boundary layer or intrabiofilm mass transfer and the sorption mechanism. The sorption follows pseudo first-order adsorption kinetics with estimated average rate constants of 2.2 (min− 1). Equilibrium isotherms were evaluated using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms to obtain the maximum uptake at different solution pH and the free energy of the adsorption. The adsorption is apparently irreversible because biofilm limits diffusion of particles out of the pores and the complexation active binding sites on the surface hydrated biofilm to the hydrophilic TiO2 nanoparticles.
Switching Between Beta Blockers in Heart Failure Patients: Rationale and Practical Considerations

The clinical benefit of beta blockade has been proven in a variety of pathologic settings, including hypertension, angina pectoris, acute- and post-myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. However, beta blockers do not all share the same clinical outcomes with respect to efficacy or safety in many of these conditions. This is especially true in HF, where differences in reverse remodeling and effects on the periphery may be important differentiating factors leading to improved efficacy. In fact, beta blockers are a heterogeneous group of agents with respect to pharmacology, receptor biology, hemodynamic effects, and tolerability. As cardiovascular disease progresses, the issue of switching from one b blocker to another is an important consideration as to how to optimize the effectiveness of adrenergic blockade. Because of the differences among beta blockers, switching should be conducted in a manner that takes into account pharmacologic differences. For example, the similarities and differences of receptor subtype blockade of the two agents and the potential effects of ancillary properties. Two protocols for switching between carvedilol, a third-generation nonselective agent with vasodilation through alpha1 blockade, and a beta1-selective agent (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol) are described to simplify the process and maximize the safety and tolerability of this procedure. The optimal selection and use of adrenergic-blocking agents in the cardiovascular continuum will assist in providing improved management while minimizing safety and tolerability concerns.
4.7. Remarks on supply optimization

Abstract Conclusions can be drawn from this review suggesting likely future developments in this modeling area. The objective of this chapter has been to survey the important steps and methods employed in supply modeling, and to provide some suggestions for improving the credibility and utility of the resulting models, especially those intended to support policy analysis. As is readily apparent, formal modeling draws on several disciplines and techniques; no one modeling approach addresses the myriad topics and issues of interest to scientists, policy analysts and decision makers. Policy analysis especially is multidisciplinary, and successful modeling with this objective places considerable demands upon both the modeler and the relevant disciplines and techniques.
Polyamines antagonize both the antileukemic activity and the reverse transcriptase stimulatory activity of 4,4′-diacetyldiphenylurea bis(guanylhydrazone) (DDUG)

(Diacetyldiphenylurea)bis(guanylhydrazone) (DDUG) functions as a cationic trypanocide antagonized in vivo by exogenous concomitant addition of the biologically active polyamine, spermine. It also inhibits the DNA polymerases of L1210 murine leukemia cells. We have found that DDUG stimulates Rauscher murine leukemia virus DNA polymerase activity in a manner similar to polyamines. Such stimulation does not occur if DNA synthesis is carried out on spermine + activated DNA complexes. We also show that the in vivo antileukemic activity of DDUG in the L1210 ascites mouse model is antagonized by biologically active polyamines. These studies suggest a new intracellular target for the antileukemic activity of DDUG: interference with polyamine function.
The Urban Built Environment and Mobility in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Review

Mobility restrictions in older adults are common and increase the likelihood of negative health outcomes and premature mortality. The effect of built environment on mobility in older populations, among whom environmental effects may be strongest, is the focus of a growing body of the literature. We reviewed recent research (1990–2010) that examined associations of objective measures of the built environment with mobility and disability in adults aged 60 years or older. Seventeen empirical articles were identified. The existing literature suggests that mobility is associated with higher street connectivity leading to shorter pedestrian distances, street and traffic conditions such as safety measures, and proximity to destinations such as retail establishments, parks, and green spaces. Existing research is limited by differences in exposure and outcome assessments and use of cross-sectional study designs. This research could lead to policy interventions that allow older adults to live more healthy and active lives in their communities.
Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 protein Tat induces tumor necrosis factor-α-mediated neurotoxicity

Abstract HIV-1 infection causes, with increasing prevalence, neurological disorders characterized in part by neuronal cell death. The HIV-1 protein Tat has been shown to be directly and indirectly neurotoxic. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a non-neurotoxic epitope of Tat can, through actions on immune cells, increase neuronal cell death. Tat 1–72 and a mutant Tat 1–72 lacking the neurotoxic epitope (Tat Δ31–61 ) concentration-dependently and markedly increased TNF-α production in macrophage-like differentiated human U937 and THP-1 cells, in mouse peritoneal macrophages and in mouse brain microglia. Tat 1–72 was but Tat Δ31–61 was not neurotoxic when applied directly to neurons. Supernatants from U937 cells treated with either Tat 1–72 or Tat Δ31–61 were neurotoxic and their immunoneutralization with an anti-TNF-α antibody decreased Tat 1–72 - and Tat Δ31–61 -induced neurotoxicity. Together, these results demonstrate that the neurotoxic epitope of Tat 1–72 is different from the epitope that is indirectly neurotoxic following production of TNF-α from immune cells, and suggest that therapeutic interventions against TNF-α might be beneficial against HIV-1 associated neurological disorders.
Does Diversity Impair Human Development? A Multi-Level Test of the Diversity Debit Hypothesis

Summary This study departs from extant work on diversity and development in several respects. Using DHS data from a large number of developing countries, we adopt four human development outcomes: child mortality, fertility, education, and wealth. We exploit evidence at multiple levels—country, subnational region, and district—and we measure diversity in a variety of ways. This unique approach reveals that although diversity may have negative ramifications on human development at national levels it is very unlikely to have these same effects at subnational levels.
Periorbital and orbital cellulitis before and after the advent of Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccination.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of the introduction of the Haemophilus influenzae B (Hib) vaccine (introduced first in 1985, then extended in 1990 to children at least 2 months of age) on the epidemiologic features of periorbital and orbital cellulitis. Design Retrospective, comparative case series. Participants Three hundred fifteen pediatric inpatients. Methods Children at Massachusetts General Hospital and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary with discharge diagnosis of periorbital or orbital cellulitis from 1980 through 1998 were reviewed. Main outcome measures Case rate, culture-positive isolates, and associated conditions. Results A total of 297 cases of periorbital cellulitis and 18 cases of orbital cellulitis were reviewed. Before 1990, there were 27 cases of Hib-related cellulitis (11.7% of total in that period), whereas after 1990, there were only three (3.5% of total; P = 0.028). The number of cases per year was significantly lower after 1990 (21.2 ± 10.4 vs. 8.7 ± 3.9; P = 0.008), as were the number of positive culture isolates (for any organism) after 1990 (76 [33.0%] vs. 9 [10.6%]; P Conclusions The introduction of the Hib vaccine coincided with a sharp decline not only in the number of periorbital and orbital cellulitis cases related to H. influenzae , but also in the annual case rate. These data are consistent with a facilitative role for H. influenzae in the development of cellulitis secondary to other pathogens. They also may support restriction of the spectrum of antibiotics used to manage these conditions.
On-line versus off-line accelerated kernel feature analysis: Application to computer-aided detection of polyps in CT colonography

A semi-supervised learning method, the on-line accelerated kernel feature analysis (On-line AKFA) is presented. In On-line AKFA, features are extracted while data are being fed to the algorithm in small batches as the algorithm proceeds. The paper compares and contrasts the use of On-line AKFA and Off-line AKFA in CT colonography. On-line AKFA provides the flexibility to allow the feature space to dynamically adjust to changes in the input data with time during the training phase. The computational time, reconstruction accuracy, projection variance, and classification performance of the proposed method are experimentally evaluated for kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), Off-line AKFA, and On-line AKFA. Experimental results demonstrate a significant reduction in computation time for On-line AKFA compared to the other feature extraction methods considered in this paper.
Computer-aided detection of HER2 amplification status using FISH images: a preliminary study

ABSTRACT The amplification status of human epidermal growth factor receptors 2 (HER2) genes is strongly associated with clinical outcome in patients with breast cancer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology Tumor Marker Guidelines Panel has recommended routine testing of HER2 status on all newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancers since 2001. Although fl uorescent in situ hybridizati on (FISH) technology provi des superior accuracy as compared with other approaches, current manual FISH analysis methods are somewhat subjective, tedious, and may introduce inter-reader variability. The goal of this preliminary study is to develop and test a computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme to assess HER2 status using FISH images. Forty FISH images were selected for this study from our genetic laboratory. The CAD scheme first applies an adaptive, iterative threshold method followed by a labeling algorithm to segment cells of possible interest. A set of classification rules is then used to identify analyzable interphase cells and discard non-analyzable cells due to cell overlapping and/or other image staining debris (or artifacts). The scheme then maps the detected analyzable cells onto two other gray scale images co rresponding to the red and green color of the original image followed by application of a raster scan and labeling algorithms to separately detect the HER-2/neu (red) and CEP17 (green) FISH signals. A simple distance based criterion is applied to detect and merge split FISH signals within each cell. The CAD scheme computes the ratio between independent red and green FISH signals of all analyzable cells identified on an image. If the ratio is  2.0, the FISH image is assumed to have been acquired from a HER2+ case; otherwise, the FISH image is assumed to have been acquired from HER2- case. When we applied the CAD scheme to the testing dataset, the average computed HER2 amplification ratios were 1.06±0.25 and 2.53±0.81 for HER2- and HER2+ samples, respectively. The results show that the CAD scheme has the ability to automatically detect HER2 status using FISH images. The success of CAD-guided FISH image an alysis could result in a more objective, consistent, and efficient approach in de termining HER2 status of breast cancers. Key Words: Computer-aided detection (CAD), Breast Cancer, Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) technology, HER2 biomarker.
UTILITY MODELS FOR MULTIPLE OBJECTIVE DECISIONS: DO THEY ACCURATELY REPRESENT HUMAN PREFERENCES?*

Recent developments in multiattribute utility (MAU) theory in principle provide a formal basis for applying optimization methods to decision problems involving multiple competing objectives. In practice, MAU models and procedures are rarely applied. This paper is addressed to one major source of reluctance to employ these methods; namely, the belief that they cannot accurately reflect the structure of human preferences. This objection to MAU modeling procedures is inherently empirical. In fact, a large body of psychological research has been addressed to this question. This paper examines the relationship between formal MAU theory and the relevant psychological literature. A critical evaluation of this psychological research suggests that a variety of approaches to MAU modeling will typically yield valid mathematical representations of the preferences of individual decision makers.
Defining professionalism from the perspective of patients, physicians, and nurses

AbstractPurposeAlthough professionalism has always been a core value in medicine, it has received increasingly explicit attention over the past several years. Unfortunately, the terms used to explain this competency have been rather abstract. This study was designed to identify and prioritize behavi
New lithium ion-conducting glasses

Abstract Glass formation based on LiX (X = Cl, Br, I) has been examined. Glasses were obtained in 3 to 5 component systems containing about 50 mol% LiX and other alkali halides (KX and CsX) and alkaline-earth halides (CaX2 and BaX2). Conductivity measurements were carried out on the LiX-based glasses. Ionic conductivity increases in the order, chloride
The road from biology to materials

Abstract The study of biology at the molecular level may point to new directions in materials design and construction — not just mimicking biomolecular systems, but actually using biomolecules themselves to construct novel materials. Indeed, by taking this new fabrication route, significant and path-breaking achievements may be made by materials scientists and engineers. This article is intended to serve as a roadmap, linking basic molecular biology to materials science and engineering (MSE), so that more and more engineers can begin to integrate molecular biology into their work. Achievements of DNA- and protein-based engineering will not be reviewed. Rather, readers are directed to two recent reviews 1 , 2 . Instead, I will focus on examples of the basic, as well as practical, knowledge of molecular biology that might be useful to material scientists. Emphasis will be placed on ‘materials building blocks’ and ‘molecular biology tool kits’ that can be employed for new materials design and synthesis.
Chemical reaction on the wall of an annular reactor

Abstract The analysis of circular annular reactor with a single catalytically active surface has been developed. Appropriate eigenfunctions and eigenvalues for the related Sturm—Liouville problem have been determined numerically. This information may now be used in the treatment of experimental data from such a reactor system for the study of solid—fluid reaction kinetics.
Advances and challenges in the management of complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathies

Complement activation plays a major role in several renal pathophysiological conditions. The three pathways of complement lead to C3 activation, followed by the formation of the anaphylatoxin C5a and the terminal membrane attack complex (MAC) in blood and at complement activating surfaces, lead to a cascade of events responsible for inflammation and for the induction of cell lysis. In case of ongoing uncontrolled complement activation, endothelial cells activation takes place, leading to events in which at the end thrombotic microangiopathy can occur. Atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by excessive complement activation on the surface of the microcirculation. It is a severe, rare disease which leads to end-stage renal failure (ESRF) and/or to death in more than 50% of patients without treatment. In the first decade of the second millennium, huge progress in understanding the aetiology of this disease was made, which paved the way to better treatment. First, protocols of plasma therapy for treatment, prevention of relapses and for renal transplantation in those patients were set up. Secondly, in some severe cases, combined kidney and liver transplantation was reported. Finally, at the end of this decade, the era of complement inhibitors, as anti-C5 monoclonal antibody (anti-C5 mAb) began. The past five years have seen growing evidence of the favourable effect of anti-C5 mAb in aHUS which has made this drug the first-line treatment in this disease. The possible complication of meningococcal infection needs appropriate vaccination before its use. Unfortunately, the worldwide use of anti-C5 mAb is limited by its very high price. In the future, extension of indications for anti-C5 mAb use, the elaboration of generics and of mAbs directed towards other complement factors of the terminal pathway of the complement system might succeed in reducing the cost of this new valuable therapeutic approach and render it available worldwide for patients from all social classes.