cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social anxiety impacts willingness to participate in addiction treatment

Individuals with social anxiety have difficulty participating in group settings. Although it makes intuitive sense that social anxiety could present a challenge in addiction treatment settings, which often involve small groups and encouragement to participate in self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), to our knowledge no study has yet assessed the impact of shyness on the treatment experience. Assessment surveys were given to 110 individuals seeking intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment at three community treatment programs. Established cut-offs for presence of clinically-significant social anxiety indicated a prevalence of 37%. Controlling for depression and worry, social anxiety was a unique predictor of endorsement that shyness interfered with willingness to talk to a therapist, speak up in group therapy, attend AA/NA, and ask somebody to be a sponsor. Socially anxious substance abusers were 4-8 times more likely to endorse that shyness interfered with addiction treatment activities. These findings have clinical and research implications.
BAP, a Mammalian BiP-associated Protein, Is a Nucleotide Exchange Factor That Regulates the ATPase Activity of BiP

We identified a mammalian BiP-associated protein, BAP, using a yeast two-hybrid screen that shared low homology with yeast Sls1p/Sil1p and mammalian HspBP1, both of which regulate the ATPase activity of their Hsp70 partner. BAP encoded an approximately 54-kDa protein with an N-terminal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) targeting sequence, two sites of N-linked glycosylation, and a C-terminal ER retention sequence. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that BAP co-localized with GRP94 in the endoplasmic reticulum. BAP was ubiquitously expressed but showed the highest levels of expression in secretory organ tissues, a pattern similar to that observed with BiP. BAP binding was affected by the conformation of the ATPase domain of BiP based on in vivo binding studies with BiP mutants. BAP stimulated the ATPase activity of BiP when added alone or together with the ER DnaJ protein, ERdj4, by promoting the release of ADP from BiP. Together, these data demonstrate that BAP serves as a nucleotide exchange factor for BiP and provide insights into the mechanisms that control protein folding in the mammalian ER.
Measuring the correlation between time series of hormonal data

Several biomedical experiments have as their objective the determination of a relationship between a pair of time series. Often, the investigator wishes to discover if one series has a lagged dependence on the other. The analysis required in such an experiment involves a three step approach utilizing both multiple regression and time series techniques. This paper presents an example of this type of experiment and describes the steps to be followed in analysing the results.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in postcardiotomy patients: factors influencing outcome.

Objective Our objective was to assess the morbidity and mortality in children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support after cardiac surgery and to determine factors influencing outcome. Methods Between January 2003 and June 2008, 58 patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support after cardiac surgery. A retrospective study was performed and factors influencing outcome were determined by logistic regression modeling with the probability of outcome based on a combination of multivariate predictors. Results Median age and weight were 12 days and 3.3 kg, respectively. Thirty-one patients had single ventricle repair and 27 had biventricular repair. Median duration of support with the oxygenator was 6 days. Thirty-nine (67%) patients were successfully weaned off the support, but only 24 (41%) survived to hospital discharge. Chief complications were renal failure (31%), neurologic complications (29%), and sepsis (16%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified 10 days or more of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio = 6.1), urine output less than 2 mL · kg −1 · h −1 in first 24 hours (odds ratio = 15), renal failure (odds ratio = 9.4), and pH less than 7.35 after 24 hours of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio = 82) as significant independent factors associated with failure to wean off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Factors associated with failure of hospital discharge despite successful decannulation were as follows: extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support time of 10 days or more, red blood cell transfusion of greater than 1000 mL/kg during the entire period of oxygenator support, and sepsis. Patients with single ventricle repair were at higher risk of hospital mortality. Conclusion Longer duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support, low pH and urine output in the first 24 hours, and renal failure are significant factors associated with mortality during extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support. Exposure to high amounts of blood transfusion during extracorporeal oxygenation, extended extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support, and sepsis increase risk of death after successful decannulation.
Mechanisms of stress-induced modulation of immunity

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the wealth of animal studies of stress-induced modulation of immunity, and to relate our understanding of stress and immunity to clinical populations, particularly cancer patients.
Afferent and efferent connections of the dorsolateral precentral gyrus (area 4, hand/arm region) in the macaque monkey, with comparisons to area 8.

The afferent and efferent connections of the dorsolateral precentral gyrus, the primary motor cortex for control of the upper extremity, were studied by using the retrograde and anterograde capabilities of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) technique in three adult macaque monkeys that had received HRP gel implants in this cortical region. Reciprocal corticocortical connections were observed primarily with the supplementary motor area (SMA) in medial premotor area 6 and dorsal bank of the cingulate sulcus, postarcuate area 6 cortex, dorsal cingulate cortex (area 24), superior parietal lobule (area 5, PE/PEa), and inferior parietal lobule (area 7b, PF/PFop, including the secondary somatosensory SII region). In these heavily labeled regions, the associational intrahemispheric afferents originated primarily from small and medium sized pyramidal cells in layer III, but also from layer V. The SMA projections were columnar in organization. Intrahemispheric afferents from contralateral homologous and nonhomologous frontal and cingulate cortices also originated predominantly from layer III, but the connections from contralateral area 4 were almost exclusively from layer III. The bilateral connections with premotor frontal area 6 and cingulate cortices were not observed with parietal regions; i.e., only ipsilateral intrahemispheric parietal corticocortical connections were observed. There were no significant connections with prearcuate area 8 or the granular frontal (prefrontal) cortex. Subcortical afferents originated primarily from the nucleus basalis of Meynert, dorsal claustrum, ventral lateral (VLo and VLc), area X, ventral posterolateral pars oralis (VPLo), central lateral and centromedian thalamic nuclei, lateral hypothalamus, pedunculopontine nucleus, locus ceruleus and subceruleus, and superior central and dorsal raphe nuclei. Lesser numbers of retrogradely labeled neurons were observed in the nucleus of the diagonal band, mediodorsal (MD), paracentral, and central superior lateral thalamic nuclei, nucleus limitans, nucleus annularis, and the mesencephalic and pontine reticular formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Field confirmation of a mechanism causing synergism between Bacillus thuringiensis and the gypsy moth parasitoid, Apanteles melanoscelus

Abstract In 16-ha plots aerially sprayed with single and double applications of Bacillus thuringiensis , percentage parasitism by A. melanoscelus and the number of A. melanoscelus cocoons under burlap strips were higher than in comparable untreated plots in the same area. Strong correlations occurred between percentage parasitism and caterpillar size, with plots having the smallest caterpillars being the most heavily parasitized. However, these parameters were also negatively correlated with number of caterpillars per plot. The increased numbers of parasitoid progeny, i.e., cocoons, found in treated plots showed that corresponding increases in percentage parasitism could not be due simply to improved parasitoid: host ratios. Evidence strongly suggests that the retarding effect of B. thuringiensis infection kept gypsy moth larvae small enough in the treated plots to permit A. melanoscelus females to parasitize relatively large numbers of caterpillars.
Glacier mass balance and runoff research in the U.S.A.

Research on glacier mass balance began in the U.S.A. about 50 years ago. More complete studies of climate, snow and ice balance, and the hydrology of glaciers were initiated for the IGY in 1957 and the IHD in 1966. Investigations included the magnitude and geographic distribution of normal mass balance processes and unusual phenomena such as outbursting, accumulation of ice by freezing of water in firn, and ablation of glacier ice by volcanic activity and by calving. Glacier size has been found not to be a simple function of climate as is widely imagined. Glaciers can increase with a warming of climate and can shrink due to calving instability mechanisms. Numerical modeling of glacier balance and runoff have appeared in the past decade only. Glacier research has also produced a new understanding of the nation's climate, water resources, and flood hazards because glaciers exist in very moist rather than very cold climates and produce very high runoff rates.
Bessel Polynomials and the Partial Sums of the Exponential Series

Let $e_k(x)$ denote the $k$-th partial sum of the Maclaurin series for the exponential function. Define the $(n+1)\times(n+1)$ Hankel determinant by setting $\widetilde{H}_n(x)=\det[e_{i+j}(x)]_{0\leq i,j\leq n}$. We give a closed form evaluation of this determinant in terms of the Bessel polynomials using the method of recently introduced $\gamma$-operators.
Funding anatomic pathology research: a retrospective analysis of an intramural funding mechanism.

Context.—In 2006, the department of pathology at our institution established an intramural research funding mechanism to support anatomic pathology research projects for faculty and trainee development. A review committee consisting of faculty members with diverse academic interests evaluated applications; proposals were eligible for a maximum award amount of $30 000 per project with a maximum program cost of $150 000 annually. Objective.—To report our experience based on a retrospective review of the research proposals submitted to the committee since the inception of the Anatomic Pathology Research Fund and evaluate the outcomes of the funded projects. Design.—We retrospectively analyzed all project applications that were received by the committee. Outcome data were collected by reviewing progress reports, abstracts for national and international meetings, PubMed search results, and/or direct communication with investigators. Results.—To date, a total of 59 individual projects have been awarded funding,...
Geometry of the triplet excimer and the role of σ-π interaction in T1 → SO radiative transitions

Abstract A computational result is presented for naphthalene which suggests that the conformation of the triplet excimer is significantly different from a sandwich-pair geometry favored by the singlet excimer. A major consequence of the non-sandwich- pair geometry of the triplet excimer is a breakdown of the σ-π separation which leads to an increased T1 → So radiative transition probability of the excimer as compared to the corresponding monomer.
Compact dielectric resonator antenna for microwave breast cancer detection

A compact stair-shaped dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is designed and fabricated for microwave breast cancer detection. A quarter-wavelength choke was incorporated to reduce the finite ground plane size. A more than 40% return loss of 10 dB centred at 6.5 GHz is achieved with a 50 Omega coaxial port. Parametric studies are carried out to provide practical insights into sensor design. The design is performed numerically and confirmed experimentally. A simple model for the tissue is considered and the interaction of the sensor with the tissue is investigated. Good matching is retained without adding any matching medium or lumped loads when the sensor is in contact with the tissue. A two-element sensor array is investigated numerically. A dipole antenna and a circular ultra-wideband dipole antenna are compared with the stair-shaped DRA with a choked ground plane. Preliminary results are obtained for the cases with different tumour locations. The DRA type of sensor reveals good potential for frequency-domain detection.
Acute toxicity of isomers of the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin and its major degradation products to Daphnia magna

The acute toxicities (4-h, 24-h and 48-h) of eight stereoisomers and four major breakdown products of deltamethrin to D. magna were determined. Parent deltamethrin (isomer 1) was the most toxic, with EC50 values in the range of 0.05 to 1.75 μg/L, concentrations that have been observed in the surface microlayer and subsurface water in field studies. The other three isomers (2-, 3- and 4-deltamethrin) were two- to tenfold less toxic than 1-deltamethrin. Isomers 1′, 2′, 3′ and 4′ plus the four breakdown products studied displayed no significant toxicity. Because 1-deltamethrin can be converted in natural water to 2′-, 3- and 4′- deltamethrin, and because 3-deltamethrin is toxic to D. magna, this isomerization is only a partial detoxification step as far as some aquatic organisms are concerned.
Abstract P6-14-11: ß-Catenin Inhibitor SST-024 Can Sensitize Breast Cancer Tumor Initiation Cells (TICs) to Ionized Radiotherapy

Recent studies have shown that tumor initiation cells (TICs) are more resistant to ionized radiotherapy (IR) than differentiated cancer cells. In our lab, we have previously shown that aberrant Wnt signaling can contribute to radio-resistance of TICs in breast cancer. Herein, we use SST-024 (StemSynergy), an inhibitor of s-catenin and WNT signaling, to test if pharmacologic inhibition of s-catenin can sensitize breast cancer TICs to IR. Sum-149, an inflammatory breast cancer cell line, Sum-159, a non-inflammatory basal-type breast cancer cell line and IBC-3, a short-term cultured inflammatory breast cancer sample were used in these studies. We found that SST-024 inhibited Sum-149 mammosphere formation, a surrogate for TIC growth in vitro, at IC-50 0.3 nM while IC-50 for Sum-159 was 3 nM and IC-50 for IBC-3 was 4 nM. Similar efficacy against TICs was seen in assessments of alternative TIC surrogates including aldefluor staining by flow cytometry and CD44+CD24- marked cells. On immunoblot analysis SST-024 down-regulated unphosphorylated, active B-catenin and downstream target c-myc as well as EMT marks, including N-cadherin, Snail, Twist and Slug, and DNA repair regulator ATM. Moreover, standard monolayer and 3D mammospheres clonogenic assays demonstrate significant radiosensitization of SUM-149 TICs (mammospheres) as well as monolayer colony formation. In summary, SST-024 demonstrates significant efficacy against inflammatory breast cancer TICs and sensitize both TICs and non-TICs to IR implying targeting Wnt β-catenin signaling may be a feasible strategy to radiosensitize breast cancer TICs. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-14-11.
Choosing a Career in Nursing: Development of a Career Search Instrument

University students in this millennium will be older, culturally diverse and likely to change their career major several times during the course of their education. Methods to identify and guide appropriate students toward nursing are lacking. The purpose of this study was to develop and initially test a 48-item Likert-scaled instrument, the Career Search Questionnaire (CSQ), which assesses interest in and self-efficacy for nursing. Data were obtained from 300 volunteer students, with implied consent, enrolled in beginning-level courses at a Midwestern university. Response differences were apparent between individuals who reported nursing as a college major compared to those who sought a different major. Participants who reported nursing as their major obtained higher scores in both interest (p = 0.00) and self-efficacy (p = 0.00). The CSQ is psychometrically sound, with a reliability score of 0.87 and capable of identifying the student for whom nursing may be the suitable career.
Central Role of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling and Host Defense in Experimental Pneumonia Caused by Gram-Negative Bacteria

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been identified as a receptor for lipopolysaccharide. However, the precise role of TLR4 in regulating gene expression in response to an infection caused by gram-negative bacteria has not been fully elucidated. The role of TLR4 signaling in coordinating gene expression was assessed by gene expression profiling in lung tissue in a mouse model of experimental pneumonia with a low-dose infection of Klebsiella pneumoniae. We analyzed four mouse strains: C57BL/6 mice, which are resistant to bacterial dissemination; 129/SvJ mice, which are susceptible; C3H/HeJ mice, which are susceptible and have defective TLR4 signaling; and their respective control strain, C3H/HeN (intermediate resistance). At 4 h after infection, C57BL/6 and C3H/HeN mice demonstrated the greatest number of genes, with 67 shared induced genes which were TLR4 dependent and highly associated with the resistance phenotype. These genes included cytokine and chemokine genes required for neutrophil activation or recruitment, growth factor receptors, MyD88 (a critical adaptor protein for TLR signaling), and adhesion molecules. TLR4 signaling accounted for over 74% of the gene expression in the C3H background. These data suggest that early TLR4 signaling controls the vast majority of gene expression in the lung in response to an infection caused by gram-negative bacteria and that this subsequent gene expression determines survival of the host.
Transcytosis of macromolecules through the blood-brain barrier: a cell biological perspective and critical appraisal

A critical appraisal is presented of nearly two decades of research publications and review articles advocating the bidirectional transcytosis of fluid-phase molecules, most notably native horseradish peroxidase (HRP), through the normal and experimentally modified blood-brain barrier (BBB). Extracellular routes circumventing the BBB in normal and pathological states and artifact introduced in histological preparation of CNS tissue exposed to blood-borne peroxidase are emphasized. The potential for transcytosis of macromolecules entering the nonfenestrated cerebral endothelium by the processes of non-specific fluid phase endocytosis (e.g., HRP), adsorptive endocytosis (e.g., lectins) and receptor-mediated endocytosis (e.g., ligands) is analyzed in the context of the cellular secretory process and the complimentary events of endocytosis and exocytosis at the luminal and abluminal plasma membranes. Available data suggest that the cerebral endothelium is polarized with regard to endocytosis and the internalization of cell surface membrane; hence, the transcytosis of specific macromolecules through the BBB may be vectorial. If these data are correct, the blood-brain barrier is not absolute, whereas its counterpart, the brain-blood barrier, may be.
Significance of diabetes on morbidity and mortality following cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Background and Objectives Patients with diabetes suffering from peritoneal surface disease represent a challenge to treat due to the effects of both processes on multiple organ systems. We sought to define the impact of diabetes on outcomes following cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospective database of 1065 CRS/HIPEC procedures was conducted. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and tumor characteristics were reviewed. Results CRS/HIPEC was performed in 91 diabetic and 844 non-diabetic patients with peritoneal surface disease from 1991 to 2013. Diabetics and non-diabetics spent 6.8 and 3.1 (P = 0.009) days in the ICU, respectively. Diabetics were more likely to suffer major complications (P < 0.001) including infectious (P < 0.001) and thrombotic (P = 0.05) complications, arrhythmias (P = 0.007), renal insufficiency (P = 0.002) and respiratory failure (P = 0.002) than non-diabetics. Mortality was significantly worse for diabetic patients at 30-days (8.8% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.007) and at 90-days (13.2% vs. 5.2%, P = 0.008). Even after adjusting for other significant predictors of morbidity, diabetes predicted more major complications and increased mortality following CRS/HIPEC. Conclusions Diabetes predicts major complications and specific complication patterns associated with increased ICU stay and worse mortality in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC. Diabetic patients deemed to be appropriate candidates for CRS/HIPEC should be treated with caution. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:740–745. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generating 3D Building Models from Architectural Drawings: A Survey

Automatically generating 3D building models from 2D architectural drawings has many useful applications in the architecture engineering and construction community. This survey of model generation from paper and CAD-based architectural drawings covers the common pipeline and compares various algorithms for each step of the process.
A review of PCB concentrations in tropical media, 1996-2007

A review of publications from the past ten years that report PCB concentrations in sediments and biota is given. During the past ten years only 33 papers out of the published 177 papers on PCBs were from samples obtained in tropical areas. Sediments from the tropics contained relatively low concentrations of total PCBs. The most polluted tropical site in India had sediment concentrations up to 2330 mg/g dw attributed to industrialization and pollution. Sediment from pristine areas were unquantifiable at levels below the detection limits. Biota samples covered a range of species from a range of locations. Biota from pristine tropical areas were unquantifiable at levels below the detection limits. Higher taxa from more developed sites had relatively higher concentrations when compared to other tropical biota, but were still low compared to samples from temperate climates. The lack of data from the tropics still makes correlation of PCB concentrations with other factors problematic. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (Suppl. 4): 1-9. Epub 2009 June 30.
Seeing Like Citizens: Unofficial Understandings of Official Racial Categories in a Brazilian University*

This paper investigates how students at the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), one of the first Brazilian universities to adopt race-based quotas for admissions, interpret racial categories used as eligibility criteria. Considering the perspectives of students is important to understand the workings of affirmative action policies because UERJ's quotas require applicants to classify themselves. Students' interpretations of those categories often diverge from the interpretations intended by people who shaped the policy. Students' perspectives are formed by everyday experiences with categorisation and by their self-assessment as legitimate beneficiaries of quotas. In contrast, the policies were designed according to a new racial project, where black consciousness-raising and statistics played an important role.
Satisfiability of word equations with constants is in exponential space

In this paper we study solvability of equations over free semigroups, known as word equations, particularly G.S. Makanin's algorithm (1977), a general procedure to decide if a word equation has a solution. The upper bound time-complexity of Makanin's original decision procedure was quadruple exponential in the length of the equation, as shown by Jaffar. A. Koscielski and L. Pacholski (1996) reduced it to triple exponential, and conjectured that it could be brought down to double exponential. The present paper proves this conjecture. In fact we prove the stronger fact that its space-complexity is single exponential.
Estimating Reliabilities of Computerized Adaptive Tests

This paper presents two methods for estimating the reliability of a computerized adaptive test (CAT) with out using item response theory. The required data con sist of CAT and paper-pencil (PP) scores from identical or equivalent samples, and scores for all examinees on one or more covariates. Multiple R 2s and communali ties are used to compute the ratio of CAT and PP relia bilities. When combined with the PP reliability calcu lated by a conventional procedure, these ratios yield estimates of CAT reliability. Index terms: computer ized adaptive testing, item response theory, predictive validity, reliability, tailored testing.
Implications of Technology in Music Therapy Practice and Research for Music Therapy Education: A Review of Literature

This article reviews the use of technology in music therapy practice and research for the purpose of providing music therapy educators and clinicians with specific and accurate accounts of the types and benefits of technology being used in various settings. Additionally, this knowledge will help universities comply with National Association of Schools of Music requirements and help to standardize the education and training of music therapists in this rapidly changing area. Information was gathered through a literature review of music therapy and related professional journals and a wide variety of books and personal communications. More data were gathered in a survey requesting information on current use of technology in education and practice. This solicitation was sent to all American Music Therapy Association approved universities and clinical training directors. Technology applications in music therapy are organized according to the following categories: (a) adapted musical instruments, (b) recording technology, (c) electric/electronic musical instruments, (d) computer applications, (e) medical technology, (f) assistive technology for the disabled, and (g) technology-based music/sound healing practices. The literature reviewed covers 177 books and articles from a span of almost 40 years. Recommendations are made for incorporating technology into music therapy course work and for review and revision of AMTA competencies. The need for an all-encompassing clinical survey of the use of technology in current music therapy practice is also identified.
Biomechanical Analysis of Distal Clavicle Excision With Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction

Background:Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation is a common injury, usually affecting young adults. Controversy exists regarding whether to excise the distal clavicle when surgical intervention is required.Purpose:To evaluate the biomechanical strength of AC and coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction with and without concurrent distal clavicle excision.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Nine matched pairs of cadaver shoulders were used. All shoulders were tested with intact CC and AC ligaments, and the ligaments were sectioned. For 1 shoulder in each pair, a 7-mm distal clavicle excision was performed. The contralateral distal clavicle was left intact. Single-tunnel CC ligament reconstruction was performed, and excess graft length was extended and secured across the AC joint to reconstruct the superior AC joint ligaments in all specimens. Specimens were then potted and cyclically loaded for 500 cycles in the anterior-posterior and superior-inferior planes using an MTS Minibionix lo...
Anchoring effects on prospective and retrospective metacomprehension judgments as a function of peer performance information

Two experiments were conducted to investigate anchoring effects on metacomprehension judgments as a function of fictitious information participants received about past peer performance. In Experiment 1 participants were randomly assigned to one of the three anchor groups that, in some cases, provided past peer performance averages in terms of a percentage: a high anchor (85%) a low anchor (55%), and no anchor. Results showed that relative to the no anchor group, the low anchor group made significantly lower prospective judgments whereas the high anchor group did not make significantly higher prospective judgments. With a high anchor of greater magnitude (95%), Experiment 2 demonstrated more pronounced anchoring effects on prospective judgments: Relative to the no anchor group, the low anchor group made significantly lower judgments and the high anchor group made significantly higher judgments. In addition, Experiment 2 showed that anchoring effects occurred even on retrospective judgments. Overall, the results showed that peer performance information can serve as an anchoring point for metacomprehension judgments and the anchoring effects are tenacious given that they can even affect retrospective judgments of performance.
Incompatibilism and ambiguity in the practical modalities

Incompatibilists have reasoned that determinism precludes our being able to do anything other than what we actually do. This 'unavoidability argument' transfers a practical modality inability, unavoidability, or power necessity from sufficient conditions to consequences, and cannot be lightly dismissed by compatibilists as it relies on apparently neutral modal principles. Because there are different interpretations of the critical modality, however, doubts arise whether a suitable transfer principle is available for the sort relevant to responsibility. I here set forth and criticize an incompatibilist strategy for sustaining the unavoidability argument despite ambiguity.
Role of IKK1 and IKK2 in Lipopolysaccharide Signaling in Human Monocytic Cells

Mononuclear phagocytes play a major role in immune and inflammatory responses. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces monocytes to express a variety of genes by activating the NF-kappaB/Rel transcription factor family. Recently, we have reported that the tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 1 signaling pathways activate two kinases, IKK1 and IKK2. Phosphorylation of the IkappaB cytoplasmic inhibitors, IkappaBalpha, IkappaBbeta, and IkappaBepsilon, by these kinases triggers proteolytic degradation and the release of NF-kappaB/Rel proteins into the nucleus. At present, the role of the IKKs in LPS signaling has not been investigated. Here, we report that LPS induces IKK activity in human monocytes and THP-1 monocytic cells. The kinetics of activation of kinase activity in monocytic cells are relatively slow with maximal activity observed at 60 min, which coincides with the degradation of IkappaBs and the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. In transfection experiments, overexpression of wild type IKK1, a dominant negative mutant IKK1 (K44M), or wild type IKK2 did not affect LPS-induced kappaB-dependent transcription in monocytic cells. In contrast, a dominant negative mutant of IKK2 inhibited LPS induction of kappaB-dependent transcription in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that LPS induction of kappaB-dependent gene expression in human monocytic cells requires activation of IKK2.
Strategic Decision Making

Recent years have witnessed a profusion of research on aspects of the strategic decision process and factors that may affect this process. In this article I will discuss four major themes in this research which include strategic decision models and characteristics, biases in decision making, individual and organizational minds, and upper echelons. I will then identtfy three emerging research topics which should produce interesting hypotheses for future research. I conclude with some methodological considerations to address the difficulties of doing research in this area.
Summertime U.S. Precipitation Variability and Its Relation toPacific Sea Surface Temperature

Abstract The year-to-year fluctuations in summertime precipitation over the U.S. Great Plains are examined in this study using data from 1950 to 1990. There are large interannual variabilities in precipitation amounts over the Great Plains during the period considered. A long-term trend in Great Plains precipitation from relatively wet conditions in the 1950s to relatively dry conditions in the 1980s is also identified. The spatial scale of the anomalous precipitation covers a large portion of the United States on seasonal mean timescales. It is shown that the Great Plains precipitation fluctuations are significantly correlated with the tropical, as well as North Pacific, sea surface temperature (SST) variations. Two leading modes of covariation between Pacific SST and the U.S. precipitation are identified, with the first mode having spatial and temporal characteristics of the El Nino–La Nina SST variation, while the second mode is confined to the North Pacific and contains the decadal trend. The relation...
Protection of environmental resources through the implementation of optimum feed-management practices on equine farms

ABSTRACT The goal of this project was to develop an equine feed-management program similar to the national program (Harrison et al., 2012) that implements the USDA Standard for Feed Management. Twenty-one cooperating farms in 2 separate watersheds served as demonstration sites for proper feed-management practices. Most had no understanding of environmentally friendly feeding practices or nutrient management. Hay and pasture were the primary forages fed, and bagged commercial feed plus bulk or whole grains were the primary concentrates. Several fed rice or wheat bran, beet pulp, oil, or flax seed; 14 of the farms fed at least one miscellaneous supplement (vitamin, mineral, joint, hoof, and so on). Most balanced diets on their own, 2 used a private consultant, 2 used a feed dealer, and none used extension services. Horses on farms began the project slightly overweight, averaging a BCS of 5.8 ± 0.1 on a scale of 1 to 9; there was little change (6.1 ± 0.1) over the course of the study. Most farms were overfeeding, perhaps creating increased nutrient losses. In general few participants implemented project recommendations (6 farms), and fewer followed up during the year (3 farms). Those following recommendations saw changes in the conditions of horses. Outcomes suggest that an equine feed-management program should include regular feed and forage testing, use of nutrition professionals to analyze animals and formulate diets, a pasture-management program, and a dry-lot or exercise-lot strategy to reduce feed losses. Equine farms present challenges when developing feed-management plans and may require alternative approaches to encourage producer participation.
Regulation of ICAM-1 by dexamethasone in a human vascular endothelial cell line EAhy926

Regulation by dexamethasone of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in cultured monolayers of the human umbilical vein endothelial cell line EAhy926 was investigated. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in combination or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone gave time- and dose-dependent increases in ICAM-1. Sustained expression of ICAM-1 was observed after short exposure (30 min) to TNF-alpha + IFN-gamma, but not to LPS. LPS-induced ICAM-1 expression was not inhibited by interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist (0.01-100 micrograms/ml). Dexamethasone (1,000 nM) did not inhibit TNF-alpha + IFN-gamma-induced ICAM-1 expression or mRNA induction. In contrast, dexamethasone dose dependently (0.1-1,000 nM) inhibited LPS-induced ICAM-1 expression; however, its effect on mRNA was not established, because ICAM-1 mRNA induced by LPS was not detected at the time points investigated in this study (3 and 20 h). Adhesion of unstimulated human neutrophils to EAhy926 monolayers activated with TNF-alpha + IFN-gamma or LPS was increased in the presence of dexamethasone at low doses, whereas neutrophil adhesion to LPS- but not cytokine-stimulated endothelial cells was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the presence of a high dose of dexamethasone (1,000 nM). In conclusion, dexamethasone was demonstrated to regulate the expression and function of ICAM-1 in a stimulus-dependent manner.
Update on Surgical Outcomes of Lateral Temporal Bone Resection for Ear and Temporal Bone Malignancies.

Objectives Review outcomes of lateral temporal bone resections for ear and temporal bone malignancy. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective review of all lateral temporal bone resections performed from 2008 to 2015 at a single tertiary care center. Main Outcome Measures Patient demographics, perioperative variables, overall survival, disease-free survival (DFS), and comparison of Kaplan–Meier curves. Results Overall, 56 patients were identified with a mean follow-up period of 2.3 ± 1.8 years. The predominant histopathologic diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 54%), followed by salivary gland tumors (18%), and basal cell carcinoma (9%). Tumor stages were T1-T2 in 23%, T3-T4 in 73%, and two unknown primary lesions. Mean overall survival was 4.6 ± 0.4 years. Comparison of tumors with and without lymph node involvement or perineural invasion approached statistical significance for overall survival ( p = 0.07 and 0.06, respectively). DFS was 2.5 ± 0.3 years. Stratification by lymph node status had a statistically significant difference in DFS ( p = 0.03). Subgroup analysis of SCC patients did not reveal significant differences. Conclusions Based on our cohort, most patients with temporal bone malignancies present with advanced disease, making it difficult to achieve negative margins. Overall, lymph node status was the strongest predictor of survival in this group.
XPS Analysis of Chemically Treated I–III–VI Semiconductor Surfaces and the Relation to II-VI/I-III-VI Heterojunction Formation

Device-grade thin-film CuInSe2 was subjected to various chemical treatments commonly used in photovoltaic device fabrication to determine the resulting microscopic surface composition/morphology and the effect on II-VI/CuInSe2 heterojunction formation. HCI (38%), Br-MeOH (<1% Br), (NH4)2S, and NH4OH/thiourea solutions were used separately to modify the surface chemistry of the CuInSe2 polycrystalline films. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the resultant surface morphology. Angle-resolved high-resolution photoemission measurements on the valence band electronic structure and Cu 2p, In 3d, Ga 2p and Se 3d core lines were used to evaluate the chemistry of the chemically treated surfaces. CdS overlayers were then deposited in steps on these chemically treated surfaces. Photoemission measurements were acquired after each growth to determine the resultant heterojunction valence-band discontinuity between the CdS and the chemically modified CuInSe2 surface.
Modeling of a Dynamically-Controlled Hybrid Solar/Autothermal Steam Gasification Reactor

In this modeling study, steam gasification of carbonaceous materials is examined in a hybrid solar/autothermal process designed to continuously produce synthesis gas. The process operates in three modes: (1) steam gasification where the necessary process heat to drive the chemical reaction is derived from concentrated solar irradiation, (2) autothermal steam gasification where pure oxygen is used to combust a portion of the carbonaceous feedstock for process heat, i.e., oxy-combustion, and (3) a combined mode during periods of low direct-normal solar irradiation where process heat is derived from a combination of solar irradiation and oxy-combustion. The resulting syngas can be continuously converted to liquid fuels via Fischer–Tropsch or other catalytic processes. Equilibrium compositions for different reaction stoichiometric ratios of steam, O2, and a carbonaceous material are examined over a 300–1900 K temperature range using Gibbs free energy minimization. The process is then analyzed in a simplified ...
Political Experience and the Success of Female Gubernatorial Candidates

This research examines the effect that political experience has on the success of female gubernatorial candidates by analyzing the female vs. male gubernatorial elections from 1976–2014. The study questions whether prior statewide political office experience is advantageous for female candidates and is this consistent across party lines. This research builds on the political pipeline theory, which suggests that the shortage of women holding higher level political office, such as governor, is due to the lack of qualified and motivated women running for political office. We argue that women who hold lower level statewide office develop the necessary experience and name recognition that provides them with the qualifications and motivation, both within themselves and from other sources such as political parties, to run for and win the office of governor. Our findings suggest that statewide office experience is important for the success of Democratic women gubernatorial candidates but not for Republican women gubernatorial candidates.
Effects of the Yishenhuoxue Capsule on the growth factor of hyperhomocysteinemic rats

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of the Yishenhuoxue capsule on basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) and transformation growth factorβ1(TGF-β1) of hyperhomocysteinemic rats.Methods: Using the randomized single blind method,80 Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups: the model group,the normal group,the large dose of the Yishenhuoxue capsule group,the little dose of the Yishenhuoxue capsule group,the Western Medicine group(folic acid,VitB12,and VitB6),the Dahuangzhechong pill group,the preventive group and the blank group.Hyperhomocysteinemia was induced in th rats except for those in the normal group.The basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF),transformation growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA in aorta vessel were determined by in situ hybridization.Result: TheYishenhuoxue capsule could decrease the expression of bFGFmRNA(P=0.000),TGF-β1 mRNA(P=0.032) in hyperhomocysteinemic rats better than other medicines.Conclusion: The Yishenhuoxue capsule could improve the endothelial cell function,reduce the part inflammation reaction of the part vessel,restrain the proliferation of vessel smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells,and prevent the development of atherosclerosis.
Efficient handling of concept drift and concept evolution over Stream Data

To decide if an update to a data stream classifier is necessary, existing sliding window based techniques monitor classifier performance on recent instances. If there is a significant change in classifier performance, these approaches determine a chunk boundary, and update the classifier. However, monitoring classifier performance is costly due to scarcity of labeled data. In our previous work, we presented a semi-supervised framework SAND, which uses change detection on classifier confidence to detect a concept drift. Unlike most approaches, it requires only a limited amount of labeled data to detect chunk boundaries and to update the classifier. However, SAND is expensive in terms of execution time due to exhaustive invocation of the change detection module. In this paper, we present an efficient framework, which is based on the same principle as SAND, but exploits dynamic programming and executes the change detection module selectively. Moreover, we provide theoretical justification of the confidence calculation, and show effect of a concept drift on subsequent confidence scores. Experiment results show efficiency of the proposed framework in terms of both accuracy and execution time.
Decentring security governance

A new security governance has spread in domestic and international areas of policing. Security is increasingly associated with community and capacity building. There is a consensus that the way to build communities is through networks. Yet, the new security governance varies widely in ways that reflect the traditions through which civil servants, street level bureaucrats, voluntary sector actors, and citizens interpret and resist networked security. Security governance is thus a set of diverse practices emerging from contests over meanings, including the social scientific theories that inspired the turn to networks and the local traditions through which policy actors have encountered, interpreted, and evaluated the policies these theories have inspired.
MEANINGFUL RECEPTION LEARNING AND THE ACQUISITION OF CONCEPTS

Publisher Summary This chapter explains meaningful reception learning and discusses how principles of meaningful reception learning apply to the learning and teaching of concepts. It presents a distinction between reception and discovery learning, and between meaningful and rote learning. The chapter highlights the nature of meaningful reception learning and of its relative role and importance in the total enterprise of classroom learning. It reviews generic meanings or concepts and how they are acquired. The chapter discusses some of the changes in cognitive development that affect the nature and relative importance of concept formation and concept assimilation at different stages in the life cycle. It describes one of the problems involved in the optimal organization of subject-matter material that would apply to the meaningful reception learning of concepts.
Ambient Ultrafine Particle Ingestion Alters Gut Microbiota in Association with Increased Atherogenic Lipid Metabolites.

Ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure is associated with atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. Ultrafine particles (UFP, dp < 0.1-0.2 μm) are redox active components of PM. We hypothesized that orally ingested UFP promoted atherogenic lipid metabolites in both the intestine and plasma via altered gut microbiota composition. Low density lipoprotein receptor-null (Ldlr-/-) mice on a high-fat diet were orally administered with vehicle control or UFP (40 μg/mouse/day) for 3 days a week. After 10 weeks, UFP ingested mice developed macrophage and neutrophil infiltration in the intestinal villi, accompanied by elevated cholesterol but reduced coprostanol levels in the cecum, as well as elevated atherogenic lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC 18:1) and lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) in the intestine and plasma. At the phylum level, Principle Component Analysis revealed significant segregation of microbiota compositions which was validated by Beta diversity analysis. UFP-exposed mice developed increased abundance in Verrocomicrobia but decreased Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Firmicutes as well as a reduced diversity in microbiome. Spearman's analysis negatively correlated Actinobacteria with cecal cholesterol, intestinal and plasma LPC18:1, and Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria with plasma LPC 18:1. Thus, ultrafine particles ingestion alters gut microbiota composition, accompanied by increased atherogenic lipid metabolites. These findings implicate the gut-vascular axis in a atherosclerosis model.