cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of prostaglandins E1, E2, and A2, and of hypovolumic hypotension on the lower esophageal sphincter.

Studies were performed in a lightly anesthetized opossum to investigate the effect of prostaglandin E2 and A2 on the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Intravenous injection of these agents as a single bolus caused a dose-dependent fall in the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Prostaglandin (PG) E2 was as potent as PGE1 whereas PGA2 was much less potent than the E compounds. The threshold dose of PGE2 was 0.15 μg per kg and maximal effect was found with a dose of 1 μg per kg. Threshold dose of PGA2 was 1 μg per kg. All these prostaglandins caused a drop in the blood pressure, but this drop was transient. On the other hand, the effect on lower esophageal sphincter was much prolonged. The duration of the effect was related to dose; higher doses generally caused longer reductions in lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Hypotension produced by hemorrhaging and by intravenous injection of sodium pentobarbital produced no change in the lower esophageal sphincter pressure, suggesting that fall in blood pressure is not related to fall in the lower esophageal sphincter pressure.
Dispersion dynamics of quantum cascade lasers

A key parameter underlying the efficacy of any nonlinear optical process is group velocity dispersion. In quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), there have been several recent demonstrations of devices exploiting nonlinearities in both the mid-infrared and the terahertz. Though the gain of QCLs has been well studied, the dispersion has been much less investigated, and several questions remain about its dynamics and precise origin. In this work, we use time-domain spectroscopy to investigate the dispersion of broadband terahertz QCLs, and demonstrate that contributions from both the material and the intersubband transitions are relevant. We show that in contrast to the laser gain—which is clamped to a fixed value above lasing threshold—the dispersion changes with bias even above threshold, which is a consequence of shifting intersubband populations. We also examine the role of higher-order dispersion in QCLs and discuss the ramifications of our result for devices utilizing nonlinear effects, such as frequency combs.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type is associated with rheumatic diseases

We retrospectively analyzed electronic medical records of patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome hypermobility type (HEDS), including demographic information, workup, rheumatological diagnoses in order to determine its association with rheumatological conditions. HEDS Patients were stratified according to level of workup received (no additional work (physical exam only) = NWU, limited workup = LWU, comprehensive workup = CWU)). HEDS patients were predominantly female (21:4, F:M). The percentage of patients with at least one rheumatological condition was significantly correlated with level of workup (NWU, 9.2%; LWU, 33.3%, CWU, 67.1%; p-value < 0.0001). The HLA-B27 antigen was more prevalent (p-value < 2.2 × 10–8) in the CWU HEDS patients (23.9%) than in the general population of the United States (6.1%). HEDS with CWU were associated with more rheumatological conditions (i.e. psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia) than those with NWU or LWU. In conclusion, HEDS is associated with complicated rheumatological conditions, which are uncovered by comprehensive workup. These conditions require different clinical management strategies than HEDS, and left untreated could contribute to the pain or even physical disability (i.e. joint erosions) in HEDS patients. While the mechanisms underlying these associations are unknown, it is important that all HEDS patients receive adequate workup to ensure a complete clinical understanding for the best care strategy possible.
The Global State of Genome Editing

Genome editing technologies hold great promise in fundamental biomedical research, development of treatments for animal and plant diseases, and engineering biological organisms for food and industrial applications. Therefore, a global understanding of the growth of the field is needed to identify challenges, opportunities and biases that could shape the impact of the technology. To address this, the study presented performs automated literature mining of scientific publications on genome editing in the past year to infer research trends in 2 key genome editing technologies- CRISPR/Cas systems and TALENs. The study finds that genome editing research is disproportionately distributed between and within countries, with researchers in the US and China accounting for 50% of authors in the field whereas countries across Africa are underrepresented. Furthermore, genome editing research is also disproportionately being explored on diseases such as cancer, Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, sickle cell disease and malaria. Gender biases are also evident in genome editing research with considerably fewer women as principal investigators. The results of this study suggest that automated mining of scientific literature could enhance tracking global trends that could help identify biases in research as a means to mitigate future inequalities and tap the full potential of the technology.
Gentrification in Leipzig

Gentrification seems to be primarily another urban phenomenon such as urbanization, reurbanization, deindustrialization, or tertiarization (a term used to refer to the development of the tertiary service sector and the growing proportion of employment both of men and, particularly, of women, represented by this sector as compared with the primary and secondary sectors.) Theoretically, gentrification has to be analyzed like a market phenomenon.
Analyzing Multimodal Communication around a Shared Tabletop Display

Communication between people is inherently multimodal. People employ speech, facial expressions, eye gaze, and gesture, among other facilities, to support communication and cooperative activity. Complexity of communication increases when a person is without a modality such as hearing, often resulting in dependence on another person or an assistive device to facilitate communication. This paper examines communication about medical topics through Shared Speech Interface, a multimodal tabletop display designed to assist communication between a hearing and deaf individual by converting speech-to-text and representing dialogue history on a shared interactive display surface. We compare communication mediated by a multimodal tabletop display and by a human sign language interpreter. Results indicate that the multimodal tabletop display (1) allows the deaf patient to watch the doctor when she is speaking, (2) encourages the doctor to exploit multimodal communication such as co-occurring gesture-speech, and (3) provides shared access to persistent, collaboratively produced representations of conversation. We also describe extensions of this communication technology, discuss how multimodal analysis techniques are useful in understanding the affects of multiuser multimodal tabletop systems, and briefly allude to the potential of applying computer vision techniques to assist analysis.
Thermodynamics: An Introductory Glance

Biological systems are complex because of the enormous interdependency and interaction of chemical species and physical forces. The simple molecule of water is a good example of this “systemic” complexity. Although a simple molecule, water plays an important and interesting role in biological systems. What will become clear is that this simple molecule interacts with everything around it—polar and nonpolar molecules and even surfaces, not considered to be in solution. It is important to have effective tools to predict and model the behavior of such interactions and their effect on the heterogeneous systems that make up biological cells even when the detailed nature of the interactions may not be known.
The Effects of a Choral Singing Intervention on Speech Characteristics in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: An Exploratory Study.

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine speech characteristics in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) before and after participation in an 11-week choral singing intervention. Sp...
Object Tracking via Blocking in Millimeter Wave Communications: A Blessing Misfortune

Millimeter wave is a promising technique in the next generation of cellular communications due to its large bandwidth and thus unprecedentedly high data transmission rate. In this paper, the blocking effect of millimeter wave is studied through a series of experiments. Then, the blocking of millimeter wave communications is applied to track the movement of the blocking object. Two object tracking schemes via the blocking effect, using two different criteria, are proposed. A walking trajectory model is proposed and analyzed to evaluate the performance of the proposed tracking algorithm analytically. The performance of the proposed schemes is tested by simulations on true trajectories based on GPS measurement.
Multisensor Compressive Sensing for High Frame-Rate Imaging System in the THz Band

We present a compressive terahertz (THz) imaging system utilizing a sparse multisensor array to speed up the acquisition process. Spatially modulated object beam is captured with the multipixel array in the $k$ -space. The sparsity of the proposed array sensor is particularly attractive for heterodyne reception. To realize THz spatial light modulation, photoexcitation of a 420- $\mu$ m-thick silicon wafer illuminated by a commercial optical projector is used. To demonstrate multipixel data acquisition and compressive reconstruction, a gimbal mirror is used in conjunction with a single detector. The prototypical system is capable of recording data at two different Fourier points and can reconstruct 64 × 64 pixel image of a metallic aperture object by using 512 mask patterns at 690 GHz. We also demonstrate that the proposed approach is twice as fast as the single-pixel imager, which requires 1024 masks to achieve similar image quality.
Multiple sclerosis genetic risk burden confers earlier onset. (S49.001)

Objective: To determine the contribution of the genetic risk component for multiple sclerosis (MS) on age of onset (AOO). Background: AOO is a strong predictor of MS evolution independent of disease duration. Factors influencing AOO are not well known though HLA-DRB1*15:01 (DR2), the primary MS genetic risk factor, has been consistently associated with earlier onset. Design/Methods: The study population included 1,076 non-Hispanic white MS cases with detailed epidemiologic and genetic information. AOO was age of first symptom indicative of MS. Genetic data for 201 putative MS risk variants were genotyped on a customized Illumina iSelect Platform by the International MS Genetics Consortium. A tagging variant for HLA-DRB1*15:01 (DR2) was available (rs3135388). AOO was natural log transformed to meet normality assumptions for linear regression models that included each risk variant (coded with respect to MS risk) as a predictor, adjusting for gender, MS subtype, birth year, education, and DR2 carrier status. A genetic risk score (GRS) was also investigated and was the sum of all alleles for the 201 variants. Results: As expected DR2 carriers had a younger AOO. A single risk allele increase in the GRS was associated with a 0.3% decrease in AOO (p=0.0036). When we compared quantiles of the GRS distribution, those with the greatest genetic burden were 7.2% (p=0.0018) younger at onset than those in the lowest burden. On average, the predicted AOO was 3.8 years earlier for DR2 carriers with the highest GRS quantile burden (30.5 years) versus DR2 non-carriers with the lowest GRS quantile burden (34.3 years). Among the genic variants, those in CLEC16A (which regulated DR2 expression) were most associated with earlier AOO: rs12708716 (2.9% earlier per risk allele; p=0.012) and rs1985372 (2.6% earlier per risk allele; p=0.02). Conclusions: The MS genetic risk component significantly predisposes MS susceptible individuals for earlier onset. Disclosure: Dr. Briggs has nothing to disclose. Dr. Davis has nothing to disclose.
How and how well do students reflect?: multi-dimensional automated reflection assessment in health professions education

Reflection assessment is a critical component of health professions education that can be used for personalized learning support. However, reflection assessment at scale remains a challenge due to the demanding nature of tasks and the common use of simplified criteria of quality. This study addressed this issue by developing a multi-dimensional automated assessment that uses linguistic models to classify reflections by overall quality (depth) and the presence of six constituent elements denoting quality (description, analysis, feeling, perspective, evaluation, and outcome). 1500 reflections from 369 dental students were manually coded to establish ground truth. Classifiers for each of the six elements were trained and tested based on linguistic features extracted using the LIWC tool applying both single-label and multi-label classification approaches. Classifiers for depth were built both directly from linguistic features and based on the presence of the six elements. Results showed that linguistic modeling can be used to reliably detect the presence of reflection elements and the level of depth. However, the depth classifier showed a heavy reliance on cognitive elements (description, analysis, and evaluation) rather than the others. These findings indicate the feasibility of implementing multidimensional automated assessment in health professions education and the need to reconsider how quality of reflection is conceptualized.
Cell-Type-Specific Expression of Renin-Angiotensin-System Components in the Human Body and Its Relevance to SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract We have analyzed the cell-type-specific expression of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components across 141 cell types or subtypes as defined by single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) analysis. ACE2, one of the components of RAS, also facilitates SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells in cooperation with its associated protease TMPRSS2. Therefore, our analysis also contributes to the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection, spreading of the virus throughout the body, and potential viral interference with RAS in COVID-19 patients.
Application of density functional theory (DFT) for emerging materials and interconnects

In this chapter, we have shown how to use DFT for modelling material and finding their electronic structure. We have shown how to calculate the band diagram and expanded it to the calculation of transport. Hybrid material modelling has been shown in the context of VLSI interconnect. We also described the calculation methods for quantum capacitance of a hybrid G/Cu nanoribbon using DFT. Although in this chapter we have shown up to transport calculation and capacitance properties, DFT can be implemented to calculate other relevant properties of the material. This calculation methodology will help finding transport properties and quantum capacitance of emerging materials. The chapter can be a good starting point in advancing an understanding of electrical performances of other nanostructures for possible interconnect and device materials.
Postoperative Analgesia in the Chronic Pain Patient

An increasing number of chronic pain patients presenting for surgery are chronic opioid users. Pain management in the postoperative period can be challenging in this population due to the development of tolerance, physical dependence, and hyperalgesia in long-term opioid users. It is common for postoperative pain to be undertreated in these patients, leading to an overall increase in length of hospital stays, health care costs, and decreased patient satisfaction. Identifying opioid-tolerant patients and developing a perioperative pain management plan are important components of a patient's overall recovery after any surgical procedure.
Major histocompatibility complex recombinant R13 antibody response against bovine red blood cells.

Recombination within the chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has enabled more precise identification of genes controlling immune responses. Chicken MHC genes include BF, MHC class I; BL, MHC class II; and BG, MHC class IV that are closely linked on chromosome 16. A new recombination occurred during the 10th backcross generation to develop congenic lines on the inbred Line UCD 003 (B17B17) background. Recombinant R13 (BF17-BG23) was found in a single male chick from the Line 003.R1 (BF24-BG23) backcross. An additional backcross of this male to Line UCD 003 females increased the number of R13 individuals. Two trials tested this new recombinant for antibody production against the T cell-dependent antigen, bovine red blood cells. Fifty-one progeny segregating for R13R13 (n = 10), R13B17 (n = 26), and B17B17 (n = 15) genotypes were produced by a single R13B17 male mated to 5 R13B17 dams. One milliliter of 2.5% bovine red blood cell was injected intravenously into all genotypes at 4 and 11 wk of age to stimulate primary and secondary immune responses, respectively. Blood samples were collected 7 d after injection. Serum total and mercaptoethanol-resistant antibodies against bovine red blood cell were measured by microtiter methods. The least squares ANOVA used to evaluate all antibody titers included trial and B genotype as main effects. Significant means were separated by Fisher's protected least significant difference at P < 0.05. R13R13 chickens had significantly lower primary total and mercaptoethanol-resistant antibodies than did the R13B17 and B17B17 genotypes. Secondary total and mercaptoethanol-resistant antibodies were significantly lower in R13R13 chickens than in R13B17 but not B17B17 chickens. Gene differences generated through recombination impacted the antibody response of R13 compared with B17. Secondary antibody titers were not substantially higher than the primary titers suggesting that the memory response had waned in the 7-wk interval between injections. Overall, the results suggest that the lower antibody response in R13R13 homozygotes may be caused by recombination affecting a region that contributes to higher antibody response.
Selective ring-rearrangement or ring-closing metathesis of bicyclo[3.2.1]octenes

Explored was the competitive ring-closing metathesis vs. ring-rearrangement metathesis of bicyclo[3.2.1]octenes prepared by a simple and convergent synthesis from bicyclic alkylidenemalono-nitriles and allylic electrophiles. It was uncovered that ring-closing metathesis occurs exclusively on the tetraene-variant, yielding unique, stereochemically and functionally rich polycyclic bridged frameworks, whereas the reduced version (a triene) undergoes ring-rearrangement metathesis to 5-6-5 fused ring systems resembling the isoryanodane core.
A Content Analysis of Mental Health Discourse in Popular Rap Music

Importance Rap artists are among the most recognizable celebrities in the US, serving as role models to an increasingly diverse audience of listeners. Through their lyrics, these artists have the potential to shape mental health discourse and reduce stigma. Objective To investigate the prevalence and nature of mental health themes in popular rap music amid a period of documented increases in mental health distress and suicide risk among young people in the US and young Black/African American male individuals in particular. Design and Setting Lyric sheets from the 25 most popular rap songs in the US in 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018, totaling 125 songs, were analyzed by 2 trained coders from March 1 to April 15, 2019, for references to anxiety, depression, suicide, metaphors suggesting mental health struggles, and stressors associated with mental health risk. Main Outcomes and Measures Mental health references were identified and categorized based onDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(Fifth Edition) and Mayo Clinic definitions. Stressors included issues with authorities, environmental conditions, work, and love life. Descriptive language and trend analyses were used to examine changes over time in the proportion of songs with mental health references. Stressors were analyzed for their co-occurrence with mental health references. Results Most of the 125 analyzed songs featured lead artists from North America (123 [98%]). Most lead artists were Black/African American male individuals (97 [78%]), and artists’ mean (SD) age was 28.2 (4.5) years. Across the sample, 35 songs (28%) referenced anxiety; 28 (22%) referenced depression; 8 (6%) referenced suicide; and 26 (21%) used a mental health metaphor. Significant increases were found from 1998 to 2018 in the proportion of songs referencing suicide (0% to 12%), depression (16% to 32%), and mental health metaphors (8% to 44%). Stressors related to environmental conditions (adjusted odds ratio, 8.1; 95% CI, 2.1-32.0) and love life (adjusted odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.3-18.1) were most likely to co-occur with lyrics referencing mental health. Conclusions and Relevance References to mental health struggles have increased significantly in popular rap music from 1998 to 2018. Future research is needed to examine the potential positive and negative effects these increasingly prevalent messages may have in shaping mental health discourse and behavioral intentions for US youth.
Hydrodynamic granulation of oxygenic photogranules

Oxygenic photogranules (OPGs), granular assemblages of phototrophic and chemotrophic microbes, offer a promising biotechnology for wastewater treatment with self-aerating potential. Currently, the seed OPG is produced under hydrostatic conditions with activated-sludge inoculum. We investigated the development of OPGs under hydrodynamic conditions employing batches with different light, shear, and inoculum conditions. The results demonstrated hydrodynamic granulation of OPGs from activated sludge, presenting opportunities for rapid (less than 8 days) and bulk development. From the matrix of conditions investigated, we found that granulation occurs only with some combinations of different magnitudes of these input energies. For example, ×4 dilute inoculum combined with low light supported granulation under the different shear conditions utilized. However, ×4 dilution inoculum with high light and high shear did not support granulation. This observed disparity in applied conditions suggests that OPG granulation ensues only with favorable interaction of variable induced energy pressures coupled with biological response selecting for spheroidal aggregates. Multi-regression analysis on temporal changes in the ratio of sludge volume index for 5 min to 30 min settling, a metric for granulation, confirmed the intercorrelation of these energy inputs on OPG granulation. This granulation scheme, dependent on goldilocks interaction of selection pressures, can potentially be extended to other granules applied in wastewater treatment.
Investigation into the Occurrence of Juvenile Common Snook Centropomus undecimalis , a Subtropical Estuarine Sport Fish, in Saltmarshes Beyond Their Established Range

Given recent trends of warming water temperatures and shifting fish distributions, detecting range expansion is important for resource management and planning. The subtropical common snook Centropomus undecimalis (hereafter referred to as snook) is an estuarine species that historically extended from the tropics to southern portions of Florida and Texas, but this range has been expanding for the past decade. We collected juvenile snook (n = 16; size range = 96–210-mm standard length [SL]) in saltmarshes of South Carolina, which is well outside their usual range but not unprecedented. Growth rates of juvenile snook in South Carolina (0.72-mm SL d−1) were similar to those reported for Florida during a cold period, but faster than rates reported for Florida during a recent period of mild winters (0.49-mm SL d−1). Based on collection and estimated hatch dates, and supported by winter water temperature records, juvenile snook overwintered for at least 1 year allowing them to grow to sizes that are typical for emigration from nursery habitats to open estuarine shorelines. Continued work is needed to determine whether there is potential for ongoing range expansion of snook to the region, and a strategy is proposed to focus on future research.
Pain Associated With Continuous Intravenous Infusion of Bumetanide: A Case Series.

Introduction Bumetanide can induce generalized musculoskeletal pain when administered as a continuous infusion, an effect that may be underrecognized. The purpose of this case series is to educate health care providers about the incidence and presentation of pain associated with bumetanide infusions, adding to the existing literature describing this adverse event. Clinical findings Of 40 critically ill patients, 15 (38%) had increased pain scores after initiation of a continuous infusion of bumetanide, with symptoms commonly occurring 12 to 24 hours after initiation of the infusion. Reported descriptions of the pain included generalized aching, soreness, burning, allodynia, headaches, and exacerbation of underlying pain in localized areas. Increases in patient-reported pain correlated directly with initiation of the continuous infusion of bumetanide. Diagnosis Four of the 15 bumetanide-associated pain events (27%) were recognized as such by the health care team. Interventions Bumetanide was promptly discontinued in the 4 identified cases. The 11 patients (73%) whose pain was not recognized as related to bumetanide remained on a continuous infusion of bumetanide and received pain medications including opioids. Infusions were stopped when patients transitioned to dialysis (n = 8 [53%]), began receiving comfort care (n = 5 [33%]), or completed diuresis therapy (n = 2 [13%]). Outcomes For all patients, pain symptoms resolved within 24 to 48 hours after discontinuation of bumetanide infusion with no significant electrolyte abnormalities. Conclusion Bumetanide-induced pain is more common than previously described. Early recognition of this adverse event can prevent patient discomfort and escalation of treatment.
Being gay in urology: balancing my identity.

Learning to rectify my personal and professional identities has not always been easy, but finally getting to a place where the two can work together has led me to the most fulfilling portion of my career in urology.
A Review of the Clinician's Role in Women's Weight Management and Implications for Women's Health and Pregnancy Outcomes.

Importance Ten years have passed since the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released its recommendations for gestational weight gain (GWG), based on a woman's prepregnancy body mass index. Despite this, the majority of women do not gain the appropriate gestational weight; most women gain too much weight, and a small but substantial number gain too little. Objective We review the literature concerning GWG, the opinions and practices of clinicians in managing their patients' weight, and how these practices are perceived by patients. We also review several randomized control trials that investigate the efficacy of clinical intervention in managing GWG. Evidence Acquisition A literature review search was conducted with no limitations on the number of years searched. Results The number of clinicians who are aware of and use the IOM recommendations has increased, but the prevalence of inappropriate GWG has not decreased. Clinicians report feeling less than confident in their ability to have an impact on their patients' weight gain, and there are discrepancies between what clinicians and patients report regarding counseling. Many randomized control trials demonstrate a beneficial impact of clinical intervention, highlighting the importance of collaboration and technology to provide educational information and support throughout a pregnancy. Conclusions Pregnancy provides an opportunity for clinicians to have open and direct conversations with their patients about their weight. Providing clinicians with the tools, skillset, and confidence to assist in the management of GWG is essential to the health of women and their children, and warrants further investigation.
Near-Field Analysis of Rectangular Waveguide Probes Used for Imaging

Near-field microwave imaging of composite structures has received considerable attention recently. The success achieved on the experimental level motivated the development of a theoretical model to describe the high quality images obtained using near-field microwave imaging [1–4]. This theoretical model will also help in building an intuitive understanding of the behavior of the fields inside dielectric materials in the near-field of an open-ended rectangular waveguide probe. A near-field microwave image is the result of several factors such as probe type (example rectangular waveguide, circular waveguide or coaxial line), field properties (i.e. main lobe, sidelobes and half power beam width, etc.), geometrical and physical properties of both the defect and the material under inspection. Thus, in order to characterize a defect, the effect of all non-defect factors needs to be taken out of an image. One of the dominant non-defect factors which influences an image significantly is the radiator field properties. Thus, it is essential to formulate the properties of the fields radiating out of an open-ended rectangular waveguide in its near-field. This knowledge will aid in formulating the forward problem when imaging a defect, and will be used to solve the inverse problem for obtaining defect properties. In this paper fields radiating out of an open-ended rectangular waveguide, into an infinite half-space of a dielectric material, are calculated and used to explain some of the features observed in experimental near-field microwave images.
FULL-SCALE LABORATORY TESTING OF A TOE DRAIN WITH A GEOTEXTILE SOCK

This paper describes the full-scale laboratory testing (pipe box testing) of a 380-,,-diameter, corrugated, polyethylene toe drain with a knitted geotextile sock, backfilled with a sand envelope material. The test results are compared with previous small-scale and full-scale pipe box tests using pipe with 3-mm and 6-mm perforations, but no geotextile. Use of the geotextile optimized to drain performance both with respect to flow and with respect to loss of the sand envelope. The long-term flow rate was 260 liters per minute per linear meter of pipe, which was significantly lower (by a factor of 4 to 17) than the earlier tests without geotextile. The test with geotextile was run for 31 days at a constant head of 0.75 m above the pipe invert with no indication of clogging. Based on these results, use of geotextile sock in conjunction with a sand envelope is recommended for future toe drain installations in areas with fine-grained native soils.
The Influence of Service Guarantees on Firm Performance

Although it is generally assumed that that the introduction of a service guarantee gives firms a competitive edge in the marketplace (e.g., Hart 1998; Wirtz and Kum 2004), there is minimal evidence that validates this assumption. In fact, firm-related outcomes of service guarantees have received limited attention compared to consumer-related outcomes (Hogreve and Gremler 2009; Kashyap 2001), and much of the current academic research into the influence of service guarantees on firm-related outcomes is relatively conceptual or qualitative (except for studies by Hays and Hill 2001a, 2001b, 2006a, 2006b). Therefore, both theoretically-driven research and empirical testing are needed so that the linkage between service guarantees and firm performance can be further substantiated and the influence of service guarantees can be better understood. Drawing on service-dominant logic (Vargo and Lusch 2004), we proposes and empirically tests hypotheses about the influence of service guarantees on important aspects of firm performance including customer satisfaction and financial performance by analyzing data collected from maximally dissimilar secondary sources.
Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation: Where Are We Now?

Early detection and advanced treatment strategies in cancer have improved survival outcomes, leading to an increased interest for fertility preservation. Following the first description of the successful restoration of ovarian function after transplantation of the previously cryopreserved ovarian cortical pieces, the field of fertility preservation entered into an accelerated phase. Once the cancer community and the patients took notice of the possibility of successfully and safely preserving fertility, fertility preservation became an increasingly important part of cancer care with attention to the improvement of the post-survival quality of life.
Experiences Implementing the ACTION Treatment Program: Implications for Preventive Interventions

Collins and Dozois (2008) reviewed research on interventions for preventing the development of depressive disorders across the life span with the objective of identifying components that contribute to overall effectiveness. Additional treatment components and procedures to enhance existing programs were discussed. This commentary offers some experiential insights from years of implementing the ACTION treatment program for depressed 9- to 14-year-old girls. It is hoped that our experiences will further inform the design and delivery of prevention programs for children and adolescents.
Epigenetic influences on oocyte developmental competence: perifollicular vascularity and intrafollicular oxygen.

Purpose:Studies indicating that the developmental competence of the human oocyte is influenced by the level of intrafollicular oxygen are described. Methods:Perifollicular vascularity and dissolved oxygen content were determined by color Doppler ultrasonography and analysis of follicular fluid at ovum retrieval, respectively, in stimulated cycles for in vitro fertilization. Results:Differences in the degree of perifollicular vascularity correlate with differences in the dissolved oxygen content of the corresponding follicular fluid. Oocytes with cytoplasmic and chromosomal disorders and embryos with multinucleated blastomeres and limited developmental ability were derived predominantly from underoxygenated follicles. Findings from several studies indicate that embryos with the highest implantation potential originate from follicles that are well-vascularized and oxygenated. Conclusions:Follicular vascularity and oxygen content appear to be important determinants of oocyte competence. Possible causes of differences in follicle-specific vascularity and the potential effects of severe hypoxia on the normality of molecular and cellular processes during follicle growth and preovulatory development are discussed.
Relation of High‐Pass Filtered Unipolar Electrograms to Bipolar Electrograms during Ventricular Mapping

Background: A filtered bipolar electrogram (EG) amplitude <1.5 mV is a robust indicator of relatively dense scar, but is influenced by the wavefront direction. Unipolar recordings are not subject to directional influence. We hypothesized that high-pass filtered unipolar EGs would provide similar information to bipolar EGs, without potential errors related to wavefront direction. Methods: Simultaneous bipolar filtered at 30–500 Hz and unipolar (high-pass filtered at 30 Hz) signals were recorded during ventricular voltage maps in 24 patients (group A). In five subsequent patients, low voltage surface areas were compared in electroanatomic maps (group B). Results: Of 2,789 mapping points in group A, filtered unipolar EG amplitude correlated well with bipolar EG amplitude. Agreement of filtered unipolar recordings in classifying sites as >1.5 mV or bipolar amplitude at 83% of the discordant sites, consistent with possible reduction of bipolar amplitude due to direction dependence. Discordance was more frequent during epicardial than endocardial mapping. Double potentials were more frequently observed in bipolar than in unipolar recordings (3.2% vs 1.8%, P < 0.0001). In group B, the mean low-voltage surface area (<1.5 mV) was 70.1 ± 48.9 cm2 for bipolar and 61.3 ± 52.2 cm2 for filtered unipolar EG maps. Conclusion: Direction dependent effects on bipolar EG amplitude may influence the identification of substrate for arrhythmias. High-pass filtered unipolar EGs might be a reasonable alternative to bipolar recordings for creation of voltage maps. (PACE 2012; 35:157–163)
Two-dimensional imaging

1. Introduction. 2. The Image Plane. 3. Two Dimensional Impulses. 4. The Two Dimensional Fourier Transform. 5. Two Dimensional Convolution. 6. The Convolution Theorem. 7. Sampling and Interpolation in Two Dimensions. 8. Digital Operations. 9. Rotational Symmetry and the Two Dimensional Fourier Transform. 10. Imaging by Convolution. 11. Diffraction Theory of Sensors. 12. Indirect Imaging and Interferometry. 13. Restoration of Images. 14. The Projection-Slice Theorem. 15. Computed Tomography. 16. Synthetic Aperture Radar. 17. Random Images and Fractals. Index.
Effects of temporally varying inlet conditions on flow and particle deposition in the small bronchial tubes.

SUMMARY The laminar flow in the small bronchial tubes is quite complex because of the presence of vortex-dominated, secondary flows. Factors contributing to this complexity are the unsteady nature of the inhale–exhale breathing cycle and the geometrical characteristics of the bronchial tubes. To investigate unsteady effects on flows and particle transport, unsteady inhalation flows at a 30-respiration-per-minute frequency, corresponding to a moderate activity level, were simulated for a three-generation, asymmetric, planar bronchial tube model. Ten-micron diameter water droplets were introduced at the inlet at different times during inhalation to develop particle destination maps. The differences in the flow fields and destination maps obtained at the unsteady peak flow and the comparable steady-state inflow condition were minimal. However, particles released at equivalent instantaneous off-peak inflow conditions produced different destination maps. The differences were attributed to the temporal variations of the fluid velocities and history effects. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mevalonate deprivation mediates the impact of lovastatin on the differentiation of murine 3T3-F442A preadipocytes.

The statins competitively inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase activity and consequently the synthesis of mevalonate. The use of statins is associated with insulin resi...
Keeping Early Finishers Engaged During In-Class Groups

Many professors use in-class group work to engage students. A frequently occurring problem with this approach is that some groups finish the assigned task before others do. This puts the professor in the position of having to manage the early completing groups while waiting for the rest of the class to finish. This Quick Fix article shares two approaches that can be used to address this situation—Question Cubes and Discussion Extender Cards.
TREKing toward new antidepressants.

Mice lacking the background potassium channel TREK-1 show elevated activity of serotonergic neurons and behave as if they have been treated with an antidepressant drug, reports a new study. This suggests that the TREK-1 channel may be a good target for the development of drugs for the treatment of depression.
Improving sales training cycle times for new trainees

Abstract Sales training is a key organizational process used by many firms to develop high-quality salespeople into value-added agents. This development of salespeople as value-added agents can be accomplished in a number of ways. The results of this study suggest cycle time improvements in sales training can be achieved by properly preparing trainees prior to staging role-play exercises. The managerial implications of the results include indications as to how organizations can save on training by reducing the time it takes to effectively train new salespeople as well as evidence that demonstrates that the training enhancers we introduce can increase the initial revenue generating potential of these new salespeople.
Concentration Dependence of Shear-Induced Polymer Migration in DNA Solutions near a Surface

We investigate optically the time-dependent concentration and mean fractional stretch of 2-phage DNA molecules near a solid surface in a torsional shear flow, for solutions of DNA concentrations from 0.1c* to 3.0c*. At high Weissenberg number (Wi ≥ 10), the polymer migration caused by the hydrodynamic interaction with the surface diminishes as DNA concentration increases from 0.1c* to 1.0c*, indicating that screening of wall hydrodynamics occurs to some degree in the concentration range traditionally recognized as "dilute". In addition, the surface migration continues to exist in diminished form up to 3.0c*, implying that, while the chains are overlapping, they do not screen out the hydrodynamic interactions completely. On the time scale over which migration occurs, the apparent mean fractional stretch of DNA molecules decreases near the surface, which is probably caused by the selective retention of fragments near the surface as long chains migrate away.
Effect of morphine pretreatment on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in the rat

In several species, larger doses of systemically-administered morphine induce seizures while smaller doses potentiate chemically-induced convulsions. However, it is generally considered that morphine acts as an anticonvulsant in the rat. In the present study, the effects of pretreatment with morphine on both electrical and motor manifestations of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures in the rat were examined. Morphine (60 and 120 mg/kg) significantly delayed the onset of motor seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol but also induced a significantly greater number of motor seizures, a greater percentage of deaths and a lowering of the chemoconvulsive threshold for pentylenetetrazol. Recordings from animals with chronically-implanted supracortical electrodes showed that pretreatment with morphine (60 mg/kg) both altered the onset pattern of CNS excitation induced by pentylenetetrazol and delayed the onset of electrical seizure activity. These recorded electrocortical effects were similar to the behavioral effects observed in the non-implanted animals. Larger doses of morphine (175 and 250 mg/kg) by themselves produced both motor and electrocortical seizures in rats with chronically-implanted electrodes.
Nutritional assessment: An integral part of the preoperative pediatric surgical evaluation

Abstract Comprehensive nutritional assessment in adults has revealed that 50% of hospitalized patients suffer from acute protein calorie malnutrition (PCM), a state which correlates with increased surgical morbidity and mortality. We report our results examining the same question in children, and on the basis of these data suggest that nutritional assessment be a routine part of the preoperative evaluation of all pediatric surgical patients. We studied 198 children and found that the overall prevalence of acute PCM was 54%; but if premature and term infants less than three months of age are selected, the prevalence of acute PCM was a striking 63%. If only surgical patients are considered, the prevalence of acute PCM among patients hospitalized for trauma or burns was 31%, for elective operation 39%, and for acute but complex operative procedures 64%. These data demonstrate that a remarkably high prevalence of acute PCM exists among hospitalized pediatric and pediatric surgical patients. Whether aggressive perioperative nutritional support can reverse such acute PCM and favorably influence morbidity and mortality is currently speculation, but that acute protein calorie malnutrition is far more prevalent among hospitalized pediatric patients than is generally realized, and that comprehensive nutritional assessment is essential to identify the “at risk” nutritionally deprived pediatric surgical patient, have now been proven.
Frequency detuning and power dependence of reflection from an electromagnetically induced absorption grating

When the strong-coupling laser beam is replaced by a standing wave under conditions of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in a three-level atomic vapour, an electromagnetically induced absorption grating is formed. The weak probe beam in this EIT system is partially reflected by this absorption grating under certain conditions. The dependences of reflection signals on frequency detuning and coupling laser power are presented.
The Effects of Hate Crime Legislation: Unproven Benefits and Unintended Consequences

Despite most states' widespread adoption in the past 10 years of hate crime laws, researchers and policy-makers have been unable to measure the actual incidence or types of hate crimes being commit...
Calculational analysis of structural activation induced by 20-100 Mev proton beam loss in high-power linear accelerators

Abstract For the new high-power accelerators currently being designed, activation of the accelerator structure has become an important issue. To quantify this activation, a methodology was developed and utilized that coupled transport and depletion codes to obtain dose rate estimates at several locations near the accelerator. To perform these calculations, simplified computer models were developed from detailed engineering drawings of a typical high-power accelerator design. This research focused on the 20 and 100 MeV sections of the bridge-coupled drift tube linear (BCDTL) accelerator. The peak dose rate was found to be approximately 6.5 mR/h in the 100 MeV section near the quadrupoles at a 25 cm radius, given an assumed beam loss of 1 nA/m. This peak occurs after the longest irradiation time (1 year) and the 1 hour decay time considered for this research. It was determined that the activation was caused mostly by proton interactions and subsequent spallation products, as opposed to absorption of the generated neutrons. The worst contributors were the spallation products created by proton bombardment of iron, and the worst component was the beam pipe, which consists mostly of iron.
Routine CSF Analysis in Coccidioidomycosis Is Not Required

Although routinely done, there has been no evaluation of the utility of performing routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination in patients with active coccidioidomycosis and high complement fixation (IgG) antibody titers or other risk factors for disseminated infection. In our review 100% of patients diagnosed with coccidioidal meningitis had at least one sign or symptom consistent with infection of the central nervous system, headache was present in 100% of those with meningitis, while no patients without signs/symptoms of CNS infection were found to have coccidioidal meningitis, irrespective of antibody titers or other risk factors. Thus routine lumbar puncture may be unnecessary for patients with coccidioidomycosis who lack suggestive clinical symptoms.
Application of containment codes to LMFBRs in the United States

Abstract This paper describes the application of containment codes to predict the response of the fast reactor containment and the primary piping loops to HCDAs. Five sample problems are given to illustrate their applications. The first problem deals with the response of the primary containment to an HCDA. The second problem deals with the coolant flow in the reactor lower plenum. The third problem concerns sodium spillage and slug impact. The fourth problem deals with the response of a piping loop. The fifth problem analyzes the response of a reactor head closure. Application of codes in parametric studies and comparison of code predictions with experiments are also discussed.