cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of antibiotic concentrations in gastric mucosa by H2-receptor antagonist : implications for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections

We measured the effects of cimetidine on antibiotic concentrations in the luminal portion of gastric mucosa. Guinea pigs were premedicated with cimetidine 4 mg/kg intramuscularly. Clindamycin, an antibiotic previously characterized under physiologic pH conditions, was administered intramuscularly and levels measured in serum and tissue using a high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. The luminal mucosa concentration of clindamycin at 1 hr (pH 5.9) was fivefold greater compared to the concentrations seen under physiologic (pH 2.0) conditions (81.5 micrograms/g vs 15.9 micrograms/g; P less than 0.05) and 10-fold greater at 2 hr (82.7 micrograms/g vs 8.09 micrograms/g; P less than 0.05). There was no difference in peak serum levels between the groups. The finding that an antibiotic with characteristics of a base is thus affected by a nonconservative acid inhibitor such as cimetidine supports the presence of an acidic storage pool as proposed by other investigators. H2-receptor antagonists may be useful therapeutic adjuncts in H. pylori infections by virtue of increasing gastric concentrations of antibiotics that behave as weak bases.
Hot embossing in microfabrication. Part I: Experimental

The relationship among processing conditions, material properties, and part quality in hot embossing was investigated for three optical polymers: polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polyvinyl butyral (PVB). A series of systematic embossing experiments was conducted using mold inserts having either single or multiple feature depths. The feature dimensions varied from 90 to 3000 μm. The processing conditions studied include embossing pressure, thermal cycles, and heating methods. The displacement profile, replication accuracy and molded-in stresses were measured experimentally. It was found that for isothermal embossing, both replication accuracy and birefringence pattern depend strongly on the processing conditions. For non-isothermal embossing, the molded parts showed excellent replication as long as the feature transfer was completed. The flow pattern under isothermal embossing resembles a biaxial extensional flow. Under non-isothermal embossing, the polymer deformation involves an upward flow along the wall of mold features, followed by downward compression and outward squeezing. Rheological characterization and hot embossing analysis are presented in Part II.
The nature of the opaque colony variation in group A streptococci.

Griffith (1934) described the occurrence of opaque colony variants of streptococci from human sources and made extensive use of them in his serological studies. He found the selection of these variations to be useful in obtaining type-specific organisms for slide-agglutination tests. It has subsequently been suggested that the opaque colony character is a reflexion of a high content of type-specific M protein on the group A streptococcal cell-wall (Gooder & Maxted, 1961). However, selection of high M-producing variants by this procedure has given inconstant results (Wilson, 1959), and unpublished studies carried out in this laboratory some years ago indicated that there is no consistent relationship between the presence of M protein and the opaque colony form. In fact, several different opaque colony strains were isolated in which M protein was not detectable. The present investigation was undertaken to determine what property of the organism is responsible for this striking colonial variation. Although the initial working hypothesis was based on the assumption that some constituent of the bacterial surface was involved, no evidence was obtained for the presence of a new component or for a quantitative increase in a known component. Rather, it was concluded that the opaque colony results from an altered growth pattern of the organisms that depends on an unusually tenacious union between individual cocci following cell division. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Structure of the Response Regulator PhoP from Mycobacterium tuberculosis Reveals a Dimer Through the Receiver Domain

The PhoP protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a response regulator of the OmpR/PhoB subfamily, whose structure consists of an N-terminal receiver domain and a C-terminal DNA-binding domain. How the DNA-binding activities are regulated by phosphorylation of the receiver domain remains unclear due to a lack of structural information on the full-length proteins. Here we report the crystal structure of the full-length PhoP of M. tuberculosis. Unlike other known structures of full-length proteins of the same subfamily, PhoP forms a dimer through its receiver domain with the dimer interface involving α4-β5-α5, a common interface for activated receiver domain dimers. However, the switch residues, Thr99 and Tyr118, are in a conformation resembling those of nonactivated receiver domains. The Tyr118 side chain is involved in the dimer interface interactions. The receiver domain is tethered to the DNA-binding domain through a flexible linker and does not impose structural constraints on the DNA-binding domain. This structure suggests that phosphorylation likely facilitates/stabilizes receiver domain dimerization, bringing the DNA-binding domains to close proximity, thereby increasing their binding affinity for direct repeat DNA sequences.
Development of an Online Library of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Gastroenterology: The GI-PRO Database

Development of an Online Library of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Gastroenterology: The GI-PRO Database
Race, Position Segregation and Salary Equity in Professional Baseball

This paper uses the most recent data available to analyze the question of position segregation in major league baseball. One of the most consistent beliefs in our popular culture is that in professional sport black Americans have achieved parity with their white counterparts. Surprisingly, given the pervasiveness of this belief, there are relatively few empirical attempts to examine and explain the degree to which parity has or has not been achieved. Our paper examines the extent to which equality of opportunities exist in professional sport by looking at the game of baseball. The paper is a replication and extension of the pioneering study conducted by Loy and McElvogue (1970). We also include in our analysis variables that help predict salary differentials for players by race. The results of our research suggest the following: (1) position segregation still exists in professional baseball with white ballplayers disproportionately overrepresented in the infield (or central positions) and black American b...
Improving Writing: Comparing the Responses of Eighth-Graders, Preservice Teachers and Experienced Teachers

ABSTRACT This study investigates how middle school students and teachers in preservice and master of arts classes analyze writing samples. Three sets of participants analyzed and scored a common set of writings. Findings indicate that several intact classroom groups of eighth-graders, preservice teachers, and veteran teachers in a graduate reading program evaluated electronic literature discussion group writing sets similarly, in terms of both numeric assessments and rationales for why they assigned numeric values. Researchers concluded that there is general agreement about what constitutes good writing, that writing instruction that incorporates meaningful evaluation can support both developmental and struggling writers, and that an evaluation of writing may provide an instructional entry for teachers. All three groups were highly engaged in the small group evaluation, suggesting that peer-mediated writing activities are effective for teaching writing to diverse learners.
LL‐37 modulates human neutrophil responses to influenza A virus

Recent studies have shown that the human cathelicidin, LL-37, has antiviral activity against IAV in vitro and in vivo. Neutrophils are important cellular components of the initial innate response to IAV infection. In addition to its direct antimicrobial activities, LL-37 has important immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we explore how LL-37 affects interactions of IAV with human neutrophils. LL-37 did not alter neutrophil uptake of IAV but significantly increased neutrophil H2O2 responses to the virus. IAV stimulated production of NETs in vitro, and this response was increased by preincubating the virus with LL-37. NADPH-oxidase blockade did not reduce IAV-induced NET formation or the increased NET response stimulated by LL-37 + IAV. The increased respiratory burst and NET responses were, however, inhibited by preincubating cells with a formyl peptide receptor blocker, indicating that LL-37 engages these receptors when complexed with IAV. Responses to IAV alone were not inhibited by formyl peptide receptor blockade. It has been reported that LL-37 reduces proinflammatory cytokine responses during IAV infection in vivo. We now show that IAV alone potentiated release of IL-8 from neutrophils, and preincubation with LL-37 reduced IAV-stimulated IL-8 release. These results confirm that LL-37 modulates human neutrophil responses to IAV in a distinctive manner and could have important bearing on the protective effects of LL-37 during IAV infection in vivo.
Control Law Design for Perching an Agile MAV with Articulated Wings

This paper explores the use of variable wing dihedral and variable wing twist (in conjunction with a conventional horizontal elevator) to control an aircraft performing a perching maneuver. A choice of controller architecture wherein the dihedral is employed in the forward path and the elevator and twist are employed in the feedback path, is considered. The aircraft is modeled as a multivariable linear time-varying system. A specific perching trajectory is considered; and the open-loop aircraft is longitudinally unstable for a segment of this perching trajectory and lateral-directionally unstable for the entire perching trajectory. A multivariable time-varying controller is designed to efficiently stabilize the aircraft as well as reject longitudinal-lateral-directional wind disturbances, while closely tracking the reference perching trajectory.
Effects of aqueous organosulfur chemistry on particulate methanesulfonate to non–sea salt sulfate ratios in the marine atmosphere

Received 3 June 2005; revised 25 October 2005; accepted 23 November 2005; published 15 March 2006. [1] The oxidation of dimethyl sulfide (DMS, CH3SCH3) in the atmosphere could influence climate by affecting cloud condensation nuclei concentrations and cloud properties. This work focuses on elucidating the importance of DMS-cloud interactions, especially the poorly understood aqueous phase chemical transformations of DMS oxidation products. For this purpose, we incorporate an oxidation mechanism of atmospheric DMS and its products within the modeling framework of a trajectory ensemble model (TEM). Both marine cumulus and stratocumulus clouds are considered. It is found that the aqueous phase reactions of sulfur compounds contribute >97% of methanesulfonate (MS, CH3(O)S(O)O � ) and >80% of non–sea salt sulfate (NSS) production in particles and that about 30% of total MS and NSS production is from the aqueous phase oxidation of the organosulfur compounds. The aqueous phase methanesulfinate (MSI, CH3S(O)O � )+C l2 reaction is found to be more important than MSI + OH as an MS source. The MS + OH reaction could consume almost 20% of MS and produce about 8% of total NSS within 3 days under typical marine atmospheric conditions.
EFFECTS OF HIGHER ORDER NEED STRENGTH ON THE JOB PERFORMANCE–JOB SATISFACTION RELATIONSHIP

This study examines the moderating effects of employee higher order need strength (HONS) on the relationship between job performance and job satisfaction. Data were collected from a sample of 123 non-supervisory employees in a large retail-drug organization in the Midwest. Moderated regression and subgroup analyses were performed on the data, and the results provide support for the moderating role of HONS. Specifically, job performance is positively related to intrinsic as well as extrinsic sources of job satisfaction for strong HONS individuals while no such relation is found for individuals with weak HONS. Implications for work motivation and task design are discussed.
Relapse of Lymphoma after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Management Strategies and Outcome

The outcome and management of relapsed lymphoma after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is difficult. Therapeutic options may include donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), reduction of immunosuppression (RIS), chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, second HCT, and experimental treatments, but reported data contrasting the response and efficacy of these salvage treatments are limited. We describe the treatments, response, prognosis, and long-term survival of 72 patients with relapse of lymphoma after allogeneic HCT. Between 1991 and 2007, 227 lymphoma patients underwent allogeneic HCT. Of these, 72 (32%) developed relapse/progression after their HCT at a median of 99 days (0-1898 days); 37 had early ( 100 days) post-HCT. Three-year survival after HCT was significantly better in late than early relapse (53%; 95% confidence interval [CI] [34%-69%] versus 36%, [20%-52%], P = .02). Of 72 relapsed patients, 29 (40%) survived at a median of 34 (3-148) months posttransplant. The most common cause of death was underlying lymphoma (79%). The overall prognosis of relapsed/progressive lymphoma after allogeneic HCT is disappointing, yet half of patients respond to withdrawal of immunosuppression and additional therapies. Novel treatments can control lymphoma with acceptable morbidity. Particularly for patients with later relapse, ongoing treatment after relapse can yield meaningful benefit and prolonged survival.
Hollow Gold Nanoshells for Near Infra Red Cell by Cell Treatment

The temporal and spatial control over the delivery of materials such as siRNA or small molecular weight drugs into specific cells remains a significant technical challenge. We demonstrate the pulsed near-infrared (NIR) laser dependent release of siRNA or the chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and doxorubicin via the thermo-mechanical influence of 40 nm hollow gold nanoshells (HGN). Ligand-receptor interactions promote the cellular uptake of HGNs in targeted cells, resulting in HGN clusters within endosomes in the targeted cells. Non-targeted cells take up individual HGNs or no HGNs. The spatiotemporal silencing of a reporter gene (green fluorescence protein) was studied using photomasking to selectively irradiate targeted cells with NIR light to release chemically bound siRNA and rupture endosomes. GFP silencing followed siRNA release to the cytoplasm in NIR irradiated cells. The NIR laser induced release of siRNA from the nanoshells is found to be power and time dependent, through surface-linker bond cleavage, while the escape of the siRNA from endosomes occurs above a critical pulse energy attributed to local heating and nanobubble formation and collapse (cavitation). The same HGN could be used to selectively increase the permeability of multi-drug resistant cancer cells to doxorubicin or cisplatin to enhance the efficacy and selectivity of conventional chemotherapy. NIR induced nanobubbles enhanced the chemotherapeutic efficacy of liposome encapsulated doxorubicin (Doxil™) 33 times, allowing a reduction in drug dose by an order of magnitude while reducing non-specific toxicity to 15% (from 100%) among normal cells in a model of drug resistant oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.
Responsiveness to Mathematical Problem-Solving Instruction Comparing Students at Risk of Mathematics Disability With and Without Risk of Reading Disability

This study assessed responsiveness to a 16-week mathematical problem-solving treatment as a function of students' risk for disability. Among 301 third graders, TerraNova scores were used to categorize students as at risk for both reading and mathematics disability (MDR/RDR; 20 control and 12 experimental), at risk for mathematics disability only (MDR-only; 5 and 8), at risk for reading disability only (RDR-only; 12 and 15), or not at risk (NDR; 60 and 69). Interactions among at-risk status, treatment, and time showed that as a function of treatment, MDR/RDR, MDR-only, and RDR-only students improved less than NDR students on computation and labeling, and MDR/RDR students improved less than all other groups on conceptual underpinnings. Exploratory regressions suggested that MDR/RDR students' math deficits or their underlying mechanisms explained a greater proportion of variance in responsiveness to problem-solving treatment than reading deficits or their underlying mechanisms.
Adsorption and dissociation of molecular hydrogen on the (0001) surface of double hexagonal close packed americium

Hydrogen molecule adsorption on the (0001) surface of double hexagonal packed americium has been studied in detail within the framework of density functional theory using a full-potential all-electron linearized augmented plane wave plus local orbitals method (FP-L/APW+lo). Weak molecular hydrogen adsorptions were observed. Adsorption energies were optimized with respect to the distance of the adsorbates from the surface for three approach positions at three adsorption sites, namely t1 (one-fold top), b2 (two-fold bridge), and h3 (three-fold hollow) sites. Adsorption energies were computed at the scalar-relativistic level (no spin-orbit coupling NSOC) and at the fully relativistic level (with spin-orbit coupling SOC). The most stable configuration corresponds to a horizontal adsorption with the molecular approach being perpendicular to a lattice vector. The surface coverage is equivalent to one-fourth of a monolayer (ML), with the adsorption energies at the NSOC and SOC theoretical levels being 0.0997 eV and 0.1022 eV, respectively. The respective distance of the hydrogen molecule from the surface and hydrogen-hydrogen distance was found to be 2.645 A and 0.789 A, respectively. The work functions decreased and the net magnetic moments remained almost unchanged in all cases compared with the corresponding quantities of bare dhcp Am (0001) surface. The adsorbate-substrate interactions have been analyzed in detail using the partial charges inside the muffin-tin spheres, difference charge density distributions, and the local density of states. The effects of adsorption on the Am 5f electron localization-delocalization characteristics have been discussed. Reaction barrier for the dissociation of hydrogen molecule has been presented.
Impact of Parameter Estimation on the Performance of the FSU Global Spectral Model Using Its Full-Physics Adjoint

Abstract The full-physics adjoint of the Florida State University Global Spectral Model at resolution T42L12 is applied to carry out parameter estimation using an initialized analysis dataset. The three parameters, that is, the biharmonic horizontal diffusion coefficient, the ratio of the transfer coefficient of moisture to the transfer coefficient of sensible heat, and the Asselin filter coefficient, as well as the initial condition, are optimally recovered from the dataset using adjoint parameter estimation. The fields at the end of the assimilation window starting from the retrieved optimal initial conditions and the optimally identified parameter values successfully capture the main features of the analysis fields. A number of experiments are conducted to assess the effect of carrying out 4D Var assimilation on both the initial conditions and parameters, versus the effect of optimally estimating only the parameters. A positive impact on the ensuing forecasts due to each optimally identified parameter ...
The “shock and awe“ of digital research design: Rhetorical strategies as mediational means in digital survey research

What are the challenges, affordances, and the role of rhetoric when conducting online survey research? As part of a two-year study on rhetorical invention in copyright imbued environments, the author used an online survey to examine knowledge and understanding of US copyright law among digital writers (both students and teachers) in randomly selected US technical/professional writing programs. In this paper focus is on the implications for digital survey research under an activity theory lens, where the rhetorical strategies of ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos were used to accomplish data collection (N=334). After briefly reviewing existing best practices of survey research and describing the digital survey, it is discussed how administering an online survey to the educational field of technical and professional writing presents certain challenges. The effectiveness of differing rhetorical strategies when conducting online survey research is discussed. A heuristic is offered to facilitate success in these types of studies.
Antibody Repertoire Development in Fetal and Neonatal Piglets. XVII. IgG Subclass Transcription Revisited with Emphasis on New IgG3

Fetal piglets offer an in vivo model for determining whether Ag-independent IgG subclass transcription proceeds in a manner that differs from subclass transcription in pigs exposed to environmental Ags and TLR ligands. Our data from approximately 12,000 Cgamma clones from > 60 piglets provide the first report on the relative usage of all known porcine Cgamma genes in fetal and young pigs. Studies revealed that among the six Cgamma genes, allelic variants of IgG1 comprised 50-80% of the repertoire, and IgG2 alleles comprised < 10% in nearly all tissues. However, relative transcription of allelic variants of IgG1 randomly deviate from the 1:1 ratio expected in heterozygotes. Most surprising was the finding that IgG3 accounted for half of all Cgamma transcripts in the ileal Peyer's patches (IPPs) and mesenteric lymph nodes but on average only approximately 5% of the clones from the thymus, tonsil, spleen, peripheral blood, and bone marrow of newborns. Lymphoid tissues from late term fetuses revealed a similar expression pattern. Except for IgG3 in the IPPs and mesenteric lymph nodes, no stochastic pattern of Cgamma expression during development was seen in animals from mid-gestation through 5 mo. The age and tissue dependence of IgG3 transcription paralleled the developmental persistence of the IPP, and its near disappearance corresponds to the diversification of the preimmune VDJ repertoire in young piglets. We hypothesize that long-hinged porcine IgG3 may be important in preadaptive responses to T cell-independent Ags similar to those described for its murine namesake.
Independent navigation of multiple mobile robots with hybrid reciprocal velocity obstacles

We present an approach for smooth and collision-free navigation of multiple mobile robots amongst each other. Each robot senses its surroundings and acts independently without central coordination or communication with other robots. Our approach uses both the current position and the velocity of other robots to predict their future trajectory in order to avoid collisions. Moreover, our approach is reciprocal and avoids oscillations by explicitly taking into account that the other robots also sense their surroundings and change their trajectories accordingly. We build on prior work related to velocity obstacles and reciprocal velocity obstacles and introduce the concept of hybrid reciprocal velocity obstacles for collision avoidance that takes into account the kinematics of the robots and uncertainty in sensor data. We apply our approach to a set of iRobot Create robots using centralized sensing and show natural, direct, and collision-free navigation in several challenging scenarios.
Transverse zeeman effect for ions in uniaxial crystals with and without mirror plane symmetry

Abstract Intra-configuration electric dipole transitions may occur for an ion in a crystal at a site that is not a center of inversion. When an external magnetic field is directed perpendicularly to the principal crystal symmetry axis c , intensity variations in the optical spectrum due to transitions between Zeeman states may appear as the crystal is rotated about c or as the direction of polarization of the incident light is changed with respect to the Zeeman field direction. The electric dipole selection rules giving rise to these intensity fluctuations are derived by consideration of Earney's mirror plane symmetry, and are shown to be identical to those obtained by other means.
Testing of programmable analog neural network chips

Artificial neural network chips can achieve high-speed performance in solving complex computational problems for signal and information processing applications. These chips contain regular circuit units such as synapse matrices that interconnect linear arrays of input and output neurons. The neurons and synapses may be implemented in an analog or digital design style. Although the neural processing has some degree of fault tolerance, a significant percentage of processing defects can result in catastrophic failure of the neural network processors. Systematic testing of these arrays of circuitry is of great importance in order to assure the quality and reliability of VLSI neural network processor chips. The proposed testing method consists of parametric test and behavioral test. Two programmable analog neural chips have been designed and fabricated. The systematic approach used to test the chips is described, and measurement results on parametric test are presented.
Anterior guidance: Group function/canine guidance. A literature review

Anterior guidance, which can be categorized as group function or canine guidance, is essential for esthetics, phonetics, and mastication. This article reviews the historical development and philosophies of both occlusal schemes. There is no scientific evidence that supports one occlusal scheme over the other. Where anterior guidance must be reestablished or where it changes, there currently appear to be more authorities who favor canine guidance over group function.
Nitrogen fixation and growth response of Alnus rubra amended with low and high metal content biosolids

Forest application of biosolids offers a potential environmentally friendly alternative to landfilling. This two-year investigation was designed to analyze the effects of elevated soil metal concentration resulting from the land application of biosolids on the symbiotic, nitrogen (N) fixing relationship between Alnus rubra Bong. (red alder) and Frankia. High metal biosolids and a modern-day composted biosolid applied at high loading rates of 250, 500, and 1000 Mg ha-1, were used to represent a worst-case scenario for metal contamination. The high metal biosolids were obtained before the current regulations were formulated and had been lagooned prior to use in this study. Total cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in the high metal biosolids were 45, 958, and 2623 mg kg-1 respectively. These metal concentrations are above current regulatory limits in the US. The compost was made using biosolids that are currently produced and had Cd, Pb and Zn of 0.8, 20 and 160 mg kg-1 respectively. Trees were harvested and analyzed for rate of N fixation (as measured by acetylene reduction activity), biomass, and foliar metals. Soils were analyzed for available N, total carbon and N, pH and total Cd, Pb and Zn. Rates of N fixation were not affected by soil amendment. In year 2, shoot biomass of trees grown in both the compost and high metal amendments were higher than the control. Shoot biomass increased with increasing amount of compost amendments, but decreased with increasing amount of high metal amendments. There was no relationship between soil metal concentration and plant biomass. Foliar Cd and Pb were below detection for all trees and foliar Zn increased with increasing amount of both compost and high metal amendment, with concentrations of 249 mg kg-1 for trees grown in the compost amendment and 279 mg kg-1 for the high metal amendment. The results from this study indicate that the growth of A. rubra benefited from both types of biosolids used in the study and that the Alnus/Frankia relationship was not negatively impacted by metal concentrations resulting from the high metal biosolids amendments.
Terrestrial Arthropods of Pre- and Post-eruption Kasatochi Island, Alaska, 2008–2009: a Shift from a Plant-Based to a Necromass-Based Food Web

Abstract On 11 June 2008 the first author spent 10.66 h on Kasatochi Island and collected 396 terrestrial arthropod specimens estimated to represent a minimum of 58 species. Among these are included the first Alaskan records of the fly genus Lestremia and the ghost moth Sthenopis quadriguttatus (Grote). Also found were a new species of salpingid beetle in the genus Aegialites and sawfly in the genus Pseudodineura. On 10 and 12 August 2009, one year after an eruption that buried the island in ash, the first author spent 15 h sampling terrestrial arthropods. Specimens were also collected on 12–14 June 2009 by other team members. An estimated 17 post-eruption species were documented by the collection of 210 specimens. Evidence of breeding was seen in 4–9 species. Pitfall traps run from 14 June to 10 August 2009 flooded, capturing no arthropods. Fallout collectors representing 1 m2, run during the same period, had four flies and no seeds. The majority of species recovered post-eruption were probably survivors...
Successful obstetrical management of 110-day intertwin delivery interval without cerclage: counseling and conservative management approach to extreme asynchronous twin birth

Background This report describes a patient counseling approach and non-surgical management of a dichorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy where delivery of the second twin followed the delivery of the first by 110 days.
The new scramble over Africa's farmland: an introduction

I'm convinced that farmland is going to be one of the best investments of our time. Eventually, of course, food prices will get high enough that the market probably will be flooded with supply thro...
A UNIFIED ARCHITECTURE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SECURITY PROTOCOLS

Most security protocols share a similar set of algorithms and functions and exhibit common sequences and patterns in the way they operate. These observations led us to propose a unified architecture for the implementation of security protocols in the form of a security toolbox system. Our design, based on the concepts of Component Based Software Engineering (CBSE), provides fast and flexible implementation and deployment of security protocols.
Attachment and Psychological Health in Older Couples Coping with Pain

Attachment theory is useful for understanding how couples cope with stress across the lifespan. This study used the the Actor Partner Interdependence Model to examine the extent to which attachment related to one's own (actor effect) and one's partner's (partner effect) depressive symptoms and marital satisfaction among older, married couples with a musculoskeletal condition. Pain and support were also examined as mediators. A group of 77 couples completed self-report measures as part of a larger study in which support was manipulated. Results revealed that, when one or both partners were insecurely attached, both partners reported greater depressive symptoms and lower satisfaction; however, pain and support were not significant mediators. Findings have implications for targeted, dyadic interventions to improve psychological health of couples coping with pain.
Common Purposes: Using the Common Core State Standards to Strengthen Physical Education Instruction

In a climate of high stakes testing in education in America physical education is an oft-overlooked content area. As physical educators, however, we know the value that we have in the educational lives of our students. Instruction in our content area is engaging and immediately applicable to the “real world.” The skills and concepts that comprise our content standards are the texts that we instruct around in the gym. Instructing students to rigorously engage with those texts, both cognitively and in the psychomotor domain, supports mastery and application. The Common Core State Standards are not one more thing but rather are a tool that can serve to support learning in our classrooms and help us inform the larger educational community of the academic and wellness benefits of physical education. This article will provide readers a few practical strategies to accomplish the task of instructional improvement through the Common Core.
A Parent-Implemented Intervention to Improve Imitation Skills by Children with Autism: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the effects of a modified reciprocal imitation training (RIT) on the imitation skills of children with autism. Two parents were trained and coached to use the modified RIT with their young children with autism in home settings. The modified RIT was composed of contingent imitation, descriptive language, object imitation, and gestural imitation strategies. A multiple baseline design across strategies was used to examine the parents’ competence in learning and implementing the modified RIT. Results indicated that both parents learned to use the intervention strategies, and children showed improvements in their imitation skills.
Bone Marrow-Derived Cells in GBM Neovascularization

Historically, the formation of new blood vessels was thought to depend upon the activation of existing endothelial cells within the injured tissue or tumor. Based on a wealth of studies from different laboratories over the last 10 years, there has now been increasing appreciation that angiogenesis in the adult is also supported by the mobilization and recruitment of bone marrow-derived circulating vascular progenitor cells and proangiogenic myeloid support cells to generate a new tumor vasculature. Although the functional significance of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and pericyte progenitors (PPC) as major contributors to tumor vessel formation is controversial due to their extremely variable and in general rather low frequencies of incorporation into tumor vessels, there is more evidence that innate bone marrow-derived cells (BMDC) contribute to the formation and maintenance of tumor vessels. Influx of BMDC appears to be dependent on the degree of hypoxia and can make up to more than 20% of the cellular content in tumors such as glioblastoma (GBM). Congruent with observations in various tumor types, incorporation of EPC and PPC into the growing brain tumor vasculature is nevertheless observed at a modest rate but can vary significantly between different GBM mouse models, while myeloid proangiogenic support cells display the majority of BMDC and even have been shown to be sufficient to initiate neovascularization in GBM. Importantly, intratumoral hypoxia appears to be a driving force in GBM neovascularization. It induces various proangiogenic growth factors including VEGF, PIGF, and SDF-1α that besides activating residing endothelial cells can also regulate BMDC influx into sites of vascular remodeling in the tumor. These results prompt an agenda to assess the prevalence and functional significance of BMDC in GBM propagation and vascularization.
Functional Interplay between Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase of Pandemic 2009 H1N1 from the Perspective of Virus Evolution

Influenza type A viruses are classified into subtypes based on their two surface proteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Our time series analysis on the strains of pandemic 2009 H1N1 collected from 2009 to 2013 demonstrated that the HA receptor binding preference of this virus in USA, Europe, and Asia has been the characteristic of swine H1N1 virus since 2009. However, its binding characteristics of seasonal human H1N1 and avian H1N1 both have been on steady rise with American strains having the sharpest surge in 2013. The first increase could enhance the viral transmission and replication in humans and the second boost its ability to cause infection deep in lungs, which might explain the recent human deaths caused by this virus in Texas in December 2013. We further explored the corresponding NA activity of this virus to reveal the functional interdependence between HA and NA during the evolution and adaptation of this virus from 2009 to 2013. To understand the real causality, the amino acid substitutions in HA and NA that actually produced the mutations were also identified.
The Meaning and Measurement of Responsibility Attributions

This article advances a theory of responsibility attributions in which such judgments are rooted in considerations of intensity and comparability. Informed by insights from the study of attitudinal...
Advancing building energy management system to enable smart grid interoperation

With the emerging concept of smart grid, a customer's building facility is able to consume, generate, and store energy. At the center of the facility, an energy management system is required to perform an efficient energy management and to enable smart grid interoperation. However, the existing EMS is designed only for the management function and does not support the interoperation. To resolve the issue, this paper designs the interoperation function and proposes a new EMS model, named Premises Automation System (PAS), that also inherits the existing management function. To identify functional requirements, we bring out four design aspects out of energy services. Then, we design two categories of interoperable energy services to achieve customer interoperation. To demonstrate the feasibility of PAS, we implement and deploy a testbed in a campus. We conduct experiments with a microgrid scenario and present interesting measurements and findings.
Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhiza in Rhizomes, Scale-Like Leaves, Roots, and Xylem of Ginger

(1982). Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhiza in Rhizomes, Scale-Like Leaves, Roots, and Xylem of Ginger. Mycologia: Vol. 74, No. 1, pp. 156-161.
Response by Specialist and Generalist Natural Enemies to Agroecosystem Diversification: A Selective Review

Effects of agroecosystem diversification on searching behavior and success of arthropod natural enemies are poorly understood. Crop diversification may increase generalist enemy effectiveness by increasing alternate food or prey availability, as predicted by the enemies hypothesis. But diversification may also reduce enemy searching efficiency and destabilize predator/prey interactions. Additionally, specialist enemies, often important in biological control programs, may be particularly sensitive to vegetation texture. Pest control by specialist enemies may be more effective in less diverse agroecosystems if concentration of host plants increases attraction or retention of these enemies.
Cytology of inflamed aqueous humor in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Aqueous humor from ten patients having rheumatoid arthritis with iridocyclitis was studied for cytologic abnormalities. Four specimens had large numbers of polymorphonuclear granulocytes, many of which were distinctly abnormal and similar to those found in the inflamed synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis. In a matching control group of 20 patients who had uveitis alone without systemic disease, six aqueous specimens had similar cytologic abnormalities. However, in the latter group the polymorphonuclear granulocytes and the abnormalities were present only in much smaller numbers.
Computational Study of Thrombus Formation and Clotting Factor Effects under Venous Flow Conditions

A comprehensive understanding of thrombus formation as a physicochemical process that has evolved to protect the integrity of the human vasculature is critical to our ability to predict and control pathological states caused by a malfunctioning blood coagulation system. Despite numerous investigations, the spatial and temporal details of thrombus growth as a multicomponent process are not fully understood. Here, we used computational modeling to investigate the temporal changes in the spatial distributions of the key enzymatic (i.e., thrombin) and structural (i.e., platelets and fibrin) components within a growing thrombus. Moreover, we investigated the interplay between clot structure and its mechanical properties, such as hydraulic resistance to flow. Our model relied on the coupling of computational fluid dynamics and biochemical kinetics, and was validated using flow-chamber data from a previous experimental study. The model allowed us to identify the distinct patterns characterizing the spatial distributions of thrombin, platelets, and fibrin accumulating within a thrombus. Our modeling results suggested that under the simulated conditions, thrombin kinetics was determined predominantly by prothrombinase. Furthermore, our simulations showed that thrombus resistance imparted by fibrin was ∼30-fold higher than that imparted by platelets. Yet, thrombus-mediated bloodflow occlusion was driven primarily by the platelet deposition process, because the height of the platelet accumulation domain was approximately twice that of the fibrin accumulation domain. Fibrinogen supplementation in normal blood resulted in a nonlinear increase in thrombus resistance, and for a supplemented fibrinogen level of 48%, the thrombus resistance increased by ∼2.7-fold. Finally, our model predicted that restoring the normal levels of clotting factors II, IX, and X while simultaneously restoring fibrinogen (to 88% of its normal level) in diluted blood can restore fibrin generation to ∼78% of its normal level and hence improve clot formation under dilution.
Relationship between Systems Coaching and Problem-Solving Implementation Fidelity in a Response-to-Intervention Model.

ABSTRACTThe literature on RTI has indicated that professional development and coaching are critical to facilitating problem-solving implementation with fidelity. This study examined the extent to which systems coaching related to the fidelity of problem-solving implementation in 31 schools from six districts. Schools participated in three years of a state-level professional development initiative to implement RTI practices. Each school received ongoing coaching through job-embedded training, technical assistance, and evaluation support. Data on quality of coaching received, continuity of coaching (i.e., coaching provided by the same individual over time), changes in educator beliefs and perceived skills, and problem-solving implementation fidelity were examined through multilevel modeling (MLM) procedures. Results indicated that coaching continuity positively related to RtI implementation fidelity. Implications for systems coaching practices to support problem-solving and RTI implementation are discussed.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and glucose tolerance.

Intravenous doses of 6 mg of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produced moderately severe marihuana intoxications. Glucose tolerance was impaired, and this deterioration of glucose tolerance was associated with increased plasma levels of growth hormone. Although large doses of marihuana might aggravate diabetes, the rarity of this phenomenon in clinical practice may be due to the lower doses of THC used socially or development of tolerance to this specific pharmacologic effect.
Mucosal Interactions between Genetics, Diet, and Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Numerous reviews have discussed gut microbiota composition changes during inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), particularly Crohn’s disease (CD). However, most studies address the observed effects by focusing on studying the univariate connection between disease and dietary-induced alterations to gut microbiota composition. The possibility that these effects may reflect a number of other interconnected (i.e. pantropic) mechanisms, activated in parallel, particularly concerning various bacterial metabolites, is in the process of been elucidated. Progress seems however hampered by various difficult-to-study factors interacting at the mucosal level. Here we highlight some of such factors that merit consideration, namely; 1) the contribution of host genetics and diet in altering gut microbiome, and in turn, the crosstalk among secondary metabolic pathways; 2) the interdependence between the amount of dietary fat, the fatty acid composition, the effects of timing and route of administration on gut microbiota community, and the impact of microbiota-derived fatty acids; 3) the effect of diet on bile acid composition, and the modulator role of bile acids on the gut microbiota; 4) the impact of endogenous and exogenous intestinal micronutrients and metabolites, and 5) the need to consider food associated toxins and chemicals which can introduce confounding immune modulating elements (e.g., antioxidant and phytochemicals in oils and proteins). These concepts, which are not mutually exclusive, are herein illustrated paying special emphasis on physiologically inter-related processes.
Progressive performance modeling for the strategic determinants of market value in the high-tech oriented SMEs

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present an adaptive performance model using neural networks in scrutinizing the impact of strategic factors on firm performance, especially within high-tech oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United States. This paper explores generalized learning of backpropagation neural network (BPNN) in conducting an explanatory and predictive analysis of the strategic determinants of the market value of SMEs. The progressive performance model through BPNN is designed to capture the different and unique significance of strategic determinants for better firm performance by dividing high-tech segments into two performance groups: high performers and low performers. In doing so, this paper introduces a salient BPNN approach for performance modeling and extends the applications of BPNN. Furthermore, efficiency measurement and performance prediction using BPNN adds meaningful value to the literature and highlights the potential advantages of using BPNN. The empirical results demonstrate the successful implementation of the model and clearly distinguish varying patterns at different performance levels, High and Low, which is a significant finding of this study. Overall, sales growth, R&D intensity, and current ratio can be used as major strategic determinants of market value performance of the technology-oriented SMEs.
Experience with Epidural Anesthesia in Pregnant Women with Von Willebrand Disease.

Abstract Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is an autosomal dominant inherited bleeding disorder that is characterized by epistaxis, mucosal and postoperative bleeding, menorrhagia and postpartum hemorrhage. In particular, there is a paucity of safety data for, and thus a reluctance to use, epidural anesthesia (EA) for delivery. We thus conducted a review of all women followed with vWD in a referral hemophilia clinic who had ≥ 1 pregnancy. Thirty-three subjects were screened; 31/33 (94%) had type 1 and 2/33 (6%) had type 2A vWD. There were 59 term pregnancies (range 1–3 per patient), and 5 fetal losses (in 4 patients). Of the term pregnancies, 16/59 (27%) were delivered by Caesarian Section (C-Section), complicated by postpartum hemorrhage in 3 (19%); 43/59 (73%) were delivered by normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD), complicated by hemorrhage in 21 (49%) (p=0.05). EA was administered during 14 (13 with type 1 vWD) of 59 (24%) of the deliveries, all without DDAVP, plama-derived factor VIII-von Willebrand factor containing concentrates or blood products, and in no patient were bleeding complications encountered at the site of EA nor were there any neurologic complications. Conclusion: Postpartum hemorrhage was a common complication in patients with vWD, more after NSVD than C-Section. In a selected subset, EA was safely administered without bleeding complications, possibly due to pregnancy induced increase in factor VIII:C and von Willebrand factor activity counteracting the tendency to bleed. Larger series and prospective studies should be performed to confirm the safety of EA and the relationship to coagulation factor levels in pregnant women with vWD.