cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pricing Games and Impact of Private Demand Information in Decentralized Assembly Systems

This paper analyzes decentralized assembly systems under asymmetric demand information and sequential contracting. We reveal new insights on the value of contract type price-only versus complex, demand information complete versus asymmetric, and contract sequence first mover versus second mover to different players. Our results for the basic model show the following: 1 Complex contracts increase the suppliers' aggregate profit; however, individual suppliers do not necessarily benefit from a complex contracting equilibrium. We identify the conditions under which each supplier benefits from such an equilibrium. 2 Eliminating information asymmetry is not always beneficial for the suppliers because obtaining information might bring only marginal value and hence might not be realistically justified. Furthermore, a downstream supplier might prefer information asymmetry to complete information, especially when demand variability is moderate. 3 Unless there is a high demand risk, the first-mover advantage is prevalent when the assembler is a price-taker. We extend our basic model to analyze two additional scenarios. First, we study cases where the suppliers may offer contracts of different complexity. Beyond enriching our understanding of contract choice in decentralized assembly systems, such variations enhance the analysis beyond the standard methodology of principal-agent models and utilize solution techniques from optimal control. Second, we analyze the situation where the suppliers may possess different levels of information on demand under complex contracts. We show that an upstream supplier always benefits from a downstream supplier's superior information. However, the additional information might decrease the downstream supplier's profit, especially when the forecast variability is low compared to the total demand variability in the system. Our results for the basic model and its extensions confirm that studying interactions between suppliers, specifically under different contract types and information structures, in assembly systems presents rich opportunities for future research.
Polydiacetylene/silica nanocomposites with tunable mesostructure and thermochromatism from diacetylenic assembling molecules

Conjugated polydiacetylene (PDA)/silica nanocomposites with tunable mesostructures and reversible thermochromatism were synthesized through self-directed assembly of diacetylenic silanes. In contrast to the previous studies, where the PDA side chains interacted weakly through noncovalent interactions, the side chains in the present nanocomposites are covalently connected to the inorganic silica frameworks, providing control over the molecular alignment, stability, and electronic properties. Furthermore, tuning the molecular architecture (e.g., the shape and side-chain length) allows control over the mesostructure (e.g., cubic and lamellar) and chromatic response of the nanocomposites (from irreversible to partially reversible and then to completely reversible). As a result of the covalent interactions, the nanocomposites also demonstrate higher reversible chromatic transition temperatures. This work not only provides responsive robust chromatic materials toward practically reusable PDA sensors but also is of great fundamental value for the design of supramolecular assembly and the understanding of the chromatic mechanism of PDA.
Sequential Michael-Michael-Michael-ring closure reactions for high-yield, one-pot, 4-component coupling

Summary An extraordinarily easy method is presented for connecting four components leading efficiently to functionalized cyclohexenes, cyclohexanols, cyclodecenones, and aromatic systems.
TEM analysis of the nanostructure of normal and osteoporotic human trabecular bone

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to investigate the crystal-collagen interactions in normal and osteoporotic human trabecular bone at the nanostructural level. More specifically, two-dimensional TEM observations were used to infer the three-dimensional information on the shape, the size, the orientation, and the alignment of apatite crystals in collagen fibrils in normal and osteoporotic bone. We found that crystals were of platelet shape with irregular edges and that there was no substantial difference in crystal length or crystal thickness between normal and osteoporotic trabecular bone. The crystal arrangement in cross-sectioned fibrils did not neatly conform to the parallel arrangement of crystals seen in longitudinally-sectioned fibrils. Instead, the crystal arrangement in both normal and osteoporotic trabecular bone took on more of a random, undulated arrangement, with certain localized areas demonstrating circular oriented patterns. The TEM imaging was done using bright fields only. Thus, the results presented are within the limitations of this approach.
Figure reversals and creativity: a research note.

ability. As part of a larger study relating figure-reversal rate, creativity, and handedness, the present authors attempted to replicate and extend the work of Bergum and Bergum through the use of professors' judgments of students' creativity. The subjects were 48 senior students of architecture (40 males, 8 females). Each student initially read a description of six factors commonly associated with creativity in the psychological literature and then rated himself in creative ability in comparison to his classmates. In accordance with Bergum and Bergum (1979a, 1979b), the students passively viewed (and recorded) figure reversals of six ambiguous figures. The six figures were presented for 60 sec. each, with 10-sec. intervals, in two random orders. Students' creative ability was also determined from rankings by two architecture professors who were familiar wirh die students' work. To guide their rankings, the professors used the same description of creativity as was given to the students. Contrary to prediction, no statistically significant correlation, 46, obtained between the professors' rankings of students' creativity and the students' rates of figure reversal. (The mean and SD for students' total perceived figure reversals were 228.0 and 102.47, respectively.) Students' self-perceived creativity and ra:es of figute reversal were also unrelated (r. = .04), contrary to the findings of Bergum and Bergum (1979a, 1979b). Finally, no relationship was found between the professors' rankings and the students' self-perceptions of creativity (r. = .25). We condude tha, in light of the present findings and the research cited above concerning figure-reversal rate and objective tests of creativity, data do not support the hypothesized relationship between ambiguous figurereversal rates and external measures of creative ability.
Effect of diabetes and hypertension on left ventricular diastolic function in a high-risk population without evidence of heart disease.

Aims To assess the independent and combined effects of diabetes and hypertension on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in a community-based cohort at high cardiovascular risk. Methods and results Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed in 708 subjects from the Cardiac Abnormalities and Brain Lesions (CABL) study. Peak diastolic early (E) and late (A) transmitral flow, and tissue Doppler-derived early mitral annulus velocity (E′) were recorded, and E/A and E/E′ ratios were calculated. The population was divided into four groups: those without hypertension or diabetes (HT−/DM−), those with only hypertension (HT), only diabetes (DM), and with hypertension plus diabetes (HT + DM). In multivariate analysis, hypertension and diabetes were independent predictors of worse diastolic function. The coexistence of hypertension and diabetes was associated with greater impairment of diastolic function (higher E/E′ ratio than HT−/DM−, HT, or DM, all P 15, suggestive of increased LV filling pressure, was found in 2.2% of HT−/DM−, 8.9% of HT, 5.9% of DM, and 14.7% of HT + DM (P < 0.01). Conclusion Hypertension and diabetes are independently associated with impaired LV diastolic function, independent of the effect of overweight/obesity and other covariates. Their coexistence results in a negative synergistic effect on LV diastolic mechanics and is associated with higher LV filling pressures than either condition alone.
Towards real-time remote processing of laparoscopic video

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique where surgeons insert a small video camera into the patient's body to visualize internal organs and small tools to perform surgical procedures. However, the benefit of small incisions has a drawback of limited visualization of subsurface tissues, which can lead to navigational challenges in the delivering of therapy. Image-guided surgery (IGS) uses images to map subsurface structures and can reduce the limitations of laparoscopic surgery. One particular laparoscopic camera system of interest is the vision system of the daVinci-Si robotic surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). The video streams generate approximately 360 megabytes of data per second, demonstrating a trend towards increased data sizes in medicine, primarily due to higher-resolution video cameras and imaging equipment. Processing this data on a bedside PC has become challenging and a high-performance computing (HPC) environment may not always be available at the point of care. To process this data on remote HPC clusters at the typical 30 frames per second (fps) rate, it is required that each 11.9 MB video frame be processed by a server and returned within 1/30th of a second. The ability to acquire, process and visualize data in real-time is essential for performance of complex tasks as well as minimizing risk to the patient. As a result, utilizing high-speed networks to access computing clusters will lead to real-time medical image processing and improve surgical experiences by providing real-time augmented laparoscopic data. We aim to develop a medical video processing system using an OpenFlow software defined network that is capable of connecting to multiple remote medical facilities and HPC servers.
A Funnel Flow Origin for CO Bandhead Emission in Young Stellar Objects

Many young stellar objects show near-infrared CO overtone emission. The observed bandhead profiles are consistent with gas motion in the gravitational field of a central mass and have been interpreted as arising from the innermost regions of a circumstellar disk. However, there is evidence that many of these pre-main-sequence stars possess strong magnetic fields that disrupt the inner disk and channel the gas onto the stellar surface, thereby forming an accretion funnel. It is demonstrated that this funnel can naturally give rise to the observed CO emission. It is shown that gas free-falling along the field lines yields bandhead profiles in agreement with those observed, with the shape of the profile determined mainly by the viewer's inclination. At large inclinations (with respect to the stellar rotation axis) the bandhead has a blue shoulder and a redshifted peak relative to the rest wavelength of the bandhead, whereas at small inclinations the bandhead is narrow. Using stellar parameters appropriate to a low-mass young stellar object and an accretion rate typical of a classical T Tauri star (~10-7 M☉ yr-1), the computed luminosity of the v = 2-0 bandhead is near the low end of the observed range. Since the predicted bandhead luminosity is proportional to the accretion rate, it is concluded that only young stellar objects with large accretion rates should have detectable CO emission, which is consistent with the observations. The lower overtone transitions of CO (e.g., v = 2-0) are not strongly affected by the ambient radiation field since the densities in the funnel flow (nH ≈ 1012 cm-3) are large enough to ensure LTE. However, higher transitions (v ≥ 4) are more susceptible to IR and UV pumping. The calculations imply that radiative effects leading to deviations from LTE will be most noticeable for sources with large bolometric luminosities.
Terrestrial vegetation dynamics and global climate controls

Monthly data from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) and its predecessor satellite sensors was used to reconstruct vegetation dynamics in response to climate patterns over the period 1983–2005. Results suggest that plant growth over extensive land areas of southern Africa and Central Asia were the most closely coupled of any major land area to El Nino–southern oscillation (ENSO) effects on regional climate. Others land areas strongly tied to recent ENSO climate effects were in northern Canada, Alaska, western US, northern Mexico, northern Argentina, and Australia. Localized variations in precipitation were the most common controllers of monthly values for the fraction absorbed of photosynthetically active radiation (FPAR) over these regions. In addition to the areas cited above, seasonal FPAR values from MODIS were closely coupled to rainfall patterns in grassland and cropland areas of the northern and central US. Historical associations between global vegetation FPAR and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) anomalies suggest that the terrestrial biosphere can contribute major fluxes of CO2 during major drought events, such as those triggered by 1997–1998 El Nino event.
Negative Adult Influences and the Protective Effects of Role Models: A Study with Urban Adolescents.

We investigated whether role models (individuals adolescents look up to) contributed to the resilience of adolescents who were exposed to negative nonparental adult influences. Our sample included 659 African American, ninth-grade adolescents. We found that adolescents’ exposure to negative adult behavior was associated with increased externalizing, internalizing, and substance using behaviors, as well as more negative school attitudes and behavior. We found that role models had protective effects on externalizing and internalizing behaviors and compensatory effects on school outcomes. Collectively, our findings indicate that role models can contribute to the resilience of African American adolescents who are exposed to negative nonparental adult behavior.
InGaAs-InP Quantum Wire Stark Effect Modulators: Effect of Wire Width in the Optimization of Changes in Excitonic Absorption and Index of Refraction

Quantum wire/dot modulators offer superior performance over their quantum well counterpart due to enhanced excitonic binding energy. This paper presents simulations on InGaAs-InP quantum wire Stark effect optical modulators showing a novel trend. While the excitonic binding energies and absorption coefficients increase as the width of the wire is decreased, the refractive index change Δn is maximized at a wire width depending on the magnitude of the applied electric field. For example, Δn is maximized at a width of about 100A for an external electric field of 120kV/cm in an InGaAs quantum wire. This behavior is explained by considering the opposing effects of the wire width on binding energy and changes in the electron-hole overlap function in the presence of an external electric field. Practical InGaAs-InP modulators using V-groove structures are also presented.
Oral Varenicline for Smoking Cessation

Objective:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of varenicline and provide a review of relevant clinical data.Data Sources:A MEDLINE search (2001–December 2006) was conducted using the key words varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy for clinical trials limited to human subjects and published in English.Study Selection And Data Extraction:All available human trials of varenicline were selected for review. References cited in identified articles were used for additional citations.Data Synthesis:Varenicline selectively targets the α4β2 nicotine receptors in the brain that are responsible for cravings and withdrawal associated with nicotine use and dependence. Maximal plasma concentration occurs within 3–4 hours after administration and, after multiple doses, a steady-state concentration is reached within 4 days. Varenicline has a half-life of 24 hours. Oral bioavailability is not affected by food or time of administration. It exhibits linear pharmacokinetics and tow plasma...
IMMUNOGLOBULIN G IS THE MAIN PROTECTIVE ANTIBODY IN MOUSE VAGINAL SECRETIONS AFTER VAGINAL IMMUNIZATION WITH ATTENUATED HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 2

We investigated the protective role of antibodies in vaginal secretions of mice that were immune to vaginal challenge with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Unfractionated vaginal immunoglobulins from immune and nonimmune mice and affinity-purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) and secretory IgA (S-IgA) from immune secretions were adjusted to their concentrations in vivo. Wild-type HSV-2 was incubated in the immunoglobulin preparations for 15 min in vitro, followed by inoculation into vaginae of nonimmune mice. HSV-2 was neutralized by unfractionated antibody and purified IgG from immune secretions but not by unfractionated nonimmune antibody or by purified immune S-IgA. The protective effect of IgG in vivo was investigated by passively transferring purified serum IgG from immune and nonimmune donors to nonimmune recipients before vaginal challenge infection. Immune IgG significantly reduced the percentage of vaginal epithelium infected, concentrations of shed virus protein in the vaginal lumen, and illness scores, even though the viral antibody titers in serum and vaginal secretions of recipient mice at the time of challenge were only 29 and 8%, respectively, of those in actively immunized mice. Additionally, removal of vaginal secretions from immune mice 10 min before vaginal challenge with HSV-2 significantly increased the concentration of shed virus protein in the vaginal lumen after challenge. Collectively, the data indicate that IgG antibody in vaginal secretions of immune mice provides early protection against vaginal challenge infection, probably by neutralizing virus in the vaginal lumen. In contrast, S-IgA antibody contributed relatively little to immune protection of the vagina.
Incorporating stochastic turbulence in particle-based fluid simulation

We propose a new fluid modeling technique aimed at incorporating stochastic turbulence into a widely used Lagrangian fluid solver, the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method. We add to each SPH particle a swirling probability to model its likelihood to act as a swirling incentive particle (SIP). Particles are selected as a SIP randomly based on the probability, and a SIP spins its neighboring particles to rotate around itself by applying rotational force. The force is computed from a swirling vorticity of the SIP. We model the production, development, and spreading of the swirling probability and vorticity among all SPH particles. The algorithm inherently implements preferred turbulence evolution including vortex aggregation and decay. The turbulent effects are non-repeating and easily controlled by animators. Our method is fully integrated with the SPH scheme with minimal extra memory usage, computational load, and programming efforts.
Simulation of particle formation and number concentration over the Eastern United States with the WRF-Chem + APM model

Abstract. Aerosol nucleation events, widely observed at various locations around the globe, are a significant source of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) which determines aerosol indirect radiative forcing. In this study, a size-resolved, computationally efficient, advanced particle microphysics (APM) model, which has been previously incorporated into a global chemistry transport model (GEOS-Chem), is integrated into the Weather Research and Forecast model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) to study new particle formation and its contribution to particle number concentration and CCN abundance over the Eastern United States. Size- and composition-resolved aerosol properties from GEOS-Chem + APM simulations are used to initialize and provide boundary conditions for the WRF-Chem + APM model. The modeling results have been evaluated with the relevant measurements obtained during the INTEX-A field campaign in the summer of 2004. Model simulation captures the high concentrations of SO 2 and CN10 at surface layer and source regions but underpredicts the values in the upper troposphere. The particle formation and number concentrations simulated by WRF-Chem + APM are generally consistent with those based on GEOS-Chem + APM over the Eastern United States, but the WRF-Chem + APM simulation has a much higher spatial resolution and can reveal urban and even plume scale processes. Our simulations show that high values of nucleation rates are largely confined to the regions of high SO 2 emissions and that aerosol nucleation dominates the spatial and temporal distributions of condensation nuclei lager than 10 nm (CN10). Similarly, high concentrations of CCN at supersaturation of 0.4% (CCN0.4) are generally confined to SO 2 source regions, with the highest monthly (July) mean CCN0.4 value exceeding 1600 # cm −3 in the lower troposphere over Indiana and Ohio. Nucleation and subsequent growth of secondary particles are important sources of CCN0.4, accounting for more than 80% in most parts of the Eastern United States.
Componentization of Business Process Layer in the SOA Reference Architecture

This paper discusses and analyzes the Business Process layer in the SOA Solution Stack (S3) model, which is also known as the SOA Reference Architecture (SOA-RA). Business Process layer leverages the Service layer to quickly compose and choreograph services and to coordinate business processes to fulfill customer requirements. Based on industry practice, we introduce a set of architectural building blocks of the layer, together with the interdependencies and interactions between them, to componentize the Business Process layer in the context of SOA Reference Architecture. We also report industry experiences of applying this layer in SOA solution engagements.
Use of patient-controlled analgesia for management of acute pain.

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) provides improved titration of analgesic drugs, thereby minimizing individual pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences. Patient-controlled analgesia decreases patient anxiety resulting from delays in receiving pain-relieving medication and from the slow onset of analgesic action when these drugs are administered either intramuscularly or in the extradural space. With PCA therapy, patients are reportedly able to maintain a near optimal state of analgesia with minimal sedation and few side effects. The potential for overdose can be minimized if small bolus doses are used with a mandatory lockout interval between successive doses. Finally, studies of the cost-effectiveness of PCA therapy are important if this therapeutic approach is to achieve more widespread acceptance. (JAMA1988;259:243-247)
Nonsystematic Convolutional Codes for Sequential Decoding in Space Applications

Previous space applications of sequential decoding have all employed convolutional codes of the systematic type where the information sequence itself is used as one of the encoded sequences. This paper describes a class of rate 1/2 nonsystematic convolutional codes with the following desirable properties: 1) an undetected decoding error probability verified by simulation to be much smaller than for the best systematic codes of the same constraint length; 2) computation behavior with sequential decoding verified by simulation to be virtually identical to that of the best systematic codes; 3) a "quick-look-in" feature that permits recovery of the information sequence from the hard-decisioned received data without decoding simply by modulo-two addition of the received sequences; and 4) suitability for encoding by simple circuitry requiring less hardware than encoders for the best systematic codes of the same constraint length. Theoretical analyses are given to show 1) that with these codes the information sequence is extracted as reliably as possible without decoding for nonsystematic codes and 2) that the constraints imposed to achieve the quicklook-in feature do not significantly limit the error-correcting ability of the codes in the sense that the Gilbert bound on minimum distance can still be attained under these constraints. These codes have been adopted for use in several forthcoming space missions.
Adrenal gland inclusions in patients treated with aldosterone antagonists (Spironolactone/Eplerenone): incidence, morphology, and ultrastructural findings

Spironolactone is often used to treat hypertension caused by hyperaldosteronism, and as a result, can form concentrically laminated electron dense spironolactone body inclusions within the adrenal gland. Spironolactone bodies have not been investigated in a contemporary cohort or in patients treated with the more recently approved aldosterone antagonist, eplerenone. Spironolactone bodies were retrospectively investigated in patients treated for hyperaldosteronism (n = 15) from 2012-2013 that underwent a subsequent adrenalectomy. Inclusions were identified in 33% of patients treated with aldosterone antagonists, far less than previously reported. Remarkably, 50% of patients treated with spironolactone had inclusions while no patients using eplerenone alone had inclusions. Two patients treated with spironolactone had bodies present longer than the duration described in prior studies. Inclusions unexpectedly persisted in 1 patient despite increased duration of discontinued pharmacological treatment. A spectrum of histologic and ultrastructural findings were encountered within an adrenal cortical adenoma from a patient treated with both spironolactone and eplerenone. Ultrastructural examination revealed laminated electron dense bodies with the appearance of classic spironolactone inclusions as well as electron dense bodies without laminations and laminated bodies without electron dense cores. Our incidence rate of spironolactone bodies was much lower than previously reported, with no inclusions seen in patients treated solely with the newer aldosterone antagonist, eplerenone. Pathologists should be aware of these infrequently encountered inclusions, particularly as the clinical history of hyperaldosteronism and pharmacologic treatment may not be provided. The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/4597918761268031
By way of a long and circuitous route: Propaganda and democracy and/as a lesson in effective history

(1998). By way of a long and circuitous route: Propaganda and democracy and/as a lesson in effective history. Critical Studies in Mass Communication: Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 449-452.
Scanning Electron Microscopy in Powder Metallurgy

The number of scanning electron microscopes and their applications are increasing very rapidly. The easily interpretable three-dimensional images produced by the SEM have been drawing considerable attention in all fields of science and technology.(1–3) In a recent paper, Johari and Bhattacharyya (4) have described the application of scanning electron microscopy in the characterization of powders produced by a variety of processes. The SEM has wide applications in all fields of powder metallurgy where a knowledge of surface characteristics, such as size, shape, porosity, contamination, and topography, is essential.
The high-frequency shape of the source spectrum for earthquakes in eastern and western Canada

Abstract The high-frequency shape of the earthquake spectrum strongly influences the amplitude of the peak ground acceleration and of the response spectrum at frequencies of 10 Hz and greater. A key parameter for the description of high-frequency ground motions is “kappa,” which is the decay slope of the Fourier spectrum of acceleration at near-source distances (Anderson and Hough, 1984; note Anderson and Hough originally referred to this parameter as kappa (0)). Kappa may be attributed to site effects ( f max ; Hanks, 1982), source processes (Papageorgiou and Aki, 1983), or both. Seismographic data place weak but significant constraints on kappa values. On average, there is no resolved kappa effect on spectra recorded at rock sites in eastern Canada, in the frequency range f ≦ 30 Hz. Four firm-soil sites in southwestern Ontario also show no kappa effect. An implied upper bound for kappa is 0.004 (or lower bound of 30 Hz for f max ). By contrast, source spectra from earthquakes in the Cascadia region, recorded on hard-rock sites in southwestern British Columbia (B.C.), appear to be well described by a kappa of 0.011 ± 0.002. The B.C. spectra are thus intermediate to the eastern case, with zero apparent kappa, and the typical California case, for which kappa is about 0.04.
Fluorine-Enriched Melt-Blown Fibers from Polymer Blends of Poly(butylene terephthalate) and a Fluorinated Multiblock Copolyester

Melt-blown fibers (dav ∼1 μm) were produced from blends of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and a partially fluorinated random multiblock copolyester (PFCE) leading to enhanced hydrophobicity and even superhydrophobicity (static water contact angle = 157 ± 3°) of the associated fiber mats. XPS measurements demonstrated quantitatively that the surface fluorine content increased systematically with the bulk loading of PFCE, rising to nearly 20 atom %, which corresponds to 41 wt % PFCE at a bulk loading of 10 wt %. The PBT/PFCE fibers exhibit greater fluorine surface segregation than either melt-blown PBT/poly(ethylene-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (PBT/PECTFE) fibers or electrospun fibers obtained from blends of poly(styrene) and fluoroalkyl end-capped polystyrene (PS/PSCF). Dynamic contact angle measurements further demonstrated decreased surface adhesion energy of the melt-blown PBT/PFCE fiber mats due to the blooming of PFCE to the surface.
Cellular Localization of Intratracheally Administered 210 PO in the Hamster Lung Using Autoradiography of Thin Sections from Plastic Embedded Tissue

The cellular localization of polonium-210 (210Po), given intratracheally either alone in saline or adsorbed onto ferric oxide carrier particles, has been studied using autoradiography of 1 µm sections from glycol methacrylate embedded tissue. Within the first week after instillation, 210Po administered in saline was localized in the alveolar region primarily in type 1 epithelial — endothelial cells and macrophages, and to a lesser extent in great alveolar cells. In the larger airways, 210Po was localized primarily in ciliated and Clara cells. Following administration adsorbed onto ferric oxide carrier particles, 210Po was found primarily in alveolar macrophages surrounding respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts.
Effects of Bacillus velezensis strain BAC03 in promoting plant growth

Abstract Bacillus velezensis (formerly referred to as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ) strain BAC03 is a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium. It has shown to be antagonistic against Streptomyces scabies in our previous studies, but its efficacy on plant growth promotion needs to be determined. In this study, BAC03 was tested for potential growth promotion on nine selected types of plants, including beet, carrot, cucumber, pepper, potato, radish, squash, tomato, and turnip, at the concentration of 10 5 colony forming unit cm −3 potting mix under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that BAC03 increased the growth of some tested plants at various levels in different plant parts. Application of BAC03 at 10 days after planting was associated in radish with the highest biomass gain compared to applications at other stages. Multiple applications of BAC03 giving the same total amount of inoculum resulted in higher weights of radish roots and leaves. That BAC03 produced indole-3-acetic acid and ammonia, as well as showed a 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity may be related to plant growth promotion. Acetoin and 2,3-butanediol were detected as major components of the volatile released from BAC03 by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis.
Surgical management of frontal sinusitis

The surgical management of chronic frontal sinusitis continues to evolve. There is no single surgical approach that will lead to successful resolution of disease and symptoms in all cases, and many options must be considered. These options generally attempt to restore drainage and ventilation to the sinus or to obliterate the sinus. When chronic frontal sinusitis fails to respond to maximum medical management, surgical treatment should proceed in a logical progression from simple to more radical procedures. Advanced imaging techniques can offer critical information in this area of highly variable and complex anatomy. Most endoscopic procedures directed at the frontal recess are performed in patients who have previously undergone sinus surgery. In these patients, it is not uncommon to find anatomic variants that predispose the patient to frontal sinus disease as well as scarring and osteoneogenesis. When attempts to restore drainage and ventilation fail, osteoplastic flap with obliteration remains the time-honored treatment even though it is associated with substantial surgical morbidity and renders the otolaryngologist less able to evaluate the frontal sinus endoscopically or radiographically.
Laboratory support for the diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid disease

Over the last 40 years, thyroid testing has evolved from manual isotopic tests performed in specialised laboratories to automated non-isotopic measurements made in routine clinical chemistry laboratories. Despite improvements in methodological sensitivity and specificity, a number of technical issues still negatively impact the accuracy and interpretation of thyroid testing in clinical practice. The diagnostic sensitivity of TSH measurement has been maximised by sensitivity improvements (third generation functional sensitivity 0.01 mlU/L). However, controversy remains regarding the setting of the TSH reference range and the clinical significance of mild subclinical hypothyroidism. Heterophilic antibodies (HAMA) can still interfere with a number of the tests, especially when patients have received monoclonal antibody therapies. Free hormones measured by equilibrium dialysis/tandem mass spectrometry or the older two-test index approach (FT4I and FT3I) appear to be more reliable than the newer free hormone immunoassays (FT4 and FT3) when binding proteins are grossly abnormal such as during pregnancy or non-thyroidal illness. Expanded clinical utility and new physiological insights have resulted from technical improvements in the thyroid autoantibody tests (TPOAb, TgAb and TRAb). This presentation will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of current thyroid tests relative to their use and interpretation in clinical practice.
Time Dependence of Light-Independent Biochemical Changes in the Boll Weevil, Anthonomous grandis , Caused by Dietary Rose Bengal

Diet containing rose bengal, when fed to newly-emerged adult boll weevils in the absence of light, causes serious biochemical changes in the insect. Body weight, total protein, and certain enzyme levels remain constant in the treated weevils as opposed to increases seen in normal weevils. Total lipids decrease in treated weevils relative to the constant values observed in controls. These data, along with fluctuations in the amino acid pool sizes of treated weevils, suggest that the changes are due to an energy stress in the insect, which can become lethal, acting after the dye is absorbed into the tissues of the insect from the gut.
Production In Vitro of Substances Resembling Antibodies from Bacteria

During studies of pneumococci and pneumonia, it was found that toxicity diminished and specific antigens useful in the treatment of lobar pneumonia became available as pneumococci became gram-negative during autolysis in saline solution under ether.'-4 It was learned also that, when crisis occurred in lobar pneumonia, cultures of exudates, obtained by puncture of the consolidated lung, had become sterile and stained films revealed large numbers of gram-negative, disintegrating pneumococci.5 Larson and Nelson' reported striking protective action against experimental pneumococcic infections in rabbits by injection of mixtures containing pneumococci lysed with sodium ricinoleate. During my own studies of diseases shown to be due to, or associated with, streptococci, the organisms found in exudates in the acute stage of the infection were gram-positive but, as symptoms abated, disintegrating, gram-negative forms appeared. Many attempts have been made, without much success, to cause autolysis of streptococci and loss of toxicity without destruction of antigenic specificity. Long preservation of streptococci in a dense suspension of glycerin (2 parts) and 25% solution of sodium chloride (1 part) has been found to reduce toxicity and preserve specificity. Streptococcic vaccines prepared from streptococci thus preserved have proved to be more suitable in prevention and treatment of experimental infections in animals and spontaneous diseases of man due to streptococci than vaccines in which the killed, freshly grown organisms are used, as is usually done.7-9 The present study was stimulated by the production in vitro of pneumococcus antibodies by Pauling and Campbell'o from specific polysaccharide and beef globulin, and by the demonstration of auto-antigen and auto-antibody in the eggs of keyhole limpets and sea urchins by Tyler." It was thought that nontoxic antigens and nonsensitizing antibodies might be produced or be made available from micro-organisms by causing their degradation or disintegration from application of heat. Streptococci, pneumococci (types I, II and III), staphylococci, diphtheroid bacilli, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus proteus, Bacillus typhosus and Bacillus coli, have been studied in this way thus far.
A New Technique for Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma Involving the Right Atrium: Hypothermia and Cardiac Arrest

AbstractA 36-year-old man presented with massive edema below the axillae, pleural effusion and renal cell carcinoma with a tumor thrombus extending up the vena cava to the right atrium. A metastatic evaluation was negative otherwise. Hypothermia, cardiac arrest and temporary exsanguination in conjunction with cardiopulmonary bypass were used to create a bloodless field for excision of the renal cell carcinoma and its tumor thrombus. The patient has had total resolution of all symptoms and edema. Hypothermia and cardiac arrest facilitated greatly surgical excision and may be a useful adjunct in the excision of malignancies with massive involvement of the great vessels or heart.
Congenital defects of the fibula.

Summary 1. Malformations of the fibula are commonly associated with other abnormalities of the leg and foot. 2. The association of fibular malformation with other extremity abnormalities is related to embryologic development. 3. The relationship of leg length discrepancy and foot abnormalities is discussed. 4. The treatment programs for these children are reviewed, emphasizing the need for early repositioning of the foot and later procedures to correct leg length discrepancy and bony deformity.
Nasal Histopathology and Intracage Ammonia Levels in Female Groups and Breeding Mice Housed in Static Isolation Cages

Many factors influence ammonia levels in rodent cages, and high intracage ammonia has been associated with specific types of abnormal nasal pathology in mice. The use of autoclaved corncob bedding and the maintenance of low room humidity reduce the accumulation of ammonia in mouse cages. However, there are no engineering standards that define the limits of ammonia exposure for mice housed in static isolation cages. Regulatory guidance indicates that solid bottom cages must be sanitized at least weekly and that cage components in direct contact with animals must be sanitized at least every 2 wk. Common practice is to replace the bottoms and bedding of static isolation cages once weekly. To determine whether changing static isolation cages once weekly is an appropriate performance standard for mice, we prospectively evaluated the relationship between ammonia levels, nasal histopathology, and housing densities in various grouping strategies of mice housed in static isolation cages. Here, we report that the average nasal pathology score per cage and intracage ammonia levels were correlated, but nasal pathology scores did not differ among mice housed in breeding pairs, breeding trios, or female groups. In light of ammonia levels and histopathology scores as performance standards, these results suggest that a weekly cage-change frequency for static isolation cages does not result in adverse effects. Our results provide evidence to support current practices in the use of static isolation cages for housing laboratory mice in modern vivaria.
Patient Counseling and Preferences for Elective Repeat Cesarean Delivery.

Objective We sought to identify factors influencing a woman's decision to have an elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD) versus vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Methods and Materials A prospective study at two academic medical centers of women with one prior cesarean, and no contraindication to a trial of labor, delivered by ERCD from October 2013 to June 2014. Participants completed anonymous surveys during their delivery hospitalization. Counseling was considered adequate if women reported being counseled, recalled being quoted a VBAC success probability, and this probability was within 20% of that derived from an established VBAC success prediction model. Participants were also asked why they chose ERCD. Results Of 68 participants, only 8 (11.8%) had adequate counseling. Of those with inadequate counseling, 21.7% did not recall being counseled, 63.3% were not quoted a chance of success, and 60.0% had more than a 20% discrepancy between their recalled and predicted success rates. Eighteen women were calculated to have more than 70% chance of successful VBAC. Of these, 16 (88.9%) were not adequately counseled. Conclusion Most women were inadequately counseled about delivery options. The most important factors influencing the choice of ERCD over VBAC were patient preferences, risk for fetal injury, and perceived physician preference.
Bioactive 5,6-Dihydro-α-pyrone Derivatives from Hyptis brevipes

Six new 5,6-dihydro-α-pyrone derivatives (1−6), namely, brevipolides A−F, together with seven known compounds, including a 5,6-dihydro-α-pyrone derivative (7), three flavonoids, a steroid glycoside, and two triterpenoids, were isolated from the entire plant of Hyptis brevipes. Compounds 1−7 were assigned with the absolute configuration 5R, 6S, 7S, and 9S, as elucidated by analysis of data obtained from their CD spectra and by Mosher ester reactions. Compounds 2, 6, and 7 exhibited ED50 values of 6.1, 6.7, and 3.6 μM against MCF-7 cells, and compounds 1, 2, 6, and 8 (the known 5,6,3′-trihydroxy-3,7,4′-trimethoxyflavone) gave ED50 values of 5.8, 6.1, 7.5, and 3.6 μM against HT-29 cells, respectively. However, no significant cytotoxicity was found against Lu1 cells for any of the compounds isolated. When these compounds were subjected to evaluation in a panel of mechanism-based in vitro assays, compound 7 was found to be active in an enzyme-based ELISA NF-κB assay, with an ED50 value of 15.3 μM. In a mitocho...
Introduction: Making Relation Manifest

The title of this collection fairly conveys a sense about religion itself and about the study of religion in the essays included here. Each chapter stands on its own as an attempt to solve certain problems; yet the reader will find a common thread running through the collection — a concerted effort to illuminate problems by relation or juxtaposition. These connections include Levi-Strauss’s approach to myth and the philosophy of science of Karl Popper or debates about reductionism in the exact sciences, Buddhist meditation styles and Ernest Gellner’s reading of empiricism, Eliade’s mysticism and history of religions and the politics of radicalized Romania, Heidegger’s philosophy of Being and the National Socialists, Levi-Strauss’s structuralism and Theravada. We understand better the individual when we know where the individual ‘stands’. Good understanding demands knowledge in context — in relation.
CRISPR-Cas9 technology and its application in haematological disorders

The recent advent of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) system for precise genome editing has revolutionized methodologies in haematology and oncology studies. CRISPR-Cas9 technology can be used to remove and correct genes or mutations, and to introduce site-specific therapeutic genes in human cells. Inherited haematological disorders represent ideal targets for CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene therapy. Correcting disease-causing mutations could alleviate disease-related symptoms in the near future. The CRISPR-Cas9 system is also a useful tool for delineating molecular mechanisms involving haematological malignancies. Prior to the use of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene correction in humans, appropriate delivery systems with higher efficiency and specificity must be identified, and ethical guidelines for applying the technology with controllable safety must be established. Here, the latest applications of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in haematological disorders, current challenges and future directions are reviewed and discussed.
Sociocultural determinants of risky sexual behaviors among adult latinas: A longitudinal study of a community-based sample

Few studies have examined the sociocultural determinants of risky sexual behavior trajectories among adult Latinas. To longitudinally examine the link between sociocultural determinants of risky sexual behaviors, we followed a sample of adult Latina mother-daughter dyads (n = 267) across a 10-year span through four waves of data collection. The present study investigates how risky sexual behavior (operationalized as sex under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, sex without a condom, or multiple sex partners) is affected by: (a) socioeconomic conditions; (b) mental health; (c) medical health; (d) acculturation to U.S. culture; (e) interpersonal support; (f) relationship stress; (g) mother-daughter attachment; (h) intimate partner violence; (i) religious involvement; and (j) criminal justice involvement. Results indicate the following factors are negatively associated with risky sexual behavior: drug and alcohol use, treating a physical problem with prescription drugs, religious involvement, and mother-daughter attachment. The following factors are positively associated with risky sexual behavior: higher number of mental health symptoms, being U.S.-born, and criminal justice involvement. We discuss implications for the future development of culturally relevant interventions based on the study findings.
Incrementally Learning a Dependency Parser to Support Language Documentation in Field Linguistics

We present experiments in incrementally learning a dependency parser. The parser will be used in the WordsEye Linguistics Tools (WELT) (Ulinski et al., 2014) which supports field linguists documenting a language’s syntax and semantics. Our goal is to make syntactic annotation faster for field linguists. We have created a new parallel corpus of descriptions of spatial relations and motion events, based on pictures and video clips used by field linguists for elicitation of language from native speaker informants. We collected descriptions for each picture and video from native speakers in English, Spanish, German, and Egyptian Arabic. We compare the performance of MSTParser (McDonald et al., 2006) and MaltParser (Nivre et al., 2006) when trained on small amounts of this data. We find that MaltParser achieves the best performance. We also present the results of experiments using the parser to assist with annotation. We find that even when the parser is trained on a single sentence from the corpus, annotation time significantly decreases.