cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rolipram Improves Outcome in a Rat Model of Infant Sepsis-Induced Cardiorenal Syndrome

While the mortality rate associated with sepsis in children has fallen over the years, it still remains unacceptably high. The development of both acute cardiac dysfunction and acute kidney injury during severe sepsis is categorized as type 5 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) and is poorly understood in infants. To address this lack of understanding and the need for an appropriate animal model in which to conduct relevant preclinical studies, we developed a model of infant sepsis-induced CRS in rat pups then evaluated the therapeutic potential of the phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitor, rolipram. Rat pups at 17-18-days old were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce fecal polymicrobial sepsis. Uptake of Evans Blue dye was used to assess renal microvascular leakage. Intravital videomicroscopy was used to assess renal microvascular perfusion and oxidant generation. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was used to assess renal function. Left ventricular (LV) catheterization and echocardiography were used to assess cardiac function. Impairment of both cardiac and renal function developed rapidly following CLP, indicating type 5 CRS. Most notable were the rapid decline in LV diastolic function, the decline in cardiac output, renal microvascular failure, and the decline in GFR. A dose-response study with rolipram determined 0.1 mg/kg, ip as the lowest most efficacious dose to protect the renal microcirculation. Rolipram was then evaluated using a clinically relevant delayed dosing paradigm (a single dose at 6 hours post CLP). With delayed dosing, rolipram restored the renal microcirculation and reduced microvascular leakage but did not reduce oxidant generation in the kidney nor restore GFR. In contrast, delayed dosing with rolipram restored cardiac function. Rolipram also improved 4-day survival. In summary, CLP in the rat pup produces a clinically relevant pediatric model of sepsis-induced CRS. The PDE4 inhibitor rolipram was effective in improving renal microvascular function and cardiac function, which improved mortality. These findings suggest that rolipram should be evaluated further as adjunctive therapy for the septic infant with CRS.
Feasibility, safety and clinical outcomes of cardiophrenic lymph node resection in advanced ovarian cancer

Abstract Objectives Surgical resection of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLNs) in primary treatment of advanced ovarian cancer has not been widely studied. We report on a cohort of patients undergoing CPLN resection during primary cytoreductive surgery (CRS), examining its feasibility, safety, and potential impact on clinical outcomes. Methods We identified all patients undergoing primary CRS/CPLN resection for Stages IIIB-IV high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer at our institution from 1/2001–12/2013. Clinical and pathological data were collected. Statistical tests were performed. Results 54 patients underwent CPLN resection. All had enlarged CPLNs on preoperative imaging. Median diameter of an enlarged CPLN: 1.3cm (range 0.6–2.9). Median patient age: 59y (range 41–74). 48 (88.9%) underwent transdiaphragmatic resection; 6 (11.1%) underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery. A median of 3 nodes (range 1–23) were resected. A median of 2 nodes (range 0–22) were positive for metastasis. 51/54 (94.4%) had positive nodes. 51 (94.4%) had chest tube placement; median time to removal: 4d (range 2–12). 44 (81.4%) had peritoneal carcinomatosis. 19 (35%) experienced major postoperative complications; 4 of these (7%) were surgery-related. Median time to adjuvant chemotherapy: 40d (range 19–205). All patients were optimally cytoreduced, 30 (55.6%) without visible residual disease. Median progression-free survival: 17.2mos (95% CI 12.6–21.8); median overall survival: 70.1mos (95% CI 51.2–89.0). Conclusions Enlarged CPLNs can be identified on preoperative imaging and may indicate metastases. Resection can identify extra-abdominal disease, confirm Stage IV disease, obtain optimal cytoreduction. In the proper setting it is feasible, safe, and does not delay chemotherapy. In select patients, it may improve survival.
Convergence and noise effect analysis for generalized gossip-based distributed optimization

The generalized gossip-based subgradient algorithm has been recently proposed for solving distributed optimization problems associated with multi-agent networks. The algorithm provides a generalization such that the optimization process can operate in the entire spectrum of “complete consensus” to “complete disagreement”. Beyond the existing work of first-order convergence analysis results, this paper presents the second-order convergence results and convergence rate estimates for the proposed algorithm. Moreover, this work also takes into consideration the effect of noise in subgradient estimates as well as measurements on the function value error bounds. A numerical case study based on a building energy system is presented to validate the algorithm.
Ventilatory support of the quadriplegic patient with respiratory paralysis by diaphragm pacing.

Respiratory paralysis associated with quadriplegia has been successfully treated for the past 10 years by electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerves to pace the diaphragm. On the basis of extensive laboratory and clinical experience, the surgical techniques for applying the diaphragm pacemaker and the electrical parameters employed for pacing have recently been modified and applied clinically.
Identity, Inequality, and Legitimacy: Religious Differences in Primary School Completion in Sub‐Saharan Africa

This study uses survey data from 17 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, along with country-level indicators, to examine the relationship between religious identity and the odds of completing primary schooling, as a key aspect of socioeconomic inequality. The results reveal a significant and robust schooling disadvantage for Muslims and those of traditional African faiths both relative to Christians at the aggregate level as well as within 13 country samples. This effect is seen in both rural and urban areas and is slightly smaller among men versus women, though it is still large and significant. The effect is also larger in countries in West Africa, with greater Muslim populations, with cooperative church-state relations, and with mandatory religious education in schools. I interpret these results to indicate greater obstacles to the establishment of the legitimacy of the formal school system among Muslim and traditionalist families and communities, as a still troublesome legacy of the historical links between Christian missionization and the colonial project.
Automated placement of interfaces in conformational kinetics calculations using machine learning

Several recent implementations of algorithms for sampling reaction pathways employ a strategy for placing interfaces or milestones across the reaction coordinate manifold. Interfaces can be introduced such that the full feature space describing the dynamics of a macromolecule is divided into Voronoi (or other) cells, and the global kinetics of the molecular motions can be calculated from the set of fluxes through the interfaces between the cells. Although some methods of this type are exact for an arbitrary set of cells, in practice, the calculations will converge fastest when the interfaces are placed in regions where they can best capture transitions between configurations corresponding to local minima. The aim of this paper is to introduce a fully automated machine-learning algorithm for defining a set of cells for use in kinetic sampling methodologies based on subdividing the dynamical feature space; the algorithm requires no intuition about the system or input from the user and scales to high-dimensional systems.
Ready and Waiting: Heterosexual Men’s Decision-making Narratives in Initiation of Sexual Intimacy:

Recent sexualities scholarship generally frames men as adhering to narratives of sexual assertion and constructions of hegemonic masculinity. However, research on masculinities notes scripts are ch...
A generalized model for pumping well hydraulics in confined aquifers

A generalized model for well hydraulics in confined aquifer is presented. The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM)-based altered-velocity model is used to simulate well hydraulics in homogeneous and heterogeneous confined aquifers for different pumping conditions. LBM is applied to simulate well hydraulics in two different configurations of heterogeneous aquifer, where 1) a circular disk of material or 2) an infinite linear strip of material is embedded in a matrix of differing hydraulic properties. The effect of hydrogeologic boundaries on drawdown curve in confined aquifers is simulated using LBM. The LB model is further applied to simulate drawdown during harmonic pumping well test. The LBM data in lattice units are scaled to physical units using non-dimensional discharge rate and diffusion length. The results from LBM were found to be sensitive to the relaxation parameter and the RMS error for drawdown was found to be less than 1% for later time. This work will verify the potential of LBM to simulate well hydraulics in homogeneous and heterogeneous confined aquifers for constant, step, and harmonic pumping.
“W = M g ”

I SHOULD like to take exception to Prof. Greenhill's statement in your issue of September 24 (vol. xliv. p. 493) that “when goods are sold in commerce by weight, they are weighed in scales, and the weight is the same wherever the weighing is carried out, whether at the equator, or the poles, or in the Moon, Sun, or Jupiter.” In this country it is the commonest thing in the world to see goods sold in commerce weighed in a spring-balance, which is also the universal kitchen weighing apparatus, and I respectfully submit that the weight indicated would not be quite the same in the Moon, Sun, or Jupiter.
Exploring International Teaching Assistants Experiences in the U.S. Classroom: Implications for Educational Practices and Training

Globalization has contributed to the steadily increasing international student population in the U.S. In 2012, international undergraduate and graduate student enrolment in U.S. educational institutions reached a record high of 228,467 (Open Doors, 2012). This led to an increased employment of graduate students as teaching assistants (Chiang, 2009). Graduate assistantships offered by U.S. universities have been a source of funding for almost 42% of all international graduate students (Open Doors, 2012). International graduate students with teaching assistantships are referred to as international teaching assistants (ITAs) (Gorsuch, 2012). Providing teaching opportunities for ITAs has a number of benefits such as increased programs’ flexibility in offering multiple course sections on demand and providing excellent training opportunities for future educators.
Antitrust and the Internet Standardization Problem

This article evaluates the economics of the Internet and Internet-related software markets, which are heavily driven towards standardization. It suggests that a traditional section 2 antitrust analysis will fail to effectively regulate competition in such a market, particularly if it is directed at structural relief. Instead, the article recommends that section 2 play a limited role in regulating conduct in a standards competition. The article also suggests that private standard-setting may play a procompetitive role in the Internet context, and that section 1 should be relaxed in order to permit such joint activity (within certain limits).
Introduction and examples

We often use probabilities informally to express our information and beliefs about unknown quantities. However, the use of probabilities to express information can be made formal: In a precise mathematical sense, it can be shown that probabilities can numerically represent a set of rational beliefs, that there is a relationship between probability and information, and that Bayes’ rule provides a rational method for updating beliefs in light of new information. The process of inductive learning via Bayes’ rule is referred to as Bayesian inference.
The Akan Diaspora in the Americas

1. On Diaspora and the Akan in the Americas 2. Quest for the River, Creation of the Path: West Africa and Akan Culture Development to the Sixteenth Century 3. History and Meaning in Akan Societies, 1500 - 1800 4. "The Most Unruly": The Akan in Danish and Dutch America 5. The Antelope (adowa) and the Elephant ( sono): The Akan in the British Caribbean 7. "All of the Coromantee Country": The Akan Diaspora in North America 8. Diaspora Discourses: Akan Spiritual Praxis and the Claims of Cultural Identity
MANTIS: Model-Augmented Neural neTwork with Incoherent k-space Sampling for efficient MR parameter mapping.

Purpose To develop and evaluate a novel deep learning-based image reconstruction approach called MANTIS (Model-Augmented Neural neTwork with Incoherent k-space Sampling) for efficient MR parameter mapping. Methods MANTIS combines end-to-end convolutional neural network (CNN) mapping, incoherent k-space undersampling, and a physical model as a synergistic framework. The CNN mapping directly converts a series of undersampled images straight into MR parameter maps using supervised training. Signal model fidelity is enforced by adding a pathway between the undersampled k-space and estimated parameter maps to ensure that the parameter maps produced synthesized k-space consistent with the acquired undersampling measurements. The MANTIS framework was evaluated on the T2 mapping of the knee at different acceleration rates and was compared with 2 other CNN mapping methods and conventional sparsity-based iterative reconstruction approaches. Global quantitative assessment and regional T2 analysis for the cartilage and meniscus were performed to demonstrate the reconstruction performance of MANTIS. Results MANTIS achieved high-quality T2 mapping at both moderate (R = 5) and high (R = 8) acceleration rates. Compared to conventional reconstruction approaches that exploited image sparsity, MANTIS yielded lower errors (normalized root mean square error of 6.1% for R = 5 and 7.1% for R = 8) and higher similarity (structural similarity index of 86.2% at R = 5 and 82.1% at R = 8) to the reference in the T2 estimation. MANTIS also achieved superior performance compared to direct CNN mapping and a 2-step CNN method. Conclusion The MANTIS framework, with a combination of end-to-end CNN mapping, signal model-augmented data consistency, and incoherent k-space sampling, is a promising approach for efficient and robust estimation of quantitative MR parameters.
Postoperative pain after spinal surgery in the paediatric population

Introduction: Postoperative pain is a major aftereffect of surgery. Especially severe occurs after extensive operations within the spine. The goal of the study was to investigate the laboratory predictive factors of intensive postoperative pain in children undergoing extensive surgery Patients and methods: We recruited 41 children, age median 13 years (IQR:10-15 years) undergoing extensive spine surgery. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the intensity of postoperative pain measured using the 10-point numerical rating scale (NRS), visual analog scale (VAS) or faces pain scale-revised (FPS-R). Patients with a score of 5 or higher were included in the study group and those with NRS of less than 5 were included in the control group. We collected detailed clinical and laboratory data before, during and after surgery. Results: The highest intensity of pain was observed in the first 6 hours after surgery. The postoperative pain was associated with a higher drop in hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit level in peri-operative period (p=0.006 and p=0.019 respectively) as well as higher changes in mean arterial pressure during surgery. Additionally, we found that children with intensive pain had higher total protein concentration after surgery. Conclusions: We reported that the drop in hemoglobin and hematocrit level, fluctuation in mean arterial pressure as well as total protein concentration could be useful prognostic factors of early postoperative pain.
Recent use of NSAID and NOAC medications are associated with a positive CT arteriogram.

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a diagnostic modality utilized in patients with suspected active lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. CTA use in clinical practice is limited by the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy, and the loss of patients from direct physician observation while undergoing the test. Identifying clinical predictors of a positive result would be useful in guiding physician utilization of CTA studies. We performed a single-center retrospective study to determine which clinical predictors are associated with a positive CTA. Binary logistical regression modeling was used to identify the independent predictors and the results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios with corresponding 95% CI . 262 patients met inclusion criteria and there were 61 (23.3%) positive CTA exams. In unadjusted analysis those who were CTA positive were more likely to require management in the intensive care unit (85.2% vs. 14.8%, p < 0.01) and being CTA positive was associated with a significantly increased in-hospital mortality (14.8% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.01). The use of a novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC) in the week prior to presentation was associated with a positive CTA after adjustment for confounders (adjusted odds ratio = 3.89; 95% CI 1.05–14.43). Similarly, the use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) was associated with a positive CTA (OR 2.36; 1.03–5.41). Only 8% of patients experienced contrast-induced nephropathy. Use of either NOACs or NSAIDs in the previous week is independently associated with a positive CTA in the setting of acute lower GI bleeding. CTA exams appear to confer a low risk of contrast-induced nephropathy.
Mothers Affiliated with a Positive Parenting Program Report Rearing their Children Differently

An orientation to child rearing, ambiguously labeled “positive parenting,” has proliferated in the popular literature. It differs in philosophy from mainstream child-rearing practices and most contemporary parent education programs by espousing a relationship-oriented, child-centered, and punishment-free approach. However, the approach lacks empirical evidence. In this study, we investigated one prominent positive parenting program, named Attachment Parenting International (API). Three claims the program makes were examined concerning parental warmth, disciplinary practices, and child adjustment. Along those lines, we predicted API parents would report engaging in warmer parent-child interactions, use more non-coercive discipline, and use less coercive discipline with their children than other parents. We also expected that API parents would report fewer child adjustment problems than comparison mothers. A total of 593 mothers of 3- to 10-year-old children participated in the online study about their parenting practices and their children’s behavior. Three hundred and sixty participants self-identified as being API mothers; 233 mothers were recruited from Mechanical Turk. As expected, the API mothers reported significantly warmer mother-child relationships and engaging in more non-coercive discipline but less coercive discipline than the matched comparison mothers. However, there were no significant group differences on children’s adjustment problems. Nevertheless, API membership moderated two of the six regression analyses. API mothers’ use of warmth was associated with fewer internalizing symptoms than the comparison mothers. Additionally, API mothers’ use of non-coercive discipline was linked to fewer child externalizing symptoms than the comparison group. Mothers affiliated with API indicated they engaged in childrearing behavior that was inline with the teachings of the program. An addition, API involvement moderated two of the relations be parenting and child behavior problems. Consequently, this study provides some of the first empirical evidence about how affiliation with a positive parenting organization is related to childrearing behavior as well as child behavior. Observational and prospective studies are needed to more thoroughly examine the relations between positive parenting programs, child-rearing behavior, and child adjustment.
Semi-automated shear stress measurements in developing embryonic hearts

Blood-induced shear stress influences gene expression. Abnormal shear stress patterns on the endocardium of the early-stage heart tube can lead to congenital heart defects. To have a better understanding of these mechanisms, it is essential to include shear stress measurements in longitudinal cohort studies of cardiac development. Previously reported approaches are computationally expensive and nonpractical when assessing many animals. Here, we introduce a new approach to estimate shear stress that does not rely on recording 4D image sets and extensive post processing. Our method uses two adjacent optical coherence tomography frames (B-scans) where lumen geometry and flow direction are determined from the structural data and the velocity is measured from the Doppler OCT signal. We validated our shear stress estimate by flow phantom experiments and applied it to live quail embryo hearts where observed shear stress patterns were similar to previous studies.
Full-Scale Laboratory Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Subgrade Soil Stabilization Practices for Portland Cement Concrete Pavements Patching Applications:

Adequate quality of subgrade under patched areas can extend the service life of concrete pavements and reduce their maintenance costs. In this study, the performance of various subgrade stabilizati...
A Bayesian solution to non-convergence of crossed random effects models

Crossed random effects models can simultaneously take into account both fixed effects and random effects of the subjects and stimuli when observations are nested within combinations of subjects and stimuli. Unfortunately, maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimation often encounter convergence problems, which in turn lead researchers to fit simpler models that yield invalid statistical inferences. On the other hand, if the random effects structure is too simple, tests of fixed effects are not valid; if the random effect structure is too complex, tests of fixed effects are inefficient. This study examines non-convergence issues inherent with MLE and REML as well as whether using Bayesian estimation can solve estimation problems when using crossed random effects models.
Conceptualization of Hand-TaPS to measure the subjective experience of dynamic hand orthoses in promoting functional recovery at home after stroke.

BACKGROUND Dynamic exoskeleton orthoses provide assistance needed to complete movements that would otherwise be impossible after stroke. Beyond the demonstration of their effectiveness, the subjective experience of dynamic orthoses also needs to be considered. OBJECTIVE To support functional recovery after stroke through the development of Hand-TaPS (Task Practice after Stroke), an instrument to evaluate dynamic hand orthoses in home therapy. METHODS Dynamic hand orthosis subject matter experts (N = 14), professionals and consumers, considered the items of PYTHEIA, a valid and reliable instrument merging well-tested, assistive technology (AT) assessment items with those tuned to the greater complexity of emerging technologies. Experts reflected on how each item aligned with their personal experience of dynamic orthosis use. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis guided identification of themes. RESULTS Four themes (5/20 items) appraised highly relevant for Hand-TaPS. The remaining eight themes (15/20 items) were deemed in need of modification. CONCLUSIONS Dynamic hand orthoses constitute a special case of AT; the assistance they provide targets therapy, not ADLs. Our work to develop Hand-TaPS provides a clear example of the theoretical difference between rehabilitative and assistive technology and underscores the importance of consideration of how a device is used in its assessment.
A case report of an STEMI mimicker in a patient presenting with haemoptysis and chest pain with metastatic myocardial infiltration and left ventricular mural thrombi.

Background ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires timely coronary reperfusion but localizing ST-segment elevation (STE) can develop in clinical settings other than STEMI. Case summary We report a case of a 66-year-old man, with a history of diabetes mellitus and arthritis presenting with haemoptysis and chest pain. The electrocardiogram (ECG) at presentation showed marked localizing STE but emergent cardiac catheterization showed no significant coronary artery obstruction and the serial serum cardiac troponin levels were within normal limits. The patient was found to have squamous cell carcinoma with a right upper lobe cavitated lung mass and cardiac infiltrative metastasis as shown by computed tomography, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET-CT) imaging. Mobile left ventricular mural thrombi were also noted on echocardiography. Discussion Metastatic myocardial infiltration can cause STE mimicking STEMI on ECG. The STE is persistent and may reflect an ongoing injury current between the infiltrated and normal myocardium. The STE is localizing, which may have value in evaluating the extent and region of metastatic myocardial damage. Myocardial metastasis can be complicated by ventricular mural thrombosis and due to lack of population data, there is no firm guidance on choice of anticoagulation.
Three new genera and eighteen new species of miniature polydesmid millipedes from the northwestern United States (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Polydesmidae).

Three new genera, Retrorsioides, Rowlandesmus and Benedictesmus, are described and the polydesmid millipede fauna of North America is briefly reviewed with an emphasis on the genera Bidentogon Buckett & Gardner, 1968 and Retrorsia Shelley, 2003. Eighteen new species are described: Bidentogon buttensis, Bidentogon norcal, Retrorsia leonardi, Retrorsia benedictae, Retrorsia richarti, Retrorsia gracilis, Retrorsia simplicissima, Retrorsioides castellum, Retrorsioides linnensis, Retrorsioides kittitas, Retrorsioides bammerti, Retrorsioides arboramagna, Rowlandesmus millicoma, Rowlandesmus dentogonopus, Benedictesmus aureua, Benedictesmus ellenae, Benedictesmus yaquina and Benedictesmus timber. Natural history notes and illustrations are provided of putative commensal fungi, nematodes and a mite found on the millipede specimens.
In vitro assay for single-cell characterization of impaired deformability in red blood cells under recurrent episodes of hypoxia

Red blood cells (RBCs) are subjected to recurrent changes in shear stress and oxygen tension during blood circulation. The cyclic shear stress has been identified as an important factor that alone can weaken cell mechanical deformability. The effects of cyclic hypoxia on cellular biomechanics have yet to be fully investigated. As the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin plays a key role in the biological function and mechanical performance of RBCs, the repeated transitions of hemoglobin between its R (high oxygen tension) and T (low oxygen tension) states may impact their mechanical behavior. The present study focuses on developing a novel microfluidic-based assay for characterization of the effects of cyclic hypoxia on cell biomechanics. The capability of this assay is demonstrated by a longitudinal study of individual RBCs in health and sickle cell disease subjected to cyclic hypoxia conditions of various durations and levels of low oxygen tension. The viscoelastic properties of cell membranes are extracted from tensile stretching and relaxation processes of RBCs induced by the electrodeformation technique. Results demonstrate that cyclic hypoxia alone can significantly reduce cell deformability, similar to the fatigue damage accumulated through cyclic mechanical loading. RBCs affected by sickle cell disease are less deformable (significantly higher membrane shear modulus and viscosity) than normal RBCs. The fatigue resistance of sickle RBCs to the cyclic hypoxia challenge is significantly inferior to that of normal RBCs, and this trend is more significant in mature erythrocytes of sickle cells. When the oxygen affinity of sickle hemoglobin is enhanced by anti-sickling drug treatment of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF), sickle RBCs show ameliorated resistance to fatigue damage induced by cyclic hypoxia. These results indicate an important biophysical mechanism underlying RBC senescence in which the cyclic hypoxia challenge alone can lead to mechanical degradation of the RBC membrane. We envision that the application of this assay can be further extended to RBCs in other blood diseases and other cell types.
Disclosure of Governance Information by Small and Medium-Sized Companies

Purpose: This paper examines the extent of compliance with the governance regulatory requirements by small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). Considering the declining investor interest in AIM-listed companies coupled with the increasing attention investors pay to the presence of a sound and transparent governance mechanism, the paper seeks to identify those corporate governance and firm structure-specific characteristics that are positively associated with and affect the extent of compliance with the governance regulatory requirements, in an attempt to present recommendations that would make AIM-listed companies more attractive as investment opportunities. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper focuses on AIM-listed companies over a period of three years (2002, 2003 and 2004) and concentrates on their extent of compliance with the corporate governance disclosure guidelines set out by the regulatory bodies. To measure the extent of disclosure, we compiled a checklist based on the Combined Code (2003) and FSA listing rules. Having reviewed the literature on large companies (as there were no studies on SMEs), we selected a number of governance and firm structure-specific characteristics. The relationships between the level of governance disclosure and the chosen characteristics were examined in order to highlight those factors that are associated with and affect the level of governance disclosure. Findings: On average about 50% of governance items required to be disclosed had been reported by AIM-listed companies. As for large companies, there is a positive relationship between the number of non-executive directors in governance mechanisms and the extent of disclosure. Unlike large companies, firm structure-specific characteristics were neither associated with nor had any impact on the extent of governance disclosure. Considering that there has been a declining interest in AIM-listed companies, we recommend the presence of more non-executive directors as this would ultimately mean more compliance with the governance disclosure requirements and could result in restored investor interest and confidence. Our findings also indicate that SMEs are more likely to have adopted a stakeholder approach when concentrating on their governance arrangements. Originality/Value: This is the first study to present evidence on the state of compliance with the governance regulatory requirements by AIM-listed companies. The study presents evidence on governance disclosure practices of SMEs and indicates that in spite of a less stringent regulatory regime set up within AIM, non-executive directors, who bring in an element of independence to boards, play a significant role in elevating corporate transparency.
In Reply: Questions About Dipstick Screening

I was quite stimulated by the comments in Dr. Wolman9s letter concerning our study of the nitrite test as a simple method to detect urinary tract infections among preschool children. As with all field studies, there are limitations which I would readily grant. We tried to present all of our data as carefully and honestly as possible. What more can one ask? I have been actively studying the epidemiology of urinary tract infections in childhood for 17 years.
Learning about Fluorescence in Undergraduate Biochemistry: Enzyme Kinetics Using a Low-Cost, Student-Built Fluorescence Spectrometer

Techniques and instrumentation that involve fluorescence are used in many careers related to biology and biochemistry. However, due to the expense of instrumentation, the theory and practice of flu...
PERFORMANCE OF CARBON/DIESEL FUEL SLURRIES IN A MEDIUM-SPEED DIESEL ENGINE

The effects of carbon black/diesel fuel slurries on fuel injection systems and performance of an EMD 567B two-cylinder locomotive research engine when operated on slurry fuel are presented in this paper. Without extensive modification to the diesel engine fuel transfer system, carbon black slurries cannot be run. Laboratory bench tests revealed clogged fuel filters, worn transfer pump components and frozen injector needle assemblies. Engine performance while running slurries resulted in reduced thermal efficiency and increased BSFC at rated power output. Upon engine disassembly, inspection revealed severe ring and liner wear. Severe wear resulted during only 40 hours of engine operation.
Accelerated Macromolecular Solution Structure Recovery

Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) is a standard technique for the determination of low-resolution shapes of macromolecules and their complexes, adding important insights in understanding biological function. We present a novel and computationally efficient method for shape reconstruction from SAXS data. High-quality molecular shapes are calculated in less than two minutes, providing real-time feedback during SAXS experiments.
CHAPTER 277 – Orphan Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear hormone receptors comprise a superfamily of ligand-modulated transcription factors that regulate gene transcription in response to their cognate ligands. The transcriptional effects of these receptors are mediated via two critical functional domains: the DNA-binding domain (DBD) and the ligand-binding domain (LBD). The DBD recognizes specific target genes, whereas the LBD modulates the gene transcription by interacting with transcriptional regulatory complexes in a ligand-dependent fashion. An important component of all signaling networks is the ability to respond to signaling molecules at physiologically relevant concentrations. In contrast to endocrine hormones that are secreted at nanomolar concentrations, intermediary metabolites are by necessity present at much higher (micromolar) concentrations. Thus, an important distinction between endocrine and metabolite/toxin-controlled receptors is that the former are high-affinity sensors, whereas the latter bind their ligands with an appropriately lower affinity. Orphan nuclear receptors provide convincing evidence that higher organisms regulate gene transcription in response to metabolic and xenobiotic cues. As metabolic disease (atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes) represents the leading cause of death in industrialized societies, these receptors provide important targets for drug discovery. At the same time, discovery efforts will be enhanced by dualscreening strategies that select for therapeutic activity while minimizing interactions with xenobiotic receptors. Finally,orphan receptors represent a valuable source for future exploration because 26 orphans have yet to be associated with specific ligands.
Pan Evaporation and Evapotranspiration from Climatic Data

Pan evaporation data are useful in estimating losses from reservoirs and lakes, and for estimating evapotranspiration from agricultural crops using procedures relating evapotranspiration to pan evaporation. A formula, developed at Utah State University, is presented for estimating pan evaporation from extraterrestrial radiation and climatic data. This dimensionally sound formula utilizes climatic data of the type most readily available. It should provide reliable estimates of pan evaporation for a wide range of climatic conditions and latitudes. Tables are presented to simplify the application of the formula where electronic computers are not used. Three formulas for estimating evapotranspiration for several agricultural crops, using as the principal parameters either extraterrestrial radiation, pan evaporation, or measured incident radiation, together with climatic data, are also presented. These formulas, developed from more limited data, may not be as reliable for a wide range of climatic conditions and latitudes.
Parameter estimation of non-linear neuronal systems by linear association

Linear associative memories (LAM) have been used intensely in the areas of pattern recognition and parallel processing for the past two decades. Application of LAM to nonlinear parameter estimation, however, has only been recently attempted. The process consists in converting the nonlinear function of the parameters into a set of linear algebraic equations. Here, LAM is applied to a nonlinear 5-parameter model of the neuron. Ill-conditioning, which is often exhibited in LAM, is treated with the method of regularization as well as by the singular value decomposition (SVD). Simulation results indicate that the parameters estimated by LAM exhibit a remarkable robustness against additive white noise in comparison with the classical gradient optimization technique. The comparison between LAM and a gradient technique show that, for this estimation problem, the LAM method can give more reliable estimates. Further improvements in estimation quality may still be achieved by other forms of regularizing functions.
Acomys cahirinus (Spiny mouse)

This form of Acomys cahirinus is apparently a variant of the more widely distributed form which possess a diploid number of 38 (Folio 276). Comparison between the two karyotypes immediately suggests a Robertsonian process, viz., two pairs of acrocentrics in the more typical form are missing but an extra pair of submetacentrics is present in the present form. Identification of the sex chromosomes is unequivocal since they are the only acrocentric elements.
c-fos expression in vomeronasal pathways of mated or pheromone- stimulated male golden hamsters: contributions from vomeronasal sensory input and expression related to mating performance

The vomeronasal system projects to the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), to the medial (Me) and posterior medial cortical nuclei (PMCN) of the amygdala, to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and to other central structures shown to be important in mating behavior, including the medial preoptic area (MPOA). In these experiments c-fos expression was used as a marker of neural activity to identify the contribution of vomeronasal sensory input during mating behavior in male golden hamsters, either intact or with vomeronasal organs removed (VNX). Inexperienced hamsters were either stimulated with a receptive female and allowed to mate, exposed to female hamster vaginal fluid (HVF), which contains stimuli known to act through the VN system, or placed in a clean cage alone. Densely stained Fos-positive nuclei were evident in mated animals in the central VN pathway [AOB, Me, posterior medial BNST (pmBNST)] and a VN target area (MPOA). HVF-exposed animals showed Fos expression in the AOB, Me, and BNST but not MPOA. Unstimulated animals showed almost no activation. Most VNX animals exposed to females did not mate, but performed intense chemoinvestigation. They had few Fos-positive nuclei in any of these areas except the caudal pmBNST. A few VNX animals that did mate had patterns of Fos activation that were similar but less intense than those of intact mating animals, suggesting a selective activation of VN central pathways during mating regardless of VN sensory input. The main olfactory system showed low levels of Fos expression in all animals (stimulated and unstimulated). Fos expression in the MPOA and rostral pmBNST was seen only in mated animals, suggesting that these regions are concerned with mating performance or its consequences, rather than the chemosensory input that triggers it. Fos expression in the caudal encapsulated pmBNST was evident in all groups of animals that performed chemosensory investigation, regardless of VN status or mating, suggesting that this region either directs or responds to chemosensory investigation.
Role of Notch Signal Transduction in Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Gene Expression

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) RTA transcription factor is recruited to its responsive elements through interaction with a Notch-mediated transcription factor, RBP-Jkappa, indicating that RTA mimics cellular Notch signal transduction to activate viral lytic gene expression. To test whether cellular Notch signal transduction and RTA are functionally exchangeable for viral gene expression, human Notch intracellular (hNIC) domain that constitutively activates RBP-Jkappa transcription factor activity was expressed in KSHV-infected primary effusion lymphoma BCBL1 cells (TRExBCBL1-hNIC) in a tetracycline-inducible manner. Gene expression profiling showed that like RTA, hNIC robustly induced expression of a number of viral genes, including viral interleukin 6 (vIL-6), K3, and K5. Unlike RTA, however, hNIC was not capable of evoking the full repertoire of lytic viral gene expression and thereby lytic replication. To further understand the role of Notch signal transduction in KSHV gene expression, vIL-6 growth factor and K5 immune modulator genes were selected for detailed analysis. Despite the presence of multiple RBP-Jkappa binding sites, hNIC targeted the specific RBP-Jkappa binding sites of vIL-6 and K5 promoter regions to regulate their gene expression. These results indicate that cellular Notch signal transduction not only is partially exchangeable with RTA in regard to activation of viral lytic gene expression but also provides a novel expression profile of KSHV growth and immune deregulatory genes that is likely different from that of RTA-independent standard latency program as well as RTA-dependent lytic reproduction program.
Dynamic Programing of CD8+ T Cell Trafficking after Live Viral Immunization

After viral infection, activated T cells are present in multiple tissues regardless of the infection route. How these cells acquire pleiotropic homing ability is unclear. By using a cutaneous vaccinia virus infection model, we demonstrate that regulation of T cell trafficking is multiphasic. Upon completion of three cell divisions, CD8+ T cells upregulated specific skin-homing molecules within draining lymph nodes (LN). By 60 hr after infection, some activated T cells reached the infected tissue, while others entered distant antigen-free LN. These latter cells continued to divide and acquire additional tissue-homing molecules in this new setting, independent of antigen presentation. After viral clearance, the initial skin-homing imprint became the predominant homing phenotype on memory cells and provided superior protection against secondary cutaneous challenge. These observations demonstrate a mechanism by which T cells provide both immediate tissue-specific immune control at the pathogen entry site and a more flexible systemic protection against pathogen dissemination.
Combined optical- and acoustic-resolution photoacoustic microscopy based on an optical fiber bundle

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), whose spatial resolution and penetration depth are both scalable, has made great progress in recent years. According to their different lateral resolutions, PAM systems can be categorized into either optical-resolution (OR) PAM, with optical-diffraction-limited lateral resolution, or acoustic-resolution (AR) PAM, with acoustically limited resolution and a deeper maximum imaging depth. In this report, we present a combined OR and AR PAM system with resolutions of 2.2 μm and 40 μm, respectively. Sharing most components between the OR and AR implementations, the system achieves separated illumination for OR and AR imaging by an optical fiber bundle through different channels, and two discrete lasers are used to provide either high-power energy for AR imaging or highrepetition- rate pulses for OR imaging. The design enables automatically co-registered OR and AR photoacoustic imaging in one single system, which extends the usability of current photoacoustic systems and simplifies the imaging procedure.
Who should own it? An agency-based explanation for multi-outlet ownership and co-location in plural form franchising

Plural forms exist when managers use two owners to perform one activity. Franchising is a plural form explained by agency theory, however, the theory is unable to explain two franchisor actions: 1) allowing franchisees to own multiple outlets and 2) co-locating company-owned and franchised outlets. We use research that describes a symbiosis between company-owned and franchised outlets to extend agency theory and explain these actions. Our investigation of ownership patterns among 4,339 outlets of 16 plural form franchisors is consistent with our theory that multi-outlet franchising is cost efficient and that co-location occurs when franchisors fill market gaps left by franchisees. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of electrochemical reduction of oxamide analytical applications

of the electrochemical oxidation of some pteridines in this laboratory, it became necessary to detect and determine oxamide, an oxida- tion product. Very few methods have been described for the determination of oxamide . The reported methods generally involve alkaline hydrolysis of oxamide to oxalic acid and ammonia, followed by titration of the acid' or titration of the liberated ammonia'. These methods were unsatisfactory for analysis of our rtiixtures, which contained ureas, amides and other species that are hydrolyzed to ammonia, other volatile bases or organic acids . Investigation showed that oxamide gives a very well-defined polarographic wave in neutral and alkaline solutions which could be used for its analytical determination . This paper describes a detailed examination of the mechanism of the electrochemical reduction of oxamide and the use of the d .c. polarographic wave for its determination .
An epigenetic perspective on the failing heart and pluripotent-derived-cardiomyocytes for cell replacement therapy

As life expectancy rises, the prevalence of heart failure is steadily increasing, while donors for organ transplantation remain in short supply (Zwi-Dantsis and Gepstein, 2012). Indeed, myocardial infarction represents the foremost cause of death within industrialized nations (Henning, 2011) and further, approximately 1% of all newborns harbor a congenital heart defect. Although medical interventions allow > 80% of those with cardiac defects to survive to adulthood, there are often extreme emotional and financial burdens that accompany such congenital anomalies, and many individuals will remain at a heightened risk for myocardial infarction throughout the remainder of their lives (Verheugt et al., 2010; Amianto et al., 2011). In this review, we will discuss the nature of the failing heart and strategies for repair from an epigenetic standpoint. Significant focus will reside on pluripotent-to-cardiomyocyte differentiation for cell replacement, epigenetic mechanisms of cardiomyocyte differentiation, epigenetic “memories,” and epigenetic control of cardiomyocyte cell fate toward translational utility.