cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of intracoronary versus intravenous adenosine-induced maximal hyperemia for fractional flow reserve measurement: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE We sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature comparing fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements after administration of adenosine using intracoronary (IC) bolus versus standard continuous intravenous (IV) infusion. BACKGROUND FFR is considered the gold standard for invasive assessment of coronary lesions of intermediate severity. IV adenosine is recommended to induce hyperemia; however, IC adenosine is widely used for convenience. The difference between IV and IC administration in lesions assessment is not well studied. METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE and relevant databases for studies comparing IV with IC adenosine administration for FFR measurement. We reviewed data pertaining to adenosine doses, side effects, and FFR values. RESULTS Eight studies addressing the primary question were identified. Dose of IC adenosine varied between 36 and 600 μg. Compared to IV adenosine infusion, the sensitivity of IC administration is 0.805 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.664-0.896; p < .001), specificity is 0.965 (95% CI: 0.932-0.983; p < .001), positive likelihood ratio is 24.218 (95% CI: 12,263-47.830; p < .001), negative likelihood ratio is 0.117 (95% CI: 0.033-0.411; p < .01), and diagnostic odds ratio is 274.225 [95% CI: 92.731-810.946; p < .001]. Overall, hemodynamic side effects and symptoms were reported more frequently with IV adenosine. CONCLUSIONS The available literature suggests that IC adenosine is well tolerated and may provide equivalent diagnostic accuracy compared to IV administration. However, variability in dosing regimens does not allow definitive conclusions regarding noninferiority of IC approach compared to IV administration.
Abstract TP230: Prehospital Timeline of Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit and Traditional Ambulance

Introduction: Prehospital evaluation and response is vital to effective and early delivery of acute stroke treatment. We aimed to compare the times across various prehospital times among stroke pat...
The appropriation of traditional media content in online contexts: A South Korean textbook case

ABSTRACTThis study explores the appropriation of traditional media content in an online protest context and highlights the significance of legacy media to activists’ communication practices online....
Multiple axes of ecological vulnerability to climate change

Observed ecological responses to climate change are highly individualistic across species and locations, and understanding the drivers of this variability is essential for management and conservation efforts. While it is clear that differences in exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity all contribute to heterogeneity in climate change vulnerability, predicting these features at macroecological scales remains a critical challenge. We explore multiple drivers of heterogeneous vulnerability across the distributions of 96 vegetation types of the ecologically diverse western US, using data on observed climate trends from 1948 to 2014 to highlight emerging patterns of change. We ask three novel questions about factors potentially shaping vulnerability across the region: (a) How does sensitivity to different climate variables vary geographically and across vegetation classes? (b) How do multivariate climate exposure patterns interact with these sensitivities to shape vulnerability patterns? (c) How different are these vulnerability patterns according to three widely implemented vulnerability paradigms-niche novelty (decline in modeled suitability), temporal novelty (standardized anomaly), and spatial novelty (inbound climate velocity)-each of which uses a distinct frame of reference to quantify climate departure? We propose that considering these three novelty paradigms in combination could help improve our understanding and prediction of heterogeneous climate change responses, and we discuss the distinct climate adaptation strategies connected with different combinations of high and low novelty across the three metrics. Our results reveal a diverse mosaic of climate change vulnerability signatures across the region's plant communities. Each of the above factors contributes strongly to this heterogeneity: climate variable sensitivity exhibits clear patterns across vegetation types, multivariate climate change data reveal highly diverse exposure signatures across locations, and the three novelty paradigms diverge widely in their climate change vulnerability predictions. Together, these results shed light on potential drivers of individualistic climate change responses and may help to inform effective management strategies.
A not-so-simple twist of fate.

Summary Multiciliated cells are considered terminally differentiated, yet tissues bearing them are remodeled during development and after injury. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Tasca et al. (2021) show that multiciliated epithelial cells are lost via two different Notch-dependent processes, apoptosis and transdifferentiation, during developmental remodeling of the Xenopus epidermis.
Assessing the Impact of Geosynthetic Interlayers on Laboratory Cracking and Delamination of Hot-Mix Asphalt Mixtures:

This study evaluated the impact of geosynthetic interlayers on crack retardation and delamination within hot-mix asphalt mixtures. Five different geosynthetic interlayers (three geogrids, one geote...
Review of Rick Abel’s Law’s Wars and Law’s Trials

In his latest ambitious scholarship project, Law’s Trials and Law’s Wars, Rick Abel grapples with the meaning, status, capacity and sustainability of the rule of law in the so-called war against terrorism. In essence, these two volumes are a clarion call for the increased protection of human rights and the overall strengthening of the rule of law.
TU-CD-304-10: Development and Optimization of “Compton Lens” Collimator Design for Increased Dose Rate in SRS

Purpose: To provide a proof of concept for a new collimator design to increase the dose rate at isocenter for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatments by taking advantage of off axis Compton scattered photons which are attenuated in current collimators. Methods: A fundamentally new collimator design was developed and optimized by introducing a series of slits to a standard block collimator. The introduction of slits allowed for initially off axis radiation that was scattered in the direction of the target to contribute to the target dose. For optimization, the design was broken into two parts: an upper interaction plate where primary scattering occurs, and a lower “Compton slit” region which allows for scattered photons traveling toward the target to reach isocenter. To optimize the design, a series of simulations were performed using MCNP6 in which several key parameters were adjusted and the output was compared to a standard collimator. Key parameters modified included the collimator material, cone size, and interaction plate thickness. The effects of using energies different than the traditional 6 MV beam were also explored. Results: An optimized collimator design utilizing a solid interaction plate with a Cesium-137 beam and a 4 mm cone size resulted in a dose rate increase on the order of 5% relative to standard collimators in use. Currently, designs incorporating a Cesium-137 source are the most feasible due to necessary size and weight concerns for 6 MV beams. Conclusion: Preliminary designs provide a proof of concept and indicate a potential to improve upon the dose rate of current collimators while not largely compromising the sharp dose falloff inherent to SRS. Further optimization into the geometry and positioning of the interaction plate, as well as slit optimization, will likely lead to further dose rate increases than were observed in this study. Funding for this work was provided by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). Authors have a conflict of interest as the technology discussed is patent pending, and thus there is a financial interest in the work.
Heart Rate and Physiological Ecology

A spider’s heart rate is a major indicator of its physiological state (Mikulska 196lb). Unfortunately, this concept is more an extrapolation from studies with a wide variety of nonarachnid invertebrates and vertebrates than it is a conclusion drawn from studies with spiders themselves. For example,J.C. Jones et al. (1971) and Ligon and Greenberg (1971) summarized data showing that heart rate in a generalized invertebrate varies according to the properties of the individual, its environment, and the experimental methodology used to gather data. However, of the 100 or so publications cited by them, some of which date back as far as 1837, none ostensibly deals with spiders.
The Corruption Game: Simulated Experiential Learning of Ethical/Emotional Trade-Offs

This paper outlines requirements and specifications for a gaming simulation model using virtual worlds, where subjects interact in avatar roles of various government officials and clients, to study the social network dynamics of the spread of corruption, as well as possible interventions to reduce corruption. The application focus is on corruption in seaports, relating to the bribing of customs officials to avoid import/export taxes or to enable the import of illegal goods, such as drugs.
Cryptographic voting protocols: a systems perspective

Cryptographic voting protocols offer the promise of verifiable voting without needing to trust the integrity of any software in the system. However, these cryptographic protocols are only one part of a larger system composed of voting machines, software implementations, and election procedures, and we must analyze their security by considering the system in its entirety. In this paper, we analyze the security properties of two different cryptographic protocols, one proposed by Andrew Neff and another by David Chaum. We discovered several potential weaknesses in these voting protocols which only became apparent when considered in the context of an entire voting system. These weaknesses include: subliminal channels in the encrypted ballots, problems resulting from human unreliability in cryptographic protocols, and denial of service. These attacks could compromise election integrity, erode voter privacy, and enable vote coercion. Whether our attacks succeed or not will depend on how these ambiguities are resolved in a full implementation of a voting system, but we expect that a well designed implementation and deployment may be able to mitigate or even eliminate the impact of these weaknesses. However, these protocols must be analyzed in the context of a complete specification of the system and surrounding procedures before they are deployed in any large-scale public election.
Sources of variation in Affymetrix microarray experiments

A typical microarray experiment has many sources of variation which can be attributed to biological and technical causes. Identifying sources of variation and assessing their magnitude, among other factors, are important for optimal experimental design. The objectives of this study were: (1) to estimate relative magnitudes of different sources of variation and (2) to evaluate agreement between biological and technical replicates. We performed a microarray experiment using a total of 24 Affymetrix GeneChip® arrays. The study included 4th mammary gland samples from eight 21-day-old Sprague Dawley CD female rats exposed to genistein (soy isoflavone). RNA samples from each rat were split to assess variation arising at labeling and hybridization steps. A general linear model was used to estimate variance components. Pearson correlations were computed to evaluate agreement between technical and biological replicates. The greatest source of variation was biological variation, followed by residual error, and finally variation due to labeling when *.cel files were processed with dChip and RMA image processing algorithms. When MAS 5.0 or GCRMA-EB were used, the greatest source of variation was residual error, followed by biology and labeling. Correlations between technical replicates were consistently higher than between biological replicates.
Observations of the first aerosol indirect effect in shallow cumuli

[1] Data from the Cumulus Humilis Aerosol Processing Study (CHAPS) are used to estimate the impact of both aerosol indirect effects and cloud dynamics on the microphysical and optical properties of shallow cumuli observed in the vicinity of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Not surprisingly, we find that the amount of light scattered by clouds is dominated by their liquid water content (LWC), which in turn is driven by buoyancy and cloud dynamics. However, removing the effect of cloud dynamics by examining the scattering normalized by LWC shows a statistically significant sensitivity of scattering to pollutant loading (increasing at a rate of 0.002 m2 g−1 ppbv−1). These results suggest that even moderately sized cities, like Oklahoma City, can have a measureable impact on the optical properties of shallow cumuli.
The Peak Brightness of Supernovae in the U Band and the Hubble Constant

The peak magnitudes of Type I supernovae in the U band can be used to answer various questions relating to supernovae and the Hubble constant: (1) Well-observed normal Type Ia supernovae are placed in a color-color diagram along the extinction line of (B - V) = 1.25(U - B) + 0.15 with a scatter of 0.1 mag in each color. (2) The peak B - V colors measured at the Asiago Observatory are far from this relation, hence supporting the earlier conclusions that these data are unreliable. (3) The intrinsic B - V at B peak of normal Type Ia events is 0.00 ± 0.04 or perhaps slightly redder, hence implying that these are good standard candles. (4) The dereddened absolute magnitude in the U band at the time of B peak is -18.88 ± 0.15 for H0 = 75. (5) The U- and H-band light curves of SN 1972E yield low values for the Hubble constant.
Efficient visual object tracking with online nearest neighbor classifier

A tracking-by-detection framework is proposed that combines nearest-neighbor classification of bags of features, efficient subwindow search, and a novel feature selection and pruning method to achieve stability and plasticity in tracking targets of changing appearance. Experiments show that near-frame-rate performance is achieved (sans feature detection), and that the state of the art is improved in terms of handling occlusions, clutter, changes of scale, and of appearance. A theoretical analysis shows why nearest neighbor works better than more sophisticated classifiers in the context of tracking.
Control of modular dual active bridge DC/DC converter for photovoltaic integration

The DC transmission system provides a cost effective solution for long distance power transmission compared to the AC transmission system. Hence, this has increased the emphasis on the development of the DC transmission system. Development of power converter with modular structure has now made it possible to achieve higher voltage and power level. This opens the possibility for further development of a multi-terminal DC grid. Now once the DC grid system has been formed, it is also important to include more renewable energy sources directly to the DC grid. Therefore, a power conversion stage is required to condition the available power from a source to the grid. This paper shows the operation and control of such a kind of converter system which integrates the solar cell to the DC grid directly. The paper mainly focuses on control of the series connected DAB that have been integrated to HVDC power network. In order to deliver power in HVDC system, the total number of DABs must be high enough to achieve the DC link voltage. The control in that case must be a combination of current and voltage control. In order to validate the proposed control, complete system has been implemented on Opal-RT™ and hardware in the loop (HIL) using external controller has also been implemented to show the system operation.
Antiphospholipid antibody: functional specificity for inhibition of prothrombin activation by the prothrombinase complex

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is associated with production of autoantibodies with lupus anticoagulant (LA) activity. These antibodies cause prolongation of in vitro clotting tests by inhibition of the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin in the presence of anionic phospholipid (PL). The extent to which this inhibition reflects antibody binding to, or functional inhibition of, phospholipids alone, prothrombin alone, or a prothrombin-phospholipid complex is pertinent to our understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome. Immunoglobulin fractions (IgG) from 18 patients with LA activity were tested for inhibitory activity against prothrombin activation by either factor Xa, in a purified prothrombinase system. or by purified fractions of snake venoms (E. carinatus, E. multisquamatus) which cleave prothrombin at the same initial site as the prothrombinase complex but do not require anionic phospholipid as a cofactor. Parallel testing of the same IgG samples for prothrombin binding by immunoassay was performed. Although all IgG samples inhibited the prothrombinase reaction, only three exhibited any inhibition of venom protease prothrombin activation in either the presence or absence of PI.. ()nly one sample exhibited prothrombin binding by Western blot. These results suggest that lupus anticoagulant antibodies are heterogenous and that many, if not most, of the autoantibody populations responsible for LA activity impair prothrombin activation by interaction either with phospholipid alone or with a restricted range of prothrombin-phospholipid epitopes expressed by prothrombin only as part of the intact prothrombin-prothrombinase complex.
Responsible Conduct of Research in Computational Modeling

Computational modeling is a growing area of mechanical engineering that focuses on the use of numerical simulation to examine complex phenomena. Computational modeling includes work in finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and multi-body dynamics modeling. Intrinsic to most of these modeling efforts are common elements including:1. Assumptions that are made to reduce a problem to a solvable mathematical problem,2. Formulation of a mathematical representation based on scientific principles,3. Reduction of the mathematical representation through the removal of terms of small effect (neglected terms)4. Collection and use of input data,5. Algorithm development using numerical methods and discretization of the mathematical problem,6. Implementation of the algorithm in computer code,7. Creating representations of the model results,8. External validation of the model, and9. Dissemination of the model and model computer code.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Phosphorylation of a low molecular weight polypeptide in beef heart Na+,K+-ATPase preparations

Abstract Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel profiles of a NaI-treated beef heart Na + ,K + -ATPase preparation revealed the presence of two protein kinase substrates of low molecular weight, whereas a more purified citrate beef heart Na + ,K + -ATPase preparation contained one low molecular weight polypeptide substrate. This enzyme preparation was phosphorylated in the presence of protein kinase, and phosphorylation was inhibited by protein kinase inhibitor. The phosphorylated product was identified as a phosphoester. Half maximal stimulation of protein kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation occurred at approximately 9 × 10 −8 m cyclic AMP. The low molecular weight (11,700) protein kinase substrate present in the heart preparations was eluted from polyacrylamide slab gels. The polypeptide fraction was reelectrophoresed and the polypeptide was removed from the gels, hydrolyzed, and analyzed for amino acid content. This polypeptide was different from other low molecular weight protein kinase substrates including troponin components, myosin light chains, and histones and is most likely of plasma membrane origin.
Petrographic provinces and provenance of the Upper Triassic Luning Formation, west-central Nevada: Summary

The Upper Triassic Luning Formation (Muller and Ferguson, 1939) provides a key to the understanding of the Late Triassic paleogeography of west-central Nevada. Investigation of the Luning Formation, part of an ongoing re-evaluation of the structure and stratigraphy of pre-Tertiary rocks in west-central Nevada (Oldow, 1976, 1978a, 1978b; Speed, 1977a, 1977b, 1978), is particularly fruitful because of the formation9s widespread distribution. Although predominantly a shallow-marine carbonate assemblage, the Luning does contain siliciclastic units. The mineralogic composition of siliciclastic rocks within the Luning Formation is reported here. The sandstone units are characterized using the detrital grain parameters of Dickinson (1970). The characterizations provide the basis for establishing petrographic provinces—compositionally distinctive bodies of rock that form natural units in terms of age, origin, and distribution (see Suttner, 1974). Vertical and lateral changes in sandstone composition delimit the spatial and temporal distribution of petrographic provinces within the Luning. Furthermore, aspects of the mineralogic composition of the sandstone can be attributed to specific source rocks rather than to weathering, transportation, depositional environment, or diagenesis. Determination of source rock type and demarcation of petrographic provinces permit improve understanding of the paleogeographic setting and tectonic environment in which the Luning Formation was deposited. Structurally, Mesozoic rocks of the Mina region (Fig. 1) make up two discrete terranes, an allochthon and autochthon, separated by a regionally extensive thrust fault, the Luning thrust (Oldow, 1975, 1978b; Speed, 1977b). The allochthon consists of numerous, far-traveled thrust nappes, most of which are composed of rocks of single formations; it is deformed internally in polyphase folds. The subjacent autochthon also contains thrust faults, thought to be of small displacement (Oldow, 1978b), but data currently on hand indicate that thrusts within the autochthon are structurally discrete with respect to thrusts in the allochthon.
On the representation of transition matrices by possibility-probability granules

The possibility-probability-granule approach to reasoning with uncertain information is reviewed. The unifying aspect of this approach is discussed, and its generality is extended by indicating how to represent and reason with relations between variables that are captured by transition matrices.
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Conversion of alcohols over iron oxide and iron carbide catalysts

Abstract Both iron oxide (Fe2O3) and iron carbide catalysts are active for the dehydration of tertiary alcohols; the oxide catalyst is not reduced nor is the bulk carbide oxidized by the steam generated during the dehydration reaction. Secondary alcohols are selectively converted to ketones plus hydrogen by both the iron oxide and carbide catalyst. Fe2O3 is reduced to Fe3O4 during the conversion of secondary alcohols. Both iron carbide and oxide catalysts dehydrogenate a primary alcohol (Cn) to an aldehyde which undergoes a secondary ketonization reaction to produce a symmetrical ketone with 2n−1 carbons. These results plus those of our earlier 14 C -tracer studies suggest that dehydration of alcohols to produce olefins makes a minor, if any, contribution during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis with an iron catalyst at low and intermediate pressure conditions.
Anesthetic management of super-morbidly obese parturients for cesarean delivery with a double neuraxial catheter technique: a case series

Parturients with super-morbid obesity, defined as body mass index greater than 50kg/m(2), represent a growing segment of patients who require anesthetic care for labor and delivery. Severe obesity and its comorbid conditions place the parturient and fetus at greater risk for pregnancy complications and cesarean delivery, as well as surgical and anesthetic complications. The surgical approach for cesarean delivery in these patients may require a supra-umbilical vertical midline incision due to a large pannus. The dense T4-level of spinal anesthesia can cause difficulties with ventilation for the obese patient during the procedure, which can be prolonged. Patients also may have respiratory complications in the postoperative period due to pain from the incision. We describe the anesthetic management of three parturients with body mass index ranging from 73 to 95kg/m(2) who had a cesarean delivery via a supra-umbilical vertical midline incision. Continuous lumbar spinal and low thoracic epidural catheters were placed in each patient for intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia, respectively. Continuous spinal catheters were dosed with incremental bupivacaine boluses to achieve surgical anesthesia. In one case, the patient required respiratory support with non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Two cases were complicated by intraoperative hemorrhage. All patients had satisfactory postoperative analgesia with a thoracic epidural infusion. None suffered postoperative respiratory complications or postdural puncture headache. The use of a continuous lumbar spinal catheter and a low thoracic epidural provides several advantages in the anesthetic management of super-morbidly obese parturients for cesarean delivery.
Amplification of lymph node cell tube leukocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) reactivity by leukocyte adherence inhibition factor (LAIF).

Abstract This investigation examines the immunologic basis for specific antigen-induced tube leukocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) reactivity of draining lymph node cells (LNC) from dogs with canine transmissible venereal sarcoma (CTVS). CTVS regresser LNC, macrophage-depleted LNC, and enriched T lymphocyte fractions, but not enriched B lymphocyte fractions, were specifically reactive to CTVS antigen extract in direct tube LAI. In addition, regressor LNC amplified tube LAI responses by generating supernatants with leukocyte adherence inhibition factor (LAIF) activity for normal dog indicator LNC and enriched peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in an indirect tube LAI assay. However, macrophage-depleted LNC and enriched T lymphocyte fractions failed to generate supernatants with LAIF activity, suggesting that macrophage accessory cells play a central role in the amplification of tube LAI. Interestingly, CTVS regressor peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and PBMC, which were specifically reactive in direct tube LAI, also failed to generate supernatants with LAIF activity. These findings demonstrate a distinction between LAIF-mediated amplification and direct tube LAI reactivity, and suggest that leukocyte populations with differing cellular proportions and from different immunologic compartments may participate in tube LAI via different mechanisms.
The chromatographic separation of phosphonolipids from their phospholipid analogs

Abstract Thin-layer Chromatographie separation of phosphono- and phospho-lipid analogs was achieved by using several novel solvent combinations, i.e. mixtures of chloroform with high proportions of 85–92% acetic acid, to which up to 5% methanol may be added when separation of phosphatidylserine from lysophosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and basic phospholipids is desirable. Higher proportions of methanol reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of these solvent systems in separating analogous phosphono- and phospho-lipids. Separation of such analogs of low Chromatographie mobility (e.g. phosphatidylcholine from its phosphono analog) may be further improved, if desirable, by increasing the actual length of the thin-layer Chromatographic run, using simple Chromatographie devices, which were shown here to be applicable in this case. Attempts to separate the phosphatidylethanolamine analogs on silicic acid columns by using this type of solvent systems were partially successful, although promising, and the usefulness of this technique is briefly discussed.
Automatic music genres classification as a pattern recognition problem

Music genres are the simplest and effect descriptors for searching music libraries stores or catalogues. The paper compares the results of two automatic music genres classification systems implemented by using two different yet simple classifiers (K-Nearest Neighbor and Naive Bayes). First a 10-12 second sample is selected and features are extracted from it, and then based on those features results of both classifiers are represented in the form of accuracy table and confusion matrix. An experiment carried out on test 60 taken from middle of a song represents the true essence of its genre as compared to the samples taken from beginning and ending of a song. The novel techniques have achieved an accuracy of 91% and 78% by using Naive Bayes and KNN classifiers respectively.
Exercising stall-housed gestating gilts: effects on lameness, the musculo-skeletal system, production, and behavior.

Lameness in breeding-age gilts and sows is a major cause of culling, resulting in increased economic losses and welfare concerns. This study de- termined if exercise during gestation would affect the musculo-skeletal system, production variables, and be- havior. Gilts were blocked by BW and assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: control (n = 10; no exercise), low exercise (n = 14; 122 m/d for 5 d/wk), and high exer- cise (n = 14; 122 m/d for 2 d/wk and 427 m/d for 3 d/ wk). All gilts were stall-housed during gestation, and gilts were exercised between d 35 and 110 of gestation. Lameness score, BCS, BW, and blood were taken at multiple points before gestation, and during gestation and lactation. Blood serum was analyzed for carboxy- terminal telopeptide of type I collagen. Sow lying be- havior was recorded for 3 d after farrowing. Farrowing data included litter weight and size at birth and wean- ing, and preweaning mortality. After weaning, 38 sows were slaughtered and muscles and the bones of the left fore- and hind-limbs were harvested. Bone density and quality were determined by computed tomography (CT) scans, dual energy x-ray scans, and bone-breaking force tests. The control group took longer to lie down than both exercise groups, and the low exercise group took longer to lie down than the high exercise group (P < 0.05). The number of pigs weaned was greater in the high exercise group than the control group (P < 0.05). Piglet preweaning mortality was greatest in the control group compared with both exercise groups (P < 0.05). The low exercise treatments exhibited a greater bone density (CT) in the humerus, radius, and tibia compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05). The bone density (CT) of the humerus in the low exercise group was greater than that of the high exercise group (P = 0.03). Breaking force in the humerus and femur was greater (P < 0.05) in the low exercise group than the control group. Breaking force in the tibia of the high exercise group was greater than the control group (P = 0.01). The tibia of both the low and high exercise groups had a greater breaking force (P < 0.05) than the control group. Although there was no benefit of exer- cise on lameness, differences in bone density and quali- ty, lying behavior, and piglet survivability may provide useful insight into alternative housing for sows.
Establishing a Diversity Program is Not Enough: Exploring the Determinants of Diversity Climate

This study provides an organizational level investigation of the determinants of perceptions of diversity climate among employees. In total, 3,578 employees across 163 hotels provided data. Measures of diversity programs, managerial values and diversity climate were drawn from independent groups of employees. Support was found for the relationship between the deployment of diversity programs and diversity climate. This relationship was moderated by the actual diversity and the collective relational values of the management teams. Further, collective managerial relational values were found to be predictive of the adoption of diversity initiatives. This study provides evidence that though the presence of diversity initiatives was associated with higher levels of diversity climate, this relationship is not straightforward. Organizational attention to contextual factors, including managerial values and levels of minority representation in management, is necessary to enhance the efficacy of these programs. In spite of growth in practitioner and scientific attention, few conclusions are possible regarding the influence of organizational diversity on organizational level outcomes (Jackson et al., J Manage 29:801–830, 2003). This study responds to recent evidence that diversity climate moderates the relationship between diversity and organizational performance and answers calls for empirical attention to understanding how diversity climates are created and managed (Gonzalez and DeNisi, J Organ Behav 30(1):21–40, 2009).
Clinical and neuroradiologic features of 39 consecutive cases of West Nile Virus meningoencephalitis.

Background: West Nile Virus (WNV) is a flavivirus WNV that has spread westwards across North America in recent years. It can cause a febrile illness and infection of the central nervous system, which is associated with poor outcome. Methods: We retrospectively studied the clinical and neuroradiologic features of 39 consecutive patients admitted during summer of 2002 that had IgM in the cerebrospinal fluid positive for WNV. Results: Fever, headache and altered mentation were predominant clinical features. Clinically significant involvement of lower motor neurons was seen in few cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain did not show changes attributable to meningitis or encephalitis except for one case of subcortical signal abnormalities. Unfavorable prognostic factors are old age, decreased level of alertness and elevated serum creatinine. Conclusions: Encephalopathic presentations, with or without additional neurological focality, dominated this series. Fever and meningitic signs are often absent. Involvement of lower motor neurons was uncommon. Given the paucity of positive findings, the value of MRI to support the diagnosis of WNV-meningoencephalitis is limited.
Internal Curing in High Performance Concrete: Effect of Lightweight Aggregate on Shrinkage and Salt Frost Durability

High performance concrete (HPC) consisting of low water-binder (w/b) ratio and supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) is more prone to shrinkage cracking if subjected to external deformation restraint. The effectiveness of using lightweight fine aggregate (LWA) for autogenous shrinkage reduction is being studied along with implications on salt frost durability. HPC consisting of 0.33 w/b ratio and cementitious replacement level up to 50% by slag cement and natural sand replacement level by LWA of up to 50% is investigated. Results indicate that these concretes exhibit excellent salt frost resistance provided the HPC is sufficiently air entrained. The mitigation of autogenous shrinkage by LWA is analyzed by comparing the spacing of LWA particles in cement paste and the flow distance of retained moisture in LWA to the adjacent paste.
Biologic adjuvants and bone: current use in orthopedic surgery

Normal bone healing is a complex process that eventually restores original structure and function to the site of trauma. However, clinical circumstances such as nonunion, critical-sized defects, systemic bone disease, and fusion procedures have stimulated a search for ways to enhance this normal healing process. Biologics are an important part of this search and many, including bone marrow aspirate concentrate, demineralized bone matrix, platelet-rich plasma, bone morphogenic proteins, and platelet-derived growth factor, are currently in clinical use. Many others, including mesenchymal stem cells, parathyroid hormone, and Nel-like molecule-1 (NELL-1) will likely be in use in the future depending on the results of preclinical and clinical trials.
Emerging Concepts for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery: What is Cure?

The objective of this review is to discuss emerging concepts in pelvic organ prolapse, in particular, “What is cure?” In a post-trial data analysis of the CARE (Colpopexy and Urinary Reduction Efforts) trial, treatment success varied tremendously depending on the definition used (19.2%–97.2%). Definitions that included the absence of vaginal bulge symptoms had the strongest relationships with the patients’ assessment of overall improvement and treatment success. As demonstrated by this study, there are several challenges in defining cure in prolapse surgery. Additionally, the symptoms of prolapse are variable. The degree of prolapse does not correlate directly with symptoms. There are many surgical approaches to pelvic organ prolapse. Multiple ways to quantify prolapse are used. There is a lack of standardized definition of cure. The data on prolapse surgery outcomes are heterogeneous. The goal of surgical repair is to return the pelvic organs to their original anatomic positions. Ideally, we have four main goals: no anatomic prolapse, no functional symptoms, patient satisfaction, and the avoidance of complications. The impact of transvaginal mesh requires thoughtful investigation. The driving force should be patient symptoms in defining cure of prolapse.
Subjectivity Revisited Sartre, Lacan, and Early German Romanticism

This article examines and elaborates the nature of subjective experience by drawing on a variety of perspectives in recent philosophy, psychology, and psychoanalysis. The question of subjectivity has been much debated in each of these disciplines. In contrast with postmodern thinkers who wish to discard subjectivity altogether, I discuss alternative ways to understand and conceptualize subjectivity, or self-consciousness. I consider a tradition of thinkers that includes Sartre, Fichte, and the early German Romantics, who conceptualize self-consciousness as a "being-familiar-with-oneself" that is prior to all reflection. I argue that a developmental corollary to this approach can be found in the psychological research of Daniel Stern, who attributes to infants a "simple non-self-reflexive awareness," while Jacques Lacan's discussion of the specular misrecognitions of the self complicates any simply rendering of "mirroring." By thus combining epistemological, developmental, and phenomenological treatments of the self, I believe it is possible to achieve a conception of subjectivity that avoids the snares of Cartesian essentialism.
Polyhedral rearrangements involving five- and six-coordinate carbon

Abstract Polyhedral carboranes and metallocarboranes characteristically contain C atoms having coordination numbers of 5 and 6 within the polyhedral surface. Thermal carbon and metal atom migration reactions are observed in these species and we here report results obtained with polyhedra containing 10, 11, 12 and 13 vertices. Thermodynamic activation parameters have been measured for several representative rearrangement reactions and their mechanistic significance is discussed. General rules which appear to govern carbon and metal atom migration reactions are advanced.
A121: In Search of Infectious Triggers of Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis and Adenitis Syndrome

Background/Purpose: Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is the most prevalent pediatric autoinflammatory fever disorder. As there is no known genetic cause or confirmatory test, diagnosis of PFAPA is challenging. Clockwork interval between episodes is a characteristic feature, which aids in diagnosis. The true prevalence and the etiology of PFAPA are not known, but genetic factors leading to immune dysregulation as well as infectious agents have been suggested as causative factors. Oral corticosteroids abort the episodes in majority of patients, and in recent years, tonsillectomy has been shown to be effective in inducing remission. Our center has a significant success rate with tonsillectomy in PFAPA patients. Using unbiased next-generation sequencing, we investigated the presence of potential infectious agents and gene expression signatures in tonsils from patients with PFAPA, chronic tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: Tonsil tissue from 3 age-matched groups of pediatric patients was collected (6 PFAPA, 4 chronic tonsillitis and 4 OSA). Patients with PFAPA had characteristic periodic fevers in addition to at least 2 out of the 3 other described features. Total RNA extracted from punch biopsies of tonsil samples was subjected to massively parallel RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). The PathSeq software was used to identify and quantify microbial sequences. We compared the microbiome in PFAPA cases to those present in controls in order to identify differentially abundant microbes. RNA-Seq data was also processed for gene expression analysis, and these data were analyzed using comparative marker analysis and unsupervised machine learning methods. Results: Computational analysis of bacterial and viral species present in PFAPA tonsillar biopsies did not reveal a known or novel candidate pathogen. Unbiased characterization of human viruses in cases and controls revealed human coxsackievirus, parechovirus and adenovirus C sequencing reads at low abundance in a subset of samples, without enrichment of any of these viruses in PFAPA cases. Unsupervised machine learning methods did not support the presence of a conserved microbial signature specific for PFAPA. We also performed comparative marker selection to identify genes whose expression is up or down regulated in PFAPA vs. control cases. This analysis showed differential expression of several genes, including genes involved in the innate immune response, in PFAPA tonsils vs. controls. Conclusion: Characterization of the tonsillar microbiome in PFAPA and control patients with this unbiased, highly sensitive sequencing-based analysis did not demonstrate a microbial signature that was strongly correlated with PFAPA, although the power of this study is limited by the small sample size. On the other hand, the differential expression of innate immunity related genes in PFAPA samples strengthen the hypothesis of the existence of similar effector mechanisms between PFAPA and other periodic fever syndromes.
Review essay: Marxism, post‐colonialism, and rhetorical contextualization

CULTURE AND IMPERIALISM. By Edward Said. New York: Vintage Books, 1993; pp. xviii + 380. $25.00; paper $13.00. FRAMER FRAMED: FILM SCRIPTS AND INTERVIEWS. By Trinh T. Minh‐Ha. New York: Routledge, 1992; pp. viii + 276. $59.95; paper $19.95. LEASING THE IVORY TOWER: THE CORPORATE TAKEOVER OF ACADEMIA. By Lawrence C. Soley. Boston: South End Press, 1995; pp. iii + 204. $30.00; paper $13.00. OUTLAW CULTURE: RESISTING REPRESENTATIONS. By bell hooks. New York: Routledge, 1994; pp. 260. $49.95; paper $15.95. RHETORIC AND MARXISM. By James Amt Aune. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1994; pp. xi + 187. $59.95; paper $18.95.
PRIMARY CORTISOL RESISTANCE: A FAMILIAL SYNDROME AND AN ANIMAL MODEL

Primary cortisol resistance in man is a familial disease. It is characterized by increased plasma cortisol concentrations, high urinary free cortisol excretion, a normal circadian pattern of cortisol secretion, resistance to adrenal suppression by dexamethasone and absence of clinical stigmata of Cushing's syndrome. In its severe form, hypertension and hypokalemic alkalosis are present, owing to increased secretion of the sodium-retaining corticoids, corticosterone and deoxycorticosterone. In subjects with a less severe resistance to cortisol, there are no clinical abnormalities and the disease is revealed only by detailed examination of several parameters of cortisol metabolism. In the whole-cell assay (peripheral mononuclear leukocytes or fibroblasts) the glucocorticoid receptor shows a low affinity for dexamethasone. The receptor may be unsaturable as suggested by decreased receptor concentrations in broken-cell systems. Thus, generalized target-tissue resistance to cortisol, including the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, is accompanied by a decreased negative feedback of the cortisol-ACTH feedback system resulting in increased ACTH secretion. This causes higher plasma cortisol to compensate for the end-organ resistance and also increases the production of adrenal mineralocorticoids, as by-products. Thus hypertension and hypokalemic alkalosis depends on the degree of the resistance. Cortisol resistance in many New World primate species is characterized by greatly increased plasma cortisol concentrations, decreased cortisol binding globulin capacity and affinity, high levels of plasma and urinary free cortisol, marked resistance of ACTH suppression by dexamethasone, and no physiologic evidence of glucocorticoid hormone excess. Target tissues have normal concentrations of glucocorticoid receptors with decreased affinity for dexamethasone. The New World primates, unlike man, have compensated for this cortisol resistance with intra-adrenal adaptations over the 50 million years of their evolutionary development. These primates also have abnormalities of other steroid hormone-receptor systems such as progesterone, estrogen, androgen and mineralocorticoid. In contrast, the human syndrome appears to be a recent mutation with pathophysiologic consequences.
Hill's matrices with some vanishing instability intervals

Abstract Necessary and sufficient conditions for the vanishing of an instability interval of a Hill's matrix are derived. These lead to algebraic conditions on the entries in the matrix.
Oxidative thymine dimer repair in the DNA helix.

The metallointercalator Rh(phi)_2DMB^(3+) (phi, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone diimine; DMB, 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) catalyzed the repair of a thymine dimer incorporated site-specifically in a 16-base pair DNA duplex by means of visible light. This repair could be accomplished with rhodium noncovalently bound to the duplex and at long range (16 to 26 angstroms), with the rhodium intercalator tethered to either end of the duplex assembly. This long-range repair was mediated by the DNA helix. Repair efficiency did not decrease with increasing distance between intercalated rhodium and the thymine dimer, but it diminished with disruption of the intervening π-stack.
Partial purification and some properties of tobacco etch virus induced intranuclear inclusions

Abstract Tobacco etch virus (TEV) induced intranuclear inclusions (NI) were isolated from tissue of Datura stramonium L. by homogenization in buffer followed by Triton X-100 detergent treatment and by a combination of successive low speed and sucrose density-gradient centrifugations. The isolated NI, which appeared similar to those seen in situ, were rectangular with a striated surface. The NI were readily dissociated in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 6 M urea and 67% formic or acetic acids. Spectral analysis of dissociated NI revealed a typical protein spectrum with a maximum at 277 nm and a minimum at 250 nm. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of NI revealed two major zones and two minor zones all of which migrated at different rates than viral or cytoplasmic inclusion protein. Molecular weights were estimated to be 49,800 and 54,500 for protein in the major zones and 95,600 and 101,400 for protein in the minor zones. An antiserum produced to purified NI reacted specifically with NI antigens, but not with TEV coat protein, TEV-induced cytoplasmic inclusions, or extracts from uninoculated D. stramonium L. No reaction was detected with purified NI tested against antisera to virus or to cytoplasmic inclusions.