cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attitude toward the website scale development in professional sports: a research note.

Purpose – Sports’ team websites are the front door to their relationship management programs with teams’ fan bases. As such, consumer attitudes toward these websites are a vital and important measure for the success of a team's CRM program. The purpose of this paper is to present the conceptualization and development of a four‐item unidimensional measure of attitude toward the Website.Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected via a pen and paper survey at a professional hockey event in the USA. The confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using generalized structural component analysis GeSCA www.sem‐gesca.org/. The scale's face, convergent, predictive and discriminant validity are all empirically demonstrated via regression and correlation.Findings – The measure is shown to meet the four criteria for validation for positivist research in information systems set by Straub, Boudreau and Gefen in 2004. The internal consistency is assessed by Cronbach's alpha (0.917) as is the unidimensionality,...
A peek into tropomyosin binding and unfolding on the actin filament.

Background Tropomyosin is a prototypical coiled coil along its length with subtle variations in structure that allow interactions with actin and other proteins. Actin binding globally stabilizes tropomyosin. Tropomyosin-actin interaction occurs periodically along the length of tropomyosin. However, it is not well understood how tropomyosin binds actin. Principal Findings Tropomyosin's periodic binding sites make differential contributions to two components of actin binding, cooperativity and affinity, and can be classified as primary or secondary sites. We show through mutagenesis and analysis of recombinant striated muscle α-tropomyosins that primary actin binding sites have a destabilizing coiled-coil interface, typically alanine-rich, embedded within a non-interface recognition sequence. Introduction of an Ala cluster in place of the native, more stable interface in period 2 and/or period 3 sites (of seven) increased the affinity or cooperativity of actin binding, analysed by cosedimentation and differential scanning calorimetry. Replacement of period 3 with period 5 sequence, an unstable region of known importance for cooperative actin binding, increased the cooperativity of binding. Introduction of the fluorescent probe, pyrene, near the mutation sites in periods 2 and 3 reported local instability, stabilization by actin binding, and local unfolding before or coincident with dissociation from actin (measured using light scattering), and chain dissociation (analyzed using circular dichroism). Conclusions This, and previous work, suggests that regions of tropomyosin involved in binding actin have non-interface residues specific for interaction with actin and an unstable interface that is locally stabilized upon binding. The destabilized interface allows residues on the coiled-coil surface to obtain an optimal conformation for interaction with actin by increasing the number of local substates that the side chains can sample. We suggest that local disorder is a property typical of coiled coil binding sites and proteins that have multiple binding partners, of which tropomyosin is one type.
On the use of meta-heuristics to increase the efficiency of online grid workflow scheduling algorithms

The competitiveness of online algorithms is measured based on the correctness of the results produced and processing time efficiency. Traditionally evolutionary algorithms are not favored in online paradigms because of the large number of iterations involved in the algorithm which translates directly into processing time overhead. In this paper we describe MARS (Management Architecture for Resource Services) online scheduling algorithm which uses Simulated Annealing and concepts from Tabu Search to drastically decrease the processing time of the algorithm. The paper outlines the concepts behind MARS, the components involved and scheduling methodology used. In addition we also identify the time consuming bottlenecks in the performance of the system and how evolutionary algorithms help us soar past them.
Bioethical Challenges With HIV Treatment as Prevention

To best realize the opportunities afforded by treatment as prevention, important ethical challenges must be addressed, including those related to acceptability, safety, and effectiveness, as well as alternatives. Absent universal access to quality antiretroviral treatment, safety, fairness, and allocation must also be considered.
Prevalence and significance of unrecognized lower extremity peripheral arterial disease in general medicine practice

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of unrecognized lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) among men and women aged 55 years and older in a general internal medicine (GIM) practice and to identify characteristics and functional performance associated with unrecognized PAD.
Asymptotic stability for hybrid systems via decomposition, dissipativity, and detectability

Dissipativity is used to establish asymptotic stability for large-scale hybrid systems. In particular, classical dissipativity results are shown to be relevant in a hybrid systems framework that is more general than what has appeared previously in the literature on dissipativity for hybrid systems. In addition, results on robustness of asymptotic stability for hybrid systems permit using simple detectability notions to link dissipativity and asymptotic stability.
The Extraordinary Success of the Swedish Social Democrats

The Swedish Social Democratic party from shortly after its radical beginnings in the 1880s and 1890s to the present has been the most successful social democratic movement in Western Europe. Its majority victory in the September 1968 elections means that the party can count on remaining in power at least until after the 1972 elections, a total of 40 years. Sweden is now the only country in Western Europe other than Britain with a socialist or labor government. Since the 1932 elections the Social Democrats have been the only party in the government or the senior partner in a coalition government, with the unimportant exception of the summer of 1936. Probably no democratic party anywhere has been able to maintain for such a long period the overall legislative and popular support enjoyed by the Swedish Social Democrats, and
Efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema riobrave against the stored-product insect pests Tribolium castaneum and Plodia interpunctella

Persistence of stored-product insects in hidden refugia and their subsequent movement into stored commodities resulting in product infestation contributes to their pest status and represents a potential target for biological control agents. Entomopathogenic nematodes have not been previously tested against stored-product insects in environments such as empty grain bins or food processing and warehouse facilities, but their eVectiveness at Wnding and infecting hosts in other cryptic habitats has been demonstrated. In laboratory bioassays, Steinernema riobrave reduced survival of red Xour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, larvae, pupae and adults from 77.9 § 3.2% in the controls to 27.4 § 2.5% in treatments. Temperature (25 and 30 °C) and relative humidity (43, 56–57, 75, and 100%) did not signiWcantly inXuence S. riobrave eYcacy in this experiment. Field trials simulating empty grain bin treatments were conducted using red Xour beetle and the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella. Total survival of mixed stages (larvae, pupae and adults) of T. castaneum was 42% of that in the control and total survival of mixed stages of P. interpunctella was 27% of the control. Larval stages were the most susceptible to S. riobrave for both insect species with P. interpunctella larvae having 99% mortality and T. castaneum larvae having 80% mortality. S. riobrave shows promise as a biological control agent for stored-product insects, particularly Indian meal moth, but further studies looking at combinations of treatments may further enhance eYcacy. Published by Elsevier Inc.
An improved sampled-data current-mode-control model which explains the effects of control delay

A new sampled-data model for the current-mode controlled buck converter includes for the first time the effects of delay in the pulse-width-modulator (PWM). Modified z-transforms are used in this new model for constant frequency trailing-edge modulation. Realistic amounts of delay are found to be particularly significant when the buck converter is operating in the continuous conduction mode near the discontinuous conduction mode boundary. The new model is used to predict the loop gain measurements obtained with the "digital modulator" and with conventional measurement techniques. It is shown that conventional loop gain measurement techniques are insufficient to measure the loop gain in this region of operation. It is also shown that the digital modulator can add a significant amount of delay, thereby altering the loop gain of the circuit being measured. Unlike the case of a continuous system, PWM delay is found to significantly alter the low-frequency loop gain magnitude of this sampled-data system. The new model predicts the boundary condition for sub-harmonic instability, and reduces to Ridley's current-mode control model for the case of zero delay. Experimental corroboration is presented.
Seasonality, consumer heterogeneity and price indexes: the case of prepackaged software

This paper measures constant-quality price change for prepackaged software in the US using detailed and comprehensive scanner data. Because there is a large sales surge over the winter-holiday, it is important to account for seasonal variation. Using a novel approach to constructing a seasonally-adjusted cost-of-living price index that explicitly accounts for consumer heterogeneity, I find that from 1997 to 2003 constant-quality software prices declined at an average 15.9% at an annual rate. As a point of comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports average annual price declines of only 7.7% for prepackaged software.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Renal Tissue Ablation: A Laparoscopic Porcine Model

Purpose: High intensity focused ultrasound for renal lesions is still experimental. In a porcine model we evaluated the safety and efficacy of a newly designed laparoscopic high intensity focused ultrasound probe and software that allows real-time ultrasound guidance during renal tissue ablation.Materials and Methods: A Sonatherm® 600 high intensity focused ultrasound system with a newly designed laparoscopic high intensity focused ultrasound probe was used through a standard Endopath® 18 mm port. A total of 16 lesions were created in 15 kidneys in a total of 8 animals and randomized into 2 groups, including acute with sacrifice 4 days postoperatively and subacute with sacrifice 14 days postoperatively. Lesion size and location varied for each surgical procedure to simulate various treatment scenarios.Results: Mean ± SD planned ablation volume was 7.1 ± 5.1 cc and mean treatment time was 7.2 ± 06.88 minutes. For all lesions an injury volume was observed with a central zone of complete necrosis and no viab...
NH2-Terminal Pro–Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Risk of Diabetes

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has an established role in cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, recent animal studies suggest direct metabolic effects of BNP. To determine the association of BNP with the risk of diabetes, we conducted a prospective analysis of participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. We included 7,822 men and women without history of diabetes, CVD, or reduced kidney function at baseline. At baseline, NH2-terminal (NT)-proBNP, a cleavage product of BNP, was inversely associated with adiposity, fasting glucose, insulin, and cholesterol but positively associated with blood pressure and C-reactive protein levels. During a median follow-up of 12 years, 1,740 participants reported a new diagnosis of diabetes or medication use for diabetes. Baseline quartiles of NT-proBNP were inversely associated with diabetes risk, even after multivariable adjustment including fasting glucose. The adjusted HRs for diabetes were 1.0 (reference), 0.84 (95% CI 0.74–0.96), 0.79 (95% CI 0.68–0.90), and 0.75 (95% CI 0.64–0.87) for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles of baseline NT-proBNP, respectively (P for trend <0.001). This inverse association was robust across sex, race, and obesity subgroups. Our results extend animal studies and support a direct and important metabolic role of BNP in humans.
Small firms and their helpers: Lessons on demand

Abstract Small-enterprise (SE) programs are currently the rage because of their potential to create employment. They are typically supply-driven — providing standardized training, technical assistance, credit. But most cases of SE-based growth have involved demand-driven support provided by large customers — firms, traders, government agencies, state enterprises. This article argues that such inherently customized support constitutes a better way to deliver services to SEs, and is more likely to stimulate sustained SE growth. With respect to SE-favoring procurement by government in particular, we show that this can be done without running up against the problems of similar attempts in the past, and in a way that also reduces the costs of running government. We draw for illustration from a successful case of SE-favoring procurement in the Brazilian state of Ceara.
The use of ergonomic measures to prevent and control the occurrence of cumulative trauma disorders: carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome

Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) are developing in epidemic proportions in today's workplace. Two frequently reported CTDs in industry are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CBTS). The costs associated with each of these is tremendous; therefore, many measures have been developed to prevent and control the onset of each. There are currently two broad categories of preventive measures: ergonomic and behavior change measures. The ergonomic measures focus on eliminating or minimizing the occurrence of the occupational factors hypothesized to contribute to the development of CTS and CBTS (force required by the hands, duration, repetition, vibration, and wrist posture). Behavior change measures focus on changing the protocol of high risk job tasks or occupations. For example, the use of training to educate workers on correct wrist posture during repetitive tasks is a common prevention measure used in industry. Many control measures focus on medical intervention, such as the use of anti-inflammatory agents or surgery to correct the injury. Ergonomic control measures have also been developed that, again, focus on eliminating the aspect of the job tasks or occupations contributing the development of CTS and CBTS. The objective of this paper is to identify measures that can be used to prevent and control the occurrence of CTS and CBTS and to evaluate their effectiveness.
Walnut oil increases cholesterol efflux through inhibition of stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells

Background Walnuts significantly decrease total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in normo- and hypercholesterolemic individuals. No study to date has evaluated the effects of walnuts on cholesterol efflux, the initial step in reverse cholesterol transport, in macrophage-derived foam cells (MDFC). The present study was conducted to investigate the mechanisms by which walnut oil affects cholesterol efflux.
Development of a haptic keypad for training finger individuation after stroke

This paper presents a low-cost virtual-reality environment for training finger individuation in stroke survivors with chronic hand impairment. Users play an ergonomic 5-key virtual piano while receiving either assistance or resistance from a pneumatically actuated glove. The level of assistance and the difficulty of the task can be modulated by a therapist.
Additional Aspects of Arc-Related Metallogeny

In the foregoing chapters, the most important types of deposits found in largely post-Paleozoic, arc-related tectonic settings were examined. These younger arc terranes are clearly more tractable to tectonic analysis than their older counterparts, where a combination of deeper erosion levels and later orogenic events render plate reconstructions more tenuous. There are, however, many important metal deposits in older orogenic belts that must be included in any meaningful synthesis of the relationships of metal deposits to plate tectonics. Furthermore, there are a number of metal deposits in post-Paleozoic arc systems that do not fall into the tectonic subdivisions of arcs dealt with in Chapters 1, 2, and 3. This latter group will be considered prior to a discussion of the metallogeny of older arc-related metal deposits.
Defining and Measuring the Productivity of Programming Languages

The goal of programming support systems is to make it possible for application developers to produce software faster, without any degradation in software quality. However, it is essential that this goal must not be achieved at the cost of performance: programs written in a high-level language and intended to solve large problems on highly parallel machines must not be egregiously less efficient than the same applications written in a lower-level language. Because this has been a traditional stumbling block for high-level languages, metrics for productivity analysis must explore the trade-off between programming effort and performance. To that end, we propose the use of two dimensionless ratios, relative power and relative efficiency, to measure the productivity of programming interfaces. In this paper we define these concepts, describe their application, and explore various ways for measuring them, including both empirical strategies and expert opinion. Rather than combine these metrics into a single number representing a universal productivity, we propose that they be represented graphically in at least two dimensions so that the trade-offs between abstraction and performance are clearly depicted. However, we also introduce a single problem-dependent parameter that allows us to reason about the relative productivity of two languages for a given problem.
The past imperfect in Palenquero

In Palenquero, an Afro-Iberian creole spoken in Colombia, the -ba marker appears in a wider range of environments than other TMA markers, which are commonly pre-verbal. While most creole scholars have assumed that -ba is a past anterior, I argue that this marker is in fact a past imperfect. The crucial cases for demonstrating this involve examples in which -ba occurs with non-stative verbs. The significance of this finding counters the alleged general uniformity of the prototypical creole TMA system which does not include past imperfect marking.
Multipath Routing Based Secure Data Transmission in Ad Hoc Networks

The specific characteristics of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) make cooperation among all nodes and secure transmission important issues in its research. Misbehaving nodes with different intentions and capabilities would conduct various types of misbehavior in the networks. In this paper, we present and evaluate a scheme, in which multipath routing combined with feedback mechanism are used to tackle misbehaviors on data delivery formed by one or more misbehaving nodes in an ad hoc network. Data and control packets are transmitted through two node-disjoint paths. The source is notified of suspected misconduct of intermediate nodes through feedback mechanism. A simple derivation of this scheme is also discussed. The proposed scheme and the derivation are compared with the single path routing protocol DSR by means of simulation implemented at normal and adverse scenarios. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme and the derivation provide considerable protection in ad hoc networks at the expense of moderate overhead introduced by multipath routing. In a network with up to 40% misbehaving nodes, the proposed scheme and the derivation result in around 17% in data receive rate over the single path DSR
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and graft thrombosis following endovascular aneurysm repair.

Purpose:To report a case of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) complicated by stent-graft thrombosis.Case Report:An 82-year-old woman underwent endovascular aortic aneurysm repair using a Zenith stent-graft. She returned 2 weeks later with an occluded graft limb, large quantities of thrombus lining the remainder of the stent-graft, thrombocytopenia, and antiplatelet antibodies. There were no signs of kinking or compression of the graft, nor was there any thrombosis of the native arteries downstream from the occluded graft limb. Thrombolysis restored graft patency. Anticoagulation was induced using hirudin and warfarin. The graft remains patent at 6-month follow-up.Conclusion:HIT is a rare cause of postoperative endograft thrombosis. In this case, the presumed source of the inciting heparin dosage was the stent-graft itself, which had been soaked in a concentrated heparin solution prior to insertion.
A micromachined flow shear-stress sensor based on thermal transfer principles

Microhot-film shear-stress sensors have been developed by using surface micromachining techniques. The sensor consists of a suspended silicon-nitride diaphragm located on top of a vacuum-sealed cavity. A heating and heat-sensing element, made of polycrystalline silicon material, resides on top of the diaphragm. The underlying vacuum cavity greatly reduces conductive heat loss to the substrate and therefore increases the sensitivity of the sensor. Testing of the sensor has been conducted in a wind tunnel under three operation modes-constant current, constant voltage, and constant temperature. Under the constant-temperature mode, a typical shear-stress sensor exhibits a time constant of 72 /spl mu/s.
New method for control of longitudinal emittance during transition in proton synchrotrons

A new method for controlling longitudinal emittance growth during transition crossing in proton or heavy ion synchrotrons is described. Longitudinal focusing forces are eliminated near transition through the use of RF harmonics. The RF system provides only the required accelerating voltage to each particle in each bunch during the nonadiabatic period near transition, hence momentum growth is minimized. Bunch length is maximized just at transition, minimizing space charge forces and associated instabilities. >
Prevention of hepatitis B recurrence in liver transplant patients using oral antiviral therapy without long-term hepatitis B immunoglobulin.

Background: Small studies have suggested that nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy (NAT) with reduced hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) duration may be efficacious in pre- venting post-liver transplantation (LT) HBV recurrence. Objectives: This larger study evaluates the use of NAT with short term (< 6 mo) or no HBIG for prevention of post-LT HBV recurrence. Patients and Methods: All HBV patients undergoing LT at a university transplant center between 2002 and 2007 were identified retrospectively. Patient demographics, medi- cation regimen, and adverse events were noted. The primary endpoint was HBV recur- rence and secondary endpoints were graft and patient survival. Results: 28 study patients were identified. Of these 28 patients, 4 (14%) received no HBIG, 6 (22%) received only inpatient HBIG, and 18 (64%) received inpatient HBIG and outpatient HBIG. 16 of the 28 patients (57%) received combination NAT and 12 patients (43%) received single NAT. At a median time of 15.5 months (range 9-24 months) post- LT, 4 of the 28 patients (14%) had recurrent HBV. Of those patients with recurrent HBV, 3 received both inpatient and outpatient HBIG and 1 received no HBIG. All cases of HBV recurrence were associated with noncompliance. Conclusions: NAT with short-term or no HBIG was efficacious and safe in preventing post-LT HBV. All compliant patients were HBV-free, including 9 patients who received no HBIG or only inpatient HBIG. Additional studies using NAT without HBIG appear justified.
How does familiarity affect visual search for letter strings

Subjects visually searched for letter string targets consisting of either familiar English three-letter words (e.g., SEX) or featurally similar nonword trigrams (e.g., SFX). Distractor items were either words or nonwords and had varying degrees offeature overlap with the target among different blocks of trials. Search was facilitated by a word-nonword category distinction between target and distractors, particularly when target-noise feature overlap was high, but such facilitation consisted of slope reductions in an apparently serial, self-terminating search pattern as opposed to a “pop-out” effect.
Dipping is superior to cusums analysis in assessment of the risk of stroke in a case-control study.

Background: Blunted nocturnal decline in blood pressure (BP) is associated with increased risk of stroke. Mean day-night BP difference (dipping) and cusums-derived circadian alteration magnitude (CDCAM) of BP are the common measures of diurnal BP variation. Although a significant number of clinical trials have demonstrated that dipping is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, the clinical value of CDCAM of BP is unknown. We evaluated the association between dipping and CDCAM of BP and the risk of stroke. Methods: We analyzed 24-h ambulatory BP recordings of 110 control subjects and 91 stroke survivors enrolled in a case-control stroke study. Nondipping was defined as nocturnal drop of < 10 mm Hg in systolic BP. The associations between nondipping, CDCAM of BP, and risk of stroke were calculated in the same sample. Results: There were significantly fewer nondippers in the control group as compared with those among the stroke survivors. The odds ratio for stroke of nondippers was 2.3. By contrast, there was no significant difference in CDCAM of systolic BP between the control and stroke survivor groups. This finding could not be explained by the presence of reverse dippers in both groups. Conclusions: In this case-control study, classification of subjects into dippers and nondippers was found to be more clinically useful than cusums analysis of BP profile. Analysis of prospective data is needed to determine the clinical value of the cusums analysis of BP profile.
The interplay between centrosomes and the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway

Centrosome amplification is a common feature of both solid and hematological human malignancies. Extra centrosomes are not merely innocent bystanders in cancer cells, but rather promote tumor progression by disrupting normal cellular architecture and generating chromosome instability. Consequently, centrosome amplification correlates with advanced tumor grade and overall poor clinical prognosis. By contrast, extra centrosomes are adversely tolerated in non-transformed cells and hinder cell proliferation. This suggests that in addition to acquiring extra centrosomes, cancer cells must also adapt to overcome the deleterious consequences associated with them. Here, we review evidence that implicates core components of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway as having key roles in both the direct and indirect regulation of centrosome number. Intriguingly, functional inactivation of the Hippo pathway, which is common across broad spectrum of human cancers, likely represents one key adaptation that enables cancer cells to tolerate extra centrosomes.
Assertive Community Treatment and Case Management

Psychiatric rehabilitation (PsyR) responds to the variety of needs of persons living with serious mental illness. Given the multifaceted nature of the challenges caused by these illnesses and fragmented systems of care, it is necessary to coordinate both services and resources. This coordination is generally known as case management and it is an essential ingredient of many psychiatric rehabilitation programs. Some people with psychiatric illnesses who need a variety of services and resources may not receive them unless they are sought out and contacted in the communities where they live. The most effective strategy for accomplishing this is known as assertive community treatment (ACT).
Electric Current Measurement in Terms of Length, Mass, and TimeAn Undergraduate Experiment

The experiment consists of two parts: In part I the magnetic field produced by electric current flowing in a modified Helmholtz coil is balanced against the field of a permanent bar magnet. In part II this same magnet is swung at the center of the coil as a magnetic pendulum. From these observations, made in terms of length, mass, and time only, both the strength of the current and the magnetic moment of the magnet may be computed. Inaccuracy due to an unsteady local “earth’s field” is minimized, and a relatively high precision results.
Health Care Delivery Innovations That Integrate Care? Yes!: But Integrating What?

To enable improved cost control, quality, and access, US health care delivery is moving from fragmented fee-for-service delivery into various innovative integrated models, including accountable care organizations (ACOs), patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs), and bundles, defined as a coordinated group of services for a specific need, administered over a predefined period. These innovations hold promise for patients whose complex care requirements account for the bulk of health care costs and who would reap the most benefit from a coalesced network of care.
REGARDING ANNA: Levinas, Antonioni and the ethics of film absence

This paper connects the ethical theories of Emmanuel Levinas to the cinema of Michelangelo Antonioni to open a new space for discussions of ethics in film studies. Rather than follow the common Heideggerian ontological and epistemological dimensions of Antonioni's cinema, it follows the Levinasian ethical dimensions to further investigate uncertainty in these films. It focuses on ethics rather than ontology, response rather than authenticity, regard rather than autonomy to show how ethics—according to the Levinasian description of ethics as first philosophy or infinite response to the alterity of the other—is better than ontology. Specifically, this paper reexamines the roles of Anna and Claudia in Antonioni's L'avventura to show how they represent these two approaches to the isolation of anonymous existence and shows how the film favors response over authenticity. For most critics, L'avventura is a tragedy, which ends with Claudia replacing Anna in an alienated and submissive relationship with Sandro. Ho...
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies of Inhibition and Attention in ADHD

Researchers at King's College, London; Kyushu University, Japan; and Barcelona, Spain conducted a meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in ADHD during inhibition and attention tasks, with reference to age and effects of long-term use of stimulant medication.
Congenital Atresia of Wharton's Duct.

This is a case report of a three-month-old male who presented to clinic with a cystic lesion under the tongue. On clinical examination, a cystic lesion was observed in the, floor-of-mouth. The patient was referred to Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology service for further management. The differential diagnoses for floor-of-mouth lesions should be reviewed with primary focus on the Wharton’s duct atresia and its management. It is crucial to recognize submandibular duct atresia in the primary Paediatric clinic in order to expedite management of lesion before complications arise including infection, enlargement of cyst, and feeding and breathing difficulties.
Immunohistochemical expression of retinoblastoma and p53 tumor suppressor genes in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia: comparison with prostatic adenocarcinoma and benign prostate.

Mutational alterations involving the p53 and retinoblastoma (RB) tumor suppressor genes are implicated in the oncogenesis of a variety of tumors. Their role in the pathogenesis of prostatic adenocarcinoma remains to be fully elucidated, and their detection in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-PIN) has not been closely examined. We studied the immunohistochemical expression of RB and p53 proteins in HG-PIN, benign prostate, and prostatic adenocarcinoma from 25 radical prostatectomy specimens. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections pretreated with antigen retrieval in citrate buffer were stained with anti-RB antibody RB-WL-1 and anti-p53 antibody DO-7. RB immunoreactivity was present in all of the cases in the foci of HG-PIN, benign prostate, and prostatic adenocarcinoma. Mutant p53 protein was detected in 56% of HG-PIN, 72% of prostatic adenocarcinomas, and 20% of benign prostatic glands. A multivariate analysis of variance showed an overall difference in p53 immunoreactivity between HG-PIN, benign prostate, and prostatic adenocarcinoma (P < .001). There was a statistically significant difference between immunoreactivity of the benign prostate and of HG-PIN (P < .001) and between the immunoreactivity of benign prostate and prostatic adenocarcinoma (P < .001). The immunoreactivities of HG-PIN and prostatic adenocarcinoma were not statistically different (P = .3). These data suggest that RB loss might not play a role in initiation of all cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma. The p53 immunoreactivity in HG-PIN was significantly different from that found in benign prostate and was similar to that of prostatic adenocarcinoma. This is in keeping with the putative premalignant character of HG-PIN.
Climate Change and Ecosystem Services Output Efficiency in Southern Loblolly Pine Forests

Forests provide myriad ecosystem services that are vital to humanity. With climate change, we expect to see significant changes to forests that will alter the supply of these critical services and affect human well-being. To better understand the impacts of climate change on forest-based ecosystem services, we applied a data envelopment analysis method to assess plot-level efficiency in the provision of ecosystem services in Florida natural loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) forests. Using field data for n = 16 loblolly pine forest plots, including inputs such as site index, tree density, age, precipitation, and temperatures for each forest plot, we assessed the relative plot-level production of three ecosystem services: timber, carbon sequestered, and species richness. The results suggested that loblolly pine forests in Florida were largely inefficient in the provision of these ecosystem services under current climatic conditions. Climate change had a small negative impact on the loblolly pine forests efficiency in the provision of ecosystem services. In this context, we discussed the reduction of tree density that may not improve ecosystem services production.
Abstract A04: The tumor microenvironment is the main source of IL-6 for plasmacytoma development in mice.

The development of targeted interventions for hematopoietic neoplasms of the B-lymphocyte lineage, such as multiple myeloma (MM), may benefit from preclinical experimental model systems in which complex interactions of neoplastic and nonmalignant bystander cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can be genetically dissected. Here we employ peritoneal plasmacytomagenesis in mice, which is strictly dependent on the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukine 6 (IL-6), to demonstrate that the nonmalignant bystanders are the main source of IL-6 for tumor development. B cell derived IL-6 is dispensable. The finding that lack of IL-6 in the TME significantly delays tumor onset in mice supports translational research efforts to target IL-6 production in bone marrow stroma cells for myeloma treatment and prevention. Citation Format: Timothy R. Rosean, Van S. Tompkins, Ramakrishna Sompallae, Lyse A. Norian, Herbert C. Morse, III, Thomas J. Waldschmidt, Siegfried Janz. The tumor microenvironment is the main source of IL-6 for plasmacytoma development in mice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Hematologic Malignancies: Translating Discoveries to Novel Therapies; Sep 20-23, 2014; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(17 Suppl):Abstract nr A04.
Effect of a moderate-size reservoir on transport of trace elements in a watershed

ABSTRACTWildman RA, Forde NA. 2016. Effect of a moderate-size reservoir on transport of trace elements in a watershed. Lake Reserve Manage. 32:353–365.We assessed the extent to which Grand Lake, Oklahoma (>30 m deep, >80 km long), retains Fe, Mn, P, As, Zn, Pb, and Cd. Filtered water samples and suspended sediment samples were collected upstream of, within, and downstream of the reservoir. We then estimated instantaneous, seasonal, elemental fluxes. In winter and spring, when storms brought high flows to the reservoir, Grand Lake modified flood water minimally. During these seasons, trace element distributions were determined by the passage of storm inflows through the reservoir. In summer, Fe, Mn, P, and As were enriched in anoxic bottom water and exported through the dam, which draws water from below the surface mixed layer. Concentrations of aqueous elements in the water column were lower following autumn overturn, perhaps due to precipitation of metal oxides and settling. Unlike Fe, Zn was retained in...
THE THREE BASIC PURPOSES OF AN ECONOMIC SYSTEM: • To achieve optimum growth • To apportion production wisely • To maintain economic justice

Publisher Summary The basic reappraisal of American economic thought and action at mid-century presently being undertaken by the Joint Economic Committee has not only domestic but worldwide significance. The changes in economic thought and action during the period of recovery therefrom were useful but not sufficient. They produced only an incomplete recovery prior to World War II, and in any event they are not entirely relevant to the problems of midcentury. The building of so-called economic models has been a partial step in the right direction, but it is only in its initial stages. The models are usually used to depict where one ought to go in future. However, they are seldom used to make a discerning analysis of the past, by examining carefully what went wrong, and where actual performance departed from the model. Possibly one of the reasons why many economists have been reluctant to do this is that it would force them to call a spade a spade, and to indicate certain misbehaviors of private and public economic policies that would involve them in controversy or cause them to be called “politicians.”
Abstract SY11-04: Genetics of immune escape

How the genomic landscape of a tumor shapes and is shaped by anti-tumor immunity has not been systematically explored. Using large-scale genomic datasets of solid tissue tumor biopsies, we quantified the cytolytic activity of the local immune infiltrate and identified associated properties across 18 tumor types. The number of predicted MHC Class I-associated neoantigens was correlated with cytolytic activity and was lower than expected in colorectal and other tumors, suggesting immune-mediated elimination. We identified recurrently mutated genes that showed positive association with cytolytic activity, including beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), HLA-A, -B and -C and Caspase 8 (CASP8), highlighting loss of antigen presentation and blockade of extrinsic apoptosis as key strategies of resistance to cytolytic activity. Genetic amplifications were also associated with high cytolytic activity, including immunosuppressive factors such as PDL1/2 and ALOX12B/15B. Our genetic findings thus provide evidence for immunoediting in tumors and uncover mechanisms of tumor-intrinsic resistance to cytolytic activity. Citation Format: Nir Hacohen. Genetics of immune escape. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr SY11-04. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-SY11-04
The Group-Based Early Start Denver Model: Origins, Principles, and Strategies

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an evidence-based intervention approach that incorporates knowledge from developmental science, behavior analysis, and social-affective neuroscience to support learning and development in young children with autism. This chapter describes an approach for delivering ESDM in a group day care setting—the Group-based Early Start Denver Model, or G-ESDM. The G-ESDM emphasizes the importance of providing intensive teaching grounded on evidence-based educational strategies, individualizing the program, and addressing multiple developmental domains within group-based cooperative learning experiences. The group delivery format has a number of advantages compared to the 1:1 implementation, including feasibility and sustainability in preschool settings and the potential to facilitate peer-mediated learning.
Electrocorticographic delineation of human auditory cortical fields based on effects of propofol anesthesia

The functional organization of human auditory cortex remains incompletely characterized. While the posteromedial two thirds of Heschl's gyrus (HG) is generally considered to be part of core auditory cortex, additional subdivisions of HG remain speculative. To further delineate the hierarchical organization of human auditory cortex, we investigated regional heterogeneity in the modulation of auditory cortical responses under varying depths of anesthesia induced by propofol. Non-invasive studies have shown that propofol differentially affects auditory cortical activity, with a greater impact on non-core areas. Subjects were neurosurgical patients undergoing removal of intracranial electrodes placed to identify epileptic foci. Stimuli were 50Hz click trains, presented continuously during an awake baseline period, and subsequently, while propofol infusion was incrementally titrated to induce general anesthesia. Electrocorticographic recordings were made with depth electrodes implanted in HG and subdural grid electrodes implanted over superior temporal gyrus (STG). Depth of anesthesia was monitored using spectral entropy. Averaged evoked potentials (AEPs), frequency-following responses (FFRs) and high gamma (70-150Hz) event-related band power were used to characterize auditory cortical activity. Based on the changes in AEPs and FFRs during the induction of anesthesia, posteromedial HG could be divided into two subdivisions. In the most posteromedial aspect of the gyrus, the earliest AEP deflections were preserved and FFRs increased during induction. In contrast, the remainder of the posteromedial HG exhibited attenuation of both the AEP and the FFR. The anterolateral HG exhibited weaker activation characterized by broad, low-voltage AEPs and the absence of FFRs. Lateral STG exhibited limited activation by click trains, and FFRs there diminished during induction. Sustained high gamma activity was attenuated in the most posteromedial portion of HG, and was absent in all other regions. These differential patterns of auditory cortical activity during the induction of anesthesia may serve as useful physiological markers for field delineation. In this study, the posteromedial HG could be parcellated into at least two subdivisions. Preservation of the earliest AEP deflections and FFRs in the posteromedial HG likely reflects the persistence of feedforward synaptic activity generated by inputs from subcortical auditory pathways, including the medial geniculate nucleus.
Intensive Monitoring of Urine Output Is Associated With Increased Detection of Acute Kidney Injury and Improved Outcomes

Background Urine output (UO) is a vital sign for critically ill patients, but standards for monitoring and reporting vary widely between ICUs. Careful monitoring of UO could lead to earlier recognition of acute kidney injury (AKI) and better fluid management. We sought to determine if the intensity of UO monitoring is associated with outcomes in patients with and those without AKI. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study including 15,724 adults admitted to ICUs from 2000 to 2008. Intensive UO monitoring was defined as hourly recordings and no gaps > 3 hours for the first 48 hours after ICU admission. Results Intensive monitoring for UO was conducted in 4,049 patients (26%), and we found significantly higher rates of AKI (OR, 1.22; P P P Conclusions In this large ICU population, intensive monitoring of UO was associated with improved detection of AKI and reduced 30-day mortality in patients experiencing AKI, as well as less fluid overload for all patients. Our results should help inform clinical decisions and ICU policy about frequency of monitoring of UO, especially for patients at high risk of AKI or fluid overload, or both.
Effects of complex aural stimuli on mental performance.

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of complex aural stimuli on mental performance. A series of experiments were designed to obtain data for two different analyses. The first analysis is a "Stimulus" versus "No-stimulus" comparison for each of the four dependent variables, i.e. quantitative ability, reasoning ability, spatial ability and memory of an individual, by comparing the control treatment with the rest of the treatments. The second set of analysis is a multi-variant analysis of variance for component level main effects and interactions. The two component factors are tempo of the complex aural stimuli and sound volume level, each administered at three discrete levels for all four dependent variables. Ten experiments were conducted on eleven subjects. It was found that complex aural stimuli influence the quantitative and spatial aspect of the mind, while the reasoning ability was unaffected by the stimuli. Although memory showed a trend to be worse with the presence of complex aural stimuli, the effect was statistically insignificant. Variation in tempo and sound volume level of an aural stimulus did not significantly affect the mental performance of an individual. The results of these experiments can be effectively used in designing work environments.
Graphene Anti-dot Arrays with Self-aligned Gold Disks for Enhanced Excitation of Terahertz Surface Plasmons

A periodic graphene anti-dot array integrated with self-aligned gold disks for enhancing interactions between terahertz graphene surface plasmons and incident light is demonstrated. Experimental results show enhancement of the resonant transmission modulation by ∼3 times.
Community Mental Health

Behavioral approaches offer viable treatment alternatives for many of the service programs of a community mental health center, and are consistent with the CMHC treatment philosophy which emphasizes increasing patients' competence to deal with their social environment. The methods are suitable for a wide range of residents and fit well the constraints of time and money facing CMHC staff
The Play’s the Thing: An Interview with Rosten Woo

I think that “creative place-making” as a concept means something very different from when you combine the words “creative” and “place-making”; it is an extremely contested term and contested set of practices. It’s equivalent in some ways to the words “social practice.” It’s bizarre to describe some art as being social practice; this implies that other kinds of art are not social in their construction, which I think lets those other artworks off the hook. Painting is a social practice—but a social practice that is largely organized around producing objects for rich people. That’s social as well. I don’t want to say that everything is everything, but certainly creative place-making is—in the same way we are talking about democratizing the idea of who can be a curator, I’m interested in democratizing who is a creative place-maker. I think the mode in which I am most comfortable working on the idea of place-making is the mode of documentary. I’m interested in working to change the way that people can see a space and, via that specific moment, change the way that the space can grow or what it can become.