cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic studies of self incompatibility in the garden chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum morifolium ramat.

Self incompatibility was investigated in the hexaploid garden chrysanthemum, a member of Compositae. Nine sibling clones selected from a highly compatible cross were all self incompatible. 14.8% of the crosses between these sibs in diallel were compatible, but one sib, 67-111-42, accounted for 10 of the 12 compatible crosses. 67-111-42 was also more compatible than the remaining 8 sibs in crosses to other closely related plants. Crosses of the 9 sibs to 12 unrelated tester clones indicated that none were male or female sterile. Inbreeding via pseudocompatibility was successful in increasing homozygosity at the S loci. The percentage of compatible crosses obtained in 3 sib diallels of I2 clones from crosses of 67-111-42I1 plants approached that of the original 9 × 9 diallel, but no one individual accounted for most of the compatible crosses. It was possible to separate the 9 sibs into 9 incompatibility patterns from the pollinations made in this study. The evidence suggests that the self-incompatibility reaction in the garden chrysanthemum is sporophytic and involves more than 1 locus.
Teaching Evidence-Based Imaging in the Radiology Clerkship Using the ACR Appropriateness Criteria

Rationale and Objectives Given escalating health care costs and limited resources, the effective utilization of imaging is essential to permit optimal patient care. Because only 21.4% of medical schools require radiology clerkships, most students do not understand the indications for and clinical effectiveness of most imaging tests. Therefore, the authors introduced two focused sessions on evidence-based imaging during the required radiology core clerkship at their institution. Methods From June 2008 to September 2009, 259 students in the radiology core clerkship participated in a didactic session on principles of evidence-based imaging and/or a small-group session and self-directed learning exercise using the American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria. Students evaluated the exercise on a five-point scale for its effectiveness in teaching imaging strategies and its impact on their future careers. Results Two hundred twenty-eight of 259 students (88%; 93 third year, 135 fourth year) participated in the two sessions. Two hundred thirteen of 223 (96%) were not aware of the ACR's Web site as a resource prior to this exercise. Two hundred fourteen of 228 (94%) found the ACR Appropriateness Criteria a useful resource. Two hundred two of 228 (89%) stated that they would likely use this resource in other clinical rotations and future practice. Two hundred three of 228 (89%) reported having a solid understanding of the indications for imaging tests following the sessions. Students praised the ACR's Web site for its comprehensive coverage of different modalities and their relative radiation risks. They valued working collaboratively on common clinical scenarios. Conclusion The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are a valuable resource for teaching evidence-based imaging to medical students. A majority of students indicated that they plan to use this resource in the future.
Participatory Governance and the Spatial Representation of Neighborhood Issues

In democratic theory, community-representing organizations play a critical role in mediating between citizens and elites. While proponents argue that neighborhood governance can improve efficacy an...
Homology of group extensions with divisible abelian kernel

We shall consider group extensions D >-, G + Q such that D is a divisible abelian group. Our object is to investigate relations between the integral homology groups H,G and the structure of the extension. An important source of extensions with kernel a divisible abelian torsion group is the class of cernikov groups. Recall that a Cernikov group is a finite extension of an abelian group with the minimal condition (min); the intersection of all the subgroups of finite index in a Cernikov group is a characteristic, divisible abelian group with min whose quotient group is finite. For this reason we call an extension D * G --u Q a eernikov extension if D is a divisible abelian group with min and Q is finite. Central Cernikov extensions also arise naturally: for example, Baer has shown that a nil- potent group with min is a central cernikov group, i.e. one whose maximal divisible abelian subgroup lies in the centre
Psychological and biological differences in touch avoidance

The present study investigated the influence of psychological and biological gender on touch avoidance. Additionally of interest was the relationship between touch avoidance with the communication trait unwillingness to communicate. Results revealed that males are more same‐sex touch avoidant but do not differ from females in opposite‐sex touch avoidance. Sex‐role differences existed for opposite‐sex touch avoidance. The results of this study support the importance of looking at psychological gender.
The cyclic nucleotide-activated conductance in olfactory cilia: Effects of cytoplasmic Mg2+ and Ca2+

Olfactory receptor neurons depolarize in response to odorants. This depolarization is mediated by an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP, which directly gates channels in the membranes of the neuronal cilia. Previous evidence suggests that a Ca2+ influx during the odorant response may ultimately play a role in terminating the response. One way Ca2+ inside the cell could terminate the odorant response would be to directly inhibit the cAMP-gated channels. In this report the effects of cytoplasmic Ca2+ and Mg2+ on the cAMP-activated current were measured in single olfactory cilia. Near the neuronal resting potential, cytoplasmic Ca2+ and Mg2+ only slightly reduced the cAMP-activated current. Even at high levels (1.0mm Ca2+ or 5.0mm Mg2+), the average inhibition was only around 20%. It is therefore unlikely that an influx of divalent cations terminates the odorant response by a direct effect on the cAMP-gated channels.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Photovoltaic Properties of a Low Band Gap Polymer Based on Silole-Containing Polythiophenes and 2,1,3-Benzothiadiazole

A new low band gap silole-containing conjugated polymer, PSBTBT, was designed and synthesized. Photovoltaic properties of PSBTBT were initially investigated, and an average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.7% with a best PCE of 5.1% was recorded under illumination (AM 1.5G, 100 mW/cm(2)). The response range of the device covers the whole visible range from 380 to 800 nm. These results indicate that PSBTBT is a promising polymer material for applications in polymer solar cells.
Dual-mode ultrasound phased arrays for imaging and therapy

We have recently demonstrated the imaging capabilities of a prototype 64-element 1 MHz concave array with 100 mm radius of curvature. This array was optimized for therapeutic applications using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). We have shown that this dual-mode ultrasound array (DMUA) has a therapeutic operating field (ThxOF) that extends by /spl plusmn/3 cm and /spl plusmn/2 cm around its geometric center in the axial and lateral directions, respectively. We have also shown that appropriate apodization and accounting for element directivity along with conventional synthetic aperture beamforming produce a 50 dB imaging field of view (IxFOV) larger than the ThxOF. In addition, the spatial registration of imaging targets is as accurate as commercially available scanners. In this paper, we present results from an image-based refocusing algorithm whereby images formed by the DMUA are used to identify a refocusing target and a set of critical points where the incident power is to be minimized. The algorithm is validated experimentally in tissue mimicking phantom with strongly scattering ribs placed between the DMUA and the target. These results demonstrate what is potentially the most powerful advantage of the use of DMUAs in image-guided surgery. Namely, the inherent registration between the imaging and therapeutic coordinate systems. This allows for direct definition of targets and any surrounding critical structures to be avoided to minimize the collateral damage. With these capabilities, DMUAs may provide a most powerful paradigm for image-guided surgery.
How This Was Possible: Interpreting the Holocaust

Moral exclusion occurs when individuals or groups are seen as outside the boundary in which moral values, rules, and considerations of fairness apply. It can render violence and injustice normal and acceptable. This talk describes research conducted at the House of Wannsee Conference, a cultural institution near Berlin, where the liquidation of Europe's Jews was planned in 1942. Now a commemorative site and education center, this institution's interpretive strategies increase visitors’ knowledge about past exclusionary processes. The House of Wannsee's interpretive strategies emphasize the role of occupational groups in society. Consistent with that focus, this talk discusses psychology at two points in time: Gestalt psychology, which flourished in Germany from 1920 to 1933, and psychology from 2002 to the present in light of contemporary concerns about psychologists’ involvement in detention and torture.
Regeneration of Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata) and limber pine (Pinus flexilis) three decades after stand-replacing fires

Abstract Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine ( Pinus aristata ) and limber pine ( Pinus flexilis ) are important high-elevation pines of the southern Rockies that are forecast to decline due to the recent spread of white pine blister rust ( Cronartium ribicola ) into this region. Proactive management strategies to promote the evolution of rust resistance and maintain ecosystem function require an improved understanding of the role of disturbance on the population dynamics of both species and environmental conditions that favor seedling establishment. We examined patterns of bristlecone and limber pine regeneration across the perimeters of three, 29-year-old, high-severity burns in northern, central, and southern Colorado: Ouzel, Badger Mountain, and Maes Creek, respectively. Both species exhibited a very protracted regeneration response to these fires. Bristlecone pine regeneration was concentrated near burn edges and beneath surviving seed sources. This spatial pattern is consistent with limitations incurred by wind-dispersal, also borne out by the low occurrence of seedling clusters. Relative to unburned stands, the absolute abundance of bristlecone pine generally increased only on plots retaining some surviving trees. Limber pine regeneration pattern varied between sites: high in the burn interior at Ouzel, concentrated at burn edges at Badger, and mostly in unburned stands at Maes. Clark’s Nutcracker dispersal of limber pine in each study area was indicated by high seedling distance from possible seed sources and high frequencies of clustered stems. Except at Ouzel, the absolute abundance of limber pine decreased in burns. Across sites, establishment by both species was boosted by nearby nurse objects (rocks, fallen logs, and standing tree trunks), a relationship that extended out at least as far as the closest three such objects, usually found within 50 cm. Fire decreased the frequency of Pedicularis but increased Castilleja and Ribes species (alternate hosts of white pine blister rust), though only one species, R. cereum , was positively associated with either pine species. We conclude that regeneration of bristlecone and limber pine may benefit from natural disturbance or proactive management creating appropriately sized openings and microtopographic structure (e.g., abundant fallen logs); however, beneficial responses may require many decades to be achieved.
Architecture Tradeoffs in High Density Microstimulators for Retinal Prosthesis

Electrical stimulation of retinal neurons has been identified as a form of visual prosthesis to restore vision in blind patients affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) through several studies and experiments. This paper presents the different architectures of microstimulator for high density retinal prosthesis considering both the biomedical and circuit perspectives. The choices for the key aspects of the microstimulator - location of the chip in the eye, electrode configuration, method of stimulation, demultiplexing, stimulation sequence, and communication protocol - are discussed along with the associated tradeoffs for each of them. In addition, a 60-output microstimulator for an implantable retinal prosthesis to be used in future clinical trials, fabricated in 1.2-mum CMOS technology and its measurement results are presented. The chip consists of 60 independently programmable output drivers and a digital controller for managing run-time and configuration data
Learning the Solution to the Aperture Problem for Pattern Motion with a Hebb Rule

The primate visual system learns to recognize the true direction of pattern motion using local detectors only capable of detecting the component of motion perpendicular to the orientation of the moving edge. A multilayer feedforward network model similar to Linsker's model was presented with input patterns each consisting of randomly oriented contours moving in a particular direction. Input layer units are granted component direction and speed tuning curves similar to those recorded from neurons in primate visual area VI that project to area MT. The network is trained on many such patterns until most weights saturate. A proportion of the units in the second layer solve the aperture problem (e.g., show the same direction-tuning curve peak to plaids as to gratings), resembling pattern-direction selective neurons, which first appear in area MT.
Selective degradation of silicone copolymers and networks

An exhaustive end-capping method for the analysis of silicone copolymers and networks using hexamethyldisiloxane in the presence of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid was demonstrated. The hard block of a polymide-co-polysiloxane was isolated by the equilibration of the copolymer with a large excess of hexamethyldisiloxane and subsequently examined by size exclusion chromatography. Addition cured polyimidesiloxane networks were also equilibrated with an excess of the disiloxane and the resulting oligmoers characterized by gas chromatography of the end-capped fragments.
Lower college costs and improved student learning: Real answers missing from the Spellings Commission Report

The Secretary of Education's Commission on the Future of Higher Education too often focused on what's wrong with American higher education and too seldom offered real solutions to vexing problems. Commission member Robert Zemsky takes a look at how two issues in particular, high costs and inadequate student learning, might have been better addressed by the Spellings commission.
An approximation method for estimation in linear systems with parameter uncertainty

Estimation of the state variables of a linear system with parameter uncertainties is performed using an asymptotically unbiased linear minimum-variance recursive estimator in continuous time. Estimates of the parameters can be obtained simultaneously, but are found to be biased. By augmenting additional linear dynamic equations which represent an asymptotic expansion in the unknown parameters, a linear structure is formed which approximates the original nonlinear system. However, the initial conditions and additive process noise are not Gaussian. The convergence properties of the state variance for this expansion are illustrated analytically by a scalar dynamic system. The numerical aspects of this example illustrate the behavior of the actual variance of the error in the state estimate and the predicted error variance as the order of the approximation increases. For the vector state problem, only the multidimensional dynamic system in canonical form with a single output is developed. For an n -dimensional system with n unknown constant parameters, a first-order approximation requires n additional linear equations. This approach can be extended to correlated parameter processes.
Prehospital electrocardiograms (ECGs) do not improve the process of emergency department care in hospitals with higher usage of ECGs in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Background This article will describe the impact of prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG) use on emergency department (ED) processes of care for non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients and assess the characteristics associated with prehospital ECG use. Methods This is a retrospective, multicenter, observational analysis of NSTEMI patients captured by the National Cardiovascular Data Registry-Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry—Get with the Guidelines (NCDR ACTION-GWTG) in 2007. Patient and hospital data were stratified by documentation of a prehospital ECG (pECG). Hospitals were stratified into tertiles of pECG use by higher pECG (>5.6%, n 91), lower pECG (≤ 5.6%, n = 83), or no pECG (n = 100). Statistical evaluation was done via Wilcoxon rank sum and χ2 tests. Results There were 21 251 patients eligible for analysis. A pECG was documented in 1609 (7.6%) patients. Of 274 hospitals, 100 (36.5%) had no pECGs recorded. Median ED length of stay (LOS) was shorter at no pECG hospitals vs lower pECG hospitals (3.97 h vs 4.12 h, P < 0.05), but not higher pECG hospitals vs no pECG hospitals (3.85 h vs 3.97 h, P = not significant [NS]). A pECG was not associated with an improvement in ED performance metrics (use of aspirin, β-blocker, any heparin) in the higher pECG hospitals vs no pECG hospitals or the lower pECG hospitals vs no pECG hospitals. Conclusions Use of prehospital ECG in NSTEMI patients is uncommon. In contrast to its impact on reperfusion times in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, its use does not appear to be associated with an improvement in ED processes of care at the hospital level. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Security Modeling and Analysis

Security modeling centers on identifying system behavior, including any security defenses; the system adversary's power; and the properties that constitute system security. Once a security model is clearly defined, security analysis evaluates whether the adversary, interacting with the system, can defeat the desired security properties. Although the authors illustrate security analysis using model checking, analysts can use various methods and tools to evaluate system security, including manual and automated theorem-proving tools that provide assurance about the absence of attacks in a specified threat model. This article describes a uniform approach for evaluating system security and illustrates the approach by summarizing three case studies. Security modeling and analysis also provides a basis for comparative evaluation and some forms of security metrics.
Learning-before-doing in the development of new process technology

Abstract The concept of learning-by-doing has featured prominently in the literature on manufacturing improvement and technological innovation. Much of the focus of this literature is on the ‘doing’ or ‘using’ that takes place in an actual commercial production or usage environment. But problem-solving can also occur long before a new product or process design is introduced into the factory through computer simulations, laboratory experiments, prototype testing, pilot production runs, and other experiments. These approaches to problem-solving are referred to in this paper as ‘learning- before -doing.’ Although there is an extensive literature on prototyping and technical problem-solving in R&D, there have been few attempts to determine the type of conditions under which different approaches to learning are most effective. This paper explores the impact of different learning strategies on development performance with detailed data on 23 process development projects from pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The empirical analysis focuses specifically on how the timing of technology transfer to the factory influences development costs. The results of the analysis indicate learning-by-doing is essential for efficient development in an environment like biotechnology where underlying theoretical and practical knowledge is relatively thin. In contrast, the need for learning-by-doing is far lower in environments like chemical synthesis where underlying theoretical and practical knowledge is deep enough to enable the design of laboratory experiments that effectively model future production experience. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implication of these findings for the management of process development and learning.
Plasmonics for ultrasensitive biomolecular nanospectroscopy

Plasmonics, by localizing light to the sub-wavelength volumes and dramatically enhancing local fields, is enabling myriad of exciting possibilities in bio-detection field [1]. In this talk, first I will demonstrate an ultra-sensitive surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy enabling direct detection of molecular specific signatures of proteins from monolayer thick films. Our method exploits engineering of diffractive couplings among plasmonic nano-antenna arrays. I will then present a low-cost fabrication method for high-throughput fabrication of these engineered antenna arrays. Finally, I will show an integrated nanoplasmonic-nanofluidic sensor platform leading to targeted analyte delivery and dramatically improved sensor response time.
Crack Tip Opening Displacement and Angle for a Growing Crack in Carbon Steel

The crack tip opening displacements and angles (CTOD/CTOA) are calculated with finite element method based on the test data of a set of constraint-dependent J-R curves for A285 carbon steel. The values of the CTOD/CTOA are initially high at initiation, but rapidly decrease to a nearly constant value. When the common practice is adopted by using only the constant part of CTOD/CTOA as the fracture criterion, the crack growth behavior is shown to be severely underestimated. However, with a bilinear form of CTOD/CTOA fracture criterion which approximates the initial non-constant portion, the experimental load vs. crack extension curves can be closely predicted. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the CTOD/CTOA is crack tip constraint dependent. The values of CTOD/CTOA for specimens with various ratios of crack length to specimen width (a/W) are reflected by the J-R curves and their slopes.
Electrospun Magnetic Fibrillar Polystyrene Nanocomposites Reinforced with Nickel Nanoparticles

The morphology and thermal stability of bead-free and uniform electrospun pure polystyrene (PS) and PS/Ni nanocomposite fibers are investigated by SEM and TGA/DSC. A higher thermal stability is observed after introducing the nanoparticles in the polymer fibers. FT-IR analysis indicates a physical entanglement rather than chemical bonding between the nanoparticles and the polystyrene matrix. The nanoparticles still exhibit superparamagnetic properties even after dispersing in the polymer matrix, different from the reported enhanced coercivity as a result of the enlarged particle distance. However, the magnetic field required to saturate the magnetization is significantly reduced. A further oxidation is deduced after the high voltage electrospinning process.
The Role of Easterly Waves on African Desert Dust Transport

Abstract Mineral aerosols from North Africa represent one of the largest sources of aerosols available to the atmosphere, and their generation and transport are thought to be modulated by African easterly waves. In this study, the relationships between easterly wave activity and model simulations of desert dust entrainment and transport are investigated. National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis datasets are used to both evaluate easterly wave activity and drive a transport model simulation of desert dust. The focus of this study is on boreal summer, when easterly wave activity maximizes. Periods of high easterly wave activity are identified using filtered (2.5–10 days) relative vorticity at 700 hPa over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. Lag composites of relative vorticity and simulated surface dust concentrations are used to investigate the influence of easterly waves on the spatial transport patterns. A comparison between lag composites of available in...
Investing in Stocks and Bonds in the Long Run

In recent research on asset allocation attention has been paid to time variations in the expected return on stocks. In particular, how does the long horizon variation in expected returns influence the inter-temporal hedging demand for stocks. Unfortunately, this problem for investors leads to a complex mathematical problem. As a result, the solution to the investor's problem must be approximated. Up to now researchers have used low order approximations without knowing the amount of approximation error in their solutions. This issue is vitally import to investment managers given the possible variation of expected returns between bull and bear markets. In our previous research CCCH (2005), CCH (2006, 2007a, 2007b, 2007c, 2007d) on asset pricing models, we have shown that financial economic problems can be solved using analytic methods. Analytic methods allow one to represent the solution to financial problems with Taylor polynomials. This solutions can be quickly calculated on a standard {\it PC}. In addition, it is possible to find the radius of convergence for a given financial problem, which allows one to find bounds on the error in the polynomial approximation. For example CCH (2007c) solve Campbell and Cochrane's (1999) asset pricing model with a $260^{th}$ order Taylor polynomial in less than ten seconds. In this case the error is less than one in a billion dollars for dividend growth in the range of plus or minus $20\%$ per month around the historic average dividend growth. Thus, it is feasible to quickly and accurately solve financial problems. While the investor's problem of allocation between stocks and bonds is mathematically more complex than the asset pricing problems, we have been able to use the analytic method to quickly and accurately solve this problem as well. To capture the non-linear behavior of the optimal investment decision we find that the order of approximation must be substantially higher than currently used by researchers. The purpose of this research project is to document the characteristics of this solution over ranges of expected returns on stock which would be observed over standard fluctuations in the stock market. In carrying out this project we will use state of the art statistical procedures to document the long-run predictability of stock returns. This analysis would help us place confidence bounds on the optimal inter-temporal hedging demand for stocks. Thus, the purpose of this project is to improve investment management techniques over bull and bear markets.
Complete Genome Sequence of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Myophage Murica.

ABSTRACT Murica is an rv5-like myophage that infects enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Pathogenic E. coli strains are responsible for many intestinal diseases, and phages that infect these bacteria may prove useful in preventing severe health issues. The following is a report of the complete genome sequence of Murica and its important features.
Abstract ED05-04: Harnessing the power of social media in cancer control communication

The presentation will review current social media-based health communication programs applied in a variety of health areas, including cancer addition, obesity and sexual health. Beginning with a broad description of the public9s health-related social media use, I will summarize types of interventions and illustrate them with specific exemplary projects. Special attention will be given to issues of measurement and evaluation; in particular I will discuss how social media utilization, reach, and impact are measured with respect to health-related attitudes and behaviors. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):ED05-04.
Elevated Titers of Serum Agglutinators: A Serologie Indicator of Infection

Elevated titers of serum agglutinators (anti-Fab IgG) are associated with significant and severe suppurative infection. Immunosuppression and long-term antibiotic therapy, however, may lead to negative tests.
Evaluation of the community health systematic management program on hypertensive patients

Objective To assess the values of community health systematic management program on hypertensive patients. Methods From April 2007 to April 2009,435 hypertensive patients from six neighborhood committees of Zhanqian District,Guangzhou joined in the community health systematic management program with health intervention of diet,medicine,habit,exercise,psychological guidance and health education..Differences in the rate of knowledge acquisition,treatment and regular medicine-taking,situation of life style and control of blood pressure as well as laboratorial indexes were compared before and after the systematic management. Results Compared with the pre-intervention, all the parameters, including rate of knowledge acquisition, under treatment and regular medicine-taking, and laboratorial indexes and blood pressure, were significantly improved. Conclusion Community systematic management program clearly improves the situation of hypertensive patients and the program can be widely used in the community.
Influence of overload valve on 1 000 MW unit operation condition in summer

The influence of overload valve provided by Siemens,on the power response,middle point temperature,main steam pressure and economic performance in 1 000 MW unit in summer condition was discussed.Rated power can not be achieved for such 1 000 MW units with rated parameters in summer condition without overload valve.The main parameters change greatly in AGC Auto matic Generation Control mode,which militates against stable operation.Once overload valve was put into use,the throttle lose of main steam must be increased and the efficiency of unit was decreased.If the main steam pressure was raised,the temperature that boiler metal can withstand will be dropped,and overheating of the tube wall must be very common.So load dispatch should be run in manual manner of AGC mode in summer condition,and the object power should be set by dispatcher on line.
Construction of Zhejiang Electric Power Digital Library

The development and application of digital library provides a platform for integrating and sharing information resources in electric power industry.This paper introduces the construction of Zhejiang Electric Power Digital Library and discusses the function module,key technology and development target.
An anatomical basis for surgery of the renal papillae.

Abstract The renal arterial segments were studied in cadaver kidneys with particular reference to the renal papillae. Silicone-rubber injection preparations show there are at least 30 distinct arterial segments extending from the cortex through the medulla to the tip of the papillae. Each papilla comprises vasa recta from several of these arterial segments which have no arterial communication with each other. This study provides an anatomical basis for splitting the papillae along intersegmental planes in the anatrophic nephrolithotomy, segmental and partial nephrectomy.
Idiopathic subglottic stenosis is associated with activation of the inflammatory IL-17A/IL-23 axis

Objectives/Hypothesis Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) is a rare and devastating extrathoracic obstruction involving the lower laryngeal and upper tracheal airway. It arises without known antecedent injury or associated disease process. Persistent mucosal inflammation and a localized fibrotic response are hallmarks of the disease. Despite the initial clinical description of iSGS more than 40 year ago, there have been no substantive investigations into the pathogenesis of this enigmatic and progressive airway obstruction. In these studies, we present the initial characterization of the molecular pathogenesis underlying the fibrosing phenotype of iSGS. Methods Utilizing 20 human iSGS and healthy control specimens, we applied histologic, immunohistochemical, molecular, and immunologic techniques. Results We demonstrate significant activation of the canonical IL-23/IL-17A pathway in the tracheal mucosa of iSGS patients, as well as identify γδ T cells as the primary cellular source of IL-17A. Conclusion Our results suggest that aberrant mucosal immune activation is a component in of the pathogenesis of iSGS. Most critically, our work offers new targets for future therapeutic intervention. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 126:E356–E361, 2016
Cancer Information Seeking and Cancer-Related Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review of the Health Information National Trends Survey Literature

Cancer is a leading cause of death among adults in the United States. Only 54% of U.S. adults reported seeking cancer information in 2014. Cancer information seeking has been positively associated with cancer-related health outcomes such as screening adherence. We conducted a scoping review of studies that used data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) in order to examine cancer information seeking in depth and the relationship between cancer information seeking and cancer-related health outcomes. We searched five databases and the HINTS website. The search yielded a total of 274 article titles. After review of 114 de-duplicated titles, 66 abstracts, and 50 articles, 22 studies met inclusion criteria. Cancer information seeking was the outcome in only four studies. The other 18 studies focused on a cancer-related health outcome. Cancer beliefs, health knowledge, and information seeking experience were positive predictors of cancer information seeking. Cancer-related awareness, knowledge, beliefs, preventive behaviors, and screening adherence were higher among cancer information seekers. Results from this review can inform other research study designs and primary data collection focused on specific cancer sites or aimed at populations not represented or underrepresented in the HINTS data (e.g., minority populations, those with lower socioeconomic status).
Literary Discourse and Pragmatic Implicature

Pornographic narrative fiction is literature, if not literature in the honorific sense. A speech-act approach to pornographic literature, therefore, will be a special application of a speech-act approach to literature. Speech-act theory, part of pragmatics, or the theory of language use, is the study that concerns itself not with what is said by a speaker, but with what is done by a speaker in saying (illocutions) or by saying (perlocutions). In this chapter, I argue that pornographic fiction exploits the pragmatics of fictional discourse, specifically its convention of expressing implicatures by flouting conversational maxims or rules. I shall explicate the expression of implicature by flouting, an idea first developed by H. Paul Grice, presently. Although a number of writers, including Searle (1979), Wolterstorff (1980), Sperber and Wilson (1986), and, perhaps most systematically, Currie (1990), have adopted a speech-act approach to literary discourse, to my knowledge, only one writer, Mary Louise Pratt, has made a sustained attempt to apply the Gricean notion of flouting as an indicator of implicature to an analysis of literary discourse in her unfortunately seldom-cited 1 Toward a Speech Act Theory of Literary Discourse (1977).
Dynamic Scaling and Island Growth Kinetics in Pulsed Laser Deposition of SrTiO 3

We use real-time diffuse surface x-ray diffraction to probe the evolution of island size distributions and its effects on surface smoothing in pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$. We show that the island size evolution obeys dynamic scaling and two distinct regimes of island growth kinetics. Our data show that PLD film growth can persist without roughening despite thermally driven Ostwald ripening, the main mechanism for surface smoothing, being shut down. The absence of roughening is concomitant with decreasing island density, contradicting the prevailing view that increasing island density is the key to surface smoothing in PLD. We also report a previously unobserved crossover from diffusion-limited to attachment-limited island growth that reveals the influence of nonequilibrium atomic level surface transport processes on the growth modes in PLD. We show by direct measurements that attachment-limited island growth is the dominant process in PLD that creates step flowlike behavior or quasistep flow as PLD ``self-organizes'' local step flow on a length scale consistent with the substrate temperature and PLD parameters.
Deep learning: from speech recognition to language and multimodal processing

While artificial neural networks have been in existence for over half a century, it was not until year 2010 that they had made a significant impact on speech recognition with a deep form of such networks. This invited paper, based on my keynote talk given at Interspeech conference in Singapore in September 2014, will first reflect on the historical path to this transformative success, after providing brief reviews of earlier studies on (shallow) neural networks and on (deep) generative models relevant to the introduction of deep neural networks (DNN) to speech recognition several years ago. The role of well-timed academic-industrial collaboration is highlighted, so are the advances of big data, big compute, and the seamless integration between the application-domain knowledge of speech and general principles of deep learning. Then, an overview is given on sweeping achievements of deep learning in speech recognition since its initial success. Such achievements, summarized into six major areas in this article, have resulted in across-the-board, industry-wide deployment of deep learning in speech recognition systems. Next, more challenging applications of deep learning, natural language and multimodal processing, are selectively reviewed and analyzed. Examples include machine translation, knowledgebase completion, information retrieval, and automatic image captioning, where fresh ideas from deep learning, continuous-space embedding in particular, are shown to be revolutionizing these application areas albeit with less rapid pace than for speech and image recognition. Finally, a number of key issues in deep learning are discussed, and future directions are analyzed for perceptual tasks such as speech, image, and video, as well as for cognitive tasks involving natural language.
The cytochrome P450 24A1 interaction with adrenodoxin relies on multiple recognition sites that vary among species.

Mitochondrial cytochromes P450 (P450s) are responsible for important metabolic reactions, including steps involved in steroid and vitamin D metabolism. The mitochondrial P450 24A1 (CYP24A1) is responsible for deactivation of the bioactive form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3. Its function relies on formation of a P450–redox partner complex with the ferredoxin and electron donor adrenodoxin (Adx). However, very little is known about how the Adx–CYP24A1 complex forms. In this study, we report the results of solution NMR in which we monitor isotopically labeled full-length Adx as it binds CYP24A1 in complex with the P450 inhibitor clotrimazole. The NMR titration data suggested a mode for P450–Adx interactions in which formation of the complex relies on contributions from multiple recognition sites on the Adx core domain, some of which have not previously been reported. To evaluate differences among CYP24A1–Adx complexes from different mammalian species and displaying distinct regioselectivity for 1,25(OH)2D3, all bound spectra were acquired in parallel for human (carbon-23 and -24 hydroxylase), rat (carbon-24 hydroxylase), and opossum (carbon-23 hydroxylase) CYP24A1 isoforms. Binding data from a series of single and double charge–neutralizing substitutions of Adx confirmed that species-specific CYP24A1 isoforms differ in binding to Adx, providing evidence that variations in redox partner interactions correlate with P450 regioselectivity. In summary, these findings reveal that CYP24A1–Adx interactions rely on several recognition sites and that variations in CYP24A1 isoforms modulate formation of the complex, thus providing insight into the variable and complex nature of mitochondrial P450–Adx interactions.
Resonance assignments of an α-synuclein fibril prepared in Tris buffer at moderate ionic strength.

Fibrils of the protein α-synuclein (α-syn) are implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. We have reported a high-resolution structure (PDB 2N0A) of an α-syn fibril form prepared by in vitro incubation of monomeric protein in 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer pH 7.4 with 0.1 mM EDTA and 0.01% sodium azide. In parallel with this structure determination, ongoing studies of small molecule ligands binding to α-syn fibrils, prepared in 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol (Tris) buffer, have been in progress, and it is therefore of interest to determine the structural similarity of these forms. Here we report the 13C and 15N resonance assignments for α-syn fibrils prepared with Tris–HCl buffer (pH 7.7 at 37 °C) and 100 mM NaCl. These fibrillization conditions yield a form with fibril core chemical shifts highly similar to those we reported (BMRB 16939) in the course of determining the high-resolution 2N0A structure, with the exception of some small perturbations from T44 to V55, including two sets of peaks observed for residues T44–V48. Additional differences occur in the patterns of observed residues in the primarily unstructured N-terminus. These results demonstrate a common fold of the fibril core for α-syn fibrils prepared in phosphate or Tris–HCl buffer at moderate ionic strength.
Molecular Approaches to Vaccines

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) and monoclonal antibody technologies are being used to develop new types of vaccines that are expected eventually to sup-plement or supplant conventional whole-agent vaccines for both animals and humans. Impetus for the new vaccines stems from findings that the surface proteins of most infectious agents possess immunogenic activity and that the corresponding genes can be manipulated to produce these products in quantity devoid of the infectious agents themselves. In addition, conventional vaccines that employ killed and attenuated viruses have certain limitations. For example, standard methods have failed to produce effective vaccines for many important diseases, including hepatitis A and B, and for most diseases caused by retroviruses, herpes viruses, and parasites, including those that cause malaria, trypanosomiasis, and anaplasmosis. Also, attenuated whole-agent vaccines can cause acute or slowly progressive diseases in immunodeficient individuals or in alternate animal hosts. Live poliovirus vaccine produces a few cases each year of paralytic polio in vaccinees or their contacts (91). Even so-called killed virus vaccines can contain infectious particles. This was the case with some of the early batches of commercially produced, inactivated poliovirus vaccine, and is still the case for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus vaccines in wide use today. At least 44% of the outbreaks of FMD in Europe from 1968 to 1981 were caused by incomplete inactivation procedures or the escape of virus from vaccine manufacturing facilities (43). Whole-agent vaccines can also induce postvaccinal sequelae, including pyrogenic and allergic reactions, and Guillain-Barre and other neurological syndromes as well as immune enhancement of disease, e.g., dengue-2 virus infections of young children (62).
CBSD in Practice and Theory

WHEN a real-world software engineer talks about system design with components, it may mean following a quite formal process, or it may mean no more than a vague plan to divide the software into parts. Between these extremes, commercial software tools are available to support practical CBSD. Commercial component tools are practical aids to software development; they have no theoretical basis. They are also unlike the SYN tools of this monograph in that the components to which they apply are not restricted as SYN’s are. Within their narrow scope, the SYN tools are much more capable.
LÍDERES EDUCACIONAIS RESILIENTES EM TEMPOS TURBULENTOS: APLICANDO O PERFIL DE RESILIÊNCIA DA LÍDER ® PARA AVALIAR A RESILIÊNCIA NO RELACIONAMENTO COM O GÊNERO E A IDADE

Women leaders across the world confront a common challenge: extremely turbulent times that challenge even the most skillful leaders. The paper begins with a brief overview of the meaning of leader resilience and describes the resilience cycle that all leaders experience when adversity strikes. Five phases of the resilience cycle discussed are: normal conditions, deteriorating phase, adapting phase, recovering phase and growing phase. Next, the paper traces the development of the revised Leader Resilience Profile® (LRP) data that compares and contrasts leader resilience by gender and age. The results clearly show that resilience increased reliably with age. Participants in the 60+ age group, compared with the all-other age groups combined, had significantly higher resilience scores. In the 20-29 age group men had significant higher resilience than women. There were no reliable gender differences in resilience in the other age categories. The findings are based on a relatively small sample. Further research should be conducted on larger samples in each age range. The paper concludes by addressing two issues: How can the LRP be used across countries to assess women leader resilience and how can the LRP be applied to develop professional growth opportunities to strengthen women leaders’ resilience.
Achebe's Repudiation of Horror

At a time when the national mood is marked by deep despair, Chinua Achebe's public rejection of President Olusegun Obasanjo's offer of the honourific of Commander of the Federal Republic is certain to lift a multitude of spirits. After Achebe's admirable example, other self-respecting Nigerians would have no excuse for rushing to accept so-called awards from anti-people and ignoble "leaders."
The Effects of Phragmites Removal on Nutrient Pools in a Freshwater Tidal Marsh Ecosystem

Selected nitrogen and phosphorus pools in two freshwater tidal marsh ecosystems on the lower Connecticut River were measured relative to Phragmites, Typha and mixed native wetland plant cover types. For both the Chapman Pond Preserve and Chester Creek Marsh, significant differences were found between plant cover types in porewater ammonium and phosphate for some months during the 1998 growing season; porewater nitrate was always below the detection limit. At Chapman Pond, no significant differences were detected between Phragmites and Typha for plant tissue N concentrations. The standing stock of nitrogen was higher in Phragmites stands, however, owing to its greater aboveground biomass. No significant difference was found between plant cover types for total soil N at Chapman Pond, but KCl extractable ammonium was higher in the mixed cover type than Phragmites or Typha. The results of this study suggest that Phragmites is affecting nutrient pools in freshwater tidal marshes, a result that should be considered in future management design.
Mutagenicity of Selected Chemicals in Escherichia Coli DNA Repair Deficient Assays

“Normal” cells exposed to noxious agents which alter the cellular DNA will attempt to overcome this effect by excising portions of modified DNA and resynthesizing the correct sequence. The enzyme DNA polymerase has been implicated in this repair process (both in the repair replication step and the excision step in excision repair). It is to be expected, therefore, that cells lacking this repair enzyme will be more sensitive to the action of agents which react with cellular DNA. The availability of E. coli mutants (pol A1-) lacking this enzyme (1) has permitted verification of this prediction.
Strategic Capital Allocation

An extensive literature concludes that managers allocate capital inefficiently. In this paper I argue that a new measure of efficiency is necessary to capture the strategic trade-offs faced by top ...