cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute liver injury following infection with a cytopathic strain of duck hepatitis B virus

A variant avian hepadnavirus that has been shown to destroy hepatocytes in vitro was found to be cytopathic in vivo. A single amino acid change of glycine to glutamic acid at position 133 (G133E) in the preS protein of duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) caused an increase in the intranuclear pool of viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), resulting in a transient elevation of viral replication and eventual hepatocyte destruction. In vivo viral infection with the G133E virus was compared with infection with wild-type virus over a 72-day period. Birds were inoculated with virus at day 2 post-hatch to ensure a high percentage of infected hepatocytes and potential persistence of virus. Birds infected with the G133E virus had increased periportal cellular proliferation and numerous lysed apoptotic hepatocytes following 100% infection of hepatocytes. The liver damage within G133E virus-infected birds subsided over time, resulting in mild chronic hepatitis that was similar to that observed within wild-type virus-infected birds. The subsidence of liver damage in G133E virus-infected birds coincided with a reduction of viral cccDNA to wild-type virus levels in the liver. Our study indicates that maintenance of wild-type levels of viral cccDNA promotes persistence of virus infection by establishing a noncytopathic infection.
An evidence-based review of e-HRM and strategic human resource management

Abstract One stated purpose of electronic human resource management (e-HRM) is to make the HRM function more strategic. The goal of this paper is to examine the research on e-HRM to provide evidence-based guidance to researchers and practitioners on the relationship between e-HRM and strategic HRM. We review 40 studies published from 1999 to 2011 using integrative synthesis as our evidence-based methodology. Results reveal that theoretical and empirical research in this area is still at an early stage. We find no empirical evidence showing that e-HRM predicts strategic outcomes. There is evidence suggesting that strategic HRM predicts e-HRM outcomes and that the relationship appears context dependent, however, research designs are not sufficient to establish causal direction. Our review highlights the need for more empirical studies on e-HRM and strategic HRM outcomes at a macro level.
Reflection through journal writing to educate registered nursing students on patient care

Abstract Registered nursing programs give students access to clinical participation, which allows the students to learn in the clinical setting. This article suggests that nursing students use journal writing to reflect on clinical experiences in each stage of their educational program. The students, when guided by educators through their practice of reflective writing, will learn to responsibly care for patients, incorporate a code of ethics, and empathize with patients.
Relative price changes and deviations from purchasing power parity

Abstract During recent years, exchange rate fluctuations have exceeded variation in price indices. As a result, a number of theories have been developed to explain the apparent ‘overshooting’ of the exchange rate. The purpose of this paper is to argue that such elaborate extensions may be unnecessary, because the law of one price is more robust than previously believed. In particular, it can be shown that the law of one price is consistent with the observed variability of exchange rates and that it outperforms the overshooting models in explaining the stochastic behavior of exchange rates and interest rates.
The evolution of the urban acequia landscape of the American Southwest

This paper describes the evolution and erasure of the urban acequia landscape in three urban centers of the American Southwest. These cultural landscapes were first developed by Native American peoples in present day New Mexico, Arizona and California. In the late sixteenth century, expansion of New Spain into the region introduced acequia irrigation methods to establish permanent agricultural settlements. Further expansion of these systems occurred in the seventeenth and into the eighteenth centuries. Spanish settlement policies followed La Recopilacion de Las Leyes de Las Indias which established design criteria for organizing acequia irrigation systems and the built environment. This study explicates the transformation and adaption of the urban acequia landscape from the settlement period under Spanish Law, the Mexican Period, and through the organization as modern cities of the American Southwest. Today, the cities of San Antonio, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles have evolved into major population centers while containing the material memory of the acequia landscape in the urban form of the city. Through the use of geospatial visualization mapping, this paper documents the morphological process of urbanization and how irrigation systems became the framework for the spatial organization of the southwest cities that were within Mexican territory before the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23: A Novel Key to Find Hidden Substrates of Atrial Fibrillation?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the associated rhythm abnormalities manifesting as tachyarrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), continue as leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States and developed countries.1 In spite of the exciting momentum of new discoveries that have greatly improved our understanding of several key molecular mechanisms underlying AF, identifying and managing AF during its early onset stage is extremely challenging.2 Traditionally, direct causes for CVD have been attributed primarily to genes, ischemic heart disease, poor dietary choices, and lack of exercise; studies later revealed that diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are powerful risk factors that can equally impact the heart and cause pathologic structural remodeling, contractile dysfunction, hypertrophy, and heart failure, which are well-established substrates for AF.3 Article see p 298 Of these, CKD has emerged as one of the most potent risk factors for developing CVD and particularly AF. In fact, the high rates of mortality reported in patients with CKD are mainly attributed to cardiovascular complications, including uremic cardiomyopathy or vascular calcifications leading to cardiac complications.4 Although the reciprocal cross-talk between dysfunctions of kidney and heart is well known, very few common mechanisms have been conclusively identified that could be targeted to impact both CKD and CVD. In this context, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a recently described phosphate-regulating hormone secreted by osteocytes and osteoblasts, draws attention. FGF23 works via fibroblast growth factor receptors or specialized Klotho receptors to reduce gastrointestinal phosphate absorption5 and stimulate renal phosphate elimination.6 Its expression is positively linked to CKD, wherein FGF23 levels increase during the early stages of CKD and are believed to play a role in increasing urinary phosphate excretion. Elevated FGF23 levels are also associated with the progression of kidney …
Considerations for effusive cryovolcanism on Europa: The post‐Galileo perspective

[1] Cryovolcanic resurfacing is a popular mechanism to explain relatively young surface units on icy satellites of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Prior to the Galileo data acquired between 1996 and 2001, Europa was thought to have undergone significant cryovolcanic resurfacing, facilitated by a global ocean beneath the icy surface. However, close examination of Galileo data at resolutions much better than those of Voyager images show that many of the features previously thought to be cryovolcanic are commonly best explained by other formative mechanisms, including tectonism and diapirism. In this study, I present an examination of the characteristics of a variety of Europan surface features for which effusive cryovolcanism is a possible origin, including apparently lobate “flows,” certain elliptical to circular lenticulae, and low-lying, smooth, low-albedo surfaces. A review of cryovolcanic eruption theory, together with Galileo data analysis of Europan surface geology and composition, indicates that cryovolcanism is a viable, though not unequivocal, explanation for some of these features. Some constraints on cryomagma properties and lithospheric structure are offered for these cases. The presence of small-volume, low-viscosity effusions is supported by observations and modeling. Some positive relief lenticulae could represent more viscous effusions, although diapirism may be a preferable explanation. However, strong evidence is lacking for cryovolcanic resurfacing on a large scale. On the basis of our experience with Galileo images of Europa (and Ganymede), Voyager-era inferences for widespread cryovolcanism on icy satellites may be overstated and will need to be carefully reexamined in the light of new data from upcoming spacecraft missions.
Enhancing US wheat export performance: The implications of wheat cleaning

This analysis shows that there could be net gains to the US wheat industry if all US export wheat were to be cleaned to a dockage level between 0.35 and 0.40%. These results are based on interviews with major importers of US wheat, and a model of world wheat trade. Larger benefits to the US wheat industry would be possible from cleaning only wheat destined to countries that demand higher quality US wheat. However, these gains in export revenue from selling cleaner wheat could be offset if other exporters, especially Canada, responded in ways that would maintain their market share. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Chasing the sun: the in-flight evaluation of an optical head tracker

The objective of this paper is to present the details surrounding the experimental design and flight test program used to evaluate the performance of an Optical Head Tracker (OHT) under dynamic flight and intense solar conditions. This program was a collaborative effort led by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in close concert with NASA-Glenn Research Center (NGRC) based in Cleveland Ohio and contractors supporting the laboratory. The thrust of this paper will focus on the experimental design necessary to effectively evaluate the OHT performance, as well as safety of flight considerations necessary to satisfy both AFRL and NASA strict safety requirements. Discussions will include airborne platform selection, modification, and operations necessary to achieve maximum solar exposure on the OHT while ensuring a representative environment was presented to the OHT during the experiment.
Differential response of dog and pig tracheal smooth muscle to the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor soman

The effect of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor soman on tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) from the dog and pig was studied. In response to soman, tracheal ring preparations contract more and the resting tension for TSM preparations is higher for the dog compared with the pig. Tension induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) and the half-time of EFS-train induced contractions have a similar dependence on soman exposure in both dog and pig TSM. These results suggest that the basal acetylcholine secretion or leakage within the TSM nerve terminal is probably higher for the dog compared with the pig.
Plasmonic transparent electrodes for molecular organic photovoltaics with enhanced absorption

We investigate the optical absorption enhancement in molecular OPVs, in which an ultrathin Ag nanogrid is employed as a transparent electrode. A very high total photon absorptivity of 0.49 is predicted for such OPV architecture.
The Effect of Hypnosis on Academic Performance

Abstract 23 experimental Ss were given two hypnotic sessions and taught a method of concentration in auto-hypnosis. Their long term academic performance was then compared with that of 27 control Ss. Results indicated that hypnosis was not beneficial to the experimental group and produced no improvements in Q.P.A., class rank, or motivation to study as compared with the control group.
Ascorbic Acid and Tetrahydrobiopterin: Looking Beyond Nitric Oxide Bioavailability

Endothelial dysfunction, manifested as reduced vasodilatory capacity, occurs in arteries exposed chronically to cardiovascular risk factors.1 Hyperglycaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, ageing, and smoking have all been associated with endothelial dysfunction.2–4 Although the molecular basis of endothelial dysfunction remains incompletely understood, numerous studies support a loss of bioavailable nitric oxide (NO) as a key mechanism underlying the dysfunction.1,4 Both tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and ascorbic acid play a role in sustaining NO bioavailabilty,5–7 and supplementation with either BH4 or ascorbic acid has been shown to improve endothelial function in humans and in animal models.6,8,9 As a result, investigations of the cardiovascular implications of treatment with exogenous BH4 and ascorbic acid have focused on the endothelial effects of these compounds and their contribution to chemical stabilization of the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and protection of NO from scavenging by free radicals, respectively. Both BH4 and ascorbic acid may contribute to promoting NO-dependent vasodilation; however, both compounds possess redox capabilities that may alter vascular reactivity independent of their effects on the bioavailability of NO.10 In a study in this issue of Cardiovascular Research , Garry et al. investigated the possibility that pro-oxidant effects of BH4 and ascorbic acid potentiate NO-independent … *Corresponding author. Tel: +1 352 392 3791; fax: +1 352 846 0270. E-mail address : jdelp{at}ufl.edu
Identification and characterization of cDNAs encoding four novel proteins that interact with translin associated factor-X.

Translin-associated factor X (TRAX) is the predominantly cytoplasmic binding partner of TB-RBP/translin in mouse testis. Four mouse testis cDNAs encoding specific TRAX-interacting proteins were isolated from a yeast two-hybrid library screen. One novel cDNA designated Tsnaxip1 (TRAX-interacting protein-1) encodes 709 amino acids. We isolated a cDNA encoding the 427 carboxy-terminal amino acids of MEA-2, a Golgi-associated, maleenhanced autoantigen; a cDNA encoding 429 amino acids with 73% homology to centrosomal Akap9; and a cDNA encoding 346 amino acids with 75% homology to SUN1, a predicted human protein that contains a SUN domain (which is present in some perinuclear proteins). Interactions were verified using in vitro synthesized fusion proteins. All four genes were expressed in the testis and enriched in germ cells. Confocal microscopy studies using green fluorescent protein fusion proteins determined that these TRAX-interacting proteins colocalize with TRAX. The data suggest that TRAX may have a function associated with perinuclear organelles during spermatogenesis.
A comparison of the pathological, clinical and radiographical, features of cryptogenic organising pneumonia, acute fibrinous and organising pneumonia and granulomatous organising pneumonia

Aims Cryptogenic organising pneumonia (COP) and acute fibrinous and organising pneumonia (AFOP) are recognised patterns of organising pneumonia (OP), a condition that resembles pneumonia but is not caused by infection. We have recognised granulomatous organising pneumonia (GOP) to be a similar histopathological entity where non-necrotising granulomata are intimately associated with the organising connective tissue. To what degree COP, AFOP and GOP represent distinct clinical and pathological disorders is unknown. This cross-sectional study sought to compare the pathological, clinical, and radiographical features of these OP patterns. Methods Surgical lung biopsy specimens were reviewed for consecutive patients referred with OP to a metropolitan cancer centre. Clinical information and CT images were acquired from the hospital electronic medical record to determine the clinical and CT characteristics of each OP pattern. Results Sixty-one patients (35 men, 26 women), mean age 61.5 years (range 8–85 years), were available for analysis. Of these, 43 patients (70%) had at least one prior cancer; 27 (44%) had received chemotherapy and 18 (30%) had received radiation. Approximately, half (32 patients) had respiratory symptoms, most commonly cough, dyspnoea and/or wheezing. While symptoms and mortality rates were not different among OP groups, AFOP patients more commonly had fever (p=0.04). GOP patients less commonly had received chemotherapy (p=0.03) and were more likely to present as masses/nodules (p=0.04). Conclusions AFOP and GOP, a newly described OP form, possess clinical and pathological findings that set it apart from a COP, suggesting an emerging spectrum of OP.
Use of Electronic Portfolios for Program Assessment: Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging Department at San Jose State University

Text: The TaskStream electronic portfolio system (Taskstream.com) is a commercially program used in a non-experimental survey design for a pilot study in the department during Spring 2007. A Directed Response Folio (DRF) that outlined expected Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) according to guidelines set forth by the department’s accreditation agencies was developed. Each SLO had one or more academic requirements. Ten students, undergraduate (n 8)/graduate (n 2), volunteered to participate. Students were introduced to TaskStream with a one-hour training session, given TaskStream guides for reference and uploaded required assignments into the electronic portfolio during the semester. Students then completed a 38-question survey embedded in the TaskStream portfolio. Questions addressed student experience with Taskstream structure and format and elicited suggestions for improvement. Descriptive survey results were summarized and compiled by the TaskStream program into an Excel spreadsheet for the Likert scale questions and into a list of responses for each openended question. Of the 33 Likert scale questions, 8 fell into the 3.5 4.0 range (acceptable), 20 in the 4.1 4.5 range (helpful), and 5 in the 4.6 5.0 range (very helpful). Recommendations forwarded to Taskstream for changes in the tools and infrastructure included better “help button” visibility, email forwarding, evaluator alerts, and open source software compatibility. Based on these results, the department will eventually require electronic portfolio use by all students enrolled in the department with implementation beginning in Fall of 2007.
Swaps Regulation: Commodity Pools, Clearing, and Margin

This panel was held on Monday, January 28, 2013, at the ASF 2013 conference. Panelists discussed the developing impact of swap regulation on securitization and what it means for the ability to use swaps in securitization as new regulations take effect. The Dodd–Frank Act added a definition of the term “commodity pool,” and the Commodity Exchange Act revised the definition of the term “commodity pool operator.” As a result, many securitizations that held swaps, often solely to hedge interest rate or currency mismatches between their assets and their liabilities, were at risk of being considered commodity pools. By the time the panel took place, however, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission had granted two significant pieces of interpretive guidance and no-action relief that together excluded most traditional securitizations (e.g., credit card or auto loan securitizations), most asset-backed commercial paper programs, many CLOs and CDOs (collateralized loan obligations and collateralized debt obligations), and most covered bond transactions from the definition of a commodity pool. The panel focused on the relief that was granted and the issues that remained to be resolved. The panel also discussed the aspects of entering a swap that would be different for a securitization now than it would have been a year ago. The most significant changes have not yet become effective. Those include clearing and margin requirements and, eventually, a requirement to transact on a designated contract market or swap execution facility if the swap has been “made available to trade” on such a facility. One of the cornerstones of Dodd–Frank’s swap regulations is the requirement that swaps be cleared through a central counterparty. Whether a swap will need to be cleared depends on the identities of the counterparties, the nature of the swap, and whether a derivatives clearing organization is willing to clear it. Even if a swap is not required to be cleared, it may still be subject to margin requirements and margin calls.
The Secondary Structure of the R Region of a Murine Leukemia Virus Is Important for Stimulation of Long Terminal Repeat-Driven Gene Expression

In addition to their role in reverse transcription, the R-region sequences of some retroviruses affect viral transcription. The first 28 nucleotides of the R region within the long terminal repeat (LTR) of the murine type C retrovirus SL3 were predicted to form a stem-loop structure. We tested whether this structure affected the transcriptional activity of the viral LTR. Mutations that altered either side of the stem and thus disrupted base pairing were generated. These decreased the level of expression of a reporter gene under the control of viral LTR sequences about 5-fold in transient expression assays and 10-fold in cells stably transformed with the LTR-reporter plasmids. We also generated a compensatory mutant in which both the ascending and descending sides of the stem were mutated such that the nucleotide sequence was different but the predicted secondary structure was maintained. Most of the activity of the wild-type SL3 element was restored in this mutant. Thus, the stem-loop structure was important for the maximum activity of the SL3 LTR. Primer extension analysis indicated that the stem-loop structure affected the levels of cytoplasmic RNA. Nuclear run-on assays indicated that deletion of the R region had a small effect on transcriptional initiation and no effect on RNA polymerase processivity. Thus, the main effect of the R-region element was on one or more steps that occurred after the template was transcribed by RNA polymerase. This finding implied that the main function of the R-region element involved RNA processing. R-region sequences of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 or mouse mammary tumor virus could not replace the SL3 element. R-region sequences from an avian reticuloendotheliosis virus partially substituted for the SL3 sequences. R-region sequences from Moloney murine leukemia virus or feline leukemia virus did function in place of the SL3 element. Thus, the R region element appears to be a general feature of the mammalian type C genus of retroviruses.
Pseudo-updated constrained solution algorithm for nonlinear heat conduction

This paper develops efficiency and stability improvements in the incremental successive substitution (ISS) procedure commonly used to generate the solution to nonlinear heat conduction problems. This is achieved by employing the pseudo-update scheme of Broyden, Fletcher, Goldfarb and Shanno in conjunction with the constrained version of the ISS. The resulting algorithm retains the formulational simplicity associated with ISS schemes while incorporating the enhanced convergence properties of slope driven procedures as well as the stability of constrained approaches. To illustrate the enhanced operating characteristics of the new scheme, the results of several benchmark comparisons are presented.
The Shared Leadership Process in Decision-Making Teams

The present study examined the process of shared leadership in 45 ad hoc decision-making teams. Each team member's leadership behavior (n = 180) was assessed by behaviorally coding videotapes of the teams' discussions. The within-team patterns of leadership behavior were examined using cluster analysis. Results indicated that the likelihood of a team experiencing a full range of leadership behavior increased to the extent that multiple team members shared leadership, and that teams with shared leadership experienced less conflict, greater consensus, and higher intragroup trust and cohesion than teams without shared leadership. This study supports previous findings that shared leadership contributes to overall team functioning, and begins to delineate the extent to which team members may naturally share leadership.
Changes in forest structure, species diversity and spatial pattern following hurricane disturbance in a Piedmont North Carolina forest, USA

Aims Large hurricanes have profound impacts on temperate forests, but owing to their infrequent nature these effects have rarely been examined in detail. In 1996, Hurricane Fran significantly damaged many long-term tree census plots in the Duke Forest on the North Carolina Piedmont, thereby providing an exceptional opportunity to examine pre- and post-hurricane forest compositional trajectories. Our goal was to examine immediate, short-term (0–4 years) and longer term (;5 year) hurricane-induced structural, spatial and compositional changes in the tree population (stem d.b.h > 1 cm) in the context of our detailed, long-term knowledge of the dynamics of these forests. Methods We surveyed stem damage and tree mortality in 34 long-term permanent plots (ca. 70-year record; 404–1 012 m 2 ) and 7 large mapped tree stands (ca. 20-year record; 5 250–65 000 m 2 ) representing both transition-phase, even-aged pine stands and uneven-aged upland hardwood forests. We employed three types of damage measures to quantify stand-level damage severity: percentage of stems damaged, percentage of basal area lost and a ‘stand-level damage index’. Second-order spatial analysis (Ripley’s K-function) was used to investigate patterns in tree mortality. Important findings Our study found hurricane effects on the structural attributes of Piedmont forests to be variable and patchy. Changes in tree species composition, however, were modest. Uprooting was the major damage type for the overstory trees [diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) >10 cm] apparently due to the exposure of the crowns to high wind combined with heavy rainfall prior to and during the storm. Saplings, juvenile trees and small trees (1–10 cm d.b.h.) of the understory and midstory were mainly damaged by being pinned or bent by their damaged large neighbors. Hurricane-induced tree mortality varied weakly among species, was positively correlated with pre-hurricane tree size and remained up to 2-fold higher than pre-hurricane background mortality 5 years after the hurricane. Spatial point pattern analysis revealed a patchy distribution of tree mortality during the hurricane sampling interval. Hurricane Fran resulted in a dramatic increase in average gap size from ca. 400 m 2 pre-hurricane to ca 1100 m 2 after the hurricane, whereas maximum gap sizes reached 18–34 times larger than the pre-hurricane levels.
Characterizing sclerotic skin stiffness with Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) and Shear Wave Elasticity Imaging (SWEI)

Sclerotic skin diseases are associated with inflammation and fibrosis in the dermis, and these changes in collagen content with disease progression make this pathology amenable to being characterized with Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) and Shear Wave Elasticity Imaging (SWEI) methods. We characterized skin stiffness in healthy individuals at repeated three month intervals and compared sclerotic to healthy skin stiffness. ARFI and SWEI were implemented using a Siemens 14L5 linear array on an ACUSON S2000™ scanner. A single dermatologist performed all imaging in twenty-two patients. Normal and sclerotic skin stiffnesses were characterized by (1) mean ARFI displacement magnitude, and (2) group shear wave speed estimated using a Radon sum of shear wave velocity data. Imaging was performed at different anatomic sites, including the upper and lower back, arm, forearm, abdomen, thigh and calf. Five repeat data acquisitions were performed in each anatomic location. ARFI displacement and SWEI shear wave speeds were reconstructed in 96% of all acquisitions when the region of interest was exclusively contained in the dermis. Overall, ARFI and SWEI metrics showed no significant difference between contralateral imaging locations across different anatomic sites in healthy skin (p 200% greater in sclerotic lesions than in contralateral healthy skin in patients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (p < 0.01), and 25% greater in patients with morphea. ARFI displacements exhibited greater variability than shear wave speed in characterizing sclerotic skin, showing a 61% decrease compared to healthy skin in GVHD patients (p < 0.05) and a 19% decrease in morphea patients (p < 0.05). ARFI and SWEI are able differentiate sclerotic skin lesions from healthy skin, and studies are underway to evaluate their utility in longitudinally-monitoring disease progression and response to therapy. Additional study details, data and conclusions can be found in the full-length manuscript describing this work [1].
EVALUATION OF KUBO'S FORMULA FOR THE IMPURITY RESISTANCE OF AN INTERACTING ELECTRON GAS

The impurity resistance of an interacting electron gas is evaluated at low but finite temperatures. Analytic techniques similar to those developed by the author for use in the zero-temperature problem are applied to the complete Kubo formula. The calculations are exact to all orders in the electron-electron interactions and to lowest order in the concentration of impurities. To lowest order in the temperature the conductivity is given correctly by the independent quasi-particle model. Corrections of order ${T}^{2}$ are discussed in detail. It is shown that the only nonvanishing term of this order which explicitly contains the correlation between two quasi-particles is independent of the impurity concentration, and thus may almost always be neglected.
CYSTIC LYMPH NODE METASTASIS IN PATIENTS WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER: AN HPV-ASSOCIATED PHENOMENON

Background: : Cystic lymph node metastases have been associated with tonsil cancer. A subset of oropharyngeal cancers contain human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. The clinical and virologic associations of cystic nodal metastasis in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) were investigated. Methods: : A retrospective review of patients undergoing neck dissection between 2002 and 2004 identified patients with cystic lymph node metastases. Clinical and pathologic information was recorded. The presence of HPV DNA was analyzed using in situ hybridization in a subset of patients. Results: : One hundred neck dissections were reviewed and 20 had cystic nodes. Seventeen of these patients had primary tumors arising in the palatine or lingual tonsil. Three were "unknown primary." HPV DNA was present in 11 of 13 patients with cystic metastases with tissue available for analysis (87%). No HPV DNA was identified in tumor from 21 patients with solid nodal metastasis (p <.0001). Conclusion: : Cystic cervical lymph node metastasis is strongly associated with HPV-related tonsillar HNSCC: (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008.
The “Gift”: Synesthesia in Translingual Texts

This article explores the relationship between multilingualism and synesthesia (neuro-psychological blend of senses). In the absence of research in any of the related fields, the author (a multilingual, a L2 scholar, a writer, and a synesthete all at once) views synesthesia through the lens of “translingual texts” written in L2 by multilingual authors and takes an interdisciplinary perspective, fusing L2 scholarship, cognitive theory, neuroscience, literary theory, and semiotics to investigate the complexities and subjectivities of the multilingual mind. ‘Translingual synesthesia’ appears to represent an idiosyncratic form of language emotionality and creativity, allowing translingual authors to transcend cognitive and linguistic realms and to embody L2 with personal imagery while simultaneously creating an aesthetic effect of “de-familiarization of the word” (“ostranneniye slova”).
Veterans Affairs Disability Compensation: A Case Study in Countertherapeutic Jurisprudence

This article examines the disability compensation programs and health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from the perspective of therapeutic jurisprudence scholarship. VA psychiatric patients have unambiguous financial incentives to endlessly litigate disability claims, to seek lengthy hospitalization rather than outpatient treatment, and to be ill, disabled, and unemployed. These countertherapeutic incentives reward incapacitation, encourage perceiving one-self as sick, diminish personal responsibility, taint treatment relationships, and lead to disparaging perceptions of VA patients. In addition, such perceptions produce moral dilemmas that arise from mutual distrust and frustration when patients and caregivers have antagonistic goals for the clinical encounter. Changes in disability determination procedures, compensation levels, and patterns of payment for treatment could give VA patients and caregivers a "healthier" health care system that encourages personal responsibility and promotes respectful attitudes toward patients. In the absence of such changes, an awareness of countertherapeutic financial incentives can help clinicians distinguish between psychopathological behavior and the pursuit of a rational income strategy, and can help practitioners recognize that apparently deceitful or litigious behavior represents a reasonable response to the economic contingencies that VA patients face.
A Partial Adjustment Model of U.S. Electricity Demand by Region, Season, and Sector

Identifying the factors that influence electricity demand in the continental United States and mathematically characterizing them are important for developing electricity consumption projections. The price elasticity of demand is especially important, since the electricity price effects of policy implementation can be substantial and the demand response to policy-induced changes in prices can significantly affect the cost of policy compliance. This paper estimates electricity demand functions with particular attention paid to the demand stickiness that is imposed by the capital-intensive nature of electricity consumption and to regional, seasonal, and sectoral variation. The analysis uses a partial adjustment model of electricity demand that is estimated in a fixed-effects OLS framework. This model formulation allows for the price elasticity to be expressed in both its short-run and long-run forms. Price elasticities are found to be broadly consistent with the existing literature, but with important regional, seasonal, and sectoral differences.
Multiple pathways for invasion of anurans on a Pacific island.

Since 1937, thirteen species of non-indigenous anurans have made their way to Guam. Of these, at least six have established breeding populations. Various pathways led to the introduction of these species to the island. The only anuran intentionally introduced was Chaunus marinus (formerly Bufo marinus), which was brought to Guam as a biocontrol agent. Kaloula picta, K. pulchra, Polypedates leucomystax, and probably Litoria fallax arrived as stowaways via maritime or air-transport vessels. Eleutherodactylus coqui and Euhyas (formerly Eleutherodactylus) planirostris appear to have entered Guam through the horticultural trade. Specimens of Pseudacris regilla were found among agricultural products and Christmas trees. Five species have been transported to Guam via the aquacultural trade. The importation of tilapia, milk-fish, and white shrimp from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines was associated with the introduction to Guam of Fejervarya cancrivora, F. limnocharis sensu lato, Microhyla pulchra, Polypedates megacephalus, and Sylvirana guentheri (formerly Rana guentheri). Presently, no quarantine or containment guidelines have been established for Guam's aquacultural industry.
Log-based middleware server recovery with transaction support

Providing enterprises with reliable and available Web-based application programs is a challenge. Applications are traditionally spread over multiple nodes, from user (client), to middle tier servers, to back end transaction systems, e.g. databases. It has proven very difficult to ensure that these applications persist across system crashes so that "exactly once" execution is produced, always important and sometimes essential, e.g., in the financial area. Our system provides a framework for exactly once execution of multi-tier Web applications, built on a commercially available Web infrastructure. Its capabilities include low logging overhead, recovery isolation (independence), and consistency between mid-tier and transactional back end. Good application performance is enabled via persistent shared state in the middle tier while providing for private session state as well. Our extensive experiments confirm both the desired properties and the good performance.
Epipregnanolone and a novel synthetic neuroactive steroid reduce alcohol self-administration in rats

Abstract This study was designed to compare the effects of several neuroactive steroids with varying patterns of modulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A and NMDA receptors on operant self-administration of ethanol or water. Once stable responding for 10% (w/v) ethanol was achieved, separate test sessions were conducted in which male Wistar rats were allowed to self-administer ethanol or water following pre-treatment with vehicle or one of the following neuroactive steroids: (3β,5β)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (epipregnanolone; 5, 10, 20 mg/kg; n = 12), (3α,5β)-20-oxo-pregnane-3-carboxylic acid (PCA; 10, 20, 30 mg/kg n = 10), (3α,5β)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one hemisuccinate (pregnanolone hemisuccinate; 5, 10, 20 mg/kg; n = 12) and (3α,5α)-3-hydroxyandrostan-17-one hemisuccinate (androsterone hemisuccinate; 5, 10, 20 mg/kg; n = 11). The effect of the 3β-epimer of PCA, (3β,5β)-20-oxo-pregnane-3-carboxylic acid (10, 20, 30 mg/kg; n = 9), on ethanol self-administration was also examined. The compounds were administered using a Latin-square design 45 min prior to the weekly test sessions. The effects of the 30 mg/kg dose of the steroidal hemisuccinates on ethanol intake were also examined 5 min after administration of these drugs. Both epipregnanolone and PCA attenuated ethanol self-administration. However, neither of the hemisuccinate compounds significantly altered this behavior. The steroidal hemisuccinates (30 mg/kg; n = 7) were also tested 5 min before behavior testing and had no effect on ethanol intake 5 min after administration. The 3β-epimer of PCA also failed to alter ethanol intake. None of the test compounds altered water intake. In electrophysiological studies, the effects of PCA and androsterone hemisuccinate on evoked GABA A receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (GABA A -IPSCs) was examined in brain slices of the amygdala. PCA had a stimulatory effect at concentrations of 5 and 25 μM. Androsterone hemisuccinate had no agonist activity. The ability of epipregnanolone and PCA to alter ethanol intake appears to be related to different inhibitory actions of these compounds on either GABA A or NMDA receptors, respectively. Thus, dual modulation of these systems by selected neuroactive steroids may offer potential for modifying the reinforcing effects of alcohol.
Some special points in the moduli space of c=N conformal field theory

We point out a generalized Frenkel-Kac point for the c=N conformal field theories in fermion language. The critical value, $R = {1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 {\sqrt 2 }}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\sqrt 2 }}$, of the modular parameter for the c=1 case is generalized to $R = {1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 {\sqrt {N + 1} }}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\sqrt {N + 1} }}$ for c=N, where R is a parameter in the moduli space which can be used to continuously deform a conformal field theory with SO(2N)L× SO(2N)R Kac-Moody symmetry to one with SU(N+1)L×SU(N+1)R symmetry. Similar deformation from $\left[ {{\rm{SO}}\left( N \right)} \right]_L^2 \times \left[ {{\rm{SO}}\left( N \right)} \right]_R^2 $ to SO(N+1)L×SO(N+1)R is also shown to occur at $R = {1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 {\sqrt {N + 1} }}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\sqrt {N + 1} }}$.
Secularization, R.I.P.

From the beginning, social scientists have celebrated the secularization thesis despite the fact that it never was consistent with empirical reality. More than 150 years ago Tocqueville pointed out that the facts by no means accord with [the secularization] theory, and this lack of accord has grown far worse since then. Indeed, the only shred of credibility for the notion that secularization has been taking place has depended on contrasts between now and a bygone Age of Faith. In this essay I assemble the work of many recent historians who are unanimous that the Age of Faith is pure nostalgia - that lack of religious participation was, if anything, even more widespread in medieval times than now. Next, I demonstrate that there have been no recent religious changes in Christendom that are consistent with the secularization thesis - not even among scientists. I also expand assessment of the secularization doctrine to non-Christian societies showing that not even the highly magical folk religions in Asia have shown the slightest declines in response to quite rapid modernization. Final words are offered as secularization is laid to rest
An Examination of the Equity Market Response to The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Across Commercial Banking, Investment Banking, and Insurance Firms

Abstract: This paper examines the wealth effects of the events surrounding the passage of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 and changes in systematic risk from the pre-Act period to the post-Act period for commercial banks, investment banks, and insurance firms. The results suggest that investment banks and insurance firms are better positioned to exploit the benefits of product-line diversification opportunities allowed by the legislation compared to commercial banks that experience no significant market reaction. Further evidence indicates a significant risk shift and overall reduction in riskiness for the financial sectors under consideration around the event period.
Intensity dependence of the photogalvanic effect in barium titanate

A crystal of BaTiO3 illuminated by a spatially periodic light intensity pattern will exhibit both uniform and spatially periodic photogalvanic currents. The modulated part of the intensity produces a spatially period photo-galvanic current, which creates a spatially periodic electric field in the crystal. This field, measured by two-beam coupling, is spatially in phase with the light pattern and increases monotonically with intensity, saturating at ∼450 V/cm. The spatially uniform photogalvanic current produced by the average light intensity creates a spatially uniform electric field, which is surprisingly small (≈10 V/cm) across a nominally open-circuited BaTiO3 crystal at high optical intensity. We explain the observed intensity dependence of two-beam coupling by proposing that photogalvanic currents arise with different strengths from at least two trap levels in the crystal.
Care of Psychiatric Patients: The Challenge to Emergency Physicians

n/a Copyright Information: Copyright 2016 by the article author(s). This work is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution4.0 none 4.0 4.0 license, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 none 4.0 4.0/
Risk Assessment of a Transmission Line Insulation Breakdown Due to Lightning and Severe Weather

The transmission line insulation breakdown is typically assessed by performing insulator chain tests, and by conducting network modeling and simulation studies incorporating various stress conditions. This paper investigates how historical data coming from the lightning detection network and measurement stations capturing associated weather conditions can be utilized to provide a predicted assessment of risk of insulation breakdown for a given exposure and associated weather threats. The proposed analysis is enabled by the space and time correlation of the transient data recorded in the substations at the end of the lines, as well as by the assimilation of data obtained from the lightning detection network and weather stations. The proposed modeling and simulation tools are utilized to facilitate the time and space correlation analysis that leads to predication of the risk.
Competence, Compassion, and Care of the Self: Family Caregiving Needs and Concerns in Heart Failure.

Background Family caregivers are essential to the well-being of patients with chronic heart failure (HF) because they provide care in managing complex medication regimens, dietary sodium restrictions, and symptoms. Objective The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain a deeper understanding of the HF caregiving experience and describe the needs and concerns expressed by caregivers. Methods Qualitative descriptive methodology was conducted using data from responses to open-ended questions asked as part of a larger longitudinal study. The sample was 63 patients with HF and 63 family caregivers. Results Using basic content analysis, the 3 main themes of needs and concerns that emerged were competence concerns, compassion maintenance, and care of the self. Subthemes of competence concerns were doing things right, making a serious mistake, and uncertainty. Conclusions Family caregivers of patients with HF had many needs and concerns about their competence in performing tasks, their compassion, and caring for themselves. Data can be used to design testable interventions to improve the HF caregiving experience for patients and caregivers.
Isotope Effects, Dynamic Matching, and Solvent Dynamics in a Wittig Reaction. Betaines as Bypassed Intermediates

The mechanism of the Wittig reaction of anisaldehyde with a stabilized ylide was studied by a combination of 13C kinetic isotope effects, conventional calculations, and molecular dynamics calculations in a cluster of 53 THF molecules. The isotope effects support a cycloaddition mechanism involving two sequential transition states associated with separate C–C and P–O bond formations. However, the betaine structure in between the two transition states is bypassed as an equilibrated intermediate in most trajectories. The role of the dynamics of solvent equilibration in the nature of mechanistic intermediates is discussed.
High performance liquid chromatography for determination of sudan dyes in saled and preserved eggs

Objective:To detect sudan dyes in saled egg and preserved egg.Methods:By reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography.Results:Sudan dyes have good linearity in the range from 0.32 to 2.56 mg/L,the correlation coefficients are 0.9999,0.9996,0.9995 and 0.9997 respectively for four Sudan dyes.The relative standard deviations of spiked sample are 1.6%,2.9%,2.4% and 6.1%(n=6).The detection limits of all four Sudan dyes are 10 μg/ kg.The average recovery of four sudan dyes is 90% to 105%.Conclusion:This method is rapid,sensitive,simple,accurate and reproducible.
Accurate Automatic Generation Control Strategies for Xiao Wan Hydropower Plant

Firstly,this paper analyzes typical AGC strategies for Hydropower Plants,and then presents prevailing contradictions for 700MW giant hydropower stations,such as regulating speed,smooth control and accuracy of adjustment.Setting maximum limit for regulating,breaking away automatically from vibration zone,in accordance with the allowance for calibration and adjustment,as well as verifying AGC strategy after load adjustment are proposed in this paper.The test results illustrate the strategies are feasible and helpful for other Hydropower Plant.