cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conflict Resolution Skills For New Staff Accountants And Auditors

This case is designed to help accounting students learn and apply conflict resolution skills that they will need to be successful in the workplace. Accounting students need to develop strong technical and people skills in order to become successful accountants or auditors. This is true whether they enter public accounting, industry or government. Technical skills enable a professional to do the work required in an efficient, timely and accurate manner. They are learned in school, on the job, and through specialized training. People skills enable a professional to work successfully with those inside and outside of the organization. Unlike technical skills, a professional might never receive any formal training regarding people skills. This is unfortunate as people that do not get along with others and resolve conflicts in a productive manner are highly unlikely to attain long-term success. People skills include being able to: establish rapport and get along with others; comfortably work with people with diverse backgrounds and personality types; successfully resolve interpersonal conflicts; influence, persuade and negotiate with others; and to effectively train, supervise, and lead others. Most of the skills are interrelated and a weakness in any of the above areas can either create conflict, or hinder a person’s ability to resolve it. When two or more people interact, the possibility of conflict exists. Conflict in the workplace often arises from diversity issues, from people that seem to be in constant conflict with those around them, and when people bring their personal problems to work. Conflict is also likely when company policies are perceived as unfair or arbitrary, when people have control issues and micro-manage others, when reviewers or reviewees act unprofessional, and when there is intense competition for personal rewards or organizational resources. Successful conflict resolution can be complicated. Some situations can not be changed and should either be avoided in the first place, ignored (coped with), or escaped from. Other situations can be resolved through persuasion, influence, and negotiation. Further, the methods used to resolve conflicts may differ based on whether the professional is dealing with a client, a peer, or someone with more or less power than they have.
Clock distribution strategies for WSI: a critical survey

The authors review the available methods for clock distribution design which have been used at the VLSI level and discuss the adjustments necessary for WSI (wafer scale integration) design. It is pointed out that much work has been reported regarding methods for clock distribution design for VLSI, and it is noted that these techniques can be applied to WSI with appropriate adjustments made for longer signal paths, higher capacitance, higher resistance, and higher fanout. The added complexity of potential alternate paths and associated alternate RC values must be considered when restructurable WSI circuits are clocked at high frequency. Resistance associated with the discretionary link process can make a significant contribution to the relevant delay calculations. >
Human acellular dermal wound matrix for treatment of DFU: literature review and analysis

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect a significant number of people and the treatment is challenging and costly. Since only a small portion of patients respond to standard care, the majority require more advanced wound healing interventions. Human acellular dermal matrices—regenerative tissue matrices derived from human tissue and processed from screened donated skin—can aid wound closure by restoring the missing physiological factors to the microenvironment. A literature review of the clinical literature was performed to estimate the comparative effectiveness of one specific human acellular dermal wound matrix (HADWM; Graftjacket regenerative tissue matrix) versus standard care in healing DFUs. Outcomes from three prospective, controlled clinical trials, which included 154 patients with DFUs, were pooled. A comparative analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in mean wound healing time, 1.7 weeks, as well as a nearly four-fold improvement in the chance of healing ulcers treated with HADWM ve...
Uncle Sam Wants You: World War I and the Making of the Modern American Citizen – By Christopher Capozzola

This book examines the recalibration of citizens' rights and obligations during the mobilization of the World War I home front. The author offers a multitude of everyday acts of political expressio...
Constant-probability crack growth curves

Abstract This paper details a stochastic, time-inhomogeneous model that serves as a theoretical basis for the prediction of crack growth and its variability under constant-amplitude loading. Crack evolution is described as a set of constant probability curves, each of whose points possess equal probability of advancing from one position to another forward position. This probability is governed by a transition intensity parameter for which two mathematical interpretations are examined. A simplified crack growth rate equation, employing one of the definitions, is derived and applied to A17075-T6 material for different loading conditions. Results of this application are compared with those experimentally obtained.
Rural Identities and the Politics of Planning: The Case of a Midwestern Destination County

This article explores how contemporary dimensions of place and identity influence rural land use politics in a Midwestern amenity destination. Qualitative interviews with community leaders were used to probe negative responses to new planning legislation. The interviews revealed that responses to the legislation took root in leaders' different experiences and relationships to their community. Building from previous research related to place and rural identity, a rural identity typology is constructed to model how distinct identities can be born from opposing migration experiences and orientations toward rural culture. Because these disparate place identities can ultimately align against policy, it is argued that they have direct implications for land use planning in amenity communities. More broadly, by using ethnographic methods the article contrasts individual identity from group identity in order to differentiate rural identities in land use politics from what might be understood at the group level as ...
Indefinites and intentional identity

This paper investigates the truth conditions of sentences containing indefinite noun phrases, focusing on occurrences in attitude reports, and, in particular, a puzzle case due to Walter Edelberg. It is argued that indefinites semantically contribute the (thought-)object they denote, in a manner analogous to attributive definite descriptions. While there is an existential reading of attitude reports containing indefinites, it is argued that the existential quantifier is contributed by the de re interpretation of the indefinite (as the de re reading adds existential quantification to the interpretation of definites on Kaplan’s analysis).
EVALUATION OF THE THERAPY FOR STREPTOCOCCAL PHARYNGITIS USING ABBOTT TEST PACK STREP A

A total of 953 children (511 boys and 442 girls) with streptococcal pharyngitis diagnosed with Abbott Test Pack® Strep A (ATPSA) or throat cultures were analyzed. ATPSA specimens were repeatedly obtained until ATPSA turned negative during or after the treatment. The percentage of positive ATPSA specimens reached the lowest value (9.2%) on the fourth day of the course of the treatment, which indicates the acquisition from an infected individual is probably uncommon after the initial treatment. Bacteriological treatment failure (positive ATPSA after 14 days of treatment) occurred in 4.1% of the children. Out of 953 subjects studied, 216 (22.7%) had recurrent infections. More than 30% of the recurrent infections occurred within 2 months after initial infection. ATPSA is useful for establishing a rapid diagnosis and confirming the bacteriological success of the treatment.
Phase Retrieval From Fourier Intensity Data

The retrieval of phase from Fourier intensity data makes possible the reconstruction of diffraction-limited images despite severe phase errors or total loss of phase information. Phase retrieval is described in three contexts: (1) for active, coherent imaging, (2) for passive, incoherent imaging and (3) for incoherent imaging from multiple realizations of coherent intensity data.
Continuous code-quality assurance with SAFE

This paper presents the design of SAFE (Scalable and Flexible Error Detection), a static analysis tool targeting lightweight program verification and bug finding for Java. The tool utilizes two types of analysis: a simple "structural" checker based on pattern-matching, and an interprocedural flow-sensitive dataflow solver which integrates typestate checking and alias analysis. We describe how the tool integrates into a team development platform for analysis of batch builds, and user interface support built on the Eclipse platform.
Ecological Influence of Hexachlorophene on Skin Bacteria

Studies were made to determine the effects of hexachlorophene on aerobic bacteria of normal human skin. A test group of adults exposed their toe webs to the exaggerated use of a detergent containing 3% hexachlorophene. A control group followed the same regimen with a similar detergent containing no hexachlorophene. A membrane filter culture technique was used to make semiquantitative and qualitative estimations of the skin bacteria present before and after detergent usage. Both groups of subjects had a significant decline in numbers of cutaneous diphtheroids upon detergent usage. The test subjects showed significantly decreased densitites of staphylococci accompanied by significantly increased numbers of Gram-negative bacilli, a trend not observed among the control subjects. When coagulase-negative staphylococci were inhibited, there resulted an emergence of the Enterobacter-Klebsiella and Pseudomonas groups of Gram-negative bacilli on a moist skin area of adults.
The Montgolfier Brothers and the Invention of Aviation

The first hot air balloon ascension over Paris in September 1783 has been described so many times that it and its passengers—the sheep, the rooster, and the duck—have joined Benjamin Franklin and his kite in the folklore of our culture. Not so well known is the earlier history of ballooning; that the brothers Montgolfier had demonstrated their hot air balloons repeatedly for several months prior to the ascent over Paris; or that the physicist Charles, urged onward and financed by an enthusiast, Barthelemy Faujas de Saint-Fond, launched successfully the first fabric balloon filled with hydrogen over Paris more than 3 weeks prior to the memorable ascent of the sheep, and rooster, and the duck. For all of its well-documented detail, the book is readable and enjoyable. It is a well-written but complex book in which Professor Gillispie develops a number of subjects to recreate the era in perspective. The origins and the disposition of the Montgolfiers, the industry of the period, the idea of capturing heated air are all reported in detail. The attempts to obtain government funding and the promotional activities in Paris were forerunners of the modern techniques for obtaining support of research activities.
Ultrasonic Diagnosis of Pericardial Effusion

This study was undertaken to establish a method for diagnosing pericardial effusions quickly, simply, and accurately without danger to the patient. Ultrasound examination that was used in this study employed the B mode (cross-sectional representation) in which the vertical deflections of the A scan are turned on end and make a line of dots on the cathode ray tube. These, at the appropriate time, outline the anatomy including moving structures which are seen as wavy lines in the final picture and on the fluorescent oscilloscopic screen. Forty-three patients, 23 suspected of having pericardial effusion, were studied. The diagnosis usually was made on posterior examination and confirmed on anterior examination. Cardio-echograms are shown to provide an accurate, quick, simple method of diagnosing pericardial effusion that is accurate for use in estimating the size of the large effusions.
Models for predicting maximum acceptable weight of lift and heart rate and oxygen uptake at that weight

This paper presents a model to predict maximum weights of lift acceptable to male and female industrial workers for various lengths of shift duration. The individual worker's body size and strength profile and job descriptors are used to determine what weight can be lifted comfortably for regular, long and extra-long workshifts. In addition, prediction models are also presented to determine heart rate and oxygen uptake of the individual at the maximum acceptable weight of lift. These physiological response prediction models provide an estimate of the demands imposed upon the cardiopulmonary system of the individual while lifting subjectively acceptable weights. Knowledge of these physiological responses is helpful in determining the necessary rest allowances for fatigue. Together, the three prediction models provide a more comprehensive means of estimating an individual's lifting capacity and task difficulty.
Axial vibration of threaded external fixation pins: detection of pin loosening.

The hypothesis of this study was that a nondestructive vibrational method could detect bone lysis at the external fixation pin–bone interface prior to current clinical and radiographic methods. In vitro models were used to simulate changes observed during pin loosening in vivo. Fixation pin axial natural frequency decreased with decreasing tensile modulus of the material into which it was implanted. In a live animal study the right tibia of 12 dogs was fractured and stabilized with a four-pin unilateral external fixation frame. The axial natural frequency of each pin was measured and radiographs were taken at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after surgery. The natural frequency did not change when the first radiographic changes around the interface were observed. Pins were palpably stable at this point. As loosening progressed, the natural frequency did decrease. Frequency and quasistatic tests of dissected pin–bone structures revealed a good correlation between natural frequency and pin–bone interface stiffness. In addition, the measurement of natural frequency was more sensitive to bone structure changes at the pin–bone interface than low-load quasi-static stiffness. Therefore, a nondestructive vibration technique could be used instead of low-load quasistatic tests for assessing the pin–bone interface ex vivo.
DNA Repair of Benzo[A]Pyrene Diol Epoxide-DNA Adducts in the DHFR Gene of a Human Embryonic Kidney Cell Line

Abstract The repair of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-DNA adducts by nucleotide excision repair is a critical factor in the human response to exposure to these environmental carcinogens. In this study, we utilized a laser cleavage technique and Southern Blotting to measure the repair of benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) adducts in the transcribed and nontranscribed strands of a human cell line containing an amplified DHFR gene. Treatment of the cultures with 1.5 μM BPDE resulted in little adduct removal for 24 hours, whereas 1 μM BPDE-treated cells removed most of the adducts over a 24 hour period. Southern analyses of repair in individual strands of the human cell line revealed that adducts on the transcribed strand are repaired more rapidly than those on the non-transcribed strand during the first 8 hours after 1 μM BPDE treatment. These results suggest that human cells can repair BPDE-DNA adducts through a transcription-coupled repair process.
Cell wall composition of near isogenic wheat lines carrying genes for resistance to Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici

Abstract Cell wall composition of near isogenic wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. em Thell) lines were compared during the initial growth period of 5–9 days. The lines could not be distinguished in terms of hydroxyproline arabinoside (Hyp-ara) profiles, amino acids and neutral sugars composition and levels. This tends to support the idea that the host's resistance genes are not expressed as major constituents of the cell wall.
Plant embryogenesis: getting started

Plants, like animals, get their start during embryogenesis. Plants, however, only pattern a basic body plan during embryogenesis, with their adult body forms bearing very little resemblance to the embryo. Given this diversity in postembryonic development, it is remarkable that plant embryos from a
Investigation of sub-solidus equilibria in the platinum-aluminium system using diffusion couples

Abstract Platinum aluminide layers were formed on Pt by the diffusion of Al from a pack-aluminiding process. Metallographic, microprobe and X-ray characterization of these layers indicate good agreement with most of the subsolidus equilibria depicted by the currently-accepted phase diagram, with the exception of the region around the nominal composition, Pt2Al. The system appears to demonstrate the usefulness of the diffusion-couple approach for studying subsolidus equilibria in refractory systems.
Teaching with object oriented libraries

This paper describes a new course centered around the use of large object-oriented libraries and the distinct skills required to use them effectively. The paper describes the needs which led to the formation of the new course, an outline of the course's goals, topics and projects, and observations and conclusions from the course's first offerings.
Psychopathology in Metachromatic Leukodystrophy-Reply

In Reply. —We appreciate the comments from Merriam and Hegarty regarding our recently published article about psychosis in metachromatic leukodystrophy. 1 We were aware of their case report and their other publications. Their case, however, was not included in our review because the age of clinical onset in their patient fell outside the age group (12 to 30 years) that we focused on in detail in our article. The hypothesis that psychosis is related to disruption of neocortical regulation of limbic systems has a long history, with a variety of incarnations. If one were compelled to determine its origin, the task would be daunting at the least. It probably was first articulated clearly by MacLean, 2 who stressed neocortical-limbic connectivity as the neural substrate of psychosis. Nauta 3 emphasized the role of the prefrontal cortex, suggesting that psychosis resulted from the loss of prefrontal control over limbic activity. More
Biotinylated derivatives of ω-conotoxins GVIA and MVIID: Probes for neuronal calcium channels

The omega-conotoxins are small, disulfide-rich peptides which inhibit voltage-sensitive calcium channels. Biotinylated omega-conotoxins are potentially useful reagents for characterizing distinct subsets of calcium channels. We describe the preparation and characterization of biotinylated derivatives of two specific omega-conotoxins, GVIA and MVIID, which bind different calcium channel subtypes. Eight biotinylated derivatives were tested; all specifically displaced binding of the radiolabeled unbiotinylated omega-conotoxin. In general, the addition of one biotin moiety decreased the apparent affinity for the receptor target site by only approximately 10-fold. However, derivatization of omega-conotoxin MVIID at the Lys10 residue caused a much more marked effect, a ca 500-fold decrease in affinity. These results indicate that the vicinity of the Lys10 residue of omega-conotoxin MVIID may be more critical for binding to the receptor target site than regions around other amino groups in omega-conotoxins GVIA and MVIID. Thus, high affinity biotinylated omega-conotoxin GVIA and MVIID derivatives have been chemically defined; the biotin groups have been shown to be accessible to streptavidin. Given the commercial availability of streptavidin coupled to various reporter groups, the biotinylated omega-conotoxin derivatives described here should be widely useful for fluorescence, electron microscopic or immunological applications.
Ki‐67 staining for determination of rhesus macaque T cell proliferative responses ex vivo

The capacity for robust proliferation upon re-infection is a hallmark of adaptive immunity and the basis of vaccination. A widely used animal model for the study of human disease is the rhesus macaque (RM), where capacity for proliferation can be assessed ex vivo using carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-based dilution assays. However, we show over the course of the standard ex vivo proliferation assay that CFSE-labeling at commonly used dye concentrations induces significant cell death, but that this phenomenon is dose-dependent. Here, we describe an alternative semiquantitative method for estimating T cell proliferative responses that avoids the putative biases associated with chemical modification. RM peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated ex vivo with cognate peptides for 5 days, immunostained for intracellular Ki-67, and then analyzed by flow cytometry. We describe a gating strategy using Ki-67 and side light scatter, also a marker of blastogenesis, which correlates strongly with data from CFSE dilution. We show that this method is a valid tool for measuring RM antigen-specific cellular proliferation ex vivo and can be used as an alternative to CFSE dilution assays.
Demonstration of Vpi Reduction in Electrooptic Modulators Using Modulation Instability

We show a 10 fold reduction in an electro optic modulator's half-wave voltage by employing modulation instability. Experimental results are reported up to 50 GHz.
The question of "preneoplastic" lesions.

Hyperplastic nodules developing in the liver and the mammary gland have been frequently associated with the appearance of neoplasia in these tissues. The question whether hyperplastic nodules, a benign lesion as such, may indeed progress into neoplasia is not yet settled. Evidence supporting the designation of hyperplastic alveolar nodules as ‘preneoplastic’ in the carcinogenesis of the mammary gland as well as those refuting it is presented. We suggest three possible ways the normal mammary cells undergo changes after exposure to a carcinogenic agent.
Maquila Industry Impacts on the Spatial Redistribution of Employment

The Border Industrialization Program (BIP) of 1965 that gave rise to the maquiladora industry offered not only jobs to northern region Mexicans, many of whom had seen their seasonal U.S. jobs in the Bracero Program terminated, but also provided a cheaper source of labor for competitively hard-pressed U.S. manufacturing capital (Gruben 1990 and WEFA-CIEMEX 1988). The latter rationale, of course, is the basis for continuing legislative support until the recent passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), even as the U.S. rank and file has been distressed about eroding jobs and real wages. The sectoral, factor share and demographic incidence of benefits and losses of the maquiladora program have been of concern for public policy (Sklair 1989, Stoddard 1987 and Wilson 1992); so also is the spatial distribution of BIP impacts. Politicians representing the northern U.S. industrial manufacturing belt states decry the loss of blue collar jobs to Mexico, while chambers of commerce and lobbyists representing U.S. border states cite results from local multiplier impact studies showing positive local job gains (Michie 1987, Mitchell and Vargas 1987, Patrick 1989 and Pavlakovic 1991). The passage of NAFTA will change the pattern of impacts of the maquiladoras. For example, NAFTA reduces protectionist rules, such as the requirement that American owned maquiladoras must purchase inputs only from American suppliers. NAFTA will produce a broader array of economic impacts than did the BIP legislation, but they are similar in one respect. This is in encouraging investment shifts from the U.S. to Mexico to gain lower production costs for goods destined for U.S. markets. To this extent, this study is pertinent to the current NAFTA environment. For this, and to understand historical impacts of the BIP, it is of interest to estimate the spatial impacts of the maquiladora program as it has been implemented. Consequently, this study assesses the relative magnitude of employment gains and losses across U.S. geographic regions due to the BIP.
Via Processing Effects on Electromigration in 65 nm Technology

We investigate the key factors controlling electromigration (EM) in 65 nm technology node. For UP EM (EM for up-directional electron flow at the cathode via), via barrier coverage strongly affects EM reliability for dual-damascene (DD) interconnects. A critical dimension of upper metal patterns caused a shadow effect for the PVD barrier process, which resulted in non-conformal barrier deposition inside the via and a significant degradation in UP EM reliability. The UP EM reliability has been improved with the enhanced barrier coverage inside via and optimized for performance with the reduced overall barrier deposition. For DN EM (EM for down-directional electron flow at the cathode), the via bottom interface turns out to be a key factor controlling EM reliability. The early DN EM failures, in which thin void growth along the via bottom interface fails the interconnect in a short time frame, can be due to poor process controls (i.e., excessive via clean) resulting in a fast diffusion path at the interface. In 65 nm node, UP and DN EM have different via processing effects and need optimization for reliability enhancement.
Neurofibroma; A gastroscopic report

At the time of the gastroscopic examination, the patient had a severe secondary anemia causing an extreme pallor of the gastric mucosa. This extreme pallor was responsible for both the poor visualization and the difficulty encountered in differentiating between a malignant and benign lesion. The ulcerated area was not seen through the gastroscope as it was situated on the distal part of the mass below the greatest diameter of the tumor. Since it is our policy to have all suspicious lesions removed, this was carried out. It is interesting to speculate on the possibility that if we had examined this woman after she had had the transfusions, would the more normal color of the mucosa have enabled us to differentiate between a benign and malignant lesion?
Detachable fiber optic tips for use in thulium fiber laser lithotripsy

The thulium fiber laser (TFL) has recently been proposed as an alternative to the Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser for lithotripsy. The TFL's Gaussian spatial beam profile provides higher power transmission through smaller optical fibers with reduced proximal fiber tip damage, and improved saline irrigation and flexibility through the ureteroscope. However, distal fiber tip damage may still occur during stone fragmentation, resulting in disposal of the entire fiber after the procedure. A novel design for a short, detachable, distal fiber tip that can fit into an ureteroscope's working channel is proposed. A prototype, twist-lock, spring-loaded mechanism was constructed using micromachining methods, mating a 150-μm-core trunk fiber to 300-μm-core fiber tip. Optical transmission measuring 80% was observed using a 30-mJ pulse energy and 500-μs pulse duration. Ex vivo human calcium oxalate monohydrate urinary stones were vaporized at an average rate of 187 μg/s using 20-Hz modulated, 50% duty cycle 5 pulse packets. The highest stone ablation rates corresponded to the highest fiber tip degradation, thus providing motivation for use of detachable and disposable distal fiber tips during lithotripsy. The 1-mm outer-diameter prototype also functioned comparable to previously tested tapered fiber tips.
Scalable genome scaffolding using integer linear programming

The rapidly diminishing cost of genome sequencing is driving renewed interest in large scale genome sequencing programs such as Genome 10K (G10K). Despite renewed interest the assembly of large genomes from short reads is still an extremely resource intensive process. This work presents a scalable algorithms to create scaffolds, or ordered and oriented sets of assembled contigs, which is one part of a practical assembly. This is accomplished using integer linear programming (ILP). In order to process large mammalian genomes we employ non-serial dynamic programming (NSDP) and a hierarchical strategy. Both existing and novel quantitative metrics are used to compare scaffolding tools and gain deeper insight into the challenges of scaffolding. The code is available at: https://bitbucket.org/jrl03001/silp
A thermal model for the seasonal nitrogen cycle on Triton

The seasonal N2-cycle model presently used to characterize such observed phenomena on Triton as atmospheric pressure and surface albedo features at the time of the Voyager encounter incorporates diurnal and seasonal subsurface heat conduction, and can account for the heat capacity of N2 frost deposits. The results obtained by this model differ from those of previous studies in that they do not predict the seasonal freezing-out of the Triton atmosphere; even for a wide range of input parameters, the bright southern polar cap is seen as rather unlikely to be N2. The results support the microphysical arguments for the presence of either dark or smooth translucent N2 frosts on the Triton surface.
Computer Programming and Logical Reasoning: Unintended Cognitive Effects

Recent research results having to do with explicit instruction in computer programming and cognitive skills indicate an increased emphasis upon the structure of the learning environment surrounding programming languages. A new research direction concerned with transfer effects due to environmental aspects of programming instruction is emerging. A conceptual analysis of the syntax and semantics of the IF-THEN [ELSE] conditional command is presented which suggests that mastering a procedural language itself (independent of environment) might have unintended, indirect, and potentially negative effects upon fundamental intellectual skills. Research is reported which suggests that there are unintended side-effects upon childrens' conditional reasoning ability due to learning a procedural computer programming language.
Engineering on the surprise continuum: as applied to software practice

Speakers at conferences often mention the Principle of Least Surprise. This article explores the notion of surprise on a Surprise Tolerance Continuum. We also comment on how different disciplines benefit from managing surprise. Since this publication deals with software engineering, we focus on problems related to the creation, management, and maintenance of software.
Complicity: Ethics and Law for a Collective Age

Acknowledgments 1. Introduction 2. The deep structure of individual accountability 3. Acting together 4. Moral accountability and collective action 5. Complicitous accountability 6. Problematic accountability: facilitation, unstructured collective harm, and organizational dysfunction 7. Complicity, conspiracy, and shareholder liability 8. Conclusion: accountability and the possibility of community Notes Bibliography Index.
Phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies by hepatic stellate cells induces NADPH oxidase and is associated with liver fibrosis in vivo

Hepatic stellate cell activation is a main feature of liver fibrogenesis. We have previously shown that phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies by stellate cells induces procollagen α1 (I) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) expression in vitro. Here we have further investigated the downstream effects of phagocytosis by studying NADPH oxidase activation and its link to procollagen α1 (I) and TGF-β1 expression in an immortalized human stellate cell line and in several models of liver fibrosis. Phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies in LX-1 cells significantly increased superoxide production both in the extracellular and intracellular milieus. By confocal microscopy of LX-1 cells, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected in the cells with intracellular apoptotic bodies, and immunohistochemistry documented translocation of the NADPH oxidase p47phox subunit to the membrane. NADPH oxidase activation resulted in upregulation of procollagen α1 (I); in contrast, TGF-β1 expression was independent of NADPH oxidase activation. This was also confirmed by using siRNA to inhibit TGF-β1 production. In addition, with EM studies we showed that phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies by stellate cells occurs in vivo. In conclusion, these data provide a mechanistic link between phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies, production of oxidative radicals, and the activation of hepatic stellate cells. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;43:435–443.)
The Effects of Computers on the Social Behavior of Preschoolers

Abstract The purpose of this research was to study the impact of computers on the social behavior of preschoolers. Fourteen preschoolers were observed while they worked at the computer over the course of two months. Data were collected through non-participant observations, informal interviews of the children, and interviews of the teachers. Results found a total of 91 peer interactions and 33 teacher interactions over the course of the study. The interactions included children acknowledging each other, children commenting and being ignored, and children sharing or helping each other. Gender variation was found in frequency of use, with the boys using the computer more often than the girls. Implications of the study underscore the educational value of the social environment at the computers, the value of using developmentally appropriate software, and the need for teachers to teach such cooperative learning behaviors as sharing of ideas and group problem solving.
Place utility, attribute tradeoff, and choice behavior in an intra-urban migration context

Abstract This study develops a unique methodology for analyzing intraurban migration with emphasis on housing and neighborhood attributes and preferences. When applied to a typical midwestern metropolitan area, the methodology reveals that safety and security from crime and quality of construction are the most important attributes to the home buyer. Property tax rates and nearness to work were much less important. Analysis of the intra-urban migration process through attribute satisfaction ratings for different homes revealed that the greatest increases in satisfaction were expected for those variables previously considered most important in an abstract sense.
Conclusion to Special Issue on the Institutional Balance and the Future of EU Governance: The Treaty of Nice, Institutional Balance, and Uncertainty

Debates about institution–building within the European Union focus on how national power and transnational representation and accountability should be organized institutionally within the context of regionalism. An “institutional balance” allows the EU to benefit from administrative capacity and the representation of both national executives and national electorates while not being transformed into either a transnational political system or a traditional federation. The Treaty of Nice laid the groundwork for enlargement by re–examining issues of representation that had previously been accepted as givens. In so doing, the member states made clear that the evolution of the EU was going to be subject to uncertainty and institutional fluidity.
Synoptic Forcing Of Coastal-Trapped Disturbances in the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Abstract Motivated by recent observations along the west coast of the United States, the authors investigate the generation and propagation of coastal-trapped disturbances in the marine atmospheric boundary layer. Analytic solutions are obtained in a linear, shallow water, reduced-gravity model of the flow subject to forcing by upper-level pressure disturbances and dissipation in the form of wind stress at the sea surface. It is found that unless the mean alongshore flow is to the south with speeds larger than the gravity wave phase speed, a northward propagating coastal-trapped response develops. The superposition of cross-shore propagating forcing and the northward propagating response in marine-layer thickness can give rise to surface pressure ridges at the coast with both narrow and broad cross-shore extent. Wind reversals associated with the disturbance lead the change in surface pressure at the coast. The magnitude of the response increases for weaker inversion strength, greater undisturbed marine-l...
Preparation of Poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate) by Homogeneous Aqueous AGET ATRP

A new convenient initiation process for ATRP, activators generated by electron transfer (AGET ATRP), was investigated in homogeneous aqueous solution at ambient temperature (30 °C). Tris[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine (TPMA)/CuBr2 complex was used as an oxidatively stable Cu(II) precursor. Ascorbic acid was used as a reducing agent to reduce the air-stable Cu(II) complex, resulting in generation of an active catalyst. Two oligo(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylates (OEOMA) with different pendent OEO chain lengths (OEOMA300 and OEOMA475) were used to demonstrate the broad applicability of aqueous AGET ATRP for the synthesis of well-controlled water-soluble homopolymers and random copolymers at the targeting degree of polymerization (DP) = 300. Concentrations of Cu(II) complex and ascorbic acid as well as ratio of water to macromonomer were varied to produce well-controlled homopolymers of P(OEOMA300) and P(OEOMA475) as well as random copolymer P(OEOMA300-ran-OEOMA474) with DP > 240 and Mw/Mn < 1.3. CuCl...
The material continuity and individuality of the somatic chromosomes of Ambystoma tigrinum, with special reference to the nucleolus as a chromosomal component

Two features of this study have furnished direct evidence for the material continuity and individuality of the chromosomes in the epithelial cells of the larvae of Ambystoma tigrinum (1) the tracing of the complete history of a specific chromosome, the nucleolus-containing chromosome, throughout the successive stages of mitosis and interkinesis, (2) the following of the exact parallelism in behavior (during mitosis) of the chromosomes in a given nuclear group with that in a single chromosome which has been isolated in the cytoplasm from the main chromosomal complex. Each of the two nucleoli is subterminally located in the short arm of one of two particular V-shaped chromosomes. The latter are probably homologues. 78: In this subterminal chromosomal position the nucleolus exhibits in fixed and stained preparations an achromatic character in late prophase, metaphase, anaphase and early telophase, while it presents itself as a chromatic element in middle telophase, late telophase, interkinesis and early prophase. The nucleolus is not a simple homogeneous body, but rather a complex structure, the nature of which is revealed in the study of its evolution during the chromatic phase of its cycle in mitosis.
Effect of Gelatine Feeding upon Cases of Pseudohypertrophic Progressive Muscular Dystrophy.

ConclusionsCases of pseudohypertrophic progressive muscular dystrophy seemed to be somewhat improved, as judged by exercise tests, by prolonged gelatine feeding. The improvement, if any, was of a temporary nature and the progress of the condition was not arrested. The creatinine coefficients were lower at the end of the gelatine feeding than before and the creatine excretion showed little change. We believe that gelatine ieeding affords as much stimulation as glycine feeding in this condition.
Modeling and analysis of mammography testing process at a breast imaging center of University of Wisconsin medical foundation

This paper is devoted to the modeling and analysis of mammography testing process at a breast imaging center of the University of Wisconsin Medical Foundation (UWMF). A Markov chain-based model is developed to evaluate the patient length of stay and staff efficiency. It is shown that the model can provide an accurate estimation of system performance. To investigate the impacts of increasing patient volume, what-if analysis is carried out and different system configurations are compared. Finally, recommendations for accommodating more mammography patients are proposed to the leadership.
Acquisition and subsequent transmission of Borrelia hermsii by the soft tick Ornithodoros hermsi.

Tick-borne relapsing fever is caused by spirochetes within the genus Borrelia. The hallmark of this disease is recurrent febrile episodes and high spirochete densities in mammalian blood resulting from immune evasion. Between episodes of spirochetemia when bacterial densities are low, it is unknown whether ticks can acquire the spirochetes, become colonized by the bacteria, and subsequently transmit the bacteria once they feed again. We addressed these questions by feeding ticks, Ornithodoros hermsi Wheeler (Acari: Argasidae), daily on an infected mouse during low and high levels of spirochete infections. This study demonstrates that spirochete acquisition by the tick vector can occur during low levels of mammalian infection and that once a spirochetemic threshold is attained within the blood, nearly 100% of ticks become colonized by Borrelia hermsii.
Symbolic boundaries and national borders: The construction of an Estonian Russian identity

If the destruction of the Berlin Wall came to symbolize freedom in Central Europe, for the republics of the former Soviet Union it was the construction and recognition of new walls in the form of n...
Basal cell carcinomas grown in nude mice produce and deposit fibronectin in the extracellular matrix.

Epidermal cells in vitro produce and deposit fibronectin (FN) in the pericellular matrix. Such FN production by epidermal cells may be involved in vivo in wound reepithelialization, tissue morphogenesis, and growth of epithelial tumors. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the FN, previously shown to be within and surrounding human basal cell carcinoma (BCC) lobules, was in part the product of epidermal-derived tumor cells. To examine this question we took advantage of our ability to grow human BCC in nude mice. Since we could demonstrate that all stromal cells surrounding the BCC were of mouse origin, antibodies specific for human FN would distinguish epithelial-derived FN from mesenchymal-derived FN. Five solid BCCs were implanted subcutaneously in nude mice. Growing tumors were removed after 60 days, snap-frozen, sectioned on a cryostat, and verified microscopically as BCC. The Hoescht DNA stain, which can distinguish mouse and human nuclei, demonstrated that mouse, not human, fibroblasts occupied the stroma surrounding each tumor lobule. Sections of all 5 BCCs were stained by immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase techniques with antibodies to bullous pemphigoid (BP) antigen, laminin (LM), and FN. BP antigen and LM were present at the basement membrane zone (BMZ) of all tumor lobules as previously described for in situ BCC. FN staining was present along the BMZ, within the tumor lobules, and in the surrounding stroma. Antibodies to human FN were passed over a mouse FN affinity column to absorb antibodies which cross-reacted with mouse FN. The resultant antibody preparation, which was specific for human FN in this system, continued to demonstrate FN along the BMZ and within the tumors, but failed to stain EN in more distant stroma. Epidermal-derived cells, therefore, can synthesize and deposit FN in vivo in adjacent extracellular matrix. We speculate that this FN matrix may facilitate growth of BCC in this model.
Predictors of psychiatric symptoms in children with an autism spectrum disorder.

This study examined mental health risk/protective factors for DSM-IV psychiatric symptoms in children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their contribution to functioning separate from ASD symptom severity. Mothers/teachers completed measures of risk/protection and social, adaptive, and school functioning in 6- to 12-year-olds with a diagnosed ASD (N = 238). Bivariate correlations and simultaneous regression analyses indicated a unique pattern of predictors for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, aggression, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Moreover, psychiatric symptoms differentially predicted social and school performance. Findings indicate that co-occurring psychiatric symptoms and their associated mental health risk/protective factors may have important clinical implications and generally support a biopsychosocial model of psychopathology in children with an ASD that appears to share many similarities with models for nonASD children.
Gene therapy of cancer

There are several approaches to the gene therapy of cancer. Genes can be introduced into cancer cells to either sensitize them for killing by subsequent treatment with drugs, or to normalize their growth. In addition, genes can be added to tumor cells to provoke an accentuated immune response against these cells leading to cancer cell death. Alternatively, drug resistance genes can be added to bone marrow cells which make these cells more resistant to the toxic effects of chemotherapy, and thus allow higher doses of these drugs to be given without myelotoxicity and with potentially greater tumor kill. Although gene therapy of cancer is at an early stage of development, some of these strategies are being used in approved clinical trials in cancer patients.
Tuning selectivity in hydrocarbon conversion catalysis

Abstract An argument is made here for the importance of the kinetics of surface reactions in determining selectivity in catalytic processes. Particular emphasis is given to hydrocarbon conversion. Three examples from our research are used to illustrate how such selectivity can be tuned by changing the nature of the catalyst, by altering specific molecular features of the reactants, and/or by tuning the reaction conditions. Our discussion starts with the role of regiospecificity in dehydrogenation steps from adsorbed hydrocarbon intermediates in reforming, by showing how β-hydride elimination can explain hydrogenation, double bond migration and cis–trans isomerization in olefins. Next, the role of similar dehydrogenation steps in partial oxidations is illustrated by an example where atomic substitutions within the reactants can tip the balance between β- and γ-hydride elimination rates, and with that the selectivity between dehydrogenation and dehydration products from alcohols. Finally, the use of cinchona chiral modifiers to impart enantioselectivity to platinum hydrogenation catalysts is explained, and the role that reaction conditions such as concentrations, dissolved gases, and the nature of the solvent play in defining the performance of those systems is interpreted by using a molecular picture of the adsorption of the modifier.
The potential role of plasma exchange as a treatment for bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation: A report of two cases

Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (BDUMP) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome associated with gynecologic malignancies in women and pancreatic or lung carcinomas in men. The clinical presentation consists of the rapid onset of decreased visual acuity due to bilateral serous retinal detachment and cataracts. Pathologically, there is diffuse uveal thickening and proliferation of uveal melanocytes. The onset of blindness is often rapid, with some patients presenting with blindness. We describe the cases of two women with gynecologic malignancies who were treated with plasma exchange (PE) for BDUMP. After a course of five to seven procedures, their ocular disease stabilized. One patient has maintained her vision more than 1 year following the completion of the course of PE. The other patient, who also received treatment with corticosteroids, in addition to the PE, reported stable vision on telephone follow-up 9 months after presentation. These cases suggest that PE may be a treatment option in this rare paraneoplastic syndrome which has otherwise been reported to invariably result in vision loss.