cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Quality of Management Forecasts of Capital Expenditures and Store Openings in MD&A

We study the quality of retailers’ forecasts of planned capital expenditure and store openings provided in Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A). These are important examples of forward-looki...
Development and Assessment of an Otolaryngology-Specific Surgical Priority Scoring System.

ObjectiveTo develop and assess an otolaryngology-specific surgical priority scoring system that incorporates varying levels of mucosal involvement.Study DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingAcademic m...
Dedication: To Benjamin Labaree, the Sea’s Renaissance Man

This special issue of Coastal Management Journal is dedicated to Professor Benjamin Woods Labaree—one of the Sea’s Renaissance Men.The term “Renaissance” most commonly applies to the 14th century h...
SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response is Associated with Age in Convalescent Outpatients

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented global impact on human health. Understanding the antibody memory responses to infection is one tool needed to effectively control the pandemic. Among 173 outpatients who had virologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, we evaluated serum antibody concentrations, microneutralization activity, and enumerated SARS-CoV-2 specific B cells in convalescent blood specimens. Serum antibody concentrations were variable, allowing for stratification of the cohort into high and low responders. Serum antibody concentration was positively associated with microneutralization activity and participant age, with participants under the age of 30 showing the lowest antibody level. Neither participant sex, the timing of blood sampling following the onset of illness, nor the number of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein specific B cells correlated with serum antibody concentration. These data suggest that young adult outpatients did not generate as robust antibody memory, compared with older adults. Further, serum antibody concentration or neutralizing activity trended but did not significantly correlate with the number of SARS-CoV-2 memory B cells. These findings have direct implications for public health policy and current vaccine efforts. Knowledge gained regarding antibody memory following infection will inform the need for vaccination in those previously infected and allow for a better approximation of population-wide protective immunity.
Pour une compréhension dynamique du rapport au travail : la valeur heuristique de la perspective des parcours de vie

L’article a pour but de rendre compte de la valeur heuristique de l’approche des parcours de vie pour saisir le caractere dynamique du rapport au travail et de son evolution dans le temps. Les principes analytiques associes a cette approche insistent sur l’importance de saisir les interactions entre les differentes dimensions de la vie d’un individu, de meme que les interactions entre sa vie et celle de ses proches, tout en considerant l’effet du temps sur le deroulement des trajectoires individuelles et du contexte dans lequel elles s’inscrivent. A partir d’une etude de cas effectuee aupres de jeunes infirmieres du reseau quebecois de la sante et des services sociaux, l’auteure demontre que le rapport au travail est le resultat d’un processus complexe ou les aspirations des individus, leurs conditions concretes d’emploi et les evenements qui surviennent dans leur vie personnelle et familiale entretiennent des liens dynamiques et interdependants qui faconnent le rapport au travail tout au long de la vie.
On solving soft temporal constraints using SAT techniques

In this paper, we present an algorithm for finding utilitarian optimal solutions to Simple and Disjunctive Temporal Problems with Preferences (STPPs and DTPPs) based on Benders' decomposition and adopting SAT techniques. In our approach, each temporal constraint is replaced by a Boolean indicator variable and the decomposed problem is solved by a tightly integrated STP solver and SAT solver. Several hybridization techniques that take advantage of each solver's strengths are introduced. Finally, empirical evidence is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method compared to other algorithms.
A Program for Integrating Math and Physics Internet-Based Teaching Tools into Large University Physics Courses

Significant obstacles prevent large, university-level, introductory physics courses from effectively teaching problem-solving skills. We describe our program for integrating three internet-based "teaching-while-quizzing" tools to address two of these barriers: students' poor math skills and instructors' insufficient grading recourses. We outline our system of math remediation, homework and after-homework quizzes, and mini-practice exams, and demonstrate how it can be incorporated into courses with modest instructor effort.
The Taxation of Retirement Saving: Choosing Between Front-Loaded and Back-Loaded Options

We examine retirement savers' choices between front- and back-loaded tax incentives, such as traditional and Roth IRAs, respectively. With equal dollar contribution limits, back-loaded plans shelter more funds than front-loaded plans. This implies that Roth IRAs can be the preferred choice even for investors who expect their tax rates to fall in retirement. Empirically, we examine how marginal tax rates have varied between 1982 and 1995 for a sample of taxpayers and calculate both ex ante and ex post effective tax rates on front-loaded IRAs. The average effective tax rate on traditional IRA contributions made in 1982 and withdrawn in 1995 was negative 30 percent. Changes in tax law after 1982 reduced tax rates considerably. Holding tax law constant, the average effective tax rate on IRAs was about negative 11 percent. These results occur because the tax rate in retirement is lower for most people than the rate while working. In contrast, the effective tax rate on Roth IRAs is always zero. Despite the lower average effective tax rate on traditional IRAs, many taxpayers in the sample would have benefited from contributing to a Roth IRA instead of a traditional IRA, due to the difference in effective contribution limits.
Exploring Fault-Tolerant Network-on-Chip Architectures

The advent of deep sub-micron technology has exacerbated reliability issues in on-chip interconnects. In particular, single event upsets, such as soft errors, and hard faults are rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with. This spiraling trend highlights the importance of detailed analysis of these reliability hazards and the incorporation of comprehensive protection measures into all Network-on-Chip (NoC) designs. In this paper, we examine the impact of transient failures on the reliability of on-chip interconnects and develop comprehensive counter-measures to either prevent or recover from them. In this regard, we propose several novel schemes to remedy various kinds of soft error symptoms, while keeping area and power overhead at a minimum. Our proposed solutions are architected to fully exploit the available infrastructures in an NoC and enable versatile reuse of valuable resources. The effectiveness of the proposed techniques has been validated using a cycle-accurate simulator.
Physiological responses of bacteria in biofilms to disinfection

In situ enumeration methods using fluorescent probes and a radioisotope labelling technique were applied to evaluate physiological changes of Klebsiella pneumoniae within biofilms after disinfection treatment. Chlorine (0.25 mg of free chlorine per liter [pH 7.2]) and monochloramine (1 mg/liter [pH 9.0]) were employed as disinfectants in the study. Two fluorgenic compounds, 5-cyano-2,3-ditolyl tetrazolium chloride and rhodamine 123, and tritiated uridine incorporation were chosen for assessment of physiological activities. Results obtained by these methods were compared with those from the plate count and direct viable count methods. 5-Cyano-2,3-ditolyl tetrazolium chloride is an indicator of bacterial respiratory activity, rhodamine 123 is incorporated into bacteria in response to transmembrane potential, and the incorporation of uridine represents the global RNA turnover rate. The results acquired by these methods following disinfection exposure showed a range of responses and suggested different physiological reactions in biofilms exposed to chlorine and monochloramine. The direct viable count response and respiratory activity were affected more by disinfection than were the transmembrane potential and RNA turnover rate on the basis of comparable efficiency as evaluated by plate count enumeration. Information revealed by these approaches can provide different physiological insights that may be used in evaluating the efficacy of biofilm disinfection.
Keeping up with calcium

The 12th International Symposium on Calcium‐Binding Proteins and Calcium Function in Helth and Disease was held in February, 2002, in Cavalese, Italy. The 4‐day meeting consisted of nearly 60 plenary presentations and over 180 posters. ![][1] Our understanding of how calcium functions as a second messenger continues to increase at an incredible pace. This symposium covered most, if not all, aspects of the many roles of calcium in the regulation of cellular processes and ranged from calcium imaging through to the structure and function of calcium‐binding proteins. Emphasis was placed on elucidating the involvement of these proteins in the pathogenesis of a myriad of human diseases using genetic engineering technology. Unfortunately, so many interesting presentations were given that this review of the meeting can only cover a few topics that the authors feel resulted in conceptual advances in this broad field of science. We apologize to our many colleagues whose work is not given the coverage it deserves due to space limitations. ### Methodological advances It is fascinating to consider that the cell contains >1000 signaling proteins and only 10 second messengers. Calcium may be the most pervasive of the latter, as it can be spatially and temporally controlled with remarkable finesse and interacts with a dizzying array of proteins to execute its many regulatory functions. In response to signaling, calcium is transiently released into the cytosol from the external medium or the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and is sensed and modulated by a variety of calcium‐binding proteins. Calmodulin, which binds calcium due to its repeated ‘EF‐hand’ motif, is the most prominent member of this class of proteins because of its ability to activate a large number of target proteins, particularly those involved in protein phosphorylation, cyclic nucleotide metabolism and calcium homeostasis. T. Meyer (Stanford, CA) pointed out that analysis of the human genome predicts … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Effects of Environment and Experience on Underwater Work Performance

Five experienced divers and 15 novice divers completed a complex underwater assembly task and sets of written problems in a water-filled tank and in the ocean. Performance measurements included subtask completion times, problem-solving accuracy, activity analysis, and basic physiological variables. Experienced divers showed essentially unchanged performance between tank and ocean. Novice divers performed slower than the experienced divers in the tank and showed a marked decrement in both assembly time and problem-solving accuracy in the ocean. The results suggest that diving experience improves underwater motor skills rather than work strategy, and that psychological stress was a significant factor even at shallow ocean depths for novices.
Atrazine, S-metolachlor, and isoxaflutole loss in runoff as affected by rainfall and management

Abstract Research was conducted to determine the effects of management practices and precipitation on herbicide loss in surface water runoff. A field runoff experiment was conducted in 1999 and 2000 in Manhattan, KS. Some plots received only natural precipitation, whereas others received natural precipitation plus additional precipitation from a rainfall simulator. Atrazine was applied at 0.9 and 1.8 kg ha−1, S-metolachlor at 0.7 and 1.4 kg ha−1, and isoxaflutole at 0.05 and 0.11 kg ha−1 to field corn grown under conventional tillage and no-till. Runoff volumes and herbicide concentrations were determined for each runoff event. Across all precipitation, tillage, and placement variables, atrazine, S-metolachlor, and isoxaflutole and diketonitrile (DKN) (soil metabolite of isoxaflutole), hereafter referred to as isoxaflutole/DKN, losses were similar at 5.0, 4.1, and 4.1% of applied, respectively. Additional precipitation increased runoff 2.5-, 2.2-, and 3.4-fold for atrazine, S-metolachlor, and isoxaflutole...
Sendai virus M protein binds independently to either the F or the HN glycoprotein in vivo.

Abstract We have analyzed the mechanism by which M protein interacts with components of the viral envelope during Sendai virus assembly. Using recombinant vaccinia viruses to selectively express combinations of Sendai virus F, HN, and M proteins, we have successfully reconstituted M protein-glycoprotein interaction in vivo and determined the molecular interactions which are necessary and sufficient to promote M protein-membrane binding. Our results showed that M protein accumulates on cellular membranes via a direct interaction with both F and HN proteins. Specifically, our data demonstrated that a small fraction (8 to 16%) of M protein becomes membrane associated in the absence of Sendai virus glycoproteins, while > 75% becomes membrane bound in the presence of both F and HN proteins. Selective expression of M protein together with either F or HN protein showed that each viral glycoprotein is individually sufficient to promote efficient (56 to 73%) M protein-membrane binding. Finally, we observed that M protein associates with cellular membranes in a time-dependent manner, implying a need for either maturation or transport before binding to glycoproteins.
An interview with Peter Drucker

Executive Overview Peter F. Drucker is a writer, teacher, and consultant specializing in strategy and policy for businesses and social sector organizations. For nearly 60 years now, he has been one of the most influential thinkers and writers about management. He has consulted with many of the world's largest corporations as well as with nonprofit organizations, small and entrepreneurial companies, and with agencies of the US government. He has also worked with free-world governments such as those of Canada, Japan, and Mexico. He is the author of thirty-four books which have been translated into more than twenty languages. Thirteen books deal with society, economics, and politics; fifteen deal with management. Two of his books are novels, one is autobiographical, and he is a co-author of a book on Japanese painting. He has made four series of educational films based on his management books. He has been an editorial columnist for the Wall Street Journal and a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Re...
Brefeldin A (BFA) Inhibits Basolateral Membrane (BLM) Delivery and Dimerization of Transcobalamin II Receptor in Human Intestinal Epithelial Caco-2 Cells BFA EFFECTS ON BLM CHOLESTEROL CONTENT

Abstract Brefeldin A (BFA) treatment of Caco-2 cells (5 μg/ml for 12 h) reduced by 90% the cholesterol, but not the phospholipid (PL), levels of the basolateral membrane (BLM), thus altering its PL/cholesterol molar ratio from 2.6 to 22.0, and decreasing its steady state fluorescent anisotropy (r s) from 0.27 to 0.15. BFA treatment for 12 h also resulted in complete loss of transcobalamin II receptor (TC II-R) activity/protein levels in the BLM and the disappearance of trans-Golgi network (TGN) morphology as revealed by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy using antibody to TGN 38. However, BFA treatment had no effect on either total cellular cholesterol, TC II-R activity, or PL levels. When cells treated with BFA for 12 h were exposed to BFA-free medium for 0–24 h, all of the effects were reversed, including reappearance of normal TGN morphology. TC II-R delivered to the BLM during this period was progressively sialylated and changed its physical state from a monomer (8 h) to a dimer (12 h), coinciding with increased delivery (11–53 pmol) of cholesterol to the BLM and an increase in the BLM r s from 0.15 to 0.21. These results indicate that cholesterol, but not PL, delivery to the BLM of Caco-2 cells is BFA-sensitive, and cholesterol, by influencing the higher order of the BLM, is essential for TC II-R dimerization.
The Endogenous Opioid System and Clinical Pain Management

The endogenous opioid system is one of the most studied innate pain-relieving systems. This system consists of widely scattered neurons that produce three opioids: beta-endorphin, the met- and leu-enkephalins, and the dynorphins. These opioids act as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators at three major classes of receptors, termed mu, delta, and kappa, and produce analgesia. Like their endogenous counterparts, the opioid drugs, or opiates, act at these same receptors to produce both analgesia and undesirable side effects. This article examines some of the recent findings about the opioid system, including interactions with other neurotransmitters, the location and existence of receptor subtypes, and how this information drives the search for better analgesics. We also consider how an understanding of the opioid system affects clinical responses to opiate administration and what the future may hold for improved pain relief. The goal of this article is to assist clinicians to develop pharmacological interventions that better meet their patient's analgesic needs.
Methods for monitoring hydroacoustic events using direct and reflected T waves in the Indian Ocean

[1] The recent installation of permanent, three-element hydrophone arrays in the Indian Ocean offshore Diego Garcia and Cape Leeuwin, Australia, provides an opportunity to study hydroacoustic sources in more detail than previously possible. We developed and applied methods for coherent processing of the array data, for automated association of signals detected at more than one array, and for source location using only direct arrivals and using signals reflected from coastlines and other bathymetric features. During the 286-day study, 4725 hydroacoustic events were defined and located in the Indian and Southern oceans. Events fall into two classes: tectonic earthquakes and ice-related noise. The tectonic earthquakes consist of mid-ocean ridge, trench, and intraplate earthquakes. Mid-ocean ridge earthquakes are the most common tectonic events and often occur in clusters along transform offsets. Hydroacoustic signal levels for earthquakes in a standard catalog suggest that the hydroacoustic processing threshold for ridge events is one magnitude below the seismic network. Fewer earthquakes are observed along the Java Trench than expected because the large bathymetric relief of the source region complicates coupling between seismic and hydroacoustic signals, leading to divergent signal characteristics at different stations. We located 1843 events along the Antarctic coast resulting from various ice noises, most likely thermal fracturing and ice ridge forming events. Reflectors of signals from earthquakes are observed along coastlines, the mid-Indian Ocean and Ninety East ridges, and other bathymetric features. Reflected signals are used as synthetic stations to reduce location uncertainty and to enable event location with a single station.
Ignition and Combustion of Liquid Fuel Droplets Part II: Ignition Studies

Abstract The ignition process of liquid fuel droplets has been studied. A laboratory flame maintained by a vertical, monosized liquid fuel droplet array surrounded by a laminar flow of a mixture of helium and oxygen represents the system investigated. A system of partial differential equations describing the ignition of a single droplet was formulated. By specifying the droplet surface position with the rfa-law, the system of partial differential equations could be solved numerically. The effects of convection and interference between the droplets in the array were lumped in the evaporation rate constant in the rfMaw. The ignition model could interpret the experimental results on the ignition of droplet arrays of pure fuel, and by extension, of residual fuel oil.
Path Toward a High Energy Solid-State Laser

Lasers have come a long way since the first demonstration by Maiman of a ruby crystal laser in 1960. Lasers are used as scientific tools as well as for a wide variety of applications for both commercial industry and the military. Today lasers come in all types, shapes and sizes depending on their application. The solid-state laser has some distinct advantages in that it can be rugged, compact, and self contained, making it reliable over long periods of time. With the advent of diode laser pumping a ten times increase in overall laser efficiency has been realized. This significant event, and others, is changing the way solid-state lasers are applied and allows new possibilities. One of those new areas of exploration is the high energy laser. Solid-state lasers for welding are already developed and yield energies in the 0.5 to 6 kilojoule range. These lasers are at the forefront of what is possible in terms of high energy solid-state lasers. It is possible to achieve energies of greater than 100 kJ. These sorts of energies would allow applications, in addition to welding, such as directed energy weapons, extremely remote sensing, power transfer, propulsion, biological and chemical agent neutralization and unexploded and mine neutralization. This article will review these new advances in solid-state lasers and the different paths toward achieving a high energy laser. The advantages and challenges of each approach will be highlighted.
Proximate composition and energy content of beef steaks as influenced by USDA quality grade and degree of doneness.

Abstract This study evaluated the influence of various degrees of doneness on proximate composition and energy content of beef. Ten steaks were obtained from each of five USDA Prime, five USDA Choice, and five USDA Select strip loins and assigned to one of five degree of doneness treatments (two sets of treatments per strip loin): raw, medium rare (63 °C), medium (71 °C), well done (77 °C), and very well done (82 °C). After cooking, steaks were dissected into separable tissue components consisting of lean, fat, and refuse. Lean tissue was used to obtain proximate analyses of protein, moisture, fat, and ash. Degree of doneness did influence (P
Patterns of communication in three types of reentry relationships: An exploratory study

This study examined 173 student sojourners' perceptions of their communication in three types of reentry relationships (with parents, siblings, and friends). Students who had returned from living abroad were asked in a survey questionnaire to (1) evaluate their current communication and (2) describe specific communication changes in these relationships. Their responses were content‐analyzed, revealing six dimensions of communication change which support, in part, previous findings on communication in relationships that are in transition. Subsequent statistical analyses revealed that the dimensions of communication change varied with the three types of relationships, contributing to an understanding of the role of communication in reentry relationships.
PERICENTRIOLAR FILAMENTOUS BODIES.

Pericentriolar filamentous bodies were found within the Golgi zone of many cells extending from the centrioles to the periphery of the zone. Those in the glomerular cells are described in detail. Each body consists of parallel bundles of filaments showing cross-striation with a period of 700 A. A proximal, an intermediate, and a distal segment can be discerned. These vary in thickness, in the number of component filaments, and in the number of subperiods. The function of the filamentous bodies is not known, but they are not related to the mitotic spindle fibers.
Alzheimer's disease and aging: effects on perforant pathway perikarya and synapses.

Abstract The hippocampal perforant pathway originates in the entorhinal cortex (ERC) and terminates in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus (DG). To compare the effects of normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) on the elements of the perforant pathway, we compared relative perikaryal numbers (determined by counting cell bodies and estimating volumes) in layer II of the ERC with synaptic quantities (estimated from immunoreactivity for the synaptic terminal protein synapsin I and DG volume) in the molecular layer of the DG. The brains of 5 young and 9 elderly cognitively normal individuals, and of 9 AD patients were studied. In normal aging we found a significant age-related decline in perikaryal numbers in the ERC without demonstrable synaptic loss in the DG. In AD there was marked and equivalent, (or proportional) reduction in both ERC perikaryal numbers and DG synapses. These data suggest that in normal aging remaining neurons may continue to support a full array of synapses, perhaps due to mechanisms such as axonal sprouting, synaptic enlargement, or synaptic ingrowth. In AD, however, the accelerated neuronal loss may overwhelm such compensatory mechanisms or alternatively, independent synaptic and perikaryal losses may occur.
Sexual, psychological and dyadic qualities of the prostate cancer ‘couple’

OBJECTIVES To examine the levels of sexual, psychological and dyadic functioning of the prostate cancer ‘couple’ (as studies have shown that spouses/partners play an integral role in the patient's adjustment to prostate cancer treatment), to encourage the creation of innovative psychosexual interventions to be used in the outpatient setting, and to offer insights into a novel area of prostate cancer research. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 103 men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, and their partners, were assessed in an academic outpatient setting using instruments measuring sexual function, depressed mood, psychological distress and dyadic adjustment. RESULTS The partners’ mean scores on sexual function questions were 55.75, significantly higher than those of the patients (51.7, P = 0.018), showing that partners perceived their sexual performance at a better level. Partners’ mean scores on the depression and distress measures were also significantly higher. On those items that monitored the accuracy of the patients’ perceptions of their sexual function, partners rated the patients significantly lower in ability to gain erections (patient/partner means 2.67/4.52; P < 0.001) and to perform sexually (patient/partner means 1.38/4.68; P < 0.001) than they rated themselves. CONCLUSIONS Information from this study could be useful in constructing interventions that allow the physician and the prostate cancer ‘couple’ to reflect on issues of sexual function and psychological distress that might once have been considered taboo. The results characterize the disparities between patients with prostate cancer and their partners on self-reported questionnaires, and underscore how important it is to hear the voice of the ‘couple’.
Deterministic and reliability-based optimization of truss bridges

Abstract This paper reports analytical investigations into both deterministic and reliability-based optimization of bridges. In the first part of this paper, the effects of component material behavior on the optimum weight of deterministic truss bridge systems are studied, with a 65-bar truss bridge being used to demonstrate such effects. In the second part of this paper, a reliability-based optimization approach to design truss bridges with uncertain correlated strengths, acted upon by random correlated loads, is presented. The importance of such correlations, and of some of the other statistical parameters such as the variabilities in strengths and loadings, is demonstrated by an example of sensitivity studies on the reliability-based optimum solution.
Contamination of environmental surfaces with Staphylococcus aureus in households with children infected with methicillin-resistant S. aureus.

Importance Household environmental surfaces may serve as vectors for the acquisition and spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among household members, although few studies have evaluated which objects are important reservoirs of MRSA. Objectives To determine the prevalence of environmental MRSA contamination in households of children with MRSA infection; define the molecular epidemiology of environmental, pet, and human MRSA strains within households; and identify factors associated with household MRSA contamination. Design, Setting, and Participants Fifty children with active or recent culture-positive community-associated MRSA infection were enrolled from 2012 to 2013 at St Louis Children’s Hospital and at community pediatric practices affiliated with the Washington University Pediatric and Adolescent Ambulatory Research Consortium in St Louis, Missouri. Main Outcomes and Measures Samples of participants’ nares, axillae, and inguinal folds were cultured to detect S aureus colonization. Samples of 21 household environmental surfaces, as well as samples obtained from pet dogs and cats, were cultured. Molecular typing of S aureus strains was performed by repetitive-sequence polymerase chain reaction to determine strain relatedness within households. Results Methicillin-resistant S aureus was recovered from samples of environmental surfaces in 23 of the 50 households (46%), most frequently from the participant’s bed linens (18%), television remote control (16%), and bathroom hand towel (15%). It colonized 12% of dogs and 7% of cats. At least 1 surface was contaminated with a strain type matching the participant’s isolate in 20 households (40%). Participants colonized with S aureus had a higher mean (SD) proportion of MRSA-contaminated surfaces (0.15 [0.17]) than noncolonized participants (0.03 [0.06]; mean difference, 0.12 [95% CI, 0.05-0.20]). A greater number of individuals per 1000 ft 2 (93 m 2 ) were also associated with a higher proportion of MRSA-contaminated surfaces (β = 0.34, P = .03). The frequency of cleaning household surfaces was not associated with S aureus environmental contamination. Conclusions and Relevance Methicillin-resistant S aureus strains concordant with infecting and colonizing strains are present on commonly handled household surfaces, a factor that likely perpetuates MRSA transmission and recurrent disease. Future studies are needed to determine methods to eradicate environmental contamination and prevent MRSA transmission in households.
The intimal hyperplastic response

Arteries and veins respond to injury by a healing process that includes the development of a neointima. This response to injury is implicated as the primary cause of failure after arterial reconstruction. Because it is an integrator and transmitter of blood flow variations, inflammation, and growth stimuli, the endothelium is a potent regulator of long-term arterial wall mass changes. The contribution of the endothelium to intimal development depends on the type of arterial conduit. In arteries, the growth of the intima stops when the endothelium has regrown. In synthetic grafts, the endothelium stabilizes intimal growth. Hence, the mere presence of endothelial cells can influence intimal changes in arterial conduits. Understanding endothelial biology should help us define methods to prevent cell proliferation, extracellular matrix accumulation, intimal hyperplasia, and vessel narrowing.
Serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) levels and thyroid function in Air Force veterans of the Vietnam War.

PURPOSE: We assessed potential health effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) concentration in serum on thyroid function in US Air Force veterans involved in Operation Ranch Hand, the unit responsible for the aerial spraying of herbicides, including TCDD-contaminated Agent Orange, during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971. Other Air Force veterans who were not involved with spraying herbicides were included as Comparisons. METHODS: We analyzed thyroxine (total T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronin percent uptake (T3% uptake), the free thyroxine index (FTI), and thyroid diseases against serum TCDD levels. Data was available for 1,009 Ranch Hand and 1,429 Comparison veterans compliant to any of five examinations in 1982, 1985, 1987, 1992, and 1997. Each veteran was assigned to one of four exposure categories based on serum TCDD levels, named Comparison, Ranch Hand Background, Ranch Hand Low Elevated, and Ranch Hand High Elevated. RESULTS: Cross-sectional analyses found statistically significantly increased TSH means at the 1985 and 1987 examinations in the High category and a significant increasing trend across the three Ranch Hand TCDD categories in 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1992. A repeated-measures analysis found significantly increased TSH means in the High TCDD category. We found no significant relation between the occurrence of thyroid disease and TCDD category. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TCDD affects thyroid hormone metabolism and function in Ranch Hand veterans. Further follow-up will be necessary to understand the relation, if any, between thyroid disease and TCDD levels.
Characterization and Properties of UV-Cured Epoxy Acrylate/POSS Nanocomposites

In this study, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) were blenged with epoxy acrylate (EA) and photoinitiator to prepare nanocomposites through UV-curing process. The vinyl-POSS nanoparticles were added to EA by physically blending at loadings between 0% and 15wt%. Through the FTIR analysis, we found that the POSS nanocomposites didn’t affect the extent of UV curing reactions; the curing reactions were performed to be completed in all POSS containing composites. The XRD analysis convinced the existing of phase separation between EA matrix and vinyl-POSS monomer. The impact resistance and coating adhesion were all enhanced by POSS nanocomposites at low content.
Photovoltaic MWIR Type-II Superlattice Focal Plane Array on GaAs Substrate

Recent improvements in the performance of type-II superlattice (T2SL) photodetectors has spurred interest in developing low-cost and large-format focal plane arrays (FPAs) on this material system. Due to the limitations of size and cost of native GaSb substrates, GaAs is an attractive alternative with 8 in wafers commercially available, but is 7.8% lattice mismatched to T2SL. In this paper, we present a photovoltaic T2SL 320 × 256 FPA in the mid-wavelength infrared on GaAs substrate. The FPA attained a median noise equivalent temperature difference of 13 and 10 mK (F# = 2.3) with integration times of 10.02 and 19.06 ms, respectively, at 67 K.
Conflict anticipation in alcohol dependence - A model-based fMRI study of stop signal task.

Background Our previous work characterized altered cerebral activations during cognitive control in individuals with alcohol dependence (AD). A hallmark of cognitive control is the ability to anticipate changes and adjust behavior accordingly. Here, we employed a Bayesian model to describe trial-by-trial anticipation of the stop signal and modeled fMRI signals of conflict anticipation in a stop signal task. Our goal is to characterize the neural correlates of conflict anticipation and its relationship to response inhibition and alcohol consumption in AD.
These things I have not betrayed: Michael Psellos' encomium of his mother as a defense of rhetoric

Abstract Michael Psellos9 encomium of his mother, regarded by the twelfth-century scholar Gregory of Corinth as one of the four best speeches ever composed, exemplifies what the Byzantine rhetorical tradition thought “good rhetoric” was made of. The stylistic and aesthetic values usually attributed to Byzantine rhetoric seem insufficient to account for Gregory9s opinion. This essay argues that, by offering a “figured” defense of his career as a “Byzantine Sophist,” Psellos9 encomium functions as a culturally significant instance of antilogy, and thus reprises not only the forms of late-antique sophistic rhetoric, but also and more importantly its intellectual ideal, within the terms of Byzantine high culture.
Home–School–Community Connection: Elementary School Leaders' Solutions for Improvement

The author of this original case study research investigates advocacy barriers impeding the home, school, and community connection. Specific solutions by educational professions regarding how to bridge these three arenas are provided in this study. Twenty educators serving in varying teaching roles from two high needs elementary schools located in the greater western New York region, participated by answering a quantitative and qualitative confidential survey. Survey results indicate that a more unified home, school, and community connection is beneficial to include families, educators, and community service providers. Findings support that to advance ecological sensitivity and advocacy for school children at risk, educators should consult more with administration such as building principals and vice principals, collaborate more with outreach community social service providers, and communicate more with children's parents and/or caregivers.
Competition and locomotion in a free-living fungiid coral

Abstract Some fungiid corals asexually produce unconnected polyps that lie loose on the substratum between coral colonies. These free-living corals cannot build large three-dimensional structures and thus risk overgrowth during competition for space or light with colonial neighbors on coral reefs. This study examined the ecological importance and mechanisms of interspecific competitive damage and movement by the free-living fungiid coral Fungia scutaria (Lamarck). Over 40% of a population of F. scutaria on Hawaiian patch reefs was observed to contact other species of corals and macroalgae. F. scutaria caused unilateral damage to colonial corals in >94% of natural contacts. In contrast, macroalgae overgrew and smothered F. scutaria in all observed cases. During experimental field contacts, small polyps of F. scutaria moved away from resident coral colonies, while larger individuals remained in contact and induced tissue damage to residents. F. scutaria move over short distances by nocturnal expansion of tissues that push against adjacent surfaces. Laboratory and field experiments suggest that long-distance movement may be via passive transport by water motion. The mechanism of interspecific damage is unique among corals thus far studied; nocturnally expanded polyps deposit a thick layer of mucus 5–15 mm wide onto neighboring corals. The tissue of corals beneath this mucus layer becomes necrotic and sloughs off within 4 days. The abundant mucus secreted by F. scutaria contains numerous nematocysts, unlike that of all other Hawaiian corals examined to date. The ability of some free-living corals to actively damage or move away from encroaching corals may be important to their survival on reefs dominated by colonial species.
Calprotectin in Cystic Fibrosis

There is increasing evidence that intestinal inflammation plays a major role in gastrointestinal symptoms in cystic fibrosis (CF). Fecal calprotectin is a marker that is elevated in several gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases, but little is known about its value in CF. We aimed to look for associations of elevated fecal calprotectin among CF patients and whether its level correlates with the clinical manifestations of CF. A single stool specimen was collected from 62 patients with CF. Fecal calprotectin was measured using the commercially available ELISA kits (PhiCal™ test). Clinical data were collected from patients’ records and CF registry. There were no significant differences between CF patients with normal and abnormal fecal calprotectin levels. However, patients who were not receiving inhaled antibiotics had higher fecal calprotectin levels than those who were. Elevated fecal calprotectin may not accurately predict intestinal inflammation in CF. However, the fact that it was elevated in both pancreatic sufficient and insufficient groups supports the concept of “cystic fibrosis enteropathy” regardless of the pancreatic status.
Nutrition support in the newborn intensive care unit

Abstract Renal insufficiency and/or failure in the newborn requires judicious management of fluid, electrolytes, and nutrients. This report provides specific guidelines for both parenteral and enteral intake in this population. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of pediatric multidisciplinary experience in treating these infants. With constant, careful assessment and follow-up, the usual negative effects of renal failure are minimized.
Body Mass Index, Neighborhood Fast Food and Restaurant Concentration, and Car Ownership

Eating away from home and particularly fast food consumption have been shown to contribute to weight gain. Increased geographic access to fast food outlets and other restaurants may contribute to higher levels of obesity, especially in individuals who rely largely on the local environment for their food purchases. We examined whether fast food and restaurant concentrations are associated with body mass index and whether car ownership might moderate this association. We linked the 2000 US Census data and information on locations of fast food and other restaurants with the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Study database, which consists of 2,156 adults sampled from 63 neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. Multilevel modeling was used to estimate associations between body mass index (BMI), fast food and restaurant concentration, and car ownership after adjustment for individual-level factors and socioeconomic characteristics of residential neighborhoods. A high concentration of local restaurants is associated with BMI. Car owners have higher BMIs than non-car owners; however, individuals who do not own cars and reside in areas with a high concentration of fast food outlets have higher BMIs than non-car owners who live in areas with no fast food outlets, approximately 12 lb more (p = 0.02) for an individual with a height of 5 ft. 5 in. Higher restaurant density is associated with higher BMI among local residents. The local fast food environment has a stronger association with BMI for local residents who do not have access to cars.
An ab initio calculation of first and second derivatives of the electric dipole moment function for certain infrared-active modes of SF6

Abstract Certain first and second derivatives of the dipole moment function for SF 6 have been calculated from ab initio molecular orbital theory in the finite difference approximation. All calculations were carried out in normal coordinates with an experimental force field and geometry. A double-zeta basis with d -functions on the sulfur was employed. Calculated harmonic frequencies in cm −1 are 1084 (ω 3 ) and (648(ω 4 ) and calculated intensities in km/mole are 1612 (ν 3 ) and 209 (ν 4 ). Second derivatives of the dipole moment function for ν 1 + ν 3 x and ν 2 a +ν 3 x in units of e-amu −1 A are 0.0552 and −0.0119, respectively. A comparison with the values determined from an STO-3G basis is presented together with a comparison of the derived quantities from experiment.
Persistent activation by constitutive Ste7 promotes Kss1-mediated invasive growth but fails to support Fus3-dependent mating in yeast.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase-Ste11 (MAPKKK-Ste11), MAPKK-Ste7, and MAPK-Kss1 mediate pheromone-induced mating differentiation and nutrient-responsive invasive growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mating pathway also requires the scaffold-Ste5 and the additional MAPK-Fus3. One contribution to specificity in this system is thought to come from stimulus-dependent recruitment of the MAPK cascade to upstream activators that are unique to one or the other pathway. To test this premise, we asked if stimulusindependent signaling by constitutive Ste7 would lead to a loss of biological specificity. Instead, we found that constitutive Ste7 promotes invasion without supporting mating responses. This specificity occurs because constitutive Ste7 activates Kss1, but not Fus3, in vivo and promotes filamentation gene expression while suppressing mating gene expression. Differences in the ability of constitutive Ste7 variants to bind the MAPKs and Ste5 account for the selective activation of Kss1. These findings support the model that Fus3 activation in vivo requires binding to both Ste7 and the scaffold-Ste5 but that Kss1 activation is independent of Ste5. This scaffold-independent activation of Kss1 by constitutive Ste7 and the existence of mechanisms for pathway-specific promoter discrimination impose a unique developmental fate independently of any distinguishing external stimuli. In response to the appropriate environmental stimulus, haploid cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are capable of two developmental fates. One entails differentiation into a matingcompetent form, and the other is a switch from vegetative to pseudohyphal growth. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways comprised of the same enzymes mediate both transitions. This situation offers an excellent opportunity for studies into regulatory mechanisms that impart biological specificity to
Improved Internal Defibrillation Success With Shocks Timed to the Morphology Electrogram

Background —A previous retrospective study by our group suggested that shocks timed to the upslope of the shocking lead electrogram improved defibrillation efficacy. The goal of this study was to prospectively determine whether defibrillation threshold could be reduced by use of an algorithm that timed shocks to the upslope of coarse ventricular fibrillation (test treatment) compared with shocks delivered asynchronously after 10 seconds of fibrillation (control treatment). Methods and Results —Ten pigs were instrumented with a 3-lead system for internal defibrillation. Initial estimates of the energy required to achieve defibrillation E50 for both treatments were made by an up/down method. Subsequently, additional shocks at V50±10% and V50±20% were given for each treatment to obtain data points at higher and lower intensities. Probability-of-success curves were estimated for both treatments by the best-fit method. Energies required were significantly lower for the timed shocks than for the asynchronous shocks ( P <0.001). E80 was reduced 15.5%, from 27.1±2.5 to 22.9±1.8 J ( P <0.002). The width of the probability-of-success curve (E80−E20) for the test treatment was also significantly narrower than that for the control treatment (7.1±0.9 versus 10.8±1.7, P <0.01). Normalized curve width (E80−E20)/E50 was decreased from 51±5% of E50 for control shocks to 37±4% of E50 for synchronous shocks ( P <0.02). Conclusions —In this model, defibrillation threshold is lower and more deterministic when shocks are timed to the upslope of the shocking lead electrogram. If a similar reduction is observed in humans, shock timing may lower defibrillation threshold and simplify programming of shock intensity.
A Case Study on Selecting a Best Allocation of New Data for Improving the Estimation Precision of System and Subsystem Reliability Using Pareto Fronts

This article demonstrates how the Pareto front multiple objective optimization approach can be used to select a best allocation of new data to collect from among many different possible data sources with the goal of maximally reducing the width of the credible intervals of system and two subsystem reliability estimates. The method provides a streamlined decision-making process by identifying a set of noninferior or admissible allocations either from a given set of candidate choices or through a global optimization search and then using graphical methods for selecting the best allocation from the set of contending choices based on the specific goals of the study. The approach allows for an easy assessment of the tradeoffs between criteria and the robustness of different choices to different prioritization of experiment objectives. This is important for decision makers to make a defensible choice of a best allocation that matches their priorities as well as to quantify the anticipated advantages of their ch...
13 Partial Glossectomy for Macroglossia

Partial glossectomy has been used successfully as a surgical adjunct to orthodontic care in patients with macroglossia, apertognathia, tongue thrust, or lisping. Follow-up examinations over several years have shown the results are stable.