cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does androgen excess contribute to the cardiovascular risk profile in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes

The purpose of this study was to determine if postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes have clinical and biochemical evidence of androgen excess as a potential contributor to an increase in risk for coronary heart disease when compared with women without diabetes. Fasting glucose, insulin, lipids, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and sex steroids (from pooled samples) (total testosterone and free testosterone [non-SHBG-T], androstenedione [A-dione], total estrogens) were measured at baseline in 16 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes treated with diet or a sulfonylurea and 17 age-matched controls. Measurements of glucose, insulin, and sex steroids were repeated at hourly intervals for 3 hours after oral glucose administration. Hirsutism scores and insulin sensitivity (homeotasis model assessment [HOMA] insulin [SI]) were obtained. Women with type 2 diabetes were more hyperglycemic, hyperinsulinemic, and insulin-resistant (HOMA SI, 46.7 +/- 7.0 vs 12.9 +/- 2.0, P < .001), and had higher total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL) ratios, lower SHBG (20.8 +/- 3.5 vs 59.3 +/- 14.4 nmol/L, P < .05), higher non-SHBG-T (0.225 +/- 0.025 vs 0.135 +/- 0.021 nmol/L, P < .05), and higher hirsutism scores (1.1 +/- 0.3 vs 0.3 +/- 0.2, P = .004) than those without diabetes. No changes in sex steroids occurred after the oral glucose challenge. HOMA SI and area under the curve for glucose correlated significantly with SHBG (r = -0.42), non-SHBG-T (r = 0.40), and TC/HDL (r = 0.41) (all P < .05) in the combined groups. Postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes have both clinical and biochemical evidence of androgen excess that may contribute to more adverse cardiovascular risk profiles.
Producing Proofs from an Arithmetic Decision Procedure in Elliptical LF

Abstract Software that can produce independently checkable evidence for the correctness of its output has received recent attention for use in certifying compilers and proof-carrying code. CVC (Cooperating Validity Checker) is a proof-producing validity checker for a decidable fragment of first-order logic enriched with background theories. This paper describes how proofs of valid formulas are produced from the decision procedure for linear real arithmetic implemented in CVC. It is shown how extensions to LF which support proof rules schematic in an arity (“elliptical” rules) are very convenient for this purpose.
Aircraft research and development trends in the US and USSR

Research and development related to aircraft has shown significant progress in both the U.S. and the USSR. In some cases, the indications are that technological advances have resulted in new aircraft concepts and, in other cases, there are indications of particular national needs or objectives that have driven the required research and development to meet the need. The progression of aircraft development tends to reflect factors other than technology such as the political atmosphere, the world environment, and other contending national objectives. The trends in aircraft research and development in the U.S. and USSR will be traced from the early 1900's and, in a time-frame manner, will be related to other influencing factors.
Medical applications of microarray technologies: a regulatory science perspective

The potential medical applications of microarrays have generated much excitement, and some skepticism, within the biomedical community. Some researchers have suggested that within the decade microarrays will be routinely used in the selection, assessment, and quality control of the best drugs for pharmaceutical development, as well as for disease diagnosis and for monitoring desired and adverse outcomes of therapeutic interventions. Realizing this potential will be a challenge for the whole scientific community, as breakthroughs that show great promise at the bench often fail to meet the requirements of clinicians and regulatory scientists. The development of a cooperative framework among regulators, product sponsors, and technology experts will be essential for realizing the revolutionary promise that microarrays hold for drug development, regulatory science, medical practice and public health.
PREBUCKLING AND POSTBUCKLING RESPONSE OF TAILORED COMPOSITE STIFFENED PANELS WITH AXIAL-SHEAR COUPLING

Results of a numerical parametric study of the prebuckling and postbuckling response of tailored composite stiffened panels with axial-shear coupling are presented. In the stiffened panels, axial-shear stiffness coupling is created by rotating the stiffener orientation and tailoring the skin laminate anisotropy. The panels are loaded in axial compression and the effects of stiffener orientation and skin anisotropy on the panel stiffness, buckling parameters, and axial-shear coupling response are described. Results are obtained from a nonlinear general shell finite element analysis computer code. The prebuckling and postbuckling responses can be affected by both the stiffener orientation and skin laminate anisotropy, and the effects are different and load dependent. The results help identify different mechanisms for axial-shear coupling, and show that a load-dependent structural response can be controlled by selecting appropriate stiffener and skin parameters.
Implementation of Protocols To Enable Doctoral Training in Physical and Computational Chemistry of a Blind Graduate Student.

There exists a sparse representation of blind and low-vision students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. This is due in part to these individuals being discouraged from pursuing STEM degrees as well as a lack of appropriate adaptive resources in upper level STEM courses and research. Mona Minkara is a rising fifth year graduate student in computational chemistry at the University of Florida. She is also blind. This account presents efforts conducted by an expansive team of university and student personnel in conjunction with Mona to adapt different portions of the graduate student curriculum to meet Mona’s needs. The most important consideration is prior preparation of materials to assist with coursework and cumulative exams. Herein we present an account of the first four years of Mona’s graduate experience hoping this will assist in the development of protocols for future blind and low-vision graduate students in computational chemistry.
Filling the gap between disaster preparedness and response networks of urban emergency management: following the 2013 Seoul Floods

Objective: To examine the gap between disaster preparedness and response networks following the 2013 Seoul Floods in which the rapid transmission of disaster information and resources was impeded by severe changes of interorganizational collaboration networks. Design/setting/methodology/approach: This research uses the 2013 Seoul Emergency Management Survey data that were collected before and after the floods, and total 94 organizations involving in coping with the floods were analyzed in bootstrap independent- sample t-test and social network analysis through UCINET 6 and STATA 12. Results: The findings show that despite the primary network form that is more hierarchical, horizontal collaboration has been relatively invigorated in actual response. Also, interorganizational collaboration networks for response operations seem to be more flexible grounded on improvisation to coping with unexpected victims and damages. Conclusions: Local organizations under urban emergency management are recommended to tightly build a strong commitment for joint response operations through full-size exercises at the metropolitan level before a catastrophic event. Also, interorganizational emergency management networks need to be restructured by reflecting the actual response networks to reduce collaboration risk during a disaster. Originality/innovations: This research presents a critical insight into inverse thinking of the view designing urban emergency management networks and provides original evidences for filling the gap between previously coordinated networks for disaster preparedness and practical response operations after a disaster.
Shiftwork: Factors Impacting Workers Biological And Family Well-Being

This paper examines shiftwork and the impact on workers biological and family well-being. The study reviews the literature and synthesizes current findings resulting in suggestions for the human resource planning function. The paper suggests that shiftwork, when not managed properly, can result in pool judgement and lost dollars for the organization. The study also notes that shiftwork can contribute to the breakdown of the family unit. Shiftwork imposes harsh demands on even the most close kit families, forcing shiftworkers to work on a time schedule out of sync with the rest of society. The study examines the impact of shiftwork on dual careers and children. The study encourages human resource planning personnel to be creating in handling shiftwork in the 1990s.
DIAGENETIC CONTROLS ON GROUNDWATER SAPPING AND VALLEY FORMATION, COLORADO PLATEAU, REVEALED BY OPTICAL AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

Investigations into processes of valley formation on the Colorado Plateau have confirmed the important role of sapping in the Navajo Sandstone. The sapping process produces drainage systems that differ uniquely from fluvially eroded networks in their valley morphology, network pattern, spatial evolution, and degree of structural, lithologic, and stratigraphic control. The Navajo Sandstone is a highly transmissive aquifer. Sapping results from groundwater emergence above a permeability boundary formed by the underlying Kayenta Formation. This discharge undercuts cliff faces, and causes massive slab failures and vertical cliff recession. The principal agent for the physical weakening of the Navajo Sandstone at a site of seepage appears to be the mechanical separation of sand grains by the deposition of calcite from saturated waters. The control of porosity and permeability by textural and mineralogical features in the Navajo Sandstone and Kayenta Formation was studied using reflected light and cathodolumine...
Introduction: Case Studies in the Ethics of Mental Health Research

This collection presents six case studies on the ethics of mental health research, written by scientific researchers and ethicists from around the world. We publish them here as a resource for teachers of research ethics and as a contribution to several ongoing ethical debates. Each consists of a description of a research study that was proposed or carried out and an in-depth analysis of the ethics of the study.
Atopy, but not obesity is associated with asthma severity among children with persistent asthma

AbstractBackground and Objective: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of asthma in children. Atopic sensitization is a major risk factor for asthma including severe asthma in children. It is unclear if obesity is associated with worse asthma control or severity in children and how its effects compare to atopy. We sought to examine relationships of weight status and atopy to asthma control and severity among a population of predominantly low income, minority children and adolescents with persistent asthma. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 832 children and adolescents, age range 5–17 years, with persistent asthma was performed. Clinical assessments included asthma questionnaires of symptoms, asthma severity score, health care utilization and medication treatment step, lung function testing, and skin prick testing as well as measures of adiposity. Data were collected between December 2010 and August 2014 from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD and Children's Hospital of Boston, MA. Result...
Generation Ways of Haploid and Its Application in Crop Genetics and Breeding

In this paper,the haploid generation ways and its potential application in plant genetics and breeding are reviewed.Haploid can be gained by different ways,such as anther culture,distant hybridization,inducer line,centromere mediation and so on.Haploid has important actions in accelerating breeding process,building DH population,studies on non-homologous chromosome pairing,transgenic donors and mutants,and genome sequencing.
Layered transition-metal pnictide SrMnBi 2 with metallic blocking layer

The physical properties and the band structure of the layered pnictide SrMnBi${}_{2}$ were investigated. This compound has a crystal structure similar to that of the superconducting Fe pnictides, and is a bad metal with large residual resistivity. Magnetic order sets in at very high temperatures, around 290 K, as shown by magnetization, resistivity, and specific heat data. Band structure calculations using density functional theory (DFT) are consistent with the thermodynamic and transport measurements, suggesting a checkerboard antiferromagnetic (cAFM) ground state and a localized picture for the magnetism. Moreover, DFT results indicate that the Mn 3$d$ electrons are strongly correlated, and that, unlike in the known superconductors, the Sr-Bi${}_{(1)}$ layer is metallic. One more notable feature of the DFT calculation is the multiple Dirac-cone-like dispersion close to the Fermi level.
Valproate, Menstrual Disorder and Polycystic Ovaries

Three patients treated with valproate for epilepsy, beginning at 16, 17, and 31 years of age, developed a reproductive disorder and are reported from the University of Oulu, Finland.
Sticking to the Evidence? A computational and behavioral case study of micro-theory change in the domain of magnetism

An intuitive theory is a system of abstract concepts and laws relating those concepts that together provide a framework for explaining some domain of phenomena. Constructing an intuitive theory based on observing the world, as in building a scientific theory from data, confronts learners with a “chicken-and-egg” problem: the laws can only be expressed in terms of the theory's core concepts, but these concepts are only meaningful in terms of the role they play in the theory's laws; how is a learner to discover appropriate concepts and laws simultaneously, knowing neither to begin with? Even knowing the number of categories in a theory does not resolve this problem: without knowing how individuals should be sorted (which categories each belongs to), a the causal relationships between categories cannot be resolved. We explore how children can solve this chicken-and-egg problem in the domain of magnetism, drawing on perspectives from history of science, computational modeling, and behavioral experiments. We present preschoolers with a simplified magnet learning task and show how our empirical results can be explained as rational inferences within a Bayesian computational framework.
Performance enhancement of a power generation unit–organic Rankine cycle system through the addition of electric energy storage

Abstract Combined heat and power (CHP) systems generate onsite power using a power generation unit (PGU) while recovering waste heat from the PGU to provide heating or hot water to a facility. One variation of the typical CHP configuration uses recovered waste heat from the PGU on an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) to generate additional power. This paper proposes the use of an electric energy storage (EES) device in conjunction with a PGU-ORC. The idea is to use the energy stored by EES at different times of the day so that continuous operation of the PGU is not required. The potential of the proposed PGU-ORC-EES system is assessed by evaluating the performance in terms of operational cost, primary energy consumption (PEC), and carbon dioxide emissions (CDE) of simulations of a restaurant facility at different geographical locations in the U.S. reflecting a variety of climate conditions and thus a variety of electric loads required by the building. This paper compares the performance of a PGU-ORC-EES system with that of a conventional system where electric power and fuel for heating are obtained from the utility grids. This comparison is completed by analyzing the building’s electric demand only since the thermal demand will be the same between the PGU-ORC-EES and conventional system. Results indicate that the addition of EES is beneficial to the PGU-ORC system for most U.S. locations in terms of the three evaluated parameters. Ratios between the cost of electricity and fuel ( R c o s t ), between the electricity and fuel CDE conversion factors ( R C D E ), and between the electricity and fuel PEC conversion factors ( R P E C ), are obtained for each location and used to estimate the potential of the system to provide benefits with respect to a conventional system in terms of cost, CDE, and PEC. In addition, the effect of the EES size on the system performance is also analyzed in this paper as well as the capital cost available for different payback periods.
Competitive Aggressiveness, Environmental Context, and Small Firm Performance:

This study examined relationships between firm performance, the degree of aggressiveness a firm exhibits in its competitive orientation, and the environmental dimensions of technological sophistica...
Regulation of Retinal Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Activity in p85α-Subunit Knockout Mice

A variety of growth factors and hormones mediate their cellular affects via interactions with cell surface receptors that possess protein kinase activity (Williams, 1989; Ullrich and Schlessinger, 1990). The interaction of most of these ligands with their receptors induces tyrosine kinase activation and autophosphorylation of the receptor, resulting in physical association of the receptors with several cytoplasmic substrates having SH2 domains (Otsu et al., 1991; Skolnik et al., 1991). Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) has been identified through its ability to associate with cellular protein kinases, including numerous growth factor receptors and oncogene products (Otsu et al., 1991; Skolnik et al., 1991).
Shareholder communication and issue salience: corporate responses to ‘social’ shareholder activism

ABSTRACTThis study focuses on corporate engagement when shareholder activists raise concerns about social issues during annual shareholder meetings. Building upon strategic communication, social activism, and management research, the study combines Stakeholder Salience Theory (SST) and Issues Management Theory to explain corporate responses to shareholder activism. The researchers constructed a dataset of 844 shareholder actions in the U.S., all concerning environmental issues from 2006 to 2014. The analyses revealed that the urgency of the shareholder requests was the main driver of saliency. Moreover, shareholder activism strategies that engage corporations in private negotiations appeared to be effective in eliciting positive corporate responses. The findings contribute to applied communication theory and research by advancing SST with an issues management perspective in the context of shareholder activism.
Axial mechanical and structural characterization of keratoconus corneas.

Abstract Purpose Previous studies indicate that there is an axial gradient of collagen lamellar branching and anastomosing leading to regional differences in corneal tissue stiffness that may control corneal shape. To further test this hypothesis we have measured the axial material stiffness and quantified the collagen lamellar complexity in ectatic and mechanically weakened keratoconus corneas (KC). Methods Acoustic radiation force elastic microscopy (ARFEM) was used to probe the axial mechanical properties of the cone region of three donor KC buttons. 3 Dimensional second harmonic generation microscopy (3D-SHG) was used to qualitatively evaluate lamellar organization in 3 kC buttons and quantitatively measure lamellar branching point density (BPD) in a separate KC button that had been treated with epikeratophakia (Epi-KP). Results The mean elastic modulus for the KC corneas was 1.67 ± 0.44 kPa anteriorly and 0.970 ± 0.30 kPa posteriorly, substantially below that previously measured for normal human cornea. 3D-SHG of KC buttons showed a simplified collagen lamellar structure lacking noticeable angled lamellae in the region of the cone. BPD in the anterior, posterior, central and paracentral regions of the KC cornea were significantly lower than in the overlying Epi-KP lenticule. Additionally, BPD in the cone region was significantly lower than the adjacent paracentral region in the KC button. Conclusions The KC cornea exhibits an axial gradient of mechanical stiffness and a BPD that appears substantially lower in the cone region compared to normal cornea. The findings reinforce the hypothesis that collagen architecture may control corneal mechanical stiffness and hence corneal shape.
Psychometric validation of the revised Functional Assessment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection (FAHI) quality of life instrument

The revised Functional Assessment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection (FAHI) quality of life (QoL) instrument has been updated and expanded to provide more complete and accurate coverage of human immune deficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)-related QoL. Factor analysis and the Rasch measurement model were used to determine a new subscale structure for the FAHI. The content of these subscales, including physical well-being (ten items, alpha = 0.91), function and global well-being (13 items, alpha = 0.86), emotional well-being/living with HIV (10 items, alpha = 0.82), social well-being (eight items, alpha = 0.73), and cognitive functioning (three items; alpha = 0.75), reflect both general illness- and HIV/AIDS-specific QoL concerns: a total QoL score can also be calculated for the FAHI (44 items, alpha = 0.91). Psychometric evaluation revealed good internal consistency reliability for the FAHI and its subscales. In addition, construct validity, known groups validity and sensitivity to change were demonstrated by significant associations between the FAHI and additional indicators of functional status, psychological symptoms, stress and illness severity. In summary, the FAHI is a psychometrically sound instrument that captures multiple important dimensions of HIV/AIDS-related QoL. It is brief, easy to administer and score, has been translated into nine languages other than English and is appropriate for use in clinical trials and clinical practice.
A Newly Identified MHV-A59 ORF1a Polypeptide p65 is Temperature Sensitive in Two RNA Negative Mutants

Polypeptide products of MHV-A59 gene 1 have been identified in infected DBT cells and in the products of in vitro translations of genome RNA (1,2). In this paper we report the identification in infected cell lysates of a 65-kDa polypeptide (p65) encoded in ORF la. Studies on the kinetics of appearance and processing of p65 show that p65 is detectable after p28 but before the appearance of p290, p240 and p50. No homologue of the p65 polypeptide identified in infected cell lysates was immunoprecipitated from in vitro translations of genomic RNA, providing further evidence that in vitro processing of polypeptides encoded in ORF la of gene 1 differs from that which occurs late in infection of DBT cells. Although the function of p65 is unknown, two MHV-A59 ts mutants isolated and characterized by Baric et al. (3,4) do not produce detectable levels of p65 at the non-permissive temperature indicating that p65 may play an important role in the virus life cycle.
Neighborhood disadvantage is associated with actigraphy-assessed sleep continuity and short sleep duration

Study Objectives Neighborhood disadvantage has been linked to poor sleep. However, the extant research has primarily focused on self-reported assessments of sleep and neighborhood characteristics. The current study examines the association between objective and perceived neighborhood characteristics and actigraphy-assessed sleep duration, efficiency, and wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO) in an urban sample of African American adults. Methods We examined data from predominantly African American adults (n = 788, mean age 55 years; 77% female) living in two low-income neighborhoods. Perceived neighborhood characteristics included safety, social cohesion, and satisfaction with one's neighborhood as a place to live. Objective neighborhood conditions included walkability, disorder, street lighting, and crime levels. Sleep duration, efficiency, and WASO were measured via 7 days of wrist-worn actigraphy. Analyses estimated each of the sleep outcomes as a function of perceived and objective neighborhood characteristics. Individual-level sociodemographics, body mass index, and psychological distress were included as covariates. Results Greater perceived safety was associated with higher sleep efficiency and shorter WASO. Greater neighborhood disorder and street lighting were associated with poorer sleep efficiency and longer WASO and greater likelihood of short sleep duration (<7 versus 7-9 hr as referent). Higher levels of crime were associated with poorer sleep efficiency and longer WASO, but these associations were only evident in one of the neighborhoods. Conclusions Both how residents perceive their neighborhood and their exposure to objectively measured neighborhood disorder, lighting, and crime have implications for sleep continuity. These findings suggest that neighborhood conditions may contribute to disparities in sleep health.
The effects of initial crack length on fracture characterization of rubbers using the J-Integral approach

Abstract The effects of initial crack length on the mode I fracture properties of crosslinked elastomers were investigated. A J-integral approach was implemented using single-specimen test procedures. Quasi-static fracture tests were carried out on filled and unfilled acrylonitrile-butadiene rubbers with various pre-cut (initial) crack lengths, a 0 , at a fixed rate of extension, using single edge notch rectangular bar specimens. Data from these experiments were analyzed and crack resistance curves (R curves) were obtained. A detailed analysis of the single-specimen method was carried out to establish correlation with the fracture properties derived from the more involved multi-specimen method. The weak dependence of geometry factor on rubber composition and displacement (in the neighborhood of crack initiation displacement) was verified. The crack initiation resistance and tearing modulus of the materials were calculated based on the R curve for each initial crack length. Fracture properties of lightly cracked specimens ( a 0 / W 0.4 , where W is the specimen width), including crack initiation resistance, strain at crack initiation, tearing modulus and maximum load and extension before fracture, were found to show significant variations with a 0 . These variations are characterized and discussed for the filled and unfilled rubber materials.
The attenuated salmonella typhimurium strains expressing anti-cancer proteins have overcome host immune barrier to infiltrate tumor tissues and induce massive cancer cell death

4809 The current cancer therapeutic modalities have encountered tremendous challenges in treating hypoxic cancer cells due to poor drug delivery for effective chemotherapy or low level of tumor oxygenation for effective radiation therapy. Bacteria can penetrate into hypoxic tumor regions and deliver therapeutic proteins, therefore treating cancer cells that usually escape from conventional cancer therapies. Recently, the attenuated Salmonella typhimurium strain was introduced with >10,000 virulence attenuation and ~1,000 tumor tropism in a variety of animal tumor models. The bacteria can be easily manipulated to introduce therapeutic genes and proteins for cancer treatment. However, in a human melanoma trial, the bacterial strain showed poor tumor tissue attraction, indicating that the bacteria injected i.v. in the cancer patients might be eliminated by human immune response. To resolve this issue, we hypothesize that genetic engineering of the attenuated Salmonella strain with therapeutic protein expressions may improve bacterial infiltration in tumor tissues by overcoming the host immune response. This was tested experimentally in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), a murine tumor model that eliminated the parent strain in immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice. Initially, an anti-cancer protein recombinant methioninase was successfully expressed in the Salmonella strain. The attenuated Salmonella typhimurium expressing methioninase not only infiltrated the LLC tumors in C57BL/6J mice but also induced massive tumor tissue destruction. On the other hand, the original Salmonella strain, which was not able to survive in the LLC tumors in the C57BL/6J mice, could successfully infiltrate the LLC tumors implanted in the immunodeficient CB-17 SCID mice. Therefore, the original Salmonella strain was likely eliminated by the host immune response in LLC on C57BL/6J mice. Similar results were observed with Salmonella expressing TNFalpha or a combination of Methioninase and TNFalpha. Tumor cell apoptosis and macrophage activation were revealed by TUNEL and immunochemical staining. Using magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) technique, the rapid tumor tissue destruction induced by the bacteria was monitored longitudinally in vivo in a period of two weeks. Importantly, the new bacteria were observed to migrate to distant tumor sites and, therefore, may be used to treat cancer metastasis. In conclusion, the Salmonella strains expressing methioninase and/or TNFalpha have overcome the host immune barrier and infiltrated LLC tumor tissues that usually eliminated the parent salmonella strain in C57BL/6J mice. The rapid tumor tissue destruction can be monitored in vivo by DWI. Thus, attenuated bacteria expressing protein drugs may be designed to overcome human immune barriers for effective human cancer treatment.
Symbulate: Simulation in the Language of Probability

Simulation is an effective tool for analyzing probability models as well as for facilitating understanding of concepts in probability and statistics. Unfortunately, implementing a simulation from s...
Recurrent laryngeal nerve transection in mice results in translational upper airway dysfunction.

The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is responsible for normal vocal-fold (VF) movement, and is at risk for iatrogenic injury during anterior neck surgical procedures in human patients. Injury, resulting in VF paralysis, may contribute to subsequent swallowing, voice, and respiratory dysfunction. Unfortunately, treatment for RLN injury does little to restore physiologic function of the VFs. Thus, we sought to create a mouse model with translational functional outcomes to further investigate RLN regeneration and potential therapeutic interventions. To do so, we performed ventral neck surgery in 21 C57BL/6J male mice, divided into two groups: Unilateral RLN Transection (n = 11) and Sham Injury (n = 10). Mice underwent behavioral assays to determine upper airway function at multiple time points prior to and following surgery. Transoral endoscopy, videofluoroscopy, ultrasonic vocalizations, and whole-body plethysmography were used to assess VF motion, swallow function, vocal function, and respiratory function, respectively. Affected outcome metrics, such as VF motion correlation, intervocalization interval, and peak inspiratory flow were identified to increase the translational potential of this model. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was used to investigate neuronal cell death in the nucleus ambiguus. Results revealed that RLN transection created ipsilateral VF paralysis that did not recover by 13 weeks postsurgery. Furthermore, there was evidence of significant vocal and respiratory dysfunction in the RLN transection group, but not the sham injury group. No significant differences in swallow function or neuronal cell death were found between the two groups. In conclusion, our mouse model of RLN injury provides several novel functional outcome measures to increase the translational potential of findings in preclinical animal studies. We will use this model and behavioral assays to assess various treatment options in future studies.
Diagnostic imaging in infective endocarditis: a contemporary perspective.

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a diagnostic challenge. Prompt diagnosis is essential for accurate risk stratification and appropriate therapeutic decisions and surgical management. In recent y...
Inclusive Manufacturing: The Impact of Disability Diversity on Productivity in a Work Integration Social Enterprise

Problem definition: This study examines the impact of disability diversity on the productivity of apparel manufacturing teams in the context of a work integration social enterprise. Two measures of...
Repetition, Ritual, and Reputation: How Do Market Participants Deal with (Some Types of) Incomplete Information?

Incomplete information is an obstacle to deal-making. Information problems also exist as to ongoing matters in the parties’ relationship. That this is so is well known. But attention has focused largely on a subset of information problems where there is agreement on what the information is and who has (or will have, or can reliably get) it. (Is the car a good car? The seller, and a mechanic, know the answer.) I will call this type of information “harder” information, contrasting it with “softer” information as to which there is far less agreement. (Does the seller run a ‘tight ship’? Does it have a good reputation?) Seemingly uncontroversially, the task of information acquisition involves doing so until the additional costs are not warranted by the additional benefits and relatedly, attempting to economize on those costs. But this characterization yields a far more straightforward way to proceed as to the acquisition of harder information than it does as to softer information. The process by which softer information is sought and acquired relies on different mechanisms, notably repetition, ritual and reputation. These mechanisms that are anointed as appropriate by the broader transactional community; their purpose, in not-insignificant part, is to provide the decision-makers with a justification in case of a bad outcome. This is significant for its own sake, but also provides a more nuanced (and surprisingly underappreciated) way to understand how parties pursue their self-interest. That the “hammer” of incentive alignment is so salient has, in my view, led to information problems too often being regarded as “nails.” A richer view of the problems contracting parties face in converging on a valuation and other deal terms can yield a useful addition to the toolbox, as well as insights into how people arrive at their beliefs about what is credible and what is true. One such insight is the extent to which acquisition of information is importantly more of a social process than is generally appreciated.
A copper complex of an unusual hy-droxy-carboxyl-ate ligand: [Cu(bpy)(C4H4O6)].

A copper(II) complex, (2,2′-bi­pyridine-κ2N,N′)[2-hy­droxy-2-(hy­droxy­methyl-κO)propane­dioato-κ2O1,O3]copper(II), [Cu(C4H4O6)(C10H8N2)], containing the unusual anionic chelating ligand 2-(hy­droxy­meth­yl)tartronate, has been synthesized. [Cu(bpy)2(NO3)](NO3) was mixed with ascorbic acid and Dabco (1,4-di­aza­bicyclo­[2.2.2]octa­ne) in DMF (dimethylformamide) solution in the presence of air to produce the title compound. The structure consists of square-pyramidal complexes that are joined by Cu⋯O contacts [2.703 (2) A] into centrosymmetric dimers. The C4H4O62− ligand, which occupies three coordination sites at Cu, has previously been identified as an oxidation product of ascorbate ion.
Validation and Verification

Abstract Errors and error sources of approximated solutions in finite element analysis (FEA) models are explored, the necessity of verification and validation (V&V) is emphasized. The method for error quantification in an FEA model is presented, and quantified errors are used as the criteria to practice V&V. Common V&V activities involved in FEA modeling are discussed, the guidance and approaches in conducting V&V are introduced.
The stanford prostate cancer calculator: Development and external validation of online nomograms incorporating PIRADS scores to predict clinically significant prostate cancer.

Abstract Background While multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) has high sensitivity for detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSC), false positives and negatives remain common. Calculators that combine mpMRI with clinical variables can improve cancer risk assessment, while providing more accurate predictions for individual patients. We sought to create and externally validate nomograms incorporating Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) scores and clinical data to predict the presence of CSC in men of all biopsy backgrounds. Methods Data from 2125 men undergoing mpMRI and MR fusion biopsy from 2014 to 2018 at Stanford, Yale, and UAB were prospectively collected. Clinical data included age, race, PSA, biopsy status, PIRADS scores, and prostate volume. A nomogram predicting detection of CSC on targeted or systematic biopsy was created. Results Biopsy history, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) density, PIRADS score of 4 or 5, Caucasian race, and age were significant independent predictors. Our nomogram—the Stanford Prostate Cancer Calculator (SPCC)—combined these factors in a logistic regression to provide stronger predictive accuracy than PSA density or PIRADS alone. Validation of the SPCC using data from Yale and UAB yielded robust AUC values. Conclusions The SPCC combines pre-biopsy mpMRI with clinical data to more accurately predict the probability of CSC in men of all biopsy backgrounds. The SPCC demonstrates strong external generalizability with successful validation in two separate institutions. The calculator is available as a free web-based tool that can direct real-time clinical decision-making.
Abstract MP39: Metabolic And Gene Expression Profiling Reveal Disparities In Absorption And Metabolism Of Butyrate And Lysine In The Colon Of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rodents

Introduction: Metabolic dysregulation and gut dysbiosis are linked to hypertension. The proximal colon is the main site of metabolism and absorption of short chain fatty acid butyrate. Reduced circ...
Approximations for Short Service Times

Chapter II dealt mostly with the behavior of systems for which the expected service time E{S} was comparable with the duration of the rush hour, but, in any case, E{S} was large compared with the time spent going through any transition period when it was uncertain as to whether there was a queue of customers or of servers. The analysis was fairly straightforward, though, at times, somewhat tedious, because we chose to consider a more or less arbitrary curve E{Ac(t)} for the expected number of arriving customers, which varied considerably on a time scale comparable with the service time. The complications were due mostly to a variety of possible shapes of the curves E{Ac(t)}, E{D(t)}, etc., in the deterministic approximations. Stochastic effects were relatively small but also easily handled because they did not accumulate.
Einsatzprofile von Ultracaps in zukünftigen Bordnetzen

Ultrakondensatoren, auch als Supercaps oder Ultracaps bekannt, sind elektrische Kurzeitspeicher, die teilweise als Konkurrenz zu Batterien (so genannten Langzeitspeichern) in elektrischen Bordnetzen diskutiert werden. Maxwell Technologies erklart die Vorteile und Grenzen dieser Speichertechnik und bespricht insbesondere deren Integrationen in Bordnetzen, bei der sich auch eine sinnvolle Kombination mit Batterien (elektrischer Hybrid) anbietet. Dabei geht das Unternehmen auf Potenziale ein, die sich im Rahmen neuer Entwicklungen zugunsten der UltrakondensatorTechnologie wandeln werden.
Abstract 364: Modulation of Novel Long Intergenic Noncoding RNAs in Human Macrophage Polarization

Macrophages respond to inflammatory stimuli by modulating gene expression. Whether long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNA) play a regulatory role in human macrophage inflammatory response is unknown. Therefore, we performed RNA-Seq in human PBMC-derived macrophages (HMDM) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma to induce M1-polarization. Of 4,662 lincRNAs (stringent set of Cabili et al, Gene & Development 2011. 25:1915-1927), expressed at 5th percentile FPKM, we identified 420 lincRNAs in HMDM or M1-HMDM, of which 58 were differentially expressed (DE) at FDR 2 (43 upregulated, 15 downregulated). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that M1 polarization modulated protein-coding genes involved immune response and inflammatory response. DE protein-coding genes proximal to DE lincRNAs (±100 kb) were enriched in apoptosis and cell death GO term categories. Linc-ACSL1-1 (proximal to ACSL-1), linc-MDM1-2 (proximal to IL-22), and linc-NLRP3 (proximal to NLRP3) were markedly induced, while Linc-F13A1-1 (proximal to LY86) was highly downregulated. Of SNPs from 16 GWAS of cardiometabolic diseases, 36 SNPs within the 58 DE lincRNAs reached threshold P 2) and 74% overlapped with DE genes in HMDM-polarization. Linc-ACSL1-1 and an additional 15 DE lincRNAs in IPSDM were overlapped with the DE lincRNAs in HMDM. In summary, high-resolution transcriptomics of human macrophages identified lincRNAs that form part of the cellular response during M1-polarization as well as specific lincRNAs that might modulate macrophage function in cardio-metabolic disorders.
Expanding the Scope of Instructional Communication Research: Looking Beyond Classroom Contexts

The bulk of instructional communication research to date examines communication among teachers and students in conventional classroom contexts. Although past and present research is prolific and informative, it is also somewhat limiting. With a specific unifying focus on affective, cognitive, and behavioral learning as outcome variables, we begin this article with a brief history of instructional communication research, as well as examples of research and practice in conventional classroom settings. We then outline, review, and explain four distinct contexts where we believe future instructional communication research and practice is likely to be fruitful: risk and crisis situations, technology-enhanced environments, digital games, and forensics education.
Silicon-directed Nazarov cyclization

Abstract A new modification of the silicon-directed Nazarov cyclization is described which involves the cyclization of divinyl ketones incorporating an allylsilane as the control unit. The cyclizations are extremely facile with FeCl3 or BF3·OEt2 as the Lewis acid. Four permutations of five- and six-membered ring substrates have been examined. In all cases the reactions are regio- and stereoslective. In the 6-5-6 (6ba) and 5-5-6 (6ba) systems the major product has the trans-anti configuration. The ability to incorporate a methyl substituent on the double bond and in the ring has been addressed.
Bruhat Order on Fixed-Point-Free Involutions in the Symmetric Group

We provide a structural description of Bruhat order on the set $F_{2n}$ of fixed-point-free involutions in the symetric group $S_{2n}$ which yields a combinatorial proof of a combinatorial identity that is an expansion of its rank-generating function. The decomposition is accomplished via a natural poset congruence, which yields a new interpretation and proof of a combinatorial identity that counts the number of rook placements on the Ferrers boards lying under all Dyck paths of a given length $2n$. Additionally, this result extends naturally to prove new combinatorial identities that sum over other Catalan objects: 312-avoiding permutations, plane forests, and binary trees.
Adaptive Immune Responses Are Dispensable for Isolated Lymphoid Follicle Formation: Antigen-Naive, Lymphotoxin-Sufficient B Lymphocytes Drive the Formation of Mature Isolated Lymphoid Follicles

Isolated lymphoid follicles (ILFs) are recently appreciated members of the mucosal immune system. The architecture, composition, and inducible nature of these structures indicates that these structures are tertiary lymphoid structures. The process leading to the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures, lymphoid neogenesis, has been observed in a number of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Given this association, there is considerable interest in identifying the factors promoting lymphoid neogenesis, and understanding the steps in this process. Using murine ILF formation as a model, we have examined the roles of different cellular sources of lymphotoxin (LT) and the adaptive immune response in lymphoid neogenesis. In this study, we report that, although other cellular sources of LT may supplant B lymphocytes in the formation of immature ILFs (loosely organized clusters of B lymphocytes), LT-sufficient B lymphocytes are required for the progression of immature ILFs to mature ILFs (organized lymphoid aggregates with a follicle-associated epithelium). ILF formation occurs in the absence of T lymphocytes and Ag-specific B lymphocyte responses, and ILF B lymphocytes express elevated levels of LT in the absence of antigenic stimulation. Consistent with a role for chemokines inducing LT expression in Ag-naive B lymphocytes, and a chemokine-driven positive-feedback loop driving mature ILF formation, mature ILFs express elevated levels of B lymphocyte chemoattractant in the absence of Ag-specific B lymphocyte stimulation. These observations indicate that ILFs contain Ag-naive lymphocytes, and suggest that events occurring within ILFs shape subsequent immune responses mediated by these lymphocytes.
Physics of An Ultrahigh-Statistics Charm Experiment

We review the physics goals of an ultrahigh-statistics charm experiment and place them in the broader context of the community's efforts to study the Standard Model and to search for physics beyond the Standard Model, and we point out some of the experimental difficulties which must be overcome if these goals are to be met.
The Roads of Chinese Childhood: Learning and Identification in Angang

The Roads of Chinese Childhood: Learning and Identification in Angang. Charles Stafford. New York: University of Cambridge Press, 1995. 213 pp.
Inflammatory and neuropathic pain animals exhibit distinct responses to innocuous thermal and motoric challenges

Most current methods for assessing pain in animals are based on reflexive measures and require constant interaction between the observer and the animal. Here we explore two new fully automated methods to quantify the impact of pain on the overall behavior of the organism. Both methods take advantage of the animals' natural preference for a dark environment. We used a box divided into two compartments: dark and bright. In the motoric operant task, "AngleTrack", one end of the box was raised so that the animals had to climb uphill to go from the light to the dark compartment. In the thermal operant task, "ThermalTrack", the floor of the dark compartment was heated to a given temperature, while the light compartment remained at 25°C. Rats were individually placed in the light box and their crossing between chambers monitored automatically for 30 minutes. The angle of the box, or the temperature of the dark compartment, was altered to challenge the animals' natural preference. We test the hypothesis that different models of pain (inflammatory or neuropathic) can be differentiated based on performance on these devices. Three groups of rats were tested at five different challenge levels on both tasks: 1) normal, 2) neuropathic injury pain (Spared Nerve Injury), and 3) inflammatory pain (intraplantar injection of Carrageenan). We monitored the position of the animals as well as their rate of switching between compartments. We find significant differences between the three groups and between the challenge levels both in their average position with respect to time, and in their switching rates. This suggests that the angle-track and thermal-track may be useful in assessing automatically the global impact of different types of pain on behavior.