cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Macrophage activation for tumor cytotoxicity: control of cytotoxic activity by the time interval effector and target cells are exposed to lymphokines.

Abstract Macrophages continuously exposed to lymphokines (LK) and target cells throughout a 48-hr cytotoxicity assay exhibit 3-fold more tumoricidal activity than do cells optimally treated with LK before addition of tumor cells. Increased cytotoxic activity induced by continuous LK treatment was not due to direct toxic effects of LK on tumor target cells or to alterations in target cell susceptibility to cytopathic effects of LK-activated macrophages. Moreover, sensitivities of responsive macrophages to LK activation signals and time courses for onset and loss of tumoricidal activity during continuous exposure or LK pulse were identical. Analysis of macrophage or LK dose responses and time courses for development of cytotoxicity each suggest that differences in tumoricidal activity between macrophages continuously exposed or pulsed with LK were quantitative: the number of cytotoxic events was increased 2.7 ± 0.2-fold (mean ± SEM for 11 experiments) during continuous LK treatment. Optimal levels of macrophage tumoricidal activity then occur only if effector cells, target cells and activation stimuli are simultaneously present for a defined time interval: tumor cells need not be present during the initial 2 to 3 hr of culture; LK can be removed after 8 hr with little or no loss of cytotoxic activity. However, removal of LK or target cells during the critical 4- to 8-hr interval decreased levels of cytotoxicity 3-fold. Thus, nonspecific effector function by LK-activated macrophages in controlled by both the physicochemical nature of the LK mediator and the time interval effector and target cells are exposed to LK.
Bolus-only versus bolus + infusion of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors during percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background The present study was done to analyze if glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) bolus-only will reduce vascular/bleeding complications and cost with similar major adverse cardiac events (MACE) when compared with GPI bolus + infusion. Evidence-based therapy of GPI inhibitors during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) incorporates intravenous bolus followed by 12 to 18 hours of infusion. However, GPI bolus + infusion may increase vascular/bleeding complications and may not reduce MACE when compared with GPI bolus-only. Methods From January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2004, 2,629 consecutive patients received GPI during PCI at a single center. Of these, 1,064 patients received GPI bolus + infusion in 2003 and were compared with 1,565 patients that received GPI bolus-only in 2004. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Results Patients receiving GPI bolus-only had reduced vascular/bleeding complications when compared with bolus + infusion (4.9% vs 7%, P P = NS), MACE at 30 days (3.2% vs 3%, P = NS), and death and myocardial infarction at 1 year (7.1% vs 7.8%, P = NS). In addition, GPI bolus-only reduced cost in US dollars ($323 vs $706, P P P Conclusions Glycoprotein inhibitor bolus-only reduces vascular/bleeding complications with similar MACE and reduced cost when compared with GPI bolus + infusion. In addition, GPI bolus-only improved ambulatory PCI and reduced length of stay. These results are consistent with a safer and cost-effective strategy for bolus-only when GPI therapy is considered during PCI.
Optical waves on nanoparticle chains coupled with surfaces

Linear chains of metal nanoparticles coupled with dielectric surfaces support a variety of optical phenomena including traveling and leaky waves of several types. We investigate the chain-surface interactions and show that traveling waves can remain bound to the chain, radiate into surface wave beams, or radiate into space and surface wave beams. Radiation into surface waves may be exploited to create a leaky surface wave antenna with potential applications to surface wave microscopy.
Evaluation of Thin Dielectric-Glue Wafer-Bonding for Three Dimensional Integrated Circuit-Applications

The critical adhesion energy of benzocyclobutene (BCB)-bonded wafers is quantitatively investigated with focus on BCB thickness, material stack and thermal cycling. The critical adhesion energy depends linearly on BCB thickness, increasing from 19 J/m2 to 31 J/m2 as the BCB thickness increases from 0.4 μm to 2.6 μm, when bonding silicon wafers coated with plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) silicon dioxide (SiO2). In thermal cycling performed with 350 and 400 oC peak temperatures, the significant increase in critical adhesion energy at the interface between BCB and PECVD SiO2 during the first thermal cycle is attributed to relaxation of residual stress in the PECVD SiO2 layer. On the other hand, the critical adhesion energy at the interface between BCB and PECVD silicon nitride (SiNx) decreases due to the increase of residual stress in the PECVD SiNx layer during the first thermal cycle.
North Central Cancer Treatment Group--Mayo Clinic trials in colon cancer.

Abstract The adjuvant treatment of colon cancer is now accepted as an effective therapy following surgical resection of the primary tumor in patients at high risk for relapse. Results of studies conducted in the last 10 years have confirmed the benefits of using various 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy regimens to decrease recurrence rates and improve patient survival. The North Central Cancer Treatment Group-Mayo Clinic studies have made a significant contribution to establishing the role of adjuvant therapy in colon cancer. Our first study to suggest the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage III disease was reported in 1989. The study used a combination of 5-FU and the anthelminthic agent levamisole, tested because of its ability to positively modulate the human cellular immune system. The results of this study were confirmed by a larger Intergroup study (0035) showing significant decreases in relapse and death rates in stage III colon cancer patients treated with 5-FU plus levamisole compared with surgery alone. Clinical trials conducted throughout the 1990s tested various 5-FU based regimens against the standard 5-FU and levamisole combination. From these trials, the combination of 5-FU plus leucovorin emerged as the standard surgical adjuvant treatment of colon cancer. The efficacy of treatment with this regimen for 6 months was similar to that of a 1-year 5-FU plus levamisole regimen. These findings led to the design of trials in which 5-FU was combined with both leucovorin and levamisoie. No differences in efficacy were found in any of the various combinations tested. Current clinical trials are investigating the use of newer agents such as CPT-II in the adjuvant setting. The results of these trials may further improve the efficacy of adjuvant therapy in patients with high-risk colon cancer.
Position and Magnetic Field Angle Dependent $I_{\rm c}$ for Long-Length Coated Conductors

To measure the critical current of a long coated conductor tape as a function of angle, Ic(thetas), where thetas is the angle between the magnetic field B and the c-axis direction, we have solved the problems of measurement system geometry, size, and cost by developing a cryogenic rotator containing permanent magnets to change the angle of the applied field. Central magnetic fields of 0.3 T and 0.53 T have been generated. For position dependent measurements, a device, similar in design to a large audio cassette, translates the superconductor tape through the magnetic field region. To demonstrate the usefulness of this device, we present results on the position-dependent critical current anisotropy at 75 K for a 5 m long YBCO coated conductor.
Linearity Test of Analog-to-Digital Converters Using Kalman Filtering

This work introduces an efficient code-density linearity testing algorithm for ADCs that can achieve high accuracy within short test time. The proposed algorithm uses Kalman filtering to suppress the effect of errors in the histogram counts based on characteristics of input noise and circuit mismatches. Appropriate versions of the algorithm for ADCs of flash and pipelined architectures are introduced respectively. Simulation results show that this approach can reduce the INLk estimation error by over 50% and achieve desired accuracy with a much smaller number of samples as compared to the conventional algorithm. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can significantly shorten the linearity test time by a factor of 10 or higher. Therefore, it can enable test and help maintain the quality of high-performance ADCs, and reduce the production test time and cost for medium and low resolution ADCs.
The Role of Cholesterol and Statins in Alzheimer's Disease

OBJECTIVE:To briefly discuss the impact of elevated total and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels, as well as the potential relationship of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) use, on the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD).DATA SOURCES:Biomedical literature was accessed through MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1966–June 2003). The authors independently reviewed literature for possible inclusion in this article.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:Clinical studies were selected and reviewed from the data sources, with special emphasis on those dealing with statin use and AD.DATA SYNTHESIS:The impact of AD is significant, as it is rapidly becoming one of our country's most debilitating and costly diseases. Data from epidemiologic trials indicate that statins may have some protective effect against the development of AD. These trials also allude to theories regarding possible mechanisms of action for this use, data implicating possible superiority of on...
Modifying climate change habitat models using tree species-specific assessments of model uncertainty and life history-factors

Species distribution models (SDMs) to evaluate trees' potential responses to climate change are essential for developing appropriate forest management strategies. However, there is a great need to better under- stand these models' limitations and evaluate their uncertainties. We have previously developed statisti- cal models of suitable habitat, based on both species' range and abundance, to better understand potential changes of 134 tree species habitats in the eastern United States (http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/ atlas). Our focus here is to build on these results via a more robust assessment framework called modi- fication factors (ModFacs) that is made up of five components. ModFac 1 addresses nine biological characteristics (e.g., shade tolerance and seedling establishment) that quantify the influence of species life-history traits. ModFac 2 considers 12 disturbance characteristics (e.g., insect pests, drought, and fire topkill) which address the capacity of a species to tolerate and respond to climate-induced changes in habitat. ModFac 3-5 distill the tree SDM results and facilitate communication of model uncertainty; we quantified the variability in projected change for General Circulation Models (GCM) and emissions scenarios (ModFac 3), the extent to which each species' habitat intersects novel climate conditions (Mod- Fac4), and accounted for long-distance extrapolations beyond a species' current range (ModFac5). The life-history components of ModFacs 1 and 2 demonstrate the marked variability among species in terms of biological and disturbance characteristics, suggesting diverse abilities to adapt to climate change. ModFacs 3-5 show that the information from the SDMs can be enhanced by quantifying the variability associated with specific GCM/emission scenarios, the emergence of novel climates for particular tree spe- cies, and the distances of species habitat shifts with climate change. The ModFacs framework has high interpretive value when considered in conjunction with the outputs of species habitat models for this century. Importantly, the intention of this assessment was not to create a static scoring system, but to broadly assess species characteristics that likely will play an important role in adaptation to climate change. We believe these scores based on biological, disturbance, and model synthesis factors provide an important expansion of interpretive and practical value to habitat model projections.
Sexual Victimization Using Latent Class Analysis: Exploring Patterns and Psycho-Behavioral Correlates

Sexual victimization is prevalent in the United States and overrepresented among adolescents. Research typically assesses victimization on a continuum of severity and rarely examines patterns of victimization within an individual. Using latent class analysis, the present study investigated whether meaningful classes of sexual victimization could be found based on the tactic used and severity of sexual behavior. Personal characteristics and psycho-behavioral outcomes were explored as they related to victimization classes. Peer sexual coercion experiences were examined among 657 racially diverse high school and college students, and four classes were identified: non-victims (54%), manipulated and forced fondle/intercourse (27%), poly-victimization (9.5%), and forced fondling (9.5%). Sexual victimization classes were significantly characterized in regards to childhood sexual abuse, gender, and age. The poly-victimization class (i.e., verbal coercion, substance facilitated, and physical force resulting in completed intercourse) showed the greatest level of psycho-behavioral consequences with significantly lower self-esteem, higher psychological distress, and more sexual risk taking than all other classes. The manipulated and forced class also showed significantly lower self-esteem than non-victims. Findings provide important implications for understanding patterns of sexual victimization and related consequences to help target interventions more effectively.
Preclinical whole body time domain fluorescence lifetime multiplexing of fluorescent proteins

The application of time domain (TD) fluorescence lifetime multiplexing for the detection of fluorescent proteins (FPs) in whole animals, in the presence of a strong background tissue autofluorescence and excitation light leakage is discussed. Tissue autofluorescence (AF) exhibits a nonexponential temporal response, distinct from the mono-exponential decay of FPs. This allows a direct separation of FP fluorescence from AF using a dual basis function approach. We establish the detection limits of this approach using in vitro and in vivo measurements. We also demonstrate, using an experimental model of lymph node metastasis, that FP-AF lifetime multiplexing provides a greater than 30-fold improvement in contrast-to-background ratio compared with continuous wave data. In addition, we show that TD detection can simultaneously discriminate between up to three red shifted FPs placed under the skin of a nude mouse based on their distinct fluorescence lifetimes.
Fabrication of Synaptotagmin II-Functionalized Neuromimetic Copolymeric Nanomembranes

Nanoscale copolymer membranes that mimic the innate structure and properties of biological lipid membranes possessing hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements to support protein folding were used for a fundamental examination of protein—polymer integration. This study has integrated the neural synaptotagmin II (Syt II) protein, a documented target of the hemagglutinin-33 (Hn-33) protein associated with botulinum neurotoxin type A during the infection process, into polymethyloxazoline—polydimethylsiloxane—polymethyloxazoline nanomembranes. By integrating Syt II into block copolymer membranes, we have developed a neural mimetic membrane toward Hn-33 targeting the applications in nanomaterial-mediated detection. This technology can serve as a robust stand-alone platform for toxin diagnostic studies, or as a coating for integration with micro-/nanofabricated devices and electrodes for protein—protein interaction-based detection. To assess enhanced membrane complexity and toxin specificity, studies assessing the c...
Differential Expression of Genes in the Endometrium at Implantation: Upregulation of a Novel Member of the E2 Class of Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes

The process of embryo attachment and implantation is accompanied by dramatic cellular and functional changes in the endometrium, the control and mechanisms of which are not clearly understood. The cDNA cloning of differentially expressed genes, specifically at implantation sites in the rabbit endometrium, was used to identify genes controlling functional and remodeling changes. Tissue from the endometrium of Day 6(3/4) (preimplantation) and Day 8 (implantation initiation) pregnant rabbits was used to screen for differentially expressed genes by combined cDNA subtraction/suppressive hybridization. Twenty-nine differentially expressed genes were identified encoding protein modification enzymes, signaling proteins, structural proteins, and enzymes. One of these is a novel member of the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme family we have designated UBCi (i for implantation), which displayed dramatic nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence conservation between rabbits, humans, and mice. In situ hybridization indicated UBCi expression exclusively in the luminal epithelium of the endometrium while glandular epithelium, trophoblast, and myometrium were negative. Expression was specific for epithelial cells at implantation sites and was not detected in non-implant-site endometrium. UBCi mRNA was detected in both the mesometrial and antimesometrial epithelial cells of the implantation sites, sites undergoing both differentiation and/or apoptosis. These results identify a group of differentially expressed genes in the endometrium including UBCi and provide new focal targets for studying processes controlling cellular remodeling during implantation. The important roles of ubiquitination in controlling the activities and turnover of key signaling proteins suggest potential roles in controlling critical aspects of implantation.
Directional Self‐Assembly of a Colloidal Metal–Organic Framework

Materials science is at an early stage of learning to employ anisotropic interaction in self-assembly. One important approach towards this goal involves the study of nm-sized particles, but we note two limitations: first that this is a rather special case as the range of inter-particle interaction in suspensions is typically likewise nm in size, and secondly that the diffraction limit precludes visualizing adjacent nm-sized particles optically at the single-particle level. Among the various nm-sized particles that are known, polyhedra are particularly interesting. That new structures might result from the self-assembly of polyhedra was suggested by Monte Carlo simulation predictions of various non-trivial ordered structures or complex mesophase structures. Here, we report an experimental approach to extend the self-assembly of polyhedra to larger, colloidal scales. Metal-based particles have already been designed to this end; here we consider a different class of materials, which may offer a greater variety of colloidal building blocks and attainable applications. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) or porous coordination polymers (PCPs) are recently developed materials prepared by co-crystallization of metal ions and bridging organic ligands; they offer a wide range of potential applications, among them gas storage, separation, catalysis, and drug delivery. These might be augmented if combined with aspects of particle self-assembly, which presents several potential advantages. First, the extension of MOF features to mm-size scales may allow interesting interactions with light, enabling photonic and sensing applications. Second, the extension to the volume included in mm-sized particles may allow interesting gas and other adsorption/ release features that because the positions of the particles can be controlled, goes beyond present-day applications in which MOF elements are fixed in space. Third, the nontrivial, nonspherical shapes of mm-sized MOFs may be useful for surface patterning and surface templating. While it is true that these applications remain to be realized, they provide motivation for studies of this kind. The robustness and high porosity of MOFs are suited for colloidal self-assembly, in which materials should have chemical/physical stability in liquid dispersion; moreover, sedimentation should be a minor issue as the density of MOFs is close to that of most solvents. Here we show the first example of supraparticle self-assembly of MOF crystals. A directional facet-to-facet attraction between particles through simple capillary or van der Waals attractions leads to the formation of well-defined clusters and hexagonal arrangements (Figure 1).
Efficacy of a new bronchodilator, soterenol, on experimental locked-lung syndrome in dogs

Abstract An experimental model resembling the "locked-lung syndrome" in humans has been produced in dogs, and the efficacy of soterenol, a new bronchodilator agent, has been studied. In a group of dogs in which isoproterenol was either ineffective or caused bronchoconstriction, soterenol, administered intravenously, intraduodenally, or given as an aerosol, effectively reduced bronchial airway resistance. A possible adverse action of isoproterenol on CO 2 retention, which was corrected by soterenol, and other mechanisms which may be involved in producing a refractory state to isoproterenol have been discussed.
The Gateway Channel: Outage Analysis

We consider a relay that simultaneously assists multiple source-destination pairs that do not have a direct link, which we denote the gateway channel, and explore the sum capacity of this network in the presence of quasi-static fading. In the absence of transmitter-side channel state information (CSI), we study superpostion as well as orthogonal channel access. In the presence of transmitter CSI, we consider opportunistic channel access with full CSI, as well as limited CSI via a 1- bit feedback (per user). In each case, the outage capacity and the diversity-multiplexing tradeoff are calculated. It is observed that orthogonal channel access is almost as good as superposition coding, and that opportunistic access provides significant gains. It is shown that a 1-bit feedback per user captures most of the gains available in opportunistic communication.
Managing dyslipidaemia - multiple patients and multiple approaches: metabolic syndrome, familial hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension

High risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) events is present in a number of patient populations in addition to those with pre-existing CHD, other atherosclerotic disease or diabetes. Patients with the metabolic syndrome are at increased CHD risk and require attention to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering in addition to management of hypertriglyceridaemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-lipid risk factors. Patients with hypertension in addition to other cardiovascular risk factors are at increased risk of CHD and have recently been shown to derive marked benefit from statin treatment. Patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, characterised by dramatically raised LDL-C and high risk for early CHD, require large reductions in LDL-C to meet recommended target levels, and newer statins possess the LDL-C-lowering efficacy to bring many of these patients to such goals. Identification of high-risk patients and prompt institution of appropriate management strategies can serve to reduce the overall burden of cardiovascular disease.
Nitroglycerin-controlled circulation in orthognathic surgery.

Abstract Significant blood loss is a potential complication of maxillary osteotomies and maxillary and mandibular osteotomies. Controlling circulation by lowering blood pressure is a technique that has been used successfully to avoid this problem. Of the various agents available, nitroglycerin was chosen because of its known beneficial cardiovascular effects and its lack of toxicity as compared with sodium nitroprusside. Nine patients under-going either maxillary or maxillary/mandibular osteotomies were anesthetized with halothane, N2O, O2, and supplemental doses of a muscle relaxant and narcotic. Nitroglycerin was used to lower mean arterial pressure during periods of potential increased blood loss. Estimated blood loss was 439 ± 1.19 ml. The hemoglobin and hematocrit fell slightly from 13.8 ± 1.74 g/dl and 41.2 ± 5.11% to 12.04 ± 1.8 g/dl and 35.6 ± 4.9%. Attenuation of the pulmonary hypoxic vasoconstriction reflex was also seen, as was evidenced by a decrease in PaO2 after nitroglycerin administration. It was concluded that nitroglycerin is a safe and efficacious agent for controlled circulation during maxillary osteotomy surgery.
We are teaching engineering students what they need to know, aren't we?

Based in Eccles expectancy-value motivational theory, this research qualitatively examines engineering faculty members' beliefs about which skills are important for their students' success as future engineers, how these skills are taught, and if the students have these skills upon graduation. Consistent with ABET outcome criteria, the results show that faculty participants believe technical, interpersonal, self-regulatory, and social responsibility skills are important. They believe students have some but not all of these skills at graduation. The participants believe students learn these skills through course content, learning environment and through observing faculty modeling these desired behaviors. The faculty report that they actively and transparently teach course content, but are less explicit about the balance of the skills in their teaching.
Telephone Counseling Helps Maintain Long-Term Adherence to a High-Vegetable Dietary Pattern

Achieving long-term adherence to a dietary pattern is a challenge in many studies investigating the relationship between diet and disease. The Women’s Healthy Eating and Living Study was a multi-institutional randomized trial in 3088 women at risk for breast cancer recurrence. At baseline, the average participant followed a healthy dietary pattern of 7 vegetable and fruit servings, 21 g/d of fiber, and 28.7% energy from fat, although fat intake increased over the enrollment period. Using primarily telephone counseling, the intervention group was encouraged to substantially increase intakes of vegetables, fruits, and fiber while decreasing fat intake. Sets of 24-h dietary recalls were completed on 90% of eligible participants at 1 y and 86% at 4 y. Using a conservative imputation analysis, at 1 y, the intervention group consumed 38% more vegetable servings (100% when including juice) than the comparison group, 20% more fruit, 38% more fiber, 50% more legumes, and 30% more whole grain foods, with a 20% lower intake of energy from fat. At 4 y, the between-group differences were 65% for vegetables (including juice), 25% fruit, 30% fiber, 40% legumes, 30% whole grain foods, and 13% lower intake of energy from fat. The intervention effect on fat intake was similar for early vs. late enrollees. Plasma carotenoid concentrations on a random 28% sample validated self-reported vegetable and fruit intake, with a between-group difference of 66% at 1 y and over 40% at 4 y. This large change will allow testing of hypotheses on the role of dietary change in preventing additional breast cancer events.
Interannual Variations of the Intraseasonal Oscillation in the South Asian Summer Monsoon Region

Abstract It is noted that the behavior of the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) of the south Asian monsoon varies from year to year. An index representing seasonally averaged ISO activity is developed using outgoing longwave radiation data for the period 1975–97. Interannual variations in ISO activity are found to be related to year-to-year changes in the number of discrete events rather than to changes in the characteristic period. Summertime ISO activity exhibits a reasonably strong inverse relationship with Indian monsoon strength but not with total south Asian monsoon strength primarily because of a lack of correlation between ISO activity and the Bay of Bengal component of the south Asian monsoon. Over the 22-yr period examined here, the relationship between Indian monsoon strength and ISO activity is comparable to or even stronger than the well-documented relationship with El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). However, summertime ISO activity is found to be relatively uncorrelated with ENSO except for ...
A COMPARISON OF THE OCCURRENCE AND IMPACT OF SELECTED FORMS OF ASSISTANCE AS PROVIDED BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL TO THREE COHORTS OF BEGINNING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION TEACHERS

Assorted forms of beginning teacher assistance are regularly provided by school district personnel through formal teacher orientation and induction programs. Retention of quality teachers is often the initial goal of many induction programs (Gold,1996; Sweeny,2001; Joerger & Boettcher,2000). Improved teacher performance, and personal and professional well-being are additional important reasons for providing quality teacher induction programs (Gold,1996; Brewster & Railsback,2001; Sweeny,2001). Thoughtfully designed induction activities and programs are warranted since the turbulent first years of teaching have a major impact upon the initial experience of beginning teachers. The initial experiences of the beginning teacher with their students, school environment, and roles as a teacher are deeply imprinted and drawn upon as reference points throughout the initial stages of their career (Gold,1996). Therefore, the practice of school districts providing beginning teachers with support and assistance during the initial years is needed to ensure that the early imprinted teaching experiences are positive and gratifying.
Do Broad-Based Option Compensation Plans Improve Future Firm Performance for Technology and Non-Technology Firms?

We examine the relation between non-executive option compensation and future firm performance. As broad-based plans have become increasingly prevalent in the compensation landscape, our findings may help managers and shareholders evaluate the potential benefits of providing more inclusive option compensation plans. We also extend prior research linking executive option compensation to future firm performance by extending the definition of performance to include both earnings and cash flows. Our cash flow analyses provide support for other research linking option compensation to stock price and returns. Consistent with prior research, we find a positive payoff for executive options; one dollar of options granted to top executives leads to future operating income (cash flow) of $2.58 ($2.36). However, future operating income (cash flow) is only $0.40 ($1.15) for one dollar option value granted to non-executive employees suggesting that broad-based option compensation plans result in a negative or no payoff to shareholders, on average. We also provide evidence of that the payoff to option compensation differs in technology versus non-technology firms.
G protein-coupled receptors as targets for anti-diabetic therapeutics

The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing worldwide, and these two metabolic disorders are closely linked. Lifestyle modification, including weight loss and exercise, are effective treatments for T2D, but, unfortunately, most patients are unsuccessful at maintaining durable weight reduction and recidivism is all too common. Therefore, safe and efficacious drugs are required for the successful treatment of T2D in a large proportion of patients. Targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in metabolic tissues - such as adipose tissue, liver, muscle, pancreatic islets, immune cells and the central nervous system - has emerged as a key target for current and future anti-diabetic compounds. This Opinion focuses on the potential of GPCRs as targets for the discovery of new drugs to successfully treat T2D.
A role for bHLH transcription factors in retinal degeneration and dysfunction.

The basic helix loop helix (bHLH) transcription factors collectively mediate cellular differentiation in almost every type of tissue including the retina (Murre et al. 1989; Jan and Jan 1993; Cepko 1999). Class A factors are ubiquitously expressed throughout mammalian tissue, while the expression of class B factors are cell type specific. These factors have both a DNA binding domain and helix loop helix domain (HLH) protein dimerization domain. Class B factors usually heterodimerize with the ubiquitously expressed, bHLH factors, such as E12/E47. Because of their importance during photoreceptor development, bHLH factors are candidate genes for photoreceptor degeneration. We have examined the roles of two bHLH factors, both which are expressed during retinal development, but also share the property of continued expression in the adult retina.
Superoxide anion generation by in situ perfused rat liver: effect of in vivo endotoxin

A simple method is described to monitor the superoxide dismutase (SOD)-inhibitable production of superoxide anion (O2-.) in the liver. The isolated rat liver was perfused in situ with ferricytochrome c, and the reduction of this substrate during perfusion was determined. Within 30 s after the introduction of the substrate, significant reduction of ferricytochrome c was observed and stabilized at 2-4 min. A marked reduction of the substrate was observed in the livers of rats that received Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg/kg) in vivo 3 h before liver perfusion. Ferricytochrome c reduction was inhibited by SOD, but not significantly with allopurinol or deferoxamine mesylate in the livers of LPS-treated rats. Control livers exhibited only a small reduction of the substrate, and this was not significantly inhibited by SOD. After in vivo LPS administration, O2-. production peaked in the liver at 3 h (6.6 nmol/min) and returned toward normal at 6 h (1 nmol/min) after endotoxin. The amount of O2-. generated by the endotoxic livers was dose related. At 3 h post-LPS, neutrophil infiltration and necrotic areas were found in the histological sections of the liver with concomitant elevation of serum aminotransferases, indicating hepatic abnormalities during the early stage of endotoxemia. Phorbol myristate acetate in the perfusion system markedly enhanced O2-. generation in the endotoxic liver. These results show that the perfused rat liver can be used to measure O2-. generation following in vivo stimuli. The data also demonstrate that O2-. release after LPS treatment in vivo is a short and early event and may have an important role in hepatic injury in endotoxemic conditions.
Impact of Halide Ions on Natural Organic Matter-Sensitized Photolysis of 17β-Estradiol in Saline Waters

Indirect (sensitized) photolysis by natural organic matter (NOM), mainly from terrestrial sources, can be an important mechanism for attenuation of organic contaminants in estuarine waters, but the effect of salt gradients has been poorly investigated. We studied Suwannee River NOM-sensitized photolysis of 17β-estradiol (E2) in freshwater and saline media. Indirect photolysis by 4 mg-C/L SRNOM was much faster than direct photolysis, and quenching by sorbic acid verified the importance of triplet-excited NOM chromophores. Increasing halide concentrations up to seawater levels decreased the photolysis rate by 90%, with approximately 70% of this decrease associated with ionic strength effects, and the remainder due to halide-specific effects. Bromide (0.8 mM in seawater) accounted for 70% of the halide-specific effect. Halide promotion of NOM chromophore photobleaching was shown to play a major role in the halide-specific effect. Compared to chromophore bleaching, indirect photolysis of E2 was 230% faster in...
A Hybrid Finite Difference-Finite Volume Approach and Its Applications to Inviscid Compressible Flows

A recently developed finite difference-finite volume (FD-FV) approach to solve hyperbolic conservation laws is extended to two-dimensional unstructured grids and its numerical performance is assessed. The FD-FV schemes differ from conventional numerical methods that both nodal values and cell-averaged values are dependent variables and evolved in time. Under this framework, the FD-FV methods: (1) are naturally numerically conservative for cell-averaged values; (2) extend to high-order accuracy straightforwardly; (3) have superior spatial accuracy compared to conventional FD methods and FV methods, for example, a simple two-point upwind discrete differential operator leads to second-order accuracy in space. The previous FD-FV schemes are described in one-dimensional case, and their extensions to multiple dimensions are achieved on structured meshes via tensor product of 1D operators. In this work, the method is extended to two-dimensional triangular meshes; and the numerical performance is assessed by solving subsonic inviscid compressible flow past the NACA 2412 airfoil. Extension to three-dimensional tetrahedral mesh is straightforward.
The Relationship Between Oxygen Reserve Index and Arterial Partial Pressure of Oxygen During Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The use of intraoperative pulse oximetry (Spo2) enhances hypoxia detection and is associated with fewer perioperative hypoxic events. However, Spo2 may be reported as 98% when arterial partial pressure of oxygen (Pao2) is as low as 70 mm Hg. Therefore, Spo2 may not provide advance warning of falling arterial oxygenation until Pao2 approaches this level. Multiwave pulse co-oximetry can provide a calculated oxygen reserve index (ORI) that may add to information from pulse oximetry when Spo2 is >98%. This study evaluates the ORI to Pao2 relationship during surgery.
Deficiency of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α-positive cells in Hirschsprung's disease colon

Deficiency of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α-positive cells in Hirschsprung's disease colon
Investigation and Analysis of CSL Learners' Pragmatic Acquisition

Through an analysis of the responding to compliments,this paper has examined the acquisition of pragmatic competence by heritage and non-heritage CSL learners in USA.It is concluded that their pragmatic competence of the second language can be improved through class training and such competence is related to learning motivation,identity and the mother-tongue influence.
Study on biosorption of cesium ion by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The original strains,Saccharomyces cerevisiae CGMCC 2.1188,cultivated by malt extract were irradiated by ~(60)Co source and the growth characteristics including the radiation resistance and the acid alkali-resistance were studied.The effects of pH value,temperature and time on the biosorption were studied.The results show that the radiation hardly influences the growth of the strain and the optimum growth pH value is 7.0. With pH value of 7.0,temperature at 30℃,and soaking time for 120 minutes,the cesium ions biosorption reaches the maximum.This study reveals that Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be applied to the treatment of wastewater with low concentration of cesium ions.
Use of Fire Regimes at the Ecoregion Scale

Fire-excluded ecosystems are prone to changes in composition and density and are susceptible to catastrophic fire and invasion by nonnative species. The cause of the problem in many areas includes more than a century of fire exclusion and suppression along with increased human development at the wildland-urban interface. Grazing and logging have also contributed to this problem.
Extracellular matrix fibronectin mediates an endothelial cell response to shear stress via the heparin-binding, matricryptic RWRPK sequence of FNIII1H

Endothelial cells (EC) respond to mechanical forces such as shear stress in a variety of ways, one of which is cytoskeletal realignment in the direction of flow. Our earlier studies implicated the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin in mechanosensory signaling to ECs in intact arterioles, via a signaling pathway dependent on the heparin-binding region of the first type III repeat of fibrillar fibronectin (FNIII1H). Here we test the hypothesis that FNIII1H is required for EC stress fiber realignment under flow. Human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) exposed to defined flow conditions were used as a well-characterized model of this stress fiber alignment response. Our results directly implicate FNIII1H in realignment of stress fibers in HUVECs and, importantly, show that the matricryptic heparin-binding RWRPK sequence located in FNIII1 is required for the response. Furthermore, we show that flow-mediated stress fiber realignment in ECs adhered via α5β1-integrin-specific ligands does not occur in the absence of FHIII1H, whereas, in contrast, αvβ3-integrin-mediated stress fiber realignment under flow does not require FNIII1H. Our findings thus indicate that there are two separate mechanosignaling pathways mediating the alignment of stress fibers after exposure of ECs to flow, one dependent on αvβ3-integrins and one dependent on FNIII1H. This study strongly supports the conclusion that the RWRPK region of FNIII1H may have broad capability as a mechanosensory signaling site.
Making 360° Video Watchable in 2D: Learning Videography for Click Free Viewing

360&#xb0; Video requires human viewers to actively control where to look while watching the video. Although it provides a more immersive experience of the visual content, it also introduces additional burden for viewers, awkward interfaces to navigate the video lead to suboptimal viewing experiences. Virtual cinematography is an appealing direction to remedy these problems, but conventional methods are limited to virtual environments or rely on hand-crafted heuristics. We propose a new algorithm for virtual cinematography that automatically controls a virtual camera within a 360&#xb0; video. Compared to the state of the art, our algorithm allows more general camera control, avoids redundant outputs, and extracts its output videos substantially more efficiently. Experimental results on over 7 hours of real in the wild video show that our generalized camera control is crucial for viewing 360&#xb0; video, while the proposed efficient algorithm is essential for making the generalized control computationally tractable.
Genetic structure, diversity, and hybridization in populations of the rare arctic relict Euphrasia hudsoniana (Orobanchaceae) and its invasive congener Euphrasia stricta

Arctic relict populations, which persist in disjunct locations far south of a species’ normal range, are at the frontline of climate change and may be especially susceptible to the negative impacts of climate warming. Further, these relict populations may face increasing contact with, or become outcompeted by, invasive species if the invasive taxa are spreading along with the warming climate. Relict populations are simultaneously of particular conservation importance due to their unique genetic make-up and potential for adaptations to warmer temperatures compared to populations at the core of the species range. In this study, we used genotyping-by-sequencing to study the population genetics of Euphrasia hudsoniana, a polyploid arctic disjunct of conservation concern, at the southern edge of its range along the northwestern shore of Lake Superior. In addition, we examined evidence for hybridization with its invasive congener, E. stricta. Overall, we found clear differentiation between the native and invasive species indicated by nearly all analyses. There was limited evidence for gene flow from the invasive into the native species, but patterns were consistent with more extensive gene flow in the opposite direction. Differentiation among native populations was low, yet two of the five populations fell into a separate, distinct group based on STRUCTURE analyses. Continued genetic monitoring of these populations will help elucidate whether hybridization with invasives is a burgeoning threat for this arctic relict.
Intersections of Technological and Regulatory Zones in Regenerative Medicine

This chapter situates contemporary debates over regenerative medicine governance within a broader framework, taking intersections with economic, political, and other kinds of technological zones into account. With the inherent complexities of regenerative medicine products, the advent of techniques such as gene editing and tissue organoids, and pragmatic problems of scaling-up cell manufacturing, conventional ways of thinking about and producing evidence are challenged. At the same time, the push to speed product approvals endures, but now in political and economic environments that include differing attitudes toward risk and patients’ roles in decision-making. The chapter highlights how crossing technological and political zones, data-driven approaches plus a return to observational data in particular are being incorporated into US regulatory law and product review.
Abstract 16656: Cardiosphere-derived Cell Exosomes Reduce Proinflammatory Gene Expression and Enhance Efferocytosis of Macrophages to Reduce Infarct Size Following Ischemia-reperfusion Injury

Introduction: Cardiosphere-Derived Cells (CDCs) are cardioprotective against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury if delivered within 20-30 min of reperfusion (Kanazawa et al, Circ HF 2015; de Couto e...
Aesthetic Humanism: Poetry’s Role in the Work of Friedrich Schlegel and Schopenhauer

Poetry was central to the work of both Friedrich Schlegel and Schopenhauer. I analyze the role poetry played in each thinker’s work, arguing that in both thinkers we find the development of a kind of aesthetic humanism born of their deep respect for the role of poetry in philosophy.
Simulation of a Multidimensional Input Quantum Perceptron

In this work, we demonstrate the improved data separation capabilities of the Multidimensional Input Quantum Perceptron (MDIQP), a fundamental cell for the construction of more complex Quantum Artificial Neural Networks (QANNs). This is done by using input controlled alterations of ancillary qubits in combination with phase estimation and learning algorithms. The MDIQP is capable of processing quantum information and classifying multidimensional data that may not be linearly separable, extending the capabilities of the classical perceptron. With this powerful component, we get much closer to the achievement of a feedforward multilayer QANN, which would be able to represent and classify arbitrary sets of data (both quantum and classical).
Aerosols and vapours

This chapter shows similarities and differences between aerosols and gases, and how one deals with them in the industrial hygiene context. The treatment is largely qualitative. In some industrial hygiene cases, some volatile substances may, depending on their vapor pressure, exist simultaneously as airborne contaminants in the forms of both aerosol and vapor. Unlike for aerosols, where there is a wide range of physical mechanisms that can be brought to bear in separating the particles from the air, the sole mechanism available for gas molecules is diffusion. . For clean air flowing through a tube, one may see from kinetic theory that there are interactions between the gas molecules and the wall of the tube. The Davies model takes account of the air flow in the nasopharyngeal (extrathoracic), tracheobronchial, and alveolar regions of the human respiratory tract, and embodies the roles of molecular diffusion and solubility of contaminant molecules in transport towards and adsorption at the respiratory tract wall.