cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconsidering rumen microbial consortia to enhance feed efficiency and reduce environmental impact of ruminant livestock production systems

Because cultivation-based approaches to assess rumen microbiology assess only the minority of microbial groups and can miss opportunities to assess important functions, molecular-based approaches have flourished in microbial ecology and have been adapted to the rumen. Current approaches are described herein, specifically for a robust adaptation to nutrition studies or future opportunities. These included automated profiling techniques, density gradient gel electrophoresis, and future adaption of microarray or high-throughput sequencing technologies. Based on current knowledge, a more holistic approach is needed to describe various functional groups of microbes within the context of how they influence, and are influenced by, the whole consortium (combination of microbial groups). Such a perspective is applied to issues related to increasing fiber digestibility when feeding concentrate or unsaturated fats to high producing beef and dairy cattle. These same microbial populations should help to provide growth factors for fibrolytic bacteria while competing against the hyperammonia-producing bacteria such that there would be less need for excessive rumen-degraded protein as a safety factor. Moreover, these same dietary conditions influence the processes of biohydrogenation and methanogenesis. After accounting for population structures of bacteria, protozoa, methanogenic archaea, and even fungi, efforts to integrate molecular-based rumen microbial ecology with dietary conditions should allow us to better explain and therefore predict conditions that will improve feed efficiency and reduce environmental impact of ruminant production systems.
Relationships among perceptions of parent involvement, time allocation, and demographic characteristics: Implication for policy formation

Variables that facilitate or hinder parent involvement (PI) in education and schools were explored, along with the amounts of time parents spent in various activities. A total of 506 participants from San Diego and Imperial Counties completed the first part of the study (1) designed to assess parents' beliefs about involvement with their child's school and education. Of these same participants, 357 self-selected parents also chose to complete a second part of the study (2) that assessed the amount of time parents spend in education-related activities. Factor analysis of the 506 participant responses revealed four school perception factors related to parent attitudes: (a) communication, (b) familiarity, (c) sensitivity, and (d) support. Factor analysis of the 357 participant responses to the time factors also revealed four involvement areas: (a) general school issues, (b) specific school issues, (c) extracurricular school activities, and (d) specific help. Significant relationships were found among three of the attitudinal factors (sensitivity, familiarity, and support) and various time factors, including total involvement time, general issues, specific problems, and extracurricular issues. Further, significant differences among means were found for both the school perception factors and the time factors based on ethnic background, income, and marital status. Recommendations for increasing parent involvement and formulating public policy are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Arginine Vasopressin–Mediated Stimulation of Nitric Oxide Within the Rat Renal Medulla

Abstract —The present study was designed to determine whether arginine vasopressin (AVP) can stimulate nitric oxide (NO) production within the renal medulla and thereby modulate renal medullary blood flow. An in vivo microdialysis/NO trapping technique was used to determine changes in medullary interstitial [NO]. AVP (2 ng/kg per minute) was delivered into the renal medullary interstitium and resulted in a significant increase in renal medullary [NO] of 35%, which was blocked by pretreatment with nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (1.3 μg/kg per minute) administered into the renal medullary interstitium. The vasopressin V 2 receptor agonist 1-desamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) resulted in a significant increase of 32% in renal medullary interstitial [NO]. No change in renal medullary interstitial [NO] was observed after selective vasopressin V 1 receptor stimulation. Laser-Doppler flowmetry with implanted optical fibers was performed to measure cortical and medullary blood flow changes within the kidney. Renal interstitial infusion of dDAVP in rats pretreated with a vasopressin V 1 receptor antagonist resulted in a 15% increase ( P 2 receptor stimulation, which in turn elevates blood flow to the renal medulla.
Exact distributed Voronoi cell computation in sensor networks

Distributed computation of Voronoi cells in sensor networks, i.e. computing the locus of points in a sensor field closest to a given sensor, is a key building block that supports a number of applications in both the data and control planes. For example, knowledge of Voronoi cells facilitates efficient methods for computing the piece-wise approximation of a field, whereby each sensor acts as a representative for the set of points in its Voronoi cell; awareness of Voronoi boundaries and Voronoi neighbors is also useful in load balancing and energy conservation. The methods currently advocated for distributed Voronoi computation in sensor networks are heuristic approximations that can introduce significant inaccuracies that are difficult to rigorously quantify; we demonstrate that these methods may err by a factor of 5 or more in some circumstances. We present and prove an exact method which eliminates these inaccuracies, at the cost of increased messaging overhead, but without necessitating contact with the entire network. To our knowledge, this is the first distributed algorithm that computes accurate Voronoi cells without requiring all-to-all communication. We implement it as a TinyOS module and quantitatively analyze its performance.
The 26S Proteasomal ATPases: Structure, Function, Regulation, and Potential for Cancer Therapies

The 26S proteasome is the only protein degradation machine in the cell that selectively degrades proteins, and as such it regulates the vast majority of cellular processes (e.g., cell proliferation, differentiation, transcription, and signal transduction), and it is essential for cell survival. The multistep process of protein degradation by the 26S proteasome begins with the recognition of substrates by the 19S regulatory particle and ends with their degradation inside the 20S core particle. Inhibitors of the 20S proteolytic sites (e.g., by bortezomib and carfilzomib) have proven useful for the treatment of hematological cancers, especially multiple myeloma, where bortezomib is used as a first-line treatment. However, relapse typically occurs in these patients and drug resistance is observed. Alternative therapeutic targets within the 26S proteasome—especially in 19S regulatory complex—are highly attractive due to the proven requirement for ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation in multiple myeloma. Because the 19S regulatory particle must catalyze a complex multiple step processes to stimulate the degradation of proteins, there are many attractive sites that could be targeted for new cancer therapies. We summarize recent developments in our understanding of the structure, function, and regulation of the 19S ATPases complex and the potential for pharmacological manipulation of the 19S and its ATPases to develop new classes of compounds that inhibit proteasomal regulation rather than global protein degradation, which we expect will have therapeutic advantages.
Characterization of the effects of x-ray irradiation on the hierarchical structure and mechanical properties of human cortical bone

Bone comprises a complex structure of primarily collagen, hydroxyapatite and water, where each hierarchical structural level contributes to its strength, ductility and toughness. These properties, however, are degraded by irradiation, arising from medical therapy or bone-allograft sterilization. We provide here a mechanistic framework for how irradiation affects the nature and properties of human cortical bone over a range of characteristic (nano to macro) length-scales, following x-ray exposures up to 630 kGy. Macroscopically, bone strength, ductility and fracture resistance are seen to be progressively degraded with increasing irradiation levels. At the micron-scale, fracture properties, evaluated using insitu scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron x-ray computed micro-tomography, provide mechanistic information on how cracks interact with the bone-matrix structure. At sub-micron scales, strength properties are evaluated with insitu tensile tests in the synchrotron using small-/wide-angle x-ray scattering/diffraction, where strains are simultaneously measured in the macroscopic tissue, collagen fibrils and mineral. Compared to healthy bone, results show that the fibrillar strain is decreased by ∼40% following 70 kGy exposures, consistent with significant stiffening and degradation of the collagen. We attribute the irradiation-induced deterioration in mechanical properties to mechanisms at multiple length-scales, including changes in crack paths at micron-scales, loss of plasticity from suppressed fibrillar sliding at sub-micron scales, and the loss and damage of collagen at the nano-scales, the latter being assessed using Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and a fluorometric assay.
Metal Impurity Mapping in Semiconductor Materials Using X-Ray Fluorescence

We present x-ray fluorescence (XRF) results from studies of metal impurities in silicon. A synchrotron-based XRF microprobe, with μm spatial resolution, was used to detect and map the impurities. The sensitivity of the XRF microprobe was determined for copper and iron in silicon using well-characterized standard samples. We have concluded the system can detect one iron or copper precipitate in silicon with a radius of ≈14nm. This sensitivity pertains to other relevant impurities in silicon, such as, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel and gold. Furthermore, we have detected and spatially mapped metal impurity precipitates in silicon, which are undetectable by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy in a Scanning Electron Microscope. These results exhibit the extraordinary sensitivity of the XRF microprobe for metal impurities in semiconductors.
Predator and prey activity levels jointly influence the outcome of long-term foraging bouts

Consistent interindividual differences in behavior (i.e., "behavioral types") may be a key factor in determining the outcome of species interactions. Studies that simultaneously account for the behavioral types of individuals in multiple interacting species, such as predator-prey systems, may be particularly strong predictors of ecological outcomes. Here, we test the predator-prey locomotor crossover hypothesis, which predicts that active predators are more likely to encounter and consume prey with the opposing locomotor tendency. We test this hypothesis using intraspecific behavioral variation in both a predator and prey species as predictors of foraging outcomes. We use the old field jumping spider, Phidippus clarus (Araneae, Salticidae), and the house cricket, Acheta domesticus (Orthoptera, Gryllidae), as a model predator-prey system in laboratory mesocosm trials. Stable individual differences in locomotor tendencies were identified in both P. clarus and A. domesticus, and the outcome of foraging bouts depended neither on the average activity level of the predator nor on the average activity level of prey. Instead, an interaction between the activity level of spiders and crickets predicted spider foraging success and prey survivorship. Consistent with the locomotor crossover hypothesis, predators exhibiting higher activity levels consumed more prey when in an environment containing low-activity prey items and vice versa. This study highlights 1) the importance of intraspecific variation in determining the outcome of predator-prey interactions and 2) that acknowledging behavioral variation in only a single species may be insufficient to characterize the performance consequences of intraspecific trait variants.
Object Representation in Infants' Coordination of Manipulative Force

This study examined infants' use of object knowledge for scaling the manipulative force of object-directed actions. Infants 9, 12, and 15 months of age were outfitted with motion-analysis sensors on their arms and then presented with stimulus objects to examine individually over a series of familiarization trials. Two stimulus objects were used in the familiarization phase, and were identical in size, shape, and material, but different in color and weight. Following familiarization, two test objects that had been hidden from view were presented. The test objects were identical in appearance to the familiarization objects, but their color-weight correspondence was reversed. Infants' actions on the test objects revealed selective, differential preparation for the specific weights experienced during familiarization. Because the objects were equivalent in their visual affordances for action, the differential preparation and coordination of manipulative force was based on knowledge acquired during the familiar...
Medicaid and Managed Care The Cost-Effectiveness of Arizona's Approach to Mandated Organ Transplantations

For states, the budget burdens precipitated by Medicaid call for innovative measures that result in true economic savings. Nearly all states are engaged in reforming their Medicaid organizations to meet the costs of increased financial responsibility. This article considers the issue of health care reform through one state organization's response to a particular mandate. The case shows how a state Medicaid agency attempted to alleviate the financial burdens of that mandate by extending its philosophy of managed competition through the use of negotiated and competitive managed care contracts for organ transplantations. The agency expected to achieve significant cost savings. The results suggest that managed competition and negotiation hold promise to states as a means for meeting the high costs of technology in the Medicaid environment.
Penetration and metabolism of 2-isopropoxyphenyl N-methyl-N-(2-methyl-4-tert-butylphenylsulfenyl) carbamate in the house fly and honeybee

Abstract The penetration and metabolism of 2 - isopropoxyphenyl N -methyl- N -(2-methyl-4-tert - butylphenylsulfenyl)carbamate or sulfenyl-propoxur was examined in the house fly and honeybee. Reduced penetration was found to be a factor contributing to the lower toxicity of sulfenyl-propoxur to the honeybee. Honeybees and house flies metabolized sulfenyl-propoxur qualitatively in a similar manner. Quantitatively, larger amounts of propoxur were found in the house fly than in the honeybee soon after treatment with sulfenyl-propoxur. The slower rate of conversion of sulfenyl-propoxur to propoxur was considered as another factor responsible for the lower toxicity of the sulfenylated derivative to bees. The high susceptibility of bees to propoxur was related to high internal amounts of unchanged propoxur found soon after treatment.
Qualitative and quantitative assessment of relative agonist efficacy

Historically, the ability of a ligand to bind to its receptor and the ability to subsequently activate that receptor have been described as the properties of affinity and intrinsic efficacy, respectively. These properties were originally believed to be independent of one another; both are possessed by ligands classed as "agonists," and they have served as the quantitative foundation of the drug and receptor classification process. Although affinity has been interpreted readily in physicochemical terms, equivalent molecular models for efficacy remain elusive. In recent times, there has been a significant paradigm shift in our understanding of the interrelationship between affinity and intrinsic efficacy, particularly on theoretical grounds, yet the actual methods available to measure these parameters remain largely operational. Nevertheless, a number of approaches, based on both functional measurements and radioligand binding studies, are available to quantify agonist efficacy on a relative scale and, to date, these remain the most practical. This commentary discusses the most common of these methods, their advantages and limitations, the dependence of the expression of agonism on the chosen assay system, and the impact of recent biochemical and molecular biological advances on the study of efficacy. Additionally, some of the more contemporary theories regarding the molecular nature of efficacy are briefly discussed, as well as the caveats that always must be borne in mind when any determinations of relative agonist efficacy are made.
Electro-acupuncture modification of halothane anaesthesia in the dog

The effects of electro-acupuncture on minimum alveolar anaesthetic concentration (MAC) was studied during halothane anaesthesia in the dog. Following induction of anaesthesia, MAC was determined in duplicate. Ten dogs then received electro-acupuncture bilaterally at San Yin Chiao for 30 minutes. MAC was determined in duplicate while electro-acupuncture was continued. Electro-acupuncture significantly lowered MAC from 1.2 per cent to 1.0 per cent (p less than 0.01). A crossover experimental design was used in an additional eleven dogs. Here MAC was lowered from 1.17 per cent to 1.04 per cent (p less than 0.05). Electro-acupuncture produces a small but statistically significant reduction in halothane MAC.
"Localized" carcinoma of the mobile tongue and floor of the mouth--a lesion frequently misjudged and undertreated.

A retrospective study of 74 cases of cancer of the mobile tongue and floor of the mouth, diagnosed between 1949 and 1975, with a two-year minimum follow-up was undertaken. The lesions were TNM staged, stages I and II accounting for 56 cases (76%) and stages III and IV accounting for 18 cases (24%). The analysis was restricted to the "localized" stage I and stage II lesions. In this group failure occurred in 31 patients, or 55% of the group. Failure at the primary site accounted for 10 of the failures, failure at both primary and cervical lymph nodes accounted for 14, and failure at cervical lymph nodes only accounted for 7 of the failures. The treatment for these "localized" lesions was then analyzed for modality, adequacy, presence or absence of planning failure, and survival. The results indicate the lethal nature of this lesion when inadequately treated and strongly suggest more extensive use of prophylactic therapy to the cervical lymph nodes.
An approach to effectiveness monitoring of floodplain channel aquatic habitat: channel condition assessment

The condition of aquatic habitat and the health of species dependent on that habitat are issues of significant concern to land management agencies, other organizations, and the public at large in southeastern Alaska, as well as along much of the Pacific coastal region of North America. We develop and test a set of effectiveness monitoring procedures for measuring change in floodplain channel habitat in southeastern Alaska. Variables include measures of channel morphology, pool size, pool spatial density, and bed surface grain size distribution. These procedures provide methods of data collection and analysis that, in the context of a statistically defensible sampling protocol, allow for determination of rate and direction of change among different intensities of land use, and thereby evaluation of management strategies. Assessment of channel condition can also contribute to evaluation of both restoration needs and success of restoration activities. Information gained from these procedures, together with information, where available, on watershed and riparian condition and processes and land use history will contribute to interpretation of measured change and its linkage to specific disturbances. Relationships among channel condition indicators and salmonid densities as well as opportunities for future research to better understand ecosystem elements that support biologic productivity are addressed in a companion paper in this volume (Bryant and Edwards).
Dial-in selection of any of four stereochemical outcomes among two substrates by in situ stereo-reconfiguration of a single ambidextrous catalyst

Abstract We provide proof-of-principle that an ambidextrous catalyst is capable of independent, dial-in control of the absolute stereochemistry of two similar nitrostyrene Michael addition reactions by in situ oxidation and reduction of the catalyst. The catalyst is capable of both static and dynamic catalysis modes; in combination both modes allow access to all four possible stereochemical outcomes for the two nitroalkane products in a single process.
Sex differences in dopamine and serotonin activation of brain pathways in adolescent rats exposed to social partners or amphetamine

Drug and Alcohol Dependence 156 (2015) e183–e245 e237 However, a small subgroup of participants exhibited a worsening course, characterizedby the initiationofheroinuseand/or injection opioid use. Financial support: NIDA grants U10 DA15831. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.07.637 Sex differences in dopamine and serotonin activation of brain pathways in adolescent rats exposed to social partners or amphetamine Virginia G. Weiss1,∗, Rebecca S. Hofford1, Justin R. Yates2, Michael T. Bardo1 1 University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States 2 Northern Kentucky University, Newport, KY, United
On OCT and Finding the Uncovered Tracks

The immediate vascular injury following balloon angioplasty and stent implantation initiates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and neointima formation that may lead to in-stent restenosis (ISR), the principal cause for percutaneous intervention (PCI) failure. Drug-eluting stents (DES) have
Feminist and Non-feminist Philosophy of Biology: Parallels, Differences, and Prospects for Future Engagements

I identify several substantive parallels in the issues of interest, and methodological and conceptual frameworks employed, in the research traditions of feminist and non-feminist philosophy of biology. I also identify several substantive differences in the emphases of the two traditions, including that biological research and hypotheses focusing on sex and gender raise political and ethical issues that non-feminist philosophers of biology rarely address. I conclude that a growing interest in philosophy of science in promoting “socially responsible science”, and engaging in “socially relevant” and “socially responsible” philosophy of science, should make it possible for the traditions to more fruitfully engage one another.
Brief Report: A web-based pilot study of childhood sexual abuse, recent stressful events, and alcohol use in women.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a well-documented risk factor for problem drinking, but the possibility that recent stressful events exacerbate risk conferred by CSA has rarely been examined, and the few studies to do so have limited their investigations to negative events. The aim of the current study was to examine the associations between CSA, recent positive and negative stressful events, and women's alcohol consumption. METHODS: Eighty-nine women (42.7% reporting CSA) completed weekly web-based alcohol use surveys and a stressful event inventory assessing negative and positive events over a 12 week period. RESULTS: Independent of CSA history, experiencing negative events was associated with elevated likelihood of drinking to intoxication. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Proximal distressing events are more closely linked than CSA history to short-term drinking patterns. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Tracking stressful negative events may be informative for identifying precipitants of heavy drinking. (Am J Addict 2016;XX:1-4).© American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. Language: en
Egg Production and Male Activation in New Laboratory Strains of the Large Milkweed Bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus

Strains of Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas) reared for 10 generations on mixtures of cashew and sunflower seed or pumpkin and sunflower seed show much variability and still produce about 25% of females of low or 0 fecundity. Among the fecund females, many virgins lay infertile eggs in large numbers, and egg production is often enhanced by frequent mating with either normal or castrate males. A single copulation with a normal male has at most a minor and short-lasting effect on the egg production rate of a female, even when enough sperm is transferred to make possible production of some fertile eggs for several weeks. Not enough sperm is transferred to allow fertilization of all eggs laid. The normal pattern of frequent mating seems to be essential both for activation of maximal egg production and maximal egg fertility. The mechanism of male activation is not yet known, but does not seem to involve the presence of sperm.
Architecture and Design Modeling and Simulation Testbeds for NASA: A Progress Report

The software-intensive exploration systems of the future will be highly complex, and their operation will be exceptionally visible to the nation. In addition to providing complex functionality, they must tolerate the subtle faults of asynchronous systems running in a hostile environment and be affordable, reliable, flexible, robust, and gracefully upgradeable, among other things. In addition to all the usual problems of complex software, exploration systems will have to accommodate, for example: (in some missions) significant communication latencies, requiring more autonomy; diminished communication windows and bandwidth, requiring improved data reduction and compression; the need to reduce the number of in-flight updates, because of the risk at each update; and the need to reduce the systems-administration burden on astronauts, because their time is a scarce resource.
An analysis of randomised controlled trials that utilise internet based smoking reduction/cessation programs

Consumer health informatics (CHI) uses Internet based systems to deliver health education/intervention programs to the public. Smoking reduction/cessation efforts improve public health and reduce healthcare costs. Scientists believe that smoking avoidance/cessation before age 30 can prevent over 90% of smoking related cancers. Approaches to reducing smoking related deaths include encouraging current smokers to stop and preventing new people from smoking. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Clinical Evidence Topic 188, impact of CHI applications, prompted an analysis of a defined group of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined Internet smoking reduction/cessation interventions using the techniques defined for Evidence Based Practice. A search of the University EBSCO Host databases, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE identified 13 RCTs summarising the outcomes of 17 internet based smoking reduction/cessation programs between 2006 and 2015. These programs were shown to be promising tools in the smoking reduction/cessation effort.
Simultaneous determination of five effective components in Cholagogic and lithagogue tablets by RP-HPLC

Objective To develop an RP-HPLC method for the determination of honokiol,emodin,magnolol,chrysophanol and physcion in Cholagogic and lithagogue(traditional Chinese medicines)tablets.Methods A Diamonsil C18 column(4.6 mm×200 mm,5 μm)was used at 30 ℃.A acetonitrile-0.05% phosphoric acid aqueous was used as the mobile phase with isocratic elution(V∶ V=62∶ 38).The flow rate was set at 1.0 mL · min-1.The detection wavelength was set at 254 nm.Results The linear response ranged from 0.76-7.6 mg · L-1 for honokiol(r=0.999 2,n=6),9.4-94 mg · L-1 for emodin(r=0.999 3,n=6),0.50-5.0 mg · L-1 for magnolol(r=0.999 5,n=6),21.0-210 mg · L-1 for chrysophanol(r=0.999 0,n=6)and 5.5-55 mg · L-1 for physcion(r=0.999 1,n=6),respectively.Recoveries were 98.2% with RSD 1.9% for honokiol,99.3% with RSD 1.6% for emodin,98.0% with RSD 2.0% for magnolol,98.4% with RSD 1.9% for chrysophanol and 98.9% with RSD 1.7% for physcion.Conclusions The method is quick,simple and repeatable for simultaneous determination of honokiol,emodin,magnolol,chrysophanol and physcion in Cholagogic and lithagogue tablets.
Day and night regularity of ventricular presystole without underlying organic heart diseases and its clinical significance

Objective To investigate the relationship between day and night regularity of asymptomatic ventricular presystole (VPS) and the activity of autonomic nervous system and its clinical significance Methods Thirty children with the absence of underlying organic heart disease were examined with 24 hour dynamic electrocardiogram (DCG), the function of autonomic nervous system and ventricular late potentials (VLP) Results The rate (43%, 13/30) was the day type VPS, 12 out of the 13 resulted from increased activity of sympathetic nerve The rate (30%, 10/30) was the night type VPS, all of them resulted from the activity of the vagus nerve enhanced There was a positive correlation between VPS frequency of day type and heart rate ( r =0 67, P 0 05) and a negative correlation between VPS frequency of night type and heart rate ( r =-0 69, P 0 05) 20 out of the 30 cases were examined by VLP All of them were normal Conclusion Asymptomatic VPS of day type possibly resulted from increased activity of sympathetic nerve However, asymptomatic VPS of night type could be related to the activity of the vagus nerve enhanced The type asymptomatic VPS usually had a good prognosis
Complications of thoracoabdominal retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

AbstractFrom January 1975 through May 1980, 149 consecutive patients underwent a thoracoabdominal approach to radical retroperitoneal lymph node dissection as part of the management for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis. Two patients died postoperatively, for an operative mortality rate of 1.3 per cent. Both deaths occurred in patients with massive abdominal disease and were owing to hepatic failure, with the finding of progressive metastatic disease involving the porta hepatis, and not to any complication relating to the technical aspects of the operation. There were no deaths encountered in 109 patients with stages A and B disease.Over-all, there were 12 major (8 per cent) and 7 minor (4.7 per cent) complications among the 149 patients. Of the 12 major complications 9 occurred in 52 patients with stages B3 and C disease, while only 3 of 97 patients who underwent a thoracoabdominal approach for early stage disease sustained a major complication (3.1 per cent).The average hospital stay for th...
Global Government Securities Markets: Economics and Politics of Recent Market Microstructure Reforms

As government securities markets have grown during the last two decades, they have come to play an increasingly important role in both domestic monetary and fiscal policy and in the global capital markets. In many developed and developing nations, government securities have become the largest and most liquid segment of the debt market, and international participation in these markets has been increasing rapidly. The figures in Table 4.1 show the extent of the recent growth of government debt in both nominal dollars and relative to GDP. For the major industrial nations, for example, the ratio of government debt to GDP has risen from roughly 43 per cent in 1980 to approximately 68 per cent by the mid-1990s (IMF, 1994; p. 20).
Position classes and morphological theory

Two generations of linguistics students have cut their teeth on the morphological analysis problem in (1):
General Anesthesia for Intra-arterial Stroke Treatment (Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy): Still Needed or a Thing of the Past?

A 74-year-old female presents with right-sided hemiplegia and aphasia. She was last seen well by her family 1 h before arrival in the emergency room (ER). They report a history of hypertension, type II diabetes, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. She is taking lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, metformin, and metoprolol. She has no known allergies and last ate 3 h ago. Height: 5′2″ and weight: 220 lbs. Vital signs: blood pressure (BP) 180/105 mm Hg, heart rate (HR) 120, respiratory rate (RR) 18, and temperature 36.7 °C.
Generalized activity recognition using accelerometer in wearable devices for IoT applications

The proliferation of low power and low cost continuous sensing has generated an immense interest in the area of activity recognition. However, the real time detection is still a challenge for several reasons: requirement from the user to specify the type of activity, complex algorithms, and collection of data from multiple devices. In this paper, we describe a generalized activity recognition system, its applications, and the challenges involved in implementing the algorithm in resource-constrained devices. The distinctive aspects of our study include: 1) automatic detection and recognition of different activities (running, walking, crawling, climbing, and pronating), 2) using just one axis from an accelerometer sensor, and 3) simple features and pattern matching algorithm leading to computationally inexpensive and memory efficient system suitable for resource-constrained wearable devices. The activity recognition model was trained using data collected from 52 unique subjects. The model was mapped onto Intel® Quark™ SE Pattern Matching Engine, and field-tested using eight additional subjects achieving performance up to 91%.
A hydrogel sealant for the treatment of severe hepatic and aortic trauma with a dissolution feature for post-emergent care

Non-compressible hemorrhage is an important cause of pre-hospital death following trauma, and immediate control of blood loss is critical. An ideal material for hemorrhage management does not require manual pressure to control bleeding, does not rely on the natural clotting cascade, is suitable for intracavitary hemorrhage, and is removed without debridement. A dissolvable dendritic thioester hydrogel sealant is described for intracavitary wounds. The hydrogel is composed of a lysine-based dendron and a PEG-based crosslinker, which are synthesized in high yields and subsequently characterized by 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy, and MALDI. The hydrogel dissolution relies on a thiol–thioester exchange mechanism. When compared to untreated controls, the application of the hydrogel sealant reduces blood loss by 33% in a rat model of severe hepatic hemorrhage (23.57 ± 8.27 mL kg−1vs. 35.21 ± 7.47 mL kg−1; p = 0.02) and by 22% in a rat model of aortic injury (17.95 ± 3.84 mL kg−1vs. 23.09 ± 3.80 mL kg−1; p = 0.03). A unique feature of the hydrogel is its dissolution with a biocompatible solution following initial application – thus the treated wound area can be re-exposed for definitive surgical care in an operative setting.
Symbiogenic Interaction: The State and University Development Rationalities

I discuss the changes taking place in higher education in the United States. I argue that the changes in higher education are the result of a distinct development rationality termed academic capitalism by Sheila Slaughter and Gary Rhoades and not a neoliberalization dynamic. This process implies a different relationship to the state and society than other analyses would lead us to believe. I employ William Connolly’s concept of symbiogenesis to discuss how the dynamics of this relationship are displayed. Further, I employ Louis Althusser to explain the difference between ideology and rationality and then posit that the changes in higher education and state are not a shift in ideology but in rationality according to Wendy Brown. I argue that: (1) that the changes happening in universities cannot be merely the result of ‘neoliberalization’; (2) the dynamics inherent in the social changes of neoliberalism and academic capitalism are the result of a symbiogenesis as a response to the conditions of the new economy; and (3) neither neoliberalism nor academic capitalism can be understood as ideological shifts but must be understood in terms of rationalities that are redefining the interpretation of extant relationships that are the product of liberal ideology without positing new relationships implied by an ideological shift.
The effect of ovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells on Haemonchus contortus larval morbidity in vitro

Summary The objective of this study was to determine the effects of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), derived from parasite-resistant St. Croix (STC) hair sheep and parasite-susceptible Suffolk (SUF) sheep, on Haemonchus contortus L3 stage larval death in vitro, with or without autologous serum. Larval morbidity was quantified by measuring larval ATP concentration following incubation with PBMC. Larvae exposed to either STC- or SUF-derived PBMC had lower ATP than live larvae (0.12 μmol/L ATP and 0.16 μmol/L ATP vs 0.27 μmol/L ATP, respectively) (P<.001) and greater ATP of dead larvae (0.03 μmol/L ATP) (P<.001). Breed differences were observed with addition of autologous serum. Larvae exposed to SUF-derived PBMC with autologous serum were not significantly different from live larval ATP. STC-derived serum did not significantly reduce larval ATP compared to PBMC alone (0.11 μmol/L ATP), but was significantly reduced compared to live larvae (0.22 μmol/L ATP) and SUF-derived PBMC with autologous serum (0.23 μmol/L ATP) (P<.001). These data indicate that a cellular response alone is capable of significantly reducing larval ATP in a breed-independent manner. However, addition of serum to SUF-PBMC failed to reduce larval ATP, indicating breed-dependent humoral response to H. contortus.
CHAPTER 11 – RNA-Transfected Dendritic Cells as Immunogens

This chapter focuses on the use of mRNA-transfected dendritic cells and the advantages of this approach when applied to the immunotherapy of cancer. An important issue in using RNA for transfection of DCs is the requirement that the DCs be immature. If DCs are matured first and then exposed to mRNA, they do not stimulate cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) activity as effectively does as exposure to mRNA prior to maturation. This is likely due to the need for DCs to actively take up the mRNA, an ability dramatically downregulated once the cells become mature. RNA-transfected DCs may be used as therapeutic vaccines, for discovery of new antigens, and in bioassays of immunologic responses to vaccination in clinical trials. In vitro , human DCs transfected with RNA encoding tumor antigens are capable of stimulating primary CTL responses. Dendritic cells from patients with advanced cancers loaded with mRNA encoding carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and have been demonstrated to induce CTL activity specific for CEA. Preliminary experience with DCs demonstrates that they are feasible to prepare and safe to administer intravenously and intradermally.
The determinants of monitoring costs in not-for-profit organizations

This research uses data from 2,470 not-for-profit-organizations (NFPOs) to examine the impact of organization size, risk, and complexity on monitoring costs in the NFP sector. OLS regression analysis indicate that monitoring costs are higher for (a) larger NFPOs, (b) NFPOs subject to the Single Audit Act, 8 NFPOs having larger amounts of assets tied up in receivables and inventories, (d) NFPOs spending a larger percentage of their expenses on program support services, and (e) NFPOs providing higher compensation to their officers and directors. In addition, some NFPOs such as schools and hospitals are associated with higher monitoring costs.
Operative Binding of Class I Release Factors and YaeJ Stabilizes the Ribosome in the Nonrotated State.

During translation, the small subunit of the ribosome rotates with respect to the large subunit primarily between two states as mRNA is being translated into a protein. At the termination of bacterial translation, class I release factors (RFs) bind to a stop codon in the A-site and catalyze the release of the peptide chain from the ribosome. Periodically, mRNA is truncated prematurely, and the translating ribosome stalls at the end of the mRNA forming a nonstop complex requiring one of several ribosome rescue factors to intervene. One factor, YaeJ, is structurally homologous with the catalytic region of RFs but differs by binding to the ribosome directly through its C-terminal tail. Structures of the ribosome show that the ribosome adopts the nonrotated state conformation when these factors are bound. However, these studies do not elucidate the influence of binding to cognate or noncognate codons on the dynamics of intersubunit rotation. Here, we investigate the effects of wild-type and mutant forms of RF...
Integrating A Career Preparedness Module into CS2 Curricula Through The Teaching C++ and Java Side-by-Side

A key learning objective of the CS2 curriculum is for a student to obtain the necessary computer science skills to be proficient in the understanding and usage of software objects in an object-oriented programming language. In typical CS programs there are two prevalent object-oriented languages that are used to fulfill this requirement: Java and C++. In most instances, one language is selected as the primarily tool in which to teach these concepts. In other instances, both languages may be used, but not in a side-by-side fashion which can often leave the students confused or with an incomplete understanding of both languages. Each language has its documented trade-offs (benefits and drawbacks) when it comes to adequately preparing students. An aspect that is often overlooked as part of this traditional course structure is the ability to leverage a teaching component that allows the students to analyze trade-offs between languages and the Why/When/How to select a given language based upon their analysis. We provide an outline for how these two languages can be successfully taught in a side-by-side, or simultaneous, fashion that will still satisfy all of the existing expectations and requirements of a course. We describe how this component can be integrated into a career preparation module that will further augment the students' overall learning experience and their academic preparation. Results of this trial demonstrate that student satisfaction, understanding, learning of concepts, and educational preparation can be improved while maintaining the necessary standards set forth as part of the CS2 curriculum.
The Journey of Reconciliation: Groaning for a New Creation in Africa by Emmanuel Katongole (review)

Katangole, Emmanuel. The Journey of Reconciliation: Groaning for a New Creation in Africa . Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2017.
Primary Hypertension in Children

Primary hypertension in children is not as common as in adults; recent studies suggest a prevalence of 3–4 % in the pediatric population. However, more recent reports have highlighted an increasing prevalence of HTN and prehypertension, likely due to childhood obesity. Given the global burden of hypertension, identification and management of primary HTN is beneficial to the individual child and has important implications for society as well, particularly since tracking studies have established that adult primary HTN has its antecedents during childhood. Studies are limited on the pathophysiology of primary HTN in children; however, evidence suggests that the proposed multifactorial and complex genetic, environmental, and biological interactions involved in the development of hypertension in adults provide a basis to understand HTN in children as well. Primary HTN in young children is a diagnosis of exclusion, and selective workup is needed to rule out any underlying secondary causes; however, in adolescents, primary hypertension is much more common than secondary hypertension. Early identification and management of elevated BP in the pediatric population is important to decrease the risks for end-organ injury in both the pediatric and adult population.
Is Praise Always a Good Thing

Is it detrimental to praise a child for their intelligence or abilities? As a society we tend to praise and show admiration of our young for their intelligence or abilities. The problem with praising a child is not the act, but how it’s conveyed and how it’s delineated to the individual child. Praising a child for their intelligence and not for their effort or hard work will harm them emotionally in the future. By praising a child for their ability you are opening them up to not only potential failure, but disappointment should they not be as successful the next time around. Praising a child for their ability draws attention to them and makes a big deal of the accomplishment, regardless of whether it is from effort or intelligence and ability.
Effect of prenatal androgenization on growth performance and carcass characteristics of steers and heifers.

Two experiments were conducted in which pregnant crossbred cows were randomly assigned to a control group or implanted with testosterone propionate/silastic implants~ between d 110 and 140 of gestation in Exp. 1 and between d 80 and 110 of gestation in Exp. 2. Androgenized heifers (TH) and treated steers (TS), born to implanted dams, possessed similar birth weights compared with control heifers (CH) and steers (CS), respectively, in both experiments. In Exp. 1, yield grades were lower (P < .05) for TH than for CH. In Exp. 2, TH possessed 9.4% greater (P < .07) 205-d adjusted weaning weights and 9.8% heavier (P < .05) adjusted yearling weights than CH. In Exp. 2, daily gain was 19.5% faster (P < .05) and feed intake was 13.6% greater (P < .05) for TH than for CH. In Exp. 2, TH possessed less (P < .05) s.c. fat, greater (P < .10) carcass weight gains and lower (P < .05) yield grades than CH. Liver weight per unit of carcass weight was greater (P < .07) for TH than for CH in Exp. 2. Androgenized heifers had lower (P < .07) lipid content in the 9-1011th rib section than did CH. Calving intervals were similar for implanted and nonimplanted cows in both experiments. Results from these two trials suggest that efficiency of heifers for producing carcass beef can be improved by prenatal testosterone exposure.
Willful Ignorance in the Request for Product Information

Attribute information is not always readily available to consumers. This is especially true for ethical attributes, such as labor practices, environmental friendliness, and so forth. Intuitively, it might be expected that consumers who would use an attribute in their decision making should seek attribute information, especially if it is easily obtainable. In three studies, the authors measure discrepancies between requests for available ethical attribute information and actual use of the same attribute in a conjoint task. In both between-subjects and within-subjects designs, the authors show that consumers (1) underrequest ethical attribute information and (2) are especially likely to show request/use inconsistency if they care about the underlying ethical issue. Negative emotions, especially the avoidance of anger, appear to drive this willful ignorance. These results add to the growing literature on avoidance mechanisms and consumer decision making and may shed light on when ethical attributes do (and do not) play a role in actual purchase behavior.