cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chest CT assessment following thrombolysis or surgical embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism

Right ventricular (RV) enlargement, assessed by two-dimensional reconstructed 4-chamber views on contrast-enhanced multirow detector computed tomography (MDCT), is emerging as an important marker for predicting adverse clinical events in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). It is unclear whether dynamic changes occur on chest computed tomography (CT) in response to thrombolysis or embolectomy to treat acute PE. We retrospectively investigated 23 consecutive patients who met the criteria of (1) a positive MDCT PE protocol; (2) RV dysfunction on echocardiography; (3) reperfusion therapy by systemic thrombolysis (n=17) or surgical embolectomy (n=6); and (4) follow-up MDCT study after completion of therapy. Two blinded observers reconstructed 4-chamber views on a Leonardo (Siemens, Munich, Germany) workstation using multiplanar reformats of axial CT data and then measured right and left ventricular dimensions (RV(D), LV(D)). RV enlargement was defined as RV(D)/LV(D) > 0.9. Mean age was 52 years, and there were 10 (43%) women. The median time to MDCT follow-up was 21 (range 2-231) days. Seventeen (74%) patients had their chest MDCT follow-up within 30 days. All 23 patients had RV enlargement (mean RV(D)/LV(D) 1.28, range 0.94 to 1.74) prior to initiation of reperfusion therapy. Although right ventricular enlargement was found in 43% of patients at follow-up, the mean RV(D)/LV(D) decreased from 1.28 +/- 0.21 cm to 0.94 +/- 0.16 cm (p < 0.001). The mean change in RV(D)/LV(D) was 0.31 +/- 0.42 in thrombolysis patients and 0.42 +/- 0.09 in embolectomy patients (p = 0.33). Reconstructed 4-chamber views on chest CT provide noninvasive imaging of right ventricular enlargement and permit dynamic assessment of the right ventricular response to thrombolysis and embolectomy in patients with acute PE.
Challenges Surrounding the Injection and Arrival of Targets at LIFE Fusion Chamber Center

IFE target designers must consider several engineering requirements in addition to the physics requirements for successful target implosion. These considerations include low target cost, high manufacturing throughput, the ability of the target to survive the injection into the fusion chamber and arrive in a condition and physical position consistent with proper laser-target interaction and ease of post-implosion debris removal. This article briefly describes these considerations for the Laser Inertial Fusion-based Energy (LIFE) targets currently being designed.
VUV Emission and Streamer Formation in Pulsed Dielectric Surface Flashover at Atmospheric Pressure

There is a growing interest in the physics of surface flashover between the interface of atmosphere and vacuum in some high-power systems. More specifically, the quantitative role of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation for the photoionization leading to a streamer development during the initial stages of a breakdown is unknown. This paper describes an experimental setup used to measure the VUV radiation emitted from atmospheric flashover as well as time-resolved imaging of the flashover event. A pulser providing the voltage to the gap was designed with special considerations in mind, including long lifetime, low noise, and high reproducibility. This enabled the study of the flashover in various background gases with an emphasis on spectroscopic measurements. The calculated spectra are compared with the measured spectra, and it is found that atomic oxygen and nitrogen are responsible for most of the VUV production in an air breakdown at atmospheric pressure in the wavelength range of 115-180 nm. Time-resolved spectroscopy reveals that the VUV radiation is emitted during the initial stages while the streamers are developing.
Molecular and Structural Damage to Escherichia coli Produced by Antibody, Complement, and Lysozyme Systems

The antibacterial action of antibody (normal and hyperimmune), complement, and lysozyme has been studied by correlating the ultrastructural and biochemical changes that they cause in smooth Escherichia coli. Both normal and hyperimmune antibody, in the absence of lysozyme, produced complement-dependent release, into the suspending medium, of 63 to 72% of the (32)P-labeled phospholipid and 74 to 85% of the small molecular bacterial constituents. Macromolecular nucleic acid labeled with (32)P was not released. By phase microscopy, these cells appeared as bacilli but their ultrastructure showed general swelling, with smoothing of the normally wrinkled outer cell wall layers. Cytoplasmic membranes were damaged and the internal cell structure was disorganized. Membranous spherules, apparently from the outermost putatively lipopolysaccharide cell layer, were released into the medium. When lysozyme was added to antibody and complement, (32)P-labeled macromolecular constituents were released from the cells. Damage to ultrastructure then included loss of cell wall rigidity, cell wall breakage, and some spheroplast formation. Characteristic fibrillar fragmentation was seen in cell wall mucopeptide layers. The relationships between antibody-complement dependent release of bacterial phospholipid, loss of selective cell permeability, and increase in sensitivity to lysozyme are discussed.
IL-17A is increased in the serum and in spinal cord CD8 and mast cells of ALS patients

The contribution of inflammation to neurodegenerative diseases is increasingly recognized, but the role of inflammation in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) is not well understood and no animal model is available. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to measure the cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the serum of ALS patients (n = 32; 28 sporadic ALS (sALS) and 4 familial ALS (fALS)) and control subjects (n = 14; 10 healthy subjects and 4 with autoimmune disorders). IL-17A serum concentrations were 5767 ± 2700 pg/ml (mean ± SEM) in sALS patients and 937 ± 927 pg/ml in fALS patients in comparison to 7 ± 2 pg/ml in control subjects without autoimmune disorders (p = 0.008 ALS patients vs. control subjects by Mann-Whitney test). Sixty-four percent of patients and no control subjects had IL-17A serum concentrations > 50 pg/ml (p = 0.003 ALS patients vs. healthy subjects by Fisher's exact test). The spinal cords of sALS (n = 8), but not control subjects (n = 4), were infiltrated by interleukin-1β- (IL-1β-), and tumor necrosis factor-α-positive macrophages (co-localizing with neurons), IL-17A-positive CD8 cells, and IL-17A-positive mast cells. Mononuclear cells treated with aggregated forms of wild type superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) showed induction of the cytokines IL-1β, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-23 (IL-23) that may be responsible for induction of IL-17A. In a microarray analysis of 28,869 genes, stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by mutant superoxide dismutase-1 induced four-fold higher transcripts of interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-6, CCL20, matrix metallopeptidase 1, and tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 in mononuclear cells of patients as compared to controls, whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) was increased in mononuclear cells of control subjects. Aggregated wild type SOD-1 in sALS neurons could induce in mononuclear cells the cytokines inducing chronic inflammation in sALS spinal cord, in particular IL-6 and IL-17A, damaging neurons. Immune modulation of chronic inflammation may be a new approach to sALS.
RANS and detached-eddy simulation of the NCCR airfoil

A circulation control foil is studied using incompressible Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes and detached-eddy simulation CFD methods. It is shown that Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations of large jet momentum coefficient cases with a linear Reynolds-stress closure and a blended k-/spl omega/ = k-/spl epsi/ turbulence model is able to successfully predict the pressure-distribution trends in comparison to benchmark data. Details of the simulated flow are presented through analysis of the integral forces and moment, velocity field, and turbulent kinetic energy. However, given the lack of data and CFD grid studies these results lack validation. Detached-eddy simulation is undertaken for the unblown case, and demonstrates that the method is capable of resolving turbulent vortex shedding. Statistical and spectral analysis is used to explain the simulation results, however, as with the RANS simulations, lack of data precludes validation for this problem. Nonetheless, results are encouraging and suggest further application of DES to both circulation control studies as well as other trailing-edge applications. Finally, implications for cavitation-free operation of circulation-control devices are discussed.
Visual and oculomotor selection: links, causes and implications for spatial attention

Natural scenes contain far more information than can be processed simultaneously. Thus, our visually guided behavior depends crucially on the capacity to attend to relevant stimuli. Past studies have provided compelling evidence of functional overlap of the neural mechanisms that control spatial attention and saccadic eye movements. Recent neurophysiological work demonstrates that the neural circuits involved in the preparation of saccades also play a causal role in directing covert spatial attention. At the same time, other studies have identified separable neural populations that contribute uniquely to visual and oculomotor selection. Taken together, all of the recent work suggests how visual and oculomotor signals are integrated to simultaneously select the visual attributes of targets and the saccades needed to fixate them.
Network Observability: Identification of Observable Islands and Measurement Placement

Two algorithms are presented; one for (i) testing the observability of a network and (ii) identifying the observable islands when the network is unobservable, and the other for selecting a minimal set of additional measurements to make the network observable. The two algorithms are based on triangular factorization of the gain matrix and are characterized by (i) being extremely simple, (ii) using, subroutines already in a state estimation program, and (iii) incurring very little extra computation. The design and testing of the algorithms are presented in this paper.
The effects of the ketogenic diet on behavior and cognition

Multiple forms of the ketogenic diet (KD) have been successfully used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy, however its mainstream use as a first-line therapy is still limited. Further investigation into its clinical efficacy as well as the molecular basis of activity is likely to assist in the reversal of any resistance to its implementation. In this review we shall attempt to elucidate the current state of experimental and clinical data concerning the neuroprotective and cognitive effects of the KD in both humans and animals. Generally, it has been shown by many research groups that effective implementation of KD exerts strong neuroprotective effects with respect to social behavior and cognition. We will also elucidate the role of KD in the interesting relationship between sleep, epilepsy and memory. Currently available evidence also indicates that, under appropriate control, and with further studies investigating any potential long-term side effects, the KD is also a relatively safe intervention, especially when compared to traditional anti-epileptic pharmacotherapeutics. In addition, due to its neuroprotective capacity, the KD may also hold potential benefit for the treatment of other neurological or neurodegenerative disorders.
Heparin-induced aldosterone suppression and hyperkalemia

purpose To review the effects of heparin and heparinoid compounds on aldosterone physiology and associated induction of hyperkalemia. materials and methods A comprehensive literature search (of human and animal data) was carried out by computer and by using reference citations from primary sources. results Heparin and its congeners are predictable, potent inhibitors of aldosterone production. This inhibitory effect is specific for the zona glomerulosa; other corticosteroids are not affected. Aldosterone suppression occurs within a few days of initiation of therapy, is reversible, and is independent of either anticoagulant effect or route of administration. Decreases in aldosterone levels may occur with heparin dosages as low as 5,000 U bid. The most important, but probably not the only mechanism of aldosterone inhibition appears to involve reduction in both the number and affinity of the angiotensin-II receptors in the zona glomerulosa. Prolonged use of heparin causes marked reduction in the width of the adrenal zona glomerulosa. conclusions Aldosterone suppression results in natriuresis and less predictably in decreased excretion of potassium. Greater than normal serum potassium levels occur in about 7% of patients, but marked hyperkalemia generally requires the presence of additional factors perturbing potassium balance (in particular, renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, or the use of certain medications). Heparin-induced increases in serum potassium need to be better anticipated by clinicians. Serum potassium levels should be monitored periodically in patients being given heparin for 3 or more days, and in patients at relatively high risk for hyperkalemia, the monitoring interval should probably be no greater than 4 days.
Transverse coincidence structures in spontaneous parametric down-conversion with orbital angular momentum: Theory

Coincidence structures in the transverse plane of type-II spontaneous parametric down-conversion carrying orbital angular momentum are obtained. Azimuthal symmetry breaking around the pump beam direction reveals itself on these quantum images. Analytical expressions for the amplitude probability of the down-conversion process are shown including the nonlinear polarizability components.
Does cardiac resynchronization therapy reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation, and does atrial fibrillation compromise the cardiac resynchronization therapy effect?

a f c s p a t s c d d ntroduction he prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure ubjects who otherwise are candidates for cardiac resynhronization therapy (CRT) is high, approaching 30%. Of he patients enrolled in randomized clinical trials of CRT, in hich normal sinus rhythm was a criterion for entry, up to 0% had a history of paroxysmal AF. Depending upon he study, the incidence of AF in the setting of advanced eart failure is reported to be 8% to 20% of patients per ear. Although some data are conflicting, most studies ave shown that AF is a risk factor for worsened outcomes n heart failure patients. It seems intuitive that a therpy such as CRT might positively influence either the deelopment of or the negative clinical impact of AF in heart ailure patients. The impact of CRT on AF risk as well as he impact of AF on CRT benefit are reviewed.
Associations between asthma emergency visits and particulate matter sources, including diesel emissions from stationary generators in Tacoma, Washington

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of particulate matter air pollution, including emissions from diesel generators, on visits to emergency departments for asthma. Daily asthma case data from participating hospitals in the greater Tacoma, Washington area were obtained. Daily asthma emergency room visit data were available from six Tacoma hospitals from January 3, 1998 to May 30, 2002. Only emergency visits where the primary discharge diagnosis was asthma were included in the analysis. Air pollution, daily temperature and relative humidity data were obtained from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. An association between daily PM2.5 and emergency department (ED) visits for asthma at lag days 2 and 3 was observed. The relative risk for lag day 2 was 1.04 (95% confidence interval[CI]: 1.01, 1.07) and for lag day 3 was 1.03 (1.0, 1.06). A significant association between ED visits for asthma and increased use of diesel generators was not detected. The use of low-sulfur diesel oil may have mitigated potential adverse health effects. These data indicate that air pollution in a medium-sized coastal city may be sufficient to have a public health impact on asthma.
The development of the posterior body in zebrafish

In order to understand the developmental mechanisms of posterior body formation in the zebrafish, a fate map of the zebrafish tailbud was generated along with a detailed analysis of tailbud cell movements. The fate map of the zebrafish tailbud shows that it contains tissue-restricted domains and is not a homogeneous blastema. Furthermore, time-lapse analysis shows that some cell movements and behaviors in the tailbud are similar to those seen during gastrulation, while others are unique to the posterior body. The extension of axial mesoderm and the continuation of ingression throughout zebrafish tail development suggests the continuation of processes initiated during gastrulation. Unique properties of zebrafish posterior body development include the bilateral distribution of tailbud cell progeny and the exhibition of different forms of ingression within specific tailbud domains. The ingression of cells in the anterior tailbud only gives rise to paraxial mesoderm, at the exclusion of axial mesoderm. Cells of the posterior tailbud undergo subduction, a novel form of ingression resulting in the restriction of this tailbud domain to paraxial mesodermal fates. The intermixing of spinal cord and muscle precursor cells, as well as evidence for pluripotent cells within the tailbud, suggest that complex inductive mechanisms accompany these cell movements throughout tail elongation. Rates of cell proliferation in the tailbud were examined and found to be relatively low at the tip of the tail indicating that tail elongation is not due to growth at its posterior end. However, higher rates of cell proliferation in the dorsomedial region of the tail may contribute to the preferential posterior movement of cells in this tailbud region and to the general extension of the tail. Understanding the cellular movements, cell fates and gene expression patterns in the tailbud will help to determine the nature of this important aspect of vertebrate development.
HYDRODYNAMICAL EVALUATION OF STORMS ON LAKE ERIE

The wind velocities observed over cities on the southern coast of Lake Erie during storms are modified, according to recently given meteorological theories, to obtain the wind velocities coexisting over the surface of the lake water. On the basis of these reduced velocities and the associated wind tides of the lake, the coefficient of wind stress of wind action on the water of the lake is determined. Due attention is given to the fact that the form of the lake affects the relation between the wind stress and the associated wind tide. The coefficient of stress arrived at for the larger wind velocities is in substantial agreement with the values which Neumann determined for the Gulf of Bothnia. The matter of sea roughness is discussed briefly.
Photocarcinogenesis and Influence of UV Radiation on Autoimmune Disease in NZB/N Mice

Several biologic effects of UV radiation on NZB/N mice were studied. NZB mice exhibited normal susceptibility to photocarcinogenesis compared to another pigmented but non-autoimmune mouse strain, C57BL/6NCr. Susceptibility was compared on the basis of latency, anatomic location, and histologic type of tumors induced by chronic UV irradiation. The influence of UV irradiation on progression of spontaneous autoimmune disease in NZB mice was examined with respect to anti-DNA antibodies, excretion of protein in urine, survival, glomerulo-nephritis, and leukemia. UV irradiation of NZB mice reduced both survival of mice and the level of serum antibody binding to DNA. Reduced survival occurred not only in autoimmune mice but also in C57BL/6 mice. Serum antibody binding to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) was reduced in UV-irradiated NZB mice compared to that in untreated NZB mice, but it recovered to normal (untreated) levels after termination of UV irradiation. No alteration in preference of DNA antibodies for ssDNA, UVssDNA, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), or UVdsDNA was observed in UV-irradiated mice.
Simeprevir and Sofosbuvir (SMV–SOF) for 12 Weeks for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Infection: A Real World (Transplant) Hepatology Practice Experience

Simeprevir and Sofosbuvir (SMV–SOF) for 12 Weeks for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Infection: A Real World (Transplant) Hepatology Practice Experience
Mood dependency of self-rated attachment style

Previous research has established an association between depressive symptoms and self-rated insecure adult attachment styles. In this project we evaluated whether this association is an artifact of mood-dependent negative self-ratings. In Study 1 (N = 95, nonclinical sample), depressive symptoms correlated positively with Preoccupied and Fearful attachment style self-ratings, negatively with Secure attachment style. In Study 2 (N = 50 nondepressed adults, one-half with a history of major depression), recovered depressed people exceeded never-depressed adults on Preoccupied and Fearful styles, whereas the never-depressed scored higher on Secure attachment style. In Study 3 (N = 129), an unselected adult sample was randomly assigned to either depressed or elated musical mood induction. The two groups did not differ significantly on 3 of 4 attachment styles; theonly significant difference was that those in the depressed-mood condition scored lower on Fearful attachment. Taken together, the results are consistent with the possibility that insecure (particularly Preoccupied and Fearful) attachment is a stable vulnerability factor for depression and do not support the view that reporting insecure attachment is an artifact of current sad mood.
Levinas, Sartre, and Understanding the other

Reflexions sur les ideaux rationalistes sartriens d'entendement psychologique total de l'Autre dans le but d'instaurer un dialogue entre les conceptions opposees de Sartre et de Levinas sur l'ontologie, l'ethique, la rationalite et la relation entre Moi et l'Autre.
A new species of Filobasidiella, the sexual state of Cryptococcus neoformans B and C serotypes.

King, D. S. 1976a. Systematics of Conidiobolus (Entomophtho,rales) using numerical taxonomy. I. Biology and cluster analysis. Canad. J. Bot. 54: 45-65. . 1976b. Systematics of Conidiobolus (Entomophthorales) using numerical taxonomy. II. Taxonomic considerations. Canad. J. Bot. 54: 1285-1296. Praserthphon, S. 1963. Conidial formation in Entomophthora coronata (Costantin) Kevorkian. J. Insect Pathol. 5: 318-335. Srinivasan, M. C., and M. J. Thirumalachar. 1967. Evaluation of taxonomic characters in the genus Conidiobolus, with key to known species. Mycologia 59: 698-713. White, W. L. 1937. Note on Conidiobolus. Mycologia 29: 148-149.
Effects of Weld Geometry on Stress Intensity Factor Solutions for Laser Welds in Lap-Shear Specimens

In this paper, the effects of weld geometry on the stress intensity factor solutions for laser welds in lap-shear specimens are investigated. Analytical stress intensity factor solutions for laser welded lap-shear specimens based on the beam bending theory are derived and compared with the analytical solutions for two semi-infinite solids with connection. Finite element analyses of laser welded lap-shear specimens with different weld widths were also conducted to obtain the stress intensity factor solutions. Approximate closed-form stress intensity factor solutions based on the results of the finite element analyses in combination with the analytical solutions based on the beam bending theory and Westergaard stress function for a full range of the normalized weld widths are developed for use with the stress intensity factor solutions for kinked cracks to correlate and estimate fatigue lives of laser welded lap-shear specimens. The effects of the weld protrusion on the stress intensity factor solutions for the pre-existing cracks in lap-shear specimens are also investigated. The presence of the weld protrusion decreases the stress intensity factor solutions for the pre-existing crack near the weld protrusion for the load carrying sheets and the lower stress intensity factor solutions can be used to explain more favorable conditions for kinked fatigue crack propagation from the other pre-existing crack tip and to estimate fatigue lives of laser welded lap-shear specimens under high cycle loading conditions as observed in experiments.© 2011 ASME
Perioperative management of patients undergoing combined heart-liver transplantation

Combined heart-liver transplantation (CHLT) is an uncommonly performed procedure for patients with coexisting cardiac and liver disease [1]. The purpose of this study was to examine and describe the perioperative management of patients undergoing CHLT.
Spin Glass Magnetic Behavior of Iron/Silica Gel Nanocomposites

Homogeneous gelled composites of iron and silica containing 5-40 wt.%Fe prepared by low temperature polymerization of aqueous solutions of ferric nitrate, tetraethoxysilane, and ethanol (with an HF catalyst) were heated to 380°C in the presence of hydrogen gas. X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer effect measurements, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations show these materials are comprised of nanometer-sized regions of iron compounds embedded in a silica gel matrix. Magnetic susceptibility data indicate the materials became either superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic at room temperature. On cooling, the magnetization data furthermore show that the hydrogenated materials containing ll-30% Fe become magnetic spin glasses at temperatures less than 30 K. Magnetic history effects are observed in addition to displaced hysteresis loops below their spin freezing temperatures (Tf). For field-cooled materials at 10 K, the displacement of the hysteresis loops along the field axis indicates the presence of a unidirectional anisotropy which decreases with the cooling field. Both superparamagnetic-to-spin glass and ferromagnetic-to-spin glass transitions are observed in these nanocomposites. Tf varies with the Fe content from:_30 K for the 11%Fe nanocomposite to:_10 K for a content near 33%Fe.
A mode of action for thyroid inhibition by reserpine.

SummaryReserpine had no significant effect upon thyroidal-I131 release rate resulting from injections of thyrotropin (TSH) into young mature female rats whose endogenous secretion of TSH was effectively blocked with thyroxine. In another experiment, reserpine prevented thyroid enlargement which normally results from administration of the goitrogen tapazole. Injections of tapazole and/or reserpine did not significantly affect pituitary or adrenal weight. It appears reserpine inhibits thyroid function in the rat through suppression of TSH secretion.
Effect of Dermal Contact with Gold on the Coronary Circulation.

SummaryDermal contact with ice water in the anesthetized dog failed to produce a reflex constriction of the coronary arteries. Exposure of small areas of body surface to ice! water resulted in no changes in CBF, whereas immersion of 1/3 to 2/3 of the body surface in ice water produced an increase in CBF associated with an increase in cardiac work.
The Role of Professional Learning Communities in Successful Response to Intervention Implementation

The authors take an in-depth look at the evolution of professional learning communities (PLCs), professional structures in which teachers, administrators, and educational specialists collaborate to understand a problem, propose, and enact new ideas, and analyze the effects of their teaching on student learning. They outline what the research literature says about PLCs’ effectiveness for improving teaching, student learning, and school productivity. They share characteristics of PLCs and how these correspond to goals and structures within a response to intervention (RTI) process. The authors also describe a data-based meeting that merges principles from the PLC and RTI literature, and present examples of schools that are integrating these two currents in school reform. Suggested resources are provided to guide PLC implementation along with recommendations for future research to enhance the role of PLCs in RTI implementation.
Psychometric properties of the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) among psychiatric outpatients.

Abstract Background The Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) is a brief, transdiagnostic measure used to assess anxiety severity and related interference. The OASIS has demonstrated strong psychometric properties in previous investigations, however, it has yet to be validated using a transdiagnostic clinician-rated measure. Methods We evaluated the factor structure, convergent and discriminant validity, and illness severity cut-scores of the OASIS in a sample of outpatients (N=202). Results A confirmatory factor analysis indicated an unidimensional structure provided the best fit. The OASIS demonstrated good convergent validity and internal consistency. Using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S), ROC curves showed OASIS scores of 6, 10 and 12 to indicate moderate, marked and severe illness severity, respectively. Conclusions The OASIS is a unidimensional self-report measure with good convergent validity and data from the current study provide illness severity cut-scores.
Analysis of 334 Cases of Urethra and Procreation System Mycoplasma Infection and the Antibiotic Susceptibility Test of the Mycoplasma Strains

Obejective To study the infection of urethra and procreation system in Maoming area.Methods 334 samples were collected from the patients with urethra and procreation system infection.Mycoplasma was cultured and tested for drug sensitivity using the mycoplasma-reagent kit.The susceptibilities of the mycoplasma strains to 12 antibiotics were tested.Results 55.7% individuals(186/334)showed positive in mycoplasma test,in which 4.5%(15/186)was positive for Uu,18.3%(61/186)for Mh,and 32.9%(110/186)for Uu+Mh.The mycoplasma strains were more sensitive to josamycin and doxycycline,with a sensitivity 75%,than to other antibiotics.The strains showed the highest resistance to ciprofloxacin and next to erythromycin.Conclusion The major mycoplasma strains causing urethra and procreation system infection were Uu and Mh in Maoming area,and therefore josamycin and doxycycline should be applied for the treatment.
Comparison of N-Terminal Amino Acid Sequences of ω-Gliadins and a Related Prolamin

The gliadins (prolamins) of wheat constitute the major storage protein fraction in the kernel endosperm. They contain large amounts of glutamine (36–56 mole percent) and proline (15–30 mole percent), presumably because these amino acids are a readily transformable source of nitrogen for the developing embryo. Prolamins are complex mixture of proteins which have similar amino acid compositions and properties. Two dimensional methods of electrophoresis separate the gliadin mixture from a single wheat variety into about 40 components. This complexity may be the result of multiple copies of ancestral genes which have diverged through mutation to produce distinguishable protein components. An understanding of the nature of this complexity may suggest how genes coding for gliadins and other prolamins originated.
Background Note – What's Your Problem? How to Write a Problem Definition Memo

One of the most important skills a public sector leader must cultivate is the ability to frame a problem. While this may seem trivial, in practice – it’s vitally important to clearly understand which problem you are trying to solve, the key aspects of its context, and it's available solution space. This Background Note explains, in detail, the kinds of questions that must be answered to properly frame a problem. When used as part of a public sector course in management (where the course has a term paper/project component), students can submit a short mid-course paper (the Problem Definition Memo) that explains the problem they intend to solve/address in their final paper, using this Background Note as a guide for the mid-course paper.
Voluntary Disclosure with Informed Trading in the IPO Market

We examine voluntary disclosure and capital investment by an informed manager in an initial public offering (IPO) in the presence of informed and uninformed investors. We find that in equilibrium, disclosure is more forthcoming—and investment efficiency is lower—when a greater fraction of the investment community is already informed. Moreover, managers disclose more information when the likelihood of an information event is higher, more equity is issued, or the cost of information acquisition is lower. Investment efficiency and the expected level of underpricing are non-monotonic in the likelihood that the manager is privately informed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
A 'Next Generation' for Public Health Intervention Models: The Public as Innovators

In the public health field, the design of public health interventions has long been considered to be the province of public health experts. In this paper, I explore an important complementary approach: the design and prototyping of public health interventions by consumers themselves. In the approach I propose, consumer prototype interventions are systematically identified and evaluated by public health experts, who then design improvements and diffusion strategies as appropriate. The context and support for my proposal builds upon research by many innovation scholars that has documented a strong pattern of consumer innovation in the development of new consumer products. As I will explain, product producers have learned to profit from these grass roots designs and field experiments. Instead of just searching for unfilled consumer needs, leading-edge firms are increasingly searching for consumer-developed solutions to their needs as the basis for profitable new commercial products. I explore the applicability of this consumer innovation pattern to in the public health field. I first document its potential effectiveness via published examples of its use in public health in the form of positive deviance studies. Next, I discuss the potential of a public health intervention development model that builds upon more efficient, “lead user” methods for identification of consumer innovation. Finally, I propose that research and experimentation by public health researchers on the promise of consumer prototyped health interventions will enable us to develop new methods to more efficiently and effectively intervene on preventive health problems facing the communities we serve.
The Relationship Between Femur Shape and Terrestrial Mobility Patterns

Femoral diaphyseal cross-sectional shape is commonly used to interpret levels of terrestrial logistic mobility (TLM; daily distance covered on land by individuals or groups) in human archaeological populations. However, variation in femoral diaphyseal shape can be influenced by factors other than TLM, such as other lower limb habitual activities, differences in body physique (especially body breadth), age of onset of activities, terrain type, and other environmental and cultural factors. Therefore, similarly shaped femora can occur in populations with different levels of TLM depending on whether the shape differences are due to changes in anteroposterior or mediolateral bending strength. In this chapter, I discuss factors that influence femoral diaphyseal shape and robusticity by comparing diaphyseal shape between individuals with normal mobility and limited or impaired ambulatory ability, examining temporal trends in Native American and modern US populations, and examining ontogenetic factors and non-ambulatory activities on femoral diaphyseal cross-sectional shape. I also discuss and summarize why using multiple biomechanical properties and several bones can provide a clearer picture of the pattern of activity obtained from long bone morphology. I argue that basic femoral diaphyseal shape ratios can be used to estimate levels of TLM when all variables are carefully considered, and that the use of multiple bones and indicators provides a more robust understanding of the mechanical loads that cause similarities and differences in long bone morphology than shape alone.
Intervention-related increases in preoperative physical activity are maintained 6-months after Bariatric surgery: results from the bari-active trial

Higher preoperative physical activity (PA) strongly predicts higher post-operative PA in bariatric surgery (BS) patients, providing rationale for preoperative PA interventions (PAIs). However, whether PAI-related increases can be maintained post-operatively has not been examined. This study compared PA changes across pre- (baseline, post-intervention) and post-operative (6-month follow up) periods in participants randomized to 6 weeks of preoperative PAI or standard care control (SC). Of 75 participants initially randomized, 36 (PAI n=22; SC n=14) underwent BS. Changes in daily bout-related (⩾10-min bouts) moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and steps were assessed via the SenseWear Armband monitor. PAI received weekly counseling to increase walking exercise. Retention (86%) at post-operative follow up was similar between groups. Intent-to-treat analyses showed that PAI vs SC had greater increases across time (baseline, post-intervention, follow up) in bout-related MVPA minutes/day (4.3±5.1, 26.3±21.3, 28.7±26.3 vs 10.4±22.9, 11.4±16.0, 18.5±28.2; P=0.013) and steps/day (5163±2901, 7950±3286, 7870±3936 vs 5163±2901, 5601±3368, 5087±2603; P<0.001). PAI differed from SC on bout-related MVPA at post-intervention (P=0.016; d=0.91), but not follow up (P=0.15; d=0.41), and steps at post-intervention (P=0.031; d=0.78) and follow up (P=0.024; d=0.84). PAI participants maintained preoperative PA increases post-operatively. Findings support preoperative PAIs and research to test whether PA changes can be sustained and influence surgical outcomes beyond the initial post-operative period.
An Inguinal Approach to Complex Extravesical Ureteral Reimplantation.

Objective To report our experience in applying the Lich-Gregoir extravesical ureteral reimplantation (EVR) approach to complex cases (megaureter, duplex systems) through a small inguinal incision, with the goal of minimizing invasiveness. Materials and Methods We reviewed the records of all patients who underwent common sheath or tapered EVR through an inguinal incision. Patient characteristics and reflux grade were obtained, and outcomes were assessed. The technique involved a 2-cm incision made in the lowest inguinal skin crease, standard cord exposure and lateral retraction, and opening the floor of the canal to isolate the ureter. Excisional tapering was performed with the ureter dismembered from the bladder and then reimplanted via detrusorrhaphy, whereas common sheath reimplantation was performed with advancement fixation sutures and the ureters in situ. Results Twenty-eight patients (15 males and 13 females) with a median age of 1.7 years (range: 0.9-4.8 years) were included. Fifteen patients had ureteral tapering, 12 underwent common sheath reimplantation, and 1 child had both. Success was seen in 94% for tapering and 92% for common sheath reimplants, with a mean follow-up of 29.6 months. There were no postoperative obstructions, urinary leaks, or wound infections. Conclusion The inguinal approach can safely and effectively be applied to cases of extravesical ureteral tapering and common sheath reimplantation.
Mechanism of action of selective inhibitors of IL-6 induced STAT3 pathway in head and neck cancer cell lines

Studies indicate that elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels engage IL6Rα-gp130 receptor complexes to activate signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) that is hyperactivated in many cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Our previous HCS campaign identified several hits that selectively blocked IL-6-induced STAT3 activation. This study describes our investigation of the mechanism(s) of action of three of the four chemical series that progressed to lead activities: a triazolothiadiazine (864669), amino alcohol (856350), and an oxazole-piperazine (4248543). We demonstrated that all three blocked IL-6-induced upregulation of the cyclin D1 and Bcl-XL STAT3 target genes. None of the compounds exhibited direct binding interactions with STAT3 in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding assays; neither did they inhibit the recruitment and binding of a phospho-tyrosine-gp130 peptide to STAT3 in a fluorescence polarization assay. Furthermore, they exhibited little or no inhibition in a panel of 83 cancer-associated in vitro kinase profiling assays, including lack of inhibition of IL-6-induced Janus kinase (JAK 1, 2, and 3) activation. Further, 864669 and 4248543 selectively inhibited IL-6-induced STAT3 activation but not that induced by oncostatin M (OSM). The compounds 864669 and 4248543 abrogated IL-6-induced phosphorylation of the gp130 signaling subunit (phospho-gp130Y905) of the IL-6-receptor complex in HNSCC cell lines which generate docking sites for the SH2 domains of STAT3. Our data indicate that 864669 and 4248543 block IL-6-induced STAT activation by interfering with the recruitment, assembly, or activation of the hexamer-activated IL-6/IL-6Rα/gp130 signaling complex that occurs after IL-6 binding to IL-6Rα subunits.
Sex, Gender, and Pain

Pain is among the most ubiquitous and costly health conditions in the developed world, and sex differences in pain responses have been widely reported. Population-based studies indicate higher prevalence of general chronic pain among women, and several specific chronic pain conditions are more common among females than males. Among patients experiencing clinical pain, results indicate a trend toward more severe pain in females, though these findings are inconsistent. Findings from studies of experimentally induced pain demonstrate greater pain sensitivity among females, and women show greater temporal summation of pain compared to men. Multiple biopsychosocial mechanisms have been found to contribute to sex differences in pain. Sex differences in response to pain treatment have received limited attention; however, the available evidence suggests more robust opioid analgesia among women. The chapter concludes with recommendations for future research.
Inelastic Labor Markets and Directors’ Reputational Incentives

We study the labor market consequences that result from directors’ limited capacity to sit on boards and their resulting incentives stemming from career concerns and future prospects. We find that directors who leave one board are more likely to subsequently join a new board, regardless of the previous firm’s performance. This findings is symptomatic of excess demand for directors’ services and therefore binding constraints on their ability to sit on additional boards. Consistent with many directors facing binding supply constraints, using three arguably exogenous changes in the tightness of directors’ supply constraints, we find that directors with more binding constraints are more likely to substitute board seats as these constraints relax. Collectively, our evidence suggests that many directors face limitations in their ability to join additional boards, potentially diminishing their labor market-based incentives.
RNase Protection Assay

The RNase protection assay is a standard approach to determine mRNA levels of a gene of interest in different tissues, developmental stages, or times of the day. Splicing or promoter variants can be studied with specific probes. It is widely used in chronobiology to study the temporal profile of expression of circadian genes and the effects of genetic manipulation on these oscillations. Methods to generate the riboprobes and to perform the RNase protection assay itself are described in this chapter.
Spectroscopic Signature for Stable β-Amyloid Fibrils versus β-Sheet-Rich Oligomers

We use two-dimensional IR (2D IR) spectroscopy to explore fibril formation for the two predominant isoforms of the β-amyloid (Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42) protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Two-dimensional IR spectra resolve a transition at 1610 cm–1 in Aβ fibrils that does not appear in other Aβ aggregates, even those with predominantly β-sheet-structure-like oligomers. This transition is not resolved in linear IR spectroscopy because it lies under the broad band centered at 1625 cm–1, which is the traditional infrared signature for amyloid fibrils. The feature is prominent in 2D IR spectra because 2D lineshapes are narrower and scale nonlinearly with transition dipole strengths. Transmission electron microscopy measurements demonstrate that the 1610 cm–1 band is a positive identification of amyloid fibrils. Sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles that solubilize and disaggregate preaggregated Aβ samples deplete the 1625 cm–1 band but do not affect the 1610 cm–1 band, demonstrating that the 1610 cm–1 band is due...
Clarifying a Construct: An Integrative Functional Model of Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors

Reassurance seeking (RS) has emerged as an important transdiagnostic psychological construct. However, RS has been conceptualized inconsistently and applied to functionally disparate behaviors within research and practice. In order to clarify the construct, the presently proposed Integrative Functional Model of Reassurance Seeking (IFM-RS) operationalizes and categorizes RS behaviors according to their functions. The following three categories comprise the model: Avoidant (negatively reinforced) RS, Evocative (positively reinforced) RS, and Bifunctional (simultaneously reinforced) RS. To evidence the validity and utility of this model, a review of relevant research is presented. The IFM-RS is then applied in conceptualizing the deleterious effects of RS on mental health and relevant treatment implications are subsequently discussed. We contend that adoption of the IFM-RS and its terminology by clinicians and researchers would facilitate accurate communication about the construct, improve the validity and applicability of RS research, and guide clinicians to effectively identify and target RS behaviors in the context of psychopathology.
Failure mechanism transition of 3D-printed biomimetic sutures

Abstract Inspired by the biological sutures in nature, triangular suture specimens with different tooth tip angle and material combinations were fabricated via multi-material 3D printing. From mechanical experiments under uni-axial tension, two basic failure mechanisms were observed: tooth breakage and the cohesive failure of the interfacial layer. It was found that when the tooth tip angle increases and/or the strength of the material in the interfacial layer increases, the failure mechanism of sutures can transit from tooth breakage mode to the cohesive failure of the interfacial layer. To further understand the different failure mechanisms of sutures, advanced nonlinear finite element simulations were performed. The finite element models can predict both the overall load-displacement relation and the failure mechanisms of the 3D printed sutures.
Analytic Hypoellipticity for a Sum of Squares of Vector Fields in ℝ3 Whose Poisson Stratification Consists of a Single Symplectic Stratum of Codimension Four

We prove analytic hypoellipticity for a sum of squares of vector fields in ℝ3 all of whose Poisson strata are equal and symplectic of codimension four, extending in a model setting the recent general result of Cordaro and Hanges in codimension two [2]. The easy model we study first and then its easy generalizations possess a divisibility property reminiscent of earlier work of the author and Derridj in [3] and Grigis–Sjostrand in [4].
The animated database courseware (ADbC)

This workshop demonstrates a set of software animations, called Animated Database Courseware (ADbC), which are designed to support the teaching of database concepts. Areas covered include database design, SQL, transactions and database security. ADbC is freely available from the ADbC site (http://adbc.kennesaw.edu/). The animations are not tailored to any specific product or textbook nor are they intended to substitute for them. Instead, they provide a means to facilitate student learning resulting in an opportunity to include more depth or breadth to the concepts covered in a database course. The workshop will explore different ways the software may be incorporated into the classroom environment