cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiparameter regularization for Volterra kernel identification via multiscale collocation methods

Identification of the Volterra system is an ill-posed problem. We propose a regularization method for solving this ill-posed problem via a multiscale collocation method with multiple regularization parameters corresponding to the multiple scales. Many highly nonlinear problems such as flight data analysis demand identifying the system of a high order. This task requires huge computational costs due to processing a dense matrix of a large order. To overcome this difficulty a compression strategy is introduced to approximate the full matrix resulted in collocation of the Volterra kernel by an appropriate sparse matrix. A numerical quadrature strategy is designed to efficiently compute the entries of the compressed matrix. Finally, numerical results of three simulation experiments are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.
Creel Limits in Minnesota: A Proposal for Change

Abstract Recent research has indicated that creel limits are largely ineffective in regulating recreational fish harvest in Minnesota. Current creel limits give an unrealistic picture of the biological capabilities of Minnesota's fisheries and less than 5% of angler-trips culminate with the harvesting of a creel limit. We present evidence that high creel limits may cause anglers to have unrealistic expectations of their potential harvest. When fishing success expectations are not met, the result is often dissatisfied anglers. We propose reducing creel limits to more appropriate levels by using a probability angling management strategy. These new limits would be based on past recreational harvest data from completed angler-trips. Our goal is to select creel limits that more anglers could attain, or come closer to attaining. Over time, we anticipate reduced creel limits would function more as an educational tool and may help anglers develop more realistic expectations of Minnesota's fisheries.
Behavioral effects of low-dose gestational day 11-13 retinoic acid exposure.

Abstract In a companion article we report that maternal PO exposure to 2.5 mg/kg all-trans retinoic acid (RA) daily for 3 consecutive days over gestational days (GD) 11–13 produces a 10% reduction in weight of cerebellum at 4 weeks of age, not accompanied by other malformations. Here we report the results of a preliminary behavioral analysis of offspring exposed gestationally to RA as above. Exposed dams were allowed to deliver normally, and litters were culled to eight pups (4 ± 1 of each sex) at birth. Both male and female off-spring were tested prior to weaning on GD 21. Thereafter females were killed on postnatal day (PND) 28 for verification of RA effects on regional brain weight, and all subsequent behavioral testing was conducted on males. Preweaning tests were restricted to negative geotaxis (PND 8–9) and open field activity (PND 22). Postweaning tests included open field activity (PND 43), auditory startle response (three times, on PNDs 22, 43, and 84), 2-week activity in residential running wheels (PNDs 62–76), complex maze performance for 5 consecutive days (PND 83–87), emergence latency (PND 106), and assessment of the behavioral response to an amphetamine challenge (PND 107). Males were then killed on PND 108 for verification of RA effects on regional brain weights. In this study, RA reduced weight of cerebellum but not striatum. Cerebellar weight was 92% of control values in PND 28 females, and this weight difference had diminished to 95% of control weight by PND 108 in males. There were no treatment effects on negative geotaxis, activity in a small open field, auditory startle amplitude, or latency to enter an illuminated alley from a dark chamber. Maze learning occurred at levels equal to or slightly better than controls. Running wheel activity was enhanced by RA exposure, whereas activity in response to an amphetamine challenge was reduced by such exposure. We conclude that RA doses low enough to produce mild weight reductions in cerebellum, without attendant malformations, can alter behavior. The precise nature of these alterations remains to be elucidated, but the findings reported here suggest that effects may be more pronounced on activity than on learning.
A semiparametric GARCH model for foreign exchange volatility

Abstract A semiparametric extension of the GJR model (Glosten et al., 1993. Journal of Finance 48, 1779–1801) is proposed for the volatility of foreign exchange returns. Under reasonable assumptions, asymptotic normal distributions are established for the estimators of the model, corroborated by simulation results. When applied to the Deutsche Mark/US Dollar and the Deutsche Mark/British Pound daily returns data, the semiparametric volatility model outperforms the GJR model as well as the more commonly used GARCH( 1 , 1 ) model in terms of goodness-of-fit, and forecasting, by correcting overgrowth in volatility.
Peripheral CD8 T-cell responses to apoptotic cell proteins and peptides.

The immune system must contend with the billions of cells that are turned over on a daily basis; many of these cells derived from the immune system itself. Recent evidence suggests that the apoptotic cells are processed and presented through classical pathways for MHC II presentation to CD4 T cells and also are « cross-presented" through a phagosome-cytosolic pathway or released into the cytosol for presentation to CD8 T cells. It appears that the continuous presentation of self-peptides is required for active maintenance of T-cell tolerance. Although for both CD4 and CD8 T cells, anergy is a dominant pathway for tolerance, presentation of self-peptides to CDS and CD4 T may induce different responses. Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells leads to the production of TGF-β and/or IL-10 by antigen-presenting cells and there is evidence to suggest that these cytokines favor the generation of CD4 T regulatory cells following encounter with self-antigen. In contrast, CD8 T cells undergo brief activation, an abortive proliferation ultimately leading to reduced long-term survival. The relative quantity and quality of all three signals of TCR engagement, costimulation versus coinhibition and quality of the cytokine response, distinguish T-cell responses to self-versus foreign antigens.
Predicting RO/NF water quality by modified solution diffusion model and artificial neural networks

Abstract Membrane solute mass transfer is affected by physical–chemical properties of membrane films, solvent (water) and solutes. Existing mechanistic or empirical models that predict finished water quality from a diffusion controlled membrane can be significantly improved. Modelling membrane solute mass transfer by diffusion solution model is generally restricted to developing specific solute mass transfer coefficients that are site and stage specific. A modified solution diffusion model and two artificial neural network models have been developed for modelling diffusion controlled membrane mass transfer using stage specific solute MTCs. These models compensate for the effects of system flux, recovery and feed water quality on solute MTC and predict more accurately than existing models.
Mobile healthcare computing devices for enterprise-wide patient data delivery

Mobile healthcare computing devices (MHCDs) are rapidly becoming an integral part of healthcare information systems. Deployment of these devices is becoming an important IT strategy designed to assist in improving quality of care, enhancing patient services, increasing productivity, lowerong costs, improving cash flow, as well as facilitating other critical delivery processes. This paper explores how MHCDs are changing the face of medical community by examining specific mobile applications. Also, several database management issues are discussed as well as specifically addressing several mobile deployment implementation issues. Finally, the future use of MHCDs is explored along with several concluding comments, which summarise salient issues raised in the paper.
SSB Functions as a Sliding Platform that Migrates on DNA via Reptation

SSB proteins bind to and control the accessibility of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), likely facilitated by their ability to diffuse on ssDNA. Using a hybrid single-molecule method combining fluorescence and force, we probed how proteins with large binding site sizes can migrate rapidly on DNA and how protein-protein interactions and tension may modulate the motion. We observed force-induced progressive unraveling of ssDNA from the SSB surface between 1 and 6 pN, followed by SSB dissociation at ∼10 pN, and obtained experimental evidence of a reptation mechanism for protein movement along DNA wherein a protein slides via DNA bulge formation and propagation. SSB diffusion persists even when bound with RecO and at forces under which the fully wrapped state is perturbed, suggesting that even in crowded cellular conditions SSB can act as a sliding platform to recruit and carry its interacting proteins for use in DNA replication, recombination and repair.
The Whonka Chocolate Company: Corporate governance and controls over financial reporting

Whonka Candy Company (Whonka) is a case study dealing with internal control and corporate governance. The company has grown rapidly over the last few years and achieved a large share of the wholesale chocolate market. The growth has caused many changes to corporate operations and financial reporting. Your responsibility as a new member of Whonka’s board of directors is to evaluate the company’s current system of control. Use the knowledge you have obtained regarding the Sarbanes–Oxley (SOX) Act (2002) (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 2002, July 30. Available at http://www.sec.gov/about/laws/soa2002.pdf) and the COSO Internal Control–Integrated Framework (1992 and 2012) (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Tre. (1994). INTERNAL CONTROL – INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK. Jersey City, NJ: AICPA. Retrieved on June 12, 2012 from http://www.snai.edu/cn/service/library/book/0-framework-final.pdf) and best business practices of accounting system design and operation to develop a report to the board. This case will challenge your ability to think critically and practice your written communication skills.
Cryptosporidium in Snakes with Hypertrophic Gastritis

Fourteen captive snakes of three genera and four species had severe chronic hypertrophic gastritis. Persistent postprandial regurgitation and firm midbody swelling were the most common clinical signs. Fecal smears had many roughly spherical organisms confirmed by ultrastructural study to be oocysts of Cryptosporidium. Pathologic changes included hypertrophy of gastric mucosa and atrophy of granular cells. There were cystic changes in gastric glands and focal mucosal necrosis. Many Cryptosporidium lined microvillar surfaces. All developmental forms were identified by ultrastructure. Characteristic oocysts were found in abundance.
Clinical evaluation of a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with anti-TNF-alpha in the community.

Abstract Objectives. – TNF-α inhibitors have been effective in randomized controlled studies for the treatment of RA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and radiological responses in a cohort of unselected patients with RA treated with TNF-α inhibitors in the community. Methods. – Using the Swiss Clinical Quality Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis, a centralized system of data gathering for RA patients, we obtained the following information regarding patients treated with a TNF-α inhibitor in the Geneva Canton before 02/2003: demographics; clinical data (disease activity, functional status, treatments received and type of TNF-α inhibitor used); laboratory and radiographic data. Results. – A total of 66 patients (mean age = 60.5 years) with long-standing disease (mean duration = 12.5 years) were analyzed. Sixteen patients (24%) discontinued anti-TNF-α, half within the first 6 months of the study. Mean DAS score decreased from 4.8 ± 0.4 to 3.8 ± 0.4 (P Conclusions. – The responses of this community-based group of patients with severe, long-standing RA to TNF-α inhibitors revealed a reassuring similarity to those of patients enrolled in controlled clinical trials.
Two new efficient cryptosystems based on Rabin's scheme: alternatives to RSA cryptosystem

Proposes two distinct cryptosystems based on Rabin's scheme. The first incorporates coding theory and provides encryption only. The second provides simultaneously both private encryption and digital signature for network users. In the cases where the second scheme provides only encryption or only digital signature, the scheme provides that the bit ratio between plaintext and ciphertext is 1:1, i.e. equivalent to that of the RSA scheme. >
Risk versus Benefit Considerations for the β2‐Agonists

Short-acting beta(2)-agonists are the mainstay of therapy for acute bronchospasm associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, whereas long-acting beta(2)-agonists are used in maintaining disease control in these respiratory disorders. This review describes and compares the pharmacology of the beta(2)-agonists and explains how these differences translate into differences in efficacy and beta(2)-adrenergic-mediated adverse effects. Questions commonly asked by clinicians regarding the efficacy and safety of short- and long-acting beta(2)-agonists include issues about cardiovascular effects, tolerance to their bronchodilator and bronchoprotective effects, blunting of albuterol response by long-acting beta(2)-agonists, potential masking of worsening asthma control, and the role of long-acting beta(2)-agonists as adjunctive therapy with inhaled corticosteroids in maintaining asthma control. Pharmacogenetics may play a role in determining which patients may be at risk for a reduced response to a beta(2)-agonist. The continued use of racemic albuterol, which contains a mixture of R-albuterol and S-albuterol, has been questioned because of data from preclinical and clinical studies suggesting that S-albuterol causes proinflammatory effects and may increase bronchial hyperreactivity. The preclinical and clinical effects of these two stereoisomers are reviewed. Data describing the efficacy and safety of levalbuterol (R-albuterol) and racemic albuterol are presented.
Chronic kidney disease, lipids and apolipoproteins, and coronary heart disease: the ARIC study.

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with elevated apolipoprotein B to A-1 ratio (ApoB/A1). It is not known whether these markers are more strongly associated with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in CKD compared to traditionally measured lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol ratios. Methods We studied the association of lipids and apolipoproteins including non-HDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio (NonHDLc/HDLc) and ApoB/A1 with incident CHD in 10,137 individuals free of CHD at baseline (visit four) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. An estimated glomerular filtration rate of 15 to 2 based on a cystatin C measurement was used to define CKD (Stage 3–4). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine the association of lipids and apolipoprotein measurements with the risk of CHD in those with and without CKD after adjustment for demographic and known clinical cardiovascular risk factors. Results CKD was present in 1217 (12%) individuals free of CHD at baseline. The median follow-up time was 11.1 years. A CHD event developed in 498 out of 8920 individuals without CKD (incidence rate: 5.2 events per 1000 person-years) and in 138 out of 1217 individuals with CKD (incidence rate: 12.0 events per 1000 person–years; P P P 2 ). Among individuals with CKD, ApoB/A1 and NonHDLc/HDLc were both associated with the risk of CHD: hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) per one standard deviation increase = 1.22 (1.02–1.46) for ApoB/A1 and 1.30 (1.07–1.57) for NonHDLc/HDLc with no significant differences detected ( P for interaction >0.1) when comparing these estimates to those of participants without CKD. Conclusions Although CKD is associated with a lower ApoA1 concentration and with a higher ApoB/A1, we found no evidence that these apolipoproteins are more strongly associated with CHD incidence in CKD compared to NonHDLc/HDLc.
The role of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer in the management of familial ovarian cancer.

Purpose: Familial ovarian cancer is most often associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, implicating mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, another common syndrome, is also associated with ovarian cancer and is caused by DNA mismatch repair genes. We sought to identify the role of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer in women with family histories of ovarian cancer. Methods: The likelihood of a genetic syndrome in 226 oophorectomized women in the Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry was determined by pedigree analysis using clinical criteria and by calculating the probability of a mutation in genes responsible for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer using available risk models. Results: Some 86% had a BRCA gene mutation likelihood of 7.8% or higher, warranting consideration of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Of the 32 women below this threshold, 4 (12.5%) had family histories that met criteria for clinical diagnosis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. In addition, 16 women (7%) with a BRCA mutation likelihood greater than 7.8% met clinical criteria for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or warranted its inclusion in the differential diagnosis. Among all study respondents, 9% had family histories warranting consideration of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. Conclusion: Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer should be considered in the differential diagnosis of women with family histories of ovarian cancer.
Alloxan diabetes in the hamster: dosage and blood sugar curves.

INTRODUCTION DESPITE the extensive literature, only two articles, Harris, Anderson and Chen (1946) and Phatak, Lai and Everett (1950) deal with alloxan and the hamster. In neither was the method of injection, the exact diabetic dose, the form of the blood sugar curve, the duration of the diabetic symptoms or the survival time made clear. Since all of this information was pertinent to proposed studies employing the hamster cheek pouch in diabetic animals, the work reported here was undertaken.
Pharmacology and clinical trial results of lanoteplase in acute myocardial infarction

New bolus fibrinolytic agents derived from the recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) have emerged as a new means of dissolution of the occlusive thrombosis associated with acute myocardial infarction. Lanoteplase is a fibrinolytic drug derived from t-PA by deleting its fibronectin finger-like and epidermal growth factor domains and mutating Asn(117) to Gln(117). Lanoteplase has a reduced plasma clearance and a prolonged half-life such that it can be administered as a single bolus. In the InTIME I trial, patency (TIMI grade 2 or 3 flow) with the 120 KU/kg dose was higher compared with front-loaded t-PA. The InTIME II trial demonstrated that lanoteplase was as effective as alteplase with regard to mortality. However, the rate of intracranial haemorrhage was significantly higher in lanoteplase-treated patients and further development of this compound has been halted.
An automated stereoscopic coal profiling system-CCLPS

This paper describes the design of a binocular stereo system called CCLPS (Computerized Coal Profiling System) that provides dense, accurate disparity maps of coal as it is being transported in open rail cars. After a quantitative analysis of previously developed cepstral correspondence techniques which highlights the shortcomings of the cepstrum's matching ability in the presence of random noise and severe foreshortening distortion, we present a modified power cepstral approach that is less sensitive to these effects, along with analytical arguments verifying its robustness. The design of the CCLPS system is then discussed in detail and its performance is verified. >
Bronchoscopic findings in 48 cats with spontaneous lower respiratory tract disease (2002-2009).

Background: Diagnosis of lower respiratory disease requires collection of airway samples to confirm the etiology of disease. Bronchoscopic evaluation is commonly performed in dogs but less information is available in cats. Hypothesis: The presence and number of bronchoscopic abnormalities visualized during bronchoscopic evaluation of cats with lower respiratory disease will correlate with the type of disease and total and differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Animals: Forty-eight cats prospectively evaluated by a single bronchoscopist. Methods: Bronchoscopy was performed during clinical evaluation of cats presenting with cough, respiratory distress, or both. Cats were evaluated for airway hyperemia, stenosis, or collapse, mucus accumulation, bronchiectasis, and epithelial irregularities. Cats were placed into groups of bronchitis/“asthma,” pneumonia, or neoplasia based on BAL findings, histopathology, and response to appropriate medical therapy. Summation of bronchial abnormalities and total and differential cell counts were compared among groups. Results: Endobronchial abnormalities were common in cats with feline bronchitis/asthma, pneumonia, and neoplasia and no differentiating features were found. Excessive mucus accumulation was common (83%), followed by stenosis of bronchial openings and nodular epithelial irregularities (56%), airway hyperemia (54%), airway collapse (48%), and bronchiectasis (27%). Total bronchoscopic score and total cell count did not differ among groups, although differential cell counts were significantly different. A weak correlation (R2= 0.16, P= .006) between age and total bronchoscopic score was noted. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Bronchoscopic abnormalities are common in cats with lower respiratory tract disease, and visualization of the airways provides additional nonspecific clinical information in cats.
Overexpression of sterol carrier protein-2 differentially alters hepatic cholesterol accumulation in cholesterol-fed mice

Although in vitro studies suggest a role for sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2) in cholesterol trafficking and metabolism, the physiological significance of these observations remains unclear. This issue was addressed by examining the response of mice overexpressing physiologically relevant levels of SCP-2 to a cholesterol-rich diet. While neither SCP-2 overexpression nor cholesterol-rich diet altered food consumption, increased weight gain, hepatic lipid, and bile acid accumulation were observed in wild-type mice fed the cholesterol-rich diet. SCP-2 overexpression further exacerbated hepatic lipid accumulation in cholesterol-fed females (cholesterol/cholesteryl esters) and males (cholesterol/cholesteryl esters and triacyglycerol). Primarily in female mice, hepatic cholesterol accumulation induced by SCP-2 overexpression was associated with increased levels of LDL-receptor, HDL-receptor scavenger receptor-B1 (SR-B1) (as well as PDZK1 and/or membrane-associated protein 17 kDa), SCP-2, liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, without alteration of other proteins involved in cholesterol uptake (caveolin), esterification (ACAT2), efflux (ATP binding cassette A-1 receptor, ABCG5/8, and apolipoprotein A1), or oxidation/transport of bile salts (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, sterol 27α-hydroxylase, Na+/taurocholate cotransporter, Oatp1a1, and Oatp1a4). The effects of SCP-2 overexpression and cholesterol-rich diet was downregulation of proteins involved in cholesterol transport (L-FABP and SR-B1), cholesterol synthesis (related to sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 and HMG-CoA reductase), and bile acid oxidation/transport (via Oapt1a1, Oatp1a4, and SCP-x). Levels of serum and hepatic bile acids were decreased in cholesterol-fed SCP-2 overexpression mice, especially in females, while the total bile acid pool was minimally affected. Taken together, these findings support an important role for SCP-2 in hepatic cholesterol homeostasis.
Genetic influence on daily wheel running activity level

This project was designed to determine the genetic (between-strain) and environmental (within-strain) variance in daily running wheel activity level in inbred mice. Five male and five female mice, ...
Inter- and intra-generic differences in growth, reproduction, and fitness of nine herbaceous annual species grown in elevated CO2 environments.

In assessing the capacity of plants to adapt to rapidly changing global climate, we must elucidate the impacts of elevated carbon dioxide on reproduction, fitness and evolution. We investigated how elevated CO2 influenced reproduction and growth of plants exhibiting a range of floral morphologies, the implications of shifts in allocation for fitness in these species, and whether related taxa would show similar patterns of response. Three herbaceous, annual species each of the genera Polygonum, Ipomoea, and Cassia were grown under 350 or 700 ppm CO2. Vegetative growth and reproductive output were measured non-destructively throughout the full life span, and vegetative biomass was quantified for a subsample of plants in a harvest at first flowering. Viability and germination studies of seed progeny were conducted to characterize fitness precisely. Early vegetative growth was often enhanced in high-CO2 grown plants of Polygonum and Cassia (but not Ipomoea). However, early vegetative growth was not a strong predictor of subsequent reproduction. Phenology and production of floral buds, flowers, unripe and abscised fruits differed between CO2 treatments, and genera differed in their reproductive and fitness responses to elevated CO2. Polygonum and Cassia species showed accelerated, enhanced reproduction, while Ipomoea species generally declined in reproductive output in elevated CO2. Seed "quality" and fitness (in terms of viability and percentage germination) were not always directly correlated with quantity produced, indicating that output alone may not reliably indicate fitness or evolutionary potential. Species within genera typically responded more consistently to CO2 than unrelated species. Cluster analyses were performed separately on suites of vegetative and reproductive characters. Some species assorted within genera when these reproductive responses were considered, but vegetative responses did not reflect taxonomic affinity in these plants. Congeners may respond similarly in terms of reproductive output under global change, but fitness and prognoses of population persistence and evolutionary performance can be inferred only rarely from examination of vegetative characters alone.
Mueller matrix imaging polarimetry

The design and operation of a Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter is presented. The instrument is configurable to make a wide variety of polarimetric measurements of optical systems and samples. In one configuration, it measures the polarization properties of a set of ray paths through a sample. The sample may comprise a single element, such as a lens, polarizer, retarder, spatial light modulator, or beamsplitter, or an entire optical system containing many elements. In a second configuration, it measures an optical system's point spread matrix, a Mueller matrix relating the polarization state of a point object to the distribution of intensity and polarization across the image. The instrument is described and a number of example measurements are provided that demonstrate the Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter's unique measurement capability.
A combined therapeutic approach in stroke rehabilitation: A review on non-invasive brain stimulation plus pharmacotherapy.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States. Available treatments for stroke have only a modest effect on motor rehabilitation and about 50-60% of stroke patients remain with some degree of motor impairment after standard treatment. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have been proposed as adjuvant treatments to physical therapy for motor recovery after stroke. High frequency rTMS and anodal tDCS can be delivered over the affected motor cortex in order to increase cortical excitability and induce brain plasticity with the intention to enhance motor learning and achieve functional goals in stroke patients. Similarly, low frequency rTMS and cathodal tDCS can be delivered to the unaffected motor cortex to reduce interhemispheric inhibition and hinder maladaptive plasticity. The use of several drugs such as amphetamines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), levodopa and cholinergic agents have been also proposed to enhance the motor function. Given that both NIBS and pharmacotherapy might provide some treatment effect independently for motor rehabilitation in stroke and with the rationale that they could work in a synergistic fashion, we believe that a combined therapy- NIBS plus pharmacotherapy- can lead to better outcomes than one or the other alone. In this paper we review the literature that support the potential use of a combined approach in stroke recovery and present the studies that have already investigated this idea.
Sociology’s Icebergs Jobs, Workplace Change, and the Applied Imperative

This article explores sociology’s continued vulnerability as a discipline in the context of global, economic, and workplace change. Recent data suggest that a majority of sociology graduates will continue to pursue jobs and careers outside of academia, though they all express misgivings about whether they are prepared to do so. Moreover, there has been a precipitous decline in the number of academic jobs in sociology while the number of non-academic jobs has actually increased. Regardless, new sociology PhDs expect to find jobs in academia. In the aftermath of the “great recession” of the past decade, the changing nature of employment, jobs, careers, and the workplace is likely to continue to challenge sociology’s ability to provide graduates with clear pathways toward success in a competitive global economy. In short, the discipline may be headed in a perilous direction, particularly regarding its future graduates. The article suggests ways that academic sociology might change course and better serve its...
Interlaboratory Study on Measuring Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Concrete

Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is one of the sensitive inputs in the new Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). The most widely used test method to measure CTE of concrete is outlined in AASHTO TP60-00, Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Hydraulic Cement Concrete. Several state highway agency materials laboratories and university research centers have custom-built manually operated or automated CTE measuring devices based on recommendations from AASHTO TP60. Automated CTE devices are also commercially available. With many states in the process of implementing the MEPDG, it is important that the CTE measurements from the various devices provide accurate and comparable results. Results from a nationwide CTE interlaboratory study conducted by FHWA are presented. Eleven custom-built and seven commercially purchased CTE units were used in the study. The 18 CTE devices were divided into four groups, with each group testing one 410 stainless steel (SS) specimen and two concrete specimens w...
Studies on Replicating Simian Virus 40 Chromosomes: Association with Thymidine Kinase

Although several enzymes are known which are likely to participate in the process of DNA replication in mammalian cells, so far not one such enzyme has been proved to be required for replication (for review see reference 1). In Lhe hope of positively identifying some of the enzymes needed for mammalian DNA replication, we have recently developed three subnuclear systems for in vitro DNA synthesis from simian virus 40 (SV40)-infected monkey cells (2,3). We chose to work with SV4O virus as a model system for mammalian DNA replication because it is much easier to characterize small homogeneous viral chromosomes than large, heterogeneous cellular ones. We feel that SV4O DNA replication is an excellent analog of cellular DNA replication because, with the exception of the viral A gene product which is required for initiation of viral DNA replication (4), all steps in the replication of SV40 DNA are carried out by host cell enzymes. In addition, SV4O DNA synthesis resembles cellular DNA synthesis in many ways. In both cases DNA synthesis is bidirectional, Okazaki fragments of 100-250 nucleotides are intermediates, and a large fraction of the Okazaki fragments synthesized in vitro have oligoribonucleotides which may serve as primers at their 5’ ends (reviewed in 1; see also 5).
Synthesizing Illumination Mosaics from Internet Photo-Collections

We propose a framework for the automatic creation of time-lapse mosaics of a given scene. We achieve this by leveraging the illumination variations captured in Internet photo-collections. In order to depict and characterize the illumination spectrum of a scene, our method relies on building discrete representations of the image appearance space through connectivity graphs defined over a pairwise image distance function. The smooth appearance transitions are found as the shortest path in the similarity graph among images, and robust image alignment is achieved by leveraging scene semantics, multi-view geometry, and image warping techniques. The attained results present an insightful and compact visualization of the scene illuminations captured in crowd-sourced imagery.
Resolving a methane mystery.

Little of the vast stock of methane buried beneath the oceans’ floors seems to escape into the overlying water. Marine sediments are low in oxygen, and it has been suspected that microbes can consume methane in such conditions. Two of the organisms concerned have now been identified.
Emergent surface superconductivity in the topological insulator Sb2Te3.

Surfaces of three-dimensional topological insulators have emerged as one of the most remarkable states of condensed quantum matter where exotic electronic phases of Dirac particles should arise. Here we report on superconductivity in the topological insulator Sb2Te3 with transition to zero resistance induced through a minor tuning of growth chemistry that depletes bulk conduction channels. The depletion shifts Fermi energy towards the Dirac point as witnessed by a factor of 300 reduction of bulk carrier density and by the largest carrier mobility (≳25,000 cm2 V−1 s−1) found in any topological material. Direct evidence from transport, the unprecedentedly large diamagnetic screening, and the presence of ∼25 meV gaps detected by scanning tunnelling spectroscopy reveal the superconducting condensate to emerge first in surface puddles, with the onset of global phase coherence at ∼9 K. The rich structure of this state lends itself to manipulation via growth conditions and the material parameters such as Fermi velocity and mean free path. Combining the electronic properties of topological materials and superconductivity is predicted to yield exotic new transport phenomena. Here, the authors evidence surface superconductivity in the topological insulator Sb2Te3below 9 K induced by Te vapour over-pressuring during crystal growth.
Advances in Planar Lightwave Circuits for Wavelength routing Applications

Design advances have dramatically improved the performance of Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers (ROADM). Methods used to reduce insertion loss, widen filter passbands, and improve chip yields will be discussed.
Blood, urine, and tissue amylase in depancreatized rats.

SummaryThe levels of amylase in the blood, urine, and tissues of the rat were not significantly altered by pancreatectomy. It is suggested that some organ or organs, other than the pancreas, is the principal source of blood, urinary, and tissue amylase in normal rats.
Porphyria cutanea tarda in a patient with post-transplant MDS

We report a case of porphyria cutanea tarda associated with myelodysplastic syndrome in a patient after high-dose chemotherapy and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for recurrent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Simultaneous Determination of Nitrite and Nitrate in Cooked Meat by On-line Dialysis-ion Chromatography

A new method based on the combination of on-line dialysis and ion chromatography was established for measuring nitrite and nitrate in cooked meat. Samples were suspended in water, extracted in ultrasonic bath and centrifuged. The resulted supernatant was then subjected to on-line treatment with dialysis before being injected into Ag column. Nitrite and nitrate were separated on a Metrosep A Supp 4 anion exchange column using an eluent composed of a mixed aqueous solution of 1.8 mmol/L Na2CO3 and 1.7 mmol/L NaHCO3 and monitored using suppressed conductivity detector. The limits of detection of this method for nitrite and nitrate were 0.004 mg/L and 0.005 mg/L, respectively. The average recoveries were in the range of 88%-105%. This method presents the benefits of rapidity, high sensitivity and precision and easy performance, thereby providing a promising approach for simultaneous determination of nitrite and nitrate in cooked meat.
Study on inflammatory mediators and clinical condition after treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of stable phase

Objective To investigate the inflammatory mediators,COPD staging and airflow obstruction after therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease( COPD) of stable phase in order to provide further guidance for clinical treatment of COPD. Methods A total of 60 COPD patients in stable phase treated in our hospital between January 2012 and January 2014 were selected as observation group,and matched 40 healthy peoples in physical examination were selected as control group. The based therapy of inhaled long-acting bronchodilators and adrenocortical hormone were regularly given in observation group. Six months after treatment,the markers of inflammatory mediators including serum surface active protein D( SPD),Clara cell secretory protein( CC)-16,matrix metalloproteinase( MMP)-9,matrix metalloproteinases tissue inhibitors( TIMP)-1 and COPD stages,airflow obstruction degree were compared between two groups. Results Compared with control group,serum SPD level increased significantly( P 0. 05),CC-16 level decreased significantly( P 0. 05),MMP-9 level increased significantly( P 0. 05),TIMP-1 level increased significantly in observation group( P 0. 01). The Dyspnea scores[( 3. 4 ± 0. 6) vs( 3. 7 ± 0. 7),P 0. 05],the St. George's respiratory questionnaire( SGRQ) scores[( 29. 7 ±9. 8) vs( 54. 3 ± 17. 9),P 0. 01] in observation group were all significantly lower than those in control group. Conclusion The controlled trial of inflammatory mediators,COPD staging and airflow obstruction after therapy in the patients with COPD in stable stage and healthy peoples provides further guidance of treating drugs and rehabilitation for clinical treatment of COPD.
Performance Status-Based Oncology Practice Guidelines: Easier Said Than Done.

The era of valueand evidence-based care has come tooncologypractice. Third-party payers approve treatment plans according to expert guidelines such as those of the NationalComprehensiveCancerNetwork. Adherence to American College of Surgeons standards is a key component of Commission on Cancer institutional designation. The American Society of Clinical Oncology has joined this effort by issuing the Choosing Wisely recommendations and developing the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative. Tomeet these expectations, practices are increasingly incorporating clinical carepathways, including software that integrates with existing electronic medical records and chemotherapy-ordering platforms. Tisando et al explore oncology guidelines by examining adherence to a longstanding tenet of the management of advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)—the restriction of chemotherapy use to those patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 2. The investigators surveyed 468 medical oncologists who were involved in the CanCORS (Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance) study. Participating physicians were presented with four hypothetical patient scenarios: ECOG 0 without pain, ECOG 0 with pain, ECOG 3 without pain, and ECOG 3 with pain. More than 95% of physicians recommended chemotherapy for patients with good performance status. However, nearly half also recommended chemotherapy for patients with poor performance status. In adjusted analyses, oncologists in solo practice were more likely to recommend chemotherapy than were those in office-based multispecialty groups or hospital settings. The authors offer a number of potential explanations for these findings, including unawareness of guidelines, disagreement with guidelines, and financial incentives. If the approach to patients with limited functional status differs in surveys, it is likely to vary even more in clinical practice. In contrast to tumor histology and clinical stage, performance status is a fluctuating variable, subject to multiple influences, that requires frequent determination and updating by treating clinicians. Tisando et al are to be commended for presenting their hypothetical patients not with assigned ECOG scores but with clinical descriptions (eg, “continues to work and perform usual activities” v “spends more than 50% of his time in bed due to severe fatigue”), thus leaving interpretation to the surveyed physicians. In reality, apparent functional status is rarely this clear. Specific medical limitations can limit a patient’s ambulatory status but not affect overall physiologic health. Acute cancer-related symptoms may limit performance status but may be reversible with focused interventions. For these and other reasons, the accuracy and reproducibility of performance status assessment have been questioned. Rendering treatment recommendations on the basis of functional status has never
Prepregnancy Weight in Women with Type I Diabetes Mellitus: Effect on Pregnancy Outcomes.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the association between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods This is a secondary analysis of a cohort of 426 pregnancies in women with type 1 DM recruited before 20 weeks gestation. Women were categorized according to prepregnancy BMI: low BMI ( Results Low BMI was associated with preterm delivery. High BMI was associated with emergent delivery for maternal indications. Glycemic control as measured by glycohemoglobin A1 was associated with increased risk of spontaneous abortion, attenuating the association with low prepregnancy weight. Conclusion Prepregnancy BMI is a risk factor to be considered when caring for women with type 1 DM, in particular for preterm delivery (low BMI) and emergent delivery for maternal indications (high BMI).
OLDER VOLUNTEERS: AN ASSESSMENT OF TWO THEORIES

Two commonly espoused social theories of aging—activity theory and exchange theory—were critiqued during a project funded by the Administration on Aging. A train‐the‐trainer model was used to organize the project in which older volunteers (N = 41) received 28 hours of classroom training and were then expected to conduct in‐service training for social‐service personnel. Longitudinal data, including social‐psychological measures and measures of gerontological knowledge, were gathered at three points in time and provide the basis for a correlational analysis. The project's effect on participants is analyzed, and the predictive powers of the two theories are assessed. The results provide limited and inconsistent support for either theory, suggesting a need for conceptual reformulation regarding volunteer activity by older persons, for example, a continuity perspective. The use of the elderly in volunteer roles is discussed from both individual and societal perspectives.
Pre-Stem Cell Transplant Induction Therapy Does Not Affect Post-Transplant Survival In Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis

Abstract 370 Background: Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is characterized by the deposition of amyloid derived from immunoglobulin light chains in various organs. Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a commonly used and effective treatment for AL. For patients (pts) undergoing this procedure, a proportion of pts receive treatment similar to induction therapy employed in pts with myeloma undergoing SCT. However, the significance of induction therapy and its impact on the overall survival (OS) in AL is unknown. We conducted this study to ascertain the role of pre-SCT therapy on the post-transplant outcomes in AL. Patients and methods: 435 pts with AL who underwent SCT at our institution between March 1996 and May 2010 form the study group. Groups were compared using Fisher9s exact test or t-test, and survival was calculated using Kaplan Meier method. Survival curves were compared using log rank test. Result: The median (range) age of pts at the time of SCT was 57.4 years (26-75); 260 (60%) were males. The median (range) duration from AL diagnosis to SCT was 4 mos (1-87), and 284 (65%) pts were alive at the time of analysis. Melphalan 200/m 2 (271 pts) or Mel/TBI (17 pts) was used for conditioning in 66% pts, whereas the remaining one-third had reduced doses of melphalan (100-160 mg/m 2 ). The median OS for pts that received pre-SCT therapy (N=286) compared with those who did not (N=149) was 94.7 and 96.5 months, respectively (P=0.6) (Fig 1). Among the group of pts who underwent pre-SCT therapy and were evaluable for response, the median OS for those with a hematologic response (N=42) and no hematologic response (N=42) was 82.1 and 51 months (P=0.2), respectively (Fig 2). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates no difference in the OS of AL patients who received a pre-SCT therapy compared with those who received a SCT after their diagnosis of AL. In patients receiving pre-SCT therapy, there was a trend towards reduced OS among those with no hematologic response to pre-transplant therapy, but this difference was not significant. Disclosure: Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding. Dispenzieri: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Binding Site: Honoraria.