cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Business and Public Policy: Firm-level characteristics and business responses to environmental/social protection demands

The predominant tendency among firms sharing a similar external context and policy demands is to adopt similar strategies and structures (Hoffman, 1997). However, firm-level characteristics, such as ownership, profitability, and industry, to name a few, can contribute to produce heterogeneous business responses to the political interaction observed during the different stages of the protective policy process (Issac and Griffin, 1989; Makino et al ., 2004; Sutton and Dobbin, 1996; Tolbert and Zucker, 1983). Indeed, there is an extensive literature on corporate political strategy that has identified how firms' characteristics are associated with differences in corporate political activity (Cavazos, 2005). In general, this research suggests that firms that are larger (Boddewyn and Brewer, 1994; Keim and Baysinger, 1988; Schuler, 1996), more diversified (Hillman and Hitt, 1999), have more slack resources (Schuler, 1996; Schuler et al ., 2002), and are older (Hillman, 2003) tend to show higher levels of political activity and a greater desire to exert influence on the public policy process. Similarly, a growing number of empirical studies implemented mostly in the US and Europe have identified an array of firm-level characteristics associated with higher levels of corporate environmental and social performance (Berchicci and King, 2007). However, most of these empirical studies have focused on identifying a link between different measures of profitability and indicators of corporate environmental and/or social performance (Margolis and Walsh, 2003).
Mice overexpressing growth hormone exhibit increased skeletal muscle myostatin and MuRF1 with attenuation of muscle mass

In contrast to the acute effects of growth hormone (GH) on skeletal muscle protein synthesis, long-term GH treatment appears to have negligible effects on muscle mass. Despite this knowledge, little is known regarding the chronic effects of GH on skeletal muscle protein synthesis and atrophy signaling pathways. The purpose of this study was to determine if protein synthesis pathways are attenuated and/or muscle atrophy intracellular signaling pathways are altered in the skeletal muscle of transgenic bovine GH (bGH) mice. The gastrocnemius and soleus from 5-month-old male bGH mice (n = 9) and wild type (WT) controls (n = 9) were harvested and analyzed for proteins involved in the protein synthesis (Akt/mTOR), growth and proliferation (MAPK), and muscle atrophy (MuRF1 and myostatin) pathways. Total body mass was significantly increased in bGH mice compared to WT controls (49%, P < 0.0001). When expressed relative to total body mass, the gastrocnemius (− 28%, P < 0.0001), but not the soleus, was significantly lower in mice overexpressing GH, compared to controls. Transgenic bGH mice had elevated phosphorylation levels of protein kinase b (Akt1), 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), p70 S6 kinase, p42/44, and p38 (P < 0.05) compared to WT littermates. Mature myostatin (26 kDa), premature myostatin (52 kDa), and activin receptor type IIB (AcvR2B) protein levels were increased in bGH mice (P < 0.05), along with elevated phosphorylation levels of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad2) (59%, P < 0.0001). Mice overexpressing GH had increased MuRF1 expression (30%, P < 0.05) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) serine phosphorylation (44%, P < 0.05) in the gastrocnemius, but not the soleus, when compared to controls. These findings demonstrate that chronic elevations in circulating GH have a critical impact on signaling pathways involved in skeletal muscle protein synthesis and atrophy, and suggest that MuRF1, myostatin, and IRS1 serine phosphorylation may act to inhibit exaggerated glycolytic muscle growth, in environments of chronic GH/IGF-1 excess.
From fishers to farmers: Assessing aquaculture adoption in a training program for commercial fishers

Coastal communities in Maine are highly dependent on marine resources, especially the American lobster, Homarus americanus H. Milne-Edwards, 1837, fishery. Overreliance on a single species poses a precarious socioeconomic situation for these communities. Shellfish and seaweed aquaculture is viewed as a diversification strategy for fishers; however, the adoption of aquaculture by Maine fishers is understudied. The Aquaculture in Shared Waters program trains commercial fishers in shellfish and seaweed aquaculture, and provides an opportunity to understand the types of commercial fishers who are considering adoption. Here, we summarize initial findings from an ongoing longitudinal study of training program participants that aims to understand the process of integrating fishing and farming. We utilized participant observations, semi-structured interviews, and structured surveys to gather data on individual characteristics, motivations for considering aquaculture, and perceptions of barriers to the adoption of aquaculture. Most fishers report being interested in aquaculture as a diversification strategy and are most concerned about aspects of running an aquaculture operation. They report less concern about environmental uncertainty, the regulatory process, and community relations. Initial findings will guide future inquiry with commercial fishers about aquaculture integration, as well as provide practitioners with additional information to tailor future training.
Liquid Mixture Excess Volumes and Total Vapor Pressures Using a Magnetic Suspension Densimeter with Compositions Determined by Chromatographic Analysis: Methane Plus Ethane

The measurements discussed in this paper are part of a comprehensive experimental program to obtain orthobaric liquid densities for the major components of LNG and their mixtures using a magnetic suspension densimeter. The present measurements on methane plus ethane were made to evaluate vapor recirculation as a method of liquid mixing and the consistency of liquid-phase compositions determined by analysis of liquid samples. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using a magnetic suspension densimeter to obtain accurate isothermal phase equilibria and liquid density data simultaneously, with compositions determined by chromatographic analysis.
A Logical Basis for Single-neuron Study of Learning in Complex Neural Systems

An understanding of learning in complex neural systems requires the knowledge of neuronal connections and signals which together code for stimuli, responses, and their relationships. A higher-order neuron forms a nodal point of convergence of afferent and efferent channels and owes its stimulus selectivity both to its intrinsic properties and to the connections it makes with other neurons. Such a neuron, under certain conditions, shows not only how the brain encodes complex stimuli but also how experience determines or modifies its stimulus selectivity. One of the brain areas for the control of birdsong contains neurons selective for the individual bird’s own song. These neurons seem to acquire their stimulus selectivity during song development. This article also discusses recent theories about the neural substrates of song learning.
Finite Element Representations for Thin Shell Instability Analysis

The development of finite element calculational procedures for thin shell instability analysis has involved the definition of appropriate element representations (i.e. the geometric form of the element and the approximation of displacement and/or stress), constitutive expressions, and computational algorithms. Among these, the status of thin shell finite element representations remains unsettled. This paper therefore emphasizes recent developments in the basic aspects of thin shell finite element analysis and discusses one simplified approach in more detail. Formulative and computational procedures for elastic instability analysis are then summarized and numerical results are shown for the simplified shell element formulation.
Pathogenesis and pathology

A lot is known about the streptococcus, and a lot is known about rheumatic fever, but little is known about what connects the two: the chain of processes that must link the streptococcal infections in the throat to rheumatic fever itself—which starts after the pharyngitis has subsided and which only affects organs and tissues remote from the throat1. One thing is sure: the streptococci don’t migrate from the throat to the heart or the joints, which are demonstrably sterile. Hence, rheumatic fever is considered a non-suppurative sequel of streptococcal infections; a post-streptococcal rather than a streptococcal disease.
The Role of Health Care Organization in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

The 1990s have seen a rapid increase in the portion of the US population whose health care costs are paid for by managed care organizations. Managed care organizations take various forms, but all involve arrangements that combine the financing of health services with efforts to coordinate, integrate, and manage service provision so that patients receive only the care that is necessary to improve their health status. By 1995, the managed care approach to paying and coordinating health care affected 73% of the privately insured population (Jensen, Morrisey, Gaffney, & Liston, 1997), with 29% of those covered by Medicaid (US Health Care Financing Administration, 1997) and 7% of those over 65 and covered by Medicare (US General Accounting Office, 1996).
Carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.)

The carambola Averrhoa carambola L. is an evergreen fruit tree (Fig. 1) in the family Oxalidaceae. It is believed to have originated in southeast Asia, probably in Indonesia (Purseglove 1968), where it has been reported to occur in the wild state. The closely related bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi L.), however, is thought to be native to the Malay peninsula and both Popenoe (1920) and Burkill (1966) have suggested that the two species are from that region. In addition, Chandler (1958) considered that India and the Moluccas might have been the original home of the genus. The carambola is today grown primarily as a dooryard tree throughout the tropics and subtropics.
International Law in the Anthropocene: Responding to the Geoengineering Challenge

Introduction 310 I. Climate Change and the Creation of the Anthropocene 314 II. Geoengineering As a Climate Change Mitigation Measure 318 A. Geoengineering Techniques and Technologies 321 1. Carbon Dioxide Removal Techniques 321 2. Solar Radiation Management Techniques 326 III. The Current Regulatory Framework for Geoengineering 329 A. Specialized Rules Applicable to Geoengineering 330 B. The Obligation to Prevent Harm 333 C. The Obligation to Prevent Pollution 335 D. The Obligation to Protect Vulnerable Ecosystems and Species 339 E. The Precautionary Principle 341 F. Obligations to Cooperate, Exchange Information, and Assess Environmental Impacts 344 G. The Obligation to Act with Due Regard to Other States ........ 346 H. Responsibility for Environmental Harm 347 I. Geoengineering and International Environmental Law As a Discipline 350 IV. The Evolving Regulatory Regime for Ocean Fertilization: A Precedent? 350 V. Regulating Geoengineering in the Anthropocene: A Proposal 353 Concluding Remarks 356
Stem cell therapy for neurological disorders: A focus on aging

Age-related neurological disorders continue to pose a significant societal and economic burden. Aging is a complex phenomenon that affects many aspects of the human body. Specifically, aging can have detrimental effects on the progression of brain diseases and endogenous stem cells. Stem cell therapies possess promising potential to mitigate the neurological symptoms of such diseases. However, aging presents a major obstacle for maximum efficacy of these treatments. In this review, we discuss current preclinical and clinical literature to highlight the interactions between aging, stem cell therapy, and the progression of major neurological disease states such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and multiple system atrophy. We raise important questions to guide future research and advance novel treatment options.
Ectogenesis and a right to the death of the prenatal human being: A reply to Räsänen.

Both many critics of abortion and many defenders of abortion have suggested that artificial wombs could end the abortion debate. If the fetus is removed from the uterus, women have an end to an unwanted pregnancy. If the living fetus is then put in an artificial uterus for ectogenesis, there is no termination of the life of the fetus. Joona Rasanen challenges this view in his article, Ectogenesis, abortion and a right to the death of the fetus. Rasanen provides three arguments for a right to secure the death of the human being in utero, namely the 'right not to become a biological parent argument', the 'right to genetic privacy argument', and the 'right to property argument'. This article critiques these three arguments for a right to the death of the fetus.
Unique fertility restoration suppressor genes for male-sterile CMS ANN2 and CMS ANN3 cytoplasms in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Single dominant fertility restoration (Rf) genes for cytoplasmic male-sterile (CMS) sunflower lines CMS ANN2 and CMS ANN3 were previously identified in three and five sources, respectively. However, expressions of the dominant Rf genes were suppressed when crossing restoration lines with three inbred lines. Preliminary results indicated that segregation of fertility in most testcross progeny families from crosses of half-diallel F1’s of restoration lines with the two CMS lines, respectively, did not agree with those of the F2 generation of the half-diallel crosses. In this study, using selected CMS ANN2 and CMS ANN3 plants without the silencing suppressor (S) genes, we confirmed the existence of S genes in the nuclear genomes of the CMS lines used for crossing of the two CMS cytoplasms. Inheritance study suggested that Rf gene suppression was controlled by a single dominant gene in specific backgrounds, whereas two to three complementary S genes could exist in certain backgrounds. Using testcross population Rf ANN2-P21/RHA 274//Rf ANN2-P21, a single S gene from RHA 274, designated S1, was mapped to a recombination suppressed region on the sunflower linkage group (LG) 3, co-segregating with 16 SSR or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, flanked by NSA_003339 and ORS124 at a distance of 1.4 and 0.7 cM, respectively. These molecular markers will potentially assist in identifying lines without suppressor genes, including CMS lines. Unique suppression of Rf genes confirmed existence of suppressor (S1) gene in CMS lines that mapped to a recombination suppressed region on linkage group 3, which will enhance understanding of cytoplasm-nuclear interactions.
Genetically encoded FRET probes for direct mapping and quantification of intracellular oxygenation level via fluorescence lifetime imaging

Molecular oxygen is an important reporter of metabolic and physiological status at the cellular and tissue level, and its concentration is used for the evaluation of many diseases (e.g.: cancer, coronary artery disease). The development of accurate and quantitative methods to measure O2 concentration ([O2]) in living cells, tissues and organisms is challenging and is subject of intense research. We developed a protein-based, fluorescent oxygen sensor that can be expressed directly in cells to monitor [O2] in the intracellular environment. We fused Myoglobin (Myo), a physiological oxygen carrier, with mCherry, a fluorescent protein, to build a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair, Myo-mCherry. The changes in the spectral properties of Myoglobin upon oxygen binding result in changes of the FRETdepleted emission intensity of mCherry, and this effect is detected by monitoring the fluorescence lifetime of the probe. We present here the preparation and characterization of a series of Myo-mCherry variants and mutants that show the versatility of our protein-based approach: the dynamic range of the sensor is tunable and adaptable to different [O2] ranges, as they occur in vitro in different cell lines, the probe is also easily targeted to subcellular compartments. The use of fluorescence overcomes the most common issues of data collection speed and spatial resolution encountered by currently available methods for O2-monitoring. By using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM), we show that we can map the oxygenation level of cells in vitro, providing a quantitative assessment of [O2].
Depression prevention in digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia: Is rumination a mediator?

Abstract Background There has been growing support for digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (dCBT-I) as a scalable intervention that both reduces insomnia and prevents depression. However, the mechanisms by which dCBT-I reduces and prevents depression is less clear. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms: dCBT-I (N=358), or online sleep education as the control condition (N=300). Outcome variables were measured at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and one-year follow-up, and included the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR16), and the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ). The analyses tested change in PTQ scores as a mediator for post-treatment insomnia, post-treatment depression, and incident depression at one-year follow-up. Results Reductions in rumination (PTQ) were significantly larger in the dCBT-I condition compared to control. Results also showed that reductions in rumination significantly mediated the improvement in post-treatment insomnia severity (proportional effect = 11%) and post-treatment depression severity (proportional effect = 19%) associated with the dCBT-I condition. Finally, reductions in rumination also significantly mediated the prevention of clinically significant depression via dCBT-I (proportional effect = 42%). Limitations Depression was measured with a validated self-report instrument instead of clinical interviews. Durability of results beyond one-year follow-up should also be tested in future research. Conclusions Results provide evidence that rumination is an important mechanism in how dCBT-I reduces and prevents depression.
Monitoring the safety of high-dose, trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS), 2011 – 2019

Abstract Background On 12/23/2009 a new high-dose trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3-HD) was licensed for adults aged ≥65 years. We assessed the post-licensure safety data for IIV3-HD in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) during 2011–2019. Methods We searched VAERS for reports after IIV3-HD during 1/1/2011–06/30/2019 in persons aged ≥65 years. Medical records were reviewed for all death reports and for certain pre-specified conditions (e.g. Guillain Barre Syndrome [GBS], anaphylaxis). We also reviewed certain groups who received IIV3-HD erroneously (e.g. pregnant women, children). Empirical Bayesian data mining was used to identify disproportional reporting. Results VAERS received 12,320 reports after IIV3-HD;723 reports (5.9%) were serious. The most common adverse events (AEs) among serious reports were pyrexia (30.2%), asthenia (28.9%), and dyspnea (24.9%), and among non-serious reports were injection site erythema (16.8%), pain in extremity (15.8%), and injection site pain (14.2%). Among 55 death reports, the most common causes of death were diseases of the circulatory system (n = 23;41.8%). Based on medical record review, there were 61 reports of GBS and 13 of anaphylaxis. There were 13 reports of pregnant-women who inadvertently received IIV3-HD; three reports described arm pain or local reactions, and 10 did not report any AE. Among 59 reports of children who erroneously received IIV3-HD, 31 experienced an AE (most commonly injection site or constitutional reactions) and the remaining 28 reports did not describe any AE. Conclusions Post-licensure safety data of IIV3-HD during 9 influenza seasons revealed no new or unexpected safety concerns among individuals ≥65 years. Inadvertent administration of IIV3-HD to children or pregnant women was observed, although with no serious AEs reported. Training and education of providers in vaccine recommendations and groups for whom the vaccine is indicated may help in preventing these vaccine administration errors. This review provides baseline information for future monitoring of the quadrivalent-high-dose influenza vaccine.
What Is the Impact of Prophylactic Nasal Decolonization in Prevention of SSI

Background Surgical site infections (SSI) are common preventable healthcare associated infections (HAI) that create substantial burdens on care systems, payers, and patients. Developing, implementing, sustaining SSI prevention best practices is an organizational priority. Nationally, SSIs occur in 2%-4% of all patients undergoing inpatient surgery Fiscal years 2018-2019, SSIs increased 65%; Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), and Spinal Fusion(SF) surgeries accounted for over half (53%) of the infections Methods In 2019, the Model Operating room (OR) project began to pilot SSI reduction strategies in the total joint surgical population. Studies have shown that Staphylococcus aureus nasal decolonization protocols reduce SSIs in elective orthopedic surgeries. Using principles of total quality management (TQM) to implement a new broad spectrum antiseptic nasal swab product, an interdisciplinary team initiated nasal decolonization in elective total hip, total knee, and spinal fusion surgical patients. Results Since September 2019, there have been zero SSIs for the 47 THAs and 79 TKA surgeries performed, and only 1 SSI for the 320 SF surgeries completed. Their collective SSI rate (0.002) has decreased 60% from 3 months prior and is 3 times lower than the SSI rate of the 797 other surgeries (0.006) performed during the 3 month nasal decolonization period. NO adverse safety events pertaining to nasal decolonization have been reported. Due to the success of the nasal decolonization initiative, other surgeons outside of the pilot populations have requested the povidone iodine nasal swab administration for their patients preoperatively. Conclusions We found preoperative nasal povidone iodine decolonization to be a safe, efficient, and cost-effective strategy in reducing SSIs in elective orthopedic surgeries. Patients and organizations may benefit from incorporating this strategy into preoperative SSI prevention protocols.
Ultraviolet Spectra of Cataclysmic Variable Accretion Disks with Nonsteady T(r) Laws

An extensive grid of synthetic mid- and far-ultraviolet spectra for accretion disks in cataclysmic variables has been presented by Wade & Hubeny. In those models, the disk was assumed to be in steady state; that is, Teff(r) is specified completely by the mass MWD and radius RWD of the accreting white dwarf star and the mass transfer rate , which is constant throughout the disk. In these models, Teff(r) ∝ r-3/4, except as modified by a cutoff term near the white dwarf. Actual disks may vary from the steady state prescription for Teff(r), however, as a result of, for example, outburst cycles in dwarf novae ( not constant with radius) or irradiation (in which case Teff in the outer disk is raised above Tsteady). To show how the spectra of such disks might differ from the steady case, we present a study of the ultraviolet (UV) spectra of models in which power-law temperature profiles Teff(r) ∝ r-γ with γ < are specified. Otherwise, the construction of the models is the same as in the Wade & Hubeny grid, to allow comparison. We discuss both the UV spectral energy distributions and the appearance of the UV line spectra. We also briefly discuss the eclipse light curves of the nonstandard models. Comparison of these models with UV observations of nova-like variables suggests that better agreement may be possible with such modified Teff(r) profiles.
Gender representation among leadership at national and regional cardiothoracic surgery organizational annual meetings

Abstract Background Increased attention has been dedicated to gender inequity at scientific meetings. This study evaluated the gender distribution of session leaders at cardiothoracic surgery national and regional meetings. Methods This is a descriptive study of the gender of peer-selected session leaders at 4 cardiothoracic surgery organizations' annual meetings from 2015 to 2019. Session leaders included moderators, panelists, and invited discussants. Data from publicly available programs were used to generate a list of session leaders and organization leaders. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of female session leaders at annual meetings. Descriptive analyses were performed, including the Cochran–Armitage trend test for linear trends of proportions. Results A total of 679 sessions over 20 meetings were examined. Of the 3662 session leaders, 480 (13.1%) were women. The proportion of total female session leaders trended positively over time from 9.6% (56 of 581) in 2015 to 15.9% (169 of 1060) in 2019 (P = .001). Among specialty topic sessions, female session leaders were distributed as follows: adult cardiac, 6.9% (81 of 1172); congenital cardiac, 10.8% (47 of 437); and thoracic, 23.2% (155 of 668). The proportion of female session leaders trended significantly only for thoracic sessions (20.6% [21 of 102] in 2015 to 29.2% [58 of 199] in 2019; P = .02). More than one-half of the sessions (57.4%; 390 of 679) featured all-male session leadership. Conclusions Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles at cardiothoracic surgery organizational meetings. This may deter female applicants and has implications for female surgeons' career trajectories; therefore, attention must be given to the potential for unconscious bias in leadership in cardiothoracic surgery.
Pembrolizumab for B-cell lymphomas relapsing after or refractory to CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy.

CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR T cells) achieve durable remissions in about 30-40% of relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphomas. T cell exhaustion and/or an immunosuppressive tumor-microenvironment may contribute to CAR T-cell failure. Pembrolizumab, an anti-PD1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, may reverse T-cell exhaustion following CAR T-cell therapy. We treated 12 patients with B-cell lymphomas who were either refractory to (N=9) or relapsed after (N=3) CD19-directed CAR T cell (4-1BB-costimulated) therapy with pembrolizumab 200mg IV every 3 weeks. Median time from CAR T-cell infusion to first pembrolizumab dose was 3.3 months (range: 0.4-42.8 months). Pembrolizumab was well-tolerated and the only ≥ grade 3 adverse events related to pembrolizumab were neutropenia (N=3; 25%). Best overall response rate after pembrolizumab was 3/12 (25%) [1 complete response; 2 partial responses]. One (8%) patient had stable disease, thus, 4/12 (33%) patients had clinical benefit. After pembrolizumab, 4 patients with clinical benefit had increase in percentage of CAR T cells by mass cytometry (CyTOF); 3 of 4 of these patients also had increases in CAR19 transgene levels by qPCR. Deep immune profiling using mass cytometry revealed increased CAR T cell activation and proliferation and less T-cell exhaustion in clinical responders. Together, PD1 blockade with pembrolizumab after CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy appears safe and may achieve clinical responses in some patients with B-cell lymphomas refractory to or relapsed after CAR T-cell therapy.
Nitrate-N removal rate variabilities in floating treatment wetland mesocosms with diverse planting and carbon amendment designs

Abstract Floating treatment wetlands are an innovative wetland design to passively improve water quality and remove pollutants from reservoirs with limited infrastructure modification or construction as compared to traditional treatment wetlands. However, design recommendations remain limited. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: 1. Determine nitrate-N removal rates in two floating treatment wetland vegetation designs entering a second growing season and 2. Evaluate nitrate-N removal performance in floating treatment wetland designs following the addition of two carbon amendments during the growing season. Three floating treatment wetland mesocosm experiments were conducted during the summer of 2019, where nitrate-N removal was evaluated. Two floating treatment wetland plant designs (Rush species and Diverse species) and three carbon conditions (no amendment, spent coffee grounds, and barley straw) were assessed in replicates of three. Floating treatment wetland vegetation design (Rush versus Diverse) was found to have significant (P
Does Intravenous Midazolam Dose Influence the Duration of Recovery Room Stay Following Outpatient Third Molar Surgery

Purpose To evaluate the impact of intravenous midazolam dose on the duration of recovery room stay for patients undergoing outpatient third molar surgery. Materials and Methods Using a retrospective cohort study design, a sample of patients undergoing outpatient third molar surgery under intravenous sedation at Mayo Clinic from 2010 to 2014 was identified. All patients underwent extraction of all 4 third molars during a single operative procedure and the age range was limited to 14 to 29 years. The primary predictor variable was the total dose of intravenous midazolam administered during sedation. The primary outcome variable was recovery room length of stay (LOS) after completion of surgery. Multiple covariates also abstracted included patient age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, duration of surgical procedure, complexity of surgical procedure, types and dosages of all intravenous medications administered during sedation, and volume of crystalloid fluid administered perioperatively. Univariable and multivariable models were developed to evaluate associations between the primary predictor variable and covariates relative to the primary outcome variable. Results The study sample was composed of 2,610 patients. Mean age was 18.3 years (SD, 3.0 yr; range, 14 to 29 yr) and gender distribution was 52% female. Mean dosage of midazolam administered was 4.1 mg (SD, 1.1 mg; range, 0.5 to 10.0 mg). Variables predicting shorter LOS at multivariable analysis included older age (P Conclusion Dosage of intravenous midazolam does not appear to significantly impact the duration of recovery room stay in the prototypical patients undergoing sedation for outpatient third molar surgery.
The Salience of Low Price in the Marketing of Remanufactured Consumer Durable Goods

This paper reports the results of research conducted to determine the salience of low price in the marketing of remanufactured products. Members of the Arkansas Household Research Panel were surveyed, and the results are presented. Implications for marketing and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Hepatic 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase. The role of surface loop basic residues in substrate binding to the fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase domain.

Lys-356 has been implicated as a critical residue for binding the C-6 phospho group of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate to the fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase domain of rat liver 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (Li, L., Lin, K., Correia, J., and Pilkis, S. J. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 16669-16675). To ascertain whether the three other basic residues (Arg-352, Arg-358, and Arg-360), which are located in a surface loop (residues 331-362) which contains Lys-356, are important in substrate binding, these arginyl residues were mutated to Ala, and each arginyl mutant was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. The far UV circular dichroism spectra of the mutants were identical to that of the wild-type enzyme. The kinetic parameters of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase of the mutants revealed only small changes. However, the Km for fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, Ki for fructose 6-phosphate, and Ka for inorganic phosphate of fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase for Arg352Ala were, respectively, 2,800-, 4,500-, and 1,500-fold higher than those for the wild-type enzyme, whereas there was no change in the maximal velocity or the Ki for inorganic phosphate. The Km for fructose 2,6-bisphosphate and Ki for inorganic phosphate of Arg360Ala were 10- and 12-fold higher, respectively, than those of the wild-type enzyme, whereas the maximal velocity and Ki for fructose 6-phosphate were unchanged. In addition, substrate inhibition was not observed with Arg352Ala and greatly reduced with Arg360Ala. The properties of the Arg358Ala mutant were identical to those of the wild-type enzyme. The results demonstrate that in addition to Lys-356, Arg-352 is another critical residue in fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase for binding the C-6 phospho group of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate and that Arg-360 binds the C-2 phospho group of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate in the phosphoenzyme.fructose 2,6-bisphosphate complex. The results also provide support for Arg-352, Lys-356, and Arg-360 constituting a specificity pocket for fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase.
Race-Conscious Student Engagement Practices and the Equitable Distribution of Enriching Educational Experiences

In this article, race-conscious student engagement is offered as an effective approach to narrowing racialized achievement disparities among college students, while simultaneously improving the experiences and outcomes of racial minority undergraduates. This version of student engagement is defined, and the mutual benefits it confers to students, educators, and predominantly white institutions are described in the article. But first, current racial gaps in the engagement of undergraduates are illuminated and discussed.
Role of IL-12 and IFN-gamma in Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal infection.

Purpose In Pseudomonas aeruginosa ocular infection, T-helper cell 1-responsive mouse strains are susceptible (the cornea perforates), and neutralization of IFN-gamma before infection has been shown to delay the onset of perforation. IFN-gamma is the predominant cytokine induced by IL-12, and positive regulation of IL-12 by IFN-gamma, if unchecked, leads to excessive cytokine production and toxicity. Despite its potential importance, the role of IL-12 in ocular infection with P. aeruginosa remains unexplored and was the purpose of this study. Methods IL-12 knockout mice, histopathology, RT/PCR and ELISA analyses, immunocytochemistry, and quantitation of viable bacteria in cornea were used to examine the role of IL-12 in IFN-gamma production and the susceptibility phenotype. Results To directly test the effect of IL-12 on IFN-gamma production, IL-12 knockout and wild-type C57BL/6 mice were used. Both groups of mice were susceptible to infection, with corneal perforation seen at 5 to 7 days after infection. RT-PCR and ELISA analyses confirmed that IL-12 message and protein levels were elevated after infection only in the wild-type mouse cornea. Other differences between the two groups were detected. Knockout versus wild-type mice showed a significant decrease in IFN-gamma mRNA levels in the cornea and cervical lymph nodes and decreased TNF-alpha protein levels in cornea. Corneas of knockout mice also had a significant increase in bacterial load at 5 days after infection when compared with wild-type mice. Conclusions These data provide evidence that IL-12 is important in IFN-gamma production and in the absence of the cytokine, both IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha levels in cornea are significantly decreased, resulting in unchecked bacterial growth and perforation.
Dynamic Models of Neural Systems: Propagated Signals, Photoreceptor Transduction, and Circadian Rhythms

This article presents dynamical system models of three types of related neural phenomena: electrical signal patterns in individual nerves, transduction of light into electrical signals by photoreceptors, and the electrical, chemical, and light interactions that control circadian rhythms.
Equational programming in lambda -calculus

A system of equations in lambda -calculus is a pair ( Gamma , X) where Gamma is a set of formulas of Lambda (the equations) and X is a finite set of variables of Lambda (the unknowns). A system S=( Gamma , X) is said to be solvable in the theory T (T-solvable) if there exists a simultaneous substitution with closed lambda -terms for the unknowns that makes the formulas of Gamma theorems in the theory T. A class of systems for which the beta -solvability problem is decidable in polynomial time is defined. This class yields an equational programming language in which constraints on the code generated by the compiler can be specified by the user and (properties of) data structures can be described in an abstract way. >
Biases in option prices

Abstract This paper examines a European call model of option pricing over a data set which does not suffer from the early exercise problems that have plagued earlier studies of call options on common stocks. We specifically examine a data set of American call prices on spot foreign exchange for which it is plausible to apply an adjusted version of the Garman-Kohlhagen (1983) and Grabbe (1983) European call option model. We make adjustments for interest rate risk and find that the model is nearly unbiased in the valuation of foreign currency options. We conclude that the Geske-Roll (1984) conjecture about dividend uncertainty creating biases in stock option prices holds analogously in the foreign currency option market. Interest rate differential risk (analogous to risky dividends) thus appears to be an important element in the valuation of foreign currency options.
Trapped particles and waves, and what can be learned from multisatellite experiments

Calculations concerning the pitch-angle diffusion resulting from resonant wave-particle interactions can lead to definitive predictions of equatorial pitch-angle distributions and rates of particle loss as a function of particle energy and L-value. Thus, given simultaneous high-altitude measurements of pitch-angle distributions and low-altitude measurements of precipitating fluxes as a function of energy and L, the importance of proposed wave-particle interactions can be verified or discarded. Since many wave-particle phenomena occur over large spatial and temporal scales, exact simultaneity in longitude and time is not necessary. Simultaneous low and high altitude (preferably nearly equatorial) particle measurements could thus greatly increase our understanding of trapped particles and their effects on the ionosphere. Furthermore, given a verified pitch-angle diffusion mechanism and simultaneous low- and high-altitude measurements, accurate low- to high-altitude mappings of field lines and magnetospheric boundaries (such as the plasmapause) could be obtained.
Muons in γ-ray Air Showers and the Photoproduction Cross Section

We review the status of muon production in γ-ray induced air showers, and discuss the high-energy behavior of the photoproduction cross section. Even if the photoproduction cross section increases with energy above a TeV, the muon-poor criterion remains good for selecting photon-induced showers. Conversely, true signals, with high muon content from point sources would imply new physics.
Gravitino Production and Super-Higgs Effect in Cosmology

In this lecture we discuss some recent work on the effects which gravitinos may play in cosmology. Of particular interest is the nonthermal generation of gravitinos after inflation. We explain the super-Higgs effect in cosmology which gives a conceptual basis for the understanding of the production of helicity ±1/2 gravitino.
West Indians in New York

Abstract The process by which diverse ethnic groups from around the world blended into a unique civilization called the United States of America has provided insight into how mass immigration impacts on the development of human societies. This study explored the economic, educational, and social integration of a group of 409 first generation West Indian immigrants into the fabric of the society in New York City. It used the self-reports of those who were born and had worked in the West Indies, and had migrated and lived for several years in New York. The survey asked about their economic and educational status in the West Indies, compared with their current socio-economic profile, in order to determine the degree and quality of their social mobility. The criterion variables economic integration and experiencing problems of living in the United States of America were associated with nine input factors: age, citizenship, education, gender, income, length of residence, marital status, occupation, and reason ...
Comparing DC-DC converters for power management in hybrid electric vehicles

The design of DC-DC converters for power electronic interfaces in power management systems for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a very challenging task. To this end, this paper presents an analysis, design, and comparison study of several bi-directional non-isolated DC-DC converter topologies that could be considered potential candidates for the power electronic interface of HEV energy/power sources, in particular an ultracapacitor pack. The considered topologies are the half-bridge, Cuk, SEPIC, and Luo converters. The analysis and design of the converters is performed throughout equations for the stresses of the active and passive components. The comparison study, achieved by means of graphs where the variables of interest are plotted as a function of the voltage ratio Vo/Vi, uses the half-bridge converter as the base case. Particular attention is paid to the stresses of the active and passive components due to the wide input voltage requirements typical of this load-leveling or power-management application.
Cerebellar Damage Impairs Automaticity of a Recently Practiced Movement

It has been suggested that the cerebellum plays a critical role in learning to make movements more "automatic" (i.e., requiring less attention to the details of a movement). We hypothesized that cerebellar damage compromises learning of movement automaticity, resulting in increased attentional demands for movement control. The purpose of our study was to determine whether cerebellar damage disrupts the ability to make a practiced movement more automatic. We developed a dual task paradigm using two tasks that did not have overlapping sensory or motor requirements for execution. Our motor task required subjects to maintain an upright posture while performing a figure-8 movement using their arm. This motor task was chosen to simulate requirements of everyday movements (e.g., standing while reaching for objects), but it was novel enough to require practice for improvement. Our secondary task was an auditory vigilance task where subjects listened to letter sequences and were asked to identify the number of times a target letter was heard. We tested controls and people with cerebellar damage as they practiced the movement task alone and then performed it with the auditory task. We recorded 3D position data from the arm, trunk, and leg during the movement task. Errors were recorded for both the movement and the letter tasks. Our results show that cerebellar subjects can improve the movement to a very limited extent with practice. Unlike controls, the motor performance of cerebellar subjects deteriorates to prepractice levels when attention is focused away from the movement during dual task trials. Control subjects' insensitivity to dual task interference after practice was due to learned movement automaticity and was not a reflection of better dual task performance generally. Overall, our findings suggest that the cerebellum may be important for shifting movement performance from an attentionally demanding (unpracticed) state to a more automatic (practiced) state.
Lower cost spatially immersive visualization for human environments

Abstract Access to computer simulation and computer based visualization has dramatically impacted our ability to design complex human environments. Immersive visualization, with its ability to present high quality interactive three-dimensional representations of environments, is the next step in this evolution. This paper explores the development of lower cost modular immersive visualization systems as a way to extend and augment our ability to plan, design and evaluate human environments. Technology now available enables spatially immersive visualization systems created using off the shelf components including high performance, relatively inexpensive, commodity computers, inexpensive commodity projectors and open source software. Flexible modular configurations utilizing polyhedral display surfaces with many identical modular components and networked visual computer clusters is one approach to such systems. Work is underway at the Texas A&M College of Architecture focused on developing and evaluating several prototypes of this new class of systems to determine their practicality and effectiveness. Underlying concepts, issues and trade-offs related to the design and development of these systems are presented. Initial applications using these systems in human environment planning, design and evaluation are discussed.
Testing the sensitivity hypothesis in practice: tools and methods, assumptions and pitfalls

Visceral hypersensitivity is widely regarded as the reason for the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders, including functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. The principles and techniques involved in testing the hypothesis that visceral sensitivity is important are discussed, together with the controversies in the assumptions, methods, and interpretations of the data acquired to date.
Differential expression of claudin family members during osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation: Cldn-1 is a novel positive regulator of osteoblastogenesis

Claudins (Cldns), a family of 27 transmembrane proteins, represent major components of tight junctions. Aside from functioning as tight junctions, Cldns have emerging roles as regulators of cell proliferation and differentiation. While Cldns are known to be expressed and have important functions in various tissues, their expression and function in bone cells is ill-defined. In this study, the expression of Cldns was examined during osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. The expression of Cldn-1, -7, -11, and -15 was downregulated during early stages of osteoclast differentiation, whereas Cldn-6 was upregulated. Moreover, the expression of several Cldns increased 3–7 fold in fully differentiated osteoclasts. As for osteoblasts, the expression of several Cldns was found to increase more than 10-fold during differentiation, with some peaking at early, and others at late stages. By contrast, only expression of Cldn-12, and -15 decreased during osteoblast differentiation. In subsequent studies, we focused on the role of Cldn-1 in osteoblasts as its expression was increased by more than 10 fold during osteoblast differentiation and was found to be regulated by multiple osteoregulatory agents including IGF-1 and Wnt3a. We evaluated the consequence of lentiviral shRNA-mediated knockdown of Cldn-1 on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation using MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblasts. Cldn-1 knockdown caused a significant reduction in MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and ALP activity. Accordingly, expression levels of cyclinD1 and ALP mRNA levels were reduced in Cldn-1 shRNA knockdown cells. We next determined if Cldn-1 regulates the expression of Runx-2 and osterix, master transcription factors of osteoblast differentiation, and found that their levels were reduced significantly as a consequence of Cldn-1 knockdown. Moreover, knocking down Cldn-1 reduced β-catenin level. In conclusion, the expression of Cldn family members during bone cell differentiation is complex and involves cell type and differentiation stage-dependent regulation. In addition, Cldn-1 is a positive regulator of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.