cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Success of a Pre-medical Master's Degree Program in Preparing Students for Medical Careers

Abstract A substantial number of qualified college graduates in the United States and Canada fail to secure admission to medical school because their undergraduate academic performance is not deemed to be competitive by medical school admissions committees. The aim of this report is to describe the success of the Master of Arts in Medical Sciences (MAMS) program at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) in preparing students with non-competitive undergraduate credentials to gain admission into medical school. Several independent sources of information about student performance including MAMS application data, Boston University academic transcripts, and medical school acceptance information were assembled in a unified database for this longitudinal study. The privacy of individual students was maintained and no names or other data that are individually identifiable are presented in this communication. As indicated herein, admission to both U.S. and non-U.S. medical schools (allopathic and osteopathic) are included in these analyses. We also examined the residency placements of a cohort of MAMS graduates who matriculated at the BUSM MD program (MAMS/MD), since these are the only students for whom we know the placements that resulted from the National Resident Match Program (NRMP). The MAMS program has been in existence for more than 25 years and has educated more than 2500 students with approximately 70% of graduates admitted to medical school. The MAMS/MD students performed well in medical school and secured high quality residency positions. Graduate programs in medical sciences in a medical school environment are important vehicles for preparing and increasing the pool of academically qualified medical school applicants who will become successful medical school students in the near term and effective practitioners in the long term.
Searching, Detecting, and Monitoring Emergency Sites using Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

In this paper, we present a distributed control architecture for multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to search, detect, and monitor emergency sites using camera sensors. The motivation for our current work is to meet the Air Force’s needs to quickly search and detect emergency sites, providing necessary aerial support to ground forces. The control architecture is designed for multiple independent UAVs with limited communication range. Each UAV makes decisions independently based on its sensor information and information it receives from other UAVs in its vicinity. We demonstrate the validity of our control architecture using results obtained from a graphical simulator developed in-house. In addition, we show Piccolo c flight control system simulation results, the first step toward implementing the control architecture onto a hardware unmanned aircraft system. The simulation on the graphical simulator is performed with multiple UAVs and multiple emergency sites, while the hardware simulation is done using two autonomously controlled aircraft and one emergency site.
Crystallization of amorphous silicon films using a multistep thermal annealing process

Abstract A multistep thermal annealing method, which utilizes the incubation time for nucleation to form large-grained polycrystals from seeded amorphous silicon film, was studied. According to this method, crystallization takes place in steps, via heating-cooling cycles. In each cycle the water is annealed for a period which is less than the incubation time for nucleation and then cooled to a low temperature for relaxation. During each annealing period, the seed grains grow to a certain extent, while spontaneous nucleation does not occur. Preliminary experimental results obtained with 0.17 μm thick amorphous films, which were deposited by the low pressure chemical vapor deposition method (at 818 K, 400 mTorr) on oxidized silicon substrates, exhibited general agreement with the basic idea of a multistep annealing process.
Bone Structural Components Regulating Sites of Tumor Metastasis

Tumors such as breast, lung, and prostate frequently metastasize to bone, where they can cause intractable pain and increase the risk of fracture in patients. When tumor cells metastasize to bone, they interact with the microenvironment to promote bone destruction primarily through the secretion of osteolytic factors by the tumor cells and the subsequent release of growth factors from the bone. Our recent data suggest that the differential rigidity of the mineralized bone microenvironment relative to that of soft tissue regulates the expression of osteolytic factors by the tumor cells. The concept that matrix rigidity regulates tumor growth is well established in solid breast tumors, where increased rigidity stimulates tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Our studies have indicated that a transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)–dependent mechanism is involved in the response of metastatic tumor cells to the rigid mineralized bone matrix. In this review, we will discuss the interactions between ROCK and TGF-β signaling, as well as potential new therapies that target these pathways.
[D86] Skin-stretch proprioceptive feedback for a robotic gripper

Although recent improvements in prosthetic Technologynology allow a user to control an upper limb prosthesis with some dexterity, a method for receiving proprioceptive feedback from the prosthetic limb has not yet been implemented in commercial hardware. The user must rely on visual feedback to know where his or her limb is in space. We will demonstrate a wearable prototype skin-stretch device that rotates the skin about the circumference of the upper arm to relay proprioceptive information. The device consists of a rubber pad moved by a friction drive that stretches the skin to the right or left by an amount proportional to the gripper aperture. In this demonstration, users will wear the device while controlling a prosthetic gripper and perceive gripper aperture through the resulting skin-stretch cues. We hypothesize that performance operating a prosthetic gripper without visual feedback will be improved.
In situ protein synthesis on glass substrate with acoustic microdroplet ejector with air-cavity lens formed by micromachined silicon

This paper describes protein synthesis with 200 pL peptide droplets that are ejected onto a glass substrate by a new acoustic droplet ejector based on Fresnel lens of air cavities formed through micromachined silicon. The ejector uses a newly developed Fresnel air-cavity lens made with micromachined silicon. The new design simplifies the fabrication process, and has a better yield than the parylene-based air-cavity lens. With the fabricated ejector, synthesis of glycine was demonstrated using fmoc chemistry resulting in 96% stepwise coupling yield and 70% net efficiency for 9-mer-long peptide. Usage of acoustic droplet ejector increases the density of protein array on a chip.
Hyperglycemia and outcomes from pediatric traumatic brain injury.

Background The clinical significance of hyperglycemia after pediatric traumatic brain injury is controversial. This study addresses the relationship between hyperglycemia and outcomes after traumatic brain injury in pediatric patients.Methods We identified trauma patients admitted during a single ye
Spark chamber and time-of-flight detector for 15-150 MeV neutrons from an extended source

Abstract A new detection method for 15–150 MeV neutrons from an extended source utilizes a spark chamber time-of-flight technique. Both secondary particles in an n-p scatter are measured - the recoil proton in a spark chamber and the scattered neutron in a time-of-flight hodoscope, enabling the direction and energy of the incident neutron to be determined uniquely. Carbon events in the CH 2 radiator are separated from n-p scatters by the 90° kinamatical rewquirement between the secondary particles. The detection efficiency is 1x10 −4 at 70 MeV, the acceptance cone 40°, the angular resolution 3.0° and the energy resolution 10%. The detector has been used on high altitude ballon flights to measure the flux of atmospheric neutrons and to search for solar neutrons.
A New Lower Bound for the Number of Switches in Rearrangeable Networks

For the commonest model of rearrangeable networks with n inputs and n outputs, it is shown that such a network must contain at least $6n \log _6 n + O( n )$ switches. Similar lower bounds for other models are also presented.
The French Communists under Francois Mitterrand

One of the most historically significant aspects of the presidency of Francois Mitterrand was his experiment with Communist participation in his government from June 1981 to July 1984. Mitterrand w...
Mesenteric panniculitis: findings on CT, MRI, and angiography case report

The computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), and angiographic features of a case of mesenteric panniculitis are presented. The MR characteristics of this rare disorder have not previously been reported. The value of MR in arriving at the preoperative diagnosis of this disorder is discussed.
Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy for Barrett's with High-grade Dysplasia and Early Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus

There has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of esophageal cancer in the Western population over the last two to three decades.1 Further, the pattern of esophageal cancer has changed, with an increase in the incidence of adenocarcinoma, while the incidence of squamous cell carcinomas has declined. The reason for this increase is not clear, but gastroesophageal reflux disease, obesity, and Barrett’s esophagus have been identified as risk factors.2 High-grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett’s esophagus is a premalignant condition which can progress to invasive adenocarcinoma. We have previously reviewed the important issues with regard to the treatment of HGD and early cancer.2,3 In this paper, we summarize some of the important aspects of HGD, the incidence of adenocarcinoma in resected specimens, issues regarding the clinical behavior of T1 adenocarcinomas, and the surgical aspects in the treatment of HGD and early-stage adenocarcinoma (T1) with a particular focus on minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE).
Antibakterielle Naturstoffe in der medizinischen Chemie – Exodus oder Renaissance?

Zur Entwicklung von Medikamenten mussen die Strukturvorlagen aus der Natur oft durch Semisynthese oder Totalsynthese verbessert werden (chemische Post-Evolution). Der Weg vom Naturstoff zum Arzneimittel ist muhsam aber lohnenswert. Die grundlegenden Typen der chemischen Naturstoffmodifikation – Dekoration, Substitution und Abbau – werden hier besprochen, und das biologische, chemische und soziookonomische Umfeld antibakterieller Forschung wird betrachtet. Naturstoffe waren und bleiben die ergiebigste Leitstrukturquelle fur vermarktete Antiinfektiva, und obwohl viele lange bekannte Klassen nie grundlegend erforscht worden sind, erlahmen die industrielle wie die akademische Forschung auf diesem Gebiet – die “altmodischen” Naturstoffe scheinen nicht mehr ins Bild der modernen Wirkstoff-Forschung zu passen, ihre Handhabung ist aufwandig und erfordert oft nichtstandardisierte Prozesse und langere Bearbeitungszeiten. Eine Neubetrachtung von Naturstoffen mit Methoden der modernen Chemie und Biologie (Reversed Genomics) konnte ihre Renaissance in der Arzneimittelforschung einleiten.
Deletion 5q in myelodysplastic syndrome: a paradigm for the study of hemizygous deletions in cancer

Hemizygous deletions are common molecular abnormalities in cancer. In some cases, these deletions highlight chromosomal loci containing tumor suppressor genes that undergo homozygous inactivation. In other cases, hemizygous deletions cause disease by allelic insufficiency for one or more genes. As the intact allele has no identifiable lesions, functional approaches are critical for the identification of pathogenic genes within large deletions. Hemizygous, interstitial deletion of chromosome 5q is the most common cytogenetic abnormality in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and has been the focus of functional analysis. Some patients with this molecular lesion have the 5q- syndrome, a disorder with a highly consistent clinical phenotype. A systematic RNA interference screen to interrogate the function of each gene in the common deleted region (CDR) for the 5q- syndrome identified RPS14 as a critical haploinsufficiency disease gene for the erythroid failure, which is a characteristic of this syndrome. Genes located in an adjacent deleted region have also been implicated in MDS. The full clinical phenotype is likely caused by the integration of effects from allelic insufficiency for multiple genes. With the identification and characterization of these genes, the 5q deletion is becoming a model for understanding hemizygous chromosomal deletions in cancer.
Tissue-specific and Androgen-repressible Regulation of the Rat Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfotransferase Gene Promoter

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase (Std) catalyzes sulfonation of androgenic steroids and certain aromatic procarcinogens. In rats, this enzyme is selectively expressed in the liver, and its expression is strongly repressed by androgens. DNase I footprinting and electrophoretic mobility shift analyses revealed two hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 (HNF1), three CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP), and one consensus palindromic thyroid hormone response elements within the first 215 base pairs (bp) of the promoter sequence of rat Std. This promoter is normally inactive in fibroblast-derived NIH 3T3 cells. However, overexpression of HNF1 and C/EBP resulted in synergistic activation of the Std promoter in this cell type, indicating essential roles of these two trans-regulators in liver-selective expression of the rat Std gene. On the other hand, point mutations at any one of five cis elements proximal to the −215 bp region markedly reduced reporter gene expression, suggesting that all of these sites are important for overall promoter function. Androgenic repression of the Std gene in rat liver can be recapitulated in androgen receptor (AR)-negative HepG2 hepatoma cells after cotransfection with an AR expression plasmid. Functional assay of a nested set of 5′-deleted promoters mapped the negative androgen response region between positions −235 and −310. Antibody supershift and oligonucleotide competition identified three OCT-1 and two C/EBP elements between bp −231 and −292. An additional OCT-1 site was found to overlap with a C/EBP element at the −262/−252 position. Mutational inactivation of any one of five cis elements within the −231/−292 region abolished negative androgen response. However, none of these cis elements showed DNase I protection by recombinant AR in footprinting assay, suggesting the absence of a direct AR-DNA interaction. Thus, these studies on rat Std promoter function indicate that (i) HNF1 and C/EBP are responsible for liver specificity of the ratStd gene; (ii) androgenic repression of the gene requires the presence of all of the OCT-1 and C/EBP elements between positions −231 and −292; and (iii) AR may exert its negative regulatory effect indirectly through transcriptional interference of OCT-1 and C/EBP rather than through a direct DNA-AR interaction.
Computer simulation of driven diffusive systems with exchanges

The field-driven Kawasaki model with a fractionp admixture of Glauber dynamics is studied by computer simulation:p=0 corresponds to the order-parameter-onserving driven diffusive system, whilep=1 is the equilibrium Ising model. Forp=0.1 our best estimates of critical exponents based on a system of size 4096×128 areβ≈0.22, ηRS≈0.45, andv‖≈v⊥≈1. These exponents differ from both the values predicted by a field-theoretic method forp=0 and those of the equilibrium Ising model. Anisotropic finite-size scaling analyses are carried out, both for subsystems of the large system and for fully periodic systems. The results of the latter, however, are inconsistent, probably due to the complexity of the size effects. This leaves open the possibility that we are in a crossover regime fromp=0 top≠0 and that our critical exponents are “effective ones.” Forp=0 our results are consistent with the predictionsv‖>v⊥.
Cellular response to hypoxia involves signaling via Smad proteins

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family of cytokines regulates vascular development and inflammatory responses. We have recently shown that exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to hypoxia (1% O2) increases gene expression and bioactivation of TGF-β2 and induces its downstream effectors, Smad proteins (Smads), to associate with DNA. In the present study, we show that hypoxia-induced TGF-β2 gene expression is dependent on thrombospondin-1–mediated bioactivation of latent TGF-β. Blocking TGF-β2 but not TGF-β1 in hypoxic endothelial cell cultures inhibited induction of the TGF-β2 gene, indicating that an autocrine mechanism driven by bioactivation of TGF-β2 leads to its gene expression in hypoxic HUVECs. Exposure of HUVECs to hypoxia resulted in phosphorylation and nuclear transportation of Smad2 and Smad3 proteins as well as stimulation of transcriptional activities of Smad3 and the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and culminated in up-regulation of TGF-β2 gene expression. Autocrine regulation of TGF-β2 production in hypoxia may involve cross-talk between Smad3 and HIF-1α signaling pathways, and could be an important mechanism by which endothelial cells respond to hypoxic stress.
Creation and Construction: On the Theological Appropriation of Postmodern Theory

Postmodern theory can be appreciated by theological anthropology along the following lines: it interprets the cultural conditions that shape personal identity, including the elements of construction and contingency in identity-formation. It emphasizes the necessity for a multifaceted approach to the question about what it means to be human, and for avoiding closure. This is expressed in the doctrine of the human as created, as sinner and as restored—as none of these perspectives captures the whole picture. Postmodern theory also focuses on the importance of otherness for establishing identity, thereby offering a new way of interpreting human beings as created in the image of God.
Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry of branched-chain phosphatidylcholines

Les composes etudies sont des trimethylammonio-2 ethyl phosphates de di-O-acyl-1,2 glycerols
Women at west point: A three-year perspective

A longitudinal study of approximately 3,700 male and 300 female cadets investigated similarities and differences of these young adults during the first three years of coeducation at West Point. Both men and women were relatively homogeneous on comparisons of personality variables. Also, when personality characteristics were correlated with two psychological scales—the Personal Attributes Questionnaire and the Work and Family Orientation Scale—males and females appear more similar than different. Despite their similarities, female and male cadets were different in their attitudes towards the rights and roles of women in society, their leadership evaluation ratings, and their attitudes toward dating relationships. The implications of these findings in increasing our understanding of sex roles and sex stereotypes are discussed.
Reconsidering the Relationship Between Cultural Theory, Political Ideology, and Political Knowledge ∗

Objective Social scientists from a variety of disciplines have employed concepts drawn from cultural theory (CT) to explain preferences across an array of issues. Recent research has challenged key elements of CT in a number of ways, perhaps most importantly by arguing that cultural types are simply another formulation of political ideology, and that only politically knowledgeable respondents reliably utilize either cultural or ideological categories in formulating preferences. This study reconsiders and expands upon this contention. Methods Principal component analyses of responses to a U.S. national survey of 4,387 people. Results Our findings are threefold: (1) people with low levels of political knowledge are able to sort egalitarianism and individualism into coherent worldviews; (2) people with high levels of knowledge do not collapse egalitarianism and individualism onto a single scale of political ideology; and (3) regardless of levels of knowledge, survey respondents are able to recognize all four of the value orientations proposed by CT. Conclusion CT, which is related to but different than political ideology, offers a robust system of worldviews that both high- and low-knowledge individuals might draw upon to formulate opinions and make decisions.
Image smoothing with minimal distortion

An innovative method that enhances detail in digital images by smoothing image pixels while introducing minimal distortion is described and tested. In particular, a 14 by 14 pixel region of a diital image is smoothed using a constrained Gaussian radial basis function method. This method centers on each pixel a Gaussian distribution of amplitude such that the sum of all distributions correctly reproduces the gray level of each pixel. To assess the method, the distortion of the smoothed image is measured by the deviation of its power spectrum, from that of the unsmoothed image, determined as a function of the Gaussian distribution width, and comparisons are made with bilinear interpolation, a conventional convolution smoothing technique. The new method is capable of removing more 'pixel noise' while introducing less image distortion, thus permitting the detection and examination of otherwise hidden detail in digital images. Examples include the detection and assessment of enemy weapons in military images and cancerous tumor medical images.
An NMR study of segmental motion in poly(isobutylene) and the relationship to translational diffusion of sorbed CO2

The spin-lattice relaxation times as well as nuclear Overhauser enhancements (NOE) are determined for the methylene carbon of polyisobutylene (PIB). Three different correlation functions are used to treat the relaxation data to describe the local motion of the PIB backbone rubber. The first is the Hall-Helfand function combined with restricted anisotropic rotational diffusion, the second is the Dejean-Laupretre-Monnerie function, and the third is the Williams-Watts function combined with restricted anisotropic rotational diffusion. Spin-lattice relaxation times are also determined on PIB under pressure of CO2 gas to check for changes in segmental motion in the presence of this penetrant. All the models give a satisfactory description for the local dynamics of the backbone carbon of the polymer chain, yielding comparable values for the time scale of conformational changes, apparent activation energies and distribution of correlation times. In addition, a proton line shape experiment is performed on bulk PIB as a function of temperature. The results are interpreted in terms of two motional components in the polymer chains: fast and slow ones. Applying a revised version of Rossler's formalism to our data, an average energy barrier is found which is consistent with the apparent activation energies. The apparent activation energy obtained for PIB, from the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements, about 35 kJ, is slightly higher than the apparent activation energy for the translational diffusion of CO2 in PIB from NMR data. The distribution of correlation times and the correlation times themselves for segmental motion of the PIB and translational diffusion of CO2 in PIB are very similar, indicating a close link between the two motional processes. The distribution of correlation times is close to a single exponential in PIB consistent with Angell characterization of this material as a strong liquid. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Notes on the stability of dynamic economic systems

The Lyapunov function method is the focus of this paper in proving marginal stability, asymptotical or globally asymptotical stability of discrete dynamic systems. We show that the slightly relaxed versions of the well known sufficient conditions are also necessary.
Endonasal Skull Base Tumor Removal Using Concentric Tube Continuum Robots: A Phantom Study.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to experimentally evaluate the use of concentric tube continuum robots in endonasal skull base tumor removal. This new type of surgical robot offers many advantages over existing straight and rigid surgical tools including added dexterity, the ability to scale movements, and the ability to rotate the end effector while leaving the robot fixed in space. In this study, a concentric tube continuum robot was used to remove simulated pituitary tumors from a skull phantom. Design The robot was teleoperated by experienced skull base surgeons to remove a phantom pituitary tumor within a skull. Percentage resection was measured by weight. Resection duration was timed. Setting Academic research laboratory. Main Outcome Measures Percentage removal of tumor material and procedure duration. Results Average removal percentage of 79.8 ± 5.9% and average time to complete procedure of 12.5 ± 4.1 minutes (n = 20). Conclusions The robotic system presented here for use in endonasal skull base surgery shows promise in improving the dexterity, tool motion, and end effector capabilities currently available with straight and rigid tools while remaining an effective tool for resecting the tumor.
World Assumptions, Religiosity, and PTSD in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is among the most frequent types of violence annually affecting women. One frequent outcome of violence exposure is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The theory of shattered world assumptions represents one possible explanation for adverse mental health outcomes following trauma, contending that trauma disintegrates individuals’ core assumptions that the world is safe and meaningful, and that the self is worthy. Research that explores world assumptions in relationship to survivors of IPV has remained absent. A more consistent finding in research on IPV suggests that religiosity is strongly associated with survivors’ reactions to, and recovery from, IPV. The present study found that world assumptions was a significant mediator of the relationship between IPV exposure and PTSD symptoms. Religiosity was also significantly, positively related to PTSD symptoms, but was not significantly related to amount of IPV exposure. Though African American women reported more IPV exposu...
A comparison between synthetic jets and continuous jets

Experimental measurements and flow visualiza- tion of synthetic jets and continuous jets with matched Reynolds numbers are described. Although they have the same profile shape, synthetic jets are wider and slower than matched continuous jets. The synthetic jets are ex- amined at higher Reynolds numbers than previously studied and over a large range of dimensionless stroke lengths. Nomenclature b cross-stream location where velocity is 0.5Ucl h slot width f driving frequency L0 stroke length = R T=2 0 u0 t ðÞ dt Q volume flux Q0 U0h for synthetic jet, and Q0 = Uaveh for con- tinuous jet Reh Reynolds number of continuous jet=Uaveh/m ReU0 Reynolds number of synthetic jet=U0h/m t time (with zero at start of blowing stroke) T driving period=1/f u measured instantaneous velocity U time-averaged velocity Uave time-averaged slot velocity for continuous jet Ucl time-averaged centerline velocity u0(t) centerline or cross-stream-averaged velocity at x=0 for synthetic jet umax maximum of u0(t) U0 L0f x streamwise coordinate y cross-stream coordinate m kinematic viscosity
Enzymatic Degradation of Microalgal Cell Walls

The enzymatic degradation of algal cell walls was investigated using two experimental approaches. Algal cell walls contain, among other compounds, cellulose and phospholipids. Phospholipids are also present in the membranes of some organelles, particularly the lipid globule of some algae. The desired reactions were the conversion of cell wall cellulose to glucose and the conversion of membrane phospholipids to fatty acids and glycerol. Enzyme degradation was carried out using whole cell dead algae and pre-lysed, pretreated (diluted in 1.5% sulfuric acid and autoclaved) mixed culture algae. The pre-lysed, pretreated feedstock showed the formation of glycerol when incubated with lipases. Formation of glucose was also observed when incubated with cellulases. Upon culturing in the presence of yeast, complete consumption of glucose was observed, however ethanol could not be detected. Such technology could be used in the production of ethanol or biodiesel.
Integrating Scientific Writing into a Statistics Curriculum: A Course in Statistically Based Scientific Writing

Abstract A course in writing and critical appraisal of medical papers that uses statistics is described, and its relationship to the goal of better integrating scientific writing into the statistics curriculum is discussed. It is concluded that writing should play an increased role in statistical education and that this can best be accomplished by distributing exercises in writing and critical appraisal throughout the curriculum. Writing assignments, such as simulated practice in producing components of scientific papers and grants, should reflect students' likely uses of statistics.
Differential Impact of Executive Function on Visual Memory Tasks

Despite their common use in neuropsychological evaluation, little is known about the differential contribution of executive functioning to visual memory tests. In this study, hierarchical regression was used to determine the role of executive functioning on the Visual Reproduction subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale—Third Edition, and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) in a mixed neurological sample of 193 patients. Executive functioning was predictive of Visual Reproduction but not ROCF recall variables after accounting for demographic variables and global cognitive functioning. Only executive tests with a visuospatial component, the Trail-Making Test Part B and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test perseverative responses, were predictive of recall of Visual Reproduction stimuli. Organization of the ROCF was predictive of both Visual Reproduction and ROCF recall. These findings increase our understanding of the executive contribution to two common visual memory tests and may aid in the clinical interpretat...
Non-adherence to subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy: inadequate health insurance coverage is the leading cause

Abstract Background To sustain the long-lasting beneficial effects of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy, the recommended duration of treatment is 3 to 5 years. Nevertheless, many patients discontinue allergy injections prematurely and therefore might not appreciate the full therapeutic benefit. Objective To examine factors leading to premature discontinuation of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (cessation before completion of the recommended duration). Methods Patients who discontinued immunotherapy before the completion of the prescribed duration and received their final injection from January 2008 through September 2013 were contacted to identify the reason for stopping the allergy injections. Phase of treatment (escalation or maintenance) was used to measure the duration of treatment at the time of cessation and patients were grouped accordingly. Results The study population consisted of 555 patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma who terminated immunotherapy prematurely. Two hundred thirteen (38%) were men and 342 (62%) were women. The following reasons were cited by patients for non-adherence to immunotherapy: requirement of copayment for allergy injections and/or payment for allergen extract by their health insurer (40%); inconvenience of travel (15%); change of residence (8%); concurrent health problems (5%); patient-perceived ineffectiveness (4%); patient-perceived lack of need to continue immunotherapy (2%); adverse effects from injection (local reaction 1%; systemic allergic reaction 0.5%); and trial of alternative medicine (0.1%). The remaining 24.4% did not provide a reason for discontinuation. Conclusion Of the various factors, inadequate reimbursement for allergen extract and allergy injections by health insurers is the most common reason cited for non-adherence to subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy.
Estimation of death rates from pandemic influenza

Christopher Murray and colleagues (Dec 23/30, p 2211) calculate that 62 million people would die if a 1918-like infl uenza pandemic were to re-emerge. Given this deadly poten tial—124–248 times higher than WHO annual estimates of nonpandemic in fl uenza mortality—one must ask how the accuracy of these fi gures might be tested. One way is to consider the estimation method and its assum ptions. As Murray and col leagues point out, it is questionable to base historical estimates on all-cause, year-round excess mortality and not seasonal, select-cause excess mortality. Infl uenza is not the only cause of excess mortality, and infl uenza epidemics are not year-round—even the 1918 one. A second source of potential bias stems from extrapolating mortality fi gures from modern income levels which far exceed anything recorded in 1918. Another way to test the fi ndings is to compare the impact of pandemic infl uenza with that of non-pandemic infl uenza. In the USA between 1915 and 1917, the combined infl uenza and pneumonia death rate was 157·9 deaths per 100 000 people. In 1918, this rate jumped about four times to 588·5 per 100 000. However, Murray and colleagues’ projection of 383 881 US deaths in a contemporary 1918-like pandemic is more than 10 times Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates of 36 000 annual deaths associated with non-pandemic infl uenza. Thus Murray and colleagues’ projections are counter-intuitive, suggesting that a 1918-style pandemic would be more deadly in the USA today than it was in 1918, contrary to their argument that rich nations would now fare better than they did then. Such issues question the validity of Murray and colleagues’ estimates and leave uncertain the possible eff ects of a contemporary 1918-like infl uenza pandemic.
Optical design of selectively scattering nanostructures for angle sensitive semi-transparent photovoltaics

Semi-transparent photovoltiacs are of interest for improving integration of solar energy harvesting with architecture. However, the competing requirements of optical transparency and efficient absorption of the incident spectrum severely limit performance. To address this tradeoff, we propose an angle selective organic photovoltaic window structure, structured such that normally incident light is transmitted to maintain window-quality transparency, while direct sunlight at an elevated angle is targeted for absorption. The localized surface plasmon resonance properties of metal nanorods are employed for angle and spectrally dependant scattering. The optical interference patterns arising when light propagates through subwavelength planar dielectric stacks are engineered to optimize the optical mode created by the metal scatterers via an evolutionary algorithm. We numerically model the transmission and absorption performance of a thin semi-transparent organic photovoltiac film under angled solar illumination to evaluate the potential for the proposed design. An optimized selective structure can maintain 70% optical transparency at normal incidence while improving total absorbed power by a factor of 2.3 vs. a lone semi-transparent cell of comparable transparency.
Socialization/specialization as context/actor

Socialization and specialization are seen as interdependent. The analysis derives from an understanding of context and actor. Notions of social change, human communication, medical cybernetics and artificial intelligence are brought to bear upon this interdependence. The main conclusion is a call to rethink criticism of socialization and specialization in terms of cybernetics.
Organizing Social and Spatial Location: Elicitations in Indo-Guyanese Village Talk

Boundaries, borders, and the spaces they delimit become meaningful, in part, through talk situated within them, as well as through talk about them. In this article I look at the role elicitations play in organizing mutually embedded knowledge about social and spatial location. Particularly important, I argue, is the use, in elicitations, of metapragmatic framing devices, including personal and spatial deictics and explicitly metalinguistic verbs such as kos 'curse' and kaal 'call/beckon'.
Social and Engineering Aspects of an Aquacultural Development Project in the Nakasongola District of Uganda

Political upheaval and civil war in the 1970’s and 1980’s, coupled with AIDS deaths in the 1980’s and 1990’s, have brought hardship on the people of the east African country of Uganda, especially the children. Cornerstone Development Uganda, a charitable organization founded in 1988, has established a 700-head working dairy cattle ranch in Nakasongola District of central Uganda to provide opportunity, education, and income for local families. Another charitable entity, African Children’s Mission (ACM), operates a feeding program providing meals to 1300 children daily at primary schools on the ranch and in the neighboring community, and organizes building projects in support of the ranch. ACM needed design assistance to build a training center, waste treatment system, and aquaculture operation on a 50 ha parcel of land adjacent to the ranch. ACM requested technical assistance from Engineering Ministries International (EMI), a U.S.-based group. EMI recruited and organized a group of eleven professionals from various parts of the United States to visit the ranch in October 2001, to complete surveys and collect data for the designs. This paper will present the social and cultural aspects of the visit, and the process of data assimilation and design that has been utilized to engineer the fish ponds and a water reservoir to support a pond aquaculture operation. Some of the challenges of engineering with limited information are mentioned, including estimating precipitation and watershed boundaries. University-trained Ugandans will be involved in the building and operation of this project. It is their hope that the system will provide a model for development for others in their district. The project demonstrates that professionals in developed countries can donate their expertise to provide for improved opportunities for others, and build rewarding relationships in the process.
The RAGE ligand, S100P, has increased expression in colon cancer

Abstract Introduction: Colon cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in the United States. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of colon cancer are poorly understood. In the current study, we investigated the role of S100P, a RAGE ligand, in human colon cancer cell function. Methods: RT-PCR and western blot were performed for detection of RAGE and S100P in colon cancer tissue with matched normal colon as well as colon cancer cell lines. Functional studies were conducted in the colon cancer cell line SW480, which expresses RAGE but not S100P. The influence of S100P on colon cancer was evaluated by exogenously adding purified S100P in order to analyze Erk phosphorylation, cell proliferation, and migration. Results: While RAGE was expressed equally in both normal and cancerous colon samples, S100P had increased expression in cancer. Adding exogenous S100P to SW480 cells for 30 minutes stimulated phosphorylation of Erk1/Erk2 by 2-fold. Treatment of SW480 cells with purified S100P (100 nM) resulted in increased proliferation over the control by 40 ± 12% at 48 hrs. SW480 cell migration rate was increased by 547 ± 24% of control, observed with 100nM S100P. Conclusions: These data indicate that S100P is expressed at greater levels in colon cancer than normal tissue, and that S100P stimulates colon cancer cell growth, Erk phosphorylation, and motility in vitro. Therefore, this molecule or its receptor may be a novel target for the development of new therapies.
Exploring the Stability-Energy Consumption- Delay-Network Lifetime Tradeoff of Mobile Ad Hoc Network Routing Protocols

We present a detailed ns-2 based simulation analysis on four of the prominent mobile ad hoc network routing protocols: Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocol, Associativity-Based Routing (ABR) protocol, Flow- Oriented Routing Protocol (FORP) and the Routelifetime Assessment Based Routing (RABR) protocol. The simulations were conducted with and without transmission power control. We define transmission power control for a hop comprising of a sender and receiver as the problem of choosing the transmission power at the sender depending on the distance to the intended receiver. Route stability is quantified using the number of route transitions (route discoveries) incurred for a source-destination session. We also define the network lifetime as the time of first node failure due to exhaustion of node battery power. Our simulation results indicate a stability versus {energy consumption-delay-network lifetime} tradeoff among the four routing protocols: FORP routes are more stable than RABR routes, which are more stable than ABR routes, which are more stable than DSR routes. With respect to the end-to-end delay per packet, network lifetime, the energy consumed per node and the energy consumed per packet, DSR is better than ABR, which is better than RABR, which is better than FORP. We observe this tradeoff for simulations conducted with and without transmission power control. Nevertheless, the crucial observation is that by using transmission power control, the tradeoff could be reduced: the higher the stability of the routing protocol, the larger is the magnitude of reduction in the energy consumption and improvement in the network lifetime.
Factors affecting faculty use of learning object repositories

– The purpose of this study was to identify factors that motivate or impede faculty use of learning object repositories (LORs). The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) served as the theoretical framework for this study. , – The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches to explore two research questions relating to factors affecting faculty use of LORs. Research subjects were faculty users in two- or four-year colleges or universities from two LORs: Orange Grove and Wisconsin Online Resource Center (Wisc-Online). Two phases of the study were conducted. Phase I of the study collected data by semi-structured interviews, and data were analyzed by a content analysis method. Based on the results of Phase I, Phase II collected data by a survey instrument, and data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. , – The study identified 22 factors as motivators for faculty use of LORs and 13 factors as barriers for faculty use of LORs. , – The research policies of Orange Grove and Wisc-Online limited the selection of study participants. Lack of a random sample and a small sample size limited the generalizability of the results and findings of the study. However, as an exploratory research, the results and findings of the study are still valuable for LOR builders and managers to get a better understanding of factors affecting faculty use of LORs, and to develop strategies to recruit more faculty members to use LORs. , – The findings and results of the study can inform designers and managers of LORs about what positively or negatively influences faculty use of LORs, and serve as a basis to develop strategies to recruit faculty members to use LORs. , – First, this study identified the factors that motivate or impede faculty use of LORs from actual faculty users’ perspectives, so these factors more accurately reflect LORs’ values to faculty in teaching and course design and the barriers for faculty use of LORs in a practical environment. Second, this study is among the first known to explore these factors using UTAUT as the theoretical framework, and the results of the study also validate UTAUT in the context of faculty use of LORs.
AD HOCING IN THE SCHOOLS: A STUDY OF PLACEMENT PRACTICES IN THE KINDERGARTENS OF TWO SCHOOLS

This chapter presents a study of placement practices in kindergartens. The student in the elementary school is not simply a student. He or she is a mature or immature student, a bright, average, or slow student. These facts about the students are of considerable import to the teachers. The teachers help to determine the student's school career. During the last few years, a continuing debate has been taking place among the educators to determine whether classes should be organized heterogeneously or homogeneously. The arguments have concerned the practice of ability grouping and the best learning environment for bright, average, and slow students. This practice ability grouping rests on the assumption that bright children learn more when they are separated from their slower peers and grouped for instructional purposes with other bright children. The chapter discusses how schools place students given they have decided to follow one or the other form of classroom organization.
Transcriptional elongation requires DNA break-induced signalling

We have previously shown that RNA polymerase II (Pol II) pause release and transcriptional elongation involve phosphorylation of the factor TRIM28 by the DNA damage response (DDR) kinases ATM and DNA-PK. Here we report a significant role for DNA breaks and DDR signalling in the mechanisms of transcriptional elongation in stimulus-inducible genes in humans. Our data show the enrichment of TRIM28 and γH2AX on serum-induced genes and the important function of DNA-PK for Pol II pause release and transcriptional activation-coupled DDR signalling on these genes. γH2AX accumulation decreases when P-TEFb is inhibited, confirming that DDR signalling results from transcriptional elongation. In addition, transcriptional elongation-coupled DDR signalling involves topoisomerase II because inhibiting this enzyme interferes with Pol II pause release and γH2AX accumulation. Our findings propose that DDR signalling is required for effective Pol II pause release and transcriptional elongation through a novel mechanism involving TRIM28, DNA-PK and topoisomerase II.
Lifeblood: Oil, Freedom, and the Forces of Capital

Matthew T. Huber. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 2013. xxi and 288 pp., photos, tables, notes, bibliography. $75.00 cloth (ISBN 978-0-8166-7784-9); $25.00 paper (ISBN 978-0-8166-77...
Comedic violence in advertising: the role of normative beliefs and intensity of violence

Interest in the use of comedic violence in advertising has risen, but the research on this topic has been limited. Past studies have found positive effects of comedic violence in ads, with higher levels of violence increasing positive responses. However, given that the violence depicted in these ads is a violation of social norms, following the Social Norms Theory, it is proposed that individual norm beliefs about violence in advertising could be a significant factor in influencing ad outcome. Using an online panel of general consumers across two experiments, this study revealed that norm beliefs had a positive influence on comedic violence ad responses. In addition, when violence intensities of the ads were varied, individuals with lower norm beliefs responded more positively to low violence ads than high violence ads, whereas individuals with higher norm beliefs did not exhibit different responses to the two violence intensities. Mediation analyses were conducted to test for the underlying mechanisms. A...