cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tobacco awareness in three U.S. medical schools.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs of future physicians regarding smoking cessation and tobacco-related issues and the development of these attributes during the course of medical education. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, questionnaires were completed by 298 first- and fourth-year medical students at three medical schools from 2003 through 2004. The primary outcomes were knowledge of the health effects of tobacco and smoking cessation strategies, attitudes toward smoking cessation, and anticipated clinical behavior with respect to addressing smoking behavior and cessation with future patients. Results: Fourth-year medical students had knowledge scores that were 13% higher than first-year students for smoking-caused morbidity and mortality and understanding the physician's role in smoking cessation. The average proportion of correct responses for specific knowledge of smoking cessation was only 64% and did not differ significantly between fourth- and first-year medic...
3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital stimulation of rat liver RNA polymerase.

3-METHYLCHOLANTHRENE and phenobarbital represent two classes of drugs which markedly increase the activity of a variety of rat liver microsomal enzyme systems1. Both these agents increase microsomal amino-acid incorporation2,3. Phenobarbital increases the sensitivity of microsomes to polyuridylic acid directed phenylalanine incorporation3 and causes a proliferation of the agranular endoplasmic reticulum4,5. The stimulation by 3-methyl-cholanthrene of two of the microsomal enzymes, benzpyrene hydroxylase and aminoazo dye demethylase, is prevented by puromycin6,7 and by actinomycin D (ref. 6), suggesting that the effects of 3-methylcholanthrene are dependent on protein synthesis mediated by DNA-directed RNA synthesis. In other investigations 3-methylcholanthrene was reported to stimulate incorporation of orotic acid into nuclear RNA and to increase significantly the net amount of rat liver nuclear RNA8. This work reports that 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital stimulate rat liver DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity. DNA isolated from the livers of the drug-treated rats and control rats, however, shows identical template activity when measured with purified RNA polymerase from M. lysodeikticus. The increased RNA polymerase activity in the liver nuclei of rats treated with 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital demonstrates the stimulatory effect of these agents on gene activity and supports the hypothesis that the stimulation of microsomal enzyme synthesis by the two drugs is mediated through an activation of DNA-dependent RNA synthesis.
THE IN VITRO ACTION OF POLYAMINES ON RAT BASILAR AND FEMORAL ARTERY CONTRACTILE ACTIVITY

Abstract This study was performed to assess the role of exogenously administered polyamines on rat basilar and femoral artery contractile activity in vitro . With the endothelium removed, rings of tissue were set up in organ chambers to measure isometric tension. The polyamines (0.1–3mM), putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, were added to the tissue baths; after 30 min of incubation a cumulative concentration response curve (CRC) was obtained with either KCl or serotonin (5-HT). Additional CRCs were run with Ca ++ in high K + Krebs (60mM). In both tissues, the CRCs to KCl were shifted to the right in a dose-dependent manner for spermidine and spermine (1 & 3 mM) but not putrescine. Spermine (3mM) depressed the KCl maxima by 18.6% and 10.1% in the basilar and femoral artery respectively. For 5-HT CRCs, only spermine (3mM) slightly inhibited the maximal response in both tissues. The most potent action of spermine was on inhibition of Ca ++ responses in high K + where the EC 50 s were shifted 3.5 and 10 fold over control values in the basilar and femoral respectively. We conclude spermidine and spermine, but not putrescine, attenuate vascular smooth muscle contractions on the basilar and femoral arteries in vitro . The exact nature of the inhibition remains to be fully explored, but blockade of calcium entry through voltage operated Ca channels may play a role. Thus, certain polyamines may affect cerebral perfusion by inhibition of vascular contractility.
α-Thrombin within fibrin clots: Inactivation of thrombin by antithrombin-III

To demonstrate that human alpha-thrombin is effectively inactivated by human antithrombin III (AT) during the production of a fibrin clot we measured the amount of alpha-thrombin activity which can be recovered from a clot generated from purified human proteins. We discovered that 0.05-0.07% of the original alpha-thrombin activity is recovered from a fibrin clot produced from a reaction mixture where the initial concentrations of AT and alpha-thrombin were chosen at a ratio (17.5) to allow complete conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. These results indicated that alpha-thrombin is successfully inactivated by AT during the production of a fibrin clot. Further, when an amount of alpha-thrombin equal to that recovered from a fibrin clot is introduced into a solution of fibrinogen and AT identical to that utilized to produce the clot only 4% of the fibrinogen is converted to fibrin. These results suggest that i) when a fibrin clot is dissolved during fibrinolytic therapy little active alpha-thrombin should be released from the clot and ii) this amount of thrombin is insufficient to catalyze rethrombosis without proposing de novo production of thrombin. The action on factors XI, VIII, and V of the small amount of thrombin released upon thrombolysis, however, may provide the stimulus for de novo production of sufficient thrombin to catalyze rethrombosis.
Counterregulation of a Prokinetic Calcium-Dependent Mechanism by cAMP-Dependent Agents in Isolated Segments of Terminal Ileum

The ill-understood complex of the irritable bowel syndrome comprises a group of intestinal motility disorders characterized by increased intraluminal pressures and decreased transit times. Elucidation of mechanisms which modulate gut motility may lead to the development of rational therapy for this prevalent problem. The purpose of this study was firstly to evaluate the interaction of cAMP-dependent agents (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), norepinephrine (NE), and forskolin (FK)) on carbachol (Ca2+)-initiated motility and secondly to determine if a neural component of motility modulation existed by testing if the effect of cAMP-dependent agents was reversed by tetrodotoxin-induced neural blockade. Motility was measured in isolated segments of terminal ileum harvested from rabbits using perfusion manometry and quantitated by integration, expressed as mm Hg/min. Carbachol caused a concentration-dependent increase in measured motor activity (half-effective dose = 10(-7) M). VIP, NE, and FK each caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of carbachol-stimulated phasic contractions. TTX 10(-6) M failed to block the inhibitory actions of NE. In conclusion, these results suggest that cAMP-dependent mechanisms may inhibit gut motility induced by a cholinergic (Ca2+)-mediated agonist and that this process is mediated by a nonneural mechanism.
It is all about who you know: Social capital and health in low-income communities

There is an increasing understanding about the importance of social networks in the overall health of individuals. In the past year studies have found that strong social ties could promote brain health as we age; having obese friends increases the risk for obesity; and older people with many friends outlive those with fewer friends. This manuscript describes capacity-building interventions based on social capital, including empowerment, community youth development and collective efficacy models, which can work at the individual and community level in preventive and treatment-based interventions. These interventions allow public health practitioners working with low-income communities to reduce health disparities, promote well-being, and decrease inequalities.
Antisocial personality disorder as a prognostic factor for pharmacotherapy of cocaine dependence

Pharmacotherapy response was compared in 94 cocaine-abusing methadone patients with (n = 75) and without (n = 19) antisocial personality disorder (ASP), in a 12-week, randomized, double-blind trial using desipramine 150 mg daily (n = 30), amantadine 300 mg daily (n = 33), and placebo (n = 31). Retention was lower for the ASP group (ASP 9.6 weeks vs. non-ASP 11.2 weeks). During the first 2 weeks, there was no significant difference in the percentage of cocaine-free urines between the ASP vs. non-ASP patients (9% vs. 18%), but during the last 2 weeks, the non-ASP patients showed a significantly greater percentage of cocaine-free urines (30% vs. 7%). Placebo-treated patients in both groups demonstrated no significant difference in their urine toxicologies comparing the first to the last two weeks of treatment. However, the percentage of cocaine-free urines increased from 15% to 32% in medicated non-ASP patients, but showed no change in medicated ASP patients. Thus, antisocial personality disorder was a poor prognostic factor for treatment retention and continued cocaine abuse, and medication did not improve treatment outcome for the ASP patients, but did for the non-ASP patients.
The Dubowitz syndrome: The psychological status of ten cases at follow‐up

We report the psychological status of ten people with the Dubowitz syndrome, an autosomal recessive condition characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, microcephaly, and high-pitched hoarse voice. Results indicate that the level of intellectual functioning among children with Dubowitz syndrome varies from severe retardation to average intelligence. Our patients have delays in the development of memory, reasoning, expressive vocabulary, fine motor development, and receptive vocabulary, in order of ascending frequency. Data regarding growth status, level of adaptive functioning, and presence of behavioral deficits are also presented.
Use of the semi-equilibrium dialysis method in studying the thermodynamics of solubilization of organic compounds in surfactant micelles. Systemn-hexadecylpyridinium chloride-phenol-water

The semi-equilibrium dialysis method has been used to infer solubilization equilibrium constants or, alternatively, activity coefficients of solutes solubilized into micelles of aqueous surfactant solutions. Methods are described for inferring the concentrationa of monomers of the organic solute and of the surfactant on both sides of the dialysis membrane, under conditions where the organic solute is in equilibrium with both the high-concentration (retentate) and low-concentration (permeate) solutions. By using a form of the Gibbs-Duhem equation, activity coefficients of both phenol (the solubilizate) and n-hexadecylpyridinium chloride (the surfactant) are obtained for aqueous solutions at 25°C throughout a wide range of relative compositions of surfactant and solubilizate within the micelle. The apparent solubilization constant, K=[solubilized phenol]/([monomeric phenol][micellar surfactant]), is found to decrease significantly as the mole fraction of phenol in the micelle increases.
DAILY WEATHER AND THE OCCURRENCE OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of climate on the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). From January 2011 to December 2012, 299,295 patients (362,007 procedures) who underwent PCI were recorded in the J-PCI registry from 777 centers in Japan. Of those, 64,769
Statistical evidence for exchange of oxygen isotopes in holocellulose during long-term storage

A linear regression between oxygen isotope (δ18O) values from holocellulose processed and analyzed in 2000, and 6 years later in 2006, revealed evidence for isotopic exchange of oxygen atoms during the storage period. A statistically significant change in the slope of the regression line indicates a shift in the δ18O values of the stored samples, with most values plotting on one side of a line of equal fractionation. This shift is interpreted as indicating exchange of carbonyl oxygen during storage. A linear regression between δ18O values from the 2000 holocellulose and from alpha-cellulose (α-cellulose) produced in 2006 (from the 2000 holocellulose), yielded a slope that was statistically identical to 1. In this case, a slope of 1 is expected if there was no isotopic exchange during cellulose deposition, holocellulose extraction, and sample analysis. However, the sample variance around the best fit line is high, so it is possible that the slope of 1 is an artifact of a combination of isotope exchange and other non-systematic errors introduced during chemical extraction or analysis. This study indicates exchange of oxygen in holocellulose during 6 years of storage, but evidence for the presence or absence of exchange of oxygen prior to the completion of cellulose extraction is equivocal.
Lake Michigan Beach-Ridge and Dune Development, Lake Level, and Variability in Regional Water Balance

A sequence of northern Lake Michigan beach ridges records lake-level fluctuations that are probably related to changes in late Holocene climate. Historically, episodes of falling and low lake level associated with regional drought led to the formation of dune-capped beach ridges. The timing of prehistoric ridge formation, estimated by radiocarbon dating of plant macrofossils from early-successional dune species, shows that return periods of inferred drought, averaged for time intervals of 100 to 480 yr, ranged between 17 and 135 yr per drought during the last 2400 yr. In five of ten of these time intervals, the average return period ranged between 17 and 22 yr per drought. These intervals of frequent ridge formation and drought were associated with the development of parabolic dunes, which is indicative of high lake level and moist climate. This seeming paradox suggests that unusually moist decades alternated with unusually dry decades during these time intervals. Regional water balance probably varied less during the time intervals when ridges formed less often and the lake produced no evidence of high level.
State of Practice of Residential Floor Slab Flatness

Forensic engineering investigations of residential structures often include measurements of elevation differences across the slab-on-grade floor as an indicator of movement (settlement or heave) of the underlying soil. Such assessments are predicated on an assumption that the slab was flat or very nearly so at the time of initial placement. Despite the relatively frequent use of such measurements in practice, confirmation of the underlying assumption is scarce in the archival literature. This paper describes a testing program to measure the deviation from level of a large number of residential concrete slab-on-grade floors in Phoenix, Arizona, within a few days of concrete placement. An average maximum elevation change of 13.5 mm was observed. Average and maximum slopes are also presented. The construction of the residential structure atop the slab was found to have no statistically significant effect on the levelness of the slab, nor did the season in which the concrete was placed. Residential slab-on-grade construction methods are reviewed, concluding that this degree of deviation from level is to be expected. Comparison of the data with recommendations in the literature suggests that caution must be taken in evaluation of cosmetic or structural impairment of residential structures based in large part on measurements of interior floor slab levelness.
Expanding Pediatric Psychology Beyond Hospital Walls to Meet the Health Care Needs of Ethnic Minority Children

Objective: To discuss the need for an ecological model and new approaches for meeting the psychological and physical health care needs of minority children. Method: I support approaches that are informal, empowerment oriented, and culturally sensitive and that address illness prevention and health promotion. Discussion: Assessment, intervention, and research challenges involved in implementing these approaches are identified, and some strategies for overcoming these challenges are discussed. Conclusions: Pediatric psychology can be expanded to embrace the advocated model and intervention approaches to better meet the health care needs of minority children.
Structure–property relationships of thermally bonded polypropylene nonwovens

The effect of fiber structure and morphology on the resultant mechanical and low load deformation properties of thermally bonded nonwoven polypropylene fabrics has been studied. Commercially available staple polypropylene fibers varying in linear density and draw ratio (Herculon and Marvess staple fibers) were used in this study. The orientation of these fibers was characterized by birefrigence measurements. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements were made to determine the heat of fusion and melting point of fibers. Experiments confirm that tensile strength and stiffness of the fabrics correlate with this fiber structure. Under the same bonding conditions fabrics made from fibers with low draw ratios show higher tensile strength and stiffness than do fibers with high draw ratios. The mechanical properties of fabrics were found to be greatly affected by the thermal bonding temperature. The tenacity and flexural rigidity of fabrics made from poorly oriented fibers show higher values than those made from highly oriented fibers. The shrinkage of the fabrics was observed to increase with increasing bonding temperature in both machine and cross machine directions. The changes in fabric thickness due to the thermal bonding are considerably lower for poorly oriented fibers.
Are our data symmetric

Skewness indicates a lack of symmetry in a distribution. Knowing the symmetry of the underlying data is essential for parametric analysis, fitting distributions or doing transformations to the data. The coefficient of skewness is the commonly used measure to identify a lack of symmetry in the underlying data, although graphical procedures can also be effective. We discuss three different methods to assess skewness: traditional coefficient of skewness index, skewness index based on the L-moments discussed by Hosking and the asymptotic test of symmetry developed by Randles et al. With this work, we provide easy-to-implement S-PLUS functions as well as discuss the advantages and shortcomings of each technique.
Understanding a ZnO nanorods fabrication process: a supersaturated design approach

Nanomanufacturing promises to increase quality, productivity and efficiency of existing technologies and has the potential to accelerate commercialisation of products and benefit various industries. As this technology is still in its discovery stage, there is a tremendous amount of experimentation occurring every day. Often in a nanomanufacturing setup, a large number of factors can be listed as possible sources of effects and among those, only a few are actually significant. A problem frequently encountered in nanomanufacturing is how to reduce the total number of experiments while estimating a large number of effects. Realising this challenge and the growing application of statistical techniques to discover relationships at the nanoscale, we advocate the use of supersaturated designs to nanomanufacturing settings. Here, we develop a supersaturated design, which is effective in identifying significant effects with minimal experimental runs for a process for the fabrication of ZnO nanorods, and discuss the analysis techniques.
Current antibiotic management of prosthetic joint infections in Italy: the ‘Udine strategy’

The rate of prosthetic joint infections followed and cured at our institution is constantly increasing, in line with epidemiological data from the recent literature. This is probably related to the greater number of knee and hip prostheses implanted every year. For intermediate and late infections, only the two-stage approach is applied, as this demonstrates the best outcome in our experience. Particular attention is paid to microbiological isolation of the pathogen: multiple samples of tissue are collected during the interventions, and kept in culture for a longer period of time than usual. Sonication of prosthetic devices is used to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the microbiological cultures. Histological examination influences surgical choices either towards implantation of a new prosthesis or replacement of the spacer. An empirical antibiotic backbone of a glycopeptide/lipopeptide and rifampicin is chosen, due to the leading role of Gram-positive bacteria in this setting and the high incidence of methicillin resistance in our centre (>30%), followed by an antibiotic regimen containing linezolid. If specific risk factors are present, an anti-Gram-negative drug is added to the regimen. Duration of therapy depends upon the approach that is chosen, usually being 6 weeks when the prosthesis is removed. Despite at the moment being limited by its small sample size, data from our experience confirms that our empirical approach may represent a valid choice during the early phase of treatment, by keeping linezolid for a step-down therapy of shorter duration (4 weeks).
Substrate Surface Decoration With ${\rm CeO}_{2}$ Nanoparticles: An Effective Method for Improving Flux Pinning in ${\rm YBa}_{2}{\rm Cu}_{3}{\rm O}_{7-\delta}$ Films

We have demonstrated improved critical current density, Jc, in YBa2Cu3O7-delta (YBCO) films through a controlled study of substrate surface modifications with nano-sized second-phase pre-formed CeO2 particles. Nanoparticles were applied to single crystal SrTiO3 surfaces using suspension-based techniques prior to YBCO film growth. With the introduction of CeO2 nanoparticles, YBCO films showed more robust field dependence at intermediate fields (Jc prop B-prop), where a smaller power law exponent of alpha ~ 0.3 is obtained. The self-flefd Jc(77K, Bparc) values of the YBCO films on reference and CeO2 modified substrates are 1.1 and 1.9 MA/cm2 ; and at 1 Tesla 0.1 and 0.52 MA/cm2 , respectively. Consistent with this alpha-value, angular field dependent Jc and transmission electron microscopy studies indicate the presence of c-axis aligned correlated defects in these modified samples.
Philosophical foundations of interdisciplinarity in caring for the elderly, or the willingness to change your mind

The experience of team assessment of an elderly person is examined closely, focusing on the usual taken-for-granted ways in which health professionals interact with one another. The process of interdisciplinarity is distinguished from multidisciplinarity and from transdisciplinarity and the five elements of interdisciplinarity are outlined. A case study follows illustrating how these similar processes would be carried out with a given client. The suggestion is made that multidisciplinarity is rarely useful but that true interdisciplinarity at its best provides the client with a thorough evaluation and plan, and highly integrated care. Transdisciplinarity is briefly identified as a process whereby professional boundaries not only blend for the good of the whole, but in which also team members feel empowered by the contribution of other colleagues.
A real-time ultrasound time-domain correlation blood flowmeter. II. Performance and experimental verification

For Part I, see ibid., vol.40, no.6, p.768-775 (1993). The performance of a real-time ultrasound time-domain correlation (UTDC) flowmeter employing a high-speed residue number system correlator under various flow conditions for different correlation parameter settings is evaluated. Previous work has incorporated a weighted-averaging scheme to estimate the flow velocity over a wide number of echo signal spacings. The present evaluation indicates that a linear averaging of 50 adjacent echo signal pairs produces equivalent accuracy and precision at real-time processing speed as compared to previous non-real time systems incorporating weighted averaging. >
A rapid method for depletion of Rubisco from soybean (Glycine max) leaf for proteomic analysis of lower abundance proteins.

Abstract 2-DE analysis of complex plant proteomes has limited dynamic resolution because only abundant proteins can be detected. Proteomic assessment of the low abundance proteins within leaf tissue is difficult when it is comprised of 30–50% of the CO 2 fixation enzyme Rubisco. Resolution can be improved through depletion of Rubisco using fractionation techniques based upon different physiological or biochemical principles. We have developed a fast and simple fractionation technique using 10 mM Ca 2+ and 10 mM phytate to precipitate Rubisco from soybean leaf soluble protein extract. This method is not only rapid, but also inexpensive, and capable of removing 85% of the extremely abundant Rubisco enzyme from soybean leaf soluble protein extract. This method allowed for roughly 230 previously inconspicuous protein spots in soybean leaf to be more easily detectable (3-fold increase in vol%) using fluorescent detection and allowed 28 phosphorylated proteins previously undetected, to be isolated and identified by MALDI-TOF-MS.
The α-receptor for platelet-derived growth factor as a target for antibody-mediated inhibition of skeletal metastases from prostate cancer cells

Bone resorption by osteoclasts is thought to promote the proliferation of prostate cancer cells disseminated to the skeleton (Mundy, 2002). Using a mouse model of experimental metastasis, we found that although latestage metastatic tumors were indeed surrounded by osteoclasts, these cells were spatially unrelated to the small foci of cancer cells in early-stage metastases. This is the first evidence that survival and growth of disseminated prostate cancer cells immediately after their extravasation may not depend on osteoclast involvement. Interestingly, prostate cancer cells expressing the a-receptor for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGFRa) progress during early-stages of skeletal dissemination, whereas cells expressing lower levels or lacking this receptor fail to survive after extravasation in the bone marrow. However, non-metastatic cells acquire bone-metastatic potential upon ectopic overexpression of PDGFRa. Finally, functional blockade of human PDGFRa on prostate cancer cells utilizing a novel humanized monoclonal antibody— soon to undergo phase-II clinical trials—significantly impairs the establishment of early skeletal metastases. In conclusion, our results strongly implicate PDGFRa in prostate cancer bone tropism through its promotion of survival and progression of early-metastatic foci, providing ground for therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing or containing the initial progression of skeletal metastases in patients affected by prostate adenocarcinoma. Oncogene (2009) 28, 412–421; doi:10.1038/onc.2008.390; published online 13 October 2008
Rainfall estimation and rain gauge comparison for x-band polarimetric CASA radars

The Center for Collaborative and Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) developed and deployed four polarimetric and Doppler-capable distributed, collaborative and adaptive X-band radars in Oklahoma with the capability to detect and track tornadoes and storms in the lower troposphere with high spatial and temporal resolution. This paper presents an analysis of the performance of X-band rainfall estimation composite algorithms and the conventional reflectivity-rainfall relationship. The polarimetric estimators are developed by different combinations of radar products including horizontal equivalent reflectivity (Zh), differential reflectivity (Zdr) and specific differential phase (Kdp)- The Micronet Little Washita rain gauge network is used for validating rainfall estimates of the KCYR CASA radar. In addition, NEXRAD WSR-88D KFDR radar data are analyzed and compared with the rain gauge network and the CASA radar estimates. Fourteen hours of data collected during August 2006 from three different storms are analyzed. Both convective and stratiform events are represented in the radar data analysis. An accuracy of point radar measurement is assessed for different rain intensities. Results demonstrate an improvement in hourly rainfall accumulation estimation for average rainfall intensities beyond 5 mm/hr with the use of polarimetric estimators. An increase in absolute difference standard error with distance by the use of absolute difference in radar and rain gauges estimates is also evaluated.
Aeroelastic Vehicle Sensor Placement for Feedback Control Applications Using Gain Stability

Optimal positions for aeroelastic vehicle feedback sensors, which meet design constraints and control requirements, are difficult to determine. This paper introduces a systematic and optimal approach for choosing sensor locations based on phase stability criteria. A steepest descent optimization method with constraints is used to minimize such objective criteria, which are based on the departure angles for each aeroelastic mode appearing in a traditional Evans diagram for a scalar control loop. Each departure angle term is multiplied by a weight parameter. Rigid-body augmentation characteristics are implicitly accounted for in the type of input-output pairs utilized and in predefined loop compensation structure. Constraints enforcing minimum phase zeros in the transfer function are also considered. A flexible aircraft structure is used as an example to demonstrate this procedure. Results indicate flight control and structural mode control characteristics can be effectively balanced.
Role of Saw1 in Rad1/Rad10 complex assembly at recombination intermediates in budding yeast

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad1/Rad10 complex is a multifunctional, structure-specific endonuclease that processes UV-induced DNA lesions, recombination intermediates, and inter-strand DNA crosslinks. However, we do not know how Rad1/Rad10 recognizes these structurally distinct target molecules or how it is incorporated into the protein complexes capable of incising divergent substrates. Here, we have determined the order and hierarchy of assembly of the Rad1/Rad10 complex, Saw1, Slx4, and Msh2/Msh3 complex at a 3′ tailed recombination intermediate. We found that Saw1 is a structure-specific DNA binding protein with high affinity for splayed arm and 3′-flap DNAs. By physical interaction, Saw1 facilitates targeting of Rad1 at 3′ tailed substrates in vivo and in vitro, and enhances 3′ tail cleavage by Rad1/Rad10 in a purified system in vitro. Our results allow us to formulate a model of Rad1/Rad10/Saw1 nuclease complex assembly and 3′ tail removal in recombination.
Bargaining with the Bureaucracy: Executive Orders and the Transaction Costs of Unilateral Action

How should we assess unilateral tactics in a less-than-unitary executive branch? To explore this question this project examines the provenance of some 675 issued and unissued executive orders from 1939 through 2004. Despite the useful simplifying assumptions of recent work on unilateral power, archival data show that the issuance of executive orders is a process rife with transaction costs; in the end, such orders are frequently a less-than-perfect representation of presidential preferences. In most cases, issuing an executive order incorporates wide consultation across the executive branch and, frequently, White House ratification of what agencies wanted to do in the first place. Yet this is contingent. Presidents assert more centralized control under a number of important conditions: on more significant items, on items that affect large numbers of departments, and on matters of executive reorganization. On the other side of the ledger, orders dealing with implementation of recently passed statutes or other presidential “clerk” functions tend to follow a far less centralized formulation process.
The White Man's Dilemma in John Maxwell Coetzee's Fiction

The growth of African countries to independence has been accompanied by the collapse of the colonialist regime to power forcing a new African elite to take control of their countries. But this change of regime provoked many problems between the departing white leaders who would attempt to remain forcibly in power while they faced new African leaders determined to bring change in their countries dominated long ago by white supremacy. Thus this clash brought about many situations of dilemma among white men living within African communities. The aim of this work will be most to present some of these situations of dilemma white men have been facing in South Africa as Coetzee would depict them in his novels Waiting for the Barbarians, Disgrace and many others.
HCN4 modified mesenchymal stem cells injection affects ventricular electrophysiology in complete atrioventricular block canine

Background HCN family of pacemaker channel genes has been investigated to create biological pacemaker through cell transplantation using viral vectors or adult human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) as delivery platforms. A potential concern about biological pacemakers is the possibility that their malfunction may induce some kind of arrhythmia. We investigated cardiac electrical stability after pacemaker cell transplantation to the epicardium myocardium. Methods we used lentivirus vector to integrate the mHCN4 gene into the genome of dMSCs and were able to achieve stable expression of the mHCN4 channel gene permanently. Intact dogs were randomised into two groups: a vehicle group injected with LV-EGFP-dMSCs into the myocardium, and a HCN4 group injected with LV-EGFP-HCN4-dMSCs. After injection for seven days, each dog was interventioned into complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) model by radiofrequency ablation of the His bundle and cardiac pacemaker was implanted as tandem model. Spontaneous rhythms can be recorded through Electrocardiogram observation for 14–28 days. Programmed Electrical Stimulation (PES) was performed to evaluate further a cardiac substrate for arrhythmia susceptibility. Cardiac electrophysiological parameters, including diastolic pacing threshold (DPT), ventricular effective refractory period (VERP), VFT were determined before the injection and the end of observation. And ECG parameters (QT, QTC, QTd, Tp-e, Tp-ed, Tp-e/QT) were assessed all through the duration. Results PES results showed that DPT, VERP and VFT significantly decreased in HCN4 group compared to vehicle group. At the same time, ECG results displayed that QTc, QTd, Tp-e, Tp-ed, Tp-e/QT all increased after HCN4-MSCs injection. Conclusion In an CAVB model, MSCs loaded with HCN4 transplantation may induce electrical ventricular instability. Although biological pacemaker may have promising future using HCN gene delivery and cell implantation, we suggest that such preclinical evaluation should be carefully carried out.
The Myth of Postnational Identity: Popular Support for European Unification

The study of popular support for unification of Europe raises issues about the role of identification with national interests verus support for postnational identity in determining attitudes across countries and over time. It also raises issues about the roles of traditional cleavages in class position and partisan ideological views versus differences in postmaterialist values in determining support for unification. Using data individuals sampled within member-states of the European Community in 1982, 1986, 1989, and 1992, the analyses show persistent differences between countries in their support even after equalizing for national differences in sociodemogaphic, ideological, and value priority variable over the 10-year time span of the study, which favors theoretical arguments for the continued importance of national identity
On Sums of Triangular Numbers and Sums of Squares

(1992). On Sums of Triangular Numbers and Sums of Squares. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 99, No. 8, pp. 752-757.
An outbreak of Mayaro virus disease in Belterra, Brazil. II. Epidemiology.

Abstract Results of entomological and vertebrate host investigations made during dual outbreaks of Mayaro (MAY) and yellow fever (YF) viruses in Belterra, Para, Brazil in 1978 are reported. Over 9,000 insects representing 26 species were assayed in 396 pools for the presence of arboviruses. Pools of Haemagogus janthinomys Dyar yielded the only isolates of either MAY of YF virus. The minimum field infection rate for nine isolates of MAY virus from Hg. janthinomys was 1:82, and for two isolates of YF virus was 1:368. Analysis of collection data showed Hg. janthinomys to be attracted to man as a blood source and present in all habitats sampled, although most abundant in the forest canopy. Twelve hundred bird sera and 584 mammal sera were tested by hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) tests for antibody to MAY virus. Highest MAY antibody prevalence rates were found among marmosets (Callithrix argentata, 32 positive of 119 tested, 27%). Mayaro virus was also isolated from the blood of a sylvan marmoset captured at the peak of the MAY virus outbreak. Experimental infection of marmosets with MAY virus confirmed that a substantial viremia follows infection with this virus. Marmosets were also found with HI antibody to YF virus (5/119, 4%). The results presented indicate that Hg. janthinomys was the principal vector of both MAY and YF viruses and that marmosets were the main amplifying hosts for MAY virus, and perhaps for YF virus as well.
The Genetics of Histocompatibility

The need to improve donor-recipient pairing for organ transplantation led to research through which it has become clear that a single genetic system, the H L-A locus, controls most of the lymphocyte antigens that affect graft survival. Mixed leukocyte cultures, which permit measurement of compatibility at H L-A without defining the antigens involved, have contributed greatly to the demonstration of this inherited mechanism.
Buddy Tag CONOPS and Requirements.

This document defines the concept of operations (CONOPS) and the requirements for the Buddy Tag, which is conceived and designed in collaboration between Sandia National Laboratories and Princeton University under the Department of State Key VerificationAssets Fund. The CONOPS describe how the tags are used to support verification of treaty limitations and is only defined to the extent necessary to support a tag design. The requirements define the necessary functions and desired non-functional features of the Buddy Tag at a high level
PERK Regulates Working Memory and Protein Synthesis-Dependent Memory Flexibility

PERK (EIF2AK3) is an ER-resident eIF2α kinase required for memory flexibility and metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent long-term depression, processes known to be dependent on new protein synthesis. Here we investigated PERK’s role in working memory, a cognitive ability that is independent of new protein synthesis, but instead is dependent on cellular Ca2+ dynamics. We found that working memory is impaired in forebrain-specific Perk knockout and pharmacologically PERK-inhibited mice. Moreover, inhibition of PERK in wild-type mice mimics the fear extinction impairment observed in forebrain-specific Perk knockout mice. Our findings reveal a novel role of PERK in cognitive functions and suggest that PERK regulates both Ca2+ -dependent working memory and protein synthesis-dependent memory flexibility.
Creating Learning Libraries in Support of Seamless Learning Cultures

Summary Higher education has been rethinking the traditional teaching paradigm of the lecture in which most faculty-student interaction occurs in the classroom. The new emphasis on student learning focuses institutional mission on enabling learning by whatever means work best. Creating a seamless learning culture is one way to stress student learning. A significant feature of seamless learning is supporting out-of-the classroom learning. This paper examines how academic libraries can contribute to a seamless learning culture and what this means for restructuring approaches to library instruction and the ways librarians interact with students.
Response to "The Value of Mentoring in Nursing: An Honor and a Gift".

I would like to thank Marcia Gruber-Page, MSN, MS, RN, for highlighting the value of mentorships for the profession of nursing (Gruber-Page, 2016). As she emphasized, mentorships in the workplace contribute to the professional success of the mentor and mentee. Another population that is in need of sound guidance during a critical stage of professional development is undergraduate student nurses. .
Demo: Transient clouds

In this paper, we present our demo of Transient Clouds - a platform that allows for mobile devices within range of each other to form an ad-hoc network and collaboratively execute tasks. Transient Clouds are utilized in temporal scenarios in which the cloud is created on-the-fly by the devices present in an environment and would disappear as the devices leave the network. In Transient Clouds, each device offers a different set of capabilities based on its software and hardware. When a particular device has a task to execute, it can send it into the Transient Cloud that would assign the subtasks to the devices, based on their capabilities, and collect the results back. We use a modified version of the Hungarian method to decide the assignments to achieve certain properties such as load balancing and collocating subtasks. This demo showcases an implementation of a Transient Cloud, albeit limited by Android's Wi-Fi Direct framework, in which a number of devices provide their capabilities as a cloud service. The demo is based on an Android app that connects the devices and allows for the remote execution of subtasks on devices based on the assignment algorithm.
Using Classification to Protect the Integrity of Spectrum Measurements in White Space Networks

The emerging paradigm for using the wireless spectrum more efficiently is based on enabling secondary users to exploit white-space frequencies that are not occupied by primary users. A key enabling technology for forming networks over white spaces is distributed spectrum measurements to identify and assess the quality of unused channels. This spectrum availability data is often aggregated at a central base station or database to govern the usage of spectrum. This process is vulnerable to integrity violations if the devices are malicious and misreport spectrum sensing results. In this paper we propose CUSP, a new technique based on machine learning that uses a trusted initial set of signal propagation data in a region as input to build a classifier using Support Vector Machines. The classifier is subsequently used to detect integrity violations. Using classification eliminates the need for arbitrary assumptions about signal propagation models and parameters or thresholds in favor of direct training data. Extensive evaluations using TV transmitter data from the FCC, terrain data from NASA, and house density data from the US Census Bureau for areas in Illinois and Pennsylvania show that our technique is effective against attackers of varying sophistication, while accommodating for regional terrain and shadowing diversity. 1
Pay Now or Pay Later

This paper will describe leadership styles and present a review of the pertinent literature to document and examine how the social institution of the school and transformational leadership style may shape beliefs about health, physical education, and fitness. In the 1970’s a FRAM oil-filter commercial showed a mechanic holding an inexpensive oil filter and then pointing to an expensive engine repair job, with a tag line “Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later” (Cone, 2004). This slogan reflects the attitude of the health and physical education profession today. Opportunities are offered in school physical education programs that lead to good health to promote each student’s optimum physical, mental, emotional and social development, but the “society seems more interested in pursuing the expensive engine repair” (Cone, 2004). The health and physical education profession can make the difference regarding their potential impact, but their potential impact must be acknowledged. Even though some reports and findings have warned about of the imminent costs of inactivity, American society is slow to change, and Americans are slow to learn this lesson (Cone, 2004). America’s schools and society have failed to benefit fully from systems of health and physical education that are already in place. Strong, effective leadership, transformational leadership, in the 21st century is necessary to keep physical education in schools at all levels for the health and development of young people, the American adults of tomorrow (Dundon & Pattakos, 2001; Kim, 2002).
Directional correlation measurements in 24Mg(3He, pγ)26Al

Abstract Directional correlation measurements with a cylindrically symmetric reaction geometry on the 24 Mg( 3 He, pγ) 26 Al reaction lead to the following definite spin assignments: J = 1 for the 3719 keV level, J = 2 for the 2913 and 3159 keV levels, J = 3 for the 2365 and 2545 keV levels and J = 5 for the 3405 keV level. A probable spin assignment J = (2) is suggested for the 3745 keV level, and the spin of the 3074 keV level is limited to J = 3 or 2. Evidence for a doublet near 3960 keV is presented. Gamma-ray decay modes for the members of the doublet (labelled the 3950 and 3960 keV levels) have been deduced from the p- γ two-parameter spectra. Directional correlation measurements on the γ -rays de-exciting these levels restrict the spin of the 3950 keV level to J = 3 or 1 and the spin of the 3960 keV level to J = 1 or 0 (in order of preference). Branching ratios of each level and multipole mixing ratios for each transition determined from the directional correlations are reported.
Mammographic breast density is associated with the development of contralateral breast cancer.

BACKGROUND Women with dense mammographic breast density (BD) have a 2-fold increased risk of developing primary breast cancer (BC). The authors hypothesized that dense mammographic BD also is associated with an increased risk of developing contralateral breast cancer (CBC). METHODS Among female patients treated at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for sporadic, AJCC stage I to stage III BC between January 1997 and December 2012, the authors identified patients who had developed metachronous CBC (cases) and selected 1:2 matched controls who did not develop CBC using incidence density sampling, matched on attainted age, year of diagnosis, and hormone receptor status of the first BC. Mammographic BD, assessed at the time of first BC diagnosis, was categorized as “nondense” (American College of Radiology breast categories of fatty or scattered density) or “dense” (American College of Radiology categories of heterogeneously dense or extremely dense). Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 229 cases and 451 controls were evaluated. Among the cases, approximately 39.3% had nondense breast tissue and 60.7% had dense breast tissue. Among controls, approximately 48.3% had nondense breast tissue and 51.7% had dense breast tissue. After adjustment for potential prognostic risk factors for BC, the odds of developing CBC were found to be significantly higher for patients with dense breasts (odds ratio, 1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-2.64 [P<.01]) than for those with nondense breasts. Patients who received chemotherapy or endocrine therapy were less likely to develop CBC. CONCLUSIONS In women with primary BC, mammographic BD appears to be a risk factor for the development of CBC. Cancer 2017;123:1935–1940. © 2017 American Cancer Society.