cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tumor mitotic rate is an independent predictor of survival for nonmetastatic melanoma

Abstract Background Tumor mitotic rate is a known prognostic variable in Stage I melanoma; however, its importance is unclear in Stages II and III. Methods Patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic cutaneous melanoma from 2010 to 2014 were identified from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry. Results Of a total of 71,235 patients, the majority were white (94.7%), male (58.5%), and had a Stage I tumor (79.0%). On univariable analysis, 5-year disease-specific survival decreased with each increasing tumor mitotic rate category of 0–3, 4–10, and >10 mitoses/mm2 (Stage I 98.3%, 90.9%, 79.7%; Stage II 86.1%, 74.2%, 72.9%; and Stage III 72.5%, 58.6%, 49.7%). In multivariable models, tumor mitotic rate as both a continuous and categorical variable was associated with disease-specific survival for Stages I–III melanoma. Each unit increase in tumor mitotic rate increased the risk of death by 23% in Stage I, 5% in Stage II, and 3% in Stage III. Compared with the 0–3 tumor mitotic rate category, the risk of disease-specific mortality increased for tumors in the 4–10 and >10 categories for Stage I (RR 3.07 and 6.74, P Conclusion In this cohort study, tumor mitotic rate is an independent predictor of survival for localized melanoma.
THE ENDOTHELIAL INTERFACE BETWEEN TISSUE AND BLOOD

Publisher Summary The movement of water, solutes, proteins, and other macro-molecules across the vascular interface are vital physiological processes governing transcapillary fluid exchange in the microcirculation and the homeostasis of the larger vessels. The transport of macromolecules is thought to play an important role in disease states such as edema and atherosclerosis. The vascular interface of the larger vessels and the microcirculation is composed of a single layer of cells called the endothelial lining. Before electronmicroscopic studies could identify the ultrastructural pathways for the transendothelial passage of large and small molecules, microcirculatory physiologists had discovered that there was at least a small pore system that provided separate pathways for the passage of water and small ions and the large molecules. Electron-microscopic studies have shown that there are four passive pathways by which molecules can cross the endothelial lining. This chapter discusses the theoretical models of (1) the vesicular transport process, (2) the three-dimensional diffusional interaction between the endothelial cell layer and the underlying tissue and the effect of minute endothelial injuries, (3) the filtration flow across the arterial wall, and (4) a hydrodynamic interaction theory for determining the osmotic reflection and diffusion coefficients for spherical molecules passing through the inter-cellular cleft.
Anglo-American Aesthetics and Contemporary Criticism: Intention and the Hermeneutics of Suspicion

INTRODUCTION The fiftieth anniversary of the American Society for Aesthetics comes at a time of ostensible turmoil in academia. Many fields of inquiry – so many, in fact, that it would be cumbersome to enumerate them – claim to be undergoing fundamental identity crises; old paradigms are declared outmoded on every side, and new approaches heralded. In such a context, contemplating the health of Anglo-American-style aesthetics is natural. Indeed, since our colleagues in adjacent fields – including literary theory, film studies, art history, and so on – seem convinced that if aesthetics is not dead, then it should be killed, we might spend some of this anniversary not only celebrating the past, but also worrying about the future. The charges arrayed against Anglo-American aesthetics at present are legion. One could not hope to identify, let alone to address, them all in such a brief note. Thus, I will focus on just one issue in order to demonstrate that not only is Anglo- American aesthetics not always at loggerheads with contemporary art criticism, but that contemporary criticism may even profit from the insights of aesthetics. Like the art of the past decade or so, contemporary criticism has become increasingly political in its orientation. One aspect of this is the familiar interpretation of artworks – often indiscriminately called “texts” – for their symptomatic political content, including especially: latent or repressed sexism, racism, classism, imperialism, and so forth. Moreover, at the same time that contemporary critics have opted for this variety of the hermeneutics of suspicion, a movement reinstating the relevance of the artist's intentions for interpretation has begun to take hold among philosophers of art.
Program-Predictive Feedback Control for Systems with Evolving Dynamics

Abstract We consider a new class of problems of control under uncertainty in which uncertainty is described by a finite set of scenarios of evolution of some system parameters. We derive optimality conditions for non-anticipating strategies in terms of some nonstandard maximum principle which includes a new type of boundary value problem. These optimality conditions are used for design of the optimal discontinuous feedback control for such systems.
Hypoalbuminemia remains an independent predictor of complications following total joint arthroplasty.

Abstract Introduction Hypoalbuminemia ( Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for patients undergoing primary THA and TKA. Propensity score-matched analysis was used to control for co-morbid conditions. Results Patients with low albumin demonstrated greater odds of death (by 2–21x), morbidity (by 25–51%), re-admission (by 45–54%), and increased length of stay. Conclusion Low albumin remains an independent predictor of adverse outcomes following primary total joint arthroplasty.
Neutron scattering studies of RENi2B2C (RE=Lu,Y,Ho,Er): Lattice dynamics

We studied the low-energy phonon excitations for wavevectors close to the Fermi surface nesting vector = 0.55a. We find that above T^. the frequencies of the A^L^OO] lowest-lying optical and acoustic phonon modes decrease with decreasing tenperature, for \ close to and there is a shift of intensity from the upper to the lower mode, an effect characteristic of coupled modes. From approximately 12OK down to tenperatures in the vicinity of T^, only a single unresolved peak is observed. Below the phonon spectra of the Y and Lu compounds change dramatically: they consist of
Estimating modern equilibrium temperatures in the Bakken Formation of North Dakota, USA: Application of an analytical solution to depth dependent changes in thermal conductivity

Abstract The mid-Paleozoic through late Cretaceous section in the Williston Basin records a transition from carbonate dominated marine sedimentation to that dominated by terrestrial and marine shales. Even though the intervening stratigraphy is complex the overall thermal profile is not. Equilibrium temperature profiles for 20 wells distributed across the North Dakota portion of the Williston may be closely approximated by a two or three-layer thermal model. This model consists of one or two upper layers with constant thermal conductivities that extend through the Tertiary and upper Cretaceous. A third layer from the top of the Cretaceous Greenhorn Formation to the top of the Mississippian-Devonian Bakken Formation exhibits a thermal gradient that is consistent with a gradual and constant increase in thermal conductivity with depth. This gradient is consistent with a nonlinear analytical solution that relates temperature and depth to a progressive increase in thermal conductivity with depth. These results provide an alternative approach to estimating temperature profiles from the Greenhorn Formation to the top of the Bakken Formation than those using more complex models consisting of many discrete layers. The method also provides a means of extrapolating temperatures recorded above the Madison Group to the top of the Bakken Formation.
Incidence of Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Worsens Outcomes with Acute Coronary Syndrome: Result of a National Cohort

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a feared complication of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and has been shown to increase morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to assess the incidence of non-variceal UGIB in patients with ACS in a national cohort and its impact on in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and cost of hospitalization. This was a retrospective cohort study analyzing the 2016 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) utilizing ICD 10 CM codes. Principal discharge diagnoses of ACS (STEMI, NSTEMI, and UA) in patients over 18 years old were included. Non-variceal UGIB with interventions including endoscopy, angiography, and embolization were also evaluated. Primary outcome was the national incidence of concomitant non-variceal UGIB in the setting of ACS. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and cost of stay. A total of 661,404 discharges with principal discharge diagnosis of ACS in 2016 were analyzed. Of the included cohort, 0.80% (n = 5324) were complicated with non-variceal UGIB with increased frequency in older patients (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.03–1.04; p = 0.0001). Despite endoscopic evaluation, 17.35% (n = 744) underwent angiography. After adjustment of confounders, inpatient mortality was significantly higher in patients with UGIB (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.63–2.63, p = 0.0001). Non-variceal UGIB also led to significantly longer LOS (10.38 days vs 4.37 days, p = 0.0001) and cost of stay ($177,324 vs $88,468, p = 0.0001). Our study shows that the national incidence of non-variceal UGIB complicating ACS is low at less than 1%, but resulted in significantly higher inpatient mortality, LOS, and hospitalization charges.
148-P: HLA REGION AND BREAST CANCER SUSCEPTIBILITY: RE-ANALYSIS OF CANCER GENETIC MARKERS OF SUSCEPTIBILITY (CGEMS) STUDY RESULTS

Aim Despite the biological plausibility as suggested by animal experiments and HLA associations, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in breast cancer (BC) have not reported any top hits from the HLA region. We revisited the results of the NIH CGEMS study to seek evidence for the involvement of the HLA region in the development of BC. Methods We screened the results from 1100 HLA region SNPs accessible through dbGAP. We used bioinformatic tools and examined existing experimental data to evaluate functionality of each SNP that showed an association at the traditional statistical threshold ( P Results 115 SNPs yielded statistical associations with BC. The smallest P value was 0.0007, and was noted for a few SNPs including BAG6 (BAT3) SNP rs3117582, which is a risk marker for lung cancer. Previously, we showed that this SNP is exclusively present on B8DR3 haplotype. Likewise, another B8DR3-specific SNP rs1270942, which is a risk marker for AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma was also associated ( P = 0.0007). A SNP (rs382259) in NOTCH4, a strong candidate gene, yielded a protective association ( P = 0.005). rs382259 is a proxy for HLA-DR11, which is a protective marker for BC as shown earlier. Two other SNPs (rs1233627 and rs3131043) showed associations in the present analysis and our re-analysis of WTCCC GWAS data ( P = 0.0002 to 0.04). Conclusions Like our recent re-analysis of WTCCC GWAS data, the current effort also yielded some meaningful signals from the HLA region that were originally dismissed because of the statistical threshold used in GWAS. Unique features of the HLA region such as extensive linkage disequilibrium resulting in “unfaithfulness” that generates larger P values for individual SNPs, functional polymorphisms that are not necessarily assessed in univariable analysis, and missing representation of HLA subregions in GWAS chips warrant specially designed HLA region association studies to uncover the missing heritability observed in GWAS in BC.
Comparison of two MnIVMnIV-bis-μ-oxo complexes {[MnIV(N4(6-Me-DPEN))]2(μ-O)2}2+ and {[MnIV(N4(6-Me-DPPN))]2(μ-O)2}2+

The addition of tert-butyl hydro­peroxide (tBuOOH) to two structurally related MnII complexes containing N,N-bis­(6-methyl-2-pyridyl­meth­yl)ethane-1,2-di­amine (6-Me-DPEN) and N,N-bis­(6-methyl-2-pyridyl­meth­yl)propane-1,2-di­amine (6-Me-DPPN) results in the formation of high-valent bis-oxo complexes, namely di-μ-oxido-bis­{[N,N-bis­(6-methyl-2-pyridylmeth­yl)ethane-1,2-di­amine]­manganese(II)}(Mn—Mn) bis­(tetra­phenyl­borate) dihydrate, [Mn(C16H22N4)2O2](C24H20B)2·2H2O or {[MnIV(N4(6-Me-DPEN))]2(μ-O)2}(2BPh4)(2H2O) (1) and di-μ-oxido-bis­{[N,N-bis­(6-methyl-2-pyridylmeth­yl)propane-1,3-di­amine]­manganese(II)}(Mn—Mn) bis­(tetra­phenyl­borate) diethyl ether disolvate, [Mn(C17H24N4)2O2](C24H20B)2·2C4H10O or {[MnIV(N4(6-MeDPPN))]2(μ-O)2}(2BPh4)(2Et2O) (2). Complexes 1 and 2 both contain the `diamond core' motif found previously in a number of iron, copper, and manganese high-valent bis-oxo compounds. The flexibility in the propyl linker in the ligand scaffold of 2, as compared to that of the ethyl linker in 1, results in more elongated Mn—N bonds, as one would expect. The Mn—Mn distances and Mn—O bond lengths support an MnIV oxidation state assignment for the Mn ions in both 1 and 2. The angles around the Mn centers are consistent with the local pseudo-octa­hedral geometry.
The green contagion effect: an investigation into the propagation of environmental practices across multiple supply chains tiers

The phenomenon of green contagion refers to the diffusion of sustainability practices across multi-tier supply chains. In this research, we propose a model of green contagion, theorising that both ...
Changes in pulmonary artery size before and after total cavopulmonary connection

Objective —To assess changes in size of the central pulmonary arteries following a total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). Design A retrospective analysis of the angiographic diameters of the central pulmonary arteries, expressed as z scores, in infancy before the TCPC and 3.5 (0.9) years (mean (SD)) later. Analysis of the relation between the pulmonary arteriolar resistance and the z scores at follow up. Setting Tertiary referral centre. Patients 32 patients who had TCPC from February 1990 to July 1993. Results The patients were divided into two groups (n = 16) depending on their preoperative flow ratio: group I, Qp/Qs ⩽ 1; group II, Qp/Qs > 1. At the initial study in infancy the mean z scores in group I were −6.0 for the right pulmonary artery (RPA) and −9.6 for the left pulmonary artery (LPA); in group II the respective values were −2.7 and −3.0. Before the TCPC the values increased to 0.5 (RPA) and −0.5 (LPA) in group I, and to 8.8 (RPA) and 8.2 (LPA) in group II. At follow up the z scores decreased to −2.4 (RPA) and −4.9 (LPA) in group I, and to 2.2 (RPA) and −0.7 (LPA) in group II. The changes in pulmonary artery diameters were significant for both groups (p 0). Conclusions Creation of a TCPC results in a significant reduction in size of the central pulmonary arteries. At a mean interval of 3.5 years following the TCPC, however, there was no significant difference in pulmonary arteriolar resistance index between patients with smaller and larger central pulmonary arteries.
Evaluation of a novel communication and consultation skills model (WISE COACH) on dog owner perceptions of veterinarians and projected spending on veterinary care.

Objective To assess the impact of a novel communication and consultation skills model (WISE COACH [WC]) on dog owner perceptions of veterinarians and projected spending on veterinary care. Sample 1,200 US dog owners who had visited a veterinarian within the prior 18 months. Procedures Video recordings of 2 staged client consultations were made, with the veterinarian following the WC recommendations in one video and not following them in the other (control). Participants were randomly assigned to view one of the videos and completed an online survey to assess their perceptions and projected spending. Qualitative responses were coded to identify themes. Results The veterinarian was rated significantly higher in the WC video than in the control video for the characteristics first impression, skilled and knowledgeable, cares about me, cares about my pet, and communicates clearly, and was rated significantly lower for the characteristic rushed or abrupt. Participants who viewed the WC video were significantly more likely to follow the veterinarian's recommendations, return to see the veterinarian, and recommend the veterinarian. They were also approximately 1.4 times as likely to approve the full recommended treatment plan, and their projected total spending was approximately 15% higher than projected spending for participants who viewed the control video. Clinical relevance Results showed improved client perceptions, client retention, quality of patient care, and financial metrics when the veterinarian followed the WC recommendations. Further study is needed to determine whether this model may also improve veterinarian well-being by improving client relationships and decreasing resistance to recommendations.
The Mysteries of Erroneous Refunds

In FY2005, the IRS refunded about $227.6 billion to individual taxpayers. Given the huge amounts involved, even small error rates add up. For example, even if the IRS had an error rate of just 1% that would mean $2.2 billion erroneous refunds in FY2005. USA Today recently reported that the IRS let slip at least $200 million erroneous refunds from just the failure of one computer program during FY2005. Commissioner Everson agreed there was "little chance IRS will collect the bulk of the erroneously issued checks." As a result, tens of thousands of taxpayers receive the government's unintended largesse and wallow in their windfalls. Prior law allowed the IRS to collect most erroneous refunds efficiently. Now it must write them off. This article tells the sad story of how the IRS lost its mojo and what must be done to get it back. In so doing it explores some critical concepts in tax administration theory and practice, notably the dual function of a tax assessment. Part I explains how erroneous refunds occur and relate to the law of tax administration. The critical concept is that of assessment and its dual meaning in the law of tax administration. Part II reviews the legal doctrines governing their recovery and demonstrates how, as result of a contentious legal battle in the 1990's, current law leaves the IRS basically shooting blanks in trying to recover taxpayer windfalls. The TIGTA report focuses on ex-ante solutions precisely because the IRS ability to collect them efficiently ex-post is so compromised. Part III offers a simple legislative provision to help the IRS get its groove back. What is needed is a little statutory power pill to allow the IRS to interact firmly with taxpayers who try to keep money they should not have.
Transcription, Translation, and Regulation of Eukaryotic DNA

Genetic information in an organism is expressed in three classes of genes—structural (protein-coding) genes that are transcribed into messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and translated into polypeptides; genes that code for ribosomal RNA, transfer RNA, or other small RNAs, in which the transcription product is used directly; and regulatory sites that are not transcribed but serve as recognition sequences for proteins involved in deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA) replication, transcription, and repair. Protein synthesis occurs on the ribosomes located in the endoplasmic reticulum of a cell cytoplasm. Once proteins are produced, they are transported into the Golgi apparatus where they are processed and transported to their ultimate destination. The protein must be folded and, sometimes, assembled into multiprotein complexes. Folding may require the assistance of other proteins called molecular chaperones. Gene regulation in insects and other eukaryotes is complex, diverse, and the subject of intensive research. Genes may be amplified or rearranged to yield increased gene products. Genes may be regulated by being methylated. Transcription is influenced by activator proteins, hormones, and enhancers. Alternative splicing, alternative promoters, and translational control are employed in gene regulation. Insulators or boundary elements are naturally occurring DNA sequences that protect genes from position effects, establishing independent functional domains within a chromosome.
Silence and Sign Language in Medieval Monasticism: TRANSMISSION AND ADAPTATION

Despite the dangers of long-distance travel in an uncertain age, monks of ability and promise were continually on the move between the monasteries of northern Europe in the tenth and eleventh centuries. The Rule of Benedict generally frowned on itinerant monks, but its precepts made allowance for individuals to leave the abbey precincts for legitimate reasons with the abbot's permission. Some took to the roads in an official capacity as royal escorts, like the Anglo-Saxon monk-bishop Coenwald, who in 929 escorted two sisters of King AEthelstan to the court of Henry the Fowler in Germany. Coenwald took the opportunity on this journey to visit local abbeys, including St. Gall, where he entered the names of his kinfolk and king into the confraternity book. Others traveled more discreetly between monastic centers as teachers and students. In 985, Abbo of Fleury went to Ramsey abbey in England, where he stayed for two years to instruct monks in the customs of his community. Likewise, throughout the tenth century, promising Anglo-Saxon youths were sent to the abbey of Fleury in the Loire Valley to learn the monastic life. Among them were Oda, who became archbishop of Canterbury (941–958), and his nephew Oswald, later archbishop of York (972–992). Whatever their purpose or destination, these brethren bore with them an intimate knowledge of the customs of their own houses as well as a curiosity about the traditions of the foreign monks they encountered or among whom they lived for a short time.
Using FPLs to Prototoype a Self-Timed Computer

The NSR (non-synchronous RISC) architecture is an architecture for a general purpose processor structured as a collection of self-timed blocks that operate concurrently and communicate over bundled data channels in the style of micropipelines [3, 6]. A 16-bit version of the NSR architecture has been implemented using Actel field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Each of the major components of the NSR is implemented using one or two Actel FPGA chips using a library of self-timed circuit modules [1, 2]. This prototype implementation is being used to gain experience with the NSR architecture and to gather statistics about the architectural choices. The Actel FPGAs have proven to be extremely useful in quickly prototyping this novel computer architecture.
Early Stages of 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine-induced Colon Carcinogenesis Suppress Immune-regulated Ion Transport of Mouse Distal Colon

Abstract Genetic events, such as gene deletion, mutation, and amplification, are involved in the development and progression of colonic neoplasia. The importance of interactions between immune cells and neoplastic cells in influencing the pathogenesis of colon cancer is suggested by the clinical efficacy of levamisole, an immunostimulant, in the treatment of colon cancer and by the association of local lymphocytic infiltration with improved prognosis. Thus, the immune cell-neoplastic cell interaction can be viewed as being analogous to various host-parasite relationships that involve the immune system attempting to contain the intruding parasite on the one hand and the parasite attempting to escape detection and rejection on the other. This study is an attempt to gain a better understanding of such interactions by examining possible effects of a developing tumor on the immune system. Colon cancer was experimentally induced in mice to examine potential effects of carcinogenesis in the colon on local mucosal immune function in situ , using the expression of type I hypersensitivity as an index of immune function. Antigen-induced changes in net ion transport, a quantifiable correlate of type I hypersensitivity, were measured in the colon of mice following the administration of the procarcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Segments of colon and small intestine from mice immunized by infection with Trichinella spiralis secrete ions, manifested as a rise in transmural short-circuit current, when challenged with T. spiralis antigen in Ussing chambers. Antigen-induced rise in transmural short-circuit current is mast cell dependent and occurs only in immunized mice. To determine the effects of early stages of colon carcinogenesis on this mucosal immune response, mice were immunized with T. spiralis prior to and after 6 weekly injections of DMH. Responsiveness to antigenic challenge was suppressed in the distal colon 4–6 weeks after the final injection of DMH. Although responsiveness to antigen was suppressed, the colonic epithelium remained sensitive to direct stimulation by exogenous secretagogues. Decreased antigen responsiveness observed in the distal colon was not due to generalized immune suppression by DMH, because the proximal colon and the jejunum retained their responsiveness to antigen, and immune rejection of a secondary T. spiralis infection from the small intestine was not altered. Visible tumors eventually developed 30 weeks after the final injection of DMH only in the distal portions of the colon. These results suggest that early stages of DMH-induced carcinogenesis are associated with the suppression of mucosal immune function, as measured by immune-regulated ion secretion, in the distal colon but not in the proximal colon or jejunum. Future elucidation of the mechanisms by which this localized immunosuppression occurs may provide clues to the microenvironmental changes necessary for tumor progression in the distal colon.
Integration as Representation: Connecting Public Opinion and Party Positions on Europe Since 1952

While a substantial literature has investigated the determinants of public support for European integration, little is known about whether these preferences actually matter for representational and political outcomes related to European integration. We address this question by examining the relationship between public support for the EU among member state publics and the positions political parties take on the issue of European integration. To conduct our analysis we utilize an original dataset of public opinion data since 1952 in seven current member states, and combine it with information about parties’ positions from the Comparative Manifesto Project. We find that parties’ attention to European integration as an issue has increased since the early 1950s. Moreover, our analyses reveal that public support for the EU consistently predicts the positions represented in national party systems on the issue of European integration, even prior to the growth of the European Union. These findings suggest that political parties have consistently represented Europeans’ preferences about Europe in the domestic electoral arena.
Molecular Weight Determination of Protein-Dodecyl Sulfate Complexes by Gel Electrophoresis in a Discontinuous Buffer System

This report describes methods and results obtained by combining the techniques of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gel electrophoresis and electrophoresis in discontinuous buffer systems. The SDS gel system utilizes a sulfate-borate discontinuity which stacks and unstacks protein-SDS complexes over a range of 2,300 to 320,000 daltons, providing high resolution fractionation. The properties of protein-SDS complexes are investigated by calculating retardation coefficients and apparent free mobilities from Ferguson plots. Apparent free mobilities are approximately constant, establishing a linear relationship between the logarithm of the relative mobility and the retardation coefficient. The retardation coefficient is shown both empirically and theoretically to be a uniform function of molecular weight of protein-SDS complexes over specified ranges, providing a rationale for determining molecular weight from plots of the negative logarithm of relative mobility against molecular weight.
Sigma-1 receptors and animal studies centered on pain and analgesia

Introduction: Neuropathic pain is difficult to relieve with standard analgesics and tends to be resistant to opioid therapy. Sigma-1 receptors activated during neuropathic injury may sustain pain. Neuropathic injury activates sigma-1 receptors, which results in activation of various kinases, modulates the activity of multiple ion channels, ligand activated ion channels and voltage-gated ion channels; alters monoamine neurotransmission and dampens opioid receptors G-protein activation. Activation of sigma-1 receptors tonically inhibits opioid receptor G-protein activation and thus dampens analgesic responses. Therefore, sigma-1 receptor antagonists are potential analgesics for neuropathic and adjuvants to opioid therapy.Areas covered: This article reviews the importance of sigma-1 receptors as pain generators in multiple animal models in order to illustrate both the importance of these unique receptors in pathologic pain and the potential benefits to sigma-1 receptor antagonists as analgesics.Expert opinio...
Payer Mix and EHR Adoption in Hospitals

Payers are known to influence the adoption of health information technology (HIT) among hospitals. However, previous studies examining the relationship between payer mix and HIT have not focused specifically on electronic health record systems (EHRs). Using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and the American Hospital Association Annual Survey, we examine how Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance, and managed care caseloads are associated with EHR adoption in hospitals. Overall, we found a weak relationship between payer mix and EHR adoption. Medicare and, separately, Medicaid volumes were not associated with EHR adoption. Furthermore, commercial insurance volume was not associated with EHR adoption; however, a hospital located in the third quartile of managed care caseloads had a decreased likelihood of EHR adoption. We did not find empirical evidence to support the hypothesis that payer generosity and other indirect mechanisms influence EHR adoption in hospitals. The direct incentives embedded in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act may have a positive influence on EHR adoption--especially for hospitals with high Medicare and/or Medicaid caseloads. However, it is still uncertain whether the available incentives will offset the barriers many hospitals face in achieving meaningful use of EHRs.
Natural history of group B streptococcus colonization and its therapy during pregnancy

Seven hundred twenty-two pregnancies were studied in a private-practice setting to determine the natural history of colonization by group B streptococcus (GBS) over time. The colonization rate remained constant at 7% to 8% in each trimester, with 19% of the women colonized at some time during pregnancy. The organism was lost spontaneously at some time during pregnancy in 51%. Treatment of third-trimester pregnant women and their husbands with penicillin G resulted in a significant reduction in GBS colonization at delivery as compared to an untreated control group. If other factors are considered, however, routine culturing for GBS in pregnant women and treatment of those harboring the organism with penicillin G are not recommended.
Quality measures in Parkinson Disease: Assessment of frequency of documenting quality measures in PD (P7.342)

OBJECTIVE: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by tremor, stiffness, and slowness. We have retrospectively reviewed the charts of PD patients in the University of New Mexico Hospital to determine how well published standard care guidelines are being met. BACKGROUND: AAN has released ten practice parameters to address the quality of care issues in PD care. Despite publishing guidelines in medical literature, we hypothesized that the charts of PD patients in the clinical setting would not meet the documentation of the practice parameters for quality care of PD. DESIGN/METHODS:Data was collected retrospectively on 50 PD patients at UNM. Data was recorded from the charts in a de-identified way in a yes/no format using their electronic medical records. Patients who met the following were included: must have been examined by primary care physician or neurology specialist with clear Parkinson’s diagnosis, must have had a diagnosis of PD for at least 1 year, must have had follow up appointments at least once a year, must have been taking Parkinson’s medications, and must have been examined in clinic after November 30th 2010 which corresponds to the date of publication by AAN. RESULTS: Upon reviewing the charts, it was found that not all ten parameters were being correctly documented as hypothesized. Measures 6 (querying about falls) and 7 (rehabilitative therapy options) specifically were not well documented in clinical charts. Treatment options and the review of PD were successfully documented in almost every patient. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the undocumented parameters is an important educational opportunity in our delivery of care to ensure that all ten parameters in the future are being met. Further action is required in order to develop and implement a plan by which healthcare professionals can improve the quality of care for PD patients. SUPPORTED BY: NIH/NCATS 8UL1TR000041. Disclosure: Dr. Pirio Richardson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gosselin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Deligtisch has nothing to disclose.
Impact of atmospheric aerosol light scattering and absorption on terrestrial net primary productivity

[1] Scattering and absorption of sunlight by anthropogenic aerosols reduce the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) incident upon the Earth's surface, but increase the fraction of the PAR that is diffuse. These alterations to irradiance may elicit conflicting responses in terrestrial plants: photosynthesis and net primary productivity (NPP) are slowed by reductions in total PAR, but enhanced by increases in diffuse PAR. In this paper, we use two canopy photosynthesis models to estimate the net effect of aerosols on carbon assimilation by green plants during summertime at midlatitudes. The model calculations indicate that the net effect of PAR scattering and absorption by atmospheric aerosols on NPP can be positive, neutral, or negative. Two parameters that strongly influence the net effect are the aerosol optical depth (integral of light extinction with height) and the cloud cover. On cloudless days NPP peaks under moderately thick aerosol loadings. On overcast days, aerosols slow NPP. The implications of these results for various regions of the globe and possible directions for future studies on the effect of aerosols on plant growth are discussed.
Isolated hearts from copper-deficient rats exhibit improved postischemic contractile performance

Dietary copper deficiency affects a number of enzymes, the function of which may influence the outcome of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Male weanling rats were fed diets that were adequate (> 5 mg/kg) or deficient (< 1 mg/kg) in copper. After 4 wk, the rats' hearts were isolated and used to study the effects of ischemia-reperfusion on intraventricular developed pressure (DevP), positive and negative rates of intraventricular pressure change (+dp/dt and -dp/dt) and release of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase from the heart. The ischemia-perfusion protocol included a 15-min equilibration period, 30 min of warm, total ischemia and reperfusion for 30 min. Preischemic hearts from copper-deficient rats produced lower DevP than hearts from copper-adequate rats at all levels of preload. However, postischemic recovery of DevP was significantly greater in the hearts of the copper-deficient group. Furthermore, the postischemic patterns of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase release in the two groups were significantly different. These findings indicate that, although dietary copper deficiency adversely affects a number of enzymatic systems, the functional recovery of hearts subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury is improved when the diet is restricted in copper.
Purification and Properties of the Adenosine Diphosphoglucose:Glycogen Transglucosylase of Pasteurella pseudotuberculosis

The enzyme which catalyzes the transfer of glucosyl residues from adenosine diphospho(ADP)-glucose to glycogen has been partially purified from extracts of Pasteurella pseudotuberculosis. In contrast to other glycogen synthetases of this type, guanosine diphospho-glucose had about 5% of the activity of ADP-glucose as a glucosyl donor. Some other properties of the enzyme are described and compared to other bacterial glycogen synthetases.
Acoustic enhancement of electrically evoked otoacoustic emissions: experiment and model results

The authors explore the effect of acoustic stimuli on electrically evoked acoustic emissions (EEAEs). A sinusoidal current of 15 mu A of either 350 Hz or 750 Hz was injected into the second turn of the gerbil cochlea while acoustic signals were stepped in both sound pressure level and frequency. At each acoustic frequency, emission data without acoustic input were taken as control, and the acoustic stimuli were varied from 30 dB SPL to 80 dB SPL in 6 steps. The results show that EEAE can be enhanced up to 20 dB by presenting acoustic stimuli to the cochlea. Acoustic enhancement is highly dependent upon the condition of the cochlea. The greatest enhancement occurs for acoustic frequencies near the characteristic frequency of the electrode place. The enhancement threshold (1 dB enhancement) tuning curve is similar to a cochlea tuning curve in shape, but is more broadly tuned. This suggests that the emissions originate from a distributed cochlear region centered around the electrode place. A model based on simple assumptions gives results which are in qualitative agreement with the experimental data. >
Inherently stable priority list scheduling in systems with external delays

Low-overhead solutions to the problem of scheduling instability in nonpreemptive priority-list task scheduling for real-time systems are presented. Scheduling instability occurs in precedence-constrained task systems when a reduction in the duration of one or more tasks causes the start of a subsequent task to be delayed, so that real-time deadlines could be missed. A recent scheduling model introduced phantom tasks into the precedence graph to model processes and events external to the processors. This model is exploited to derive new, inherently stable run-time task dispatchers of varying complexity. Performance simulations showed that for a wide range of task systems, simple dispatchers performed remarkably well compared to more complex dispatchers. The implications are that nonpreemptive list scheduling can be stable, efficient, and low in terms of run-time overhead. >
Hypolocomotion, anxiety and serotonin syndrome-like behavior contribute to the complex phenotype of serotonin transporter knockout mice

Although mice with a targeted disruption of the serotonin transporter (SERT) have been studied extensively using various tests, their complex behavioral phenotype is not yet fully understood. Here we assess in detail the behavior of adult female SERT wild type (+/+), heterozygous (+/-) and knockout (-/-) mice on an isogenic C57BL/6J background subjected to a battery of behavioral paradigms. Overall, there were no differences in the ability to find food or a novel object, nest-building, self-grooming and its sequencing, and horizontal rod balancing, indicating unimpaired sensory functions, motor co-ordination and behavioral sequencing. In contrast, there were striking reductions in exploration and activity in novelty-based tests (novel object, sticky label and open field tests), accompanied by pronounced thigmotaxis, suggesting that combined hypolocomotion and anxiety (rather than purely anxiety) influence the SERT -/- behavioral phenotype. Social interaction behaviors were also markedly reduced. In addition, SERT -/- mice tended to move close to the ground, frequently displayed spontaneous Straub tail, tics, tremor and backward gait - a phenotype generally consistent with 'serotonin syndrome'-like behavior. In line with replicated evidence of much enhanced serotonin availability in SERT -/- mice, this serotonin syndrome-like state may represent a third factor contributing to their behavioral profile. An understanding of the emerging complexity of SERT -/- mouse behavior is crucial for a detailed dissection of their phenotype and for developing further neurobehavioral models using these mice.
Biology of Callirhytis cornigera (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) and the Arthropod Community Inhabiting Its Galls

Populations of Callirhytis cornigera (Osten Sacken) and its associated community of natural enemies and inquilines were monitored on pin oak, Quercus palustris Muenchhausen, in Lexington, KY, from 1997 to 1999. The gall wasp has alternating agamic and sexual generations that differ morphologically and develop in multichambered galls on branches and single-chambered galls on leaves, respectively. There was a strong association between maximum gall diameter and the number of total stem gall inhabitants, such that proportionately more C. cornigera survived and fewer were parasitized as stem gall diameter increased. The most abundant natural enemies of the agamic generation included the hymenopteran parasitoids Sycophila spp. (Eurytomidae) and Ormyrus labotus Walker (Ormyridae), and the clerid predator Phyllobaenus verticalis (Say). The most abundant inquilines in stem galls were the cynipids Synergus sp. near lignicola and Ceroptres sp., and the dogwood borer, Synanthedon scitula (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae). In leaf galls, Aprostocetus sp. was the most abundant parasitoid, and Ceroptres sp. was the only inquiline. The unique aspects of the C. cornigera gall system are discussed, including the relative abundance, emergence phenology, and host relationships of C. cornigera and its associated natural enemies and inquilines.
Problems in the pipeline: Stereotype threat and women's achievement in high-level math courses ☆ ☆☆

Abstract It is well established that negative stereotypes can undermine women's performance on mathematics tests. Despite considerable laboratory evidence for the role of “stereotype threat” in girls' and women's math test performance, the relevance of such findings for the “real world” gender test-score gap remains unclear and debates about causes focus primarily on innate sex differences in cognitive capacity. Reported here are results of a field experiment that tested the usefulness of the stereotype threat formulation for understanding women's performance in upper levels of college mathematics — men and women who are highly motivated and proficient mathematicians and who are in the pipeline to mathematics and science professions. Our primary hypothesis was confirmed. Test performance of women in a stereotype-nullifying presentation of the test in an experimental group was raised significantly to surpass that of the men in the course. In a control group, in which test-takers were given the test under normal test instructions, women and men performed equally. The pattern of results suggests that even among the most highly qualified and persistent women in college mathematics, stereotype threat suppresses test performance.
The kinetics of oxygen exchange between the GeO 4 Al 12 (OH) 24 (OH 2 ) 12 8+ (aq) molecule and aqueous solutions

We report rates of oxygen exchange with bulk solution for an aqueous complex, IVGeO4Al12(OH)24(OH2)128+(aq) (GeAl12), that is similar in structure to both the IVAlO4Al12(OH)24(OH2)127+(aq) (Al13) and IVGaO4Al12(OH)24(OH2)127+(aq) (GaAl12) molecules studied previously. All of these molecules have e-Keggin-like structures, but in the GeAl12 molecule, occupancy of the central tetrahedral metal site by Ge(IV) results in a molecular charge of +8, rather than +7, as in the Al13 and GaAl12. Rates of exchange between oxygen sites in this molecule and bulk solution were measured over a temperature range of 274.5 to 289.5 K and 2.95 < pH < 4.58 using 17O-NMR. Apparent rate parameters for exchange of the bound water molecules (η-OH2) are kex298 = 200 (±100) s−1, ΔH‡ = 46 (±8) kJ · mol−1, and ΔS‡ = −46 (±24) J · mol−1 K−1 and are similar to those we measured previously for the GaAl12 and Al13 complexes. In contrast to the Al13 and GaAl12 molecules, we observe a small but significant pH dependence on rates of solvolysis that is not yet fully constrained and that indicates a contribution from the partly deprotonated GeAl12 species. The two topologically distinct μ2-OH sites in the GeAl12 molecule exchange at greatly differing rates. The more labile set of μ2-OH sites in the GeAl12 molecule exchange at a rate that is faster than can be measured by the 17O-NMR isotopic-equilibration technique. The second set of μ2-OH sites have rate parameters of kex298 = 6.6 (±0.2) · 10−4 s−1, ΔH‡ = 82 (±2) kJ · mol−1, and ΔS‡ = −29 (±7) J · mol−1 · K−1, corresponding to exchanges ≈40 and ≈1550 times, respectively, more rapid than the less labile μ2-OH sites in the Al13 and GaAl12 molecules. We find evidence of nearly first-order pH dependence on the rate of exchange of this μ2-OH site with bulk solution for the GeAl12 molecule, which contrasts with Al13 and GaAl12 molecules.
Constant-Round Nonmalleable Commitments from Any One-Way Function

We show unconditionally that the existence of commitment schemes implies the existence of constant-round nonmalleable commitments; earlier protocols required additional assumptions such as collision-resistant hash functions or subexponential one-way functions.Our protocol also satisfies the stronger notions of concurrent nonmalleability and robustness. As a corollary, we establish that constant-round nonmalleable zero-knowledge arguments for NP can be based on one-way functions and constant-round secure multiparty computation can be based on enhanced trapdoor permutations; also here, earlier protocols additionally required either collision-resistant hash functions or subexponential one-way functions.
A boundary element analysis of axisymmetric upsetting

Interfacial conditions at the tool-workpiece interfaces play crucial roles in various metal forming operations. Axisymmetric upsetting and ring compression tests provide useful means for investigating interfacial friction conditions analytically and experimentally. A unique feature of deformation in ring compression, as well as in rolling and forging, is the existence of a neutral point (or region) along the tool-workpiece interface where the tangential relative velocity between the deforming material and the die becomes zero. The frictional stresses usually change direction at the neutral point (or region). The location of this point (or region), however, is not known a priori. It is demonstrated here that the boundary element method (BEM) can be used to analyze, efficiently and accurately, this class of axisymmetric problems involving both material and geometric nonlinearities to investigate the effects of interfacial conditions on the stress and deformation histories. Numerical results for sample problems of axisymmetric upsetting of solid and hollow cylinders are presented. The BEM results are compared against those obtained from FEM analyses.
Large-Scale Integration of Deferrable Demand and Renewable Energy Sources

We present a stochastic unit commitment model for assessing the impacts of the large-scale integration of renewable energy sources and deferrable demand in power systems in terms of reserve requirements. We analyze three demand response paradigms for assessing the benefits of demand flexibility: the centralized co-optimization of generation and demand by the system operator, demand bids and the coupling of renewable resources with deferrable loads. We motivate coupling as an alternative for overcoming the drawbacks of the two alternative demand response options and we present a dynamic programming algorithm for coordinating deferrable demand with renewable supply. We present simulation results for a model of the Western Electricity Coordinating Council.