cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variations In Efficiency And The Relationship To Quality Of Care In The Veterans Health System

There is widespread belief that the US health care system could realize significant improvements in efficiency, savings, and patient outcomes if care were provided in a more integrated and accountable way. We examined efficiency and its relationship to quality of care for medical centers run by the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a national, vertically integrated health care system that is accountable for a large patient population. After devising a statistical model to indicate efficiency, we found that VA medical centers were highly efficient. We also found only modest variation in the level of efficiency and cost across VA medical centers, and a positive correlation overall between greater efficiency and higher inpatient quality. These findings for VA medical centers suggest that efforts to drive integration and accountability in other parts of the US health care system might have important payoffs in reducing variations in cost without sacrificing quality. Policy makers should focus on what aspects of certain VA medical centers allow them to provide better care at lower costs and consider policies that incentivize other providers, both within and outside the VA, to adopt these practices.
EFFICIENT BRAGG GRATING FABRICATION IN A FIBRE THROUGH ITS POLYMER JACKET USING NEAR-UV LIGHT

A 20% reflectivity Bragg grating is demonstrated by shining 334 nm light right through the regular polymer jacket of a boron co-doped germanosilicate fibre. Stripping and recoating of the fibre is eliminated.
What is the efficacy of circumcision in boys with complex urinary tract abnormalities

The risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) in normal boys is 1%. This risk is significantly increased in boys with congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract, which includes such abnormalities as vesico-ureteric reflux, obstructive megaureter (VUJO) and posterior urethral valves. UTI in these boys can lead to urosepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication, and in the longer term renal scarring complicating pyelonephritis can lead to chronic renal impairment or even end-stage renal disease. Circumcision has been shown in normal boys to reduce the risk of UTI by 90%, and potentially could be a simple intervention to reduce the risk of urosepsis and renal scarring. In order to make this decision a clinician really needs to have the answers to two questions: 1) What is the risk of UTI in this particular boy? 2) What is the evidence of efficacy of circumcision in this particular condition? This article reviews what evidence exists to make a calculation of the risk/benefit ratio for circumcision in boys with abnormalities of the urinary tract.
Cultural Differences in Asymmetric Beliefs of Interpersonal Knowledge in Vertical and Horizontal Relationships

Previous studies have reported that our interpersonal knowledge shows an asymmetry; that is, we tend to believe that we know and understand other people's thoughts and feelings better than other people know and understand our own thoughts and feelings. In the present study, the authors compared American (114 men, 192 women) and Korean (99 men and 98 women) students to examine whether the asymmetry is greater in collectivistic than in individualistic culture in two types of relationships: horizontal (with best friends) and vertical (with parents). On all three items--Know, Understand, and Visibility--asymmetry was found for both horizontal and vertical relationships. Further, the Understand and Visibility items showed greater asymmetry for the Korean group than for the American group. It was concluded that asymmetry is greater in collectivistic than in individualistic culture. The cultural differences can be explained by self-consistency, sensitivity to social consequences, parent-child interaction, and living arrangement.
Candida albicans Spt23p Controls the Expression of the Ole1p Δ9 Fatty Acid Desaturase and Regulates Unsaturated Fatty Acid Biosynthesis

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae the endoplasmic reticulum membrane proteins scSpt23p and scMga2p control the formation of unsaturated fatty acids by a mechanism that involves their release from the membrane by ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. The resulting soluble polypeptides act as transcription activators that specifically control the expression of scOLE1, a gene that encodes scOle1p, a Δ9 fatty acid desaturase that forms cis-monounsaturated fatty acids (9Z-16:1 and 9Z-18:1) from saturated fatty acyl-CoA precursors. ScOle1p is the only long chain fatty acid desaturase in Saccharomyces and its membrane and storage lipids contain only saturated fatty acids and the monounsaturated products of that enzyme. Most other fungi, however, express multiple endoplasmic reticulum desaturases, including enzymes that form both mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These typically include Δ12 and Δ15 enzymes that form the polyunsaturated species, 9Z,12Z-18:2, and 9Z,12Z,15Z-18:3, which are the most abundant fatty acids in membrane and storage lipids. An analysis of genomic DNA sequences shows that Candida albicans has a single homologue of the Saccharomyces scSPT23 and scMGA2 genes that we designate here as caSPT23. This study describes the characterization of the caSPT23 gene product and shows that it can repair the unsaturated fatty acid auxotrophy when it is expressed in a Saccharomyces scspt23Δ;scmga2Δ strain. In addition we show caSPT23 is essential for the expression of one of the two Δ9 desaturase homologues in Candida and potentially other functions associated with fatty acid metabolism.
THE EFFECTS OF MILITARY‐INDUCED SEPARATION ON FAMILY FACTORS AND CHILD BEHAVIOR

Data from 61 mothers of school-age children were examined before, during, and after military deployment of their husbands. Separations resulted in temporary disruptions in families' reported ability to maintain supportive relationships. Wives of servicemen sent to the Persian Gulf War reported less nurturance and family cohesiveness, and more internalizing and externalizing in children than did those whose husbands' deployment was routine.
The Development and Implementation of an Obstetrical Triage Tool to Prioritize Patients and Track Process Times by Risk Categories

Paper Presentation Objective To develop an evidence‐based tool with an electronic version for process time tracking for obstetric triage to standardize and prioritize care. Design Evidence‐based, quality improvement project. Sample All women admitted for obstetric evaluation at a large medical center in northeastern United States between December 1, 2012 and August 31, 2013. Methods This quality improvement project started as an interdisciplinary collaboration to identify a problem with variability in the procedure and assignment of obstetric triage categories. A literature review showed that lack of a standardized tool to assess acuity, a clear definition of process time targets, and a method to provide feedback to clinicians were risks that compromised patient safety and quality of care. Implementation Strategies In November 2012, a paper version of a triage tool was developed based on modifications of acuity assessment instruments found in the literature. Color‐coded triage categories (emergent = red, urgent = yellow, and nonurgent = green) were assigned from a brief standardized nursing assessment of presenting clinical symptoms. Nurses and physicians were educated about the triage tool, and triage guidelines were developed to support the interdisciplinary process. With assistance from the information technology department, an electronic version of the tool was created in Microsoft Excel to calculate triage process intervals and generate monthly tables and trend line graphs for performance metrics. Results Of the 2,588 women, 5% (n = 119) were categorized red, 77% (n = 2,004) were categorized yellow, and 18% (n = 465) were categorized green. A 5‐minute target for arrival to triage times was met 86%, 73%, and 69% of the time for the red, yellow, and green categories, respectively (M = 3.6, 3.9, and 5.2 minutes). This represents a change from baseline of 75%, 78%, and 50%, respectively. Targets for time from provider notified to patient seen were 5, 30, and 60 minutes for the three categories, which were met 50%, 62%, and 73% of the time (M = 12.7, 18.2, and 21.7 minutes). The greatest admission times were between 1500 to 1900 hours (23%) and 1100 to 1500 hours (22%). Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice As a result, a triage nurse role was established within 2 months to facilitate timely screening to reduce process times and increase the number of patients meeting the performance targets. Staffing has been adjusted to cover the high admission times. Nurse‐physician communication improved with the use of the standardized tool. Current activities are focused on developing policies, improving process targets through interdisciplinary teamwork, and integrating the triage categories in the electronic health record.
Segregation of three recently identified HLA specificities in an American black family

Abstract Three recently identified HLA specificities have been detected in a ten-member American Black family using 8th International Histocompatibility Testing Workshop and local antisera independent segregation of the two principal components of 8w59 (Bu and SV) was demonstrated. An Aw19-related specificity also segregated in the family.
Evaluation of multivalent phosphate cross-linked chitosan biopolymer membrane for direct borohydride fuel cells

Abstract The direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) is a promising power supply for stationary and mobile devices. A high performance and low cost membrane electrolyte would reduce fuel cell stack cost and may help in its commercialization. In the work presented here, a cost-effective and eco-friendly chitosan membrane has been prepared and modified by phosphate or triphosphate salt. The paper describes the membrane preparation method, and various studies performed on it, which includes thermal analysis, water uptake, mechanical strength, ionic conductivity, and fuel cross-over measurements. These studies show that the triphosphate chitosan membrane has slightly higher figure of merit than phosphate chitosan membrane for application in a DBFC. A chitosan chemical hydrogel has been synthesized and used as the electrode binder. A borohydride-oxygen fuel cell employing triphosphate chitosan membrane and chitosan binder has achieved a peak power density of 685 mW cm−2 at 60 °C, which is over 50% higher than the power performance of a DBFC using commercial Nafion® materials. In addition to the far superior power density, this chitosan-based DBFC has exhibited comparable stability and efficiency as Nafion®-based DBFC.
Analysis of controller-pilot communication performance in Area Navigation (RNAV) and conventional arrival operations

Reductions of controller-pilot communications and workload have been shown as a result of area navigation (RNAV) procedure implementation in the terminal environment, yet the impact on controller-pilot communication performance aspects, such as the lag between communication issuance and response, the duration of communications, and the time spent communicating, is unknown. It was hypothesized that the combination of reduced communications and workload (enabled by RNAV implementation) could result in reduced aural vigilance (which would manifest in the form of an increased response lag). It was also hypothesized that little change in the amount of time spent issuing and responding to communications would be shown due to the adjustment of human behavior to a lower level of workload experienced with RNAV operations (which would manifest in the form of decreased speech rate and/or increased use of chat (e.g., salutations)). To investigate these effects, controller-pilot voice communication field data reflecting busy arrival traffic was evaluated in conventional operations and RNAV operations. Pilot and controller communications were broken into three components; (1) the initial communication (made by either the controller or the pilot), (2) the response communication to the initial communication (made by either the controller or the pilot), and (3) the time lag in between the initial communication and the response communication. Results showed that controller and pilot communication duration, the time between the initial and response communications, and total time-on-frequency were all relatively unchanged across conventional and RNAV arrival operations.
Retinoic acid induces expression of PA-FABP (psoriasis-associated fatty acid-binding protein) gene in human skin in vivo but not in cultured skin cells

PA-FABP (psoriasis-associated fatty acid-binding protein) is a new member of a group of low-molecular-weight proteins that are highly up-regulated in psoriatic skin and that share similarity to fatty acid-binding proteins. In this study we demonstrate that PA-FABP transcripts are expressed in human skin in vivo and that topical application of 0.05% retinoic acid (RA) cream results in a rapid induction of PA-FABP transcripts following treatment for 16 hours and persists at increasing levels after 48 and 96 h of RA treatment. The PA-FABP mRNA response to RA was reduced by approximately 50% when patients concurrently were treated with RA and 0.025% clobetasol propionate (CLO) for 48 and 96 h, whereas treatment with CLO alone resulted in PA-FABP transcript levels not significantly different from vehicle-treated skin. When comparing the effects of a well-known irritant, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), to those of RA and its vehicle, 0.05% RA cream but not 2% SLS in RA vehicle caused PA-FABP mRNA induction after 16 h. SLS treatment of human skin for 96 h caused a slight increase in PA-FABP transcripts, but markedly less than that observed in response to RA treatment. Incubation of cultured human keratinocytes or skin fibroblasts with RA for up to 48 h did not significantly induce PA-FABP transcripts. Expression of PA-FABP message in keratinocytes was observed to be induced by calcium and fetal calf serum (FCS), while tetra-decanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA) caused little or no induction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Abstract 2073: Curcumin analog 27 induced reactive oxygen species mediate loss of androgen receptor protein expression in human prostate cancer cells

The androgen receptor (AR) is an established therapeutic target for prostate cancer. Therefore, agents that down-regulate AR expression may be effective for prostate cancer therapy. We show that the experimental therapeutic agent, curcumin analog 27 (ca27), induces the down-regulation of the AR in LNCaP and LAPC4 prostate cancer cell lines. Treatment with ca27 selectively inhibits AR mRNA expression, whereas ca27 did not alter mRNA levels for other steroid hormone receptors, such as the glucocorticoid receptor. In addition, ca27 decreases AR protein expression and increases AR protein ubiquitination within 3 hours. However, this rapid decrease in AR protein expression by ca27 is not mediated by proteasomal degradation. Interestingly, we observed an induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within 1 to 2 hours of ca27 treatment, which precedes AR degradation, leading to the hypothesis that ca27 mediates AR degradation through a cellular oxidative stress mechanism of action. In support of this hypothesis, the degradation of the AR following ca27 treatment is abrogated in the presence of the antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine. Treatment with ca27 did not reduce cell viability by 24 hours suggesting that the increase in ROS and the inhibition of AR protein expression are independent of cell death. To further evaluate the cellular response to oxidative stress by ca27, we investigated the induction of a critical transcription factor activated as a cellular redox sensor, Nrf2. Treatment with ca27 lead to the increased transcriptional activation of Nrf2 as measured by an Nrf2-luciferase reporter assay. The ca27-induced Nrf2 activation was further supported by increased mRNA expression of the Nrf2-regulated genes NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and aldoketoreductase 1C1. This study begins to identify the mechanism of action of ca27-mediated AR protein degradation with the overall goal of gaining insight into targeting ROS-mediated AR down-regulation as a strategy for prostate cancer therapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2073. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2073
Increasing pelletizing extruder output with fluoropolymer alloys

Fluoropolymer processing additives are used by many polyolefin processors. Typical benefits include the reduction of die build-up and the elimination of shark-skin melt fracture. Improvements in this technology have led to the fluoropolymer alloy, the most efficient fluoropolymer additive available. This same fluoropolymer additive can be used to increase the output in a pelletizing extruder. The improved efficiency of the fluoropolymer alloy makes the improvement cost effective. This paper will show how this is being done. Results will be shown from polyethylene plants where these improvements have been demonstrated.
Ignition Delay of Coal Particles in Shock-Heated Air

Abstract The objective of this study is to obtain the ignition delay for Pittsburgh seam coal particles shock heated in air to various temperatures and I atmosphere pressure. The ignition delay for coal particles of 19 μ and 41 μ was determined in a 7.62 cm shock tube. The gas temperature behind the reflected shock wave, T 5, was calculated from the measured incident shock-wave speed. Plots or the ignition dealy vs. T 5indicate the existence of a minimum gas temperature for ignition. The effect of particle size on the ignition delay is small for the particle size range used.
GPU-based parallel vertex substitution algorithm for the p-median problem

We introduce a GPU-based parallel vertex substitution (pVS) algorithm for the p-median problem using the CUDA architecture by NVIDIA. pVS is developed based on the best profit search algorithm, an implementation of vertex substitution (VS), that is shown to produce reliable solutions for p-median problems. In our approach, each candidate solution in the entire search space is allocated to a separate thread, rather than dividing the search space into parallel subsets. This strategy maximizes the usage of GPU parallel architecture and results in a significant speedup and robust solution quality. Computationally, pVS reduces the worst case complexity from sequential VS's O(p.n^2) to O(p.(n-p)) on each thread by parallelizing computational tasks on GPU implementation. We tested the performance of pVS on two sets of numerous test cases (including 40 network instances from OR-lib) and compared the results against a CPU-based sequential VS implementation. Our results show that pVS achieved a speed gain ranging from 10 to 57 times over the traditional VS in all test network instances.
Salivary enhancement therapies.

When salivary output is reduced chronically to a significant extent, there is a marked increase in dental caries. As the role of saliva in protection of the oral hard tissue is well recognized, there have long been efforts to enhance salivary function in conditions with associated secretory hypofunction. The rationale is that by stimulating salivary output, caries and other oral complications will be reduced or eliminated. The most widely used method for increasing salivary function is a combination of masticatory and gustatory stimulation. A large number of systemic agents have also been proposed as secretagogues, but only a few have shown consistent salivary enhancing properties in well-designed, controlled trials. Pilocarpine has been shown to improve symptoms of oral dryness and to increase salivary output in patients with Sjogren's syndrome and postradiation xerostomia. Recently, cevimeline has shown significant salivary enhancement in Sjogren's syndrome. Pilocarpine and cevimeline have a similar mechanism of action, side effect profile and duration of activity. No secretagogues have been linked directly in clinical trials to either caries prevention or a reduction in the existing caries rate of salivary dysfunction patients. Improved secretagogues are needed, with fewer side effects, increased duration of activity and greater potency. Future research directions include gene therapeutic approaches to direct salivary growth and differentiation or modify remaining tissues to promote secretion, creation of a biocompatible artificial salivary gland and salivary transplantation. With improved secretagogues, the effects of conditions that result in reduced salivary function and increased caries will be ameliorated.
Lipid overload and overflow: metabolic trauma and the metabolic syndrome

Approximately two-thirds of the US population are overweight, which means that insulin resistance is probably the most common metabolic abnormality in the USA. I propose three novel concepts concerning the causes and consequences of insulin resistance that challenge current thinking. First, there is the evidence that resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism is not a primary event in obesity, but is secondary to lipid accumulation resulting from full responsiveness to insulin-stimulated lipogenic activity. Second, resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism, now considered detrimental to health, might be a protective mechanism that reduces lipid-induced damage to tissue by excluding glucose from cells, thus decreasing glucose-derived lipogenesis. Third, I suggest that lipid-induced insulin resistance and the accompanying metabolic syndrome are secondary to leptin resistance, resulting in breakdown in the normal partitioning of surplus lipids in the adipocyte compartment.
Nuclear Spin-Lattice Relaxation Time in Copper and Aluminum

Nuclear spin-lattice relaxation times of ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}$ in pure Al and ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{63}$ in annealed pure Cu have been measured at 2 and 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, using the adiabatic fast-passage technique suggested by L. E. Drain. At 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, ${T}_{1}=260\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}100$ milliseconds for copper and 370\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}40 milliseconds for aluminum. The relaxation time is apparently inversely proportional to temperature, as predicted by Korringa, from 2 to 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
Violence in Children's Television Programming: Assessing the Risks

This study investigates the nature and extent of violence contained in television programming that targets children aged 12 and younger. The measures employed in this content analysis are grounded in previous experimental research that bas identified contextual features that either diminish or enhance the risk of harmful effects associated with viewing violent portrayals. This report uses the database from the National Television Violence Study (Wilson et al., 1998), which involved an unusually large and representative sample of programming. Results indicate that programs targeted to children contain more violence than do other types of programming, the violence itself is just as likely to be glamorized in children's as in nonchildren's shows, but it is even more sanitized and more likely to be trivialized. These patterns heighten the risk of viewers learning aggression and becoming desensitized from such portrayals. Finally, this study documents 5 subgenres of children's programming that differ dramatically in violent content.
Differential alterations in intestinal permeability after trauma-hemorrhage.

Background. Recent studies have shown that the intestinal barrier function is altered and macromolecules can translocate after trauma and hemorrhagic shock. The translocated molecules are absorbed from the lymphatic tissue or directly enter the circulation in the gut. However, it remains unknown to what degree these compartments contribute to the clearance of the macromolecules. Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (350–400 g) underwent a 5-cm midline laparotomy (i.e., soft tissue injury), were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 35 mmHg and maintained for approximately 90 min, and then resuscitated with Ringer’s lactate (4× the shed blood volume) over 60 min. At 2 h after resuscitation, a solution containing 51Cr-EDTA, FITC-dextran-4 kDa, and rhodamine B-dextran-40 kDa was instilled into a jejunal blind loop and their concentrations were determined in mesenteric lymph and blood samples harvested between 2 h and 4 h after resuscitation. Results. Trauma-hemorrhage and crystalloid resuscitation significantly increased mesenteric lymph flow and the mucosal permeability for the three marker molecules. There was no difference in the concentrations of 51Cr-EDTA between the blood and lymph compartment after trauma-hemorrhage. However, the high molecular weight marker (rhodamine-B-dextran-40 kDa) accumulated in significantly higher concentrations in the mesenteric lymph than in the plasma under such conditions. Conclusions. The accumulation of macromolecules in the mesenteric lymph suggests that this compartment plays an important role in the altered gut barrier function after trauma-hemorrhage.
Bargaining and the Role of Expert Agents: An Empirical Study of Final-Offer Arbitration

Abstract Expert agents, such as lawyers, play a prominent role in conflict resolution, yet little is known about how they affect outcomes. We construct a model that permits us to estimate the influence of agents and test whether the parties in a dispute face prisoner's dilemma incentives. Using eighteen years of final-offer arbitration data from New Jersey, we find the parties do significantly better when they retain agents and that the parties learn about this benefit over time. However, we also find that the gain to using an agent is fully offset when the opposing party also hires an agent. Since agents are costly, this noncooperative equilibrium is Pareto inferior.
Asynchronous implementation of the nominal group technique: is it effective?

Abstract Two major organizational shifts are the movement toward teams and the movement toward nonstandard work schedules. This has simultaneously increased the need for meetings and decreased the ability to meet. One of the most successful processes for structuring meetings is the nominal group technique (NGT). This paper provides evidence that computer-assisted asynchronous (CAA) implementations of the NGT are more effective than noncomputer-assisted synchronous (NCAS) implementations of the NGT (they generate more and better ideas, and do it in less time). The implication is that organizations are wasting huge amounts of money on travel and accommodations for face-to-face meetings that could be conducted asynchronously.
Thermal stability of vinylidene chloride/methyl acrylate copolymers in the presence of metal decanoates

The thermal degradation of a vinylidene chloride/methyl acrylate (5 mol%) copolymer in the presence of various metal decanoates (5 wt%) has been examined by thermogravimetry. The stability of the polymer is little affected by the presence of metal decanoates containing nonacidic cations. In contrast, the presence of metal decanoates containing acidic cations [iron(II), cobalt(II), copper(II) and, in particular, zinc] has a distinct and generally negative impact on the stability of the polymer. Copper (II) decanoate, containing a moderately acidic cation, displays the greatest potential for development as a stabilizer for vinylidene chloride copolymers.
A definitive approach to turbulence statistical studies in planetary boundary layers

Abstract A method for comprehensive statistical data analysis is presented. It includes a procedure for selection of segments within a data record, where data can be considered stationary, allowing the computation of statistical parameters (from data over selected segments) and their confidence intervals (estimating the statistical reliability of the parameters). The method is illustrated by analysing the vertical component of the wind velocity data collected by research aircraft flights over Lake Michigan during Project LESS (Lake Effect Snow Studies). The results indicate that for skewness and kurtosis, the requirements for acceptable “averaging distances” are less limiting than the required distances for corresponding third- and forth-order moments.
Townes-Brocks syndrome versus expanded spectrum hemifacial microsomia: Review of eight patients and further evidence of a “hot spot” for mutation in the SALL1 gene

Purpose: It can be difficult to differentiate clinically between hemifacial microsomia (HFM) and Townes-Brocks syndrome (TBS). The distinction is important because TBS is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, whereas HFM is sporadic. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of eight patients with HFM-expanded spectrum and anal anomalies to determine whether this subset has TBS. Results: Two patients had major phenotypic findings of TBS. Sequencing of SALL1, the gene mutated in TBS, in four of the eight patients revealed one with a C → T transition (resulting in a nonsense mutation R276X) at a previously identified mutational “hot spot.” Conclusion: Patients with overlapping features of both syndromes should be screened for SALL1 mutations.
Theory of single-phase solid-state polymerization reactions

A theory of single‐phase reactions is developed to explain the isotope, impurity, pressure, and substituent dependence of solid‐state polymerization kinetics. This theory, which is applied to diacetylene reactions, incorporates the effect of changing structure during reaction on the rate of chain initiation and the length of propagating chains. The analysis provides a new method for determining chain‐length parameters for insoluble and infusible polymers, which utilizes changing ambient measurements during solid‐state polymerization. The conversion dependence of activation parameters is derived from elasticity theory for polymerization reactions which produce large dimensional changes in the reaction direction. However, the formulation of reaction kinetics is applicable to a much broader class of solid‐state polymerization reactions.
Regulation of T cell homeostasis by JAKs and STATs

Regulation of T cell homeostasis is critical for maintaining normal immune function. An imbalance in T cell proliferation can result in disorders ranging from cancer and autoimmunity to immunodeficiencies. Full activation of T cells requires three sequential signals, where signal 3, which is delivered by multiple cytokines, regulates proliferation, differentiation, and survival/death. Signaling from cytokines through their receptors is primarily delivered by two molecular families, namely Janus tyrosine kinases (JAKs) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). Invaluable knowledge about JAKs and STATs has arisen from studies of mice made genetically deficient in these molecules, analyses of tumor models, and studies of expression patterns by proteomics/genomics, which all have begun to define the role of JAKs and STATs in survival versus apoptosis. These findings also have suggested ways in which JAKs and STATs may be manipulated for therapeutic intervention in lymphoid-derived diseases. This review seeks to focus on the role of JAK tyrosine kinases and STAT transcription factors in mediating the lymphocyte life cycle and how they might be manipulated for therapeutic applications.
Immunology: The Origin of Sweetbreads in Lampreys?

The thymus is required for the differentiation of T lymphocytes. A new study in lampreys indicates that the pharyngeal epithelium of the gill basket supports the development of T-like cells, suggesting the existence of a primitive thymus in these oldest of vertebrates.
Personality, stress, and venous flow rates

Abstract A technique of directly measuring Venous Flow Rate (VFR) in a large superficial limb vein is described. With this technique, increases in VFR were noted in response to Epinephrine; and decreases in VFR, in response to the anticipation of, and the performance of an alerting mental arithmetic problem. High Ego Strength S s revealed higher rates of flow than low E.S. S s at rest and after Epinephrine. High Anxiety S s revealed more of an increase of rate of flow in response to Epinephrine and a less brisk recovery after arithmetic than low anxiety S s. During resting conditions Field Independent S s revealed gradual increase in VFR, while Field Dependent S s revealed decreases. These differences were intensified when F.I. and F.D. S s were equated for ego strength and anxiety scores. F.I. S s also revealed a more prolonged increase in rate of flow in response to Epinephrine than Field Dependent S s.
Effect of tree species on the coverage and field persistence of Bacillus thuringiensis spores.

Abstract The effect of leaves of Quercus agrifolia, Cercis occidentalis, Eucalyptus globulus, and Juglans regia on the initial deposit and subsequent rate of decay of viable spores of Bacillus thuringiensis was investigated. Significant differences in the size of the initial viable spore deposit were found between the various species, with E. globulus markedly lower than the others. The viable spore decay patterns of the various species were analyzed using a segmented linear model and significant differences in initial rates of decay were also measured. Thus it appears that the characteristics of the leaves of the treated plants may have an effect on the coverage and field persistence of viable B. thuringiensis spores. Some possible mechanisms for these effects are discussed.
Displacement-structure approach to polynomial Vandermonde and related matrices

Abstract We introduce a new class of what we call polynomial Vandermonde-like matrices. This class generalizes the polynomial Vandermonde matrices studied earlier by various authors, who derived explicit inversion formulas and fast algorithms for inversion and for solving the associated linear systems. A displacement-structure approach allows us to carry over all these results to the wider class of polynomial Vandermonde-like matrices.
Effects of long term exposure to lipopolysaccharide on gastric injury and iNOS production

Abstract Introduction: Short-term ( Methods: Rats were given saline or the highly selective iNOS inhibitor 1400W(1mg/kg IP) followed 15 minutes later by saline or LPS (20mg/kg IP). After 24 hrs, rats were sacrificed, gastric fluid aspirated, macroscopic injury (computerized planimetry) measured and mucosa harvested for iNOS assessment (Western blot) (N >4 group; ANOVA). Results: As shown in Table 1, LPS caused macroscopic gastric injury, increased iNOS, and increased accumulation of alkaline fluid within the gastric lumen compared to saline controls. 1400W inhibited LPS induced macroscopic gastric injury and prevented gastric luminal fluid alkalinization but had no effect on gastric luminal fluid accumulation. LPS induced upregulation of gastric iNOS production was not inhibited by 1400W. Table 1Effects of LPS with and without selective iNOS inhibition on the stomach.SalineLPS1400W/ saline1400W/ LPSGastric injury (mm 2 ) ± SE0.125 ± 0.77.85 ± 2.1∗0.25 ± 0.72.8 ± 0.7∗∗iNOS (densitometric units) ± SE0.24 ± 0.010.68 ± 0.09∗0.22 ± 0.020.67 ± 0.07∗Gastric pH ± SE2 ± 0.17.3 ± 0.3∗2 ± 0.12.9 ± 0.5∗∗Gastric volume (ml) ± SE0.25 ± 0.041.5 ± 0.3∗0.37 ± 0.040.9 ± 0.2∗p ≤ 0.05 vs saline (ANOVA).∗∗p ≤ 0.05 vs LPS (ANOVA). Conclusions: This is the first study to report macroscopic gastric injury occurs after LPS administration alone. Moreover, the effects of LPS on gastric mucosal integrity and iNOS production persist even after 24 hrs. These data further suggest that septic patients may be at risk for gastritis due to upregulation of iNOS.
Effects of density on displacement, falls, injuries, and orientation during horse transportation.

Three groups of slaughter-type horses, totaling 30 mares and 29 geldings, were used to determine density effects on displacement (distance moved during a stop), falls, injuries, and orientation using a single-deck, open-topped commercial semi-trailer. Each horse was assigned to one of two treatments: high density (1.28 m(2)/horse with 14 horses) or low density (2.23 m(2)/horse with eight horses). Both treatments occurred sequentially on the same day (treatment order was alternated each trial), using the middle 2.44x7.32 m compartment of a large semi-tractor trailer. The horses were transported for two laps around a 7.28-km course, averaging 25 min and 36+/-89 s. Each lap consisted of two 60 degrees turns, four 90 degrees turns, two 120 degrees turns, one 180 degrees turn, six hard brakes, and six rapid accelerations, which were more severe than conditions usually experienced in commercial transport. Displacement, falls, and orientation were recorded for each horse using overhead video cameras. Average displacement between the two densities was not different (P=0.47). The proportion of horses that fell in the high-density treatment (40%) was greater (P=0.046) than the low-density treatment (17%). The proportion of horses injured was greater (P=0.006) in high density (64%) than low density (29%). However, there was not a significant difference in the average severity of injury for the high-density treatment (1.77) versus the low-density treatment (0.92), P=0.48. Overall, the horses did not show a preference (P=0.38) for facing toward (47.5%) or away (40.7%) from the direction of travel and orientation did not differ (P0.18) between the high and low-density treatments. High stocking density of horses during transport increases the incidence of falls and injuries, and made it more difficult to get up when a subject was floored.
Moments, Narayana numbers, and the cut and paste for lattice paths

Abstract Let U ( n ) denote the set of unrestricted lattice paths that run from ( 0 , 0 ) to ( n , 0 ) with permitted steps ( 1 , 1 ) , ( 1 ,- 1 ) , and perhaps a horizontal step. Let E ( n + 2 ) denote the set of paths in U ( n + 2 ) that run strictly above the horizontal axis except initially and finally. First we review the cut-and-paste bijection which relates points under paths of E ( n + 2 ) to points on paths of U ( n ) . We apply it to obtain area and enumeration results for paths, some involving the Narayana distribution. We extend the cut-and-paste bijection to a formula relating factorial moments for the paths of E ( n + 2 ) to factorial moments for the paths of U ( n ) .
Abstract 5407: Milk derived exosomes: Scalable source of biologically active drug delivery nanoparticles

Exosomes are biological nanoparticles and found in almost all the body fluids. They shuttle in and out of cells, are comprised of lipid bilayers, and carry a cargo of macromolecules. Because of the nano size (30-100 nm) these natural vesicles are being explored as nanodevices for the development of new therapeutic applications. Here we show bovine milk as a scalable source of exosomes and as a drug delivery vehicle for small molecules - both lipophilic and hydrophilic. The exosomes were isolated by differential centrifugation with the size generally ranging from 30-100 nm as analyzed by NanoSight and confirmed by electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The identity of exosomes was confirmed by surface protein markers (CD63, CD81), buoyant floatation density (1.12 g/ml) determined by sucrose density gradient, and high content of immune-related miRNAs and mRNA as determined by PCR. Exosomes, suspended in PBS, and stored frozen (-80°C) were found to be stable in terms of their size and biological activities. Milk exosomes loaded with fluorescent dye were readily taken up by macrophages and human cancer cells in vitro and distributed in the various tissues of nude mice following treatment with gavage and i.v. routes. Imaging of various tissues collected after euthanasia showed a broad tissue distribution of the exosomes delivered via the oral route, whereas exosome concentration predominated in the liver when administered by the i.v. route. Both lipophilic and hydrophilic chemopreventive (curcumin, withaferin A, anthocyanidins, and punicalagins, etc.) and chemotherapeutic (paclitaxel and docetaxel) agents could be loaded onto exosomes with 8%-60% drug load with respect to exosomal protein content. Drug-exosomal formulations showed significantly higher antiproliferative activity against lung, breast and ovarian cancer cells versus the free drugs. The drug formulation also showed significantly higher tissue drug levels, and enhanced anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity versus the free drug. Intriguingly, in the absence of any drug, the milk exosomes showed anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities in cancer cells, suggesting the presence of protective factors in the milk exosomes (e.g., miRNAs); this notion corroborates the epidemiological and experimental findings of the presence of built-in immune factors in milk. (Supported from USPHS grants CA-118114 and CA-125152, Kentucky Lung Cancer Research Program, Agnes Brown Duggan Endowment, and Helmsley Funds). Citation Format: Farrukh Aqil, Radha Munagala, Jeyaprakash Jeyabalan, Ramesh C. Gupta. Milk derived exosomes: Scalable source of biologically active drug delivery nanoparticles. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5407. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5407
The Future of Psychology

Our analysis of the specific relation between TEAB and psychology has highlighted the more general problem of coexistence of scientific approaches that develop different goal structures. Any field of inquiry that attempts to obtain scientific status without placing truth-value as its highest goal creates an environment that is counterproductive to obtaining systematic, scientific knowledge Contemporary psychology is characterized by generally unified efforts at uncovering the psychological principles of behavior. However, in recent years there has been a tendency for different primary goals to be developed for the science and practice of psychology.
Initial investigation of strengthening agents for lanthanide halide scintillators

Lanthanide halide alloys have recently enabled scintillating gamma ray spectrometers comparable to room-temperature semiconductors (< 3% FWHM energy resolutions at 662keV). However brittle fracture of these materials hinders the growth of large volume crystals. Efforts to improve the strength through non-lanthanide alloy substitution, while preserving scintillation, are being pursued. Isovalent alloys nominal Ce0.9Al0.1Br3, Ce0.9Ga0.1Br3, Ce0.9Sc0.1Br3, Ce0.9In0.1Br3 and Ce0.8Y0.2Br3, as well as aliovalent alloys nominal (CeBr3)0.99(CdCl2)0.01, (CeBr3)0.99(CdBr2)0.01, (CeBr3)0.99(ZnBr2)0.01, (CeBr3)0.99(CaBr2)0.01, (CeBr3)0.99(SrBr2)0.01, (CeBr3)0.99(PbBr2)0.01, (CeBr3)0.99(ZrBr4)0.01, (CeBr3)0.99(HfBr4)0.01 were prepared. All of these alloys exhibit bright fluorescence under UV excitation, with varying shifts in the spectral peaks and intensities relative to pure CeBr3. Further, these alloys scintillate when coupled to a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and exposed to 137Cs gamma rays. These data and the potential for improved crystal growth will be discussed.
MicroRNA-101 (miR-101) post-transcriptionally regulates the expression of EP4 receptor in colon cancers.

Purpose: Expression of the PGE2 receptor, EP4, is up-regulated during colorectal carcinogenesis. However the mechanism leading to deregulation of the EP4 receptor is not known. The present study was conducted to investigate the regulation of EP4 receptor by miRNAs. Experimental Design: We analyzed 26 colon cancers (i.e. 15 adenocarcinomas and 9 adenomas) and 16 normal colon specimens for EP4 receptor expression by immunohistochemistry. A bioinformatics approached identified putative microRNA binding sites with the 3'-UTR of the EP4 receptor. Both colon cancer cell lines and tumor specimens were analyzed for miR-101 and EP4 expression by qRT-PCR and Western analysis respectively and simultaneously in situ hybridizations was used to confirm our results. In vitro and in vivo assays were used to confirm our clinical findings. Results: We observed an inverse correlation between the levels of miR-101 and EP4 receptor protein. Transfection of LS174T cells with miR-101 significantly suppressed a luciferase report...
Costal Chondritis: The Costal Arch

Infections of the costal cartilages lead to serious sequelae. This report deals with the diagnosis of such infections, proposed treatment, and an illustrative case history from our experience. Previous therapeutic regimens advocated excision of the entire costal cartilage if any portion was infected. In cases where the infection is confined to cartilages not involving the costal arch, this is an effective therapy. However, in infections of the costal arch, complete removal leads to gross deformity, loss of skeletal protection of the heart and liver, and chest wall instability with serious respiratory failure. Segmental cartilaginous resection followed by a period of healing and subsequent debridement of only the infected and necrotic cartilage is the preferred method for treatment of infection involving the costal arch.
New Technologies for Information Retrieval: A Three-Credit Course for Undergraduates at Salem State College.

In the Spring 1989 semester, the Interdisciplinary Studies Department of Salem State College first offered New Technologies for Information Retrieval. This three‐credit course provides an introduction to automated searching tools available to students directly at home or indirectly through libraries and colleges. Database searching, CD‐ROM, interactive videodisks, bulletin boards, electronic mail, and online catalogs are among the technologies discussed. This article will elaborate on the rationale, goals, development, execution, and outcomes of the course, and relate them to current discussions on the importance of expanding “information literacy” for students.
QUADRATICALLY HYPONORMAL WEIGHTED SHIFTS

O/ 00 Let T be a unilateral weighted shift with weight sequence { n}n= 0. We obtain a characterization of k-hyponormality for T in terms of the a n' s, and use it to show that if T is 2-hyponormal (i.e., (T, T 2) jointly hyponormal) and c~ n = an+ 1 for some n, then T must be subnormal, i.e., al = a2 .... . If T is only quadratically hyponormal (i.e., T + AT 2 is hyponormal for all A E f), and a n = an+ 1 = an+2, T must also be subnormal; however, two equal weights do not necessarily force subnormality. As a matter of fact, if T x is the shift with weights o~ 0 = x, al = ~-/-3' a2 = ~-~' a3 = (4~-5' etc., we show that T x is quadratically hyponormal if and only if x < (~-3, and that T x is 2-hyponormal if and only if x < 3/4. Also, for a given k, T x gives rise to weighted shifts which are k-hyponormal but not (k+l)-hyponormal.
Dissociation of DNA-histone assemblies resulting from protein side-chain functionalization.

Despite the hypothesis that the anticancer and antibiotic activity of the enediynes results from the radical-mediated oxidative cleavage of DNA, surprisingly few studies of organic radical reactivi...
Genetic changes in solid tumors.

Although most solid tumors are treated surgically, determining the genetic changes present in the tumor of an individual patient is becoming increasingly important for managing the oncology patient. Our knowledge of the genetic alterations that characterize and predispose to solid tumors continues to expand. Concurrently, the advent of newer technologies such as DNA chips has the potential to enable a more rapid and comprehensive assessment of these changes. The ultimate goal of this new information and technology is to provide sensitive and specific tests that reduce unnecessary procedures and optimize therapy. This review addresses the utility of molecular testing in evaluating cancer. A review of the current technology and hereditary cancer syndromes is also presented. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 18:358–370, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.