cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Usability Challenges and Barriers in EHR Training of Primary Care Resident Physicians

Current EHRs require a large investment of resources for a user to reach a certain level of proficiency, which is a significant obstacle for new physicians who are not sufficiently trained by their medical schools. Beginning residents in primary care cope with a steep learning curve on EHR use due to EHRs with poor usability, which may lead to medical errors, and decreased quality of patient care. Identifying and addressing early barriers in the learning environment of residents while using an EHR can help improve overall capacity of the new physicians, and save costs for the organization. The goal of this study is to assess current usability challenges and barriers in EHR education and training program at the University of Missouri Health Care (UMHC).
Baculoviruses: Apoptosis Inhibitors

The ability to inhibit apoptosis is important for many viruses to successfully replicate and be transmitted to new susceptible hosts. In particular, many DNA viruses including adenoviruses, herpesviruses, and poxviruses carry multiple genes that can inhibit apoptosis through different mechanisms. The arthropod-specific baculoviruses are no exception. Baculoviruses have been found to contain two types of apoptosis inhibitors, called p35 and iap (inhibitor of apoptosis) genes. Although p35 genes were discovered first, they are less common, having been identified in only a handful of baculoviruses (and recently, an entomopoxvirus). The iap genes are more widespread, with one or more iap genes being found in nearly all of the ∼30 baculovirus genomes sequenced to date, and in several other invertebrate viruses as well. P35 and IAP proteins inhibit apoptosis through different mechanisms, but both yield the same end result, which is keeping the host cell alive long enough for the baculovirus to complete its replication cycle. The expression of apoptosis inhibitors is important for baculovirus infectivity and virulence in the insect host.
A preliminary report on the use of video technology in online courses

Online courses are fast becoming an accepted means of instruction in several different areas. However, most online instruction involves text-based communication. This paper describes the use of video-based communication in teaching two graduate level computer education courses. The authors report on a research project that they conducted to investigate the effectiveness of using video-based conferences in these courses. Preliminary results are described along with recommendations on how web conferences can be used to improve online instruction.
The Bergman Kernel in Quantum Mechanics

In this article we describe a problem in quantum mechanics, and explain how the elementary properties of the Bergman kernel played a role in its history. We begin by describing the problem and stating the main results. Then we discuss the relevance of the Bergman kernel. (In the sharpest results known at present, the Bergman kernel is out of the picture; but I think the idea is pretty, and I hope it will return.)
Balanced Systems and Structures: Reduction, Assignment, and Perturbations

New results on properties of balanced linear systems and structures are presented. Balanced representation is defined for systems with poles at an imaginary axis or at the origin. Grammians do not exist in this case, but antigrammians are introduced which make balanced reduction possible. System grammians of specified properties are obtained by assigning the sensor and actuator configuration. The latter is determined using input-output assignment procedures introduced for general systems and specified to structures. A system is said to be uniformly balanced if all its Hankel singular values are equal.
Abstract 837A: Combining CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis and a small-molecule inhibitor to probe the function of MELK in cancer

The Maternal Embryonic Leucine Zipper Kinase (MELK) has been identified as a promising therapeutic target in multiple cancer types. MELK over-expression is associated with aggressive disease, and MELK has been implicated in numerous cancer-related processes, including chemotherapy resistance, stem cell renewal, and tumor growth. Based on these preclinical results, the MELK inhibitor OTS167 is currently being tested as a novel chemotherapy agent in several clinical trials. Here, we report that cancer cell lines harboring CRISPR/Cas9-induced null mutations in MELK exhibit wild-type growth in vitro, under environmental stress, in the presence of cytotoxic chemotherapies, and in vivo. Furthermore, MELK-knockout lines remain sensitive to OTS167, suggesting that this drug blocks cell division through an off-target mechanism. By combining our MELK-knockout clones with a new highly-specific MELK inhibitor, we further demonstrate that the acute inhibition of MELK results in no specific anti-proliferative phenotype. Analysis of gene expression data from cancer patients identifies MELK expression as a correlate of mitotic activity, explaining its association with poor prognosis. In total, our results demonstrate the power of CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic approaches to investigate cancer drug targets, and call into question the rationale for treating patients with anti-MELK monotherapies. Citation Format: Christopher J. Giuliano, Ann Lin, Joan C. Smith, Ann C. Palladino, Jason M. Sheltzer. Combining CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis and a small-molecule inhibitor to probe the function of MELK in cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 837A.
Attention-Based Learning

There is more to attention than merely turning up the volume knob for particular sensory experiences. Attention is really a time-structured episode that includes both the initial prioritization of specific information and the subsequent learning process that accompanies this prioritization. In fact the relationship between attention and learning is so intimate that in general we only learn from the particular information which we attend to. Non-attended information is experienced, but not necessarily learned, and the more frequently we attend to something the more likely we are to learn it. Conversely, it is clear that deficits in attention can lead to deficits in learning. We can therefore expect that the molecular mechanisms facilitating the initiation of attention might be closely related to mechanisms that support attention-based learning.
The Choice Should Be Yours: Diabetes-Related Distress by Insulin Delivery Method for People with Type 1 Diabetes

Background: American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends psychosocial assessment for people with diabetes, including diabetes-related distress. Elevated diabetes-related distress is associated wi...
Predictors of Patient Satisfaction in Hand and Upper Extremity Clinics

Introduction Patient satisfaction is an important clinical marker for hand/upper extremity patients. Few studies have investigated the predictors of patient satisfaction in the clinic setting. Our objective was to analyze patient satisfaction surveys to explore factors that influence patient satisfaction. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis assessing patient satisfaction in the hand/upper extremity clinics at our university medical center between 2012 and 2018. Patient satisfaction was assessed via Press Ganey Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems surveys. Patient demographics, satisfaction scores, and clinic experience questionnaire responses were evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted to identify significant trends. Results Between 2012 and 2018, 102 surveys were completed. Scores ranged from 5 to 10 with an average provider rating of 9.56. We found six factors significantly influenced patient satisfaction: adequate time was spent with the provider, provider showed respect, patient was seen by provider within 15 minutes of appointment time, provider listened sufficiently, patient received understandable medical instructions, and understandable medical explanations (p Conclusion Achieving patient satisfaction is an important clinical marker in hand/upper extremity clinics. Patient satisfaction has defined predictors wherein various clinical factors can influence patient satisfaction and willingness to refer their provider to other patients.
Presence Africaine and the emergence of African film criticism

The essay was written in celebration of the centennial year (1995) of the birth of the cinema.
Fibroepithelial Lesions (FELs) of the Breast: Is Routine Excision Always Necessary?

When needle core biopsies (NCBs) of the breast reveal fibroepithelial lesions (FELs), excision is often performed to rule out a phyllodes tumor (PT), despite low malignancy rates. Consequently, the natural history of observed FELs is not well described. We analyzed the malignancy risk in excised FELs and the natural history of FELs undergoing active surveillance (AS). We retrospectively studied the pathology and imaging records of 215 patients with FELs (n = 252) diagnosed on NCB. Incidence of growth was determined by Kaplan–Meier method. Of 252 FELs, 80% were immediately excised and 20% underwent AS. Of the excised FELs, 198 (98%) were benign: fibroadenoma (FA) or benign breast tissue in 137 (68%), benign PT in 59 (29%), or LCIS in 2 (1%). Borderline PT or malignant lesions were found in 4 (2%). On ultrasound, malignant and borderline PTs were larger than benign lesions [median 3.9 vs 1.3 cm, p = 0.006]. Fifty FELs underwent AS, with a median follow-up of 17 (range 2–79) months. The majority remained stable or decreased in size: at 2 years, only 35% increased in volume by ≥ 50%. Of those tumors undergoing AS that were later excised (n = 4), all were benign. Almost all FELs (98%) were benign on surgical excision, and the majority undergoing AS remained stable, with benign pathology if later excised. Most FELs on NCB can be safely followed with US, with surgery reserved for patients with FELs that are large, symptomatic, or growing. This could spare most women with FELs unnecessary surgery.
Generalized synthesis of high surface area mesoporous metal titanates as efficient heterogeneous catalysts

Abstract A novel metal dissolution coupled with reverse micelle formation approach is used as a generalized synthesis method for a series of high surface area metal titanates where the metals used are Bi, Mg, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, W, and Ce. This study reports the highest surface areas published so far. The homogeneous distributions of the metals and titanium are observed in SEM-EDX and TEM mapping. The synthesized materials were comprehensively characterized using PXRD, Raman, nitrogen adsorption isotherms, SEM; EDX, TEM, TEM mapping, TGA, and XPS. The green catalytic oxidation of aniline to nitrosobenzene occurs within 30 min at room temperature when mesoporous W/Ti binary metal oxide is used as the catalyst. The radical mediated catalytic reaction gives excellent yields and the catalyst is reusable up to 4 reaction cycles without losing significant activity.
'Lessons from ‘The Other America' Turning a Public Health Lens on Fighting Racism and Poverty

Commemorating the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination, this essay calls health providers to tackle both racial and economic disparities in population health as Dr. King did in his famous Stanford University speech titled “The Other America.” It identifies racism as a fundamental cause of health disparities and reviews the supporting evidence. It also reviews evidence that poverty is a fundamental cause – though related, the two must not be confused and policy-makers must address each separately.
Short Oblique Patellar Tunnels for Patellar Fixation Do Not Increase Fracture Risk in MPFL Reconstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study:

Objectives:The current standard of care for recurrent patellar instability is reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), the primary soft tissue constraint to lateral subluxation ...
Prisoners of politics: breaking the cycle of mass incarceration: by Rachel Elise Barkow, Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press, 2019, 291 pp., $35.00.

Rachel Elise Barkow’s Prisoners of Politics is a thoughtful study on mass incarceration in the United States. Where it deviates from other recent works on criminal justice is in its challenge to sh...
Delta-doped β-Ga2O3 films with narrow FWHM grown by metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy

We report on the low-temperature metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth of silicon delta-doped β-Ga2O3 films with a low full width at half maximum (FWHM). The as-grown films are characterized using secondary-ion mass spectroscopy, capacitance–voltage, and Hall techniques. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy measurements show that surface segregation is the chief cause of a large FWHM in MOVPE-grown films. The surface segregation coefficient (R) is observed to reduce with reduction in the growth temperature. Films grown at 600 °C show an electron concentration of 9.7 × 1012 cm−2 and a FWHM of 3.2 nm. High resolution scanning/transmission electron microscopy of the epitaxial film did not reveal any observable degradation in the crystal quality of the delta sheet and surrounding regions. Hall measurements of the delta-doped film on the Fe-doped substrate showed a sheet charge density of 6.1 × 1012 cm−2 and a carrier mobility of 83 cm2/V s. Realization of sharp delta doping profiles in MOVPE-grown β-Ga2O3 is promising for high performance device applications.
Treatment of severe morning sleep inertia with bedtime long-acting bupropion and/or long-acting methylphenidate in a series of 4 patients.

Study Objectives:To assess the benefit of bedtime long-acting bupropion and/or long-acting methylphenidate in the therapy of severe morning sleep inertia (SI), a chronic condition that has major ad...
Synthesis and characterization of ZEin-based Low Density Porous Absorbent (ZELDA) for oil spill recovery

Abstract Removal of spilled petroleum oil from water bodies using hydrophobic porous absorbent has garnered considerable attention due to the simplicity, large-scale adaptability and robustness of the process. However, the use of nonbiodegradable synthetic oil absorbent during cleanup has raised a secondary concern such as generating plastic pollutants that can accumulate in marine and other ecosystems. To encounter this potential hazard, there is a need to find new biocompatible alternatives to currently used non-degradable porous materials. Here we present ZEin-based Low Density porous Absorbent (ZELDA) synthesized from an emulsion templating method as a new class of naturally derived porous material with tunable hydrophobicity for oil spill recovery. Corn-derived zein nanoparticles are first used to form oil-in-water Pickering emulsion. The addition of polymeric zein into the continuous aqueous phase of the emulsion, and its gradual phase separation enables the formation of a porous matrix. The pore diameter, surface wettability, and oil uptake capacity of ZELDA can be programmed by tuning oil-to-water phase volume ratio of the Pickering emulsion and its selective surface functionalization using flaxseed oil. The synthesis of ZELDA can be further modified with iron oxide nanoparticles to induce magnetic response, which enables its contactless maneuverability and removal from spilled site. The study outlines a new method of synthesis of zein-based porous materials and introduces synthetic routes for controlled surface functionalization, wettability, and stimuli responsiveness of the porous material. The synthesized plant-based material provides an ecofriendly alternative to commercially used nonbiodegradable oil sorbents for spilled oil remediation.
Meaningful Inefficiencies: Incorporating Play into Civic Design

This essay introduces the concept of meaningful inefficiencies, which is an approach to civic design that prioritizes relationship-building over efficiency. They are systems with clear rules and structure, but that grant human users an opportunity to play and discover. Gordon and Mugar describe how these systems are being designed within civic spaces in the United States, and suggest that such system design leads to greater trust in the institutions that mediate public life.
Optimizing screw profiles for twin-screw food extrusion processing through genetic algorithms and neural networks

Abstract Screw profile design is crucial to the amount of shear and mechanical energy that is imparted on the material being extruded. A genetic algorithm model, in combination with a neural network fitness function, was developed to predict screw profile design. Model was then used to predict the necessary screw profiles along with the necessary process conditions needed for different target products. Predicted screw profiles and extrusion conditions produced expected values of pressure, motor torque, specific mechanical energy (SME), expansion ratio (ER), water absorption (WAI), and water solubility (WSI). Neural network models displayed high R2 values (>0.979) for the process responses of pressure, motor torque, and SME, and slightly lower R2 values for product responses of ER (0.935) WSI (0.900), and WAI (0.847). This demonstrates the possibility for quick predictions of optimum screw profile designs for achieving desired characteristics in the final extrudates.
The Future of Global Health Education

As the Journal of Global Health celebrates its fourth year in circulation, we are proud to continue in leading student dialogue on issues of public health worldwide. However, one issue that often goes unexamined, but which bears great relevance to us as students, is that of global health education. As the expanding workforce of health professionals struggles to tackle global crises such as the current Ebola epidemic, the need for specialized training becomes increasingly apparent. In Volume IV Issue II, The Journal of Global Health has chosen to spotlight the emerging field of global health education.
Lifecycle Asset Allocation Strategies and the Distribution of 401(K) Retirement Wealth

This paper examines how different asset allocation strategies over the course of a worker's career affect the distribution of retirement wealth and the expected utility of wealth at retirement. It considers both rules that allocate a constant portfolio fraction to various assets at all ages, as well as "lifecycle" rules that vary the mix of portfolio assets as the worker ages. The analysis simulates retirement wealth using asset returns that are drawn from the historical return distribution. The results suggest that the distribution of retirement wealth associated with typical lifecycle investment strategies is similar to that from age-invariant asset allocation strategies that set the equity share of the portfolio equal to the average equity share in the lifecycle strategies. There is substantial variation across workers with different characteristics in the expected utility from following different asset allocation strategies. The expected utility associated with different 401(k) asset allocation strategies, and the ranking of these strategies, is very sensitive to three parameters: the expected return on corporate stock, the worker's relative risk aversion, and the amount of non-401(k) wealth that the worker will have available at retirement. At modest levels of risk aversion, or in the presence of substantial non-401(k) wealth at retirement, the historical pattern of stock and bond returns implies that the expected utility of an all-stock investment allocation rule is greater than that from any of the more conservative strategies. Higher risk aversion or lower expected returns on stocks raise the expected utility of following lifecycle strategies or other strategies that reduce equity exposure throughout the lifetime.
Does Accessible Design Benefit General Users of E-Government? Examining the Relationship between Website Usability and Accessibility

This study examined whether the accessibility of e-government websites for persons with disabilities was significantly related to the usability of these sites for the general population. Using a 2x2 experimental design, users recruited through Amazon’s M-Turk utility were assigned to perform either an easy or a moderately difficult task on two e-government websites, with low and high accessibility. A multiple regression model assessed three predictors of perceived usability: the user’s confidence in their online abilities, time spent on task page, and the level of accessibility of the assigned e-government websites. The level of accessibility was found to be is a significant predictor of the perceived usability. The paper concludes with implications for government policy regarding the accessibility of e-government portals.
Resource Management and Locational Strategies of Certain Prehistoric Sites in Central Texas

An analysis of three Archaic Nee-American Stage sites along the San Gabriel River of central Texas was performed in order to relate management of local resources to choice of site location. This sa...
Optimum spectral bands for rock discrimination

Using stepwise discriminant analysis on spectral reflectance and spectral emissivity data collected by a Multispectral Scanner and Data System, mounted in an NC-130B aircraft and flown at an altitude of approximately 3 km, spectral bands were ranked as to their usefulness in separating specific rock types and rock alteration products in seven geologically diverse Utah sites. The optimum band for rock discrimination included the 1.18 to 1.30 micron interval, and the optimum combination of bands comprised the 1.18 to 1.30, 4.50 to 4.75, 0.46 to 0.50, 1.52 to 1.73, and 2.10 to 2.36 micron intervals. It is concluded that the spectral interval combination was more successful in differentiating geologic materials than either simulated Multispectral Scanner bands or simulated Thematic Mapper bands.
Persistence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Lettuce Plants following Spray Irrigation with Contaminated Water

Irrigation water collected at farms growing crops for human consumption was artificially contaminated with E. coli O157: H7 and used to irrigate lettuce plants. Plants in a growth chamber were spray irrigated either once or intermittently with water contaminated with 102 or 104 CFU of E. coli O157:H7 per ml and were then sampled over a 30-day period. Only plants exposed to 102 CFU/ml on day 1 did not harbor the pathogen at the end of the sampling period. All other treatments resulted in contaminated plants at harvest. Plants irrigated with 104 CFU/ml contained high levels (up to 5 log CFU/g) of the pathogen at harvest. The results obtained in this study underscore the assertion that spray irrigation (the application of water directly to plant leaves) is linked to the contamination of crops and suggest that repeated exposure increases the E. coli O157:H7 level on the plant.
Modulation of Antioxidant Enzymes and Apoptosis in Mice by Dietary Lipids and Treadmill Exercise

The current experiments were designed to study the effect of dietary n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on antioxidant enzyme activity and dexamethasone (DEX)-induced apoptosis in spleen cells of sedentary (Sed) and treadmill-exercised (Ex) ICR male mice. Two-month-old mice maintained on AIN 76 formula diet, supplemented with either 5% corn oil (CO) or 5% fish oil (FO) diets, were trained on a treadmill to run from 45 to 50 min 1 km/day, 6 days a week for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of exercise, both Sed and Ex groups were sacrificed. Blood and various tissues, including spleen, were collected asceptically. Increased serum and spleen homogenate peroxide [malondialdehyde (MDA)] levels were observed in mice fed FO (n-3 PUFA) diets, compared to mice fed CO (n-6 PUFA). However, exercise did not alter MDA levels in either CO- or FO-fed mice. Feeding n-3 PUFA significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity of spleen homogenates. Exercise also significantly increased SOD and peroxidase in CO-fed animals, whereas catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione transferase were higher in FO-fed mice, compared to the Sed group. Apoptosis and necrosis were quantitated in splenocytes incubated with or without 1 μM Dex in RPMI medium for 8 and 24 hr. Cells were stained with Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) for apoptotic and necrotic cells. FO-fed mice showed higher apoptosis (64 vs 50%) and necrosis (40 vs 22%) in spleen cells than CO-fed mice. Cells from FO-fed mice, incubated in medium alone, showed increased apoptosis (112%) 24 hr after incubation, and necrosis (37 and 70%) at 8 and 24 hr of incubation, compared to CO-fed mice. In Ex group, apoptosis was increased in both CO- and FO-fed mice only at 24 hr after incubation. In summary, these results indicate that FO (n-3 PUFA-enriched) diets increase apoptosis and antioxidant enzyme activity in spleen cells, probably due to elevated lipid peroxides.
Genetic Analysis of Diaminopimelic Acid- and Lysine-Requiring Mutants of Escherichia coli

Several diaminopimelic acid (DAP)- and lysine-requiring mutants of Escherichia coli were isolated and studied by genetic, physiological, and biochemical means. The genes concerned with DAP-lysine synthesis map at several different sites on the E. coli chromosome and, therefore, do not constitute a single operon. Three separate loci affecting DAP synthesis are located in the 0 to 2.5 min region of the genetic map. The order of the loci in this region is thr-dapB-pyrA-ara-leu-pan-dapC-tonA-dapD. Two additional DAP genes map in the region between min 47 and 48, with the gene order being gua-dapA-dapE-ctr. The lys locus at min 55 determines the synthesis of the enzyme DAP decarboxylase, which catalyzes the conversion of DAP into lysine. The order of the genes in this region is serA-lysA-thyA.
Religion in Schools

The role religion may play in the life of 21st century public schools forms the basis for the 12 essays presented from the Academy for Educational Studies “Critical Questions in Education Conferenc...
Contract Breaches and the Criminal/Civil Divide: An Inter-Common Law Analysis

Scholars have long debated why certain common law breaches in American jurisprudence receive criminal punishment (imprisonment) while others only receive civil sanctions (monetary damages). Scholars like Richard Posner and Guido Calabresi have used economic-based models and the notion of efficiency to explain why torts only receive civil sanctions but crimes receive criminal punishment. Others like John Coffee and Paul Robinson have questioned the explanatory power of these models. Instead, they have focused on the moral difference between torts and crimes. Simply put, a crime’s intentional nature makes it morally worse than the carelessness typified by tortious activity. Interestingly, scholars on both sides of the debate have largely neglected to include contract breaches - a significant part of common law - into their models. Like torts, these breaches also only receive civil sanctions. What explains the similar treatment? This Article makes an original contribution to the literature by systematically introducing contract breaches into the broader criminal/civil debate. It employs the aforementioned economic and moral-based models in an effort to understand the treatment of contract breaches. The economic model, and its focus on efficiency, predictably explains why these breaches only receive civil sanctions. The moral-based model stumbles here. Its focus on intent suggests that a contract breach - as intentional conduct - also deserves moral blame and thus criminal punishment. What is missing from this model is recognizing the unique nature of the underlying responsibility in a contract breach and specifically the difference between a “voluntary obligation” and a “non-voluntary obligation.” This Article takes the innovative step of introducing this distinction into the larger criminal/civil debate and using it to conclude that the moral-based and economic approaches can be integrated into a unified model.
The distribution of clefts of the primary and secondary palates by sex, type, and location.

Abstract The frequency and patterns of distribution of cleft lip, cleft lip and alveolus, cleft lip and palate, and isolated cleft palate, together with the possible association between sex, type of cleft, and affected side were studied from records of 278 individuals with clefts. These records were obtained from four cleft centers in the New York City area and constituted a racially mixed urban sample. The type of the cleft varied between sexes. Males had significantly higher rates of cleft lip and palate (p<0.0001), and females had higher rates of isolated cleft palate (p<0.0001). No sex differences were found for cleft lip or cleft lip and alveolus. Unilateral clefts of both the primary and secondary palates were found to occur over three times more frequently than bilateral clefts, and left side predominance was demonstrated.
Prediction of cloud condensation nuclei activity for organic compounds using functional group contribution methods

Abstract. A wealth of recent laboratory and field experiments demonstrate that organic aerosol composition evolves with time in the atmosphere, leading to changes in the influence of the organic fraction to cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) spectra. There is a need for tools that can realistically represent the evolution of CCN activity to better predict indirect effects of organic aerosol on clouds and climate. This work describes a model to predict the CCN activity of organic compounds from functional group composition. Following previous methods in the literature, we test the ability of semi-empirical group contribution methods in Kohler theory to predict the effective hygroscopicity parameter, kappa. However, in our approach we also account for liquid–liquid phase boundaries to simulate phase-limited activation behavior. Model evaluation against a selected database of published laboratory measurements demonstrates that kappa can be predicted within a factor of 2. Simulation of homologous series is used to identify the relative effectiveness of different functional groups in increasing the CCN activity of weakly functionalized organic compounds. Hydroxyl, carboxyl, aldehyde, hydroperoxide, carbonyl, and ether moieties promote CCN activity while methylene and nitrate moieties inhibit CCN activity. The model can be incorporated into scale-bridging test beds such as the Generator of Explicit Chemistry and Kinetics of Organics in the Atmosphere (GECKO-A) to evaluate the evolution of kappa for a complex mix of organic compounds and to develop suitable parameterizations of CCN evolution for larger-scale models.
RISC architecture of the M88000

The 88000 processor family is one of the RISC (reduced-instruction-set computer) microcomputers that integrate the integer execution unit, the floating-point unit, the instruction fetch pipelines, and a data memory unit interface onto a single device. There are many supporting structures, such as advance branch target address calculation, dedicated units for memory address calculation, and bit field shifters to increase system performance. The 88000 device is structured such that each unit can perform concurrently, i.e. floating-point, integer, and data access instructions can all be being executed simultaneously while other instructions are being fetched. The author examines the 88000 machine to see how computing performance is gained through architectural enhancements. >
Impaired dNTPase Activity of SAMHD1 by Phosphomimetic Mutation of Thr-592.

SAMHD1 is a cellular protein that plays key roles in HIV-1 restriction and regulation of cellular dNTP levels. Mutations in SAMHD1 are also implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome. The anti-HIV-1 activity of SAMHD1 is negatively modulated by phosphorylation at residue Thr-592. The mechanism underlying the effect of phosphorylation on anti-HIV-1 activity remains unclear. SAMHD1 forms tetramers that possess deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate triphosphohydrolase (dNTPase) activity, which is allosterically controlled by the combined action of GTP and all four dNTPs. Here we demonstrate that the phosphomimetic mutation T592E reduces the stability of the SAMHD1 tetramer and the dNTPase activity of the enzyme. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, we determined the crystal structures of SAMHD1 variants T592E and T592V. Although the neutral substitution T592V does not perturb the structure, the charged T592E induces large conformational changes, likely triggered by electrostatic repulsion from a distinct negatively charged environment surrounding Thr-592. The phosphomimetic mutation results in a significant decrease in the population of active SAMHD1 tetramers, and hence the dNTPase activity is substantially decreased. These results provide a mechanistic understanding of how SAMHD1 phosphorylation at residue Thr-592 may modulate its cellular and antiviral functions.
Transmission policies for asymmetric interference channels with energy harvesting nodes

Energy harvesting terminals are emerging as favorable alternatives to conventional terminals for wireless (sensor) networking due to environmental concerns and their potential to extend the network lifetime. Stochastic availability of energy for such networks calls for new network design insights on power control and scheduling, particularly in multi-user settings with interference. This paper considers an asymmetric interference channel with two transmitters and two receivers, and seeks optimal power policies to maximize sum capacity in an energy harvesting setting. It is shown that in the asymmetric interference case, the optimal sum capacity for the channel can be found by iteratively employing single-user optimizations, and the corresponding single-user problems are solved using modified water-filling algorithms such as directional water-filling and generalized water-filling. The performance of the proposed iterative algorithm is demonstrated through numerical results.
Evaluation of the Technicon Immuno I random access immunoassay analyzer and calculation of pediatric reference ranges for endocrine tests, T-uptake, and ferritin.

Abstract Objectives : Evaluation of the precision, accuracy, and user-friendliness of the Technician Immuno I. Calculation of pediatric reference ranges for ferritin and endocrine tests run on Immuno I. Methods : Precision and accuracy were measured using controls and method comparison studies. Pediatric reference ranges were calculated by comparing the Immuno I results for 100 patients with those of the Abbott IMx and TDx. The regression equation obtained was then used to convert the [Mx and TDx reference ranges to reference ranges for the Immuno I. Results : The Immuno I provided both accurate and precise measurement of drugs and endocrine hormones. Pediatric reference ranges were obtained for ferritin and all endocrine tests. Conclusion : The Immuno I is user-friendly and provides reliable measurement of both the drugs tested and endocrine tests on a micro-sample. Reagent and curve stability are excellent.
Efficient Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Motor Neurons

Direct differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells into functional motor neurons represents a promising resource to study disease mechanisms, to screen new drug compounds, and to develop new therapies for motor neuron diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Many current protocols use a combination of retinoic acid (RA) and sonic hedgehog (Shh) to differentiate mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells into motor neurons. However, the differentiation efficiency of mES cells into motor neurons has only met with moderate success. We have developed a two-step differentiation protocol that significantly improves the differentiation efficiency compared with currently established protocols. The first step is to enhance the neuralization process by adding Noggin and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). Noggin is a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist and is implicated in neural induction according to the default model of neurogenesis and results in the formation of anterior neural patterning. FGF signaling acts synergistically with Noggin in inducing neural tissue formation by promoting a posterior neural identity. In this step, mES cells were primed with Noggin, bFGF, and FGF-8 for two days to promote differentiation towards neural lineages. The second step is to induce motor neuron specification. Noggin/FGFs exposed mES cells were incubated with RA and a Shh agonist, Smoothened agonist (SAG), for another 5 days to facilitate motor neuron generation. To monitor the differentiation of mESs into motor neurons, we used an ES cell line derived from a transgenic mouse expressing eGFP under the control of the motor neuron specific promoter Hb9. Using this robust protocol, we achieved 51 ± 0.8% of differentiation efficiency (n = 3; p < 0.01, Student's t-test). Results from immunofluorescent staining showed that GFP+ cells express the motor neuron specific markers, Islet-1 and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Our two-step differentiation protocol provides an efficient way to differentiate mES cells into spinal motor neurons.
Abstract A123: Common polymorphisms in adiponectin and adiponectin receptor genes and prostate cancer survival

Background: Adiponectin, an adipokine with anti‐inflammatory and insulin‐sensitizing properties, is inversely associated with adiposity. Our group previously showed that high circulating levels of adiponectin were inversely associated with prostate cancer (PCa) risk and progression. Moreover, four polymorphisms in ADIPOQ, a gene encoding adiponectin, were significantly associated with overall PCa risk, two of which were also associated with plasma adiponectin levels. However, the role of genetic variation in ADIPOQ and the adiponectin receptor genes ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 in PCa progression remains unknown. We related polymorphisms in ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1, and ADIPOR2 to PCa survival, ADIPOR2 expression, and a biomarker of proliferation. Methods: Using genotype data from 1286 cases from the Physicians9 Health Study, we evaluated 29 common SNPs in ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 with the development of lethal PCa, defined as progression to bony metastases or PCa‐specific death, during 25 years of follow‐up. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). We assumed a codominant genotype model and assessed the association between each genotype and PCa survival by a p‐value from a likelihood ratio test comparing models with and without the heterozygote and rare homozygote indicator variables. Using ANOVA, we also evaluated each genotype with tumor expression of ki67 (n=203), a marker of cellular proliferation, and ADIPOR2 (n=180) for a subset of cases. Results: Two polymorphisms, one in ADIPOR1 and one in ADIPOR2, were significantly associated with time to lethal PCa. Compared to wildtype homozygotes for ADIPOR1 SNP rs16850799, the HRs for lethal PCa were 1.1 (95% CI: 0.8, 1.6) for heterozygotes and 2.5 (95% CI: 1.4, 4.4) for rare homozygotes (p=0.02). The variant allele for rs16850799 was also associated with increased cellular proliferation in prostate tumors (p=0.004). For ADIPOR2 rs1044471, the HRs compared to wildtype homozygotes were 0.6 (95% CI: 0.4, 0.9) for heterozygotes and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.6, 1.3) for rare homozygotes (p=0.03). The variant allele for rs1044471 was associated with lower expression levels of ADIPOR2 (p=0.03). Conclusions: Of 29 SNPs evaluated in ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2, we found two polymorphic loci (ADIPOR1 rs16850799 and ADIPOR2 rs1044471) to be associated with PCa progression and death. Variant allele carriers of the rs16850799 polymorphism in ADIPOR1 were more likely to develop lethal PCa and exhibited phenotypic changes consistent with disease aggressiveness in their tumors. Variant allele status in ADIPOR2 rs1044471 predicted ADIPOR2 expression levels. None of the four SNPs in ADIPOQ that we previously found to be associated with PCa risk were associated with time to lethal PCa. Our work suggests a potential role of adiponectin and its receptors in mediating the association between obesity and aggressive PCa. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A123.
Neutron-Scattering Probe of Complexes of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and Serum Albumin during Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is used to probe the conformation of SDS−BSA protein surfactant complexes during electrophoresis in cross-linked polyacrylamide gels. Contrast variation permits independent probing of the structure of protein−surfactant complexes with negligible scattering contributions from the polyacrylamide matrix. The conformation of the protein complexes in the gel is found to be independent of the electric fields that are applied in this work (10 V/cm). Furthermore, there are no signs of large-scale macromolecular orientation (anisotropy) in the scattering patterns. However, the scattering shows that there are significant interparticle correlations between the protein−surfactant complexes that are electrophoretically inserted into the gel. These interactions develop when the total concentration of protein in the gels reaches values that are larger than ∼1 mg/mL. The correlations are due to molecular crowding in the small fraction of pores that are available for protein migration.
An informational analysis of the inter-male behaviour of the grasshopper chortophaga viridifasciata

Abstract Communication among male grasshoppers spaces individuals and prevents ipsi-sexual courtship (without fighting). Information theory measures applied to data from 2169 interactions elucidate the system making this possible. These measures demonstrate the communicatory nature of twelve categories of behaviour and enable these categories to be ranked in order of relative strength. Strong signals of initiator ( A ) and responder ( B ) differ. Uncertainties of both A and B increase as interactions proceed, and the former starts and remains higher than the latter, reflecting the higher gross activity of A . Normalized transmissions make possible meaningful comparisons with other arthropod groups and show that A 's actions have a stronger effect on B than do B 's on A .
Severe deficit in brain reward function associated with fentanyl withdrawal in rats.

Background During the last decade, there has been a strong increase in the use of the mu-opioid receptor agonist fentanyl. The aim of these studies was to investigate the effects of fentanyl withdrawal on brain reward function and somatic withdrawal signs. Methods Fentanyl and saline were chronically administered via minipumps. An intracranial self-stimulation procedure was used to provide a measure of brain reward function. Somatic signs were recorded from a checklist of opioid abstinence signs. Results The opioid receptor antagonist naloxone induced a dose-dependent elevation in brain reward thresholds and somatic withdrawal signs in fentanyl-treated rats. Discontinuation of fentanyl administration resulted in a time-dependent elevation of brain reward thresholds and somatic withdrawal signs. Conclusions These findings indicate that fentanyl withdrawal is associated with affective and somatic withdrawal signs. The severity of the deficit in brain reward function in this animal model suggests that affective fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may be a strong deterrent to abstinence.
Implementing point of care “e-referrals” in 137 clinics to increase access to a quit smoking internet system: the Quit-Primo and National Dental PBRN HI-QUIT Studies

Integrating electronic referral systems into clinical practices may increase use of web-accessible tobacco interventions. We report on our feasibility evaluation of using theory-driven implementation science techniques to translate an e-referral system (ReferASmoker.org) into the workflow of 137 community-based medical and dental practices, including system use, patient registration, implementation costs, and lessons learned. After 6 months, 2,376 smokers were e-referred (medical, 1,625; dental, 751). Eighty-six percent of the medical practices [75/87, mean referral = 18.7 (SD = 17.9), range 0–105] and dental practices [43/50, mean referral = 15.0 (SD = 10.5), range 0–38] had e-referred. Of those smokers e-referred, 25.3 registered [mean smoker registration rate—medical 4.9 (SD = 7.6, range 0–59), dental 3.6 (SD = 3.0, range 0–10)]. Estimated mean implementation costs are medical practices, US$429.00 (SD = 85.3); and dental practices, US$238.75 (SD = 13.6). High performing practices reported specific strategies to integrate ReferASmoker.org; low performers reported lack of smokers and patient disinterest in the study. Thus, a majority of practices e-referred and 25.3 % of referred smokers registered demonstrating e-referral feasibility. However, further examination of the identified implementation barriers is important as of the estimated 90,000 to 140,000 smokers seen in the 87 medical practices in 6 months, only 1,625 were e-referred.
THE RELATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOME COMMON GRADUATED POINT SYMBOLS IN THE PRESENTATION OF QUANTITATIVE DATA

Circles with their areas varying in direct proportion to quantities represented are a common form of graduated point symbols. When so used, unfortunately, the average map reader perceives a smaller quantitative difference than intended because circle size differences are usually underestimated. An apparent size scale developed empirically fifteen years ago is claimed to eliminate the problem of consistent underestimation. More recent investigations by psychologists and cartographers support the apparent size scale. Bars communicate quantitative variation effectively when graduated in the traditional manner on a linear basis, but wedges require an apparent size scale and even then are less accurately judged. Les cercles dont la surface varie en proportion directe de la quantite a representer constituent une forme habituelle de symbole quantitatif. Leur utilisation a cette fin, malheureusement, a pour resultat que le lecteur de la carte percoit souvent une difference quantitative moindre que celle que l'on ...
Pulse relaxation amplifier ¿ A low-level D-C magnetic amplifier

DEMAND for stable amplifiers to work at extremely low signal levels has attracted the attention of all who design and build amplifiers. The pulse relaxation amplifier (pra) is an outgrowth of this demand. It is essentially a magnetic amplifier requiring no rectifiers and operating from a pulse power supply. Preliminary tests indicate a zero drift level of less than 10?16 watt over a temperature range from ?70 to 140 degrees centigrade. This is compared to 10?8 watt attainable with conventional amplistats (self-saturating magnetic amplifiers). They are temperature-limited primarily because of their rectifiers. The two greatest sources of drift in amplistats, variation in rectifier and magnetic-core characteristics, have been eliminated in the pra.
On the Wrong Track: How Tracking is Associated with Dropping Out of High School

Academic tracking has been shown to limit the quality of student instructional opportunities, decrease students’ perceptions of their abilities, and negatively influence student achievement. These factors associated with academic tracking also may influence students in lower tracks to learn less and ultimately to drop out of high school. Few studies, however, have investigated academic tracking as a collective school-level phenomenon and an individual student-level predictor of school dropout. To date, no study has examined this issue using a nationally representative sample. In this study, multilevel analytic models of the first two waves of the Educational Longitudinal Study (ELS) of 2002 indicate that, while controlling for student- and school-level differences, students in the lower academic tracks are roughly 60% more likely to drop out of high school. Academic tracking appears to disadvantage students who are Latinos, have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), or have lower socioeconomic background...