cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Characterization of Escherichia coli Type 1 Pilus Adhesin Mutants and Identification of a Novel Binding Phenotype

Five Escherichia coli type 1 pilus mutants that had point mutations in fimH, the gene encoding the type 1 pilus adhesin FimH, were characterized. FimH is a minor component of type 1 pili that is required for the pili to bind and agglutinate guinea pig erythrocytes in a mannose-inhibitable manner. Point mutations were located by DNA sequencing and deletion mapping. All mutations mapped within the signal sequence or in the first 28% of the predicted mature protein. All mutations were missense mutations except for one, a frameshift lesion that was predicted to cause the loss of approximately 60% of the mature FimH protein. Bacterial agglutination tests with polyclonal antiserum raised to a LacZ-FimH fusion protein failed to confirm that parental amounts of FimH cross-reacting material were expressed in four of the five mutants. The remaining mutant, a temperature-sensitive (ts) fimH mutant that agglutinated guinea pig erythrocytes after growth at 31°C but not at 42°C, reacted with antiserum at both temperatures in a manner similar to the parent. Consequently, this mutant was chosen for further study. Temperature shift experiments revealed that new FimH biosynthesis was required for the phenotypic change. Guinea pig erythrocyte and mouse macrophage binding experiments using the ts mutant grown at the restrictive and permissive temperatures revealed that whereas erythrocyte binding was reduced to a level comparable to that of afimH insertion mutant at the restrictive temperature, mouse peritoneal macrophages were bound with parental efficiency at both the permissive and restrictive temperatures. Also, macrophage binding by the ts mutant was insensitive to mannose inhibition after growth at 42°C but sensitive after growth at 31°C. The ts mutant thus binds macrophages with one receptor specificity at 31°C and another at 42°C.
Teaching and Assessing a Data Warehouse Design Course

This paper describes a course in data warehouse design that includes conceptual, logical, and physical design research. The instructional modes and assessment techniques are described and illustrated. The scope of the course is given via a discussion of the course bibliography; the bibliography includes a workshop report, "Data Warehousing at the Crossroads," created at a week-long international meeting by 18 co-authors. The paper concludes with discussion of a data warehouse conceptual modeling and schema evolution software tool that can be used to supplement the course materials. The tool is part of a larger research effort and we anticipate that it will have educational value for building student intuition and visualising the effects of schema changes.
Solid‐state polymerization vis‐à‐vis fiber formation of step‐growth polymers. I. Results from a study of nylon 66

This study is directed toward synergistic integration of processing of nylon 66 fibers with solid-state polymerization. The following two goals are sought through the incorporation of solid-state polymerization after the initial shaping operation: eliminating some of the processing problems in the production of high molecular weight, high performance industrial fibers and attainment of improved mechanical properties via high molecular weight. Successful solid-state polymerization has been achieved with as-spun fibers of nylon 66 and molecular weights up to 280,000 g/mol have been obtained from a starting molecular weight of 40,000 g/mol. It is shown that much of the ductility of the starting fiber can be retained, or even enhanced, with solid-state polymerization. Simulated drawing experiments using a thermal deformation analysis technique show an increase in the drawing potential of the solid-state polymerized fiber as compared to the starting material. This has important implications regarding the ultimate properties that can be achieved in fibers of condensation polymers. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Design and implementation of an optical interconnect demonstrator with board-integrated waveguides and microlens coupling

We discuss some of the trade-offs that we are facing when choosing design parameters for future optical backplane interconnects. We present some of our current choices, along with experimental module- and system-level results.
Near-infrared optical mammography with broadband spectral imaging for spatially resolved oximetry

We report the development of an instrument for diffuse spectral imaging of the human breast operating over the wavelength range 650-900 nm. This instrument images the slightly compressed human breast in a planar geometry by performing a tandem scan, over the x-y plane, of a 3 mm illumination optical fiber and a 5 mm collection optical fiber that are collinear and located on opposite sides of the breast. An edge-correction algorithm accounts for breast thickness variability over the x-y plane, a second-derivative imaging algorithm enhances the display of optical inhomogeneities, and a paired-wavelength spectral method yields oxygenation maps. We report our results of oxygenation mapping in eighteen human subjects, two of which are breast cancer patients, one with a ductal carcinoma in situ , the other with an invasive ductal carcinoma.
Basis: setting the scientist free

Basis is a program development system for scientific programs. The Basis system includes two major components, a program development system and a runtime package. The runtime package provides the Basis language interpreter, through which the user does input, output, and plotting, and controls the program's subroutines and functions. Variables in the scientific packages are known to this interpreter, so that the user may arbitrarily print, plot, and calculate with any major program variables. Also provided are facilities for dynamic memory management, terminal logs, error recovery, text-file I/O, and the attachment of non-Basis-developed packages. A Basis program consists of the runtime system with zero or more independently developed packages attached. A configuration program controls which packages are loaded together to make the program. Thus, different portions of the program can be developed separately, and packages can be reused from one program to another. >
The Effect of Light Therapy on Superficial Radial Nerve Conduction Using a Clustered Array of Infrared Super luminous Diodes and Red Light Emitting Diodes.

Introduction: Lasers, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and super luminous diodes (SLDs) are widely used to treat selected musculoskeletal, integumentary and neurological conditions.The mechanisms underlying the reported treatment effects of light therapy are unclear and the physiologic effect of light on a variety of tissues, particularly neurological, is mostly unknown. A few researchers have reported on the effects of lasers and to a lesser extent infrared LEDs on nerve conduction in superficial nerves, but there is little evidence of the effects of SLDs and red LEDs on conduction parameters of peripheral nerves. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a light therapy generated by cluste rprobe containing an array of infrared super luminous and red light emitting diodes on superficial radial nerve conduction. Methods: This was a single blind, randomized controlled trial conducted in an academic clinical laboratory. Thirty-two healthy participants (mean age = 25 years) were randomized to a treatment group or a placebo group. The treatment group received light irradiation through the application of a cluster probe containing 32 infrared (880nm) SLDs and 4 red (660nm) LEDs for 30 seconds at a dose of 6 J/cm2 to each of the two 5 cm2 segments of skin overlying the superficial radial nerve. The placebo group received identical set-up without the application of light irradiation. Negative peak latency (NPL) and conduction velocity (NCV) for the superficial radial nerve were measured before treatment and for 10-minutes following treatment at 2-minute intervals. Skin temperature was monitored throughout. Results: No significant differences between groups and over time for NPL, NCV, or temperature difference scores were identified. However, a significant increase in skin temperature was measured over time at each time point compared to baseline. Conclusion: Light irradiation using a cluster probe containing infrared super luminous and red light emitting diodes does not impact the neurophysiological properties of the superficial radial nerve.
Disabilities and cognition in children and adolescents with 22q11 deletion syndrome

The purpose of this study was to investigate cognitive and other disabilities in children and adolescents with 22q11 deletion syndrome. Thirty-three children (15 females, 18 males; age range 3 to 19y, median 7y 6mo) with 22q11 deletion were investigated for growth, development, neurology, cognition, motor function, and participation (measured as handicap**). Half of the children had never crawled, although they had shuffled, and commencement of walking was delayed (mean 18mo, SD 6mo). Hypotonia was found in 25 and poor balance in 24 of the 33 children; 17 out of 27 had definite motor problems, including two with spastic hemiplegia. Intelligence quotient (IQ) range was 50 to 100. Eleven patients had an IQ below 70, and 15 between 70 and 84. Verbal IQ was higher than Performance IQ. Level of handicap within the study group was considered moderate, and all but one child had extra support at school. We conclude that children with 22q11 deletion syndrome have multiple neurological, motor, and cognitive problems. Although the severity and number of problems varies, the combination of impairments and disabilities results in a low level of participation.
Dose ranging study on the effect of preoperative dexamethasone on postoperative quality of recovery and opioid consumption after ambulatory gynaecological surgery

Background Glucocorticoids are commonly administered before ambulatory surgery, although their effects on quality of recovery are not well characterized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of dexamethasone on patient recovery using the Quality of Recovery 40 questionnaire (QoR-40) after ambulatory surgery. Methods This prospective, double-blind trial studied 106 female subjects undergoing outpatient gynaecological laparoscopy. Subjects were randomized to receive saline, dexamethasone 0.05 mg kg−1 or dexamethasone 0.1 mg kg−1 before induction. The primary outcome was global QoR-40 at 24 h. Postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, side-effects, and discharge time were also evaluated. Results Global median (IQR) QoR-40 after dexamethasone 0.1 mg kg−1 193 (192–195) was greater than dexamethasone 0.05 mg kg−1 179 (175–185) (P=0.004) or saline, 171 (160–182) (P Conclusions Dexamethasone demonstrated dose-dependent effects on quality of recovery. Dexamethasone 0.1 mg kg−1 reduced opioid consumption compared with dexamethasone 0.05 mg kg−1, which may be beneficial for improving recovery after ambulatory gynaecological surgery.
HMO consolidations: how national mergers affect local markets

ABSTRACT: The health maintenance organization (HMO) industry has undergone a wave of national consolidations in recent years. The most notable among these were between United HealthCare and MetraHe...
The Transcriptional Specificity of NF-κB Dimers Is Coded within the κB DNA Response Elements

Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) regulates gene expression by binding to specific DNA elements, known collectively as κB sites, that are contained within the promoters/enhancers of target genes. We found that the identity of the central base pair (bp) of κB sites profoundly affects the transcriptional activity of NF-κB dimers. RelA dimers prefer an A/T bp at this position for optimal transcriptional activation (A/T-centric) and discriminate against G/C-centric κB sites. The p52 homodimer, in contrast, activates transcription from G/C-centric κB sites in complex with Bcl3 but represses transcription from the A/T-centric sites. The p52:Bcl3 complex binds to these two classes of κB sites in distinct modes, permitting the recruitment of coactivator, corepressor, or both coactivator and corepressor complexes in promoters that contain G/C-, A/T-, or both G/C- and A/T-centric sites. Therefore, through sensing of bp differences within κB sites, NF-κB dimers modulate biological programs by activating, repressing, and altering the expression of effector genes.
The Sorption of Synthetic Surface-Active Compounds by Textile Fibers:

Data are given relating to the sorption of a variety of surface-active compounds from aqueous solution by cotton, viscose rayon, acetate rayon, nylon, and wool fibers. In general, cationic compounds were found to be sorbed to the greatest extent and nonionic compounds the least, the anionic compounds occupying an intermediate position. The addition of sodium sulfate to solutions of sodium alkyl sulfates resulted in an increase in the sorption of the latter compounds in every case. The sorption of nonionic di-isobutyl cresol-ethylene oxide compounds was found to decrease slightly with increasing length of the polyethylene oxide chain over the range studied. Sorption is attributed primarily to the hydrophilic-hydrophobic nature of the surface- active molecules or ions, micelles taking little part in the sorption process, although there is some evidence that positively charged micelles of cationic compounds are sorbed to a slight extent. The degree of sorption may also be influenced by superimposed effects o...
The problem of confounding in two-factor experiments

The problem of confounding in an axb experinent is studied without indexing the set of levels of each factor a prior by an algebraic object. General arithmetic restrictions on a and b are derived, leading to a geometric reformulation of the problem when a or b is prime. This reformulation reduces to the problem of the existence of a generalized Hadamard matrix of specified order.
Stress Proteins in Mammalian Hibernation

Many organisms whose body temperatures (Tb) vary when they are exposed to a wide range of environmental temperatures exhibit differential expression of stress (heat shock) proteins, presumably to minimize protein damage during thermal stress. In contrast, we know relatively little about natural variation in stress proteins in homeotherms ( i.e. , birds and mammals), perhaps due to the relatively constant Tb that is the hallmark of this vertebrate group. The significant changes in Tb and metabolism characteristic of mammalian hibernators suggest they could provide insight into the ecological relevance of stress proteins in mammals. Here we examined differential expression of stress proteins in several tissues of active and torpid 13-lined ground squirrels. There were few significant differences in expression of inducible Hsp70 protein in liver, kidney, heart, intestine, and skeletal muscle between active and torpid squirrels, and neither fasting in active squirrels nor torpor bout length in hibernators significantly altered Hsp70 abundance in these tissues. However, Hsp70 protein was lower in brown adipose tissue (BAT) of torpid compared with active squirrels. In contrast, abundance of GRP75, the mitochondria] form of Hsp70, was greater in liver, skeletal muscle and intestine of torpid compared with active squirrels, with the greatest change in intestine. Because GRP75 has been shown to be induced by non-thermal stressors including glucose deprivation and oxidative stress, these results suggest that the ecological significance of stress proteins for hibernators may be more closely associated with the metabolic demands of heterothermy rather than thermal stress per se .
Dabigatran–dronedarone interaction in a spontaneous reporting system

Abstract Objectives To investigate the risk of bleeding events associated with concurrent administration of dabigatran–dronedarone compared with dabigatran standalone therapy using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database and to identify the characteristics of patients with bleeding events associated with concurrent use of dabigatran and dronedarone. Design Retrospective data mining analysis. Setting United States, from the dabigatran approval date (October 19, 2010) through the fourth quarter of 2011. Patients Cases from FAERS with bleeding events (combined in a single term based on adverse event reports such as hemorrhage and rectal hemorrhage) as the adverse event. Intervention Cases listing concomitant use of the terms Pradaxa , dabigatran , or dabigatran etexilate with Multaq or dronedarone as the suspect drug from FAERS and cases listing dabigatran and dronedarone as standalone therapies were extracted for analysis. Main outcome measure Risk of bleeding among those using dabigatran–dronedarone concomitantly compared with those using dabigatran standalone therapy. Results 108 dabigatran–dronedarone interaction reports and 14,913 reports concerning bleeding events were extracted from FAERS. Of 108 dabigatran–dronedarone interaction cases, 51 were associated with bleeding events. The odds ratio (OR) for risk of bleeding in patients using dabigatran and dronedarone concomitantly compared with those using neither of the suspect drugs was 13.80 (95% CI 9.45–20.14). The OR for risk of bleeding in patients using only dabigatran compared with those using neither of the suspect drugs was 16.06 (15.00–17.19). Conclusion The likelihood of reporting bleeding events to FAERS among patients using dabigatran only was similar to that among patients using dabigatran and dronedarone concomitantly.
Fabrics for testing the ignition propensity of cigarettes

This paper reports an analysis of data from a study conducted by the cigarette industry to determine whether the fabrics used in a measurement method for cigarette ignition propensity reasonably represent the ignition behaviour of actual upholstery fabrics. A ‘consistency score’ is defined to evaluate objectively the relative agreement of ignition test results on various test fabrics compared with the cotton duck fabrics used in the measurement method. Particular attention is paid to those cases where the cigarettes show statistically significant di⁄erences by the chi-squared test. This analysis finds that the aggregated set of 79 industry fabrics ranks the four test cigarettes in the same order as do the three cotton duck fabrics in the measurement method. Thus, to the extent that the industry set is representative of those fabrics used in upholstery, it would be proper to use the three test fabrics as surrogates for the purpose of determining the relative ignition propensity of a cigarette. The analysis does identify six to ten fabrics that would be expected to show persistent reversals compared to the aggregate ordering; however, three-fourths of the fabrics rank the cigarettes consistently with the cotton duck fabrics. ( 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonverbal Expressions of Status and System Legitimacy An Interactive Influence on Race Bias

A voluminous literature has examined how primates respond to nonverbal expressions of status, such as taking the high ground, expanding one's posture, and tilting one's head. We extend this research to human intergroup processes in general and interracial processes in particular. Perceivers may be sensitive to whether racial group status is reflected in group members' nonverbal expressions of status. We hypothesized that people who support the current status hierarchy would prefer racial groups whose members exhibit status-appropriate nonverbal behavior over racial groups whose members do not exhibit such behavior. People who reject the status quo should exhibit the opposite pattern. These hypotheses were supported in three studies using self-report (Study 1) and reaction time (Studies 2 and 3) measures of racial bias and two different status cues (vertical position and head tilt). For perceivers who supported the status quo, high-status cues (in comparison with low-status cues) increased preferences for White people over Black people. For perceivers who rejected the status quo, the opposite pattern was observed.
Explaining How Survivors Respond to Downsizing: The Roles of Trust, Empowerment, Justice, and Work Redesign

In this article we develop a stress-based framework of survivors' responses to downsizing. First, we synthesize prior research findings into a typology of survivor responses delineated by two underlying dimensions: constructive/destructive and active/passive. Drawing on Lazarus's theory of stress, we then posit that how survivors appraise the downsizing will shape their responses to it. We argue that trust and justice influence primary appraisal and facilitate more constructive responses because they reduce the extent to which organizational downsizing is evaluated as a threat. Likewise, we argue that empowerment and work redesign influence secondary appraisal and facilitate more active responses because they enhance survivors' assessments of their capacity to cope with the threat. Finally, we discuss contributions of the framework and implications for research and practice.
Can K-12 Math Teachers Train Students to Make Valid Logical Reasoning?

Valid logic is the mortar that binds all building blocks of critical thinking and analytical thinking. It is the common factor and foundation of three 21st century cognitive skills—critical thinking, analytical thinking and problem solving. According to the Common Core Standards of K-12 mathematics in the United States, proposition and basic first order predicate logic is embedded as a small topic in geometry courses. However, its applications crosscut almost all topics in STEAM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) subjects. We inspected how logic is expected to be taught according to the USA K-12 Common Core State Standards and compared with the Singapore curriculum. We found that the difference is not about what should be taught, but how it is taught. The question of this chapter is: How can our K-12 teachers effectively teach logic lessons so that our students can use basic logic to connect concepts and recognize typical logical fallacies? We argued that the answer to that question affects the 21st century skills of the workforce. We hope that our analysis may shed light on the difficult problem in reforming math education and promoting 21st century skills in the workforce.
Pregnancy in a Patient With Primary Membranous Nephropathy and Circulating Anti-PLA2R Antibodies: A Case Report

There is little information about pregnancy outcomes in patients with active membranous nephropathy (MN), especially those with circulating autoantibodies to M-type phospholipase A₂receptor (PLA₂R), the major autoantigen in primary MN. We present what we believe to be the first known case of successful pregnancy in a 39-year-old woman with PLA₂R-associated MN. In the year prior to pregnancy, the patient developed anasarca, hypoalbuminemia (albumin, 1.3-2.2g/dL), and proteinuria (protein excretion, 29.2 g/d). Kidney biopsy revealed MN with staining for PLA₂R, and the patient was seropositive for anti-PLA₂R autoantibodies. She did not respond to conservative therapy and was treated with intravenous rituximab (2 doses of 1 g each). Several weeks after presentation, she was found to be 6 weeks pregnant and was closely followed up without further immunosuppressive treatment. Proteinuria remained with protein excretion in the 8- to 12-g/d range. Circulating anti-PLA₂R levels declined but were still detectable. At 38 weeks, a healthy baby girl was born, without proteinuria at birth or at her subsequent 6-month postnatal visit. At the time of delivery, the mother still had detectable circulating anti-PLA₂R of immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), IgG3, and IgG4 subclasses, although at low titers. Only trace amounts of IgG4 anti-PLA₂R were found in cord blood. Potential reasons for the discrepancy between anti-PLA₂R levels in the maternal and fetal circulation are discussed.
Public Perceptions of NASA's Research and Reactions to the Climate.Nasa.Gov Website

This report contains results from a nationally representative survey of American adults conducted in April and May 2012. The survey examined public beliefs about federal agencies that are engaged in climate change research, and assessed which agencies the public looks to for answers to their questions on the issue. Furthermore, participants visited NASA’s climate change website.
Fully Printed Halide Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes with Silver Nanowire Electrodes

Printed organometal halide perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are reported that have indium tin oxide (ITO) or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the transparent anode, a printed composite film consisting of methylammonium lead tribromide (Br-Pero) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as the emissive layer, and printed silver nanowires as the cathode. The fabrication can be carried out in ambient air without humidity control. The devices on ITO/glass have a low turn-on voltage of 2.6 V, a maximum luminance intensity of 21014 cd m(-2), and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 1.1%, surpassing previous reported perovskite LEDs. The devices on CNTs/polymer were able to be strained to 5 mm radius of curvature without affecting device properties.
Phylogenetic Relationships Of Certain Races Of Euoenothera From Mexico And Guatemala

Oenothera has long enjoyed biological fame for its unconventional cytogenetic behavior.2 In recent years these cytogenetic peculiarities have been effectively utilized in determining phylogenetic relationships in the North American section of the subgenus Euoenothera (Cleland, 1935, 1937, 1940, 1949). The present paper is a report of similar phylogenetic studies on races of Euoenothera from Central America and Mexico. These races, like the California forms, lack cytogenetic specialization. Although similar to the California races phenotypically, they differ sufficiently to be assigned to a distinct species by Munz (1949). The question therefore arises as to whether this group is to be considered closer to the ancestral line of the North American euoenotheras or whether the California group is more primitive. A cytogenetic analysis of the races from Mexico and Guatemala should throw light upon this problem. The material from Guatemala was studied for another reason also. It has hitherto been difficult to obtain crosses between the North American euoenotheras and the South American forms. It was hoped that races from Central America might cross readily with both North and South 'American races and hence serve as bridging forms, which would make it possible to bring all of the euoenotheras into
Electrochemical Model for Iron Artifacts Corrosion in Seawater

Electrochemical model is proposed to describe the porous corrosion product of rusted iron artifacts in seawater.Electrochemical reactions occur inside the pores of the layer.The anodic surface corresponds to the end of the pores and the cathodic reaction occurs at the end of the micropores along the wall of the pores.The model is useful to study the relationship between characteristics of EIS and the porous rust layer.
What's Law Got to Do with It?: An Essay About the Balance of Power in Corporate Governance Between Officers, Directors, and Shareholders

Professor Robert Thompson recently wrote a compelling article visualizing corporate governance as a shared three-way balancing act between management, directors, and shareholders. While most corporate disputes play out between shareholders and directors, the interests of operating managers may also conflict with the agenda of the board of directors. In the end, however, legal disputes between management and the board are not significant because the board has the power to remove management. Because the legal regime is so clear and so clearly in favor of the directors, Prof. Thompson theorizes that management will utilize extra-legal or non-judicial channels to address concerns about director actions. This Article explores that theory in the context of the celebrated 2014 showdown of the Market Basket supermarket company’s management team against the company’s shareholders and board of directors in a dispute over who should serve as chief executive officer. In the end, the management team used the power of corporate culture and brand management to create a poison pill which allowed them to retain operating control despite a legal regime that should have given control to the board and directors and the majority shareholders.
4. Mixed Hilbert and Siegel Modular Forms

4.1 Mixed Hilbert Modular Forms 4.2 Families of Abelian Varieties over Hilbert Modular Varieties 4.3 Mixed Siegel Modular Forms 4.4 Fourier Coefficients of Siegel Modular Forms
Combined thermionic and field emission reverse current for ideal graphene/n‐Si Schottky contacts in a modified Landauer formalism

Fundamental understanding of carrier transport is needed for current graphene-based devices (e.g. graphene based Schottky diodes, FET geometries, solar cells) involving single layer graphene grown directly over n- or p- type semiconductors. In an intimate (ideal) G/n-Si junction under reverse bias, carriers may (a) tunnel through the junction and/or (b) thermionically overcome the junction barrier. Tunneling occurring at the junction is in essence thermionic field emission of carriers with energy levels below the junction barrier, with a less-than-one tunneling probability; thermal escape may occur as long as carriers have sufficient energy to overcome the barrier at the interface. The total current is expected to be the sum of two current components, thermionic emission (TE) and thermionic field emission (TFE), respectively, representing carriers surmounting and tunneling through the barrier, in the form I = ITE + ITFE, and is strongly dependent on temperature and doping. Specifically, we derive explicit results for both currents within the general Schottky diode current-voltage characteristic: I = Io (eqV/kT–1). The combined current prefactor includes strong dependencies on (a) temperature as T3/2 and T5/2 for TE and TFE components, respectively, (b) junction barrier qΦB, (c) graphene layer thickness δ and (d) different Richardson constants for both components. (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Thermal Studies on the Combustion Process of Treated and Untreated Cellulose

The degradation of cellulose and cellulose samples impregnated with certain salts has been investigated by thermal analysis techniques. The behavior is air and in nitrogen is noted, for both the treated and untreated samples. A comparison is made between the samples using the {alpha}{sub t}-{alpha}{sub s} plot, which can be used as a tool to examine the solid state reactivities of the materials being compared. The method relies on the calculation of the mass loss data from the thermogravimetry unit being converted into {alpha}, the fraction decomposed. This indicated the reactivity of the treated samples to be greater than that for {alpha}-cellulose in nitrogen. In air, the sample treated with ammonium phosphate appeared less reactive than {alpha}-cellulose.
New Therapies for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Despite the excellent clinical results with imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia, most patients have minimal residual disease and others will develop resistance and may eventually progress. Thus there is a need for developing approaches to overcome and prevent resistance to imatinib. The “second generation” of more potent tyrosine kinase inhibitors have shown significant activity in the laboratory and in the clinic. However, there is considerable interest in developing agents that may act on different pathways that could either be combined with these inhibitors to better overcome and eventually prevent the development of resistance, to deal with mechanisms of resistance common to all inhibitors, or to deal with the problem of residual disease, that could be mediated by a stem cell insensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. To this effect, many agents have been developed and have already entered the clinical arena, such as hypomethylating agents, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, and homoharringtonine, with promising preclinical and clinical results. Others may have been tested only at a preclinical level but have shown important activity. In addition, the use of immune modulation, for example, in the form of “vaccines,” is evolving as a major strategy to achieve eradication of minimal residual disease. This chapter will discuss some of the different agents currently under development, with particular attention to those already in clinical trials. The challenge for the future is to incorporate them into effective strategies that can eliminate the disease and cure all patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
Assessment of the Focused Practice Improvement Module Pilot Program of the American Board of Dermatology for Meeting Requirements of Maintenance of Certification.

This study assesses an online activity for practice assessment and its ability to help dermatologists and dermatopathologists meet maintenance of certification requirements.
Life Cycle Assessment of Aerogel Manufacture on Small and Large Scales: Weighing the Use of Advanced Materials in Oil Spill Remediation

Recent studies demonstrated that advanced aerogel composites (Aspen Aerogels® Spaceloft® [SL]) have the potential to transform oil remediation via high oil uptake capacity and selectivity, excellent reusability, and high mechanical strength. Understanding the life cycle environmental impacts of advanced aerogels can enable a more holistic decision‐making process when considering oil recovery technologies following a spill. Here, we perform a cradle‐to‐grave streamlined life cycle assessment (LCA) following International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14040 2006 for SL weighed against the conventional oil sorbent material, polyurethane foam. The model included alternative use and disposal scenarios, such as single or multiple uses, and landfill, incinerator, and waste‐to‐energy (WTE) approaches for cleaning 1 cubic meter (m3) of light crude oil. Results showed that the ideal case for SL application was comprised of multiple use and WTE incineration (68% reduction in material use, approximately 7 × 103 megajoules [MJ] of energy recovery from WTE), but SL offered energy and materials savings even when used once and disposed of via traditional means (i.e., landfill). In addition to evaluating these already‐scaled processes, we performed an anticipatory LCA for the laboratory‐scaled aerogel fabrication process that might inform the sustainable design of next‐generation aerogels. In particular, the model compared rapid supercritical extraction (RSCE) with two conventional supercritical extraction methods—alcohol and carbon dioxide supercritical extraction (ASCE and CSCE, respectively)—for silica aerogel monoliths. Our results showed that RSCE yielded a cumulative energy savings of more than 76 × 103 and 100 × 103 MJ for 1 m3 of monolithic silica aerogel manufacturing compared to ASCE and CSCE, respectively.
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Preferences, Past Behavior, and Future Intentions

Screening rates for colorectal cancer are below the Healthy People 2020 goal. There are several colorectal cancer screening tests that differ in terms of accuracy, recommended frequency, and administration. In this article, we compare how a set of personal characteristics correlates with preferences for colorectal cancer screening test attributes, past colorectal cancer screening behavior, and future colorectal cancer screening intentions. We conducted a discrete-choice experiment survey to assess relative preferences for attributes of colorectal cancer screening tests among adults aged 50–75 years in USA. We used a latent class logit model to identify classes of preferences and calculated willingness to pay for changes in test attributes. A set of personal characteristics were included in the latent class analysis and analyses of self-reported past screening behavior and self-assessed likelihood of future colorectal cancer screening. Latent class analysis identified three types of respondents. Class 1 valued test accuracy, class 2 valued removing polyps and avoiding discomfort, and class 3 valued cost. Having had a prior colonoscopy and a higher income were predictors of the likelihood of future screening and membership in classes 1 and 2. Health insurance and a self-reported higher risk of developing colorectal cancer were associated with prior screening and higher future screening intentions, but not class membership. We identified distinct classes of preferences focusing on different test features and personal characteristics associated with reported behavior and intentions. Healthcare providers should engage in a careful assessment of patient preferences when recommending colorectal cancer test options to encourage colorectal cancer screening uptake.
Functional Imaging Predictors of Response to Chemoradiation

Early prediction of response to chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer has the potential to minimize surgical intervention in patients with complete response, while allowing non-responding patients to explore more aggressive treatments. Functional imaging detection of tumoral microstructural and metabolic changes presents a valuable tool for preoperative chemoradiation response assessment. Diffusion-weighted MRI has increasingly been incorporated into study protocols, with the apparent diffusion coefficient largely found to be the most robust global predictor of neoadjuvant therapy response. However, no definitive predictive biomarkers have been identified, with inconsistent results across all imaging modalities. We evaluated the pros and cons of PET/CT imaging; perfusion imaging; and diffusion-weighted, dynamic contrast-enhanced, multiparametric, and low-field functional MRI in the early prediction of response to chemoradiotherapy. Future directions of study include combinatorial imaging with both MRI and PET/CT modalities and further investigation of on-board low-field MRI imaging during radiotherapy treatment delivery.
Foreword: The Institution as False Horizon

Foreward to the inaugural issue of Workplace: I promise you that the writers of Workplace will persuade you that being an activist is in your very own personal and very own short-term best interest.
Contracting for outpatient mental health services: effects on services use, quality, and costs.

BACKGROUND During the fiscal year 2004-2005, the County of San Diego engaged in a contracting process whereby non-profit mental health (MH) providers were allowed to bid on the outpatient services provided by five County owned and operated mental health clinics. As a result of this process, the services of two outpatient clinics were contracted to non-profit providers; three clinics remained operated by the County, although existing as reengineered organizations under revised budgets. This study describes changes in service utilization and costs among five outpatient MH programs involved in the contracting process. METHODS Analyses were performed at the person level, using generalized linear models embedded in a quasi-experimental difference-in-difference design. Twelve non-profit providers not participating in the contracting process served as a comparison group. Service utilization data was obtained from an encounter-based management information system; cost data were determined from a detailed examination of cost reports. Service hours, costs, and the probability of inpatient or emergency service admission were compared pre and post contracting. Multivariate models were used to adjust for a number of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics expected to affect service use. RESULTS Difference-in-difference estimates showed a 10% increase in outpatient mental health service hours and a 31% decline in outpatient service costs among the five clinics participating in the contracting process, in comparison to clients in twelve non- contracting clinics. Use of inpatient / emergency MH services increased among clients who intermittently used services. DISCUSSION Contracting for outpatient mental health services achieved a primary objective, reducing outpatient costs by 31%. There was some indication of reduction in service quality among contracting clinics, as evidenced by an increase in the probability of using inpatient / emergency services. Staff reductions may have led to longer wait times and fewer walk-in appointments; clients with immediate needs may have discovered easier access to care in the emergency psychiatric unit. Limitations of this study include a lack of detailed information on illness severity and outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVISION AND USE The explicit consideration of quality measurement coupled with structured evaluation of implemented programs may inform the adoption of the most cost-effective programs.
Systemic Treatments for Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer is rare but represents the most aggressive and lethal form of locally advanced breast cancer. The management of inflammatory breast cancer has evolved substantially over the last 40 years; current multimodality therapy regimens combine chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. While identification of the optimal combination of these traditional therapies remains a goal, novel targeted therapies that have recently become available promise improved responses and survival. In this review, we discuss some recent developments in the use of systemic therapies for inflammatory breast cancer.
Gestational Weight Gain and Health Outcomes 18 Years Later in Urban Black Women

Objectives Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) later in life. Increased BMI is associated with health problems, but there is limited evidence linking GWG directly to later health in black women. We examined the association between GWG and health conditions 18 years after a first birth.
RNA-binding proteins and heat-shock protein 90 are constituents of the cytoplasmic capping enzyme interactome

The N7-methylguanosine cap is added in the nucleus early in gene transcription and is a defining feature of eukaryotic mRNAs. Mammalian cells also possess cytoplasmic machinery for restoring the cap at uncapped or partially degraded RNA 5′ ends. Central to both pathways is capping enzyme (CE) (RNA guanylyltransferase and 5′-phosphatase (RNGTT)), a bifunctional, nuclear and cytoplasmic enzyme. CE is recruited to the cytoplasmic capping complex by binding of a C-terminal proline-rich sequence to the third Src homology 3 (SH3) domain of NCK adapter protein 1 (NCK1). To gain broader insight into the cellular context of cytoplasmic recapping, here we identified the protein interactome of cytoplasmic CE in human U2OS cells through two complementary approaches: chemical cross-linking and recovery with cytoplasmic CE and protein screening with proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID). This strategy unexpectedly identified 66 proteins, 52 of which are RNA-binding proteins. We found that CE interacts with several of these proteins independently of RNA, mediated by sequences within its N-terminal triphosphatase domain, and we present a model describing how CE-binding proteins may function in defining recapping targets. This analysis also revealed that CE is a client protein of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Nuclear and cytoplasmic CEs were exquisitely sensitive to inhibition of HSP90, with both forms declining significantly following treatment with each of several HSP90 inhibitors. Importantly, steady-state levels of capped mRNAs decreased in cells treated with the HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin, raising the possibility that the cytotoxic effect of these drugs may partially be due to a general reduction in translatable mRNAs.
International Alumni Affairs and an Emerging Trans-National Public Service Landscape.

International alumni affairs is a relatively new addition to the landscape of higher education, particularly outside the elite sphere of the Ivy League and Oxbridge. These privileged institutions h...
Six-minute walk, lung clearance index, and QOL in bronchiolitis obliterans and cystic fibrosis.

Introduction The 6-min walk test (6MWT) predicts outcome in pulmonary hypertension. Recently, its use was reported in both cystic fibrosis (CF) and bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). While the 6MWT is a simple, non-invasive and inexpensive tool, lung clearance index (LCI) measurement requires expensive equipment and expertise. We aimed to evaluate 6MWT in BO and CF, and to compare to MBW (multiple breath washout), pulmonary function tests and quality of life (QOL). Methods A prospective single center study assessing 6MWT, MBW, spirometry, whole-body plethysmography and QOL (SF-36 questionnaire) in BO and CF patients and correlations between them. Results Thirty-three BO patients and 37 CF patients. LCI was significantly higher in BO (12.4 ± 4.2 vs 10.5 ± 3.4, P = 0.044) while FEF 25-75% was significantly lower in BO (43.9 ± 24.4 vs 60.8 ± 30.8, P = 0.014). 6MWD was 474.8 ± 76.3 in BO and 506.6 ± 70 in CF (P > 0.05). There was no correlation between 6MWD and LCI in these small study groups There were few correlation between spirometry prameters and 6MWD. In CF, SF-36 scores correlated with pulmonary functions. Conclusions The 6MWT is an easy-to-perform test that may be helpful in chronic lung diseases in regions with limited resources. However,with the current limited data, 6MWT cannot replace LCI or spirometry as a marker of disease progression. Is is suggested that, together with QOL, the 6MWT may provide a global estimation of the physiological and general well-being of these patients. Further larger multi-center studies are warranted to evaluate the correlations of 6MWT with pulmonary physiology parameters in various chronic diseases.
Alcohol Abstainer Status and Prazosin Treatment in Association with Changes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Veterans with Comorbid Alcohol Use Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Background The noradrenergic system has been implicated in alcohol use disorder (AUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with adrenergic agents reducing drinking in individuals with AUD and improving sleep disturbances in individuals with PTSD. In a recent clinical trial, prazosin, an α1-adrenergic antagonist, was not superior to placebo in reducing PTSD symptoms, sleep problems, or alcohol consumption in a comorbid population; however, patients in both treatment conditions improved in all symptom domains over the course of treatment. It remains unknown whether alcohol abstinence is related to changes in PTSD symptoms and medication effects in individuals with this comorbidity. Methods Veterans with comorbid alcohol dependence and PTSD (n = 96) were randomized to prazosin (16 mg) or placebo in a 12-week outpatient, double-blind clinical trial. In this secondary data analysis, we examined main effects of alcohol abstainer status (abstainer vs. nonabstainer), treatment, and their interaction on changes in PTSD symptoms over time using linear mixed models. Results There was a main effect of alcohol abstainer status on symptoms of PTSD (p = 0.03), such that nonabstainers had lower total Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) scores than abstainers. There was a significant treatment by alcohol abstainer status interaction (p = 0.01); specifically, among placebo-treated individuals, those who did not abstain from alcohol had lower total CAPS scores compared to alcohol abstainers. Within the prazosin-treated group, abstainers and nonabstainers did not differ on total CAPS scores. Results were similar for the avoidance (p = 0.02), reexperiencing (p = 0.01), and hyperarousal (p = 0.04) subscales, such that placebo-treated nonabstainers had lower CAPS scores overall. Conclusions Overall, prazosin treatment was not significantly related to changes in PTSD symptoms over the course of the 12-week clinical trial in a comorbid population. Interestingly, placebo-treated alcohol nonabstainers had a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms. Whether placebo-treated individuals continued to use alcohol because of ongoing symptoms of PTSD is not known.