cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mutant PIK3CA promotes cell growth and invasion of human cancer cells

PIK3CA is mutated in diverse human cancers, but the functional effects of these mutations have not been defined. To evaluate the consequences of PIK3CA alterations, the two most common mutations were inactivated by gene targeting in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Biochemical analyses of these cells showed that mutant PIK3CA selectively regulated the phosphorylation of AKT and the forkhead transcription factors FKHR and FKHRL1. PIK3CA mutations had little effect on growth under standard conditions, but reduced cellular dependence on growth factors. PIK3CA mutations resulted in attenuation of apoptosis and facilitated tumor invasion. Treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 abrogated PIK3CA signaling and preferentially inhibited growth of PIK3CA mutant cells. These data have important implications for therapy of cancers harboring PIK3CA alterations.
Infrared matrix isolation and theoretical study of the initial intermediates in the reaction of ozone with cycloheptene

Abstract Matrix isolation combined with infrared spectroscopy resulted in the observation of early intermediates in the reaction of two conformers of cycloheptene and ozone, marking the first observation of these intermediates for a cyclic alkene with conformational isomerism. Spectral evidence supports the presence of the primary ozonide of the chair and boat conformers of cis-cycloheptene, which represents the first time two primary ozonide isomers have been observed for any alkene . In addition, at least one conformer of the Criegee intermediate formed through ring-opening of the cyclic primary ozonide, as well as stable end products. Both the Criegee intermediate and primary ozonide were observed in the spectra of the initial deposition in twin jet experiments. After the matrix was annealed to 36 K, peaks of the primary ozonide increased by ∼250% while the peak of the Criegee intermediate increased by ∼150%. Supporting data was obtained from 18 O-labeled ozone experiments. In addition to experimental evidence, further justification was provided by theoretical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,2p) level. The photochemical reactions of the trapped species were also studied. After irradiation of the secondary ozonide and stable products of the ozonolysis reaction, 1-hexanal and carbon dioxide were observed. Late, stable oxidation products of cycloheptene were observed in merged jet experiments.
Treatment of unilateral masseteric hypertrophy with botulinum toxin: case report.

Masseteric hypertrophy (MH) is recognized as an asymptomatic enlargement of one or both masseter muscles. The enlargement usually represents a work hypertrophy whose most frequent cause is clenching, an unconscious habit. Bruxing during sleep, constant gum chewing, and mastication of hard foods can also lead to MH. However, purposeless activity, represented by clenching and bruxing, is more likely to lead to increased muscle bulk than purposeful gum chewing or mastication.’ MH often is associated with a visibly advanced dental attrition because of the chronic “wear and tear” of clenching/bruxing. Temporomandibular joint problems and periodontal breakdown also may be evident. A congenital variety also exists, but acquired MH is by far most frequent.iz2 Acquired MH can be seen at any age, with its highest incidence in the second, third, and fourth decades of life. It is not often seen in the elderly, probably because dental deterioration inhibits the ability to forcefully clench or grind. Most cases of MH are bilateral and symmetric, but asymmetry is not unusual. Unilateral occurrence also can be seen when patients chew or clench primarily on one side.2,3 Examination of the painless swelling indicates that it is mostly centered over the mandibular angle. Palpation indicates that the tissues are normal in tone. However, when the patient is asked to clench, the
Kinetic analysis of the mechanism for subtilisin in essentially anhydrous organic solvents

Abstract Steady-state kinetic analysis has been used to confirm the catalytic mechanism of lyophilized subtilisin suspended in a variety of organic solvents. Specifically, this article demonstrates that partial reactions can occur between subtilisin and ester substrates in organic solvents. Partitioning of common intermediates between competing acceptors at a constant ratio of products has also been described. The decomposition of a common intermediate formed from different substrates at the same rate is also further evidence of an acyl-enzyme mechanism for subtilisin suspended in anhydrous solvents. Partitioning of a common intermediate to give two products at a constant total rate, and saturation kinetics at varying substrate concentrations, complete a kinetic investigation of the enzyme mechanism. All the data generated support the formation of a stable acyl enzyme during the transesterification reaction catalzyed by subtilisin in the solvents used.
Cardiac Structural and Sarcomere Genes Associated with Cardiomyopathy Exhibit Marked Intolerance of Genetic Variation

Background—The clinical significance of variants in genes associated with inherited cardiomyopathies can be difficult to determine because of uncertainty regarding population genetic variation and ...
Pyroelectric Properties of Ferroelectric Thin Films: Effect of Internal Stresses

A thermodynamic model is employed to analyze the effect of internal stresses on the pyroelectric response of ferroelectric thin films. The pyroelectric coefficient as a function of the misfit strain is calculated for (001) Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 epitaxial thin films by taking into account formation of misfit dislocations that relieve epitaxial stresses during deposition. It is shown that the pyroelectric response is highly dependent on the misfit strain in epitaxial thin films. Enhanced pyroelectric coefficient can be achieved by adjusting the misfit strain via substrate selection and film thickness especially in the vicinity of the ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transformation.
Boundary Studies in Political Geography

(1963). BOUNDARY STUDIES IN POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 53, No. 3, pp. 407-428.
Fidget widgets: secondary playful interactions in support of primary serious tasks

We present our early work in developing a playful technology to purposefully engage users' interrelated bodily motions, affective states, and cognitive functions to selectively enhance creativity, focus, etc. integral to modern productivity. Building interactions inspired by and embodying the elements of fidgeting, doodling, and other "mindless" activities, we seek to demonstrate the value of secondary human computer interactions able to enhance a user's state in primary productivity tasks.
Bedside placement of an aortic occlusion balloon to control a ruptured aorto-esophageal fistula in a small child.

A child had a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube removed by transecting it at skin level. The internal portion (“the bolster”) was allowed to pass in the GI tract. She subsequently had odynophagia. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a foreign body within the lower thoracic esophagus. During esophagoscopy, the bolster was removed. The following morning, she had massive hematemesis with cardiovascular collapse. As an emergent maneuver, an intra-aortic balloon was percutaneously deployed at the bedside without fluoroscopic guidance. This temporized the exsanguination. Subsequent intraoperative aortography confirmed an aortoesophageal fistula. A stent-graft was deployed with immediate hemodynamic stabilization. She later underwent esophageal resection and recovered well.
Use of an Engineered Ribozyme to Produce a Circular Human Exon

We report the use of an engineered ribozyme to produce a circular human exon in vitro. Specifically, we have designed a derivative of a yeast self-splicing group II intron that is able to catalyze the formation of a circular exon encoding the first kringle domain (K1) of the human tissue plasminogen activator protein. We show that the circular K1 exon is formed with high fidelity in vitro. Furthermore, the system is designed such that the circular exon that is produced consists entirely of human exon sequence. Thus, our results demonstrate that all yeast exon sequences are dispensable for group II intron catalyzed inverse splicing. This is the first demonstration that an engineered ribozyme can be used to create a circular exon containing only human sequences, linked together at a precise desired ligation point. We expect these results to be generalizable, so that similar ribozymes can be designed to precisely create circular derivatives of any nucleotide sequence.
Reduction of insect cold‐hardiness using ice‐nucleating active fungi and surfactants

The supercooling point (SCP) of an insect model, the lady beetle Hippodamia convergensGuerin-Meneville (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) was markedly elevated by treatment with aqueous suspensions of the filamentous, ice nucleation active (INA) fungi Fusarium avenaceumand slightly elevated by Fusarium acuminatum . Addition of the surfactant Tween 80 to the fungal suspensions further reduced the supercooling capacity of adult beetles. When used alone the surfactant Triton X-100 produced a greater SCP elevation than Tween 20 or Tween 80. The emulsifier gum arabic was ineffective in elevating beetle SCPs when applied alone and when added to INA fungal preparations it decreased their efficacy. Aqueous suspensions of both viable sporulating and viable pleomorphic (a permanent, degenerative, nonsporulating cultural state) forms of both fungal species were more effective in elevating the SCP than killed preparations except for the pleomorphic F. acuminatum suspension in which the killed form was slightly more active. Application of INA fungi applied in combination with surfactants may be useful in the development of methods for the biological control of overwintering freeze-susceptible insect pests by decreasing their capacity to avoid lethal freezing by supercooling.
Modeling of time-dependent dielectric breakdown in copper metallization

Dielectric breakdown of copper interconnects has been studied. The general continuity equation on Cu/sup +/ diffusion and drift is investigated. An analytical model to predict the lifetime of time-dependent dielectric breakdown is developed. The model predictions agree well with the previously published experimental data at different electric fields and temperatures. Under an acceleration stress condition, the lifetime is proportional to electric field exponentially and consistent with the E model.
Analysis of Genome Content Evolution in PVC Bacterial Super-Phylum: Assessment of Candidate Genes Associated with Cellular Organization and Lifestyle

The Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia, Chlamydiae (PVC) super-phylum contains bacteria with either complex cellular organization or simple cell structure; it also includes organisms of different lifestyles (pathogens, mutualists, commensal, and free-living). Genome content evolution of this group has not been studied in a systematic fashion, which would reveal genes underlying the emergence of PVC-specific phenotypes. Here, we analyzed the evolutionary dynamics of 26 PVC genomes and several outgroup species. We inferred HGT, duplications, and losses by reconciliation of 27,123 gene trees with the species phylogeny. We showed that genome expansion and contraction have driven evolution within Planctomycetes and Chlamydiae, respectively, and balanced each other in Verrucomicrobia and Lentisphaerae. We also found that for a large number of genes in PVC genomes the most similar sequences are present in Acidobacteria, suggesting past and/or current ecological interaction between organisms from these groups. We also found evidence of shared ancestry between carbohydrate degradation genes in the mucin-degrading human intestinal commensal Akkermansia muciniphila and sequences from Acidobacteria and Bacteroidetes, suggesting that glycoside hydrolases are transferred laterally between gut microbes and that the process of carbohydrate degradation is crucial for microbial survival within the human digestive system. Further, we identified a highly conserved genetic module preferentially present in compartmentalized PVC species and possibly associated with the complex cell plan in these organisms. This conserved machinery is likely to be membrane targeted and involved in electron transport, although its exact function is unknown. These genes represent good candidates for future functional studies.
Implications of a measurement problem for expectancy theory research

Abstract Expectancy theories of work motivation specify a multiplicative relationship between valence of job outcomes (V) and expectancy (E) that effort will lead to these outcomes. But both E and V are typically measured using scales lacking a rational zero point and thus at best interval in nature. Multiplication of such scales is theoretically not a meaningful operation. This paper demonstrates that transformations of E and V scales which change only the location of the nonmeaningful zero point can greatly alter obtained correlations between E × V and measures work motivation or effort. Two potential solutions to this problem are presented.
State Government “Little Hatch Acts” in an Era of Civil Service Reform The State of the Nation

The defining characteristic of modern public service—insulation of civil servants from political manipulation and protection of the public from partisan administration of the law—is undergoing change as a result of contemporary civil service reform. It is in this context that “little” state Hatch Acts, laws modeled after the 1939 federal statute, are examined. This exploratory analysis reports survey and interview data from officials charged with implementing their state's law to gauge its effectiveness in today's reform era. After a review of the literature and a description of the methodology, the findings are presented, followed by a discussion of their implications for the future.
A SAT-based network access scheme for fairness in high speed networks

This paper presents a fair network access scheme called MultiSAT which can be seen as a generalization of two access schemes proposed by Ofek and Yung (see IEEE/ACM Trans. Networking, vol.3, no.4, p.169-80, 1995) and Ngai and Seitz (1989). An upper bound on the delay before a node can inject a packet into the network is given which is valid when packet routes have no cyclic dependencies, backpressure flow control is used, and the processing and propagation delays are negligible. Upper bounds on packet injection delay are also given for ring networks employing shortest path routing for the case of negligible processing and propagation delays, and for the case of the MetaRing network when link propagation delays are significant.
On Linearization of Nonlinear Singularly Perturbed Systems

This paper considers external (feedback) linearization of nonlinear singularly perturbed systems. When more accurate representation of some dynamic systems are taken into account the recessary condition for linearization may be violated. In these circumstances the slow manifold theory is shown to provide a practical tool for circumventing this difficulty. In addition for a class of systems with fast actuators direct application of present methodology in the literature is shown to be valid provided the linear equivalent system contains fast dynamics as well.
Abstract P1-09-21: Metabolic syndrome is prevalent in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer

Purpose: We estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) among women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and explore potential risk factors. Methods: From January 2012 to May 2014, women with newly diagnosed localized breast cancer were enrolled into a longitudinal survivorship study. At baseline, results of physical exam, use of concomitant medications, serum lipid profile and vitamin D were obtained from the medical record, while quality of life variables were measured via questionnaires in English. MetSyn was defined as at least 3 of 5 criteria: central obesity (BMI >30 or waist >=88 cm); triglycerides >=150 mg/dL; HDL cholesterol =130 or diastolic >=85 mm Hg blood pressure or treatment for hypertension; fasting glucose >=100mg/dL or diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Risk factors for MetSyn (age, education, serum vitamin D, self-reported energy in past month) were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Subjects (n=154) were age 52.0 +10.1 years. Prevalence of MetSyn at baseline was 46.1(+4.0)%; for another 1.9(+1.1)% (n=3), MetSyn status was indeterminate due to lack of data on HDL and triglycerides. Among subjects with MetSyn (n=71), most had been diagnosed with hypertension (81.7%) and diabetes (61.4%). Without MetSyn (n=80), the latter conditions were much less prevalent (31.3% and 22.5%, respectively, both p Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome is present in nearly half of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and is associated with age, less education, and more energy in past month. Citation Format: Louise C Wong, Carolyn Behrendt, Robin Smith, Joanne E Mortimer. Metabolic syndrome is prevalent in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-09-21.
How Muslim Defenders Became “Blood Spilling” Crusaders: Adam Gadahn's Critique of the “Jihadist” Subversion of Al Qaeda's Media Warfare Strategy

Adam Gadahn's Abbottabad letter offers a rare opportunity to examine how this Al Qaeda Senior Leadership (AQSL) media operative and spokesman conceptualizes and executes media warfare. In this article, I first introduce, depict, and employ the author's Terrorist Quadrangle Analysis (TQA) as a useful heuristic for conceptualizing and representing the four interrelated components of the AQSL terrorist enterprise: political objectives, media warfare, terrorist attacks, and strategic objectives. This TQA construct is then employed to conceptualize Gadahn's media warfare acumen. Gadahn is shown to be an adept communications warfare operative who conscientiously disaggregates and evaluates key target audiences, messengers, messaging, and media. Gadahn's vehement critique of select “jihadi” groups, in particular Tehrik-i-Taliban (TTP), al-Shabaab, and the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), is then described. Key here is how and why Gadahn denounces their indiscriminate, murderous terrorist attacks on Muslim non-combat...
The Business Love Triangle- Smartphones, Gamification, and Social Collaboration

Gamification is becoming popular in enterprise applications due to benefits such as motivating employees to work harder through team competition and rewards. Mobile workers are a perfect audience for gamified applications as they need to be connected to their teams and aware of important business goals. Smartphones have specific characteristics that make them an ideal medium for gamified applications. However, designing these types of applications correctly is critical in determining their success. This paper will discuss gamification in terms of mobile workers and their needs, smartphone characteristics, and five mobile gamification design principles that help mobile workers stay connected to the business goals at hand.
Every Move that She Makes: Copyright Protection for Stage Directions & the Fictional Character Standard

Copyright protection within the theatre industry is quite prevalent, with playwrights, composers, and various other technical roles enjoying clear-cut copyright protection. However, whether or not copyright protection extends specifically to stage directions, arguably a massive theatrical element to a stage production, is a question that the courts have, thus far, failed to answer. This issue has come up in a handful of cases beginning in the mid-1990s with directors bringing suit after other theatrical companies had used their staging without permission. However, every single one of these cases has been resolved or dismissed without the courts ever reaching the question of whether stage directions are a proper subject of applicable copyright law. As such, this question has mostly been debated in legal journals.This Note examines this unanswered question. Part I explores the history and background of the Copyright Act and its current application to the theatrical stage, as well as examines past disputes over theatrical collaboration. Part II discusses several arguments for why stage directions are protected under the Copyright Act, and also provides reasons why staging should be protectable intellectual property. Part III explores the counter arguments for copyright protection for stage directions. Part IV offers a solution to the dispute by applying standards used in determining copyright protection for fictional characters to stage directions. In applying these standards, this Note argues that stage directions can be afforded copyright protection in limited instances.
Money, Politics, and Morality in the Framing of Medicaid Expansion

This article discusses the economic, political, and ethical impacts involved in the expansion of Medicaid in the United States. The author comments on the influence of the passage of the Affordable Care Act on the provision of health insurance by the 50 states. He also examines the research conducted on health insurance law and policy.
Surgical site infections after posterior spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis: a thirty-year experience at a single institution.

Background: Surgical site infection is a serious complication of posterior spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis, with a reported prevalence of 6% to 24%. A single-institution experience over a thirty-year period was reviewed to determine the prevalence of surgical site infection after posterior spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis, and to identify patient and treatment-related risk factors. Methods: Our retrospective review included all patients treated with posterior spinal fusion (alone or in combination with an anterior procedure) for neuromuscular scoliosis from 1980 to 2009 and followed for a minimum of two years. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors for occurrence of deep surgical site infection (p < 0.05). Results: The study included 428 patients with an average duration of follow-up of 4.9 years. The mean Cobb angle was 74.3°. Most (74%) were treated with posterior spinal fusion alone. Deep infection developed in forty-four patients (10.3%); 57% of the infections occurred within three months after the surgery and 73%, within twelve months. Nearly half (45%) of the infections were polymicrobial; 59% of the organisms were gram-positive and 41% were gram-negative. Implant removal was required in 58% of the patients. Surgical site infection was more frequent from 1980 to 1989 (20.3%) than it was from 1990 to 2009 (8.4%) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8, p = 0.01 in univariate analysis). Surgical site infection was more common in patients with spina bifida (21.5%) than in those with other diagnoses (8.3%) (OR = 3.0, p = 0.001). Other patient factors associated with surgical site infection were a body mass index (BMI) of >25 kg/m2 (OR = 2.4, p = 0.04) and incontinence (OR = 2.4, p = 0.009). Treatment factors associated with surgical site infection were inadequate prophylactic antibiotic dosing (cefazolin ≤20 mg/kg) (OR = 3.3, p = 0.0002), length of fusion (p = 0.002), pelvic fixation (OR = 2.4, p = 0.04), length of hospital stay (p = 0.005), and other complications (OR = 3.2, p = 0.0003). Drain output (p = 0.04) and lower hemoglobin levels (p = 0.008) were significantly associated with surgical site infection in patients with spina bifida, and drain use (superficial to the fascia) was protective in those without spina bifida (OR = 0.5, p = 0.046). Conclusions: This study identified modifiable factors, especially antibiotic dosing and drain use, associated with surgical site infection in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Ovulation rates and embryo degeneracy in female mice fed the phytoestrogen coumestrol.

AbstractTwo trials were conducted to determine the effects of dietary coumestrol upon ovulation rates and embryo degeneracy in mice. When female mice, strain B6 D2 F1, were fed 150, 300, or 900 ppb (parts per billion) coumestrol, ovulation rates were reduced 50, 59, and 66%, respectively. In contrast, the incidence of degenerate embryos increased from 4% for controls to 26, 49, and 81%, respectively. When female mice, strain ICR, were fed 50, 100, 200, or 400 ppb coumestrol, ovulation rates were reduced 30, 36, 42, and 54%, respectively, compared to controls. The incidence of degenerate embryos increased from 3 to 46% with 400 ppb dietary coumestrol. Fertilization rate was not affected by dietary coumestrol in the first trial, but was reduced in the second trial. Uterine weights were increased with all levels of added coumestrol in both trials. Maternal weights were not affected by 900 ppb coumestrol in the first trial, but were significantly reduced by 400 ppb coumestrol in the second trial. Differences ...
Microvesicles as a potential biomarker of neoplastic diseases and their role in development and progression of neoplasm

Neoplastic diseases together with cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent causes of death in the Polish population. Cancers of reproductive organs with breast cancer are responsible for the highest morbidity and mortality in women suffering from neoplasm diseases. Asymptomatic dynamics of the development of a neoplasm and no deviations from the normal level of laboratory results contribute to the fact that malignant diseases are diagnosed too late. The aim of modern medicine is to diagnose cancer at the earliest stage, however, there is no sufficiently sensitive and specific biomarker which can be used for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes. Cellular interactions play the main role in the development, angiogenesis and invasiveness of a tumor. Recent research suggests the possibility of microvesicles (MVs) involvement in communication between cells. The MVs ability to fuse with various cells is used in cell-to-cell contact. Microvesicles cargo may include growth factors, their receptors, protease, adhesion molecules, signaling molecules and the sequence of DNA, mRNA, and micro-RNA. Larger quantities of MVs released from neoplastic cells affect both the local environment and systematic range causing metastases and progression. The research on molecular mechanisms of MVs' release and the presence of characteristic oncogenes in blood of patients with neoplasms is being carried out. Confirmation of MVs presence in patients' serum can potentially serve as useful information for therapeutic purposes and as the biomarker of a neoplastic disease.
Effect of Nitridation and Buffer in GaN Films Grown on A-Plane (11-20) Sapphire

In this paper, we report on a systematic study of GaN growth on the A-plane sapphire by plasma-assisted MBE. The effects of plasma nitridation of the substrate and the growth of a low temperature GaN buffer on the structure and optoelectronic properties of the films are addressed. TEM studies indicate that films grown on substrates which were not nitridated prior to growth have a significant fraction of zinc-blende domains and poor orientational relation with the substrate. On the contrary, nitridation leads to films with superior structural and optoelectronic properties. The low temperature GaN buffer, grown on nitridated substrates, was found to also have a pronounced effect on the optoelectronic properties of the GaN films, especially in those with low carrier concentrations. The correlation between TEM and photoluminescence studies suggest that the transition at 3.27 eV can be attributed to the cubic domains in the films.
Disparate Cultural Values and Modes of Conflict Resolution in Peer Relations: The Experience of Latino First-Generation College Students

We explored whether Latino first-generation college students would experience cross-cultural value conflicts as a result of the mismatch between more collectivistic values learned at home and more ...
Sleep confers a benefit for retention of statistical language learning in 6.5 month old infants

Infants show robust ability to track transitional probabilities within language and can use this information to extract words from continuous speech. The degree to which infants remember these words across a delay is unknown. Given well-established benefits of sleep on long-term memory retention in adults, we examine whether sleep similarly facilitates memory in 6.5month olds. Infants listened to an artificial language for 7minutes, followed by a period of sleep or wakefulness. After a time-matched delay for sleep and wakefulness dyads, we measured retention using the head-turn-preference procedure. Infants who slept retained memory for the extracted words that was prone to interference during the test. Infants who remained awake showed no retention. Within the nap group, retention correlated with three electrophysiological measures (1) absolute theta across the brain, (2) absolute alpha across the brain, and (3) greater fronto-central slow wave activity (SWA).
Palliation of a malignant rectal stricture and rectovesical fistula with colonic stenting.

Rectovesical fistulas may be present in patients with primary and recurrent rectal tumors.[1] In patients with inoperable rectal cancer and a rectovesicular fistula, palliative surgical therapy includes a diverting colostomy. Palliation after these procedures is often only partial, with the development of recurrent infections and stoma problems.[2] We describe what we believe to be the second reported case in the literature of a rectovesical fistula that was effectively treated with a covered self-expanding metal stent (SEMS).[3]
LA HERMENÉUTICA ANALÓGICA COMO ENFOQUE METODOLÓGICO PARA LA INTERPRETACIÓN DE EXPERIENCIAS

Como parte del proyecto de investigacion La Educacion Religiosa Escolar como espacio de formacion politica, se presenta la adaptacion de algunos lineamientos de la Hermeneutica Analogica, planteada por Mauricio Beuchot. La opcion por esta corriente hermeneutica pasa por el reconocimiento de que el objetivo del proyecto asume como mediacion las experiencias de docentes, y ello implica un ejercicio de interpretacion y elaboracion de nuevos sentidos. Dos partes componen el articulo: en primer lugar, el abordaje teorico de los principales supuestos de la hermeneutica analogica; se plantean alli, elementos historicos de la hermeneutica en general, una aproximacion al concepto de analogia y sus implicaciones en la interpretacion, y finalmente, la pertinencia de este enfoque para el abordaje del proyecto. En segundo lugar, se exponen sus posibilidades metodologicas generales, las opciones particulares –incluyendo algunas consideraciones sobre las experiencias de los docentes como texto susceptible de interpretacion analogica, y aspectos referidos a las tecnicas y la conformacion de la muestra-, y por ultimo, la forma como estas opciones se tradujeron en fases de investigacion y en un diseno especifico.
Human Genetics of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a severe congenital cardiovascular malformation characterized by hypoplasia of the left ventricle, aorta, and other structures on the left side of the heart. The pathologic definition includes atresia or stenosis of both the aortic and mitral valves. Despite considerable progress in clinical and surgical management of HLHS, mortality and morbidity remain concerns. One barrier to progress in HLHS management is poor understanding of its cause. Several lines of evidence point to genetic origins of HLHS. First, some HLHS cases have been associated with cytogenetic abnormalities (e.g., Turner syndrome). Second, studies of family clustering of HLHS and related cardiovascular malformations have determined HLHS is heritable. Third, genomic regions that encode genes influencing the inheritance of HLHS have been identified. Taken together, these diverse studies provide strong evidence for genetic origins of HLHS and related cardiac phenotypes. However, using simple Mendelian inheritance models, identification of single genetic variants that “cause” HLHS has remained elusive, and in most cases, the genetic cause remains unknown. These results suggest that HLHS inheritance is complex rather than simple. The implication of this conclusion is that researchers must move beyond the expectation that a single disease-causing variant can be found. Utilization of complex models to analyze high-throughput genetic data requires careful consideration of study design.
Pathway Markers for Pro-resolving Lipid Mediators in Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood: A Secondary Analysis of the Mothers, Omega-3, and Mental Health Study.

The omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are precursors to immune regulatory and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) of inflammation termed resolvins, maresins, and protections. Evidence for lipid mediator formation in vivo can be gained through evaluation of their 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) and 15-LOX metabolic pathway precursors and downstream metabolites: We performed a secondary blood sample analysis from 60 participants in the Mothers, Omega-3, and Mental Health study to determine whether SPM and SPM precursors are augmented by dietary EPA- and DHA-rich fish oil supplementation compared to soy oil placebo. We also aimed to study whether SPM and their precursors differ in early and late pregnancy or between maternal and umbilical cord blood. We found that compared to placebo supplementation, EPA- and DHA- rich fish oil supplementation increased SPM precursor 17-HDHA concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood (P=0.02) We found that the D-series resolvin pathway marker 17-HDHA increased significantly between enrollment and late pregnancy (P=0.049). Levels of both 14-HDHA, a maresin pathway marker, and 17-HDHA were significantly greater in umbilical cord blood than in maternal blood (P<0.001, both).
The Expression of Antibiotic Resistance Methyltransferase Correlates with mRNA Stability Independently of Ribosome Stalling

Members of the Erm methyltransferase family modify 23S rRNA of the bacterial ribosome and render cross-resistance to macrolides and multiple distantly related antibiotics. Previous studies have shown that the expression of erm is activated when a macrolide-bound ribosome stalls the translation of the leader peptide preceding the cotranscribed erm Ribosome stalling is thought to destabilize the inhibitory stem-loop mRNA structure and exposes the erm Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence for translational initiation. Paradoxically, mutations that abolish ribosome stalling are routinely found in hyper-resistant clinical isolates; however, the significance of the stalling-dead leader sequence is largely unknown. Here, we show that nonsense mutations in the Staphylococcus aureus ErmB leader peptide (ErmBL) lead to high basal and induced expression of downstream ErmB in the absence or presence of macrolide concomitantly with elevated ribosome methylation and resistance. The overexpression of ErmB is associated with the reduced turnover of the ermBL-ermB transcript, and the macrolide appears to mitigate mRNA cleavage at a site immediately downstream of the ermBL SD sequence. The stabilizing effect of antibiotics on mRNA is not limited to ermBL-ermB; cationic antibiotics representing a ribosome-stalling inducer and a noninducer increase the half-life of specific transcripts. These data unveil a new layer of ermB regulation and imply that ErmBL translation or ribosome stalling serves as a "tuner" to suppress aberrant production of ErmB because methylated ribosome may impose a fitness cost on the bacterium as a result of misregulated translation.
A Taxonomy and Qualitative Comparison of Program Analysis Techniques for Security Assessment of Android Software

In parallel with the meteoric rise of mobile software, we are witnessing an alarming escalation in the number and sophistication of the security threats targeted at mobile platforms, particularly Android, as the dominant platform. While existing research has made significant progress towards detection and mitigation of Android security, gaps and challenges remain. This paper contributes a comprehensive taxonomy to classify and characterize the state-of-the-art research in this area. We have carefully followed the systematic literature review process, and analyzed the results of more than 300 research papers, resulting in the most comprehensive and elaborate investigation of the literature in this area of research. The systematic analysis of the research literature has revealed patterns, trends, and gaps in the existing literature, and underlined key challenges and opportunities that will shape the focus of future research efforts.
Estimating direct human health impacts of end-of-life solar recovery

Studies have found that recycling photovoltaics at their end of life has significant potential for energy pay-back time reduction, resource savings, and environmental impact reduction. However, most of these studies do not consider the complexities of PV recycling resulting from lack of collection infrastructure, unavailability of advanced recovery technologies, and the geo-spatial dependence of both of these issues. This work combines geo-spatial modelling and statistics, collection logistics optimization, and environmental impact assessment in order to quantify the impacts resulting from collection, processing, and recovery of PV materials given current US solar installations, municipal solid waste and landfill infrastructure, and the networks between them. Results show that previous work may have underestimated certain environmental impacts due to transportation by an order of magnitude for the US case study. The treatment of a recycling resource credit significantly impacts these results. Using the avoided burden approach results in a net negative SO 2 and NO x emissions of up to 0.57 g SO 2 per kWh and 0.039 g NO x per kWh. Cumulatively, the avoided burden approach results in an net negative 14.5 PM 10 eq g per kWh. If the assumption of the avoided burden approach are true, then recycling cancels out lifecycle emissions.
PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL TREATMENT OF WASTE EFFLUENTS FROM CANNING OF LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES

Suspended soilds in waste effluents from the canning of leafy green vegetables were effectively reduced by segregation and separate physical-chemical treatment of the unit wastes. Turbidity in the dunker washer effluent from spinach was reduced by treatment with 0.04 mg of an anionic polymer per liter at pH 4.0. The most concentrated effluent (from the tumbler fillers) contained 11% of the total suspended solids load and 16% of the COD in only 1.3% of the waste water flow. Treatment with 20 mg cationic polymer per liter, 80 mg ferric sulfate per liter, and 2 mg anionic polymer per liter reduced the suspended solids concentration from 1,348 mg/l to 63 mg/l—a reduction of 95%. The tumbler filler effluent from turnip greens and diced roots was treated on a pilot-scale with 70 mg cationic polymer per liter, 80 mg calcium chloride per liter and 10 mg anionic polymer per liter to reduce the suspended solids from 1,148 to 140 mg/l The composite effluent from canning of turnip greens and diced roots was treated w...
The oldest marine vertebrate fossil from the volcanic island of Iceland: a partial right whale skull from the high latitude Pliocene Tjörnes Formation

Extant baleen whales (Cetacea, Mysticeti) are a disparate and species-rich group, but little is known about their fossil record in the northernmost Atlantic Ocean, a region that supports considerable extant cetacean diversity. Iceland's geographical setting, dividing North Atlantic and Arctic waters, renders it ideally situated to shed light on cetacean evolution in this region. However, as a volcanic island, Iceland exhibits very little marine sedimentary exposure, and fossil whales from Iceland older than the late Pleistocene are virtually unknown. Here, we present the first fossil whale found in situ from the Pliocene Tjornes Formation (c. 4.5 Ma), Iceland's only substantial marine sedimentary outcrop. The specimen is diagnosed as a partial skull from a large right whale (Mysticeti, Balaenidae). This discovery highlights the Tjornes Formation as a potentially productive fossil vertebrate locality. Additionally, this find indicates that right whales (Eubalaena) and bowhead whales (Balaena) were sympatric, with broadly overlapping latitudinal ranges in the Pliocene, in contrast to the modern latitudinal separation of their living counterparts.
Retrospective Mining of Toxicology Data to Discover Multispecies and Chemical Class Effects: Anemia as a Case Study

Predictive toxicity models rely on large amounts of accurate in vivo data. Here, we analyze the quality of in vivo data from the U.S. EPA Toxicity Reference Database (ToxRefDB), using chemical-induced anemia as an example. Considerations include variation in experimental conditions, changes in terminology over time, distinguishing negative from missing results, observer and diagnostic bias, and data transcription errors. Within ToxRefDB, we use hematological data on 658 chemicals tested in one or more of 1738 studies (subchronic rat or chronic rat, mouse, or dog). Anemia was reported most frequently in the rat subchronic studies, followed by chronic studies in dog, rat, and then mouse. Concordance between studies for a positive finding of anemia (same chemical, different laboratories) ranged from 90% (rat subchronic predicting rat chronic) to 40% (mouse chronic predicting rat chronic). Concordance increased with manual curation by 20% on average. We identified 49 chemicals that showed an anemia phenotype in at least two species. These included 14 aniline moiety-containing compounds that were further analyzed for their potential to be metabolically transformed into substituted anilines, which are known anemia-causing chemicals. This analysis should help inform future use of in vivo databases for model development.
The Elementary Method and Social Choice

We shall now examine the application of the elementary model to questions of practical decision and social choice. In such cases, a rational choice between alternatives is sought, and information from individuals about those alternatives is amalgamated. The information from individuals might not be numerical, however, but rather a ranking of alternatives articulating individual preferences. Moreover, even when there is numerical information, expressed in terms of a utility function for example, there may be reasons against aggregating or using a weighted average to make the choice. The utility assignments of individuals may fail to satisfy necessary conditions of rigidity. We shall discuss such conditions in detail in Chapter 6 below and later in the present chapter. It will be noted that our approach is indebted to Arrow [1951], [1977], in that we regard the output of social choice as the ordering of a set of alternatives. We advocate the use of information beyond individual profiles of preferences, namely, the weights individuals assign to each other at various levels for obtaining the consensual ordering when such information is applicable.
Small Scaffolds, Big Potential: Developing Miniature Proteins as Therapeutic Agents

Preclinical Research Miniature proteins are a class of oligopeptide characterized by their short sequence lengths and ability to adopt well-folded, three-dimensional structures. Because of their biomimetic nature and synthetic tractability, miniature proteins have been used to study a range of biochemical processes including fast protein folding, signal transduction, catalysis and molecular transport. Recently, miniature proteins have been gaining traction as potential therapeutic agents because their small size and ability to fold into defined tertiary structures facilitates their development as protein-based drugs. This research overview discusses emerging developments involving the use of miniature proteins as scaffolds to design novel therapeutics for the treatment and study of human disease. Specifically, this review will explore strategies to: (i) stabilize miniature protein tertiary structure; (ii) optimize biomolecular recognition by grafting functional epitopes onto miniature protein scaffolds; and (iii) enhance cytosolic delivery of miniature proteins through the use of cationic motifs that facilitate endosomal escape. These objectives are discussed not only to address challenges in developing effective miniature protein-based drugs, but also to highlight the tremendous potential miniature proteins hold for combating and understanding human disease. Drug Dev Res 78 : 268-282, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does length of intubation before tracheostomy affect intensive care unit length of stay

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine if length of intubation before tracheotomy (LIT) affects length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Study Design This was a retrospective case series of patients who had open tracheotomies at Grady Memorial Hospital by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) service. Medical records were reviewed to document patient demographic characteristics, etiology for ventilator dependence, and complications. The primary predictor variable was LIT and primary outcome variable was length of stay in ICU after tracheotomy. Statistical analysis was performed (significance P Results There were 115 patients (mean age 54 years) included in the study. The majority received tracheotomies because of prolonged mechanical ventilation secondary to a medical comorbidity. Intraoperative complications were cardiac arrest and difficulty accessing trachea. Postoperative complications were bleeding. Postoperatively, most patients were discharged from the ICU or weaned off mechanical ventilation within 5 days. The correlation between LIT and ICU stay was not statistically significant, but the trend was positive. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that patients undergoing an earlier tracheotomy were more likely to have an earlier discharge from the ICU.
Mechanisms of Visual Loss from Orbital Cellulitis

Visual loss is an uncommon, though devastating, outcome of orbital cellulitis. Despite its severity, however, the mechanisms which cause visual loss are not well known. Most evidence comes from case reports and speculation. In this chapter, we provide a framework for understanding possible etiologies for visual loss in patients with orbital cellulitis. The mechanisms can be organized by a two-way categorization: location/structure affected in the visual pathway on one axis and disease processes on the other. Locations that may be affected include the anterior segment, retina, choroid, optic nerve, optic chiasm/tract, and cerebral cortex. Infectious processes may induce compressive effects, infiltration, inflammation, and vasculitis or thrombosis. For example, increasing orbital pressure secondary to orbital abscess formation may lead to visual loss from direct compression of the optic nerve, decreased optic nerve perfusion secondary to compression of its vasculature, or stretching of the optic nerve due to proptosis. Understanding such mechanisms can aid in further assessment and treatment of patients who present with visual loss in the setting of orbital cellulitis.
Utilization of Ryan White-funded mental health services and mental health functioning among people living with HIV in New York City

Few studies have examined the relationship between mental health service utilization and health/mental health outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH). Such studies are needed to inform the del...
Blood Bank Inventory Control

As noted earlier, many of the models reviewed in this monograph were motivated by the problem of optimally storing and issuing whole blood. However, actual blood banking applications have features too complex to include in the mathematical models. In this chapter, we briefly review the significant papers in the management science literature aimed specifically at blood banking that incorporate these features.