cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1193: Establishment of patient tumor-derived orthotopic xenograft models of metastatic pediatric germinoma

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Despite comprising up to 10% of pediatric CNS tumors, an animal model of intracranial germinoma has not been previously established. Standard of case for germinoma is radiation therapy, with recent evidence that neo-adjuvant chemotherapy may allow reduction of radiation dose, but concern for neuro-cognitive toxicity remains despite the reduction of radiation. A clinically relevant animal model of germinoma would facilitate investigation and discovery of novel agents which may obviate the need for radiation in the future. To develop xenograft mouse models, we implanted germinoma tumor cells from two children with metastatic disease, one from a surgical specimen of a cervical metastatic tumor and the second from disseminated tumor cells in the CSF, directly into the right cerebral hemispheres of NOD-SCID mice. Both patient tumor samples have undergone whole exome sequencing; one of the two models has a germinoma-associated mutation in c-kit. The tumors have been serially passaged in xenografts for 3-5 times, with each passaged tumor maintaining the ability to generate tumors, suggestive of the persistence of viable tumorigenic/tumor stem cells. Data from additional tumor models established by our lab have confirmed molecular and genetic fidelity between xenograft-initiating human brain tumors and their corresponding murine models. The orthotopic location in the mouse brain of the xenograft model should also reasonably replicate the human germinoma tumor microenvironment. Cultured cells are currently growing from both tumor models in order to establish germinoma cell lines. In summary, our orthotopic xenograft murine models of two metastatic pediatric germinomas are the first to be established for this tumor type. These models will allow much needed pre-clinical drug testing of chemotherapeutics and combination therapies as well as further biologic characterization of pediatric germinomas. Citation Format: Holly B. Lindsay, Mari Kogiso, Lin Qi, Teo Wan Yee, Yulun Huang, Hua Mao, Frank Lin, Patricia Baxter, Jack M. Su, Keita Terashima, Laszlo Perlaky, Ching C. Lau, Donald W. Parsons, Murali Chintagumpala, Xiao-Nan Li. Establishment of patient tumor-derived orthotopic xenograft models of metastatic pediatric germinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1193. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1193
Analysis of single-cell cultures by immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection.

Neuropeptide regulation of immunological activity is becoming an important issue in both basic and clinical sciences, necessitating the need for analysis to be performed at the single-cell level. A microsampling procedure has been developed for studying secretion of biologically important peptides from neuropeptide-stimulated lymphocytes, based on microdialysis sampling coupled to immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis (ICE), with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection using a fibre-optic spectrometer and diode laser excitation. The system demonstrated a limit of detection in the high attomole (10−18 mol/L) range with pure standards and was capable of monitoring secretion from a single cell over time. Using this system it was possible to differentiate the effects of four neuropeptides on both T and B cell release of regulatory cytokines. CD4+ lymphocytes demonstrated a 7.5-fold increase in cytokine secretion over baseline following stimulation with substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). B cells responded to CGRP and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) stimulation (5.5-fold increase), but not to SP. These changes took place 12–20 h post-stimulation and, once the peak secretion had been reached, remained at that level for the duration of the experiment. This system demonstrates the ability to perform high sensitivity measurements on microsamples of biological fluids. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of stopping beam distributions in the PIBETA detector

Abstract Precise calculation of the geometrical acceptance of a large solid angle detector with an integrated stopping target relies on precise knowledge of the beam geometry. We describe four alternative methods that we used to measure the beam stopping distributions in the PIBETA detector active target: (i) light response of segmented target elements to incident beam particles, (ii) back-tracking of charged particles from π + and μ + decays using multi-wire proportional chambers, (iii) volume distribution of the Dalitz decay ( π 0 → γ e + e - ) event vertices, and (iv) the opening angle distribution of two π 0 photons originating from the beta decay of π + at rest. We demonstrate consistent results obtained by these four independent approaches and show how particular beam stopping distributions affect the detector's geometrical acceptance.
Ultrastructure of the harderian gland in male albino rats

Harderian glands of adult male albino rats were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. The animals were divided into the following experimental groups: (1) castrated only, (2) castrated with testosterone replacement and (3) sham operated controls. Two types ofsecretory cells, designated as A and B, comprise the glandular epithelium and are distinguished on the basis of morphologic differences in the following cellular components:cytoplasmic secretory vacuoles, mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). Cell type A is more numerous and contains larger secretory vacuoles than cell type B which is characterized by the presence of large numbers of mitochondria and packet-like arrangement of SER profiles. The glandular secretion appears to be elaborated via merocrine mechanisms and consists primarily of lipids and a fibrogranular substance. The latter component may consist of porphyrin compounds. Nerve endings are found in the connective tissue interstices of the gland. Direct synapses were not observed in association with either gland cells or myoepithelial cells. Castration did not produce significant alterations in the morphology of the glandular epithelium. Results of the investigation suggest that the rat Harderian gland may serve as a useful model for the study of cellular mechanisms involved in the production of human porphyrias.
Alcohol mixed with energy drinks are robustly associated with patterns of problematic alcohol consumption among young adult college students

BACKGROUND: Young adults are a population at great risk for problematic health behaviors. Alcohol mixed with energy drink (AmED) consumption is a relatively popular health risk behavior among young adults. AmED consumption continues to illustrate negative outcomes in the research literature, having been linked with other substance use, high-risk sexual behavior, and sexual victimization. Limited research to date has examined associations between AmED consumption and patterns of alcohol dependence. METHODS: Undergraduate college students (n=757) filled out an online survey which assessed their drinking habits in the past week and month, including their consumption of AmED beverages, personality characteristics, substance use, and problematic alcohol consumption via the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). RESULTS: A minority of participants reported AmED consumption in both the past month (11.6%) and past week (9.7%). Compared to their alcohol-only drinking counterparts, AmED consumers scored significantly higher on measures of impulsivity, and lower on anxiety sensitivity when compared to their alcohol-only drinking counterparts. In multivariate analyses, AmED consumption was robustly associated with patterns of alcohol dependence (AUDIT score≥8) among young adult college students, while controlling for energy drink use, alcohol use, personality factors, substance use, and demographic variables. CONCLUSIONS: AmED consumption in the past month is robustly associated with problematic alcohol consumption. The present study describes harmful outcomes associated with AmED consumption, and extends the literature on the combined effects of alcohol and energy drinks on young adult risk behaviors. Further research needs to address causal mechanisms for the AmED and problematic alcohol consumption relation. Language: en
Isomerization of n-Hexane over Chlorinated Pt/γ-Al2O3 Catalysts

Chlorided 0.57 wt. % Pt/γ-Al2O3 is a moderately active and highly selective catalyst for the isomerization of n-hexane at 300 °C when an excess of H2 is present. Chlorine, which is continuously lost from the catalyst, may be replaced by adding a small amount of chloroform to the reactant stream. The catalyst exhibits activity and high isomerization selectivity even at 150 °C. Under the conditions of these lower temperature experiments, the equilibrium concentration of C6 alkenes would be only 8 × 10−7 Torr. This suggests that the classical mechanism, which involves the formation of n-hexene on the Pt, is not applicable. Rather, it is proposed that isomerization of the alkane occurs at acid sites on the catalyst, and the role of Pt is to catalyze the hydrogenation of any alkenes that might be formed as a result of cracking reactions. At temperatures ≤ 300 °C Bronsted acid sites are present in the catalyst, and presumably are responsible for the isomerization and cracking activity, but at higher temperatures Lewis acid sites play a dominant role.
Binary mixture pyrolysis of polystyrene and poly(α-methylstyrene)

The batch pyrolysis of polystyrene (PS) in the presence of poly(α-methylstyrene) (PAMS) was investigated to determine the effect of the second polymer on the decomposition of polystyrene. Experimental parameters that were varied included the molecular weight and the concentration of each polymeric reactant. It was observed that the decomposition of polystyrene was dependent on the molecular weight of poly(α-methylstyrene). An enhancement in the polystyrene degradation rate was achieved during binary mixture pyrolysis of low molecular weight polymers, but a rate inhibition was observed during degradation in the presence of higher molecular weight PAMS. It is proposed that the divergence arises from differences in the relative magnitude of the enhancement caused by the production of PAMS-derived radicals and the inhibition due to incorporation of α-methylstyrene monomer into depolymerizing polystyrene chains. Variations in the initial concentration of the reactants had little effect on the yields of polystyrene degradation products.
Some exact solutions for the bending of beams with spatially stochastic stiffness

To the best of the knowledge of the authors, there are no exact solutions available for the bending of beams with spatially stochastic stiffness. Investigators are therefore utilizing various approximate techniques. In the present study, a new method is developed to obtain exact solutions for first and second moments of displacements for statically determinate beams that have spatially random stiffness. The method is based on the full probabilistic characterization of the random stiffness so that the solutions are valid for any value of the coefficient of variation of the stiffness. The deterministic governing equations and boundary conditions derived for both first and second moments allow, apparently for the first time in the literature, the exact solutions for the mean and covariance functions of the displacements to be determined. Two governing equations are uncoupled from each other and can be solved separately. Several exact solutions for the mean and covariance functions are obtained to illustrate the application of the method. It is hoped that the exact solutions determined will serve as benchmark solutions to enable the researchers to check the accuracy of various approximate analytical and numerical techniques on the test solutions presented in this study.
The Creation of Competitive Advantage by Producer Service Establishments

: In this paper we focus on how competitive advantage is constructed by producer service businesses, how it varies among establishments with different characteristics, and how it affects establishment performance. Sources of competitive advantage stem from characteristics such as quality, price, creativity and innovation, flexibility, timeliness of delivery, and scope of services offered. We present a detailed evaluation of the competitive advantage model developed by Porter (1990) and review applications of this model to the producer services. We find this model to be partially successful in distinguishing between superior and inferior performance by producer service businesses, with important differences observed across age, organizational type, and size of business. We develop an expanded model of factors related to competitive advantage and performance, which includes not only factors contained in the Porter model, but dimensions particular to the information-oriented producer services, such as creativity, geographic proximity, R&D capabilities, and adaptability to client needs.
2-Arachidonylglyceryl ether and abnormal cannabidiol-induced vascular smooth muscle relaxation in rabbit pulmonary arteries via receptor-pertussis toxin sensitive G proteins-ERK1/2 signaling.

Abstract The receptor(s) used by cannabinoids to relax vascular smooth muscle is unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of 2-arachidonylglyceryl ether (2-AG ether), a metabolically stable endocannabinoid, and abnormal cannabidiol (abn-CBD) on relaxation of permeabilized pulmonary arterial strips monitored with force, and on extracellular signal-regulated mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in permeabilized vascular smooth muscle cells using immunoblotting. We found that 2-AG ether and abn-CBD caused relaxation and increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2. 2-AG ether effects were completely abolished by N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (AM251), and N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (SR141716A), and partially blocked by (−)-1.3-dimethoxy-2-(3-3,4-trans-p-menthadien-(1,8)-yl)-orcinol (O-1918). In contrast, abn-CBD effects were completely abolished by O-1918, and only partially blocked by AM251, and SR141716A. Both 2-AG ether and abn-CBD effects were partially blocked by pertussis toxin, an inhibitor of Gi/o proteins. PD98059, an inhibitor of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), completely abolished the relaxation, but only partially blocked the increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 by 2-AG ether. In contrast, abn-CBD-induced relaxation was partially blocked and the increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was abolished by PD98059. These findings suggest that 2-AG ether and abn-CBD-induced vascular smooth muscle relaxation are mediated by the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, and the abn-CBD receptor, respectively, and are modulated by cross-talk between the receptors. These responses occur mainly by coupling to pertussis toxin sensitive G proteins, but also, in part independent of these G proteins, which have been classically thought to initiate MEK/ERK1/2 signaling to relax vascular smooth muscle.
Appliance purchase and usage adaptation to a permanent time of day electricity rate schedule

Abstract To date, about fifteen time-of-day (TOD) electricity pricing experiments or demonstrations have been conducted. Recent summaries of the results are contained in Aigner (1981), Hill et al. (1979) and Miedema and White (1980). Three of the experiments are still ongoing; the rest were of typically limited duration of one to three years. Since almost all electricity use takes place in conjunction with durable appliance use, a short-run experiment is unlikely to induce a significant change in household durable holdings. Thus, at best the experiments are valuable in estimation of the Marshallian short-run response where the capital stock is held fixed. In this paper we investigate the effects of a permanent TOD rate schedule. At the Central Vermont Public Service Corporation, optimal TOD rates have been offered since January 1976. We find a significant response of households to TOD rates through appliance purchases. We also find that these devices have a significant effect on both peak and off-peak usage shares and also total electricity consumption.
Database-Guided Discovery of Potent Peptides to Combat HIV-1 or Superbugs

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), small host defense proteins, are indispensable for the protection of multicellular organisms such as plants and animals from infection. The number of AMPs discovered per year increased steadily since the 1980s. Over 2,000 natural AMPs from bacteria, protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals have been registered into the antimicrobial peptide database (APD). The majority of these AMPs (>86%) possess 11-50 amino acids with a net charge from 0 to +7 and hydrophobic percentages between 31-70%. This article summarizes peptide discovery on the basis of the APD. The major methods are the linguistic model, database screening, de novo design, and template-based design. Using these methods, we identified various potent peptides against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). While the stepwise designed anti-HIV peptide is disulfide-linked and rich in arginines, the ab initio designed anti-MRSA peptide is linear and rich in leucines. Thus, there are different requirements for antiviral and antibacterial peptides, which could kill pathogens via different molecular targets. The biased amino acid composition in the database-designed peptides, or natural peptides such as θ-defensins, requires the use of the improved two-dimensional NMR method for structural determination to avoid the publication of misleading structure and dynamics. In the case of human cathelicidin LL-37, structural determination requires 3D NMR techniques. The high-quality structure of LL-37 provides a solid basis for understanding its interactions with membranes of bacteria and other pathogens. In conclusion, the APD database is a comprehensive platform for storing, classifying, searching, predicting, and designing potent peptides against pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and cancer cells.
The Preservation of Erythrocytes at Liquid Nitrogen Temperatures with Hydroxyethyl Starch: the Removal of Hydroxyethyl Starch from Erythrocytes after Thawing

Abstract Packed human erythrocytes were frozen in liquid nitrogen using hydroxyethyl starch as a cryoprotective agent. Upon thawing, the cells were washed with a balanced salt solution. The washed cells were stable when resuspended in 0.154 n NaCl. The postthaw saline stability approximated the total recovery after washing the cells. Intracellular potassium loss was 15% immediately postthaw, and an additional 15% loss occurred after washing. These results indicate that HES can be removed from frozen-thawed cells by washing, and that freezing erythrocytes protected by HES does not result in significant losses of intracellular potassium.
Six Critical Questions for Brief Therapeutic Interventions

Brief therapy strategies and techniques are used by professionals from various disciplines (e.g., nursing, psychiatry, psychology, social work) who use a variety of theoretical approaches to treat numerous mental health problems. Such strategies and techniques are characterized by design to be short term, directive, and change focused in the delivery of mental health treatment. Over the past decade brief therapies have continued to develop rapidly and are currently viewed as state of the art in the field. This article outlines six critical questions related to brief therapeutic interventions that must be considered in treatment planning and subsequent future research. These questions are elucidated as follows: when is a brief therapeutic intervention appropriate, who should deliver the intervention to whom, what brief therapy interventions are most effective with which clients, where and at what setting should the intervention take place, when should the intervention occur and how long should it continue, as well as how is behavior change maintained? Such findings when translated into practice guidelines will enhance practice and move the field of brief therapy forward. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 2:279–285 (2002)]
Distributed Energy Efficient Spectrum Access in Wireless Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks

In this paper, a wireless cognitive radio sensor network is considered, where each sensor node is equipped with cognitive radio and the network is a multi-carrier system operating on time slots. In each slot, the users with new traffic demand will sense the entire spectrum and locate the available subcarrier set. Given the required data rate and power bound, a fully distributed subcarrier selection and power allocation algorithm is proposed for each individual user to minimize the energy consumption per bit over all subcarriers, while avoid introducing harmful interference to the existing users. The multi-dimensional and non-quasi-convex/concave nature of the energy efficiency optimization problem in multi-carrier systems makes it more challenging than throughput/power optimization problems or the energy efficiency problem in the single carrier system. The optimal solution is derived by using a two-stage algorithm where the original problem is decoupled into an unconstrained problem and branch and bound method is applied thereafter to reduce the search space. In addition, a distributed power control is performed to manage the co-channel interference among new users when needed. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach performs close to the centralized optimal solution, and it provides prolonged network lifetime.
Double-exponential complexity of computing a complete set of AC-unifiers

An algorithm for computing a complete set of unifiers for two terms involving associative-commutative function symbols is presented. It is based on a nondeterministic algorithm given by the authors in 1986 to show the NP-completeness of associative-commutative unifiability. The algorithm is easy to understand, and its termination can be easily established. Its complexity is easily analyzed and shown to be doubly exponential in the size of the input terms. The analysis also shows that there is a double-exponential upper bound on the size of a complete set of unifiers of two input terms. Since there is a family of simple associative-commutative unification problems which have complete sets of unifiers whose size is doubly exponential, the algorithm is optimal in its order of complexity in this sense. >
Successful Aging of Societies

As America ages, policy-makers' preoccupations with the future costs of Medicare and Social Security grow. But neglected by this focus are critically important and broader societal issues such as intergenerational relations within society and the family, rising inequality and lack of opportunity, productivity in late life (work or volunteering), and human capital development (lifelong education and skills training). Equally important, there is almost no acknowledgment of the substantial benefits and potential of an aging society. The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on an Aging Society offers policy options to address these issues and enhance the transition to a cohesive, productive, secure, and equitable aging society. Such a society will not only function effectively at the societal level but will provide a context that facilitates the capacity of individuals to age successfully. This volume comprises a set of papers, many of which are authored by members of the MacArthur Network, focusing on vario...
The Structure and Function of the Helical Heart and Its Buttress Wrapping. II. Interface Between Unfolded Myocardial Band and Evolution of Primitive Heart

The unfolded myocardial band containing a central fold, extending between the pulmonary artery and aorta, has been used to explain the intact or wrapped cardiac structure, composed of a basal and apical loop forming a buttress and helix, connected to the outflow vessels of both ventricles. The interface between this simple structure, and embryologic development of the primitive heart evolving from a singular tube, into a dual pumping chamber with separate left and right sides, must be explained. The objective is to suggest that a simple and integrated triple figure-eight spiral band, with three S-shaped helixes and their apices may correlate the conventional embryologic development of the primitive heart (bulbus cordis, ventricle, and arterial outflow vessels), with the three stages of spatial orientation of the myocardial band (basal and apical loops), which extends between dual ventricular outflow vessels, in the sequence defined by the unwrapped myocardial band.
Model-driven security based on a Web services security architecture

The emergence of Web services and service-oriented architecture (SOA) makes application development easy. However, since the computing environments on which applications are running are becoming complex, it is harder for users to set up security properly. Considering such complex security environments, this paper describes a tooling framework to generate Web services security configurations using model driven architecture (MDA). According to the MDA concept, users simply add security intentions to an application model, and then detailed security configurations are generated, employing transformations over UML constructs and a security environment model. In order to demonstrate that the framework is practically useful, we also illustrate how to generate configuration files for a commercial product.
Theory of (p, p′) and (p, n) reactions through the isobaric analogue resonances: (II). Calculation of elastic and inelastic cross sections

Abstract Using previous results on the isospin purity of the doorway part of the proton scattering wave functions in the internal region, we use a statistical model for the complicated compound nuclear resonances to derive formulae for the energy-averaged S -matrix elements describing inelastic proton scattering and for the transmission coefficients. These expressions together with the Hauser-Feshbach theory of nuclear reactions provide a frame for the analysis of experimental data. The analysis suggested in this paper makes use of an optical-model description of the elastic background scattering cross section in each channel and aims at extracting the partial widths of the analogue resonance from the data. These widths are proportional to the spectroscopic factors. The influence of direct inelastic proton scattering upon the results is discussed. The relationship between our results and those found previously for the case of one open proton channel is established. The energy averaged S -matrix elements are sums of two terms, the first describing the purely elastic optical-model background. The second term has the form of a Breit-Wigner formula. The total width in this formula is given by the sum over all channels of the partial widths of the analogue resonance plus a spreading width. The latter contains terms arising both from internal and external mixing. The partial widths in the Breit-Wigner formula are proportional to the partial widths of the analogue resonance. The proportionality factors are channel-dependent and complex and contain the influence of optical-model corrections. The transmission coefficients are each sums of two terms. One has the usual form one obtains from a one-level approximation to the scattering matrix. It displays a Breit-Wigner resonance. The other term contains the asymmetry characteristic of the analogue resonances. Compared with the case of one open proton channel, this asymmetry is smoothed out both because of internal mixing and because several proton channels are open.
Coherent optical communication using polarization multiple-input-multiple-output

Polarization-division multiplexed (PDM) optical signals can potentially be demultiplexed by coherent detection and digital signal processing without using optical dynamic polarization control at the receiver. In this paper, we show that optical communications using PDM is analogous to wireless communications using multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antennae and thus algorithms for channel estimation in wireless MIMO can be ready applied to optical polarization MIMO (PMIMO). Combined with frequency offset and phase estimation algorithms, simulations show that PDM quadrature phase-shift keying signals can be coherently detected by the proposed scheme using commercial semiconductor lasers while no optical phase locking and polarization control are required. This analogy further suggests the potential application of space-time coding in wireless communications to optical polarization MIMO systems and relates the problem of polarization-mode dispersion in fiber transmission to the multi-path propagation in wireless communications.
The Accuracy of Medication Data in an Outpatient Electronic Medical Record

Objective: To measure the accuracy-of medication records stored in the electronic medical record (EMR) of an outpatient geriatric center. The authors analyzed accuracy from the perspective of a clinician using the data and the perspective of a computer-based medical decision-support system (MDSS). Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: The EMR at the geriatric center captures medication data both directly from clinicians and indirectly using encounter forms and data-entry clerks. During a scheduled office visit for medical care, the treating clinician determined whether the medication records for the patient were an accurate representation of the medications that the patient was actually taking. Using the available sources of information (the patient, the patient’s vials, any caregivers, and the medical chart), the clinician determined whether the recorded data were correct, whether any data were missing, and the type and cause for each discrepancy found. Results: At the geriatric center, 83% of medication records represented correctly the compound, dose, and schedule of a current medication; 91% represented correctly the compound. 0.37 current medications were missing per patient. The principal cause of errors was the patient (36.1% of errors), who misreported a medication at a previous visit or changed (stopped, started, or dose-adjusted) a medication between visits. The second most frequent cause of errors was failure to capture changes to medications made by outside clinicians, accounting for 25.9% of errors. Transcription errors were a relatively ucommon cause (8.2% of errors). When the accuracy of records from the center was analyzed from the perspective of a MDSS, 90% were correct for compound identity and 1.38 medications were missing or uncoded per patient. The cause of the additional errors of omission was a free-text “comments” field-which it is assumed would be unreadable by current MDSS applications-that was used by clinicians in 18% of records to record the identity of the medication. Conclusions: Medication records in an outpatient EMR may have significant levels of data error. Based on an analysis of correctable causes of error, the authors conclude that the most effective extension to the EMR studied would be to expand its scope to include all clinicians who can potentially change medications. Even with EMR extensions, however, ineradicable error due to patients and data entry will remain. Several implications of ineradicable error for MDSSs are discussed. The provision of a free-text “comments” field increased the accuracy of medication lists for clinician users at the expense of accuracy for a MDSS.
Novel Methods to Reduce Pattern Size and Pitch for Data Storage Using Electron Beam Writing

Pattern size and pitch are two major factors that directly affect the capacity of a data storage unit. Electron beam lithography, because it can be used for direct writing at the nanometer scale, is one of the potential candidates to fabricate ultra-fine and ultra-compact patterns for the next generation of data storage media. In the paper, we present methods to reduce the pattern size and pitch written by electron beam on positive tone resist Poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA). The first method uses a writing dose which is much lower than the critical dose of the PMMA. However, in this technique, the distance between the adjacent writing spots (which are approximately Gaussian in spatial extent) is finely adjusted until the partially overlapping Gaussian functions form a contour with periodic dose peaks higher than the critical dose. This overlapping exposure results in a periodic exposure of the PMMA. Most importantly, this writing strategy, using the overlapping of low dose Gaussian beams, results in patterns with smaller size and pitch compared to the conventional methods that use a higher writing dose than the critical dose. To further improve the results, we use ultrasonic development in combination with cold development to greatly increase the resist contrast. The increased contrast results in smaller pattern sizes, and enables smaller pattern pitches, as well as improving pattern uniformity and reproducibility. Finally, as a demonstration of the technique using a conventional beam voltage of 15kV, we achieve ultra-fine and high density patterns with ∼10nm linewidths and 50nm in pitch, which corresponds to a storage capacity near 200 billion bits/inch2. In comparison, standard techniques (using a dose slightly higher than the critical dose and normal development strategy), we can only obtain patterns with linewidths of about 20-30nm and pitch of about 100nm.
A model-based self-adaptive approach to image processing

Implementing image-processing systems can require significant effort and resources due to information volume and algorithm complexity. Model integrated computing (MIC) based image processing systems show promise in supporting solutions of these complex problems. While MIC has contributed to the advancement of performing complex image processing tasks on parallel-embedded systems, it has not addressed a challenging class of algorithms that adapt the image-processing algorithm based on the information or state of the image processing system. This proposed effort addresses creating an adaptive image-processing environment based on MIC that allows solutions of complex image processing problems to be built and executed rapidly. This effort involves creating a new modeling representation for image processing adaptation mechanisms. The proposed MIC-based adaptive image-processing environment generates a solution given the modeling constraints and executes it on a number of hardware architectures.
Lipoprotein subclasses in genetic studies: The Berkeley Data Set

Data from the Berkeley Data Set was used to investigate familial correlations of HDL-subclasses. Analysis of the sibling intraclass correlation coefficient by HDL particle diameter showed that sibling HDL levels were significantly correlated for HDL{sub 2b}, HDL{sub 3a} and HDL{sub 3b} subclasses. The percentage of the offsprings` variance explained by their two parents. Our finding that parents and offspring-have the highest correlation for HDL{sub 2b} is consistent with published reports that show higher heritability estimates for HDL{sub 2} compared with HDL{sub 3}{minus} cholesterol.
Thermal Noise in Spin-Phonon Systems

Spin-phonon systems thermal noise, based on combined lattice and spin lattice Hamiltonian densities, applied to acoustic noise field measurements
Screening practices and beliefs of assisted reproductive technology programs

Objective To explore assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs' beliefs about and practices for screening program candidates for the use of ART services. Design An anonymous, self-administered, mailed questionnaire. Setting U.S. ART programs. Participant(s) Directors of U.S. ART programs. Main outcome measure(s) Screening practices and beliefs, agreement with statements about screening rights and responsibility, information collected about candidates, and likelihood of turning away hypothetical candidates. Result(s) The majority of programs do not have a formal policy for screening candidates. The majority of program directors agree that they have a right and responsibility to screen candidates. On average, programs turn away 4% of candidates each year. The majority of programs report being very to extremely likely to deny treatment to the couples described in various scenarios, such as physical abuse, positive HIV status, and single parenthood. Significant variation was seen across programs in their likelihood of turning away various hypothetical candidates. Conclusion(s) There is substantial variation in ART programs' screening practices. These results highlight the need for increased debate over what constitutes inappropriate denial of access to services, and what are prudent, social, ethical, and medical judgments.
The dynamics of natural resource utilization

The limited reserves of mineral resources will soon become a problem facing all the countries of this globe. In an attempt to plan for the needed supply, the static reserve life index of a resource has been used as a measure of future availability. This static index is an inadequate measure of resource availability, one which could cause severe misjudg ments concerning resource supplies. Long-term re source planning requires a better understanding than that afforded by the static reserve life index. This paper illustrates that knowledge already available about the relationships governing the supply of and demand for resources is sufficient to develop a frame work, a simulation model, which can form the basis for more meaningful analysis of long-term resource utili zation.
Television entertainment and the US health-care debate

Some experts on the media say that entertainment can be more successful than news at providing insights into certain institutions, medicine being a good example. US television series that feature physicians as the central characters have been immensely popular. In the early series, dating back to the 1952 debut of City Hospital, the physician was an all-powerful hero working in a sparkling centre of healing, with medicine portrayed as a resource freely available to all. The programmes began to change in the 1970s. Plots centred more around the physicians' personal problems than on the patients, but economic and health-policy issues were still rarely discussed adequately. In the end, what viewers come away with may lead them towards false expectations, and they may increasingly blame doctors for decisions that others make and enforce.
Close ties: an exploratory Colored Eco-Genetic Relationship Map (CEGRM) study of social connections of men in Familial Testicular Cancer (FTC) families

Background: Testicular cancer, while rare compared with other adult solid tumors, is the most common cancer in young men in northern Europe and North America. Risk factors include white race, positive family history, contralateral testicular cancer, cryptorchidism, infertility and testicular microlithiasis. As the genetic causes of familial clusters (Familial Testicular Cancer or FTC) are being sought, it is also important to understand the psycho-social experiences of members of FTC families. Methods: This is a cross-sectional examination via the Colored Eco-Genetic Relationship Map (CEGRM) of social connections reported by 49 men in FTC families participating in NCI research study 02-C-178. Results: The CEGRM was acceptable and feasible for use with men in FTC families, and valuable in understanding their social connections. These men have largely adjusted to the TC history in themselves and/or their relatives. They have considerable social and emotional support from family and friends, although there is wide variability in sources and types. Conclusions: The CEGRM focuses on men’s social connections and close emotional bonds in FTC families. This action-oriented process of placing colored symbols on significant relationships uncovered previously underappreciated emotions accompanying men’s social exchanges. Most men in FTC families succeed in re-establishing a sense of normalcy in their lives and social connections, in the aftermath of a testicular cancer diagnosis.
Sea-Floor Spreading and the Cenozoic History of the East-Central Pacific

The east-central Pacific between 20° N. and 45° S. records several patterns of sea-floor spreading. Three distinct spreading centers are now active in the area, and total spreading rates across one of them, the East Pacific Ridge, are the fastest observed anywhere. The present East Pacific Ridge between 20° N. and 45° S. has maintained its present configuration only during the last 9 m.y. Prior to 10 m.y. ago, a north-northwest-trending ridge was active throughout the east-central Pacific, and the fossil crest of this ridge can be identified in the basin east of the present ridge axis between 10° S. and 30° S. and west of the ridge axis between 20° N. and the equator. Between the equator and 20° N., the north-northwest-trending ridge system has been continuously active since at least the Late Cretaceous, but 5 to 10 m.y. ago the position of the axis jumped to the east. South of the Chile Fracture Zone at 36° S., the north-northwest-trending Chile Ridge appears to be a still active segment of this old ridge system. Spreading on the north-northeast-trending East Pacific Ridge began more than 50 m.y. ago at 55° S. and grew northward so that opening at 35° S. began about 20 m.y. b.p. Between 10° N. and 10° S., spreading about the present axis was initiated only during the last 10 m.y. Analysis of magnetic anomalies associated with north-trending ridges near the equator is of limited value because of the extremely low amplitudes of the anomalies generated by the ridge. However, although identification of individual anomalies is tenuous at best, comparison of relative amplitudes and shapes with computed models offers limited support of the hypothesis of Francheteau and others (1970) that the Pacific Plate has migrated northward since the Late Cretaceous.
Recursive experimental structure re-design of a robot arm using rapid prototyping

This paper describes an experimental recursive method for changing the hardware construction of a plastic robot arm in order to improve the system's dynamic performance. A system is implemented which allows the robot to improve its task performance through repetitive reinforcement of its structure. The structure reinforcement occurs using a coating method developed from stereolithographic rapid prototyping technology. A recursive algorithm, based on a gradient descent method and a parameter estimation theory, is developed to determine the optimal incremental structure changes. The resulting structure changes are then immediately executed by the stereolithographic reinforcement coating method. The entire process consisting of task execution, data analysis, and structure reinforcement is repeated until the task performance is improved to the desired level. An experimental system implementing the proposed technique was developed for building a high speed robot. The system is applied successfully in building a polycarbonate robot arm, showing a significant improvement in the arm dynamics. >
Evidence for weakening of the Walker circulation from cloud observations

Climate models simulate a weakening of the Walker circulation in response to increased greenhouse gases, but it has not been possible to detect this weakening with observations because there are not direct measurements of atmospheric circulation strength. Indirect measurements, such as equatorial gradients in sea level pressure (SLP), exhibit trends of inconsistent sign. In this study we estimate the change in midtropospheric velocity (ω500) from observed change in cloud cover, which we argue is more closely tied to the overturning circulation than indirect measurements of SLP at the surface. Our estimates suggest a weakening and eastward shift of the Walker circulation over the last century. Because changes in cloud cover in Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project simulations forced with increased sea surface temperature are remarkably similar in pattern, sign, and magnitude, we assert that the observed changes in cloud cover and the associated weakening of Walker circulation are at least in part externally forced.
Asking Questions First: Navigating Popular Culture and Transgression in an Inquiry-Based Media Literacy Classroom

This article explores five concerns among media literacy educators related to using potentially transgressive popular culture texts as tools in the classroom, detailing the formative teaching experiences of several instructors in a media literacy summer enrichment program. These five concerns include such issues as inappropriate material in a media text and fear of offending parents or administrators. Using inquiry-based learning as a classroom foundation, instructors and administration in the program developed strategies for dealing with problematic and transgressive popular culture material in classroom use. Strategies explored include teaching and practicing critical thinking skills and encouraging open-ended student dialogue. Instructors modeled and supported positive and respectful conversations about popular media texts, facilitated collaborative media production and analysis activities in their classrooms, and fostered personal reflection about media use among students.
Evolutionary history of chimpanzees inferred from complete mitochondrial genomes

Investigations into the evolutionary history of the common chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes, have produced inconsistent results due to differences in the types of molecular data considered, the model assumptions employed, and the quantity and geographical range of samples used. We amplified and sequenced 24 complete P. troglodytes mitochondrial genomes from fecal samples collected at multiple study sites throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Using a "relaxed molecular clock," fossil calibrations, and 12 additional complete primate mitochondrial genomes, we analyzed the pattern and timing of primate diversification in a Bayesian framework. Our results support the recognition of four chimpanzee subspecies. Within P. troglodytes, we report a mean (95% highest posterior density [HPD]) time since most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) of 1.026 (0.811-1.263) Ma for the four proposed subspecies, with two major lineages. One of these lineages (tMRCA = 0.510 [0.387-0.650] Ma) contains P. t. verus (tMRCA = 0.155 [0.101-0.213] Ma) and P. t. ellioti (formerly P. t. vellerosus; tMRCA = 0.157 [0.102-0.215] Ma), both of which are monophyletic. The other major lineage contains P. t. schweinfurthii (tMRCA = 0.111 [0.077-0.146] Ma), a monophyletic clade nested within the P. t. troglodytes lineage (tMRCA = 0.380 [0.296-0.476] Ma). We utilized two analysis techniques that may be of widespread interest. First, we implemented a Yule speciation prior across the entire primate tree with separate coalescent priors on each of the chimpanzee subspecies. The validity of this approach was confirmed by estimates based on more traditional techniques. We also suggest that accurate tMRCA estimates from large computationally difficult sequence alignments may be obtained by implementing our novel method of bootstrapping smaller randomly subsampled alignments.