cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A copy number gain on 18q present in primary prostate tumors is associated with metastatic outcome.

Abstract Background Most prostate cancers (CaPs) grow slowly and remain indolent, yet some become aggressive and metastasize. Clinical decision-making requires prognostic markers that can be utilized at the time of diagnosis to identify aggressive tumors. Previous studies have shown a correlation between genomic alterations on the long arm of chromosome 18 (18q) and metastatic CaP. Objective The goal of this study was to comprehensively profile copy number alterations found on 18q in prostate tumors with varying outcomes to identify putative biomarkers associated with more aggressive disease Methods A custom comparative genomic hybridization array was created composed of high-density tiling of 18q sequences. Primary prostate tumor tissues were gathered from men who underwent radical prostatectomy and were categorized based on the patient's long-term clinical outcome as either metastatic disease (MET) or no evidence of disease (NED). DNA was isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded prostatectomy tumor tissues, and analyzed for copy number variations (CNVs). Protein levels of genes found within the region of CNVs were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Results Thirty-Four primary prostate tumors were analyzed: 17 NEDs and 17 METs. Two significant regions of copy number gains were found on 18q associated with outcome. One gain located at 18q11.2 was found exclusively in NED outcome tumors while another gain, located at 18q21.31, was found exclusively in MET outcome tumors (P -value Conclusions The latter of these CNVs represent a putative biomarker for aggressive disease and highlights a putative metastasis promoting gene. Further study of known connections to CaP suggests that the paracaspase MALT1 is the most likely target of the copy number gain and represents a potential therapeutic target. Future studies would be of interest to determine MALT1’s role in aggressive CaP and the ability of this CNV region to differentiate CaP that will eventually metastasize.
An exploration of the challenges faced by traveling adjuncts

Higher education institutions are heavily reliant on part-time adjuncts to teach their students. These part-time adjuncts now account for the majority of faculty in the United States. This qualitat...
An empirical investigation of factors that drive a user decision to continue using cloud storage services

Understanding the factors that determine a user’s decision to continue using cloud storage services is critical for providers and their users. We integrated Stimuli Organism Response (SOR) and Info...
Effects of charging rates on LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622)/graphite Li-ion cells

Abstract Enabling fast charging capability of lithium-ion battery is of great importance to widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Increasing the charging rates from state-of-the-art 2C (30 min) to 6C (10 min) requires deep understanding on the cell aging mechanism. In this study, 400 mAh pouch cells are cycled at 1C, 4C and 6C charging rates with 1C discharging rate. Capacity fading, cathode structural changes, Li inventory loss, electrolyte composition changes and Li plating on graphite electrodes are thoroughly studied by various characterization techniques. The rapid capacity fading in cells at 6C charging rate is mainly due to Li inventory loss from cathode structure and metallic Li plating on graphite electrode at higher charging rate. Post-mortem analysis also revealed changes in electrolyte such as increased salt molarity and transesterification during fast charging.
Applying the Relapse Model to Harm Reduction: The Development and Evaluation of the Harm Reduction Self-Efficacy Questionnaire

Harold Rosenberg, Advisor My study was designed to develop and evaluate a measure to assess harm reduction selfefficacy in intravenous (IV) opiate users. Using Marlatt and Gordon’s (1985) Cognitive Behavioral Model of Relapse, I developed the Harm Reduction Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (HRSEQ) to examine drug users’ perceived confidence in their ability to utilize specific harm reduction strategies in select high-risk situations. The study consisted of two major phases: 1) instrument development using focus groups of drug-takers and expert feedback and 2) experimental study of the influence of type of high-risk situation on self-efficacy to use harm reduction coping skills using a different sample of active or recently active drug users. In addition, I examined the reliability and construct/discriminant validity of the HRSEQ measure. After the HRSEQ was designed, I administered it along with other drug use measures, to 101 IV opiate users. Results indicated that harm reduction self-efficacy varied as predicted depending on type of high-risk situation. The HRSEQ demonstrated high internal consistency and was reliable across a one-week time period. The three HRSEQ scales were significantly associated (at a moderate to strong level) with the Harm Reduction Use Measure (HRUM), a scale that assessed use of harm reduction coping behaviors, thus providing support for construct validity. In addition, weak correlations and lack of associations between the HRSEQ scales and measures examining health self-efficacy, exercise self-efficacy, and self-efficacy to resist heavy drug use provided support for the discriminant validity of the HRSEQ. After further development, the HRSEQ could be a useful tool to gain a better understanding of clients’ confidence to utilize harm reduction interventions that will improve their health and well-being.
Deterrents and motivators of HIV testing among young Black men who have sex with men in North Carolina

In the United States (US), young, Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Delayed and infrequent HIV testing has been associated with the increased likelihood of YBMSM to be infected, yet unaware. Despite increased efforts to provide HIV testing to YBMSM in the US, HIV testing remains underutilized by YBMSM in the South. To develop strategies to increase HIV testing, this study sought to understand the factors that affect HIV testing utilization among YBMSM. Twenty-two HIV-positive and HIV-negative YBMSM aged 22-33 in North Carolina participated in semistructured interviews. Qualitative thematic analysis revealed that deterrents and motivators to HIV testing spanned individual, social, and structural levels. Deterrents included a low perceived risk of HIV, fear of receiving an HIV-positive test result, lack of HIV testing locations, healthcare provider mistreatment and privacy concerns due to intersectional stigma. Motivators of HIV testing included health maintenance, social support, and increased access to HIV testing. The findings from this study contribute to ongoing research that aims to address inconsistent HIV testing and late HIV diagnosis among YBMSM. Interventions to address intersectional stigma in community and healthcare settings can enhance utilization of HIV prevention services .
The Internet of Things in Extreme Environments Using Low-Power Long-Range Near Field Communication

The Internet of Things (IoT) in extreme environments, such as underground and underwater, is an essential technology to monitor the status and exploit resources therein. Existing solutions using active UHF radios experience high power consumption and high signal propagation losses, which increase the cost of maintenance. In this article, a low-power IoT technology using passive sensors and near field communication (NFC) is introduced. Existing magnetic induction-based NFC and other communication protocols are reviewed, and their advantages and limitations are identified. Then the system framework, key technologies, and research challenges of the low-power long-range NFC-based passive sensing system are discussed. This system can enable ubiquitous sensing and computing in various inhomogeneous extreme environments. Its applications in precision agriculture, road infrastructure monitoring, and water quality monitoring are presented.
Methodology and reporting guidelines

Abstract In this chapter we discuss existing methodology and reporting guidelines for pragmatic randomized clinical trials (pRCTs) identified from a literature review, consensus recommendations from these guidelines, and areas of need for future guidelines. Consensus from existing pRCT methodology and reporting guidance can assist in the design, conduct, and reporting of high-quality pRCTs. Further, lack of consensus indicates areas of need where methodology and reporting guidelines are limited or have not yet been developed. Consensus recommendations support the use of the Pragmatic-Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary, version 2 (PRECIS-2) for both the design and reporting of pRCTs. Further, journals are more often requiring the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) extension for pragmatic trials checklist with manuscript submissions. Existing guidance can be strengthened in the areas of patient stakeholder involvement, effective communication of study results, improved understanding of usual care, including concomitant medications and changes in therapy, and balance between validity and fit-for-purpose among study design choices (traditional RCTs vs. routine clinical practice).
The Use of Same-Day Hearing Aid Fitting with Telehealth Follow-up Care: A Case Study of a Veteran Presenting with Tinnitus and Auditory Processing Disorder Symptoms

Providing same-day hearing aid fitting appointments to patients being seen in an audiology clinic for an audiometric evaluation may help decrease clinic wait times and reduce the need for future in-person appointments. Prior to 2020, the Veterans Administration (VA) Healthcare System did not allow hearing aid manufacturers to provide functional demonstration (demo) hearing aids to VA audiology clinics. Due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) pandemic, this rule was changed to minimize the number of required in-person VA audiology appointments. The audiology clinic at the Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System developed a hearing aid fitting protocol using demo hearing aids to provide same-day hearing aid fitting appointments. This case study pertains to a female Veteran who presented to the clinic with complaints of decreased hearing and bothersome tinnitus. The patient completed a comprehensive audiometric evaluation, auditory processing disorder screening, hearing aid evaluation, and hearing aid fitting in the clinic. All follow-up appointments were scheduled to be completed via telehealth. The initial findings in this case study indicate that same-day hearing aid fittings can be successful for some patients. Future telehealth follow-up appointments will determine this patient's level of success using hearing aid-related outcome measures.
Fructose plus High-Salt Diet in Early Life Results in Salt-Sensitive Cardiovascular Changes in Mature Male Sprague Dawley Rats

Fructose and salt intake remain high, particularly in adolescents and young adults. The present studies were designed to evaluate the impact of high fructose and/or salt during pre- and early adolescence on salt sensitivity, blood pressure, arterial compliance, and left ventricular (LV) function in maturity. Male 5-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were studied over three 3-week phases (Phases I, II, and III). Two reference groups received either 20% glucose + 0.4% NaCl (GCS-GCS) or 20% fructose + 4% NaCl (FHS-FHS) throughout this study. The two test groups ingested fructose + 0.4% NaCl (FCS) or FHS during Phase I, then GCS in Phase II, and were then challenged with 20% glucose + 4% NaCl (GHS) in Phase III: FCS-GHS and FHS-GHS, respectively. Compared with GCS-GCS, systolic and mean pressures were significantly higher at the end of Phase III in all groups fed fructose during Phase I. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) was elevated at the end of Phase I in FHS-GHS and FHS-FHS (vs. GCS-GCS). At the end of Phase III, PWV and renal resistive index were higher in FHS-GHS and FHS-FHS vs. GCS-GCS. Diastolic, but not systolic, LV function was impaired in the FHS-GHS and FHS-FHS but not FCS-FHS rats. Consumption of 20% fructose by male rats during adolescence results in salt-sensitive hypertension in maturity. When ingested with a high-salt diet during this early plastic phase, dietary fructose also predisposes to vascular stiffening and LV diastolic dysfunction in later life.
NMR characterization of H2O2 hydrogen exchange.

Abstract Quantification of H2O2 concentration in aqueous solutions is of interest in many fields. It usually is based on indirect methods that rely on oxidation reactions that turn on/off fluorescent probes. Such methods can suffer from reaction incompleteness and interfering chemical species. We describe optimization of NMR detection that enables direct quantification of H2O2 down to the nanomolar range. Taking advantage of fast hydrogen exchange (HX) between H2O2 and water permits the use of very short interscan delays, greatly increasing sensitivity. The specific acid-, base- and water-catalyzed HX rates at 2 °C were measured to be 2.1 × 107, 6.1 × 109, and 1.4 × 10−1 M−1s−1, respectively, which result in a minimum HX rate at pH 6.2. Furthermore, the exchange is accelerated by general acid/base catalysis. MES and phosphate buffers catalyze HX strongest in their unprotonated forms. For imidazole, only the unprotonated form catalyzes HX, which contrasts with acetic acid where only the protonated state catalyzes exchange. Inorganic salts such as sodium chloride and azide have negligible effect on HX. We present optimal conditions for accurate measurement of H2O2 concentrations as low as 40 nM in aqueous samples in a few hours.
Time for System Redesign.

Medical education and the clinical world within which it is practiced have undergone unprecedented change in the last 10 years. Duty hour reform and the shift toward outcomes-based education and assessment have had a marked impact on our educational systems. 1 At the same time, many of our hospitals and clinics have undergone significant systems changes. Electronic medical records have swept the nation and, along with them, increases in physician tasks and non-face-to-face communication with patients and interprofessional colleagues. Documentation and clinical productivity pressures have increased, clinic visits have been shortened, and the pressure to reduce hospital length of stay has increased. Meanwhile, patients are seemingly getting older and sicker. These changes to the medical education and clinical world have left internal medicine physicians, whether based in the hospital or the clinic, debating and lamenting their impact. Concerns have included apprehension about the effect of these changes on the quality of patient care, patient safety, and resident education. These often heated discussions have occurred within the walls of our institutions and in public forums, including JGIM. While the debate continued, program directors in internal medicine were forced to move quickly. Perhaps the most common change was the transition from overnight call to shift-based systems. Designs vary from institution to institution, but most involve daytime shifts, with swing and night float shifts for admitting and cross-cover of patients. The day team is responsible for admitting new patients that come in during the day, but also for caring for their patients and those admitted overnight by the swing and night float residents. Another growing change is the shift to X+Y schedules, wherein residents spend a fixed number of weeks on inpatient duty (generally 3–5 weeks), followed by a week or more of outpatient, largely continuity clinic care. Again, debate has raged over the clinical and educational challenges associated with these models. The impacts of these changes have been
Management of Intracerebellar Hematomas and Infarcts

This chapter discusses the diagnosis and treatment options for intracerebellar hematomas and infarcts. Cerebellar hemorrhage and cerebellar infarction are two clinical entities with entirely different pathophysiologies, however, the clinical syndrome is quite similar and the surgical treatment and surgical considerations are nearly identical. For this reason, surgical consideration of either cerebellar hemorrhage or cerebellar infarction should be listed under the rather broader category of management of vascular-related mass effect in the posterior fossa. Open suboccipital craniectomy with either a paramedian or midline approach with hematoma evacuation is the standard surgical treatment for cerebellar hemorrhage. Stereotactic aspiration procedures have been described but are less widely accepted at present. These techniques involve aspiration of as much clot as possible with postoperative delivery of fibrinolytic agents through an indwelling catheter to dissolve and aspirate the remaining hematoma. The treatment of cerebellar infarction has also progressed remarkably with the availability of tomographic imaging. Patients with early signs of posterior fossa compression can have immediate confirmation of cerebellar hemorrhage, cerebellar infarction, or other space occupying process in the posterior fossa as well as the presence of associated hydrocephalus, and management schemes can be formulated accordingly.
Phosphatase and Tensin Homologue: Novel Regulation by Developmental Signaling

Phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) is a critical cell endogenous inhibitor of phosphoinositide signaling in mammalian cells. PTEN dephosphorylates phosphoinositide trisphosphate (PIP3), and by so doing PTEN has the function of negative regulation of Akt, thereby inhibiting this key intracellular signal transduction pathway. In numerous cell types, PTEN loss-of-function mutations result in unopposed Akt signaling, producing numerous effects on cells. Numerous reports exist regarding mutations in PTEN leading to unregulated Akt and human disease, most notably cancer. However, less is commonly known about nonmutational regulation of PTEN. This review focuses on an emerging literature on the regulation of PTEN at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, translational, and posttranslational levels. Specifically, a focus is placed on the role developmental signaling pathways play in PTEN regulation; this includes insulin-like growth factor, NOTCH, transforming growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein, wnt, and hedgehog signaling. The regulation of PTEN by developmental mediators affects critical biological processes including neuronal and organ development, stem cell maintenance, cell cycle regulation, inflammation, response to hypoxia, repair and recovery, and cell death and survival. Perturbations of PTEN regulation consequently lead to human diseases such as cancer, chronic inflammatory syndromes, developmental abnormalities, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.
The Killing of Crazy Horse – By Thomas Powers

Singled out for special hatred after the Custer debacle at the Little Big Horn in 1876, Crazy Horse, chief of a northern Oglala band, was a marked man from the moment he rode into the Red Cloud Age...
SPATIAL DISPARITIES IN THE CHINESE ICT SECTOR: A REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The information and communication technology (ICT) sector is currently one of the most dynamic sectors in China's economy. Based on the number of cell phone users, internet users and workers in telecommunication, we indicate that the ICT sector is not equally distributed across the 31 Chinese provinces. This is also true for the distribution of per capita income growth. Various tools of exploratory spatial data analysis are then used to uncover that this sector displays signs of spatial autocorrelation as the selected variables appear to be more spatially concentrated in a few provinces. However, while cell phones and internet are mostly clustered in the East, workers in telecommunication are relatively more abundant in the Northern part of the country. On the other hand, the provincial growth rate is more randomly distributed. The existence of a positive relation between the number of ICT users in one province and growth in the neighbouring provinces suggests that ICT ought to be considered as one of the potential levers of a policy aiming to reduce regional inequalities.
Justice Douglas, Justice O'Connor, and George Orwell: Does the Constitution Compel Us to Disown Our Past

Justice William O. Douglas's majority opinion in Zorach v. Clauson famously asserted that [w]e are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being. What did Douglas mean, and was he right? More recently, in cases involving the Ten Commandments, the Pledge of Allegiance and other public expressions and symbols, the Supreme Court has said that the Constitution prohibits government from endorsing religion. Can Douglas's Supreme Being assertion be reconciled with the no endorsement prohibition? And does the more modern doctrine demand that we forget, falsify, or forswear our pervasively religious political heritage? This essay, presented as the William O. Douglas lecture at Gonzaga Law School, addresses those questions.
Object detection and measurement using stereo vision

A method of detecting and measuring objects for the purpose of representing three-dimensional outdoor scenes, using data such as that obtained from stereo vision or from a scanning laser rangefinder, is described. Objects are approximated by ellipsoids. Segmentation of the objects from the background and from each other is done by finding the ground surface, forming a preliminary segmentation by clustering the points above the ground by more than a threshold, fitting ellipsoids to match these clusters and to avoid obscuring the other points, and adjusting the clusters according to the fits. The method is designed to produce results useful for obstacle avoidance and navigation in an exploring vehicle, such as a Mars rover. An example is given showing results obtained from a stereo pair of pictures of Mars from the Viking Lander.
Detecting attacks that exploit application-logic errors through application-level auditing

Host security is achieved by securing both the operating system kernel and the privileged applications that run on top of it. Application-level bugs are more frequent than kernel-level bugs, and, therefore, applications are often the means to compromise the security of a system. Detecting these attacks can be difficult, especially in the case of attacks that exploit application-logic errors. These attacks seldom exhibit characterizing patterns as in the case of buffer overflows and format string attacks. In addition, the data used by intrusion detection systems is either too low-level, as in the case of system calls, or incomplete, as in the case of syslog entries. This paper presents a technique to enforce nonbypassable, application-level auditing that does not require the recompilation of legacy systems. The technique is implemented as a kernel-level component, a privileged daemon, and an offline language tool. The technique uses binary rewriting to instrument applications so that meaningful and complete audit information can be extracted. This information is then matched against application-specific signatures to detect attacks that exploit application-logic errors. The technique has been successfully applied to detect attacks against widely-deployed applications, including the Apache Web server and the OpenSSH server.
Plasmid DNA in Strains of Pediococcus cerevisiae and Pediococcus pentosaceus

Five parental strains of Pediococcus were examined for plasmid content. Each strain contained three to six resident plasmids, ranging in size from 4.5 to 39.5 megadaltons. A bacteriocin-like substance produced by Pediococcus cerevisiae FBB63 was tentatively linked to a 10.5-megadalton plasmid after being cured with novobiocin.
Another Look at Flux Transfer Events

The concept of a flux transfer event (FTE) at the magnetopause is unphysical for several reasons and should be discarded. A realistic model must include an inductive electric field (with a curl) in order to draw upon stored magnetic energy. Energy transfer is limited by the group velocity of the medium; the Alfven velocity is only about 100 km/s and for an event that lasts for one minute the source of energy must be within 1 earth radius of any dissipation such as the FTE. The required force transfer current must close locally. The often expressed idea of the conversion of magnetic energy directly into the dissipation is entirely equivalent to a force transfer current. When the correct plasma physics is assumed a plasma transfer event (PTE) is the result, explaining many features such as multiple simultaneous injection events regularly observed by satellites.
An indenter viscometer for very viscous fluids (such as asphalt at room temperature)

A new indenter viscometer for measuring the viscosity of fluids in the range of viscosities from 103 to 109 N s m−2 is described, along with experiments made in order to check the theory on which it is based and to determine the practicability and convenience of its use.
Dynamics of lysine hydrochloride dihydrate measured by carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy

The 13C NMR spectra for L-lysine hydrochloride dihydrate are reported for static samples and samples spinning at the magic angle, which provide resolution of each carbon resonance. The spectra and the T1s, T1p and T1 relaxation times for the carbon atoms demonstrate that there is little motion of the side-chain in this crystal environment. The carbon spin–lattice relaxation is approximately accounted for by rotational motions of the ammonium ions in the range 50–100 ns and motions of the water molecules in the region of 50 ps or 70 ns. The backbone motions are relatively unimportant for relaxation of the carbon spins.
Observational Analysis of Video Records of Team Performance

Observation is a traditional ethnographic approach for data collection in real dynamic workplaces. Video recording of brief, risky, but beneficial tasks was investigated for use as an enhancement of observation to assess team performance. Audio-video recording took place in a trauma center using cameras attached to the ceiling of resuscitation bays. Chest tube insertion, a task with an easily defined start and finish time, was video recorded at two levels of urgency. An expert defined task analysis was determined by interview and questionnaires and was used to identify performance problems and opportunities for task improvement. The findings were that video recording has important advantages over observation as a reusable record to extract qualitative and quantitative data. However, observation is easier, less time consuming and a less quantitable data collection tool. Particular benefits of video were the fine-grained analyses of second by second behavioral and verbal interactions and events or tasks not...
Use of reported speech in the communicative interactions of individuals with ventromedial prefrontal cortex damage

Reported speech (RS) is a pervasive discourse practice in which speakers represent, or re-enact, words, thoughts, or feelings from other times and/or places, and it is thought to reflect and create emotional connections among interlocutors. The current study examines the role of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), a neural structure critical for social, emotional, and interpersonal behavior, in the use of reported speech. In the communicative interactions of six individuals with vmPFC damage and six healthy comparison participants, each interacting with a clinician, we compared the frequency and use of reported speech. Contrary to our predictions, the vmPFC participants did not differ from healthy participants in the frequency or use of reported speech. These results suggest that the vmPFC does not make critical contributions to the use of reported speech in conversation and furthers our understanding of neural and cognitive underpinnings of reported speech and language use.
Web-Foot or Syndactylism in the Fowl

Abstract INTRODUCTION NORMAL chickens have small webs between toes 2 and 3, and 3 and 4, sufficient to permit the use of a punch for identification purposes with baby chicks. By contrast, pigeons and many other kinds of birds normally are devoid of web, and waterfowl typically have complete webbing. Partial webbing or syndactylism is normal in some of the Coraciiformes, such as kingfishers, in which toes 3 and 4 are joined closely. The purpose of this paper is to record our observations on spontaneous occurrences of increased web development and syndactylism in the fowl and to relate these to previous studies on the condition, both genetic and teratological. Not many poultrymen have ever seen the condition, and it is not specified as a characteristic of any breed, though varieties with heavily-feathered feet are reported to have a tendency to increased web or syndactyly between toes 3 and 4 (review by…
Steroid regulation of sexual behavior

Abstract Investigation into the hormonal control of sexual behavior has a rich and extensive history. For many researchers currently active in the field, the physiological psychologist Frank A. Beach is recognized as the modern father of the study of hormones and behavior. His publication of the seminal book Hormones and Behavior—A Survey of Interrelationships Between Endocrine Secretions and Patterns of Overt Response , published in 1948, was a compilation of the previous 20 years of research establishing that gonadal secretions acted in the brain and modulated behavior. The question of precisely how hormones can alter brain functioning in a coordinated fashion and profoundly influence the patterns of behavioral responsiveness remains unanswered. As with many research areas, application of new techniques and approaches to the problem reveals additional layers of complexity and previously unimagined relationships between hormones, brain, and behavior. In addition, with the increasing understanding that the brain is a target organ for steroids, the implications of the ramifications of this steroid sensitivity have broadened. The hormonal regulation of sexual behavior is not an isolated aspect of steroid action in the brain; rather, it is one component of a host of physiological responses influenced by steroids. These include such diverse responses as anxiety, aggression, feeding, and learning and memory. An appreciation of the diverse effects of steroids has emerged from studies on sexual behavior, and a mutually beneficial relationship between this and other aspects of behavioral neuroscience has flourished and endured. As with all of neuroscience, this research area has been dynamic and progressive and has additionally benefited from a long history of comparative and integrative approaches to animal behavior.
Exploring abortion attitudes of US adolescents and young adults using social media.

Abstract Objectives To explore the use of social media for recruitment of adolescents and young adults in the United States and to describe how they learn and feel about abortion. Study design Americans 13–29years of age were recruited through web-based social media to complete an online survey about sex and pregnancy-related decision making, including abortion. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the study population's demographics and prevalence of sexual experience to national databases [US Census and National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG)] and to describe abortion attitudes and related topics. Results Survey completion rate was 78% and 996 participants' responses were analyzed. The study population appeared diverse with respect to gender, ethnicity, race and geographic distribution with some similarities to the US Census and was sexually active at an earlier age compared to the NSFG. While the majority of participants supported abortion (74%), acceptance of abortion for themselves or their partners varied based on circumstances. The media were the most popular sources of information for learning about sex and abortion (73% and 68%, respectively). Parents had the most influence on individuals' abortion stances compared to other sources. Conclusions Social media recruitment, compared to traditional methods, has the potential to reach a geographically, ethnically and racially diverse group of young people to study sensitive topics in an economical and expedient fashion. Similar to the general population, the study population's abortion views fell on a spectrum with overall supportive attitudes toward abortion. The media served as common sources of information for learning about both sex and abortion. Implications Web-based social media offer a novel recruiting strategy to study sensitive topics such as abortion attitudes among difficult-to-reach populations such as adolescents and young adults. The presented findings begin characterizing young people's abortion attitudes, offering a foundation for more in-depth research.
Vibrational analysis of 2-ethyl-1-butene and 3-pentanone

Abstract Infrared and Raman spectra were obtained for 2-ethyl-1-butene and infrared spectra were obtained for 3-pentanone. Normal coordinate calculations were made for all three possible conformers of each compound and the resulting vibrational assignments and force constants are given in this paper. Molecular mechanics and low-level ab initio molecular orbital calculations were also made for all the conformers. The results support the existence of three conformers of the alkene and two conformers of the ketone.
Synthesis of rat muscle ferritins and function in iron metabolism of heart and diaphragm

Two major species of ferritin are found in heart and other muscles of the rat, which may be separated in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after preliminary purification. We have examined the time-course of incorporation of [3H]leucine and 59Fe into these slow- and fast-migrating ferritins in heart and diaphragm, in vivo, following intraperitoneal or intravenous injection. The results show: 1. Both species of ferritin are synthesized from amino acids in parallel with total tissue protein and receive iron in concert; consequently, there is no structural precursor/product or iron-donor/receiver relationship between them. 2. Under iron stimulation, both ferritins are synthesized at different rates within the same tissue and between tissues, and there is a correlation between tissue concentration and its rate of synthesis. In the diaphragm, the concentration and rate of synthesis of the slow-migrating species predominate, and in the heart the opposite pertains. 3. In both tissues iron is preferentially absorbed by the first species upon entry into the tissue, and this is independent of the relative concentration of the two ferritins or their iron saturation. 4. From the data on 59Fe uptake it appears that myoglobin synthesis and metabolism are considerably more active in the heart than in the diaphragm. However, neither ferritin species is a direct iron donor for myoglobin synthesis. Instead, the ferritins and myoglobin all draw their iron from a common pool, which may be of the small molecular weight type reported for intestinal epithelium and some other cells.
Tea and coffee intake in relation to risk of breast cancer in the Black Women’s Health Study

Prospective studies of tea and coffee intake and breast cancer risk have yielded inconsistent results. None of these studies has reported separately on African-American women. We prospectively examined the relation of tea and coffee consumption to risk of breast cancer among 52,062 women aged 21–69 at enrollment in 1995 in the Black Women’s Health Study. Dietary intake was assessed in 1995 and 2001 using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for breast cancer risk factors. During 12 years of follow-up through 2007, there were 1,268 incident cases of breast cancer. Intakes of tea, coffee, and caffeine were not significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer overall. The IRRs for consumption of ≥4 cups/day compared with none were 1.13 (95% CI 0.78–1.63) for tea and 1.03 (95% CI 0.77–1.39) for caffeinated coffee, and the IRR for the top quintile relative to the bottom quintile of caffeine intake was 1.04 (95% CI 0.87–1.24). Consumption of tea, coffee, and caffeine was not significantly associated with breast cancer risk according to menopausal status or hormone receptor status. Our findings suggest that intakes of tea, coffee, and caffeine are not associated with the risk of breast cancer among African-American women.
Knockdown of Malic Enzyme 2 Suppresses Lung Tumor Growth, Induces Differentiation and Impacts PI3K/AKT Signaling

Mitochondrial malic enzyme 2 (ME2) catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of malate to yield CO2 and pyruvate, with concomitant reduction of dinucleotide cofactor NAD(+) or NADP(+). We find that ME2 is highly expressed in many solid tumors. In the A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line, ME2 depletion inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell death and differentiation, accompanied by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NADP(+)/NADPH ratio, a drop in ATP, and increased sensitivity to cisplatin. ME2 knockdown impacts phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression, leading to AKT inhibition. Depletion of ME2 leads to malate accumulation and pyruvate decrease, and exogenous cell permeable dimethyl-malate (DMM) mimics the ME2 knockdown phenotype. Both ME2 knockdown and DMM treatment reduce A549 cell growth in vivo. Collectively, our data suggest that ME2 is a potential target for cancer therapy.
The relationship between the ring D-substituents and the absolute configuration for the aporphine alkaloids.

Les alcaloides aporphiniques substitues en positions 1, 2, 9, 10 on en 1, 2, 10, 11 sont dextrorotatoires et du type I. Mais les aporphines monosubstituees ou non substituees dans le cycle D, et qui ne parviennent pas de la famille Papaveraceae, sont generalement levorotatoires et du genre II.
Legionnaires' disease: evaluation of a quantitative microbial risk assessment model

Background: The quantities of Legionella vary considerably from natural waters to water in contaminated domestic hot water supplies, whirlpool spas and cooling towers, with the risk for LD rising as the Legionella counts grow. We currently report the results from our Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) model evaluation. We developed the LD QMRA model to better understand Legionella exposure risks. Methods: Using an animal data derived model for LD, we calculated risks from estimated exposures for a whirlpool spa outbreak, two hot spring spa outbreaks and compared the results to the reported LD risks. Results: The QMRA model shows agreement (generally less than an order of magnitude discrepancy) with the reported Legionnaires’ disease sub-clinical severity infection, clinical severity infection, and mortality risks. Conclusions: The LD QMRA model may lead to risk based limits to supplement the current guidance on Legionella control in cooling towers, whirlpool spas and other potential exposure sources. The verification of QMRA for LD also suggests the techniques, given suitable animal model data, may be useful in quantifying human response to other airborne pathogens.
Hybrid physics of the mind

Abstract The physics of the mind is considered as a hybrid system incorporating both the theories of modern and ancient scientists in order to shed some light on the existing [E.E. Escultura, The physics of the mind (in press)] theory and to strengthen it.
Thermal analysis of above-grade wall assembly with low emissivity materials and furred airspace

Abstract A 3D numerical model was developed to investigate the effect of foil emissivity on the effective thermal resistance of an above-grade wall assembly with foil bonded to wood fibreboard in a furred assembly having airspace next to the foil. This model solved simultaneously the energy equation in the various material layers, the surface-to-surface radiation equation in the furred airspace assembly, Navier–Stokes equation for the airspace, and Darcy and the Brinkman equations for the porous material layers. In this work, the furring was installed horizontally. In the first phase, the present model was benchmarked against the experimental data generated by a commercial laboratory for an above-grade wall assembly. The wall consists of a conventional wood frame structure sheathed with fibreboard and covered on the interior side with a low emissivity material bonded to wood fibreboard that is adjacent to a furred airspace assembly. The results showed that the predicted R -value was in good agreement with the measured one. After gaining confidence in the present model, it was used to predict the effective thermal resistance of the same above-mentioned wall but having Oriented Strand Board (OSB) sheathing in lieu of wood fibreboard sheathing. In the second phase, the model was used to quantify the contribution on the wall R -value by having a low foil emissivity. The results showed that a low foil emissivity of 0.04 can increase the R -value of this wall to as much as ∼9%. This is on-going research. The present model is being used to investigate the transient thermal response of foundation wall systems with furring installed horizontally and vertically, and subjected to different Canadian climate conditions.
Kink states from the boson transformation

The kink solution of the phi/sup 4/ theory in 1+1 dimensions is generated for all values of spatial coordinate by the boson transformation. This removes the limitation to values of x>a which the analysis of Matsumoto, Sodano, and Umezawa had and shows clearly the proper approach for calculating multikink states by this method.
Dimensions of Modernization in the American States

Among the crucial facts of our time are the profound differences in “modernization” or “development” that characterize contemporary nation-states. Despite a lack of complete agreement about the nature of these differences, it seems clear that variations in incomes, literacy levels, and rates of human reproduction are intimately involved. Development also affects so many other social characteristics that it has become a major preoccupation of social science in all of its branches.The purpose of this paper is to specify modernization levels of states in the American federal system, and to relate variations in development to other aspects of the state political systems. The quest is a natural one in view of the evident concern for development shown by political activists in the states, the emphasis placed upon it in many textbooks and monographs that deal with problems of state government, and the potential relevance for more general theories about all political systems. Problems of development are undoubtedly more pressing in poor nations, but it is not inappropriate to study modernization in an advanced setting. As Siegfried has noted, modernization tends to be an American phenomenon: it is the United States “which is presiding at a general reorganization of the ways of living throughout the entire world.”Questions and answers about development have been formulated in a variety of ways, reflecting a variety of analytic concerns. Scholars concerned with poverty, for example, tend to ask (not unnaturally) “What produces economic growth?” The answers have frequently consisted essentially of single causes: e.g.—technological innovation (Adam Smith), population growth (Smith and Ricardo), the Protestant ethic (Weber), the achieving motive (McClelland), empathy (Lerner). The question can, of course, be phrased more broadly: “What causes a civilization to flower?” This query elicits some of the same answers, but others in addition: climate (Huntington), leaders or luck (Muller), cultural diffusion via trade (Buchanan and Ellis), race (Wax), challenge of the environment (Toynbee).
Hysterectomy and perioperative morbidity in women who have undergone renal transplantation.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare complications from vaginal hysterectomy with abdominal hysterectomy in renal transplant recipients. Study Design Women who underwent renal transplantation then hysterectomy from 1966-2008 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, were identified. Data were collected about preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative events. Main outcome measure was loss of allograft function; secondary outcomes included types of complications and treatment methods. Results Of 58 women with renal transplants, 42 women (72.4%) underwent abdominal hysterectomy. The most common indication for hysterectomy was menorrhagia (n = 20; 34.5%). Overall, 24 women (41.4%) had complications, the most common of which were infection (n = 15) and transfusion (n = 8). Women who underwent abdominal hysterectomy were no more likely to have perioperative complications than were women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.38–4.08). Conclusion Although patients with renal transplants had perioperative complications, none of these complications led to renal graft loss. Hysterectomy can be considered in these patients when accompanied by diligent postoperative care.
Assumptions of Asian American Similarity: The Case of Filipino and Chinese American Students

The conventional research model of clustering ethnic groups into four broad categories risks perpetuating a pedagogy of stereotypes in social work policies and practice methods. Using an elaborated research model, this study tested the assumption of cultural similarity of Filipino and Chinese American college students by examining attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs related to dating violence. The sample included Chinese, Filipino, Hispanic, and white undergraduate students from a large urban university. Findings suggest that Filipino students are more similar to white students than to Chinese students. Regardless of ethnic group, women had more similarities with one another than men in their attitudes toward women. The findings were mixed regarding definitions and justifications of violence.
A preliminary empirical evaluation of the effectiveness of a finite state automaton animator

The FSA Simulator is a Java program created to allow computer science students to work and experiment with finite state automata (FSAs). One of its unique features is the ability to compare the languages of two FSAs. This FSA comparison feature lets the software give students feedback about the accuracy of their work as they do exercises, guiding them toward a correct solution. This paper discusses some preliminary experiments performed to determine the effect of this feedback mechanism on students' learning. Two experimental labs were conducted, the results of which suggest that this feature improved students' success rate when doing exercises, but did not appear to significantly improve the students' performance when the comparison feature was not available.