cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Structure of the Extracellular Heme Proteins

Hemoglobins are present in all five kingdoms of organisms and are widely but sporadically distributed among the animal kingdom, including the Platy- helminthes, Annelida, Vestimentifera, Pogonophora, Echiura, Nematoda, Phoronida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, and Chordata. Extracellular hemoglobins, molecules synthesized intracellularly and then secreted into the hemolymph, have been reported only in organisms in the protostome line of animal phylogeny (although not all protostomes have an extracellular hemoglobin). Those phyla that contain extracellular hemoglobins include the Annelida, Vestimentifera, Pogonophora, Nematoda, Arthropoda, and Mollusca. R. Lankester, a British physiologist, described the large extracellular red and green respiratory proteins of a number of polychaete annelids in 1872, but came to the conclusion they were distinctly different proteins from vertebrate hemoglobins and even gave them a different name, erythrocruorin. Although several researchers, including Keilin and Hartree (1951), have pointed out remarkable similarities between annelid and vertebrate heme-containing respiratory proteins and recommended that they all be referred to as hemoglobins, nonvertebrate hemoglobins, especially the extracellular ones, did not receive as much scrutiny as vertebrate and particularly human hemoglobins.
Updating a Classic: A New Generation of Vignette Experiments Involving Iterative Decision Making:

Although the vignette method is widely used in psychology, it is often implemented without the key feature of iterative decision making that can affect the eventual outcome of the vignettes. This T...
Immediate Effects of a Single Session of Motor Skill Training on the Lumbar Movement Pattern During a Functional Activity in People With Low Back Pain: A Repeated-Measures Study.

Background People with low back pain (LBP) may display an altered lumbar movement pattern of early lumbar motion compared to people with healthy backs. Modifying this movement pattern during a clinical test decreases pain. It is unknown whether similar effects would be seen during a functional activity. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the lumbar movement patterns before and after motor skill training, effects on pain, and characteristics that influenced the ability to modify movement patterns. Design The design consisted of a repeated-measures study examining early-phase lumbar excursion in people with LBP during a functional activity test. Methods Twenty-six people with chronic LBP received motor skill training, and 16 people with healthy backs were recruited as a reference standard. Twenty minutes of motor skill training to decrease early-phase lumbar excursion during the performance of a functional activity were used as a treatment intervention. Early-phase lumbar excursion was measured before and after training. Participants verbally reported increased pain, decreased pain, or no change in pain during performance of the functional activity test movement in relation to their baseline pain. The characteristics of people with LBP that influenced the ability to decrease early-phase lumbar excursion were examined. Results People with LBP displayed greater early-phase lumbar excursion before training than people with healthy backs (LBP: mean = 11.2°, 95% CI = 9.3°-13.1°; healthy backs: mean = 7.1°, 95% CI = 5.8°-8.4°). Following training, the LBP group showed a decrease in the amount of early-phase lumbar excursion (mean change = 4.1°, 95% CI = 2.4°-5.8°); 91% of people with LBP reported that their pain decreased from baseline following training. The longer the duration of LBP (β = - 0.22) and the more early-phase lumbar excursion before training (β = - 0.82), the greater the change in early-phase lumbar excursion following training. Limitations The long-term implications of modifying the movement pattern and whether the decrease in pain attained was clinically significant are unknown. Conclusions People with LBP were able to modify their lumbar movement pattern and decrease their pain with the movement pattern within a single session of motor skill training.
Assessment of Electronic Alert to Reduce Overuse of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in Patients Hospitalized for Febrile Neutropenia.

This study evaluates the efficacy of an alert in the electronic health record to reduce overuse of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in older patients hospitalized with febrile neutropenia.
Initial Management of Head Injury

Initial management of head injury is designed to identify treatable components of the head injury such as intracranial hemorrhage and cerebral edema, maintain a normal intracranial pressure, and limit or reverse systemic insults to minimize the occurrence of secondary injury. These measures provide an optimal environment for recovery from the initial mechanical trauma and recovery of brain function.
Facial Challenges and Federalism

This Essay addresses a debate that emerged in the Supreme Court's decision last Term in Tennessee v. Lane, 124 S. Ct. 1978 (2004), regarding whether challenges to legislation enacted to enforce section five of the Fourteenth Amendment should be assessed on a facial or as-applied basis. It begins by reviewing the Court's precedent involving claims that statutes exceed Congress' enumerated powers to determine how the Court thus far has approached the question of facial challenges and severability in that context. One of the main points that emerges from this review is the confusion spawned by the Court's current and unduly narrow definition of facial challenges as entailing the claim that a statute (or statutory provision) has no valid applications. This definition obscures both the range of forms facial challenges can take and the important role severability plays in the Court's treatment of facial challenges. The Essay then turns to assessing whether, precedent aside, a doctrine of nonseverability should govern in the section five context, and answers this question in the negative. While section five statutes should not be immune from facial attack, the Essay argues that in assessing the merits of such challenges no reason exists to diverge from the ordinary rule that federal courts will presume unconstitutional applications of federal statutes are severable. It concludes with consideration of whether federalism concerns justify a departure from ordinary practice in other congressional power contexts.
Alcohol Use Patterns and Subsequent Sexual Behaviors Among Women, Men who have Sex with Men and Men who have Sex with Women Engaged in Routine HIV Care in the United States

Among people with HIV, alcohol use is associated with increased prevalence of sexual transmission behaviors. We examined associations between alcohol use in the prior year and sexual behaviors approximately six months later among 1857 women, 6752 men who have sex with men (MSM) and 2685 men who have sex with women (MSW). Any alcohol use was associated with increased risk of unsafe vaginal sex among women; anal sex and =>2 anal sex partners among MSM; and anal sex, =>2 anal or vaginal sex partners, and unsafe vaginal sex among MSW. In particular, among women >7 alcoholic drinks/week and among MSW =>5 alcoholic drinks/drinking day increased the likelihood of certain subsequent sexual behaviors. For all groups, especially women, the risk of sex under the influence of drugs/alcohol markedly increased with increases in quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. These different patterns of drinking and sexual behaviors indicate the importance of tailored counseling messages to women, MSM and MSW.
Amino Acid Isotope Analysis: A New Frontier in Studies of Animal Migration and Foraging Ecology

Abstract This chapter details the process and applications of amino acid (AA) analysis in animal tracking as well as addresses the assumptions and inherent limitations that must also be considered when dealing with AA isotope data. The authors provide a brief primer on amino acid biochemistry and isotope discrimination with regard to nitrogen, carbon and hydrogen metabolisms and also touch upon consumer physiology. This is followed by a close examination of several case studies involving the compound-specific isotope analysis-amino acid (CSIA-AA) methodology and how this approach can be successfully applied to radically enhance the fields of migration studies and foraging ecology.
Art to Bring About Change: The Work of Tyree Guyton.

Public art takes many forms including commemorative sculptures, site-specific works, and collaborative murals. Additionally, public art can beautify an urban environment (Riley, 2005) or raise awareness of social issues in a manner similar to the AIDS quilt (Russell, 2004). Another possibility is that public works of art are a form of discourse and open conversations and dialogue. Such works of art can help communities work toward unity and empowerment (Hall, 1989; The Heidelberg Project, n.d.; Senie, 2006). As noted by Russell (2004) and Argiro (2004), studying public works of art can be an important part of art education. Tyree Guyton creates public art that is compelling, challenging, and ripe with possibilities for study in school.
Abstract 3585: Amino acid transporter SLC6A14: A novel drug target for colorectal cancer

SLC6A14 is a Na+/Cl− -dependent amino acid transporter capable of transporting 18 of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids, including arginine, leucine (mTOR activators) and glutamine (necessary for nucleotide biosynthesis). This transporter is expressed at basal levels in normal colon but significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the relevance of this upregulation to disease progression remains unknown. We postulated that deletion of SLC6A14 or pharmacological blockade of its function would suppress CRC by depleting amino acids and interfering with mTOR signaling selectively in tumor cells. To test this postulate, we first used Slc6a14-null mice. With two different models of spontaneous CRC (Apcmin/- and DSS/AOM), we found the tumor incidence and tumor growth were much lower in mice with Slc6a14-null background than in mice with Slc6a14. To evaluate the impact of pharmacologic blockade of the transporter on tumor growth we used a syngeneic tumor mouse model with MC-38 cells (a mouse CRC cell line); blockade of Slc6a14 with alpha-methyl tryptophan (α-MT) markedly reduced tumor growth. We then determined the transcriptome profiles of colonic epithelial cells and colonic non-epithelial cells from wild type mice and Slc6a14-null mice by RNAseq. There were hundreds of genes that were either upregulated or downregulated in the null mice. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) of these data revealed predictive activation of canonical AMPK signaling pathway in colonic epithelial of Slc6a14-null mice. AMPK has anticancer activities by modulating multiple pathways including negatively regulating mTOR signaling. Moreover, upstream analysis showed predictive inactivation of two important tumor growth and survival signaling pathways ERK and EGF in the colon of the null mice. Likewise, significant upregulation of APC downregulated 1 (APCDD1) in epithelial cells in null mice implies predictive suppression of canonical Wnt signaling pathway. We also found marked differences in fecal microbiota as a result of Slc6a14 deletion. There was an increase in the relative abundance of beneficial microbiota including those capable of generating short chain fatty acids and lactic acid in null mice. We conclude that deletion of Slc6a14 or its pharmacological blockade protects against CRC by inducing amino acid starvation in tumor cells, thereby causing changes in multiple signaling pathways and in colonic microbiome. These studies identify SLC6A14 as a novel drug target for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Citation Format: Mohd Omar Faruk Sikder, Sathish Sivaprakasam, Vadivel Ganapathy. Amino acid transporter SLC6A14: A novel drug target for colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3585.
Systematic Review of Radiofrequency Ablation for Management of Knee Pain

Chronic pain of the lower extremity remains challenging to manage. Radiofrequency ablation procedure applies heat to nerve fibers with the goal of mitigating chronic pain conditions of the knee. However, the clinical efficacy has not yet been adequately established. The goal of this review paper is to report the use of radiofrequency ablations in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. PubMed and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched (final search 28 February 2018) using the MeSH terms “radiofrequency ablation,” “neurolysis,” “radiofrequency therapy,” “pain syndrome,” “analgesia,” and “pain” in the English literature. Bibliographies of the published papers were screened for relevance to lower extremity radiofrequency ablation therapies. The quality of selected publications was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias instrument. Of the 923 papers screened, 317 were further investigated for relevance. Our final search methodology yielded 19 studies that investigated the use of radiofrequency ablation at the knee. Of these 19 studies, there were four randomized control trials, two non-randomized control trials, three prospective studies, two retrospective studies, one case-control study, one technical report, and seven case reports. In summary, the data available suggests radiofrequency ablation as a promising and efficacious with all 19 studies revealing significant short- and long-term pain reductions in patients with knee pain.
Are students ready for their future career in the event and meeting industry? Lessons from a comparative study between students and event and meeting professionals.

An increasing number of students show great interest in the event and meeting industry for their future career. Event and meeting professionals have to handle challenging and dynamic circumstances,...
Utility of the AVISE Connective Tissue Disease test in predicting lupus diagnosis and progression.

Background The AVISE Connective Tissue Disease (CTD) test uses autoantibody, erythrocyte-bound C4d (EC4d) and B-cell-bound C4d (BC4d) levels to aid in diagnoses of SLE, other CTDs and fibromyalgia. We evaluated the utility of the AVISE CTD test in predicting SLE disease development and damage progression. Methods Patients who had undergone AVISE CTD testing were assessed for SLE diagnosis by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) and American College of Rheumatology criteria and for SLE damage by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI) at the time of AVISE testing (t=0) and 2 years later (t=2). Results Among 117 patients without a previous diagnosis of SLE, 65% of patients who tested positive developed SLE at t=2, compared with 10.3% of patients who tested non-positive (p Conclusions The AVISE CTD test can aid in SLE evaluation by predicting SLE disease development and future damage progression.
The camera and the geomorphologist

Abstract The methods we use to produce geomorphic data are deeply interwoven with the geomorphic questions we choose to ask, and with the geomorphic theories we construct. Authors have described major changes in the history of geomorphology in terms of theoretical shifts and/or social-cultural changes, but it seems clear that shifts in methodological practices also can produce deep changes in geomorphology as a whole. The camera has had a long, illustrious, and complex history as a geomorphic tool, and as such is useful for assessing larger geomorphological concerns and themes. The camera is also a symbol of the ongoing revolution in geomorphology from a data-poor to a data-rich subject; this revolution is built upon many methodological changes, and it has had many side-effects. The interrelated history of cameras and fluvial geomorphology provides an illuminating case study in past and present changes in the geomorphic sciences. Some past geomorphic practices, such as using photos as descriptive evidence for verifying geomorphic theory, remain as important approaches today. Other camera-based practices have dwindled to some degree, such as the production of large-area topographic maps through traditional aerial-photogrammetry, which have been overtaken by alternative methods such as Lidar and interferometric radar. And newer camera-based techniques, such as structure from motion photogrammetry, are at the heart of the recent democratization of geomorphic data. As the modern data revolution progresses, it is important to ask questions such as “who has been part of the data revolution, and what have been their motivations?” and “have winners and losers been produced as part of the data revolution?” Not all effects of the data revolution have been completely positive; many geomorphologists feel overwhelmed by big data expectations and methodological concerns. From a philosophy of science perspective, the moves toward population-like geomorphic data have strained “normal” inductive inference procedures, and recent research has brought to light inferential alternatives such as advanced data mining and the hypothetico-deductive approach. Even so, most current analytical techniques appear to be lagging behind the newly-introduced big data, producing “new wine in old bottles”: new data for old analyses. Beyond pure geomorphic research, the camera and its derivatives are also part of profound shifts in educational and outreach expectations and practices. Clearly, the data revolution in geomorphology is still in its infancy, and much of that revolution has been wrought by the humble camera.
Market Transition, Multidimensional Socioeconomic Status, and Health Disparities in Urban China:

Synthesizing the theory of fundamental causes in the health literature with the stratification research on transitional economies, this paper investigates how the multidimensional socioeconomic sta...
A Quantification of the Impact of Awaiting Results of a Urinalysis upon Emergency Department Length of Stay.

Abstract Background Despite the popular conception that ordering a urinalysis causes a significant increase in emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS), there is little research on its actual impact. Objectives This study investigated the quantitative impact of obtaining the results of a urinalysis, compared with the quantitative impact of obtaining the results of any laboratory testing of blood (“blood testing”), upon ED LOS in the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey–Emergency Department (NHAMCS-ED) dataset. Methods The NHAMCS-ED dataset was queried from 2006–2015, comparing LOS in visits where urinalysis was ordered, blood testing was ordered, both were ordered, or neither. Results There were 1,232,279,000 ED visits with LOS data found in the study period. Urinalysis was performed in 24.2% of visits, blood testing in 36.7%, both in 18.2%, and none in 57.4%. Median LOS was 153 min. No blood or urine testing had a median LOS of 109, urinalysis only 161 min, blood testing only 221 min, and both, 250 min. Conclusion Urinalysis does increase LOS, but blood testing increases it more, with additive effects when both are ordered.
Acute effects of leg heat therapy on walking performance and cardiovascular and inflammatory responses to exercise in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and impaired exercise tolerance. We have previously reported that leg heat therapy (HT) applied using liquid-circulating trousers perfused with warm water increases leg blood flow and reduces blood pressure (BP) and the circulating levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in patients with symptomatic PAD. In this sham-controlled, randomized, crossover study, sixteen patients with symptomatic PAD (age 65 ± 5.7 years and ankle-brachial index: 0.69 ± 0.1) underwent a single 90-min session of HT or a sham treatment prior to a symptom-limited, graded cardiopulmonary exercise test on the treadmill. The primary outcome was the peak walking time (PWT) during the exercise test. Secondary outcomes included the claudication onset time (COT), resting and exercise BP, calf muscle oxygenation, pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2 ), and plasma levels of ET-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Systolic, but not diastolic BP, was significantly lower (~7 mmHg, p < .05) during HT when compared to the sham treatment. There was also a trend for lower SBP throughout the exercise and the recovery period following HT (p = .057). While COT did not differ between treatments (p = .77), PWT tended to increase following HT (CON: 911 ± 69 s, HT: 954 ± 77 s, p = .059). Post-exercise plasma levels of ET-1 were also lower in the HT session (CON: 2.0 ± 0.1, HT: 1.7 ± 0.1, p = .02). Calf muscle oxygenation, VO2 , COT, IL-6, and TNF-α did not differ between treatments. A single session of leg HT lowers BP and post-exercise circulating levels of ET-1 and may enhance treadmill walking performance in symptomatic PAD patients.
Increased Morbidity and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients with Liver Injury.

There is a high prevalence of liver injury (LI) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, few large-scale studies assessing risk factors and clinical outcomes in these patients have been done. To evaluate the risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with LI in a large inpatient cohort of COVID-19 patients. Adult patients with COVID-19 between March 1 and April 30, 2020, were included. LI was defined as peak levels of alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase that were 3 times the ULN or peak levels in alkaline phosphatase/total bilirubin that were 2 times the ULN. Mild elevation in liver enzymes (MEL) was defined as abnormal peak liver enzyme levels lower than the threshold for LI. Patients with MEL and LI were compared to a control group comprising patients with normal liver enzymes throughout hospitalization. Of 1935 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 1031 (53.2%) had MEL and 396 (20.5%) had LI. Compared to control patients, MEL and LI groups contained proportionately more men. Patients in the MEL cohort were older compared to control, and African-Americans were more highly represented in the LI group. Patients with LI had an increased risk of mortality (relative risk [RR] 4.26), intensive care unit admission (RR, 5.52), intubation (RR, 11.01), 30-day readmission (RR, 1.81), length of hospitalization, and intensive care unit stay (10.49 and 10.06 days, respectively) compared to control. Our study showed that patients with COVID-19 who presented with LI had a significantly increased risk of mortality and poor clinical outcomes.
Overview of Nonlinear Integrated Optics

Nonlinear integrated optics is defined as the implementation of nonlinear optical interactions in planar and channel waveguides. This field has grown dramatically in the past few years for two reasons. First, for optical data storage and xerography, there is a pressing need for efficient doubling of semiconductor lasers. This has led to increased interest in second harmonic generation in waveguides, the goal being to produce a few milliwatts of deep blue light with 40 mW input. Second, a concept of ultrafast processing of optically coded information has emerged. It involves using an intensity-dependent refractive index to produce all-optical control of switching functions. In both cases, the goal is to be able to use semiconductor lasers.
Thirty-day readmission after lower extremity bypass in diabetic patients

Abstract Background Lower extremity bypass (LEB) for peripheral vascular disease is a common procedure in diabetics and is associated with readmission. Thus, we hypothesized that diabetes might be a predictor of 30-d unplanned readmission after LEB. Methods Patients undergoing infrainguinal LEB in the 2011–12 American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program database were divided into nondiabetics mellitus (NDM), non–insulin-dependent diabetics mellitus (NIDDM), and insulin-dependent diabetic mellitus (IDDM). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the influence of diabetes on 30-d readmission. Results A total of 9207 patients (5155 [56%] NDM, 1690 (18%) NIDDM, and 2362 (26%) IDDM) underwent LEB. Unplanned readmission was observed in 1448 patients (16%). IDDM had significantly higher crude postoperative complication (43% versus 30% NDM, 36% NIDDM; P Conclusions Although post-LEB unplanned readmission was more common among diabetics, IDDM was independently associated with unplanned readmission only in those without cardiac disease. This was driven, in part, by increased cardiac complications. Therefore, a more stringent preoperative cardiac workup in this group should be considered before LEB.
Photovoltaic characteristics of n/sup +/pp/sup +/ InP solar cells grown by OMVPE

The photovoltaic characteristics of n/sup +//p/p/sup +/ homojunction InP solar cells fabricated by organometallic vapor-phase epitaxy (OMVPE) are described. The cells are characterized by I-V, C-V and quantum efficiency measurements, and simulations are used to obtain various device and material parameters. The I-V characteristics show a high recombination rate in the depletion region; this is shown to be independent of the impurity used. It is shown that cadmium is easier to use as an acceptor for the p base and p/sup +/ buffer and is therefore beneficial. The high quantum efficiency of 98% at long wavelengths measured in these cells indicates a very good collection efficiency in the base. The short-wavelength quantum efficiency is poor, indicating a high surface recombination. >
Cancer literacy as a mediator for cancer screening behaviour in Korean adults

This study investigates the cancer literacy level in Korean adults and examines whether cancer literacy plays a mediating role in the relationship between population characteristics and cancer screening behaviours. We collected data from 585 community-dwelling adults in Korea using self-administered surveys and face-to-face interviews from October to December in 2009. Guided by Andersen's behavioural model, we used a structural equation model to estimate the effect of cancer literacy as a mediator and found that cancer literacy mediated cancer screening behaviour. In the individual path analysis models, cancer literacy played a significant mediating role for the use of eastern medicine, fatalism, health status and the number of chronic diseases. When controlling for other relevant covariates, we found that in the optimal path model, cancer literacy played a mediating role in the relationship between the use of eastern medicine and self-rated health status as well as cancer screening behaviour. Thus, developing community-based cancer education programmes and training clinical practitioners in eastern medicine clinics about the importance of informing their patients about regular cancer screening may be an option to boost cancer literacy and screening behaviour in Korea.
Danny Me?ndez. Narratives of Migration and Displacement in Dominican Literature. Nueva York: Routledge, 2012.

En la lente: memoria, referencialidad historica y documentalismo en el cine latinoamericano actual
A unidirectional boost chopper with snubber energy regeneration using a coupled inductor

This paper proposes a novel soft-switching boost chopper with a lossless LC snubber, suitable for improving the efficiency of the electric propulsion system of vehicles. The snubber circuit is beneficial owing to the following features: zero-current switching turn-on and zero-voltage switching turn-off are achieved regardless of the operating conditions; it requires only one additional switch with smaller current rating compared to the main switch; the additional switch can be controlled by basic arithmetic; and the main switch is free from additional voltage or current stress caused by the soft-switching operation. Along with theoretical discussions, experimental results are also presented on the circuit behavior and the resulting improvement of the energy conversion efficiency. These results show the usefulness of the chopper for improving the efficiency of electric vehicles. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Promise of Effective Pain Treatment Outcomes: Rallying Academic Centers to Lead the Charge.

### The Pain of the Mind is Worse Than the Pain of the Body #### Publilius Syrus The dramatic impact of chronic pain was captured in a recent European study that followed patients suffering with chronic pain for 1 year: 40% of those patients had more pain and 40% had less pain, but 100% reported major, negative impacts of chronic pain on their quality of life ⇓. Half of patients believed that everything possible had been done to manage their pain. This insight into how patients with chronic pain fare reveals a number of salient points, perhaps most importantly highlighting this condition that persists without cure. Furthermore, accumulating evidence suggests that emotional processing in brain networks is more involved in chronic pain ⇓ alluding to the nature of the associated suffering with the condition. Despite significant advances in pain neurobiology, there remains an urgent need to define outcome measures for treatment options and to understand both short-term (i.e., symptom control) and long-term (i.e., disease modification) approaches to treatments that really work. Unfortunately, pain remains one of the most difficult conditions to live with and to treat. One of the major problems is that because treatments are not highly effective across populations, a wide variety of approaches is frequently used combining various pharmacological, interventional, and behavioral treatments outside of the setting of a coordinated interdisciplinary program. In academic pain clinics, where a more rational approach to treatment may be possible because of hospital standards and relevant lack of financial conflict of interests, financial pressures remain a factor. Patients will continue to reach out in hope that some current or new treatment will be highly effective. Without question, some patients receive treatments that are highly effective such as spinal cord stimulation for chronic radicular leg pain in the setting of postlaminectomy syndrome, but this is generally not defined in a rigorous way as compared to treatment for an …
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms mediate the relationship between trauma exposure and smoking status in college students.

The present study examined the relationship between trauma exposure and smoking status and the extent to which post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms mediated this relationship in a sample of 329 college students who experienced a prior traumatic event. Participants experienced an average of 2.2 prior traumas, and approximately 15% (n = 49) were smokers. Bootstrapping analyses revealed that after controlling for age, gender and time since trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms served as a pathway through which trauma exposure increased the risk of smoking [BC 95% CI (0.02, 0.18)]. Results appeared to be due largely to the influence of hyperarousal symptoms [BC 95% CI (0.05, 0.22)]. Comprehensive interventions for undergraduate smokers may be improved by attending to the impact of prior trauma and mental health needs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mathematical Modeling of a Nickel‐Cadmium Battery Effects of Intercalation and Oxygen Reactions

Extensions are presented for a mathematical model of an Ni-CD cell (Fan and White, 1991). These extensions consist of intercalation thermodynamics for the nickel electrode and oxygen generation and reduction reactions during charge and overcharge. The simulated results indicate that intercalation may be important in the nickel electrode and that including the oxygen reactions provides a means of predicting the efficiency of the cell on charge and discharge.
A hierarchical-orthogonal-space approach to collision-free path planning

We present a methodology for 3-D collision-free path planning in which planning is done in the 3-orthogonal 2-D projections of a 3-D environment. Suboptimal path searching is done in each of the 3 orthogonal 2-D subspaces using primitive path segments. A hierarchical path searching method is introduced to speed up the search process. This approach lends applications to spatial planning in environments where no a priori knowledge is assumed. The three orthogonal 2-D projections can be readily obtained from 3 orthogonal cameras in simple environments.
Assessing the efficacy of endoscopic office olfactory biopsy sites to produce neural progenitor cell cultures for the study of neuropsychiatric disorders

Introduction The olfactory region is capable of continuous neurogenesis. Situated on the cribriform plate and segments of the superior septum and both superior and middle turbinates, it is accessible through office-based biopsy and can be used to generate neural progenitor cells to study molecular abnormalities associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the endoscopic office olfactory biopsy from middle turbinate and superior-posterior septum to produce the neural progenitor cells.
Writing the Data Analysis Plan

You and your project statistician have one major goal for your data analysis plan: You need to convince all the reviewers reading your proposal that you would know what to do with your data once your project is funded and your data are in hand. The data analytic plan is a signal to the reviewers about your ability to score, describe, and thoughtfully synthesize a large number of variables into appropriately-selected quantitative models once the data are collected. Reviewers respond very well to plans with a clear elucidation of the data analysis steps – in an appropriate order, with an appropriate level of detail and reference to relevant literatures, and with statistical models and methods for that map well into your proposed aims. A successful data analysis plan produces reviews that either include no comments about the data analysis plan or better yet, compliments it for being comprehensive and logical given your aims. This chapter offers practical advice about developing and writing a compelling, “bullet-proof” data analytic plan for your grant application.
SPONTANEOUS CALCIFIC EMBOLIZATION ASSOCIATED WITH CALCIFIC AORTIC STENOSIS.

The problem of spontaneous calcific embolization was investigated at necropsy in 165 patients with calcific aortic stenosis. Minor coronary arteries contained calcific emboli in 18 patients (11 per cent), and major coronary arteries contained calcific emboli in 10 (6 per cent). Examination of the brain, kidney, and eye also disclosed spontaneous calcific emboli. In three instances of major coronary artery embolization, there was evidence of old silent infarction but no associated clinical disorder. Calcific embolization is apparently not rare in cases of calcific aortic stenosis, but this phenomenon does not appear to lead very often to extensive infarction or to clinically obvious disorders.
Simple algorithms for sparse linear regression with uncertain covariates

In this short paper we consider sparse linear regression with missing or noisy covariates. This problem has recently attracted some attention, with the best known results given in [1], where they use a projected gradient approach to approximately solve a non convex optimization problem. Here we show that an extremely simple, lower complexity algorithm that achieves the same (or better) bounds for support recovery.
Extending a formal and computational model of Rhetorical Structure Theory with intentional structures à la Grosz and Sidner

In the last decade, members of the computational linguistics community have adopted a perspective on discourse based primarily on either Rhetorical Structure Theory or Grosz and Sidner's Theory. However, only recently, researchers have started to investigate the relationship between the two perspectives. In this paper, we use Moser and Moore's (1996) work as a departure point for extending Marcu's formalization of RST (1996). The result is a first-order axiomatization of the mathematical properties of text structures and of the relationship between the structure of text and intentions. The axiomatization enables one to use intentions for reducing the ambiguity of discourse and the structure of discourse for deriving intentional inferences.
Postpartum glucose tolerance in women with gestational diabetes using levonorgestrel intrauterine contraception

Abstract Objective Postpartum contraception is critical in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We evaluated the effect of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) on glucose tolerance in postpartum women with GDM. Study design The study is a descriptive analysis of 12-month glucose tolerance in women with recent GDM who used the LNG-IUS, the copper IUD or postpartum sterilization. Results Twelve months postpartum, 3 of 13 LNG-IUS users (23.1%) and 1 of 6 nonhormonal contraceptive users (16.6%) had prediabetes. No woman developed overt diabetes. Conclusions This study is the first and only to measure the metabolic effects of the LNG-IUS women with GDM. Larger trials are necessary. Implications Use of levonorgestrel intrauterine contraception does not appear to negatively affect glucose tolerance in postpartum women with a history of gestational diabetes. Additional appropriately powered clinical studies are needed to confirm these results.
Rapid cardiac imaging with turbo BRISK.

A variety of variable and constant rate, sparse sampling strategies have previously been proposed to rapidly image dynamically changing objects. The majority of these strategies compile a k-space data set for any given time point by substituting k-space data from the most recently sampled time positions (extracted from the sparsely sampled set). The BRISK technique, is a variable rate, sparse sampling technique which additionally incorporates an interpolation scheme to more accurately represent k-space data at positions which were not directly sampled. Here, strategies are introduced that allow turbo concepts to be incorporated with BRISK. Simulations are conducted to compare the efficacy of the turbo BRISK acquisition and processing strategy against a constant rate, sparse sampling strategy with direct substitution of the most recently acquired k-space lines. It is shown that turbo BRISK generates images of similar quality in approximately half the time as the uniform sampling rate, sparse sampling strategy. Data from turbo BRISK acquisitions of multicardiac phase image sets, obtained on a normal volunteer and cardiac patients are presented.
Business Education for Radiology Residents: The Value of Full-time Business Educators

This article reports the design, implementation, and evaluation of a new business course for radiology residents taught by business school faculty.
Expression of ral GTPases, their effectors, and activators in human bladder cancer.

Purpose: The Ral family of small G proteins has been implicated in tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis in in vitro and animal model systems; however, a systematic evaluation of the state of activation, mutation, or expression of these GTPases has not been reported in any tumor type. Experimental Design: We determined the activation state of the RalA and RalB paralogs in 10 bladder cancer cell lines with varying Ras mutation status. We sequenced RalA and RalB cDNAs from 20 bladder cancer cell lines and functionally evaluated the mutations found. We determined the expression of Ral, Ral activators, and Ral effectors on the level of mRNA or protein in human bladder cancer cell lines and tissues. Results: We uncovered one E97Q substitution mutation of RalA in 1 of 20 cell lines tested and higher Ral activation in cells harboring mutant HRAS. We found overexpression of mRNAs for RalA and Aurora-A, a mitotic kinase that activates RalA, in bladder cancer (both P P P = 0.004). We determined that RalA mRNA levels correlated significantly with protein levels ( P Conclusion: These findings of activation and differential expression of RalA and RalB anchor prior work in model systems to human disease and suggest therapeutic strategies targeting both GTPases in this pathway may be beneficial.
A large aperture CdTe pockels cell for CO2 lasers

Abstract We have measured the transmission and extinction properties of a large aperture (10 × 10 mm) CdTe Pockels cell crystal. The crystal has been used for single pulse selection from a mode-locked CO2 laser and results show that it is superior to GaAs for this purpose.
Integrated spectral-line intensities

Abstract An investigation has revealed that the integrated intensity and the integrated photographic density of the entire spectral line are essentially linear functions of one another from a density of 0.05 to above 1.5. Analytical curves employing these integrated measurements are unaffected by self-absorption, are more linear, and extend over a longer concentration range than curves involving peak measurements.
Atomic migration on disordered surfaces

Abstract A model of atomic migration along disordered surfaces is presented. The disorder is assumed to give rise to a distribution of activation energies. The migration is assumed to be incoherent and governed by a continuous time random walk. We calculate mean square displacements and trapping rates at irreversible sinks and show that anomalous behavior for long times is found if the distribution of activation energies falls off exponentially at large energy.
The defeater version of Benacerraf’s problem for a priori knowledge

Paul Benacerraf’s argument that mathematical realism is apparently incompatible with mathematical knowledge has been widely thought to also show that a priori knowledge in general is problematic. Although many philosophers have rejected Benacerraf’s argument because it assumes a causal theory of knowledge, some maintain that Benacerraf nevertheless put his finger on a genuine problem, even though he didn’t state the problem in its most challenging form. After diagnosing what went wrong with Benacerraf’s argument, I argue that a new, more challenging, version of Benacerraf’s problem can be constructed. The new version—what I call the Defeater Version—of Benacerraf’s problem makes use of a no-defeater condition on knowledge and justification. I conclude by arguing that the best way to avoid the problem is to construct a theory of how a priori judgments reliably track the facts. I also suggest four different kinds of theories worth pursuing.
Here's to the right to be partially forgotten

The modest protection offered by California's new internet “eraser” bill for minors isn't a flaw; it's a necessary and promising feature, says privacy researcher Woodrow Hartzog
The Russian Elite under Putin: Militocratic or Bourgeois?

Since Vladimir Putin took over the presidency, analysts have highlighted the large numbers of siloviki—those with experience in the military and security agencies—who have been recruited into government service. Two political scientists investigate this trend by reexamining previously published findings and using an original data set. Claims of the "FSB-ization of power" under Putin and an underappreciated trend in elite formation under Putin—the increasing presence of business representatives in the government and society at large—are considered. The article examines the implications of its findings for Russia's future political development, particularly in terms of stability and democracy.
How National Foreign Language Week Promotes Cultural Awareness at a Historically Black University

: This article describes how celebrating National Foreign Language Week has increased cultural awareness and appreciation among students enrolled in foreign language courses at one of the largest historically Black universities in the nation. Before the Department of Foreign Languages began observing this week, students showed very little interest in anything more than completing their foreign language requirements for graduation. Now, after four years of increased activity and student participation during National Foreign Language Week, more students are expressing an interest in pursuing minors in foreign languages and are seeking to learn about the traditions and ways of life of the people who speak other languages.
The vitamin K–dependent γ-glutamyl carboxylase gene contains a TATA-less promoter with a novel upstream regulatory element

The expression of the vitamin K–dependent γ-glutamyl carboxylase gene in liver is developmentally regulated. Since the gene product catalyzes an essential post-translational modification of the vitamin K–dependent blood coagulation proteins, the regulation of carboxylase expression is critical for hemostasis. We analyzed the activity of the rat carboxylase gene 5′-regulatory DNA sequences in rat hepatoma cell lines at different states of differentiation. These studies demonstrated that the 2.6-kb 5′-flanking sequence has differentiation-dependent transcriptional activity. Transient gene expression assays, examining the effects of nested deletions and site-directed mutagenesis of putative regulatory sequences, together with electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) were used to identify sequences critical for the developmentally regulated transcription of the rat carboxylase gene. We identified a DNA sequence (–76 to –65; GTTCCGGCCTTC) not known to bind to transcription factors, yet which functions as an upstream promoter element. In vivo genomic DNA footprinting confirms the presence of nuclear protein–DNA interactions at this site in the endogenous carboxylase gene in differentiated hepatoma cells. Therefore, this DNA sequence has specific nuclear protein–binding activity and functional properties consistent with a regulatory element that plays a critical role in the developmental expression of the carboxylase gene, and hence the regulation of vitamin K–dependent blood coagulation protein synthesis.
Risk factors for visual field progression in the low-pressure glaucoma treatment study.

Purpose To investigate risk factors associated with visual field progression in the Low-pressure Glaucoma Treatment Study, a prospective trial designed to compare the effects of the alpha2-adrenergic agonist brimonidine tartrate 0.2% to the beta-adrenergic antagonist timolol maleate 0.5% on visual function in low-pressure glaucoma. Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Low-pressure Glaucoma Treatment Study patients with ≥5 visual field tests during follow-up were included. Progression was determined using pointwise linear regression analysis, defined as the same 3 or more visual field locations with a slope more negative than −1.0 dB/year at P Results A total of 253 eyes of 127 subjects (mean age, 64.7 ± 10.9 years; mean follow-up, 40.6 ± 12 months) were analyzed. Eyes randomized to timolol progressed faster than those randomized to brimonidine (mean rates of progression, −0.38 ± 0.9 vs 0.02 ± 0.7 dB/y, P P = .022), use of systemic antihypertensives (HR = 2.53, 95% CI=1.32 to 4.87, P = .005), and mean ocular perfusion pressure (HR = 1.21/mm Hg lower, 95% CI=1.12 to 1.31, P P Conclusions While randomization to brimonidine 0.2% was protective compared to timolol 0.5%, lower mean ocular perfusion pressure increased the risk for reaching a progression outcome in the Low-pressure Glaucoma Treatment Study. This suggests that the beneficial effect of randomization to the brimonidine arm was independent of possible differences in ocular perfusion pressures between the 2 treatment arms. The current results and large number of drop-outs in the brimonidine 0.2% arm suggest that more research is necessary before altering clinical practice paradigms.