cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Endothelial Constitutive Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Expression in Endothelial Cells and In Vivo A Specific Vascular Action of Insulin

Background—The vasodilatory effect of insulin can be acute or increase with time from 1 to 7 hours, suggesting that insulin may enhance the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in endothelial cells. The objective of the present study was to characterize the extent and signaling pathways by which insulin regulates the expression of eNOS in endothelial cells and vascular tissues. Methods and Results—Physiological concentrations of insulin (10−10 to 10−7 mmol/L) increased the levels of eNOS mRNA, protein, and activity by 2-fold after 2 to 8 hours of incubation in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. Insulin enhanced eNOS gene expression in microvessels isolated from Zucker lean rats but not from insulin-resistant Zucker fatty rats. Inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3 kinase) decreased the effect of insulin on eNOS gene expression, but a general protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, GF109203X or PKCβ isoform inhibitor, LY333531 enhanced eNOS expression. In contrast, PKC activa...
Randomized pharmacodynamic and pharmacogenetic trial of dronabinol effects on colon transit in irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea

Background Genetic variation in endocannabinoid metabolism is associated with colonic transit in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea (IBS-D). The nonselective cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonist, dronabinol (DRO), reduced fasting colonic motility in nonconstipated IBS. FAAH and CNR1 variants influenced DRO’s effects on colonic motility. Our aims were: (i) to compare dose-related effects of DRO to placebo (PLA) on gut transit in IBS-D, and (ii) to examine influence of genetic variations in CB mechanisms on DRO’s transit effects. Methods Thirty-six IBS-D volunteers were randomized (double-blind, concealed allocation) to twice per day PLA (n = 13), DRO 2.5 mg (n = 10), or DRO 5 mg (n = 13) for 2 days. We assessed gastric, small bowel, and colonic transit by validated radioscintigraphy and genotyped the single nucleotide polymorphisms CNR1 rs806378 and FAAH rs324420. Data analysis utilized a dominant genetic model. Key Results Overall treatment effects of DRO on gastric, small bowel, or colonic transit were not detected. CNR1 rs806378 CT/TT was associated with a modest delay in colonic transit at 24 h compared with CC (P = 0.13 for differential treatment effects on postminus pretreatment changes in colonic transit by genotype). No significant interaction of treatment with FAAH rs324420 was detected. Conclusions & Inferences Overall, DRO 2.5 or 5 mg twice per day for 2 days had no effect on gut transit in IBS-D. There appears to be a treatment-by-genotype effect, whereby DRO preferentially delays colonic transit in those with the CNR1 rs806378 CT/TT genotypes. Further study of CB pharmacogenetics may help identify a subset of IBS-D patients most likely to benefit from CB agonist therapy.
Definitive treatment of androgen receptor–positive salivary duct carcinoma with androgen deprivation therapy and external beam radiotherapy

Background Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is an aggressive malignancy with high recurrence rates. Standard management includes surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiation. Androgen receptor positivity has been described to be present in 40% to 90% of SDCs, and a recent case series showed a benefit to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in recurrent or metastatic disease. Methods and results We present the case of an 87-year-old woman with a locally advanced androgen receptor-positive parotid SDC treated definitively with ADT and external beam radiotherapy, a regimen modeled after the treatment of prostate cancer. She had a complete response on positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan and had no evidence of disease 24 months after the completion of treatment. Conclusion To our knowledge, this case report is the first to describe the use of ADT plus radiation to definitively treat SDC. This regimen could be considered in patients with androgen receptor-positive SDCs who are considered unresectable or who refuse surgery.
Tailoring of Stress Development in MEMS Packaging Systems

A better understanding of the origin and evolution of the stresses is a crucial step in improving reliability of packaging systems for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Given its importance, we examine the stresses developed in hermetically packaged MEMS inertial sensors. For this purpose, an optical surface profilometer is employed to assess the stresses by measuring the curvature of dummy silicon dies (3.5×3.5 mm2) assembled in different types of packages and die attach adhesives. We also explore a temporal evolution of stresses during thermal exposure of the test packages in an effort to emulate actual packaging processes and device operation conditions. The result shows different levels of stresses generated from various adhesives and package types, and also a stress evolution during packaging processes. The mechanical stress data also show a good agreement with MEMS performance data obtained from actual accelerometers. Therefore, the stress data will not only be useful in better understanding performance of MEMS packages, but the testing protocol can also provide a diagnostic tool for very small packaging systems.
The US Semiconductor Industry: A Locational Analysis

This paper is a theoretical and empirical analysis of the locational dynamics of the US semiconductor industry. The analysis proceeds in six major stages. First, we review some recent developments in industrial location theory. Second, we describe the main technological and organizational features of the semiconductor industry. Third, we provide an empirical overview of the growth and development of the industry in the USA. Fourth, we examine the internal geography of the Silicon-Valley production complex. Fifth, we carry out a linear discriminant analysis of the geography of the industry in an attempt to distinguish Silicon-Valley establishments from non-Silicon-Valley establishments. Sixth, we look at the organizational/locational relationships between wafer fabrication and device assembly.
Administrative Justice in the Penitentiary: A Report on Inmate Grievance Procedures

The majority of prisons today have an internal grievance mechanism that gives inmates an opportunity to air complaints and seek solutions to individual and institution-wide problems. This study reports on the way the mechanism functions at two Illinois state prisons—one minimum security and one maximum security. The main findings are: (1) that the mechanism is heavily and repetitively used by only a portion of the inmate population, (2) that the grievances filed range widely in type as well as in merit, although it is clear that there is much frivolous activity, (3) that inmates win only a small percentage of their cases, either at the first-instance level or on appeal, and (4) that among both line prison staff (at least at one of the prisons) and inmates there is considerable dissatisfaction with the process, although a minority of prisoners and the higher echelon prison administrators can be counted on for more favorable assessments. The article goes on to compare these findings with the generally articulated objectives of the grievance process and concludes with a series of suggestions that have been made for improving its workings.
THE 3RD DIMENSION OF PLANETARY EXPLORATION - DEEP SUBSURFACE SAMPLING

Strategic planning for the exploration of the Martian subsurface to search for evidence of life, sources of water, and to determine the geologic makeup and history of the planet, has begun. A mission to explore and sample the Martian subsurface hydrosphere, which may be 4-km deep, will be more complex than any mission accomplished to date. In order to reduce risk, a phased approach is being planned with shallow and intermediate depth precursor missions. Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory are conducting a conceptual system study of a 200-m, intermediate-depth penetration and sampling mission on Mars. We constrained the study with a reasonable set of surface and subsurface environmental conditions and science requirements. Mission requirements include a 200-day duration, a soft lander which will fit within a Delta III payload fairing, a 250-kg drilling system mass limit, and a maximum available energy for drilling of 1 kW hr/sol. Existing and conceptual drilling technologies are compared, and the down-selection process results in mechanical drilling/sampling subsystems that can be mixed to produce a number of specific systems that can be studied in more detail. Promising technology areas that need further investigation are identified.
Milk Protein-based Edible Film Mechanical Strength Changes due to Ultrasound Process

The effects of ultrasound frequency, acoustic power, and exposure time on the functional properties of whey protein concentrate and sodium caseinate films were examined. Average tensile strength of the ultrasound treated caseinate films was 224% higher than that of the control. The ultrasonic process was more effective on sodium caseinate than whey protein concentrate film. Resistance to puncture was improved for both types of films treated at an acoustic power of 5.22W. Increased exposure time resulted in stronger films. Elongation at break, water vapor permeability, and moisture content of films were not affected by the treatment. Ultrasound showed potential for improving mechanical strengths of milk protein films.
Near-field scanning optical micro probe integrated with a nanometer-sized light emitting diode

We have fabricated a MEMS microprobe integrated with a nanometer-sized light emitting diode (LED) on the tip for near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM). The probe body and the LED electrodes were made by wet-etching and focused ion beam(FIB) cutting of an SOI wafer. Semiconductor nanoparticles (CdSe/ZnS core-shell nanoparticles) were electrostatically trapped and excited within an electrode gap made on the probe tip. The LED-tip size is approximately 100 nm x 100 nm. The probe was tested with an NSOM setup. The probe tip was kept within roughly 5 nm from the surface to yield a successful topographic image of a sample.
A political thought on the “Friday effect”

Drs Bottle and Sanders present an interesting concept that implies that patients who have surgery on Friday may have a poorer prognosis. Many patient factors are mentioned, including lack of office advice on the weekend and a greater propensity for utilization of emergency rooms. Nevertheless, it could be the perceived need to operate on those patients before their condition deteriorates over the weekend that leads to the poor outcomes – they felt sick enough that surgery should not be delayed until the following Monday’s schedule but actually would have improved without the surgery and its attendant risks. Importantly, there may also be other non-medical ‘‘political’’ factors that may be more accountable. For example, in my observance, the more ‘‘powerful’’ (i.e., in seniority within the hospital/university infrastructure) the individual, the less likely they are to work on Friday. Perhaps the more junior and less accomplished surgeons are relegated to the Friday operating room and on-call slots. Furthermore, the responsible operating surgical faculty member may be more likely to ‘‘flee’’ for the weekend before the surgery is completed, leaving the trainees to finish the operation. This may be true in anesthesia as well. Indeed, I recall being very loosely supervised (i.e., the last faculty member was covering many rooms) at a well-known pediatric hospital as a fourth year resident on a Friday!
Relapsing Fever Borreliosis in Interleukin-10-Deficient Mice

Relapsing fever (RF) is a spirochetal infection characterized by periods of sickness with fever at time of high bacteremia that alternate with afebrile periods of relative well being during low bacteremia. Patients with epidemic RF who are doing relatively well have extraordinarily high levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the circulation. We investigated the possibility that IL-10 plays an important protective role in this infection using wild-type and IL-10-deficient mice inoculated with virulent serotype 2 of the RF spirochete Borrelia turicatae. During peak bacteremia there was increased systemic production of IL-10 that quickly resolved in the postpeak period; in contrast, IL-6 and CXCL13 production increased during the peak but remained elevated during postpeak bacteremia. IL-10 deficiency resulted in lower bacteremia, increased specific antibody production, higher production of CXCL13 and IL-6, and thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications affecting multiple organs with secondary tissue injury. Our results revealed that production of IL-10 is highly regulated during RF and plays an important protective role in the prevention of hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications at the cost of reduced pathogen control.
Computer 'visualization' of user activity: hybrid recognition of conceptual patterns

An approach to utilize a hybrid pattern-recognition scheme in designing computer interfaces that can adapt to human users is proposed. It presupposes definition of interface structures that are conducive to human conceptual activities. These are used as structural prototypes that are recognizable with the help of production systems from the area of artificial intelligence. As a result, a user-specific expert system is defined to ascertain the computer's current focal position in the logical workspace, based on its knowledge of where the user is (conceptually) and where he/she is likely to go next. The expert-system vehicle moves around attempting to be in a variably sized neighbourhood of the user's location. It follows the user within and among currently applicable conceptual/logical structures and, in so doing, tries to be as helpful as possible. >
Can machine learning be secure

Machine learning systems offer unparalled flexibility in dealing with evolving input in a variety of applications, such as intrusion detection systems and spam e-mail filtering. However, machine learning algorithms themselves can be a target of attack by a malicious adversary. This paper provides a framework for answering the question, "Can machine learning be secure?" Novel contributions of this paper include a taxonomy of different types of attacks on machine learning techniques and systems, a variety of defenses against those attacks, a discussion of ideas that are important to security for machine learning, an analytical model giving a lower bound on attacker's work function, and a list of open problems.
Individual learning and social rationality

Abstract Classical game theory assumes that players have a coherent model of the game in which they are engaged, that they make optimum plans assuming that everyone else makes optimum plans, and that all of this is common knowledge. Evolutionary game theory postulates instead that players have limited understanding of their environment, only modest reasoning ability, and no common knowledge. Surprisingly, a fair amount of classical solution theory survives with this change of perspective. We show how high-rationality solutions can emerge in low-rationality environments provided the evolutionary process has sufficient time to unfold.
Applying evolutionary techniques to quantum computing problems

A new approach based on Evolution Strategies (ES) is proposed to evolve quantum unitary operators which represent the computational algorithm a quantum computer would perform to solve an arbitrary problem. This approach has superior attributes over previous endeavors by using real valued vectors and not limited to a predefined set of quantum gates. We show this method can be used to solve a variety of key problems from evolving simple quantum gates, quantum oracles, to generalized problem instances. This method is highly extensible and useful for propagating future research of quantum unitary operator development.
Neighborhood Income and Income Distribution and the Use of Cigarettes, Alcohol, and Marijuana

Evidence about the relationship between contextual variables and substance use is conflicting. Relationships between neighborhood income and income distribution and the prevalence and frequency of substance use in 59 New York City (NYC) neighborhoods were assessed while accounting for individual income and other socio-demographic variables. Measures of current substance use (in the 30 days prior to the survey) were obtained from a random-digit-dial phone survey of adult residents of NYC and data from the 2000 U.S. Census to calculate median neighborhood income and income distribution (assessed using the Gini coefficient). Among 1355 respondents analyzed (female=56.2%, mean age=40.4), 23.9% reported cigarette, 40.0% alcohol, and 5.4% marijuana use in the previous 30 days. In ecologic assessment, neighborhoods with both the highest income and the highest income maldistribution had the highest prevalence of drinking alcohol (69.0%) and of smoking marijuana (10.5%) but not of cigarette use; there was no clear ecologic association between neighborhood income, income distribution, and cigarette use. In multilevel multivariable models adjusting for individual income, age, race, sex, and education, high neighborhood median income and maldistributed neighborhood income were both significantly associated with a greater likelihood of alcohol and marijuana use but not of cigarette use. Both high neighborhood income and maldistributed income also were associated with greater frequency of alcohol use among current alcohol drinkers. These observations suggest that neighborhood income and income distribution may play more important roles in determining population use of alcohol and marijuana than individual income, and that determinants of substance use may vary by potential for drug dependence. Further research should investigate specific pathways that may explain the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and use of different substances.
Adult benign granular cell tumor of the maxilla

A granular cell tumor occurred in the right anterior maxilla of a 22-yr-old black man. It involved the right labial maxillary submucosa and the underlying bone. It also invaded the maxillary sinus and the nasal cavity on the same side. The ultrastructural features of the lesion confirmed the biopsy diagnosis of benign granular cell tumor. The treatment involved partial maxillectomy, split thickness skin graft and immediate dental prosthesis.
DEMOGRAPHY OF THE PRINCE OF WALES FLYING SQUIRREL, AN ENDEMIC OF SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA TEMPERATE RAIN FOREST

Abstract We studied the Prince of Wales flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus griseifrons) in temperate rain forest of southeastern Alaska to provide the 1st quantitative estimates of demography from southeastern Alaska and test predictions of the hypothesis that Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)–western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) forest is primary habitat for G. sabrinus in southeastern Alaska. We expected that abundance, body condition, productivity, and summer and overwinter survival of G. sabrinus would be higher in spruce–hemlock forest (which typically are the old-growth forests of upland sites [upland-OG]) than in peatland-scrub–mixed-conifer (peatland-MC) forest. Mean values of minimum number of animals known alive and density during autumn were higher in upland-OG than in peatland-MC, and both were about 2 times higher than corresponding spring values. Age and sex composition of the population was similar among years, between seasons, and between habitats. Males comprised a larger portion of the po...
Positional specificity of defensin gene expression reveals Paneth cell heterogeneity in mouse small intestine.

Cryptdins are antimicrobial peptides of the defensin family that are expressed specifically by Paneth cells in small intestinal crypts (M.E. Selsted, S.I. Miller, A.H. Henschen, and A.J. Ouellette. J. Cell Biol. 118: 929-936, 1992), and at least 17 cryptdin isoforms have been reported in mouse small intestine (A.J. Ouellette, M.M. Hsieh, M.T. Nosek, D.F. Cano-Gauci, K.M. Huttner, R.N. Buick, and M.E. Selsted. Infect. Immun. 62: 5040-5047, 1994). Analysis of cryptdin gene expression in adult mouse small bowel revealed that the cryptdin-4 isoform is differentially expressed along the proximal-to-distal intestinal axis. By peptide-specific reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction-based assays, cryptdin-4 mRNA was found to be absent from the proximal small bowel, increasing to maximal levels in the ileum. In contrast, intestinal content of cryptdin-1 and -5 mRNAs was equivalent in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, and Northern blot hybridization experiments were consistent with both sets of data. Similarly, individual crypts isolated from duodenum contain cryptdin-1 mRNA but not cryptdin-4 mRNA. Taken together, the results show that Paneth cells are heterogeneous, depending on their position along the longitudinal axis of the small bowel. The positional specificity of defensin gene expression suggests that cryptdins may be useful markers for investigating the establishment and maintenance of this epithelial lineage in the mouse small intestine.
56. Description and Outcomes of A Simple Surgical Procedure To Treat the Failing Forearm Arteriovenous Fistula

Introduction and Objectives: Atherosclerotic disease of common femoral and profunda femoris arteries (CFA/PFA) has been historically treated with surgical endarterectomy. Endovascular treatment of CFA and PFA disease has been reported in the recent literature. This review describes current endovascular treatments to the CFA and PFA. Methods: An electronic PubMed database search of all reports of CFA and PFA endovascular treatments in the English language was performed. Relevant studies were retrieved and analyzed. Results: Analysis of 19 studies was performed totaling 721 patients with a mean age of 70.5 years. Indications for treatment include claudication in 51.8%, critical limb ischemia in 45.5% and other in 2.8%. Technical success occurred in 96% of procedures with CFA treatment in 44% and PFA in 56% of cases. Angioplasty alone occurred in 69.4% of cases, stenting in 26% and thrombolysis or atherectomy in 4.6%. Mean ankle-brachial index increased by 0.23 following intervention. Access complications and groin hematomas occurred in 3.1% of cases; distal embolization in 1.3%. Mean peri-operative mortality was 0.27% with all-cause mortality of 15% over a mean follow-up period of 21 months. Mean primary patency was 79% at a mean follow-up of 12 months with secondary patency of 87.5% at a mean follow-up of 33 months. Routine stenting of the CFA or PFA led to a mean primary patency of 85.9% at a mean follow-up of 18 months. Endarterectomy or surgical bypass was undertaken in 8.8% of patients during the follow-up period, endovascular re-intervention occurred in 5.9% and major amputation in 2.7%. Conclusions: Endovascular interventions to the CFA and PFA can be performed safely and with high technical success. Mid-term patency when routine stenting is applied is comparable to surgical endarterectomy. Primary endovascular therapy may be a favored approach for high surgical risk patients given the low rate of procedural-related mortality and morbidity.
Holding Steady on Shifting Sands Countermajoritarian Decision Making in the US Courts of Appeals

Empirical claims that US Supreme Court decisions tend to follow public opinion raise important questions about the countermajoritarian role of the American judiciary. Yet, for the vast majority of federal cases, the de facto court of last resort is actually a US court of appeals. We examine the role of public opinion in shaping decisions on these courts. We argue that the courts of appeals’ position in the judicial hierarchy, lack of docket control, and lack of public attention encourage circuit judges to ignore public opinion and adhere to consistent legal rules; however, appeals by federal litigants are strongly associated with public opinion. Consequently, circuit judges actively resist ideological shifts in public opinion, as they issue consistent rulings in the face of varying case facts. Applying multilevel modeling techniques to a data set of courts of appeals decisions from 1952 to 2002, we find strong support for our theory.
Neurocognitive outcomes after pediatric adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective To provide an up-to-date systematic review and critical appraisal of prospectively performed studies evaluating neurocognitive function in children treated with adenotonsillectomy. Data sources PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Review methods Searches were performed from inception through September 2, 2015. Results Nineteen prospective studies (898 adenotonsillectomy patients) met criteria and reported neurocognitive outcomes. The average age of children was 6.6 ± 2.3 years (range 2.5–14 years) and 51.1% were male. Pre- and post-operative data utilizing the Neuropsychological Developmental Assessment score demonstrated an increase from a means ± standard deviations of 101.5 ± 14.7 [95% CI 100.0, 103.0] to 108.8 ± 13.4 [95% CI 107.4, 110.2], p-value Conclusions This meta-analysis found an improvement in neurocognitive function and IQ after pediatric adenotonsillectomy, especially in pre-school aged children. However, this must be interpreted with caution as only three studies were performed in pre-school aged children. The decreased effectiveness in older children suggests possibly a threshold age when neurocognitive deficits become irreversible.
Laser Direct Write Technologies as Tools for Gate-Array Development

Using CMOS, poly-Si gate, single-level metal, gate-array chips, techniques have been developed to reconfigure the interconnect metallization on individual circuits without degradation of device or circuit performance. These techniques involve a laser-assisted capillary wet-etch process for highly selective removal of Al-alloy interconnects and laser CVD of doped poly-Si links. This technique may be useful for prototyping, testing and optimization of gate-array and standard-cell designs and layouts.
Research Progress on DNA Condensation Induced by Multivalent Cations

DNA molecules can be condensed into nanometer-like condensation compounds under the effect of multivalent cations/polyvalent positive ions,including positive ion polymers,proteins,inorganic ions of high wtlence,etc.Condensation is aroused by 67～90% of neutralized negative charge of DNA phosphate base,whose process is accompanied by aggregation process of micrones.Common condensation compounds appear hooped,with the size of 50～300nm.Condensation is mainly affected by positive charge of condensation agent,whose structure as well as the size of DNA molecules and base component also influences the process of condensation.
Preparation of Ultra-low VOC Environmentally Friendly Styrene-acrylic Emulsion

In order to improve the monomer conversion rate, and reduce the content of volatile organic compounds(VOC), environmentally friendly styrene acrylic emulsion which has ultra-low VOC content and steady performance was prepared through adding a kind of natural olefins such as sunflower seed oil, which has double bond and can participate in the copolymerization with other monomers. In this paper, the emulsion polymerization of ultra-low VOC(269.7ppm) environmentally styrene-acrylic emulsion was carried out by pre-emulsification, semi-continuous polymerization, in which styrene, butyl acrylate, acrylic acid and sunflower seed oil were used as main materials. The effect of composite emulsifier content and initiator content on monomer conversion rate,coagulum rate, emulsion particle size and viscosity was investigated.Meanwhile, the related performance of the prepared styrene acrylic emulsion was characterized and tested.
Connectivity of the zero-divisor graph for finite rings

We study the vertex-connectivity and edge-connectivity of the zero-divisor graph0R associated to a finite commutative ring R. We show that the edge-connectivity of 0R always coincides with the minimum degree, and that vertex-connectivity also equals the minimum degree when R is nonlocal. When R is local, we provide conditions for the equality of all three parameters to hold, give examples showing that the vertex-connectivity can be much smaller than minimum degree, and prove a general lower bound on the vertex-connectivity.
Kant on Welfare

Contemporary debate over public welfare policy is often cast in Kantian terms. It is argued, for example, that respect for the dignity of the poor requires public aid, or that respect for their autonomy forbids it. In some recent political discourse, the views of Kant himself have been invoked in defense of public welfare provision. Some have argued that his moral theory mandates welfare as an expression of our duty to be beneficent, or that Kant's commitments to freedom require public provision of aid to those in need. These implications are thought to be reflected in his political theory in a variety of ways. However, at no point in his political works does Kant explicitly argue for the public provision of welfare on the basis of either beneficence or freedom. These omissions are the more striking because he does explicitly endorse the public provision of welfare. But the rationale for welfare he offers is that it is instrumentally necessary for the security and the stability of the state. This approach is very different from one grounded in moral duties of beneficence or respect for freedom, and may perhaps be disappointing to those who would like to establish some more hortatory moral rationale for welfare. But if Kant is to be enlisted in the cause of public welfare provision for the sake of beneficence or freedom, then an explanation is required why he offers no argument to that effect.
Object-oriented integration of heterogeneous distributed databases

The paper explains an object-oriented virtual integration approach of heterogeneous distributed databases, which is used in CIMBASE+. We introduce the basic concepts and features of the global data model OSAM* and global data language OSDL of CIMBASE+, explain the virtual schema integration approach, and describe the manipulation process of the virtual integrated database. >
AB0284 Reproductive Health in Adult Women with JIA and RA

Background Building a family is an important part of a full life for many women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile inflammatory arthritis (JIA). Objectives Our goal was to identify the differences and similarities between the reproductive health choices and practices of women with RA and JIA. Methods A cross-sectional survey was completed by women between age 18–39 with a diagnosis of RA and/or JIA seen in a university rheumatology clinic. Descriptive statistical methods were used. Results Of the 33 women that completed the survey, 22 were diagnosed with RA at or after age 18 and 11 were diagnosed with JIA. The average age at diagnosis and the time of the survey was higher for women with RA (see table). The majority of participants were white. Methotrexate (MTX) had been used by all women with JIA and 73% of women with RA. The average total lifetime dose and duration of MTX dose was significantly higher among women with JIA. Contraception: 4 women with RA were trying to conceive at the time of the survey. Among the other women, the rates of effective contraceptive use was similar, but more women with RA used an IUD or surgery and more women with JIA were taking daily birth control pills. Pregnancy: Women in both groups reported a similar ideal number of children. About 2/3 of the women had either tried to conceive or been pregnant. The average age of first attempted pregnancy was similar between women with RA and JIA. Of the women who had tried to conceive or been pregnant, both groups had a similar number of pregnancies and the rates of live births, miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and elective terminations were not significantly different between the groups. Fertility: Of the women who tried to get pregnant or had a pregnancy, 19% with RA and 40% with JIA reported infertility (p=0.3) and 12.5% with RA and 60% with JIA had used a fertility treatment to attempt pregnancy (p=0.03). The age of menarche, the frequency of menstrual irregularities, and the number of menses per year were similar between the groups. Conclusions The reproductive goals of women with JIA and RA appear to be similar. The majority of sexually active women were using effective contraception, with women with RA using long-acting options and women with JIA relying on birth control pills. Pregnancy outcomes appeared to be similar. Infertility was increased, particularly among women with JIA. Disclosure of Interest M. Clowse Grant/research support from: Pfizer, G. McDaniel Grant/research support from: Pfizer
Massey products 〈y,x,x,…,x,x,y〉 in Galois cohomology via rational points

Abstract For x an element of a field other than 0 or 1, we compute the order n Massey products 〈 ( 1 − x ) − 1 , x − 1 , … , x − 1 , ( 1 − x ) − 1 〉 of n − 2 factors of x − 1 and two factors of ( 1 − x ) − 1 by embedding P 1 − { 0 , 1 , ∞ } into its Picard variety and constructing Gal ( k s / k ) equivariant maps from π 1 et applied to this embedding to unipotent matrix groups. This method produces obstructions to π 1 -sections of P 1 − { 0 , 1 , ∞ } , partial computations of obstructions of Jordan Ellenberg, and also computes the Massey products 〈 x − 1 , ( − x ) − 1 , … , ( − x ) − 1 , x − 1 〉 .
Protect Our Military Children: Congress Must Rectify Jurisdiction on Military Installations to Address Juvenile-On-Juvenile Sexual Assault

Exclusive federal legislative jurisdiction on military installations creates a black hole for juvenile justice — federal prosecutors routinely decline to prosecute juvenile-on-juvenile sexual assault cases and local prosecutors lack legal authority to apply state juvenile delinquency laws. Although Congress passed legislation in 1970 permitting the transfer of exclusive federal legislative jurisdiction over federal lands back to the surrounding states, it left the decision to seek the return, or retrocession, of such jurisdiction to the discretion of the Secretary of each individual executive department. The Department of Defense (DoD) has retroceded exclusive federal legislative jurisdiction over juvenile crimes on military installations only a handful of times despite clear indicators that the non-prosecution of juvenile-on-juvenile sexual assaults is a loathsome trend across the force. (For instance, a memo from Fort Hood, Texas, revealed thirty-nine cases of reported juvenile-on-juvenile sexual assault from 2006 to 2012, without a single federal juvenile delinquency prosecution.) Congress must statutorily require the DoD to seek retrocession of exclusive federal legislative jurisdiction over juvenile crimes on all military installations to the surrounding states and extend the reach of justice into the lives of military children sexually victimized by their juvenile peers.
POST-CIVIL WAR ACCOUNTING PRACTICES IN NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

This paper explores the accounting practices and cultural setting of a general merchandise store located in Natchez, Mississippi during the post-Civil War period in 1865. The store ledger records complete sales and payroll entries from January through December 1865. The facts concerning the store came from a “cash book” (referred to as the ledger) that recorded financial transactions both prior to and after the Civil War [Holland, 1837]. Our article asserts that, in spite of devastating economic conditions, merchandisers in general were able to continue as central figures in daily lives in the Natchez area.
Closing the Brief Case: Too Beta To Be a "B".

1. Which of the following characteristics suggests that an isolate of Gram-positive cocci in short chains that is catalase negative and Lancefield group B antigen positive may be Streptococcus pseudoporcinus? Answer: C. Isolates that react with Lancefield group B antigen agglutination reagents
Ischemic Cardiac Events Following Treatment of the Internal Mammary Nodal Region Using Contemporary Radiation Planning Techniques.

Purpose Regional nodal irradiation, including radiation therapy (RT) to the internal mammary node (IMN) region, improves oncologic outcomes in patients with node-positive breast cancer. Concern remains, however, given the proximity of the IMNs to the heart and the association between cardiac RT exposure and toxicity. The objective of the study was to evaluate rates of ischemic cardiac events (ICEs) and associated risk with treatment of the IMN region. Methods and Materials The cardiac outcomes of 2126 patients treated with adjuvant breast RT or breast and nodal RT from 1984 to 2007 at a single institution were reviewed. The primary endpoint was an ICE following RT initiation. The association between IMN RT and ICEs was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. Treatment with both IMN RT and 3-dimensional (3D) conformal radiation therapy (CRT) began in 1997; therefore, subset analyses of patients with only 3D CRT were performed to minimize bias associated with improved treatment technique. Results The median follow-up period was 9.3 years. An ICE occurred in 87 patients (4.1%). No increased 10-year rate of ICEs was observed with IMN RT compared with no IMN RT in the total cohort (3.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.4%-4.3%] vs 3.4% [95% CI, 1.5%-7.5%]; hazard ratio [HR], 0.88; P=.73). Similarly, no statistically significant difference was noted in the 3D CRT–planned, left-sided disease subset (5.1% [95% CI, 1.8%-14.1%] vs 4.0% [95% CI, 2.0%-8.0%]; HR, 1.18, P=.76). On multivariate analysis, adjusting for cardiac risk factor imbalances, no significantly increased hazard was noted with IMN RT (HR, 1.84; P=.28) in the 3D CRT–planned, left-sided disease subset. Conclusions No statistically significant association between IMN RT and ICEs was demonstrated in a review of patients treated at a single institution from 1984 to 2007. Given the long natural history and low overall rate of ICEs, continued follow-up of this study, as well as additional studies in the 3D CRT era, is warranted to confirm these results. Minimizing cardiac exposure, when treating a limited IMN field, is critical to limit excess risk of ICEs.
Time Course of Changes in Nitric Oxide Synthases Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Primates

P114 Nitric oxide (NO) may be important in vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We evaluated the time course of changes in 3 isoforms of NO synthase (NOS) after SAH in monkeys. Right SAH was created and vasospasm was assessed on angiograms obtained at baseline and after 3, 7 and 14 days. Animals were euthanized at these times (n = 4 - 6 per time) and the right and left (control) middle cerebral arteries were removed. Levels of nNOS, eNOS and iNOS messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein were measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Angiography showed a 45 ± 13% (mean ± s.d., p 0.05) and significantly decreased (2.7 ± 1.1-fold, p
Low Energy Electron Capture Measurements Using Merged Beams

Low energy electron capture is an important process in plasmas where multicharged ions and neutral atoms or molecules can exist at eV/amu energies and below. At eV/amu collision energies there are no scaling laws to characterize the electron capture cross section and both theory and experiment are difficult. The capability of the merged-beams technique to address low energy electron capture is discussed.
Towards attack-resilient communications for smart grids with software-defined networking

Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are being increasingly accepted as an excellent complement to traditional energy sources in smart grids. As most of these generators are geographically dispersed, dedicated communications investments for every generator are capital cost prohibitive. Software Defined Networking (SDN) was developed to supervise, organize and schedule the tremendous amounts of data traffic in smart grids with high penetrations of DERs, which enhances the flexibility of network programming and the security of netowork. In this paper, we propose an attack-resilient SDN architecture that detects and mitigates the congestion attacks by exploiting the Quality of Experience (QoE) measures to complement the conventional Quality of Service (QoS) information to detect and mitigate the congestion attacks effectively. The simulation results illustrate the efficiency of our proposed communications SDN architecture.
Kinetics study of nicosulfuron degradation by a Pseudomonas nitroreducens strain NSA02

A bacterial strain NSA02, isolated from contaminated soil and identified as Pseudomonas nitroreducens based on partial 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis and BIOLOG microbiology analysis, was used to study biodegradation of nicosulfuron in the culture medium. The optimal degradation conditions were determined to be 30 °C and pH 7.0. Batch tests were performed for seven different initial substrate concentrations to observe substrate degradation and associated cell growth. The biodegradation kinetics was found to follow a first-order model with regression values greater than 0.98. Specific degradation rate and specific growth rate of bacterial cells were observed to follow substrate inhibition kinetics, and the maximum values of both rates were observed at 100 mg L−1 of nicosulfuron concentration. Kinetic parameters of three substrate inhibition models (Haldane, Aiba–Edwards and Teissier–Edwards) were fitted to the relationship between those rates and substrate concentrations. With the date obtained, Haldane and Teissier–Edwards models provide better representation when compared to Aiba–Edwards model. Inoculating nicosulfuron-treated soil samples with strain NSA02 resulted in a 5–6 times higher rate of nicosulfuron removal than that in non-inoculated soil. Five metabolites of nicosulfuron degradation were detected and identified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and three possible biotransformation pathways were proposed. These results highlight the potential of the isolated bacterium to be used in the bioremediation of nicosulfuron-contaminated soils.
Partners in Rule

This chapter examines the political role of Ottonian queens in their husbands’ lifetime. Despite the fragmentary nature of the evidence, Jestice argues that the pattern can be seen clearly that Ottonian queens as a matter of course took on an increasingly public role over time. She argues that the title consors regni that was accorded queens was not just an honorific but denoted a real sharing in rule. Over time, the Ottonian queens came to serve as their husbands’ deputies and as “partners” in rule when circumstances warranted.
Global scale whitecaps coverage from CALIPSO lidar measurements (Conference Presentation)

Quantifying the oceanic whitecaps and subsurface bubble is critical to characterize the long term evolution of the ocean environment as they are the primary mechanism through which atmosphere and ocean exchange heat, momentum, and gas. Bubble bursting is a major production mechanisms for cloud condensation nuclei in the marine boundary layer (Quinn and Bates 2011). Turbulence driven exchange at the air-sea interface is associated with wave breaking and this includes bubble-mediated gas transfer (Woolf et al., 2007). A global coverage of oceanic whitecaps and subsurface bubble properties can provide invaluable information to study the climate system. In the past few years, we have demonstrated several applications of the ocean surface and subsurface signal from the space lidar onboard the CALIPSO satellite. We have shown that this signal included the unambiguous signature of surface and subsurface bubbles but this feature still has to be exploited. In this presentation, we will show results of whitecaps/bubble identification from the dual wavelength polarized space lidar return. We will present preliminary results of bubble properties quantification and comparison with NRL wave models.
The Fluoride Recharging Capability of Orthodontic Materials: an in-vitro study

The Fluoride Recharging Capability of Orthodontic Materials: an in-vitro study By Christine Marie Farah, D.D.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Thesis Director: Eser Tufekci, D.D.S., MS, Ph. D. Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics Enamel demineralization in the form of white spot lesions (WSLs) around fixed orthodontic appliances is a persistent problem in patients with poor oral hygiene.These lesions can form rapidly within 4 weeks of bracket placement.The purpose of this in-vitro study was to investigate the fluoride recharging capability ofa commercially available orthodontic primer used to minimize the development of WSLs in patients. The three groups tested were: Opal Seal (n=20, Ultradent, South Jordan, UT), Pro Seal (n=20, Reliance, Itasca, IL) and Transbond XT (control, n=10, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA). The samples(5mmin diameter x 1mm in thickness) weresuspended individually in vials filled with 10mL of deionized water usinga fishing line. The baseline fluoride ion release from all of the samples was measured after two weeks of changing the solution every other day. The samples were then randomly divided into two groups, toothbrush or gel. The samples in the toothbrush group were brushed for one minute every day for 7d, with fluoride containing toothpaste (Colgate-Palmolive Company, New York, NY) and placed in a new solution after each brushing. After 7d of brushing the fluoride ion release was measured. The samples in the gel group were
Iduronate sulfatase determination for the diagnosis of the Hunter syndrome and the detection of the carrier state.

The research efforts of the last few years have clarified the biochemical basis of the mucopolysaccharidoses (17). Some practical benefits have emerged from this new knowledge — not yet for the patients themselves, but for their families, who now can be counseled accurately and offered the option of prenatal diagnosis.
Durable, optically transparent, superhydrophobic polymer films

Abstract Transparent and superhydrophobic free-standing films would be useful for extending non-wetting properties to optical applications especially those exposed to flowing water. However two challenges, transparency and durability, have proven difficult to overcome. Although a high degree of surface roughness is essential to sustain droplets of water in the Cassie state, this same roughness can lead to significant scattering and loss of optical clarity. Reducing roughness to a length scale below ¼ the wavelength of light reduces scattering, but can result in loss of durability. In this paper we describe a novel and simple lamination approach for treating free-standing films to become superhydrophobic, with high transparency and durability, by partially embedding hydrophobic silica nanoparticles into the surface of a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) film. Partial embedding insures that the particles are firmly adhered while their nano-scale roughness is exposed, resulting in excellent superhydrophobicity (contact angles >160° and roll off angle 6 h at volumetric flow rate of 70 L·min−1). The effect of processing parameters including the particle coating thickness and lamination conditions on the optical properties, hydrophobicity as well as mechanical durability of films are systematically studied.