cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endothelin is a positive inotropic agent in human and rat heart in vitro

Abstract We have investigated the response to endothelin of isolated atrial and ventricular trabeculae from failing human hearts obtained at transplant. Results indicate that endothelin exerts a significant positive inotropic effect on human atrial and ventricular tissue, with increases in developed tension of 74.6±14.1% (±SEM) and 9.9±4.0%, respectively. Further studies on rat cardiac muscle demonstrate that the greater inotropic effect on atrial than ventricular muscle is also exhibited by the rat heart in , vitro , with 39.9±10.7% and 17.1±5.9% increases in developed tension for atria and papillary muscle, respectively. Studies in rat atria also provide no evidence for an effect of endothelin on the frequency of spontaneous contractions. These results suggest that the potential exists for regulation of cardiac function in humans and rats by endothelial-derived factors such as endothelin, possibly via augmentation of atrial systole.
Shared Social License: Mining and Conservation in the Peruvian Andes

Over the last two decades financial relationships between conservation and extraction have become conspicuously close. Both sectors unabashedly publicized these business deals as a form of greening extraction and marketizing conservation. This essay uses a case study in Peru to propose a tentative theory of how this seemingly incompatible but very profitable union unfolds on the ground. The development of fictitious commodities in nature for each sector is examined and the labor theory of value is combined with the labor of persuasive work to expose a fundamental shared need in both sectors: in Peru's contemporary political and economic context extractive and conservation actors increasingly must persuade landowners—usually indigenous communities—to allow for specific forms of capital to flow through their territory. In some cases this need to secure the “social license” is shared across sectors and the labor to secure the license can be undertaken together.
Botulinum Toxin Endoscopic Injection for Pelvic Pain

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of several pain disorders, including focal dystonia, cervical dystonia/spastic torticollis, spasmodic dysphonia, oromandibular dystonia, temporomandibular disorder, refractory myofascial pain syndrome, tension, and migraine-type headache (Smith et al., Clin J Pain 18(6 Suppl):S147–54, 2002). These positive results of BoNT helping pain have stimulated interest on the use of BoNT for a variety of genitourinary pain conditions.
James Bowman and Coopertree Capital in China

James Bowman, a founding partner of a New York private equity fund manager has traveled to China to meet with a China Power Investment Corporation manager in the hope of cultivating a business relationship. In an introductory conversation, the manager makes a strange request of Bowman. Bowman realizes that he is being tested, and he is uncertain how to respond. Excerpt UVA-E-0370 Rev. Oct. 4, 2013 James Bowman and Coopertree Capital in China James Bowman was not certain that he had heard the request correctly. He had just met C. K. Laoshi, a China Power Investment Corporation (CPIC) manager, and was standing in the parlor of his ornate Beijing house. It was clear from just a few minutes in this man's presence that Laoshi was extremely courteous; he had given Bowman, who had just flown in from New York City, a warm welcome and introduced him to his wife, Qizi. But then, the first request Laoshi made of Bowman, in what was supposed to be an introductory conversation, was that Bowman deposit $ 800,000 into a Chinese banking account. Coopertree Capital Bowman was a founding partner of Coopertree Capital, a private equity fund manager based in New York City. He and the other partners believed and participated in an active limited partner (LP) model, and, therefore, Coopertree involved its investors more than most other private equity funds did. In raising its first fund, Coopertree I, Bowman and his general partners spent a lot of time attracting investors who were well-connected and interested in being actively engaged in their investments. . . .
Orofacial neuropathic pain induced by oxaliplatin: Downregulation of KCNQ2 channels in V2 trigeminal ganglion neurons and treatment by the KCNQ2 channel potentiator retigabine

Neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapy drugs such as oxaliplatin is a dose-limiting side effect in cancer treatment. The mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain are not fully understood. KCNQ2 channels are low-threshold voltage-gated K+ channels that play a role in controlling neuronal excitability. Downregulation of KCNQ2 channels has been proposed to be an underlying mechanism of sensory hypersensitivity that leads to neuropathic pain. However, it is currently unknown whether KCNQ channels may be downregulated by chemotherapy drugs in trigeminal ganglion neurons to contribute to the pathogenesis of chemotherapy-induced orofacial neuropathic pain. In the present study, mechanical sensitivity in orofacial regions is measured using the operant behavioral test in rats treated with oxaliplatin. Operant behaviors in these animals show the gradual development of orofacial neuropathic pain that manifests with orofacial mechanical allodynia. Immunostaining shows strong KCNQ2 immunoreactivity in small-sized V2 trigeminal ganglion neurons in controls, and the numbers of KCNQ2 immunoreactivity positive V2 trigeminal ganglion neurons are significantly reduced in oxaliplatin-treated animals. Immunostaining is also performed in brainstem and shows strong KCNQ2 immunoreactivity at the trigeminal afferent central terminals innervating the caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus (Vc) in controls, but the KCNQ2 immunoreactivity intensity is significantly reduced in oxaliplatin-treated animals. We further show with the operant behavioral test that oxaliplatin-induced orofacial mechanical allodynia can be alleviated by the KCNQ2 potentiator retigabine. Taken together, these findings suggest that KCNQ2 downregulation may be a cause of oxaliplatin-induced orofacial neuropathic pain and KCNQ2 potentiators may be useful for alleviating the neuropathic pain.
Automatic Scoring of a Nonword Repetition Test

In this study, we explore the feasibility of speech-based techniques to automatically evaluate a nonword repetition (NWR) test. NWR tests, a useful marker for detecting language impairment, require repetition of pronounceable nonwords, such as "D OY F", presented aurally by an examiner or via a recording. Our proposed method leverages ASR techniques to first transcribe verbal responses. Second, it applies machine learning techniques to ASR output for predicting gold standard scores provided by speech and language pathologists. Our experimental results for a sample of 101 children (42 with autism spectrum disorders, or ASD; 18 with specific language impairment, or SLI; and 41 typically developed, or TD) show that the proposed approach is successful in predicting scores on this test, with averaged product-moment correlations of 0.74 and mean absolute error of 0.06 (on a observed score range from 0.34 to 0.97) between observed and predicted ratings.
Molecular mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs and their role in disease pathogenesis

// Guoku Hu 1 , Fang Niu 1 , Bree A. Humburg 1 , Ke Liao 1 , Sunil Bendi 1 , Shannon Callen 1 , Howard S. Fox 1 and Shilpa Buch 1 1 Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA Correspondence to: Shilpa Buch, email: sbuch@unmc.edu Guoku Hu, email: guoku.hu@unmc.edu Keywords: long non-coding RNA; CNS disorder; cancer; therapy Received: December 07, 2017 Accepted: January 13, 2018 Published: April 06, 2018 ABSTRACT LncRNAs are long non-coding regulatory RNAs that are longer than 200 nucleotides. One of the major functions of lncRNAs is the regulation of specific gene expression at multiple steps including, recruitment and expression of basal transcription machinery, post-transcriptional modifications and epigenetics [ 1 ]. Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNAs also play a critical role in maintaining tissue homeostasis during physiological and pathological conditions, lipid homeostasis, as well as epithelial and smooth muscle cell homeostasis, a topic that has been elegantly reviewed [ 2 – 5 ]. While aberrant expression of lncRNAs has been implicated in several disease conditions, there is paucity of information about their contribution to the etiology of diseases [ 6 ]. Several studies have compared the expression of lncRNAs under normal and cancerous conditions and found differential expression of several lncRNAs, suggesting thereby an involvement of lncRNAs in disease processes [ 7 , 8 ]. Furthermore, the ability of lncRNAs to influence epigenetic changes also underlies their role in disease pathogenesis since epigenetic regulation is known to play a critical role in many human diseases [ 1 ]. LncRNAs thus are not only involved in homeostatic functioning but also play a vital role in the progression of many diseases, thereby underscoring their potential as novel therapeutic targets for the alleviation of a variety of human disease conditions.
Acceptance of female public toplessness: Structural, contextual, and individual predictors of support

Despite frequent attention in contemporary culture, little empirical research has been done on acceptance of female public toplessness during the past 20 years. As a replication and extension of pr...
Failed umbilical artery catheterization and adverse outcomes in extremely low birth weight infants.

Purpose: To determine whether successful catheterization of the umbilical artery is associated with a reduced risk of death or neurodevelopment impairment among critically ill extremely low birth w...
Total Cross Section Measurements for the Photoproduction of Charged Pions from Threshold to 350 MeV

Total cross-section measurements for charged photo pions have been made by detecting the e+ decay positron from a μ+ meson stopped in the target and by measuring the radiactivity of the daughter nucleus.
A case of mushroom poisoning from Suillus luteus

Suillus luteus, although often eaten, can cause illness. We describe the sickness and suggest removal of the cuticle before eating.
Cognitive Neuroscience: An Overview

Interest in how brain enables mind has been ongoing for centuries; however, the field of cognitive neuroscience is relatively new, dating back to the 1970s. Cognitive neuroscience employs a multidisciplinary approach when investigating the neurobiology of cognition. Techniques such as neuronal stains, physiological measurements, and brain imaging are utilized in the effort to understand the biological basis of information processing. However, cognitive methods are also recruited to induce mental operations that will be investigated neurologically. The cognitive neuroscientist will continue to find innovative methods of combining such complexities in the ongoing search of understanding of how brain enables mind.
Phosphatidate phosphatase activity is induced during lipogenesis in the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica.

Phosphatidate (PA) phosphatase dephosphorylates the membrane phospholipid PA to diacylglycerol (DAG) that can be used for the synthesis of the storage lipid triacylglycerol (TAG). In Yarrowia lipolytica, TAG biosynthesis is induced during the lipogenic phase, which results in the accumulation of this lipid in cells. The accumulation of TAG during lipogenesis requires the supply of DAG, but the source of this DAG is not known in Y. lipolytica. In this study, the regulation of PA phosphatase during lipogenesis and its contribution to TAG biosynthesis was examined in Y. lipolytica. Lipogenesis was triggered by growing cells in high-glucose media, whereas control cultures were grown in low-glucose media. PA phosphatase activity increased in a time-dependent manner as high-glucose cells progressed in the lipogenic phase. In contrast, the activity decreased in low-glucose cells that did not accumulate lipids. An analysis of the subcellular localization of the PA phosphatase activity showed that the membrane-associated activity increased during lipogenesis. The significance of this increase can be explained by the fact that only the membrane-associated PA phosphatase activity is responsible for the production of DAG. Taken together, these results indicate that PA phosphatase is involved in TAG biosynthesis during lipogenesis in Y. lipolytica.
Patient Beliefs and Preferences Regarding Surrogate Decision Makers.

Objectives Many patients lose the capacity to make medical decisions because of severe illness or the effects of sedation or anesthesia. Most states in the United States designate the next of kin (NOK) as a default surrogate decision maker (SDM), but this may not always reflect patient preferences. Our objective was to determine how frequently the default SDM matched the patient's preferred SDM, and whether patients knew who would serve as their SDM should they become incapacitated. Methods We used a cross-sectional survey to determine whom patients believed would make decisions on their behalf, patients' relationship to their preferred SDM, how frequently their NOK was their preferred SDM, and how frequently patients' beliefs about SDM determination were accurate. Results In total, 18% of patients believed that someone other than their NOK would be asked to make decisions for them; 20.3% of all participants, and 9.3% of married participants, identified someone other than their NOK as their preferred SDM. Conclusions A substantial proportion of patients are unaware that someone other than their preferred SDM may be asked to make decisions for them. Providers should explicitly ask patients about their preferences, including whom the patient's preferred SDM would be, and should encourage the patient to designate a healthcare proxy when his or her preferred SDM is not the default SDM designated by local law. Although there are inherent problems with using SDMs, using the person preferred by the patient should result in a greater chance of following the patient's wishes for medical treatment.
On the representational nature of value-driven spatial attentional biases

The representational nature of space in the value-driven control of attention remains unclear. Here, we provide evidence for scene-specific overt spatial attentional biases following reinforcement ...
Factors Affecting Applicants' Reactions to the Collection of Data in Social Network Websites

Social networking sites (SNWS) have become extremely popular, particularly among young Americans. The largest social network site, Facebook, had more than 800 million active users as of September 2...
INF&RNO Modeling of 10 GeV-Class Electron Beams from a Laser-Plasma Accelerator Driven by the BELLA Laser

Particle-in-cell modeling of 10 GeV-Class laser-plasma accelerators, where a short and intense laser pulse with an energy of tens of Joules propagates in a plasma with a length of a few tens of cm and a density ~ 1017 cm−3, is a computationally challenging task, requiring several tens of millions of core hours on today's supercomputers. In this paper, we present simulations results, obtained with the computationally-efficient code INF&RNO [8]–[10], concerning the production of 10 GeV-class electron beams in a 20 cm plasma under realistic conditions using the PW BELLA laser at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The computational savings provided by INF&RNO allows for extensive parameter scans and detailed characterization of the accelerator performance.
'Sometimes it is not about men': Gendered and generational discourses of caregiving HIV transmission in a rural South African setting.

In this paper, we examine a prominent interpretation of HIV risk in a rural South African setting experiencing a severe HIV epidemic well into older ages: the discourse of caregiving HIV transmission. By caregiving transmission, we refer to HIV infection resulting from caring for family members who are living with HIV and may be sick with AIDS-related illnesses. We draw on individual life history and community focus group interviews with men and women aged 40-80+, as well as interviews with health workers providing HIV counselling and testing services at local health facilities in their communities. We illustrate the social and strategic role caregiving HIV transmission discourses play in re-signifying HIV as a sexless infection for older women, thereby promoting HIV testing as well as blameless acceptance of an HIV diagnosis. We further highlight the role of rural health workers who serve as medical epistemic bricoleurs, vernacularising global HIV counselling and prevention messages by blending ideas of gender, generation, and local lived experiences and practices so that they resonate with community norms, values and understandings. Our study highlights the gendered and generational complexities and challenges experienced by rural South Africans aging in a community over-burdened by an HIV epidemic and AIDS-related mortality.
Causal Interpretations of Black-Box Models

The fields of machine learning and causal inference have developed many concepts, tools, and theory that are potentially useful for each other. Through exploring the possibility of extracting causa...
Infancy onset maltreatment and the development of suicide ideation: An investigation of moderation by oxytocin-related gene polymorphisms

Abstract Background Suicide ideation and behavior remains a significant public policy concern. The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide posits that thwarted belongingness potentiates risk for suicide. Early disruptions in caregiving have documented effects on lifespan social and interpersonal development, and therefore warrants further investigation in suicide research. This novel study investigates risk for suicide ideation conferred by infant-onset child maltreatment and oxytocin genotypes (OXTR and CD38) and tests interactive effects of genetics and early maltreatment experiences. Methods Participants (N = 251) were from a longitudinal follow-up study of emerging adults who participated in a research summer camp program as children (wave 1). Childhood maltreatment was coded from child protective service records and buccal cells were obtained from children and genotyped. At wave 2, self-reported suicide ideation and internalizing symptomatology were obtained. Results Maltreatment onset in infancy was significantly related to lifetime suicide ideation. The CD38 gene variation moderated this association such that early onset maltreatment was related to suicide ideation among C-carriers only. The OXTR gene did not relate to lifetime suicide ideation, nor did it moderate early onset maltreatment risk. Limitations This study was conducted with a relatively small sample, necessitating the combination of genotypes into binary groups. Replication is necessary. Conclusions Child maltreatment experienced early in development confers significant risk for lifetime suicide ideation. Furthermore, greater risk for suicide ideation was present for those with specific oxytocin genotypes. These findings further emphasize the importance of preventive interventions aimed at decreasing the incidence of maltreatment and increasing support for high risk families.
Follicular cystitis in urine cytology: A clinical and cytopathologic study

Despite being an important differential diagnosis of bladder tumor on cystoscopy, follicular cystitis (FC) is rarely diagnosed on cytologic material. We performed a retrospective study on cases of FC diagnosed on bladder biopsy and/or urine cytology in our institution. A total of 35 cases of FC were identified with a female predominance (F:M = 2:1). Hematuria was the most common clinical presentation. Cystoscopic findings included mass lesions, yellow plaques, and surface erythema. History of urinary tract infection was reported in 48% of the patients, and majority of those patients had positive concurrent urine culture, most commonly with beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Group B. A total of 17 out of 35 patients had urine cytology specimens. When the presence of follicular dendritic cells in clusters of variously sized lymphocytes is used as the cytological diagnostic criterion, 6 out of 17 cases were diagnosed as FC and 5 out of 6 were confirmed by concurrent biopsy. This retrospective study not only analyzed the clinical characteristics of FC but also elucidated the cytological diagnostic criteria of FC and confirmed its specificity.
Neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring (NIOM) in pediatric patients with polyneuropathy.

Neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring (NIOM) abnormalities during scoliosis surgery led to a diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia in this illustrative case. This prompted the retrospective examination of NIOM for pediatric scoliosis surgery in polyneuropathy patients. Among patients who underwent scoliosis surgery in 2010–2017, there were six polyneuropathy patients identified. Their clinical history and baseline NIOM data were reviewed. Scoliosis accompanied Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, and ataxia telangiectasia. Some patients with no recorded somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) exhibited motor evoked potentials (MEPs); no patients with absent MEPs had SEPs present. NIOM modifications included SEP stimulation rate; type of SEP electrodes used; train parameters for MEP acquisition; and sweep speed. This sample of NIOM data for previously monitored scoliosis cases in children with polyneuropathy allowed investigation of patterns of findings and troubleshooting attempts to optimize monitoring. Attentiveness to pertinent medical history prepared the NIOM team to change typical recording parameters based on underlying polyneuropathy. A multimodality approach provided useful information as several of these cases would have been unmonitorable with use of SEPs alone. As for the case described, the awareness of NIOM patterns in polyneuropathy may guide evaluations of patients with presumed idiopathic scoliosis who have unrecognized polyneuropathy.
Tape: an alternative to stirrups or wedges in positioning for infant cystoscopy.

Summary Performing a cystourethroscopy in children can range from reviewing a 100 kg teenage male with posterior urethritis, to assessing a 3 kg neonate with posterior urethral valves. Across this range the patient needs to be positioned in a way that allows passage of the rigid cystoscope and visualisation of the urethra and bladder. We describe a technique for positioning the legs of infants for cystoscopy using skin friendly tape, rather than wedges, stirrups or boots. The advantage of this being that it is cheap, adaptable and holds the infant in the perfect position, without needing complex equipment.
Early Outcomes of Outpatient Management of Kidney Transplant Recipients with Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Background and objectives Outcomes of kidney transplant recipients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 as outpatients have not been described. Design, setting, participants, & measurements We obtained clinical data for 41 consecutive outpatient kidney transplant recipients with known or suspected coronavirus disease 2019. Chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare characteristics of patients who required hospitalization versus those who did not. Results Of 41 patients, 22 (54%) had confirmed coronavirus disease 2019, and 19 (46%) were suspected cases. Patients most commonly reported fever (80%), cough (56%), and dyspnea (39%). At the end of follow-up, 13 patients (32%) required hospitalization a median of 8 days (range, 1–16) after symptom onset, and 23 (56%) had outpatient symptom resolution a median of 12 days (4–23) after onset. Patients who required hospitalization were more likely to have reported dyspnea (77% versus 21%, P=0.003) and had higher baseline creatinine (median, 2.0 versus 1.3 mg/dl, P=0.02), but there were no other differences between groups. Conclusions In an early cohort of outpatient kidney transplant recipients with known or suspected coronavirus disease 2019, many had symptomatic resolution without requiring hospitalization.
Pot1-tpp1 telomere length regulation and disease

Telomeres are DNA repeats at the ends of linear chromosomes and are replicated by telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase. Telomere length regulation and chromosome end capping are essential for genome stability and are mediated primarily by the shelterin and CST complexes. POT1-TPP1, a subunit of shelterin, binds the telomeric overhang, suppresses ATR-dependent DNA damage response, and recruits telomerase to telomeres for DNA replication. POT1 localization to telomeres and chromosome end protection requires its interaction with TPP1. Therefore, the POT1-TPP1 complex is critical to telomere maintenance and full telomerase processivity. The aim of this mini-review is to summarize recent POT1-TPP1 structural studies and discuss how the complex contributes to telomere length regulation. In addition, we review how disruption of POT1-TPP1 function leads to human disease.
Reducing Opioid Use in Endocrine Surgery Through Patient Education and Provider Prescribing Patterns

Abstract Background Postoperative opioid use can lead to dependence, contributing to the opioid epidemic in the United States. New persistent opioid use after minor surgeries occurs in 5.9% of patients. With increased documentation of persistent opioid use postoperatively, surgeons must pursue interventions to reduce opioid use perioperatively. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study to assess the feasibility of a preoperative intervention via patient education or counseling and changes in provider prescribing patterns to reduce postoperative opioid use. We included adult patients undergoing thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy from January 22, 2019 to February 28, 2019 at a tertiary referral, academic endocrine surgery practice. Surveys were administered to assess pain and patient satisfaction postoperatively. Prescription, demographic, and comorbidity data were collected from the electronic health record. Results Sixty six patients (74.2% women, mean age 58.6 [SD 14.9] y) underwent thyroidectomy (n = 35), parathyroidectomy (n = 24), and other cervical endocrine operations (n = 7). All patients received a preoperative educational intervention in the form of a paper handout. 90.9% of patients were discharged with prescriptions for nonopioid pain medications, and 7.6% were given an opioid prescription on discharge. Among those who received an opioid prescription, the median quantity of opioids prescribed was 135 (IQR 120-150) oral morphine equivalents. On survey, four patients (6.1%) reported any postoperative opioid use, and 94.6% of patients expressed satisfaction with their preoperative education and postoperative pain management. Conclusions Clear and standardized education regarding postoperative pain management is feasible and associated with high patient satisfaction. Initiation of such education may support efforts to minimize unnecessary opioid prescriptions in the population undergoing endocrine surgery.
Profiles of partner health linked to a partner-focused intervention following patient initial implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

This study examined differential responses among partners who participated in a RCT designed to compare two social cognitive theory interventions, one designed for patients only (P-only) and one for patients and their intimate partners (P + P). The interventions were delivered following the patient receiving an initial ICD implant. Partner health outcomes were examined longitudinally from baseline at hospital discharge to 3, 6, and 12 months. Outcomes included 6 measures: partner physical and mental health status (Short-Form-36 PCS and MCS), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), caregiver burden (Oberst Caregiver Burden Scale), and self-efficacy in ICD management (Sudden Cardiac Arrest Self-efficacy scale). Growth mixture and mixed effect modeling were used to identify and compare trajectories of 6 health outcomes within the P-only and P + P arms of the study. Partners (n = 301) were on average 62 years old, female (74.1%) and Caucasian (83.4%), with few co-morbidities (mean Charlson Co-morbidity index, 0.72 ± 1.1). Two types of profiles were observed for P-only and P + P, one profile where patterns of health outcomes were generally better across 12 months and one with outcome patterns that were generally worse across time. For PCS, no significant partner differences were observed between P-only or P + P in either the better (p = 0.067) or the worse (p = 0.129) profile types. Compared to P-only, partners in the worse profile improved significantly over 12 months in MCS (p = 0.006), caregiver burden P + P (p = 0.004) and self-efficacy P + P (p = 0.041). Compared to P-only, P + P partners in the low anxiety profile improved significantly (p = 0.001) at 3 months. Partners with more psychosocial distress at hospital discharge benefited most from the P + P intervention. Among partners with generally low levels of anxiety, those in the P + P intervention compared to P-only showed greater improvement in anxiety over 12 months.
Evaluation of Diagnostic Tests for Johne's Disease Using Detection of Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis in Tissues to Classify Infection Status of Dairy Cows

Interpretation of Johne's disease (JD) diagnostic tests is not always clear to determine the infection status of animals. Multiple tests on an individual animal are often not in agreement. The objectives of this study were to determine the association between infection status of individual dairy cows, based on postmortem histopathology and culture of multiple tissues, and the previous results of fecal culture and multiple serum ELISA tests.
Demonstration of photonically-controlled GaAs digital/MMIC for rf optical links

We report design, fabrication, and test of a monolithic GaAs IC implementing a broadband optically-driven digital/analog RF interface. The circuit operates in an asynchronous mode to detect AM digital and RF on a single optical fiber input, control RF level, and transmit the RF to the output. >
Data Analysis: What Can Be Learned from the Past 50 Years

[Book # 2010186] In this book, Peter J. Huber provides insightful opinions on the fundamental issues and challenges in data analysis, derived from his own hands-on experience in dealing with real applications. Unlike the traditional statistics literature, which is methodology focused, Data Analysis tackles the issue of the essence of data analysis in a different way. The author’s premise is that data analysis skills and understanding are learned from actual experiences with real data. In the first four chapters, the author lays down the principles and strategies, and then proceeds to present critical evaluation and consequences of related statistical methodology based on numerous case studies. His critiques of the methods are very insightful and informative, and my knowledge of the subject matter increased considerably as a result of reading this book. The central idea that prevails is that data analysis is non-trivial, and if not carefully handled, can lead to pitfalls and misinterpretation of results. T...
Heat shock factor 1 induces cancer stem cell phenotype in breast cancer cell lines

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) has long been recognized as the master transcription factor that regulates heat shock proteins (HSPs). More recently HSF1 has been associated with a broader role in regulating response to a variety of cellular stresses beyond heat-shock. We previously found that high HSF1 expression is associated with poor outcome in lung, breast and colon cancers. Importantly, however, the HSF1 signature correlated with poor outcome in these studies was not related to the heat shock response, which suggested that tumor outcome associated with high HSF expression may be due to processes other than stress response. Hence, we explored the question whether high HSF1 expression might be associated with the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype. To do so, we examined the association of HSF1 with CSC phenotype by FACS and immunofluorescence. In addition, we evaluated the effects of HSF1 over-expression and knock-down on sphere formation and CSC marker expression in breast cancer cell lines. Here, we report results demonstrating that high HSF1 not only correlates with CSC marker expression, but inducible HSF1 over-expression augments and HSF1 knock-down inhibits CSC phenotype. Furthermore, HSF1 expression confers resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and increases CSC frequency. In conclusion, our study indicates that one of the potential HSP-independent HSF1 driven mechanisms that may contribute to poor outcome in human tumors involves regulation of the CSC phenotype. Hence, therapeutic inhibition of HSF1 may be one route to target CSCs in human tumors.
Wheat leaf RNA polymerases. I. Partial purification and characterization of nuclear, chloroplast and soluble DNA-dependent enzymes.

Abstract DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (nucleoside triphosphate: RNA nucleotidyl transferase, EC 2.7.7.6) was solubilized and partially purified from purified nuclear fragments, from chloroplasts, and from the soluble phase of young wheat leaves. The enzymes were purified to the point where adding calf thymus DNA stimulated incorporation rates 5- to 10-fold. Maximal activity for all three preparations required added DNA, low ionic strength, Mg 2+ , ATP, GTP, CTP, and UTP. The pH optima for all three preparations were in the range 8.0–8.15. The products were acid-insoluble, alkali-labile, and ribonuclease-sensitive. The reactions were inhibited by pyrophosphate but not by phosphate, and by actinomycin D and other antibiotics known to inhibit RNA polymerase by interaction with the DNA template. Rifampicin and alpha-amanitin had no effect on the activities. All three preparations were characterized by the presence of polyadenylate nucleotidyl transferase activity with ATP as sole substrate, and this activity was inhibited by addition of GTP, CTP, and UTP. Of a large variety of nucleotides tested, only FMN and adenosine tetraphosphate were strongly inhibitory.
Law and Society in Vietnam

List of tables Acknowledgements 1. Constitutionalism and the emergence of constitutional dialogue in Vietnam 2. The emerging debate over constitutional review and enforcement in Vietnam 3. Motorbike constitutionalism: the emergence of constitutional claims in Vietnam 4. Economic law in the service of globalization: labor law and labor export from Vietnam 5. Law, the press, and police murder: the trial of Lt. Nguyen Tung Duong 6. Law and the regulation of civil society: nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, grassroots organizations, and the state 7. Testing the limits of advocacy: the emergence of public interest law in Vietnam 8. Donors, law and social justice in Vietnam: the uncertain promise Bibliography Index.
The Unconstitutionality of Religious Vilification Laws in Australia: Why Religious Vilification Laws are Contrary to the Implied Freedom of Political Communication Affirmed in the Australian Constitution

This article explains the weakness of the argument that religious vilification laws promote harmony and tolerance among religious groups. Rather, they are based on a form of postmodern theory that denies the existence of truth and could be used as a weapon by certain individuals to silence any criticism of their beliefs. These laws have become an invitation to people with extreme views to avoid debate by claiming that they, rather than their beliefs, have been attacked. The author then explains the philosophical underpinnings of religious vilification laws and argues that there is no a priori reason why religious speech could not at the same time be characterized as political communication for the purposes of the implied freedom in the Australian Constitution. Rather, the text and structure of the Constitution gives full rise to the proposition that there is an implied freedom to discuss religious matters, particularly when these matters involve serious public interest. This freedom is a right of the citizen that works as a form of constitutional immunity from public and/or political restrictions that are not adapted to the ultimate goal of preserving freedom of speech, which is an essential element of every (democratic) system of representative government.
Oxidation Behavior of Boron‐Modified Mo5Si3 at 800°–1300°C

Mo{sub 5}Si{sub 3} shows promise as a high-temperature creep-resistant material. The high-temperature oxidation resistance of Mo{sub 5}Si{sub 3} has been found to be poor, however, limiting its use in oxidizing atmospheres. Undoped Mo{sub 5}Si{sub 3} exhibits pest oxidation at 800 C. Mass loss occurs in the temperature range 900--1,200 C due to volatilization of molybdenum oxide, indicating that the silica scale that forms does not provide a passivating layer. The addition of boron results in protective scale formation and parabolic oxidation kinetics in the temperature range of 1,050--1,300 C. The oxidation rate of Mo{sub 5}Si{sub 3} was decreased by 5 orders of magnitude at 1,200 C by doping with less than 2 wt% boron. Boron doping eliminates catastrophic pest oxidation at 800 C. The mechanism for improved oxidation resistance of boron-doped Mo{sub 5}Si{sub 3} is viscous sintering of the scale to close pores that form during the initial transient oxidation period, due to volatilization of molybdenum oxide.
An Experimental Study of the Effect of Market Performance on Annuitization and Equity Allocations

Although researchers have studied the annuity puzzle for years, it has only recently been analyzed from a behavioral finance standpoint. This paper adds to this new stream of literature by using experimental methods to investigate how market performance affects the decision to annuitize. Using a large-scale, controlled laboratory experiment, this paper finds evidence that excessive extrapolation may be influencing this decision. In addition, we find that past market performance influences subsequent portfolio allocation decisions. This paper serves as a useful complement to recent studies using administrative data. Our experimental approach allows us to more cleanly test the role of past market performance by carefully controlling for many factors that may confound the analysis of administrative data.
Methane, manganese, and helium in hydrothermal plumes following volcanic eruptions on the East Pacific Rise near 9°50′N

[1] As part of a rapid response cruise in May 2006, we surveyed water column hydrothermal plumes and bottom conditions on the East Pacific Rise between 9°46.0′N and 9°57.6′N, where recent seafloor volcanic activity was suspected. Real-time measurements included temperature, light transmission, and salinity. Samples of the plume waters were analyzed for methane, manganese, helium concentrations, and the δ13C of methane. These data allow us to examine the effects of the 2005–2006 volcanic eruption(s) on plume chemistry. Methane and manganese are sensitive tracers of hydrothermal plumes, and both were present in high concentrations. Methane reached 347 nM in upper plume samples (250 m above seafloor) and exceeded 1085 nM in a near-bottom sample. Mn reached 54 nM in the upper plume and 98 nM in near-bottom samples. The concentrations of methane and Mn were higher than measurements made after a volcanic eruption in the same area in 1991, but the ratio of CH4/Mn, at 6.7, is slightly lower, though still well above the ratios measured in chronic plumes. High concentrations of methane in near-bottom samples were associated with areas of microbial mats and diffuse venting documented in seafloor imagery. The isotopic composition of the methane carbon shows evidence of active microbial oxidation; however, neither the fractionation factor nor the source of the eruption-associated methane can be determined with any certainty. Considerable scatter in the isotopic data is due to diverse sources for the methane as well as fractionation as methane is consumed. One sample at +21‰ versus Peedee belemnite standard is among the most enriched methane carbon values reported in a hydrothermal plume to date.
The impact of chemotherapy shortages on COG and local clinical trials: a report from the Children's Oncology Group.

Background Oncology drug shortage is associated with increased patient adverse events and decreased enrollment on clinical trials for adult patients; however, the impact of oncology drug shortages has not been well studied in children with cancer. Procedure The Children's Oncology Group (COG) distributed a 5-item survey to 226 COG site-specific principal investigators (PI's) and 14-item survey to 161 COG pharmacists to gather data the impact of chemotherapeutic shortages on clinical trials and patient care. Results The response rate was 66.4% (150/226) for PI's and 29.8% (48/161) for pharmacists. COG PI's reported daunorubicin (73%), methotrexate (56%), asparaginase/PEG-asparaginase (42%), doxorubicin (26%), thiotepa (21%), and cytarabine (20%) were most commonly in shortage, while COG pharmacists reported daunorubicin (80%), methotrexate (66%), vincristine (21%), thiotepa (41%), asparaginase/PEG-asparaginase (34%), and cytarabine (34%) were most commonly in shortage over the past two years. Pharmacists were twice as likely to report a shortage compared with PI's (OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6–2.7, P < 0.0001). Fifty percent (74/147) of COG PI's reported at least one patient enrolled on a clinical trial was impacted by drug shortage, and 66% (98/148) of COG PI's reported at least one patient had clinical care impacted by drug shortage. Conclusions Chemotherapy shortages remain widespread across institutions, hinder clinical trials, and may contribute to adverse events in children with cancer. The increased frequency of chemotherapy shortages reported by pharmacists suggests that pharmacist efforts may mitigate negative impact chemotherapy shortages. Over half of pediatric institutions are implementing recommendations to address shortages, such as cross-institutional collaboration and center-level guidelines. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:940–944. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stratified Turbulence: Structural Issues, and Turbulent Diffusion

We examine the effects of stratification on eddy—diffusion, and the distribution of pairs of particles released in the flow. DNS results are presented at a resolution of 1283 mesh points. We compare results for particle dispersion to simple analytic theories (such as that proposed by Csanady 1964, and Pearson et al., 1983) by adapting the basic Langevin model to decaying turbulence at low Reynolds numbers. Stable stratification arrests both single particle displacements and pair separation in the direction of stratification. With respect to the dynamics of stratified flows, we find that regions of strong viscous dissipation are intermittently spaced, and are associated with large horizontal vorticity, consistent with recent experimental results by Fincham et al. (1994). The small-scale structures of the flow are pancakes, not worms. As found in previous simulations (Metais et al 1994), vortex filaments develop only under the constraint of strong rotation.
Toward a Useful Model for Group Mentoring in Public Accounting Firms

Today’s public accounting firms face a number of challenges in relation to their most valuable resource and primary revenue generator, human capital. Expanding regulations, technology advances, increased competition and high turnover rates are just a few of the issues confronting public accounting leaders in today’s complex business environment. In recent years, some public accounting firms have attempted to combat low retention and high burnout rates with traditional one-to-one mentoring programs, with varying degrees of success. Many firms have found that they lack the resources necessary to successfully implement and maintain such programs. In other industries, organizations have used a group mentoring approach in attempt to remove potential barriers to mentoring success. Although the research regarding group mentoring shows promise for positive organizational outcomes, no cases could be found in the literature regarding its usage in a public accounting firm. Because of the unique challenges associated with public accounting firms, this paper attempts to answer two questions: (1)Does group mentoring provide a viable alternative to traditional mentoring in a public accounting firm? (2) If so, what general model might be used for implementing such a program? In answering these questions, a review of the group mentoring literature is provided, along with a suggested model for the implementation of group mentoring in a public accounting firm.
Web-based orthodontic instruction and assessment

Orthodontic records-study models, panoramic and cephalometric radiographs, and the patient's facial and intraoral photographs-are used to collect data to establish a diagnosis and to develop problem-solution lists. These records, however, can be damaged or lost when dispensed to students and need to be stored and maintained every year. An orthodontic diagnosis web site, therefore, has been set up using digital records to provide students with an accessible source of complete, good-quality study materials. The web site is also used for clinical examination in orthodontic courses. The effectiveness of the web-based digital records in providing relevant information to students in comparison to the traditional records was evaluated by a randomized controlled trial involving ninety-nine second-year dental students. One group (fifty students) studied two cases from the web site; the other group (forty-nine students) studied the same two cases from traditional orthodontic records. Effectiveness was assessed by comparing test scores and the time spent on the tests by t-statistics. There were no significant differences between means for the two study groups in test performance or time. Attitudes of students toward the web site, assessed from post-test questionnaires, were positive. It was concluded that web-based digital orthodontic records were as effective in teaching clinical orthodontic diagnosis as were conventional records.
Refractory lymphocytic enterocolitis and tumor necrosis factor antagonist therapy.

Background & Aims Lymphocytic enterocolitis is a malabsorptive syndrome characterized by severe small-bowel villous abnormality and crypt hyperplasia and dense infiltrate of lymphocytes throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Methods We present 2 patients with lymphocytic enterocolitis refractory to usual medical therapy who were treated with tumor necrosis factor antagonists. Results Both patients had clinical improvement in diarrheal symptoms and intestinal histologic abnormalities. Conclusions Tumor necrosis factor-α antagonists such as infliximab or adalimumab may be a new treatment option for patients with severe refractory lymphocytic enterocolitis not responding to corticosteroids.
Evaluation of Low Back Pain in Athletes

Context: Low back pain is a common complaint in athletes. Athletes differ from the general population physiologically, making it unclear if the evaluation of low back pain should differ between the...
A Poroelastic Model of Skeletal Muscle Tissue Used to Predict Intramuscular Pressure

Many single-phase, solid mechanics computational models of skeletal muscle have been created based on the assumptions that skeletal muscle is hyperelastic, transversely isotropic,1,2 and isovolumic. However, muscle has also been observed to have non-linear time-dependent behaviors that can be modeled using viscoelasticity or poroelasticity. The inherent viscoelasticity of muscle may not fully explain the time-dependent nature that may arise from extracellular fluid filtration3 and redistribution4 within the tissue. Further, intramuscular pressure (IMP) has been shown to have a heterogeneous distribution in muscle. This may be attributable to the movement of extracellular fluid, but the mechanisms of fluid redistribution are not completely understood. While a viscoelastic model may predict time-dependent responses of skeletal muscle, viscoelastic theory does not explain underlying causative tissue behaviors.5Copyright © 2012 by ASME