cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Healthcare Utilization and Symptom Variation Among Veterans Using Behavioral Telehealth Center Services

Substance use and mental health problems are often underdiagnosed and undertreated in primary care. Veterans affairs facilities are using the Behavioral Telehealth Center (BTC) to provide evidence-based assessments for primary care patients via telephone. Whether participation in BTC services is associated with (1) increases in healthcare utilization and (2) decreases in symptoms based on behavioral health screening instruments, post-BTC services compared with pre-BTC services were investigated. Retrospective data were extracted for 1,820 patients who were referred to the BTC. Differences in utilization rates and symptom scores pre- and post-BTC services were tested using repeated measures analysis of covariance while controlling for relevant sociodemographic variables. Participants (1) utilized significantly more substance use and mental health treatment services and (2) had significantly lower alcohol and depression screening scores post-BTC services compared with pre-BTC services. This initial evaluation provides support that BTC services are associated with increased healthcare utilization and decreased alcohol and depressive symptoms.
Biodegradation Residual of 4-Octylphenoxyacetic Acid in Laboratory Columns under Groundwater Recharge Conditions

The biodegradation of 4-octylphenoxyacetic acid (OP1EC) was studied in laboratory columns to determine the residual concentration that can persist during groundwater recharge or transport. Biofilm models predict residual concentrations are independent of the initial concentration and residence time. Two column trains, constructed with glass beads and providing a residence time of 280 min were fed continuously with lake water (LW) containing biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and groundwater (GW) containing no biodegradable DOC. The feedwater was amended with OP1EC first at high (1 mg/L) and then at low (50 μg L-1) concentration. To simulate mixing of recharged LW and regional GW, the effluents of the GW and LW train were blended and fed to a column (BW) with 114 min residence time. When the influent OP1EC concentration was 1000 μg/L the residual concentra tions in the LW and GW trains ranged from 0.3 to 3 and 0.8 to 3 μg L-1, respectively. When the feed concentrations were decreased to 50 μg L-1...
Survival of Three Sizes of Genetically Marked Walleyes Stocked into Two Missouri Impoundments

Abstract Survival of genetically marked walleyes Stizostedion vitreum of three size-classes was used to determine stocking success in two Missouri impoundments that differ in age, productivity, and fish species abundance. Markers at the IDHP-1* gene locus were selected because they can be detected by nonlethal methods. Stocking rates averaged 1,223 fry, 37 small fingerlings (25–51 mm in total length, TL), and 24 advanced fingerlings (91–122 mm TL) per hectare. Zooplankton were sampled before and after fry and small fingerlings were stocked. Walleyes collected by electrofishing during the 2-year period after stocking were used to compare stocking success. General sampling of fish populations was also conducted by electrofishing during the study period. Small fingerlings exhibited greater rates of survival in both impoundments than did advanced fingerlings, and both fingerling sizes were returned at significantly higher rates than fry. Although increased survival is generally assumed for an increase in stoc...
Transplacental infection of rats and hamsters induced by oral and parenteral inoculations of H‐1 and rat viruses (RV)

An aim of the present investigations was to use recently isolated strains of H-1 and RV, which had been subjected to a minimum of laboratory passages, to induce transplacental infection orally in order to replicate natural infections in rats, the natural hosts, as well as in hamsters, which are subject to “spontaneous” infection with these agents. H-1 virus had a remarkable ability to penetrate both the gut wall and placental barrier and infect fetuses within 24 hours of oral inoculation of pregnant hamsters, whereas such infections could be induced in rats only by parenteral inoculation. However, rats were susceptible to fetal infection with RV given orally. The pathogenesis of infection was somewhat different with the two viruses. RV, in contradistinction to H-1, proliferated in maternal organs and possibly in the placenta for several days before invading the fetus. Both H-1 and RV were alike in being transported in the blood in close association with erythrocytes. All fetuses invaded by either agent developed widespread infections prior to death as shown by the presence of intranuclear inclusions and cytolytic effects. Placentas remained intact and viable even after resorption of attached fetuses. The health of all mother animals was unaffected. One special strain — HHP — was the only RV strain to induce transplacental infection orally in hamsters. The various attributes of these parvoviruses that make them particularly favorable agents for the study of transplacental infections are discussed.
Use of Pooled Samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides an ongoing assessment of the U.S. population’s exposure to environmental chemicals by using biomonitoring in conjunction with CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Characterizing the distributions of concentrations of environmental compounds or their metabolites in the U.S. population is a primary objective of CDC’s biomonitoring program. Historically, this characterization has been based on individual measurements of these compounds in body fluid or tissue from representative samples of the population. Pooling samples before making analytical measurements can reduce the costs of biomonitoring by reducing the number of analyses. For the first time in NHANES 2005–2006, a weighted pooled-sample design was implemented to facilitate pooling samples before making analytical measurements. This paper describes this design and the estimation method being developed in the National Center for Environmental Health, Division of Laboratory Sciences (NCEH/DLS) to characterize concentrations of polychlorinated and polybrominated compounds. I present percentile estimates for 2,2’,4,4’,5,5’-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153) in specific subpopulations of the U.S. based on the NHANES 2005–2006 pooled-sample design. I also compare estimates based on individual samples from NHANES 2003–2004 with estimates based on artificially created pools from NHANES 2003–2004 using a pooled-sample design similar to the one used for NHANES 2005–2006. For NHANES 2005–2006 the number of analyses required to characterize the levels of 61 polychlorinated and 13 polybrominated compounds in the U.S. population was reduced from 2201 to 228. At a cost of $1400 per analytical measurement, this represents a savings of approximately $2.78 million.
Consequences of evolution through the giant domain for stars of 2 – 5 M⊙

Abstract Stars of 2 – 5 M ⊙ reside on the main sequence with only extremely weak and narrow surface convection zones suggesting that significant dynamo activity may not be possible. As the stars evolve off the main sequence into the giant domain the convection zone rapidly deepens allowing for the initiation of a dynamo. Evolution into the giant domain also increases the generation of acoustic flux from sub-atmospheric turbulence, the dissipation of which may contribute to chromospheric heating. We discuss the computation of convective turnover time scales for the giant configurations that are structurally quite different from main sequence envelopes. We compare the theoretical expectations for dynamo activity with observations of stellar rotation rates across the HR diagram.
Removable prosthodontic treatment needs: A survey

Abstract Population data on complete and removable partial prosthodontics in Iowa indicated the following. 1. Denture wearers tend to be persons in the older age groups. 2. The percentage of edentulous persons was lower than that reported nationally in 1971. 3. Of every 1,000 persons, 156 were wearing dentures in one or both arches. 4. Of every 1,000 persons, 53 needed a repair, reline, or replacement of an existing denture. 5. Of every 1,000 persons, 70 needed a denture but were not wearing one. 6. Persons of lower income and education were less likely to seek dental care but had the greatest need for treatment. 7. Persons of lower income and education were at higher risk of having some form of mucosal lesions. 8. The public will be unlikely to make use of dental services to prevent or treat lesions or to service a prosthesis unless they are specifically educated to do so.
1,4-Butanediol diglycidyl ether coupling of carbohydrates to Sepharose: affinity adsorbents for lectins and glycosidases.

Abstract The use of 1,4-butanediol diglyeidyl ether to couple carbohydrate ligands to Sepharose [Sundberg, L., and Porath, J. (1975) J. Chromatogr . 90 , 87; Vretblad, P. (1976) Biochim. Biophys. Acta . 434 , 169] has been explored with a number of carbohydrate derivatives, such as amino sugars ( N -acetylglucosamine, N -acetylgalactosamine, nonacetylated short oligomers of glucosamine), methyl glycosides ( O -methyl-α-mannoside and O -methyl-β-galactoside), di- and oligosaccharides (lactose and stachyose), and polysaccharides (yeast mannan and dextrin). Using model reactions it has been established that all but the reducing sugars are sufficiently stable to withstand the alkaline conditions required for the coupling reaction, and that the primary alcohol at the C 6 position of the sugars is the primary site for the coupling reaction. In the case of glucosamine, the amino group is six times more reactive than is the 6-hydroxy group. The following affinity adsorbents have been tested and found useful in the purification of lectins and glycosidases: a yeast mannan adsorbent binds jack bean α-mannosidase (0.15 mg/ml of adsorbent) and concanavalin A (0.5 mg/ml); a dextrin adsorbent binds bovine pancreatic α-amylase (2 mg/ml of adsorbent); a lactose adsorbent binds peanut lectin (5 mg/ml of adsorbent); a (GlcNAc) 3–4 adsorbent binds wheat germ lectin (50 mg/ml of adsorbent); and, as previously reported [Vretblad, P. (1976) Biochim. Biophys. Acta . 434 , 169], a GlcNAc adsorbent binds wheat germ lectin (10 mg/ml of adsorbent) and a GalNAc adsorbent binds soybean lectin (18 mg/ml of adsorbent).
Airway cross section strongly influences alveolar plateau slope of capnograms for smaller tidal volumes

Abstract We compared the predictions of the single path convection-diffusion model (SPM) and the well-mixed single acinus model (SAM) with the normalized slopes (NS) of experimentally measured volumetric capnograms in which Vt was varied in three healthy spontaneously breathing adults. For values of Vt greater than 15 ml/kg, the tidal volume penetrates deep into the acinar airways, mixing by molecular diffusion is rapid and the predictions of the SAM and SPM both agree with the experiment. The SPM however shows much better agreement with the experimental NS data than does the SAM for values of Vt less than 10 ml/kg. The explanation for the departure of the SAM from the observed experimental data, at small Vt , is that it represents the limiting case (of well-mixed alveolar gas) for the SPM, only at large Vt , where the assumption of rapid mixing is most accurate. We conclude that in general, gas phase diffusivity and total acinar airway cross sectional area variation with cumulative volume into the lung are essential to realistically model airway gas exchange between Vt and FRC and to obtain agreement with experimental data under the widest range of breathing conditions.
Psychosocial antecedents of narcissistic personality syndrome

The purpose of this study was to assess the psychosocial antecedents of narcissistic personality syndrome as defined in DSM-III. 60 undergraduate students completed the Constantinople Inventory of ...
Behavior of Three Native Pupal Parasites of Hippelates collusor in Controlled Systems

Three pupal parasites of Hippelates collusor (Townsend)—( Phaenopria occidentalis Fouts, Eupteromalus hemipterus (Walker), and Spalangia drosophilae Ashmead)—were studied in controlled laboratory arrangements. S. drosophilae demonstrated the greatest parasitization activity below the soil surface, E. hemipterus the least. P. occidentalis and S. drosophilae preferred 3-day-old host puparia; E. hemipterus , 1-day-old. Size of chambers did not influence parasitization by any species. Summer field exposure of parasites developing inside host puparia was detrimental to development. E. hemipterus larvae were most tolerant of prolonged storage at temperatures below 50°F, P. occidentalis the least. There was no significant effect of low temperatures on the fecundity of treated females, nor were male sperm inactivated. Fecundity and adult longevity at 80°F were highest for E. hemipterus , intermediate for S. drosophilae , and lowest for P. occidentalis . Immature development at 80°F was 13 days for E. hemipterus and about 21 days for the other 2 species. All 3 species were able to increase their progeny production when the host population density increased, and, therefore, are potentially regulative natural enemies. It is thought that the present artificiality of Hippelates breeding sites in southern California may account for the apparent low effectiveness of their parasites. The need for a clearer definition of the natural breeding situation is stressed.
Nine Lessons for Health Reform: Or Will We Finally Learn from the Past?

Health care reform sits, once again, in the eye of the political storm. This article, based on an analysis of past health care debates, offers nine historical lessons for contemporary reformers. We describe the most important political do's and don'ts.
Building on Strengths: Intergenerational Practice with African American Families

Intergenerational kinship and multigenerational families (three or more generations) have been a source of strength for African Americans. This article presents a culturally responsive intergenerational practice model for working with African American families that draws on this legacy. The model looks at intergenerational kinship and multigenerational families through an Afrocentric, intergenerational solidarity framework. It provides a means to understand and support the strengths and resource richness of intergenerational relationships; the Afrocentric paradigm's affirmation of family and cultural strengths; and the power of intergenerational kinship, family solidarity, and support across generations.Building on the six solidarity elements of the intergenerational solidarity framework, this model provides an empowerment-oriented approach for social work practice with African American families that takes into consideration cultural values and practices.
The magic carpet: physical sensing for immersive environments

An interactive environment has been developed that uses a pair of Doppler radars to measure upper-body kinematics (velocity, direction of motion, amount of motion) and a grid of piezoelectric wires hidden under a 6 x 10 foot carpet to monitor dynamic foot position and pressure. This system has been used in an audio installation, where users launch and modify complex musical sounds and sequences as they wander about the carpet. This paper describes the floor and radar systems, quantifies their performance, and outlines the musical application.
Enduring effects of a computer-assisted training program for cognitive behavioral therapy: A 6-month follow-up of CBT4CBT

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the durability of effects of a computer-assisted version of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as treatment for substance dependence through a 6-month follow-up. Methods Following a randomized clinical trial in which 73 individuals seeking outpatient treatment for substance dependence in an outpatient community setting were randomized to either standard treatment-as-usual (TAU) or TAU with 8 weeks of biweekly access to computer-based training for CBT (CBT4CBT), participants were interviewed 1, 3, and 6 months after the termination of study treatments. Results Sixty of the 73 participants were reached for follow-up (82%); follow-up rates and availability of data were comparable across treatment conditions. Random regression analyses of use across time indicated significant differences between groups, such that those assigned to TAU increased their drug use across time while those assigned to CBT4CBT tended to improve slightly. The durability of the CBT4CBT effect remained even after controlling for treatment retention, treatment substance use outcomes, and exposure to other treatment during the follow-up period. Conclusions Computerized CBT4CBT appears to have both short-term and enduring effects on drug use.
Synthetic Antenna Data Processing by Wavefront Reconstruction

A sidelooking radar system employing a coherent optical processor is analyzed on a holographic basis. The optical system is studied in detail.
Scissors as Symbols: Disputed Ownership of the Tools of Biomedical Obstetrics in Rural Indonesia

In the hands of both traditional and clinic midwives in rural Indonesia a simple biomedical tool, umbilical cord scissors, has come to develop a social life that symbolizes potential futures. In rural Indonesian villages resources are limited, maternal and infant mortality rates are high, and there is robust competition for both patients and status between traditional and clinic midwives, all set against nationalist pressure to “modernize.” The perceived right to use the umbilical cord scissors in a professional setting is contested. The folk midwives use the umbilical cord scissors to publically reference access to biomedical obstetric knowledge, a domain claimed by clinic midwives. This paper explores the way that the traditional midwives construct a hybrid modern identity by marking a place for traditional and biomedical obstetric systems in the treatment of childbirth. Further, this paper argues that traditional midwives use the symbolically laden umbilical cord scissors in their attempt to remain locally relevant and to circumvent the mission of the clinic programs to eradicate their practice.
Low‐Field Magnetoresistance in La0.67Sr0.33MnO3:ZnO Composite Film

A nanocomposite film of La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO):ZnO is synthesized by depositing LSMO solution on a vertical array of ZnO nanorods grown on (0001) Al2O3 substrate. The magnetic behavior of the composite film differs from that of a pure LSMO film, possibly due to smaller grain size in the composite, small amount of Zn doping, or the presence of nonmagnetic ZnO phase near the LSMO grain boundaries. Magnetotransport measurements show that the low-field magnetoresistance (LFMR) of the nanocomposite film is significantly enhanced as compared to that observed for pure LSMO film. The highest value of the LFMR of the nanocomposite film at 10 K is –23.9% with a magnetic field of 0.5 T applied parallel to the current.
CEP290 interacts with the centriolar satellite component PCM-1 and is required for Rab8 localization to the primary cilium

Joubert syndrome (JS) is a developmental brain disorder characterized by cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, abnormal eye movement, ataxia and mental retardation. Mutations in CEP290 mutations are responsible for the cerebello–oculo–renal subtype of JS that includes kidney cysts and retinal degeneration, two phenotypes commonly linked to ciliopathies. CEP290 mutations are also associated with Meckel–Gruber syndrome and Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS). Here we demonstrate that CEP290 interacts with a centriolar satellite protein PCM-1, which is implicated in BBS4 function. CEP290 binds to PCM-1 and localizes to centriolar satellites in a PCM-1- and microtubule-dependent manner. The depletion of CEP290 disrupts subcellular distribution and protein complex formation of PCM-1. In accord with PCM-1’s role in microtubule organization, CEP290 knockdown causes the disorganization of the cytoplasmic microtubule network. Moreover, we show that both CEP290 and PCM-1 are required for ciliogenesis and are involved in the ciliary targeting of Rab8, a small GTPase shown to collaborate with BBS protein complex to promote ciliogenesis. Our results suggest that PCM-1 is a potential mediator that may link CEP290 with BBS proteins in common molecular pathways.
Quality-of-Inference aware context determination

Energy-efficient determination of an individual's context (both physiological and activity) is an important technical challenge for assisted living environments. Given the expected availability of multiple sensors, context determination may be viewed as an estimation problem over multiple sensor data streams. This paper develops a formal and practically applicable model to capture the tradeoff between the accuracy of context estimation and the communication overheads of sensing. In particular, we propose the use of tolerance ranges to reduce an individual sensor's reporting frequency, while ensuring acceptable accuracy of the derived context. In our vision, applications specify their minimally acceptable value for a Quality-of-Inference (QoINF) metric. We develop an optimization technique allowing the context service to compute both the best set of sensors and their associated tolerance values that satisfy the specified QoINF at a minimum communication cost. Experimental results with SunSPOT sensors demonstrate the potential impact of this approach.
Inhaled amyl nitrite effectively reverses acute catastrophic thromboxane-mediated pulmonary hypertension in pigs.

Acute catastrophic pulmonary vasoconstriction frequently leads to cardiovascular collapse. Rapid and selective pulmonary vasodilation is desired in order to restore haemodynamic stability. This pilot study examined the effectiveness of inhaled amyl nitrite as a selective pulmonary vasodilator. Nine adult swine were anaesthetized. Acute pulmonary hypertension with haemodynamic collapse was induced with a bolus administration of a thromboxane analogue, U46619. Six animals then received a capsule of amyl nitrite. The administration of inhaled amyl nitrite decreased mean pulmonary artery pressure from 42±3 to 22±3 mmHg at five minutes (p<0.05), with a concomitant increase in cardiac output and mean arterial pressure. Pulmonary vascular resistance decreased from 4889±1338 to 380±195 dyne. sec. cm -5 (by 92% from the maximal pulmonary hypertension change), with significant improvement in systemic haemodynamics. During acute thromboxane-mediated pulmonary hypertension with cardiovascular collapse, prompt administration of inhaled amyl nitrite was effective in restoring pulmonary and systemic haemodynamics within five minutes. (Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia 2007; 10: 113-120)
Visible light generation of I–I bonds by Ru-tris(diimine) excited states

Seven Ru-tris(diimine) compounds were prepared to study the photooxidation of iodide. Iodide oxidation results in the formation of I–I bonds, and it is therefore relevant to the conversion and storage of solar energy. Iodide oxidation is also a key step for electrical power generation in dye-sensitized solar cells. The mechanistic details of iodide oxidation and I–I bond formation were elucidated through time-resolved spectroscopic measurements. Bimolecular electron-transfer reactions between Ru-tris(diimine) excited states and iodide first yielded the iodine atom that subsequently reacted with excess I- to yield the I–I bond of diiodide (). An important finding was that excited-state iodide oxidation was rapid (k > 109 M-1 s-1) even for thermodynamically uphill reactions. These results indicated that iodide oxidation to the iodine atom may account for a significant fraction of sensitizer regeneration within dye-sensitized solar cells.
Crystal structure of apo‐glycine N‐methyltransferase (GNMT)

The crystal structure of the recombinant apo-form of glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) has been determined at 2.5 A resolution. GNMT is a tetrameric enzyme (monomer Mr = 32,423Da, 292 amino acids) that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) to glycine with the formation of S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) and sarcosine (N-methylglycine). GNMT is a regulatory enzyme, which is inhibited by 5-methyltetrahydrofolate pentaglutamate and believed to control the ratio of AdoMet to AdoHcy in tissues. The crystals belong to the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2 (a = 85.39, b = 174.21, c = 44.71 A) and contain one dimer per asymmetric unit. The AdoMet-GNMT structure served as the starting model. The structure was refined to an R-factor of 21.9%. Each monomer is a three-domain structure with a large cavity enclosed by the three domains. The tetramer resembles a square with a central channel about which N-terminal domains are intertwined. Only localized changes of the residues involved in the binding pocket are observed for the apo-GNMT structure when compared to that determined in the presence of substrate and substrate analog.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas.

Received August 29th, 2014 Accepted September 05th, 2014 Abbreviations 5-FU: 5-fluorouracil CEA: carcinoembryonic antigen CK: cytokeratin c-kit: cellular kinase receptor DFS: disease free survival HMB-45: human melanoma black monoclonal antibody 45 S-100: soluble 100% in saturated ammonium sulfate solution SMA: alpha smooth muscle actin SUV: standardized uptake values (for PET/CT scan)
Assessing treatment motivation among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy: A multidimensional approach

Using multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis, this study examined how patient conceptualisations of treatment motivation compare with theoretically based assumptions used in current assessment approaches. Patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS (n=39) rated for similarity between all possible pairings of 23 treatment descriptions, including descriptors of intrinsic, extrinsic, approach and avoidance motivation. MDS analyses revealed that patient perceptions of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations often differ from those based on definitions derived from common interpretations of self-determination theory. Findings also showed that patients reported motivation for avoiding treatment when they associated their medication regimens with side effects and other negatively valenced outcomes. The study describes new applications of MDS in assessing how patients perceive the relationship between treatment behaviours and specific forms of motivation, such as intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. In addition, the study suggests how MDS may be used to develop behavioural strategies aimed at helping patients follow their regimens consistently by identifying treatment conceptualisations and contexts that facilitate or impede adherence.
Blueberry and Grape Anthocyanins as Breakfast Cereal Colorants

Fruit anthocyanins provide color and health benefits, thus cereals containing these pigments could be used as functional foods. White corn meal with 10% sucrose was twin-screw extruded with either corn syrup, lowbush blueberry concentrate, or Concord grape-juice concentrate. Extrusion reduced anthocyanins, but there was no change due to storage at room temperature for 3 mo. Polymeric color was higher in the blueberry cereal. The grape cereal was lighter and less red than the blueberry product. Bulk density was highest in the corn-syrup cereal. Overall acceptability was higher for the syrup and grape cereals. Sweetness and flavor acceptability were correlated with overall liking.
TOPLEAGUE and BUNDESLIGA MANAGER: new generation online soccer games

This paper describes a new generation online soccer manager. More than 210,000 users operate TOPLEAGUE and the OFFICIAL BUNDESLIGA MANAGER, complex real-time soccer simulators that are based on actual data of real professional soccer players. The underlying technology is a hierarchical three-tier multiagent system that consists of autonomous BDI agents and allows dynamic group structures (e.g. an emergent situation for a wing attack). The German Bundesliga, one of the most prestigious soccer leagues in the world, adopted this AI system for their official web site. The online games run seamlessly in a web browser with a state-of-the-art 3D visualization engine. Fundamental research within the domain of the RoboCup simulation league is the basis for this technology. We will describe the architecture of the multiagent system (MAS) in this paper, discuss motion capture techniques for graphical animation, and reveal details about user acceptance of the games.
Effect of traffic channel configuration on the orthogonal frequency division multiple access downlink performance

This paper studies traffic channel design tradeoffs for downlink orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems. For fixed and portable users where the propagation channels are quasistatic, we show that the aggregated rate can be maximized by exploiting "multiuser diversity" through intelligent channel allocation. In this case, the traffic channel should be configured so that its corresponding achievable data rate has the highest variance among users. The capacity upper and lower bounds are derived to quantify the impact of different traffic channel configurations. For mobile services where multiuser diversity cannot be efficiently exploited due to the signaling overhead, we show that the system outage capacity is maximized when the traffic channels are configured with maximum frequency diversity. Using the results presented, designers of OFDMA system can determine the optimum traffic channel configuration based on the types of services supported by the network.
A test methodology for artificial neural networks

This paper continues developments of a new and novel testing approach for detecting interconnection deletion faults in electronic implementations of artificial neural networks (ANNs). The testing approach is based on an unusual ANN behavior manifested by faulted ANNs having apparent better performance than fault-free ANNs, when neurons are operated with low activation function gains. Although transient, this noncoherent behavior can be used to detect interconnection deletion faults in ANNs. A hardware implementation of the digital aspects of the test circuitry is presented, suggesting the testing methodology may be suitable for built-in test. Simulation models of the proposed test circuitry have been verified and the implications of the testing methodology are discussed.
Inhaled treprostinil therapy in patients with pulmonary hypertension and parenchymal lung disease

The treatment of patients with Parenchymal Lung Disease (PLD) and Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is challenging. PLD is characterized by an imbalance between alveolar ventilation and pulmonary blood flow. The ability to deliver therapy to areas of lung that are well ventilated would utilize preserved V/Q matching and improve drug delivery. This would reduce undesirable alterations in perfusion caused by a systemic vasodilator and provide a more effective way of treating these patients. We examined the response of patients with PLD and PH receiving Inhaled Treprostinil. We followed eight patients with NYHA Functional Class IIIB to IV symptoms with a mean PAP >25mmHg and PCWP of
Cimetidine: An Immunomodulator

Suppressor T lymphocytes possess histamine2 (H2) receptors and contribute significantly to the function of the immune system. Experimentally, cimetidine, an H2-receptor antagonist, has been shown to enhance a variety of immunologic functions both in vivo and in vitro because of its inhibitory effects on suppressor-cell function. Successful tumor immunotherapy, as well as some protection from infection, has been reported in experimental animals. Patients receiving cimetidine have been shown to exhibit enhanced cell-mediated immunity as evaluated by increased response to skin-test antigens, restoration of sensitivity following development of acquired tolerance, and increased responses of lymphocytes to mitogen stimulation. Preliminary reports also indicate that cimetidine may offer therapeutic benefits for patients with Varicella zoster and Herpes simplex infections, as well as those suffering from mucocutaneous candidiasis and common variable hypogammaglobulinemia. These immunoregulatory effects are dose-related but are not always consistent. Because of its inhibitory effect on suppressor function, cimetidine treatment may be deleterious in patients with organ transplant and autoimmune disorders. Cimetidine should be used as an immunomodulator on an experimental basis only.
Polysomy 17 and HER-2 Amplification: True, True, and Unrelated

Approximately 25% of breast cancers overexpress the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) protein, usually as a result of high copy number of its gene (amplification) on chromosome 17q12-21. HER-2 signaling promotes cell proliferation, and overexpression or gene amplification are associated with poor prognosis. 1 Inviewofthis,trastuzumab(Herceptin;Genentech,SouthSan Francisco, CA), a humanized monoclonal immunoglobulin G antibody, was developed to specifically target the extracellular domain of HER-2. 2 Becausetrastuzumabisbotheffectiveandtoxicinsomepatients, identifyingpatientswhowillbenefitisofgreatimportance.Currently, patient selection is based on the determination of HER-2 status, because trastuzumab is expected to be effective only against HER-2‐ positive breast cancers. The definition of HER-2 positive has evolved over time, and guidelines to standardize testing and interpretation havebeenproposed. 3,4 Evenwithsuchguidelines,patientselectionfor
Mechanistic investigation of bone marrow suppression associated with palbociclib and its differentiation from cytotoxic chemotherapies

Purpose: Palbociclib (PD-0332991) is the first selective cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor approved for metastatic breast cancer. Hematologic effects, especially neutropenia, are dose-limiting adverse events for palbociclib in humans. Experimental Design: Reversible hematologic effects and bone marrow hypocellularity have been identified in toxicology studies in rats and dogs after palbociclib treatment. To understand the mechanism by which the hematologic toxicity occurs, and to further differentiate it from the myelotoxicity caused by cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, an in vitro assay using human bone marrow mononuclear cells (hBMNC) was utilized. Results: This work demonstrated that palbociclib-induced bone marrow suppression occurred through cell-cycle arrest, with no apoptosis at clinically relevant concentrations, was not lineage-specific, and was reversible upon palbociclib withdrawal. In contrast, treatment with chemotherapeutic agents (paclitaxel and doxorubicin) resulted in DNA damage and apoptotic cell death in hBMNCs. In the presence or absence of the antiestrogen, palbociclib-treated hBMNCs did not become senescent and resumed proliferation following palbociclib withdrawal, consistent with pharmacologic quiescence. The breast cancer cells, MCF-7, conversely, became senescent following palbociclib or antiestrogen treatment with additive effects in combination and remained arrested in the presence of antiestrogen. Conclusions: Palbociclib causes reversible bone marrow suppression, clearly differentiating it from apoptotic cell death caused by cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. This study also distinguished the cell-cycle arresting action of palbociclib on normal bone marrow cells from the senescent effects observed in breast cancer cells. These results shed light on the mechanism and support risk management of palbociclib-induced bone marrow toxicity in the clinic. Clin Cancer Res; 22(8); 2000–8. ©2015 AACR .
Quantum Optics Laboratories for Undergraduates

We have developed a series of undergraduate teaching laboratories that explore some of the fundamentals of quantum mechanics. All of the experiments involve performing measurements on individual photons or entangled-photon pairs. The experiments include: "Proving" that light consists of photons, single-photon interference, and tests of local realism. We will describe the experiments, placing an emphasis on an experiment which measures the quantum-mechanical polarization state of a photon. This experiment explicitly demonstrates that measurements performed on one member of an entangled-photon pair effect the results of measurements of the other photon. We will also describe how we have integrated the experiments with our upper-level undergraduate quantum mechanics course.
A LONG-TERM SURVIVING CASE OF MALIGNANT PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA WITH COMBINED USE OF CDDP AND 5-FU

びまん性腹膜悪性中皮腫は比較的稀な疾患とされ,極めて予後不良な疾患であり,長期生存例は稀とされている.今回,積極的な外科的治療と化学療法の組み合わせで長期生存が得られた症例を経験した.症例は44歳の女性で,腹部膨満感を主訴に1990年に当院外科を受診した.検査上,白血球およびCRPの上昇を認めた.腹部CTおよび注腸検査にて,腫瘤の上行結腸への浸潤像および腹水の貯留を認めた.結腸右半切除,大網切除および腹腔内散布チューブ造設術を施行した.術後, CDDP(腹腔内投与)および5-FU(静脈内投与)併用による化学療法を施行した. 1992年2月に腸閉塞により再開腹したが,生検にて腫瘍細胞の消失が確認された. 1994年8月に吻合部再発を認め,再手術・化学療法(CDDPおよび5-FU)を施行した. 1996年3月に右腹直筋内に再発し,化学療法(CDDPおよび5-FU)を施行するが, 12月に悪液質にて死亡した.びまん性腹膜悪性中皮腫は予後不良な疾患とされているが,自験例においては5年11カ月の長期生存が得られた.積極的な外科療法と化学療法の組み合わせにより延命効果が得られる可能性が示唆された.
Mechanistic Insights into the Formation of Dodecanethiolate-Stabilized Magnetic Iridium Nanoparticles: Thiosulfate vs Thiol Ligands.

The synthesis of stable and isolable iridium nanoparticles with an average core size of ∼1.2 ± 0.3 nm was achieved by employing sodium S-dodecylthiosulfate as a ligand precursor during the modified Brust–Schiffrin reaction. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the isolated Ir nanoparticles revealed a high degree of monodispersity. Further characterizations with 1H NMR, FT-IR, UV–vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that the synthesized Ir nanoparticles are stabilized by dodecanethiolate ligands produced upon the adsorption/cleavage of S-dodecylthiosulfate on the growing Ir nanoparticle surface. By comparison, synthetic attempts employing dodecanethiol as a stabilizing ligand led to the formation of Ir-thiolate species (Ir(SR)3) as an intermediate and Ir-hydroxide species at the completion of reaction. Mechanistic investigations of these two reactions using S-dodecylthiosulfate and dodecanethiol provided deeper understandings on the n...
Comparison of Sensitivities of Immunodiffusion Methods

SummaryThe sensitivities of five double-diffusion methods and immunoelectrophoresis for the detection of antigen and antibody were examined. Although the Freer technique was the most sensitive of these methods, procedures utilizing plastic matrices approached the Preer technique in sensitivity. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed.
TEACHING PEER TUTORS TO USE A SIMULTANEOUS PROMPTING PROCEDURE TO TEACH SALES TAX COMPUTATION TO SECONDARY STUDENTS WITH MILD AND MODERATE DISABILITIES

OF THESIS TEACHING PEER TUTORS TO USE A SIMULTANEOUS PROMPTING PROCEDURE TO TEACH SALES TAX COMPUTATION TO SECONDARY STUDENTS WITH MILD AND MODERATE DISABILITIES The purpose of the study was to provide training to peer tutors to teach students with mild and moderate disabilities sales tax computation using a simultaneous prompting procedure with fidelity. Non-target information presented during training sessions and generalization to natural environment settings was assessed. A multiple probe (days) across participants design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on the dependent variables. The results showed peer tutors could use the simultaneous prompting procedure with fidelity to teach sales tax computation and students with disabilities could acquire sales tax computation. The students acquired the non-target information presented and generalization occurred in a natural setting.
Vertical seismic profiling of Oroville microearthquakes: Velocity spectra and particle motion as a function of depth

Direct evidence of site distortion of P - and S -wave microearthquake source spectra at Oroville, California, is presented. The data were gathered by placing vertical and three-component seismometers at 90 m intervals in a 500 m borehole through the Cleveland Hill normal fault, on which the 1975, ML = 5.7 Oroville earthquake took place. High-pressure, hydraulic locking mechanisms were used to firmly lock the seismometer packages against the borehole wall. Digital, event-triggering GEOS recorders were used to receive the data. Some 30 seismic events, including 12 microearthquakes, were recorded during the 4 months the seismometers were deployed. By comparing the velocity spectra of microearthquake waves at the different depths, it can be seen that scattering and attenuation in the shallow crust around the borehole dominantly affect high-frequency S waves. Above 15 Hz, the value of the apparent S -wave quality factor, Qas , for the upper 500 m of crust at this site is 9. One feature of this low Qas is a gross difference between S -wave “corner” frequencies observed at ground level and 500 m downhole. For example, the uphole and downhole S -wave corner frequencies for the Mcoda = 0.4 microearthquake of Julian Day 259 differ by a factor of 2 or more. Low quality factors and depth-dependent corner frequencies were also observed for P waves, but these data are less definitive due to lower signal-to-noise ratios. Based on their three-component particle motions and polarizations, the direct S waves of the microearthquakes appear to be composed of two phases, which have similar amplitudes but different apparent velocities. It is possible that the velocity differences are a result of anisotropy in the underlying rock.
Relationships between thrombopoiesis and erythropoiesis: with studies of the effects of preparations of thrombopoietin and erythropoietin

The effects of administration of partially purified human urinary erythropoietin and rabbit thrombopoietin, and of endogenously produced erythropoietin and thrombopoietin on both red cell and platelet production were examined in mice. Partially purified thrombopoietin was prepared from rabbit plasma by sequential fractionation with ammonium sulfate precipitation, and DEAE and Sephadex G-100 chromatography. Preparations of thrombopoietin and partially purified human urinary erythropoietin (NIH No. H-11-TaLSL) were administered subcutaneously to normal mice, and the rate of incorporation of selenomethionine-75 Se into platelets was measured as an index of thrombopoietic activity of the infused material. Erythropoietin and thrombopoietin were assayed for erythropoietic activity by measuring the rate of appearance of 59Fe in the red cells of posthypoxic polycythemic mice. Preparations containing thrombopoietin had barely measurable erythropoietic activity, and 7 units of partially purified erythropoietin had little thrombopoietic activity. When endogenous levels of erythropoietin were increased by hypoxia, platelet production was not enhanced. Similarly, increased levels of thrombopoietin, induced in response to thrombocytopenia produced by platelet antiserum, did not alter red cell production. These data suggest that physiologically increased levels of thrombopoietin do not stimulate erythropoiesis, and that physiologically increased levels of erythropoietn do not stimulate thrombopoiesis. However, currently available, partially purified preparations of erythropoietin and thrombopoietin may be capable of stimulating both platelet and red cell production if used in sufficient quantities.
Assessing United States Patient and Dermatologist Experiences with Severe Chronic Hand Eczema.

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is commonly characterized by dryness, redness, itching, scaling, vesicles, and hyperkeratosis, most often affecting the back of the hands and fingers1,2 and is defined as the presence of symptoms lasting more than three months or the recurrence of symptoms two or more times within a year despite treatment.2 There are few studies of the incidence and prevalence of hand eczema, CHE, and severe CHE (sCHE) in the United States. Two US population-based analyses of self-reported eczema survey data published in 2007 and 2013 reported an overall one-year prevalence of 10.7 and 10.2 percent, respectively; 58 percent had eczema on the arms or hands and 25 percent of patients with eczema reported the presence of eczema on the hands.3,4 Another study reported the prevalence of CHE specifically in a US managed care member population to be more than 16 percent.5 A higher prevalence (>20%) of hand eczema (HE) has been reported in some occupations, such as healthcare workers.6 The burden of disease on patients with CHE is substantial. CHE is a cause of significant morbidity and lost earnings and has severe negative impacts on social and psychosocial aspects of patients’ lives.1 Decreases in patient-reported quality of life (QoL) and loss of productivity recently have been reported to be the most important consequences of disease for patients with sCHE in Italy.7 Improved patient health and productivity through appropriate treatments may contribute to reducing societal costs. Substantial annual direct and indirect costs of illness due to CHE have been reported, with costs significantly increasing for more severe stages of disease.8,9 In addition to the clinical and economic impacts of disease, CHE has been reported to have measurable negative impact on QoL, including effects on pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression, mobility, usual activities, and self-care.10-12 Topical treatments include emollients, corticosteroids (first line), calcineurin inhibitors (second line), and keratolytics. Phototherapy may also be useful as a treatment option for mild-to-moderate disease.1,2,13 Systemic treatment for more severe or refractory cases may include corticosteroids, immunomodulators, immunosuppressive drugs, and biologic therapies.14 Although some oral systemic agents are approved for sCHE and are available in Europe, there are no currently approved treatments in the United States for those patients with disease that is refractory to treatment with potent topical corticosteroids, thus signifying a substantial unmet treatment need.1,15 The objectives of this study were to characterize the treatment experiences of US patients with sCHE and the impact of disease on their QoL, healthcare utilization (treatment patterns), cost of CHE treatment, work productivity, and out-of-pocket (OOP) costs, as well as to understand dermatologists’ treatment approaches to and satisfaction with therapies for sCHE.
A Xenopus Cell-Free System for Functional Analysis of the Chfr Ubiquitin Ligase Involved in Control of Mitotic Entry

The checkpoint protein Chfr delays entry into mitosis in the presence of mitotic stress. We have analyzed the Chfr checkpoint pathway in the Xenopus cell-free system. We showed that Chfr is a ubiquitin ligase that targets polo-like kinase (Plk1) for degradation, leading to delayed activation of the Cdc25C phosphatase and prolonged inhibitory phosphorylation of Cdc2 at the G2/M transition. In this chapter, we will describe biochemical methods we developed to analyze the Chfr auto-ubiquitination activity and the ubiquitination of its substrate Plk1, as well as functional assays to investigate the Chfr pathway in Xenopus extracts.
Retargeting of herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors

Gene therapy applications depend on vector delivery and gene expression in the appropriate target cell. Vector infection relies on the distribution of natural virus receptors that may either not be present on the desired target cell or distributed in a manner to give off-target gene expression. Some viruses display a very limited host range, while others, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), can infect almost every cell within the human body. It is often an advantage to retarget virus infectivity to achieve selective target cell infection. Retargeting can be achieved by (i) the inclusion of glycoproteins from other viruses that have a different host-range, (ii) modification of existing viral glycoproteins or coat proteins to incorporate peptide ligands or single-chain antibodies (scFvs) that bind to the desired receptor, or (iii) employing soluble adapters that recognize both the virus and a specific receptor on the target cell. This review summarizes efforts to target HSV using these three strategies.