cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen receptor levels in estrogen sensitive cells in culture

Abstract Estradiol-17β (E2) receptor (R) levels of bona fide E2 sensitive cells were studied under a set of different cell culture conditions. E2R concentration in C811RAP cells in culture is affected by the concentration of serum in the culture medium. Removal of serum from the medium results in a swift decrease in the E2R concentration, reaching its lowest level after 6 h. Subculturing the cells in media containing different serum concentrations from 5 to 0.2% resulted in a sharp decrease in E2R concentration. The dose-response relationship between serum concentration and E2R level strongly suggests the presence in serum of (a) factor(s) responsible for the steady, high level of E2R observed in C811RAP cells growing in culture. The swift fall of the receptor level after serum withdrawal as well as the rapid recovery after exposure to serum could be explained assuming a very high turnover of the receptor, if the serum-borne factors act by stimulating the synthesis or impeding the degradation of E2R. Although the conditions under which these cells are grown in culture differ from those in situ in the animal host, it is under well defined conditions afforded by the in-culture environment that a direct evaluation of the role of putative E2R level modifiers may be properly studied and correlated with in vivo data.
Toward validation of a 3D structured background model for breast imaging

Breast tomosynthesis is a novel modality for breast imaging that aims to provide partial depth resolution of the tissue structure. In order to optimize tomosynthesis acquisition and reconstruction parameters, it is necessary to model the structured breast background. The purpose of this work was to investigate whether filtered noise could be used as a structure surrogate. Human performance in a SKE detection task was determined through 2-AFC experiments using tomosynthesis backgrounds extracted from 55 normal breasts. Mathematically defined lesions were projected and reconstructed using the same acquisition and reconstruction parameters as the clinical data. Signal diameters were 0.05, 0.2 and 0.8 cm. Performance in the center projection as well as a reconstructed slice through the signal center was determined. The gray-scale volume was binarized and attenuation coefficients of adipose or fibroglandular tissue were assigned to the voxels. This volume was then projected and reconstructed and performance of a pre-whitening observer was computed for the slice and center projections. Human performance in clinical backgrounds was predicted by a pre-whitening observer model, both in projection images and reconstructed slices. This indicates that pre-whitening observer performance is a good predictor of human performance and can be used to predict human performance in the simulated backgrounds. When comparing model observer performance in the two background types, comparable performance was found. This indicates that structured background based on filtered noise may be useful in tomosynthesis system optimization. In conclusion, for a SKE detection task, similar performance was reached in clinical and filtered noise backgrounds. This indicates that detection performance based on the filtered noise background model may be used to predict performance in actual breast backgrounds.
Comparative Advertising Effectiveness: A Cross-Cultural Study

Abstract This study investigates the perceived effectiveness of comparative vs. non-comparative advertising in low- and high-context communication cultures. Perceived effectiveness of the ad was measured using two constructs: attitude toward the ad and persuasion effect. It is found that when evaluating direct comparative ads, consumers in low-context communication cultures indicated higher persuasion effect than those in high-context communication cultures. Furthermore, in low-context communication cultures the persuasion effect for direct comparative ads is greater than indirect comparative ads. However, counter to common belief, results also show that cultural context plays no role in differentiating consumers' attitudes toward comparative ads. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Mathematical analysis of the normal anatomy of the aging fovea.

PURPOSE To mathematically analyze anatomical changes that occur in the normal fovea during aging. METHODS A total of 2912 spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) normal foveal scans were analyzed. Subjects were healthy individuals, aged 13 to 97 years, with visual acuity ≥20/40 and without evidence of foveal pathology. Using automated symbolic regression software Eureqa (version 0.98), foveal thickness maps of 390 eyes were analyzed using several measurements: parafoveal retinal thickness at 50 μm consecutive intervals, parafoveal maximum retinal thickness at two points lateral to central foveal depression, distance between two points of maximum retinal thickness, maximal foveal slope at two intervals lateral to central foveal depression, and central length of foveal depression. A unique mathematical equation representing the mathematical analog of foveal anatomy was derived for every decade, between 10 and 100 years. RESULTS The mathematical regression function for normal fovea followed first order sine curve of level 10 complexity for the second decade of life. The mathematical regression function became more complex with normal aging, up to level 43 complexity (0.085 fit; P < 0.05). Young foveas had higher symmetry (0.92 ± 0.10) along midline, whereas aged foveas had significantly less symmetry (0.76 ± 0.27, P < 0.01) along midline and steeper maximal slopes (29 ± 32°, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Normal foveal anatomical configuration changes with age. Normal aged foveas are less symmetric along midline with steeper slopes. Differentiating between normal aging and pathologic changes using SD-OCT scans may allow early diagnosis, follow-up, and better management of the aging population.
Extending relevance feedback with a group-based user interface

In the traditional user interfaces of Query-by-Example (QbE) in Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR), finding good combinations of query examples is essential for successful retrieval. Unfortunately, the traditional user interfaces are not suitable for trying different combinations of query examples. These systems assumed query examples are added incrementally. The only way to refine the query was to add more example images. When no additional example is found in the result set, the search is considered to have converged. Furthermore, no place was provided to hold previous query results. We are developing ImageGrouper, a new interface for Content-based image retrieval. In this system, the users can interactively compare different combinations of query examples by dragging and grouping images on the workspace (Query-by-Group.) Unlike the traditional systems, a group of images is considered as the basic unit of the query. Because the query results are displayed on another pane, the user can quickly review the results. Combining different query results is also easier. ImageGrouper makes possible new image search methods that were difficult in the traditional user interfaces. First, since the user can annotate text information on each group, integration of keyword-based and content-based search becomes easy. Second, by creating a hierarchy of query examples, the user can begin with collecting relatively generic image first, then narrow down the search to more specific images. Finally, the user can create multiple groups of positive examples. Therefore, we can extend relevance feedback algorithms from two-classes problem (positive and negative) to multiple-classes problem (multiple positive and negative classes.)© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Search behaviour and mate choice by female field crickets, Gryllus integer

The search tactics that females might employ to find a suitable mate impose different cognitive demands on searchers and some theoretical models of search behaviour presuppose that females are able to recall encountered males and return to mate with a previously sampled individual. In this study, I exposed female field crickets, Gryllus integer, to male calls either sequentially or simultaneously from two speakers in a three-arm radial maze. Subjects that were exposed to the two calls in sequence and allowed to move to the location of each call returned, in the absence of any audible signal, to the location of the call initially encountered. Subjects allowed to walk to the location of only one of two simultaneously active speakers before playback of both calls was terminated were as likely to move, in the absence of any audible signal, to the never-active speaker as to the location of the other male call. These subjects were also more likely to search all three arms of the maze and searched for a longer time than females exposed to calls sequentially. Thus, female G. integer probably do not construct a spatial representation of the locations of potential mates from the calls of males that advertise concurrently. The results of this study suggest, however, that female G. integer are able to recall previously encountered males under some conditions and may potentially employ a search tactic that is more complicated than a simple instantaneous comparison of the qualities of males that are actively calling.
Muscle surface deformation in the stretched sensory zone of the frog muscle spindle.

Intrafusal surface deformation in the sensory region of the frog muscle spindle was studied by two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis of relaxed and maximally stretched spindles. The surface of the compact zones is relatively smooth and changes little with stretch. The reticular zone consists of a nucleated cytoplasmic core encircled by about 20 regularly spaced ridges (reticulomeres) oriented approximately perpendicular to the intrafusal's axis. Each reticulomere usually contains only one sarcomere. The transition from the smooth-surfaced compact zone to the cross-banded reticular zone occurs by gradually enlarging clefts at Z-lines. With stretch, the reticulomeres deform to flat tops, jagged lateral walls, and lengthened sarcomere I-bands. The transition zone pits change from rounded to slanted clefts, open toward the reticular zone. The reticulomeres are thus inferred to be coupled in series by extracellular filaments which are known to form inextensible extromeres with stretch. The mechanical properties of this organization are discussed in terms of the deformation occurring in a stretching muscle spindle. The observations are in agreement with the theory that the compact and reticular zones display different viscoelastic properties.
Psychopharmacology in conjunction with family therapy

This paper discusses the current use of psychopharmacology in family therapy as similar to the use of directive, problem-solving approaches and different from non-directive, awareness/clarification approaches in family therapy. An integration is proposed through the use of dialogues that develop the awareness aspects of problem-solving therapy and the problem-solving aspects of awareness therapy. Psychopharmacology's use as an awareness and communication enhancer is emphasized and a six stage model of therapy is presented.
Tuning the Electronic Structures of Platinum(II) Complexes with a Cyclometalating Aryldiamine Ligand

Triflate salts of four platinum(II) pyridyl complexes with a mer-coordinating tridentate pincer ligand, pip2NCN- (pip2NCNH = 1,3-bis(piperidylmethyl)benzene), are reported: Pt(pip2NCN)(L)+ (2, L = pyridine; 3, L = 4-phenylpyridine; 5, L = 2,6-pyridinedimethanol) and [(Pt(pip2NCN))2(μ-4,4‘-bipyridine)]2+ (4). The complexes have been fully characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. Compound 2(CF3SO3-): triclinic, P1, a = 9.7518(6) A, b = 12.0132(8) A, c = 12.6718(9) A, α = 114.190(2)°, β = 100.745(3)°, γ = 103.545(2)°, V = 1247.95(14) A3, Z = 2. Compound 3(CF3SO3-): monoclinic, P21/c, a = 15.550(2) A, b = 9.7386(11) A, c = 18.965(3) A, β = 92.559(7)°, V = 2869.1(6) A3, Z = 4. Compound 4(CF3SO3-)2·1/2(CH3)2CO: monoclinic, I2/a, a = 21.3316(5) A, b = 9.6526(2) A, c = 26.1800(6) A, β = 96.4930(10)°, V = 5356.0(2) A3, Z = 4. Compound 5(CF3SO3-)·3/2CHCl3: monoclinic, P21/n, a = 17.1236(10) A, b = 9.3591(5) A, c = 21.3189(11) A, β = 96.11(3)°, V = 3397.2(3) A3, Z = ...
Cerebral revascularization for aneurysms and tumors.

Objective To discuss the indications, techniques, pitfalls, complication avoidance, and management of cerebral revascularization techniques for the treatment of aneurysms and cranial base tumors. Methods The indications for cerebral revascularization procedures included microsurgical occlusion of a parent vessel during the treatment of aneurysms and occlusion of a major vessel during the treatment of basal tumors. The techniques discussed include arterial patch grafting, end-to-end anastomosis, side-to-side anastomosis, arterial interposition grafting, and extracranial-to-intracranial bypass grafting, using radial artery grafts or saphenous vein grafts. Results During the 15-year period between 1985 and 2000, the senior author performed 24 radial artery grafts, 105 saphenous vein grafts, and 8 other revascularization procedures, among 50 patients with aneurysms and 83 patients with cranial base tumors. The overall patency rate was 95.6%. Twenty-three patients experienced a cerebral infarction; among those patients, 17 (12.5%) exhibited symptoms but the majority demonstrated considerable recovery during the follow-up period. One hundred one patients recovered to an excellent (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 5) or good (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4) condition. Fifteen patients died as a result of recurrence or progression of tumors during the follow-up period. There were five perioperative deaths. For the last 35 patients, the surgical mortality rate was 0%, with all patients returning to an excellent or good condition. Conclusion Although highly specialized, these sophisticated cerebral revascularization techniques should be learned and practiced by all neurosurgeons who wish to microsurgically treat intracranial aneurysms or cranial base tumors.
Enhancement of performance in the Hebb-Williams maze by magnesium pemoline

Magnesium pemoline, a central nervous stimulant implicated in brain RNA production, decreases both time and errors in the Hebb-Williams maze, a test of animal intelligence. The effect of the drug on errors is confounded with its effect on time, but seems to have a component independent of the latter effect.
Ultrafast Electron Transfer Dynamics from Molecular Adsorbates to Semiconductor Nanocrystalline Thin Films

Interfacial electron transfer (ET) between semiconductor nanomaterials and molecular adsorbates is an important fundamental process that is relevant to applications of these materials. Using femtosecond midinfrared spectroscopy, we have simultaneously measured the dynamics of injected electrons and adsorbates by directly monitoring the mid-IR absorption of electrons in the semiconductor and the change in adsorbate vibrational spectrum, respectively. We report on a series of studies designed to understand how the interfacial ET dynamics depends on the properties of the adsorbates, semiconductors, and their interaction. In Ru(dcbpy)2(SCN)2 (dcbpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine-4,4‘-dicarboxylate) sensitized TiO2 thin films, 400 nm excitation of the molecule promotes an electron to the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited state, from which it is injected into TiO2. The injection process was characterized by a fast component, with a time constant of <100 fs, and a slower component that is sensitive to sample con...
Cholecystokinin and bombesin suppress operant responding for food reward

Abstract The effects of intraperitoneal injections of cholecystokinin (CCK) and bombesin (BBS) on food-rewarded operant responding were investigated. Response rates were significantly suppressed following administrations of CCK (0.7, 1.4, and 2.9 μg/kg). The effects appeared to be dose dependent. Responding was also suppressed following injections of BBS (6 and 16 μg/kg). These results confirm and extend previous findings concerning the possible function of these peptides.
Return to relevance

Purpose – In order to continue to respond to patron needs in a relevant way, it is necessary to continuously reevaluate the central message that the library website is intended to convey. It ' s necessary to question assumptions, listen to user needs, and shift our paradigm to make the library web presence as effective as possible. Design/methodology/approach – This is a regular viewpoint column. A basic literature review was done prior to the column being written. Findings – The library Web site remains, in many respects, the “first face” of the library for patrons. To remain relevant, traditional methodologies used in library science may need to be set aside or catered to the needs of the patron. Originality/value – Various methods regarding design philosophy are explored which may be of use to information professionals responsible for the design and content of the library Web sites.
Dose-Rate Upset Patterns in a 16K CMOS SRAM

Dose-rate LINAC tests have been performed on the Sandia National Laboratories SA3240 16k CMOS SRAM and transient radiation induced upset patterns are presented. These patterns indicate a progression of upsets across the memory array with increasing doserate, as predicted by computer simulations of the rail span collapse effect. The upset bitmap patterns and simulation results show that VDD power supply bussing is not critical, or even necessary, for radiation hardened CMOS epitaxial parts if local VDD taps to a powered substrate are used; the critical factor is the efficiency of the VSS bussing scheme. The effects of initial storage patterns and total ionizing dose on the upset patterns are also presented.
Giant bacterium (Epulopiscium fishelsoni ) influences digestive enzyme activity of an herbivorous surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus)

Abstract Giant bacteria ( Epulopiscium fishelsoni ) dominate the intestinal microbiota of brown surgeonfish, Acanthurus nigrofuscus , and reduce activity of the host's intestinal amylase, protease and lipase at physiologically relevant pH. Bacteria reduced activity of host amylase and protease directly at pH 6–8, and reduced pH-sensitive lipase activity indirectly by locally reducing pH in gut fluids. Inhibition of enzyme activity is inconsistent with a mutualistic role for the microbes relative to these host enzymes. However, high lipase activity at pH ~ 6, the pH where bacteria are dense, indicates that the bacteria counteract suppression of host lipase and contribute to lipid digestion.
Little Peptide, Big Effects: The Role of LL-37 in Inflammation and Autoimmune Disease

The innate immune system utilizes many approaches for defense against invading microorganisms, including complement-mediated lysis, engulfment, formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, and release of antimicrobial peptides. Although classically thought to be driven by adaptive immunity, the development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus is increasingly associated with dysregulated innate immune pathways. An emerging theme within this literature is the contribution of antimicrobial peptides to the development of autoimmune disorders. This is best exemplified in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis where the defensins and the single human cathelicidin, LL-37, may contribute to disease. Furthermore, in the past few years, a role for LL-37 has emerged in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and possibly other diseases. In this review, we discuss the role of LL-37 and its murine ortholog, mCRAMP, in the modulation of immune and inflammatory pathways and their effects on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Manganese Hyperaccumulation in Phytolacca americana L. from the Southeastern United States

Abstract Most plants that hyperaccumulate metals are restricted to soils with elevated concentrations of those metals. Recent reports have suggested that some Phytolacca species in China can hyperaccumulate manganese (Mn). Phytolacca americana L. (Pokeweed) is a ubiquitous weed of roadsides and waste areas in its native range in the southeastern United States, and has no known association with high-Mn soils. We investigated whether Mn hyperaccumulation also occurs among such plants. Field-collected samples contained approximately 2000 µg Mn g-1 dry weight, whereas other species from the same site ranged from 50 to 450 µg g-1. Seedlings of P. americana were transplanted to the laboratory and grown in nutrient solutions ranging up to 8 mM Mn. After three weeks, Mn concentration in leaves exceeded 32,000 µg/g or 3.2%. This result suggests that P. americana possesses a latent physiological ability to hyperaccumulate Mn, even if this trait is rarely, if ever, expressed within its native range.
Repair of site-specific double-strand breaks in a mammalian chromosome by homologous and illegitimate recombination.

Chromosomal double-strand breaks are particularly dangerous lesions for cells; they can lead to the loss of chromosomes or chromosome segments or to the rearrangement of genetic information. Any of these outcomes is potentially lethal. To minimize these genetic consequences, most cells use two pathways for the repair of double-strand breaks: repair by homologous recombination and repair by illegitimate recombination. Whereas homologous recombination requires extensive tracts of sequence homology, illegitimate recombination is distinguished by its ability to join sequences with little or no homology.
A New Approach for the Treatment of Arthritis in Mice with a Novel Conjugate of an Anti-C5aR1 Antibody and C5 Small Interfering RNA

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune joint disease in which the complement system plays an important role. Of the several components of complement, current evidence points to C5 as the most important inducer of inflammation. Several groups generated Abs or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or small molecule inhibitors against C5 and C5aR1 (CD88) that have showed some efficacy in RA in animal models. However, none of these candidate therapeutics has moved from bench to bedside. In this study, we test in collagen Ab-induced arthritis (CAIA) a new therapeutic strategy using a novel anti-C5ab-C5 siRNA conjugate. We first demonstrate that although C5aR2 or C5L2 (GPR77) plays no role in CAIA, C5aR1 contributes to pathogenesis. We demonstrate that injection of siRNAs blocking C5, C5aR1, or the combination decreased clinical disease activity in mice with CAIA by 45%, 51%, and 58%, respectively. Anti-C5 Ab (BB5.1) has only limited efficacy, but significantly reduced arthritis up to 66%. We then generated a novel anti-C5aR1 Ab-protamine-C5 siRNA conjugate. To our knowledge, we show for the first time that whereas unconjugated Ab plus siRNAs reduce arthritis by 19%, our anti-C5aR1 Ab-protamine-C5 siRNA conjugate was effective in reducing arthritis by 83% along with a parallel decrease in histopathology, C3 deposition, neutrophils, and macrophages in the joints of mice with CAIA. These data suggest that by targeting anti-C5 siRNAs to the receptor for its C5a activation fragment (C5aR1), a striking clinical effect can be realized.
Surgical Site Infection Prevention and Control: An Emerging Paradigm

Examining the current state of infection in orthopaedic surgery provides tools and techniques to reduce the risks of nosocomial infections and prevent and treat infections from drug-resistant organisms. It is important for surgeons to recognize modifiable surgical risk factors and be aware of the importance of preoperative patient screening in reducing surgical site infections. The latest evidence-based data from scientific exhibits, instructional course lectures, and the Orthopaedic Knowledge Online continuing medical education module gathered during the past 5 years by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Patient Safety Committee are useful in understanding and controlling the increasing and vital problem of surgical site infection.
Gaps and Soil C Dynamics in Old Growth Northern Hardwood-Hemlock Forests

Old growth forest soils are large C reservoirs, but the impacts of tree-fall gaps on soil C in these forests are not well understood. The effects of forest gaps on soil C dynamics in old growth northern hardwood–hemlock forests in the upper Great Lakes region, USA, were assessed from measurements of litter and soil C stocks, surface C efflux, and soil microbial indices over two consecutive growing seasons. Forest floor C was significantly less in gaps (19.0 Mg C ha−1) compared to gap-edges (39.5 Mg C ha−1) and the closed forest (38.0 Mg C ha−1). Labile soil C (coarse particulate organic matter, cPOM) was significantly less in gaps and edges (11.1 and 11.2 Mg C ha−1) compared to forest plots (15.3 Mg C ha−1). In situ surface C efflux was significantly greater in gaps (12.0 Mg C ha−1 y−1) compared to edges and the closed forest (9.2 and 8.9 Mg C ha−1 y−1). Microbial biomass N (MBN) was significantly greater in edges (0.14 Mg N ha−1) than in the contiguous forest (0.09 Mg N ha−1). The metabolic quotient (qCO2) was significantly greater in the forest (0.0031 mg CO2 h−1 g−1/mg MBC g−1) relative to gaps or edges (0.0014 mg CO2 h−1 g−1/mg MBC g−1). A case is made for gaps as alleviators of old growth forest soil C saturation. Relative to the undisturbed closed forest, gaps have significantly less labile C, significantly greater in situ surface C efflux, and significantly lower decreased qCO2 values.
Performance analysis of banyan networks based on buffers of various sizes

An analysis and a simulation of a type of multistage interconnection network, a banyan network based on buffers of various sizes connected at the input link of each node are described. A generalized model for estimating performance indices is developed. It is demonstrated that while buffering produces a considerable improvement in performance, optimum buffer size depends on the average input load. Analytic estimates are substantiated by simulation results. >
Packed-Bed Reactor Performance Enhancement by Membrane Distributed Feed: The Case of Methanol Oxidative Dehydrogenation

For methanol oxidative dehydrogenation to formaldehyde, the performance of the packed-bed membrane reactor (PBMR) is compared with that of the conventional fixed-bed reactor (FBR) over a wide range of operating conditions. The reaction was studied in three reactor configurations: the conventional FBR and the packed-bed membrane reactor, with either methanol (PBMR-M) or oxygen (PBMR-O) as the permeating component. The kinetics of methanol and formaldehyde partial oxidation reactions were determined and incorporated in a PBMR model. Both experimental data and model considerations demonstrate that the PBMR enhances reactant conversion and selectivity. Small oscillations in CO production were observed experimentally. Their amplitude was taken as a basis for comparison of packed-bed operation instability. The likely source of oscillatory behavior is the non-uniformity in reaction conditions along the reactor. It was found that membrane distributed feed, by providing a more uniform reactor operation, is an effective remedy from these instabilities. It is found, both by simulations and experimental observations, that relative reactor performance depends strongly on the operating conditions. Using formaldehyde yield as the basis for optimization, optimal reactor performances are determined to be in the order: PBMR-O > FBR > PBMR-M. Further PBMR productivity enhancement is possible by optimizing the membrane feed distribution pattern.
Tracking of a thermodynamic process using a polytropic surface as sliding manifold

The problem of driving the thermodynamic state of a substance towards a desired point, following a desired path, is considered here. The proposed method is shown for a simple system consisting of a fixed-volume chamber with input and output valves controlling the flow of substance, in this case an ideal gas. The model consists of a nonlinear, second-order system of differential equations with two inputs. Feedback linearization is used from one input to one of the controlled states, and the remaining state is controlled using sliding mode control, where the sliding manifold is precisely the thermodynamic path to be followed by the states as they progress towards the desired equilibrium. As an example, a polytropic process is chosen for the sliding regime. It is shown that the technique can achieve the objective even when an unmodelled but bounded heat transfer disturbance is present. Moreover, the availability of two degrees of freedom allows one to independently specify the surface reaching time and the overall convergence time.
Toward scaling network emulation using topology partitioning

Scalability is the primary challenge to studying large complex network systems with network emulation. This paper studies topology partitioning, assigning disjoint pieces of the network topology across processors, as a technique to increase emulation capacity with increasing hardware resources. We develop methods to create partitions based on expected communication across the topology. Our evaluation methodology quantifies the communication overhead or efficiency of the resulting partitions. We implement and contrast three partitioning strategies in ModelNet, a large-scale network emulator, using different topologies and uniform communication patterns. Results show that standard graph partitioning algorithms can double the efficiency of the emulation for Internet-like topologies relative to random partitioning.
Quality of family history collection with use of a patient facing family history assessment tool

Background: Studies have shown that the quality of family health history (FHH) collection in primary care is inadequate to assess disease risk. To use FHH for risk assessment, collected data must have adequate detail. To address this issue, we developed a patient facing FHH assessment tool, MeTree. In this paper we report the content and quality of the FHH collected using MeTree. Methods: Design: A hybrid implementation-effectiveness study. Patients were recruited from 2009 to 2012. Setting: Two community primary care clinics in Greensboro, NC. Participants: All non-adopted adult English speaking patients with upcoming appointments were invited to participate. Intervention: Education about and collection of FHH with entry into MeTree. Measures: We report the proportion of pedigrees that were high-quality. High-quality pedigrees are defined as having all the following criteria: (1) three generations of relatives, (2) relatives’ lineage, (3) relatives’ gender, (4) an up-to-date FHH, (5) pertinent negatives noted, (6) age of disease onset in affected relatives, and for deceased relatives, (7) the age and (8) cause of death (Prim Care 31:479–495, 2004.). Results: Enrollment: 1,184. Participant demographics: age range 18-92 (mean 58.8, SD 11.79), 56% male, and 75% white. The median pedigree size was 21 (range 8-71) and the FHH entered into MeTree resulted in a database of 27,406 individuals. FHHs collected by MeTree were found to be high quality in 99.8% (N=1,182/1,184) as compared to <4% at baseline. An average of 1.9 relatives per pedigree (range 0-50, SD 4.14) had no data reported. For pedigrees where at least one relative has no data (N=497/1,184), 4.97 relatives per pedigree (range 1-50, SD 5.44) had no data. Talking with family members before using MeTree significantly decreased the proportion of relatives with no data reported (4.98% if you talked to your relative vs. 10.85% if you did not, p-value<0.001.). Conclusion: Using MeTree improves the quantity and quality of the FHH data that is collected and talking with relatives prior to the collection of FHH significantly improves the quantity and quality of the data provided. This allows more patients to be accurately risk stratified and offered appropriate preventive care guided by their risk level. Trial number: NCT01372553
Differences in Service Delivery Between Transition VR Counselors and General VR Counselors

Rehabilitation counselors are critical service providers for young adults with disabilities transitioning from high school to adult environments. However, the investigation of whether rehabilitatio...
On the commodity value of travel time in recreational activities

The allocation of individual time can have a ‘commodity value’ if the use of time is enjoyable. This paper investigates the commodity value of travel time in recreational activities. The study focuses on recreational boating in East Texas. After specifying a model of multisite recreational demand for boating, the commodity value of travel time to each site is estimated. Implications of the results for the analysis of outdoor recreation are discussed
First results from a marine controlled‐source electromagnetic survey to detect gas hydrates offshore Oregon

[1] Submarine gas hydrate is a hazard to drilling, a potential hydrocarbon resource, and has been implicated as a factor in both submarine slope stability and climate change. Bulk in situ electrical resistivities evaluated from electromagnetic surveys have the potential to provide an estimate of the total hydrate volume fraction more directly than by using seismic and well log data. We conducted a marine controlled-source electromagnetic sounding at Hydrate Ridge, Oregon, USA, in August, 2004. Electromagnetic fields transmitted by a deep-towed horizontal electric dipole source were measured by a linear array of 25 seafloor electromagnetic receivers, positioned 600 m apart to produce a dense coverage in the recorded electric field data. Results are presented in simple form by apparent resistivity pseudosections, which produce an approximate image of lateral resistivity variations across the study region. Resistivity values are consistent with those from well logs collected in the area and pseudosection features are correlated with seismic reflectors. Archie's Law, based on pseudosection apparent resistivities, predicts volumetric hydrate concentrations vary from 0–30% across the ridge.
The Lived Experience and Training Needs of Librarians Serving at the Clinical Point-of-Care.

This study examines the emotional experiences and perceptions of librarians embedded into clinical care teams and how those perceptions affect their training and preparation needs. Qualitative research methodologies were applied to textual data drawn from focus groups (n = 21), interviews (n = 2), and an online survey (n = 167), supplemented by quantitative survey data. Phenomenological results show librarians experience strongly affective responses to clinical rounding. Important factors include personal confidence; relationships with team members, patients, and families; and the stressful environment. Analysis of librarians’ perceived educational needs indicates that training must address specialized subjects including medical knowledge, clinical culture, and institutional politics.
Adenocarcinoma developing in a rectosigmoid conduit used for urinary diversion. Report of a case.

Adenocarcinoma of the colon developing at or about the sites of ureterosigmoid anastomoses for urinary diversion has been documented in the literature. A case report is presented that illustrates that a carcinoma can develop in a large bowel urinary conduit not exposed to the fecal stream. Colonic bladders are being used with increasing frequency, making observation for this delayed complication necessary. How this neoplastic transformatin might occur is discussed. Suggestions for the management of this problem and guidelines for follow-up are also presented.
The Process of Assimilation

IN THE first scene of Goethe's Faust, the old 'scholar appears, seated at his desk. His opening soliloquy expresses frustration. Long years of study have not disclosed the meaning of life. Faust invokes the aid of magic; but shrinks before its frightful consequences. Then, glancing around his library, he exclaims, "These works I have inherited. Now I must make them mine." So ultimately, with the help of the Devil, he does discover the redemptive power of love and of human sacrifice. When the ancient Greeks sent out a colony to found a settlement in some distant place, they gave the emigrants a brand from the civic altar. This sacred fire was guarded and used to kindle a flame in the central shrine of the new city. From it the founders lit their family hearths. In this way, the extension of spiritual power was symbolized. A cold altar was the sign of an abandoned home and of a dying state. We, too, have received from our fathers gifts material and spiritual. Some of these we have scarcely earned. We merely use them or extol their virtues. But we do not really possess them until we understand their meaning and rekindle their inspiration in our own lives. This constant renewal of thought and social life is the subject of our discussion.
THE EFFECT OF EARLY WEANING ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF RANCH MINK

The effects of early weaning on the sexual behavior and reproduc- tive success of ranch mink (Mustela vison) were tested. Male and female mink were weaned at various ages from 5 to more than 10 weeks after birth. The be- havior associated with reproduction during their first breeding season was analyzed and a critical socialization period for exhibition of this behavior delimited. Females weaned prior to 8 weeks post-partum were significantly easier to breed than females weaned at 8 weeks of age or older. Successful breeding performances by the males apparently depended on a critical period of socialization in the litter en- vironment occurring within 5 to 8 weeks after birth. Visual isolation appeared to inhibit reproductive behavior somewhat, possibly due to an asynchrony in physio- logical development. The experience achieved in ludic behavior during the early period of so- cialization of a mammal is considered as a necessary prerequisite for normal expression of adult behavior. Scott (1962) attributed learning in play ac- tivities to be defined in critical periods of socialization. However, conflicting evidence regarding the effect of raising male mammals in isolation on sexual response was reported by Beach (1958) and Folman and Drori (1965). These differences in results may be explained by comparison of the ages at which the animals were weaned. If the social contact was eliminated before the critical socialization period for adult sexual behavior, abnormal responses might be expected regardless of social environment thereafter, Certain difficulties have been encountered with the use of young male ranch mink (Mustela vison) during their first breeding season. The number of females impregnated and therefore litters produced by these males are lower than when more mature males are used (Enders, 1952). In this study we attempted to correlate socialization of the male and visual isolation with breeding performance and to delimit the critical socialization period for ex- pression of this behavior. The breeding performance of female mink weaned at different ages was also studied to determine if differences attributable to weaning age existed.
Tuning the Light Emission from GaAs Nanowires over 290 meV with Uniaxial Strain

Strain engineering has been used to increase the charge carrier mobility of complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor transistors as well as to boost and tune the performance of optoelectronic devices, enabling wavelength tuning, polarization selectivity and suppression of temperature drifts. Semiconducting nanowires benefit from enhanced mechanical properties, such as increased yield strength, that turn out to be beneficial to amplify strain effects. Here we use photoluminescence (PL) to study the effect of uniaxial stress on the electronic properties of GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As/GaAs core/shell nanowires. Both compressive and tensile mechanical stress were applied continuously and reversibly to the nanowire, resulting in a remarkable decrease of the bandgap of up to 296 meV at 3.5% of strain. Raman spectra were measured and analyzed to determine the axial strain in the nanowire and the Poisson ratio in the ⟨111⟩ direction. In both PL and Raman spectra, we observe fingerprints of symmetry breaking due to anisotrop...
Abstract 5333: Relationship of osteosarcoma surface marker expression to human mesenchymal stem cells undergoing osteoblastic differentiation

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and young adults, but it is unknown at what point, in the pathway of differentiation between a human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) and a mature osteoblast (OB), OS originates. Identifying the cell of origin is crucial in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of OS. These studies are hampered by the fact that the various steps in the differentiation of human MSC into its more differentiated progenitors are poorly characterized. In this study, hMSCs were derived from the freshly obtained bone marrow of patients as well as purchased through ATCC. Flow cytometry was used to detect the surface expression phenotype of MSC markers, where CD34 and CD45 were negative and CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105 were positive. The hMSCs were characterized and all demonstrated multilineage differentiation capacity into adipocytes, chondroblasts, and osteoblasts, which was confirmed by Oil Red O, Alcian Blue, and Alizarin Red S stains, respectively. Osteoblasts were further characterized by measuring osteocalcin protein levels using ELISA. RNA was extracted from hMSCs and OB derived from the same patient and gene expression measured by microarray on the Affymetrix Gene 1.0 ST array. A list of differentially expressed genes was generated, which were narrowed to only include surface markers. Antibodies corresponding to surface markers were used for ELISA and flow cytometry on hMSCs and OBs, to confirm the change in gene expression with differentiation. Further studies will include flow cytometry to define intermediate stages in the differentiation pathway from hMSCs to OBs and their capacity to differentiate into the various mesenchymal lineages. It has been possible to derive hMSC with pluripotent differentiation capacity from patient bone marrows. These will be utilized to define the patterns of differentiation and ultimately relate to osteosarcoma to help define its progenitor cell. It is hoped that a clearer understanding of the progenitor cell of OS will help find prognostic factors and molecular therapeutic targets. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5333. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5333
Impact of automation on pharmacist interventions and medication errors in a correctional health care system

The implementation and impact of an automated check-and-sortation system in a correctional health care system are described. In February 1998 the Managed Health Care Division of the University of Houston College of Pharmacy submitted a proposal to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for installing an automated check-and-sortation device in its distributive system serving Texas Department of Criminal Justice offenders. The new system would eliminate final visual verification of medication orders by pharmacists and thereby give them more time for in-depth reviews of patient profiles and for recommending clinical interventions. A vendor interested in developing a prototypic automated system was identified, and a disease management training course was developed to enable staff pharmacists to provide evidence-based pharmacotherapy recommendations. Twelve months of data before automation (February 1997 to January 1998) were compared with 16 months of postautomation data (June 1998 to September 1999). The number of clinical interventions increased from 396 per 100,000 medication orders filled before automation to 1075 per 100,000 orders after automation. Dispensing errors decreased from 6.3 to 4.1 per 100,000 medication orders filled. Identified filling errors increased from 224 to 256 per 100,000 orders. The reliability of the automated system was evidenced by a dispensing error rate of 0.6 per 100,000 orders. Implementation of an automated check-and-sortation device in a correctional health care system appeared to reduce dispensing errors and give pharmacists more time to review patient profiles and recommend clinical interventions.
Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR for the Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Salmonella Typhimurium from Pork

Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) detects the presence of mRNA and has a greater potential for detecting viable pathogens than do DNA-based PCR assays, with improved speed and sensitivity compared with traditional methods. Our objective was to rapidly and sensitively detect Salmonella Typhimurium from pork within two 8-h work shifts using a SYBR Green I real-time RT-PCR (rt-RT-PCR) assay. Pork chop and sausage samples (25 g) were inoculated with 10(8) to 10(0) CFU of Salmonella Typhimurium and stomached in 225 ml of tetrathionate broth. Serial dilutions were spread plated on xylose lysine Tergitol 4 agar either immediately or after 10 h of selective preenrichment or preenrichment followed by 12 h of selective enrichment (for stressed cells) at 37 degrees C for standard cultural enumeration. RNA was extracted using the TRIzol method. The rt-RT-PCR assay was carried out in a Bio-Rad iCycler using a SYBR Green I one-step RT-PCR kit and Salmonella specific invA gene primers with an internal amplification control (IAC). The PCR was followed by melting temperature (T(m)) analysis to determine specific Salmonella invA (T(m) = 87.5 degrees C) and IAC (T(m) = 82 degrees C) products. Improved Salmonella detection up to 10(1) CFU/25 g of pork and 10(0) CFU/25 g of sausages was obtained after 10 h of enrichment within approximately 24 h. Even without enrichment, Salmonella could be detected from both pork chop and sausage at 10(6) CFU/25 g within 1 day. This robust rt-RT-PCR detects and confirms Salmonella in pork within approximately 24 h and thus is significantly faster than traditional methods that take >/=1 week. This assay shows promise for routine testing and monitoring of Salmonella by the pork industry.
Pertussis Vaccination, Epilepsy and SCN1A Mutation

Literature regarding pertussis vaccination and risk of encephalopathy and/or epilepsy is reviewed by researchers from UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK, and North Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA.
Off with the Rule Book: Using Transgressive Storytelling in Virtual Worlds to Weave the Lore of Mayhem

In this chapter, I frame grief play as emergent gameplay that acts as an agent of cultural production facilitating the fabrication of game lore or stories around transgressive activities that take place in virtual spaces. Grief play is particularly evident in virtual worlds that rely on user-generated content, such as Second Life, where players are given unprecedented freedom to build the world, script the objects they create, and if skilled enough, manipulate the actual code. Such social environments not only necessitate the redefinition of text, but render inadequate traditional models of storytelling limited to causality. Following the lead of scholars who have argued that narrative theory should take into account spatiality and the performative activities of addressees, in this chapter I examine how the lore of the griefing is performed through different types of texts (linguistic, visual, and spatial) across various platforms (both inside and outside of the virtual world). The aggregation of the stories told through these texts not only creates an alternative model of narrative, but also opens up these worlds to alternative histories unforeseen by developers.