cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A urokinase receptor mRNA binding protein-mRNA interaction regulates receptor expression and function in human pleural mesothelioma cells.

Abstract Human pleural malignant mesothelioma (MS-1) or mesothelial (MeT5A) cells express the multifunctional urokinase receptor (uPAR) which influences neoplastic propagation via contributions to cellular proteolysis, migration, and mitogenesis. Recently, we reported that a 51-nucleotide fragment of the uPAR mRNA coding region contains regulatory information for uPAR message stability and that a cytoplasmic uPAR mRNA binding protein (uPAR mRNABp) specifically bound to this sequence in temporal association with uPAR mRNA destabilization in MS-1 cells. To determine if the uPAR mRNA–uPAR mRNABp interaction is a determinant of uPAR message stability as well as uPAR expression, we further characterized thiscis–transinteraction and created stable transfected cell lines designed to exploit the interaction and to increase uPAR at the cell surface. The uPAR mRNABp was purified from MS-1 cells, has an apparent molecular mass of 50 kDa, selectively binds to the 51-nt fragment of the uPAR coding region, and does not degrade uPAR mRNA. To determine the role of the uPAR mRNABp on receptor expression, we overexpressed a chimeric β-globin/uPAR/β-globin mRNA containing the 51-nt binding fragment of uPAR mRNA in MS-1 cells and found that uPAR at the cell surface increased by twofold as measured by [125I]uPA binding or ligand blotting. Cellular proliferation of uPA-treated cells and invasiveness was similarly increased. The increase in cell surface uPAR was due to commensurately increased uPAR mRNA. The results suggest that competition between the overexpressed 51-nt fragment of the uPAR coding region and the wild-type uPAR mRNA transcript for uPAR mRNABp binding enables the cells to translate and express more uPAR at the cell surface. The interaction between the uPAR mRNABp and uPAR mRNA regulates message stability as well as uPAR expression by MS-1 cells.
Abnormal mitral valve motion associated with ventricular septal defect following acute myocardial infarction

It is often difficult to make the clinical distinction between acute mitral regurgitation caused by papillary muscle dysfunction or rupture and ventricular septal defect complicating an acute myocardial infarction. A case of a patient with rapidly progressive congestive heart failure and a loud murmur is presented. Echocardiography strongly suggested the presence of a flail posterior mitral leaflet. However, the patient was subsequently found to have rupture of the interventricular septum. This diagnosis was made with bedside right heart catheterization and was later confirmed by left ventriculography and direct inspection at the time of surgery. The mitral valve apparatus was completely normal. Thus this case demonstrates the apparent lack of specificity of the accepted echocardiographic criteria for flail mitral leaflet and acutely ruptured interventricular septum, and the potential necessity of cardiac catheterization to distinguish between these entities.
Estimating Data Withheld in Grouped Size Distributions

Abstract Data are not infrequently withheld in published size distributions. To use the distributions, such gaps have to be estimated, the particular approach resting on the nature of the distribution itself. A typology is given of five basic types of size distributions with data withheld. For each type, procedures are elaborated for estimating the withheld figures and examples are given.
A memory-based account of automatic numerosity processing.

We investigated the mechanisms responsible for the automatic processing of the numerosities represented by digits in the size congruity effect (Henik & Tzelgov, 1982). The algorithmic model assumes that relational comparisons of digit magnitudes (e.g.,larger than 8,2) create this effect. If so, congruity effects ought to require two digits. Memory-based models assume that associations between individual digits and the attributes “small” and “large” create this effect. If so, congruity effects ought only to require one digit. Contrary to the algorithmic model and consistent with memory-based models, congruity effects were just as large when subjects judged the relative physical sizes of small digits paired with letters as when they judged the relative physical sizes of two digits. This finding suggests that size congruity effects can be produced without comparison algorithms.
Mary L. Dudziak, Cold War Civil Rights: Race and the Image of American Democracy. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2000. xii + 330 pp. 18.95 paper.

The US government's ideological and foreign policy imperatives during the Cold War years, argues historian and legal scholar Mary Dudziak, had a paradoxical effect on the trajectory of civil rights reform. International pressures would “simultaneously constrain and enhance civil rights reform” (11). On the one hand, the anti-communism of the Cold War era silenced the more radical opponents of American race relations, capitalism, and colonialism, leading to a “narrowing of acceptable civil rights discourse” (13). On the other hand, racist violence and the persistence of Jim Crow made it hard for government officials to portray the United States as a democratic, free, and open society, one that was vastly superior to the totalitarianism of the Soviet bloc. That proved to be a problem, however, as the Soviets and Americans competed for the allegiance of growing numbers of nations undergoing a process of decolonization. Civil rights activists skillfully took advantage of the opening provided by the Cold War, aggressively and sometimes successfully advancing their campaign for civil rights.
Study of lymph lipids following administration of oleic-1-C14 acid with or without cholesterol.

SummaryOleic-1-C14 acid and a mixture of this acid with cholesterol were administered to rats with lymph cannulae. Chromatographic separation of lymph lipids in both cases revealed that the effect of cholesterol was to decrease the proportion of triglyceride and increase those of sterol ester and phospholipid. Chromatographic separation of fatty acids of lipids from the latter case revealed that although glyceride fatty acid distribution was similar to that of fed acids, both the sterol ester and phospholipid fatty acids were diluted with endogenous oleic, linoleic and stearic acids.
Drug Release from Compressed Hydrophilic POLYOX‐WSR Tablets

Drug release from compressed tablets manufactured with a powder mixture of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), a drug, and magnesium stearate is presented. Several factors such as molecular weight, drug loading, drug solubility, the pH of the dissolution medium, and stirring rate are investigated. The drug release from the high molecular weight PEO tablets (MW = 2×106 and 4×106) is governed by the swelling of the polymer rather than by the erosion of the polymer, leading to anomalous release kinetics. However, the drug release from the low molecular weight PEO (MW = 0.9×106) is controlled primarily by the swelling/erosion of the polymer, resulting in front synchronization and a constant release rate. It is observed that drug loading and drug solubility do not influence the release of drugs from low molecular weight PEO tablets. The pH of the dissolution medium and the stirring rate do not affect the drug release regardless of the molecular weight of the PEO.
Emerging roles of the 26S proteasome in nuclear hormone receptor-regulated transcription

The mechanisms by which nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) regulate transcription are highly dynamic and require interplay between a myriad of regulatory protein complexes including the 26S proteasome. Protein degradation is the most well-established role of the proteasome; however, an increasing body of evidence suggests that the 26S proteasome may regulate transcription in proteolytic and nonproteolytic mechanisms. Here we review how these mechanisms may apply to NHR-mediated transcriptional regulation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled The 26S Proteasome: When degradation is just not enough!
Indirect effects of fidelity to the family check-up on changes in parenting and early childhood problem behaviors.

Objective: This study examines observations of client in-session engagement and fidelity of implementation to the Family Check-Up (FCU) as they relate to improvements in caregivers’ positive behavior support (PBS) and children’s problem behavior in the context of a randomized prevention trial. The psychometric properties of fidelity scores obtained with a new rating system are also explored. Method: The FCU feedback sessions of 79 families with children with elevated problem behavior scores at age 2 were coded by trained raters of fidelity, who used an observational coding system developed specifically for this intervention model. Results: Path analysis indicated that fidelity to the FCU results in greater caregiver engagement in the feedback session, which directly predicts improvements in caregivers’ PBS 1 year later ( 0.06, 95% CI [.007, .129]). Similarly, engagement and PBS directly predict reductions in children’s problem behavior measured 2 years later ( 0.24, 95% CI [.664, .019]). Conclusions: These results suggest fidelity within the context of this randomized intervention trial. Ratings of fidelity to the FCU covary with observed improvements in parenting and children’s problem behavior in early childhood. Overall reliability of the fidelity scores was found to be acceptable, but some single-item reliability estimates were low, suggesting revisions to the rating system might be needed. Accurately assessing fidelity and understanding its relationship to change during intervention studies is an underdeveloped area of research and has revealed some inconsistent findings. Our results shed light on the mixed conclusions of previous studies, suggesting that future research ought to assess the role of intervening variable effects, such as observed engagement.
New Retrievable Coil Anchors: Preliminary In Vivo Experiences in Swine

To design and test retrievable coil anchors to improve the safety and efficacy of coil embolization. Fifty-two 0.038-inch homemade retrievable stainless steel coils were equipped with one of four different pre-shaped nitinol anchors and tested in 38 pigs. All coils with the anchor were completely retrieved and redeployed 3–18 times (median 7 times) prior to release. Types 1 and 2 anchored coils were acutely deployed in the external iliac arteries (n = 10 each), and chronically tested (1 week) in the common carotid arteries (n = 6 each). Larger type 1 (n = 4), type 3 (n = 6), and type 4 (n = 4) anchored coils were acutely deployed in the abdominal aorta. The largest type 1 anchors (n = 6) were acutely tested in the inferior vena cava. All anchored coils were successfully retrieved and repositioned several times. All but two coils formed a compact plug and there was no coil migration except with two mechanically defective type 3 anchors. The use of retrievable anchors allowed the coils to be retrieved and repositioned, prevented coil migration, and enabled compact coil configuration.
High-resolution bathymetric simulations based on Kirchhoff scattering theory and anisotropic seafloor modeling

The bathymetric resolution of the seafloor map generated from multibeam or sidescan echo-sounder systems can be improved with various signal processing methods. In order to evaluate the accuracy and resolution performance of such techniques, the authors developed a realistic sonar simulation and seafloor modeling environment by merging the Kirchhoff scattering theory with the anisotropic seafloor parameterization of Goff and Jordan (1988). Multibeam sonar simulations utilizing the above environment, in combination with an eigenanalysis (e.g. MUSIC) power spectral estimation method for beamforming were carried out to obtain high-resolution bathymetry. >
Expression and biophysical properties of Kv1 channels in supragranular neocortical pyramidal neurones

Potassium channels are extremely diverse regulators of neuronal excitability. As part of an investigation into how this molecular diversity is utilized by neurones, we examined the expression and biophysical properties of native Kv1 channels in layer II/III pyramidal neurones from somatosensory and motor cortex. Single-cell RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and whole cell recordings with specific peptide toxins revealed that individual pyramidal cells express multiple Kv1 α-subunits. The most abundant subunit mRNAs were Kv1.1 > 1.2 > 1.4 > 1.3. All of these subunits were localized to somatodendritic as well as axonal cell compartments. These data suggest variability in the subunit complexion of Kv1 channels in these cells. The α-dendrotoxin (α-DTX)-sensitive current activated more rapidly and at more negative potentials than the α-DTX-insensitive current, was first observed at voltages near action potential threshold, and was relatively insensitive to holding potential. The α-DTX-sensitive current comprised about 10% of outward current at steady-state, in response to steps from −70 mV. From −50 mV, this percentage increased to ∼20%. All cells expressed an α-DTX-sensitive current with slow inactivation kinetics. In some cells a transient component was also present. Deactivation kinetics were voltage dependent, such that deactivation was slow at potentials traversed by interspike intervals during repetitive firing. Because of its kinetics and voltage dependence, the α-DTX-sensitive current should be most important at physiological resting potentials and in response to brief stimuli. Kv1 channels should also be important at voltages near threshold and corresponding to interspike intervals.
Pathways to War in Democratic Transitions

We have argued in Electing to Fight and other writings that an incomplete democratic transition increases the risk of international and civil war in countries that lack the institutional capacity to sustain democratic politics. The combination of increasing mass political participation and weak political institutions creates the motive and the opportunity for both rising and declining elites to play the nationalist card in an attempt to rally popular support against domestic and foreign rivals.
Joshua Lederberg's interest in ignorance.

![Figure][1] In October 2000, to my surprise and delight, I received a request from Joshua Lederberg to “be kind enough to favor me with a copy” of an article I had written on “Ignorance in infectious diseases” ([1][2]) and to “please tell me more about the Ignorance Agenda.” Thus began my own “continuing conversation” with Joshua Lederberg, the subject of the Retrospective by S. S. Morse in the 7 March issue (p. [1351][3]). We exchanged letters, reflections, and references about how to use ignorance—unanswered questions and unquestioned answers—rather than knowledge as the terrain for learning and discovery. Along the way, he completed the handwritten homework assignment that I assigned to our summer high school student researchers. Note that Dr. Lederberg's favorite question (“Are not bacteria ‘cells'…?”), in its elegant paradigm-shattering simplicity, would probably not score well in higher-order complexity according to Bloom's taxonomy. And curiously, he left the space under Human Genome Project blank! I never had the opportunity to meet Dr. Lederberg in person, but I came to know firsthand the grace, humility, uncanny intellect, and childlike wonder that endured through his latter years. 1. 1.[↵][4] 1. M.H. Witte, 2. C.L. Witte , Lymphology 33, 95 (2000). [OpenUrl][5][PubMed][6][Web of Science][7] [1]: pending:yes [2]: #ref-1 [3]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1156612 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1. in text" [5]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DLymphology%26rft.stitle%253DLymphology%26rft.aulast%253DWitte%26rft.auinit1%253DM.%2BH.%26rft.volume%253D33%26rft.issue%253D3%26rft.spage%253D95%26rft.epage%253D121%26rft.atitle%253DIgnorance%2Bin%2Binfectious%2Bdiseases%253A%2Bthe%2Bcase%2Bof%2BAIDS%252C%2BKaposi%2Bsarcoma%252C%2Band%2Blymphology.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F11019399%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [6]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=11019399&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fsci%2F320%2F5880%2F1159.1.atom [7]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000089428800003&link_type=ISI
Pyomelanin production in Penicillium chrysogenum is stimulated by L-tyrosine

From a tomb in Upper Egypt we isolated a strain of Penicillium chrysogenum that was capable of producing brown pigment in vitro when grown in a minimal salts medium containing tyrosine. We present evidence that this pigment is a pyomelanin, a compound that is known to assist in the survival of some micro-organisms in adverse environments. We tested type strains of Pe. chrysogenum, which were also able to produce this pigment under similar conditions. Inhibitors of the DHN and DOPA melanin pathways were unable to inhibit the formation of the pigment. Fourier transform IR analysis indicated that this brown pigment is similar to pyomelanin. Pyrolysis-GC/MS revealed the presence of phenolic compounds. Using LC/MS, homogentisic acid, the monomeric precursor of pyomelanin, was detected in supernatants of Pe. chrysogenum cultures growing in tyrosine medium but not in cultures lacking tyrosine. Partial regions of the genes encoding two enzymes in the homogentisic acid pathway of tyrosine degradation were amplified. Data from reverse-transcription PCR demonstrated that hmgA transcription was increased in cultures grown in tyrosine medium, suggesting that tyrosine induced the transcription.
Increased epidermal growth factor in nasopharyngeal aspirates from infants with recurrent wheeze.

Summary Airway remodeling is known to be a consequence of repeated injury and thought to be involved in early stage of asthma. We aimed to investigate the mediators associated with airway remodeling in recurrent early wheezers. Thirty-three infants, aged 2 years or less, admitted with exacerbation of wheezing were enrolled. All of them had experienced three or more episodes of wheezing before admission. They were categorized into two groups: those who had been hospitalized two or more times for severe wheezing (N = 19) and those who had only once or never been hospitalized (N = 14). Epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 levels in nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) collected on admission were measured. The difference between two patients groups divided based on their hospitalization history was assessed. We also examined these mediators in older asthmatic children (N = 15) admitted with exacerbation and their relationship with lung function parameters measured after stabilization. NPA EGF levels were significantly increased in recurrent early wheezers compared to controls. EGF, VEGF, and TGF-β1 levels were significantly higher in those with a previous history of multiple hospitalizations than in those without. In older asthmatic children, EGF levels were related with age and duration of asthma, but showed an inverse correlation with forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity. Our study shows that there might be significant damage during exacerbation in wheezy infants as levels of the mediators, EGF, VEGF, and TGF-β1 were higher in those who had been frequently hospitalized. It seems to suggest that those infants with severe recurrent wheezing might have chronic airway obstruction. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:841–847. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimizing ZF precoders for MIMO broadcast systems

In this paper we develop optimization techniques for linear zero-forcing (ZF) MIMO broadcast (BC) precoders. A computationally efficient technique based on QR-update algorithms for implementing this optimization is then proposed. The application of the proposed ZF precoders and decoders to both large and small (in terms of the number of users) systems is considered. It is also shown that the proposed optimization technique is robust and performs very well with non-linear Tomlinson-Harashima precoding. Both coded and uncoded performances are considered
Interactive effects of temporal correlations, spatial heterogeneity and dispersal on population persistence

It is an ecological truism that population persistence depends on a population's growth rate when rare. To understand the interplay between temporal correlations, spatial heterogeneity and dispersal on persistence, an analytic approximation for this growth rate is derived for partially mixing populations. Partial mixing has two effects on population growth. In the absence of temporal correlations in relative fitness, greater movement to patches with, on average, higher relative fitness increases population growth rates. In the absence of spatial heterogeneity in the average relative fitnesses, lower dispersal rates enhance population growth when temporal autocorrelations of relative fitness within a patch exceed temporal cross-correlations in relative fitness between patches. This approximation implies that metapopulations whose expected fitness in every patch is less than 1 can persist if there are positive temporal autocorrelations in relative fitness, sufficiently weak spatial correlations and the population disperses at intermediate rates. It also implies that movement into lower quality habitats increases the population growth rate whenever the net temporal variation in per capita growth rates is sufficiently larger than the difference in the means of these per capita growth rates. Moreover, temporal autocorrelations, whether they be negative or positive, can enhance population growth for optimal dispersal strategies.
Titanium alloy lattice truss structures

Abstract A high-temperature forming and diffusion bonding method has been investigated for the fabrication of modified pyramidal lattice core sandwich structures from a titanium alloy. A periodic asymmetric hexagonal perforation pattern was cut into thin Ti–6Al–4V sheets which were then folded along node rows by a combination of partial low-temperature bending followed by simultaneous hot forming/diffusion bonding to form sandwich panel structures with core relative densities of 1.0–4.1%. The out-of-plane compression and in-plane longitudinal shear properties of these structures were measured and compared with analytical estimates. Premature panel failure by node shear-off fracture was observed during shear testing of some test structures. Node failures were also initiated at stress concentrations at the truss–facesheet interface. A liquid interface diffusion bonding approach has been investigated as a possible approach for reducing this stress concentration and increasing the truss–facesheet interfacial strength.
Implications of clay-provenance studies in two Georgia estuaries

ABSTRACT The amount of kaolinite and illite in bottom muds of Altamaha River and Sound, a partially-mixed estuary, does not vary appreciably downstream, indicating that the bulk of the clays is river-supplied. In contrast, much of the bottom mud of Sapelo Sound, a tidal-water body with minor freshwater discharge, seems to be derived from erosion of coastal outcrops. Our results suggest that the clay flux from ocean sources is minimal in either case, and tends to have been overestimated by previous workers. On the other hand, the clay flux from shore erosion tends to have been underestimated in sediment-budget studies of Georgia estuaries.
Visible-near infrared spectroscopy based citrus greening detection: Evaluation of spectral feature extraction techniques

Abstract Citrus greening is a serious disease affecting citrus production in Florida and different parts of the world. This disease is spread by an insect vector and the trees are killed several years after infection. There is no known treatment for the disease. Disease detection and removal of infected trees is a critical part of citrus greening disease management efforts. This paper reports the evaluation of spectral features extracted from visible-near infrared spectroradiometer spectra for their potential to detect citrus greening disease. The extraction of spectral features is an effort to lower the cost of the optical sensor while maintaining their performance. Spectral features: (i) spectral reflectance bands and (ii) vegetation indices (VIs) were derived from 350–2,500 nm spectral reflectance data using two feature extraction methods: stepwise discriminant analysis and stepwise regression analysis. Following the selection of spectral features, the features were assessed using two classifiers, quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) and soft independent modeling of classification analogies (SIMCA) to determine the overall and individual class classification accuracies. The classification results indicated that both the spectral features (spectral bands and VIs) yielded good overall (higher than 80%) and healthy class (higher than 85%) classification accuracies using the QDA-based algorithm. The SIMCA-based algorithm yielded good average citrus greening class classification accuracy (higher than 83%) using selected spectral features. Thus, the present study demonstrates the applicability of utilizing spectral features for detection of greening in citrus.
Photodetector Nonlinearities Due to Voltage-Dependent Responsivity

A newly quantified photodiode nonlinearity is derived from a previously known bias voltage-dependent responsivity. For an InGaAs p-i-n photodiode, measured harmonic distortion is shown to be dominated by this derived nonlinearity mechanism. It is also shown that electron ionization in the depletion region of the photodiode is the source of the voltage-dependent responsivity.
PUDENDAL NERVE INJURY ASSOCIATED WITH AVID BICYCLING

Perineal and penile numbness is a frequent complaint of avid male bicyclists. It is currently believed to be caused by cycling induced transient ischemia from pressure on perineal neurovasculature while riding, which results in temporary numbness. We report electromyographic evidence of bilateral pudendal nerve injury associated with excessive bicycling. This condition may be associated with male erectile dysfunction if the penile blood supply is compromised.
Photoluminescence studies from micropillars fabricated on IV-VI multiple quantum-well semiconductor structure

Micropillars were fabricated on multiple quantum-well structure of PbSe/PbSrSe grown on top of BaF"2 substrate in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The photoluminescence spectra from the pillar structure, having a diameter of 5@mm and inter-pillar distance of 8@mm, was studied at various temperature starting from 77 to 300K. There had been an approximately consistent red-shift of photoluminescence peak of ~3.62cm^-^1 for unit K change in ambient temperature. The prominent and repeatable emission from the micropillars at various temperatures signified high crystalline nature of the fabricated micro-objects. This type of micropillar structure is one of the magnificent contenders of future opto-electronic micro-features.
Setting Occupational Sex Segregation in Motion Demand-Side Explanations of Sex Traditional Employment

The employment of women in female-dominated occupations and men in male-dominated occupations (sex traditional employment) is a fundamental source of economic sex inequality. Despite this, we know little about how organizational practices and policies link workers to sex traditional jobs. The author tests theoretically hypothesized determinants of sex traditional employment using data on the sex of the last hire and the sex type of his or her occupation in nearly 3,000 establishments. The results are generally consistent with deskilling and organizational staffing accounts of sex traditional employment and confirm that a different system of sex segregation operates for women and men.
3-bit, 8 GSPS flash ADC

A 3-bit multi-Gigasamples/sec (Gs/s) flash analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for high-speed data acquisition systems is reported in this paper. Nyquist operation up to 8 Gs/s has been achieved. The quantizer can convert analog input signals beyond fs/2 up to fs at a sampling rate of 5 Gs/s. In addition, the converter can be operated up to 12.7 Gs/s when the input signal is at low frequencies. This ADC is fabricated in an AlInAs-GaInAs HBT process fabricated on InP substrates with an f/sub T/ of 75 GHz and f/sub max/ of 85 GHz.
Evidence-Based Practice: Use of the Ventilator Bundle to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

• PURPOSE To examine critical care nurses’ knowledge about the use of the ventilator bundle to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. • METHOD Published reports were reviewed for current evidence on the use of the ventilator bundle to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia, and education sessions were held to present the findings to 61 nurses in coronary care and surgical intensive care units. Changes in the nurses’ knowledge were evaluated by using a 10-item test, given both before and after the sessions. Changes in the nurses’ practices related to ventilator-associated pneumonia, including elevation of the head of the bed to 30o to 45o, were observed in 99 intubated patients. • RESULTS After the education sessions, the nurses performed better on 8 of the 10 items tested (P from .03 to <.001). The areas of most significant improvement were elevation of the head of the bed (P < .001), charting of the elevation of the head of the bed (P = .009), oral care (P = .009), checking of the nasogastric tube for residual volume (P = .008), washing of hands before contact with patients (P < .001), and limiting the wearing of rings (P < .001) and nail polish (P = .04). Even after the education sessions, the nurses’ compliance with hand-washing recommendations before contact with patients was low, though statistically some improvement was apparent. Contraindications to elevation of the head of the bed did not appear to affect the nurses’ practices (P = .38). • CONCLUSION Education sessions designed to inform nurses about the ventilator bundle and its use to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia have a significant effect on participants’ knowledge and subsequent clinical practice. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2007;16:20-27)
The Life of a Professor: Stress and Coping

The life of a professor is a balancing act, both professionally and personally. Professors must weigh the demands of research, publishing, teaching, and service with the requirements of their personal responsibilities. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore the role of stress on the work-life balance of a professor. This study was conducted by an interdisciplinary research team and included participants from a wide-range of academic fields. A mixed-methods approach, utilizing an electronic survey composed of demographic questions, Likert-scale responses, and open-ended questions, yielded data related to the benefits and challenges of being a professor from 31 states in the United States as well as from other countries. Structured interviews were then conducted to reveal the coping methods of the participants. In addition, this article incorporated embedded media in the form of audio sound bites and animated video, which provided the ‘voice’ of the faculty. The triangulated data revealed that lack of supports, both social and institutional, significantly increased the stress experienced by professors. Mechanisms for coping with stress that could be utilized by individual professors as well as institutional stress management strategies were discussed.
The Consultation Process: Adapted Physical Education Specialists' Perceptions.

The purpose was to examine adapted physical education (APE) specialists’ perceptions about consultation as a delivery model for individuals with disabilities. Six APE specialists (4 female, 2 male) from California participated in this phenomenological study. Data came from in-depth individual interviews, field observations, researcher notes, and focus group interactions. Analysis revealed distinct categories related to consultation: definition, contextual factors, effectiveness (benefits, barriers, documentation), competency, training, and consultation model preferences. Consultation interactions varied greatly because of the dynamic nature of the educational environment. The use of consultation was more prevalent with middle and high school students. Adapted physical education consultation occurred on a continuum from proximal to distal, dependent on the degree of interaction between the APE specialist, the general education (GE) teacher, and the student. The effectiveness of consultation was dependent u...
Racial/ethnic differences in the association between obesity and major depressive disorder: findings from the Comprehensive Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether the association between obesity and 12-month prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) varied according to racial/ethnic status and nativity in representative national samples of black, Latino, Asian, and non-Hispanic white people. METHODS: We used data from the Comprehensive Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys. RESULTS: In analyses by gender, obesity was associated with an elevated risk of MDD among non-Hispanic white women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27, 2.35; p = 0.001). Formal test for interaction revealed significant variation by race present between non-Hispanic white women and black, Latin, and Asian women. No significant differences were evident among men. In analyses by nativity, the association between obesity and MDD was significant among U.S.-born non-Hispanic white women (AOR=1.62; 95% CI 1.16, 2.27; p = 0.001) and U.S.-born black women (AOR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.01, 1.66; p = 0.041). Significant interactions were present among U.S.-born white and black women, Latin women, and Asian women. No significant interactions were evident among foreign-born women. Similarly, no significant differences were present among native-born or foreign-born men. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the association between obesity and MDD varies according to racial/ethnic status and nativity. Understanding the link between obesity and depression may be imperative to designing interventions to address body weight maintenance and reduction strategies among women. Language: en
Comparison of full-time iterative myocardial perfusion studies vs. half-time myocardial perfusion studies using Astonish

2738 Objectives Half-time Myocardial Perfusion studies (MPS) using Astonish software were compared to the full-time MPS using Iterative reconstruction to determine any difference in quality. Methods 50 patients were imaged with a full-time acquisition of 30 sec/frame and a half-time acquisition of 15 sec/frame simultaneously. Full-time studies were processed using NorthShore’s standard Iterative filter and half-time studies were processed using an Astonish filter. All studies were processed through myometrix, QGS and QPS programs. Quantitatively, MPS were compared using the QPS summed stress scores (SSS), summed rest scores (SRS), summed difference scores (SDS) and the QGS left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Qualitatively, a nuclear cardiologist performed a blind comparison assessing the 2 sets of myometrix slices using a grading scale of qualitatively better, same or worse. Results The nuclear cardiologist categorized 96% of the half time Astonish MPS as better, 2% of the full time Iterative MPS as better, and 2% of the MPS sets as the same. 96% of the patients had a change in their SSS or SRS. 84% of the patients had a change in their LVEF. Utilizing the student-t test, it was determined that the difference in SSS had a p-value of 0.0254, the difference in the SRS had a p-value of 0.1702, and the difference in the SDS had a p-value of 0.0128. The difference in the LVEF had a p-value of 0.4063. Conclusions Utilizing these p-values, we determined that there was a significant difference between the Iterative full-time and the Astonish half-time in the SSS and the SDS, but there was not a significant difference in the SRS or the LVEF. The Nuclear Cardiologist graded Astonish half time studies as qualitatively better.
Chronic Liver Failure

Chronic liver failure (CLF) and cirrhosis accounted for more than 26,000 deaths and more than half a million hospitalizations in the United States in 2004, making liver disease the 12th leading cause of death.1 The Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) scoring system classifies CLF into three categories based on severity (Table 33-1). A total CTP score of 5–6 is Child’s class A, well-compensated disease; a CTP score of 7–9 is Child’s class B, in which there is significant functional compromise; and a CTP score of 10–15 is Child’s class C, advanced decompensated disease.2 The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score provides another classification of the severity of chronic liver failure based on the readily obtainable laboratory values of serum creatinine, total bilirubin, and prothrombin time, expressed as the international normalized ratio.2,3
The Effect of Texture on Superelasticity in Nickel-Titanium

This paper presents experimental studies performed to examine stress-induced martensitic phase transformation during superelastic deformation in the shape memory alloy Nickel-Titanium (Nitinol). The solid-to-solid, diffusionless stress-induced phase transformation from B2 cubic austenite to monoclinic martensite occurs during superelastic deformation. The martensitic transformation in thin sheet specimens is investigated by a combination of three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC) and simultaneous infrared thermography to spatially and temporally track strain localization and released/absorbed latent heat. The effect of texture during cycling up to N = 50 and at strain rates from 10−4 to 10−2 s−1 on transformation metrics, including the nucleation and propagation stresses, recoverable strain, and residual strain, are examined and discussed.
Understanding data lifetime

This dissertation describes a comprehensive approach to dealing with protecting sensitive data in memory. It differs from previous work in the area in two ways. First, although removing sensitive data promptly after use is an important and widely accepted practice for ensuring secrecy on computers, prior work has largely ignored both the importance and pitfalls of removing sensitive data from memory. Second, no systematic approaches exist today to ensure the removal of sensitive data in memory, and even if there were, there are no methods today by which one could actually evaluate their efficacy. This dissertation describes a systematic approach to dealing with these issues by proposing techniques to directly measure the availability of retained data in computers and to fix the associated issues in systems software and applications. All together, the examination of software issues associated with protecting sensitive data in memory is a problem we call the data lifetime problem. Ultimately, this dissertation demonstrates that: (1) Removing sensitive data from memory is an important aspect of computer security. Data can be retained in memory for a long time, and removing it is a hard problem particularly for large, complex pieces of software. Protecting sensitive data in memory is largely ignored in the design of systems today, and this lack of awareness can lead to serious security consequences. (2) Modern computer systems do a bad job of removing sensitive data from memory, and this can be precisely measured for complex pieces of software. This dissertation demonstrates a technique based on whole system simulation and hardware level taint analysis that provides a practical solution to the problem of diagnosing, measuring, and understanding data lifetime in large software systems. It also presents the only quantitative analysis of modern, real-world applications with respect to protecting sensitive data in memory. (3) Data lifetime can be minimized by architecting systems to directly address the problem of protecting sensitive data in memory, and that proper handling of sensitive data cannot be done purely by the application; systems support is required. It also demonstrates how such architectures can be effective at minimizing lifetime without compromising performance.
Optical Characterization of Polydiacetylene Langmuir Blodgett Film on Silicon Substrates

A bilayer of a surfactive polydiacetylene (15–8 PDA) has been deposited by Langmuir-Blodgett technique on a smooth Silicon substrate using a commercial Lauda film balance [1] . The morphology of the deposited film has been studied by cross-polarized optical microscopy, and laser light scattering microscopy. Usual crystalline domains with size ranging from 5 to 50 μm can be seen between cross polarizers. Nonuniformities and voids in the film are observed by imaging the scattered light from a visible laser beam incident at grazing angle onto the film. Raman scattering study on these bilayers have been carried out to investigate their vibronic structure. Information about vibronic levels from PDA has been used to define the extent of disorder and crystalline phase of the bilayer.
Determination of Local Fiber Texture in Liquid Crystal Polymer by Electron Diffraction

The rigid chain microstructure of thermotropic liquid crystal polymers (TLCPs) permits an ordered morphology to form consequently giving these materials exceptionally high strength. X-ray and neutron scattering techniques effectively determine the semi-crystalline structure of TLCP but lack the spatial resolution needed to detect morphological changes occurring on sub-micron length scales. This research develops an electron optical technique to resolve the local orientation of LCP fibers at resolutions on the order of 100-300 nm. This paper outlines the essential elements of this technique and presents preliminary results showing systematic morphological changes of LCP fiber as a function of position across the fiber diameter.
Detecting nanoscale refractive index fluctuations using partial wave spectroscopic microscopy

Partial-wave spectroscopic microscopy (PWS) provides unprecedented insights into the nanocale refractive index fluctuations within biological cells. We demonstrate the nanoscale sensitivity of PWS using experiments with nanostructure models and human colon adenocarcinoma (HT29) cell lines.
Cross-Sectional Assessment of Laboratory Variables in a Healthy Male Population II. Cigarette Smoking and Laboratory Values

The statistical analysis of 29 laboratory variables with five decade age groups shows statistical differences between cigarette smokers and nonsmokers in serum alpha-2 and gamma globulin in fractions over multiple age groups, and hemoglobin, hematocrit, phosphorus, urine reaction, total bilirubin, and WBC in random age groups. Cholesterol level, although having a slightly lower mean and falling off at a later age in nonsmokers, is not statistically different from the smokers. It would appear that cigarette smoking has little effect on most laboratory tests in a large group of healthy males.
Status and plans for implementation of NRC regulatory authority for certain naturally occurring and accelerator-produced radioactive material.

On August 8, 2005, the president signed into law the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct). Section 651(e) of the EPAct, “Treatment of Accelerator-Produced and other Radioactive Material as Byproduct Material,” expanded the definition of byproduct material as defined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954
Thirty-day All-cause Hospital Readmissions – Racial and Income Disparities and Risk Factors in a Veteransintegrated Healthcare Network

Hospital readmission rate has long been one of the most watched measures for hospital quality of care and possesses significant financial implications. On 1 October 2012, CMS started to reduce payments to the hospitals with excessive readmissions. The penalties implemented by CMS have rekindled extensive research activities centred on the fairness of the penalties owing to racial disparities for hospitals serving disadvantaged populations and on the interventions that can reduce readmissions. In this study, we found that no racial and income disparities exist in the Veterans Integrated Healthcare Network Upstate New York, which could have broader policy implications. We explored demographic and socioeconomic risk factors and found that unmarried patients were 19% more likely to be rehospitalised. Given more than half of the inpatients are unmarried, 19% more readmissions merit greater attention from hospital managers and policymakers alike.
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Resistance to Death Signals By Potentiating FGF Signaling in Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Abstract Introduction Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) represents an aggressive, incurable form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The health complications associated with advanced age of MCL patients further restrict treatment with intense chemotherapy. Translocation t(11;14), responsible for overexpression of cyclin-D1 is the hallmark of MCL. An intense analysis of primary MCL had been delayed until development of a tissue culture system, using human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC), suitable for propagation of primary MCL cells. We hypothesized that tumor-initiating cells are responsible for MCL relapse and chemoresistance and thus, identification of survival signals responsible for survival and maintenance of MCL-initiating cells (MCL-ICs) is essential for design of successful treatment strategies. Methods Isolates of primary MCL cells (n=24) were co-cultured with hMSC and content of MCL-ICs was analyzed by flow-cytometry based on marker expression profile; CD34-CD3-CD45+CD19-. Cytokine array was used to identify the soluble factors enriched in the cocultures and the expression of these factors was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. The signaling pathways employed by the newly-identified factors were blocked in 3 MCL cell lines (JVM2, Mino, Z138) and cell survival was monitored. Results Co-cultures of primary MCL isolates with hMSCs supported the growth of MCL cells for over 4 weeks with continued presence of MCL-ICs (CD34-CD3-CD45+CD19-) representing about 1% of MCL cells. We found IL-6 triggered a FGF/FGFR autocrine loop in primary MCL in cocultures. Patients with MCL showing high FGFR levels in MCL tissues compared to lymphocytes, and the highest FGFR expressing cohort of patients showed a lower overall survival rated compared to those with low FGFR levels. Blockage of FGF/FGFR rendered MCL cells dead and also sensitized the cells to the killing effects of death receptor ligands. Conclusion We establish that primary MCL use an FGFR autocrine loop for propagation in cocultures with hMSCs. We defined the factors supporting MCL and MCL-ICs survival; such knowledge is essential for targeting MCL and MCL-ICs. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The impacts of different types of cuisines and restaurants on gratuities

This study adopts social stigma theory and examines whether biases toward different types of foods and restaurants exist and, consequently, whether such biases influence gratuities. A 2 × 3 experiment was conducted in order to compare the relative impacts on tip size among samples from scenarios featuring different types of cuisines and different types of restaurants while controlling for food quality and service quality. With a focus on tipping behaviors and the restaurant industry, this study confirms that diners do have stereotypes in regard to cuisine that represents different cultures. Gender and income also played moderating roles in our findings.