cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Printed drug information sources used by pharmacists in southeastern Michigan

A survey to determine the type and number of printed resources used by community and hospital pharmacists in southeastern Michigan was made between June and September 1978. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to 445 pharmacists from 77 hospitals and 296 community pharmacies. A total of 259 pharmacists (58.1%) representing 215 pharmacies (58.0%) responded. The results indicate that hospital pharmacists are likely to have more drug information resources to them than do community pharmacists. All pharmacists surveyed tended to use a narrow group of textbooks despite the variety of books available to them. The textbook most commonly used by both groups of pharmacists was Facts and Comparisons.
Swallowed Fluticasone Propionate Is an Effective Long-Term Maintenance Therapy for Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Swallowed Fluticasone Propionate Is an Effective Long-Term Maintenance Therapy for Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
‘It doesn’t speak to me’: understanding student of color resistance to critical race pedagogy

AbstractScholars maintain that when race and racism are addressed as factors that continue to shape inequality in the classroom, white students often deny the validity of these claims, while Students of Color tend to feel empowered by them. However, drawing on open-ended interviews, focus group discussions, and survey data, we argue that some Students of Color resist critical race pedagogy and curriculum. Specifically, we identify and analyze how this push back is articulated through three triggers: (1) an entrenchment in majoritarian ideologies; (2) a disavowal of racialized oppression; and (3) a disinclination to scrutinize personal experiences marred by race. These dynamics illustrate what we call ‘resisting decolonization’ – a reluctance to grapple with pedagogies that destabilize dominant ideologies about race and racism in schools and disrupt mainstream ideas regarding ethnic or racial identity. We introduce this concept in an attempt to hone critical race pedagogy to better address the needs of Stu...
Observations of Paradoxical ICP Patterns within 24 Hours Preceding Neurovascular Related Mortality (S46.005)

OBJECTIVE: To better characterize continuous intracranial pressure (ICP) waveforms in critically ill neurovascular patients. BACKGROUND: ICP waveform analysis offers the potential for early identification of patient decompensation. To date little has been reported about the ICP pulse waveform for very elevated ICPs except the “textbook” doctrine that mean ICP increase is accompanied by a progressive increase of ICP pulse amplitude paired with a transition from a three-peak configuration of ICP pulses to a one-peak morphology. METHODS: In this study, we leveraged prospectively captured high-resolution ICP data from 14 patients who expired from a neurovascular insult with external ventricular drains (EVD) within the 24 hours of EVD placement to study ICP pulse waveform in a period immediately preceding their expiration. We used a well-validated Morphological Clustering and Analysis of Intracranial Pressure (MOCAIP) algorithm to analyze ICP pulse waveform so that sub-peak configurations of ICP pulses could be readily visualized. RESULTS: 11 patients had subarachnoid hemorrhage, 2 had intracerebral hemorrhage, 1 had ischemic stroke. GCS upon EVD placement was GCS 3-6, mean opening EVD pressure was 34.5 mmHg (range 9-100 mmHg), and mean CSF output was 60mL (0-207mL). ICPs ranged from 0-140mmHg. We observed that 3 patients had a paradoxically small pulse amplitude that did not increase when their mean ICP was above 20mmHg and that 8 patients preserved three ICP sub-peaks when their mean ICP was above 50mmHg. Two patients could not be studied due to EVDs being in an open position for the clinical duration. CONCLUSIONS: In this series patients with quick neurovascular mortality after EVD placement were found to have paradoxical ICP pulse patterns, contradicting the classic teachings of increased ICP waveforms. These patterns may indicate different etiologies of elevated ICP. These observations need to be studied prospectively to ascertain clinical utility in the management of neurovascular patients. Disclosure: Dr. Sampognaro has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Smith has received personal compensation for activities with Stryker Neurovascular and Covidien as a consultant. Dr. Hu has nothing to disclose.
Stability of Hsp60 from Helicobacter Pylori: Effect of GTP Binding

The heat shock protein Hsp60 is one of the most abundant proteins observed in H. pylori. Since the sequence of Hsp60 is similar to that of the chaperonin from E. coli, GroEL, it is hypothesized that their functions are similar as well. However, unlike GroEL which binds to ATP, Hsp60 from H. pylori also binds to GTP. It was previously shown that the binding of GTP caused alpha-crystallin, a protein that functions as a molecular chaperone, to be less stable. Here, we investigated the effect of GTP on the stability of H. pylori Hsp60 by using fluorescence. Hsp60 does not contain any tryptophans. Therefore, a mutant of Hsp60 containing a tryptophan replacement at residue 202 (Y202W) was used for fluorescence studies. Samples of 1 mL were prepared containing 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 1 uM Y202W, 0.25 mM GTP, and varying urea concentrations (0-6 M). All aliquots were incubated for 24 h before their fluorescence was measured between 310 nm and 370 nm. Samples were excited at 280 nm. The native state of the Hsp60 mutant displayed a maximum fluorescence intensity at 331 nm. The Hsp60 mutant appeared to be denatured with 4 M urea or higher concentrations. The denatured state of the Hsp60 mutant displayed a maximum fluorescence intensity at 353 nm. Fluorescence was then used to determine whether the binding of GTP affected the stability against urea denaturation. Our results show that Hsp60 has a relatively low stability against urea denaturation (C1/2 = 2.75 M) and that the binding of GTP had a small destabilizing effect. A C1/2 of 2.50 M was observed for the Hsp60 mutant in the presence of GTP. This nucleotide did not have any significant effect on the thermal stability of Hsp60.
Early Intervention for Children with Conduct Disorders: A Quantitative Synthesis of Single-Subject Research.

To evaluate treatment of preschool children with conduct disorders, 16 studies were reviewed in which single-subject methodology was employed. Studies were coded for a number of variables including...
Hand Massage for Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy as Outpatients: A Pilot Study.

Context There are no studies on the effect of volunteer-provided hand massage in a busy chemotherapy outpatient practice. Objective To assess the feasibility of introducing hand massage therapy into an outpatient chemotherapy unit and to evaluate the effect of the therapy on various symptoms experienced by cancer patients. Design A pilot, quasi-experimental, pretest–posttest study. Setting Chemotherapy outpatient clinic of a large tertiary care academic medical center. Patients/Participants Forty chemotherapy outpatients. Intervention After being approached by a trained volunteer from a hand massage team, patients consented to receive a 20-minute hand massage before chemotherapy that was individualized according to patient preference and expressed needs. Main Outcome Measures The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain, fatigue, anxiety, muscular discomfort, nervousness, stress, happiness, energy, relaxation, calmness, and emotional well-being (on a scale from 0–10) before and after the intervention; a satisfaction survey was administered after the therapy. Patients' demographic data were summarized with descriptive statistics, and VAS total scores were compared between groups at each time point with the two-group t test. Feasibility was evaluated from the number of patients who were approached, received a hand massage, and completed the study surveys. Results Of the 40 participants, 19 were men (mean age, 59.5 years). Significant improvement after hand massage was indicated by VAS scores for fatigue, anxiety, muscular discomfort, nervousness, stress, happiness, energy, relaxation, calmness, and emotional well-being ( P P = .06). All patients indicated that they would recommend hand massage to other patients, and 37 were interested in receiving it during their next chemotherapy treatment.
Control of Cardiac Mitochondrial Fuel Selection by Calcium

Calcium ion concentration modulates the function of several mitochondrial enzymes. Specifically, the kinetic operations of the decarboxylating dehydrogenases pyruvate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase are all affected by [Ca2+]. Previous studies have shown that, despite its ability to affect the function of specific dehydrogenases, [Ca2+] does not substantially alter mitochondrial ATP synthesis in vitro or in vivo in the heart. We hypothesize that, rather than contributing to respiratory control, [Ca2+] plays a role in contributing to fuel selection. Specifically, cardiac mitochondria are able to use different primary carbon substrates (carbohydrates, fatty acids, and ketones) to synthesize ATP aerobically in the living cells. To determine if and how [Ca2+] affects the relative use of carbohydrates versus fatty acids in vitro we measured oxygen consumption and TCA cycle intermediate concentrations in suspensions of cardiac mitochondria with different combinations of pyruvate and palmitoyl-L-carnitine in the media at various [Ca2+] and ADP infusion rates. Stoichiometric analysis of the data reveals that when both fatty acid and carbohydrate substrates are available, fuel selection is sensitive to both the rate of ADP infusion and to the calcium concentration. Under low-ATP demand conditions and with zero added Ca2+, β-oxidation provides roughly 70% of acetyl-CoA for the citrate synthase reaction, with the rest coming from the pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction. With increasing both the rate of oxidative ATP synthesis and [Ca2+], the fuel utilization ratio shifts to increased fractional consumption of pyruvate. The effects of ATP synthesis rate and [Ca2+] are shown to be interdependent.
Metamodeling and mapping of nitrate flux in the unsaturated zone and groundwater, Wisconsin, USA

Abstract Nitrate contamination of groundwater in agricultural areas poses a major challenge to the sustainability of water resources. Aquifer vulnerability models are useful tools that can help resource managers identify areas of concern, but quantifying nitrogen (N) inputs in such models is challenging, especially at large spatial scales. We sought to improve regional nitrate (NO 3 − ) input functions by characterizing unsaturated zone NO 3 − transport to groundwater through use of surrogate, machine-learning metamodels of a process-based N flux model. The metamodels used boosted regression trees (BRTs) to relate mappable landscape variables to parameters and outputs of a previous “vertical flux method” (VFM) applied at sampled wells in the Fox, Wolf, and Peshtigo (FWP) river basins in northeastern Wisconsin. In this context, the metamodels upscaled the VFM results throughout the region, and the VFM parameters and outputs are the metamodel response variables. The study area encompassed the domain of a detailed numerical model that provided additional predictor variables, including groundwater recharge, to the metamodels. We used a statistical learning framework to test a range of model complexities to identify suitable hyperparameters of the six BRT metamodels corresponding to each response variable of interest: NO 3 − source concentration factor (which determines the local NO 3 − input concentration); unsaturated zone travel time; NO 3 − concentration at the water table in 1980, 2000, and 2020 (three separate metamodels); and NO 3 − “extinction depth”, the eventual steady state depth of the NO 3 − front. The final metamodels were trained to 129 wells within the active numerical flow model area, and considered 58 mappable predictor variables compiled in a geographic information system (GIS). These metamodels had training and cross-validation testing R 2 values of 0.52 – 0.86 and 0.22 – 0.38, respectively, and predictions were compiled as maps of the above response variables. Testing performance was reasonable, considering that we limited the metamodel predictor variables to mappable factors as opposed to using all available VFM input variables. Relationships between metamodel predictor variables and mapped outputs were generally consistent with expectations, e.g. with greater source concentrations and NO 3 − at the groundwater table in areas of intensive crop use and well drained soils. Shorter unsaturated zone travel times in poorly drained areas likely indicated preferential flow through clay soils, and a tendency for fine grained deposits to collocate with areas of shallower water table. Numerical estimates of groundwater recharge were important in the metamodels and may have been a proxy for N input and redox conditions in the northern FWP, which had shallow predicted NO 3 − extinction depth. The metamodel results provide proof-of-concept for regional characterization of unsaturated zone NO 3 − transport processes in a statistical framework based on readily mappable GIS input variables.
ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF AN ESTUARY AT THE EDGE OF THE AMERICAN CARIBBEAN: BISCAYNE BAY

Biscayne Bay is a shallow subtropical estuary, 225 square miles of water, at the edge of the tropics, located within Dade County, one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S.A. The fragility of this seagrass and mangrove dominated estuary has been demonstrated by repeated destruction of these ecosystems by man's activities, such as dredging, filling, drainage, sewerage, thermal pollution, and others. At the southern end, the U.S. Department of the Interior has recently established the Biscayne Monument, a preserve area where fairly rigit restrictions for man's use of the biota are enforced. At the northern end, intense land development since 1910 along with establishment for artificial islands and causeways, bulkheading, sewerage outfall and other pollutants has altered the ecology greatly. Approximately 1.5 million people inhabit this area. Multiple authorities for regulating use in the bay and its shoreline exist ranging from county to Federal. Many problems of overlapping jurisdiction and enforcement occur. Two symposia to bring together the knowledge of processes occurring m the bay and to delineate a policy for managing the bay were held in March 1976 resulting in the Volume, Biscayne Bay: Past, Present, and Future. Aspects of the ecology of this bay and of the management problems and goals will be discussed.
Improving fit perceptions for an incongruent sponsorship: Associating a sports property to a brand via analogical articulation

Abstract Brands frequently sponsor properties that they do not naturally align with. In such cases, the brand must articulate how it is related to the property. The use of analogy is one way to do this. Two elements necessary to resolve an analogy are analogical mapping and memory retrieval of information relevant to both the source (i.e., property) and target (i.e., brand). Our research expands on previous work by testing whether analogical articulations of incongruent sponsorships do in fact rely on analogical reasoning. Toward this end, we compare the effectiveness of analogical articulations to two tasks designed to stimulate associative thinking: analogical mapping (study 1) and memory retrieval (study 2). Our results indicate that the tasks and analogical articulations each provide equivalent improvements in fit relative to control groups shown only an unarticulated incongruent sponsorship. We conclude that analogical articulations engage analogical reasoning to improve fit perceptions for incongruent sponsorships.
Bridging a Polarizing Divide: Election Simulation in an AP Government Course

AbstractThis article reports on a study that asks how might an elections simulation influence students with strong polarizing political beliefs? The elections simulation asks students to take on ro...
Tips and Tricks for Performing a Retrograde Pyelogram

Abstract Objective To demonstrate indications, review tools and techniques, as well as abnormal findings when performing a retrograde pyelogram. Methods Retrograde pyelogram is a procedure which consists of introducing water-soluble contrast in a retrograde fashion into the ureter and collecting system of the kidney under fluoroscopic guidance. Conditions in which a retrograde pyelogram are indicated include iatrogenic ureteral injuries, ureteral obstruction, identification of stones or tumors, assistance for stent placement or ureteroscopy, and trauma evaluation. This video will explain surgical technique to perform a retrograde pyelogram in an operative setting. Normal and commonly encountered abnormal findings when performing a retrograde pyelogram will be reviewed. Results This video will review a series of 8 cases and will demonstrate normal and abnormal findings and complications identified when performing a retrograde pyelogram. In some cases, anterograde nephrostogram was also performed to further delineate the ureteral injury or obstructions. Conclusion The tips and tricks reviewed can facilitate surgical techniques to perform a successful retrograde pyelogram and identify abnormal findings; especially in situations in which a urologist is not readily available. A retrograde pyelogram can be performed intraoperatively to identify iatrogenic ureteral injuries, ureteral obstruction, identification of stones or tumors, assistance of stent placement and ureteroscopy, and evaluation of trauma.
Chapter 22 – Soy Foods

Publisher Summary Soybeans have been highly prized as a nutritional food source due to their ease of production, long-term storage characteristics, and exceptional protein content. Soybeans are traditionally consumed in non-fermented and fermented forms. The non-fermented forms include soymilk, yuba, tofu, and toasted soy protein powders. The fermented forms include miso, natto, soy sauce, and tempeh. Soybeans are a rich source of protein and oil. In spite of the fact that soybeans are excellent nutritional staples, they are not consumed raw, because of their hard texture and undesirable flavor. Undaunted by these attributes, the people of Japan and other Asian countries have developed a variety of sophisticated processed soy foods. These products and their culinary presentation have done a great deal to enhance the table aesthetics, palatability, and nutritive value of soy protein. Traditional soybean foods are classified into two groups: non-fermented foods, including regular, deep-fried, frozen-dried, roasted tofu, soybean protein film (yuba), and soybean sprouts; and fermented soybean foods, such as miso, soy sauce (shoyu), and fermented whole soybeans (natto).
What Happened to Franklin Square Park? People, Trees, and Environmental Justice

Based in Baltimore, Maryland, this project employs methods from urban forestry and community-engaged research to gain a deeper understanding of a city park’s physical quality and the meaning of par...
Increased mtor activity and metabolic efficiency in mouse and human cells containing the african-centric tumor-predisposing p53 variant pro47ser

The Pro47Ser variant of p53 (S47) exists in African-descent populations and is associated with increased cancer risk in humans and mice. Due to impaired repression of the cystine importer Slc7a11, S47 cells show increased glutathione (GSH) accumulation compared to cells with wild -type p53. We show that mice containing the S47 variant display increased mTOR activity and oxidative metabolism, as well as larger size, improved metabolic efficiency, and signs of superior fitness. Mechanistically, we show that mTOR and its positive regulator Rheb display increased association in S47 cells; this is due to an altered redox state of GAPDH in S47 cells that inhibits its ability to bind and sequester Rheb. Compounds that decrease glutathione normalize GAPDH-Rheb complexes and mTOR activity in S47 cells. This study reveals a novel layer of regulation of mTOR by p53, and raises the possibility that this variant may have been selected for in early Africa.
Malaria Transmission Assisted by Interaction between Plasmodium α-Tubulin-I and Anopheles FREP1 Protein

Invasion of the mosquito midgut by Plasmodium parasites is essential for malaria transmission. FREP1, a mosquito midgut peritrophic matrix protein, binds to the parasite ookinete stage and mediates Plasmodium infection of Anopheles mosquitoes. The FREP1-mediated Plasmodium invasion pathway is highly conserved across multiple species of Plasmodium and Anopheles. During mosquito infection, ookinetes must orient their apical invasion apparatus toward the midgut epithelium. Here, we conducted biochemical and cell biological studies to identify Plasmodium ookinete proteins that bind mosquito FREP1. Among these newly identified FREP1-binding partners (FBP), we demonstrate that Plasmodium α-tubulin-I at the ookinete apical complex is critical for invasion. Cell biological studies revealed that anti-α-tubulin antibodies bound to the apical polar ring of the living P. falciparum ookinetes. Functional analyses showed that polyclonal serum directed against P. falciparum α-tubulin-I, but not other FBPs, significantly reduced the number of P. falciparum oocysts in An. gambiae midguts. Our data support that interactions between Anopheles FREP1 protein and Plasmodium α-tubulin-I anchors and directs the ookinete invasive apparatus towards midgut peritrophic matrix, which is critical for the efficient invasion and transmission of Plasmodium to mosquitoes. Thus, Anopheles FREP1 and Plasmodium α-tubulin-I are potential targets for blocking malaria transmission.
Characterization of retroreflective tape optical properties for use with position-sensitive scintillator detectors

Abstract Reflective materials such as Teflon and Enhanced Specular Reflector are commonly used to maximize light collection in scintillator-based radiation detection systems. While effective, in most cases, the spatial information carried by the light is diminished or lost entirely. Retroreflectors, in contrast, better preserve the spatial information and have been shown to improve the localization performance of such systems. In this work, the relative retroreflectivity of a selection of commercial retroreflective tapes and their performance impact when coupled to a plastic scintillator are reported. We demonstrate improved localization performance with some tapes compared to Teflon and black paint.
Evolution in the Fast Lane: Diversity, Ecology, and Speciation of Cichlids in the Lower Congo River

More than 40 years ago in their compendium of fish diversity in the lower Congo River (LCR), T. R. Roberts and D. J. Stewart posed the question, “Why does the LCR harbor so many cichlids?” Here we seek an answer through a synthesis of the last 40+ years of research on cichlid diversity, ecology, and speciation. Our review suggests a key role for the unique geomorphology and hydrology of the river itself and its history of connectivity to other African freshwater ecosystems. In contrast to the river upstream of Pool Malebo, the LCR channel is entirely bedrock, and littoral habitats are mostly rocky and rock-strewn. In situ measurements have recorded dramatic changes in channel topology, fluctuating bed bathymetry, and regions of extreme depth. A combination of high annual discharge, steep elevational decline, and fluctuating channel width and depth result in extraordinarily high-energy flow regimes throughout the LCR. In-stream hydraulics and bathymetry appear to play a key role in isolating cichlid populations and are likely powerful drivers for micro-allopatric isolation and speciation, often over remarkably small geographical scales. Moreover, this hydrologically extreme environment is the evolutionary backdrop for an unusual array of cichlid morphologies, including the only known blind cichlid (Lamprologus lethops).
Mind the Wikidata Gap: Why You Should Care About Theological Data Gaps in Wikipedia’s Obscure Relative, and How You Can Do Something About It

Wikidata, a community-curated knowledge base related to Wikipedia, affects our access to information, wielding more power than many realize. Seeing an opportunity for improving access to knowledge and promoting their collections, libraries, archives, and other cultural heritage institutions have been experimenting with Wikidata in various ways. One burgeoning area of activity is in Wikidata’s scholarly citation data, but that participation has largely concentrated in the sciences, leaving a gap in its theological and religious studies coverage. This presentation demonstrates how this gap matters to theological libraries and shows how you can contribute to efforts to fill it, even in small ways. Delving into Wikidata can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. As long as you have basic computer skills, you can find a way to participate.
Single Degree of Freedom Flutter of Compressor Blades in Separated Flow

Semiempirical results by Half man, et al., are employed to demonstrate the existence of steady-state oscillations (limitcycles) of pitching airfoils in separated How (stall flutter). The flow around an oscillating two-dimensional airfoil was studied with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. This investigation shows the prime effects of frequency k = (c*b)/v, initial angle of attack at, cascade effect, and Mach Number on the aerodynamic reactions in separated flow.
A Secure Mobile OTP Token

Implementing a mobile One-time Password (OTP) Token on a cellular phone is a hot topic since the past few years. The proposed solutions had made certain improvements on network security. But none of them can fully prevent the OTP seed (K) tracing from MIMT OTP code interception or Shoulder-surfing security attacks while also meet the following criteria – fully compliant with existing authentication systems, inter-operable with other token and easy to deploy or support. This paper presents a cipher called Rubbing Encryption Algorithm (REAL) and the implementation of a Mobile OTP Token using this algorithm. The newly designed REAL Mobile OTP Token addresses and improves the aforementioned issues successfully.
Relationship between temperature and triazinone herbicide activity: I. Herbicide binding to thylakoid membranes

Abstract The binding rate of metribuzin, 4-amino-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-(methylthio)-1,2,4-triazin-5(4 H )-one, and its ethylthio analog (ethyl-metribuzin), 4-amino-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-(ethylthio)-1,2,4-triazin-5(4 H )-one to thylakoid membranes of downy brome ( Bromus tectorum L.), jointed goatgrass ( Aegilops cylindrica Host), and winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) increased as temperature increased from 10 to 30°C. However, total herbicide bound was approximately 20% less at 30°C than at 10 or 20°C. At concentrations ≤0.316 μ M , more metribuzin than ethyl-metribuzin was bound to thylakoid membranes of all three species at 10 to 30°C. Binding constants ( K b ) for ethyl-metribuzin were 1.8 to 2.1 times greater than those for metribuzin for all three species. The reduced binding affinity of ethyl-metribuzin, compared with metribuzin, partially explains its reduced activity at the protoplast and whole plant level. In competitive binding studies, atrazine, 6-chloro- N -ethyl- N′ -(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine, metribuzin, and ethyl-metribuzin all competed for a common binding site.
Effect of Automated Online Counseling on Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life Among Adolescents With Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Effective patient education is necessary for treating patients with acne vulgaris. Automated online counseling simulates face-to-face encounters and may be a useful tool to deliver education. Objective To compare the effectiveness of a standard educational website with that of an automated-counseling website in improving clinical outcomes and quality of life among adolescents with acne. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized clinical trial conducted between March 27, 2014, and June 27, 2014, including a 12-week follow-up in a local inner-city high school. Ninety-eight students aged at least 13 years with mild to moderate acne were eligible for participation. A per-protocol analysis of the evaluable population was conducted on clinical outcome data. Interventions Participants viewed either a standard educational website or an automated-counseling website. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the total acne lesion count. Secondary measures included the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) scores and general skin care behavior. Results Forty-nine participants were randomized to each group. At baseline, the mean (SD) total acne lesion count was not significantly different between the standard-website group and the automated-counseling–website group (21.33 [10.81] vs 25.33 [12.45]; P = .10). Improvement in the mean (SD) acne lesion count was not significantly different between the standard-website group and the automated-counseling–website group (0.20 [9.26] vs 3.90 [12.19]; P = .10). The mean (SD) improvement in CDLQI score for the standard-website group was not significantly different from that of the automated-counseling–website group (0.17 [2.64] vs 0.39 [2.94]; P = .71). After 12 weeks, a greater proportion of participants in the automated-counseling–website group maintained or adopted a recommended anti-acne skin care routine compared with the standard-website group (43% vs 22%; P = .03). Conclusions and Relevance Internet-based acne education using automated counseling was not superior to standard-website education in improving acne severity and quality of life. However, a greater proportion of participants who viewed the automated-counseling website reported having maintained or adopted a recommended anti-acne skin care regimen. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT02031718
Ultrasonic Flaw Detection Using Neural Network Models and Statistical Analysis: Simulation Studies

Flaw detection problems in ultrasonic NDE can be considered as two-class classification problems, i.e., determining whether a flaw is present or not present. To be practical, a flaw classification method must be able to handle the uncertainties associated with interference from grain noise which leads to poor signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). In this work, the use of neural network models and statistical correlation is demonstrated for one such detection/classification problem. In particular, based on simulation studies, we wish to establish practical strategies in detecting weak volumetric flaw signals corrupted by high grain noise. An example of this type that is of recent interest is the detection of “hard-alpha” inclusions in aircraft titanium components [1]. Both the feasibility and reliability of using these classifiers are assessed. This effort was carried out in parallel with another study [2] where more traditional signal processing approaches were taken.
How small are the smallest selectable domains of form

Two lines of Drosophila melanogaster from the same base population were selected in opposite directions to produce simultaneous antagonistic changes in two very small (less than 0.2 mm) and closely adjacent (less than 0.3 mm) dimensions within the base of the wing. Wing dimensions near the targeted area became differentiated by large positive and negative percentage differences, while only small homogeneous percentage changes occurred in the remainder of the wing. If very small regions of morphology (less than 100 cells across) can respond to selection almost independently, even in small population samples, then the control of developmental detail must involve many genes, and the diversity of possible outcomes in development and adaptation must be large.
Standardization of high content imaging and informatics

Undoubtedly, the advancement of HCS technology with improved light sources, cameras and detectors, optics, and new reagents and optical microplates has helped generate better-quality images. This progress has reduced but not eliminated the dependence on flat-field illumination correction and background subtraction. As advancements in microscopy technology has occurred, the scientific community has embraced newer cell-based models such as 3D scaffolds, mixed culture systems, and new fluorescent probes that require an even greater emphasis on image quality to make accurate and quantitative measurements. This is most evident when processing z-stack images captured on HCS platforms. For these reasons, it is absolutely critical that microscope-based HCS platforms are properly calibrated and operated to reduce unnecessary noise, and to optimize axial alignment of x and y horizontal dimensions, and the vertical z position. The scientific community must embrace the urgent need for standardization from cells to HCS data to enhance reproducibility and reduce unnecessary economic loss. Together, the scientists and end users partnering with the manufacturing companies, colleagues, and government agencies can strive to build the necessary toolboxes and protocols to ensure the highest quality of all aspects of HCS data. While standards alone may not entirely solve the problem of irreproducibility, they most certainly will enhance the likelihood that published HCS data can be duplicated, and minimize the experimental variables that require adjustment, thus saving much time and money. In keeping with the mission of SBI2, we and the HCS community will embark on the development and implementation of the standards (Image File Format Standard, Data Integrity Standard, and the Reference Material Standard) discussed above. Moreover, there is a requirement for additional standards and guidelines for HCS best practices to assure both data quality and reproducibility. These include standardization of the nomenclature and terminology used in the “algorithms” used in image analysis processing, and of the parameters generated by these analyses, and even guidelines for data mining and the statistical analysis of HCS data. To get involved or if you would like to learn more about how SBI2 is working to bring standards forward in the community, please contact us at gro.2ibs@ofni.
Functional morphology and feeding behavior of Paraprionospio pinnata (Polychaeta: Spionidae)

The functional morphology and feeding behavior of Paraprionospio pinnata (Ehlers) were studied. The tentacular feeding palps of P. pinnata possess four groups of cilia: laterals, latero-frontal cirri, frontals and basal transverse rows. The lateral cilia beat in metachronal waves creating in current that flows toward the frontal surface of the palp. The latero-frontal cirri deflect suspended particles onto the frontal surface and potentially resuspend deposited particles. The frontal cilia line the groove of the palp and transport particles to the ciliated pharynx. The basal transverse cilia also beat in metachronal waves and together with the frontal cilia of the branchiae produce a “U”-shaped current that removes particles rejected by the pharynx from the burrow. The significance of particle selection at the site of the pharynx in spionid polychaetes is hypothesized to be constrained by the interaction of specific morphologies and behaviors that reduce the effects of epifaunal predation and browsing. The relationship between sediment permeability and type of respiratory or ventilation current is hypothesized to be a potentially important factor in understanding the distribution of spionid polychaetes.
A Survey of the Hemiptera and Homoptera Infesting Grasses (Gramineae) in New York

A survey was made by sweep-net during the summer of 1961 to determine the identity and distribution of insects infesting grasses in New York. Insects in the orders Hemiptera and Homoptera were found to be the most abundant, and their identities and distribution are reported herein. A total of 104 species, 53 Hemiptera and 51 Homoptera, was collected. Of these, 16 species of Hemiptera and 17 species of Homoptera are considered “major” species, i.e. those which were collected in 10 (an arbitrarily chosen number) or more of the 57 New York counties surveyed. Answers to the question of whether or not a given species is a definite or potential pest of grasses were obtained in most eases by all extensive review of the literature for each species. A brief discussion of each major species is given.
Similarity measurement of moving object trajectories

To study the similarity between moving object trajectories is important in many applications, e.g., to find the clusters of moving objects which share the same moving pattern, and infer the future locations of a moving object from its similar trajectories. To define the similarity between moving objects is a challenging task, since not only their locations change but also their speed and semantic features vary. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to measure the similarity between trajectories. The similarity is defined based on both geographic and semantic features of movements. Our approach can be used to detect trajectory clusters and infer future locations of moving objects.
A diffusion analysis of refined lignin sulfonic acid

Abstract The ligneous material present in sulfite waste liquor is estimated to be composed of lignin sulfonic acids with rather uniform chemical composition of which about 30–40% have molecular weights averaging 1,500-2,000, and 50–60% have an average molecular weight in the neighborhood of 20,000.
Organization and transcription of the genes encoding two differentially expressed phycocyanins in the cyanobacterium Pseudanabaena sp. PCC 7409.

The cpc1 and cpc2 operons of the group III chromatically adapting cyanobacterium Pseudanabaena sp. PCC 7409 were isolated and their nucleotide sequences determined. The cpc1 operon consists of the genes cpcB1A1EF and gives rise to an abundant 1400-nucleotide transcript encoding the cpcB1A1 genes and two low-abundance transcripts of 1000 nucleotides and 1100 nucleotides encoding the cpcF gene. Two extremely low-abundance transcripts of approximately 2900 nucleotides and 4800 nucleotides possibly encode cpcB1A1E and cpcB1A1EF, respectively. All transcripts were present in cultures grown in either red or green light. The transcription start of the cpcB1A1 mRNA was mapped to a position 238 bp 5′ to the cpcB1 translation start. The cloned fragment containing the cpcB2A2 genes was found to contain only a portion of the cpc2 operon and consisted of the cpcB2A2 genes and the 5′ portion of the linker gene cpcH2. On the basis of biochemical evidence, as well as sequence data from other cpc operons, it is probable that the complete Pseudanabaena sp. PCC 7409 cpc2 operon consists of the genes cpcB2A2H2I2D2. This operon is almost exclusively transcribed in cells grown in red light and gives rise to an abundant mRNA 1400 nucleotides in length that encodes the cpcB2A2 genes. A second transcript of 2400 nucleotides encodes the cpcB2A2H2 genes. A third transcript of 3800 nucleotides encodes the cpcB2A2H2 genes and probably the cpcI2 and cpcD2 genes as well. Transcription of the cpc2 mRNAs inititates 219 bp 5′ to the cpcB2 translation start. The promoter region of the Pseudanabaena sp. PCC 7409 cpc1 operon contains the sequence 5′ ttGTATaa 3′ that is also found to occur within 20 bp of the transcription initiation sites of a number of other constitutively expressed cpc promoters. A high level of sequence similarity also occurs between the red-light-inducible cpc2 promoters of Pseudanabaena sp. PCC 7409 and Calothrix sp. PCC 7601.
Carcinogenic metals and NF-κB activation

Epidemiological and animal studies suggest that several metals and metal-containing compounds are potent mutagens and carcinogens. These metals include chromium, arsenic, vanadium, and nickel. During the last two decades, chemical and cellular studies have contributed enormously to our understanding of the mechanisms of metal-induced pathophysiological processes. Although each of these metals is unique in its mechanism of action, some common signaling molecules, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), may be shared by many of these carcinogenic metals. New techniques are now available to reveal the mechanisms of carcinogenesis in precise molecular terms. In this review, we focused our attentions on metal-induced signal transduction pathways leading to the activation of NF-kappaB, a transcription factor governing the expression of most early response genes involved in a number of human diseases.
T.P.14 Gentamicin treatment of nonsense-mediated Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A case report

Abstract About 13% of patients Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have a nonsense mutation in the dystrophin gene leading to premature stop codon. Aminoglycoside-induced ribosomal readthrough of premature stop codons has been shown to restore dystrophin to skeletal muscles in mdx mice. In clinical trials gentamicin use was associated with decreased serum levels and increased dystrophin expression on muscle biopsies. To report the clinical outcome of 3.3 year of IV gentamicin therapy in a patient with DMD. Subject is a 21 year old patient who was diagnosed with DMD at age 7 with muscle biopsy showing non-reactive staining to 3 dys antibodies and a small group of revertant fibers; and has a nonsense mutation in exon 59 of the dystrophin gene. Independent ambulation was lost at age 11.5 after bilateral heel cord releases and scoliosis surgery for a 110 degree curve was done at age 15.5 years. Glucocorticoids (daily deflazacort 30 mg) were started at age 15.8 year. with improved upper extremity strength and pulmonary function. Intravenous gentamicin 7.5 mg/kg/week was started from age 17.2 years with a concomitant decreased deflazacort dose to 30 mg every other day (qod). Subject showed increased motor and pulmonary function at 6 months after starting IV Gentamicin therapy and deflazacort was further decreased to 15 mg qod. Decline in muscle strength and pulmonary function was noted at 20 months of IV gentamicin and with decreased deflazacort dose. Mildly Improved PFT was noted after increasing deflazacort to daily 15 mg at at 18.5 year. Subject is overall doing well with quite stable pulmonary and motor function at age 21 year with no ototoxicity or renal toxicity for the past 3.3 year. This case highlights the clinical benefit of 3.3 year of weekly IV gentamicin and low dose daily deflazacort therapy in a subject with nonsense-mediated DMD without significant adverse effects.
Definition of an HLA-A3-like supermotif demonstrates the overlapping peptide-binding repertoires of common HLA molecules

An HLA-A3-like supertype (minimally comprised of products from the HLA class I alleles A3, A11, A31, A*3301, and A*6801) has been defined on the basis of (a) structural similarities in the antigen-binding groove, (b) shared main anchor peptide-binding motifs, (c) the identification of peptides cross-reacting with most or all of these molecules, and (d) the definition of an A3-like supermotif that efficiently predicts highly cross-reactive peptides. Detailed secondary anchor maps for A3, A11, A31, A*3301, and A*6801 are also described. The biologic relevance of the A3-like supertype is indicated by the fact that high frequencies of the A3-like supertype alleles are conserved in all major ethnic groups. Because A3-like supertype alleles are found in most major HLA evolutionary lineages, possibly a reflection of common ancestry, the A3-like supermotif might in fact represent a primeval human HLA class I peptide-binding specificity. It is also possible that these phenomena might be related to optimal exploitation of the peptide specificity by human TAP molecules. The grouping of HLA alleles into supertypes on the basis of their overlapping peptide-binding repertoires represents an alternative to serologic or phylogenetic classification.
A bacterial virulence determinant encoded by lysogenic coliphage λ

ALTHOUGH phage λ represents a well studied biological system, it has certain features that remain obscure. Among these is the function of the roughly one third of the phage genome dispensable for growth in the laboratory, yet retained despite undoubted pressure to economize1. Here we report that these 'accessory' sequences contain two genes which are expressed during lysogeny, and encode host-cell envelope proteins. One of these is lom (ref. 2), the product of which is found in the bacterial outer membrane, and is homologous to virulence proteins of two other enterobacterial genera. The other gene, previously unidentified, we designate bor. Expression of bor significantly increases the survival of the Escherischia coli host cell in animal serum. This property is a well known bacterial virulence determinant3,4—indeed, bor and its adjacent sequences are highly homologous to the iss serum resistance locus of the plasmid ColV2-K94, which confers virulence in animals5,6. These results show that the λ prophage is more tran-scriptionally active than has long been assumed, and suggest that lysogeny may generally have a role in bacterial survival in animal hosts, and perhaps in pathogenesis.
CVD of metal chalcogenide films

The preparation of SnE, Ag 2 E and Cu 2 E (E = Se, Te) thin films by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and Vapor Phase Transport (VPT) has been studied. The precursors, [Sn{(SiMe 3 ) 2 CH} 2 (μ-E)] 2 (E = Te, Se), have been studied for the deposition of SnE films. Deposition experiments have been performed on nonmetallic substrates, Si, and SiO 2 , as well as on Cu and on M/Si and M/SiO 2 substrates (M = Cu, Ag and Au). Depositions were carried out at temperatures ranging between 300 - 600°C and pressures ranging between 0.5 - 40 mbar in either pure H 2 atmosphere or H 2 /He mixture in a cold wall vertical CVD reactor. The film deposition was very selective with respect to the metal substrates, where phases of M 2 E and MSn were found. Thin metal film was employed as a seeding layer to obtain SnTe films. Thin films of chalcogenides M 2 E (M = Ag, Cu and E = Se, Te) were prepared by vapor transport and electron beam evaporation techniques. The magnetoresistivity (MR) of Ag 2-δ Te showed markedly different temperature dependencies for oriented and non-oriented films. Furthermore, in contrast to the bulk samples, a large anisotropy and a sign reversal effect of MR, were found in these films.
Gender differences in national assessment of educational progress science items: What does i don't know really mean?

The National Assessment of Educational Progress Science Assessment has consistently revealed small gender differences on science content items but not on science inquiry items. This assessment differs from others in that respondents can choose “I don't know” rather than guessing. This paper examines explanations for the gender differences including (a) differential prior instruction, (b) differential response to uncertainty and use of the “I don't know” response, (c) differential response to figurally presented items, and (d) different attitudes towards science. Of these possible explanations, the first two received support. Females are more likely to use the “I don't know” response, especially for items with physical science content or masculine themes such as football. To ameliorate this situation we need more effective science instruction and more gender-neutral assessment items.