cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Texas Radio Astrometric Survey

The 5-element Texas Interferometer is engaged in a 365 MHz survey of the sky with a primary goal of establishing positions of about 50000 discrete radio sources with an accuracy of about 1″ in each coordinate. Measurements are made relative to optical positions of identified sources, and the 2000 positions thus far obtained support our expectations of the accuracy of the survey. In a companion program, optical positions of objects near radio source positions are being measured to ± 1/2″ accuracy on glass copies of the Palomar Sky Survey, yielding both improved overall calibration of the radio positions and identification of associated optical objects on the basis of position coincidence alone, without the selection effects usually introduced by auxiliary identification criteria.
The effect of caramel coloring on the multiple degradation pathways of aspartame

: Multiple degradation pathways accounting for the breakdown of the dipeptide sweetener a-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (a-APM) in 4 mM phosphate, pH 3.1 and a simulated cola beverage are described. At 20-, 35-, 45- and 55 °C caramel coloring concentrations greater than 700 ppm increased the rate of hydrolysis of the methyl ester forming a-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine. At 55 °C and pH 3.1 caramel coloring also enhanced the breakdown of a-APM degradation products. The influence of caramel coloring on the rates of degradation varied considerably for a-APM and each degradation product. A model is proposed based on the expected solution properties of caramel coloring which accounts for the enhanced degradation.
Specific syntheses and electrochemistry of isomeric [Mn(CO)6-n(CNMe)n]+ (n = 3, 4) complexes

Abstract The replacement of bromide ion in Mn(CO)5-n (CNMe)n Br complexes (n = 2, 3, 4) by CO and CNMe, accomplished in the presence of the halogen acceptors AlCl3 (CO reactions only) or AgPF6, is found to be stereospecific, thus providing reliable routes to the pure isomeric complexes cis- and rans- [Mn(CO)2 (CNMe)4]+, and fac- and mer-[Mn(CO)3 (CNMe)3]+. Cyclic voltammetric studies on PF6- salts of the isomeric complexes show that E 1 2 values for the isomeric species differ substantially. The qualitative explanation for this difference, involving relative stabilizations of the (primarily) non-bonding metal 3d orbitals through π-interactions with CO and CNMe, is justified by molecular orbital calculations.
Increases in sweat rate during exercise: Gland recruitment versus output per gland

Abstract 1. 1.|Increase in exercise intensity result in linear (r = 0.82) increases in whole-body sweat rate. 2. 2.|The total number of active sweat glands recruited increases significantly (P 3. 3.|Mean sweat rate per gland is unchanged (P > 0.05) with increases in exercise intensity. 4. 4.|Whole-body sweat rate is linearly (r = 0.84) correlated to the number of active sweat glands recruited during exercise.
New Report Addresses Climate Change and Freshwater Fish

Fisheries professionals have long been working to address stressors to the health of freshwater fish and their habitats. The challenges are many, such as habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, ...
Effect of X-irradiation and Beta Emanation on Circulation in the Hamster Cheek Pouch

The small venules of the hamster cheek pouch were rendered susceptible to hemorrhage by total body x-irradiation, cheek pouch x-irradiation and beta emanations from strontium-90 glass beads imbedded in the cheek pouch, as determined by negative pressure and moccasin venom tests. Petechiae were formed without vessel rupture and ceased without formation of platelet plug or fibrin clot. Increased susceptibility to petechiae preceded thrombocytopenia. Endothelial damage was indicated by increased leukocytic adhesiveness to walls of venules. Vasodilation, tortuosity, newlyformed capillaries, and occasional "sausage-shaped" segments of constriction in arterioles were characteristic vascular responses. Near death, erythrocytes circulated in aggregates varying from typical rouleau formation to discrete masses, resembling "sludged blood" but without formation of occluding thrombi.
Themes in Heterosexuals’ Responses When Challenging LGBT Prejudice

The purposes of this study were (a) to examine themes in heterosexuals’ responses when responding to LGBT prejudice, and (b) to explore the potential influence of educational information about LGBT topics on these themes of responses. Heterosexual undergraduate students (N = 225) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: participants received information about LGBT topics, or they did not. Then participants were asked to speak out in a written format against LGBT prejudicial statements they read in a blog taken directly from the Internet. Using content analysis, 16 codes were generated from the literature on the confrontation of prejudice and from participants’ responses. The 16 codes were then grouped conceptually into four themes with the following percent representations in participants’ responses: values (38.9 %), knowledge promotion (36.2 %), attack (16.7 %), and personal participation (8.4 %). No differences between conditions emerged in the prevalence of these themes. Implications for ally interventions, multicultural education, and future research are discussed.
A major role for neutrophils in experimental bullous pemphigoid

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an inflammatory subepidermal blistering disease associated with an IgG autoimmune response to the hemidesmosomal protein, BP180. Using a passive transfer mouse model, our group has shown previously that antibodies to the murine BP180 (mBP180) ectodomain are capable of triggering a blistering skin disease that closely mimics human BP. In this study, we investigated the role of neutrophils in the immunopathogenesis of this disease model. BALB/c mice depleted of circulating neutrophils by treatment with neutrophil-specific antibodies were no longer susceptible to the pathogenic effects of anti-mBP180 IgG. IgG and complement were deposited at the dermal-epidermal junction of these animals, but there was no evidence of inflammatory infiltration or blistering. C5-deficient mice, which are resistant to the pathogenic activity of anti-mBP180 IgG, could be made susceptible to this IgG-mediated blistering disease by intradermal administration of a neutrophil chemoattractant, IL-8 or C5a. Intraperitoneal injection of IL-8, which sequesters neutrophils in the peritoneal cavity, interferes with anti-mBP180-induced neutrophilic infiltration of the skin and prevented the development of BP disease in BALB/c mice. These findings provide the first direct evidence that neutrophils recruited to the skin via a C5-dependent pathway play an essential role in subepidermal blister formation in experimental BP, and suggest new directions for disease intervention.
Ductus Closure in Preterm Infants Effects on Cerebral Hemodynamics

Intracranial arterial blood flow velocities were studied before and after ductus closure by surgery (n = 8) and indomethacin (n = 10) in very low birth weight infants. Blood flow velocities were measured non-invasively through the fontanel with a pulsed Doppler velocimeter. Ligation of the ductus was associated with a 62% increase in mean flow velocity 24 hours after surgery, mainly secondary to increased diastolic flow velocity. Indomethacin (0.2 mg/kg i.v.) induction of ductus constriction was associated with a 36% decrease of mean flow velocity one hour after administration. At 24 hours, the intracranial blood flow velocity had returned to the pretreatment level but was still significantly lower than after ligation. Ductus closure is associated with marked changes in cerebral hemodynamics. Ligation causes increased arterial blood flow velocities and indomethacin administration seems to reduce blood flow velocities to the brain.
Aphasia Secondary to Tuberculosis: A Review of a Nineteenth-Century Case Report by Booth and Curtis (1893)

The topic of aphasia secondary to tuberculosis deserves attention for two reasons: first, for better understanding rare etiologies of aphasia in medical history; and secondly, for initiating a multidisciplinary discussion relevant to aphasiologists, neurologists, pathologists, and clinicians generally. This article will focus on clinical observations of tuberculosis-related aphasia in the nineteenth century, highlighting a noteworthy case report presented by Booth and Curtis (1893).
Exposure monitor structure

A novel exposure monitor structure (EMS) is proposed as a sensitive means to monitor or measure effective exposure dose in the optical lithographic printing. Like windows of graduated transmittance, it is very sensitive to dose, but not to focus. On the other hand, EMS is compact to allow placement in the kerf or device layouts and it is measurable by automated rctetrology tools. EMS is built in the conventional reticles by arranging a set of stripes of chrome and glass on the period near MTF cut-off in a manner simulating transmission wedges on both sides of a conventional line. Since the fine structure of EMS is not resolved by the optical lithography tool used for printing, it performs like a transmission wedge. Conventional linewidth measurements of a printed EMS image are used to monitor exposure dose. Coupled with a calibration curve, sensitive dose measurements can also be made. Modelling of printing of EMS and of a conventional line on an optical stepper indicates that printed linewidth of EMS changes much faster as the function of dose. EMS also displays relatively little sensitivity to defocus. Conventional 5X reticles with EMS were built. Exposure sequences were carried out on a G-line stepper. Linewidth measurements of printed EMS and of conventional lines were done on a typical linewidth measurement tool. Experiment confirms that linewidth of printed EMS is much more sensitive to dose than that of a conventional line. Once linewidth of EMS is established at the desirable dose, EMS may be used to set that dose in the subsequent runs. With more accurate dose set-up and job disposition decisions, higher product tolerance can be achieved with existing equipment and process.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Assignment of the gene for acetylcholinesterase to distal mouse chromosome 5

Characterization of genomic clones encoding mouse acetylcholinesterase enabled us to identify a restriction fragment length polymorphism that distinguishes between the progenitor strains for the recombinant inbred strain sets AKXD and BXD. The strain distribution pattern for this polymorphism indicates that Ache is located on distal mouse chromosome 5.
Evolution of inorganic chlorine partitioning in the Arctic polar vortex

[1] The first simultaneous, in situ atmospheric measurements of ClO, ClOOCl, ClONO2, and HCl, which together nearly compose total inorganic chlorine, Cly, were obtained using the NASA ER-2 aircraft, deployed from Kiruna, Sweden, during the SOLVE/THESEO mission. These chlorine measurements, along with Cly inferred from in situ measurements of organic chlorine source gases, offer an unprecedented opportunity to observe chlorine activation and recovery in the polar winter stratosphere and evaluate the inorganic chlorine budget, i.e., a test of the quantitative agreement between the sum of ClOx (ClO + 2 × ClOOCl), ClONO2, and HCl with Cly. Inside the Arctic vortex, inorganic chlorine is rarely fully activated with ClOx/Cly ranging from approximately 0.25 to 0.90. An apparent discrepancy in the inorganic chlorine budget for much of the midwinter correlates well with back trajectory solar zenith angle minimum and is consistent with the presence of Cl2, which was not observable. Evaluation of the midwinter inorganic chlorine budget, excluding data where Cl2 is present, yields (ClOx + ClONO2 + HCl)/Cly = 0.94 ± 0.07. In contrast, a shortfall in the late winter inorganic chlorine budget is the result of an apparent low bias in the HCl measurements. A diurnal box model constructed to analyze chlorine recovery rates highlights the importance of not only the Cl + CH4 reaction in HCl formation, but also OH + ClO and potentially HO2 + ClO. We find that significant HCl production accompanied net ClONO2 production in the inorganic chlorine recovery phase of this Arctic winter.
Characterizing communication instruction in computer science and engineering programs: Methods and applications

“Incorporating Communication Learning Outcomes Across the Computer Science (CS) and Software Engineering (SE) Curriculum” is an NSF-funded project that aims to identify the communication skills, specifically those involving reading, writing, speaking, and teaming, needed by CS and SE graduates and then determine how these skills can be taught within CS and SE curricula. This paper presents the results of our first two years of studying the programs at Miami University and North Carolina State University to determine the kinds of communication utilized in our courses and how communication is taught and assessed. When looking at student attitudes towards communication our analyses suggest that students do not consider technical (professional) activities such as code reading, writing, and inspections as communication activities, and the same applies to more complex genres such as software testing or design. They also appear to have difficulty relating writing and reading that may take place in the context of the courses to what they might be doing as software engineers and computer scientists once they start working. On the other hand, initial results indicate that our students' communications skills increase steadily throughout their stay in the university. We have also identified potential strategies for improved instruction in communication.
Direct current shock and lidocaine in the treatment of digitalis-induced ventricular tachycardia

Abstract A total of 20 dogs with digitalis-induced ventricular tachycardia either failed to improve or deterioriated further to multifocal ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation or cardiac standstill after synchronized D.C. shocks. Eleven of 16 dogs treated with lidocaine immediately reverted to normal sinus rhythm. These data indicate that synchronized D.C. shocks are not only ineffectual but are hazardous and probably contraindicated in the treatment of digitalis-induced ventricular tachycardia. Lidocaine or a similar type of compound remains the treatment of choice in this condition. p ]The effect of synchronized D.C. shock on digitalis-induced supraventricular arrhythmias was not determined. Extreme caution in its clinical use for supraventricular cardiac arrhythmias due to digitalis toxicity is suggested if it is used at all in these conditions.
Meteor or Meteoric Cloud

A picture purporting to be a photograph of the great meteor of 1933 March 24 in flight was a photograph, not of the meteor itself, but of the meteoric cloud left in the wake of the meteor.
Achieving Affective and Behavioral Outcomes in Culture Learning: The Case for Ethnographic Interviews

: This study sought to extend previous research on ethnographic interviews as a method of culture learning in foreign language classes by employing a qualitative case study methodology. Fifty-four university students in a first-year Spanish course worked in pairs to conduct a series of three ethnographic interviews with a native speaker of Spanish. Students reported a variety of cognitive, affective, and behavioral outcomes of the project, including (a) enhanced attitudes toward Spanish speakers and Hispanic cultures, and in some cases, new friendships with Hispanic individuals; (b) enhanced competencies in relating to and communicating with people of other cultures, including the ability to view situations from other cultural points of view; and (c) an increased awareness of the influence of their own culture in their lives.
Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator injected into the vitreous cavity may penetrate the retinal veins of a porcine model of vascular occlusion

Aim: To determine if recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) injected into the vitreous cavity can penetrate the retinal vessels of porcine eyes with or without vascular occlusion. Methods: Eight eyes (group I) of four pigs underwent clamping of the optic nerve flush with the globe for 90 minutes. One hour after reperfusion, one eye of each pig was injected with 75 μg of rtPA, and the fellow eye was injected with balanced salt solution (BSS). Eyes were processed for immunohistochemistry. Four additional eyes (group II) of two pigs were subjected to the same injections, but without optic nerve clamping. Results: After reperfusion, the clinical picture was similar to that of a central retinal vein occlusion. Immunoperoxidase staining showed rtPA only in the retinal veins but not the retinal arteries in all eyes injected with rtPA in both groups I and II. Those eyes also showed intense rtPA staining at the level of the internal limiting membrane (ILM). No staining was seen at the level of the ILM or inside the retinal vessels in the BSS injected eyes. Immunofluorescence staining showed intense staining at the level of the ILM, but not inside the retinal vessels in the rtPA-injected eyes. Conclusions: rtPA may penetrate the retinal veins, but not the arteries of porcine eyes with and without vascular occlusion. The ILM may play a part in preventing rtPA penetration.
The cooling process in gas quenching

Gas quenching is a relatively new process with several important advantages, such as minimal environmental impact, clean products, and ability to control the cooling locally and temporally for best product properties. To meet the high cooling rates required for quenching, the cooling gas must flow at very high velocities, and such flows are highly turbulent and separated. Consequently, there is a need for good understanding of these flows and their consequences for the process. To that end, we researched the state of the art, and have conducted numerous numerical and experimental studies and developed CFD models on this subject, and show the results for flows inside quench chambers and their components, and for external flows, including multi-jet impingement, on cylindrical and prismatic single and multiple bodies (the quench charge). Velocity distributions and uniformity, pressure drop, and flow effects on heat transfer coefficients and product uniformity, as well as recommendation for improved processes, are shown.
“If There is No Struggle, There is No Progress”: Transformative Youth Activism and the School of Ethnic Studies

In the wake of the Tucson Unified School District dismantling its highly successful Mexican American Studies (MAS) program, students staged walkouts across the district to demonstrate their opposition. Student-led walkouts were portrayed as merely “ditching,” and students were described as not really understanding why they were protesting. After these events, a group of student activists called UNIDOS organized and led the School of Ethnic Studies. This was a community school dedicated to teaching the forbidden MAS curriculum. In this article we present counternarratives from organizers, presenters, and participants in the School of Ethnic Studies. These narratives demonstrate the transformative resistance of students who created their own form of liberatory education. Our analysis highlights how student organizers led the creation of an autonomous, community-based educational space to allowed young people to engage in political analysis, self-reflection, and strategic organizing. We conclude with the implications for Ethnic Studies, urban education, and counternarrative.
Laparoscopically assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement using 2-mm instrumentation.

Background: Laparoscopy has potential benefit in the placement of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. In patients who have undergone multiple shunt revisions or other abdominal operations, laparoscopy may be particularly beneficial when finding of a suitable area in which to place the shunt is a concern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopically assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, with an emphasis on using 2-mm instrumentation.
Laboratory Evaluation of a Two-Phase Spray System for Airborne Dust Suppression

Abstract A dust chamber was specially designed to study the effectiveness of two types of spray systems under different operating conditions. The first, a single-phase spray system (SPSS), uses water as the flowing fluid. The second, a two-phase spray system (TPSS), uses both water and air as the flowing fluids. A factorial experiment was designed in which, in addition to the spray systems, coal dust type, coal dust size, water and air pressures, and airflow in the chamber were the other factors. The major objective of this study was to study the performance of SPSS and TPSS at higher air and water pressures, specifically from 50 to 100 psi. The experimental results were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques. According to this study, dust collection efficiency is higher with TPSS than with SPSS for all coal dust sizes and dust types. In both cases, however, collection efficiency decreases with a decrease in coal particle size. Collection efficiency is independent of coal dust type for lar...
Improving data accuracy: Selecting the best data checking technique

Abstract Data entry errors can have catastrophic effects on the results of a statistical analysis. Therefore, researchers often spend considerable effort checking their data. This paper compared the effectiveness of three data checking methods – double entry, read aloud, and visual checking – using the types of data and data entry personnel that are typically used in psychological research. To compare these techniques, we created 20 data sheets and entered them into the computer. Next, we deliberately introduced errors into this data set. Participants’ job was to locate and correct these errors. A total of 340 undergraduates participated in this study. Of these, 80 had previous data entry experience and 260 did not. Double entry was far superior to read aloud and visual checking, both among people with previous data entry experience and among people without previous experience. Among people with no previous experience, read aloud and visual checking had more than 20 times as many errors as double entry. In addition, double entry was preferred over visual checking. Thus, although double entry takes slightly longer, it is clearly worth the extra effort.
Internet Resources on Managing Chronic Nonmalignant Pain With Opioids: The Risks of Addiction

Chronic nonmalignant pain affects approximately 20% of the population. Internet resources for management of chronic pain have expanded in response to this growing population of chronic nonmalignant pain patients. As providers, it is necessary that we also are aware of what resources are available, particularly for patients with opioid use and possible addiction. Physicians need to be aware of the factors associated with opioids and take steps to mitigate the risk of abuse by individual patients. Discontinuation of opioid therapy needs to be adequately and appropriately addressed in patients with aberrant behavior and treated. This includes proper screening and monitoring and the use of emerging agents that will effectively control pain and are associated with a lower risk of abuse.
Variability of the location of internal mammary vessels and glandular breast tissue in breast cancer patients undergoing routine CT-based treatment planning.

Purpose: To determine the variability of position of internal mammary vessels (IMV) and glandular breast tissue (GBT) in patients undergoing breast-conserving radiation therapy. To assess the frequency and magnitude of tangential field border shifts based on preradiation therapy (RT) computed tomography (CT) imaging in breast cancer patients. Methods and Materials: Five hundred and ninety breast cancer patients irradiated between 9/94 and 3/98 underwent routine CT-based treatment planning. Two analyses were performed. First, the position of IMV and GBT, outlined on the central axis CT image, was determined relative to the midsternum in 111 patients irradiated during a 12-month period. In the second analysis, the difference between anticipated (pre-CT) and actual (CT-based) tangential field borders was assessed in 254 patients irradiated during a 2-year period. Results: In the first analysis, the depth of the IMVs varied from 1 to 6 cm (median 2.4 cm). The lateral distance from the midsternum also varied widely (range 1.7 to 3.7 cm, median 2.5 cm). Similar variability was found in the position of the GBT. In the second analysis, CT information led to changes of anticipated field borders in 65% of patients. The lateral border was shifted in 56% of patients (anteriorly 18%, posteriorly 38%). When the patients were segregated based on internal mammary node (IMN) treatment, the medial border was shifted in 49% of patients when the IMNs were treated in the tangential fields and in 24% when the GBT only was treated. The frequency of lateral field border shifts was similar in both groups. Conclusions: The position of IMVs and GBT varies widely in breast cancer patients. Tangential field borders based on surface anatomy may not be ideal. Among 254 breast cancer patients, the field borders were shifted in 65% of patients when CT information was available. Thus, in most breast cancer patients, field borders are shifted when CT-based treatment planning is used.
Fast Fracture in PMMA

A combined experimental and analytical study of rapid crack propagation in PMMA is described. The experiments employed wedge-loaded, double-cantilever-beam test specimens with blunt starting notches. For the analysis, a finite-difference procedure was used to solve the equations of motion of a beam-on-elastic-foundation model of the test specimen. In both experiment and analysis, crack propagation was found to occur at an essentially constant speed which was maintained until shortly before crack arrest. The magnitude of the observed speeds depended upon the initial bluntness (but only slightly on other dimensions of the specimen) and bore the same relation to the elastic-bar-wave speed Co as that observed in similar experiments on high-strength steel. The frequency of parabolic markings on the fracture surface was found to be related to the dynamic fracture toughness.
Biophysical characterization of VEGF-aHt DNA aptamer interactions.

Abstract The binding of the well-studied DNA aptamer aHt (5′-ATACCAGTCTATTCAATTGGGCCCGTCCGTAT GGTGGGTGTGCTGGCCAG-3′), which has been demonstrated to recognize human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF 165 ) to recombinant VEGF was characterized using fluorescence anisotropy, isothermal titration calorimetry and analytical ultracentrifugation. The negatively-charged DNA aptamer is selective for VEGF and does not recognize positively-charged hen egg lysozyme, or bovine serum albumin. In contrast to the VEGF association of the previously-described aV DNA aptamer, where the binding is enthalpically driven and sequence-specific, the binding of the aHt aptamer to VEGF is entropically-driven and not abolished by scrambling of the sequence.
Panconnected graphs II

A graphG of orderp is said to bepanconnected if for each pairu, v of vertices ofG, there exists a,u, v-path of lengthl inG, for eachl such that dG(u, v)≦l≦p − 1, whered G (u, v) denotes the length of a shortestu, v-path inG. Three conditions are shown to be sufficient for a graphG of orderp to be panconnected: (1) the degree of each vertex ofG is at least (p+2)/2; (2) the sum of the degrees of each pair of nonadjacent vertices ofG is at least (3p−2)/2; (3) the graphG has at least $$\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {p - 1} \\ 2 \\ \end{array} } \right) + 3$$ edges. It is also shown that each of these conditions is best possible. Additional results on panconnectedness are obtained including a characterization of those completen-partite graphs which are panconnected.
Schwinger-Dyson equations and currents in lattice gauge theory☆

Abstract After introducing appropriate derivatives, the structure of Schwinger-Dyson equations, currents and Ward-Takahashi identities (including the anomalous ones) on a finite lattice is completely clarified. A general relation between correlation functions without and with gauge fixing is given.
Abstract P3-07-06: BRCA mutations among Hispanic breast cancer patients of Mexican origin in El Paso, TX

Introduction: El Paso, TX is a large American-Mexican border city of population around 900,000, 85% Hispanic of Mexican origin. Limited cancer research has been conducted in this population. The relative homogeneity of this Hispanic population lends a unique opportunity to study the prevalence of BRCA mutations among Hispanic patients of Mexican origin, to identify reported Mexican founder or recurrent mutations, and to study the breast cancer characteristics in mutation carriers. Methods: Hispanic women with a personal history of breast cancer, who presented consecutively for genetic cancer risk assessment, were enrolled in an Institutional Review Board –approved registry and underwent BRCA testing bases on NCCN guidelines. The characteristics of tumors and patients with positive BRCA mutation were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were utilized . Results : 59 patients were screened; 13 patients (22%) tested positive. Mean age was 50 years; 8 patients (62%) had stages I or II, 2 patients stage III, and 3 unknown. 10 (77%) ductal, 1 (7%) lobular and 2 undetermined; 30% had ER positive tumors versus 61% ER negative; 69% had HER2 –neu negative tumors and 23% HER2-neu positive; 62% were triple negative. Nine patients (69%) were diagnosed with breast cancer at younger than 50 years. Median BMI was 31.78. Ten patients had BRCA1 mutations and 3 BRCA2 mutations. A total of 9 unique deleterious BRCA Mutations were observed, BRCA1 R71G (330A>G);del exons 1-2;C1787S(5478T>A) and G1788D(5482 G>A); C1225X (3794 C>A); A 1708E(5242 C>A); R1751X(5370C>T; and del exons 9-12 and BRCA2 Q742X (2452 C>T); and 3492 insT Conclusion: This study confirms that breast cancer patients with BRCA mutations in the El Paso, TX present at a younger age, and have predominantly triple negative tumors. Of particular interest is 44% (4 of 9) BRCA mutations (BRCA1 exon 9-12 del; C1787S & G1788D and BRCA 2 3492insT; Q742X) identified have been reported as recurrent mutations in Hispanic individuals from Mexico as the country of origin, including BRCA1 ex9-12del, the 1st Mexican founder mutation and 100% of the BRCA2 mutations. A more cost-effective approach to initial screening of Hispanic individuals based on country of origin may be desirable and would potentially decrease the number of cases requiring complete sequencing. Increasing breast cancer awareness and encouraging genetic counseling among high risk younger patients of Mexican descent is also needed. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-07-06.
A group contribution method for the estimation of equilibrium constants for biochemical reactions

Using Gibbs Energies of compounds, as well as Gibbs Energy changes and equilibrium constants of biochemical reactions, the contributions of functional groups to the Gibbs Energy (in aqueous solution, temperature 25°C, and pH=7) have been estimated. These contributions allow the estimation of the Gibbs Free Energy and the equilibrium constant of a biochemical reaction, given the structure of the reactants and products.
Solvent free energies for electron transfer at a solution/metal interface. Effect of ion charge and external electric field

Abstract Solvent free energies for electron transfer reactions at the water/Pt interface are calculated using molecular dynamics umbrella sampling for different ion charges and external electric fields. In all cases, the free energy curves as a function of solvent coordinate are in reasonable agreement with the linear response approximation, with the largest deviations observed for an electron transfer involving a neutral atom. Although the metal surface in the model Hamiltonian discussed here has only a minor effect on the shape of the free energy curves, it does introduce significant correlations between inner- and outer-solvent shell fluctuations as the charge on the ion is decreased.
Preclinical Characterization of a Novel Diphenyl Benzamide Selective ERα Agonist for Hormone Therapy in Prostate Cancer

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay of treatment for advanced prostate cancer. ADT improves overall and disease-free survival rates, but long-term therapy is associated with severe side effects of androgen and estrogen depletion including hot flashes, weight gain, depression, and osteoporosis. Effective hormone reduction can be achieved without estrogen deficiency-related side effects by using therapy with estrogenic compounds. However, cardiovascular complications induced by estrogens coupled with the availability of LHRH agonists led to discontinuation of estrogen use for primary androgen deprivation therapy in the 1980s. New treatments for prostate cancer that improve patient outcomes without the serious estrogen deficiency-related toxicities associated with ADT using LHRH analogs are needed. Herein we describe a novel nonsteroidal selective estrogen receptor-α agonist designed for first-line therapy of advanced prostate cancer that in animal models induces medical castration and minimiz...
Drug Interactions of Clinical Significance with Opioid Analgesics

Opioid analgesics and other drugs interact through multiple mechanisms, resulting in pharmacological effects that depend upon the pharmacodynamic action studied, the interacting agents and the route of administration. Many interactions result from induction or inhibition of the hepatic cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase system. The elimination of opioids is largely dependent on hepatic metabolism, and drug interactions involving this mechanism can therefore be clinically significant. Antibiotics are often used concomitantly with opioids in patients undergoing medical or surgical procedures; the best documented metabolic interactions are with erythromycin and rifampicin (rifampin). Erythromycin increases and rifampicin decreases the effects of opioids. Cimetidine may increase the effects of opioids by increasing their duration of action; there have been no documented cases of interactions with ranitidine. Carbamazepine, phenytoin and the barbiturates can enhance the metabolism of opioids that rely on hepatic metabolism. Other pharmacokinetic interactions include those with benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines and metoclopramide. Interactions involving pharmacodynamic mechanisms are more common than pharmacokinetic ones. Such interactions are manifested clinically as as a summation (additive or synergistic) of similar or opposing pharmacological effects on the same body system. Idiosyncratic interactions also occur, the mechanisms of which have not been proven to be solely modulated by either pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic means. The knowledge of particular opioid-drug interactions, and the causative pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and idiosyncratic mechanisms, allows for the safer administration of opioid analgesics.
The derivation of the quantum kinetic equation and the two-time resolvent method

Van Hove's partial density matrix,ρ E (t), in his generalized master equation is interpreted as a Wigner representation of “two-time dyad” for “energy E” and “time t”. This interpretation enables us to integrate the “energy”E in Van Hove's master equation. The resultant equation is of non-Markov type on two time parameters. Starting with this master equation, the derivation of quantum kinetic equations, including the second-order approximation in the density expansion, is discussed. The scaling of the quantum kinetic equation is examined in detail for a system in which particles interact through the delta shell potential. It is shown that the quantum kinetic equation, including three-particle scattering, may exist for the physical situations of low-energy scattering,high-energy scattering, and for resonance scattering for time scales of the system sufficiently separated. In deriving the quantum kinetic equation, a factorization theorem form-particle distribution functions is proved to arbitrary order in perturbation expansion.
Optimizing the usability of automated teller machines for older adults

This research provides relevant information for the redesign of automated teller machines (ATMs) to better accommodate older adults, with hopes of aiding financial institutions in their trend toward a tellerless bank. Forty subjects, ranging from 18 to 65 years of age, interacted with three different ATM simulations. The level of detail was little, high and little with on screen help available. The font color was varied: red, green, or white with each participant. Font color and level of detail were investigated to determine preferences of younger and older adults. The preferred level of detail was found to vary by sex and age. A majority of the subjects, approximately 53%, favored the simulation with the optional help button which accommodated both first time and frequent ATM users. There were no significant interactions between age, sex, and color.
A family of wound-induced genes in Populus shares common features with genes encoding vegetative storage proteins*

Two wound-inducible cDNAs from poplar leaves show sequence identity to vegetative storage proteins (VSP) that accumulate seasonally in poplar bark tissues. We have compared the genomic organization, cDNA sequences and expression of the genes encoding the wound-inducible cDNAs (win4) with that of a bark VSP (called bark storage protein, or BSP). There appear to be several win4 genes in the poplar genome which segregate as a single locus and are therefore likely to be clustered. The same is true of the BSP genes. The win4 locus is linked (map distance of 5 cM) to the BSP locus, consistent with a common evolutionary origin of the genes. A near full-length win4 cDNA shows 75% sequence identity to BSP cDNAs. Both win4 and BSP are systemically wound-inducible; win4 transcripts accumulate in leaves and stems, whereas BSP transcripts accumulate almost exclusively in stems. A phloem transport-dependent signaling mechanism appears to be involved in systemic win4 expression after wounding. In contrast to BSP gene expression, win4 genes are not expressed in response to short day conditions. The data indicate win4 and BSP genes are differentially regulated, and their products may play important roles in the storage and reallocation of nitrogen in perennial plants.
Stable Cyclonic Flames of Natural Gas and Air

Gases flowing cyclonically from a nozzle burned stably at velocities up to 100 ft/sec. Flame temperatures were higher than 2400/sup 0/F Stable flames were obtained in cyclonic flow in ducts of 1/2 in. inside diameter, 4 to 20 in. long. Flames burned inside ducts but did not touch or heat walls, although flame temperatures of over 2600/sup 0/F and velocities of 700 ft/sec were used. Stable flames were obtained in ducts bent 90/sup 0/ and in a conical diverging section. Flame stabilization resulted from a reverse flow toward the nozzle along its axis.
Administrative Response to Unsatisfactory Faculty Performance.

This research analyzed administrative response to unsatisfactory faculty performance at 158 Western public community colleges. Participating administrators completed a questionnaire which described nine hypothetical personnel situations involving unsatisfactory faculty performance. The situations differed as to the length of employment, tenure status, racial background, and political influence of the faculty member. Participants also answered questions concerning actual faculty dismissals at their colleges. Results indicated that a very narrow range of strategies was used by adminstrators when confronted with unsatisfactory faculty. Dismissal and counseling were the most frequently employed methods. Dismissal was the strategy of choice in situations describing clearly documented incompetence. Respondents were somewhat less likely to choose this strategy if a minority faculty member or a politically influential faculty member were involved. Counseling was preferred for recently tenured faculty who had beco...
Code Switching as a Communicative Strategy: A Case Study of Korean–English Bilinguals

Abstract This study examines purposes of code switching (CS) and how CS is used as a communicative strategy between Korean–English bilinguals. Data were collected through videotaping of conversations between a first-generation Korean–English bilingual adult and two Korean–English bilingual children. Qualitative data analysis indicated that CS could be brought about and shaped by the dynamics of the relationship of the speaker–addressee and by cultural features embedded in the Korean language. The analysis also posited that CS functions as a communicative strategy for facilitating family communication by lowering language barriers as well as by consolidating cultural identity. Results raise further awareness that CS is a versatile strategy to meet the complex communicative demands between or within generations of an immigrant family.
A distributed time-driven simulation method for enabling real-time manufacturing shop floor control

This paper proposes a distributed simulation approach for scheduling discrete-events in manufacturing shop floors. The proposed approach employs a time-driven method to simulate occurrence of discrete-events using distributed entities that replicate physical entities in the manufacturing shop floor. In specific, the proposed approach iteratively controls the timing of discrete-events occurrence using a control theoretic model. In this approach, changing the speed of the simulation clock, termed time-scaling factor, can accelerate or decelerate the simulation speed resulting in simpler synchronizations of discrete-events and faster simulation than standard distributed discrete-event simulations according to the capability of the communication networks. Computational experiments are conducted to test the performance of the proposed system with different values of the time-scaling factor, and the relationship between the system performance and the time-scaling factor is investigated through analysis of the system model. Results obtained from the computational experiments show significant successes in speeding up discrete-event simulations in such a way that the proposed approach can be used for the control of manufacturing shop floors, providing real-time decision supports.
Are Elections Mechanisms of Authoritarian Stability or Democratization? Evidence from Postcommunist Eurasia

Since the end of the Cold War, political scientists have radically reexamined the role that elections play in authoritarian contexts. Some argue elections are congruent with authoritarianism and actually help to stabilize non-democratic forms of rule. Others challenge this claim by arguing that elections can function as a mechanism for democratization. We test whether elections have functioned as a mechanism of change or of neo-authoritarian stability in the postcommunist world. We generally find that elections neither promote democracy nor strengthen authoritarianism. However, we do find that in energy-rich states elections promote authoritarianism, though of a somewhat more benign sort. We also find that the mechanisms of electoral participation and competitiveness thought to promote democracy function differently in the postcommunist context and explore this in greater detail through a paired case study of electoral mobilization in Slovakia and Belarus.
Impact of Empirical-Therapy Selection on Outcomes of Intravenous Drug Users with Infective Endocarditis Caused by Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus

This study compares beta-lactam and vancomycin among intravenous drug users with infective endocarditis caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. Patients who received vancomycin had higher infection-related mortality, even if they were switched to beta-lactam once culture results became available; this relationship persisted after logistic regression analysis controlling for clinical characteristics.
Lipopolysaccharide binding protein inhibitory peptide alters hepatic inflammatory response post-hemorrhagic shock.

Translocation of microorganisms and endotoxin (LPS) across the gastrointestinal mucosa may exacerbate the inflammatory response and potentiate hepatic injury associated with hemorrhagic shock. Lipo...
Impact of Well Structure on Single-Event Well Potential Modulation in Bulk CMOS

Perturbations in N-well potential have been shown to strongly affect the charge collection, charge sharing, and parasitic bipolar transistor characteristics. In this paper, temporal and spatial characteristics of the well-potential modulation are characterized through 3-D TCAD simulations. Effects of well-contact layout, ion energy, and technology process parameters for a 90-nm bulk CMOS process are investigated.
Traumatic brain injury, hemorrhagic shock, and fluid resuscitation: effects on intracranial pressure and brain compliance

Intracranial hypertension following traumatic brain injury is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Hemorrhagic hypovolemia commonly coexists with head injury in this population of patients. Therapy directed at correcting hypovolemic shock includes vigorous volume expansion with crystalloid solutions. It is hypothesized that, following traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular dysfunction results in rapid loss of brain compliance, resulting in increased sensitivity to cerebrovascular venous pressure. Increased central venous pressure (CVP) occurring with vigorous crystalloid resuscitation may therefore contribute to the loss of brain compliance and the development of intracranial hypertension. The authors tested this hypothesis in miniature swine subjected to traumatic brain injury, hemorrhage, and resuscitation. Elevated CVP following resuscitation from hemorrhage to a high CVP significantly worsened intracranial hypertension in animals with concurrent traumatic brain injury, as compared to animals subjected to traumatic brain injury alone (mean +/- standard error of the mean: 33.0 +/- 2.0 vs. 20.0 +/- 2.0 mm Hg, p < 0.05) or to animals subjected to the combination of traumatic brain injury, hemorrhage, and resuscitation to a low CVP (33.0 +/- 2.0 vs. 24.0 +/- 2.0 mm Hg, p < 0.05). These data support the hypothesis that reduction in brain compliance can occur secondary to elevation of CVP following resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock. This may worsen intracranial hypertension in patients with traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock.
International Payment: Methods to Consider.

ABSTRACT As libraries gain access to more online databases, library patrons gain more access to obscure citations. Consequently, Interlibrary Loan Departments, once deciding to participate in International Loans must then decide on how they will pay and bill their international partners. This article describes six options available for international payment and billing. The methods described include how to use reciprocal agreements, standard invoicing, pre-paid requests, deposit accounts, OCLC ILL Fee Management, International Reply Coupons, and the IFLA Voucher Scheme to obtain and pay for ILL transactions.
The freezing transition of bidisperse hard spheres: a simple model

A combination of scaled particle theory for fluids and a simple cell model for crystalline solids is used to study the freezing behaviour of a binary hard-sphere system. As the two kinds of sphere become increasing dissimilar, we find that the phase diagram changes from a spindle type to an azeotropic type, and then to a eutectic type. This progression is the same as was first predicted using density functional theory and verified later using computer simulations. Due to the stringency of the cell boundaries, the use of the cell model exaggerates the effects of differences in the sizes of the spheres even more than the use of density functional theory. However, the simplicity of the cell model permits the evaluation of more extreme cases than either of the other two approaches.