cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Significance of the Frontier in World History

Take a walk down the streets of any town in the western United States and you will see the legacy of a frontier: not the exceptional frontier of American mythology, but a fragment of the global frontier of European expansion over the last five hundred years. European weeds on the sidewalks, Eurasian microbes in Caucasian bodies, crosses on the church and in the cemetery, and Old World crops growing in the fields outside of town, all provide evidence of the modern expansion of European power. Now fly to Yunnan in China and see Muslim farmers harvesting Southeast Asian crops and worshiping in mosques that look like Chinese temples. These examples reveal that one of the most prominent facets of world history is the expansion and interchange of cultural and biological traditions that give rise to “frontier zones” of cultural interchange, accommodation, and conquest. Often fragmented by modern national borders, these frontier zones represent one of the major areas of global change. Despite the ubiquity of such zones, there exist few clear standards for defining frontiers or for studying them. Using a combination of scholarship from the study of the American West and some comparative examples from other world frontiers, a few observations can be made.
Extended-Family Resources and Racial Inequality in the Transition to Homeownership.

We use longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to examine how access to financial resources in the extended family affects the accumulation of wealth among non-owners and how these resources subsequently affect transitioning into homeownership. Our findings show that economic conditions of the extended family have substantial effects on non-owners’ wealth accumulation and likelihood of becoming homeowners, even after adjusting for individual sociodemographic and economic characteristics. We find significant effects of extended-family wealth for both black and white households, but effects of extended-family income insufficiency for blacks only. Consequently, limited access to wealth and greater level of poverty in the extended family hamper blacks’ transition to homeownership. Our results show that the level of extended-family wealth necessary for black householders to equalize their likelihood of becoming homeowners with whites is very high. In fact, our findings indicate that white householders embedded in extended families with no net wealth are just as likely to make the transition to ownership as are black householders with affluent extended families. These findings support arguments related to the importance of extended-family resources in processes of residential attainment but also point to important racial differences in not only levels but also consequences of these family resources.
Risk Factors for Hazardous Events in Olfactory-Impaired Patients

Importance Normal olfaction provides essential cues to allow early detection and avoidance of potentially hazardous situations. Thus, patients with impaired olfaction may be at increased risk of experiencing certain hazardous events such as cooking or house fires, delayed detection of gas leaks, and exposure to or ingestion of toxic substances. Objective To identify risk factors and potential trends over time in olfactory-related hazardous events in patients with impaired olfactory function. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study of 1047 patients presenting to a university smell and taste clinic between 1983 and 2013. A total of 704 patients had both clinical olfactory testing and a hazard interview and were studied. On the basis of olfactory function testing results, patients were categorized as normosmic (n = 161), mildly hyposmic (n = 99), moderately hyposmic (n = 93), severely hyposmic (n = 142), and anosmic (n = 209). Interventions Patient evaluation including interview, examination, and olfactory testing. Main Outcomes and Measures Incidence of specific olfaction-related hazardous events (ie, burning pots and/or pans, starting a fire while cooking, inability to detect gas leaks, inability to detect smoke, and ingestion of toxic substances or spoiled foods) by degree of olfactory impairment. Results The incidence of having experienced any hazardous event progressively increased with degree of impairment: normosmic (18.0%), mildly hyposmic (22.2%), moderately hyposmic (31.2%), severely hyposmic (32.4%), and anosmic (39.2%). Over 3 decades there was no significant change in the overall incidence of hazardous events. Analysis of demographic data (age, sex, race, smoking status, and etiology) revealed significant differences in the incidence of hazardous events based on age (among 397 patients P P = .009), and race (among 98 African Americans, 41 [41.8%] with hazardous event, vs 134 of 434 whites [30.9%]; P = .04). Conclusions and Relevance Increased level of olfactory impairment portends an increased risk of experiencing a hazardous event. Risk is further impacted by individuals’ age, sex, and race. These results may assist health care practitioners in counseling patients on the risks associated with olfactory impairment.
Microwave assisted low temperature encapsulation of Ag films by Cu reactions using Ag–Cu alloy structures

Abstract Copper (I) oxide (Cu2O) forms an encapsulation layer after annealing Ag–17 at% Cu alloy thin films inside a microwave cavity. The maximum temperature reached during this process is 70 °C which makes microwaves an efficient low temperature processing tool for flexible electronics. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry is used to study the encapsulation of Ag films by copper oxide. X-ray diffraction shows preferential orientation along the [111] direction for both Ag and Cu2O. Four point probe measurements suggest that the resistivity is controlled by the residual Cu present in the alloy films.
Plasmonics: metallic nanostructures for energy guiding and sensing

We investigate the optical properties of arrays of closely spaced metal nanoparticles in view of their potential to guide electromagnetic energy with a lateral mode confinement below the diffraction limit of light. Finite-difference time-domain simulations of short arrays of noble metal nanospheres show that electromagnetic pulses at optical frequencies can propagate along the arrays due to near-field interactions between plasmon-polariton modes of adjacent nanoparticles. Near-field microscopy enables the study of energy transport in these plasmon waveguides and shows experimental evidence for energy propagation over a distance of 0.5 μm for plasmon waveguides consisting of spheroidal silver particles fabricated using electron beam lithography.
Cooperation between a Coenzyme A-Independent Stand-Alone Initiation Module and an Iterative Type I Polyketide Synthase during Synthesis of Mycobacterial Phenolic Glycolipids

Several Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, Mycobacterium leprae, and other mycobacterial pathogens produce a group of small-molecule virulence factors called phenolic glycolipids (PGLs). PGLs play key roles in pathogenicity and host-pathogen interaction. Thus, elucidation of the PGL biosynthetic pathway will not only expand our understanding of natural product biosynthesis, but may also illuminate routes to novel therapeutics to afford alternative lines of defense against mycobacterial infections. In this study, we report an investigation of the enzymatic requirements for the production of long-chain p-hydroxyphenylalkanoate intermediates of PGL biosynthesis. We demonstrate a functional cooperation between a coenzyme A-independent stand-alone didomain initiation module (FadD22) and a 6-domain reducing iterative type I polyketide synthase (Pks15/1) for production of p-hydroxyphenylalkanoate intermediates in in vitro and in vivo FadD22-Pks15/1 reconstituted systems. Our results suggest that Pks15/1 is an iterative type I polyketide synthase with a relaxed control of catalytic cycle iterations, a mechanistic property that explains the origin of a characteristic alkyl chain length variability seen in mycobacterial PGLs. The FadD22-Pks15/1 reconstituted systems lay an initial foundation for future efforts to unveil the mechanism of iterative catalysis control by which the structures of the final products of Pks15/1 are defined, and to scrutinize the functional partnerships of the FadD22-Pks15/1 system with downstream enzymes of the PGL biosynthetic pathway.
Crime and community heterogeneity: race, ethnicity, and religion

Prior studies have explored the relationship between race and religion and their effect on various crimes. In the USA race is typically defined as the proportion of a community that is African-American or nonwhite. Likewise, religion is defined as the proportion of a community that adheres to any religious denomination. This study extends earlier work by employing Herfindahl indices as measures of community homogeneity with respect to race and ethnicity as well as religious denominations. It also measures religiosity based on four different denominational groups, rather than religiosity as an aggregate. Results indicate that as a community's degree of homogeneity increases, in terms of both race/ethnicity and religion, crime decreases; and that the effects of religion on crime may vary by denomination.
Intraoperative ultrasonic evaluation of spinal cord motion

The spinal canals of 11 patients with various pathological conditions, both benign and malignant, were examined intraoperatively using real-time ultrasonography. The spinal cords in eight of these patients with lesions causing cord compression were seen to oscillate rhythmically over each mass with a frequency corresponding to the patient's arterial pulsations. The majority of the observed motion was transmitted or extrinsically induced from compression of the anterior spinal artery. In one case, after resection of an anterior cervical neurofibroma, these oscillations diminished markedly. Spinal cord motion, as described, has important implications for neurosurgery, since it contradicts the previously held belief that oscillations of the spinal cord or dura mater imply a "free" or noncompressed spinal cord. Furthermore, spinal cord motion may play a role in the degradation of computerized tomography images of the cord, since these movements are maximized at the areas with the most severe pathology.
Isolation and Identification of the Major Extractable Impurity from Dowex 1×2 Resin

Structurally related low-molecular weight organic molecules which accounted for ∼0.13% of the total mass were isolated from commercial grade Dowex 1×2 resin. The structure of the main impurity is 2-chloromethyl-3-methoxyl-1-phenyl-1-propanol. This major component and the other extractables were the reaction products of monomeric styrene and chloromethyl methyl ether used in the production of Dowex 1×2 resin. These impurities were most likely entrapped in the polymer matrix and not sufficiently removed during the washing and cleaning process steps.
100 GHz binary counter using SQUID flip flops

A binary counter using bistable dc SQUID's as flip flop circuits is reviewed. Its potential for frequency division in the THz range and for ultra high accuracy A/D conversion are discussed.
An analysis of carrier‐facilitated transport

The physical and mathematical characteristics of carrier-facilitated transport in a liquid film are examined for a reaction scheme of the form A + B ⇄ AB, in which A is the permeating species and B and AB are diffusable species which are constrained not to leave the film. For thin films, a solution is developed as a perturbation from purely physical diffusion and is expressed as a second-order power series. For thick films, a solution is developed as a perturbation from a state in which the species concentrations at any one point within the film are related by an equilibrium constraint. This development utilizes the techniques of matched asymptotic analysis. Taken together, these solutions provide an excellent estimate of the facilitation for a film of any thickness, as shown by comparison with numerical results.
A survey of tuberculosis control programs in seventeen Minnesota hospitals: Implications for policy development

Abstract Background: Generation of proposed policies directed at interrupting the transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resulted in a need for data establishing health care worker (HCW) tuberculosis (TB) transmission risk and control programs that were in place before 1992. Methods: A voluntary sample of 18 Minnesota health care facilities was surveyed retrospectively for the years 1989 to 1991. The survey was designed to establish the frequency of positive tuberculin skin test (TST) results, the rate of positive results during routine screening, the incidence of positive TST results identified through exposure follow-up, the type of respiratory protection (mask) used, and ventilation patterns of TB isolation rooms. The TST testing program, including name of product used, method of application, and reading/documentation behaviors, was requested. Results: Data were analyzed from 17 hospitals (one long-term facility was deleted). Three hospitals screened all HCWs annually; the remaining hospitals screened HCWs at varying intervals. Forty-eight positive TST results were identified in routine screening. The rate per 10,000 HCWs screened was 5.8 in 1989; 15.9 in 1990; and 14.8 in 1991. An upward trend was noted in positive TST results only in metropolitan teaching/public hospitals. Intercomparisons of TST screening data demonstrated that employees located in Greater Minnesota were more likely to have positive TST results than employees at facilities in the metropolitan area. Hospitals in Greater Minnesota were more likely than metropolitan area hospitals to use tuberculin skin test material. HCWs screened with tuberculin purified protein derivative were more likely to have positive test results than HCWs screened with tuberculin purified protein derivative. Unisolated patients with communicable TB accounted for 445 patient days of probable risk of exposure for HCWs, without demonstration of a trend by calendar year. There were a total of 33 exposure events. Ten of 1031 HCWs screened after an exposure event were declared to be TST positive, for an overall conversion rate of 9.7 per 1000 employees screened. All hospitals used surgical masks for respiratory protection. Seventy-six percent of the hospitals had isolation rooms with negative ventilation; 12% reported isolation rooms with neutral pressure. Conclusion: The practice in Minnesota hospitals surveyed was reasonably consistent with the critical elements defined in the 1990 CDC guidelines for an effective TB control program. The rate of positive TST results was low, with programs in place before 1992. Unified TST programs permitting evaluation of programs are endorsed. Respiratory protection should be protective, not excessive. Engineering controls of isolation rooms should be ensured. Policy development should be driven by the prevalence and incidence of disease in the HCW's place of employment.
Effects of redox buffer properties on the folding of a disulfide-containing protein: dependence upon pH, thiol pKa, and thiol concentration.

Abstract Aliphatic thiols are effective as redox buffers for folding non-native disulfide-containing proteins into their native state at high pH values (8.0–8.5) but not at neutral pH values (6–7.5). In developing more efficient and flexible redox buffers, a series of aromatic thiols was analyzed for its ability to fold scrambled ribonuclease A (sRNase A). At equivalent pH values, the aromatic thiols folded sRNase A 10–23 times faster at pH 6.0, 7–12 times faster at pH 7.0, and 5–8 times faster at pH 7.7 than the standard aliphatic thiol glutathione. Similar correlations between thiol pKa values and folding rates at each pH value suggest that the apparent folding rate constants (kapp) are a function of the redox buffer properties (pH, thiol pKa and [RSH]). Fitting the observed data to a three-variable model (log kapp = −4.216(± 0.030) + 0.5816(± 0.0036)pH − 0.233(± 0.004)pKa + log(1 − e−0.98 (±0.02)[RSH])) gave good statistics: r2 = 0.915, s = 0.10.
Management of hepatocellular adenoma: comparison of resection, embolization and observation

Introduction Hepatocellular adenoma (HA) is an uncommon benign hepatic tumour with the potential for malignant change or spontaneous haemorrhage. Resection has been the recommended treatment, but outcomes with other approaches are ill defined.
Direct nuclear delivery of DNA macromolecules using the photothermal nanoblade

We demonstrated direct nuclear delivery of macromolecules into live mammalian cells using the photothermal nanoblade. Pulsed laser triggered cavitation bubbles on a titanium thin film coated micropipette tip was utilized to puncture both the cell plasma and nuclear membranes followed by pressure controlled delivery of cargo into the nucleus. High plasmid expression (79-100%) in different cell types with maintained cell viability was achieved.
Discussion of “Accounting Recognition, Moral Hazard, and Communication”

This paper addresses two issues within an agency setting. First, it identifies conditions under which late recognition of an event is preferred to early recognition in the absence of communication of other private information. Second, it demonstrates that the agent's ability to voluntarily disclose his or her private information interacts with the preference for early versus late recognition. Of special interest is the case where early recognition is preferred to late when there is no other source of information, but late recognition is preferred in the presence of a secondary source. I have three types of comments on the paper. The first summarizes the important aspects of the model. The second involves the interpretation of the control problem as accounting recognition. The third contains suggestions regarding how one might bring a valuation perspective into the control setting.
Changes in maximal aerobic capacity with age in endurance-trained women: 7-yr follow-up

On the basis of cross-sectional data, we previously reported that the absolute, but not the relative (%), rate of decline in maximal oxygen consumption (V˙o 2 max) with age is greater in endurance-...
Self-assembled monolayer molecular devices

Recent progress in the understanding of nanoscale molecular devices is presented. A control standard is developed and presented, and methods for extracting "band offsets" are presented. The observed peak intensities and peak widths are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.
Very High Frequency Silicon Nanowire Electromechanical Resonators

We demonstrate very high frequency (VHF) nanomechanical resonators based upon single-crystal silicon nanowires (SiNWs), which are prepared by the bottom-up chemical synthesis. Metallized SiNW resonators operating near 200 MHz are realized with quality factor Q ≈ 2000−2500. Pristine SiNWs, with fundamental resonances as high as 215 MHz, are measured using a VHF readout technique that is optimized for these high resistance devices. The pristine resonators provide the highest Q's, as high as Q ≈ 13 100 for an 80 MHz device. SiNWs excel at mass sensing; characterization of their mass responsivity and frequency stability demonstrates sensitivities approaching 10 zeptograms. These SiNW resonators offer significant potential for applications in resonant sensing, quantum electromechanical systems, and high frequency signal processing.
Overexpression of Perilipin A and B Blocks the Ability of Tumor Necrosis Factor α to Increase Lipolysis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Perilipins, a family of phosphoproteins, are specifically located at the surface of intracellular lipid (triacylglycerol) droplets, the site of lipolysis. Stimulation of lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is associated with a decrease in total cellular expression of perilipin A and B, consistent with the hypothesis that a decrease in perilipin protein expression is required for TNF-alpha-induced lipolysis. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of perilipin A or B maintains perilipin protein levels on the lipid droplet and blocks TNF-alpha-induced lipolysis. In contrast, overexpression of perilipin A or perilipin B does not inhibit isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis and does not alter the isoproterenol-induced migration of perilipins from the lipid droplet. These results provide the first evidence of how perilipin functions and suggest that TNF-alpha regulates lipolysis, in part, by decreasing perilipin protein levels at the lipid droplet surface.
S-REMiT: a distributed algorithm for source-based energy efficient multicasting in wireless ad hoc networks

In this paper we propose a distributed algorithm called S-REMiT for building an energy-efficient multicast tree in a wireless ad hoc network (WANET). S-REMiT employs a more realistic energy consumption model for wireless communication, which takes into account the energy losses not only due to radio propagation but also the energy losses in the transceiver electronics. This enables S-REMiT to adapt a given multicast tree for a wide variety of wireless networks irrespective of whether they use long-range radios or short-range radios. Our simulations show that it performs better than BIP/MIP and EWMA algorithms.
Effects of Abstinence from Tobacco

Many smokers, ex-smokers, and scientists have strong opinions about the effects of abstinence from tobacco. Some believe the effects are mild, are not true withdrawal phenomena, and have little to do with the inability of smokers to stop. Others believe abstinence effects can produce significant distress, are similar to the classical withdrawal syndromes of opiates and sedatives, and account for much of the inability of smokers to stop.
Removal of a Wire Brush Bristle from the Hypopharynx Using Suspension, Microscope, and Fluoroscopy

Wire brush bristles are an increasingly recognized hazard that can present as a foreign body in the aerodigestive tract. Due to their small size and tendency to become embedded in surrounding tissue, these small metallic bristles present a unique operative challenge to otolaryngologists. Here we present a case of a 40-year-old woman who underwent endoscopic extraction of a wire bristle from the posterior pharyngeal wall using suspension, microscopy, and C-arm fluoroscopy. We believe this is the first published case of an endoscopic removal of a buried foreign body in the hypopharynx using these methods of localization concurrently. By leveraging multiple techniques for visualization, surgeons can avoid open exploration while ensuring complete removal of the object. Additionally, this case highlights the importance of regulatory oversight and consumer awareness of the hazards of grill brushes.
A Novel Sensing Scheme for Reliable Read Operation of Ultrathin-Body Vertical nand Flash Memory Devices

In this brief, an advanced sensing scheme for ultrathin-body vertical Flash memory device is introduced experimentally. Without an increment in the number of read operations, the program/erase states of a memory cell can be identified exactly even with the existence of electrical interference between cells having an ultrathin vertical channel in common. The novel sensing scheme, i.e., the double sensing per 2 bits method, was validated for a fabricated device with a channel thickness of 80 nm. The proposed method can be also used as reference for establishing a smart sensing scheme for multilevel cell NAND Flash memory devices.
Use of fibrin sealant for reinforcing arterial anastomoses

Abstract Despite improvements in needles, sutures, and technique, hemorrhage remains a problem in cardiovascular surgery. In this study conventional vascular suture lines and suture lines reinforced with fibrin sealant are compared for blood loss and burst strength. Bilateral femoral arteries in 20 dogs were divided at 50% of their circumference and repaired with six 6-0 polypropylene sutures. Ten animals were systemically heparinized (3 mg/kg), and 10 were not on anticoagulants. The right femoral artery anastomosis was treated with fibrin sealant in all animals, and the left suture line served as the control. Three minutes after initiation of the sealing procedure, blood flow was reinstituted in both femoral arteries. After 3 minutes a significant difference in blood loss between the conventional suture technique and fibrin-reinforced anastomoses was noted in both heparinized (12.1 ± 2.79 vs. 0.13 ± 0.06 ml/min; p
Efficiently estimating mean shift due to variability

This paper concerns the problem of calculating expectation shift due to variability which tends to occur whenever the function of a random variable is nonlinear and especially tends to occur in the neighborhood of a local maximum or minimum. The paper presents five theorems suggesting sampling points and formulae for estimating mean shift covering some of the most common cases of practical interest including multivariate normal distributions and uniform distributions as well as more general theorems covering all symmetric multivariate probability density functions.
On Not Defining Sustainability

Definitions of sustainability—and criticisms of the definitions—abound. I argue that there are problems with the definitional approach itself and not just with any specific definition. Wittgenstein (Philosophical investigations (trans: Anscombe GEM). Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, 1958) argued that definitions are not sufficient to determine meaning or to legislate correct usage of words. For both singular terms and general concepts, meaning is meaning-as-use, proceeding via examples that instruct within an already existing normative structure. Once we are clear on the ways in which use presupposes a normative structure, I believe we will understand better the meaning of sustainability and its normative basis. On this view, sustainability will be vague and contested (Jacobs in Fairness and futurity. Oxford University Press, New York, pp 21–45, 1999) but not meaningless. And we will not have to be worried about the plethora of definitions.
INFLUENCE OF PLANT-PARASITIC NEMATODES ON GROWTH OF ST. AUGUSTINE AND CENTIPEDE TURFGRASSES

During the spring, summer and fall (May-November) of 2011 and 2012, 100 residential lawns in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA, were sampled to document the incidence and abundance of plant-parasitic nematode communities. Genera of nematodes associated with St. Augustine and centipede turfgrasses included Criconemella, Helicotylenchus, Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Tylenchorhynchus, and Tylenchus. Damage potentials of Meloidogyne incognita and Pratylenchus zeae individually were evaluated in subsequent greenhouse trials. Across nematode infestation levels of 200 and 2,000 individuals, reductions in final plant weight below controls for St. Augustine and centipede averaged 24% and 28%, respectively, for M. incognita and 37.0% and 39.3% for P. zeae; indicating that overall, P. zeae was more damaging to both turfgrasses than M. incognita.
A Functionalist Approach to User Fees

Few recreation issues are more controversial than imposing fees for access to public lands. Fee proponents argue that user fees: (a) promote equity by charging users directly; (b) increase economic...
Presence, Proximity, and Peer Interactions of Adolescents With Severe Disabilities in General Education Classrooms:

The authors conducted 324 full-class-length observations of 108 high school students with severe disabilities in general education classes, focusing analyses on how often students were present during class and in proximity to peers without disabilities. Students were not present for a substantial proportion of the classes in which they were enrolled, and they were infrequently in proximity to classmates without disabilities when they were present. Observations of a comparison group of peers without disabilities enrolled in these same classrooms suggest missed social opportunities for students with severe disabilities. We also found that primary disability category (i.e., autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability) and type of class (i.e., academic, other) were associated with different patterns of presence and proximity.
Database of Bird Flight Initiation Distances to Assist in Estimating Effects from Human Disturbance and Delineating Buffer Areas

Abstract U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists determine effects from disturbance to threatened and endangered bird species, and staffs of federal and state agencies estimate these effects when delineating protective buffers around habitat of bird species of concern on land management areas. These efforts can be informed by the distances at which human activities cause birds to react or move away. To that end, here we present a database of published alert distances (distances at which birds exposed to an approaching human activity exhibit alert behavior), flight initiation distances (distances at which birds exposed to an approaching human activity initiate escape behavior), and minimum approach distances (distances at which humans should be separated from wildlife). The database distinguishes between nesting and nonnesting situations. The nesting database includes 578 alert distances and 2,177 flight initiation distances from 45 studies representing 11 orders, 27 families, and 49 species of birds. Th...
S38 The Brd4 Inhibitor, Jq1 Decreases Proliferation And Arrests The Cell Cycle Of Pulmonary Vascular Cells: Implications For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an incurable disease characterised by raised pulmonary resistance, resulting from vascular remodelling which leads to right heart failure and death. Recently NF-kB mediated inflammatory gene expression and vascular proliferation/remodelling have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of PAH. The expression of subsets of NF-kB-induced inflammatory genes is dependent upon the recruitment of the bromodomains and extra-terminal (BET) family of proteins to the transcriptional activation complex. We hypothesise that inhibition of BET proteins which bind acetylated lysine residues on histones and non-histone proteins will attenuate the hyperproliferative and proinflammatory phenotype of vascular cells. Methods Primary human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (P-EC) were serum starved for 24 h prior to treatment with the Brd4 mimic JQ1+ or JQ1- (inactive enantiomer) in complete (5% FCS) media. P-EC cell proliferation was measured by BrdU incorporation and apoptosis was determined using caspase 3/7 activity. Cell cycle progression was determined by FACs analysis. mRNA levels of cell cycle genes and inflammatory cytokines were measured by RT-PCR. MTT assay was used to measure cell viability. Results JQ1+ caused a significant (p Conclusion Inhibition of Brd4 with JQ1 decreases remodelling and inflammation in P-EC via a decrease in proliferation, cell cycle arrest and an increase in apoptosis. Further work is required but Brd4 inhibition may provide therapeutic drugs for the treatment of PAH.
Abstract 3991: Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) downregulation is associated with androgen-independent and aggressive phenotypes in prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL First line of therapy for advanced prostate cancer (PCa) is androgen-deprivation through surgical or chemical castration; however, in majority of cases, tumors relapse in an androgen-independent (AI) form. Once the PCa has recurred in AI form, it progresses to a highly aggressive disease with frequent metastasis and poses an increased risk of morbidity and death. Previously, we demonstrated that PPP2CA, which encodes for alpha-isoform of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) catalytic subunit, is downregulated in prostate cancer. Furthermore, we showed that PP2A activity is inversely associated with AI growth of PCa cells through a novel mechanism, whereby loss of PP2A-mediated checkpoints leads to the activation of Akt and ERK and partially sustains androgen receptor (AR) signaling under steroid-deprived condition. Since AI phenotype of PCa is associated with enhanced metastatic potential, we have investigated, in this study, a role of PPP2CA in the aggressive behavior of the PCa cells. For this, we overexpressed PPP2CA in AI (C4-2 and PC-3) PCa cells, while silenced its expression in AD (LNCaP) PCa cells. We observed that overexpression of PPP2CA in C4-2 and PC-3 cells not only decreased their AI growth and clonogenic ability, but also led to reduced motility and invasion and enhanced cell-cell interaction. Conversely, we observed increased cell motility and invasion and decreased cell-cell interaction upon PPP2CA silencing in LNCaP cells. Immunoblot analyses demonstrated gain of epithelial and loss of mesenchymal markers in PPP2CA-overexpressing PCa cells or vice versa indicating a role of PP2A in opposing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Altogether, these studies provide evidence for a functional role of PPP2CA in aggressive behavior of AI PCa cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3991. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3991
Frontal Lobe Connectivity and Cognitive Impairment in Frontal Lobe Epilepsy

Investigators at Maastricht University Medical Center, and Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe, The Netherlands, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), studied the relationship between brain activation, functional connectivity, and cognitive functioning in 32 children aged 8-13 years with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) and 41 healthy age-matched controls.
Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation to Treat Atrial Fibrillation During Concomitant Cardiac Surgery

[Objective] To investigate the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation in the patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing open-heart surgery. [Methods] Twenty-five cases of valvular heart disease with chronic AF undergone modified maze procedure by irrigated radiofrequency ablation with concomitant cardiac surgery were analyzed retrospectively. [Results] Sinus rhythm,conjunctional rhythm, and atrial fibrillation were documented in 18, 5, and 2 patients respectively soon after operation while no death and Ⅲ° atrial-ventricular block occurred in this group. In 3~25 months follow-up, sinus rhythm(SR) were recorded in 20 (80%, 2 of them needed electric cardioconversion) , atrial flutter and AF was persistent in 2 and 3 respectively. The diameter of left atrium reduced obviously. Short ablation time and New York Heart Association Functional Class IV were risk factors of recurrence of AF in three months after operation.[Conclusions] Intraoperative radiofrequency ablation is a simple, safe, and effective technique to eliminate AF.
Determinants of satisfaction with prescription drug plans.

Satisfaction among health plan members with their prescription drug coverage was studied. Interviews of patrons of 10 randomly selected community pharmacies in the Pittsburgh area were conducted by entry-level Pharm.D. students during spring 1999. Survey participants were asked to indicate their level of satisfaction with each of nine items dealing with various components of pharmacy benefit plans and to provide health-related and sociodemographic information. Differences in responses were assessed with univariate and multivariate statistics. A total of 504 people were interviewed. The results of general linear model and multivariate procedures indicated that the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents did little to explain variations in satisfaction. Differences were governed primarily by having a choice of plans in which to enroll and of perceptions of plan limitations. Most respondents were overwhelmingly satisfied with the quality of their prescription drug plans. Government-sponsored plans were rated at least as well as private plans. Members of health care plans in a metropolitan region were satisfied with their prescription drug coverage. Satisfaction was primarily determined by perceptions about coverage limitations and having a choice of plans.
Exploration of the Fundamental “Damage Limit” Light Flux for Grazing Incidence Liquid Metal Mirrors

One definition for the damage limit of a liquid metal surface used as a final optic for laser fusion power plants is the maximum energy flux that the liquid metal can withstand without any resulting spallation. Some preliminary calculations were performed by Moir to roughly estimate the damage limit by imposing the restriction of a 200°C surface temperature rise. Here, new ID calculations that account for hydro-motion on the compressible time scales are presented, along with revised estimates of the damage limits for liquid aluminum, sodium, and mercury. Slow compression time scales (∼20 ns) produced negative pressures in the liquid film on the order of MPa, and fast ignition time scales (∼10 ps) yielded GPa pressures for the laser energy densities set out by Moir. For Na and Al the peak energy densities normal to the beam on the order of 5 to 10 J/cm 2 were acceptable for fast ignition when 85° grazing incidence is assumed. Some experimental data on the generation and damping of surface waves resulting from surface ablation recoil is also presented, where large waves are seen to damp out after about 50 ms following the laser pulse.
Archaeological Survey for the Proposed Seton Home Campus Expansion, City of San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

During November 2003, the Center for Archaeological Research of The University of Texas at San Antonio conducted an archaeological survey for a proposed 9.3-acre development at the Seton Home property in the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. The Phase I survey consisted of a 100 percent pedestrian survey and the excavation of 24 shovel tests. A portion of previously recorded site 41BX1570 was investigated with six shovel tests, delimiting the southern boundary of the site. Moderate amounts of burned limestone, burned chert, and lithic debitage comprised the prehistoric artifact assemblage. During current and previous investigations, several modern artifacts were encountered with the prehistoric deposits throughout the vertical column to the terminal excavation depth of 70 centimeters below surface. The presence of these modern artifacts, in concert with evidence of significant historic subsurface disturbance, has provided adequate data to determine this site ineligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places or for listing as a State Archeological Landmark. Under the Scope of Work for the current project, archaeological monitoring of a subsurface utility line is specified. Location of the line is proposed at or near the northern property boundary separating Seton Home and St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home. Site 41BX1570 will be bisected by the utility line, regardless of alternative placement in the general vicinity. The excavation of the utility trench and the monitoring of these excavations will occur during the spring of 2004. The results of this monitoring will be reported within a separate letter report. However, this report is produced to summarize the results of the pedestrian survey and serves to provide for clearance of cultural resources only in the remainder of the project area. It is recommended that construction be allowed to proceed outside of the proposed utility corridor.
Pregnant women's attitudes about topical microbicides for the prevention and treatment of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy.

We sought to understand pregnant women’s product preference and likelihood of use of topical microbicides for bacterial vaginosis (BV) prevention and treatment. Pregnant women (N = 196) in a obstetrics clinic completed a survey between June 2014 and January 2015 about vaginal product use for BV. This cross-sectional study explored product preferences, likelihood of product use for BV management and father of the baby (FOB) involvement. Most participants were under 30 (68%) and underrepresented minorities (47% Hispanic, 21% African-American). Most women preferred the gel (69%). Only 30% were likely to use either product for prevention of BV; 76% if high risk for BV; 83% treatment of BV. Anticipated FOB involvement in decision-making included that 46% would ask his opinion, 38% would inform him of the decision and 7% would need approval. Most (87%) would ask the FOB for reminders and 66% for insertion help. Those under 30 were more likely to agree to ask the FOB for reminders (p < 0.01) and insertion help (...
Toward Developing a Framework for Standardizing the Functional Assessment and Performance Evaluation of Assistive Robotic Manipulators (ARMs)

The research and development of assistive robotic manipulators (ARMs) aims to enhance the upper-extremity daily functioning of individuals with disability. Resources continue to be invested, yet th...
Are expectations for community mental health increasing among older adults in China

In recent years, the Chinese government began expanding access to social services to older adults. This study examined whether older adults have increasing expectations that psychological consulting services will be provided by their communities. We analyzed the responses of participants in a prospective cohort study at 2 time points: 2005 and 2008. We utilized logistic regression with survey weights to determine whether there were any changes in attitudes toward community mental health services during the study period, and to determine the correlates of this change. The study participants had a higher expectation that their government would provide psychological consulting services in 2008 than 2005. The multiple logistic regressions conducted indicated that there was a statistically significant relationship between expectations for community-provided psychological consulting services and being a rural resident (odds ratio [OR] = 0.553, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.353, 0.865]), change in gross regional product per capita (OR = 0.967, 95% CI [0.937, 0.997]), the interaction of those 2 variables (OR = 1.07, 95% CI [1.03, 1.11]), and increase in psychological well-being (OR = 0.971, 95% CI [0.954, 0.988]). Our study highlights the role that economic development can play in changing attitudes toward community-provided psychological consulting services. It suggests that as economic development occurs, expectations for local communities to provide mental health services will increase. (PsycINFO Database Record
Immunological studies of male homosexuals with the prodrome of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

During the last three years, a syndrome of opportunisitic infection and Kaposi’s sarcoma has been described in young male homosexuals in the United States (1–3). More recently this syndrome has also been described in other countries (4) and in a limited number of heterosexuals from both the United States and other countries. It has also been described in a small number of subjects in other patient groups, such as individuals with hemophilia (5). In addition to opportunistic infection and Kaposi’s sarcoma, small numbers of cases of other malignancies are beginning to appear in this group, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (6) and malignant lymphoma (7).
Does Hepatitis C Affect the Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty at Midterm Follow-Up?

Abstract Background It is estimated that 3%-6% of orthopedic patients, many of whom may undergo lower extremity total joint arthroplasty, are infected with hepatitis C. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of patients with hepatitis C who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) in comparison with a matched control cohort in terms of (1) patient-reported outcomes, (2) implant survivorship, and (3) complications. Methods Fifty-four hips in 49 hepatitis C–infected patients who underwent a primary THA between 2002 and 2011 were reviewed. This included 10 women and 39 men who had a mean age of 57 years and a mean 6.5-year follow-up. These patients were matched to 163 THAs (148 patients) who did not have this disease and underwent a THA during the same period. We compared implant survivorship, complication rates, Harris hip scores, and University of California, Los Angeles, activity scores. Radiographs were evaluated for loosening, fracture, malalignment, and osteolysis. Results The implant survivorship in the hepatitis C–infected patients and comparison group was 96.2% and 98.7%, respectively. The risk of revision surgery in the hepatitis C cohort was 3-fold higher than the comparison group; however, this difference was not significant (P = .26). The hepatitis C–infected cohort had a higher risk of surgical complications (odds ratio = 6.5; P = .034). There were no differences in postoperative Harris hip scores or University of California, Los Angeles, activity scores between the cohorts. Conclusion Hepatitis C patients can achieve good implant survivorship and clinical outcomes after THA. However, these patients may be at an increased risk for surgical complications and revision rate.
A Report on Research in the Data Collection Program of Prices Received and Prices Paid by Farmers

T HE submission of a long-range report to Congress in 1957 marked an important milestone in the life of the Statistical Reporting Service. That report set out the broad specifications for technical development necessary for meeting the demands for agricultural data, and it laid the legislative history basis for securing appropriations necessary to implement that program. The first phase of the long-range program, involving extensive use of probability sampling, objective yield measurements as a basis for estimation of crop yields, and the enumerative collection of a considerable range of data concerning the production of crop and livestock products and certain related phases of the agricultural estimating program, is well along toward an operating basis. For the June survey in 1964, 32 states were on an operating basis, and the remaining 16 (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) were on a pilot basis. Simultaneously, active planning has been underway looking toward the application of probability sampling and enumerative data collection to the collection of prices received by farmers and prices paid by farmers. These are the data that underlie the Parity Index, the Index of Prices Received by Farmers, and the computation of parity prices, receipts from sales of farm products, expenses of production of farm products, net income of farmers, and that part of the national income accounts which relate to the agricultural sector of the economy. These price data, therefore, are basic to planning important programs, to laying the groundwork for legislation relating to agriculture, to the administration of programs, and to the measurement of the health of the total as well as the agricultural economy. A word of background may be helpful. In 1867-nearly a century ago-the Department of Agriculture began collecting prices received by farmers for their products, and in 1910, it began the collection of information on prices paid by farmers for a limited number of commodities. The number of commodities covered for both prices received and