cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 5431: Androgen receptor regulates the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier to fuel oncometabolism in prostate cancer

The metabolic underpinnings of androgen receptor (AR)-driven growth in prostate cancer (PCa) are underexplored, hindering the development of strategies to leverage the metabolic properties differentiating PCa from normal tissue. To this end, we discovered a subunit of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), MPC2, is a direct AR target gene that is increased in PCa specimens and associated with clinical outcomes. Our observation suggests a targetable link between AR signaling and carbon trafficking in PCa. Indeed, MPC inhibition delays proliferation and alters metabolic properties in hormone sensitive and castrate resistant AR-driven PCa models. Next, using 13C metabolic flux analysis coupled with a reverse phase protein array, we determined MPC inhibition results in activation of the eIF2α/ATF4 integrated stress response pathway to partially compensate for MPC inhibition by coordinating increased glutamine incorporation into the citric acid cycle. Therefore, to amplify the effect of MPC inhibition, we restricted glutamine availability during MPC inhibition and found this combination resulted in proliferative arrest. Last, we extended our efforts in-vivo and demonstrated combinatorial MPC/glutaminase inhibition resulted in a significant reduction in castrate-resistant prostate tumor xenograft growth in mice with no overt host toxicity. We anticipate our findings will accelerate the development of clinical strategies to therapeutically manipulate carbon flux to starve clinically lethal castrate-resistant PCa. Citation Format: David A. Bader, Nagireddy Putluri, Sean M. Hartig, Sean E. McGuire. Androgen receptor regulates the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier to fuel oncometabolism in prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5431. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5431
Yoga at the Public Library: An Exploratory Survey of Canadian and American Librarians

Results of a 2017 survey of 983 public librarians in the U.S. and Canada show that libraries increasingly provide opportunities for both youth and adults to practice yoga at the library. This artic...
The Effects of Body Mass Index on Pain Control With Liposomal Bupivacaine in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background There is evidence to suggest that liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is an effective component of a multimodal pain regimen for total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Obesity has been associated with chronic pain following TJA. This study assessed whether early postoperative pain is affected by body mass index (BMI), and whether the standard LB dose has similar effects on obese vs nonobese patients. Methods A retrospective analysis of 2629 primary TJA over a 12-month period was conducted, with LB used in half of this group. Patients were further classified as nonobese (BMI Results Significantly less narcotic was required on postoperative days (POD) 0 and 1 in patients receiving LB compared to those who did not in both obese and nonobese patient groups. On POD 2, obese and nonobese patients had an increase in narcotic requirement, which was significant in obese patients. A regression analysis found that on POD 0 and POD 1, lack of LB use, obesity, and younger age were independently associated with increased narcotic use. Conclusion While narcotic requirement of obese and nonobese patients decreased on POD 0 and POD 1 with initiation of LB at our institution, all patients demonstrated increased narcotic requirement on POD 2 which was statistically and clinically significant in obese patients. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal pain regimen in the growing obese population undergoing TJA.
Understandig Medication-Related Needs of Low-Literacy Patients: A pharmacy student project showed that a caring relationship with the pharmacist helped patients become tnore open to receiving advice about medications.

Abstract An important thrust in preparing pharmacy students to provide pharmaceutical care is acquiring sensitivity to the unique medication-related needs of at-risk patient populations. Low literacy, which affects 21 % to 23 0/0 of the American population, defines one such population. In collaboration with the Lafayette Adult Reading Academy (LARA), the authors developed an evolving project to increase pharmacy students' understanding of the medication-related needs and perspectives of low-literacy patients. This was accomplished through a relation-building, three-step oral interview process. The interviewers asked open-ended questions to assess each patient's medication use habits and perspectives. The interview sensitized the pharmacy students to the needs of low-literacy patients for pharmaceutical care. The principal finding was that a caring relationship between pharmacists and patients is prerequisite to patients' openness to share and receive advice about problems and misconceptions associated with their medication use experiences.
Cranial osteology of the pampathere Holmesina floridanus (Xenarthra: Cingulata; Blancan NALMA), including a description of an isolated petrosal bone

The present study entails descriptions of several well-preserved skulls from the pampathere species Holmesina floridanus, recovered from Pliocene localities in central Florida and housed in the collections of the Florida Museum of Natural History. Bone by bone descriptions have allowed detailed reconstructions of cranial morphology. Cranial foramina are described and illustrated in detail, and their contents inferred. The first ever description of an isolated pampathere petrosal is also included. Cranial osteology of Holmesina floridanus is compared to that of Pleistocene species of Holmesina from both North and South America (Holmesina septentrionalis, Holmesina occidentalis), as well as to the other well-known pampathere genera, to closely related taxa among glyptodonts (Propalaehoplophorus), and to extinct and extant armadillos (Proeutatus, Euphractus). This study identifies a suite of apomorphic cranial features that serve to diagnose a putative, progressive series of more inclusive monophyletic groups, including the species Holmesina floridanus, the genus Holmesina, pampatheres, pampatheres plus glyptodonts, and a clade formed by pampatheres, glyptodonts, and Proeutatus. The study highlights the need for further anatomical investigations of pampathere cranial anatomy, especially those using modern scanning technology, and for analyses of pampathere phylogenetic relationships.
Renal Failure and Bilateral Thymoma in an American Bullfrog, Rana catesbiana

ABSTRACT An adult female American bullfrog, Rana catesbiana, from a zoological collection, was examined because of a slowly progressive distension of the coelomic cavity. Approximately 750 cc of clear fluid was removed by celiocentesis. Using cardiocentesis, a blood sample was obtained and plasma was removed for biochemical analyses. The frog was kept in a isotonic solution of saline that contained calcium gluconate, and enrofloxacin was administered orally for 17 d. The frog was found dead in its cage at 17 d following removal of the coelomic fluid and was submitted for necropsy. Major gross findings were cystic kidneys and bilateral cystic masses in the cervical region. Using light microscopy, glomeruli were swollen and were surrounded by thick rims of dense fibrous connective tissues; some also were sclerotic. Additionally there was chronic, diffuse, severe tubulointerstitial nephritis. The bilaterally symmetrical cystic masses in the cervical region had microscopic features most consistent with those ...
Laser Application for Ethnic Skin

The popularity of cutaneous laser surgery has soared, however, the use of lasers in patients with darker skin types has been quite challenging. The main obstacle with cutaneous laser surgery in darker skinned patients is epidermal melanin absorption of laser energy. The absorption spectrum of melanin ranges from 320 to 1,200 nm with the greatest absorption observed in the lower end of this spectrum. The main objective in treating patients with skin of color is to avoid epidermal melanin absorption of laser energy and resultant thermal injury. Laser surgery in darker skinned patients must be approached carefully to avoid this unwanted side effect of post inflammatory pigment alteration. In this chapter, we will review the advances in lasers for ethnic skin with special emphasis on the treatment of acne scars, photorejuvenation, skin tightening, hair removal, vascular lesions and finally tattoos.
Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration in Tissue Cultures Derived from Mature and Immature Somatic Tissues of Rice (Oryza Sativa) and Wheat (Triticum Aestivum)

Immature embryos at various stages of development, whole excised mature embryos, detached scutella of mature embryos, whole seeds, and shoot apical tissue of rice and wheat were cultured on various callus-inducing media. In rice, embryogenic callus was formed from the scutellum of immature embryos at all stages of development examined, as well as from the scutellum of physiologically mature embryos. Rice embryogenic callus produced well-defined somatic embryos and exhibited a high capacity for regeneration. The regeneration potential of embryogenic callus derived from the scutellum of mature embryos did not differ significantly from that of embryogenic callus derived from immature scutella. In wheat, callus produced from the scutellum of immature embryos decreased with increasing size of the embryo. No callus was formed from physiologically mature wheat scutella. Initiation of embryogenic callus in both rice and wheat was more dependent on the source of expiant material than on the initiation medium. The ability of mature rice scutella to produce embryogenic callus is a demonstration in the Gramineae that some highly differentiated cells, that have ceased to divide in vivo, can remain competent to form somatic embryos and subsequently regenerate plants in vitro.
The Persistent Challenge of Understanding Preventable Adverse Drug Events.

* Abbreviations: ADE — : adverse drug event pADE — : preventable adverse drug event Adverse drug events (ADEs) are a significant safety risk for hospitalized patients.1 Medical centers devote considerable resources to quality and safety initiatives aimed at mitigating these events, particularly those that are preventable and/or lead to patient harm. However, the precise nature of these events, their frequency, their severity, and the degree of harm they cause are not well understood, especially in pediatric patients. Although it is well documented that voluntary incident-reporting systems inadequately capture ADEs, consistent measurement approaches and reporting have remained elusive.2 In this issue of Pediatrics , Gates et al3 review the literature on pediatric preventable adverse drug events (pADEs) published between 2000 and 2017. Their well-designed and thorough article reveals many of the serious challenges facing this area of harm detection. Despite overall harm rates being low, the literature reviewed by the authors is heterogeneous in terms of the frequency of pADEs, and they make clear the difficulty in accurately describing the frequency and severity of harm experienced by pediatric patients. For example, Gates et al3 note that the range of incidence for pADEs spans from … Address correspondence to David C. Stockwell, MD, MBA, Pediatric Critical Care, Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Ave, Suite M4800, Washington, DC 20010. E-mail: dstockwe{at}childrensnational.org
Walking in Minimalist Shoes Is Effective for Strengthening Foot Muscles.

ABSTRACTIntroductionWeakness of foot muscles may contribute to a variety of loading-related injuries. Supportive footwear may contribute to intrinsic foot muscle weakness by reducing the muscles’ role in locomotion (e.g., absorbing forces and controlling motion). Increased stimulus to the foot muscl
Essential elements of caregiver support in gynecologic oncology.

160Background: Caregivers are instrumental to the health and well-being of gynecologic cancer patients and can be deeply affected by the demands of caregiving. Our aims were to increase awareness o...
Education and the overcoming of evil

In this essay, I try to make sense out of Kant’s unusual concept of grace, particularly as regards its uneasy relationship to education within the context of the effort to overcome evil. The key to...
Mood, Dimensional Personality, and Suicidality in a Longitudinal Sample of Patients with Bipolar Disorder and Controls

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of mood and anxiety symptoms in relation to personality dimensions and clinical features such as trauma and substance use on suicidal behaviors in a longitudinal sample of individuals with bipolar illness (BP) and healthy controls (HC). METHODS Mood, personality, and clinical features were assessed in 151 individuals with BP I and 119 HC. Clinical data were collected at baseline and at 2-year follow-up. Personality traits were measured using the NEO PI-R. RESULTS In bivariate analyses, personality measures were significantly different between BP and HC, and between BP based on suicide attempt history. However, in regression analyses, baseline measures of depression, mania, anxiety, trauma, education, and age of BP onset correlated with personality domains, while a history of suicide attempts did not. Logistic regressions showed that prospective depression or mania, and a pattern of mixed mood features and chronicity of illness, along with two Neuroticism facet scores (N4-Self-Consciousness and N6-Vulnerability) were predictive of suicide ideation (SI) in the 2-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS While dimensions of personality, trauma, and substance use clearly correlated with suicidal behaviors in BP, in multivariate models emerging mood symptoms were the most robust predictors of suicidality. These results reinforce the importance and attributable role of mood and anxiety symptoms in evaluating suicidal risk.
Long-Term Effects of Bevacizumab on Vestibular Schwannoma Volume in Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Patients.

Introduction Bevacizumab offers a medical treatment that may slow the growth of vestibular schwannomas (VS) and possibly preserve hearing in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). This study aims to investigate the effect of long-term bevacizumab treatment on VS progression. Methods Demographic, clinical, audiometric, and radiographic data were collected from the medical records of NF2 patients treated with bevacizumab at a tertiary medical center. Results Eleven tumors from seven NF2 patients treated with bevacizumab were analyzed. The median age was 17 years (range: 12–47 years). Median bevacizumab treatment time was 33 months (range: 12–74 months). Of five patients with serviceable hearing pretreatment, one (20%) maintained serviceable hearing during bevacizumab therapy. Significantly slower growth rates for both tumor diameters and tumor volumes were identified during active bevacizumab treatment. Median tumor diameters and volumes during active bevacizumab treatment were 0 cm/year (range: –0.13–0.17 cm/year) and 0.1 cm3/year (range: –0.92–0.41), compared with 0.37 cm/year (range: 0–1.5 cm/year, p = 0.0011) and 1.38 cm3/year (range: 0.013–3.74), respectively, without bevacizumab treatment (p = 0.0263). Reduced tumor progression was noted with bevacizumab treatment utilizing both linear greatest diameter (hazard ratio 0.16, p = 0.006) and segmentation volumes (hazard ratio 0.15, p = 0.023). Complications of bevacizumab treatment included fatigue (43%), nausea/vomiting (43%), hypertension (43%), epistaxis (29%), and proteinuria (29%). One subject had a cerebrovascular accident detected on screening magnetic resonance imaging without symptoms or neurological sequelae. Discussion Bevacizumab may reduce tumor growth rate and the risk of progression based on both volumetric and linear measurements.
Systemic growth hormone deficiency causes mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity during early postnatal development.

Abstract Injury during early postnatal life causes acute alterations in afferent function and DRG gene expression, which in addition to producing short-term sensitivity has the potential to influence nociceptive responses in adulthood. We recently discovered that growth hormone (GH) is a key regulator of afferent sensitization and pain-related behaviors during developmental inflammation of the skin. Peripheral injury caused a significant reduction in cutaneous GH levels, which corresponded with the observed hypersensitivity. However, it has yet to be determined whether GH deficiency (GHD) is sufficient to drive peripheral sensitization in uninjured animals. Here, we found that systemic GHD, induced by knockout of the GH release hormone receptor (GHRHr), was able to induce behavioral and afferent hypersensitivity to peripheral stimuli specifically during early developmental stages. GHD also produced an upregulation of many receptors and channels linked to nociceptive processing in the DRGs at these early postnatal ages (P7 and P14). Surprisingly, P21 GHRHr knockouts also displayed significant alterations in DRG gene expression even though behavioral and afferent hypersensitivity resolved. These data support previous findings that GH is a key modulator of neonatal hypersensitivity. Results may provide insight into whether GH treatment may be a therapeutic strategy for pediatric pain.
Identifying regional characteristics influencing variation in the utilization of rotator cuff repair in the United States.

Background There is a lack of consensus regarding indications for surgical management of rotator cuff disease, which can lead to increased regional variation. The objectives of this study were to describe the geographic variation in rates of rotator cuff repair (RCR) in the United States over time and to identify regional characteristics associated with utilization. Methods The United States was divided into 306 hospital referral regions. The adjusted per capita RCR rate was calculated using procedural counts derived from the Medicare Part B Carrier File from 2004-2014. Population-weighted multivariable regression was used to identify regional characteristics independently associated with utilization in 2014. Results In 2014, an 8-fold difference in rates of RCR was found between regions. Between 2010 and 2014, the overall rate of RCR grew only 3.6% and regional variation decreased. Higher regional utilization of several other orthopedic procedures (P Conclusion Utilization of RCR has increased substantially over the past decade, but the rate of growth appears to be slowing. RCR remains a procedure with significant regional variation, and increased utilization across regions is associated with higher orthopedic surgeon supply and increased rates of other orthopedic procedures.
Dermatologic approach to an umbilical mass

The potential for bowel perforation in dermatology is rare; however, perforation remains an important consideration for lesions in and around the umbilicus. We present a case of a 74-year-old female who presented to the outpatient dermatology office for evaluation and biopsy of an umbilical mass. Due to the location, biopsy was deferred and the patient was sent for surgical consultation. The patient was later diagnosed with an incarcerated ventral hernia. We will discuss the differential diagnosis of umbilical masses and the possible complications associated with performing biopsies on lesions in this area.
Comparison of Aged and Fresh WholeTree as a Substrate Component for Production of Greenhouse-Grown Annuals

Abstract WholeTree (WT) is a potential renewable greenhouse substrate component created by chipping and milling all aboveground portions of a pine tree (Pinus taeda L.). While research regarding th...
From Rugged Landscapes to Rugged Ecosystems: Structure of Interdependencies and Firms’ Innovative Search

Managers and academics are increasingly viewing innovating firms as being interdependent on other firms in the business ecosystem. But how might the structure of interdependencies shape the innovat...
THE TREATMENT OF HEARSAY, BAD CHARACTER AND OPINION EVIDENCE IN THE CONVENTIONAL FIELD. THE ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The judges in Strasbourg claim to reason. Our scope will now try to illustrate their position in relation to the two different areas. First, the probative limits that, in some national contexts, seem to be aimed primarily at making the search for truth in the process more efficient; after that, the attention will be shifted to the rules of proof placed to protect the interests of the endoprocessual or extraprocessual other than the ascertainment of the facts.
The Consequences of Accounting Failure for Innovation: A Multi-Level Analysis

This study investigates the relation between accounting failure and innovation. Drawing on the psychology literature and qualitative studies of innovation within the pharmaceutical industry, we dev...
Applying the Infectious Diseases Literature to People who Inject Drugs

People who inject drugs (PWID) presenting with injection drug use-associated infections are an understudied population excluded from most prospective infectious disease (ID) clinical trials. Careful application of the existing ID literature to PWID must consider their unique medical, psychological, and social challenges. Identification and treatment of the underlying substance use disorder are key underpinnings to any successful ID intervention.
Using an Escape Activity in the Classroom to Enhance Nursing Student Learning

Abstract Research has shown that the use of gaming simulations and escape rooms can foster critical thinking and learning. However, there is little documentation of escape room use in didactic classrooms. In this project, undergraduate nursing students were assigned preparation work before class. Following a content review, student groups solved puzzles and riddles applying the content to progress through the escape activity. Most groups (94%) successfully completed this activity. Content item test scores improved 5.9% from the previous semester. Most students (97%) reported that the activity improved their knowledge and ability to prioritize.
Multigram Scale Total Synthesis of Piperarborenines C-E

We report the development of a multigram scale total synthesis of heterodimeric β-truxinic imides piperarborenines C-E using a catechol-mediated diastereoselective intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition. Key innovations lie in the use of (1) catechol as a highly selective auxiliary for the robust and scalable synthesis of homo- and heterodimeric β-truxinates, (2) UV LEDs for direct excitation in the [2+2] cycloaddition step, and (3) a bis pentafluorophenyl ester and LDA for the challenging installation of the syn dihydropyridinone imides. This approach is exceptionally scalable – requiring minimal chromatography, no photocatalysts, and no cryogenic conditions - and will enable thorough evaluation of the biological properties and anticancer profiles of piperaborenines C-E and derivatives thereof.
FRAM-Technologie bringt "Intelligenz" in Smart-Airbag-Systeme

In Applikationen wie den so genannten Smart-Airbags hat sich die FRAM-Speichertechnologie bereits etabliert, wie das Beispiel des Zulieferers fur Automobil Elektronik Hyundai Autonet zeigt. Dieser Beitrag der Ramtron International Corporation beschreibt die Funktionsweise von FRAM (ferroelektrisches Random-Access-Memory), stellt die Technik anderen Speicherkonzepten ge- genuber und zeigt die Vorteile von FRAM am Beispiel des Smart-Airbags auf.
The extracellular stress response to pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass

The heat shock response, also frequently referred to as the stress response, is an ancient, highly conserved, endogenous cellular defense mechanism characterized by the rapid upregulation of a specific class of proteins known collectively as heat shock proteins, or stress proteins. The 70 kDa family of heat shock proteins are highly inducible and have been shown to possess important immunomodulatory effects in both the intracellular and extracellular compartments. In the current prospective translational study, we measured extracellular (i.e. plasma) levels of heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) in 49 children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for either palliation or repair of congenital heart disease. There was a significant and transient increase (less than 24 h) in extracellular Hsp72 levels following CPB. Extracellular Hsp72 levels significantly correlated with levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. In addition, plasma Hsp72 levels correlated with troponin-I levels, a marker of myocardial injury. Increased extracellular Hsp72 levels at 6 h following CPB were independently associated with increased length of stay in the cardiac intensive care unit. Importantly, the source of extracellular Hsp72 does not appear to be cardiomyocytes. However, the mechanism of release and clinical relevance of the increase in extracellular Hsp72 need to be further delineated.
X-Ray and Gamma-Ray Observations of Isolated Neutron Stars

Pulsars provide useful diagnostics of isolated neutron stars, because the timing information allows many physical parameters to be derived. This brief review describes some of the X-ray and gamma-ray properties of pulsars.
A Taxonomy of Organizational Dependencies and Coordination Mechanisms

Interdependency and coordination have been perennial topics in organization studies. The two are related because coordination is seen as a response to problems caused by dependencies. Past studies, however, describe dependencies and coordination mechanisms only in general terms, without characterizing in detail differences between dependencies, the problems dependencies create or how the proposed coordination mechanisms address those problems. This vagueness makes it difficult or impossible to determine what alternative coordination mechanisms might be useful in a given circumstance or to directly translate these alternative designs into specifications of individual
Design calculations for a 14-MeV neutron collimator

A number of SS-316 right circular cylindrical shells of varying lengths have been analyzed using two-dimensional discrete ordinates transport methods together with first and last flight particle estimators to aid in the design of neutron collimators for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor. In the TFTR the 14-MeV neutron source has a very large spatial extent and the collimators must be designed to allow spectral measurements that refer to only a small spatial region of this extended source. The analysis identifies the 14-MeV neutrons from scattering in the SS-316 immediately adjacent to the collimator opening as the dominant contributor to detector background. Collimator lengths greater than 0.60 m were found sufficient to attenuate uncollided background neutrons for reasonable source-detector distances. The lower energy (less than 13.8 MeV) neutron background and gamma background were not found to be significant.
Behavioral, Social, and Emotional Assessment of Children and Adolescents

Part: I: Foundations and Methods of Assessment. Foundations of Assessment. Assessment and Classification. Direct Behavioral Observation. Behavior Rating Scales. Interviewing Techniques. Sociometric Techniques. Self-report Assessment. Projective-expressive Techniques. Part II: Assessment of Specific Problems, Competencies, and Populations. Assessing Externalizing Problems. Assessing Internalizing Problems. Assessing Other Behavioral, Social, and Emotional Problems. Assessing Social Skills and Peer Relations. Assessing Social and Emotional Behavior of Young Children. Assessment and Cultural Diversity
The Implications of Social Neuroscience for Expectation States Theories

We review recent findings from the social neuroscience literature that links status differentiation between individuals to neurological processes, and draw out the implications of those findings for expectation states theories, including its dominant theory of status-organizing processes – Status Characteristics Theory. Our underlying assumption and implicit argument is that social neuroscience research is useful for both bolstering and corroborating some core sociological claims. In addition, it sheds light on some of the ongoing theoretical debates within sociology. We highlight and discuss the following four social neuroscience findings: 1) Neural activity varies depending on whether an individual is interacting with someone of a lower, equal, or higher status; 2) There is an interplay between status and affect such that status processes may promote the control of emotional reactions; 3) Both men and women are neurologically attuned to high status opposite sex conspecifics; and, 4) Status differences are processed in the same region of the brain as numerical or size differences, and this region is responsible for the coding of information along continuous dimensions. The implications of these points are discussed with respect to sociological theories.
Generation of HIV‐1‐Based Lentiviral Vector Particles

This unit presents protocols outlining the methodology and techniques involved in the construction and application of HIV-1-based lentiviral vector systems. Also described are procedures that can be used to concentrate and purify high-titer recombinant lentiviral vector preparations, as well as protocols for transduction of adherent and suspension cells.
Politics Is Hell

Science, Money, and Politics Political Triumph and Ethical Erosion. Daniel S. Greenberg. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2001. 540 pp. $35, £22.50.ISBN 0-226-30634-8. Our review notes that this exploration of the interface between science and the U.S. federal government reveals "a scientific community that behaves remarkably, amusingly, and, at times, terrifyingly like the population at large."
Development, validation and quality assurance of methods for subtyping of foodborne pathogens

Abstract: A wide array of molecular subtyping approaches is currently being used to characterize foodborne pathogens in order to assist epidemiologists with cluster detection and trace back studies during outbreak investigations. The data generated by these methods are often used to populate reference databases or libraries. Once a new method has been developed or an old one adapted for this purpose, it must be subjected to the highest scrutiny possible to ensure that the data that will be generated meet the criteria and standard expected of a reference library. In this chapter, we will outline a typical development, validation and quality assurance process for a method to be used in the PulseNet subtyping network.
Dimensions of lodging guest satisfaction among guests with mobility challenges: A mixed-method analysis of web-based texts

Abstract Given that many lodging businesses cannot afford to provide satisfactory services to people with mobility challenges, this study recommends a strategic order of service attribute development to maximize customer satisfaction with minimal costs. The crucial lodging service attributes of this population are identified and distinguished by degrees of influence on customer satisfaction based on the analyses of 543 web travel reviews. The results suggests prioritizing the bottom-line delivery of basic and performance factors (i.e. room access and staff attitude capability), whereas optionally offering the delivery of excitement factors or above-and-beyond delivery of performance factors, such as luggage and equipment support and general lodging features. Being the first attempt to integrate quantitative and qualitative web content analysis with Penalty-Reward Contrast Analysis, this study captures the real-life tourist service evaluation criteria with improved accuracy and reliability. It also enables a thorough and efficient exploitation of customer-generated web textual data.
Rivastigmine for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson disease: A placebo-controlled study

Abstract Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Parkinson's disease (PD) may be associated with subtle functional impairment and worse quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of rivastigmine for PD-MCI. Patients with PD-MCI (n = 28) were enrolled in a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, single-site study of the rivastigmine transdermal patch. The primary outcome measure was the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Clinical Global Impression of Change (ADCS-CGIC). Secondary outcomes included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Dementia Rating Scale-2 (DRS-2), Neurotrax computerized cognitive battery, the Everyday Cognition Battery (ECB), and the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-8). Twenty-six participants (92.9%) completed both study phase assessments, and 23 (82.1%) completed both phases on study medication. The CGIC response rate demonstrated a trend effect in favor of rivastigmine (regression coefficient for interaction term in linear mixed-effects model = 0.44, F[df] = 3.01 [1, 24], P = 0.096). For secondary outcomes, a significant rivastigmine effect on the ECB (regression coefficient = -2.41, F[df] = 5.81 [1, 22.05], P = 0.03) was seen, but no treatment effect was found on any cognitive measures. Trend effects also occurred in favor of rivastigmine on the PDQ-8 (regression coefficient = 4.55, F[df] = 3.93 [1, 14. 79], P = 0.09) and the State Anxiety Inventory (regression coefficient = -1.24, F[df] = 3.17 [1, 33], P = 0.08). Rivastigmine in PD-MCI showed a trend effect for improvements on a global rating of cognition, disease-related health status, and anxiety severity, and significant improvement on a performance-based measure of cognitive abilities. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Installation of Decon facility in preparation for TFTR D-T operations

PPPL at present is preparing TFTR for Deuterium-Tritium (D-T) operation. An essential part of this preparation included planning and constructing a facility used for cleaning tritium-contaminated clothing, decontamination, packing of materials, and if necessary the decontamination of personnel. The new Decontamination Facility includes: a laundry area, personnel decontamination shower and changing area; a rad waste materials packaging area, a "hot" machine shop area for working on and machining of contaminated materials, and a general operational health physics area which includes tritium counting capabilities. This paper will describe the various areas within the Decontamination facility and its capabilities to handle tritium contaminated materials. A series of safeguards are included to protect individuals working in the area. These safeguards include fire/smoke sensors, tritium monitors, low flow ventilation alarms and warning systems associated with the water level in the waste water collection system. There are two ultrasonic cleaning areas within the decontamination facility. One cleaning station will be within an explosive proof room which would be used if flammable liquids such as ethanol are required during ultrasonic cleaning of components. The second ultrasonic station will for water/alconox cleaning of components. This area also includes a water rinse station and a new oven for baking out ultrasonically cleaned components. The Decontamination Facility is located within the tritium boundary and contains a preaction sprinkler system for fire protection and a uninterrupted power supply (UPS). A ventilation system provides a negative pressure atmosphere and the exhaust is routed to the TFTR tritium stack. The facility has its own waste water collection system which allows collected waters to be filtered and tested prior to releasing into the TFTR Liquid Effluent Collection Tanks (LECT).
Prostate-Specific Antigen, High-Molecular-Weight Cytokeratin (Clone 34βE12), and/or p63 An Optimal Immunohistochemical Panel to Distinguish Poorly Differentiated Prostate Adenocarcinoma From Urothelial Carcinoma

An optimal immunohistochemical panel to distinguish poorly differentiated prostate (PCa) from urothelial (UCa) carcinoma was selected from a panel consisting of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), high-molecular-weight cytokeratin (HMWCK), clone 34betaE12, cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK20, p63, and alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase. The pilot group was composed of poorly differentiated UCa (n = 36) and PCa (n = 42). PSA and PAP stained 95% of PCa vs 0% and 11% of UCa cases, respectively. HMWCK and p63 stained 97% and 92% of UCa vs 2% and 0% of PCa cases respectively. CK7/CK20 coexpression was noted in 50% of UCa cases, whereas 86% of PCa cases were negative with both. A panel of PSA, HMWCK, and p63 was optimal for separating 95% PCa (PSA+/HMWCK and/or p63-) vs 97% UCa (PSA-/HMWCK and/or p63+). This panel was used on 26 diagnostically challenging cases and resolved 81% of cases as UCa vs PCa. The majority of PCa cases retain PSA. Negative PSA with positive HMWCK and/or p63 establishes a diagnosis of UCa.
The orienting reflex and amount and direction of conceptual novelty

The galvanic skin response component of the orienting reflex (OR) was recorded for four groups of 11 Ss. They viewed seven numeric stimuli presented sequentially, then a test stimulus (TS) which was out of sequence by ±3 or ±15 units, followed by a resumption of the sequence. It was found that ORs to the TS were a function of the amount of disparity between that TS and the “expected” stimulus and that direction of that disparity was not an effective manipulation. There were no such systematic changes in OR recovery to the following in-sequence stimulus. The results were related to previous research using both numeric and simple sensory stimuli and to Sokolov’s account of the OR.
A thermodynamic investigation of the redox properties of ceria–titania mixed oxides

Abstract Ceria–titania solutions with compositions of Ce0.9Ti0.1O2 and Ce0.8Ti0.2O2 were prepared by the citric-acid (Pechini) method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structure, coulometric titration for redox thermodynamics, and water–gas-shift (WGS) reaction rates. Following calcination at 973 K, XRD suggests that the mixed oxides exist as single phase, fluorite structures, although there was no significant change in the lattice parameter compared to pure ceria. The mixed oxides are shown to be significantly more reducible than bulk ceria, with enthalpies for re-oxidation being approximately −500 kJ/mol O2, compared to −760 kJ/mol O2 for bulk ceria. However, WGS rates over 1 wt% Pd supported on ceria, Ce0.8Ti0.2O2, and Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 were nearly the same. For calcination at 1323 K, the mixed oxides separated into ceria and titania phases, as indicated by both the XRD and thermodynamic results.
Persistence of human papillomavirus infection: keys to malignant progression

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the etiologic agents of cervical and other epithelial cancers. Persistence of infections by high-risk HPV types is the single greatest risk factor for malignant progression. Although prophylactic vaccines have been developed that target high-risk HPV types, there is a continuing need to understand better the virus–host interactions that underlie persistent benign infection and progression to cancer. In this review we summarize the molecular events that facilitate the differentiation-dependent HPV life cycle, how the life cycle is organized to facilitate virus persistence, and how the activities of HPV regulatory proteins result in malignancy.
A Conservative Iterative-Based Zonal Decomposition Scheme for Conduction Heat Transfer Problems

A new conservative iterative-based zonal decomposition technique for the solution of complex heat conduction problems is proposed. This numerical technique is based on dividing the domain into subdomains and ensuring that the heat flux and temperature are continuous at the boundary between subdomains. An example problem is used to illustrate the zonal decomposition technique for both steady and transient problems. This numerical technique results in accuracy which equals or exceeds traditional finite difference solutions and solution times which are significantly less than traditional finite difference solutions. A numerical relaxation parameter is introduced and its value is optimized to provide the most rapid convergence to an accurate solution
Serum ferritin: a predictor of early spontaneous preterm delivery

Objective: To identify biochemical indices for iron and protein nutriture as well as acute-phase reactants as predictors of preterm delivery. Methods: In this nested case-control study, serum samples were obtained at about 24 weeks' gestation from 94 indigent multiparas. These cases were defined based on having a spontaneous delivery of 32 weeks or less ( n = 31) with two control groups, one delivering spontaneously at 33–36 weeks ( n = 32) and the other delivering spontaneously at 37 weeks or more ( n = 31). The concentrations of iron, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation, and transferrin receptor were measured as indices of iron status. The concentrations of acute-phase reactants, including C-reactive protein, α -2-macroglobulin, β -2-microglobulin and ceruloplasmin, were also measured, along with albumin, prealbumin, retinol-binding protein, copper, and zinc. Results: Serum ferritin concentrations were negatively correlated with gestational age at birth ( P = .034). For subjects having serum ferritin levels above the median compared with those below, the odds ratio of having an early spontaneous preterm delivery was 2.99 (95% confidence interval 1.13–7.89). The other indices, including iron status and the acute-phase reactants, were not significantly associated with gestational age at birth. Conclusion: Elevated serum ferritin levels during the second trimester are predictive of early spontaneous preterm delivery, possibly because these reflect an acute-phase reaction to subclinical infections that are closely associated with premature delivery.
The Blood Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Correlates with Clinical Status in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Retrospective Study

Purpose The blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been identified as a potentially useful marker of clinical outcome in disease states with an inflammatory component. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between NLR and clinical status in children with cystic fibrosis. Methods This was a retrospective chart review. Data collected included NLR, body mass index, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) while asymptomatic, and during hospitalizations for pulmonary exacerbation. An NLR breakpoint of 3 was used for comparisons of body mass index and FEV1. Results A total of 159 charts were reviewed. An NLR ≥ 3 was significantly associated with lower body mass index and lower FEV1. NLR during hospitalization was significantly higher than NLR while asymptomatic. NLR measured during the first 3 months of life was negatively correlated with FEV1 at age 12. Conclusion NLR correlates with clinical status in children with cystic fibrosis and may be a useful biomarker in this population.
Effectiveness of end-user debugging software features: are there gender issues?

Although gender differences in a technological world are receiving significant research attention, much of the research and practice has aimed at how society and education can impact the successes and retention of female computer science professionals-but the possibility of gender issues within software has received almost no attention. If gender issues exist with some types of software features, it is possible that accommodating them by changing these features can increase effectiveness, but only if we know what these issues are. In this paper, we empirically investigate gender differences for end users in the context of debugging spreadsheets. Our results uncover significant gender differences in self-efficacy and feature acceptance, with females exhibiting lower self-efficacy and lower feature acceptance. The results also show that these differences can significantly reduce females' effectiveness.
BULLOUS PEMPHIGOID: INTERACTION OF INTERLEUKIN 5, ANTI-BASEMENT MEMBRANE ZONE ANTIBODIES AND EOSINOPHILS. A PRELIMINARY OBSERVATION

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering skin disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies to normal components of the hemidesmosome (BPAg1 and BPAg2). Histology of skin lesions demonstrate a subepidermal vesicle and a predominantly eosinophilic dermal cellular infiltrate. Interleukin 5 (IL-5) plays a major role in eosinophil recruitment and function. Using an ELISA, we investigated the levels of IL-5 in the sera and blister fluid of BP patients with active disease and those in prolonged clinical remission treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, and compared it to that in normal controls. Significantly increased levels of IL-5 were detected in the serum and particularly the blister fluid of patients with active disease (P=0.0043) when compared to levels in normal controls. There was no significant difference in IL-5 levels in patients in prolonged clinical remission compared to normal control serum. In an immunoblot assay, using bovine gingival lysate as substrate, we determined the presence of IgG and IgE autoantibodies specific to basement membrane zone proteins in blister fluid and serum of BP patients. IgG autoantibodies to BPAg1 and BPAg2 were detected in both blister fluid and serum of patients, whereas IgE autoantibodies, in much lower titers, were detected to only BPAg1. Elevated levels of blood and tissue eosinophilia were observed in these patients. Based on these data, we present a preliminary hypothesis for the initiation, progression and localization of blister formation in BP.
HYDROGEN GENERATION FROM ARTIFICIAL SEA HATER IN A SEMICONDUCTOR SEPTUM ELECTROCHEMICAL PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL

Visible light of the solar spectrum is directly converted to stored chemical energy of hydrogen from artificial sea water in a novel electrochemical photovoltaic cell. The principal element of the cell, modeled after the photosynthetic thylakoid membrane, is a semiconductor septum made of polycrystalline n-CdSe thin film deposited on nickel foil, which separates two aqueous solutions. Under short-circuit conditions, vigorous hydrogen evolution was seen at the Ni surface and continued as long as the cell was operated. The novel cell, the concept of which was derived from pigmented bilayer lipid membrane studies, is easy to construct, simple to operate, and appears to be a practical approach to the photochemical conversion and storage of solar energy.
Development of a method for Bayesian nonparametric ROC analysis with application to an ELISA for Johne's disease in dairy cattle

Abstract Six hundred and sixty-eight dairy cattle were tested for Johne's disease using a direct-fecal real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR), fecal culture, and serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Likelihood ratios (LRs) were estimated for five categories of sample-to-positive (S/P) values for the ELISA:
Proton relaxation and molecular motion in binary liquid mixtures

Abstract For a binary liquid mixture in which the proton NMR spectrum consists of two chemically shifted lines, both longitudinal and transverse relaxation can be described by two self-relaxation rates and one cross-relaxation rate. The existence of cross-relaxation gives rise to a homonuclear (intermolecular) nuclear Overhauser enhancement and also to an observable dependence of transverse relaxation rates upon pulse spacing in Carr-Purcell spin-echo experiments. Analysis of these phenomena, together with isotopic dilution experiments, permits determination of the relative efficiencies of dipole-dipole relaxation via different intermolecular pathways. Experimental results for a mixture of benzene with 2,5-dibromothiophene indicate preferential self-association of benzene molecules in the liquid mixture.
Effective use of patient education illustrations

Effective illustrations can greatly enhance patient education materials, yet many illustrations do not aid instruction as much as they could. By following the above recommendations, patient education materials developers and illustrators can together accomplish their objectives.