cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medical Marijuana Knowledge and Attitudes: A Survey of the California Pharmacists Association:

Views on the medical efficacy and acceptability of marijuana have changed over the years. California was the first state permitting individuals to use medical marijuana. Even with a long history of use and widespread agreement around the effectiveness of medical marijuana, the literature is sparse about the role health care providers, including pharmacists, play in this interaction. The purpose of this article is to shed light on knowledge and attitudes of pharmacists regarding medical marijuana. We developed a survey for pharmacists about their level of knowledge and attitudes toward medical marijuana. The survey was distributed using SurveyMonkey. It consisted of 44 questions and an opportunity to provide comments. We collaborated with the California Pharmacists Association who provided a link to the survey in October 2017 to their members. Results from 474 responses indicate a majority of providers believe that marijuana has medical efficacy. Yet most providers report that they neither have much information about medical marijuana nor do they know where to get such information. One area of particular concern is the potential for drug interactions. Pharmacists would feel more comfortable discussing medical marijuana if it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Moreover, they believe more research needs to occur. The variance between California and federal policy leads to dysfunction among pharmacists providing information to patients. We believe federal policy should change.
Peroxynitrite-Mediated Dimerization of 3-Nitrotyrosine: Unique Chemistry along the Spectrum of Peroxynitrite-Mediated Nitration of Tyrosine

Peroxynitrite (ONOO−, PN) has long been considered a potent nitrating agent implicated in numerous inflammation-mediated diseases. The current work highlights an unexplored oxidation chemistry initiated under conditions of sustained PN exposure. Impetus for this investigation developed from mass spectral results that suggested dimerization of a model peptide with a single tyrosine residue that was first nitrated following extended exposure to PN generated in situ. In attempts to substantiate this dimerization event and divulge the possible mode of linkage between the tyrosine derivatives of the peptide monomers, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) was exposed to sustained fluxes of PN in a two-component PN-generating platform developed in this laboratory. Such exposure afforded products with tandem mass spectrometry and fluorescence spectroscopy profiles indicative of C–O coupling between 3-NT moieties. Synthesis and comparative analysis of the C–C coupled 3-NT isomer corroborated these findings. Most notably, the mass spectral data of the C–C coupled 3-NT dimer displayed a 226.80 m/z peak following exposure to high collision energy, corresponding to symmetric cleavage of the parent dimer peak (m/z = 453) along with a fragmentation product at m/z = 180.04 (–NO2 species). This fragmentation profile was distinct from the C–O coupled 3-NT dimer that exhibited a predominant 209.14 m/z peak with a small secondary 226.15 m/z peak indicative of asymmetric cleavage of the parent dimer. Results of this study indicate that formation of C–O coupled 3-NT dimer is promoted by elevated levels of 3-NT formed under high and sustained flux of PN
Smoking and Alcohol Consumption Following a New Dementia Diagnosis

Objectives Despite extensive research on lifestyle factors that influence the risk of developing dementia, limited evidence exists on whether older adults adopt healthier habits post-diagnosis in the hope of preserving their quality of life. Method Using panel data (1998-2014) from the Health and Retirement Study, this study investigated whether individuals who received a new dementia diagnosis were more likely to modify smoking and drinking behaviors than those without such a diagnosis. Propensity score weighting was used to adjust for observable differences between groups. Results Older adults with a new dementia diagnosis were 2.8 times more likely to reduce alcohol consumption than those without such a diagnosis. This result was mainly attributable to "light" drinkers at baseline and appeared to fade over time. We found no statistically significant effect of a dementia diagnosis on smoking cessation or on reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked. These results were robust to multiple sensitivity tests, including the use of cognition scores to indicate dementia onset instead of self-reported physician diagnosis. Discussion A new dementia diagnosis can serve as a window of opportunity that prompts some older adults to change habits related to alcohol consumption. This has important implications for clinical practice surrounding dementia diagnosis disclosure, the rates of which are currently much lower than other medical conditions.
Sport Specialization, Club Sport Participation, Quality of Life, and Injury History Among High School Athletes.

Context Many factors can affect the injury risk and quality of life among high school athletes. Early sport specialization and club sport participation may be components to consider when assessing ...
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Lung Cancer.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared with non-ICI therapies in patients with lung cancer. Background ICIs activate the host immune system to target cancer cells. Though uncommon, cardiovascular immune-related adverse events can be life-threatening. Methods A retrospective single-institution cohort study of 252 patients with pathologically confirmed lung cancer who received ICI or non-ICI therapy was analyzed. The primary endpoint was MACE, defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure. Results During a median follow-up of 6 months, MACE occurred in 13.3% of ICI-treated patients, with a median time to event of 51 days, compared with 10.3% and 64 days in non-ICI patients. ICIs were not associated with MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57 to 2.43; p = 0.66) in a univariable Fine-Gray regression analysis incorporating noncardiovascular death as a competing risk. Multivariable regression analyses determined that patients treated with ICIs with elevated serum troponin I >0.01 ng/ml (HR: 7.27; 95% CI: 2.72 to 19.43; p 100 pg/ml (HR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.01 to 6.92; p = 0.047) had an increased risk of MACE. Patients pre-treated or receiving combined immunotherapy with ICIs and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (VEGFIs) or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) had an increased risk of MACE (HR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.05 to 4.37; p = 0.04). Conclusions ICIs were not independently associated with an increased risk of MACE in patients with lung cancer, although power is an important limitation in these analyses. ICI-associated cardiotoxicity was associated with elevations in serum troponin and BNP, and combined immunotherapy with VEGFIs or TKIs. Future studies are needed to further define the role of cardiac biomarkers as a monitoring strategy with ICI therapy.
Forecasting Civil Wars: Theory and Structure in an Age of “Big Data” and Machine Learning:

Does theory contribute to forecasting accuracy? We use event data to show that a parsimonious model grounded in prominent theories of conflict escalation can forecast civil war onset with high accu...
Time-Resolved and Comprehensive Analysis of Surface Glycoproteins Reveals Distinct Responses of Monocytes and Macrophages to Bacterial Infection

Glycoproteins on the surface of immune cells play extremely important roles in response to pathogens. Yet, a systematic and time-resolved investigation of surface glycoproteins during the immune response remains to be explored. Integrating selective enrichment of surface glycoproteins with multiplexed proteomics, we globally and site-specifically quantified the dynamics of surface glycoproteins on THP-1 monocytes and macrophages in response to bacterial infection and during the monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. The time-resolved analysis reveals transient changes and differential remodeling of surface glycoproteins on both cell types, and potential upstream regulators and downstream effects of the regulated glycoproteins. Besides, we identified novel surface glycoproteins participating in the immune response such as APMAP, and site-specific changes of glycoproteins. This study provides unprecedented information to deepen our understanding of glycoproteins and cellular activities.
Vinyl Freak: Love Letters to a Dying Medium: by John Corbett, Durham, NC/London, Duke U P, 2017, 264 pp., $26.95 (paper), ISBN: 978-0-8223-6366-8

The problem for readers of these so-called love letters to/about long-play record albums quickly becomes clear. I mean those readers who find themselves wishing to own the titles described by the s...
Indirect Evaluation of the Compressive Strength of Recycled Aggregate Concrete at Long Ages and after Exposure to Freezing or Elevated Temperatures

The present work is the outcome of two years of investigations for the effect of incorporation of coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RA) in self-compacting high-strength concrete (SCHSC). By destructive and non-destructive methods; the compressive strength for SCHSC mixes with the incorporation of three different proportions of RA has been studied at various ages for up to two years. In addition, the residual compressive strength has been investigated after exposure to freezing-thawing cycles or to elevated temperature and correlations have been proposed between the compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). Thus, the compressive strength can be indirectly evaluated by knowing the measuring of the UPV. The hydration level of the adhered mortar attached to the RA and its quality affect the performance of concrete. Meanwhile, SCHSC is one of the best options for raising up the sustainability of concrete.
Developing a modified version of generative adversarial network to predict the potential anti-viral drug of COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID19), a new strain of the SARS-CoV family discovered in 2019, transmits through droplets generated by an infected person. Its production rate on the endoplasmic reticulum will lead to the apoptosis of the human cell. Several attempts to create an anti-viral drug to combat the virus, such as chloroquine and remdesivir [1], are ongoing. A potential cure for the virus is to have an inhibitor (Antibody) that will attach itself to the virus and prevent it from attaching to the human cell's receptors, preventing it from spreading. In this work, the author will first develop a set of sample candidate drugs using deep reinforcement learning and then, using the coronavirus as a target, bind all the sample candidate drugs to it and determine the one with the best binding affinity. The drug with the best binding affinity will be a potential cure for the virus.
Compact Broadband Rapid-Adiabatic Polarization Splitter-Rotators in a Monolithic Electronic-Photonic SOI Platform

We demonstrate a novel compact, ultra-broadband polarization splitter-rotator (PSR) based on a photonic magic-T and rapid adiabatic mode splitter (RAMS). Polarization cross-talk is 5× length reduction over a conventional adiabatic PSR.
Inborn errors of metabolism associated with 3-methylglutaconic aciduria.

Abstract A growing number of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) associated with compromised mitochondrial energy metabolism manifest an unusual phenotypic feature: 3-methylglutaconic (3MGC) aciduria. Two major categories of 3MGC aciduria, primary and secondary, have been described. In primary 3MGC aciduria, IEMs in 3MGC CoA hydratase (AUH) or HMG CoA lyase block leucine catabolism, resulting in a buildup of pathway intermediates, including 3MGC CoA. Subsequent thioester hydrolysis yields 3MGC acid, which is excreted in urine. In secondary 3MGC aciduria, no deficiencies in leucine catabolism enzymes exist and 3MGC CoA is formed de novo from acetyl CoA. In the “acetyl CoA diversion pathway”, when IEMs directly, or indirectly, interfere with TCA cycle activity, acetyl CoA accumulates in the matrix space. This leads to condensation of two acetyl CoA to form acetoacetyl CoA, followed by another condensation between acetyl CoA and acetoacetyl CoA to form 3-hydroxy, 3-methylglutaryl (HMG) CoA. Once formed, HMG CoA serves as a substrate for AUH, producing trans-3MGC CoA. Non enzymatic isomerization of trans-3MGC CoA to cis-3MGC CoA precedes intramolecular cyclization to cis-3MGC anhydride plus CoA. Subsequent hydrolysis of cis-3MGC anhydride gives rise to cis-3MGC acid, which is excreted in urine. In reviewing 20 discrete IEMs that manifest secondary 3MGC aciduria, evidence supporting the acetyl CoA diversion pathway was obtained. This biochemical pathway serves as an “overflow valve” in muscle / brain tissue to redirect acetyl CoA to 3MGC CoA when entry to the TCA cycle is impeded.
Abstract MP70: Aldosterone And Inverse Salt Sensitivity Of Blood Pressure

Salt sensitivity affects approximately 20% of adults worldwide and has similar mortality and morbidity sequalae as hypertension. Research has focused on the harmful effects of a high salt diet but ...
Mitigation of sulfate reduction and nitrous oxide emission in denitrifying environments with amorphous iron oxide and biochar

Abstract Engineered denitrifying environments, such as constructed wetland, biofilters or bioreactors have been increasingly recognized as an efficient means to improve water quality via facilitated denitrification. These environments function by providing a carbon substrate that serves as an energy source for microbial denitrifiers to utilize during denitrification. However, under sulfate (SO42−) reducing redox potentials, methane (CH4), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methyl mercury production can result. Amorphous ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)3) has been shown to poise soil systems above the redox potential (Eh) of microbial SO42 reduction. This mineral was added in a denitrification column experiment in order to assess the ability of amorphous Fe(OH)3 to prevent or mitigate microbiological SO42− reduction. Given biochar’s ability to enhance microbial activity, this experiment was also designed to determine whether biochar enhances microbiological SO42− and NO3− − N reduction, as well as mitigate N2O emissions. Four denitrification substrate mixtures were evaluated in a laboratory column experiment: woodchips only (WC), woodchips + 15% (v/v) sand (Sand), woodchips + 15%(v/v) hardwood 26 mesh biochar (Biochar) and woodchips + 15%(v/v) hardwood 26 mesh biochar + 15 % (v/v) amorphous Fe(OH)3 (Fe). Columns were sampled for NO3− − N, N2O and SO42− at an initial interval of 3 hrs gradually decreasing to 12 h over a 120 h sampling period. Analysis of the data show that Biochar enhanced SO42− reduction (to sulfide) by 85% compared to the initial concentration while Fe largely prevented SO42− reduction, displaying a 18% reduction, which was not statistically significant. These results indicated that Fe(OH)3 addition significantly mitigated SO42− reduction. Similar to Fe, the Sand column exhibited lower microbially reduced SO42 than Biochar, at 20%, but this schema resulted in significantly higher N2O production. The WC treatment reduced SO42 by 47%, but also produced more N2O than other treatments. As expected, both treatments with biochar (Biochar and Fe) accelerated NO3− − N removal while reducing the production of N2O, and there was no discernable difference between the two, indicating that the addition of Fe(OH)3 to the system does not negatively impact performance. These results indicate that biochar, while enhancing denitrification, significantly increases microbiological reduction of SO42−, a precursor to methyl mercury production in. Thus, methyl mercury production may increase with increased biochar addition unless amorphous Fe(OH)3 is added to the substrate matrix.
Intramural Six-Man Football

(1938). Intramural Six-Man Football. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 9, No. 7, pp. 430-453.
I Am Your Smartphone, and I Know You Are About to Smoke: The Application of Mobile Sensing and Computing Approaches to Smoking Research and Treatment

Much is known about the immediate and predictive antecedents of smoking lapse, which include situations (e.g., presence of other smokers), activities (e.g., alcohol consumption), and contexts (e.g., outside). This commentary suggests smartphone-based systems could be used to infer these predictive antecedents in real time and provide the smoker with just-in-time intervention. The smartphone of today is equipped with an array of sensors, including GPS, cameras, light sensors, barometers, accelerometers, and so forth, that provide information regarding physical location, human movement, ambient sounds, and visual imagery. We propose that libraries of algorithms to infer these antecedents can be developed and then incorporated into diverse mobile research and personalized treatment applications. While a number of challenges to the development and implementation of such applications are recognized, our field benefits from a database of known antecedents to a problem behavior, and further research and development in this exciting area are warranted.
Circuits and signal conditioning for a peanut-drying monitoring system

Post-harvest processes at peanut buying points and other peanut grading facilities have a direct impact on the quality of the product. Peanut drying is an essential task for safe peanut storage. The rate at which peanuts are dried can also affect the flavor and milling qualities. Current peanut drying processes require substantial human interaction and often lack efficiency. Therefore, a quarter-scale peanut drying system was developed to study automation of the drying process. This development led to the implementation of a portable peanut-drying monitoring system, capable of measuring drying parameters in real-time on 45-ft semi-trailers. The monitoring system uses a sensor network containing five sensors, one of which is a microwave moisture sensor, capable of in-shell kernel moisture content determination, to monitor drying parameters. These parameters include temperature and relative humidity of the ambient air, temperature and kernel moisture content of the peanut bed, and the temperature of the inlet air. Appropriate signal conditioning was applied to each sensor output so that all voltages would be suitable for the analog to digital converter of the microcontroller. Such implementation would reduce overdrying and underdrying, preserve peanut quality, and provide more efficient control of the heater, minimizing energy consumption and labor requirements.
Application of model-based diagnostic technology on the Boeing 777 Airplane

This paper describes the application of model based diagnostic technology to the Central Maintenance Computer for the Boeing 777 Airplane. The paper presents an overview of model based diagnostic technology as applied to the 777 with an emphasis on the model generation process. It identifies the subtleties of developing a model with the appropriate level of resolution. A model that is too general will not provide the required accuracy while a model that is too detailed will be burdensome to develop and maintain. The fact that data entry activities for parts of the model needed to start before the model was completely specified was the source of additional difficulties that the process had to overcome. The paper presents how these problems were solved on the 777 and how this experience can be beneficial in future programs. >
Governing Equations in Solid Mechanics

The first step in finite element analysis of a given problem is the development of an appropriate model of the problem. As described in Chap. 1, the development of a model involves making approximations of the physics, geometry, boundary conditions and material behavior. Once a model is developed, (a) the mathematical equations governing the physics are developed, (b) the boundary value problem is formally defined, and (c) an appropriate technique is used to solve the problem. In this chapter, we focus on the derivation of the governing equations and the definition of the boundary/initial value problems for linear, single-physics, solid mechanics (load-deformation) problems.
Temperature rise of catalytic supported crystallites

Abstract It is shown that during exothermic catalytic reactions the temperature of the active sites may be raised periodically to levels far in excess of those of the support. The existence of these high temperatures is due to the fact that the chemical reaction occurs on the catalytic site during a very short period of time. This temperature differential between the crystal and the support cannot be controlled by dilution of the reacting mixture and may be responsible for the observed clumping of surface metallic atoms into large crystallites during catalyst deactivation.
Translocation of both lysosomal LDL-derived cholesterol and plasma membrane cholesterol to the endoplasmic reticulum for esterification may require common cellular factors involved in cholesterol egress from the acidic compartments (lysosomes/endosomes)

Abstract Using a stable cell line 25-RA derived from wild-type Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells as the parental cell, this laboratory previously reported the isolation and characterization of CHO cell mutants (cholesterol-trafficking or CT) defective in transporting LDL-derived cholesterol out of the acidic compartment(s) (lysosomes/endosomes) to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for esterification. In this report, we show that the CT mutation can be complemented by fusion with human cells; however, attempts to complement the CT defect through DNA transfection have resulted in a collection of stable cell lines designated as ST cells. Under cholesterol starvation condition, the ST cells exhibit an elevated rate of cholesterol ester biosynthesis (by 3- to 5-fold) compared to both the parental CHO cells and the CT cells. The phenotypes of the ST cells are stable. ST cells are thus new cell lines arisen from the CT cells. When the plasma membranes of the parental, CT, and ST cells are labelled with [ 3 H]cholesterol, ST cells show rates of [ 3 H]cholesterol esterification much higher than that observed in CT cells but lower than that observed in the parental CHO cells. This result shows that translocation of plasma membrane cholesterol to the ER for esterification is defective in the CT cells. This result also suggests that ST cells acquire increased cholesterol trafficking activity between the lysosome and the ER without mixing with the plasma membrane cholesterol pool. The characteristics of CT cells and ST cells reported here suggest that translocation of both lysosomal LDL-derived cholesterol and plasma membrane cholesterol to the ER for esterification may require common cellular factors involved in cholesterol egress from the acidic compartment(s) (lysosomes/endosomes).
Difficult conversations as moral imperative: Negotiating ethnic identities during war

I found the claim of a "moral imperative" as reason to bomb Kosovo and the sovereign nation of Yugoslavia to be untenable because as an American of Serbian descent, I saw the media portrayal of my relatives, culture, and ancestry reduced to descriptions of savagery and barbarism. Thus began my autoethnographic exploration of ethics and communication in the emotional work of identity construction within a context of war. In this essay, I use my personal experiences with conflicted identities as the basis for discovering a discussion strategy for difficult conversations that is capable of helping us understand the connections between personal actions and political solutions, lived experiences and the new terms for global dialogue.
Design rules for self-assembled block copolymer patterns using tiled templates

Directed self-assembly of block copolymers has been used for fabricating various nanoscale patterns, ranging from periodic lines to simple bends. However, assemblies of dense bends, junctions and line segments in a single pattern have not been achieved by using sparse templates, because no systematic template design methods for achieving such complex patterns existed. To direct a complex pattern by using a sparse template, the template needs to encode the key information contained in the final pattern, without being a simple copy of the pattern. Here we develop a set of topographic template tiles consisting of square lattices of posts with a restricted range of geometric features. The block copolymer patterns resulting from all tile arrangements are determined. By combining tiles in different ways, it is possible to predict a relatively simple template that will direct the formation of non-trivial block copolymer patterns, providing a new template design method for a complex block copolymer pattern.
Economics: Opportunities from uncertainties

The inability to verify nations' reported progress towards emission-reduction commitments is a stumbling block in climate change negotiations. Narrowing uncertainties in the global carbon cycle could help overcome this obstacle.
864 Combined radiation and surgery for malignant fibrous histiocytoma of subcutaneous tissue

Materials and Methods The records of 21 patients treated with surgery and radiation for malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of subcutaneous tissue were identified. Results The majority of patients with subcutaneous MFH (83%) showed an extremely infiltrative growth pattern, defined as >0.2 cm from the main mass. These tumors frequently showed positive surgical margins (60%) after initial resection and frequently required reexcision and skin grafting. Two local failures were reported, one of these eventually developing distant failure. Two other patients eventually developed distant failure without evidence of local failure. Conclusions Subcutaneous MFH show a highly infiltrative behavior, frequently showing positive margins after initial surgery. Contrary to prevailing opinion these tumors are locally aggressive and can display local and distant recurrence.
Nursing caps to feminist pedagogy: transformation of nursing education

Abstract A focus on gender is necessary within the current classroom as a means to make for a more equal educational process. In addition, it will allow nursing students to see and understand the potential of favoritism of one gender group over another, thus sensitizing them for the real world. Not only will focus on gender within the classroom create a more democratic classroom, but it will also be a means to change nursing education curriculums forever as perhaps students would deal better with the patriarchy of doctors. Therefore, inclusion of a feminist pedagogy in nursing education is necessary because it will transform nursing education, enact new narrative pedagogies, and incorporate a much needed feminist pedagogy within nursing education.
Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP): An emerging method for characterizing diversity among homologous populations of amplification products

Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism is a recent molecular approach that can assess subtle genetic differences between strains as well as provide insight into the structure and function of microbial communities. The technique has both high sensitivity and throughput making it ideal for comparative analyses.
Processing of the large rRNA precursor: two proposed categories of RNA-RNA interactions in eukaryotes.

The 5.8S RNA gene of eukaryotes is separated from the 26–28S rRNA gene by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS 2). A compilation of known ITS 2 sequences is presented here. Four characteristic features of the ITS 2 primary structure are shared by all vertebrates. In contrast, lower eukaryotes lack most of these features, suggesting that the excision of the ITS 2 transcript during processing may differ between vertebrates and lower eukaryotes. Since the transcripts of rRNA ITS 2 and mRNA introns share some similarity, analogies have been made between the mechanisms of their removal during RNA maturation. A model is proposed for hydrogen-bonding of U3 snRNA with the 5′ end of the vertebrate ITS 2 transcript. This U3 snRNA-ITS 2 RNA interaction does not appear to be used in ITS 2 processing in lower eukaryotes. Instead, in lower eukaryotes a region within the ITS 2 it itself has the potential to hydrogen-bond to the 5′ end of the ITS 2 transcript.
The dissociation and ionization of LiNbO3 melts

Abstract The thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of LiNbO 3 melts has been studied experimentally by differential thermal analysis (DTA). Theoretical modeling has been carried out for three cases and the predicted results matched to the experimental data: (1) the melt contains only one species and no chemical reactions are present during heating and cooling, (2) the melt contains three species and a dissociation/recombination reaction occurs between LiNbO 3 and Li 2 O+Nb 2 O 5 and (3) the melt contains seven species with both dissociation and ionization reactions occuring to form the additional species Li + , LiO - , Nb 2 O 4 V 2+ O , and O 2- . The best fit, using the linear programming technique LINDO, was for case 3 with seven active species in the melt. Δ G - values, Δ H − values and reaction rate constants (β − values) were found for the dissociation/recombination reaction as well as for the two ionization reactions. These values allowed the species populations to be calculated for both the congruent liquid (mole ratio of Li 2 O to Nb 2 O 5 = k = 0.942) and the Nb - rich ( k = 0.724) and Li - rich ( k = 1.222) liquid cases studied experimentally by DTA at 1275°C.
Developing the Function of ‘Magnitude-of-Effect’ (MoE) for Artificial Neural Networks to Demonstrate the Causal Effect of Exposure Variables on Outcome Variable

Statistical analysis and logistic regression (LR) in particular are among the most popular tools being used by safety professionals and practitioners to assess the association between exposures and possible occupational disorders or diseases and predict the outcome. Recently, artificial neural network (ANN) models are gradually finding their way into safety field. It has been shown that they are capable of predicting outcomes more accurately than LR, but they are incapable of demonstrating the direct correlation between exposure variables and a possible outcome variable. The objective of this study was to develop a mathematical function that can use the result of ANN models to produce a measure for evaluating the direct association between exposure and possible outcome variables. This function was referred to as the function of Magnitude-of-Effect (MoE). Safety experts and practitioners can use the MoE function to interpret how strongly an exposure variable can affect the outcome variable, similar to an odds ratio, which can be calculated by using estimated parameters in LR models. The significance of such achievement is that it can eliminate one of the ANN model's shortcoming and make them more applicable in the occupational safety and health engineering field.
Differential role of two VDR coactivators, DRIP205 and SRC-3, in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.

Cell programs such as proliferation and differentiation involve the selective activation and repression of gene expression. The vitamin D receptor (VDR), through 1,25(OH)2D3, controls the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes. Previously, we have identified two VDR binding coactivator complexes. In proliferating keratinocytes VDR bound preferentially to the DRIP complex, whereas in differentiated keratinocytes the SRC complex was preferred. We proposed that different coactivators are required for sequential gene regulation in the transition from proliferation to differentiation. Here we examined the roles of DRIP205 and SRC-3 in this transition. Silencing of DRIP205 and VDR caused hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, demonstrated by increased XTT and BrdU incorporation. SRC-3 silencing, on the other hand, did not have an effect on proliferation. In contrast, SRC-3 as well as DRIP205 and VDR silencing blocked keratinocyte differentiation as shown by decreased expression of keratin 1 and filaggrin. These results are consistent with the differential localization of DRIP205 and SRC-3 in skin. These results indicate that DRIP205 is required for keratinocyte proliferation. Both DRIP205 and SRC-3 are required for the keratinocyte differentiation. These results support the concept that the selective use of coactivators by VDR underlies the selective regulation of gene expression in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.
Assessing graduate programs for healthcare information management/technology (HIM/T) executives.

Abstract This paper describes a methodology to assess health/medical informatics graduate-level education curricula. The authors used the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information Management Systems (CPHIMS) exam objectives published by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) as the basis for their assessment. The authors compared the 69 CPHIMS exam objectives against four health/medical informatics program course objectives as stated in the selected program's online graduate catalog. Results showed that the two programs with management as a focus addressed the majority (67 and 59%) of the CPHIMS objectives within core and elective courses combined. Overall, the other two programs addressed closer to a third of the CPHIMS objectives (36 and 32%). This methodology could prove to be useful in assisting students interested in graduate-level training programs with a tool by which to measure the congruence of the curricula of different programs with the mission of the programs and with their own professional interests.
Correction of the posterior palatal seal by using a visible light-cured resin: A clinical report

This article presents a technique for correcting an inadequate posterior palatal seal using a visible light-cured resin. The procedure is accomplished conveniently at chairside instead of depriving the patient of the denture for a laboratory correction.
A uniqueness theorem for the general theory of heat conduction with finite wave speeds

Abstract Uniqueness of solutions in nonlinear heat conduction is considered. It is established that for a certain class of heat conductors with memory, at most one solution can exist with perscribed temperature on the boundary.
Messenger Ribonucleic Acids for MAC25 and Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) Are Inversely Regulated during Folliculogenesis and Early Luteogenesis

Cell proliferation, terminal differentiation, and angiogenesis occur during cycles of follicular and luteal development. In other paradigms, mac25, a potent tumor inhibitor is strongly induced in senescent epithelial cells, whereas CTGF stimulates angiogenesis and wound healing. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we have examined the possibilities that mac25 is inhibited, whereas CTGF is induced during active periods of follicular development and luteogenesis. Ovaries were collected during the follicular and early luteal phases from prostaglandin F2alpha-treated mature pigs and from slaughterhouse sows. CTGF transcripts were induced during the late preantral stage in granulosa and theca cells concomitantly with the appearance of endothelial cells in the theca. CTGF mRNA expression increased in granulosa cells to a maximum (P < 0.01) in mid-antral follicles but was down regulated (P < 0.01) in preovulatory follicles. In contrast, granulosa cell mac25 mRNA expression was undetectable between the preantral and mid-antral stage but was strongly induced in terminally differentiated granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles. CTGF mRNA and peptide were also detected in the theca externa/interstitium and in vascular endothelial cells of ovarian blood vessels, whereas mac25 transcripts, which were also abundant in ovarian blood vessels increased in the theca interna with follicular development. Transcripts of cyclin D 1, a marker of cell proliferation, appeared during the early antral stage and were moderate in granulosa cells but abundant in capillary endothelial cells in the theca interna, underneath the basement membrane. Following ovulation, CTGF and cyclin D1 mRNAs were associated with the migration of endothelial cells into the CL. Subsequently, there was a marked up-regulation of CTGF mRNA expression in granulosa luteins concomitantly with an increase in endothelial cell proliferation within the CL. We hypothesize that CTGF may promote ovarian cell growth and blood vessel formation during follicular and luteal development whereas mac25, a tumor inhibitor, may promote terminal differentiation of granulosa cells in preovulatory follicles.
Development of an Accurate and Robust Polarizable Molecular Mechanics Force Field from ab Initio Quantum Chemistry

We have produced a polarizable force field for a series of small molecules, representative of functional groups found in organic and biochemical systems. We have used high-level ab initio results for fitting values of all the parameters except for the dispersion-term coefficient B in the −B/r6 energy term, which, although obtained from comparison with experimental condensed-phase data, depended only on atomic number of the site in hand. Heats of vaporization and densities of the pure liquids, computed with molecular dynamics, agreed with experiment within ca. 0.5 kcal/mol and 5%, respectively.
Big Heegaard distance implies finite mapping class group

We show that if M is a closed three manifold with a Heegaard splitting with sufficiently big Heegaard distance then the subgroup of the mapping class group of the Heegaard surface, whose elements extend to both handlebodies is finite. As a corollary, this implies that under the same hypothesis, the mapping class group of M is finite.
Interfacial reactions and thrombosis

Abstract The in vivo interactions of biomaterials and pharmacologic agents with the components of the cardiovascular system in experimental animals and humans have been investigated using several physicochemical techniques. The results suggest that decreased negativity of vascular interface makes the vascular system more susceptible to thrombosis. The in-vivo patency of an implantable cardiovascular prosthesis is determined by the rest potential of the alloy in saline. Surface contamination during manufacture, storage, cleaning and sterilization prior to and during actual implantation leads to thrombogenesis. Highly thrombogenic materials — copper and titanium-aluminum alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) remain patent in-vivo if maintained at a highly negative potential by ( a ) cathodic polarization, or ( b ) by galvanic coupling. The implantation behavior of practical prostheses has been found to be significantly improved by ( a ) electrochemical cleaning/polishing and ( b ) taking special precautions to preclude attachment of particulate matter to the prosthesis during sterilization (by whatever method this is achieved), and implantation. Particulate matter on the prostheses can be identified by scanning electron microscopic examination of the surface coupled with X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy. We were able to identify the surface contamination and locate the source using these techniques in stored prostheses which are ordinarily implanted. Similarly the effects of drugs on the cardiovascular system have been assessed in experimental animals using electrokinetic and electron-optical techniques. Electroosmotic flow studies across arteries and veins of experimental animals administered on various drugs yields information on the alteration of the vascular surface charge due to ingestion of
Improving the cost‐effective evaluation and management of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions

In their article is this issue of Cancer Cytopathology, Alanen et al. evaluated cytologic follow-up for patients presenting with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). With the advent of the Bethesda system and the epidemic spread of human papillomavirus (HPV), the number of ASCUS and low grade Papanicolaou (Pap) smears has increased significantly. Standard management guidelines are needed to improve patient care and decrease medical costs. The management of patients with ASCUS and LSIL varies not only by recommendations of professional groups, but of the individual practitioners’ understanding of the Bethesda system. Increasingly, physicians at Emory University, such as family practitioners, are performing colposcopic evaluation of patients with abnormal Pap smears. A more defined clinical algorithm is required. Colposcopy and LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) continue to be used by practitioners to treat LSIL. Alanen et al conducted a retrospective review of cytologic diagnoses, colposcopic evaluation, and follow-up of patients evaluated at the London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre in London, Ontario, Canada. Six thousand three hundred and nineteen Pap smears obtained between January and June 1994 were reviewed. Four hundred and thirty-two patients had an initial diagnosis of ASCUS (320) or LSIL (112). Seventy-two patients were disqualified from See referenced original article on pages 5–10, this issue. the original cohort of 510 patients, secondary to a previous diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or carcinoma. The data base Address for reprints: Ira R. Horowitz, M.D., Dewas reviewed, with a total of 598 follow-up visits that included 557 partment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory Pap smears from 41 colposcopic evaluations. Approximately 70% of University School of Medicine, 1639 Pierce patients with LSIL and 60% of patients with ASCUS had at least 2 Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322. subsequent visits for evaluation of their abnormal Pap smears. Approximately 33% of patients with LSIL (37 patients) and 28% of paReceived November 25, 1997; accepted December 2, 1997. tients with ASCUS (90 patients) were lost to follow-up. For those
Tool-use by free-ranging chimpanzees: the extent of diversity

Most populations of free-ranging chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes, Pongidae) across Africa use tools. This is equally true of wild and released populations and of all three geographical races. The few that do not use tools have yet to be thoroughly studied, but tool-use seems species-typical. No patterns of tool-use are universal, although most function to facilitate subsistence. Even in preying on termites (Macrotermitinae, especially Macrotermes spp.) a variety of tools and techniques are shown, and many cross-populational contrasts emerge. Regional differences exist, such as nut-cracking with hammer-and-anvil being confined to the far western sub-species. Continuing comparative study is needed.
Breast Specimen Orientation

Lumpectomy specimens are commonly divided into six sides: superficial, deep, superior, inferior, medial, and lateral. Orienting stitches are placed on the specimen during surgery to allow reorientation by pathology. Despite those efforts, specimen disorientation may occur. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation in orientation between surgeons and pathologists. Lumpectomy specimens were routinely oriented. An additional Prolene suture was randomly placed by the surgeon on one side to be localized by pathology. The results were recorded and the disorientation rate calculated. Specimen size and presence of skin and/or muscle were also recorded. There were 122 lumpectomy specimens prospectively entered. Average specimen volume was 95.5 cm(3). Twenty-four specimens had segments of skin or muscle. The additional sutures were evenly divided between the six sides. The overall disorientation rate was 31.1% (95% confidence interval, 23.1-40.2).The side-specific disorientation rates were 43%, 40%, 35%, 29%, 28%, and 14% for the deep, superficial, lateral, medial, superior, and inferior surfaces, respectively (no statistical difference). Presence of skin or muscle on the specimen did not contribute to better orientation. Specimen volumes, however, were highly associated with orientation. Specimens of <20 cm(3) had a disorientation rate of 78%, while larger specimen had a disorientation rate of 20% (p < .001). Specimen orientation with stitches placed on two surfaces is associated with a high disorientation rate. Better orientation techniques are necessary to minimize the specimen disorientation.
Effects of difficulty and goal value on goal valence

Abstract An experiment was conducted to demonstrate the interactive effect of task difficulty and goal value on motivational arousal as measured by perceived goal attractiveness. Subjects learned that they would have to successfully perform either an easy, difficult, or very difficult memory task in order to win a prize. Some subjects expected to win a $1 bill (moderately valued goal) and others, a record album (highly valued goal). Immediately before task commencement, subjective measures of goal attractiveness were taken. The predicted interaction between task difficulty and goal value on goal attractiveness was obtained. For the moderately valued goal, there was a nonmonotonic effect of task difficulty on goal attractiveness, with ratings highest in the difficult condition. For the highly valued goal, there was a positive linear effect of task difficulty on attractiveness. Only the very difficult task condition produced a reliable difference between goal objects on the measure. Results and implications are discussed in terms of a recent theoretical model of motivation.
What the geeks know: hypertext and the problem of literacy

Recent theories of hypertext usefully emphasize continuity with earlier media; but in the general social environment, this continuity is not well understood, and may even be opposed in some quarters. The paper argues that we should define hypertext as the basis for a new version of general literacy and place greater emphasis on teaching in our agenda for applications and research.