cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid Assessment of Nutrition Services in Los Angeles Substance Use Disorder Treatment Centers.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of nutrition services and utilization of registered dietitian nutritionists at substance use disorder treatment centers in Los Angeles. This cross-sectional descriptive study utilized phone interviews with facilities within a 25-mile radius of the Los Angeles metropolitan area using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Services Locator to identify facilities that included a listing of substance abuse as primary focus of care (n = 128). Facilities were asked if they offered any kind of nutrition services, the type of services that were offered, and the credential of the professional providing the services. We compared facilities that offered a residential level of care to those offering outpatient services only. The Fisher’s exact test was used to determine statistical significance. The study showed that only 39 sites (30.5%) offered any type of nutrition services on site, and the odds of a residential level of care offering nutrition services was 2.7 times higher than outpatient only facilities (p = 0.02). Of the 39 facilities offering nutrition services, only 8 (20.5%) utilized a registered dietitian nutritionist. Overall fewer than 7% of the facilities utilized the services of a dietitian. Recovery programs for substance use disorder should consider using a registered dietitian nutritionist as a member of the treatment team, which may contribute to better clinical outcomes.
Responses of the Clonal Florida Endemic Shrub Polygonella myriophylla to Fire and Mechanical Disturbance

There is an unsettled debate on the benefits of mechanical disturbance for native species in fire-prone habitats. We compared the demographic effects of fire and mechanical treatments (Gyro-tracing) on Polygonella myriophylla, a prostrate clonal shrub listed as endangered and narrowly endemic to pyrogenic scrub ecosystems in south-central Florida. This species is commonly found in gaps within a matrix dominated by resprouting shrubs, but also occurs under other shrubs and along the shoulders of adjacent road-side habitats. We designed and executed a replicated (that plots per treatment, 1 ha per plot; total 147 initial plants) experiment including plots burned, mechanically chopped, with both treatments and without treatments at the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area - Carter Creek in Highlands County, central Florida (2005-2008; treated in summer of 2005). Cumulative mortality of standing P. myriophylla after 3 y was higher in burned plots (> 80%) than in chopped-only and untreated plots (∼ 50 % and ∼ 40 % respectively). Post disturbance growth in canopy area among the surviving plants was consistently higher in mechanically disturbed plots compared to untreated plots and intermediate burned conditions. We found three putative seedlings, accounting for less than 3% of the initial genets, before treatment application, but many seedlings after treatments. Seedling recruitment (∼ 90) post-treatment was higher in disturbed plots, highest when both treatments occurred together, and almost null in untreated plots. Recruitment was highest in the first-year post disturbance (70%), decreasing in subsequent years. Disturbances may improve the persistence of P. myriophylla by increasing recruitment and individual growth, however; fire and mechanical disturbance should be used with caution for this species given many plants died during treatment.
Qualitative Exploration of Triangulated, Shared Decision‐Making in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective Treat-to-target implementation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires a shared decision-making (SDM) process. However, ability to pay is a major determinant of patient choice, but how this factor affects SDM is under-explored. Methods Visits at 4 RA clinics during which patients faced a decision to change their treatment were audiotaped between May 2016 and June 2017. Audiotapes were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative framework analysis. Results A total of 156 visits were analyzed. Most patients with RA, except those with effective insurance coverage, had deliberations disrupted or sidelined by third-party insurance providers having power to authorize the preferred disease-modifying antirheumatic drug choice. This triangulated SDM complicated efficiency in deliberations and timely treatment and was a barrier to shared engagement about health risks and symptom improvement typically found in patient-provider dyads. Conclusion Rheumatology care providers should aim to incorporate treatment costs and ability to pay into their deliberations so that individualized out-of-pocket estimates can be considered during triangulated SDM at the point-of-care.
Non-adiabatic interactions in excitedC 2 H molecules and their relationship toC 2 formation in comets

A unified picture of the photodissociation of theC2H radical has been developed using the results from the latest experimental and theoretical work. This picture shows that a variety of electronic states ofC2 are formed during the photodissociation of theC2H radical even if photoexcitation accesses only one excited state. This is because the excited states have many avoided corssings and near intersections where two electronic states come very close to one another. At these avoided crossings and near intersections, the excited radical can hop from one electronic state to another and access new final electronic states of theC2 radical. The complexity of the excited state surfaces also explains the bimodal rotational distributions that are observed in all of the electronic states studied. The excited states that dissociate through a direct path are limited by dynamics to produceC2 fragments with a modest amount of rotational energy, whereas those that dissociate by a more complex path have a greater chance to access all of phase space and produce fragments with higher rotational excitation. Finally, the theoretical transition moments and potential energy curves have been used to provide a better estimate of the photochemical lifetimes in comets of the different excited states of theC2H radical. The photochemically active states are the 22∑+, 22II, 32II, and 32∑+, with photodissociation rate constants of 1.0×10−6, 4.0×10−6, 0.7×10−6, and 1.3×10−6s−1, respectively. These rate constants lead to a total photochemical lifetime of 1.4×105 s.
Predicting Student Success in Communication Skills Learning Scenarios with Virtual Humans

Virtual humans are frequently used to help medical students practice communication skills. Here, we show that communication skills features drawn from the literature on best practices for doctor-patient communication can be used to predict student interviewers' success in a given domain skill. We also demonstrate the viability of Bayesian Rule Lists, an interpretable machine learning model, for this use case. Bayesian Rule Lists' predictive performance is comparable to that of other other commonly used algorithms, including decision trees. This suggests that Bayesian Rule Lists, which produce simple, human-readable trained binary classifiers, may be suitable for providing feedback for educational purposes.
An epidemiological evaluation of trauma types in a cohort of deployed service members.

Objective Using Stein et al.'s (2012) categorization scheme for typing Criterion A events (i.e., Life Threat to Self, Life Threat to Other, Aftermath of Violence, Traumatic Loss, Moral Injury by Self, and Moral Injury by Other) and extending Litz et al.'s (2018) prior work, we investigated the prevalence of trauma types, prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder within each trauma type, and associations between trauma types and behavioral and mental health outcomes for an epidemiological sample of service members. Method Criterion A events coded by independent raters (kappas = .85-1.00) were used to determine prevalence rates and to conduct two path models examining all trauma types in relation to mental health outcomes. Results Consistent with prior research, we found events containing Life Threat to Self (51.1%) and Life Threat to Other (30.8%) to be most prevalent, and a majority of events (62.9%) were coded with one trauma type. Although least prevalent, Aftermath of Violence (12.0%) and Moral Injury by Self (4.8%) were most frequently and strongly associated with worse mental health outcomes. Path models predicted a very small amount of variance in continuous outcomes, thus limiting the interpretation of findings. Conclusion More epidemiological research is needed to understand the role of trauma type in relation to mental health among nontreatment-seeking service members. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
The Study of Plasma Induced Damage on 65-nm Silicon on Thin BOX Transistor

This paper reports new findings about the plasma-induced damage on silicon on thin buried oxide (BOX) transistor. The plasma charge collected by source or drain causes Vth shift, which depends on BOX thickness. In addition, the observation was made that the plasma charge collected by an antenna which is connected to the gate electrode has the same degradation effect as an antenna with the same size but being connected to drain or source. The mechanism of this phenomenon is investigated with various test structures.
Radiometric Dating for Novice Learners: Visualizing, Modeling, and Simulating via Animated Spreadsheets

Radiometric dating is introduced to beginning students in a real-world fashion through animated spreadsheets. Students discover the behavior of the parent-daughter relationship in radioactive decay, how the parent-daughter ratio yields the age, and a number of assumptions involved in radiometric dating. After exploring the concepts, and with some elementary mathematical modeling skills, students analyze data from the literature.
The Effectiveness of Open Educational Resources in College Calculus. A Quantitative Study

We investigate Open Educational Resources (OER) in post-secondary Calculus with face-to-face instruction using web-based homework in a side-by-side comparison with Closed (Proprietary) Educational Resources (CER). Statistical analyses using multilinear regression models are developed to demonstrate several significant effects, to within a probability of 5%. Our first finding is that students’ pretest scores and access dates to online homework were both significant factors in predicting first exam scores. While pretest scores were similar between the groups, students in the OER group accessed the online homework earlier in the semester, which contributed to higher first exam scores. Second, homework scores were significantly higher in the CER group, which was a significant measure of final exam scores. In understanding this result, we cite student comments suggesting the proprietary CER homework system had more resources providing help on problems. However, the differences in final course grades were not significant. We conclude from our study that the OER materials are effective, but recommend that care is taken to ensure the free materials provide a quality experience.
A meta-metamodel for dynamic constraint feedback in modeling languages

Complex design considerations of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) are greatly aided through the use of high-level abstractions in a Domain-Specific Modeling Language (DSML). A DSML environment ensures that models will be correct by construction, however syntax correctness does not imply dynamic safety. Presented is an approach to define a meta-metamodel for DSML design with built in closed loop verification feedback for model correction based on dynamic constraint violations. Usage of this framework during DSML design can benefit CPSs such as autonomous vehicles by ensuring that designs are safe, through codified expert knowledge and verification tool integration. A case study is shown using a simple hybrid controller modeling language and reachability verification tools.
Adhesion, intake, and release of nanoparticles by lipid bilayers.

Understanding the interactions between nanoparticles (NP) and lipid bilayers (LB), which constitute the foundations of cell membranes, is important for emerging biomedical technologies, as well as for assessing health threats related to nanoparticle commercialization. Applying dissipative particle dynamic simulations, we explore adhesion, intake, and release of hydrophobic nanoparticles by DMPC bilayers. To replicate experimental conditions, we develop a novel simulation setup for modeling membranes at isotension conditions. NP-LB interactions are quantified by the free energy landscape calculated by the ghost tweezers method. NPs are studied z of diameter 2 nm (comparable with the LB hydrophobic core), 4 nm (comparable with the LB thickness) and 8 nm (exceeding the LB thickness). NPs are pre-covered by an adsorbed lipid monolayer. It is shown that NP translocation across LB includes (1) NP intake into the hydrophobic core via merging of the monolayer adsorbed on NP with the outer leaflet of bilayer (2) NP release via formation and rupture of a lipid junction connecting NP and LB. Both stages are associated with free energy barriers. The barrier for the intake stage increases with the NP size and becomes prohibitively high for 8 nm NP. The barriers for the release stage are significantly higher which implies that the release stage controls the translocation rate and dynamics. The release energy barrier of 4 nm NP is found smaller than those for 2 and 8 nm NPs which implies the existence of the optimal NP size for unforced trans-membrane transport. Based on the calculated free energy landscape, the dynamics of unforced transport of NP across LB is evaluated using the Fokker-Planck equation, which mimics NP diffusion along the free energy landscape with multiple attempts to reach the barrier. We found that the number of attempts required for successful translocation scales exponentially with the energy barrier.
Steady-state analysis of load-balancing algorithms in the sub-Halfin–Whitt regime

We study a class of load-balancing algorithms for many-server systems (N servers). Each server has a buffer of size (r a positive integer). The proof of the main result is based on the framework of Stein’s method. A key contribution is to use a simple generator approximation based on state space collapse.
Coupling Between Poromechanical Behavior and Fluid Flow in Tight Rock

Proper characterization of the mechanical and flow properties of participating rock formations is crucial for subsurface geo-energy projects, including hydrocarbon extraction, geologic carbon storage, and enhanced geothermal systems. Application of mechanical and hydraulic pressures changes the porosity of rock and modifies flow paths. For low-permeable or “tight” rock that mainly contains nanoscale pores and serves as the confining layer for underground storage operations, a significant change in permeability may occur due to a small change in porosity. The pore volume changes in nanoporous geomaterials are extremely difficult to measure directly, but can be assessed from the knowledge of the hydro-mechanical response. Experimental methods to measure the stress-dependent permeability and poroelastic parameters of fluid-saturated tight rock are introduced. Eau Claire shale, Opalinus clay (claystone), and Charcoal granite are selected as representative materials for tight rock and their pore structure and material properties are carefully investigated. The porosity–permeability relationship for tight rock is established by adopting a power-law dependence with the exponent value in the range of 15–17, thus being significantly larger than that for a porous reservoir rock. Consequently, even small perturbations of porosity can cause orders of magnitude changes in permeability possessing a risk on the sealing capacity of the tight formations.
A Hero for All Seasons: Pride of the Yankees, Brian’s Song, and the Athlete as Christ-Figure

This study examines Pride of the Yankees and Brian’s Song, two biographical sports films tracing the stories of baseball legend Lou Gehrig and 1960s back up NFL running back Brian Piccolo. The pape...
Evaluation of Medium-Term Efficacy of Y90 Radiation Segmentectomy vs Percutaneous Microwave Ablation in Patients with Solitary Surgically Unresectable < 4 cm Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matched Study

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Y90 radiation segmentectomy (RS) vs. percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with solitary HCC ≤ 4 cm. From 2014 to 2017, 68 consecutive treatment naive patients were included (34 per treatment arm). Chi-square and t-test were used to evaluate differences in baseline demographics between groups. Objective response was evaluated using mRECIST and toxicity using CTCAE. Overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in the targeted tumor and the remainder of liver from initial treatment was calculated using Kaplan–Meier estimation. Propensity score matching was then performed with n = 24 patients matched in each group. Similar outcome analysis was then pre-formed. In the overall study population, both groups had similar baseline characteristics with the exception of larger lesions in the RS group. There was no difference in toxicity, objective tumor response, OS and non-target liver PFS between the MWA and RS group (p’s > 0.05). In the matched cohort, the objective tumor response was 82.6% in MWA vs. 90.9%% in RS (p = 0.548). The mean OS in the MWA group (44.3 months) vs RS (59.0 months; p = 0.203). The targeted tumor mean PFS for the MWA groups was 38.6 months vs. 57.8 months in RS group (p = 0.005). There was no difference overall PFS and toxicity between the 2 matched groups. Our data suggest Y90 RS achieves similar tumor response and OS with a similar safety compared to MWA in the management of HCC lesions ≤ 4 cm. Additionally, targeted tumor PFS appears to be prolonged in the RS group with similar non-target liver PFS between RS and MWA group.
Financing Minority Entrepreneurship

Racial disparities pervade America’s socio-economic fabric: minorities lag in educational attainment, employment, income and wealth. Minorities are also underrepresented in the entrepreneurial space. For example, although minorities account for thirty-eight percent of the population, they own just nineteen percent of businesses. Despite numerous initiatives to promote minority business ownership, racial disparities in entrepreneurship have been stubbornly persistent through time. This Article analyzes one of the major barriers that minorities face in undertaking entrepreneurial ventures. Informational asymmetries are especially pronounced when entrepreneurs attempt to raise money for their nascent businesses. Traditionally, social networks have offered an effective way to address the informational asymmetries that potential investors face when evaluating startup investments. Most minority entrepreneurs, however, lack access to these kinds of helpful social networks. Recognizing the links between startup financing, information asymmetry, and social networks offers an analytic framework that can explain why minority entrepreneurs struggle in financing their businesses. This framework also suggests why current programs designed to address racial disparities in entrepreneurship have failed and offers guidance for new kinds of programs that are more likely to succeed in facilitating the financing of minority-owned businesses.
Mental models for assessing coastal social-ecological systems following disasters

Abstract Understanding abrupt change in social-ecological systems (SES), such as following major disasters, is key for restoration, adaptation, and sustainability. We describe an approach and case study using fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) and mental models to collectively represent local perceptions of Hurricane Irma in Key West, Florida. Using in-person FCM interviews, we sought to answer three overarching questions: 1) how did residents perceive SES relationships post-disaster, 2) how did these perceptions vary across three stakeholder groups consisting of those working in ocean recreation, resorts and inns, and non-tourism sectors, and 3) how did the aggregation of diverse opinions and perceptions affect the understanding of SES trade-offs regarding the coastal region’s resilience? Across all respondents, housing was the most commonly mentioned concept occurring in 39% of all models. Coral reefs were included in 71% of ocean recreation models, whereas tourism was included in 50% of resorts and inns models. While mangroves, seawalls, and beaches were rarely to never mentioned until prompted by the interviewer, scenario analyses revealed that shorelines play an important role in residents’ perceptions of how Hurricane Irma collectively impacted people and the environment. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the community, composed of a diverse representation of stakeholders, viewed core SES components similarly and trade-offs were acknowledged. Yet, different stakeholder groups perceived the SES in which they live in different ways, with each group perceiving greater damage to specific system components based on direct experience and knowledge. Our study demonstrates an approach for representing the collective perceptions of communities in post-disaster research, rebuilding, and restoration efforts.
Disentangling food insecurity and maternal depression: which comes first?

Objective: To determine the temporal directionality of the association between food insecurity and maternal depression. Design: Food insecurity was measured at two time points using the eighteen-item USDA Food Security Scale. Maternal depression was measured at two time points using the fifteen-item Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form. Two structural equation models were utilised to evaluate the impact of food insecurity on maternal depression (model 1) and the impact of maternal depression on food insecurity (model 2). Both models controlled for socio-demographic and parenting characteristics and child behaviour problems, along with prior measures of the dependent variable and concurrent measures of the independent variable. Setting: Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing (FFCW) study, twenty cities across the USA. Participants: 4897 mothers who participated in two waves of the FFCW study. Results: On average, 17 % (time 1) and 15 % (time 2) of mothers experienced food insecurity and 21 % (time 1) and 17 % (time 2) of mothers experienced depression over time. Maternal depression at time 1 was associated with 53 % increased odds (OR = 1·53; B = 0·43; P < 0·001) of food insecurity at time 2, controlling for time 1 food insecurity, concurrent depression and covariates. Food insecurity at time 1 was associated with 36 % increased odds (OR = 1·36; B = 0·31; P < 0·001) of maternal depression at time 2, controlling for time 1 depression, concurrent food insecurity and covariates. Conclusions: We found a bidirectional relationship between food insecurity and maternal depression. A holistic approach that combines food assistance and mental health services may be an efficacious approach to reducing both depressive symptoms and food insecurity among low-income mothers.
Is metformin effective for reducing weight in obese or overweight adolescents

YES, TO SOME DEGREE-BUT IT IS OF UNCERTAIN CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE. OVER A PERIOD OF 6 MONTHS, METFORMIN MODESTLY REDUCED WEIGHT (-2.1 KG) AND BODY FAT MASS (-1.9%), BUT NOT BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) OR LEAN BODY MASS, IN ADOLESCENTS WHO WERE OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE. THIS IS COMPARABLE TO LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS (DIET AND EXERCISE) SUPPORTED WITH > 26 HOURS OF COUNSELING, WHICH MODESTLY IMPROVED BMI BUT NOT WEIGHT. (STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION [SOR]: A, BASED ON A LARGE META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS [RCTS] OF VARIABLE QUALITY).
Food Access and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Metropolitan Atlanta Census Tracts With Residents at Low Risk and High Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: The Morehouse-Emory Cardiovascular Center for Health Equity Study.

Introduction Perceived and actual access to healthy foods may differ in urban areas, particularly among Black people. We assessed the effect of objective and perceived neighborhood food access on self-reported cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Black people living in areas of high risk and low risk for the disease in Atlanta, Georgia. We hypothesized that perceived and objective food access would independently predict self-reported CVD. Methods We used survey data from the Morehouse-Emory Cardiovascular (MECA) Center for Health Equity Study. Study participants consisted of 1,402 Black adults, aged 35 to 64, residing in urban Atlanta census tracts with high rates or low rates of CVD. We assessed perceived neighborhood healthy food access by self-reported selection and quality of produce and low-fat food options. We assessed objective food access by the 2015 US Department of Agriculture Food Access Research Atlas. Low access was defined as census tracts with at least 500 people living more than 1 mile from a large food retailer. Self-reported CVD included related conditions and/or procedures. We used multilevel logistic models adjusted for demographic characteristics to examine the association between objective and perceived food access and self-reported CVD. Results Overall, self-reported CVD was not significant for perceived (odds ratio = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.59-1.29) or objective (odds ratio = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.48-1.12) healthy food access. Similar results were obtained among adults living in areas with higher-than-expected rates of CVD. Conclusion Results of this study suggest the odds for self-reported CVD events were not significantly affected by perceived or objective access to healthy foods.
KNOWLEDGE-BASED REAL TIME CONTROL: THE USE OF ABSTRACTION TO SATISFY DEADLINES1

In this paper we address the use of model-based knowledge representation and reasoning techniques under a blackboard framework in real time computer-based control. Representing knowledge using models is one of the most powerful ways to codify the controller's knowledge about the system being controlled. By using a model and the current values for the monitored parameters, the controller can base all their process automation tasks on the outcomes of a precise simulation of the system behavior. But models have a serious drawback: they have difficulty accommodating normal quantities of components found in current systems. To overcome this problem when working under real time constraints, we propose a technique which allows a control system to achieve real time performance by means of the following computational steps: (1) starting with the basic user-defined domain model, the engineer precomputes a hierarchy of abstract models, at increasing levels of abstraction, using the aggregation of causal links to guide the abstraction process; (2) continuing off-line, the engineer estimates the worst-case processing time for every model in the hierarchy; (3) on-line, the controller uses the time constraints of the situation and the worst-case processing times of the models to choose one model with the level of abstraction that will guarantee deadline satisfaction; and (4) the controller performs system simulation using the selected model. We have used the BB1 blackboard architecture (Hayes-Roth, 1985; 1988; 1990) to implement our work. The results, however, can easily be transferred to another computational framework.
The early impact of medicaid expansion on urologic malignancies in the United States.

Abstract Purpose To assess the effects of variable adoption of Medicaid Expansion (ME) of the Affordable Care Act among different states on urologic malignancies using a new variable that defines ME status of patient's residence in a nationwide cancer registry. Basic procedures The National Cancer Database was queried for urologic malignancies (bladder, prostate, kidney and testis) from 2011 to 2016, spanning the period surrounding the primary ME which took place in 2014. Trends in insurance status at time of diagnosis and effects on stage at presentation and survival after ME were evaluated using a difference-in-differences estimator and stratified Cox proportional hazards regression model. Main findings The percentage of patients with Medicaid coverage at the time of diagnosis increased significantly after adoption of ME in ME states across all urologic malignancies. Concurrently, there was a significant decrease in percentage of uninsured patients diagnosed with testis cancer, but not other urologic malignancies, in ME states. A change in the stage at presentation was not observed across all urologic malignancies for patients in ME states after adoption of ME. No difference in overall survival was noted among patients living in a ME state compared to non-ME states with adoption of ME in 2014. Principal conclusions Despite increases in the proportion of patients with Medicaid coverage after 2014 in states that enrolled in ME, there was not an associated change in stage at presentation or survival for patients with genitourinary malignancy.
Data Mining Using Granular Linguistic Summaries

The concept of linguistic summaries is introduced as a user friendly way to present information mined from a database. We discuss methods for measuring the amount of information provided by a linguistic summary. The issue of conjecturing, how to decide on which summaries maybe informative, is discussed. Two approaches to help us focus on relevant summaries are discussed. The first, called the template method, makes use of available linguistic concepts related to the domain of the attributes involved. The second approach uses the mountain clustering method to help focus our summaries.
Risk Sharing in Coasian Contracts

The Coase Theorem is analyzed in a setting in which pollution damages are a stochastic function of emissions and of natural environmental variability (e.g., weather). When pollution damages are stochastic, emissions create financial risks. Pollution levels allowed under Coasian contracts then in general depend on agents' risk appetites, and on the initial configuration of property rights and bargaining power. In this case, resource allocation decisions are not separable from the legal institutions that allocate risks, nor from the financial institutions that facilitate risk transfer. In particular, improvements in environmental risk markets generally induce greater levels of pollution.
Scavenger receptor CD204+ macrophages play an immunoregulatory role in hepatic viral infection (VIR1P.971)

Macrophages (MΦ) are important for the activation and direction of innate and adaptive immune responses, however their role in liver infection is particularly poorly understood, in part due to the presence of functionally distinct subsets within the population. The MΦ scavenger receptor CD204/SRA is a marker for alternatively activated (M2) MΦ, which have anti-inflammatory properties and participate in wound healing and tissue remodeling. To understand the function of CD204+ MΦ on regulating liver inflammation, we examined the activation and differentiation of MΦ in a murine model of hepatic viral infection. Our studies revealed that CD204 was upregulated on circulating and liver-resident MΦ following tail vein injection of adenovirus or MCMV. CD204+ macrophages appear to express high levels of PD-L1 and IL-10, suggesting an alteration of MΦ phenotype. Interestingly, virally infected CD204-deficient mice had less liver CD8+ T cells than their wild type counterparts and these T cells produced less IFNγ and granzyme B. In contrast, liver NK and NKT cell populations in knockout and WT mice were similar in size, but NK cells from CD204 deficient mice displayed increased granzyme B staining following infection. These data indicate that CD204+ MΦ play a critical role in modulating the immune response to hepatic viral infection.
Efficacy of an Acute Pain Titration Protocol Driven by Patient Response to a Simple Query: Do You Want More Pain Medication?

Study objective We assess the efficacy of a simple pain titration protocol of 1-mg increments of intravenous hydromorphone, given at fixed intervals, driven solely by patient response to a yes/no question. Methods This was a prospective interventional cohort study of nonelderly adults with acute severe pain defined as requiring intravenous opioids in the judgment of the attending emergency physician. All patients received 1 mg intravenous hydromorphone and 30 minutes later were asked, "Do you want more pain medication?" Patients responding yes received an additional 1 mg of intravenous hydromorphone and were asked the same question 30 minutes after receiving it. Those responding no did not receive additional opioid and were asked the question again 30 minutes later. Each patient was queried 4 times. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving satisfactory pain control, defined as declining additional pain medication on 1 or more occasions. Results Of 215 patients enrolled, there were 8 protocol violations, leaving 207 patients with analyzable data; 205 of 207 patients (99%; 95% confidence interval 97% to 100%) achieved satisfactory analgesia at 1 or more points during the study. Nine patients desaturated below 95% on room air, 2 had respiratory rates less than 10 breaths/min, and 2 had pulse rates less than 50 beats/min. No adverse events were associated with amount of hydromorphone received. Conclusion A pain protocol, based on titration of 1 mg intravenous hydromorphone, driven solely by patient response to a simple standardized question repeated at intervals, resulted in achievement of satisfactory analgesia on at least 1 occasion in 99% of patients.
Biogenesis, structure and function of the yeast 20S proteasome.

Abstract Intracellular degradation of many eukaryotic proteins requires their covalent ligation to ubiquitin. We previously identified a ubiquitin-dependent degradation pathway in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the DOA pathway. Independent work has suggested that a major mechanism of cellular proteolysis involves a large multisubunit protease(s) called the 20S proteasome. We demonstrate here that Doa3 and Doa5, two essential components of the DOA pathway, are subunits of the proteasome. Biochemical analyses of purified mutant proteasomes suggest functions for several conserved proteasome subunit residues. All detectable proteasome particles purified from doa3 or doa5 cells have altered physical properties; however, the mutant particles contain the same 14 different subunits as the wild-type enzyme, indicating that most or all yeast 20S proteasomes comprise a uniform population of hetero-oligomeric complexes rather than a mixture of particles of variable subunit composition. Unexpectedly, we found that the yeast Doa3 and Pre3 subunits are synthesized as precursors which are processed in a manner apparently identical to that of related mammalian proteasome subunits implicated in antigen presentation, suggesting that biogenesis of the proteasome particle is highly conserved between yeast and mammals.
h→μ+μ− via tt¯h production at the LHC

Abstract In this work, we examine the process at the LHC in which a Higgs boson is produced in association with a t t ¯ pair and subsequently decays to a pair of muons. We show that the statistical significance for the discovery of a light, Standard Model Higgs boson with a mass around 120 GeV in this channel is comparable to those for other processes (gluon fusion, weak-boson fusion) in which the Higgs decays to a muon pair. Combining all three of these channels, we show that evidence for a Higgs boson with a mass in the range 115 GeV m h 130 GeV could be obtained at the 3 σ significance level with an integrated luminosity of 300 fb − 1 . We also calculate the enhancement factor to the t t ¯ h cross-section that would be needed to discover a non-standard Higgs boson in this channel.
Exporting and Firm Size

Abstract This paper examines the extent to which small U.S.-based exporters experience problems and difficulties in their export operations not faced by larger U.S.-based exporters. Subsequently, we focus upon the differences between small and large firms with respect to three general areas: the perceived difficulty of various export activities; the perceived helpfulness of various agencies/organizations to export operations; the perceived helpfulness of various actions the federal government has taken or could take with regard to exporting. In areas where we have found significant large-versus small-firm differences we try to provide explanations. Finally, we offer both general and specific recommendations directed at overcoming the problems we have identified in order to facilitate exporting, particularly by small firms.
Efficiency of TCP-friendly window adjustment strategies in wired/wireless networks

TCP(a,b) protocols parameterize the congestion window increase value and decrease ratio , motivated by the QoS requirements of multimedia applications for smooth rate adjustments. Based on a projection of the expected throughput of standard TCP(1,.5), modified versions of the protocol have been designed to generate smoother traffic patterns and to maintain a friendly behavior. In this paper, we study the design assumptions of TCP(a,b) and we discuss the impact of equation-based modulation of a and b on application efficiency. We confirm experimentally that, in general, smoothness and responsiveness constitute a tradeoff; however, we uncover undesirable dynamics of the protocols when the network is heterogeneous (wired/wireless) or the flow characteristics do not follow a prescribed and static behavior. For example, we show that smooth backward adjustments confine the protocol's capability to exploit resources that become available rapidly after a handoff in mobile network, and embarrass the fair and efficient growth of incoming flows. Furthermore, we show that in the context of wireless networks with high error rate, a low a dictates a conservative behavior that degrades the protocol performance with both best-effort and real-time applications; and in the context of high contention of heterogeneous flows, a low a does not contribute to efficiency and friendliness.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The nature of α-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced cholestasis

Abstract Cholestasis was established in mice by the administration of a single oral dosage of 150 mg of α-naphthylisothiocyanate per kilogram and compared to extrahepatic cholestasis effected by surgical occlusion of the common bile duct. Plasma levels of conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin, and of intravenously injected sulfobromophthalein and its metabolic product, were measured as indicators of the functional integrity of the liver of the two preparations. Equal degrees of hyperbilirubinemia and sulfobromophthalein retention were achieved by the two treatments. However, the plasma of α-naphthylisothiocyanate-treated mice contained increased levels of the metabolic products of bilirubin and sulfobromophthalein. The unconjugated form of bilirubin was elevated in animals with surgically occluded bile ducts. The onset of hyperbilirubinemia and bilirubinuria was more rapid following the drug treatment. Therefore, α-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced cholestasis differs from extrahepatic cholestasis in the following ways: (1) the onset of stasis as judged by the appearance of hyperbilirubinemia is more rapid; (2) the increase in plasma bilirubin represents an increase solely in conjugated bilirubin; (3) a higher proportion of intravenously injected sulfobromophthalein appears in the altered form; and (4) plasma levels of intravenously injected sulfobromophthalein decrease more rapidly.
Effect of colesevelam and niacin on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glycemic control in subjects with dyslipidemia and impaired fasting glucose

Background Niacin monotherapy in patients with dyslipidemia and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) may result in hyperglycemia. Colesevelam has the unique dual approvals to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objectives The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of combined colesevelam and niacin treatment on LDL-C–lowering and glycemic control in subjects with IFG and dyslipidemia. Methods Men or women ≥ 18 years of age, with dyslipidemia (non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥ 100 mg/dL and ≤ 220 mg/dL; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol Results Adjunct colesevelam had significantly greater LDL-C–lowering effect than niacin alone (placebo); –20.67% vs −12.86%, respectively ( P = .0088). Niacin-mediated increases in FPG were significantly less with adjunct colesevelam (1.8 mg/dL vs 6.7 mg/dL; P = .0046), and fewer colesevelam subjects had increases of ≥10 mg/dL in FPG (8 vs 17, respectively). Adjunct colesevelam resulted in significantly smaller increases in hemoglobin A 1c than placebo (0.06% vs 0.18%, respectively; P = .005). Consistent with hemoglobin A 1c and FPG changes, fructosamine levels significantly decreased with colesevelam treatment (−5.0 μmol/L) but increased with placebo (3.0 μmol/L; P =.0255). Conclusions Colesevelam as an adjunct to niacin therapy further lowers LDL-C while obviating the adverse effects of niacin on glucose metabolism in patients with dyslipidemia and IFG.
Production of L-Tryptophan by Azaserine-resistant Mutants of Brevibacterium flavum

Azaserine-resistant mutants derived from a 5-fluorotryptophan-resistant, l-tryptophan-producing mutant of Brevibacterium flavum, accumulated 10.3 g/liter of l-tryptophan at maximum. The production increased to 11.4 g/liter when l-serine was added. In the mutant, only anthranilate synthase among enzymes of the tryptophan-specific bio synthetic pathway increased in activity to a 2-fold higher level than that in the parent strain, No. 187. Sensitivity of anthranilate synthase to the feedback inhibition was not altered by the mutation. Activity of 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate synthase, the first common enzyme for aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, also increased 2.7-fold and was less sensitive to the feedback inhibition by phenylalanine and tyrosine. Tryptophan transport activity in strain A-100 was similar as that in the parent. Azaserine inhibited anthranilate synthase activity by 50% at 0.075 mm. The inhibition was of a mixed type with respect to both the two substrates. Anthranilate synthase...
Gell-Mann-Low equation and on-mass-shell amplitudes

We show how, in certain theories, the Gell-Mann-Low renormalization-group equation can be applied to physical on-mass-shell amplitudes. These theories are characterized by a selection rule softening the zero-mass singularities in external mass channels. Physical amplitudes asymptotically reflect the anomalous dimensions of the theory. In particular, this analysis provides a field-theoretical argument for a connection between the asymptotic behavior of elastic amplitudes at fixed angle and the electromagnetic form factors. This connection is similar to that proposed by Wu and Yang.
Simulation gaming for education in MyBase: the future of air force education and training with virtual world learning

Air Education & Training Command (AETC) published a white paper "On Learning: The Future of Air Force Education And Training" dated 30 January 2008. http://www.aetc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-080130-066.pdf. This paper and presentation will present the key areas of the white paper to include the introduction of a simulation gaming kit for education used for leadership development. A key element of the game is an online 24/7 representation of an operation Air Force Base called MyBase. The simulation game is conducted at the Captain Lance P. Sijan Leadership Range on a MyBase region in Second Life. If possible, the paper presentation would include a live demonstration and tour of MyBase and the range.
Examining Proximal Processes in Young Children's Home Environments: A Preliminary Report.

Beginning with phenomena measured by the elementary version of the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) (Bradley & Caldwell, 1984), the authors identified three empirically derived proximal processes in young school children's home settings: maturity facilitation, the child's use of available stimulating materials, and the parent-child emotional relationship. The authors argued for the coherence of Bronfenbrenner's concept of proximal process with Gottlieb's facilitative and inductive influences of experience on development. The authors attempted to apply reasoning and concepts from Bronfenbrenner and Gottlieb to better understand the dynamic phenomena captured by the HOME instrument. They also constructed and tested a questionnaire designed to assess the in-home proximal processes that they identified.
Effect of copper deficiency and inhibitors on the amine oxidase activity of chick tissues.

SummaryThe effect of copper deficiency and a dietary lathyrogen (BAPN) on the amine oxidase activity of various tissues in growing chicks was investigated. The benzylamine oxidase activity of aorta, heart and kidney was decreased in copper-deficient chicks compared to copper-supplemented chicks while the activity of liver was not affected. Copper added in vitro partially restored the activity of deficient aortic tissue. Dietary BAPN had no effect on aortic benzylamine oxidase activity but in vitro addition of BAPN competitively inhibited the enzyme. Ascorbic acid in vitro also inhibited the activity of aortic benzylamine oxidase but in a non-competitive manner.
Discretization of nonlinear control systems via the Carleman linearization

Abstract A new explicit method for the discretization of nonlinear continuous-time systems is presented. A nonlinear discrete-time model is obtained by integrating a Carleman approximation of the original continuous-time system. In contrast to conventional explicit discretization methods, the proposed Carleman discretization does not deteriorate rapidly as the sampling period increases. Examples of open-loop and deadbeat closed-loop responses of an isothermal continuous stirred tank reactor reveal the advantages of the proposed discretization scheme.
Biochemical characterization of bacteriophage T4 Mre11-Rad50 complex.

The Mre11-Rad50 complex (MR) from bacteriophage T4 (gp46/47) is involved in the processing of DNA double-strand breaks. Here, we describe the activities of the T4 MR complex and its modulation by proteins involved in homologous recombination. T4 Mre11 is a Rad50- and Mn2+-dependent dsDNA exonuclease and ssDNA endonuclease. ATP hydrolysis is required for the removal of multiple nucleotides via dsDNA exonuclease activity but not for the removal of the first nucleotide or for ssDNA endonuclease activity, indicating ATP hydrolysis is only required for repetitive nucleotide removal. By itself, Rad50 is a relatively inefficient ATPase, but the presence of Mre11 and dsDNA increases ATP hydrolysis by 20-fold. The ATP hydrolysis reaction exhibits positive cooperativity with Hill coefficients ranging from 1.4 for Rad50 alone to 2.4 for the Rad50-Mre11-DNA complex. Kinetic assays suggest that approximately four nucleotides are removed per ATP hydrolyzed. Directionality assays indicate that the prevailing activity is a 3′ to 5′ dsDNA exonuclease, which is incompatible with the proposed role of MR in the production of 3′ ssDNA ends. Interestingly, we found that in the presence of a recombination mediator protein (UvsY) and ssDNA-binding protein (gp32), Mre11 is capable of using Mg2+ as a cofactor for its nuclease activity. Additionally, the Mg2+-dependent nuclease activity, activated by UvsY and gp32, results in the formation of endonuclease reaction products. These results suggest that gp32 and UvsY may alter divalent cation preference and facilitate the formation of a 3′ ssDNA overhang, which is a necessary intermediate for recombination-mediated double-strand break repair.