cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proline-, Glutamic Acid-, and Leucine-Rich Protein-1 Is Essential in Growth Factor Regulation of Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription 3 Activation

Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein-1 (PELP1) is a novel estrogen receptor coactivator that plays an important role in the genomic and nongenomic actions of estrogen receptor by interacting with histones and src-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, respectively. A great deal of information has emerged in recent years about the possible role of PELP1 in estrogen receptor signaling. However, the participation and significance of PELP1 in other cellular signaling pathways remains unknown. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified PELP1 as a novel interacting protein of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) and found evidence of physiologic interaction between PELP1 and STAT3. We also found that these interactions played a mechanistic role in the positive regulation of STAT3 transcription from synthetic promoters and endogenous target genes such as cyclin D1, c-myc, and c-fos. Overexpression of PELP1 enhanced phosphorylation of STAT3 at Ser727 in a src-mitogen-activated protein kinase-sensitive manner and, conversely, down-regulation of PELP1 compromised growth factor-mediated induction of STAT3 target genes. We also discovered that PELP1 interacts with STAT3 in the nuclear compartment and down-regulation of PELP1 interfered with the recruitment of STAT3 to its target gene promoters. In summary, our results highlight a novel role for PELP1 in growth factor signaling and indicate that PELP1-mediated genomic and nongenomic functions play a role in the growth factor-mediated STAT3 transactivation functions. Such regulatory interactions of PELP1 may have important functional implications in the cross-talk of estrogen receptor and growth factor signaling.
PSC833, CyclosporinA, and Dexniguldipine Effects on Cellular Calcein Retention and Inhibition of the Multidrug Resistance Pump in Human Leukemic Lymphoblasts☆

A convenient functional assay of the multidrug resistance (MDR) pump is useful for the diagnosis of MDR-1 cancers and the quantitative determination of the potency of inhibitors of the pump. Calcein-AM, a substrate of the MDR pump, was used to determine the concentration of SDZ PSC833 needed to completely inhibit the pump in CEM/VLB100drug-resistant cells. The initial rates (in percent) for calcein retention by these MDR-1 cells were used to calculate values for the percent initial efflux of calcein-AM through the MDR pump in the presence of the inhibitors PSC833, cyclosporinA, and dexniguldipine. The percent efflux values at 250 and 60 nM calcein-AM were used to calculate the required concentration of each inhibitor to produce half-inhibition (I50) of initial efflux through the pump. These results are consistent with a noncompetitive inhibition of the MDR pump by each of the three inhibitors.
Looking for Gender: Gender Roles and Behaviors Among Online Gamers

Several hypotheses regarding the importance of gender and relationships were tested by combining a large survey dataset with unobtrusive behavioral data from 1 year of play. Consistentwithexpectations,malesplayedforachievement-orientedreasonsandweremore aggressive, especially within romantic relationships where both partners played. Female players in such relationships had higher general happiness than their male counterparts. Contrary to stereotypes and current hypotheses, it was the female players who played the most. Female players were also healthier than male players or females in the general population. The findings have implications for gender theory and communication-oriented methods in games and online research—most notably for the use of self-reported time spent, which was systematically incorrect and different by gender. doi:10.1111/j.1460-2466.2009.01453.x Female video game players now comprise 40% of all players, and women over 18 make up more of the game-playing population than do males under 17 (Top 10 IndustryFacts, 2008). Yet, studies of men and women report both genders believe that computer games are a ‘‘particularly masculine pursuit’’ (Selwyn, 2007, p. 533). Are more women ignoring social sanctions for engaging in a supposedly masculine activity? Are men avoiding feminine actions while playing? To determine the answers, we must investigate how video game players are positioning their activity in relation to their gender, and better understand their reasons for playing games at all. Past media research on gaming has found that men and women perform in, and perceive, games differently (Blumberg & Sokol, 2004), but this research has not been updated since the mass adoption of large-scale online games. Likewise, social scientific research in the area of gender roles has not examined online game play, and how it may be changing gendered definitions of game play. At the same time, research covering a wide variety of social Internet activities has found women’s uses and considerations to be different
TRAP/SMCC/Mediator-Dependent Transcriptional Activation from DNA and Chromatin Templates by Orphan Nuclear Receptor Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4

The orphan nuclear receptor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF-4) regulates the expression of many liver-specific genes both during development and in the adult animal. Towards understanding the molecular mechanisms by which HNF-4 functions, we have established in vitro transcription systems that faithfully recapitulate HNF-4 activity. Here we have focused on the coactivator requirements for HNF-4, especially for the multicomponent TRAP/SMCC/Mediator complex that has emerged as the central regulatory module of the transcription apparatus. Using a system that has been reconstituted from purified transcription factors, as well as one consisting of unfractionated nuclear extract from which TRAP/SMCC/Mediator has been depleted by specific antibodies, we demonstrate a strong dependence of HNF-4 function on this coactivator. Importantly, we further show a TRAP/SMCC/Mediator-dependence for HNF-4 transcriptional activation from chromatin templates. The latter involves cooperation with the histone acetyltransferase-containing coactivator p300, in accord with a synergistic mode of action of the two divergent coactivators. We also show that HNF-4 and TRAP/SMCC/Mediator can interact physically. This interaction likely involves primary HNF-4 activation function 2 (AF-2)-dependent interactions with the TRAP220 subunit of TRAP/SMCC/Mediator and secondary (AF-2-independent) interactions with TRAP170/RGR1. Finally, recruitment experiments using immobilized templates strongly suggest that the functional consequences of the physical interaction probably are manifested at a postrecruitment step in the activation pathway.
Body Composition in Human Infants at Birth and Postnatally

The predictive values of anthropometric measurements, race, gender, gestational and postnatal ages, and season at birth and at study for the total body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM) and fat mass as a percentage of body weight (%FM) were determined in 214 singleton appropriate birth weight for gestational age infants [101 Caucasian (60 boys, 41 girls) and 113 African American (55 boys, 58 girls)]. Gestational ages were 27-42 wk and the infants were studied between birth and 391 d, weighing between 851 and 13446 g. In addition, predictive value of body weight, LM and FM for DXA bone measurements was also determined. Scan acquisition used Hologic QDR 1000/W densitometer and infant platform and scans without significant movement artifacts were analyzed using software 5.64p. Body weight, length, gender and postnatal age were significant predictors of LM (adjusted R:(2) >0. 94) and FM (adjusted R:(2) >0.85). Physiologic variables had little predictive value for %FM except in the newborns (adjusted R:(2) 0. 69). Body weight was the dominant predictor of LM and FM, although length had similar predictive value for LM with increasing postnatal age. Female infants had less LM and more FM throughout infancy (P: < 0.01). LM or FM offered no advantage over body weight in the prediction of bone mass measurements. DXA is a useful means with which to determine body composition, and our data are important in the design and assessment of nutritional intervention studies.
Association of the 98T ELAM-1 polymorphism with increased bleeding after cardiac surgery.

Objective Hemorrhage continues to be a major problem after cardiac surgery despite the routine use of antifibrinolytic drugs, with striking inter-patient variability poorly explained by already known risk factors. The authors tested the hypothesis that genetic polymorphisms of inflammatory mediators and cellular adhesion molecules are associated with bleeding after cardiac surgery. Design Prospective, observational study. Setting Single, tertiary referral university heart center. Participants Adult patients undergoing aortocoronary surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Interventions Patients (n = 759) had 10 mL of blood drawn preoperatively and genomic DNA isolated then genotyped for 17 polymorphisms in 7 candidate genes: tumor necrosis factor, interleukins 1β and 6, interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), P-selectin and endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (E-selectin). Multivariate analyses were used to relate clinical and genetic factors to bleeding and transfusion. Measurements and Main Results The 98G/T polymorphism of the E-selectin gene was independently associated with bleeding after cardiac surgery (p = 0.002), after adjusting for significant clinical predictors (patient size and baseline hemoglobin concentration). There was a gene dose effect according to the number of minor alleles in the genotype; carriers of the minor allele bled 17% (GT) and 54% (TT) more than wild type (GG) genotypes, respectively (p = 0.01). Carriers of the minor allele also had longer activated partial thromboplastin times (p = 0.0023) and increased fresh frozen plasma transfusion (p = 0.03) compared with wild type. Conclusions The authors found a dose-related association between the 98T E-selectin polymorphism and bleeding after cardiac surgery, independent of and additive to standard clinical risk factors.
Endoscopic Stenting: An Overview of Potential Complications

44 INTRODUCTION E nteral stenting has been a palliative treatment for malignant gastrointestinal obstruction since its initial use in patients with dysphagia due to esophageal cancer in 1924 (1). The original stents were large and made of rigid plastic thereby making them difficult to place orally. Gianturco devised the first self-expanding metallic stents in 1985 for endovascular use (2). There are two types of metallic stents, the expandable (eg, Strecker) and the selfexpanding (SEMS). The former must be positioned inside a predilated stricture and then balloon dilated on to the wall where it takes up its preconfigured shape. SEMS derive their expansile force as a result of their geometric structure and spring into shape on release. The latest SEMS are made of a nickel and titanium alloy known as nitonol which has the property of "shape memory." This allows the stent to expand to a predetermined configuration after release from the delivery system. Maximal expansion is achieved in 25 days, thus applying gentle and even dilation of the stricture. Metallic stents are available in a variety of diameters and lengths, are found in helical (Esophacoil®), knitted (Ultraflex®) and braided (Wallstent®) varieties, and can be covered with a membrane to prevent tumor ingrowth through the interstices of the mesh. They are all available on delivery catheters, some small enough to pass through an endoscope channel. Both plastic and metallic stents are placed under endoscopic and/or fluoroscopic guidance. Endoluminal stenting has gained wide-spread acceptance and is gaining popularity due to the high success rates in relieving symptoms from malignant obstruction with relatively low complication rates. This article will review the complications associated with esophageal, gastroduodenal, biliary, and colonic stent placement. Endoscopic Stenting: An Overview of Potential Complications A SPECIAL ARTICLE
A Write-Aware STTRAM-Based Register File Architecture for GPGPU

The massively parallel processing capacity of GPGPUs requires a large register file (RF), and its size keeps increasing to support more concurrent threads from generation to generation. Using traditional SRAM-based RFs, there are concerns in both area cost and energy consumption, and soon they will become unrealistic. In this work, we analyze the feasibility of using STTRAM-based RF designs, which have benefits in terms of smaller silicon area and zero standby leakage power. However, STTRAM long write latency and high write energy bring new challenges. Therefore, we propose a write-aware STTRAM-based RF architecture (WarRF), which contains two techniques: Split Bank Write modifies the arbitrator design to increase the parallelism of read and write accesses in the same bank; Write Pool reduces the number of repeated write accesses to RFs. Our experiment shows that the performance of STTRAM-based RF is improved by 13p and up to 23p after adopting WarRF. In addition, the energy consumption is reduced by 38p on average compared to SRAM-based RFs.
Diagnosis and Management of Diabetic Neuropathy

Estimates of the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy range from 10% to 90% of the diabetic population, depending on the criteria used to define neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy encompasses a wide range of abnormalities affecting both the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems and causes considerable injury and death. Neurologic complications occur equally in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as various forms of acquired diabetes. In this overview, we present and discuss the most recent approaches to the treatment of the common forms of diabetic neuropathy, including distal symmetric, proximal motor, and autonomic neuropathy. We also provide the reader with algorithms for recognition and management of common pain and entrapment syndromes, and a global approach to recognition of syndromes requiring specialized treatments based upon our improved understanding of their causes.
PRODRUG AS A NOVEL APPROACH OF DRUG DELIVERY- A REVIEW

Prodrugs are bioreversible derivatives of drug molecules that undergo an enzymatic and/or chemical transformation in vivo to release the active parent drug, which can then exert the desired pharmacological effect. Prodrug design is a choice of approach in solving many of the problems like stability, toxicity, solubility, permeability and drug targeting that affect drug discovery and development. Prodrug design is fruitful approach for drug targeting by changing the physiochemical, biopharmaceutical or pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. About 10-14% of drugs approved worldwide can be classified as prodrugs. The present article takes a review of introduction, classification, applications of prodrug design in various areas of drug development and basic functional groups that are amenable to prodrug design. Keywords: Prodrugs, objectives, classification, application, functional groups, limitation.
An Estimated Weight of the Largest Known Bird

The Ostrich (Struthio camelus), largest of living birds, was far surpassed in size by the Elephant-bird (Aepyornis madmus) of Madagascar. The larger of the New Zealand moas such as Dinornis were intermediate in size. The moas and elephant-birds were exterminated by the natives of these islands and are known only from sub-fossil remains of skeletons, eggs and feathers. An estimate of the weight of the largest known birds may be of both scientific and popular interest. Although the living ratites may not be closely related to tlie extinct ones of Madagascar and New Zealand, they are the closest approach to them in size and proportions, and may be used as a basis for calculations. This study was undertaken at the suggestion of Dr. Ernst Mayr, and he has given me a number of valuable suggestions.
Chemotherapy of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections: Current Practice and Future Prospects

As human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has become better understood, numerous drugs have been developed that act at virus-specific sites. These are challenging our ability to evaluate them thoroughly and rapidly. Zidovudine (AZT) remains the mainstay of anti-HIV-1 drugs. Recent controlled trials indicate it should be used early in infection (in those with CD4 cell counts less than 500/mm3) and in lower doses (500-600 mg/day). Prolonged AZT treatment in patients with AIDS, however, is often associated with viral resistance. Newer reverse transcriptase-inhibiting nucleoside derivatives are currently in phase II-III clinical trials. Other HIV-1 replicative sites under attack in clinical studies include binding and entry of virus, envelope protein glycosylation, and viral assembly and release. Agents that target HIV-1 proteinase, integrase, ribonuclease H, and products of regulatory genes such as tat are under development. Combination therapies that target different viral replicative sites likely will allow use of individual agents below their toxic concentrations and help prevent drug resistance. Innovative programs for expanded access to experimental drugs are needed that will permit expeditious clinical trials, optimize the gathering of useful information, and permit the widest access to promising treatments.
Thermodynamic Properties of 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-Nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone: Vapor Pressure, (p, ρ, T) Behavior, and Speed of Sound Measurements, and an Equation of State

We report comprehensive thermodynamic property measurements of 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone. The (p, ρ, T) behavior was measured from T = (225 to 470) K with pressures up to 36 MPa with a two-sinker densimeter. These measurements include compressed-liquid states and states in the extended critical region. The vapor-phase speed of sound was measured from T = (325 to 500) K with pressures up to 1.7 MPa with a spherical acoustic resonator. The vapor pressure was measured in the spherical resonator from T = (325 to 440) K with a static technique. The density and speed of sound of the liquid was measured from T = (278 to 308) K at atmospheric pressure (p = 83 kPa) in a benchtop instrument employing a vibrating-U-tube densimeter and a time-of-flight speed-of-sound technique. These data, together with selected data from the fluid manufacturer, have been used to develop an equation of state explicit in the Helmholtz energy covering the fluid region. The equation of state represents...
Survey of AIDS Knowledge among different populations in key demonstration area in Jingzhou city

Objective To understand the HIV/AIDS knowledge in different populations in demonstation areas in Jingzhou city for conducting health education on the target population. Methods Totally 649 persons including community women federation staff, residents and school students in the demonstration areas were surveyed with self- designed questionnaire form for HIV/AIDS knowledge.Results The total awareness rate of these three populations about basic knowledge of AIDS was 77.04 %, among which cadres in Women's Federation was the highest( 95.57%), residents in community was 80.66%and the students in school was the lowest(54.19%),showing significant difference(χ2=101.13,P0.01). The correct attitude rates of the the cadres of women'federation, community residents and students towards AIDS patient or HIV positives were on average relatively low( 49.77%), being 65.02 %, 46.91% and 37.93%,also showing significant difference(χ2=37.01,P0.01). Among these three groups, nearly 76.43% of them chosen TV media as the common way to gain AIDS knowledge. Conclusion Different groups had different awareness rate of basic AIDS knowledge and CORRECT attitude towards AIDS patient OR HIV positives. Therefore health education on the AIDS knowledge be carried out, especially in shools.
Case Study of Online Monitoring of Transformer Faults

Chromatography is employed to analyze total combustible gas and hyper-alarm setting of growth rate of online monitoring instrument for gases dissvolved in oil of transformer No.1 in a power plant through oil samples,and overheat fault of transformers is figured out.It is found after power cut that the HV lead is burnt out,which verifies effectiveness,preciseness and importance of online monitoring instrument for gases dissvolved in oil of transformers.
The Future of Parallel Discrete Event Simulation

Parallel discrete event simulation (PDES) has been a subject of research since the late 1970s. By now we know a lot about the general outlines of the subject. However, there is still an immense amount of research and development to do. In this talk I will summarize what I believe PDES has contributed to computer science and other fields so far, what the current status is, where I think we are still deficient as a field, and where I think our R&D priorities should be in the future.
Intracellular calcium and hormone secretion in clonal AtT-20D16-16 anterior pituitary cells

Abstract Intracellular ionized Ca 2+ concentration was measured in clonal mouse anterior pituitary tumor cells with the fluorescent Ca 2+ indicator Quin-2. In control physiological solution, free cytoplasmic Ca 2+ concentration was found to be 139 ± 11 nM. Replacement of 50 mM NaCl by 50 mM KCl in the extracellular fluid caused a 29 mV depolarization and a 4.2-fold increase in the concentration of free cytoplasmic Ca 2+ . Under comparable depolarizing conditions, a specific influx of 2.66 nmole of 45 Ca 2+ per mg protein was detected 1 min after addition of high K + , accompanied by a marked increase in the initial rate of β-endorphin secretion. In the absence of external Ca 2+ , depolarization by K + produced little or no increase in either intracellular free Ca 2+ or hormone release. Incubation of AtT-20 D16-16 cells in the secretagogue norepinephrine led to a depolarization accompanied by an increase in spontaneous action potential frequency and a marked elevation in cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration. Exposure of cells to somatostatin, an inhibitor of normone release, led to only transient decreases in burst frequency and no significant reduction in intracellular Ca 2+ levels. These results indicate that in addition to intracellular Ca 2+ , other factors also control secretory activity in AtT -20 D16-16 anterlor pituitary cells.
Prudence and Controversy: The New York Public Library Response to Post-War Anti-Communist Pressures

Abstract As the New York Public Library entered the post-war era in the late 1940s, its operations fell under the zealous scrutiny of self-styled 'redhunters' intent upon rooting out library materi...
The actuation efficiency, a measure of acceleration capability for nonredundant robotic manipulators: Research Articles

This article presents a performance measure, the actuation efficiency, which describes the imbalance between the end-effector accelerations achievable in different directions of nonredundant robotic manipulators. A key feature of the proposed measure is that in its development the differences in units between translational and rotational accelerations are treated in a physically meaningful manner. The measure also indicates oversized actuators, since this contributes to the imbalance in achievable accelerations. The development of this measure is based on the formulation of the dynamic capability equations. The shape of the dynamic capability hypersurface, which is defined by the dynamic capability equations, is a weak indicator of the level of imbalance in achievable end-effector accelerations. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Obesity is not associated with increased morbidity in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Background and Objectives Recent single-institutional series have examined the relationship of body mass index (BMI) in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) generally without significant increase in serious complications with increasing BMI. This study evaluates the impact of BMI on complication rates using a national cohort. Methods The ACS NSQIP database was queried for patients undergoing concurrent CRS with IPC (2005–2012). Death and serious morbidity (DSM) was the primary outcome. Statistical analyses were performed to determine significant associations between peri-operative factors and DSM. Results Of 1,085 patients, there were 30.4% (n = 330) obese (BMI >30) and 32.1% (n = 348) normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9) patients. DSM rates did not differ between these groups (P = 0.853). Obese patients were more likely to experience post-operative wound (P = 0.017) and renal (P = 0.002) complications. Hypoalbuminemia (OR 7.34; 95% CI 2.27–23.73), prolonged operative time (OR 3.02; 95% CI 1.83–4.97) and concomitant liver resection (OR 3.29; 95% CI 1.31–8.28) were independent risk factors for DSM among obese patients. Conclusions Obesity is not significantly associated with DSM in patients undergoing CRS/IPC, and should not be a major deterrence for surgery. However, obese patients are more likely to experience wound and renal complications and hypoalbuminemia is a strong preoperative risk factor. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:619–624. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abstract 3938: MafB and ETS2 potentiate Notch signaling in T-ALL

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Despite the high frequency of activating Notch mutations in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), these naturally occurring Notch1 mutant alleles fail to efficiently drive leukemia onset, indicating a requirement for collaborating events that potentiate the Notch oncogenic program. We performed an in vitro gain-of-function screen to identify gene products that enhanced the signaling strength of naturally occurring Notch mutants. Both MafB and ETS2 emerged as candidates that individually potentiated Notch signaling, and when co-expressed, they dramatically enhanced signaling strength comparable to the levels induced by MAML1, a core component of the Notch transcriptional complex. Knockdown of MafB in mouse T-ALL cell lines suppressed the expression of common Notch target genes, including cMyc and Hes1, and sustained knockdown of MafB expression impaired T-ALL cell growth in cell competition assays. Notably, MafB is sufficient to enhance the oncogenic potential of naturally occurring Notch mutants in vivo, by significantly accelerating T-ALL onset. Moreover, this enhanced Notch pathway activation required MafB-ETS2 interaction, and facilitated the recruitment of PCAF and p300. Although all primary human T-ALL samples that express MafB display an elevated Notch pathway signature, the T-ALL samples positive for high levels of MafB expression, exhibit low levels of Notch1 expression, further suggesting a role for MafB as an enhancer. These data present a novel mechanism for the enhancement of the oncogenic potential of weak Notch mutants in leukemia and introduce MafB as a potential therapeutic target in T-ALL. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Kostandin Pajcini, Lanwei Xu, Curtis Lee, Sara Cherry, Warren Pear. MafB and ETS2 potentiate Notch signaling in T-ALL. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3938. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3938
Frequency-dependent, dynamic sensing properties of polycrystalline Galfenol (Fe81.6Ga18.4)

This paper presents the first measurement of Galfenol's frequency-dependent strain and magnetic flux density responses to controlled dynamic stress, from which frequency-dependent, effective material properties relating these quantities are calculated. Solid and laminated Galfenol (Fe81.6Ga18.4) rods were excited by 2.88 MPa compressive stresses up to 1 kHz under constant field and constant current conditions. Due to magnetic diffusion cut-off frequencies of only 59.3 to 145.7 Hz, the dynamic properties of the solid rod are found to vary significantly; this illustrates the inaccuracy of frequency-independent dynamic properties calculated via linear piezomagnetic models from experimental responses to electrical excitation. Conversely, the sensing properties of the laminated rod exhibit a weak dependence on frequency over the measurement range (i.e., a cut-off >1 kHz). The data are used to validate an existing model for mechanically induced magnetic diffusion. Loss factors and magnetomechanical energy densities are also presented and discussed in terms of loss separation, magnetic diffusion, and energy conservation.
The Risk Premium — How Risk Affects Expected Returns

The utility curve readily tells us something about risk. It shows us why we value economic security and why any risk to our economic security creates discomfort. We will also see why declines in income from a market meltdown can breed fear and result in even greater subsequent declines.
Developmental Plasticity of Inhibitory Receptive Field Properties in the Auditory and Visual Systems

The development of inhibition, particularly GABAergic signaling, has received considerable attention in the past few years. The fact that imbalances between inhibition and excitation are seen in several disease states, at least partly, underlies the push to understand how inhibition develops. Evidence for the fact that neural activity influences inhibitory synaptic strength during normal development and disease processes is accumulating. However, few studies have employed model systems in which changes in inhibitory synaptic strength can be interpreted in the context of behaviorally relevant neuronal response properties. Based on our studies of neuronal selectivity for stimulus direction and velocity in the visual and auditory systems, we present evidence for two key principles underlying the effects of sensory experience on inhibitory receptive field (RF) properties. First, experience can shape not just the strength, but also the timing of inhibitory inputs. For example, experience-dependent changes in the timing of inhibition can determine whether or not a neuron is direction selective. Second, the maintenance of response properties, and not only their refinement, can depend on inhibitory plasticity. In the following, we outline the evidence that supports the generalizability of these principles.
Using directional antenna to realize multi-relay MAC for wireless Ad Hoc networks

IEEE 802.11 PHY layer protocol supports multiple data transmission rates which is a tradeoff between channel capacity and bit error rate. Several MAC layer protocols have been proposed to accommodate this multi-rate feature. However, those protocols either just considered how to exploit channel condition of the direct link from the sender to the receiver, or just studied how to using a single relay node to realize MAC layer relay. In this paper, we propose a multi-relay enabled MAC protocol by introducing directional antenna to further enhance the performance of MAC relay. With the aid of directional antenna, the proposed protocol can realize pipelined data transmission throughout the relay process. The simulation results show that the proposed protocol significantly improves the performance in terms of both throughput and packet delay.
‘To become again our brethren’: desertion and community during the American Revolutionary War, 1775–83

Desertion from active military service has always been a contentious action, especially in times of war. Deserters in the eighteenth century were routinely castigated as poor patriots or traitorous subjects. Recently, scholars have begun to analyse in greater depth how and why desertions occurred, and have demonstrated that political considerations were less important than issues of identity and interest. However, in the context of the American Revolutionary War, historians have focused on the relationship between deserters and the military, arguing that soldiers who left their posts were less integrated into the camp community. This article suggests that the act of desertion was often more than a protest against conditions or discipline, but instead was shaped by a deserter's connections with civil society rather than the military community.
Facility and State Variation in Hip Fracture in U.S. Nursing Home Residents.

Objectives To quantify the variation in hip fracture incidence across U.S. nursing home (NH) facilities and states and examine how hip fracture incidence varies according to facility‐ and state‐level characteristics. Design Retrospective cohort using linked national Minimum Data Set assessments; Online Survey, Certification and Reporting records; and Medicare claims. Setting U.S. NHs with 100 or more beds. Participants Long‐stay NH residents between May 1, 2007, and April 30, 2008, from 1,481 facilities and 46 U.S. states (N = 201,892). Measurements Incident hip fractures were ascertained using Medicare Part A diagnostic codes. Each resident was followed for up to 2 years. Results The mean adjusted incidence rate of hip fractures for all facilities was 3.13 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.01–3.26) per 100 person‐years (range 1.20, 95% CI = 1.15–1.26 to 6.40, 95% CI = 6.07–6.77). Facilities with the highest rates of hip fracture had greater percentages of residents taking psychoactive medications (top tertile 27.2%, bottom tertile 24.8%), and fewer nursing (top tertile 3.43, bottom tertile 3.53) and direct care (top tertile 3.22, bottom tertile 3.29) hours per day per resident. The combination of state and facility characteristics explained 6.7% of the variation in hip fracture, and resident characteristics explained 7.6%. Conclusion Much of the variation in hip fracture incidence remained unexplained, although these findings indicate that potentially modifiable state and facility characteristics such as psychoactive drug prescribing and minimum staffing requirements could be addressed to help reduce the rate of hip fracture in U.S. NHs.
An efficient and cost-effective microchannel plate detector for slow neutron radiography

Abstract A novel approach for efficiently imaging objects with slow neutrons in two dimensions is realized. Neutron sensitivity is achieved by use of a boron doped microchannel plate (MCP). The resulting electron avalanche is further amplified with a Z-stack MCP before being sensed by two orthogonally oriented wire planes. Coupling of the wire planes to delay lines efficiently encodes the position information as a time difference. To determine the position resolution, slow neutrons were used to illuminate a Cd-mask placed directly in front of the detector. Peaks in the resulting spectrum exhibited an average peak width of 329 μ m FWHM, corresponding to an average intrinsic resolution of 216 μ m. The center region of the detector exhibits a significantly better spatial resolution with an intrinsic resolution of 100 μ m observed.
Comparison between Second-Hand Apparel Shoppers versus Non-Shoppers:The Role of Psychographics and Ethical Decision Making

Alternative consumption channels have received increased attention among researchers due to consumers' growing interest. Beyond its economic advantages, secondhand apparel has been a niche market for consumers in western countries by offering unique styles of clothing and recreational benefits of shopping.
Pulmonary Surfactant: An Endogenous Mediator of Alveolar Stability and a Therapeutic Agent

Physiologic lung function depends on surfactant, a complex lipoprotein that is a major component of the alveolar lining fluid and that dynamically regulates alveolar surface tension, decreasing it at end expiration (preventing closure of the alveoli) and allowing it to increase at end inspiration (contributing to elastic recoil). The discovery that surfactant deficiency is the primary defect in Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and that surfactant is synthesized by the alveolar Type II cells, ushered in the modern era of lung cell biology. Basic observations on the nature and metabolism of surfactant and the regulation of Type II cell function have, particularly in the last 5 years, contributed clinically-relevant information (1–10). The initiation of controlled trials of administration of surfactant preparations for the treatment of Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and consideration of similar trials to determine the role of surfactant in the therapy of other conditions such as the Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), have resulted directly from these basic investigations.
Barriers to cancer treatment: a review of published research.

Purpose/objectives To review published research on barriers to cancer treatment to provide a foundation for subsequent research and program and policy development directed at diminishing these barriers. Data sources Relevant literature from medical and behavioral science data bases published between 1964 and 1994. Researchers reviewed 752 abstracts; they identified 160 articles that related directly to research on barriers to cancer treatment. Of these 160 articles, researchers chose 61 for a subsequent review using criteria to evaluate the strength of the study design and sampling procedures. Data synthesis The major barriers consistently documented to influence whether or not patients with cancer sought or continued treatment included communication problems between patients and providers, lack of information on side effects, cost of treatment, difficulties in obtaining and maintaining insurance coverage, and absence of social support networks. Access barriers generally were greater for older women, members of minority groups, and patients of lower socioeconomic status. The vast majority of the studies were conceptual or descriptive in nature and were based on nonprobability clinic-based samples. Conclusions The limitations of existing research point to the need for studies on barriers to cancer treatment based on analytic population-based study designs that examine the relative importance of factors derived from multivariate explanatory models. This information may be used to develop programs and policies to ameliorate treatment barriers for patients with cancer. Implications for nursing practice The research priorities set forth by the Oncology Nursing Society also indicate a need for this type of research because quality of life, cost containment, and outcomes assessment all are directly or indirectly affected by the timely diagnosis of cancer. Treatment barriers have the potential to significantly affect an individual's ability to seek care and ultimately to increase the cost of care associated with adverse outcomes that may result from delays in seeking treatment.
The use of interval arithmetic in uncovering structure of linear systems

Prior to seeking solutions or after a solution has been obtained to problems involving systems of linear inequalities and/or equalities, it is possible to apply interval analytic methods (see Moore [1979], Alefeld and Herzberger [1983]) to uncover the associated matrix and bound structure. In particular, we show how to extend the work of Shefi [1969]; Brearley, Mitra, and Williams [1975]; and Karwan, Lofti, and Zionts [1983] to not only discover (as they do) (1) infeasibilities, (2) “variables” whose values are fixed by the system of inequalities, (3) redundant rows/columns, and (4) implied bounds on rows/columns, but also how to uncover these same properties in the presence of interval or fuzzy coefficients and/or right hand sides. The applicability of these ideas ranges from the pre-analysis of (interval or fuzzy) constraint matrices arising in linear programming problems to the solving of (interval or fuzzy) linear systems.
Community Outreach Through K-12 Engineering Education: Water Conservation Implementation, Observations, and Survey

We present the development of a tool for K-12 engineering outreach intended to introduce engineering fundamentals both in the classroom and home. Unlike traditional K-12 outreach projects and activities, the effort described herein is intended to simultaneously include an instructive and illustrative scientific premise aimed at improving community awareness of conservation efforts and achieving broad community engagement and behavior change. A survey of households in which K-12 students engaged in educational activities using a custom-designed educational tool showed substantial improvement in awareness of the community and scientific issues related to the K-12 instructional topics, suggesting this is a potentially useful mechanism for education both in the classroom and in the broader community.
A multi-site case study of community-clinical linkages for promoting HPV vaccination

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates in the U.S. are suboptimal, requiring innovative partnerships between community and clinical entities to remedy this issue. A rigorous evaluation of HPV...
Clinical Experts Statement: The Definition, Prescription, and Application of Cupping Therapy

Not included per journal guidelines for Clinical Commentaries. However, this manuscript outlines a study that aimed to create a clinical expert statement on the definition, prescription, and application of cupping therapy. 10 panelists who were certified athletic trainers and held a post-professional credential in cupping therapy were recruited to take part in an expert panel to reach a consensus on statements about the definition, prescription, and application of cupping therapy. After beginning with 67 statements, the panel rated statements on whether or not they should be included. Ultimately, 39 statements were included in the final document. The manuscript includes suggestions for how this clinical expert statement should be used by clinicians, as well as a disclaimer stating that this is not an all encompassing statement on cupping therapy.
Re-designing Compact-structure based Forwarding for Programmable Networks

Forwarding packets based on networking names is essential for network protocols on different layers, where the ‘names’ could be addresses, packet/flow IDs, and content IDs. For long there have been efforts using dynamic and compact data structures for fast and memory-efficient forwarding. In this work, we identify that the recently developed programmable network paradigm has the potential to further reduce the time/memory complexity of forwarding structures by separating the data plane and control plane. This work presents the new designs of network forwarding structures under the programmable network paradigm, applying three typical dynamic and compact data structures: Bloom filters, Cuckoo hashing, and Othello hashing. We conduct careful analyses and experiments in real networks of these forwarding methods for multiple performance metrics, including lookup throughput, memory footprint, construction time, dynamic updates, and lookup errors. The results give rich insights on designing forwarding algorithms with dynamic and compact data structures. In particular, the new designs based on Cuckoo hashing and Othello hashing show significant advantages over the extensively studied Bloom filter based methods, in all situations discussed in this paper.
Exercising agency in a hostile environment: How do refused asylum seekers find work?:

Using Anthony Giddens’ structuration theory, this article analyzes the specific ways refused asylum seekers use agency to find employment, despite a legal framework that prevents them working. It i...
Border Walls and Crime: Evidence from the Secure Fence Act

Despite a lack of rigorous empirical evidence, reduced crime is often touted as a potential benefit in the debate over increasing border infrastructure (i.e. border walls). This paper examines the effect of the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which led to unprecedented barrier construction along the US-Mexico border, on local crime using geospatial data on dates and locations of border wall construction. Synthetic control estimates across twelve border counties find no systematic evidence that border infrastructure reduced property or violent crime rates in the counties in which it was built. Further analysis using matched panel models indicates no effect on property crime rates and that observed declines in violent crime rates precede barrier construction, not the other way around. Taken together, this paper finds potential crime reductions are not a compelling argument towards the benefits of expanding border infrastructure.
Abstract P370: Opioid and Gabapentinoid Medication Use and the Risks of Atrial Fibrillation and Supraventricular Ectopy in the Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Purpose: Opioids and gabapentinoids may have adverse cardiovascular effects. We evaluated whether these medications were associated with incident clinically-detected atrial fibrillation (AF) or mon...
Pediatric Quality Measures

As in other areas of medicine, the number and variability of pediatric quality measures have exploded over the past several decades. The source of these measures and metrics is highly variable, and many measures have been extrapolated from adult measures. For numerous reasons related to factors unique to the pediatric population, the development of quality measures of children’s health and health care has lagged behind the development of adult measures. Examining the source of quality measures and their classification in pediatrics will help illustrate some of the important aspects of quality measures in pediatrics and their use and impact on children’s health and care.
Switchable Friction Coefficient on Shape Memory Photonic Crystals

Intelligent control of friction and adhesion has attracted much attention for use in soft robotics, human-sensor interfaces, and bionics. Here we introduce a shape memory photonic crystal (SMPC) polymer that can be programmed and recovered by solvent to realize switchable surface friction. Micro sliding test show that the friction coefficient on this SMPC in the programmed and recovered state can vary by three times. We also show that the mechanism behind this switchable friction coefficient is the surface roughness related adhesion.
Evidence of burnout in critical care pharmacists.

PURPOSE Studies of critical care physicians and nursing personnel indicate a potentially high rate of burnout. To date there is a paucity of data in critical care pharmacists assessing burnout in this group. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of risk of burnout in critical care pharmacists. METHODS Critical care pharmacists were solicited via email to complete an anonymous, electronic questionnaire regarding burnout. Subject demographic and employment characteristics were collected along with the validated, 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory Health Services Survey in the study cohort. Burnout was assessed from 3 aspects, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. High degree of burnout was defined as a score >27 in emotional exhaustion, or score >10 in depersonalization, or score <33 in personal achievement. Risk factors of burnout were evaluated using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS Out of 3,140 critical care pharmacists, 193 (6.1%) completed surveys. The mean scores were 25.3, 7.5, and 36.7 for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal achievement, respectively. Overall, 123 pharmacists (64%) reported at least one syndrome of burnout, and 28 pharmacists (14.5%) reported burnout in all 3 scales. No single risk factor was identified to be associated with the risk of burnout. CONCLUSION Risk of burnout is high in critical care pharmacists, at 64%, and is comparable to the risk in other critical care practitioner groups. This emphasizes the importance of continuing to evaluate risk factors for burnout and providing resources for burnout prevention to high-risk practitioners.