cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining Cultural Factors that Influence Treatment Decisions: a Pilot Study of Latino Men with Cancer

The objective of this study was to explore beliefs and treatment decisions of foreign-born Latino men from Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela, who have been diagnosed with cancer and who live in Central Florida, USA. Experiences related to knowledge of diagnosis, treatment decisions, communication with health providers, family involvement, and advance care planning (ACP) discussions following the diagnosis of cancer are central to this study. This study used qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. The interviews were conducted with 15 Latino men who have been diagnosed with cancer within the past 5 years and who reside in the community. The interviews were conducted and transcribed in Spanish and then translated into English. The median age was 55.4 years. Nine Latino men had prostate cancer, two had brain cancer, two had colorectal cancer, and two had lung cancer. Emerging themes involved the suddenness of the diagnosis, fear of dying, expectations of diagnosis-related communication, reliance on physicians for treatment decisions, limited information pertaining to ACP, family support, and role changes. Latino men's limited knowledge of cancer diagnosis and treatment options coupled with their fear led them to immediately believe that they were going to die. Knowledge gaps regarding diagnosis-related communication, treatment decisions, and ACP varied among the men. The forthright diagnosis communication and the expectation to engage in decision making are contrary to Latinos men's beliefs of reliance on health providers decisions. The findings contribute to understanding Latino men's beliefs about a cancer diagnosis and treatment decisions.
General surgery training without laparoscopic surgery fellows: The impact on residents and patients

Background To evaluate resident case volume after discontinuation of a laparoscopic surgery fellowship, and to examine disparities in patient care over the same time period. Methods Resident case logs were compared for a 2-year period before and 1 year after discontinuing the fellowship, using a 2-sample t test. Databases for bariatric and esophageal surgery were reviewed to compare operative time, length of stay (LOS), and complication rate by resident or fellow over the same time period using a 2-sample t test. Results Increases were seen in senior resident advanced laparoscopic (Mean Fellow Year = 21 operations vs Non Fellow Year = 61, P P P P P Conclusion Discontinuing a laparoscopic fellowship significantly increases resident case volume in laparoscopic surgery. Operative time for complex operations may increase in the absence of a fellow. Other patient outcomes are not affected by this change.
Effect of thermosolutal convection on directional solidification

The impact of thermosolutal convection during directional solidification is explored via results of numerical investigations. Results from fully transient numerical simulations of directional solidification in a differentially heated cavity under terrestrial conditions and Bridgman cytstal growth in space are discussed. The pivowl role ofboth thermaland solutal convection in the solidifaction process is illustrated by examining these two cases. In particular, radical and longitudinal macrosegregation resulting from this thermosolutal convection is discussed.
SURGICAL DECISIONS IN PANCREATIC DISEASE.

T HE TREAT~IENT O[ pancreatic diseases is one of tile most controversial areas in modern surgery. Ti le conflict has produced much experimental work and has added significantly to knowledge of pancreatic physiology and pathology, but many areas o[ disagreement remain, in the care of a specific pat ient it becomes necessary to decide whether to operate, when to operate, and what to do if one does operate. The survey presented in this paper has been prepared in the hope that it will simplify the task of those who have to make these decisions. Controversy is not restricted to the problem of acute pancreatitis but is found in ahnost any field of surgical pancreatic diseases. Since presentation o[ all viewpoints would be impractical here, an a t tempt has been made to point out [orms of therapy which have found favor on our service, or those proposed st) convincingly as to appeal to us its accepted forms of therapy.
Fluorescence quenching of the buried tryptophan residue of cod parvalbumin

Cod parvalbumin (isotype III) is a single tryptophan-containing protein. The fluorescence characteristics of this tryptophan residue (lambda em approximately 315 nm) suggest that it is buried from solvent and that it is located in an apolar core of the protein. Solute quenching studies of the tryptophan fluorescence of parvalbumin reveal dynamic quenching rate constants, kq, of 1.1 X 10(8) and 2.3 X 10(9) M-1 s-1 (at 25 degrees C) with acrylamide and oxygen, respectively, as quenchers. From temperature dependence studies, activation energies of 6.5 +/- 1.5 and 6.0 +/- 0.5 kcal/mol are found for acrylamide and oxygen quenching. The kq for acrylamide quenching is found to be relatively unchanged (+/- 10%) by an 8-fold increase in the bulk viscosity (glycerol/water mixture). These temperature and viscosity studies argue that the acrylamide quenching process involves a dynamic penetration of the quencher, facilitated by fluctuations in the protein's structure.
The feedback environment: An exploratory study of cue use

This paper examines individuals' theories about cue use in organizations — theories about which of the many cues available in an organization's feedback environment they should use to guide their behavior. It also investigates how these theories vary with increasing organizational experience. The research assesses individual's implicit theories regarding cue use using both open- and closed-ended data collection methods. Results suggest that, regardless of experience, individuals place the most importance on cues from the company and their supervisors. Peer feedback and self-observations were seen as much less important. These results are interesting in light of previous studies showing that the self was the most available, and the organization the least available, source of feedback. With experience, managers appear to learn to emphasize negative over positive feedback, especially from superiors, and to emphasize their peers' actions over their words when a negative message is being conveyed.
“Hispanic” children: Theoretical, empirical, and related policy issues

Not only are school-age ethnic and racial minority children one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population, they are also one of the most vulnerable. Hispanic children in particular are representative of the “at-risk” status of minority populations, displaying a portrait of unrealized social, educational, and employment success. This paper addresses the background and history of U.S. social and educational policies as they relate to the Hispanic student. Recent empirical findings are presented which support the following: (a) the bilingual character of Hispanic children is not a linguistic, cognitive, or educational liability and, in fact, should be employed to promote academic achievement; (b) the “culture” of the Hispanic family and child are better understood with regard to socialization variables and the potential differences they produce when directly compared to Anglo “culture;” and (c) educational strategies for Hispanic students that respect and integrate students' social, psychological, and linguistic attributes serve students effectively.
Assuring the safety of on-demand medical cyber-physical systems

We present an approach to establish safety of on-demand medical cyber-physical systems which are assembled to treat a patient in a specific clinical scenario. We treat such a system as a virtual medial device (VMD) and propose a model-based framework that includes a modeling language with formal semantics and a medical application platform (MAP) that provides the necessary deployment support for the VMD models.
Review of the electronic specific heat of B. C. C. and F. C. C. solid solutions of first long period transition elements

A review is given of the electronic specific heat vs. electron concentiation for b.c.c. solid solutions, including new data for the systems V-Cr and Ti-V. The latter alloys show a maximum of gamma at approximately 60% V. The electronic specific heat coefficients correlate well with the superconductive transition temperatures, according to the Bardeen-Cooper-Schriffer theory, with an interaction coefficient V independent of composition. It was found that the CsCl-type ordered alloys in the ternary TiFe-TiCo and TiCo-TiNi systems possess electronic specific heat values paralleling those for the b.c.c. Cr-Fe alloys at the same average electron concentrations. The electronic specific heat values for the b.c.c. alloys of transition elements with one another can be apparently described to a surprising extent in terms of a more or less rigid band, the degree of filling up of this band with electrons being determined essentially by the average electron concentration for the alloy. This appears to hold even in cases uhere the electron concentration is determined by averaging over three different atomic species. As found also for the alloy VFe. with a CsCl-type ordered structure, ordering causes little, it any, change in the electronic specific heat values of these alloys. New low temperature specific heatmore » measurements with f.c.c. solid solutions in the Mn-Fe, Mn-Ni, Fe-Ni, V-Ni systems gave coefficients for the specific heat term linear in temperature, which are in some cases quite inconsistent with each other if interpreted as electronic specific heat coefficients. Consistent gamma values were obtained for simple ferromagnetic alloys and for nonmagnetic alloys. For alloys where the simultaneous presence of both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions is known from magnetic measurements, or may be considered as very likely, the measured gamma values are anomalously high. It has been proposed by Marshall that a temperature-linear contribution to the low temperature specific heat can arise in instances where a sufficient number of spins are located in a near zero magnetic field. It appears from the results that this condition is often fulfilled in alloys having both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions. As a result, in such cases the gamma value measured at low temperatures comprises, in addition to the true electronic specific heat coefficient, also a magnetic component. Using only gamma values obtained for simple ferromagnetic and for norrnagnetic alloys, the shape of the d-band for the f.c.c. solid solutions has been nevertheless successfully determined in the electron concentration range from approximately 8 to 1O. (auth)« less
Design and Construction Challenges of a Federal Laboratory Building: A Case Study

This paper presents a case study regarding design and construction challenges of a federal laboratory building. The case study illustrates the successful collaboration of two federal agencies, General Services Administration (GSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Creative methods were used to resolve complex design, construction, and budgetary issues. This paper describes lessons learned from a specific laboratory project on issues such as: A master plan and its role in locating secure laboratory buildings, site planning issues, contracting mechanisms, building security, energy, project development, design and construction excellence, and funding. Although CDC and GSA approved the release of this paper, the authors offer a disclaimer that the opinions and conclusions drawn in the papers are those of the authors, and are not necessarily shared by the CDC and GSA.
Model Uncertainty in Environmental Dose–Response Risk Analysis

This article discusses estimation of low-dose “benchmark” points in environmental risk analysis. Focus is on the increasing recognition that model uncertainty and misspecification can drastically affect point estimators and confidence limits built from limited dose–response data, which in turn can lead to imprecise risk assessments with uncertain, even dangerous, policy implications. Some possible remedies are mentioned, including use of parametric model averaging and nonparametric dose–response analysis.
Dialect contact as the cause for dialect change: Evidence from a phonemic merger in colonial New Mexican Spanish

This paper analyzes the genesis of New Mexican Spanish during the colonial period (17th and 18th centuries) as the consequence of ‘new dialect formation via koineization’ (Trudgill 1986, 2004, Kerswill & Williams 2000, Kerswill & Trudgill 2005). It focuses primarily on the evidence for yeismo, i.e. the merger of the medieval palatal lateral and palatal fricative phonemes, in a corpus of documents written in the century following the resettlement of New Mexico by Spanish speakers in 1693. The analysis shows that the resettlement involved contact between two groups of speakers exhibiting widely divergent levels of prevalence of the merger, causing the loss of the phonemic contrast in the community in as little as one generation. This contradicts several previous assumptions about the chronology of Latin American yeismo and about the role of koineization in the origins of New World Spanish.ResumeCette etude analyse la genese de l’espagnol du Nouveau-Mexique pendant la periode coloniale (17e et 18e siecles) en tant que consequence d’un processus de ‘formation d’un nouveau dialecte par nivellement dialectal’ (Trudgill 1986, 2004, Kerswill et Williams 2000, Kerswill et Trudgill 2005). L’etude se concentre principalement sur le yeismo, phenomene de fusion de deux phonemes distincts en espagnol medieval (une consonne laterale palatale et une fricative palatale), et ce dans un corpus de documents ecrits un siecle apres le retour des espagnols dans cette region en 1693. L’analyse montre que ce retour des espagnols a provoque le contact entre deux groupes de locuteurs qui presentaient chacun des differences nettes pour ce qui est de la confusion des deux phonemes, aboutissant a leur fusion, dans cette communaute, en a peine une generation. On soutient aussi que ces donnees contredisent plusieurs des hypotheses anterieures sur la chronologie du yeismo americain et sur le role qu’a joue le nivellement dialectal dans la diachronie de l’espagnol du Nouveau Monde.ZusammenfassungIn diesem Beitrag wird die Entstehung des Spanischen in New Mexico wahrend der Kolonialzeit (17. und 18. Jahrhundert) als Folge eines Prozesses ‘neuer Dialekt-Bildung durch Koineisierung’ (Trudgill 1986, 2004, Kerswill und Williams 2000, Kerswill und Trudgill 2005) analysiert. Der Augenmerk liegt hauptsachlich auf den Beweisen fur yeismo, d.h. der Fusion zwischen zwei mittelalterlichen Palatalen, lateral und frikativ, in einem Korpus von Dokumenten, die im Jahrhundert nach der spanischen Umsiedlung Neumexikos 1693 geschrieben wurden. Die Analyse zeigt, dass durch die Umsiedlung zwei Gruppen von Sprechern, die enorm unterschiedliche Auspragungen dieser Fusion aufwiesen, in Kontakt gekommen sind. Dies fuhrte in dieser Gemeinschaft zu dem Verlust des phonemischen Kontrasts in weniger als einer Generation. Es wird auch argumentiert, dass diese Beweise einige fruhere Annahmen uber die Chronologie des lateinamerikanischen yeismo und uber die Rolle der Koineisierung in den Ursprungen der spanischen Sprache in der Neuen Welt widerspricht.
Antisense RNA Regulation by Stable Complex Formation in the Enterococcus faecalis Plasmid pAD1 par Addiction System

The par stability determinant, encoded by the Enterococcus faecalis plasmid pAD1, is the only antisense RNA regulated postsegregational killing system identified in gram-positive bacteria. Because of the unique organization of the par locus, the par antisense RNA, RNA II, binds to its target, RNA I, at relatively small, interspersed regions of complementarity. The results of this study suggest that, rather than targeting the antisense bound message for rapid degradation, as occurs in most other antisense RNA regulated systems, RNA I and RNA II form a relatively stable, presumably translationally inactive complex. The stability of the RNA I-RNA II complex would allow RNA I to persist in an untranslated state unless or until the encoding plasmid was lost. After plasmid loss, RNA II would be removed from the complex, allowing translational activation of RNA I. The mechanism of RNA I activation in vivo is unknown, but in vitro dissociation experiments suggest that active removal of RNA II, for example by a cellular RNase, may be required.
The Impact of Ethanol Production on Spatial Grain Market Relationships

Using cointegration theory, grain markets in Michigan, Kansas, Iowa and Indiana were examined to determine if increased ethanol production affected spatial corn price relationships in these states from 1998 through 2008. It was determined that corn prices operated in a stable, long-run equilibrium from 1998 through 2008 and increased ethanol production did not have an effect on this relationship. These findings suggest policy boosting ethanol production has not altered relationships between spatially dispersed corn markets. In addition to policy makers, this information is also useful to farmers and commodity traders who utilize market information when managing their businesses.
Cytomegalovirus infection in solid organ transplant recipients: New challenges and their implications for preventive strategies

Abstract Background Late-onset CMV disease is being increasingly recognized as a significant post-transplantation complication. Objectives To discern the impact of antiviral prophylactic strategies on the emerging syndrome of late-onset CMV disease in organ transplant recipients. Study design Review of existing reports and published data relevant to antiviral prophylaxis in organ transplant recipients. Results Prevention of CMV using prophylaxis has proven effective and is widely employed in organ transplant recipients. However, late-onset CMV disease is increasingly being recognized as a significant complication in these patients. The more potent the activity of the antiviral drug and the longer duration of prophylaxis, the greater likelihood of late-onset CMV disease. CMV seronegative recipients of seropositive donor allografts appear to be at a uniquely high risk. A higher proportion of patients with late-onset CMV have tissue invasive disease. Late-onset CMV disease in liver transplant recipients conferred an independently higher risk of mortality in the first post-transplant year. Prolonged antiviral therapy may impair the recovery of CMV-specific T-cell responses. Preemptive therapy appears to be less likely to be associated with CMV disease. Conclusions Discernment of the pathophysiologic basis of late-onset CMV warrants investigation. Preemptive therapy may be the preferable approach to CMV prophylaxis.
Serum ionized magnesium levels during intravenous MGSO4 therapy of preeclamptic women.

Using a novel ion-selective electrode, we have shown that there is over a 100% increase in venous serum levels of ionized Mg during intravenous MgSO4 therapy of preeclamptic patients. By 6 hours of therapy, the range is 0.92-1.65 mmol/1 (95% C.I.). There are strong correlations between levels of ionized and total Mg throughout therapy (r=0.92-0.95.p<0.01).
Electrical traps in GaAs microwave f.e.t.s

Described is a rapid, sensitive technique for determining the activation energies for electron traps present in the channel of GaAs microwave field-effect transistors. The measurements can be made directly on the f.e.t.s. Taken together with systematic variation of growth procedures, the method can be applied toward identification and elimination of the traps.
Multiple levels of spatial organization: World Graphs and spatial difference learning

It is often suggested that the place cells of the hippocampus (and more recently, the grid cells of the entorhinal cortex) furnish a cognitive map. However, this can only be part of the story: (1) the âhippocampal chartâ provided by place cells and grid cells differs radically when a rat is placed in different environments and so a higher level organization is needed to link these charts into an overall cognitive map of the rat's world; and (2) even without a hippocampus a rat can exploit much of the spatial structure of its world. The World Graph (WG) model addressed the former problem, whereas the Taxon Affordance Model (TAM) was developed to address the latter, with the two models being integrated to form the TAM-WG model. Here we provide a new version strengthened in three ways: (1) we relate the TAM model to explicit ideas of executability and desirability; (2) we show how temporal difference learning elegantly supplies âspatial difference learningâ to resolve the debate between the local hypothesis and the non-local hypothesis for node selection in the original WG model; and (3) we analyze an explicit example of how the âlocometric mapâ provided by grid cells and place cells can complement the high-level cognitive map given by the WG, demonstrating the importance of navigation algorithms that integrate across multiple levels of spatial organization.
Toward Large Arrays of Multiplex Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Sensors for Highly Sensitive and Selective Molecular Detection

Arrays of electrical devices with each comprising multiple single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) bridging metal electrodes are obtained by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of nanotubes across prefabricated electrode arrays. The ensemble of nanotubes in such a device collectively exhibits large electrical conductance changes under electrostatic gating, owing to the high percentage of semiconducting nanotubes. This leads to the fabrication of large arrays of low-noise electrical nanotube sensors with 100% yield for detecting gas molecules. Polymer functionalization is used to impart high sensitivity and selectivity to the sensors. Polyethyleneimine coating affords n-type nanotube devices capable of detecting NO2 at less than 1 ppb (parts-per-billion) concentrations while being insensitive to NH3. Coating Nafion (a polymeric perfluorinated sulfonic acid ionomer) on nanotubes blocks NO2 and allows for selective sensing of NH3. Multiplex functionalization of a nanotube sensor array is carried out by microspotti...
Abstraction mechanisms in discrete-event inductive modeling

The power of abstraction lies in its ability to deal with "lack" of knowledge. In this regard, success in modeling and simulation rests on discovering useful abstractions that can support objectives of modeling. In our treatment, we refer to "data abstraction" as opposed to "structure simplification" since we consider a system's behavior rather than its structure. A system's behavior can be represented as time varying input/output segments. Given the behavior of a causal, time-invariant system, we define some basic abstraction mechanisms to support inductive modeling. The basis for these abstraction mechanisms are a set of general assumptions which allow consistent abstraction of IO segments. Then, given these assumptions and non-monotonic reasoning paradigm, capable of handling them, we try to tackle the fundamental problem of insufficient knowledge in the realm of inductive modeling. In this way, by making useful abstractions, we can predict a system's unobserved behavior according to a well-defined framework of discrete-event inductive modeling.
Sex chromosome complement regulates expression of mood-related genes

Background Studies on major depressive and anxiety disorders suggest dysfunctions in brain corticolimbic circuits, including altered gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and modulatory (serotonin and dopamine) neurotransmission. Interestingly, sexual dimorphisms in GABA, serotonin, and dopamine systems are also reported. Understanding the mechanisms behind these sexual dimorphisms may help unravel the biological bases of the heightened female vulnerability to mood disorders. Here, we investigate the contribution of sex-related factors (sex chromosome complement, developmental gonadal sex, or adult circulating hormones) to frontal cortex expression of selected GABA-, serotonin-, and dopamine-related genes.
Recursive implementation of total least squares algorithm for image reconstruction from noisy, undersampled multiframes

It is shown how the total least squares recursive algorithm for the real data FIR (finite impulse response) adaptive filtering problem can be applied to reconstruct a high-resolution filtered image from undersampled, noisy multiframes, when the interframe displacements are not accurately known. This is done in the wavenumber domain after transforming the complex data problem to an equivalent real data problem, to which the algorithm developed by C.E. Davila (Proc. ICASSP 1991 p.1853-6 of 1991) applies. The procedure developed also applies when the multiframes are degraded by linear shift-invariant blurs. All the advantages of implementation via massively parallel computational architecture apply. The performance of the algorithm is verified by computer simulations. >
Dietary Retinol Inhibits Inflammatory Responses of Rats Treated with Monocrotaline

This study was designed to test the effectiveness of dietary retinol in protecting the heart and lung parenchyma in a monocrotaline model for lung injury and pulmonary hypertension in rats. Male rats were assigned to three groups. Two groups were injected subcutaneously with monocrotaline (17 mg/kg body weight) and fed either the control AIN-93G diet (MC) or the control diet supplemented with retinol (17 mg retinyl palmitate/kg diet)(MR). The third group was fed the control diet and injected with the vehicle only (VC). Four weeks after monocrotaline treatment, the MR group had less thickening of the alveolar septal wall, less myocardial inflammation and degeneration of the right ventricle, and less vascular inflammation in the lung compared with the MC group. The supplemented dietary retinol, however, did not prevent development of right ventricular hypertrophy and did not affect the synthesis and secretion of surfactant phospholipids in type II pneumocytes. The results indicate that dietary retinol suppresses the inflammatory responses in the heart and lungs of rats treated with monocrotaline.
Fast progressive wavelet coding

Fast and efficient image compression can be achieved with the progressive wavelet coder (PWC) introduced. Unlike many previous wavelet coders, PWC does not rely on zerotrees or other ordering schemes based on parent-child wavelet relationships. PWC has a very simple structure, based on two key concepts: (1) data-independent reordering and blocking, and (2) low-complexity independent encoding of each block via adaptive Rice coding of bit planes. In that way, PWC allows for progressive image encoding that is scalable both in resolution and bit rate, with a fully embedded bitstream. PWC achieves a rate/distortion performance that is comparable to that of the state-of-the-art SPIHT (set partitioning in hierarchical trees) coder, but with a better performance/complexity ratio.
PCB concentrations in intertidal sipunculan (Phylum Sipuncula) marine worms from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica

Specimens of the sipunculans Phascolosoma perlucens, Antillesoma antillarum, and Sipunculus nudus, were collected for PCB analysis in three coastal embayments on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in October 2005. After collection the worms were kept in cool sea water and transferred to the laboratory for freeze drying. Half of the specimens of S. nudus were depurated in filtered sea water for 72 h before freeze drying. The whole worm sample was ground, using a mortar and pestle prior to being extracted with dichloromethane solvent. The extract was cleaned using a florisil column and analyzed using a 6890 Hewlett-Packard gas chromatograph equipped with a mass selective detector. Recovery efficiencies averaged between 72 and 80 %. Data are not corrected for blank or recovery efficiencies. Concentration data were calculated based on comparison with standards for Arochlor 1221, 1242, 1248 and 1254 (Supelco, Inc. ®). No worm samples were identified with six or more chlorine atoms. However, the higher chlorinated congeners were identified in the standards. Therefore, the lack of chlorination in the worms was not an analytical artifact. The sum of identifiable PCBs ranged from a barely discernable 0.01 ng/g dry wt in an A. antillarum sample from Culebra Bay to 67.71 ng/g dry wt in a P. perlucens sample obtained near the Rincon river in the inner Golfo Dulce. S. nudus worm samples from the Cocorocas sand flat in the Gulf of Nicoya had relatively high concentrations of PCBs whether they were depurated or not. The samples from Costa Rica are low in PCBs, especially compared to the marine sediment samples measured previously in Costa Rica. This was the first attempt to identify and quantify the presence of PCBs in any marine organisms from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (Suppl. 1): 27-33. Epub 2006 Sept. 30.
Quality Control of a Transcriptional Regulator by SUMO-Targeted Degradation

Slx5 and Slx8 are heterodimeric RING domain-containing proteins that possess SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase (STUbL) activity in vitro. Slx5-Slx8 and its orthologs are proposed to target SUMO conjugates for ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, but the only in vivo substrate identified to date is mammalian PML, and the physiological importance of SUMO-targeted ubiquitylation remains largely unknown. We previously identified mutations in SLX5 and SLX8 by selecting for suppressors of a temperature-sensitive allele of MOT1, which encodes a regulator of TATA-binding protein. Here, we demonstrate that Mot1 is SUMOylated in vivo and that disrupting the Slx5-Slx8 pathway by mutation of the target lysines in Mot1, by deletion of SLX5 or the ubiquitin E2 UBC4, or by inhibition of the proteosome suppresses mot1-301 mutant phenotypes and increases the stability of the Mot1-301 protein. The Mot1-301 mutant protein is targeted for proteolysis by SUMOylation to a much greater extent than wild-type Mot1, suggesting a quality control mechanism. In support of this idea, growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the presence of the arginine analog canavanine results in increased SUMOylation and Slx5-Slx8-mediated degradation of wild-type Mot1. These results therefore demonstrate that Mot1 is an in vivo STUbL target in yeast and suggest a role for SUMO-targeted degradation in protein quality control.
Practical Application of Servomechanism Techniques to a Process-Control Problem

This paper demonstrates the application of servomechanism techniques to the solution of a problem in automatic control of industrial processes. A typical problem in this field—namely, a flow system—is analyzed by servo techniques. Predictions of system behavior by this method are correlated with the results obtained from the actual system tests.
The Influence of Hispanic Ethnicity on Parent–Provider Communication About Asthma:

Research has shown that minority caregivers of children with asthma report poorer communication with health care providers than nonminority caregivers. Less is known about the specific influence of Hispanic ethnicity on parent–provider communication. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of Hispanic ethnicity on parent–provider communication regarding their child’s asthma and on caregiver confidence in communicating with their child’s provider at a primary care visit. Data were obtained from 166 caregivers of children (2-12 years) with persistent asthma. Caregiver perceptions of provider communication and confidence were evaluated. We found that Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic caregivers reported better communication with providers on several items. Hispanic caregivers also were more likely to indicate full confidence in their ability to communicate with providers. These findings suggest Hispanic caregivers may experience better parent–provider communication than non-Hispanics. Further investigati...
Brief of Legal Scholars Defending Diversity in Higher Education as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondents, Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, et al. (14-981)

Legal Scholars Defending Diversity in Higher Education submit this brief to the U.S. Supreme Court as amici curiae in support of Respondents in Fisher v. University of Texas, et al. (14-981). Amici argue that: 1. Racial isolation in schools is a perverse and insufficient means to attain diversity in higher education, because the U.S. Supreme Court has noted that racial isolation is a compelling interest, and Texas's Top Percent Law yields racial diversity only because of such racial isolation; 2. Universities need to use holistic, race-conscious admissions policies to pursue qualitative diversity (i.e., diversity within racial groups), because qualitative diversity has educational benefits and requires individualized assessment of applicants; 3. Elimination of racial disparities, not critical mass, provides a measurable end point for race-conscious admissions, because while the compelling interest that justifies race-conscious admissions is the educational benefits of student body diversity, the need to use race to achieve such diversity is predicated on racial disparities and inequality; and 4. Less reliance on race is a constitutional virtue, not a vice, contrary to Petitioner's assertion, because small increases in racial diversity have benefits and because less reliance on race indicates a university's serious intent to eventually transition to race-neutral admissions policies.
Arteries: Mechanics, Mechanobiology, and the Need for a New Class of Models

Constitutive relations for describing the biomechanical behavior of arteries have continued to progress since the late 1960s and we now have considerable ability to understand and predict many mechanical and mechanobiological processes. Nevertheless, advances in both genetics and cell and matrix biology have revealed new needs with regard to describing the biomechanics. In this chapter, we briefly review arterial structure and prior biomechanical constitutive approaches and then discuss a growing appreciation of the details of the arterial extracellular matrix and the need to include such detail in future constitutive relations. As it will be seen, much has been learned, yet much remains to be accomplished in the formulation of constitutive relations for arteries that can provide true predictive capability with regard to mechanobiological aspects of the development, maintenance, adaptation, disease progression, and responses to injury.
Loin pain hematuria syndrome

Loin pain hematuria syndrome (LPHS), first described in 1967, is a rare pain syndrome, which is not well understood. The syndrome is characterized by severe intermittent or persistent flank pain, either unilateral or bilateral, associated with gross or microscopic hematuria. LPHS is a diagnosis of exclusion as there still is not a consensus of validated diagnostic criteria, though several criteria have been proposed. The wide differential diagnosis would suggest a meticulous yet specific diagnostic work-up depending on the individual clinical features and natural history. Several mechanisms regarding the pathophysiology of LPHS have been proposed but without pinpointing the actual causative etiology, the treatment remains symptomatic. Treatment modalities for LPHS are diverse including simple analgesia, opioid analgesic and kidney autotransplantation. This review article summarizes the current understanding regarding the pathophysiology of LPHS along with the steps required for proper diagnosis and a discussion of the different therapeutic approaches for LPHS.
The Automobile Industry and the Economic Downturn

This note describes the impact of trends in the automobile industry on GDP generally and the economic downturn specifically.
A single-center study of the utility of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCAg) levels in epidermoid carcinoma of the anal canal and margin (ECACM) treated with chemoradiation (CRT)

4117 Background: SCCAg is a tumour marker expressed by ECACM, measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay; normal range 0–150ng/dl. Methods: This retrospective study examined the role of SCCAg in ...
Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthase Causes Elevation of Hearing Thresholds

OBJECTIVE Nitric oxide mediates the effects of excitatory amino acids in the central nervous system. The excitatory amino acids are thought to be the neurotransmitters at the cochlear hair cell-afferent nerve synapse. Nitric oxide synthase is present in spiral ganglion cells. This study investigated the role of nitric oxide in cochlear neurotransmission. METHODS In gerbils, cochlear compound action potential thresholds were recorded before and after cochlear perfusions with control solutions of artificial perilymph solution and test solutions of S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline (MTC), a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. Cochleas were also preperfused with L-arginine before perfusion with a mixture of MTC/L-arginine (to overcome competitive inhibition by MTC with L-arginine, the natural substrate of nitric oxide synthase). RESULTS Cochlear perfusion with MTC caused significant elevations of compound action potential threshold of 51 dB as opposed to insignificant elevations of only 10 dB in control animals. An insignificant threshold shift of 9 dB was observed when L-arginine was coperfused with MTC. CONCLUSIONS Nitric oxide is involved in neurotransmission/neuromodulation in the cochlea. Because nitric oxide is both a mediator of neurotoxicity and an initiator of apoptosis in the central nervous system, nitric oxide may play a role in these processes in the cochlea.
Acute Epidural Hematoma Formation in Cervical Spine After Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection Despite Discontinuation of Clopidogrel.

Background Perioperative management of patients on anticoagulant therapy prior to interventional pain procedures creates a challenge when balancing the risk of bleeding against thromboembolic events. Case Report We report a case of epidural hematoma formation in the cervical spine following interlaminar epidural steroid injection in an elderly woman with chronic neck and arm pain, who was on clopidogrel therapy. Conclusions This is the first reported case of hematoma formation immediately following an epidural steroid injection possibly associated with clopidogrel, even though established guidelines on the timing of the discontinuation of clopidogrel prior to the procedure were exceeded. Severe pain appears to be the first symptom of hematoma formation, and therefore immediate diagnostic workup and evacuation of hematoma are essential in preventing neurological damage. It may be advisable to carry out a test specific for clopidogrel such as the P2Y12 to ensure that there is no residual action on platelet aggregation function, particularly in patients who may be slow metabolizers of clopidogrel. Caution is advised prior to administering analgesics with antiplatelet effects such as ketorolac.
Influences of the wind break wall structures upon fluid dynamics of axial flow fans in direct air-cooled system

Influences of the wind break wall structures upon fluid dynamics of axial flow fans in direct air-cooled system are numerically simulated under various wind velocities.The results show that the all-concaved wind break wall not only contributed to wind suction of peripheral fans,but also weakened the hot recirculation rate,and the half-concaved wind break wall is more beneficial to the wind suction.These conclusions may provide certain reference to the realization of divisional regulation of fan group and saving energy for power plant.
Short-Term Outpatient Therapy Groups for Schizophrenics

Approche de therapie de groupe breve pour des patients schizophrenes non-internes (des veterans). Une amelioration des relations avec les autres et une meilleure adaptation aux experiences psychotiques sont escomptees (evaluation par questionnaires, intervalle de 4 mois)
Resonance Parameter Adjustment Based on Integral Experiments

Our project seeks to allow coupling of differential and integral data evaluation in a continuous-energy framework and to use the generalized linear least-squares (GLLS) methodology in the TSURFER module of the SCALE code package to update the parameters of a resolved resonance region evaluation. We recognize that the GLLS methodology in TSURFER is identical to the mathematical description of a Bayesian update in SAMMY, the SAMINT code was created to use the mathematical machinery of SAMMY to update resolved resonance parameters based on integral data. Traditionally, SAMMY used differential experimental data to adjust nuclear data parameters. Integral experimental data, such as in the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments Project, remain a tool for validation of completed nuclear data evaluations. SAMINT extracts information from integral benchmarks to aid the nuclear data evaluation process. Later, integral data can be used to resolve any remaining ambiguity between differential data sets, highlight troublesome energy regions, determine key nuclear data parameters for integral benchmark calculations, and improve the nuclear data covariance matrix evaluation. Moreover, SAMINT is not intended to bias nuclear data toward specific integral experiments but should be used to supplement the evaluation of differential experimental data. Using GLLS ensures proper weight is givenmore » to the differential data.« less
TU-H-207B-04: Clinical Translation of Radiomics

Research and development in radiomics for precision medicine have been advancing at a rapid pace, and can be extended to eventually be mature enough for integration into clinical practice. To facilitate advances in this field, investigators need updated information on research funding, regulatory matters, and clinical translation efforts. In this special radiomics symposium, the attendee will learn of various novel funding mechanisms – both past and present – that have been used to support a number of quantitative imaging and radiomics research and resource infrastructures. In addition, a regulatory presentation will be given to provide the attendee with an understanding of when a radiomics tool might require FDA clearance or approval, and with what supporting performance data. We will end with insights from a clinical radiologist who is greatly involved in quantitative imaging in order to enable the attendee to appreciate the needs and subtleties involved in moving radiomics into the clinical workflow. J. Boone, This is a memorial and not a funded event.
Early Paleogene dinoflagellate cysts from ODP Hole 959D, Côte d'Ivoire-Ghana Transform Margin, West Africa: New species, biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental implications

Abstract A nearly continuous sedimentary record from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 959 (Hole 959D) in the Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Transform Margin provides the opportunity to study Lower Paleogene palynology in this equatorial region. This paper presents data for 117 dinoflagellate cyst taxa recorded in 18 samples covering a 91-m interval from 867.60 mbsf to 776.32 mbsf. Preservation of dinoflagellate cysts varied from poor to excellent, and recovery was almost superabundant. Based on last or first occurrence of dinoflagellate cyst events, five zones (zone 1 to zone 5) were identified. The concentration of several dinoflagellate cyst events in the Thanetian interval suggests the presence of hiatuses or condensed horizons as inferred in previous studies of nearby localities. Frequent to common abundance of Apectodinium in the upper Thanetian sediments apparently records the global episodes of intense climatic warming that characterized the latest Paleocene to earliest Eocene time. An assemblage dominated by species of Operculodinium, Spiniferites , and Tectatodinium confirms the outer neritic to oceanic depositional setting of the drill hole as previously inferred from lithologic characteristics. Finally, four new dinoflagellate cyst taxa, Adnatosphaeridium ivoriense , Diphyes digitum , Eocladopyxis furculum and Tectatodinium nigeriaense that were observed only in the Paleocene interval, have been formally identified and described in detail.
Dengue Virus Isolation in Mosquito Aedes albopictus Captured During an Outbreak in Tokyo, 2014, by a Method Relying on Antibody-Dependent Enhancement Mechanism Using FcγR-Expressing BHK Cells

Abstract Dengue virus (DENV) isolation from mosquitoes is necessary for providing definitive evidence of virus circulation, and is critical for further virological characterization and determination of epidemiological characteristics. By using Aedes albopictus mosquitoes captured during an outbreak in Tokyo in 2014, we compared the DENV isolation rates of a conventional virus isolation method that uses C6/36 mosquito cells as assay cells with those of a virus isolation method that relies on an antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) mechanism by using FcγR-expressing baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells and an antibody with ADE activity. The number of DENV genome copies and infectious virus titers in cell culture supernatant fluids of FcγR-expressing BHK cells were significantly higher than those of the C6/36 cells. In addition, DENV was isolated from a mosquito pool by using FcγR-expressing BHK cells only in the presence of infection-enhancing antibody. Infectious virus was detected in six mosquito pools only by...
Number of rib fractures thresholds independently predict worse outcomes in older patients with blunt trauma

Background There have been conflicting reports regarding whether the number of rib fractures sustained in blunt trauma is associated independently with worse patient outcomes. We sought to investigate this risk-adjusted relationship among the lesser-studied population of older adults. Methods A retrospective review of the National Trauma Data Bank was performed for patients with blunt trauma who were ≥65 years old and had rib fractures between 2009 and 2012 (N = 67,695). Control data were collected for age, sex, injury severity score, injury mechanism, 24 comorbidities, and number of rib fractures. Outcome data included hospital mortality, hospital and intensive care unit durations of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and the occurrence of pneumonia. Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses were performed. Results Sustaining ≥5 rib fractures was associated with increased intensive care unit admission (odds ratio: 1.14, P Conclusion In older patients with trauma, sustaining at least 5 rib fractures is a significant predictor of worse outcomes independent of patient characteristics, comorbidities, and trauma burden.
Introduction of neurosupportive cells into processed acellular nerve allografts results in greater number and more even distribution when injected compared to soaking techniques.

AbstractObjectives: Processing necessary to remove immunogenic components of nerve allograft renders it acellular. Seeding with supportive cells may improve axon regeneration. We aim to identify the method associated with implantation of the greatest volume and most even distribution of cells.Methods: Hypodermic needle injection was compared to soaking in solution under both normal and pressurized conditions after micropuncture of the allograft. Distribution within the allograft was measured using an in vitro model of fluorescent beads, as well as cultured Schwann cells.Results: Injection treatment resulted in larger volumes and a more uniform cross-sectional distribution of implanted cells. Beads and cells behaved similarly relative to the measured outcomes.Conclusions: Injection instills more cells in a more uniform distribution. In vivo testing may evaluate whether these techniques vary relative to cell survival, cell migration, and clinical outcomes. Size- and concentration-matched fluorescent beads m...
The effects of cryopreserved red blood cell transfusion on tissue oxygenation in obese trauma patients.

BACKGROUNDLow tissue oxygenation (StO2) is associated with poor outcomes in obese trauma patients. A novel treatment could be the transfusion of cryopreserved packed red blood cells (CPRBCs), which the in vitro biochemical profile favors red blood cell (RBC) function. We hypothesized that CPRBC tran