cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Information From Replications Into Bayesian Surrogate Models

In some design domains, particularly rapidly evolving domains such as tissue engineering, analytical representations of the system do not exist. In these domains, the design process can be facilitated by the development of surrogate models that provide an understanding of the interactions of parameters and their influence on system performance, even though the models do not explain the underlying phenomena. Often, physical experiments are the only method for obtaining information about such systems. In particular, in bioengineering design domains, experiments are expensive and must be replicated to account for biological variability. Surrogate models can reduce the number of experiments needed and increase the value of the information gained through experimentation. In this paper, we present a framework for incorporating information from replications (repeated experiments) into Bayesian surrogate models. Within this framework, we develop uncertainty measurements for the prediction of the surrogate model. We illustrate the framework with two test cases using analytical functions. We then present a biomedical example used in the design of scaffold materials for the regeneration of bone tissue to show the use of Bayesian surrogates in exploratory design.© 2003 ASME
Synthesis of a family of peracid-silica materials and their use as alkene epoxidation reagents

Abstract Alkene epoxidation is an important process for the production of resin monomers and other chemical intermediates. The challenges of and high costs associated with purifying these reactive intermediates motivates the search for new reagents that can afford epoxides in high yields and selectivity with no soluble byproducts. Here, we synthesize a family of silica-supported peracids with variations in the peracid surface density and surface chemistry and describe their use as epoxidation reagents. Materials in this study were synthesized from either sol–gel co-condensation with cyanoalkylsilanes or by grafting of silyl esters to pre-formed silica, giving titrated peracid loadings from 0.3 to 1.5 mmol/g. At constant peracid:alkene ratios, epoxide yields increased monotonically with increasing surface density, up to 1.0 mmol/g for the highest loading materials. Mixed silica surfaces possessing both alkyl and peracid moieties gave, at similar peracid surface densities, 2-3-fold greater olefin conversion, and doubled epoxide selectivity from 45 to >95%, as compared to materials with peracids alone. Hydrophobic, mixed silane-supported peracids give unusual, high selectivity to dioxide syntheses from dienes even at low conversion, suggesting strong adsorption of reactive intermediates, which is not possible for soluble peracids. These experiments suggest tunable parameters that lead to improvements in selectivity and yields in epoxidation with these easily-handled, immobilized peracids.
James Bond and the Art of Eating Eggs

James Bond eats a significant quantity of eggs in the Ian Fleming novels. In contrast to his popular, decadent image, the food consumption that provides Bond with a private identity is simple, everyday food, such as eggs, which underscore his qualities as an English Everyman, who shares the food habits of his post-war British audience, but does so with style and connoisseurship. Eggs possess further symbolic resonances for Bond9s character. In On Her Majesty9s Secret Service, eggs underscore his essential solitary individuality, but also his potential to act as a binding agent on behalf of British society. In Thunderball, in their less than healthy aspects, eggs represent the lure of forbidden food, underscoring Bond9s machismo as a lover of food and women.
Proposed Revisions to the Informed Consent and IRB Regulations

In September 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to significantly revise the human subject protection and informed consent regulations known as the “Common Rule.”[1][1] If enacted, it will be the first substantial change to
Perceptual Skill and the Cerebral Hemispheres

The purpose of this experiment was to determine if there is a relationship between the development of a perceptual skill and the visual field of presentation for verbal and spatial stimuli. Subjects performed an extended practice Sternberg task in which targets were presented in either the left visual field (LVF) or right visual field (RVF). Both verbal (letters) and spatial (3−3 grid patterns) stimuli were used. The results indicated that visual field was not a significant factor for simple verbal stimuli. However, there was an initial LVF, or right hemisphere (RH), advantage for spatial stimuli that switched to a RVF, or left hemisphere (LH), advantage after a skill develops. These data support an analytic role for the LH, which may be the focus for feature detection expertise. Another finding was that individual differences in cerebral dominance may influence the development of perceptual skill. Together these data shed light on possible biological constraints of human information processing models.
What is the value of preoperative pulmonary function testing

This article reviews the current information regarding the value of different tests of lung function in patients undergoing abdominal or thoracic surgery. Risk factors as well as the pathophysiology of postoperative pulmonary complications are also discussed. Finally, a rational approach synthesizing clinical features with pulmonary function test results to estimate risk and minimize complication is presented.
Phylogenetic Implications of Army Ant Zoogeography (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Army ants of the subfamilies Dorylinae and Ecitoninae are distributed throughout the Old and New World tropics, respectively. If these distribution patterns are examined relative to past geological events (i.e;, continental drift) and assuming (1) that the dorylines arose in tropical habitats not earlier than the late Cretaceous or early Tertiary, and (2) that the apterous condition in the queens appears early in the acquisition of army ant traits, then it follows that the army ants as presently constituted, are not diphyletic but triphyletic. Evidence suggests that these ants arose convergently on 3 separate occasions in 3 separate locations; the Aenictini in Laurasia, the Dorylini in Africa, and the Ecitonini-Cheliomyrmecini in South America.
Coupled modes with A 1 symmetry in tetragonal BaTi O 3

The infrared properties of a system of first-order-coupled phonons are analyzed. The dielectric function and the Raman line shape of the polariton modes are derived. The parameters involved in the theory can be obtained from the Raman spectra of the TO and LO modes or from the Raman spectrum of the TO modes plus infrared-reflectivity measurements. It is shown that we can objectively distinguish real coupling from imaginary, contrary to the current belief. Numerical calculations are performed for the ${A}_{1}$-symmetry modes of tetragonal BaTi${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, with good agreement for the polariton shapes and complete disagreement for the infrared reflectivity; damage at the crystal surface is pointed out as the probable cause of the discrepancy. In addition to the coupling between the lowest and the middle mode, previously known, a much larger coupling between the middle mode and the highest is shown to exist. Both couplings are shown to be real or nearly so. The discrepancy between the dielectric constant created by the resonant modes (electronic plus phonons) and the value obtained by electrical measurements is interpreted as a new indication that the crystal has a dynamical disorder; this disorder could also be cause of an anomalous broadening observed in the lowest polariton.
Leukocyte stimulation: enhanced phagocytosis of staphylococcus.

SummaryPolymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) from adult human beings showed enhanced phagocytosis of S. aureus following in vitro exposure to staphylococcal antigens. The enhanced phagocytic response by stimulated PMN appeared to be an acquired characteristic.We thank Dr. John Sugg for reading and commenting on this manuscript.
Characteristics of Cu-Pd Films Grown by Simultaneous Chemical Vapor Deposition from Metalorganic Precursors

The strategy of adding alloying elements during the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of copper to improve the reliability of copper films was investigated. Deposition of Cu-Pd alloy films was demonstrated using low-pressure CVD with (hexafluoroacetylacetonato)-copper(I)(vinyltrimethylsilane) [(hfac)Cu(I)vtms] and palladium(II)bis(hexafluoroacetyl-acetonate) [Pd(hfac)2] in the temperature range of 100–200 °C in a cold-wall differential reactor. High growth rates of 100–500 nm/min and high-purity films as confirmed by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) were obtained. As-deposited alloy films showed low resistivities (~ 2.3 µΩcm) at palladium concentrations below 3 wt. %. A high degree of conformality was observed on sub-half-micron trenches with aspect ratios greater than 3.5:1. The co-deposition of copper and palladium resulted in significant inhibition of palladium growth as compared to the independent palladium deposition.
Neuroretinal hypoxic signaling in a new preclinical murine model for proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects approximately one-third of diabetic patients and, if left untreated, progresses to proliferative DR (PDR) with associated vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, iris neovascularization, glaucoma and irreversible blindness. In vitreous samples of human patients with PDR, we found elevated levels of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α). HIFs are transcription factors that promote hypoxia adaptation and have important functional roles in a wide range of ischemic and inflammatory diseases. To recreate the human PDR phenotype for a preclinical animal model, we generated a mouse with neuroretinal-specific loss of the von Hippel Lindau tumor suppressor protein, a protein that targets HIF1α for ubiquitination. We found that the neuroretinal cells in these mice overexpressed HIF1α and developed severe, irreversible ischemic retinopathy that has features of human PDR. Rapid progression of retinopathy in these mutant mice should facilitate the evaluation of therapeutic agents for ischemic and inflammatory blinding disorders. In addition, this model system can be used to manipulate the modulation of the hypoxia signaling pathways, for the treatment of non-ocular ischemic and inflammatory disorders. Scientists in the USA have developed a mouse model to study blindness in humans. Stephen Tsang at Columbia University Medical Center, together with collaborators across the country, aimed to clarify the mechanisms of the key symptoms of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), the leading cause of blindness in Americans aged 20 to 64. Vinit Mahajan at the University of Iowa discovered high levels of a transcription factor in samples from the eyes of PDR patients but not in those who had been successfully treated. To create a useful animal model, the scientists genetically engineered mice to inactivate the repressor of the transcription factor in retinal neurons. The mice developed a retinal disease that advances in the same way as PDR in humans. This animal model is expected to improve understanding of PDR and other diseases.
Discussions on Some Problems in China's Electricity Pricing Reform

Considering that the new round of electricity pricing reform is about to be implemented,this paper investigates some problems involved in the reform,particularly in the formulation of the power transmission price,on-grid bidding,setting of the end market price,digestion of the price raise factors,and electricity price subsidies.On this basis,the paper proposes some constructive suggestions including reasonable power transmission pricing,proper on-grid electricity pricing management,gradual straightening out of the electricity price at the sales side,reduction of cross-subsidies on electricity price,and speeding up of the revision of related laws and regulations in the power sector.
Measurement and Simulation of Thermal Conductivity of Hafnium-Aluminum Thermal Neutron Absorber Material

A metal matrix composite (MMC) material composed of hafnium aluminide (Al3Hf) intermetallic particles in an aluminum matrix has been identified as a promising material for fast flux irradiation testing applications. This material can filter thermal neutrons while simultaneously providing high rates of conductive cooling for experiment capsules. The purpose of this work is to investigate effects of Hf-Al material composition and neutron irradiation on thermophysical properties, which were measured before and after irradiation. When performing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) on the irradiated specimens, a large exotherm corresponding to material annealment was observed. Therefore, a test procedure was developed to perform DSC and laser flash analysis (LFA) to obtain the specific heat and thermal diffusivity of pre- and post-annealment specimens. This paper presents the thermal properties for three states of the MMC material: (1) unirradiated, (2) as-irradiated, and (3) irradiated and annealed. Microstructure-property relationships were obtained for the thermal conductivity. These relationships are useful for designing components from this material to operate in irradiation environments. The ability of this material to effectively conduct heat as a function of temperature, volume fraction Al3Hf, radiation damage, and annealing is assessed using the MOOSE suite of computational tools.
A Review of the Research into the Chinese Educational History in the District of Taiwan Since 1980s

Since 1980s the research into the Chinese educational history in the district of Taiwan of China has presented its own distinctive style. It shares many similarities with that of the Chinese mainland and has a lot worthy of being learned from.
Focus Group Research: A Qualitative Research Tool to Assess the Strengths and Weaknesses of a Career Planning and Placement Center

In recent years the marketing concept and marketing research techniques have been been finding greater acceptance in not-for-profit and service organizations such as hospitals and universities. This paper demonstrates the application of a qualitative research tool, viz., the focus group interview, towards identifying the salient attributes of a career planning and placement center at a mid-western university. The perceived performance of the center on these attributes is discussed.
Corneal Anesthesia after Timolol Maleate Therapy

Symptomatic superficial punctate keratitis associated with complete corneal anesthesia occurred in three patients after they had been taking timolol maleate for glaucoma. After discontinuation of the timolol maleate and substitution of conventional antiglaucomatous collyria, the keratitis gradually cleared with restoration of normal corneal sensitivity. Corneal sensitivity, measured in 25 additional patients taking timolol maleate, was markedly diminished in four patients, all of whom were elderly and had been using the drug for a minimum of three months. Timolol maleate does appear to have some local anesthetic properties in human cornea after chronic use by susceptible individuals.
Endoscopic Management of Acute Colonic Obstruction and Pseudo-obstruction

In acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), supportive management and medical treatment with neostigmine are initial mainstays of therapy. Colonoscopic decompression with tube placement provides reliable relief in patients who do not respond to medical therapy or have contraindications to the use of neostigmine. Advanced techniques, such as percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy or colostomy, are alternatives to tube decompression, although additional studies are needed to assess their safety and efficacy. Self-expanding metal stent placement for acute colonic obstruction (ACO) due to malignancy is indicated in a palliative setting or as a preoperative bridge until definitive surgery is feasible. Decompression tube placement and tumor debulking with endoscopic laser treatment are no longer first-line therapy for malignant ACO. Recent advances in endoscopic management of ACPO and MCO have reduced the need for emergent surgery, with high technical and clinical success rates and improved patient outcomes.
Pion Production with Polarized Beams and Targets

The polarized particle reactions offer the possibility of differentiating between various reaction mechanisms which have been proposed to explain the presently available data on cross sections and angular distributions.1) In a recent paper2) I proposed as a means of distinguishing pionic stripping, Fig. la, for which T↑↓ vanishes (up and down being defined as perpendicular to the scattering plane) from, say, the Δ33 mechanism, Fig. lb, for which it seemed, ab initio, that T↑↓ would not vanish.
Optical band gap and infrared phonon modes of (La_029Sr_071)(Al_065Ta_036)O_3 (LSAT) single crystal from infrared to ultraviolet range spectroscopic ellipsometry

Single crystal lanthanum strontium aluminum tantalum oxide, (LaAlO3)0.29(SrTa1/2Al1/2O3)0.71 or (La0.29Sr0.71)(Al0.65Ta0.36)O3 (LSAT), is a substrate for the epitaxial growth of oxide thin films. Optical properties in the form of the complex dielectric function (e = e1 + ie2) and index of refraction (N = n + ik) of LSAT from 0.033 to 5.887 eV are determined from spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements. The indirect band gap and lowest direct gap energies are identified at 4.72 and 5.70 eV, respectively. Eight infrared active phonon modes are identified in the 283 to 1127 cm−1 spectral range and ascribed to chemical bonding.
Growth, Luteal Activity, and Pregnancy Rates of Three Breed Types of Dairy Heifers in a Forage-Based Development Program

Growth, luteal activity, and pregnancy rates were evaluated in 89 dairy heifers raised as contemporaries. Breed types were Holstein (H, n = 35), Jersey x H (JH, n = 30), and Brown Swiss x H (BSH, n = 24); they ranged in age from 129 to 205 d at the beginning of the trial. Heifers grazed pasture and received grain supplementation to ensure 0.9 kg of daily BW gain. Hip height, chest depth, and BW were obtained monthly; BCS was recorded at ca. 14 mo of age. At ca. 12 mo of age, two blood samples for each heifer were collected (10 d apart) by jugular vein puncture for progesterone assay. Heifers were considered cycling if progesterone concentrations were > 1 ng/ mL in either of the two serum samples. Heifers were bred artificially (AI) on a synchronized estrus starting at 14 mo of age, and pregnancy status was determined ultrasonically 60 d after breeding. The BSH and H had similar (P>0.05) weights and hip heights; whereas JH were lighter and shorter (P 0.05) occurred for depth of chest and mean BCS. Estrus occurrence by 12 mo of age was greater (P<0.05) for JH (90%) than for BSH (75%) and lowest (P<0.05) for H (47%). Pregnancy rates did not differ (BSH = 96%, JH = 87%, H = 77%). These data suggest that genetic effects of crossbreeding influence early growth and cyclicity at 12 mo of age for replacement dairy heifers. Forage-based development of dairy heifers may be a suitable option to concentrate feeding for dairy producers in Arkansas and the Southern Region.
Shape optimization of thin flat plate fins with geometries defined by linear piecewise functions

Abstract The analysis and optimization of flat plate fins of constant thickness and straight base has been conducted for different fin’s shapes. Performance of the fins is quantified through effectiveness and expressed as a function of fin’s shape, width, and area. A linear piecewise function with varying number of evenly spaced sections is used to generate shapes with different number of degrees of freedom, which are classified as constrained- or unconstrained-base depending on the width of the fin at the constant temperature base location. For one- and two-degrees of freedom shapes, a variety of rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, and rhomboidal geometries are considered and optimized. For more than two-degrees of freedom, more complex resulting shapes are also considered. By adjusting the value of the corresponding shape parameters, the best possible distributions of available area to maximize heat transfer are obtained, which produce significant improvements favored by smaller width and larger area. Unconstrained-base performs better than constrained-base configurations as they allow the distribution of a larger area close to the high-temperature base. Optimal shape of unconstrained-base fins is in general convergent with non-zero wide tip, while, for constrained-base fins, it is divergent in the first linear section from the base and convergent in the remaining ones. For increasing number of degrees of freedom the optimized shapes tend to resemble natural structures while effectiveness increases asymptotically to a limit for constant width and area. Besides determining the optimal configurations, consideration has been made about the optimal regions where a variety of shapes produce virtually the same effectiveness of the absolute maximum, which can be used to design fins with almost maximum performance but having simpler shapes or being functional under possible space restrictions. The dimensionless model and the systematic analysis proposed in this work are not only appropriate to study a wide range of flat plate fins but also can be implemented to analyze and perform optimization over other type of fins and fins configurations.
Child Abuse by Poisoning

Abstract Intentional childhood poisoning is an uncommon form of child abuse but has a very high risk of morbidity and mortality. Patients present with four main categories of illness: metabolic derangements (salt and water ingestion), gastrointestinal symptoms (laxative and ipecac poisoning), hemorrhagic disease (warfarin and superwarfarin exposures), and neurologic symptoms (central nervous system depression or excitation). While widely available, routine urine drug screens are of limited value so clinicians must have a high index of suspicion to make these diagnoses.
Targeting NF-κB p65 with a helenalin inspired bis-electrophile

The canonical NF-κB signaling pathway is a mediator of the cellular inflammatory response and a target for developing therapeutics for multiple human diseases. The furthest downstream proteins in the pathway, the p50/p65 transcription factor heterodimer, have been recalcitrant toward small molecule inhibition despite the substantial number of compounds known to inhibit upstream proteins in the activation pathway. Given the roles of many of these upstream proteins in multiple biochemical pathways, targeting the p50/p65 heterodimer offers an opportunity for enhanced on-target specificity. Toward this end, the p65 protein presents two nondisulfide cysteines, Cys38 and Cys120, at its DNA-binding interface that are amenable to targeting by covalent molecules. The natural product helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone, has been previously shown to target Cys38 on p65 and ablate its DNA-binding ability. Using helenalin as inspiration, simplified helenalin analogues were designed, synthesized, and shown to inhibit in...
Dental workforce availability and dental services utilization in Appalachia: a geospatial analysis

Objectives There is considerable variation in dental services utilization across Appalachian counties, and a plausible explanation is that individuals in some geographical areas do not utilize dental care due to dental workforce shortage. We conducted an ecological study on dental workforce availability and dental services utilization in Appalachia. Methods We derived county-level (n = 364) data on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and dental services utilization in Appalachia from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) using person-level data. We obtained county-level dental workforce availability and physician-to-population ratio estimates from Area Health Resources File and linked them to the county-level BRFSS data. The dependent variable was the proportion using dental services within the last year in each county (ranging from 16.6% to 91.0%). We described the association between dental workforce availability and dental services utilization using ordinary least squares regression and spatial regression techniques. Spatial analyses consisted of bivariate local indicators of spatial association (LISA) and geographically weighted regression (GWR). Results Bivariate LISA showed that counties in the central and southern Appalachian regions had significant (P 1.96) and 13.45% (t-statistics > 1.96) of counties showed positive and statistically significant relationships between the dental services utilization and workforce availability of dentists and dental hygienists, respectively. Conclusions Dental workforce availability was associated with dental services utilization in the Appalachian region; however, this association was not statistically significant in all counties. The findings suggest that program and policy efforts to improve dental services utilization need to focus on factors other than increasing the dental workforce availability for many counties in Appalachia.
Out of Ashes and Rubble: The Pirelli Tower

Out of Ashes and Rubble: The Pirelli Tower Claudia J. Ziegler At the end of World War II, the Italian economy was in ruins and more than 300,000 Italians were dead. Many in the country desired to “erase the compromises and errors of the period,” and turned to architectural projects to promote a sense of healing. 1 While the bombs of the allied forces had helped liber- ate Italy from Nazi occupation, the events of the war had also inflicted extensive damage on city centers, monu- ments, infrastructure, and major public buildings. But the destruction also left behind a series of urban voids by which Italy could re-create itself. It was out of such a condition that Milan offered the world the Pirelli Tower. Affectionately called the Pirellone, it would become an exemplar of the Italian response to disaster and a model for innovative Italian architecture. Above: View of the Pirelli Tower from the Duomo. Photo by Nicholas Ng from Flickr.com. Realization of the Tower The success of the Pirelli Tower went against the grain in Italy, where postwar reconstruction was more often overwhelmed with symbolism, politics, and the long history of place. 2 Nowhere was this more evident than in Florence. On August 3, 1944, as the German army retreated, it blew up all the bridges across the Arno except the Ponte Vecchio, which Hitler loved. 3 To prevent allied forces from using this historic structure, however, German forces dynamited more than one hundred adja- cent medieval buildings. After the war, Florentines wanted to rebuild without delay, and they formed a committee of historians, archi- tects, and writers to offer advice. Some believed that all the damaged buildings should be rebuilt dove erano, come erano, “where they were, as they were”; others wanted to start over to create a living city instead of an illusion for tourists. Despite a competition held to consider a variety of ideas, no decisions were made. Consequently, the city Ziegler / Out of Ashes and Rubble: The Pirelli Tower
Investigation on status of endemic fluorosis control in Gansu province in 2006

Objective To understand distribution of the endemic fluorosis areas and running status of water-improving defuoridation projects in Gausu province. Methods In 2006, Gansu province endemic fluorosis areas, the content of fluoride in drinking water was measured in villages where water was not improved, running status of delluoridation projects was investigated and the content of fluoride in drinking water were determined in villages where water was improved. Dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis prevalence were examined in children in identified high-fluorlde villages. The fluorine content in drinking water was determined by F-ion selective electrode, dental fluorosis of children was diagnosed using Dean method, and adults skeletal fluorosis was diagnosed according to "National Standard for Clinical Diagnosis of Endemic Skeletal Fhiorosis" (GB 16396-1996). Results Water samples were examined in 1997 villages of 26 countries, among which water fluoride content was higher than 1.0 mg/L in 598 villages, accounting for 29.94%(598/1997). All 1215 water-improving and defluoridation projects had been investigated, among which 94.90%(1153/1215) of the projects were functioning well, and intermittent and abandoned projects accounted for 2.96%(36/1215) and 2.14%(26/1215). Mean fluoride of treated water of 1084 water-improving and defluoridation projects had water fluoride content ≤ 1.0 mg/L, accounted for 90.79%(1084/1194) ; mean fluoride of water from 1068 water-improving and defluoridation projects had water fuoride content ≤ 1.0 mg/L, accounting for 91.75%(1068/1164). Total 86 390 children of 8 to 12 year-old were examined, the detectable rate of dental fluorosis was 22.47%(19 414/86 390) and 142 211 adults above 16 year-old were examined, the detectable rate of skeletal fluorosis was 4.20%(5967/142 211). Conclusions Some villages yet have water fluoride content exceeding the standard. Some projects are abandoned and running badly, leading to fluoride content exceeding the standard. In a few areas, the prevalence of children dental fluorosis and adult skeletal fluorosis still exists in Gansu province, the task of prevention and control for endemic fluorosis is still arduous. We must raise the effect of prevention and treatment of this disease. Key words: Drinking; Fluorides; Fluorosis, dental; Ostcofluorosis; Data collection
The WW domain of the scaffolding protein IQGAP1 is neither necessary nor sufficient for binding to the MAPKs ERK1 and ERK2

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) scaffold proteins, such as IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1 (IQGAP1), are promising targets for novel therapies against cancer and other diseases. Such approaches require accurate information about which domains on the scaffold protein bind to the kinases in the MAPK cascade. Results from previous studies have suggested that the WW domain of IQGAP1 binds to the cancer-associated MAPKs ERK1 and ERK2, and that this domain might thus offer a new tool to selectively inhibit MAPK activation in cancer cells. The goal of this work was therefore to critically evaluate which IQGAP1 domains bind to ERK1/2. Here, using quantitative in vitro binding assays, we show that the IQ domain of IQGAP1 is both necessary and sufficient for binding to ERK1 and ERK2, as well as to the MAPK kinases MEK1 and MEK2. Furthermore, we show that the WW domain is not required for ERK-IQGAP1 binding, and contributes little or no binding energy to this interaction, challenging previous models of how WW-based peptides might inhibit tumorigenesis. Finally, we show that the ERK2-IQGAP1 interaction does not require ERK2 phosphorylation or catalytic activity and does not involve known docking recruitment sites on ERK2, and we obtain an estimate of the dissociation constant (Kd ) for this interaction of 8 μm These results prompt a re-evaluation of published findings and a refined model of IQGAP scaffolding.
Improving the climatic conditions in development and production workings of hot underground mines by re-designing the auxiliary ventilation system: a case study

The aim of this paper is to examine the current auxiliary ventilation system in a dead-end development at one of our partner mines in Nevada and investigate various auxiliary ventilation designs to control the heat load at the face and along the development heading. Different auxiliary ventilation setups were modelled, and the climatic conditions were determined by means of simulation techniques to identify the optimum auxiliary ventilation arrangement which would be able to deliver the required air volumes and provide adequate climatic conditions for the mine workers at various levels of wok intensity (e.g., metabolic rates). For different work intensities, the maximum skin temperatures of a mine worker at the face and the main return airway are compared vs. the maximum allowable skin temperature. An airflow velocity of 1.5 m/s or higher is required to obtain an acceptable climatic condition with or without activity at the face.
Ebola’s Would-be Refugees: Performing Fear and Navigating Asylum During a Public Health Emergency

Chronic and acute illnesses sit uncomfortably with asylum claiming and refugee mobilities. The story of a Sierra Leonean, an athlete who feared Ebola and sought refuge in the UK, provides an opening to examine protection discourses that invoke fear, trauma, and crisis metaphors, to understand how asylum claims are performed, and how related petitions are adjudicated during public health emergencies of international concern. Ebola is revealed as a novel claim strategy, and thus a useful subject matter to investigate the shifting modalities of migrant agency, the unstable fabric of medical humanitarianism, and knowledge production in moments of exceptionality.
The Adaptations of Urban Black Families: Trends, Problems, and Issues

The theme of this conference—is contemporary family dying or developing?—yields seemingly paradoxical results when applied to black families. For many years, the conventional wisdom of social science held that black families were either dying or had attained a precarious equilibrium of perpetual existence in the shadows of death and decay. Over 300 years of survival suggest that the announcement of the death or near-death of black families has, in the words of Mark Twain, been premature and grossly exaggerated. And yet, on the face of it, 300 years does seem like an awfully long time to be still talking about the development of black families. There is, of course, no paradox here. Instead, we are confronted with a complex of social conditions and behavioral responses that social scientists have only recently begun to understand and interpret realistically as experienced by black people themselves.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes for the Treatment of Patients With EBV-Positive Relapsed Hodgkin's Disease

Adoptive transfer of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) is effective prophylaxis and treatment of EBV-positive immunoblastic lymphoma in immunocompromised patients. In 50% of patients with Hodgkin's disease, the tumor cells are EBV antigen-positive and may therefore also be suitable targets for treatment with virus-specific CTLs. However, Hodgkin's disease may produce several inhibitory effects on immune induction and effector function in vivo, which may preclude the generation or effector function of CTLs reactive against EBV viral proteins, including those expressed by the tumor cells. We have investigated whether EBV-specific CTLs could be generated ex vivo from 13 patients with Hodgkin's disease: nine with active relapsed disease and four who were in clinical remission after a first or subsequent relapse. CTL lines were successfully generated from nine of 13 patients (five active disease, four remission). Although these lines had an abnormal pattern of expansion comparable to EBV-specific CTLs generated from normal donors, their phenotype was normal except for reduced expression of the zeta chain of the T-cell receptor (TCR). Their cytotoxicity was also compared to EBV-specific lines generated from normal donors and included activity against LMP2a, one of the three weakly immunogenic viral antigens expressed by Hodgkin's tumor cells. To assess the activity of the CTLs in vivo, they were gene-marked and infused into three patients with multiply relapsed disease. The CTLs persisted for more than 13 weeks postinfusion and retained their potent antiviral effects in vivo, thereby enhancing the patient immune response to EBV. This approach may therefore have value in the treatment of EBV-positive Hodgkin's disease.
Comparison of drug eluting versus bare metal stents for pulmonary vein stenosis in childhood

OBJECTIVE Comparison of outcomes using bare metal (BMS) and drug-eluting (DES) stents in pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS). BACKGROUND PVS is a serious condition with frequent restenosis after surgical and percutaneous interventions. After experiencing encouraging results with DES, we sought to compare outcomes of BMS and DES in native and post-surgical PVS. METHODS AND RESULTS A retrospective review of all patients who underwent stent implantation between 08/93 and 11/17 for PVS at Texas Children's Hospital was performed. BMS were used to treat 58 lesions in 37 patients and 105 DES used to treat 105 lesions in 41 patients. Mean age at first stent implant was 2.9 ± 3.5 years in BMS and 16.2 ± 18.8 months in DES group. Of those with follow-up catheterization, mean lumen loss rate from stent implant to first follow-up catheterization was 0.85 ± 1.47 mm/month over 6.4 ± 6.4 months in the BMS group (n = 44 lesions) compared to 0.16 ± 0.31 mm/month over 6.8 ± 7.4 months in the DES group (n = 86 lesions), p < .01. Follow-up for the BMS group was 14 months (6 days-22.3 years), with 13 mortalities, eight lesions were re-stented and six complete occlusions were noted. Follow-up for DES group (including four cross-overs) was 17.5 months (3 days-9 years), with 10 mortalities, seven lesions were re-stented, 11 had complete occlusion, 20 new adjacent lesions in the same vessel underwent stenting and 12 stents were intentionally fractured. CONCLUSION DES have significantly lowered lumen loss rate when compared to BMS at medium term follow-up and can be fractured to enable larger diameters. Availability of larger diameter DES would be ideal.
Recipe for success

The popular picture book Pumpkin Soup is a staple diet for settings during the autumn months. The efforts of Cat, Duck and Squirrel to make the most perfect pumpkin soup is a great lesson in team w...
Consumer Oral Health Information Resources Workshop for Dental Faculty: A Program Overview and List of Reliable Online Oral Health Information Resources for Consumers

AbstractReliable online and print consumer level information about dental and oral health disease and interventions (other than prevention) is in short supply and difficult to find. Two medical lib...
The ugly duckling of aphasia: cerebral venous sinus thrombosis as a mimic of TIA and stroke.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis may present with transient aphasia and focal seizure-likeactivity mimicking a TIA or stroke. In this case, the patient's presentation was further complicated by non...
Endoscopic Approaches to Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a complex syndrome with multiple underlying etiologies and pathophysiologies that can cause significant morbidity for patients. Currently, there are limited effective and durable medical and surgical treatments for patients with gastroparesis. As such, there has been recent innovation and development in minimally invasive endoscopic treatments for gastroparesis. Endoscopic therapies that have been investigated for gastroparesis include enteral feeding tube placement, intrapyloric botulinum toxin injection, transpyloric stenting, gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy, and gastric electrical stimulation. This article aims to assess the effectiveness of current endoscopic therapies, as well as discuss future directions for endoscopic therapies, in the management of gastroparesis.
Nonlinear optical properties of metal nanoparticles: hyper-Rayleigh scattering studies

Hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) experiments have been used to study colloidal metal particles in aqueous solution. For solution species, HRS reports directly on the magnitude of the first hyperpolarizability •, which describes the second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) response. Substantial NLO activity is a key requirement of emerging technological applications such as photonics and all-optical switching, and the search for NLO-active materials is intense. Previous work from our lab has demonstrated the exceptional NLO response of solutions of nanometer-sized particles of gold, silver, and copper. The origin of the response is partial one- or two-photon resonance of the incident laser light used in the experiment with the particles’ strong surface plasmon absorption. Particles of metals which do not display surface plasmon absorption (for example, platinum) are NLO-inactive.
String Theory: a theory in search of an experiment

It is argued that string theory may pose new conceptual issues for the history and philosophy of science.
Supercritical fluids : fundamentals and applications

Fluids in the approximate range of temperature and pressure 1 to 1.1 and 1 to 2, respectively (referred to critical conditions) are commonly called supercritical. The thermophysical properties in the supercritical region can be exploited in such applications as selectivity enhancement in enzymatic reactions [1] to formation of biologically active protein powders [2]. Supercritical mixtures of practical interest are characterized by a pronounced asymmetry between conditions in the bulk, and in the solvation region around solute molecules. This solvation region tends to be solvent-rich with respect to the bulk. One of the most promising applications of supercritical fluids is particle formation [3]. Two techniques exist: rapid expansion [3] and anti-solvent precipitation [2]. We have used both methods to produce devices for the controlled release of therapeutic drugs and biologically active protein powders.
High performance plasmas in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX)

Summary form only given. The National Spherical Torus Experiment has produced toroidal plasmas at low aspect ratio (A=R/a=0.86 m/0.68 m/spl sim/1.3) with plasma currents of 1 MA. The spherical torus confinement concept is promising because it holds the potential of confining high temperature plasmas with less applied magnetic field. Neutral beam heating power of 5 MW has been injected. Also, 4 MW of High Harmonic Fast Wave (HHFW) heating power has been applied, with 6 MW planned. The rapid development of the machine has led to very exciting physics results during the first full year of physics operation. In particular, plasmas with /spl beta//sub 1/=22% (=2/spl mu//sub 0/p/B/sup 2/=a measure of efficiency), as calculated using the EFIT equilibrium reconstruction code, have been achieved, with pulse lengths in excess of 0.5s. /spl beta/ limiting phenomena have been observed and the MHD modes that lead to this limit will be discussed. High frequency (>MHz) magnetic fluctuations have also been observed. Following a wall conditioning regime,which included bakeout at 1500C, helium glow discharge cleaning, and boronization, H-mode plasmas are observed with confinement, times of >100 ms. H-modes on NSTX are limited by impurity accumulation, indicating further conditioning could improve plasma performance. Beam heated plasmas show energy confinement times in excess of those predicted by empirical scaling expressions. Clear evidence of electron heating is seen with HHFW using only 2 MW of heating power, as observed using the multi point Thomson scattering diagnostic. A challenge for spherical tori is developing a non-inductive startup scheme, since the nearly spherical geometry makes the inclusion of a transformer difficult. Experiments using HHFW for profile control have successfully maintained a modified current profile. A non-inductive current drive concept known as Coaxial Helicity Injection (CHI) has driven 260 kA of toroidal current. New diagnostics are rapidly coming on line, and results from these measurements will be presented.
CECU4AL AND CECU2ZN2AL - VERY-HEAVY-FERMION SYSTEMS IN HIGH MAGNETIC-FIELDS

${\mathrm{CeCu}}_{4}$Al and ${\mathrm{CeCu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Zn}}_{2}$Al are heavy-fermion systems with extremely enhanced C/T (the specific heat divided by temperature) values of 2.3 and 1.8 J/${\mathrm{K}}^{2}$, respectively, as T\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0 K. The field dependence of the low-temperature specific heat is also extreme: At 11 T, C of ${\mathrm{CeCu}}_{4}$Al is reduced by more than a factor of 5 and at 12.5 T, C of ${\mathrm{CeCu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Zn}}_{2}$Al is suppressed by a factor of about 7. Magnetic-field-caused changes of the specific heat of ${\mathrm{CeCu}}_{4}$Al are consistent with a single-ion Kondo model. Magnetic correlations are at least partially responsible for the enhanced low-temperature specific heat of ${\mathrm{CeCu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Zn}}_{2}$Al.
Where does innovation adaptation end and experimentation begin

Dr U. Nique is internationally known for contributions in vascular surgery. An elderly man, a top governmental leader in his country, is in Dr Nique's clinic for evaluation of a recurrent complex thoracoabdominal aneurysm. It was treated inadequately by a vascular surgeon in another country and was redone without success. It still poses a threat to the man's life. Because of the unusual reconstructions, a one-of-a-kind repair is needed. Dr Nique has never done such a repair and, if someone else has, they have not published their results. What considerations should apply to this case? A.An especially detailed informed consent process, stressing the uncertainties and increased risks of such an operation B.Advise the patient that the prognosis is not good, but there is no other choice C.Provide a generalized description of what you propose. Technical details that may upset the patient are not necessary D.Informed consent and application to the Institutional Review Board for approval of an experimental procedure E.Informed consent, Institutional Review Board approval, and Ethics Committee consultation.
Lessons learned from initial reporting of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in New York State hospitals, 2013-2014.

Background Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are an urgent concern in health care in the United States because of high attributable mortality and versatile resistance mechanisms. CRE reporting was mandated in New York State (NYS) hospitals in July 2013. Methods Infection preventionists from the NYS Department of Health audited hospital-reported CRE data by comparing laboratory records with cases reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Information regarding microbiology laboratory testing methodologies was obtained through a survey in October 2013. Results There were 1,151 CRE laboratory reports audited, with 13.6% determined not to have been reported to the NHSN when they should have been and 4.6% determined to be reported in error. There were a variety of errors, including lapses in surveillance and misinterpretation of the surveillance definition. Conclusion Educational initiatives that include microbiology laboratory staff, improvements in the use of laboratory information systems to communicate with infection prevention, and updated NHSN definitions should improve the accuracy and consistency of CRE reporting in NYS.
Shoveling Smoke: Advertising and Globalization in Contemporary India

Shoveling Smoke: Advertising and Globalization in Contemporary India. William Mazzarella. Durham, NC: Duke University Press. 2003.
The effects of polyamines on the replication of T4rII mutants in Escherichia coli K12 (λ)

Abstract While rII mutants of bacteriophage T4 can replicate in Escherichia coli K12S, replication is blocked when this host is lysogenized by λ phage. Polyamines, Mg ++ , and streptomycin increase the yield of rII deletion mutants in K12(λ) to varying degrees below the normal yield obtained with wild-type phage. Of a homologous series of diamines, 1,7-diaminoheptane is about 7 times more effective than 1,4-dia-aminobutane (putrescine) or Mg ++ . The critical portion of the latent period for diamine stimulation is between 10 and 20 minutes after infection. In the absence of diamine, UV induction of λ replication permits subsequent rII replication; further stimulation by 1,7-diaminoheptane still occurs under these conditions. Diamines and Mg ++ , unlike UV irradiation, do not bring about induction of λ phage. Uninfected cells of K12(λ) and K12S were found to contain nearly identical amounts of putrescine. Several independent methods were used to examine permeability differences between the two types of infected cells; in all cases, no significant differences in permeability to large or small molecules were found. Therefore, the inability of rII mutants to replicate in K12(λ) cannot be attributed to generalized leakage resulting from phage infection. Several alternatives are suggested for the mode of action of these substances.