cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in the use of implantable accelerated partial breast irradiation therapy for early stage breast cancer in the United States

University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. February 2012. Major: Clinical research. Advisor: Todd M. Tuttle. 1 computer file (PDF) vi, 19 pages.
Modeling speleothem δ13C variability in a central Sierra Nevada cave using 14C and 87Sr/86Sr

Abstract Carbon isotopes in speleothems can vary in response to a number of complex processes active in cave systems that are both directly and indirectly related to climate. Progressing downward from the soil zone overlying the cave, these processes include soil respiration, fluid–rock interaction in the host limestone, degassing of CO2 and precipitation of calcite upflow from the speleothem drip site, and calcite precipitation at the drip site. Here we develop a new approach to independently constrain the roles of water–rock interaction and soil processes in controlling stalagmite δ13C. This approach uses the dead carbon proportion (dcp) estimated from coupled 14C and 230Th/U measurements, in conjunction with Sr isotope analyses on stalagmite calcite from a central Sierra Nevada foothills cave in California, a region characterized by a highly seasonal Mediterranean-type climate, to determine the roles of water–rock interaction and soil processes in determining stalagmite δ13C. Increases in stalagmite dcp between 16.5 and 8.8 ka are coincident with decreased δ13C, indicating a varying yet substantial contribution from the soil organic matter (SOM) reservoir, likely due to significantly increased average age of SOM in the soil veneer above the cave during wet climatic intervals. We use geochemical and isotope mixing models to estimate the host-carbonate contribution throughout the δ13C time series and determine the degree of degassing and calcite precipitation that occurred prior to precipitation of stalagmite calcite. The degree of degassing and prior calcite precipitation we calculate varies systematically with other climate indicators, with less degassing and prior calcite precipitation occurring during wetter climatic intervals and more during drier intervals. Modeled δ13C values and degassing calculations suggest that some degree of prior calcite precipitation is necessary at all time intervals to explain measured stalagmite δ13C values, even during relatively wet intervals. These results illustrate the importance of constraining degassing and prior calcite precipitation in the interpretation of speleothem δ13C records, particularly those from caves that formed in seasonal semi-arid to arid environments.
Two-dimensional quantum cosmology.

Abstract Two-dimensional quantum gravity coupled to conformally invariant matter with central charge c > 25 has been proposed as a toy model for quantum gravity in higher dimensions. The associated “Wheeler-DeWitt equation” is non-linear and unstable to forming a condensate of baby universes. This will occur even in the classical c → ∞ limit. Small fluctuations about this background describe the propagation of single universes and satisfy a more conventional linear Wheeler-DeWitt equation. The resulting two-dimensional cosmology depends on details of the non-linear dynamics. In particular the existence of a large-scale cosmological constant is determined by the behavior of a string theoretic tachyon potential near its minimum.
Integration of substance use disorder services with primary care: health center surveys and qualitative interviews.

Each year, nearly 20 million Americans with alcohol or illicit drug dependence do not receive treatment. The Affordable Care Act and parity laws are expected to result in increased access to treatment through integration of substance use disorder (SUD) services with primary care. However, relatively little research exists on the integration of SUD services into primary care settings. Our goal was to assess SUD service integration in California primary care settings and to identify the practice and policy facilitators and barriers encountered by providers who have attempted to integrate these services. Primary survey and qualitative interview data were collected from the population of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in five California counties known to be engaged in SUD integration efforts was surveyed. From among the organizations that responded to the survey (78% response rate), four were purposively sampled based on their level of integration. Interviews were conducted with management, staff, and patients (n = 18) from these organizations to collect further qualitative information on the barriers and facilitators of integration. Compared to mental health services, there was a trend for SUD services to be less integrated with primary care, and SUD services were rated significantly less effective. The perceived difference in effectiveness appeared to be due to provider training. Policy suggestions included expanding the SUD workforce that can bill Medicaid, allowing same-day billing of two services, facilitating easier reimbursement for medications, developing the workforce, and increasing community SUD specialty care capacity. Efforts to integrate SUD services with primary care face significant barriers, many of which arise at the policy level and are addressable.
Efficient Domination in Knights Graphs

The influence of a vertex set S V (G) is I(S) = P v2S (1 + deg(v)) = P v2S |N[v]| , which is the total amount of domination done by the vertices in S . The ecient domination number F(G) of a graph G is equal to the maximum influence of a packing, that is, F(G) is the maximum number of vertices one can dominate under the restriction that no vertex gets dominated more than once. In this paper, we consider the ecient domination number of some finite and infinite knights chessboard graphs.
High-Redshift Quasars as Probes of Primordial Large-Scale Structure and Galaxy Formation

Several arguments suggest that quasars at z > 4 may be in the cores of future giant ellipticals, and forming at the very highest peaks of the primordial density field. A strong bias-driven primordial clustering is then expected in these fields, which are naturally interpreted as the cores of future rich clusters. High-redshift quasars can thus be used as markers of some of the earliest galaxy formation sites. Recent discoveries of (proto)galaxy companions of z > 4 quasars, and hints of strong clustering among high-z quasars give some support to this idea. The frequency of companions is much higher than is expected for a general field, or the upper limits for comparable redshifts in the HDF. Clustering of quasars themselves at z > 3 or 4 may reflect the primordial large-scale structure.
A protocol composition-based approach to QoS control in collaboration systems

This paper considers the problem of application-level QoS control in group collaboration systems. The QoS parameters considered: latency, jitter, packet-loss, and asynchrony, are controlled by the receiver. The QoS control is based on a novel protocol composition-based approach, wherein the protocol is modularized such that each module controls a single QoS parameter. Each module is then assigned a priority and the modules are composed such that the actions taken by a module do not violate a QoS parameter controlled by a higher priority module. This allows for more flexible QoS control. The performance of the approach is evaluated through experiments, which illustrate how the compositions are able to successfully tradeoff the QoS parameters in an appropriate manner.
Tenodesis of the Long Head of the Biceps: A Review of Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes

Lesions of the intra-articular long head of the biceps tendon have long been considered important pain generators in the shoulder1-3. Despite considerable research into the anatomy of the long head of the biceps and the various abnormalities that affect it, controversy remains regarding the function of the long head of the biceps and, most importantly, appropriate treatment of its disorders4. Although nonoperative options exist for the treatment of mild symptoms or tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps, operative intervention may be indicated for symptomatic partial tears of the long head of the biceps, subluxation of the long head of the biceps, biceps pulley lesions, and some superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions2 …
FORCED AND VOLUNTARY EXERCISE DIFFERENTIALLY AFFECT BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR

The potential of physical exercise to decrease body weight, alleviate depression, combat aging and enhance cognition has been well-supported by research studies. However, exercise regimens vary widely across experiments, raising the question of whether there is an optimal form, intensity and duration of exertion that would produce maximal benefits. In particular, a comparison of forced and voluntary exercise is needed, since the results of several prior studies suggest that they may differentially affect brain and behavior. In the present study, we employed a novel 8-week exercise paradigm that standardized the distance, pattern, equipment and housing condition of forced and voluntary exercisers. Exercising rats were then compared with sedentary controls on measures previously shown to be influenced by physical activity. Our results indicate that although the distance covered by both exercise groups was the same, voluntary exercisers ran at higher speed and for less total time than forced exercisers. When compared with sedentary controls, forced but not voluntary exercise was found to increase anxiety-like behaviors in the open field. Both forms of exercise increased the number of surviving bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)+ cells in the dentate gyrus after 8 weeks of exercise, although forced exercisers had significantly more than voluntary exercisers. Phenotypic analysis of BrdU+ cells showed no difference between groups in the percentage of newborn cells that became neurons, however, because forced exercise maximally increased the number of BrdU+ cells, it ultimately produced more neurons than voluntary exercise. Our results indicate that forced and voluntary exercise are inherently different: voluntary wheel running is characterized by rapid pace and short duration, whereas forced exercise involves a slower, more consistent pace for longer periods of time. This basic difference between the two forms of exercise is likely responsible for their differential effects on brain and behavior.
An Application-Specific Reliable Data Transfer Protocol in Wireless Sensor Networks

We present a new protocol for reliable data transfer in time-critical applications with zero tolerance for data loss in wireless sensor networks which uses less time and fewer messages in comparison to an established protocol PSFQ. Two key features of our protocol are out-of-sequence forwarding of packets with a priority order for sending different types of messages at nodes and delaying the requests for missing packets. We present two methods for computation of the delay in requesting missing packets.
Identification of temporal patterns of gene expression in the uteri of immature, ovariectomized mice following exposure to ethynylestradiol.

Estrogen induction of uterine wet weight provides an excellent model to investigate relationships between changes in global gene expression and well-characterized physiological responses. In this s...
Robustness of aggregation in networked dynamical systems

In this paper we study robustness of aggregation in networks of coupled identical systems driven by possibly different external inputs. This property is guaranteed by providing a finite L 2 gain condition for the closed-loop system. We show, for a class of systems, how robustness depends on the connectivity of the underlying communication graph. Applications range from coordination problems where there are conflicting objectives to the study of aggregation phenomena where perturbations of the nominal systems must be taken into account. Both scenarios arise in networks of biological and engineered coordinating systems.
A Coupled-Adjoint Method for Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Optimization

Designing quieter, more ecient aerospace systems will require coupled, high-fidelity analysis and optimization in the areas of aerodynamics and aeroacoustics. This paper presents a design methodology for addressing these two disciplines within a single framework. After detailing the governing flow and time-accurate continuous adjoint equations for unsteady aerodynamics, a continuous adjoint formulation for the control of noise is developed. In order to obtain the required remote sensitivity information for an o↵-body observer of noise, the adjoint formulations for aerodynamics and aeroacoustics are related through a coupling boundary condition. The result is an ecient, adjoint-based methodology for design problems involving both aerodynamic performance and noise control. Furthermore, the coupled-adjoint method could be applied to other multiphysics problems where adjoint sensitivities are desired.
The predictive value of progesterone receptor levels in endometrial cancer.

Recent reports have suggested that the presence of progesterone receptor correlates with other well known predictors of a favorable outcome for endometrial cancer patients. To test this hypothesis, we reviewed the records of 154 patients who had undergone a hysterectomy for adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, and pelvic irradiation if poor prognostic factors were present. The 3 year disease-free survival for all clinical Stage I patients was 80%. Patients with progesterone receptor levels greater than or equal to 100 had a 3 year disease-free survival of 93% compared with only a 36% 3 year disease-free survival for patients with progesterone receptor less than 100 (p less than .0001, log rank test). To determine whether elevated progesterone receptor was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival in endometrial cancer, or just correlated with the other well-known predictors, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Our results indicate the progesterone receptor levels are the single most important prognostic indicator of 3 year disease-free survival in clinical Stage I endometrial cancer, with only cervical involvement and peritoneal cytology being significant prognostic variables after adjusting for progesterone receptor levels.
VUV and Soft X-ray Spectroscopy of Actinides

Optical and photoelectron spectroscopies using VUV and Soft X-ray photons are powerful tools for studies of elemental and compound actinides. Large changes in the relative atomic cross sections of the 5 f , 6 d and sp electrons allow decomposition of the character of the valence bands using photoemission. Resonant enhancement of photoelectrons and Auger electrons at the 5 d core threshold further aids the decomposition and gives a measure of elemental specificity. Angle-resolved photoemission can be used to map the momentum dependence of the electronic states. The large changes in relative cross section with photon energy yields further details when the mapping is done at equivalent points in multiple zones. Spectra for well understood rare earth materials will be presented to establish spectral characteristics for known atomic character initial states. These signatures will be applied to the case of USb to investigate f-d hybridization near the Fermi level.
Effect of prolactin on inositol uptake in mouse mammary gland explants.

Studies were carried out to assess the role of insulin (I), cortisol (H), and prolactin (P or PRL) in regulating myoinositol (inositol) uptake in the mammary gland. Using cultured mammary gland explants from pregnant mice (12–14 days into gestation), insulin and prolactin were found to stimulate inositol uptake, while cortisol impaired inositol uptake. Optimal inositol uptake was observed when tissues were treated with all three lactogenic hormones (I, H, and PRL). Further studies were designed primarily to characterize the PRL stimulation of inositol transport. Inositol uptake in the mammary explants increased linearly for 4 h, both in IH treated tissues and those treated with IHP; distribution ratios of greater than 14 were achieved at 4 h, suggesting an active inositol transport mechanism. The PRL effect on inositol uptake is sodium-dependent, temperature-dependent, and ouabain sensitive. DIDS and furosemide did not impair inositol uptake or the PRL effect on inositol uptake. PRL stimulated inositol uptake employing PRL concentrations of 10–1000 ng/ml. The PRL effect was manifested at all PRL-treatment times of 12 h or longer, but not at earlier times. PRL thus appears to be an important and essential hormone for the stimulation of inositol accumulation in milk during lactogenesis.
The French Presence in Medieval Scotland: Le roi René and King Hart

Most authorities agree that King Hart diverges so much from Rene d'Anjou's Le Livre du Cuer d'amours espris that the French text ought not to be considered a source for, or analogue to, the one in Scots. It is true, Cuer presents itself as an allegorical quest romance of love in the tradition of the Roman de la Rose , and King Hart as a religious allegory of the life of man wherein carnal love proves wanting. However, King Rene's pseudo-autobiographical Livre du Cuer was so well known in the fifteenth century that a cultured audience listening to the tale whose hero is King Hart would have made the connection. King Hart spends his misspent erotic life in the castle of Plesance, his mistress, who leaves when he grows old. Rene's Cuer arrives at the castle of Plaisance where Amour dwells. Another of Rene's books, Le Mortifiement de Vaine Plaisance , is a moral allegory, similar to King Hart , in which Vaine Plaisance is purged from the protagonists — she leaves. This article argues that the author of King Hart knew both of Rene's texts, and that he took from them what he needed to compose his own intertextual book of the heart, which is both an anti-Rene and a super-Rene.
Democracy in Transition.

Any civilization may be reduced to two factors, a system of institutions and a system of ideas. By institutions we merely mean collective behavior patterns, the ways in which a community carries on the innumerable activities of social life. The church, the market, the family, the learned society, the trade union, the university, are examples of institutions. We often attribute a personality to such behavior patterns, clothe them with the attributes of a personal will, mind, and purpose; but such attribution is sheer fiction, the product of a purely imaginative process. Institutions are merely behavior patterns—they are nothing else. Government is an institution or a set of institutions. Society achieves certain results through collective political action. The means that it uses are the behavior patterns which we call courts, legislative bodies, commissions, electorates, administration. We idealize these institutions collectively and personify them in the State. But this idealization is pure fancy. The State as a juristic or ideal person is the veriest fiction. It is real only as a collective name for governmental institutions.
The Impacts of English Colonial Terrorism and Genocide on Indigenous/Black Australians:

This article critically explores the essence of colonial terrorism and its consequences on the indigenous people of Australia during their colonization and incorporation into the European-dominated racialized capitalist world system in the late 18th century. It uses multidimensional, comparative methods, and critical approaches to explain the dynamic interplay among social structures, human agency, and terror to explain the connection between terrorism and the emergence of the capitalist world system or globalization. Raising complex moral, intellectual, philosophical, ethical, and political questions, this article explores the essence, roles, and impacts of colonial terrorism on the indigenous Australians. First, the article provides background historical and cultural information. Second, it conceptualizes and theorizes colonial terrorism as an integral part of the capitalist world system. Specifically, it links capitalist incorporation and colonialism and various forms of violence to terrorism. Third, t...
An Economic Analysis of a Corn-Soybean Crop Rotation Under Various Input Combinations in South Central Texas

Eight input combinations of commercial fertilizer, insecticides, and herbicides on a comsoybean crop rotation in the Brazes River Bottom of Texas are evaluated. Input combinations which do not fully utilize all three inputs are consistently ranked higher by all criteria as the preferred input strategy for the corn-soybean rotation system. These results, which indicate limited input crop rotations that fall somewhere between the extremes of conventional agricultural production and organic agriculture, deserve further attention as a possible production alternative.
Photoluminescent Mn-Doped ZNS Nanoclusters Synthesized within Block Copolymer Nanoreactors

Mn-doped ZnS nanoclusters were synthesized within microphase-separated films of diblock copolymers containing carboxylic acid units on one of the blocks. Zinc was selectively sequestered into the acid-containing domains by treating the films with diethylzinc or an aqueous zinc acetate solution. Manganese was loaded by subsequent treatment of the films with aqueous manganese acetate solutions. The manganese ions displaced a fraction of the zinc ions, and the extent of loading was controlled by varying the loading time, and the concentration of the manganese acetate solution. The extent of loading was tracked using ICP discharge emission spectroscopy. The doped nanoclusters were formed by subsequent treatment with H2S. The size of the doped ZnS nanoclusters could be varied by carrying out the H2S exposure in the presence of a coordinating base. Photoluminescence measurements revealed that the doped nanoclusters were photoluminescent, and showed the characteristic manganese emission. The universal doped cluster synthesis scheme used is quite general and can be easily modified to produce other doped nanocluster clusters, such as Tb-doped ZnS, or Mn-doped CdS.
CORRELATION BETWEEN FLIGHT TRAP RESPONSE AND FOLIAR DENSITIES OF CITRUS BLACKFLY, ALEUROCANTHUS WOGLUMI (HOMOPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE)

Translucent fluorescent yellow flight traps were significantly more attractive to citrus blackfly, Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, than opaque yellow and clear traps. Significant correlations were obtained between trap catches of adult A . woglumi and foliar densities of adults and sedentary immature stages. The biological interpretation of such correlations and potential use of flight traps to monitor population trends of A . woglumi are discussed.
Targeting the FOXO1/KLF6 axis regulates EGFR signaling and treatment response

EGFR activation is both a key molecular driver of disease progression and the target of a broad class of molecular agents designed to treat advanced cancer. Nevertheless, resistance develops through several mechanisms, including activation of AKT signaling. Though much is known about the specific molecular lesions conferring resistance to anti-EGFR–based therapies, additional molecular characterization of the downstream mediators of EGFR signaling may lead to the development of new classes of targeted molecular therapies to treat resistant disease. We identified a transcriptional network involving the tumor suppressors Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) that negatively regulates activated EGFR signaling in both cell culture and in vivo models. Furthermore, the use of the FDA-approved drug trifluoperazine hydrochloride (TFP), which has been shown to inhibit FOXO1 nuclear export, restored sensitivity to AKT-driven erlotinib resistance through modulation of the KLF6/FOXO1 signaling cascade in both cell culture and xenograft models of lung adenocarcinoma. Combined, these findings define a novel transcriptional network regulating oncogenic EGFR signaling and identify a class of FDA-approved drugs as capable of restoring chemosensitivity to anti-EGFR–based therapy for the treatment of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma.
Exploring the Relationship Between the Markets for New and Used Durable Goods: The Case of Automobiles

Given that durable products are long-lived, there exists the possibility of secondary markets for used products as well as the potential for product obsolescence. This is an important issue in markets where technology changes rapidly, because the introduction of new versions of a product can make earlier versions obsolete. More generally, prices of older versions in the secondary market adjust in response to changes incorporated in new versions of the product. Thus, another method of evaluating consumers' response to a new product is by looking at the variation in market prices of the old product. This paper develops a general model to explore the relationship between primary markets for new cars and secondary markets for used cars. The results suggest that the depreciation of used cars is influenced strongly by the types of changes in new model cars.
The Analysis of Gun‐Cleaning Oil as Long‐Distance Gunshot Residue and Its Implications for Chemical Tags on Bullets

Using a BB gun, it was shown that a gun-cleaning oil (GCO) can be wiped from the barrel by a projectile and carried much longer distances than those usually associated with solid gunshot residue (GSR). Analysis of GCO subsequently deposited on a target was performed using pentane extraction and gas chromatography. (Hoppe's GCO was used here as a model.) When a 0.45 caliber handgun was used, analysis reveals that most of the GCO wiped from the barrel does not survive, owing to the elevated temperatures encountered. However, two components of the GCO, a long-chain fatty acid and its ethyl ester, do survive and can be detected in the bullet wipe. This suggests that GCO may be considered as GSR, uniquely detectable at long distances, and that other chemical compounds could either be added to a GCO or directly to bullets, to serve as identifying chemical tags.
Strategies to overcome host immunity to adenovirus vectors in vaccine development

The first clinical evaluations of adenovirus (Ad)-based vectors for gene therapy were initiated in the mid-1990s and led to great anticipation for future utility. However, excitement surrounding gene therapy, particularly Ad-based therapy, was diminished upon the death of Jesse Gelsinger, and recent discouraging results from the HIV vaccine STEP trial have brought efficacy and safety issues to the forefront again. Even so, Ad vectors are still considered among the safest and most effective vaccine vectors. Innate and pre-existing immunity to Ad mediate much of the acute toxicities and reduced therapeutic efficacies observed following vaccination with this vector. Thus, innovative strategies must continue to be developed to reduce Ad-specific antigenicity and immune recognition. This review provides an overview and critique of the most promising strategies, including results from preclinical trials in mice and nonhuman primates, which aim to revive the future of Ad-based vaccines.
Technical Standards as Data Protection Regulation

Two important features of European integration have been a deepening commitment to in-formation privacy as a fundamental human right, and the successful integration of technical standards into the regulatory framework to support the growth of the internal market. This paper will explore the costs and benefits of trying to integrate technical standards into European data protection laws as a possible strategy to enhance compliance and enforcement efforts. Adapting the successful "New Approach" model for harmonizing industrial standards to the dynamic and volatile ICT markets will be difficult, however. While product standards are commonly used to achieve social regulation goals, it is unclear whether ICT standards can be used in a similar manner. Accepting the discipline imposed by "better regulation" principles, and adopting new perspectives on the legitimacy of regulatory bodies, might increase the chances that ICT standards can be harmonized with data protection laws, which in turn might increase the practical impact of those laws.
In their own words: The career planning experiences of college students with ASD

This article describes results of structured interviews with college students on the autism spectrum concerning their career planning experiences. Participants attended community colleges and/or universities in Virginia and ranged from freshmen through graduate school. Results describe four emerging themes based on students' knowledge of, and participation in, career related services and supports. These are choosing a major, using career centers, self-disclosure, and career related services and supports. Authors also sought to obtain students' perspectives on what information, services, and resources they need to better prepare for their careers.
Rigorous geometric modeling and correction of QuickBird imagery

This paper presents a quantitative evaluation of the geometric accuracy that can be achieved with QuickBird imagery using the metadata provided with DigitalGlobe's image products. We explore two geometric models: the rational function model, and a rigorous sensor model based on camera, attitude, and ephemeris data included in the product metadata. We assess the rational function model against the rigorous sensor model, showing that the two models provide comparable geometric accuracy. We then assess the absolute geometric accuracy of a sample set of QuickBird products, measuring both the systematic geometric accuracy, and demonstrating the improvements which can be achieved using a full photogrammetric block adjustment.
New insights into the ligninolytic capability of a wood decay ascomycete

Wood-grown cultures of Daldinia concentrica oxidized a permethylated beta-(14)C-labeled synthetic lignin to (14)CO(2) and also cleaved a permethylated alpha-(13)C-labeled synthetic lignin to give C(alpha)-C(beta) cleavage products that were detected by (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. Therefore, this ascomycete resembles white-rot basidiomycetes in attacking the recalcitrant nonphenolic structures that predominate in lignin.
Gain and loss of phosphorylation sites in human cancer

Motivation: Coding-region mutations in human genes are responsible for a diverse spectrum of diseases and phenotypes. Among lesions that have been studied extensively, there are insights into several of the biochemical functions disrupted by disease-causing mutations. Currently, there are more than 60 000 coding-region mutations associated with inherited disease catalogued in the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD, August 2007) and more than 70 000 polymorphic amino acid substitutions recorded in dbSNP (dbSNP, build 127). Understanding the mechanism and contribution these variants make to a clinical phenotype is a formidable problem. Results: In this study, we investigate the role of phosphorylation in somatic cancer mutations and inherited diseases. Somatic cancer mutation datasets were shown to have a signi.cant enrichment for mutations that cause gain or loss of phosphorylation when compared to our control datasets (putatively neutral nsSNPs and random amino acid substitutions). Of the somatic cancer mutations, those in kinase genes represent the most enriched set of mutations that disrupt phosphorylation sites, suggesting phosphorylation target site mutation is an active cause of phosphorylation deregulation. Overall, this evidence suggests both gain and loss of a phosphorylation site in a target protein may be important features for predicting cancercausing mutations and may represent a molecular cause of disease for a number of inherited and somatic mutations. Contact: sdmooney@iupui.edu
The safety and outcomes of chronic total occlusion interventions.

The percutaneous treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTO) is often viewed as one of the remaining frontiers of interventional cardiology. It remains a challenging procedure, associated with increased risk of significant complications. Chronic total occlusions are present in approximately 15% of
A statistical link between learning and evolution

Widely replicated experimental findings show that faced with multiple variable reward outcomes, animals sample each proportional to their mean payoff. This finding is explained computationally using the Holland theorem, in which this style of sampling is optimal given certain assumptions about the distribution. Other adaptive phenomena which seem to be consistent with this law are discussed, and it is suggested that the ‘adaptive problem’ may be broadly similar across different domains.
Increased AT1 receptor expression and mRNA in kidney glomeruli of AT2 receptor gene-disrupted mice

The proposed feedback between angiotensin II AT2 and AT1 receptors prompted us to study AT1 receptor expression in kidneys of male AT2 receptor-gene disrupted mice (agtr2 −/y). In wild-type (agtr2 ...
Incivility in the Workplace

Uncivil interpersonal communication exchanges demonstrate disregard and disrespect for others while violating social interaction norms and expectations. Incivility is characterized by low-intensity, subtle behaviors with an ambiguous intent to harm. Because of its harmful effects on interpersonal relationships, incivility is extremely problematic in the workplace. Incivility in the workplace is a growing phenomenon and has a number of negative consequences for both individuals and organizations. At the individual level, workplace incivility can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, decrease self-esteem, and cause withdrawal. Workplace incivility also damages organizations by reducing employees’ abilities to work together and achieve organizational goals. Due to the relational damage incivility creates, workers become far less productive and less willing to collaborate with others. Keywords: interpersonal communication; organizational behavior; organizational communication
Enantioselective Brønsted base catalysis with chiral cyclopropenimines.

Cyclopropenimines are shown to be a highly effective new class of enantioselective Bronsted base catalysts. A chiral 2,3-bis(dialkylamino)cyclopropenimine catalyzes the rapid Michael reaction of a glycine imine substrate with high levels of enantioselectivity. A preparative scale reaction to deliver 25 g of product is demonstrated, and a trivial large scale synthesis of the optimal catalyst is shown. In addition, the basicity of a 2,3-bis(dialkylamino)cyclopropenimine is measured for the first time and shown to be approximately equivalent to the P1-tBu phosphazene base. An X-ray crystal structure of the protonated catalyst is shown along with a proposed mechanistic and stereochemical rationale.
Relation of Persistent Depressive Symptoms to Coronary Artery Calcification in Women Aged 46 to 59 Years.

Depressive disorders have been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the impact of depression on early atherogenesis has not been well described, particularly in women and minorities. The relation between repeated episodes of high depressive symptoms and coronary calcium (CAC) is unknown in women at midlife when depression is common. Participants in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Heart study were assessed annually for depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale [CES-D scale]) over 5 years before CAC assessment and classified as high (CES-D ≥16) or not. CAC, measured by computed tomography, was analyzed as a categorical variable using cumulative logit partial proportional odds models. In these middle-aged women free of CVD and diabetes (194 black, 334 white), high depressive symptoms over 5 years were common; 19% had 1, 9% had 2, and 11% experienced ≥3 episodes. CAC was low; 54% had no CAC, 25% had scores from 0 to 10, and 21% had CAC ≥10 Agatston score. After adjusting for CVD risk factors, women with ≥3 episodes were twice as likely to have significant CAC (≥10 Agatston units) than women with no depressive episodes (odds ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 1.13 to 4.28, p = 0.020) with no difference by race. Women with 1 or 2 episodes did not differ from women with no episodes. In conclusion, in healthy women aged 46 to 59 years without clinical CVD or diabetes, persistent depressive symptoms were significantly associated with elevated CAC scores, suggesting that they are more likely to have pathophysiological and behavioral effects on the development of subclinical CVD than does a single episode of elevated depressive symptoms.
Sharing urban sidewalks with bicyclists? An exploratory analysis of pedestrian perceptions and attitudes

Abstract Bicycling and walking are gaining popularity for both commuting and recreation. However, when faced with limited right-of-way width, many transportation agencies find it impractical to designate separate space for bicyclists in urban roadway corridors, instead devoting their limited funds to other projects. As a result, some bicyclists – feeling threatened by motor vehicles – use sidewalks for at least part of their trip. Laws governing bicyclist use of sidewalks are not consistently enforced in various cities and countries. Pedestrian-bicycle shared space has rarely been studied from a pedestrian's perspective in an urban context. Therefore, gaining a better understanding of the factors that influence pedestrian attitudes toward sharing a sidewalk with bicyclists can be useful in evaluating shared space strategies and guiding investments in bicycle facilities. Using the responses of 114 persons to 15 carefully constructed 60-s video clips of urban sidewalks in four Chinese cities, this study characterizes pedestrian attitudes regarding sharing sidewalks with bicycles under different sidewalk configurations. By estimating a random parameters ordered probability model (to account for unobserved heterogeneity across respondents), we found pedestrians who wanted a “safe distance” greater than 1.5 meters were more likely to possess a less tolerant attitude. Attitudes of pedestrians toward bicyclists on sidewalks also depend on the presence or absence of dedicated bicycle facilities. The effects of other significant factors are also quantified in this paper. Implications for policy makers in evaluating shared-space strategy can be drawn from this empirical study.
TECHNICAL STRATEGY DISCUSSION FOR GAS-CAP RESERVOIR DEVELOPMENT

There are a variety of development schemes that can be used to exploit gas-cap reservoir, and there are many factors to influence its production performance. According to the basic development rules of gas cap reservoir, based on the realfield data, we studied the reasonable development scheme, injection production ratio, recovery rate, oil rate of well adjacent to GOC and the optimum time to produce gas cap gas. For the first time, the oil loss was calculated and discussed. As a result, a couple of development policy for gas cap reservoir were presented: ①The injection production system should be improved and the gas and oil should produced evenly; ②The oil in oil ring must be first produced, then the gas in gas cap can be produced 4 years later; ③ The oil well adjacent to GOC should be put into production at a low rate;④ The gas and oil should be produced simultaneously if the gas reserve in gas cap is relatively larger than that of oil.
Functioning of the Inhibitory Conditioning Axon Innervating Insect Muscles

1. An axon which, in addition to the single excitatory axon, innervates the anterior coxal adductor muscles of locusts and grasshoppers causes peripheral effects, some of which are comparable to those of crustacean peripheral inhibitory axons. Tetanus tension is reduced by the axon. 2. The axon was termed the inhibitory-conditioning axon (I-C). Resting tension was reduced in a few preparations by the action of the axon, and the relaxation rate was markedly increased. 3. In some preparations, however, the axon caused a slight contraction of the muscle, and paradoxically enhanced twitch tension. 4. It was found by intracellular recording that in some muscle fibres the electrical response to I-C is polarizing, but in others it is depolarizing. 5. A few (but variable number) of the muscle fibres in each preparation showed slow, summating, after-depolarizations following termination of the excitatory junctional potentials. This is a new phenomenon, and suggests that these fibres, or their neuromuscular junctions, have special properties. 6. A study was made of the reflex and spontaneous discharges of the excitatory and I-C axons in the nearly intact animal, and in preparations, in an attempt to determine the function of I-C. 7. No evidence was found that I-C is actually used as a peripheral inhibitor and its natural function remains enigmatical.
Outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Korea

It was a total surprise to everybody! Since late May 2015, we have observed an imported pathogen make a huge impact on the general public and economy of the Republic of Korea, which has one the most advanced medical and public health systems in the world. Nobody expected Korea to be in second place on the list of countries with the highest incidence of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), right after Saudi Arabia. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) has been at the center of this unprecedented event. We have seen the incredible commitment of the members of the Division of Epidemic Intelligence Service in the KCDC, and of the MERS outbreak investigation team. This editorial is a record of what the virus fighters have experienced in the past 2 months. Before we review the whole picture, we would like to give our sincere homage to their professional attitude and heroic sacrifices. We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of medical staff in treating infected patients and of public health officials in tracing contacts.
Concepts for Modeling Electrons in Solids: A Perspective

It’s clear that an understanding of the behavior of electrons in solids is essential for explaining and predicting solid state properties. Electrons provide the glue holding solids together, and hence they are central in determining structural, mechanical and vibrational properties. Under the influence of electromagnetic fields, electrical current transport involves electron transport for most solids. Optical properties for many ranges of frequency are dominated by electronic transitions. Understanding superconductivity, magnetism, dielectric properties, ferroelectricity, and most properties of solids requires a detailed knowledge of “electronic structure” which is the term associated with the study of electronic energy levels, but more broadly a general label for the subfield of condensed matter physics which is focused on the properties of electrons in solids.
Attitudes toward organ donation among waitlisted transplant patients: results of a cross‐sectional survey

Organ shortage remains a major barrier to transplantation. While many efforts have focused on educating the general population regarding donation, few studies have examined knowledge regarding donation and donor registration rates among waitlisted candidates. We aimed to determine waitlisted patients’ willingness to donate, elucidate attitudes surrounding organ allocation, and identify barriers to donation. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to assess demographics, knowledge regarding organ donation, and attitudes regarding the allocation process. Responses from 225 of 579 (39%) waitlisted patients were collected. 71 respondents (32%) were registered donors, while 64 patients (28%) noted no interest in participating in donation. 19% of respondents felt their medical treatment would change by being a donor, while 86 patients (38%) felt their condition precluded them from donation. 40 patients (18%) felt they should be prioritized on the waitlist if they agreed to donate. A minority of patients (28%) reported discussion of organ donation with their physician. Waitlisted candidates constitute a population of willing, though often unregistered, organ donors. Moreover, many endorse misconceptions regarding the allocation process and their donation eligibility. In a population for which transplantation is not always possible, education is needed regarding organ donation among waitlisted patients, as this may enhance donation rates. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Treatment of Nitrogen and Phosphorus by a Constructed Upland-Wetland Wastewater Treatment System

An Upland-Wetland wastewater treatment system was installed in Pamlico County, North Carolina in September 1989 to test its effectiveness in wastewater treatment for a single family home. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated from March 1990 to September 1991. The mound provided an aerobic environment that resulted in complete nitrification and reduction of phosphorus. Concentration of total nitrogen (TN) was lowered 64%, from 44.4 mg/L to 16.0 mg/L by the mound component. Nitrogen in the wastewater dosed into the mound was in the ammonium (NH4N) and organic forms, while essentially all the nitrogen present in water that had passed through the mound was in the nitrate (NO3N) form. The mound lowered total phosphorus (TP) concentration 86%, from 4.4 mg/L to 0.6 mg/L. The wetland cell planted with Phragmites australis was more effective than both the implanted cell and the cell planted with Typha angustifolia. Concentrations of (TN), primarily NO3N, were lowered from 16.0 mg/L to 11.1 mg/L or of that entering the cell. Total phosphorus was lowered 31%, from 0.6 mg/L to 0.3 mg/L. The Upland-Wetland Wastewater Treatment System has provided low cost, low maintenance and effective wastewater treatment.
Interpolation of 2-D Vector Data Using Constraints from Elasticity†

We present a method for interpolation of sparse two-dimensional vector data. The method is based on the Green's functions of an elastic body subjected to in-plane forces. This approach ensures elastic coupling between the two components of the interpolation. Users may adjust the coupling by varying Poisson's ratio. Smoothing can be achieved by ignoring the smallest eigenvalues in the matrix solution for the strengths of the unknown body forces. We demonstrate the method using irregularly distributed GPS velocities from southern California. Our technique has been implemented in both GMT and MATLAB®.
Incidence and Predictors of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Patients Treated With Nonvitamin K Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin Before Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

The utility of routine transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to exclude left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus before atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in patients treated with nonvitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) therapy is unclear. This single-center retrospective study sought to investigate the incidence of LAA thrombus in patients undergoing routine TEE before AF ablation treated with warfarin or NOAC therapy. We included 937 routine pre-AF ablation TEE procedures performed in patients treated with warfarin (n = 517) or NOAC (n = 420). Patients were anticoagulated without interruption for at least 4 consecutive weeks before the TEE. Patients treated with warfarin had lower LAA velocity and underwent TEE earlier in the study period than those treated with NOAC (p 2 DS 2 -VASC score 2 DS 2 -VASC score