cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Virus Antibodies in the U.S.: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objectives. We described seroprevalence of antibody to hepatitis A virus (antiHAV) in the United States during 1999–2006 and compared it with seroprevalence before the availability of vaccine. Methods. We analyzed data from the 1988–1994 and 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to obtain estimates of antiHAV seroprevalence for the U.S. household population. We grouped region of residence based on the 1999 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations into 17 states with any recommendation (vaccinating) and 33 states without any recommendation (non-vaccinating). Results. During 1999–2006, the overall seroprevalence of anti-HAV was 34.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 33.1, 36.7). During 1999–2006, U.S.-born children living in vaccinating states (33.8%, 95% CI 26.2, 42.2) had a higher seroprevalence than children in non-vaccinating states (11.0%, 95% CI 9.4, 12.8; p,0.001). Seroprevalence among children increased from 8.0% (95% CI 6.3, 10.1) during 1988–1994 to 20.2% (95% CI 16.0, 24.8) during 1999–2006 (p,0.001). For U.S.-born children aged 6–19 years, the strongest factor associated with seroprevalence was residence in vaccinating states. Among U.S.-born adults aged .19 years, the overall age-adjusted seroprevalence of anti-HAV was 29.9% (95% CI 28.3, 31.5) during 1999–2006, which was not significantly different from the seroprevalence during 1988–1994 (32.2%, 95% CI 30.1,
Graaskamp and Intangible Property Valuation in Regional Shopping Centers

In his teaching, research, and courtroom testimony James A. Graaskamp plied his institutional economics background to attribute shopping center income to tangible real property and intangible franchise property. Attributing shopping center value to its tangible and intangible components is not only necessary for appraisal purposes but is imperative for real property taxation, asset depreciation, and UBIT taxation issues. In this research we test for the existence of intangible property value by estimating nonanchor tenant sales per square foot. Using department store fashion image as a proxy for franchise intangible property value, we find that department store fashion image positively and significantly affects nonanchor tenant sales per square foot. We also find that department store image is particularly important in predicting sales of apparel retailers.
Abstract P2-08-02: Novel tumor suppressor regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway in breast cancer

Breast cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 women over the course of their lifetime. Of the many genes and pathways deregulated by this heterogeneous disease, alterations of members in the PI3K/AKT pathway are present in approximately 20% of all cases, making it one of the more frequently mutated pathways in breast cancer. The PI3K/AKT pathway is well known to be involved in essential cellular processes necessary for cancer development and progression, including altered proliferation, metabolism, and cell survival. Previous studies have made it well known that the activation of AKT is regulated through its phosphorylation, but recent studies have also shown that AKT can also be regulated via ubiquitination, leading to AKT hyperactivation. However, the mechanism and players involved in this process are not well understood. Better understanding of these pathways could inform on better potential therapeutics to target this disease. Recent work in our lab has identified GPS2, a member of the NCoR/SMRT complex, as a regulator of the insulin-signaling pathway through the inhibition of AKT ubiquitination by Ubc13. As many human cancers frequently have an increase in activated AKT, here we explore the potential of GPS2 as a tumor suppressor in the context of breast cancer and hope to elucidate the mechanism by which AKT ubiquitination regulates its activation. Citation Format: Chan S, Cardamone MD, Perissi V. Novel tumor suppressor regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-08-02.
New Directions for the Loop-Driven Graphical Unitary Group Approach: Analytic Gradients and an MCSCF Procedure

It is becoming increasingly apparent1–10 that the unitary group approach (UGA) provides the theoretical framework for an elegant and exceptionally efficient molecular calculus of quantum mechanical matrix element evaluation. Although this approach was pioneered by physicists primarily concerned with nuclear problems,11 it has more recently been demonstrated to be equally (perhaps more so) applicable to the many-electron problem. In our own research, a direct descendant of that of Paldus2,3 and Shavitt,4 the efficacy of the loop-driven 5,8 graphical UGA (LDGUGA) has been emphasized. In essence, the LDGUGA illuminates vast numbers of previously unrecognized relationships between different Hamiltonian matrix elements. Here we underline the generality of the LDGUGA formalism by establishing its applicability to two longstanding challenges to theoretical chemists. First, the determination of the two-particle density matrix provides a realistic approach to the problem of obtaining analytic energy gradients from correlated wave functions. Secondly, the LDGUGA holds promise for the determination of very large (on the order of 10,000 configurations) multiconfiguration self-consistent-field (MCSCF) wave functions.
Advances in Preventive Medicine: Nutrition and Immune Function in the Elderly

In the not too distant future, the age demographics of western societies will change dramatically. By the year 2020, 22% of the population of these nations will be approxi-mately age 55 and 14% of this population will be over age 75. This shift in population will present challenges to societies on many fronts, particularly in the medical arena, given the natural deterioration in health and changes in biological function associated with aging.
Effects of a resiliency program on burnout and resiliency in family medicine residents

Research has highlighted the prevalence of burnout in medical residents and the relative rarity of evidence-based structured programs to build resiliency. This was a controlled study of an 8-h prog...
Evaluating emtricitabine + rilpivirine + tenofovir alafenamide in combination for the treatment of HIV-infection

Introduction: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for all people who are living with HIV to suppress viral load and to stop the progression and transmission of HIV-1. Fixed-dose combinations of antiretrovirals largely reduce pill burden.Areas covered: The authors first provide an overview of the use of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) based therapy in HIV care. They then summarize the properties of each drug in the fixed-dose combination of tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/rilpivirine/(TAF/FTC/RPV). The efficacy and safety of each component and the combination as a whole are reviewed: FTC is non-inferior to lamivudine (3TC) at assessed dosages; TAF was non-inferior to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF); the viral efficacy of RPV is non-inferior with EFV at the assessed dosage; TAF/FTC/RPV is non-inferior in efficacy but shows less of a decline in bone mineral density and renal function compared to TDF/FTC/RPV. Finally, adverse effects and drug-drug interaction data with FTC/RPV/TAF are discussed.Expert opinion: TAF/FTC/RPV can be used as an initial regimen for people living with HIV whose HIV RNA 200 cells/mm3 when INSTI-based regimens are not a treatment option. Future antiretroviral therapy development may focus on dual therapy-based regimens containing RPV, particularly as long-acting formulations.
The role of systems thinking in cover crop adoption: Implications for conservation communication

Abstract To address critical water quality problems, significant public and private sector resources in the U.S. have been directed to promoting and supporting the adoption of conservation practices. Cover crops, in particular, have been a focus of outreach and policy efforts due to their multiple benefits for crop production, carbon sequestration, soil health, and water quality. We hypothesize that Indiana’s state and local agencies have emphasized a systems approach to conservation planning and farm management, which has been successful in reaching a subset of farmers and has established Indiana as a national leader in cover crop adoption. We contend that the systems approach to conservation adoption is not a salient message to farmers who have yet to implement conservation, thus adoption (particularly cover crops) may be stagnant. Early work on systems thinking (ST) in conservation is dominated by qualitative research. Here, we make a first attempt to quantify the relationship between ST and cover crop adoption through producer surveys administered in three Indiana watersheds – St Marys, Big Pine, and Upper White. We found that farmers who adopted cover crops were more likely to be systems thinkers than farmers who had not adopted cover crops. These results have significant implications for conservation planners and educators across the U.S. and internationally who are working to implement additional conservation acreage – a whole farm systems approach to conservation messaging may not be an effective method for farmers who have yet to implement conservation.
Are group assignments effective pedagogy or a waste of time? A review of the literature and implications for practice:

Group assignments are a near-universal feature of classrooms around the world. They are broadly viewed as more effective than passive forms of learning and are assumed to position students for succ...
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Laden, Personalized 3D Scaffolds with Controlled Structure and Fiber Alignment Promote Diabetic Wound Healing

Abstract The management of diabetic wounds remains a major therapeutic challenge in clinics. Herein, we report a personalized treatment using 3D scaffolds consisting of radially or vertically aligned nanofibers in combination with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The 3D scaffolds have customizable sizes, depths, and shapes, enabling them to fit a variety of type 2 diabetic wounds. In addition, the 3D scaffolds are shape-recoverable in atmosphere and water following compression. The BMSCs-laden 3D scaffolds are capable of enhancing the formation of granulation tissue, promoting angiogenesis, and facilitating collagen deposition. Further, such scaffolds inhibit the formation of M1-type macrophages and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and promote the formation of M2-type macrophages and the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. Taken together, BMSCs-laden, 3D nanofiber scaffolds with controlled structure and alignment hold great promise for the treatment of diabetic wounds. Statement of Significance In this study, we developed 3D radially and vertically aligned nanofiber scaffolds to transplant bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). We personalized 3D scaffolds that could completely match the size, depth, and shape of diabetic wounds. Moreover, both the radially and vertically aligned nanofiber scaffolds could completely recover their shape and maintain structural integrity after repeated loads with compressive stresses. Furthermore, the BMSCs-laden 3D scaffolds are able to promote granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition, and switch the immune responses to the pro-regenerative direction. These 3D scaffolds consisting of radially or vertically aligned nanofibers in combination with BMSCs offer a robust, customizable platform potentially for a significant improvement of managing diabetic wounds.
The Murine T-Cell Antigen: Ia Receptor: Functional and Structural Analysis with a Monoclonal Antireceptor Antibody

Antigen specificity is intrinsic to the T-cell as well as the B-cell compartment of an immune response. However, the term T cell applies to a heterogeneous population of lymphocytes. T cells were originally divided into subsets based on apparent function, subsequently classified by surface phenotype, and more recently classified by their antigen recognition properties. As a population, T cells are capable of recognizing a large number of diverse antigens. Like B-cell antigen recognition, mediated by membrane immunoglobulin, T-cell antigen recognition is a clonally distributed property such that any given T cell and its progeny are, allowing for an expected degree of cross-reactivity, monospecific. Unlike B cells, however, helper T lymphocytes, which induce B-cell growth and antibody secretion, and cytolytic T cells, which are capable of destroying virally infected cells, only recognize foreign antigen in conjunction with self major histocompatibility complex (MHC) glycoproteins on the surface of another cell. In immunologic slang, the dual specificity of these T-cell subsets for foreign antigen and self MHC molecules has been termed “MHC restriction,” since the ability of the T cell to recognize foreign antigen in this case is restricted by MHC molecules. In general, helper T cells recognize antigen in conjunction with class II MHC molecules (Ia antigens), and cytolytic T cells recognize foreign antigen in conjunction with class I MHC molecules.
Do patient outcomes and follow-up completion rates after shoulder arthroplasty differ based on insurance payor?

BACKGROUND Disparities associated with socioeconomic status (SES) and insurance coverage have been shown to affect outcomes in different medical conditions and surgical procedures. We hypothesized that patients insured by Medicaid will be associated with lower follow-up rates and inferior outcomes relative to those with Medicare or private insurance. METHODS Patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, including anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, reverse arthroplasty, and hemiarthroplasty, were enrolled preoperatively in an institutional database. Preoperative demographics, payor (Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance), and baseline American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) scores were recorded. Postoperatively, patients completed ASES scores at multiple time points. Follow-up completion rate was calculated as the number of follow-up visits completed relative to possible visits. Continuous variables were compared between groups with 1-way analyses of variance, and chi-squared tests were used for categorical variables. Significance was defined as P < .05. RESULTS There were 491 shoulder replacements performed for 438 patients from 2012-2017. The mean follow-up completed percentage was significantly lower (P < .001) for Medicaid patients (62.6% ± 33.7%) relative to Medicare patients (80.2% ± 26.7%; P < .001) and private insurance patients (77.8% ± 22.1%; P = .001). The ASES Composite score increased significantly for all patients from baseline to final follow-up. At each time point, including before surgery and each postoperative time point, patients with Medicaid insurance had significantly lower ASES Composite scores. The final ASES Composite score was significantly lower in the Medicaid patients (66.1 ± 28.7) relative to private insurance patients (78.3 ± 20.8; P = .023). Medicaid patients had significantly lower preoperative (P < .001) and postoperative (P = .018) ASES Pain subscores. In multivariate regression analysis, Medicaid insurance was associated with both inferior preoperative and postoperative ASES scores relative to patients with Medicare or private insurance. CONCLUSIONS We observed that all patients, regardless of insurance payor, improved by similar magnitudes after shoulder arthroplasty, though patients with Medicaid insurance had significantly lower preoperative and postoperative ASES scores, primarily because of the ASES Pain subscore. Patients with Medicaid insurance also have lower follow-up rates than other payors.
$sup 14$N($sup 14$N,$sup 13$N)$sup 15$N REACTION AND THE NEUTRON TUNNELING MECHANISM

Angular-distribution and total-cross-section measurements have been made for the $^{14}\mathrm{N}$($^{14}\mathrm{N}$,$^{13}\mathrm{N}$)$^{15}\mathrm{N}$ reaction over a range of energies. For center-of-mass energies below about 6.5 MeV, the tunneling theory of neutron transfer is shown to give a good account of the data. At higher energies, nuclear absorption occurs for the close collisions and spoils the tunneling description. These results show why earlier descriptions of this reaction by the tunneling theory were unsuccessful.
Wearable Sensors for On-Leaf Monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions from Plants

A wearable electrochemical sensor was developed for on-leaf detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions from plants. The sensor was made of all flexible materials that allow conformable attachment to the leaf. Selective detection of methanol, one of the major VOC emissions by maize plant, was realized via a unique recognition interface formed between the conducting polymer microcrystallites and platinum nanoparticles (Pt-polymer). The Pt-polymer interface was formed using a simple green electrochemical polymerization process. In a field condition, we demonstrated monitoring of VOCs using the wearable sensor technology. The presented sensor exhibited a high selectivity to gaseous methanol, a low sub-ppm limit of detection, and a high tolerance to temperature and humidity variations in the crop field.
Effects of nanofiller geometries and interfacial properties on the mechanical performance of polymer nanocomposites—A numerical study:

Many studies, experimental, theoretical, and numerical, have been done on polymer nanocomposites, but nearly all of them have focused on a particular type of material system or some specific materi...
Predictors of Treatment Response to Multidisciplinary Care for Persistent Symptoms after Pediatric Concussion.

Purpose: To assess which pediatric patients experiencing persistent post-concussive symptoms (PCS) benefit most from multidisciplinary treatment including specialists in Neurology, Neuropsychology, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training, and to explore the effectiveness of this approach.Methods: A retrospective chart review of 56 adolescents 10-20 years old (M = 15.0 ± 2.1) receiving multidisciplinary care for PCS (>30 days) was conducted.Results: Systolic blood pressure and Body Mass Index predicted time to concussion resolution (p < .05), such that higher values were associated with slower resolution. PCS scores significantly decreased between participants' initial and final clinic visits, p < .01, and among the 25 participants for whom pre-intervention PCS scores were available, symptom severity scores significantly declined following multidisciplinary intervention compared to pre-referral values (p < .01).Conclusions: Exploratory analyses reveal that multidisciplinary treatment is a promising approach for reducing symptoms among adolescents with PCS, and that those with greater levels of physical fitness may benefit most.
Thermal Analysis of a 50 kW Three-Phase Wireless Charging System

In this paper, the thermal analysis of a 50 kW three-phase wireless charging system (WCS) is presented. Addressing the thermal challenge is essential for designing a compact charging pad for 50 kW and higher-power WCS pads. Low thermal conductivity of the Litz wire and ferrite, and uneven distribution of the coil, and core loss cause the high temperature in the charging pads. In this paper, the loss distribution of a 50 kW three-phase WCS is investigated, and the temperature distribution is simulated using finite element analysis (FEA) considering the magnetic and non-magnetic materials of a charging pad. The thermal characteristics of an extremely high-power density 50 kW WCS prototype are tested experimentally for 10 minutes of operation. The simulation and experimental results show that the coil temperature increases to 65°C, the core temperature varies between 50°C to 150°C, and the packaging temperature increases to 65°C after 10 minutes of operation at rated 50 kW output power.
Detection of Catabolic Genes in Soil Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction

Nine soils from different sources (agricultural, forest or contaminated sites) were subjected to a rapid freeze-and-thaw direct DNA extraction procedure. Crude extracts obtained by this procedure were purified from contaminating humic acids by electroelution or size-exclusion chromatography (Sephadex G-200 or Sephacryl S-400). The 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) degrader Pseudomonas cepacia BRI6001L, which harbors a chromosomally integrated lac-lux reporter gene cassette, was used to seed the soil samples at cell densities ranging from 103–108 cells/g. The detection limit on agarose gels for seeded soils was 103 cells/g (1–10 cells/PCR reaction mix) for small amplification products (300–400 bp) while larger amplicons (≥ 1.5 kb) required the addition of the single-stranded DNA stabilizing T4 gene 32 protein, lower annealing temperatures, and longer extension times to achieve similar results. The residual humic acid contamination after purification of the crude extracts by either method resulted in some inhibition of amplification. This direct extraction procedure, with further refinements and combined with PCR, could be used as a screening tool for monitoring the presence and activity of xenobiotic catabolic genes in soils and hence for assessing the survival of introduced strains with the potential for bioremediation.
Exome Sequencing in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Multiple Myeloma (MM) Families Identifies Cosegregating Functional Variants

Introduction: Several B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma (MM), are known to have a familial component to disease risk. Although several common inherited genetic variants have been found to be associated with risk of these malignancies, a large proportion of the heritability remains unexplained. Here we set out to identify rare high-penetrance susceptibility variants for CLL and MM using the established Mayo Clinic family study of B-cell malignancies. Methods: We performed exome sequencing on germ line DNA of 106 families with either two or more members with CLL (n=93 families) or two or more members with MM or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) (n=13 families) using Aglient capture kits. All samples were sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq2000. Bioinformatics analyses leveraged the following software packages: Novoalign, Picard, The Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK), and the Biological Reference Repository (bioR). Quality control filters were implemented; subjects with mis-specified relationships were removed as were variants with Results: In the CLL familial cohort, there were 443 individuals (160 with CLL, 73 with monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL), and 210 relatives without CLL or MBL) sequenced; and in the MM cohort, there were 39 individuals (13 with MM, 13 with MGUS and 13 without MM or MGUS) sequenced. A total of 61,992 single nucleotide variants passed quality control filters in the CLL cohort and 39,456 single nucleotide variants in the MM cohort. From these, we identified 32 variants in the CLL cohort and 39 variants in the MM cohort that were cosegregating in multiple CLL or MM families, respectively, and were predicted to affect protein structure or function. Of these, one CLL variant was within 1 Mb of a known GWAS-discovered locus. Moreover, there were seven CLL and four MM variants that were within 1 Mb of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that had statistical significance between p -4 and p -6 in GWAS. Finally, there were 3 variants found to be common between CLL and MM families (see Table). Conclusions: Through whole exome sequencing, we identified a number of rare, highly penetrant predisposition variants for CLL and MM. Several of these variants were common to both B-cell malignancies providing evidence of shared genetic components; one variant may be a functional driver of the GWAS-discovered loci. These identified variants provide a list for future validation studies. SNP: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism; CLL: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia; MM: Multiple Myeloma; Penetrance is defined as proportion of individuals carrying the alternate allele that are also affected; SIFT: Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant, predicts whether an amino acid substitution affects protein function; PolyPhen: Polymorphism Phenotyping, predicts possible impact of an amino acid substitution on the structure of a human protein Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Simplifications of the mini nutritional assessment short-form are predictive of mortality among hospitalized young and middle-aged adults.

Abstract Objective Measuring malnutrition in hospitalized patients is difficult in all settings. I evaluated associations of items in the mini nutritional assessment short-form (MNA-sf), a nutritional-risk screening tool previously validated in the elderly, with malnutrition among hospitalized patients in Uganda. I used results to construct two simplifications of this tool that may be applicable to young and middle-aged adults. Methods I assessed the association of each MNA-sf item with the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), a specific measure of malnutrition at appropriate cut-offs. I incorporated only malnutrition-specific items into the proposed simplifications scoring each item according to its association with malnutrition. I assessed numbers classified to different score-levels by the simplifications and, via proportional hazards regression, how the simplifications predicted in-hospital mortality. Results I analyzed 318 patients (median age 37, interquartile range 27 to 56). Variables making it into the simplifications were: reduced food intake, weight loss, mobility, and either BMI in kg/m2 (categorized as Conclusion The MNA-sf simplifications described may provide an improved measure of malnutrition in hospitalized young and middle-aged adults.
How Costs and Heterogeneous Consumer Price Sensitivity Interact with Add-On Pricing

Firms often cite cost savings as a reason why they charge separately for add-ons. Firms also often face situations where consumers' price sensitivity is correlated with their valuation of add-ons. While cost savings may directly translate into profit gains in some scenarios, this study examines the strategic implications of add-on pricing and is the first to suggest that cost savings from add-on pricing may in fact result in profit loss for firms when consumers are heterogeneous in price sensitivity. This is because add-on pricing can trigger a revenue loss that exceeds any cost savings, thus leading to a negative net profit change for competing firms. Even if firms have the capability to pre-commit to not adopting add-on pricing, we show that competing firms can be locked in a prisoner's dilemma where all choose to adopt add-on pricing and lose profits (as compared to none adopting add-on pricing). We further show the possibility that the greater the cost of providing the add-on (and the greater the cost savings generated from add-on pricing), the worse this profit loss gets
P-Ray: A Software Suite for Multi-core Architecture Characterization

The increasing complexity of computer architectures has made the approach of automatically generating code that is optimized for the target machine a growing area of interest. Examples of such systems are library generators, such as ATLAS, SPIRAL, and FFTW. To generate optimized code without manual intervention, these systems need to know the values of certain hardware parameters, such as the cache size or the number of registers. Current software such as X-Ray or LMbench can automatically determine some of these parameters for single processor super-scalar machines but cannot determine multi-core specific characteristics. In this paper, we present P-Ray, a software suite that characterizes hardware characteristics of multi-core architectures. Such characteristics include the number of cores that share the L2 cache, the different processors' interconnection topologies, and the bandwidth-to-memory. Our experiments show that, for several different architectures tested (desktop and server), P-Ray generates accurate results.
Reflections on an edTPA Experience: A Disappointing, Anticlimactic Conclusion

Implemented as a high-stakes Teacher Performance Assessment, in my opinion, edTPA holds great promise for evaluating novice teachers’ readiness. However, in its current stage, this pre-service assessment is better in theory than practice. I do not want this paper to evolve into a ranting diatribe against edTPA, rather, I hope my insight will shed some light on how we can collectively move forward with sound strategies that best support our teachers and students in the field we all love: education.
Enrollment of underrepresented minorities in nursing majors: A cross sectional analysis of U.S. nursing schools

Abstract Purpose To investigate if underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities have distinct enrollment patterns when different diversity programmatic services are in place. Design Secondary analysis of linked data from an electronic survey conducted (2012–2013) and AACN baccalaureate enrollment data across 25 schools of nursing in 15 states. Logistic regression was used to determine the likelihood of minority student enrollment in nursing programs when 14 distinct programmatic support services were in operation. Findings Asian students were most likely to enroll in nursing programs with career services in place (O.R. 2.2, p =0.01). Black/African American student enrollment was associated with financial support (O.R., 1.52, p = p = p = p = p = p = p = p = p = p = p = p = p = p = p = p = Conclusions Differences in enrollment patterns among minority students may be attributed to efficacy of individual structured support services. These differences suggest the importance of tailoring diversity support services to meet the unique needs of students from diverse backgrounds.
THE HUMAN LUTEINIZING HORMONE RECEPTOR GENE PROMOTER : ACTIVATION BY SP1 AND SP3 AND INHIBITORY REGULATION

To understand the transcriptional mechanism(s) of human LH receptor (LHR) gene expression, we have identified the dominant functional cis-elements that regulate the activity of the promoter domain (−1 to −176 bp from ATG). Mutagenesis demonstrated that the promoter activity was dependent on two Sp1 domains (−79 bp, −120 bp) in a transformed normal placental cell (PLC) and the choriocarcinoma JAR cell. Both elements interacted with endogenous Sp1 and Sp3 factors but not with Sp2 or Sp4. In Drosophila SL2 cells, the promoter was activated by either Sp1 or Sp3. An ERE half-site (EREhs) at −174 bp was inhibitory (by 100%), but was unresponsive to estradiol and did not bind the estrogen receptor or orphan receptors ERR1 and SF-1. The 5′ upstream sequence (−177 to −2056 bp) inhibited promoter activity in PLC by 60%, but only minimally in JAR cells. Activation of the human LHR promoter through Sp1/3 factors is negatively regulated through EREhs and upstream sequences to exert control of gene expression.
Correction of near-field antenna measurements made with an arbitrary but known measuring antenna

We describe a technique for rigorously correcting for the effects of an arbitrary but known measuring antenna (or ‘probe’) in determination of vectorial far-field antenna pattern and power-gain function from near-field measurements.
Microwave frequency material properties of PBS 9501 and PBX 9501 and small scale heating experiments

This work reports the microwave frequency dielectric properties of PBX 9501 and one of its representative mocks, PBS 9501, within 1-20 GHz. From these measurements it is shown that the binder system has a strong influence on microwave heating of such compositions resulting in significant temperature gradients within the individual HMX or sugar crystals at high microwave heating rates. Using the measured dielectric properties, COMSOL 4.3 Multiphysics was used to simulate and optimize a microwave applicator with a high electric field to input power ratio. The simulated applicator design indicated subsecond heating to decomposition for PBX 9501 and was validated with small scale experiments on both PBS 9501 and PBX 9501. At approximately 2.45 GHz and 100 W applied power, PBS 9501 decomposition was observed shortly (< 34 ms) after a measured surface temperature of 70 °C (binder system melts). Finally, rapid heating of PBX 9501 was also shown in the optimized cavity.
High-temperature optical properties of oxide dome materials

A vacuum emissometer utilizing a CO2 laser for high temperature sample heating has been designed and built for use with a Fourier Transform spectrometer. A two-color pyrometer technique is used to calculate sample temperatures. Oxides such as sapphire, spinel, yttria, ALON and fused silica are experimentally characterized from 600 to 2000 K and from 500 to 5000 cm-1. A glowing yttria sample has also been characterized over the spectral range of 8500 to 13500 cm-1. Good agreement with a quantum mechanical multiphoton model for the complex index of refraction, also developed at APL, is obtained.
Primary tumors of the mediastinum.

This is a review of 215 patients with primary tumors of the mediastinum seen over a 20-year period. We wish to emphasize the clinical and pathologic considerations of this heterogenous group of tumors. The fact that 94 of the patients were asymptomatic stresses the importance of routine chest examination. Since the various tumors require specific surgical, irradiation, drug and combined therapy, definitive tissue diagnosis is mandatory for proper management.
First DØ jet measurements at √s = 1.96 TeV

Abstract We present the first QCD measurements performed by the DO experiment for Fermilab's Run II. These measurements are the inclusive jet pT and di-jet mass cross-sections. These analyses was performed using an integrated luminosity of 34 pb−1. Included also are comparisons to next-to-leading order QCD predictions from the JETRAD program. Within experimental uncertainties, data and theory are in good agreement.
Numerical Investigation of Impact of Relative Humidity Condition on Droplet Accumulation and Film Cooling on Compressor Blades

In this study, the relationship between the inlet relative humidity (RH) condition, heat transfer, and droplet accumulation/motions on gas turbine’s compressor blades involved in enhanced film cooling was investigated. Wet compression has gained popularity as a highly effective way to increase power output for gas turbine systems due to its simple installation and low cost. This process involves injection of droplets into the continuous phase (air with high temperature) of the compressor to reduce the temperature of the flow leaving the compressor and in turn increase the power output of the whole gas turbine system. This study focused on a single stage rotor-stator compressor model; the simulations are carried out using the commercial CFD tool ANSYS (FLUENT). In particular, the study modeled the interaction between the two phases including mass and heat transfer, given different inlet relative humidity (RH) and temperature conditions. The Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations with k–ϵ turbulence model were applied as well as the droplet coalescence and droplet breakup model considered in the simulation. The interaction between the blade and droplets was modeled to address all possible interactions, which include: stick, spread, splash, or rebound. The goal of this study is to quantify the relationship between the RH and the overall heat transfer coefficient, and the temperature on the blade surface.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Working memory training promotes general cognitive abilities in genetically heterogeneous mice.

Summary In both humans and mice, the efficacy of working memory capacity and its related process, selective attention, are each strongly predictive of individuals' aggregate performance in cognitive test batteries [1–9]. Because working memory is taxed during most cognitive tasks, the efficacy of working memory may have a causal influence on individuals' performance on tests of "intelligence" [10, 11]. Despite the attention this has received, supporting evidence has been largely correlational in nature (but see [12]). Here, genetically heterogeneous mice were assessed on a battery of five learning tasks. Animals' aggregate performance across the tasks was used to estimate their general cognitive abilities, a trait that is in some respects analogous to intelligence [13, 14]. Working memory training promoted an increase in animals' selective attention and their aggregate performance on these tasks. This enhancement of general cognitive performance by working memory training was attenuated if its selective attention demands were reduced. These results provide evidence that the efficacy of working memory capacity and selective attention may be causally related to an animal's general cognitive performance and provide a framework for behavioral strategies to promote those abilities. Furthermore, the pattern of behavior reported here reflects a conservation of the processes that regulate general cognitive performance in humans and infrahuman animals.
Guest Editors' Preface to Special Issue on Digital Topology

Abstract The papers in this special issue are devoted to applications of topology in image processing and pattern recognition. In this preface we give an overview of these papers and some historical background.
Light-induced currents from oriented purple membrane: I. Correlation of the microsecond component (B2) with the L-M photocycle transition.

When irradiated, purple membrane from Halobacterium halobium oriented in a polyacrylamide gel produces a photocurrent. The correlation of the microsecond component (B2) of the photocurrent with the L-M optical transition was studied. It was found that the lifetimes of B2 and the L-M transition are identical over the entire pH range from 2.4 to 11.0 when measured in high salt (>5 mM CaCl 2 or >40 mM KCl). Changing the temperature from 10 to 35°C, or replacing the H 2 O with D 2 O maintains this correlation. The amplitude of B2 and the L-M transition are also correlated over the pH range where both of them can be represented as a single exponential. At high pH (>8), three exponentials were required to fit both the optical and photocurrent signals. Two of them are the previously described fast and slow components of M formation, but a new intermediate with a very fast lifetime, 0.3μs, was observed both in absorption (λ = 410 nm) and photocurrent measurements. The lifetimes of all three were found to be pH independent. This would exclude models for the L to M portion of the photocycle that explained its complex pH-dependent behavior as being due to a single pH-dependent rate constant. The area of B2, which is proportional to the number and the distance the charge moved during the transition, is almost constant from pH 5.0 to pH 8.0. It decreases to almost zero at pH 2.0 and pH 10.6 with pKs at 2.8 and 9.1. Because B2 is thought to normally reflect proton release from the membrane, this suggests at very low and high pH the photocycle does not pump protons. The pK at high pHs for the formation of the nonpumping photocycle is probably related to the formation of a new photocycle featuring the fast rising form of M.
Tracer diffusion in amorphous Pd80Si20 and Gd16Co84 films

Abstract Evaporated Pd80Si20 and sputtered Gd16Co84 amorphous films were studied for structural relaxation during annealing with a Seeman-Bohlin X-ray diffractometer and for atomic diffusion using radioactive Au195 and Co57 tracers. The diffusion parameters for these two kinds of films with pre-annealing are presented.
The role of decorin in collagen fibrillogenesis and skin homeostasis

Decorin, a prototype member of the growing family of the small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRP's), plays significant roles in tissue development and assembly, as well as playing both direct and indirect signaling roles. This review will concentrate on decorin's function in collagen fibrillogenesis as determined through the study of mice with a disrupted decorin gene. The fragile skin and abnormal tendon phenotypes initially observed were found to be due to fundamental alterations in collagen fibers, highlighting the crucial role of proteoglycans in general and SLRP's in particular in collagen fibrillogenesis. The altered fibril formation within tissues in turn leads to observable and quantifiable changes at the organismal level. Research into certain fibrotic processes with concomitant upregulation or reduction of decorin makes interesting comparisons with the collagen malformations seen in Dcn−/− mice. Overall, decorin is shown to be a vital player in maintaining skin and tendon integrity at the molecular level, among other functions. Published in 2003.
Single-cell bioelectrical impedance platform for monitoring cellular response to drug treatment

The response of cells to a chemical or biological agent in terms of their impedance changes in real-time is a useful mechanism that can be utilized for a wide variety of biomedical and environmental applications. The use of a single-cell-based analytical platform could be an effective approach to acquiring more sensitive cell impedance measurements, particularly in applications where only diminutive changes in impedance are expected. Here, we report the development of an on-chip cell impedance biosensor with two types of electrodes that host individual cells and cell populations, respectively, to study its efficacy in detecting cellular response. Human glioblastoma (U87MG) cells were patterned on single- and multi-cell electrodes through ligand-mediated natural cell adhesion. We comparatively investigated how these cancer cells on both types of electrodes respond to an ion channel inhibitor, chlorotoxin (CTX), in terms of their shape alternations and impedance changes to exploit the fine detectability of the single-cell-based system. The detecting electrodes hosting single cells exhibited a significant reduction in the real impedance signal, while electrodes hosting confluent monolayer of cells showed little to no impedance change. When single-cell electrodes were treated with CTX of different doses, a dose-dependent impedance change was observed. This enables us to identify the effective dose needed for this particular treatment. Our study demonstrated that this single-cell impedance system may potentially serve as a useful analytical tool for biomedical applications such as environmental toxin detection and drug evaluation.
The use of peritoneal venous shunting for intractable neonatal ascites: a short case series.

Abstract Introduction Intractable ascites in neonates has a varied etiology; and often, the cause is idiopathic. The management usually consists of observation, diuretics, paracentesis, albumin replacements, and self correction. However, in some cases, the above treatment remains unsuccessful. Results We present 2 cases of intractable ascites causing metabolic abnormalities, severe protein and immunoglobulin loss, and respiratory compromise. Although the use of peritoneovenous shunts for intractable ascites has been reported previously, our cases differ in both technique and patient size. Our first patient is an ex–28-week premature, 1.4-kg infant with intractable ascites for which a peritoneal drain was initially placed. After 3 weeks and putting out nearly 300 mL of ascitic fluid daily, we placed a peritoneal venous shunt attached to a Medtronic pump. A 6.6F Broviac was placed through the Internal Jugular. The Medtronic pump was placed subcutaneously on the right chest. The pump was compressed 5 to 10 times every 8 hours, keeping fluid actively being infused from the belly to the vascular system. The second patient was 5 months old, 2.8 kg, with a course complicated by necrotizing enterocolitis, prolonged total parenteral nutrition, and progressive liver failure and underwent the same procedure. Both patients had dramatic responses to the shunting postoperatively, with clinical, radiographic, and laboratory evidence of resolution of the ascites. The first patient had the shunt removed at 6 months of age and continues to do well, whereas our second patient had no recurrence of the ascites, but died about 1 year later from cardiopulmonary complications. Conclusion These 2 cases demonstrate that peritoneovenous shunting, with the assistance of a Medtronic pump, is an effective treatment of intractable neonatal ascites and should be considered early in the course before complications develop.
Fetal citizenship in the borderlands: Arizona's house bill 2443 and state logics of racism and orientalism

In 2011, Arizona passed the ‘Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act of 2011’, which makes it a felony for doctors to knowingly perform an abortion for race or sex selective reasons. To convince the House and Senate to pass House Bill 2443, advocates constructed African American, Asian American and Asian immigrant women's reproduction as troublesome: these women were either victims of a racist, eugenicist family planning organization that sought to limit fertility or they were victims of a sexist heteropatriarchal family structure that prefers male sons. Or, in another rendering, Asian women were cast as ‘backward’ migrants who have not assimilated to American gender equality. My essay argues that House Bill 2443 appears to be about reproduction, but must be understood with a lens that is attentive to racism, colonialism, and anti-immigrant sentiments in Arizona's past and contemporary moment. In other words, state measures that criminalize abortion need to be read against t...
Edge Cities and the Viability of Metropolitan Economies: Contributions to Flexibility and External Linkages by New Urban Service Environments

Economists have had little to say concerning the impact of Edge Cities in metropolitan complexes, much less about how they relate to the economy in general. The present paper is aimed at those concerns. It begins with a general overview of the Edge City concept as put forward by Joel Garreau. Following that it discusses metropolitan change in a pre-Edge City format. It then considers Edge Cities in the context of growth poles and discusses their role in providing economic linkages that facilitate change. The intent is to provide a better understanding of the impact of Edge cities upon host metropolitan areas and the economy at large.
SCALING, PERCOLATION AND COARSENING IN EPITAXIAL THIN FILM GROWTH

Abstract The results of recent theoretical and simulational studies of submonolayer and multilayer homoepitaxial growth is discussed. In the submonolayer regime, the results provide a quantitative explanation for the variation of the island density, critical island size island morphology and size distribution and island coalescence and percolation as a function of temperature and deposition rate. In multilayer growth, a realistic model for homoepitaxial growth on fcc and bcc lattices is presented which takes into account the correct crystal structure. The effects of instabilities which lead to mound formation and coarsening are discussed. An accurate prediction of the observed mound angle for Fe/Fe(1 0 0) deposition is obtained analytically and by kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. The general dependence of the mound angle, and mound coarsening behavior on temperature, deposition rate, and strength of the step barrier in bcc(1 0 0) and fcc(1 0 0) growth is also presented and compared with recent experiments.