cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Analysis of Speech and Linguistics to Characterize Uncertainty in Radiology Reporting

It has been stated that the only certainty in medicine is the pervasiveness of uncertainty [1, 2]. While medicine is often viewed as a science driven by objective data, it must also be considered an art, driven by subjective and often imprecise thought. This imprecise thought often takes the form of uncertainty, which has been described as “a state of having limited knowledge where it is improbable to exactly describe existing state or future outcome” [3]. Ultimately, the underlying goal of medicine (and radiology reporting) is to impart knowledge through accurate and confident decision-making and analysis, leading to improved clinical outcomes. While one would hope that medical decision-making is entirely based upon sound and rational use of scientific data (i.e., evidence-based medicine), this is not always the case in everyday practice. With the increasing volume and complexity of medical data and heightened productivity expectations, healthcare providers are increasingly challenged in rendering accurate and timely decisions [4, 5]. At the same time, the rapid growth of technology and scientific knowledge has paradoxically created an increase in uncertainty in medical decision-making [6]. This is especially true for radiology providers, who are often tasked with interpreting complex imaging exams in the absence of comprehensive clinical data, which in part is due to the lack of clinical and imaging information systems integration [7]. The net result is often contrary to the desired goal. Indecisive decisions are often rendered in the radiology report in an attempt to fulfill workflow expectations, which in turn can lead to increased occupational stress and additional error [8]. While this would imply that uncertainty in medicine decision-making is inherently bad, this is not necessarily true. Uncertainty does not always imply limitations on the part of the physician, but can instead be the result of insufficient, poor quality, or inconclusive data (i.e., external uncertainty). The alternative form of uncertainty is internal uncertainty, which is due to an individual’s lack of knowledge or decisiveness and implies deficiency on the part of the individual decision-maker. Both forms of uncertainty permeate medical practice and play an important role in clinical outcomes. As a result, it is important to understand the causative factors associated with uncertainty, develop effective methods for quantifying and characterizing uncertainty, and create intervention strategies to combat uncertainty related to deficient knowledge and/or decisiveness.
The effect of lithium carbonate on chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and thrombocytopenia

Lithium carbonate ameliorates neutropenia associated with cancer chemotherapy. The effect of lithium on platelet suppression has not, however, been well established. In the present study, five patients with ovarian carcinoma received daily lithium during alternate cycles of treatment with hexamethylmelamine, cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, and cis-platinum. Analysis of myelosuppression was performed on 24 paired consecutive cycles given at identical doses, one with and one without lithium. During lithium cycles, nadir leukocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts were significantly higher (P less than 0.01, less than 0.01, less than 0.05 respectively) and the interval between treatments was shorter (P less than 0.01). One patient who has received 11 cycles of chemotherapy continues to receive 100% doses owing to the beneficial effect of lithium on chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. Lithium was poorly tolerated by some patients because of either tremor or nausea and vomiting, in spite of nontoxic serum lithium levels. The amelioration of drug-induced platelet suppression as well as neutrophil suppression noted in this study suggests that lithium's effect on hematopoiesis is not limited to stimulation of neutrophil production. The ability of lithium to decrease chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression suggests that lithium administration may facilitate escalation of chemotherapy doses in selected patients.
Parametric study of microreactor design for water gas shift reactor using an integrated reaction and heat exchange model

This paper discusses the development of an integrated reaction and heat exchange approach to microreactor design that enhances reaction yields by allowing the reactant stream to follow optimal reactant temperature profiles. The paper details the formulation of both one-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) models for the integrated reaction and heat exchange reactor design, and applies these models to a parametric study of microreactor designs for the water gas shift (WGS) reaction. The parametric study investigated the sensitivities of design parameters for both the parallel flow and counter flow configurations of the integrated reaction and heat exchange design. Results from the study are presented and discussed, and the preferred operating ranges of the parameters are identified for both configurations. A key finding of this study is the identification of the marked extension of the range of permissible wall thermal conductivities for high conversion efficiencies (greater than 85%) that is achieved by the counter flow integrated reactor configuration, thereby enabling the fabrication of microreactor components in conventional engineering materials. In addition, the integrated microreactor approach achieved higher catalyst utilization noted by a marked reduction in catalyst amount (of the order of 50%) when compared to a conventional adiabatic microreactor operating at the same level of conversion efficiency.
Should we rely only on physician-diagnosed arthritis?

The purpose of this study was to compare Latinos who have chronic joint pain symptoms that have been diagnosed as arthritis by a physician with those who have chronic joint pain symptoms but have not received a physician’s diagnosis of arthritis. This study is based on a recently completed survey of 588 Latinos interviewed, using a convenience sampling approach. Of the 576 Latinos with chronic joint pain, 45% were physician-diagnosed with arthritis. For all age groups, using the chi-square test, we found no differences between the two groups in terms of over-the-counter drug use, application of home therapies, use of vitamins, and self-assessed health status. Physician-diagnosed participants were more likely to have health insurance, to have seen a health professional, to use prescription drugs, and to have co-morbid conditions. Eliminating the question about chronic joint pain symptoms from BRFSS poses potential harm to the uninsured and to minority populations by underestimating the burden of arthritis on this population.
Green's function Monte Carlo study of light nuclei

The first Green's function Monte Carlo calculations of A=3 and 4 nuclei with spin-dependent interactions are reported. Green's function Monte Carlo methods for calculating the properties of coupled channel quantum systems are described in detail, including both exact and approximate schemes. Results are presented for A=3 and 4 nuclei with a V6 interaction. For the triton, the Green's function Monte Carlo calculations are compared with Faddeev and variational methods. Green's function Monte Carlo calculations of the alpha particle provide the first test of variational methods for systems with spin-dependent interactions. For this interaction, variational methods underestimate the binding energy of the alpha particle by \ensuremath{\approxeq}2 MeV. Other ground state properties of light nuclei have also been determined. Implications of these results for more realistic interactions are discussed, along with the possibility of future extensions of Green's function Monte Carlo methods to treat momentum dependent and three nucleon interactions.
Optical design of a red-sensitive spectrograph

We present a preliminary design for a red-sensitive spectrograph. The spectrograph is optimized to operate over the 600- 1000 nm spectral range at a resolution of R = λ/uλ ~2000 and is designed specifically for the 2.7-m Harlan J. Smith Telescope at McDonald Observatory. The design is compact and cost effective and should have very high throughput. The principles of the design can be extended to other purposes, such as a unit spectrograph for the DESpec project or other projects that require good performance in the red. In this paper, we will discuss the selection of components as well as the choice of optical layouts and the theoretical throughput of the instrument.
Laser vibrometer measurements and middle ear prostheses

One of us has developed an improved partial ossicular replacement prosthesis that is easier to implant and, based on pilot clinical measurements, results in better high-frequency hearing as compared to patients receiving one of the alternative prostheses. It is hypothesized that the primary reason for this is because of the relatively light weight (about 25 mg) and low compliance of the prosthesis, which could conceivably result in better high frequency vibrational characteristics. The purpose of our initial work was to develop an instrument suitable for objectively testing the vibrational characteristics of prostheses. We have developed a laser based device suitable for measuring the vibrational characteristics of the oval window or other structures of the middle ear. We have tested this device using a piezoelectric transducer excited at audio frequencies, as well as on the oval window in human temporal bones harvested from cadavers. The results illustrate that it is possible to non-invasively monitor the vibrational characteristics of anatomic structures with a very inexpensive photonic device.
A process-oriented guided inquiry approach to teaching medicinal chemistry

Objective. To integrate process-oriented guided-inquiry learning (POGIL) team-based activities into a 1-semester medicinal chemistry course for doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students and determine the outcomes. Design. Students in the fall 2007 section of the Medicinal Chemistry course were taught in a traditional teacher-centered manner, with the majority of class time spent on lectures and a few practice question sets. Students in the fall 2008 and fall 2009 sections of Medicinal Chemistry spent approximately 40% of class time in structured self-selected teams where they worked through guided-inquiry exercises to supplement the lecture material. Assessment. The mean examination score of students in the guided-inquiry sections (fall 2008 and fall 2009) was almost 3 percentage points higher than that of students in the fall 2007 class (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the grade distribution shifted from a B-C centered distribution (fall 2007 class) to an A-B centered distribution (fall 2008 and fall 2009 classes). C...
The redundancy of texts in three languages

The procedure that predicts the mean information per letter in a long text by adding the constraint measured between pairs of letters in a text has been tested more fully. Results are presented to show that with randomized texts there is a close approximation to the Miller-Madow prediction of sample bias. Three samples of English of varying complexity show slightly more information per single letter and much more information in an average letter for the more difficult material. Conversely, samples from Samoan, English, and Russian show some constancy in the average information per letter in spite of wide differences in size of their alphabets. Thus, greater redundancy is correlated with a larger alphabet.
Hereditary Aspects of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia; a Retrospective Analysis

Summary. A family with three siblings involved in autoimmune hemolytic anemia is presented. One sibling had an idiopathic variety of the Evans' syndrome type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The other two siblings had secondary forms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, with plasma cell myeloma present in one and systemic lupus erythematosus in the other. A retrospective analysis of the family histories of forty-four patients with idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia revealed that 20 % had family members involved in clinically detectable autoimmune disease. The hypothesis is presented that autoimmune hemolytic anemia results from a fundamental aberration of the immune apparatus which prevents the establishment of a normal immune homeostatic mechanism. This abnormality appears to be transmitted on a familial basis, and is not primarily related to erythrocyte immune homeostasis. As such, the concept of ‘idiopathic’ autoimmune hemolytic anemia may be illusory and simply represent a partial diagnosis of a more generalized medical disorder.
The representation of comparative relations and the transitive inference task

Abstract Two experiments tested a conjecture that a common representation, a linear order, underlies the processing of all comparatives. In Expt I, third-grade children learned the relations between adjacent pairs in a series of six faces and were tested on all possible pairs, using comparisons of height, weight, happiness, and niceness. Both the serial position effect in training and an inverse relationship between decision time and number of inferential steps in testing supported the hypothesis that linear orders were constructed from the pairwise relations. When allowed to organize a second set of faces as an external mnemonic, children constructed linear orders and training was dramatically facilitated. In Expt II, children who were shown nonlinear displays of pairs constructed linear memory representations in a task where memory was not required. The data strongly suggest that (a) linear orders are a common mode of representation for comparative relations, (b) people use these ordered sets to draw inferences about members of the set, and (c) formal deductive logic may not characterize the processes used by children to draw transitive inferences.
Finite-temperature properties of sodium clusters.

We present geometric and energetic properties of sodium clusters with 8, 14, 20, 30, and 40 atoms using an effective many-body interaction among sodium atoms in the framework of an improved isothermal molecular-dynamics approach. These clusters undergo two phase transitions and the two transition temperatures increase with the cluster size. These phase transitions are the equivalents of bulk melting and of boiling in a finite system. However, finite particle effects are particularly strong. These clusters show a more pronounced thermal expansion than the bulk, with significant nonlinear effects. Both the shape and size change rather dramatically with the temperature and the ionic degrees of freedom give a dominating contribution to the entropy, thus effectively controlling the thermal behavior of these clusters.
Importance of the stereo-orientation of aromatic groups in enkephalins to opiate receptor recognition

Abstract Dehydrophenylalanine (ΔPhe) having the E-configuration (Δ E Phe; phenyl and CO cis) was incorporated into [Leu 5 ]-enkephalin in order to restrict its conformation. Compared with the Z-isomer, in the radio-ligand receptor binding assays, [D-Ala 2 , Δ E Phe 4 , Leu 5 ] enkephalin showed drastically decreased potency for the delta and mu opiate receptors, i.e., 260- and 150-fold loss of affinity, respectively. The results strongly indicate that the opiate receptors require the Z-configuration (phenyl and CO, trans) of the ΔPhe 4 residue and may require a specific interrelationship between the aromatic rings of the Tyr 1 and Phe 4 residues in the molecule for binding. The conformation of [Leu 5 ]-enkephalin specific for the delta receptors was analyzed and a comparison made with its crystal structure recently elucidated.
Projections from bed nuclei of the stria terminalis, magnocellular nucleus: Implications for cerebral hemisphere regulation of micturition, defecation, and penile erection

The basic structural organization of axonal projections from the small but distinct magnocellular and ventral nuclei (of the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis) was analyzed with the Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin anterograde tract tracing method in adult male rats. The former's overall projection pattern is complex, with over 80 distinct terminal fields ipsilateral to injection sites. Innervated regions in the cerebral hemisphere and brainstem fall into nine general functional categories: cerebral nuclei, behavior control column, orofacial motor-related, humorosensory/thirst-related, brainstem autonomic control network, neuroendocrine, hypothalamic visceromotor pattern-generator network, thalamocortical feedback loops, and behavioral state control. The most novel findings indicate that the magnocellular nucleus projects to virtually all known major parts of the brain network that controls pelvic functions, including micturition, defecation, and penile erection, as well as to brain networks controlling nutrient and body water homeostasis. This and other evidence suggests that the magnocellular nucleus is part of a corticostriatopallidal differentiation modulating and coordinating pelvic functions with the maintenance of nutrient and body water homeostasis. Projections of the ventral nucleus are a subset of those generated by the magnocellular nucleus, with the obvious difference that the ventral nucleus does not project detectably to Barrington's nucleus, the subfornical organ, the median preoptic and parastrial nuclei, the neuroendocrine system, and midbrain orofacial motor-related regions.
Influence of the molecular weight of poly(methyl methacrylate) on fracture morphology in notched tension

Abstract Specimens of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were prepared by radiolysis of a polymer from an initial viscosity-average molecular weight ( M v ) of 1.2 × 10 6 down to 2.6 × 10 3 . At a molecular weight of 1 × 10 5 , abrupt changes in fracture morphology were observed correlating with a similarly abrupt decrease in fracture surface energy (γ). As the molecular weight was decreased further, the fracture morphology resembled more that of very brittle materials such as silicate glasses. Evidence was obtained that Wallner lines can influence the disposition of ribs but not their spacing. An empirical relationship was established between functions of rib spacing ( r ) and fracture surface energy.
Extreme Adaptive Optics Testbed: Results and Future Work

'Extreme' adaptive optics systems are optimized for ultra-high-contrast applications, such as ground-based extrasolar planet detection. The Extreme Adaptive Optics Testbed at UC Santa Cruz is being used to investigate and develop technologies for high-contrast imaging, especially wavefront control. A simple optical design allows us to minimize wavefront error and maximize the experimentally achievable contrast before progressing to a more complex set-up. A phase shifting diffraction interferometer is used to measure wavefront errors with sub-nm precision and accuracy. We have demonstrated RMS wavefront errors of 10{sup -7} over a substantial region using a shaped pupil. Current work includes the installation and characterization of a 1024-actuator Micro-Electro-Mechanical- Systems (MEMS) deformable mirror, manufactured by Boston Micro-Machines, which will be used for wavefront control. In our initial experiments we can flatten the deformable mirror to 1.8-nm RMS wavefront error within a control radius of 5-13 cycles per aperture. Ultimately this testbed will be used to test all aspects of the system architecture for an extrasolar planet-finding AO system.
Vesicoureteral Reflux and Reflux Nephropathy

Primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the commonest congenital urological abnormality in children, which has been associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and renal scarring, also called reflux nephropathy (RN). In children, RN is diagnosed mostly after UTI (acquired RN) or during follow-up for antenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis with no prior UTI (congenital RN). The acquired RN is more common in female children, whereas the congenital RN is more common in male children. This observation in children might help explain the differences in the clinical presentation of RN in adults, with males presenting mostly with hypertension, proteinuria, and progressive renal failure as compared with females who present mostly with recurrent UTI and have a better outcome. Known risk factors for RN include the severity of VUR, recurrent UTI, and bladder-bowel dysfunction; younger age and delay in treatment of UTI are believed to be other risk factors. Management of VUR is controversial and includes antimicrobial prophylaxis, surgical intervention, or surveillance only. No evidence-based guidelines exist for appropriate follow-up of patients with RN.
SURVEY OF BAT POPULATIONS FROM MEXICO AND PARAGUAY FOR RABIES

A mammalian survey was conducted in Mexico (October 1994–January 1996) and in Paraguay (August 1996–March 1997); a complete specimen was collected for each bat in the survey, including primary voucher specimen, ectoparasites, karyotype, and various frozen tissues. The surveys combined provided 937 brain samples (65 bat species) for rabies diagnosis. One male Lasiurus ega, collected in Paraguay, tested positive for the rabies virus (overall prevalence rate of 0.1%). Nucleotide sequence from a 300 bp region of the rabies nucleoprotein gene was compared with sequence obtained from representative rabies virus samples in the repository at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, Georgia, USA). Rabies virus extracted from the brain material of L. ega differed by only one nucleotide from a 300 bp consensus sequence (>99% homology) derived from samples for the variant of rabies virus transmitted by Lasiurus cinereus. Lasiurus ega differed by approximately 15% for the variant transmitted by Desmodu...
Laboratory Comparison of Polyethylene and Dialysis Membrane Diffusion Samplers

The ability of diffusion samplers constructed from regenerated cellulose dialysis membrane and low density, lay flat polyethylene tubing to collect volatile organic compounds and inorganic ions was compared in a laboratory study. Concentrations of vinyl chloride, cis-1, 2-dichloroethene, bromochloromethane, trichloroethene, bromodichloromethane, and tetrachloroethene collected by both types of diffusion samplers reached equilibrium with the concentrations of these compounds in test solution within three days. Concentrations of bromide and iron collected by the dialysis membrane diffusion samplers reached equilibrium with the concentrations of these compounds in a test solution within three to seven days. No detectable concentrations of bromide or iron were found in polyethylene diffusion samplers even after 21 days. No measurable concentrations of aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, iron, mercury, manganese, nickel, and lead, or sulfide, were leached out of dialysis membrane samplers over seven days. Compared with using a gas-tight syringe to sample the diffusion sampler, clipping the bag and pouring the water sample into a sample vial resulted in only a small 6.2% average loss of volatile organic compounds. Dialysis membrane diffusion samplers offer promise for use in sampling ground water for inorganic constituents as well as volatile organic compounds.
On-column solvent exchange for purified preparative fractions.

On-column solvent exchange, using many of the principles of solid-phase extraction, has been implemented to significantly reduce evaporation cycle time following reverse-phase preparative HPLC. Additional benefits, such as a reduced potential for salt formation, thermal decomposition, and residual solvent, are also described.Fractions obtained from preparative separations, typically in a large volume of acetonitrile:water, are injected into the preparative HPLC and then eluted in acetonitrile, creating a new fraction in a volatile organic solvent. Minimal modification to the instrument was required, and unattended operation is possible. Acetonitrile evaporation is achieved within 3 h, compared with 17 h for aqueous-based fractions; lower temperatures can be used during the evaporation step; mobile-phase additives, likely to form salts with the target compound if concentrated in the fraction, are removed before evaporation; sample recovery and purity are unaffected.
Boroxine chemistry and applications: A perspective

This perspective summarizes the chemistry of boroxines and outlines progress towards incorporating these ring structures into functional materials and macromolecular architectures. Special attention is paid to the dynamic covalent chemistry of boroxine ring construction and how these processes lead to novel molecular architectures and functional materials. Also highlighted in this perspective is the rich chemistry surrounding boroxine–ligand interactions and how these interactions flavor many areas of boroxine chemistry.
Denaturation of metalloproteins with EDTA to facilitate enzymatic digestion and mass fingerprinting

Metal ions bound to a protein often stabilize tertiary and/or quaternary structure. Consequently, the digestion of metalloproteins that precedes analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry is frequently incomplete. It is demonstrated that ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) successfully destabilizes metalloprotein structure and thereby facilitates tryptic digestion and protein identification.
Three-Dimensional Dynamic Simulation of Total Knee Replacement Motion During a Step-Up Task

A three-dimensional dynamic model of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articulations was developed to predict the motions of knee implants during a step-up activity. Patterns of muscle activity, initial joint angles and velocities, and kinematics of the hip and tinkle were measured experimentally and used as inputs to the simulation. Prosthetic knee kinematics were determined by integration of dynamic equations of motion subject to forces generated by muscles, ligaments, and contact at both the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articulations. The modeling of contacts between implants did not rely upon explicit constraint equations; thus, changes in the number of contact points were allowed without modification to the model formulation. The simulation reproduced experimentally measured flexion-extension angle of the knee (within one standard deviation), but translations at the tibiofemoral articulations were larger during the simulated step-up task than those reported for patients with total knee replacements.
Functional aspects of murine endolymphatic sac in tissue culture.

A recent report from our laboratory describes techniques for growing fetal murine endolymphatic sac (ELS) in vitro in tissue culture. The purpose of the present study is twofold: first, to determine whether the in vitro endolymphatic cells function in their artificial environment; and second, to begin to understand the nature of luminal cell function in vitro when separated from subepithelial connective tissue and blood. The endolymphatic sac was dissected from 18th gestational day fetal mouse otocysts and grown in DME tissue culture media for 7 days. Light microscopic sections of the endolymphatic sac were stained with Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) reagent, alcian blue, Verhoff s elastin stain, and van Gieson's collagen stain to reveal deposits of glycogen as well as mucopolysaccharides, elastic fibers, and collagen. Controls for glycogen staining were prepared using the amylase enzyme. For electron microscopical evaluation, ‘en bloc’ staining was used, to confirm the location of cellular glycogen. Results ...
Preview of the 1993 IEEE GaAs IC symposium

Abstract As the 1993 GaAs IC Symposium kicks off this fall in San Jose, CA, USA, it will celebrate 15 years as the leading international forum on developments in ICs using GaAs, InP, and other compound semiconductors.
Detection Limits for Nanoscale Biosensors

We examine through analytical calculations and finite element simulations how the detection efficiency of disk and wire-like biosensors in unmixed fluids varies with size from the micrometer to nanometer scales. Specifically, we determine the total flux of DNA-like analyte molecules on a sensor as a function of time and flow rate for a sensor incorporated into a microfluidic system. In all cases, sensor size and shape profoundly affect the total analyte flux. The calculations reveal that reported femtomolar detection limits for biomolecular assays are very likely an analyte transport limitation, not a signal transduction limitation. We conclude that without directed transport of biomolecules, individual nanoscale sensors will be limited to picomolar-order sensitivity for practical time scales.
A mathematical model of hepatitis C virus dynamics in patients with high baseline viral loads or advanced liver disease.

Background & Aims Patients with baseline hepatitis C virus-RNA levels (bHCV-RNA) > 6 log IU/mL or cirrhosis have a reduced probability of a sustained-virologic response (SVR). We examined the relation between bHCV-RNA, cirrhosis, and SVR with a mathematical model that includes the critical-drug efficacy (ϵ c ; the efficacy required for a drug to clear HCV), the infection-rate constant (β), and the percentage of HCV-infected hepatocytes (π). Methods The relation between baseline factors and SVR was evaluated in 1000 in silico HCV-infected patients, generated by random assignment of realistic host and viral kinetic parameters. Model predictions were compared with clinical data from 170 noncirrhotic and 75 cirrhotic patients. Results The ranges chosen for β and the viral production rate ( p ) resulted in bHCV-RNA levels that were in agreement with the distribution observed in US patients. With these β and p values, higher bHCV-RNA levels led to higher ϵ c , resulting in lower SVR rates. However, higher β values resulted in lower bHCV-RNA levels but higher π and ϵ c , predicting lower rates of SVR. Cirrhotic patients had lower bHCV-RNA levels than noncirrhotic patients ( P = .013), and more had bHCV-RNA levels P Conclusions Our model predicts that higher bHCV-RNA levels lead to higher ϵ c , reducing the chance of achieving SVR; cirrhotic patients have lower SVR rates because of large π values, caused by increased rates of hepatocyte infection.
Divide and conquer: a four-fold docking experience of agent-based models

Verification and validation (V&V) techniques are used in agent-based modeling (ABM) to determine whether the model is an accurate representation of the real system. Docking is a form of V&V that tries to align multiple simulation models. In a previous paper, we described the docking process of an ABM that simulates the life cycle of Anopheles gambiae. Results showed that the implementations were docked for adult but not for aquatic mosquito populations. In this paper, following the ‘Divide and Conquer’ paradigm, we compartmentalize the simulation world to prohibit the propagation of errors between compartments. Using four separate implementations that sprung from the same core model, we describe a series of docking experiments, analyze the results, and show how they lead to a successful dock. The complete four-fold docking encompasses verification between the four implementations, as well as validation against the core model with respect to these implementations.
Alternative programming interfaces for alternative programmers

This paper seeks to broaden the view of what programming is, who programs, and how programming fits in to larger systems. With growing frequency, people are approaching programming from unlikely backgrounds such as the arts. Often these new programmers bring with them ways of working which are incompatible with mainstream programming practices, but which allow for new possibilities in programming interfaces. This paper makes suggestions for the design of these new programming interfaces. It presents as a case study and demonstration Recursive Drawing. Recursive Drawing is a reimplementation of the textual programming language Context Free as a graphical, directly manipulable interface. Instead of a compiler or interpreter, Recursive Drawing's programming interface is modeled as a constraint solver. This allows the programmer to modify the program's source code by manipulating the program's output. Additionally, the design of the interface focuses on program transformation, rather than program construction.
Adaptation to HIV Infection: The Development of Coping Strategies Over Time

The purpose of this study was to understand the use of coping strategies in adapting to an HIV-positive diagnosis. Also, the question of whether there was an underlying developmental process, in the sense of movement from less adaptive to more adaptive strategies, was addressed. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 HIV-positive individuals younger than age 45. Analysis of the qualitative data using the constant comparative method revealed that specific coping strategies were used immediately after diagnosis and differed from those later employed. The developmental process uncovered in this study included a period of transition that served as the testing ground for the following adaptive strategies: humor, faith, altruism, seeking the support of others, and balance.
Analysis of spatial variation of nuclear morphology in tissue microenvironments

We present a study of the spatial variation of nuclear morphology of stromal and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the mouse mammary gland. The work is part of a framework being developed for the analysis of the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer. Recent research has uncovered the role of stromal cells in promoting tumor growth and progression. In specific, studies have indicated that stromal fibroblasts - formerly considered to be passive entities in the extra-cellular matrix - play an active role in the progression of tumor in mammary tissue. We have focused on the analysis of the nuclear morphology of fibroblasts, which several studies have shown to be a critical phenotype in cancer. An essential component of our approach is that the nuclear morphology is studied within the 3D spatial context of the tissue, thus enabling us to pose questions about how the locus of a cell relates to its morphology, and possibly to its function. In order to make quantitative comparisons between nuclear populations, we build statistical shape models of cell populations and infer differences between the populations through these models. We present our observation on both normal and tumor tissues from the mouse mammary gland.
Laboratory Space and the Technological Complex: An Investigation of Topical Contextures

There can be no doubt about the moral and epistemological significance of what Shapin (1988) calls the “physical place” of the scientific laboratory. The physical place is defined by the locales, barriers, ports of entry, and lines of sight that bound the laboratory and separate it from other urban and architectural environments. Shapin's discussion of the emergence of the scientific laboratory in seventeenth-century England provides a convincing demonstration that credible knowledge is situated at an intersection between physical locales and social distinctions. In this paper I take up Shapin's theme of the “siting of knowledge production,” but I give it a different treatment – one based on ethnomethodological studies of work (Garfinkel 1986; Garfinkel et al. 1981; Garfinkel et al. 1989; Livingston 1986; Liberman 1985; Lynch 1985a; Lynch et al. 1983; Bjelic and Lynch forthcoming; Morrison 1990; MacBeth 1989). Without denying all that can be witnessed in the spectacle of the scientist at the bench and of the architectural habitat of the bench, I argue that the “place” of scientific work is defined by locally organized topical contextures. The paper describes two examples of such spatial orders – “opticism” and “digitality” – associated with distinct complexes of equipment and practice. These topical spaces might initially be viewed as “ideal” or “symbolic” spaces, but I argue that they are no less material (and no less social) than the “physical setting” of the laboratory; indeed, they are the physical setting.
Physiological effects of heat stress on Hawaiian picture-wing Drosophila: genome-wide expression patterns and stress-related traits

Climate change is compounding the threats to the future of biodiversity, already impacted by habitat loss, invasive species and diseases. In the Hawaiian Islands, many of the endemic species have narrow habitat ranges that make them especially vulnerable to climate change. The Hawaiian Drosophila, a remarkably diverse group of species with 11 listed as federally endangered, are thought to be sensitive to temperature changes. To examine the species differences in sensitivity of Hawaiian picture-wing Drosophila to temperature changes, wild populations of Drosophila sproati, a relatively common species, and Drosophila silvestris, a rare species, were collected from two locations on Hawaii Island and bred in common laboratory conditions. Adult flies were exposed to hot and cold temperatures and compared with adult flies at control temperatures. Drosophila silvestris adults were less tolerant to heat stress than D. sproati for both survival and sperm mobility. In contrast, D. silvestris adults were more tolerant to cold stress than D. sproati for adult survival. The expression of 4950 Gene Ontology annotated gene transcripts was also analysed in high-temperature-treated and control males to identify candidate genes related to heat tolerance. There were more than twice as many transcripts differentially expressed after high temperature treatment for D. silvestris (246 transcripts) as for D. sproati (106 transcripts), with 13 Gene Ontology terms enriched between temperatures for D. silvestris and merely three in D. sproati. The combined results are consistent with D. sproati occurring more widely today as well as occurring at lower elevations than D. silvestris and with a genetically based temperature response, which is more severe in D. silvestris at high temperatures than that in D. sproati. These experiments demonstrate the potential for different capacities of species to adapt to future climate change conditions as well as providing an explanation for historical changes in the distribution of species.
The direct demonstration of an X-chromosome dosage effect prior to inactivation.

When the X-linked enzyme, hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT), was found to increase significantly in activity during the morula stage of preimplantation mouse embryonic development (Epstein 1970), it was obvious that this enzyme would be a useful marker for studying the control of X-chromosome expression. This conviction was strengthened by the finding that, while still present at the 2-cell stage, the gene dosage effect related to the number of X chromosomes present during oogenesis is no longer present after blastulation, indicating that the increase in HGPRT activity is determined by the embryonic genome (Epstein 1972).
The Right to Conscience and the First Amendment

This paper explores the current state of the right to conscience in health care. Most of the paper focuses on the First Amendment law on this topic. It has become increasingly clear that the United States Constitution provides very little protection for religious liberty in this context. Although I support conscience rights under certain circumstances, I largely agree that the source of these rights should not be the First Amendment. Properly interpreted, the First Amendment does not generally provide a basis for conscience rights. In addition, I think the push for a broad right to conscience, as a matter of federal constitutional law, might be counterproductive. Such advocacy may contribute to the privatization of religion and to the undermining of sound ideas of public morality. Nevertheless, there are sound arguments to support legal (if not federal constitutional) protection for conscience rights. The source of these rights should rather be based on sub-constitutional protection developed on a case-by-case basis. These protections — largely statutory protections adopted on a case-by-case basis — do offer hope for significant protection for conscience and advocacy. The moral views reflected in these claims of conscience may in the long run help to largely eliminate the need for conscience rights.
George Lichtheim: Sketch for an Intellectual Portrait

Why is this conference dedicated to George Lichtheim? Not, I think, because of his early journalistic work in Jerusalem, important as it was at the time, and not even because of the great impact of his personality upon all who knew him, but rather because of his contribution to Marxist scholarship. In all that has been written about George Lichtheim since his death, no intellectual portrait has emerged based upon his contribution to Marxist studies. But only such a portrait would do justice to his memory. I cannot write such a portrait here, but before a scholarly conference called in his name I must attempt to assemble some of the pieces which should go into such a portrait, and indicate what I believe were the main themes which informed his mind and his approach to Marxism. This is how George Lichtheim would liked to have been remembered, and this is the way he should live on in history.
The dentist's role in access to dental care by Medicaid recipients

This study uses a decision analytic approach to assess the dentist9s role in access to care by Medicaid recipients. The question of whether a private dentist, when given the choice, will schedule a Medicaid or non-Medicaid patient is examined. The model considers factors frequently reported to influence dentist9s decisions over whether to accept Medicaid recipients into their practices. Factors include reimbursement rates, probability of broken appointments, and likelihood of reimbursement. The model permits calculation of the expected benefits in dollars for comparable treatment of Medicaid and non-Medicaid patients. Under a variety of conditions, it is shown that the strategy to schedule a non-Medicaid patient dominates alternative strategies in which Medicaid recipients are scheduled. Policy implications of these results are discussed.
Dust Control at the Live Station in Poultry Processing Plants

Abstract An enclosed environmental chamber for the live-hang area of a poultry processing plant was designed, constructed, and tested for the purpose of improving working conditions for live-hang workers. The new chamber reduced dust concentration by 91.5% when compared to dust measurements made in the same area prior to installation of the new system. The new system employed a zone control concept, so only the area where workers were located was dust scrubbed, air-conditioned, and heated. Cost of the system was approximately $8,500.
Accessing Services for Youth With Emotional Disturbances in and After High School

This study uses data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 to examine the rates at which youth with emotional disturbances received services during and up to 8 years after high school. ...
Mucosal immunity and gastrointestinal antigen processing.

The intestine is the largest lymphoid organ in the body by virtue of lymphocyte numbers and quantity of immunoglobulin produced. This is largely related to the enormous antigen load to which these cells are exposed on a daily basis. However, despite this, the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue appears to be regulated by unique mechanisms, and this is reflected in specific phenomena (oral tolerance, controlled or physiologic inflammation) as well as unusual lymphoid populations (intra-epithelial lymphocytes) that respond to alternative pathways of activation. This, coupled with the existence of novel antigen-presenting cells (intestinal epithelial cells) sets the scene for distinct immune responses. It is these distinct regulatory factors that support immunosuppression or tolerance rather than active immunity at a site juxtaposed to the external environment. This review defines these novel interactions and suggests how alteration in normal function may result in allergic or inflammatory responses. A clearer understanding of mucosal immunoregulation may lead to new therapeutic approaches for these diseases.
Abstract 134: Activation of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor by O-glycosylation Through Hyperglycemia

Introduction: Hypertension and diabetes are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease, however why they frequently occur together is not clear. Inappropriate mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation is associated with diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, as well as hypertension and abnormal cardiovascular remodeling. MR antagonists are effective in reducing hypertension and delaying the onset of renal and cardiovascular complications in diabetes despite circulating aldosterone levels that are within normal limits. Glucose concentrations increase O-glycosylation of many proteins, thus alter their function. Hence, we hypothesized that increased O-GlcNac modification of the MR by high glucose enhances MR activation. Methods: MR transcriptional activity was studied in a mouse cortical collecting duct (M1) cell line stably transfected with a cDNA construct including the MR and one with a hormone-response element driving a Gaussia luciferase reporter gene. The cells were incubated for 48 h with low (5mM) or high (25mM) glucose media with and without Thiamet-G (TMG), an O-GlcNAcase inhibitor to inhibit deglycosylation, and 6-diazo-5-oxonorleucine (DON), a glucosamine-fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase inhibitor (GFAT) to reduce O-GlcNAc levels. Additionally, MR and GR antagonists were used to identify receptor specificity under low and high glucose conditions. O-GlcNac-modified MR was co-immunoprecipitated with an MR antibody and detected with an O-GlcNAc antibody. Results: 1. Co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that high glucose and TMG increased O-GlcNac-MR by 3-fold. 2. Compared to low glucose, treatment with high glucose and with TMG increased the transcriptional activity of MR by 300%. 3. DON decreased MR-reporter activity by 75%. 4. High glucose alone had no significant basal effect but significantly increased MR activation by aldosterone. 5. MR reporter activity was increased similarly by aldosterone and corticosterone. Conclusion: High glucose increased glycosylation of the MR, augmenting its transcriptional activity. Enhancement of MR activation by hyperglycemia may explain how MRs play a significant role in the cardiorenal pathology in Diabetes.
The dendritic cells loaded with RPL8 protein inhibits the growth of breast cancer in mice

This study aim ed to explore the anti-tumor effect of RPL8-DC on breast cancer in mice. RPL8 gene was amplified from plasmid p UC57-RPL8 with PCR, and cloned into p ET28α(+) prokaryotic expression vector. The recombinant protein was achieved through IPTG induction in E. coli and identified with SDS-PAGE and Western blot, and then loaded on bone marrow-derived DC. RPL8 and CD11 c, CD80, MHC- Ⅰ, MHC- Ⅱmolecules on the dentritic cells were detected by fluorescence microscope and FACS analysis, respectively. The anti-tumor effect of T cells in vitro was detected by MTT assay. Subcutaneous tumors were induced in Balb/c mice using 4T1 cells. The tumor size and survival time of the mice were observed after RPL8-DC injection. DCs pulsed by RPL8 were visualized under fluorescent microscopy. Data showed that CD11 c, CD80, MHC- Ⅰ, MHC- Ⅱmolecules on DCs were up-regulated after stimulation with LPS; 4T1 cells were inhibited in vitro by T cells stimulated with RPL8-DC(P 0.05); the inhibition rate of tumor cells was 70% in RPL8-DC group when effectorto-target ratio was 30∶1, which was higher than those of PBS and DC groups. Inhibition of tumor growth was more significantly in mice after the treatment with RPL8-DC(P 0.05). The mice receiving the therapy of RPL8-DC were able to survive much longer than the mice receiving control therapy. The result indicated that the DC pulsed by RPL8 protein can inhibit the growth of breast cancer, providing a theoretical basis for the immune therapy of breast cancer.