cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Dosage form on Antipyretic Activity of Acetaminophen Administered Intraperitoneally in the Rat

The relatively insoluble drug, acetaminophen, administered as a solution and injected intraperitoneally in rats, has been shown to produce an antipyretic response approximately twice that of the same dose administered as a suspension. This experiment indicates that ED50, LD50, and relative potency calculations may be inaccurately determined if dosage form influences on biological availability of insoluble drugs are not considered in the design and evaluation of animal drug testing procedures.
3:35 Can currently used electrical stimulators reliably obtain transcranial motor-evoked potentials?

Abstract Purpose of study: Transcranial motor-evoked potentials (TCMEPs) are increasingly being used in conjunction with somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) during spinal surgery to more comprehensively monitor spinal cord function. The use of multipulse stimulation technique allows responses to be elicited with trains of lower current pulses [1]. Our initial experience suggests that electrical stimulators as currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are inadequate for eliciting lower-limb TCMEPs in a clinically reliable manner. Methods used: We reviewed our first 41 consecutive spinal surgical cases over a 14-month period during which both TCMEPs and SSEPs were monitored. TCMEPs were elicited by passing up to seven monophasic anodal or cathodal electrical pulses (as high as 200 mA, 500 usec duration, 300 Hz) through subdermal needle electrodes placed 2 cm anterior to C3 and C4. Pairs of subdermal recording needles were placed over the adductor magnus, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius and thenar muscles. Primarily an intravenous anesthetic technique was used. Short-acting neuromuscular blockage was used during induction and spinal exposure. of findings: TCMEPs were successfully recorded from both lower limbs in only 66% of cases (27 of 41). In contrast, tibial nerve SSEPs were successfully recorded in 98% of cases (40 of 41). A subgroup of patients premedicated with Clonidine increased the success rate of obtaining TCMEPs from 56% (14 of 25 cases without Clonidine) to 80% (13 of 16 cases with Clonidine). Relationship between findings and existing knowledge: In this study, using current FDA-approved electrical stimulators, TCMEPs could not be reliably elicited for monitoring spinal cord function. Overall significance of findings: We think that electrical stimulators capable of delivering greater currents in combination with refinement of anesthetic technique may be necessary to elicit TCMEPs in a more reliable fashion. Disclosures: Device or drug: transcranial motor-evoked potentials. Status: investigational. Conflict of interest: No conflicts.
Mechanism of ocular hypotensive action of bimatoprost (Lumigan) in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma

Abstract Purpose To determine the mechanism of ocular hypotensive action of bimatoprost in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma. Design Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized, paired comparison crossover study of the effect of bimatoprost on aqueous humor dynamics. Participants and controls Twenty-nine patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma. Methods Bimatoprost and a placebo were administered once a day, in the evening, for 7 days before assessment of aqueous dynamics using tonometry, Schiotz tonography, and fluorophotometry. Intraocular pressure (IOP) response to water drinking was measured. Main outcome measures Aqueous humor flow rate, outflow facility, and IOP. Results Intraocular pressure was lowered 29% in the morning and 33% at noon by bimatoprost. Aqueous humor flow was unchanged. Tonographic facility of outflow was increased 47% by bimatoprost relative to the placebo. Assuming an extraocular pressure of 8 mmHg and that extraocular pressure is not altered by bimatoprost, the calculated rate of pressure-insensitive outflow was increased 95% by bimatoprost. During the first hour after water drinking, bimatoprost dampened the IOP rise. Conclusion As was seen in healthy normal eyes, bimatoprost increased both the pressure-sensitive and the pressure-insensitive outflows of aqueous humor in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma. Bimatoprost had no significant effect on aqueous humor formation.
Role of histone deacetylase 2 in epigenetics and cellular senescence: implications in lung inflammaging and COPD

Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) is a class I histone deacetylase that regulates various cellular processes, such as cell cycle, senescence, proliferation, differentiation, development, apoptosis, and glucocorticoid function in inhibiting inflammatory response. HDAC2 has been shown to protect against DNA damage response and cellular senescence/premature aging via an epigenetic mechanism in response to oxidative stress. These phenomena are observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). HDAC2 is posttranslationally modified by oxidative/carbonyl stress imposed by cigarette smoke and oxidants, leading to its reduction via an ubiquitination-proteasome dependent degradation in lungs of patients with COPD. In this perspective, we have discussed the role of HDAC2 posttranslational modifications and its role in regulation of inflammation, histone/DNA epigenetic modifications, DNA damage response, and cellular senescence, particularly in inflammaging, and during the development of COPD. We have also discussed the potential directions for future translational research avenues in modulating lung inflammaging and cellular senescence based on epigenetic chromatin modifications in diseases associated with increased oxidative stress.
Automatic Fluorescent Dot Counting in Interphase Cell Nuclei using Basis Pursuit Image Analysis

Fluorescent dot counting in interphase cell nuclei has always been useful in many aspects of clinical research and biomedical use. An iterative method is purposed in this paper using the basis pursuit algorithm for the processing of the fluorescent images, together with the threshold scheme to result in compressed sensed images useful for dot counting. A simple dot counting algorithm is employed on the processed images and compared with a conventional method to show the advantages of the new technique.
Personality Characteristics of Individuals with Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis

MMPI profiles of 22 chronic arthritic patients were compared to 22 control pain (nonorganic) patients. While elevations were noted in the HS, D, and Hy scales for the rheumatoid patients, the over-all profiles differed from controls on the PA scale.
Dimensions of post-partum adaptation: Comparisons of multiparas 3 days and 6 weeks after delivery

Assessment of the response of multiparas on 7 scales measuring dimensions of maternal adaptation 3 days and 6 weeks post partum was obtained from interview ratings (n = 65) and the Post-partum Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (n = 54). The 7 parallel interview and questionnaire scales were on maternal perceptions of: (1) relationship with husband, (2) father's participation in infant care, (3) support from family, friends, and others, (4) gratification from labor and delivery, (5) satisfaction with life circumstances, (6) confidence in motherhood role/tasks, and (7) satisfaction with infant/infant care. Additional assessments obtained through interviews on: (8) responsiveness to infant cues, (9) discrepancy between anticipated and actual maternal responsibilities, (10) difficulty with daily routines, and (11) physical discomfort, aided in the prediction and interpretation of factors impacting on post-partum adaptation. The subjects were normal, married multiparas, 20-38 years old; all but one delivered vagin...
Physically compliant, conditionally simulated spatially variable seismic ground motions for performance-based design

The performance-based design of lifeline systems requires spatially variable seismic excitations at the structures' supports that are consistent with prescribed seismic ground motion characteristics and an appropriate spatial variability model—such motions can be obtained through conditional simulation. This work revisits the concept of conditional simulation and critically examines the conformity of the generated motions with the characteristics of the target random field and observations from data recorded at dense instrument arrays. Baseline adjustment processing techniques for recorded earthquake accelerograms are extended to fit the requirements of simulated and conditionally simulated spatially variable ground motions. Emphasis is placed on the use of causal vs acausal filtering in the data processing. Acceleration, velocity and displacement time histories are evaluated in two example applications of the approach. The first application deals with a prescribed synthetic time history that incorporates nonstationarity in the amplitude and frequency content of the motions and depends on earthquake magnitude, source–site distance and local soil conditions; this example results in zero residual displacements. The second application considers as prescribed time history a recording in the vicinity of a fault and yields nonzero residual displacements. It is shown that the conditionally simulated time histories preserve the characteristics of the prescribed ones and are consistent with the target random field. The results of this analysis suggest that the presented methodology provides a useful tool for the generation of spatially variable ground motions to be used in the performance-based design of lifeline systems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive behavioral characterization of an APP/PS-1 double knock-in mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Introduction: Despite the extensive mechanistic and pathological characterization of the amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin-1 (PS-1) knock-in mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), very little is known about the ADrelevant behavioral deficits in this model. Characterization of the baseline behavioral performance in a variety of functional tasks and identification of the temporal onset of behavioral impairments are important to provide a foundation for future preclinical testing of AD therapeutics. Here we perform a comprehensive behavioral characterization of this model, discuss how the observed behavior correlates with the mechanistic and pathological observations of others, and compare this model with other commonly used AD mouse models. Methods: Four different groups of mice ranging across the lifespan of this model (test groups: 7, 11, 15, and 24 months old) were run in a behavioral test battery consisting of tasks to assess motor function (grip strength, rotor rod, beam walk, open field ambulatory movement), anxiety-related behavior (open field time spent in peripheral zone vs. center zone, elevated plus maze), and cognitive function (novel object recognition, radial arm water maze). Results: There were no differences in motor function or anxiety-related behavior between APP/PS-1 knock-in mice and wild-type counterpart mice for any age group. Cognitive deficits in both recognition memory (novel object recognition) and spatial reference memory (radial arm water maze) became apparent for the knock-in animals as the disease progressed. Conclusion: This is the first reported comprehensive behavioral analysis of the APP/PS1 knock-in mouse model of AD. The lack of motor/coordination deficits or abnormal anxiety levels, coupled with the age/disease-related cognitive decline and high physiological relevance of this model, make it well suited for utilization in preclinical testing of AD-relevant therapeutics.
Seismic Behavior of Moment Connections and Joints

The behavior of moment connections and beam-column joints in moment resisting steel frames subjected to severe earthquakes is studied. The cyclic inelastic deformation capacities of different types of connections are discussed and design recommendations are presented that are intended to assure the development of plastic hinges in beams at the column faces. A conceptual approach to the prediction of the low cycle fatigue life of welded connections under random loading is outlined, utilizing concepts of elastic-plastic fracture mechanics. The shear behavior of beam-column joints subjected to large cyclic beam moment reversals is summarized. Based on experimental evidence and a simplified mathematical model for shear strength, a method for the shear design of joints is proposed that should permit a reduction in the demand for shear stiffeners in joints.
Indian Cuisine—The Cultural Connection

Indian cuisine has gained a primary place, especially in the Western world as a result of globalization and other factors such as immigration, availability of recipes on the web and increased tourism activities. From ‘chicken tikka masala’ becoming the national dish of Britain to many Indian recipes appearing on various international flights, Indian food items have secured their place on the new global menu. Indian cuisine has evolved over the years and it has a strong connection to its culture, history, and geography. The dietary patterns have also evolved based on various religious practices. Undoubtedly, the well-known Indian traditional medicinal system, Ayurveda had exerted a strong influence on many Indian food recipes and eating patterns. The cultivation and availability of various types of spices and their extensive use in many recipes has always been a predominant feature of Indian food. In addition to the traditional recipes, many new modifications are happening to Indian cuisine in order to accommodate the fast-food culture. With new research in the field of nutrition claiming excellent health benefits for many ingredients used in Indian food and many people across the globe acquiring the taste of Indian recipes, the cuisine of India is going to gain greater popularity in the future.
Audit committee diligence around initial audit engagement

Abstract Studies focusing on governance mechanisms argue that auditor monitoring is one of several governance mechanisms that exist in the firm, and these mechanisms supplement each other. Extending this argument, I examine whether firms support auditor monitoring with audit committee monitoring when auditor oversight is deemed to be weak. Prior auditing literature argues that audit quality is affected by auditors' lack of familiarity with their clients' activities. Since lack of auditor–client familiarity exists in the first year of auditor–client tenure, I examine whether firms increase their audit committee monitoring during the year of auditor change. For a sample of firms that changed auditors between 2006 and 2012, the findings show that audit committees meet more frequently in the first year of audit engagement. Further tests show that firms' past reporting behavior play a significant role in the demand for more audit committee meetings and the increase in the audit committee meetings in the initial year of auditor engagement positively affects reporting quality.
The allergic patient who is noncompliant and abusive : dealing with the adverse experience

The field of Allergy-Immunology is involved with the care of patients with chronic illness. The care of these patients is enhanced when the physician has established good rapport with the patient. The noncompliant, disruptive behavior of some patients can try the patience of even the most understanding physicians and, in turn, impede the delivery of care. Interactions with this type of patient may leave the physician with feelings of guilt, frustration, and helplessness. We review such an encounter with the purpose of describing how to deal with this type of patient and to guide the physician in responding to this adverse behavior. Such patients will usually require limits to be set on behavioral acting out for their own best interest. Further, it is often necessary to make continued care contingent on compliance with the ground rules set. The physician must be aware of his or her adverse feelings toward the patient and be able to interpret the behavior in the context of the psychiatric disorder so that appropriate psychologic help for the patient can be provided.
Differentially Private H-Tree

In this paper, we study the problem of publishing a synopsis of two-dimensional datasets using differential privacy. The challenge is to enable accurate answers range count queries given a privacy budget. The state-of-the-art methods either construct a hierarchy of the partitions, or lay a one or two-level equi-width grid over the data domain, which are not suitable for high dimension and skewed datasets, respectively. To overcome such issues, we propose a technique that takes advantage of a two-level tree and a data-dependent method, namely private h-tree. As the height of the tree is kept low, h-tree requires less budget for node counts and thus more budget can be used for median splits. As splitting points of h-tree must be selected privately, we propose a recursive budget strategy to minimize noise added to the queries by reducing the number of median splits from linear to logarithmic. As a data-dependent approach, private h-tree provides accurate answers for range count queries under skewed data distribution. Experimental results on both real-world and synthetic datasets compare the accuracy of our proposed solution with the state-of-the-art methods, showing the superiority of our approach, particularly with skewed datasets in the presence of outliers.
Direct Observation of Sr Vacancies in SrTiO 3 by Quantitative Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

Point defects are unavoidable, and they can substantially modulate a material's electronic, magnetic, and structural properties. Quantitative scanning transmission electron microscopy is used to reveal strontium vacancies in SrTiO${}_{3}$ films.
Tracing molecular dephasing in biological tissue

We demonstrate the quantitative spectroscopic characterization and imaging of biological tissue using coherent time-domain microscopy with a femtosecond resolution. We identify tissue constituents and perform dephasing time (T2) measurements of characteristic Raman active vibrations. This was shown in subcutaneous mouse fat embedded within collagen rich areas of the dermis and the muscle connective tissue. The demonstrated equivalent spectral resolution (<0.3 cm−1) is an order of magnitude better compared to commonly used frequency-domain methods for characterization of biological media. This provides with the important dimensions and parameters in biological media characterization and can become an effective tool in detecting minute changes in the bio-molecular composition and environment that is critical for molecular level diagnosis.
N , N -Dialkyl-3,5-difluorobenzenesulfonamides as a tool for tailoring the glass transition temperatures of poly(arylene ether)s

The use of the N,N-dialkylsulfonamide group as a tool for tailoring the glass transition temperature of poly(arylene ether)s was investigated. A series of N,N-dialkyl-3,5-difluorobenzenesulfonamides, in which the alkyl groups were varied from n-propyl to n-octyl, were prepared and converted to polymer form by meta activated nucleophilic aromatic substitution polycondensation reactions with bisphenol A. The polymers were fully characterized via size exclusion chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The resulting sulfonamide-based poly(arylene ether)s displayed moderate thermal stability with the onset of weight loss ranging from 369 to 410 °C. All of the materials were completely amorphous and the glass transition temperatures covered the range from 19 to 155 °C.
Abstract IA19: Clinical and imaging methods for grading and predicting dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer

Dysphagia is a priority issue in head and neck cancer care. Swallowing is a complex function tied both to psychosocial well-being and health in cancer survivorship. Much of our understanding of dysphagia relies on the method of measuring swallowing function along the continuum of care. Options to grade dysphagia are many and varied. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires have been widely adopted both in research studies and increasingly in clinical practice with the goal of understanding the patients9 perception of swallowing abilities. Yet, sensory aberrations and individual coping make it such that PROs are often found discordant with physical swallowing function on imaging studies, such as radiographic modified barium swallow (MBS) studies, particularly in long-term survivors. For these reasons, many groups advocate for multimodal or multidimensional swallowing outcome panels to comprehensively assess dysphagia in head and neck cancer survivorship. This session will review performance, psychometrics, and predictive yield of various dysphagia classification methods for the head and neck cancer population. Citation Format: Katherine A. Hutcheson. Clinical and imaging methods for grading and predicting dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Optimizing Survival and Quality of Life through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; April 23-25, 2017; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(23_Suppl):Abstract nr IA19.
Cluster-overlap algorithm for assessing preprocessing choices in environmental sustainability

Tasks related to environmental sustainability commonly suffer from unevenly distributed training data, because broad weather patterns may affect extended portions of the data set. We evaluate preprocessing strategies for a group of independent attributes by testing the strength of relationship between multiple independent and dependently attributes. If the relationship is strong, we conclude that the set of independent attributes are represented in a way that makes them expressive with regard to the process that generates the set of dependent attributes. This task is related to canonical correlation analysis, but our work extends beyond traditional techniques that were developed in the context of linear prediction algorithm. We perform clustering on independent and dependent attributes and compare the overlap in membership with what would be expected by random chance. Besides allowing us to determine if the dependent and independent attributes are related, this approach also enables us to examine different preprocessing strategies. We use a collection of several time series data for systematic tests of parameter choices and data set properties. As a practical example, we consider the question of how to preprocess rainfall in the prediction of agricultural outcomes.
Nonepithelial Tumors and Tumor-like Lesions of the Skin and Subcutis in Children

This overview of mesenchymal tumors presenting in the skin and/or subcutis in children brings together the range of neoplasms and hamartomas which are seen in this age-group. It is not surprising from the perspective of the pediatric or general surgical pathologist that vascular anomalies, including true neoplasms and vascular malformations, are the common phenotypic category. Since there is considerable morphologic overlap among these lesions, clinicopathologic correlation may be more important than for many of the other mesenchymal tumors. The skin and subcutis are the most common sites of clinical presentation for the infantile myofibroma which is the most common of fibrous mesenchymal tumors in children. Several of the other mesenchymal tumors are more common adults-like dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, but nonetheless have an important presence in children, even as a congenital neoplasm. A lipomatous tumor in a young child should be considered as a possible manifestation of an overgrowth syndrome.
The Trading Constrained Market

This chapter introduces trading constraints to the markets studied in Parts I–III of this book. Most of the structure extends in a straightforward fashion.
Design of a K-Winners-Take-All Model With a Binary Spike Train

A continuous-time ${K}$ -winners-take-all (KWTA) neural model that can identify the largest ${K}$ of ${N}$ inputs, where command signal $1 \le {K} is described. The model is given by a differential equation where the spike train is a sum of delta functions. A functional block-diagram of the model includes ${N}$ feed-forward hard-limiting neurons and one feedback neuron, used to handle input dynamics. The existence and uniqueness of the model steady states are analyzed, the convergence analysis of the state variable trajectories to the KWTA operation is proven, the convergence time and number of spikes required are derived, as well as the processing of time-varying inputs and perturbations of the model nonlinearities are analyzed. The main advantage of the model is that it is not subject to the intrinsic convergence of speed limitations of comparable designs. The model also has an arbitrary finite resolution determined by a given parameter, low complexity, and initial condition independence. Applications of the model for parallel sorting and parallel rank-order filtering are presented. Theoretical results are derived and illustrated with computer-simulated examples that demonstrate the model’s performance.
Escherichia coli Cells Exposed to Lethal Doses of Electron Beam Irradiation Retain Their Ability to Propagate Bacteriophages and Are Metabolically Active.

Bacterial cells exposed to lethal doses of ionizing radiation, i.e. electron beam, are unable to replicate yet they remain metabolically active. To investigate this phenomenon further, we electron beam irradiated Escherichia coli cells to a lethal dose and measured their membrane integrity, metabolic activity, ATP levels and overall cellular functionality in terms of ability to propagate bacteriophages. We also visualized the DNA double-strand breaks in the cells. We used non-irradiated (live) and heat-killed cells as positive and negative controls, respectively. Our results show that the membrane integrity of E. coli cells is maintained and that the cells remain metabolically active up to 9 days post-irradiation when stored at 4°C. The ATP levels in lethally irradiated cells are similar to non-irradiated control cells. We also visualized extensive DNA damage within the cells and confirmed their cellular functionality based on their ability to propagate bacteriophages for up to 9 days post-irradiation. Overall, these findings confirm that lethally irradiated E. coli cells which have extensively damaged DNA are unable to replicate. However, they are metabolically active based on multiple indicators. The ability of bacterial cells to be metabolically active and capable of propagating phages in spite of physically damaged DNA is intriguing and deserves further studies.
Memories of and reflections on play: being an only child

My memories of childhood are full of waiting. I recall vividly sitting beside a window as a little girl, waiting every day for a best friend to come and play with me. I was raised by a working-clas...
Clinical sympathy: the important role of affectivity in clinical practice

Bioethics has begun to see the revaluation of affects in medical practice, but not all of them, and not necessarily in the sense of affects as we know them. Empathy has been accepted as important for good medical practice, but only in a way that strips it of its affectivity and thus prevents other affects, like sympathy, from being accepted. As part of a larger project that aims at revaluing the importance of affectivity in medical practice, the purpose of this paper is to develop a clinical sympathy that can serve as a trainable skill for medical professionals. While everyday sympathy may be problematic as a professional skill for physicians, this does not imply that sympathy should be entirely rejected. As a natural part of our moral psychology, sympathy is an intersubjective affect that aids in our interactions with others and our decision-making abilities. I present here a theory of clinical sympathy as an affective response to patients, in which physicians are both attuned to their affective response and understand how their affects are influencing their beliefs and judgments. In this way, clinical sympathy serves as a trainable skill that can aid physicians in their interactions with their patients.
Implementation of a supervised exercise rehabilitation program in breast cancer survivors to improve quality of life, exercise endurance and fatigue in a rural oncology clinic.

e20615 Background: Physical and psychosocial effects of breast cancer and its treatment can be debilitating. The benefit of physical activity include decrease fatigue and improvement in overall hea...
Process Evaluation of a Stress Management Program for Low-Income Pregnant Women: The SMART Moms/Mamás LÍSTAS Project:

Background. The SMART Moms/Mamas LISTAS Project was a randomized control trial that tested the efficacy of a prenatal stress management program in reducing stress and cortisol levels among low-income women. The current study is a process evaluation of the stress management program (intervention arm of the original randomized controlled trial) and assessed whether implementation fidelity factors (i.e., intervention delivery, receipt, and enactment) were associated with lower stress (perceived stress, salivary cortisol), improved negative and positive mood states (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), and increased confidence to use relaxation and coping skills. Method. Fifty-five low-income pregnant women (71% Latina, 76% annual income <$20,000) attended weekly group-based sessions over an 8-week period in which a clinically trained researcher taught relaxation and coping skills. Process evaluation measures were obtained via participant self-report and videotaped class sessions that were coded for delivery, receipt, and enactment of the intervention to determine which implementation factors were associated with changes in program outcomes (stress, mood, confidence) over the 8-week period. Results. Women in stress management showed a significant reduction in their stress and cortisol levels (p < .001), improvements in negative and positive mood states (p < .001) and were more confident in using relaxation and coping skills postintervention (74%). The implementation factors of delivery (i.e., instructor adherence to intervention content; p = .03) and enactment (i.e., participant use of intervention skills; p = .02) were most associated with improvements in program outcomes. Conclusion. These findings highlight that implementation factors should be considered when delivering stress management interventions in underserved communities.
The Brunswick Program. A Multi Media Approach to Social Studies.

During the past several years a large number of grants from the U. S. Office of Education have been allocated for the improvement of Social Studies in the public school systems. There has been considerable range in the size of the grants in terms of years of appropriation, number of dollars allocated, and size of population presumably effected. One common factor exists in the acceptance and utilization of federal funds, however, and that is the obligation to evaluate the success of the proposed program. With the earliest grant completions, evaluation was weak, sometimes almost non-existant. The USOE began to require more specific suggestions for evaluation in the grant proposals before the money was doled out. While this idea seemed to be a good one, and school systems did suggest certain evaluative steps; it did not solve the problem of the evaluation of a complex, multifaceted project. Many proposals suggested the examination of a product or two that the program produced. This was an improvement, but a more comprehensive evaluation of the variables involved in a program's growth seems in order. The following report is an attempt to evaluate a specific USOE Grant along several dimensions. Perhaps this technique or some adaptation of its may prove useful to other persons involved in the evaluation of federal grants.
Robotic and open partial nephrectomy for tumors in a solitary kidney

Introduction and objective:Traditionally, patients with renal masses in solitary kidneys were managed with an open partial nephrectomy. With improving techniques, robotic-assisted partial nephrecto...
Revisiting the PETE Beginning Teacher Standards

The purpose of this viewpoint is to revisit the national standards, identify specific concepts that should be addressed early and often throughout a PETE program, and provide guiding questions for ...
A Precision Medicine Approach to Stress Testing Using Metabolomics and Microribonucleic Acids

Background : Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a growing global health problem, and precision medicine techniques hold promise for the development of diagnostic indicators of ACS. In this pilot, we sought to assess the utility of an integrated analysis of metabolomic and microRNA data in peripheral blood to distinguish patients with abnormal cardiac stress testing from matched controls. Methods : We used prospectively collected samples from emergency department (ED) patients placed in an ED-based observation unit who underwent stress testing for ACS. We isolated microRNA and quantified metabolites from plasma collected before and after stress testing in patients with myocardial ischemia on stress testing versus those with normal stress tests. The combined metabolomic and microRNA data were analyzed jointly for case (ischemia) and 1:1 matched control patients in a supervised, dimension-reducing discriminant analysis. Two integrative models were implemented: a baseline model utilizing data collected prior to stress-testing (T0) and a stress-delta model, which included the difference between post-stress test (T1) and pre-stress test (T0). Results : Seven case patients with myocardial ischemia on ED cardiac stress testing (6 females, 85% Caucasian, mean Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction Score=3, 4 patients ultimately received percutaneous coronary intervention) were 1:1 age and sex-matched to controls. Several metabolites and microRNAs were differentially expressed between cases and controls. Integrative analysis of the baseline levels of metabolites and microRNA expression showed modest performance for distinguishing cases from controls with an overall error rate of 0.143. The stress-delta model showed worse performance for distinguishing cases from controls, with an overall error rate of 0.500. Conclusions : Given our small sample size, results are hypothesis-generating. However, this pilot study shows a potential method for a precision medicine approach to cardiac stress testing in patients undergoing workup for ACS.
Correlating Laboratory Conditioning with Field Aging for Asphalt using Rheological Parameters

Aging has a significant effect on performance of asphalt materials. Reliable characterization of asphalt binder properties with aging is crucial to improving asphalt binder specifications as well a...
Signature for Color-Octet Production of J/ψ in e + e - Annihilation

The inclusive cross section for the production of {ital J}/{psi} in {ital e}{sup +}{ital e}{sup {minus}} annihilation is studied using a recently developed factorization formalism. In addition to the conventional color-singlet contribution, we include contributions from {ital c{bar c}} pairs that are produced at short distances in color-octet states. The color-octet contributions are suppressed by the smaller probability for the color-octet {ital c{bar c}} pair to evolve into a state that includes a {psi}, but they may dominate near the upper end point of the {psi} energy spectrum. The signature for the color-octet contribution is a dramatic change in the angular distribution of the {psi} near the end point. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Emergent Self-Regulation Practices in Technology and Social Media Use of Individuals Living with Depression

Much human-computer interaction work related to depression focuses on the population level (e.g., studying social media hashtags related to depression) or evaluates prototypes for digital interventions to manage depression. However, little is known about how people living with depression perceive and manage technology use, such as time spent on social media per day. For this study, we interviewed 30 individuals living with depression to explore their technology and social media use. We find that these individuals demonstrated emergent practices related to self-regulation, such as learning to monitor and adjust technology use to improve their emotional, cognitive, and behavioral health. Our findings add a human-centered viewpoint to the relationship between living with depression and technology and social media use. We present design implications of these findings for better empowering individuals with depression to encourage their natural inclinations to self-regulate technology and social media use.
Continuous wave laser induced damage threshold of AMTIR-1, 2, 5 and 7 chalcogenide windows at 1.07 microns

The continuous wave laser-induced damage thresholds of Amorphous Materials chalcogenide glasses, Amorphous Materials AMTIR-1, AMTIR-2, AMTIR-5, and AMTIR-7 are measured for a 5s exposure of 1.07 μm light focused to a spot size with 1/e2 diameter of 830 μm or 1044 μm, following the International Organization for Standardization standards.
NOT ALL ‘SINS’ ARE REJECTED EQUALLY: RESISTANCE TO LGBT RIGHTS ACROSS RELIGIONS IN COLOMBIA

Attitudes towards homosexuality and same-sex marriage in the Americas and Europe have been found to be tightly related to religion, and especially, how religion is practiced. However, religious individuals are not consistent in their rejection of homosexuality. We explore how religions and religious individuals differ among each other in attitudes towards not just homosexuality, but also other policy areas they consider sins, such as marihuana consumption, abortion, euthanasia, use of contraceptives, and pre-marital sex. Using data for Colombia, we find that Evangelicals are the most reliable opponents of LGBT rights in the country and reject homosexuality more deeply than other sins. They thus target homosexuality distinctively. We also find that attitudes toward homosexuality among Evangelicals seem unresponsive to education. Because of this more pronounced homophobia among Evangelicals, we thus conclude that countries like Colombia that are experiencing increases in the population and levels of organization of Evangelicals are likely to face greater backlash against the expansion of LGBT rights.
STOL Aircraft Flight and Landing Area Considerations

Current research to achieve a technically and socially acceptable short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft system to help alleviate present air transportation congestion is outlined considering both flight and runway elements. The aerodynamic jet-flap propulsive-lift concept is briefly reviewed with proposed turbofan powered-lift aircraft. Short, single direction, and possibly elevated runways are considered for use in high-land-cost urban areas. Aircraft capability is being developed to enable operations under high crosswind conditions, possibly through the use of crosswind landing gears or crosswind-reducing fences erected along the sides of the runway. Techniques are being developed to insure smooth wind flow over elevated STOL ports, such as on the roofs of buildings; and emergency arresting systems are under study to contain the aircraft on the runway. Heating and grooving of the runway has been explored analytically as a method of keeping the required runway length short by guaranteeing runway friction even under ice and snow conditions.
"Basically a house of experts: the production of World Health Organization information".

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) is widely regarded as the preeminent international authority on health and scientific matters. Its information mandate is a powerful one, for it enables the WHO to construct issues as legitimate ones for concern that should be addressed in particular ways. Methods: Intensive interviewing of WHO staff was used to elicit writing and editing processes. Approximately 25 people were interviewed repeatedly from year 2004 to 2005 using the snowball sampling method. Results: A core staff in headquarters dominates the selection of topics, writing and editing activities. The authority of senior management in headquarters emerges as more significant than that of country leaders and representatives. Discussion: In contrast to sister UN agencies, WHO staff prioritize collaboration and input from science and health researchers over that of UN colleagues and its internal editors. Senior management participation ensures stability in WHO information over time and adherence to the WHO scientific mandate across documents. Key Words : HIV, AIDS, WHO, UN, information, publications African Health Sciences 2010; 10(4): 390 - 394
Numerical Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Modeling of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)

The Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is arguably the most important discovery of solar eruptive phenomena in the 20th century. It is now also recognized that CMEs have great impact on the Earth's environment by inducing geomagnetic storms. Thus, development of simulation models to understand the physical mechanisms of CME initiation and propagation has become a challenge in the solar MHD community. In this paper we shall summarize chronologically the development of the theoretical analyses, and the successes and failures of the numerical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) during the past two decades. The chronological development of numerical simulation models and the evolution of the numerical methods to treat this class of problems are presented. The most appropriate way to model CMEs is to have (i) a realistic pre-event coronal atmosphere, and (ii) realistic driving mechanisms. Details of the progress and assessment of the theoretical and modeling efforts for the understanding of the physics of the CME initiation and propagation will be presented, and the numerical methods to construct these simulation models will be discussed.
“Thank God for Mississippi!” How Disparagement of the South Has Destroyed Public Schooling in New Orleans—and Beyond

It is not uncommon to reference dire conditions in the South to make the nation appear more racially equitable and economically advanced by comparison. In this essay, I argue that the meanings and complexities surrounding commonplace disparagement of the South are not only troubling, but serve to advance the forms of race and class power ostensibly under critique. I do not contend that depictions of the South as racially oppressive are inaccurate or wrong. Rather, my purpose is to reveal that southern exceptionalism is a farce; the North has played a pivotal role in perpetuating White supremacy, which is a national problem, not a regional one. Second, disparagement of the South, seemingly premised on critiques of White supremacy, is likewise premised (with contradiction) on the marginalization of historic traditions of Black education and resistance. Third, when combined, these tendencies enable the most destructive forms of educational reconstruction to be advanced as solutions to what historically has b...
The glycogen phosphorylase of Tetrahymena pyriformis. I. Purification and characterization.

Abstract Glycogen phosphorylase (α-1,4-glucan; orthophosphate glucosytransferase, EC 2.4.1.1) was purified 130-fold from acetone powder prepared from Tetrahymena pyriformis . The most purified preparation was about 40% pure as judged by polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis and had a specific activity of 4.1 μmoles P i /min/mg protein. The enzyme also catalysed the phosphorolysis of glycogen and is thus a true glycogen phosphorylase. The molecular weight of the enzyme was about 200,000 as determined by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, but two peaks, corresponding to molecular weights of 100,000 and 200,000 were observed on Sephadex G-200 gel chromatography. The enzyme was slowly inactivated at temperatures up to 50 ° but a sharp increase in the rate of inactivation occurred above 50 °. AMP, but not glucose-1-phosphate or glycogen, partially protected the enzyme against thermal inactivation. AMP and structurally related nucleoside monophosphates neither stimulated nor inhibited the activity of the enzyme.
Chromosomes: Noncoding DNA (including Satellite DNA)

Noncoding DNA comprises a substantial fraction of the genomes of higher eukaryotes. It consists largely of introns, simple repetitive DNA sequences, and sequences derived from mobile genetic elements (i.e. transposable elements). Keywords: intron; transposon; repetitive DNA; pseudogenes; saltatory replication; retrotransposon
Broadband communications for disaster response

Emergency personnel responding to large-scale disasters like those of 9/11/2001 require rapidly deployable integrated high-capacity communications systems. This paper discusses the technical characteristics of such systems and describes one that the authors are developing under US government sponsorship. The system operates in the 28-30 GHz band, using radio technology originally developed for satellite links. We describe its important features and speculate about how it could be linked with a Ka-band satellite network.
Integrative Medical Care Plus Mindfulness Training for Patients With Congestive Heart Failure Proof of Concept

Congestive heart failure (CHF) has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. It is often accompanied by other medical and psychosocial comorbidities that complicate treatment and adherence. We conducted a proof of concept pilot project to determine the feasibility of providing integrative group medical visits plus mindfulness training for patients recently discharged with CHF. Patients were eligible if they had been discharged from an inpatient stay for CHF within the 12 months prior to the new program. The Compassionate Approach to Lifestyle and Mind-Body (CALM) Skills for Patients with CHF consisted of 8 weekly visits focusing on patient education about medications, diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management; group support; and training in mind-body skills such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and loving-kindness. Over two 8-week sessions, 8/11 (73%) patients completed at least 4 visits. The patients had an average age of 57 years. The most common comorbidities were weight gain, sleep problems, and fatigue. After the sessions, 100% of patients planned to make changes to their diet, exercise, and stress management practices. Over half of the patients who met with a pharmacist had a medication-related problem. Improvements were observed in depression, fatigue, and satisfaction with life. Integrative group visits focusing on healthy lifestyle, support, and skill-building are feasible even among CHF patients and should be evaluated in controlled trials as a patient-centered approach to improving outcomes related to improving medication management, depression, fatigue, and quality of life.
Mechanism of interferon action: alpha and gamma interferons differentially affect mRNA levels of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A and protein Mx in human cells.

Treatment of human HeLa and amnion U cells with gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), either alone or in combination with alpha interferon (IFN-alpha), reduced the steady-state level of mRNA encoding the catalytic (C) subunit of protein kinase A (PKA) as measured by Northern gel-blot (RNA) analysis. In addition, IFN-gamma treatment increased the ratio of C alpha to C alpha 2 (the two splice-site variants of PKA C alpha subunit mRNA produced in HeLa cells) as measured by a polymerase chain reaction assay. IFN-gamma greatly reduced the amount of a novel splice-site variant of PKA, C alpha 2, which retains introns G and H, relative to the amount of C alpha, which lacks introns G and H. IFN-alpha treatment in combination with IFN-gamma did not further reduce the level of PKA C alpha transcripts beyond that of IFN-gamma alone, as measured by Northern blots; however, IFN-alpha in combination with IFN-gamma did cause a synergistic increase in the level of human Mx transcripts. Images