cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Input sensitivity study of a stratospheric photochemistry model

A general technique for calculating the sensitivities, uncertainties and overall imprecision of a model to a set of input parameters is described and applied to the calculation of CFM induced stratospheric ozone depletion. The input data set used is reaction rates and the technique highlights those that most need further study in the laboratory. The convolution of individual uncertainties to obtain an overall imprecision gives good agreement with the results of Monte-Carlo calculations using the same model.
The Iberian Pig in the Central Andes

The Iberian pig is an ancient breed of domesticated swine with long legs and a narrow snout. Small and agile, it thrives despite minimal human support, feeding mainly on acorns. Its transfer to the New World after the great discoveries was highly successful even where acorns did not exist. In Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, this breed still dominates the pig inventory, providing meat and lard to the rural population. In the highlands of these three countries it is sometimes fed, but has a more important role as an ambulatory refuse collector. In some forested zones at lower elevations, it still forages on nature. Replacement or crossbreeding with modern breeds compromises the ecological niche that this pig has held in peasant livelihoods.
Sedimentary and Geochemical Systems in Transitional Marine Sediments in Northern Gulf of Mexico: ABSTRACT

The coastal zone of the northern Gulf of Mexico is marked by a series of bays and estuaries that serve as the principal depositional basins for rivers draining an area of greater than 160,000 km2. These rivers annually contribute a sediment load to the basins in excess of 12 million tons. Because each river drains a watershed of different lithologic character and each river is further characterized by a different flow regime and hydraulic properties, the sediments deposited in the marginal basins have unique characteristics. Extensive municipal and industrial dumping of effluent over the years has also acted to imprint geochemical differences on each of the depositional basins. Depending on the degree of industrialization within the watershed, the bays and estuaries may be described as heavily impacted (Mobile Bay), moderately impacted (Apalachicola Bay, Mississippi Sound), or slightly impacted (Pensacola Bay). A strong correlation was observed between the degree of heavy metal contamination and the textural and organic content of the sediments. Analyses further indicated that most metals were partitioned in the bottom sediments in forms that would permit their subsequent release back into the water column or would allow transference of the metal to fauna by ingestion. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1424------------
Uclinux: a linux security module for trusted-computing-based usage controls enforcement

Usage controls allow the distributor of some information to limit how recipients of that information may use it. The Trusted Computing Group has standardized Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) that are built into an increasing number of computers and could greatly harden usage controls against circumvention. However, existing operating systems support TPMs only partially. We describe UCLinux, a novel Linux Security Module that, unlike previous work, supports TPM-based attestation, sealing, and usage controls on existing processors and with minimal modifications in the operating system kernel and applications. Experiments show that UCLinux has modest impact on the system's boot latency and run-time performance.
On reducing data communication in multiprocessor-based distributed process control systems

A modern multiprocessor-based distributed process control system usually consists of at least two layers: a local DDC (direct digital control) layer, and a supervisory layer. Performance of such a system relies on effectiveness of the communication link that connects the two layers. To improve the efficiency of the communication link, one approach is to reduce the data communication between the layers. The first introduce a data aggregation algorithm which compresses the original input/output data at the local layer before passing them to the supervisory layer. A parameter estimation method is then discussed which allows the supervisory layer to perform a parameter estimation task based on the aggregated data it received. With this approach, the layer-to-layer data communication required by updating supervisory functions can be significantly reduced. Simulation results are included. >
Using resorbable screws for fixation of cortical onlay bone grafts: an in vivo study in rabbits.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to test bioresorbable screws as an alternative to titanium screw graft fixation. When cortical onlay grafts are used, it is necessary to rigidly immobilize them with titanium screws into the recipient site. The screws must be removed before placing implants into this site. Bioresorbable screws may be an alternative to titanium fixation, eliminating the additional morbidity associated with this. Materials and Methods: Fifteen New Zealand White rabbits were divided into 3 groups. Bilateral tibial onlay bone grafts were placed in the mandible and secured using titanium fixation, bioresorbable fixation, or no fixation. After 6 weeks, all grafted sites were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin and Giemsa staining were performed to evaluate inflammation, graft integration, and thickness. Results: The treatment groups showed evidence of consolidation under light microscopy. Smooth integration of the graft borders with the recipient bone was identified. No integration was seen in the control group. The average thickness of the grafted sites was: 1) bioresorbable, 2.28 mm; 2) titanium, 1.87 mm; and 3) control, 1.06 mm. The differences were statistically significant (P .0004) between the titanium group and the control group, as well as between the bioresorbable and the control group (P .01). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 treatment groups (P .19). Conclusion: The overall thickness of the treatment specimens was greater than that of the control group. The bioresorbable group showed graft integration equal to that of the titanium group, making it an adequate alternative for graft fixation. © 2004 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 62:1396-1402, 2004
Archimedes' Quadrature of the Parabola: A Mechanical View

(2006). Archimedes' Quadrature of the Parabola: A Mechanical View. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 24-28.
Quantitative estimation of PCNA, c-myc, EGFR and TGF-α in oral submucous fibrosis — an immunohistochemical study

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the expression of three proliferation markers, viz., epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and one genomic marker, c-myc in OSMF. Oral tissues were stained with monoclonal antibodies to PCNA, c-myc, TGF-alpha and EGFR. The results were analyzed with Photoquant image analysis software. The expression of PCNA, c-myc, TGF-alpha and EGFR was higher in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) than in normal control oral mucosa. The oral epithelium was divided into a proliferative compartment (stratum germinativum) and a differentiated compartment (stratum spinosum). A differential pattern of expression of PCNA and c-myc was observed in OSMF. While the intensity of staining decreased, the percent area of expression of PCNA and c-myc increased in stratum germinativum in OSMF (P<0.05). This suggests that greater proportions of cells exhibit PCNA and c-myc immunoreactivity and are in the proliferative pool in OSMF. TGF-alpha levels increased in the proliferative layers and EGFR levels increased in the differentiated layers (P<0.05) of the oral epithelium in OSMF. Quantitative measurement of these oncoproteins substantiates the precancerous nature of OSMF and may provide intermediate end-points in prospective chemopreventive trials.
Applying Emerging Private-Sector Probe-Based Speed Data in the National Capital Region's Planning Processes:

Public-sector applications of emerging private-sector probe-based travel time and speed data have been mainly for real-time traffic operations and incident and special events management; such data have rarely been used for metropolitan planning organizations’ planning programs or processes. Using data from the I-95 Corridor Coalition Vehicle Probe Project in the National Capital Region, this paper explores the possible planning applications of such operations data, including the congestion management process, management and operations planning, air-quality conformity analysis, and travel demand modeling. The paper demonstrates several important probe data–based performance measures in metropolitan transportation planning, especially for areas without comprehensive traffic detection systems. It also summarizes the advantages and caveats of the probe data and lessons learned from the experience.
Age- and Gender-Related Test Performance in Community-Dwelling Elderly People: Six-Minute Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go Test, and Gait Speeds

Background and Purpose. The interpretation of patient scores on clinical tests of physical mobility is limited by a lack of data describing the range of performance among people without disabilities. The purpose of this study was to provide data for 4 common clinical tests in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. Subjects. Ninety-six community-dwelling elderly people (61–89 years of age) with independent functioning performed 4 clinical tests. Methods. Data were collected on the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MW), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Timed Up & Go Test (TUG) and during comfortable- and fast-speed walking (CGS and FGS). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to determine the test-retest reliability for the 6MW, TUG, CGS, and FGS measurements. Data were analyzed by gender and age (60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 years) cohorts, similar to previous studies. Means, standard deviations, and 95% confidence intervals for each measurement were calculated for each cohort. Results. The 6MW, TUG, CGS, and FGS measurements showed high test-retest reliability (ICC [2,1]=.95–.97). Mean test scores showed a trend of age-related declines for the 6MW, BBS, TUG, CGS, and FGS for both male and female subjects. Discussion and Conclusion. Preliminary descriptive data suggest that physical therapists should use age-related data when interpreting patient data obtained for the 6MW, BBS, TUG, CGS and FGS. Further data on these clinical tests with larger sample sizes are needed to serve as a reference for patient comparisons.
Stiffness and Strength Prediction for Plain Weave Textile Reinforced Composites

A model is presented to predict the mechanical hygro-thermo-elastic properties and strength values of composite materials reinforced with plain woven fabric. The laminate properties are calculated from basic constituents properties (fiber and matrix). A three-dimensional geometrical description of the reinforcing architecture is used. The local strain, stress, and constitutive property fields are evaluated under in-plane loading. Multiple modes of failure are monitored and stress redistribution due to progressive failure is evaluated using a novel approach. The model results are compared with experimental data.
INTERACTION OF PHOTOPERIOD AND VESICULAR‐ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAE ON GROWTH AND METABOLISM OF SWEET ORANGE

Summary Vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizal infection and growth of Citrus sinensis were increased by longer photoperiods. Photosynthesis and stomatal conductances were greater for mycorrhizal plants, but were unaffected by daylength. Phosphorus levels in leaf tissue from mycorrhizal plants were threefold greater than those in non-mycorrhizal plants and P levels were slightly greater in plants grown under long-day photoperiods. Root exudation of reducing sugars was greatest for non-mycorrhizal plants grown under long day photoperiods, but exudation of amino acids was variable. The results suggested that plants grown under long-day photoperiods have greater basipetal transport of photosynthates resulting in improved mycorrhizal infection and plant growth response.
Adherence to medication treatment: a qualitative study of facilitators and barriers among a diverse sample of HIV+ men and women in four US cities

Most studies examining HIV antiretroviral medication treatment adherence involve quantitative surveys. Although these studies have identified factors associated with medical adherence, no single variable or combination of variables is sufficiently consistent to apply to any individual or group of people. Using qualitative methods, an ethnically diverse sample (N=110) of HIV+ women, men who have sex with men, and male injecting drug users in four U.S. cities were interviewed in depth to elicit their experiences, perspectives, and life contexts regarding knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and experiences with HIV medication adherence. Most described multiple influences on medication-taking behavior, describing adherence as a dynamic phenomenon that changes over time with their changing beliefs, attitudes, emotions, and daily and larger life events. Prevalent themes include ambivalence toward HIV medication and intentional nonadherence, usually to address physical side effects. Factors from different domains (e.g., cognitive, emotional, interpersonal) can have compensatory influences on behavioral outcomes. Findings are discussed in terms of social action theory, contributing to our theoretical understanding of the phenomenon of adherence.
Metabolic Syndrome Pandemic

The metabolic syndrome is a multiplex risk factor that consists of several risk correlates of metabolic origin. In addition, to dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycermia, the syndrome carries a prothrombotic state and a proinflammatory state. Persons with the metabolic syndrome are at essentially twice the risk for cardiovascular disease compared with those without the syndrome. It further raises the risk for type 2 diabetes by about 5-fold. Although some investigators favor keeping risk factors separate for purposes of clinical management, others believe that identifying individuals with an aggregation of risk factors provides additional useful information to guide clinical management. In particular it focuses attention on obesity and sedentary life habits that are the root of the syndrome. This review addresses the prevalence of this clustering phenomenon throughout the world. Such seems appropriate because of the increasing prevalence of obesity in almost all countries. The available evidence indicates that in most countries between 20% and 30% of the adult population can be characterized as having the metabolic syndrome. In some populations or segments of the population, the prevalence is even higher. On the other hand, in parts of developing world in which young adults predominate, the prevalence is lower; but with increasing affluence and aging of the population, the prevalence undoubtedly with rise.
A state-based model of sperm allocation in a group-breeding salamander

We developed a dynamic program of optimal sperm allocation for group-breeding species. Using the small-mouthed salamander, Ambystoma texanum, as a model organism, we considered how spermatophore deposition is affected by sperm reserves, male and female number in breeding aggregations, and time during the breeding season. Parameters for part of the model were based on field data of breeding-pond arrival times for both sexes and on laboratory spermatophore deposition data. Our model included simulations of three different seasonal patterns of female arrival rate: decreasing (as in A. texanum), increasing, and uniform. General predictions are (1) Increased male competitor numbers at breeding aggregations should cause a reduction in spermatophore allocation. (2) Increased female numbers at breeding aggregations should increase spermatophore allocation. (3) The effect of current sperm reserve levels on sperm allocation depends on the seasonal distribution of the mean number of females per male during the breeding season: (3a) If relative female availability decreases over time, males with low sperm reserves should limit allocation early in the season but should deposit maximal sperm loads late in the season; (3b) if female availability increases over time, males with low sperm loads should limit allocation throughout the entire breeding season; and (3c) if female availability is constant, sperm reserves are predicted to have little effect on spermatophore allocation tactics. We discuss model predictions in the context of current sperm allocation theory. Key words: Ambystoma texanum, dynamic programming, ejaculate evolution, group breeders, mate competition, mating system, salamanders, sexual selection, sperm allocation, sperm competition. [Behav Ecol 13:705–712 (2002)]
Genomic Convergence Analysis of Schizophrenia: mRNA Sequencing Reveals Altered Synaptic Vesicular Transport in Post-Mortem Cerebellum

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a common, disabling mental illness with high heritability but complex, poorly understood genetic etiology. As the first phase of a genomic convergence analysis of SCZ, we generated 16.7 billion nucleotides of short read, shotgun sequences of cDNA from post-mortem cerebellar cortices of 14 patients and six, matched controls. A rigorous analysis pipeline was developed for analysis of digital gene expression studies. Sequences aligned to approximately 33,200 transcripts in each sample, with average coverage of 450 reads per gene. Following adjustments for confounding clinical, sample and experimental sources of variation, 215 genes differed significantly in expression between cases and controls. Golgi apparatus, vesicular transport, membrane association, Zinc binding and regulation of transcription were over-represented among differentially expressed genes. Twenty three genes with altered expression and involvement in presynaptic vesicular transport, Golgi function and GABAergic neurotransmission define a unifying molecular hypothesis for dysfunction in cerebellar cortex in SCZ.
Relationship between margin distance and local recurrence among patients undergoing wedge resection for small (≤2 cm) non–small cell lung cancer

Objective Successful pulmonary wedge resection for early-stage non–small cell lung cancer requires a pathologically confirmed negative margin. To date, however, no clear evidence is available regarding whether an optimal margin distance, defined as the distance from the primary tumor to the closest resection margin, exists. Toward addressing this gap, we investigated the relationship between the margin distance and local recurrence risk. Methods We reviewed all adult patients who had undergone wedge resection for small (≤2 cm) non–small cell lung cancer from January 2001 to August 2011, with follow-up through to December 31, 2011. The exclusion criteria included other active noncutaneous malignancies, bronchoalveolar carcinomas, lymph node or distant metastases at diagnosis, large cell cancer, adenosquamous cancer, multiple, multifocal, and/or metastatic disease, and previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Using Cox regression analysis, we examined the relationship between the margin distance and interval to local recurrence, adjusting for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, smoking, diabetes, tumor size, tumor location, surgeon, open versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and whether the lymph nodes were sampled. Results Of 557 consecutive adult patients, 479 met our inclusion criteria. The overall, unadjusted 1- and 2-year local recurrences rate was 5.7% and 11.0%, respectively. From the adjusted analyses, an increased margin distance was significantly associated with a lower risk of local recurrence ( P = .033). Patients with a 10-mm margin distance had a 45% lower local recurrence risk than those with a 5-mm distance (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.86). Beyond 15 mm, no evidence of additional benefit was associated with an increased margin distance. Conclusions In wedge resection for small non–small cell lung cancer, increasing the margin distance ≤15 mm significantly decreased the local recurrence risk, with no evidence of additional benefit beyond 15 mm.
Variables Associated With Utilization of a Centralized Medical Post in the Andean Community of Pampas Grande, Peru

Context: Integral to the location of health resources is the distance decay of utilization observed in a population. In rural Peru, a nongovernmental organization planning to increase the availability of health services needed this information. Purpose: To determine variables associated with utilization of a central medical clinic and determine whether, because of the mountainous topography, travel time (TT) would be a better predictor of utilization than distance. Methods: A door-to-door survey of all available households (81% of total), using a Spanish translation of questions excerpted from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, was conducted in the summer of 2008 to determine variables associated with self-reported history of clinic utilization. Results: Utilization was inversely related to TT and distance. Of those living within 5 minutes of the clinic, 61% had been to the clinic whereas only 25% of those living 30 or more minutes away had sought care. Female gender and fever predicted increased odds of clinic utilization. Having a disability reduced one's odds (OR 0.55) of visiting the clinic, after adjusting for gender, TT, and fever. The inverse correlation of utilization with travel distance and TT was not significantly different, thus failing to demonstrate that TT is a better predictor of utilization than distance. Conclusion: In health service planning, care for common conditions should be available within 5 minutes’ TT or a few kilometers’ distance from each person's home in order to improve health care access and reduce health care disparities worsened by disability.
Inequality Preservation through Uneven Diffusion of Cultural Materials across Stratified Groups

Inequality between groups is frequently maintained through the construction and legitimation of inter-group cultural differences. I draw on Blau’s multiform heterogeneity and complex contagion models to theorize and develop a relational mechanism that shows how inequality can be preserved when additional, new bases of differentiating between groups layer over existing ones. I investigate the conditions under which variations in the distribution of the population across stratified groups and homophily of social networks along the stratifying attribute interact in such a way that a belief/practice diffuses widely in one group but not the other—an outcome referred to as differential diffusion. I also analyze how size of ego networks and adoption thresholds affect differential diffusion. Using mathematical and agent-based models, I find a positive correlation between adoption thresholds and homophily: when social networks are highly homophilous (e.g., race and socioeconomic class), uneven diffusion of non-normative behavior reproduces inequality; inclusive networks (e.g., in diverse city schools), in contrast, reestablish inequality through differential diffusion of low-risk behavior. This suggests that cultivating diversity is likely to mitigate inequality preservation in conservative situations where adoption of new beliefs/practices needs considerable affirmation. Encouraging status-based solidarity is more appropriate in receptive contexts where adoption of new behaviors entails comparatively lower risk. The results also imply that analyses of diffusion need to be sensitive to contextual factors, including homophily, cultural institutionalization of the diffusing material, and population distribution. Finally, I extend Ridgeway’s seminal work to show how relational structure can not only construct status hierarchies but also contribute to their symbolic maintenance.
Ultrasound data acquisition system design for collecting high quality RF data from beef carcasses in the slaughterhouse environment

Ultrasound has considerable potential to accurately and precisely grade beef. The ultimate goal is an automated and objective grading process. The current phase of the work does not involve construction of an ultrasound grading device but rather the determination of which of these ultrasound-related and derived quantities best correlate to each grade. In order to make this determination, an ultrasound data acquisition system capable of acquiring large amounts of high-quality RF data from beef carcasses has been constructed. The engineering concepts and construction details of an ultrasound data acquisition device to be used as a research tool for this application are presented. >
Therapeutic potential of aleglitazar, a new dual PPAR-α/γ agonist: implications for cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Preventing morbidity and mortality from diabetes mellitus is of paramount importance as the incidence of this disease is increasing across the world. While microvascular complications of diabetes such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy are reduced with intensive glycemic control, treatment of hyperglycemia has not been consistently shown to have effects on the macrovascular complications of diabetes such as coronary artery, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease. Preventive efforts have accordingly shifted toward the modification of other cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients. Agonism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) has long been an attractive target for antidiabetic therapy due to the role of PPARs in glycemic control and lipid metabolism. PPAR-γ agonists such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone are used in clinical practice for the treatment of diabetes, and there is some evidence that pioglitazone may have positive effects on cardiovascular complications by virtue of its favorable effects on lipid profiles. However, they have not been shown to reduce macrovascular events. PPAR-α agonism is the mechanism of action in the fibrate class of medications; these agents have been shown to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, reduce triglyceride levels, and improve cardiovascular outcomes. Given the prevalence of lipid abnormalities in patients with diabetes, dual PPAR-α/γ agonists (glitazars) could potentially benefit patients with diabetes. A phase II trial examining a novel dual PPAR agonist, aleglitazar, showed that therapy with this agent reduced hyperglycemia and favorably modified levels of HDL-C and triglycerides with an acceptable safety profile. Aleglitazar is currently being studied in large-scale clinical trials to assess whether it will reduce the risk of major cardiovascular endpoints (death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) among patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease. If ongoing studies confirm the theoretical benefit and safety of dual PPAR-α/γ agonism, aleglitazar may become the first therapy demonstrated to reduce macrovascular complications in patients with diabetes.
Clinical use of computed tomography and surface markers to assist internal fixation within the equine hoof.

Objective To describe clinical use of computed tomography (CT) and hoof surface markers to facilitate internal fixation within the confines of the hoof wall. Study Design Retrospective case series. Animals Horses (n = 16) that had CT-guided internal fixation of the distal phalanx (DP) or distal sesamoid bone (DSB). Methods Drill bit entry point and direction were planned from CT image series performed on hooves with grids of barium paste dots at proposed entry and projected exit sites. Post-implantation CT images were obtained to check screw position and length as well as fracture reduction. Imaging, reduction, and surgical and general anesthesia times were evaluated. Outcome was recorded. Results Screw position and length were considered near optimal in all horses, with no consequential malposition of bits or screws. Fracture reduction was evident in all cases. Preoperative planning times (at least 2 CT image acquisitions and grid creation) ranged from 10 to 20 minutes. Surgery time ranged from 45 to 90 minutes (mean, 61 minutes) and general anesthesia time ranged from 115 to 220 minutes (mean, 171 minutes). Conclusions The combination of CT and surface marker grids allowed accurate positioning of screws in clinical DP and DSB fractures. The technique was simple and rapid. An aiming device is useful for the technique.
Lysine supplementation is not effective for the prevention or treatment of feline herpesvirus 1 infection in cats: a systematic review

Feline herpesvirus 1 is a highly contagious virus that affects many cats. Virus infection presents with flu-like signs and irritation of ocular and nasal regions. While cats can recover from active infections without medical treatment, examination by a veterinarian is recommended. Lysine supplementation appears to be a popular intervention (recommended by > 90 % of veterinarians in cat hospitals). We investigated the scientific merit of lysine supplementation by systematically reviewing all relevant literature. NCBI’s PubMed database was used to search for published work on lysine and feline herpesvirus 1, as well as lysine and human herpesvirus 1. Seven studies on lysine and feline herpesvirus 1 (two in vitro studies and 5 studies with cats), and 10 publications on lysine and human herpesvirus 1 (three in vitro studies and 7 clinical trials) were included for qualitative analysis. There is evidence at multiple levels that lysine supplementation is not effective for the prevention or treatment of feline herpesvirus 1 infection in cats. Lysine does not have any antiviral properties, but is believed to act by lowering arginine levels. However, lysine does not antagonize arginine in cats, and evidence that low intracellular arginine concentrations would inhibit viral replication is lacking. Furthermore, lowering arginine levels is highly undesirable since cats cannot synthesize this amino acid themselves. Arginine deficiency will result in hyperammonemia, which may be fatal. In vitro studies with feline herpesvirus 1 showed that lysine has no effect on the replication kinetics of the virus. Finally, and most importantly, several clinical studies with cats have shown that lysine is not effective for the prevention or the treatment of feline herpesvirus 1 infection, and some even reported increased infection frequency and disease severity in cats receiving lysine supplementation. We recommend an immediate stop of lysine supplementation because of the complete lack of any scientific evidence for its efficacy.
Discovery of potent thiosemicarbazone inhibitors of rhodesain and cruzain.

Abstract Herein we report the synthesis and evaluation of a series of thiosemicarbazones as potential inhibitors of cysteine proteases relevant to parasitic diseases. Derivatives of thiosemicarbazone 1 were discovered to be potent inhibitors of cruzain and rhodesain, crucial proteases in the life cycles of Trypanosoma cruzi and T. brucei rhodesiense, the organisms causing Chagas’ disease and sleeping sickness. However, the entire series had only modest potency against falcipain-2, an essential protease for Plasmodium falciparum, the organism causing malaria. Among the active inhibitors, several potently inhibited proliferation of cultures of T. brucei. However, only modest activity was observed in inhibition of proliferation of T. cruzi or P. falciparum.
Racial bias in pain assessment and treatment recommendations, and false beliefs about biological differences between blacks and whites

Black Americans are systematically undertreated for pain relative to white Americans. We examine whether this racial bias is related to false beliefs about biological differences between blacks and whites (e.g., “black people’s skin is thicker than white people’s skin”). Study 1 documented these beliefs among white laypersons and revealed that participants who more strongly endorsed false beliefs about biological differences reported lower pain ratings for a black (vs. white) target. Study 2 extended these findings to the medical context and found that half of a sample of white medical students and residents endorsed these beliefs. Moreover, participants who endorsed these beliefs rated the black (vs. white) patient’s pain as lower and made less accurate treatment recommendations. Participants who did not endorse these beliefs rated the black (vs. white) patient’s pain as higher, but showed no bias in treatment recommendations. These findings suggest that individuals with at least some medical training hold and may use false beliefs about biological differences between blacks and whites to inform medical judgments, which may contribute to racial disparities in pain assessment and treatment.
SAT0540 Assessment of Factors Protective of Bone Mineral Density in a New Orleans Sarcoidosis Population

Background Sarcoidosis often involves pathological dysregulation of dependent factors of bone metabolism, e.g. calcitriol /calcium, and administration of high dose glucocorticoids (GCs) leading to low bone mineral density (LBMD). Traditional risk factors for LBMD include advancing age, female sex, low body mass index (BMI), smoking, white race and GCs. LBMD in sarcoidosis is presumed but not yet described. Methods A retrospective chart review of biopsy-diagnosed patients with sarcoidosis for >1 year extracted and compared variables of prevalence, age (at chart review), sex, race, smoking status and designation of LBMD defined as osteopenia or osteoporosis with a T-score of ≤ -1 on DXA. Calculations were performed by non-parametric analyses using Fisher9s exact for categorical data and Mann Whitney tests for continuous variables. Results 269 charts were reviewed and 109 had documentation of biopsy. Of these 109, 61 patients (86.9% Black) had documentation of DXA, 38 (62.3%) with LBMD (30 with osteopenia and 8 with osteoporosis). Although patients with BMI ≥30 had a significantly lower incidence of LBMD vs. those with BMI Conclusions Factors protective against LBMD in the general population were not demonstrated in this retrospective sarcoidosis predominantly black cohort. A lower risk of LBMD was not conferred by age Acknowledgements This research was funded by grant #T35HL105350 from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Disclosure of Interest M. Walker: None declared, A. Janot: None declared, H. Grewal: None declared, M. Yu: None declared, M. Lammi: None declared, L. A. Saketkoo Grant/research support from: ACR/EULAR Exchange Awardee
Renovation versus New Construction and Building Decision Tool for Educational Facilities

Renovation of an existing building is an accomplished stem of the construction industry because it supplies financial diversification for construction stakeholders. Although several construction planning tools and stakeholder alignment exercises have been developed, no tool exists to assist project owners to decide between renovating an existing building and new construction with a comprehensive decision criteria. The objective of this research is to create and test a renovation versus new building support decision tool for construction project stakeholders. The renovation versus new building support decision tool was created based on an extensive review of existing support tools and construction industry needs. The created tool was implemented to evaluate decisions of educational facilities by university officials experienced in project management. Results show the tool was effective in identifying relevant topics for discussion and guiding a group of stakeholders through an exercise in decision-making. Specifically, the tool was implemented by construction management personnel for university facilities currently under construction to evaluate the decision to renovate an existing building or new construction. The main contribution of this research is a framework and support decision tool readily implementable for construction project stakeholders desiring to determine if renovation or new construction is the optimal path for their specific objectives.
Memory, History, Justice

Among the different parts of Hegel’s system the philosophy of history is today perhaps one of the less appealing. This is due both to a shift in the general focus of the current philosophical discussion and to the particular place that history occupies within Hegel’s thought. While the issue of “universal” or “world” history (Weltgeschichte) is one of the most widely treated between the end of the eighteenth century and the first decades of the nineteenth century, it is hardly of any interest in the contemporary philosophical debate. On the other hand, for general and scholarly readers alike the philosophy of history seems to catalyze many of the flaws that different interpretive traditions have attributed to Hegel throughout the years — from the charge of teleologism (or providentialism) and the triumphalism of a suspicious notion of progress bent toward the superiority of the Prussian national state and Protestant culture, to the charge of intellectualizing (even logicizing) material processes at the expense of the understanding of real historical transformations. All in all, it seems difficult today to take seriously, at least without further qualifications, claims such as: reason is in history; history is god’s unimpeded march in the world, or even that history is the worldly realization of freedom.1
Temperature Histories of Structural Steel Welds Calculated Using Solidification-Boundary Constraints

Temperature histories of structural steel deep-penetration welds are presented, which are calculated using numerical-analytical basis functions and solidification-boundary constraints. These weld temperature histories can be adopted as input data to various types of computational procedures, which include numerical models for prediction of solid-state phase transformations and mechanical response. In addition, these temperature histories can be used parametrically for inverse thermal analysis of welds corresponding to other welding processes whose process conditions are within similar regimes. The present study applies an inverse thermal analysis procedure that uses three-dimensional constraint conditions whose two-dimensional projections are mapped within transverse cross sections of experimentally measured solidification boundaries. In addition, the present study uses experimentally measured estimates of the heat effect zone edge to examine the consistency of calculated temperature histories for steel welds.
Sociodemographic Disparities in Intervention Service Utilization in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study investigates whether sociodemographic factors are associated with utilization of intervention services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) enrolled in the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment Study. Maternal ethnicity, insurance status, and education for 696 families of children with ASD were available. Children of Black mothers entered intervention earlier compared to White mothers (2 vs. 2.6 years; p = 0.001). Having public insurance was associated with receiving <15 h/week of individual services, while having a Bachelor degree was associated with receiving <15 h/week of classroom-based services. These differences suggest that SES may be a factor in utilization of services. Efforts should be made to ensure that interventions offered are culturally and linguistically accessible.
Beyond Dialectical Necessity: Assertoric Necessity and the Grammar of Goodness

In this chapter, I demonstrate that, while incorporating important elements of dialectical theory, value theory is indeed ultimately post-dialectical and virtue-theoretical. These dialectical approaches are still sound and widely applicable, I claim, but, as I have been stating elsewhere, it is only a more comprehensive aretaic theory of value which possesses the capacity to fill many of the theoretical gaps which loom large in these models. I demonstrate, via an analysis of the concept of value, informed by all of our previous analyses, that it is a particular sort of virtue theory which answers the questions I have posed throughout this work which I have claimed that non-aretaic models, in general, fail to answer. I achieve this result, first, by demonstrating that value is what I term “reflexively intrinsic,” and, by consequence, that “goodness” can be accurately and adequately defined using the notion of tendential necessity of functions and, subsequently, that betterness can likewise be defined using the notion of comparative tendential necessity of functions. Through the phenomenon of reflexive intrinsicality, I claim, the concepts of value, goodness, betterness, and bestness are inherently teleological and, by consequence, teleologically comparative. I utilize this idea of teleological comparativeness to demonstrate that goodness and value have ultimate foundations in rationality and the Rational Framework, as I have characterized them. As we shall see, rationality constitutes a transcendental conceptual framework which grounds the concept of value itself. It is from the logic of this grounding, I claim, that we can derive all-encompassing answers to even the hardest questions in value theory. The end result is an over-arching, assertoric, aretaic, value-theoretical model which stands grounded on its own but which also acknowledges the usefulness and applicability of the Gewirthian and Habermasean models. This over-arching model, we shall see, is capable of providing answers to some of the profoundest and most personal questions of value.
Varieties of Citizenship and the Moral Foundations of Politics

Debates about citizenship tend to confuse more than they illuminate political discourse because they trade on two different conceptions whose relationship is not immediately apparent. Citizenship has legal meaning, which concerns an individual’s relationship to a particular government. However, citizenship can also invoke deeper moral claims regarding identity and the common ethical commitments that define a community. Various rights, obligations, and benefits can be attached to citizenship conceived both in juridical and moral terms. However, attending to the varieties of citizenship is difficult given the primacy of the modern state as a political unit. Upon examination, what conventional political debates illustrate – whether they concern economic distribution, cultural identity, or cosmopolitan travel – is that questions of citizenship ultimately concern the bounds of communities and the moral convictions that constitute them.
Abstract 5329: Glycyl-tRNA Synthetase is a novel target for cancer therapeutics

Neddylation, an ubiquitination-like, post-translational modification that controls cell cycle and proliferation, is strongly associated with cancer. Interestingly, we recently identified that glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) as a critical chaperone for neddylation 1 . GlyRS is also an essential enzyme for protein synthesis, which is required for tumor growth. Therefore, the dual functional GlyRS may be a novel target for anti-cancer therapy. Consistent with this idea, we found strong positive correlation between the level of GlyRS and tumor progression in breast cancer. A proof-of-concept inhibitor of GlyRS for aminoacylation was able to suppress neddylation in breast cancer cells, and reduce their lung metastasis in a mouse model. Taken together, we propose that GlyRS is a novel and promising target for cancer treatment. Reference:1. ZY Mo, Q Zhang, J Laurer, Z Liu, LT Sun, Y Shi, P Griffin, XL Yang. Nature Structural and Molecular biology. 2016 Jun 27. doi: 10.1038/nsmb.3250. Citation Format: Zhongying Mo, Ze Liu, Xiang-Lei Yang. Glycyl-tRNA Synthetase is a novel target for cancer therapeutics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5329. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5329
Design and optimization of 3D printed air-cooled heat sinks based on genetic algorithms

Enhancing power density and reliability of power electronics is extremely important in power electronics applications. One of the key challenges in the design process is to design the optimum heat sink. In this paper, an algorithm is proposed to design air-cooled heat sinks using genetic algorithm (GA) and finite element analysis (FEA) simulations. While the GA generates a population of candidate heat sinks in each iteration, FEA simulations are used to evaluate the fitness function of each. The fitness function considered in this paper is the maximum junction temperature of the semiconductor devices. With an approach that prefers “survival of the fittest”, a heat sink providing better performance than the conventional heat sinks is obtained. The simulation and experimental evaluations of the optimized air-cooled heat sink are also included in the paper.
Spatial distribution of root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) in a long-term no-till cropping system and their relationship with soil and landscape properties

The Cook Agronomy Farm of Washington State University is a long-term precision agriculture study site. Since 2000, the farm has been in various three-year no-till rotations with winter wheat, spring wheat, and various rotation crops such as barley, canola, peas, lentils, and chickpea. The spatial distribution of root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) and their relationships with soil and terrain variables were studied by collecting soil samples at 127 and 124 geo-referenced points in two 12-ha fields during the spring of 2010 and 2011, respectively. Pratylenchus spp. were detected in more than 85% of the sampled locations in both fields. Nematode densities spatially mapped using ArcGIS software occurred in an aggregated pattern. Previous rotation crops had no effect on the spatial distribution. Classification and regression tree analysis (CART) using soil and terrain variables, and nematode density, explained 61 and 34% of the variability associated with nematode density in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Soil edaphic factors, such as organic matter, were stronger predictors of nematode populations than rotation effects.
Mechanism of error-free replication across benzo[a]pyrene stereoisomers by Rev1 DNA polymerase.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BP) is a carcinogen in cigarette smoke which, after metabolic activation, can react with the exocyclic N 2 amino group of guanine to generate four stereoisomeric BP-N 2-dG adducts. Rev1 is unique among translesion synthesis DNA polymerases in employing a protein-template-directed mechanism of DNA synthesis opposite undamaged and damaged guanine. Here we report high-resolution structures of yeast Rev1 with three BP-N 2-dG adducts, namely the 10S (+)-trans-BP-N 2-dG, 10R (+)-cis-BP-N 2-dG, and 10S ( − )-cis-BP-N 2-dG. Surprisingly, in all three structures, the bulky and hydrophobic BP pyrenyl residue is entirely solvent-exposed in the major groove of the DNA. This is very different from the adduct alignments hitherto observed in free or protein-bound DNA. All complexes are well poised for dCTP insertion. Our structures provide a view of cis-BP-N 2-dG adducts in a DNA polymerase active site, and offer a basis for understanding error-free replication of the BP-derived stereoisomeric guanine adducts. Benzo[a]pyrene (BP) is a carcinogen in cigarette smoke that upon metabolic activation reacts with guanine. Here, the authors present the structures of the translesion DNA synthesis polymerase Rev1 in complex with three of the four possible stereoisomeric BP-N 2 -dG adducts, which gives insights how Rev1 achieves error-free replication.
Perceptions of Communication Practices Among Stakeholders in Special Education

Especially important to the successful education of children with disabilities are stakeholder (parents and educators) perceptions of home–school relationships across grade levels and diagnoses. Ho...