cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Grape seed proanthocyanidins reactivate silenced tumor suppressor genes in human skin cancer cells by targeting epigenetic regulators.

Abstract Grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) have been shown to have anti-skin carcinogenic effects in in vitro and in vivo models. However, the precise epigenetic molecular mechanisms remain unexplored. This study was designed to investigate whether GSPs reactivate silenced tumor suppressor genes following epigenetic modifications in skin cancer cells. For this purpose, A431 and SCC13 human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines were used as in vitro models. The effects of GSPs on DNA methylation, histone modifications and tumor suppressor gene expressions were studied in these cell lines using enzyme activity assays, western blotting, dot-blot analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We found that treatment of A431 and SCC13 cells with GSPs decreased the levels of: (i) global DNA methylation, (ii) 5-methylcytosine, (iii) DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity and (iv) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b in these cells. Similar effects were noted when these cancer cells were treated identically with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, an inhibitor of DNA methylation. GSPs decreased histone deacetylase activity, increased levels of acetylated lysines 9 and 14 on histone H3 (H3-Lys 9 and 14) and acetylated lysines 5, 12 and 16 on histone H4, and reduced the levels of methylated H3-Lys 9. Further, GSP treatment resulted in re-expression of the mRNA and proteins of silenced tumor suppressor genes, RASSF1A , p16 INK4a and Cip1 / p21 . Together, this study provides a new insight into the epigenetic mechanisms of GSPs and may have significant implications for epigenetic therapy in the treatment/prevention of skin cancers in humans.
Regulation of ERK5 by insulin and angiotensin-II in vascular smooth muscle cells

ERK5 is involved in proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The proliferative actions of insulin and angiotensin-II (A-II) in VSMC are mediated in part by ERK1/2. We hypothesized that insulin and A-II also regulate ERK5 activity in VSMC. Acute treatment (<60min) with insulin or A-II increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 at 15min and ERK5 at 5min. Chronic treatment (< or = 8h) with insulin increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation by 4h and ERK5 by 8h. A-II-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 by 8h and ERK5 by 4h. The EC(50) for insulin treatment effecting ERK1/2 and ERK5 phosphorylation was 1.5 and 0.1nM, whereas the EC(50) for A-II was 2nM, each. Insulin plus A-II induced an additive effect only on ERK5 phosphorylation. Inhibition of insulin- and A-II-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK5 and ERK1/2 by PD98059 and Wortmannin exhibited differential and time-dependent effects. Taken together, these data indicate that insulin and A-II regulate the activity of ERK5, but different from that seen for ERK1/2.
Effect of storage at specified temperature and humidity on properties of three directly compressible tablet formulations.

Direct compression tablets containing sodium starch glycolate, an alginate derivative, or povidone as a disintegrant, magnesium stearate as a lubricant, amaranth as a tracer, and dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate as the matrix were stored for 30 days at 23° and 75% relative humidity (R.H.), 45° and 75% R.H., and 65° and 40% R.H. Samples were evaluated after 0, 10, 20, and 30 days for size, hardness, and dissolution characteristics. Although no significant changes in the dimensions or hardness of the three tablet formulations, prepared at three different compaction pressures, were observed, the dissolution efficiency of the systems showed significant changes, some systems dissolving more rapidly and some more slowly after storage. In some cases, the changes were so substantial as to indicate the possibility of significant changes of the bioavailability of drugs formulated in such systems. The relevance of this work to the problem of evaluating aging effects on the physical properties of tablets is discussed.
Development testing of ±800kV HVDC thyristor valves

This paper describes the development work leading to the design and testing work of a new corona shield for AREVA's 800 kV Ultra High Voltage Direct Current (UHVDC) thyristor valve. The design of the corona shields required an extensive electrostatic field investigation using numerical analysis, particularly the Boundary Element Method (BEM), an enhancement of the well known Finite Element analysis to calculate electrical stress. Some results from the laboratory tests are presented in the paper together with an assessment of the initial BEM analysis. The paper concludes by considering how the electrical clearances identified in the tests influence the design, and hence achieve an economically viable corona shield design for ±800 kV UHVDC convertor stations.
Fluid/thermal/chemical non-equilibrium simulation of hypersonic reentry vehicles

A multi-physics frame work has been setup for the simulation of surface heat flux for nonablating hypersonic reentry vehicles and presented in this paper. The main goal of this work was to set up a simple approach for the heat flux prediction during the reentry of the vehicle. The vehicle considered in the calculation is an axisymmetric vehicle flying at zero degree angle of attack. Chemical nonequilibrium in the flowfield is simulated by implementing a set of finite rate equations in the laminar finite rate model in FLUENT. The frame work set up was validated with the results available in the literature. Good correlation was observed between the results from the commercial code with the implemented equations and the results from the literature.
Introducing Cooperative Learning into a Dynamics Lecture Class

Numerous references have suggested that cooperative learning can significantly increase student understanding. Yet, structuring a lecture class to be given over totally to cooperative learning groups is overwhelming to most instructors and many remain unconvinced of its value. In this department, a limited experiment has served to introduce cooperative learning to the students as well as the instructor. Through a series of cooperative problem solving exercises, “lecture” classes become more active learning environments.
Formation and stability of enhanced superhard nanostructured AlN/VN and AlN/TiN superlattice materials

Using density functional theory and the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method, we investigate the formation and stability, and atomic structure, of rocksalt AlN/TiN and AlN/VN systems, including properties of the clean surfaces of the constituent materials. Calculations of the adlayer formation energy highlights the effect and interplay of the various energetic contributions on the growth of these strained systems, where the so-called “surface-interface” interaction energy is found to be important for the initial stages of AlN epitaxy. A significant strain energy builds up for increasing number of layers, where it is greater in the AlN/TiN system, which limits the thickness of rocksalt AlN regions that can grow before a structural transition to the lower energy wurtzite phase takes place. From our calculations, together with the known experimental critical thicknesses, we can obtain an accurate estimate of the wurtzite/substrate interface energy. That these values are high explains why the metastable rocksalt phase, which has significantly lower interface energies, is stabilized.
Automated learning of model classifications

This paper describes a new approach to automate the classification of solid models using machine learning techniques. Existing approaches, based on group technology, fixed matching algorithms or pre-defined feature sets, impose a priori categorization schemes on engineering data or require significant human labeling of design data. This paper describes a shape learning algorithm and a general technique for "teaching" the algorithm to identify new or hidden classifications that are relevant in many engineering applications. In this way, the core shape learning algorithm can be used to find a wide variety of model classifications based on user input and training data. This allows for great flexibility in search and data mining of engineering data.
Confidence Estimation in Non-RF to RF Correlation-Based Specification Test Compaction

Several existing methodologies have leveraged the correlation between the non-RF and the RF performances of a circuit in order to predict the latter from the former and, thus, reduce test cost. While this form of specification test compaction eliminates the need for expensive RF measurements, it also comes at the cost of reduced test accuracy, since the retained non-RF measurements and pertinent correlation models do not always suffice for adequately predicting the omitted RF measurements. To alleviate this problem, we develop a methodology that estimates the confidence in the obtained test outcome. Subsequently, devices for which this confidence is insufficient are retested through the complete specification test suite. As we demonstrate on production test data from a zero-IF down-converter fabricated at IBM, the proposed method outperforms previous defect filtering and guard banding methods and enables a more efficient exploration of the tradeoff between test accuracy and number of retested devices.
From software architecture to design patterns: a case study of an NFR approach

There has been extensive research on establishing a non-functional requirement (NFR) framework (Chung et al., 2000) and applying it systematically in selecting software architectural design alternatives. However there is still a gap between software architecture and concrete detailed design. This paper presents a way to come up with more detailed designs by selecting a set of applicable design patterns. The method in selecting design patterns is applied step by step systematically in a defined process. After a preliminary selection of a set of potentially applicable design patterns based on existing knowledge, analysis of their applicability is conducted on each of the design patterns. In each analysis process, the potentially applicable design pattern and the chosen architectural design are decomposed; the traceability from software architecture to design patterns is analyzed. This method is applied in the case study on keyword in context system (KWIC) (Shaw and Garlan, 1996) and (Chung et al., 2000). The notation of NFR approach (Chung et al., 2003) is further refined.
Evolutionary genetics of lifespan and mortality rates in two populations of the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus

The age at which individuals die varies substantially within and between species, but we still have little understanding of why there is such variation in life expectancy. We examined sex-specific and genetic variation in adult lifespan and the shape of mortality curves both within and between two populations of the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, that differ in a suite of life history characters associated with adaptation to different host species. Mean adult lifespan and the shape of the logistic mortality curves differed substantially between males and females (males had lower initial mortality rates, but a faster increase in the rate of mortality with increasing age) and between populations (they differed in the rate of increase in mortality with age). Larger individuals lived longer than smaller individuals, both because they had lower initial mortality rates and a slower increase in the rate of mortality with increasing age. However, differences in body size were not adequate to explain the differences in mortality between the sexes or populations. Both lifespan and mortality rates were genetically variable within populations and genetic variance/covariance matrices for lifespan differed between the populations and sexes. This study thus demonstrated substantial genetic variation in lifespan and mortality rates within and between populations of C. maculatus.
Mikołaj Kruszewski: theory and vision, Part One

Although it prefigures many advances in linguistic theory, the scholarship of nineteenth century scholar Mikolaj Kruszewski is today largely forgotten. In these papers I hope to partially rectify this situation by introducing Kruszewski’s insights to modern discourse on phonology. In addition to a detailed summary of Kruszewski’s major work, An Outline of the Science of Language (Ocerk Nauki O Jazyke) (1883), I place his work in the context of subsequent (mostly post-war) approaches to language structure. Some of Kruszewski’s major insights include (1) the arbitrary relationship between sound and meaning, (2) the non-teleological nature of the linguistic system, (3) the generative or creative character of language, (4) the connectionist organization of the lexicon, and (5) the optimality-theoretic-esque proposal that linguistic systems may be analyzed as the product of pressures and constraints in inherent conflict with one another. This, Part One of a two-part presentation, considers the first five chapters of Kruszewski’s ten-chapter book.
Use of naturally-occurring halloysite nanotubes for enhanced capture of cells from flow

The development of individualized treatments for cancer can be facilitated by more efficient methods for separating circulating tumor cells (CTC) from patient blood in such a way that they remain viable for live cell assays. We have previously shown that immobilized P-selectin protein can be used on the inner surface of a microscale flow system to induce leukemic cells and leukocytes to roll at different velocities and relative fluxes, thereby creating a means for rapid cell fractionation without inflicting cellular damage [1]. In this study a method for more efficient capture was developed. This enhancement was achieved by altering the nanoscale topography of the inner surface of selectin-coated MicroRenathane (MRE) microtubes using naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes. Immobilized nanotubes on the MRE tube surface provide enhanced capture by two means: (1) The surface area of the MRE tube inner surface is increased, allowing for more protein adsorption, and (2) the characteristic dimensions of the nanotubes allow for selectin proteins to be presented away from the surface, spanning the hydrodynamic lubrication layer that opposes cell contact with the surface. Comprehensive theoretical and experimental analyses of the nanotube coating has confirmed this, as well as show that the macroscale and microscale fluid dynamics in the MRE tube are unaltered by the coating. Consequently, halloysite nanotube coatings provide a straightforward engineering solution to an inherent fluidics obstacle, potentiating our ability to capture viable CTC for study, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer on a patient-to-patient basis.
Adults with Learning Disabilities in the Workforce: Lessons for Secondary Transition Programs

Now almost 15 years after the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) data are emerging in the literature related to job entry and employment outcomes of adults with learning disabilities (LD). Although these data are derived from varying methodologies, they converge in three critical areas: Knowledge of the ADA, realities of workplace self-disclosure, and the importance of self-determination. This review presents findings in each of these areas. The messages obtained from adults with LD who experience the realities of the workplace can provide significant information for secondary programs that assist students with hidden disabilities preparing to transition to college or to employment.
Cyclic quantum evolution and Aharonov-Anandan geometric phases in SU(2) spin-coherent states

We show that cyclic quantum evolution can be realized and the Aharonov-Anandan (AA) geometric phase can be determined for any spin-j system driven by periodic fields. Two methods are extended for the study of this problem: the generalized spin-coherent-state technique and the Floquet quasienergy approach. Using the former approach, we have developed a generalized Bloch-sphere model and presented a SU(2) Lie-group formulation of the AA geometric phase in the spin-coherent state. We show that the AA phase is equal to j times the solid angle enclosed by the trajectory traced out by the tip of a generalized Bloch vector. General analytic formulas are obtained for the Bloch vector trajectory and the AA geometric phase in terms of external physical parameters. In addition to these findings, we have also approached the same problem from an alternative but complementary point of view without recourse to the concept of coherent-state terminology. Here we first determine the Floquet quasienergy eigenvalues and eigenvectors for the spin-j system driven by periodic fields. This in turn allows the construction of the time-evolution propagator, the total wave function, and the AA geometric phase in a more general fashion.
Optimal Strategic Communication: Can a Less Informed Expert be More Informative?

This paper investigates an extended version of Crawford–Sobel’s (1982) communication game in which the principal can control the quality of the expert’s information. We prove that the optimal quality of information is always bounded away from the full information and characterize the optimal information structure that maximizes play
Central discriminative effects of morphine in rats: training via intracerebroventricular administration.

Abstract There have been studies of the discriminative effects of intracerebroventricularly (ICV)-administered morphine (MOR) in rats trained to discriminate MOR systemically, but the converse has not been done. In this study, rats were trained to discriminate between ICV (1–10 μg/3 μl, 1 h) or subcutaneous (SC) (3.0 mg/kg, 30 min) injections of MOR vs. saline/vehicle in a discrete-trial avoidance/escape procedure. On generalization testing, subjects in both the ICV- and SC-trained groups responded on the MOR-appropriate lever at ICV MOR doses ≤1–3 μg, and at SC MOR doses 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher (vs. ICV). Naltrexone (SC) blocked the stimulus effects of MOR (ICV) equipotently in both training groups. In ICV-trained subjects, levorphanol (SC), the μ-opioid selective peptide [D-Ala 2 , NMePhe 4 , Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) (ICV), and the enkephalinase inhibitor N-[L-(1-carboxy-2-phenyl)ethyl]-L-phenylalanyl-β-alanine (SCH 32615) (ICV) produced complete MOR-appropriate responding, whereas the dextrorotary enantiomer of levorphanol dextrorphan (SC; ≤ 3.0 mg/kg) and the δ-opioid selective peptide [D-Pen 2 , D-Pen 5 ]-enkephalin (DPDPE) (ICV, ≤ 0.03 mg) did not. SC-trained subjects did not generalize to SCH 32615, which suggests qualitative differences in the discriminative stimulus effects of novel drugs as a function of the route of administration of the training drug. These data demonstrate that it is feasible to train rats to discriminate an opioid administered by the ICV route, and to perform extended tests of generalization to novel drugs (SC or ICV) in rats so trained.
Hydrogen Chloride Transport and Decay in a Large Apparatus I. Decomposition of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Wire Insulation in a Plenum by Current Overload

Large-scale combustion product evaluation experiments were carried out in a realistic room-plenum arrangement. A 30 ft. (9.14 m) length of electrical power wire with flexible PVC jacket and insulation was decomposed, in a plenum, by the action of an electrical overload. The combustion gases measured were HCl, CO, CO 2 and unburned hydrocarbons. The maximum con centration of HCl in the plenum was 3000 ppm (which represents roughly one third of the total chlorine in the wire). However, this amount decreased rapidly so that only 200—300 ppm remained at the end of 30 min; none of the other combustion gases measured decayed significantly. Little or no HCl was found in the living space, except in one experiment with forced air recirculation, when a maximum concentration of 200 ppm was measured. Reasonable ac counting is presented for the very large proportion of HCl missing from the at mosphere.
Induction of Oxidative Stress by Glutathione Depletion Causes Severe Hypertension in Normal Rats

Several recent studies have shown that certain forms of genetic or acquired hypertension are associated with oxidative stress and that animals with those types of hypertension respond favorably to antioxidant therapy. We hypothesize that oxidative stress may cause hypertension via (among other mechanisms) enhanced oxidation and inactivation of nitric oxide (NO). To test this hypothesis, Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to oxidative stress by glutathione (GSH) depletion by means of the GSH synthase inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, 30 mmol/L in drinking water) for 2 weeks. The control group was given drug-free drinking water. In parallel experiments, subgroups of animals were provided vitamin E-fortified chow and vitamin C-supplemented drinking water. The BSO-treated group showed a 3-fold decrease in tissue GSH content, a marked elevation in blood pressure, and a significant reduction in the urinary excretion of the NO metabolite nitrate plus nitrite, which suggests depressed NO availability. These characteristics were associated with a significant accumulation in various tissues of nitrotyrosine, which is the footprint of NO inactivation by reactive oxygen species. Administration of vitamin E plus vitamin C ameliorated hypertension, improved urinary nitrate-plus-nitrite excretion, and mitigated nitrotyrosine accumulation (despite GSH depletion) in the BSO-treated animals but had no effect in the control group. In conclusion, GSH depletion resulted in perturbation of the NO system and severe hypertension in normal animals. The effects of BSO were mitigated by concomitant antioxidant therapy despite GSH depletion, which supports the notion that oxidative stress was involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in this model.
EMPOWERING TOKEN WOMEN LEADERS

We hypothesized that, in a masculine task, only token women leaders who were empowered through position (by being appointed leader) and expertise (trained with task-relevant information) and legitimated by a male experimenter as credible would be more effective in influencing the performance of their all-male groups than appointed-only and appointed-trained leaders. Thirty women undergraduates each led a small group of male students on a moon survival task. The hypothesis was supported. Videotapes of group interactions revealed that appointed-trained leaders interrupted group members and used tentative tag questions in failed attempts to share their task-relevant knowledge. In addition, group members reported the most dissatisfaction with appointed-trained leaders who, without legitimacy, violated diffused gender roles by presuming to be expert on a masculine task. The importance of the organizational empowerment of token women is underscored.
The Uniqueness of Stationary Distributions for the GI/G/S Queue

Kiefer and Wolfowitz Kiefer, J., J. Wolfowitz. 1955. On the theory of queues with many servers. Amer. Math. Soc.78 1--18. showed that there exists a unique proper stationary limiting distribution for the stochastic process representing the workload at arrival epochs in a multiple-server queue when the utilization per server is less than one. An alternate proof of the uniqueness is presented here which avoids using approximating discrete-state Markov chains.
Autonomous replication in human cells of multimers of specific human and bacterial DNA sequences.

Abstract Using modules of a specific 2,712-bp human DNA sequence and a specific 2,557-bp Escherichia coli DNA sequence, we created plasmids containing between 1 and 12 modules of single or chimeric sequence composition and tested them in human cells for their autonomous replication ability. We found that replication efficiency per generation increased with successive addition of human modules, to essentially 100% by six copies. Although a single copy of the bacterial module had negligible replication ability, the replication efficiency per generation of 12 bacterial modules was 66%. Chimeras composed of human and bacterial modules displayed intermediate replication levels. We also used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to physically map where replication initiated on a half human-half E. coli plasmid. Our results suggest that autonomous replication in human cells is stimulated by simple sequence features which occur frequently in human DNA but are more rare in bacterial DNA.
SITE FIDELITY, PHILOPATRY, AND SURVIVAL OF PROMISCUOUS SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS IN RHODE ISLAND

Abstract We investigated site fidelity and apparent survival in a promiscuous population of Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows (Ammodramus caudacutus) in southern Rhode Island. Based on capture–recapture histories of 446 color-banded sparrows studied from 1993 to 1998 at our primary study site, Galilee, we observed significant variation in apparent survival rates among years, but not between sexes. Return rates of adult males (37.6%) and females (35.6%) were not significantly different during any year. Juveniles exhibited high return rates, ranging from 0 to 44%, with males (61% of returns) more likely to return than females (35%). In addition, we monitored movements of 404 color-banded sparrows at nine satellite marshes in 1997 and 1998, which supported our findings at Galilee and documented intermarsh movements by 10% of all banded birds. Lack of gender-bias in adult dispersal and strong natal philopatry of sparrows in Rhode Island occurs regularly among passerines possessing a variety of mating systems. D...
THE ROLE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSION IN HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS PATHOGENESIS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO AIDS

Latency, the hallmark of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is defined as long-term virus persistence in a clinically silent state with periodic episodes of overt disease caused by reactivated virus. The ability of the reactivated virus to replicate in the presence of apparently normal HSV-specific immunity has intrigued the students of HSV latency for many generations. This chapter reviews HSV immunity focusing on immunoregulatory events during latency and recurrent disease. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of immunosuppression and the definition of factors that govern its generation in response to secondary exposure to HSV antigen. HSV-mediated immunoregulatory events that might impact on infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and in the pathogenesis of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), are discussed.
The Effects Of Hindsight Bias On Experienced And Inexperienced Auditors' Relevance Ratings Of Adverse Factors Versus Mitigating Factors

Hindsight bias is the tendency for individuals who have been provided with the outcome of an uncertain event to systematically overstate their abilities to have predicted that outcome in foresight. Individuals also rate cues supporting this known outcome as more relevant than the cues supporting alternative outcomes. In an experiment using the case data of a troubled company, the current study explores the effects of outcome information on both experienced and inexperienced auditors' going-concern judgments (i.e., whether or not they believed the company would succeed or fail within one year) and the extent to which the outcome information influences the auditors' relevance ratings of the case cues and whether this effect is greater for experienced auditors as compared to inexperienced auditors. The current study predicts that in this task, auditors' implicit knowledge of the differential costs associated with alternative audit decision errors, coupled with the nature of auditor training, will influence their cognitive processing, leading to results that differ from prior psychological studies in a systematic manner. Specifically, the current study predicted and found that despite the outcome information provided, both experienced and inexperienced auditors rated failure cues (i.e., adverse factors) as more relevant than success cues (i.e., mitigating factors); the effect was not greater for experienced auditors. However, the current study also predicted and found that due to hindsight bias, auditors, who are provided with the failure outcome, were more likely to rate the adverse factors as more relevant than the mitigating factors than did the auditors who were not provided with outcome information.
Manic Episode Following Ingestion of Caffeine Pills: A Case Report.

To the Editor: Among stimulants, caffeine is the most prevalent, and there has been some research on its neuropsychiatric effects. Caffeine increases motor behaviors and has a wake-promoting effect through its inhibition of adenosine receptors. Caffeine can also directly and indirectly affect mood through several mechanisms. Although caffeine has been associated with triggering psychotic episodes,1 case reports and the literature lack consideration of caffeine use and episodes of mania. A survey of patients with mood disorders showed an association of caffeine use with bipolar spectrum patients.2
Patient-Reported Barriers to High-Quality, End-of-Life Care: A Multiethnic, Multilingual, Mixed-Methods Study.

Abstract Objective: The study objective was to empirically identify barriers reported by multiethnic patients and families in receiving high-quality end-of-life care (EOLC). Methods: This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study in Burmese, English, Hindi, Mandarin, Tagalog, Spanish, and Vietnamese was held in multiethnic community centers in five California cities. Data were collected in 2013–2014. A snowball sampling technique was used to accrue 387 participants—261 women, 126 men, 133 Caucasian, 204 Asian Americans, 44 African Americans, and 6 Hispanic Americans. Measured were multiethnic patient-reported barriers to high-quality EOLC. A development cohort (72 participants) of responses was analyzed qualitatively using grounded theory to identify the six key barriers to high-quality EOLC. A new validation cohort (315 participants) of responses was transcribed, translated, and back-translated for verification. The codes were validated by analyses of responses from 50 randomly drawn subjects from the validat...
Efficient analysis for emergency management using simulation metamodeling: a case study for a medical trauma center

This paper presents a rapid, quantitative simulation-based approach for Systems Engineering applicable to the emergency management domain. The motivation behind this approach is to provide improved decision-support for emergencies. A case study is performed on a problem in the healthcare domain concerning the effect of worker capacities in a trauma center. The application of simulation to healthcare systems analysis is a growing area, but analysis with large-scale simulations can be inefficient due to their long run times. This problem can be overcome by simulation metamodeling that provides the ability to expedite system evaluations and enable complex systems analysis. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of simulation metamodeling for healthcare systems analysis. The methodology developed for this case study has the potential to be transferred or applied to other scenarios for emergency management.
Pediatricians Working Part-Time Has Plateaued.

Objective To examine trends in pediatricians working part-time and residents seeking part-time work and to examine associated characteristics. Study design The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Periodic Survey of Fellows and the AAP Annual Survey of Graduating Residents were used to examine part-time employment. Fourteen periodic surveys were combined with an overall response rate of 57%. Part-time percentages were compared for surveys conducted from 2006-2009 and 2010-2013. The AAP Annual Surveys of Graduating Residents (combined response rate = 60%) from 2006-2009 were compared with 2010-2013 surveys for residents seeking and obtaining part-time positions following training. Multivariable logistic regression models identified characteristics associated with part-time work. Results Comparable percentages of pediatricians worked part-time in 2006-2009 (23%) and 2010-2013 (23%). There was similarly no statistically significant difference in residents seeking part-time work (30%-28%), and there was a slight decline in residents accepting part-time work (16%-13%, aOR .75, 95% CI .56-.96). Increases in working part-time were not found for any subgroups examined. Women consistently were more likely than men to work part-time (35% vs 9%), but they showed different patterns of part-time work across age. Women in their 40s (40%) were more likely than other women (33%) and men in their 60s (20%) were more likely than other men (5%) to work part-time. Conclusions There has been a levelling off in the number of pediatricians working part-time and residents seeking part-time work. Overall, women remain more likely to work part-time, although 1 in 5 men over 60 work part-time.
Abstract 3729: Delayed Hematoma Expansion Occurs After ICH: Observations from the Safety of Pioglitazone for Hematoma Resolution in INtraCerebral Hemorrhage (SHRINC) trial

Background and Purpose Early hematoma expansion (EHE) has been described in the first 48 hours. SHRINC is a phase 2 prospective safety trial whose primary objective is to assess the safety of piogl...
The Binding of Calcium Ions by Component I of the Blood Sera of Diethylstilbestrol-Treated Cockerels

Abstract Equilibrium dialysis experiments indicate that the high phosphorus component found in the blood sera of DESB-treated cockerels (Component I) has 110 binding sites per molecule. The ΔGinto calculated from the binding data of calcium ions to Component I was −7.82 kcal./mole, and the equilibrium constant K was 1.66 × 106. These values explain the presence of the extra calcium in the above mentioned birds as bound calcium.
The Impact of Pre-Silicidation Heat Treatment and Dopant Effects on the Thermal Stability of Cosi2 Polycide During Rapid Thermal Annealing

The effects of heat treatment of polysilicon and amorphous Si films on their microstructure and thermal stability of polycides formed on these films have been studied. The number of grain boundaries decreases after pre-silicidation heat treatment in polysilicon due to grain growth but increases in amorphous Si due to nucleation. Since the thermal stability of CoSi2 polycide films was found to be closely related to the number of grain boundaries in the underlying silicon substrate, pre-silicidation heat treatments degrade the thermal stability of CoSi2 on as-deposited amorphous Si and improve the thermal stability of CoSi2 on as-deposited polysilicon. Doping does not have as pronounced an effects as substrate microstructure on CoSi2 polycide thermal stability, especially when dopants are introduced after silicidation by ion implantation.
Abnormal Frontal and Temporal Lobe Asymmetries in Autism

Regional cortical volume asymmetry patterns, particularly those associated with language function, in 16 boys with autism (aged 7-11 years) were compared with measures in 15 normal, age- and handedness-matched controls, in an MRI study at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and other centers.
How to have nuclear power without weapons proliferation

With adequate safeguards including inspection, an open system of nuclear power offers the best hope of preventing the spread of the bomb
A Granulosis Virus of Pieris rapae as a Microbial Control Agent on Cabbage in Missouri

A granulosis virus (GV) was introduced, propagated, and applied to spring-produced cabbage in Missouri to control natural populations of Pieris rapae (L.). The LC50 of the GV, based on a 96-h exposure period (in the laboratory) was 1.0 capsule/mm2. Replicated field tests demonstrated that GV reduced damage to the leaves and heads when it was applied at rates of 1011 capsules/acre or greater. Activated carbon provided significant protection against sunlight.
Catalytic DNA: Scope, Applications, and Biochemistry of Deoxyribozymes

The discovery of natural RNA enzymes (ribozymes) prompted the pursuit of artificial DNA enzymes (deoxyribozymes) by in vitro selection methods. A key motivation is the conceptual and practical advantages of DNA relative to proteins and RNA. Early studies focused on RNA-cleaving deoxyribozymes, and more recent experiments have expanded the breadth of catalytic DNA to many other reactions. Including modified nucleotides has the potential to widen the scope of DNA enzymes even further. Practical applications of deoxyribozymes include their use as sensors for metal ions and small molecules. Structural studies of deoxyribozymes are only now beginning; mechanistic experiments will surely follow. Following the first report 21 years ago, the field of deoxyribozymes has promise for both fundamental and applied advances in chemistry, biology, and other disciplines.
Mental-Imagery Methods in Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy

Short-term dynamic psychotherapy (STDP) involves the rapid identification and repeated interpretation of a patient’s focal dynamic conflict. Examples are given of how the mental imagery of patient and therapist can be used in each stage of STDP--selection, initial focusing, working through, termination, and post-therapy evaluation. Because of the potential power of imagery methods, it is emphasized that therapists use them within a coherent theoretical structure and that care be taken to help patients integrate experiences revealed through their mental imagery into their self-concept.
Architecture-Dependent Stabilization of Polyelectrolyte Complexes between Polyanions and Cationic Triblock Terpolymer Micelles

We investigate the complexation of poly(styrenesulfonate) with micelles containing both cationic and hydrophilic blocks in their coronas. Five distinct micelles were prepared by self-assembly, using D+S, OS, OD+S, D+OS, and mixtures of D+S and OS block polymers, where the hydrophobic S blocks (poly(styrene)) form the micelle cores and the cationic D+ blocks (poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)) and hydrophilic, nonionic O blocks (poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)) form the coronas. Turbidimetric titration and dynamic light scattering measurements on complexes with short poly(styrenesulfonate) chains (M ≈ 1 kg/mol) that can equilibrate quickly reveal that the intrinsic colloidal stability of the complexes is determined by the identity of the outermost block of the micelle corona and that architectures with a nonionic solvating outer block promote the formation of soluble single-micelle complexes even when the complexes are fully neutralized. Although complexes with longer poly(styren...
Substrate-Induced Nanoscale Undulations of Borophene on Silver.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials tend to be mechanically flexible yet planar, especially when adhered on metal substrates. Here, we show by first-principles calculations that periodic nanoscale one-dimensional undulations can be preferred in borophenes on concertedly reconstructed Ag(111). This “wavy” configuration is more stable than its planar form on flat Ag(111) due to anisotropic high bending flexibility of borophene that is also well described by a continuum model. Atomic-scale ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy characterization of borophene grown on Ag(111) reveals such undulations, which agree with theory in terms of topography, wavelength, Moire pattern, and prevalence of vacancy defects. Although the lattice is coherent within a borophene island, the undulations nucleated from different sides of the island form a distinctive domain boundary when they are laterally misaligned. This structural model suggests that the transfer of undulated borophene onto an elastomeric substrate would all...
It’s How Many Terabytes?! A Case Study on Managing Large Born Digital Audio-visual Acquisitions

In October 2014, the University of California Irvine (UCI) Special Collections and Archives acquired a born digital collection of 2.5 terabytes – the largest born digital collection acquired by the department to date. This case study describes the challenges we encountered when applying existing archival procedures to appraise, store, and provide access to a large born digital collection. It discusses solutions when they could be found and ideas for solutions when they could not , lessons learned from the experience, and the impact on born-digital policy and procedure at UCI Libraries. Working with a team of archivists, librarians, IT, and California Digital Library (CDL) staff, we discovered issues and determined solutions that will guide our procedures for future acquisitions of large and unwieldy born digital collections.
Treatment of locally advanced parotid malignancies with parotidectomy and temporal bone resection.

Abstract Purpose In this study we review our institution's experience and outcomes with temporal bone resection and parotidectomy in the treatment of advanced parotid malignancies. Methods Patients undergoing lateral temporal bone resection and parotidectomy from 2007–2013 were identified in the EPIC electronic medical record. Primary tumor location, staging, surgical procedure, and patient demographic and outcome data were collected retrospectively. Results Fifteen patients underwent combined temporal bone resection and parotidectomy for parotid malignancy. Carcinoma ex-pleomorphic and squamous cell carcinoma were the most common pathologies. Two year disease free survival was 40%. Distant metastases were the most common site of disease recurrence. Only nodal disease was predictive of reduced disease free survival, though pre-operative facial paralysis showed a trend towards significance. Margin status and operating for recurrent tumor did not influence outcome in our series. Conclusion Local and regional tumor controls are attainable with combined skull base approaches to advanced parotid malignancies. Unfortunately these cases have a high rate of distant recurrence despite negative margins and local control.
Transfer learning in long-text keystroke dynamics

Conventional machine learning algorithms based on keystroke dynamics build a classifier from labeled data in one or more sessions but assume that the dataset at the time of verification exhibits the same distribution. Ideally, the keystroke data collected at a session is expected to be an invariant representation of an individual's behavioral biometrics. In real applications, however, the data is sensitive to several factors such as emotion, time of the day and keyboard layout. A user's typing characteristics may gradually change over time and space. Therefore, a traditional classifier may perform poorly on another dataset that is acquired under different environmental conditions. In this paper, we apply two transfer learning techniques on long-text data to update a classifier according to the changing environmental conditions with minimum amount of re-training. We show that by using adaptive techniques, it is possible to identify an individual at a different time by acquiring only a few samples from another session, and at the same time obtain up to 19% higher accuracy relative to the traditional classifiers. We make a comparative analysis among the proposed algorithms and report the results with and without the knowledge transfer. At the end, we conclude that adaptive classifiers exhibit a higher start by a good approximation and perform better than the classifiers trained from scratch.
Diagnosis of DWI-negative acute ischemic stroke A meta-analysis

Objective: To determine the prevalence of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)–negative acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and to identify clinical characteristics of patients with DWI-negative AIS. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed and Ovid/MEDLINE for relevant studies between 1992, the year that the DWI sequence entered clinical practice, and 2016. Studies were included based upon enrollment of consecutive patients presenting with a clinical diagnosis of AIS prior to imaging. Meta-analysis was performed to synthesize study-level data, estimate DWI-negative stroke prevalence, and estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for clinical characteristics associated with DWI-negative stroke. Results: Twelve articles including 3,236 AIS patients were included. The meta-analytic synthesis yielded a pooled prevalence of DWI-negative AIS of 6.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.9–9.3. In the 5 studies that reported proportion data for DWI-negative and DWI-positive AIS based on the ischemic vascular territory (n = 1,023 AIS patients), DWI-negative stroke was strongly associated with posterior circulation ischemia, as determined by clinical diagnosis at hospital discharge or repeat imaging (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.3–11.6, p Conclusions: A small but significant percentage of patients with AIS have a negative DWI scan. Patients with neurologic deficits consistent with posterior circulation ischemia have 5 times the odds of having a negative DWI scan compared to patients with anterior circulation ischemia. AIS remains a clinical diagnosis and urgent reperfusion therapy should be considered even when an initial DWI scan is negative.
Chafetz, Josh. Congress's Constitution: Legislative Authority and the Separation of Powers

In an era where both popular and academic focus often falls on the expanding powers of the presidency, Josh Chafetz asks the question “What good is Congress?” (1). Although the question is as old a...
Bony ingrowth potential of 3D-printed porous titanium alloy: a direct comparison of interbody cage materials in an in vivo ovine lumbar fusion model

Abstract Background Context There is significant variability in the materials commonly used for interbody cages in spine surgery. It is theorized that three-dimensional (3D)-printed interbody cages using porous titanium material can provide more consistent bone ingrowth and biological fixation. Purpose The purpose of this study was to provide an evidence-based approach to decision-making regarding interbody materials for spinal fusion. Study Design A comparative animal study was performed. Methods A skeletally mature ovine lumbar fusion model was used for this study. Interbody fusions were performed at L2–L3 and L4–L5 in 27 mature sheep using three different interbody cages (ie, polyetheretherketone [PEEK], plasma sprayed porous titanium-coated PEEK [PSP], and 3D-printed porous titanium alloy cage [PTA]). Non-destructive kinematic testing was performed in the three primary directions of motion. The specimens were then analyzed using micro-computed tomography (µ-CT); quantitative measures of the bony fusion were performed. Histomorphometric analyses were also performed in the sagittal plane through the interbody device. Outcome parameters were compared between cage designs and time points. Results Flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) was statistically reduced for the PTA group compared with the PEEK cages at 16 weeks (p-value=.02). Only the PTA cages demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in ROM and increase in stiffness across all three loading directions between the 8-week and 16-week sacrifice time points (p-value≤.01). Micro-CT data demonstrated significantly greater total bone volume within the graft window for the PTA cages at both 8 weeks and 16 weeks compared with the PEEK cages (p-value Conclusions A direct comparison of interbody implants demonstrates significant and measurable differences in biomechanical, µ-CT, and histologic performance in an ovine model. The 3D-printed porous titanium interbody cage resulted in statistically significant reductions in ROM, increases in the bone ingrowth profile, as well as average construct stiffness compared with PEEK and PSP.
“Neurotic,” Characterological, and Dysthymic Depressions

Summarizing recent work on the relationship between character disorder, neurosis, and primary depression, the authors acknowledge that the “neurotic depression” of DSM II is too vague and heterogenous a diagnostic term for clinical utility. The DSM III concept of dysthymia, which replaces it, retains the useful concept of characterological propensity to dysphoria, but may also be unnecessarily broad. Noting that chronic depressions may occur in the context of a variety of affective and nonaffective disorders, the authors prefer to limit the operational and conceptual territory of dysthymia to a subaffective (largely sub-unipolar) disorder, in the same way as cyclothymia is limited to a sub-bipolar disorder.