cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in the Molecular Biology of Vitamin D Action

Following the cloning and deletion analysis of the vitamin D receptor, most recent advances have been in the isolation and characterization of the DNA response elements found in the promoter region of target genes of vitamin D. Vitamin D, like the thyroid and retinoid hormones, binds to repeat sequences, but the repeats are separated by three nonspecified bases. The action of the VDR requires the presence of the RXR proteins and evidently other proteins that are involved in regulating transcriptions. A possible role of phosphorylation of the ligand binding domain of the VDR in transcription has also appeared. Very likely, the molecular events involved in vitamin D stimulation or suppression of a target gene will include its interaction with a number of transcription factors, both in the regulation of transcription and in the actual machinery involved in the transcription process through polymerase II. Although likely, it is not entirely clear whether the genomic action of vitamin D can account for all of its biological activities. Nongenomic actions of the vitamin D hormone have been reported, but convincing evidence that this is of biological importance in vivo is lacking. Advances in our understanding of the vitamin D mechanism of action can clearly be expected from physical studies of cloned and expressed vitamin D receptor and its subdomains, elucidation of the transcription factors in vitamin D-modulated transcription of target genes, elucidation of the role of phosphorylation in the transcription process, and the identification of important genes that are regulated in the specific target tissues responsive to vitamin D. This will definitely remain as a very active field of investigation well into the future.
Overexpression of JAK2 mRNA in Chronic Myeloproliferative Disease and Its Implication on Mutation Testing and Biology of Disease.

The V617F point mutation in the JAK2 gene is considered the most important molecular abnormality that characterizes patients with non-chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)-myeloproliferative disease (MPD). While it is well-documented that the V617F mutation leads to continuous activation of the JAK2-STAT5 pathway, the levels of JAK2 mRNA expression is not well defined in myeloproliferative diseases. We quantified the levels total JAK2 mRNA as well as V617F mutant mRNA in the plasma of patients with non-CML MPD using RT/PCR, and compared the results with clinical findings and disease behavior. Patients with non-CML MPD (n = 175) had significantly higher levels ( P P = 0.15) in DNA levels (copies of JAK2 DNA/ul plasma) between CML patients and non-CML MPD patients. There was no significant difference in JAK2 mRNA levels in the MPD group between patients with or without the V617F mutation. There was no significant difference in JAK2 mRNA levels between patients with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, or agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, or unclassified MPD ( P = 0.09). Survival data was available for only 68 patients; JAK2 mRNA levels in these patients did not correlate with overall survival. In contrast, mutant (V617F) JAK2 mRNA levels in the plasma correlated negatively with overall survival in continuous fashion ( P = 0.04) when all patients (with and without the mutation) were considered, as well as when only patients with the mutation were considered ( P = 0.03). In contrast, when we quantified levels of mutant JAK2 DNA, 4 of the 68 patients who showed mutation using RNA were negative for the V617F mutation by DNA analysis, and the levels of mutant JAK2 DNA did not correlate with survival. This data suggests that JAK2 mRNA is overexpressed in all patients with non-CML MPD, and levels of mutant JAK2 mRNA may correlate with clinical behavior. Furthermore, when testing for JAK2 mutation, RNA rather than DNA should be used.
Introduction to Metals in Biology 2017: Iron transport, storage, and the ramifications

In this tenth Thematic Series in Metals in Biology, six Minireviews deal with aspects of iron metabolism. A number of important proteins control iron homeostasis, including hepcidin and ferroportin, in various cells. Other aspects of iron dealt with here include biogenesis of iron–sulfur proteins and chaperones that deliver iron cofactors in cells. Additionally, an iron-regulated metastasis suppressor interacts with the epidermal growth factor receptor and mediates its downstream signaling activity.
Application of pulses cooking water as functional ingredients: the foaming and gelling abilities

Recent interest in pulses has resulted in the application of their cooking water (PCW) as replacement for egg white in meringues. Nonetheless, scientific understanding of their chemical composition, physicochemical properties and effect on food quality is lacking. This study analysed the PCW of haricot beans, garbanzo chickpeas, whole green lentils and split yellow peas, determining their composition and effect on meringues’ quality. The PCW tested contained different amounts of sugar, soluble and insoluble fibre, protein, ash and saponins. All PCW exerted foaming ability (39–97%), directly correlated to their protein content and lower than that of egg white (400%). Moreover, gelling ability was observed, resulting in the development of egg-like meringues, with their hardness inversely correlated to the content of insoluble fibre. Whole green lentils expressed the highest foaming ability while garbanzo chickpeas resulted in the strongest gelling ability. Sensory analysis of meringues depicted low acceptance for the taste of meringues made with the PCW of haricot beans and whole green lentils. On the contrary, high acceptance was determined for garbanzo chickpeas and split yellow peas, similarly to that of the egg white.
Computational locking: Accelerating lock-times in all-digital PLLs

We propose computational-lock, a technique for accelerating frequency and phase-acquisition in all-digital PLLs during cold-start and re-lock. A wide-dynamic range, high resolution TDC is also proposed to further support the technique. Resulting lock-time improvements are evaluated through 50,000 repeated measurements of 65nm CMOS test-chips. Mean lock-times of 16T refcik and 12T refcik for cold-start and relock respectively are observed. Computational-lock does not impact steady-state PLL power and performance.
Virtual Navigation for Blind People: Building Sequential Representations of the Real-World

When preparing to visit new locations, sighted people often look at maps to build an a priori mental representation of the environment as a sequence of step-by-step actions and points of interest (POIs), e.g., turn right after the coffee shop. Based on this observation, we would like to understand if building the same type of sequential representation, prior to navigating in a new location, is helpful for people with visual impairments (VI). In particular, our goal is to understand how the simultaneous interplay between turn-by-turn navigation instructions and the relevant POIs in the route can aid the creation of a memorable sequential representation of the world. To this end, we present two smartphone-based virtual navigation interfaces: VirtualLeap, which allows the user to jump through a sequence of street intersection labels, turn-by-turn instructions and POIs along the route; and VirtualWalk, which simulates variable speed step-by-step walking using audio effects, whilst conveying similar route information. In a user study with 14 VI participants, most were able to create and maintain an accurate mental representation of both the sequential structure of the route and the approximate locations of the POIs. While both virtual navigation modalities resulted in similar spatial understanding, results suggests that each method is useful in different interaction contexts.
Copper-Containing Catalytic Amyloids Promote Phosphoester Hydrolysis and Tandem Reactions.

Self-assembly of short de novo designed peptides gives rise to catalytic amyloids capable of facilitating multiple chemical transformations. We show that catalytic amyloids can efficiently hydrolyze paraoxon, which is a widely used, highly toxic organophosphate pesticide. Moreover, these robust and inexpensive metal-containing materials can be easily deposited on various surfaces, producing catalytic flow devices. Finally, functional promiscuity of catalytic amyloids promotes tandem hydrolysis/oxidation reactions. High efficiency discovered in a very small library of peptides suggests an enormous potential for further improvement of catalytic properties, both in terms of catalytic efficiency and substrate scope.
The Role of the Social Worker in the Management of the Bariatric Patient

The role of the social worker in the management of bariatric surgery patients is to help ensure successful results through preoperative assessment and postoperative evaluations and support. Currently, a social work evaluation is not mandatory, but a licensed social worker can take the place of a psychologist in performing the psychological assessment required of the patient preoperatively. Importantly, a social worker is uniquely qualified to combine a psychological evaluation with a social evaluation of preoperative bariatric patients. By performing both evaluations concurrently, a social worker can counsel a patient on realistic postoperative expectations and how to maintain a healthy outlook long term.
The Sigmoid Notch View for Distal Radius Fractures.

Purpose This study defines the sigmoid notch view of the distal radius. Specifically, we tested the null hypothesis that there is no relationship between the subchondral stripe of bone seen on a sigmoid notch view of the distal radius and the articular surface of the sigmoid notch. Methods We used 44 wrist specimens for anatomic and fluoroscopic analysis. We measured the articular depth of the sigmoid notch from its deepest point and classified the shape of the sigmoid notch. We then placed a radiopaque marker at the nadir of the articular surface and quantified the fluoroscopic depth of the sigmoid notch. A sigmoid notch view, which was a tangential fluoroscopic view of the volar and dorsal lips of the sigmoid notch, was obtained. The relationship of the articular surface to the stripe of subchondral bone seen on this view, called the sigmoid stripe, was determined. Results Anatomic analysis revealed sigmoid notch types with proportions similar to those in previous descriptions. The marker for the articular surface was superimposed or just ulnar to the sigmoid stripe in all specimens. In flat face and ski slope notches, this was coincident with the volar and dorsal lips of the sigmoid notch. In C- and S-type notches, there was a measurable distance from the articular surface marker to the edges of the bone of the volar and dorsal lips of the sigmoid. Conclusions The articular surface marker at the nadir of the sigmoid notch is always coincident or ulnar to the sigmoid stripe in the sigmoid notch view. Clinical relevance Surgeons can use the sigmoid notch view as a reliable method to (1) evaluate the integrity of the articular surface, (2) ensure hardware is not placed in the distal radioulnar joint, and (3) guide placement of volar locking plates in the coronal plane.
Oxidation Characteristics of Two FeCrAl Alloys in Air and Steam from 800°C to 1300°C

Iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) alloys are being investigated as cladding material for urania nuclear fuel in light water power reactors. One extraordinary attribute of the FeCrAl alloys is their resistance to attack by air and steam up to their melting point. It was of interest to study the kinetics of oxidation of FeCrAl from 800°C to 1300°C in air and in steam to determine how the oxides evolve to provide protection to the alloys. The two investigated alloys were APMT (Fe-21Cr-5Al-3Mo) and C26M (Fe-12Cr-6Al-2Mo). Results show that both alloys had similar oxidation kinetics despite their different chemical compositions. For the testing times, the oxidation rate was higher in air than in steam at the higher temperatures (1100–1300°C) and higher in steam than in air at the lower temperatures (800–1100°C). In the lower temperature range, the surface oxide consisted of two layers, an internal layer rich in aluminum and an external layer containing Al, Cr, and Fe. In the higher temperature range, the oxide was a single layer of alumina (no Cr, no Fe, no Mo).
An integer linear programming formulation for removing nodes in a network to minimize the spread of influenza virus infections

Abstract We study the problem of minimizing the spread of influenza virus infections in (dynamic) networks of people by isolating sick nodes (or vaccinating susceptible nodes) over time. This can be viewed as removing nodes with certain characteristics from networks of people over time. We present a novel integer linear programming formulation for this problem that incorporates several practical aspects of the spread of influenza virus infections. A comprehensive computational study demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed formulation and several enhancement techniques.
Putting a New Spin of G4 Structure and Binding by Analytical Ultracentrifugation

Abstract Analytical ultracentrifugation is a powerful biophysical tool that provides information about G-quadruplex structure, stability and binding reactivity. This chapter provides a simplified explanation of the method, along with examples of how it can be used to characterize G4 formation and to monitor small-molecule binding.
Phosphorus Release in Miamisburg, Ohio

At 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 1986, 15 cars of a 44-car CSX Transportation freight train derailed near downtown Miamisburg, which is in southwest Ohio, not far from Dayton. A tanker car containing white phosphorus caught on fire when holes in the side allowed air to enter (the material self-ignites upon contact with air).
Anatomic radical cystoprostatectomy.

SUMMARY Radical cystoprostatectomy is considered one of the most difficult urologic operations. The nerve-sparing modifications that have allowed preservation of potency have resulted from an improved understanding of pelvic anatomy. This knowledge is not only important for preservation of potency; it also allows the entire operation to be done more precisely with increased exposure and decreased perioperative morbidity. Although many of the steps described above may seem routine to the urologist who does this operation frequently, we hope that this step-by-step guide proves useful to the practicing urologist who does only a few each year and to the resident who is learning the procedure.
Primate models for cardiovascular drug research and development.

Abstract One of the primary impediments to successful drug R&D is the frequent failure of successfully translating positive results obtained in animal models to human disease. To a large degree, this discrepancy is secondary to the substantial biological differences between species. Non-human primate models have the advantage of significant physiological, metabolic, biochemical and genetic similarity to humans. Despite this advantage, there has been a relative paucity of non-human primate models used in the study of disease states that currently underlie the most common causes of morbidity and mortality, such as chronic myocardial ischemia leading to heart failure. This review describes a primate model of heart failure that closely mimics the cardiomyopathic process observed in humans. The primary advantage of this non-human primate model is that, unlike existing heart failure models, it allows for continuous study during progressive stages of heart failure, including myocardial ischemia, progressive left ventricular remodeling and end-stage congestive heart failure. In addition to this model of heart failure, other non-human primate models for cardiovascular drug R&D are also reviewed.
Infusing Feminist Pedagogies into Courses and Classrooms

BRIEF SESSION DESCRIPTION:This panel will feature instructors who have developed a variety of strategies for infusing feminist pedagogies into their courses and their classrooms sharing techniques. Beyond creating an inclusive classroom climate, this panel provides ideas for infusing feminist pedagogies into the syllabus, readings, course assignments, classroom formats and instructional techniques including flipped classrooms, re-imagining experts, and jigsaw strategies.AÂ Instructors will also discuss strategies for engaging in on-going reflective tools to enhance teaching effectiveness.The facilitators for this panel all come from different disciplines both in the humanities and the social sciences. Participants will be able to describe several strategies to incorporate feminist practices into assignments and course structure.AÂ _______________________________________________________FULL ABSTRACT:This panel will feature instructors who have developed a variety of strategies for infusing feminist pedagogies into their courses and their classrooms sharing techniques. The facilitators for this panel all come from different disciplines both in the humanities and the social sciences. According to Sharp, Weiser, Lavigne, and Corby (2017), interdisciplinary collaborations are a strength for students when discussing facultyA¢â¬â¢s roles as activists in their classrooms. Their research illustrates the need for all disciplines to be incorporating feminist classroom model into their classrooms, regardless the content. Beyond creating an inclusive classroom climate, this panel provides ideas for infusing feminist pedagogies into the syllabus, readings, course assignments, classroom formats and instructional techniques including flipped classrooms, re-imagining experts, and jigsaw strategies.AÂ Instructors will also discuss strategies for engaging in on-going reflective tools to enhance teaching effectiveness.
Tissue-Resident Innate and Innate-Like Lymphocyte Responses to Viral Infection

Infection is restrained by the concerted activation of tissue-resident and circulating immune cells. Recent discoveries have demonstrated that tissue-resident lymphocyte subsets, comprised of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and unconventional T cells, have vital roles in the initiation of primary antiviral responses. Via direct and indirect mechanisms, ILCs and unconventional T cell subsets play a critical role in the ability of the immune system to mount an effective antiviral response through potent early cytokine production. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of tissue-resident lymphocytes during initial viral infection and evaluate their redundant or nonredundant contributions to host protection or virus-induced pathology.
Healthy Aging: Definition and Scope

Age is relatively easy to measure. By a long-established standard, human age is measured in years, the amount of time it takes for the planet we live on to make one rotation around our sun. Aging is more difficult to define and measure. Health is also difficult to define and measure. Good health and poor health mean different things to different people and especially to patients and their healthcare providers.
Effects of ethynyloestradiol on the metabolism of [1-14C]-oleate by perfused livers and hepatocytes from female rats

Normal female rats were given 15μg of ethynyloestradiol/kg body wt. for 14 days and were killed on day 15 after starvation for 12–14h. The livers were isolated and were perfused with a medium containing washed bovine erythrocytes, bovine serum albumin, glucose and [1-14C]oleic acid; 414μmol of oleate were infused/h during a 3h experimental period. The output of bile and the flow of perfusate/g of liver were decreased in livers from animals pretreated with ethynyloestradiol, whereas the liver weight was increased slightly. The rates of uptake and of utilization of [1-14C]oleate were measured when the concentration of unesterified fatty acid in the perfusate plasma was constant. The uptake of unesterified fatty acid was unaffected by pretreatment of the animal with oestrogen; however, the rate of incorporation of [1-14C]oleate into hepatic and perfusate triacylglycerol was stimulated, whereas the rate of conversion into ketone bodies was impaired by treatment of the rat with ethynyloestradiol. Pretreatment of the rat with ethynyloestradiol increased the output of very-low-density lipoprotein triacylglycerol, cholesterol, phospholipid and protein. The production of 14CO2 and the incorporation of radioactivity into phospholipid, cholesteryl ester and diacylglycerol was unaffected by treatment with the steroid. The net output of glucose by livers from oestrogen-treated rats was impaired despite the apparent increased quantities of glycogen in the liver. The overall effect of pretreatment with oestrogen on hepatic metabolism of fatty acids is the channeling of [1-14C]oleate into synthesis and increased output of triacylglycerol as a moiety of the very-low-density lipoprotein, whereas ketogenesis is decreased. The effect of ethynyloestradiol on the liver is apparently independent of the nutritional state of the animal from which the liver was obtained. It is pertinent that hepatocytes prepared from livers of fed rats that had been treated with ethynyloestradiol produced fewer ketone bodies and secreted more triacylglycerol than did hepatocytes prepared from control animals. In these respects, the effects of the steroid were similar in livers from fed or starved (12–14h) rats. Oestrogens may possibly inhibit hepatic oxidation of fatty acid, making more fatty acid available for the synthesis of triacylglycerol, or may stimulate the biosynthesis of triacylglycerol, or may be active on both metabolic pathways.
Incidence of abutment screw failure of single or splinted implant prostheses: A review and update on current clinical status

Osseointegrated implants have been widely used for decades with high survival and success rates. However, mechanical complications continue to be reported in the literature, and their clinical management can be often very challenging for the clinician while there is no consensus on the ideal management. The aim of this manuscript was to review the risk factors of abutment screw complications, to identify the most recent incidence of screw failure in the clinical setting and report on the methodology used and the outcome of intervention. Clinical studies and reports were reviewed that reported on abutment screw looseness and/or fracture. A search of the electronic database PUBMED was conducted in November 2018, including manuscripts published in English from 2004 to 2018. Study selection: animal studies, narrative reviews, expert opinions and communications/letters were excluded. Further exclusion criteria included reports on occlusal prosthetic screws and fracture of abutments, and reports that did not provide adequate data. A total of 12 manuscripts were finally included that reported on single implant crowns or 2-unit implant fixed dental prosthesis. To conclude, the most current abutment screw loosening incidence ranges between 7% and 11%, while the abutment screw fracture incidence was found to be 0.6%. The majority reported on fracture of the screw body. Screw loosening or fracture was often located at the first molar restored area, while the maxillary central incisor area was also reported as an area that presented screw fracture. No single abutment screw failure management can be identified as the ideal treatment approach.
“Rapt Auditors!” Burke and the Revision of Rhetorical Violence in Wordsworth’s The Prelude

ABSTRACTIn this essay, I return to Wordsworth’s apostrophe to Burke in book 7 of the 1850 Prelude, arguing that this passage is best understood as a revisionary meditation on rhetoric. The address ...
Adipocyte JAK2 mediates spontaneous metabolic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) are liver manifestations of the metabolic syndrome and can progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Loss of Growth Hormone (GH) signaling is reported to predispose to NAFLD and NASH through direct actions on the liver. Here, we report that aged mice lacking hepatocyte Jak2 (JAK2L), an obligate transducer of Growth Hormone (GH) signaling, spontaneously develop the full spectrum of phenotypes found in patients with metabolic liver disease, beginning with insulin resistance and lipodystrophy and manifesting as NAFLD, NASH and even HCC, independent of dietary intervention. Remarkably, insulin resistance, metabolic liver disease, and carcinogenesis are prevented in JAK2L mice via concomitant deletion of adipocyte Jak2 (JAK2LA). Further, we demonstrate that GH increases hepatic lipid burden but does so indirectly via signaling through adipocyte JAK2. Collectively, these data establish adipocytes as the mediator of GH-induced metabolic liver disease and carcinogenesis. In addition, we report a new spontaneous model of NAFLD, NASH, and HCC that recapitulates the natural sequelae of human insulin resistance-associated disease progression. The work presented here suggests a attention be paid towards inhibition of adipocyte GH signaling as a therapeutic target of metabolic liver disease.
The Academic Career Readiness Assessment: Clarifying training expectations for future life sciences faculty

Abstract We describe here the development and validation of the Academic Career Readiness Assessment (ACRA) rubric, an instrument that was designed to provide more equity in mentoring, transparency in hiring, and accountability in training of aspiring faculty in the life sciences. We report here the results of interviews with faculty at 20 U.S. institutions which resulted in the identification of 14 qualifications and levels of achievement required for obtaining a faculty position at three groups of institutions: research-intensive (R), teaching-only (T), and research and teaching-focused (RT). T institutions hire candidates on teaching experience and pedagogical practices, and on their ability to serve diverse student populations. RT institutions hire faculty on both research and teaching-related qualifications, as well as on the ability to support students in the laboratory. R institutions hire candidates mainly on their research achievements and potential, which may limit the diversification of the life science academic pathway.
Discussion of the Issue of Wolf Expansion with an Impact on Landscape Management and Farming

The coexistence of people and large carnivores, especially wolves, tend to have an adverse impact on regional sustainable development of ecosystems and rural areas, negatively influencing mainly traditional farming, sustainable tourism and other socioeconomic activities. Although the viewpoint on current situation is not quite clear from the conservative institutions’ perspective, an increase in compensations and support of protective measures results in expenditure displacement instead of proper problem solution. The same displacement logic applies not only to livestock grazing subsidies in the open landscape but also to subsidies determined exclusively for the protection of the predator itself, the wolf. The paper aims to address the key impacts on cultivated landscape caused by a progressive spreading of the predator, focusing on the comprehensive perception of the issue as a whole while also using farming examples to highlight the main issues of gradual wolf spreading in the cultivated area. The research is based on the authors’ monograph (2018) positively accepted by both politicians and specialists’ community which promotes basis for further discussion across other interrelated sectors.
Daratumumab (Dara) and hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide (HyperCy)/dexamethasone (Dex) with and without carfilzomib (Car) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

e20528Background: RRMM can be associated with high disease burden and/or end organ damage requiring rapid disease control. Our group has previously published data with hyperCy-bortezomib (bor)-doxo...
The MUC5B promoter variant does not predict progression of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis

Abstract Objective To investigate the prevalence of the MUC5B promoter variant rs35705950 in patients with systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) and whether its presence predicts response to immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide (CYC) and mycophenolate (MMF). Methods SSc-ILD patients who participated in Scleroderma Lung Study (SLS) II (MMF versus CYC) were included in this study (N = 142). TaqMan Genotyping Assays were used to determine the MUC5B rs35705950 single nucleotide polymorphism. Joint models were created to examine how the presence of this variant affected the course of the forced vital capacity (FVC) over 2 years. Linear regression models were used to investigate the relationship between the presence of this variant and the change in quantitative radiographic fibrosis. Results Among 128 participants who were tested for this variant, 18% possessed at least one copy of the MUC5B minor allele. Patients with at least one copy of this allele were similar to those without the allele with respect to age, sex, SSc subtype, ILD disease severity; however, this variant was rare among African Americans (3.7%). The presence of the MUC5B variant did not affect the course of the FVC, nor the change in quantitative radiographic fibrosis, ground glass or ILD scores in either treatment arm. Conclusion In the context of a randomized controlled trial for SSc-ILD, the presence of the MUC5B variant did not predict disease severity, nor affect treatment response to MMF or CYC. Future studies are needed to determine whether this variant affects ILD progression in other SSc cohorts and in patients receiving anti-fibrotic therapy.
The Magic of Theater: Photographing a Performative Academic Career

I discuss my efforts as a “good enough” photographer and describe the role photographs play communicating important moments from a series of ethnodramas I built about the Chicago Public Schools. I ...
Scheduling in Multi-Channel Wireless Networks with Limited Information

Abstract : The availability of multiple orthogonal channels in a wireless network can potentially lead to substantial performance improvement by alleviating contention and interference. However, this also gives rise to non-trivial channel coordination issues. The situation is exacerbated by variability in the achievable data-rates across channels and links. Thus, scheduling in such networks may require substantial information-exchange and lead to non-negligible overhead. This provides a strong motivation for the study of scheduling algorithms that can operate with limited information, while still providing acceptable worst-case performance guarantees. In this paper, we make an effort in this direction, by examining the scheduling implications of multiple channels, and heterogeneity in channel-rates. We establish lower bounds on performance of a class of maximal schedulers, and describe a scheduler that require limited information-exchange between nodes. We first demonstrate that when the underlying scheduling mechanism is "imperfect", the presence of multiple orthogonal channels can help alleviate the detrimental impact of the imperfect scheduler, and yield a significantly better efficiency-ratio in a wide range of network topologies. We then establish performance bounds for a scheduler than can achieve good efficiency-ratios in the presence of channels with heterogeneous rates without requiring explicit exchange of queue-information. Our results indicate that it may be possible to achieve a desirable trade-off between performance and information.
Effect of Copolymer Composition on Thermodynamic Interactions in Blends Containing a Diene-Olefin Copolymer and a Polyolefin

Thermodynamic interactions in binary blends of a copolymer containing diene and olefin repeat units and a polyolefin were explored, through measurements of the effective binary Flory–Huggins intera...
Simulated sleep apnea alters hydrogen sulfide regulation of blood flow and pressure.

These results suggest that CSE’s protective role in the vasculature is impaired by simulated sleep apnea, which also upregulates CSE in the carotid body. Thus, this enzyme system can exert both pro...
Insurance Fraud and Optimal Claims Settlement Strategies

We examine the optimal claims settlement strategy for a liability insurer when claimants can permanently misrepresent their loss by engaging in costly claims falsification. In this environment claims auditing is not a possible deterrent to fraud, and the settlement strategy consists of an indemnification profile relating the insurance payment to the claimed amount of loss. The optimal indemnification profile is shown to involve systematic underpayment of claims at the margin as a means to deter loss exaggeration, with the extent of underpayment limited by expected litigation costs and potential bad faith claims. The key testable implication of the theory is that the extent of underpayment should be greater for classes of claims for which loss exaggeration is easier. Empirical analysis of insurance settlements for bodily injury liability in automobile accidents confirms this prediction. This suggests that liability insurers optimally choose claims payment strategies to mitigate claimants' incentives to exaggerate loss.
Display of concession: Maa-Prefaced responses to polar questions in Japanese conversation

Abstract This study offers an empirical analysis of the Japanese turn-initial particle maa in the framework of Conversation Analysis. Maa is one of the most used turn-initial particles in colloquial Japanese, and it is typically listed in dictionaries as an interjection meaning “passably,” “probably,” or “for now” (cf., Fukada-Karlin, 2002). A growing body of Conversation Analytic research shows that turn-initial particles primarily signal a speaker's stance toward the prior turn. This study focuses particularly on maa-prefaced turns as responses to polar questions. By asking a question, people generally seek information, confirmation, or agreement. In other words, a question poses constraints on what its addressee is expected to do in the next turn. Based on the analyses of non-institutional conversations, this study shows how the turn-initial particle maa serves to signal a speaker's concessive stance toward a preceding polar question that requests confirmation or seeks agreement. The present study also argues that speakers can respond to a polar question with maa-prefaced turns to negotiate the degree to which they are committed to an action being performed with their turns.
Utilization of 3D printed orthoses for musculoskeletal conditions of the upper extremity: A systematic review.

Abstract Study Design Systematic Review Introduction 3D printed orthoses are emerging as a possible option in the field of hand therapy to fabricate conventional casts and orthoses. It is unknown how this technology is currently being used to treat upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions, and if 3D orthoses are comparable to custom- made low temperature thermoplastic orthoses fabricated by hand therapists. Purpose of the Study The primary aim of this review was to investigate the utilization, effectiveness and feasibility of 3D printed technology to manufacture custom orthoses for musculoskeletal conditions of the upper extremity. Methods Studies describing 3D printed orthoses or casts used in treatment with patients were included following a comprehensive literature search using CINAHL, PubMed, Medline, ProQuest, and EBSCO databases. The selected studies had to address musculoskeletal conditions of the elbow, wrist, hand and/or digits that would typically be immobilized with a cast or brace or orthotic or orthosis. Results Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Study designs included case studies, case series, and 1 randomized clinical trial. 3D printed orthoses/casts appear to be comfortable, provide adequate immobilization, and have pleasing aesthetics. However, expensive equipment, lack of appropriate software and scanning tools and lack of highly skilled clinicians are all factors preventing the implementation of 3D printed orthoses into current clinical practice. Discussion 3D printed orthoses appear to be effective at immobilization of a limb, aesthetically pleasing, and utilize lightweight and well -ventilated materials. However, the feasibility of implementing 3D printing technology in hand therapy settings remains challenging in part due to the resources required. Conclusions While 3D printing shows promise, the high cost of equipment, lack of training and skill of clinicians and the long time required for production are all factors that need to be improved to make 3D printing a viable option in the hand therapy setting.
Abstract P3-08-02: Expression of lipid metabolism genes in tumor and contralateral unaffected breast are conversely associated with tumor estrogen receptor status

Background: The identification of women at risk for ER- cancer would allow optimization of breast cancer prevention strategies by guiding their recruitment to studies of agents with efficacy against ER- cancer and sparing them the toxicity of prevention agents effective only against ER+ cancer. In our previous studies, we identified lipid metabolism (LiMe) gene set in rFNA samples from contralateral unaffected breast (CUB) that was associated with tumor ER status. In the current study, we further validate LiMe gene expression in tumor and CUB at the mRNA and protein levels. Methods: Tissue samples from 56 bilateral mastectomy cases (28 ER+ and 28 ER-) and 28 healthy reduction mammoplasty (RM) controls were used. The ER+ cases, ER- cases and controls were matched by age, race and menopausal status. We performed laser capture microdissection of epithelial cells in fresh frozen tissues from tumor and unaffected breast. Total RNA was extracted and LiMe genes were detected using Taqman low density gene expression arrays. The difference among groups was analyzed using ANOVA with Sidak multiple comparison adjustment. Three proteins (HMGCS2, ACSL3 and HPGD) were detected in FFPE sections of tumor and CUB tissues using immunohistochemistry. Results: Among the 13 LiMe genes, 6 genes (DHRS2, HMGCS2, UGT2B7, UGT2B11, UGT2B28 and GLYATL1) were significantly higher in CUB of ER- cases compared to CUB of ER+ cases (2.2-2.9 fold, P Conclusion: Differential expression of the LiMe genes in the CUB is associated with ER- index tumors and may characterize the environment leading to the development of ER- breast cancer. The converse patterns in tumor and CUB by ER status suggest that LiMe genes may be regulated by different mechanisms in benign and malignant tissues. These genes are potential risk biomarkers of ER- breast cancer and generate novel etiologic hypotheses regarding the development of ER- versus ER+ disease. Citation Format: Ali Shidfar, David Ivancic, Megan E Sullivan, Pranjal Patankar, Seema A Khan, Jun Wang. Expression of lipid metabolism genes in tumor and contralateral unaffected breast are conversely associated with tumor estrogen receptor status [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-08-02.
HST UV and Keck HIRES Spectra of BAL Quasars

In the analysis of broad absorption line (BAL) quasar spectra, Keck HIRES spectra are a useful complement to lower resolution HST and ground based spectra. The HIRES spectra provide accurate parameters for narrow, intervening type absorption systems including Lyman limit systems and a direct measurement of the smoothness of BAL features. The smoothness of the troughs is related to the number of "clouds" in the BAL region if the BAL region consists of clouds. The HIRES spectra, especially for z approx. 2 quasars, are also a source of high quality absorption templates. All of the BAL features are apparently resolved in the high resolution spectra (R approx. 45 000), while low resolution (R approx. 1000) spectra do not always resolve features belonging to the outflow.
Heat increment of feeding and thermal substitution in mallard ducks feeding voluntarily on grain.

The heat increment of feeding (HIF), including heat from digestion, assimilation, and nutrient interconversion, may substitute for thermogenesis and reduce thermoregulation costs. HIF and its substitution have been measured mainly in animals fed single large meals with high protein content, but many species such as some dabbling ducks (Anatini) feed more continuously in intermittent small meals with low protein content. We measured HIF in seven mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) eating mixed grain (corn, wheat, milo) ad libitum while floating on water at 23 °C (thermoneutral) and 8 °C. HIF was calculated as the difference in oxygen consumption between fed and fasted birds, correcting for costs of behavior, heat storage (change in body temperature), and heating food. Substitution occurred if HIF was lower at 8 °C than at 23 °C. Food intake of mallards averaged 83% of that required for maintenance (zero energy balance) at 23 °C, and 68% of maintenance at 8 °C. Mean HIF (±1 SE) was 1.59±0.61 l O2 at 23 °C and 1.48±0.68 l O2 at 8 °C. These values were 4.9% and 3.9% of metabolizable energy intake, consistent with values expected for grain. HIF did not differ between temperatures (ANCOVA, birds as blocks, intake as covariate, P=0.51), indicating no measurable substitution at these intake levels in intermittent meals. For these large birds that feed on low-protein foods in intermittent small meals, the ecological importance of HIF substitution appears negligible during periods when food intake is below that required for energy balance.
Judging the Supreme Court: Constructions of Motives in Bush v. Gore, Clarke Rountree

The controversy evolving from the Supreme Court's involvement in the 2000 presidential election is the subject of Judging the Supreme Court. Rountree's lengthy treatise adds to the existing researc...
Determining a one-tailed upper limit for future sample relative reproducibility standard deviations

A formula was developed to determine a one-tailed 100p% upper limit for future sample percent relative reproducibility standard deviations (RSD R ,%= 100s R y), where s R is the sample reproducibility standard deviation, which is the square root of a linear combination of the sample repeatability variance (s 2 r ) plus the sample laboratory-to-laboratory variance (s 2 L ), i.e., s R = √s 2 r + s 2 L , and y is the sample mean. The future RSD R ,% is expected to arise from a population of potential RSD R ,% values whose true mean is ξ R ,%= 100s R / μ, where OR and μ are the population reproducibility standard deviation and mean, respectively.
Basic Methods of Probabilistic Context Free Grammars

In automatic speech recognition, language models can be represented by Probabilistic Context Free Grammars (PCFGs). In this lecture we review some known algorithms which handle PCFGs; in particular an algorithm for the computation of the total probability that a PCFG generates a given sentence (Inside), an algorithm for finding the most probable parse tree (Viterbi), and an algorithm for the estimation of the probabilities of the rewriting rules of a PCFG given a corpus (Inside-Outside). Moreover, we introduce the Left-to-Right Inside algorithm, which computes the probability that successive applications of the grammar rewriting rules (beginning with the sentence start symbol s) produce a word string whose initial substring is a given one.
Observations on the binding and interaction of radioiodinated colony- stimulating factor with murine bone marrow cells in vivo

Radioiodinated L-cell-derived colony-stimulating factor (CSF) was used to characterize the binding reaction to murine bone marrow cells. The major increment in cell-associated radioactivity occurred over 24 hr incubation at 37 degrees C, but virtually no binding was observed at 4 degrees C. The reaction was saturable with approximately 1 ng/ml of purified CSF. Unlabeled CSF prevented the binding, whereas a number of other hormones and proteins did not compete for CSF uptake. Further specificity studies showed virtually no binding to human bone marrow, which is unresponsive to this form of murine CSF. Minimal CSF uptake was noted with murine peritoneal macrophages, but virtually no binding was detected with thymic, lymph node, liver, or kidney cells. The marrow cell interaction with tracer appeared to require a new protein synthesis, as the binding was prevented by cycloheximide or puromycin. Preincubation of marrow cells in medium devoid of CSF increased the degree of binding after 1 hr exposure to the tracer. This suggests that CSF binding sites may be occupied or perhaps decreased in response to ambient levels of CSF in vivo. Approximately 70% of the bound radioactivity was detected in the cytoplasm at 24 hr. This material was partially degraded as judged by a decrease in molecular weight from approximately 62,000 to 2 peaks of approximately 32,000 and approximately 49,000, but 72% of the binding activity was retained. After plateau binding was achieved, greater than 80% of the radioactivity released into the medium was degraded into biologically inactive peptides with molecular weights less than 10,000. These findings suggest that the interaction of CSF with marrow cells is characterized by binding with subsequent internalization and metabolic degradation into portions of the molecule that are devoid of biologic activity.
Abstract T P332: Stroke Patient Education -A Story of Improvement

Background: Rochester General Hospital (RGH) is a 559 bed acute care community hosp. in Rochester, N.Y. Designated as a Stroke Center in 2003, the Hosp. discharges 850 stroke & TIA pts. annually. The Stroke Coalition Team consists of members of the stroke pt. care areas & supporting depts. Group's purpose- provide a collaborative forum for sharing outcomes to improve stroke care. Each dept. has a core group to review actionable data for their areas. The Acute Stroke Unit (7800) Team’s purpose is to act on unit process improvement opportunities. May 2013- a negative trend with the Core Measure for pt. education was identified for the Coalition group. As a result, the 7800 leaders began investigating for root cause. Purpose of this QI program was to assure all pts. receive designated pt. education and documentation is complete. A secondary purpose was to improve the quality of the education. Methods: Four main barriers were identified: 1. RNs not understanding expectations 2. Novice RNs not comfortable in educating pts. and families 3. Electronic Medical Record (EMR)complexity - launched 11/12 4. Education complete but lacking documentation Action plan: 1 & 2. RN education A.Self-learning packet (SLP) that included: • Requirements of pt. education • How to document the education B. 1:1 support from CNS & Nurse Manager C. Daily chart audits to ID further opportunities & barriers to compliance D. RNs educated on teaching tools: •Welcome binder • AHA/ASA brochures for Stroke/TIA/diagnostic tests • Pt. educational TV offerings •Medical/nursing database 3. Complexity of EMR- Collaborated to make changes to the EMR templates. A. Automatic entry of the education template upon stroke order set B. Required education flagged C. Individualization of pt. education D. Standardized admission & discharge nursing notes 4. Lack of Documentation A. Discharge checklists made available B. Chart compliance audits (decreasing to random as compliance rose) Results: Rapid turn-around achieved. Recognized as best practice by Joint Commission during the Center’s 3/2014 re-designation. Conclusion: Rapid improvement possible with action upon data. Team approach allows for appropriate action to occur. Efforts continue to enhance compliance & pt. experience.