cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Environmental Kuznets Curve

cointegration Classical regression analysis assumes that the error term in a regression is normally and independently distributed. An extreme violation of this condition is when the error term is a random walk. Such a regression is termed a spurious regression and the results are not reliable. It usually indicates that a required variable with random walk behavior has been omitted from the model or that the variables in the model follow random walks and are not related to each other. consistent estimation May show bias and inefficiency, but both are reduced toward zero as the sample size increases. developed economies Countries with high income levels; typically have an income per capita greater than U.S. $10,000, life expectancy greater than 70 years, and literacy rates greater than 95%. developing economies Countries with lowand middleincome levels; equivalent to the term ‘‘Third World.’’ econometrics The specialized branch of mathematical statistics applied to the analysis of economic data. economic growth An increase in economy-wide economic production usually measured by an increase in gross domestic product; also, the process of the economy growing over time. environmental degradation Any human-caused deterioration in environmental quality. externality When a production or consumption activity has unintended damaging effects, such as pollution, on other firms or individuals and no compensation is paid by the producer or consumer to the affected parties (negative externality); when activities have beneficial effects for others, such as freely available research results, and the recipients do not pay the generator of the effect (positive externality). heteroskedasticity When the variance of the error term in a regression model varies systematically across observations or cases. income elasticity The percentage increase in some variable when income increases by 1%. income per capita Usually computed as the gross national product of a country for one year divided by the total population. integrated variable A random walk is an integrated variable—the current value is equal to the previous period’s value plus a random shock. This means that the effect of these shocks on the future does not decline over time. Rather, the current value of the variable is an integration of all past shocks. omitted variables bias Occurs when variables that should be in a regression model are omitted and they are correlated with those variables that are included. panel data A data set that includes observations of a number of individuals, countries, firms, and the like over a number of time periods such as months or years. simultaneity bias When there is mutual feedback between two variables and ordinary regression analysis cannot provide consistent estimates of model parameters. sustainable development If the current average well-being of people could be maintained into the indefinite future. technological change The invention and introduction of new methods of production as well as new products.
Predictors of non-adherence to breast cancer screening among hospitalized women

Objective Disparities in screening mammography use persists among low income women, even those who are insured, despite the proven mortality benefit. A recent study reported that more than a third of hospitalized women were non-adherent with breast cancer screening. The current study explores prevalence of socio-demographic and clinical variables associated with non-adherence to screening mammography recommendations among hospitalized women. Patients and Methods A cross sectional bedside survey was conducted to collect socio-demographic and clinical comorbidity data thought to effect breast cancer screening adherence of hospitalized women aged 50–75 years. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between these factors and non-adherence to screening mammography. Results Of 250 enrolled women, 61% were of low income, and 42% reported non-adherence to screening guidelines. After adjustment for socio-demographic and clinical predictors, three variables were found to be independently associated with non-adherence to breast cancer screening: low income (OR = 3.81, 95%CI; 1.84–7.89), current or ex-smoker (OR = 2.29, 95%CI; 1.12–4.67), and history of stroke (OR = 2.83, 95%CI; 1.21–6.60). By contrast, hospitalized women with diabetes were more likely to be compliant with breast cancer screening (OR = 2.70, 95%CI 1.35–5.34). Conclusion Because hospitalization creates the scenario wherein patients are in close proximity to healthcare resources, at a time when they may be reflecting upon their health status, strategies could be employed to counsel, educate, and motivate these patients towards health maintenance. Capitalizing on this opportunity would involve offering screening during hospitalization for those who are overdue, particularly for those who are at higher risk of disease.
Hearing Loss in Hospice and Palliative Care: A National Survey of Providers

Abstract Context Age-related hearing loss can impair patient-provider communication about symptom management, goals of care, and end-of-life decision-making. Objectives To determine whether hospice and palliative care providers screen for or received training about hearing loss, believe it impacts patient care, and use strategies to optimize communication. Methods This was a national survey of hospice and palliative care providers conducted via email and social media. Survey questions were pilot tested with multidisciplinary providers in San Francisco. Results Of 510 responses (55% age 50+ years, 65% female, 64% in practice 5+ years, 57% practiced hospital-based palliative care, 45% hospice), 315 were physicians, 50 nurses, 48 nurse practitioners, 58 social workers, and 39 chaplains. Ninety-one percent reported that hearing loss has some or great impact on the quality of care for older adults. Eighty-eight percent recalled a situation where hearing loss created a communication problem with a patient and 56% a communication problem with a caregiver. Eighty-seven percent of physicians, nurses, and nurse practitioners reported not screening for hearing loss. Although 61% felt comfortable with their communication skills for patients with hearing loss, only 21% reported having received formal training in its management, 31% were unfamiliar with resources for patients with hearing loss, and 38% had never heard of a pocket talker amplification device. Conclusion Hospice and palliative medicine providers believe age-related hearing loss impacts care yet most do not screen. Although they feel they are managing well, few have formal training. Knowledge about management approaches and resources is suboptimal.
An Investigation of Tensile Properties and a Simple Constitutive Model for a Random Continuous Fiber Thermoplastic Composite

The tensile properties of a commercially available, random continuousfiber thermoplastic composite material are investigated at various strain rates and elevated temperatures. The material utilizes polypropylene (PP) for the matrix material, with random continuous E-glass fiber reinforcement. Tensile modulus, tensile strength, strain to peak stress, and strain energy are experimentally determined at strain rates varying from 0.000167 sec-1 to 0.0334 sec-5 and temperatures varying from 20 to 120'C. The material properties are found to have large scatter caused by local variations in fiber content and orientation. The tensile properties are independent of the strain rate but depend on the temperature. A model for the material response based on a simple power law equation is presented.
Elections in the Politics of Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone

Elections in Africa are significant as political events and processes in and of themselves, and as part of the broader political canvas. Major democratic transitions have occurred in Africa over the past quarter century and electoral competitions have been at the heart of these advances in political participation. At the same time, disputes over when and how to conduct elections, contentious electioneering, and skepticism over or outright unwillingness to accept the declared results of elections and referenda are also prominent features of the African political terrain. The impacts and outcomes of Africa’s elections are diverse, and not always positive in an evaluative sense. Elections are political processes and have political outcomes; they require analysis which pays heed to the political contexts which shape and give meaning to elections. Social theory underpinning political science analysis seeks to describe, explain, predict and, sometimes, prescribe. Thus, regarding elections in African politics: what are the key characteristics of elections, electorates and electioneering; how are political contexts shaping and being shaped by elections; have elections empowered African populaces; do elections and referenda undermine national cohesion and common purpose: are they simply tools of elite entrenchment, elite bargaining, and domestic political manipulation; do elections and referenda serve as instruments of external intervention and manipulation? These questions are pursued in a discursive manner in this paper by means of reflection on the comparative impacts of elections in the politics of three West African states – Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. An analysis of elections in the politics of these three states can provide substantial, if partial, insights regarding varied realities across the fifty-five states of the African continent. Ascertaining the substantive validity and broader currency of these reflections must be the province of future research.
Methods for evaluating change in community-based dental education.

Previous chapters of this report described the dental care access crisis and workforce diversity concerns that stimulated the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Human Capital initiative to sponsor the Pipeline, Profession, and Practice: Community-Based Dental Education program.[1][1],[2][2] The
Evaluation of agricultural informatization based on the comprehensive index method——An example of Shandong province

In order to assess agricultural informationization, index system and comprehensive index evaluation method were constructed in this paper. And the method was applied in Shandong province. The results showed that the agricultural informationization level of Shandong province was going upward during 2003-2012. Although agricultural production informationization and agricultural management informationization were going upward, they were both at a relative low level, which should be considered to be the key aspects of construction during the process of development of agricultural informationization in Shandong province.
Examining Vascular Remodeling in the Hypoxic Central Nervous System

The goal of this chapter is to highlight techniques used to determine the role of molecular mechanisms involved in remodeling of cerebral blood vessels. Enhanced vascularization in the central nervous system (CNS) is seen in many diseases including stroke, cancer, and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, despite the prevalence of this phenomenon in these different pathological conditions, the exact nature of how it occurs still remains unclear. To better understand the process of cerebrovascular remodeling, we use the chronic hypoxia model, in which a vigorous and robust angiogenic remodeling response takes place. In this model, mice are placed in a hypoxic chamber (8 % O2 for up to 14 days), which results in strong vascular remodeling and increased vessel density within the CNS. Using an immunofluorescent (IF)-based approach, different aspects of this vascular remodeling response can be examined. By employing this method, we have shown that chronic mild hypoxia triggers both angiogenic (capillary sprouting) and arteriogenic (widening of arterial vessels) responses. Furthermore, we have used this system to define both the expression pattern and potential role of candidate adhesion molecules in this vascular remodeling process. Thus, the techniques described in this chapter can be used to define the importance of different molecular mechanisms in vascular remodeling in the CNS.
Disparities in Emergency Department Pain Treatment for Toothache.

Racial disparities in how pain is treated in the emergency department (ED) for toothache have not been reported. Due to increasing reliance on EDs for dental care, the authors investigated whether ...
Germplasm enhancement of maize: a look into haploid induction and chromosomal doubling of haploids from temperate‐adapted tropical sources

The allelic diversity (AD) project of the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) programme utilized the double haploid (DH) breeding method to expedite development and release of lines derived from 300 exotic maize races. Using 18 races in this study, differential effects on haploid induction rates (HIRs) and doubling rates (DRs) by the recurrent parents PHB47 and PHZ51, the elevation that the race is traditionally grown at, and by the race itself were addressed in this study. Races from the AD project were grouped by elevation of their origin, high, middle or low altitude. Six races per elevation were randomly selected and backcrossed using both recurrent parents to generate 36 populations. Ten replications were randomized in a complete randomized design for two growing seasons. The recurrent parent effect was significant, with PHB47 having a higher HIR than PHZ51. Effect of elevation was significant with higher HIR associated with low-elevation origin, and race also proved to be significant. Effects of elevation, recurrent parent and race were not significant for DR.
Genome-Wide Chromatin Immunopreciptiation and Gene Expression Analysis Indicates That MMSET Is a Transcriptional Repressor in Vivo

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of plasma cells characterized by frequent chromosomal translocations of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus. The multiple myeloma SET domain (MMSET) gene is a recurrent chromosomal partner in the t(4;14) translocation, and MMSET levels are elevated in these patients relative to other myeloma cases and normal cells. Previously, we showed that MMSET is a histone methyltransferase with specific activity for lysine 20 on histone H4 and acts as a transcriptional repressor when tethered to a model target gene. To reveal the function of MMSET in t(4;14) MM in vivo, we identified MMSET target genes in the KMS11 t(4;14) MM cell line. Chromatin from these cells was subjected to immunoprecipitation with a polyclonal anti-MMSET antibody in biological replicate, amplified by ligation-mediated PCR and hybridized to NimbleGen 2.7kB promoter arrays, which represent 24,659 human promoters. Data analysis using the MaxFour algorithm ranked putative binding sites based upon intensities of 4 consecutive probes. The top 2000 promoters identified from each experiment were combined to yield a list of 1,412 putative MMSET target genes. This list was analyzed using the DAVID program (david.abcc.ncifcrf.gov/). Genes bound by MMSET includes those implicated in antigen processing and presentation (p 1000). This supports the notion that MMSET represses target genes in vivo. Functional annotation of genes bound by MMSET and expressed at low levels showed over-representation of genes implicated in toll-like receptor signaling pathway (p 100 in the wild-type KMS11 cells, 35 genes were up-regulated and 20 genes were down-regulated (>1.5 fold) in the KMS11KO cell line. Among the 692 genes bound by MMSET and expressed at a level of ≤100, 9 genes were up-regulated in KMS11KO cells. The up-regulated genes (presumably bound and repressed by MMSET) were categorized in cytokine receptor (p
Traumatic colorectal injuries in children: The National Trauma Database experience☆☆☆★

Abstract Purpose We sought to utilize a nationwide database to characterize colorectal injuries in pediatric trauma. Methods The National Trauma Database (NTDB) was queried for all patients (age≤14years) with colorectal injuries from 2013 to 2014. We stratified patients by demographics and measured outcomes. We analyzed groups based on mechanism, colon vs rectal injury, as well as colostomy creation. Statistical analysis was conducted using t-test and ANOVA for continuous variables as well as chi-square for continuous variables. Results There were 534 pediatric patients who sustained colorectal trauma. The mean ISS was 15.6±0.6 with an average LOS of 8.5±0.5days. 435 (81.5%) were injured by blunt mechanism while 99 (18.5%) were injured by penetrating mechanism. There were no differences between age, ISS, complications, mortality, LOS, ICU LOS, and ventilator days between blunt and penetrating groups. Significantly more patients in the penetrating group had associated small intestine and hepatic injuries as well as underwent colostomies. Patients with rectal injuries (25.7%) were more likely to undergo colonic diversion (p Conclusion Although infrequent, colorectal injuries in children are associated with considerable morbidity regardless of mechanism and may be managed without fecal diversion. Level of evidence III. Study type Epidemiology.
Translating genomics into risk prediction.

Cigarette smoking is a leading risk factor in the development of cardiovascular, pulmonary and malignant diseases worldwide.1 Yet, it remains one of the most challenging environmental exposures to quantify. Rudimentary categorisations of ‘never’, ‘former’ and ‘current’ smoker capture only a fraction of the complexity associated with the exposure. Attempts to quantify cumulative cigarette smoke exposure, for example by calculating ‘pack-years’, are notoriously imprecise, partially because of a failure to account for variations in behaviour such as (1) depth of inhalations, retention time before exhalation and timing between puffs, (2) intermittent periods of abstinence or relapse, and (3) a reliance on self-reported recall of smoking habits over extended periods of time (often years to decades). Additionally, biological differences related to age, gender, body size, and variations in absorption and metabolism among smokers further complicate our attempts to quantify the ‘effective exposure’ to cigarette smoke for any given individual. Given these complexities, the use of biomarkers, both qualitative and quantitative, as an objective measurement of ‘effective exposure’ is conceptually appealing. To date, the most widely used smoking biomarkers are cotinine and carbon monoxide (CO). Measurement of CO, either in exhaled breath or in blood as carboxyhaemoglobin, has been shown to correlate with smoking intensity, however the relatively short half-life of CO (t1/2 1–6 hours) limits its utility to assessments of recent smoking behaviours.2 Cotinine, a direct metabolite of nicotine which is measurable in the blood, urine and tissues is another well validated biomarker of cigarette smoke exposure. The slightly longer half-life (t1/2 16–20 hours), as well as the assessment of cotinine in slower growing tissues such as hair and nail clippings, extends the potential period of monitoring for this assay to the order of weeks to months. …
Abstract P185: Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk - A Comparative Analysis of Waist-Cricumference and Waist-Height-Ratio for Predictive Accuracy

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an adverse predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. Recently, waist height ratio (WHtR) is shown to correlate better with future cardiovascular risk factors than other anthropometric measures. We sought to determine whether replacing waist circumference (WC) with WHtR in metabolic syndrome diagnostic criteria per National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines improves predictive accuracy for future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Methods: The study cohort consisted of prospectively evaluated 6,702 healthy adults aged 45-84 years enrolled in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis [MESA] study [Age-: 62±10 years, 47% males, 1473 Hispanics, 2575 Caucasians, 799 Chinese and 1855 African Americans]. Metabolic syndrome (MSwc), at baseline, was defined by NCEP guidelines (n=2,208). Metabolic syndrome (MSwhtr) was redefined using WHtR (≥ 0.5 in both male and females) in place of WC, keeping rest of the components constant as recommended by NCEP (n=2,590). CVD events were defined as All CVD (CVDa) per MESA protocol (See Table). Unadjusted and adjusted Cox-proportional hazard analysis was performed. Harrell9s C-statistics were calculated for the most adjusted models. Results: Total of 319 CVDa events [n=171 (7.44%) in MSwc group and n=190 (7.34%) in MSwhtr group] were identified during a mean follow up of 4.6 years. Results are displayed in the table. Conclusion: Predictive accuracy of MS re-defined with WHtR and MS defined with WC per NCEP criteria is comparable.
Distinct Patterns of Reduced Prefrontal and Limbic Gray Matter Volume in Childhood General and Internalizing Psychopathology

Reduced grey matter volume (GMV) is widely implicated in psychopathology, but studies have found mostly overlapping areas of GMV reduction across disorders rather than unique neural signatures, potentially due to pervasive comorbidity. GMV reductions may be associated with broader psychopathology dimensions rather than specific disorders. We used an empirically supported bifactor model consisting of common psychopathology and internalizing- and externalizing-specific factors to evaluate whether latent psychopathology dimensions yield a clearer, more parsimonious pattern of GMV reduction in prefrontal and limbic/paralimbic areas implicated in individual disorders. A community sample of children (n=254, ages 6-10) was used to to evaluate whether GMV reductions could constitute early neural risk factors. The common psychopathology factor was associated with reduced GMV in prefrontal areas (dorsal, orbitofrontal, ventrolateral). The internalizing-specific factor was related to reduced GMV in limbic/paralimbic areas (hippocampus, amygdala, insula). No significant associations were found between GMV and the externalizing-specific factor after accounting for common psychopathology.
Long-term outcomes after carotid artery stenting of patients with prior neck irradiation or surgery.

Abstract Background Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is often performed in patients with carotid artery stenosis who have relative contraindications to carotid endarterectomy (CEA), including hostile neck anatomy (e.g., history of neck irradiation or prior surgery). We examined the impact of hostile neck anatomy on long-term outcomes after CAS. Methods All carotid artery stent procedures performed at two institutions from 2006 to 2016 were reviewed. Routine duplex carotid ultrasound was used to assess target lesion restenosis at regular intervals. The primary endpoint was rates of target lesion revascularization (TLR). Secondary endpoints included peri-procedural outcomes, restenosis, stroke, major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and mortality during long-term follow up. A Cox proportional hazard model was developed to determine the association between hostile neck anatomy and outcome after CAS. Results 304 CAS procedures were performed in 268 patients (hostile neck = 53, non-hostile neck = 215). Patients with hostile neck anatomy were more likely to have a history of smoking and history of prior carotid artery revascularization. There were no differences in peri-procedural outcomes including stroke. During follow-up to five years there were no significant differences in rates of TLR (1.4% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.25), restenosis (1.9% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.31), MACCE (26% vs. 18%, P = 0.15), ipsilateral stroke (7.5% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.101), or mortality (13% vs. 14%, P = 0.89). Hostile neck anatomy was not associated with significantly increased 5-year TLR rates in the Cox regression analysis (HR = 2.64; 95% CI: 0.44–15.83; P = 0.289). Conclusions Despite greater comorbidities, patients with hostile neck anatomy and carotid artery stenosis have favorable outcomes after carotid artery stenting.
Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Ni-Mn-Cr-Sn Heusler alloys under the effects of hydrostatic pressure

The magnetic, thermal, and magnetocaloric properties of Ni45Mn43CrSn11 Heusler alloy have been investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and magnetization with hydrostatic pressure measurements. A shift in the martensitic transition temperature (TM) to higher temperatures was observed with the application of pressure. The application of pressure stabilizes the martensitic state and demonstrated that pressure can be a parameter used to control and tune the martensitic transition temperature (the temperature where the largest magnetocaloric effect is observed). The magnetic entropy change significantly decreases from 33 J/kg K to 16 J/kg K under the application of a hydrostatic pressure of 0.95 GPa. The critical field of the direct metamagnetic transition increases, whereas the initial susceptibility (dM/dH) in the low magnetic field region drastically decreases with increasing pressure. The relevant parameters that affect the magnetocaloric properties are discussed.
Silvaco-based evaluation of 10 kV 4H-SiC MOSFET as a solidstate switch in narrow-pulse application

Key requirements for a solid state switch in a fast switching pulsed power circuit include high blocking voltage, high current conduction and fast switching capability. Typical pulsed power applications like plasma initiation and high-energy LASER require operating voltages in the order of several kilovolts. The development of a multi-kilovolt SiC MOSFET for fast switching pulsed power application would require detailed analysis of the device switching characteristics. Since the switching speed of a MOSFET is primarily dependent on the inter-electrode capacitances, it becomes critical to have a comprehensive understanding of the device capacitance and its effect on the gate driver requirements for narrow-pulse switching. In this research, 2D model of a 10 kV 4H-SiC MOSFET was developed using Silvaco ATLAS TCAD software and simulated for its steady state, AC, and transient characteristics. The device cell was designed for an active area of 5 μm2 and 100 A/cm2 drain current density. The capacitance-voltage and gate charge curve for the SiC MOSFET were obtained via AC and transient simulation respectively. This data was used to estimate the gate drive requirements for the device under fast switching conditions.
The Role of Psychology in Multicultural Education

The advent and integration of multicultural considerations in education is reviewed and appraised, with problems outlined relative to needs, trends, and implementation. Emphasis is placed on the potential leadership position available to psychology in developing and instituting academic programs and experiences that deal with the multiculturalism in our society and support the educational mission. While a brief review of multicultural concerns in education is provided, of primary importance is the need of schools and academic programs to incorporate appropriate considerations in curricula, supported by the expertise psychology could offer to multicultural education for teachers. The purpose of this paper is to provide positional insight relative to potential roles in multicultural education and to stimulate responsive thought and action in this direction. Emphasis is placed on consideration of the philosophy, viability, and integration of a proposed multicultural content model.
Development of a Scale for Measuring Students’ Attitudes Towards Learning Professional (i.e., Soft) Skills

Employers lament that science graduates, particularly engineering students, lack professional skills, despite increasing emphasis on teaching professional skills in their curriculum. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as an overarching framework, one explanation for skill development gaps may be students’ attitude towards learning professional skills. Our study purpose was to create a scale that accurately and consistently measures engineering students’ attitudes towards learning professional skills. To create the scale, we used a rigorous measurement development methodology, beginning with survey item generation and critical review by subject matter experts. Data from a sample of 534 engineering college students were split into two sets to provide (1) a development sample upon which exploratory factor analyses and parallel analyses were conducted to form the initial scale, and (2) a confirmatory sample whereby we verified the scale structure and obtained initial validity evidence for distinct dimensions. A five-factor scale of 25 items for assessing engineering students’ attitudes towards learning professional skills (ATLPS) obtained high-reliability estimates. Validity evidence supported five distinct dimensions in leadership in teams, communication, civic and public engagement, cultural adaptability, and innovation. The ATLPS can be used to facilitate improvements in engineering education and research by understanding students’ attitudes towards learning professional skills. Furthermore, researchers can expand the scale to include additional dimensions of professionalism and modify items to fit STEM disciplines where professional skill training is essential.
Suicide Attempters: A Descriptive Study Comparing an Emergency Room Sample and a Medically Admitted Sample

Although studies of completed suicides are abundant, the epidemiologic study by Weissman (1) was the first overview of suicidal attempts published in the English language. A recent review of suicidal behavior in the U.S. by Frederick provides the most recent update on suicidal behavior (2).
Propagators for Molecular Electronic Spectra

Spectroscopic studies utilize probes of different kinds, as electro-magnetic fields, charged and neutral particles, to study molecular systems and measure the response of the system or the probe. The probabilities for a particular change to occur are reflected in the intensities of associated spectral lines or bands. There is then no surprise that the natural theoretical tools for the treatment of spectroscopy are response functions and propagators or Green’s functions, which permit direct calculations of characteristic changes in the state of the system or the probe and the probability for such changes to occur due to the system—probe interaction.
VEGF: Biologic Aspects and Clinical Approaches

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key mediator in the tumorigenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). VEGF is upregulated almost universally in clear cell type RCC as a result of loss of the VHL tumor suppressor and subsequent unabated activation of the hypoxia response pathway. Within the tumor, VEGF expression and local secretion drives the migration and proliferation of endothelial cells to support the extensive angiogenesis for which RCC is well known. VEGF is a complex set of isoforms with highly regulated patterns of expression, secretion, and receptor activation activities. Thus, the systemic impact of derangements of VEGF levels is not completely understood. As a factor so closely tied to the genetic events involved in the development of RCC, and a key mediator of tumor angiogenesis, many strategies have been developed to rein in the expression of VEGF. Two approaches to bind and neutralize VEGF have been investigated in RCC with promising results. This chapter will provide an overview of the molecular biology of VEGF regulation, the development of the inhibitory antibody for use in RCC, and an innovative new technology, VEGF-Trap, developed as an alternative VEGF inhibitory strategy for use in the treatment of RCC.
Molecular characterization of immune exclusion in small-cell lung cancer.

8565Background: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most aggressive subtype of lung cancer. Treatment options have not significantly changed over the past 3 decades and the 5-year survival has rem...
Effects of Intracranial Pressure on Tympanometric Parameters

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain, typically causing an increase in patient intracranial pressure (ICP). The increased ICP can result in headache, nausea, vomiting, and even death. To combat this potentially dangerous elevated ICP, physicians often use surgically implemented brain shunt systems that drain excess CSF from the brain into the abdominal cavity. Monitoring of ICP in patients with hydrocephalus is crucial for the effective management of brain shunt systems. Currently, clinical ICP measurement approaches are typically invasive and are performed using intraventricular catheters placed through a drilled hole in the skull. Home monitoring of ICP may be advantageous for tracking patient clinical status. A noninvasive method would be particularly useful for ICP monitoring in the emergency department, doctor's office, home and other non-ICU settings. This study aims to explore the correlation between ICP and tympanometric parameters including static acoustic compliance, a measurement of middle ear pressure at maximum compliance. Tympanometry was performed on subjects who rested on a tilt table at varying tilt angles, which induces changes in ICP. Results suggested a correlation between tilt angles and pressure of the middle ear at peak compliance. Tympanometry may provide a noninvasive method for monitoring ICP.
Turnip Tolerance to Preplant Incorporated Trifluralin

Field research was conducted in 2012 and 2013 in Georgia, New York, and North Carolina to evaluate the effect of trifluralin PPI on turnip root production. Treatments included trifluralin PPI at 0, 0.42, 0.56, 0.84, 1.12, 1.68, 2.24, and 3.36 kg ai ha-1. Aboveground injury to turnip varied by location and increased from 0% to 85% as trifluralin rate increased from 0.42 to 3.36 kg ha-1. Trifluralin at 0.42 to 0.84 kg ha-1 caused ≤7% injury, except at Clayton, NC, and Freeville, NY, where injury ≤32%. Trifluralin at 0.42 to 0.84 kg ha-1 reduced turnip root yield ≤11% at all locations, except Clinton, NC, where yield was reduced 29% and 43% by 0.56 and 0.84 kg ha-1, respectively. Turnip roots were not injured internally by trifluralin. Our research results suggest that up to 0.84 kg ha-1 trifluralin PPI is safe to use in turnip roots.Nomenclature: Trifluralin; turnip, Brassica rapa L. ‘Purple Top White Globe’
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: An Uncommon Cause of Papilledema on Bedside Ocular Ultrasound

Abstract Background Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare, difficult-to-diagnose form of venous thromboembolic disease and is considered a type of stroke. Its presentation is highly variable and may be easily confused for more common and less debilitating or life-threatening diagnoses such as migraine, seizure, or idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Case Report A 25-year-old woman presented with a complaint of bifrontal throbbing headache and blurry vision. A bedside ultrasound of the orbit suggested increased intracranial pressure. A subsequent computed tomography venogram demonstrated a left transverse sinus thrombosis. The patient was started on enoxaparin and admitted for bridging to warfarin and evaluation for hypercoagulable state. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? CVT is a rare form of stroke that carries a high rate of mortality and morbidity and masquerades as more common and benign diagnoses. Emergency department bedside ultrasound of the orbit may make the diagnosis of CVT more attainable by identifying patients with increased intracranial pressure.
Using FWD deflection basin parameters for network-level assessment of flexible pavements

Decisions regarding the selection and implementation of appropriate pavement rehabilitation methods is usually based on pavement functional and structural condition data. Visual distress surveys an...
Postpartum Coronary Arterial Spasm.

Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during postpartum period is rare. In the current manuscript we present a case of a postpartum patient who developed ACS attributed to coronary vasospasm in the absence of vasocontrictive medication or smoking. This condition resolved with intracoronary injection of nitroglycerine and verapamil. Case A 26-year-old woman, postpartum day five, presented with a sudden onset of chest pain and an acute ST-segment elevation on ECG. Coronary artery catheterization showed multiple areas of spasm, which was relieved by intracoronary injection of nitroglycerine and verapamil. Post-catheterization hospital stay was uneventful and the patient was discharged in a stable condition. Conclusions Early diagnosis and treatment of ACS in the peripartum period is crucial. Vasospastic coronary disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of peripartum chest pain. Nitrates are still considered the best treatment option with or without calcium channel blockers for both recurrence and prevention.
Crime and Punishment: Adam Smith’s Theory of Sentimental Law and Economics

For Adam Smith a crime is not the result of a rational calculation of loss and gain, but the consequence of envy and a vain desire to parade wealth to attract the approbation of others, combined with a natural systematic bias in overestimating the probability of success. Similarly, Smith does not conceive of legal sanctions as a rational deterrent, but as deriving from the feeling of resentment. While the prevailing approach of the eighteenth century is a rational explanation of crime and a utilitarian use of punishment, Adam Smith instead builds his theory of criminal behavior and legal prosecution consistently on the sentiments. A well-functioning legal system is thus an unintended consequence of our desire to bring justice to the individual person, not the result of a rational calculation to promote the public good, just like a well-functioning economic system is the unintended consequence of our desire to better our own condition, not the result of a rational calculation to promote public good.
Kings as Judges: Power, Justice, and the Origins of Parliaments

How did representative institutions become the central organs of governance in Western Europe? What enabled this distinctive form of political organization and collective action that has proved so durable and influential? The answer has typically been sought either in the realm of ideas, in the Western tradition of individual rights, or in material change, especially the complex interaction of war, taxes, and economic growth. Common to these strands is the belief that representation resulted from weak ruling powers needing to concede rights to powerful social groups. Boucoyannis argues instead that representative institutions were a product of state strength, specifically the capacity to deliver justice across social groups. Enduring and inclusive representative parliaments formed when rulers could exercise power over the most powerful actors in the land and compel them to serve and, especially, to tax them. The language of rights deemed distinctive to the West emerged in response to more effectively imposed collective obligations, especially on those with most power.
Psychomaintenance of Chronic Physical Illness

Psychomaintenance refers to the psychologic and behavioral perpetuation and exacerbation of physical illness (Dirks, 1978; Jones, Kinsman, Dirks, & Dahlem, 1979). In this regard, it should be noted that psychomaintenance does not address the etiology of illness as an area of interest but instead focuses on how psychologic and behavioral factors maintain and increase both perceived severity and medical intractability of the illness once it has already developed. How is it that the patient continues to be functionally incapacitated by illness, despite medical treatment that is effective in most other cases? How is it that the patient appears to require a disproportionately intense medication regimen? How is it that the patient continues to be hospitalized longer and more frequently than would be indicated by the objective medical parameters of the illness? What is the patient doing to contribute adversely to his or her medical response? What is the patient not doing in relation to the illness, and what negative effects does that have on medical management and treatment? These are questions whereby the specific mechanisms of psychomaintenance can be isolated. The mechanisms of psychomaintenance appear to be general across illness types and often so commonplace as to be overlooked.
EMI specifics of synchronous DC-DC buck converters

DC-DC buck converter topology is widely used in computers and telecom applications because of its high power efficiency and multiple DC levels. However, EMI can be an issue because of its fast switching characteristics and large currents. This paper addresses the analysis of radiated EMI problems associated with DC-DC buck converters and evaluates the effectiveness of solutions that minimize the reverse recovery of the drain-bulk diode of the synchronous switching MOSFET.
Computing Discontinuous Solutions

For conservation laws we are naturally interested in the difficulties caused by discontinuities in the solution. In the linear theory presented so far we have assumed smooth solutions, and used this in our discussion of the truncation error and convergence proof.
Virus-specific CD8+ T cells in the liver: armed and ready to kill.

Influenza A virus infection of C57BL/6 mice is a well-characterized model for studying CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity. Analysis of primary and secondary responses showed that the liver is highly enriched for CD8+ T cells specific for the immunodominant H2DbNP366–374 (DbNP366) epitope. Functional analysis established that these liver-derived virus-specific CD8+ T cells are fully competent cytotoxic effectors and IFN-γ secretors. In addition, flow cytometric analysis of early apoptotic cells showed that these influenza-specific CD8+ T cells from liver are as viable as those in the spleen, bronchoalveolar lavage, mediastinal lymph nodes, or lung. Moreover, cytokine profiles of the influenza-specific CD8+ T cells recovered from different sites were consistent with the bronchoalveolar lavage, rather than liver population, being the most susceptible to activation-induced cell death. Importantly, adoptively transferred influenza virus-specific CD8+ T cells from the liver survived and were readily recalled after virus challenge. Together, these results show clearly that the liver is not a “graveyard” for influenza virus-specific CD8+ T cells.
Hydrogen abstraction reactions by amide electron adducts: A comparison to acid, ester, aldehyde and ketone electron adducts

Abstract Electron reactions with a number of peptide model compounds (amides and N-acetylamino acids) in aqueous glasses at low temperature have been investigated using ESR spectroscopy. The radicals produced by electron attachment to amides, RC(OD)NDR′, are found to act as hydrogen abstracting agents. For example, the propionamide electron adduct is found to abstract from its parent propionamide. Electron adducts of other amides investigated show similar behavior except for acetamide electron adduct which does not abstract from its parent compound, but does abstract from other amides. The tendency toward abstraction for amide electron adducts are compared to electron adducts of several carboxylic acids, ketones, aldehydes and esters. The comparison suggests the hydrogen abstraction tendency of the various deuterated electron adducts (DEAs) to be in the following order: aldehyde DEA > acid DEA ≅ ester DEA > ketone DEA > amide DEA. In basic glasses the hydrogen abstraction ability of the amide electron adducts is maintained until the concentration of base is increased sufficiently to convert the DEA to its anionic form, RC(O−)ND2. In this form the hydrogen abstracting ability of the radical is greatly diminished. Similar results were found for the ester and carboxyclic acid DEA's tested. A reinvestigation of previous work found for acetylamino acid DEA also shows evidence for hydrogen abstraction by the DEA from the parent compound. This mechanism is proposed as a likely competing reaction to the well established mechanism involving secondary deamination of the electron adduct.
The Anxiety Sensitivity Index: Construct validity and factor analytic structure.

Abstract Reliability, factor structure, and factor independence from other anxiety measures for the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) was assessed. One hundred and twenty-two anxious college students were administered the ASI, Cognitive-Somatic Anxiety Questionnaire, and the Reactions to Relaxation and Arousal Questionnaire. The results suggest that the ASI is a reliable measure which is factorially independent of other anxiety measures. Further, the ASI was supported as a measure of the variable anxiety sensitivity which has been suggested as an important personality variable in fear behavior.
The representation of children's knowledge.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses two related issues—one concerning the ways that children from 5 to 17 years perform a scientific induction task and the other concerning representation of children's knowledge. A series of experiments designed to investigate questions about initial knowledge, instructional effectiveness, and individual differences in both initial performance and responsiveness to instruction is summarized. The two issues in question are related simply because the researcher's decision about how to represent knowledge plays a central role in guiding both the kind of theory that gets formulated and the kind of experiment that gets run. The historical trend in instructional psychology that has made the representation of knowledge a central issue is described and criteria that might be useful in choosing and evaluating different representations is introduced. In addition to a set of evaluative criteria, the chapter lists five central questions for research in developmental and instructional psychology. A formal model—using a particular representation—is presented for different levels of knowledge that children might have about how to do the task.
The roles of calcium and cyclic AMP in the stimulatory action of parathyroid hormone on thymic lymphocyte proliferation.

Both the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the calcium ion increase the cellular content of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP), promote the initiation of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and stimulate the proliferation of rat thymocytes maintained in vitro. The ability of cyclic AMP to serve as the mediator of the mitogenic actions of both PTH and calcium is established by the fact that cyclic AMP itself stimulates cell proliferation in the absence of PTH and extracellular calcium. Neither PTH nor calcium appear to raise the cellular cyclic AMP level by increasing the nucleotide's synthesis by adenylate cyclase (formerly adenyl cyclase); PTH concentrations as high as 50 μg per ml of medium do not increase the enzyme's activity (in the presence or absence of calcium) and mitogenic calcium concentrations inhibit it. PTH also does not directly affect isolated thymocyte phosphodiesterase, but mitogenic calcium levels inhibit the enzyme's activity. Additional experiments show that it is calcium which raises the cyclic AMP level in cells treated with PTH, and some possible calcium-mediated mechanisms by which the hormone could elevate the cellular cyclic AMP levels are discussed. Thus, the mitogenic action of PTH is primarily mediated by calcium while cyclic AMP is the ultimate implementor of the hormonal action. However, calcium has a dual role and evidence is presented which indicates that besides raising the cellular cyclic AMP level, it also controls the operation of cyclic AMP's mitogenic end-reaction.