cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial evolution of regularization in learned behavior of animals

Abstract Stochastic population dynamics of learned traits are studied, where individual learners behave according to a reinforcement learner model, which is a nonlinear version of the Bush–Mosteller model. Depending on a regularization parameter (parameter a), the learners may possess different degrees of overmatching (regularization behavior, 0 ≤ a a = 1 ), or undermatching behavior (a > 1). Both non-spatial and spatial models are considered, to study the interplay of individual heterogeneity of behavior, spatial and temporal effects of learning, and the possibility of emergence of regional culture. In non-spatial models, we observe that populations of individuals learning from each other converge to a universally shared, deterministic rule (either rule “1” or rule “0”), only if they to some extent possess the ability to generalize (a a = 0 (the strongest degree of regularization), the model converges to a threshold voter model, and if a = 1 (frequency matching), it is equivalent to the discrete diffusion equation. If 0
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia appropriateness as a surrogate marker for long-term pulmonary outcomes: A Systematic review.

Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is used to clinically describe the severity of lung disease and to serve as a common surrogate endpoint for long-term pulmonary morbidity in clinical trials, but its performance as a surrogate end-point warrants evaluation. Our objective was to assess real-world performance of BPD as a surrogate marker for long-term pulmonary outcomes. Methods We performed a systematic review of large, multi-centered, blinded, randomized control trials to evaluate the use of BPD as a surrogate marker for long-term pulmonary outcomes. Long-term pulmonary outcomes occurred within two years and included measures of hospital utilization, respiratory illness, respiratory medication, and mortality. Direction and magnitude of effect were evaluated using number needed to treat analysis. Results Five studies were included in our review. Studies varied in definition of BPD and in long-term outcomes measured. Only one study found a significant, consistent risk reduction in both BPD and any long-term pulmonary outcome. Two studies found significant reductions in long-term pulmonary outcomes with a non-significant reduction in BPD. Conclusions BPD is an imperfect surrogate marker for long-term pulmonary outcomes. It did not consistently predict the magnitude or direction of the effect of an intervention on longer-term pulmonary outcomes. Furthermore, there was significant variation in the definitions of BPD and in the long-term pulmonary outcomes used. There is a need for future work to identify more predictive surrogate markers and a need for better standardization of assessments of long-term pulmonary outcomes.
Parenteral Antipsychotic Choice and Its Association With Emergency Department Length of Stay for Acute Agitation Secondary to Alcohol Intoxication.

Background Acute agitation secondary to alcohol intoxication frequently requires parenteral sedatives for patient and caregiver safety. Antipsychotics play a prominent role; however, no consensus exists regarding the ideal agent. One important consideration when evaluating the choice of antipsychotic is its association with emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS). Objectives We sought to determine the median ED LOS for patients receiving a single parenteral dose of an antipsychotic for acute agitation secondary to alcohol intoxication in an urban Level I trauma center. Methods This was a retrospective review of patients receiving a single parenteral dose of droperidol, haloperidol, or olanzapine who were acutely intoxicated on alcohol from 2011 to 2016. Patients needing psychiatric assessment in our ED are discharged to a geographically separate department; thus, ED LOS is minimally impacted by waits for psychiatric assessment. Data were abstracted from the electronic medical record and are presented descriptively. Results A total of 40,601 patients were identified and screened; 24,319 patients were intoxicated but received no sedation. Of those remaining 4,495 received multiple drugs and/or benzodiazepines leaving 11,787 for analysis. Median age was 42 years, 76% were male, and 5% of patients were admitted. Mean breath ethanol concentration was 227 mg/dL. Antipsychotics administered were as follows: droperidol (n = 3,790), haloperidol (n = 1,449), and olanzapine (n = 6,548). Median ED LOS was shortest for droperidol (499 minutes, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 493-506 minutes), which was significantly shorter than both haloperidol (524 minutes, 95% CI = 515-537 minutes) and olanzapine (533 minutes, 95% CI = 528-539 minutes). No cases of sudden cardiac death occurred. Conclusion Droperidol, when given as monotherapy for sedation of acute agitation secondary to alcohol intoxication, was associated with significantly shorter ED LOS than either parenteral haloperidol or parenteral olanzapine. No difference in ED LOS was observed between haloperidol and olanzapine.
A study of intention and behavior of using mobile communication software: The case of seniors

As vigorous progress on information technologies and the advanced smart mobile communication devices with popularity of internet, entertainment and communication between people are getting easier and more diversified. Furthermore, the development and application of mobile communication software drastically changed the way people to deliver message or to maintain the relationship. In Taiwan, even seniors are gradually using modern mobile communication network instead of traditional tools. In order to understand the intention and behavior of seniors of using mobile communication software and to know the basis of future development for them, current study is designed to explore the intention and behavior of seniors who use mobile communication software with technology acceptance model(TAM) the theoretical basis. Study architecture includes nine variables which are convenience, use-cost, entertaining, behavioral intention to use, instantaneity, encryption, attitude toward using, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use. Research method is questionnaire survey. Data analysis is used as the main research tool through SPSS 22.0 to detect statistical data sheet.
A Note on (α, β)-higher Derivations and their Extensions to Modules of Quotients

We extend some recent results on the differentiability of torsion theories. In particular, we generalize the concept of (α, β)-derivation to (α, β)-higher derivation and demonstrate that a filter of a hereditary torsion theory that is invariant for α and β is (α, β)-higher derivation invariant. As a consequence, any higher derivation can be extended from a module to its module of quotients. Then, we show that any higher derivation extended to a module of quotients extends also to a module of quotients with respect to a larger torsion theory in such a way that these extensions agree. We also demonstrate these results hold for symmetric filters as well. We finish the paper with answers to two questions posed in [L. Vas, Extending higher derivations to rings and modules of quotients, International Journal of Algebra, 2 (15) (2008), 711–731]. In particular, we present an example of a non-hereditary torsion theory that is not differential.
Breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) or French "classification ACR" What tool for what use? A point of view

The American College of Radiology Task Force on Breast Cancer published in 2003 the fourth edition of BI-RADS for Mammography. It is a lexicon of mammography terms including illustrations of each feature described, followed by a reporting format with assessment categories according to the degree of concern. The aim is to reduce inconsistencies in mammography reports and recommendations for assessment, to facilitate outcome monitoring and to allow each radiologist to audit his own mammography practice. In France, the Societe Francaise de Radiologie acquired the rights to translate BI-RADS, word for word and without adaptation or influence. The last edition was published in 2004. Simultaneously, French Haute Autorite de Sante and National Committee for Breast Cancer Screening proposed to all community practice mammography facilities a classification of detected abnormalities stating more clearly than BI-RADS do which feature has to be included in such and such assessment category and how to manage it. This "classification ACR" is adapted from BI-RADS but strongly influenced by the context of the French nationwide screening programme, and by European recommendations to limitate undesirable risks of screening such as false positive and overdiagnosis. The differences between the two systems are discussed.
Towards a base noun phrase parser using Web counts

Syntactic parsing is an important processing step for various language processing applications including Information Extraction, Question Answering, and Machine Translation. Parsing base Noun Phrases is one particular parsing case that has not been addressed so far in the literature. In this paper we present a semester-long research project that aimed at investigating the base Noun Phrase parsing problem and efficiently implementing a base Noun Phrase parser based on a statistical model and web counts. Using web counts, instead of manually annotated data, to induce the parameters of the statistical model makes our method unsupervised. Although, this was a project for a graduate independent study class we plan to use it as a team project for an undergraduate class.
Proximax: measurement-driven proxy dissemination (short paper)

Many people currently use proxies to circumvent government censorship that blocks access to content on the Internet. Unfortunately, the dissemination channels used to distribute proxy server locations are increasingly being monitored to discover and quickly block these proxies. This has given rise to a large number of ad hoc dissemination channels that leverage trust networks to reach legitimate users and at the same time prevent proxy server addresses from falling into the hands of censors. To address this problem in a more principled manner, we present Proximax, a robust system that continuously distributes pools of proxies to a large number of channels. The key research challenge in Proximax is to distribute the proxies among the different channels in a way that maximizes the usage of these proxies while minimizing the risk of having them blocked. This is challenging because of two conflicting goals: widely disseminating the location of the proxies to fully utilize their capacity and preventing (or at least delaying) their discovery by censors.
Abstract 2379: PTPRT pseudo-phosphatase domain is a denitrase that contributes to its tumor suppressor function

Department of Genetics & Genome Sciences and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA. In addition to phosphorylation, tyrosine residues in proteins can have nitration at the 3-carbon position on the phenol ring (Y-NO2). Protein tyrosine nitration occurs under both physiological and pathologic conditions. However, enzymes that add or remove this protein modification remain to be identified. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor T (PTPRT) is one of the twelve receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) that have two catalytic PTP domains in their intracellular parts. While the membrane proximal PTP domains (D1) are protein tyrosine phosphatases, it has been thought that the C-terminal PTP domains (D2) are pseudo-phosphatase that lack enzymatic activity. Here we report that the pseudo-phosphatase domain (D2) of PTPRT is a denitrase that removes nitro-groups from tyrosine residues in paxillin. PTPRT normally functions as a tumor suppressor and is frequently mutated in a variety of human cancers including colorectal cancer. Interestingly, a fifth of tumor-derived mutations of PTPRT are located in the D2 pseudo-PTP domain. We demonstrate that some of the tumor-derived mutations located in the pseudo-phosphatase domain impair the denitrase activity. Moreover, PTPRT mutant mice that inactivate the denitrase activity are susceptible to carcinogen-induced colon tumor formation. Our study uncovers a novel enzyme that functions as a tumor suppressor. Citation Format: Yiqing Zhao, Zhenghe Wang. PTPRT pseudo-phosphatase domain is a denitrase that contributes to its tumor suppressor function [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2379.
Cannabinoid-like effects of five novel carboxamide synthetic cannabinoids.

Abstract A new generation of novel cannabinoid compounds have been developed as marijuana substitutes to avoid drug control laws and cannabinoid blood tests. 5F-MDMB-PINACA (also known as 5F-ADB, 5F-ADB-PINACA), MDMB-CHIMICA, MDMB-FUBINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, and AMB-FUBINACA (also known as FUB-AMB, MMB-FUBINACA) were tested for in vivo cannabinoid-like effects to assess their abuse liability. Locomotor activity in mice was tested to screen for locomotor depressant effects and to identify behaviorally-active dose ranges and times of peak effect. Discriminative stimulus effects were tested in rats trained to discriminate Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (3 mg/kg, 30-min pretreatment). 5F-MDMB-PINACA (ED50 = 1.1 mg/kg) and MDMB-CHIMICA (ED50 = 0.024 mg/kg) produced short-acting (30 min) depression of locomotor activity. ADB-FUBINACA (ED50 = 0.19 mg/kg), and AMB- FUBINACA (ED50 = 0.19 mg/kg) depressed locomotor activity for 60–90 min; whereas MDMB-FUBINACA (ED50 = 0.04 mg/kg) depressed locomotor activity for 150 min. AMB-FUBINACA produced tremors at the highest dose tested. 5F-MDMB-PINACA (ED50 = 0.07), MDMB-CHIMICA (ED50 = 0.01 mg/kg), MDMB-FUBINACA (ED50 = 0.051 mg/kg), ADB-FUBINACA (ED50 = 0.075 mg/kg) and AMB-FUBINACA (ED50 = 0.029) fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of Δ9-THC following 15-min pretreatment. All 5 compounds decreased locomotor activity and produced discriminative stimulus effects similar to those of Δ9-THC, which suggests they may have abuse liability similar to that of Δ9-THC. AMB-FUBINACA may have an increased risk of toxicities in recreational users.
Feature Selection and Non-Linear Classifiers: Effects on Simultaneous Motion Recognition in Upper Limb

Myoelectric signals are a standard input for volitional control of prosthetic devices. As an information-rich signal, feature selection plays a decisive role in the performance of motion classification. In this paper, we evaluate feature selection in the classification of simultaneous motions produced from combinations of wrist and elbow flexion/extension, radio-ulnar pronation/supination, and hand opening/closing aiming to determine a common set of recommendations for the implementation of motion classification from EMG signals for prosthetic control. Chow–Liu trees and forward feature selection are used as the methods for selecting features, and six different classification algorithms are evaluated as the wrapping component. We analyzed the performance of different linear and non-linear kernel algorithms in terms of the accuracy with respect to the feature selection, observing that feature selection was critical for improving accuracy levels to above 95%. Chow–Liu trees demonstrated to be a strategy that enables a combination of a low number of iterations with comparable accuracy to what is achieved with a forward selection search. In addition, we found a trend for waveform length and entropy as the most relevant types of features to consider and found evidence that simultaneous motion classification should be handled using non-linear classification approaches. Our study serves to improve the feature and algorithm selection for surface EMG signals in the classification of simultaneous motions generating a viable approach in the recognition of combinations of actions from the upper limb.
TCTAP C-224 Right Heart Tumor with Complete Heart Block and Right Ventricular Inflow Obstruction

### Patient Initials or Identifier Number DMR ### Relevant Clinical History and Physical Exam A 73-year-old male with background of hypertension and coronary artery bypass surgery 17 years ago presented with dizziness and exertional dyspnea for one week, preceded by palpitations, lethargy and
Phase II study of irinotecan and temozolomide in breast cancer patients with progressing central nervous system disease

Breast cancer patients with progressing central nervous system (CNS) disease have limited treatment options. Few chemotherapy drugs with activity in breast cancer have well-documented CNS penetration. This phase 2 trial evaluated efficacy and safety of irinotecan 125 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15 with temozolomide 100 mg/m2 days 1–7 and days 15–21 of a 28 day cycle. Breast cancer patients of any biological subtype and progressing brain metastases and/or leptomeningeal disease (LMD) were eligible. The primary endpoint was CNS response rate. Secondary endpoints were clinical benefit rate (CBR), time to progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS). Imaging studies evaluating intracranial and extracranial response were performed every 8 weeks. Thirty patients were evaluable for safety and efficacy. The most common hematologic and non-hematologic adverse events were neutropenia, and nausea and fatigue, respectively. There were two confirmed CNS partial responses (PR) and five patients with stable disease in the CNS ≥ 16 weeks, resulting in a 7% PR and 23% CBR. Median TTP was 2.3 months (range 13–444 days), and median OS from treatment initiation until death was 4.9 months (range 20–1023 days). Excluding patients with LMD, median TTP and OS were 3.1 and 5.6 months, respectively. Only one patient progressed systemically before CNS progression. The combination of irinotecan and temozolomide was well tolerated, demonstrated some clinical activity across multiple breast cancer subtypes with progressing CNS disease, and offers a reasonable option for patients who are not candidates for further radiation or clinical trials.
Inclusion gatekeepers: the social production of spatial identities in special education

AbstractCritical approaches to inclusive education seek to transform educational systems to increase access, participation, and achievement for students at the intersections of multiple markers of ...
A 15-Minute Incremental Increase in Operative Duration Is Associated With an Additional Risk of Complications Within 30 Days After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair:

Background:Operative time is a risk factor for short-term complications after orthopaedic procedures; however, it has yet to be investigated as an independent risk factor for postoperative complica...
Calorimetric measurement of alpha half-life of 244Cm☆

Abstract The alpha half-life of 244Cm was measured by calorimetric determination of the change in power of a curium oxide source over a period of 743 days and was found to be 18·13 ± 0·04 yr. A recommended value of 18·12 ± 0·06 (P = 0·95) yr is derived by combining this result with the previously accepted value of 18·099 ± 0·015 (P = 0·67) yr.
Comparing the Electrorheological Effect of Polyhedral Silsesquioxane Cage Structures with Different Numbers of Cyanopropyl Functional Groups

Previous research has shown that polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) particles in silicone oil show electrorheological (ER) activity. The effect of the number of same functional groups atta...
The submental flap for head and neck reconstruction: Comparison of outcomes to the radial forearm free flap.

Objectives To compare intraoperative, postoperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes of the submental island pedicled flap (SIPF) to the radial forearm free flap (RFFF). Study design Retrospective review; comparison with statistical analysis. Methods A retrospective review was performed on patients at two tertiary care academic hospitals by a single surgeon. Consecutive patients who underwent cancer resection and reconstruction with SIPF or RFFF between 2004 and 2016 were included. Cancer staging, surgical procedure, hospital stay, complications, and functional and oncologic results were extracted. Results The study included 146 patients (57 SIPF; 89 RFFF). The most prevalent primary site was oral cavity, with a minority in the oropharynx, paranasal sinuses, or external face. Mean area of the SIPF was smaller at 28 cm2 compared to 48 cm2 for the RFFF. Operative time for SIPF was shorter at 6.5 hours compared to 9 hours for RFFF. Hospital stay was 8.0 days for SIPF patients and 10.0 days for RFFF patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed these differences were significant. Functional outcomes of speech quality and gastrostomy feeding tube dependence were similar between the SIPF and RFFF groups. There was no difference in local recurrence rate for SIPF (16%) and RFFF (19%), and there was no difference in overall recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curves showed no difference in recurrence between both groups, and multivariate logistic regression demonstrated no association between SIPF and local recurrence. Conclusion Operative time and hospital stay are both significantly reduced with the SIPF. Functional and oncologic results are similar with no contraindication to the SIPF. The SIPF is a good first-line choice for head and neck reconstruction. Level of evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 130:S1-S10, 2020.
A revision of Calamus (Arecaceae, Calamoideae, Calameae, Calaminae)

A revision of Calamus was carried out based on morphological data. Eight thousand, six hundred and thirty-three herbarium specimens were examined and scored for 14 quantitative and 157 qualitative variables. Application of the Phylogenetic Species Concept to 516 preliminary species of Calamus resulted in recognition of 411 phylogenetic species. Of these, 38 are recognized as new (C. barisanensis, C. brevissimus, C. brunneus, C. calciphilus, C. densifloropsis, C. disjunctus, C. divergens, C. exiguus, C. furvus, C. gaharuensis, C. goramensis, C. heteracanthopsis, C. hosensis, C. impressus, C. insolitus, C. insularis, C. johanis, C. kinabaluensis, C. kubahensis, C. latus, C. lengguanii, C. lobatus, C. notabilis, C. obiensis, C. oresbiopsis, C. oxleyoides, C. pahangensis, C. powlingii, C. saltuensis, C. seropakensis, C. spinosus, C. sulawesiensis, C. tambingensis, C. tapanensis, C. trigynus, C. vinaceus, C. viridis, C. wedaensis). Analysis of quantitative variables and geographic distributions resulted in the division of 11 species into 36 subspecies. Eight species were considered to be ochlospecies (C. erioacanthus, C. inermis, C. javensis, C. melanochaetes, C. micranthus, C. moseleyanus, C. plicatus, C. siphonospathus). Nomenclature, descriptions, and distribution maps are provided for all species. Images of the type specimens of all new species are provided as well as images of most qualitative variables. One hundred and forty–three species are illustrated with images from living plants.
Building an archaeological data repository: a digital library and digital humanities collaboration at the University of South Florida

Digital Humanities projects have shown to be projects of collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation. As digital humanities researchers are creating and discovering new methods of collaboration, libraries have been reflecting on how they can best support and nurture such collaborations. This paper aims to demonstrate a practical case of what the University of South Florida Digital Collections has done to support the accessibility and discoverability of a new archaeological dataset in collaboration with a Digital Humanities research facility on campus. This paper is a case study to showcase the process employed by the University of South Florida Libraries in its partnership with an on campus digital humanities institute in the creation of a new digital collection. The partnership resulted in a prototype archaeological data repository named the Andean Archaeological Data Project, and a digital collection that was successfully housed in the existing digital library platform, through which public access to the material is natively enabled through the library web pages. The authors have come to the conclusion that with the proper infrastructure and the appropriate skill sets, a digital library can be a long-term platform for dynamic digital humanities research data.
A New Approach on Global Marketing Segmentation Based on Facebook Divide Index

The number one online social network has topped 2 billion users. It has created a situation of Facebook Divide. The Facebook Divide situation allow marketers into segments a market and different markets. Online Social Media Segmentation model with four segments Facebook Dominant, Facebook Majority, Facebook Growing, and Facebook Emerge is proposed. The new segmentation model allows marketers to produce different alternatives to market segmentation.
Is It Finally Time for a Medicare Dental Benefit

Is It Finally Time for a Medicare Dental Benefit? Traditional Medicare still lacks dental coverage, which has contributed to inequities in pain, edentulism, and unmet need among lower-income people...
Atomic Structure and Lifetimes: A Conceptual Approach

1. Introduction 2. Classical position probability densities for periodic systems 3. Semiempirical parametrization of energy level data 4. The vector model of angular momentum 5. The intermediate coupling model 6. Electric dipole radiation 7. Line strengths in two-valence electron systems 8. Magnetic dipole transitions 9. Absorption of radiation 10. Time-resolved measurements 11. Hyperfine structure 12. Electrostatic polarizabilities and long range interactions 13. Coherence and anisotropic excitation.
Potential roles for DNA replication and repair functions in cell killing by streptomycin.

Abstract The aminoglycoside streptomycin binds to ribosomes to promote mistranslation and eventual inhibition of translation. Streptomycin kills bacteria, whereas many other non-aminoglycoside inhibitors of translation do not. Because mistranslation is now known to affect DNA replication, we asked if hydroxyurea, a specific inhibitor of DNA synthesis, affects killing, and find that hydroxyurea significantly attenuates killing by streptomycin. We find that the hydroxyl radical scavengers d -mannitol and thiourea have either no effect or only a modest protective effect. The iron chelator 2,2′-dipyridyl eliminated killing by streptomycin, but further investigation revealed that it blocks streptomycin uptake. Prior treatment of cells with low-levels of methyl methanesulfonate to induce the adaptive response to alkylation leads to a significant attenuation of killing, which, together with the hydroxyurea effect, suggests roles for DNA replication and repair functions in cell killing by streptomycin.
Disabling neuropathy associated with thymoma. Reversal by excision.

A case of severe neuropathy associated with a benign tumor of the thymus is reported. The patient developed dizziness without vertigo, difficulty with walking, and difficulty with depth perception. These symptoms cleared immediately on removal of the benign thymic tumor. Although it appears certain that there was a direct relationship between the tumor and the patient's symptoms, the mechanism remains unknown.
Laser Chemical Vapor Deposition (LCVD)

Laser chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) is one of several recently developed deposition techniques using laser sources. The two predominant characteristics of a laser light source—its directionality and its monochromaticity—can both be used to advantage in the deposition of materials. The directionality inherent in a laser source allows energy to be aimed very precisely at an area with dimensions on the order of the wavelength of the particular laser, causing localized deposition. The monochromaticity can be used to deposit energy directly into reacting molecules by exciting either electronic or vibrational energy levels in the reacting species. This precise control of energy flow in the system allows the deposition to occur at substrate temperatures much below those required for thermal equilibrium.
Intake of high fructose corn syrup sweetened soft drinks is associated with prevalent chronic bronchitis in U.S. Adults, ages 20–55 y

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) sweetened soft drink intake has been linked with asthma in US high-schoolers. Intake of beverages with excess free fructose (EFF), including apple juice, and HFCS sweetened fruit drinks and soft drinks, has been associated with asthma in children. One hypothesis for this association is that underlying fructose malabsorption and fructose reactivity in the GI may contribute to in situ formation of enFruAGEs. EnFruAGEs may be an overlooked source of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) that contribute to lung disease. AGE/ RAGEs are elevated in COPD lungs. EFF intake has increased in recent decades, and intakes may exceed dosages associated with adult fructose malabsorption in subsets of the population. Intestinal dysfunction has been shown to be elevated in COPD patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between HFCS sweetened soft drink intake and chronic bronchitis (CB), a common manifestation of COPD, in adults. Design: In this cross sectional analysis, the outcome variable was self-reported existing chronic bronchitis or history of CB. Exposure variable was non-diet soda. Rao Scott Ҳ2 was used for prevalence differences and logistic regression for associations, adjusted for age, sex, race-ethnicity, BMI, smoking, exposure to in-home smoking, pre-diabetes, diabetes, SES, total energy and total fruits and beverages consumption. Data are from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006. 2801 adults aged 20–55 y. There was a statistically significant correlation between intake of non-diet soft drinks and greater prevalence and odds of chronic bronchitis (p < 0.05). Independent of all covariates, intake of non-diet soda ≥5 times a week (vs. non/low non-diet soda) was associated with nearly twice the likelihood of having chronic bronchitis (OR = 1.80; p = 0.047; 95 % CI 1.01–3.20). HFCS sweetened soft drink intake is correlated with chronic bronchitis in US adults aged 20–55 y, after adjusting for covariates, including smoking. Results support the hypothesis that underlying fructose malabsorption and fructose reactivity in the GI may contribute to chronic bronchitis, perhaps through in situ formation of enFruAGEs, which may contribute to lung disease. Longitudinal and biochemical research is needed to confirm and clarify the mechanisms involved.
Persons I: Fundamental Concepts of Roman Law

The classification of legally important materials and issues is not a purely traditional one, but rather an attempt to order and re-order a chaotic mass of practices and commentaries, interpretations and uses in law. Important concepts, such as ownership, use, enjoyment, property and the like relate persons (individuals and groups) in respect of things, relations that are common to many situations, and are effective as signs in law. Let us not forget that the law as “law of things” that touches upon each individual is a tradition of all organized societies. Each class of things thus becomes the central issue of legal customs, dominating all possible situations to be dealt with in courts. Their reference is important for the making of their meaning—legal as well as social meaning. The example of “property of land” is outstanding here. Its roots in Roman Law interest because of the specificity of legal language today. No wonder that property is an outstanding concept to analyze in this context. With this concept in mind, parallels in Roman Law seem to be important in Civil as well as in Common Law of our century.
Overlay model for infrared scene generation

A dynamic model of IR missile engagements must combine the output of signature models into a scene of given resolution with a changing viewpoint and moving targets against some background. Some signature prediction models are stand-alone software packages, which currently cannot be dynamically interfaced to a running engagement model. They can be used to conveniently provide an image of an IR target at high resolution at a single viewpoint. An algorithm to solve the radiance map composition problem and combine target, sea, and sky signatures can be thought of intuitively as an idealized imaging radiometer model. We present the derivation of such a model from physical and signal processing considerations and its practical implementation; show that under reasonable assumptions, the radiance integral takes the form of a particularly simple computation; and demonstrate that the model behaves reasonably with translucent targets. The derived methodology provides very high radiometric accuracy with a rigorously controlled error and smooth integration of objects moving through the scene.
Surrogate nuclear reaction methods for astrophysics

A brief outline of the Surrogate reaction method, an indirect approach for determining compound-nuclear reaction cross sections, is given. The assumptions introduced in the analysis of a typical Surrogate experiment are discussed and prospects for using the Surrogate method to obtain cross sections relevant to the astrophysical s-process are considered.
Mechanics in skeletal development, adaptation and disease

Mechanical loading plays an important role in the development, adaptation and function of the vertebrate skeleton, but our understanding of this role is incomplete. The influence of mechanics initiates during early embryogenesis and continues throughout life, determining the geometric and material characteristics of the skeleton. In this paper, the current understanding of bone mechano–biology will be reviewed, highlighting important open questions. Advancing our knowledge in this field, coupled with important recent biological advances, has exciting potential for orthopaedic methods and treatments in the future.
Molecular biomarkers correlate with disease-free survival in patients with anal canal carcinoma treated with chemoradiation.

Large primary tumor and clinical nodal involvement in patients with anal carcinoma treated with chemoradiation are associated with poor disease-free survival (DFS). However, the outcome in individual patient is unpredictable. We hypothesized that biomarkers related to chemotherapy and/or radiation resistance would be associated with DFS. We analyzed clinical and biomarker data in 30 patients with anal carcinoma who had chemoradiation. Patient selection was based on the availability of untreated cancer for biomarkers, completion of prescribed chemoradiation, and patient outcomes (~50% disease-free) nonrepresentative of published cohorts but conducive to biomarker discovery. Ten biomarkers, Ki67, human telomerase (hTERT), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p53, p16, Bcl-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), SHH, and Gli-1, were studied. Raw data as continuous variable (only EGFR was trichotomized) were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox models were utilized to assess relationship between DFS and biomarkers. Twenty-three of 30 patients were women, tumor diameter was >5 cm in 30, and 37% had clinically positive nodes. Fourteen (30%) patients had a DFS event after chemoradiation. In univariate analysis, NF-κB (P = 0.01), SHH (P = 0.02), Gli-1 (P = 0.02), and tumor diameter (P = 0.03) were significantly associated with DFS, and Ki67 (P = 0.07) was marginally significant. In multivariate analysis, tumor diameter (P = 0.003), Ki67 (P = 0.005), NF-κB (P = 0.002), SHH (P = 0.02), and Gli-1 (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with DFS. Our data, albeit preliminary, suggest that several biomarkers (Ki67, NF-κB, SHH, and Gli-1) are associated with DFS. Upon further expansion and validation, these results may provide a biomarker-based understanding of heterogeneous clinical biology of patients with anal carcinoma.
Lack of effect of [alpha ]- and [beta ]-adrenergic inhibition on forearm glucose uptake despite differences in forearm blood flow in healthy humans

Abstract Insulin has both sympathoexcitatory and vasodilatory actions. It is unclear how these interact to affect muscular glucose uptake. The current study was designed to determine the systemic and local contributions of [alpha ]- and [beta ]-adrenergic activity to muscle glucose uptake. Forearm blood flow (FBF, plethysmography), arterial-venous glucose difference (AV-diff), and forearm glucose uptake (FGU) were measured during a 40-mU/m2/min insulin infusion with 120 minutes of euglycemia in 6 normal subjects (age, 28.8 [plusmn] 4.9 years, mean [plusmn] SD). Each subject was studied 5 times, once each with intravenous propranolol (IV PROP, 80 [mu ]g/min), intravenous phentolamine (IV PHEN, 500 [mu ]g/min), intra-arterial propranolol (IA PROP, 25 [mu ]g/min), intra-arterial phentolamine (IA PHEN, 12 [mu ]g/min/100 mL forearm tissue), and saline (SAL). FBF did not change during insulin with SAL, IA PROP, or IV PROP, but increased during insulin with IA PHEN and IV PHEN (P [lt ] .05). Despite the increased glucose delivery during insulin plus IA PHEN and IV PHEN, FGU did not differ between study sessions at any time during the insulin infusion. This was due to the lower AV-diff during insulin with IA PHEN and IV PHEN compared to the other studies (P [lt ] .05). AV-diff negatively correlated with FBF at the end of the insulin infusion (P [lt ] .001) for all studies. In normal humans, inhibition of basal sympathetic activity does not alter muscular glucose uptake. The increased insulin-induced vasodilation during [alpha ]-adrenergic inhibition suggests that insulin-induced sympathetic activation prevents excess vasodilation. This inhibition does not alter glucose uptake because changes in flow are counterbalanced by changes in glucose extraction.
Hepatocyte Transplantation-Induced Liver Inflammation Is Driven by Cytokines-Chemokines Associated With Neutrophils and Kupffer Cells

Background & Aims Hepatocyte transplantation-induced liver inflammation impairs cell engraftment. We defined whether proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines played roles in regulation of hepatocyte engraftment in the liver. Methods We performed studies over up to 3 weeks in rat hepatocyte transplantation systems. Expression of 84 cytokine-chemokine genes was studied by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions. Expression of selected up-regulated genes was verified by immunohistochemistry. Hepatic recruitment of neutrophils was demonstrated by myeloperoxidase activity assays, and Kupffer cell activation was established by carbon phagocytosis assays. The role of neutrophils and Kupffer cells in regulating expression of cytokine-chemokine genes as well as cell engraftment was determined by cell depletion studies. Results Within 6 hours after syngeneic cell transplantation, expression of 25 cytokine-chemokine genes increased by 2- to 123-fold, P Conclusions Cell transplantation-induced liver inflammation involves proinflammatory cytokine-chemokine systems capable of modulation by neutrophils and Kupffer cells. This offers new directions for optimizing cell therapy strategies.
Kinetic analysis of the calcium hydroxide formed in the hydration of pure C3S and with the addition of Ca(NO3)2

By using a simultaneous thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analyzer (DTA), the hydration processes of the pure C3S and with the addition of Ca(NO3)2 was followed. The peak temperature was determined and kinetic analysis on one of the hydration products, calcium hydroxide, was performed. Results show that the use of Ca(NO3)2 increased the activation energy value of calcium hydroxide formed which is one aspect of the accelerating properties of Ca(NO3)2 while there is no sign of hydration for the addition of sucrose which proved its retarding property. It was also shown that the activation energy increased when the hydrated pastes aged.
Adolescents' Responses to Peer Smoking Offers: The Role of Sensation Seeking and Self-esteem

This article deals with an important topic (youth smoking) and makes a contribution to the literature by validating existing research and extending our understanding of smoking resistance strategies. This study classified adolescent reports of their responses to cigarette smoking offers utilizing four drug refusal strategies of refuse, explain, avoid, and leave (REAL) and explored how personality factors explain adolescents' use of cigarette refusal strategies. Participants were predominantly Hispanic junior high students (6th-8th grades) from schools in the Northeast United States who participated in a survey design (N = 260). The strategy of explain was reported most frequently for initial and follow-up smoking offers. Adolescents with a greater number of friends who smoked were more likely to use the avoid strategy for initial smoking offers. Sensation seeking was positively related to the use of leave and avoid strategies for initial smoking offers and leave strategy for follow-up smoking offers. No association was found between self-esteem and use of smoking refusal strategies. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Effects of Low-Dose Drinking Water Arsenic on Mouse Fetal and Postnatal Growth and Development

Background Arsenic (As) exposure is a significant worldwide environmental health concern. Chronic exposure via contaminated drinking water has been associated with an increased incidence of a number of diseases, including reproductive and developmental effects. The goal of this study was to identify adverse outcomes in a mouse model of early life exposure to low-dose drinking water As (10 ppb, current U.S. EPA Maximum Contaminant Level). Methodology and Findings C57B6/J pups were exposed to 10 ppb As, via the dam in her drinking water, either in utero and/or during the postnatal period. Birth outcomes, the growth of the F1 offspring, and health of the dams were assessed by a variety of measurements. Birth outcomes including litter weight, number of pups, and gestational length were unaffected. However, exposure during the in utero and postnatal period resulted in significant growth deficits in the offspring after birth, which was principally a result of decreased nutrients in the dam's breast milk. Cross-fostering of the pups reversed the growth deficit. Arsenic exposed dams displayed altered liver and breast milk triglyceride levels and serum profiles during pregnancy and lactation. The growth deficits in the F1 offspring resolved following separation from the dam and cessation of exposure in male mice, but did not resolve in female mice up to six weeks of age. Conclusions/Significance Exposure to As at the current U.S. drinking water standard during critical windows of development induces a number of adverse health outcomes for both the dam and offspring. Such effects may contribute to the increased disease risks observed in human populations.
Detection of critical coronary lesions with treadmill exercise testing: Fact or fiction?

This study was designed to determine whether treadmill exercise testing could identify patients with critical coronary lesions. Critical lesions were defined as obstruction of the left main coronary artery or concomitant narrowing of the left anterior descending and circumflex coronary arteries proximal to any major branches. The time of onset and degree of S-T segment depression were evaluated in 25 patients with critical lesions and in 50 patients with other types of lesions. S-T segment depression of 2 mm or more was present in 82 percent of patients with left main coronary disease and in 71 percent of patients with left main coronary equivalent lesions (both P less than 0.02 when compared with 36 percent of patients with other lesions). However, half of the 37 patients with this degree of S-T segment depression had noncritical lesions. Ischemic changes appearing in the first 3 minutes of exercise were seen in 63 percent of patients with left coronary disease and 35 percent of the patients with left main coronary disease equivalent lesions (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.002, respectively, when compared with only 6 percent of patients with other lesions). The incidence of triple vessel disease was significantly greater in patients with critical lesions (55 percent in patients with left main coronary disease and 71 percent in those with the left main coronary equivalent lesions versus 10 percent in those with other lesions) (P less than 0.01). S-T segment depression of 2 mm or more is not a good indicator of critical coronary lesions because it has a low level of specificity. Consideration of the time of onset of ischemic changes adds to its usefulness, but it does not permit a definitive diagnosis in individual patients.
Production and characteristics of an infusible oxygen-carrying fluid based on hemoglobin intramolecularly cross-linked with sebacic acid.

Abstract Research on red cell substitutes requires the availability of oxygen-carrying fluids for physiologic experiments. This article describes the procedure for in-house production of such a fluid. It contains a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier obtained by reacting human hemoglobin with bis-(3,5-dibromosalicyl) sebacate. This reagent produces intramolecular cross-links between the β82 lysines and between the α99 lysines, respectively. The oxygen half-saturation pressure (P50) of the fluid is near 34 mm Hg at 37°C, with a Hill's parameter of n = 2.2. The half-time of intravascular retention is near 3.0 hours in the rat and 6.5 hours in the cat. Spectrophotometric analyses of arterial and venous plasma from an infused rat reveal an efficient oxygen delivery to the tissues by the oxygen carrier. Therefore, this new cross-linked human hemoglobin can be produced in quantities sufficient for in vivo evaluation and with an oxygen affinity and cooperativity adequate for oxygen unloading in plasma.
Spatial acuity in 2-to-3-year-old children with normal acoustic hearing, unilateral cochlear implants, and bilateral cochlear implants.

Objectives To measure spatial acuity on a right-left discrimination task in 2-to-3-year-old children who use a unilateral cochlear implant (UCI) or bilateral cochlear implants (BICIs); to test the hypothesis that BICI users perform significantly better when they use two CIs than when using a single CI, and that they perform better than the children in the UCI group; to determine how well children with CIs perform compared with children who have normal acoustic hearing; to determine the effect of intensity roving on spatial acuity.
Consensus vs frequency: An empirical investigation of the theories for identifying descriptors in designing retrieval thesauri

Abstract The present-day guidlines for thesaurus design recommend the two different strategies—the committee and empirical approaches—for identifying candidate terms. An argument is made that the basis for the recommendation is the assumption that the knowledge based on the consensus of experts of a field is different from the knowledge expressed in the literature of that field. An experiment was conducted to test the validity of this assumption. The finding that the two strategies failed to generate the two significantly different lists of terms challenges the validity of the assumption and raises several important questions to the theorists who write the guidelines for thesaurus design and to those who must put the guidelines into practice for design of a thesaurus.