cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) whole genome bisulfite sequencing in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer patient treated with cystectomy with curative intent.

359Background: Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) frequently recurs despite radical cystectomy, and new biomarkers are needed to guide treatment. DNA methylation plays a key regulatory role in c...
Story Arcs in Serious Illness: Natural Language Processing features of Palliative Care Conversations.

Abstract Objective Serious illness conversations are complex clinical narratives that remain poorly understood. Natural Language Processing (NLP) offers new approaches for identifying hidden patterns within the lexicon of stories that may reveal insights about the taxonomy of serious illness conversations. Methods We analyzed verbatim transcripts from 354 consultations involving 231 patients and 45 palliative care clinicians from the Palliative Care Communication Research Initiative. We stratified each conversation into deciles of "narrative time" based on word counts. We used standard NLP analyses to examine the frequency and distribution of words and phrases indicating temporal reference, illness terminology, sentiment and modal verbs (indicating possibility/desirability). Results Temporal references shifted steadily from talking about the past to talking about the future over deciles of narrative time. Conversations progressed incrementally from "sadder" to "happier" lexicon; reduction in illness terminology accounted substantially for this pattern. We observed the following sequence in peak frequency over narrative time: symptom terms, treatment terms, prognosis terms and modal verbs indicating possibility. Conclusions NLP methods can identify narrative arcs in serious illness conversations. Practice implications Fully automating NLP methods will allow for efficient, large scale and real time measurement of serious illness conversations for research, education and system re-design.
Gonadoblastoma: origin and outcome

Classical gonadoblastoma occurs almost entirely in the dysgenetic gonads of an individual who has a disorder of sex development; however, a small number of cases arise in individuals with a normal peripheral karyotype and no evidence of a disorder of sex development. Those gonadoblastomas that occur in an individual who has a Y chromosome or part thereof express testis specific protein Y-encoded 1 (TSPY1). If a gonad in those individuals contains germ cells with delayed maturation and also harbors the TSPY1 gene, the cells can undergo transformation to classical gonadoblastoma. The latter consists of rounded islands composed of germ cells, sex cord elements, and hyaline basement membrane material surrounded by a variably cellular stroma that sometimes contains steroid cells. Classical gonadoblastoma can be interpreted as a noninvasive or an in situ neoplasm that is the precursor of germinoma in some individuals and, indirectly, of other more aggressive germ cell neoplasms. The "dissecting" variant is derived from classical gonadoblastoma and is characterized by unusual growth patterns. Undifferentiated gonadal tissue is the precursor of gonadoblastoma; however, if all germ cells in an individual with undifferentiated gonadal tissue involute, the result is a secondary streak gonad. Undifferentiated gonadal tissue is a non-neoplastic condition resembling a streak gonad but additionally contains germ cells with delayed maturation that express octamer-binding transcription factor 4; however, other germ cells, show normal maturation and express TSPY1.
Crystal structures and comparisons of huntite aluminum borates REAl3(BO3)4 (RE = Tb, Dy and Ho)

Three huntite-type aluminoborates of stoichiometry REAl3(BO3)4 (RE = Tb, Dy and Ho), namely, terbium/dysprosium/holmium trialuminium tetrakis(borate), were synthesized by slow cooling within a K2Mo3O10 flux with spontaneous crystallization. The crystal structures were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) data. The synthesized borates are isostructural to the huntite [CaMg3(CO3)4] structure and crystallized within the trigonal R32 space group. The structural parameters were compared to literature data of other huntite REAl3(BO3)4 crystals within the R32 space group. All three borates fit well into the trends calculated from the literature data. The unit-cell parameters and volumes increase linearly with larger RE cations whereas the densities decrease. All of the crystals studied were refined as inversion twins.
Analysis on the pathogenic characteristics of influenza in Pingliang city of Gansu province, 2009-2017

Objective To reveal the pathogenic characteristics of influenza in the surveillance years during the periods of 2009-2017 in Pingliang city of Gansu province, so as to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of influenza in the city. Methods The samples from influenza-like illness cases were collected for real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR detection of influenza virus nucleic acids. Cell culture was performed with the canine kidney cell line. The influenza epidemic characteristics were analyzed for time, gender and age distributions. Results For 5 158 surveillance samples, the positive rate of influenza virus nucleic acids was 18.71% (965/5 158), and the proportions of influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B viruses were 23.79%, 35.99% and 40.22%, respectively. The detection rates of influenza virus in 9 surveillance years were 39.32%, 10.56%, 10.24%, 18.38%, 15.75%, 9.03%, 20.98%, 12.86% and 18.13%, respectively. The incidence rate in 0-6 years old group was the lowest, while the rate in 7-17 years old group was the highest. The differences in the detection rates of nucleic acids by age groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). The influenza virus nucleic acid positive cases were mainly distributed from December to the next March. Ten strains of influenza virus were isolated and the positive rate of isolation was 15.49%. Conclusions The incidences of influenza in Pingliang city were high in winter and spring. The dominant strains of influenza virus were replaced frequently in different years, showing a character of epidemics by mixed dominant strains. The prevention and control measures for influenza in winter and spring should be strengthened. Influenza vaccination should be provided for high risk populations in early September each year. Key words: nfluenza virus; Etiology; Surveillance
Prediction of specific cutting forces and maximum tool temperatures in orthogonal machining by Support Vector and Gaussian Process Regression Methods

Abstract In this paper, machine learning (ML) models, namely Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), are presented for the prediction of specific cutting forces and maximum tool temperatures during orthogonal machining processes. The training/test data for building the ML models is generated from finite element (FE) simulations. The simulations are performed using the commercial FE package Abaqus/Explicit and validated using experimental results. The FE generated data consists of cutting speed, uncut chip thickness, and rake angle as the input parameters. The response variables are the cutting force and maximum tool temperature. The data is split into training and test sets using 80-20 split. The optimal SVR and GPR models are selected using grid search on the training data. The predictions on the test data sets show that both the models perform well with high accuracy in predicting cutting force and maximum tool temperature. Between the two models, the mean square errors (MSE) for SVR are less than those for GPR.
Retrospective review of outcomes in patients with DNA-damage repair related pancreatic cancer

Patients with DNA-damage response genes (DDR)-related pancreas cancer (BRCA1/2 or other DNA-damage related genes) may have improved outcomes secondary to increased sensitivity to DNA-damaging drugs (platinum chemotherapy/ poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)-inhibitors). However, data is scarce pertaining to outcomes in this subset of patients. Our objective was to retrospectively identify DDR-related pancreas cancer patients and report on clinical outcomes. Pancreas cancer patients with a germline pathogenic variant in BRCA1/2 or other DDR gene were identified retrospectively through review of medical records (medical genetics/oncology) and genetic testing results at our institution. Data regarding clinical outcomes, therapy received, and survival was subsequently extracted. A total of 11 patients with pancreas cancer were identified to carry a pathogenic DDR-variant: BRCA1 (3), ATM (4), BRCA2 (2), PALB2 (1) and FANCC (1). Five of these individuals had prior history of other cancers. Clinically these tumors were localized (4), locally advanced (3), and metastatic (4) at diagnosis. Four out of 11 patients were still alive at time of data review. Survival in the 7 patients who had died was 13.7, 140.0, 20.5, 22.3, 23.5, 25.8, and 111.5 months. All patients with advanced disease had exposure to platinum chemotherapy. Historical survival in patients with advanced and metastatic pancreas cancer is poor. Results of this DDR-subset of patients do show significantly superior outcomes, likely secondary to exposure to platinum drugs. This data, alongside other similar cohorts, would favor the DDR-genes being a predictive marker with improved survival if exposed to these drugs and the new class of drugs, PARP-inhibitors.
Food, Virtue, and the Shaping of Early Christianity

In this book, Dana Robinson examines the role that food played in the Christianization of daily life in the fourth century CE. Early Christians used the food culture of the Hellenized Mediterranean world to create and debate compelling models of Christian virtue, and to project Christian ideology onto common domestic practices. Combining theoretical approaches from cognitive linguistics and space/place theory, Robinson shows how metaphors for piety, such as health, fruit, and sacrifice, relied on food-related domains of common knowledge (medicine, agriculture, votive ritual), which in turn generated sophisticated and accessible models of lay discipline and moral formation. She also demonstrates that Christian places and landscapes of piety were socially constructed through meals and food production networks that extended far beyond the Eucharist. Food culture, thus, provided a network of metaphorical concepts and spatial practices that allowed the lay faithful to participate in important debates over Christian living and community formation.
OpenEval: web information query evaluation

In this paper, we investigate information validation tasks that are initiated as queries from either automated agents or humans. We introduce OpenEval, a new online information validation technique, which uses information on the web to automatically evaluate the truth of queries that are stated as multiargument predicate instances (e.g., DrugHasSideEffect(Aspirin, GI Bleeding))). OpenEval gets a small number of instances of a predicate as seed positive examples and automatically learns how to evaluate the truth of a new predicate instance by querying the web and processing the retrieved unstructured web pages. We show that OpenEval is able to respond to the queries within a limited amount of time while also achieving high F1 score. In addition, we show that the accuracy of responses provided by OpenEval is increased as more time is given for evaluation. We have extensively tested our model and shown empirical results that illustrate the effectiveness of our approach compared to related techniques.
Should Digital Complete Dentures Be Part of A Contemporary Prosthodontic Education

Digital complete dentures should be incorporated into a contemporary dental school education due to factors that include the substantial increase in the number of scientific publications devoted to digital dentures, the increased number of companies producing these prostheses, and the expanded use by practitioners. These factors increased recently due to multiple advantages of digital dentures that are described. Based on positive clinical experiences with such prostheses, preclinical curriculum changes were made with examples presented of both didactic and laboratory courses that now include digital dentures. Perspectives are presented regarding online laboratory procedures where a substantial portion can be performed at home through remote instruction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Teaching and Learning in a Time of Corona: A Social Work Experience.

Preliminary results of a qualitative study of the lived experience of teaching and learning during the Covid-19 pandemic are presented. An instructor, a program director and five doctoral students in different stages of their coursework and dissertation proposal development, wrote a reflective journal. Participants varied in their levels of familiarity with technology-assisted education, personal backgrounds and circumstances including work and family responsibilities. Participants' journals documenting their reactions, struggles and coping since the abrupt move of the university from face to face to online classes were content analyzed. The analysis was co-conducted by five participants to identify themes and generate understanding of the experience. Two main themes emerged from the analysis: a developmental process of participants' reactions, perceptions and meaning making of the experience and factors that shaped it. Lessons learned are discussed and recommendations for professional education and directions for future research are suggested.
Coping with non-purchase: Managing the stress of inaction regret

This research presents a framework based on coping theory to explain the different ways of managing the stress of regret for inaction. We theorize that primary appraisals of goal-relevance and secondary appraisals of reversibility affect how consumers cope with the stress of inaction regret resulting in different behavioral outcomes. Prior research has focused on two outcomes of regret for inaction—inaction inertia and dissonance reduction—that result in the decreased intent to avail of a similar future opportunity. This research proposes that these are not inevitable outcomes, but rather coping responses. Further, if the forgone opportunity is appraised to be goal-relevant and reversible, consumers engage in active coping that results in increased behavioral intent.
Preferential preservation of visuospatial memory over verbal memory in the Old Order Amish

Background: While studying cognition in the Old Order Amish (OOA), we have observed strong performance on the constructional praxis delayed recall (CPDR) as compared to other cognitive tests, independent of overall cognitive status. This may indicate a preferential preservation of visuospatial memory in this population. Here, we investigate this by comparing the CPDR to the word list delayed recall (WLDR) within the OOA, as well as by comparing these results to a non-Amish cohort. Method: 420 OOA individuals in Indiana/Ohio age 66-95 who had complete data for the CPDR and WLDR were included. From the non-Amish CERAD cohort, 401 individuals age 60-96 with the same tests were included. For both cohorts, education-adjusted Z-scores were calculated for the CPDR and WLDR. The difference between the CPDR Z-score and the WLDR Z-score was calculated as a measure of the preservation of visuospatial memory over verbal memory. T-tests were first used to compare the tests within both cohorts and then stratified by case/control status. Linear regression was then used to investigate the effects of age, sex, cognitive status, and cohort on the Z-scores and difference between Z-scores. Additional t-tests and regressions were then performed to further investigate the effect of sex and its interaction with cohort. Result: We found a significantly better performance on CPDR over WLDR in every cognitive status group in the OOA, but not in all groups of the CERAD cohort. After controlling for age, sex, and cognitive status, this preferential preservation remains significantly higher in the Amish, with being in the Amish cohort increasing the difference between Z-scores by an average of 0.615 units when compared to being in the CERAD cohort. When adjusting for age, sex, cognitive status, and cohort, the interaction between cohort and sex is significant, with the Amish males exhibiting a greater difference between Z-scores compared to other groups, with a significant interaction value of 0.676. Discussion: Overall, these findings suggest that the OOA preferentially preserve visuospatial memory over verbal memory, regardless of cognitive status. This effect is particularly strong in OOA males. In summary, this study gives additional evidence that the Amish exhibit unique patterns of memory loss and aging, with a preferential preservation of visuospatial memory over verbal memory. Additional studies are needed to further explain this phenomenon.
AI Accelerator Survey and Trends.

Over the past several years, new machine learning accelerators were being announced and released every month for a variety of applications from speech recognition, video object detection, assisted driving, and many data center applications. This paper updates the survey of AI accelerators and processors from past two years. This paper collects and summarizes the current commercial accelerators that have been publicly announced with peak performance and power consumption numbers. The performance and power values are plotted on a scatter graph, and a number of dimensions and observations from the trends on this plot are again discussed and analyzed. This year, we also compile a list of benchmarking performance results and compute the computational efficiency with respect to peak performance.
Borda Meets Pascal

Every so often (especially in mathematics), unforeseen connections between different ideas arise and beg expla nation. This happened to us when, in an effort to gener alize the voting procedure known as the Borda count, we began to see vectors of the form (-1,1), (1,-2,1), (-1,3,-3,1), (1, -4, 6, -4, 1), and so on. As you might imagine, we were instantly intrigued by this unanticipated relationship with Pas cal's triangle, and we quickly set out to find an explanation. This article describes some of our initial findings.
Ecological, evolutionary, and conservation implications of incubation temperature-dependent phenotypes in birds

Incubation is a vital component of reproduction and parental care in birds. Maintaining temperatures within a narrow range is necessary for embryonic development and hatching of young, and exposure to both high and low temperatures can be lethal to embryos. Although it is widely recognized that temperature is important for hatching success, little is known about how variation in incubation temperature influences the post-hatching phenotypes of avian offspring. However, among reptiles it is well known that incubation temperature affects many phenotypic traits of offspring with implications for their future survival and reproduction. Although most birds, unlike reptiles, physically incubate their eggs, and thus behaviourally control nest temperatures, variation in temperature that influences embryonic development still occurs among nests within a population. Recent research in birds has primarily been limited to populations of megapodes and waterfowl; in each group, incubation temperature has substantial effects on hatchling phenotypic traits important for future development, survival, and reproduction. Such observations suggest that incubation temperature (and incubation behaviours of parents) is an important but underappreciated parental effect in birds and may represent a selective force instrumental in shaping avian reproductive ecology and life-history traits. However, much more research is needed to understand how pervasive phenotypic effects of incubation temperature are among birds, the sources of variation in incubation temperature, and how effects on phenotype arise. Such insights will not only provide foundational information regarding avian evolution and ecology, but also contribute to avian conservation.
Role of Oxalacetate in the Regulation of Mammalian Succinate Dehydrogenase

Abstract In most procedures for the isolation of membrane-bound or soluble succinate dehydrogenase, the enzyme is obtained largely in the deactivated form. As judged by the quantity of oxalacetate enzymatically determined in perchlorate extracts, the deactivated form contains tightly bound oxalacetate in 1:1 proportion to the enzyme (equated with histidyl flavin content) in particles. A somewhat lower ratio has been obtained for soluble preparations of the enzyme. The oxalacetate is bound very tightly: it is not displaced by succinate or malonate in the cold, nor released by precipitation or gel exclusion of the enzyme, and it does not react with malate dehydrogenase. It is released, however, on denaturation of the enzyme with perchloric acid or under conditions which favor conversion of the enzyme to the activated form. If the enzyme is freed from oxalacetate by activation with bromide and gel exclusion, treatment of the oxalacetate-free fully active enzyme with very low concentrations of l- or d-malate or oxalacetate leads to deactivation and concomitant formation of tightly bound oxalacetate in the same molar ratio found in the enzyme as isolated from heart mitochondria. Dissociation of the complex formed in this manner requires the same experimental conditions as those needed for dissociation of the complex as found in the isolated enzyme. The activation energies for activation and for release of oxalacetate are the same but vary with the type of activator used. The first order rate constant for activation by a variety of agents is about twice that measured for the dissociation of tightly bound oxalacetate. Moreover, with some activators oxalacetate release shows a considerable lag behind recovery of catalytic activity. It is suggested that the presence of oxalacetate in the deactivated enzyme is not the cause of its lack of catalytic activity but a consequence of the deactivated conformation. Further observations are described which suggest that a deactivation-activation cycle may also occur in the absence of oxalacetate.
LOST Stability? Consumption Taxes and the Cyclical Variability of State and Local Revenues

Some state and local governments continue to consider moving from income and property taxes, respectively, towards consumption taxes. Since the mid-1970s Georgia's local governments have had the option to substitute sales taxes for a portion of property tax receipts; the adoption of local option sales taxes (LOST) has since been widespread. This paper examines the effects of LOST on the long- and short-run volatility of local own-source revenues: Is adopting the local option sales taxes increasing or decreasing the volatility of own-source revenues? Using a large panel dataset of county governments in the state of Georgia across two most recent economic cycles, we find that LOST adds to the variability of own-source revenues, confirming that consumption taxes are less stable than property taxes they displace. This finding contributes to literature and bears direct implications to current policy debates.
Effect of Duration of Peer Awareness Education on Attitudes toward Students with Disabilities: A Systematic Review

The attitudes of peers towards fellow students with disabilities impacts social participation and the development of relationships within the school context. This systematic review examined the effect of duration of a disability-awareness education program on the attitudes of peers towards students with disabilities. Sources such as the Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Education Full Text (H.W. Wilson), ERIC, and Teacher Reference Center were searched, and yielded thirty studies with a combined sample size of 7,346 students that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. These were critically appraised for quality using the Downs and Black Quality Index (1998). Implications for disability-awareness program development emerged, as well as an expanded role for occupational therapy practitioners to assess the social context in inclusionary settings. Future research should address other program elements to determine best practice in facilitating positive peer attitudes towards students with disabilities in order t...
Neural Response to Action and Reward Prediction Errors: Comparing the Error Related Negativity to Behavioral Errors and the Feedback Related Negativity to Reward Prediction Violations

The error-related negativity (ERN) is thought to index an anterior cingulate (ACC) behavioral monitoring system. The feedback ERN (FRN) is elicited to error feedback when the correct response is not known, but also when a choice outcome is suboptimal and to passive reward prediction violation, suggesting that the monitoring system may not be restricted to actions. This study used principal components analysis to show that the ERN consists of a single central component whereas the reward prediction violation FRN is comprised of central and prefrontal components. A prefrontal component is also present in action monitoring but occurs later, at the error positivity latency. This suggests that ACC monitors both actions and events for reward prediction error. Prefrontal cortex may update reward expectation based on the prediction violation with the latency difference due to differential processing time for motor and perceptual information.
Group reactions to visual feedback tools

This paper presents findings on how individuals respond to receiving feedback on their participation levels during meetings. Comparing in-lab and natural group settings, repeated use, and differing information displays, we found that individuals vary on how useful and informative they found the feedback. Their ratings were most influenced by how the tool was first introduced to them and whether or not there was redundancy in the feedback.
Enhancing Thermoelectric Performance of Ternary Nanocrystals through Adjusting Carrier Concentration

The carrier concentration of chemically synthesized Bi2Te3-based nanocrystals (NCs) is for the first time reported to be adjusted by forming ternary Bi2−xSbxTe3 NCs (x = 0.02, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, and 1.50) through partial substitution of Bi with Sb. Carrier concentrations of ternary Bi2−xSbxTe3 NCs were successfully adjusted by a factor of more than 10 controlled by the stoichiometric partial Sb/Bi substitution level. The power factors of the stoichiometric ternary Bi2−xSbxTe3 NCs improved three times compared to the parent Bi2Te3 due to the carrier concentration adjustment.
The differential effect of Plasmodium gallinaceum on the fecundity of several strains of Aedes aegypti

Abstract The influence of Plasmodium gallinaceum on the fecundity of several strains of Aedes aegypti was studied, and it was demonstrated that the parasite lowered egg production in all six strains examined. With appropriate experimental design, it was shown that the several strains of host varied in the degree to which they were affected by the parasite.
SU-E-T-155: Dose Response Curve of EBT2 and EBT3 Radiochromic Films to a Synchrotron-Produced Monochromatic X-Ray Beam.

Purpose: This work investigates the dose‐response curves of Gafchromic EBT2 and EBT3 radiochromic films using synchrotron‐produced monochromatic x‐ray beams. These dosimeters are being utilized for dose verification in photoactivated Auger electron therapy at the LSU Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD) synchrotron facility. Methods: Monochromatic beams of 25, 30 and 35 keV were generated on the tomography beamline at CAMD. Ion chamber depth‐dose measurements were used to calculate the dose delivered to films irradiated simultaneously at depths from 0.7 ‐ 8.5 cm in a 10×10×10‐cms polymethylmethacrylate phantom. AAPM TG‐61 protocol was applied to convert measured ionization into dose.Calibrations of films at 4 MV were obtained for comparison using a Clinac 21 EX radiotherapy accelerator at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Films were digitized using an Epson 1680 Professional flatbed scanner and analyzed using the optical density (OD) derived from the red channel. Results: For EBT2 film the average sensitivity (OD/dose) at 50, 100, and 200 cGy relative to that for 4‐MV x‐ rays was 1.07, 1.20, and 1.23 for 25, 30, and 35 keV, respectively. For EBT3 film the average sensitivity was within 3 % of unity for all three monochromatic beams. Conclusions: EBT2 film sensitivity shows strong energy dependence over an energy range of 25 keV ‐ 4 MV. EBT3 film shows weak energy dependence, indicating that it would be the better dosimeter for Auger electron therapy. This research was supported by contract W81XWH‐10‐1‐0005 awarded by The U.S. Army Research Acquisition Activity, 820 Chandler Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702‐5014. This report does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Government, and no official endorsement should be inferred.
Modular, layered architecture: the necessary foundation for effective mass customisation in software

This paper posits that developers cannot sustain extensive customisation of software without clear software product line architecture, modular subsystem platforms, and disciplined interfaces among these platforms. To explore this proposition, we initially define the basic principles of desirable software architecture and then apply these definitions to the development of software and the business strategy for creating software product lines. We then illustrate how these concepts not only explain the success of leading software companies but also have motivated fundamental architectural redesigns of their product architectures.
WEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES

West Virginia's public colleges have a rich tradition of making higher education accessible through the delivery of community college programs. Challenged by mountainous terrain that often isolated communities, 4‐year colleges in West Virginia offered associate degree programs as early as the 1930s — 40 years before a formal organization of community college education was initiated. Development of the community college system in West Virginia began in 1971 through legislative action. Yet the role of community college education in West Virginia has been slow in crystallizing. Recent state legislation has focused on higher education in general and community colleges in particular in a state that leads the nation in the lowest percentage of college graduates. To meet the challenges of the 21st century, West Virginia's community colleges are positioning themselves to respond to state and higher education mandates via a global perspective. The potential of community colleges to impact West Virginia's economic ...
Regulation of the Prostaglandin Pathway During Development of Invasive Bladder Cancer in Mice

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is reported to play an important role in tumor development. We explored the differential expression of genes governing production of, and response to, PGE2 during development of invasive bladder cancer. N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN) or vehicle-treated mice (n = 4–5) were euthanized after 4–8 weeks (period 1, P1), 12–16 weeks (P2), and 20–23 weeks (P3). Half of each bladder was analyzed histologically and the other half extracted for mRNA analysis by quantitative real-time PCR. Bladders from BBN-treated mice showed progression from submucosal inflammation (P1) to squamous metaplasia/focal CIS (P2) to poorly differentiated, invasive cancer (P3). mRNA levels for the inducible cyclooxygenase, COX-2, were elevated three to fourfold at all time points in BBN-treated mice compared to controls. In contrast, mRNA levels for constitutive COX-1 and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), which releases substrate for COX, were either unchanged or decreased in BBN-treated mice relative to controls. Downstream of COX, mRNA levels of membrane-bound PGE2 synthase (mPGES-1) were increased 1.7-fold at P1 in BBN bladders but returned to control levels at P2 and P3. mRNA levels for 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH), which inactivates PGE2, were reduced 50–80% in BBN-treated bladders at all time points. mRNA levels for EP2R and EP4R, receptors for PGE2, were two to threefold increased at P1, but returned to control levels or below at P3. Hence, increased COX-2 and decreased PDGH expression occurred throughout tumor development, while mPGES-1, EP2R and EP4R were elevated only before development of invasive cancer. We compared expression of these genes in the malignant human urothelial cell lines, HTB-5 and HT-1376, with expression in a benign urothelial cell line, UROtsa. Neither malignant cell line reproduced the complete in vivo pattern, relative to benign cells, but each showed abnormal basal expression of several of the genes downstream of COX-2, but not COX-2 itself. We conclude that components involved in PGE2 synthesis and activity are differentially regulated during bladder tumor development and the therapeutic efficacy of targeting the various components may vary with stage of tumor development.
Purification and Expansion of Human Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells

CD34 monoclonal antibodies bind selectively to the most immature 1.5% of low-density human bone marrow mononuclear cells, including terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-positive lymphoid precursor cells, all types of in vitro assayed hematopoietic progenitor cells, and lymphohematopoietic stem cells capable of reconstituting myeloablated humans in clinical transplantation. Positive selection of highly enriched CD34+ stem and progenitor cells is widely used in research and is now being investigated in many applications of autologous and allogeneic clinical transplantation. More highly purified stem cells are also desired in research and may have clinical use. Immunoaffinity isolation of CD34+ cell subsets using antibodies against CD38 permits 10-100-fold further purification of stem cells. It will be valuable to be able to expand stem and progenitor cells from small marrow and blood samples. We are now identifying the genes expressed in stem and progenitor cells to eventually allow the control of stem and progenitor cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation.
Extraction of mercury(I) and (II) and subsequent spot test detection with dithizone

Meroury(I) or (II) may be isolated by the extraction of a trichloroacetic acid solution of the ion with n-butyl acetate. The addition of a small amount of dithizone to the extract serves as a means of detecting mercury in the non-aqueous phase. The interferences are gold(III), the halides, cyanide, thiocyanate, and sulfide.
Representation theory of the vertex algebraW 1

In our paper [KR] we began a systematic study of representations of the universal central extension of the Lie algebra of differential operators on the circle. This study was continued in the paper [FKRW] in the framework of vertex algebra theory. It was shown that the associated to simple vertex algebraW 1+∞,N with positive integral central chargeN is isomorphic to the classical vertex algebraW(gl N), which led to a classification of modules overW 1+∞,N . In the present paper we study the remaing nontrivial case, that of a negative central charge-N. The basic tool is the decomposition ofN pairs of free charged bosons with respect togl N and the commuting withgl N Lie algebra of infinite matricesĝl.
Marital Power, Roles, and Solidarity and Husbands' and Wives' Appraisals of Self and Other*

The purpose of this study was to investigate conditions underlying the social self process within marital relationships. Two hypotheses were tested in a mail questionnaire survey of 165 couples: 1) Mead and Cooley's hypothesis that self-appraisal is positively associated with other's view of self, and 2) an extension of this hypothesis suggesting that the association between self-appraisal and spouse's appraisal is greater, and the appraisals are more favorable, when marital power is shared, household role responsibilities are shared, and marital solidarity is high. The first hypothesis was supported: self-appraisal was significantly correlated with other's view of self. The second hypothesis was strongly supported for solidarity: the greater the couple's solidarity, the more favorable and the more similar were self-appraisal and other's appraisal of self. Only partial support was found for a positive association of shared marital power and roles with appraisals of self and other.
Party matters: the institutional origins of competitive hegemony in Tanzania

Electoral authoritarianism has emerged as a primary mode of authoritarian rule in the post-Cold War era. It is also a notably heterogeneous phenomenon, in terms of both its impact upon incumbents and the quality of contestation. This article investigates a specific type of electoral authoritarian outcome, a competitive hegemony. In competitive hegemonies regimes are able to dominate elections by large vote margins, but with comparatively much lower levels of electoral fraud and coercion. Using a case study of Tanzania and its ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), this article argues that distinct investments made under single-party rule into party institutionalization and the incorporation of subsistence-based peasants provided CCM with additional sources of elite cohesion, strong mobilization capacity, and therefore greater stability. The article shows how during multiparty elections elite defection has in fact been minimal, and voting patterns largely coincide with infrastructural investments made as ...
Examining the Relationship between Choice, Therapeutic Alliance and Outcomes in Mental Health Services.

Background: Self-determination within mental health services is increasingly recognized as an ethical imperative, but we still know little about the impact of choice on outcomes among people with severe mental illnesses. This study examines whether choice predicts outcomes and whether this relationship is mediated by therapeutic alliance. Method: The study sample of 396 participants completed a survey measuring choice, therapeutic alliance, recovery, quality of life and functioning. Multivariate analyses examined choice as a predictor of outcomes, and Sobel tests assessed alliance as a mediator. Results: Choice variables predicted recovery, quality of life and perceived outcomes. Sobel tests indicated that the relationship between choice and outcome variables was mediated by therapeutic alliance. Implications: The study demonstrates that providing more choice and opportunities for collaboration within services does improve consumer outcomes. The results also show that collaboration is dependent on the quality of the relationship between the provider and consumer.
Influence of intermolecular interactions on the melt rheology of a propylene–acrylic acid copolymer and its salts

Ionomers based on propylene-acrylic acid copolymer have been prepared and their rheological behavior studied. With different cations the melt viscosity at any shear rate increases as tributylamine salt < acid < zinc salt < sodium salt. Similarly, the activation energies for viscous flow follow the order polypropylene - tributylamine salt < acid - zinc salt < sodium salt. These results are a consequence of intermolecular interactions between salt groups for the metal acrylate derivatives and hydrogen bonding for the acid derivatives. Strong ionic interactions are absent in the tributylamine salt because of steric hindrance of the bulky amine substituents. The glass transition temperatures for these materials were equivalent. The elastic properties of these polymers follow a similar trend as does the viscosity.
Aerosolized Ceftazidime for Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and Drug Effects on the Proinflammatory Response in Critically Ill Trauma Patients

Study Objectives. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of aerosolized ceftazidime for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and to evaluate the effects of the drug on the proinflammatory response. Design. Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Setting. University teaching hospital. Patients. Forty critically ill trauma patients at high risk for VAP. Intervention. Within 48 hours of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), patients were randomly assigned to receive aerosolized ceftazidime 250 mg every 12 hours or placebo (normal saline) for up to 7 days. Bronchoalveolar concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were determined at baseline and the end of therapy (days 4–7). Measurements and Main Results. The frequency of VAP in patients receiving aerosolized ceftazidime was 73% lower than that in patients receiving placebo at ICU day 14 (15% vs 55%, p=0.021), and 54% lower for the entire ICU stay (30% vs 65%, p=0.022). No clinically significant changes in bacterial culture and sensitivity patterns were observed. No adverse events from aerosolized ceftazidime were reported. Pulmonary TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 concentrations were attenuated in the ceftazidime group compared with those in the placebo group (p<0.001, p=0.02, and p=0.003). The frequency of VAP was related directly to changes in TNF-α and IL-1β (p<0.001, p=0.02). Conclusions. Aerosolized ceftazidime decreased the frequency of VAP in critically ill trauma patients, without adversely affecting ICU flora. Aerosolized ceftazidime also may attenuate the proinflammatory response in the lung.
Toward Rational Nutritional Support of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patient

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and (human immunodeficiency virus) infection loom as our major public health priorities for at least the next two decades. Despite the recent exciting early development of vaccines 1 and newer drug therapies,2 we are all faced with a reservoir of almost one-quarter million cases in the United States and several times that worldwide.3 Since the vast majority of HIV-infected patients develop AIDS, which is a chronic progressive disease that produces gastrointestinal dysfunction and wasting, development of rational strategies for nutritional support of these patients should also be a high priority. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition15:121-122, 1991)
Novel liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric methods using silica columns and aqueous–organic mobile phases for quantitative analysis of polar ionic analytes in biological fluids

Use of silica stationary phase and aqueous-organic mobile phases could significantly enhance LC-MS-MS method sensitivity. The LC conditions were compatible with MS detection. Analytes with basic functional groups were eluted with acidic mobile phases and detected by MS in the positive ion mode. Analytes with acid functional groups were eluted with mobile phases at neutral pH and detected by MS in the negative ion mode. Analytes poorly retained on reversed-phase columns showed good retention on silica columns. Compared with reversed-phase LC-MS-MS, 5-8-fold sensitivity increases were observed for basic polar ionic compounds when using silica columns and aqueous-organic mobile phase. Up to a 20-fold sensitivity increase was observed for acidic polar ionic compounds. Silica columns and aqueous-organic mobile phases were used for assaying nicotine, cotinine, and albuterol in biological fluids.
The projections of the nucleus locus coeruleus: An autoradiographic study

The projections of the nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) were reconstructed from serial section autoradiographic analysis. Microinjections of H3 proline into LC permitted labelling of the terminal arborizations through the somatofugal transport of labelled macromolecules. The pathways could be traced in toto from their origin in the LC to their terminal regions. These included the limbic cortex, hippocampus, neocortex, amygdala, cerebellar cortex, and various brainstem nuclei.
An empirical study of the consolidation of local public health services in Connecticut

This study contributes to the literature by empirically examining the decision of Connecticut communities to consolidate the delivery of public health services. As theory suggests, the prospect of scale economies is found empirically to increase the likelihood that a community consolidates public health services. In addition, differences across communities are found to inhibit the consolidation of public health services. Overall, the results imply that financial incentives may be necessary to encourage more regional districts because localities may underestimate the true minimum efficient scale for public health services and because heterogeneity among jurisdictions impedes regional cooperation.
76. What Do Black and Latino Teen Men Who Have Sex With Men Have to Say About HIV Prevention Services in Their Schools and Community

Purpose: To gather formative information for an HIV prevention project for Black and Latino young men who have sex with men (YMSM) ages 13-19 being implemented in New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Program activities will involve schools, schoolbased health centers (SBHCs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and local health departments in reaching Black and Latino teen YMSM. The study focuses on factors associated with YMSM accessing HIV services and their perceptions of the school environment, school staff and school-based health services. Methods:With support from ICF International and CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health, community-based organizations (CBOs) in the three cities screened and recruited Black and Latino YMSM ages 13-19with the goal of completing 600 anonymousWebbased surveys and 30 confidential interviews. To date, about half of the surveys (N 297) and all the interviews (N 32) have been completed. Results: These preliminary results focus on the survey data collected. The mean age of respondents is 17 years old; 40% are Hispanic, 50% are non-Hispanic, Black, and 12% are multiracial (including Hispanic and non-Hispanic). Seventy-four percent were tested for HIV in the past year and of those 17% reported they were tested at school or at a clinic at school. Sixty-eight percent were tested for an STD in the past year and of those, 23% reported they were tested at school or at a clinic at school. Two-thirds would use HIV/STD testing services if they were offered at school and 89% reported that they would access free condoms if they were offered at school. However, 29% felt unsafe at school and those who felt unsafe, 49% missed school for this reason. When asked who at school (youth could select multiple persons) they would talk to about feeling unsafe, 50% said a teacher, 46% said a school counselor, and 8% said a school nurse. When asked who at school (youth could select multiple persons) they thought were safe to talk to about being attracted to other guys, 50% said a school counselor, 35% said a teacher, and 12% said a school nurse. Conclusions: Based on preliminary survey results, many teen YMSM youth accessing CBO services have been tested for an HIV and other STDs in the past year andmost indicated they would get tested for HIV/STDs at school if it was offered. However, about one-third of youth felt unsafe at school and few of the youth felt comfortable talking to school nurses about feeling unsafe or being attracted to other men. Increased understanding about how these issues might influence YMSM’s use of HIV/STD related services in schools is needed andwill be investigated through analysis of the full sample of surveys and interviews. Professional development for school personnel about creating a safe environment, talking to youth about sexuality, and referral of youth to community-based services may be an important activity for implementing school-centered HIV prevention. Sources of Support: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 77.