cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From balloon angioplasty to covered stents in the management of coarctation of the aorta in adults with congenital heart disease

Abstract Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) occurs in 0.04% of the population and accounts for approximately 10% of lesions in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). It can occur as an isolated lesion or as a part of a complex defect and is associated with multiple complications, both with and without treatment. Since the first surgical repair in 1944, significant refinement in surgical techniques has expanded the available treatment options. While transcatheter therapy for both native and especially recurrent CoA has become the standard of care for young patients, the use of bare metal stent has been associated with significant complications in adults. Perhaps one of the most important advances in the management of CoA, has been the development of covered stent technology. Covered stents offer the advantage of excluding any stretch-induced wall trauma from the endoluminal aspect of the aorta, particularly in the catastrophic event of aortic rupture which has been reported. Here we describe the indications for and the limitations in the use of covered stents in the treatment of CoA. These may be used as the therapy of choice in patients with native CoA, complications after prior CoA repair, patients with severe and complex CoA lesions, or patients with advanced age.
Social and Antisocial Behavior of Children with Learning and Behavioral Disorders: Construct Validity of the Home and Community Social Behavior Scales

Construct validity of the Home and Community Social Behavior Scales, a home version of the School Social Behavior Scales, was examined by investigating its sensitivity to theoretically based group ...
On a method of numerical differentiation and its application to the evaluation of limiting activity coefficients and their first derivatives

Abstract A method of numerical differentiation based on the measurement of intercepts rather than slopes is described and applied to the correlation and extrapolation of excess Gibbs free energy data for binary liquid mixtures as well as to their deduction from total pressure-composition data. Activity coefficients, as well as their first derivatives with respect to composition at infinite dilution, have been estimated by our method for three binary systems, both by direct differentiation of the excess Gibbs free energy data and through the use of the first and second composition derivatives of the pressure in the infinite dilution limit. The two sets of values are in good agreement with each other, thus confirming the reasonableness of our estimates of the infinite dilution first and second derivatives of the total pressure and excess Gibbs free energy. Further confirmation of our estimates is also sought by using the above values for the infinite dilution activity coefficients and their derivatives in certain empirical expressions for the excess Gibbs free energy to extrapolate the latter over the whole concentration range; such extrapolated values show good agreement with experimentally determined values. Our method has also been used to evaluate derivatives in parts of the concentration range other than near the ends; the values so obtained compare well with those derived from very closely-fitting functions of the data set.
The Effect of Various Oxide Dispersions on the Oxidation Resistance of Fe3Al

Oxide-dispersed Fe-28at.%Al-2%Cr alloys were produced by a powder metallurgy technique followed by hot extrusion. Yttria and ceria were added to the base alloy to assess the effect of these dopants on the oxidation behavior. The amount of dopant was varied from 0.05-0.5 at.% Y in a series of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}-dispersed alloys. isothermal and cyclic oxidation testing was conducted at temperatures from 800{degrees} to 1300{degrees}C. A CeO{sub 2} addition was detrimental to the oxidation behavior. The Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} improved the {alpha}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} scale adhesion relative to an undoped alloy, but was not as effective as similar additions to an oxide-dispersed FeCrAl alloy.
Looking for the Silver Lining: Integrative Potentials in International Project Negotiation

Foreign aid plays a critical role in the increasingly interdependent global economy, but research on foreign aid project negotiation has received little attention. It is posited that the successful...
Dynamic centrifugal compressor model for system simulation

A dynamic model of a centrifugal compressor capable of system simulation in the virtual test bed (VTB) computational environment is presented. The model is based on first principles, i.e. the dynamic performance including the losses is determined from the compressor geometry and not from the experimentally determined characteristic performance curves. In this study, the compressor losses, such as incidence and friction losses, etc., are mathematically modeled for developing compressor characteristics. For easy implementation in the VTB platform, the non-linear governing equations are discretized in resistive companion (RC) form. The developed simulation model can be applied to virtually any centrifugal compressor. By interfacing with a composite system, such as a Brayton cycle gas turbine, or a fuel cell, the compressor dynamic performance can be evaluated. The surge line for the compressor can also be determined from the simulation results. Furthermore, the model presented here provides a valuable tool for evaluating the system performance as a function of various operating parameters.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome due to Escherichia coli 0157: H7 in a child with multiple infections

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and uremia; it is a common cause of acute renal failure in children. Although many microbial agents have been associated with HUS, onlyEscherichia coli 0157∶H7 has been clearly demonstrated to be a major cause of this illness. A case is presented of a healthy 4-year-old boy who had a recent varicella infection; when evaluated for HUS his blood and stool cultures both grewSalmonella montevideo and blood cultures grew group A β-hemolytic streptococci. A stool cultured on MacConkey-sorbitol agar also grewE. coli 0157∶H7. An eightfold rise in serum antibodies toE. coli 0157∶H7 lipopolysachcaride was also demonstrated. The child recovered completely and was healthy 3 years later. Although this child had several infectious agents anecdotally associated with HUS, appropriate culture of stool showed that he also hadE. coli 0157∶H7 infection. Previous cases though to be due to other pathogens may similarly have been caused by co-infection withE. coli 0157∶H7.
Medical care use and selection in a social health insurance with an equalization fund: evidence from Colombia

This paper studies the relationship between health status and insurance participation, and between insurance status and medical use in the context of a social health insurance with an equalization fund (SHIEF). Under this system, revenues from a mandatory payroll tax are collected into a single pool (equalization fund) that reimburses for-profit insurance companies according to a capitated formula. Although competition should induce insurers to control costs without reducing the quality of service necessary to attract consumers, limitations in the capitation formula might induce insurers to select against bad risks, and limitations in the contribution system might induce more healthy individuals to evade enrollment. A three-equation model having social health insurance, private health insurance, and using medical services is estimated using a 1997 Colombian household survey. Consistent with similar studies, participation in SHIEF increases medical care use. On the other hand, the evidence on selection is somewhat mixed: individuals who report good health status are more likely to participate in SHIEF, while those without a chronic condition are less likely to participate in SHIEF. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calcium- and Protein Kinase C–Dependent Activation of the Tyrosine Kinase PYK2 by Angiotensin II in Vascular Smooth Muscle

Angiotensin II (Ang II) induces vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth by activating Gq-protein-coupled AT1 receptors, which leads to elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinases. To assess the link between these Ang II-induced signaling events, we examined the effect of Ang II on the proline-rich tyrosine kinase (PYK2), previously found to be activated by a variety of stimuli that increase [Ca2+]i or activate PKC. PYK2 distribution was demonstrated in rat aortic tissue and in cultured VSMC by immunohistochemistry, revealing a cytosolic distribution distinct from smooth muscle alpha-actin, focal adhesion kinase, or paxillin. The involvement of PYK2 in Ang II signaling was measured by immunoprecipitation and immune complex kinase assays. Treatment of quiescent VSMC with Ang II resulted in a concentration- and time-dependent increase in PYK2 tyrosine phosphorylation and kinase activity in PYK2 immunoprecipitates. PYK2 phosphorylation was inhibited by AT1 receptor blockade and was attenuated by downregulation of PKC or the chelation of [Ca2+]i. Treatment with either phorbol ester or Ca2+ ionophore also increased PYK2 phosphorylation, suggesting that PKC activation and/or increased [Ca2+]i are both necessary and sufficient to activate PYK2. Activation of PYK2 by Ang II was also associated with increased PYK2-src complex formation, suggesting that PYK2 activation represents a potential link between Ang II-stimulated [Ca2+]i and PKC activation with downstream signaling events such as mitogen-activated protein kinase activation involved in the regulation of VSMC growth.
Accurate estimation of vector dependent leakage power in the presence of process variations

With the increasing importance of run-time leakage power dissipation (around 55% of total power), it has become necessary to accurately estimate it not only as a function of input vectors but also as a function of process parameters. Leakage power corresponding to the maximum vector presents itself as a higher bound for run-time leakage and is a measure of reliability. In this work, we address the problem of accurately estimating the probabilistic distribution of the maximum runtime leakage power in the presence of variations in process parameters such as threshold voltage, critical dimensions and doping concentration. Both sub-threshold and gate leakage current are considered. A heuristic approach is proposed to determine the vector that causes the maximum leakage power under the influence of random process variations. This vector is then used to estimate the lognormal distribution of the total leakage current of the circuit by summing up the lognormal leakage current distributions of the individual standard cells at their respective input levels. The proposed method has been effective in accurately estimating the leakage mean, standard deviation and probability density function (PDF) of ISCAS-85 benchmark circuits. The average errors of our method compared with near exhaustive random vector testing for mean and standard deviation are 1.32% and 1.41% respectively.
Power Shifts and Escalation: Explaining China's Use of Force in Territorial Disputes

Although China has been involved in twenty-three territorial disputes with its neighbors since 1949, it has used force in only six of them. The strength of a state's territorial claim, defined as its bargaining power in a dispute, offers one explanation for why and when states escalate territorial disputes to high levels of violence. This bargaining power depends on the amount of contested land that each side controls and on the military power that can be projected over the entire area under dispute. When a state's bargaining power declines relative to that of its adversary, its leaders become more pessimistic about achieving their territorial goals and face strong preventive motivations to seize disputed land or signal resolve through the use of force. Cross-sectional analysis and longitudinal case studies demonstrate that such negative shifts in bargaining power explain the majority of China's uses of force in its territorial disputes.
Cellular adaptations of skeletal muscles to cyclosporine.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cellular response of the diaphragm, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and soleus (Sol) muscles to clinically relevant doses of cyclosporine administered to ...
Distribution-Free Interval Estimation of the Largest α-Quantile

Abstract A procedure based on order statistics is given for the interval estimation of the largest α-quantile of several continuous distributions. Results on infimum of coverage probability are obtained for one-sided and two-sided intervals. An optimality criterion is proposed and an algorithm is given for two-sided intervals. Large sample approximations are also considered.
Mechanical induction in limb morphogenesis: the role of growth-generated strains and pressures

Morphogenesis is regulated by intrinsic factors within cells and by inductive signals transmitted through direct contact, diffusible molecules, and gap junctions. In addition, connected tissues growing at different rates necessarily generate complicated distributions of physical deformations (strains) and pressures. In this Perspective we present the hypothesis that growth-generated strains and pressures in developing tissues regulate morphogenesis throughout development. We propose that these local mechanical cues influence morphogenesis by: (1) modulating growth rates; (2) modulating tissue differentiation; (3) influencing the direction of growth; and (4) deforming tissues. It is in this context that we review concepts and experiments of cell signaling and gene expression in various mechanical environments. Tissue and organ culture experiments are interpreted in light of the developmental events associated with the growth of the limb buds and provide initial support for the presence and morphological importance of growth-generated strains and pressures. The concepts presented are used to suggest future lines of research that may give rise to a more integrated mechanobiological view of early embryonic musculoskeletal morphogenesis.
Frequency Selective OFDMA Scheduler with Limited Feedback

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) is the preferred multiple access scheme for future broadband cellular systems as it provides high spectral efficiency. The choice of OFDMA scheduler and the amount of channel quality feedback from users together determine the achievable throughput and fairness. Channel quality reporting by all active users across the entire carrier bandwidth may result in significant uplink overhead. This paper discusses the performance of two possible OFDMA schedulers based on the class and channel condition weighted proportionally fair scheduler. The impact of different scheduler parameters are investigated. The paper then analyzes the performance of the top-M scheme, which is a candidate channel quality overhead reduction proposal being discussed in 3GPP Long Term Evolution. It is shown that the top-M scheme, with significantly lower uplink overhead, provides similar performance as the case where the network has complete channel quality information.
Genetic Variation in Echinacea angustifolia Along a Climatic Gradient

• Backgrounds and Aims Echinacea angustifolia is a widespread species distributed throughout the Great Plains region of North America. Genetic differentiation among populations was investigated along a 1500 km north–south climatic gradient in North America, a region with no major geographical barriers. The objective of the study was to determine if genetic differentiation of populations could be explained by an isolation-by-distance model or by associations with climatic parameters known to affect plant growth and survival. • Methods Historical climatic data were used to define the nature of the climatic gradient and AFLP markers were used to establish patterns of population genetic differentiation among ten Echinacea populations collected from North Dakota to Oklahoma. A total of 1290 fragments were scored using six EcoRI/MseI and three PstI/MseI primer combinations. Assessment of the correlation between climatic, genetic and geographic distances was assessed by Mantel and partial Mantel tests. • Key Results PstI/MseI combinations produced significantly fewer fragments, but a larger percentage was unique compared with EcoRI/MseI markers. Using estimates of FST, populations in Oklahoma and southern Kansas were identified as the most divergent from the other populations. Both the neighbour-joining tree and principal co-ordinate analysis clustered the populations in a north–south spatial orientation. About 60 % of the genetic variation was found within populations, 20 % among populations and the remaining 20 % was partitioned among groups that were defined by the topology of the neighbour-joining tree. Significant support was found for the isolation-by-distance model independent of the effects of annual mean precipitation, but not from annual mean temperature and freeze-free days. • Conclusions Echinacea angustifolia populations exhibit genetic divergence along a north–south climatic gradient. The data support an isolation-by-distance restriction in gene flow that is independent of annual mean precipitation.
Short Sleep Duration Is Associated with Higher Energy Intake and Expenditure among African-American and Non-Hispanic White Adults

Habitual short sleep duration appears to increase the risk of obesity. The objective of this paper is to investigate the association of habitual sleep duration with objective measures of energy balance. One hundred twelve African-American and 111 non-Hispanic whites aged 21-69 y participated in a cross-sectional study of dietary assessment and biomarkers. Participants reported the mean number of hours per day spent sleeping over the past year. Short sleep duration was defined as ≤6 h/d of sleep. Energy intake (kilocalories) was objectively assessed using the 2-point doubly labeled water technique to determine total energy expenditure, which is approximately equal to energy intake. Physical activity energy expenditure (kilocalories) was estimated as total energy expenditure minus each participant's calculated basal metabolic rate and the thermogenic effect of food. Compared with participants who slept ≤6 h, individuals who slept 8 h were significantly less likely to be obese (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.79). However, this association was not linear across 6-9 h of sleep (P-trend = 0.16). There was an inverse association between sleep and energy intake (P-trend = 0.07): compared with ≤6 h/d, adults who reported ≥9 h sleep consumed 178 fewer kcal/d. There was also an inverse association between sleep and physical activity (P-trend = 0.05): compared with ≤6 h/d of sleep, adults who reported 9 h of usual sleep expended 113 fewer kcal/d in physical activity. These data indicate that, compared with longer sleep duration, adults who report habitual short sleep duration have somewhat higher physical activity energy expenditure but considerably higher energy intake. Habitual short sleep duration appears to be 1 of the facets of modern life leading to a mismatch between energy intake and physical activity.
Measurements of the backscatter matrix of dielectric spheroids

Measurements at 2.86 GHz of the backscatter matrix of 57 spheroidal samples at all aspect angles in the low-resonance region are presented. Sample size ranges up to ka = 3.4 , and axial ratios of 0.5, 0.6, and 0.8 have been used. Dielectric constants include 2.6, 3.3, and 6.5. The presentation is in terms of circular polarization, but the results are readily convertible to linear (or any other) polarization.
Matthew 15.21-28: a Test-Case for Jesus' Manners:

Commentators adopting a historical-critical approach to the story of Jesus' encounter with a Canaanite woman (Mt. 15.21-28) have spent much time trying to justify, or explain away his rudeness towards her. In engaging in a narrative reading we uncover the way in which this story adds to the understanding of the themes of conflict, inadequate faith and rejection which characterize the central section of Matthew's story. In a clever reversal of expectations, the Canaanite woman is seen to adopt the role normally taken by Jesus, giving herself in humility to achieve the liberation of her daughter. This facilitates the narrative development of the Gospel by allowing Jesus to reorientate his understanding of the mission of God, into which the reader is being drawn. The conversion of Jesus by an 'outsider' in turn encourages the reader to move from an exclusive to an inclusive understanding of Christian discipleship.
Circuit performance variability decomposition

In this paper, circuit performance variability composition is analyzed. Traditionally, the device variability has been the dominant source. It is believed that with continuing technology scaling into the deep sub-micron regime, the interconnect constitutes an increasing portion of the overall circuit delay, and variability. In this paper, we analytically investigate the delay variability composition for an advanced 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS technology, accounting for the significant intra-field variability. A more realistic model to estimate the variance of global interconnect lines is proposed. The results indicate that the device variability of good designs contributes about 90% of the overall variability.
Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of interleukin-2 in a human breast cancer cell line and a fresh primary breast cancer culture.

Adenovirally-mediated cytokine gene transfer has proven safe in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Unfortunately, the optimal conditions for gene transfer in the human breast remain largely unknown. Viral-mediated gene transfer was studied in a human breast cancer cell line and a fresh primary breast cancer culture using a type five adenoviral vector (AD5) containing the human interleukin 2 (IL-2) gene driven by a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (AD5.CMV-IL2). IL-2 production was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), IL-2 production increased logarithmically with viral dose and demonstrated peak production at 2000 ng/10 6 cells/24 h using a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 3000:1. Transduction at a higher MOI resulted in cell death. IL-2 concentration reached over 2000 ng/ml 2 days after transduction and peaked 13 days after transduction at 5700 ng/ml. IL-2 levels declined thereafter. A fresh primary breast cancer culture, trans...
Associations Among Body Size, Body Image Perceptions, and Weight Loss Attempts Among African American, Latino, and White Youth: A Test of a Mediational Model

ObjectiveLittle is known about influences on weight loss attempts, yet about one-half report making such attempts during adolescence. The aim was to examine the relationships among weight loss attempts, body size, and body perception in racially/ethnically diverse young adolescents.3,954 African American, Latino, and White 5th-graders completed the Self-Perception Profile-Physical Appearance Scale and questions regarding body perceptions and past and current weight loss attempts, and had their weight and height measured.Latino youth most often and White youth least often reported weight loss attempts. Larger body size and negative body perception were related to more reported weight loss attempts in White and Latino youth. Body perception mediated the relationship between body size and weight loss attempts for White youth.ConclusionMotivations to lose weight appear to differ among racial/ethnic groups, suggesting that interventions for healthy weight control in youth may need to target racial/ethnic groups differently. © 2014 © The Author 2014.
From the Labour Question to the Labour History Question

The essays in these collections, several of which were published to coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of England’s Society for the Study of Labour History (sslh), address numerous issues that will undoubtedly interest historians of labour and the working class: the development of labour history associations, the relationship between scholarship and labour activism, the tensions between public and academic history, the political orientation of labour historians, the emergence of professional conferences and peerreviewed journals, methodological innovations, and the overall state of the field today. Anniversaries, especially this one, which also marks the fiftieth anniversary of the US journal, Labor History, provide a good opportunity to reflect on the subject’s health and even predict future developments.1 For the most part, the articles under review will spark curiosity, raise questions, and stimulate further debate and discussion.
Early deprivation and autonomic nervous system functioning in post-institutionalized children.

The relations between early deprivation and the development of the neuroendocrine and central components of the mammalian stress response have been examined frequently. However, little is known about the impact of early deprivation on the developmental trajectories of autonomic function. Children adopted between 15–36 months from institutional care were examined during their first 16 months post-adoption (N = 60). Comparison groups included same-aged peers reared in their birth families (N = 50) and children adopted internationally from overseas foster care (N = 46). The present study examined trajectories of baseline autonomic nervous system function longitudinally following entry into adopted families. Post-institutionalized children had higher sympathetic tone, measured by pre-ejection period (PEP). Individual differences in PEP soon after adoption served as a mediator between early deprivation and parent-reported behavioral problems 2 years post-adoption. There were no group differences in parasympathetic function, indexed by respiratory sinus arrhythmia. All three groups showed similar trajectories of ANS function across the 16 month period. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol
Effects of C70 derivative in low band gap polymer photovoltaic devices: Spectral complementation and morphology optimization

Efficient polymer solar cells based on a low band gap copolymer poly{(9,9-dioctylfluorene)-2,7-diyl-alt-[4,7-bis(3-decyloxythien-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole]-5′,5″-diyl} and (6,6)-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (C70-PCBM) were demonstrated with 2.4% power conversion efficiency under air mass 1.5G, 100mW∕cm2 illumination. The broad absorption peak of C70-PCBM in 440–530nm complements the absorption valley (regions between two absorption peaks at 416 and 584nm) of the polymer. The external quantum efficiency measurement further demonstrates that this increased absorption contributes significantly to the generation of photocurrent. Morphology studies on the blend films indicated that excellent miscibility between polymer and C70-PCBM favors exciton separation. The linear relationship between light intensity and short circuit current density shows efficient and balanced charge transport resulting in increased photocurrent and fill factor.
Heats of Formation of Inorganic Fluorine Compounds – A Survey

ABSTRACT This paper examines the current state of measurements leading to heats of formation of the inorganic fluorine compounds, and carbon compounds of one carbon atom per molecule. It is based upon a survey of the literature from 1949 to mid-1961. A bibliography of 625 references is given. Reported values of ΔHf2980, cited from the literature, are listed for individual compounds in eight tables. Related thermodynamic measurements are also listed. No attempt is made to indicate the best values to be assigned when conflicting data exist. As a group the binary fluorine compounds have been the most thoroughly studied. The availability of the thermodynamic information decreases rapidly as the complexity of the compounds increases. Recent developments in certain phases of the calorimetry of fluorine compounds are discussed.
Patients' Knowledge, Beliefs, and Distress Associated with Detection and Evaluation of Incidental Pulmonary Nodules for Cancer: Results from a Multicenter Survey.

Abstract Introduction Pulmonary nodules are detected in more than 1 million Americans each year. Prior qualitative work suggests that the detection of incidental pulmonary nodules can be burdensome for patients, but whether these findings generalize to a broader sample of patients is unknown. We categorized patients' knowledge, beliefs, and distress associated with detection and evaluation of a pulmonary nodule, as well as their impressions of clinician communication. Methods We administered a cross-sectional survey to adults with an incidental pulmonary nodule who were recruited from a rural medical center, an urban safety net hospital, and a Veterans Affairs hospital. Results Of the 490 individuals mailed surveys, 244 (50%) responded. Median nodule size was 7 mm, mean patient age was 67 years, 29% of respondents were female, and 86% were white. A quarter of the respondents (26%) reported clinically significant distress related to their nodule, our primary outcome, as measured by the Impact of Event Scale. Patients reported multiple concerns, including uncertainty about the nodule's cause (78%), the possibility of cancer (73%), and the possible need for surgery (64%). Only 25% of patients accurately estimated their lung cancer risk (within 15% of their actual risk); overall, there was no correlation between perceived and actual risk ( r = –0.007, p = 0.93). The 23% of patients who did receive information on cancer risk from their provider were more likely to find this information reassuring (16%) than scary (7%). Conclusion A quarter of patients with incidental pulmonary nodules experienced clinically significant distress. Knowledge about cancer risk and evaluation was poor. Clinician communication may help bridge knowledge gaps and alleviate distress in some patients.
Model and Field Test of Prey Control Effects by Spider Assemblages

We investigated by computer simulations and a field experiment the hypothesis that a species assemblage of generalist predators imposes more mortality on prey populations than a single species does. The simulation tracked the energetics of individual spiders feeding on prey in a patchy and variable habitat. Simulation tests showed that increasing the number of spider species and the variability of prey body sizes contributed Significantly to greater prey limitation and spider survival. Higher variability in spider body sizes had the reverse effect and increasing the number of prey species had mixed effects. Large spiders, although less abundant than smaller ones, cropped disproportion ally more prey biomass by capturing large prey and should have injured, thus reduced the capture rate, of smaller spiders. Simulations also showed that as model habitats were fragmented prey biomass dropped, causing a reduction in spider success variables. Increasing fragmentation enhanced the contribution of built-in negative environmental effects on the growth rate of prey. We showed with a factorial field experiment that lower prey biomass resulted from greater spider species richness, as predicted, higher prey richness increased prey biomass only if spiders were present, and habitat fragmentation only decreased prey biomass in the absence of spiders. At equal spider biomass, larger spiders, which were present only in the highest richness treatment, probably fed more than smaller ones. Only larger spiders could capture the largest prey, which represented a greater fraction of the total biomass. Spider predation seemed indifferent to fragmentation.
Is there a role for intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the management of ovarian cancer

Phase I and II clinical trial data have demonstrated the safety, pharmacokinetic advantage, and potential for enhanced cytotoxicity associated with the intraperitoneal administration of antineoplastic agents in the
Testing the Validity of Campaign Ad Exposure Measures: A Family Planning Media Campaign in Pakistan

Although prior research has tested the nomological validity of media campaign exposure, including the related comparative validity of some measures, it has not well studied predictive validity or made extensions to other types of media campaign exposure. To help build on research in this area, the current study tested the nomological and predictive validity of 5 ad recall and recognition measures specific to the Touch condom media campaign in Pakistan. Between-effects regression of panel survey data confirmed the nomological validity of each of the 5 measures of Touch ad exposure. In addition, 2 sets of panel regression models (i.e., fixed-effects models and fixed-effects with lag models) confirmed the predictive validity of each of the 5 ad exposure measures. Results on comparative validity were quite similar for nomological and predictive validity, indicating that confirmed ad recall and recognition measures tend to have greater validity than unconfirmed measures.
Testis tumors: the clinical significance of the tumor-contaminated scrotum.

AbstractBetween 1977 and 1979 we evaluated 224 patients with testicular cancer. Of these patients 32 had undergone inadequate primary procedures, such as transscrotal orchiectomy, transscrotal exploration, biopsy or aspiration. These 32 patients were compared to a cohort population who had undergone radical inguinal orchiectomy. Differences in management, nodal metastases, local recurrences, intervals free of disease and survival by stage of disease were determined.Patients with seminoma and a contaminated scrotum received radiation therapy to the involved hemiscrotum. Partial scrotectomy without ilioinguinal node dissection was performed on most patients with nonseminomatous disease. An inguinal node metastasis developed before radiation therapy in a patient with seminoma. There were no local recurrences. No statistically significant difference in either intervals free of disease or survival between contaminated and cohort populations was found.We conclude that with prompt adequate management there is no...
Stimulated Raman scattering in a low dispersive region in silica fibers

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in germania-silica fibers has been used to produce broadband IR light which is then used to measure dispersive properties of test fibers. We have investigated the effects of small velocity/group velocity dispersion (GVD) differences between the pump and Stokes beam. We show new intensity growth of the Stokes wave when both the group velocity and the GVD differences between pump and Stokes beams are nearly zero.
Selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors-induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Context: Takotsubo translates to octopus pot in Japanese. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterized by a transient regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle. Catecholamine excess is the one most studied and favored theories explaining the pathophysiology of TTC. Case Report: We present the case of a 52-year-old Hispanic female admitted for venlafaxine-induced TTC with a review literature on all the cases of Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)-associated TTC published so far. Conclusion: SNRI inhibit the reuptake of catecholamines into the presynaptic neuron, resulting in a net gain in the concentration of epinephrine and serotonin in the neuronal synapses and causing iatrogenic catecholamine excess, ultimately leading to TTC.
Teachers' cultural values and accountability in Nigeria

This study investigates teacher‟s cultural values and accountability in Nigeria. A questionnaire developed by Professor Rosenblatt (University of Haifa, Israel) was used to gather quantitative data from 483 secondary teachers across Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Lagos States in Southwest Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed using percentages, descriptive statistics, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings show that Nigerian teachers have high dispositions towards both bureaucratic (external) and internal (professional) accountability and their scores for internal accountability (M= 4.4286; SD= 0.5726) were higher than their scores for external accountability (M= 3.9759; SD = 0.5575). Geographical locations made a significant difference in the scores. Teachers from urban and suburban areas demonstrate higher scores than teachers from the rural in both bureaucratic (external) and internal (professional) accountability
Methylation of RUNX1 by the Nuclear PRMT5/COPR5 Complex Regulates Its Cellular Location in Leukemia Cells,

Abstract 3403 RUNX1 is a transcription factor that is required for definitive hematopoietic development, and helps regulate long term hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal, platelet production, and lymphocyte development during adult hematopoiesis. RUNX1 is known to be modified via phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination and methylation, for example on R208 and R210 by PRMT1, which activates its activating function. We continue to investigate how the methylation of RUNX1 by other protein arginine methyl transferases (PRMTs) regulates its function. Loop 9 of the DNA binding domain (the Runt domain) of RUNX1 contains an SGRGK sequence that is also present on the tails of histone H2A and H4. The histone tails of H4 and H2A can be methylated by a purified PRMT5 complex in vitro. An enzymatically active in vitro PRMT5 complex capable of methylating histones and SM proteins requires two subunits: both PRMT5 and MEP50, a WD 40 repeat domain protein. Nevertheless, this purified PRMT5/MEP50 complex cannot methylate the DNA binding domain of the RUNX1 protein in vitro. We show that RUNX1 also can be symmetrically methylated at R142 within the SGRGK motif in vitro by a nuclear PRMT5/MEP50 complex which also contains COPR5. We show after RUNX1 is methylated on R142 within the nucleus of HEL cells, RUNX1 is exported to the cytoplasm in a CRM1 dependent manner, as the export of methylated RUNX1 is blocked by lemptomycin B. CRM1 interacts with PRMT5, supporting that PRMT5 mediated arginine methylation tags protein for nuclear export. Therefore, PRMT5 not only involves in epigenetic regulation by methylation of histones but also it can directly controls the level of transcription factor proteins within the nucleus. Polycytocemia Vera patients who express the Jak2V617F mutation have low PRMT5 activity due to JAK2V617F mediated PRMT5 phosphorylation (Liu et al 2011). How Jak2 signaling affects RUNX1 methylation and RUNX1 localization within the nucleus is still under investigation. By controlling the amount of RUNX1 available within the cell nucleus, PRMT5 may regulate lineage differentiation potential and growth potential of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The nuclear localization of RUNX1 can be changed through post translational modification such as arginine methylation in addition to point mutations and translocations involving RUNX1 found patients with leukemia and pre-leukemic diseases. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Aspirin and other NSAIDs use in relation to incident breast cancer risk.

B179 The use of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is widespread for treatment of common symptoms such as headaches, muscular pain, and inflammation. In addition, the use NSAIDs in chemoprevention is increasingly more common, for diseases such as heart disease and colon cancer. Data for a protective effect of aspirin or other NSAIDs on breast cancer risk has been inconsistent. We assessed the associations of aspirin use and other NSAIDs use with the risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women in the prospective Nurses9 Health Study II cohort. A total of 116,609 women, ages 26 to 42 years and free of cancer, were followed for up to 14 years. Multivariate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for age and other important breast cancer risk factors. Overall, 1,345 cases of invasive breast cancer were documented during follow-up. Regular use of aspirin (2 or more times per week) was not significantly associated with breast cancer risk (RR=1.05, 95% CI (0.90-1.23)). Frequency (days per week) and dose (tablets per week) were not associated with breast cancer risk, but risk appeared to increase with longer duration of regular use (RR=0.99, 95% CI (0.83-1.18) for
Payload oscillation reduction in load-handling machines: A frequency-based approach:

This article presents an innovative pressure feedback method to address undesired payload oscillations in hydraulic load-handling machines, which have a negative impact on both machine productivity...
Proteomic profiling of HPV-positive head and neck cancer to identify new candidates for targeted therapy.

6030 Background: The incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) has increased 5% per year over the past decade due to a rise in human papilloma virus (HPV)-driven OPC. HPV+ OPC is clinically and molecularly distinct from HPV- head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). However, there are currently no validated therapeutic targets for HPV+ HNSCC. Methods: Reverse phase protein array (RPPA) was performed on HNSCC tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas to measure cancer-associated pathways and targets. Differences in individual markers and proteomic pathway scores between HPV+ and HPV– tumors were assessed by t-test in the overall group and for the subset of OPC. Results: Significant proteomic differences were observed in 14 HPV+ and 186 HPV- HNSCC. Of 160 proteins, the top marker overexpressed in HPV+ HNSCC was p16, an established clinical biomarker of HPV status (p<0.0001). Other cell cycle proteins significantly dysregulated were p27; cyclins B1, E1 and E2; and E2F1 (higher in HPV+) and pRb (lower in HPV+) ...
Preserving optical confinement in unannealed PECVD SiO 2 waveguides

Rib and buried channel waveguides (BCWs) made of unannealed PECVD SiO 2 were studied after exposure to high humidity. Low stressed rib waveguides had lower optical throughput change, while high index difference BCWs were practically unaffected.
Solvent extraction and separation of cerium(III) and samarium(III) from mixed rare earth solutions using PC88A

The solvent extraction of cerium(III) and samarium(III) from mixed solutions of all rare earth elements (REEs) except promethium using PC88A (2-ethyl hexyl phosphonic acid mono-2-ethyl hexyl ester), an acidic extractant, was investigated. The effects of aqueous equilibrium pH, various acids (sulfuric acid (H2 SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCl) and nitric acid (HNO3)), initial metal ion concentration and extractant concentration on the solvent extraction of Ce(III) and Sm(III) were systematically studied. From the experimental results, HNO3 and HCl were found to be the preflerred aqueous media for the solvent extraction of both Sm(III) and Ce(III). The most promising experimental conditions of pH, PC88A concentration and metal ion concentration were identified for the extraction of Ce(III) and Sm(III). Separation results showed that H2 SO4 at pH 2 provided the best separation between Sm(III) and Ce(III).
Inferred ocean distributions of genetically similar Chinook salmon stocks compared across run timing and river/hatchery of origin

Abstract Klamath River Fall Chinook (KRFC) salmon from the Klamath-Trinity Basin are central to management of the ocean salmon fishery off the coasts of northern California and southern Oregon, with tagged KRFC serving as proxies for other stocks including spring run (KRSC). There has been no formal comparison of fall versus spring run ocean distributions, and published studies using genetic stock identification do not distinguish the runs. We modeled the spatial distribution of hatchery-origin fall versus spring run, inferred from coded-wire tag recoveries in the ocean commercial (troll) fishery while explicitly accounting for fishing effort, sampling rate, and release of sublegal-sized fish before sampling. Distributions for all stocks were confined to a similar core range, but varied seasonally, and with higher relative density of KRSC in the north. Only equivocal evidence was found for differences by age or within-basin source hatchery. The potential for such differences should be considered for analyses of coarser groupings in these and other stocks. Sensitivity analyses revealed differences in distributions inferred from recreational versus commercial fishery data, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the limitations of fishery-dependent data in representing the underlying spatial distribution of fish populations rather than spatial patterns in their interactions with specific fisheries.
Saksenaea vasiformis Orbital Cellulitis in an Immunocompetent Child Treated With Posaconazole

An 11-year-old immunocompetent girl presented with two and a half months of progressive right orbital cellulitis, which did not respond to multiple courses of antibiotics or prednisone. A panfungal polymerase chain reaction primer was positive for Saksenaea vasiformis, and she completed 5 months of oral posaconazole therapy after debridement. Saksenaea vasiformis is a rare cause of zygomycosis, and it typically causes skin and soft tissue infection in immunocompetent hosts, particularly after a traumatic injury. The diagnosis should be considered in cases with a protracted course that fail to respond to typical antibiotic therapy. Treatment includes surgical debridement, in additional to antifungal therapy with amphotericin B or posaconazole.
An Integrated Scenario Ensemble-Based Framework for Hurricane Evacuation Modeling: Part 1—Decision Support System

This article introduces a new integrated scenario-based evacuation (ISE) framework to support hurricane evacuation decision making. It explicitly captures the dynamics, uncertainty, and human-natural system interactions that are fundamental to the challenge of hurricane evacuation, but have not been fully captured in previous formal evacuation models. The hazard is represented with an ensemble of probabilistic scenarios, population behavior with a dynamic decision model, and traffic with a dynamic user equilibrium model. The components are integrated in a multistage stochastic programming model that minimizes risk and travel times to provide a tree of evacuation order recommendations and an evaluation of the risk and travel time performance for that solution. The ISE framework recommendations offer an advance in the state of the art because they: (1) are based on an integrated hazard assessment (designed to ultimately include inland flooding), (2) explicitly balance the sometimes competing objectives of minimizing risk and minimizing travel time, (3) offer a well-hedged solution that is robust under the range of ways the hurricane might evolve, and (4) leverage the substantial value of increasing information (or decreasing degree of uncertainty) over the course of a hurricane event. A case study for Hurricane Isabel (2003) in eastern North Carolina is presented to demonstrate how the framework is applied, the type of results it can provide, and how it compares to available methods of a single scenario deterministic analysis and a two-stage stochastic program.
Standards of Behavior

People behave. It is hard to argue with this assertion. And although behavior sometimes seems spontaneous and not very well thought out, there usually appears to be one or another kind of purpose behind people’s actions. This purposive character underlies the subject area termed motivation. It is generally agreed that theories of motivation are intended to account for two aspects of behavior. The first is the “direction” that behavior takes—that is, the choice of one activity from among the many possible alternatives. The second is the “intensity” of behavior—the vigor, thoroughness, or single-mindedness with which the activity is done.