cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating Knowledge Process and System Design for Naval Battle Groups

INTRODUCTION Interest in and attention to knowledge management have exploded recently. But integration of knowledge process design with information system design has long been missing from the corresponding literature and practice. The research described in this paper builds upon recent work focused on knowledge management and system design from three integrated perspectives: 1) reengineering process innovation, 2) expert systems knowledge acquisition and representation, and 3) information systems analysis and design. With this work, we now have an integrated framework for knowledge process and system design that covers the gamut of design considerations from the enterprise process in the large, through alternative classes of knowledge in the middle, and on to specific systems in the detail. We illustrate the use and utility of the approach through an extreme enterprise example addressing Navy carrier battle groups in operati nal theaters, which addresses many factors widely considered important in the knowledge management environment. Using this integrated methodology, the reader can see how to identify, select, compose and integrate the many component applications and technologies required for effective knowledge system and process design.
The accounting of the Peruzzi Company

The Peruzzi Company has often been cited in the long-standing controversy over the origin of double-entry accounting, and because of this it is worthwhile to digress briefly to review medieval bookkeeping systems and their relevance to the business world in which the Peruzzi and other companies operated. This review will not attempt to deal with the arcane arguments of Weber, Sombart, Schumpeter, et al. regarding the role of systematic bookkeeping in defining profit and depersonalizing business, thereby creating the essential ingredients of capitalism. These concepts not only are outside the scope of this study, but also relate to developments largely beyond the era of the super-companies. Nor will it delve into disputes, such as that between Lane and Yamey, over the influence of double-entry accounting on the transition of merchant-entrepreneurs from an itinerant to a sedentary mode of operation. The super-companies were rooted firmly in Florence as far back as can be determined and do not appear to have passed through an itinerant phase. Yet, although the importance of evolving accounting systems may have been exaggerated by some authors, the invention of a number of new techniques did take piace in the period of the super-companies and undeniably helped them evaluate and control their businesses. Early in their histories, before the companies grew large enough to need a comprehensive system for accounting, they would have already encountered single-entry bookkeeping, also known as charge and discharge or stewardship accounting.
Silicone breast implant litigation.

Public opinion, profit-seeking professionals, and medical evidence all played critical roles in the rise and fall of silicone breast implant lawsuits. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Successful Implementation of Electrocardiogram-Placed Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters at a Major Academic Medical Teaching Organization

Abstract Health care is becoming increasingly complex. Introduction of new technologies can be overwhelming and complex. The following article outlines the use of a change process theoretical framework to plan, implement, and sustain successful outcomes with integration of electrocardiogram-placed peripherally inserted central catheters at a major metropolitan medical teaching facility.
Rediscovering the Self Through Self-Reflection and Transformative Learning

This article explores the relevancy and potential benefits of self-reflection and reflective practice in promoting personal and professional development. In addition, it reviews the concept of transformative learning in conjunction with self-reflection since the two constructs connect to each other as well as to the process of human development. Moreover, different educational programs and activities that increase the likelihood of change and transformation are discussed. Lastly, this article concludes with my personal reflections on my learning and growth as I adapted to change and navigated new environments while studying abroad in Great Britain.
Structure-property relationships in NOx sensor materials composed of arrays of vanadium oxide nanoclusters

Abstract The mixed-valent vanadium oxide based three-dimensional framework structure species [Cd 3 (H 2 O) 12 V 16 IV V 2 V O 36 (OH) 6 (AO 4 )]·24H 2 O, (A = V,S) ( Cd 3 (VO) o ) represents a rare example of an interesting sensor material which exhibits NO x {NO + NO 2 } semiconducting gas sensor properties under ambient conditions. The electrical resistance of the sensor material Cd 3 (VO) o decreases in air. Combined characterization studies revealed that the building block, {V 18 O 42 (AO 4 )} cluster, of 3-D framework undergoes oxidation and remains intact for at least 2 months. The decrease in resistance is attributable to the reactivity of molecular oxygen towards vanadium which results in an increase in the oxidation state as well as the coordination number of vanadium center and decrease in band gap of Cd 3 (VO) o . Based on these results we propose that the changes in semiconducting properties of Cd 3 (VO) o under ambient conditions are due to the greater overlap between the O 2p and V 3d orbitals occurring during the oxidation.
Percutaneous image-guided core biopsy of solid renal masses: analysis of safety, efficacy, pathologic interpretation, and clinical significance

To determine the efficacy, safety and clinical utility of CT and US-guided percutaneous renal mass biopsy. A retrospective IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant study of a cohort of 183 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous, CT or US—guided renal mass biopsy (RMB) from March 2002 through December 2012 was performed. RMB was performed in 183 consecutive patients for suspected solid renal mass of whom 14/183 (7.7%) were excluded because biopsies were performed at an outside institution, medical records were incomplete, or lesions were poorly visualized. Ten patients had multiple biopsies for new growing masses. Using US, CT or CT/US fusion-guidance, a 17G or 19G cannula needle was placed at the margin of the mass and an 18G or 20G core biopsy gun was used to obtain several tissue cores. Renal parenchymal biopsies for medical renal diseases were excluded. Imaging variables (including size, location, and extent of disease), number of core biopsies, patient demographics (age, gender), clinical indication, final pathologic diagnosis, immunohistochemical (IHC) studies, and subsequent final pathological diagnosis on nephrectomy were evaluated. Of the 169 patients with 184 RMB, 121/169 (71.6%) were male with a mean age of 67.5 years. Of 184 RMB, 126 were malignant [126/184 (68.5%)], 37 [37/184 (20.1%)], were benign, and 21 (21/184 (11.4%) were nondiagnostic. IHC was performed in 131 biopsies (71.1%) and was diagnostic in 88.5% of those cases. Twenty-eight patients underwent subsequent partial nephrectomy; in 27/27 (100%) cases, RMB was concordant with nephrectomy for malignancy and in 21/27 (77.8%) RMB was concordant for subtype of RCC. Overall, the RMB sensitivity for detection of malignancy, specificity, and positive predictive value were 100%. The negative predictive value of benign RMB diagnosis was also 100%. There was a total of 14 (7.6%) complications, 13 minor (7.1%) and 1 major (0.5%). Of the minor complications, ten (5.5%) were postprocedural minor hematomas that resolved conservatively; one (0.5%) postprocedural vasovagal reaction; one (0.5%) episode of hematuria; and one (0.5%) episode of nausea and abdominal discomfort. No cases of renal pseudoaneurysm or tumor seeding attributed to biopsy were identified. Percutaneous image-guided RMB is safe and highly diagnostic when combined with IHC and supports a greater role of RMB and imaging in evaluating renal masses when rendering appropriate treatments.
Uniform boundedness in terms of ramification

Let $$d\ge 1$$ be fixed. Let F be a number field of degree d, and let E / F be an elliptic curve. Let $$E(F)_{\text {tors}}$$ be the torsion subgroup of E(F). In 1996, Merel proved the uniform boundedness conjecture, i.e., there is a constant B(d), which depends on d but not on the chosen field F or on the curve E / F, such that the size of $$E(F)_{\text {tors}}$$ is bounded by B(d). Moreover, Merel gave a bound (exponential in d) for the largest prime that may be a divisor of the order of $$E(F)_{\text {tors}}$$ . In 1996, Parent proved a bound (also exponential in d) for the largest p-power order of a torsion point that may appear in $$E(F)_{\text {tors}}$$ . It has been conjectured, however, that there is a bound for the size of $$E(F)_{\text {tors}}$$ that is polynomial in d. In this article we show that under certain hypotheses there is a linear bound for the largest p-power order of a torsion point defined over F, which in fact is linear in the maximum ramification index of a prime ideal of the ring of integers F over (p).
The Abc’s of Being Armenian

Nestled between its former enemies Turkey and Azerbaijan, Armenia has had a history of foreign domination that has contributed to the shaping of its national identity. Having survived the Armenian genocide during the Ottoman rule (1915–1923) and endured the Soviet domination (1922–1991), the most recent Nagorno-Kharabakh conflict (1988–present), as well as several waves of emigration throughout the centuries, Armenians have nonetheless maintained a strong sense of national identity.
Disparities in Pediatric Operative Experience during Urology Residency Training.

ABSTRACT Objective To understand trends in pediatric cases performed during urology residency including intraresident variability and cases performed relative to required minimums. Materials and Methods Case logs of urology residents graduating from 2010 to 2018 were analyzed. Temporal trends in reported pediatric case volume were assessed via ANOVA tests and calculation of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs). Percent differences between the 90th and 10th percentiles of residents were calculated to assess intraresident variability. Reported case volumes were compared with minimum requirements with t tests. Results 1072 residents from 306 urology residency programs were represented in this study. Minor pediatriccases increased from 2010 to 2018 (105.4 ± 54vs 124.6 ± 65, P = .004, CAGR = 2.1%) while major pediatric cases decreased (83.9 ± 40vs 60.8 ± 30, P Conclusion Urology residents report more cases than minimum requirements for pediatric urology by several folds. Future research is needed to understand the implications of increasing intraresident case volume variabilities on residency training in pediatric urology.
Evaluation of cost and survival in intracranial gliomas using the Value Driven Outcomes database: a retrospective cohort analysis.

OBJECTIVE Gliomas occur in 3-4 individuals per 100,000 individuals and are one of the most common primary brain tumors. Treatment options are limited for gliomas despite the progressive nature of the disease. The authors used the Value Driven Outcomes (VDO) database to identify cost drivers and subgroups that are involved in the surgical treatment of gliomas. METHODS A retrospective cohort of patients with gliomas treated at the authors' institution from August 2011 to February 2018 was evaluated using medical records and the VDO database. RESULTS A total of 263 patients with intracranial gliomas met the authors' inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis (WHO grade I: 2.0%; grade II: 18.5%; grade III: 18.1%; and grade IV: 61.4%). Facility costs were the major (64.4%) cost driver followed by supplies (16.2%), pharmacy (10.1%), imaging (4.5%), and laboratory (4.7%). Univariate analysis of cost contributors demonstrated that American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (p = 0.002), tumor recurrence (p = 0.06), Karnofsky Performance Scale score (p = 0.002), length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.0001), and maximal tumor size (p = 0.03) contributed significantly to the total costs. However, on multivariate analysis, only LOS (p = 0.0001) contributed significantly to total costs. More extensive tumor resection in WHO grade III and IV tumors was associated with significant improvement in survival (p = 0.004 and p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Understanding care costs is challenging because of the highly complex, fragmented, and variable nature of healthcare delivery. Adopting effective strategies that would reduce facility costs and limit LOS is likely the most important aspect in reducing intracranial glioma treatment costs.
Micro-Scale Chiplets Position Control

We address the problem of position control of micro-chips (chiplets) immersed in a fluid. An electric field, shaped by controlling the voltages of spiral-shaped electrodes, is used to reliably and accurately transport and position chiplets using dielectrophoretic forces. A lumped, capacitive-based (nonlinear) motion model is used to generate an open loop control policy. The spatial dependency of the capacitances is estimated using detailed electrostatic COMSOL simulations. The open loop policy is generated using a one step model predictive control approach. By exploiting the spatial symmetry and periodicity of the open loop control solution, a real-time control scheme is designed by applying simple algebraic operations to a base function defined on a finite domain. The chiplets position is tracked using image processing algorithms. We demonstrate the validity of our approach with an experiment where real-time control is used to move a chiplet for $1000~\mu \text{m}$ in a controlled manner. The results shown in this paper represent a critical step for the realization of a system that can digitally convert a design directly to the physical placement of micro-chips. [2018-0279]
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: Pediatric case series and literature review.

Background Pediatric Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is an uncommon disease that can be difficult to diagnose. This case series and literature review highlights the clinical features of pediatric DRESS and underscores the differential diagnoses, culprit medications, and need for clinical follow-up to detect associated autoimmune sequelae. Objective To describe the clinical and laboratory features of pediatric DRESS, identify associated culprit medications, and discuss the natural history of disease. Methods Ten cases of pediatric DRESS were identified in the electronic medical record by searching the inpatient dermatology consultation list at Indiana University between 2013 and 2018. Clinical and laboratory data were collected including demographics, differential diagnoses, culprit medications, resolution of disease, and autoimmune sequelae. Results Pediatric patients with DRESS presented at a mean age of 11.5 years and demonstrated a mean time from drug initiation to onset of symptoms of 4 weeks. The most common inciting drugs included antibiotics (62.5%) followed by antiepileptics (37.5%). Rash and transaminitis resolved by 3 weeks, and 20% of patients, all female, developed autoimmune sequelae including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and an undifferentiated connective tissue disorder and occurred at an average of 14.5 weeks after diagnosis. Limitations This was a small retrospective study of an uncommon clinical diagnosis at a single institution. Conclusions Pediatric DRESS was most commonly caused by antibiotics which are being increasingly recognized in the literature as the predominant culprit medications. The development of autoimmune sequelae is a notable consequence that can present weeks after illness and may preferentially affect female patients.
Trade Study of Population Age Groups for a Clinical Trial in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ABSTRACT ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that is treated by an array of different modalities in order to decrease functional impairment. Despite the variety of available pharmacologic treatment options and their widespread use, there still remains a strong need to create innovative therapies. Game Based Therapy (GBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that seeks to increase the efficacy of currently available pharmacological treatments through improving cognitive deficits and reducing the current dose of such treatments. At the University of Kentucky, a clinical trial was implemented to assess the effects of combining stimulant pharmacotherapy with the popular video game Minecraft as Game Based Therapy on ADHD symptoms in children ages 10-15. However, the low subject recruitment played a large role in the trial failing to produce conclusive data from that site. This trade study serves to address the difficulties of subject recruitment and determine an optimal population and location for future adoption of the clinical trial. Through statistical analysis of state, national, and survey data it was found that in Lexington, Kentucky, 18-21 year olds are the optimal population for future GBT with pharmacotherapy clinical trials.
Moral Intimacy, Authority, and Discretion.

In “Marginally Represented Patients and the Moral Authority of Surrogates,” Berger (2020) poses a fruitful distinction between relational and intimate surrogates. He develops what we call the moral...
Superfluidity in Thin Films of 4He

This article reviews, from a very personal point of view, the origins and the early work on the superfluid to normal transition in very thin films of 4He driven by vortex topological defects using a very crude description of the system which contains only the important physics. I cover the early papers with David Thouless and describe the important insights but also the errors and oversights since corrected by other workers. I then describe some of the all important experimental verifications of the smoking gun prediction of the universal discontinuity of the superfluid density at $$T=T_{{{\mathrm{c}}}}$$ and the necessary extensions to describe the dynamics necessary to compare with experiment.
Semi-analytic model for the electromagnetic field of a current-driven antenna in a cold, magnetized plasma

In this semi-analytic study we develop a mathematical model for determining the electromagnetic field due to a current-driven antenna immersed in a cold, magnetized plasma, valid for frequencies below the electron plasma frequency. At each point in the plasma, it is shown that the vacuum electric field of the antenna couples to the plasma conductivity tensor and acts as an infinitesimal source term to drive plasma currents – the total field is then found from the aggregate sum of these point sources, expressed as an integral across the vacuum field. A general solution is provided for both azimuthally symmetric cylindrical coordinates as well as a fully generalized Cartesian solution. As an example of how this general solution may be applied, we solve for the field due to an electric dipole antenna of length , aligned along the background field, at frequencies below the ion cyclotron frequency. It is found that the near field decays exponentially with increasing , whereas the far field exhibits wave-like behaviour. The radiation zone exhibits propagation cones emanating from either end of the dipole, with a propagation angle that is consistent with past analytic studies of inertial Alfven waves. The mathematical model presented here may be advantageous over other numerical methods, as it allows the user to solve parts of the problems analytically, thereby cutting down significantly on computation time, as well as offering physical insight into the system that may not be evident with other numerical solvers.
Psychological Distress in Bereaved Caregivers of Patients With Advanced Cancer.

Abstract Context Individuals caring for patients with advanced cancer (caregivers) experience psychological distress during the patient's illness course. However, data on the prevalence of bereaved caregivers' psychological distress and its relationship with the quality of patient's end of life (EOL) care are limited. Objectives To describe rates of depression and anxiety symptoms in bereaved caregivers of patients with advanced cancer and to understand the relationship between these outcomes and patient distress at the EOL. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of 168 caregivers enrolled in a supportive care trial for patients with incurable lung and gastrointestinal cancers and their caregivers. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess caregivers' depression and anxiety symptoms at three months after the patient's death. Caregivers also rated the patient's physical and psychological distress in the last week of life on a 10-point scale three months after the patient death. We used linear regression adjusting for caregiver age, sex, randomization, and cancer type to explore the relationship between bereaved caregivers' depression and anxiety symptoms and their ratings of physical and psychological distress in patients at the EOL. Results Of the 168 bereaved caregivers, 30.4% (n = 51) and 43.4% (n = 73) reported clinically significant depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Caregiver ratings of worse physical (B = 0.32; P = 0.009) and psychological (B = 0.50; P Conclusion Many bereaved caregivers of patients with advanced cancer experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are associated with their perceptions of distress in their loved ones at the EOL.
Percutaneous Inferior Vena Cava Valve Implantation May Improve Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation and Cardiac Output: Lessons Learned

Tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) can be associated with poor prognosis. Transcatheter valve technology was adopted to treat the upstream effects of severe TR by placing a transcatheter valve in the inferior vena cava (IVC). In this study, we report off-label transcatheter valve implantation into the stented IVC in patients with severe TR for compassionate use. From September 2018 to February 2020, 6 inoperable patients with severe TR who failed medical treatment underwent percutaneous caval valve implantation (CAVI). Severity of TR was confirmed by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. Z-stents (Cook, Inc., Bloomington, IN, USA) were placed in the proximal IVC, and then a transcatheter valve was deployed in the suprahepatic cava without rapid pacing. Six patients, 2 females and 4 males, with a mean ± SD age of 74.7 ± 8.0 years were included. The procedure was successfully performed in all 6 patients (100%) employing a 29-mm SAPIEN 3 valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) with supranominal volume. No procedural complication was detected. At 30 days, TR improved from severe to trace in 1 patient, to mild-moderate in 3 patients, and 2 patients remained with severe TR. Among patients with improved TR, left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 47.5% ± 18.5% to 55% ± 20.4% (P = 0.014). No patient had readmission at 30 days. Four patients needed rehospitalization within 6 months. Percutaneous CAVI is feasible and can be considered as a short-term palliative measure in patients with severe TR. CAVI can improve TR and potentially improve cardiac output in selected patients.
Lipid Regulatory Proteins as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Ovarian Cancer in Obese Women

Obesity has become a recognized global epidemic that is associated with numerous comorbidities including type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and cancer incidence and progression. Ovarian cancer (OvCa) has a unique mechanism of intra-peritoneal metastasis, already present in 80% of women at the time of diagnosis, making it the fifth leading cause of death from gynecological malignancy. Meta-analyses showed that obesity increases the risk of OvCa progression, leads to enhanced overall and organ-specific tumor burden, and adversely effects survival of women with OvCa. Recent data discovered that tumors grown in mice fed on a western diet (40% fat) have elevated lipid levels and a highly increased expression level of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1). SREBP1 is a master transcription factor that regulates de novo lipogenesis and lipid homeostasis, and induces lipogenic reprogramming of tumor cells. Elevated SREBP1 levels are linked to cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. This review will summarize recent findings to provide a current understanding of lipid regulatory proteins in the ovarian tumor microenvironment with emphasis on SREBP1 expression in the obese host, the role of SREBP1 in cancer progression and metastasis, and potential therapeutic targeting of SREBPs and SREBP-pathway genes in treating cancers, particularly in the context of host obesity.
A Computational Algorithm for Instantaneous Dynamic User-Optimal Route Choice Models

In this chapter, solution algorithms are considered for solving the instantaneous DUO route choice models presented in Chapter 5. A capability to solve the DUO route choice problem is needed for several reasons. First, it appears that properties of alternative models can only be fully understood by computing solutions to hypothetical and real test problems. Unlike their static counterparts, dynamic models are sufficiently opaque that they are difficult to understand analytically. Second, computational solutions for standard test problems based on actual networks are needed to evaluate how well alternative models describe reality. Third, solutions for large networks are required to evaluate the potential effectiveness of proposed in-vehicle navigation and route guidance systems. Ultimately, such models might be used to guide the operation of such systems; however, the requirements of such systems are so undefined at this time that any discussion of algorithmic requirements is highly speculative.
Frederick Renner Gehlbach, 1935–2020

Fred Gehlbach, longtime faculty member in biology, ecology, and environmental science at Baylor University, died in Woodway, Texas, November 9, 2020. Although Fred’s research interests were broad and involved work with numerous taxa, his principal studies were on birds. He was named an Elective Member (2003) of the American Ornithologists’ Union (now American Ornithological Society).
Appendices A, B and C

This chapter includes the survey instrument and focus group interview script utilized to collect some of the data discussed in the book. In addition, there is a content analysis of news articles from the 2014 hurricane season with regards to hurricane preparedness, resilience, vulnerability, and hazards.
IMF Structural Adjustment, Public Health Spending, and Tuberculosis

In this article, we examine international factors that shape tuberculosis (TB) prevalence rates using cross-national longitudinal panel models. Using data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank, we test the contentions of dependency theorists that structural adjustment leads to a reduction in governmental capacity to provide health services critical to preventing and treating TB. Past global health research has shown that International Monetary Fund (IMF) lending has detrimental effects on government's ability to provide access to basic needs such as clean water and medical technology in poor countries, leading to negative outcomes for infant, child, and maternal mortality. We extend these lines of research with regard to the macro causes of TB prevalence. Our study addresses the macrostructural constraints on governments' ability to combat the global spread of TB in poor countries. We find support for the predictions of dependency theory that IMF structural adjustment lending is detrimen...
Extended Hückel theory—vi : Excited states and photochemistry of diazirines and diazomethanes

Abstract Approximate calculations are presented for the excited states of diazirine and diazomethane. The long wavelength transition in the former is assigned as allowed, B 1 ← A 1 π * ← σ; in the latter as forbidden A 2 ← A 1 , σ * ← π. Tentative assignments are made for higher excited states. The change in molecular bonding upon excitation is consistent with the observed primary photochemical processes: dissociation to carbenes and N 2 in diazoalkanes, similar dissociation or rearrangement to diazomethanes in the diazirines. The latter isomerization is followed theoretically in some detail, and the role of geometrical changes in the various excited states of diazirine and diazomethane is examined.
Die Rohgewinn-Analyse

In den vorhergehenden Kapiteln wurde die Ermittlung und Analyse der Abweichungen fur die verschiedenen Kostenarten, wie Materialien, Fertigungslohne und Fertigungsgemeinkosten, behandelt. Aus diesen drei Kostenarten setzen sich die Herstellkosten in der Ergebnisrechnung zusammen. Der Rohgewinn ergibt sich als Differenz der Erlose und Herstellkosten. Jede Abweichung von den vorher ermittelten Standardherstellkosten wirkt sich in einer Zu- oder Abnahme des Rohgewinns aus. Die anderen Kosten, wie Vertriebs-, Verwaltungs- und sonstige Gemeinkosten, werden nachtraglich vom Rohgewinn abgesetzt.
Automated separation of bone joint structures for medical image reconstruction

Automated separation of reconstructed bone joints from 3D medical images is a challenging task due to surrounding soft tissue and adjacent bones that can affect the clarity of bone boundaries. Existing approaches typically require human intervention to correct improper results of segmentation before the joint model is reconstructed. This dissertation presents a new methodology for separating bone joint models using a completely automated approach. Rather than trying to offer a solution for segmenting medical images, the proposed method first allows errors in the reconstructed model and later removes these errors without the help of a medical expert or technician. This method utilizes known anatomical information from a generic CAD model, which is a properly generated model of the anatomy of a similar human subject, with regard to age, gender, height, etc. The intent is to aid in the separation of bones in the joint areas by comparing the reconstructed model that might contain errors to the generic model which has individual bones separated properly. The human hip joint is employed as an example of algorithm implementation in this dissertation. The proposed method is a general approach that should be adequately flexible to extend to other type of joints such as knee and elbow.
Texture Evolution During Thin Film Deposition

The modeling of materials processing intrinsically spans multiple scales, in terms of both space and time. The modeling of thin film deposition, together with the accompanying texture evolution, spans 15 orders of magnitude in time, from fundamental atomic vibration period of 10−13 s to deposition duration of 102 s. This section describes challenging issues, critically presents existing approaches, and offers an outlook of future developments in the modeling of thin film texture evolution.
Survival outcomes in atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor for patients undergoing radiotherapy in a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results analysis.

BACKGROUND: Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a rare central nervous system malignancy with a poor prognosis that affects mostly young children. Although radiotherapy (RT) historically has been delayed in patients aged <3 years, emerging evidence suggests a role for RT to achieve long-term survivorship. Clinical features and age-dependent trends of RT use were evaluated for patients with ATRT. METHODS: The National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to identify 144 patients with ATRT from 1973 to 2008. The primary endpoint was median overall survival (OS). Clinical and treatment variables were assessed for an association with OS using Cox proportional hazards models. Landmark analysis was used to correct for immortal time bias of adjuvant RT. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 1 year (range, 0-67 years). Gross total resection of the primary tumor was achieved in 39% of patients, and 33% of patients received RT. From 1992 to 2008, RT use increased 2.4-fold in patients aged ≤3 years. The median OS for was 10 months. In multivariate analyses, metastatic disease (hazard ratio, 2.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-5.23; P = .001) and RT (hazard ratio, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.73; P = .02) were identified as independent predictors of survival. Landmark analysis confirmed a robust association between RT use and survival, which was attenuated in patients ages 4 to 17 years compared with younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that RT may offer a significant survival benefit for patients with ATRT and that patients aged ≤3 years may derive more benefit from initial RT compared with older children. The authors concluded that prospective clinical trials are needed to examine the role of RT in the initial management of ATRT in patients aged <3 years. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Abstract 134: Short-Term, High-Dose Fish Oil Supplementation Increases the Production of Downstream n-3 Fatty Acid Metabolites in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

OBJECTIVES: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) experience significant morbidity and mortality, at least partially related to vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. The OMEGA-PAD I Trial ([NCT01310270][1]), a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial addressed the hypothesis that short-duration, high-dose n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) oral supplementation improves endothelial function (EF) and inflammation in subjects with PAD. METHODS: Eighty patients with stable, mild-severe claudication and ABI<0.9 received 4.1gm of fish oil (FISH) vs placebo capsules (CTL) for 1 month. The primary endpoint was EF as measured by brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). Secondary endpoints included biomarkers of inflammation, generation of n-3 fatty acid-derived lipid metabolites, lipid profile and walking impairment questionnaires. RESULTS: The FISH and CTL group were no different with regards to age, baseline EF, inflammation and lipid profiles. Following treatment, there was a significant reduction in triglycerides (-34 ± 46, p=0.0001) and an improvement in HDL (+2 ± 6, p=0.03) in the FISH group. These changes were accompanied by an increase in the omega-3 index of 4 ± 1% (p<0.00001). We observed a significant increase in the production of downstream metabolites of n-3 fatty acids including 18-, 15- and 5-hydroxy eicosapentaenoic acids and 4-hydroxy docosahexaenoic acid in the FISH group. n-3 PUFA led to a significant improvement in FMD in the FISH group (+0.7 ± 4.0%, p=0.04) and a non-significant improvement in the CTL (+0.6 ± 2.5, p=0.18) group. There were no significant differences between groups in pro-inflammatory markers or walking parameters post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose, short-duration n-3 PUFA supplementation significantly improves the metabolo-lipidomic profile of patients with PAD. Longer studies are needed to assess the effects of n-3 PUFA on inflammation, vascular function, and clinical endpoints in patients with established PAD and to determine whether generation of n-3 fatty acid-derived bioactive lipid mediators is related to clinical outcomes. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01310270&atom=%2Fatvbaha%2F34%2FSuppl_1%2FA134.atom
Methods and codes for reservoir–atmosphere 14C age offset calculations

Abstract Reservoir 14C age offsets are invaluable tracers for past changes in carbon cycle and oceanic circulation. Reconstruction of reservoir age offsets with time is also required for calibration purposes (reconstruction of atmospheric calibration curve, calibration of non-atmospheric radiocarbon ages). Thus, properly propagating the various uncertainties linked to reservoir age offset is important for proper interpretation. However, approaches for reservoir age offset calculation – especially when considering pairs of reservoir-derived 14C and calendar ages – are usually not detailed and inadequate for proper propagation of uncertainties. Here, the various ways to properly calculate reservoir age offsets are described with a focus on a new approach when considering pairs of 14C and calendar ages. This approach maps the calendar age distribution onto the 14C time scale prior to reservoir age offset calculation – the “uncalibration-convolution process”. R codes computing reservoir age offsets based on available data are presented. Finally, a case study focusing on the reconstruction of the speleothem-atmosphere 14C age offsets of speleothem 14C data used in the latest release of the atmospheric calibration curve is discussed.
Liraglutide: A New Option for the Treatment of Obesity

Obesity continues to pose a major public health risk to the United States and across the world, with an estimated one-third of adult Americans being defined as obese. Obesity treatment guidelines recommend the use of pharmacologic therapy in adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m(2) or higher or in patients with a BMI of 27 kg/m(2) or higher who have at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus). Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist that has been successfully used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes for several years. Weight loss has been well described as an additional benefit with liraglutide therapy, which prompted the manufacturer to evaluate and develop a higher dose formulation specifically for the treatment of obesity. Liraglutide 3 mg/day was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this indication in December 2014. We performed a search of the Medline database to identify relevant literature focused on liraglutide's role specifically in treating obesity. Five clinical trials with this primary end point were identified. Data demonstrated that liraglutide can successfully achieve weight-loss benchmarks of 5% or more and 10% or more loss from baseline. The most common adverse effects were gastrointestinal and mild to moderate in intensity. The cost of therapy is high, averaging over $1000/month for out-of-pocket expenses if insurance coverage is not available. Liraglutide is also available for delivery only by subcutaneous injection, which may represent a barrier for patients. Liraglutide 3 mg/day represents another pharmacologic option for the treatment of obesity.
Colony-stimulating factor 1 levels in the human newborn infant.

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Does a History of Violence Influence Treatment, Self-Help, and 1-Year Outcomes in Substance Use Disorder Patients?

Rates of violence perpetration are high among patients with substance use disorder, but the impact of violence on substance use disorder treatment outcomes has received little attention. Patients with (n = 155) or without (n = 190) a history of difficulty controlling violent behavior were interviewed at entry to substance use disorder treatment and 1 year later. Substance use disorder severity, amount of treatment, and extent of participation in 12-step self-help groups were assessed to examine potential differences in treatment outcomes between violent and non-violent patients. After adjusting for baseline differences, no differences in substance use disorder severity were found at 1 year. However, over the year, violent patients received more treatment and participated more in 12-step groups compared to non-violent patients. In addition, violent patients benefited more from 12-step group participation than non-violent patients did. Referral to 12-step self-help groups may enhance the likelihood of recovery from a substance use disorder for patients with a history of violence.
Nicotine-induced up regulation of α4β2 neuronal nicotinic receptors is mediated by the protein kinase c-dependent phosphorylation of α4 subunits

Sustained exposure to nicotine is well known to increase the cell surface density of α4β2* neuronal nicotinic receptors both in vivo and in vitro, but the cellular mechanisms mediating this effect are equivocal. Using a pharmacological approach to investigate the effects of nicotine on receptor subunit expression and phosphorylation in SH-EP1 cells expressing human α4 and β2 nicotinic receptor subunits, we have demonstrated that incubation with nicotine for 24 h increased the expression of immature and mature forms of both α4 and β2 subunits in a concentration-dependent manner, and that inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC), but not cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) inhibited the nicotine-induced increased expression of subunits. Incubation of cells with nicotine for 24 h also increased the phosphorylation of immature forms of α4 subunits similar to that induced by activation of either PKC or PKA. When cells were preincubated with nicotine, the PKC-mediated increased phosphorylation was inhibited; the PKA-mediated phosphorylation was unaltered. The phosphopeptide maps for immature α4 subunits following nicotine exposure or PKC activation were identical, and phosphoamino acid analyses indicated phosphorylation on serine residues only. Results indicate that nicotine-induced up regulation of α4β2 neuronal nicotinic receptors involves a PKC-dependent mechanism and likely reflects the ability of nicotine to activate PKC, leading to the phosphorylation of immature α4 subunits, promoting subunit assembly and receptor maturation. Because up regulation of these receptors has been implicated to mediate tolerance, locomotor sensitization and addiction to nicotine, results identify a potential new target for modulating the effects of nicotine on the brain.
A Population of Comets in the Main Asteroid Belt

Comets are icy bodies that sublimate and become active when close to the Sun. They are believed to originate in two cold reservoirs beyond the orbit of Neptune: the Kuiper Belt (equilibrium temperatures of approximately 40 kelvin) and the Oort Cloud (approximately 10 kelvin). We present optical data showing the existence of a population of comets originating in a third reservoir: the main asteroid belt. The main-belt comets are unlike the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud comets in that they likely formed where they currently reside and may be collisionally activated. The existence of the main-belt comets lends new support to the idea that main-belt objects could be a major source of terrestrial water.
Failure to replicate a protective effect of allele 2 of NACP/α‐synuclein polymorphism in Alzheimer's disease: An association study

Recently, a dinucleotide repeat polymorphism was identified in the promoter of the nonamyloid component of plaques (NACP) gene, and it was shown that the NACP allele 2 was significantly associated with healthy elderly control individuals with at least one apolipoprotein E e4 allele, suggesting a protective role for this allele in Alzheimer's disease. We genotyped the same NACP polymorphism in a comparable number of individuals diagnosed with dementia of the Alzheimer's type and in healthy, elderly controls. In our analysis, however, no protective effect for NACP allele 2, or any of the other NACP alleles, was observed.
Despotism and differential reproduction: A cross-cultural correlation of conflict asymmetry, hierarchy, and degree of polygyny

Abstract Social organization from the simplest societies through early “states” generally increases in hierarchical complexity. The prediction is made on the basis of Darwinian theory that to the extent that conflicts of interest among individuals in a society are not overridden by common interest, individuals should exploit hierarchical positions of strength to maximize inclusive fitness at the expense of others in the group. Consistent with this prediction, cross-cultural evidence from 24 well-known ethnographically described societies yields high correlations between group size and hierarchical complexity, asymmetry in the resolution of individual conflicts, perquisites taken by third parties, and degree of polygyny attained by individuals at the top of the social hierarchy.
Development of a multiple intermittent fault testing strategy

Abstract This paper examines the effects of multiple intermittent faults on an overall circuit testing procedure. Different testing strategies are developed which depend on λ, the rate of intermittent fault activity. In addition, the effects of masking intermittent faults in redundant circuits are explored.
Anticoagulants Prevent Monocrotaline-Induced Hepatic Parenchymal Cell Injury but Not Endothelial Cell Injury in the Rat

Monocrotaline (MCT) is a pyrrolizidine alkaloid plant toxin that produces hepatotoxicity in humans and animals. Human exposure to MCT occurs through consumption of contaminated grains and herbal medicines. Administration of MCT to rats stimulates activation of the coagulation system and fibrin deposition in the liver. Fibrin deposition occurs simultaneously with endothelial cell damage and prior to hepatic parenchymal cell injury. Accordingly, the hypothesis that activation of the coagulation system is required for MCT-induced liver injury was tested. Treatment of rats with either heparin or warfarin significantly reduced MCT-induced activation of the coagulation system and the increase in alanine aminotransferase activity in the plasma, a biomarker of hepatic parenchymal cell injury. Histopathological examination of liver sections revealed that heparin decreased parenchymal cell necrosis but did not affect central venular endothelial cell damage, congestion and dilation of the sinusoids, or hemorrhage in the liver. Morphometric analysis revealed that 28% of the area of livers from MCT-treated rats contained regions of coagulative necrosis, whereas less than 5% of the area of livers from rats treated with MCT and heparin contained these regions. By contrast, neither heparin nor warfarin prevented MCT-induced damage to endothelial cells in the liver as estimated by increased plasma hyaluronic acid concentration. These results suggest that activation of the coagulation system is required for MCT-induced parenchymal cell injury but not endothelial cell injury in the liver.