cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Firearm ownership in California: A latent class analysis.

Objective To examine whether firearm ownership and ownership-related motivations and practices can be classified into reasonably distinct types. Methods Cross-sectional data on firearm owners (n=429) were obtained from the 2018 California Safety and Well-Being Survey, a state-representative web-based survey. We conducted a latent class analysis using six self-reported indicators of firearm ownership: (1) number of firearms owned, (2) types of firearms owned, (3) primary reason for firearm ownership, (4) firearm storage, (5) loaded handgun carrying and (6) high-capacity magazine ownership. Results We identified five markedly different classes of firearm ownership. There were two classes of single-firearm owners and three classes of multiple-firearm owners. Only members of one class (9% of owners) were likely to have carried a loaded handgun and to own high-capacity magazines or assault-type weapons. Members of this class were also likely to own 5+ firearms, own for protection against people, and store a firearm in the least secure manner (loaded and unlocked). Conclusion There were distinct classes of firearm ownership in California, and all higher-risk behaviours studied were exhibited disproportionately by members of a single class. This latent class structure, which may help identify higher-risk groups of firearm owners, could inform future research on risk assessment and on focused interventions to reduce firearm injury and death.
First Report of the Association of Myriogenospora atramentosa with the Plant Genus Hemarthria

Myriogenospora atramentosa is an epibiont fungus that produces black, linear stromata on the leaves of warm-season grasses including Paspalum and Andropogon. Because M. atramentosa is in the family Clavicipitaceae containing several ergot alkaloid-producing fungi, its mycotoxin production and the potential risk to cattle health are of concern. Limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) is a warm-season perennial grass that plays a key role in the cattle industry of the southeastern United States. Limpograss plants with tangletop signs and symptoms were collected in October 2018 from Osceola County, Florida, U.S.A. M. atramentosa was confirmed. M. atramentosa is reported to be associated with the plant genus Hemarthria for the first time, through morphological and molecular investigations. Because of the increasing human usage, animal consumption, and global distribution of H. altissima, understanding its codistribution with M. atramentosa and the potential mycotoxin content is critical to protect plants and animals.
Immunotherapy After Immunotherapy: Response Rescue in a Patient With Microsatellite Instability-high Colorectal Cancer Post-Pembrolizumab.

Abstract Background Metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the rare gastrointestinal tumors where immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have a defined therapeutic role. Single-agent nivolumab, single-agent pembrolizumab and the combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab are all FDA-approved therapies in patients with refractory disease. Limited data exists however, on how to treat patients who progress on anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy, specifically with regards to continuing immunotherapy. We present the case of a young woman with MSI-H CRC who received nivolumab plus ipilimumab post-progression on pembrolizumab and remains in partial response. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a phenomenon in a CRC patient. Case Presentation A 39-year-old female with MSI-H (loss of MSH2 and MSH6 by initial immunohistochemistry) cecal adenocarcinoma started therapy with pembrolizumab in February 2018 after progressing on a clinical trial with fluorouracil and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) plus a matrix metalloproteinase-9 inhibitor. In October 2018, although she met criteria for stable disease by RECIST 1.1 on CT scans, she began to exhibit mild growth in her lung metastases. Because she had been tolerating pembrolizumab well, she was continued on the therapy. In December 2018 she developed overt disease progression in her liver and was taken off the anti-PD-1 antibody. Given her tumor mutational burden (55 Muts/Mb) and absence of other meaningful options, her therapy was switched to nivolumab plus ipilimumab (240 mg and 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, respectively). She received 4 doses of the combination and her first restaging scans in March 2019 demonstrated stable disease (20% tumor reduction). She was transitioned to single agent nivolumab every 2 weeks thereafter and demonstrated a partial response (30% tumor reduction) on her subsequent CT scans in June 2019. Conclusion We have found no prior published reports of MSI-H CRC patients responding to combination immunotherapy with nivolumab plus ipilimumab after prior progression on anti-PD-1 antibodies. This approach has been successful in metastatic melanoma patients and warrants prospective clinical trial evaluation in MSI-H CRC patients to assess whether it can influence future post-ICI progression treatment strategies.
Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Care Pathway via an Emergency Department-ICU to Improve Care of Emergency Department Patients Presenting With Leukostasis.

Leukostasis is a life-threatening complication of acute hyperleukocytic leukemia, and is associated with substantial mortality. Management of leukostasis requires time-sensitive diagnostics and therapeutics, and leukapheresis remains a mainstay of treatment in select patients. Leukapheresis requires coordination of multi-disciplinary resources, which can prove challenging in the emergency department setting, and delays in treatment due to the complexity and coordination required are common. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of utilization of an emergency department-ICU and a multidisciplinary care pathway on outcomes of critically ill leukostasis patients presenting to the emergency department. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Single large academic medical center in the United States. Patients Adult emergency department patients with signs and symptoms of leukostasis requiring emergent leukapheresis from 2012-2019. Interventions Implementation of a hybrid emergency department-ICU setting (emergency critical care center) and a multidisciplinary care pathway with members from Emergency Medicine, Hematology, Blood Bank, and Clinical Pathology. Measurements and main results A total of 70 patients were identified and included for analysis: 14 preemergency critical care center; 32 postemergency critical care center, premultidisciplinary care pathway; and 24 postemergency critical care center, postmultidisciplinary care pathway. A statistically significant reduction in the time from emergency department presentation to initiation of leukapheresis was observed from preemergency critical care center to postemergency critical care center, premultidisciplinary care pathway and postemergency critical care center, postmultidisciplinary care pathway (11.5 vs 7.9 vs 7.7 hr; p = 0.004). Statistically significant reductions in in-hospital mortality were observed from preemergency critical care center to postemergency critical care center, premultidisciplinary care pathway and postemergency critical care center, postmultidisciplinary care pathway (64.3% vs 21.9% vs 25.0%; p = 0.01). A trend toward decreased inpatient ICU utilization was observed, although was not statistically significant (35.7% vs 12.5% vs 25.0%; p = 0.14.). Conclusions and relevance Implementation of a multidisciplinary care pathway via use of an emergency department-ICU for critically ill patients with leukostasis was associated with statistically significant reductions in time to leukapheresis and in-hospital mortality. These findings suggest an emergency department-ICU model may allow for maximal resource and care coordination at the point of contact with critically ill patients and improved clinical outcomes.
Marketing Plans in Action: A Step-By-Step Guide for Libraries, Archives, and Cultural Organizations

As organizations become more strategic in their marketing and communications efforts – now more than ever – libraries must also implement an effective marketing strategy to successfully build and m...
Influence of gas aggregation on water-solid interface: molecular simulation

In this study, we conducted a series of molecular dynamics simulations of gas accumulation on homogeneous graphite substrates with a focus on the structure of fluid in the region near the substrate...
Can Genomic Sequencing Identify High-Risk Barrett’s Esophagus Earlier Than Pathologists?

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precursor to esophageal adenocarinoma, and screening for cancer risk focuses upon histologic assessment of dysplasia within endoscopic biopsies. A recent study in Nature Medicine contributes to growing evidence that genomic assessment of non-dysplastic BE samples can identify patients at greatest risk of progressing to cancer.
Microstructure and properties of additively manufactured Al-Ce-Mg alloys.

Additive manufacturing of aluminum alloys is largely dominated by a near-eutectic Al-Si compositions, which are highly weldable, but have mechanical properties that are not competitive with conventional wrought Al alloys. In addition, there is a need for new Al alloys with improved high temperature properties and thermal stability for applications in the automotive and aerospace fields. In this work, we considered laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of two alloys in the Al–Ce–Mg system, designed as near-eutectic (Al–11Ce–7Mg) and hyper-eutectic (Al–15Ce–9Mg) compositions with respect to the binary L → Al + Al11Ce eutectic reaction. The addition of magnesium is used to promote solid solution strengthening. A custom laser scan pattern was used to reduce the formation of keyhole porosity, which was caused by excessive vaporization due to the high vapor pressure of magnesium. The microstructure and tensile mechanical properties of the alloys were characterized in the as-fabricated condition and following hot isostatic pressing. The two alloys exhibit significant variations in solidification structure morphology. These variations in non-equilibrium solidification structure were rationalized using a combination of thermodynamic and thermal modeling. Both alloys showed higher yield strength than AM Al-10Si-Mg for temperatures up to 350 °C and better strength retention at elevated temperatures than additively manufactured Scalmaloy.
Developing the 134 Ce and 134 La pair as companion positron emission tomography diagnostic isotopes for 225 Ac and 227 Th radiotherapeutics

Developing targeted α-therapies has the potential to transform how diseases are treated. In these interventions, targeting vectors are labelled with α-emitting radioisotopes that deliver destructive radiation discretely to diseased cells while simultaneously sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. Widespread implementation requires advances in non-invasive imaging technologies that rapidly assay therapeutics. Towards this end, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has emerged as one of the most informative diagnostic techniques. Unfortunately, many promising α-emitting isotopes such as 225Ac and 227Th are incompatible with PET imaging. Here we overcame this obstacle by developing large-scale (Ci-scale) production and purification methods for 134Ce. Subsequent radiolabelling and in vivo PET imaging experiments in a small animal model demonstrated that 134Ce (and its 134La daughter) could be used as a PET imaging candidate for 225AcIII (with reduced 134CeIII) or 227ThIV (with oxidized 134CeIV). Evaluating these data alongside X-ray absorption spectroscopy results demonstrated how success relied on rigorously controlling the CeIII/CeIV redox couple.
Psychosocial Factors and Clinical Predictors of Suicide Risk in College Students

Suicidal behavior in youth is a multi-causal phenomenon and a global public health problem. Studies to identify risk factors have increased in recent decades, however, studies rarely examine the combined and mediating effect of multiple psychosocial and clinical factors in predicting suicidal risk in college students. This study aims to analyze the psychosocial risk factors and clinical predictors associated directly and indirectly with suicide risk in Colombian university students. 786 students between the ages of 16 and 30 (M=22.34 years; SD=4.7) from the Luis Amigo Catholic University (Colombia) participated. 72% were women and 28% men. An ad hoc socio-demographic card was used with information about the history of attempted suicide (SAS), mental disorder (HMI) and family suicide attempts (SAF). Plutchik's Suicide Risk Scale (SR), Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Beck's Anxiety Scale (BAI) and Depression Scale (BDI) and Barratt's Impulsivity Scale (BIS) were used. It was found that 22% of the college students were at risk of suicide and 9.7% had attempted suicide in the past year. Significant (p<0.01) and positive correlations were found between SR, SAS, HMI, SAF, BHS, BAI, BDI and BIS. Binary regression analysis showed that depression (OR=1.2) anxiety (OR=1), impulsivity (OR=1.1), suicide attempts (OR=70), mental disorder and family suicide attempts (OR=2.0; OR=3.8) explained between 45% and 68% of the suicide risk variance. The structural equation model showed that impulsivity and suicide attempt are mediating variables for suicide risk. The totality of independent variables explained 65% of suicidal risk. These findings will help to orient the design of clinical strategies for the detection, prevention and intervention of suicidal risk in university contexts.
Utility of Debulk Specimens During Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Limited literature exists regarding whether intraoperative analysis of frozen debulk specimens during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) improves identification of high-risk features (HRF) of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). OBJECTIVE Primary: identification of new HRF on debulk specimens. Secondary: CSCC upstaged after considering debulk data. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients with biopsy-proven CSCC treated by MMS with intraoperative frozen debulk analysis. Restricted (poor differentiation, new perineural invasion ≥0.1 mm, and Breslow depth >6 mm) and nonrestricted (any worsened tumor differentiation, any new perineural invasion, and Breslow depth >2 mm) analyses were performed. RESULTS In restricted analysis, 3.94% of cases had 1 new HRF on debulk analysis. In nonrestricted analysis, 32.9% of cases had ≥1 new HRF; 7.6% increased by 2 HRF. Approximately 2.0% of cases were upstaged by American Joint Committee on Cancer system, eighth edition criteria, 1.4% by Brigham and Women's Hospital. Tumor size ≥2 cm, male sex, and moderate differentiation on biopsy were significantly associated with new HRF identified on debulk analysis. CONCLUSION Intraoperative frozen debulk analysis can reveal HRF of CSCC not seen on biopsy or MMS stages, particularly among tumors ≥2 cm. American Joint Committee on Cancer system, eighth edition T2 tumors were most likely to be upstaged. Identification of new HRF on debulk analysis can improve CSCC staging and may impact patient treatment and follow-up.
A multi-objective optimization framework for online ridesharing systems

The ultimate goal of ridesharing systems is to match travelers who do not have a vehicle with those travelers who want to share their vehicle. A good match can be found among those who have similar itineraries and time schedules. In this way each rider can be served without any delay and also each driver can earn as much as possible without having too much deviation from their original route. We propose an algorithm that leverages biogeography-based optimization to solve a multiobjective optimization problem for online ridesharing. It is necessary to solve the ridesharing problem as a multi-objective problem since there are some important objectives that must be considered simultaneously. We test our algorithm by evaluating performance on the Beijing ridesharing dataset. The simulation results indicate that BBO provides competitive performance relative to state-of-the-art ridesharing optimization algorithms.
Effect of Fiber, Cement, and Aggregate Type on Mechanical Properties of UHPC

Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is a new class of concrete that differentiates itself from other concrete materials due to its exceptional mechanical properties and durability. It has been used in structural rehabilitation and accelerated bridge construction, structural precast applications, and several other applications in the past decades. The mechanical properties of UHPC include compressive strength greater than 124 MPa (18 ksi) and sustained post cracking tensile strength greater than 5 MPa (0.72 ksi) when combined with steel, synthetic or organic fibers. Proprietary, pre-bagged mixtures are currently available in the market, but can cost about 20 times more than traditional concrete. This high price and the unique mixing procedure required for UHPC has limited its widespread use in the US and has motivated many researchers to develop more economical versions using locally available materials. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different proportions of typical UHPC mixture components on the mechanical properties of the mixtures. Particle packing theory was used to determine a few optimal mixture proportions and then modifications were made to investigate the effect. A compressive strength of around 124 MPa (18 ksi) was achieved without using any quartz particles in the mixture design. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091726 Full Text: PDF
Lakota culture, world economy

Every day of their lives, Lakotas grapple with decisions about the role of tradition in the context of a modernising world. Wage earners on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations struggle to pay bills yet adhere to traditional notions of reciprocity and generosity. Hunters, quiltmakers, and beadworkers depend on public welfare assistance to supplement their income. Small business owners still participate in traditional community give-aways. Those with strong connections to their extended family and deep roots in Lakota communities often find their best career opportunities far from the reservation. "Lakota Culture, World Economy" uses extensive interviews with residents of the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations to present the first in-depth look at the modern economy of the Lakotas. Workers both in and out of the home, small business owners, federal and tribal government employees, and unemployed and underemployed Lakotas speak directly about their economic prospects, the changes they have experienced, and how they cope with living in communities that are in many ways marginalised by the modern world economy. Kathleen Ann Pickering weaves these compelling first-person accounts with broader theoretical considerations to create a nuanced ethnographic tapestry of life today on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations. Particularly valuable are her consideration of the far-reaching economic significance of traditional Lakota households and her assessment of how Lakota identity - shaped by gender, ethnicity, race, and class - is inextricably bound up with the modern reservation economy. Kathleen Ann Pickering is an assistant professor of anthropology at Colorado State University.
Reimagining Schools: The Selected Works of Elliot W. Eisner

Introduction: My Journey as a Writer in the Field of Education 1. Children's Creativity in Art: A Study of Types 2. Educational Objectives: Help or Hindrance 3. Instructional and Expressive Educational Objectives: Their Formulation and Use in Curriculum 4. Educational Connoisseurship and Educational Criticism: Their Forms and Functions in Educational Evaluation 5. On the Use of Education Connoisseurship and Educational Criticism for Evaluating Classroom Life 6. What do Children Learn When They Paint 7. On the Differences Between Artistic and Scientific Approaches to Qualitative Research 8. The Role of the Arts in Cognition and Curriculum 9. Can Educational Research Inform Educational Practice? 10. Aesthetic Modes of Knowing 11. The Celebration of Thinking 12. The Primacy of Experience and the Politics of Method 13. Slippery Moves and Blind Alleys: My Travels with Absolutism and Relativism in Curriculum Theory 14. The Misunderstood Role of the Arts in Human Development 15. Educational Reform and the Ecology of Schooling. 16. Forms of Understanding and the Future of Educational Research 17. Standards for American Schools: Help or Hindrance 18. The Promise and Perils of Alternative Forms of Data Representation 19. What Does it Mean to say a School is Doing Well? 20. From Episteme to Phronesis to Artistry in the Study and Improvement of Teaching 21. What Can Education Learn From the Arts About the Practice of Education
Enabling public verifiability and data dynamics for storage security in cloud computing

Cloud Computing has been envisioned as the next-generation architecture of IT Enterprise. It moves the application software and databases to the centralized large data centers, where the management of the data and services may not be fully trustworthy. This unique paradigm brings about many new security challenges, which have not been well understood. This work studies the problem of ensuring the integrity of data storage in Cloud Computing. In particular, we consider the task of allowing a third party auditor (TPA), on behalf of the cloud client, to verify the integrity of the dynamic data stored in the cloud. The introduction of TPA eliminates the involvement of client through the auditing of whether his data stored in the cloud is indeed intact, which can be important in achieving economies of scale for Cloud Computing. The support for data dynamics via the most general forms of data operation, such as block modification, insertion and deletion, is also a significant step toward practicality, since services in Cloud Computing are not limited to archive or backup data only. While prior works on ensuring remote data integrity often lacks the support of either public verifiability or dynamic data operations, this paper achieves both. We first identify the difficulties and potential security problems of direct extensions with fully dynamic data updates from prior works and then show how to construct an elegant verification scheme for seamless integration of these two salient features in our protocol design. In particular, to achieve efficient data dynamics, we improve the Proof of Retrievability model [1] by manipulating the classic Merkle Hash Tree (MHT) construction for block tag authentication. Extensive security and performance analysis show that the proposed scheme is highly efficient and provably secure.
Rapport and Knowledge: Enhancing Foreign Instructor Credibility in the Classroom

This chapter discusses strategies to establish rapport and demonstrate knowledge in order to enhance instructor credibility and create a productive learning environment in the oral performance class.
Storage and Distribution of Pathology Digital Images Using Integrated Web-Based Viewing Systems

Abstract Context.—Health care providers have expressed increasing interest in incorporating digital images of gross pathology specimens and photomicrographs in routine pathology reports. Objective....
Suppression of the facet-strawberry position effect in Drosophila by lesions adjacent to notch.

ABSTRACT The recessive visible rough eye mutant effect of faswb, a small deletion at the 59 end of the Notch locus, is suppressed when faswb is coupled to five different closely linked deficiencies distal to salivary band 3C7. In addition, an inversion with a proximal breakpoint between 3C3 and 3C5 similarly suppresses the mutant effect. The data support the position effect interpretation of faswb: The small deletion allows functions distal to Notch to interfere with functions at Notch, and when the interference is eliminated, the faswb-mutant effect disappears.—The faswb deletion also interacts with another recessive visible rough-eye mutant at Notch called fag. In the cis condition, faswb fag double mutants have a mutant-eye phenotype like fag (similar to the mutant effect of faswb) and, in addition, express an accessory phenotype (thickened wing veins). Although the mutant-eye effect of faswb can be suppressed by lesions adjacent to Notch, the accessory phenotype of the coupled mutants is not suppressed. It is suggested that the faswb deletion has two observable effects: One is a modifiable position effect causing the faswb rough-eye phenotype; the other is a stable effect exerted upon a 5-kb insertion that is the probable cause of the fag mutant expression, thus resulting in a wing effect that accompanies the eye effect of fag.
Stochastic stability for model-based networked control systems

In this paper we study the stochastic stability properties of certain networked control system. Specifically we study the stability of the model-based network control system introduced in [L.A. Montestruque et. al., 41st IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, December 2002.] under time-varying communication. The model-based network control system uses knowledge of the plant to reduce the number of packet exchanges and thus the network traffic. Stability conditions for constant data packet exchange rates are analysed in [L.A. Montestruque et. al., 41st IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, December 2002, L.A. Montestruque et.al., ISIS Technical Report ISIS-2002-001, January 2001]. Here we concentrate on the stochastic stability of the networked system when the packet exchange times are time varying and have some known statistical properties. Conditions are derived for almost sure and mean square stability for independent, identically distributed update times. Mean square stability is also studied for Markov chain driven update times.
Algorithms for Adjustment of Insulin Dosage by Patients Who Monitor Blood Glucose

Patient self-monitoring of blood glucose is a useful adjuvant to diabetes therapy that facilitates improved glycemic control when used as part of an intensive diabetes management program that includes careful balancing of food intake, energy expenditure, and insulin dosage. This paper describes an approach by which patient-determined blood glucose measurements may be used to attain and maintain glycemic control. The patient is provided with a set of algorithms by which minor adjustments in a therapeutic routine may be made to achieve the desired control.
Methylene blue plus light mediates 8-hydroxyguanine formation in DNA.

Abstract Exposure to methylene blue (MB) plus light mediates formation of large levels of 8-hydroxyguanine in DNA. The amount of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) present in DNA increased as the amount of MB concentration increased throughout the 2 to 200 μ m range studied and was dependent on light exposure. As the time of light exposure increased so did the 8-OHdG content to levels of about 750 8-OHdG/10 5 deoxyguanosine after 15 min of light exposure when MB was at 20 μ m . Even though previous research has demonstrated that hydroxyl free radicals formed from a variety of sources mediate 8-OHdG formation in DNA, inclusion of mannitol, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and desferal in the MB plus light experiments demonstrated that these scavengers of oxygen free radical intermediates or precursors caused either no change or an increase in the 8-OHdG content of DNA exposed to MB plus light. These results appear to rule out the direct role of oxygen free radical intermediates in the primary events involved in the MB plus light mediated formation of 8-OHdG in DNA. Oxygen was essential to cause MB plus light mediated 8-OHdG formation in DNA. It was noted that when the reaction was carried out where the deuterium oxide content had been increased to 100%, the amount of 8-OHdG formed in DNA increased about threefold over that observed when comparable reactions were carried out in pure H 2 O. Use of the singlet oxygen scavenger 2,5-dimethylfuran has yielded variable results on the MB plus light mediated formation of 8-OHdG in DNA. The data taken collectively clearly indicate that MB plus light mediates 8-OHdG formation in DNA. The D 2 O data and the requirement for oxygen suggest that singlet oxygen may be an intermediate.
On two stage least squares estimation of the average treatment effect in a random coefficient model

Abstract This paper establishes two sets of assumptions under which the two stage least squares estimator consistently estimates the average treatment effect in a random coefficient model. The key feature of the model is that an endogenous explanatory variable interacts with unobserved heterogeneity.
Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia with distal fistula.

Background: Esophageal atresia (EA) has always been considered the hallmark of pediatric surgery. In the past decade, mortality was primarily the result of associated diseases, and operative morbidity had greatly improved. Yet the consequences of opening the thoracic cavity remained unchanged. In the era of endoscopic surgery, a thoracic approach to EA has become feasible, but is it of benefit for the patient? Methods: Between May 2000 and June 2002, 13 neonates underwent thoracoscopic repair of EA. There were 12 boys and 1 girl. Mean gestational age was 36.9 weeks. Mean weight was 3093 g. Eleven children had associated anomalies. Results: All of the procedures were performed thoracoscopically. There were no intraoperative complications, although anastomosis was difficult in one patient due to an extensive distance between the two stumps. Mean operating time was 2.6 h (range, 1.45–3.5). Five short-term postoperative complications occurred. Four of the early patients had stenosis due to a too-small incision in the proximal pouch, which needed one or more dilatations. One of these children, as well together as one other child, had anastomotic leakage, which was treated conservatively. Late complications consisted of gastroesophageal reflux (n = 5) and tracheomalacia (n = 1); these conditions required endoscopic correction in, respectively, two and one cases. Feeding by nasogastric tube was started after 3.5 days (mean), and total oral feeding was possible after 8.6 days (mean). Mean hospitalization was 12.2 days. Mean follow-up was 15.2 months. Scar formation was minimal, and the thoracic cage was preserved. Conclusion: The feasibility of thoracoscopic repair of EA has already been demonstrated. Today, its results in terms of operating time, feeding, hospital stay, and postoperative complications are equal to open procedures. Its advantages include better cosmesis and preservation of the thorax.
Fine Cuts of Empathy and the Amygdala: Dissociable Deficits in Psychopathy and Autism:

In the current paper, the "fine cuts" approach advocated by Uta Frith is applied to our understanding of empathy and amygdala dysfunction in two disorders, psychopathy and autism. A fine cut is made between cognitive (i.e., Theory of Mind) and emotional empathy. The literature with respect to psychopathy and autism and these two functions is then considered. A fine cut is also made between the amygdala's role in stimulus-reinforcement association and specific aspects of social cognition. Again the literature with respect to psychopathy and autism and these two functions of the amygdala is considered. It is concluded that while both conditions can be considered disorders of social cognition, fine cuts can be made dissociating the impairments associated with each.
Insect trehalose-6-phosphatase: The unactivated type, as illustrated in Periplaneta americana, and a survey of the ordinal distribution of the two presently known types

Abstract 1. 1. Trehalose-6-phosphatase, one of the two enzymes making up the trehalose synthetase complex in insects, is, in Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae), also capable of hydrolysing glucose-6-phosphate at a significant rate, the reaction being activated by trehalose. 2. 2. The properties of this enzyme in the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) indicate that it is different from the “Phormia” type. It has a Km T-6-P of 2.09±0.88 mM; pH optimum = 7.0; mol. wt = 108,000 daltons; activity vs glucose-6-phosphate negligible; no activation of glucose-6-phosphate hydrolysis by trehalose. 3. 3. A survey of representatives of a number of insect orders shows that trehalose activation is restricted to certain related families in the order Diptera.
Computer-assisted psychoeducation of psychiatric inpatients

Abstract This study was designed to assess the impact of computer-assisted psychoeducation as a complement to classroom lectures on the same material with psychiatric inpatients. One hundred and twenty-seven psychiatric inpatients participated in the study and all received psychoeducation administered in traditional classroom lecture format. Half of the subjects received training on computers on exactly the same subject matter as they received in the classroom, while the other half received attention and memory training on computers. Subjects who received computer-assisted psychoeducation had significantly higher rates of passing classroom tests and significantly lower rates of absenteeism in the classroom than the subjects who received cognitive training on the computers. These results suggest that computer-assisted psychoeducation can be an effective addition to psychiatric rehabilitation programs which use psychoeducational interventions.
Mitogens and oncogenes can block the induction of specific voltage-gated ion channels

The mechanisms underlying the ontogeny of voltage-gated ion channels in muscle are unknown. Whether expression of voltage-gated channels is dependent on mitogen withdrawal and growth arrest, as is generally true for the induction of muscle-specific gene products, was investigated in the BC3H1 muscle cell line by patch-clamp techniques. Differentiated BC3H1 myocytes expressed functional Ca2+ and Na+ channels that correspond to those found in T tubules of skeletal muscle. However, Ca2+ and Na+ channels were first detected after about 5 days of mitogen withdrawal. In order to test whether cellular oncogenes, as surrogates for exogenous growth factors, could prevent the expression of ion channels whose induction was contingent on mitogen withdrawal, BC3H1 cells were modified by stable transfection with oncogene expression vectors. Expression vectors containing v-erbB, or c-myc under the control of the SV40 promoter, delayed but did not prevent the appearance of functional Ca2+ and Na+ channels. In contrast, transfection with a Val12 c-H-ras vector, or cotransfection of c-myc together with v-erbB, suppressed the formation of functional Ca2+ and Na+ channels for greater than or equal to 4 weeks. Potassium channels were affected neither by mitogenic medium nor by transfected oncogenes. Thus, the selective effects of certain oncogenes on ion channel induction corresponded to the suppressive effects of mitogenic medium.
Comparative metabolism and macromolecular binding of benzo[a]pyrene in explant cultures of human bladder, skin, bronchus and esophagus from eight individuals

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) metabolism and macromolecular binding have been studied in explants from 4 tissues, bladder, skin, bronchus and esophagus from 8 donors sampled within 4 h after death. Explants were incubated with [3H]benzo[a]pyrene for 24 h, then the metabolites extracted and analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Fibroblasts were grown from explants from 2 patients and also incubated with B[a]P. Metabolite profiles were qualitatively the same for explants and fibroblasts with similar product ratios, although fibroblasts were less active in B[a]P metabolism. DNA binding studies showed a broad variance between patients and tissues with the relative distribution being widest in bladder, followed by skin, bronchus and esophagus, respectively.
Mechanisms of anemia in Aleutian disease viral infection of mink

Abstract Mink with Aleutian disease developed severe anemia within a few months after infection. Evaluation of erythropoiesis and erythrocyte survival demonstrated that the anemia was caused by increased erythrocyte destruction, complicated in some cases by decreased or inadequate erythropoiesis. An inverse relationship existed between the amount of IgG on affected mink erythrocytes and the erythrocyte half-life. However, the number of IgG molecules/erythrocyte were not high enough to be detected by direct Coombs' test, with the exception of one case. Inadequate erythropoiesis was reflected by lower plasma iron turnover levels and reticulocyte numbers than expected considering the severity of the anemia involved.
Formulation and In Vitro-In Vivo Evaluation of Black Raspberry Extract-Loaded PLGA/PLA Injectable Millicylindrical Implants for Sustained Delivery of Chemopreventive Anthocyanins

Purpose The objective of this study was to formulate and evaluate freeze-dried black raspberry (FBR) ethanol extract (RE) loaded poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(DL-lactic acid) (PLA) injectable millicylindrical implants for sustained delivery of chemopreventive FBR anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-sambubioside (CS), cyanidin-3-glucoside (CG) and cyanidin-3-rutinoside (CR)).
Terahertz spectroscopy of enantiopure and racemic polycrystalline valine

Experimental and computational THz (or far-infrared) spectra of polycrystalline valine samples are reported. The experimental spectra have been measured using THz time-domain spectroscopy. Spectra of the pure enantiomers, both D and L, as well as the DL racemate have been taken at room temperature and low temperature (78 K). The spectra of the pure D and L enantiomers are essentially identical, and they are markedly different from the DL racemate. In addition, a temperature-dependent study of L-valine was undertaken in which the absorption maxima were found to red shift as a function of increasing temperature. The vibrational absorption spectra (frequencies and intensities) were calculated using the harmonic approximation with the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) functional, localized atomic orbital basis sets, and periodic boundary conditions. The calculated and experimental spectra are in good qualitative agreement. A general method of quantifying the degree to which a calculated mode is intermolecular versus intramolecular is demonstrated, with the intermolecular motions further separated into translational versus rotational/librational motion. This allows straightforward comparison of spectra calculated using different basis sets or other constraints.
Growth of spectroscopic grade Cd0.9Zn0.1Te:In by THM technique

Abstract Large indium-doped detector grade (52 mm diameter, 1.1 kg) Cd0.9Zn0.1Te crystals have been grown by THM technique from Te-rich solution. The as-grown crystals showed the dark resistivity of 2×1010 Ω cm and mobility life time product of electrons of 4–7×10−3 cm2/V. A quasi-hemispherical configuration was used in the device fabrication, which provides an economic way of electron only detector configuration. A resolution of 2% was achieved for the 137Cs 662 keV gamma line at room temperature for the as-grown THM samples.
γ-Aminobutyric acid B receptor 1 mediates behavior-impairing actions of alcohol in Drosophila: Adult RNA interference and pharmacological evidence

Abstract In addition to their physiological function, metabotropic receptors for neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the GABAB receptors, may play a role in the behavioral actions of addictive compounds. Recently, GABAB receptors were cloned in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), indicating that the advantages of this experimental model could be applied to GABAB receptor research. RNA interference (RNAi) is an endogenous process triggered by double-stranded RNA and is being used as a tool for functional gene silencing and functional genomics. Here we show how cell-nonautonomous RNAi can be induced in adult fruit flies to silence a subtype of GABAB receptors, GABABR1, and how RNAi combined with pharmacobehavioral techniques (including intraabdominal injections of active compounds and a computer-assisted quantification of behavior) can be used to functionally characterize these receptors. We observed that injection of double-stranded RNA complementary to GABABR1 into adult Drosophila selectively destroys GABABR1 mRNA and attenuates the behavioral actions of the GABAB agonist, 3-aminopropyl-(methyl)phosphinic acid. Moreover, both GABABR1 RNAi and the GABAB antagonist CGP 54626 reduced the behavior-impairing effects of ethanol, suggesting a putative role for the Drosophila GABAB receptors in alcohol's mechanism of action. The Drosophila model we have developed can be used for further in vivo functional characterization of GABAB receptor subunits and their involvement in the molecular and systemic actions of addictive substances.
Sjogren’s Syndrome: Oral and Dental Considerations

Patients with Sjogren's syndrome have many oral health needs. Due to the extensive oral involvement, dentists may be the first to recognize this condition. Characteristics and treatment options for this disorder are discussed and three case histories are presented.
Why the United States does Not Have Universal Health Insurance: A Public Finance and Public Choice Perspective

This article examines possible reasons based on public choice, voting, and constitutional theory to explain why the United States does not have universal health insurance. It is argued that, compared to countries that have adopted such institutional structures, the current high levels of medical insurance costs and the high proportion of the population insured in the United States help to explain why closing the gap in coverage has not occurred. An interest group model is used to explain why the political equilibrium appears to remain the status quo.
Glutamine-Specific N-Terminal Amidase, a Component of the N-End Rule Pathway

Deamidation of N-terminal Gln by Nt^Q-amidase, an N-terminal amidohydrolase, is a part of the N-end rule pathway of protein degradation. We detected the activity of Nt^Q-amidase, termed Ntaq1, in mouse tissues, purified Ntaq1 from bovine brains, identified its gene, and began analyzing this enzyme. Ntaq1 is highly conserved among animals, plants, and some fungi, but its sequence is dissimilar to sequences of other amidases. An earlier mutant in the Drosophila Cg8253 gene that we show here to encode Nt^Q-amidase has defective long-term memory. Other studies identified protein ligands of the uncharacterized human C8orf32 protein that we show here to be the Ntaq1 Nt^Q-amidase. Remarkably, “high-throughput” studies have recently solved the crystal structure of C8orf32 (Ntaq1). Our site-directed mutagenesis of Ntaq1 and its crystal structure indicate that the active site and catalytic mechanism of Nt^Q-amidase are similar to those of transglutaminases.
Examining the Role of Direct cAMP-Binding Versus PKA-Mediated Effects on Interactions between the Cardiac Potassium Channel α-Subunit Proteins Herg and KvLQT1

KvLQT1 and hERG are the voltage-gated K+ channel α-subunits of the cardiac repolarizing currents IKs and IKr, respectively. These currents function in vivo with some redundancy to maintain appropriate action potential durations (APDs) in cardiomyocytes. As such, protein-protein interactions between hERG and KvLQT1 may be important in normal cardiac electrophysiology, as well as in arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Previous phenomenological observations of functional, mutual downregulation between these complementary repolarizing currents in transgenic rabbit models have motivated our investigations into interactions between hERG and KvLQT1. Moreover, reports of interplay between hERG and KvLQT1 have been described both in the literature and anecdotally, and our recent work demonstrated that the interaction is mediated by the C-termini of both α-subunits and is modulated by cAMP. We hypothesize that direct binding of cAMP to the putative cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) in the hERG C-terminus abrogates hERG-KvLQT1 interactions, as assessed by FRET analyses. We have developed ion channel fusions to GFP variants, which include hERG CNBD mutants as well as phospho-null and phospho-mimetic mutants. cAMP levels are altered in heterologous cells expressing ion channel constructs through membrane-permeable cAMP analogs or forskolin along with IBMX. Through classic biochemical assays and quantitative FRET approaches, we aim to delineate the direct role of cAMP from that of downstream, PKA-mediated effects in regulating interactions between KvLQT1 and hERG in model systems. This work potentially furthers our understanding of hERG-KvLQT1 interactions and may elucidate mechanisms that underlie many types of arrhythmia as well as characterize novel interactions between two distinct potassium channel families.
The Relationship Between Group Process Training and Group Problem Solving

The study was designed to investigate the relationship be tween group process training and group effectiveness.The sixteen individuals who registered for Program Develop ment and Evaluation at The ...
E-074 Emergency Carotid Artery Stenting in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction/purpose Recanalization of occluded arteries is crucial for good functional outcome of acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusion. Endovascular treatment, particularly mechanical thrombectomy, plays an increasing role to achieve rapid recanalization. However, some patients with acute large vessel occlusion have additional extracranial cervical carotid artery occlusion or severe stenosis. Although these patients might undergo carotid stenting to achieve recanalization of intracranial occlusions, such stenting causes challenges in subsequent clinical management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular recanalization treatment with emergency carotid artery stenting for acute stroke patients. Materials and methods We analyzed clinical and angiographic data of patients who underwent emergency cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) stenting in the setting of acute endovascular recanalization treatment in our institution between May 2005 and December 2012. Reperfusion was assessed according to the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score. Clinical outcome was evaluated at discharge and at 3 months after treatment by modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results 23 patients were included in this cohort. The mean age was 63.3 years. The median NIHSS score on admission was 20 (range, 3–25). The median Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score on diffusion-weighted imaging (ASPECTS-DWI) on admission was 7 (range, 2–10). 17 patients (73.9%) had ICA occlusion at the origin. 19 patients (82.6%) had intracranial tandem vessel occlusions. All patients successfully underwent carotid artery stenting and 15 patients (65.2%) underwent additional mechanical thrombectomy for intracranial vessels. After the procedure, 9 patients (39.1%) were mTICI grade >IIb. Haemorrhagic transformation with parenchymal hematoma occurred in 9 patients (39.1%) and 2 (8.7%) was symptomatic. At discharge and at 3-months follow-up, 6 patients (26.1%) had a favorable outcome (mRS0–2). The multiple logistic model yielded age (P = 0.018) and initial ASPECTS-DWI (P = 0.029) independently associated with a favorable outcome and additionally mechanical thrombectomy (P = 0.003) was associated with haemorrhagic transformation with parenchymal hematoma. Conclusion Endovascular recanalization treatment with emergency carotid artery stenting is technically feasible. Further refinement of patient selection may reduce postprocedural hemorrhaghic transformation and optimise resultant clinical outcomes. Disclosures N. Ohara: None. S. Tateshima: None. J. Sayre: None. G. Duckwiler: None. R. Jahan: None. N. Gonzalez: None. P. Vespa: None. L. Ali: None. J. Saver: None. D. Liebeskind: None.