cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gay Apps for Seeking Sex Partners in China: Implications for MSM Sexual Health.

Anti-gay stigma and harsh local environments in many low and middle-income countries (LMIC) encourage men who have sex with men (MSM) partner-seeking mobile application (gay app) use. To investigate the sexual risk profiles of gay app users and guide future HIV prevention programs, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey among 1,342 MSM in China examining associations between gay app use and sexual behaviors, including HIV and sexually transmitted disease testing. Compared to non-app users, app users were more likely to be younger, better educated, “out” about their sexual orientation, and single. They were also more likely to report multiple recent sex partners and HIV testing, but there was no difference in condomless sex between the two groups. Future research among MSM in LMIC is needed to characterize gay app use and explore its potential for future public health interventions.
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR COMPRESSIBLE FLOW

Abstract A modified finite element method is used to solve the equations of motion for inviscid and viscous two-dimensional compressible flow. The time-dependent equations are solved explicitly using bilinear isoparametric quadrilateral elements, mass lumping, and Petrov-Galerkin weighting applied to the advection terms. Use of reduced integration is optional, along with h adaptation (with 2×2 quadrature). The modified FEM is accurate, providing the elements are not too distorted (using reduced integration). Problems requiring several thousand nodes can be run on a personal computer.
A Pilot Study of the Predictive Value of Plasma Tumor Necrosis Factor α. and Interleukin 1β for Streptococcus pneumoniae Bacteremia in Febrile Children

Objective: To determine the value of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) and interleukin 1β (IL1) levels in predicting Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia in nontoxic-appearing, febrile children who do not have a bacterial source for their fever on physical examination. Methods: A prospective, nested case-control study was conducted in a children's hospital ED. All febrile children <3 years old who were believed to be immunocompetent and not in shock, had no obvious bacterial source for their fever on physical examination, and had a blood culture obtained were eligible. Plasma obtained at the time of the blood culture was available for analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for TNF and ILL Children who had positive blood cultures for Streptococcus pneumoniae were the cases. The controls were selected from children who had negative blood cultures. Results: During a 1-year period, 12 cases and 65 controls were identified. There was no significant difference in age, height or duration of fever, or illness acuity between the groups. The following were used as threshold values for a positive test: white blood cell (WBC) count >15.0 × 109 cells/L, TNF >21.5 ng/mL, and IL1 >9.0 ng/mL. Using an estimated prior probability of bacteremia of 4%, the positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) for bacteremia were 11.7% and 98.6% using the WBC count, 11.1% and 98.6% using the IL1 level, and 9.0% and 98.9% using the TNF level. The combination of WBC count with either TNF or IL1 gave an NPV of 100%, with PPVs of 8.5% for TNF and 9.9% for ILL Conclusions: Like the WBC count, TNF and IL1 are good negative but poor positive predictors of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia in nontoxic-appearing, febrile children. At present, the addition of plasma TNF or IL1 levels would add little to emergency physicians' ability to predict Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia. However, as the quantification of these cytokines becomes more rapid, available, and standardized, and more knowledge of TNF and IL1 levels during various illnesses is gained, their utility in the clinical setting for ruling out bacteremia should be further assessed.
Evaluation of wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) root extract as a potential epigenetic agent in breast cancer cells.

The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of wild yam root extract (WYRE) as a potential demethylating agent using two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 (estrogen receptor positive; ER+) and MDA-MB-231 (Estrogen receptor negative; ER−), and a methylated gene, GATA3, as a potential marker of breast cancer development. The cells were treated with WYRE (0–50 μg/mL) for 72 h and used for viability, mRNA, and methylation analyses. WYRE significantly reduced viability of both cell lines and enhanced mRNA content of GATA3 in a concentration-dependent manner; however, DNMT mRNAs (DNMT1, 3A, 3B) were found to increase significantly only in MDA-MB-231 cells. Global DNA methylation, analyzed as 5′-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), showed a concentration-dependent enhancement of 5-mC with no alteration in 5-hmC level in MCF-7 cells; however, in MDA-MB-231 cells, in contrast to MCF-7 cells, 5-mC remained unaltered but 5-hmC reduced significantly in all WYRE concentrations (10–50 μg/mL) used in this study. Since 5-hmC is generated from 5-mC by ten-eleven-translocation (TET) enzymes, analysis of TET mRNAs (TET1, TET2, and TET3) in MDA-MB-231 cells indicated a concentration-dependent reduction in TET1 and induction of TET3; however, TET2 remained unaltered. No alterations in any of the TET mRNAs were found in MCF-7 cells. Methylation analysis of GATA3 promoter at specific locus indicates probable demethylating activity of WYRE in MDA-MB-231 cells. We conclude that activation of GATA3 gene in ER− MDA-MB-231 cells may occur by altering DNA methylation pattern on the promoter region which may be different from the mechanisms operated in ER+ MCF-7 cells.
A simplified approach to multiline ESR spectra resolution using a digital computer

Abstract A simplified method for the analysis of multiline isotropic ESR spectra is presented which provides significant computational advantages over some of the standard analysis techniques. The method utilizes the positions of the apparent maxima of the partially resolved lines in a multiline spectrum to determine the splitting constants characterizing the spectrum. The relative intensities of the apparent maxima are used as a check on the resolution provided. Application of the method to the resolution of a spectrum of acenaphthylene demonstrates its usefulness in refining the estimates of a set of splitting constants.
Mixed PCA/ICA spectral/spatial compression for hyperspectral imagery

Principal components analysis (PCA) has been widely used in many applications, particularly, data compression. Independent component analysis (ICA) has been also developed for blind source separation along with many other applications such as channel equalization, speech processing. Recently, it has been shown that the ICA can be also used for hyperspectral data compression. This paper investigates these two transforms in hyperspectral data compression and further evaluates their strengths and weaknesses in applications of target detection, mixed pixel classification and abundance quantification. In order to take advantage of the strengths of both transform, a new transform, called mixed PCA/ICA transform is developed in this paper. The idea of the proposed mixed PCA/ICA transform is derived from the fact that it can integrate different levels of information captured by the PCA and ICA. In doing so, it combines m principal components (PCs) resulting from the PCA and n independent components (ICs) generated by the ICA to form a new set of (m+n) mixed components used for hyperspectral data compression. The resulting transform is referred to as mixed (m,n)-PCA/ICA transform. In order to determine the total number of components, p needed to be generated for the mixed (m,n)-PCA/ICA transform, a recently developed virtual dimensionality (VD) is introduced to estimate the p where p = m + n. If m = p and n = 0, then mixed (m,n)-PCA/ICA transform is reduced to PCA transform. On the other hand, if m = 0 and n = p, then mixed (m,n)-PCA/ICA transform is reduced to ICA. Since various combinations of m and n have different impacts on the performance of the mixed PCA/ICA spectral/spatial compression in applications, experiments based on subpixel detection and mixed pixel quantification are conducted for performance evaluation.
Effects of Post‐Harvest Handling and Processing on Vitamin Contents of Peas

Vitamin contents of peas were measured at various stages of raw product handling, during 1976–1979 seasons, on different cultivars, on different sizes of peas, at various stages of processing, and at different processing plants. Some cultivar differences were shown in ascorbic acid, carotene, and folic acid, and different sizes of peas contained significantly different amounts of ascorbic acid, carotene, and thiamin contents. Profound effects were observed during blanching and thermal processing of peas. Ascorbic acid, thiamin, vitamin B6, and niacin contents of canned peas were significantly (95% level) lower than those of fresh peas. Also some significant differences in vitamin contents of canned peas among different processing plants were observed.
Initial empirical and clinical findings concerning the change process for ex-gays.

Despite the controversy surrounding sexual reorientation, there are only a few published empirical reports concerning the experiences of ex-gays. Summarizing these reports, this article describes the role of religious variables in the change process. Some kind of change appears to occur for many who identify themselves as ex-gay. Although sexual orientation is not an easily defined or measured phenomenon, change over time is not theoretically unfounded or empirically unprecedented. Many of the individuals who report efforts to become ex-gay feel that the efforts were helpful, and a small percentage feel the efforts were harmful.
Diastereoselective Synthesis and Electronic Asymmetry of Chiral Nonracemic Rhenium(V) Oxo Complexes Containing the Hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate Ligand

The compounds [TpReO(η2-N−X)] (X = N, O; Tp = hydrotrispyrazolylborate) were prepared from TpReOCl2 and chiral, bidentate ligands in which η2-N−X = the alcoholates or amidates derived from (1S,2R)-ephedrine, (1S,2S)-diphenylethylenediamine, and l-proline. The three complexes have been fully characterized by 1H NMR, IR, circular-dichroism, elemental analysis, polarimetry, and X-ray crystallography. All have a chiral center at rhenium. The complexes derived from (1S,2R)-ephedrine and l-proline were formed diastereoselectively as a single diastereomer. All of the complexes exhibited similar Re−O bond distances, ranging from 1.687(7) to 1.707(7) A, consistent with distances found in other Re(V) oxo complexes. The electronic asymmetry at the metal caused by the different donor properties of the ligands leads to tilting of the Re−oxo bond relative to the plane of the equatorial ligands. The compounds were found to be robust and resisted oxo transfer even when subjected to harsh conditions.
Effects of Physical Activity on Trabecular Bone Micro-Architecture: A Comparative Study in Young Men and Women Using Multi-Detector CT and Volumetric Topological Analysis

Adult bone diseases, especially osteoporosis, increase risk of fracture associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and financial costs. Osteoporosis is clinically defined by low bone mineral density (BMD). However, increasing evidence suggests that trabecular bone (TB) micro-architectural quality is an important determinant of bone strength and fracture risk. Recently, a volumetric topological analysis (VTA) method has been developed and a peripheral high resolution multi-detector CT (MDCT) bone imaging protocol has been established in our laboratory, resulting in enhanced quantitative 3-D TB micro-architectural assessment. At each TB location, the method uniquely classifies local topology on the continuum between a perfect plate and a perfect rod, facilitating early detection of bone alteration. Here, we present our experimental results evaluating the feasibility of the method for in vivo assessment of TB micro-architecture in young women and men. Also, the method's ability to detect physical activity effects on TB micro-architecture is examined.
Autocrine and juxtacrine effects of amphiregulin on the proliferative, invasive, and migratory properties of normal and neoplastic human mammary epithelial cells

Amphiregulin (AR) autocrine loops have been associated with several types of cancer. We demonstrate that SUM149 breast cancer cells have a self-sustaining AR autocrine loop. SUM149 cells are epidermal growth factor (EGF)-independent for growth, and they overexpress AR mRNA, AR membrane precursor protein, and secreted AR relative to the EGF-dependent human mammary epithelial cell line MCF10A. MCF10A cells made to overexpress AR (MCF10A AR) are also EGF-independent for growth. Treatment with the pan-ErbB inhibitor CI1033 and the anti-EGF receptor (EGFR) antibody C225 demonstrated that ligand-mediated activation of EGFR is required for SUM149 cell proliferation. AR-neutralizing antibody significantly reduced both SUM149 EGFR activity and cell proliferation, confirming that an AR autocrine loop is required for mitogenesis in SUM149 cells. EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation was dramatically decreased in both SUM149 and MCF10A AR cells after inhibition of AR cleavage with the broad spectrum metalloprotease inhibitor GM6001, indicating that an AR autocrine loop is strictly dependent on AR cleavage in culture. However, a juxtacrine assay where fixed SUM149 cells and MCF10A AR cells were overlaid on top of EGF-deprived MCF10A cells showed that the AR membrane precursor can activate EGFR. SUM149 cells, MCF10A AR cells, and MCF10A cells growing in exogenous AR were all considerably more invasive and motile than MCF10A cells grown in EGF. Moreover, AR up-regulates a number of genes involved in cell motility and invasion in MCF10A cells, suggesting that an AR autocrine loop contributes to the aggressive breast cancer phenotype.
Further investigations of Jupiter models

It is noted that previously calculated models of Jupiter, in which the H/He ratio is assumed to be solar, required the inclusion of considerable additional mass in the form of volatilized condensates in the atmosphere and excess mass in the central core. Several additional models are considered in this paper which take into account the stricter constraints imposed by Pioneer 10 measurements of Jupiter's gravitational moments. These measurements have indicated that the mass of the excess volatilized condensates (assumed to be water) relative to the core mass (assumed to be rock) exceeds the relevant solar ratio. The present models are tested for sensitivity to variations in the H/He ratio, in the softness of the equation of state for water, in the treatment of the internal adiabat, in departures from an internal adiabat, and in temperature at the one-bar level. The preliminary results indicate that the ratio of excess water to rock in Jupiter is considerably in excess of the solar value.
Public support for graphic health warning labels in the U.S.

Background In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was required to mandate that graphic health warning labels be placed on cigarette packages and advertisements. Purpose To assess public support in the U.S. for graphic health warning labels from 2007 to 2012. Methods Data from 17,498 respondents from 13 waves of the National Adult Tobacco Survey, a list-assisted random-digit-dial survey, were used. Overall support for graphic health warning labels, as well as support by smoking status, and by sociodemographics and smoker characteristics are estimated. Analyses were conducted in 2014. Results Since 2007, a majority of the public overall has been in favor of labels. Support increased significantly among the public overall and among non-smokers from 2007 through 2009 ( p p p Conclusions A majority of U.S. residents support graphic health warning labels for cigarette packs, though support among smokers declined after 2011.
Solving two-dimensional phi4 theory by discretized light-front quantization.

The recently proposed discretized light-front quantization (DLFQ) method is applied to ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ field theory in 1+1 dimensions. We start with the normal-ordered Hamiltonian and perform calculations with and without finite-mass renormalization in order to elucidate its role. We find that finite-mass renormalization prevents the phase transition by restricting the theory to the weak-coupling region. Comparison with results obtained without mass renormalization demonstrates that both treatments can yield the same estimate of the critical coupling for which the mass gap vanishes. This DLFQ estimate of the critical coupling may be compared with other estimates. The invariant mass of various states is calculated as a function of bare coupling. In the weak-coupling region where we can easily extrapolate to the continuum limit we find evidence for scattering but there is no two-particle bound state in agreement with the well-known result established for constructive quantum field theory. In addition, we find no multiparticle bound states.
Improvement Of Oligonucleotide-Directed Site-Specific Mutagenesis Using Double-Stranded Plasmid DNA

Conditions which gave a high yield of oligonucleotide-directed site specific mutagenesis were obtained with use of the lpp gene of Escherichia coli cloned in the versatile expression plasmid vector, pIN-II. This plasmid (5.6-kb) was digested by PstI followed by exonuclease (Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I) to remove a portion of the gene for β-lactamase. Another sample was digested by Xbal which cuts at a unique site in the pIN-II vector, and EcoRI to remove the portion of the lpp gene to be mutagenized. Both fragments were mixed with a synthetic oligonucleotide (the mutagen) and the mixture was denatured at 100°C for 3 min, followed by gradual cooling to reanneal. The mixture of renatured DNA was treated with the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I plus deoxynucleotide triphosphates in the presence of T4 ligase, and ampicillin-resistant transformants were isolated. In the case of a single base substitution, the yield of the desired mutant was as high as 13%. The present method can be applied to any gene cloned in a plasmid vector and is more convenient and simpler than the method using an M13 phage vector, since the mutated gene can be expressed directly from the plasmid vector used for the mutagenesis.
Seasonal variation in the flux of planktonic foraminifera: time series sediment trap results from the Panama Basin

Abstract A mooring array with three automated sediment traps capable of collecting time series samples was deployed in the Panama Basin for one year beginning in December 1979. A series of six consecutive two-month long samples was collected at each of three depths (890, 2590 and 3560 m) in order to examine seasonal variation in the flux of planktonic foraminifera, and evaluate the contribution of foraminifera to the total carbonate flux. The flux of the larger planktonic foraminifera (250–500 μm and 500–1000 μm) is greatest during February–March when upwelling is most intense in the Panama Basin. In contrast, the maximum flux of the smaller foraminifera (125–250 μm) is associated with a phytoplankton bloom during the summer months (June through September). This size-dependent flux pattern appears to be a species specific effect. The flux of the larger foraminifera is dominated by non-spinose forms (i.e. Neogloboquadrina dutertrei and Globorotalia theyeri), while the flux of the smaller foraminifera consists predominantly of spinose species (i.e. Globigerinoides ruber, G. sacculifer and G. conglobatus). Although the magnitude of the flux varied throughout the year, the average weight of individual foraminiferal tests in different size fractions showed no seasonal variability. With the exception of the June–July period when there was a major coccolith bloom, planktonic foraminifera greater than 125 μm account for between 28 and 34% of the total carbonate flux at this location. During the coccolith bloom, planktonic foraminifera accounted for less than 2% of the total carbonate flux. Planktonic foraminifera in the 250–500 μm size range are the most significant contributors to the overall particulate flux, accounting for roughly 70–80% of the total foraminiferal fluxes measured at the three trap depths.
Learning writing by reviewing in science

We examined a theoretical perspective on reciprocal peer reviewing of writing. As an alternative to the traditional approach, Learning Writing by Writing, focusing on increasing writing opportunities, we proposed and tested a new hypothesis, Learning Writing by Reviewing. Reviewing is defined as a problem solving activity of practicing problem detection, diagnosis, and solution generation in peer writing. The results supported the hypothesis in that peer reviewers improve their own writing by reviewing peer writing.
Response of upper ocean currents to Typhoon Fanapi

The response of upper ocean currents to Typhoon Fanapi in fall 2010 was studied using an extensive air-deployed drifter array. Separation of the observations into near-inertial and sub-inertial motions quantified the importance of strong advection by the sub-inertial circulation for the evolution of the cold wake formed by Typhoon Fanapi. The near-inertial currents generated during the storm showed the expected rightward bias, with peak magnitudes of up to 0.6 m/s and an e-folding time of about 4 days for the strong currents within the cold wake. The shear of the near-inertial currents is crucial for the storm-induced cooling and deepening of the mixed layer and such instabilities were here directly observed across the base of the mixed layer in Typhoon Fanapi's cold wake. During the recovery, the diurnal cycle—a dominant process for the wake warming—was found to be noticeably reduced when the near-inertial motions were strongest.
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) in the Era of Evidence-Based Practice

Professional psychology has increasingly moved toward evidence-based practice. However, instrumentsused to assess psychologists seeking licensure, such as the Examination for Professional Practice inPsychology (EPPP), have received relatively little empirical scrutiny. Therefore, the authors evaluatedthe available evidence in support of the EPPPs validity and current use as a core component ofprofessional licensure. Although the EPPP has in many ways been extensively evaluated, there is apaucity of criterion, predictive, and incremental validity evidence available. Further, several aspects ofthe content validation studies were examined, and the authors question whether the EPPP, as currentlyconstructed, can meet its stated goals. Given that the EPPP is a high-stakes examination and given theauthors best estimate (based on a sample of 16 states) that 35% of applicants fail the examination, it isrecommended that the EPPP be more extensively evaluated. An outline of major decision points in thisproposed evaluation process is provided, several suggestions for further research are proposed, and thefield is encouraged to discuss these issues further.Keywords: ExaminationforProfessionalPracticeinPsychology,EPPP,licensure,educationandtraining,competence
Ifosfamide chemotherapy for pancreatic carcinoma

From April 1982 through February 1984, 29 patients with pancreatic cancer were treated with ifosfamide (1.25–1.5 g/m2 on days 1–5) +N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 2 g p.o. every 6 h on days 1–7 every 3 weeks. In responding patients without serious toxicity, subsequent courses of ifosfamide were escalated every 3 weeks by 0.25 g/m2 per day to a maximum of 2 g/m2 per day, with escalation of NAC to 12 g/day. Patients with KPS 2 mg/d l, or obstructive uropathy were ineligible. The median age was 54 (range 36–78), median KPS 70, and median pretreatment weight loss 9 kg. Toxicity included nausea, vomiting, moderate myelosuppression, and occasional mental confusion. Hematuria (>11 RBC/HPF) developed in only 1/29 courses (17 patients) of ifosfamide at ≥1.75 g/m2 per day, and in 7/52 courses (27 patients) overall (13%). Of 27 evaluable patients 6 responded (22%), including 1 with complete response. The median survival was 6 months. Based upon these results, we are currently evaluating ifosfamide + 5-fluorouracil in pancreatic cancer.
Game-theoretic paradigms in collaborative research: Part 1 – theoretical background

We wish to better understand how to be successful in conducting collaborative scientific research in today’s knowledge-based economy. The goal of industry- or government-supported research is to ultimately benefit the sponsor and society. The measure of success is validated by the implementation of research results among the sponsoring industries or governments, resulting in economic advancement and other benefits. Employing participants in today’s supply chain, we will specifically examine the effectiveness of industry-funded logistics-research when disseminated to the constituent enterprises. Our focus is the multi-party dynamics of knowledge dissemination, acceptance and its translation into implementation. To understand the chemistry among participants, we review game theory and information value theory , both of which determine the effectiveness of collaborative research, considering the coexistence of cooperation and competition among participating enterprises.
Comparison of mapping criteria for hemodynamically tolerated, postinfarction ventricular tachycardia.

Background Mapping criteria for hemodynamically tolerated, postinfarction ventricular tachycardia (VT) have been evaluated in only small series of patients. Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of various mapping criteria for identifying a critical VT circuit isthmus in a post hoc analysis. Methods Ninety VTs (cycle length 491 ± 84 ms) were mapped in 48 patients with a prior myocardial infarction. The mapping catheter was positioned within a protected area of the reentrant circuit of the targeted VTs at 176 sites. All sites showed concealed entrainment. The predictive values of the following mapping criteria for a successful ablation site were compared: discrete isolated potential during VT, inability to dissociate the isolated potential from the VT, endocardial activation time >70 ms, matching electrogram-QRS and stimulus-QRS intervals, VT termination without global capture during pacing, stimulus-QRS/VT cycle length ratio ≤0.7, and postpacing interval. For each criterion, the receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed, and the area under the curve was calculated to assess the discriminatory value of the criterion. Results Seventy-eight of 90 VTs (87%) were successfully ablated. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was largest (0.89) for matching stimulus-QRS and electrogram-QRS intervals. In combination with an isolated potential that could not be dissociated from the VT, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve increased to 0.93. Conclusion At sites with concealed entrainment, matching stimulus-QRS and electrogram-QRS intervals were superior to other criteria in differentiating a critical isthmus from bystander or noncritical sites in postinfarction VT.
Preliminary Analysis of the “Survey of Educators’ Knowledge and Value of Research-Based Practices for Students With Autism”

Because of the increased prevalence of autism and current legislation mandates, public schools are increasingly responsible for educating students with autism. The current literature describes a variety of instructional methods that have been successful in educating these students. However, many educators are not exposed to this information. To determine educators’ needs in this area, the knowledge they possess and the information they value regarding these methods must be determined. The purpose of this study was to develop a survey that measures educators’ knowledge of research-based practices for instructing students with autism and the value they place on information regarding these practices and then conduct a preliminary analysis of the survey’s psychometric properties. The results indicated that the survey possesses excellent reliability and good construct validity. It is expected that this survey can be used by school districts as a needs assessment that will support the provision of continuing ed...
Joint NASA/USAF Airborne Field Mill Program - Operation and safety considerations during flights of a Lear 28 airplane in adverse weather

A NASA Langley Research Center Learjet 28 research airplane was flown in various adverse weather conditions in the vicinity of the NASA Kennedy Space Center from 1990-1992 to measure airborne electric fields during the Joint NASA/USAF Airborne Field Mill Program. The objective of this program was to characterize the electrical activity in various weather phenomena common to the NASA-Kennedy area in order to refine Launch Commit Criteria for natural and triggered lightning. The purpose of the program was to safely relax the existing launch commit criteria, thereby increasing launch availability and reducing the chance for weather holds and delays. This paper discusses the operational conduct of the flight test, including environmental/safety considerations, aircraft instrumentation and modification, test limitations, flight procedures, and the procedures and responsibilities of the personnel in the ground station. Airborne field mill data were collected for all the Launch Commit Criteria during two summer and two winter deployments. These data are now being analyzed.
078 What Does an Evidence-Based Guideline Committee Do When There is Insufficient Evidence to Make a Recommendation

Background When guidelines are called evidence-based (EBGs) the implication is that there was a transparent and systematic assessment of evidence. However, evidence is often insufficient to draw conclusions. In these cases, what do guideline committees do? Objectives To estimate the proportion of recommendations in a set of EBGs for which there was insufficient evidence and to determine the implications for the guidelines. Methods We reviewed EBGs developed by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and classified each recommendation as developed using evidence (i.e., graded) or consensus. Results We identified 143 recommendations from 7 EBGs. More than half of the recommendations were consensus-based (61%) while 39% were evidence-based. Of those classified as evidence-based, 41% were non-recommendations; these were statements where the committee felt unable to make a recommendation for or against a particular action (insufficient grade). The consensus-based recommendations included 11% adopted from other organisations; only a quarter of the consensus-based statements were developed using an apparent formal method. Discussion Committee members often feel compelled to provide recommendations for the community even in the face of insufficient evidence. This limits the transparency of the EBG. Further research is needed to determine the potential implications for implementation. Implications for Guideline Developers/Users Guidance is needed for guideline developers on best practices for if or when to consider consensus-based recommendations and how to develop such recommendations. The guidelines should clearly outline choices, such as when a consensus-based recommendation was made versus not making a recommendation, and the methods used.
Malignant lymphomas of the gastrointestinal tract

Malignant lymphomas involving the gastrointestinal tract are predominantly non-Hodgkin's varieties. Abnormal lymphoid tissue may grow to displace, invade, or encase the gastrointestinal tract at almost any level. Some varieties of malignant lymphomas arise in the abdominal area and produce malabsorption difficulties and abnormal serum proteins.
Structural and elastic properties of transition-metal superlattices.

We have calculated the equilibrium geometries and elastic properties of transition-metal superlattices (Cu-Ni, Cu-Pd, and Cu-Au) over a range of composition modulation wavelengths for both slab-layered systems (with alternating equal-width slabs of the constituents) and for systems with a sinusoidally modulated composition. The energies and equilibrium geometries were obtained with the embedded-atom method and the elastic constants were determined both by considering appropriate sums over the dynamical matrix and by calculating the energy of specific deformations of the unit cell. No enhancements of the elastic constants or moduli were found for any of the systems considered, in agreement with recent experimental results.
Occlusion rate and complications of plastic biliary stent placement in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for pancreatic cancer with malignant biliary obstruction.

Goals Determine the stent patency rates, need for additional procedures, and complications of plastic biliary during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Background Malignant biliary obstruction is a common feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and palliative plastic biliary stents are often placed during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy before operative resection. Results Forty-nine patients with resectable or locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma and biliary obstruction had a plastic biliary stent placed endoscopically before receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The median time from stent placement to surgery was 150 days (range 71-227 d). Twenty-two patients (45%) had stents that remained patent throughout the course of neoadjuvant therapy. The remaining 27 patients (55%) required repeat ERCP for stent exchange, a median of 82.5 days after original stent placement (range 14-183 d). Fourteen were owing to abnormal liver enzymes or jaundice and 13 were owing to ascending cholangitis. Seventeen of these patients (63%) required hospitalization for either biliary obstruction or cholangitis. The median duration of hospital stay associated with stent exchange was 3 days (range 2-13 d). Conclusions Plastic biliary stents do not maintain patency during the time required for most patients to complete neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Initially placing metallic stents to palliate malignant obstruction may be a safer and more cost-effective strategy.
Incipient separation between a frictionless flat punch and an anisotropic multilayered half plane

Abstract A solution to the frictionless contact of rigid flat indenters on arbitrarily layered, anisotropic half planes is obtained using Fourier transforms and the local-global stiffness matrix technique. The local-global stiffness matrix method involves reformulating the problem in terms of interfacial displacements as the basic unknowns, and has been shown to be an efficient method for solving mixed boundary-value problems of laminated media. The contact problem of a rigid punch gives rise to a mixed boundary condition of known displacement gradient and unknown pressure distribution in the contact area. This mixed boundary condition is reduced to a singular integral equation involving the unknown pressure using the asymptotic properties of the global stiffness matrix. A solution for the contact pressure distribution is then obtained from the singular integral equation using a technique provided by Erdogan, which involves the use of orthogonal Chebychev polynomials. The results are employed to determine the boundaries between full and two-region, and full and three-region, contact solution zones in separation parameter spaces that illustrate the effect of geometric and material parameters on the incipient separation between a flat punch and the top layer of a half plane laminated with isotropic, transversely isotropic and monoclinic plies.
A Practical Guide to Self-Sustaining Point-of-Care Ultrasound Education Programs in Resource-Limited Settings

The value of point-of-care ultrasound education in resource-limited settings is increasingly recognized, though little guidance exists on how to best construct a sustainable training program. Herein we offer a practical overview of core factors to consider when developing and implementing a point-of-care ultrasound education program in a resource-limited setting. Considerations include analysis of needs assessment findings, development of locally relevant curriculum, access to ultrasound machines and related technological and financial resources, quality assurance and follow-up plans, strategic partnerships, and outcomes measures. Well-planned education programs in these settings increase the potential for long-term influence on clinician skills and patient care.
Changing Personal Profile of Agricultural Economists: Looking to the Future

In his presidential address last year, Houck referred to the changing makeup of the association's membership over time and surmised that a dwindling majority of members grew up as farm or rural kids. It is very likely that the demographics of both professional agricultural economists and their clientele (as well as the issues facing agriculture and agribusiness) will be substantially different from those of the 1950s to 1970s. Houck goes on in his address to say that the profession grows and changes mainly from the inside, not as the result of former outsiders joining us and altering our agenda. However, two relevant questions remaining are, do the characteristics of agricultural economists affect their views about agricultural economic issues, and what will be the characteristics and views of members of the profession in the future? Pope and Hallam have provided empirical information on whether agricultural economists agreed or disagreed with a variety of professional issues, such as technical methods, preferred policy options, and the role of government in data collection. They found evidence that views did vary by personal characteristics of agricultural economists, including whether one had agricultural business interests, school and educational attainment, field of study, type of employer, and age. In this paper we first describe recent trends in the personal characteristics of agricultural economists and changes in the subject matter of research published in the AJAE. Next, we describe characteristics of current agricultural economists working in universities and the Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA with a focus on differences by age cohort. Finally, we offer our subjective views on what we are likely to look like as a profession in the future. Recent Trends in Personal Characteristics and Published Research
cis-acting sequences required for in vivo amplification of genomic RNA3 are organized differently in related bromoviruses.

Abstract Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) is a positive-strand RNA virus that infects dicotyledonous plants. The genome comprises three capped RNAs: RNA1 (3.2 kb), RNA2 (2.9 kb), and RNA3 (2.1 kb). cis -Acting sequences required for amplification in vivo were explored for RNA3, which does not contribute trans -acting factors to viral RNA replication. Using a CCMV cDNA expression system, deletions throughout RNA3 were constructed and tested for successful replication in barley protoplasts coinoculated with RNAs 1 and 2. As previously found for RNA3 of the related brome mosaic virus (BMV) ( R. French and P. Ahlquist, 1987 , J. Virol. 61, 1457–1465), either of the two coding regions can be individually deleted without blocking RNA3 amplification. However, in striking contrast to BMV, the entire intercistronic noncoding region separating these genes is also dispensible for CCMV RNA3 amplification. Moreover, although simultaneous deletions of the 3a and coat protein genes were deleterious for BMV RNA3 accumulation, CCMV RNA3 derivatives bearing larger deletions encompassing the 3a gene, intercistronic region, and coat protein gene amplify to high levels. Thus, unlike BMV RNA3, cis -acting sequences required for CCMV RNA3 amplification map solely in the 5′ and 3′ noncoding regions. Normal levels of CCMV RNA3 accumulation require over 125 but no more than 220 bases from the 3′ noncoding region, and no more than the first 89 bases of the 238-base-long 5′ noncoding region.
Ki-1 ANAPLASTIC LARGE CELL LYMPHOMA WITH A PROMINENT LEUKEMIC PHASE

Patients with Ki-1 (CD30)-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) occasionally have rare circulating lymphoma cells. We report a case of ALCL with a prominent leukemic phase. A 36-year-old man presented with widespread ALCL involving lymph nodes, spleen, pleural fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and bone marrow. His white blood cell count was 106,000/mm3 with 20% lymphoma cells. The circulating neoplastic cells were large, and had irregular nuclei with multiple small nucleoli, ample cytoplasm, and multiple clear cytoplasmic vacuoles. This case illustrates that ALCL may have a marked leukemic phase composed of large anaplastic cells.
Proximal and distal correlates of adolescent mothers' parenting attitudes

We used an ecological approach to examine the correlates of 535 adolescent mothers' parenting attitudes. Participants' attitudes towards parenting were related to their current self-esteem, social support, domestic violence victimization, substance abuse, as well as their childhood history of physical and sexual abuse. Many adolescent mothers experienced a range of past and present stressors that often cooccurred and suggest that risk factors seldom operate in isolation. Importantly, both proximal and distal factors were associated with adolescent mothers' empathy, role reversal, and attitudes towards corporal punishment. These variables not only had significant bivariate correlations with parenting attitudes, but many historical and current factors were also significantly related to the outcome measures when other predictor variables were controlled.
Federated databases and systems: part II --- a tutorial on their resource consolidation

The issues and solutions for the interoperability of a class of heterogeneous databases and their database systems are expounded in two parts. Part I presented the data-sharing issues in federated databases and systems (Hsiao, 1992). The present article explores resource-consolidation issues. Interoperability in this context refers to data sharing among heterogeneous databases, and to resource consolidation of computer hardware, system software, and support personnel. Resource consolidation requires the presence of a database system architecture which supports the heterogeneous system software, thereby eliminating the need for various computer hardware and support personnel. The class of heterogeneous databases and database systems expounded herein is termed federated, meaning that they are joined in order to meet certain organizational requirements and because they require their respective application specificities, integrity constraints, and security requirements to be upheld. Federated databases and systems are new. While there are no technological solutions, there has been considerable research towards their development. This tutorial is aimed at exposing the need for such solutions. A taxonomy is introduced in our review of existing research undertakings and exploratory developments. With this taxonomy, we contrast and compare various approaches to federating databases and systems.
Short-Term Use of Intravenous Milrinone for Heart Failure

T he peak III phosphodiesterase inhibitors, amrinone and milrinone, produce a combination of inotropic augmentation, vasodilation, and accelerated diastolic relaxation. When administered to patients with heart failure they acutely effect salutary changes in hemodynamits: an increase in cardiac output and a reduction in left and right heart filling pressures. This editorial review focuses on the newer agent, milrinone, examining its clinical pharmacology, its clinical effects, and its role in patient management.
Elevated Depression Symptoms, Antidepressant Medicine Use, and Risk of Developing Diabetes During the Diabetes Prevention Program

OBJECTIVE—To assess the association between elevated depression symptoms or antidepressant medicine use on entry to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and during the study and the risk of developing diabetes during the study. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—DPP participants (n = 3,187) in three treatment arms (intensive lifestyle [ILS], metformin [MET], and placebo [PLB]) completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and reported their use of antidepressant medication at randomization and throughout the study (average duration in study 3.2 years). RESULTS—When other factors associated with the risk of developing diabetes were controlled, elevated BDI scores at baseline or during the study were not associated with diabetes risk in any arm. Baseline antidepressant use was associated with diabetes risk in the PLB (hazard ratio 2.25 [95% CI 1.38–3.66]) and ILS (3.48 [1.93–6.28]) arms. Continuous antidepressant use during the study (compared with no use) was also associated with diabetes risk in the same arms (PLB 2.60 [1.37– 4.94]; ILS 3.39 [1.61–7.13]), as was intermittent antidepressant use during the study in the ILS arm (2.07 [1.18–3.62]). Among MET arm participants, antidepressant use was not associated with developing diabetes. CONCLUSIONS—A strong and statistically significant association between antidepressant use and diabetes risk in the PLB and ILS arms was not accounted for by measured confounders or mediators. If future research finds that antidepressant use independently predicts diabetes risk, efforts to minimize the negative effects of antidepressant agents on glycemic control should be pursued.
Atom interferometry with ultra-cold atoms

Summary form only given. Recent advances in the field of atom interferometry have opened the possibility of a new class of precise and accurate inertial force sensors. We have built laboratory prototypes of accelerometers, gravity gradiometers and gyroscopes based on atom interference principles which now perform at levels which compare favorably with other state-of-the-art sensors. These instruments, and their applications in science and technology, will be presented. Applications range from new tests of general relativity to the development of next generation inertial navigation systems. The possible impact of Bose-Einstein condensed atomic sources will be assessed in the context of these applications. In particular, proof-of-principle measurements of the acceleration due to gravity, based on an effect analogous to the AC Josephson effect, will be discussed, as well as methods which exploit squeezed atomic states to enhance measurement sensitivity.
Diagnostic evaluation of aortoiliac occlusive disease: when is a lesion significant?

Many methods, both invasive and noninvasive, are currently available for evaluation of the aortoiliac arterial system before and after percutaneous intervention. Optimal evaluation requires a combination of morphologic and functional information to localize, characterize, and assess the hemodynamic significance of any primary or residual arterial narrowing. In this article, we consider these methods, with an emphasis on the combination of contrast arteriography and intra-arterial pressure measurements in current management of aortoiliac disease.
Operation serializability for embedded systems

We consider the problem of generation of embedded software from input system descriptions in a hardware description language (HDL). Generation of software for embedded computing requires a total ordering of operations, or linearization, under constraints to ensure timely interaction with other system components. We show by example conditions where no ordering of operations in a HDL can produce the modeled functionality in software. Therefore, the existence condition for software generation, or serializability, must be ensured before attempting any linearization. We present the conditions based on variable definition and use analysis under which operation linearization is possible. We then present our approach to operation serialization under timing constraints to produce efficient schedules for the embedded software.