cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Allograft Rejection After Liver Transplantation for Autoimmune Liver Diseases

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) may progress to liver failure, requiring liver transplantation as definitive therapy, and these immune-mediated disorders may predispose the patient to more frequent graft rejection. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of preexisting AILD on the incidence of allograft rejection after liver transplantation. Sixty-three patients who underwent liver transplantation between March 1988 and December 1994 for AILDs that included autoimmune hepatitis (AIH; n = 33) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC; n = 30) were retrospectively compared with 47 patients who underwent liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis during the same time period. There was a lower incidence of acute allograft rejection in patients with AILD who received tacrolimus-based compared with cyclosporine-based immunosuppression (50% v 85.5%; P = .02). However, patients with AILDs overall had a higher incidence of acute rejection than patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (81% v 46.8%; P < .001), regardless of the type of immunosuppression. In addition, steroid-resistant rejection occurred more frequently in patients with AILDs than in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (38.1% v 12.8%; P = .003). There was also a trend toward a higher incidence of chronic rejection in patients with AILDs compared with patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (11.1% v 2.1%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Patient and graft survivals at 1 and 3 years were similar between patients with AILDs and alcoholic liver disease. Compared with alcoholic cirrhosis, preexisting AILDs are associated with a higher incidence of acute allograft rejection and a trend toward more frequent chronic rejection.
Spinoza on Friendship

Friendships have always been one of the most valuable assets in the lives of human beings, and friendships were of utmost importance to Spinoza. There are different kinds of friendship but for Spinoza genuine friendship can only occur among those who pursue the truth. In this paper I will (1) point out what Spinoza means by the truth, (2) show how friendships are possible even though there is tension in our lives between our desire to preserve ourselves and our desire to preserve others, (3) differentiate two kinds of friendship, and (4) see what if anything is missing from his account of friendship.
Shrinking of Solid-state Nanopores by Direct Thermal Heating

Solid-state nanopores have emerged as useful single-molecule sensors for DNA and proteins. A novel and simple technique for solid-state nanopore fabrication is reported here. The process involves direct thermal heating of 100 to 300 nm nanopores, made by focused ion beam (FIB) milling in free-standing membranes. Direct heating results in shrinking of the silicon dioxide nanopores. The free-standing silicon dioxide membrane is softened and adatoms diffuse to a lower surface free energy. The model predicts the dynamics of the shrinking process as validated by experiments. The method described herein, can process many samples at one time. The inbuilt stress in the oxide film is also reduced due to annealing. The surface composition of the pore walls remains the same during the shrinking process. The linear shrinkage rate gives a reproducible way to control the diameter of a pore with nanometer precision.
Discipline as a mediator of the impact of maternal stress and mood on child conduct problems.

Using a within-subject, time series approach, two competing models concerning the temporal relations between maternal distress (mood and stress), maternal discipline, and child conduct problems were assessed. Two measures of each of these constructs were collected at 10 assessment points, each separated by 3 to 4 days, in each of 10 single-parent families with a 4- to 5-year-old conduct problem child. After standardizing each of the measures over repeated assessment points in each family and aggregating the data across families, the models were tested using correlational and structural equation analyses. The fit of the data to the models supported the hypothesis that the association of maternal distress with child conduct problems is mediated by her disciplinary practices. On days when mothers reported more negative mood and stress, they were more likely to demonstrate poor disciplinary tactics. Temporal variation in discipline was, in turn, related to same-day variation in the frequency of child conduct problems. However, the model hypothesizing a direct relationship from maternal distress to child problems in addition to the indirect path through discipline was also supported, suggesting that maternal discipline is not the sole mediating variable.
Evaluation of Dielectric Resonator Sensor for Near-Field Breast Tumor Detection

An H-shape ultrawideband (UWB) dielectric resonator (DR) mounted on a vertical ground plane edge with broadside radiation patterns is evaluated for breast tumor detection. In order to scan the whole breast, the proposed DR sensor can be attached to the skin without a need for matching medium. The sensor has a wide half power beamwidth, therefore path loss is reduced. In addition, the DR sensor provides very good pulse-preserving performance such as low distortion and constant gain characteristics with high efficiency. The small footprints of the sensor over the skin allows for more sensors nearby or in contact with the breast skin. Suitability of the compact DR sensor for breast tumor detection can be seen from frequency domain analyses as well as time domain analyses. Accurate tumor response is obtained due to the compact size and very good sensor characteristics.
Dimensional comparison of the sawtooth pattern in transmembrane potential

The authors study the steady-state response to an outer electric field in a 3D cardiac model with periodic structure. The applied field generates a sawtooth pattern in the transmembrane potential similar to the one found in 1D simulations. In higher dimensions however, the cell geometry, the relation between the conductivity of the intracellular matrix and the gap junctional resistance, and the 3D relation between the cells all determine the magnitude and the shape of the sawtooth. Altering the way in which the cells are aligned, or smearing out the gap junctions without altering their total resistance, can, each change the magnitude of the sawtooth by 25% and alter its shape significantly. >
Bradycardia‐Induced Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia After Atrioventricular Junction Ablation for Sinus Tachycardia‐Induced Cardiomyopathy

In a patient with severe left ventricular dysfunction resulting from chronic nonparoxysmal sinus tachycardia, rate control and improvement in left ventricular function were achieved with atrioventricular junction ablation and ventricular pacemaker implantation. Within 12 hours after the ablation procedure, several episodes of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that may have been triggered by the abruptly decreased heart rate occurred. Recurrence of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia was prevented by an increase in pacing rate.
Ets-1 is a critical transcriptional regulator of reactive oxygen species and p47(phox) gene expression in response to angiotensin II.

Angiotensin (Ang) II is a potent mediator of vascular inflammation. A central mechanism by which Ang II promotes inflammation is through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the current study, we investigated the role of the transcription factor Ets-1 in regulating Ang II–induced ROS generation. ROS generation was measured in the thoracic aorta of Ets-1−/− mice compared with littermate controls after continuous infusion of Ang II. H2O2 and superoxide anion (O2−) production were significantly blunted in the Ets-1−/− mice. Inhibition of Ets-1 expression by small interfering RNA in primary human aortic smooth muscle cells also potently inhibited ROS production and the induction of the NAD(P)H oxidase subunit p47phox in response to Ang II. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting Ets-1 in wild-type mice, dominant negative Ets-1 membrane-permeable peptides were administered systemically. Ang II–induced ROS production and medial hypertrophy in the thoracic aorta were markedly diminished as a result of blocking Ets-1. In summary, Ets-1 functions as a critical downstream transcriptional mediator of Ang II ROS generation by regulating the expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits such as p47 phox .
Antibiotics: Has the magic gone?

The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria has diminished the efficacy of several antibiotics that were used to treat infectious diseases in humans and animals. In recent years, the problem of antibiotic resistance has become more apparent as increasing numbers of bacteria have acquired resistance to multiple antibiotics. Antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth through a variety of mechanisms including inhibition of cell wall or protein synthesis, interference with DNA (or RNA) replication, and disruption of metabolic pathways or cell membrane. Bacteria develop resistance through genetic mutations or by acquiring resistant genes involved in the production of antibiotic degrading enzymes, overproduction of target molecules, efflux pumps to drain out antibiotics, and/or altered cell wall permeability to survive adverse physiological conditions. Published literature suggests that sub-therapeutic feeding of food animals for growth promotion along with casual use of antibiotics in household products such as soaps and creams is contributing to increased antimicrobial resistance in the environment. If steps are not taken to minimize selective pressure on bacteria, the effectiveness of antibiotics (hailed as ‘magic bullets’) may be marginalized. Important steps in the judicious use of antibiotics on the farm are: (1) education of farmers on the pitfalls of using antibiotics sub-therapeutically in the production of food animals; (2) development of animal production practices that reduce dependence on antibiotics; and (3) development of manure disposal practices that minimize the spread of residual antibiotics and antibiotic resistant bacteria into the environment. In addition, educating the general public on the use and misuse of antibiotics in daily life is also important if there is to be any significant impact on reducing the environmental spread of antibiotic resistance. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
44.3: Mechanical Robustness of Thin AMLCD Glass Substrates Under Point Loading

The biaxial strength of 0.7mm thick AMLCD substrates of Code 1737G glass was measured under the point loading using hemispherical lifter pin made from two different materials, namely PEEK plastic and aluminum metal. The effect of impact-generated damage by these pins on biaxial strength was also quantified using strain gages on tension and compression sides. The data show that biaxial strength under point loading is 34% higher that due to a uniform bending moment over a large central area. The effect of impact damage of up to 4.5N** force was quantified using this test. The minimum strength of as-received specimens was reduced by 14% in the case of PEEK lifter pin and 41% in the case of aluminum pin suggesting the latter to be more damaging that PEEK lifter pin. The mean strength, however, was not affected adversely.
The Clinical Characteristics and Predictive Factors of Stage IV Breast Cancer at the Initial Presentation: A Review of a Single Institute's Data

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate stage IV breast cancer at the initial presentation by the review of a single institute’ data. We also tried to figure out the factors to predict stage IV breast cancer. Methods: We reviewed the prospectively collected database of 1,424 consecutive patients with primary breast cancer at the National Cancer Center in Korea from October 2000 to January 2005. Results: The proportion of stage IV breast cancer was 2.7% (38/1,424). The median tumor size of the stage IV patients was 4.1 cm. The most common metastatic site was bone (47.4%) followed by lung (44.7%) and liver (36.8%). Metastases were found in 0.9% (6/672) of the T1 tumors, 2.4% (13/535) of the T2 tumors, 8.3% (4/48) of the T3 tumors, and 27.1% (13/48) of the T4 tumors (p 104 IU/L) (p=0.013), aspartate transferase (>40 IU/L) (p=0.003) and CA15-3 (>32 U/mL) (p=0.025). Conclusion: Our study showed that the factors to predict distant metastasis of breast cancer were large size of tumor, positive lymph node status, elevated alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transferase and CA15-3. Therefore breast cancer patients with those clinical characteristics should be carefully evaluated to detect distant metastasis. (J Breast Cancer 2007; 10:101-6)
A Simple Proof that π is Irrational

Let π = a/b, the quotient of positive integers. We define the polynomials $$ \begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {f(x) = \frac{{{x^n}{{(a - bx)}^n}}}{{n!}},} \\ {F(x) = f(x) - {f^{(2)}}(x) + {f^4}(x) - + {{( - 1)}^n}{f^{(2n)}}(x)} \\ \end{array} $$ the positive integer n being specified later. Since n!F{x) has integral coefficients and terms in x of degree not less than n, f(x) and its derivatives f (i)(x) have integral values for x = 0; also for x = π = a/b, since f(x) = f(a/b-x). By elementary calculus we have $$ \frac{d}{{dx}}\left\{ {F'(x)\sin x - F(x)\cos x} \right\} = F''(x)\sin x + F(x)\sin x = f(x)\sin x $$ and $$ \frac{d}{{dx}}\left\{ {F'\left( x \right)\sin x - F\left( x \right)\cos x} \right\} = F''\left( x \right)\sin x + F\left( x \right) = f\left( x \right)\sin x$$ (1) .
Theoretical studies of a singlet oxygen-releasing dioxapaddlane (1,4-diicosa naphthalene-1,4-endoperoxide)

Theoretical calculations have been used to examine singlet oxygen release from a naphthalene endoperoxide which bears a flexible (CH(2))(22) polymethylene "lid". Monte Carlo and ONIOM calculations that incorporated semi-empirical and density functional theory predicted the conformational influence of the polymethylene chain in the cycloreversion of dioxapaddlane, 1,4-diicosa naphthalene-1,4-endoperoxide, to (1)O(2) and 1,4-diicosa naphthalene. This study attempts to build a connection between (1)O(2) generation and "jump rope" dynamics of the dioxapaddlane. The polymethylene chain appears to function as a gatekeeper for the oxygen. Instead of coming full circle, a semi-circle rotation of the polymethylene bridge protected the peroxide group, limiting the dissociation of (1)O(2) from the naphthalene site.
An Anti‐angiogenic Reverse Thermal Gel as a Drug‐Delivery System for Age‐Related Wet Macular Degeneration

Reverse thermal gels have numerous biomedical implications, as they undergo physical gelation upon temperature increases and can incorporate biomolecules to promote tissue repair. Such a material is developed for the sustained release of bevacizumab (Avastin), a drug used to treat age-related macular degeneration. The polymer, poly(ethylene glycol)-poly-(serinol hexamethylene urethane) (ESHU), forms a physical gel when heated to 37 °C and shows good cytocompatibility with ocular cells. ESHU is capable of sustaining bevacizumab release over 17 weeks in vitro, and the release kinetics can be altered by changing the drug dose and the ESHU concentration. These results suggest that ESHU is biologically safe, and suitable for ocular drug delivery.
Phase continuity and inversion in polymer blends and simultaneous interpenetrating networks

A semi-empirical expression for predicting phase continuity and inversion in polymer blends and simultaneous interpenetrating networks (SINs) was developed and examined experimentally. A rheological model based on the volume fraction, ϕ, and viscosity, η, led to the equation as the criteria for dual phase continuity for phases 1 and 2. This relation was evaluated for two systems: a castor oil polyester-urethane/polystyrene SIN, and a mechanical blend of polystyrene and polybutadiene. Literature data was also examined. A gradual phase inversion was found, with a region of dual phase continuity in between. While predictions of phase continuity were confirmed for the mechanical blends, they were not confirmed for the SIN system. This was probably due to rapid gelation at the point of phase inversion.
Micro Environments of the Meso Realm

This chapter shifts the focus to microlevel environments—that is, encounters—that constrain the operation of corporate and categoric units. Emphasis is placed on the processes operating in all encounters: meeting need states, status-organizing processes, role processes, emotional arousal, symbol and culture use, interpersonal demography, and ecology. These processes, as they unfold in encounters, constrain how corporate units can organize their divisions of labor and how categoric units can sustain beliefs about differences among individuals in societies.
The Relationship between Social Support and Student Adjustment: A Longitudinal Analysis.

This study is an examination of the relationship of perceived social support and adolescents' adjustment behaviors over time. The sample (n = 82) included students from two at-risk urban middle schools. Utilizing two measures, the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale (CASSS; C. K. Malecki, M. K. Demaray, & S. N. Elliott, 2000) and the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Self Report of Personality (BASC; C. R. Reynolds & R. W. Kamphaus, 1998), data were collected at three time points. Results point to a relationship between social support and student adjustment behaviors over time. Specifically, support from parents was related to clinical maladjustment and emotional symptoms one year later. In fact, parent support was still related to clinical maladjustment one year later even after students' earlier levels of clinical maladjustment were taken into account. Parent support was also related to personal adjustment in the short term (6 months). Classmate support was related to students' emotional symptoms one year later. Finally, school support was related to school maladjustment one year later even after students' earlier school maladjustment was taken into account. Implications for school psychologists are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 42: 691–706, 2005.
A Security-Enabled Wireless Token Cluster MAC Protocol with Intelligent Token Policy

Most existing wireless MAC protocols are based on the assumption that all hosts cooperate with each other and are compliant to predefined rules, which is not always true in wireless network. Therefore, wireless MACs are often vulnerable to MAC misbehaviors from which selfish hosts could gain unfair channel access at the expense of others' performance by deviating from protocols. Recently, researches on MAC misbehaviors have drawn considerable attention. The detection of misbehaviors is quite challenging due to the intrinsic random feature of the contension-based wireless MAC design. Besides, the contention-based random access protocols cannot support bounded delay or guaranteed channel throughput, two important aspects of QoS. In this paper, we propose STC-MAC, a Seurity-enalbed Wireless Token Cluster MAC Protocol. Thus, the reserved channel access and bounded delay could be achieved with the help of the dynamic infrastructure. With an intelligent multi-token awarding policy, the proposed approach takes advantage of "space reuse" in wireless network to further improve the channel utilization. In addition, an effective detection and penalty scheme is designed to coutermeasure against possible selfish MAC misbehaviors.
Composite Shadowgraphy and Luminosity Images of Self Breakdown Discharge Channels in Transformer Oil

The physics of cathode initiated discharge formation leading to self breakdown in transformer oil is investigated using high speed electrical and optical diagnostics in a coaxial system with a point/plane axial discharge. Previous research conducted on self breakdown channel formation using high speed shadowgraphy and photography of the emitted light has shown tree-like structures for both cathode and anode initiated discharges, with characteristic differences. Cathode initiated discharges expand faster to a more "bushy" appearance, whereas anode initiated discharges show branching localized channels. So far, the spatial resolution to detect small luminous areas in pre- breakdown discharges and to determine their correlation to low density regions visible in the shadowgraphs was not sufficient in the experiments described in this paper, thus a systematic variation of exposure times, and time delays between luminosity pictures and shadowgraphy pictures has been performed. These experiments confirm that the luminosity emitted during prebreakdown events is generated from the low density regions seen in the shadowgraphy images, indicating charge amplification mechanisms in the gas phase for cathode initiated events. This statement is further supported by the dependence of both the channel dynamics and the light emission at lowered hydrostatic pressure.
Statistical Objective Analysis of Dual-Doppler Radar Data from a Tornadic Storm

Abstract The horizontal wind and reflectivity fields in a tornadic storm are investigated with dual-Doppler radar. Emphasis is placed on a statistical objective analysis technique of the Eddy-Gandin type for determining these fields at grid-points. A space-time correction is first made to the observations. Weighting of data to grid-points with a linear regression model required computation of a spatial autocorrelation function for different storm regions. This function was found to fall off faster vertically than horizontally, and is quite dependent on storm structure. The analyzed fields were reasonably smooth. The low-level storm structure revealed an intense tornado cyclone with a corresponding weak echo region, barrier flow of environmental winds, and several other interesting features.
Injury, Fatal and Nonfatal: Firearm Injuries

Firearms injuries are relatively common. Firearms may be divided into handguns and long-guns. Firearm barrels are either rifled or smooth. Weapons/ammunition may be considered low-velocity versus high-velocity. Further subcategorization may occur via ammunition size or type, the specific mechanical structure of firearm, or a variety of other features. Wound features vary according to numerous variables, including weapon/ammunition types, whether or not the wound occurs at the site of impact or the site of exit, the specific anatomic site of injury, and the range-of-fire, to name but a few. This chapter attempts to provide a comprehensive review of firearm injuries.
Mentorship in anesthesia.

Purpose of review This article will provide a review of mentorship in academic medicine. The review will include definitions and an overview of the evidence supporting the benefits, barriers, and structure of mentorship programmes in academic medicine and anesthesia. Finally, we will identify areas of further research. Recent findings Mentorship in medicine has been increasingly recognized as a core component of training and career advancement in academic medicine. Mentoring provides many benefits to both mentor and mentee and facilitates the growth of academic departments by improving research productivity, faculty career satisfaction, recruitment, and educational performance. Mentorship programmes may be formal or informal and should include some form of mentor education. There are several barriers to successful mentorship including time constraints, limited availability of mentors, gender, minority status, and generational differences. These barriers may be overcome with improved awareness and sensitivity. Further investigation into the prevalence of mentorship and specific needs in our specialty are urgently required. Summary Mentorship has been demonstrated to be an integral part of training and career development in academic medicine and benefits both mentees and mentors. Despite the promotion of mentorship in many academic anesthesia departments, little is published in the available literature supporting mentorship in anesthesia.
Non-Orientable Cases (Index 1)

It is our intention to determine the non-orientable genus of K n which means to prove formula (4.19). For n ≦ 8 this was already done in Sections 4.6 and 5.1.
Should we use multiple risk factor interventions for the primary prevention of coronary heart disease

In hypertensive patients at high risk for coronary artery disease, multiple risk factor reduction interventions reduce risk factors and mortality. In other patients, multiple risk factor reduction interventions reduce total cholesterol levels, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) levels, and smoking rates. However, risk factor reduction does not dramatically reduce mortality among low-risk patients. The review did not have sufficient power to demonstrate a small reduction in mortality (less than 10 percent). Therefore, it is possible that there is a small reduction in mortality in low-risk patients.
The Catalan Numbers

The most important special case of Dyck words comes when \( a=b \) so that the words have the same number of dominant and nondominant letters. A slight variation on these Dyck words is ballot , which we also define here for completeness.
Blind Deblurring and Denoising of Images Corrupted by Unidirectional Object Motion Blur and Sensor Noise

Low light photography suffers from blur and noise. In this paper, we propose a novel method to recover a dense estimate of spatially varying blur kernel as well as a denoised and deblurred image from a single noisy and object motion blurred image. A proposed method takes the advantage of the sparse representation of double discrete wavelet transform—a generative model of image blur that simplifies the wavelet analysis of a blurred image—and the Bayesian perspective of modeling the prior distribution of the latent sharp wavelet coefficient and the likelihood function that makes the noise handling explicit. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method on moderate noise and severely blurred images using simulated and real camera data.
ANIONIC FLOTATION OF APATITE FROM DOLOMITE MODIFIED BY THE PRESENCE OF A BACTERIUM

Experimentation was performed on the flotation of apatite and dolomite separately using anionic collectors in the presence of Mycobacterium phlei. Also, the flotation of mixtures of dolomite and apatite in the presence of anionic collectors and in the absence and presence of the bacterium were studied. It was found that M. phlei functions as a depressant for both minerals. However, it functions as a better depressant for dolomite than for apatite. Experimentation was extended to two different Florida dolomitic phosphate rocks. In this investigation a concentrate grade of less than 1.0% MgO was achieved with a 75% P2O5recovery.
Differential Prediction Generalization in College Admissions Testing.

We introduce the concept of differential prediction generalization in the context of college admissions testing. Specifically, we assess the extent to which predicted first-year college grade point average (GPA) based on high-school grade point average (HSGPA) and SAT scores depends on a student’s ethnicity and gender and whether this difference varies across samples. We compared 257,336 female and 220,433 male students across 339 samples, 29,734 Black and 304,372 White students across 247 samples, and 35,681 Hispanic and 308,818 White students across 264 samples collected from 176 colleges and universities between the years 2006 and 2008. Overall, results show a lack of differential prediction generalization because variability remains after accounting for methodological and statistical artifacts including sample size, range restriction, proportion of students across ethnicity- and gender-based subgroups, subgroup mean differences on the predictors (i.e., HSGPA, SAT-Critical Reading, SAT-Math, and SAT-Writing), and SDs for the predictors. We offer an agenda for future research aimed at understanding several contextual reasons for a lack of differential prediction generalization based on ethnicity and gender. Results from such research will likely lead to a better understanding of the reasons for differential prediction and interventions aimed at reducing or eliminating it when it exists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function: Using Natural Attributes of Islands

Islands and island systems offer a number of gradients, attributes, and natural experiments that facilitate examination of relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem function. First, they are often simpler systems than continental areas, reducing the number of complicating variables. Numerous studies, for example, have shown that taxonomic diversity declines strongly with decreasing island size and increasing distance from continental areas (Ash 1992; MacArthur and Wilson 1967; Woodroffe 1987). Even though genetic diversity within species on islands is often high, the overall taxonomic diversity is usually low (Mueller-Dombois 1990). Second, a number of archipelagos contain islands that have similar geologic histories or features (e.g., the Bahamian islands) that reduce complexities in soil age and processes. This can greatly simplify studies of ecosystem processes where highly variable soil conditions make it difficult and sometimes impossible to understand ecosystem functions. Third, and importantly, islands offer a wide gradient of diversity, with natural variation in factors such as latitude, size, age, spatial arrangement, and pattern of disturbance. Many of these factors, notably size and distance from continents, strongly influence biodiversity. Use of these natural gradients and the resulting gradients in biodiversity offers the prospect of establishing natural experiments to examine relationships between biodiversity and functioning within ecosystems.
Trends in E-Cigarette Awareness and Perceived Harmfulness in the U.S.

Introduction Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are gaining in popularity as an alternative to regular cigarettes, as they are viewed as potentially less harmful. However, it remains unclear how awareness about e-cigarettes is permeating through the general U.S. population. This study seeks to extend previous research and examine trends in e-cigarette awareness and perceived harmfulness, and their association with smoking-cessation efforts. Methods Data from three cycles (2012, 2013, and 2014) of the Health Information National Trends Survey were combined into a single data set. Controlling for survey year, multivariate logit models were used to determine the association between demographic characteristics and e-cigarette awareness, perceived harmfulness, quit attempts, and quit intentions. Data were analyzed in 2015. Results Awareness of e-cigarettes increased from 77.1% in 2012 to 94.3% in 2014. Controlling for demographic characteristics, e-cigarette awareness significantly increased in both 2013 and 2014, relative to 2012. Perception that e-cigarettes were less harmful than regular cigarettes declined from 50.7% in 2012 to 43.1% in 2014. Among smokers, no relationship was observed between e-cigarette awareness and past-year quit attempts or quit intentions, but those that viewed e-cigarettes as less harmful were less likely to have a past-year quit attempt. Conclusions These analyses reveal a continued increase in overall public awareness of e-cigarettes and shifting harm perceptions relative to regular cigarettes. New regulatory oversight by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may have major effects on both dimensions, which are worth continued monitoring.
Use of Biomarkers in Predicting the Onset, Monitoring the Progression, and Risk Stratification for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND: As the worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases, it is even more important to develop cost-effective methods to predict and diagnose the onset of diabetes, monitor progression, and risk stratify patients in terms of subsequent cardiovascular and diabetes complications. CONTENT: Nonlaboratory clinical risk scores based on risk factors and anthropomorphic data can help identify patients at greatest risk of developing diabetes, but glycemic indices (hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, and oral glucose tolerance tests) are the cornerstones for diagnosis, and the basis for monitoring therapy. Although family history is a strong predictor of T2DM, only small populations of patients carry clearly identifiable genetic mutations. Better modalities for detection of insulin resistance would improve earlier identification of dysglycemia and guide effective therapy based on therapeutic mechanisms of action, but improved standardization of insulin assays will be required. Although clinical risk models can stratify patients for subsequent cardiovascular risk, the addition of cardiac biomarkers, in particular, high-sensitivity troponin and natriuretic peptide provide, significantly improves model performance and risk stratification. CONCLUSIONS: Much more research, prospectively planned and with clear treatment implications, is needed to define novel biomarkers that better identify the underlying pathogenic etiologies of dysglycemia. When compared with traditional risk features, biomarkers provide greater discrimination of future risk, and the integration of cardiac biomarkers should be considered part of standard risk stratification in patients with T2DM.
Hurricane loss estimation in wood-frame buildings using Bayesian model updating: Assessing uncertainty in fragility and reliability analyses

Abstract This paper proposes a Bayesian model updating method for quantification of uncertainty in the analytical capacity predictions of roof-to-wall connections of wooden structures. The ultimate goals are to construct fragility models for various mitigation options accounting for uncertainties due to model discrepancy and experimental error and to determine the most cost-effective option under a potential hurricane in terms of aggregate loss estimates based on total probability of failure. The proposed approach is applied to both hurricane-clips (mitigated specimen) and toenails (unmitigated specimen) and the exceedance probability of different aggregated loss scenarios are found using both the proposed method and the existing lognormal approach. The advantage of the two-stage Bayesian model is that it provides the uncertainty bound on the exceedance probability which gives a measure of the factors unaccounted for in the capacity estimation process.
Abstract B19: Breast cancer patient-derived xenografts: The University of Illinois at Chicago Cancer Center experience

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to create the first ever breast cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Cancer Center available to all breast cancer investigators. The intention is to provide opportunities to perform preclinical trials of lead cancer drugs as well as to conduct racial disparity studies. Methods: All patient tissues were collected from informed, consented patients with an IRB approved protocol (#14-1078) and with compliance of HIPAA law. None of the patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Within 30 minutes of surgical excision, each tumor specimen was bilaterally implanted into the 2nd thoracic mammary fat pad of two NOD/SCID/IL2γ-receptor null (NSG) mice. Additional tissue was placed in RNAlater for gene expression analysis in successful engraftments. Transplantation sites were monitored daily for one week and measured weekly with calipers using the formula l x w2/2. Formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded sections (5 μm) were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE Feb 11-14, 2016; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(16_Suppl):Abstract nr B19.
Model selection for high b-value diffusion-weighted MRI of the prostate.

Abstract Purpose To assess the abilities of the standard mono-exponential (ME), bi-exponential (BE), diffusion kurtosis (DK) and stretched exponential (SE) models to characterize diffusion signal in malignant and prostatic tissues and determine which of the four models best characterizes these tissues on a per-voxel basis. Materials and methods This institutional-review-board-approved, HIPAA-compliant, retrospective study included 55 patients (median age, 61 years; range, 42–77 years) with untreated, biopsy-proven PCa who underwent endorectal coil MRI at 3-Tesla, diffusion-weighted MRI acquired at eight b-values from 0 to 2000 s/mm2. Estimated parameters were apparent diffusion coefficent (ME model); diffusion coefficients for the fast (Dfast) and slow (Dslow) components and fraction of fast component, ffast (BE model); diffusion coefficient D, and kurtosis K (DK model); distributed diffusion coefficient DDC and α for (SE model). For one region-of-interest (ROI) in PZ and another in PCa in each patient, the corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc) and the Akaike weight (w) were calculated for each voxel. Results Based on AICc and w, all non-monoexponential models outperformed the ME model in PZ and PCa. The DK model in PZ and SE model in PCa ROIs best fit the greatest average percentages of voxels (39% and 43%, respectively) and had the highest mean w (35 ± 16 × 10− 2 and 41 ± 22 × 10− 2, respectively). Conclusion DK and SE models best fit DWI data in PZ and PCa, and non-ME models consistently outperformed the ME model. Voxel-wise mapping of the preferential model demonstrated that the vast majority of voxels in either tissue type were best fit with one of the non-monoexponential models. At the given SNR levels, the maximum b-value of 2000 s/mm2 is not sufficiently high to identify the preferred non-monoexponential model.
The Influence of Family on the Family Business Succession Process: a Multi-Generational Perspective:

The present study develops a process model of succession involving steps undertaken to prepare the family business for succession. The model examined multiple spheres of influence, including indivi...
An achievement test for knowledge-based systems: QUEM

This paper describes QUEM, a method for assessing the skill level of a knowledge-based system based on the quality of the solutions it produces. QUEM is demonstrated by using it to assess the performance of a particular knowledge-based system, P3. QUEM can be viewed as an achievement or job placement test given to know ledge-based systems to help system designers determine how the system should be used, and in what capacity by what level of users. In general, it is difficult to find useful metrics for assessing a system's overall performance. Most literature on evaluation deals with validation, verification and testing in which the primary concern is the correctness and consistency in the databases and rulebases. However, these properties alone may not be sufficient to determine how well a system performs its task. QUEM allows software developers to assess their system's performance by constructing a skill function based on human performance data that relates experience and solution quality. QUEM can be used to gauge the experience level of an individual system, compare two systems, or compare a system to its intended users. This represents an important advance in quantitative measures of over-all system performance that can be applied to a broad range of systems.
Are Libraries Compromising Reader Privacy with Circulation Reminders

A faculty member asked me about reader privacy during a recent meeting. I reassured her that most libraries erase circulation records as soon as the items were returned, that state law protects the privacy of library records, and that libraries in general are doing all they can to make sure that others will not be able to discover what their patrons read. I then suddenly stopped short. A new library service may be undoing all these attempts to protect reader privacy. The e-mail circulation reminders that both my academic and public libraries send me include my name and a record of the books that I’ve checked out. The libraries send these reminders out unencrypted. They get passed through all sorts of transit points on the way to me. They then sit in my e-mail box until I get around to deleting them. Furthermore, my e-mail provider may have cached copies of these e-mails, perhaps in multiple locations, as part of routine backups and other housekeeping duties. I also have my personal backup copies on a flash drive that would become available if anyone stole my briefcase.
Theme-Based Book Review: Considering Work on Ethics in Immigration Policy, Corruption, and Executive/Administrative Practice

This theme-based book review highlights three recent texts, on immigration policy in the United States and European Union; corruption and exclusion; and applied ethics in executive and administrative practice. The review includes Ethical dilemmas of migration: Moral challenges for policymakers, by Jean-Claude Garcia-Zamor; Legal but corrupt: A new perspective on public ethics, edited by Frank Anechiarico; and Administrative ethics and executive decisions: Channeling and containing administrative discretion, by Chad Newswander.
Evaluation of L-1-[18F]Fluoroethyl-Tryptophan for PET Imaging of Cancer.

Fluorine-18 labeled tryptophan analog l-1-[18F]fluoroethyl-tryptophan (l-1-[18F]FETrp) was designed for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of cancer by dual targeting of the overexpressed amino acid transporters and altered indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-mediated kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. In our previous study, we described the radiosynthesis and preliminary evaluation of l-1-[18F]FETrp for PET imaging of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo imaging mechanism and further evaluate this radiotracer in more wide range types of cancers including prostate cancer, lung cancer, and glioma. The mice bearing subcutaneous PC-3 prostate cancer, subcutaneous H2009 and H460 lung cancers, subcutaneous MDA-MB-231, orthotopic A549 lung cancer, and intracranial 73C glioma were employed to evaluate l-1-[18F]FETrp for PET imaging of cancer. The in vivo catabolism of l-1-[18F]FETrp in the tumor was studied by analysis of PC-3 extracts with radio-HPLC. Small animal PET/CT imaging of l-1-[18F]FETrp visualized all tumors in these different mouse models with high accumulations of radioactivity in PC-3 (7.5 ± 0.6 % ID/g), H2009 (5.3 ± 0.8 % ID/g), H460 (9.0 ± 1.4 % ID/g), A549 (4.5 ± 0.5 % ID/g), and 73C (4.1 ± 0.7 % ID/g) tumors. The radio-HPLC analysis of PC-3 tumor extracts revealed that about 30 % of l-1-[18F]FETrp was converted into a highly polar radioactive metabolite. The uptake in H460 cancer was about 1.7-fold higher than that in H2009 cancer, which indicated l-1-[18F]FETrp could differentiate these subtypes of lung cancers (H2009 and H460) by imaging quantification. Furthermore, small animal PET/CT imaging in intracranial glioma revealed l-1-[18F]FETrp could pass blood-brain barrier (BBB) and accumulate in glioma with a favorable imaging contrast (tumor-to-brain 2.9). l-1-[18F]FETrp highly accumulated in a wide range of malignancies including lung cancer, prostate cancer, and glioma. These results suggested that l-1-[18F]FETrp is a promising radiotracer for PET imaging of cancer.
Pushing revisited: Differential flatness, trajectory planning, and stabilization:

We prove that quasi-static pushing with a sticking contact and ellipsoid approximation of the limit surface is differential flat. Both graphical and algebraic derivations are given. A major conclus...
The Role of Innate Leukocytes during Influenza Virus Infection

Influenza virus infection is a serious threat to humans and animals, with the potential to cause severe pneumonia and death. Annual vaccination strategies are a mainstay to prevent complications related to influenza. However, protection from the emerging subtypes of influenza A viruses (IAV) even in vaccinated individuals is challenging. Innate immune cells are the first cells to respond to IAV infection in the respiratory tract. Virus replication-induced production of cytokines from airway epithelium recruits innate immune cells to the site of infection. These leukocytes, namely, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, eosinophils, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells, and γδ T cells, become activated in response to IAV, to contain the virus and protect the airway epithelium while triggering the adaptive arm of the immune system. This review addresses different anti-influenza virus schemes of innate immune cells and how these cells fine-tune the balance between immunoprotection and immunopathology during IAV infection. Detailed understanding on how these innate responders execute anti-influenza activity will help to identify novel therapeutic targets to halt IAV replication and associated immunopathology.
Use of Procalcitonin to Guide Discontinuation of Antimicrobial Therapy in Patients with Persistent Intra-Abdominal Collections: A Case Series

Objective. Limited evidence exists for the use of procalcitonin (PCT) to guide the duration of antimicrobial therapy in patients with intra-abdominal abscesses (IAA). In this case series, we describe clinical presentations and outcomes using PCT to guide cessation of antimicrobial therapy in patients with persistent IAA who exhibited clinical improvement. Methods. A retrospective analysis of patients with IAA who had PCT levels available to review was performed in a tertiary academic teaching institution in the United States between 2017 and 2018. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were obtained from the medical records. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 180 days after completion of antimicrobial therapy to determine if evidence of recurrence or mortality was present. Results. We identified four patients with IAA. They underwent early drainage of the source of infection and received empiric antimicrobial therapy according to individual risk factors and clinical scenarios. Antimicrobials were discontinued after clinical and radiographic improvement and evidence of normal PCT levels, regardless of the persistence of fluid collections. No evidence of recurrence or mortality was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions. We found PCT to be a useful aid in the medical decision-making process to safely discontinue antimicrobial therapy in a series of patients with persistent intra-abdominal collections despite early drainage and appropriate course of antimicrobial therapy.
Centrifugal Microfluidics Traps for Parallel Isolation and Imaging of Single Cells

Analysis at the single cell level has becoming an increasingly important procedure to diagnose cancer tissue biopsies. These tissue samples are often heterogeneous and consist of 1000–15,000 cells. We study the use of centrifugal microfluidics to isolate single cells into micro chambers. We describe the optimization of our microfluidics flow device, characterize its performance using both polystyrene beads as a cell analogue and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and discuss potential applications for the device. Our results show rapid isolation of ~2000 single cell aliquots in ~20 min. We were able to occupy 65% of available chambers with singly occupied cancer cells, and observed capture efficiencies as high as 80% using input samples ranging from 2000 to 15,000 cells in 20 min. We believe our device is a valuable research tool that addresses the unmet need for massively parallel single cell level analysis of cell populations.
Metformin and Inhibition of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Stimulate In Vitro Transport in Primary Renal Tubule Cells

Patient-oriented applications of cell culture include cell therapy of organ failure like chronic renal failure. Clinical deployment of a cell-based device for artificial renal replacement requires ...
Driver's Training for Partially Sighted Persons: An Interdisciplinary Approach:

Through a program involving optometric and special education professionals, partially sighted persons can be trained to use bioptic telescopes for driving. Special performance tests, given by infor...