cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overall survival after pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancy

Abstract Background Five-Year survival after pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies has been reported as high as 60%. The objective of this study was to determine overall survival (OS) after pelvic exenteration and evaluate factors impacting outcome. Methods A retrospective review of all women who underwent pelvic exenteration at our institution between February 1993 and December 2010 was performed. OS was defined as time from exenteration to date of death or last contact. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan Meyer method. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the impact of clinical and pathologic factors on survival outcomes. Results One hundred sixty patients with gynecologic malignancy underwent pelvic exenteration. Five-year recurrence free survival (RFS) was 33% (95%CI 0.25–0.40). Factors which negatively impacted RFS included shorter treatment-free interval (p=.050), vulvar primary (p=.032), positive margins (p Five-year OS was 40% (95% CI 0.32–0.48). Factors which negatively impacted OS included vulvar primary (p=.04), positive margins (p Conclusion Five-year OS after pelvic exenteration was 40%. Survival outcomes have not significantly improved despite improvements in technique and patient selection. Multiple non-modifiable factors at the time of exenteration are associated with poor survival.
Enhancing Students' Ability to Use Statistical Reasoning with Everyday Problems

We discuss a technique for teaching students everyday applications of statistical concepts. We used this technique with students (n = 50) enrolled in several sections of an introductory statistics course; students (n = 45) in other sections served as a comparison group. A class of introductory psychology students (n = 24) served as a second comparison group. We assessed students' statistical reasoning ability at the beginning of the semester as well as later in the semester. All 3 groups showed improvements in statistical reasoning, but the greatest improvement occurred in the group that read the everyday application material.
Analysis with Missing Data in Social Work Research

Abstract Missing data occur in virtually all research. Traditional methods for handling missing data, like complete case analyses and mean substitution, can result in the loss of statistical power and biased estimates of parameters. Recent statistical and software developments have provided readily accessible methods of handling missing data that provide more statistical power and less biased estimates than in the past. This paper compares newer techniques and the statistical programs that employ these techniques for imputing data in structural equation modeling analysis. The techniques presented include the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm, multiple imputations (MI), and raw maximum-likelihood (RML), as employed in the statistical programs EMCOV, NORM, Amos, and Mplus. The assumptions, benefits, and limitations of each method and accompanying statistical programs are discussed.
Computational model for the simulation of the shield tunneling process in cohesive soils

A two-dimensional computational model is developed here in order to simulate the continuous advance of the Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) Shield during the tunneling process in cohesive soils. The model is based on the combination of the plane strain “transverse–longitudinal” sections that can incorporate the three-dimensional deformation of the soil around and ahead of the shield face. This model is capable of prediciting the soil response due to the shield tunneling before the event, especially in soft ground conditions. An elasto-plastic finite element analysis that is based on the coupled theory of mixtures for inelastic porous media for finite deformation is used in this work to describe the time-dependent deformation of the saturated cohesive soils. The results of this model are compared with the in situ field measurements of the N-2 tunnel project excavated in 1981 in San Francisco using the EPB shield tunneling machine. Reasonable agreement is found between the observed field measurements and the predicted deformations of the soil using the proposed numerical simulation. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CVD diamond thin film technology for MEMS packaging

Due to its extreme hardness, chemical and mechanical stability, large band gap and highest thermal conductivity, poly-crystalline diamond (poly-C) is expected to be an excellent packaging material for biomedical and environmental MEMS devices. A poly-C thin film packaging technology has been developed to explore the application of this novel material on post-MEMS encapsulation packaging process. To study the poly-C thin film packaging a testchip was fabricated using PECVD deposited oxide as a sacrificial material. Large access ports were opened along the package edge to release thin film package using oxide etch. Then, additional poly-C growth was used to seal the access ports. In the test package, boron doped poly-C was also studied as the material for electrical feedthroughs that can be embedded into the undoped electrically insulating poly-C package. This poly-C thin film packaging process and the all-diamond packaging concept has been developed for the first time.
An endonuclease in cells infected with adenovirus and associated with adenovirions.

Abstract Extracts prepared from confluent cultures of baby hamster kidney cells (BHK), human embryonic lung cells, or KB cells infected with purified adenovirus type 2 or 12 contain high endonuclease activity and little or no cellular exonuclease activity. In infected cells, the intact adenovirus DNA is cleaved to 18 S DNA, which sediments homogeneously. Sedimentation in alkaline sucrose density gradients shows that the fragments of viral DNA are free of single-strand scissions. The endonuclease extracted from cells infected with adenovirus cleaves the viral DNA in vitro. Extracts of BHK cells infected with adenovirus type 2 or 12 show marked differences in endonuclease activity at various times after infection. In extracts of BHK cells productively infected with adenovirus type 2, an “early” endonuclease activity is detected between 2 and 8 hr after infection. This “early” activity nearly disappears, and at 12 hr after infection “late” endonuclease activity appears and rapidly increases to about 20 times the level of the “early” endonuclease. In BHK cells abortively infected with adenovirus. type 12, only the “early” endonuclease activity is found. When the genome of the infecting adenovirion is inactivated, the “late” endonuclease is not synthesized. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the “early” endonuclease activity is due to the structural proteins introduced into the cell with the parental virions, while the “late” endonuclease is newly synthesized. When purified adenovirions are incubated with extracted adenovirus DNA, the adenovirus DNA is hydrolyzed to 18 S fragments which are free of single-strand scissions. These data suggest that the endonuclease activity found in cells infected with adenovirions is derived from the infecting virions.
New Magnetic Resonance Techniques for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Neuroimaging was revolutionized by the development of computed tomography (CT) and standard T 1 - and T 2 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Magnetic resonance imaging and CT can adequately distinguish hemorrhage from infarction and depict ischemic stroke 12 to 24 hours after onset. However, during the critical initial hours after the onset of ischemic stroke, these imaging technologies do not adequately demonstrate the location and extent of infarction. Diffusion-weighted MRI and perfusion imaging, as well as advances in magnetic resonance spectroscopy, will enhance our ability to evaluate ischemic stroke shortly after onset. Some of the uses of MRI techniques are as follows: (1) Diffusion-weighted imaging can depict the location and extent of the ischemic lesion as soon as a stroke patient is available for examination. (2) Perfusion imaging evaluates blood flow within the brain's microvasculature and can reveal regions of perfusion deficits corresponding to major vascular territories. (3) Magnetic resonance spectroscopy evaluates metabolic abnormalties associated with focal brain ischemia by specific biochemical measurements. These MRI techniques will rapidly provide important information to clinicians about ischemia, guiding diagnosis and helping in the development of acute stroke interventions to improve outcome. ( JAMA . 1995;274:908-911)
Blends of Poly(methacrylate) Block Copolymers with Photoaddressable Segments

The paper presents the synthesis of azobenzene-functionalized block copolymers based on a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) segment and an azobenzene-functionalized poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) s...
Substrates and inhibitors of dopamine-β-oxidase

The enzyme dopamine-β-oxidase not only effects the hydroxylation of dopamine to norepinephrine, but accepts as substrates a wide vareety of phenethylamine derivatives such as epinine, m-tyramine and their branched α-methyl derivatives, m-methoxytyramine, which is converted to normetanephrine, 3,5-dimethoxytyramine, and to some extent even mescaline. The fact that many well-known sympathomemetic drugs are good substrates forthe enzyme raises the pissibility that compounds such as amphetamine, paredrinol, paradrine and α-methyl-m-tyramine owe some of their activity to the corresponding metabolites which are all derivatives of ephedrine. The non-specificity of dopamine-β-oxidase prompted a search for competitive or specific inhibitors. enzylhydrazine, isosteric with phwnethylamine, inhibited the enzyme strongly at concentrations of 10−5M. The therapeutic and clinical implications of this observation are pointed out.
G.A and U.U mismatches can stabilize RNA internal loops of three nucleotides.

Optical melting experiments on oligoribonucleotides containing internal loops of three nucleotides (two nucleotides opposing one nucleotide) flanked by CG pairs show that the free energy of internal loop formation depends on the sequence of nucleotides within the loop. Internal loops with the potential for A.G and U.U mismatch pairing generally have more favorable free energies of formation than internal loops with potential AA, CC, AC, or UC pairings. In most cases, potential A.G and U.U pairings leaving a single unpaired nucleotide 5' to a flanking CG pair are most stable; those leaving a single nucleotide 3' to a flanking CG pair have intermediate stability. Internal loops of three nucleotides without potential A.G or U.U pairs are the least stable. The results provide an improved model for predicting the folding stabilities of internal loops of three nucleotides.
Mitochondrial regulation in sea urchins. I. Mitochondrial ultrastructure transformations and changes in the ADP:ATP ratio at fertilization.

Mitochondrial ultrastructural transformations have been examined in intact eggs and embryos from three sea urchins, Arbacia punctulata, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, and Lytechinus pictus. Following fertilization, naturally occurring ultrastructural transformations (designated as condensed to orthodox) were observed to occur in mitochondria of all three families. The ratios of the soluble ADP and ATP pools were examined in eggs of S. purpuratus before and after fertilization in order to test whether the ultrastructural transformations reflect a decrease in relative size of the ADP pool following fertilization. Our data indicate that there is a decrease in the ADP:ATP ratio at fertilization. These findings and their implications are discussed with respect to presently accepted theories on mitochondrial regulation.
Early Neonatal Diagnosis of Long-Chain 3-Hydroxyacyl Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase and Mitochondrial Trifunctional Protein Deficiencies

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been introduced in several newborn screening programs for the detection of a large number of inborn errors of metabolism, including fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAOD). Early identification and treatment of FAOD have the potential to improve outcome and may be life-saving in some cases; an estimated 5% of sudden infant deaths are attributable to undiagnosed disorders of fatty acid oxidation. We report very early neonatal presentations of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) and mitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP) deficiencies confirmed by molecular analysis. Both patients had cardiorespiratory collapse and hypoglycemia, without a history of maternal pregnancy complications. Retrospective MS/MS analysis of the original newborn screening blood spots revealed characteristic acylcarnitine profiles. These cases are among the earliest reported presentations of LCHAD and TFP deficiencies and further illustrate the potential of MS/MS as a valuable tool for newborn screening of FAOD. However, timely analysis and reporting of results to clinicians are essential, because these disorders can manifest in the first few days of life.
Estimated mechanical properties of synergistic muscles involved in movements of a variety of human joints

One of the most challenging aspects of biomechanical modelling is parameter estimation. Parameter values that define the nonlinear relations within the classic Hill-based muscle model structure have been estimated for a large number of muscles involved in movements of a number of joints. The technique used to estimate these parameters is based on combining information on muscle as a material with geometrical data on muscle-joint anatomy. The resulting relations are compatible with available human experimental data and with past modelling estimates. An estimation of the relative importance of the various synergistic muscle properties during dynamic movement tasks is also provided, aided by examples of muscle load-sharing as a function of optimization criteria including measures of position error, muscle stress and neural effort.
O'Brien's How to Tell a True War Story

(1999). O'Brien's How to Tell a True War Story. The Explicator: Vol. 57, No. 3, pp. 182-184.
Two Decades of Trends in Undergraduate Economics Degrees, 1991–2011

The trend in U.S. undergraduate economics degrees continued its upward trajectory in 2010 to 2011, growing by an average of 4 percent.
Relationship between motor vehicle emissions of hazardous pollutants, roadway proximity, and ambient concentrations in Portland, Oregon

Previous methodologies for modeling hazardous air pollutant emissions for onroad mobile sources are based on using spatial surrogates to allocate county level emissions to grid cells. A disadvantage of this process is that it spreads onroad emissions throughout a grid cell instead of along actual road locations. Recent air quality modeling in Portland, Oregon, using the CALPUFF dispersion model assigned emissions to specific roadway links. The resulting data were used to develop a regression model to approximate the CALPUFF predicted concentrations, determine the impacts of roadway proximity on ambient concentrations of three hazardous air pollutants, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and diesel PM, and to estimate the zone of influence around roadways. Independent variables in the model included emission rates and traffic volumes for individual roadway links, distance and direction between roadway links and receptors, and distributions of wind speeds and directions. Dependent variables were derived from simulated annual average pollutant concentrations from motor vehicles at modeled receptor locations, predicted using CALPUFF. The regression model had limited capability to predict CALPUFF concentrations with an R-squared value of about 0.6. The model indicated the zone of influence around a roadway as between 200 and 400 m. The results support the thesis that in order to capture localized impacts of hazardous air pollutants in a dispersion model, there is a need to include individual roadway links.
From cancer genomics to cancer immunotherapy: toward second-generation tumor antigens

Clinically successful specific cancer immunotherapy depends on the identification of tumor-rejection antigens (Ags). Historically, tumor Ags have been identified by analyzing either T-cell or antibody responses of cancer patients against the autologous cancer cells. The unveiling of the sequence of the human genome, improved bioinformatics tools and optimized immunological analytical tools have made it possible to screen any given protein for immunogenic epitopes. Overexpressed genes in cancer can be identified by gene-expression profiling; immunogenic epitopes can be predicted based on HLA-binding motifs; candidate peptides can be identified by mass spectrometry of tumor-cell-derived HLA molecules; and peptide-specific T cells can be qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed at the single-cell level using ELISPOT and tetramer technologies. Here, we suggest that, based on these advancements, a new class of tumor Ags can be identified by directly linking cancer genomics to cancer immunology and immunotherapy.
Development of a theory-based, peer support intervention to promote weight loss among Latina immigrants.

Obesity rates are disproportionately high among Latinas living in the United States. Few community-based weight management studies have focused on Latina immigrants living in emerging Latino communities. The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot test a theory-based, promotora-delivered, peer support weight loss intervention for Latina immigrants to be administered in a community setting. We employed participatory methods to develop an 8-week program grounded in self-determination theory. Overweight Latina immigrants were recruited to participate in a quasi-experimental pilot study. Data collected pre and post-intervention included height, weight, fasting lipids, glucose, dietary practices, physical activity and depressive symptoms. Twenty-two women completed the intervention. Mean age was 36, mean time in the U.S. was 12 years; the majority was from Mexico. Mean BMI was 33; 68% had a family history of diabetes. The intervention resulted in statistically significant weight loss (mean 2.1 kg, SD 2.6, p < 0.001); mean change in weight remained significant when compared with that of a historical control group (-2.1 kg vs 1.10 kg, p < 0.01) but was attenuated at 6 months. Levels of moderate physical activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) and dietary practices improved (p < 0.01) and remained significant at 6 months. Notably, depressive symptoms also improved (p = <0.001). This theory-based, promotora-delivered intervention resulted in significant weight loss among a sample of Latina immigrants at 8 weeks. Future studies are needed to test the impact of an extended peer support intervention on long-term weight management. National Clinical Trials: NCT02344212 . Registered 21 January 2015.
BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON THE FIBRINOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI II. NATURE OF THE REACTION

The fibrinolysin of hemolytic streptococci exerts no hydrolytic action upon casein, gelatin, or peptone. The action on solid human fibrin is characterized by a small and gradual increase in the amino nitrogen content of the solution. The specific and special enzymatic action of fibrinolysin is contrasted with trypsin and with streptococcal peptase (4). Solutions of human fibrinogen, after brief incubation with fibrinolysin, lose the capacity to form fibrin. Solutions of rabbit fibrinogen, on the other hand, retain the property of transformation into fibrin, even after prolonged exposure to fibrinolysin. Qualitative tests, with solutions resulting from the action of streptococcal fibrinolysin on human fibrin, indicate that the end-product may be protein and that the degradation of the molecule is not great.
Learning styles across the curriculum

Recent research has shown that a student's learning style - essentially, the way a student approaches and masters new material - can affect student performance in introductory computer science courses. We show here that a student's learning style can also affect student performance across the courses in the computer science curriculum.This paper presents the results of a case study in which we collected learning style data for students completing the required courses in a typical computer science curriculum. We then used a wide range of statistical analyses to check for bias in the dataset and to examine the relationships between student learning style and student performance in those courses.Our analysis identified a number of statistically significant relationships between student learning style and performance. We examine potential explanations for those relationships and discuss ways in which the results can be used to enhance student learning.
Effects of Major Water Quality Variables on Shrimp Production in Inland, Low-Salinity Ponds in Alabama

Common water quality variables in nine, inland low-salinity shrimp ponds in Alabama exhibited wide variation in concentrations among ponds and over time. Shrimp performance also varied considerably among ponds in 2008 as follows: survival, 16–128%; production, 928–5950 kg/ha; feed conversion ratio (FCR), 1.18–2.89. Measured water quality variables were not at concentrations high enough to be lethal to shrimp; but water temperature, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, total ammonia nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium were occasionally outside optimum ranges for shrimp production and may have stressed shrimp. Survival and production both were positively correlated ( P< 0.05) with increasing concentrations of methyl orange alkalinity, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Negative correlations ( P< 0.05) between production and higher pH and water temperature may have resulted from lower water temperature and pH during final days of the crop in ponds harvested in October rather than from an actual effect of temperature and pH on growth. Nevertheless, those variables that were outside optimal ranges or correlated with shrimp survival or growth should be further investigated to ascertain whether or not excursions outside optimum ranges are harmful and to determine if observed correlations are causal.
Electromechanical response of piezoelectric composites : Effects of geometric connectivity and grain size

A three-dimensional finite element model has been developed to fully capture the complete electromechanical response of five types of piezoelectric composites (i.e. particulate, short-fiber, long-fiber, laminate and networked composites), the constituent phases of which can, in general, be elastically anisotropic and piezoelectrically active. It is demonstrated that the geometric connectivity of the constituent phases in a composite has a significant influence on the fundamental electromechanical properties and the performance characteristics of a piezoelectric composite. By constructing piezoelectric composite materials design maps, the long-fiber composites (with their highest piezoelectric coupling constants) and interpenetrating networked composites (with their highest piezoelectric charge coefficients) are, respectively, identified as being most suitable for ultrasonic imaging and hydrophone applications. Furthermore, grain size modifications of the constituent phases can significantly enhance the effective piezoelectric properties of a composite such as coupling constants and charge coefficients while maintaining suitable acoustic impedance, especially in the case of the networked composites.
Adnexal masses in pregnancy: surgery compared with observation

Objective To estimate whether the delay of surgery impacts the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in patients diagnosed with an adnexal mass during pregnancy. Methods A review was performed of pregnant patients diagnosed with an adnexal mass 5 cm or greater in diameter. Data collected included age, gravity/parity, gestational age at diagnosis, and presenting symptoms. Ultrasound examinations were evaluated for mass size and complexity. Pregnancy outcome, complications, and surgical pathology were reviewed. Results Between 1990 and 2003, 127,177 deliveries were performed at our institution. An adnexal mass 5 cm in diameter or greater was diagnosed in 63 (0.05%) patients. Pathologic diagnosis was available for 59 (94%) patients. The remaining 4 patients were lost to follow-up and excluded from the analysis. Antepartum surgery was performed in 17 patients (29%): 13 because of ultrasound findings that suggested malignancy and 4 secondary to ovarian torsion. The remaining patients were observed, with surgery performed in the postpartum period or at time of cesarean delivery. The majority of masses were dermoid cysts (42%). Four patients were diagnosed with ovarian cancer (6.8% of masses, 0.0032% of deliveries), and one patient (1.7%) had a tumor of low malignant potential. Antepartum surgery due to ultrasound findings that caused concern was performed on all 5 women diagnosed with a malignancy or borderline tumor, compared with 12 (22%) of the patients with benign tumors (P Conclusion In select cases, close observation is a reasonable alternative to antepartum surgery in patients with an adnexal mass during pregnancy.
Of pure consciousness experiences: a reply to Forman

Il s'agit d'une reponse de l'A. aux critiques de Forman a propos des experiences de conscience pure. L'A. rappelle que Husserl comme Sartre affirmaient que la reflexion au sujet d'un acte impliquait une modification radicale de l'original. Les actes mentaux possedent des proprietes qui vont bien au-dela de leurs contenus. L'A. affirme simplement qu'un acte mental pourvu d'un contenu qui est ephemere, evanescent, et vague, peut, a travers la reflexion, voir certaines de ses proprietes modifiees jusqu'a un point ou ces proprietes masquent ce qui avait fait naitre les contenus de la pensee
Management of predictable pain using fentanyl pectin nasal spray in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Background Studies report the need for improved pain management in the radiation oncology setting. Many patients with well controlled background pain experience breakthrough pain in cancer (BTPc) that can interrupt their treatment schedule with a potentially negative impact on outcomes. BTPc can be unpredictable and predictable; both types of pain can be managed with fast-acting analgesics, but predictable pain lends itself to anticipatory management. Methods Five consecutive cases are described in which fentanyl pectin nasal spray (FPNS) was used to manage BTPc, with an emphasis on the anticipatory management of predictable pain in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Results Patients (four men, one woman), age range 32-84 years, were diagnosed with various cancers. All patients were receiving opioid treatment for chronic pain, and experienced predictable pain with radiotherapy which included pain associated with lying on a treatment table for a sustained time during an average of 29 radiotherapy treatments; pain associated with radiation simulation and radiotherapy; pain associated with odynophagia related to increasing mucositis during treatment, resulting in decreased nutritional intake; pain associated with the customized immobilization mask for head and neck cancer patients; and pain associated with defecation. Some patients also reported pain awakening them randomly at night (eg, sleep interruption). All patients attained lower pain intensity scores (2/10 to 3/10), reduced from approximately 7/10, when they were treated with FPNS 20 minutes before a predictable pain event. No patient experienced any pain-related interruptions to their course of radiotherapy. The average number of radiotherapy sessions was 29 per patient, excluding one short-course treatment for one patient. Conclusion FPNS offers a good solution to the management of BTPc because its fast onset of action makes it very suitable for the anticipatory treatment of predictable pain, which is likely to minimize interruptions to the radiotherapy schedule.
Distinct Functional Lineages of Human Vα24 Natural Killer T Cells

CD1d-restricted autoreactive natural killer (NK)T cells have been reported to regulate a range of disease conditions, including type I diabetes and immune rejection of cancer, through the secretion of either T helper (Th)2 or Th1 cytokines. However, mechanisms underlying Th2 versus Th1 cytokine secretion by these cells are not well understood. Since most healthy subjects express <1 NKT cell per 1,000 peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), we devised a new method based on the combined used of T cell receptor (TCR)-specific reagents α-galactosylceramide (αGalCer) loaded CD1d-tetramers and anti-Vα24 monoclonal antibody, to specifically identify and characterize these rare cells in fresh PBLs. We report here that CD4+ and CD4−CD8− (double negative [DN]) NKT cell subsets represent functionally distinct lineages with marked differences in their profile of cytokine secretion and pattern of expression of chemokine receptors, integrins, and NK receptors. CD4+ NKT cells were the exclusive producers of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 upon primary stimulation, whereas DN NKT cells had a strict Th1 profile and prominently expressed several NK lineage receptors. These findings may explain how NKT cells could promote Th2 responses in some conditions and Th1 in others, and should be taken into consideration for intervention in relevant diseases.
Content analysis of cancer blog posts.

Objectives: The efficacy of user-defined subject tagging and software-generated subject tagging for describing and organizing cancer blog contents was explored.
Intensive Case Management Before and After Prison Release is No More Effective Than Comprehensive Pre-Release Discharge Planning in Linking HIV-Infected Prisoners to Care: A Randomized Trial

Imprisonment provides opportunities for the diagnosis and successful treatment of HIV, however, the benefits of antiretroviral therapy are frequently lost following release due to suboptimal access and utilization of health care and services. In response, some have advocated for development of intensive case-management interventions spanning incarceration and release to support treatment adherence and community re-entry for HIV-infected releasees. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of a motivational Strengths Model bridging case management intervention (BCM) beginning approximately 3 months prior to and continuing 6 months after release versus a standard of care prison-administered discharge planning program (SOC) for HIV-infected state prison inmates. The primary outcome variable was self-reported access to post-release medical care. Of the 104 inmates enrolled, 89 had at least 1 post-release study visit. Of these, 65.1% of BCM and 54.4% of SOC assigned participants attended a routine medical appointment within 4 weeks of release (P > 0.3). By week 12 post-release, 88.4% of the BCM arm and 78.3% of the SOC arm had at attended at least one medical appointment (P = 0.2), increasing in both arms at week 24–90.7% with BCM and 89.1% with SOC (P > 0.5). No participant without a routine medical visit by week 24 attended an appointment from weeks 24 to 48. The mean number of clinic visits during the 48 weeks post release was 5.23 (SD = 3.14) for BCM and 4.07 (SD = 3.20) for SOC (P > 0.5). There were no significant differences between arms in social service utilization and re-incarceration rates were also similar. We found that a case management intervention bridging incarceration and release was no more effective than a less intensive pre-release discharge planning program in supporting health and social service utilization for HIV-infected individuals released from prison.
Intranigral dynorphin-1-13 suppresses kindled seizures by a naloxone-insensitive mechanism

Abstract Numerous lines of evidence indicate that the substantia nigra (SN) facilitates the propagation of seizures in kindling and in other seizure models. Intranigral injection of dynorphin-1-13 exerted a potent seizure suppressant action in kindled rats. This seizures suppressant action was dose dependent, spatially specific for the area of the SN and was not blocked by naloxone (2 mg/kg i.p.). This finding extends previous work indicating that treatments which reduce SN output exert an anticonvulsant action and further suggests that opioid peptides endogenous to the SN may regulate seizure susceptibility in the kindling model.
Tuning salicylate-based polymers to overcome lag time and extend release via copolymers and polymer blends

This work describes how physicochemical properties of salicylate-based poly(anhydride-esters) (PAEs) can be tuned for drug delivery and optimized by comparing copolymerization with polymer blending. These alterations reduced the lag time of drug release, while still maintaining a long-term drug release profile. The chemical composition of the copolymers and polymer blends was determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and additional properties such as molecular weight, glass transition temperature and contact angle measurements were obtained. In vitro salicylic acid release from the copolymers and blends is studied in an environment mimicking physiological conditions. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 685–689
The Concept of the Devil Versus Modern Persecutions

(1959). The Concept of the Devil Versus Modern Persecutions. Religious Education: Vol. 54, No. 4, pp. 361-368.
Thermodynamics is more powerful than the role to it reserved by Boltzmann-Gibbs statistical mechanics

We briefly review the connection between statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. We show that, in order to satisfy thermo-dynamics and its Legendre transformation mathematical frame, the celebrated Boltzmann-Gibbs (BG) statistical mechanics is sufficient but not necessary. Indeed, the N →∞ limit of statistical mechanics is expected to be consistent with thermodynamics. For systems whose elements are generically independent or quasi-independent in the sense of the theory of probabilities, it is well known that the BG theory (based on the additive BG entropy) does satisfy this expectation. However, in complete analogy, other thermostatistical theories (e.g., q-statistics), based on nonadditive entropic functionals, also satisfy the very same expectation. We illustrate this standpoint with systems whose elements are strongly correlated in a specific manner, such that they escape the BG realm.
Effect of interface velocity on dynamic contact angles at rough surfaces

Abstract Dynamic advancing and receding contact angles determined from capillary rise at roughened polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surfaces are reported for eight liquids having intrinsic angles ranging from 22 to 108°. Comparative results for an unroughened tube are also presented. Interface velocities ranged from zero to 2.0 × 10−2 cm/sec. Advancing contact angles tended to increase slightly with interface velocity and receding angles decreased slightly. However, the change was always less than 3 degrees and could be due to experimental artifact. It is concluded that contact angles are very nearly independent of interface velocity for systems in which nonequilibrium compositional changes in surface regions due to processes such as adsorption are absent, and interface velocities are sufficiently low that interface shape is altered only slightly by viscous forces.
Behavioural Finance: A Review and Synthesis

I provide a synthesis of the Behavioural finance literature over the past two decades. I review the literature in three parts, namely, (i) empirical and theoretical analyses of patterns in the cross-section of average stock returns, (ii) studies on trading activity, and (iii) research in corporate finance. Behavioural finance is an exciting new field because it presents a number of normative implications for both individual investors and CEOs. The papers reviewed here allow us to learn more about these specific implications.
The National Adoption Information Clearinghouse: A major resource for Adoption Information

This article has been written to acquaint librarians and others interested in finding information about adoption with the services of the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
Uniform metrical task systems with a limited number of states

We give a randomized algorithm (the "Wedge Algorithm") of competitiveness for any metrical task system on a uniform space of k points, for any k≥2, where , the kth harmonic number. This algorithm has better competitiveness than the Irani-Seiden algorithm if k is smaller than 108. The algorithm is better by a factor of 2 if k <47.
A comparison of linear optical properties and redox properties in chalcogenopyrylium dyes bearing ortho-substituted aryl substituents and tert-butyl substituents.

A series of thiapyrylium pentamethine dyes (4 and 12−15) bearing 2,2‘-di-tert-butyl-6,6‘-diphenyl, 2,2‘-di-tert-butyl-6,6‘-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl), 2,2‘-di-tert-butyl-6,6‘-bis(2-methylphenyl), 2,2‘,6,6‘-tetrakis(2,6-dimethylphenyl), and 2,2‘,6,6‘-tetrakis(2-methylphenyl) substituents, respectively, were prepared and their linear optical properties and electrochemical redox properties were measured and compared to thiapyrylium pentamethine dyes 3 and 5. The tert-butyl and 2,6-dimethylphenyl substituents give nearly identical chromophores with respect to values of λmax, molar extinction coefficients (e), bandwidths at half-height (ν1/2), and lack of absorption in the visible spectrum. The 2-methylphenyl substituent imparts linear optical properties that are intermediate between those of the tert-butyl and phenyl substituents. The 2,6-dimethylphenyl and 2-methylphenyl substituents impart greater oxidative stability based on anodic shifts in oxidation potential.
Permanent neurological deficit related to magnetic resonance imaging in a patient with implanted deep brain stimulation electrodes for Parkinson's disease: case report.

Objective and importance Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an accepted treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease refractory to medication. The efficacy of this therapy has led to increasing numbers of patients receiving DBS implants. Importantly, physicians caring for patients with implantable neurostimulators must be aware of treatment guidelines for these patients, including the use of therapeutic ultrasound, diathermy, and imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical presentation We describe a case of serious, permanent neurological injury secondary to a radiofrequency lesion produced by heating of a DBS electrode associated with MRI of the lumbar spine in a patient with Parkinson's disease. Intervention MRI may be performed safely in patients with DBS devices only by following the specific guidelines of the manufacturer. The generalization of these conditions to other neurostimulation system positioning schemes, other scanners, and other imaging scenarios can lead to significant patient injuries. Conclusion To prevent catastrophic incidents, the manufacturer's guidelines should be followed carefully because they are known to result in the safe performance of MRI examinations of patients with neurostimulation systems used for DBS.
On a numerical treatment for the curve-tracing of the homotopy method

A Newton-like iteration scheme is proposed for the tracing of an implicitly defined smooth curve. This scheme originates from the study of the continuous Newton-Raphson method for underdetermined systems and, hence, inherits the characteristic property of orthogonality. Its domain of attraction is formed and makes it possible to trace this curve more efficiently.
Cure Dependent Lamina Stiffness Matrices of Resin Transfer Molded Composite Parts with Woven Fiber Mats

Models are presented for determination of cure dependent stiffness matrices for composites manufactured with woven fiber mats. Five-harness carbon and eight-harness glass mats with EPON 826 resin composites are considered. The models presented here take into account important material/process parameters with emphasis on: (1) the effects of cure-dependent resin mechanical properties, (2) fiber undulation due to the weave of the fiber fill and warp bundles, and (3) resin interaction with the fiber bundles at a microscopic scale. In the present study these effects are considered in the determination of mechanical properties of a Resin Transfer Molded (RTM) part
Cardiovascular Regulation in Mice Lacking α2-Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes b and c

alpha2-Adrenergic receptors (alpha2ARs) are essential components of the neural circuitry regulating cardiovascular function. The role of specific alpha2AR subtypes (alpha2a, alpha2b, and alpha2c) was characterized with hemodynamic measurements obtained from strains of genetically engineered mice deficient in either alpha2b or alpha2c receptors. Stimulation of alpha2b receptors in vascular smooth muscle produced hypertension and counteracted the clinically beneficial hypotensive effect of stimulating alpha2a receptors in the central nervous system. There were no hemodynamic effects produced by disruption of the alpha2c subtype. These results provide evidence for the clinical efficacy of more subtype-selective alpha2AR drugs.
Containment of a single polygon using mathematical programming

Abstract This paper investigates the polygon containment problem, to determine whether a given polygon can be translated and/or rotated to fit inside a fixed polygon. A primary application is the stock cutting problem, when pieces have irregular shapes and can be rotated. The case in which both polygons are convex is treated. An optimization-based approach is used, in contrast to previous computational geometry methods. Optimality conditions of the math program are found and are used to develop an efficient algorithm which finds the best placement and to draw relationships between the two approaches. The problem becomes a parametric linear program with a nonlinear parameter corresponding to the orientation of the moving figure. All alternate-optimal placements with at least three contacts can be found. In addition, the algorithm provides an analytic description of the optimal objective as a function of the orientation of the moving polygon.
The Small Angle Scattering ToolBox (SASTBX): an open-source software for biomolecular small-angle scattering

Small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering experiments are broadly applied to study biomolecular structure and dynamics. This article presents the Small Angle Scattering ToolBox (SASTBX), which provides a wide-ranging functionality for the analysis of biological small-angle scattering data, from data reduction to model reconstruction and refinement. The SASTBX is an open-source package, which is freely available at http://sastbx.als.lbl.gov.
Preparing Clients With Eating Disorders for Group Counseling: A Multimedia Approach

Abstract This article describes a model for preparing clients with eating disorders to increase retention in a counseling group. Methods are discussed for preparing these clients cognitively, behaviorally, and experientially. Implications for retention and group participation are also discussed.
Growing Old: Metabolic Control and Yeast Aging

▪ Abstract The metabolic characteristics of a yeast cell determine its life span. Depending on conditions, stress resistance can have either a salutary or a deleterious effect on longevity. Gene dysregulation increases with age, and countering it increases life span. These three determinants of yeast longevity may be interrelated, and they are joined by a potential fourth, genetic stability. These factors can also operate in phylogenetically diverse species. Adult longevity seems to borrow features from the genetic programs of dormancy to provide the metabolic and stress resistance resources necessary for extended survival. Both compensatory and preventive mechanisms determine life span, while epigenetic factors and the element of chance contribute to the role that genes and environment play in aging.
Presidential Rhetoric, the Public Agenda, and the End of Presidential Television's “Golden Age”

The rise of alternative viewing choices, brought about by the spread of cable television, has effectively reduced the audience for major presidential addresses. Has this change moderated the influence of major presidential speeches on public opinion? After examining the period from 1954 to 2002, we provide evidence that the impact of presidential rhetoric in State of the Union addresses on public opinion has diminished as cable has flourished.
Single Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Hypertension Single Institution Experience in 34 Patients

Background The present study considered the uniformity and durability of the cardiopulmonary response to single lung transplantation in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension, as well as its effect on length and quality of survival. Methods and Results Thirty-four patients with pulmonary hypertension underwent evaluation, single lung transplantation, and follow-up assessment between November 1, 1989, and June 1, 1994. Operative survival for the entire group of patients was reasonable, with 91% (31 of 34 patients) surviving and being discharged from the hospital following transplantation. The actuarial survival for these 34 patients at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up was 78%, 66%, and 61%, respectively. In the subgroup of 24 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), 96% (23 of 24) were successfully discharged from the hospital after transplantation. The actuarial survival for this isolated PPH subgroup at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up was 87%, 76%, and 68%, respectively. The uniform, early postt...
Altering the Ratio of Phenazines in Pseudomonas chlororaphis (aureofaciens) Strain 30-84: Effects on Biofilm Formation and Pathogen Inhibition

Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain 30-84 is a plant-beneficial bacterium that is able to control take-all disease of wheat caused by the fungal pathogen Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici. The production of phenazines (PZs) by strain 30-84 is the primary mechanism of pathogen inhibition and contributes to the persistence of strain 30-84 in the rhizosphere. PZ production is regulated in part by the PhzR/PhzI quorum-sensing (QS) system. Previous flow cell analyses demonstrated that QS and PZs are involved in biofilm formation in P. chlororaphis (V. S. R. K. Maddula, Z. Zhang, E. A. Pierson, and L. S. Pierson III, Microb. Ecol. 52:289-301, 2006). P. chlororaphis produces mainly two PZs, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) and 2-hydroxy-PCA (2-OH-PCA). In the present study, we examined the effect of altering the ratio of PZs produced by P. chlororaphis on biofilm formation and pathogen inhibition. As part of this study, we generated derivatives of strain 30-84 that produced only PCA or overproduced 2-OH-PCA. Using flow cell assays, we found that these PZ-altered derivatives of strain 30-84 differed from the wild type in initial attachment, mature biofilm architecture, and dispersal from biofilms. For example, increased 2-OH-PCA production promoted initial attachment and altered the three-dimensional structure of the mature biofilm relative to the wild type. Additionally, both alterations promoted thicker biofilm development and lowered dispersal rates compared to the wild type. The PZ-altered derivatives of strain 30-84 also differed in their ability to inhibit the fungal pathogen G. graminis var. tritici. Loss of 2-OH-PCA resulted in a significant reduction in the inhibition of G. graminis var. tritici. Our findings suggest that alterations in the ratios of antibiotic secondary metabolites synthesized by an organism may have complex and wide-ranging effects on its biology.