cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Content Analysis of US News Stories About E-Cigarettes in 2015

Background Coverage of e-cigarettes in the news media may shape public perceptions about them but little is known about such news content. This content analysis characterized discussion of e-cigarettes in leading print and online US news sources in 2015. Methods We searched Access World News and Factiva databases for e-cigarette-related news articles appearing in the top 30 circulating newspapers, 4 newswires, and 4 online news sources in the United States in 2015 (n = 295). Coders identified the presence of various e-cigarette topics (e.g. regulation), and benefit and risk statements. Results Nearly half of articles (45.1%) focused primarily on e-cigarette policy/regulatory issues, although e-cigarette prevalence (21.0%) and health effects (21.7%) were common main topics. Concerns about youth were frequently mentioned, including the rise in youth e-cigarette use (45.4%), gateway to smoking potential (33.9%) and appeal of flavors (22.4%). Youth e-cigarette prevalence was more frequently mentioned than adult prevalence in articles discussing FDA regulation (61% vs. 13.5%, respectively). News articles more frequently discussed potential e-cigarette risks or concerns (80%) than benefits (45.4%), such as smoking harm-reduction. Quoted physicians, researchers, and government representatives were more likely to refer to e-cigarette risks than benefits. Conclusions In 2015, rising rates of e-cigarette use among youth and policy strategies to address e-cigarettes dominated US e-cigarette news stories, leading up to their FDA regulation in 2016. Statements about e-cigarettes' potential risks were frequently attributed to trusted sources such as physicians, and outnumbered claims about their harm-reduction benefits. Such coverage may impact e-cigarette risk perceptions, use intentions and policy support. Implications In the year leading up to the FDA's Deeming Rule, concerns about youth use or potential use were frequently discussed in e-cigarette news. News articles more frequently discussed potential e-cigarette risks/concerns compared to potential harm-reduction benefits relative to tobacco cigarettes. While such coverage may inform the public about potential e-cigarette risks, they may also contribute to increasing perceptions that e-cigarettes are as harmful as tobacco cigarettes. E-cigarette risk and benefit statements were most frequently made by or attributed to researchers and physicians in articles, which is significant given that they may be particularly trusted sources of e-cigarette risk information.
Ni-Mn-Ga micro-trusses via sintering of 3D-printed inks containing elemental powders

Abstract Ni-Mn-Ga magnetic shape memory alloy (SMA) micro-trusses, suitable for high magnetic field induced strains and/or a large magnetocaloric effect, are created via a new additive manufacturing method combining (i) 3D-printing of ∼400 μm struts with an ink containing a polymer binder and elemental Ni, Mn, and Ga powders, (ii) binder burn-out and metallic powder interdiffusion and homogenization to create the final alloy, and (iii) further sintering to increase strut density. Controlled amounts of hierarchical porosity, desirable to enable twinning in this polycrystalline alloy, are achieved after sintering: (i) continuous, ∼450 μm wide channels between the printed, ∼300 μm diameter Ni-Mn-Ga struts and (ii) microporosity within the struts, from 50 to 200 μm voids where the largest Ga powders initially resided, and from residual 5–25 μm pores between powders due to incomplete sintering. The micro-trusses, sintered at 1000 °C for 12 h, and chemically ordered for 10 h at 700 °C, with overall porosities of 73–76%, have uniform compositions near Ni-32Mn-18Ga (at.%) and are comprised of a non-modulated martensite phase. Reversible martensite/austenite transformations between 45 and 90 °C, Curie temperatures of 85–90 °C, and saturation magnetizations of up to 56 Am 2 /kg are achieved.
The role of child socioeconomic status in cognitive training outcomes

Abstract Socioeconomic status (SES) has been shown to influence children's executive function and cognitive function more generally, and may play a role in one's ability to benefit from a cognitive or academic intervention. However, SES remains largely unstudied in the context of computerized cognitive training. Here we draw from two datasets of 6–18 year-old children completing online cognitive training to examine the impact of SES on executive function. The first study utilizes hierarchical linear modeling to examine how school-level free/reduced-price lunch status relates to executive function following cognitive training. The second study focuses on individual-level free/reduced-price lunch status and adds an active control condition. Both studies find that free/reduced-price lunch status and age are associated with improvements in executive function following training. However, there were no interaction effects between SES and condition, suggesting that there is little difference in how children from different SES groups benefit from computerized cognitive training.
The Tax Cut Bill Would Push U.S. Debt Over the Critical Breaking Point

Best data shows that federal debt is close to the critical breaking point at which creditors cease extending faith and credit to the U.S. government. Internationally, government debt of 80% of GDP has led to fiscal instability. If the Tax Cut Act of 2017 passes, debt will be above the 80-percent-of-GDP line in 2018, up to 91 percent of GDP by 2022, and to 117% of GDP by the end of the decade. At its core, the bill gives $2.6 trillion over a decade as incentives to capital. There is a global glut of capital. Capital is in oversupply. The return to risk-free capital is zero. It will be driven below zero by the tax shelters created by the bill and by capital diverted from our trading partners. Incentives to an oversupplied commodity will not increase growth.
Extended numerical computations on the “1/9” conjecture in rational approximation theory

The behavior of the constants λn,n(e−x), denoting the errors of best uniform approximation to e−z on the interval [0,+∞) by real rational functions having numerator and denominator polynomials of degree at most n, has generated much recent interest in the approximation theory literature. Based on high-precision calculations, we present here the table of constants {λn,n (e−x)} n 30 =0, rounded to forty significant digits, and we discuss their significance to related conjectures in this area.
Three-dimensional structure of the rotavirus haemagglutinin VP4 by cryo-electron microscopy and difference map analysis.

Abstract The three-dimensional structure of the rotavirus spike haemagglutinin viral protein 4 (VP4) has been determined to a resolution of 26 A by cryo-electron microscopy and difference analysis of intact virions and smooth (spikeless) particles. Native and spikeless virions were mixed prior to cryo-preservation so that both structures could be determined from the same micrograph, thereby minimizing systematic errors. This mixing strategy was crucial for difference map analysis since VP4 only accounts for approximately 1% of the virion mass. The VP4 spike is multi-domained and has a radial length of approximately 200 A with approximately 110 A projecting from the surface of the virus. Interactions between VP4 and cell surface receptors are facilitated by the bi-lobed head, which allows multi-site interactions, as well as the uniform distribution of the VP4 heads at maximum radius. The bi-lobed head is attached to a square-shaped body formed by two rods that have a slight left-handed helical twist. These rods merge with an angled, rod-like domain connected to a globular base approximately 85 A in diameter. The anchoring base displays pseudo 6-fold symmetry. This surprising finding may represent a novel folding motif in which a single polypeptide of VP4 contributes similar but non-equivalent domains to form the arms of the hexameric base. The VP4 spike penetrates the virion surface approximately 90 A and interacts with both outer (VP7) and inner (VP6) capsid proteins. The extensive VP4-VP7 and VP4-VP6 interactions imply a scaffolding function in which VP4 may participate in maintaining precise geometric register between the inner and outer capsids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Contemporary Approaches to Human Trafficking

Chapter two argues that sociopolitical problems such as human trafficking should be understood instead as political problematizations. It introduces five conventional problematizations of trafficking in the scholarly and policy literature: (1) trafficking as a security problem; (2) trafficking as a human rights problem; (3) trafficking as a gender problem; (4) trafficking as a migration problem; and (5) trafficking as a labor problem. This chapter demonstrates that the distinctions drawn among the various problematizations are political rather than technical or empirical, and reflect competing values, interests, and worldviews. It further contends that problematizations of trafficking drive allocations of government and NGO resources, create hierarchies of victims, participate in the production of subjects (i.e., “selves” and “others”) and re-entrenchment or challenging of stereotypes, and normalize exploitative practices deemed not to count as instances of human trafficking. Chapter two concludes with an alternative, feminist approach that seeks to denaturalize dominant constructions.
The TYRP1-mediated protection of human tyrosinase activity does not involve stable interactions of tyrosinase domains.

Tyrosinases are melanocyte-specific enzymes involved in melanin biosynthesis. Mutations in their genes cause oculocutaneous albinism associated with reduced or altered pigmentation of skin, hair, and eyes. Here, the recombinant human intra-melanosomal domains of tyrosinase, TYRtr (19-469), and tyrosinase-related protein 1, TYRP1tr (25-472), were studied in vitro to define their functional relationship. Proteins were expressed or coexpressed in whole Trichoplusia ni larvae and purified. Their associations were studied using gel filtration and sedimentation equilibrium methods. Protection of TYRtr was studied by measuring the kinetics of tyrosinase diphenol oxidase activity in the presence (1:1 and 1:20 molar ratios) or the absence of TYRP1tr for 10 hr under conditions mimicking melanosomal and ER pH values. Our data indicate that TYRtr incubation with excess TYRP1tr protects TYR, increasing its stability over time. However, this mechanism does not appear to involve the formation of stable hetero-oligomeric complexes to maintain the protective function.
Ln(14)Na(3)Ru(6)O(36) (ln = pr, nd): two new complex lanthanide-containing oxides of ruthenium.

The lanthanide-containing ruthenium oxides Ln14Na3Ru6O36 (Ln = Pr, Nd) were prepared as single crystals from molten sodium hydroxide. The two compounds crystallize in the rhombohedral space group R...
Drug Resistance in Renal Tumors of Childhood

Renal cancers are as one of the most common drug resistant neoplasms affecting children and multidrug resistance (MDR) happened to be an important reason for the failure of chemotherapy in refractory cancers of childhood. MDR can be intrinsic or acquired, depending on the time of its occurrence, either at diagnosis or during chemotherapy. Renal cancers often have intrinsic form of MDR because of de novo expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in renal cells. Molecular investigations on MDR during the past two decades have led to the isolation and characterization of genes coding for P-gp, multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP), lung resistance-related protein (LRP), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/MXR), drug resistance-associated protein (DRP), and ATP-binding cassette protein (ABCP). Several molecular probes, primer pairs, and monoclonal antibodies have been developed over the years to quantify the regulation and expression of these drug resistance markers in tumor cells. Methodologies have also been standardized to estimate the gene amplification, mRNA and protein expression, and functionality of drug resistance proteins in clinical specimens from cancer patients. Because of the recent developments in microarray technology, DNA and protein arrays against drug resistant genes are available commercially now. This review includes techniques for detection and quantification of the expression and function of these drug resistance genes in childhood renal tumors. Since these markers have clinical significance, currently available technology warrants the application of these markers in clinical oncology. Moreover, the first, second and third generation drug resistance modifiers have been developed over the past several years for overcoming drug resistance problem in tumor cells. Unfortunately, these reversing agents are yet to be proved successful clinically. Since treatment protocols are usually adopted from adult tumor patients into childhood population, clinical trials with modifying agents are yet to be undertaken and/or concluded in pediatric renal cancer patients. More clinical studies may be required to analyze the genes involved in the MDR of childhood renal cancer patients and trials have to be undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of MDR modifying agents in them, at least in parallel with adult patients.
‘What are you willing to do?’: the development of courage in social justice leaders

Much research exists about the development and behaviors of leaders for social justice. However, scant research exists on how to develop the courage necessary to promote social justice within leade...
Four Risk Factors for Arthrofibrosis in Tibial Spine Fractures: A National 10-Site Multicenter Study

Background:Tibial spine fractures (TSFs) are relatively rare pediatric injuries. Postoperative arthrofibrosis remains the most common complication, with few studies having examined factors associat...
Diabetes as a Risk Factor for Poor Early Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE Diabetes and obesity are highly prevalent among hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but little is known about their contributions to early COVID-19 outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that diabetes is a risk factor for poor early outcomes, after adjustment for obesity, among a cohort of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used data from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) COVID-19 Data Registry of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between 11 March 2020 and 30 April 2020. Primary outcomes were admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), need for mechanical ventilation, and death within 14 days of presentation to care. Logistic regression models were adjusted for demographic characteristics, obesity, and relevant comorbidities. RESULTS Among 450 patients, 178 (39.6%) had diabetes—mostly type 2 diabetes. Among patients with diabetes versus patients without diabetes, a higher proportion was admitted to the ICU (42.1% vs. 29.8%, respectively, P = 0.007), required mechanical ventilation (37.1% vs. 23.2%, P = 0.001), and died (15.9% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.009). In multivariable logistic regression models, diabetes was associated with greater odds of ICU admission (odds ratio 1.59 [95% CI 1.01–2.52]), mechanical ventilation (1.97 [1.21–3.20]), and death (2.02 [1.01–4.03]) at 14 days. Obesity was associated with greater odds of ICU admission (2.16 [1.20–3.88]) and mechanical ventilation (2.13 [1.14–4.00]) but not with death. CONCLUSIONS Among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, diabetes was associated with poor early outcomes, after adjustment for obesity. These findings can help inform patient-centered care decision making for people with diabetes at risk for COVID-19.
Bioactive diterpenoid metabolism and cytotoxic activities of genetically transformed Euphorbia lathyris roots.

Abstract Plants in the genus Euphorbia produce a wide variety of pharmacologically active diterpenoids with anticancer, multidrug resistance reversal, and antiviral properties. Some are the primary industrial source of ingenol mebutate, which is approved for treatment of the precancerous skin condition actinic keratosis. Similar to other high value phytochemicals, Euphorbia diterpenoids accumulate at low concentrations in planta and chemical synthesis produces similarly low yields. We established genetically transformed root cultures of Euphorbia lathryis as a strategy to gain greater access to diterpenoids from this genus. Transformed roots produced via stem explant infection with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain 15834 recapitulated the metabolite profiles of field-grown plant roots and aerial tissues. Several putative diterpenoids were present in transformed roots, including ingenol and closely related structures, indicating that root cultures are a promising approach to Euphorbia-specific diterpenoid production. Treatment with methyl jasmonate led to a significant, albeit transient increase in mRNA levels of early diterpenoid biosynthetic enzymes (farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase, and casbene synthase), suggesting that elicitation could prove useful in future pathway characterization and metabolic engineering efforts. We also show the potential of transformed E. lathyris root cultures for natural product drug discovery applications by measuring their cytotoxic activities using a panel of human carcinoma cell lines derived from prostate, cervix, breast, and lung.
Migrant Anxieties: Italian Cinema in a Transnational Frame: written by Áine O’Healy, Bloomington, Indiana University Press, 255 pp., $80.00 (Cloth), $32.00 (Paper), $31.99 (e-Book), ISBN: 9780-2-53037-218-3

Aine O’Healy’s monograph, Migrant Anxieties: Italian Cinema in a Transnational Frame, examines thirty Italian fiction films released between 1990 and 2016 that address issues of immigration from ea...
Management of Large Segmental Bone Defects at the Knee With Intramedullary Stabilized Antibiotic Spacers During Two-Stage Treatment of Endoprosthetic Joint Infection.

Abstract Background Following debridement of infected prostheses that require reconstruction with an endoprosthetic replacement (EPR), instability related to segmental residual bone defects present a challenge in management with 2-stage reimplantation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated for revision total joint or endoprosthetic infection at the knee from 1998 to 2018. At our institution, patients with skeletal defects >6 cm following explant of prosthesis and debridement (stage 1) were managed with intramedullary nail-stabilized antibiotic spacers. Following stage 1, antimicrobial therapy included 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics and a minimum of 6 weeks of oral antibiotics. Following resolution of inflammatory markers and negative tissue cultures, reimplantation (stage 2) of an EPR was performed. Results Twenty-one patients at a mean age of 54 ± 21 years were treated for prosthetic joint infection at the knee. Polymicrobial growth was detected in 38% of cases, followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (24%) and Staphylococcus aureus (19%). Mean residual skeletal defect after stage 1 treatment was 20 cm. Prosthetic joint infection eradication was achieved in 18 (86%) patients, with a mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of 77% and mean knee range of motion of 100°. Patients with polymicrobial infections had a greater number of surgeries prior to infection (P = .024), and were more likely to require additional debridement prior to EPR (odds ratio 12.0, P = .048). Conclusion Management of large segmental skeletal defects at the knee following explant using intramedullary stabilized antibiotic spacers maintain stability and result in high rates of limb salvage with conversion to an endoprosthesis.
Left Ventricular Remodeling After Primary Coronary Angioplasty: Patterns of Left Ventricular Dilation and Long-Term Prognostic Implications

To the Editor: I was impressed by the follow-up and detailed study by Bolognese et al1 on left ventricular remodeling …
Socioeconomic Inequality in Respiratory Health in the US From 1959 to 2018.

Importance Air quality has improved and smoking rates have declined over the past half-century in the US. It is unknown whether such secular improvements, and other policies, have helped close socioeconomic gaps in respiratory health. Objective To describe long-term trends in socioeconomic disparities in respiratory disease prevalence, pulmonary symptoms, and pulmonary function. Design, Setting, and Participants This repeated cross-sectional analysis of the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and predecessor surveys, conducted from 1959 to 2018. included 160 495 participants aged 6 to 74 years. Exposures Family income quintile defined using year-specific thresholds; educational attainment. Main Outcomes and Measures Trends in socioeconomic disparities in prevalence of current/former smoking among adults aged 25 to 74 years; 3 respiratory symptoms (dyspnea on exertion, cough, and wheezing) among adults aged 40 to 74 years; asthma stratified by age (6-11, 12-17, and 18-74 years); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ([COPD] adults aged 40-74 years); and 3 measures of pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], and FEV1/FVC<0.70) among adults aged 24 to 74 years. Results Our sample included 160 495 individuals surveyed between 1959 and 2018: 27 948 children aged 6 to 11 years; 26 956 children aged 12 to 17 years; and 105 591 adults aged 18 to 74 years. Income- and education-based disparities in smoking prevalence widened from 1971 to 2018. Socioeconomic disparities in respiratory symptoms persisted or worsened from 1959 to 2018. For instance, from 1971 to 1975, 44.5% of those in the lowest income quintile reported dyspnea on exertion vs 26.4% of those in the highest quintile, whereas from 2017 to 2018 the corresponding proportions were 48.3% and 27.9%. Disparities in cough and wheezing rose over time. Asthma prevalence rose for all children after 1980, but more sharply among poorer children. Income-based disparities in diagnosed COPD also widened over time, from 4.5 percentage points (age- and sex-adjusted) in 1971 to 11.3 percentage points from 2013 to 2018. Socioeconomic disparities in FEV1 and FVC also increased. For instance, from 1971 to 1975, the age- and height-adjusted FEV1 of men in the lowest income quintile was 203.6 mL lower than men in the highest quintile, a difference that widened to 248.5 mL from 2007 to 2012 (95% CI, -328.0 to -169.0). However, disparities in rates of FEV1/FVC lower than 0.70 changed little. Conclusions and Relevance Socioeconomic disparities in pulmonary health persisted and potentially worsened over the past 6 decades, suggesting that the benefits of improved air quality and smoking reductions have not been equally distributed. Socioeconomic position may function as an independent determinant of pulmonary health.
A Stubborn Legacy: The Overwhelming Importance of Race in Jury Selection in 173 Post-Batson North Carolina Capital Trials

AND THE REALITY 1534 A. EXPERIMENTAL AND MOCK-JURY STUDIES 1536 B. STUDIES EXAMINING JURY SELECTION IN ACTUAL TRIALS 1538 C. STUDIES ANALYZING APPELLATE DECISIONS REVIEWING BATSON CLAIMS 1540
Resource requirement analysis for a predictive-hashing based multicast authentication protocol

A new multicast authentication scheme for real-time streaming applications was proposed [28] that is resistant to denial-of-service attacks with less resource usages (CPU and buffer) at receivers compared to previously proposed schemes. This scheme utilizes prediction hashing (PH) and one-way key chain (OKC) techniques based on erasure codes and distillation codes. Detailed protocol description is presented at the sender and receiver sides, and a worst-case resource (memory and CPU) requirement at the receiver-side is obtained with an assumption of security condition.
Comment on 'A diagnostic algorithm to distinguish desmoplastic from spindle cell melanoma'.

To the Editor: I read with interest the article by Weissinger et al1 ‘A diagnostic algorithm to distinguish desmoplastic from spindle cell melanoma’ published in the September 2013 issue. They propose MelanA as a first and, if positive, exclusionary step in their algorithm. This appears to be based on their cluster analysis of 38 cases (16 spindle cell, 18 desmoplastic, 4 mixed). All 4 of their mixed and all 18 of their desmoplastic melanomas were negative for MelanA. Their meta-review (Supplementary Table 9) is a summary of published immunoprofiles comparing spindle cell to desmoplastic melanoma. It is based on much larger number of cases and suggests that MelanA is not quite that specific and that HMB-45 may actually be of superior discriminatory value than MelanA.
Platelet Activation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 Patients Is Not Altered with Cocaine Abuse

Recent work has indicated that platelets, which are anucleate blood cells, significantly contribute to inflammatory disorders. Importantly, platelets also likely contribute to various inflammatory secondary disorders that are increasingly associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 (HIV) infection including neurological impairments and cardiovascular complications. Indeed, HIV infection is often associated with increased levels of platelet activators. Additionally, cocaine, a drug commonly abused by HIV-infected individuals, leads to increased platelet activation in humans. Considering that orchestrated signaling mechanisms are essential for platelet activation, and that nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitors can alter platelet function, the role of NF-κB signaling in platelet activation during HIV infection warrants further investigation. Here we tested the hypothesis that inhibitory kappa B kinase complex (IKK) activation would be central for platelet activation induced by HIV and cocaine. Whole blood from HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals, with or without cocaine abuse was used to assess platelet activation via flow cytometry whereas IKK activation was analyzed by performing immunoblotting and in vitro kinase assays. We demonstrate that increased platelet activation in HIV patients, as measured by CD62P expression, is not altered with reported cocaine use. Furthermore, cocaine and HIV do not activate platelets in whole blood when treated ex vivo. Finally, HIV-induced platelet activation does not involve the NF-κB signaling intermediate, IKKβ. Platelet activation in HIV patients is not altered with cocaine abuse. These results support the notion that non-IKK targeting approaches will be better suited for the treatment of HIV-associated inflammatory disorders.
Risk Factors for Retinal Vein Occlusions: A Case-Control Study

The authors conducted a case-control study of risk factors for retinal vein occlusions using 87 patients with vein occlusions, chosen randomly from photographic files from their institution between 1985 and 1990, and a control group of 85 subjects 38 years of age (the youngest individual in the vein occlusion group) or older, who were randomly selected from the records of two general ophthalmologists in the authors' department. Certain risk factors for retinal vein occlusion were highly significant when subjects with retinal vein occlusion were compared with the control group. These risk factors included systemic hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 3.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.08 to 7.16), open-angle glaucoma (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.38 to 6.05), and male sex (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.43 to 4.79). Race, presence of diabetes mellitus, history of coronary artery disease or stroke, and family history of diabetes, glaucoma, coronary artery disease, or stroke were not significant risk factors in the population studied. Logistic analysis of the risk factors showed no interactions. Risk factors for branch retinal vein occlusion and central retinal vein occlusion were identical.
The Role of Brain Peptides in the Control of Anterior Pituitary Hormone Secretion

A host of peptides act within the hypothalamus and also directly on the pituitary to control the secretion of anterior pituitary hormones. The classical releasing and inhibiting hormones act directly on the pituitary to inhibit or stimulate the release of anterior pituitary hormones. They appear also to act within the brain to modulate their own release and that of other releasing factors. With the discovery of many additional brain peptides, most of which were found initially in the gastrointestinal tract, many of these have also been examined, and it is apparent that there are important hypothalamic actions of a number of these peptides to alter pituitary hormone secretion (McCann et al., 1984b). In this chapter, we review some of our recent work in this area beginning with an examination of possible additional peptidic releasing or inhibiting factors that may directly alter pituitary hormone secretion and continuing with an examination of the intrahypothalamic action of the various peptides to alter their own release and that of pituitary hormones.
Intracranial Vertebral Artery Dissections: Evolving Perspectives

Intracranial vertebral artery dissection (VAD) represents the underlying etiology in a significant percentage of posterior circulation ischemic strokes and subarachnoid hemorrhages. These lesions are particularly challenging in their diagnosis, management, and in the prediction of long-term outcome. Advances in the understanding of underlying processes leading to dissection, as well as the evolution of modern imaging techniques are discussed. The data pertaining to medical management of intracranial VADs, with emphasis on anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, is reviewed. Surgical intervention is discussed, including, the selection of operative candidates, open and endovascular procedures, and potential complications. The evolution of endovascular technology and techniques is highlighted.
Does building-in reliability imply more or less wafer-level reliability testing?

Wafer-level reliability (WLR) testing continues to be an important tool for implementing a building-in reliability (BIR) strategy. The thrust of WLR testing has shifted, however, from the back-of-the-line (monitoring of outgoing reliability levels) to the front-of-the-line (margin testing during the development and productization phase). The rapid nature of most WLR tests permits the process engineer to evaluate the impact of process variation and obtain an "almost instantaneous" feedback as to its reliability impact. Rapid reliability information feedback is a key to helping the process engineer to build reliability into the technology. This is extremely important today when technologies are being developed and introduced to fabs at a rapid rate.
Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common primary renal malignant neoplasm in adults. Approximately, 25–30% of cases present with metastatic disease and 2% of cases may have lesions in bilateral kidneys at the time of presentation. Extensive use of cross-sectional imaging in recent years has resulted in detection of such carcinoma incidentally at an early stage. Approximately 36% of RCCs are discovered incidentally. The radiologist should be aware of this and once a suspected mass is identified, further investigations should be instituted. Solid or complex cystic lesions are best characterized by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast enhancement. These cross-sectional modalities are also indispensable in the staging and restaging of suspected RCC lesions. Other modalities including ultrasound and PET can also be utilized to play a complimentary role. Image-guided percutaneous renal biopsy is safe and accurate in sampling the lesion and reaching a final histopathological diagnosis. As the frequency of detection of renal masses increases and the utility of percutaneous biopsy and minimally invasive interventions including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), transarterial embolization (TAE) and nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) become more common, we are likely to see these procedures become more frequently employed in patient management.
Diet and Human Leukemia: An Analysis of International Data

Abstract Background . There has been little direct exploration of the relationships between dietary factors and human leukemia; however, a number of literature reports from animal studies and correlation analyses between countries suggest that diet can influence leukemia risk. Methods . Statistical analyses of international food supply data and leukemia incidence data were performed to define better the diet–human leukemia relationship. Incidence data for lymphoid, myeloid, and total leukemia (all leukemia subtypes combined) from 24 countries with reliable cancer registry data were regressed with estimates of per capita disappearance of macronutrients and alcohol, as well as gross national product and average height. Results . Simple correlation analyses showed that the dietary variables were associated with leukemia in a gender- and site-specific fashion. Males consistently had higher correlations than females. The strongest correlations were found between total calorie intake and both lymphoid and total leukemia incidence, especially among males. Myeloid leukemia in either gender was most strongly associated with gross national product. To control for potential confounding, multiple regression analyses were performed, with all regression models adjusted for gross national product, height, and dietary covariates. Total calorie supply was the only significant explanatory variable for the international variation in lymphoid and total leukemia in these analyses. The calorie–leukemia association was stronger among males than among females. No significant association was observed between myeloid leukemia and any of the dietary variables studied, after adjusting for height and gross national product. Conclusion . The findings from this rigorous analysis of international data strengthen and expand the hypothesis based on previous simple correlation analyses and animal experiments that an underlying biological relationship exists between diet, particularly energy intake, and international variations in the incidence of certain types of human leukemia. Possible mechanisms for the calorie–leukemia associations are discussed.
Continental Growth During Formation of Rodinia at 1.35-0.9 Ga

Nd isotopic data and U/Pb zircon ages suggest that only 7–13% of continental crust was formed between 1.35 to 0.9 Ga. Calculated crustal production rates during this time fall within the 1.1 km3/y average production rate of continental crust. This distribution of juvenile continental crust supports the existence of only two major superplume events at 2.7 and 1.9 Ga, and one or two minor events in the Phanerozoic at about 300 and 110 Ma. The absence of a 1.35-0.9 Ga juvenile crust peak may be related to supercontinent history. Results of this study confirm that although both the supercontinent and superplume cycles are episodic, each cycle can operate independently of the other.
Discovery of Autophagy Inhibitors with Antiproliferative Activity in Lung and Pancreatic Cancer Cells

The autophagy inhibitors chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have single agent antiproliferative activity against human cancer cell lines; however, low potency may limit their antitumor efficacy clinically. We synthesized a series of chloroquine analogs that retained the 4-aminoquinoline subunit and incorporated different substituted triazoles into the target structure. These compounds were tested for growth inhibition against H460 and HCC827 human lung cancer and BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells. The most potent compound, EAD1, had an IC50 of 5.8 μM in the BxPC3 cells and was approximately 8-fold more potent than CQ and HCQ. EAD1 inhibited autophagy, as judged by the cellular accumulation of the autophagy-related autophagosome proteins LC3-II and p62 and induced apoptosis. The increases in LC3-II levels by the analogues were highly correlated with their growth inhibitory IC50s, suggesting that autophagy blockade is closely linked to inhibition of cell proliferation. EAD1 is a viable lead compound for evaluation of the antitumor activity of autophagy inhibitors in vivo.
On the uncertainty of radio occultation inversions in the lower troposphere

[1] Development of radio-holographic inversion methods that solve for multipath propagation of radio occultation signals in the moist lower troposphere resulted in significant reduction of inversion errors of the bending angle and refractivity. Still, inversion errors depend on the length of recorded radio occultation signals, additive noise, and some tunable inversion parameters. These errors have components with nonzero mean (biases) and thus must be understood and quantified for weather and climate applications. In this study a physical explanation of the above mentioned inversion biases is given and their magnitude is evaluated (about 1% in the tropical lower troposphere). Assuming data with 50 Hz sampling rate and a noise level that is typical for the COSMIC GPS radio occultation observations, this magnitude can be considered as the measure of uncertainty of radio holographic inversions below ∼5 km in the moist tropical troposphere.
Thyroidal response to mammalian thyrotropin during smoltification of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

Abstract 1. 1. Responsiveness of the thyroid of coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) to mammalian thyrotropin (TSH), as measured by plasma thyroxine T 4 ) concentration 24 hr after a single injection, is most marked during the smoltification-associated increase in endogenous T 4 concentration. 2. 2. Doses of TSH between 100 and 250 mIU produce the highest increases in T 4 levels 24 hr after injection. 3. 3. A dose of 20 mIU TSH elicits a minor T 4 response. 4. 4. It may be possible to define and identify smoltification as the interval during which a specific injection of TSH significantly increases plasma T 4 titers as measured 24 hr later.
Dynamics of sine-Gordon solitons in the presence of perturbations

We have examined the dynamical behavior of soliton solutions of the sine-Gordon equation in the presence of weak external perturbations. Three examples, of particular importance in condensed matter, are described in detail: (i) a model impurity is found to bind low-velocity solitons but merely phase shift those with high velocities, (ii) an external static driving "force" together with damping causes the soliton to accelerate to a terminal velocity, and (iii) spatial inhomogeneities in the coefficient of the nonlinear term cause the soliton to adjust its velocity and shape in the regions of imperfection. In all cases we find that solitons maintain their integrity to a high degree. These calculations are based on a linear perturbation theory which emphasizes the use of a translation mode, and we are led to conclude that, in many respects, sine-Gordon solitons behave as classical particles whose dynamics are governed by Newton's law.
Temperature dependence of friction under cryogenic conditions in vacuum

We have constructed a sliding block cryotribometer designed to measure friction at cryogenic temperatures and UHV conditions. An optical cryostat and high speed video was used to monitor the motion of the block. The temperature range of the measurements was 4–460 K. Both the static and dynamic friction coefficients were determined for a steel ball on stainless steel, sapphire, and PTFE (Teflon) plates, and for a sapphire ball on a sapphire plate. For all material combinations, no systematic variation of friction with temperature was observed in the temperature range 4–200 K.
Nanowire waveguide made from extremely anisotropic metamaterials

Exact solutions are obtained for all the modes of wave propagation along an anisotropic cylindrical waveguide. Closed-form expressions for the energy flow on the waveguide are also derived. For extremely anisotropic waveguide where the transverse permittivity is negative $({\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}l0)$ while the longitudinal permittivity is positive $({\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}g0)$, only transverse magnetic (TM) and hybrid modes will propagate on the waveguide. At any given frequency the waveguide supports an infinite number of eigenmodes. Among the TM modes, at most only one mode is forward wave. The rest of them are backward waves which can have very large effective index. At a critical radius, the waveguide supports degenerate forward- and backward-wave modes with zero group velocity. These waveguides can be used as phase shifters and filters, and as optical buffers to slow down and trap light.
Polymer immobilization to alkylchlorosilane organic monolayer films using sequential derivatization reactions

Covalent immobilization of hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers in sequential reactions to surfaces of olefin-terminated alkylsilane monolayers results in fabrication of polymer-modified ultrathin films. Film surface chemistry and interfacial energy are modified significantly using this approach, resulting from sandwich-type layers bearing pendant poly(ethylene glycol) or perfluoroalkyl chains exposed on the film surface. Photoaddition chemistry has been used to react a thiol-bearing polysiloxane to olefin-terminated alkylsilane monolayers. Additionally, hydrosilylation reactions have also been used to covalently attach Si−H polysiloxanes to olefin-terminated alkylsilane monolayers. XPS and static SIMS have been used to confirm chemistry and yields after these sequential immobilization reactions. Both surface analysis methods provide evidence for the surface chemistry of each immobilization step at the surface.
Federalism As an Ideal Political Order and an Objective for Constitutional Reform

Federalism is first examined as an ideal-type political order as possibly emergent from initial constitutional agreement among members ofa prospective political community. This abstracted and nonhistorical analysis is followed by an examination of the possible applicability of the federalist ideal as the basisfor reform in specific historical-institutional settings. The direction ofconstitutional change toward effective federalism is discussed, with the devolution of political authority from centralized structures carefully distinguished from the limited concentration of authority from previously autonomous political units.
Polymicrobial peritonitis in patients on continuous peritoneal dialysis.

Little data are available about the characteristics, outcome, and risk factors for polymicrobial peritonitis in patients on continuous peritoneal dialysis. We therefore reviewed the 43 episodes of polymicrobial peritonitis that occurred in 39 of our patients over the 11.5 years of our program. Polymicrobial peritonitis represented 9% (43/492) of all peritonitis episodes. Only three episodes of polymicrobial peritonitis were associated with an enteric source. Sixteen percent (7/43) of the polymicrobial peritonitis episodes were associated with catheter infections. Staphylococcus aureus was one of the cultured organisms in 33% of the polymicrobial peritonitis episodes. Patients with polymicrobial peritonitis had higher rates of tunnel infection (0.28/yr v 0.18/yr) and overall peritonitis (1.23/yr v 0.81/yr) than patients with single-organism peritonitis. Black patients were more likely to have polymicrobial peritonitis (12/56 v 27/338 whites, χ2 = 9.8, P
Nature of noncovalent interactions in catenane supramolecular complexes: Calibrating the MM3 force field with ab initio, DFT, and SAPT methods

The design and assembly of mechanically interlocked molecules, such as catenanes and rotaxanes, are dictated by various types of noncovalent interactions. In particular, [C-H···O] hydrogen-bonding and π-π stacking interactions in these supramolecular complexes have been identified as important noncovalent interactions. With this in mind, we examined the [3]catenane 2·4PF6 using molecular mechanics (MM3), ab initio methods (HF, MP2), several versions of density functional theory (DFT) (B3LYP, M0X), and the dispersion-corrected method DFT-D3. Symmetry adapted perturbation theory (DFT-SAPT) provides the highest level of theory considered, and we use the DFT-SAPT results both to calibrate the other electronic structure methods, and the empirical potential MM3 force field that is often used to describe larger catenane and rotaxane structures where [C-H···O] hydrogen-bonding and π-π stacking interactions play a role. Our results indicate that the MM3 calculated complexation energies agree qualitatively with the energetic ordering from DFT-SAPT calculations with an aug-cc-pVTZ basis, both for structures dominated by [C-H···O] hydrogen-bonding and π-π stacking interactions. When the DFT-SAPT energies are decomposed into components, we find that electrostatic interactions dominate the [C-H···O] hydrogen-bonding interactions, while dispersion makes a significant contribution to π-π stacking. Another important conclusion is that DFT-D3 based on M06 or M06-2X provides interaction energies that are in near-quantitative agreement with DFT-SAPT. DFT results without the D3 correction have important differences compared to DFT-SAPT, while HF and even MP2 results are in poor agreement with DFT-SAPT.
Leukemia and benzene.

Excessive exposure to benzene has been known for more than a century to damage the bone marrow resulting in decreases in the numbers of circulating blood cells, and ultimately, aplastic anemia. Of more recent vintage has been the appreciation that an alternative outcome of benzene exposure has been the development of one or more types of leukemia. While many investigators agree that the array of toxic metabolites, generated in the liver or in the bone marrow, can lead to traumatic bone marrow injury, the more subtle mechanisms leading to leukemia have yet to be critically dissected. This problem appears to have more general interest because of the recognition that so-called “second cancer” that results from prior treatment with alkylating agents to yield tumor remissions, often results in a type of leukemia reminiscent of benzene-induced leukemia. Furthermore, there is a growing literature attempting to characterize the fine structure of the marrow and the identification of so called “niches” that house a variety of stem cells and other types of cells. Some of these “niches” may harbor cells capable of initiating leukemias. The control of stem cell differentiation and proliferation via both inter- and intra-cellular signaling will ultimately determine the fate of these transformed stem cells. The ability of these cells to avoid checkpoints that would prevent them from contributing to the leukemogenic response is an additional area for study. Much of the study of benzene-induced bone marrow damage has concentrated on determining which of the benzene metabolites lead to leukemogenesis. The emphasis now should be directed to understanding how benzene metabolites alter bone marrow cell biology.
Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of a cationic gold (I) π-(1,3-diene) complex generated via isomerization of a gold π-allene complex

The cationic gold tetramethylallene complex {[P(t-Bu)2o-biphenyl]Au(η2-Me2CCCMe2)}+ SbF6− (1) underwent formal 1,3-hydrogen migration in CD2Cl2 solution at or below room temperature in the absence of base to form the 1,3-diene complex {[P(t-Bu)2o-biphenyl]Au[η2-H2C(Me) = C(H)–C(H)CMe2]}+ SbF6− (2), which was isolated in 92% yield and analyzed by X-ray crystallography.
The Role of Entomology in Science Education

“A parent gives life, a murderer takes life; a teacher affects eternity. He knows not where his influence ends.” With these words Dr. John Stoffolano ended his introductory comments to individuals attending the first conference on Insects in Science Education. This one-day conference, held at Northfield, Mass., was sponsored by the Department of Entomology, the Entomological Society of America, the School of Education of the University, and the College of Food and Natural Resources. Eighteen individuals (Table 1) from various areas of education, entomology, and youth-oriented activities but with common interests and goals were brought together to discuss how to best coordinate and maximize the use of insects in science education.