cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Smoking, depression, and hospital costs of respiratory cancers: Examining race and sex variation.

OBJECTIVE The role of smoking and depression relative to hospital cost for lung cancer (LC) remains unknown. METHODS We extracted data on depression, smoking history, demographics, and hospital charges on patients with respiratory cancers (ICD-9 codes 161-163,165) from the 2008 Tennessee Hospital Discharge Data System. The sample (n=6,665) was mostly white (86%) and male (57). Age-adjusted rates were developed per CDC methodology, and hospital costs were compared for LC with vs. without depression and smoking. RESULTS Three findings (p<.001) emerged: (i) LC rate was higher among blacks than whites, and higher among males than females; (ii) While 66% of LC smoked (more males than females without racial variation), 24% had depression (more females and whites were depressed); (iii) The LC hospital cost was 54% higher compared to non-LC, and this cost doubled for LC with depression and smoking vs. those without such characteristics. CONCLUSION While LC is more prevalent among blacks and males, depression is higher among female and white patients. Since depression with higher costs existed among LC patients, our findings point to: (i) possibility of cost savings by diagnosing and treating depression among LC, and (ii) implementing proven smoking cessation programs to reduce LC morbidity and hospital costs.
Dual pore network polymer foams for biomedical applications via combined solid state foaming and additive manufacturing

Abstract Dual pore network polymer foams are categorized as foams having two interconnected pore networks of varying sizes. Potential applications of these foams are in the biomedical field for artificial organ development and high throughput drug testing. In this study, a cost effective and scalable processing technique for fabrication of dual pore network polymer foams via solid state foaming of additively manufactured templates is presented. Initially, a polymer template with either circular or hexagonal features is additively manufactured with the spacing between the features forming the first porous network. The second porous network is obtained by subjecting the additively manufactured template to solid state foaming. The resulting foams have porosity in excess of 80% with the pore sizes in the larger and smaller pore network on the order of 200 µm and 50 µm respectively.
Cohesiveness in microbial community coalescence

Microbial invasions exhibit many unique properties; notably, entire microbial communities often invade one another, a phenomenon known as community coalescence. In spite of the potential importance of this process for the dynamics and stability of microbiome assembly, our understanding of it is still very limited. Recent theoretical and empirical work has proposed that large microbial communities may exhibit an emergent cohesiveness, as a result of collective consumer-resource interactions and metabolic feedbacks between microbial growth and the environment. A fundamental prediction of this proposal is the presence of ecological co-selection during community coalescence, where the invasion success of a given taxon is determined by its community members. To establish the generality of this prediction in experimental microbiomes, we have performed over one hundred invasion and coalescence experiments with environmental communities of different origins that had spontaneously and stably assembled in two different synthetic aerobic environments. We show that the dominant species of the coalesced communities can both recruit their community members (top-down co-selection) and be recruited by them (bottom-up co-selection) into the coalesced communities. Our results provide direct evidence that collective invasions generically produce ecological co-selection of interacting species, emphasizing the importance of community-level interactions during microbial community assembly.
Exploring the Moderation of Meaning in Life in Barriers and Coping Efficacy Among Women

In this study, we sought to extend social cognitive career theory and examined the links among perceptions of career and educational barriers, coping self-efficacy, and meaning in life in a diverse...
Two- and three-year follow-up from a gender-specific, web-based drug abuse prevention program for adolescent girls.

Abstract Introduction Rates of drug use among early adolescent girls meet or exceed rates of their male counterparts. Girls are also vulnerable to differential risk factors for drug use. Yet, expressly designed prevention programs targeting this population are absent. The present study reports 2- and 3-year findings on a web-based drug abuse prevention program for adolescent girls. Methods A sample of adolescent girls (N = 788) were recruited via Facebook. Online, all girls completed pretests; girls were randomly assigned to a 9-session intervention arm or to a measurement-only control arm and all girls completed posttests. All girls also completed 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up measurements. Results At 2-year follow-up and compared to girls in the control arm, intervention-arm girls reported less past-month cigarette, marijuana, and “other” drug use (club drugs, cocaine, ecstasy, hallucinogens, heroin, inhalants, methamphetamines, steroids, prescription drugs), lower rates of peer drug use, and increased scores on drug refusal skills, coping skills, self-esteem, media literacy, and self-efficacy. At 3-year follow-up, and compared to girls in the control arm, intervention-arm girls reported less past-month cigarette and e-cigarette use, lower rates of peer drug use, lower reported anxiety and stress, and increased scores on drug refusal skills, self-esteem, media literacy, self-efficacy, and body image. Conclusions Longitudinal outcome data lend support to the efficacy of a gender-specific, web-based drug abuse prevention program to reduce adolescent girls' drug use rates and associated risk factors.
Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction in PEM Fuel Cells: Self-Template Synthesis Approach to Enhancing Catalytic Activity and Stability

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are leading candidates in the utilization of clean energy resources for application in transportation, stationary, and portable devices. In PEMFCs, cathode catalysts are crucial for overall performance and durability due to kinetically slow oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). Because platinum (Pt), a state-of-the-art ORR catalyst, is rare and expensive, the development of high-performance platinum metal group (PGM)-free catalysts is highly desirable for future fuel cell technologies. Among the various PGM-free catalyst formulations, metal and nitrogen co-doped carbon (M-N-C, M: Fe, Co, or Mn) catalysts have exhibited encouraging activity and stability in acidic media for ORR and possess great potential to replace Pt in the future. Therefore, based on our extensive experience in the field of ORR catalysis, this review will comprehensively summarize the basic principles in the design and synthesis of M-N-C catalysts for durable, inexpensive, and high-performance PEMFCs with an emphasis on Co- and Mn-N-C catalysts to avoid Fenton reactions between Fe2+ and H2O2, which can generate free radicals and lead to the degradation of catalysts, ionomers, and membranes in PEMFCs. Furthermore, template-free 3D hydrocarbon frameworks as attractive precursors to advanced M-N-C catalysts will be discussed to significantly enhance intrinsic ORR activities in acidic media. In addition, long-term performance durability of M-N-C cathodes will be discussed extensively to provide potential solutions to enhance catalyst stability in PEMFCs. Finally, this review will provide an overall perspective on the progress, challenges, and solutions of PGM-free catalysts for future PEMFC technologies.
Abstract 150: Diffusion Abnormalities and Quality of Life Outcomes After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) abnormalities, consistent with acute brain infarcts, occur in approximately one-quarter of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Prior studies h...
Recommending heterogeneous resources for science gateway applications based on custom templates composition

Abstract Emerging interdisciplinary data-intensive science gateway applications in engineering fields (e.g., bioinformatics, cybermanufacturing) demand the use of high-performance computing resources. However, to mitigate operational costs and management efforts for these science gateway applications, there is a need to effectively deploy them on federated heterogeneous resources managed by external Cloud Service Providers (CSPs). In this paper, we present a novel methodology to deliver fast, automatic and flexible resource provisioning services for such application-owners with limited expertise in composing and deploying suitable cloud architectures. Our methodology features a Component Abstraction Model to implement intelligent resource ‘abstractions’ coupled with ‘reusable’ hardware and software configuration in the form of “custom templates” to simplify heterogeneous resource management efforts. It also features a novel middleware that provides services via a set of recommendation schemes for a context-aware requirement-collection questionnaire. Recommendations match the requirements to available resources and thus assist novice and expert users to make relevant configuration selections with CSP collaboration. To evaluate our middleware, we study the impact of user preferences in requirement collection, jobs execution and resource adaptation for a real-world manufacturing application on Amazon Web Services and the GENI cloud platforms. Our experiment results show that our scheme improves the resource recommendation accuracy in the manufacturing science gateway application by up to 21% compared to the existing schemes. We also show the impact of custom templates knowledgebase maturity at the CSP side for handling novice and expert user preferences in terms of the resource recommendation accuracy.
Targeted lipidomics and metabolomics evaluations of cortical neuronal stress in schizophrenia

Abstract Background Cortical neuronal dysfunction has been proposed to underlie the psychopathology and cognitive dysfunction of schizophrenia. Previously we have reported altered sphingolipid and N-acylphosphatidylserine (NAPS) metabolism in the frontal cortex in schizophrenia. We continue to expand these investigations to define the biochemical basis for these critical neuropathologies. Methods We undertook a targeted high resolution mass spectrometric analysis to validate our previous reports of elevated sphingolipids and NAPS in the frontal cortex of a new cohort of schizophrenia subjects. Furthermore we expanded these analyses to include ceramides, N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines (NAPE), and N-acylethanolamines (NAE). In the same tissue samples we examined N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), a modulator of excitatory amino acid transmission, hypothesized to be involved in the pathology of schizophrenia. Results We repeated our observations of elevated sulfatides in the frontal cortex in schizophrenia. An in-depth analysis of other sphingolipids revealed decrements in ceramide levels and increased levels of lactosylceramides. NAPS also were found to be augmented in schizophrenia as we previously reported. In addition, levels of NAPES, established biomarkers of neuronal stress, were elevated while their metabolites, NAEs were decreased. With regard to excitatory amino acid neurotransmission, NAAG levels were decreased by 50% while the metabolic precursor, N-acetylaspartate was unaltered. Conclusions Our data support the concept of cortical neuronal dysfunction in schizophrenia as indicated by altered metabolism of structural sphingolipids and NAAG, a modulator of excitatory amino acid neurotransmission.
Association of Cavum Septum Pellucidum and Cavum Vergae With Cognition, Mood, and Brain Volumes in Professional Fighters.

Importance Many studies have investigated the imaging findings showing sequelae of repetitive head trauma, with mixed results. Objective To determine whether fighters (boxers and mixed martial arts fighters) with cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) and cavum vergae (CV) have reduced volumes in various brain structures or worse clinical outcomes on cognitive and mood testing. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study assessed participants from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study. Data were collected from April 14, 2011, to January 17, 2018, and were analyzed from September 1, 2018, to May 23, 2019. This study involved a referred sample of 476 active and retired professional fighters. Eligible participants were at least 18 years of age and had at least a fourth-grade reading level. Healthy age-matched controls with no history of trauma were also enrolled. Exposures Presence of CSP, CV, and their total (additive) length (CSPV length). Main Outcomes and Measures Information regarding depression, impulsivity, and sleepiness among study participants was obtained using the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale, Barrett Impulsiveness Scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Cognition was assessed using raw scores from CNS Vital Signs. Volumes of various brain structures were measured via magnetic resonance imaging. Results A total of 476 fighters (440 men, 36 women; mean [SD] age, 30.0 [8.2] years [range, 18-72 years]) and 63 control participants (57 men, 6 women; mean [SD] age, 30.8 [9.6] years [range, 18-58 years]) were enrolled in the study. Compared with fighters without CV, fighters with CV had significantly lower mean psychomotor speed (estimated difference, –11.3; 95% CI, –17.4 to –5.2;P = .004) and lower mean volumes in the supratentorium (estimated difference, –31 191 mm3; 95% CI, –61 903 to –479 mm3;P = .05) and other structures. Longer CSPV length was associated with lower processing speed (slope, –0.39; 95% CI, –0.49 to –0.28;P Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that the presence of CSP and CV is associated with lower regional brain volumes and cognitive performance in a cohort exposed to repetitive head trauma.
Reversible and Selective CO2 to HCO2− Electrocatalysis near the Thermodynamic Potential

Reversible catalysis is a hallmark of energy-efficient chemical transformations, but can only be achieved if the changes in free energy of intermediate steps are minimized and the catalytic cycle is devoid of high transition-state barriers. Using these criteria, we demonstrate reversible CO2 /HCO2- conversion catalyzed by [Pt(depe)2 ]2+ (depe=1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane). Direct measurement of the free energies associated with each catalytic step correctly predicts a slight bias towards CO2 reduction. We demonstrate how the experimentally measured free energy of each step directly contributes to the <50 mV overpotential. We also find that for CO2 reduction, H2 evolution is negligible and the Faradaic efficiency for HCO2- production is nearly quantitative. A free-energy analysis reveals H2 evolution is endergonic, providing a thermodynamic basis for highly selective CO2 reduction.
One λ at a Time: What Do We Know About Presenting Human-friendly Output from Program Analysis Tools?

Program analysis tools perform sophisticated analysis on source code to help programmers resolve compiler errors, apply optimizations, and identify security vulnerabilities. Despite the utility of these tools, research suggests that programmers do not frequently adopt them in practice—a primary reason being that the output of these tools is difficult to understand. Towards providing a synthesis of what researchers know about the presentation of program analysis output to programmers, we conducted a scoping review of the PLDI conference proceedings from 1988-2017. The scoping review serves as interim guidance for advancing collaborations between research disciplines. We discuss how cross-disciplinary communities, such as PLATEAU, are critical to improving the usability of program analysis tools.
An examination of video assisted leisure education in middle-aged and older adults

Using a quasi-experimental pretest-post-test design without a control group we examined effects of leisure education, Project BHEL: Be Healthy and Enjoy Leisure, consisting of seven 1-hour sessions...
Studying Institutional Situational Awareness Through Anonymous Incident Reporting.

Background and objectives The efficacy of anonymous incident reporting (AIR) is critical to creating a culture of safety. Prior studies have sought to establish AIR in a similar manner as aviation, nuclear power, and other industries. However, health care presents unique challenges that differ greatly from these industries. We present a straightforward method using statistical process control to study the progression and efficacy of AIR. Methods This study represents a retrospective review of all anonymous incident reports and surgical critical events from 2012 to 2017 at a single-institution, 500-bed, university-based, metropolitan Veterans Affairs Administration Medical Center located in Texas. This work was approved by the Veterans Administration Quality Board and deemed to be an appropriate quality improvement project. This project did not require institutional review board approval. Results There was an exponential increase in AIRs in the first 15 months from 1 report per month to 168 reports in the ninth month (1425% increase). The results then plateaued over time (first year: 1017, second year: 1634, and third year: 1938-common-cause variation). A logarithmic regression was performed for progression of AIRs per month yielding the equation y = -7E-13ln(x) + 142.92, Pearson Correlation Coefficient = 0.55, where y represents number of reports and x time by month. The highest number of Critical Incident Tracking Notification System (CITNS) reports was observed early in the self-reporting process and decreased over time (first year: 5, second year: 2, third year: 1, fourth year: 1, and fifth year: 0). The numbers of AIR and CITNS reports were found to be inversely related with a Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.4. Conclusions Statistical process control can be applied to an institution's AIR program to study progression and situational awareness.
Calculations and analysis of 55Mn nuclear quadrupole coupling for asymmetric top acyl methyl manganese pentacarbonyl

Abstract Revised assignments of the measured transitions for the asymmetric top acyl isomers of methyl manganese pentacarbonyl are presented, along with a corresponding fit to determine rotational and quadrupole coupling constants. New assignments for measured transitions give a better fit to the spectrum and better agreement between experimental and calculated quadrupole coupling strengths. The best agreements were obtained for B3LYP and M11 DFT calculations with triple and quadruple-zeta basis sets. Experimental molecular parameters from the new analysis are: A = 840.0843(52), B = 774.2861(17), C = 625.6528(13). DJ = 0.000212(21). DJK = 0.00488(18), 1.5χaa = −46.96(11), 0.25(χbb - χcc) = -13.44(3) MHz.
Cultural Dominance in Dietetics; Hearing the Voices, African American Nutrition Educators Speak

Currently less than 4% of Registered Dietitians in the U.S. come from African American or Latino communities. People are often unwilling to reveal their lifestyle patterns to those they fear will be insensitive to their sociopolitical position in society. The 2002 Institute of Medicine Committee on Understanding and Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care recommended an increase of underrepresented minorities in the health care workforce. This study analyzed the impact of white dominance in the Field of Dietetics. Nineteen African American women who practice nutrition education in the African American community were interviewed regarding their own educational experiences, their practice, and their perception of the profession of Dietetics. They were also asked to give their opinions regarding changes that need to take place in the field. Critical Race Theory was utilized as a lens to analyze the findings. The women reported racism in their educational histories. The participants commented on their ability to relate to the food, economic conditions and learning styles of their African American clients. They identified a number of obstacles to becoming Registered Dietitians, many of which centered on accessing the internship process and the lack of perceived cost/benefit. The participants discussed needed changes in the educational process, including more multicultural education for dietetic students. It is hoped that this study will provide a voice from those who have been marginalized in Dietetics to project insight on how the field might become more inclusive and effective in communities of color.
Do morally injurious experiences and index events negatively impact intensive PTSD treatment outcomes among combat veterans

Background: It has been suggested that current frontline posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments are not effective for the treatment of moral injury and that individuals who have experienced morally injurious events may respond differently to treatment than those who have not. However, these claims have yet to be empirically tested. Objective: This study evaluated the rates of morally injurious event exposure and morally injurious index trauma and their impact on PTSD (PCL-5) and depression symptom (PHQ-9) reductions during intensive PTSD treatment. Method: Data from 161 USA military combat service members and veterans (91.3% male; mean age = 39.94 years) who participated in a 3-week Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)-based intensive PTSD treatment programme (ITP) was utilized. Morally injurious event exposure was established via the Moral Injury Event Scale (MIES). Index traumas were also coded by the treating clinician. Linear mixed effects regression analyses were conducted to examine if differences in average effects or trends over the course of treatment existed between veterans with morally injurious event exposure or index trauma and those without. Results: Rates of morally injurious event exposure in this treatment sample were high (59.0%-75.2%). Morally injurious event exposure and the type of index trauma did not predict changes in symptom outcomes from the ITP and veterans reported large reductions in PTSD (d = 1.35-1.96) and depression symptoms (d = 0.95-1.24) from pre- to post-treatment. Non-inferiority analyses also demonstrated equivalence across those with and without morally injurious event exposure and index events. There were no significant gender differences. Conclusions: The present study suggests that PTSD and depression in military veterans with morally injurious event exposure histories may be successfully treated via a 3-week CPT-based ITP.
Abstract P855: Importance of Compliance in Dysphagia Screening in Acute Stroke Care

Introduction: Dysphagia occurs in up to two thirds of stroke patients and can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia, which is also linked to increased morbidity and mortality. ...
Collaborative Production in Science: An Empirical Analysis of Coauthorships in Economics

This paper studies productivity and preferences in scientific research. Collaboration is increasingly important for innovation in science, and other domains, but we have limited understanding of the factors researchers use to choose their collaborators and the projects they work on. Here, we use a model of strategic network formation and a recently developed econometric method to examine this question in the context of economics researchers. We learn that research teams with more collaborators tend to produce papers with higher impact, without increasing individual costs of communication and coordination. This suggests the trend toward larger research teams in economics will continue.
Degeneration of Polarized Abelian Varieties

The subject here is the degeneration of polarized abelian varieties over a noetherian normal domain complete w.r.t. some ideal. We begin by considering the following complex analogue. Let S* = (Δ*)k, S = Δ *, where Δ* denotes the punctured unit disk and Δ the unit disk in ℂ. Let G * be a family of abelian varieties of dimension g over S *. In general, this family may degenerate over S.
Atomistic Electronic Structure Calculations of Unstrained Alloyed Systems Consisting of a Million Atoms

The broadening of the conduction and valence band edges due to compositional disorder in alloyed materials of finite extent is studied using an sp3s* tight binding model. Two sources of broadening due to configuration and concentration disorder are identified. The concentrational disorder dominates for systems up to at least one million atoms and depends on problem size through an inverse square root law. Significant differences (over 12 meV) in band edge energies are seen depending on choice of granularity of alloy clusters.
Presenting computer algorithm knowledge units in computer science curriculum

A challenging aspect of computer science curriculum is to present the ever growing and ever changing topics of computer science within the time constraints imposed by the program of study. In this paper we present some of these challenges and outline strategies to meet them with regard to the computer science subject area of Algorithms and Complexity in the context of evolving needs of CS1 and CS2 courses. Specifically, we consider those knowledge units recommended for this area by the IEEE/ACM Joint Task Force on computing curricula in their CC2001 report [CC00].
Exponential and Logarithm

Given a matrix group G we have defined a vector space T -- the tangent space to G at I . In this chapter we develop maps to send T to G and G to T and study their properties. We will work with real matrices -- developments for ℂ and ℍ are quite analogous. (We need these maps to determine dimensions of some of our matrix groups.)
Gastric and esophageal Campylobacter pylori in patients with Barrett's esophagus

Campylobacter pylori organisms were found with similar frequency in the stomachs of patients with Barrett's esophagus and in age- and sex-matched controls (10 of 26 vs. 11 of 26). Campylobacter pylori was also observed in esophageal Barrett's mucosa in some patients with gastric C. pylori, but not when gastric infection was absent (4 of 10 vs. 0 of 16). Campylobacter pylori was not detected in esophageal squamous mucosa from patients with Barrett's esophagus or in 25 non-Barrett's patients with gastric C. pylori and histologic changes of esophageal reflux. Overall frequency of ulceration in Barrett's esophagus was 35% (9 of 26), and frequency of ulceration was similar whether or not C. pylori was noted in gastric or Barrett's mucosa.
Complete chemical modification of amine and acid functional groups of peptides and small proteins

The chemical modification of protein thiols by reduction and alkylation is common in the preparation of proteomic samples for analysis by mass spectrometry (MS). Modification at other functional groups has received less attention in MS-based proteomics. Amine modification (Lys, N-termini) by reductive dimethylation or by acylation (e.g., iTRAQ labeling) has recently gained some popularity in peptide-based approaches (bottom-up MS). Modification at acidic groups (Asp, Glu, C-termini) has been explored very minimally. Here, we describe a sequential labeling strategy that enables complete modification of thiols, amines, and acids on peptides or small intact proteins. This method includes (1) the reduction and alkylation of thiols, (2) the reductive dimethylation of amines, and (3) the amidation of acids with any of several amines. This chemical modification scheme offers several options both for the incorporation of stable isotopes for relative quantification and for improving peptides or proteins as MS analytes.
Prevention of gross setup errors in radiotherapy with an efficient automatic patient safety system

Treatment of the wrong body part due to incorrect setup is among the leading types of errors in radiotherapy. The purpose of this paper is to report an efficient automatic patient safety system (PSS) to prevent gross setup errors. The system consists of a pair of charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras mounted in treatment room, a single infrared reflective marker (IRRM) affixed on patient or immobilization device, and a set of in-house developed software. Patients are CT scanned with a CT BB placed over their surface close to intended treatment site. Coordinates of the CT BB relative to treatment isocenter are used as reference for tracking. The CT BB is replaced with an IRRM before treatment starts. PSS evaluates setup accuracy by comparing real-time IRRM position with reference position. To automate system workflow, PSS synchronizes with the record-and-verify (R&V) system in real time and automatically loads in reference data for patient under treatment. Special IRRMs, which can permanently stick to patient face mask or body mold throughout the course of treatment, were designed to minimize therapist’s workload. Accuracy of the system was examined on an anthropomorphic phantom with a designed end-to-end test. Its performance was also evaluated on head and neck as well as abdominalpelvic patients using cone-beam CT (CBCT) as standard. The PSS system achieved a seamless clinic workflow by synchronizing with the R&V system. By permanently mounting specially designed IRRMs on patient immobilization devices, therapist intervention is eliminated or minimized. Overall results showed that the PSS system has sufficient accuracy to catch gross setup errors greater than 1 cm in real time. An efficient automatic PSS with sufficient accuracy has been developed to prevent gross setup errors in radiotherapy. The system can be applied to all treatment sites for independent positioning verification. It can be an ideal complement to complex image-guidance systems due to its advantages of continuous tracking ability, no radiation dose, and fully automated clinic workflow.
The effect of dihydride bonding on the electrical properties of a-Si:H (solar cells)

Thin films of a-Si:H have been prepared in an inductively coupled RF discharge of silane/hydrogen mixtures. The electron drift mobility, photo-to-dark conductivity ratio, and activation energy were found to vary with hydrogen dilution. FTIR spectroscopy reveals that SiH and SiH/sub 2/ bond concentrations increase with H/sub 2/ dilution. The change in the electrical properties observed with H/sub 2/ dilution can be explained by the increase in dihydride bonding concentration. >
Preventing human rights abuses in psychiatric establishments: the work of the CPT

The mission of the European Committee for the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (CPT) is to visit all places where people are detained and deprived of their liberty by a public authority, in States which are signatories to the Convention. Within this context, the CPT has visited many closed psychiatric establishments. We have studied reports, which were made public concerning 78 psychiatric establishments visited by the CPT between 1990 and 2001. No act considered to be torture was reported by the CPT, but several cases of deliberate ill-treatment of patients are described. Many serious cases of dysfunction concerning staff, treatment, the use of seclusion and restraint as well as lack of adequate safeguards, were also noted by the CPT. The recommendations, comments and requests for information issued by the CPT are intended to promote the reform of these establishments in order to promote human rights, in the States visited. These recommendations as well as the CPT's annual reports, serve as reference standards for psychiatric practice, which respect human rights.
What is the future for quinacrine sterilization

The report shows efficacy of 12.9% at 5 years after two insertions of quinacrine pellets. A recent report from Croatia, using the Copper T insertion technique (no longer recommended) to insert the Quinacrine pellets, showed a 5-year pregnancy rate of 6% (4). It is difficult to know if these differences are real or relate to methodological limitations of a retrospective survey. Referring to corrected rates in these papers as a “gold standard” gives a false impression that the currently recommended “Hieu” technique was used. Although the authors mention the possibility that the “Hieu insertion technique” may improve efficacy of quinacrine sterilization, this report fails to provide other evidence. It is now known that when all quinacrine pellets are inserted at the uterine fundus, confirmed by ultrasound (5), the dissolved quinacrine stays there for up to 1 hour if the women remain in the supine position. In this study of 92 patients, there were no pregnancies after 1 year (5). Reported clinical trials using the Hieu insertion technique show 2-year failure rates of zero (6) and 1.2% (7). These rates reflect more recent experience. It is not surprising that the United States Food and Drug Administration has approved a phase I trial which is under way at Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, New York. It is puzzling as to why Sokal et al. have not given the failure rate for the IUD (Cu T 220) control group in their study, which was higher than that of quinacrine sterilization and far different from other reported experience. In “A
Origin of Nicotiana tabacum L. detected by polypeptide composition of Fraction I protein

THERE is no well-authenticated record of the occurrence of Nicotiana tabacum, the commercial tobacco plant, in the wild state, and so its origin and evolution are of great interest. N. tabacum (n=24) is believed to have arisen by chromosome doubling after hybridisation of N. sylvestris Spegazzini and Comes (n = 12) with a species in the Tomentosae section of Nicotiana. Goodspeed and Clausen1 suggested that N. tomentosa Ruiz and Pavon (n = 12) was the species, but Clausen2 amended it to N. tomentosiformis Goodspeed (n = 12). Goodspeed3 favoured N. otophora Grisebach (n = 12), however, because of its present-day geographical distribution; N. otophora is found together with N. sylvestris in an area on the eastern slopes of the Andes whereas N. tomentosiformis occurs further north where N. sylvestris has not been found. Later evidence, however, suggests N. tomentosiformis as the more likely progenitor of N. tabacum. Gerstel4, from an analysis of the segregation of artificial polyploids of N. tabacum × N. tomentosiformis and N. tabacum × N. otophora, concluded that N. tomentosiformis showed the greater chromosome homology with N. tabacum, and Sheen5–7 from an analysis of isoenzyme patterns and sterol composition supported the conclusion that N. sylvestris and N. tomentosiformis were the likely progenitors of N. tabacum. From an analysis by isoelectric focusing of the polypeptide composition of Fraction I protein isolated from N. tabacum and the putative progenitor species, we now report that N. tabacum arose from the hybridisation of N. sylvestris ♀ × N. tomentosiformis ♂.
Adaptation of a single injection clearance method to physiological and pathophysiological facts. A review of data obtained in infancy and childhood.

. A retrospective analysis of 395 51Chromium-ethylenediaminotetraacetate single injection clearances performed in infants and children is presented. In 61% of infants and 30% of the children the clearance values were calculated on the basis of a plasma disappearance half time of the reference substance, which was longer than the standard study, i.e. on the basis of extrapolated data. Plasma creatinine and urea levels were found to be appropriate indicators for predicting the plasma disappearance half time of the marker substance. 14 additional patients were studied prospectively with a duration of the study predicted by means of the plasma creatinine and urea levels. In these patients, separate determinations of the clearances using either the data obtained during the standard time of procedure only, or the data of the entire study, clearly demonstrated that the clearances obtained by means of the standard procedure overestimated glomerular filtration rate. The analysis of the data in infants show that the plasma urea level is a reasonably good indicator for predicting the time schedule of the study whereas plasma creatinine should not be used. Additionally the retrospective data indicate that a prolongation of the study should be recommended in all infants. This study demonstrates the necessity and offers means of adapting the time schedule of isotope single injection clearances to physiological and pathophysiological facts.
A case study in developing ambulation in a profoundly retarded child.

Abstract A mbulation deficits are fairly common among profoundly retarded children, and are usually the result of neurological impairment. The present paper describes the management of an ambulation deficit apparently resulting from an abenant reinforcement history.
PRISE: petroleum resource investigation summary and evaluation

PRISE: Petroleum Resource Investigation Summary and Evaluation. (August 2008) Sara Old, B.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Stephen Holditch As conventional resources are depleted, unconventional gas (UG: gas from tight sands, coal beds, and shale) resources are becoming increasingly important to U.S and world energy supply. The volume of UG resources is generally unknown in most international basins. However, in 25 mature U.S. basins, UG resources have been produced for decades and are well characterized in the petroleum literature. The objective of this work was to develop a method for estimating recoverable UG resources in target, or exploratory, basins. The method was based on quantitative relations between known conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon resource types in mature U.S. basins. To develop the methodology to estimate resource volumes, we used data from the U.S. Geological Survey, Potential Gas Committee, Energy Information Administration, National Petroleum Council, and Gas Technology Institute to evaluate relations among hydrocarbon resource types in the Appalachian, Black Warrior, Greater Green River, Illinois, San Juan, Uinta-Piceance, and Wind River basins. We chose these seven basins because they are mature basins for both conventional and unconventional
A k-ε Model for Particle-Laden Turbulent Flows

A dissipation transport equation for the carrier phase of particle-laden turbulent flows was recently developed. This equation shows a new production of dissipation term due to the presence of particles that is related to the velocity difference between the particle and the surrounding fluid. In the development, it was assumed that each coefficient was the sum of the coefficient for single phase flow and a coefficient quantifying the contribution of the particulate phase. The coefficient for the new production term (due to the presence of particles) was found from homogeneous turbulence generation by particles and the coefficient for the dissipation of dissipation term was analyzed using DNS. A numerical model was developed and applied to particles falling in a channel of downward turbulent air flow. Boundary conditions were also developed to ensure that the production of turbulent kinetic energy due to mean velocity gradients and particle surfaces balanced with the turbulent dissipation near the wall. The turbulent kinetic energy is compared with experimental data. The results show attenuation of turbulent kinetic energy with increased particle loading; however the model does under predict the turbulent kinetic energy near the center of the channel. To understand the effect of this additional production of dissipation term (due to particles), the coefficients associated with the production of dissipation due to mean velocity gradients and particle surfaces are varied to assess the effects of the dispersed phase on the carrier phase turbulent kinetic energy across the channel. The results show that this additional term plays a significant role in predicting the turbulent kinetic energy and a reason for under predicting the turbulent kinetic energy near the center of the channel is discussed. It is concluded that the dissipation coefficients play a critical role in predicting the turbulent kinetic energy in particle-laden turbulent flows.© 2009 ASME
Prognostic imaging in neoadjuvant chemotherapy of locally-advanced breast cancer should be cost-effective.

Introduction The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cases of locally advanced breast cancer has been steadily increasing, and is also in wider use for other cancers. As a consequence, a growing number of studies have focused on the question of how best to assess the therapeutic response to various chemotherapy or systemic therapy regimens. Prognostic imaging of response to therapy early in the course of a planned chemotherapy regimen could be of considerable value, particularly if shifting to another therapy regimen would be more effective. Methods A cost effectiveness analysis was completed, specific to imaging of neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in breast cancer, to determine the dominant parameters that would make imaging systems cost effective. The cost analysis was completed with respect to a system for near infrared spectral imaging, but the costs are not dramatically different for other systems such as PET or MRI. Using a standard metric of $25,000 per discounted life year gained as a measure of a successful system. Results It is shown that system specificity and patient average life expectancy are not dominant factors. Increases in cure rate and the efficacy of the initial chemotherapy are dominant factors. As long as the initial chemotherapy was less than 90% effective, most imaging systems would be cost effective, and if the cure rate of the disease could be increased as little as 1% through a change to alternate therapy, then the cost effectiveness of the system would be acceptable. Conclusions Based upon this simple economic analysis, diagnostic imaging of neoadjuvant chemotherapy appears warranted, assuming that it can be shown that the early shift from ineffective neoadjuvant chemotherapy to a more effective one has a measurable benefit in cure rate. This study indicates that the most important issue is to assess the added benefit of individualized chemotherapy in patient management, and clinical trials in this area would then provide the data required to justify analysis of prognostic imaging procedures.
Serospecific protection of mice against intranasal infection with Bordetella pertussis

The ability of purified serospecific agglutinogens from Bordetella pertussis to protect mice against intranasal infection has been examined. Immunization with agglutinogen 2 protected mice against infection with 1.2.0 or 1.2.3 serotypes of B. pertussis, whereas immunization with agglutinogen 3 protected mice against infection with all serotypes. More importantly immunization with serospecific agglutinogen resulted in immune selection so that organisms recovered following infection did not express the immunizing antigen. The results are consistent with the suggestions that protection of children with whole cell pertussis vaccine is to some extent serospecific and that agglutinogens should be considered as constituents of acellular pertussis vaccines.
Pressure-volume-temperature behavior of fayalite based on static compression measurements at 400° C

Twenty-one energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction spectra for fayalite at 400° C constitute the basis for an elevated-temperature static compression isotherm for this important silicate mineral. A Murnaghan regression of the resulting molar volumes yields 103.8 GPa and 7.1 for the 400° C, room-pressure values of the isothermal bulk modulus (K 0) and its first pressure derivative (K′0), respectively. When compared to the room-temperature static compression isotherm of Yagi et al. (1975), our 400° C value for K 0 yields 5.4 ×10−2 GPa/deg for (∂K/∂T)00. When combined with literature volume data, our measurements indicate that the fayalite isochores are strongly concave toward the pressure axis [(∂ 2 T/∂P 2 ) v <0].
The crisis of 2008 and financial reform

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the financial turmoil of 2008 that followed the collapse of the housing bubble in the USA which was the starting point of a global economic crisis. Huge costs are borne by every part of society. Much wealth has been destroyed. Millions of jobs have been lost. The crisis has tarnished faith in free enterprise, in the financial system, and in financial theory. Likely, the era of laissez‐faire capitalism that started during the Reagan‐Thatcher years is ending. We are entering a period of profound uncertainty. It is imperative that the moral dimension of capitalism be restored.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a review of theory and historical evidence relating to financial bubbles and financial regulation.Findings – The author offers suggestions on how to rebuild the global financial system. We need: a systemic risk regulator, independent from business and political influence; higher capital requirements for all systemically significant fina...
The relationship between heritable physical and genetic properties of selected gal− and gal+ transducing λdg

Abstract Relative density measurements are made on λ dg differing either in their ability to transduce different galactose sites or their ability to recombine with different sus mutants by centrifuging the HFT lysates of different λ dg together in a density gradient. Of each pair of gal − λdg , the denser is always the more complete phage. When a gal + and a gal − transducer are broken in the same phage region, the gal + transducer is always the denser. The physical distance between some of the regions within the λ genome is approximated in terms of the size of λ's DNA component.
Microwave imaging of antipersonnel mines

The effects of soil and mine parameters on microwave imaging are investigated based on Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FD- TD) simulation and laboratory studies. Range of soil permittivity considered is from 2.6 to 7.6 corresponding to dry soil and a volumetric soil moisture of 16%. Both plastic and metallic mines are imaged. The diameter of the mines considered ranges from 9 cm to 32 cm and their height ranges from 4 cm to 20 cm. It is found that when a mine diameter is larger than a wavelength, its image is discernible and becomes clearer when its diameter exceeds two wavelength. It is also found that a plastic mine with a dielectric constant of 3.9 embedded in a dry soil medium with a dielectric constant of 2.6 can generate an image with the correct geometric shape.
Get your Act Together Party Performance in European Parliament Elections

Research on elections to the European Parliament (EP) has consistently found that European elections are distinguished by a lack of European content. Such elections, in spite of the growing powers ...
The impact of adhesions on operations and postoperative recovery in colon cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Many surgeons assume that adhesions encountered during surgery negatively influence surgical outcomes. This article attempts to assess the role adhesions have on outcomes of colon cancer surgery. METHODS: Records of 1,071 consecutive patients operated for colonic adenocarcinoma (2004–2011) were reviewed. Patients were assigned to 3 groups: no adhesions, any adhesions, or dense adhesions. Multivariate regression assessed the association between adhesions and the duration of surgery and stay as well as laparoscopic conversion and complication rates. RESULTS: Adhesions were encountered in 329 (30.7%) patients; 138 (12.8%) had dense adhesions. After correction for age and comorbidities, having adhesions was associated with longer surgeries (P , .001), longer hospital stays (P 5 .029), a borderline significantly higher conversion rate (P 5.058), and a delayed return of bowel function (P 5.037). Dense adhesions had stronger associations with surgical duration (P , .001), stay duration (P , .001), and conversion (P , .001). CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal adhesions independently put patients at risk for a longer and more complicated perioperative stay after colon cancer surgery.