cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regional left ventricular function in acute myocardial infarction: Evaluation with quantitative radionuclide ventriculography

Abstract Regional and global left ventricular performance was noninvasively assessed with quantitative gated equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography in 43 patients an average of 40 hours after the onset of a first acute transmural myocardial infarction. In all 16 patients with anterior infarction, regional ejection fraction, a quantitative measure of regional left ventricular performance, was uniformly depressed in the infarcted zone. In patients with inferior infarction the abnormalities of regional performance were less severe. Fourteen of 20 patients (70 percent) with inferior infarction had depressed performance in the infarcted zone. Function in noninfarcted zones was abnormal in only 6 of the 20 patients (30 percent) with inferior infarction, but it was abnormal in 11 of the 16 patients (69 percent) with anterior infarction, particularly in those with severe pump failure. As a consequence, global left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in patients with anterior than in those with inferior infarction (mean ± standard error of the mean 31 ± 3 percent versus 51 ± 3 percent, p It is concluded that depressed function in apparently noninfarcted left ventricular zones contributes significantly to left ventricular dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction, particularly in patients with anterior infarction.
The prognostic implication of ascites in advanced-stage ovarian cancer.

Abstract Ovarian carcinoma accounts for greater than 50% of the gynecologic cancer deaths in the United States each year. One of the central reasons for this dismal outcome is that many patients present with advanced disease. In this series, a retrospective review of 130 patients with stage III and IV invasive epithelial ovarian carcinoma was performed to determine the prognostic significance of ascites. Patients were divided into two study groups based upon the presence or absence of ascites. Survival for the entire study group was 15%, but differed markedly when separated for the presence of ascites. In these patients, ascites was associated with a statistically decreased 5-year survival of 5% versus 45% without ascites ( P = 0.0001). Individuals were found to be similar in each group when examined for age, height, weight, cell type, grade, and surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment modalities. More patients proportionately with stage IIIC disease had ascites than those without ascites ( P = 0.0015). More of the individuals without ascites underwent second-look laparotomies and achieved a negative result than those with ascites ( P = 0.04; P = 0.0038). We conclude that ascites in the presence of stage III and IV disease produces an almost uniformly fatal outcome.
Expert multivariable control

Abstract Multivariable control techniques have not been as widely adopted in process plants as their developers had hoped and expected. This can be attributed to their dependency on an accurate process model and their inability to effectively handle abnormal conditions. To safeguard against such shortcomings, an expert multivariable controller (EMC) is designed to make the control of multivariable processes more effective and fail-safe. It diagnoses process malfunctions and makes appropriate changes to the controller structure, control algorithms and control parameters. The controller uses plant-independent control systems knowledge as well as process specific knowledge. Its design is facilitated by using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. The application of this controller to a distillation process is demonstrated.
A Comparison of Double-Strength Beclomethasone Dipropionate (84 μg) MDI With Beclomethasone Dipropionate (42 μ) MDI in the Treatment of Asthma

Study objective To compare the efficacy and safety of a double-strength formulation of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP 84) metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with that of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP 42) MDI in the treatment of chronic asthma. Design A 28-day, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Setting Outpatient. Patients A total of 423 patients aged 12 to 65 years (mean range, 34 to 36 years) with moderate asthma (FEV 1 , 50 to 80% of predicted) who required long-term inhaled corticosteroids were enrolled. Interventions Patients were randomized to receive BDP 84, two oral inhalations bid (336 μg/d), BDP 42, four oral inhalations bid (336 μg/d), or placebo. A fourth treatment arm administering BDP 84, eight oral inhalations bid (HD BDP 84; 1,344 μg/d) was also included to determine whether a dose-response relationship could be demonstrated. Measurements Spirometry, clinical observations. Results The three active treatments were significantly more effective (p≤0.01) than placebo at all time points in improving FEV 1 , the primary efficacy parameter; BDP 42 and BDP 84 were comparable to each other at every time point. Secondary pulmonary function tests (FVC, forced expiratory flow at 25 to 75% of FVC, and peak expiratory flow rate) showed similar results. All three active treatments were well tolerated. A dose response between 336 μg/d and 1,344 μg/d was demonstrated. Conclusion In this well-controlled 28-day study, BDP 42 and BDP 84 were shown to be comparable in efficacy and safety on a microgram-for-microgram basis.
Review and Evaluation of Methods for Analyzing Capacity at Signalized Intersections

Capacity analysis is a critical activity in traffic engineering and planning divisions of state departments of transportation across the nation. The Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) provides a methodology for capacity analysis that is commonly accepted and often required by state departments of transportation. The variety of computer programs that exist to aid transportation professionals in conducting capacity analyses has led to questions regarding the best methods to use under various conditions. Several computer programs other than the Highway Capacity Software (HCS) that are commonly used in evaluating capacity at signalized intersections were evaluated to determine which ones provide acceptable results. The results obtained from a simulation model were also evaluated to determine whether the model could be used to determine the operational characteristics of signalized intersections. The study results, although based on limited data, provided valuable information about the programs evaluated. HCS, SIGN...
Size, dominance and copulatory success in male northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris

Abstract Abstract. The relationship between size, dominance and copulatory success was investigated in male northern elephant seals to determine the importance of size in male intra-sexual competition for mates. The study was conducted over four breeding seasons at the Ano Nuevo rookery in central California. Mass was estimated using a photogrammetrical technique in three seasons and measured directly in one. Copulatory success was positively correlated with size (mass and length). This correlation was mediated through the positive effect of size on dominance rank; variation in arrival mass, for example, accounted for 29-44% of the variation in dominance. Copulatory success was positively correlated with dominance rank for mid- to high-ranking males, but not for low-ranking males, which obtained few copulations. Copulatory success was not significantly correlated with size when the effect of dominance was removed statistically. These results support the hypothesis that male reproductive success in this species is principally determined by dominance rank, which, in turn, is affected by male size. However, they also suggest that large size is just one of a number of important factors that affect the outcome of male intra-sexual competition and hence, reproductive success.
Fire-Plume-Generated Ceiling Jet Characteristics and Convective Heat Transfer to Ceiling and Wall Surfaces in a Two-Layer Fire Environment: Uniform Temperature Geiling and Walls

This work presents a model to predict the instantaneous rate of convective heat transfer from fire plume gases to the overhead ceiling surface in a room of fire origin. The room is assumed to be a rectangular parallelepiped and, at times of interest, ceiling temperatures are simulated as being uniform. Also presented is an estimate of the convective heat transfer, due to ceiling-jet-driven wall flows, to both the upper and lower portions of the walls. The effect on the heat transfer of the location of the fire within the room is taken into account. Finally presented is a model of the velocity and temperature distributions in the ceiling jet.The model equations were used to develop an algorithm and associated modular computer subroutine to carry out the indicated heat transfer calculations. The subroutine is written in FORTRAN 77 and called CEILHT. The algorithm and subroutine are suitable for use in two-layer zone-type compartment fire model computer codes. The subroutine was tested for a variety of fire environments involving a 107 W fire in a 8m × 8m × 4m high enclosure. While the calculated results were plausible, it is important to point out that CEILHT simulations have not been exprerimentally validated.
Using jugular bulb oxyhemoglobin saturation to guide onset of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest does not affect post-operative neuropsychological function.

Objectives: Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) is commonly used during thoracic aortic surgery, and is initiated only after a sufficient degree of cerebral hypothermia is induced. The criteria for initiating DHCA vary among institutions: most centers use temperature criteria, some use electroencephalography, and a minority use jugular bulb oxyhemoglobin saturation SjO2 criteria. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of SjO2 monitoring to guide the onset of DHCA was associated with better post-operative neuropsychological outcome. Methods: Sixty-one thoracic aortic surgical patients underwent both pre- and post-operative neuropsychological testing. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) those with SjO2 $ 95% at DHCA onset; (2) those with SjO2 , 95% at DHCA onset; and (3) those without SjO2 monitoring. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of post-operative decline in neuropsychological function among the three groups of patients. Patients in whom SjO2 data were used to guide onset of DHCA had lower esophageal and bladder temperatures at that time compared with patients without SjO2 monitoring. Conclusions: Monitoring of SjO2 had no apparent effect upon post-operative neuropsychological outcome, and there were no trends in our small patient cohort suggesting differences that our study was not adequately powered to detect. Use of SjO2 monitoring was associated with more profound hypothermia prior to DHCA due to more prolonged cooling in attempts to bring the SjO2 above the 95% threshold. Using our institutional cooling protocol, SjO2 monitoring does not appear to increase neuroprotection in patients undergoing DHCA for thoracic aortic repairs. q 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
“German Jews,” “National Jews,” “Jewish Volk” or “Racial Jews”? The Constitution and Contestation of “Jewishness” in Newspapers of Nazi Germany, 1933–1938

After reading the “Jewish News Bulletin” (Judisches Nachrichtenblatt) in early 1939, the Romance language scholar Victor Klemperer wrote: “Until 1933 and for at least a good century before that, the German Jews were entirely German and nothing else … They were and remain (even if now they no longer wish to remain so) Germans …” Klemperer, a convert to Protestantism, but a “full Jew” by Nazi decree, continued, “It is part of the Lingua tertii imperii [LTI, language of the Third Reich] that the expression ‘Jewish people’ [Volk] appears repeatedly in the ‘Jewish News'…”
The battle for the bladder in interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is a visceral pain syndrome whose incidence and severity have long been underestimated. Classifying it as a “complex visceral pain syndrome” rather than as a “disease of the bladder” is justified based on evidence that the driving process behind this illness is neurogenic inflammation, which is often not restricted to the bladder. This reclassification should help us understand that many of the current urologic therapies for interstitial cystitis can cause a worsening of the syndrome and should lead practitioners to offer rational pain-relieving treatments to their patients early on in the course of their illness.
“Whither Geography?” Concluded: Is Geography Graduate Education Missing One of Its Targets?

Abstract As geographers working in a professional capacity, many of us engage in scholarly research. Unless it is self-supporting and the results are kept confidential, this activity requires that we strike relationships with various “third parties,” constituencies who lie outside of the usual two-party, researcher–subject relationship but are unavoidably drawn in because they help support our work, use our findings, or bear their practical consequences, good or bad. How (and why) should we relate to them? One option is to maximize all (positive) types of third-party impacts by intentionally pursuing scholarship that benefits the greatest range of constituencies. If this approach is desirable from the perspective of the discipline, science, and society, we have good reason to promote it, but how? Doing so with artificial (extrinsic) incentives or imposed mandates raises questions about academic freedom. Alternatively, recasting questions about which scholarly line to investigate into ethical terms that em...
Purified Poloxamer 188 for Sickle Cell Vaso-Occlusive Crisis:

OBJECTIVETo review available literature on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, toxicology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and dosage guidelines for purified poloxamer 188, a product in Phase III trials.DATA SOURCESReviewers searched the following databases for English-language studies: MEDLINE (1966–November 2003), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–November 2003), and the Cochrane Library Database (3rd quarter 2003). Key search terms included purified poloxamer 188, Flocor, CRL-5861, poloxamer 188, RheothRx, and pluronic F-68.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTIONData on efficacy, adverse effects, and pharmacokinetics were obtained from randomized, open-label, and blinded clinical trials. Toxicology data were obtained from unpublished studies with purified poloxamer 188 and from available data on poloxamer 188 (nonpurified form).DATA SYNTHESISPurified poloxamer 188 is a highly purified form of the nonionic block copolymer poloxamer 188. It lowers blood viscosity, decreases red blood...
Combustion Performance of Liquid Biofuels in a Swirl-Stabilized Burner

Fuels produced from renewable sources offer an economically viable pathway to curtail emissions of greenhouse gases. Two such liquid fuels in common usage are biodiesel and ethanol derived from soybean, corn, or other food crops. In recent years, significant effort has been devoted to identify alternate feedstock sources and conversion techniques to diversify the biofuels portfolio. In this study, we have measured emissions from flames of diesel, biodiesel, emulsified bio-oil, and diesel-biodiesel blends. Experiments are conducted in an atmospheric pressure burner with an air-atomized injector and swirling primary air around it to replicate typical features of a gas turbine combustor. Experiments were conducted for fixed air and fuel flow rates, while the airflow split between the injector and the coflow swirler was varied. Results show a significant reduction in emissions as the fraction of total air fed into the atomizer is increased. Blue flames, reminiscent of premixed combustion, and low emissions of nitric oxides and carbon monoxide were observed for all fuel blends. In general, the emissions from biofuel flames were comparable or lower than those from diesel flames.
Does a Brugada pattern ECG precipitated by excessive-dose flecainide provide a diagnosis of a Brugada syndrome patient and/or contraindicate its use? A case study.

The patient is a 58-year-old white male cardiologist who first came to attention in 2004 at the age of 53 years, with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) dating to 1982. The episodes, which were often precipitated by recumbency and alcohol, occurred 2 to 3 times per year and lasted only minutes. His ECG (Figure 1) while in normal sinus rhythm was normal. Figure 1. ECG taken when the patient was not using flecainide. His PAF was not rapid and did not cause hemodynamic or ischemic symptoms. During 2003 to 2004, the PAF increased in frequency to several times per week and lasted longer, for which he began flecainide 50 mg bid with success for 6 months. Thereafter, however, they recurred with a progressive increase in frequency to several times per day, despite increasing the flecainide to 100 mg bid and then 150 mg bid and thereafter while trying sotalol up to 160 mg bid instead. A stress-echo was normal aside from a left atrial diameter of 4.5 cm (an increase from 10 years earlier). There was no family history of any dysrhythmia, syncope, seizure disorder, or sudden death and no other personal medical history of any relevance aside from simvacor-controlled hyperlipidemia (including no personal or family history of syncope or sudden death). His physical examination was entirely normal. All routine laboratory studies were normal, as was his 12-lead ECG and chest radiography. While taking flecainide, his PAF recurred as typical atrial flutter. The QRST pattern on his 12-lead ECG did not change during the flecainide or sotalol administration. Catheter ablation was recommended. While considering ablation and proceeding to schedule it, the patient took a trip out of the country, during which, while on a cruise, a protracted episode recurred. At that time he was again taking flecainide 50 mg bid …
Picturing Japaneseness: Monumental Style, National Identity, Japanese Film

Explores the role of 1930s Japanese cinema in the construction of a national identity and in the larger context of Japan's encounter-and struggle-with the West and modernity. Davis lends a new perspective to such celebrated films as Gate of Hell, Kagemusha, and Ran.
A new on-line modelling technique for an active periodic noise control system

Presents the mathematical derivation of a novel on-line modelling technique for an active periodic noise control (APNC) system using a internally generated impulse train with the same fundamental frequency as the noise to be canceled as reference input. The mathematical derivation of this on-line modelling technique is done based on the equivalent block diagram of the system with the use of the steepest descent concept. Simulations show a considerable improvement in the performance and stability of the APNC system with the novel on-line modelling algorithm over the APNC system without any compensation. They also show that the performance of the APNC system with the on-line modelling algorithm is close to the performance of the ideal system, therefore indicating that this technique is a promising one. >
Molecular and cellular approaches for the detection of protein–protein interactions: latest techniques and current limitations

Homotypic and heterotypic protein interactions are crucial for all levels of cellular function, including architecture, regulation, metabolism, and signaling. Therefore, protein interaction maps represent essential components of post-genomic toolkits needed for understanding biological processes at a systems level. Over the past decade, a wide variety of methods have been developed to detect, analyze, and quantify protein interactions, including surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, NMR, yeast two-hybrid screens, peptide tagging combined with mass spectrometry and fluorescence-based technologies. Fluorescence techniques range from co-localization of tags, which may be limited by the optical resolution of the microscope, to fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based methods that have molecular resolution and can also report on the dynamics and localization of the interactions within a cell. Proteins interact via highly evolved complementary surfaces with affinities that can vary over many orders of magnitude. Some of the techniques described in this review, such as surface plasmon resonance, provide detailed information on physical properties of these interactions, while others, such as two-hybrid techniques and mass spectrometry, are amenable to high-throughput analysis using robotics. In addition to providing an overview of these methods, this review emphasizes techniques that can be applied to determine interactions involving membrane proteins, including the split ubiquitin system and fluorescence-based technologies for characterizing hits obtained with high-throughput approaches. Mass spectrometry-based methods are covered by a review by Miernyk and Thelen (2008; this issue, pp. 597-609). In addition, we discuss the use of interaction data to construct interaction networks and as the basis for the exciting possibility of using to predict interaction surfaces.
Representing the characteristics of modeled processes

In modeling a system which exhibits some dynamic behavior, representation of the processes that originate the dynamic changes in the system is elementary to understanding how the system works, and also to having an accurate and meaningful model of that system. In order to model such processes, the defining characteristics of the processes prove useful in their composition and presentation. A minimal subset of those characteristics are presented here, with consideration for potential variations among them, and also consideration of possible implications that such modeling may lead to - understanding of system behavior that can be represented with such modeling, that may not be possible without these characteristics being exhibited.
Efficacy of fludarabine/mitoxantrone/dexamethasone alternating with CHOP in bulky follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Abstract This phase II study investigated the efficacy of alternating fludarabine/mitoxantrone/dexamethasone (FMD) with cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone (CHOP) chemotherapy for patients with high tumor burden, follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Maintenance interferon was given in a nonrandomized fashion, and a retrospective analysis of its impact was performed. A total of 87 patients were included (44 females and 43 males). The median age of patients was 56 years (range, 25–86 years). All patients had high tumor burden as defined by the Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes Folliculaires (GELF) criteria. Eighty-four percent of patients (73/87) had stage III/IV disease and 99% of patients (86/87) had good performance status. The majority of patients had not been previously treated, with only 3 patients receiving prior oral alkylators or cyclophosphamide/vincristine/prednisone (COP). A total of 637 cycles of FMD/CHOP were administered and were well tolerated during this trial, the majority on an outpatient basis. The overall response rate was 95% (79 complete response/unconfirmed complete response/partial response) in the 83 evaluable patients. Event-free survival (EFS) was 28.7 months, with time to progression (TTP) at 29 months and time to treatment failure at 41 months. Overall survival was not reached. Patients had similar EFS and TTP as patients in the French GELF trial with a shorter duration of chemotherapy. Patients with a lower International Prognostic Index (IPI) score had better EFS when compared to those with a higher IPI score (median EFS not reached versus 22.6 months). Serum β 2 -microglobulin levels were not a significant predictive factor. An informal analysis of interferon maintenance therapy suggests that patients who tolerated the immune modifier did better than those who did not. Alternating FMD/CHOP is a feasible and effective therapeutic option for patients with high tumor burden, low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. While this regimen may not offer dramatic benefit over FMD alone, it is beneficial in those patients for whom a prompt treatment response is needed.
Comparative utility of restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and gene sequencing to the molecular epidemiological investigation of a viral outbreak.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and partial-genome DNA sequencing are commonly used to infer genetic relationships among pathogens. This study compares the application of both techniques to the analysis of 16 pseudorabies virus isolates collected during a 1989 outbreak. Genetic distances derived from RFLP and DNA sequence data were not significantly correlated with geographic distances between farms from which isolates were collected. RFLP-based genetic distance was, however, strongly correlated with temporal distance between isolates (days separating time of isolation). Sequence-based genetic distance was significantly correlated with temporal distance only when synonymous changes (nucleotide changes not leading to amino acid changes) were considered separately. Conversely, non-synonymous changes were correlated with the host species of origin of the viral isolate. These results indicate that selectively-neutral genetic changes most accurately reflect historical relationships, but that non-neutral changes most accurately reflect the biological environment of the viral isolate (e.g. host immune system).
Neurotransmitter transporters: Three important gene families for neuronal function

Three distinct gene families encode transporter proteins that aid in temporal and spatial buffering of neurotransmitter and neurotransmitter metabolite concentrations and allow neurons to cycle and recycle transmitter molecules. Analyses of these gene families and their products are likely to enhance understanding of the molecular neurobiology of neuronal function and may elucidate contributors to the genetic etiologies of neurological and psychiatric disease.
Dimensionless sensitivity methods to identify vehicle cornering stiffness from yaw rate measurements

A simplified method of identifying a dynamic model is presented that utilizes explicit and implicit coupling between Bode parameter sensitivities. This focus of this work is the identification, in real-time, of the Cornering Stiffness parameter. This parameter governs the tire-road interaction within the simplified bicycle model description of vehicle chassis dynamics at highway speeds. This novel sensitivity coupling method, discovered earlier as sensitivity invariance in circuit network analysis, explicitly limits the possible parameter gradients of the system model to a very small subspace. By constraining the parameter identification or adaptation to solely this possible subspace, a simplified and efficient parameter identification can be obtained at a reduced computational and modelling cost. Both simulation and experimental implementation on a research vehicle under changing road conditions are presented.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Video-Gaming Among High School Students: Health Correlates, Gender Differences, and Problematic Gaming

Video game playing may negatively impact youth. How- ever, the existing literature on gaming is inconsistent and often has focused on aggression rather than the health correlates of gaming and the prevalence and correlates of problematic gaming. METHODS: We anonymously surveyed 4028 adolescents about gaming and reported problems with gaming and other health behaviors. A total of 51.2% of the sample reported gaming (76.3% of boys and 29.2% of girls). RESULTS: There were no negative health correlates of gaming in boys and lower odds of smoking regularly; however, girls who reported gaming were less likely to report depression and more likely to report getting into serious fights and carrying a weapon to school. Among gamers, 4.9% reported problematic gaming, defined as reporting try- ing to cut back, experiencing an irresistible urge to play, and experi- encing a growing tension that could only be relieved by playing. Boys were more likely to report these problems (5.8%) than girls (3.0%). Correlates of problematic gaming included regular cigarette smoking, drug use, depression, and serious fights. Results suggest that gaming is largely normative in boys and not associated with many health fac- tors. In girls, however, gaming seems to be associated with more ex- ternalizing behaviors and fewer internalizing symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of problematic gaming is low but not insignificant, and problematic gaming may be contained within a larger spectrum of externalizing behaviors. More research is needed to define safe levels of gaming, refine the definition of problematic gaming, and evaluate effective prevention and intervention strategies. Pediatrics 2010;126:e1414-e1424
Forecasting Eastern Mediterranean Droughts

Abstract A dynamically motivated statistical forecasting scheme for eastern Mediterranean winter rainfall is presented. The scheme is based on North Atlantic sea level pressure precursors. The resulting forecasts are robust and statistically significant at ∼13 months lead time, and improve at ∼7 months lead. It is suggested that these forecasts form a foundation for an operational early-warning system for eastern Mediterranean droughts.
Persistent elbow instability

Abstract Persistent elbow instability is an unpleasant complication that may occur after complex or simple elbow instability. Although stiffness is the most common scenario after elbow instability, persistent instability may become an issue. In general, persistent instability arises because of failure to address the injured anatomy in the primary instability surgery, postoperative noncompliance, or infection. The body of the chapter discusses the injury patterns found in recurrent instability, risk factors associated with poor outcomes, and proper assessment of the patient with persistent subluxation or dislocation. The final part of the chapter discusses the surgical treatment necessary in the revision situation, outcomes, complications, and future directions in the area of recurrent instability after elbow trauma.
Who Says You Can't Go Home?

When is it time to bring an outsourced service back in house? The field of information technology is ever changing. Outsourcing may be good today, but what about tomorrow? Nearly ten years ago, outsourcing our helpline was the perfect solution. We were dealing with an IT personnel shortage and as a result, we were unable to meet the needs of our faculty and staff. As we grew during those ten years, it became very clear that there was a huge disconnect between the outsourced level 1 helpline and our level 2 and level 3 support. Statistics showed that call volume per day was low and that there were several hours each day that we were paying to have 2 full time employees but couldn't utilize their time for anything other than level 1 phone support. Logistics were also our enemy. Having the outsourced technicians off-site also meant they couldn't go to offices and perform level 1 tasks. We desperately needed to centralize into a fully functional service desk model. During this session we will share how our IT department evolved and why it was the right time to insource. It took time and hard work to gather the necessary information to even consider making this change. You will see how we convinced our upper administration why this would be a good move, how we handled push back from the campus community, and how we successfully brought our helpline back home.
The Effects of Surgical Caponization on Production Efficiency and Carcass Yield of Roosters

Abstract An experiment was conducted with cockerels to determine the effects of caponization and feed energy levels on weight gain, feed efficiency, dressing and cooking losses, and taste preference. Meat strain cockerels were surgically caponized or untreated at 5 weeks of age and fed varying energy diets until processed at 18-1/2 weeks of age. Capons gained significantly more weight than controls during the 13-1/2 week trial period. Feed efficiency was significantly (P
Enhanced Charge Separation in Nanostructured TiO2 Materials for Photocatalytic and Photovoltaic Applications

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been extensively investigated in solar energy applications, including heterogeneous photocatalysis and photovoltaics. For most TiO2 materials, charge recombination between photoexcited electrons and holes severely limits the efficiencies of solar energy conversion. Different strategies have been attempted to improve charge separation in TiO2 materials. This review focuses on three effective approaches to achieve enhanced charge separation by constructing mixed-phase TiO2, highly dispersed titanium oxides, and nanotubular TiO2 materials. Selected examples from the literature are discussed to demonstrate how the three approaches could be implemented in the context of photocatalytic water splitting, photocatalytic CO2 reduction, and dye-sensitized solar cells. The discussion provides useful insights regarding the design of new TiO2 nanostructures for use in solar energy conversion.
Abstract 244: Sex-based Differences in Economic and Health-related Burden of Depression on Adults With Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Depression is commonly present in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Among those with established CVD, depression is more common in women and associated with worse outcome. However, how depression affects overall health care expenditures, as well as whether depression among women has a greater impact on medical costs, has not been well studied, which is the aim of the present study. Methods: The 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey was analyzed to explore this project. Variables of interest were defined as CVD (coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, dysrhythmias or heart failure) and depression diagnoses, ascertained by ICD-9-CM codes (410, 413, 433-437, 427-28, 440, 443, 447 and 296, 311, respectively). We restricted our study population to non-institutionalized adults ≥ 18 years of age. Two-part models were utilized to study cost data; a generalized linear model with gamma distribution and link log was used to assess the mean expenditure per capita for each sex/depression status. Results: 27,288 surveyed persons constituted our study population (mean age 67 ± 12.4, 46% female), translating to an approximate of 231 million people across the U.S. Overall, CVD was noted in 15.6 million, of which 18% were patients with depression (2.9 million). Of this nationally representative sample, those with CVD were 86% more likely to be diagnosed with depression (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.51, 2.28, p<0.001) than Non-CVD. Additionally, among CVD individuals, females were 66% more likely be diagnosed with depression than males (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.23, 2.23, p=0.001). CVD diagnosis was independently associated with higher healthcare costs among individuals with depression. Moreover, on adjusted analysis, females with depression were also associated with $4,380.14 higher medical costs than those without depression (Table 1). When comparing female vs. males with CVD and depression diagnoses, adjusted mean expenditure per capita was $14,162 (95% CI 10,211 - 18,112) and $11,325 (95% CI 7,769 - 14,881), respectively. Conclusion: CVD patients, especially women, were more likely to have depression, and had considerable higher medical expenditures. The results reinforce the paramount importance of assessing and managing depression among those with CVD to favorably impact healthcare costs. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Generic Averaged Value Models for Two-level VSC and MMC

Generic averaged value models for two-level voltage source converter(VSC)and modular multilevel converter(MMC)are proposed.A brief summary of the operating principles of two-level VSC and MMC is given first,followed by theoretical derivation of averaged value models for two-level VSC and MMC.By analyzing the DC fault response of two-level VSC and MMC,a unified modeling method that is able to simulate DC fault response for two-level VSC and MMC is proposed.Detailed switching models and the proposed averaged models of two-level VSC and MMC are built in PSCAD/EMTDC.Responses of detailed models and averaged models during steady-state operation,DC fault and AC fault are compared and verified.The results show that the averaged models are able to generate identical fundamental results as the detailed switching models while significantly improving simulation speed.The proposed averaged models are suitable for fast simulating the electro-magnetic transients of large grids incorporating numerous VSCs and MMCs.
Revision of Langer Mindfulness Scale(LMS) in Teachers

Objective: To revise the Langer Mindfulness Scale(LMS) in Chinese teachers and measure the validity and reliability of the scale. Methods: 623 effective data was collected in 11 primary schools and middle schools, 60 of them were retested after 3 weeks, among which we collected 48 effective data. Results: Chinese version of LMS includes 13 items, and consists of three factors(i.e. novelty seeking, novelty producing and engagement). Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis results showed a good structural validity of the Chinese version of LMS. Correlation with other scales showed a good criterion related validity of the scale. Cronbach's α coefficient of the LMS was 0.844, and the coefficients of the three subscales were between 0.550 and 0.832. The test-retest reliability of LMS was 0.809, and the test-retest reliability of each of the three subscales was between 0.566 and 0.717. The scores on the scales were significantly higher in males than in females, and higher in teachers with higher level of education. Job positions and marital status were not significantly correlated with teachers' scores on the scale. Conclusion: The Chinese version of Langer Mindfulness Scale(LMS) has acceptable psychometric quality in Chinese teachers.
Present situation of disinfection for households with patients of infectious diseases by health-care institutions at Fengtai District,Beijing

Objective To know present situation of disinfection for households with patients of infectious diseases by health-care institutions in Fengtai district,Beijing. Methods Structured questionnaire was used to carry out field investigations. Results There were 32 health-care institutions in the district,but only five of them were equipped with conventional sprayers for disinfection. There were 74 staff for disinfection. Totally,7 222 ( 90. 90% ) households with patients of infectious disease received disinfection in 2006,of which 914 with on-the-spot disinfection,1 083 with on-the-spot instructions for disinfection and 5 225 with telephone instructions. Other 723 (9. 10% ) households with patients of infectious diseases were not disinfected. Conclusions It is necessary to take comprehensive measures to improve quality of disinfection for households with patients of infectious diseases carried out by health-care institutions.
Evaluation OF Intervention ON Brucellosis IN Erdous

Objective To evaluate the effect of propaganda about brucellosis knowledge and other intervention measure on the awareness rate of knowledge about brucellosis,utilization rate of protective articles and related behaviors,so as to provide scientific basis for controlling brucellosis.Methods The livestock slaughtering and breeding staff and fur marking staff were randomly collected before and after intervention,and investigated with the same questionnaires to compare the prevalence,awareness rates,utilization rates of protective articles and changes of related behaviors before and after intervention. Results Compared before and after intervention investigators Knowledge awareness,Brucellosis high-risk behavior produced a significant change, statistically significant differences before and after intervention.ConclusiOD By sending leaflets,propaganda by broadcast and field investigation and propaganda,the awareness rate of preventive knowledge about brucellosis,utilization rates of protective articles and rate of attitude conversion had greatly improved,and the occupational exposure and infection rate of protective articles and rate of attitude conversion had greatly improved,and the occupational exposure and infection rate of brucellosis decreased as well as the epidemic situation had been controlled.But full control of spread of brucellosis required the cooperation of public health institutions,department of raising livestock and administrations for industry and commerce,and comprehensive measures.
Geriatrics: Year in review

The purpose of this review is to provide an update on topics in general geriatrics that are of interest to the field of geriatric oncology. Based on a review of high-impact journals in geriatrics for the prior two years and reviews of journals in which geriatrics updates are published, updates for hypertension, dementia, vaccination, and frailty are presented here. Recent studies have supported lower, more aggressive blood pressure targets in the management of hypertension, even in older patients. However, controversy remains as to the cognitive and functional effects of aggressive blood pressure targets. Advances in dementia management have been slow, but recent reviews have supported the use of specific screening tools and advocated more widespread screening for mild cognitive impairment and dementia by primary care practitioners. Pharmacologic trials have largely been negative, but a recent multi-component lifestyle intervention showed promise. Significant changes in immunization recommendations have occurred due to two recent large randomized studies of pneumococcal vaccine and a new subunit zoster vaccine. Finally, interventions for frailty syndrome in the geriatric population have been somewhat variable, with some promise in addressing exercise, nutrition, as well as pharmacologic treatment of frailty.
Micromanaging Inflammation and Tissue Repair

Abstract Inflammation is a protective response of the body to infection or injury. Acute inflammation following tissue injury is driven by several mediators that are tightly controlled spatiotemporally. Macrophages are crucial to host defense and to functioning in innate and cell-mediated immunity, and successful repair after tissue injury requires timely resolution of the inflammatory response. Given that miRNAs are fundamental to the post-transcriptional control of gene expression, the role of specific miRNAs in immune and inflammatory response is not surprising. The best characterized miRNAs in inflammation are miR-146, miR-21, and miR-155, all of which have been shown to be strongly induced in multiple cell types by pro-inflammatory stimuli following tissue injury. This chapter discusses the role of miRNAs in immune and inflammatory response and their use, along with synthetic antimiRs, as therapeutic tools.
Lossless Multitasking: Using 3D Gestures Embedded in Mouse Devices

Desktop-based operating systems allow the use of many applications concurrently, but the frequent switching between two or more applications distracts the user, preventing him to keep focused in the main task. In this work we introduce an augmented mouse, which supports the regular 2D movements and clicks, as well as 3D gestures performed over it. While the keyboard and mouse conventional operation are used for the main task, with 3D gestures the user can control secondary tasks. As a proof of concept, we embedded a Leap Motion Controller device inside a regular mouse. User tests have been conducted firstly to help in the selection of the gestures supported, and then to evaluate the device effectiveness and usability. Results shown that the use of the augmented mouse as a strategy to keep the user focused reduces the task completion time.
Cotargeting BCL-2 and BCL-XL for maximal efficacy in ALL.

In this issue of Blood, Khaw et al show that in contrast to the impressive antileukemic activity achieved by sole BCL-2 inhibition in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), optimal antileukemic activity in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) xenografts required concurrent inhibition of both BCL-2 and BCL-XL.1
Outcomes of Infants With Home Tube Feeding: Comparing Nasogastric vs Gastrostomy Tubes

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the tube-related complications and feeding outcomes of infants discharged home from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with nasogastric (NG) tube feeding or gastrostomy (G-tube) feeding. Materials and Methods: We performed a chart review of 335 infants discharged from our NICU with home NG tube or G-tube feeding between January 2009 and December 2013. The primary outcome was the incidence of feeding tube–related complications requiring emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, or deaths. Secondary outcome was feeding status at 6 months postdischarge. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Results: There were 322 infants discharged with home enteral tube feeding (NG tube, n = 84; G-tube, n = 238), with available outpatient data for the 6-month postdischarge period. A total of 115 ED visits, 28 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths were due to a tube-related complication. The incidence of tube-related complications requiring an ED visi...
Injective stabilization of additive functors. II. (Co)torsion and the Auslander-Gruson-Jensen functor

Abstract The formalism of injective stabilization of additive functors is used to define a new notion of the torsion submodule of a module. It applies to arbitrary modules over arbitrary rings. For arbitrary modules over commutative domains it coincides with the classical torsion, and for finitely presented modules over arbitrary rings it coincides with the Bass torsion. A formally dual approach – based on projective stabilization – gives rise to a new concept: the cotorsion quotient module of a module. This is done in complete generality – the new concept is defined for any module over any ring. Unlike torsion, cotorsion does not have classical prototypes. General properties of these constructs are established. It is shown that the Auslander-Gruson-Jensen functor applied to the cotorsion functor returns the torsion functor. As a consequence, a ring is one-sided absolutely pure if and only if each pure injective on the other side is cotorsion-free. If the injective envelope of the ring is finitely presented, then the right adjoint of the Auslander-Gruson-Jensen functor applied to the torsion functor returns the cotorsion functor. This correspondence establishes a duality between torsion and cotorsion over such rings. In particular, this duality applies to artin algebras. It is also shown that, over any ring, the character module of the torsion of a module is isomorphic to the cotorsion of the character module of the module. Under various finiteness conditions on the injective envelope of the ring, the derived functors of torsion and cotorsion are computed.
Capturing Genomic Evolution of Lung Cancers through Liquid Biopsy for Circulating Tumor DNA

Genetic sequencing of malignancies has become increasingly important to uncover therapeutic targets and capture the tumor's dynamic changes to drug sensitivity and resistance through genomic evolution. In lung cancers, the current standard of tissue biopsy at the time of diagnosis and progression is not always feasible or practical and may underestimate intratumoral heterogeneity. Technological advances in genetic sequencing have enabled the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis to obtain information on both targetable mutations and capturing real-time Darwinian evolution of tumor clones and drug resistance mechanisms under selective therapeutic pressure. The ability to analyze ctDNA from plasma, CSF, or urine enables a comprehensive view of cancers as systemic diseases and captures intratumoral heterogeneity. Here, we describe these recent advances in the setting of lung cancers and advocate for further research and the incorporation of ctDNA analysis in clinical trials of targeted therapies. By capturing genomic evolution in a noninvasive manner, liquid biopsy for ctDNA analysis could accelerate therapeutic discovery and deliver the next leap forward in precision medicine for patients with lung cancers and other solid tumors.