cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local Water Dynamics in Coacervated Polyelectrolytes Monitored through Dynamic Nuclear Polarization-Enhanced 1H NMR

We present the first study of quantifying the diffusion coefficient of interfacial water on polyelectrolyte surfaces of systems fully dispersed in bulk water under ambient conditions. Such measurements were made possible through the implementation of a recently introduced dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) technique to selectively amplify the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal of hydration water that is interacting with specifically located spin-labels on polyelectrolyte surfaces. The merit of this novel capability is demonstrated in this report through the measurement of solvent microvisosity on the surface of two types of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes: when freely dissolved versus when complexed to form a liquid−liquid colloidal phase called complex coacervates. These complex coacervates were formed through electrostatic complexation between the imidazole-based cationic homopolymer poly(N-vinylimidazole) (PVIm) and anionic polypeptide polyaspartate (PAsp) in the pH range of 4.5−6.0, under whi...
Logging the Interpretive Act: Dialogue in the Literature Classroom.

Recent debates over the problems of cultural literacy, pluralistic values, and the place of literary theory in the classroom by writers such as Allan Bloom (1987), Gerald Graff (1987), and E. D. Hirsch (1987) raise concern both about the proper aims of teaching literature and about how these aims might be achieved. These debates focus largely on defining the content of the English curriculum as both the source and means of achieving knowl edge of literary works, offering little in the way of specific pedagogical ap proaches to teaching literature. Yet, I believe that more can be accomplished in teaching knowledge about literature, in settling the theoretical debates, and in engaging in the actual nature of in terpretation in all humanities courses if we examine the pedagogy of the class room and institute new strategies there, than if we continue to concentrate so exclusively on what we should be cov ering in literature courses. I would like to propose a heuristic for the literature classroom that is grounded in the transactional nature of reading and writing, as well as in learn ing theory of educational psychology. This epistemic approach, while focused on literature and the interpretive proc esses, corresponds in theory and prac
MR findings of lithium-related kidney disease: Preliminary observations in four patients

To describe MR features of the kidney in patients on chronic lithium therapy and to correlate findings with the level of renal impairment. In this retrospective HIPPA compliant study, a search was performed in our institutional clinical and radiological computerized database for subjects with lithium-related kidney disease between August 1, 2009 and May 30, 2010. Four patients (2 male and 2 females, mean age 64.75 ± 3.5) with a total of eight kidneys fulfilled the search criteria. T2-weighted images were used to evaluate the presence, size, and distribution of renal cysts. T1-weighted images were used to evaluate kidney length, parenchymal thickness, and cortico-medullary differentiation (CMD). All kidneys displayed multiple, very abundant, small size (1–2 mm) cysts. The distribution of the cysts was symmetric in renal cortex and medulla and the number of cysts was similar in both kidneys. Sparse, asymmetrical parenchymal renal cysts >3 mm in diameter were also observed. The size and parenchyma thickness of both kidneys was considered normal in all patients. The CMD differentiation was preserved only in patients with normal laboratory kidney findings (n = 2), but was lost in patients with chronic renal failure. Multi-microcystic kidney disease secondary to long-term lithium therapy can be detected with MR imaging regardless of known renal impairment. Preservation of renal CMD was observed in both patients with normal kidney function. The results of our preliminary study suggest the possible role of MR imaging for the screening of early manifestations of nephropathy in patients undergoing chronic lithium therapy.
An exploratory path analysis of the factors contributing to life satisfaction in fathers

The purpose of this study was to present and test a model to examine those factors contributing to life satisfaction in fathers. A total of 268 fathers participated in this study. Path analysis was used to examine the direct and indirect influences of independent variables on life satisfaction in fathers. Results indicated that income and perceived family cohesiveness were the strongest variables in the model. Family cohesiveness mediated the effects of income, male role norms, conflict, and father involvement on life satisfaction. Income had the greatest total effect on life satisfaction. Perceived family cohesiveness and fathers’ education level followed income as the second and third most influential effects on life satisfaction. Results are discussed in light of the existing literature on family resilience, male role norms, and life satisfaction.
Determination of tungstate in soils and sludges by using single-column ion chromatography

Abstract A procedure has been developed for the determination of tungstate at trace levels in aqueous extracts of soil and sludge by single-column ion chromatography (SCIC). Chromatographic parameters based on ion selectivity, time of determination and signal response were optimized for tungstate with the simultaneous detection of nitrate and sulfate. Chloride, phosphate, chromate, molybdate and vanadate were found not to interfere in the determination. A low-capacity resin-based column was used for the separation with p -hydroxybenzoic acid (5 mM) at pH 8.5 as the eluent. The limit of detection defined as three times the signal-to-noise ratio was 170 μg l −1 (2-ml sample). The resolution between tungstate and sulfate was R s =2.84. The results for aqueous extracts agree closely with those obtained by an accepted spectrophotometric method.
Bars and lines: a study of graphic communication.

Interpretations of graphs seem to be rooted in principles of cognitive naturalness and information processing rather than arbitrary correspondences. These predict that people should more readily associate bars with discrete comparisons between data points because bars are discrete entities and facilitate point estimates. They should more readily associate lines with trends because lines connect discrete entities and directly represent slope. The predictions were supported in three experiments—two examining comprehension and one production. The correspondence does not seem to depend on explicit knowledge of rules. Instead, it may reflect the influence of the communicative situation as well as the perceptual properties of graphs.
Labile Carbon and Other Soil Quality Indicators in Two Tillage Systems during Transition to Organic Agriculture

Weed management is one of the primary challenges for producers transitioning from conventional to organic agriculture. Tillage and the use of cover crops are two weed control tactics available to farmers transitioning to organic management, but little is known about their interactive effects on soil quality during the transition period. We investigated the response of soils to tillage and initial cover crop during the 3-year transition to organic in a cover crop–soybean (Glycine max)–maize (Zea mays) rotation in the Mid-Atlantic region of the USA. The tillage treatment contrasted full, inversion tillage with moldboard plowing (FT) versus reduced tillage with chisel plowing (RT). The cover crop treatment contrasted annual versus mostly perennial species during the first year of the rotation. The experiment was initiated twice (Start 1 and Start 2), in consecutive years in adjacent fields. By the end of the experiment, labile carbon, electrical conductivity, pH and soil moisture were all greater under RT than under FT in both starts. Soil organic matter and several other soil attributes were greater under RT than under FT in Start 1, but not in Start 2, perhaps owing to differences between starts in initial field conditions and realized weather. Soil attributes did not differ between the two cover crop treatments. Combining our soils results with agronomic and economic analyses on these plots suggests that using RT during the organic transition can increase soil quality without compromising yield and profitability.
Theory of backward second-harmonic and third-harmonic generation using laser pulses in quasi-phase-matched second-order nonlinear medium

Recently, we have observed backward second-harmonic generation (SHG) using subpicosecond and nanosecond laser pulses in periodically poled lithium niobate crystals. The conversion efficiency in terms of energy density per pulse measured in the experiments agrees well with that based on our theory. In this paper, we present our theoretical investigation of this process in detail. Although the temporal behaviors of the second-harmonic radiation are determined by the same functions as those for the forward SHG, the amounts of pulse broadening and conversion efficiencies are quite different for the two configurations. In addition, we have investigated saturation of the conversion efficiencies. We have also considered effective third-harmonic generation based on cascaded second-order nonlinear processes. For a few optimized spatial periods of the domains, we have estimated the conversion efficiencies.
Alfimeprase for the treatment of acute peripheral arterial occlusion.

Background: Catheter-directed thrombolysis for the management of acute peripheral arterial occlusion emerged as a viable treatment option in the 1990s. It offers a less invasive approach than traditional open surgery for correcting acute limb ischemia. Nonetheless, thrombolysis is plagued by a relatively high rate of bleeding complications as well as long infusion times. Objective: To review the clinical experience with alfimeprase, a new thrombolytic agent. Methods: All published data on alfimeprase were reviewed. Review articles, press releases and web-based data were also included. Results/conclusions: Alfimeprase is a novel agent with a unique mechanism of action compared with currently available thrombolytic agents. It is a direct-acting fibrinolytic agent that does not require activation of plasminogen. This mechanism may potentially reduce the number of bleeding complications. Current clinical data are limited, but ongoing clinical trials may demonstrate that this compelling agent represents a clin...
Influence of Lactobacillus bulgaricus on Commercial Swiss Cheese

Abstract Swiss cheese was manufactured on a commercial scale with different amounts of Lactobacillus bulgaricus . As the amount of L. bulgaricus was increased from 0 to 2500ml of a 16h culture/ 9,080kg of milk the cheese showed decreased numbers of propionibacteria, increased free proline and proteolysis, and more intense flavors. Diacetyl, propionic acid, and acetic acid were not changed significantly by the amount of L. bulgaricus added.
Form Drag and Mixing Due to Tidal Flow past a Sharp Point

Barotropic tidal currents flowing over rough topography may be slowed by two bottom boundary‐related processes: tangential stress of the bottom boundary layer, which is generally well represented by a quadratic drag law, and normal stress from bottom pressure, known as form drag. Form drag is rarely estimated from oceanic observations because it is difficult to measure the bottom pressure over a large spatial domain. The ‘‘external’’ and ‘‘internal’’ components of the form drag are associated, respectively, with sea surface and isopycnals deformations. This study presents model and observational estimates of the components of drag for Three Tree Point, a sloping ridge projecting 1 km into Puget Sound, Washington. Internal form drag was integrated from repeat microstructure sections and exceeded the net drag due to bottom friction by a factor of 10‐50 during maximum flood. In observations and numerical simulations, form drag was produced by a lee wave, as well as by horizontal flow separation in the model. The external form drag was not measured, but in numerical simulations was found to be comparable to the internal form drag. Form drag appears to be the primary mechanism for extracting energy from the barotropic tide. Turbulent buoyancy flux is strongest near the ridge in both observations and model results.
The expression of Fhit protein is related inversely to disease progression in patients with breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The FHIT gene, located at human chromosome 3p14.2, frequently is deleted in a number of human tumors, including breast carcinoma. Its protein product (Fhit) is presumed to have tumor suppressor function. Loss of expression of a tumor suppressor gene is an important step in tumor progression from premalignant, to in situ, to invasive carcinoma. METHODS In the current study, Fhit expression was examined in invasive carcinomas and in epithelial lesions representing stages of carcinoma progression in 50 mastectomy specimens using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS Normal ductal and lobular epithelium consistently and strongly expressed Fhit. A complete loss of or a significant reduction in Fhit expression was observed in 72% of breast carcinomas. A statistically significant, negative correlation in Fhit expression among the stages of disease progression in Fhit negative breast carcinomas was observed (normal epithelium > hyperplasia > atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma in situ > invasive carcinoma), whereas no loss of Fhit expression in precursor lesions was observed in Fhit positive tumors. CONCLUSIONS These observations are consistent with the observed role of FHIT as a tumor suppressor gene in the pathogenesis of specific subsets of carcinomas. Cancer 2000;88:1378–83. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
On the chemotherapy of cancer.

Although the number of ‘cures’ of neoplastic disease in man that have been attained by the use of drugs is small [1]1), many people believe that ultimately a significant percentage of human cancers can be cured or at least controlled by chemotherapy. Indeed the recent successes achieved by adjuvant therapy [3]2) and infusion techniques [5]3) are encouraging. It is almost certain, however, that it will be necessary to develop a sizeable number of effective agents and treatment techniques for the large number of related diseases of man called cancer.
Denial-of-Service Attacks on Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks

Cognitive radio technologies have emerged as a platform to solve the problem of spectrum scarcity for wireless applications since cognitive radios have the potential to utilize the idle licensed spectrum bands in an intelligent way without interfering with other licensed devices. However, most of the proposed protocols for opportunistic usage of the licensed spectrum bands assume that the participants involved in the protocols are honest and that there are no malicious adversaries that will attack the network. Using two examples, we demonstrate that in the presence of a malicious adversary the systems designed making these assumptions will fail to fulfill their goals of minimal disruption of the primary users and efficient utilization of the unused spectrum. We also briefly discuss some security design goals of the future cognitive DSA networks.
The Impact of Race/Ethnicity and Quality-of-Life Policing on Public Attitudes Toward Racially Biased Policing and Traffic Stops:

This article examines the impact of race/ethnicity and quality-of-life (QOL) policing on citizens’ perceptions of racial bias and traffic stops. Using data obtained from a random-sample telephone survey of Houston citizens, respondents were asked whether they felt that the police treated citizens “equally” based on the race/ethnicity of the citizen as well as the race/ethnicity of the officer. These variables were then recoded to construct a nominal measure ranging from racially biased policing to absence of racially biased policing, with a middle category of “semiracially” biased policing. Results indicated that race/ethnicity was a significant predictor. In addition, the results strongly suggested that QOL policing was significantly associated with a decrease in respondents’ perceptions of racially biased policing. Finally, there was a significant relationship between racially biased policing and expected treatment of traffic stops made by the police.
DISCUSSION: CURRENT FINDINGS IN DIAGNOSTIC LAPAROSCOPIC EVALUATION OF THE NONPALPABLE TESTIS

Purpose We delineate the current findings and contribution of diagnostic laparoscopic evaluation in the management of nonpalpable testis.
New geochronological and archaeological data for the Sheaman Clovis site, eastern Wyoming, U.S.A.

Excavation of the Sheaman Clovis site in eastern Wyoming by University of Wyoming in the late 1970s produced one radiocarbon age of uncertain relationship to the Clovis level and one age on bone of poor reliability. New excavations in 2000 recovered additional material for radiocarbon dating as well as a Clovis elongated flake multiple use tool at the base of a black, cumulic A horizon. This paper presents evidence of an age of ca. 11,200 ± 50 yr B.P. for the Clovis occupation, and an Allerod-Younger Dryas age for the paleosol, along with a detailed description of the Clovis tool. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding Indian supply chain management practices

Global corporations increasingly pursue avenues for employing the information technology and manufacturing prowess of India and managing global cooperative strategies (strategic alliance and supply networks) with India partners. While most studies addressing global cooperative strategies analyse organisational and industrial characteristics, very few theories incorporate explanations for Indian supply chain management practices. This study is an attempt to better understand Indian supply chain management practices.
Detection of bone preservation in archaeological and fossil samples

Several methods for assessing the preservation of the organic and inorganic components of bone are discussed. Aspects of bone composition (i.e. specific trace element concentrations and stable isotope ratios) provide information on diet and health status in prehistoric and fossil humans. Such information is valuable in understanding the evolution of human adaptation but, prior to the analysis of bone, it is necessary to ensure that the biological signature has not been erased during burial or following excavation. The purpose of the present study was to provide relatively quick methods of scanning sets of bones in order to eliminate ones that are not appropriate for analysis. We present the results of powder X-ray diffractometry and a survey of thin sections of human bones recovered from a coastal site in Georgia (U.S.A.) to assess the preservation of biogenic bone mineral and histological structure. Those bone samples which displayed a lack of histological structure also showed X-ray diffraction patterns which deviated markedly from that of fresh bone. We conclude that a survey of thin sections of a small number of samples in any skeletal population is a rapid, dependable means of eliminating bone which has been altered diagenetically. We also present the results of amino acid analysis of "gelatin" collected using two different methods of extracting the organic component in bone. The "gelatin" which resulted from the demineralization of bone pieces in weak acid (1% HCI) consistently showed a pattern of amino acid composition similar to collagen. Conversely, the "gelatin" which resulted by hydrolyzing demineralized bone powder was unreliable in the retention of protein. Thus, use of the former method, rather than C to N ratios or % yield, appears to be the best means of ensuring analysis of material retaining a biological signature. At this point in time, we can identify bone samples appropriate for trace element and stable isotope analysis even though we cannot always identify the diagenetic process or agent involved.
Transfer Pricing In A Global Economy

In September 2006, the Internal Revenue Service and GlaxoSmithKline entered into an agreement to settle transfer pricing disputes covering the years 1989 to 2005. The $5.2 billion agreement, whereby Glaxo paid $3.4 billion in back taxes plus dropped a claim for a $1.8 billion tax refund, was the largest settlement in IRS history. 1
Design of permanent multipole magnets with oriented rare earth cobalt material

By taking advantage of both the magnetic strength and the astounding simplicity of the magnetic properties of oriented rare earth cobalt material, new designs have been developed for a number of devices. In this article on multipole magnets, special emphasis is put on quadrupoles because of their frequent use and because the aperture fields achievable (1.2–1.4 T) are rather large. This paper also lays the foundation for future papers on: (a) linear arrays for use as “plasma buckets” or undulators for the production of synchrotron radiation; (b) structures for the production of solenoidal fields; and (c) three-dimensional structures such as helical undulators or multipoles.
The Literary Renaissance

The failures in the effort to bring about a good and efficient government after the nominal establishment of the Chinese Republic in 1912 forced some men to turn their attention to other problems not immediately connected with politics. They were tired of real politics and were looking around to find some more basic factors which might be made the new cornerstones for a new political order. Thus, Huang Yuan-yung (黄远庸), one of the best publicists of the day, who had spent many years in political activities, wrote these repentant words just before he left the country in 1915:
A complex adaptive systems approach for productive efficiency analysis: building blocks and associative inferences

Linkages between complex adaptive systems (CAS) thinking and efficiency analysis are in their infancy. This paper associates the basic building blocks of the CAS “flocking” metaphor with the essential building blocks of the data envelopment analysis (DEA) form of productive efficiency analysis. The linkage between these paradigms is made within an agent-based modeling framework we have named the complex adaptive productive efficiency model. Within this framework DEA “decision-making units” (DMUs) representing business units within a management system, are modeled as agents and are therefore known as agent DMU’s (ADMUs). Guided by the three fundamental rules inherent in the flocking metaphor, ADMUs “align” with other ADMUs to achieve mutual protection and reduce risks. They “cohere” with the most efficient ADMUs among them to achieve the greatest possible efficiency in the least possible time. And they “separate” themselves for one another just enough to maintain diversity of operations and avoid unnecessary competition among business units of the management system. Analysis of the resulting patterns of ADMU behavior over time enable policy insights measured against benchmarks of productive efficiency that are both intuitive and evidence-based.
Why Libraries Should Retain a Core Print Reference Collection

ABSTRACTThis article gives an overview of what reference material is and for what it is used. Desirable characteristics of print reference are described. Skills that are important for reference librarians are specifically and generally described throughout. Arguments on the importance of a core printed reference collection focus on convenience, cost, availability, online irritants, actual use of print, historical research, and future librarians’ understanding of reference resources.
Abstract A90: Adiponectin deficiency enhances pancreatic cancer growth.

Pancreatic cancer is recognized as one of the deadliest forms of cancer; yet the underlying mechanistic cause of pancreatic cancer remains unknown. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, and family history. Obesity is known to lead to alteration of serum adipokine levels, including the reduction of adiponectin. The purpose of this study was to determine whether adiponectin directly contributes to pancreatic cancer growth. We have previously shown that orthotopically implanted pancreatic cancer cells display increased growth in obese mice. Adiponectin acts through two identified receptors that produce proapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic actions. We hypothesize that decreased adiponectin signaling in the setting of obesity leads to increased pancreatic cancer growth. Adiponectin receptor status was determined in human as well as pancreatic cancer cell lines through real time PCR as well as western analysis. We have detected adiponectin receptor 1 as well as adiponectin receptor 2 in all of the pancreatic cancer cell lines tested, yet significant protein levels were only detected in these pancreatic cancer cell lines for adiponectin receptor 1 by western blot analysis. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic tissue showed that adiponectin receptor 1 associated with acinar, smooth muscle, and endothelial cells while adiponectin receptor 2 associated with stromal and fibroblastic cells in the pancreas. To determine whether adiponectin affected cellular proliferation, pancreatic cancer cell lines were tested in vitro for response to adiponectin treatment, which resulted in decreased proliferation of the human CFPAC and Panc1 pancreatic cancer cell lines. To determine the effect of adiponectin on pancreatic cancer growth in vivo, adiponectin deficient mice were injected orthotopically with pancreatic cancer cells and followed for 21 days of growth. Orthotopic injection of Panc02 pancreatic cancer cells into adiponectin deficient mice resulted in larger tumors. These results implicate adiponectin as a mediator of the proliferative capactiy of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Alisha Mendonsa, Madeleine C. Chalfant, Lee Gorden, Michael N. VanSaun. Adiponectin deficiency enhances pancreatic cancer growth. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Progress and Challenges; Jun 18-21, 2012; Lake Tahoe, NV. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A90.
An extinct grammitid fern genus from Dominican amber, with revision of Grammitis succinea

Abstract We report the second record of a grammitid fern from Dominican amber. The fossil comprises a single fertile pinna with excellent preservation, thus allowing a clear view of unaltered morphological characters. Venation, indument, and sori match the protologue of the previously described species from Dominican amber, Grammitis succinea L. D. Gomez, so we assign our fossil to that species. Characters of both specimens of G. succinea are sufficient to place it within the grammitid clade of the Polypodiaceae. However, it does not agree with Grammitis as it is currently circumscribed. We explore possible relationships between the fossil and other extant grammitid genera through Principal Coordinates Ordination (PCOa) of 109 morphological characters and through phylogenetic analysis of combined morphological and plastid DNA sequence data. Character combinations found in the fossil are inconsistent with those of any extant genus and our PCOa analysis did not suggest a clear affinity with any extant genus. This uncertainty is reflected in the results of our phylogenetic analyses, which find multiple most-parsimonious positions for the fossil within the grammitid clade. Based on these results, we suggest that the fossil belongs to an early divergent lineage of grammitid ferns, and cannot be assigned to any extant genus. Consequently, we place both specimens in a newly described fossil genus, Polymniopteris, and make a new combination for G. succinea within it. Because the type of G. succinea cannot be located, we designate the present specimen a neotype.
70 RESULTS OF SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF ABERRANT BEHAVIOR IN SMITH-LEMLI-OPITZ SYNDROME.

Smith-Lemli-Optiz syndrome (SLOS) is a multiple malformation, mental retardation syndrome caused by a defect in cholesterol metabolism. Aberrant behavior reportedly occurs in many patients with SLOS, including irritability, hyperactivity, aggressive behavior, self-injury, insomnia/sleep disturbances, and behavioral symptoms of autism, based primarily on anecdotal report. We studied aberrant behavior in SLOS using several measures, two with sound psychometric properties. We hypothesized that participants would display varied and significant behavioral disturbances. Parents of children with SLOS (ages 2-16) completed behavioral measures to document aberrant behavior. As part of the study protocol, measures are completed while patients receive continuous cholesterol supplementation and after a 3-week period of a cholesterol-free diet. Only data obtained during cholesterol supplementation are presented. The Child Behavior Checklist, a measure of emotional/behavioral disturbance normed with typical children, was completed on 14 children. Significant elevations on syndrome factors were noted for 8 (57%) children. The average number of factors elevated was 2.3. Parents of 10 children completed the Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form, a measure of emotional/behavioral disturbance normed for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Two participants received ratings in the significant range, in the area of Self-Injury/Stereotypic Behavior. Care providers of 11 children completed a measure designed to gather data on the type and form of aberrant behavior in those with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Mean number of aberrant behavior reported as occurring during the month prior to assessment was 10.1. Mean number of different forms of self-injury = 3.5, stereotypic behavior = 3.9, physical aggression = 2.3, and disruptive/destructive behavior = 3.8. Findings confirm that children with SLOS experience significant emotional/behavioral behavior as compared to the general population but suggest that most may not display more frequent/severe aberrant behavior than expected in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Future plans include continued evaluations longitudinally, to correlate behavior with developmental trajectory; comparison of aberrant behavior in SLOS against a control group, to investigate the uniqueness of the SLOS behavioral phenotype; and evaluation while participants are on and off high-cholesterol diets, to systematically investigate the effect of the intervention on aberrant behavior in SLOS.
Abstract 3423: Overweight and obesity predict better overall survival rates in cancer patients with distant metastases

Background: Recent studies conducted in patients with chronic diseases have reported an inverse association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality. However, the question as to whether BMI may predict prognosis in patients with metastatic cancer remains open. We therefore designed the current retrospective study to investigate the potential association between BMI and overall survival (OS) in patients with distant metastases (DM) and a favorable performance status. Methods: Between 2000 and 2012, a total of 4,010 cancer patients with DM who required radiotherapy (RT) and had their BMI measured at the initiation of RT were identified. The relation between BMI and OS was examined by univariate and multivariable analysis. Results: The median OS time was 3.23 months (range: 0.1−122.17) for underweight patients, 6.08 months (range: 0.03−149.46) for normal-weight patients, 7.99 months (range: 0.07−158.01) for overweight patients, and 12.49 months (range, 0.2−164.1) for obese patients (log-rank: P Conclusions: Overweight and obesity are independent predictors of better OS in metastatic patients with a good performance status. Increased BMI may play a role to identify metastatic patients with superior survival outcome and exhibit a potential to encourage aggressive management in those patients even with metastases. Citation Format: Ngan M. Tsang. Overweight and obesity predict better overall survival rates in cancer patients with distant metastases. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3423.
Incorporation of a Physical Education and Nutrition Program Into Neurosurgery: A Proof of Concept Pilot Program.

BACKGROUND Balancing the demands of a busy medical career with personal wellness can be daunting, and there is little education on these principles available to physicians in training. OBJECTIVE To implement a voluntary wellness initiative in our neurosurgery department to promote healthy lifestyle choices. This report details the baseline data collected as part of this quality improvement initiative. METHODS The wellness initiative was implemented in July 2015 and available to all faculty and resident physicians in the Department of Neurological Surgery in collaboration with the Medical University of South Carolina Wellness Center. All participants were provided a Fitbit Surge HR wrist monitor (Fitbit, Boston, Massachusetts) and underwent baseline physical and psychological testing. RESULTS Six faculty physicians and 9 residents participated. Overall physical fitness levels varied widely between subjects. Health screening demonstrated abnormalities in 80% of participants (elevated systolic blood pressure in 60%, elevated diastolic in 47%, elevated serum low-density lipoprotein in 53%). Body composition analysis demonstrated body weight higher than ideal in 69% (47% overweight; 13% obese). Recommended average body fat mass reduction was 25.4 pounds. Seventy-nine percent reported below-average quality of life compared with the average healthy adult. All subjects reported wanting more time for personal health. CONCLUSION Baseline health and psychological screenings in our department demonstrated alarmingly prevalent, previously undiagnosed abnormalities on cardiovascular and body weight screenings. Obstacles to leading a healthier lifestyle have been identified and solutions have been incorporated into the program. This quality improvement initiative may serve as a template for other programs seeking to improve physician physical and mental well-being. ABBREVIATIONS BMI, body mass indexESS, Epworth Sleepiness ScaleHR, heart rate.
A cross-sectional examination of visual acuity by specific type of albinism.

Purpose Reports of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in albinism are often based on overlapping clinical phenotypes. BCVA in albinism has been shown to improve with age. This study reports a large cross-sectional investigation to determine whether BCVA differs by specific type of albinism when age-corrected. Methods This retrospective review identified 170 individuals with a specific type of albinism identified by mutation(s) in a gene known to cause albinism (for OCA1, OCA2, and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome ([HPS]) or a specific phenotype (white hair and no melanin pigment in OCA1A; pigmentary mosaicism in the obligate carriers for males with OA1). We recorded optotype binocular BCVA at final follow-up. Patients were age-grouped (2-5 years, 6-14 years, and ≥15 years) for comparison. Results The greatest visual acuity deficit was found for OCA1A in all age groups. At age ≥15 years (n = 79), mean BCVA was 20/128 for OCA1A, 20/37 for OCA1B, 20/59 for OCA2, 20/63 for OA1, and 20/121 for HPS. Significant differences between BCVA at ≥15 years were found in the following: OCA1A vs OCA1B, OCA1A vs OCA2, OCA1A vs OA1, OCA1B vs HPS, OCA2 vs HPS, and OA1 vs HPS ( P ≤ 0.02). Conclusions This study provides a large sample size and includes only those with a specific type of albinism. BCVA varies by albinism type, and there is overlap in BCVA, particularly in the younger age groups. For ages ≥15 years, there are significant differences in BCVA between several types of albinism.
Climate Change Adaptation as a Growing Development Priority: Towards Critical Adaptation Scholarship

Climate change adaptation has grown rapidly in prominence in development practice and scholarship. Alongside this growth, adaptation has been folded into the world of development. This article reviews the ways that adaptation has become a concern for the world of development, suggesting three important trends: problematizations of vulnerability, the financial architecture of adaptation, and the tool of climate change ‘mainstreaming’. Given that adaptation has entered the development arena, this article reviews relevant critical development literature that might helpfully shed light on the operation of adaptation. The article first reviews a tripartite typology of development scholarship: pro-development/instrumental, post-development, and critical development studies. Then, it reviews the analogous research on adaptation according to this typology, showing the limits to both the instrumental and post-adaptation scholarship. Finally, the article engages a vein of critical development studies – concerned particularly with the churning of development priorities and their management and governance – in order examine how adaptation works as an organizing principle.
Hybrid of P3HT and ZnO@GO nanostructured particles for increased NO2 sensing response

The NO2 sensing properties and operational mechanism of the hybrid formed from poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and zinc oxide–graphene oxide (ZnO@GO) nanoparticles were investigated. We prepared graphene oxide (GO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) core–shell nanostructured particles with ionic aggregation. Gas sensors were fabricated by spin coating a mixture of P3HT with ZnO@GO on oxide-coated silicon wafers leading to formation of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). The NO2 sensing properties of the obtained devices were investigated at room temperature. By means of observing conductance changes before and after exposure to NO2, it was demonstrated that the hybrid of P3HT with 60 wt% ZnO@GO composites exhibits 210% sensing response to 5 ppm NO2 gas exposure for 5 min at room temperature. The sensing mechanism included a contribution from the hybrid that was not observed from pure P3HT or by adding either ZnO or GO alone.
Surgical resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for oesophageal adenocarcinoma: what is the optimal timing?

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal timing of surgical resection of oesophageal adenocarcinoma following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). METHODS nCRT before resection of oesophageal adenocarcinoma yields improved overall and progression-free survival. Despite the wide acceptance of tri-modal therapy, the optimal timing of surgical resection after nCRT is not well defined and existing studies are limited. Adults with Stage II/III oesophageal adenocarcinoma undergoing nCRT before surgery were identified from the National Cancer Database. Multivariable analysis using restricted cubic splines was used to identify an inflection point in clinical outcomes as a function of time between nCRT and surgery, dividing the cohort into short- and long-interval treatment groups, which were then compared. Adjusted rates of survival and margin status were compared between groups using multivariable analysis. RESULTS Among 2444 patients, restricted cubic splines identified an inflection point at 56 days, dividing our cohort into 1533 short-interval and 911 long-interval patients. Long-interval patients had a higher adjusted incidence of pathologic downstaging (odds ratio 1.38, confidence interval 1.02-1.85, P = 0.04) but no difference in margin positivity compared with short-interval patients (odds ratio 0.91, confidence interval 0.56-1.47, P = 0.69). Worse overall survival was noted in the long-interval subgroup (hazard ratio 1.44, confidence interval 1.22-1.71, P < 0.001), but 30-day postoperative mortality was not statistically different (odds ratio 1.56, confidence interval 0.9-2.72, P = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS Restricted cubic splines provides an objective mechanism to more accurately delineate optimum timing between nCRT and surgical resection. A time interval of 56 days represents an interval where increased pathologic downstaging is balanced by decreased overall survival.
Risk Assessment of Hemorrhage of Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms in Posterior Fossa Arteriovenous Malformations.

BACKGROUND Posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are associated with increased risk of rupture and severe consequences from such rupture. The hemorrhagic risk of prenidal aneurysms (anr) on the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) may exceed that of the AVM in posterior fossa AVMs fed by PICA (PICA-AVM). OBJECTIVE To characterize the relative risks of aneurysm and AVM hemorrhage in patients with posterior fossa AVMs. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with AVM. Patients with posterior fossa AVMs were divided into 3 groups: PICA-AVM with prenidal aneurysm (PICA-AVM-anr group), PICA-AVM without prenidal aneurysm (PICA-AVM group), and AVMs without PICA feeder with/without aneurysm (AVM-only group). Patient and lesion characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared. ANOVA and chi squared tests were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS Our cohort included 85 patients. Mean age was 45.3 ± 18.1 yr, with 43(50.6%) female patients. Fifty-one patients (60.0%) had hemorrhagic presentation, and 27 (31.8%) experienced acute hydrocephalus. Patients in the PICA-AVM-anr group (n = 11) were more likely to present with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH; P = .005) and less likely to have AVM rupture (P < .001). Ten (90.9%) patients presented with hemorrhage, 6 (60.0%) of which resulted from aneurysm rupture. Of these 6, 5 (83.3%) had acute hydrocephalus. No patients with AVM rupture had hydrocephalus. Eight (72.7%) received aneurysm treatment prior to AVM treatment. There were no significant differences in post-treatment outcomes dependent on treatment order. CONCLUSION In addition to relatively higher risk of AVM rupture from infratentorial location and prenidal aneurysm, a higher risk of aneurysm rupture rather than AVM rupture was observed in patients with PICA-AVM-anr complex.
Equilibrium Structures and Absorption Spectra for SixOy Molecular Clusters using Density Functional Theory

Calculations are presented of vibrational absorption spectra for energy minimized structures of SixOy molecular clusters using density functional theory (DFT). The size of the clusters considered is relatively large compared to those silicon oxide clusters considered in previous studies. There are no known crystal structures for our silicon oxide clusters, and thus, their geometries were unknown. The energy minimization was extremely taxing having no good starting point geometries. This was overcome by using multiple choices of initial geometries. That valid energy minima were achieved was checked by noting that all vibrational frequencies at the minima were positive values. DFT can provide interpretation of absorption spectra with respect to molecular structure for excitation by electromagnetic waves at frequencies within the IR range. The absorption spectrum corresponding to excitation states of SixOy molecular clusters consisting of relatively small numbers of atoms should be associated with response features that are intermediate between that of isolated molecules and that of a bulk system. DFT calculated absorption spectra represent quantitative estimates that can be correlated with additional information obtained from laboratory measurements. The DFT software GAUSSIAN was used for the calculations of excitation states presented here.
Recent History of Psychology: Mnemonic Techniques and the Psycholinguistic Revolution

This paper documents the historical origins of research on mnemonic techniques and the role this research played in the cognitive revolution o f the 1960s. Experiments on mnemonic memory imagery began to appear in the literature in the mid-1960s. This literature traced its origins only to ancient sources, such as Cicero, via the historical investigations of Yates (1966). In fact, modern researchers became aware of the mnemonics through commercial memory courses such as that of Furst (1954, 1957). Both Furst and his students instructed psychologists in the techniques. The influence which the early mnemonics research had on psychology is traced through George Miller and other psychologists, and it is proposed that an awareness of mnemonic memory played a role, albeit indirectly, in the cognitive-psycholinguistic revolution of the 1960s.
Risk of Synchronous Distant Recurrence at Time of Locoregional Recurrence in Patients With Stage II and III Breast Cancer (AFT-01)

PurposeNational Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend systemic staging imaging at the time of locoregional breast cancer recurrence. Limited data support this recommendation. We determined the rate of synchronous distant recurrence at the time of locoregional recurrence in high-risk patients and identified clinical factors associated with an increased risk of synchronous metastases.MethodsA stage-stratified random sample of 11,046 patients with stage II to III breast cancer in 2006 to 2007 was selected from the National Cancer Database for participation in a Commission on Cancer special study. From medical record abstraction of imaging and recurrence data, we identified patients who experienced locoregional recurrence within 5 years of diagnosis. Synchronous distant metastases (within 30 days of locoregional recurrence) were determined. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with synchronous metastases.ResultsFour percent experienced locoregional recurrence (n...
Caprylic Acid Reduces Enteric Campylobacter Colonization in Market-Aged Broiler Chickens but Does Not Appear To Alter Cecal Microbial Populations

Campylobacter is a leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, and epidemiological evidence indicates poultry products to be a significant source of human Campylobacter infections. Caprylic acid, an eight-carbon medium-chain fatty acid, reduces Campylobacter colonization in chickens. How caprylic acid reduces Campylobacter carriage may be related to changes in intestinal microflora. To evaluate this possibility, cecal microbial populations were evaluated with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis from market-age broiler chickens fed caprylic acid. In the first trial, chicks (n = 40 per trial) were assigned to four treatment groups (n = 10 birds per treatment group): positive controls (Campylobacter, no caprylic acid), with or without a 12-h feed withdrawal before slaughter; and 0.7% caprylic acid supplemented in feed for the last 3 days of the trial, with or without a 12-h feed withdrawal before slaughter. Treatments were similar for trial 2, except caprylic acid was supplemented for the last 7 days of the trial. At age 14 days, chicks were orally challenged with Campylobacter jejuni, and on day 42, ceca were collected for denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and Campylobacter analysis. Caprylic acid supplemented for 3 or 7 days at 0.7% reduced Campylobacter compared with the positive controls, except for the 7-day treatment with a 12-h feed withdrawal period. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles of the cecal content showed very limited differences in microbial populations. The results of this study indicate that caprylic acid's ability to reduce Campylobacter does not appear to be due to changes in cecal microflora.