cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Off-label recombinant factor VIIa use and thrombosis in children: a multi-center cohort study.

Objective To describe the off-label use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in tertiary care pediatric hospitals across the United States and to assess thrombotic events. Study design A retrospective multi-center cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System administrative database. Children 18 years of age or younger who received rFVIIa between 2000 and 2007 were included. A label admission was defined as an admission with an International Classification of Diseases diagnostic code for hemophilia or factor VII deficiency; admissions without these codes were classified as off-label. Results There were 4942 rFVIIa admissions, representing 3764 individual subjects; 74% (3655) of the admissions were off-label. There was a 10-fold increase in the annual rate of off-label admissions from 2000 to 2007 (from 2 to 20.8 per 10 000 hospital admissions, P Conclusions The off-label use of rFVIIa in hospitalized children is increasing rapidly despite the absence of adequate clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy. Thrombotic events are common and mortality is high among patients receiving off-label rFVIIa. Further studies are warranted to determine whether these adverse events are attributable to rFVIIa.
Abstract 1906: IL-6-mediated activation of STAT3 inhibits APC and T cell function in metastatic breast cancer

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Background: The transcription factor STAT3 is a negative regulator of myeloid inflammatory immune responses, leading to profound suppression of dendritic cell (DC) and T cell function, and anti-tumor immunity. Blockade of STAT3 signaling in tumor models results in activation of innate immune cells, DCs, and tumor infiltration of T cells. We hypothesized that tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) from breast cancer patients were dysfunctional, due to IL-6-mediated activation of STAT3. Methods: To isolate sufficient numbers of CD14+ TAMs and CD3+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for functional assays, 10 malignant effusions were obtained from breast cancer patients and peripheral blood was obtained from 8 healthy controls. Levels of up to 22 cytokines in the effusions and the blood were determined by Luminex cytokine assay. CD14+ TAMs and CD3+ TILs were magnetically sorted, and functional mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays were performed. Quantitation of STAT3 and tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) were determined by immunoblotting. RNA expression analysis of TILs and healthy donor CD3+ cells was performed using Affymetrix U133 microarrays. Results: Malignant effusions from breast cancer patients have high levels of IL-6 (mean 3188 pg/ml; range 966-5235), compared with serum from healthy donors (mean 88 pg/ml; p<0.0001). TAMs isolated from malignant effusions, but not peripheral blood, poorly stimulated healthy T cells in MLR, and showed increased expression of pSTAT3 and total STAT3 on immunoblot. A 30 minute exposure to a malignant effusion containing high levels of IL-6 markedly induced STAT3 activation in healthy donor CD14+ monocytes. Compared with CD3 cells from healthy donors (n=3), RNA microarray analysis of CD3+ TILs (n=3) showed downregulation in TCR signalling (Zap70, fyn, PI3K), NK/CTLs (CD160, KLRF1), and chemokines for T cell trafficking (CXCR4). Immunosuppressive factors (IL10, PDIA4, IL13R, STAT1, and VEGF) were upregulated (p<0.05). Conclusions: High levels of IL-6 in breast cancer malignant effusions are associated with both antigen presenting cell and T cell dysfunction. Inhibition of STAT3 is a potential target to enhance immune activation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1906.
Childhood Gender Identity … Disorder? Developmental, Cultural, and Diagnostic Concerns

Childhood gender identity development is reviewed in the context of biological, environmental, cultural, and diagnostic factors. With the upcoming 5th revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the authors offer a critical consideration of childhood gender identity disorder, along with proposed diagnostic changes. They argue that meaningful understanding of issues surrounding gender identity is necessary for a conscientious assessment and diagnostic process that does not pathologize human diversity.
A review of modeling concepts for sodium-concrete reactions and a model for liquid sodium transport to the unreacted concrete surface

Abstract A review of existing modeling concepts and studies of sodium-concrete reactions is presented. Consistent with experimental observations, the current modeling study being conducted at Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory assumes for hydrated concretes the presence of liquid layer of reaction products intervening between sodium pool and concrete surface. Primary liquid component in this layer is NaOH which has a low melting point. This liquid component dissolves the reaction products such as silicates, aluminates and forms a very viscous liquid more dense than sodium. As this layer assumes a significant thickness, the only mechanism available for transport of sodium to fresh concrete surface is the motion and agitation induced by gas bubbles consisting of hydrogen, water vapor, CO2 and sodium vapor. However, to date there exists no satisfactory model that describes this transport mechanism. To rectify this shortcoming, we propose a mass “iffusion” model for sodium transport. The model reduces the sodium transport process by bubble motion to a single unknown parameter which has the appearance of a diffusion coefficient and consequently can be determined by solving an inverse problem in conjunction with measured “concentration” distributions in simulant material experiments.
Partially fluorinated analogs of (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate: Probes for pheromone hydrophobiclty requirements

Abstract Allylic difluoromethylene, terminal trifluoromethyl, and pentafluoroethyl analogs of ( Z )-9-dodecenyl acetate were synthesized to probe the requirements for hydrophobicity of the alkyl terminus in pheromone activity. These compounds show unexpected and varied behavioral activities in assays using the European grape berry moth.
Stability and performance of car-following models in congested traffic

Car-following models NETSIM, INTRAS, FRESIM, and CARSIM have been extensively used for simulation of traffic conditions, including congested conditions. The car-following algorithms of these models are well known and available in the literature. However, the stability, performance, and characteristic car-following behavior of these models have not been investigated in the literature. Since the model outcomes are used in place of real data in most circumstances, it is important to know the individual vehicle behavior and car-following stability of these models. In this paper, the car-following algorithms of the above mentioned models and a recently introduced model, INTELSIM, are examined for their stability and performance in congested traffic conditions. The performance of the car-following models and the individual vehicle behavior are evaluated for accuracy, stability, problem areas, and overall model behavior for the congested conditions. Moreover, this paper aims to help the users utilize the models ...
SPECTRAL IDENTIFICATION STUDIES OF PHENOLIC ACIDS USING ALUMINUM CHLORIDE.

Abstract A study has been made of the ultraviolet absorption spectra of phenolic acids in methyl alcohol and of their spectral shifts on addition of aluminum chloride in methyl alcohol. Hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids tested exhibited significant bathochromic shifts on addition of the aluminum chloride, whereas hydroxyphenylacetic and hydroxyphenyl-propionic acids did not.
Age and preservation of Amphistegina (foraminifera) in Hawaiian beach sand: implication for sand turnover rate and resource renewal

Radiocarbon dating of tests of Amphistegina spp. from the surface sand of Hawaiian beaches has revealed ages up to 1500 years or more. Preservation is related to age: the residual umbos are older than the intact tests. The antiquity of some of the tests suggests that predictions of a sand turnover rate of less than 100 years time based on Amphistegina productivity studies are in error and that the majority of tests produced in nearshore environments of Hawaii do not accumulate on the beach.
Long-term effects of PZP immunization on reproduction in white-tailed deer.

Abstract A 6-year study was conducted to determine the long-term effects of porcine zona pellucida (PZP) vaccine on the immune and hormonal responses, and reproduction of the white-tailed deer. The first 2 years of active immunization resulted in an 89% reduction in fawning. Vaccination with PZP produced reversible infertility lasting 1–4 years. Infertility was directly related to immune titers to PZP. Doe fertility was restored when the antibody titer dropped to minimal levels, but following re-immunization, infertility was reestablished. Reduction in fawning throughout the 6-year study was 76%. It was also observed that immune responses among deer were variable, especially in the first year of treatment. Variability was also observed among deer for the duration of infertility following the initial vaccination.
Lovastatin as Treatment for Neurocognitive Deficits in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Phase I Study

In a neurofibromatosis type 1 murine model, treatment with lovastatin reversed cognitive disabilities. We report on a phase I study examining the safety and tolerability of lovastatin in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Twenty-four children with neurofibromatosis type 1 underwent a dose-escalation protocol for 3 months to identify the maximum tolerated dose and potential toxicity. Minimal side effects were evident, and no child experienced dose-limiting toxicity. Cognitive evaluations were completed before and after treatment, and the results suggested improvement in areas of verbal and nonverbal memory. Additional analyses, using reliable change indices, indicated improvements exceeding those of test-retest or practice effects in some participants. These observations may be analogous to the improvements observed in a neurofibromatosis type 1 murine model treated with lovastatin, although further study and replication are required. The safety and preliminary cognitive results support the need for a larger phase II trial in this population.
Renal functional teratogenesis resulting from adriamycin exposure

Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to adriamycin and offspring were evaluated for renal functional competence. Exposure consisted of 0, 1.0 or 1.5 mg/kg/day by intraperitoneal injection on either gestational days 7–10 or 10–12. The exposed offspring were evaluated for 1) growth and viability; 2) serum concentrations and renal clearances of creatinine, urea, glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, and total osmotic particles; 3) the ability to excrete an osmotically concentrated urine following fluid deprivation; 4) the ability to excrete an osmotically dilute urine following isotonic volume expansion; and 5) the ability to secrete hydrogen ions following administration of a fixed acid. Exposure during days 7–10 of gestation produced greater evidence of overt developmental toxicity than did exposure during days 10–12 of gestation. The reverse was true, however, for the effects of adriamycin on renal function, as the majority of effects on these measures were found in the high dose pups exposed during days 10–12 of gestation. The application of the renal function tests did not lower the observed effect level for adriamycin-induced developmental toxicity, but it did provide confirmatory information on the nature of the effect, on the magnitude of the effect in the exposed population, and on the possible morphological site of observed functional lesion. For reasons discussed in the text, a combination of the basal clearance test and the renal concentrating test appears to provide the most efficient means for detecting the presence of prenatally induced functional alterations of the kidneys.
The concerns of teachers of gifted youth: Using concerns to improve staff support

A Concerns‐Based Adoption Model (CBAM) is discussed as a technique for training teachers of programs for the gifted.
Shape Evolution of Single-Crystalline Mn2O3 Using a Solvothermal Approach

A new and facile route was developed to manipulate the growth of hierarchically ordered Mn2O3 architectures via a solvothermal approach. Various solvents are employed to control the product morphologies and structures. Mn2O3 with unique cuboctahedral, truncated-octahedral, and octahedral shapes are obtained, and a possible formation mechanism is proposed.
Identification of a phosphoprotein specifically induced by the transforming DNA of rat neuroblastomas

DNAs from nitrosoethylurea-induced rat neuroblastomas transform NIH/3T3 mouse fibroblasts in a transfection assay. DNAs of such transformed cells can be used in a subsequent cycle of transfection to generate secondary foci that contain virtually no foreign genetic material besides the sequences carrying the rat neuroblastoma transforming function. These secondary neuroblastoma transfectants were injected into young mice and grew out into fibrosarcomas. Sera from these mice were examined for reactivity with any proteins which were induced specifically by the neuroblastoma transforming sequence. These sera precipitate a polypeptide of about 185,000 daltons from 35S-methionine-labeled cell lysates of the rat neuroblastoma cells that served as DNA donors and in all transfection-derived primary and secondary foci. This protein is present in high levels in all neuroblastoma transfectant clones, but was not detectable in a variety of other transformed cells. Antisera were prepared from mice bearing tumors induced by transformed cells derived by transfection of DNAs from various tumor cell types unrelated to rat neuroblastoma. These antisera failed to immunoprecipitate the 185,000 dalton protein. These data indicate that the synthesis of the 185,000 dalton protein is specifically induced by the neuroblastoma transforming sequence. The protein may be encoded by the transforming sequence and may mediate transformation in this chemically induced tumor.
Magnesium chloride supported catalysts for olefin polymerization. XIX. Titanium oxidation states, catalyst deactivation, and active site structure

A precise method for the determinations of Ti+2, Ti+3 and Ti+4 was developed. The CW-procatalyst before activation contains mostly Ti+4 ions with 6% Ti+3 and 4% Ti+2 ions. Activation with AlEt3 alone at room temperature reduced all the titaniums to lower valence states consisting of 71% Ti+3 and 29% Ti+2. Reduction is incomplete when methyl-p-toluate was present as external Lewis base during activation: at 25°C the distribution of Ti+4 : Ti+3 : Ti+2 is 36% : 25% : 38%; the distribution at 50°C is 37% : 22% : 40%. Aging of the activated catalyst caused little or no changes in the distribution of [Ti+n]; whereas the catalytic activity decays rapidly with aging. The aged catalysts have polymerization activity comparable to the decreased activity of the catalyst during a polymerization. The [Ti+n] was determined for the CW-catalyst during the course of a decene polymerization; they were found to be Ti+4 : Ti+3 : Ti+2 = 30% : 27% : 43%, which did not change with polymerization time. These results suggest that the reducibility of Ti+4 species by AlEt3 or 3AlEt3/MPT to different valence states is predicated by their structures. These species do not undergo further changes in their oxidation states during either aging or polymerization. Their decays probably involve nonreductive metathesis reactions like those known for zirconium alkyls. Possible structures for the stereospecific and nonspecific sites are proposed.
Blood Groups of Selected Aboriginal and Indigenous Populations

THE Laboratory of Physical Anthropology at Yale is investigating the distribution of the following genetic traits in various populations of PrimatevS, including man : the blood groups, the serum transferring (β-globulins), haptoglobins, and haemoglobin variants. This is a report of the bood types in three of the human populations investigated.
Camera selection in visual sensor networks

Wireless networks of visual sensors have recently emerged as a new type of sensor-based intelligent system, with performance and complexity challenges that go beyond that of existing wireless sensor networks. The goal of the visual sensor network we examine is to provide a user with visual information from any arbitrary viewpoint within the monitored field. This can be accomplished by synthesizing image data from a selection of cameras whose fields of view overlap with the desired field of view. In this work, we compare two methods for the selection of the camera-nodes. The first method selects cameras that minimize the difference between the images provided by the selected cameras and the image that would be captured by a real camera from the desired viewpoint. The second method considers the energy limitations of the battery powered camera-nodes, as well as their importance in the 3D coverage preservation task. Simulations using both metrics for camera-node selection show a clear trade-off between the quality of the reconstructed image and the network's ability to provide full coverage of the monitored 3D space for a longer period of time.
Still Looking for the Ivory Tower

Following graduate training, which was disrupted by my changing schools and serving in the Navy in World War II, I arrived in Berkeley in 1948 as an instructor in the Biochemistry Department. Despite numerous academic reorganizations and a host of struggles over the University-imposed Loyalty Oath, dismissal of a faculty member because of political affiliations, free speech for students, and my resistance to mandatory retirement, I survived with the help of great graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, undergraduates, superb research assistants, and a supportive wife. Studies on structure of tobacco mosaic virus led to our investigating an ultracentrifuge anomaly and the construction of a synthetic boundary cell. In turn, this resulted in about 15 years of research on the ultracentrifuge and its application to the study of biological macromolecules. Among the latter, the discovery of large ribonucleoprotein complexes, now known as ribosomes, and chromatophores in photosynthetic microorganisms attracted t...
Compression of the central airways by a dilated aorta in infants and children with congenital heart disease

Abstract Background . Children with congenital heart disease often experience respiratory symptoms in the preoperative and perioperative periods, which can complicate their management. An uncommon but important cause of respiratory insufficiency in such children is external airway compression. Methods . We operated on 5 patients (median age, 6 months) with significant respiratory distress attributable to compression of the central airways by a dilated ascending aorta before or after repair of concomitant cardiovascular defects. Four of these patients had right aortic arch and 3 had pulmonary atresia with a ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals. In all patients, aortopexy was performed at the time of operation for the cardiovascular defects (n = 3) or after symptoms developed in the postoperative period (n = 2). The 3 patients in whom airway compression produced symptoms preoperatively also underwent reduction ascending aortoplasty. Results . Symptoms resolved immediately after operation in 3 patients, whereas symptoms persisted in the other 2 patients and tracheostomy was required. At follow-up of 20 months to 5 years, all patients are alive and well, with mild or moderate respiratory symptoms in the 2 patients who required tracheostomy, both of whom were decannulated within 13 months. Conclusions . External airway compression can cause significant morbidity in patients with congenital heart defects other than vascular rings. In patients with respiratory symptoms in the context of a lesion that involves increased aortic outflow during intrauterine life and consequently, an enlarged ascending aorta, such as tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia, airway compression should be considered as a cause, especially if a right aortic arch is present or the patient also has pulmonary atresia with a ventricular septal defect and collaterals. Attempts to address this problem surgically may provide substantial relief, but increasing duration of airway compression is likely to lead to tracheal or bronchial malacia and persistent symptoms even after the compression is relieved.
Analysis of the staircase method considering the Bayes theorem

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the influence of prior knowledge on the results of the staircase method. In the first part an outline of the application of the Bayes theorem on the classical staircase test procedure is presented. Therefore it is assumed that the fatigue limit is normally distributed. The test data is evaluated by the maximum likelihood method and prior knowledge is integrated by the Bayes method. Confidence limits and parameter calculations are evaluated numerically from the posterior distribution. To analyze the Bayes procedure a Monte Carlo based simulation program was developed. The results of the simulations indicate that the definition of the prior distribution is very important, because it has significant influence on the results.
Miniaturized slot-line and folded-slot band-pass filters

In this paper the concept of a new class of miniaturized filters using printed circuit technology is presented. The building block of the proposed filter is a miniaturized high-Q printed slot-line resonator, which allows for the realization of both standard coupled-line and cross-coupled quasi-elliptic filters. Each resonator occupies an area as small as 0.03/spl lambda//sub 0//spl times/0.06/spl lambda//sub 0/ and can be shown to have a Q as high as 200 at 2.4 GHz. Analytical, and numerical methods are employed to outline a design procedure. An integral equation full-wave method is used to macro-model the coupling coefficient between two adjacent resonators as a function of their relative distance and orientation. Filter theory is used to design different filter types. The design procedure is validated by comparing the simulated S-parameters of a two-pole and a four-pole Chebyshev filter with those measured from prototypes operating, respectively at 515 MHz and 400 MHz.
After the Ax Falls: Job Loss as a Career Transition

Despite the improving economy, consolidation and staff reductions characterize the human resource staffing policies of many firms. Furthermore, economic and demographic pressures indicate that involuntary job loss will be an increasingly common experience for managers and professionals in the coming decade. Based on a synthesis of empirical studies, this paper proposes a model showing factors which may generate career growth from job loss. Organizational strategies are recommended for creative management of this career transition and suggestions are provided to focus future research.
DNA index determination with Automated Cellular Imaging System (ACIS) in Barrett's esophagus: Comparison with CAS 200

Background: For solid tumors, image cytometry has been shown to be more sensitive for diagnosing DNA content abnormalities (aneuploidy) than flow cytometry. Image cytometry has often been performed using the semi-automated CAS 200 system. Recently, an Automated Cellular Imaging System (ACIS) was introduced to determine DNA content (DNA index), but it has not been validated. Methods: Using the CAS 200 system and ACIS, we compared the DNA index (DI) obtained from the same archived formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded tissue samples from Barrett's esophagus related lesions, including samples with specialized intestinal metaplasia without dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma. Results: Although there was a very good correlation between the DI values determined by ACIS and CAS 200, the former was 25% more sensitive in detecting aneuploidy. ACIS yielded a mean DI value 18% higher than that obtained by CAS 200 (p 0.9 for both, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Compared with the CAS 200, the ACIS is a more sensitive and less time consuming technique for determining DNA ploidy. Results obtained by ACIS are also highly reproducible.
Safe use of highly steatotic livers by utilizing a donor/recipient clinical algorithm

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term safety and clinical outcomes associated with the utilization of highly steatotic donor livers utilizing a specific donor/recipient matching algorithm. This was a prospective, observational, single-center, 10-yr follow-up study. Highly steatotic livers were utilized according to a donor/recipient algorithm that guided the surgeon to use highly steatotic donor organs judiciously in low-risk recipients. This study initially compared fat assessment based on frozen-section Ehrlich's hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to reperfusion biopsy fat assessment and demonstrated that H&E is an insensitive analysis to determine degree of steatosis. Patients were divided into three groups based on donor steatosis (group 1: 60% steatosis), and clinical outcomes were assessed. One hundred and sixteen patients were included in the analysis. Patients that received severely steatotic livers (>60% fat) showed increased reperfusion liver injury and delayed return of liver function in the early postoperative period, demonstrated by biochemical markers. However, there were no differences in primary non-function, postoperative complications, length of stay, and patient and graft survival. Using rigorous donor/recipient matching through a detailed algorithm, these data demonstrate that normal liver allograft outcomes are not superior to those in highly steatotic grafts.
Dynamic elicited priors for updating covert networks

The study of covert networks is plagued by the fact that individuals conceal their attributes and associations. To address this problem, we develop a technology for eliciting this information from qualitative subject-matter experts to inform statistical social network analysis. We show how the information from the subjective probability distributions can be used as input to Bayesian hierarchical models for network data. In the spirit of “proof of concept,” the results of a test of the technology are reported. Our findings show that human subjects can use the elicitation tool effectively, supplying attribute and edge information to update a network indicative of a covert one.
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and related disorders: clinical aspects

To adequately evaluate and manage patients with systemic sclerosis, practitioners and patients alike must have a working knowledge of the natural history of the disease. What we know generally about the natural history should be coupled with four pieces of patient specific clinical information. (i) Does the patient have systemic sclerosis? (ii) How long has the patient had systemic sclerosis? (iii) How extensive was/is the sclerodermatous skin induration/ thickening at its worst? (iv) Is there presently evidence of visceral involvement (heart, lung, kidney, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal)? This chapter will show you how to use this information to construct (for you and the patient) a picture of where that patient is presently in the natural history, where the patient is likely to be in the future (in general terms), what visceral involvements are likely or unlikely to occur, what evaluations are needed now and in the future, and what treatments are recommended and why.
Sport in Ancient Times – By Nigel B. Crowther

The history of Greek athletics has become such a specialized field that the discovery of a hitherto unknown terra‐cotta statuette, black‐figured vase, or ten‐word inscription can occasion a lengthy...
Diversity within inc genes of clinical Chlamydia trachomatis variant isolates that occupy non-fusogenic inclusions

The obligately intracellular chlamydiae are bacterial pathogens that occupy intracellular vacuoles, termed inclusions, as they develop and multiply. Typical Chlamydia trachomatis isolates occupy inclusions that fuse with other C. trachomatis inclusions within cells infected with multiple elementary bodies (wild-type phenotype). The authors of this study have recently described C. trachomatis isolates that form multiply-lobed, non-fusogenic inclusions within single cells infected with multiple elementary bodies (variant phenotype). Inclusions formed by these isolates uniformly lacked the protein IncA on the inclusion membrane (IM). In the present work, the study of the C. trachomatis inclusion phenotype has been expanded to include 27 variant and 13 wild-type isolates. Twenty-four of the 27 variant isolates were IncA-negative, as detected by fluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting, but three variants localized IncA to the IM. The IncA-positive variants formed inclusions that fused, at a reduced rate, with those occupied by wild-type isolates and with inclusions formed by other IncA-positive variants. Nucleotide-sequence analysis of the incA sequences from the variant isolates identified a variety of distinct sequence polymorphisms relative to incA from wild-type strains. The authors also demonstrate that a second Inc protein, CT223p, is not found in the IM in selected C. trachomatis isolates. No change in the structure or the fusogenicity of the inclusions was associated with the presence or absence of CT223p.
First Record of Larra bicolor (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in North Carolina

ABSTRACT Here we report on the first record of the mole cricket parasitoid Larra bicolor F. (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in North Carolina. The presence of larvae and adults was documented at a mole-cricket-infested golf course near the South Carolina border. The means of arrival is not known, and may have occurred at the same time the hosts arrived or as the result of natural dispersal and range expansion. Evidence suggests that the parasitoids were able to survive through at least one severe winter.
Testing the ‘Teaching Kids to Cope with Anger’ Youth Anger Intervention Program in a Rural School-based Sample

The purpose of this paper is to report the longitudinal effects of the ‘Teaching Kids to Cope with Anger’ (TKC-A) program on self-reported anger in rural youth. Through a randomized controlled trial, 179 youths of 14–18 years of age, from three rural high schools, were randomized into a control (n = 86) and an intervention group (n = 93) for eight TKC-A weekly sessions. These students completed the STAXI-2 anger instrument questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, 6 months, and at 1 year. T-test statistics were used to analyze and compare the control and intervention groups. Through analysis of the Anger Index sub-scale of the STAXI-2 at 1 year post-intervention, a significant difference was reported between the control and intervention group. Participants reported that the TKC-A intervention was helpful in coping with emotional, behavioral, and social aspects of anger. Future research may utilize the TKC-A with youth who have anger management problems. Psychiatric-mental health nurses can screen...
A Real-Time Algorithm to Solve the Peer-to-Peer Ride-Matching Problem in a Flexible Ridesharing System

Abstract Real-time peer-to-peer ridesharing is a promising mode of transportation that has gained popularity during the recent years thanks to the wide-spread use of smart phones, mobile application development platforms, and online payment systems. An assignment of drivers to riders, known as the ride-matching problem, is a central component of a peer-to-peer ridesharing system. In this paper we discuss the features of a flexible ridesharing system and propose an algorithm to optimally solve the ride-matching problem in a flexible ridesharing system in real-time. We generate random instances of the problem, and perform sensitivity analysis over some of the important parameters in a ridesharing system. Furthermore, we discuss two novel approaches to increase the performance of a ridesharing system.
Chandlerea and Nunnea (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae), Two New Genera from New Zealand with Descriptions of Three New Species

Two new genera and three new species of New Zealand endemic pselaphine staphylinid beetles belonging to the supertribe Faronitae are described as follows: Chandlerea Park & Carlton, gen. nov., including C. donaldi Park & Carlton, sp. nov.; and Nunnea Park & Carlton, gen. nov., including N. johni Park & Carlton, sp. nov., and N. kuscheli Park & Carlton, sp. nov. A key to species, habitus photographs, line drawings of diagnostic characters and distribution maps for all species are provided.
Diversity Combining ARQ over the m(\geq 2)-ary Unidirectional Channel

In diversity combining automatic repeat request (ARQ), erroneous packets are combined together forming a single, more reliable, packet. In this paper, we give a diversity combining scheme for the m-ary unidirectional channel. A system using the given scheme with a t-unidirectional error detecting code is able to correct up to Emax = [t/2] unidirectional errors. Simulation results show that the underlined diversity combining protocol significantly increases the channel throughput over plain ARQ. To use the given scheme, the decoder should be able to decide the error type (increasing or decreasing). Hence, we give simple techniques to make this decision for various unidirectional error detecting codes.
Intermediate representations for controllers in chip generators

Creating parameterized “chip generators” has been proposed as one way to decrease chip NRE costs. While many approaches are available for creating or generating flexible data path elements, the design of flexible controllers is more problematic. The most common approach is to create a microcoded engine as the controller, which offers flexibility through programmable table-based lookup functions. This paper shows that after “programming” the hardware for the desired application, or applications, these flexible controller designs can be easily converted to efficient fixed (or less programmable) solutions using partial evaluation capabilities that are already present in most synthesis tools.
Accumulation of an apoplastic solute in the guard-cell wall is sufficient to exert a significant effect on transpiration in Vicia faba leaflets

Accumulation of recently photosynthesized sucrose in the guard-cell wall is the empirical foundation for a hypothesis that links the rates of photosynthesis, translocation, and transpiration (Plant Physiology 114, 109–118). Critical assumptions of this hypothesis were tested by use of Vicia faba, an apoplastic phloem loader. Following measurements of the leaflet-apoplastic-water volume (by P–V isotherm analysis) and the guard-cell wall volume (by 3-D analysis), intact leaflets were fed dilute solutions of mannitol, an impermeant non-toxic osmolyte. Even at bulk-leaflet mannitol concentrations that would have only a negligible osmotic effect on stomata, transpiration at constant temperature, water-vapour pressure, air movement and irradiance was diminished up to 25%, compared with controls. This effect on transpiration, a manifestation of smaller stomatal aperture size, was explained by accumulation of mannitol, up to 350 mol m−3, in the estimated aqueous volume of the guard-cell wall. The conclusion is that mannitol, a xenobiotic with structural similarity to sucrose, can move throughout the apoplast of a transpiring leaflet and accumulate in an osmotically significant concentration in the guard-cell wall. These data therefore provide support for a new role for sucrose as a signal metabolite that integrates essential functions of the whole leaf. In addition, the results raise questions about the physiological or experimental accumulation of other guard-cell-targeted apoplastic solutes such as plant growth regulators, particularly abscisic acid, and ions.
Latent Class Analysis Identifies Distinct Phenotypes of Primary Graft Dysfunction After Lung Transplantation

Background There is significant heterogeneity within the primary graft dysfunction (PGD) syndrome. We aimed to identify distinct grade 3 PGD phenotypes based on severity of lung dysfunction and patterns of resolution. Methods Subjects from the Lung Transplant Outcomes Group (LTOG) cohort study with grade 3 PGD within 72 h after transplantation were included. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to statistically identify classes based on changes in PGD International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation grade over time. Construct validity of the classes was assessed by testing for divergence of recipient, donor, and operative characteristics between classes. Predictive validity was assessed using time to death. Results Of 1,255 subjects, 361 had grade 3 PGD within the first 72 h after transplantation. LCA identified three distinct phenotypes: (1) severe persistent dysfunction (class 1), (2) complete resolution of dysfunction within 72 h (class 2), and (3) attenuation, without complete resolution within 72 h (class 3). Increased use of cardiopulmonary bypass, greater RBC transfusion, and higher mean pulmonary artery pressure were associated with persistent PGD (class 1). Subjects in class 1 also had the greatest risk of death (hazard ratio, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.57-3.63; P Conclusions There are distinct phenotypes of resolution of dysfunction within the severe PGD syndrome. Subjects with early resolution may represent a different mechanism of lung pathology, such as resolving pulmonary edema, whereas those with persistent PGD may represent a more severe phenotype. Future studies aimed at PGD mechanism or treatment may focus on phenotypes based on resolution of graft dysfunction.
Recommendations for determining p values for aftershock sequences and catalogs

Using synthetic aftershock sequences, we investigate the factors that influence the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) of the Omori-law p value (pMLE) determined for aftershock sequences of individual earthquakes, as well as for “stacked” sequences constructed using aftershocks from two or more mainshock events. The estimated uncertainty in pMLE, called σMLE, depends explicitly on the aftershock sequence population N, the ratio of the begin and end times of the time interval of interest T/S, and on pMLE itself; this dependence on pMLE leads to over- or underestimating σMLE. Moreover, σMLE depends on the aftershock times themselves only as they affect pMLE and is unaffected by whether the sequence decay resembles the Omori decay model. Thus, we recommend that reported p values be accompanied by a goodness-of-fit test, such as the Anderson-Darling statistic Wn2, to assess how well the sequence resembles Omori's law (OL), as well as by values for N, S, and T. Stacking aftershock sequences permits the study of p values for entire catalogs as well as sequences possessing too few events to allow individual analysis. However, stacking sequences with differing begin and end times introduces artifacts into the aftershock time series that need to be avoided when determining p values. One artifact arising at small times after the mainshock mimics the effect of the c parameter in the modified Omori's law (MOL). We can avoid the artifacts by excluding time spans containing changes in the slope of the log rate of aftershock activity from the analysis. For most situations where sequences with varying p, N, and begin and end times are stacked, pMLE is approximately equal to the weighted mean of the individual sequence p values.
Imaging and extent of surgical resection predict risk of meningioma recurrence better than WHO histopathological grade.

Risk stratification of meningiomas by histopathological grade alone is insufficient because it does not reliably predict which patients will progress/recur after definitive treatment. We sought to determine whether preoperative imaging and clinical characteristics could predict histopathological grade and/or improve prognostication of progression/recurrence (P/R). We retrospectively reviewed 144 patients divided into low-grade (2007 WHO grade I; n = 118) and high-grade (2007 WHO grades II/III; n = 26) groups that underwent surgery between 2002-2013 (median follow-up 49 months) and had preoperative MR imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging and/or head CT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis yielded an optimized model based on associations between high-grade histopathology and male gender, low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), absent calcification, and high peritumoral edema. Of these parameters, the logarithm of ADC had the strongest association with histopathological grade (OR 0.001 [0.0002-0.07]; P = 0.001). Interestingly, high-grade histopathology only demonstrated a borderline significant association with P/R (HR 2.01 [0.9-4.3]; P = 0.08). Remarkably, a multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model based on extent of resection and ADC outperformed the current standard, WHO histopathological grade, in predicting which patients will suffer P/R after initial treatment. Stratification of patients into four risk groups based on Simpson resection grade (I vs. other) and dichotomized ADC (high vs. low) significantly correlated with risk of P/R (P = 0.003). The high-risk group (non-Simpson grade I, low ADC; n = 31) had a 45% cumulative incidence of P/R whereas the low-risk group (Simpson grade I, high ADC; n = 31) had no P/R events at five years after treatment. Independent of histopathological grade, high-risk patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy had a lower five-year crude rate of P/R compared with those who did not receive adjuvant radiotherapy (17% vs. 59%). Hence, patients with non-Simpson grade I resection and low ADC meningiomas are at significantly increased risk of P/R and may benefit from more aggressive treatment involving radiotherapy and/or additional surgery.
The Development of the Hairs upon the Wings of Platyphylax Designatus Walk

While it has been assumed that the hairs on the wings of the Trichoptera develop in exactly the same way as those upon the wings of the Lepidoptera there is, so far as we know, no definite work to show that this assumption is correct. The following study was therefore undertaken to definitely ascertain, in some one species of Trichoptera, in what manner these hairs did develop upon the surface of the wings and Platyphylax designatus was selected for the work.
Investigation on AIDS-related KAP in female sex workers and clients(drug users)

Objective To investigate the AIDS related KAP in female sex workers and clients,in particular,drug users,so as to provide basis for health education and behavioral intervention.Methods Basic information and KAP of sex workers and clients from drug rehabilitation centers were investigated,self-designed questionnaire was performed and cluster sampling method was applied.Results In terms of relevant knowledge of AIDS,80.49% female sex workers thought that the use of condom could prevent AIDS;31.71% of female sex workers thought that the danger of AIDS was far away from them,and 28.57% of clients had the similar idea(P0.05).The understanding rate of the AIDS transmission path in the female sex workers and clients was rather low,except that mother-infant breast-feeding path of HIV transmission,the difference was of statistical significance.The ratio of female sex workers resisting sexual freedom was significantly higher than that of the clients(P0.05);The ratio of sex workers using condom was significantly higher than that of the clients(P0.05).Conclusions Priority should be put on male high-risk group while carrying out the condom-use education and intervention for HIV prevention.Psychological,sexual moral publicity and AIDS-related knowledge education should be reinforced and the intervention of high-risk sexual behavior should be emphasized,in particular,among the drug-using group,including female sex workers and clients.
The expression and signifiance of FHIT and p21~(waf1/cip1) in bladder transitional cell carcinoma

Objective:To investigate the expression of FHIT and p21waf1/cip1 in normal bladder and bladder transitional cell cancer (BTCC) and the correlation between the two genes and bladder transitional cell cancer. Methods: Immunohistochemical method was used in detecting the expressions of FHIT and p21waf1/cip1 in 43 BTCC and 14 normal bladder tissues. Results: There was no significant correlation between the expression of FHIT protein and pathological grade and clinical stage of BTCC(P0.05). The expression of FHIT protein in GI and superficial tumor was lower than in nomal bladder tissues(P0.05).There was no significant difference between the expression of FHIT protein in incipient tumor and in recurring tumor(P0.05).There was significant correlation between the expression of p21waf1/cip1 protein and pathological grade and clinical stage of BTCC(P0.05). There was no significant difference between the expression of p21waf1/cip1protein in GI and in nomal bladder tissues(P0.05). There was no significant difference between the expression of p21waf1/cip1protein in superficial tumor and in nomal bladder tissues(P0.05). There was significant difference between the expression of p21waf1/cip1 protein in incipient tumor and in recurring tumor (P0.05).No significant correlation was found between FHIT and p21waf1/cip1 (P0.05). Conclusion: FHIT may be a useful tumor marker in early diagnosis of bladder transitional cell carcinoma.p21waf1/cip1 and a useful tumor marker in judging the invasion and degree of malignance and prognosis of bladder transitional cell carcinoma.There is no correlation between FHIT and p21waf1/cip1 in the carcinogenesis of bladder transitional cell carcinoma.
Challenge of mimicking the influences of the cellular environment on RNA structure by PEG-induced macromolecular crowding.

There are large differences between the cellular environment and the conditions widely used to study RNA in vitro. SHAPE RNA structure probing in Escherichia coli cells has shown that the cellular environment stabilizes both long-range and local tertiary interactions in the adenine riboswitch aptamer domain. Synthetic crowding agents are widely used to understand the forces that stabilize RNA structure and in efforts to recapitulate the cellular environment under simplified experimental conditions. Here, we studied the structure and ligand binding ability of the adenine riboswitch in the presence of the macromolecular crowding agent, polyethylene glycol (PEG). Ethylene glycol and low-molecular mass PEGs destabilized RNA structure and caused the riboswitch to sample secondary structures different from those observed in simple buffered solutions or in cells. In the presence of larger PEGs, longer-range loop–loop interactions were more similar to those in cells than in buffer alone, consistent with prior wor...