cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical Resection of Primary Tumors in Patients Who Present With Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: An Analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Data, 1988 to 2000

Surgical resection of the primary tumor for patients who present with incurable stage IV colorectal cancer is controversial. National practice patterns have not been described. We evaluated the use of primary tumor resection in patients presenting with stage IV colorectal cancer. Patients with stage IV colorectal cancer diagnosed between 1988 and 2000 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Patients undergoing primary tumor resection were analyzed on the basis of sex, race, year of diagnosis, and the anatomical site of the primary tumor. We compared the survival of resected and nonresected patients. A total of 17,658 (66%) of the 26,754 patients presenting with stage IV colorectal cancer underwent primary tumor resection. Patients with resected disease were more likely to be young (mean age of 67.1 vs. 70.3 years) and to have right-sided tumors (75.3%, 73.0%, and 45.6%, respectively, for right, left, and rectal; P < .001). In all age groups, patients undergoing resection had higher median and 1-year survival rates (colon: 11 vs. 2 months, 45% vs. 12%, P < .001; rectum: 16 vs. 6 months, 59% vs. 25%, P < .001) when compared with patients who did not undergo resection. Most patients who present with stage IV colorectal cancer undergo resection of the primary tumor. The proportion of patients undergoing resection depends on patient age and race and the anatomical location of the primary tumor. The degree to which case selection explains the treatment and survival differences observed is not known. Further investigation of the role of surgery in the management of incurable stage IV colorectal cancer is warranted.
Uniform cartilage differentiation in micromass cultures prepared from a relatively homogeneous population of chondrogenic progenitor cells of the chick limb bud: effect of prostaglandins.

Even at very early stages of development (i.e., stages 22–24), the embryonic chick limb bud consists of a heterogeneous mixture of chondrogenic, myogenic, and fibrogenic progenitor cells in various stages of differentiation. In contrast, the distal subridge region of a stage 25 wing bud appears to be a relatively homogeneous population of undifferentiated chondrogenic progenitor cells. In the present study, we confirm the results of a number of investigators that when the heterogeneous cells of whole stage 23/24 limb buds are subjected to high density cell culture (micromass culture) the cells in various discrete regions of the culture aggregate with one another and differentiate into cartilage nodules. The cartilage nodules in such cultures, however, are separated from one another by a considerable amount of nonchondrogenic tissue. In fact, nonchondrogenic tissue constitutes a relatively high proportion of the micromass cultures of whole stage 23/24 limb bud cells. In contrast, when stage 25 subridge mesenchymal cells are subjected to micromass culture, a virtually uniform sheet of cartilage is formed throughout the culture, and little, if any, nonchondrogenic tissue is detectable. The micromass culture of stage 25 subridge mesenchymal cells thus provides an excellent system in which a relatively homogeneous group of chondrogenic progenitor cells progressively and uniformly undergo chondrogenesis in a readily manipulable culture situation. Such a system is ideally suited for studies on the molecular regulation of cartilage differentiation. In the present study, we have also demonstrated that exogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) elicits a dose-dependent stimulation of chondrogenesis in micromass cultures of both stage 25 subridge mesenchymal cells and the cells of whole stage 23/24 limb buds. The stimulatory effect of PGE2 is greatly potentiated by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor theophylline, suggesting that its influence on chondrogenesis is mediated by its ability to increase cAMP levels. PGE1 is just as effective as PGE2 in stimulating chondrogenesis, whereas PGF1α, 6-keto PGF1α and thromboxane B2 have no effect. On the basis of these observations and previous studies, the possibility that endogenous prostaglandins might regulate limb cartilage differentiation by acting as local mediators of cAMP accumulation is discussed.
Research Agenda: Priorities for Future Research in Second Language Assessment.

In a recent state-of-the-art (SoA) article (Stoynoff 2009), I reviewed some of the trends in language assessment research and considered them in light of validation activities associated with four widely used international measures of L2 English ability. This Thinking Allowed article presents an opportunity to revisit the four broad areas of L2 assessment research (conceptualizations of the L2 construct, validation theory and practice, the application of technology to language assessment, and the consequences of assessment) discussed in the previous SoA and to propose tasks I believe will promote further advances in L2 assessment. Of course, the research tasks I suggest represent a personal stance and readers are encouraged to consider additional perspectives, including those expressed by Bachman (2000), Chalhoub-Deville & Deville (2005), McNamara & Roever (2006), Shaw & Weir (2007), and Stansfield (2008). Moreover, readers will find useful descriptions of current research approaches to investigating L2 assessments in Lumley & Brown (2005), Weir (2005a), Chapelle, Enright & Jamieson (2008), Lazaraton (2008), and Xi (2008).
Predictors of depressive symptoms among breast cancer patients during the first year post diagnosis

It is important to identify predictors of psychological health among breast cancer patients that can be relatively easily identified by medical care providers. This article investigates the role of one class of such potential predictors: easily identified demographics that have potential social and/or practical implications. Specifically, we examined whether income, marital status, presence of children in the home, education, travel distance, age and rurality interact with time to predict psychological health over the first year post diagnosis. Two hundred and twenty five breast cancer patients receiving radiation treatment completed four surveys over the course of 13 months that included measures of both their physical health and depressive symptoms. The results revealed that women who were not married had children living in the home or had to travel long distances to receive radiation treatment reported higher levels of depressive symptoms across the entire study. Women with lower incomes reported increased depressive symptoms, but only after the completion of treatment. Younger women reported elevated depressive symptoms during initial treatment, but this effect dissipated after the completion of treatment. The current results suggest that demographic patient characteristics may indeed be useful in identifying both when and for whom depressive symptoms are particularly likely to be problematic.
Condensin complexes regulate mitotic progression and interphase chromatin structure in embryonic stem cells

In an RNA interference screen interrogating regulators of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell chromatin structure, we previously identified 62 genes required for ES cell viability. Among these 62 genes were Smc2 and -4, which are core components of the two mammalian condensin complexes. In this study, we show that for Smc2 and -4, as well as an additional 49 of the 62 genes, knockdown (KD) in somatic cells had minimal effects on proliferation or viability. Upon KD, Smc2 and -4 exhibited two phenotypes that were unique to ES cells and unique among the ES cell–lethal targets: metaphase arrest and greatly enlarged interphase nuclei. Nuclear enlargement in condensin KD ES cells was caused by a defect in chromatin compaction rather than changes in DNA content. The altered compaction coincided with alterations in the abundance of several epigenetic modifications. These data reveal a unique role for condensin complexes in interphase chromatin compaction in ES cells.
Phenomenology and the rhetoric of identification—A neglected dimension of coalition communication inquiry

(1978). Phenomenology and the rhetoric of identification—A neglected dimension of coalition communication inquiry. Communication Quarterly: Vol. 26, No. 4, pp. 14-23.
Alternative future environmental regulatory approaches for petroleum refineries

Recently, many industrial, regulatory, and community leaders have expressed concern that the current environmental regulatory structure disregards multimedia environmental impacts, provides few incentives to develop and use new technologies, and fails to consider site-specific conditions. For the US petroleum refining industry, faced with the need to produce higher-quality fuels from poorer-quality feedstocks, such criticisms are expected to increase. This article offers two alternative environmental regulatory approaches for existing petroleum refineries to use in the future. These alternative approaches are multimedia in scope, provide for new technology development and use, and allow flexibility in the means for meeting environmental goals. They have been reviewed and critiqued by various stakeholders, including industry representatives, regulators, and local and national community and environmental organizations. The integration of stakeholder comments and findings of ongoing national and international regulatory reinvention efforts in the development of these approaches positions them for potential use by other industries in addition to petroleum refineries.
A systematic review of comparative studies on bone graft alternatives for common spine fusion procedures.

Background The increased prevalence of spinal fusion surgery has created an industry focus on bone graft alternatives. While autologous bone graft remains the gold standard, the complications and morbidity from harvesting autologous bone drives the search for reliable and safe bone graft substitutes. With the recent information about the adverse events related to bone morhogenetic protein use, it is appropriate to review the literature about the numerous products that are not solely bone morphogenetic protein.
Women and Diabetes

Women with diabetes face unique health challenges throughout their life cycle. Health concerns begin at puberty and continue throughout the reproductive years and later stages of life. Diabetes can have a significant impact on puberty, menstruation, reproduction, and cardiovascular and bone health. All women with diabetes require an individualized reproductive health plan that addresses contraception, the importance of planning pregnancies, and life-style changes. Anticipatory guidance and education in each phase of development can help the woman with diabetes avoid health care problems, reduce her risk of complications, and achieve a health outcome.
MMPI correlates of verbal-intellectual deficits in patients with left hemisphere lesions

This study investigated the emotional adjustment of patients (N = 31) with left hemisphere damage (LHD) as a function of the degree of impairment in verbal intelligence as measured by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. A multivariate comparison was made of the composite MMPI profiles of three groups of LHD patients classified according to Verbal IQ. The three groups produced fairly similar composite profiles, which indicated the presence of mild dysphoria, dissatisfaction, withdrawal, decreased initiative, and mild somatic preoccupations. Significant correlations emerged between the degree of verbal-intellectual disability and MMPI F, PT, SC, and SI. However, when the variance in MMPI scores due to premorbid status (education) was partialled out, these correlations dropped to nonsignificant levels. These findings failed to support previous studies that linked verbal deficits with emotional disturbance, and they underscore the importance of premorbid intelligence in the psychological adjustment to organic impairment.
Effects of Hyperglycemia on Primary Graft Dysfunction in Lung Transplantation

Purpose Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Hyperglycemia is associated with ischemia-reperfusion in mouse models of lung transplant. We hypothesized that perioperative hyperglycemia is associated with grade 3 PGD. Methods and Materials A retrospective review was performed of 125 patients undergoing lung transplant from 2008-2012. The highest blood glucose was recorded preoperatively, intraoperatively, and for 14 days postoperatively. Glucose >160 mg/dL was considered hyperglycemic. PGD was defined as a PaO2/FiO2 ratio Results The incidence of PGD was 16.8% (n=21). Hyperglycemia occurred in 90.4% (n=113) within 48 hours post-transplant while 8% had severe hyperglycemia (>300mg/dL). On univariate and logistic regression analyses, neither the presence nor the degree of hyperglycemia was associated with PGD. However, in a multivariate logistic regression model, preoperative supplemental oxygen (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.52, p=0.037) and a low preoperative FEV1 (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.06-9.15, p=0.040) were risk factors for the development of PGD. On multivariate analysis of secondary outcomes, lactate above 3 mg/dL (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.24-2.82, p=0.003) and days on an insulin drip (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.16, p Conclusions Hyperglycemia occurs frequently in the post-transplant period but was not associated with PGD. Poor preoperative pulmonary function and oxygen use were most significantly associated with PGD while increased days on an insulin drip and high lactate were associated with increased days on mechanical ventilation. These results suggest a group of patients who are more likely to develop PGD and require prolonged ventilatory support in the post-transplant period.
The density gradient for manufacturing industry

Abstract This study employs a rich set of disaggregated manufacturing industry data to estimate density gradients for five metropolitan areas over the time span 1967–1971. The results are consistent with both expectations and with a number of other studies of industry location. More importantly, however, this study examines many of the methodological problems associated with the density gradient. It is concluded that the density gradient has reached the point of diminishing returns as a tool of the urban economist.
EUS-guided rendezvous drainage of obstructed biliary and pancreatic ducts: Report of 6 cases.

Abstract Background Only a few cases have been reported of EUS-guided drainage of obstructed pancreatic or bile ducts. An initial experience with EUS-guided rendezvous drainage after unsuccessful ERCP is reported. Methods EUS-guided transgastric or transduodenal needle puncture and guidewire placement through obstructed pancreatic (n=4) or bile (n=2) ducts was attempted in 6 patients. Efforts were made to advance the guidewire antegrade across the papilla or surgical anastomosis. If guidewire passage was successful, rendezvous ERCP with stent placement was performed immediately afterward. Results EUS-guided duct access and intraductal guidewire placement was accomplished in 5 of 6 cases, with successful traversal of the obstruction, and rendezvous ERCP, with stent placement in 3 of 6 cases (two biliary, one pancreatic). The procedure was clinically effective in all successful cases (two patients with malignant obstructive jaundice, one with relapsing pancreatitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy). There was one minor complication (transient fever) but no pancreatitis or duct leak after successful or unsuccessful procedures. Conclusions EUS is a feasible technique for allowing rendezvous drainage of obstructed biliary or pancreatic ducts through native papillae or anastomoses after initially unsuccessful ERCP.
Unrecognized adrenal insufficiency in patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Subclinical Cushing’s syndrome (SCS) is a well-described phenomenon where abnormalities of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis exist in the absence of overt signs and symptoms of classic Cushing’s syndrome. While this has been shown to exist in 5–20% of patients with adrenal lesions, no standardized biochemical regimen exists to screen for SCS. Consequently, many of these patients may not be diagnosed prior to adrenalectomy with the risk of postoperative adrenal insufficiency. We began checking morning (a.m.) serum cortisol levels on postoperative day 1 (POD1) following unilateral adrenalectomy for nonfunctioning adrenal lesions to determine the incidence of unrecognized adrenal insufficiency (AI) in these patients. One hundred and five patients undergoing adrenalectomy at a tertiary care center from 1999 to 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with Cushing’s syndrome, conditions associate with bilateral disease, and those receiving perioperative steroids were excluded, leaving 41 patients for analysis. A.m. serum cortisol levels were obtained in all patients POD1. Multiple factors were analyzed as possible predictors of AI. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-test, and chi-square test were used to determine statistical significance. The 41 patients’ diagnoses included 13 pheochromocytomas, 15 nonsecreting adenomas, 5 aldosteronomas, 5 metastatic lesions, 1 adrenocortical carcinoma, and 2 other benign lesions. Three groups were identified based on POD1, a.m. cortisol levels: sufficient (>10 μg/dl; n = 25, 61%), low-normal (3.4–10 μg/dl; n = 7, 17%), and insufficient (<3.4 μg/dl; n = 9, 22%). Tumor size and presence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity were predictive of postoperative AI (p < 0.05). AI after unilateral adrenalectomy without evidence of cortisol hypersecretion on preoperative screening was present in a significant number of patients in our series. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and larger tumors may be at higher risk for postoperative AI. More thorough screening for cortisol hypersecretion may be warranted in patients with these characteristics, and obtaining routine postoperative cortisol levels may avoid potentially dangerous unrecognized adrenal insufficiency following adrenalectomy.
Trial venue decisions in juvenile cases: Mitigating and extralegal factors matter

Purpose. This study assessed whether the characteristics of juvenile offenders and their victims affected respondents' decisions regarding whether a juvenile offender should be transferred to the adult criminal justice system. Method. Participants (N = 758) read a scenario about a juvenile accused of murder and decided whether the youth should be tried as an adult or as a juvenile. The age of the offender (11-, 13- or 15-years-old), the sex of the offender, abuse history and victim type (neighbour or father) were varied. After indicating jurisdictional preference, participants read a series of statements (e.g. importance of punishment) and rated how important each was in their decision. Results. Significant main effects and complex interactions between defendant gender, age and abuse history were found. In general, younger defendants were more likely than older defendants to be recommended for juvenile court. Overall, juvenile offenders with a history of child abuse received less harsh verdicts. For males, a history of abuse affected decisions about trial venue and verdict both alone and in combination with other factors such as age, sex and relationship to victim. Results supported a mediational model in which extralegal and mitigating factors influenced the importance of a ‘just desserts’ orientation, which, in turn, influenced jurisdictional decisions. Conclusion. Despite a recent tendency for policymakers to pass legislation that requires more juveniles be sent to adult courts, the present study suggests that the public does not support automatic transfers to adult courts and that mitigating factors are important to their jurisdictional decisions.
Overview of Remaining Useful Life Methodologies

Nowadays, it is imperative for products to function properly each time they are used. If a product fails during its use, it may have disastrous consequences. Estimating remaining useful life (RUL) of a product is a key to prevent such disasters, improve its reliability, provide security and reduce maintenance and operational cost. Naturally, estimation of RUL of a product and develop methodologies for the same is proving an interesting domain for researchers. This paper gives an overview of RUL estimation methodologies applied to various products. It also discusses hybrid methodologies which improve RUL estimation accuracy and overcome limitations of the individual methodologies. As this is an emerging area, these methodologies have been applied to only a handful of products. A list of these products is provided with references. A quantitative metric that measures the relative important characteristic differences among different methodologies is given. This paper concludes with few important points observed during literature review.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
19.4 A 2.7-to-3.7GHz rapid interférer detector exploiting compressed sampling with a quadrature analog-to-information converter

Mobile data traffic (driven by video over wireless, Internet of Things and machine-to-machine communications) is predicted to grow by several orders of magnitude over the coming decades, leading to severe spectrum deficits (500MHz to 1GHz in the near to long term). In 2012 the US President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) recommended sharing government spectrum from 2.7GHz to 3.7GHz for public use while advocating that future systems deliver significantly improved spectrum efficiency. Cognitive radio systems with multi-tiered shared spectrum access (MTSSA) are expected to deliver such superior efficiency over existing scheduled-access systems; they have 3 or more device tiers with different access privileges. Lower tiered ‘smart’ devices opportunistically use the underutilized spectrum and need spectrum sensing for incumbent detection and interferer avoidance. Incumbent detection will rely on database lookup or narrowband high-sensitivity sensing. Integrated interferer detectors, on the other hand, need to be fast, wideband and energy efficient while only requiring moderate sensitivity. During designated slot boundaries (10s of us), they quickly detect the presence of a few (3 or so) large interferers over e.g., a 1GHz span (2.7 to 3.7GHz) with a 20MHz RBW (i.e. 50 bins) so that the carrier-aggregating receiver can be reconfigured on a frame (10s of ms) or even slot (100s of us) basis.
Leptoproduction of heavy quarks. II. A unified QCD formulation of charged and neutral current processes from fixed-target to collider energies.

A unified QCD formulation of leptoproduction of massive quarks in charged current and neutral current processes is described. This involves adopting consistent factorization and renormalization schemes which encompass both vector-boson-gluon-fusion (``flavor creation'') and vector-boson-massive-quark-scattering (``flavor excitation'') production mechanisms. It provides a framework which is valid from the threshold for producing the massive quark (where gluon fusion is dominant) to the very high energy regime when the typical energy scale \ensuremath{\mu} is much larger than the quark mass ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{Q}}$ (where the quark scattering should be prevalent). This approach effectively resums all large logarithms of the type [${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{\mathit{s}}$(\ensuremath{\mu})ln(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}^{2}$/${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{Q}}^{2}$)${]}^{\mathit{n}}$ which limit the validity of existing fixed-order calculations to the region \ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\sim}O(${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{Q}}$). We show that the (massive) quark-scattering contribution (after subtraction of overlaps) is important in most parts of the (x,Q) plane except near the threshold region. We demonstrate that the factorization scale dependence of the structure functions calculated in this approach is substantially less than those obtained in the fixed-order calculations, as one would expect from a more consistent formulation.
Antioxidant activities of Vine Tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) extract and its major component dihydromyricetin in soybean oil and cooked ground beef

Antioxidant activities of Ampelopsis grossedentata extract (EXT) and its major component dihydromyricetin (DHM) were analysed and compared with BHA in two model systems, soybean oil and cooked ground beef. Oxidation of soybean oil samples was measured using peroxide value, anisidine value, headspace volatiles and headspace oxygen content. TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) test was used to measure the oxidation of cooked beef. DHM was more potent than BHA in preventing soybean oil oxidation. EXT was not as effective as BHA or DHM in soybean oil. In cooked beef, all three antioxidants significantly lowered oxidation compared to control, but there were no differences between the three. Mechanisms and potentials of EXT and DHM as natural food antioxidants need to be studied on a case-by-case basis.
Effect of Lightning on Thin Metal Surfaces

In the search for means for measuring the properties of nataural lightning much can be learned from the evidence left at points struck by lightning. This paper deals principally with such evidence and the process of evaluating the characteristics of the lightning strokes responsible for the evidence. For six years a nickel-plated, 18-inch copper sphere, 878 feet above the ground atop the WSM radiator at Nashville, had been collecting data in the form of holes and pits due to lightning strokes to the sphere. A total of 150 holes of varying sizes were found together with 300 pits. A laboratory setup was made consisting of the high-capacity impulse generator together with a d-c generator so arranged that the known characteristics of lightning with respect to the so-called continuing current could be duplicated. With this equipment holes having the same appearance could be produced in copper sheets, and from the results of the test a calibration curve was produced. At the same time calibration curves were obtained for other metals in addition to copper. From these data an expectancy curve was obtained between coulombs and per cent of holes. The average hole corresponded to 15 coulombs while the maximum size hole corresponded to 240 coulombs. No satisfactory calibration was obtained for the pits, many of which no doubt were the result of high current peaks having a low coulomb content.
Respite care for medically fragile children

Medically fragile children have a better chance of achieving optimal development when they are cared for at home rather than in an institution. Parents can be overwhelmed as they care for their child and often "feel like a prisoner." Available social supports in the community can make a difference. Nurses and other health care workers can assist par ents in receiving respite care. Lists of resources and criteria are included in this article.
What is a sustainable port? The relationship between ports and their regions

(1996). What is a sustainable port? The relationship between ports and their regions. Journal of Urban Technology: Vol. 3, Port Trends: Growth, Technology, and Sustainability, pp. 65-79.
Challenges of Managing Pediatric Mental Health Crises in the Emergency Department

Children with mental health problems are increasingly being evaluated and treated in pediatric clinical settings. This article focuses on the epidemiology, evaluation, and management of the 2 most common pediatric mental health emergencies, suicidal and homicidal/aggressive patients, as well as the equally challenging population of children with autism or other developmental disabilities.
A Review of the Literature on the Missile-Allocation Problem

This paper reviews the missile-allocation-problem literature. The problem considered is: given an existing weapon force and a set of targets, what is the optimal allocation of weapons to targets? References are organized by type, characterized by submodel, discussed, and annotated. It is proposed that this review methodology by applied to other appropriate areas.
The genotoxic potential of linear alkylbenzene mixtures in a short-term test battery.

Abstract Alkylate 215 (A-215), Alkylate 225 (A-225), and Alkylate 230 (A-230) are mixtures of C10C14 linear alkylbenzenes used as intermediates for the manufacture of detergents. These products were evaluated for genotoxic activity in the Ames bacterial mutagenesis assay (strains TA98, 100, 1535, and 1537), the CHO HGPRT mammalian cell forward gene mutation assay, and the in vivo rat bone marrow chromosome assay. The Ames and CHO HGPRT assays were conducted both with and without the addition of Aroclor-induced rat liver S9. The maximum concentrations evaluated were 10 mg/plate (A-215) and 3 mg/plate (A-225 and A-230) for the Ames test, and 1.5 mg/ml (A-215 and A-225) and 2.0 mg/ml (A-230) for the CHO HGPRT assay. In each case, the highest concentrations produced evidence of either toxicity or insolubility. The highest dose in the bone marrow cytogenetics assay was 12,700 mg/kg, a level which produced significant weight loss. The results of all tests were negative, indicating a lack of genotoxic activity as measured by the battery of tests used.
Neuromodulation for treatment-resistant depression

Treatment-resistant depression affects at least 1-3% of the US population. This article reviews the current state of focal neuromodulation therapies for treatment-resistant depression, focusing on those treatments published clinical data. These include transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, direct cortical stimulation, and deep brain stimulation among others. Of these, only two (transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation) currently have US Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of depression.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

Case Presentation: A 20-year-old woman presented with 24 hours of severe left-sided headache associated with nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. She was previously healthy and was taking only an oral contraceptive pill. On physical examination, she was tachycardic to 110 bpm, normotensive with a blood pressure of 108/64 mm Hg, and appeared uncomfortable. Neurological examination in the emergency department was unremarkable. Migraine headache was considered the most likely cause of her symptoms. After analgesia had improved her symptoms, the patient was discharged with instructions to return if her headache recurred or worsened. She returned 12 hours later with recurrent severe headache. Head computed tomogram (CT) without contrast demonstrated hyperdensities along the left tentorium and involving the left sigmoid sinus that were concerning for cerebral venous thrombosis (Figure 1A and B). A magnetic resonance (MR) venogram was recommended and showed thrombosis of the left transverse and sigmoid sinus and proximal internal jugular vein (Figure 1C and D). The clinical presentation and imaging findings established the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis. Figure 1. Computed tomogram (CT) of the head without intravenous contrast demonstrating hyperdensities along the left tentorium (arrows, A ) and involving the left sigmoid sinus (arrowheads, B ) that were concerning for cerebral venous thrombosis. Magnetic resonance (MR) venography demonstrating thrombosis of the left transverse (arrowheads) and sigmoid sinus and proximal jugular vein (arrows) in the axial ( C ) and coronal ( D ) planes. Cerebral venous thrombosis, including thrombosis of cerebral veins and major dural sinuses, is an uncommon disorder in the general population. However, it has a higher frequency among patients younger than 40 years of age, patients with thrombophilia, and women who are pregnant or receiving hormonal contraceptive therapy. Annual incidence is estimated to be 3 to 4 cases per million.1 The incidence of cerebral venous thrombosis increases to 12 cases per …
A comparison of probabilistic methods for classification

The authors study a class of problems in which the characteristics of the objects in the frame of discernment U=(u/sub 1/,. . ., u/sub n/) are represented probabilistically. A hypothesis is defined by attributes A/sub 1/,. . .,A/sub s/ which takes values from the sets V/sub 1/,. . .,V/sub s/, respectively. Domain information describing a hypothesis specifies the probability of each attribute A/sub i/ assuming the values from V/sub i/. The domain information concerning attribute A/sub i/ is given by a matrix. The generation of support is driven by the acquisition of evidence concerning attribute values. To compare evidential support generation a simple urn model is constructed to provide the probabilistic domain information. An attribute-value domain is constructed to provide a baseline by which to compare the support generated by an iterative updating architecture, a belief network, and the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidential reasoning. >
Numerical algorithms for spatial registration of line fiducials from cross-sectional images.

We present several numerical algorithms for six-degree-of-freedom rigid-body registration of line fiducial objects to their marks in cross-sectional planar images, such as those obtained in CT and MRI, given the correspondence between the marks and line fiducials. The area of immediate application is frame-based stereotactic procedures, such as radiosurgery and functional neurosurgery. The algorithms are also suitable to problems where the fiducial pattern moves inside the imager, as is the case in robot-assisted image-guided surgical applications. We demonstrate the numerical methods on clinical CTimages and computer-generated data and compare their performance in terms of robustness to missing data, robustness to noise, and speed. The methods show two unique strengths: (1) They provide reliable registration of incomplete fiducial patterns when up to two-thirds of the total fiducials are missing from the image; and (2) they are applicable to an arbitrary combination of line fiducials without algorithmic modification. The average speed of the fastest algorithm is 0.3236 s for six fiducial lines in real CT data in a Matlab implementation.
Photochemistry and photophysics of halogen-substituted dibenzothiophene oxides.

Dibenzothiophene-5-oxide (DBTO) cleanly produces dibenzothiophene (DBT) on direct photolysis, but with very low quantum yield. A proposed mechanism involves scission of the S-O bond which is coupled to an intersystem crossing step, thus producing the sulfide and O( 3 P) via a unimolecular pathway. To test this hypothesis, heavy atom substituted DBTOs were prepared and photolyzed. Iodo-, bromo-, and chloro-substituted DBTOs show higher quantum yields for deoxygenation than does the parent molecule, in the order consistent with an intersystem crossing-related heavy atom effect. 2-Iododibenzothiophene also undergoes photochemical deiodination. Phosphorescence data are consistent with heavy-atom assisted intersystem crossing.
Weighing the importance of palliation of symptoms for Ebola patients during the epidemic in West Africa.

Rosoff makes the claim that the provision of palliative care is obligatory during an overwhelming health catastrophe (Rosoff 2015). In the context of the Ebola epidemic in particular, he argues tha...
Analysis of structural properties responsible for nonlinear modal behavior of a stressed power system using the normal form technique

In this paper a scanning program is developed based on the normal form technique to analyze the structural properties of a stressed power system. The mathematical model and procedure are presented. Numerical testing on a 17-generator system shows that in the stressed systems, more modes can be strongly excited and new modal resonance phenomenon may occur, which will cause severe nonlinear behavior through modal interaction. The system nonlinearity is not uniformly distributed in various modes. The structural information obtained from the scanning program using the normal form technique makes it possible to efficiently analyze for each mode the dominant modal interaction and the quasi-modal-resonance which lead to the nonlinear modal behavior.
Federal Intervention in the Municipal Bond Market: The Effectiveness of the Build America Bond Program and Its Implications on Federal and Subnational Budgeting

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) included several new federal programs intended ostensibly to “unfreeze” the credit markets as a result of the global financial crisis. One such program, the Build America Bond (BAB) program, aimed to lower the borrowing costs for state and local governments by increasing their access to capital and providing a more generous federal subsidy than the traditional indirect tax exemption subsidy. BABs are taxable bonds sold by subnational governments, which carry a 35 percent direct federal payment subsidy to the borrower. In creating this program, the federal government hoped that the large direct federal subsidy along with greater potential investor interest in taxable securities would result in lower borrowing costs for state and local governments vis-a-vis traditional tax-exempt bonds. This research study examines the relative effectiveness of the BAB program and details the various quantitative and qualitative implications on federal and subnational budgeting by moving from an indirect to a direct federal subsidy approach in facilitating state and local government capital raising.
T regulatory cells and attenuated bleomycin-induced fibrosis in lungs of CCR7-/- mice

Background C-C chemokine receptor (CCR)7 is a regulator of dendritic cell and T cell migration, and its role in tissue wound healing has been investigated in various disease models. We have previously demonstrated that CCR7 and its ligand, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)21, modulates wound repair in pulmonary fibrosis (PF) but the mechanism of this is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the absence of CCR7 protects against bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF. CCR7-/- mice failed to mount a fibrotic pulmonary response as assessed by histologic collagen staining and quantification by hydroxyproline. We hypothesized that the prominent characteristics of CCR7-/- mice, including elevated levels of cytokine and chemokine mediators and the presence of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) might be relevant to the protective phenotype.
Pericardial fat and postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery.

[3], as we have a 12-year survival of 75% for left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and saphenous vein grafts and 85% for LIMA with the radial as the second graft, compared with theirs of 31 and 49%, respectively. Obesity differences between the USA and Europe may be an issue [4]. It should not be forgotten that speculation on hormone status and outcomes remains an association and not a mechanism. In addition, we are wondering why no patients after 2001 are included in their study. As pointed out in our work, males and females should be analysed separately to identify the gender differences in outcome, and we wonder if Lin et al. [2] would consider doing the same with their cohort. We have written to Buxton on this issue, but received no response. Buxton, who conducted a randomized trial regarding the radial artery and its effect on survival, failed to identify the radial artery as a beneficial factor affecting long-term survival [5, 6], and needs to be remembered by both of our groups when interpreting retrospective extensively statistically manipulated data.
A Customer Service Approach to Advising: Theory and Application

The customer service marketing model provides an organizing strategy for advising in higher education. The university contributes resources for an advising process that addresses the needs and expectations of students as consumers and faculty as providers. The model's components are discussed within the context of an academic program. The author proposes careful consideration of the model in an effort to improve advising and increase retention rates.
Relationships between IWC and Polarimetric Radar Measurands at 94 and 220 GHz for Hexagonal Columns and Plates

Abstract Ice crystal models of a hexagonal column and hexagonal plate are used for deriving power-law relationships between ice water content (IWC) and various radar measurands, including Zh, KDP, Ah, and ZDR (which are used together with Zh or KDP) at 94- and 220-GHz frequencies. The scattering computations are performed with the finite-difference time-domain method. The IWC and radar measurands are simulated based on gamma model size distributions characteristic of cirrus clouds. All the relationships involving the polarimetric measurands KDP and ZDR have less than 15% standard error (in the IWC estimate) when applied to the simulated size distributions. The standard errors for the IWC–Zh and IWC–Ah relationships reach 40%. These should be considered as lower limits to the errors resulting from the relationships. The biases increase with variations in the model ice crystal aspect ratio, density, and canting angle. The least affected relationships are those involving Zh and Ah alone. Combining ZDR with Z...
Obtaining and Maintaining Access for Nutrition Support

Whenever possible, enteral delivery of nutrients is the preferred route for specialized nutrition support in critically ill patients. In addition to obvious economic benefits, substantial clinical data demonstrates improved clinical outcome in certain groups of critically ill or critically injured medical and surgical patients.
RNA Viruses, Cancer and Development

RNA viruses that cause cancer and their relatives, members of the retrovirus family, have the special characteristic of existing either as a regular virus spread by transfer of virions or as a cellular gene spread by Mendelian inheritance. This characteristic gives these viruses a unique biology including a possible role in normal cellular processes.
NAB2-STAT6 Gene Fusion in Meningeal Hemangiopericytoma and Solitary Fibrous Tumor

Meningeal solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) and hemangiopericytoma (HPC) are considered to be distinct entities in the WHO Classification of CNS Tumours (2007). They harbor NAB2-STAT6 fusions similar to their soft tissue counterparts, supporting the view that they are part of a tumor continuum. We examined 30 meningeal-based tumors originally diagnosed as either SFT or HPC. These showed a spectrum of morphologic features and were diagnosed as SFTs, malignant SFTs, HPCs, or tumors with "intermediate" features. All of the tumors showed nuclear expression of STAT6. SFTs consistently expressed diffuse CD34, while HPCs and intermediate tumors had heterogeneous staining. NAB2-STAT6 fusions were identified in 20 cases, including 7 with exon 4-exon 3, 9 with exon 6-exon 17, and 4 with exon 6-exon 18 fusions. NAB2 exon 4-STAT6 exon 3 fusion correlated with classic SFT morphology and older age and showed a trend toward less mitotic activity; there was also a trend toward more aggressive behavior in tumors lacking NAB2 exon 4-STAT6 exon 3. Thus, despite their clinical and morphologic differences, meningeal-based SFTs, HPCs, and tumors with intermediate features, similar to their soft tissue counterparts, form a histopathologic spectrum unified by STAT6 immunoexpression and NAB2-STAT6 fusion.
A simple empirical method for high-quality electron microprobe analysis of fluorine at trace levels in Fe-bearing minerals and glasses

We present a new, high-quality electron microprobe method for analyzing F in Fe-bearing minerals and glasses down to trace levels ( K α peak onto the “shoulder” of the Fe L α 1 peak that arises when using synthetic multi-layered diffraction crystals. It also achieves high precision and accuracy while maintaining low detection limits and a small beam diameter. Analytical conditions for F using the new method and a synthetic W/Si diffraction crystal are: 10 kV accelerating voltage, 180 nA beam current, 8 μ m beam diameter, and 400 second total peak count time. An iterative beam exposure method is employed to minimize potential damage to the sample due to beam heating. The method presented here can be used to address problems related to degassing of F at active volcanoes, the reservoirs of F in the mantle, and the partitioning of F between minerals and silicate liquid.
Bionomics of the Purslane Sawfly, Schizocerella pilicornis

The purslane sawfly ( Schizocerella pilicornis Holmgren) is a leaf miner and external feeder that may control common purslane ( Portulaca oleracea L.). The larvae feed for approximately 6 days and undergo 5 developmental stages. The mature larvae burrow into the soil to a depth of 3.5 cm to pupate. The adults emerge about 7 days later, live approximately 24 h and do not feed. Unfertilized females produce only males wereas fertilized females produce progeny in a ratio of 5 ♀ to 2 ♂. A female will oviposit up to 40 eggs in a 4-h period and will lay only one egg/leaf. If leaf material is limiting, however, she will oviposit up to 4 eggs/leaf.
Du Boisian sociology and intellectual reparations: for coloured scholars who consider suicide when our rainbows are not enuf

ABSTRACTDrawing on Aldon Morris’ The Scholar Denied: W.E.B. Du Bois and the Birth of Modern Sociology (2015), this symposium essay explores the idea of intellectual reparations – the systematic corrective repair and redress of the epistemological, ontological, and pedagogical status quo through the purposeful inclusion of previously denied minorities scholars and their contributions to knowledge production. Using Du Bois’ intimations about his early life and career from 1894 to 1910, this essay elaborates on the implications of Morris's notion of ‘scholar denial' for historical and contemporary issues around the support and experience of minorities within and outside the academy generally and sociology more specifically.
Numerical Analysis and Test Method Evaluation of Penetration Test of Stress Absorbing Layer

For evaluating the shear property of stress absorbing layer asphalt mixture,compression rebound modulus test under different temperatures and numerical analysis were conducted.The influence of test conditions such as specimen size and head size and mineral aggregate gradation were discussed.And then the feasibility and appropriate test conditions of penetration test were proposed based on the numerical analysis and test results.The results show that: with 100mm diameter and 100mm height static pressure cylindrical specimens and 19mm diameter pressure head,the test data is stable and can effectively distinguish mineral aggregate gradation of stress absorbing layer.Conclusion provides theoretical and test basis for quality control of stress absorbing layer asphalt mixture.