cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The two Bernard Berenson cousins: The interplay among immigration, culture, and narcissism

The lives of two 19th century cousins, both of whom changed their names to Bernard Berenson, are considered from historical and psychodynamic perspectives, using a psychobiographical method. The Jewish cousins immigrated separately to Boston from Lithuania in 1875 and 1882. One cousin, later calling himself simply B.B., became a world-renowned art historian. The other Bernard became a misanthrope after feeling deeply humiliated by his cousin's family in Boston. Many biographies were written about the famous B.B. The only histories of his cousin Bernard were family stories, as he was the author's great-grandfather. The intersecting lives of these cousins are discussed. Both men faced the challenges of immigration as well as intense anti-Semitism and prejudice in each country in which they lived. These cultural and historical conditions interacted with the cousins' narcissistic vulnerabilities. Their lives demonstrate different manifestations of narcissistic suffering, with B.B's being more consistent with the construct of a "grandiose narcissist" and Bernard's being more consistent with that of a "closet narcissist." The life stories of these two cousins with the same name offers an intriguing instance of a complicated relationship among immigration, prejudice, and narcissism and case examples of the manifestation of how narcissistic suffering can influence lives.
Use of Bayesian Networks for Qualification Planning: Early Results of Factor Analysis

Abstract This paper discusses the factor analysis that provides the basis for development and use of Bayesian Network (BN) models to support qualification planning in order to predict the suitability of Six Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) vibration testing for qualification. Qualification includes environmental testing such as temperature, vibration and shock to support a stochastic argument about the suitability of a design. Qualification is becoming more complex because it involves significant human expert judgment and relies on new technologies that have often never been fully utilized to support design assessment. Technology has advanced to the state where 6DOF vibration tests are possible, but these tests are far more complex than traditional single degree of freedom tests. This challenges systems engineers as they strive to plan qualification in an environment where technical and environmental constraints are coupled with the traditional costs, risk and schedule constraints. BN models may provide a framework to aid Systems Engineers in planning qualification efforts with complex constraints. Previous work identified a method for building a BN model for the predictive framework. This paper discusses validation efforts of models derived from the factor analysis and summarizes some recommendations on the factor analyses from industry subject matter experts.
Screening for Iron Deficiency: Can We Continue To Avoid Ferritin?.

Abstract Detection of iron deficiency remains poorly understood and costly due to inappropriate screening. Low ferritin is a definitive diagnosis of iron deficiency, but screening with ferritin is not allowed. Therefore surrogates in the blood count have been used to justify obtaining the serum ferritin. The purpose of this research was to analyze the role of Hemoglobin (Hgb), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), and RBC Distribution Width (RDW) as surrogates in screening for iron deficiency. All 2,563 patients with serum ferritin levels gathered over 12 months were reviewed. The relative utility of Hgb, MCV, and RDW in screening for low ferritin levels was shown through multiple Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves. 264 patients had a ferritin less than 10 ng/ml and 210 between 11 to 20 ng/ml. Results indicate that when viewed independently MCV correlates most closely to low ferritin as seen in Figure 1. RDW and Hgb in both males and females demonstrate a weaker association though remains of value. Table1 lists the values at which the three screening tools were 95% and 100% sensitive for detecting ferritin levels of 10 ng/ml and below. In contrast the data indicate that for ferritin levels from 11 to 20 ng/ml all three screening variables have poor sensitivity and specificity. This is demonstrated clearly in Figure 2. The data suggest that the most severe iron deficiency (ferritin under 10 ng/ml) can be well predicted by abnormalities in the blood count; however less severe iron deficiency (ferritin 10 to 20 ng/ml) cannot be anticipated from the blood count. The blood count does not appear to be a practical alternative to ferritin for screening for iron deficiency. Table 1: . Sreening Variable Sensitivities* 100% Sensitivity 95% Sensitivity MCV >98.2 >90.0 RDW Hgb Males >15.0 >13.7 Hgb Females >14.2 >12.6 *values for ferritin less than 11 ng/ml Download : Download high-res image (113KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (119KB) Download : Download full-size image
Conditions for T2 resistivity from electron-electron scattering

Many complex oxides (including titanates, nickelates and cuprates) show a regime in which resistivity follows a power law in temperature (ρ ∝ T 2). By analogy to a similar phenomenon observed in some metals at low temperature, this has often been attributed to electron-electron (Baber) scattering. We show that Baber scattering results in a T 2 power law only under several crucial assumptions which may not hold for complex oxides. We illustrate this with sodium metal (ρ el−el ∝ T 2) and strontium titanate (ρ el−el $$\hbox{$\not\propto$}$$ T 2). We conclude that an observation of ρ ∝T 2 is not always sufficient evidence for electron-electron scattering.
Representing winter wheat in the Community Land Model (version 4.5)

Abstract. Winter wheat is a staple crop for global food security, and is the dominant vegetation cover for a significant fraction of Earth's croplands. As such, it plays an important role in carbon cycling and land–atmosphere interactions in these key regions. Accurate simulation of winter wheat growth is not only crucial for future yield prediction under a changing climate, but also for accurately predicting the energy and water cycles for winter wheat dominated regions. We modified the winter wheat model in the Community Land Model (CLM) to better simulate winter wheat leaf area index, latent heat flux, net ecosystem exchange of CO2, and grain yield. These included schemes to represent vernalization as well as frost tolerance and damage. We calibrated three key parameters (minimum planting temperature, maximum crop growth days, and initial value of leaf carbon allocation coefficient) and modified the grain carbon allocation algorithm for simulations at the US Southern Great Plains ARM site (US-ARM), and validated the model performance at eight additional sites across North America. We found that the new winter wheat model improved the prediction of monthly variation in leaf area index, reduced latent heat flux, and net ecosystem exchange root mean square error (RMSE) by 41 and 35 % during the spring growing season. The model accurately simulated the interannual variation in yield at the US-ARM site, but underestimated yield at sites and in regions (northwestern and southeastern US) with historically greater yields by 35 %.
Simulation of neural network DTMF decoder

The telecommunications industry uses a signaling technique known as dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) dialing to indicate the depressed pushbuttons on a telephone keypad. The two primary categories for decoding DTMF waveforms include both hardware and software-based solutions. Hardware-based solutions use filter banks to separate frequencies into low-band and high-band channels, and utilize detection schemes in order to reconstruct the pushbutton. These techniques often suffer from high parts count, large circuit board space, and increased costs. Software-based solutions utilize digital signal processors (DSP) with algorithms for implementing Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) or filter banks. These designs suffer from complex algorithms with a large computational overhead. The new work presented in this paper includes an extension of the simulation results for the design of a neural network based DTMF decoder already developed by the authors.
Metabolic, Epigenetic, and Transgenerational Effects of Gut Bacterial Choline Consumption.

Choline is an essential nutrient and methyl donor required for epigenetic regulation. Here, we assessed the impact of gut microbial choline metabolism on bacterial fitness and host biology by engineering a microbial community that lacks a single choline-utilizing enzyme. Our results indicate that choline-utilizing bacteria compete with the host for this nutrient, significantly impacting plasma and hepatic levels of methyl-donor metabolites and recapitulating biochemical signatures of choline deficiency. Mice harboring high levels of choline-consuming bacteria showed increased susceptibility to metabolic disease in the context of a high-fat diet. Furthermore, bacterially induced reduction of methyl-donor availability influenced global DNA methylation patterns in both adult mice and their offspring and engendered behavioral alterations. Our results reveal an underappreciated effect of bacterial choline metabolism on host metabolism, epigenetics, and behavior. This work suggests that interpersonal differences in microbial metabolism should be considered when determining optimal nutrient intake requirements.
The Ross Procedure

The Ross procedure consists in replacing the diseased aortic valve with the patient’s own pulmonary valve and simultaneous replacement of the pulmonary valve (and root) with a pulmonary homograft (or in some cases a xenograft). Pulmonary autograft in aortic position is a viable valve with excellent haemodynamics, low thromboembolic risk, resistance to infection and growth potential. These features make this procedure an ideal solution in paediatric aortic valve surgery. In adult patients, Ross procedure has been a subject to controversial debate over decades, with concerns raised over its complexity and for the two valves at potential risk in the long term. Current data, however, document superior long-term results, physiological haemodynamics and high quality of life without need of anticoagulation. In the light of these results, Ross procedure is an optimal option for young adults, women planning pregnancy and individuals with adherence to active life-style. A prerequisite for these beneficial outcomes is a meticulous surgical technique, the important details of which are discussed in the chapter.
Dynamic Integration in Multidatabase Systems

The first step in interoperating among multidatabases is semantic integration: Producing attribute correspondences that describe relationships between attributes or classes in different database schemas. Dynamic integration requires the ability to automatically extract database semantics, express them as metadata, and match semantically equivalent data elements to produce attribute correspondences. This process can not be â€œpre-programmedâ€ since the information to be accessed is heterogeneous. In this paper we present an architecture supporting dynamic integration. We first overview a tool, Semint, for automated semantic integration that helps database administrators generate attribute correspondences. We then introduce a novel framework for dynamic integration and a query language for multidatabase systems that uses Semint as part of a complete semantic integration service. Our framework supports dynamic integration as well as incremental integration. We show the advantages of our framework in an environment where full integration is not desired or complete knowledge of the databases to be integrated is unavailable.
Theories of radio emissions and plasma waves

The complex region of Jupiter's radio emissions at decameter wavelengths, the so-called DAM, is considered, taking into account the basic theoretical ideas which underly both the older and newer theories and models. Linear theories are examined, giving attention to direct emission mechanisms, parallel propagation, perpendicular propagation, and indirect emission mechanisms. An investigation of nonlinear theories is also conducted. Three-wave interactions are discussed along with decay instabilities, and three-wave up-conversio. Aspects of the Io and plasma torus interaction are studied, and a mechanism by which Io can accelerate electrons is reviewed.
The solute transport and binding profile of a novel nucleobase cation symporter 2 from the honeybee pathogen Paenibacillus larvae

Here, we report that a novel nucleobase cation symporter 2 encoded in the genome of the honeybee bacterial pathogen Paenibacillus larvae reveals high levels of amino acid sequence similarity to the Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis uric acid and xanthine transporters. This transporter is named P. larvae uric acid permease-like protein (PlUacP). Even though PlUacP displays overall amino acid sequence similarities, has common secondary structures, and shares functional motifs and functionally important amino acids with E. coli xanthine and uric acid transporters, these commonalities are insufficient to assign transport function to PlUacP. The solute transport and binding profile of PlUacP was determined by radiolabeled uptake experiments via heterologous expression in nucleobase transporter-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. PlUacP transports the purines adenine and guanine and the pyrimidine uracil. Hypoxanthine, xanthine, and cytosine are not transported by PlUacP, but, along with uric acid, bind in a competitive manner. PlUacP has strong affinity for adenine Km 7.04 ± 0.18 μm, and as with other bacterial and plant NCS2 proteins, PlUacP function is inhibited by the proton disruptor carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone. The solute transport and binding profile identifies PlUacP as a novel nucleobase transporter.
Segmentation of Digital Arcs

In pattern recognition and scene analysis, there are many occasions when we want to determine whether a digital arc is straight or not. For many applications such as the production of cartographic data bases, waveform analysis and perimeter estimation, it is preferable to access the curve as a set of connected straight lines or a polygonal line. Simple schemes for converting the digital curve into this form are useful.
Psychoanalyse: Fallstudien und experimentelle Daten

Die psychoanalytische Theorie hat das westliche Denken starker beeinflust als beinahe jede andere Idee, aber die Daten, auf der die Theorie beruht, beschranken sich auf das, was der Analytiker freiwillig uber ausgewahlte Fallstudien preisgab. Es gibt eine ganze Reihe von Gelehrten, die das mangelnde Interesse seitens der Psychoanalytiker, angemessene empirische Beweise zur Untermauerung der Theorie beizubringen, schwer kritisiert haben. Sherwood (1960) beschreibt die in sich geschlossene Welt der Psychoanalyse sehr treffend: „Die Situation ist fast einmalig: Auf vielleicht keinem anderen Gebiet wurde ein solch bedeutendes Theoriensystem auf so wenige offentlich zugangliche Rohdaten aufgebaut“(S. 70). Schon vor 25 Jahren sah sich Scriven (1959) bezuglich der psychoanalytischen Theorie zu dem Schlus genotigt: „Als Hypothesengruppe war sie vor 50 Jahren eine grose Errungenschaft; als nur eine Hypothesengruppe ist sie heute eine grose Schande“(1959, S. 226).
Evidence-based cognitive-behavioral and family therapies for adolescent alcohol and other substance use disorders.

Although the research on adolescent substance abuse treatment is increasing, it still lags far behind that of adults. In comparison to over 1,000 alcohol treatment outcome studies with adults (Miller et al., 1995), Williams and Chang (2000) were able to locate and review only 53 empirical studies investigating the relative effectiveness of treatments for adolescents. Family Therapies (FT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has demonstrated repeatedly to be effective in randomized trials since the 1970s for adult alcohol and other substance use disorders (AOSUD). CBT has been an active ingredient in a variety of intervention conditions including FT. In comparison, while the evidence supporting FT and CBT use either independent or jointly in youth is promising, controlled clinical efficacy and effectiveness trials have only begun to emerge in 1990s. Latest innovations in the management of treatment protocols for adolescent AOSUD and the recent completion of several randomized clinical trials examining manualized FT and CBT, have established the empirical support for these approaches in youth (Dennis et al., in press; Kaminer et al., 2002; Liddle, 2002; Waldron et al., 2001). The purpose of this chapter is to review: 1) theoretical models underlying FT and CBT, 2) evidence-based literature on FT and CBT for AOSUD in youth, and 3) mechanisms and therapeutic processes of FT and
Disability and disasters: the role of self-efficacy in emergency preparedness

Although individuals with physical disabilities have special needs regarding preparedness for a natural or human-made disaster, little is known about the factors involved in motivating members of this population to engage in behaviors which reduce the probability of negative health outcomes. This study proposes and empirically tests an integrated theory-based model for individuals with physical disabilities in which perceived self-efficacy for emergency preparedness moderates the relationship between perceived threat and emergency preparedness behaviors. A nationwide convenience cross-sectional sample of 294 adults self-identifying as having a physical disability completed an online survey. The general linear model was used to assess the effects on preparedness of perceived threat, perceived self-efficacy, and their interaction. In addition to the hypothesized moderating effect of self-efficacy, it was found that minimal (if any) relationship exists between perceived threat and preparedness among those who reported low levels of self-efficacy. Results suggest that self-efficacy and perceived threat operate jointly to motivate individuals with physical disabilities to take precautionary steps to reduce the consequential adverse health effects of natural and human-made disasters. These findings have important implications for the design of effective interventions for individuals with disabilities.
Impact of ethanedinitrile rates and application method on nutsedge species and tomato root galling

Abstract The pre-plant soil fumigant ethanedinitrile (EDN) has shown promising activity against several key pests including plant-parasitic nematodes, a variety of weeds, and soil-borne pathogens. With chemical properties similar to those of methyl bromide, EDN has the potential to move readily through the soil profile. EDN is being investigated as a pre-plant soil fumigant alternative to current industry standards for Florida plasticulture vegetable production. EDN was applied via shank injection, vapor, and drip irrigation. Control of nutsedge species and plant-parasitic nematode species was determined and compared to a non-treated control and a mixture of 39% 1,3-dichloropropene and 59.6% chloropicrin (1,3-D:Pic) in tomato and watermelon. In these studies, EDN performed as well as 1,3-D:Pic and significantly better than the nontreated control against nutsedge species. EDN applied as a vapor resulted in significantly increased nematode incidence at one location when compared with most other treatments.
Cooperative Driving Based on Negotiation with Persuasion and Concession

Recently, along with emergence of autonomous driving vehicles, it is predicted that in the near future, human drivers need to share road and interact with self-driving cars in all the possible traffic scenarios. In this paper, an algorithm based on negotiation with both persuasion and concession is proposed to tackle the challenging task of cooperative driving involving both human and robot drivers. The decision making process is formulated as an optimization based negotiation problem. The persuasion of autonomous vehicle is achieved by making commitment to tipping towards cooperation in the form of convex constraint. The concession is accomplished by gradually tuning weights in the objective function. We propose an approach suitable for most common driving scenarios including ramp merging, lane keeping/changing and intersection crossing. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by simulation for several different driving scenarios.
Determining whether diabolical singularities limit the accuracy of molecular property based diabatic representations: The 1,2 1 A states of methylamine

An efficient, easily implemented method for locating singularities attributable to the failure of the defining equations in a molecular property based diabatization, termed diabolical singular points, is reported. For two state diabatizations, the singular points form a seam of dimension Nint − 2, where Nint is the number of internal degrees of freedom. The dynamical outcomes of nuclear trajectories that reach the region of this seam are flawed. The algorithm easily identifies these otherwise hard to anticipate regions of fallaciously large derivative coupling. The fact that the algorithm is easily incorporated into a two state diabatization code based on molecular properties makes it a practical tool for determining whether the existence of diabolical singularities is relevant to the problem being considered. The algorithm is illustrated using a multireference single and double excitation configuration interaction description of the 1,21A states of CH3NH2.
After the CRISPR-Cas9 cut: Predicting generated mutations

Analysis of synthetic guide RNA targets yields prediction algorithms for expected mutations following genome editing.
Reduced SERCA Function Preferentially Affects Wnt Signaling by Retaining E-Cadherin in the Endoplasmic Reticulum.

Calcium homeostasis in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum is required for correct processing and trafficking of transmembrane proteins, and defects in protein trafficking can impinge on cell signaling pathways. We show here that mutations in the endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump SERCA disrupt Wingless signaling by sequestering Armadillo/β-catenin away from the signaling pool. Armadillo remains bound to E-cadherin, which is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum when calcium levels there are reduced. Using hypomorphic and null SERCA alleles in combination with the loss of the plasma membrane calcium channel Orai allowed us to define three distinct thresholds of endoplasmic reticulum calcium. Wingless signaling is sensitive to even a small reduction, while Notch and Hippo signaling are disrupted at intermediate levels, and elimination of SERCA function results in apoptosis. These differential and opposing effects on three oncogenic signaling pathways may complicate the use of SERCA inhibitors as cancer therapeutics.
Expansive and Focused Concepts of Managerialism in CMS

The topic of managerialism has in recent years received significant attention in the critical management studies field. However, this paper proposes that there are largely unrecognized conceptual disagreements hampering progress in understanding the nature of managerialist influence at work and in society in general, and in developing political strategies to combat the negative effects of managerialist ideology in those domains. The 'expansive' view presents managerialism as an sweeping hegemonic force that dominates society, whereas the 'focused' view argues for a much more limited scope of influence and focuses on a more empirical view of managerialism's effects. The purpose of this paper is to argue for the existence of these two points of view, to describe their differences, and also common ground between them that can constitute the basis for productive engagement between them that might lead to a critical perspective on managerialism that will help further CMS's emancipatory mission.
Micropropagation and Field Establishment of Tiarella cordifolia

Abstract Tiarella cordifolia L. (foamflower) was proliferated on an MS-based nutrient medium. Proliferation was maximal on medium gelled with 0.4% Difco-Bacto agar containing 1.0 mg benzyladenine (...
Some Examples of Domains and Packages

In this chapter we show examples of many of the most commonly used AXIOM domains and packages. The sections are organized by constructor names.
Pursuing the Anchor Mission in a Fragmented Suburban Setting

Increasingly, suburban universities find themselves in communities facing challenges that inner cities have had to deal with for decades, including concentrated poverty, housing vacancy, and underperforming school districts. While the problems are similar, the institutional context is different. Compared to central cities, suburban municipal governments generally lack the resources necessary to sustain robust community economic development initiatives. Further, suburbs often lack the rich landscape of nonprofit organizations that were built up over many decades in central cities. This article reflects on the experience of the University of Missouri-St. Louis as a case study of a suburban anchor institution. This experience suggests that anchor institutions in suburban settings need to focus on asset-based community development, support collective action among fragmented institutions, and build the civic capacity of local governments, nonprofits, and businesses.
An Axiological-Trajectory Theodicy

I develop a new theodicy in defense of Anselmian theism, one that has several advantages over traditional and recent replies to the Problem of Evil. To make my case, I first explain the value of a positive trajectory: a forward-in-time decrease in ‘first-order-gratuitous’ evil: evil that is not necessary for any equal-or-greater first-order good, but may be necessary for a higher-order good, such as the good of strongly positive axiological trajectory. Positive trajectory arguably contributes goodness to a world in proportion to the magnitude of this trajectory, and worlds that contain first-order-gratuitous evil thereby have the potential to contain a strongly positive trajectory. This would arguably explain why God would permit first-order-gratuitous evils: he may be indifferent between a world with no first-order-gratuitous evil (and thus a flat trajectory) and a world with some first-order-gratuitous evil but a strongly positive trajectory. Next, I answer the most salient objections to this theodicy. Finally, I explain how this theodicy is superior to some common theodicies.
Outcomes, skill acquisition, and the alliance: Similarities and differences between clinical trial and student therapists.

Abstract Considerable evidence from clinical trials supports the efficacy of cognitive therapy (CT) of depression. Less is known about outcomes when provided in other contexts, such as when provided by student therapists. We conducted a non-randomized comparison of student therapists vs. clinical trial therapists on change in depressive symptoms, dropout, change in CT skills, and therapeutic alliance among 100 clients with moderate to severe depression. Treatment manual and duration were the same. Clients treated by student therapists had largely comparable outcomes on depressive symptom change, therapeutic alliance, and CT skills. Results supported non-inferiority of student therapists on change in depressive symptoms, but non-inferiority was not supported when using an interviewer evaluated measure of depression. Evidence of non-inferiority was also obtained for client CT skills and therapeutic alliance. In fact, conventional superiority analyses indicated student therapists outperformed clinical trial therapists on alliance and CT skills. The rate of dropout among student therapists (30%) was numerically higher than among clinical trial therapists (17%) and our results did not support non-inferiority on dropout. CT provided by student therapists can achieve outcomes similar to those in a clinical trial, but more research about dropout is needed.
Energetic insights into the crystallization of lanthanum carbonate amorphous precursors

Abstract Lanthanide carbonates form during the use of rare earth (RE) oxides in moist air. They are interesting as functional materials for catalysis and luminescence. In addition, they are related to minerals. Knowing their crystallization conditions is relevant both for minimizing their degradation in use and for the synthesis of RE carbonates of tailored composition, crystallinity and particle size. In this paper, we explore the thermodynamic control of the synthesis of amorphous and crystalline lanthanum carbonates. Compounds were prepared via direct precipitation and urea hydrolysis routes. Their characterization by XRD, DSC, and TG-MS showed amorphous samples to have a lower CO2 content than the hypothetical stoichiometric crystalline La2(CO3)3·8H2O, therefore we call them amorphous precursors rather than amorphous carbonates. High temperature oxide-melt solution calorimetry in molten sodium molybdate solvent at 700 °C was used to obtain their formation enthalpies. Enthalpies of formation from oxides become more negative in the sequence La2O2CO3 - amorphous precursor - 2hex-(LaOHCO3) - 2ortho-(LaOHCO3) - La2(CO3)3·8H2O. We describe an energy landscape defining the phase transformation in the ternary system La2O3 - H2O - CO2 and conclude all reactions to be sensitive to the partial pressure of water and carbon dioxide. Higher CO2 pressure will favor La2(CO3)3·8H2O over LaOHCO3 in an aqueous environment where the activity of water is essentially constant.
Education in a Leisure-Based Society

Leisurely education is primarily intrinsic education, nurturing of people’s authorship in diverse practices of their choice. I discuss how instrumental education will subordinate to intrinsic education. I have abstracted two distinct types of intrinsic education, which can overlap at times. One type of intrinsic education primarily focuses on nurturing creative authorship. This is intrinsic education as culture-making. The other type of intrinsic education involves promoting critical authorship—leisurely examining life, self, world, and society (and education itself) through a critical dialogue of testing ideas, considering alternatives, revealing the boundaries of truths. This type of leisurely education reflects Socrates’ motto that the unexamined life is not worth living. Leisurely education for creative authorship is primarily constructive and productive. In contrast, leisurely education for critical authorship is primarily deconstructive and unproductive, focusing on doubts and boundaries of one’s ignorance—“learned ignorance.”
Post-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT surveillance for detection of recurrence in stage III Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

503 Background: Post-treatment follow-up in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma(MCC) is essential to detect recurrences. Recent guidelines have suggested the use of FDG PET/CT or CT with contrast, with or without brain MR for quantifying regional and distant metastases. Risk of recurrence increases with disease stage and imaging surveillance may prove beneficial in further patient management. Objectives: : We evaluated the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose(18F-FDG) positron emission tomography(PET)/computed tomography(CT) as a surveillance imaging technique in patients with MCC stage III, post-definitive treatment of primary disease. Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective study was performed in 61 consecutive patients with stage III MCC who underwent surveillance FDG PET/CT scan after a minimum interval of 1-month post-definitive treatment (curative surgery, n=20(32.7%); combination of surgery and other treatments, n=38(62.3%) or radiotherapy/chemoradiation, n=3(4.9%)). Patients did not have clinical evidence of disease at the time of scan (median interval since completion of treatment 3.7 months). Images were visually assessed for abnormal sites of uptake; size and SUV’s were measured. Findings were correlated with biopsy/histopathological findings, where available, and follow-up imaging and clinical data in others. Clinical notes were evaluated in details to assess FDG PET/CT induced change in management. Results: Sixty-one patients (median age at diagnosis 68.7yrs; M:F 44:17; primary tumor site in head & neck,n=16; trunk,n=27; and extremities,n=18) underwent 221 surveillance FDG PET/CT scans. Of 221, 39 FDG PET/CT scans showed 107 abnormal sites of uptake in 25 patients and pathology confirmation of MCC recurrence was available for 22 sites in 15 scans (13 patients); 1 patient was detected with another malignancy; 2 sites in 2 scans (2 patients) were negative on pathology. FDG PET/CT showed a sensitivity, positive predictive value, and accuracy of 88.2%, 88.2%, and 78.9%, respectively. Pathology positive recurrent MCC lesions included 2 regional nodes (n=2), 2 distant nodes (n=2), 9 subcutaneous/cutaneous lesions (n=6), 1 pelvic mass (n=1) and 8 organ sites in 5 patients (2 pancreatic, 5 liver, and 1 ovarian). SUV(mean±SD;range) for malignant and benign lesions was 8.1±4.3;(3.8-18.9) and 3.4±0.4;(3.5-3.8), respectively. Mean interval duration since primary treatment to develop first distant recurrence (pathology proven) in our cohort was 8.9 months. Overall, FDG PET/CT accounted for change in management in 20 patients (32.7%). Conclusions: Surveillance FDG PET/CT scan has high sensitivity in the detection of recurrent lesions in MCC and has a potential role in deciding further patient management.
Digital Backpacks: Facilitating Faculty Implementation of Technologies for Teaching and Learning

The purpose of this paper is to present the Digital Backpacks program, to discuss its design, development, and implementation. Digital Backpacks was created to give university faculty and partner K-12 teachers access to hardware and software to facilitate their own learning, to design learning activities for their classrooms, and then to bring the hardware and software into their classrooms to implement their learning designs. The program delivered training and modeled uses of technologies for learning in a collegial, supportive, and social environment. The focus of this article is on the structure of the program, lessons learned, and recommendations for designing similar programs.
Perceptions of quality and safety in cannabis acquisition amongst young gay and bisexual men living with HIV/AIDS who use cannabis: Impact of legalisation and dispensaries.

Abstract Background Upwards of 35% of young gay and bisexual men living with HIV report daily use of cannabis in the U.S. The effects of legalisation of recreational and medical cannabis on the acquisition of cannabis products amongst a group with such high prevalence of use is largely unknown. Methods We investigated potential effects of recent legalisation and changes in distribution venues/networks in U.S. jurisdictions (Denver and Chicago) with different legal statuses regarding medical and recreational cannabis. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 young gay and bisexual men living with HIV recruited from adolescent HIV clinics and service sites in the two cities. Results Findings indicate four domains in which the acquisition of cannabis from medical or recreational dispensaries was differentiated by participants from acquisition from illicit drug distribution networks: quality of information, perceived quality of products, safety of acquisition, and safety of products. Some participants expressed reservations in becoming involved with requirements for accessing legal distribution of medical and recreational cannabis. Conclusions Our findings indicate that young men living with HIV in Denver perceive benefits from legalisation of cannabis in terms of quality of information and products and safety of acquisition for a range of medical, therapeutic, and recreational uses. Participants in Chicago report mixed levels of knowledge of potential benefits through the medical cannabis dispensaries in their area, and continue to be exposed to safety risks associated with street-based acquisition. Concerns regarding institutional involvement in medical cannabis registries and dispensaries may inhibit the uptake of legal means of acquisition in sub-populations of young men living with HIV.
The impact of online learning tools on student success in college of business core finance classes

The authors examine the impact of a new online learning system on student performance in a core finance course required of all business majors. They find that the online learning system significant...
Abstract WP184: The Road to Recovery Stroke Support Group: A Feasibility Assessment of an Inpatient Multi-Disciplinary Stroke Support Group

Background: Stroke is life changing for both patients and caregivers. Recovery from stroke affects the physical, social and emotional aspects of life. Transitioning to a new normal should begin imm...
Dimensions of Creation of the Universe and the Living Worlds

The Cosmos we live in consists of Invisible Prakriti and Visible World. In Visible World, we do live. All the galaxies, Milky Ways, nebulas and planets, stars, and physical bodies belong to this world are governed by the physical and mathematical laws of nature. Prakriti which is invisible spiritually governed and wave-formed existed even before the Big-Bang. Purush holds the Visible World and Prakriti around makes entire Cosmos in existence. Purush which is an absolutely positively charged and quality less with no traces of negative portions always existed, neither being created nor destroyed. A fraction of a Purush known as Omega Point appears into the portion of Prakriti due to some causal effect for further expansion of the Visible World. Purush is situated in the middle of the cylindrical universe surrounded by the Prakriti and Visible World. Theories proposed by different scientists and philosophers to verify the Purush seem to be incomplete trial and error of the zigzag puzzle show. Today, our scientists, cosmologists, and mathematicians are trying to explain the function of the universe through only four physical dimensions of science, which seems to be incomplete without explaining the transcendental factors while dealing with the living bodies.
Decriminalizing drug addiction: the effects of the label

The nbsp mass nbsp incarceration nbsp epidemic nbsp related nbsp to nbsp drug nbsp offenses nbsp in nbsp the nbsp United nbsp States nbsp has nbsp caused nbsp recent nbsp introspection nbsp regarding nbsp the nbsp best nbsp technique nbsp to nbsp employ nbsp when nbsp future deterrence is the end goal The focus of this present work centers on the opioid crisis in America nbsp and nbsp comparable nbsp westernized nbsp countries nbsp worldwide nbsp Emphasis nbsp has nbsp been placed on a harm reduction approach This innovative policy is a natural extension of combating the negative impact and damaging result of labeling When one is allowed to avoid the badge of ldquo criminal rdquo they can conceivably concentrate on getting clean and staying that way This includes access to legitimate jobs and ongoing positive role models A productive upstanding future life is the ultimate aim
Pulmonary metastasectomy in bone and soft tissue sarcoma with metastasis to the lung.

Objectives This study investigated the outcomes of sarcoma patients with lung metastases who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy (PM), compared to patients who underwent medical management alone. The secondary objective was to compare survival after PM between variables of interest. Methods This was a retrospective review of 565 sarcoma patients with confirmed, isolated pulmonary metastasis identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database between 2010 and 2015. 1:4 propensity score matching was used to select PM and non-PM groups. The multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyse prognostic factors of disease-free survival (DFS). Results Of the eligible 565 patients, 59 PM patients were matched to 202 non-PM patients in a final ratio of 3.4. After propensity matching, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between PM and non-PM patients. The median DFS after PM was 32 months (interquartile range 18-59), compared to 20 months (interquartile range 7-40) in patients without PM (P = 0.032). Using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, metastasectomy (hazard ratio 0.536, 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.85; P = 0.008) was associated with improved DFS. In a subset analysis of patients who underwent PM only, the median DFS was longer in males compared to females (P = 0.021), as well as in bone sarcoma compared to soft tissue sarcoma (P = 0.014). Conclusions For sarcoma patients with metastatic lung disease, PM appears to improve the prognosis compared to medical management. Furthermore, there may be a survival association with gender and tumour origin in patients who underwent PM. These data may be used to inform the surgical indications and eligibility criteria for metastasectomy in this setting.
Differential effects of ischemic vascular disease and Alzheimer's disease on brain atrophy and cognition.

We previously reported that pathologic measures of arteriosclerosis (AS), cerebral infarction, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are independently correlated with cortical gray matter (CGM) atrophy meas...
On the steady state fractionation of multicomponent and complex mixtures in an ideal cascade: Part VI—The effect of variations of the relative volatilities, the flow rates and the plate efficiencies

Abstract An approximate yet standard procedure, the perturbation method, is used to solve analytically the equation for the steafiy state fractionation of multicomponent and complex mixtures in non-ideal cascades. It is shown that the formulae are easily adaptable to numerical evaluation. The perturbation method is particularly useful when the calculations for a system which is close to ideal must be made. The perturbation method may be considered as a non-ideality superimposed on the ideal solution. The ideal solution may be thought of as the first approximation to the solution while the perturbation is the second approximation. Higher order approximations are difficult to carry out.
The role of computers and technology in health care education

INTRODUCTION The goal of health care education at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is a good nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or allied health professional—a well-prepared health care professional who is knowledgeable, knows how to get information as needed, and knows how to use information in a clinical practice setting. The health care professional is trained and practices in a computerand network-intensive environment where distributed access to electronic information—the medical literature, medical records, and laboratory data—is needed and is increasingly expected. It is during their education that professionals learn to use and value the electronic tools at their disposal. Institutions like UAMS search for ways to support teaching faculty, clinical educators, and students in making the most of useful computer-based practice tools, information resources, and educational technologies. Computer literacy, faculty development, facilities planning and support, access issues, and incorporation of increasingly sophisticated educational modalities are key elements in successful education at UAMS. The use of technology in health care and health care education is unavoidable and growing more so daily. The convergence of the Internet and Internet 2 and other federal and state initiatives for faster and more extensive networks, combined with continually falling prices for increasingly powerful computers, has created a climate full of promise as well as unmitigated hype. It is often assumed that everyone is being swept along by the tide of computer technology and that the impetus of the tide will prepare faculty and students for this new age in medical education. It is wrong to assume that all faculty and students are prepared to use and manage sophisticated medical informatics tools. UAMS is looking beyond the myths of computer literacy to make a realistic appraisal of the computer readiness of their faculty and students, so that appropriate help and support is available. This case study illustrates the ways that information technology is used in health care education at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and other health care education institutions. It addresses the problems that must be overcome and the advantages and opportunities that information technology tools provide for health care education. It examines this in light of the changing face of health care and, consequently, health care education. 1331 E. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey PA 17033-1117, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com IDEA GROUP PUBLISHING
On the origin of optical absorptions in heavy metal fluoride glass:: I. The absorption at 2.9 μm

We present a comparison of IR absorption spectra for heavy metal flouride glass processed either in a HF or H2O atmosphere. The similarities are remarkable for the 2.9-μm absorption features, which precisely coincide in peak wave length, line shape, and line width for both treatment methods. A discussion and an analysis of these findings are given.
Explaining manufacturing technology use, firm size and performance using a multidimensional view of technology

Abstract This study examines the relationships among the variables Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) use, Firm Size, and Performance in US manufacturing firms using a multidimensional definition of AMT. The study's four major findings are based on empirical analyses of survey data collected from 160 manufacturing firms. First, evidence indicates that there are at least four dimensions of AMT including: Information Exchange and Planning Technology (IEPT), Product Design Technology (PDT), High-Volume Automation Technology (HVAT), and Low-Volume Flexible Automation Technology (LVFAT). This brings to light a key difference between the literature and the four empirically determined dimensions of AMT: empirical dimensions include two distinct dimensions for shop floor technology while most conceptual schemes do not. Second, AMT use across three of these dimensions increases linearly as firm size increases logarithmically; however, the use of some dimensions of AMT increase more rapidly with firm size than others. Third, AMT use does not show any direct impact on firm performance. Finally, firm size weakly moderates the AMT-performance relationship; perhaps, due to their superior resource base, larger firms are able to use AMTs more effectively.
Agents' perceptions of structure: How Illinois organic farmers view political, economic, social, and ecological factors

Various structural factors influenceorganic farmer decision-making. Analyses that combinestructure and agency provide an opportunity forunderstanding farmers' perceptions of the political,economic, and social ``world'' in which they operate.Rich conversational interviews, conducted with twentycertified organic farmers in Illinois and analyzedwith multiple qualitative methods, show how farmersmediate structural concerns. In addition to political,economic, and social structures, a fourth structure isneeded. Indeed these organic farmers emphasize theimportance of ecological factors in theirdecision-making. Within the perceived economic,political, social, and ecological structures, numeroustopics (i.e., marketing, policy, family, ecosystems)and subtopics (i.e., diversification, farm programs,traditions, soils) exist. Farmers' quotations providedetailed information of how they view and mediatestructures in their daily on-farm decision-making.