cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SEX DIFFERENCES IN THE RISK FACTORS FOR ENDOTHELIAL AND MICROVASCULAR DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ANGINA IN THE ABSENCE OF OBSTRUCTIVE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Background: While >20% of patients presenting to the cath lab with angina have no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), a majority (77%) have an occult coronary abnormality, including endothelial dysfunction and/or microvascular dysfunction (MVD), which may explain their symptoms. We studied
Engineered Epidermal Progenitor Cells Can Correct Diet-Induced Obesity and Diabetes.

Summary Somatic gene therapy is a promising approach for treating otherwise terminal or debilitating diseases. The human skin is a promising conduit for genetic engineering, as it is the largest and most accessible organ, epidermal autografts and tissue-engineered skin equivalents have been successfully deployed in clinical applications, and skin epidermal stem/progenitor cells for generating such grafts are easy to obtain and expand in vitro. Here, we develop skin grafts from mouse and human epidermal progenitors that were engineered by CRISPR-mediated genome editing to controllably release GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1), a critical incretin that regulates blood glucose homeostasis. GLP-1 induction from engineered mouse cells grafted onto immunocompetent hosts increased insulin secretion and reversed high-fat-diet-induced weight gain and insulin resistance. Taken together, these results highlight the clinical potential of developing long-lasting, safe, and versatile gene therapy approaches based on engineering epidermal progenitor cells.
Genome-wide Profiling of Urinary Extracellular Vesicle microRNAs Associated With Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 1 Diabetes.

Introduction Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a form of progressive kidney disease that often leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is initiated by microvascular complications due to diabetes. Although microalbuminuria (MA) is the earliest clinical indication of DN among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), it lacks the sensitivity and specificity to detect the early onset of DN. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators in diabetes as well as various forms of kidney disease, including renal fibrosis, acute kidney injury, and progressive kidney disease. Additionally, circulating extracellular miRNAs, especially miRNAs packaged in extracellular vesicles (EVs), have garnered significant attention as potential noninvasive biomarkers for various diseases and health conditions. Methods As part of the University of Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) study, urine was collected from individuals with T1D with various grades of DN or MA (normal, overt, intermittent, and persistent) over a decade at prespecified intervals. We isolated EVs from urine and analyzed the small-RNA using NextGen sequencing. Results We identified a set of miRNAs that are enriched in urinary EVs compared with EV-depleted samples, and identified a number of miRNAs showing concentration changes associated with DN occurrence, MA status, and other variables, such as hemoglobin A1c levels. Conclusion Many of the miRNAs associated with DN occurrence or MA status directly target pathways associated with renal fibrosis (including transforming growth factor-β and phosphatase and tensin homolog), which is one of the major contributors to the pathology of DN. These miRNAs are potential biomarkers for DN and MA.
One-pot Microwave-assisted Conversion of Anomeric Nitrate-esters to Trichloroacetimidates

The goal of the following procedure is to provide a demonstration of the one-pot conversion of a 2-azido-1-nitrate-ester to a trichloroacetimidate glycosyl donor. Following azido-nitration of a glycal, the product 2-azido-1-nitrate ester can be hydrolyzed under microwave-assisted irradiation. This transformation is usually achieved using strongly nucleophilic reagents and extended reaction times. Microwave irradiation induces hydrolysis, in the absence of reagents, with short reaction times. Following denitration, the intermediate anomeric alcohol is converted, in the same pot, to the corresponding 2-azido-1-trichloroacetimidate.
Spiritual Theology: A Theological-Experiential Methodology for Bridging the Sanctification Gap:

There exists a serious gap in the minds and lives of many believers between what they know to be the goal of sanctification and growth and where they know they actually are in their life. The churc...
The Politics of Queer Religion

Religious affiliation and participation are thought to work as mobilizing structures through which religious participants accrue organizational and psychological resources, which augment political participation. Given the rejection of homosexuality by many denominations, do religious LGBT people actually accrue more positive psychological resources, and are the positive effects of religiosity on political participation mitigated when belief conflicts with identity? Informed by resource mobilization theory, the identity-threat model of stigmatization, and an intersectional approach, I conduct secondary analyses of two survey data sets of LGBT people. The results suggest that religiosity is associated with increased political participation among LGBT people; however, religious LGBT people exhibit weaker psychological association with the LGBT community and are “out” to fewer people. Furthermore, political participation is less likely among those who experience conflict between their religion and sexuality and among Evangelical Christians.
Dilated cardiomyopathy associated with taurine deficiency in the domestic cat: relationship to diet and myocardial taurine content.

Dilated (or congestive) cardiomyopathy (DCM) was not widely recognized in cats until the early 1970’s1. The clinical findings, response to treatment, and the gross and microscopic pathologic findings of this disease have been described2,3,4,5.
STAHLp: belief revision in scientific discovery

In this paper we describe the STAHLp system for inferring components of chemical substances - i.e., constructing componential models. STAHLp is a descendant of the STAHL system (Zytkow & Simon, 1986); both use chemical reactions and any known models in order to construct new models. However, STAHLp employs a more unified and effective strategy for preventing, detecting, and recovering from erroneous inferences. This strategy is based partly upon the assumption-based method (de Kleer, 1984) of recording the source beliefs, or premises, which lead to each inferred belief (i.e., reaction or model). STAHL's multiple methods for detecting and recovering from erroneous inferences have been reduced to one method in STAHLp, which can hypothesize faulty premises, revise them, and proceed to construct new models. The hypotheses made during belief revision can be viewed as interpretations from competing theories; how they are chosen thus determines how theories evolve after repeated revisions. We analyze this issue with an example involving the shift from phlogiston to oxygen theory.
On Quantum, Classical and Semiclassical Calculations of Electron Transfer Rates

Similarities and differences between quantum, semiclassical and classical treatments of electron transfer reactions are described. All of these methods can be described as "vibrationally assisted electron-tunneling." A simple approximate expression is given for an infinite sum of Bessel functions which appears in the nonadiabatic quantum description. The condition of its validity is also obtained. The expression has been tested for some systems when the frequencies contain those in the range of the usual metal - ligand frequencies (~450 cm^(-1)> and of the low frequencies of the environment. The nonadiabatic classical expression provides a useful lower bound, because it has no nuclear tunneling, to the nonadiabatic quantum result. The quantum correction is calculated for some actual systems. The "semiclassical" approximation is sometimes larger and sometimes smaller (in the "normal" and "inverted" regions, respectively) than the quantum result. This behavior is readily understood in terms of WKB theory. The quantum correction to the classical cross-relation of rate constants was calculated for a case of interest and found to be minor. A symmetric form of (lnk, Δ^0) plots is described, even for the usually skewed quantum plots.
Conducting Charge or Not

Ceramics are usually thought of as electrical insulators, and indeed a great many of them are. Since the first uses of electricity, it has been necessary to have good electrical insulators to isolate current-carrying wires. The expansion of the electrical industry and, in particular, the use of the electric telegraph required enormous numbers of porcelain insulators for telegraph poles. From 1888, ceramics based on steatite began to be used for the same purpose. Today, ceramics are still used to provide insulating supports in the power lines that crisscross the country.
Barriers and facilitators to the consumption of fresh produce among food pantry clients

Increased provision of fresh produce is considered a potential way to support healthier diets among food pantry clients. Using a qualitative approach, the focus of this study was to investigate the barriers and facilitators to the consumption of fresh produce, brought forward by food pantry clients. Four focus groups and nine household interviews were conducted with food pantry clients in the Tampa Bay Area in April–May 2017. Our results indicate that increased provision of fresh produce in food pantries does not necessarily equal increased consumption of fresh produce among clients. Clients face several barriers to utilizing fresh produce, including poor quality of fresh produce, irregularity of food supply, lack of skills to prepare certain type of fresh produce, and lack of choice. Facilitators to consuming fresh produce are also discussed, including positive emotional experiences at the food pantries, and the role of relatives in increasing the consumption of fresh produce at the household level.
DO INVESTORS PREFER NEW OR EXISTING SPONSORSHIP RELATIONSHIPS: EVIDENCE FROM SPONSORSHIP INTERORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP FORMATION AND MAINTENANCE ON FIRM STOCK RETURNS

The purpose of this study is to examine investor reaction to the formation of new and the maintenance of existing Interorganizational Relationships (IORs) through the context of official sports spo...
The Psychological Predictors of Older Preretirees’ Financial Self-Efficacy

Financial self-efficacy (FSE) is a psychological trait that has significant influence over a wide array of financial behavior—from credit market participation to saving and investing behavior. Rese...
Toward a clinical antifungal peptoid: Investigations into the therapeutic potential of AEC5.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen that causes cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompromised individuals. Existing antifungal treatment plans have high mammalian toxicity and increasing drug resistance, demonstrating the dire need for new, nontoxic therapeutics. Antimicrobial peptoids are one alternative to combat this issue. Our lab has recently identified a tripeptoid, AEC5, with promising efficacy and selectivity against C. neoformans. Here, we report studies into the broad-spectrum efficacy, killing kinetics, mechanism of action, in vivo half-life, and subchronic toxicity of this compound. Most notably, these studies have demonstrated that AEC5 rapidly reduces fungal burden, killing all viable fungi within 3 hours. Additionally, AEC5 has an in vivo half-life of 20+ hours and no observable in vivo toxicity following 28 days of daily injections. This research represents an important step in the characterization of AEC5 as a practical treatment option against C. neoformans infections.
An antisocial social robot: using negative affect to reinforce cooperation in human-robot interactions

Inspired by prior work with robots that physically display positive emotion (e.g., [1]), we were interested to see how people might interact with a robot capable of communicating cues of negative affect such as anger. Based in particular on [2], we have prototyped an anti-social, zoomorphic robot equipped with a spike mechanism to nonverbally communicate anger. The robot's embodiment involves a simple dome-like morphology with a ring of inflatable spikes wrapped around its circumference. Ultrasonic sensors engage the robot's antisocial cuing (e.g., "spiking" when a person comes too close). To evaluate people's perceptions of the robot and the impact of the spike mechanism on their behavior, we plan to deploy the robot in social settings where it would be inappropriate for a person to approach (e.g., in front of a door with a "do not disturb" sign). We expect that exploration of robot antisociality, in addition to prosociality, will help inform the design of more socially complex human-robot interactions.
Reverse shoulder arthroplasty has higher perioperative implant complications and transfusion rates than total shoulder arthroplasty

Background Indications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) have expanded. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate national trends in shoulder arthroplasty utilization and to compare national perioperative complication rates for hemiarthroplasty (HA), total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and RTSA in a matched cohort. Methods The National Inpatient Sample was queried from 2011-2013 to identify patients who underwent HA, TSA, or RTSA. Age, sex, race, insurance type, Elixhauser comorbidity index, and perioperative complications were identified. A coarsened exact matching algorithm was used to match RTSA patients with TSA and HA patients to compare medical and implant-related perioperative in-hospital complications. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed on unmatched data to identify risk factors for development of perioperative complications. Results Overall, 42,832 shoulder arthroplasties were identified (44% TSAs, 34% RTSAs, 19% HAs). After matching, RTSAs had 6.2 times the odds of a perioperative implant-related complication (P Conclusion The perioperative implant-related complication rate and postoperative transfusion rate of RTSAs were significantly higher than those of TSAs. In addition, prior shoulder surgery, younger age, earlier year of index surgery, history of illicit drug use, and depression were risk factors for implant-related complications after RTSA. However, the perioperative RTSA implant-related complications did decline each year, suggesting a growing national proficiency with performing RTSA.
The Mercury gravity field, orientation, love number, and ephemeris from the MESSENGER radiometric tracking data

Abstract The Mercury gravity field, spin-pole axis, rotation period, Love number, and ephemeris have been determined using the complete four years of MESSENGER tracking data from March 2011 to April 2015. The pole location and obliquity (1.99 ± 0.12 arcmin) is consistent with previous determinations. Since MESSENGER was in a highly elliptical orbit with periapsis in the far northern hemisphere, the gravity resolution over the surface of Mercury varies greatly from harmonic degree n = 12 at the south pole to n = 154 in a small region near the north pole which was covered with exceptionally low periapsis data near the end of mission. The gravity field MESS160A is determined to n = 160 and shows notable improvement in the correlation with topography. Three different constraint methods are used to generate the gravity field. The nominal method is a Kaula power law of 5 × 10−5/n2 to constraint the coefficients. One alternate constraint uses surface acceleration measurements, which only constrains the unobserved portion of the gravity field. The other constraint method sets the gravity uncertainties using the harmonic spectrum of the gravity derived from topography. The Mercury tidal Love number solution k2 = 0.53 ± 0.03 is larger than previous results but within suggested error bounds. In addition, the technique for estimating the Mercury ephemeris is discussed.
Chapter 5 – Managing Your Forensic Case from Beginning to End: It’s All about Communication

The complexity of forensic casework requires organizational skills, the ability to properly record and then communicate procedures and findings. This chapter outlines and explains the step by step process with suggestions for proper outcomes during trial.
Systematic over-estimation of lattice thermal conductivity in materials with electrically-resistive grain boundaries

Reducing the thermal conductivity κ of a material via nano-structuring to create small grain sizes is one of the most common strategies to improve thermoelectric materials. In such polycrystalline materials heat carrying phonons are scattered at the grain boundaries, which directly improves the thermoelectric quality factor and ultimately the figure-of-merit zT. In some cases, however, such as in Mg3Sb2, SnSe, and Mg2Si an opposite trend is found where higher lattice thermal conductivity reported in small grain polycrystalline material than in large grain or single crystal materials. This unphysical result indicates a problem with the conventional use of the Wiedemann–Franz law. Here, we trace this problematic finding to the electrical resistance at the grain boundaries, which leads to an overestimation of the phonon or lattice contribution of the thermal conductivity κL. In materials with significant grain boundary electrical resistance, the estimated electronic contribution to the thermal conductivity LσT is low because the measured electrical conductivity σ is low. However within the grain electrons may still be transporting more heat than the total conductivity suggests, leading to an overestimation of κL if the conventional κL = κ − LσT is used with the measured values of κ and σ. The overestimation of κL in small-grain samples is shown to be pervasive across a broad range of thermoelectric materials, including Mg3Sb2, Mg2Si, PbTe, PbSe, SnSe, (Hf,Zr)CoSb, CoSb3, and Bi2Te3 alloys, and a correction is necessary to properly understand and predict their charge and heat transport.
A Comparison of Surgical Outcomes between Single-Site Robotic, Multiport Robotic and Conventional Laparoscopic Techniques in Performing Hysterectomy for Benign Indications.

Objectives: Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) is the standard of care in performing hysterectomy for benign conditions. However, the choice of laparoscopic modality is largely dependent on surgeon's discretion, experience, and equipment availability. The objective of this study is: To compare outcomes between different minimally invasive approaches available for benign hysterectomies and to evaluate patient factors that influence the use of one approach over another. With this study, we sought to provide some objective criteria while deciding the appropriate MIGS technique. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study comparing perioperative outcomes between three techniques of minimally invasive hysterectomy: laparoscopy (LSC), multiport daVinci (MP-Rob) and single-site daVinci (SS-Rob). Patients undergoing benign hysterectomy (daVinci or conventional LSC) from January 2015 to July 2016 were included. 129 patients were identified and divided into: LSC (n = 44), MP-Rob (n = 36) and SS-Rob (n = 49). Results: There were statistically significant differences in age (MP-Rob46 ≠ LSC39), body mass index (BMI) (MP-Rob33 ≠ LSC27 or SS-Rob26.8), uterus weight (MP-Rob144 ≠ LSC102 or SS-Rob105) and operative time (LSC192 ≠ SS-Rob162.3 or MP-Rob163). Chi-square analyses revealed history of endometriosis and clinical endometriosis was statistically less common while leiomyomas were more common indications of MP-Rob. There was no statistically significant difference noted between length of stay, estimated blood loss, intraoperative, and post-operative complications between different surgical types. Conclusion: Patients with higher age, BMI, uterus weight and abnormal uterine bleeding were noted to undergo MP-Rob surgery. Patients with history of endometriosis were more likely to undergo LSC or SS-Rob surgery. Operative time was significantly less for daVinci hysterectomies (SS-Rob and MP-Rob) as compared to conventional LSC.
Influence of 0.35 T magnetic field on the response of EBT3 and EBT-XD radiochromic films.

Purpose To investigate the inconsistency of recent literature on the effect of magnetic field on the response of radiochromic films, we studied the influence of 0.35 T magnetic field on dosimetric response of EBT3 and EBT-XD GafchromicTM films. Methods Two different models of radiochromic films, EBT3 and EBT-XD, were investigated. Pieces of films samples from two different batches for each model were irradiated at different dose levels ranging from 1 to 20 Gy using 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF) x-rays generated by a clinical MR-guided radiotherapy system (B = 0.35 T). Film samples from the same batch were irradiated at corresponding dose levels using 6 MV FFF beam from a conventional linac (B = 0) for comparison. The net optical density was measured 48 h postirradiation using a flatbed scanner. The absorbance spectra were also measured over 500-700 nm wavelength range using a fiber-coupled spectrometer with 2.5 nm resolution. To study the effect of fractionated dose delivery to EBT3 (/EBT-XD) films, 8 (/16) Gy dose was delivered in four 2 (/4) Gy fractions with 24 h interval between fractions. Results No significant difference was found in the net optical density and net absorbance of the films irradiated with or without the presence of magnetic field. No dependency on the orientation of the film during irradiation with respect to the magnetic field was observed. The fractionated dose delivery resulted in the same optical density as delivering the whole dose in a single fraction. Conclusions The 0.35 T magnetic field employed in the ViewRay® MR-guided radiotherapy system did not show any significant influence on the response of EBT3 and EBT-XD GafchromicTM films.
Phase II trial evaluating efficacy of a Fitbit program for improving the health of endometrial cancer survivors

Abstract Background Despite the favorable prognosis of early stage endometrial cancer, mortality from cardiovascular disease is high. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a Fitbit program to improve physical activity in endometrial cancer survivors. Methods Eligible patients were diagnosed with stage IA-IIIA endometrial adenocarcinoma, ≥3 months out from treatment. Participants received a Fitbit Alta and were randomized to receive communication via telephone or electronic methods (email/text). Communication was every two weeks for two months, then once during months four and five. Average daily steps were assessed weekly for nine months. Results The 46 analyzable patients demonstrated a baseline of 5641 median daily average steps. Average steps increased by 22% at 6 months but decreased to baseline by nine months. Baseline activity level (daily steps and walks per week) was the greatest predictor of activity level. Only the telephone intervention participants demonstrated increased activity level at several timepoints, although not maintained by nine months. BMI was unchanged. There was mild improvement in physical and social well-being in those with low baseline well-being (p = 0.009 and 0.014, respectively), regardless of intervention group. Emotional well-being correlated with step count (p = 0.005). Conclusions Activity level was low and mildly improved on the Fitbit program with the telephone intervention, but effects did not persist by study completion. The program had the greatest impact on a select group of telephone intervention patients with high baseline walking frequency and low baseline step count. Others may require more intense intervention to promote more robust/persistent lifestyle changes.
Quantifying Signal Quality for Joint Acoustic Emissions Using Graph-Based Spectral Embedding

We present a new method for quantifying signal quality of joint acoustic emissions (JAEs) from the knee during unloaded flexion/extension (F/E) exercises. For ten F/E cycles, JAEs were recorded, in a clinical setting, from 34 healthy knees and 13 with a meniscus tear (n = 24 subjects). The recordings were first segmented by F/E cycle and described using time and frequency domain features. Using these features, a symmetric k-nearest neighbor graph was created and described using a spectral embedding. We show how the underlying community structure of JAEs was comparable across joint health levels and was highly affected by artifacts. Each F/E cycle was scored by its distance from a diverse set of manually annotated, clean templates and removed if above the artifact threshold. We validate this methodology by showing an improvement in the distinction between the JAEs of healthy and injured knees. Graph community factor (GCF) was used to detect the number of communities in each recording and describe the heterogeneity of JAEs from each knee. Before artifact removal, there was no significant difference between the healthy and injured groups due to the impact of artifacts on the community construction. Following implementation of artifact removal, we observed improvement in knee health classification. The GCF value for the meniscus tear group was significantly higher than the healthy group (p < 0.01). With more JAE recordings being taken in the clinic and at home, this paper addresses the need for a robust artifact removal method which is necessary for an accurate description of joint health.
The EmoSensory® wheel

Abstract Traditionally, sensory research focuses on the measurement of the overall acceptance of product of consumers. However, in the last decade, a shift occurred to the development of new methods to gain additional insights in how consumers perceive food products. On one hand, several rapid sensory profiling methods were developed (e.g., check-all-that-apply, napping,…) which made it possible to obtain sensory profiles using the final consumers of food products. On the other hand, there has been a growing interest to move beyond the sensory characteristics of food products by also examining how food products might affect emotions. Nevertheless, those sensory and emotional measurements are generally not combined when consumers are evaluating food products, most likely to prevent encumbering of the participants. This led to the idea of combining the self-assessment of sensory attributes and emotions by consumers in a single wheel question format, called the EmoSensory® wheel. This chapter provides more insight into the rationale and development of the EmoSensory® Wheel. As each new measurement, it is crucial that its performance is examined. Therefore, more information is provide regarding its discriminating validity. Also, the performance of the wheel-question format is compared with a traditional list-based question format. Moreover, this chapter discusses the current state of this method, its limitations and provides some directions for future research.
Consumer Empowerment in Transportation Sector

Awareness of rights and obligations as a consumer became one of the problems faced by consumers. One way to increase consumer awareness is to provide access to consumer education through media used by consumers. This article aimed to identify and analyze the effect of socio-demographic characteristics and consumer education media toward consumer empowerment on public transportation. This research used a cross-sectional study through an online survey of 100 users of public transportation. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the consumer empowerment index is 44.56 and categorized as capable level. Also, female, early-aged adults (18 - 40 years), high education, employee, income range from IDR 2 000 000 to IDR 3 000 000 per capita per month, and an urban area were the most empowered consumers. In addition, employment status and media of consumer education positively and significantly influenced consumer empowerment.
Keynes Without Nominal Rigidities

The principal aim of this essay is to restate John Maynard Keynes's (1936) view of the economy as tending towards an equilibrium which will in general fall short of full employment. The approach outlined here, in sharp contrast to what has become standard theory, does not depend on nominal rigidities. The goods market adjusts prices according to excess demand as determined by the IS schedule; competitive price-taking producers adjust output on the basis of marginal profitability as determined by a comparison of price and marginal cost; and the labor market adjusts labor supply on the basis of a comparison of workers' marginal rates of substitution of goods for leisure and the real wage.
Primary invasive carcinoma of the vagina: treatment with interstitial brachytherapy.

BACKGROUND Because primary carcinoma of the vagina comprises less than 2% of all gynecologic malignancies, the reported experience in the treatment of large numbers of patients is available only from a few major centers and most often encompasses a variety of differences in treatment selection and technique. The objective of this study was to assess the long term results of an interstitial iridium-192 afterloading implant technique using the Syed-Neblett dedicated vaginal plastic template. METHODS Patients who were treated from 1976 to 1997 were examined retrospectively. RESULTS Seventy-one patients underwent interstitial implantation with (n = 61 patients) or without external beam radiotherapy. The median age was 59 years (range, 16–86 years). Patients were staged according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics system and included Stage I (n = 10 patients), Perez modification Stage IIA (n = 14 patients), Perez modification Stage IIB (n = 25 patients), Stage III (n = 15 patients), and Stage IV (n = 7 patients). Each implant delivered an approximately 20-gray (Gy) minimum tumor dose, with the total tumor dose reaching 80 Gy with integrated external beam radiotherapy. Local control was achieved in 53 patients (75%). The median follow-up was 66 months (range, 15–163 months), and the 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year actuarial disease free survival rates are 73%, 58%, and 58%, respectively. By stage, 5-year disease free survival rates included Stage I, 100% of patients; Stage IIA, 60% of patients; Stage IIB, 61% of patients; Stage III, 30% of patients; and Stage IV, 0% of patients. The factors disease stage and primary lesion size independently influenced the survival rates. Significant complications occurred in 9 patients (13%) and included necrosis (n = 4 patients), fistulae (n = 4 patients), and small bowel obstruction (n = 1 patient). CONCLUSIONS Interstitial irradiation can effect local control in the majority of patients with primary carcinoma of the vagina with acceptable morbidity. Long term cure is demonstrable in patients with Stage I–III disease. Cancer 2001;91:758–70. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Preparing to Teach Writing Research, Theory, and Practice

Preparing to Teach Writing, Fourth Edition is a comprehensive survey of theories, research, and methods associated with teaching composition successfully at the middle, secondary, and college levels. Research and theory are examined with the aim of informing teaching. Practicing and prospective writing teachers need the information and strategies this text provides to be effective and well prepared for the many challenges they will face in the classroom. Features Current—combines discussions and references to foundational studies that helped define the field of rhetoric and composition, with updated research, theories, and applications Research based—thorough examination of relevant research in education, literacy, cognition, linguistics, and grammar Steadfast adherence to best practices based on how students learn and on how to provide the most effective writing instruction A Companion Website provides sample assignments and student papers that can be analyzed using the research and theory presented in the text.
Routing Table Instability in Real-World Ad-Hoc Network Testbed

In this paper we have carried out an experimental study of the stability of routing tables in a real-world ad-hoc network. Two sets of experiments were conducted, one with a static topology, and the other with node mobility. The Ad-Hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol was used to route packets over multiple hops. Both experiments showed that unstable wireless channels have significant effects on the stability of the routing tables.
Network traffic characteristics of proxied wearable devices: A day with google glass

With the future explosive growth anticipated for wearable devices, this paper provides a first evaluation of the typical network traffic behavior to be expected from the interplay of the Google Glass augmented reality wearable and a connected smartphone in a baseline scenario. We include evaluation results ranging from a second to minutes time scale obtained from an exemplary measurement including both devices in a scenario that encompasses the default applications installed. We find that while overall traffic amounts are relatively small, they exhibit contrasting patterns on different time scales. Similarly, we find that on small time scales, little correlation between the traffic of the two devices exist, while higher correlation can be observed on larger time scales. The baseline results presented in this paper can thus be regarded as starting point to estimate future traffic schemes on a user's primary and secondary mobile devices and connecting wireless networks. The findings can be employed to optimize future mobile data delivery for the increasing multitude of similarly connected wearable devices associated with individual mobile users.
Generalized space-time paraxial acoustic ray tracing

Paraxial ray tracing has gained popularity in seismology and underwater acoustics for modelling the propagation of sound when the medium is stationary and time independent. In this article differential geometry is used to derive a generalized paraxial ray-tracing procedure valid for any fluid media described by a local sound speed and velocity depending arbitrarily on position and time. Geodesic deviation is used to model acoustic beam deformation, and the sectional curvature along a ray to determine convergence and divergence zones in space. The resulting paraxial equations presented here are the most general that can be derived for the acoustic field and apply to any environment including those with time dependence and fluid motion. Applied to layered media the geodesic deviation equation is solved exactly. Some illustrative examples are included.
Cooperation among smartphones to improve indoor position information

Accurate indoor location information remains a challenge without incorporating extensive fingerprinting approaches or sophisticated infrastructures within buildings. Nevertheless, modern smartphones are equipped with sensors and radios that can detect movement and can be used to predict location. Dead reckoning applications on a smartphone may attempt to track a person's movement or locate a person within an indoor environment. Nevertheless, smartphone positioning applications continue to be inaccurate. We propose a new approach, CRISP - CoopeRating to Improve Smartphone Positioning, which assumes that dead reckoning approaches have inaccuracies, but leverages opportunities of the interaction of multiple smartphones. Each smartphone computes its own position, and then shares it with other nearby smartphones. The signal strengths of multiple radios that are used on smartphones estimate distances between the devices. While individual smartphones may provide some positioning (possibly inaccurate) information, accuracy may improve when several smartphones cooperate and share position information through multiple iterations. Via indoor experimentation and simulation, we evaluate our approach and believe it is promising as an inexpensive means to improve position information and possibly lead to better results for a number of applications, including exercise profiling.
El Inca y sus curacas: poliginia real y construcción del poder

Aunque tenemos pocos datos historicos en las cronicas sobre los antiguos curacas conquistados por los incas en los alrededores del Cuzco, tenemos datos importantes sobre las relaciones matrimoniales, politicas, calendaricas, rituales y mitologicas que los descendientes de estos, reconocidos como «Incas de privilegio», mantuvieron con el Inca en el Cuzco. Un rol importante en estas relaciones fue dado a las esposas o hermanas de estos senores, las senoras Inaca.
South from Alaska: A Pilot aDNA Study of Genetic History on the Alaska Peninsula and the Eastern Aleutians

The Aleutian Islands were colonized, perhaps several times, from the Alaskan mainland. Earlier work documented transitions in the relative frequencies of mtDNA haplogroups over time, but little is known about potential source populations for prehistoric Aleut migrants. As part of a pilot investigation, we sequenced the mtDNA first hypervariable region (HVRI) in samples from two archaeological sites on the Alaska Peninsula (the Hot Springs site near Port Moller, Alaska; and samples from a cluster of sites in the Brooks River area near Katmai National Park and Preserve) and one site from Prince William Sound (Mink Island). The sequences revealed not only the mtDNA haplogroups typically found in both ancient and modern Aleut populations (A2 and D2) but also haplogroups B2 and D1 in the Brooks River samples and haplogroup D3 in one Mink Islander. These preliminary results suggest greater mtDNA diversity in prehistoric populations than previously observed and facilitate reconstruction of migration scenarios from the peninsula into the Aleutian archipelago in the past.
Th3 Cells in Peripheral Tolerance. II. TGF-β-Transgenic Th3 Cells Rescue IL-2-Deficient Mice from Autoimmunity

We developed a transgenic (Tg) mouse that expresses TGF-beta under control of the IL-2 promoter to investigate Th3 cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. We previously found that repetitive in vitro Ag stimulation results in constant expression of Foxp3 in TGF-beta-Tg Th3 cells that acquire regulatory function independent of surface expression of CD25. To examine the differentiation and function of Th3 cells in vivo and to compare them with thymic-derived CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Treg), we introduced the TGF-beta transgene into T cells of IL-2-deficient (IL-2(-/-)) mice. We found that the induction, differentiation, and function of TGF-beta-derived Foxp3(+) Th3 cells were independent of IL-2, which differs from thymic Tregs. In an environment that lacks functional CD25(+) thymic-derived Tregs, expression of the TGF-beta transgene in IL-2(-/-) mice led to the induction of distinct CD25(-) regulatory cells in the periphery. These cells expressed Foxp3 and efficiently controlled hyperproliferation of T cells and rescued the IL-2(-/-) mouse from lethal autoimmunity. Unlike IL-2(-/-) animals, TGF-beta/IL-2(-/-) mice had normal numbers of T cells, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells and did not have splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, or inflammation in multiple organs. Accumulation of Foxp3(+) cells over time, however, was dependent on IL-2. Our results suggest that TGF-beta-derived Foxp3(+)CD25(+/-) Th3 regulatory cells represent a different cell lineage from thymic-derived CD25(+) Tregs in the periphery but may play an important role in maintaining thymic Tregs in the peripheral immune compartment by secretion of TGF-beta.
Therapy and outcome of small cell carcinoma of the kidney: report of two cases and a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Primary small cell carcinoma originating from the kidneys is an extremely rare neoplasm. The authors described two patients with small cell carcinoma of the kidney and provided a systematic review of the literature to detail the clinical characteristics and therapy of this rare tumor. METHODS MEDLINE and CANCERLIT literature search was performed from 1966 to 2002 for articles on small cell carcinoma of the kidney. Twenty-two patients with small cell carcinoma of the kidney and renal pelvis were reviewed. RESULTS The median age at diagnosis was 62 years and there was a female preponderance (male:female ratio, 1:3.4). Abdominal pain (70%) was the most commonly reported symptom. Distant metastases were present in 32% of patients at the time of diagnosis. Surgery and systemic chemotherapy were the primary therapeutic modalities utilized (nephrectomy alone: 9 patients; nephrectomy and chemotherapy: 10 patients; chemotherapy alone: 3 patients). The median survival was 8 months (range, < 1–101 months). The use of platinum-based chemotherapy was predictive of an improved overall survival (median survival was 20 months in patients receiving a platinum-containing regimen compared with 8 months in those who did not receive platinum; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Small cell carcinoma of the kidney is an extremely rare neoplasm that resembles its counterparts arising from the tracheo-bronchial and other extrapulmonary sites in its aggressive behavior and high propensity for locoregional and distant dissemination. Clinical presentation is usually late in the course of the disease. The use of platinum-based chemotherapy has been associated with tumor regression and prolonged survival. Cancer 2003;97:1436–41. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11199
Information storage matrices in neural networks

A new neural network model with feedback based on the concept of information storage matrices is proposed. This model is similar to the Hopfield and spectral type neural networks but has a more general structure. The presentation gives a fully developed theory for first-order networks, including results on the formation of fixed points and their domains of attraction. These results are used to determine, in deterministic sense, the information storage capacity. The algorithm is applied to the DNA sequencing problem. It is demonstrated how a hidden genetic information in an arbitrary long DNA strand can be extracted.
Age and prior caffeine use alter the cardiovascular and adrenomedullary responses to oral caffeine

Abstract The effects of age and chronic caffeine use (approximately 300 mg/day) on the cardiovascular and humoral responses to 250 mg of oral caffeine (the equivalent of 2 to 3 cups of coffee) were examined. Older subjects had greater increases in blood pressure than younger subjects (p
Dynamics of the emplacement of the Heart Mountain allochthon at White Mountain: Constraints from calcite twinning strains, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility, and thermodynamic calculations

White Mountain is centrally located in the bedding-plane portion of the Eocene Heart Mountain detachment and contains the only upper plate Mississippian Madison Group rocks that have been metamorphosed into marble. The marble rests upon the thickest (1 m) part of a carbonate ultracataclasite that marks the detachment. Thermodynamic and mechanical calculations based on possible frictional melting of calcite and other minerals, geochemical data, the characteristics of the carbonate ultracataclasite, and the geometrical characteristics of White Mountain suggest a possible initial upper plate emplacement rate of 126–340 m/sec and that the duration of the emplacement event was less than 4 min, too brief a time to develop an emplacement-related calcite twinning strain overprint in upper or lower plate carbonates. While the detachment-related carbonate ultracataclasite did not form by melting, it does preserve a magnetic fabric where K max is parallel to the detachment slip direction and records a westward and down paleopole (287° and 27°), where magnetite is the carrier mineral. The Eocene (49.6 Ma) paleopole for this latitude in North America was southerly and upward (0° and 45°). This brief and catastrophic detachment event produced a signifi cant amount of CO 2 by fl ash heating. This report is the fi rst to quantify the emplacement rate of the upper plate of the Heart Mountain detachment based on physical and geochemical parameters.
Ureteroureterostomy and unilateral nephrostomy Alternate rapid method of diversion

Ureteroureterostomy with a Silastic nephrostomy has been utilized in 3 patients as a temporary diversion. It is a short procedure which is performed transabdominally and is well tolerated. It may be indicated in selected patients who will not be able to handle an appliance and cannot tolerate major surgery. This is not a panacea for urinary diversion, but in selected cases it may be applicable.
Relationships among type of parturition, type of discharge from genital tract, involution of cervix, and subsequent reproductive performance in Holstein cows

Data were from 492 Holstein cows calved between October, 1976, and May, 1977, in eight herds in Michigan. Diameter of the cervix of each cow was estimated by palpation at 8 to 21 days postpartum and again 2 wk later. Parturition and postpartum discharge from the genital tract were classified as normal or abnormal. Size of the cervix between 12 and 26 days postpartum was classified as small, medium, or large within two parity groups. Incidence of abnormal parturition and incidence of abnormal postpartum discharge were 14.1 and 38.0%. Involution of the cervix was affected by parity and type of postpartum discharge. Involution of the cervix occurred sooner postpartum in primiparous than in multiparous cows and sooner postpartum in cows with normal discharge than in cows with abnormal discharge. The greatest difference in cervix diameter between cows with normal or abnormal discharges was 10 mm at 3 wk postpartum. Days from parturition to first detected estrus and first service were extended by abnormal postpartum discharge but not by abnormal parturition. First-service conception rate was lower and days from parturition to conception were higher in cows with medium or large cervices compared to cows with small cervices. Type of postpartum discharge and size of cervix early postpartum may be useful for predicting subsequent reproductive performance in dairy cows.
SUBNATIONAL DEBT RESTRUCTURING AND THE RULE OF LAW

Governments worldwide increasingly have been shifting public responsibilities to the subnational level. Municipalities, in turn, have been issuing debt to finance development.1 Debt can offset temporary shortages in taxes revenues, and also allows municipalities to fund the construction of projects that cannot be managed within the financial resources of a single fiscal year by allocating repayment over a period of many years. Many municipalities, however, are facing difficulty repaying their debt. In Japan, for example, the overall “municipal financial deficit [has been at the] high[est] level[ ] ever seen . . . in the world.”2 In Central and Eastern European countries, municipal debt financing has been leading to “deficits [that] will exceed 10% and deteriorate further” over time.3 Russia has been facing a “significant deterioration of the cities’ and regions’ fiscal and debt positions.”4 In Brazil, decentralization “has resulted in a prolonged macroeconomic crisis sparked by the growing indebtedness of the [subnational] states.”5 Existing or potential concerns have arisen in Mexico
Interpreting Smallest Space Analysis

Two kinds of SSA (smallest space analysis) are distinguished: R-SSA, which uses as input a matrix of R-distance coefficients (distances among pairs of variables); and Q-SSA, which uses as input a matrix of Q-distance coefficients (distances among pairs of objects). While both types are common in the literature, only researchers using Q-SSA have attempted to interpret the coordinates of the space. It is shown that the coordinates can be interpreted in R-SSA, and that this interpretation yields valuable information that is otherwise lost. Also, SSA and factor analysis are compared from a facet analysis perspective. Finally, an R-SSA is compared with an R-factor analysis of the same data.