cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iatrogenic Arteriovenous Fistula as a Complication of a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Graft for Hemodialysis Case Reports

The authors describe 2 patients who developed an iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula between a straight forearm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft and an in situ cephalic vein after posterior puncture of the graft with a hemodialysis cannula. Diagnosis of this iatrogenic fistula was by careful inspection of the PTFE graft. The distal PTFE graft was functional, but the proximal graft was thrombosed at the ill-placed puncture site. Superficial veins on the anterior forearm exhibited a thrill and bruit. Treatment was simple ligation of the fistula and revascularization of the thrombosed segment of the PTFE graft. When the fistula occurred with a pseudoaneurysm, treatment was ligation of the fistula, exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm, and interposition graft to maintain vascular continuity. This complication of vascular access is not documented in the literature.
Community College Mentoring: Minority Student Perception

Research has demonstrated the impact of mentoring programs in enhancing the academic and social integration of minority students in community colleges. However, there is a lack of an approach which addresses mentoring for minority community college students at multiple levels. This study will analyze minority student perception of multilevel mentoring.
A New Approach to Energy Efficient Signal Detection

Signal detection is one important application for which dedicated sensor networks have been proposed for both civilian and military applications. Joint signal processing and communication design of such networks has been of great interest recently. Several authors have made a strong case for a mode of operation called censoring in order to reduce the number of sensor transmissions such that energy usage will be reduced to allow longer network operation. There are some aspects of wireless sensor networks that have not yet been exploited by the proposed censoring schemes. For example, sufficiently close nodes can hear each others' transmissions. Such considerations lead to new classes of energy efficient signal detection procedures which we consider here. We demonstrate that these new approaches require fewer average sensor transmissions and that the savings can be significant in cases of interest. We demonstrate our new approach is optimum for minimizing a weighted sum of probability of error and the average number of sensor transmissions for a distributed mode of operation where each sensor node can operate autonomously.
Pseudoaneurysm of the Y‐graft/iliac artery anastomosis following pancreas transplantation: a case report and review of the literature

Transplant-related aneurysms are an unusual complication following pancreas transplantation. We present a case of a pseudoaneurysm developing in a recipient 6 months after bladder-drained pancreas transplantation. The pseudoaneurysm was incidentally found during ultrasonographic evaluation in preparation for a pancreas biopsy. Angiography demonstrated that the origin of the pseudoaneurysm was located near the base of the Y-graft/iliac artery anastomosis. Surgical repair was performed using standard vascular techniques. The patient subsequently recovered without loss of graft exocrine or endocrine function. Review of the literature revealed that aneurysms of various types associated with pancreas transplantation have a high incidence of graft loss and contribute significantly to patient morbidity. However, with prompt diagnostic and surgical management, non-infected pseudoaneurysms can be repaired without loss of pancreatic function.
Link adaptation for parallel channels with encoder rate and modem symbol rate constraints

Parallel channel models are common in wireless communication systems. In this paper, we propose an algorithm to maximize the throughput of two independent parallel channels over allowed encoder rate and modem rate constraints by adapting system parameters according to known channel state information. Theoretical results are presented and applied to a hybrid free space optical (FSO)/radio frequency (RF) communication system.
QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF FRESH SNAP BEANS IN DIFFERENT PRICE CATEGORIES

Snap beans were collected from nine lots at five wholesale warehouses over a 2 day period. The lots were separated into three groups based on wholesale price — high ($15.35/bu), intermediate ($13.35–$14.90/bu), and low ($13.00/bu). Lots were analyzed for quality by chemical, physical and sensory methods to determine those quality factors most closely associated with the price of fresh beans at the wholesale level. Textural properties differentiated between beans in low and intermediate price groups. Appearance factors were more important than texture in distinguishing between beans of the high and intermediate price groups.
Amiloride Disrupts NaCl versus KCl Discrimination Performance: Implications for Salt Taste Coding in Rats

Amiloride, an epithelial sodium channel blocker, suppresses the responsiveness of narrowly tuned sodium-responsive taste afferents when orally applied in the rat. Broadly tuned salt-responsive taste afferents, which respond to sodium and nonsodium salts and acids, are relatively unaffected by the drug. We used amiloride treatment to examine the consequences of the specific removal of input from narrowly tuned sodium-responsive afferents on taste discrimination. Five water-restricted rats were trained in a gustometer to press one lever after licking NaCl and another lever after licking KCl across a range of concentrations (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 M). Correct responses were rewarded with brief water access, and incorrect responses were punished with a time-out. After training, animals averaged about 90% correct responses and maintained competent performance during subsequent control sessions. Amiloride was then placed in all solutions at a given concentration (1-100 microM) for single test sessions. Control sessions were interposed between amiloride sessions. At high amiloride concentrations, overall responding was reduced to 50% correct and progressively improved as the drug concentration was lowered. The sigmoidal dose-response functions corresponded quantitatively with electrophysiological findings. Performance deficits occurred primarily with NaCl and were concentration dependent; performance during KCl trials was relatively undisturbed by amiloride adulteration. At high amiloride concentrations, rats treated NaCl as if it were KCl. Given that amiloride is tasteless to the rat, these results provide convincing evidence of the importance of narrowly tuned afferents in the discrimination between sodium and nonsodium salts and suggest that this is a general coding principle in the gustatory system.
EPR Studies of Living Animals and Related Model Systems ( In Vivo EPR)

In vivo EPR techniques have a surprisingly long history, but they began to yield data of direct biomedical value only very recently. The nature of the data, and the high rate of developments now occurring, lead to an optimistic assessment of the future for these approaches. The role of high-resolution EPR imaging is likely to be limited, but under the right conditions it can, provide very useful data. EPR spectroscopy is likely to be a more widespread and versatile approach because of the wider range of systems in which it can be used to obtain a useful signal/noise. Hybrid approaches, especially spatially resolved EPR imaging at several sites simultaneously may be especially useful. While the direction of developments for the next 50 years (or even the next 10 years) cannot be predicted with certainty, we can predict with a high degree of confidence that these techniques will be used increasingly and productively.
Dimension, entropy and Lyapunov exponents

We consider diffeomorphisms of surfaces leaving invariant an ergodic Borel probability measure μ. Define HD (μ) to be the infimum of Hausdorff dimension of sets having full μ-measure. We prove a formula relating HD (μ) to the entropy and Lyapunov exponents of the map. Other classical notions of fractional dimension such as capacity and Renyi dimension are discussed. They are shown to be equal to Hausdorff dimension in the present context.
Preparing for Information Systems accreditation

The first pilot Information Systems accreditation visit is occurring in Fall 2001. Many programs will apply for IS accreditation the following year, the 2002-03 accreditation cycle. This session will discuss the process for preparing for an accreditation visit. The discussion will include a planning timeline, preparation of the self-study and arranging details for the on campus visit. Particular attention will be placed on the assessment section of the self-study, the important details of the self-study, and the preparation of the display materials needed for the on-site visit.
Atmospheric nitrate deposition and the microbial degradation of cellobiose and vanillin in a northern hardwood forest

Abstract Human activity has increased the amount of N entering terrestrial ecosystems from atmospheric NO3− deposition. High levels of inorganic N are known to suppress the expression of phenol oxidase, an important lignin-degrading enzyme produced by white-rot fungi. We hypothesized that chronic NO3− additions would decrease the flow of C through the heterotrophic soil food web by inhibiting phenol oxidase and the depolymerization of lignocellulose. This would likely reduce the availability of C from lignocellulose for metabolism by the microbial community. We tested this hypothesis in a mature northern hardwood forest in northern Michigan, which has received experimental atmospheric N deposition (30 kg NO3−–N ha−1 y−1) for nine years. In a laboratory study, we amended soils with 13C-labeled vanillin, a monophenolic product of lignin depolymerization, and 13C-labeled cellobiose, a disaccharide product of cellulose degradation. We then traced the flow of 13C through the microbial community and into soil organic carbon (SOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and microbial respiration. We simultaneously measured the activity of enzymes responsible for lignin (phenol oxidase and peroxidase) and cellobiose (β-glucosidase) degradation. Nitrogen deposition reduced phenol oxidase activity by 83% and peroxidase activity by 74% when compared to control soils. In addition, soil C increased by 76%, whereas microbial biomass decreased by 68% in NO3− amended soils. 13C cellobiose in bacterial or fungal PLFAs was unaffected by NO3− deposition; however, the incorporation of 13C vanillin in fungal PLFAs extracted from NO3− amended soil was 82% higher than in the control treatment. The recovery of 13C vanillin and 13C cellobiose in SOC, DOC, microbial biomass, and respiration was not different between control and NO3− amended treatments. Chronic NO3− deposition has stemmed the flow of C through the heterotrophic soil food web by inhibiting the activity of ligninolytic enzymes, but it increased the assimilation of vanillin into fungal PLFAs.
Improving quality of Ada software with range analysis

Ada is a strong language with built-in mechanisms that naturally lead to less risky software programs. This is possible because Ada is a structured and strongly typed language with built-in run-time protection mechanisms. For example, subtyping allows for specification of ranges for variable. The compiler can detect illegal values for these variables as well as insert run-time range checks during compilation so that violating specified ranges result in a Constraint_Error during run-time. For complex embedded systems where quality and reliabiity are imperative, the Ada programming language alone may not provide sufficient quality margins. Demonstrating run-time robustness with exhaustive dynamic testing is not possible. Formal methods with mathematical proofs enables precise determination of some properties of a complex system without the need for exhaustive analysis. This technique can be exploited statically to exhaustively determine dynamic runtime behavior of software programs. Coupling the Ada language with these state of the art verification solutions may improve the predictability of quality and safety. This tutorial examines software verification and testing approaches that have been applied to Ada programs. These techniques will be compared and contrasted with formal methods based techniques that can statically produce accurate variable range analysis of Ada programs. Concrete technical examples will be explored to see how these verification techniques, in particular the use of range analysis, can be used to improve the quality and safety of complex software systems that are developed in Ada.
Predator Interference and the Establishment of Generalist Predator Populations for Biocontrol

Abstract We conducted a field experiment to determine the extent to which interference among generalist predators limits their effectiveness as biocontrol agents. We manipulated immigration of a guild of actively hunting generalist ground predators, carabid beetles and lycosid spiders, by intercepting them as they attempted to enter fenced 50-m2 vegetable gardens. Immigration was blocked, allowed at the mean rate measured at our field site, or doubled. Altered immigration rates were maintained through a spring garden of cabbage, bean, eggplant, and cucumber, followed by a summer garden of squash. We monitored densities of carabids and lycosids to discover if altering their immigration rate changed their densities in the plots. We also measured densities of other predators on the ground and in plant foliage, pest numbers, and vegetable yields. Doubling the immigration rate of carabids and lycosids approximately doubled the densities of carabids inside the plots, but did not increase lycosid densities. Increasing the rate of immigration of carabids and lycosids depressed densities of nonlycosid ground spiders. In the spring gardens, manipulation of carabid and lycosid immigration did not influence numbers of predators or herbivores in the foliage and did not affect vegetable productivity. In contrast, in the summer gardens, foliage-dwelling predators were lower, pest densities were marginally lower, and squash productivity was higher in the carabid and lycosid immigration plots compared to the no-immigration treatment. Doubling carabid and lycosid immigration rate never increased the magnitude of their effects on other predators, pests, or plant productivity. Predator interference limited lycosid establishment, reduced densities of other predator taxa, and apparently prevented a doubling of carabid densities from having an increased impact on pest numbers. Nevertheless, despite widespread effects of predator interference, allowing immigration of lycosids and carabids increased squash productivity.
Lipid connection to bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a severe and chronic illness affecting approximately 1.5% of the American population. Despite the availability of mood bipolarstabilizers such as lithium, valproate, carbamazepine and lamotrigine, bipolar disorder is characterized by high rates of recurrence, as treatment with these and other drugs is ineffective for and not tolerated by a significant percentage of patients. Several hypotheses have been postulated to explain the mechanism(s) of action of mood stabilizers. However, the biological and molecular bases of the disease are not fully understood, hampering the development of more effective and safer drugs. A large body of evidence associates lipids (cholesterol, phospholipids and fatty acids) with the mechanism and pathology of bipolar disorder. The purpose of this paper is to review the lipid connection to bipolar disorder.
Weakly non-linear waves in rotating fluids

The Korteweg–de Vries equation is shown to govern formation of solitary and cnoidal waves in rotating fluids confined in tubes. It is proved that the method must fail when the tube wall is moved to infinity, and the failure is corrected by singular perturbation procedures. The Korteweg–de Vries equation must then give way to an integro-differential equation. Also, critical stationary flows in tubes are considered with regard to Benjamin's vortex breakdown theories.
Full length Article: Design and analysis of a reconfigurable discrete pin tooling system for molding of three-dimensional free-form objects

This paper presents the design and analysis of a new reconfigurable tooling for the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) free-form objects. The proposed reconfigurable tooling system comprises a set of matrices of a closely stacked discrete elements (i.e., pins) arranged to form a cavity in which a free-form object can be molded. By reconfiguring the pins, a single tool can be used in the place of multiple tools to produce different parts with the involvement of much lesser time and cost. The structural behavior of a reconfigurable mold tool under process conditions of thermoplastic molding is studied using a finite element method (FEM) based methodology. Various factors that would affect the tool behavior are identified and their effects are analyzed to optimally design a reconfigurable mold tool for a given set of process conditions. A prototype, open reconfigurable mold tool is developed to present the feasibility of the proposed tooling system. Several case studies and sample parts are also presented in this paper.
Impact of the Black Experience On Attitudes Toward Continuing Education

An examination of the insights and feelings of black adults (105 college students and 222 urban adults with less than a high school education) toward continuing education may reveal some variation between the informational and sentimental dimensions of their attitudes toward this discipline according to their age, sex and the level of their educational background. Although the sub jects in this study acknowledge a quite neutral perception of continuing education, leaders in this field may find that black adults possess a sincere and abiding faith even in such a system from which they have been excluded for too long. They may evidence some justifiable skepticism about this field of study, but like all other Americans they would not deny the dignity and integrity of responsible citizenship which is promoted through continuing education programs and procedures.
Commentary: A Look at Ourselves in the Mirror

As a pediatric psychologist with some administrative duties, I keep a file of publications about salaries and work expectations of psychologists. Although these reports have more information than just salary data, more often than not I use them to assist with salary and contract benchmarks for my department. Opipari-Arrigan, Stark, and Drotar’s (2005) article adds much to those existing surveys of psychologists in general, because it provides specific information about salaries and work performance of pediatric psychologists. However, the value of this article goes well beyond the salary data presented in Tables 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This article echoes the recurrent themes that have defined our field since its inception and that will shape the future of pediatric psychology. It is important for pediatric psychology to take periodic snapshots of these themes, both to provide benchmarks and to develop initiatives to meet future goals. Many key areas are covered by Opipari-Arrigan et al. (2005), but five stand out as recurrent themes for the field of pediatric psychology.
Behavioral Analysis of Movement

The sections in this article are: 1 Single-Movement Control 1.1 Fitts' Law 1.2 Theoretical Interpretations of Single-Movement Control 1.3 Summary of Single-Movement Control 2 Representation of Complex Motor Patterns 2.1 Human Evidence for a Program Concept 2.2 Constraints on Coordination 2.3 Summary and Conclusions
Analog and mixed signal IC design via distance learning: the CAD and laboratory dilemma

Distance learning has been shown to be a useful addition to the educational opportunities universities can offer their students. In the area of mixed signal design, a number of issues relating to laboratories and CAD conspire to make the distance learning experience different than its in-class counterpart. This paper will look at these issues and solutions to the challenges they present.
Chemical and Microbial Characterization of Citrus Oil‐Mill Effluent

The aqueous discharge produced by centrifuges in a citrus peel-oil recovery system was chemically and microbially characterized. The discharge contained 3.82 °Brix, 2.60% sugars, 0.28% recoverable oil, and a BOD of 22,600 mg/L. Minerals in ppm included K(604), Na(248), Fe(185), and Ca(105). Citric and malic were the major acids, 0.78 and 0.31 mg/mL, respectively. Concentration ratios of sugars were 3.6:1.7:1 for sucrose:glucose:fructose. Aerobic plate counts were 7.3 × 107 colony forming units (cfu) per mL while indogenous yeast and mold counts were 1.8 × 105 cfu/mL. Four yeasts isolated from the effluent were presumptively identified as members of the genus Saccharomyces.
Silver Iodide Plume Characteristics Over the Bridger Mountain Range, Montana.

Abstract A modified NCAR acoustical ice nucleus counter was used in an airborne mode to measure the characteristics of silver iodide plumes released in mountainous terrain. These measurements were a supplement to a winter randomized cloud seeding experiment conducted in the Bridger Range, Montana. It was found that the silver iodide was generally transported upslope from the seeding sites, over the Main Ridge of the Bridger Range some 1400 ft higher, and toward the intended target area. Plume widths were found to average 28° above the Main Ridge, while most of the seeding agent was confined to the lowest 1500 ft above the ridgeline. Ice nuclei concentrations were typically in the range of 100–1000 liter−1, effective at −20C. This is estimated to correspond to about 10–100 nuclei liter−1 at the warmer temperatures prevalent in the lowest 1500 ft above the Main Ridge during winter storms. The flux of ice nuclei was estimated on three occasions. Agreement was good, both from day to day and with the generator...
The Impact of Analysis Error on Medium-Range Weather Forecasts

All meteorological analyzed fields contain errors, the magnitude of which ultimately determines the point at which a given forecast will fail. Here, the authors explore the extent to which analysis difference fields capture certain aspects of the actual but unknowable flow-dependent analysis error. The analysis difference fields considered here are obtained by subtracting the NCEP and ECMWF reanalysis 500-hPa height fields. It is shown that the magnitude of this 500-hPa analysis difference averaged over the North Pacific Ocean has a statistically significant impact on forecast skill over the continental United States well into the medium range (5 days). Further, it is shown that the impact of this analysis difference on forecast skill is similar to that of ensemble spread well into the medium range, a measure of forecast uncertainty currently used in the operational setting. Finally, the analysis difference and ensemble spread are shown to be independent; hence, the impact of these two quantities upon forecast skill is additive.
Measuring Public Corruption in the United States: Evidence From Administrative Records of Federal Prosecutions

A growing empirical literature examines public corruption in the United States, but most of these studies use survey data on federal corruption convictions that is aggregated, sparse, and of dubious quality and provenance. This article describes an alternative data source from administrative records that provides more detailed and reliable information on corruption prosecutions and convictions by type of state official and by lead charge. Contrary to conventional wisdom, corruption convictions are not increasing and mostly involve low-ranking federal or local officials. Administrative data on public corruption are not highly correlated with survey data in state-year observations. Consequently, prior empirical findings based on survey data may not be replicated when reexamined with administrative records on corruption prosecutions. The availability of more reliable and detailed data on corruption prosecutions is a boon to scholars interested in the causes and consequences of public corruption in the United...
What is meant by user experience?: analyzing usability/user experience professionals' dynamic representations of self

This research investigates the ways usability/user experience professionals describe themselves for different audiences and across multiple digital platforms, including LinkedIn, Twitter, portfolio websites, and business websites. By analyzing the digital identities of over 40 usability/user experience professionals, this article presents quantitative and qualitative pictures of how usability and user experience is being described in digital spaces. This article highlights broad patterns and specific tactics being implemented by four types of usability/user experience professionals and gives recommendations for how these tactics can be modified and applied for other usability/user experience professionals attempting to create professional identities in digital spaces.
Stroke Education in an Emergency Department Waiting Room: a Comparison of Methods

Background: Since the emergency department (ED) waiting room hosts a large, captive audience of patients and visitors, it may be an ideal location for conduct-ing focused stroke education. The aim of this study was to assess the effective-ness of various stroke education methods.Methods: Patients and visitors of an urban ED waiting room were randomized into one of the following groups: video, brochure, one-to-one teaching, combi-nation of these three methods, or control group. We administered a 13-question multiple-choice test to assess stroke knowledge prior to, immediately after, and at 1 month post-education to patients and visitors in the ED waiting room.Results: Of 4 groups receiving education, all significantly improved their test scores immediately post intervention (test scores 9.4±2.5-10.3±2.0, P<0.01). At 1 month, the combination group retained the most knowledge (9.4±2.4) exceed-ing pre-intervention and control scores (both 6.7±2.6, P<0.01).Conclusion: Among the various stroke education methods delivered in the ED waiting room, the combination method resulted in the highest knowledge reten-tion at 1-month post intervention.
Ecological Considerations in Chemical Control: Implications to Vertebrate Wildlife

I am very happy to have this chance to discuss the ecological implications of the use of chemicals on wild vertebrates. Although many factors affect wild populations, the introduction of pesticidal chemicals into wildlife environments represents a major ecological change which is widespread, and which can be intense in its effects at least on local populations.
Base-Free, Acceptorless, and Chemoselective Alcohol Dehydrogenation Catalyzed by an Amide-Derived NNN-Ruthenium(II) Hydride Complex

The bmpi (1,3-bis(6′-methyl-2′-pyridylimino)isoindoline) pincer Ru(II) hydride complex catalyzes base-free, acceptorless, and chemoselective dehydrogenation of alcohols with liberation of dihydrogen under moderate (<120 °C) conditions. Primary alcohols and diols are converted to ester and lactone products with high conversion efficiencies. The catalyst system is remarkably selective for the oxidation of secondary alcohols in the presence of primary alcohols.
Research Notes. Information Relevant to the Task in the Risky Shift Phenomenon

This article examines the influence of key arguments in interpreting the information-relevant-to-the-task hypothesis. It argues that the discovery of a particularly persuasive argument favoring an ...
A risk assessment tool for mobile identity and access management systems during disaster response

First responders to natural disasters can assume the responsibilities of distinctly different roles spanning medical, law enforcement, and volunteer professions. Their identity and related attributes must be correctly defined and discoverable in any system designed for working with disaster data that may contain sensitive information such as health care records and official use only data to ensure that only authorized users access this information. The problem is further exacerbated by lack of federal or industry-proven identity management standards for mobile devices as they are becoming more relied upon these days. Many frameworks have been proposed to address the dynamic nature of identity management during disaster response but none systematically analyse security and privacy risks. This research seeks to develop a first order risk assessment tool identifying a core set of design factors to assess a systems ability to mitigate security and privacy risks that also accounts for the mobile aspects of the system.
INFORMATION NETWORK METHOD FOR ROLLING PROCESS OPTIMIZATION

The methods of optimizing continuous wire rolling process were investigated. An Information network method suitable for rolling process optimization is proposed in this paper. Using this method, not only the optimum roll-pass set but also the optimum strain of each pass can be obtained, Which will save on energy and metal and improve the qualities of products.
Clustering, methodology, and mechanistic insights into acetate chemicalionization using high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Abstract. We present a comprehensive characterization of cluster control and transmission through the Tofwerk atmospheric pressure interface installed on various chemical ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometers using authentic standards. This characterization of the atmospheric pressure interface allows for a detailed investigation of the acetate chemical ionization mechanisms and the impact of controlling these mechanisms on sensitivity, selectivity, and mass spectral ambiguity with the aim of non-targeted analysis. Chemical ionization with acetate reagent ions is controlled by a distribution of reagent ion-neutral clusters that vary with relative humidity and the concentration of the acetic anhydride precursor. Deprotonated carboxylic acids are primarily detected only if sufficient declustering is employed inside the atmospheric pressure interface. The configuration of a high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer (HR-TOF-CIMS) using an acetate chemical ionization source for non-targeted analysis is discussed. Recent approaches and studies characterizing acetate chemical ionization as it applies to the HR-TOF-CIMS are evaluated in light of the work presented herein.
Tremor: Classification, diagnosis and management

Abstract Tremor can range from imperceptible physiologic movements to severely handicapping shaking. It can be a single entity, or it can occur in association with a disease that affects the basal ganglia, brainstem, cerebellum or peripheral nervous system. Tremors can be classified according to their anatomic location, the circumstances under which they occur, their frequency and amplitude, and whether they are physiologic or pathologic. As an isolated disorder, tremor should be treated only when it impairs the patient's ability to perform activities. Successful treatment requires the identification of precipitating factors, as well as associated signs and symptoms.
Role of Progesterone Receptors in Mammary Development and Carcinogenesis

It is well established that signaling through estrogen and progesterone through their cognate receptors, estrogen receptor a (ERa) and progesterone receptor (PR) are essential for both the development of mammary glands and their transformation to preneoplastic and neoplastic counterparts. Several years ago it was demonstrated that both mouse and human mammary epithelial cells proliferate in response to progesterone (1-3). Despite this, among the two ovarian steroids, estrogens have been traditionally associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. In recent years, several studies, including our own, provide compelling evidence that progesteronePR signaling may play a crucial role in the transformation of mammary epithelial cells. The identity of a particular cell is established during development and conversion of a normal cell to its malignant counterpart is accompanied by alterations in certain fundamental mechanisms that define its identity. Accordingly, to identifjl the mechanisms that trigger carcinogenesis, it is essential to understand the processes that ensure normal development and maintenance of this phenotype. This chapter summarizes our studies on PR during normal mammary development and their relevance to carcinogenesis.
Use of MicroRNA biomarkers to distinguish enchondroma from low-grade chondrosarcoma

Establishing a definitive diagnosis between benign enchondroma versus low-grade chondrosarcoma presents a potential challenge to both clinicians and pathologists. microRNAs (small non-coding RNAs) have proven to be effective biomarkers for the identification of tumors and tumor progression. We present analysis, both array and quantitative PCR, that shows consistently and substantially increased expression of two microRNAs, miRs-181a and -138, in low-grade chondrosarcomas compared with enchondromas. The data suggest these microRNAs would provide an analytical distinction between the chondrosarcoma and benign neoplasms that can be performed in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. Together with recent publications, these data indicate that miRs-181a and -138 also play a role in tumor development and homeostasis and may provide new targets for the development of much needed therapeutic intervention.
The Use of Acellular Urinary Bladder Matrix as Coverage for Fasciocutaneous Free Flap Donor Sites: An Alternative to Traditional Grafting Procedures.

Purpose The purpose of this review is to 1) evaluate our early experience with urinary bladder matrix as a dressing for the management of complex wounds subsequent to fasciocutaneous or osteocutaneous vascularized tissue harvests, 2) assess coverage of exposed tendons and the duration of granulation and epithelial coverage, and 3) assess esthetic and functional outcomes compared with traditional means for the management of vascularized tissue harvest sites. Patients and Methods This prospective study consisted of 8 consecutive patients in whom a substantial cutaneous component was harvested as part of a vascularized tissue reconstruction, which did not permit for primary closure (n = 7) or had skin graft failure (exposed tendon) that required additional treatment (n = 1). Results Functional and esthetic outcomes were comparable to those of traditional methods of donor site closure as determined by clinical evaluation and subjective assessment by the patient. In all patients, no additional grafting was required to achieve full coverage. Irregularities of the wound achieved a level plane with granulation tissue an average of 3 to 4 weeks after surgery, followed by an additional 5 to 8 weeks for epithelialization. Wound care was minimal and included twice-daily wet-to-dry dressings. It was noted that complete wound healing was delayed in the urinary bladder matrix group, which required more attention during wound care when compared with published data. Advantages included facilitation of a robust granulation layer that leveled wound irregularities and avoidance of an additional skin graft site. Conclusions The use of urinary bladder matrix is a viable option for the rehabilitation of donor sites of vascularized tissue that include skin. Benefits include the avoidance of an additional skin graft donor site, facilitation of epithelialization over exposed tendons, leveling of the donor site texture, and an equivalent esthetic result compared with current practices for wound coverage. The success of this technique may be limited by the cost of materials and the protracted course for wound epithelialization.
On p Laplace polynomial solutions

We determine all real homogeneous polynomial solutions to the p Laplace equation, \( - \infty< p < \infty , p \not = 1,2, \) of degree four in \( \mathbb {R}^{n}, n \ge 3, \) and show there are no degree five real homogeneous polynomial solutions in \( \mathbb {R}^{3}, \) when \( - \infty< p < \infty , p \not = 1, 2. \)
Did we learn about risk control since Seveso? Yes, we surely did, but is it enough? An historical brief and problem analysis

Abstract Since the Seveso disaster 40 years ago, risk management methods as well as challenges to the process industry have increased along with changes in the public's risk perception globally. The Seveso incident brought to attention some critical issues, such as lack of knowledge on runaway reaction scenarios, hazards of formation of dioxins, lack of regulatory requirements, poor communication and coordination, and little or no emergency response or evacuation plans. Regulations related to process safety and risk management have evolved with time as compared to earlier when there were no specific regulations for controls of such major hazards as became evident during the Seveso incident. Meanwhile, the third improved version of the EU Directive inspired by the incident has been implemented. Although in general over the years occupational safety has vastly improved, major losses have still occurred and in fact formed the motivation to issue the new versions of the Directive. This paper highlights two limitations of the Seveso III Directive – lack of implementation of leading indicators and limited application of hazard and risk identification (for example little or no consideration of the hazards of intermediate products). Some existing gaps like lack of learning from previous incidents, scale-up issues, limitations of experiments related to real scenarios (e.g., vapour cloud explosion), uncertainties involved in complex systems and their gradual degradation by their use are described. These gaps necessitate developing and using advanced methods and an holistic approach such as resilience and advanced mathematic-statistical methods to resolve these issues. This work presents a resilience-based analysis of the Seveso incident and lays the foundation for development of a Process Resilience Analysis Framework. Implementation of this framework would advance current risk assessment and management techniques through integration of technical and social factors. The paper concludes with some cardinal rules for a systems approach to risk management and the significance of risk governance.
Framework for Best Practices in Family Life Education: A Case Example

Evidence-based programming (EBP) in family life education is in high demand because it has a higher likelihood of achieving desired outcomes than non-evidence-based programming. Although EBP can promote program sustainability and fidelity, the implementation of EBP in real-world settings can be challenging. Practitioners sometimes struggle with identifying the best way to adapt EBP to fit their needs. In this article, the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is used to provide an in-depth case example of adapting and implementing EBP through the lens of Ballard and Taylor's (2012) Framework for Best Practices in Family Life Education. The authors outline framework elements that guided this adaptation, such as consideration of context and culture, program content and format, program design, and the role of the family life educator. Suggestions are provided for employing this framework to overcome barriers to implementation and ultimately increase program sustainability to improve the lives of families.
Clofarabine In Combination with Cyclophosphamide for Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Acute Leukemia In Adult Patients

Abstract Abstract 4367 Introduction: Clofarabine is a purine nucleoside analogue which is approved for pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A number of small phase I and II studies have shown activity in adult patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Promising activity of clofarabine in combination with cyclophosphamide and etoposide has been reported in the pediatric setting (Hijiya et al., Leukemia 2009; Locatelli et al., Br J Haematol 2009). This combination has limited data in adult patients. We present a series of five cases in which clofarabine was combined with cyclophosphamide in adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patient charts of five patients treated with clofarabine in combination with cyclophosphamide. Results: Three patients received clofarabine 30mg/m2 + cyclophosphamide 340mg/m2, both on Days 1–5. Two patients received clofarabine 40mg/m2 + cyclophosphamide 440mg/m2 + Etoposide 100mg/m2, each drug on Days 1–5. Median age was 21 (range: 17 – 54). Patients had received 2 to 4 prior induction regimens (median of 3). Three patients were AML, one ALL, and one biphenotypical acute leukemia. Two patients were primary refractory and the other three were relapsed disease. Two out of the five patients achieved a morphologic complete remission (CR), one patient had a morphologic complete remission with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi) and the other 2 patients had treatment failure per Cheson criteria. Three patients went on to receive allogeneic transplants after clofarabine salvage therapy. Two patients that received allogeneic transplant had achieved complete remission (CR) after clofarabine/cyclophosphamide. The third patient was transplanted with a hypocellular marrow 38 days after clofarabine therapy. This patient ultimately achieved CR that was documented post-transplant, making it difficult to determine if the clofarabine regimen or allogeneic transplant achieved the remission status. Event-free survival ranged from 5 to 265+ days (median: 82 days). Treatment was complicated by neutropenic fever (n=5), grade III-IV mucositis (n=4), prolonged aplasia >30 days (n=4). One patient died of sepsis before completing the regimen. Conclusion: Clofarabine in combination with a cyclophosphamide-containing regimen appears to have anti-leukemic potential in adult patients. This regimen might be used to achieve cytoreduction before considering allograft transplant with refractory disease, in selected patients. More studies with this combination in adults are warranted. Disclosures: Hamadani: Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Otsuka: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.
Estimating data from figures with a Web-based program: Considerations for a systematic review.

Background Systematic reviewers often encounter incomplete or missing data, and the information desired may be difficult to obtain from a study author. Thus, systematic reviewers may have to resort to estimating data from figures with little or no raw data in a study's corresponding text or tables. Methods We discuss a case study in which participants used a publically available Web-based program, called webplotdigitizer, to estimate data from 2 figures. We evaluated and used the intraclass coefficient and the accuracy of the estimates to the true data to inform considerations when using estimated data from figures in systematic reviews. Results The estimates for both figures were consistent, although the distribution of estimates in the figure of a continuous outcome was slightly higher. For the continuous outcome, the percent difference ranged from 0.23% to 30.35% while the percent difference of the event rate ranged from 0.22% to 8.92%. For both figures, the intraclass coefficient was excellent (>0.95). Conclusions Systematic reviewers should consider and be transparent when estimating data from figures when the information cannot be obtained from study authors and perform sensitivity analyses of pooled results to reduce bias.
Nerve stepping stone has minimal impact in aiding regeneration across long acellular nerve allografts

Introduction Acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) yield less consistent favorable outcomes compared with autografts for long gap reconstructions. We evaluated whether a hybrid ANA can improve 6-cm gap reconstruction. Methods Rat sciatic nerve was transected and repaired with either 6-cm hybrid or control ANAs. Hybrid ANAs were generated using a 1-cm cellular isograft between 2.5-cm ANAs, whereas control ANAs had no isograft. Outcomes were assessed by graft gene and marker expression (n = 4; at 4 weeks) and motor recovery and nerve histology (n = 10; at 20 weeks). Results Hybrid ANAs modified graft gene and marker expression and promoted modest axon regeneration across the 6-cm defect compared with control ANA (P < 0.05), but yielded no muscle recovery. Control ANAs had no appreciable axon regeneration across the 6-cm defect. Conclusion A hybrid ANA confers minimal motor recovery benefits for regeneration across long gaps. Clinically, the authors will continue to reconstruct long nerve gaps with autografts. Muscle Nerve, 2017
Noise slows the rate of Michaelis–Menten reactions

Microscopic randomness and the small volumes of living cells combine to generate random fluctuations in molecule concentrations called "noise". Here I investigate the effect of noise on biochemical reactions obeying Michaelis-Menten kinetics, concluding that substrate noise causes these reactions to slow. I derive a general expression for the time evolution of the joint probability density of chemical species in arbitrarily connected networks of non-linear chemical reactions in small volumes. This equation is a generalization of the chemical master equation (CME), a common tool for investigating stochastic chemical kinetics, extended to reaction networks occurring in small volumes, such as living cells. I apply this equation to a generalized Michaelis-Menten reaction in an open system, deriving the following general result: 〈p〉≤p¯ and 〈s〉≥s¯, where s¯ and p¯ denote the deterministic steady-state concentration of reactant and product species, respectively, and 〈s〉 and 〈p〉 denote the steady-state ensemble average over independent realizations of a stochastic reaction. Under biologically realistic conditions, namely when substrate is degraded or diluted by cell division, 〈p〉≤p¯. Consequently, noise slows the rate of in vivo Michaelis-Menten reactions. These predictions are validated by extensive stochastic simulations using Gillespie's exact stochastic simulation algorithm. I specify the conditions under which these effects occur and when they vanish, therefore reconciling discrepancies among previous theoretical investigations of stochastic biochemical reactions. Stochastic slowdown of reaction flux caused by molecular noise in living cells may have functional consequences, which the present theory may be used to quantify.
The Standard Model of Particle Physics

The standard model (SM) of particles physics (Burgess, Moore, The Standard Model, a Primer, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2013, [1], Griffiths, Introduction to Elementary Particles, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2008, [2], Glashow, Nucl Phys, 22:579–588 (1961), [3], Weinberg, Phys Rev Lett, 19:1264–1266 (1967), [4], Salam, Conf Proc, C680519:367–377 (1968), [5], Gunion et al. The Higgs Hunter’s Guide, Perseus Publishing, Cambridge, 1990, [6], Ramond, Journeys Beyond the Standard Model, Perseus Books, Cambridge, 1999, [7]) describes the elementary particles and their interactions at the most fundamental level.