cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation and Analysis of Adult Nutrition Status of Yunnan Province in 2002

Objective: To comprehend the adult nutrition status of Yunnan province . Methods: Adults nutrition status of Yunnan province was investigated and analy zed with 3 nutrition statistic indicators BMI, blood sugar and blood fat, as we ll as their diet, physiology and economy differences between city and countrysid e. Results: The terrible malnutrition problems were prevalent in Yunnan province . The adults living in city had very high incidence of overweight, fat and diabe tes of which rate was 24 2%, 2 8% and 1 0% respectively. On the other hand, a dul ts living in countryside had high incidence of malnutrition, and anemia of which rate was 14 6% and 10 9% respectively. Conclusion: Adults nutrition status bo th in city and in countryside of Yunnan province has to be greatly improved.[
Abstract IA19: Human melanoma neoantigens: Identification and vaccination

Cancer medicine is in the midst of a dramatic shift towards new therapeutics directed by alterations in the cancer genome. Melanoma genomes harbor somatic mutations that are caused by exposure to mutagens such as ultraviolet light. Tumor missense mutations (MM), translated into amino acid substitutions (AAS), may provide a form of non-self that elicits tumor specific T cell immunity. Indeed, T cell immunity directed against tumor encoded AAS has been reported in humans with cutaneous melanoma, thus implicating MM as a source of patient specific (private) neoantigens. However, a systematic evaluation of these putative neoantigens as validated targets is lacking and it is unknown whether the immune response directed against tumor encoded AAS can be augmented by vaccination. We show that vaccination against melanoma AAS-encoding peptides augments naturally occurring T cell immunity and reveals new HLA class I restricted private neoantigens in patients with advanced melanoma. Neoantigen specific T cells recognized naturally processed and presented antigen but failed to recognize wild type (non-mutated) antigen. The presentation of neoantigens by HLA-A*02:01 in human melanoma was confirmed by mass spectrometry. As determined by TCR beta CDR3 DNA sequencing, vaccination promotes a repertoire of neoantigen-specific T cells that is highly diverse in terms of both TCR beta usage and clonal composition. No evidence of autoimmunity was apparent after vaccination. Our results demonstrate that tumor MM can be targeted as neoantigens and vaccination directed at tumor AAS somatic mutations broadens the antigenic breadth and clonal diversity of anti-tumor immunity. Personalized cancer immunotherapies targeting private somatic tumor alterations may become feasible in the near future. Citation Format: Gerald P. Linette. Human melanoma neoantigens: Identification and vaccination. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Integrating Clinical Genomics and Cancer Therapy; Jun 13-16, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(1_Suppl):Abstract nr IA19.
The surgical management of vascular abnormalities associated with supravalvular aortic stenosis

Fourteen patients underwent operative repair of supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) in this hospital during the past 17 years. There were seven female and seven male subjects. The patients ranged in age from 5 to 23 years at the time of the operation. Only two of the patients were asymptomatic. Twelve described exercise intolerance. Four of these 12 also reported syncope or angina. In all patients, a loud systolic murmur was heard over the right second intercostal space. In one patient, a systolic ejection click and a murmur of aortic regurgitation were noted. In another, a murmur of aortic regurgitation was heard. In three patients, blood pressure was higher on the right arm than the left by at least 20 mm. Hg. Mild cardiac enlargement was noted on the thoracic roentgenogram of eight patients, but in only one of them was pulmonary vascularity increased. Electrocardiograms revealed left ventricular hypertrophy in each patient, with T wave inversion in the left precordial leads in seven patients. There were two anatomic forms of SVAS; hourglass (nine cases), and tubular (five cases). The pressure gradient across the supravalvular area ranged from 45 to 125 mm. Hg with a mean gradient of 85 mm. Hg. In 10 patients, abnormalities of the coronary arteries or aortic valve or both were noted at the time of operation. In four patients, aortic valve commissurotomy, dilatation of the coronary ostia, excision of hypertrophic intima, and/or saphenous vein bypass were performed, in addition to repair of SVAS. In those nine patients with associated stenotic lesion of the aortic arch and descending aorta, and of those six patients with peripheral pulmonary vascular stenosis, no surgical repair was attempted. There were four deaths, two early and two late. All deaths occurred in patients with tubular hypoplasia. The survivors are asymptomatic. We have made the following conclusions: (I) Repair of SVAS secondary to tubular hypoplasia is less successful than repair of stenosis secondary to the discrete, hourglass type deformity; (2) the correction of associated aortic stenosis or reflux or both should be deferred until the results of the SVAS repair have been determined: and (3) ostial obstruction of the coronary arteries should be corrected.
Drug use in pregnancy: obstetric perspectives.

With the increasing awareness of the prevalence of perinatal substance abuse, obstetricians are faced with confronting the problem in terms of detection, obstetric management, and substance abuse treatment.
Experimental Results Concerning the Affect of the Female Model in Television Commercials on Product and Brand Recall

This paper investigates the role of the female model in television commercials through a random factorial designed experiment. The paper is organized first to review the literature on attention and the research on sexual appeals in advertising; second, to suggest from the review several hypotheses for testing; and third, to detail the experimental research procedures. Last, the results are presented and implications suggested for advertising strategy.
Multiple recurrences of esophageal adenocarcinoma after esophagectomy

We present a patient with an unusual course of late and multiple recurrences of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) after esophagectomy. A 57-year-old man with longstanding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) underwent screening upper endoscopy in September 2004 and was found to have a 6 cm mass in a 7 cm segment of Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) showed a T2N0 mass and positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed no distant metastases. Biopsies showed a poorly differentiated EAC of the distal esophagus. He underwent total esophagectomy (post-operatively restaged T3N1M0) followed by adjuvant chemoradiation therapy completed in February 2005
Modeling and rapid simulation of the propagation and multiple branching of electrical discharges in gaseous atmospheres

The trajectories and branching of electrical discharges through gaseous atmospheres, such as lightning and coronal emissions from high-voltage electromachinery, are of interest in a variety of applications. Multiple branches can evolve in an initially poor atmospheric conductor when a strong electrical discharge builds up, then propagates through the atmosphere by dielectric breakdown. Multiple branches can be generated in gases because of the disordered character of the media at the microscale, with an overall influence occurring from the ambient electric fields. In this paper, we develop a sufficiently flexible computational model to describe discharge trajectory and branching. The framework allows analysts to rapidly simulate thousands of electrical discharge scenarios, in order to statistically explore the dependency of the overall system behavior on the relevant physical parameters.
Misdiagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients receiving no local-regional therapy prior to liver transplant: An analysis of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network explant pathology form.

Patients with T1 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not eligible for MELD exception for liver transplant (LT) in part due to a high rate of misdiagnosis (no HCC on explant). The likelihood of misdiagnosis for T2 HCC and factors associated with misdiagnosis are unknown. We analyzed the OPTN database including 5664 adults who underwent LT from 2012-2015 with MELD exception for T2 HCC, and searched for no evidence of HCC in the explant pathology file. We focused on those (n=324) receiving no local regional therapy (LRT) to evaluate the probability of no HCC found in explant. Median waiting time was short at 1.7 months and 35 (11%) had no HCC on explant. On multivariable logistic regression, factors associated with no HCC on explant were age <50 (OR 17.3, p<0.001), non-HCV (OR 5.4, p=0.001), and AFP <10 (OR 2.9, p=0.04). Tumor size and number were not different between groups. The proportion of misdiagnosis did not change significantly after implementation of LI-RADS for HCC diagnosis. Conclusion: The rate of misdiagnosis was 11% among T2 HCC patients who underwent LT without receiving LRT prior to LT and did not change significantly after implementation of LI-RADS. More efforts are needed to eliminate unnecessary LT for patients without HCC. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Functional Polyethylenes with Precisely Placed Thioethers and Sulfoniums through Thiol–Ene Polymerization

The precise functionalization of polyethylenes, often accomplished through acyclic diene metathesis polymerization (ADMET), is a significant area of research that has improved polyethylene properties and performance. Here, the synthesis of precisely functionalized polyethylenes was accomplished using the thiol–ene step-growth (TES) polymerization. The simplicity and versatility of this technique allowed for the synthesis of a variety of polymers and enabled the study of carbon spacer length between and repeat unit symmetry about the resulting backbone thioether moiety. In addition, the backbone thioethers of some samples were functionalized postpolymerization with methyl triflate to produce polyethylenes containing sulfonium cations. All polymers were then characterized for their thermal stability, crystallinity, and morphology using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray scattering. While the carbon spacer length and repeat unit symmetry had no effect on polymer thermal stability, the incorpor...
Numerical Simulation of Wind Effects

Modern structural systems are becoming increasingly complex and numerical simulation of the potential loads with which they will be affected is critical for analysis, design, and optimization of safe and reliable structures. Monte Carlo analysis approaches are often used, which involve the input of loads into a structural model and the output of responses. Besides being necessary for numerical analysis, digitally simulated data is also necessary to drive computer controlled test facilities. Both approaches necessitate an ensemble of input signals that accurately represents what the structure may expect to experience during its lifetime. Therefore, simulation of time histories of wind velocity, pressure, and force fluctuations are necessary, in addition to simulation of structural response, which allows assessment of attendant functionality and safety under service and design loads, respectively. Random processes simulated for analysis purposes are often assumed to be Gaussian and stationary for simplicity. Many wind events, however, are characterized by non-stationarity and non-Gaussianity. Therefore, simulation methodologies are necessary for univariate and multivariate processes, uni-dimensional and multi-dimensional fields, Gaussian and non-Gaussian data, stationary and non-stationary processes, and conditional and unconditional cases. In order to accomplish this task, methods based on the time, frequency, and time-frequency domains are employed. This paper summarizes a historical perspective, recent developments, and future challenges for simulation. Also included in the discussion are computational tools employed for data and response analysis. Examples are presented to illustrate some of the topics discussed.
Conformational Analysis of Monosaccharides

Molecules are dynamic assemblies of atoms chemically linked by single or multiple bonds. Hence, all atoms as well as groups of atoms are in perpetual motion, vibrating and rotating about chemical bonds. The deformation of chemical bonds due to vibration (stretching, wagging, etc.) of atoms is quantized and it is not the subject of conformational analysis. However, the rotation of atoms about the single bonds is the subject of conformational analysis.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Is Associated with Lower 30-Day Morbidity Versus Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: an Analysis of the American College of Surgeons NSQIP.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has rapidly gained popularity as a single-stage operation for the treatment of morbid obesity, as patients undergoing LSG have been shown to achieve similar weight loss and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities in comparison to those undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), the “gold standard” bariatric operation. Although LSG poses fewer technical challenges than RYGB, little is known about differences in short-term outcomes among patients undergoing LSG and RYGB. We hypothesized that LSG is associated with lower 30-day risk-adjusted serious morbidity. Preoperative characteristics and 30-day outcomes from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACSNSQIP) Participant Use Files (PUF) 2010–2014 were selected for all patients who underwent LSG or RYGB. Descriptive comparisons were performed using chi-square and Wilcoxon’s rank-sum tests as appropriate. The primary outcome was a risk-adjusted composite measure of 30-day serious morbidity and mortality. We analyzed records for 47,982 (42.0%) and 66,380 (58.0%) patients undergoing LSG and RYGB, respectively. On univariate analysis, LSG patients had a lower rate of organ space infection (0.45% vs. 0.68%, p < 0.001), lower rate of bleeding requiring transfusions (1.00% vs. 1.60%, p < 0.001), lower rate of sepsis (0.34% vs. 0.49%, p < 0.001), and septic shock (0.12% vs. 0.22%, p < 0.001) and required fewer unplanned reoperations (1.34% vs. 2.56%, p < 0.001) than RYGB patients. Both groups had similar rates of deep venous thrombosis (0.33% vs. 0.28%, p = 0.15) and pulmonary embolism (0.17% vs. 0.21%, p = 0.15). Mortality was lower among LSG patients (0.09% vs. 0.14%, p = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, RYGB was associated with higher risk-adjusted 30-day serious morbidity than LSG (odds ratio 1.61; 95% CI 1.52–1.71, p < 0.001). Older age, female gender, higher BMI, and insulin-dependent diabetes were also associated with risk of serious morbidity (C-statistic = 0.60). Serious morbidity following bariatric surgery is uncommon; however, LSG may be associated with modest protection from adverse 30-day outcomes in comparison to RYGB. Our conclusion is limited by the difference in baseline risk factors of the populations studied.
Optofluidic detection of Zika nucleic acid and protein biomarkers using multimode interference multiplexing

The recent massive Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak illustrates the need for rapid and specific diagnostic techniques. Detecting ZIKV in biological samples poses unique problems: antibody detection of ZIKV is insufficient due to cross-reactivity of Zika antibodies with other flaviviruses, and nucleic acid and protein biomarkers for ZIKV are detectable at different stages of infection. Here, we describe a new optofluidic approach for the parallel detection of different molecular biomarkers using multimode interference (MMI) waveguides. We report differentiated, multiplex detection of both ZIKV biomarker types using multi-spot excitation at two visible wavelengths with over 98% fidelity by combining several analysis techniques.
LUND-MACKAY STAGING COMPARED WITH A SINO-NASAL QUALITY OF LIFE TOOL (SNOT)

Background Computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating disease of the paranasal sinuses.1 The Lund-Mackay staging system measures stages of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT) covers a range of health-related quality of life problems associated with sinus disease, including physical problems, functional limitations, and emotional consequences.2 Both tools were found to be reliable and valid.2,3 Objective The objective of this study was to determine a relationship between quantitative measures (Lund-Mackay) and a qualitative tool (SNOT). Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval was granted, and 300 patients who had previously undergone CBCT imaging studies were invited to participate. Lund-Mackay scoring was assessed for completely clear, partly opaque, or completely opaque sinuses visualized on CBCT examinations. The SNOT consists of 20 questions pertaining to rhinologic symptoms and psychological function. All patients signed an informed consent form before taking the survey. Using ordinal scales from 0 to 5, patient symptoms were scored for both rhinologic and psychological function: no problem = 0; very mild problem = 1; mild or slight problem = 2; moderate problem = 3; severe problem = 4; and, finally, problem as bad as can be = 5. Higher scores represent worse symptoms and poorer quality of life. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and seasons categories were also collected.4 Results Seven (63.6%) males and 4 (36.82%) females participated in the survey. Mean age of the patients was 55.82 ± 17.9. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the median result for the survey questions. Patients’ response for “Wake up at night?” was significant (P = .012). Spearman rho correlation showed age as being highly correlated to sinusitis (r = 0.894; P = .0001). Discussion Because both the Lund-McKay system and the SNOT have been demonstrated to be effective for assessment of sinus disease, the Lund-McKay staging system may be appropriate for quantitative assessment where imaging is otherwise required. The SNOT can be used for correlation of patients’ qualitative experiences.
Hybrid Data Mining to Reduce False Positive and False Negative Prediction in Intrusion Detection System

This paper proposes an approach of data mining machine learning methods for reducing the false positive and false negative predictions in existing Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). It describes our proposal for building a confidential strong intelligent intrusion detection system which can save data and networks from potential attacks, having recognized movement or infringement regularly reported ahead or gathered midway. We have addressed different data mining methodologies and presented some recommended approaches which can be built together to enhance security of the system. The approach will reduce the overhead of administrators, who can be less concerned about the alerts as they have been already classified and filtered with less false positive and false negative alerts. Here we have made use of KDD-99 IDS dataset for details analysis of the procedures and algorithms which can be implemented.
Sustained blood pressure control and coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and mortality: An observational analysis of ALLHAT

Achieving blood pressure (BP) control is associated with lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but less is known about CVD risk associated with sustained BP control over time. This observational analysis of the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) was restricted to participants with four to seven visits with systolic BP (SBP) measurements during a 22-month period (n = 24 309). The authors categorized participants as having sustained BP control (SBP < 140 mm Hg) at 100%, 75% to <100%, 50% to <75%, and <50% of visits during this period. Outcomes included fatal coronary heart disease (CHD)/nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, heart failure (HF), a composite CVD outcome (fatal CHD/nonfatal MI, stroke, or HF), and mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) for the association of category of sustained BP control for each outcome were obtained using proportional hazards models. SBP control was present among 20.0% of participants at 100%, 16.4% at 75% to less than 100%, 27.0% at 50% to less than 75%, and 36.6% at less than 50% of visits. Compared to those with SBP control at 100% visits, adjusted HR (95% CI) among those with SBP control at <50% of visits was 1.16 (0.93-1.44) for fatal CHD/nonfatal MI, 1.71 (1.26-2.32) for stroke, 1.63 (1.30-2.06) for HF, 1.39 (1.20-1.62) for the composite CVD outcome, and 1.14 (0.99-1.30) for mortality. Sustained SBP control may be beneficial for preventing stroke, HF, and CVD outcomes in adults taking antihypertensive medication.
Overall survival and treatment response in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia treated with DNA methyl-transferase inhibitors vs. conventional care regimens: A meta-analysis of 5 randomized trials.

7037 Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are two of the most common myeloid neoplastic disorders that are characterized by genetic instability and ineffectiv...
Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density of Division 1 Collegiate Track and Field Athletes, a Consortium of College Athlete Research (C-CAR) Study

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to generate normative values for total and regional body composition in male and female Division 1 collegiate track and field athletes using dual X-ray absorptiometry. We also sought to examine body composition by event and sex. Data were used from the Consortium of College Athlete Research group. A total of 590 (male [M]/female [F] = 274/316) athletes had their height, weight, total and regional fat mass (FM), lean mass, and bone mineral density (BMD) measured. Athletes were classified into 1 of 7 categories: Jumps (M/F = 28/30); Long Distance (M/F = 104/110), Middle Distance (M/F = 27/24), Multievent (M/F = 11/9), Pole Vault (M/F = 21/27), Sprints (M/F = 54/96), and Throws (M/F = 29/20). Total and regional differences between events and sex were assessed by analysis of variance. Except for male and female throwers, all other track and field athletes’ mean percent body fat (M: 10.3%–12.6%, F: 17.5%–21.6%) and visceral FM (
No Textbooks Allowed! (Unless You’re a Graduate Student!): Louisiana State University Pilots an ILL Textbook Service

Alongside increasing tuition and fees, textbook costs remain an expensive hurdle for students seeking a college education; however, university libraries are implementing strategies to ease this fin...
Another Note on Rossby Wave Energy Flux

AbstractLonguet-Higgins in 1964 first pointed out that the Rossby wave energy flux as defined by the pressure work is not the same as that defined by the group velocity. The two definitions provide...
Framework of Best Practice for Climate Change Adaptation in Africa: The Water–Development Nexus

In this chapter, a framework for best practice for climate change adaption in Africa is presented, predominantly from the water and natural resources perspective to systematically chart out ways for adaptive capacity building. Africa’s vulnerability to climate change and variability has direct impacts on water availability, access and use. Water is the source of food and livelihood security for millions of its population. The future of food and livelihood security is likely to be challenged due to global environmental changes, particularly global climatic changes, and emerging evidence has gradually demonstrated this fact. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has projected that global and regional surface temperature and precipitation are likely to change with mixed degrees of severity due to increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and other anthropogenic gas emissions. There is high level of consensus on the likely effect of this on all aspects of the hydrological cycle, which in turn may alter the balance between water availability, food demand and supply in time and space in many parts of the world. Climate variability is also projected to increase, leading to uncertainty in the onset of rainy seasons and more frequent extreme weather events, such as more severe droughts and floods. Africa is particularly vulnerable to these environmental changes due to a predominance of rainfed agriculture, limited resource base and weak structural setups to monitor and mitigate climate changes. In the quest for future water and food security, greater attention must now be paid to adaptations to climatic change with a livelihood-centered approach of integrated natural resources and water management, which calls for increased diversification, improved land use and natural resource management interventions, increased use of renewable energy resources, improved risk management through early warning systems and crop insurance, and wastewater reuse for agriculture, among others.
Clinical Correlates of Smoking Status in Men and Women with Opioid Use Disorder.

Background: Smoking is highly prevalent in people with opioid use disorder (OUD) and is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in this population. However, little is known about the d...
Adjuvant chemotherapy with or without an anthracycline in older adults with node-negative triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): A SEER Medicare study.

e12505Background: TNBC is an aggressive breast cancer subtype comprising approximately 15% of breast cancers. Adjuvant chemotherapy reduces the risk of recurrence, particularly in patients with tum...
Use of a novel videotaped presentation to improve pharmacy student confidence in presenting evidence-based medicine.

Abstract Introduction We assessed the use of a novel videotaped presentation on pharmacy student confidence in presenting an evidence-based recommendation to theoretical healthcare professionals from various disciplines. Methods Students in a required drug literature evaluation course prepared a three-min videotaped presentation critiquing an assigned journal article with the goal of providing a patient care recommendation to a fictional physician. To determine change in confidence, students completed a pre−/post-survey on a 5-point scale. Survey questions explored confidence in presenting and discussing article evidence with both peers and licensed healthcare providers as well as making verbal recommendations for medication use. The survey also included open-ended questions to assess perceptions of the assignment and suggestions for assignment improvement. Results Over two years, 208 students completed both surveys (75.9%). Student confidence significantly increased for all items from the pre- to the post-survey. Items with the largest increase in confidence were presenting medical literature to peers, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals (range 0.72 to 0.89 mean increase for these items). Students reported increased preparedness in presenting, improved conciseness in presenting, and increased self-awareness as a result of the assignment. The majority of students had no suggestions for assignment improvements. Conclusions Use of a videotaped assignment is a novel, low-resource option for assessing student skills. This video presentation activity allowed students to gain additional communication practice without additional administrative resources. The activity resulted in increased pharmacy student confidence in discussing medical literature and making evidence-based recommendations for medication use.
Assessment of Several Interpreted Pile Capacity Criteria for Large-Diameter Open-Ended Piles

The interpretation of field load tests on piles has many important practical considerations especially with respect to identifying the capacity of a pile. A number of interpretation criteria have been used in the past. With the increase in the use of large-diameter open-ended piles (LDOEPs) for support of infrastructure projects, it is important to ascertain that the interpretation criteria are suitable for LDOEPs. Fourteen of the most commonly used interpretation criteria were chosen for investigation in an effort to determine the best criterion to be used for LDOEPs. These methods were evaluated using a database of 68 load tests conducted on LDOEPs. The applicability of these criteria and their correlation with each other was examined. The effects of the pile diameter, pile length, and the soil type on the performance of each criterion were investigated, as well as the capacities corresponding to several serviceability limit states. It was concluded that none of these methods was superior to the others, and their performance was somewhat correlated. The original Davisson offset method and the New York City Building Code (NYCBC) criteria performed best in comparison to the average of all methods exhibiting the highest accuracy and the lowest of the standard deviations for the load tests considered. A variation of the NYCBC criterion is proposed for LDOEPs, where the capacity is taken at the smallest of (1) a settlement corresponding to the elastic compression plus 0.75 in. (20 mm); (2) the capacity at plunging or strain-softening; or (3) settlement corresponding to 5 % of the pile diameter, unless the settlement threshold is modified by the structural engineer of record. The proposed criterion is not influenced by diameter, length, or soil type. Additionally, the proposed criterion is well correlated with several well-known published criteria and introduces safeguards against capacities corresponding to excessive settlement in slender piles.
ZCCHC8 IS REQUIRED FOR THE DEGRADATION OF PERVASIVE TRANSCRIPTS ORIGINATING FROM MULTIPLE GENOMIC REGULATORY REGIONS

The vast majority of mammalian genomes are transcribed as non-coding RNA in what is referred to as "pervasive transcription." Recent studies have uncovered various families of non-coding RNA transcribed upstream of transcription start sites. In particular, highly unstable promoter upstream transcripts known as PROMPTs have been shown to be targeted for exosomal degradation by the nuclear exosome targeting complex (NEXT) consisting of the RNA helicase MTR4, the zinc-knuckle scaffold ZCCHC8, and the RNA binding protein RBM7. Here, we report that in addition to its known RNA substrates, ZCCHC8 is required for the targeted degradation of pervasive transcripts produced at CTCF binding sites, open chromatin regions, promoters, promoter flanking regions, and transcription factor binding sites. Additionally, we report that a significant number of RIKEN cDNAs and predicted genes display the hallmarks of PROMPTs and are also substrates for ZCCHC8 and/or NEXT complex regulation suggesting these are unlikely to be functional genes. Our results suggest that ZCCHC8 and/or the NEXT complex may play a larger role in the global regulation of pervasive transcription than previously reported.
Mechanism of glucocorticoid action in immunology—Basic concepts

Abstract Glucocorticoids regulate several fundamental processes necessary for fetal development and life after birth, critically linking overall physiology through the endocrine, nervous, metabolic, cardiovascular, immune, and reproductive systems. Moreover, the therapeutic use of glucocorticoids has been the gold standard for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases over the last 70 years. Glucocorticoids predominantly exert their effects through binding the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a ligand-activated member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors. Although it is expressed in nearly all cells, GR exhibits profound context specificity in function, governed by various mechanisms that regulate glucocorticoid bioavailability and receptor actions, including levels of hormone binding proteins, the relative expression of receptor isoforms, posttranslational modifications to GR, context-specific DNA binding, the association of co-factors, and the presence of epigenetic modifications. In vitro and in vivo models have provided insight as to the mechanisms by which receptor precision and plasticity allows for a wide variety of glucocorticoid-mediated effects in the immune system. The unveiling of these mechanisms is important for understanding the direct actions of glucocorticoids on immune cell types, as well as the mechanisms by which glucocorticoid signaling within organs regulates tissue-specific immune responses.
Resting-state functional MRI language network connectivity differences in patients with brain tumors: exploration of the cerebellum and contralesional hemisphere

Brain tumors can have far-reaching impacts on functional networks. Language processing is typically lateralized to the left hemisphere, but also involves the right hemisphere and cerebellum. This resting-state functional MRI study investigated the proximal and distal effects of left-hemispheric brain tumors on language network connectivity in the ipsilesional and contralesional hemispheres. Separate language resting-state networks were generated from seeding in ipsilesional (left) and contralesional (right) Broca’s Area for 29 patients with left-hemispheric brain tumors and 13 controls. Inclusion criteria for all subjects included language left-dominance based on task-based functional MRI. Functional connectivity was analyzed in each network to the respective Wernicke’s Area and contralateral cerebellum. Patients were assessed for language deficits prior to scanning. Compared to controls, patients exhibited decreased connectivity in the ipsilesional and contralesional hemispheres between the Broca’s Area and Wernicke’s Area homologs (mean connectivity for patients/controls: left 0.51/0.59, p 0.09). Crossed cerebro-cerebellar connectivity was correlated in controls (rho = 0.59, p 0.l). These findings demonstrate that brain tumors impact the language network in the contralesional hemisphere and cerebellum, which may reflect neurological deficits and lesion-induced cortical reorganization.
Abnormal Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Otitis Media

Otitis media (OM) is an inflammatory condition where a basis suppression of T cells is noted. Important defense mechanisms for OM include the innate and adaptive immune systems. This chapter reviews the basic components of each of these systems, specific to the middle ear cavity. The role of mucins and other specific immunological mediators is also discussed.
The Hunter Experience

Summary Rotation in field education is a new phenomena with potential for increasing student's knowledge of increasingly complex social work practice environments. With support from The John A. Hartford Foundation, the Hunter College School of Social Work/Brookdale Center on Aging Geriatric Field Practicum Partnership Program developed and implemented a field rotation model. The goal of Hunter's rotation model is to maximize student exposure to the continuum of care in geriatric social work services. This paper describes the process of developing a field rotation model, and presents early results on exposure to the continuum of care and the impact of rotation on students and field instructors. Pre-liminary results suggest that students and field instructors responded positively to field rotation. With improved skill at administering rotations in field education, field instructors and social work educators may be more responsive to its greater utilization.
Electroretinographic Responses of the Rabbit After X-Irradiation

The inhibitory effects of 250 KVP x-radiation on the electroretinographic response (ERG) of the rabbit were investigated. Rabbits were exposed (head only) to either a single dose ranging from 3,000 rad to 8,000 rad or to a fractionated dose, two doses of 3,000 rod each with an interval of 5 days. ERG responses of the dark adapted eyes of the rabbit were determined prior to exposure and at various intervals from 30 minutes to 1 week (2 to 8 weeks in a few cases) after irradiation. At 30 minutes after a dose of 5,700 rad or more, the b-tvave was extinct and the a-wave nearly so. Both the a- and b-waves were extinct at 1 hour after 6,000 rad. No recovery was evident from the ERG responses obtained during the first 3 weeks after 6,000 rad. At 30 minutes after a dose in the range from 3,000 to 5,500 rad, the amplitudes of the a- and b-waves were inversely related to dose. In this dose range, various recovery patterns were indicated. After a single dose of 3,000 rad, no significant changes in the ERG response were found at 30 minutes, the amplitudes of the a- and bwaves were about 60 per cent of the control mean at 1 day, and the amplitudes were in the normal range by the third week indicating a complete recovery. When a dose of 6,000 rad was fractionated, the amplitudes of the a- and b-waves were 10 to 15 per cent of the control mean at 30 minutes after the second dose of 3,000 rad. The amplitudes had increased to 32 to 36 per cent at 7 days after irradiation indicating some recovery. .his paper is a report of the techniques used and the results obtained to determine (a) the effects of large doses of 250 KVP x-radiation on the electroretinographic responses (ERG) of the rabbit eye and (b) the recovery patterns of the ERG response during the first weeks after irradiation. This is the first of a series of papers dealing with the inhibitory effects of ionizing radiations on the photoreceptor system as revealed by the ERG and other tests of visual function. The results of the animal
Japanese flexible manufacturing systems : Impact on the United States

Abstract A new technology, computer integrated manufacturing, has the potential to radically transform metal forming and metal cutting industries. In this paper, the evolution of this technology in the machine tool industry is studies in both the United States and Japan. We find that the boundaries of the machine tool industry have expanded to include a wide variety of firms in different industries. The competitive implications of the technological trends and changes in the industrial structure of the machine tool industry are discussed. Finally, we offer some policy guidelines to meet the new challenge.
Complementation of apolipoprotein B mRNA editing by human liver accompanied by secretion of apolipoprotein B48

Mammalian small intestine secretes a truncated apolipoprotein B (apoB48) species as a result of tissue-specific post-transcriptional RNA editing. The human liver, by contrast, contains only unedited apoB mRNA and secretes only apoB100. We have recently isolated a cDNA clone from rat small intestine which encodes an apoB mRNA editing protein, REPR (Teng, B., Burant, C.F., and Davidson, N.O. (1993) Science 260, 1816-1819). The current study demonstrates that homogenates of Xenopus oocytes expressing REPR confer editing ability upon S100 extracts prepared from human liver when tested on a synthetic apoB RNA template in vitro. Transfection of REPR into HepG2 cells resulted in editing of endogenous apoB mRNA and the appearance of an apoB48-like protein in the media. Extracts prepared from these transfected cells edit mammalian apoB RNA templates when incubated alone and with enhanced efficiency in the presence of chicken intestinal S100 extracts. The results suggest that human liver expresses factor(s) which are critical to apoB mRNA editing and which allow functional complementation of REPR in vivo.
Coupling simulations for passively aligned optical interconnect arrays

A simulator for the modeling of optical coupling in optoelectronic interconnect arrays is presented. Multi-mode and single-mode coupling processes for pairs of optical elements including light sources, fiber waveguides, lenses, and detectors. Simulated results have been correlated with measured data. The accuracy of the modeling has been assessed. Several examples of optical coupling in passively aligned non-ideal interconnect arrays are presented. >
Search of Slow Magnetic Monopoles with the Macro Scintillation Detector

MACRO - designed primarily to detect GUT Magnetic Monopoles (MM) - was a large area detector with overall dimensions 77 × 12 × 9.9m3 offering an acceptance of ~ 10000m2sr} to an isotropic flux. It employed three systems: liquid scintillation counters, streamer tubes and nuclear track detectors. The analysis presented here utilizes the scintillation counters and refers to the detection of bare GUT MM of unit Dirac magnetic charge and of 10-4 <β <4× 10-3.
Earnings Smoothing, Analyst Following, and Firm Value

This paper examines whether earnings smoothing based on accounting discretion is positively associated with value when less information is otherwise available. We estimate a smoothing index which measures the decrease in earnings per share volatility related to the use of discretionary accruals, and proxy for a firm’s information environment using the number of analysts following the firm. In unconditional tests, we find a modest though statistically significant premium for firms that smooth earnings. However, consistent with our hypothesis, we find that this premium is concentrated among firms with low or no analyst following. On average, we find no relation between firm value and earnings smoothing for firms with a high analyst following. These findings are consistent with findings that earnings smoothing increases the informativeness of earnings.
Hyperbolastic growth models: theory and application

Background Mathematical models describing growth kinetics are very important for predicting many biological phenomena such as tumor volume, speed of disease progression, and determination of an optimal radiation and/or chemotherapy schedule. Growth models such as logistic, Gompertz, Richards, and Weibull have been extensively studied and applied to a wide range of medical and biological studies. We introduce a class of three and four parameter models called "hyperbolastic models" for accurately predicting and analyzing self-limited growth behavior that occurs e.g. in tumors. To illustrate the application and utility of these models and to gain a more complete understanding of them, we apply them to two sets of data considered in previously published literature.
Multimedia interfaces for alternative assessment methods that improve engineering education

The full potential for assessment to contribute to the educational process of engineering students is typically unrealized. The main difficulty (apart from the natural inertia and reluctance to change of large institutions) is the infeasibility of implementing more effective alternatives in the resource-limited settings typical of modern educational environments. We present a system architecture that exploits multimedia technology to overcome serious limitations of traditional assessment methods. Our work concerns the design of cost-effective confidence-measuring and performance-testing assessment vehicles using multimedia-based student-system interaction. We demonstrate feasibility of the conceptual foundation through embodiment in a set of prototypes. >
Development of an Analytical System Based Around a Miniature Fast Analyzer

A modified version of a previously described miniature Fast Analyzer [ Clin. Chem. 18, 753 (1972)] was used as the basis for developing a compact, potentially portable, analytical system. This system includes an automated and versatile sample-reagent loader, a miniature Fast Analyzer, several plastic rotors and their cleaning station, and a portable data system. The sample-reagent loader combines a unique turntable assembly and two "Micromedic" pipets to quickly (5 min per rotor), accurately, and precisely obtain, transfer, and dispense small volumes of sample (1 to 10 µl of sample, 50 µl of diluent) and reagent (20 µl of reagent, 50 µl of diluent) into their respective cavities in a 17-cuvet rotor. The loader uses separate sample and reagent carousels, which allows operation of the system in either the single-sample—multiple-chemistry, multiple-sample— single-chemistry, or multiple-sample—multiple-chemistry analytical modes. The miniature Fast Analyzer rotates a loaded 17-cuvet rotor through a stationary optical system at speeds up to 5000 rpm. The resulting centrifugal force is used to mix and to transfer the discrete aliquots of sample(s) and reagent(s) into their respective cuvets. The ensuing reactions are monitored photometrically, and the data are processed in real time by either a portable Data Processor [ Clin Chem. 18, 762 (1972)] or an on-line computer. A major improvement to the analyzer has been the addition of a temperature-control system that allows the temperature of the spinning rotor to be monitored and controlled to within ±0.2°C. After completion of an analytical run, the rotor is automatically washed and dried in the rotor cleaning station. Many of the standard clinical analyses, including most of the NADH-linked enzymatic analyses, have been adapted for use with this system.
Pediatric Obsessive‐Compulsive Disorder: An Update for Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may have an onset in childhood or adolescence resulting in significant functional impairment and disability into adulthood. There are frequently developmental differences in the content of the obsessions and compulsions in youth compared to adults. Lack of insight or shame may result in failure of the youth to seek treatment. This delay in treatment may lead to the development of other psychiatric comorbidities, including suicide. Evidence-based treatments for OCD include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure/response prevention, and in moderate to severe cases, use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is indicated. Advanced practice psychiatric nurses are in a unique position to provide psychoeducation, psychotherapy, and medications, if indicated, to youth with this condition to improve functioning and reduce morbidity and mortality. This article will provide an overview of the diagnostic criteria for OCD, etiologies, assessment strategies, differential diagnoses, common comorbidities, and evidence-based treatment options.
A COMPARISON OF GROUND-BASED AND TREE-BASED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE PIPE REFUGIA FOR CAPTURING PSEUDACRIS REGILLA IN NORTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA

Abstract Creating artificial refugia through the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes to capture hylid treefrogs has been examined in the Eastern United States and Caribbean, but has not been evaluated in the Pacific Northwest. We compared the effectiveness of ground-based and tree-based PVC pipes for capturing the Pacific Treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) in northwestern California. We recorded a total of 464 P. regilla captures. Probability of use increased asymptotically over our 28-d sampling period and was higher (6–20%) for tree-based than ground-based pipe refugia. Tree-based pipe refugia caught 81% more P. regilla than ground-based pipe refugia but latency to first detection did not vary significantly. Probability of use was higher for pipe refugia that had been used in a previous study than for new pipes, but age did not influence capture rate or latency to detection. Our results support the hypothesis that tree-based pipe refugia are more effective than ground-based pipes for capturing P. regilla, ...
Transient enlargement of an intracranial aneurysm during pregnancy: case report.

BACKGROUND The association of intracranial aneurysm and pregnancy is uncommon. Hemodynamic stress plays an important role in the growth of aneurysms. METHODS The authors report the case of an enlarging cavernous carotid aneurysm in a pregnant 15-year-old young woman. RESULTS The aneurysm was initially diagnosed prior to the patient's pregnancy by both cross-sectional imaging and cerebral angiography. Further imaging evaluation was required during pregnancy, which demonstrated significant enlargement of the aneurysm. Following delivery, the lesion decreased in size. CONCLUSIONS We review potential factors associated with pregnancy that may increase hemodynamic stress and influence aneurysm growth. Additionally, the management of pregnancy-related intracranial aneurysms is discussed.