cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differences in quality of life outcomes among depressed spinal cord injury trial participants.

Abstract Objective To assess the role that treatment response plays in a randomized controlled trial of an antidepressant among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) in explaining quality of life (QOL), assessed both globally as life satisfaction and in terms of physical and mental health-related QOL. Design Multivariable analyses were conducted, controlling for demographic, neurologic, and participatory factors and perceived functional limitations. Setting Rehabilitation centers. Participants Of the 133 persons who were randomized into the Project to Improve Symptoms and Mood after Spinal Cord Injury randomized controlled trial, 124 participated in this study. All participants were between the ages of 18 and 64 years, at least 1 month post-SCI, met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition , criteria for MDD, and completed the core measures used in this study. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The Satisfaction with Life Scale and the physical and mental component summary scores of the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Results Reduction in depressive symptoms over the course of a 12-week trial was predictive of increased QOL, which was measured as life satisfaction and mental well-being, within the context of other explanatory factors. However, reduction in symptoms did not explain differences in physical well-being among those with MDD. Perceived functional disability explained all 3 indices of QOL. Conclusions Greater recognition has been given to QOL outcomes as endpoints of clinical trials because these often reflect participants' reported outcomes. Our findings support the association of QOL to the reduction of depression symptoms among trial participants. This association differs depending on how QOL is defined and measured, with stronger relations observed with life satisfaction and mental well-being among those diagnosed with MDD. The lack of association between depression and physical well-being may be explained by participants' subjective interpretation of physical well-being after SCI and their expectations and perceptions of improved physical health-related QOL based on the use of assistive technology. Consistent with our findings, pain is likely to play a role in decreasing physical QOL among those with incomplete injuries. Practicing caution is suggested in using physical well-being as an endpoint in trials among people with SCI.
Oleum and Chlorosulfonic acid spill tests—preliminary field data for model validation

Oleums are mixtures of sulfur trioxide in sulfuric acid and are produced in several strengths. Chlorosulfonic acid (CSA) is formed by reacting sulfur trioxide with hydrochloric acid (HCl). These chemicals are used as sulfating and sulfonating agents in many applications. When accidentally released from vessels or pipes, they react instantaneously with water available from all sources like atmosphere, concrete, soil, and so forth, to form a fine acid mist that disperses downwind, based on atmospheric conditions. Unlike most other chemicals, the vaporization of sulfur trioxide from oleum spills depends not just on its partial pressure, but a variety of conditions. Complex chemical reaction and heat generation that occur in the liquid phase determine the amount of sulfur trioxide released above a pool of liquid. The sulfur trioxide or CSA vapors then react instantaneously with the moisture in the atmosphere generating sulfuric acid and/or HCl and heat. Water and/or foam are used effectively in mitigating oleum and CSA spills. However, very limited laboratory or field data are currently available that describe the complex behavior of these chemicals. Several theoretical models have been developed to predict the vaporization and dispersion of the chemical upon loss of containment. These models and methods have not been validated. In this article, details are provided on field tests conducted in Nevada in 2003 and 2006 for spills of 65% oleum and CSA. A description of the spill mitigation, field measurement methods, and some preliminary results are included. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2008
Localization of spectrin isoforms in the adult mouse heart.

The distribution of two isoforms of spectrin in the adult mouse heart was investigated by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry by use of monospecific antibodies to erythrocyte spectrin and nonerythroid brain spectrin (240/235). Western blotting revealed proteins analogous to both isoforms of α-spectrin in adult heart. Light-microscopic immunocytochemistry indicated that erythroid spectrin was distributed throughout the myocardium, with immunofluorescence localized to plasma membranes, Z-lines, and intercalated discs. Antibodies to brain spectrin (240/235) exhibited staining throughout the heart, with a generally diffuse distribution except for the prominent immunoreactivity associated with the intercalated discs. Nonerythroid spectrin immunofluorescence was detected in the endothelial cells of the endocardium and the mesothelial cell lining of the epicardium. Erythrocyte spectrin was not detected in the endocardium or the epicardium. The identification and localization of spectrin isoforms in the mammalian heart suggest the importance of spectrin proteins in the structural integrity and proper function of cardiac cells and tissues. This is the first demonstration of two different α-spectrin subunits in the mammalian heart.
Validity of the family history method for diagnosing schizophrenia, schizophrenia-related psychoses, and schizophrenia-spectrum personality disorders in first-degree relatives of schizophrenia probands

This study examined the validity of the family history method for diagnosing schizophrenia, schizophrenia-related psychoses, and schizophrenia-spectrum personality disorders in first-degree relatives of schizophrenia probands. This is the first large-scale study that examined the validity of the family history method for diagnosing DSM-III-R personality disorders. The best estimate DSM-III-R diagnoses of 264 first-degree relatives of 117 adult-onset schizophrenia probands based on direct structured diagnostic interviews, family history interview, and medical records were compared to Family History Research Diagnostic Criteria (FH-RDC) diagnoses based on the NIMH Relative Psychiatric History Interview and to family history Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R: Personality Disorders (SCID-II) diagnoses based on the SCID-II adapted to a third person format. Diagnoses of relatives were made blind to proband diagnostic status. The median sensitivity for schizophrenia and the related psychoses was 29% (range 0-50%), the median specificity 99% (range 98-100%), and the median positive predictive value (PPV) 67% (range 20-80%). The median sensitivity for the personality diagnoses was 25% (range 14-71%), the median specificity 100% (range 99-100%), and the median PPV 100% (range 67-100%). The family history method has low sensitivity but has excellent specificity and PPV for schizophrenia, schizophrenia-related psychoses, and schizophrenia-spectrum personality disorders. The kappa coefficient for the family history method was moderately good for the psychoses (0.598) and for paranoid and schizotypal personality disorder (0.576). Using the family history method, the validity of making schizophrenia-related personality disorder diagnoses was comparable to that of making psychotic disorder diagnoses.
Multiplicative Markov Decision Chains

Previous treatments of multiplicative Markov decision chains eg., Bellman [Bellman, R. 1957. Dynamic Programming. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey.], Mandl [Mandl, P. 1967. An iterative method for maximizing the characteristic root of positive matrices. Rev. Roumaine Math. Pures Appl.XII 1317--1322.], and Howard and Matheson [Howard, R. A., Matheson, J. E. 1972. Risk-sensitive Markov decision processes. Management Sci.8 356--369.] restricted attention to stationary policies and assumed that all transition matrices are irreducible and aperiodic. They also used a “first term” optimality criterion, namely maximizing the spectral radius of the associated transition matrix. We give a constructive proof of the existence of optimal policies among all policies under new cumulative average optimality criteria which are more sensitive than the maximization of the spectral radius. The algorithm for finding an optimal policy, first searches for a stationary policy with a nonnilpotent transition matrix, provided such a rule exists. Otherwise, the method still finds an optimal policy; though in this case the set of optimal policies usually does not contain a stationary policy! If a stationary policy with a nonnilpotent transition matrix exists, then we develop a policy improvement algorithm which finds a stationary optimal policy.
Dietary Intake of Adults with Mental Retardation Who Reside in Community Settings.

Abstract The dietary intake of adults with mental retardation among three different community residential settings was described and compared. Two dietary screeners were administered to 325 adults....
SEC Division of Corporation Finance Monitoring and CEO Power

SUMMARY: Section 408 requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to review the filings of all SEC registrants every three years. Our study investigates this SEC monitoring role and differs from past SEC research by focusing on the SEC Division of Corporation Finance (DCF) rather than the Division of Enforcement and specifically on DCF's “review and comment” monitoring role. We rely on past theoretical research in management, finance, and accounting that provides us with arguments suggesting the DCF may target companies with strong CEOs and weak monitoring. Our findings cast light on the power struggle between the board and CEO by suggesting that the CEO's influence over the board may adversely affect board oversight. In addition, our results indicate that the DCF-prompted restatements lead companies to re-evaluate their governance structure.
The strong partition relation on omega~1 revisited

We give a new proof of the strong partition relation on ω1, assuming the axiom of determinacy, which uses only a general argument not involving the complete analysis of a measure on ω1. (© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Issues in School Violence Research

(2004). Issues in School Violence Research. Journal of School Violence: Vol. 3, No. 2-3, pp. 1-3.
Men, women, and persons

. Like the rest of the work world, the Canadian public service was designed as a system of manpower utilization. Achievement in the world of work has, in industrial societies, been more than a masculine pursuit: it has been a basic criterion of manliness. It is not surprising that the civil service has refused to accept women on the same grounds as men for most of its history, nor is it surprising that some of the barriers erected in earlier years have been institutionalized in the current structure. Throughout history we have concentrated and elaborated on the differences between men and women, but the tide of social change set in motion by the industrial revolution has led to a situation where it may make life easier to stress our similarities as human beings rather than our differences as men and women. The traditional roles of women have lost much of their absorptive capacity and meaning, so more and more women will move into jobs that have in the past been defined as male. As they do so, the traditional roles of men also lose meaning: it is hard for achievement to symbolize manliness when women also achieve. But if we were to recognize that both male territory and female territory are quite limited, we could move on to the territory of common humanity and to the opportunities it offers not only to find meaning but to create it. Sommaire. Comme le reste du monde du travail, la function publique canadienne a ete concue pour etre un systeme d'utilisation de la main-d'euvre masculine. Dans les societes industrielles, les realisations dans le monde du travail ont ete plus qu'une activite masculine: elles ont ete Ie critere fondamental de la masculinite. Il n'est done pas surprenant que la fonction publique ait refuse d'accepter les femmes sur la meme base que les hommes pendant la plus grande partie de son existence et il n'est pas etonnant non plus que certains des obstacles eges au depart aient ete institutionalises dans les structures actuelles. Pendant toute notre histoire, nous avons insiste et elabore sur les differences entre hommes et femmes mais l'evolution sociale dont la revolution industrielle a ete raponsable, a cree une situation dans laquelle la vie est simplifiee si I'on insiste sur nos similarites en tant qu'etres humains plutot que sur nos differences en tant qu'hommes et que femmes. Les roles traditionnels des femmes one beaucoup perdu de leur caractere absorbant et de leur sens, et des femmes de plus en plus nombreuses occuperont des posts qui avaient ete definis autrefois comme etant des occupations masculines. Du meme coup, les roles traditionnels des hommes perdent leur signification: il est difficult de faire da realisations le symble de la masculinite lorsque les femmes en ont aussi a leur credit. Si toutefois nous reconnaissons que le territoire masculin, comme le territoire feminin, sont tres limites, nous pourrons envisager le territoire commun de l'humanite et les occasions qu'il nous offer non seulement de trouver un sens a notre vie mais de lui en donner un.
Lack of Bystander Effects from High-LET Radiation for Early Cytogenetic End Points

Abstract Groesser, T., Cooper, B. and Rydberg, B. Lack of Bystander Effects from High-LET Radiation for Early Cytogenetic End Points. Radiat. Res. 170, 794–802 (2008). The aim of this work was to study radiation-induced bystander effects for early cytogenetic end points in various cell lines using the medium transfer technique after exposure to high- and low-LET radiation. Cells were exposed to 20 MeV/ nucleon nitrogen ions, 968 MeV/nucleon iron ions, or 575 MeV/nucleon iron ions followed by transfer of the conditioned medium from the irradiated cells to unirradiated test cells. The effects studied included DNA double-strand break induction, γ-H2AX focus formation, induction of chromatid breaks in prematurely condensed chromosomes, and micronucleus formation using DNA repair-proficient and -deficient hamster and human cell lines (xrs6, V79, SW48, MO59K and MO59J). Cell survival was also measured in SW48 bystander cells using X rays. Although it was occasionally possible to detect an increase in chromatid ...
A novel multibeam grating antenna with applications to low-cost millimeter-wave beam-steering

This paper introduces a low-cost millimeterwave dual-beam scanning antenna that uses a dielectric image line fed grating film designed for bidirectional excitation. An excellent radiation pattern is maintained for both beams across wide scan angles over the 35 to 40 GHz frequency range, with over /spl plusmn/50/spl deg/ scanning reported at each frequency. Theoretical calculations closely predict the observed scan angle across the entire range of measurement.
Serial Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Injected Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background— Delivery and tracking of endomyocardial stem cells are limited by the inability to image transplanted cells noninvasively in the beating heart. We hypothesized that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be labeled with a iron fluorophore particle (IFP) to provide MRI contrast in vivo to assess immediate and long-term localization. Methods and Results— MSCs were isolated from swine. Short-term incubation of MSCs with IFP resulted in dose-dependent and efficient labeling. Labeled cells remained viable for multiple passages and retained in vitro proliferation and differentiation capacity. Labeled MSCs (104 to 106 cells/150 μL) were injected percutaneously into normal and freshly infarcted myocardium in swine. One, 3, and 1 animals underwent serial cardiac MRI (1.5T) for 4, 8, and 21 days, respectively. MRI contrast properties were measured both in vivo and in vitro for cells embedded in agar. Injection sites containing as few as 105 MSCs could be detected and contained intact IFP-bearing MSCs on hi...
Aligning Objectives and Assessment in Responsible Conduct of Research Instruction

Efforts to advance research integrity in light of concerns about misbehavior in research rely heavily on education in the responsible conduct of research (RCR). However, there is limited evidence for the effectiveness of RCR instruction as a remedy. Assessment is essential in RCR education if the research community wishes to expend the effort of instructors, students, and trainees wisely. This article presents key considerations that instructors and course directors must consider in aligning learning objectives with instructional methods and assessment measures, and it provides illustrative examples. Above all, in order for RCR educators to assess outcomes more effectively, they must align assessment to their learning objectives and attend to the validity of the measures used.
Lysosomal sorting receptors are essential for secretory granule biogenesis in Tetrahymena

Secretory granules, such as neuronal dense core vesicles, are specialized for storing cargo at high concentration and releasing it via regulated exocytosis in response to extracellular stimuli. Here, we used expression profiling to identify new components of the machinery for sorting proteins into mucocysts, secretory granule-like vesicles in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. We show that assembly of mucocysts depends on proteins classically associated with lysosome biogenesis. In particular, the delivery of nonaggregated, but not aggregated, cargo proteins requires classical receptors of the sortilin/VPS10 family, which indicates that dual mechanisms are involved in sorting to this secretory compartment. In addition, sortilins are required for delivery of a key protease involved in T. thermophila mucocyst maturation. Our results suggest potential similarities in the formation of regulated secretory organelles between even very distantly related eukaryotes.
Estimating the shape and size of supramolecular assemblies by variable temperature diffusion ordered spectroscopy

Reported is characterization of the self-assembly of π-conjugated oligomers, molecules studied recently in photovoltaic devices, using variable temperature diffusion ordered spectroscopy (VT-DOSY). Iterative fitting of diffusion coefficient versus temperature data to a modified Stokes–Einstein equation, molecular modelling, and comparison to non-assembling model compounds, has allowed estimation of assembly size, shape, and molecularity.
Predicting Family Violence Recidivism Using the DVSI-R Integrating Survival Analysis and Perpetrator Characteristics

Recent published predictive validation studies of risk assessment instruments commonly used the explanatory power of Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis. The present study also tested the predictive validity of the Revised Domestic Violence Screening Instrument (DVSI-R) by conducting a ROC analysis of 18-month follow-up data post assessment from the entire state of Connecticut between January 1, 2010, and May 31, 2012. With a sample of 29,317, the analysis examined rearrests for new family violence incidents and new violations of protective or restraining orders. The sample was predominantly male (70%), with an average age of 34 years, and equally split between non-Latino White and minority perpetrators. Moving beyond the explanatory power of ROC analysis, the Kaplan–Meier (KM) estimator of the survival function was used to examine the cumulative probability of rearrest during the time at-risk period. In addition to determining the survival functions of perpetrators based on their level of r...
ProMAT: protein microarray analysis tool

Summary: ProMAT is a software tool for statistically analyzing data from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay microarray experiments. The software estimates standard curves, sample protein concentrations and their uncertainties for multiple assays. ProMAT generates a set of comprehensive figures for assessing results and diagnosing process quality. The tool is available for Windows or Mac, and is distributed as open-source Java and R code. Availability: ProMAT is available at http://www.pnl.gov/statistics/ProMAT. ProMAT requires Java version 1.5.0 and R version 1.9.1 (or more recent versions). ProMAT requires either Windows XP or Mac OS 10.4 or newer versions. Contact: amanda.white@pnl.gov
Pediatric residents: are they ready to use computer-aided instruction?

Objective To assess pediatric residents' readiness to use computer-aided instruction (CAI). Design Survey. Setting Pediatric residency program based in a tertiary care children's hospital. Participants Four pediatric residency classes. Assessment Instrument Self-administered questionnaire. Main Outcome Measures Residents' access to computers and the Internet, experience with CD-ROM and World Wide Web computer tutorials, and attitudes toward CAI. Responses were stratified by age, training level, sex, and previous computer education. Results Fifty-one (69%) of the residents owned a computer. Men were more likely than women to own a computer (20 [87%] of 23 men vs 31 [61%] of 51 women; P =.02). Medical education software was used by 18 (28%) of 65, but only 2 (4%) of 74 had ever purchased CAI. Twenty-seven (36%) of 74 regularly accessed medical education World Wide Web sites. Nineteen (26%) of 74 had never accessed the Internet. Of those who had, 50 (91%) of 55 continued to do so at least weekly. Eighteen (95%) of the 19 residents who had never accessed the Internet were female ( P =.005). Men were twice as likely to have Internet access at home ( P =.01) and were more likely to regularly visit medical education World Wide Web sites ( P =.02). Attitudes toward CAI were positive. Most respondents would be willing to use CAI developed at their institution. Most residents ranked CAI ahead of printed teaching materials but behind personal teaching by a pediatrician. Attitudes did not differ by sex. Conclusion Despite positive attitudes toward CAI, pediatric residents are not yet universally ready to use CAI.
Soybean Root Distribution Related to Claypan Soil Properties and Apparent Soil Electrical Conductivity

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield in claypan soils varies systematically with soil properties and landscape position. This is likely caused by soil interactions with soybean roots. Field observations of soybean root distribution are needed to reveal its effect on yield variability. This study examined profi le distributions of soybean root length density (RLD) and average root diameter (ARD) as a function of landscape position, depth to claypan (DTC), apparent soil electrical conductivity (EC a ), clay-maximum translated depth (D t ), and other soil properties. A landscape of claypan soils was sampled postharvest at two sites near Centralia, MO, in 2001. Roots were washed from soil cores in 15-cm layers (15–120 cm) and measured with image analysis. Root length density and ARD were signifi cantly related to landscape position, DTC, D t , and EC a . Predictions of RLD and ARD were best from 15 to 60 cm, the depths with the greatest infl uence from claypan soil morphology. Soil profi le distributions of base cations, P, and pH matched root density profi les. Soybean roots were inhibited in E horizons above the claypan and stimulated 20 to 40 cm below it. Soybean roots below the claypan had about 20 to 30% smaller diameter. We conclude that DTC and rapid estimators of claypan morphology, such as EC a , can be used to predict soybean root distribution in claypan soil landscapes.
Are we talking the walk of community-based research?

When we present ourselves as doing research that is participatory and action oriented, are we meeting either of those goals? An analysis of 232 concept applications sent to the Sociological Initiatives Foundation community-based research funding pool shows that most proposed research emphasized neither participation nor action. Grassroots community members, or organizations controlled by them, were rarely involved at the crucial decision stages of research, and instead limited to participation in collecting data. In addition, most research was proposed to produce papers, presentations or websites, rather than directly support action. The article provides a theoretical analysis of why participation and action are crucial and a set of reommendations for how to move toward research that is more participatory and integrally connected to action.
A critical role for mTORC1 in erythropoiesis and anemia

Red blood cells (RBC) must coordinate their rate of growth and proliferation with the availability of nutrients, such as iron, but the signaling mechanisms that link the nutritional state to RBC growth are incompletely understood. We performed a screen for cell types that have high levels of signaling through mTORC1, a protein kinase that couples nutrient availability to cell growth. This screen revealed that reticulocytes show high levels of phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6, a downstream target of mTORC1. We found that mTORC1 activity in RBCs is regulated by dietary iron and that genetic activation or inhibition of mTORC1 results in macrocytic or microcytic anemia, respectively. Finally, ATP competitive mTOR inhibitors reduced RBC proliferation and were lethal after treatment with phenylhydrazine, an inducer of hemolysis. These results identify the mTORC1 pathway as a critical regulator of RBC growth and proliferation and establish that perturbations in this pathway result in anemia.
Phosphate Interacts With PTHrP to Regulate Endochondral Bone Formation

Phosphate and parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP) are required for normal growth plate maturation. Hypophosphatemia impairs hypertrophic chondrocyte apoptosis leading to rachitic expansion of the growth plate; however, the effect of phosphate restriction on chondrocyte differentiation during endochondral bone formation has not been examined. Investigations were, therefore, undertaken to address whether phosphate restriction alters the maturation of embryonic d15.5 murine metatarsal elements. Metatarsals cultured in low phosphate media exhibited impaired chondrocyte differentiation, analogous to that seen with PTHrP-treatment of metatarsals cultured in control media. Because phosphate restriction acutely increases PTHrP expression in cultured metatarsals, studies were undertaken to determine if this increase in PTHrP plays a pathogenic role in the impaired chondrocyte differentiation observed under low phosphate conditions. In contrast to what was observed with wild-type metatarsal elements, phosphate restriction did not impair the differentiation of metatarsals isolated from PTHrP heterozygous or PTHrP knockout mice. In vivo studies in postnatal mice demonstrated that PTHrP haploinsufficiency also prevents the impaired hypertrophic chondrocyte apoptosis observed with phosphate restriction. To determine how signaling through the PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonizes the pro-apoptotic effects of phosphate, investigations were performed in primary murine hypertrophic chondrocytes. Receptor activation impaired phosphate-induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation specifically in the mitochondrial fraction and decreased levels of mitochondrial Bad, while increasing cytosolic phospho-Bad. Thus, these data demonstrate that phosphate restriction attenuates chondrocyte differentiation as well as impairing hypertrophic chondrocyte apoptosis and implicate a functional role for the PTH/PTHrP signaling pathway in the abnormalities in chondrocyte differentiation and hypertrophic chondrocyte apoptosis observed under phosphate restricted conditions.
GMTI along-track interferometry experiment

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) along track interferometry (ATI) has been used extensively to measure ocean surface currents. Given its ability to measure small velocities (/spl sim/ 10 cm/s) of relatively radar-dark water surfaces, there is great potential that this technique can be adapted for ground moving target indication (GMTI) applications, particularly as a method for detecting very slow targets with small radar cross-sections. In this paper we describe preliminary results from an ATI GMTI experiment. The SAR data described herein were collected by the dual-frequency NASA/JPL airborne radar in its standard dual-baseline ATI mode. The radar system imaged a variety of control targets including a pickup truck, sport utility vehicles, passenger cars, a bicycle, and pedestrians over multiple flight passes. The control targets had horizontal velocities of less than 5 m/s. The cross-sections of the targets were not purposely enhanced, although the targets' reflectivities may have been affected by the existence of the GPS equipment used to record the targets' positions. Single-look and multiple-look interferograms processed to the full azimuth resolution were analyzed. In the data processed to date, all of the targets were observed by visual inspection in at least one of the four combinations of dual-frequency, dual-baseline interferometric data. This extremely promising result demonstrates the potential of ATI for GMTI applications.
A randomized comparison of Worksite-sponsored smoking cessation programs.

This worksite study assesses the relative effectiveness of three smoking cessation programs. Computerized medical files indicated that 29% of 13,171 employees were current smokers. Of smokers responding to a worksite-wide survey, 79% indicated interest in a smoking cessation program; 402 smokers agreed to participate and were randomly allocated, within their preference for a group or self-help approach, to the three different programs. Overall, 11% of smokers participated, an excellent rate for a large worksite. Participants were followed for 12 months (91% follow-up). Smokers in the group preference had better short-term results than did those following the self-help approach. The Multiple Component Program had 61% who quit, the Relapse Prevention Program had 37%, and the American Cancer Society Quitter’s Guide had 12%. Long-term quit rates ranged from 16% to 26%; all groups exceeded the usual spontaneous quit rate of 5%.
INVESTIGATION INTO THE CORRELATION AMONG NITROGEN OXIDES AND TOBACCO-SPECIFIC NITROSAMINE IN FLUE-CURED TOBACCO

Research has established that the most significant mechanism associated with tobacco-specific nitrosamine (TSNA) formation in flue-cured tobacco results from exposure to nitrogen oxides (NOx) that react with the naturally occurring alkaloids in the green leaf during curing. As a result, the tobacco industry initiated a conversion in 1999 from direct-fired to indirect-fired heating systems in the curing barns. This work began with random monitoring of direct- and indirect-fired curing barns to quantify the nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentrations to which the green leaf is exposed during the curing process. Varying concentrations of both nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were measured. Controlled exposure tests were conducted during the 2004 and 2005 growing seasons to evaluate any differences in the cured-leaf TSNA level as a result of exposure to NO or NO2 during curing. Two electric-heated curing barns were utilized to perform the exposure study. One barn was dosed with a NOx gas species and the a...
An improved analytic function for predicting light fluence rate in circular fields on a semi-infinite geometry

ABSTRACT Accurate determination of in-vivo light fluence rate is critical for preclinical and clinical studies involving photodynamic therapy (PDT). This study compares the longitudinal light fluence distribution inside biological tissue in the central axis of a 1 cm diameter circular uniform light field for a range of in-vivo tissue optical properties (absorption coefficients ( P a ) between 0.01 and 1 cm -1 and reduced scattering coefficients ( P s ) between 2 and 40 cm -1 ). This was done using Monte-Carlo simulations for a semi -infinite turbid medium in an air-tissue interface. The end goal is to develop an analytical expression that would fit the results from the Monte Carlo simulation for both the 1 cm diameter circular beam and the broad beam. Each of these parameters is expressed as a function of tissue optical properties. These results can then be compared against the existing expressions in the literature for broad beam for analysis in both accuracy and applicable range. Using the 6-parameter model, the range and accuracy for light transport through biological tissue is improved and may be used in the future as a guide in PDT for light fluence distribution for known tissue optical properties. Keywords: MC, PDT, semi-infinite medium, analytical expression
Use of Advantageous Impurity Effects in Metallization

Impurities control electrical, mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of the materials. We have manipulated their introduction into semiconductors, insulators, and metals to achieve otherwise unattainable properties. More recently, the continued miniaturization of the solid state devices and circuits have challenged the existing interconnection and contact metallization materials and schemes. These have led to an investigation of new multilevel metallization schemes with lower resistivities and higher reliabilities. In addition, efforts are being made to re-examine the use of newer Al-alloys that may satisfy the resistivity and reliability requirements. This paper will briefly review the existing practices, future needs, and current research activities focused to satisfy these future needs.
Safety of Immune Serum Globulin with respect to Homologous Serum Hepatitis.

SummaryImmune serum globulin produced by the cold-ethanol method from proved infectious plasma failed to produce hepatitis in 10 volunteer subjects inoculated with 2.0 ml each.
Research on Unsteady Wing in Ground Effect Based on N-S Equation

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the two-dimension airfoil ground effect and it flows characteristics due to different ground boundary conditions,i.e.,moving and fixed bottom boundaries.Turbulent flows around two-dimension wing in ground effect are analyzed with incompressible RANS equations.The k-ω and SST turbulent models are in use to simulate high Reynolds flows.Data for NACA0015 section are calculated in two bottom conditions with the velocity of 1m/s leaving the ground.To compare the unsteady flow effect,steady flow simulation for various ground clearances with moving bottom boundary was also made.According to the computational result,the lift and drag in unsteady flow condition is smaller than that of steady result,but the moment simulated by two bottom conditions is negligible,the lift and drag force simulation by the moving bottom is to some extent smaller than that by the fixed one.
The role of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer.

Despite landmark advances in the molecular biology and surgical adjuvant therapy of colorectal cancer in the past decade, this illness remains a significant health hazard. Conventional therapies, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, have had limited utility and have often resulted in unacceptable host toxicities. Therapies dependent on potentiation of the host immune response are attractive alternatives to conventional treatment because of their greater specificity and diminished toxicity. Furthermore, the efficacy of many of these therapies has been demonstrated in preclinical models, which is important given the relative refractoriness of colorectal cancer to chemotherapy. Both active specific therapies, such as tumor vaccines, and passive therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, have been investigated. In early clinical trials, both have demonstrated modest activity. Nonspecific immune stimulation with agents such as bacillus Calmette-Guerin or methanol extraction residue appear to have little utility, but with the development of recombinant DNA technology, specific cytokines with more precisely identified targets have been synthesized in sufficient quantities for clinical trials. Finally, combinations of biologics or combinations of biologics with conventional therapies, such as fluorouracil (5-FU)/levamisole and 5-FU/interferon, have been investigated and appear to be useful in the treatment of surgically resected and advanced colorectal carcinoma, respectively. The utility of these therapies is hampered by a limited understanding of their precise mechanisms of action and optimal conditions for administration. Nevertheless, immunotherapy of colorectal carcinoma remains an important and promising area for further clinical investigation.
Risk of Status Epilepticus in Symptomatic Epilepsy

Risk factors for status epilepticus (SE) in 44 children with a diagnosis of symptomatic epilepsy were examined in a retrospective case-controlled (88 children with symptomatic epilepsy without SE) study at the Schneider Children’s Hospital, New York.
An Interprofessional Team Approach to Decreasing Surgical Site Infection After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

The incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) has a significant negative impact on health care. SSIs are associated with increased mortality, cost, readmissions, and prolonged length of stay. Although recent data show a 17% decrease in the incidence of SSIs among acute care hospitals in the United States, mortality related to SSIs remains clinically significant. The interprofessional team is a critical structure in evaluating surgical practices and outcomes and new evidence-based practices to direct education, interventions, and communication of SSI prevention strategies.
Characterization of vascular permeability using a biomimetic microfluidic blood vessel model

The inflammatory response in endothelial cells (ECs) leads to an increase in vascular permeability through the formation of gaps. However, the dynamic nature of vascular permeability and external factors involved is still elusive. In this work, we use a biomimetic blood vessel (BBV) microfluidic model to measure in real-time the change in permeability of the EC layer under culture in physiologically relevant flow conditions. This platform studies the dynamics and characterizes vascular permeability when the EC layer is triggered with an inflammatory agent using tracer molecules of three different sizes, and the results are compared to a transwell insert study. We also apply an analytical model to compare the permeability data from the different tracer molecules to understand the physiological and bio-transport significance of endothelial permeability based on the molecule of interest. A computational model of the BBV model is also built to understand the factors influencing transport of molecules of different sizes under flow. The endothelial monolayer cultured under flow in the BBV model was treated with thrombin, a serine protease that induces a rapid and reversible increase in endothelium permeability. On analysis of permeability data, it is found that the transport characteristics for fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) dye and FITC Dextran 4k Da molecules are similar in both BBV and transwell models, but FITC Dextran 70k Da molecules show increased permeability in the BBV model as convection flow (Peclet number > 1) influences the molecule transport in the BBV model. We also calculated from permeability data the relative increase in intercellular gap area during thrombin treatment for ECs in the BBV and transwell insert models to be between 12% and 15%. This relative increase was found to be within range of what we quantified from F-actin stained EC layer images. The work highlights the importance of incorporating flow in in vitro vascular models, especially in studies involving transport of large size objects such as antibodies, proteins, nano/micro particles, and cells.
Effect of Ternary Additions on the Age-Hardening Of a Copper-Silver Alloy

The effect of ten ternary additions on the aging of a Cu-Ag alloy was measured by X ray, microstructure and hardness. A supersaturated copper-rich transition structure was found. The effect of the ternary element was related to differences between transition and precipitate lattice parameters and analogies with solution and strain hardening.
Beyond DACA – Defying Employer Sanctions Through Civil Disobedience

The fact that DACA recipients — and essentially all Dreamers — have become part of the conscience of the country and a critical part of the economy is illustrated by the strong support for them exhibited by major businesses in the United States. Dozens of CEOs from companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix, AT&T, Wells Fargo, Google, and Facebook urged the president to preserve the program. After the Trump Administration announced the rescission of the DACA program on September 5, 2017, even more companies denounced the action and called on Congress to pass the Dream Act before the DACA termination date of March 5, 2018. Although the statements of support for DACA recipients and Dreamers, and calls for passage of the Dream Act are important, are employers willing to do more? In this draft essay, I challenge employers to engage in civil disobedience and to continue to hire Dreamers even after their employment authorization expires. I review the notion of corporate civil disobedience, and explain why such action in this context would be a bold statement and can prove vital to bringing about a permanent, fair outcome for Dreamers.
Three-Dimensional Soft Tissue Nasal Changes After Nasoalveolar Molding and Primary Cheilorhinoplasty in Infants With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

Objective:To quantify 3-dimensional (3D) nasal changes in infants with unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate (UCL±P) treated by nasoalveolar molding (NAM) and cheilorhinoplasty and comp...
Hydrogenation of CO on Ni(110) by Energetic Deuterium

The presence of energetic hydrogen species in a plasma-enhanced catalysis reactor for CO2 or CH4 reforming could potentially lead to different hydrogenation rates and mechanisms for surface adsorba...
Modeling and simulation of fully autonomous quadrotors

A fully autonomous quadrotor is an aerial drone that utilizes four propellers to achieve stable flight through the use of obstacle avoidance, attitude control, and altitude control algorithms. In this research we created a simulator for a group of coordinated autonomous quadrotors that employs parallel computing and dynamic behavior to formulate a real time scalable and adaptable system. In addition to simulating laws of physics, we have also simulated several sensors that the quadrotors can utilize to interact with the environment. The simulator allows for the comparison of the performance of different configurations and control of quadrotor systems in various environments. We implemented several algorithms for obstacle avoidance, attitude and altitude control and flocking techniques. For space limitations, we only present the mathematical model and simulation results of three attitude controllers namely, Kemper, Hoffman and Dikmen.
Electron microdiffraction study of PtSnalumina reforming catalysts

Abstract An electron microdiffraction technique was employed to identify crystal structures developed in two PtSnalumina catalysts. One catalyst was prepared by coprecipitating Sn and Al and then impregnating the calcined material with hexachloroplatinic acid to give a Pt: Sn = 1 : 3 atomic ratio. The second catalyst was prepared by coimpregnating Degussa Al 2 O 3 with an acetone solution of H 2 PtCl 6 and SnCl 4 to provide a Pt: Sn ratio of 1 :3. Pt-Sn alloy was not detected by X-ray diffraction for coprecipitated catalyst although evidence for Pt-Sn alloy was found for the coimpregnated catalyst. However, electron microdiffraction studies clearly showed evidence for Pt: Sn = 1 : 1 (hcp) alloy phase in both the catalysts. Evidence for the presence of minor amounts of Pt: Sn = 1 : 2 (fee) phase was also found for the coprecipitated catalyst. EDX analysis of selected particles show that the dominant alloy is Pt: Sn = 1 : 1 for the coimpregnated catalyst. However, for the coprecipitated catalyst, most of the Pt appear as the metal, and not an alloy. Much of the tin is not detected by EDX for the coprecipitated catalyst.
Bone SPECT/CT compared to bone SPECT and conventional radiographs in pediatric spondylolysis evaluation

262 Objectives To determine the added value of SPECT/CT over SPECT and conventional radiographs for spondylolysis detection in pediatric patients. Methods SPECT and SPECT/CT were performed on 178 pediatric patients with low back pain. Very low exposure CT parameters were used to image 2-4 vertebrae. All patients had lumbar radiographs (XR), including oblique views in 15. Original readings were used, except for 14 outside XR exams reviewed by one author. Results On SPECT, 69 of 178 patients (39%) had posterior element uptake in at least one lumbar vertebra. On SPECT/CT, uptake corresponded to spondylolysis in 41/69 (59%), pars sclerosis in 14/69 (20%), and facet joint in 8/69 (12%); CT was negative in 6/69 patients (9%) with SPECT uptake in the pars/pedicle region. In 58 of 178 patients (33%) with spondylolysis on CT, XR was interpreted as positive for spondylolysis in 25/58 (43%), questionably positive in 8/58 (14%), and negative in 25/58 (43%). In 120 of 178 patients (67%) who were CT negative for spondylolysis, XR was interpreted as positive for spondylolysis in 4/120 (3%), questionably positive in 21/120 (18%), and negative in 95/120 (79%). If positive and questionably positive XR are considered positive, the positive predictive value of XR for spondylolysis was 57% and the negative predictive value was 79%. Of 34 patients with negative SPECT and positive or questionably positive XR for spondylolysis, 11/34 (32%) had spondylosis on CT and 23/34 (68%) had no spondylolysis on CT. Of 76 patients with both negative SPECT and XR, only 3/76 (4%) had CT spondylolysis with 73/76 (96%) CT negative. Conclusions In pediatric patients with SPECT uptake in the posterior elements, SPECT/CT demonstrates spondylolysis in slightly more than half of patients (59%); the remaining patients demonstrate pars stress without a bony defect (with or without pars sclerosis) or facet joint uptake. XR has a limited positive predictive value (57%) for the diagnosis of spondylolysis. Addition of SPECT/CT when both XR and SPECT are negative has a low yield for spondylolysis (4%)
The postproximal site of phosphate reabsorption in presence and absence of parathyroid hormone.

From previous studies there is ample evidence that phosphate, in addition to its proximal reabsorption is reabsorbed at some postproximal site (1–3,5,6,8,9,11). In free flow micropuncture studies this reabsorption has at least partially been ascribed to the distal tubule and collecting duct system (1,5). In microinjection studies, on the other hand, no reabsorption of phosphate beyond the loop of Henle could be detected (4,10). These data, however, are methodologically not unequivocal since the phosphate load injected exceeded the amount of phosphate which ought to be expected there under conditions of free flowing tubular fluid. The free flow micropuncture data also are subject to restricted interpretation since it seems likely that nephron heterogeneity in regard to phosphate reabsorption exists between superficial cortical and deeper nephrons.