cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Markov model of smoking cessation

Survival functions from smoking cessation interventions are described by a three-state Markov model. On quitting, smokers transit through a state of withdrawal characterized by a high rate of relapse, and then into a more secure state of long-term abstinence. The Markov model embodies the dynamic nature of the cessation/relapse process; it permits stronger inference to long-term abstinence rates, provides measures of treatment efficacy, describes the outcomes of new quit attempts, and suggests mechanisms for the survival process.
PASS: Peer-Aware Silence Suppression for Internet Voice Conferences

A novel tandem-free solution for multiparty VoIP conferences called PASS (Peer-Aware Silence Suppression) is presented. Similar to traditional tandem-free solutions, PASS introduces a limit on the number of concurrent speakers in a conference. But in contrast to traditional solutions, PASS silence suppression and speaker selection are completely distributed, running on each client. No speaker selection is performed at the bridge at all. This configuration leads to better scalability, lower bandwidth occupation and jitter buffer delay, and higher compatibility with a wide variety of network topologies. The key component of PASS, distributed silence suppression and speaker selection, is realized through a robust approach proposed in this paper. Based on a voice activity measure derived using machine learning techniques, this approach is able to reliably suppress silence in complex environments, and perform accurate and transparent speaker selection as well.
Sex differences in semantic language processing: a functional MRI study.

Predictions based on two models of sex differences in cerebral organization of language were compared by examining fMRI patterns of 10 females and 9 males during a semantic processing task. Both groups displayed activation of left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), left superior temporal gyrus (STG), and cingulate. Females, but not males, showed bilateral IFG and STG activation. Further analyses revealed females had less diffuse left activation and greater right posterior temporal and insula region activation than males. Results support both an interhemispheric and an intrahemispheric model of sex differences in language, suggesting that the models may not be mutually exclusive.
Spinach or carrots can supply significant amounts of vitamin A as assessed by feeding with intrinsically deuterated vegetables

BACKGROUND: The vitamin A value of spinach and carrots needs to be measured directly. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the vitamin A value of intrinsically labeled dietary spinach and carrots in humans. DESIGN: Spinach and carrots were intrinsically labeled by growing these plants in 25 atom% ²H₂O nutrient solution. Growth in this medium yielded a range of trans {szligbeta}-carotene (t{szligbeta}-carotene) isotopomers with a peak enrichment at molecular mass plus 10 mass units. Seven men with a mean (±SD) age of 59.0 ± 6.3 y and a body mass index (in kg/m²) of 25.7 ± 1.5 consumed pureed spinach (300 g, 20.8 [micro]mol t{szligbeta}-carotene equivalents) or carrots (100 g, 19.2 [micro]mol t{szligbeta}-carotene equivalents) with a standardized liquid diet (no extra fiber) in random order 4 mo apart. Seven women with a mean (±SD) age of 55.5 ± 6.3 y and a body mass index of 26.4 ± 4.2 consumed pureed spinach only (300 g, 20.0 [micro]mol t{szligbeta}-carotene equivalents). A reference dose of [¹³C₈]retinyl acetate (8.9 [micro]mol) in oil was given to each subject 1 wk after each vegetable dose. Blood samples were collected over 35 d. RESULTS: Areas under the curve for total labeled serum {szligbeta}-carotene responses were 42.4 ± 8.5 nmol · d per [micro]mol spinach {szligbeta}-carotene and 119.8 ± 23.0 nmol · d per [micro]mol carrot {szligbeta}-carotene (P < 0.01). Compared with the [¹³C₈]retinyl acetate reference dose, spinach t{szligbeta}-carotene conversion to retinol was 20.9 ± 9.0 to 1 (range: 10.0-46.5 to 1) and carrot t{szligbeta}-carotene conversion to retinol was 14.8 ± 6.5 to 1 (range: 7.7-24.5 to 1) by weight. CONCLUSIONS: Spinach and carrots can provide a significant amount of vitamin A even though the amount is not as great as previously proposed. Food matrices greatly affect the bioavailability of plant carotenoids, their efficiency of conversion to vitamin A, or both.
Energy Scarcity and Urban Development Patterns

This paper assesses the extent to which energy scarcity might alter the process of intrametropolitan decentralization. It finds many adjustment mechanisms are likely to be used in preference to changes in land use patterns. Even in the absence of such adjustments, typical city-suburban cost differentials caused by higher fuel prices are relatively small due to existing differences in work-trip characteristics, non-work automobile travel, and residential heating/cooling requirements. Considerable location shifts within both cities and suburbs might be produced, but apparently energy scarcity will have little effect on central cities as a whole.
My Name Is Michelle: A Real-Life Case to Raise Consciousness

In this case narrative, Michelle, a young teenage male adolescent considering the transition from male to female, becomes the target of viscous teasing and physical abuse, especially when she does not conform to the school’s gender expectations. As a result, it presents school leaders with a contemporary issue facing lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer/intersex/ally youth while providing insight regarding the frequency of homophobic comments from students and staff. Unlike the majority of JCEL cases, which portray fictitious administrators facing hypothetical dilemmas, this case is based on a real incident and puts you in the middle of the story—as you take on the role of the assistant principal in the case.
Model drug delivery by transiently stable microbubbles produced by a microfluidic device

Ultrasound-mediated drug delivery using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and microbubbles holds promise as a potential therapy for diseases of the vasculature. In this work, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of an on-demand microbubble production framework using a flow-focusing microfluidic device to generate microbubbles at the tip of the IVUS catheter for direct administration into the bloodstream. Rat aortic smooth muscle cells were placed in a flow chamber, 8 μm diameter monodisperse microbubbles produced within the flow chamber by a flow-focusing microfluidic device, and ultrasound was applied to enhance uptake of a surrogate drug (calcein). Flow rates up to 18 mL/s and acoustic peak-negative-pressures up to 300 kPa were investigated. Microbubbles produced by the microfluidic device were stabilized with a polyethylene glycol-40-stearate shell and had either a perfluorbutane (PFB) or nitrogen gas core. Calcein delivery was observed at lower acoustic pressures with nitrogen microbubbles than with PFB microbubbles, and maximal delivery occurred at a flow rate of 9 mL/s. These results demonstrate the potential of transiently stable microbubbles produced by a microfluidic device for enhancing localized drug delivery.
Estimating mean time to absorption for a markov chain with limited information

In many applications of absorbing Markov chains, solution of the problem at hand involves finding the mean time to absorption. Moreover, in almost all real world applications of Markov chains, accurate estimation of the elements of the probability matrix is a major concern. This paper develops a technique that provides close estimates of the mean number of stages before absorption with only the row sums of the transition matrix of transient states.
Inhibition of gastric motility by hyperglycemia is mediated by nodose ganglia KATP channels.

The inhibitory action of hyperglycemia is mediated by vagal afferent fibers innervating the stomach and duodenum. Our in vitro studies showed that a subset of nodose ganglia neurons is excited by r...
Successful Removal of a 3.6-cm Long Metal Band Used as a Penile Constriction Ring

ABSTRACT Introduction Penile constriction rings are either used for autoerotic stimulus or to increase sexual performance. Potentially, they can become irremovable and cause urologic emergencies. Aim We describe the successful removal of a 3.6-cm long piece of heavy metal tubing used as a penile constriction ring. Methods An angel grinder was used to open the metal tubing on both lateral sides. During the cutting procedure, the soft tissue parts were protected by two metal spatulas. Wet towels and cool running water prevented thermal injury. Results After removal of the band, no iatrogenic injury was visible and the further recovery of the patient remained uneventful. Postoperatively, one of the surgeons suffered from conjunctivitis of the left eye possibly due to metal sparks. Conclusion Depending on the constricting object, heavy-duty technical equipment might become necessary for their removal. In such cases, special care should be taken to avoid injury to the patient and the medical crew. Horstmann M, Mattsson B, Padevit C, Gloyer M, Hotz T, and John H. Successful removal of a 3.6-cm long metal band used as a penile constriction ring.
Plant Calcium Content: Ready to Remodel

By identifying the relationship between calcium location in the plant cell and nutrient bioavailability, the plant characteristics leading to maximal calcium absorption by humans can be identified. Knowledge of plant cellular and molecular targets controlling calcium location in plants is emerging. These insights should allow for better strategies for increasing the nutritional content of foods. In particular, the use of preparation-free elemental imaging technologies such as synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) microscopy in plant biology may allow researchers to understand the relationship between subcellular location and nutrient bioavailability. These approaches may lead to better strategies for altering the location of calcium within the plant to maximize its absorption from fruits and vegetables. These modified foods could be part of a diet for children and adults identified as at-risk for low calcium intake or absorption with the ultimate goal of decreasing the incidence and severity of inadequate bone mineralization.
Effects of aerobic exercise on C-reactive protein, body composition, and maximum oxygen consumption in adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The aim of the study was to use the meta-analytic approach to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on C-reactive protein (CRP) in adults. Secondary outcomes included changes in body weight in kilograms, percentage of body fat, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in mL kg(-1) min(-1). Studies were retrieved using computerized literature searches, cross-referencing, and hand searching. Inclusion criteria were assessment of CRP in randomized controlled trials published in the English language between January 1, 1990, and January 1, 2006. Studies were also limited to aerobic exercise interventions lasting 4 weeks or more in adults 18 years or older. Five studies representing 323 male and female subjects (171 exercise, 152 control) and 6 outcomes for CRP were available for pooling. A nonsignificant reduction of approximately 3% was observed for CRP in the exercise groups (mean +/- SEM, -0.11 +/- 0.14 mg/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.39 to 0.17 mg/L) using a random-effects model. Statistically significant reductions of approximately 4% were found for body weight (mean +/- SEM, -3.4 +/- 1.0 kg; 95% CI, -5.3 to -1.5 kg) and percentage of body fat (mean +/- SEM, -1.4% +/- 0.4%; 95% CI, -2.3% to -0.6%), whereas a statistically significant increase of 12% was found for VO2max (mean +/- SEM, 3.3 +/- 0.9 mL kg(-1) min(-1); 95% CI, 1.5 to 5.1 mL kg(-1) min(-1)). The results of our study suggest that aerobic exercise does not reduce CRP levels in adults, but does improve measures of body composition and physical fitness.
A Context-Based Computational Model of Language Acquisition by Infants and Children

This research attempts to understand howchildren learn to use language. Instead ofusing syntax-based grammar rules to model thedifferences between children's language andadult language, as has been done in the past, anew model is proposed. In the new researchmodel, children acquire language by listeningto the examples of speech that they hear intheir environment and subsequently use thespeech examples that have been previously heardin similar contextual situations. A computermodel is generated to simulate this new modelof language acquisition. The MALL computerprogram will ‘listen’ to examples of humanspeech, as would occur around a child, and thentry to use these examples in new situationsthat are similar to the contextual situationsin which the language examples were ‘heard’. This will provide a better understanding of howchildren learn to use language and howeducators can assist or improve the languagelearning process by providing required examplesof speech or by helping children to develop abetter understanding of similarities betweenvarious contexts.
Germ Line Stem Cell Competition in Postnatal Mouse Testes

Niche is believed to affect stem cell behavior. In self-renewing systems for which functional transplantation assays are available, it has long been assumed that stem cells are fixed in the niche and that ablative treatments to remove endogenous stem cells are required for successful donor engraftment. Our results demonstrate that enriched populations of donor stem cells can produce long-lasting spermatogenic colonies in testes of immature and mature, nonablated mice, albeit at a lower frequency than in ablated mice. Colonization of nonablated recipient testes by neonate, pup, and cryptorchid adult donor spermatogonial stem cells demonstrates that competition for niche begins soon after birth and that endogenous stem cells influence the degree and pattern of donor cell colonization. Thus, a dynamic relationship between stem cell and niche exists in the testis, as has been suggested for hematopoiesis. Therefore, similar competitive properties of donor stem cells may be characteristic of all self-renewing systems.
Land-Use Legacies and Vegetation Recovery 90 Years After Cultivation in Great Basin Sagebrush Ecosystems

Agricultural land use is known to alter ecological processes, and native plant communities can require decades to centuries to recover from the disturbance of cultivation. ‘‘Recovery’’ is typically measured by comparison to undisturbed adjacent sites as a control. Recovery following cultivation in sagebrush ecosystems of the Great Basin remains largely unexamined even though nearly a half million hectares of land were dry-farmed and abandoned in the early 1900s. We tested the hypothesis that the native vegetation has not recovered from this exotic disturbance by evaluating differences in canopy cover of shrubs, grasses, and forbs between paired sets of historically dry-farmed land and adjacent never-cultivated areas. Paired sites were located in three ecological sites in northwestern Utah. We found that vegetation recovery from cultivation is variable by growth form, species, and ecological site. Shrub recovery was different among sagebrush (Artemisia) species. Yellow rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus [Hook.] Nutt.) and black greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus [Hook.] Torr.), which often increase following disturbance, maintained higher cover inside old fields. At one of the paired sets, shrub composition was altered from a mix of four species to dominance of mainly Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. subsp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young). Total forb cover was generally lower in cultivated areas and some species, such as spiny phlox (Phlox hoodii Richardson), had not recovered. The most common grass species encountered across all ecological sites, bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides [Raf.] Swezey), had higher cover in cultivated areas. Surprisingly, exotic annual species, such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.), did not dominate these sites as they have for decades after cultivation in other areas of the Great Basin. This study demonstrates that the land-use legacy of dry farming on vegetation remains nearly a century after cultivation has ceased, and has direct implications for describing ecological site conditions.
A technique for determining in‐cloud formation of SO4

A technique based on SO4/Se ratio is developed to determine in-cloud formation of SO4 from the oxidation of SO2. Whereas nucleation scavenging is the only significant source of Se in cloud water, both nucleation scavenging and dissolution of SO2 with subsequent oxidation are significant sources of SO4 in cloud water. Based on the assumption that no fractionation occurs between Se and SO4 aerosols during nucleation scavenging, it is shown that a simultaneous measurement of SO4 and Se in cloud water and ambient air permits a direct determination of in-cloud SO4 formation. The data to support this assumption are provided. The results from two cloud events during July and August, 1987 show that in-cloud formation ranged between 8 and 28% in ten hourly samples.
Technical readers and their rhetorical roles

Starting with the premise that there are two different ways of viewing readers, as empirical subjects and as rhetorical participants, the author presents a taxonomy of roles that readers play within technical documents. Even though these roles are shaped by distinct, often contradictory, theoretical traditions, they take on an independent existence during the reading process. Actual readers can assume a variety of roles, depending on the nature of the document and the willingness of each particular reader. Further, the author argues that this taxonomy is not complete, but subject to changes and additions as new technologies are developed requiring new roles to be played. It is concluded that researchers and teachers should encourage this more fluid view of audience in usability testing labs and classroom settings. >
HISTORICAL DIVERSIFICATION OF A TERRA‐FIRME FOREST BIRD SUPERSPECIES: A PHYLOGEOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE ON THE ROLE OF DIFFERENT HYPOTHESES OF AMAZONIAN DIVERSIFICATION

Abstract Among those few hypotheses of Amazonian diversification amenable to falsification by phylogenetic and population genetics methods, three can be singled out because of their general application to vertebrates: the riverine barrier, the refuge, and the Miocene marine incursion hypotheses. I used phylogenetic and population genetics methods to reconstruct the diversification history of the upland (terra-firme) forest superspecies Xiphorhynchus spixii/elegans (Aves: Dendrocolaptidae) in Amazonia, and to evaluate predictions of the riverine barrier, refuge, and Miocene marine incursion hypotheses. Phylogeographic and population genetics analyses of the X. spixii/elegans superspecies indicated that the main prediction of the riverine barrier hypothesis (that sister lineages occur across major rivers) hold only for populations separated by “clear-water” rivers located on the Brazilian shield, in central and eastern Amazonia; in contrast, “white-water” rivers located in western Amazonia did not represent...
Neural Darwinism in the Mammalian Spinal Cord

A conceptual framework around which the spinal control of locomotion is viewed and often studied has focused on the property of “Central Pattern Generation”, i.e. the generation of oscillating efferent patterns from the lumbosacral spinal cord in the absence of either supraspinal or sensory oscillating input (Grillner, 1973; 1982; Severston, 1999). An alternative, or at least complementary, concept that may help to understand spinally-controlled locomotion has been presented by Edelman and colleagues (Edelman, 1978; Edelman, 1981; Edelman and Reeke, 1982; Edelman and Finkel, 1984) to account for adaptive events in the brain. They theorized that “the brain is dynamically organized into cellular populations containing individually varied networks, the structure and function of which are selected by different means during development and behavior”. The cellular populations are proposed to be collections of hundreds to thousands of strongly interconnected neurons acting as functional units. The key elements of this Neuronal Group Selection concept, often referred to as Neural Darwinism, are a) “Reentrant” structure and function involving a continuous spatial temporal representation of sensory information and a mechanism for continuous updating of the selection of neuronal groups that can generate a given motor synergy or pattern and, b) “Degeneracy” indicating that there must be variance in the neuronal groups that generate a movement pattern if learning and selective matching of sensory and motor processes are to occur. This concept, therefore, also assumes that different neuronal groups can accomplish the same function.
Variance, and Its Connection with Quadratic Fields

It is a rule of thumb in probability theory that if we have a random variable, then it is a good idea to know the expectation and the variance. This is particularly true when we need to prove a central limit theorem, since these parameters—the expectation and the variance—both show up in the statement itself.
Clinical evaluation of drugs used in fertility regulation

The nature of clinical studies in Phases I to III of various drugs used in contraception including Norplant implants are described. International ethical standards generally agree that subjects should give informed consent before entering a study. Study subjects in Phase I of clinical evaluation are generally normal human volunteers who meet very specific selection guidelines. In special cases a target population of patients might be studied. Typically the number of subjects studied in this phase ranges from 20-80 depending upon the specific product and the specific study objectives. The primary purpose of Phase I studies is to determine the acute toxicity potential of the product. In addition one may want to determine the pharmacological or metabolic effects of the product. Family Health International (FHI) currently is planning the development of a new vaginal contraceptive product (FD 100). Initial studies will focus on safety parameters associated with the vaginal route. A subsequent Phase I study of FD 100 will provide an initial assessment of efficacy as well as safety. Phase II studies typically provide an opportunity to examine issues of efficacy and safety in a clinical target population and often permit a determination of the dose and dose intervals which will be most appropriate for that particular population and allow for a more definitive evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and perhaps bioavailability of a particular formulation. Typically between 50-200 subjects are enrolled in a series of Phase II studies. The Program for Applied Research on Fertility Regulation and FHI recently have conducted a Phase II evaluation of a norethindrone (NET) pellet implant system. The most important side effect associated with this implant system consisted of changes in menstrual patterns. The Norplant subdermal implant system is in advanced stages of Phase III evaluation in the US and in selected other countries. In all study countries the principal investigators are specialists in obstetrics and gynecology and the implants are offered to 400-600 healthy nonlactating women who want to limit their family size. Beyond a typical study of product safety and efficacy the novel nature of this implant technology has required the incorporation of special approaches into the multinational Phase III evaluation of the Norplant system. The Today-TM contraceptive sponge was approved for marketing by the Food and Drug Administration in 1983 based largely upon a multicenter study conducted by FHI in the US.
Imaging Perpendicular Magnetic Domains in Plan-view Using Lorentz Transmission Electron Microscopy

The study of magnetic materials requires an understanding of not only their magnetic properties, but also their microstructure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful characterization instrument because of its ability to provide both microstructural and magnetic information. In TEM, electrons can be deflected by a Lorentz force created by a magnetic field from a magnetic material. This deflection can then be detected by electron holography [1] or the Fresnel Lorentz imaging technique [2]. In this report, we present the results of applying the latter technique with a novel use of the plan-view orientation to observe perpendicularly magnetized domains in thin film media used in hard disk drives. The results show that in this orientation, for which the electron beam is parallel to the dominant magnetic fields in the sample, the TEM can be effectively used to obtain information about the magnetic domains (i.e. the recording bits).
What Are the Functional Results and Complications With Long Stem Hemiarthroplasty in Patients With Metastases to the Proximal Femur

Background Traditional treatments for pathological fractures of the proximal femur resulting from metastatic bone disease include fixation with intramedullary nailing supplemented with polymethylmethacrylate, osteosynthesis with a plate-screw construct and polymethylmethacrylate, or endoprosthetic reconstruction. Despite the frequent practice of these treatments, treatment outcomes have not been rigorously compared. In addition, very few studies examine specific approaches to endoprosthetic reconstruction such as long stem hemiarthroplasty.
RP-HPLC Determination of Residual Amount of Methyl Methacrylate Monomers in Intraocular lens by Soxhlet′s Extraction

RP-HPLC was applied to the determination of residual amount of methyl methacrylate(MMA) monomer in intraocular lens(IOL) made of polymethyl methacrylate(PMMA) or made of hydrophilic methacrylate(HMA).Soxhlet′s extraction was used for the separation of MMA monomer;isopropanol was selected as extraction solvent for IOL sample of PMMA and acetonitrile was selected as extraction solvent for IOL sample of HMA.The extracts were concentrated by rotary evaporator,and the concentrate was used for RP-HPLC analysis.Waters C18 column was used as stationary phase and acetonitrile-H2O mixture(30+70) was used as mobile phase in the separation.Ultraviolet detector at 220 nm was adopted in the determination.Linear relationship between values of peak area and mass concentration of MMA was obtained in the range of 0.33-42.08 mg·L-1 with detection limit(3S/N) 0.02 mg·L-1.Values of recovery were ranged from 98.5% to 106.2%,and RSD′s(n=6) of intra-day and inter-day found were 0.72% and 0.92% respectively.
Robust Regression Processing Method of Insulator Pollution Flashover Test Data

A method to predict insulator pollution flashover voltage based on robust regression was proposed. According to testing voltage and the data of salt deposit density (SDD) and non-soluble deposit density (NSDD), the regression coefficient was solved by complex weighting least square iteration algorithm. In iterative calculation the weight function was adopted and the weight coefficient was the function of the residual error of last iteration to weaken the influence of singular values on regression coefficient. Via comparing the prediction results of the data from tests, robust regression and least square regression respectively, this paper verifies effectiveness of the proposed robust regression-based predicting method.
SY07CONSEQUENCES OF ADOLESCENT ALCOHOL ABUSE: HUMAN AND ANIMAL STUDIESSY07-1PERSISTENT CHANGES IN ADULT BRAIN IN RAT MODELS OF ADOLESCENT ALCOHOL ABUSE

Adolescent Alcohol abuse is common and alters brain development leading to persistent changes in adult brain and behavior. Adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) treatment (5 gm/kg, i.g.; 2 days on/2 days off; P25-P55) of wistar rats was used to model adolescent drinking and assessed in adulthood. AIE increased …
Abdominal pregnancy incarcerated into an umbilical hernia. Case report.

Abstract A brief review of the recent literature is given with the signs, symptoms, and suggested management of abdominal pregnancy. A case is reported of an abdominal pregnancy with the fetal arm incarcerated to an umbilical hernia requiring operation.
MO-D-BRC-02: Auto-Planning

Treatment planning is a central part of radiation therapy, including delineation in tumor volumes and critical organs, setting treatment goals of prescription doses to the tumor targets and tolerance doses to the critical organs, and finally generation of treatment plans to meet the treatment goals. National groups like RTOG have led the effort to standardize treatment goals of the prescription doses to the tumor targets and tolerance doses to the critical organs based on accumulated knowledge from decades of abundant clinical trial experience. The challenge for each clinical department is how to achieve or surpass these set goals within the time constraints of clinical practice. Using fifteen testing cases from different treatment sites such as head and neck, prostate with and without pelvic lymph nodes, SBRT spine, we will present clinically utility of advanced planning tools, including knowledge based, automatic based, and multiple criteria based tools that are clinically implemented. The objectives of this session are: 1.Understand differences among these three advanced planning tools 2.Provide clinical assessments on the utility of the advanced planning tools 3.Discuss clinical challenges of treatment planning with large variations in tumor volumes and their relationships with adjacent critical organs. Ping Xia received research grant from Philips. Jackie Wu received research grant from Varian; P. Xia, Research support by Philips and Varian; Q. Wu, NIH, Varian Medical
Dielectric Properties and Phase Transitions of NaNb O 3 and (Na,K)Nb O 3

An optical, dielectric, and structural study has been carried out on NaNb${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ and the solid solution (Na,K)Nb${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, both single crystals and ceramics being used. No evidence for ferroelectricity in NaNb${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ was found, and the crystal seems to be antiferroelectric in accordance with the nonpolar structure reported by Vousden. It is shown that a small addition of KNb${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ to pure NaNb${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ produces a new ferroelectric phase, the existence of which suggests a possible explanation of the conflicting dielectric and structural properties previously reported.The phase diagram of NaNb${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$-KNb${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ is given. This, together with the optical and x-ray studies of pure NaNb${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, shows that the three phase transitions in NaNb${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ are quite different in nature from the BaTi${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$-type transitions in KNb${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$.
High-LET radiation carcinogenesis

Recent results for neutron radiation-induced tumors are presented to illustrate the complexities of the dose-response curves for high-LET radiation. It is suggested that in order to derive an appropriate model for dose-response curves for the induction of tumors by high-LET radiation it is necessary to take into account dose distribution, cell killing and the susceptibility of the tissue under study. Preliminary results for the induction of Harderian gland tumors in mice exposed to various heavy ion beams are presented. The results suggest that the effectiveness of the heavy ion beams increases with increasing LET. The slopes of the dose-response curves for the different high-LET radiations decrease between 20 and 40 rads and therefore comparisons of the relative effectiveness should be made from data obtained at doses below about 20-30 rads.
Behavioral Determinants of Cannabinoid Self-Administration in Old World Monkeys.

Reinforcing effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active ingredient in marijuana, as assessed with self-administration (SA), has only been established in New World primates (squirrel monkeys). The objective of this study was to investigate some experimental factors that may enhance intravenous SA of THC and the cannabinoid receptor (CBR) agonist CP 55 940 in Old World monkeys (rhesus and cynomolgus), a species that has been used extensively in biomedical research. In one experiment, male rhesus monkeys (N=9) were trained to respond under a fixed-ratio 10 schedule of food presentation. The effects of CP 55 940 (1.0–10 μg/kg, i.v.) and THC (3.0–300 μg/kg, i.v.) on food-maintained responding and body temperature were determined in these subjects prior to giving them access to self-administer each drug. Both drugs dose-dependently decreased food-maintained responding. CP 55 940 (0.001–3.0 μg/kg) functioned as a reinforcer in three monkeys, whereas THC (0.01–10 μg/kg) did not have reinforcing effects in any subject. CP 55 940 was least potent to decrease food-maintained responding in the monkeys in which CP 55 940 functioned as a reinforcer. Next, THC was administered daily to monkeys until tolerance developed to rate-decreasing effects. When THC SA was reexamined, it functioned as a reinforcer in three monkeys. In a group of cocaine-experienced male cynomolgus monkeys (N=4), THC SA was examined under a second-order schedule of reinforcement; THC functioned as reinforcer in two monkeys. These data suggest that SA of CBR agonists may be relatively independent of their rate-decreasing effects in Old World monkeys. Understanding individual differences in vulnerability to THC SA may lead to novel treatment strategies for marijuana abuse.
Patient access and 1-year outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention facilities with and without on-site cardiothoracic surgery: Insights from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking (CART) Program

Background—The safety of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at medical facilities without on-site cardiothoracic (CT) surgery has been established in clinical trials. However, the comparative effectiveness of this strategy in real-world practice, including impact on patient access and outcomes, is uncertain. The Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system has used this strategy, with strict quality oversight, since 2005, and can provide insight into this question. Methods and Results—Among 24 387 patients receiving PCI at VA facilities between October 2007 and September 2010, 6616 (27.1%) patients underwent PCI at facilities (n=18) without on-site CT surgery. Patient drive time (as a proxy for access), procedural complications, 1-year mortality, myocardial infarction, and rates of subsequent revascularization procedures were compared by facility. Results were stratified by procedural indication (ST–segment-elevation myocardial infarction versus non–ST–segment-elevation myocardial infarction/unstable an...
The Online Channel, Trading Behavior, and Customer Performance in Financial Services: Evidence from China

Although many securities firms are using the Internet to facilitate stock transactions, little is known about whether and how the use of the online channel affects customer performance and, more importantly, how risk preferences moderate the effect on performance. This research investigates online channel usage and customer performance using a unique data set of more than 7000 customer accounts over a 44-month period (2010-2013) at a large Chinese securities firm. The findings reveal that online channel usage is associated with higher performance in customers’ portfolio returns. However, these effects differ across risk preference categories; specifically, risk-averse investors earn higher profits than risk-neutral investors from using the online channel. Further analyses indicate that the higher performance for risk-averse investors can be explained by their higher trading frequency, but lower level of average trading volume per transaction compared to risk-neutral investors. In contrast, risk-seeking investors profit less from online channel usage because of their higher level of both trading frequency and average trading volume per transaction. We discuss the implications for research and practice.
Patients’ Experience of Parkinson’s Disease Following Treatment with Inhaled Levodopa: Results from a Phase 2b Study (P5.351)

Objective: To report patient experiences from a clinical trial regarding Parkinson’s disease (PD) control following treatment with inhaled levodopa. Background: CVT-301, an inhaled levodopa powder formulation, is being investigated for treatment of OFF episodes in patients with PD. Data from a phase 2b study of CVT-301 showed improvement in motor function and in daily OFF time. Patient Global Impression of Change (PGI-C), a patient-reported outcome, was included in this study. Design/Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with PD experiencing >2hours/day OFF time. CVT-301 or placebo was used as an adjunct to usual PD medications for OFF symptoms for 4 weeks. Two doses were studied (35 mg [dosing level 1 (DL1), weeks 1-2]; 50 mg [dosing level 2 (DL2), weeks 3-4]). PGI-C ratings were measured at DL1 (end of week 2) and DL2 (end of week 4) to assess the effect of CVT-301 on patient impression of Parkinsonian control. PGI-C ratings were compared between placebo and CVT-301 using chi-square test. PGI-C ratings per baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were explored. Safety and tolerability were assessed. Results: Eighty-six patients with PD were randomized 1:1 to CVT-301 or placebo. Seventy-nine and 74 patients completed the PGI-C at DL1 and DL2, respectively. The majority of patients reported an improved impression of Parkinsonian control with CVT-301 (DL1:65.0[percnt]; DL2:71.8[percnt]), whereas less than half reported improvements with placebo (DL1:43.6[percnt]; DL2:45.7[percnt]). Compared with placebo, treatment with CVT-301 was associated with a significantly favorable impression of PD at DL2 (71.8[percnt]vs45.7[percnt], P=0.0225) and a directional favorable impression (65.0[percnt]vs43.6[percnt], P=0.0561) at DL1. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics did not impact PGI-C ratings. CVT-301 was generally tolerated during the 4-week trial. Conclusions: Most patients reported an improved PGI-C rating with CVT-301, an inhaled levodopa, supportive of the positive findings in motor function and daily OFF time. Disclosure: Dr. LeWitt has received personal compensation for activities with Acorda Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Niyazov has received personal compensation for activities with Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. Dr. Sedkov has received personal compensation for activities with Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. Dr. Murck has received personal compensation for activities with Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. Dr. Guo has received personal compensation for activities with Acorda Therapeutics as an employee.
Mechanisms and causality in molecular diseases

How is a disease contracted, and how does it progress through the body? Answers to these questions are fundamental to understanding both basic biology and medicine. Advances in the biomedical sciences continue to provide more tools to address these fundamental questions and to uncover questions that have not been thought of before. Despite these major advances, we are still facing conceptual and technical challenges when learning about the etiology of disease, especially for genetic diseases. In this review, we illustrate this point by discussing the causal links between molecular mechanisms and systems-level phenotypes in molecular diseases. We begin with an examination of sickle cell anemia, and how mechanisms of the disease have been comprehended over the last century. While sickle cell anemia involves a mutation in a single protein in a single cell type, other diseases involve mutations in networks with many protein interactions and in diverse cell types. We introduce the challenges that result from these differences and illustrate the current obstacles by discussing the RASopathies, a recently discovered class of developmental syndromes that result from mutations in signaling networks. Methods to study mutant genotypes that lead to mutant phenotypes are discussed, particularly the use of model organisms and mutant proteins to study protein interactions that may be important for development of disease. These studies will point toward the future of diagnosing and treating genetic disease.
Retrospective Analysis of U.S. Federal Environmental Regulation

Retrospective, or ex post, analysis of U.S. federal regulation aims to rigorously document regulatory outcomes using cost, benefit, and distributional metrics. This paper presents nine new case studies involving a total of 34 comparisons of ex ante and ex post estimates from a diverse group of environmentally oriented rules. Despite the potential for selection bias and other limitations of the case study approach, the results suggest a slight tendency to overestimate both costs and benefits (or effectiveness) of regulation. This paper considers various analytic issues relevant to developing credible baselines for comparison, and offers policy lessons regarding the design of emissions trading programs along with approaches for incorporating uncertainty into both preregulatory studies and policy designs. Recommendations to facilitate and support future retrospective analyses are also presented.
Photomechanical Deformation of Azobenzene-Functionalized Polyimides Synthesized with Bulky Substituents

Photomechanical effects realized in azobenzene-functionalized polyimides have shown large deformation and an exceptional increase in photogenerated force output. Here, we synthesize and characterize the photomechanical output of a series of linear polyimide materials prepared with a bulky substituent, incorporated via the development of a new bis(azobenzene-diamine) monomer containing a 9,9-diphenylfluorene cardo structure (azoCBODA). All six azoCBODA-containing polyimides are amorphous and exhibit high glass transition temperatures (Tg) ranging from 298 to 358 °C, storage moduli ranging from 2.27 to 3.81 GPa (at 30 °C), and good thermal stability. The magnitude of the photoinduced mechanical response of the azobenzene-functionalized polyimide is correlated to the rotational freedom of the polyimide chains (resulting in extensive segmental mobility) and fractional free volume (FFV > 0.1).
Insomnia as a presenting symptom of mania

Chronic insomnia often can be traced to a treatable physical or psychological disorder. Thorough history taking and physical examination, including comprehensive questioning about the patient's sleep disturbance, may be enough to define the underlying cause and thus avoid the use of benzodiazepines. Mood disorders are prevalent in patients with chronic insomnia, and treatment is best directed at the psychological problem rather than the sleep disturbance. If treatment is not adequate, psychological referral is appropriate.
Anti-CD20 Agents and Potential Novel Biologics in Pemphigus Vulgaris and Other Autoimmune Blistering Diseases

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disease caused by antibodies to desmoglein, a component of desmosomes in skin. Conventional treatment of PV is immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil, which dampens the autoimmune response globally. Side effects can be severe, and treatment requires close monitoring. The emergence of anti-CD20 agents for autoimmune diseases and hematologic neoplasms has established a focus on selective B lymphocyte targeting, eliminating some of the severe side effects of chronic global immunosuppression. Rituximab is well characterized in the treatment of PV resistant to conventional therapies. Dosing and administration schedules for off-label use and safety profile of rituximab are discussed, as well as other anti-CD20 biologics and potential selective targets of immune effectors.
Glioblastoma Multiforme in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2006 for the treatment of multiple myeloma. In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration issued a statement warning physicians of the increased risk with lenalidomide treatment of the following secondary primary malignancies: Acute myelogenous leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and Hodgkin lymphoma. The statement did not mention glioblastoma multiforme, a Grade 4 astrocytoma, or other high-grade astrocytomas that have been reported on rare occasions in the setting of multiple myeloma. Case presentation A 72-year-old man, who had been in complete remission from multiple myeloma for 1 year after treatment that included lenalidomide, presented with confusion, headache, nausea and vomiting, and recurrent falls. A magnetic resonance image of his brain revealed a mass that on stereotactic biopsy was found to be glioblastoma multiforme. Discussion We present the seventh reported case of high-grade astrocytoma as a second primary malignancy in multiple myeloma and the first reported occurrence of glioblastoma multiforme after the use of lenalidomide in multiple myeloma. This report adds to the pool of cases that reveal associations between use of lenalidomide and increased risk of developing secondary primary high-grade astrocytomas in multiple myeloma.
"At My Age … ": Defining Sexual Wellness in Mid- and Later Life.

Sexual wellness is integral to quality of life across the life span, despite ageist stereotypes suggesting sexual expression ends at midlife. However, conceptualizing sexual wellness in mid- and la...
Black Box, White Cube, Gray Zone: Dance Exhibitions and Audience Attention

Relocated from the “black box” of experimental theatre to the “white cube” of the gallery, dance in the museum brings about new forms of performance — the dance exhibition — and new protocols of au...
In situ reactive multi-material Ti6Al4V-calcium phosphate-nitride coatings for bio-tribological applications.

Abstract To reduce the wear related damage of medical grade Ti-6Al-4V alloy, laser engineered net shaping (LENS™) based in situ reactive multi-material additive manufacturing was employed to process a mixed coating of Ti-6Al-4V powder and calcium phosphate (CaP) in an oxygen free, nitrogen-argon environment. The resultant coatings were composite materials of titanium nitrides and calcium titanate in an α-Ti matrix. Hardness was increased by up to ~148% to 868 ± 9 HV as compared to the untreated Ti-6Al-4V substrate. Similarly, when tribological properties were evaluated in deionized (DI) water medium against alumina counter material, the wear damage was reduced by ~91% as compared to the untreated Ti-6Al-4V substrate. Furthermore, the untreated Ti-6Al-4V substrate released Ti ions of ~12.45 ppm concentration during wear whereas the Ti6Al4V-5%CaP coating processed in an argon-nitrogen environment released ions of ~3.17 ppm concentration under similar testing conditions. The overall coefficient of friction was also found to decrease due to the addition of CaP and processing the Ti6Al4V-CaP mixture in an argon-nitrogen environment. Our results indicate that this reactive multi-material additive manufacturing of metal-ceramic composites is an effective way of enhancing the tribological performance of metallic materials.