cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in paediatric central nervous system tumour incidence by global region from 1988 to 2012.

Background Central nervous system (CNS) tumours comprise 20% of childhood cancers worldwide. Whether childhood CNS tumour incidence has increased over time across geographic regions remains to be explored. Methods We identified CNS cancers in the Cancer in Five Continents (CI5) data and estimated age standardized incidence rates (ASRs; cases/million children) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), male-to-female incidence rate ratios (IRR; 95% CI) and average annual percent change in incidence (AAPC; 95% CI) by geographic region for children aged 0-19 years where data were available using Poisson regression and generalized estimating equations (GEE). Cancers included: astrocytic tumours, medulloblastoma, ependymal, oligodendroglial and mixed glioma, glioma of uncertain origin, and other embryonal tumours. Geographic regions were defined using the United Nations geoscheme. Results There were 56 468 CNS cancers included in the study. ASRs were highest for astrocytic tumours globally in 2012 (ASR: 5.83; 95% CI: 5.68-5.99). Globally, all cancers exhibited a male excess in incidence. Regionally, only medulloblastoma had a consistently elevated male-to-female IRR at 1.4-2.2. Globally, incidence decreased for astrocytic tumours in GEE models (AAPC: -1.66; 95% CI: -3.04 to -0.26) and increased for medulloblastoma (AAPC 0.66; 95% CI: 0.19-1.14), ependymal tumours (AAPC: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.49; 95%: 0.69-2.30), glioma of uncertain origin (AAPC: 4.76; 95% CI: 1.17-1.14) and other embryonal tumours (AAPC: 3.58; 95% CI: 2.03-5.15). Regional variation in incidence trends was observed. Countries moving from lower to higher Human Development Index (HDI) over time did not appear to drive observed incidence trends. Conclusions Epidemiologic and molecular studies on underlying mechanisms for changes in the global incidence of CNS tumours are necessary.
Household Level Electricity Load Forecasting Using Echo State Network

Load forecasting at the household level is challenging because the electricity consumption behavior can be much more variable than those at aggregate levels. The introduction of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems has helped to better forecast the load of an individual household. Since smart meter data is streaming data and there is a need to deal with a massive amount of such data in a real-time fashion, an efficient and fast framework to handle this challenge is required. Deep neural networks like Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) can be used for this purpose but they take a long time to train. In this paper a novel k-nearest meter based Echo State Network (ESN) is proposed and experimental results demonstrate that it is a more suitable candidate for load forecasting, since it is much easier to train and has a great deal of accuracy. The model is compared with other time series models like Persistent (PM) and Vector Autoregression (VAR), as well as deep learning models like multi-layer perceptron (MLP), LSTM and a combination of convolutional neural network (CNN) and LSTM (CNN-LSTM). The results show that the proposed model has a significant improvement over all other models on a dataset spanning 4 months, along with a significant reduction in training time compared primarily to deep learning models.
Telemedicine in neonatal medicine and resuscitation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Telehealth in neonatology is a rapidly expanding modality for providing care to neonatal patient populations. In this review, we describe the most recent published innovations in neonatal telehealth, spanning the neonatal ICU (NICU), community/rural hospitals and the patient's home. RECENT FINDINGS: Telemedicine for neonatal subspecialty care has continued to expand, from well established uses in retinopathy of prematurity screening and tele-echocardiography, to applications in genetics and neurology. Within the NICU itself, neonatologist-led remote rounding has been shown to be a feasible method of increasing access to expert care for neonates in rural hospitals. Telehealth has improved parental and caregiver education, eased the NICU-to-home transition experience and expanded access to lactation services for rural mothers. Telemedicine-assisted neonatal resuscitation has improved the quality of resuscitation and reduced unnecessary neonatal transports to higher levels of care. Finally, the global COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the expansion of neonatal telehealth. SUMMARY: Telehealth provides increased access to expert neonatal care and improves patient outcomes, while reducing the cost of care for neonates in diverse settings. Continued high-quality investigation of the impacts of telehealth on patient outcomes and healthcare systems is critical to the continued development of neonatal telemedicine best practices.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide producing pheochromocytoma and intracardiac thrombosis.

A case of pheochromocytoma producing vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and left ventricular thrombus in the absence of cardiomyopathy or wall motion abnormalities on echocardiogram is presented along with a review of the relevant literature. A 30-year-old female of Afghani descent with past medical history of panic attacks presented with fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, and was found to have an 11 cm adrenal mass consistent with primary adrenocortical adenoma versus carcinoma. Her tumor elicited catechols and vasoactive intestinal peptide. Her hospitalization was complicated by left ventricular thrombosis leading to an embolic injury to her right kidney, respiratory failure, need for transient dialysis and urinary tract infections. She developed a profuse secretory diarrhea and decision was made to treat with empiric octreotide infusion and imodium with improvement in symptoms. She underwent coil and particle embolization followed by resection. Followup PET gallium scan showed no evidence of residual disease or metastasis. VIP producing pheochromocytoma associated with intracardiac thrombosis is rare. Outcomes depend on prompt diagnosis of the pheochromocytoma and multidisciplinary approach to management.
Review of Low-Cost 3D Bioprinters: State of the Market and Observed Future Trends.

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has become mainstream for precise and repeatable high-throughput fabrication of complex cell cultures and tissue constructs in drug testing and regenerative medic...
Hybrid Model for Decision-Making Methods in Wireless Sensor Networks

Technology selection for wireless sensor networks is becoming more difficult because of the number of technologies (alternatives are increasing) and their complexity. Multicriteria selection method describes the process of getting a choice from a group of alternatives. This process involves the requirements and inputs provided by the customer and the opinions of experts becoming the method for pure quantitative decision. The paper proposes a new methodology based on quantitative and qualitative parameters that makes more accurate and precise the technology selection. The paper describes the advantages and disadvantage of the proposed methodology compared with selection models currently used.
Four weeks of spice consumption lowers plasma proinflammatory cytokines and alters the function of monocytes in adults at risk for cardiometabolic disease: secondary outcome analysis in a three-period, randomized, crossover, controlled feeding trial.

BACKGROUND Numerous studies demonstrate acute anti-inflammatory properties of individual spices, but none have examined the effect of longer-term consumption of a spice blend incorporated in a meal. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effect of longer-term spice consumption on inflammatory cytokines and monocyte subsets [classical (CM), intermediate (IM), non-classical (NCM)] in adults at risk for cardiometabolic disease. DESIGN A three-period, randomized, crossover, controlled-feeding trial was conducted. Participants (n = 71 recruited; n = 63 completed) randomly consumed diets differing in quantity of spices: 0.547 g (Low-dose spice diet; LSD), 3.285 g (Medium-dose spice diet; MSD), or 6.571 g (High-dose spice diet; HSD)/d/2100 kcal for 4 weeks with a ≥ 2-week of washout between diets. At baseline and after each diet period, proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] in plasma and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture supernatants, and the phenotype and function of monocyte subsets were measured in fasted participants. Postprandial proinflammatory cytokines also were quantified at baseline and after each diet period following consumption of a test meal containing a similar amount of spice consumed during the 4-week diet period. RESULTS Fasting plasma IL-6 was reduced (-118.26 ± 50.63 fg/mL; P < 0.05) following MSD compared to baseline. Postprandial plasma IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α were lower (-9.47 ± 2.70 fg/mL, -0.20 ± 0.05 pg/mL, and -33.28 ± 12.35 fg/mL, respectively) following MSD compared with LSD (main diet effect; P < 0.05). CM adherence was reduced (-0.86 ± 0.34; P = 0.034) following HSD compared with LSD. IM migration was reduced (-0.39 ± 0.09 and -0.56 ± 0.14; P < 0.05) following MSD and HSD compared with LSD. CONCLUSIONS Four weeks of MSD consumption reduced fasting plasma IL-6, postprandial plasma IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α and altered monocyte function.Clinical Trial Registry Number / Website: NCT03064932 / ClinicalTrials.gov.
Wireless sensor network: channel propagation measurements and comparison with simulation

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is an important field of study as more and more applications are enhancing daily life. The technology trend is to achieve small-sized, cheap, and power efficient sensor nodes, which will make the system reliable and efficient. The Crossbow Technologies MICAz mote is an example used in this paper. Measurements of its propagation characteristics in a realistic environment will help the deployment and installation of these motes to form a WSN. The CST Microwave Studio is used to build a simulation of the MICAz. The results and comparisons between empirical and simulated data are intended to assist in the design, future studies and deployment of WSNs in the real world.
Auroral and Polar Cap Electric Fields from Barium Releases

High latitude magnetic disturbances and accompanying auroral displays are obvious evidence of the release of large amounts of energy, presumably from the magnetosphere and magnetotail regions. Until recently experimental efforts towards understanding these phenomena were directed toward measurement of magnetic fields, energetic particles, optical emissions, and the morphology of the observables. The importance of ionospheric and magnetospheric electric fields was recognized in theoretical studies, but actual measurements were not available due to the lack of suitable techniques. In the past several years valid electric field measurements have been made from sounding rockets and satellites with long antennas (Aggson, 1969; Maynard and Heppner, 1970). Another method more suited for making E field observations simultaneously at several points and for extended times at a given location was developed at the Max Planck Institut (Foppl et al., 1967). Barium vapor released from a sounding rocket above about 150 km partially ionizes and produces a visible ion cloud during twilight which can be tracked photographically. The ion cloud drifts under the influence of the electric and magnetic fields, and it can be shown that the velocity of a small cloud above 200 km altitude is given essentially by v = E x B/B 2. Inverting this equation to E= - v x B, the measurement of v in a known magnetic field B gives E. The GSFC-NASA Ba release experiments have produced high latitude observations of 23 ion clouds in the auroral zone and 12 in the polar cap region. From these observations we can draw conclusions about the nature of the ionospheric electric fields and the tensor conductivity elements that are most effective in producing ionospheric currents. The measurements also test the usual assumption that the surface magnetic disturbance is explained by ionospheric currents. From ground based magnetometers a typical equivalent ionospheric current pattern for the polar cap and auroral zone disturbance can be inferred. Figure 1 shows a diagram illustrating the essential features. Our E field investigations have sampled four regions of interest: (a) in the westward electrojet or negative magnetic bay region, (b) in the eastward electrojet region, (c) in the transition region where the westward electrojet passes polewards of the eastward jet, and (d) in the polar cap region. Visible auroral displays were observed in the Ba release region or close by, in all flights except those in the polar cap where auroras were seen only near the southern horizon.
A meta-analysis of asthma and risk of lung cancer (United States)

Objective: To review epidemiologic evidence that asthma is a risk factor for lung cancer, with particular attention to the role of smoking on this association. Methods: Through MEDLINE computer searches (January 1966 to April 2002) and a review of references, we identified studies with quantitative data on the relation of asthma to lung cancer. Summary estimates of relative risks (RR) were calculated using the fixed-effects model or the random-effects model as appropriate. Results: The combined results from five case–control studies – that presented data limited to individuals who had never smoked – showed a 1.8-fold increase in lung cancer risk among asthmatics (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3–2.3). The results from six case–control and four cohort studies, which controlled for smoking history also were significant (RR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.3–2.2). Finally, to illustrate the potential confounding by tobacco, we combined data from seven cohort studies that did not control for smoking history and found an overall RR of 1.4 (95% CI = 1.2–1.6). Conclusions: The increased risk of lung cancer among never smoking individuals with asthma supports a direct relation between asthma and lung cancer. There is biological evidence to support this association.
TTP™ Controller for Advanced Automotive Applications

This paper describes how Motorola is implementing the use of the TTP/C protocol in automotive systems. Based on time-division multiple access (TDMA), the protocol controls the exchange of messages between the different electronic modules. The protocol will aid in the production of drive-by- wire systems which will feature highly dependable fault-tolerant systems.
How and Why Multinational Corporations Pursue CSR Strategies: The Case of Nestle in China

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a business imperative for 21st-century firms and multinational corporations. CSR establishes that corporations have dual objectives of securing profits and mediating social issues. This thesis explores what CSR is, what drives it, how and why corporations create CSR strategies, and what impact CSR has on corporations and the world at large. After reviewing the broad literature about CSR, this thesis considers CSR use in China through a case study of Nestle. This case study shows that CSR is feasible, and it also shows what value CSR adds to the firm.
A Sol-Gel Process for Preparing Dense Forms of PuO2

A sol-gel process for preparing dense microspheres of PuO2 was developed. The process has three major operations: 1) preparation of an aqueous sol; 2) removal of water to give solid gel particles; ...
In vivo bioluminescence imaging for early detection and monitoring of disease progression in a murine model of neuroblastoma

Abstract Background We evaluated the potential of bioluminescence imaging (BLI) for early tumor detection, demonstrating occult sites of disseminated disease and assessing disease progression in a murine model of neuroblastoma. Methods Neuroblastoma cells engineered to express the enzyme firefly luciferase were used to establish localized tumors and disseminated disease in SCID mice. Bioluminescent signal intensity was measured at serial time points, and compared with traditional methods of evaluating tumor growth. Results Bioluminescence imaging detected subcutaneous and retroperitoneal tumors weeks before they were palpable or appreciable by ultrasound. Bioluminescent signal intensity at both sites then paralleled tumor growth. After intravenous administration of tumor cells, BLI revealed disseminated disease in the liver, lungs, and bone marrow, again weeks before any gross disease was present. The presence of tumor within these sites at early time points was confirmed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Finally, BLI permitted a real-time, noninvasive, quantitative method for following response to therapy in a model of minimal residual disease. Conclusion Bioluminescence imaging detects tumor much earlier than traditional methods. In addition, it can detect, quantify, and follow micrometastasis in real-time during disease progression. This methodology is extremely valuable for studying tumor tissue tropism, mechanisms of metastasis, and response to therapy in murine tumor models.
Improving the performance of AR estimation of near-field signal sources by decimation

The problem of locating signal sources in the near-field of a linear sensory array is considered. To locate near-field signal sources, the overall array is divided into a number of smaller subarrays. The direction-of-arrival (DOA) of the signal for each subarray is then determined from an autoregressive (AR) modeling of the subarray data. It was previously shown that in AR parameter estimation. decimation will increase the capability of the power spectral density in resolving closely spaced sinusoids. It is shown that decimation, in addition to providing higher resolution (ability to separate two nearby peaks), also decreases the DOA perturbations caused by perturbations in the pole location estimates. Effects of decimation in locating near-field signal sources are presented with an example of simulated fields for a combination of near- and far-field sources. >
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, ATTITUDES, AND SOCIAL RELATIONS IN INTERGENERATIONAL COLLEGE CLASSES

Increasing acceptance of the idea of older adults returning to college campuses has raised a number of questions. Not least among the concerns are those related to classroom behavior and classroom relations. Despite the philosophical support for mixing older and younger students in college classes, limited empirical support is available to administrators who must contend with the fears of younger students and the insecurity of faculty. Therefore, this study was designed to analyze research concerning three important dimensions of the mixed classroom: academic performance, attitudes, and social relations. Studies reported in three major gerontological journals since 1978 were reviewed. Accordingly, seven studies reported in 1980 or later were identified and analyzed. Based on the analysis, conclusions and recommendations are reported.
Rapid recovery of estrogen-induced pituitary gonadotropin surges after luteectomy in rhesus monkeys.

Abstract In the presence of a functional corpus luteum, positive estrogen feedback on the surge modes of gonadotropin secretion is blocked in rhesus monkeys. We investigated the effects of luteectomy (Lx) on the time required for recovery of pituitary responsiveness (LH/FSH surges) to positive estrogen feedback. Estradiol-17β-3- benzoate (EB, 50μg/kg sc) was given: 1) 24h prior to, 2) the day of, or 3) 24 h after luteal ablation. Daily measurements of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol-17β (E2) and progesterone (P) were made on each monkey for 5 days. Serum P fell to undetectable levels within 24 h after Lx, whereas E2 levels in circulation peaked within 24h after injection of EB. Among early follicular phase monkeys, this EB treatment results in typical midcycle type LH/FSH surges within 48h. Lx alone was not soon followed by significant changes in pituitary gonadotropin secretion. When circulating P levels were undetectable the pituitary responded fully to EB; that is, typical midcycle type FSH/LH surges occurred. When serum P was in the midst of declining after Lx, gonadotropin surges were present, but attenuated. However, when P levels remained elevated for more than 24 h after EB injection, the surge modes of FSH/LH secretion remained fully blocked. These results demonstrate that the suppressive influence of luteal secretions (principally progesterone) on positive estrogen feedback regulation of the surge modes of pituitary gonadotropin secretion is quite transient in these primates.
Intelligence and the Rorschach whole response.

Summary Previous research on the relation between intelligence and Rorschach W responses has produced inconclusive results. The problem was re-examined with methodological improvements. Ss were 58 latency and pre-adolescent boys. Rorschach W responses were coded to Friedman's developmental scoring system, and response frequencies in these categories were correlated with WISC IQ and subtest scaled scores. IQ scores were significantly related to one of two types of developmentally advanced W responses as predicted (r = .33), and no meaningful pattern of correlations was found between the developmentally more primitive types of W responses and IQ.
Copper-binding motifs in catalysis, transport, detoxification and signaling

Copper is required for many biological processes but is toxic at high cellular concentrations, so levels in the cell must be strictly controlled. Copper-binding motifs have been identified and characterized in many proteins. The way in which copper is coordinated by these motifs is important for the transport and distribution of intracellular copper and for the effective functioning of copper-dependent enzymes.
Noise power spectrum and modulation transfer function analysis of breast tomosynthesis imaging

The recent commercialization of digital breast tomosynthesis systems realizes the clinical applications of this novel three-dimensional imaging technology. The total dosage of breast tomosynthesis for single patient is comparable to that of the traditional mammography. This paper presents our continuous work on image quality analysis for the optimization of a new multi-beam breast tomosynthesis system based on carbon nanotube X-ray emission technology. Several tomosynthesis reconstruction algorithms were implemented to reconstruct the phantom data. Noise power spectrum and modulation transfer function were investigated to evaluate the image quality.
Identity, Solidarity, and Islam in Europe

Populists argue that Islamic immigrants are fundamentally different from Europeans. As evidence, they point to notions of religious and cultural identity. Such arguments have popular resonance. As more mainstream politicians pick up on these themes, they begin to take on an air of common sense. Nevertheless, they are mistaken. Europe has a long track record of reconciling competing identities. This has happened by focusing on patterns of interaction (solidarity) rather than obvious indicators of distinctiveness. Using the examples of the Netherlands and Turkey, this article illustrates the wide spectrum of European approaches to the challenge of getting different groups to share the same geographic space.
Cretaceous-Tertiary (Chicxulub) impact angle and its consequences

The Chicxulub impact structure exhibits asymmetries in its geophysical signatures that closely resemble asymmetries produced by oblique impacts in laboratory experiments and recognized on planetary surfaces. These asymmetric signatures suggest a trajectory for the Chicxulub bolide from the southeast to the northwest at a 20°–30° angle from the horizontal. As a result, biotic extinctions may have been most severe and catastrophic in the Northern Hemisphere. Geographic variation in the magnitude of the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) “fern spike” and palynofloral extinctions are consistent with the proposed trajectory.
Inflation in Saudi Arabia: An Econometric Investigation

This article investigates empirically the determinants of inflation in Saudi Arabia using the quarterly time‐series data over the period 1962:1 to 1981:IV. The basis of this investigation is the monetary approach whereby the roles of both the money‐supply growth and the money‐demand growth are taken into account. Moreover, the potential effect of external monetary factors on the Saudi inflation is genuinely incorporated through the underlying money‐demand function. The proposed monetary model provides an adequate explanation of the Saudi inflationary process. Furthermore, the empirical results exhibit structural stability over time and do not suffer from simultaneous‐equation bias. The empirical results show that external monetary factors (particularly foreign interest rates) and inflationary expectations exert significant positive effects on inflation in Saudi Arabia. Importantly, the results also indicate that money‐supply growth has a quick and powerful positive impact upon the Saudi inflation with a unitary elasticity. Therefore, control over money‐supply growth appears an essential ingredient in any anti‐inflation policy in Saudi Arabia. Such monetary control can only be achieved in Saudi Arabia (and other oil‐exporting countries) through control over domestic government expenditures that have escalated particularly during the past decade.
DURATION OF ESTRUS FOLLOWING INTRAPERITONEAL, ORAL, INTRATHORACIC, SUBCUTANEOUS AND INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATIONS OF STILBESTROL

MANY PAPERS on the use of stilbestrol have appeared. The usual methods of administration are oral, subcutaneous, and intramuscular, but administration by way of the vagina, the skin, subcutaneous pellet implantation, intravenous injection, and the uterus, have also been used. In the present study the duration of estrus was determined for each of 5 different routes of administration using a single dose of 1 mg. of stil-bestrol in1 cc. of sesame oil. The 1 mg. dose was chosen because this represents the amount of stilbestrol frequently given to humans, and we thought it would be interesting to see how long it took this amount to be absorbed in a mammal. Experimental. One hundred and fifty albino rats were used. These were kept in a constant temperature room at 26°C. with a variation of±2°C. and fed Purina dog chow and water.
Diffusion of information and communication technologies: a takeoff analysis

In an increasingly global economy, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are critical for nations to participate in trade and reap the benefits of access to world markets. Economists call for investments in technologies that enable innovations and spur economic development in the country. In addition to being the source of innovation, economic growth also depends on the ability of nations to absorb and apply new innovations that germinated elsewhere. Despite accumulating evidence that several factors play an important role in the assimilation of new technologies, the drivers of the adoption of digital technologies are not well understood and the findings remain inconsistent. Based on theories of economic growth and innovation diffusion theory, and using the well-known takeoff phenomenon as the underpinning, we hypothesise and empirically examine the relationships between human capital (literacy, life expectancy), cost, international trade (foreign direct investment), communications infrastructure (television and telephone) and the takeoff of digital technologies. Our findings confirm that important differences exist among the high-, medium- and low-income countries with respect to the takeoff times for ICT. In addition, our study reveals the differential impact of the factors on takeoff for the three income groups. Policy implications include the need for tailoring the adoption programmes based on country income group, technology type and adoption stage (before or after takeoff).
The diffusion of antimony in heavily doped and n- and p-type silicon

The diffusion of Sb in heavily doped n- and p-type Si has been studied to determine the activation energies and charge states of the point defects responsible for Sb diffusion. It is shown that neutral point defects, probably Vx, dominate under intrinsic doping conditions. For samples doped with high-concentration As or P backgrounds, Sb diffusion is dominated by a double-negatively charge point defect that causes an n2 concentration-dependent Sb diffusivity. Electric-field effects also are important. The measured diffusion coefficients are Dix = 17.5 exp(−4.05 eV/kT), and Di= = 0.01 exp(−3.75 eV/kT). The activation energies are consistent with diffusion via Vx and V= vacancies. Retarded diffusion of Sb in p+-doped samples with uniform B profiles fits an ion pairing model where Sb+B− pairs form to reduce the flux of Sb atoms.
Noninvasive Inhaled Nitric Oxide Does Not Prevent Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Premature Newborns

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of early, noninvasive inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy in premature newborns who do not require mechanical ventilation. Study design We performed a multicenter randomized trial including 124 premature newborns who required noninvasive supplemental oxygen within the first 72 hours after birth. Newborns were stratified into 3 different groups by birth weight (500-749, 750-999, 1000-1250 g) prior to randomization to iNO (10 ppm) or placebo gas (controls) until 30 weeks postmenstrual age. The primary outcome was a composite of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. Secondary outcomes included the need for and duration of mechanical ventilation, severity of BPD, and safety outcomes. Results There was no difference in the incidence of death or BPD in the iNO and placebo groups (42% vs 40%, P = .86, relative risk=1.06, 0.7-1.6). BPD severity was not different between the treatment groups. There were no differences between the groups in the need for mechanical ventilation (22% vs 23%; P = .89), duration of mechanical ventilation (9.7 vs 8.4 days; P = .27), or safety outcomes including severe intracranial hemorrhage (3.4% vs 6.2%, P = .68). Conclusions We found that iNO delivered noninvasively to premature infants who have not progressed to early respiratory failure is a safe treatment, but does not decrease the incidence or severity of BPD, reduce the need for mechanical ventilation, or alter the clinical course.
Differential expression of type I hair keratins.

The hair follicle provides an excellent system in which to study growth and differentiation. Hair keratins are useful tissue-specific molecular markers for these events. By comparing a second mouse Type I hair keratin cDNA clone, MHKA-2, with our previously described MHKA-1, we have been able to contrast the nucleotide sequences and corresponding deduced amino acid sequences of the smallest (mHa4) and the largest (mHa1) major Type I hair keratins. Both nucleotide sequences and both deduced amino acid sequences share high identity but have distinct segments suitable for generation of specific molecular probes. Comparison of amino acid sequences adjacent to the central helical domains has demonstrated homologous subdomains, designated H1 and H2, in the Type I hair keratin nonhelical termini. Although there is only 56% amino acid identity in the carboxy-terminal nonhelical domains, a common sequence, T–––-CGPC––R, has been identified in this domain, suggesting a possible common functional role for this portion of the molecule. In addition, it appears that mHa4 may differ in part from mHa1 by deletion of a segment between the H2 subdomain and the conserved sequence. Staining of mouse and human hair follicles with AmHa1, a mono-specific polyclonal antibody for mHa1, and AE13, an antibody specific for all Type I hair keratins, suggests differential expression of individual Type I hair keratins in both species. This supports our hypothesis that distinct functional requirements are satisfied by the multiplicity of hair keratins.
Evolutionary conservation of a 2-kb intronic sequence flanking a tissue-specific alternative exon in the PTBP2 gene

nPTB is a member of the polypyrimidine tract-binding (PTB) protein family, which participates in alternative pre-mRNA processing. Tissue-specific splicing of exon 10 in nPTB (HGMW-approved symbol PTBP2) may play an important role in regulating the functional activity of nPTB in neuronal versus nonneuronal cells. In this study, we found that 297 consecutive intronic nucleotides flanking this alternatively spliced exon 10 were identical between human, green monkey, mouse, rat, and pig, while 207 consecutive intronic nucleotides were identical between human and bird DNA. In addition, a 2-kb sequence spanning this intron region showed 85 and 70% conservation in mammal and bird DNA, respectively. Unexpected intergenic sequence conservation between human and mouse genomes has recently been identified. We have now identified intragenic (intronic) sequence conservation from mammals to birds. The striking conservation of this large segment of flanking intronic sequence suggests an important role in tissue-specific splice site selection and may function in regulating the production of functional nPTB.
Management of Infective Endocarditis: Seventeen Years' Experience

Infective endocarditis remains a serious illness with a high mortality. In more than 75% of 417 patients, the infection was due to gram-positive microorganisms. The non-drug-addicted patients (33%) were elderly and debilitated with advanced illness that preceded the endocarditis. The drug-addicted patients (67%) were young and were infected with multiple kinds of microorganisms. The blood cultures grew strains of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin sodium and nafcillin sodium in a majority of patients. Gram-negative microorganisms and fungi were cultured almost exclusively from samples from the drug-addicted patients. The high mortality among the non-drug-addicted patients (28%) was related to their advanced age and debilitating illness. The high mortality among the drug-addicted patients (21%) was related to the complex bacteriology of their infections and the severe anatomical disruption of the valvular complexes of the heart. When cured of their disease after treatment with intravenously administered antibiotics or a valve procedure or both, their long-term survival was related to whether or not they abstained from their habit. If the patient abstained from the use of drugs, the chances of survival were good; if not, death invariably ensued. This experience strongly supports our contention that if a patient returns to the use of drugs and reinfects the valve after initial cure, a second valve operation is contraindicated.
Biomimetic creation of hierarchical surface structures by combining colloidal self-assembly and Au sputter deposition.

Surfaces of hexagonally packed silica spheres have been functionalized with silanes containing different hydrocarbon or fluorocarbon chains. The resulting chemical and physical structures were studied to establish the effect of surface hydrophobicity on the measured contact angles on the rough surfaces. The results were used to assess the effects of surface modifications on the parameters in the Cassie equation. To achieve superhydrophobicity via a biomimetic approach, we created two-scale structures by first forming hexagonally packed SiO2 spheres, followed by Au deposition on the spheres and heat treatment to form Au nanoparticles on sphere surfaces. Contact angles over 160° were achieved. This work provides improved understanding of the effect of the surface roughness and solid surface fraction on superhydrophobicity.
DISCONTINUOUS FINITE ELEMENT METHODS FOR A BI-WAVE EQUATION MODELING d-WAVE SUPERCONDUCTORS ?

This paper concerns discontinuous nite element approximations of a fourth order bi-wave equation arising as a simplied Ginzburg-Landau- type model for d-wave superconductors in the absence of an applied magnetic eld. In the rst half of the paper, we construct a variant of the Morley nite element method, which was originally developed for approximating the fourth- order biharmonic equation, for the bi-wave equation. It is proved that, unlike the biharmonic equation, it is necessary to impose a mesh constraint and to include certain penalty terms in the method to guarantee convergence. Nearly optimal order (o by a factor j lnhj) error estimates in the energy norm and in the H 1 -norm are established for the proposed Morley-type nonconforming method. In the second half of the paper, we develop a symmetric interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin method for the bi-wave equation using general meshes and prove optimal order error estimates in the energy norm. Finally, numerical experiments are provided to gauge the eciency of the proposed methods and to validate the theoretical error bounds.
Preventing Childbearing-Related Obesity: Women's Perceived Needs

Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice The need for professional support through community-based interventions after hospital discharge was the overarching need identified. Professional postpartum follow-up was found lacking, primarily related to women’s postpartum mental health and breastfeeding support needs. Multiple implications for nursing practice, education, and research are discussed.
Grocery store podcast about omega-3 fatty acids influences shopping behaviors: a pilot study.

Abstract Objectives To determine whether listening to a podcast about omega-3 fatty acids (n-3s) while grocery shopping increased shoppers' awareness about and purchases of seafood and other foods rich in n-3s. Methods Repeated-measures design with a convenience sample (n = 56) of grocery shoppers who listened to the podcast while shopping. Pre- and postintervention semistructured interviews were conducted. The Theory of Reasoned Action was the study's framework. Results Shoppers were primarily females (mean age, 41 ± 15.3 years). Their perceived ability to buy [ t (55) = 6.27, P t (55) = 3.38, P Conclusion and Implications Podcasts may effectively communicate nutrition information. More research with a larger sample size is needed to evaluate the effects of the podcast on long-term changes in shopping behavior.
Transgenic and mutant animal models to study mechanism of protection of red cell genetic defects against malaria

Malaria, caused by members of the genusPlasmodia, is still the most prevalent parasitic disease in the world. In an attempt to understand genetic factors conferring resistance to malaria, mouse models of thalassemia, sickle trait, and ankyrin and spectrin deficiency were studied during infection with species of malaria infectious to rodents. Although growth ofP. falciparum is not inhibited in thalassemic erythrocytes in culture, mice carrying a β-thalassemia mutation were protected fromPlasmodium chabaudi adami, supporting epidemiologic findings. Transgenic mice expressing βs hemoglobin were also significantly protected from two species of rodent malaria. Importantly, a significant role for the spleen in protection in the βs transgenic mice was found. Finally, mice deficient in spectrin and ankyrin were studied with respect to their ability to support the growth of malaria. It was found that spectrin deficient mice were almost completely refractory toP. chabaudi adami andP. berghei. These models will allow further study of host factors in resistance to malaria.
Delayed transition of care: a national study of visits to pediatricians by young adults.

Abstract Objective Despite numerous policy statements and an increased focus on transition of care, little is known about young adults who experience delayed transition to adult providers. Methods We used cross-sectional data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey between 1998 and 2008 to examine delayed transition among young adults ages 22 to 30. We defined delayed transition as continuing to visit a pediatrician after the age of 21 years. Results Overall, we found that 1.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.7) of visits by young adults to primary care physicians were seen by pediatricians, approximately 445,000 visits per year. We did not find a significant change in delayed transition during the past decade ( β = −.01; P = .77). Among young adults, visits to pediatricians were more likely than visits to adult-focused providers to be for a chronic disease (25.7% vs 12.6%; P = .002) and more likely to be billed to public health insurance (23.5% vs 14.1%; P = .01). In adjusted models, visits by young adults to pediatric healthcare providers were more likely associated with chronic disease (adjusted relative risk [ARR] 2.2; 95% CI 1.5–3.4), with public health insurance (ARR 1.9; 95% CI 1.3–2.9), or with no health insurance (ARR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.4). Conclusions Although most young adult visits were to adult providers, a considerable number of visits were to pediatricians, indicating delayed transition of care. There has been no substantial change in delayed transition during the past decade. Visits by young adults with chronic disease, public health insurance, or no health insurance were more likely to experience delayed transition of care.
Recipients' of implanted cardioverter-defibrillators actual and perceived adaptation: a review of the literature.

Purpose: To identify qualitative studies that have examined actual and perceived adaptation of patients to an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The question explored was do recipients of ICDs experience real or perceived physical or psychological adaptation distress? Do themes expressed indicate a need for intervention that will facilitate postimplantation adjustment? Data sources: A systematic search of the scientific literature uncovered 153 studies of which 12 met the following inclusion criteria: qualitative English research of psychological adaptation to the implantable defibrillator or qualitative research literature reviews. Exclusion criteria included unpublished studies, studies involving cardiac pacemaker devices without defibrillator, and quantitative research studies. Conclusion: Multiple themes pertaining to adjustment to ICD therapy were identified, which warrants further study for potential therapeutic interventions. Themes identified by ICD recipients and their partners include perception of fear, anxiety, and dependence, and the desire for enhanced support and information. Increasing awareness of the complex adaptation issues related to ICD implantation should be a priority of primary care clinicians who provide follow-up care for these patients. Implications for Practice: ICD recipients have reported multiple physical and psychological adjustment issues that require further study to determine gravity and duration. Clinicians must be familiar with adjustment difficulty expressed by ICD recipients in order to facilitate appropriate tailored interventions. The findings of this literature review emphasize a need for support groups for ICD recipients and their partners; behavioral and sexual counseling; continued education after discharge; and a supportive healthcare provider who is knowledgeable in device adjustment issues. The research indicates a need for a post-ICD implantation plan, and data are available for the design testing of tailored interventions.
Patient perspectives on participation in the ENABLE II randomized controlled trial of a concurrent oncology palliative care intervention: benefits and burdens.

Background:ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise Before Life Ends) II was one of the first randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of a concurrent oncology palliative care intervention on quality of life, mood, and symptom control for advanced cancer patients and their caregivers. However, little is known about how participants experience early palliative care and the benefits and burdens of participating in a palliative care clinical trial.Aim:To gain a deeper understanding of participants’ perspectives of the intervention and palliative care trial participation.Design:A qualitative descriptive study using thematic analysis to determine benefits and burdens of a new palliative care intervention and trial participation.Setting/participants:Of the 72 participants who were alive when the study commenced, 53 agreed to complete an in-depth, semi-structured interview regarding the ENABLE II intervention and clinical trial participation.Results:Participants’ perceptions of intervention benefits wer...
Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (Prmt5) Promotes Gene Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ2 (PPARγ2) and Its Target Genes during Adipogenesis

Regulation of adipose tissue formation by adipogenic-regulatory proteins has long been a topic of interest given the ever-increasing health concerns of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the general population. Differentiation of precursor cells into adipocytes involves a complex network of cofactors that facilitate the functions of transcriptional regulators from the CCATT/enhancer binding protein, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) families. Many of these cofactors are enzymes that modulate the structure of chromatin by altering histone-DNA contacts in an ATP-dependent manner or by posttranslationally modifying the histone proteins. Here we report that inhibition of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (Prmt5) expression in multiple cell culture models for adipogenesis prevented the activation of adipogenic genes. In contrast, overexpression of Prmt5 enhanced adipogenic gene expression and differentiation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that Prmt5 binds to and dimethylates histones at adipogenic promoters. Furthermore, the presence of Prmt5 promoted the binding of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling enzymes and was required for the binding of PPARγ2 at PPARγ2-regulated promoters. The data indicate that Prmt5 acts as a coactivator for the activation of adipogenic gene expression and promotes adipogenic differentiation.
Differential method for TCO modelling: an analysis and tutorial

Cost models based on total cost of ownership (TCO) or life cycle cost (LCC) are widely advocated for procurement decisions, particularly those involving source selection or to make outsourcing decisions. Unfortunately, the standard treatments of these topics in textbooks and journal articles provide little guidance on how to actually set up and perform the analyses, in part because they tend to overlook the differential nature of these concepts. This article demonstrates that a TCO is not a property of a product or service but of a decision and thus lends itself to differential analysis. A template structure is proposed to assist in performing the analysis and presenting the results. The key benefits of this structure are: a more rigorously analysed decisions b a communication tool by which the impact of procurement decisions can be communicated to the larger organisation and integrated into strategic planning discussions.
A new ranked set sampling protocol for the signed rank test

Abstract In this paper, we construct a new ranked set sampling protocol that maximizes the Pitman asymptotic efficiency of the signed rank test. The new sampling design is a function of the set size and independent order statistics. If the set size is odd and the underlying distribution is symmetric and unimodal, then the new sampling protocol quantifies only the middle observation. On the other hand, if the set size is even, the new sampling design quantifies the two middle observations. This data collection procedure for use in the signed rank test outperforms the data collection procedure in the standard ranked set sample. We show that the exact null distribution of the signed rank statistic WRSS+ based on a data set generated by the new ranked set sample design for odd set sizes is the same as the null distribution of the simple random sample signed rank statistic WSRS+ based on the same number of measured observations. For even set sizes, the exact null distribution of WRSS+ is simulated.