cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differences in survival for patients with resectable versus unresectable metastases from pancreatic islet cell cancer

Well-differentiated islet cell tumors can be associated with aggressive biology, resulting in early metastases to the liver. This study was carried out to determine whether survival for patients with malignant islet cell tumors and synchronous liver metastases is affected by complete surgical resection. Thirty-one patients with synchronous liver metastases from islet cell cancer underwent surgical exploration with the intent for complete tumor resection, and all patients underwent resection of the pancreatic primary. The patients were divided into two groups, those with resectable versus unresectable liver metastases. Twenty-six of 31 (84%) patients underwent complete resection of both the primary tumor and all liver metastases, and 5 (16%) patients underwent only complete resection of the pancreatic primary without liver resection. To extirpate the primary tumor, a pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed in 11 of the 26 (42%) completely resected patients and in 4 of the 5 (80%) incompletely resected patients, P = NS. The remainder of the patients underwent distal pancreatectomy. There were no statistical differences in primary tumor size, lymph node metastases, or adjuvant treatments between patients with resected and unresected liver metastases. The median overall survival for the completely resected group was 78 months, longer than the 17 months for the group with unresectable liver metastases (P = 0.06). Complete tumor resection (or the tumor biology that allows such complete resection) affords a survival advantage to patients with metastatic islet cell tumors of the pancreas. Patterns of liver metastases from islet cell tumors, specifically multiple bilobar metastases that are not amenable to resection and/or ablation, predict a poor outcome despite resection of the primary pancreatic tumor.
Reduction of uncertainty effect on damage identification using feedback control

This paper presents a study of the effect of model uncertainty on damage detection when feedback controllers, such as passive controllers, are incorporated into the structure. The use of feedback control techniques can generate additional modal parameters of closed-loop systems for structural damage identification. One major issue of the application of feedback control techniques is the effect of model uncertainty, such as boundary condition variation, on structural damage detection. The objective of this research is to develop control methodologies to reduce the effect of model uncertainty on structural damage detection.
Multiple Aspects and Correlates of Body Figure Ratings: A Replication and Extension of Fallon and Rozin (1985)

College females, using a set of nine figure drawings reflecting very thin to very heavy figures, rated their current figure (based on how they thought they looked versus how they felt), ideal figure, how they appeared to others, and the figure they deemed most attractive to men. A subsample of the 123 subjects also completed measures of body satisfaction, depression, eating disturbance, teasing, and noted the age of menarche. The results replicated and extended the findings of Fallon and Rozin (1985), who found that ideal figures were smaller than ratings of current size. Additionally, there was a significant difference between the two protocols for current size, indicating that subjects rated their size as larger when asked to rate based on affective instructions. Figure ratings based on cognitive/rational instructions did not differ from those based on how they conceptualized others' views of their bodies. Significant correlations were observed among figure ratings, body satisfaction, eating disturbance, depression, and teasing. The need to focus on etiological mechanisms of disturbed body image and eating behavior is addressed, and the role of teasing as a possible precipitant is examined.
Sulfur poisoning of hydrogen and carbon monoxide adsorption on supported nickel

Abstract The effects of preadsorbed sulfur on the adsorptions of hydrogen and carbon monoxide on Ni/Al2O3 were investigated. The results reveal that chemisorption of hydrogen at 298 K is decreased in proportion to the fraction of the nickel surface covered with sulfur. The measured uptake of carbon monoxide at 190 – 298 K, however, is increased in proportion to the sulfur present on the nickel surface due to the formation of nickel carbonyl. The implications for measurement of nickel surface area and for poisoning in CO/H2 synthesis are discussed.
Warfarin therapy does not increase bleeding in patients undergoing heart transplantation.

Abstract Background . Historically, warfarin has been discontinued or rapidly reversed with fresh frozen plasma in patients awaiting heart transplantation because of concerns regarding excessive bleeding. Because preoperative warfarin may have effects on bleeding after cardiac operations, we reviewed our experience to determine the risks in patients undergoing heart transplantation while maintained on warfarin. Methods . The records of consecutive adult patients undergoing heart transplantation from January 1996 to December 1998 were reviewed. Preoperative and 24-hour postoperative data were obtained, including patient demographics; hematologic laboratory values; medication use; repeat or primary sternotomy data; allogeneic blood product administration; and chest tube drainage. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed using these variables to determine risk factors for bleeding after heart transplantation. Results . Ninety adult patients, mean age 50 years, underwent orthotopic heart transplantation during the 36-month period. No relationships existed between preoperative international normalized ratio (INR, mean=1.83 ± 0.1, p = 0.84) or postoperative INR (mean = 2.2 ± 0.9, p = 0.63) and chest tube drainage (mean = 721 ± 63 mL). Relationships were observed between total blood product administration and preoperative INR (partial r = 0.30, p = 0.01) and postoperative INR (partial r = −0.37, p = 0.002); however, preoperative INR did not correlate ( p = 0.29) when perioperative use of fresh frozen plasma was factored as a covariate. Inverse relationships were evident between postoperative INR and total blood product exposures, as well as transfusions of platelets (partial r = −0.26, p = 0.03), fresh frozen plasma (partial r = −0.28, p = 0.02), and red cells (partial r = −0.25, p = 0.04). Conclusions . Although we noted no correlations between INR and chest tube output, inverse relationships were observed with transfusion requirements in the first 24 hours after transplantation. Preoperative warfarin may be safely continued in patients awaiting heart transplantation.
Mass spectrometric identification of Au68(SR)34 molecular gold nanoclusters with 34-electron shell closing.

The molecular formula Au68(SCH2CH2Ph)34 has been assigned to the 14 kDa nanocluster using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The 34-electron shell closing in a macroscopically obtained thiolated gold nanocluster is demonstrated. The Au68 nanocluster is predicted to have a 49 atom Marks decahedral core with 19 inner core atoms and 30 outer atoms chelating with the staple motifs. The nanoclusters’ predicted formulation is [Au]19+30 [Au(SR)2]11 [Au2(SR)3]4.
Classical Pragmatism: Engaging Practitioner Experience

Published in Administration & Society , Vol. 36, No. 3, July 2004. 351-361 (Copyright 2004 Sage Publications)
Where the good signatures are: Signature collection and initiative qualification in California

Using data from eight recent California initiatives and data provided by the California Secretary of State's Office, this research explores the geographic source of signatures and their distribution across counties, investigates both total signatures and valid signatures, and presents a regression analysis to study how characteristics of counties relate to the number of signatures gathered. The findings indicate a high rate of equity in the distribution of signature gathering and little demographic targeting across measures. The study also finds that a variety of social and political factors influence the number of total and valid signatures across counties, though the results are more consistent for the former.
Atomic force microscopy of the morphology of the matrix and mineral components of the otolith of Hyperoglyphe antarctica.

The sagittal otolith of Hyperoglyphe antarctica (Centrolophidae: Teleostei) has a prismatic structure in which the anti-sulcal growth axes of each prism consist of a series of nested cones each composed of a mineral layer followed by an organic matrix layer. Broken sections show the mineral layers to be composed of stacks of crystals. Otolith matrix that has been decalcified and air-dried, or critical-pont-dried, retains a periodic structure of repeating high and low matrix density. At high magnifications, both broken whole crystal surfaces and decalcified matrix surfaces have a granular structure. Chloroxbleached whole otoliths also show a granular crystalline structure. At higher magnifications, the air-dried matrix showed a parallel fiber structure with similar dimensions to keratin fibers. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Development and testing of a multivariate, seasonal ARMA(1,1) model

Abstract A time series model of the ARMA class for seasonal, multisite applications is presented. Methods of estimating model parameters are developed and two methods (maximum likelihood and the method of moments) are compared. For model verification, a data generation experiment provides diagnostic checks at three levels: (1) properties of the model residuals; (2) preservation of short-term statistics (serial and cross-correlation); and (3) preservation of long-term characteristics (drought and reservoir storage properties). The model is then used to model bivariate, monthly river flow on the Yampa and White Rivers in northwest Colorado.
Measurement of plasma prednisolone by a competitive protein-binding assay.

Abstract Although recently procedures have been developed for measurement of prednisolone (11β,17α,21-trihydroxypregna-1,2-diene-3,20-dione) in blood, they lack sensitivity needed for plasma concentrations found in patients on usual therapeutic dosages (1, 2). We have applied the competitive protein-binding radioassay technique developed by Murphy to measurement of plasma prednisolone (3). This method, while very sensitive, also contributes considerable specificity due to the high affinity of the protein used for binding (4). Preliminary purification is provided by extraction with methylene chloride and paper chromatographic separation of prednisolone from cortisol (11β,17α,21-trihydroxypregna-4-ene-3,20-dione) using a Bush descending chromatographic system (5). The assay is performed by displacement of tritiated corticosterone (11,21-dihydroxypregna-4-ene-3,20-dione) from corticosterone-binding globin (CBG) present in dog plasma. The specific technique used is a modification of one for measurement of progesterone published by Neill and his co-workers (4).
Implementing and integrating computer-based activities into a problem-based gross anatomy curriculum

A problem-based learning curriculum in gross anatomy was begun for a limited number of students to address unsuccessful methodology inherent in a traditional instructional approach. To eliminate some concerns associated with the laboratory component, computer-based instruction and other computer- related activities were actively integrated into the total instructional process. Prosections, directions, quizzes, images, and grades were provided in lab at table-side computer workstations, in the library, and on the web. Results were assessed through questionnaires in which students rated their learning experience according to a Likert-type scale. Success was measured by quantitative improvements in student perception. In this three-year study, observations and measurements have suggested increasingly positive student attitudes toward educational technology, for networks as a faster and more effective method of student/faculty communication, and in the utilization of computer-based instruction for greater flexibility and efficiency in learning. This allowed a rethinking of the structure and content of the curriculum by the faculty, which permitted reduced laboratory time, more small-group activity, and less reliance on staff.
Violence among family members of children and adolescents evaluated for sexual abuse.

OBJECTIVES: The two aims of this study were to: (1). describe the prevalence and characteristics of domestic adult and child physical violence in the homes of children and adolescents evaluated in a specialized sexual abuse clinic and (2). describe parent or caretaker responses to domestic adult and child violence and child sexual abuse, including tendencies to report or seek medical care. METHOD: A consecutive sample of 164 subjects (ages 7-19) were interviewed in a sexual abuse clinic regarding in-home violent or abusive experiences among family members that had occurred at any time during their childhood. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent of these children and teenagers reported spousal violence in their home. Fifty-eight percent of child sexual offenders who were in-home males also physically abused their adult female partner. Half of in-home males who were physically violent to children also sexually abused them. In 86% of homes with partner violence, the children were also physically assaulted. There was no difference in sexual abuse disclosure rates or patterns for children living with or without adult violence. CONCLUSIONS: Sexually abused children should be questioned about physical abuse and the presence of violence among adults in their home. Safety plans for sexually abused children should incorporate screening for family violence and safety plans for parents and siblings of child victims, when appropriate. Language: en
Socioeconomic inequalities in abdominal obesity among children and adolescents in Shandong, China.

[1] Wang L, Lahtinen S, Lentz L, et al. Feasibility of using an implantable system to measure thoracic congestion in an ambulatory chronic heart failure canine model. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2005;28:404–11. [2] Whellan DJ, Ousdigian KT, Al-Khatib SM, et al. Combined heart failure device diagnostics identify patients at higher risk of subsequent heart failure hospitalizations: results from PARTNERS HF (Program to Access and Review Trending Information and Evaluate Correlation to Symptoms in Patients With Heart Failure) study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2010;55:1803–10. [3] Yu CM,Wang L, Chau E, et al. Intrathoracic impedance monitoring in patients with heart failure: correlation with fluid status and feasibility of early warning preceding hospitalization. Circulation 2005;112:841–8. [4] Dao Q, Krishnaswamy P, Kazanegra R, et al. Utility of B-type natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure in an urgent-care setting. J Am Coll Cardiol 2001;37:379–85.
Differential Effects of Growth Factors on [3H]Thymidine Incorporation and [125I]Iodine Uptake in FRTL-5 Rat Thyroid Cells

We studied the effect of several growth factors on DNA synthesis and function of FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells by simultaneous measurement of [3H]thymidine incorporation and [125I]iodide uptake. Endothelial cell growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor I stimulated thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent manner without the parallel increase of [125I]iodide uptake. These growth factors had an additive effect with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) on thymidine incorporation, but they inhibited TSH-stimulated iodide uptake. Bombesin stimulated thymidine incorporation and inhibited TSH-stimulated iodide uptake; epidermal growth factor and gastrin-releasing peptide 10 had neither effect. None of the growth factors studied affected iodide uptake in the absence of TSH. Of the growth factors tested, endothelial cell growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor bombesin, and platelet-derived growth factor all share similar differential effects on FRTL-5 cells: stimulation of DNA synthesis, potentiation of the effects of TSH on DNA synthesis, and attenuation of the effects of TSH on cell function. The data suggest that these growth factors may play important roles in regulation of thyroid function.
A two-dimensional finite difference model of shear wave propagation in anisotropic soft tissue

A rotated-staggered grid finite difference algorithm solves the stiff problem that occurs in conventional grid finite difference calculations when simulating elastic wave propagation in anisotropic soft tissue. The grid is formed by rotated rectangles with displacement values on the vertices. In addition, the strain values are located at the center of each mesh cell. Simulations of elastic wave propagation using the rotated-staggered grid scheme are performed in transversely isotropic media, and the results show that the rotated-staggered grid scheme is effective for soft tissue, which has a relatively large bulk-to-shear wave speed ratio.
IRON RECOVERY FROM NEUTRALIZED ACID MINE DRAINAGE SLUDGE

The treatment of acid mine drainage by neutralization produces large quantities of iron rich sludge. This iron can be recovered by acidification with H2SO4 and then used as a wastewater coagulant for phosphorus removal. In addition, a process which recycles the acid mine drainage sludge during the neutralization process has been found to require less lime while producing a sludge which requires less acid for recovery. Two acid mine drainage sludges from the field and two from the lab were analyzed and iron recovery for each was optimized for time, pH, and concentration. The optimum pH range for recovery was 1.5 to 2.0, while approximately 3 hours were required for the process. Solution iron concentrations varied from 5100 to 11,400 mg/l. It was found that the recovered iron solutions work very well when used as a wastewater coagulant.
Intraspecific gene genealogies: trees grafting into networks

Intraspecific gene evolution cannot always be represented by a bifurcating tree. Rather, population genealogies are often multifurcated, descendant genes coexist with persistent ancestors and recombination events produce reticulate relationships. Whereas traditional phylogenetic methods assume bifurcating trees, several networking approaches have recently been developed to estimate intraspecific genealogies that take into account these population-level phenomena.
Protection and communication abstractions for web browsers in MashupOS

Web browsers have evolved from a single-principal platform on which one site is browsed at a time into a multi-principal platform on which data and code from mutually distrusting sites interact programmatically in a single page at the browser. Today's "Web 2.0" applications (or mashups) offer rich services, rivaling those of desktop PCs. However, the protection andcommunication abstractions offered by today's browsers remain suitable onlyfor a single-principal system--either no trust through completeisolation between principals (sites) or full trust by incorporating third party code as libraries. In this paper, we address this deficiency by identifying and designing the missing abstractions needed for a browser-based multi-principal platform. We have designed our abstractions to be backward compatible and easily adoptable. We have built a prototype system that realizes almost all of our abstractions and their associated properties. Our evaluation shows that our abstractions make it easy to build more secure and robust client-side Web mashups and can be easily implemented with negligible performance overhead.
Diagnosing Service Quality in Retailing: The Case of Singapore

This paper examines the service quality perceptions of consumers towards retailers in Singapore. We applied SERVQUAL, a popular measure of service quality to a sample of 172 consumers to assess service quality perceptions, expectations and gaps in service quality. We first examined the dimensionality and reliability of this scale. Subsequently, analysis by various demographic groups revealed significant gaps in service quality; the gaps in quality were much higher for some service quality dimensions than for others. The implications of these results for Singapore retailers and retail entrepreneurs are then presented along with future research directions.
Minimax Optimization of Unimodal Functions by Variable Block Search

A minimax search plan is developed for locating the maximum of a one dimensional unimodal function using a sequence of blocks of simultaneous function evaluations. Any number of evaluations can be made in each block, generalizing a previously developed constant block plan based on the Avriel numbers [1, 5]. A new set of numbers is produced, containing the Avriel numbers as a subset and filling the large gaps between consecutive Avriel numbers. This enables the selection of a search strategy more closely meeting the desired reduction ratio, reducing the number of experiments required by as much as 50% compared to constant block search. The proposed search strategy is optimal in the sense that for a required final interval of uncertainty, known to contain the point where the function obtains its maximum, and for given values for the number of experiments in each block, it has the largest possible starting interval. A plan for determining the optimal number of experiments per block is given. A discrete variable version of the search plan is also described.
Method for measuring vehicle noise source heights and subsource spectra

The U.S. Department of Transportation in cooperation with FHWA and several state transportation agencies is collecting a highway noise database for the development of noise-level regression equations. These data and equations will provide the foundation for the new traffic noise software, TNS. In addition to collecting reference energy mean emission level data, this test plan also requires an extensive database of source heights and subsource spectra covering all vehicle classes and possible roadway parameters. A description is provided of a turnkey rapid data acquisition and analysis system that was developed to collect a large database of vehicle noise source heights and subsource spectra for subsequent incorporation into TNS. Included is a summary of the analysis algorithm used to calculate the source heights, a description of the data collection system, and a brief summary of the data collected to date.
TDMA for wireless passive backscatter networks: An information theoretic approach

The passive backscatter technology is increasingly employed in wireless sensor network (WSN) applications. In contrast to existing technologies it offers several advantages including a battery-less operation, extremely small-form factor, and low costs. Our previous works demonstrated that theoretically such backscatter-based network outperforms existing solutions. In contrast, this paper presents a new time division multiple access (TDMA) based approach that considers a practical realization of the multi-hop framework. The capacity limits for the proposed scheme are evaluated for two frameworks - (a) single hop with direct backscatter signal and (b) a multi-hop transmission. An analytical comparison shows that the multi-hop transmission improves the per-node capacity over the single-hop scenario. Numerical simulations verify the theoretical conclusions.
Modeling of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite beam dynamics and its validation using high-speed motion visualization

Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) materials have intrinsic actuation and sensing properties. Motivated by potential fluid sensing applications of IPMC sensors, we investigate the dynamic response of a free-vibrating IPMC beam in a fluid. The flexible beam is approximated with multiple, serially connected rigid elements. The parameters of the resulting model are related to the physical properties of the material and the fluid. High-speed imaging is used to capture the trajectory of a cantilevered IPMC beam in air and in water, respectively. Good agreement is achieved between the model prediction and the measured tip displacement. The corresponding sensor output (short-circuit current) has also shown strong correlation with the tip displacement. These results provide a basis for extracting fluid and flow properties based on the IPMC sensor output.
Mechanism Design to Promote Free Market and Open Source Software Innovation

Some economic strategists now assert that the greatest value in information goods is not created by thestrongest and most restrictive intellectual property protection. Proponents of Open Source Software argue for value created by peer review and openly modifiable shared code. To explore these ideas, we articulate a balance of incentives as indexed by the length of time that software remains proprietary, and openness as indexed by the amount of the platform code base that an author releases to the developer community (and users) to promote the creation of new products. We analyze the trade-off between early and late release based on a two-sided network externality that explores how the release of free information benefits those who develop as well as those who consume. We also introduce a framing innovation that places existing licenses in a space that suggests where unexplored socially optimal licenses might exist.
Effect of Community Health Education on Physical Activity Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior The Stanford Five-City Project

The authors studied the effectiveness of community-wide health education on physical activity knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavior. Random samples of residents aged 18-74 years who lived in four central California cities (baseline, n = 1,056 men and 1,183 women) were evaluated in 1979-1980 and approximately every 2 years thereafter to obtain four independent samples. Moreover, every subject in the initial independent samples was asked to return for follow-up every 2 years thereafter; subjects who completed all four examinations constituted the cohort sample (n = 408 men and 499 women). Two medium-sized cities received health education and two similarly sized cities served as controls. Results indicated little consistent evidence of a treatment effect on physical activity knowledge, attitudes, or self-efficacy in either men or women. Among physical activity measures, there was an indication of a positive treatment effect for men in the independent samples for estimated daily energy expenditure and percent participation in vigorous activities (p < 0.01), and for women in the independent (p = 0.014) and cohort (p < 0.01) samples for engagement in the number of moderate activities. These results underscore the need for development of more effective interventions to change physical activity than is provided by a broad-based, community-wide health education program and for more sensitive and reliable measures of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior with regard to physical activity.
A finite-element-boundary integral formulation for scattering by three-dimensional cavity-backed apertures

A novel numerical technique is proposed for the electromagnetic characterization of the scattering by a three-dimensional cavity-backed aperture in an infinite ground plane. The technique combines the finite element and boundary integral methods to formulate a system of equations for the solution of the aperture fields and those inside the cavity. Specifically, the finite element method is used to formulate the fields in the cavity region, and the boundary integral approach is used in conjunction with the equivalence principle to represent the fields above the ground plane. Unlike traditional approaches, the proposed technique does not require a knowledge of the cavity's Green's function and is, therefore, applicable to arbitrary shape depressions and material fillings. Furthermore, the proposed formulation leads to a system having a partly full and partly sparse as well as symmetric and banded matrix which can be solved efficiently using special algorithms. >
A two-level hybrid select logic for wide-issue superscalar processors

In a superscalar processor, select logic within the critical path of the instruction queue has become a performance bottleneck. This paper presents a high speed, two-level, hybrid select logic for wide-issue processors. The first level reduces delay by performing parallel age-based selection, and final arbitration is achieved in the second level with simple position-based select logic. The hybrid select logic circuits were implemented in dynamic logic on IBM 0.13/spl mu/m technology. Simulation shows 36% reduction in delay with less than 1% IPC degradation compared to the conventional design.
Biomarker analysis for oncology

Cancer biomarkers are biological, chemical or biophysical entities that are present in tumor tissues or body fluids which give valuable information about current and future behavior of cancer. This review discusses the applicability of biomarkers in different stages of cancer from cancer risk assessment to recurrence. In medical practice, biomarkers can be helpful in finding out one's potential cancer risk, confirming whether or not one is already affected with a particular type of cancer, to which drug will the cancer respond best and in what doses should it be administered, the effectiveness of the treatment and whether the cancer will recur. Although biomarker discovery and validation is a very challenging process, when considering its applications and advantages, it is well worth the effort.
Immunology of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

Often persistent and primary postnatal infections with BVDV result in immunosuppression in cattle, thereby enhancing the vulnerability of the latter to secondary infections. The evidence for and nature of impaired immunity in these animals is reviewed. Our knowledge of the extent and nature of protective immunity induced by natural BVDV infections and vaccines is still in its infancy. Significant new information on the bovine immune response to BVDV antigens, however, has been identified in recent years. These data are reviewed and related to prospects for improved immunoprophylaxis against diseases caused by the virus.
BEST-PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR FIELD-BASED SURGERY AND ANESTHESIA OF FREE-RANGING WILDLIFE. I. ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA

Field anesthesia is often necessary for both invasive and noninvasive procedures on wild animals. We describe basic principles of safe anesthetic delivery, monitoring, and recovery for application in procedures involving free-ranging wildlife. For invasive procedures, the potential for immediate and lasting pain must be addressed and appropriate analgesia provided. In situations where the minimum standard of safe anesthesia and effective analgesia cannot be provided, the investigator and approving bodies should rigorously evaluate the risk to the patient against the value of the data obtained. This document is intended to serve as a resource for Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, biologists, veterinarians, and other researchers planning projects that involve free-ranging wildlife in field conditions.
Multisubstance Use Among Treatment-Seeking Smokers: Synergistic Effects of Coping Motives for Cannabis and Alcohol Use and Social Anxiety/Depressive Symptoms

ABSTRACTObjective: This study examined the impact of coping motives for cannabis and alcohol use on the relation between social anxiety/depressive symptoms and severity of substance use for alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis among treatment-seeking smokers who also use cannabis and alcohol. Methods: The sample included 197 daily cigarette smokers (MAge 34.81 years, SD = 13.43) who reported using cannabis and alcohol. Results: Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted wherein separate models were constructed for each dependent variable. Among individuals with higher social anxiety, alcohol coping motives were associated with heavier drinking, and this was more pronounced among those low in depressive symptoms. Similarly, those at greater risk for nicotine dependence were anxious individuals with lower depressive symptoms who endorse coping-oriented motives for using cannabis. Further, among those with higher social anxiety, cannabis coping motives were associated with marginally greater drinking...
Implications of Epithelial–Stromal Interaction 1 in Diseases Associated with Inflammatory Signaling

Epithelial–stromal interaction 1 (EPSTI1) was initially identified as an induced gene in breast cancer epithelial cells by cocultured stromal fibroblasts. This discovery led to further investigation and understanding of the role of EPSTI1 in cancer. Aberrant elevation of EPSTI1 occurs primarily in invasive breast cancer epithelial cells. Forced overexpression of EPSTI1 in noninvasive cancer cells can substitute for the stromal fibroblasts. EPSTI1 was further implicated in cancer by our most recent study that identified it as one of the few most upregulated genes in human breast cancer by Kruppel-like factor 8 (KLF8), a pro-cancerous transcription factor in many cancer types. Our study also demonstrated that EPSTI1 interacts with valosin-containing protein to promote the degradation of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) inhibitor alpha, leading to the activation and nuclear translocation of NF- κB. Additionally, EPSTI1 was shown to inhibit apoptosis by inactivating caspase 8. Studies on hepatitis C and E viruses have indicated that EPSTI1 plays a role in inhibition of the viral replication by promoting the expression of protein kinase R or protein kinase RNA-activated, a viral response gene, suggesting a role of EPSTI1 in immune response. Interestingly, in addition to transducing stromal signals, EPSTI1 has been implicated in immune privilege and autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis. This review seeks to comb EPSTI1-related studies as it was cloned a dozen years ago with a particular focus on the mechanisms of its regulation and signaling, as well as its potential roles in the diseases.
E-027 Final results of a multicenter, prospective, long term coil embolization study

Purpose To design and set up an electronic database with longitudinal information on the use of bare platinum coils for the endovascular occlusion of cerebral aneurysms. We report the final analysis of the data. Materials and methods From 1 May 2004 to 10 July 2007, a global registry was conducted at 36 centers in the USA, Europe and Latin America. 303 patients were enrolled of whom 299 patients were treated with bare detachable platinum coils (mostly Trufill DCS Orbit coils) of various sizes, shapes and grades of softness. Acute as well as long term anatomical and clinical data were collected. Logistic regression analysis will be used to examine the association of selected patient characteristics to outcomes of recanalization, retreatment and stability of occlusion. Results 313 aneurysms, ruptured or unruptured, were treated in the 299 patients. Follow-up data were available on 185 patients (including 10 reports of deaths); 32 patients returned for more than one visit; 140 (76%) had 3–6 months of follow-up, 63 (34%) had 1 year of follow-up and five (3%) had 2 years of follow-up. This abstract reviews the status of 185 patients with follow-up data available at this time. Immediately postprocedure, the treating physicians reported achieving the desired level of occlusion in 167 (85%) of the treated and followed aneurysms: 114 (58%) aneurysms were completely obliterated, 40 (20%) residual neck, 23 (12%) residual aneurysm and 19 (10%) dog ear. Of 174 aneurysms with angiographic follow-up, 137 (79%) remained stable or improved, nine (5%) showed aneurysm regrowth, 26 (15%) compaction and two (1%) had migrated. At 3–6 months, 14 of the 174 (8%) aneurysms were re-treated. Conclusion These results confirm previous outcomes data of endovascular occlusion of cerebral aneurysms with Trufill DCS Orbit complex shaped detachable platinum coils. Complications related to the device were rare.
90 CASE REPORT: LENÈGRE'S SYNDRONE PRESENTING AS NEW ONSET ATRIAL FLUTTER

A 24 year old woman presented with symptoms of near syncope, dizziness and palpitations and was found to have typical atrial flutter. She underwent an uncomplicated right atrial flutter ablation. Three years later she presented with recurrent symptoms of dizziness and near syncope. Holter monitor showed pauses > 3 seconds and sinus arrest. An EP study showed prolonged sinus node recovery time, AV nodal disease and prolonged HV interval. This case highlights sinus nodal dysfunction manifesting as atrial flutter as the initial presentation in a patient with extensive conduction system disease most likely secondary to Lenigre9s disease.
High temperature purge and trap procedure for determining seven volatile N-nitrosamines in animal feed, using gas chromatography/thermal energy analyzer

A rapid and sensitive procedure is described for determining 4 N-nitrosodialkylamines (dimethyl, diethyl, dipropyl, and dibutyl) and the N-nitroso analogs of piperidine, pyrrolidine, and morpholine in animal feed. The volatile N-nitrosamines were isolated by using a modified high temperature purge and trap apparatus designed for multiple sample cleanup. The feed sample was mixed with mineral oil and a nitrosation inhibitor, and the N-nitrosamines were purged onto a ThermoSorb/N cartridge, eluted with acetone-dichloromethane (1 + 1), and determined by gas chromatography, using a thermal energy analyzer. The effects of purge rate, purge time, and temperature on recovery are discussed. Feed samples spiked with 10, 50, and 200 ppb of the 7 N-nitroso compounds yielded recoveries ranging from 70 to 97%, with precision ranging from 1.3 to 5.4% and minimum detectable levels in the low parts-per-billion range.
Educating primary care physicians in geriatric rehabilitation

This article has reviewed the current status of primary care physician education in rehabilitation and the potential effects of current educational inadequacies on use of rehabilitation. The epidemiologic data regarding disease, development of disability, resource utilization, and its relevance to curriculum selection for rehabilitation were examined. Health care resources are limited, and given the increasingly important role the rehabilitation will play in health care, it is important that our educational efforts promote optimal use of those resources. A variety of teaching methods and their potential utility were discussed. Educating primary care physicians in the proper use of rehabilitation is of immediate importance for the large and growing older population. The use of available data on disease prevalence and impact to direct educational efforts will maximize the beneficial effects of our educational investments. The improved use of geriatric rehabilitation can make a significant impact on the health and quality of life for millions of older Americans.
Will there be a difference in the pediatric dentists of the future

In addition to the marked downsizing of most schools of dentistry, there has been a significant increase in the number of women and minority students, with percentages for both groups having approximately doubled during the last decade. Furthermore, with increasingly higher percentages of minority students applying to pediatric dental programs, the reality is that there will be an increasing number of pediatric practitioners from minority groups.
A Re-Examination of the Exercised/Unexercised Power Sources Issue using Partial Correlation Analysis

A re-analysis of the Gaski and Nevin (1985) data through the use of partial correlation allows the direct identification of the effects of unexercised reward and coercive power sources. Results suggest some adjustment of the original conclusions may be warranted.
Road trip to remission with CARs

What happens when a novel drug isn’t a drug, but a replicating, cell-based product? In this issue of Blood , Mueller et al performed the first formal cellular kinetic analyses of tisagenlecleucel (CTL019) in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) using pharmacokinetic principles to characterize the movement and persistence of cell-based therapies and examine its relationship to efficacy and safety. 1 Pharmacokinetics, the movement of a drug into, through, and out of a body, are vital to understanding the appropriate use of a novel drug, but the movement and persistence of living cellular therapy products cannot be expected to follow conventional rules. The recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of CTL019 for pediatric ALL is changing the landscape of treatment of hematologic malignancies, down to how we define a drug.
Cannabis and the Lung

While most cannabis use involves inhalation of the fumes from combustion, other routes of administration are also common but the consequences of these routes of exposure are less well known than from that of smoking. It is clear that prolonged use of cannabis causes chronic bronchitis and airflow obstruction in heavy users. However, there is a need to further understand the lung biology influenced by cannabis use, the potential for lung carcinogenesis, the effects of high THC products, and the health effects of different routes of administration. This review summarizes the present state of knowledge with regard to irritation and long-term effects on the lung and bronchial tissues.
Hydrogenolysis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-dimethylfuran over supported Pt–Co bimetallic catalysts under mild conditions

Highly dispersed Pt–Co bimetallic catalysts were deposited on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by atomic layer deposition. High-resolution TEM and TPR analyses verified the formation of Pt–Co bimetallic particles. Catalysts were applied for the hydrogenolysis of 5-hydroxymethyfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-dimethyfuran (DMF). A high yield of DMF (>90%) was achieved in the hydrogenolysis of HMF over the optimized Pt–Co/MWCNTs catalyst after 8 h of reaction time under 10 bar H2 at 160 °C. Through a series of experiments and comparison, the synergistic effect among Pt, Co, and MWCNTs was investigated. The results revealed that the synergistic effect between Pt–Co and MWCNTs played an important role in the improvement of selectivity to DMF for Pt–Co/MWCNTs bimetallic catalysts. In addition, steric hindrance appeared when Co loading in Pt–Co/MWCNTs was high and it affected the activity of the Pt–Co bimetallic catalysts. However, moderate activity can inhibit the production of byproducts and thereby improve the yield of DMF.
Measuring the Gender Gap on the Internet 1

Objective. This paper evaluates differences in men's and women's presence on the Internet, testing for the presence of gender-specific causes for different rates of Internet use. Methods. The paper presents new survey data collected by the author in 1996, 1998, and 1999 showing trends in Internet use, and presents regression models of Internet access and use. Results. Two statistically significant gender gaps exist on the Internet: in access and in use. The access gap is not the product of gender-specific factors, but is explained by socioeconomic and other differences between men and women. The use gap is the result of both socioeconomics and some combination of underlying gender-specific phenomena. Conclusions. Around one-half of the "digital divide" between men and women on the Internet is fundamentally gender related. Several possible causes may explain this phenomenon.
Hybrid Connectionist Models For Continuous Speech Recognition

The dominant technology for the recognition of continuous speech is based on Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). These models provide a fundamental structure that is powerful and flexible, but the probability estimation techniques used with these models typically suffer from a number of significant limitations. Over the last few years, we have demonstrated that fairly simple Multi-Layered Perceptrons (MLPs) can be discriminatively trained to estimate emission probabilities for HMMs. Simple context-independent systems based on this approach have performed very well on large vocabulary continuous speech recognition. This chapter will briefly review the fundamentals of HMMs and MLPs, and will then describe a form of hybrid system that has some discriminant properties.
Incitement, Prevention and Media Rights

This article argues that media rights are currently understood as being founded on freedom of expression, which makes them inherently skewed in favour of the producer – as the party doing the expressing – vis-a-vis the receiver, or object of communication. It claims that in genocidal situations this imbalance has dangerous consequences, as demonstrated by the impact of the RTLM radio station in Rwanda and Serbian state television in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The articles argues that the next step in the democratic development of media-related rights is to bind the media to standards derived from an ethics of communication, as distinct from an ethics of self-expression. It concludes that the international community must take the initiative to reach that step as it would benefit from holding media outlets accountable to an ethics of communication.
Health Demands in Developing Countries

This chapter examines the history and evolution of health systems in least-developing countries (LDCs), most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. A discussion of the history of health systems is particularly important to understand the present state of health and healthcare in LDCs, and to contextualize their current challenges and demands. Specifically, the chapter traces the development of health systems in LDCs from the colonial era in the 1960s, through to the age of market-oriented reform of their health systems in the 1980s and 1990s, and thereafter, describes the current state of health and healthcare. Among the contemporary problems discussed are the total collapse of public health systems in LDCs, research neglect of diseases suffered mainly in LDCs, lack of access to essential drugs, the migration of health personnel to rich countries (brain drain), and the new challenges brought on by the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic. The chapter concludes by examining a practical proposal to improve the overall health status of people in LDCs.
Differentiation and Distinction: On the Problem of Individuation from Scotus to Deleuze

In this paper I present an interpretation of Deleuze's concept of the virtual. I argue that this concept is best understood in relation to the problematic of individuation or differentiation, which...
Outcomes of Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction in Williams Syndrome.

Background The study sought to evaluate the short-term and midterm outcomes of surgical pulmonary artery reconstruction in patients with Williams syndrome (WS). Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients with WS who underwent surgical pulmonary artery reconstruction at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital between January 2001 and May 2018. Results There were 25 WS patients (52% female) who underwent pulmonary artery reconstruction during the study period. Median age at surgery was 2.4 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.9 to 4.5) years. Median preoperative right ventricular (RV) pressure was 80 (IQR, 70 to 90) mm Hg and aortic pressure was 96 (IQR, 90 to 107) mm Hg, with an RV-to-aortic pressure ratio of 0.8 (IQR, 0.7 to 1.0). The median number of pulmonary arterioplasty patches was 16.5 (IQR, 6.5 to 24). Median postoperative RV pressure was 27 (IQR 20 to 31) mm Hg and aortic pressure was 90 (IQR, 87 to 105) mm Hg, with an RV-to-aortic pressure ratio of 0.27 (IQR, 0.22 to 0.35). The postoperative RV pressure and RV-to-aortic pressure ratio were significantly lower than preoperative RV pressure and RV-to-aortic pressure ratio (p Conclusions Multilevel, surgical pulmonary artery reconstruction addressing severe extrapericardial stenoses is highly effective in patients with WS. This technique results in immediate normalization of RV pressure and has a low rate of reintervention in midterm follow-up.