cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microparticle deposition in periarterial microvasculature and intramural dissections after porous balloon delivery into atherosclerotic vessels : Quantitation and localization by confocal scanning laser microscopy

Local delivery of pharmacologic or genetic agents with a porous balloon catheter offers a potential therapeutic approach to reducing restenosis and atherosclerosis and minimizing undesirable systemic toxicity. However, the delivery efficiency and intramural retention of liquid agents is low. The local intramural delivery and prolonged retention of 5 μm microparticles (MP) has been described previously. The current study was designed to evaluate the distribution of locally delivered MPs and to determine the effects of MP size and infusion pressure on intramural delivery efficiency. A 1% suspension of fluorescent, latex MPs (1 or 4.5 μm in diameter) was infused at either 3 or 6 atm into atherosclerotic rabbit femoral arteries (n = 32) immediately after angioplasty. Four groups of arteries were evaluated: 1) 1 μm MPs infused at 3 atm; 2) 1 μm MPs at 6 atm; 3) 4.5 μm MPs at 3 atm; and 4) 4.5 μm MPs at 6 atm. The location of MPs was evaluated by fluorescent and light microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The tissue was dissolved and the delivered MPs quantified. All groups manifested numerous MPs within the vasa vasorum and periadventitial microvasculature, with a substantially lesser number within the neointimal and medial layers. The intramural deposition of the MPs was associated with dissection within the intima or media caused by the antecedent angioplasty or local delivery, indicating that an intact vessel wall is an anatomic barrier to MP delivery. The median values of fractional intramural delivery, defined as the percentage of infused MPs retained within the arterial wall, were 0.059%, 0.071%, 0.047%, and 0.062% for groups 1 through 4, respectively (p not significant [NS]). The values of intramural particle concentration, expressed as the total number of MPs per weight of arterial tissue, were 55, 65, 1.5, and 1.2 × 104 MPs/mg for groups 1 through 4, respectively (p < 0.001 for 1 μm vs 4.5 μm MPs). Although more 1 μm MPs were delivered than 4.5 μm MPs, the fractional intramural delivery was unaffected by particle size or infusion pressure. The local delivery of MPs at atherosclerotic sites after angioplasty is characterized by fractional intramural delivery values similar to values of nonparticulate agents, with few MPs deposited into intima or media in the absence of a dissection caused by the antecedent angioplasty or the delivery procedure itself.
SU‐FF‐T‐317: Physics Quality Assurance in the Evolving Industry

Purpose: To present the changes we made in our department of 8 radiationoncology centers to keep pace with the industry. The changing field has been the topic of task groups, seminars and symposiums with the expectation that groups like ASTRO, AAPM and NCI would help re‐write new specifications and guidelines. As with all members of the medical physics community, we await the new guidelines but continuously adopt our own quality assurance (QA) procedures to meet the demands of our changing fields. This paper addresses how we have approached these issues and how we have changed our QA processes. Method and Materials: The ever evolving industry in RadiationOncology has forced medical physicists to develop new quality assurance (QA) procedures. Additional QA procedures are required for electronic portal imager devices (EPID), multileaf collimators(MLC), film processors, mega‐voltage cone beam CT (MVCB‐CT) tests, and QA on functional imaging devices such as PET/CT, SPECT and MRI. Results: A listing of added quality assurance procedures and specifications is shown. It demonstrates a higher level of testing that goes beyond TG40 to assure safe, accurate and reliable beam delivery. We have identified the need to address the addition of hardware, the growing use of computers, higher levels of imaging, and the move to adaptive treatments. Conclusion: We added procedures to all of our daily, weekly and monthly QA processes. This included linear accelerators, imaging and planning devices. These procedures have assured that we maintain reasonable and effective QA assessments in line with the changing industry. We expect that these or similar standards will be organized and adapted by medical physics organizations to assure uniform standards throughout all radiationoncology operations.
Samarium-146 in the early solar system: evidence from neodymium in the allende meteorite.

A carbon-chromite fraction from the Allende C3V chondrite shows strikingly large isotopic enrichments of neodymium-142 (0.47 percent) and neodymium-143 (36 percent). Both apparently formed by alpha decay of samarium-146 and samarium-147 (half-lives 1.03 x 10 to the 8th and 1.06 x 10 to the 11th years), but the isotopic enrichment was greatly magnified by recoil of residual nuclei into a carbon film surounding the samarium-bearing grains. These data provide an improved estimate of the original abundance of extinct samarium-146 in the early solar system, Sm-146/Sm-144 = (4.5 + or - 0.5) x 10 to the -3rd, higher than predicted by some models of p-process nucleosynthesis. It may be possible to use this isotopic pair as a chronometer of the early solar system.
Cross-borehole flow profiling—delineating subsurface flow paths within a geophysically defined aquifer framework

An extensive geophysical tool box is available with which to construct models of subsurface flow paths in complex aquifers using a combination of surface and borehole methods. These methods include electromagnetic and seismic sounding from the surface and downhole-imaging methods based on acoustic, optical, and electrical properties of rocks surrounding the borehole. However, such methods are inherently limited in hydrogeophysics because of the need to measure properties such as rock alteration or local fracture density that are indirectly related to subsurface flow rather than directly sampling the hydraulic parameters (permeability, storage coefficient, and hydraulic head) of subsurface flow paths. High-resolution borehole flow profiles provide an opportunity to relate geophysical characterization to hydraulic properties as an integral part of the standard geophysical logging program. Single-borehole flow analysis provides information on the hydraulic properties of flow paths in the limited region immediately adjacent to the borehole. Cross-borehole methods, where flow is measured in one borehole while an adjacent borehole is stressed, characterize the large-scale flow paths that connect the individual flow zones identified in individual boreholes.
Predicting gully rejuvenation after wildfire using remotely sensed burn severity data

Abstract The loss of surface vegetation and reduced infiltration caused by wildfires can trigger gully rejuvenation, resulting in damage to downstream aquatic resources and risk to human life and property. We developed a spatially explicit metric of burn severity — the Burn Severity Distribution Index (BSDI) — and tested its ability to predict post-fire gully rejuvenation in 1st and 2nd order basins burned in the 2000 Valley Complex fires in the Sapphire Mountains of western Montana. The BSDI was derived from burn severity data interpreted from Landsat 7 satellite imagery using the Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) method, and ranged from 0.0 for completely unburned basins to 4.0 for basins burned entirely at high severity. In July 2001 rainstorms with peak 30-minute intensities of up to 17 mm h− 1 triggered gully rejuvenation in 66 of the 171 basins examined. The frequency of gully rejuvenation was higher in basins with higher BSDI values, increasing from zero for basins with a BSDI less than 1.3 to 67% for basins with a BSDI greater than 3.0. Binary logistic regression indicated that BSDI was a more significant predictor of gully rejuvenation than basin morphometric variables. The absence of gully rejuvenation in several basins with a high BSDI was attributed to low gradient, dense riparian vegetation, or concentration of high burn severity at lower elevations in the basin. The presence of gully rejuvenation in several basins with a low BSDI was associated with false negative NBR classification errors in northwest aspects, and concentration of severe burn impacts in the drainage headslopes. BSDI is a useful metric for predicting gully rejuvenation after wildfire. The use of the BSDI in Burned Area Emergency Response team assessments could improve the planning, implementation, and monitoring of burned area recovery treatments.
RELATION BETWEEN LENGTH OF MUSCLE AND BREAKDOWN OF PHOSPHORYLCREATINE IN ISOMETRIC TETANIC CONTRACTIONS.

RECENT experiments have shown that adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) is actually utilized by working muscles during single contractions but is normally resynthesized during the contraction by the action of ATP–Cr transphosphorylase and ATP–AMP transphosphorylase (myokinase)1–4. A breakdown of phosphorylcreatine (PCr) at 0° C during single isotonic contractions has been observed directly in frog rectus abdominis muscles (Rana pipiens) treated with 2,4-dinitrophenol to reduce the high tissue content of this substance. There is a linear relationship between the amount of breakdown and the work performed, with very little PCr utilized in activation and shortening per se of these muscles. The experiments reported here show that rectus abdominis muscles cleave PCr during short isometric tetanic contractions in amounts proportional to the time and to the developed tension.
Cube-Root Color Coordinate System

A visually uniform color coordinate system, based upon simple mathematical formulas, is described. This system resembles the Adams chromatic-value system but replaces the quintic-parabola function with a cube-root function. For colors having reflectances greater than 0.5% the color spacing obtained agrees with Munsell spacing as closely as the modified Adams system. At lower reflectances an expanded color spacing over that of the Munsell system is provided. The cube-root equations can be solved directly for color coordinate differences in terms of simple functions of the difference in colorimeter readings or tristimulus values. The computation of color coordinates in this system is simpler and requires less computational precision than other visually uniform color coordinate systems. A simple slide rule for computing color differences in cube-root color coordinates is described. A modification of the cube-root color coordinate system which provides nearly perfect representation of the spacing of Munsell colors is described, and the appropriateness of the assumptions required to obtain this behavior is discussed.
Regional estimates of the export flux of particulate organic carbon derived from thorium-234 during the JGOFS EqPac program

Abstract The upper ocean 234Th activity distribution at 77 stations was measured between 12°N and 10°S, and 95°W and 170°W in the spring and autumn of 1992. A regional scavenging model was used to estimate vertical export of particulate 234Th. Given the relatively high upwelling rates in this region, particularly at equatorial latitudes near 140°W, it was necessary to include upwelling of 234Th in our model in order to quantify particulate export. Using this export flux and the measured organic C or N to 234Th ratio on particles, one can empirically determine POC and PON fluxes for this region. The estimated particulate organic C flux varies spatially and temporally within this region, ranging from 1 to 7 mmol C m−2 day−1, with enhanced export occurring over the equator. Fluxes are also enhanced along 95°W coincident with a low temperature/high nutrient peak at 4°S. Along 140°W, particulate organic C export from the upper 100 m is on the order of 2 mmol C m−2 day−1 at latitudes beyond 4°N and 4°S, with an equatorial peak of 3–5 mmol C m−2 day−1 in both spring and fall. These results suggest that a relatively small per cent of the total production is exported locally on sinking particles (particle export/primary production C 234 Th ratios. Given the measured C N ratio, particulate N fluxes from the upper 100 m would be 6 times lower than for POC.
Irrigated Cornfields as Habitat for Small Mammals in the Sandsage Prairie Region of Western Kansas

Use of irrigated cornfields by small mammals was investigated in the sandsage prairie region of southwestern Kansas. Nine species were caught in cornfields during one year of sampling. Onychomys leucogaster, Peromyscus maniculatus , and Mus musculus were abundant residents, Perognathus flavescens, P. hispidus , and Reithrodontomys megalotis were resident but less abundant, and Dipodomys ordii was resident only during part of the year. Spermophilus spilosoma and Sigmodon hispidus were transients, whereas Peromyscus leucopus and Reithrodontomys montanus were available but not trapped in cornfields. Richness, evenness, and diversity are given for three habitats sampled (corn, edge areas, and grazed sandsage prairie). Data on relative densities, recruitment, movement, and reproduction are given for the species trapped.
Research Note: Forecasting Film-Induced Tourism — The Dolphin Tale Case

Dolphin Tale is a major motion picture released by Warner Brothers in 2011. The authors forecast the number of visitors to the film location, including the film-induced tourism effect originated by Dolphin Tale. They use intervention analysis to measure this effect, with the pre-film series forecasted trend as the comparison baseline instead of the usual linear trend. They address the proper modelling of the series seasonality in the presence of an abrupt increase in visitors immediately after the premiere and a lack of data on the subsequent months. They find that the film induced a 51% increase in the mean level of visitors to the location
Control of pain in pelvic cancer

Abstract A method of pelvic intraarterial infusion therapy with nitrogen mustard that does not require open arterial catheterization, general anesthesia, or the use of an operating room is presented. This technique is useful in certain patients with severe intractable pelvic pain secondary to advanced pelvic cancer. Total to partial relief of pain was observed in 78% of selected patients. Severe complications secondary to the procedure are presented and preventive measures are outlined.
Der Herr Etatsrat: Theodor Storm's Critical Reflection on Ersatzreligion

Scholarship on the role that Theodor Storm’s personal history plays in his literary work has frequently addressed the matter of his religious beliefs. David A. Jackson traces both Storm’s “Feuerbachian atheism” (Theodor Storm 106) and his resultant “concern with alternative values” (19). The ultimate “alternative value” for Storm, Jackson argues, is “die Liebe zwischen Mann und Frau,” which Storm characterizes in his correspondence with his then fiancee, Constanze, as “eine gottliche Offenbarung” and “unmittelbare Gottheit,” indeed to such an extent that “ja Liebe ist schon Religion” (qtd. in Jackson, “Storms Stellung” 46). Barbara Burns’s work on Storm represents a variation on – though certainly not a departure from – Jackson’s in two related ways. First, she qualifies Storm’s atheism as a “gradual movement away from religious faith towards secular humanism” (10), and the latter principle is certainly one foundation of Storm’s oeuvre. Second, she focusses the “Liebe” of the correspondence specifically on “[d]evotion to spouse and family,” which, she argues, “virtually constituted a replacement religion for Storm,” with “the idea of the family unit not only as the source of solace, but even of salvation and a degree of immortality.” This understanding of Storm’s religious views shapes Burns’s reading both of his early novellas, in which “the idyll of stable and peaceful relationships” is “removed from the evil and distress of the outside world,” and of his later works, with families that today would be called dysfunctional facing “the invasion of negative forces into what ought to be a sanctuary and an impenetrable stronghold” (19). Certainly, the replacement religion identified in Storm scholarship is reflected in his work in ways that have yet to be explored. This paper will analyze some of these, but is concerned primarily with Storm’s self-critical and socio-critical engagement with the very phenomenon of Ersatzreligion.1 While one typically – and rightly – associates this theme in Storm’s work with Der Schimmelreiter (1888), it is even more prevalent in the earlier and less familiar novella Der Herr Etatsrat (1881). In keeping with the darker nature of Storm’s later work, this novella
Commentary: Therapies for osteoporosis: are they good for spinal fusion?

COMMENTARY ON Hirsch BP, Unnanuntana A, Cunningham ME, Lane JM. The effect of therapies for osteoporosis on spine fusion: a systematic review. Spine J 2013;13:190–9 ( in this issue ).
Maintaining tissue orientation during mohs micrographic surgery: scalpel versus marker.

Background Critical to the accuracy of Mohs surgery is the ability to maintain proper orientation of excised tissue with respect to the surrounding skin. Several techniques have been described for maintaining this orientation, although no prior investigations directly compare these techniques. Objective To compare the incidence of tissue orientation loss resulting from inability to identify skin score marks with that occurring from failure to identify marks made using a gentian violet marker during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). We also sought to determine the incidence of scars resulting from skin scoring. Materials and Methods Patients undergoing MMS were prospectively randomized to have their tissue margins oriented using light scoring using a scalpel versus marking them using a gentian violet marker. Incidence of scoring scars and tissue orientation loss were the primary outcome measures. Results Data were analyzed for 101 tumors. There were no instances of tissue orientation loss in the scalpel or marker arms, nor were there any visible score mark scars at follow-up. Conclusion Incidence of excessive scars resulting from lightly scored tissue or loss of tissue orientation caused by lost gentian violet markings appears to be low. Both methods worked well within the confines of this study.
Impact of the lung allocation score on resource utilization after lung transplantation in the United States.

Background The United States lung allocation score (LAS) allows rapid organ allocation to higher acuity patients. Although, wait-list time and wait-list mortality have improved, the costs of lung transplantation (LTx) in these higher acuity patients are largely unknown. We hypothesize that LTx in high LAS recipients is associated with increased charges and resource utilization. Methods Clinical and financial data for LTx patients at our institution in the post-LAS era (May 2005 to 2009) were reviewed with follow-up through December 2009. Patients were stratified by LAS quartiles (Q). Total hospital charges for index admission and all admissions within 1 year of LTx were compared between Q4 vs Q1–3 using rank-sum and Kruskal–Wallis tests, as charge data were not normally distributed. Results Eighty-four LTxs were performed during the study period. Sixty-three (75%) patients survived 1 year; 10 (11.9%) died during the index admission. Median LAS was 37.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 34.3 to 44.8). LAS quartiles were: Q1, 30.1 to 34.3, n = 21; Q2, 34.4 to 37.5, n = 21; Q3, 37.6 to 44.8, n = 21; and Q4, 44.9 to 94.3, n = 21. Charges for index admission were: Q4, $276,668 (IQR 191,301 to 300,156) vs Q1–3, $153,995 (IQR 129,796 to 176,849) ( p p = 0.003). For 1-year charges: Q4, $292,247 (IQR 229,192 to 421,597) vs Q1–3, $188,342 (IQR 153,455 to 252,045) ( p = 0.002). Index admission and 1-year charges in Q4 were higher than for other quartiles when examined individually. Conclusions This is the first study to show increased charges in high LAS patients. Charges for the index admission and hospital care in the year post-LTx were higher in the highest LAS quartile compared with patients in the lowest 75% of LAS.
On the Effects of Network Structure in Population-Based Optimization

Memetic networks are a new class of population-based optimization algorithms that makes use of an underlying network to structure information flow between individuals representing points in the search space. Its main characteristic is the possibility of aggregating several solutions in order to compose new ones and the use of an explicit network to aid search. Algorithms from this class can be used to relate network properties to search performance in optimization tasks. We propose and report on algorithms applied to several benchmark optimization problems. We further show how some network properties - in particular, the existence of hubs - can influence the algorithm's performance.
Immunomodulation in stable renal transplant recipients with concomitant tacrolimus and sirolimus therapy.

Long term treatment with immunosuppressive agents results in nephrotoxicity in renal transplant recipients. We explored the effect of combination of Tacrolimus (TAC) and Sirolimus (SRL) on the immune system in renal transplant recipients. 10 stable renal transplant recipients were selected to participate in a pharmacokinetic study with a combination of TAC and SRL. Blood was drawn on day zero and 14 days post treatment. Lymphocyte proliferation was quantified by 3H-thymidine uptake assay (results expressed as counts per minute). The mRNA expression was studied by RT-PCR and serum levels of cytokines were quantified by ELISA and a cytokine bead array system. Lymphocyte proliferative response to PHA (p < 0.05), Con A (p < 0.006) and Anti-CD3 (p <0.005) were significantly decreased in patients who received both TAC and SRL compared to TAC alone. The mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α (p < 0.05), cyclins G (p < 0.01) and E (p < 05) were decreased, and of TGF-β (p < 0.03) and p21 (p < 0.05) were increased in patients treated with this combination. Circulating levels of IFN-γ (p < 0.04), IL-4 (p < 0.02), and Il-2 (p < 0.03) were significantly inhibited and elevation of TGF-β (p < 0.04) was observed in patients treated with TAC and SRL combination. These novel findings demonstrate that addition of SRL to TAC therapy enhances immuno modulation and causes increased immunosuppression providing a rationale for this concomitant therapy.
Recent advancement of molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis occurs in response to any etiology of chronic liver injury including hepatitis B and C, alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease, cholestasis, and autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary source of activated myofibroblasts that produce extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver. Various inflammatory and fibrogenic pathways contribute to the activation of HSCs. Recent studies also discovered that liver fibrosis is reversible and activated HSCs can revert to quiescent HSCs when causative agents are removed. Although the basic research for liver fibrosis has progressed remarkably, sensitive and specific biomarkers as non-invasive diagnostic tools, and effective anti-fibrotic agents have not been developed yet. This review highlights the recent advances in cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis, especially focusing on origin of myofibroblasts, inflammatory signaling, autophagy, cellular senescence, HSC inactivation, angiogenesis, and reversibility of liver fibrosis.
Relaxed matching kernels for robust image comparison

The popular bag-of-features representation for object recognition collects signatures of local image patches and discards spatial information. Some have recently attempted to at least partially overcome this limitation, for instance by ldquospatial pyramidsrdquo and ldquoproximityrdquo kernels. We introduce the general formalism of ldquorelaxed matching kernelsrdquo (RMKs) that includes such approaches as special cases, allow us to derive useful general properties of these kernels, and to introduce new ones. As an example, we introduce a kernel based on matching graphs of features and one based on matching information-compressed features. We show that all RMKs are competitive and outperform in several cases recently published state-of-the-art results on standard datasets. However, we also show that a proper implementation of a baseline bag-of-features algorithm can be extremely competitive, and outperform the other methods in some cases.
The botany of mangroves

Preface Acknowledgements Part I. General Account: 1. Ecology 2. Floristics 3. Biogeography 4. Shoot systems 5. Root systems 6. Water relations and salt balance 7. Flowering 8. Seedlings and seeds 9. Utilization and exploitation Part II. Detailed Descriptions by Family References Index.
Statistical analysis of the nonhomogeneity detector for non-Gaussian interference backgrounds

We derive the nonhomogeneity detector (NHD) for non-Gaussian interference scenarios and present a statistical analysis of the method. The non-Gaussian interference scenario is assumed to be modeled by a spherically invariant random process (SIRP). We present a method for selecting representative (homogeneous) training data based on our statistical analysis of the NHD for finite sample support used in covariance estimation. In particular, an exact theoretical expression for the NHD test statistic probability density function (PDF) is derived. Performance analysis of the NHD is presented using both simulated data and measured data from the multichannel airborne radar measurement (MCARM) program. A performance comparison with existing NHD approaches is also included.
Waking up T cells to counteract chronic infections

Memory T-cell responses generated in chronic viral infections can show functional defects contributing to poor viral control. Recently, signaling through the PD-1 receptor on CD8+ T cells was shown to cause cells to express an exhausted phenotype in an animal model of chronic infection. By blocking the interaction of PD-1 with its ligand PD-L1, virus-specific CD8+ T cells exhibited expansion and improved infection control. This approach could prove valuable to manage chronic infections.
Specification of a hospital production function

(1975). Specification of a hospital production function. Applied Economics: Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 149-160.
Pediatric Neurology in the Emergency Department: Localization Followed by Differential Diagnosis

Neurologic conditions and emergency physicians often come in contact with one another. The appropriate, detailed, and timely evaluation of these conditions followed by appropriate treatment and disposition are of great importance. In general, the history and a detailed neurologic examination are the first and most useful aspects of the evaluation. Localization along the neuron-axis is the first step, preceding the differential diagnosis and subsequent diagnostic studies. The neuron-axis includes muscle, neuromuscular junction, nerve, spinal cord, brain stem, cerebellum, and cerebrum. Each entity has its own constellation of physical examination findings and historical keys. Muscle disease usually presents with a combination of proximal greater than distal weakness and decreased deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) with normal sensation. Neuropathies most commonly present with distal greater than proximal symmetric weakness and/or sensory findings (depending if sensory or motor nerves are involved) and decreased DTRs. Spine disease usually has a sensory level with motor and sensory impairment below the level of injury or disease with a normal examination above. Brainstem disease presents with a combination of cranial neuropathies with long-track signs (symmetric weakness with or without sensory impairment) with increased DTRs (upper motor neuron dysfunction). Cerebellar dysfunction involves ataxia and, at times, language impairment. Cerebral disease presents with seizures, movement disorders, cognitive and/or mental status changes, headaches, or often unilateral signs (eg, hemiparesis). Once localization along the neuron-axis is characterized and the time course has been identified, a differential diagnosis can be elucidated. For example, a subacute neuropathy progressing for 2 days involving motor but not sensory
HER Targeting in HER2-Negative Breast Cancers: Looking for the HER3 Positive

Targeting HER2 for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancers is now a validated treatment paradigm. However evidence suggests that this family of receptors may have important roles outside of the realm of HER2 amplification. There is considerable interest in the development of biomarkers to identify such breast cancers.
Russia's Influence on Democratization in Post-Communist Europe and Eurasia

In the years since the demise of the Soviet Union, the process of democratization never started or, if it did, stalled and went into reverse in most of the non-Baltic post-Soviet states. While a good deal of scholarly attention has been devoted to the impact of transnational and international actors and forces on the democratization of the non-Soviet post-Communist countries, surprisingly little attention has been devoted to the impact of such actors and forces on the failed or still-incomplete processes of democratization in most of the non-Baltic post-Soviet countries. In particular, little attention has been devoted to examining the extent to which Russia – by far the largest, whether measured by geography, population, economy, or military, and certainly the most influential internationally – has influenced the process of democratization in the other non-Baltic post-Soviet countries. This paper takes a first step in addressing that question. Using annual data reported by Freedom House as surrogate measures of the extent of democracy over the past two decades, it suggests that with one notable exception – Ukraine – the extent of democratization has either not progressed at all or has receded over the past decade in all of the non-Baltic post-Soviet countries. While there are no doubt many forms and modes of influence that a large and powerful state can deploy to influence a neighbor, the paper considers the extent to which, if at all, Russia may have made use of economic, political, and geopolitical modes of influence to slow or reverse the process of democratization in the other non-Baltic post-Soviet countries. The discussion suggests that, while Russia deployed all three modes of influence from time to time, geopolitics may have been especially important in determining both the extent to which it sought to influence the process of democratization and the means by which it did so.
The Prevention and Genetics of Pancreatic Cancer: A Programmatic Approach

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is typically a fatal disease due to its rapid growth and the lack of early diagnostic techniques. Because approximately 10% of PCs are attributable to a hereditary susceptibility, identifying and studying patients with a family history of PC or known genetic predisposition to PC can improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PC. A skilled team of study investigators, physicians, genetic counselors, and data managers must work with patients and families to confidentially store and organize data from PC patients and high-risk patients. This data, collected in conjunction with patients' tissue and blood specimens, will contribute to the understanding of the biology, etiology, and epidemiology of PC, and can ultimately improve screening and management for patients with an underlying hereditary predisposition to PC.
Improving the Accuracy of Tests with Small Sample Size

The distributional properties of the power-divergence family discussed in Chapters 3 and 4 rely on large sample sizes for their validity (i.e., they are asymptotic results). So far, we have not discussed the relevance of these properties when the sample size is small.
Evaluating conflict surrounding mineral extraction in Ghana: Assessing the spatial interactions of large and small-scale mining

Abstract Since implementation of its Economic Recovery Program in 1983, Ghana’s extractive industries have come to account for 40% of the total value of the country’s exports. An adverse impact of this increase, however, has been increased extraction-related conflict due to heightened competition between large and small-scale operators over mineral-rich lands. This paper characterizes these conflicts in the south-central section of the country by mapping the spatial overlaps between large and small-scale miners. Classification tree analysis of 2013 and 2015 Landsat-7 and -8 imagery was used to identify small-scale mine sites. The overlaps between these sites and large-scale concessions are examined in the context of reported mining conflicts. Results reveal that there is a large amount of resource competition between the two parties, specifically, more than half (i.e., 52%) of the identified small-scale mining activity occurs within the boundaries of large-scale concessions. The northwest corner of the study area contains 50% of the identified overlaps; the southwest corner contains 40%; and the northeast corner contains 10%. In most cases, these overlaps take place on prospecting concessions. The work illustrates how mapping and quantifying areas of spatial overlap between large and small-scale miners can help stakeholders implement more effective policy solutions.
From Novelty to Utility: George Westinghouse and the Business of Innovation during the Age of Edison

This article argues that Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse, despite some shared characteristics in their approach to technical problems and a common interest in electric power, pursued distinct markets for innovation. Edison sold novelties to upper-class urbanites, whereas Westinghouse provided equipment to railroads and other industrial customers. As a consequence, the two entrepreneurs consistently exhibited different attitudes toward the process of innovation and different inclinations as businessmen. Westinghouse, more than Edison, foreshadowed the coming of corporate research and development.
Vibrational Analysis of Mononitrosyl Complexes in Hemerythrin and Flavodiiron Proteins: Relevance to Detoxifying NO Reductase

Flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) play important roles in the microbial nitrosative stress response in low-oxygen environments by reductively scavenging nitric oxide (NO). Recently, we showed that FMN-free diferrous FDP from Thermotoga maritima exposed to 1 equiv NO forms a stable diiron-mononitrosyl complex (deflavo-FDP(NO)) that can react further with NO to form N2O [Hayashi, T.; Caranto, J. D.; Wampler, D. A; Kurtz, D. M., Jr.; Moenne-Loccoz, P.Biochemistry 2010, 49, 7040−7049]. Here we report resonance Raman and low-temperature photolysis FTIR data that better define the structure of this diiron-mononitrosyl complex. We first validate this approach using the stable diiron-mononitrosyl complex of hemerythrin, Hr(NO), for which we observe a ν(NO) at 1658 cm–1, the lowest ν(NO) ever reported for a nonheme {FeNO}7 species. Both deflavo-FDP(NO) and the mononitrosyl adduct of the flavinated FPD (FDP(NO)) show ν(NO) at 1681 cm–1, which is also unusually low. These results indicate that, in Hr(NO) and FDP(NO), the ...
The Use of Selected Cartographic Techniques in Health Research

the highest income level the cost per family was $242, or 15.6 percent of the total consumption. For the lowest income level, household operation absorbed roughly $92, or 11.0 percent of the total consumption; for the income level, $1,000-1499, the household operation expenditure was $117, or 10.5 percent; and for the highest income level, it was $180, or 11.6 percent of the total. Trailing closely behind household-operation expenditure was the average amount of cash spent on advancement: the lowest income class spent $73, or 8.7 percent; the middle income class, $117 or 10.5 percent; and the highest income class, $177 or 11.4 percent of the total consumption. Personal care was the fourth in the order of importance. The average amount spent on this item was: for the lowest income group, $71, or 8.5 percent; for the middle income group, $95 or 8.6 percent; and for the highest income group, $123 or 7.9 percent of the total consumption. Both maintenance of health and "other items" were comparatively small for all income classes. Some of the important changes in the percentage distribution of total consumption as income increased were noted for food, clothing, furnishings and portable equipment, and advancement. In the case of food the change was negative, while in the other three categories of consumption changes were positive. Percentage changes in the consumption of other goods and services, as income rose, were small. In these percentage variations in the patterns of consumption are revealed the effects of plantation life on the scheme of living of these people. A further discussion of a set of sociological and social psychological forces at work to bring about and sustain the new scheme of living will appear in a separate essay. It suffices to say at this point that the customary ways of life of the first generation Japanese persisted far more effectively within a closely knit communal life on the plantation than in the city of Honolulu. The study of income, sources of income, deficit and surplus, and the patterns of consumption clearly showed this fact. And yet, the forces inherent in the traditional Japanese family system have been weakening as the acculturation of the second generation has been more and more evident.
Calpain-5 Expression in the Retina Localizes to Photoreceptor Synapses.

PURPOSE We characterize calpain-5 (CAPN5) expression in retinal and neuronal subcellular compartments. METHODS CAPN5 gene variants were classified using the exome variant server, and RNA-sequencing was used to compare expression of CAPN5 mRNA in the mouse and human retina and in retinoblastoma cells. Expression of CAPN5 protein was ascertained in humans and mice in silico, in mouse retina by immunohistochemistry, and in neuronal cancer cell lines and fractionated central nervous system tissue extracts by Western analysis with eight antibodies targeting different CAPN5 regions. RESULTS Most CAPN5 genetic variation occurs outside its protease core; and searches of cancer and epilepsy/autism genetic databases found no variants similar to hyperactivating retinal disease alleles. The mouse retina expressed one transcript for CAPN5 plus those of nine other calpains, similar to the human retina. In Y79 retinoblastoma cells, the level of CAPN5 transcript was very low. Immunohistochemistry detected CAPN5 expression in the inner and outer nuclear layers and at synapses in the outer plexiform layer. Western analysis of fractionated retinal extracts confirmed CAPN5 synapse localization. Western blots of fractionated brain neuronal extracts revealed distinct subcellular patterns and the potential presence of autoproteolytic CAPN5 domains. CONCLUSIONS CAPN5 is moderately expressed in the retina and, despite higher expression in other tissues, hyperactive disease mutants of CAPN5 only manifest as eye disease. At the cellular level, CAPN5 is expressed in several different functional compartments. CAPN5 localization at the photoreceptor synapse and with mitochondria explains the neural circuitry phenotype in human CAPN5 disease alleles.
Cancer survivors and quality of life: a critical review of the literature.

Purpose/objective To review and analyze the nature of quality of life (QOL) as a critical construct in psychosocial oncology research and to offer direction for future research in studies of cancer survivors. Data sources Select and representative empirical studies of cancer survivors and QOL outcomes. Data synthesis and conclusions A consensus exists that the concept of QOL is multidimensional and subjective in nature and thereby requires a methodologic approach that examines the cognitive processes by which individuals achieve QOL. Implications for nursing practice Healthcare providers best ensure adequate clinical care for cancer survivors when both the biomedical and psychosocial effects of disease on health, well-being, and function are known as well as the varied ways in which these individuals adapt and live the remainder of their lives.
Multiphoton ionization of nitric oxide-rare gas van der Waals species

To date, most spectroscopic studies of electronic states of clusters involving small molecules and rare gas (RG) atoms have employed laser-induced fluorescence techniques. Consequently, such studies (e.g., Levy and co-workers on I2-RG species)1 have been limited to the lower-lying electronic states, which are usually valence in character. Furthermore, identification of the cluster often must be inferred from spectral shifts, pressure dependence, etc.
DIET OF THE PYGMY PALM‐SWIFT (TACHORNIS FURCATA)

ABSTRACT We studied the diet of the Pygmy Palm‐Swift ( Tachornis furcata ) based on stomach contents of four individuals collected in Venezuela. The diet consisted of insects from 6 orders and 22 families and of three spiders. Hymenoptera, particularly fig wasps and their parasitoids, made up 71.32% of 750 prey items. Flies (Diptera) and aphids (Homoptera) were important prey items as well. Body length of 39 intact prey items ranged from 1.1 to 4.2 mm, with a mean of 2.03 mm. These prey sizes are consistent with that of other small swift species. RESUMEN ∙ Dieta del Vencejo Enano ( Tachornis furcata ) Estudiamos la dieta del Vencejo Enano ( Tachornis furcata ) en base a contenidos estomacales de 4 individuos coleccionados en Venezuela. La dieta estaba compuesta por insectos pertenecientes a seis ordenes y 22 familias y por tres aranas. Hymenoptera, en particular avispas del higo y sus parasitoides, formaron el 71.3% de 750 presas identificadas. Moscas (Diptera) y afidos (Homoptera) tambien fueron items presa importantes. El tamano de 39 items presa intactos medidos vario entre 1.1 y 4.2 mm con una media de 2.03 mm. Estos tamanos de presa son similares a los de otras especies de vencejos pequenos.
Permanent His-bundle pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy: Initial feasibility study in lieu of left ventricular lead.

Background Permanent His-bundle pacing (HBP) has the potential to physiologically normalize wide QRS duration in patients with bundle branch block and cardiomyopathy. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of incorporating a His-bundle lead for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in lieu of a coronary sinus lead. Methods Patients with an indication for CRT (n = 21) underwent attempted implantation of an HBP placed into the left ventricular (LV) lead port. Intracardiac intervals, QRS duration, New York Heart Association functional class, ejection fraction (EF), echocardiography, and lead characteristics were measured at baseline and at follow-up. Results Of the 21 patients in whom implantation was attempted, HBP was successfully implanted in 16 (age 62 ± 18 years, 4 females, EF 25 ± 8). A significant reduction in mean QRS was observed, with narrowing from 180 ± 23 ms to 129 ± 13 ms ( P P P P Conclusion Permanent HBP is feasible for patients with an indication for CRT using the LV port in lieu of a coronary sinus lead. In this initial experience, narrowing of QRS duration was achieved in 76% of patients with bundle branch block, and improvements in clinical and echocardiographic measures were observed with HBP. Future prospective comparative studies with HBP to achieve CRT are justifiable.
The Influence of Accounting Theory on the FASB Conceptual Framework

ABSTRACT: During the first half of the 20th century, “accounting theory” developed primarily by accounting scholars and academics provided the primary basis for the practice and teaching of financial accounting in the United States. Since the creation of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in the early 1970s, the FASB Conceptual Framework has provided the primary basis for accounting standards-setting, as well as for the practice and teaching of financial accounting. While the purpose of creating a Conceptual Framework has been to develop an agreed-upon set of concepts and principles to guide accounting standards-setting, a related goal has been to reduce diversity in accounting practice and to move toward greater uniformity. This paper traces the influence of accounting theory on the Conceptual Framework and explores some of the consequences of this influence.
Abstract A173: Long-term responders to epigenetic modulators: abexinostat and pazopanib

Characterization of long-term responders in a phase I trial evaluating the role of epigenetic modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor by using a histone deacetylase abexinostat in combination with pazopanib to enhance response and reverse resistance. Patients and Methods: Pazopanib was administered once a day on days 1 to 28 and abexinostat was administered orally twice a day on days 1 to 5, 8 to 12, and 15 to 19 (schedule A) or on days 1 to 4, 8 to 11, and 15 to 18 (schedule B). Dose escalation (3 + 3 design) in all solid tumors was followed by dose expansion in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Histone acetylation and HDAC2 expression were correlated long-term responders, >1y). Results: Fifty-one patients including RCC (N = 22) were enrolled, including 30 (59%) with one or more lines of prior VEGF-targeting therapy. Toxicities and PK studies were reported previously. 7 pts had response > 23 months (23-60+), including 5/22 patients with RCC, and one patient with medullary thyroid and thymic neurondocrine cancer. Long-term response was associated with high HDAC2 expression in PBMCs, increased histone acetylation, and modulation of VEGF level. Conclusion: Epigenetic modulation with HDAC inhibitors is strongly dependent on host factors to promote long-term benefit to abexinostat and pazopanib in pretreated patients. Citation Format: Rahul Aggarwal, Nela Pawlowsk, Jennifer Grabowsky, Armand Harb, Kamran Abri-Lavasani, Scott Thomas, Pamela N. Munster. Long-term responders to epigenetic modulators: abexinostat and pazopanib [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A173.
The Physiology and Physics of the Free Will Problem

I will begin by brief reference to the philosophical basis of my discussion. I refer to the trialist philosophy that has been developed by Sir Karl Popper (1972) in his recent book “Objective Knowledge.” As illustrated in Fig. 1, everything in existence and in experience is subsumed in one or other of three worlds: World 1, the world of physical objects and states; World 2, the world of states of consciousness and subjective knowledge of all kinds; World 3, the world of man-made culture, comprising the whole of objective knowledge. Furthermore it is postulated that there is interaction between these worlds. There is reciprocal interaction between Worlds 1 and 2, and between Worlds 2 and 3 via the mediation of World 1.