cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the direct cost of surgery for four diagnostic categories of adult spinal deformity

Abstract Background context Existing literature on adult spinal deformity (ASD) offers little guidance regarding an evidence-based approach to care. To optimize the value of medical treatment, a thorough understanding of the cost of surgical treatment for ASD is required. Purpose To evaluate four clinically and radiographically distinct groups of ASD and identify and compare the cost of surgical treatment among the groups. Study design/setting Multicenter retrospective study of consecutive surgeries for ASD. Patient sample Three hundred twenty-five consecutive ASD patients treated between 2008 and 2010. Outcome measures Cost data were collected from hospital administrative records on the direct costs (DCs) incurred for the episode of surgical care, excluding overhead. Methods Based on preoperative radiographs and history, patients were categorized into one of four diagnostic categories of deformity: primary idiopathic scoliosis (PIS), primary degenerative scoliosis (PDS), primary sagittal plane deformity (PSPD), and revision (R). Analysis of variance and generalized linear model regressions were used to analyze the DCs of surgery and to assess differences in costs across the four diagnostic categories considered. Results Significant differences were observed in DC of surgery for different categories of ASD, with surgical treatment for PDS the most expensive followed in decreasing order by PSPD, PIS, and R (p Conclusions There is an increasing DC of surgery with increasing age, length of hospital stay, length of fusion, and fusions to the pelvis. Revision surgery is the least expensive surgery on average and should therefore not preclude its consideration from a pure cost perspective.
Stability of Condensation on Horizontal Surfaces With Noncondensables Present

This work studies condensation on horizontal surfaces in the presence of noncondensable gases using linear stability analysis to determine when one-dimensional flow will bifurcate to a higher-order flow due to an adverse density gradient. The problem is solved for the simple single-diffusive case and for the double-diffusive case where the density also depends on either a temperature gradient or a second noncondensable gas species. For the single-diffusive case critical Rayleigh numbers and gas layer thicknesses are obtained for a wide range of Schmidt numbers. Using these results, the quantity of noncondensable required to destabilize a horizontal system can be calculated.
Mechanism of electrochemical oxidation of 5,6-diaminouracil at the pyrolytic graphite electrode

Abstract Between pH 0–4, the monocation of 5,6-diaminouracil is electrochemically oxidized at the pyrolytic graphite electrode (PGE) in a quasi-reversible, 2 e -2H + reaction to the corresponding di-imine species. This di-imine then undergoes stepwise hydrolysis first to a quinoneimine then to alloxan. Double potential step chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry have confirmed the first order e.c. nature of the electrode reaction. The former technique has been used to measure the overall kinetics of the follow-up hydrolysis reaction, while cyclic voltammetry has been used to measure the apparent electron transfer kinetics. The major products (>90%) of the reaction are alloxan and ammonia along with a small amount of 2,4,6,8-tetrahydroxypyrimidinopyrazino-(6,7:5′,4′)-pyrimidine. The latter compound is formed as a result of a chemical reaction between the major electrode product, alloxan, and the electroactive species, 5,6-diaminouracil.
Enhancement of polyacrylamide gel slice dissolution in hydrogen peroxide by cupric sulfate

Abstract An improved method is described for quantitation of radio-labelled protein by scintillation counting after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The method is based upon copper catalyzed dissolution of gel slices in hydrogen peroxide under ambient conditions. Complete dissolution of gel sections was accomplished by incubation at 25°C in 30% H 2 O 2 that contained 0.9 mM CuSO 4 . Recovery of tritiated protein was greater than 90% under these conditions while in the absence of CuSO 4 recovery was less than 50%.
A continuous spectral density for a random field of continuous-index

Linear dependence coefficients are defined for random fields of continuous-index, which are modified from those already defined for random fields indexed by an integer lattice. When a selection of these linear dependence conditions are satisfied, the random field will have a continuous spectral density function. Showing this involves the construction of a special class of random fields using a standard Poisson process and the original random field.
S-adenosylmethionine: Stability and stabilization☆

Abstract With a developed HPLC technique for the separation of both (+)- and (−)- S -adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) and 1 H NMR analysis of the epimeric S-CH 3 chemical shifts, a kinetic study on the stability of (−)-AdoMet in solution to decomposition and epimerization is described. The results obtained from the effects of pH, temperature, and sulfonium counterions on the stability of AdoMet indicate that the epimerization appears to proceed through pyramidal inversion of the sulfonium pole. The optimal conditions for AdoMet to be stable in solution to decomposition and epimerization is to keep the compound at pH 3–5, containing an excess of large-size, nonnucleophilic counterions such as tosylate or sulfate.
7177 Endoscopic ultrasound for evaluating external compressive lesions and submucosal tumors of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Purpose: On video endoscopy, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish external compressive lesions from submucosal tumors. However, at many institutions endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is not routinely performed on endoscopically diagnosed submucosal tumors before attempts at forceps biopsy or mucosectomy occur. If these lesions are actually external mass or vascular lesions, a blind biopsy may be dangerous. We prospectively evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of EUS versus video endoscopy for differentiation of external lesions from submucosal tumors. Methods: Patients undergoing upper endoscopy for dyspepsia at our unit who were found to have an apparent submucosal tumor or extrinsic compressive lesion were all subjected to EUS. The ultimate diagnosis was confirmed by histology, surgery, or characteristic findings on at least two of the following studies: computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or angiography. The sensitivity and specificity of standard endoscopy and EUS with regard to differentiating external lesions from submucosal tumors were then assessed. Results: A total of 52 consecutive patients were evaluated. Eighteen patients were diagnosed as having external compressive lesions on video endoscopy by an expert endoscopist; all of them were also diagnosed as having external lesions by EUS. All of these lesions were confirmed to be external lesions by our reference tests, including 3 vascular aneurysms, 1 inflamed gallbladder, 1 enlarged lymph node cluster, 3 enlarged spleens, 1 renal cyst, 2 pancreatic cancers, 4 pancreatic pseudocysts, 2 pancreatic phlegmona and 1 cholangiocarcinoma. The remaining 34 patients were diagnosed as having submucosal tumors on endoscopy; of these, 30 were diagnosed as having submucosal tumors by EUS but 4 were diagnosed as having external lesions. The reference tests agreed with the EUS findings in all cases. The external lesions included 2 enlarged spleens and 2 vascular aneurysms. Conclusions: EUS had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100% for distinguishing external lesions from submucosal tumors, while video endoscopy, even by experienced operators, had a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 100%. Since endoscopy can potentially misidentify up to 18% of external lesions as submucosal tumors, and in this series half of the misidentified lesions turned out to be vascular lesions, EUS should routinely be done on all presumptive submucosal tumors prior to attempts at biopsy or removal.
Task Design and Employee Motivation

This article presents a review of the book “Task Design and Employee Motivation,” by Ramon J. Aldag and Arthur P. Brief.
Relation between family history of coronary artery disease and coronary risk variables

The relation between family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary risk variables was examined in 1,058 Utah adults. Subjects were divided into 3 family history score groups (low, intermediate and high) and the effects of 60 potential risk variables were assessed using multiple stepwise discriminant analysis. After controlling for age effects, the variables entering the discriminant function equation (p < 0.01) were cholesterol, years smoking cigarettes, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triceps skinfold thickness. Although normal blood pressure variation did not discriminate among family history groups, those with a positive family history of CAD were more likely to develop hypertension than those without a family history (age-adjusted relative risk 1.79, with 95% confidence limits 1.03 and 3.09). In spite of significant differences among family history score groups with regard to risk variables, the discriminant analysis classified only 39% of subjects into the correct group. It was concluded that other unknown risk variables must mediate the effects of family history of CAD. Thus, family history should be considered an independent risk factor for CAD.
Exposure to interparental conflict and children's adjustment and physical health: The moderating role of vagal tone.

Physiological regulation, as indexed by baseline vagal tone and delta vagal tone (the change in vagal tone during an attention-demanding or challenging task), was examined as a moderator in the relations between exposure to verbal and physical parental marital conflict and children's adjustment and physical health. Higher vagal tone was posited to serve a protective function (i.e., buffer) for children exposed to higher levels of marital conflict. Seventy-five 8- to 12-year-olds and their mothers completed measures of parental conflict, and children's adjustment and physical health. Children's vagal tone was assessed during baseline conditions and during exposure to an audiotaped interadult argument. Results indicate that higher vagal tone buffered children against increased externalizing, internalizing, and health problems related to exposure to more frequent marital conflict, especially verbal conflict. Further, higher levels of delta vagal tone protected boys against externalizing problems associated with verbal conflict, and health problems associated with physical conflict.
Use of nasotracheal intubation in patients receiving oral cavity free flap reconstruction

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect airway management has on perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing oral cavity free flap reconstruction. Methods. A retrospective review was performed on patients receiving oral cavity free flap reconstruction between March 2006 and October 2007. Patient, tumor, and treatment variables were recorded. Patients were managed with nasotracheal intubation (NTI) or elective tracheotomy and different perioperative outcomes were measured. Results. Thirty-seven patients received NTI and 21 received tracheotomy. No patients in the NTI group required conversion to tracheotomy or reintubation. The mean total hospital stay was prolonged in the tracheotomy group (12.4 days vs 8.4 days), as was their likelihood of requiring a feeding tube at discharge (76% vs 19%). In multivariate analyses, placement of a tracheotomy was independently correlated with longer hospital stay and feeding tube dependence at discharge. Conclusions. NTI is a safe alternative to tracheotomy for select patients receiving oral cavity free flap reconstruction and may reduce hospital stay and feeding tube dependence at discharge. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Tetrachyrin, a new rearranged kaurenoid lactone, and diterpene acids from Tetrachyron orizabaensis and Helianthus debilis

Abstract (−)-Kaur-16-en-19-oic acid and tetrachyrin, a new rearranged kaurenoid lactone, were isolated from Tetrachyron orizabaensis var. websteri and Helianthus debilis ssp. debilis . The latter species also afforded angeloylgrandifloric acid.
COMPARING CATEGORICAL AND CONTINUOUS ECOLOGICAL ANALYSES: EFFECTS OF “WAVE EXPOSURE” ON ROCKY SHORES

Development of general theories and subsequent empirical testing are fun- damental ingredients in ecological science. The progress of such efforts is determined by the logical coherence among central concepts, theories, and predictions on one hand, and experimental design, statistical analyses, and interpretation of results on the other. Here, we specifically explore an example of how differences in the way ecological concepts are defined lead to differences in the formulation and statistical testing of hypotheses and ultimately to differences in conclusions about the relative importance of ecological pro- cesses. In marine intertidal habitats, the notion that wave exposure has an important structuring role is widely agreed upon. Nevertheless, generalizations about its effects and use for accurate prediction of assemblages are often limited. This may partly be explained by the frequent use of categorical rather than quantitative definitions of wave exposure. We com- pared the conclusions about the importance of wave exposure from (1) analyses of variance based on relative classification of wave exposure and geographic location to those of (2) regression analyses based on continuous measures from 16 locations on the Swedish west coast. Variability in richness was substantially better explained by the regression analyses, while for the cover of individual taxa there was no consistent difference between the two analytical approaches in terms of explained variability. The two approaches detected sig- nificant spatial patterns for the same taxa, but conclusions about the nature of these patterns were often divergent. Categorical analyses of relative measures of wave exposure and geographic location indicated that interactive effects and differences between geographic areas were predominant. Regression analyses of absolute, continuous measures suggested that mean significant wave height was a better predictor than geographic location and interactive terms. Thus, the choice of definition of wave exposure has important conse- quences for how causes of spatial patterns of intertidal assemblages are perceived. Cate- gorical analyses appear to provide clearer indications as to which factors are important while the use of continuous predictors sometimes provides a better fit to the data. The consequences of these findings are discussed in the context of rocky shore ecology as well as in a general perspective of ecological models, hypotheses, experimentation, and analysis.
A Comparison of Various Procedures for Determining Total Yolk Lipid Content

Abstract Studies were conducted to compare several lipid extraction and quantification procedures. The methods evaluated were: 1) the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) yolk lipid procedure (acid hydrolysis/ether extract); 2) a modified Folch procedure (chloroform-methanol extraction); 3) a hexane-isopropanol extraction (HIP); and 4) a yolk fat-by-difference calculation [(yolk fat = total yolk – (yolk protein + yolk water + yolk ash)]. The HIP method was investigated due to its relative safety and simplicity, because chloroform's relative safety in the laboratory has been questioned. In addition, several modifications of the modified Folch and the HIP procedure were evaluated. A total of eight replicate groups of eggs from three flocks were used. Each replicate consisted to 20 to 30 eggs from a flock within 24 hr of oviposition. The eggs were broken out and the yolk separated by hand and removed of adhering albumen or chalazae. The yolk contents were collected, homogenized, and 5 subsamples were removed for each of the analyses previously described. Results indicate that there are differences between the methods tested in the absolute level of fat but that the variation within the different methods was very close. The modified Folch and HIP procedure resulted in the highest total fat values (35.03 and 34.25%, respectively) while the AOAC and fat-by-difference methods yielded the lowest total fat values (33.38 and 33.05%, respectively). The variation within each method was comparable as determined by their coefficients of variation of 2.03% for the fat-by-difference, 3.70% for the modified Folch, 4.11% for the AOAC, and 5.21% for the HIP procedure. The results would indicate that any of the procedures evaluated would be satisfactory for determining total yolk lipid both on the basis of accuracy and precision. The most suitable method may better be selected on relative safety of the procedure and individual laboratory constraints.
Variables in Broiler Production and Processing in the U.S.A. Which Influence Yields and Nutrient Composition of Carcases Sold at the Retail Level

The objectives of this investigation were:1) to identify and evaluate the variables in broiler production and processing which influence yields and nutrient composition of parts sold at the retail ...
Pulmonary function in older children and young adults with gastroesophageal reflux.

A wide variety of types of pulmonary diseases and respiratory symptoms have been associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Asthma, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis have all been linked to GER, but causal mechanisms have been difficult to establish. To characterize pulmonary function abnormalities in older children and young adults (age 7-23 years) with GER, lung function was evaluated in 22 patients being treated for reflux. The patients were divided into two groups: nine subjects (Group 1) had no history of pulmonary symptoms. Thirteen subjects (Group 2) had known pulmonary disease; all had diagnosed asthma, and five had a history of recurrent pneumonia. Lung volumes and spirometry were measured. Airway reactivity was assessed by measuring change in flows following isocapneic hyperventilation of subfreezing air. The presence of "small airway" disease was assessed by air-helium flow volume curves and the single breath oxygen test. Lung size, as indicated by measurement of to...
DiGeorge Syndrome, Tbx1, and Retinoic Acid Signaling Come Full Circle

See related article, pages 686-694 Among the most well-characterized cardiac congenital malformations are those associated with DiGeorge syndrome (DGS)/velocardiofacial syndrome. DGS is mainly caused by heterozygous deletion of a region of chromosome 22q11.2 and is characterized by cardiac conotruncal malformations, aortic arch anomalies, dysmorphic face and hypoplasia of the thymus and parathyroid.1 This spectrum of anomalies is attributed to defects in neural crest-derived structures and associated tissues. The T-box-containing transcription factor TBX1 has been identified as responsible for cardiovascular, thymic, and parathyroid phenotypes of DGS.2 Alterations in retinoic acid (RA) metabolism are similarly associated with cardiac conotruncal, aortic arch, and pharyngeal structural abnormalities similar to DGS.3 In this issue of Circulation Research , Ryckebusch et al4 establish a new functional link between Tbx1 and RA signaling in the regulation of aortic arch anomalies in a mouse model of DGS. A characteristic feature of DGS is malformation of the pharyngeal arch arteries (PAAs), particularly of the fourth PAA, which leads to interrupted aortic arch type B (IAA-B). Mice heterozygous for Tbx1 exhibit defects in the development in the fourth PAA related to aortic arch anomalies including IAA.5,6 Ryckebusch et al define molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying aortic arch anomalies in Tbx1 +/− mice.4 The fourth PAA in embryonic day 10.5 embryos is derived from neural crest cells and is absent or hypomorphic in Tbx1 +/− embryos. This PAA anomaly is accompanied by neural crest migration defects as well as inhibition of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) differentiation. Both neural crest migration and VSM differentiation related to PAA defects are controlled by a precise balance of RA signaling …
Cyclin Dependent Kinase Regulation of Estrogen Receptor Phosphorylation and Transcriptional Activation

The estrogen receptor alpha (ER) is a ligand-dependent transcriptional regulatory protein that controls the expression of a number of genes involved in cellular proliferation and differentiation in a wide variety of tissues (Parker, 1998). The receptor is structurally similar to other members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, in that separate receptor activities such as DNA- and ligand binding are localized to distinct regions of the protein (Kumar and Thompson, 1999). ER contains at least two transcription activation functions (AFs): constitutively active AF-1 in the N-terminus of the protein and ligand-dependent AF-2 at the ER C-terminus (Bocquel et al., 1989; Metzger et al., 1995). These AFs represent surfaces capable of interaction with general transcription factors (GTFs) and additional transcriptional regulatory factors termed coactivators (Freedman, 1999; Westin et al., 2000). For example, estradiol binding to the ER ligand binding domain promotes a conformational change in the receptor and the formation of a surface for protein-protein contacts between AF-2 and coactivators (Mak et al., 1999; Pike et al., 1999; Shiau et al., 1998). Coactivators can act as a bridge between receptor and basal transcription factors and/or by changing the chromatin configuration of the promoter. AF-1 and AF-2 can act independently or synergize to effect transcriptional activation (Benecke et al., 2000; Kraus et al., 1995).
Role of angiotensin in the osmotic control of vasopressin release by the organ-cultured rat hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system.

Angiotensin II (All) appears to either mediate or modulate osmotically stimulated vasopressin (VP) release by the organ-cultured rat hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system. Saralasin, an All antagonist, blocked VP release in response to a 10-mosmol inclement in culture medium osmolality achieved by the addition of NaCl. This was observed at all concentrations tested (10−7, 10−6, 10−4 m). Saralasin (10−4 m) also blocked VP release in response to a comparable mannitol-induced increase in osmolality. Since nicotinic-cholinergic antagonists previously were shown to inhibit osmotically stimulated VP release, the effect of hexamethonium, a nicotinic-cholinergic antagonist, on All-stimulated VP release was examined. Hexamethonium (10−5−10−3 m) was ineffective in blocking All stimulation of VP release. This finding coupled with the previous observation that saralasin does not block acetylcholine stimulation of VP release suggests independent All and cholinergic mechanisms controlling VP release; however, the effecti...
Restenosis after placement of Palmaz-Schatz stents in native coronary arteries. Initial results of a multicenter experience.

BACKGROUNDSeveral metallic intracoronary stents are currently undergoing preliminary evaluation to ascertain potential benefit as means to reduce the 30-40% incidence of restenosis after balloon angioplasty.METHODS AND RESULTSTo determine the incidence and correlates of restenosis after placement of Palmaz-Schatz stents in native coronary arteries in the first group of patients selected for this procedure, clinical and quantitative angiographic data from 206 consecutive patients (221 stenoses) with successful stent placement (diameter stenosis < 50%) were analyzed. Six patients (2.9%) had thrombosis-mediated stent closure within 1 month after stent placement and were excluded from long-term angiographic follow-up. One hundred eighty-one (91%) of the remaining 200 patients had angiography at 5.8 +/- 2.1 months. Patients with and without follow-up did not differ in any baseline characteristic; in particular, history of restenosis at the site stented (73% versus 65%), placement of multiple overlapping stents...
Control Techniques for CW Dye Lasers

The laser pioneers have been very farsighted, with imagination to see the many future applications and possibilities opening up with each new advance in laser techniques. On the other hand, it is notoriously easy for enthusiasm to influence the reliable estimation of difficulties still to be overcome before each new potential laser capability can really be widely applied in other research. For example, 5 years were to pass after the famous MIT stable laser experiments first suggested the possibility of an improved wavelength standard, before the demonstration in 1968 of a pure neon laser that did somewhat outperform the incoherent krypton standard. This was closely followed by lasers stabilized to molecular transitions: they provided advances of 2–3 orders of magnitude and completely vindicated the early optimism. Now the methane work has advanced to a state approaching parity with man’s best measurement standard, the cesium beam primary frequency standard, and workers in the standards field are excited about dramatic further possible improvements. Thus experience confirms the vision and insight of the early stable laser workers, but teaches caution relative to the expected ease of application and rapidity of development.
Use of omeprazole in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: a prospective nine-year study of efficacy and safety

H+, K(+)-ATPase inhibitors such as omeprazole are the antisecretory agents of choice for the management of gastric acid hypersecretory states, including the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. However, long-term follow-up data on the overall efficacy and safety of these agents in large numbers of patients are lacking. In the current study we examined the long-term efficacy and safety of omeprazole in 116 patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome treated with oral omeprazole at a single centre for up to 114 months (mean +/- S.E.M. = 38 +/- 3 months). The initial omeprazole maintenance dose was established according to the acute upward dose titration method in 89/116 patients (77%). Gastric acid output was effectively controlled using 60 mg of omeprazole once daily in 41/89 patients (46%) and 22/89 patients (25%) required twice daily omeprazole therapy. The mean ranitidine equivalent dose for patients who required 60 mg omeprazole once daily (2.5 +/- 0.2 g/day) was significantly lower than the mean ranitidine equivalent dose for patients who required more than 60 mg omeprazole once daily (4.3 +/- 0.3 g/day). Long-term omeprazole maintenance therapy was discontinued in 36/116 patients (31%) but in no cases was discontinuation due either to drug-induced side-effects or uncontrolled gastric acid output. Fasting serum gastrin levels were significantly elevated above pre-treatment levels at only one time point during follow-up and were likely due to tumour growth rather than a drug effect. The final long-term omeprazole maintenance doses were lower than the initial doses but correlated closely with the pre-omeprazole basal acid output (r = 0.41, P < 0.001) and ranitidine equivalent dose requirements (r = 0.49, P < 0.001). We conclude that omeprazole effectively and safely controls gastric acid hypersecretion in all patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome for up to nine years without evidence by tachyphylaxis.
Characteristics of anesthesiology residency program directors

The roles and responsibilities of anesthesiology core program directors have evolved, in part because the Anesthesiology Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education no longer requires that the department chair also serve in this role. We reviewed several core anesthesiology program director academic and demographic characteristics including age, academic rank, gender, duration of service, board certification and re-certification status, and whether the program director also serves as department chair. Anesthesiology core residency program directors range in age from 33 to 74 years, with a median of 52 years. Thirty-seven (28%) program directors are women. The majority (67%) have senior academic rank (professor or associate professor). The median appointment duration is 3.7 years. The core residency program director currently also serves as department chair in 24 of the 131 (18.3%) programs.
“Some People Aren’t Cut Out for It”: The Role of Personality Factors in the Careers of Teachers of Students With EBD:

This qualitative study explores reasons that experienced teachers of students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders give for remaining in their field. Previous research, usually conducted among the wider population of special education teachers, has focused on the relationship of employment and demographic factors to attrition and has primarily relied on quantitative surveys. The researcher sought to expand that body of work through the use of in-depth interviews with teachers who have continued teaching students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders for more than 6 years. In discussing career decisions, these teachers consistently pointed to the importance of personal characteristics, such as the fit between their personality and the demands of the job. These findings point to the importance of recruiting appropriate candidates for this field and helping pre- and in-service teachers develop the personal skills necessary to cope with the unique demands of the job.
Expression of cadherin 17 in well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours.

Aims Cadherin 17 (CDH17) is expressed primarily in normal intestinal epithelium and digestive tract tumours, and has limited expression in other neoplasms. The aims of this study were to examine CDH17 expression in well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (WDNETs) from various primary sites, representing the foregut, midgut, and hindgut, and tumours metastasizing to the liver, and to correlate the differences between the expression of CDH17, CDX2, and thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1). Methods and results We investigated CDH17 immunohistochemical expression in 150 primary WDNETs from eight anatomical sites, including 68 from the foregut, 70 from the midgut, and 12 from the hindgut, and 15 metastases. CDH17 immunoreactivity increased significantly from foregut to hindgut WDNETs (P < 0.0001). Pancreatic WDNETs expressed CDH17 at a significantly higher frequency than other foregut tumours. Within the midgut, appendiceal and small-intestinal WDNETs were more frequently positive for CDH17 than for CDX2. All hindgut WDNETs expressed CDH17, in contrast to CDX2 (positive in one rectal case). CDH17 expression in liver metastases was similar to that of the primary tumours. Conclusions This study is the first to comprehensively examine CDH17 expression in WDNETs from different sites. CDH17 is a sensitive marker for midgut WDNETs, and the CDH17+/CDX2−/TTF1− phenotype was found to be sensitive (92%) and specific (91%) for hindgut WDNETs.
Absolute Identification with Simple and Complex Stimuli

It is well known that people can perfectly identify only a handful of distinct unidimensional stimuli, such as line lengths, but can identify thousands of complex stimuli, such as letters and words. This result is consistent with capacity limits in identifying unidimensional stimuli but not complex stimuli. The experiments reported here tested this theoretical dissociation using Luce's (1963) Similarity Choice Model to measure the psychological distance between stimuli in line-length-identification and letter-identification tasks. The psychological distance between line-length stimuli decreased with the number of to-be-identified stimuli; this result is concordant with capacity limits in unidimensional absolute identification. Surprisingly, the opposite result held in letter identification. Psychological distance between letters increased with an increased number of to-be-identified stimuli. This result indicates an opposite type of processing deficit: People process letters more efficiently with more choices.
Evidence for Insisting on Cognitive Conflict Tasks: Impact on Accounting Majors in Upper-Level Courses

ABSTRACT: Springer and Borthick (2004a) designed cognitive conflict tasks in sophomore accounting to develop critical thinking. While prior work showed that students completing critical thinking courses had stronger content knowledge (Springer and Borthick 2007), it provided no evidence that these experiences would improve performance in courses with new content areas. This study extends the prior work by providing evidence of far transfer, the kind that would be expected if critical thinking were developed during the sophomore tasks. In this study, students with cognitive conflict task experience in sophomore accounting performed better than those with traditional sophomore accounting experience, in both readings-only and problem-based junior-level courses. In addition, the graduation GPAs of students with cognitive task experience increased more between the junior year and graduation than those of students without these tasks. An interaction between GPA and sophomore learning experience showed stronger ...
Effect of nuclear radiation on Selfoc microlenses

Exposure of quarter pitch SLS and SLW Selfoc microlenses to moderate radiation doses ∼50 Gy has been found to induce optical attenuations of as much as 1 dB at 0.85 μm. Although significant recovery is noted in the SLW lens over 24 h following the irradiation, little decrease has been measured in the SLS lens. Spectral measurements of the induced absorption have revealed a monotonic decrease with increasing wavelength (0.6–1.6 μm).
Generation of autonomously pathogenic neo-autoreactive TH1 cells during the development of the determinant spreading cascade in murine autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Chronic progression of autoimmune disease is accompanied by the acquisition of autoreactivity to new self-determinants. Recent evidence indicates that this process, commonly referred to as determinant spreading, may be pathogenic for chronicity. Our studies on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model widely used in multiple sclerosis (MS) studies, have shown that determinant spreading develops as a predictable sequential cascade of neo-autoimmunity during progression to chronic disease. By 7-8 weeks after immunization of (SWR x SJL)F1 mice with the immunodominant myelin proteolipid protein determinant (PLP 139-151), splenocytes consistently respond to the immunodominant myelin basic protein determinant (MBP 87-99). In the present study, we directly address the pathogenicity of neo-autoimmunity resulting from endogenous self-priming during the course of disease. Our results indicate that T cells responding to the spreading MBP 87-99 determinant produce a proinflammatory cytokine profile consistent with type 1 helper T cells (Th1) cells. In addition, splenocytes activated to the spreading MBP 87-99 determinant consistently transfer acute EAE in naive recipients even when T cells reactive to the priming PLP 139-151 immunogen are eliminated by bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR)-mediated photolysis. Our data indicate that endogenous neo-autoantigen priming during chronic autoimmune disease generates type 1 helper T cells (Th1) cells that are autonomously pathogenic. These results provide further evidence supporting the view that determinant spreading is a pathogenic process that leads to chronic progression of autoimmune disease.
Gain characteristics of coherent optical amplifiers using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with Kerr media

This paper investigates the gain characteristics of coherent optical amplifiers that amplify only one of two quadrature phase components in an input signal light according to the phase of pump light. It is constructed around a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with Kerr media. To heuristically obtain the design parameters of the coherent optical amplifier, small-signal analysis is adapted to the Mach-Zehnder interferometer with Kerr media. The theoretical results are then compared to experimental results and shown to agree well, which confirms the validity of this design approach. By utilizing low-loss and high-nonlinearity silica fiber as the Kerr medium and optimizing its length, a coherent optical amplifier is constructed that yields high-gain (up to 26 dB) operation.
Neurosecretory cells in the central nervous system of the adult blowfly, Phormia regina Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

1 Neurosecretary cells in the central nervous system of the adult blowfly, Phormia regina Meig., have been examined histologically using the parparaldehyde-fuchsin and Gomori's staining method. Six groups of the neurosecretory cells occur in each hemisphere of the brain, the medial, frontal, lateral A, lateral B, posterior I and posterior II groups. In the subesophageal ganglion, four B-cells and two A-cells are present. In the thoracico-abdominal ganglion, ten A-cells are found in the thoracic region and a total of about 50 A- and B-cells in the hind part of the abdominal region. 2 A comparison with the neurosecretory system of two other species of blowfly, Calliphora erythrocephala Meig., Sarcophaga bullata Parker, and the housefly, Musca domestica L., showed similar arrangements and grouping. 3 Neurosecretory granules have been observed along the axons originating from the medial neurosecretory cells of the brain, and the thoracico-abdominal ganglion. The granules originating from the medial groups can be traced directly to the corpus cardiacum from which they move to the aorta, crop duct and cardia through axons. 4 There is with advancing age a gradual increase in the size of cell bodies and nuclei of the median neurosecretory cells in both females and males of Phormia regina, and also a decrease in stainable granules. This increase in size is dependent on nutrition, with no increase in water alone, a slight increase on sugar, and a maximum increase on sugar and liver. Corresponding increases in size occur in the ovaries in connection with feeding the same substances.
The Performance Of Popular Investment Magazine Stock Analysts

This study examines the stock price performance for a sample of 239 firms that were recommended by analysts in popular investment magazines (214 buy and 25 sell recommendations). The study was motivated by the magazines claims that abnormal profits can be earned by following the investment advice published in their respective magazines. The empirical results are not consistent with this claim. For our sample and during the time period investigated, investing in the buy recommendations and selling short the sell recommendations would not earn returns in excess of the market average.
Multiclass Boosting with Hinge Loss based on Output Coding

Multiclass classification is an important and fundamental problem in machine learning. A popular family of multiclass classification methods belongs to reducing multiclass to binary based on output coding. Several multiclass boosting algorithms have been proposed to learn the coding matrix and the associated binary classifiers in a problem-dependent way. These algorithms can be unified under a sum-of-exponential loss function defined in the domain of margins (Sun et al., 2005). Instead, multiclass SVM uses another type of loss function based on hinge loss. In this paper, we present a new output-coding-based multiclass boosting algorithm using the multiclass hinge loss, which we call HingeBoost.OC. HingeBoost.OC is tested on various real world datasets and shows better performance than the existing multiclass boosting algorithm AdaBoost.ERP, one-vs-one, one-vs-all, ECOC and multiclass SVM in a majority of different cases.
Nature and Impact of Embedded Alcohol Messages

This chapter draws from a program of research funded by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), an institute of the National Institutes of Health, which has been the lead U.S. federal agency responsible for scientific research on alcohol and its effects for nearly 40 years. Thus, one of the goals of the NIAAA is to research factors that affect, positively or negatively, alcohol consumption, including the factors that shape people’s attitudes and beliefs about drinking. The aim of this program of research is to document the nature and impact of alcohol messages embedded in the content of television series.
Insulation property of wire-plane gap under fire condition: Effects of vegetation flame conductivity

Energy distribution and economic development level of our country are imbalance, and a large number of EHV and UHV transmission lines pass through high forest fire risk zone, and insulation property of transmission under mountain fire condition is a critical issue needed to be considered during survey, design and operation and maintenance. Gap discharge under mountain fire condition is affected by high temperature, flame conductivity (electron and ion) and large particles (smoke fog and ash), etc. This article studied characteristics of leakage current of different vegetation flames and the effect of flame conductivity on wire-plate gap breakdown characteristics with the sample of typical vegetation that causes line trip under transmission line. Research result show that conductivity of three kinds of typical vegetation flame is quite high, breakdown voltage is de creased obviously with rising of flame conductivity, and discharge pattern is transited from streamer discharge lead to electric arc discharge. Discharge characteristic of different vegetation flames can be identification basis of mountain fire risk region and dangerous vegetation, which improves reliability of line under mountain fire condition.
Homing Pigeons, Cheap Labor, and Frustrated Nativists: Immigration Reform and the Deportation of Mexicans from South Texas in the 1920s

This article examines the significance of the large-scale deportation of Mexicans from South Texas beginning in 1928 and continuing into the early 1930s. Rather than a reaction to the outbreak of the Great Depression, this law enforcement campaign culminated years of debate between restrictionists, who sought to curtail immigration from Mexico, and anti-restrictionists, who demanded unhindered access to Mexican labor. The origin of these events lies more in repeated legislative failures by the nativists than in economic collapse.
O-097 Clinical Score To Predict Outcome In Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia; Results Obtained From An International Multicenter Study

Background In congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) reliable postnatal predictors of outcome are scarce. Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology-II (SNAP-II) (Richardson, 2001) has been validated to predict mortality in newborns. We hypothesised that higher SNAP-II scores are found in non-survivors, those who need extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and those who develop chronic lung disease (CLD), defined as oxygen dependency at day 28. Methods In a prospective, randomised controlled multicenter trial initiated by the Euroconsortium (VICI-trial, NTR 1310), neonates born between November 2008 and December 2013, were randomised for initial ventilation strategy (either high-frequency oscillation or conventional mechanical ventilation). Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal data including SNAP-II scores were collected. Mann-Whitney U test was used for analyses. Data were presented as n (%) and median (IQR). Results Of the 173 included patients, 46 patients (26.6%) died, 39 (22.5%) underwent ECMO, and 38 patients (29.9%) of the survivors developed CLD. Overall, the SNAP-II score was 22.5 (10 to 37). In non-survivors SNAPP-II score was 40.0 (32.0 to 54.5) and 16.5 (7.8 to 26.5) in survivors (p Conclusions In this prospective multicenter study, we showed that in CDH patients SNAP-II scores may not only be useful to predict mortality but also to identify patients who need ECMO or are at risk for development of CLD.
Grasp the Opportunity,Select the Right Path,Achieve a Great Development of Ningxia

Ningxia actively promotes the long-term construction of Sino-Arab Economic and Trade Forum,which is the strategic choice for further implementing the overall strategic objectives of the western development raised by the Central Committee,the State Council in July 2010,reflecting the leadership of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region accurately grasp the factors such as natural environment,geography,people and so on.From the preparing investment and future design of Sino-Arab Economic and Trade Forum made by Ningxia,Ningxia,taking a internationalization road made a foundation for promoting economic development and social harmony and stability of Ningxia.
Study on the Causes of the Lamination and the Improvement of Smelting Processing of Precise Alloy

The lamination has been found in 1J79 and 4J6A cold-rolled steel strip.In this paper the aim is to find causes and to solve the problem by analysis and experimental research.The samples which cut from defect area of cast ingot,forge ingot,cold belts ingot and cold belts have been examined by scanning electron microscopy,bulk sample electrolysis and quantitative analysis.The main inclusion type is Al2O3 complex inclusion and the size of this type of inclusion is larger than others.It can be believed that the key factor of the lamination.So many technique measures have been taken including prolonging the killing time,changing the slag system and filtering casting and so on.The cleanliness of the material has been improved clearly and the probability of occurrence of lamination can be reduced.The defective index of 1J79 cold-rolled steel strip is reduced from 19.77% to 8.64%.
THE VISCOSITY OF NEUTROPHILS AND THEIR TRANSIT TIMES THROUGH SMALL PORES

Passive neutrophils from five different individuals are rapidly aspirated at constant suction pressure and at room temperature into a pipet with a diameter of 4 microns. The excess suction pressures (i.e., the pressures in excess of the small threshold pressure required to produce continuous flow into the pipet) are 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 dyn/cm2 (0.5, 1 and 2 kPa) and are comparable to those encountered in the microcirculation. The rate of entry into the pipet is modeled with a linearized version of a theory by Yeung and Evans for the newtonian flow of a neutrophil into a pipet or pore. From this theory and measurements of the cell size and its rate of entry into the pipet, we can calculate a value for the cytoplasmic viscosity. A linear (newtonian) fit of the theory to the experimental data gives a value for the viscosity of 1050 poise. A non-linear fit predicts a decrease in the "apparent viscosity" from about 1500 poise at zero excess pressure to 1000 poise at an excess aspiration pressure of 20,000 dyn/cm2. Our experiments and analysis also allow us to calculate a value for the transit time through short pores over a wide range of excess aspiration pressures and pore diameters. For example, for a pore diameter of 3 microns and an aspiration pressure of 1250 dyn/cm2, we predict a transit time of about 70 s. At 6 microns and 20,000 dyn/cm2, the predicted transit time is only about 0.04 s.
Analysis of stallion semen and its relation to fertility.

Basic in vitro laboratory semen assays are described, including methodology to perform these assays as well as what type of information is obtained from each. The relationship between seminal quality assays and the fertility of a semen sample also is discussed.
Ileal patch ureteroplasty for repair of ureteral strictures: clinical application and results in 4 patients.

AbstractFour patients with severe ureteral strictures recovered adequate renal and ureteral function after application of an ileal patch graft to the area of stenosis. No metabolic abnormalities resulted from use of the ileal patch graft. Candidates for this type of repair have severe ureteral strictures after prior attempts at repair. They have ureters encased in scar but lumens are maintained. Ileal patch graft construction is depicted graphically.