cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral and Physiological Responses to Nicotine Patch Administration Among Nonsmokers Based on Acute and Chronic Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure

Introduction:Despite the large amount that is known about the physical health effects of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure, little is known about the behavioral health effects. Nicotine, the principle psychoactive substance in SHS, elicits subjective mood and physiological responses in nonsmokers. However, no studies have examined the subjective mood or physiological responses to nicotine in nonsmokers while accounting for prior chronic or acute SHS exposure.Methods:A 7-mg nicotine patch was administered to 17 adult nonsmokers for 2 hr. Main outcome measures obtained at ½ hr, 1 hr, and 2 hr were subjective behavioral drug effects (based on eleven 10-cm Visual Analog Scales [VASs]) and the physiological measures of heart rate, blood pressure, and serum nicotine levels. Analysis of outcome data was based on participants’ chronic (using hair nicotine) or acute (using saliva cotinine) SHS exposure.Results:Greater chronic SHS exposure was negatively associated with pleasurable responses to nicotine admin...
Relationship marketing investment, relationship quality, and behavioral intention: In the context of the relationship between destination marketing organizations and meeting/convention planners

AbstractThis study examined relationships between destination marketing organizations and meeting planners, and investigated the moderating effect of familiarity on the relationships. Multivariate techniques were employed to analyze 277 planners’ perceptions (structural equation modeling), and to test the moderating effect (multi-group analysis). This study found that relationship marketing investment had a significant impact on relationship quality, which impacted behavioral intention while the moderating effect of familiarity was also significant. In addition, the most important activity for building a relationship between the planner and a destination marketing organization was personal sales calls. Practical implications of the results are discussed.
Tobacco Products Sold by Internet Vendors Following Restrictions on Flavors and Light Descriptors

Introduction The 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act bans characterizing flavors (e.g., grape, strawberry) in cigarettes, excluding tobacco and menthol, and prohibits companies from using misleading descriptors (e.g., light, low) that imply reduced health risks without submitting scientific data to support the claim and obtaining a marketing authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This observational study examines tobacco products offered by Internet cigarette vendors (ICV) pre- and postimplementation of the ban on characterizing flavors in cigarettes and the restriction on misleading descriptors. Methods Cross-sectional samples of the 200 most popular ICVs in 2009, 2010, and 2011 were identified. Data were analyzed in 2012 and 2013. Results In 2011 the odds for selling cigarettes with banned flavors or misleading descriptors were 0.40 times that for selling the products in 2009 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.18, 0.88). However, 89% of vendors continued to sell the products, including 95.8% of international vendors. Following the ban on characterizing flavors, ICVs began selling potential alternative products. In 2010, the odds for selling flavored little cigars were 1.71 (95% CI = 1.09, 2.69) times that for selling the product in 2009 and, for clove cigars, were 5.50 (95% CI = 2.36, 12.80) times that for selling the product in 2009. Conclusions Noncompliance with the ban on characterizing flavors and restriction on misleading descriptors has been high, especially among international vendors. Many vendors appear to be circumventing the intent of the flavors ban by selling unbanned flavored cigars, in some cases in lieu of flavored cigarettes.
Abstract 4623: piRNA and glioma risk: Evidence from a post-GWAS analysis of the GliomaScan Cohort

Background: Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) comprise a large but relatively understudied class of small non-coding RNAs that are transcribed from >600,000 loci and act in the silencing of transposable elements in the germline. While a single piRNA sequence may be encoded in thousands of genomic locations, our previous research has demonstrated that piRNAs of moderate copy number (100 or fewer) may also have the capacity to regulate protein-coding genes including oncogenes and/or tumor suppressors in somatic cells. The objective of this study was to explore the association of inherited variants in moderate copy-number piRNA sequences and glioma risk. Methods: Genotype data from 1,840 predominantly high grade glioma cases and 2,401 controls of European ancestry in the GliomaScan Cohort-Based GWAS were downloaded from the dbGaP database. After QC of the Illumina660-QuadV1-generated data, 550,600 SNPs were used to impute the genotypes of 2,361 piRNA SNPs with minor allele frequency ≥ 0.01 identified from a search of all 48,478 moderate copy-number piRNA sequences. Imputation was performed with IMPUTE2 using 1,000 Genomes Phase 3 haplotypes as the reference panel. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for SNP-glioma risk associations were estimated using unconditional logistic regression under an additive model while controlling for gender, age, study design (case/control or cohort), and the first two principal components as estimated by EIGENSTRAT (genomic inflation λ = 1.00). An expression array covering 23,677 piRNAs was used to profile expression in seven grade IV glioma and seven normal brain specimens obtained from the Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN), pooled by tissue type. Results: After exclusion of poorly-imputed SNPs, 1,384 piRNA SNPs were examined for association with glioma risk. Five SNPs were associated with glioma at FDR-adjusted P Conclusions: Together, these results draw a novel link between inherited piRNA variants and the risk of glioma development. Functional analyses are ongoing to specify the biological mechanisms underlying the observed associations. Citation Format: Daniel I. Jacobs, Michael C. Lerro, Alan Fu, Qin Qin, Andrew T. DeWan, Robert Dubrow, Elizabeth B. Claus, Yong Zhu. piRNA and glioma risk: Evidence from a post-GWAS analysis of the GliomaScan Cohort. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4623. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4623
Analysis on interlaboratory comparisons and laboratory proficiency testing of Zhangjiagang Center for Diseases Control and Prevention(2010-2014)

Objective To analyze the results of interlaboratory comparisons and laboratory proficiency testing,guide laboratory quality control,and provide reference for the relevant organization.Methods Analyzed 2010 to 2014 data of interlaboratory comparisons and laboratory proficiency testing organized by higher department.Results The departments had high participation in the laboratory proficiency testing.Participation was uneven amongst the departments.Main participating departments included disease control,food and related products,and water and related products.Most samples were food microorganism,and the second was heavy metals.The participation by cosmetics departments was the least.The laboratory proficiency test covered most of the chemical analytical methods.The atomic absorption analysis(AAS) was the most commonly used method,high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was the second and the gravimetric analysis and other small instrument analysis were the least commonly used method.Conclusion Close attention should be paid to the distribution of the uniformity of the testing content.Laboratory funding should be increased,the initiative to participate in activities should be promoted,and the technique of the proficiency monitoring should be improved.
Quality and liability issues with the Papanicolaou smear: the role of professional organizations in reform initiatives.

. The professional societies of cytotechnologists, cytopathologists, and general pathologists have recognized growing problems that attend medicolegal issues in gynecologic cytology practice. Current trends imply two factors may soon adversely affect society's effort to stop deaths due to cervical cancer. First, the cost of gynecologic cytology services may rise sharply owing to extraordinary increases in the cost of malpractice coverage and the expenses entailed in growing quality assurance programs. Second, many practitioners and institutions may seek to avoid gynecologic cytology practice altogether as the malpractice burden increasingly becomes intolerable. The result of these trends would be increased numbers of deaths from largely preventable cervical carcinomas. After outlining these and related issues, this article seeks to provide some educational and medicolegal suggestions for concerted action by our societies. The goal remains unaltered from the time when Papanicolaou tests were new; we have the most effective cancer prevention screening tool ever devised and must make it widely available to all who may benefit from it.
Modeling and Computing Geophysical Mass Flows

Avalanches and debris flows pose a significant risk to those living on the flanks of hills and volcanoes. In 1985, debris flows originating from the summit of Ruiz volcano in Colombia overran entire villages, killing more than 20,000. In 1998, a mudflow at the Casita Volcano in Nicargua caused thousands of deaths. Pyroclastic and debris flows produced during the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Phillipines destroyed cities and villages some 15 km. from the summit, and forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands. Residents in the state of Washington remember the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruptions, and look warily at Mt. Ranier.
Evaluation of Breast Lipid Composition in Patients with Benign Tissue and Cancer by Using Multiple Gradient-Echo MR Imaging

Our study has demonstrated that, for postmenopausal women, low monounsaturated and high saturated fatty acids may be associated with invasive ductal carcinoma, potentially making them useful indicators of the presence of breast cancer.
A flexible CO2 laser fiber for operative laparoscopy.

A flexible, hollow fiber measuring 1.5 mm diameter was used in conjunction with the laparoscope to deliver a CO 2 laser beam to the rabbit uterine horn. The fibers tested consistently transmitted 5 to 15 W of laser power without loss of input mode. Several fiber-to-target distances were evaluated from the standpoint of crater characteristics. Microscopic sections were studied, and crater heights and widths were quantified. All lesions produced by the CO 2 laser fiber closely mimicked those delivered by the freehand piece or micromanipulator. In two chronic experiments, rapid fibrosis and "filling in" of the craters was evident at 5 days. No adhesions were observed. The CO 2 laser fiber has several advantages over current techniques for the performance of laser laparoscopy as well as over alternative systems, e.g., neodymium:yttriumaluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) and argon-coupled fibers. The CO 2 laser fiber will further increase the options available to the gynecologist for operative endoscopy.
Introduction to the Climate System

In this chapter, the climate system and its constituent parts of the atmosphere, ocean, land surface, and cryosphere are described. The concepts of hydrostatic balance and lapse rate are introduced. The temperature structure of the atmosphere and the definitions of the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere are given. The dependence of saturation water vapor pressure on temperature is discussed.
Our Essential and Endangered Dentist–Scientist Workforce:

Future advances in dental medicine rely on a robust and stable pipeline of dentist–scientists who are dedicated to research inspired by the patients’ condition. The biomedical research community fa...
Associations among left ventricular systolic function, tachycardia, and cardiac preload in septic patients.

In sepsis, tachycardia may indicate low preload, adrenergic stimulation, or both. Adrenergic overstimulation is associated with septic cardiomyopathy. We sought to determine whether tachycardia was associated with left ventricular longitudinal strain, a measure of cardiac dysfunction. We hypothesized an association would primarily exist in patients with high preload. We prospectively observed septic patients admitted to three study ICUs, who underwent early transthoracic echocardiography. We measured longitudinal strain using speckle tracking echocardiography and estimated preload status with an echocardiographic surrogate (E/e′). We assessed correlation between strain and heart rate in patients with low preload (E/e′ 14), adjusting for disease severity and vasopressor dependence. We studied 452 patients, of whom 298 had both measurable strain and preload. Abnormal strain (defined as >−17%) was present in 54%. Patients with abnormal strain had higher heart rates (100 vs. 93 beat/min, p = 0.001). After adjusting for vasopressor dependence, disease severity, and cardiac preload, we observed an association between heart rate and longitudinal strain (β = 0.05, p = 0.003). This association persisted among patients with high preload (β = 0.07, p = 0.016) and in patients with shock (β = 0.07, p = 0.01), but was absent in patients with low or intermediate preload and those not in shock. Tachycardia is associated with abnormal left ventricular strain in septic patients with high preload. This association was not apparent in patients with low or intermediate preload.
Drug-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: a Review.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a subgroup of PH patients characterized hemodynamically by the presence of pre-capillary PH, defined by a pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) ≤15 mmHg and a PVR >3 Wood units (WU) in the absence of other causes of pre-capillary PH. According to the current classification, PAH can be associated with exposure to certain drugs or toxins such as anorectic agents, amphetamines, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. With the improvement in awareness and recognition of the drug-induced PAH, it allowed the identification of additional drugs associated with an increased risk for the development of PAH. The supposed mechanism is an increase in the serotonin levels or activation of serotonin receptors that has been demonstrated to act as a growth factor for the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and cause progressive obliteration of the pulmonary vasculature. PAH remains a rare complication of several drugs, suggesting possible individual susceptibility, and further studies are needed to identify patients at risk of drug-induced PAH.
On Unramifying Transcendence Base

In this article we prove the following theorem: Every t-adic complete factorial domain containing a field k of characteristic 0 contains an unramified transcendence base over k for all height 1 prime ideals.
Increased power factors of organic–inorganic nanocomposite thermoelectric materials and the role of energy filtering

Significant enhancements in the performance of organic–inorganic nanocomposite thermoelectrics may be obtained through appropriately adjusting energetics at the organic–inorganic interfaces. Through altering these interfacial energetics, the energy dependence of the electrical conductivity, and therefore the Seebeck coefficient, can in principle be readily manipulated through energy filtering. In this work, we controllably vary the energetic barrier between transport states in the conjugated polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) and tellurium nanowires. The energetic barrier is adjusted from 0.08 to 0.88 eV by altering the concentration of the p-type dopant (FeCl3) present in the polymer phase. We show that the maximum power factors in these composites are increased beyond that of either the pure polymer or pure nanowires for barriers of both 0.08 and 0.88 eV. With both doping concentrations the Seebeck coefficient increases with the concentration of tellurium nanowires. Through comparison of the experimentally measured Seebeck coefficients with models for parallel and series connected composites, we determine that the enhanced Seebeck coefficients and power factors do not likely arise from energy filtering. Furthermore, we find that the electrical conductivity of the 5% FeCl3 doped blend can exceed that of either of the pure components by nearly an order of magnitude.
‘Go Cry Over Someone Else’s Tragedy’: The YouTube Activism of The 1491s

This article examines the activist role played by the comedy troupe, The 1491s, in social media spaces, particularly on YouTube. Since 2009 The 1491s have used the positive energy of comedy to galvanise others, with a particular emphasis on shaping the ways Indigenous peoples are seen, how Indigenous peoples see themselves, and how changes might lead Indigenous people to think critically about the conditions under which they are living. In addition to examining their comedic output, this article discusses the videos which honour Indigenous resilience and advocate for political causes; these efforts are also supported by their production infrastructure and disseminated via their YouTube channel. Strategically disseminating their videos to a global audience through YouTube, The 1491s should be seen as a major force in social change, inspiring Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences alike, many of whom interact and form a core fanbase despite being separated by time and space.
Loss of Igf2 Gene Imprinting in Murine Prostate Promotes Widespread Neoplastic Growth

Loss of imprinting (LOI) is an epigenetic event that relaxes an allele-specific restriction on gene expression. One gene that experiences LOI is the paracrine insulin-like growth factor IGF2, which occurs commonly in human prostate tissues during aging and tumorigenesis. However, the relationship between IGF2 LOI and prostate tumorigenesis has not been established functionally. In this study, we created a mouse model with CTCF-binding site mutations at the Igf2-H19 imprint control region that abolishes CTCF insulator activity, resulting in biallelic Igf2 expression that mimics increased levels seen with aging-induced LOI. We found that Igf2 LOI increased the prevalence and severity of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), a premalignant lesion. Engineering Nkx3.1 deficiency into our model increased the frequency of PIN lesions in an additive fashion. Prostates harboring LOI displayed increased MAPK signaling and epithelial proliferation. In human prostate tissue arrays, we documented a positive correlation in benign tissues of IGF2 levels with phospho-ERK and phospho-AKT levels. Overall, our results establish that Igf2 LOI is sufficient on its own to increase rates of neoplastic development in the prostate by upregulating critical cancer-associated signaling pathways. Cancer Res; 77(19); 5236-47. ©2017 AACR.
Thermochemistry of the simplest metal organic frameworks: Formates [M(HCOO)2]·xH2O (M = Li, Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, and Zn)

Abstract The simplest organic-inorganic hybrid material, with the smallest organic moiety, is a metal formate with divalent cations connected by formate anions. These metal formates have shown enormous potential for applications, particularly in gas storage and recently as anodes in lithium ion battery materials. Since formic acid is produced industrially on a large scale, metal formates could become very significant from an economic point of view. We report the enthalpies of formation of this important class of materials, measured using acid solution calorimetry. The formation enthalpies calculated from the respective metal chlorides/oxides and formic acid are negative for all the samples, with the energetic stability decreasing in the order Mg > Zn > Mn > Co > Ni > Li. Thus these materials show thermodynamic stability with respect to their oxides and should persist for long times when used in applications/devices.
Maximizing the time of invariance for large collections of switched systems

Motivated by the problem of capacity allocation in aggregate systems of thermostatically controlled loads, we seek to optimize the time of invariance — the maximal time that a scheduler can maintain local safety constraints without exceeding an aggregate capacity constraint. Having previously characterized conditions when the time of invariance is infinite, this paper focuses on situations when no scheduler can satisfy all constraints indefinitely. We derive a lower bound for the optimal time of invariance, and leverage ideas from optimal control to propose control strategies with associated lower bounds on the resulting times of invariance. We also analyze the optimality gap. The results are illustrated on a 10,000-dimensional example.
Predictive performance modeling framework for a novel enclosed particle receiver configuration and application for thermochemical energy storage

Abstract Concentrating solar power (CSP) plants can provide dispatchable power with a thermal energy storage capability for increased renewable-energy grid penetration. Particle-based CSP systems permit higher temperatures, and thus, potentially higher solar-to-electric efficiency than state-of-the-art molten-salt heat-transfer systems. This paper describes a detailed numerical analysis framework for estimating the performance of a novel, geometrically complex, enclosed particle receiver design. The receiver configuration uses arrays of small tubular absorbers to collect and subsequently transfer solar energy to a flowing particulate medium. The enclosed nature of the receiver design renders it amenable to either an inert heat-transfer medium, or a reactive heat-transfer medium that requires a controllable ambient environment. The numerical analysis framework described in this study is demonstrated for the case of thermal reduction of CaCr0.1Mn0.9O3-δ for thermochemical energy storage. The modeling strategy consists of Monte Carlo ray tracing for absorbed solar-energy distributions from a surround heliostat field, computational fluid dynamics modeling of small-scale local tubular arrays, surrogate response surfaces that approximately capture simulated tubular array performance, a quasi-two-dimensional reduced-order description of counter-flow reactive solids and purge gas, and a radiative exchange model applied to embedded-cavity structures at the size scale of the full receiver. In this work we apply the numerical analysis strategy to a single receiver configuration, but the framework can be generically applicable to alternative enclosed designs. We assess sensitivity of receiver performance to surface optical properties, heat-transfer coefficients, solids outlet temperature, and purge-gas feed rates, and discuss the significance of model assumptions and results for future receiver development.
Burden of Cerebrovascular Disease and its association in the clinical characteristics, Incidence and outcomes in the hospitalized patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Louisville, KY (P1.321)

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, incidence and outcomes in the hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia(CAP) who have a history of cerebrovascular disease(CVD) in 9 Jefferson County hospitals in Louisville, KY. Background: Pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after stroke. It is associated with higher hospitalization rates and presents potential barriers to optimal recovery resulting in poor outcomes. Design/Methods: Study design and study population: This was a secondary data analysis of the University of Louisville Pneumonia Study database. Patients were hospitalized during the first year of the study (June 1, 2014–May 31, 2015) due to Community Acquired Pneumonia. Patients were included in this analysis if they had cerebrovascular disease. Study outcomes were measured in terms of time to reach clinical stability(TCS), length of hospital stay(LOS), in-hospital mortality rates, re-hospitalization rates. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics were performed. Chi-squared tests of independence were performed to compare the categorical outcomes such as in-hospital mortality and re-hospitalization rates. Length of stay and time to clinical stability were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank tests were applied to evaluate differences between both groups. P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: There were 2,997 patients during the study period. A total of 375 (12.5%) patients with CVD were included in the analysis. Thirty-one (8.4 %) of these patients died in-hospital compared to 5.3% in patients without CVD (p=0.02). Median days to clinical stability was 2 days in both groups (p=0.24). Median length of stay was 6 days in patients with CVD compared to 5 days in patients without CVD (p=0.001). Thirty-nine (10.6%) of these patients were re-hospitalized within one year. There were 65 microorganisms identified. Conclusions: This study documents worse clinical outcomes and significantly increased mortality in the hospitalized patients with community acquired pneumonia and associated cerebrovascular disease. Disclosure: Dr. SirDeshpande has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kolikonda has nothing to disclose. Dr. Peyrani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ramirez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Arnold has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wiemken has nothing to disclose.
The Importance of Social and Political Context: The Case of AIDS Activism

We utilize a 1992 survey of approximately, 2500 AIDS activists to analyze their degree of participation. Activity levels were affected by several traditional predictors, but the inclusion of contextual measures indicating the activists' connection with AIDS, especially the pain and loss incurred, led to a much fuller and more complex explanatory model. We argue that a richer comprehension of political participation requires more studies of issue-specific activists and the specification of contexual features that serve to motivate more intensive degrees of participation.
SEPARATION OF PORPHYRINS BY COUNTER-CURRENT DISTRIBUTION

The recent development by Craig (l-3) of an all-glass machine for liquidliquid counter-current fractionation makes possible the application of his method to the separation of porphyrins which cannot readily be separated by the sensitive Willstatter “HCl number” method. In this paper we have studied the application of the Craig method to the separation of a mixture of three known porphyrins, using the Willstiitter system of aqueous HCl and ether. The principle of separating porphyrins by liquid-liquid partition was first used in 1906 by Willstatter and Mieg (4). In their method, the porphyrin mixture was dissolved in ether and the ether solution was extracted successively with equal volumes of increasingly higher concentrations of aqueous HCl. They defined a partition value called the HCl number as that per cent of HCl (in gm. per 100 cc.) in the aqueous phase which would extract two-thirds of the porphyrin from the ether phase when the volume of the aqueous phase saturated with ether was equal to the volume of the ether phase saturated with water. In 1937 Zeile and Rau (5) attempted to extend the method of Willstatter and Mieg to the separation of a mixture of two porphyrins that differed only slightly in their HCl numbers, namely deuteroporphyrin (HCl number = 0.36) and mesoporphyrin (HCl number = 0.60) (Fig. 1). They calculated that, starting with a 1: 1 mixture of these porphyrins, it should be possible to obtain one-third of the mesoporphyrin admixed with only 1.3 per cent of deuteroporphyrin after 60 successive extractions. The Craig method, as we shall see below, permits a complete separation of these two porphyrins, uncontaminated with each other, and at the same time has made possible the recognition of unsuspected porphyrin impurities in the original crystalline materials.
An object-oriented framework for distributed computational simulation of aerospace propulsion systems

Designing and developing new aerospace propulsion systems is time-consuming and expensive. Computational simulation is a promising means for alleviating this cost, but requires a flexible software simulation system capable of integrating advanced multidisciplinary and multifidelity analysis methods, dynamically constructing arbitrary simulation models, and distributing computationally complex tasks. To address these issues, we have developed Onyx, a Java-based object-oriented application framework for aerospace propulsion system simulation. The Onyx framework defines a common component object model which provides a consistent component interface for the construction of hierarchal object models. Because Onyx is a framework, component analysis models may be changed dynamically to adapt simulation behavior as required. A customizable visual interface provides high-level symbolic control of propulsion system construction and execution. For computationally-intensive analysis, components may be distributed across heterogeneous computing architectures and operating systems. This paper describes the design concepts and object-oriented architecture of Onyx. As a representative simulation, a set of lumped-parameter gas turbine engine components are developed and used to simulate a turbojet engine.
The Balanced Energy Physical Activity (BEPA) Toolkit

The Balanced Energy Physical Activity Toolkit is an evidence-based, behaviorally focused physical activity resource. The BEPA-Toolkit is designed for applications in various educational settings to increase children’s physical activity time, with materials and activity ideas that are applicable for use in and outside of the classroom and before, during, or after school. It includes over 50 activity cards that convey integrated messages about healthy eating and physical activity through movement. This practical resource has been shown to increase children’s physical activity at school.
Intralesional Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Sinonasal Hemangioma

Introduction:Sinonasal hemangioma is a rare benign tumor of vascular endothelial cells. The pathogenesis is closely linked to abnormalities in the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathw...
Fiduciary Law and Financial Regulation

This chapter explores the application of fiduciary duties to regulated financial firms and financial services. At first blush, the need for such a chapter might strike some as surprising in that fiduciary duties and systems of financial regulation can be conceptualized as governing distinctive and non-overlapping spheres: Fiduciary duties police private activity through open-ended, judicially defined standards imposed on an ex post basis, whereas financial regulations set largely mandatory, ex ante obligations for regulated entities under supervisory systems established in legislation and implemented through expert administrative agencies. Yet, as we document in this chapter, fiduciary duties often do overlap with systems of financial regulation. In many regulatory contexts, fiduciary duties arise as a complement to, or sometimes substitute for, other mechanisms of financial regulation. Moreover, the interactions between fiduciary duties and systems of financial regulation generate a host of recurring and challenging interpretative issues. Our motivation in writing this chapter is to explore the reasons why fiduciary duties arise so frequently in the field of financial regulation, and then to provide a structured account of how the principles of fiduciary duties interact with the more rule-based legal requirements that characterize financial regulation. As grist for this undertaking we focus on a set of roughly two dozen judicial decisions and administrative rulings to illustrate our claims.
Urine podoplanin heralds the onset of ischemia-reperfusion injury of the kidney

Ischemia-reperfusion injury represents one of the most common causes of acute kidney injury, a serious and often deadly condition that affects up to 20% of all hospitalized patients in the United States. However, the current standard assay used universally for the diagnosis of acute kidney injury, serum creatinine, does not detect renal damage early in its course. Serendipitously, we found that the immunofluorescent signal of the constitutive podocyte marker podoplanin fades in the glomerulus and intensifies in the tubulointerstitial compartment of the kidney shortly after ischemia-reperfusion injury in 8- to 10-wk-old male C57Bl/6j mice. Therefore, we sought to define the appearance and course of the podoplanin-positive signal in the kidney after ischemia-reperfusion injury. The tubulointerstitial podoplanin-positive signal increased as early as 2 h but persisted for 7 days after ischemia-reperfusion injury. In addition, the strength of this tubulointerstitial signal was directly proportional to the severity of ischemia, and its location shifted from the tubules to interstitial cells over time. Finally, we detected podoplanin in the urine of mice after ischemia, and we observed that an increase in the urine podoplanin-to-creatinine ratio correlated strongly with the onset of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Our findings indicate that the measurement of urine podoplanin harbors promising potential for use as a novel biomarker for the early detection of ischemia-reperfusion injury of the kidney.
Scattering matrix and inclusive scattering matrix in algebraic quantum field theory

We study the scattering of particles and quasiparticles in the framework of algebraic quantum field theory. The main novelty is the construction of inclusive scattering matrix related to inclusive cross-sections. The inclusive scattering matrix can be expressed in terms of generalized Green functions by a formula similar to the LSZ formula for the conventional scattering matrix. The consideration of inclusive scattering matrix is necessary in quantum field theory if a unitary scattering matrix does not exist (if the theory does not have particle interpretation). It is always necessary if we want to consider collisions of quasiparticles.
Local Control and Toxicity of Multilevel Spine Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy.

Background Spine stereotactic body radiotherapy (sSBRT) is commonly limited to 1 or 2 vertebral levels given a paucity of efficacy and toxicity data when more than 2 levels are treated. Objective To prove our hypothesis that multilevel sSBRT could provide similar rates of local control (LC) (primary endpoint) and toxicity as single-level treatment using the same clinical target, planning target, and planning organ-at-risk volumes. Methods We analyzed consecutive cases of sSBRT treated from 2013 to 2017. Time-to-event outcomes for single-level and multilevel cases were compared using mixed effect Cox models and differences in toxicity rates were evaluated using linear mixed effect models. All models incorporate a patient-level random intercept to account for any within-patient correlation across cases. Results There were 101 single-level and 84 multilevel sSBRT cases (2-7 continuous vertebral levels). One-year LC was 95% vs 85%, respectively. After adjusting for baseline covariates, dose delivered, and accounting for within-patient correlation, there was no significant difference in time to local failure (hazard ratio, HR 1.79 [0.59-5.4]; P = .30). Pain improved in 83.5% of the 139 initially symptomatic tumors. There were no significant differences in grade 2+ acute or late toxicities between single-level and multilevel sSBRT. Conclusion With rigorous patient immobilization, quality assurance, and image guidance, multilevel sSBRT provides high rates of LC, similar to single-level treatment, without need for larger planning volume margins. Efforts to improve prognostication and case selection for multilevel sSBRT are warranted to ensure that the benefits of improved LC over palliative radiation are justified.
Sustainability assemblages: From metrics development to metrics implementation in United States agriculture

Abstract Metrics that assess farmer sustainability performance have emerged as a leading approach to fostering continuous improvement in the sustainability of agriculture. As multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) have developed sustainability metrics for US agriculture, these initiatives are entering a new phase focused on the adoption of metrics. This paper examines the approaches being used by two MSIs, Field to Market and the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops (SISC), to promote their respective metrics to farmers. Drawing on assemblage theory, we analyze the processes that MSIs are using to get their metrics implemented, and how the actual adoption of metrics takes place in agrifood supply chains. Specifically, we identify five processes that both Field to Market and SISC are using to facilitate the implementation of their metrics: (1) leveraging members, (2) utilizing supply chains, (3) providing technical assistance, (4) building technological platforms, and (5) creating partnerships. In identifying these processes, our analysis shifts understanding of metrics adoption beyond just consumer and market forces, and focuses attention on the specific actors and processes through which sustainability metrics are put into practice. In concluding, we highlight ongoing challenges facing Field to Market and SISC's efforts to construct assemblages around their metrics.
Superacuity in the Spared Eyes of Monocular Deprivation Amblyopes: Visual Evoked Response Measurements

Studies of the effects of depriving visual environments on the young visual systems of-cats and monkeys have led to the definition of a “critical period” during which such deprivation results in losses of visual system function and morphology [1]. The reversal of monocular deprivation in animals by means of reverse deprivation forms the basis for the clinical treatment of deprivation amblyopia. In man, patching most commonly serves as the analogous procedure for lid suture in the animal studies. In cats and monkeys, through what is believed to be a process of binocular competition for neural connectivity the originally deprived eye recovers as a result of reverse deprivation, while the newly deprived eye suffers the usual effects of deprivation. Such changes occur only during the “sensitive” period [1,2]. Recently, similar changes in the visual acuity of young human infants undergoing patching have been observed by using a forced-choice preferential looking (FPL) method [3] and visual evoked responses (VER) [4,5,6]. As is predicted by the animal models the amblyopic eye gains acuity at the expense of the normal. Binocular competition could explain this symmetrical push-pull type of effect on either ocular dominance as measured in animals or visual acuity as measured in human infants. Recently, measurement of visual acuity by means of preferential looking or visual evoked response has made possible the “titration” of the patching to optimize the therapeutic result by avoiding unnecessary monocular deprivation which is clearly detrimental to binocularity and minimizing the risks of reverse or occlusion amblyopia. Such work has also shed some light on the processes underlying normal and abnormal visual development in humans.
Parametric Analysis and Optimization of Non-Contact Transversally Actuated RF MEMS Switch with High Reliability for Wireless Applications

This paper presents the study of novel non-contact electrostatically actuated transverse RF MEMS switch. The proposed structure consists of transverse comb actuators which are used to turn the switch ON and OFF. Design is operated at the pull-in point which can achieve the displacement of 10.5 µm at 32.6 volts. To avoid short circuiting of the switch, stoppers are used at the distance of 10.5 µm from the spring beams. The proposed switch is free from stiction issues, which are common in series and shunt contact switches. The design was verified by simulating RF part in CST microwave studio while mechanical simulations were confirmed with the help of Intellisuite software. Simulated ON state insertion loss was -0.1331 dB, while OFF state isolation was -24.96 dB respectively at 6 GHz. The von-misses stress of maximum 39.53 MPa has been observed during operation of the switch which is much less than the 7 GPa critical strength of Silicon. Area of the tunable switch is 2.090 × 1.400 mm2.
Circumventing the Electoral College: Why the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Survives Constitutional Scrutiny Under the Compact Clause

The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVC) presents an emerging legal issue that straddles the line between political science and law. The NPVC is an interstate compact in which member states will allocate all of their electoral votes to the winner of the national vote, as opposed to the traditional state vote. The bill would not be effective until states possessing a majority of the nation's electoral votes (270) have become members. If enacted by enough states, the NPVC would all but put an end to the Electoral College, and the United States would essentially move to a direct national vote for president, without a constitutional amendment. The most hotly contested legal issue surrounding the NPVC will likely be whether Congressional consent is required for the NPVC's member states to validly enter into the compact.This article ultimately concludes that Congressional consent would not be required for the NPVC to be effective, because member states would not be encroaching on the powers of non-member states. Additionally, I offer an alternative argument about "faithless electors" that breaks new ground in NPVC literature. The Supreme Court has said that one of the most relevant inquiries into the Congressional consent requirement is whether compacting states can unilaterally withdraw from the compact. I conclude that even though member states cannot withdraw from the NPVC after July 20 of a presidential election year, the individual electors can withdraw on behalf of the states. The Constitution does not bind electors to vote for a particular candidate, but only mandates that state legislatures commit to a method of allocation. Thus, compacting states can still compel their pledged electors to change their vote.
Internationalization of Online Professional Communities: An Empirical Investigation of AIS-ISWorld

We report on an empirical investigation of the internationalization of an online community of practice situated in academe and which fosters among its members communication and collaboration. Attracting additional active participants throughout the world is an important goal for many online professional communities. Based on theories and findings in the innovation diffusion and international business literature, we propose that cultural distance has significant negative effects on the activity of an online community encompassing different countries, while economic conditions will moderate this negative impact. An empirical study based on the archival data from AIS-ISWorld, an online community of information systems academics, supports our central hypotheses.
Creating and testing an activity with interdisciplinary connections: entropy to osmosis

Students often struggle to make interdisciplinary connections and cite a lack of opportunity to make such connections. To address this issue, we are developing activities aligned with the framework of three-dimensional learning that provide students with opportunities to make connections between chemistry concepts and biological phenomena. Here, we focus on an activity that asks students to incorporate the concept of entropy in explaining the biological phenomenon of osmosis across a cell membrane. This activity was administered in both introductory cell and molecular biology and second-semester general chemistry courses. We found that after completing carefully scaffolded questions within the activity, students were better able to correctly use the concept of entropy in explaining osmosis than they were before the scaffolding questions. Additionally, we found that students’ course history appeared to impact their explanations of this phenomenon in that students who had taken second-semester general chemistry (i.e., the semester in which entropy is discussed for these students) provided more sophisticated responses and were less likely to include scientifically inaccurate ideas than their peers who had not taken second-semester general chemistry.
Endovascular treatment strategy, technique, and outcomes for dural arteriovenous fistulas of the marginal sinus region.

Background Dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) of the foramen magnum region (FMR) are technically challenging lesions to treat. Transvenous (TV), transarterial (TA), and surgical approaches have been described, but the optimum treatment strategy is not defined. Objective To report treatment strategies and outcomes for FMR-AVF at a single, high-volume referral center. Methods A retrospective review from January 2010 to August 2020 identified patients with FMR-AVF at a single referral center. Angiographic features, treatment (observation, endovascular, surgical), and follow-up of angiographic and clinical results were recorded. The technical aspects of TV embolization are then presented in detail. Results 29 FMR-AVF were identified in 28 patients. Of these, 24/29 (82.8%) were treated and 5/29 (17.2%) were observed. Treatment was endovascular in 21/24 (87.5%), combined (endovascular+surgical) in 2/24 (8.3%), and surgical in 1/24 (4.2%). Endovascular treatments were 76.2% TV, 14.3% TA, and 9.5% combined TV/TA. Sufficient follow-up data were available for 20/28 (71.4%) with mean follow-up of 16.8 months. No AVF recurrence was seen for TA/TV, combined endovascular/surgical, or surgical groups, and there was one recurrence (7.1%) in the TV group. Symptomatic improvement was seen in all groups: TV (71.4% complete, 28.6% partial), TA (66.7% complete, 33.3% no follow-up), TV+TA (100% partial), endovascular/surgical (100% complete), and surgical (100% partial). Minor non-neurologic complications included 1/14 (7.1%) in the TV group and 1/3 (33.3%) in the TA/TV group. Conclusion Endovascular treatment is safe and effective for most FMR-AVF. TV embolization has a high cure rate with few complications.
Impact of frailty on short term outcomes, resource use, and readmissions after transcatheter mitral valve repair: A national analysis.

Background Treatment options for mitral regurgitation range from diuretic therapy, to surgical and interventional strategies including TMVR in high-risk surgical candidates. Frailty has been associated with inferior outcomes following hospitalizations for heart failure and in open cardiac surgery. Objective The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of frailty on clinical outcomes and resource use following transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR). Methods Adults undergoing TMVR were identified using the 2016-2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database, and divided into Frail and Non-Frail groups. Frailty was defined using a derivative of the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty indicator. Generalized linear models were used to assess the association of frailty with in-hospital mortality, complications, nonhome discharge, hospitalization costs, length of stay, and non-elective readmission at 90 days. Average marginal effects were used to quantify the impact of frailty on predicted mortality. Results Of 18,791 patients undergoing TMVR, 11.6% were considered frail. The observed mortality rate for the overall cohort was 2.2%. After adjustment, frailty was associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.6), corresponding to an absolute increase in risk of mortality of 1.1%. Frailty was associated with a 2.7-day (95% CI 2.1-3.2) increase in postoperative LOS, and $18,300 (95% CI 14,400-22,200) increment in hospitalization costs. Frail patients had greater odds (4.4, 95% CI 3.6-5.4) of nonhome discharge but similar odds of non-elective 90-day readmission. Conclusions Frailty is independently associated with inferior short-term clinical outcomes and greater resource use following TMVR. Inclusion of frailty into existing risk models may better inform choice of therapy and shared decision-making.