cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The epidemiology of lung cancer.

Lung cancer continues to be the leader in cancer deaths in the United States. The incidence of lung cancer in men has slowly decreased since the late 1980s, but has just now begun to plateau in women at the end of this decade. Despite modest advances in chemotherapy for treating lung cancer, it remains a deadly disease with overall 5-yrsurvival rates having not increased significantly over the last 25 years, remaining at approximately 14%. Tobacco smoking causes approximately 85-90% of bronchogenic carcinoma. Environmental tobacco exposure or a second-hand smoke also may cause lung cancer in life-long non-smokers. Certain occupational agents such as arsenic,asbestos, chromium, nickel and vinyl chloride increase the relative risk for lung cancer.Smoking has an additive or multiplicative effect with some of these agents. Familial predisposition for lung cancer is an area with advancing research. Developments in molecular biology have led to growing interest in investigation of biological markers,which may increase predisposition to smoking-related carcinogenesis. Hopefully, in the future we will be able to screen for lung cancer by using specific biomarkers. Finally,dietary factors have also been proposed as potential risk modulators, with vitamins A, C and E proposed as having a protective effect. Despite the slow decline of smoking in the United States, lung cancer will likely continue its devastation for years to come.
Genome-Wide Methylation Profiling in Archival Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Samples

New technologies allow for genome-scale measurement of DNA methylation. In an effort to increase the clinical utility of DNA methylation as a biomarker, we have adapted a commercial bisulfite epigenotyping assay for genome-wide methylation profiling in archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded pathology specimens. This chapter takes the reader step by step through a biomarker discovery experiment to identify phenotype-correlated DNA methylation signatures in routine pathology specimens.
Overview of Clinical Trials and Basis for Future Therapies

The development of a research strategy investigating new approaches to the treatment of advanced head and neck cancers requires an extensive and complete data base. One must know the rate and pattern of distant metastasis and local treatment failure (how standard treatment fails) before one can develop new treatments. In order to develop such a data base, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) established a prospective registry for head and neck cancer in 1977. Between February 1977 and April 1980, the following information was collected on all head and neck cancers treated at RTOG institutions: primary tumor site, T-stage, N-stage, M-stage, age, sex, Karnofsky performance score, tumor histology, tumor differentiation, extent of infiltration, treatment delivery, and outcome. All patients were staged according to the 1976 TNM staging system of the American Joint Committee for Cancer Staging and End Results Reporting. 2066 cases were entered into the registry. 992 of these had locally advanced inoperable disease treated by radiation therapy alone. The sites of treatment failure, including distant metastatic rates, were established for that group of patients.
Mechanism of the Biodegradation of Polycaprolactone

The preparation of synthetic biodegradable polymers is an area of increasing interest (1–4). Disposal of nondegradable synthetic polymers after use is a problem that is growing more serious every day. The disposal of biodegradable polymers, on the other hand, is less difficult. Moreover, biodegradable polymers are becoming vital in the preparation of surgical implants, sutures, controlled release formulations of drugs and agricultural chemicals, weed suppressant covering, and mulches. Our efforts have been directed toward, a) the development of biodegradation testing methods, b) studying the factors affecting the biodegradation of synthetic polymers and the mechanisms of biodegradation, c) design and synthesis of new biodegradable polymers for special applications. During the course of our research to date we have found that both the nature of the chemical structures of the polymers and the morphology of the polymer samples affect the rates and extents of biodegradation of the polymer samples.
Firm Performance Implications of Using Qualitative Criteria in CEO Bonus Contracts

Many argue that the design of compensation contracts for public company chief executive officers (CEOs) is often not guided by a goal of value maximization. Yet, there is limited direct empirical evidence on the negative consequences of the proposed inefficient contracting between shareholders and CEOs. Using data on CEO bonus contracts of the S&P 500 firms, we investigate potential firm performance implications of the use of qualitative criteria such as leadership and mentoring in those contracts. We maintain that unlike quantitative criteria, qualitative criteria are difficult to define and measure on an objective basis, possibly resulting in an inefficient and biased incentive structure. Twenty-five percent of the sample observations have CEO bonus contracts that include a qualitative criterion for bonus payment determination. Our results show that employee productivity, asset productivity, capital expenditures, and future abnormal stock returns are lower for firms that use a qualitative criterion in CEO bonus contracts than those that do not. Further, contrary to the argument in prior literature that earnings management decreases with the use of subjective performance indicators in incentive contracts, we find that income-increasing accruals are actually higher when the CEO bonus contract includes a qualitative criterion. We recommend that compensation committees set concrete, measurable performance goals for CEOs, providing CEOs with better guidance and helping improve their corporate decision making.
Rent Seeking: The Problem of Definition

Some time ago, I received a paper for comment arguing that the current patent process generated rent seeking. The author’s point was that because the patent being a monopoly, and, in many cases a valuable one, a considerable number of people would engage in attempting to get the patent, and this would be a wasteful duplication of research. In essence, as result of this waste, scientific progress was “too fast.”
Assessing Decision-Making Capacity

Making a decision about whether an older adult is safe to continue living independently is a common yet difficult decision for clinicians as well as caregivers. Trying to determine whether or not the patient has capacity to make certain decisions is also challenging. This case illustrates the importance of thinking about decision-making capacity as a continuum and provides some useful questions to ask and principles to follow when trying to determine if patients have capacity.
Refinement of the high-resolution physical and genetic map of Rhodobacter capsulatus and genome surveys using blots of the cosmid encyclopedia.

Cosmids from a library containing Rhodobacter capsulatus DNA fragments were previously ordered in two contigs: one corresponding to the chromosome and one to a 134 kb plasmid. This map contained 40 regions connected only by colony hybridization. To confirm the linkage and correct the map, the actual sizes of the overlaps were determined by blot-hybridization with Rhodobacter chromosomal DNA and by mapping of additional cosmids. Several revisions of the earlier map include single cosmid shifts and inversions. One additional gap in a cosmid contig was also found, raising the possibility that the chromosome is not a contiguous circle. About 2500 additional EcoRI,BamHI and HindIII restriction sites were added to the 560 EcoRV sites previously mapped onto the Rhodobacter chromosome, increasing the resolution of the physical map to the size of individual genes. Twenty-five new markers were located on the genetic map. The 48 markers now mapped represent nearly 300 genes and ORFs cloned from different species of Rhodobacter. The orientation of transcription of the four rrn operons was established using 16S rRNA- and 23S rRNA-specific probes and digestion with the rare-cutting enzyme, CeuI. Gel blots of 192 cosmids of the miniset of R.capsulatus digested with EcoRV were prepared. Such a hybridization template represents the whole genome cut into 560 DNA fragments varying in size from 0.4 to 25 kb. This template was used for high-resolution mapping of single genes, analysis of total genomic DNAs from related Rhodobacter strains and differentially expressed RNAs.
Development of a Long-Range Underwater Vehicle

Abstract : Our overall goal is to increase the capabilities of today s Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Unmanned Underwater Gliders (UUGs) by using high energy-density lithium-seawater batteries. Specific objectives are (1) to test in the laboratory and ocean new lithium-seawater batteries developed and manufactured by the PolyPlus Battery Company, (2) to discover how to mount and operate these cells to maximize their mass transfer with the ambient seawater and to minimize the adverse impacts of bio-fouling, and (3) to develop a long-range underwater UUV or UUG to exploit this energy source. Our target is to double the range/duration of long-range neutrally buoyant underwater vehicles.
Simultaneous Wireless Power & Data Transmission for Wearable Applications

This paper investigates the possibility of simultaneous digital communication and wireless power for wearable applications. The modulation and demodulation process of an 8-bit Pseudo Random Binary Sequence (PRBS) is presented. Specifically, a 5 Mbps data rate and 57% wireless power transfer efficiency are achieved. This study provides new insights in design trade-offs of wearable systems that provide digital communication and wireless power transfer through the same wireless link.
Spinoza’s Ethics of ratio: discovering and applying a spinozan model of human nature

I argue that Spinoza attributes to society the role of moral educator, a role that is to be carried out via Religion and Politics and hence also via an educational system. In his account, the socia...
Incidence of and Risk Factors Associated With Vocal Fold Hemorrhage Following Type I Thyroplasty With Gore-Tex Implant.

Summary Objectives The objectives of this study were to determine the rate of hemorrhage following type I thyroplasty performed exclusively with Gore-Tex implant and to define whether age, comorbidities, anticoagulation therapy, presence of vocal fold ectasia, and operative technique are associated with increased incidence of hemorrhage. Methods Medical charts of 86 patients who underwent type I thyroplasty with Gore-Tex implant between the years 2013 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively and divided into two groups based on presence or absence of postoperative vocal fold hemorrhage. Patients were examined on the day following surgery. Hemorrhage was defined as any submucosal erythema on the vocal fold even when isolated to the superior surface. Age, sex, medical comorbidities, preoperative medications with specific attention to anticoagulation therapy, American Society of Anesthesiology score (all procedures were performed under local anesthesia with sedation), operative notes, and pre- and poststroboscopy exams were compared between groups. Statistical analyses were done using Chi-Square (χ 2) Analysis and Student's t test. P values were considered statistically significant at the P Results The rate of hemorrhage was 22.3%. There was a statistically significant difference in incidence of hemorrhage associated with a vocal fold varix on preoperative stroboscopic exam and history of discontinued anticoagulation therapy (1-week preoperatively). No difference was found for the other parameters studied. Conclusion Presence of vocal fold varix or ectasia and preoperative use of anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy are associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage following type I Thyroplasty with Gore-Tex implant.
Reforming the Foster Care System: Legislative and Judicial Efforts

In this chapter, we describe the history of legislative and judicial efforts to reform the foster care system. At the federal level, we focus on the policies present for the past 40 years and evaluation of state foster care systems through the federal Child and Family Services Reviews. We identify federal policy reform efforts that highlight a substantial focus on limiting the size of the foster population through reduced entries or shorter lengths of stay and supports for youth aging out of care. There have been fewer efforts to improve the quality of foster care parents or homes or to track the experiences and well-being of children within the foster care system. We also discuss the role of class-action litigation against state and local child welfare systems on behalf of children in foster care. In our detailed review of active litigation and settlements on behalf of children in foster care, we have shown that many of the lawsuits highlight deficiencies in resources, such as adequate supplies of qualified staff and foster homes, as key areas for reform. We then assess the possibilities and limitations of litigation for achieving meaningful system reform.
Using transaction data and product margins to optimise weekly flyers

Customers increasingly expect companies to understand their wants and needs and to market to those desires. Unfortunately, such levels of personalisation can be difficult to accomplish for traditio...
Stroke: Ischemic and Hemorrhagic

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Approximately 87% of all strokes are ischemic in nature while the remaining 13% are hemorrhagic, divided between intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage. According to the American Heart Association 2015 statistics, there are nearly 800,000 strokes annually in the United States with three-quarters of those being a patient’s first stroke (Mozaffarian, et al. Circulation, 2016;133(4):e38–e360). The rates of stroke are decreasing among high-income countries, but continue to increase in other parts of the world. Interestingly, stroke is more common in younger men, but even more common in older women. Stroke occurs more frequently in blacks and Hispanics than whites and is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the world (Schneider, et al. Stroke. 2004;35(7):1552; Morgenstern et al. Am J Epidemiol 2004;160(4):376). It is estimated that approximately 6.6 million Americans, over the age of 20, have had a stroke. This number is expected to increase by approximately 3.5 million by the year 2030, which will reflect a 20% increase from 2012. As a result, it should be treated aggressively in hopes to limit its negative effects and associated morbidity and mortality.
Intravenous insulin for the management of non-emergent hyperglycemia in the emergency department.

Abstract Purpose There is currently no consensus regarding the necessity of emergency department (ED) glucose reduction to manage hyperglycemia in patients presenting without a hyperglycemic emergency. Known consequences of intravenous (IV) insulin administration include hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and increased ED length of stay. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of IV regular insulin on glucose reduction and ED length of stay in patients presenting to the ED with non-emergent hyperglycemia. Secondary objectives included the characterization of potential adverse events. Methods This was a retrospective, observational study of patients ≥18 years who received IV regular insulin and were discharged from the ED at a large academic Trauma Center. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were utilized to determine if an association existed between IV insulin administration and blood glucose as well as ED length of stay. Results A total of 405 patients were included in the analysis. An insulin dose >5 units was associated with a greater reduction in blood glucose (difference = 37.4 mg/dL; p Conclusion The use of >5 units of IV regular insulin for the management of isolated hyperglycemia in the ED was associated with a modest reduction in blood glucose and no difference in ED length of stay compared with those that received ≤5 units. However, use of IV insulin for this purpose resulted in a 7.9% occurrence of hypokalemia.
Real-time and High Quality Ultrasound Elastography Using Convolutional Neural Network by Incorporating Analytic Signal

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) have been extensively used for many computer vision applications including optical flow estimation. Although CNNs have been very successful in optical flow problem, they have been rarely used for displacement estimation in Ultrasound Elastography (USE) due to vast differences between ultrasound data and computer vision images. In USE, a main goal is to obtain the strain image which is the derivative of the axial displacement in axial direction; therefore, a very accurate displacement estimation is required. Radio Frequency (RF) data is needed to obtain accurate displacement estimation. RF data contains high frequency contents which cannot be downsampled without significant loss of information, in contrast to computer vision images. We propose a novel technique to utilize LiteFlowNet for USE. For the first time, we incorporate analytic signal to improve the quality of the displacement estimation. We show that this network with the designed inputs is more suitable for USE compared to more complex networks such as FlowNet2. The network is adopted to our application and it is compared with FlowNet2 and a state-of-the-art elastography method (GLUE). The results show that this network performs well and comparable to GLUE. Furthermore, not only this network is faster and has lower memory footprint compared to FlowNet2, but also it obtains higher quality strain images which makes it suitable for portable and real-time elastography devices.
Microparticle fabricated from a series of symmetrical lipids based on dihydroxyacetone form textured architectures

We report the synthesis of a series of symmetrical lipids composed of dihydroxyacetone and even‑carbon fatty acids (eight to sixteen carbons), both components of the human metabolome, and characterize their formulation into porous microparticles through spontaneous emulsification without the use of additional porogens. Lipid hydrolysis products were identified by 1H NMR to validate lipid degradation into the parent metabolic synthons. Microparticle architecture, as determined by scanning electron microscopy, was lipid-length dependent, with shorter alkyl chains forming tight structures and longer alkyl chains forming larger pores with plate-like lipid architectures. In all cases, the lipids formed organized patterns, not irregular shapes. As a demonstration of the potential use of these solid lipid-based microparticles, the release kinetics of a model drug (piroxicam) was quantified showing that release was more greatly influenced by microparticle porosity, and hence surface area, than by hydrophobicity of the lipids.
Changing Ocean Currents

The major ocean-related threats to human health will likely be realized as a result of sea level rise, the influence of the ocean on climate and weather, declines in fisheries, and ocean contamination that enters the linked marine and human food chains. To the first order, these ocean changes are due to large-scale warming of the ocean and the related melting of glaciers and ice sheet, as well as the scale and spatial distribution of heavy metal and plastic pollution. Changes in ocean currents linked to global warming likely play a second-order, and still uncertain, role in shaping human health outcomes of these perturbations. Nevertheless, shifting ocean circulation influences the spatial patterns of sea level rise and weather patterns we experience and can set the pace of ecosystem stressors such as marine heat waves, deoxygenation, and acidification which can collectively threaten fisheries and other resources. Our goal is to review some of the ocean circulation changes that may have these human health consequences.
School meals and quality of household food acquisitions

School meals provide nourishment to a large portion of US schoolchildren. Research has examined the relationship between the consumption of school meals and the quality of schoolchildren's diets, with little emphasis on studying spillovers at the household level. Using National Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey data and unconditional quantile regression, we study the relationship between a household's quality of food‐at‐home acquisitions and the number of school meals acquired, subsampling households by their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation status. We do not find strong evidence supporting beneficial spillovers of school meals on a household's quality of food‐at‐home acquisitions. JEL CLASSIFICATION C31; D12; I14; Q18
Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) Collection Rates When Part of Routine Clinical Workflow in an Academic Radiation Oncology Department

Purpose/Objective(s) Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are tools, usually questionnaires, that measure patient reported outcomes (PROs), directly recording a patient's health status and symptoms without interpretation by clinicians. Use of PROs can improve patient survival, quality of life, and financial toxicity. The goal of this study was to assess the collection rate of PROs in our academic radiation oncology department since implementing an electronic PROs collection system as a part of routine clinical care in 2016. Our hypothesis was that we could collect PROs from a significant proportion of our patients using digital tools without significantly changing our clinical workflows. Materials/Methods Patients were assigned cancer-specific PROMs by their clinicians, and could submit answers by using a tablet provided in clinic or by using our electronic health record (EHR)-associated patient portal on a computer or mobile device (tablet or phone). We analyzed the collection rate of PROs from adult patients who received care in our department between March 2016 and March 2020. A Chi-squared test was used to compare groups. Results In total, we requested 216,842 PROMs from 22,471 patients (43% male, 57% female) from 176,904 visits. We received 127,686 PROMs from 77,689 encounters (43.9%) where patients were assigned at least one questionnaire. Among the collected PROMs (where at least one question was answered), 72% were answered completely. The number of collected PROMs increased over time, and the completely answered rate also increased over time. Patients who were more likely to answer PROMs were female, white, married or had a civil union or life partner, lived in-state, spoke English, had completed fewer years of schooling, and had a work status of full time or not retired or disabled. Most surveys were collected using a tablet in clinic (94%) from patients with breast (33%), genitourinary (19%), or thoracic (14%) malignancies during on treatment visits (54%). All P-values for described patterns were Conclusion PROs can be collected with relatively high rates from all patients in an academic radiation oncology department, though variations exist. This suggests that more radiation oncology clinics should try to incorporate PROs into routine patient care if they have sufficient resources. Implementation strategies should be shared among institutions, especially if they share EHR vendors.
A Thermal Stratification Model of a Cryogenic Tank at Supercritical Pressures

Storage and expulsion of cryogenic fluids at supercritical pressures has unique advantages for space applications. With the fluid at supercritical pressure in a single-phase state, the problems of separation of liquid and vapor to effect liquid transfer and feedout at zero or low g, normally associated with a subcritical storage system, are avoided. Fluid expulsion in such a system is accomplished by adding thermal energy from a heater to the stored fluid so that the tank is maintained within a nominal supercritical pressure range during the tank depletion process.
Cryogenic Design Data and Criteria of Aerospace Materials Subjected to Uniaxial and Biaxial Stress States

The design of present and future aerospace systems demands that every advantage in a material’s capability be utilized in meeting the weight-strength requirement, Some of the advantages that can be utilized with great benefit are (1) proper choice of materials for the intended use, (2) use of biaxial strength increases when compared to uniaxial strengths, and (3) use of material property values that reflect increases due to the low operating temperature environment, The use of these three basic design advantages will, of course, result in more effective structures with lighter weights and lower cost. However, in order to utilize these advantages with confidence, design test data must be obtained and evaluated. It was the object of this research to evaluate the uniaxial, 1:1 biaxial, and 2:1 biaxial properties of three prospective materials over the temperature range of ambient temperature to — 423°F to obtain the desired design data.
Thermonuclear breakup reactions of light nuclei. I - Processes and effects

Temperature and density conditions are considered for the occurrence of breakup reactions of light nuclei in astrophysical plasmas. The proton-induced endothermic process is shown to be the principal mechanism for nuclear breakdown in a plasma. The phenomenon occurs at a temperature of about 1 MeV, which is a fraction of the typical binding energy per nucleon in nuclei. The temperature for breakup of He-4 is about twice as large, because of the higher binding energy. Depending on the temperature attained in the plasma, the initial concentration of elements heavier than hydrogen can be depleted. However, if it attains a temperature of about 1 MeV, breaking up the metals (C, N, O, Ne, Mg) but not He-4, an increase in the He-4 abundance by as much as 10 percent can result, since these elements essentially break down to alpha particles.
The role of triple therapy in HCV genotype 1-experienced patients

The ability to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) to peginterferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) depends on numerous host and virological factors, as well as adherence to a prescribed treatment regimen. Patients who have failed to achieve a SVR to PEG-IFN and RBV have limited options for retreatment. Emerging data from phase II and phase III clinical trials of direct-acting antiviral agents suggest that new therapeutic regimens will be available for many patients. Treatment with protease inhibitors such as PEG-IFN, RBV, ribavirin. and boceprevir, combined with PEG-IFN and RBV, has been shown to produce high rates of virological response in both prior relapsers and, to a lesser extent, prior non-responders. The benefits of these novel treatment regimens for each individual patient must be weighed against the side effects, costs and potential of developing viral resistance. Regulatory approval of telaprevir and boceprevir is expected to begin in mid-late 2011.
The Future of Amateurism After Antitrust Scrutiny: Why a Win for the Plaintiffs in the NCAA Student-Athlete Name & Likeness Licensing Litigation Will Not Lead to the Demise of College Sports

On June 21, 2009, twelve former Division I student-athletes filed an antitrust complaint against the National Collegiate Athletic Association ("NCAA"), alleging that the NCAA rules that prevent student-athletes from controlling the commercial rights to their names and likenesses violate Section 1 of the Sherman Act. In response, the NCAA has argued that its restraints on student-athlete names and likenesses serve the necessary purpose of maintaining competitive balance in college sports. In addition, the NCAA has asserted that if its nationwide restraints are overturned, it would financially "destroy college sports for the vast majority of student-athletes." This article analyzes the pertinent legal issues in the NCAA Student-Athlete Name & Likeness Licensing Litigation, and explains why a plaintiffs’ victory would not lead to the demise of college sports as the NCAA suggests. Part I of this article provides a history of the college sports marketplace, including its historic governance structure and its transition of economic power from individual colleges to the NCAA. Part II discusses the NCAA Student-Athlete Name & Likeness Licensing Litigation in terms of its procedural history and core legal principles. Part III explains why a win for the plaintiffs in the NCAA Student-Athlete Name & Likeness Licensing Litigation would not truly destroy competitive balance in college sports. Finally, Part IV explains why a win for the plaintiffs similarly would not destroy the financial viability of college sports.
Determining the presence of anthropogenic radionuclides in Puerto Rico: preliminary results

Anthropogenic radionuclides have been introduced to Puerto Rico, a United States (US) Commonwealth, via two major sources: global atmospheric fallout and local US government-sponsored tropical ecosystem experiments, prototype nuclear reactor testing and military artillery exercises. In October 2003 a preliminary investigation was initiated to examine the distribution and behavior of anthropogenic radionuclides in the Caribbean National Forest, Vieques, Jobos Bay, and Rincon. During this investigation sediment, vegetation and water samples have been collected and analyzed. Analytical results of sediment samples indicate the presence of anthropogenic radionuclides at all three sample locations. 137Cs and particle size characteristics of sediment samples are presented. Outcomes from this on-going investigation will include an increased understanding of radionuclide concentrations, distributions and behaviors, with respect to local aquatic geochemistry, dominant transport processes and ecological characteristics
The Mind and Its Stories: The Structure of Stories: Some General Principles of Plot

One of the major contentions of the preceding chapters is that narratives are generated, not by complexes of abstract conditions, but by much more concrete prototypes. Obviously, there are exceptions to this. If a playwright determines to follow a five-act structure or an epicist accepts the notion that a heroic poem should begin in medias res , his/her work will be organized in part by reference to abstract conditions. However, the application of such abstract conditions is very limited. Indeed, one might argue that even in these cases we are mistaken in attributing a primary generative function to the general principles (“Organize the play into five acts,” “Begin in the middle of things”). For any author, these general principles are bound up with standard types and with particular instances. If I write an epic in twelve books, I have Milton and Virgil in mind. My conception of the twelve-book structure is shaped by their poems. In other words, here too my work is generated from more concrete precedents – in this case, exempla. Nonetheless, to say that narrative is most importantly derived from prototypes (and exempla) is not to deny the possibility of making general statements about narratives. Indeed, to say that narratives are generated from emotion prototypes is one such general statement. The purpose of this chapter is to articulate and develop some further generalizations about narrative, as they derive from the preceding analyses and bear on our understanding of the relation between narrative and emotion.
Immunoprophylaxis of Chlamydia trachomatis lymphogranuloma venereum pneumonitis in mice by oral immunization.

Abstract Groups of BALB/c mice were orally immunized with chlamydiae and challenged intranasally to determine whether oral immunization offers protection against pulmonary disease and to characterize the nature and kinetics of the chlamydial antibody response in the lung and other mucosal sites. Protection by oral immunization from chlamydial lung disease was demonstrated by lack of replication of the organism and the lack of chlamydial antigen in lung tissue. The chlamydial immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody response was present at all body sites, reaching peak levels in the lung as well as in the serum. Classical IgA booster effect kinetics was observed after intranasal challenge, especially in the lung. Specific IgG antibody was detected at all body sites but at lower levels. Furthermore, animals immunized orally had no pneumonic process, as determined by histopathology. These studies also suggest that passively acquired specific serum IgG antibody may not significantly influence the course of mucosal replication of the organism. These observations indicate that oral immunization activating the gut-associated lymphoid tissue system gave total protection against chlamydial lung disease, suggesting migration of immunologically competent cells from the intestine to the lung.
Effect of in-package gaseous ozone treatment on shelf life of blanched potato strips during refrigerated storage

Summary The effect of in-package gaseous ozone treatment on microbiological and colour quality of blanched potato strips was investigated. Potato strips were first blanched in 0.5% CaCl2 solution at 60 °C for 10 min, second blanched in boiling water for 5 min, then exposed to room air for 30 min and packaged. Ozone gas (5%, wt/wt) was injected into each bag. Strips were subjected to a batch ozone treatment for 20 s or a continuous ozone treatment for 5, 15 or 30 min. Microbial growth was observed on day one for bags with no ozone treatment. Continuous ozone treatment was effective in extending the shelf life of potato strips compared to batch ozone treatment, and there was no microbial growth for 30- and 15-min continuous ozone-treated strips after 28 and 21 days of refrigerated storage, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the colour of blanched strips and ozone-treated blanched strips. These results indicate that in-package gaseous ozone treatment can be used for maintaining quality and improving shelf life of blanched potato strips.
Anxiety, depression, and dissociation in women health care providers reporting a history of childhood psychological abuse

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between childhood psychological maltreatment and adult manifestations of depression, anxiety, and dissociation. METHOD: Women health care professionals reporting a history of childhood psychological maltreatment (n = 55) were compared to a nonabused control group (n = 55) on the three dimensions of anxiety, depression, and dissociation. The Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, a measure constructed specifically for this study to assess abuse history, was used to determine group membership. Participants were administered the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). RESULTS: A significant discriminant function analysis using the STAI, BDI, and DES as predictor variables was able to correctly classify 74.5% of the psychologically abused participants and 89.1% of the nonabused group, with an overall hit rate of 81.8%. Statistically significant differences were obtained between the abused and nonabused groups on the STAI, BDI, and DES. CONCLUSIONS: Interpretation of these results suggests that participants who reported a history of childhood psychological abuse suffer significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety, and more frequent dissociative experiences, than the nonabused women. Language: en
Delayed vocal fold paralysis after continuous interscalene level brachial plexus block with catheter placement: a case report ☆,☆☆

Abstract We report an incident of delayed onset of true vocal fold paralysis with continuous interscalene brachial plexus block. A 51 year old woman underwent left shoulder manipulation and lysis of adhesions with fluoroscopy and general anesthesia. An interscalene brachial plexus block was performed and a catheter with a continuous infusion pump was placed for postoperative pain control. Following hospital discharge, approximately 8 hours after the initial catheter bolus the patient developed hoarseness, dysphagia, and dyspnea, secondary to left vocal fold palsy. The patient was admitted for observation and the catheter was discontinued with no intubation required. By the next morning, the patient's dysphagia and dyspnea had resolved and her hoarseness improved.
Normal Mammary Cells in Long Term Culture, II. Prolactin, Corticosterone, Insulin, and Triiodothyronine Effects on α-Lactalbumin Production

Cells from normal rat mammary tissue have been adapted to long term culture (up to 6 months) with retention of hormone-dependent production of α-lactalbumin (a-LA). Individual effects of added PRL, insulin, corticosterone (each at 15 μg/ml), and T3 (0.6 ng/ml) on this function of these cultured cells have been determined by RIA. An absolute requirement for corticosterone to maintain a-LA production was clearly established in cells cultured from midpregnant rats. In the presence of corticosterone, both insulin and PRL enhanced a-LA output; insulin was slightly more effective than PRL. T3 showed very little stimulation of a-LA production. By contrast, cells cultured from virginal rats had a requirement for both insulin and corticosterone for the maintenance of production of a-LA. In the presence of corticosterone and insulin, PRL enhanced a-LA production, but T3 had no significant effect. These differences of hormonal effects between cultures from pregnat and virginal rats were manifest for as long as 10 we...
Adolescents' emerging habitus: The role of early parental expectations and practices

This study makes two contributions to the literature. First, it bridges the sociological discussion of social class habitus with psychological notions of adolescents’ educational expectations, locus of control, and self-concepts. Second, it empirically examines the relationships between early employed parental practices and expectations and adolescents’ dispositions using a recently available wave of data from a nationally representative sample of US students. The findings reveal that students from higher socioeconomic status families had more positive general and area-specific self-concepts, higher educational expectations, higher internal locus of control, and higher academic achievement, and higher parental educational expectations were positively associated with all studied outcomes. The findings provide only partial support for the effects of early parental practices and highlight the role of gender and race/ethnicity in shaping adolescents’ habitus.
Medications for type 2 diabetes: how will we be treating patients in 50 years?

The past 50 years have seen the development of many new options for treating and preventing type 2 diabetes. Despite this success, the individual and societal burden of the disease continues unabated. Thus, the next 50 years will be critical if we are going to quell the major non-communicable disease of our time. The knowledge we will gain in the next few years from clinical studies will inform treatment guidelines with regard to which agents to use in whom and whether more aggressive approaches can slow the development of hyperglycaemia in those at high risk. Beyond that, we anticipate identification of novel targets and techniques for therapeutic intervention. These advances will lead to more personalised approaches to treatment. Most importantly, we will need to focus our political and economic efforts on enhancing and implementing public health approaches aimed at prevention of diabetes and its co-morbidities. This is one of a series of commentaries under the banner ‘50 years forward’, giving personal opinions on future perspectives in diabetes, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Diabetologia (1965–2015).
A 32° tail swing in brush border myosin I on ADP release

BRUSH border myosin I (BBMI) is a single-headed, unconventional myosin from intestinal microvilli, composed of a heavy chain of relative molecular mass 119,000 (Mr 119K) and three calmodulin light chains1–3. Although believed to have a largely structural role, it exhibits the normal actin-activated ATPase and motility properties of a member of the myosin superfamily4,5. Here we present three-dimensional maps of BBMI-decorated actin filaments with and without bound MgADP. While the motor domain remains in a state similar to rigor, the light-chain-binding domain swings through ∼32°, resulting in a ∼50-A movement at the end of the region visualized (the second calmodulin light chain). This could correspond to ∼72-A movement of the entire domain. Although qualitatively similar to the movement observed in myosin II6, the magnitude of the change is sufficiently different to suggest that structural changes during the actomyosin ATPase cycle differ among myosins, possibly reflecting adaptation for specialized functional demands.
Dications of Fluorenylidenes. Use of Magnetic Properties To Evaluate the Antiaromaticity of the Dication of Tetrabenzo[5.5]fulvalene and Substituted Fluorenyl Cations

The NICS values of the dication of tetrabenzo[5.5]fulvalene (1) show substantial antiaromaticity. Substituted fluorenyl cations possess antiaromatic five-membered rings but the calculated antiaromaticity (NICS) of the six-membered rings depends on the calculational level. Through calculation of magnetic susceptibility exaltation (Λ), 1 is antiaromatic while fluorenyl cations are not. The paratropic shift seen in the 1H NMR spectra of 1 and the substituted fluorenyl cations is linearly related to NICS (six-membered ring) and to Λ. NICS values suggest that electron delocalization in the fluorenyl cations occurs to maintain the aromaticity of the benzene subunits and to localize the positive charge in the five-membered ring. In contrast, electron delocalization in 1 results in delocalization of a positive charge throughout each fluorenyl system.
Abstract LB-373: Parp1 dependent regulation of chromatin remodeling by the ALC1 (Amplified in Liver Cancer) oncogene

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The human ALC1 (Amplified in Liver Cancer 1) gene was originally identified as a gene present on a human chromosome 1q21 region amplified in a large fraction of hepatocellular carcinomas. Subsequent studies found that overexpression of the ALC1 protein was found to be oncogenic in human cells and mice, although the mechanism of action of ALC1 in oncogenesis is not known. The human ALC1 gene encodes a member of the SNF2 superfamily of ATPases. The ALC1 protein is unique among SNF2 family members because it includes a macrodomain that is capable of binding selectively to poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR). We and others have also previously demonstrated that ALC1 possesses DNA-dependent ATPase and ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling activities that are strongly dependent on the presence of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase PARP1 (or the closely related PARP2) and NAD+ within in vitro assays. Our preliminary investigation of the mechanism of PARP1- and NAD+-dependent activation of ALC1 DNA-dependent ATPase and nucleosome remodeling activities revealed (i) that both the ALC1 SNF2 ATPase domain and an intact macrodomain capable of binding PAR are essential for activation by PARP1 and NAD+, (ii) that activation of ALC1 in the presence of PARP1 and NAD+ results in increased affinity of ALC1 for DNA and nucleosomes, and (iii) that autoPARylated PARP1 is most likely the source of PAR required for activation of ALC1. These preliminary observations provided some insight into basic features of the function of the ALC1 protein, but they left unresolved major questions concerning the mechanism by which ALC1 is activated by PARP1 and NAD+ to remodel nucleosomes. In our recent studies, we extend our investigation of the mechanism by which ALC1 is “activated” to remodel nucleosomes by PARP1 and NAD+. Our findings argue that (i) ALC1 activation requires assembly of a stable ALC1.autoPARylated PARP1.nucleosome intermediate, (ii) that ALC1 regulates association of autoPARylated PARP1 with this intermediate, and (iii) stable binding of the ALC1 macrodomain to autoPARylated PARP1 is critical for ALC1 activation. Taken together, our findings are consistent with the model that a stable ALC1.autoPARylated PARP1 heterodimer is the active species in ALC1-dependent ATPase and nucleosome remodeling. These findings provide further important insight into the mechanism of action of this poorly understood oncogene. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-373. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-373
The exponentiated Gumbel distribution with climate application

The Gumbel distribution is perhaps the most widely applied statistical distribution for climate modeling. In this article we introduce a distribution that generalizes the standard Gumbel distribution in the same way the exponentiated exponential distribution generalizes the standard exponential distribution. We refer to this new distribution as the exponentiated Gumbel distribution. We provide a comprehensive treatment of the mathematical properties of this new distribution and illustrate its use for modeling rainfall data from Orlando, Florida. Among the mathematical properties, we derive the analytical shapes of the corresponding probability density function and the hazard rate function, calculate expressions for the nth moment and the asymptotic distribution of the extreme order statistics, and investigate the variation of the skewness and kurtosis measures. We also discuss estimation by the method of maximum likelihood. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Cyclization of C7 and C8 Dienes in HZSM-5: A Hybrid QM/MM Study and Comparison with C6 Diene Cyclization

We extend our previous work (Joshi, Y. V.; Thomson, K. T. J. Catal. 2005, 230, 440) on H-ZSM-5 catalyzed cyclization of C6 diene using hybrid QM/MM method by studying cyclization of C7 and C8 dienes by 1,6 ring closing mechanism at the B3LYP/6-31g(d,p):UFF hybrid ONIOM method. We find the activation barrier for C7 or C8 diene cyclization starting from secondary chemisorbed alkoxide is lower compared to that for C6 diene. This is expected according to carbenium chemistry rules, which marks secondary carbenium transition state of C7 or C8 diene more stable compared to the primary carbocationic transition state for C6 diene. The energy difference between the bare cluster (BC) and embedded cluster (EC) calculations clearly point out the shape selective exclusion of the C8+ chemisorbed alkoxides. Thus, calculated energetics evidence the C7 cyclic product as the primary product of cyclization for light alkane aromatization reaction and explains the dominance of toluene in the aromatics distribution.
Exogenous changes and policy reforms, labor migration, and welfare in a Keynesian economy

This paper examines the potential interaction between international labor migration, exogenous changes or policy reforms, and pre-existing distortions, such as generalized excess supply due to price-wage rigidities. Within this Keynesian income-expenditure context, it is suggested that (i) when international labor migration exists, the traditional Keynesian conclusions regarding the welfare effects of exogenous distortions, i.e., increase in exports need to be modified, and (ii) in the presence of price-wage rigidities, regardless of whether or not labor is internationally mobile, a policy reforming the country's tariff-subsidy structure may not be welfare improving.
Urban productivity and the neighborhoods: the case for a federal neighborhood strategy

In this paper the authors seek to build a new case for neighborhood-oriented government programs, primarily based on economic, rather than moral, political, or social policy considerations. Serious...