cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Surface Chemistry on Structure and Thermodynamics of Water Layers at Solid−Vapor Interfaces†

The effects of surface chemistry on the isotherm thickness and structure of the adsorbed water layer as well as the isosteric heat of adsorption and entropy of adsorption were studied using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. The degree of hydrophilicity seems to distinctively change the structure and thermodynamic properties of the water layers adsorbed on silicon oxide surfaces. On the highly hydrophilic silicon oxide surface covered with silanol groups, the water layer adsorbed at low humidities exhibits the OH stretching peak at 3230 cm−1 (characteristic of a solid-like water structure), and the isosteric heat of adsorption is much higher than the latent heat of ice sublimation. As the concentration of surface silanol groups decreases, both the initial isosteric heat of adsorption of water and the amount of solid-like water decrease. The water layer adsorbed on the hydrophilic surface at low humidities seems to have much lower entropies than bulk water, while the entropy of the water la...
Cooperative learning and group educational modules: Effects on cognitive achievement of high school biology students

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cooperative learning and Group Educational Modules (GEM) on the achievement of high school biology students. GEM materials are self-instructional packets designed for use with groups of biology students. Cooperative learning is a classroom learning environment in which students work in small, mixed-ability groups toward a common goal. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used in this study. The independent variables considered included (1) participation of students in the GEM project, and (2) use of cooperative learning techniques including heterogeneous grouping and group incentives. The dependent variables for all treatment groups were scores on the instrument developed for this study. A total of 11 teachers with 36 classes and 715 students were included in this study. All teachers involved covered the same general subject matter during the study period. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used as the data analysis procedure. Significant differences were found in the achievement of students using GEM materials and those using traditional instructional approaches. The use of cooperative learning also produced significant differences when compared to traditional classroom structures.
Computationally fast Bayesian recognition of complex objects based on mutual algebraic invariants

An effective approach has appeared in the literature for recognizing a 2D curve or 3D surface objects of modest complexity based on representing an object by a single implicit polynomial of 3/sup rd/ or 4/sup th/ degree, computing a vector of Euclidean or affine invariants which are functions of the polynomial coefficients, followed by Bayesian object recognition of the invariants, thus producing a low computational cost robust recognition. This paper extends the approach, as well as an initial work on mutual invariants recognizers, to the recognition of objects too complicated to be represented by a single polynomial. Hence, an object to be recognized is partitioned into patches, each patch is represented by a single implicit polynomial, mutual invariants are computed for pairs of polynomials for pairs of patches, and the object recognition is via a Bayesian recognition of vectors of self and mutual invariants. We discuss why the complete object geometry can be captured by the geometry of pairs of patches, how to design mutual invariants, and how to match patches in the data with those in the database at a low computational cost. The approach is a low computational cost recognition of partially occluded articulated objects in an arbitrary position and in noise by recognizing the self or joint geometry of one or more patches.
Effects of a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet on Affective Responses to Acute Exercise among Physically Active Participants:

Currently, the carbohydrate-restricted diet is very popular. Atkins' book, Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution, has sold millions in its more than 25 years of existence. His book promotes the carbohydrate-restricted diet, which focuses on the consumption of proteins and fats as primary calorie and energy sources, while severely restricting carbohydrates. However, when carbohydrates are restricted from the diet, the body's primary energy source is reduced considerably. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the psychological responses to exercise of individuals when on a carbohydrate restrictive diet and when on a noncarbohydrate restrictive diet. For this study, 17 participants practiced a noncarbohydrate-restricted diet for three weeks and the carbohydrate-restricted diet for three weeks, while maintaining previous exercise habits. After each exercise session, the participants completed the Physical Activity Affect Scale, which measures Positive Affect, Negative Affect, Tranquility, and Fatigue. Simple one-way analyses of variance indicated significant treatment differences (ps<.05) relative to Negative Affect, Positive Affect, and Fatigue. The results of the study indicate as predicted, that, when a person restricts carbohydrates from the diet, he will experience more fatigue, more negative affect, and less positive affect in response to exercise than those individuals who are not restricting carbohydrates.
Genomic Profiling of MicroRNAs and Messenger RNAs Reveals Hormonal Regulation in MicroRNA Expression in Human Endometrium

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression, have fundamental roles in biological processes, including cell differentiation and proliferation. These small molecules mainly direct either target messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation or translational repression, thereby functioning as gene silencers. Epithelial cells of the uterine lumen and glands undergo cyclic changes under the influence of the sex steroid hormones estradiol-17beta and progesterone. Because the expression of miRNAs in human endometrium has been established, it is important to understand whether miRNAs have a physiological role in modulating the expression of hormonally induced genes. The studies herein establish concomitant differential miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of uterine epithelial cells purified from endometrial biopsy specimens in the late proliferative and midsecretory phases. Bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs revealed cell cycle regulation as the most significantly enriched pathway in the late proliferative-phase endometrial epithelium (P = 5.7 × 10−15). In addition, the WNT signaling pathway was enriched in the proliferative phase. The 12 miRNAs (MIR29B, MIR29C, MIR30B, MIR30D, MIR31, MIR193A-3P, MIR203, MIR204, MIR200C, MIR210, MIR582-5P, and MIR345) whose expression was significantly up-regulated in the midsecretory-phase samples were predicted to target many cell cycle genes. Consistent with the role of miRNAs in suppressing their target mRNA expression, the transcript abundance of predicted targets, including cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, as well as E2F3 (a known target of MIR210), was decreased. Thus, our findings suggest a role for miRNAs in down-regulating the expression of some cell cycle genes in the secretory-phase endometrial epithelium, thereby suppressing cell proliferation.
Critical Factors in the Biology of Human Cancer Metastasis: Twenty-eighth G. H. A. Clowes Memorial Award Lecture

The process of metastasis is not random. Rather, it consists of a series of linked, sequential steps that must be completed by tumor cells if a metastasis is to develop. Although some of the steps in this process contain stochastic elements, as a whole, metastasis favors the survival and growth of a few subpopulations of cells that preexist within the parent neoplasm. Moreover, metastases can have a clonal origin, and different metastases can originate from the proliferation of single cells. The outcome of metastasis depends on the interaction of metastatic cells with different organ environments. Organ-specific metastases have been demonstrated in a variety of experimental tumor systems. Moreover, we have found tumor growth that is specific to a particular site within one organ. Whether the same conclusions can be reached for human cancers remained unanswered until very recently. Studies from our laboratory and from others have shown that the implantation of human cancer cells derived from surgical specimens into correct anatomical sites of nude mice can provide a suitable model of metastasis of human tumors. Clonal analysis of a human renal carcinoma, colon carcinomas, and melanomas has revealed that these tumors are indeed heterogeneous for metastatic properties, an observation made only after orthotopic implantation. Thus, growth in the environment of specific organs can be selective and the environment per se influences this process. While it is clear that vascularity and local immunity can facilitate or retard tumor growth, we have concentrated on understanding how damage to an organ and the subsequent repair process can facilitate tumor cell proliferation. Accelerated growth of human colon cancer cells was found in hepatectomized nude mice, whereas accelerated growth of human renal cancer cells was found in nephrectomized nude mice. These data suggest that systemic physiological signals can be recognized by neoplastic cells presumably by mechanisms similar to those shared by their normal cell counterparts. In summary, the critical factors that regulate metastasis are the intrinsic properties of metastatic cells and host factors involved in homeostasis. The recent increase in our understanding of metastasis should provide important leads for developing more effective approaches to the treatment of disseminated cancer.
An isotopic method for quantifying sweeteners derived from corn and sugar cane

Background: Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup, as well as cane sugar, has been implicated in the rise of the obesity and diabetes epidemics. To date, however, no reliable biomarker for the consumption of these sweeteners is available. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the natural abundance stable-carbon-isotope signature of commonly consumed foods of plant origin. Design: Samples from100 plant-derived food products purchased from local grocery stores were analyzed for 13 C content by using stable-isotope mass spectroscopy. Results: Measurement of natural abundance ratios of 13 Ct o 12 Ci n 100 off-the-shelf foods found a distinct range of values for cornand sugar cane– derived foods, particularly those rich in highfructose corn syrup. Conclusion: A new technique, in which consumption of these foods may be estimated in humans by measuring the natural abundance stable-carbon-isotope profile of corn- and sugar cane–sweetened or sugar-containing foods as tracked in tissue or blood, could potentially provide an objective assessment of dietary intake and offer new opportunities for the study of diet-disease relations. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;84:1380 – 4.
Challenging the Myths About Parents' Adjustment After the Sudden, Violent Death of a Child.

PURPOSE: To examine three commonly held myths: (a) a child's death by suicide results in the worst parental outcomes compared with other causes of violent death, (b) divorce is not only more common among bereaved than nonbereaved married couples, it might be inevitable, and (c) "letting go and moving on" is an essential bereavement task needed for a satisfactory adjustment following the violent death of a child. DESIGN AND METHODS: Review of empirical evidence and critical reviews, review of Internet resources available to the general public, and the inclusion of original data obtained from a longitudinal, prospective study conducted by the authors. FINDINGS: Conclusive evidence was found to dispel two of the three myths, but sufficient evidence was not found to draw conclusions about the third myth regarding parents' adjustment to a child's suicidal death. CONCLUSIONS: Myths in regard to parental bereavement are resistant to disconfirming evidence and they appear to persist among professional practitioners and the general public despite contrary empirical evidence. Language: en
Hyaluronidase modifies the biomechanical properties of the rat cervix and shortens the duration of labor independent of myometrial contractility.

Objective To investigate the effect of intracervical hyaluronidase on the biomechanical properties of the cervix and on uterine contractility. Study Design Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 33, term day 22) were injected with hyaluronidase (100 IU) or saline solution on day 18 of gestation (n = 8-9/group). On day 21, labor was induced with mifepristone (8 mg/rat). Injection-to-delivery times were recorded. Biomechanical properties of the cervix were assessed using stretch-tension analysis. Myometrial contractility was investigated in response to hyaluronidase (0.2-200 IU/mL), oxytocin (10 −10 M to 10 −5 M), and potassium chloride (60 mM). Results Delivery times were shorter in the hyaluronidase group ( P = .03). Cervices of the treated animals showed higher measures of elasticity and plasticity ( P = .02 for both). Myometrial sensitivity to hyaluronidase, oxytocin, or potassium chloride was not affected by the cervical application of hyaluronidase ( P > .05 for all). Conclusion Cervical hyaluronidase treatment shortens labor and alters the biomechanical properties of the cervix, independent of the myometrium.
Economic Inequality and Economic Crisis: A Challenge for Social Workers

To social workers, extreme economic inequality is primarily a violation of social justice, but this article shows how growing economic inequality since the mid-1970s was not only unjust, but also dysfunctional to the U.S. economy and linked to the recent economic crisis with its devastating effects, particularly on the social work clientele. The article identifies interrelated changes in ideology, the market economy, and government policies since the mid-1970s; contrasts the political economy of this period with the preceding post-World War II decades when the trend was toward a "shared prosperity"; and shows how increased economic inequality and political consequences that undermined democracy itself contributed to the economic meltdown. The analysis has implications for the direction of social reform and for broadening the constituency of social movements in pursuit of the social work mission of social justice. How social workers can contribute to such movements and to a reduction of economic and political inequality is explored.
Range-Doppler processing with the cone kernel time-frequency representation

Range-Doppler processing is the primary tool in active sonar and radar imaging. The matched-filter is the optimal detector in sonar and radar, but has drawbacks in time and frequency resolution which may hinder its performance as a classifier. The authors discuss a complementary processing methodology, the cone kernel time-frequency representation, that, although slightly suboptimal in a detection sense, yields simultaneously good resolution in time and frequency (range and Doppler). This processing may provide improved performance for target classification, especially in low signal-to-noise (SNR) environments, where the cone kernel processing outperforms the matched filter in Doppler estimation. >
African Economies and the Politics of Permanent Crisis, 1979–1999

Introduction 1. Approaches to Africa's permanent crisis 2. Patterns in economic reform implementation, 1979-99 3. Decision making in post-colonial Africa 4. Understanding state responses to the crisis 5. The crisis and foreign aid 6. Democratization and the prospects for change 7. Conclusion.
Social support and occupational stress: Effects of talking to others

Employees' social support was examined using both the traditional global measures of emotional/instrumental support and more focused measures based on the contents (positive, negative, and non-job) of verbally transmitted support. Contents were more closely related to global emotional support than to global instrumental support, with non-job and positive communications especially strongly associated with emotional support, and they accounted for more variance in strains than did the global measures.
Determination of ion-exchanged channel waveguide profile parameters by mode-index measurements.

We report a method for characterizing ion-exchanged channel waveguides in terms of the diffusion depth, width, and surface-index change from mode-index measurements. The method is then used to study the effect of the diffusion time and the mask width on these parameters in K+ –Na+-exchanged guides in BK7 glass. It is observed that the mask width affects the waveguide dimensions in ways not reported in earlier studies. Our results reveal that the diffusion depth depends on the mask opening and saturates with time to a maximum value for a given mask width. The lateral-diffusion rate and the side diffusion beneath the mask are independent of the mask width, which indicates that the lateral electric field associated with the metallic mask plays an important role in such diffusion. We discuss the implications of this behavior to modeling and fabricating integrated optical devices.
Controlled and in situ target strengths of the jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas and identification of potential acoustic scattering sources

This study presents the first target strength measurements of Dosidicus gigas, a large squid that is a key predator, a significant prey, and the target of an important fishery. Target strength of live, tethered squid was related to mantle length with values standardized to the length squared of −62.0, −67.4, −67.9, and −67.6dB at 38, 70, 120, and 200kHz, respectively. There were relatively small differences in target strength between dorsal and anterior aspects and none between live and freshly dead squid. Potential scattering mechanisms in squid have been long debated. Here, the reproductive organs had little effect on squid target strength. These data support the hypothesis that the pen may be an important source of squid acoustic scattering. The beak, eyes, and arms, probably via the sucker rings, also play a role in acoustic scattering though their effects were small and frequency specific. An unexpected source of scattering was the cranium of the squid which provided a target strength nearly as high ...
OFDM capacity enhancement by selective channel Use

If binary signaling is used in an n-channel OFDM link, the maximum possible bit rate is n bits per OFDM symbol duration. We show a simple scheme based on selective channel use that increases this capacity by nearly 60%. By using only k channels out of the n, we show how to use the choice of the k channels as an additional auxiliary channel. For proper choice of parameters, the information transferred over this auxiliary channel can be large. In this paper we study the details of such an OFDM system. We present capacity estimates and discuss methods to mitigate the effects of errors in the auxiliary channel that contribute to loss of the binary information sent on the k selected channels. Simulation results of attainable performance are presented.
Hybrid fuel cell strategies for clean power generation

A hybrid power system consists of a combination of two or more power generation technologies to make best use of their operating characteristics and to obtain efficiencies higher than that could be obtained from a single power source. Since fuel cells directly convert fuel and an oxidant into electricity through an electrochemical process, they produce very low emissions and have higher operating efficiencies. Hence, combining fuel cells with other sources, the efficiency of the combined system can be further increased or extend the duration of the available power to the load as a backup power. In this paper, different types of fuel-cell hybrid systems and their applications are presented. An analysis of the combined cycle operation of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)-microturbine is presented. A strategy for combining the thermophotovoltaic power generation unit and SOFC to obtain the hybrid power system that would have higher efficiency is proposed. The hybrid operation of wind power and solar power system with proton exchange membrane fuel cell is also presented.
Preliminary Test and Stein-Rule Estimators

In the previous chapter procedures for augmenting the available sample information were considered. Consequences of incorporating nonsample information were seen to depend on the quality of information introduced. As one would expect, only the use of good information provides positive benefits. Unfortunately, we seldom are sure of the quality of the information to be introduced. In this chapter we examine the consequences of that uncertainty. First of all, investigators are in the habit of checking their prior nonsample information against the data using statistical tests of the type outlined in Chapter 6. The nonsample information is then either adopted or not depending upon the outcome of the test. The resulting estimation rule is called a preliminary test estimator since its form depends upon the outcome of a (preliminary) hypothesis test. This estimator is superior to the estimator based on sample information alone only over a relatively small portion of the parameter space, which reflects the fact that classical statistical procedures are not designed to aid the choice of a model specification. These results are discussed in Section 7.2.
Spring Forward, Fall Back: How R2P Won the War and Lost the Law Somewhere over Libya

The Libyan conflict pushed forward the debate on the status and coherence of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) as a legal rather than ethico-political norm. States and other actors expressed concerns that the NATO-led mission went beyond the mandate issued in Security Council Resolution 1973, focusing on regime change rather than solely civilian protection. This Article explores the possibility that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and more particularly, Common Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions (CA1) provides the constraining language that should have been incorporated in the Security Council’s resolution. While CA1's language "respect and ensure respect" may seem just as general and open-ended as "responsibility to protect", it is argued here that R2P language was used to amplify and distort, rather than limit any mandate, and that even a modest reference to the applicable law (IHL) would have aimed at the opposite effect. While this counter-proposal is legally sound, it remains a matter of speculation whether "winning the war" required "losing the law" in the Libyan intervention.
Giving Patients Access to Their Medical Records via the Internet: The PCASSO Experience

Objective: The Patient-Centered Access to Secure Systems Online (PCASSO) proj- ect is designed to apply state-of-the-art-security to the communication of clinical information over the Internet. Design: The authors report the legal and regulatory issues associated with deploying the system, and results of its use by providers and patients. Human subject protection concerns raised by the Institutional Review Board focused on three areas—unauthorized access to information by persons other than the patient; the effect of startling or poorly understood information; and the effect of patient access to records on the record-keeping behavior of providers. Measurements: Objective and subjective measures of security and usability were obtained. Results: During its initial deployment phase, the project enrolled 216 physicians and 41 patients; of these, 68 physicians and 26 patients used the system one or more times. The system performed as designed, with no unauthorized information access or intrusions detected. Providers rated the usability of the system low because of the complexity of the secure login and other security features and restrictions limiting their access to those patients with whom they had a professional relationship. In contrast, patients rated the usability and functionality of the system favorably. Conclusion: High-assurance systems that serve both patients and providers will need to address differing expectations regarding security and ease of use. � J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2002;9:181-191.
Determination of Purity and Phase Behavior by Adiabatic Calorimetry

Heating and cooling curves through the melting region of a substance allow calculation of the amount of impurity that is soluble in the liquid phase but insoluble in the crystalline phase as described by several investigators [e.g., 1, 2, 3] and highly developed by others [e.g., 4]. A more precise method of determining purity is the calorimetric procedure. In this technique, the temperature at which the crystalline and liquid phases are in equilibrium is determined as a function of the fraction of the sample liquefied. The depression of the freezing point and the enthalpy of fusion, and hence the cryoscopic constant, are determined in a single experiment. Precise results can be obtained because the sample can be held under adiabatic conditions as long as required for equilibration. The two procedures have been compared experimentally by Glasgow et al. [5]. The calculation of the purity of the sample from its equilibrium melting curve, which has been discussed by various investigators [6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12], involves straightforward application of ideal solution laws.
Exposure to school and classroom racial segregation in Charlotte-Mecklenburg high schools and students’ college achievement

In this study we investigate Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) high school graduates’ academic performance in the first year of college and test whether their exposure to racial segregation in high school at both the school and classroom levels affected their college freshman grade point averages. Utilizing administrative data from the Roots of STEM Success Project, we track the CMS class of 2004 from middle school through its first year of education in the University of North Carolina (UNC) system. Our findings show that segregation among schools and among classes within schools compromises college achievement for students of color while offering no significant benefits to white students’ college achievement.
A - and B - Site Order in (Na1/2La1/2)(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 Perovskites

The “1:2” family of A2+(B2+1/3B+5+2/3)O3 (e.g. B2+ = Mg, Ni, Zn; B5+ = Nb, Ta) mixed metal perovskites typically adopt a 1:2 layered ordered structure when A = Ba and Sr, and a 1:1 ordered doubled perovskite structure for A = Pb. To understand the stability of the cation order in these systems and explore how the different cation correlations affect their dielectric and ferroelectric properties, the response of several members of this family of perovskites to a series of chemical substitutions and thermal treatments have been explored. In this paper we present results for a system where the divalent A cation is replaced by a 1:1 mixture of Na+ and La3+. At all temperatures this substitution stabilizes 1:1 B-site ordering. Below ∼ 950°C an additional ordering reaction occurs on the A sub-lattice with Na and La occupying alternate layers along the c axis. The formation of different orientational variants of the A-site ordered phase produces a twinned nano-domain structure which in turn perturbs the length-scale, but not the symmetry, of the order on the B-site lattice. The presence of (Na1/2La1/2) on the A-site is apparently effective in destabilizing the 1:2 layering of the B-site cations observed in alkaline earth systems, possibly through unfavorable local charge imbalances.
QL-07TREATMENT OF FATIGUE IN A PATIENT WITH CORPUS-CALLOSUM GLIOMA AND ATYPICAL SLEEP DISORDER

We present the case of a 53 year-old married gentleman with above-average IQ who has a high-grade glioma of the corpus callosum, severe fatigue, cognitive concerns, and an atypical sleep disorder. He has had severe daytime somnolence and poor concentration since childhood, with normal nighttime sleep. Since his teens, he has had two hours of alertness in the morning, followed by disabling sleepiness for the rest of the day. Epworth sleepiness scores have been extremely high (20 to 24). Diagnoses of ADHD, narcolepsy, and idiopathic hypersomnia had been applied, but he has not met full diagnostic criteria. From 2007 to 2012, escalating doses of stimulant medication were utilized, with the best response ("can attempt some household tasks" and "approaching a normal life" per his wife) on 400 mg modafinil, and 456 mg methylphenidate (seven times the recommended maximum). This allowed him to stay awake for some normal activities such as attending his child's baseball game. In June of 2012, the modafanil and methylphenidate were discontinued by his doctor because the sleep disorder could not be confirmed with polysomnograph and multiple sleep latency testing. The somnolence returned, and the patient became distraught and expressed suicidal ideation. He saw a psychotherapist who referred him to Neurology where the corpus callosum glioma was identified incidentally (biopsy confirmed grade III astrocytoma). Pre-treatment neuropsychological evaluation revealed impairment on digit-symbol coding (z= -2.0) and was otherwise normal. The tumor was treated with radiation and temozolamide, and is currently radiographically stable. Fatigue is an ongoing problem (Epworth = 17, he rates fatigue at 8/10). He takes 80 mg Adderall. He would like to resume the previous regimen and high dose of Ritalin. We explore practical and ethical considerations in the treatment of fatigue with special consideration for quality of life in the context of high-grade glioma.
In-Situ Growth of Three-Dimensionally Confined Structures on Patterned GaAs (111)B Substrates

The potential of realizing quantum box structures via in-situ molecular beam epitaxical growth on the (111)B face of GaAs is explored. Growth is carried out on patterned (111)3B substrates with an array of truncated triangular pyramidal mesas. The mesa tops with arbitrarily small areal dimensions are used as templates for quantum box realization. Under appropriate conditions of growth along with the attendant interfacet migration, a mesa top growth profile characterized by monotonically shrinking lateral dimensions resulting in 'pinch-off is achieved.
Flow Cytometric Deoxyribonucleic Acid Analysis of Primaryl and Metastatic Human Renal Cell Carcinoma

AbstractThe deoxyribonucleic acid profiles of 54 renal cell carcinoma specimens (43 primary and 11 metastatic tumors) from 50 patients are reported. Deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy and the proportion of cells in the S phase (S index) were determined by flow cytometry. Of the patients 44 had advanced disease (stages III and IV). The frequency of deoxyribonucleic acid aneuploidy (presence of a distinct aneuploid stemline) was 74.1 per cent for all tumors and 77.3 per cent for stages III and IV tumors. The percentage of aneuploid tumors did not vary significantly among the various histological types, between stages III and IV tumors, or between primary and metastatic tumors. S indexes for aneuploid tumors were significantly higher than for diploid tumors. When deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy of the tumor alone was considered with respect to survival, there appeared to be a slight survival advantage for patients with diploid tumors compared to those with aneuploid tumors. However, a larger patient population (espec...
Medical male circumcision: How does price affect the risk-profile of take-up?

Abstract Objective The benefit of male circumcision is greatest among men who are most at risk of HIV infection. Encouraging this population of men to get circumcised maximizes the benefit that can be achieved through the scale-up of circumcision programs. This paper examines how the price of circumcision affects the risk profile of men who receive a voluntary medical circumcision. Methods In 2010, 1649 uncircumcised adult men in urban Malawi were interviewed and provided a voucher for a subsidized voluntary medical male circumcision, at randomly assigned prices. Clinical data were collected indicating whether the men in the study received a circumcision. Results Men who took-up circumcision with a zero-priced voucher were 25 percentage points less likely than those who took-up with a positive-price voucher, to be from a tribe that traditionally circumcises (p = 0.101). Zero-priced vouchers also brought in men with more sexual partners in the past year (p = 0.075) and past month (p = 0.003). None of the men who were most at risk of HIV at baseline (those with multiple partners and who did not use a condom the last time they had sex) received a circumcision if they were offered a positive-priced voucher. Lowering the price to zero increased circumcision take-up to 25% for men of this risk group. The effect of price on take-up was largest among those at highest risk (p = 0.096). Conclusions Reducing the price of circumcision surgery to zero can increase take-up among those who are most at risk of HIV infection.
Monetary policy deviations: A Bayesian state-space analysis☆

Abstract The following paper contributes to a growing body of literature examining the degree to which monetary policy deviates from a systematic rule. We extend an error correction model of the Fed's reaction function by Judd and Rudebusch (1998) by endogenizing the unobserved inflation target in a model that nests the constant target model as a special case. The model is iteratively updated using a Kalman filter and estimated using Bayesian methods. The draws from the posterior distribution are used to estimate a distribution of Taylor rules with which to compare observed policy and more appropriately estimate deviations. This approach more accurately represents the parameter space given our data. Estimates imply a significant deviation in Fed policy over the years preceding the housing market decline. Restricted model variations imply no evidence of strict inflation targeting, but strict output gap targeting behavior cannot be ruled out over the Burns and Volcker tenure.
Operative management of complex lumbosacral dissociations in combat injuries.

Abstract Background Context As war injury patterns have changed throughout Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom (OIF and OEF), a relative increase in the incidence of complex lumbosacral dissociation (LSD) injuries has been noted. Lumbosacral dissociation injuries are an anatomical separation of the spinal column from the pelvis, and represent a manifestation of severe, high-energy trauma. Purpose This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of combat-related LSD injuries at a mean of 7 years following operative treatment. Study Design This is a retrospective review. Patient Sample We identified 20 patients with operatively managed LSDs. Outcome Measures Time from injury to arrival in the United States, operative details, fixation methods, postoperative complications, time to retirement from military service, disability, and ambulatory status at latest follow-up. Methods We performed a retrospective review of outcomes of all patients with operatively managed combat-related LSD from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2011. Results Twenty patients met inclusion criteria and were treated as follows: posterior spinal fusion (12, 60%), sacroiliac screw fixation (7, 35%), and combined anterior-posterior fusion for associated L3 burst fracture (1, 5%). The mean age was 28.2±6.4 years old. The most common mechanism of injury was mounted improvised explosive device (IED, 55%). On average, 2.2 spinal regions were injured per patient. Neurologic dysfunction was present in 15 patients. Three patients underwent operative stabilization of their injuries before evacuation to the United States. Four patients had a postoperative wound infection and two patients underwent reoperation. Mean follow-up was 85.9 months (range: 39.7–140.8 months). At most recent follow-up, seventeen patients were no longer on active duty military service. Eight patients had persistent bowel dysfunction and nine patients had persistent bladder dysfunction. Fifteen patients reported chronic low back pain. Seventeen were ambulating and five had documentation of running following surgery. Conclusions This is the largest series of operatively managed LSD in patients currently reported. Our series suggests that combat-related LSD injuries frequently result in persistent, long-term neurologic dysfunction, disability, and chronic pain. Operative management carries a high postoperative risk of infection. However, a select group of patients are highly functional at latest follow-up.
Role of Molecular Techniques in the Epidemiologic Investigation of Hospital-Acquired Infections

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of molecular techniques in the epidemiologic investigation of hospital-acquired infections. Hospital-acquired infections with multidrug-resistant pathogens have become a major problem. Risk factors for acquiring an infection include the presence of underlying conditions, long hospitalizations, surgical procedures, prior receipt of antimicrobial therapy, and the presence of indwelling catheters. Major antimicrobial resistance problems are typically associated with gram-positive hospital-acquired pathogens, which include glycopeptide (vancomycin)-resistant enterococci (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and recently, glycopeptides-intermediate and -resistant S. aureus. The role of pathogen typing is to determine if epidemiologically related isolates are also genetically related. The analysis of nosocomial pathogens has relied on a comparison of phenotypic characteristics such as biotypes, serotypes, bacteriophage or bacteriocin types, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. The most accurate assessment of epidemiologic relationships in a nosocomial setting is always accomplished by careful assessment of all available information. Molecular testing will continue to be an essential tool, for the testing has proven to be cost-effective and medically needed. Molecular typing is a powerful tool in the armamentarium for combatting the spread of problem microorganisms in the hospital environment. Most molecular methods require costly material and equipment but are relatively easy to learn and are applicable to a variety of species. On the other hand, phenotypic methods also involve costs in labor and material and are restricted to a few species; for example, antisera for Salmonella serotyping will not work to type gram-positive organisms.
Second Poster Discussion

Lynga: Let us then discuss the astronomical papers. A general comment: as in yesterday’s poster session the majority of today’s papers do not address the topic of our symposium; they do not take the holistic view of cluster systems in galaxies but the reductionist approach of discussing individual clusters and individual stars. I guess this is the way towards future knowledge about cluster systems.
Empirical Studies of Christian Prayer: A Review of the Literature:

Christian prayer is a central religious practice which has received scant attention in psychological research. The two major types of prayer are verbal and contemplative prayer. A review of the emp...
BAI1 Orchestrates Macrophage Inflammatory Response to HSV Infection-Implications for Oncolytic Viral Therapy

Purpose: Brain angiogenesis inhibitor (BAI1) facilitates phagocytosis and bacterial pathogen clearance by macrophages; however, its role in viral infections is unknown. Here, we examined the role of BAI1, and its N-terminal cleavage fragment (Vstat120) in antiviral macrophage responses to oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV).Experimental Design: Changes in infiltration and activation of monocytic and microglial cells after treatment of glioma-bearing mice brains with a control (rHSVQ1) or Vstat120-expressing (RAMBO) oHSV was analyzed using flow cytometry. Co-culture of infected glioma cells with macrophages or microglia was used to examine antiviral signaling. Cytokine array gene expression and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) helped evaluate changes in macrophage signaling in response to viral infection. TNFα-blocking antibodies and macrophages derived from Bai1-/- mice were used.Results: RAMBO treatment of mice reduced recruitment and activation of macrophages/microglia in mice with brain tumors, and showed increased virus replication compared with rHSVQ1. Cytokine gene expression array revealed that RAMBO significantly altered the macrophage inflammatory response to infected glioma cells via altered secretion of TNFα. Furthermore, we showed that BAI1 mediated macrophage TNFα induction in response to oHSV therapy. Intracranial inoculation of wild-type/RAMBO virus in Bai1-/- or wild-type non-tumor-bearing mice revealed the safety of this approach.Conclusions: We have uncovered a new role for BAI1 in facilitating macrophage anti-viral responses. We show that arming oHSV with antiangiogenic Vstat120 also shields them from inflammatory macrophage antiviral response, without reducing safety. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1809-19. ©2016 AACR.
Thermal Resistance of Disease-Associated Salmonella typhimurium in Milk

The thermal resistance of Salmonella typhimurium cultures that had been associated with a major milkborne oubreak of salmonellosis was determined in raw whole milk. Thirteen patient stool isolates and 24 implicated pasteurized milk isolates at concentrations of 1 × 105/ml were screened for heat resistance at 51.8°C. A representative milk strain was heated in replicate at four temperatures from 51.8 to 68.3°C. The zD value was calculated to be 5.3°C. Mean D-value estimates at 51.8°C were 24.0 and 22.8 min for patient and milk isolates, respectively. Extrapolated D71.7°C values were 0.24 and 0.22 s, and did not differ significantly (α = 0.05). These isolates would not survive proper pasteurization.
Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements of Transition Downstream of a Backward-Facing Step in a Swept-Wing Boundary Layer

Stereo particle image velocimetry measurements were performed downstream of a backward-facing step in a stationary-cross flow dominated flow. The PIV measurements exhibit excellent quantitative and qualitative agreement with the previously acquired hotwire data. Instantaneous PIV snapshots reveal new information about the nature and cause of the \spikes" that occurred prior to breakdown in both the hotwire and PIV data. The PIV snapshots show that the events occur simultaneously across multiple stationary cross flow wavelengths, indicating that this is not simply a local event, but is likely caused by the 2D Tollmien-Schlichting instability that is introduced by the step. While the TS instability is a 2D instability, it is also modulated in the spanwise direction due to interactions with the stationary cross flow, as are the other unsteady disturbances present. Because of this modulation, the "spike" events cause an instantaneous increase of the spanwise modulation of the streamwise and spanwise velocity initially caused by the stationary cross flow. Breakdown appears to be caused by this instantaneous modulation, possibly due to a high-frequency secondary instability similar to a traveling-cross flow breakdown scenario. These results further illuminate the respective roles of the stationary cross flow and unsteady disturbances in transition downstream of a backward-facing step.
Miscellaneous Approaches and Considerations: TLR Agonists and Other Inflammatory Agents, Anti-Chemokine Agents, Infectious Agents, Tumor Stroma Targeting, Age and Sex Effects, and Miscellaneous Small Molecules

The field of tumor immunotherapy is evolving rapidly. Many promising areas are discussed in depth in various chapters in this book. This chapter provides a broad overview of additional approaches not covered in specific book chapters. Some areas are nonetheless quite advanced, such as the use of TLR agonists in clinical trials, and some have received FDA approvals such as BCG to treat bladder cancer and the IMiD lenalidomide to treat multiple myeloma. Other areas are of great interest but lack sufficient information to require a dedicated chapter. These miscellaneous areas hold great promise to further the development of effective cancer immunotherapies.
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping Procedures in Endometrial Cancer

The role of lymphadenectomy in comprehensive surgical staging of women with endometrial cancer is controversial. Although its relationship to a possible survival benefit has been questioned based upon the results of recent trials, surgical removal with pathologic assessment remains the most accurate means of detecting lymphatic metastatic disease. Information regarding lymph node status is utilized in determining optimal postoperative management. Any potential benefit of lymphadenectomy should outweigh the risks associated with the procedure. The technique of sentinel lymph node mapping has been successfully employed in the management of many cancers, including breast, melanoma, and most recently, vulva. Its potential incorporation into endometrial cancer management should be approached with cautious optimism and is an important topic of research.
Acute large bowel pseudo-obstruction due to atrophic visceral myopathy: A case report

Abstract Purpose Atrophic visceral myopathy is a pathological diagnosis characterized by atrophy of the smooth muscle layers of the viscera with intact ganglia. Rarely, it can present acutely as an intestinal pseudo-obstruction. We describe a rare case report and explore how this diagnosis can be distinguished from other forms of intestinal obstruction. Case description A 60-year-old male with a past medical history of hypothyroidism presented to the emergency department with a two-day history of worsening abdominal distention and pain associated with nausea and vomiting. Upon evaluation patient was found to have tachycardia, with abdominal distention and localized tenderness with peritonitis. Computed tomography demonstrated large bowel obstruction, likely caused by sigmoid volvulus. The patient underwent emergent laparotomy. Intra-operatively, the entire colon was found to be extremely dilated and redundant. With a working diagnosis of recurrent sigmoid volvulus causing intermittent large bowel obstruction, a sigmoid colectomy and primary anastomosis was performed. Pathology revealed atrophic visceral myopathy, with an extremely thin colonic wall and atrophic circumferential and longitudinal muscularis propria without inflammation or fibrosis. The ganglion cells and myenteric plexus were unaffected. Post-operatively, the patient developed prolonged ileus requiring nasogastric decompression and parenteral nutrition. The ileus resolved with pro-kinetic agents, and patient was discharged home on post-operative day fifteen. Conclusions Atrophic visceral neuropathy is a rare cause of intestinal pseudo-obstruction. While often presenting with chronic obstruction in younger populations, we present a rare late-onset acute presentation that may have been secondary to underlying hypothyroidism.
Identifying and re-imagining the paradox of workplace bullying advice

ABSTRACTThe present study contributes to the growing body of research on workplace bullying by examining the advice targets receive along with their interpretations of its usefulness. Based on an analysis of interviews with 48 individuals from a variety of occupations, we identified a paradox of workplace bullying advice where targets described themselves as offering the same advice to other targets they had received, even though they believed following the advice either would have made no difference or made their own situations worse. We address the paradox by considering the possibility that urging individual targets to ‘remain calm’ and ‘stay rational’ overestimates the difference a single individual can make, downplays the significance of strong emotional responses to bullying, and constrains the ability to think and act with greater freedom.