cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survey Article: Progress on Privatization in Bulgaria

Bulgaria began its privatization program following independence in 1989 by establishing a privatization agency to guide privatization priorities, levels of government responsibility for sales, and valuation procedures. While many small businesses have been privatized, sales in the medium and large-scale sector have been slow and few in number despite a voucher system introduced in 1994. Government policy may have deterred foreign investors as well as complicated the return of urban property and farmland to former 1946 owners or their heirs. Restitution procedures have been established but claims have to be justified and boundaries reestablished, thus while 70% of urban property has been restituted, claims of agricultural land outnumber available land. A new government, elected in December 1994, argues for a greater engagement of the state in economic life and an economic policy based on the regulated market.
Fungal Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics

Concomitant with the increased prevalence of immunocompromised persons, invasive fungal infections have become considerably more frequent in the last 50 years. High mortality rates caused by invasive mycoses and high morbidity because of intractable mucosal infections have created an unmet need for innovative prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against fungal pathogens. Several immunotherapeutics and vaccines are in development to address this need, although one has yet to reach the clinic. This review focuses on past and current immunotherapeutic and vaccine strategies being tested to either prevent or treat fungal infections, as well as the challenges associated with their development.
Genetic research and reduction of health disparities

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether genetic research is an adequate means to attain the very worthy goal of eliminating racial and ethnic healthcare inequalities. I argue that, in our present social and political context, even if genetic variation contributes to health disparities, and even if such knowledge allows us to develop new interventions, genetics and genomics research is unlikely to have any significant effect on their elimination or reduction. I explore also the possibility that attention to genetic research as the solution to persistent health inequalities might actually hinder our efforts to improve health status and healthcare outcomes for historically disadvantaged groups.
Catechism and Confraternitas on the Piazza San Giovanni: How the Misericordia Used Image and Text to Instruct its Members in Christian Theology

This study. concerns the Allegory of Divine Misericordia, a fresco painted in 1342 for the entrance hall of the Compagnia di Santa Maria delta Misericordia in Florence. It examines how the fresco functioned in part as at catechetical tool for members of the confraternity and their visitors. Through an analysis of the numerous inscriptions and the corresponding imagery that make up the fresco, this study demonstrates how the painting provided essential theological material for the confraternity members to read, memorize. and recite regularly.
The Synergistic Effect of Combination Progesterone and Temozolomide on Human Glioblastoma Cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and most aggressive malignant brain tumor. Despite optimal treatment and evolving standard of care, the median survival of patients diagnosed with GBM is only 12–15 months. In this study, we combined progesterone (PROG) and temozolomide (TMZ), a standard chemotherapeutic agent for human GBM, to test whether PROG enhances the antitumor effects of TMZ and reduces its side effects. Two WHO grade IV human GBM cells lines (U87MG and U118MG) and primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were repeatedly exposed to PROG and TMZ either alone or in combination for 3 and 6 days. Cell death was measured by MTT reduction assay. PROG and TMZ individually induced tumor cell death in a dose-dependent manner. PROG at high doses produced more cell death than TMZ alone. When combined, PROG enhanced the cell death-inducing effect of TMZ. In HDFs, PROG did not reduce viability even at the same high cytotoxic doses, but TMZ did so in a dose-dependent manner. In combination, PROG reduced TMZ toxicity in HDFs. PROG alone and in combination with TMZ suppressed the EGFR/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and MGMT expression in U87MG cells, thus suppressing cell proliferation. PROG and TMZ individually reduced cell migration in U87MG cells but did so more effectively in combination. PROG enhances the cytotoxic effects of TMZ in GBM cells and reduces its toxic side effects in healthy primary cells.
Debugging DHCP performance

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) was defined to facilitate automatic configuration of IP addresses and other network parameters to hosts in a network. Efficiency of DHCP's address management is especially important today in part due to proliferation of mobile devices with transient network access patterns and the consequent increased demand on transient IP addresses in open-access networks. Unfortunately, DHCP's flexible design makes it susceptible to a variety of misconfigurations. The focus of this work is, therefore, to evaluate the performance and vulnerabilities of DHCP in operational networks today. To this end, we developed a tool called DHCP-Watch that facilitates DHCP-related network debugging and enables better capacity planning. We used this tool to perform a first-of-its-kind detailed measurement study of DHCP performance in operational university campus networks. Our measurements revealed various trends of IP address usage. Additionally, we discovered frequent anomalous operations due to network misconfigurations and presence of misbehaving hosts.
Compensatory vowel lengthening for omitted coda consonants: a phonetic investigation of children's early representations of prosodic words.

Children’s early word productions often differ from the target form, sometimes exhibiting vowel lengthening when word-final coda consonants are omitted (e.g., dog /dɔg/ → [dɔ:]). It has typically been assumed that such lengthening compensates for a missing prosodic unit (a mora). However, this study raises the alternative hypothesis that vowel lengthening in early productions compensates for the missing coda segment. If lengthening selectively occurs with short/lax vowels but not long/tense vowels, this would provide support for the hypothesis that lengthening serves to preserve bimoraic or ‘minimal word’ structure. However, if lengthening occurs across the board, this would indicate that lengthening compensates for the omitted segment. In order to address this issue, matched word pairs produced with and without a coda were extracted from the spontaneous speech of three English-speaking children between the ages of 1;1 and 2;6. Phonetic analysis compared the duration of vowels in words with and without the coda. The results showed that two children lengthened both short and long vowels when the coda was omitted, whereas one child selectively lengthened only short vowels. The implications of these findings, both for the representation of prosodic words, and for theories of production more generally, are discussed.
Laminar and Temporal Expression Dynamics of Coding and Noncoding RNAs in the Mouse Neocortex

The hallmark of the cerebral neocortex is its organization into six layers, each containing a characteristic set of cell types and synaptic connections. The transcriptional events involved in laminar development and function still remain elusive. Here, we employed deep sequencing of mRNA and small RNA species to gain insights into transcriptional differences among layers and their temporal dynamics during postnatal development of the mouse primary somatosensory neocortex. We identify a number of coding and noncoding transcripts with specific spatiotemporal expression and splicing patterns. We also identify signature trajectories and gene coexpression networks associated with distinct biological processes and transcriptional overlap between these processes. Finally, we provide data that allow the study of potential miRNA and mRNA interactions. Overall, this study provides an integrated view of the laminar and temporal expression dynamics of coding and noncoding transcripts in the mouse neocortex and a resource for studies of neurodevelopment and transcriptome.
Alessandro Zattoni and William Judge , eds. Corporate Governance and Initial Public Offerings, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2012, 568 pp, ISBN 978‐1‐1‐7‐01686

The article reviews the book "Corporate Governance and Initial Public Offerings," by Alessandro Zattoni and William Judge.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in the Normal and Hydrocephalic Human Brain

Advances in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques enable the accurate measurements of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in the human brain. In addition, image reconstruction tools facilitate the collection of patient-specific brain geometry data such as the exact dimensions of the ventricular and subarachnoidal spaces (SAS) as well as the computer-aided reconstruction of the CSF-filled spaces. The solution of the conservation of CSF mass and momentum balances over a finite computational mesh obtained from the MR images predict the patients' CSF flow and pressure field. Advanced image reconstruction tools used in conjunction with first principles of fluid mechanics allow an accurate verification of the CSF flow patters for individual patients. This paper presents a detailed analysis of pulsatile CSF flow and pressure dynamics in a normal and hydrocephalic patient. Experimental CSF flow measurements and computational results of flow and pressure fields in the ventricular system, the SAS and brain parenchyma are presented. The pulsating CSF motion is explored in normal and pathological conditions of communicating hydrocephalus. This paper predicts small transmantle pressure differences between lateral ventricles and SASs (~10 Pa). The transmantle pressure between ventricles and SAS remains small even in the hydrocephalic patient (~30 Pa), but the ICP pulsatility increases by a factor of four. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results of the predicted CSF flow velocities are in good agreement with Cine MRI measurements. Differences between the predicted and observed CSF flow velocities in the prepontine area point towards complex brain-CSF interactions. The paper presents the complete computational model to predict the pulsatile CSF flow in the cranial cavity
Do shared barriers when reporting to work during an influenza pandemic influence hospital workers' willingness to work? A multilevel framework.

Objective Characteristics associated with interventions and barriers that influence health care workers’ willingness to report for duty during an influenza pandemic were identified. Additionally, this study examined whether workers who live in proximal geographic regions shared the same barriers and would respond to the same interventions. Methods Hospital employees (n=2965) recorded changes in willingness to work during an influenza pandemic on the basis of interventions aimed at mitigating barriers. Distance from work, hospital type, job role, and family composition were examined by clustering the effects of barriers from reporting for duty and region of residence. Results Across all workers, providing protection for the family was the greatest motivator for willingness to work during a pandemic. Respondents who expressed the same barriers and lived nearby shared common responses in their willingness to work. Younger employees and clinical support staff were more receptive to interventions. Increasing distance from home to work was significantly associated with a greater likelihood to report to work for employees who received time off. Conclusions Hospital administrators should consider the implications of barriers and areas of residence on the disaster response capacity of their workforce. Our findings underscore communication and development of preparedness plans to improve the resilience of hospital workers to mitigate absenteeism (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:175-185).
Further Validation of the WPSI Vocational Scale: Comparisons with Other Correlates of Employment in Epilepsy

The present study evaluates the relationships between employment status and five types of variables: years of education, intelligence, emotional adjustment, neuropsychological impairment, and psychosocial adjustment. The latter two areas were evaluated by procedures specifically developed for work with seizure patients and include use of the Neuropsychological Battery for Epilepsy and the Washington Psychosocial Seizure Inventory. Fifty-eight patients were divided into groups based on their employment histories and classified as unemployed, underemployed, and employed. Results indicated that the two types of procedures developed specifically for work with clients having seizures demonstrated the most potent and consistent relationships with employment status. The study suggests that the use of these procedures in the evaluation of employability may be more effective than using only those variables which traditionally have been applied.
Reproductive Development and Functions in the Rat after Repeated Maternal Deprivation Stress

Abstract The present study examines whether interruptions of maternal–neonatal behaviors may alter the maturation of reproductive organs and functions, thereby potentially confounding the interpretation of toxicity data with stress-induced responses. Sprague–Dawley rat neonates were removed from their dams for 6 hr daily beginning on Day 4 of postnatal age and continuing until Day 21. Vaginal opening and preputial separation were monitored as indices of puberty. Sperm production in the male rats, estrous cycles in the female rats, and reproductive tissues were weighed when the animals reached sexual maturity. In addition, rats were mated for the evaluation of pregnancy outcomes. Maternal separation stress in itself did not appear to alter these parameters, although potential interactions of stress responses with a toxicant should still be considered.
Detection of Differentially Expressed Basal Cell Proteins by Mass Spectrometry

The ability of cells to modulate interactions with each other and the substrate is essential for epithelial tissue remodeling during processes such as wound healing and tumor progression. However, despite strides made in the field of proteomics, proteins involved in adhesion have been difficult to study. Here, we report a method for the enrichment and analysis of proteins associated with the basal surface of the cell and its underlying matrix. The enrichment involves deroofing the cells with 20 mm ammonium hydroxide and the removal of cytosolic and organellar proteins by stringent water wash. Proteomic profiling was achieved by LC-FTMS, which allowed comparison of differentially expressed or shared proteins under different cell states. First, we analyzed and compared the basal cell components of mouse keratinocytes lacking the cell-cell junction molecule plakoglobin with their control counterparts. Changes in the molecules involved in motility and invasion were detected in plakoglobin-deficient cells, including decreased detection of fibronectin, integrin β4, and FAT tumor suppressor. Second, we assessed the differences in basal cell components between two human oral squamous cell carcinoma lines originating from different sites in the oral cavity (CAL33 and UM-SCC-1). The data show differences between the two lines in the type and abundance of proteins specific to cell adhesion, migration, and angiogenesis. Therefore, the method described here has the potential to serve as a platform to assess proteomic changes in basal cell components including extracellular and adhesion-specific proteins involved in wound healing, cancer, and chronic and acquired adhesion-related disorders.
Relative-distance-based soft voting for feature representation and its application to human attribute analysis

This paper proposes a soft voting based bag-of-features (BoF) model considering relative distance of the feature vectors to the nearest-neighbor codeword. Whereas state-of-the-art kernel distance based soft voting methods require brute force parameter optimization, which is time consuming, the proposed method does not require any optimization. The proposed algorithm was applied to human attribute analysis using top-view images. The experimental results have demonstrated 100% of accuracy for both gender classification and baggage possession classification. It has also been demonstrated that discriminative ability is comparable to that of the fine-tuned codeword uncertainty (UNC) model.
π-Stacking in Conjugated Polymers and Oligomers: A Structural and Spectroscopic Study

Regioregular, alkyl-substituted poly(heteroaromatics) tend to crystallize in π-stacked structures as opposed to the herringbone pattern characteristic of non-substituted, planar aromatic molecules, e.g. sexithiophene. π-Stacking, favored by the crystallization of the sidechains, induces planarity in the conjugated backbone. The increased planarity causes a large (50-100 nm) shift in λmax (abs.) compared to the solution phase in which the backbone is twisted out of coplanarity, π-Stacking is a form of ground state aggregation that causes “fine structure” on the absorption peak. Excitation into the aggregate states rapidly leads to the formation of excimers as shown by the excitation spectra. In -stacked polymers, photoluminescence is almost entirely from the excimer states.
Reconfigurable sequential consistency algorithm

In this paper, we propose, implement and analyze the performance of a reconfigurable sequential consistency algorithm (RSCA) using simulation. Extending the concepts of reconfigurable devices to the algorithmic level, we model RSCA that is a reconfigurable sequential consistency algorithm for asynchronous distributed systems that manage concurrent objects stating. As our main results, we present that, on average, the performance of RSCA was 36% better than the traditional sequential consistency algorithms. The main contributions of this paper are: the definition, proposal, implementation and performance analysis of RSCA.
The instability of barotropic circular vortices

Abstract The linear, normal mode instability of barotropic circular vortices with zero circulation is examined in the f-plane quasigeostrophic equations. Equivalents of Rayleigh's and Fjortoft's criteria and the semicircle theorem for parallel shear flow are given, and the energy equation shows the instability to be barotropic. A new result is that the fastest growing perturbation is often an internal instability, having a finite vertical scale, but may also be an external instability, having no vertical structure. For parallel shear flow the fastest growing perturbation is always an external instability; this is Squire's theorem. Whether the fastest growing perturbation is internal or external depends upon the profile: for mean flow streamfunction profiles which monotonically decrease with radius, the instability is internal for less steep profiles with a broad velocity extremum and external for steep profiles with a narrow velocity extremum. Finite amplitude, numerical model calculations show that this ...
Coronary artery fistula causing angina pectoris after cardiac surgery — An interesting pathophysiologic link

Article history: Received 13 July 2015 Accepted 1 August 2015 Available online 12 August 2015 an area of 19.6 cm and volume of 72.6 ml, and an enlarged, mildly hypertrophic right ventricle. The estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure was 26 mm Hg. Shortly after the surgery, the patient developed left-sided, pressure-like, exertional chest pain and dyspnea. She used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without improvement. Her chest pain continued to progress until it became incapacitating. On physical examination, vital signs were within nor-
Sestrin2 Decreases Renal Oxidative Stress, Lowers Blood Pressure, and Mediates Dopamine D2 Receptor–Induced Inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species Production

The dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) decreases renal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and regulates blood pressure, in part, via positive regulation of paraoxonase 2. Sestrin2, a highly conserved antioxidant protein, regulates intracellular ROS level by regenerating hyperoxidized peroxiredoxins. We hypothesized that sestrin2 may be involved in preventing excessive renal ROS production and thus contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Moreover, the D2R may decrease ROS production, in part, through the regulation of sestrin2. Renal sestrin2 expression was lower (-62±13%) in D2R(-/-) than in D2R(+/+) mice. Silencing D2R in human renal proximal tubule cells decreased sestrin2 expression (-53±3%) and increased hyperoxidized peroxiredoxins (2.9-fold). Stimulation of D2R in renal proximal tubule cells increased sestrin2 expression (1.6-fold), decreased hyperoxidized peroxiredoxins (-61±3%), and reduced ROS production (-31±4%). Silencing sestrin2 in renal proximal tubule cells increased hyperoxidized peroxiredoxins (2.1-fold) and ROS production (1.3-fold). Silencing sestrin2 also abolished D2R-induced decrease in peroxiredoxin hyperoxidation and partially prevented the inhibitory effect of D2R stimulation on ROS production. Silencing paraoxonase 2 increased sestrin2 ubiquitinylation (2.8-fold), decreased sestrin2 expression (-30±3%), and increased ROS production (1.3-fold), peroxiredoxin hyperoxidation (2.9-fold), and lipid peroxidation (2.3-fold), and blocked the increase in sestrin2 that occurs with D2R stimulation. In vivo renal selective silencing of sestrin2 by the renal subcapsular infusion of sestrin2 small interfering RNA (3 μg/day; 7 days) in mice increased renal oxidative stress (1.3-fold) and blood pressure. These results suggest that the D2R, via paraoxonase 2 and sestrin2, keeps normal renal redox balance, which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT)

Indication This test is performed to evaluate patients with suspected hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis or growth hormone (GH) axis deficiency. Hypoglycemia causes a major stress response, with an increase in plasma ACTH, serum cortisol, and growth hormone. Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT) is considered the gold standard test to evaluate the integrity of HPA.
Studies of relative gain and timing response of fine-mesh photomultiplier tubes in high magnetic fields

Abstract We investigated the use of Hamamatsu fine-mesh photomultiplier tube assemblies H6152-70 and H6614-70 with regard to their gain and timing resolution in magnetic fields up to 1.9 T. Our results show that the H6614-70 assembly can operate reliably in magnetic fields exceeding 1.5 T, while preserving a reasonable timing resolution even with a gain reduction of a factor of ≈100. The reduction of the relative gain of the H6152-70 is similar to the H6614-70's near 1.5 T, but its timing resolution worsens considerably at this high field.
Polyurethanes as Specialty Chemicals : Principles and Applications

Looking beyond the traditional applications of polyurethanes (PUR), Polyurethanes as Specialty Chemicals presents a different approach to polyurethane chemistry by examining a range of new products and new research for both environmental and medical applications. This book is also the first in its field to provide useful design tools for product de
Cloud enhancement of global horizontal irradiance in California and Hawaii

Abstract Clouds significantly attenuate ground-level solar irradiance causing substantial reduction in photovoltaic power output capacity. However, partly cloudy skies may lead to temporary enhancement of local Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) above the clear-sky ceiling and, at times, the extraterrestrial irradiance. Such enhancements are referred to here as Cloud Enhancement Events (CEEs). In this work we study these CEEs and assess quantitatively the occurrence of resulting coherent Ramp Rates (RRs). We analyze a full year of ground irradiance data recorded at the University of California, Merced, as well as nearly five months of irradiance data recorded at the University of California, San Diego, and Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Our analysis shows that approximately 4% of all the data points qualify as potential CEEs, which corresponds to nearly 3.5 full-days of such events per year if considered sequentially. The surplus irradiance enhancements range from 18 W m −2 day −1 to 73 W m −2 day −1 . The maximum recorded GHI of ∼1400 W m −2 occurred in San Diego on May 25, 2012, which was nearly 43% higher than the modeled clear-sky ceiling. Wavelet decomposition coupled with fluctuation power index analysis shed light on the time-scales on which cloud induced variability and CEEs operate. Results suggest that while cloud-fields tend to induce variability most strongly at the 30 min time-scale, they have the potential to cause CEEs that induce variability on time-scales of several minutes. This analysis clearly demonstrates that CEEs are an indicator for periods of high variability and therefore provide useful information for solar forecasting and integration.
Trends in National Institutes of Health Funding of Principal Investigators in Dermatology Research by Academic Degree and Sex

Importance National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants are becoming increasingly competitive in the academic research arena. Identifying NIH funding disparities is an important step in improving academic diversity. Objective To examine recent NIH funding trends in dermatology. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective study with linear regression analysis and repeated-measures analysis of variance of all NIH grants awarded to departments of dermatology from fiscal year 2009 to 2014. Funding data were exported from the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Results. Publication data were drawn from Scopus. All NIH-funded principal investigators in dermatology were categorized by their academic degree and sex. Main Outcomes and Measures The NIH funding trends were compared by investigator degree (MD, PhD, or MD/PhD) and sex. Results A total of 1292 NIH-funded grants were awarded to dermatology research from fiscal year 2009 through 2014. Adjusted NIH funding for dermatologic research diminished by 4.6% from $67.3 million in 2009 to $64.2 million in 2014, with a nadir of $58.6 million in 2013. Funding for the NIH’s Research Project Grant Program (R01) decreased by 21.0% from $43.9 million to $34.7 million during this period. The dollar amount of NIH funding significantly trended down for investigators with an MD degree by $1.35 million per year from $23.6 million in 2009 to $18.4 million in 2014 ( P = .02) while there was no significant change in NIH funding for MD/PhD (from $17.6 million in 2009 to $19.8 million in 2014; P = .44) and PhD investigators (from $26.1 million in 2009 to $25.9 million in 2014; P = .74). Similarly, the total dollar amount of R01 grants awarded to principal investigators with only an MD degree trended down by $1.4 million per year from $13.2 million in 2009 to $6.0 million in 2014 ( P P = .04). Conclusions and Relevance There is a downward trend in NIH funding for female and MD-only dermatology investigators. Departmental support and junior faculty mentorship for women and MD investigators is crucial for maintaining their presence in NIH-funded dermatology research.
Modifications of Puva

The goal of photochemotherapy in psoriasis is to attempt to lower the number of exposures and the total cumulative doses while still maintaining good control of the disease. PUVA has been modified by using better psoralen preparations and more effective light sources, and it also has been combined with other treatment modalities. The objectives in modifying PUVA and combining PUVA with other treatment modalities are to increase efficacy, to reduce short- and long-term adverse effects, and to reduce the cost of treatment. Modalities that have been combined with PUVA include topical corticosteroids, anthralin, calcipotriene ointment, methotrexate, UVB, retinoids, and cyclosporine.
Centriole biogenesis and function in multiciliated cells

The use of Xenopus embryonic skin as a model system for the development of ciliated epithelia is well established. This tissue is comprised of numerous cell types, most notably the multiciliated cells (MCCs) that each contain approximately 150 motile cilia. At the base of each cilium lies the centriole-based structure called the basal body. Centriole biogenesis is typically restricted to two new centrioles per cell cycle, each templating from an existing “mother” centriole. In contrast, MCCs are post-mitotic cells in which the majority of centrioles arise “de novo” without templating from a mother centriole, instead, these centrioles nucleate from an electron-dense structure termed the deuterostome. How centriole number is regulated in these cells and the mechanism by which the deuterosome templates nascent centrioles is still poorly understood. Here, we describe methods for regulating MCC cell fate as well as for visualizing and manipulating centriole biogenesis.
Vision for Data and Informatics in the Future Materials Innovation Ecosystem

The high cost and time typically expended in the successful deployment of new materials into high-performance commercial products is attributable to multiple factors. The most significant of these include the heavy reliance on experiments, the persisting disconnect between multiscale experiments and multiscale models, the lack of a broadly accessible data and knowledge infrastructure that can support the implementation of a holistic systems approach, and the lack of a suitable framework for facilitating and enhancing the critically needed cross-disciplinary collaborations. The emerging discipline of materials data science and informatics (MDSI) promises to address these key technology gaps. The potential benefits to the materials innovation enterprise that could accrue from an aggressive adoption of the novel concepts and toolsets offered by MDSI are examined. A specific vision is expounded for the role of MDSI in bridging the large gap that exists between the multiscale materials experiments and the multiscale materials models.
Exploring the Topics Discussed During a Conversation Card Game About Death and Dying: A Content Analysis

Abstract Context Substantive discussions between loved ones are necessary for effective advance care planning. Although multiple tools are currently in use for promoting conversations, the content and clinical relevance of the conversations they stimulate is unknown. Objective To describe the content and clinical relevance of conversations that occur during a nonfacilitated end-of-life conversation game. Methods Using convenience sampling, we scheduled adult volunteers to participate in an end-of-life conversation game (2–6 individuals per game; n = 68). Participants discussed 20 questions about death, dying, or end-of-life issues. Games lasted up to two hours and were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a conventional qualitative content analysis approach to identify emerging themes. Results Participants ( n = 68) were primarily Caucasian (94%), females (68%), with mean age of 51.3 years (SD 0.7). Seventeen games were analyzed. Four primary themes emerged during game conversations: 1) the importance of people, relationships, and the roles played during end-of-life decision making, 2) values, beliefs, and preferences related to end-of-life care and the dying period, 3) considerations about preparing for the aftermath of one's death, and 4) the relevance of stories or experiences for informing one's own end-of-life preferences. Conclusions Topics discussed during a nonfacilitated end-of-life conversation game are substantive and address important issues for advance care planning.
Transverse force on transversely polarized quarks in longitudinally polarized nucleons

We study the semiclassical interpretation of the ${x}^{3}$ and ${x}^{4}$ moments of twist-3 parton distribution functions (PDFs). While no semiclassical interpretation for the higher moments of ${g}_{T}(x)$ and $e(x)$ was found, the ${x}^{3}$ moment of the chirally odd spin-dependent twist-3 PDF ${h}_{L}^{3}(x)$ can be related to the longitudinal gradient of the transverse force on transversely polarized quarks in longitudinally polarized nucleons in a deep-inelastic scattering experiment. We discuss how this result relates to the torque acting on a quark in the same experiment. This has further implications for comparisons between the Jaffe-Manohar and the Ji decompositions of the nucleon spin.
Prognostic Factors for Advanced GIST

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) heralded the era of molecular targeting in solid tumor oncology as chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) had in hematologic malignancies. The recognition of GIST as a separate entity from intestinal leiomyosarcomas laid the foundation for treatment of patients with advanced disease. GISTs are mesenchymal tumors of the intestinal tract originating from specialized nerve cells known as the interstitial cells of Cajal (Fletcher et al., Hum Pathol 33(5):459–465, 2002). The identification of activating mutations in the c-KIT gene led to a revolution in the treatment of patients with advanced GIST (Rubin et al., Cancer Res 61(22):8118–8121, 2001; Hirota, Science 279(5350):577–580, 1998). Subsequently, several other gene mutations were identified. Prior to the initial use of imatinib in a metastatic GIST patient (Joensuu et al., N Engl J Med 344(14):1052–1056, 2001), traditional chemotherapy agents failed usually causing stable disease at best without improvement of progression-free or overall survival (OS) (Edmonson et al., Cancer Invest 20(5–6):605–612, 2002; Blay et al., Eur J Cancer 40(9):1327–1331, 2004; Trent et al., Cancer 98(12):2693–2699, 2003; Casper, Curr Treat Options Oncol 1(3):267–273, 2000; Verweij et al., The Lancet 364(9440):1127–1134, 2004). The use of imatinib changed a rapidly fatal disease resistant to many standard chemotherapies with an overall survival (OS) of 12–18 months to an OS of greater than 50 months (Blanke et al., J Clin Oncol 26(4):620–625, 2008; DeMatteo et al., Ann Surg 231(1):51–58, 2000). Our understanding of the nature of this disease both clinically and molecularly has grown exponentially over the past 15 years since the publication of that first case report. This chapter will review prognostic factors identified in the treatment of advanced GIST. These characteristics fall into three broad categories: clinicopathologic factors, treatment factors, and molecular factors.
Feather carotenoid content is correlated with reproductive success and provisioning rate in female Prothonotary Warblers

ABSTRACT In many avian species, a male's colorful feather ornaments are known to signal individual quality and can serve as the basis for mate choice. Fewer studies have assessed whether this is true for females, who also can display plumage ornaments. We investigated whether breast and crown plumage reflectance in female Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea) was correlated with annual reproductive success and nestling provisioning rate. We collected 160 feather samples from 112 nesting female warblers across 5 breeding seasons (2010–2014) in eastern Virginia, USA, and measured their reflectance. Because these data were from a population that was part of a long-term study, we knew the exact age and annual reproductive success of most individuals in all study years. We found a significant positive relationship between crown feather carotenoid content and the number of young fledged, after accounting for the effects of nest initiation date and female age, both of which are known to significantly influ...
Predictors of Hospital Readmissions for Ulcerative Colitis in the United States: A National Database Study.

Background Early readmissions are important indicators of quality of care. Limited data exist describing hospital readmissions in ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to describe unplanned, 30-day readmissions among adult UC patients and to assess readmission predictors. Methods We analyzed the 2013 United States National Readmission Database and identified UC admissions using administrative codes in patients from 18 to 80 years of age. Our primary outcome was a 30-day, unplanned readmission rate. We used chi-square tests, t tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for descriptive analyses and survey logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations with readmissions adjusting for confounders. Results Among 26,094 hospitalizations with a primary UC diagnosis, there were 2757 (10.6%) 30-day, unplanned readmissions. The most common readmission diagnoses were reasons related to UC (58%), complications of surgical procedures/medical care (5.5%), Clostridium difficile (4.8%), and septicemia (4.3%). In multivariable analysis, length of stay ≥7 days (aOR 1.54, 95% CI, 1.24-1.90), not having an endoscopy (aOR 1.20, 95% CI, 1.04-1.38), and depression (aOR 1.40, 95% CI, 1.16-1.66) were significantly associated with readmission. 58.2% of readmissions had at least one of these factors. Patients were also less likely to be admitted if they were women or had self-pay payer status. Having a colectomy did not significantly increase readmissions (aOR 1.14, 95% CI, 0.86-1.52). Conclusions On a national level, 1 in 10 hospitalizations for UC was followed by an unplanned readmission within 30 days. Not having an endoscopy on the index hospitalization and depression were independently associated with readmissions. Further studies should examine if strategies that address these predictors can decrease readmissions.
Endocrine Therapy Initiation and Medical Oncologist Utilization Among Women Diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ.

Background Though randomized clinical trials have demonstrated a reduction in second breast events with endocrine therapy among women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), use of these therapies remains highly variable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient and treatment-related factors associated with endocrine therapy initiation and medical oncology specialty utilization after DCIS. Materials and methods We identified women with a DCIS diagnosis during 2006-2010 in the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry with linked public and private insurance claims in the University of North Carolina Integrated Cancer Information Surveillance System data resource. Multivariable generalized linear regression models were used to estimate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for endocrine therapy initiation in the year following DCIS diagnosis. Results Among 2,090 women with a DCIS diagnosis, 37% initiated endocrine therapy. Initiation was less common among women aged 75+ at diagnosis (RR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.64-0.97 vs. age 45-54) and women treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) who did not receive radiation (RR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.50-0.78 vs. BCS plus radiation). Consultation with a medical oncologist was strongly associated with endocrine therapy initiation (RR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.23-1.61). Women who saw a medical oncologist more often had private insurance, higher census tract-level income, hormone receptor positive disease, and treatment with BCS and radiation. Conclusion Treatment strategies for DCIS remain controversial. Our data suggest that endocrine therapy is more often used in addition to standard therapies such as BCS plus radiation, rather than as an alternative to radiation. The Oncologist 2017;22:535-541 IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Randomized trials have demonstrated a reduction in second breast cancer events with use of endocrine therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). However, notable variation exists in the uptake of these therapies among DCIS patients. In this study, factors associated with endocrine therapy initiation in the year following a DCIS diagnosis included consultation with a medical oncologist and treatment with breast-conserving surgery with radiation. Our findings help to explain the wide variation in endocrine therapy initiation and suggest the need for clear guidelines in the treatment of DCIS.
Improved cookstoves and their effect on carbon monoxide levels in San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala.

Introduction: Installation of ventilated cookstoves has been shown to improve 24-h carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate exposure in the Guatemalan highlands. However, a survey of villagers around S...
Terraforming the middle ground in ancient Florida

All societies face contradictions between experienced pasts, imagined futures and the reality of the present. Changing social and ecological contexts are catalysts for intervention by communities h...
Design Considerations for Small Animal PET Scanners

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an established imaging technique currently used for the clinical management of disease in oncology, cardiology and neurology [1–3]. PET is nowadays integrated in the clinical routine and is acknowledged as a sensitive clinical molecular imaging method. In addition to clinical applications, PET is also an active research tool in preclinical imaging with somewhat different applications. In order to clarify the specific goals of preclinical imaging, which is the focus of this book, the following sub-sections will outline the differences between clinical and preclinical PET imaging in terms of applications and system performance requirements. Following that, this chapter will cover in more detail basic design considerations of preclinical PET scanners.
Management of severe reflux in the patient with cyclophosphamide cystitis.

Abstract Cyclophosphamide cystitis with a high grade of vesicoureteral reflux can lead to rapid renal deterioration. Conventional ureteral reimplantation is inadvisable and urinary diversion, although providing a temporary solution, could lead to long-term complications, particularly in children. We present a case of cyclophosphamide cystitis with vesicoureteral reflux and upper tract deterioration managed successfully with ileocecocystoplasty* This method of management should be considered early in such a patient.
EXPERIENCING FOOD PRODUCTS WITHIN A PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL CONTEXT

Publisher Summary This chapter broadens the definition of product experience from definitions that view product experience as the interaction of a person and a product. In fact both experience and substantial research now show that product experience is the interaction of a person and a product in a particular context or situation. Contextual research has received far less attention than either product research or person research, probably because both of these classes of variables are the main foci of major stakeholders. The huge product industry is the main stakeholder for product research; the huge health industry is the main stakeholder for person research. Technologies that support product-oriented research and health-oriented research ensure that these technologies remain the foci of food research and development activities. Research clearly shows that the same product is experienced differently in different environments. This chapter reviews the evidence for this. However, one’s own experience confirms this as well; occasionally in fancy restaurants one questions whether the great experience is the food itself or the ambiance. And on the other end of the spectrum, one wonders whether he or she could ever enjoy airline food or hospital food. This chapter also reviews research, which shows that the experience of the same food in different settings is indeed different.
Inflammatory response, growth, and thyroid hormone concentrations are affected by long-term boron supplementation in gilts.

An experiment was conducted to determine the long-term effects of dietary boron (B) on growth performance, immune function, and plasma and serum characteristics in gilts. Fifty weanling gilts were allotted to 10 pens based on weaning weight and litter origin. Pens were randomly assigned to receive one of two dietary treatments. Treatments consisted of a basal diet low in B (control) and the basal diet supplemented with 5 mg B/kg diet as sodium borate. Gilts remained on their respective experimental diets and with their penmates throughout the nursery, growing, and finishing phases. The B concentration of the basal diet was 0.98, 2.1, and 2.2 mg/kg diet during the nursery, growing, and finishing phases, respectively. At the end of each production phase, animals were weighed and feed consumption was determined to assess growth performance variables. In addition, blood samples were obtained from three randomly selected gilts per pen at the completion of each phase. Boron had no affect (P > 0.58) on growth performance during the nursery phase, but gilts receiving supplemental B had increased (P 0.30) the blastogenic response of isolated lymphocytes to mitogen stimulation or the humoral immune response against a sheep red blood cell suspension. Results indicate that B may affect serum thyroid hormone concentrations, the inflammatory response, and growth in pigs.
Timing of onset and self-management of multiple chronic conditions: A qualitative examination taking a lifespan perspective:

ObjectivesOver two-thirds of older individuals live with multiple chronic conditions, yet chronic diseases are often studied in silos. Taking a lifespan approach to understanding the development of...
Vocational behavior from the dark side

Abstract The purpose of our review is to document existing studies on vocational behavior from the dark side of personality, with the aims of promoting and informing new research. Although relevant research was published as far back as the 1930s, this review contains evidence for an assertion that the dark side should be studied more regularly by scholars interested in vocational behavior. We focus primarily on what is known of relevance about more-established dark constructs: social dominance orientation and the Dark Triad of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Nevertheless, we also describe the promise of emerging constructs: psychological entitlement, dispositional greed, and traits of the Hogan Development Survey. To organize research published from 1938 to the beginning of 2018, outcomes are categorized as either vocational choice or adjustment. For each category, we document how many studies exist along with what the findings reveal. In offering theoretical insights to aid new research, we address supplementary and complementary (person–environment) fit pertaining to social, job, and organizational levels. The information encompassed by this review both substantiates the dark side of personality as relevant to research on vocational behavior and provides avenues for research scholars and vocational counselors to pursue.
Organizational Innovation and Expectations: Overcoming the Cycle of Negative Expectations

The model proposed here provides a theoretical framework for understanding why firms may be reluctant to engage in innovation. Specifically, we posit that a number of contextual factors at the intr...
In Vitro Characterizations of Si4+ and Zn2+ Doped Plasma Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Coatings Using Osteoblast and Osteoclast Coculture.

Osteoporosis is one of the most commonly identified bone disorders, which leads to an enhanced risk of bone fracture, especially for the older population. Hydroxyapatite (HA) coated titanium (Ti) alloys have been used widespread for load bearing applications like hip or knee replacements owing to their compositional similarity to natural bone; however, incorporation of osteoinductivity is still a challenge. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of SiO2 and ZnO as dopants in HA coated Ti alloys on cellular osteoporotic conditions mimicked by an in vitro osteoblast and osteoclast coculture model. HA, Si-HA, and Zn-HA coatings showed adhesive bond strengths of 25.7 ± 1.9 MPa, 23.8 ± 2.3 MPa, and 22.9 ± 3.5 MPa, respectively. To study the effects of doped HA coatings on the simulated osteoporotic cellular condition, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and monocytes (THP-1) were seeded simultaneously in a ratio of 1:4, respectively. Gene expressions studies were carried out with marker genes ...