cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A phase I-II study of combined blockade of the ErbB receptor network with trastuzumab and gefitinib in patients with HER2 (ErbB2)-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer

Purpose: To determine the safety, and efficacy of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib in combination with trastuzumab in patients with metastatic HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Experimental Design: Patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer were treated with trastuzumab 2 mg/kg/week and gefitinib 250 to 500 mg/day. The primary end point of the study was to increase the proportion progression-free from 50% to 65% at 6 months in chemotherapy-naive patients and from 50% to 70% at 3 months in patients previously treated with chemotherapy in the metastatic setting. Results: In the phase I study, all patients treated with gefitinib 500 mg/day developed grade 3 diarrhea. The phase II study was conducted using trastuzumab and gefitinib 250 mg/day. One patient achieved a complete response, 2 had a partial response, and 6 had stable disease for an overall response rate of 9% and a clinical benefit rate of 28% (9 of 32). Median time to progression (TTP) was 3 months (95% confidence interval, 2.3-4.1) in patients with no prior systemic therapy in the metastatic setting (n = 23). In patients treated with prior systemic therapy (n = 9), the median TTP of 5.3 months (95% confidence interval, 2.8-8.1). Overall median survival was 27 months. TTP was similar in EGFR-positive compared with EGFR-negative patients. Conclusions: Gefitinib 250 mg/day was the maximal dose that can be safely administered with weekly trastuzumab. Interim analysis of the efficacy suggested that the combination was unlikely to result in clinical benefit compared with trastuzumab alone. These results do not support the use of this combination in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
The transition to a globalized economy: Poverty, human capital and the informal sector in a structuralist CGE model

Abstract Recent econometric evidence suggests that trade liberalization has an elusive relationship to growth and income distribution. This paper provides an explanation for these results via numerical simulations of a dynamic structuralist CGE. The conclusion is that if families become too poor to finance human capital accumulation, or the state too stingy to supply it at a reasonable cost, exports of skill-intensive goods can become uncompetitive and the transition to openness may involve increasing poverty, unemployment and stagnation. The model design incorporates an informal sector as well as accumulation of human capital. The paper simulates two trajectories, a “green” path in which per capita income grows steadily with a rapid rate of human capital accumulation and a reduction in the level of economic informality. A second, or “red” path is also possible, however, with a growth rate that is much lower, an expanding informal sector and an inadequate rate of human capital formation.
Effects of Exercise on Progranulin Levels and Gliosis in Progranulin-Insufficient Mice.

Abstract Loss-of-function mutations in progranulin ( GRN ) are one of the most common genetic causes of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder with no available disease-modifying treatments. Through haploinsufficiency, these mutations reduce levels of progranulin, a protein that has neurotrophic and anti-inflammatory effects. Increasing progranulin expression from the intact allele is therefore a potential approach for treating individuals with GRN mutations. Based on the well-known effects of physical exercise on other neurotrophic factors, we hypothesized that exercise might increase brain progranulin levels. We tested this hypothesis in progranulin heterozygous ( Grn +/− ) mice, which model progranulin haploinsufficiency. We housed wild-type and progranulin-insufficient mice in standard cages or cages with exercise wheels for 4 or 7.5 weeks, and then measured brain and plasma progranulin levels. Although exercise modestly increased progranulin in very young (2-month-old) wild-type mice, this effect was limited to the hippocampus. Exercise did not increase brain progranulin mRNA or protein in multiple regions, nor did it increase plasma progranulin, in 4- to 8-month-old wild-type or Grn +/− mice, across multiple experiments and under conditions that increased hippocampal BDNF and neurogenesis. Grn −/− mice were included in the study to test for progranulin-independent benefits of exercise on gliosis. Exercise attenuated cortical microgliosis in 8-month-old Grn −/− mice, consistent with a progranulin-independent, anti-inflammatory effect of exercise. These results suggest that exercise may have some modest, nonspecific benefits for FTD patients with progranulin mutations, but do not support exercise as a strategy to raise progranulin levels.
Creating Safe Harbors for Quality Measurement Innovation and Improvement.

Public reporting on quality performance has become widespread, and financial rewards for demonstrating higher quality are now common. National organizations, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and The Joint Commission, as well as some employers, large health care systems, and multistakeholder collations, operate programs that track, and sometimes pay for, quality using a defined set of measures. Although there is evidence that measurement and reporting have contributed to improved quality, there also is evidence that current quality monitoring systems have had unintended consequences and sometimes limited returns.
Copyright's Hidden Assumption: A Critical Analysis of the Foundations of Descendible Copyright

Copyright operates under a hidden, erroneous assumption: heirs matter in copyright. This Article examines the possible historical and theoretical bases for the heirs assumption and finds that neither supports it. In short, the assumption is a myth that harms copyright policy and ignores a less obvious, but quite important, heir: society in general. An examination of the historical debates shows that the idea of providing for heirs through copyright has played a minor role in U.S. copyright history. Instead, heirs have been props to advance an agenda of furthering term extensions, advancing rent-seeking opportunities, and allowing authors to exert power against publishers. In addition, although copyright policy makers point to Europe and the Berne Convention as a key source for the heirs assumption, European debates that serve as the basis for the Berne Convention offer surprising and almost prescient sensitivity to ideas that are found today in the access to knowledge movement. One figure in particular, Victor Hugo, made an impassioned speech arguing that literary property protection must be operate as a way to found the public domain and asserting that when choosing between authors' rights and the public domain, the public domain must win. Furthermore, when one examines the dominant theories offered to justify copyright-from Lockean labor to Hegelian personhood to utilitarian theories-no justification for descendible copyright is found. Nonetheless the analysis of this material offers a way to understand that another heir, society, ought to be considered in copyright policy as a matter of intergenerational equity. Rhetorical analysis of the historical and theoretical material investigated in this Article reveals that many seemingly different perspectives converge on two points. First, creativity is a communal, feedback-driven process involving a give and take between the current generation and previous generations. Second, the longer inputs to creativity are locked up, the more creativity and innovation are hindered and harmed rather than increased. These results pose an additional problem as they limit the material available for individuals to use as they develop what Martha Nussbaum has called the basic capability to experience and create expressive works. In short, despite the lack of support for the role ascribed to heirs in today's copyright policy, heirs have taken on a mythological importance that distracts copyright policy from its proper goal: promoting progress. As copyright extension debates continue world-wide and loom with the coming expiration of the Copyright Term Extension Act, this Article seeks to dispel the mythology and provide a more solid basis from which to determine copyright policy.Published version titled 'The Life and Death of Copyright', Wisconsin Law Review, Vol. 2011, No. 2, pp. 219-272, March 2011.
Somaclonal Variation in Populus Hybrids Regenerated from Protoplast Culture

Protoclones were regenerated from the poplar hybrid NC5339 (Populus alba × P. grandidentata ‘Crandon’). Morphologic variation primarily in leaf characteristics has been observed in four vegetative generations under both greenhouse and field conditions. Three variant tree types have been identified: (1) Normal growth rate with long leaves that have reduced pubescence on the underside of the leaves. Leaves show sectoring of pubescence levels. (2) Slower growing with thick, dark green, heavily pubescent leaves in highly convoluted, brittle leaves. (3) Dwarf fast-growing tree with ovate, pale green leaves and a tendency for heavy branching. Leaves show sectoring of pubescence levels. Possible explanations for the variation observed are offered.
Stroke in users of low-dose oral contraceptives.

PIP: Researchers conducted a population-based, retrospective, case control study to determine whether or not women using combined oral contraceptives (OCs) containing less than 50 mcg estrogen face an increased risk for hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke. The racially and ethnically diverse group of 1.1 million women 15-44 years old was enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Medical Plans of northern and southern California. The women were observed for over 3.6 million women-years. 408 of the women had suffered a stroke during 1991-1994, for an incidence rate of 11.3/100,000 women-years. Compared to former users and never users, among current OC users the adjusted odds ratio was 1.18 for ischemic infarction (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-2.59) and 1.14 for hemorrhagic stroke (95% CI, 0.60-2.16). That the CI for the odds ratios include 1.00 suggests that current OC users do not face a significantly increased risk for stroke overall. Current OC use combined with smoking did appear to affect the outcome of hemorrhagic stroke. Limitations of the study include: the women had consistent access to medical care at little or no cost (different results may have been seen among poor women at public clinics), the low risk of stroke in young women limits the statistical power of the study, and the researchers did not inquire about migraine in study participants. These findings imply that most users of and potential candidates for low-dose OCs face little or no increased risk for stroke. Among non-smokers regardless of age, the risk of death from pregnancy is greater than it is from OC use. Among smokers 40 years or younger, the risk of death as a result of pregnancy may be higher than that due to OC use, still smokers 35 and older should not use OCs.
Exploring health-related quality of life and social functioning in adolescents with inflammatory bowel diseases after attending camp oasis and participating in a Facebook group.

BACKGROUND Youth with inflammatory bowel diseases are at risk for impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and problems with social functioning. This study examined the impact of attending Camp Oasis (a disease-specific weeklong camp experience) on the HRQoL and social functioning of youth with inflammatory bowel diseases. Additionally, the study collected pilot data on whether a postcamp Facebook group contributed to maintenance or enhancement of these factors. METHODS Twenty-one youth ages 14 to 17 years who attended Camp Oasis and were Facebook users participated. HRQoL and social functioning (i.e., social support and social connectedness) were assessed through validated youth-report questionnaires at precamp, postcamp, and post-Facebook group. The Facebook group was 8 weeks in duration and encouraged campers to continue interacting in a private, protected setting. RESULTS Analyses of effect sizes (i.e., Cohen's d) indicated medium and statistically significant increases in HRQoL from precamp to postcamp (d = 0.40) and small increases in social functioning (d = 0.15-0.24). Additional improvements in social functioning were seen from postcamp to post-Facebook group (d = 0.21-0.32), and overall improvements were observed in all domains (d = 0.17-0.52). CONCLUSIONS Findings replicated those of previous research in documenting the value of Camp Oasis on enhancing HRQoL. Both the camp experience and the Facebook group contributed to improvements in youth social functioning. Thus, supplementing the camp experience with membership in an online community may enhance social functioning in adolescents with inflammatory bowel diseases.
LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY WITH AN ABDOMINAL LIFTING METHOD USING AN ORIGINAL LIFTING BAR

Since 1992 we have performed the laparoscopic cholecystectomy with an abdominal lifting method using an original lifting bar which was newly devised at our department for 100 patients with good results. Our original lifting bar is made of a stainless steel, 5 mm in diameter. It is inserted into the abdominal cavity beyond the right costal arch, is retracted enourh, and then offers a good operative view. This modified lifting bar is especially effective for the obese patients. Our lifting method enables us to use usual operating instruments such as gauze, electric cautery with a long hilt used for laparotomy, and is convenient for aspiration and washing. The method has the advantage that laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely performed for the patients with cardiopulmonary complications or those with poor goneral condition without risk of causing pneumoperitoneum.
Tuning the host-guest interactions in a phosphine coordination polymer through different types of post-synthetic modification.

The porous Phosphine Coordination Material, PCM-10 contains abundant free P(III) donor sites that can be subjected to a variety of post-synthetic modifications. The diverse P(III)/P(V) organic reactivity and coordination chemistry available to aryl phosphines have been exploited to decorate the pores of PCM-10, allowing for an extensive structure–function study. Polar P═O moieties, charged P+–CH3 phosphonium species with exchangeable coanions (I–, F–, BF4–, and PF6–) and P–AuCl groups have been successfully post-synthetically incorporated. These modifications directly affect the strength of the resulting host–guest interactions, as demonstrated by comparative sorption studies of CO2, H2, and other gases in the solid-state. Broad tunability of the enthalpy of CO2 adsorption is observed: incorporation of BF4– ions inside the pores of PCM-10 results in 24% enhancement of the isosteric adsorption enthalpy of CO2 compared to the parent material, while F– anions induce a 36% reduction. Meanwhile, AuCl-decorated...
Hereditary intestinal polyposis with oral pigmentation (Jeghers' syndrome); a case report.

Abstract A case of hereditary intestinal polyposis with oral pigmentation has been presented. This disease is of special interest to the dental profession because of its unusual oral and facial symptoms.
Performance of Trap Designs, Lures, and Kill Strips for the Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the most effective traps, lures, and kill strips for deploying against the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman. The results indicated that Hardee traps or the Hercon Boll Weevil Scout baited with either of two 2-wk lures were comparable and the best combinations for use in boll weevil monitoring and eradication programs. Either kill strip used in traps was equally effective and is recommended for convenience in servicing traps.
Diseases of Coral Reef Organisms

All coral reef organisms are susceptible to diseases, as are terrestrial organisms, but studying these diseases can be more difficult and much remains to be learned. Although health impairments of corals were first recognized only in the early 1970s, increasing numbers of infectious and non-infectious diseases, causing morbidity and mortality in numerous species of tropical marine organisms, have now been identified in diverse species of algae, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Causes of diseases include biotic, as well as abiotic, factors, but identifying a primary pathogen has been reported in only a few cases, and some of those results have been questioned as additional diagnostic tools have been applied. The multitude of stressors affecting reef organisms, particularly along heavily urbanized coastlines, as well as introductions of species to distant reefs by global transport, are contributing to concerns about extinction risks and loss of biodiversity. This chapter presents an overview of diseases of reef organisms, how diseases have adversely affected coral reefs, and new developments in disease diagnoses. The application of concepts from the field of conservation medicine are aiding our understanding of diseases and their impacts on organisms of these shallow to mesophotic ecosystems.
Identification of One Producing the Antibacterial Substance Microorganism Strain SDLH and the Stability of Its Fermentation Products

Objective:Identification for the endophyte of the Oxya chinensis,the SDLH,which can produce the antibacterial substance,and analysis for the stability of the ferment substance.Method: Through the observation of the growth and morphologic characteristic of the colony,usage of the amino acid,ferment of the glucide,decarboxylase reaction and determination of the sequence of the 16S rDNA in order to identify and classify the SDLH.The anti-fungal stability under different conditions(temperature,pH,illumination) were determined.Result: The SDLH has the general character of the Enterobacteriaceae,the physiological-biochemical characteristics are identical with Serratia marcescens.The length of the 16S rDNA is 1457bp,accession number of the Genbank is EU525939.The 1457 bp of the sequence has 100% similarity with the 16S rDNA of the Serratia marcescens(AB244291.1).The ferment substance has stable anti-bacterial stabilities under temperature(40℃～60℃),and lost the activity under high temperature(≥80℃);has no obvious activity change under the acid environment(3≤pH7),and decreased under alkalescence environment(pH≥10);decreased after illumination for 2～6 hours.Conclusion: The SDLH belongs to the Serratia marcescens of Serratia,the ferment substance has strong stability,and can be conserved under the environment of lucifuge,neutral pH and moderate room temperature.It can be used as a new kind of natural antiseptic for the food industry after the treatment of increase the activity and purification.
A review of clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of HIV inactivation methods.

Seroconversion surveillance is informative and must be continued. The level of safety is now so high that individual candidate cases of seroconversion need exquisite investigation to exclude the possibility of another source of the HIV infection. Consequently, we must be mindful that the inappropriate assignment of an HIV seroconversion incident to a blood product not only misrepresents the risk associated with currently available blood products, but may unfairly and devastatingly damage the reputation of a necessary and precious biological product. Inappropriate anxiety about a product, with resultant abandonment of its therapeutic benefit, may drastically reduce available factor concentrates, encourage price escalations associated with shortages, and lead unsettled patients to reduce their levels of prescribed therapy--with life threatening consequences. By monitoring the HIV-antibody testing records for all collection sites of a company's source plasma procurement network, the number and percent of donors found to be confirmably HIB-antibody positive might provide a clue to possible changes in the level of the undetected virus burden introduced into the source plasma supply. However, the combined efforts to develop higher purity products, combined with stringent inactivation methods has resulted in a product mix in use in the U.S. and elsewhere that seems to carry a risk of HIV seroconversion of less than 1 per 1000 patient-years of therapy.
Nonparametric analysis of competing risks data with event category missing at random

In competing risks setup, the data for each subject consist of the event time, censoring indicator, and event category. However, sometimes the information about the event category can be missing, as, for example, in a case when the date of death is known but the cause of death is not available. In such situations, treating subjects with missing event category as censored leads to the underestimation of the hazard functions. We suggest nonparametric estimators for the cumulative cause-specific hazards and the cumulative incidence functions which use the Nadaraya-Watson estimator to obtain the contribution of an event with missing category to each of the cause-specific hazards. We derive the propertied of the proposed estimators. Optimal bandwidth is determined, which minimizes the mean integrated squared errors of the proposed estimators over time. The methodology is illustrated using data on lung infections in patients from the United States Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry.
Locating Gendered Resistance: Interethnic Conflict, Environmental Disaster, and Feminist Leadership in Sri Lanka

In geographically vulnerable and politically unstable regions such as Sri Lanka, I argue that linking natural hazards and climate-induced disasters to existing social problems is more pressing than ever. In the case of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, it was impossible to dissociate the two. This paper examines the following questions: Within the geo-political context of Sri Lanka, how does trauma (human-made or environmental) produce resistance to patriarchal traditions in communities along gender lines? What gaps do women-led groups and coalitions fill in responding to the needs of women in conflict and post-disaster landscapes? And how has the public participation of women in armed conflict and coalitions provided space for transgressive agency to redefine traditional expectations? I argue that a greater understanding of the ways in which women are resisting their construction as partial citizens can provide insight to their strength and role in shaping their personal identities as well as that of the state. Looking though the lens of distress, in conflict and environmental disaster, this paper explores how women have transformed moments of victimization into opportunities for resistance and agency.
Burden of Proof Requirements and Environmental Sustainability: Science, Public Policy, and Ethics

Our Common Future, prepared for the United Nations by the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987), concluded that rapid deterioration of the global environment is threatening life on earth. The threats to the global environment combined with other problems confronting humans are made more ominous when one considers that they are occurring with a current human population of approximately 5.6 billion people. Because the human population may grow to 10 billion people by the year 2030, Our Common Future concluded that urgent and decisive political action is necessary to prevent and mitigate more widespread environmental destruction.
Die Zahl Fünf

Die Funf ist die erste Zahl, die sich nicht „in Schubladen stecken“ lasst. Als Anzahl der platonischen Korper schafft sie Ordnung, und auserdem ist sie in den Rogers-Ramanujan-Identitaten verewigt. Andererseits widersetzt sie sich standhaft geschlossenen Losungen von Gleichungen funften Grades und lasst sich auch nicht schon bei Parkettierungen verwenden. Der autistische Gelehrte Daniel Tammet meint: „Funf ist ein Donnerschlag oder der Klang von Wellen, die gegen Felsen branden.“ Wir werden sehen, wie diese Zahl Schonheit und Kraft vereint.
Effect of synthesis route on catalytic properties and performance of Co3O4/TiO2 for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon oxidation under real engine operating conditions

Abstract With increase in urbanization and consequent growth in vehicular fleets, resulting air pollution is becoming a serious problem for urban environment. One of the technological options to control vehicular emissions is catalytic converters. Here we report catalytic converter based on Co3O4/TiO2 as catalyst with stainless steel wire mesh as a substrate. Catalyst was prepared by wet impregnation and incipient wetness impregnation methods. Catalyst was tested for oxidation of CO and HC present in the tailpipe emissions of 125 cm3 engine. The conversion efficiencies were superior in catalysts prepared with incipient wetness impregnation method as compared to wet impregnation method.
Biology of Human Insemination

This chapter deals with some physiological and biochemical parameters of human semen including clinical, endocrine and other methods used for the evaluation of the donor and the couple before insemination; advances in insemination technology; donor artificial insemination (AID); semen cryobanking; and conception and pregnancy following insemination (AID and AIH).
No Reliable Evidence That Emotional Disorders Are Proximal Antecedents, Concomitants, or Short-Term Consequences of First Episode Alcohol Use Disorders in a Representative Community Sample.

Objective:Emotional disorders and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) frequently demonstrate significant 12-month and lifetime comorbid associations. This comorbidity has been incorporated into influential theories of addiction processes that posit direct or indirect causal associations between these disorder categories. There is currently no consensus, however, about the sequencing of these disorders. In this research, longitudinal data from a regionally representative community sample were used to evaluate whether emotional disorders constitute a proximal antecedent, concomitant, or short-term consequence of first episode (or index) AUDs.Method:Participants were 131 persons with index AUD episodes lasting 12 months or more and 131 matched controls. For each participant with an AUD, the presence or absence of an emotional disorder was coded for three time intervals: (a) the 12 months preceding full syndrome AUD episode onset; (b) the last 12 months of the AUD episode; and (c) the 12 months following complete sy...
200 nm tunable acousto-optic fiber grating for OAM mode generation in the visible spectral range

We demonstrate low loss (0.7dB) efficient (>90%) tunable generation of OAM modes over a record 200nm in the visible spectral range using acousto-optic fiber gratings, of utility in numerous applications requiring spectrally diverse OAM light.
Varieties of arbitrary dimension

In this chapter we generalize some of the results of Chapter II to varieties of arbitrary dimension. Let us begin by putting into perspective some of the results of Chapter II. A curve C in ℂ2 or ℙ2(ℂ) defines a topological space, its topology being induced from that of ℂ2 or ℙ2(ℂ). If, in particular, C is non-singular, then it is a topological 2-manifold (cf. the discussion after Theorem 2.7 of Chapter I). In fact, it is actually an analytic manifold, in the sense that all the homeomorphisms ф β −>1 ○ фα of Definition 9.3 of Chapter II are analytic.
Thermally-drawn fibers with spatially-selective porous domains.

The control of mass transport using porous fibers is ubiquitous, with applications ranging from filtration to catalysis. Yet, to date, porous fibers have been made of single materials in simple geometries, with limited function. Here we report the fabrication and characterization of thermally drawn multimaterial fibers encompassing internal porous domains alongside non-porous insulating and conductive materials, in highly controlled device geometries. Our approach utilizes phase separation of a polymer solution during the preform-to-fiber drawing process, generating porosity as the fiber is drawn. Engineering the preform structure grants control over the geometry and materials architecture of the final porous fibers. Electrical conductivity of the selectrolyte-filled porous domains is substantiated through ionic conductivity measurements using electrodes thermally drawn in the cross-section. Pore size tunability between 500 nm–10 µm is established by regulating the phase separation kinetics. We further demonstrate capillary breakup of cylindrical porous structures porous microspheres within the fiber core. Porous polymer fibers show great potential for a range of applications, but their simple structures typically limit their functionality. Here, the authors combine a thermal drawing process with polymer solution phase separation to fabricate porous multimaterial fibers with complex internal architectures.
Ulurumyiidae – a new family of calyptrate flies (Diptera)

A new monotypic and monospecific family Ulurumyiidae fam.n., type genus Ulurumyia gen.n., is erected for the species Ulurumyia macalpinei sp.n. from southeastern Australia. The family is unambiguously a member of the superfamily Oestroidea within Calyptratae, and available evidence supports noninclusion in any of the known families, but phylogenetic affinities are otherwise obscure. The species is a coprophage with obligate lecithotrophic unilarviparity, known to breed in cow dung but not known from the dung of any native Australian mammal.
Who perceives they are smarter? Exploring the influence of student characteristics on student academic self-concept in physiology.

Academic self-concept is one’s perception of his or her ability in an academic domain and is formed by comparing oneself to other students. As college biology classrooms transition from lecturing to active learning, students interact more with each other and are likely comparing themselves more to other students in the class. Student characteristics can impact students’ academic self-concept; however, this has been unexplored in the context of undergraduate biology. In this study, we explored whether student characteristics can affect academic self-concept in the context of an active learning college physiology course. Using a survey, students self-reported how smart they perceived themselves to be in the context of physiology relative to the whole class and relative to their groupmate, the student with whom they worked most closely in class. Using linear regression, we found that men and native English speakers had significantly higher academic self-concept relative to the whole class compared with women...
Controlled Delivery of a Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibitor Results in Accelerated Wound Closure with Decreased Scar Formation.

Formation of scars after wounding or trauma represents a significant health care burden costing the economy billions of dollars every year. Activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been shown to play a pivotal role in transducing mechanical signals to elicit fibrotic responses and scar formation during wound repair. We have previously shown that inhibition of FAK using local injections of a small molecule FAK inhibitor (FAKI) can attenuate scar development in a hypertrophic scar model. Clinical translation of FAKI therapy has been challenging, however, because of the lack of an effective drug delivery system for extensive burn injuries, blast injuries, and large excisional injuries. To address this issue, we have developed a pullulan collagen-based hydrogel to deliver FAKI to excisional and burn wounds in mice. Specifically, two distinct drug-laden hydrogels were developed for rapid or sustained release of FAKI for treatment of burn wounds and excisional wounds, respectively. Controlled delivery of FAKI via pullulan collagen hydrogels accelerated wound healing and reduced collagen deposition and activation of scar-forming myofibroblasts in both wound healing models. Our study highlights a biomaterial-based drug delivery approach for wound and scar management that has significant translational implications.
Comprehensive taxonomic, faunistic, biological, and geographic inventory and analysis of the Sciomyzidae (Diptera: Acalyptratae) of the Delmarva region and nearby states in eastern North America

Genera and species of Sciomyzidae known from the Delmarva region (Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia) and nearby states are reviewed taxonomically, faunistically, biologically, and geographically. Although restricted to the taxa in that area, this work amounts to a revision of the sciomyzid fauna of that portion of the Nearctic region. Treated are 91 species in 19 genera, i.e. 46% of the 199 species and all but four of the 23 genera of Sciomyzidae known from the Nearctic Region. Included are 67 species in 16 genera from Delmarva and 24 other species in 10 genera from nearby states. Euthycera flavescens (Loew) is resurrected; Renocera cressoni Mathis and Knutson sp. nov. is described from eastern North America; R. amanda Cresson is given new status as a junior synonym of R. longipes (Loew); and Chaetomacera brevis Cresson, R. cyathiformis Melander, R. pacifica Curran, and R. bergi Steyskal are given new status as junior synonyms of R. striata (Meigen). Newly diagnosed are taxonomic categories ranging from family to species level, including the first diagnoses of abdomens of females of many species, where known. Provided for each genus and species are annotated taxonomic/nomenclatorial catalogs of all North American references to all species, with generic combinations noted, with previously unrecorded synonymies as well as North American literature references, illustrations, and information on natural history and morphology of immature stages. Results of cross-mating studies of Dictya are reported and discussed. Provided are label data from examined specimens, lists of Canadian provinces and U.S. states from which reviewed species have been recorded, and detailed maps of geographical distribution of species in Delmarva, with references to previously published maps.
Getting Out from Under the Contract: The risk of over relying on third parties for eLearning

eLearning requires a specific set of development skills and specialized technologies to support learning goals and program needs. To offer a dynamic program that evolves to meet the needs of users, try to use internal talent and systems that allow you to control as much of the content creation and supporting technologies as possible. This will create a program independent of third parties and keep your program relevant for years to come.
Methods to Control for Confounding

1. Methods used to control for confounding include: a. Restriction b. Stratification c. Matching d. Regression e. Randomization 2. Restriction can be a powerful method to address a limited number of confounders. 3. Restriction by the indication for a drug can be used to address confounding-by-indication in observational studies of medication use. 4. Stratification involves dividing the study population into strata, and then weighing and combining the stratum-specific results. 5. Restriction, stratification, and matching may not be appropriate for dealing with multiple confounding variables. 6. Randomization balances both measured and unmeasured characteristics. 7. A factor is likely to be confounding a given association if adjustment for that factor substantially changes the strength of the association.
The Evaluation of Regional — Scale Air Quality Models

A major component of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Air Quality Forecasting Pilot Program has been the development and implementation of an evaluation protocol. This pilot program — which has as its eventual goal, development of an operational, National air quality forecasting system, enlisted three regional-scale air quality models to forecast O3 concentrations across the eastern United States during the summer of 2002. The three models used in this demonstration include: a hybrid Lagrangian model based on NOAA’s HYSPLIT (HYbrid Single- Particle Lagrangian Trajectory) model; an Eulerian model with coupled chemistry and meteorology developed at NOAA’s Forecast System Laboratory, and MAQSIP (Multiscale Air Quality Simulation Platform), another Eurlerian model developed by Environmental Modeling Center of MCNC.
Radiological Survey and Monitoring Instrumentation

The measurement of in plant radiation fields is one of the most important aspects of a LWR radiation protection program. Radiation areas must be identified in a timely manner, with both the extent and magnitude of radiation areas properly characterized. Accurate dose rate information must be obtained to assess pre-job dose estimates and to support dose mitigation efforts (e.g., the placement of temporary shielding). All these aspects are crucial in ensuring the radiological safety of employees and in minimizing unplanned radiation exposure events.
Whose anxiety are we treating, anyway?

Objectives This paper explores the ways empirically supported treatments (ESTs) help patients, therapists, and institutional administrators contain anxiety regarding complex human problems. Method The authors synthesized relevant literature with their experience as clinicians and psychotherapy researchers. Results ESTs may manage patient anxieties by framing their symptoms in clearly stated mechanisms and relying on a therapist who is an "expert" capable of healing them quickly. ESTs allow therapists to streamline treatment decisions and minimize intersubjective aspects of treatment which reduces the complexity of therapy. ESTs assist institutional administrators in the top-down dissemination of treatments and limit concerns about malpractice and insurance reimbursement by providing assurance that interventions have been vetted. Conclusions While recognizing the benefits of ESTs, relying on ESTs to manage anxieties may diminish the importance of patient factors and clinical judgment, the other critical aspects of evidence-based practice, and thus limit the potential of clinical practice to reduce human distress.
THE STORM THAT WON't PASS: CARDIAC SARCOIDOSIS PRESENTING WITH RECURRENT VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA

Cardiac sarcoidosis is a common presentation of the disease but with variable manifestations; delay in diagnosis and treatment can have significant consequences. While benign in some, it can also be a life-threatening disorder causing sudden death. We describe a case of primary cardiac sarcoid with
Detection for enzymatic activity for bacteria isolated from the soil in polyethylene bags biodegradation

Abstract The study included investigating the bacteria growing in the soil that have the ability to produce enzymes that can be used to break down plastic wastes. Where 50 soil samples were collected from different areas in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, at a rate of 1 gm per sample. After diluting each sample separately, the dilutions were cultured on different culture media such as mannitol, nutrient and MacConkey agar media. After an incubation period, the bacteria were purified and its ability to produce specific enzymes such as lipase, esterase and oxygenase were examined using proper procedure. The study has find that most isolated species are able to degrade plastic wastes but the genera Pseudomonas alcaligens and Bacillus have gave a highest ratio of degradation at the same conditions.
Survival outcomes associated with fewer combination ipilimumab/nivolumab doses in advanced-stage melanoma.

9549Background: Standard combination ipilimumab/nivolumab (I/N) is given as 4 induction doses for advanced stage melanoma. While many patients receive less than 4 doses due to treatment-related tox...
Promoting physical activity in young adult cancer survivors using mHealth and adaptive tailored feedback strategies: Design of the Improving Physical Activity after Cancer Treatment (IMPACT) randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Introduction Despite the health benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors, nearly 60% of young adult cancer survivors (YACS) are physically inactive. Few physical activity interventions have been designed specifically for YACS. Purpose To describe the rationale and design of the IMPACT (IMproving Physical Activity after Cancer Treatment) trial, which tests the efficacy of a theory-based, mobile physical activity intervention for YACS. Methods A total of 280 physically inactive YACS (diagnosed at ages 18–39) will be randomized to a self-help control or intervention condition. All participants will receive an activity tracker and companion mobile app, cellular-enabled scale, individual videochat session, and access to a Facebook group. Intervention participants will also receive a 6-month mobile intervention based on social cognitive theory, which targets improvements in behavioral capability, self-regulation, self-efficacy, and social support, and incorporates self-regulation strategies and behavior change techniques. The program includes: behavioral lessons; adaptive goal-setting in response to individuals' changing activity patterns; tailored feedback based on objective data and self-report measures; tailored text messages; and Facebook prompts encouraging peer support. Assessments occur at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome is total physical activity min/week at 6 months (assessed via accelerometry); secondary outcomes include total physical activity at 12 months, sedentary behavior, weight, and psychosocial measures. Conclusions IMPACT uniquely focuses on physical activity in YACS using an automated tailored mHealth program. Study findings could result in a high-reach, physical activity intervention for YACS that has potential to be adopted on a larger scale and reduce cancer-related morbidity. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03569605.
Implementation of instructional videos improves nursing comfort with commonly encountered urinary catheter care scenarios.

INTRODUCTION Placement of coude catheters, manual irrigation of urinary catheters, and management of continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) are routine interventions for which nurses often receive little or no formal education. In this study, our aim was to determine factors associated with higher comfort levels for these catheter-care techniques and to assess whether online instructional videos could be used to improve nursing comfort. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three 5-minute videos were created to demonstrate proper technique for coude catheter placement, manual irrigation of a catheter, and management of CBI. An online module with pre- and post-video surveys was created and administered to all nursing staff at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. RESULTS A total of 821 nurses participated in this study and completed the online module with both pre-- and post-video surveys. Using a 10-point Likert scale, pre-video median comfort levels for coude catheter placement, manual irrigation of a catheter, and management of CBI were 5, 6, and 5, respectively. Post-video median comfort levels increased significantly to 9, 8, and 8, respectively (p < 0.001). In the linear regression models, prior formal training was significantly associated with higher baseline comfort levels for all three techniques (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Prior formal training as well as baseline nursing comfort levels for common catheter related techniques tend to be low and the implementation of simple instructional videos via an online platform may be a useful strategy for improving nursing comfort. This study demonstrates a reproducible strategy for disseminating catheter education for nurses on a larger scale.
The Importance of Cleaning Data During Fieldwork: Evidence from Mozambique

In many small-scale surveys with limited resources, data editing is usually conducted by a statistician after data collection has concluded. Including the statistician and the data editing process in the data collection phase of the survey has many benefits. This paper describes a procedure for survey implementation of small-scale surveys in which the statistician identifies and edits the data as it is collected. We implemented this procedure during a household survey conducted in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, and detailed data on the editing process was recorded. This article analyzes this data to gain insight into the effects on the collected data. The results of the analysis indicate that the edited data may be of higher quality than data without edits. We also identify areas of improvement in the procedure for future household surveys.
Serum prostate specific antigen, sex hormone binding globulin and free androgen index as markers of pubertal development in boys.

OBJECTIVE Prostate specific antigen (PSA) expression in the prostate gland is regulated by androgens. Serum levels of PSA are undetectable by routine assays in normal boys. Measurable values could serve as a marker for pubertal development. In order to explore this question, we measured serum PSA levels in normal boys throughout puberty and examined the interrelationships with various hormonal and physical developmental changes. DESIGN Sera from 77 normal boys in Tanner stages I to V (T-I to T-V) were analysed for PSA levels by a sensitive time-resolved fluoro-immunometric assay (sensitivity: 0.012 μg/l). In addition, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF binding protein 3(IGFBP-3) and testosterone were measured. RESULTS PSA was detectable in 0% of Stage T-I (n = 16), 33% of T-II (n = 18), 65% of T-III (n = 17) and 100% of T-IV (n = 10) and T-V (n = 16) boys. PSA levels rose significantly according to stage (P < 0.05). Also, there were significant (P < 0.05) increments in serum testosterone, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels from stages T-I to T-IV. PSA showed a positive correlation with testosterone (r = 0.86, P < 0.001), IGF-I (r = 0.66, P < 0.001), and IGFBP-3 (r = 0.34, P = 0.004) levels. Both PSA and these analytes, however, showed significant overlap between stages T-I and T-II with only 6/18 (33%) and 12/18 (66%) of T-II subjects having PSA and testosterone levels, respectively, above the T-I range. In contrast, serum SHBG levels decreased markedly from stages I to II (P < 0.001). At the calculated best cut-off point for SHBG of 50 nmol/l, 16/18 T-II subjects had values below the T-I range (sensitivity=89%). Because of this decrement of SHBG and the increasing testosterone secretion in early puberty, the Free Androgen Index (FAI=Testosterone/SHBG) could even better differentiate the onset of puberty with all except one of the T-II subjects having FAI levels above the T-I range (sensitivity=94.4%). The decrease of SHBG in T-II subjects coincided with an increase in total body weight (P = 0.001) and body mass index (BMI, P = 0.0003). Despite the continuing pubertal rise in testosterone, SHBG levels showed a rebound increment from T-II — T-III subjects (P = 0.02) with a concomitant decrease in BMI (P = 0.0014). CONCLUSIONS Prostate specific antigen closely reflects serum free androgen activity during puberty. However, it was unable to differentiate the earliest pubertal development. In comparison, SHBG levels and Free Androgen Index are more sensitive markers for the onset of puberty in boys. The inverse association between SHBG levels and BMI in pubertal stages Tanner stages, I to III suggests that body fatness, via its effect on insulin sensitivity, may play an important role in the regulation of SHBG production during early pubertal development.