cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High‐Grade Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Management and Outcomes: A National Cancer Database Study

BACKGROUND High-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas are rare in the gastrointestinal tract. However, treatment patterns and outcomes have not been well described. SUBJECTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS The National Cancer Database was analyzed. The primary objective was to describe the clinical outcomes and identify prognostic factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify factors associated with patient outcome. RESULTS A total of 1,861 patients were identified between 2004 and 2013. The mean age was 63 years (standard deviation ±13). The majority of the patients (78.1%) were non-Hispanic whites. The most common primary sites were pancreas (pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor [PNET] = 19.4%), large intestine (18.1%), esophagus (17.8%), and rectum (15.5%). Stage at presentation was I (6.6%), II (10.5%), III (18%) and IV (64.6%). Only 1.6% of the patients had brain metastases. Surgical resection was the primary therapy in 27.9%, and their median overall survival (OS) was 13.3 months. Patients treated with palliative chemotherapy had a median OS of 11.2 months, compared with 1.7 months for untreated patients. The median OS for high-grade PNET was 6 months, compared with 9.9 months for other high-grade gastrointestinal neuroendocrine carcinomas (HG GI NEC). On univariable analysis, age < 65 years (hazard ratio [HR] 0.72; 0.66-0.8; p < .001) and treatment at an academic center (HR 0.88; 0.79-0.99; p < .034) were associated with improved survival. Multivariable analysis confirmed prognostic advantage of treatment at an academic center. CONCLUSION This is the largest series of HG GI NEC. Most patients present with metastatic disease, and overall survival remains poor. Treatment at an academic center, younger age, and use of chemotherapy were associated with improved survival. Multiagent chemotherapy was found to be associated with superior survival compared with single-agent chemotherapy, which was superior to no chemotherapy. Temporal sequences of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation administration were not found to be associated with survival differences on multivariable analysis. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Management of patients with high-grade gastrointestinal neuroendocrine carcinomas (HG GI NEC) is based on experience with small-cell lung cancer. In this retrospective review, most patients had advanced disease and pancreatic primary had worse outcomes. Treatment at an academic center, younger age, and use of chemotherapy are associated with improved survival. Patients with early-stage disease treated with resection alone had inferior outcomes compared with patients who received neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy, suggesting that micrometastases contribute to poor surgical outcomes. The relatively high proportion of positive surgical margin favors downstaging with neoadjuvant therapy to improve resection and lower the risk of systemic recurrence.
Ibn Mada'al Qurtubi (1120–1196)

Ibn Madʕāʔ was the Arab Spanish linguist ʔabu ʔal-ʕabbās ʔahħmad ʔibn ʕabd ʔal-rahħmān ʔal-laxmiy ʔal-qurtʕubiy (513–592 h/1119–1196 a.d.). The spread of linguistics followed on the heels of the Arab military conquest of Spain. In Spain, language analysis in the eastern part of the Abbasid Empire (132–648 h/750–1250 a.d.) was nurtured and vigorously followed. By the 10th century, the Spanish school of Arabic linguistics was as dynamic and creative as the schools in the East, especially in Baghdad. Ibn Madʕāʔ favored simplification, and in his book ʔal-Radd ʕala ʔal-Nahħawiyyiyn ‘A refutation of [the] syntacticians,’ he took issue with the issue of ʕawāmil ‘operators’ by trying to eliminate it from the discussion.
Carbon debris and fiber cleaving: Effects on potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser energy and chorioallantoic membrane model vessel coagulation.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Photoangiolytic precision afforded by the 532-nm potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser relies on predictable energy delivery. Inadequate energy output can cause vessel rupture, and excessive energy can cause thermal damage. The quality of the cleaved surface and carbon deposits from ablated tissue are two factors that could negatively impact fiber performance. The effects of these on energy output and blood vessel coagulation were assessed using a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. STUDY DESIGN Comparative analysis. METHODS Laser fibers with carbon debris, optimal fiber cleaving, and suboptimal cleaving were inspected at three times magnification, and the light dispersion pattern of each fiber was rated. The average energy output from consecutive pulses through each fiber configuration was recorded. The effect of these fiber conditions on clinical efficacy was estimated by measuring vessel coagulation versus rupture in the CAM model. Repeated measures analysis of variance compared results. RESULTS Carbon debris and suboptimal cleaving resulted in decreased energy output in comparison to optimal cleaving ([-Δ244 mJ, d = 4.31, P < .001] and [-Δ195 mJ, d = 6.04, P < .001]). Optimal cleaving resulted in immediate coagulation of vessels. Fibers with suboptimal cleaving and carbon debris had unpredictable outcomes, requiring multiple pulses for coagulation or causing vessel rupture. CONCLUSIONS KTP laser fiber function is significantly affected by fiber tip condition. Carbon debris and suboptimal cleaving create significant attenuation of energy, which results in an unpredictable angiolytic effect, as demonstrated by increased vessel rupture in the CAM model. Optimal recleaving of KTP laser fibers restores prior energy output and predictable coagulation. Care should be taken to avoid carbon debris on laser-fiber tips and to cleave fibers properly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 129:2244-2248, 2019.
An Analysis of Postharvest Fungal Pathogens Reveals Temporal–Spatial and Host–Pathogen Associations with Fungicide Resistance-Related Mutations

Fungicides are the primary tools to control a wide range of postharvest fungal pathogens. Fungicide resistance is a widespread problem that has reduced the efficacy of fungicides. Resistance to FRA...
Alternative polyadenylation: An untapped source for prostate cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets?

Abstract Objective To review alternative polyadenylation (APA) as a mechanism of gene regulation and consider potential roles for APA in prostate cancer (PCa) biology and treatment. Methods An extensive review of mRNA polyadenylation, APA, and PCa literature was performed. This review article introduces APA and its association with human disease, outlines the mechanisms and components of APA, reviews APA in cancer biology, and considers whether APA may contribute to PCa progression and/or produce novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PCa. Results Eukaryotic mRNA 3′-end cleavage and polyadenylation play a critical role in gene expression. Most human genes encode more than one polyadenylation signal, and produce more than one transcript isoform, through APA. Polyadenylation can occur throughout the gene body to generate transcripts with differing 3′-termini and coding sequence. Differences in 3′-untranslated regions length can modify post-transcriptional gene regulation by microRNAs and RNA binding proteins, and alter mRNA stability, translation efficiency, and subcellular localization. Distinctive APA patterns are associated with human diseases, tissue origins, and changes in cellular proliferation rate and differentiation state. APA events may therefore generate unique mRNA biomarkers or therapeutic targets in certain cancer types or phenotypic states. Conclusions The full extent of cancer-associated and tissue-specific APA events have yet to be defined, and the mechanisms and functional consequences of APA in cancer remain incompletely understood. There is evidence that APA is active in PCa, and that it may be an untapped resource for PCa biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Environmental perspectives of external stakeholders in sport

The purpose of this study was to analyze qualitative data to understand a sport organization’s external stakeholders’ (i.e. sport fans’, non-sport fans’/community members’) environmental attitudes,...
Lost in the Host: The Struggle of a Syrian Refugee Family in Urban Schools with a Child Suffering from Undiagnosed PTSD Symptoms

The Syrian refugee crisis has put schools worldwide under pressure to meet the unique needs of refugee children, many of whom suffer from undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Using thematic analysis on open-ended interview data, the present case study examined the experience of a Syrian refugee family who recently arrived in the United States and their experiences at two different school districts. An analysis of the findings indicates the need for trauma-informed schools that provide tailored interventions and counseling to help refugee students overcome their traumatic experiences. This study also demonstrates a need for a revision to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s (IDEA) definition of an emotional disturbance to specifically include students who have experienced trauma. The four emerging themes that support these recommendations were positions that aggravate PTSD symptoms, schools’ negligence in accommodating for a new culture, an ineffective academic approach (sink or swim), and social isolation due to lack of acceptance. While this study focused on a Syrian refugee mother and her children, their experiences may advise a planned path for this growing population.
Clinical Significance of C-Peptide

Significant information has accumulated in recent years regarding the biochemical and morphological details of insulin biosynthesis and secretion. Insulin is formed in pancreatic beta-cells through enzymatic splitting of a precursor molecule, proinsulin, which itself is a product of the proteolysis of an even larger molecule, preproinsulin (Chan, Keim, and Steiner, 1976; Steiner, 1977; Steiner, Clark, Nolan, Rubenstein, Margoliash, Melani, and Oyer, 1970; Steiner, Kemmler, Clark, Oyer, and Rubenstein, 1972; Steiner and Oyer, 1967). This latter reaction occurs as the molecule traverses the membrane of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Proinsulin is transported through the cisternal space to the Golgi apparatus, where it is packaged into granules. As the granules mature, proinsulin is cleaved into insulin and C-peptide (Howell, Kostianowski, and Lacy, 1969; Orci, Lambert, Kanazawa, Amherdt, Poviller, and Renold, 1971; Steiner et al., 1972).
Physical Fitness, Physical Activity, Exercise Training, and Atrial Fibrillation: First the Good News, Then the Bad.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly treated arrhythmia in clinical practice [(1)][1], accounting for approximately one-third of U.S. hospital admissions for arrhythmia [(1)][1] and affecting an estimated 1% of the U.S. population [(1)][1] and >33 million individuals worldwide [(2)][2]. The
Association between changes in quality of life scores and survival in non‐small cell lung cancer patients

In patients with advanced cancer, quality of life is as meaningful to patients as the actual length of life. We investigated whether changes in quality of life could predict survival in non-small cell lung cancer. Quality of life was evaluated using EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire). Cox regression evaluated the prognostic significance of baseline, 3-month and changes in quality of life scores after adjusting for age, gender, treatment history and stage. Two hundred and seventeen patients were men and 213 women. One hundred and fifty-nine patients had stage III while 271 had stage IV disease. Baseline quality of life scales predictive of survival upon multivariate analysis were physical (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.98; P= 0.02) and global (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.96; P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, no change variables were significantly predictive of survival. However, in stage IV patients, change in physical function over a period of 3 months showed marginal significance such that every 10-point increase in physical function change score was associated with an 8% decreased risk of death. These findings should be used in clinical practice to systematically address quality of life-related problems of lung cancer patients throughout their treatment course.
Determination of the weight bearing portion of the acetabulum using simulated transverse acetabular fractures

Knowledge of the location of the weight bearing portion of the acetabulum would assist orthopaedic surgeons in their decision of how to manage a given acetabular fracture. Using simulated transverse acetabular fracture, the location of the weight bearing region of the acetabulum was investigated. Twelve fresh frozen hip specimens from six cadavers were tested. For each specimen, both the femur and acetabulum were potted and mounted in aluminum fixtures and the acetabulum was positioned in 25/spl deg/ of flexion and 20/spl deg/ of abduction. Each specimen was tested intact and then with successive transverse acetabular fractures having roof-arc angles of 60/spl deg/, 50/spl deg/, 40/spl deg/, 30/spl deg/, and 20/spl deg/. For the intact specimens and then after each fracture, compressive loading to 800 N, 1200 N, and 1600 N was completed (four cycles each). A specimen was considered to be stable if the four loading cycles were completed without gross dislocation. For each trial, translation of the femur was measured and the stability or dislocation of the specimen was noted. The number of stable specimens decreased both with increasing applied load and more superior fractures. Additionally, translation of the femur within the acetabulum increased with increasing applied load, as well as with more superior fractures. The roof-arc angle of the fracture, as well as the magnitude and direction of the applied loading, significantly affect hip stability.
How Teacher Location in the Classroom Can Improve Students' Behavior

(1993). How Teacher Location in the Classroom Can Improve Students' Behavior. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 66, No. 5, pp. 299-301.
Valves of the Ureter as a Cause of Primary Obstruction of the Ureter: Anatomic, Embryologic and Clinical Aspects

The causes of obstruction of the ureter at the ureteropelvic and ureterovesical junctions are still controversial. In this study portions of obstructed ureters were excised at operation or autopsy and the suspected sites of obstruction were examined anatomically, radiographically and histologically. A valvular mechanism caused obstruction in 15 of 27 specimens. The valve lay at the junction of the dilated and undilated segments of the ureter. The internal anatomy of this site was hidden from external view by the fascia overlying the ureter and was demonstrated by contrast ureterograms. The axes of the lumina of the dilated and undilated segments were eccentric and the walls of the ureter overlapped at the site of obstruction to form a common wall, which created a valve effect. The valve flaps were visualized radiographically as a filling defect. The valve obstructed antegrade but not retrograde flow. Anatomic dissection or serial sections of blocks of the valve zone demonstrated that either a single or a double flap caused obstruction. The valve was coapted against the opposite wall of the distal segment by the pressure generated in the dilated ureter during antegrade flow. The muscle of the unobstructed segment of ureter distal to the valve appeared normal histologically, whereas the muscle of the obstructed proximal segment was hypertrophic.
Receptors and Human Disorders

Receptors are integral membrane proteins that allow signal transmission between cells. Alteration of the genes coding for these proteins result in cellular dysfunction that can be observed as genetically transmissible disorders. Keywords: synaptic transmission; neurotransmitter; receptors; brain; neurological disorders
Integrative modeling of the pancreatic β‐cell

Pancreatic β-cells secrete insulin, which regulates the concentration of plasma glucose. Dysfunction of this system is a necessary contributing factor to Type II diabetes, and may be sufficient. Insulin secretion is controlled by oscillations of membrane potential, called bursting oscillations, which drive oscillations of cytosolic calcium. We describe the development of mathematical models for this mechanism, beginning with the Chay–Keizer model. Keywords: insulin; diabetes; glucose; calcium; ion channels; endoplasmic reticulum; ATP; mitochondria; metabolism; acetylcholine; IP3
Age and molecular subtypes: Impact on surgical decisions

Both young patient age and breast cancer molecular subtype impact local recurrence rates and long-term prognosis for women with breast cancer. Although rates of local recurrence are consistently higher in young women and those with high-risk molecular subtypes, this risk does not appear to be overcome by more extensive surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:8–14. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of selection in recovery of transgenic targets for mutation analysis

Transgenic animal mutagenesis assays using lambda shuttle vectors have recently been described for isolation and characterization of spontaneous and chemical induced DNA mutations. Extensive information on lambda and E. coli genetics provides a wealth of techniques to allow selection of mutant target genes. Here we describe the modification of an E. coli host which permits two methods for the direct selection of mutant genes. These methods reduce the number of plates needed to be screened for a comparable amount of frequency data by 20-100-fold and thus provide a significant savings of the materials and time required for the screening of mutations. In addition, mutants selected by these approaches described here may alter or broaden the spectrum of mutations that are recoverable. Ultimately, a combination of selective and nonselective techniques may prove valuable for the analysis of mutations produced in vivo in transgenic animals.
Thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents: diagnostic implications of analysis of the tumor genome.

Purpose of review To update information about pediatric thyroid cancer. Recent findings This review of thyroid nodules in children indicates that the incidence of thyroid cancer has been steadily increasing over the last 30 years. Knowledge of factors which predispose to the development of thyroid cancer--radiation exposure and family history of thyroid cancer or personal or family history of familial syndromes associated with thyroid cancer--can help determine the aggressiveness with which the diagnostic studies of thyroid nodules should be pursued. Presence of thyroid nodules should prompt measurement of circulating thyroid-stimulating hormone. Thyroid nodules should generally be studied with thyroid ultrasonography; those greater than 0.5-1 cm in diameter which are not simple cysts should be studied with fine-needle aspiration (FNA). When cytologic analysis is indeterminate, a number of molecular techniques may assist in determining which patients should undergo thyroid surgery. Summary The relative frequency of indeterminate cytology on FNA could necessitate surgery in a large number of patients who will be found to have benign lesions. A number of molecular techniques are available to identify patients with indeterminate cytology who can confidently be followed without surgery as the probability of malignancy is low.
Solubilization of a long chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase from chicken adipose tissue microsomes

Abstract About half of the long chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase activity in chicken adipose tissue microsomes could be solubilized by extraction with I M KCl after acetone precipitation. Most of the activity could be extracted by the non-ionic detergent Tergitol 15-S-9 without high salt concentration, but only if acetone precipitation was omitted. Although the salt-solubilized enzyme was bound by the microsomal particles when the ionic strength was lowered, high salt concentration was not required to maintain solubility after separation from particulate matter by gel filtration on Sepharose 6-B. The molecular weight of the salt-solubilized enzyme, estimated by gel filtration, was about 90000 while that of the enzyme solubilized with a combination of detergent and salt was about 230000. The solubility of the KCl-solubilized enzyme was maintained in the absence of salt, but the continued presence of both salt and detergent was required to maintain the solubility of the species solubilized by Tergitol 15-S-9 and KCl. No evidence was obtained for more than one long chain acyl-CoA synthetase acting on octanoate, laurate, palmitate, oleate, and linoleate.
A Comparison of Statistical and AI Approaches to the Selection of Process Parameters in Intelligent Machining

This paper presents an approach for the selection of a set of process parameters for use in machining control. The approach is aimed at providing a range of parameters within which machining operations can be optimized. Because of the complexity and somewhat unpredictable nature of the machining process, this approach combines process modelling with rule-based techniques. Modelling correlates process state variables such as surface roughness or chip merit mark to process parameters such as feed rate, cutting speed, and tool rake angle. The modelling techniques considered in this paper include multiple regression analysis, group method of data handling (GMDH), and neural network. A rule-based module determines the final operational range of control parameters based on user information and modelling predictions. The different modelling techniques have been evaluated using data from orthogonal cutting.
Genetic Relationship Between Production and Breeding Efficiency

Abstract Breeding and production records of 10,907 Holstein and 10,537 Guernsey lactations from Adohr Milk Farms, Camarillo, California, were analyzed, to determine the phenotypic and genetic parameters of milk and fat production and five measures of breeding efficiency. The five measures of breeding efficiency were: days open, calving interval, days from parturition to first breeding, days from first breeding to conception, and services per conception. The relationship between 120-day milk and fat production and breeding efficiency was essentially zero. Regressions of breeding efficiency on production indicated that breeding efficiency increased slightly as production increased. The regressions of breeding efficiency on age indicated that breeding efficiency increased slightly as cows got older. The heritability of breeding efficiency was low, approximately 0.05. Heritabilities of 120-day milk and fat production were 0.18 and 0.17 for Guernseys and 0.09 and 0.06 for Holsteins, respectively. Genetic correlations between 120-day lactation production and breeding efficiency were significant and relatively large (approximately 0.50). Due to the low heritabilities of breeding efficiency, selection for breeding efficiency or lactation production would not change breeding efficiency materially.
Population variations in atherogenic dyslipidemia: A report from the HeartSCORE and IndiaSCORE Studies.

Background Asian Indians and blacks have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events compared to whites. Atherogenic dyslipidemia, comprised of small-dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and high triglyceride (TG) levels, constitutes an important risk factor for CVD often seen in the presence of obesity. The contribution of atherogenic dyslipidemia to CVD risk across diverse racial populations is not well established. Objective Our primary aim was to investigate the relationship between race and atherogenic dyslipidemia among whites, blacks, and Asian Indians. A secondary aim was to evaluate the association between obesity and atherogenic dyslipidemia across populations. Methods From community-based sampling, 720 whites and 373 blacks underwent evaluation of CVD risk factors, including fasting lipoproteins. An identical protocol was administered to 205 Asian Indians from Chennai, India. Lipid profiles, including those comprising atherogenic dyslipidemia, were compared among populations. Results The prevalence of small-dense LDL (pattern B) and of TG/HDL ratio >3 was greatest among Asian Indians and smallest among blacks. Compared to whites, the adjusted odds for Indians having a LDL pattern B was 2.06 ( P 3 was 9.42 ( P P 3 (odds ratio 0.41, P Conclusions Significant population variations in atherogenic dyslipidemia exist. This may be an important component to explain population differences in cardiovascular risk.
Constructing a LabVIEW-Controlled High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) System: An Undergraduate Instrumental Methods Exercise.

In this laboratory exercise, students develop a LabVIEW-controlled high-performance liquid chromatography system utilizing a data acquisition device, two pumps, a detector, and fraction collector. The programming experience involves a variety of methods for interface communication, including serial control, analog-to-digital conversion, and instrument control via digital input−output. The assignment can be set up as a class project or students can be rotated through the different tasks as a part of the course.
Quality of life improvement in a patient with severe atopic dermatitis treated with photopheresis

Abstract Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease characterized by severely pruritic eczematous patches, papular and lichenified plaques, excoriations, cracks, and erosions. Photopheresis has been shown to ameliorate the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis in some patients. We describe successful results with photopheresis for refractory disease in a patient who chronicled his quality of life weekly for more than 15 years before and during extracorporeal photochemotherapy. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:780-2.)
Domain-specific Interactions between Entactin and Neutrophil Integrins: G2 DOMAIN LIGATION OF INTEGRIN α3β1 AND E DOMAIN LIGATION OF THE LEUKOCYTE RESPONSE INTEGRIN SIGNAL FOR DIFFERENT RESPONSES

Extracellular matrix proteins activate neutrophils to up-regulate many physiologic functions that are necessary at sites of tissue injury. To elucidate the ligand-receptor interactions that mediate these functions, we examined neutrophil activation by the basement membrane protein, entactin. Entactin is structurally and functionally organized into distinct domains; therefore, we utilized glutathione S-transferase -fusion proteins encompassing its four major domains, G1, G2, E, and G3, to assess interactions between entactin and neutrophil integrin receptors. We show that the E domain, which contains the single RGD sequence of entactin, is sufficient for ligation of the beta3-like integrin, leukocyte response integrin, and signaling for chemotaxis. Moreover, the G2 domain signals for stimulation of Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis via ligation of alpha3beta1. This receptor-ligand interaction was revealed only after stimulation of neutrophil by immune complexes or phorbol esters. Interestingly, the E domain does not enhance phagocytosis, and the G2 domain is not chemotactic. Furthermore, cleavage of entactin with the matrix metalloproteinase, matrilysin, liberates peptides that retain E domain-mediated chemotaxis and G2 domain-mediated enhancement of phagocytosis. These studies indicate that multiple domains of entactin have the ability to ligate individual integrins expressed by neutrophils and to activate distinct functions.
Influence of lumbar spine pathology on the incidence of paresthesia during spinal anesthesia

Background and Objectives Paresthesia occasionally occurs during dural puncture or injection of local anesthetic for spinal anesthesia. Although the incidence of neurologic complications after spinal anesthesia is extremely low, the significance of paresthesia is unknown. The influence of known lumbar spine pathology on the incidence of paresthesia during spinal anesthesia is studied. Methods Incidence of paresthesia with dural puncture (PP) or injection (PI) was studied in two groups of patients. Group 1 included patients for elective total joint replacement without known spine pathology or complaints. Group 2 included patients for elective lumbar spine surgery who received spinal anesthesia. Results Significantly more PP (20% vs 9%) and PI (16% vs 6%) occurred in the spine surgery group. There were no neurologic sequelae of spinal anesthesia. Conclusions This information suggests that the incidence of paresthesia during the conduct of spinal anesthesia is higher in patients with lumbar spine pathology. Although there were no neurologic complications, the sample size is too small to exclude an increase in the neurologic risk of spinal anesthesia in patients with known intraspinal pathology.
Ultrasonographic appearance of edema caused by injections in the mammary gland attachments of dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE To determine the ultrasonographic appearance and detectability of edema induced by SC injection of mild silver protein suspension in the mammary gland attachments of dairy cows. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 6 lactating cows. PROCEDURE In each cow, the number of quarters that received injections was randomly assigned. A mild silver protein susoension was injected SC into cranial and caudal mammary gland attachment sites. The number of injections and volume injected were determined on the basis of the appearance of the mammary gland and the desired subjective visual effect. Seventeen sites were chosen for injection and 7 sites did not receive injections. Ultrasonographic images were obtained 1 day prior and 6 days after injections were started. Cows received injections 1, 3, and 5 days after initial sonography. The sonographer was unaware of which sites received injections. RESULTS Ultrasonography revealed alternating hypoechoic and hyperechoic bands at injection sites. Certain injections caused the intimal surface of the subcutaneous abdominal vein to develop a corrugated appearance. All injection sites were correctly identified ultrasonographically (100% sensitivity, 100% specificity) with a positive and negative predictive value of 1.0. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggest that mild silver protein suspension injected SC to enhance the appearance of the mammary glands of dairy cows can be readily detected by ultrasonography. Detection of injection sites should be made on the basis of the distribution and ultrasonographic appearance of edema.
An Adaptive, Distribution-Free Algorithm for the Newsvendor Problem with Censored Demands, with Applications to Inventory and Distribution

We consider the problem of optimizing inventories for problems where the demand distribution is unknown, and where it does not necessarily follow a standard form such as the normal. We address problems where the process of deciding the inventory, and then realizing the demand, occurs repeatedly. The only information we use is the amount of inventory left over. Rather than attempting to estimate the demand distribution, we directly estimate the value function using a technique called the Concave, Adaptive Value Estimation CAVE algorithm. CAVE constructs a sequence of concave piecewise linear approximations using sample gradients of the recourse function at different points in the domain. Since it is a sampling-based method, CAVE does not require knowledge of the underlying sample distribution. The result is a nonlinear approximation that is more responsive than traditional linear stochastic quasi-gradient methods and more flexible than analytical techniques that require distribution information. In addition, we demonstrate near-optimal behavior of the CAVE approximation in experiments involving two different types of stochastic programs-the newsvendor stochastic inventory problem and two-stage distribution problems.
Statistical Significance Testing as a Guide to Partial Least-Squares (PLS) Modeling of Nonideal Data Sets for Fuel Property Predictions

Partial least-squares (PLS) was used to formulate property models for a set of 43 jet fuel samples using near-infrared (NIR), Raman, and gas chromatography (GC) data. A total of 28 different properties were evaluated for each technique. Given that the data set was small and several of the property distributions were nonideal, significance testing was used for model formulation and evaluation. A statistical F test was applied for selection of latent variables, determining the significance level of the model compared to random chance and evaluating the increase in prediction error when the expected sources of error were fully incorporated. A chart was used to categorize the confidence in the modeling ability as high, low, or indeterminate with the given data set.
Developing a Culture of Transfer and Student Success in Arizona

This chapter provides an overview of the transfer model in Arizona, including the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC), transfer associate degrees, and a shared course numbering system. It highlights the importance of collaborations between the community colleges and universities, and among public institutions of higher education and the K–12 system.
Nora's doors: Three American productions of Ibsen's a Doll house

This essay argues that it is a mistake to regard the theme of Ibsen's play A Doll House as topical or transitory. The need to open the door to autonomy is endemic to all individuals in every time and in every place. However, a dramatic text is not merely words on a page. The production of dramatic literature is also a “reading” of the text. The essay discusses three productions by Ethel Barrymore, Jed Harris, and Travis Preston that have attempted to “read” the play to a particular generation and to open the audience's eyes to a theme that is neither passe nor resolved.
Algorithms for Isolating Worst Case Systematic Data Errors

Two separate algorithms are derived for testing filter sensitivity to systematic data errors. One algorithm provides the absolute minimum Euclidean norm data error for a given estimate component error. The second algorithm can be used to find the minimum norm data error which can be generated by restricted degree Legendre polynomials. A specific very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) baseline estimation is analyzed with the algorithm. It is found that the local vertical is the most sensitive component to error in the data space. The efficiency of a data error sequence linear in elevation angle is within 7% that of the absolute worst case sequence. Elevation angle dependent errors are explored and the special case of a mismodeled troposphere is treated.
Occupational therapy students' perceptions of their cultural awareness and competency

Occupational therapy students' perceptions of cultural awareness and their self-rated level of cultural competence were investigated. Seventy-two participants at four stages of education (on entry, on completion of university-based studies, on completion of fieldwork and one year following graduation) completed the Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity Questionnaire. The findings indicate that occupational therapy students graduated with an understanding of cultural diversity and the realization that cultural awareness and sensitivity are essential to culturally competent practice. The findings suggest that there is not enough exposure to cultural issues in both university-based education and in fieldwork. This study was limited to one state university and to most students aged < or =24 years and predominantly female. It did not explore the factors that influence the development of cultural competence and the methods to develop it. Future studies should monitor actual culture-related exposures to determine how learning experiences are organized and the ways culture influences the learning process and clinical competence.
Cutis verticis gyrata, underrecognized neurocutaneous syndrome

I report two patients with cutis verticis gyrata. Characteristic of this neurocutaneous syndrome is the scalp tissue folds that generally run in an anterior-posterior direction. Although the etiology of the scalp abnormality is unclear, patients may have associated static encephalopathy, seizure disorder, or minor ocular abnormalities. The prognosis is benign. Other organ systems are spared and there is no malignant transformation of scalp tissue or brain parenchyma.
Under Construction An Experiential Exercise Illustrating Elements of Work Design

The Under Construction Exercise was developed by the authors to highlight key factors of work design that when implemented among the work group or entire organization can lead to an environment con...
Improving Literacy Achievement for English Learners in Transitional Bilingual Programs

This article reports the results of an ongoing effort to design, implement, and evaluate an effective transitional bilingual program. The program developed spans grades 2–5, and employs a specific language arts model. Evaluation results, based on comparisons of randomly selected matched samples of project and nonproject students (n = 42, 42), indicate the program is demonstrably more effective than the transition program students typically receive, producing higher levels of Spanish literacy, significantly higher levels of English literacy, and important literacy-related practices and attitudes for significantly larger numbers of students. Results have direct implications for educators seeking to improve programs for English learners. Questions regarding large-scale program implementation, however, remain.
Mobile agent based pervasive systems manager for enterprise network

Mobile wireless devices are rapidly becoming part of the personal computing with advances in the broadband wireless networks. These devices though, have serious resource constraints to perform truly complex enterprise tasks such as managing an enterprise network. A distributed adaptive systems infrastructure is needed to enable these mobile devices as extensions of the enterprise-computing platform. This paper presents a pervasive systems manager that enables mobile devices to manage mid sized enterprise networks from anywhere, anytime. Mobile agents based pervasive systems manager allows device to initiate complex customized management actions. The paper describes architecture, implementation and experimental results of management action initiation, execution and dispatch of the enterprise systems management information to mobile devices.
Asymmetric induction in the ene reaction of glyoxylate esters of 8-phenylmenthol

Abstract We recently communicated (J.K. Whitesell, A. Bhattacharya, D.A. Aguilar and K. Henke, J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun. 989 (1982)) a highly efficient and effective method for the control of absolute stereochemistry through asymmetric induction in the ene reaction the chiral glyoxylate 1 with alkenes. We now have accumulated sufficient information on this process in terms of both its mechanistic details as well as its scope and applicability to a variety of situations that warrants a more complete presentation of these reactions.
Innovative Urban Transport Cooperation by Public and Private Sectors in India

Institutional arrangements for public transport operations in Indian cities typically fall into two categories: an established state transport corporation (STC) or informal public transport services provided by the private sector. In 2006, the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) articulated a national vision to improve public transport in India. A key element of the vision is to vastly improve public transport in organization, efficiency, and overall quality. Although adopted before MoUD's urban transport policy was enunciated, the various reform strategies implemented in Bangalore and Indore in India are excellent models of providing public transportation efficiently and effectively. Since its creation in 1997, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) improved its operations efficiency and eliminated its operating deficit. BMTC uses a two-pronged private-sector approach—outsourcing selected activities and operating like a private company by selling services and commercializing capital ass...
Nuclear parameters as prognostic indicators in glioblastoma patients.

The objective of this study was to determine whether nuclear parameters were associated with prognosis in glioblastoma multiforme. DNA indices, cell cycle parameters, and nuclear population densities were compared with patient survival. Selection criteria included the pathologic diagnosis of a cerebral glioblastoma multiforme, absence of therapy before surgery, and adequate tissue to measure each nuclear parameter studied. Nine cases accrued over a two year period. The amount of DNA per nucleus was quantified in fresh tissue specimens by nuclear-isolation flow cytometry in Vindelov's solution. One particular association was significant when tested by Cox models: The percentage of nuclei with S-phase amounts of nuclear DNA was a significant predictor of decreased survival (regression coefficient =0.20, p = 0.04). The percentage of nuclei in the G/G1 peak was marginally associated with longer survival. These data are evidence of an association between nuclei in certain phases of the DNA cell cycle and postoperative survival.
Pyridine nucleotides in teleost islets

Abstract 1. 1. Pyridine nucleotide concentrations were surveyed in a variety of tissues of the toadfish and goosefish including the islets of Langerhans. 2. 2. Compared to the rat the teleosts have lower concentrations of the pyridine nucleotides. The islets have much lower concentrations of these cofactors than the corresponding livers. 3. 3. In the goosefish islet, there appears to be more NADP + NADH † relative to the total pyridine nucleotides than is found in the toadfish. A similar feature is observed in the activities of glutathione reductase. 4. 4. Goosefish islet has almost twice the activity of toadfish islet and also has almost twice as much NADPH.
Abstract 4437: Regulation of FANCD2 by the mTOR pathway contributes to the resistance of cancer cells to DNA double strand breaks.

Deregulation of the mTOR pathway is closely associated with tumorigenesis. Accordingly mTOR inhibitors such as rapamycin and mTOR-selective kinase inhibitors have been tested as cancer therapeutic agents. Inhibition of mTOR results in sensitization to DNA damaging agents, however the molecular mechanism is not well understood. We found that a mTOR-selective kinase inhibitor, AZD8055, significantly enhanced sensitivity of a pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma xenograft to radiotherapy and sensitized rhabdomyosarcoma cells to interstrand crosslinker (ICL) melphalan. Sensitization correlated with drug-induced downregulation of a key component of the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway, FANCD2 through mTOR regulation of FANCD2 gene transcripts via mTORC1-S6K1. Importantly, we show that FANCD2 is required for the proper activation of ATM-Chk2 checkpoint in response to ICL and that mTOR signaling promotes ICL-induced ATM-Chk2 checkpoint activation by sustaining FANCD2. In FANCD2 deficient lymphoblasts, FANCD2 is essential to suppress endogenous and induced DNA damage, and FANCD2-deficient cells demonstrated impaired ATM-Chk2 and ATR-Chk1 activation, which was rescued by re-introduction of wild type FANCD2. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K-mTOR-Akt pathway in Rh30 rhabdomyosarcoma cells attenuated ICL-induced activation of ATM, accompanied with the decrease of FANCD2. These data suggest that the mTOR pathway may promote the repair of DNA double strand breaks by sustaining FANCD2 and provide a novel mechanism of how the FA pathway modulates DNA damage response and repair. Citation Format: Changxian Shen, Duane Oswald, Doris Phelps, hakan cam, Christopher E. Pelloski, Qishen Pang, Peter J. Houghton. Regulation of FANCD2 by the mTOR pathway contributes to the resistance of cancer cells to DNA double strand breaks. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4437. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4437
A Density Correlation for a Two-Phase Lubricant and its Effect on the Pressure Distribution©

Air entrainment in squeeze film damper bearings results in a type of cavitation that is considerably different from the cavitation traditionally assumed for hydrodynamic bearings. The fluid lubricant in this case is highly compressible and results in a drastic influence on the pressure distribution. This describes and experimental procedure for determining the density correlation for and oil-air mixture. This correlation is then utilized in the Reynolds equation to determine the influence lubricant compressibility has on the pressure distribution in a squeeze film damper bearing. Presented at the 35th STLE/ASME Tribology Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida October 16–19, 1989
Bartok's Romanian Christmas carols: changes from the folk sources and their significance

his study attempts to define the criteria underlying Bart6k's compositional choices in a single work: the Romanian Christmas Carols of 1915 for piano solo. I shall examine the often slight but telling changes made in the melodies from their 1 original folksong sources to Bartok's final arrangement. In so doing, I hope to reveal certain patterns of choice which reflect the nature of the composer's aesthetic. Bart6k's folksong arrangements, and those of the carols in particular, lend themselves to a study of compositional choice for several reasons. First, the variable nature of folk tunes requires the composer to select "definitive" versions from an often large number of different texts. Bart6k's selections tell us much about the artistic values involved
Remarkable improvement of the Lévêque solution for isoflux heating with a combination of the transversal method of lines (TMOL) and a computer-extended Fröbenius power series

Abstract This paper addresses the second Leveque problem with uniform wall heat flux adhering to the original two-dimensional energy conservation equation with variable coefficients in cylindrical coordinates. The semi-analytic procedure to be proposed combines the transversal method of lines (TMOL) with the Frobenius version of the power series method. The hybrid solution that emerges from this combination holds unique features that distinguish it from the traditional solution methods. In principle, due to the presence of a two-point backward formulation, the approximate analytic solution is considered first-order accurate. However, using as guidance the computed local convection coefficient at various transversal lines, it is demonstrated that the approximate analytic TMOL/Frobenius solution is better than first-order accurate.