cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Vulnerability of Structures and Residential Communities to Storm Surge: An Analysis of Flood Impact during Hurricane Sandy

With 6.5 million households in the United States located in areas prone to storm surge, assessing the vulnerability of structures and residential communities to coastal flooding is an important concern. Of particular interest is understanding how the performance of structures during surge events is influenced by flood conditions, coastal defenses and building design at both the house and community level. This study presents such a vulnerability analysis by investigating the impact of coastal flooding from Hurricane Sandy (2012) on 95 kilometers of developed coastline across New Jersey and New York. Exterior structural damage observed from a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aerial survey of the study area is related to (1) a hindcast simulation of flood inundation and wave action, (2) a classification of coastal defenses and storm-induced erosion, and (3) minimum building design elevations specified in FEMA’s flood hazard mapping. Findings indicate that the hardest hit communities experienced significant dune erosion, which coincided with severe flood and wave exposure. Furthermore, structures were considerably more susceptible to flood impact if Sandy’s flood level exceeded FEMA’s 100-year Base Flood Elevation dictating building design. These results are quantified by developing fragility curves relating both house and community level performance to the considered vulnerability parameters. Findings from this study can be used to inform decision making for improving coastal resilience.
Guidewires Used in Thoracic Aortic Endografting

A wire consists of two main components: (1) a central shaft of stainless steel or nitinol and (2) a distal flexible tip shaped as a spring coil made with platinum or tungsten. Wires with a nitinol core are kink resistant while those with stainless steel are more susceptible to kinking. The tip can be soft, stiff, intermediate or floppy J tipped or angled tip. Soft tip consists of inner core end to end combined with tip shaping capabilities is more aggressive in crossing tight lesions. Floppy tip has no inner core to the tip of the wire and usually comprised of a ribbon of stainless steel, nitinol, gold, or platinum which allows you to shape the wire and allows for safe traumatic selection of vessels. “J” tip allows for safe passage of wire through: irregular lesions stents (keeping wire in “true” lumen and not through struts). Angled tip is selectively used to steer wire because of tip angle. Wires can have a shaped or pre-shaped tip (Fig. 5.1).
DIRECT STIMULATION OF SYMPATHETIC OUTFLOW AND PLASMA LEVELS OF NOREPINEPHRINE AND EPINEPHRINE OF PITHED RATS

Stimulation of the sympathetic outflow of pithed rats evokes an immediate increase in blood pressure (B.P.) with a rise in plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI). The increase in B.P. is related to the log NE level. The half-life for NE in plasma after stopping stimulation (35 secs.) is shorter than the half-time to reach steady state (65 secs.), suggesting that during the first few minutes there is a progressive increase in amounts of NE reaching the circulation. The effects of drugs on STIM-evoked release of NE are described and the implications of these findings discussed.
Taped Problems Intervention Components: A Meta-Analysis.

The taped problems (TP) intervention is a math fact fluency intervention designed to produce high rates of active and accurate academic responding. Multiple single-case design studies have examined the use of TP across grades of students, implementation group sizes, intervention settings, target math facts, total intervention time, application of reinforcement procedures, and inclusion of post-TP exercises as part of the intervention. This meta-analysis examines which TP components are related to greatest increases in math fact fluency. A total of 14 studies with 158 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Results support that TP is an effective intervention to increase math fact fluency, and significant moderators of TP effectiveness include intervention group size, setting, time in seconds in intervention, and the inclusion of reinforcement. Discussion focuses on implications of these findings for research and practice.
Host plant effects on activity of the mitosporic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus against two populations of Bemisia whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to determine the effect of host plant on mycosis in two geographically distinct populations of early 2nd-instar nymphs of Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring from the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (Wize) Brown & Smith. Mycosis in B. argentifolii nymphs varied according to the host plant on which the nymphs were reared but not according to the population. Both populations of whiteflies reared on cotton were consistently significantly less susceptible to infection by either fungus than when reared on melon. We hypothesized that the cotton plant produced a fungal inhibitor that may confer protection on whiteflies feeding (and possibly sequestering) upon it. Germination of conidia of both fungi was strongly inhibited (below 12% germination) on the cuticle of nymphs reared on cotton but was over 95% on the cuticle of nymphs reared on melon. We further hypothesized that the terpenoid gossypol, produced by many cultivars of cotton, might have been involved in antibiosis. Gossypol mixed with Noble agar at five concentrations was tested for its effects on germination of conidia of both fungi. P. fumosoroseus was highly tolerant of gossypol, even at the relatively high concentration of 1000 ppm, while B. bassiana tolerated gossypol at concentrations up to 500 ppm and strong inhibition only occurred in presence of gossypol at 1000 ppm. Our in vivo findings on cotton and on the insect's cuticle pointed at a potential host plant-mediated antibiosis. The in vitro tolerance of P. fumosoroseus and partial tolerance of B. bassiana to gossypol disagreed with our in vivo data. Gossypol concentrations higher than 1000 ppm might have increased the sensitivity of the fungi in our in vitro tests. Sequestered gossypol (and/or other cotton plant allelochemicals) by B. argentifolii nymphs would explain, at least partially, the insect's defense against the pathogens.
Smoking Cessation in the Context of Integrated Care

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 15 out of every 100 (15.1%) US adults smoke cigarettes (2014). At the time of this writing, that equates to approximately 36.8 million Americans. Of course, the prevalence of smoking is not evenly distributed across gender, geographic location, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Cigarette smoking is more prevalent among males (16.7%) as compared to females (13.7%; Jamal, 2016), as well as those living in the south and midwestern areas of the USA (Dwyer-Lindgren et al., 2014). Smoking prevalence and tobacco consumption rates are also significantly higher among those lower in socioeconomic status (Casetta et al., 2016; Nagelhout et al., 2012), a trend that is unfortunately widening over time, particularly for females. With regard to ethnicity, those who identify as American Indian/Alaska Native are significantly more likely to smoke (21.9%), compared to those identifying as non-Hispanic white (16.6%), non-Hispanic black (16.7%), or Hispanic (10.1%; Jamal, 2016). US military veterans are also significantly more likely to smoke (Brown, 2010).
Finite Difference Methods and the Method of Characteristics for Solving Hydrodynamic Dispersion Equations

We have known the basic idea of finite difference methods (FDM) in the study of groundwater flow problems. FDM includes three major steps. First, the flow region is divided by a grid and the time interval into time steps. Second, the partial derivatives involved in the PDE are replaced by their finite difference approximations. As a result, the PDE is transformed into a system of algebraic equations. Third, the algebraic system is solved and the nodal values of the unknown function are obtained. These discrete values approximately describe the time-space distribution of the unknown variable. We will see that exactly the same steps can be used to solve advection-dispersion problems.
Mixed matrix membrane materials with glassy polymers. Part 1

Mixed matrix materials comprising molecular sieve entities embedded in a polymer matrix can economically increase membrane permselectivity, thereby addressing a key challenge hindering the widespread use of membrane-based gas separations. Prior work has clarified the importance of proper selection of the dispersed sieve phase and the continuous matrix phase based on their intrinsic transport properties. Proper material selection for the two components, while necessary, is not sufficient since the interfacial contact zone appears to be equally important to achieve optimum transport properties. Specifically, it was found that chemical coupling of the sieve to the polymer can lead to better macroscopic adhesion but to even poorer transport properties than in the absence of the adhesion promoter. This counterintuitive behavior may be attributed to a nanometric region of disturbed packing at the polymer sieve interphase. The poor properties are believed to result from “leakage” of gas molecules along this nanometric interface. The Maxwell model was modified to take into account these complexities and to provide a first order quantification of the nanometric interphase. The analysis indicates that optimization of the transport properties of the interfacial region is key to the formation of ideal mixed matrix materials. This approach is used in the second part of this paper to form successful mixed matrix membrane materials.
An IL-2 proaerolysin fusion toxin that selectively eliminates regulatory t cells to enhance antitumor immune response.

Background Recent success with immune-checkpoint inhibitors in some tumor types has highlighted the power of the immune system to control and eradicate human cancer cells. However, these therapies have demonstrated a limited activity in prostate cancer, which has a more immunosuppressive microenvironment that can be because of the presence of a variety of inhibitory cell types, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs). One strategy to improve the efficacy of immune-based therapies for prostate cancer is to selectively eliminate these immunosuppressive cells within the tumor microenvironment. Methods We developed and characterized a chimeric protein consisting of the cytokine IL-2 fused to binding mutant of the highly toxic bacterial toxin proaerolysin (ie IL2-R336A). Results The IL2-R336A fusion protein selectively kills immunosuppressive Tregs that express the IL-2 receptor while having little to no effect on cells negative for this target. IL2-R336A depleted Tregs in both tumor bearing and nontumor bearing mice. Tumor bearing mice vaccinated with a GMCSF-expressing CT-26 GVAX vaccine had reduced tumor growth when given IL2-R336A before vaccination. IL2-R336A also enhanced immune response to a model hemagglutinin antigen (HA) in HA-tolerized mice. Conclusion These results suggest that this IL2-R336A toxin may be a useful in improving the therapeutic efficacy of antitumor vaccines by enhancing the immune response against target tumor antigens.
Uneven Urbanscape: Spatial Structures and Ethnoracial Inequality

Uneven Urbanscape takes a new theoretically grounded view of how society produces and reproduces ethnoracial economic inequality. Drawing on empirically rich documentation and quantitative analysis utilizing multiple data sources, including the US Bureau of the Census, Ong and Gonzalez assess the patterns, causes, and consequences of urban spatial disparities, specifically in home ownership, employment, and education. They focus on the global city of Los Angeles in order to examine outcomes across small geographic units that approximate neighborhoods and places, and to analyze the location-specific effects of geographic access and isolation within the region. Using a mix of micro-level data and aggregated statistics, Uneven Urbanscape provides one of the most comprehensive understandings of urban ethnoracial disparities and inequalities from 1960 to the present day.
Tricyclic antidepressants for the treatment of chronic pruritus.

To the Editor,Chronic pruritus can be difficult to treat and is often recalcitrant to a variety of therapies. For patients with chronic pruritus that is refractory to conventional therapy, the burd...
Improving cost estimates for advanced low-carbon power plants

Abstract Energy research and development (R&D) programs throughout the world seek improved or lower-cost technology options that can generate electricity or other products with little or no emissions of greenhouse gases or other pollutants. Novel methods of CO2 capture and storage (CCS) as well as more efficient fossil fuel power plants are among the technologies widely being pursued. To assess the viability and competitiveness of a proposed new technology, a common figure of merit is the expected cost of a mature plant at commercial scale. This paper identifies critical shortcomings in the methods currently used to estimate such costs and proposes a new hybrid approach combining “bottom-up” and “top-down” methods to obtain more realistic cost projections for new advanced technologies. While this paper focuses on advanced fossil fuel plants the proposed methodological developments apply equally to all other advanced energy technologies.
Investigation of genicular neurotomy of the knee: MRI characterization of anatomy and implications for intervention.

Abstract Background Genicular nerve block and subsequent radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) has emerged as a novel intervention and alternative for total knee arthroplasty in patients with refractory pain from knee osteoarthritis (OA). To our knowledge, there is no cited report correlating the accuracy of localizing the genicular nerves using bony landmarks on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Objectives To quantify the proximity of superomedial genicular nerve (SMGN), superolateral genicular nerve (SLGN), and inferomedial genicular nerve (IMGN) from a target point. The target point was an intersection marked by a line parallel to the diaphysis and a separate line parallel to the metaphyseal flare along the cortical surfaces of both the femur and tibia. Design Retrospective chart review. Patients A total of 25 de-identified knee MRIs were reviewed. Methods The coronal proton density fat suppressed sequence was used for identification and localization of the SLGN, SMGN, and IMGN. The neurovascular bundles were traced from posterior location along their origin as they wrap around the distal diaphysis. The nerve locations were determined by consensus measurements performed by two board-certified radiologists with certificates of added qualification in neuroradiology and interventional radiology. The proximity of each respective genicular nerves was measured by drawing a perpendicular line from each genicular nerve to the height of the target point. All measurements were taken on the mid-coronal view at the point of maximal epiphyseal flare. Main outcome measurements Positive values indicated the location of the neurovascular bundle to be superior to the target point. Negative values indicated the location of the neurovascular bundle to be inferior to the target point. Results The distance between our target point and the inferior border of SLGN ranged from −3 mm to 6 mm. Twenty-three out of 25 (92%) SLGN lied exactly at or above our target intersection. The distance between our target point and the inferior border of SMGN ranged from −1 mm to 2 mm with twenty-two out of 25 (88%) SMGN lied exactly at or above our target point. The distance between our target point and the superior border of IMGN ranged from 0 mm to 3 mm with all (100%) IMGN lying exactly at or above the target point. Conclusion The intersection of the femoral diaphyseal shaft to a line along the metaphyseal flare and the intersection of the tibial diaphyseal shaft to a line along the medial metaphyseal can be used as a target point to localize the genicular nerves with close proximity.
Preservice Secondary Science Teachers’ Implementation of an NGSS Practice: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

We investigated six preservice secondary science teachers’ implementation of reform-based science, in particular, their teaching of the Next Generation Science Standards’ (NGSS) science and enginee...
Structural and Biosynthetic Diversity of Nonulosonic Acids (NulOs) That Decorate Surface Structures in Bacteria.

Nonulosonic acids (NulOs) are a diverse family of 9-carbon α-keto acid sugars that are involved in a wide range of functions across all branches of life. The family of NulOs includes the sialic acids as well as the prokaryote-specific NulOs. Select bacteria biosynthesize the sialic acid N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), and the ability to produce this sugar and its subsequent incorporation into cell-surface structures is implicated in a variety of bacteria–host interactions. Furthermore, scavenging of sialic acid from the environment for energy has been characterized across a diverse group of bacteria, mainly human commensals and pathogens. In addition to sialic acid, bacteria have the ability to biosynthesize prokaryote-specific NulOs, of which there are several known isomers characterized. These prokaryotic NulOs are similar in structure to Neu5Ac but little is known regarding their role in bacterial physiology. Here, we discuss the diversity in structure, the biosynthesis pathways, and the functions of bacteria-specific NulOs. These carbohydrates are phylogenetically widespread among bacteria, with numerous structurally unique modifications recognized. Despite the diversity in structure, the NulOs are involved in similar functions such as motility, biofilm formation, host colonization, and immune evasion.
Outcomes in racial minorities after robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy: a retrospective review of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database

Abstract Background The rate of robotic-assisted metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is increasing. While discord remains about racial disparity in primary MBS, there are no data on robotic MBS outcomes in racial cohorts. Objectives To determine whether outcomes following robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are mediated by race or ethnicity. Setting University Hospital, United States. Methods Robotic RYGB and SG cases were identified from the 2015–2017 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) databases using Current Procedure Terminology codes 43644, 43645, and 43775. Selected cases were stratified by race and ethnicity. Case-control matched and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Matched analyses compared outcomes in 2666 RYGB cases of Black versus White patients and 1794 RYGB cases of Hispanic versus White patients. Black RYGB patients had longer operative lengths (OLs; P = .0008) and postoperative lengths of stay (P = .001), and a higher rate of pulmonary embolism (P = .05). Hispanic (versus White) RYGB patients had longer lengths of stay (P = .007). All other outcomes were similar between RYGB racial and ethnic cohorts. Matched analyses also compared outcomes of 8328 SG cases in Black versus White patients and 4852 SG cases in Hispanic versus White patients. Black patients had longer OLs (P = .004), had longer lengths of stay (P Conclusion Robotic-assisted SG is associated with higher overall and bariatric-related morbidity, but not mortality. However, robotic-assisted RYGB and SG remain safe, with lower rates of mortality and morbidity.
Neoliberal conservation and equity in the context of local parks and recreation: Stakeholder perceptions on public-non-profit partnerships

In the face of persistent funding shortfalls, local park and recreation agencies oftentimes engage in neoliberal conservation strategies, including partnerships with nonprofit park foundations. Alt...
The Influence of Internet Tourism Information Quality on Tourism Destination Image Under Big Data Analysis Technology

In this era of information explosion, “travel on your fingertips” has become the mainstream of the era of tourism. Mobile phones are being used to search tourism information, find directions through mobile phone maps, and complete travel transactions through online payment. Tourism companies have launched mobile phone clients to meet the needs of tourists. In this research work, taking the impact of internet tourism information on tourism destination image of Guilin as the research direction, the evaluation model of internet tourism information quality, the evaluation index system of tourism destination cognitive image and emotional image are established, and the research data are obtained by literature, induction and deduction, questionnaire survey and statistical analysis. And through processing the research data, analyzing the impact of the network tourism information on the image of tourism destination, to draw the results and conclusions, as the basis of the construction of network tourism information and the development of tourism destination image promotion strategy in Guilin.
Increased production of a secreted glycoprotein in engineered CHO cells through amplification of a transcription factor.

Expression levels of reporter protein driven by Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Promoter system were improved by expressing its specific transcription factor (glucocorticoid receptor) from a different expression vector. The vector that expresses glucocorticoid receptor (GR) also contained dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) gene as a selection marker. In the presentstudy we amplified the glucocorticoid receptor gene (gr)along with the dhfr gene by adapting the cell lines to increasing concentrations of methotrexate, an antifolate analog. Stepwise increases in the volumetric titers of a secreted reporter glycoprotein, Secreted Alkaline Phosphatase (SEAP), were observed in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cellsgrowing in increased concentrations of methotrexate. Western andRT-PCR analysis showed that this increase in volumetric titers is associated with higher levels of GR expressed in CHO cellsgrowing in increased concentration of methotrexate. A stablytransfected cell line growing in 10-6 M methotrexate wasgrown in suspension culture and induced with 10-7 Mdexamethasone. The SEAP volumetric titers reached a peak of ∼23 μg ml-1 on the 5th day after induction.Inducing these cells with increasing concentrations of dexamethasone resulted in increased specific productivity. These high volumetric productivities were further increased in fed-batch bioreactors.
The Corruption and the Quality of Auditing Standards

The paper uses cross country regression analysis on a data set consisting of one hundred thirty countries for the year 2008 to test whether better auditing standards lead to lower levels of corruption. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that improved auditing standards reduce corruption.
l-Glutamine as a Substrate for l-Asparaginase from Serratia marcescens

l-Asparaginase from Serratia marcescens was found to hydrolyze l-glutamine at 5% of the rate of l-asparagine hydrolysis. The ratio of the two activities did not change through several stages of purification, anionic and cationic polyacrylamide disk gel electrophoresis, and partial thermal inactivation. The two activities had parallel blood clearance rates in mice. l-glutamine was found to be a competitive inhibitor of l-asparagine hydrolysis. A separate l-glutaminase enzyme free of l-asparaginase activity was separated by diethylaminoethyl-cellulose chromatography.
Constraints on the U.S. Response to the 9/11 Attacks

The American government's response to terrorist threats has had three features: a reluctance to restrict the civil liberties of American citizens; an unwillingness to invest heavily, or exercise regulatory authority, to ensure domestic security; and a preference for a militarized response to perceived threats, evidenced in US campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Four features of the American political system explain this response: the increased complexity of the policy network interested in civil liberties; the persistence of populist anti-statism; the militarization of the American polity; and the susceptibility of the American political system to corporate influence. The consequence is a policy response that fails to take adequate measures to assure domestic security. This recent experience in responding to terror threats also suggests larger lessons about the political system's capacity to respond to policy shocks.
Cleavage of type I and type II procollagens by type I/II procollagen N-proteinase: correlation of kinetic constants with the predicted conformations of procollagen substrates

The kinetic constants were examined for the cleavage of several types of procollagen by type I/II procollagen N-proteinase. The Km values were essentially the same (0.2 microM) for chick type I procollagen, human type I procollagen, and chick type II procollagen. However, the Vmax values differed over a 14-fold range. As reported previously, the enzyme did not cleave denatured type I or II procollagen. Also, it did not cleave human type III procollagen which contains the same scissle -Pro-Gln- bond as the pro-alpha 1(I) chain of type I procollagen. To explain the observations, Chou-Fasman rules were used to compare the secondary structures of the cleavage sites in the procollagens. The results supported a previous suggestion (Helseth, D. L., Jr., Lechner, J. L., and Veis, A. (1979) Biopolymers 18, 3005-3014) that the region carboxyl-terminal to cleavage site in the pro-alpha 1(I) chain of type I procollagen was in a hairpin conformation consisting of a beta-sheet, beta-turn, and beta-sheet. In both chick and human type I procollagen, the hairpin loop in the pro-alpha 1(I) chain consisted of about 18 amino acids. The cleavage site itself was in a short alpha-helical structure of four or five amino acids. The pro-alpha 2(I) chains had a similar hairpin loop of about 14 amino acids and alpha-helix of four or five amino acids containing the cleavage site. Chick type II procollagen, which had the highest Vmax value, had a longer hairpin structure of 22 amino acids, and the cleavage site was in a longer alpha-helical domain of 10 amino acids. In contrast, type III procollagen had a random-coil conformation in the same region. The results help to explain the unusual substrate requirements of type I/II N-proteinase. They also help explain why mutations that produce in-frame deletions of amino acids 84 or more residues carboxyl-terminal to the cleavage site make the protein resistant to the enzyme.
Saxitoxin binding to the mammalian sodium channel: Competition by monovalent and divalent cations

In nerve and muscle an action potential is initiated by a large but transient increase in membrane conductance to Na’. Current concepts of excitable membrane organization consider this conductance increase to be mediated by a specific intrinsic membrane protein which provides a voltage-dependent aqueous pathway for cations across the membrane hydrophobic interior. Experiments with voltage-clamped axons have demonstrated that this channel possesses strong selectivity among small monovalent cations [ 11, and various pore models have been proposed to explain the origin of this selectivity [ 1,2]. A number of natural neurotoxins act by specifically blocking cation movement through this sodium channel. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and saxitoxin (STX), two neurotoxins of this type, bind reversibly but with high affinity to the channel [3]. These toxins have been purified and prepared in radiolabelled form, and are proving to be extremely useful in studies aimed at the chemical characterization and purification of the sodium channel. Since TTX and STX appear to bind in the sodium channel at the site responsible for ion selectivity [3], measurement of the competition for binding between these toxins and various cations should yield useful information about this selectivity region. Equilibrium measurements of such binding have been carried out in garfish olfactory nerve and in electroplax using equilibrium dialysis or gel filtration techniques [4,5 1.
Evidence against continuous variables driving numerical discrimination in infancy.

Over the past decades, abundant evidence has amassed that demonstrates infants’ sensitivity to changes in number. Nonetheless, a prevalent view is that infants are more sensitive to continuous properties of stimulus arrays such as surface area and contour length than they are to numerosity. Very little research, however, has directly addressed infants’ sensitivity to contour. Here we used a change detection paradigm to assess infants’ acuity for the cumulative contour length of an array when the array’s surface area and number were held constant. Seven-month-old infants detected a threefold change in contour length but failed to detect a twofold change. These results, in conjunction with previously published data on numerosity discrimination using the same experimental paradigm, suggest that infants are not more sensitive to changes in contour length compared to changes in numerosity. Consequently, these findings undermine the claim that attention towards contour length is the primary driver of numerical discrimination in infancy.
Should gastric cancer surgery be performed in community hospitals

Once the most common solid tumor malignancy in the United States, stomach cancer now ranks about 14th in incidence, with approximately 22,000 cases of adenocarcinoma of the stomach diagnosed annually. Gastrectomy for cancer is thus an infrequent operation, and indeed, the number of surgical residents completing 5-year training programs with an adequate number of gastrectomies is steadily shrinking. As time passes and experience with gastric surgery continues to diminish, questions concerning who and where gastric cancer surgery should be performed become increasingly relevant. For patients in major metropolitan areas, locating a high-volume hospital or surgeon is usually not an issue, but for a large portion of the country this may represent a major burden. Moreover, adding this additional volume of patients to an already overburdened system of a busy hospital may not be practical. A significant number of Americans continue to receive their care in low-volume hospitals. The majority of Americans receive their medical care locally and would much prefer a solution that would improve the medical care in their own back yard without altering their support system.
Endostatin's emerging roles in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, disease, and clinical applications

Background Angiogenesis is the process of neovascularization from pre-existing vasculature and is involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Inhibitors of angiogenesis, administered either as individual drugs or in combination with other chemotherapy, have been shown to benefit patients with various cancers. Endostatin, a 20-kDa C-terminal fragment of type XVIII collagen, is one of the most potent inhibitors of angiogenesis.
The frq Locus in NEUROSPORA CRASSA: A Key Element in Circadian Clock Organization

Four new circadian clock mutants of Neurospora crassa have been isolated that alter the period length of the circadian conidiation rhythm. Three of these are at the frq locus on linkage group VIIR, where four other clock mutants are located. In contrast to wild type, which has a period length of 21.6 hr, frq-6 has a period length of 19 hr, while frq-7 and frq-8 have period lengths of 29 hr and represent the largest effects of any single gene mutants on circadian periodicity. Thus, seven mutants have now been isolated that map to the frq locus, with period lengths ranging from 16.5 to 29 hr, and each mutant alters clock periodicity by an integral multiple of 2.5 hr. In addition, all frq mutants show incomplete dominance in heterokaryons. The large percentage of clock mutants that map to this locus, coupled with their unique properties, suggests that the frq locus plays an important role in clock organization.—The fourth mutant, designated chrono (chr), has a period length of 23.5 hr, shows incomplete dominance and is unlinked to either of the previously identified clock loci, frq or prd (formerly called frq-5). Double mutants between various combinations of clock mutants show additive effects and indicate no significant gene interaction among mutants at these three loci.
Ab Initio Study of Proton Transfer and Interfacial Properties in Phosphoric Acid-Doped Polybenzimidazole

Quantum mechanics calculations and hybrid ab initio/empirical molecular dynamics simulations using the ONIOM scheme have been used to investigate proton transfer and interfacial properties in phosphoric acid (PA)-doped polybenzimidazole. Quantum mechanics calculations indicate that hydrogen bonding between PA and benzimidazole (with PA as the hydrogen donor) is the major interaction between PA and polybenzimidazole at low PA-doping levels. Comparing energy barriers for different proton transfer pathways indicates that proton transfer is prone to occur between the same molecules or between a molecule and its corresponding ion. The atom-centered density matrix propagation approach coupled with ONIOM using density functional theoryand universalforcefield calculations indicates that protonation of the ‘‘¼N‐’’ atom on the imidazole ring occurs when there are two or more PA molecules surrounding each imidazole ring. These conclusions agree with the experimental results in the literature.
Twin-model method for ethanol detection in flex fuel vehicles

In this paper we propose to use volatility difference between gasoline and ethanol to detect the ethanol percent. The approach relies on a well-calibrated model of the wall-wetting effect, a condition satisfied by today's engine controllers. Because of its complexity, we essentially treat the model as a black box, but with an important difference that the model can be duplicated. Thus, a pair of identical wall wetting (transient fuel) models is driven by different ethanol content and the difference in the resulting predicted air-fuel ratios is used to update the ethanol estimate. It turns out that this volatility-based estimate is very insensitive to sensor and injector biases and drifts. The approach is backed by stability analysis as well as by simulation results and post-processing experimental vehicle data.
The use of corticosteroids in celiac crisis

The use of corticosteroids in stabilizing the clinical course of celiac crisis in three patients is described. Corticosteroids were administered to the first patient after failure to respond to a gluten-free, disaccharide-free diet; in the other two patients, corticosteroids were given as soon as celiac crisis was recognized. All showed a dramatic clinical response to corticosteroid therapy. The three patients presented with acute gastroenteritis, accompanied by shock, acidosis, hypoproteinemia, and hypokalemia. Salmonella infantis was isolated from the blood and stools of one patient. Intestinal biopsies showed severe mucosal damage. Although death from celiac disease is virtually nonexistent at present, celiac crisis may be life threatening. Corticosteroids during the acute phase may effect c rapid reversal of symptoms.
The whole professional

A new book inspires a reflection on what it means to be a whole, competent, and effective professional---and may portend a wave of disruption in education.
A Regulatory Overview of Qualification of Equipment for Seismic and Dynamic Loads

The generic problem areas which have most often been identified during the NRC staff review of equipment seismic and dynamic qualification programs for near term operating license plants are presented, in view of the current licensing acceptance criteria and plant site audit procedures.
Fractionation of egg and soybean phosphatidylcholines by silver resin chromatography

Samples of egg and soybean phosphatidylcholines were fractionated by total number of double bonds on silver ion-saturated resin columns using solvent programming (acetonitrile in methanol). Stainless-steel columns were packed with 15-microns resin which had been isolated by air elutriation. Methods of column packing, silver ion incorporation, solvent-resin interactions and resin regeneration are also discussed.
Generalized Averages for Solutions of Two-Point Dirichlet Problems

For very general two-point boundary value problems we show that any positive solution satisfies a certain integral relation. As a consequence we obtain some new uniqueness and multiplicity results.
Nationwide comparative impact of thoracic endovascular aortic repair of acute uncomplicated type B aortic dissections.

Objective:Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD) remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the impact of TEVAR on mortality, morbidity, length of stay (LOS), and discharge status in patients with acute uncomplicated TBAD.Methods:We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample from 2009 and 2010. Patients were categorized according to the type of treatment: TEVAR or medical management. Outcomes, including mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), acute renal failure, discharge disposition, and LOS, were compared between the treatment groups.Results:We identified 4706 patients with TBAD. Mean age was 67 years and 55% were male. Treatment options included TEVAR in 504 and medical management in 4202. The overall adjusted in-hospital mortality was similar for both the groups (8.5% for TEVAR vs 10.3% for medical management, P = .224). The TEVAR carried higher risk of stroke (odds ratio [OR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.14-2.27]; P...
Effect of Sodium Bromide on Thyroid Gland of the Guinea Pig.

ConclusionsWe may, therefore, conclude on the basis of quantitative studies that bromine in the form of NaBr exerts a definite stimulating effect on the mammalian thyroid as manifested in the increase in mitotic figures, a slight but definite softening of colloid, and an increaie in the size of the acinus cells. IIon cver, this effect is not as marked as that produced by iodine, inasmuch as with the latter the average number of mitoies is about 5 times greater than that in the animals treated with NaBr.
A Review of the 1994 Revision of the US Government Auditing Standards

(1995). A Review of the 1994 Revision of the US Government Auditing Standards. EDPACS: Vol. 22, No. 12, pp. 5-14.
Testing performance: A practical perspective on institutional reform

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to outline a practical perspective for testing performance in the process of institutional reform in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach – The test is presented from a donor's perspective. The paper does so by introducing a framework for testing the sustainability, impact and replication of reforms, to achieve local development. These areas of performance are set against the institutional development agenda of structures, processes and contextual reforms. The test goes on to highlight the sustainable outcomes and institutional consolidation of such reforms. This is considered at community, local and central government levels. Findings – Testing performance is an important part of United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) practice. Its current concerns for sustainability and policy impact are being enhanced by a more explicit connection between institutional reform, through decentralisation, and poverty impact. Practical implications – The concepts outlined are designed to be of application to a donor concerned with seeking to achieve decentralisation through local development initiatives. The paper's value is as a reflection of current UNCDF policy experiments in the least developed countries (LDCs). These experiments are designed to enrich its practice and influence its partners in the field. Originality/value – There are few normative frameworks for testing performance on institutional reform. This test is particularly acute in the LDCs, the primary focus for UNCDF work. This technical paper is an attempt to develop a framework to allow donors to test their own work concerning institutional reform, particularly at the local government level.
Asymptotics of derivatives of orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle

We show that ratio asymptotics of orthogonal polynomials on the circle imply ratio asymptotics for all their derivatives. Moreover, by reworking ideas of Nevai, we show that uniform asymptotics for orthogonal polynomials on an arc of the unit circle imply asymptotics for all their derivatives.
Relationship of Forward Head Posture and Cervical Backward Bending to Neck Pain

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of forward head posture and cervical backward bending to neck pain. The subjects were fifty-four volunteer office workers, who spent at...
The Misuse of Multiple Regression With Composite Scales Obtained From Factor Scores

Factor scale scores are sometimes used as weights to create composite variables representing the variables included in a factor analysis. If these composite variables are then used to predict some dependent variable, serious theoretical and methodological problems arise. This paper explores the nature of these problems and suggests strategies for circumventing them.
Conventional And Unconventional Applications Of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy In The Chemical Laboratory

Peter R. GriffithsChemistry Department, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701IntroductionAlthough rapid- scanning interferometers giving very high sensitivity were first developedmore than twenty years ago, these instruments were not well accepted by chemical spectros-copists because of their low resolution and poor capability for data manipulation. It wasnot until 1969 with the development of laser- referenced rapid -scan interferometers whichcould generate spectra of at least 0.5 cm-1 resolution that the chemical community reallystarted to recognize FT -IR spectrometry as a genuinely useful analytical technique. Evenso, it has still taken a further decade to get the technique unequivocally accepted.A decade ago, the first commercial FT -IR spectrometers built for the chemical communitydid not yield spectra of much greater signal -to -noise ratio (SNR) than a good grating spec-trophotometer. Several components, such as nichrome wire sources and 14 -bit analog -to-digital converters, helped to account for this performance. Contemporary FT -IR spectrom-eters, with components of only slightly superior specifications such as Globar sources and15- or 16 -bit ADC's, yield spectra with more than an order of magnitude greater SNR thanthe earlier instruments. Apparently much of the improvement is merely due to experienceand vastly improved signal -processing electronics. Today, some 12 years after the firstcomputerized, medium -resolution FT -IR spectrometer was introduced commercially, there is nodoubt that all analytical laboratories with a high sample throughput or which need highersensitivity than is afforded by a mid -priced grating spectrometer should use an FT -IRspectrometer.Many such laboratories still tend to use these instruments with the same sampling tech-niques and accessories as they would apply with a grating spectrometer (and undoubtedlygenerally produce useful data). However, an FT -IR spectrometer now permits many differentsampling techniques to be applied, not only because of the intrinsic improvement of SNR butalso because of its compatibility with a variety of high performance infrared detectors.The simple substitution of the TGS or DTGS detector by a mercury cadmium telluride (MCT)detector gives the chemical spectroscopist vastly improved capability. In the opinion ofthis author, all chemical FT -IR laboratories should have at least one MCT detector perinterferometer and, except for certain special applications, put their TGS detectors out topasture. Other detectors, including other photoconductive and photovoltaic detectors,helium -cooled bolometers, and even simple microphones, provide the chemical FT -IR spectros-copist with increased power to make measurements which sould have been almost impossible adecade ago.Besides the increased sensitivity of FT -IR spectrometers, their improved data handlingcapability has also created application areas which could not have been considered a decade
25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Hypertension Rates

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cardiovascular disease and risk factors including hypertension. The authors sought to determine prevalence rates of hypertension in adults tested for 25-hydroxyvitamin D categorized by their levels and evaluate odds ratios for hypertension at lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels compared with optimal levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2006, of patients aged 18 years and older within a large ethnically diverse population. Diagnosis of hypertension was determined by International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes. Patients were categorized into quartiles according to 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels: ideal (≥40 ng/mL), adequate (30-39 ng/mL), deficient (15-29 ng/mL), and severely deficient (<15 ng/mL). Prevalence rates of hypertension and odds ratios were calculated for each 25-hydroxyvitamin D quartile, adjusting for age, sex, race, and renal insufficiency. A total of 2722 individuals met the inclusion criteria for the study. The overall prevalence of hypertension in the study population was 24%. Hypertension rates were 52%, 41%, 27%, and 20% in 25-hydroxyvitamin D quartiles <15 ng/mL, 15 to 29 ng/mL, 30 to 39 ng/mL, and ≥40 ng/mL, respectively (P<.001). Odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for hypertension adjusting for age, sex, race, and renal insufficiency were 2.7 (1.4-5.2), 2.0 (1.5-2.6), and 1.3 (1.2-1.6) for 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels <15 ng/mL, 15 to 29 ng/mL, and 30 to 39 ng/mL, respectively, compared with the ≥40 ng/mL group. This study demonstrates increased rates of hypertension in individuals who tested for lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D starting at levels <40 ng/mL. This retrospective analysis raises the question of whether supplementing to optimal vitamin D levels can prevent or improve hypertension.
Serotonergic effects on hypoglossal neural activity and reflex responses

We determined the effects of serotonin (5HT; 6 concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 500 microM) pressure microinjection into the hypoglossal (XII) motor nucleus (100-500 nl; pH = 7.2-7.4) on XII whole nerve activity and reflex response to upper airway negative pressure in 15 decerebrated, vagotomized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated cats. Increasing 5HT concentration resulted in a concentration dependent increase in ipsilateral tonic XII activity, with no change in phasic XII activity. Threshold concentrations ranged from 0.005 to 0.5 microM, with the maximal response reached at 5 microM. Increasing 5HT concentration also increased the duration of the XII response. This ranged from 50 s with 0.5 microM, to over 10 min with 500 microM 5HT. However, 5HT did not significantly change the XII whole nerve reflex response to upper airway negative pressure (-20 cm H2O) at any 5HT concentration (n = 5). All 5HT effects were reversed by microinjection of 1.0 mM methysergide. We conclude that XII responses to 5HT are elicited at low concentrations of 5HT, which have a relatively short duration of effect, but that 5HT at the XII motor nucleus has no effect on the XII reflex response to upper airway negative pressure.