cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Model of the Development of Cisplatin Resistance in Human Small Cell Lung Cancer Xenografts

Background/aim To study the prevention of chemotherapy resistance, we have previously designed models of drug-resistant ovarian cancer. We here report an in vivo model of cisplatin-resistant small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Materials and methods Mice bearing H526 SCLC xenografts received intraperitoneal pretreatment with a sub-effective cisplatin dose (0.75-1.5 mg/kg) or no pretreatment (controls). Seven days later, all mice received a higher cisplatin dose (3.0 mg/kg), and tumor response was recorded. Cell cultures initiated from pretreated and control xenografts were tested for cisplatin resistance and for glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity. Results Pretreatment with 1.5 mg/kg cisplatin induced resistance to 3.0 mg/kg cisplatin. Cells from a pretreated tumor were cisplatin resistant and had nearly twice the GST activity as cells from a control tumor. Conclusion Such cells may prove useful for identifying other resistance mechanisms and thus guide the selection of potential preventative agents to be tested in the in vivo model.
Composite MOF mixture as volatile organic compound sensor – A new approach to LMOF sensors

Abstract Five luminescent metal–organic frameworks (LMOFs) were synthesized solvothermally to investigate fluorescent enhancement and/or quenching effects in the solid state in the presence of a series of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Each of the MOFs was characterized with powder X-ray diffraction directly after synthesis, activation, and with emission/excitation studies. Three of the LMOFs, LaBTB (BTB = 1,3,5-tris(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene acid), ZrPDA (PDA = 1,4-phenyldiacrylic acid), and UiO-66-NH 2 , were mixed and exposed to a series of VOCs to show the feasibility of solid mixtures in creating fingerprint-like spectroscopic regions for detection and identification of VOCs. This new strategy increases signal discrimination and dilutes effects of π-stacking on quantum yields.
Antia-buch procedure (chondrocutaneous advancement flap)

Auricular defects continued to be a formidable challenge to reconstructive surgeons. Records detailing repair options stretched back to a millennium before Christ. This was followed by countless attempts with disappointing results. Twentieth century witnessed a surge in advances in reconstructive ear surgery. This paved the way for modern auricular reconstruction. Importance of the ear lies in its essential role in providing balance and symmetry to the face. What may seem a small defect in the auricle can distort the detailed anatomy and the appearance of symmetry. In the modern era, a variety of techniques have been illustrated to reconstruct auricular defects. This chapter will describe the chondrocutaneous advancement flap for full thickness helical rim defects up to 3 cm in size. The double helical advancement approach is based on perforating branches of the posterior auricular artery in the caudal flap, and the upper auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery supply the cephalic flap. This single stage procedure delivers reproducibly excellent aesthetic outcomes. Its main disadvantage is a mild loss in ear height. Indications, preoperative markings, intraoperative steps, postoperative care, possible complications, and a template of an operative dictation are included.
Photorelease of microcystin-LR from resuspended sediments.

Abstract A series of ten photolysis experiments was conducted with sediments exposed to Microcystis sp. blooms to determine if sunlight is capable of mobilizing the biotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) into the water column. There was a net photorelease of MC-LR in irradiated suspensions in all cases relative to dark controls, ranging from 0.4 to 192 μg L −1 g −1 into the dissolved phase. This should be viewed as a minimum estimate of photorelease due to concurrent photodegradation of dissolved toxin. Dissolved MC-LR concentrations in a sediment suspension increased linearly in the aqueous phase during a six-hour irradiation with simulated sunlight suggesting that longer exposure times produce greater quantities of MC-LR. There was a significant positive correlation between photorelease of toxin and percent organic carbon of the resuspended material, implying that organic-rich sediments yield the greatest photorelease of MC-LR upon exposure to full spectrum sunlight. Samples exposed to photosynthetically active radiation (400 nm–700 nm) were responsible for less than 2% of the photorelease compared to full spectrum exposures. Model calculations indicate that photochemical processing of bloom impacted sediments could be responsible for as much as 100% of the average standing stock of MC-LR in a freshwater pond located in southeastern North Carolina, where surface water concentrations were also measured. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed a new peak in light exposed flasks that appears to be a photo-induced isomerized product of MC-LR. Photoproduction from resuspended sediments therefore represents a significant but previously unrecognized source of highly toxic MC–LR and photoproducts of unknown toxicity and fate to aquatic ecosystems.
Prediction of Molecular Mechanisms of Breast Cancer Metastasis

Metastasis -the spread of cancer to other parts of the body- causes 90% of cancer deaths, underlies major health complications in cancer patients and renders most cancers incurable. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms underlying the process are poorly understood and therapeutics to block it remain elusive. Here, we present a computational technique for scanning genome-scale regulatory networks for potential genes associated with metastasis. First, we demonstrate that in the breast cancer cell line MCF7, the commonly dysregulated cancer biomarkers TP53, ERBB2, ESR1 and PGR are closely connected to known metastasis genes with a significant proportion being 2nd degree neighbors of a given biomarker. Next, we identify genes whose 2nd degree neighbors are connected in a similar manner to these biomarkers. Consequently, these are referred to as metastasis associated genes or MAGs. We identify 190 genes that are TP53-MAGs, 22 ERBB2-MAGs, 240 ESR1-MAGs and 84 PGR-MAGs (FDR adjusted P <0.001). Analysis of the MAGs reveals statistically significant enrichment with biological functions previously associated with metastasis including the extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interaction, focal adhesion, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and chemokine signaling. The biological significance of MAGs is further supported by their enrichment with experimentally validated binding sites for transcription factors that regulate metastasis, for example BACH1- a master regulator of breast cancer metastasis to bone. The predicted MAGs are also clinically relevant as therapeutic targets for metastasis blocking agents. Specifically, genes that are perturbed by drugs and miRNAs that influence metastasis are enriched with MAGs. Furthermore, some MAGs are associated with patient survival and provide insights into the proclivity for breast cancer subtypes to preferentially spread to specific organs. The results of this study imply that aberrations in primary tumors may constrict metastasis trajectories. This could enable the prediction of organ specific metastases based on aberrations in the primary tumor and lay a foundation for future studies on individualized or personalized models of metastasis. The approach is potentially scalable across other cancers and has clinical implications.
Criminal Profiling and Public Policy

Over the past 25 years, criminal profiling as a tool for solving crimes has been popularized with the public through literature, film, and television. Additionally, profiling’s successful contribution to the resolution of a few high-profile cases has also served to increase the practice’s standing in the public square. But fundamentally, the fate of criminal profiling as a tool of law enforcement is a public policy issue. As such, it is the various apparatuses of government that will dictate the scope and regularity of its use. The executive, legislative, and judicial functions of government in the United States and other nations all have particular roles to play in the proliferation or diminution of profiling as a practice. Law enforcement and mental health practitioners are not the only criminal profiling stakeholders. Those connected to the emerging discipline of criminal profiling would do well to remain attuned to their broader constituencies in the public policy arena—namely, those who craft criminal justice public policy, those who would fund it, and those who would sanction its legality.
Crazing in additively manufactured acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Abstract Additively manufactured acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) via fused deposition modeling (FDM) and compression molded ABS specimens were loaded in tension to compare their crazing behavior. Crazes in the compression molded ABS appeared simultaneously and uniformly across the entire cross section of the specimens after the crazing stress threshold was reached. Crazing in the FDM ABS was found to be driven by the large internal voids, artifacts of the FDM fabrication process. Crazes in FDM ABS initiated at a single initiation site and were significantly thicker in size. Micro Computed Tomography scans of the FDM ABS specimens before and after crazing showed that crazes initiated at internal voids, and the voids increased in size as the crazes propagated through the specimens.
Comparing Rates of Diagnosis Using DSM-IV-TR Versus DSM-5 Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder

With the publication of DSM-5, many changes were introduced regarding how Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would be diagnosed. Changes from DSM-IV-TR were controversial, with many arguing that individuals would lose their diagnosis with the new criteria. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the application of diagnostic criteria across both recent versions in a sample of infants and toddlers. Fewer individuals met criteria according to DSM-5; however, a larger proportion of individuals met criteria for both. Additionally, individuals with higher levels of symptoms were more likely to meet criteria for both versions as compared to either alone. Overall, results suggest that there are meaningful differences in how DSM criteria may apply to individuals with an ASD.
General Aspects of Steroid-Protein Interaction

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the general aspects of steroid-protein interaction. Binding of steroids to serum proteins has been studied, and it helps to know more about the properties of these complexes. The chapter focuses on the area of steroid-protein interactions, involving non-covalent bonding with different serum proteins. The interaction of steroid hormones with the receptor proteins of target tissues is of great biological interest; this aspect involves the mechanism of action of this important class of vertebrate hormones. However, the knowledge of the chemical nature of the receptor proteins is limited. A special type of steroid binding to proteins is that to steroid-specific enzymes. The steroid plays the role of a substrate to an enzyme, and at the same time, it may be considered a ligand to a protein that has a high and specific affinity for the particular steroid. These properties make the protein suitable for a study of the relationship between chemical structure of the binding site and its affinity for steroids. Results on these fundamental problems from the analysis of steroid-enzyme interactions are expected.
Malignant triton tumor diagnosed twelve years after radiosurgically treated vestibular schwannoma.

Abstract Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been used as the primary treatment for vestibular schwannoma (VS) over the last two decades. While literature is available on tumor response following SRS, very long-term follow-ups are not yet available. Malignant transformation of benign VS is very rare. There are only a few cases described in the literature, most of which report malignant transformation occurring between 5–10 years after radiosurgery. Here we report a case of a 65-year-old female, with no family history of neurofibromatosis, who presented with worsening mental status, gait instability and facial weakness. Twelve years prior to her presentation, she was diagnosed with a VS that was treated with stereotactic radiosurgery. The tumor had subsequently been stable on serial interval magnetic resonance imaging. She eventually presented with symptoms related to hydrocephalus and brain stem compression. Histopathologic analysis revealed a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. She succumbed to her disease and passed away 10 months after her resection surgery. This case highlights the necessity for lifelong follow-up following SRS and the need to be vigilant when performing SRS in large VS.
Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a research tool with various effects on brain cells, can depolarize cerebral neurons noninvasively. This method offers temporal and spatial resolution and can be combined with other neurocognitive and neuro-experimental techniques. Prefrontal TMS therapy repeated daily for four to six weeks is a neuromodulation technique approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients resistant to medications. This technique utilizes electromagnetic induction to excite neuronal cells. Several recent studies have enhanced our understanding of this novel treatment intervention. This report reviews recent studies on the mechanism of action, patient eligibility, effectiveness, and safety of TMS in treating depression.
Mathematical Discovery of Natural Laws in Biomedical Sciences: A New Methodology

As biomedical sciences discover new layers of complexity in the mechanisms of life and disease, mathematical models trying to catch up with these developments become mathematically intractable. As a result, in the grand scheme of things, mathematical models have so far played an auxiliary role in biomedical sciences. We propose a new methodology allowing mathematical modeling to give, in certain cases, definitive answers to systemic biomedical questions that elude empirical resolution. Our methodology is based on two ideas: (1) employing mathematical models that are firmly rooted in established biomedical knowledge yet so general that they can account for any, or at least many, biological mechanisms, both known and unknown; (2) finding model parameters whose likelihood-maximizing values are independent of observations (existence of such parameters implies that the model must not meet regularity conditions required for the consistency of maximum likelihood estimator). These universal parameter values may reveal general patterns (that we call natural laws) in biomedical processes. We illustrate this approach with the discovery of a clinically important natural law governing cancer metastasis. Specifically, we found that under minimal, and fairly realistic, mathematical and biomedical assumptions the likelihood-maximizing scenario of metastatic cancer progression in an individual patient is invariably the same: Complete suppression of metastatic growth before primary tumor resection followed by an abrupt growth acceleration after surgery. This scenario is widely observed in clinical practice and supported by a wealth of experimental studies on animals and clinical case reports published over the last 110 years. The above most likely scenario does not preclude other possibilities e.g. metastases may start aggressive growth before primary tumor resection or remain dormant after surgery.
The evaluation of large-scale collaborations between primary care general practices

Background General practice is under mounting pressure to ensure its future sustainability. Collaborations between GP practices are perceived as one way to respond to these pressures and they have been mandated by The NHS Long Term Plan. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the facilitators, barriers, impacts, and costs associated with collaboration. Method A rapid evidence assessment was carried out between September and November 2018. Publications over the last 20 years were eligible for inclusion if they were in English and covered any high-income OECD country. Publications between 1998 and 2012 inclusive, were limited to reviews only. No methodological restrictions were applied to publications between 2013 and 2018. A total of 52 publications were included for final data extraction (36 academic and 16 grey literature). Results Facilitators of GP collaboration include strong leadership, external support, trusting relationships, clear roles and objectives, and mutual shared history/vision. Barriers to collaboration were tied to an absence of key elements such as lack of clarity, core skills, time, human resources, trust, financial support, face-to-face interactions, and leadership. Positive impacts of collaboration included the delivery of high-quality health care, better clinical health outcomes, and improve employee satisfaction while negative impacts included challenging GP autonomy, feeling overwhelmed by workload, and a reduction of continuity of care for patients. Conclusion There are numerous facilitators to GP collaboration. Barriers are often present as an absence of facilitators. Further research is needed to evidence the impact(s) and cost-effectiveness of GP practice collaboration.
The dynamic stocking location problem – Dispersing inventory in fulfillment warehouses with explosive storage

Abstract Online order fulfillment warehouses (F-Warehouses) are a critical component of the physical internet. F-Warehouses convert online customer orders into physical delivery packages with an operational goal of fast fulfillment. Structurally F-Warehouses are unlike traditional warehouses and key differentiators are, a very large number of small bin locations, an explosive storage policy, and commingled bin storage. In explosive storage, an incoming bulk is separated into small lots which can be stocked in any bin throughout the warehouse. As orders flow in, this inventory dispersion increases the probability that a picker can locate multiple ordered items within a short distance. The dynamic stocking decision then is, where to stock the arriving inventory lots, such that picking algorithms can generate more efficient picklists and achieve the fast fulfillment goal. The paper presents first, an objective function for the dynamic stocking location problem and then formulates it as a mixed-integer program. The objective is a function of the weighted order fillability of each bin and models’ item-to-item order correlations. Two heuristics that solve the problem in a time-efficient manner are developed. Both heuristics performed well, with one providing a solution within 10% of the MIP solution 82% of the time. Using a database driven simulator, experimental runs were conducted on a problem with 22,000 orders. The results show the proposed stocking objective and associated heuristic reduced fulfillment time by 6.69%–11.19% relative to a segmented random rule. Performance improved by as much as 3.4% when the stocking bandwidth was increased from 20 to 40, while fulfillment time declined consistently with an increasing explosion ratio.
Can Tooth Preparation Design Affect the Fit of CAD/CAM Restorations?

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the marginal fit of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) restorations manufactured with CAD/CAM systems can be affected by different tooth preparation designs. METHODS Twenty-six typodont (plastic) teeth were divided into two groups (n = 13) according to the occlusal curvature of the tooth preparation. These were the group 1 (control group) (flat occlusal design) and group 2 (curved occlusal design). Scanning of the preparations was performed, and crowns were milled using ceramic blocks. Blocks were cemented using epoxy glue on the pulpal floor only, and finger pressure was applied for 1 minute. On completion of the cementation step, poor fits between the restoration and abutment were measured by microphotography and the silicone replica technique using light-body silicon material on mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual surfaces. RESULTS Two-way ANOVA analysis did not reveal a statistical difference between flat (83.61 ± 50.72) and curved (79.04 ± 30.97) preparation designs. Buccal, mesial, lingual, and distal sites on the curved design preparation showed less of a gap when compared with flat design. No difference was found on flat preparations among mesial, buccal, and distal sites (P < .05). The lingual aspect had no difference from the distal side but showed a statistically significant difference from mesial and buccal (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Difference in occlusal design did not significantly impact the marginal fit. Marginal fit was significantly affected by the location of the margin; lingual and distal locations exhibited greater margin gap values compared with buccal and mesial sites regardless of the preparation design.
Rates of appropriate laxative prophylaxis for opioid-induced constipation in veterans with lung cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the most common side effect in patient-prescribed opioids for cancer pain treatment. Current guidelines recommend routine prescription of a laxative for preventing OIC in all patients prescribed an opioid unless a contraindication exists. We determined patterns of prescription of laxative agents in patients with lung cancer initiating opioids. We performed a retrospective cohort study evaluating the prescription of laxatives for OIC to adult patients with incident lung cancer seen in the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) system, between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2016. Exposure to laxative agents was categorized as follows: none, docusate monotherapy, docusate plus another laxative, and other laxatives only. Prevalence of OIC prophylaxis was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Linear regression was performed to identify time trends in the prescription of OIC prophylaxis. Overall, 130,990 individuals were included in the analysis. Of these, 87% of patients received inadequate prophylaxis (75% no prophylaxis and 12% docusate alone), while 5% received OIC prophylaxis with the unnecessary addition of docusate to another laxative. Through the study period, laxative prescription significantly decreased, while all other categories of OIC prophylaxis were unchanged. We noted an inverse relationship with OIC prophylaxis and likelihood of a diagnosis of constipation at 3 and 6 months. In this study of veterans with lung cancer, almost 90% received inadequate or inappropriate OIC prophylaxis. Efforts to educate physicians and patients to promote appropriate OIC prophylaxis in combination with systems-level changes are warranted.
Service-Learning and Civic Engagement: Environmental Awareness in Hawai‘i

While voter turnout is often seen as one definitive aspect of civic engagement, this paper argues that there are more nuanced ways to reflect on the impact of service-learning experiences on studen...
P106 The Family Meal Project: Assessing the Relationship Between Family Priorities and Routines to Their Child's Eating Preferences

Background Parent-child interactions pose significant influences on their child's dietary behaviors. Family priorities and routines may increase the child's healthy eating preferences. However, few studies analyze how family experience affects child dietary preferences. Objective To examine parents’ report of family priorities and routines in relation to their child's dietary preferences. Study Design, Setting, Participants Seven families, including 12 parents and their children (n = 14), aged 2-11, participated in a 6-week family-focused intervention that incorporated parent-child interaction activities and healthy mealtime coaching. Participants were assessed at baseline and at post-intervention with validated questionnaires. Families were predominantly Hispanic/Latino (82%) with married parents (80%), and had 2 or more children (82%). Measurable Outcome/Analysis Parental program activities were used to assess family priorities and routines. Priorities were ranked from 1-16, ranging from most to least important. Family routines were assessed to indicate whether routine meal planning decisions were healthy/unhealthy. Children completed questionnaires selecting pictures of healthy/unhealthy foods to assess dietary preferences. Descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, and correlations tests were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results were considered significant at P Results At baseline, approximately 42% of parents scored 75% or higher for practicing “healthy” family routines during meal planning. Healthy child dietary preferences had significant negative correlations with parents who reported high priorities of “Completing HW” (r = −0.66, P = .026) and “Getting to school on time” (r = −0.85, P = .001). Healthy family routines such as “Having meals together”, “Stop eating when full”, and “Saving leftovers” had significant positive correlations to high-ranked, nutrition-related family priorities such as “Healthy dinner” (r = 0.67, P = .009), “Eating meals together” (r = 0.58, P = .028), and “Positive family food-interactions” (r = 0.72, P = .006). Conclusions Overall, most parents emphasized nutrition-related priorities for their families; however, less than 50% of parents currently practiced “healthy” family routines. Nutrition-related priorities and routines indicated healthier choices for the child. Positive parent-child interactions, including the practice of healthy, nutrition-related priorities and routines may significantly impact the child's dietary preferences. Further research is needed with larger sample sizes to confirm these findings.
The Perceived Roles of God during Suicide Bereavement

Ten women described their religious lives following the suicide of a family member. Using their audio-recorded and transcribed interviews, this qualitative pilot study describes their perceptions o...
An optimized ribodepletion approach for C. elegans RNA-sequencing libraries

A recent and powerful technique is to obtain transcriptomes from rare cell populations, such as single neurons in C. elegans, by enriching dissociated cells using fluorescent sorting. However, these cell samples often have low yields of RNA that present challenges in library preparation. This can lead to PCR duplicates, noisy gene expression for lowly expressed genes, and other issues that limit endpoint analysis. Further, some common resources, such as sequence specific kits for removing ribosomal RNA, are not optimized for non-mammalian samples. To optimize library construction for such challenging samples, we compared two approaches for building RNAseq libraries from less than 10 nanograms of C. elegans RNA: SMARTseq V4 (Takara), a widely used kit for selecting poly-adenylated transcripts; and SoLo Ovation (Tecan Genomics), a newly developed ribodepletion-based approach. For ribodepletion, we used a custom kit of 200 probes designed to match C. elegans rRNA gene sequences. We found that SoLo Ovation, in combination with our custom C. elegans probe set for rRNA depletion, detects an expanded set of noncoding RNAs, shows reduced noise in lowly expressed genes, and more accurately counts expression of long genes. The approach described here should be broadly useful for similar efforts to analyze transcriptomics when RNA is limiting.
Experiences of Non-Native English Speakers Learning Computer Science in a US University

Prior work has shown that the adjustment challenges faced by international students in English-speaking universities are primarily attributable to English language proficiency and culture. Although studies in computing education have documented the barriers that non-native English speakers face while learning CS using online programming platforms, little research has been done on their experiences in CS courses within a university setting. In this study, we seek to understand the experiences of non-native English speakers learning CS at a English-speaking university in the United States. Through weekly surveys and course grades from four CS courses, we investigate the differences between non-native and native English speakers with respect to the time spent studying outside of class, confidence levels at the start of a course, types of learning resources used, and expected and actual overall grades. We found that although non-native speakers require a higher minimum grade to be satisfied and often spend a longer time on average studying outside of class compared to native speakers, there was no difference in the actual grade received between the two groups. While there was no significant difference in the type of resources used (online vs in-person), there was a significant difference in the confidence level between native and non-native English speakers.
Jordan: The Elements of a Growth Strategy

In the decade 1999-2009, Jordan experienced an impressive growth acceleration, tripling its exports and increasing income per capita by 38%. Since then, a number of external shocks that include the Global Financial Crisis (2008-2009), the Arab Spring (2011), the Syrian Civil War (2011), and the emergence of the Islamic State (2014) have affected Jordan in significant ways and thrown its economy out of balance. Jordan’s debt-to-GDP ratio has ballooned from 55% (2009) to 94% (2018). The economy has continued to grow amidst massive fiscal adjustment and balance of payments constraints, but the large increase in population – by 50% between 2008 and 2017 – driven by massive waves of refugees has resulted in a 12% cumulative loss in income per capita (2010-2017). Moving forward, debt sustainability will require not only continued fiscal consolidation but also faster growth and international support to keep interest payments on the debt contained. We have developed an innovative framework to align Jordan’s growth strategy with its changing factor endowments. The framework incorporates service industries into an Economic Complexity analysis, utilizing the Dun and Bradstreet database, together with an evaluation of the evolution of Jordan’s comparative advantages over time. Combining several tools to identify critical constraints faced by sectors with the greatest potential, we have produced a roadmap with key elements of a strategy for Jordan to return to faster, more sustainable and more inclusive growth that is consistent with its emerging comparative advantages.
Missing Pieces: Engaging Sociology of Disability in Medical Sociology.

Medical sociologists and sociologists of disability study similar topics but, because of competing or conflicting theoretical paradigms, tend to arrive at different conclusions, engage with differe...
The Price of Palliative Care: Towards a Complete Accounting of Costs and Benefits

The costs and benefits of hospice and palliative care have recently received attention for many compelling reasons. First, the cost of medical care over a lifetime is largely expended near the end-of-life. The impending demographic bulge of aging baby boomers will only heighten concerns about costs. Second, hospice and palliative care have been offered as potential vehicles for reducing late-in-life spending. Third, palliative care has gained legitimacy as a distinct medical specialty, having as it does a characteristic philosophy, specialized skill sets, and specific service delivery needs. This philosophy of care is consistent with and, to some degree, builds on the philosophy of care that geriatrics also promotes. In this article, currently accepted standards for cost-benefit analysis of health care interventions are outlined, and a framework to evaluate palliative care within these standards is provided. Recent publications on the economic implications of palliative care are reviewed, which are only the ‘‘tip of the iceberg’’ of the potential costs and benefits. Using this framework, the authors offer guidelines for performing comprehensive cost-benefit analyses of palliative care and conclude that many of the issues beneath the surface may be substantial and deserving of closer scrutiny. Methods for gathering relevant cost-benefit information are detailed, along with potential obstacles to implementation. This approach is applicable to palliative care in general, including palliative care for elders.
Gated Magnetotransport in α-Sn Thin Films on CdTe

α-Sn has been hailed as a single-element topological material with great promise for spintronic applications due to its strong spin–orbit coupling. Epitaxial growth on CdTe is identified as a method to isolate the novel electronic properties of thin film α-Sn, in order to perform transport studies without shunting through other lattice-matched substrates that may be conducting, such as InSb. As opposed to the bulk semimetallic or semiconducting states studied previously on CdTe, thinner films are expected to be topologically insulating. Field-effect gating allows for an in-depth analysis of the carrier distributions involved to determine both the potential and the challenges posed by this material system. We find two-carrier n- and p-type transport, as well as a narrow band gap in the surface state as a result of an annihilation of the Dirac points in the [001] projection. The transport properties are greatly affected by carrier scattering at the heteroepitaxial growth surface, as evidenced by linear magnetoresistance, a high background of carriers, and low mobility. Future studies involving the great promise of topological insulator states of α-Sn grown on electrically insulating CdTe will find such transport measurements invaluable for the creation of topological devices in this material system.
Survivable VCAT Enabled Multiservice Networks

This paper is designated towards improving the survivability of Next Generation Virtually Concatenated (VCAT) Multiservice Core Transport Networks in the event of single and multiple span failures. Several network parameters are considered in determining if it is feasible to deploy a full set of network protection techniques in the NGN SONET/SDH core whilst being subject to the constraint of minimizing the inherent differential delay. The basis of the Multiservice network architecture is as prescribed in the paper titled "VCAT Differential Delay Minimization for Delay sensitive Multiservice Networks"[1]. We further the scope of the research by examining the results of selecting paths with implicit protection as a criterion to create a survivable, reliable network that is bound by the intrinsic timing criteria of the VCAT protocol standard. We then examine the simulation results, which allow us to choose paths that further the concept of survivability, through a Distributed Preplanning implementation.
7 Mediating associations, essentialism, and nonsimilarity-based categorization

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses mediating associations, essentialism, and nonsimilarity-based categorization. It describes a type of theory-based model (the essentialist view) that is currently dominant in the developmental literature and then critically evaluates research adduced to support the essentialist model. A mediational model is elaborated in an attempt to account for nonsimilarity-based categorization. The chapter describes research with humans and animals that documents the effectiveness of common experience in creating classes that go beyond perceptual resemblance. The results of new research on response mediation, which act as a basis for categorization behavior in children, are also described. The chapter also discusses the role of perceptual and nonperceptual processes in categorization and describes the plans for future research. The chapter considers an approach that relies on mediation via learned associations. According to classic models of mediation, internal stimulus and response cues become associated with particular external objects or events. These mediating cues may then guide later behavior.
Nonlinear Identification of a Capacitive Dual-Backplate MEMS Microphone

This paper presents the nonlinear system identification of model parameters for a capacitive dual-backplate MEMS microphone. System parameters of the microphone are developed by lumped element modeling (LEM) and a governing nonlinear equation is thereafter obtained with coupled mechanical and electrostatic nonlinearities. The approximate solution for a general damped second order system with both quadratic and cubic nonlinearities and a non-zero external step loading is explored by the multiple time scales method. Then nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) is performed to verify the accuracy of the lumped stiffnesses of the diaphragm. The microphone is characterized and nonlinear least-squares technique is implemented to identify system parameters from experimental data. Finally uncertainty analysis is performed. The experimentally identified natural frequency and nonlinear stiffness parameter fall into their theoretical ranges for a 95% confidence level respectively.© 2005 ASME
Availability of alternative positions and estimates of consensus

We examined a theoretical view suggesting that consensus estimates for a preferred position are influenced by the availability of alternative positions. Study 1 manipulated the number of personal activities presented to subjects, requested them to select one as their choice and to make a peer group consensus estimate for it. As the number of alternative activities increased, consensus estimates for one's choice decreased. In Study 2, consensus estimates for one's choice were higher for those requested to focus their attention on their chosen activity and imagine themselves performing it than for those requested to focus on a non-preferred alternative. Different theoretical views are briefly discussed.
Postpartum dissection of the left main coronary artery

Peripartum coronary artery dissection is rare, but it is an increasingly recognized risk to women of childbearing age. Literature reviews reveal that about 80% of the population with spontaneous coronary artery dissections (SCAD) are female, and approximately 25-33% of cases occurred while the woman was pregnant or in the peripartum phase. Most cases have presented within 2 weeks of delivery. The left anterior descending is the most commonly affected vessel. The etiology is poorly understood, but many reports suggest that SCAD occurs as a result of protease release secondary to an eosinophilic vasculitis resulting in vessel lysis. Many investigators have examined the correlation between peripartum SCAD and estrogen levels; however, case studies have shown conflicting results regarding estrogen levels as the putative causative factor. Optimal treatment remains controversial. Presently, stenting appears to be best employed in the patients who have single-vessel dissection not involving the left main coronary artery (LMCA). Surgical revascularization via coronary artery bypass graft remains the optimal therapy in patients whose dissection involves the LMCA, in patients with concurrent multi-vessel dissection, and in patients with disease refractory to medical management. It is important to consider coronary artery dissection in the differential of any young woman who presents with signs or symptoms consistent with acute coronary syndrome, particularly if she is peripartum. Furthermore, once suspected, it is imperative that a definitive diagnostic study, that is, coronary angiography, be completed prior to the initiation of treatment whenever possible.
Child language brokering in linguistic minority communities: Effects on cultural interaction, cognition, and literacy

Socio‐cultural views of learning suggest that the acquisition and display of knowledge is context dependent. This study examines the contexts of cultural interaction and the development of cognition and language among linguistic minority (LM) children who ‘brokered’ for their limited English speaking parents. Unlike formal translators, language brokers mediate rather than merely transmit information among the parties involved. Nine subjects who brokered for their parents as children were interviewed to determine the effects of brokering. Brokers reported increased first and second language acquisition, comprehension of L2 texts far above their grade level, and assumption of parental duties in regards to their schooling and other functions. The results are discussed in terms of current theories of learning as well as possible implications for the schooling of LM students.
Cultural threat and perceived realistic group conflict as dual predictors of prejudice

Recent research has focused on how perceived intergroup similarity influences stereotyping and prejudice. Very little is known, however, regarding how the quality or type of similarity influences intergroup relations. Presented is a methodology that allows one to manipulate the quality of perceived intergroup similarity. This methodology is used to test contrasting predictions about how perceptions of intergroup similarity on self-stereotyped interpersonal and work-related traits predict attitudes towards immigrants. Predictions were derived from cultural threat and perceived realistic group conflict theories. Some participants were asked to rate how similar they perceived their in-group was to Mexican immigrants, whereas others were asked to evaluate how the groups differed on the given traits. Control participants evaluated themselves on the given traits. Participants were presented with either interpersonal traits or work related traits as stimuli. The main dependent measures were a perceived realistic conflict scale, a prejudice scale, and a stereotyping scale. All three scales used Mexican immigrants as the target category. When interpersonal traits were made salient, contrast comparisons led to more negative attitudes towards immigrants, supporting a cultural threat hypothesis. When work-related traits were made salient, similarity comparisons led to more prejudice and more negative attitudes towards immigrants, supporting a perceived realistic conflict hypothesis. Thus, a perceived threat to either the cultural norm or economic well being led to more negative attitudes towards immigrants. Results are discussed for their relevance to models of intergroup relations.
Design and development of a nanoparticle deposition system

This paper outlines the development process of a pneumatic projection device to fire particles into substrates at a range of high speeds. An alternate approach to the existing cold gas dynamic spray device is taken in an effort to seek a simple and cost-effective method for research and industrial purposes. Initially, a large-scale vacuum cannon is used to obtain data and compare velocity results to analytical methods and numerical simulations using computational fluid flow software. A system to precisely measure muzzle velocity is then developed for use on a smaller-scale pneumatic device operating at relatively low pressures (95 psi) and at subsonic velocities. The device is then redesigned and developed for use with a high-pressure (up to 1000 psi) air supply to accelerate particles to supersonic muzzle velocities. The objectives of this study are to develop a device capable of accelerating particles to supersonic speeds in a simple and cost-effective manner when compared to similar existing technologies and to develop a device suitable for the investigation of the effect of impacts on substrate materials.
Hydraulic Fracture Diagnosis Using Chemical Tracers

In this paper, the use of a single-well tracer test for hydraulic fracture diagnosis is explored. Existing methods for hydraulic fracture diagnosis (e.g. well logging and pressure transient testing) often do not provide accurate or unique solutions, so improved methods are needed. The principle behind the use of tracers for hydraulic fracture diagnosis is the dominance of the fracture on the flow field in a hydraulically fractured reservoir and the strong influence of fracture parameters on the flow field. This will be reflected in the tracer response curves of a single-well tracer test in a fractured well, making the tracer test diagnostic of the fracture and its parameters. Several kinds of tracers (conservative, sorbing, reactive and partitioning) have been tested for their diagnostic value by numerical modeling. The major factors of influence on the tracer response have been identified. These factors are combined in a ratio, the tracer influence ratio, which can be used for the estimation of the product of fracture length and fracture height. The tracer behavior is dispersion dominated, which implies that the tracer dispersivity must be known for the tracer test interpretation, or it could be estimated from another tracer test in the same well ormore » another well in the formation. Extensive sensitivity analyses have indicated that the tracer test is only mildly sensitive to a large number of variables which is beneficial for the purpose of hydraulic fracture diagnosis. A conservative tracer appears to be the best candidate for hydraulic fracture diagnosis using a single-well test since it has the largest diagnostic value when the tracer test is optimized.« less
Macaque trophoblast migration is regulated by RANTES.

In human and non-human primates, migratory trophoblasts penetrate the uterine epithelium, invade the endometrium, enter the uterine vasculature, and migrate within the arteries. The mechanisms that regulate this directional migration are unknown. We have used early gestation macaque trophoblasts to test the hypothesis that trophoblast migration is regulated by the chemokine, Regulated on Activation T-Cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES). Immunohistochemical analysis of cryosections of endometrial tissue showed expression of RANTES by stromal cells and vascular cells. Isolated endothelial cells expressed RANTES as determined by immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR analyses. Immunohistochemical analysis of endometrial cryosections showed that the RANTES receptor, CCR5, was expressed by trophoblasts on anchoring villi and by cells within the trophoblastic shell. Cytokeratin-positive/CCR5-positive cells, consistent with trophoblasts, were also found scattered within the stroma and were often clustered around blood vessels. Isolated trophoblast cells expressed CCR5 as determined by immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR analyses. Isolated trophoblasts migrated towards RANTES when cultured in migration chambers and migration was reduced in the presence of anti-CCR5 antibody. When trophoblasts were cultured on dishes coated with recombinant RANTES, expression of β1 integrin was increased. The RANTES-induced increase in β1 integrin expression was inhibited by pertussis toxin. These data suggest a role for RANTES and CCR5 in the regulation of trophoblast migration within the endometrium and within the uterine vasculature.
Coulomb Green's Function in Closed Form

A simple derivation of the nonrelativistic Green's function is given. Other representations of the function and their agreement with this and various other representations are discussed. (D.C.W.)