cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Recommendations for Caloric Provision to Critically Ill Obese Patients: A Pilot Study

Background The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) recommend that obese, critically ill patients receive 11-14 kcal/kg/d using actual body weight (ABW) or 22-25 kcal/kg/d using ideal body weight (IBW), because feeding these patients 50%-70% maintenance needs while administering high protein may improve outcomes. It is unknown whether these equations achieve this target when validated against indirect calorimetry, perform equally across all degrees of obesity, or compare well with other equations. Methods Measured resting energy expenditure (MREE) was determined in obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m(2)), critically ill patients. Resting energy expenditure was predicted (PREE) using several equations: 12.5 kcal/kg ABW (ASPEN-Actual BW), 23.5 kcal/kg IBW (ASPEN-Ideal BW), Harris-Benedict (adjusted-weight and 1.5 stress-factor), and Ireton-Jones for obesity. Correlation of PREE to 65% MREE, predictive accuracy, precision, bias, and large error incidence were calculated. Results All equations were significantly correlated with 65% MREE but had poor predictive accuracy, had excessive large error incidence, were imprecise, and were biased in the entire cohort (N = 31). In the obesity cohort (n = 20, BMI 30-50 kg/m(2)), ASPEN-Actual BW had acceptable predictive accuracy and large error incidence, was unbiased, and was nearly precise. In super obesity (n = 11, BMI >50 kg/m(2)), ASPEN-Ideal BW had acceptable predictive accuracy and large error incidence and was precise and unbiased. Conclusions SCCM/ASPEN-recommended body weight equations are reasonable predictors of 65% MREE depending on the equation and degree of obesity. Assuming that feeding 65% MREE is appropriate, this study suggests that patients with a BMI 30-50 kg/m(2) should receive 11-14 kcal/kg/d using ABW and those with a BMI >50 kg/m(2) should receive 22-25 kcal/kg/d using IBW.
Pathological outcomes associated with the 17q prostate cancer risk variants.

Purpose: Recent studies have identified 2 distinct genetic variants along chromosome 17, including allele T of single nucleotide polymorphism rs4430796 on 17q12 and allele G of single nucleotide polymorphism rs1859962 on 17q24, that have been linked to prostate cancer risk. Less is known about tumor pathological features in carriers of these variants.Materials and Methods: Genotypes for regions 17q12 and 17q24 were determined in 759 white men with prostate cancer and compared to those in 790 healthy control volunteers using logistic regression. In patients with prostate cancer the Fisher exact or Kruskal-Wallis test was used as appropriate to assess the relationship(s) between clinical and pathological characteristics with 17q carrier status.Results: The frequency of the 17q12 and 17q24 genetic variants was significantly higher in patients with prostate cancer compared to that in controls (OR 1.32, 1.15, respectively). Of patients with prostate cancer 83% and 77% were carriers of the 17q12 and 17q24 varia...
Smart electromagnetic structures: a neural network antenna

Artificial neural networks(ANN5) and their ability to model and control dynamical systems for smart structures including sensors actuators and plants are being considered in our lab. Both linear and non-linear systems have been successfully modeled. We are presently working on two diverse regimes smart mechanical systems and smart electromagnetic systems. In order to better understand neural controllers as used in the smart electromagnetic structures we have directed our study of ANNs toward understanding the ability of the network to approximate system responses. We are training networks to mimic the desired output of the system. The damped sinusoid was chosen as the model and was approximated using a Jordan-like 8 iterative network. The results to date indicate that the ANNs can easily mimic these systemsthe question is whether the mechanism that the network applies can be related to the mechanisms that we understand for classical analysis. Sensor preprocessing represents a significant element in the smart material and structure concept. We are looking at certain network architectures as sensor preprocessors. Results from both these areas will be presented in this paper.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A nonadaptive version of Ulam's problem with one lie

Abstract In this paper we use separating systems to construct a nonadaptive hypergeometric group testing procedure that identifies one defect in a set of cardinality n when at most one sample test can be erroneous, and no sample of cardinality greater than k can be tested.
Measuring fatigue relative to peak power output during high-intensity cycle sprinting.

Abstract The purpose of this report was to introduce and validate a method to account for variable fatigue rates during cycle sprinting by incorporating decline from peak power (30%) as a test termination criterion. Fifteen healthy men performed three maximal sprint tests separated by 20 min (Bouts 1 and 2) and 48 hours (Bout 3). Power curves were analyzed for peak power, time to peak, time to fatigue (decline of 30% from peak), total work, total test time, fatigue rate, and the fatigue index. High test-retest reliability was demonstrated for all variables (R = 0.85–0.98). No significant differences were detected between variables (Bouts 1, 2 and 3; p > 0.01). Fatigue rates varied widely among participants (range = 24.7–65.4 W·s-1), but the fatigue index was consistent (31.1 ± 0.16; mean ± standard error of measurement, range = 30.1–32.5%). Our data show that variable fatigue responses among participants are normalized to the percentage of decline from peak power by incorporating a relative fatigue cutoff...
Effect of a High Saturated Fat and No-Starch Diet on Serum Lipid Subfractions in Patients With Documented Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Objective To determine whether a diet of high saturated fat and avoidance of starch (HSF-SA) results in weight loss without adverse effects on serum lipids in obese nondiabetic patients. Patients and Methods Twenty-three patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease participated in a prospective 6-week trial at the Christiana Care Medical Center in Newark, Del, between August 2000 and September 2001. All patients were obese (mean ± SD body mass index [BMI], 39.0±7.3 kg/m 2 ) and had been treated with statins before entry in the trial. Fifteen obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (BMI, 36.1±9.7 kg/m 2 ) and 8 obese patients with reactive hypoglycemia (BMI, 46.8±10 kg/m 2 ) were monitored during an HSF-SA diet for 24 and 52 weeks, respectively, between 1997 and 2000. Results In patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, mean ± SD total body weight (TBW) decreased 5.2%±2.5% ( P P =.02). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis of lipids showed decreases in total triglycerides ( P P P P P P =.01) and LDL size ( P =.02) increased. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome lost 14.3%±20.3% of TBW ( P =.008) and patients with reactive hypoglycemia lost 19.9%±8.7% of TBW ( P Conclusion An HSF-SA diet results in weight loss after 6 weeks without adverse effects on serum lipid levels verified by nuclear magnetic resonance, and further weight loss with a lipid-neutral effect may persist for up to 52 weeks.
‘El Crisóstomo vetustense’: Fermín de Pas, el poder de la palabra y la dimensión ética del lenguaje en La Regenta

In a logocracy thou well knowest there is little or no occasion for fire arms, or any such destructive weapons. Every offensive or defensive measure is enforced by wordy battle, and paper war; he w...
Texture perceived with the fingers

Relative assessments of 10 attributes commonly used to describe the texture of liquids on skin were obtained for 14 liquids of widely varying rheological properties. The results were analyzed to show that these judgments can be predicted accurately from the assessments of just three attributes, smoothness, thinness, and warmth. Smoothness was found to be closely related to the forces of contact lubrication, and could be predicted from measurements of coefficients of friction. Thinness was found to be closely related to viscous forces, consistent with other predictions of assessments of thickness and spreadability. Warmth was not studied further. The results show how careful definition of the stimulus on the skin’s surface can sharply simplify the interpretation of the psychophysical experiment.
State Intervention and Telecommunications in Mexico

The liberalization of telecommunications in Mexico has parallels with the development of telecommunications in other countries as well as some characteristics particular to the Mexican situation. The A. explore theoretical relationships between the state and telecommunications through an analysis of the Mexican case
Single-Isocenter Multiple-Target Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Risk of Compromised Coverage

Purpose To determine the dosimetric effects of rotational errors on target coverage using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for multitarget stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Methods and Materials This retrospective study included 50 SRS cases, each with 2 intracranial planning target volumes (PTVs). Both PTVs were planned for simultaneous treatment to 21 Gy using a single-isocenter, noncoplanar VMAT SRS technique. Rotational errors of 0.5°, 1.0°, and 2.0° were simulated about all axes. The dose to 95% of the PTV (D95) and the volume covered by 95% of the prescribed dose (V95) were evaluated using multivariate analysis to determine how PTV coverage was related to PTV volume, PTV separation, and rotational error. Results At 0.5° rotational error, D95 values and V95 coverage rates were ≥95% in all cases. For rotational errors of 1.0°, 7% of targets had D95 and V95 values 95% for only 63% of the targets. Multivariate analysis showed that PTV volume and distance to isocenter were strong predictors of target coverage. Conclusions The effects of rotational errors on target coverage were studied across a broad range of SRS cases. In general, the risk of compromised coverage increased with decreasing target volume, increasing rotational error and increasing distance between targets. Multivariate regression models from this study may be used to quantify the dosimetric effects of rotational errors on target coverage given patient-specific input parameters of PTV volume and distance to isocenter.
Sub-PPM linearity testing of a DMM using a Josephson array

The design and operation of a system that uses a 10-V Josephson array to measure automatically the linearity of precision digital multimeters (DMMs) are described. Software automatically sets the array voltage to appropriate levels over the range of interest, controls the data collection at each data point, performs data reduction, and stores the data on disk for archival and future recall. The results reported demonstrate the ability of the system to measure the linearity more accurately than 0.1 p.p.m. of 10 V. Tests on some DMMs demonstrated peak linearity errors as small as 0.03 p.p.m. >
Spirituality and Faith-Based Interventions: Pathways to Disaster Resilience for African American Hurricane Katrina Survivors

Research has shown that spirituality and religion are important sources of resilience and coping in adversity such as disasters, particularly for African Americans. In addition, churches and faith-based service providers are key actors in disaster relief and recovery. After Hurricane Katrina, research on survivors has focused little on the role of spirituality and religion in their recovery. This case study illustrates that even without soliciting it, survivors who evacuated to a host city talked about the importance of spirituality and religion in their recovery process. Further, interviews and observations with local service providers illustrate that few practitioners utilized spirituality or religion as a resource and that coordination between faith-based and secular service providers was problematic. Our research highlights a neglected area of cultural competence for those providing services to Katrina survivors. We discuss the implications for social work policy and practice.
Seasonal and interannual variability of the Bering Slope Current

Abstract Time series of sea-surface height anomalies derived from satellite altimeters and absolute dynamic topography are used to examine variability in the geostrophic surface currents in the Eastern Bering Sea. The data suggest that the primary source of water to the eastern boundary currents of the Bering Sea is flow from the North Pacific through Amukta Pass, an Aleutian pass located at ~172°W. The Aleutian North Slope Current (ANSC) is strongest and most variable in the winter months. Upon turning the corner to feed the Bering Slope Current (BSC), the ANSC bifurcates, resulting in a westward flow at ~54°N in addition to the northwestward flowing BSC. This westward countercurrent has not been previously observed. In the winter, the BSC flows strongly to the northwest and is located near the shelf-break. During the rest of the year, the mean flow is broadly northwestward, but weaker and farther from the shelf break. A continuous northwestward-flowing current is rarely observed in the altimetry data except during winter months, as it is overwhelmed by mesoscale variability. The strength of the BSC in winter is correlated with the Multivariate ENSO Index and the North Pacific Index on interannual timescales.
Staffing and structure of infection prevention and control programs.

Background The nature of infection prevention and control is changing; however, little is known about current staffing and structure of infection prevention and control programs. Methods Our objectives were to provide a snapshot of the staffing and structure of hospital-based infection prevention and control programs in the United States. A Web-based survey was sent to 441 hospitals that participate in the National Healthcare Safety Network. Results The response rate was 66% (n = 289); data were examined on 821 professionals. Infection preventionist (IP) staffing was significantly negatively related to bed size, with higher staffing in smaller hospitals ( P Conclusion This study is the first to provide a comprehensive description of current infection prevention and control staffing, organization, and support in a select group of hospitals across the nation. Further research is needed to identify effective staffing levels for various hospital types as well as examine how the IP role is changing over time.
Oxidative inactivation of cytochrome P-450 1A (CYP1A) stimulated by 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl: production of reactive oxygen by vertebrate CYP1As.

Microsomal cytochrome P-450 1A (CYP1A) in a vertebrate model (the teleost fish scup) is inactivated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist 3,39,4,49-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB). Here, the mechanism of CYP1A inactivation and its relationship to reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation were examined by using liver microsomes from scup and rat and expressed human CYP1As. In vitro inactivation of scup CYP1A activity 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation by TCB was time dependent, NADPH dependent, oxygen dependent, and irreversible. TCB increased microsomal NADPH oxidation rates, and CYP1A inactivation was lessened by adding cytochrome c. CYP1A inactivation was accompanied by loss of spectral P-450, a variable loss of heme and a variable appearance of P-420. Rates of scup liver microsomal metabolism of TCB were , 0.5 pmol/ min/mg, 25-fold less than the rate of P-450 loss. Non-heme iron chelators, antioxidant enzymes, and ROS scavengers had no influence on inactivation. Inactivation was accelerated by H2O2 and azide but not by hydroxylamine or aminotriazole. TCB also inactivated rat liver microsomal CYP1A, apparently CYP1A1. Adding TCB to scup or rat liver microsomes containing induced levels of CYP1A, but not control microsomes, stimulated formation of ROS; formation rates correlated with native CYP1A1 content. TCB stimulated ROS formation by baculovirus-expressed human CYP1A1 but not CYP1A2. The results indicate that TCB uncouples the catalytic cycle of CYP1A, ostensibly CYP1A1, resulting in formation of ROS within the active site. These ROS may inactivate CYP1A or escape from the enzyme. ROS formed by CYP1A1 may contribute to the toxicity of planar halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons.
The contribution of the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory to developing an understanding of long-term (1934-2008) changes in managed and unmanaged forests.

Long-term records from USDA Forest Service Experimental Forests and Ranges (EF&Rs) are exceptionally valuable scientific resources and common ground for research in natural resource management. Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Southern Appalachian Mountains in western North Carolina, is one of 82 EF&Rs located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Since its establishment in 1934, the wealth and breadth of scientific knowledge gained from Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory research has provided both public and private land managers information on forest land management and has added to the knowledge base of natural resource science.
The Effects of State Risk and Controllability Filters on Compensation Contract and Effort Choice

Surveys of business firms in the U.S.A. indicate that standard-based compensation contracts are common in practice. Analytical studies of this form of contract have suggested that under conditions of state risk, an employee's contract and effort choice are significantly affected by how pay relates to measured performance, and whether the compensation contract filters out the effects on measured performance of factors beyond the employee's control. This paper reports the results of a laboratory experiment indicating that in the presence of state risk, an individual's choice of compensation contract depends jointly on these two contract attributes and his/her risk preference as well as performance capability. The findings also indicate that actual effort is a function of the realized state, the presence/absence of a controllability filter, and the level at which the individual had expected to perform at the time of his/her contract selection. When an adverse state was realized, subjects without a controllability filter still exerted the level of effort that they had expected at contract selection, even though their marginal return to effort had been substantially reduced. On the other hand, when the controllability filter was absent, subjects who had a favourable realized state increased their effort in response to the increased marginal return to effort.
A Software GPS+Receiver Toolkit

In recent years, due to the increasing demand of accuracy in GPS receivers and advancements in software technologies many algorithms and implementations have been proposed for software GPS receivers. The software receiver provides a flexible architecture that allows the receiver to be reconfigured so as to implement different processing scenarios for different operational environments. . In reality many receiver tasks can be implemented using different known algorithms. Most of the suggested receivers have pre-assigned set of algorithms performing receiver tasks limiting their attractiveness for the research community. Hence we came up with an idea of a system, which allows users to include and/or select different algorithmic options, and test their comparative performances. Such an approach allows more optimal algorithm selection for different computational platforms and simplifies their study. Thus the main goal of this effort is to develop a software receiver which can be used for testing various algorithms rather than suggesting a single specific software receiver solution.
Introduction of non-uniformity through linearization of the system governing turbulent, mixing of a scalar quantity in a 2-d mixing layer

The introduction of mathematical non-uniformity in the formulation of the turbulent mixing of a scalar quantity (mass, temperature, etc.) for a 2-d, free shear flow using Goertler's [ZAMM 22 (1942) 244] perturbation argument is discussed. Approximate, i.e. thin shear layer self-similar forms for mass, momentum and the scalar quantity are derived, and then linearized using Goertler's method. Though successful for the mean velocity field, the regular expansion yields inconsistent solutions for the transport of a scalar. Sources of the non-uniformity are identified using appropriate numerical methods for both non-linear and linear formulations. A consistent result is obtained by rescaling the independent variable and equation system and identifying dominant behavior. The results of this corrected formulation are shown to be consistent with the relationships obtained by the author using an approximate matched asymptotic expansion procedure.
Time and Foreknowledge: a Critique of Zagzebski

One problem facing those who attempt to reconcile divine foreknowledge with human freedom is to explain how a temporal God can have knowledge of the future, if the future does not exist. In her recent book, The Dilemma of Freedom and Foreknowledge , Linda Zagzebski attempts to provide an explanation by making use of a fourdimensional model in which the past, present and future exist. In this note I argue that the model Zagzebski offers to support the coplausibility of divine foreknowledge and human freedom is inconsistent with the A-theory of time she propounds.
Effect of xanthan gum on processing and cooking quality of nontraditional pasta

Summary The physicochemical properties of three different commercial sources of xanthan gum (XG) were determined, and its subsequent effect on the processing and cooking quality of pasta containing nontraditional ingredients was characterised. Commercial durum flour was fortified with nontraditional ingredients (soya flour or oat flour, 10% w/w) and XG (2% w/w). Protein content, ash content, bulk density, water-holding capacity and total glucose content significantly varied among XG samples from different vendors. Xanthan gum increased dough strength of durum flour and the extent of strengthening varied with vendor of XG. For example, time-to-peak ranged from 2.75 to 4.25 min; peak width from 2.5 to 3.75 BU; and end width from 2 to 3 BU depending on the vendor of XG. Processing properties differed depending on commercial source. Commercial XG that had the finest particle size required the lowest mechanical energy (range 253–270 J s−1) and had the greatest extrusion rate (range 3.38–3.65 g s−1), both of which resulted in the lowest specific mechanical energy (range 69–79 J g−1) required to extrude spaghetti samples.
Effect of in vivo estradiol administration to bilaterally ovariectomized rats on in vitro myometrial responsiveness to prostaglandin F2alpha and oxytocin.

Bilaterally ovariectomized, nonpregnant female CD rats were studied to investigate the effect of estradiol treatment on in vitro myometrial responsiveness to oxytocin and prostaglandin F2alpha. The first study investigated dose-dependent effects. Seven days after ovariectomy rats were given a single s.c. dose of corn oil (n = 4) or estradiol (5 microg, n = 5; 15 microg, n = 5; 50 microg, n = 4). A second identical injection of corn oil or estradiol was administered 24 h after the initial injection. Rats were killed 48 h after the first injection. A second study investigated time-dependent effects of estradiol treatment. A second group of ovariectomized rats received s.c. estradiol (50 microg) seven days after ovariectomy. These rats were killed either 12 h (n = 5) or 24 h (n = 4) after injection. Full-thickness cross-sections of uteri were suspended in vitro in the longitudinal direction in a superfusion system. Cumulative concentration-response curves were constructed to oxytocin and prostaglandin F2alpha. Both the duration and dose of estradiol treatment significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated baseline contractile activity, and the maximum myometrial response to oxytocin and prostaglandin F2alpha. Estradiol, in a dose-dependent manner, significantly reduced myometrial sensitivity (p < 0.05) for oxytocin and prostaglandin F2alpha.
Unintended consequences: Why carbonation can dominate in microscale hydration of calcium silicates

The initial microscale mechanisms and materials interfacial process responsible for hydration of calcium silicates are poorly understood even in model systems. The lack of a measured microscale chemical signature has confounded understanding of growth mechanisms and kinetics for microreaction volumes. Here, we use Raman and optical spectroscopies to quantify hydration and environmental carbonation of tricalcium silicates across length and time scales. We show via spatially resolved chemical analysis that carbonate formation during the initial byproduct in microscale reaction volumes is significant, even for subambient CO2 levels. We propose that the competition between carbonation and hydration is enhanced strongly in microscale reaction volumes by increased surface-to-volume ratio relative to macroscale volumes, and by increased concentration of dissolved Ca2+ ions under poor hydration conditions that promote evaporation. This in situ analysis provides the first direct correlation between microscale interfacial hydration and carbonation environments and chemically defined reaction products in cementitious materials.
Markers in Colorectal Cancer and Clinical Trials Based Upon Them

Colorectal cancer was a model for the early discovery of processes of carcinogenesis at a molecular level, yet despite this, therapeutic advances have been slow. A gradual appreciation of the influence of signaling through the Ras/Raf/MEK pathway showed that tumors carrying mutations in this pathway were resistant to EGFR inhibition, but it has not been until recently that targeting this pathway has yielded therapeutic efficacy. Patients with tumors carrying a mutant BRAF are responsive to combined approaches to the pathway. In 2015, reports have also been presented to show the effect of targeting HER2-amplified tumors with combinations and microsatellite unstable tumors with anti-PD1 immune checkpoint modifiers. Studies have now been initiated in Europe, and are planned in the USA, to allocate patients to trials of specific therapies based on the molecular characteristics of their tumors, and accelerated development of treatments can be predicted.
Implementation and Operational Research: A Cost-Effective, Clinically Actionable Strategy for Targeting HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis to High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men.

Background:Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective at preventing HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM), but there is uncertainty about how to identify high-risk MSM who should receive PrEP.Methods:We used a mathematical model to assess the cost-effectiveness of using the HIV Incide
Fabrication Reliability of Ceramics: Controlling Flaw Populations

The major hindrance in using structural ceramics in well defined engineering applications is their lack of reliability caused by uncontrolled flaw populations introduced during fabrication. Mechanical reliability is thus a matter of fabrication reliability. The strengthening that can be achieved by either eliminating or reducing the size of flaw populations through changing either processing or microstructure will be reviewed.
Proposed Changes in the List of Common Names of Insects Approved by the Entomological Society of America

The Committee on Common Names of Insects has approved the proposals for dropping or changing certain common names as listed below. The By-Laws of the Society require that notice of proposed changes be published and that members may submit to the committee objections to the proposals in the 30-day period following publication. Final approval of changes withheld pending consideration of any objections submitted.
Balzacian Legality: A Proposal for Natural Law Juridicial Standards of Legitimacy

The task of the present article is twofold. First, it represents an attempt to make an original English language contribution to the continuing interdisciplinary inquiry, begun in France, into the presence of law in Balzac's The Human Comedy, by focusing upon themes and novels that have not been the subject of previous individual study. Second, it seeks to contribute to an area of growing interest to legal scholars in the United States – the study of law and literature – by providing an example of the insights one French novelist with legal training and experience had into questions that forever perplex and challenge the minds of those who teach and practice law; the relationships among legality, legitimacy, morality and personal and community ethics. The scope of the inquiry centers principally upon one of Balzac's major novels, Lost Illusions, and the thematic structure of its third and final part. It is the thesis of this study that this novel contains many of the principal tenets of Balzac's legal thought, and that those facets of his legal thought are brought out more clearly through an analysis and understanding of the novelist's propensity toward idealism (as opposed to his historical realism). This idealistic propensity is to be seen in the personality and status of the angelic characters in the novel.
Association Between Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Initiation: The Breast Cancer Quality of Care (BQUAL) Study.

Importance Not all women initiate clinically indicated breast cancer adjuvant treatment. It is important for clinicians to identify women at risk for noninitiation. Objective To determine whether complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is associated with decreased breast cancer chemotherapy initiation. Design, Setting, and Participants In this multisite prospective cohort study (the Breast Cancer Quality of Care [BQUAL] study) designed to examine predictors of breast cancer treatment initiation and adherence, 685 women younger than 70 years with nonmetastatic invasive breast cancer were recruited from Columbia University Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, and Henry Ford Health System and enrolled between May 2006 and July 31, 2010. Overall, 306 patients (45%) were clinically indicated to receive chemotherapy per National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Participants were followed for up to 12 months. Exposures Baseline interviews assessed current use of 5 CAM modalities (vitamins and/or minerals, herbs and/or botanicals, other natural products, mind-body self-practice, mind-body practitioner-based practice). CAM use definitions included any use, dietary supplement use, mind-body use, and a CAM index summing the 5 modalities. Main Outcomes and Measures Chemotherapy initiation was assessed via self-report up to 12 months after baseline. Multivariable logistic regression models examined a priori hypotheses testing whether CAM use was associated with chemotherapy initiation, adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates, and delineating groups by age and chemotherapy indication. Results A cohort of 685 women younger than 70 years (mean age, 59 years; median age, 59 years) with nonmetastatic invasive breast cancer were recruited and followed for up to 12 months to examine predictors of breast cancer treatment initiation. Baseline CAM use was reported by 598 women (87%). Chemotherapy was initiated by 272 women (89%) for whom chemotherapy was indicated, compared with 135 women (36%) for whom chemotherapy was discretionary. Among women for whom chemotherapy was indicated, dietary supplement users and women with high CAM index scores were less likely than nonusers to initiate chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 0.16; 95% CI, 0.03-0.51; and OR per unit, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46-0.87, respectively). Use of mind-body practices was not related to chemotherapy initiation (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.57-3.59). There was no association between CAM use and chemotherapy initiation among women for whom chemotherapy was discretionary. Conclusions and Relevance CAM use was high among patients with early-stage breast cancer enrolled in a multisite prospective cohort study. Current dietary supplement use and higher number of CAM modalities used but not mind-body practices were associated with decreased initiation of clinically indicated chemotherapy. Oncologists should consider discussing CAM with their patients during the chemotherapy decision-making process.
Research on Self-trigging and Spark Gap Discharge Dispersion of 500 kV Series Compensator

During the operation of the fixed series compensator of Shanbao-to-Dongming extra high voltage transmission lines of East China, the spark gap would trigger itself unexpectedly, which may result in bypass of the series compensator, in some cases even cause the trip-out of the transmission lines. In this paper, the structure of the fixed series compensator is firstly illustrated. Then a statistics analysis of the actions of the spark gap in the last 6 years is carried out. Afterwards, a three-dimensional model of the main gap is established in the ANSYS. The dispersion of the discharge with various spark gap is investigated. The experimental system for the discharge is build up with the main gap scale as same as the real one. The test results show that the dispersion of the discharge voltage is small, which is in agreement with the experimental date afforded by the supplier.
A functionally active retrovirus vector for gene therapy in Fanconi anemia group C

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive pancytopenia, congenital abnormalities, and a predisposition to malignancy. Recently, mutation in a novel gene named FACC (Fanconi anemia C complementing) has been identified as causing one type of FA. Here, we report successful functional complementation of four FA(C) cell lines using a retroviral vector to transfer a copy of the normal FACC gene. The hallmark of the FA cell phenotype is extreme sensitivity to cross-linking agents such as mitomycin C (MMC). Cell lines transduced by FACC viral vectors were distinguished by their ability to grow at concentrations of MMC several orders of magnitude higher than those concentrations inhibitory of parental controls. The genetically corrected cell lines were analyzed for susceptibility to MMC-induced chromosomal breakage and were found to have been normalized. These two different assays confirmed that our retroviral vectors were capable of transferring a functional FACC gene to lymphoid cell lines established from FA(C) patients. We next analyzed the ability of our viral vectors to functionally correct hematopoietic progenitor cells from a patient bearing a splice donor mutation. Progenitor cells were purified by an immunoaffinity column to enrich for cells with high CD34 expression. Similar to FA lymphoid cell lines, this patient's CD34-enriched cells were extremely sensitive to MMC. After infection of these progenitor cells with viral vectors bearing normal FACC, increased numbers of colonies formed both in the absence and presence of < or = 5 nmol/L MMC, but no colonies formed from uninfected cells, even in the absence of MMC. Polymerase chain amplification was used to confirm proviral DNA integration. Thus, retroviral vectors can be engineered to transfer a normal FACC gene to lymphoid cell lines and primary hematopoietic cells bearing four different FACC mutations. FA stem cells rescued by gene transduction should have a selective growth advantage within the hypoplastic FA marrow environment in vivo. These experiments suggest that gene therapy may be an effective treatment strategy for FA.
Immature Loblolly Pine Growth and Biomass Accumulation: Correlations with Seedlings Initial First-Order Lateral Roots

Five to seven years after being graded by first-order lateral root (FOLR) numbers and outplanted, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings were excavated using a commercial tree spade and root systems re-evaluated. Current competitive position of trees was related to initial FOLR numbers of I-O seedlings. Current FOLR numbers were comparable among tree size classes, but root diameters where the spade severed the root were different. The dominant and codominant individuals had much larger FOLR cross sectional area at the severed point. The larger diameter laterals allow exploration of larger soil volume since they extended greater distances from the tree. Root biomass allometric equations were developed from excavating 175 individuals in 3 separate plantations. Root biomass was readi ly predicted based on either stem diameter breast height squared (D2H), or total aboveground biomass. Approximately 75% of standing tree biomass was aboveground and 25% belowgroundfor all initial root grades, current crown classes, and sites. Subsoil compaction layers appeared to have a major impact on tree developmentatany specijic location within a plantation. Compaction layers affected heights and diameters but not root/top ratios or the relative competition position based on initial FOLR numbers. These compaction layers resulted in plate-like taproots that suggested further root penetration was unlikely. South. .I. Appl. For. 22(2):117-123.
Immunoglobulin E: Biosynthesis and Immunological Mechanisms of IgE-Mediated Hypersensitivity

The presence of reaginic antibody in the serum of allergic patients was first demonstrated by Prausnitz and Kastner in 1921. The nature of the antibodies, however, remained unknown for 40 years until IgE was found in the serum of hay fever patients and identified as a carrier of reaginic antibody activity (K. Ishizaka et al., 1966a,b; K. Ishizaka and T. Ishizaka, 1967). Indeed, an injection of purified IgE preparation from ragweed-sensitive individuals into normal skin resulted in the sensitization of the skin site for the Prausnitz—Kastner (P-K) reaction, and the removal of IgE antibody from the sera of atopic patients by anti-IgE was accompanied by loss of sensitizing activity. Subsequent studies have shown that association of reaginic activity with IgE is found not only in the ragweed system but also in the other allergen-reagin systems. Antigenic analysis of the immunoglobulin (K. Ishizaka et al., 1967d) and identification of a unique myeloma protein ND as an E myeloma protein (Johansson and Bennich, 1967; Bennich et al., 1969) established that IgE represents a unique immunoglobulin class.
Conductive MOF electrodes for stable supercapacitors with high areal capacitance

Using MOFs as active electrodes in electrochemical double layer capacitors has so far proved difficult. An electrically conductive MOF used as an electrode is now shown to exhibit electrochemical performance similar to most carbon-based materials. Owing to their high power density and superior cyclability relative to batteries, electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) have emerged as an important electrical energy storage technology that will play a critical role in the large-scale deployment of intermittent renewable energy sources, smart power grids, and electrical vehicles1,2,3. Because the capacitance and charge–discharge rates of EDLCs scale with surface area and electrical conductivity, respectively, porous carbons such as activated carbon, carbon nanotubes and crosslinked or holey graphenes are used exclusively as the active electrode materials in EDLCs4,5,6,7,8,9. One class of materials whose surface area far exceeds that of activated carbons, potentially allowing them to challenge the dominance of carbon electrodes in EDLCs, is metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)10. The high porosity of MOFs, however, is conventionally coupled to very poor electrical conductivity, which has thus far prevented the use of these materials as active electrodes in EDLCs. Here, we show that Ni3(2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene)2 (Ni3(HITP)2), a MOF with high electrical conductivity11, can serve as the sole electrode material in an EDLC. This is the first example of a supercapacitor made entirely from neat MOFs as active materials, without conductive additives or other binders. The MOF-based device shows an areal capacitance that exceeds those of most carbon-based materials and capacity retention greater than 90% over 10,000 cycles, in line with commercial devices. Given the established structural and compositional tunability of MOFs, these results herald the advent of a new generation of supercapacitors whose active electrode materials can be tuned rationally, at the molecular level.
WOM or eWOM or Something Else: How Does the Web Affect Our Dependence on Shopping Information Sources?

How does the Web affect our dependence on different shopping information sources? We compared the perceived importance of four decision sources (self-evaluation, traditional word-of-mouth or WOM, electronic WOM or eWOM, and expert opinion) under three circumstances (one cannot use the Web, one can only use the Web, one can use both) for 6 different types of products (2 search, 2 experience, and 2 credence goods). The data collected from 549 consumers show that the importance of eWOM to consumer purchase decision-making is rather limited to credence goods despite the popularity of eWOM. In addition, Web access increases consumers’ confidence in self-evaluation over WOM for search goods. In contrast, the exclusive reliance on the Web does not increase the confidence in self-evaluation for experience and credence goods. Implications and future research agendas are discussed.
Effect of systemic insulin treatment on diabetic wound healing.

This study investigates if different diabetic treatment regimens affects diabetic foot ulcer healing. From January 2013 to December 2014, 107 diabetic foot ulcers in 85 patients were followed until wound healing, amputation or development of a non-healing ulcer at the last follow-up visit. Demographic data, diabetic treatment regimens, presence of peripheral vascular disease, wound characteristics and outcome were collected. Non-healing wound was defined as major or minor amputation or those who didn't have complete healing until the last observation. Median age was 60.0 years (range: 31.1-90.1) and 58 cases (68.2%) were males. Twenty-four cases reached a complete healing (healing rate: 22.4%). Median follow-up period in subjects with classified as having chronic wounds was 6.0 months (range: 0.7-21.8). Insulin treatment was a part of diabetes management in 52 (61.2%) cases. Insulin therapy significantly increased the wound healing rate (30.3% [20/66 ulcers] vs. 9.8% [4/41 ulcers]) (P=0.013). In multivariate random-effect logistic regression model, adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, type of diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, oral hypoglycemic use, wound infection, involved side, presence of Charcot's deformity, gangrene, osteomyelitis on x-ray, and serum hemoglobin A1C levels, insulin treatment was associated with a higher chance of complete healing (beta±SE: 15.2±6.1, P=0.013). Systemic insulin treatment can improve wound healing in diabetic ulcers after adjusting for multiple confounding covariates. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Partial inerting of dust clouds using a modified standard minimum ignition energy device

Abstract Partial inerting is an important but underutilized mitigation technique in which minimum ignition energy (MIE) of a dust cloud is increased through inerting, reducing the risk of an accidental dust explosion or more accurately, a dust deflagration. This technique has wide application potential in numerous chemical and general manufacturing industries. The Kuhner MIKE3 is the predominant apparatus for measurement of the minimum ignition energy (MIE) of combustible dusts worldwide. The current version of the MIKE3 device is not specifically designed to measure partial inerting minimum ignition energies. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate that a properly designed add on purge device and technique can accurately produce partial inerting MIE results with an existing MIE device. The purge device ensures complete purging of the Hartman dust dispersion tube with the desired gas concentration before experimentation. The same gas is then pulsed into the dispersion tube producing the dust dispersion for ignition testing. This approach leads to uniform testing conditions in the tube with respect to gas concentration which is essential for producing proper measurements. Additionally, experiments show the turbulence generated by the purging technique did not significantly affect the MIE measurements. Therefore, an important finding of this work is that purging the tube before partial inerting MIE testing results in a proper characterization of the relationship between the MIE and oxygen for the dust. The findings therefore demonstrate the need to amend existing or develop new standards for this type of dust testing. The effect of these modifications and techniques are demonstrated by the experimental determination of the partial inerting curve for Niacin (CaRo15) using the Kuhner MIKE3 apparatus.
Disentangling Perceived Norms: Predictors of Unintended Pregnancy During the Transition to Adulthood

Using data from the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life Study, this study examines the role of perceived norms in predicting unintended pregnancy among young women ages 18-22. First, it compares the relative influence of the content - injunctive (approval) versus descriptive (prevalence) - and referent - parents' versus friends' - of fertility-related norms. Second, in identifying entrance into motherhood as an important life course event, particularly during the transition to adulthood, it explores how these influences vary by parity. Third, it tests two potential mechanisms: conformity via internalization and superficial conformity. Findings support injunctive norms: non-mothers' risk of unintended pregnancy is largely influenced by friends' approval, whereas parents' approval best predicts that of young mothers'. The effects are independent of respondents' own attitudes, suggesting superficial conformity. The study sheds light on how young women's perceptions of what is "normal" among important others influence a consequential early-life event: becoming a parent.
Patient education materials assessment tool for laryngectomy health information

Background The decision to undergo laryngectomy carries medical, social, and emotional consequences. This study evaluates the understandability and actionability of current laryngectomy information. Methods Laryngectomy-related educational materials from an online search were evaluated using the validated Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Reading difficulty was calculated using the Flesch-Kincaid Level, Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning-Fog Index (GFI), Coleman-Liau Index, Automated Readability Index, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) score. Interrater agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship among readability, understandability, and actionability. Results Forty-four articles were included. Interrater agreement was substantial (κ = 0.71). Mean understandability was 68.3% ± 17% and mean actionability was 66.3% ± 24%. Average reading difficulty exceeded the ability of an average American adult. There was a negative correlation between readability and understandability (R = −0.49; P < .05). Conclusion Most laryngectomy information is too difficult for the average person to read, understand, or act upon. Revisions may be warranted to benefit a larger readership.