cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sudden death in athletes—Conduction system: Practical approach to dissection and pertinent pathology

Sudden death does occur in athletes with or without a previous history of arrhythmias. A study of the conduction system is mandatory in these individuals after ruling out all possible causes of sudden death, both at the gross and microscopic levels, as well as toxicological examination. In this article, a brief discussion of those anatomic landmarks in the heart that may be related to the conduction system and the method of study of the conduction system is emphasized. An examination of the conduction system in 14 athletes revealed varying types of anomalies, both congenital and acquired in nature. The congenital abnormalities included abnormally developed sinoatrial (SA) and atrio-ventricular (AV) nodes and AV bundle. The acquired changes included frequent association of mononuclear cell infiltration in the approaches to the SA node and the SA node, fat and fibrosis to a varying degree in all parts of the conduction system, and focal fibrotic scar areas in the ventricular septum. It is evident that these findings were present for a long period of time while the individual was totally asymptomatic. We therefore hypothesize that during an altered physiologic state, these congenital and/or acquired changes may form a milieu for an arrhythmic event to occur and/or promote an arrhythmic event in the vulnerable conduction system, which may in turn trigger varying types of reentry mechanisms, eventually leading to ventricular tachycardia, fibrillation, and sudden death. We also hypothesize that there may be a genetic and/or an autoimmune complex associated in some vulnerable conduction systems.
Subject matter experts' assessment of item statistics

The study was conducted to determine the degree to which subject matter experts could predict the difficulty and discrimination of items from the Test of Standard Written English. Two studies were conducted. The first study was meant to serve as a training exercise while the second study was meant to simulate the conditions under which ratings would be obtained in practice. It was concluded that despite the extended training period the raters did not approach a high level of accuracy, nor were they able to pinpoint the factors that contribute to difficulty and discrimination. Further research should attempt to uncover those factors by examining the items from a linguistic and psycholinguistic perspective. It was argued that by coupling linguistic features of the items with subject matter ratings it may be possible to attain more accurate predictions of difficulty and discrimination.
Language rights and language justice in the constitutions of the world

ResumenDerechos linguisticos en las constituciones del mundoLa presente es una clasificacion y un analisis de las constituciones del mundo que tiene como objetivo proporcionar ayuda legal a aquellos paises interesados en promulgar derechos linguisticos en sus constituciones. El autor estudia 187 constituciones de todo el mundo en busqueda de terminos legales que definan las obligaciones linguisticas del estado y los derechos linguisticos de sus ciudadanos. Las naciones “unidas” (“undivided”), e.g. Uruguay y EEUU, adoptan una politica constitucional de “manos abiertas” (“hands-off”) con respecto a sus obligaciones y derechos linguisticos ya que estas naciones tienen (o declaran tener) un gran sentido de identidad nacional y, ademas, en su territorio no habitan grupos de ciudadanos que buscan la autonomia o la secesion. Por otro lado, las naciones “desunidas” (“divided”), e.g. Belgica, Canada y Sudafrica, adoptan una politica constitucional de “manos a la masa” (“hands-on”) ya que en estas naciones habitan grupos linguisticos dificiles de asimilar o grupos que tienen o buscan la autonomia o la secesion.ResumoLingvaj rajtoj kaj lingva justeco en la konstitucioj de la mondoTiu ĉi klasifo kaj analizo de konstitucioj tra la mondo celas helpi naciojn, kiuj malnetigas lingvajn leĝaĵojn en la propraj konstitucioj. La aŭtoro analizas 187 konstituciojn el ĉirkaŭ la mondo por trovi jurajn difinojn de la lingvaj sindevigoj de la koncerna nacio kaj la lingvaj rajtoj de ĝiaj civitanoj. “Nedividitaj” nacioj, ekzemple Urugvajo kaj Usono, sekvas konstitucian politikon “manojn-for” rilate al lingvaj sindevigoj kaj rajtoj ĉar tiaj nacioj posedas (aŭ pretendas posedi) fortan senton de nacia identeco kaj neniuj grupoj de civitanoj, kiuj havas aŭ celas aŭtonomion aŭ malaliĝon. Aliflanke, “dividitaj” nacioj, kiel ekzemple Belgio, Kanado kaj Sudafriko, sekvas konstitucian politikon de engaĝiĝo ĉar ili posedas neasimilitajn lingvajn grupojn aŭ grupojn, kiuj ja havas aŭ celas aŭtonomion aŭ malaliĝon.
Ab initio density functional theory + U predictions of the shear response of iron oxides

Abstract The products of steel corrosion in moist air are α-Fe2O3, FeO, and Fe3O4. Here we employ an ab initio density functional theory + U method to predict the shear properties of these oxides, to gain insight into failure mechanisms of oxide scales that form on steel. A renormalization model proposed by Mosey and Carter is employed to extrapolate atomic scale shear strengths to those of macroscopic sample sizes. The extrapolated macroscopic predictions are consistent with experimental measurements. The shear strengths of FeO and Fe3O4 are predicted to be similar, ∼4.5 MPa, while the shear strength of α-Fe2O3 is predicted to be the largest, ∼7 MPa, for samples 5 mm thick. The preferred slip systems are predicted to be {0 0 0 1}〈1 0 1 ¯ 0〉 for α-Fe2O3 and {1 1 0}〈1 1 ¯ 0〉 for both FeO and Fe3O4. These shear strengths are significantly lower than the corresponding tensile strengths, suggesting that these oxide scales are likely to slip before fracturing.
The 12Kx8K CCD mosaic camera for the Palomar Transient Factory

The Palomar Transient Factory is an automated wide-field survey facility dedicated to identifying a wide range of transient phenomena. Typically, a new 7.5 square degree field will be acquired every 90 seconds with 66% observing efficiency, in g' band when the sky is dark, or in R band when the moon is up. An imaging camera with a 12Kx8K mosaic of MIT/LL CCDs, acquired from CFHT, is being repackaged to fit in the prime focus mounting hub of the Palomar 48-inch Oschin Schmidt Telescope. We discuss how we have addressed the broad range of issues presented by this application: faster CCD readout to improve observing efficiency, a new cooling system to fit within the constrained space, a low impact shutter to maintain reliability at the fast observing cadence, a new filter exchange mechanism, and the field flattener needed to correct for focal plane curvature. The most critical issue was the tight focal plane alignment and co-planarity requirements created by the fast beam and coarse plate scale. We built an optical profilometer system to measure CCDs heights and tilts with 1 μm RMS accuracy.
Oxygen consumption, blood lactate and inter-individual variation in the gulf killifish, Fundulus grandis, during hypoxia and recovery.

Rates of oxygen consumption () for Fundulus grandis, the gulf killifish, were measured in air-saturated water, at four progressively lower levels of oxygen and upon normoxic recovery. The pattern of versus oxygen partial pressure (PwO2) was that of an oxygen regulator, with a critical oxygen pressure (Pc) of 34 torr (1 torr=133.3 Pa). Below this value, decreased and the concentration of blood lactate increased, indicating anaerobic metabolism during hypoxia. Recovery was characterized by elevated compared to the initial normoxic exposure, coupled with the rapid clearance of blood lactate. Variation in among the individual fish was appreciable and, in general, it was greater at higher levels of PwO2. This inter-individual variation was significantly larger than the variation between replicate measures of for a given individual, i.e. it cannot be attributed solely to random error. Furthermore, values for during normoxia were found to be repeatable when the same fish were used in multiple experimental trials. The observation of significant, repeatable inter-individual variation in suggests that such variation is a real and potentially important feature of fish metabolism.
Ruptured Papillary Muscle Report of a Case with Successful Mitral Valve Replacement

A case of severe mitral regurgitation secondary to myocardial infarction and rupture of the anterior papillary muscle is presented. Mitral valve replacement resulted in striking improvement.
Verification of Knowledge Assets in Electronic Repositories: Expert-and Community-Governance

Two mechanisms that verify knowledge contributions in electronic repositories are expert-governance and community-governance. Our goal is to examine repository users' perceptions of the conditions under which these mechanisms verify knowledge contributions. Qualitative data show that perceived credibility of experts, perceived ownership of content, and experts' meticulous execution of governance functions are salient for expert-governance, and the perceived involvement of community members, and community members' continuous and collective execution of governance functions are important for community-governance.
Comparison of stratospheric clouds in the Antarctic and the Arctic

Balloonborne measurements of stratospheric clouds using optical particle counters in the Arctic and the Antarctic are compared in terms of particle size distribution. There appear to be two distinct classes of particles, a small mode (r ≥ 0.2 µm) in which at least half of the available condensation nuclei have grown and a large mode (r ≈ 2–3 µm) in which fewer than 1% of the available condensation nuclei have grown. The latter particles appear in thin layers (0.1 to 0.3 km) while the former appear in relatively thicker layers (2 to 5 km). Temperatures dictate a nitric acid trihydrate composition for most of the layers and the inferred HNO3 vapor in the large particles is comparable to that available. While the small particle mode is probably related to fast cooling events such as those associated with mountain lee waves, the origin of the thin layers of large particles is not apparent.
Soliton experiments in plasmas

The experiments on solitons in plasmas performed during the period 1970 to 1982 are reviewed. Suggestions for future experiments are presented.
Protein kinase A regulates nicotinic cholinergic receptors and subunit messenger ribonucleic acids in PC 12 cells

To delineate mechanisms regulating the expression of neuronal nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAcChRs), we studied the cAMP-dependent second messenger system. PC 12 cells were grown in (Bu)2cAMP (0.001-1.0 mM) or vehicle for 7 days, and specific [3H] nicotine binding was measured. (Bu)2cAMP (0.1 mM) increased specific binding 2- and 4-fold at 3 and 7 days, respectively, whereas 1.0 mM enhanced binding 4-fold at both time intervals. Cells grown in 8-bromo-cAMP (1.0 mM) showed a 2-fold increase in [3H]nicotine binding at 3 days. Forskolin (10-100 microM), in combination with isobutyl-methylxanthine (1.0 mM), enhanced [3H]nicotine binding 2- to 3-fold at 7 days; forskolin or isobutyl-methylxanthine alone had no effect. Specific [3H] nicotine binding to PC 12 cell mutants (A126.1B2 and A123.7), deficient in cAMP-responsive protein kinase A types I and II, were unaffected by (Bu)2cAMP. Northern gel analysis of nAcChR subunit messenger RNAs showed that the alpha-3, alpha-5, and beta-4 subunits were significant...
Dinosaurs and Their Youth

Letters from: [ Mark A. Norell and James M. Clark ][1] [ Nicholas R. Geist and Terry D. Jones ][1] In their report “Juvenile skeletal structure and the reproductive habits of dinosaurs” ([3 May, p. 712][2]), Nicholas R. Geist and Terry D. Jones conclude that juvenile dinosaurs were
Fiber chromatic dispersion and polarization-mode dispersion monitoring using coherent detection

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a nondestructive method to monitor chromatic dispersion (CD) and polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) in traffic-carrying wavelength-division-multiplexing optical systems. Coherent heterodyne detection is used to down convert the spectrum of digitally modulated signal from optical domain into radio-frequency (RF) domain. By analyzing group delay difference and polarization walkoff between different frequency components through proper RF signal processing, both CD and PMD can be precisely determined. Good agreement between experimental results and theoretical values has been obtained.
Runx-dependent expression of PKC is critical for cell survival in the sea urchin embryo

Background: Runx transcription factors play critical roles in the developmental control of cell fate and contribute variously as oncoproteins and tumor suppressors to leukemia and other cancers. To discover fundamental Runx functions in the cell biology of animal development, we have employed morpholino antisense-mediated knockdown of the sea urchin Runx protein SpRunt-1. Previously we showed that embryos depleted of SpRunt-1 arrest development at early gastrula stage and underexpress the conventional protein kinase C SpPKC1. Results: We report here that SpRunt-1 deficiency leads to ectopic cell proliferation and extensive apoptosis. Suppression of the apoptosis by pharmacological inhibition of caspase-3 prevents the ectopic proliferation and rescues gastrulation, indicating that many of the overt defects obtained by knockdown of SpRunt-1 are secondary to the apoptosis. Inhibition or knockdown of SpPKC1 also causes apoptosis, while cell survival is rescued in SpRunt-1 morphant embryos coinjected with SpPKC1 mRNA, suggesting that the apoptosis associated with SpRunt-1 deficiency is caused by the deficit in SpPKC1 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicates that SpRunt-1 interacts physically with SpPKC1 in vivo, and cis-regulatory analysis shows that this interaction activates SpPKC1 transcription. Conclusions: Our results show that Runx-dependent activation of SpPKC1 is essential for maintaining protein kinase C activity at levels conducive to cell survival during embryogenesis.
Survey of watershed modeling and sensor data fusion

Modeling of dynamical systems consists of mathematical equations used to understand the current and future behavior of such systems. Modeling has been successfully used in many engineering applications such chemical processes, aeronautics, and biological systems. This paper focuses on modeling of watershed systems. Watershed modeling is an essential tool that can be used by decision makers as well as researchers to assess current and future trend of water availability, water quality, and geological impacts, etc. The quality of the watershed model is crucial for the decision making process. The first objective of this paper is to provide systems engineers with background information of watershed modeling and its applications. It also provides a survey of existing watershed models and techniques. The quality of decision making process about the geological, social, and economical impacts of watersheds is heavily dependent on the quality of the available watershed model. Any improvement in the accuracy of such models will have great impact on the society and the environment. The availability of multiple sources of data allows for improvement of watershed modeling to become a reality. The second objective of this paper is to discuss the benefit of sensor data fusion in improved watershed models. Available techniques will be reviewed as well suggestions for future research on improving watershed models using multiple sources of information.
A video coding analyzer for next-generation compression standards

A video coding analyzer enables users to quickly and easily check the codec performance through a graphical user interface. To assist the standardization effort of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), we design an analyzer that takes the statistical data as the input and is independent of the syntax. We illustrate our design principles using the Test Model under Consideration (TMuC) for HEVC.
A preliminary analysis of psychophysiological variables and nursing performance in situations of increasing criticality.

Objectives To examine the relationship between psychological, physiological, and performance variables in intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in situations of increasing criticality. Subjects and Methods Psychophysiological variables and endotracheal suctioning performance were examined in a classroom, a skills laboratory, and an ICU. Situation-specific anxiety (state anxiety) and the predisposition to view situations as threatening (trait anxiety), cognitive appraisal, and heart rate were measured and compared with self-appraisal and a nurse instructor's ratings of suctioning performance. Baseline data were obtained during class on 45 novice ICU nurses. Results Twenty-six nurses provided complete data, which included being videotaped and monitored in the classroom, in the skills laboratory performing endotracheal suctioning, and in the ICU during suctioning. High state anxiety significantly predicted poor ICU suctioning performance ( P Conclusion Those nurses who are high state anxious, high trait anxious, and worried and who had a faster heart rate performed less well than their more relaxed peers. Nurses with high state anxiety may be at risk for attrition, burnout, medical errors, and poor performance in other ICU nursing tasks.
Decentralized Formation Flying Control in a Multiple-Team Hierarchy

This paper presents the prototype of a system that addresses these objectives-a decentralized guidance and control system that is distributed across spacecraft using a multiple-team framework. The objective is to divide large clusters into teams of manageable size, so that the communication and computational demands driven by N decentralized units are related to the number of satellites in a team rather than the entire cluster. The system is designed to provide a high-level of autonomy, to support clusters with large numbers of satellites, to enable the number of spacecraft in the cluster to change post-launch, and to provide for on-orbit software modification. The distributed guidance and control system will be implemented in an object-oriented style using MANTA (Messaging Architecture for Networking and Threaded Applications). In this architecture, tasks may be remotely added, removed or replaced post-launch to increase mission flexibility and robustness. This built-in adaptability will allow software modifications to be made on-orbit in a robust manner. The prototype system, which is implemented in MATLAB, emulates the object-oriented and message-passing features of the MANTA software. In this paper, the multiple-team organization of the cluster is described, and the modular software architecture is presented. The relative dynamics in eccentric reference orbits is reviewed, and families of periodic, relative trajectories are identified, expressed as sets of static geometric parameters. The guidance law design is presented, and an example reconfiguration scenario is used to illustrate the distributed process of assigning geometric goals to the cluster. Next, a decentralized maneuver planning approach is presented that utilizes linear-programming methods to enact reconfiguration and coarse formation keeping maneuvers. Finally, a method for performing online collision avoidance is discussed, and an example is provided to gauge its performance.
Preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to cardiac surgery in children with congenital heart disease

Background The efficacy of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in bridging children with unrepaired heart defects to a definitive or palliative surgical procedure has been rarely reported. The goal of this study is to report our institutional experience with ECMO used to provide preoperative stabilization after acute cardiac or respiratory failure in patients with congenital heart disease before cardiac surgery. Methods A retrospective review of the ECMO database at Children's Hospital Boston was undertaken. Children with unrepaired congenital heart disease supported with ECMO for acute cardiac or respiratory failure as bridge to a definitive or palliative cardiac surgical procedure were identified. Data collection included patient demographics, indication for ECMO, details regarding ECMO course and complications, and survival to hospital discharge. Results Twenty-six patients (18 male, 8 female) with congenital heart disease were bridged to surgical palliation or anatomic repair with ECMO. Median age and weight at ECMO cannulation were, respectively, 0.12 months (range, 0 to 193) and 4 kg (range, 1.8 to 67 kg). Sixteen patients (62%) survived to hospital discharge. Variables associated with mortality included inability to decannulate from ECMO after surgery (p = 0.02) and longer total duration of ECMO (p = 0.02). No difference in outcomes was found between patients with single and biventricular anatomy. Conclusions Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, used as a bridge to surgery, represents a useful modality to rescue patients with failing circulation and unrepaired complex heart defects.
Cortisol Profile Mediates the Relation Between Childhood Neglect and Pain and Emotional Symptoms among Patients with Fibromyalgia

The relation between childhood trauma and chronic pain and emotional symptoms in adulthood has been well-documented, although physiological mechanisms mediating this link have not been elaborated. This study examined the mediating role of cortisol profile in the linkage between childhood maltreatment and pain and emotional symptoms in individuals with fibromyalgia (FM). One hundred seventy-nine adults with FM first provided retrospective self-reports of childhood maltreatment, then attended a standardized session during which cortisol was sampled across 1.5 hours and, subsequently, completed assessments of daily pain, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. Latent growth curve modeling estimated the hypothesized mediation models. Childhood neglect predicted a flattened cortisol profile, which, in turn, predicted elevated daily pain and emotional symptoms. The cortisol profile partially mediated the neglect-symptom relation. Early maltreatment may exert enduring effects on endocrine regulation that contributes to pain and emotional symptoms in adults with chronic pain.
A Clustering Method for Categorical Data in Tourism Market Segmentation Research

One challenge in tourism market segmentation research is finding a statistical clustering method that can use data from the commonly used qualitative (categorical scale) survey instrument. Current proven methods require the use of quantitative (ratio or interval scale) data. However, quantitative survey instruments are seldom used. Many quantitative clustering methods severely restrict the number of attributes measured despite the fact that segmentation analysis works best when it measures all the multistate attributes that visitors identify as influencing their tourist experience. This study demonstrated that multistate categorical survey data could be successfully used. Using data from a bed-and-breakfast survey (229 guests), a two-stage analysis method was employed. First, multiple correspondence analysis was used to spatially map each of the attributes, and then cluster analysis was used to identify market segments. It is believed this method can be more practical in the field of applied tourism research.
Performance of DNS as location manager

Domain name system (DNS) maps domain names to IP addresses in the Internet. DNS can, however, be used as a location manager (LM) for mobility management in wireless mobile networks. The suitability and performance of DNS as a LM for locating mobile hosts (MH) has not been studied in the past. In this paper, we develop an analytical model to measure the performance of DNS as LM for IP diversity based mobility management. We have used success rate, which takes into account the radius of the subnet, the residence time of a MH in a subnet, velocity of MH, network latency, DNS processing delay and the overlapping distance between two neighboring subnets as performance measures. Our analysis shows that for a reasonable overlap between cells, DNS can serve as a LM with very high success rate even under high network latency
Robust stabilizability with phase perturbations

We consider robust stabilization for SISO systems with phase perturbations in the plant transfer function. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of robust controllers. Their structure and parameterization can be obtained from the Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problems.
Declining cesarean delivery rates in California: An effect of managed care?

Abstract OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that movement from traditional indemnity insurance to managed care in California between 1983 and 1994 would lead to reductions in the rate of cesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We decomposed the frequency of cesarean delivery with each primary diagnosis into the product of the diagnosis rate among all women and the cesarean delivery rate among women with the given diagnosis (conditional cesarean delivery rate). We used logistic regression to estimate the diagnosis and conditional cesarean delivery rates. RESULTS: Adjusted and observed cesarean delivery rates are indistinguishable. Both the diagnosis rates and the conditional cesarean delivery rates contributed to the increase in the cesarean delivery rate between 1983 and 1987. The subsequent decline is attributable to the decline in the repeated cesarean delivery rate. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in managed care in California played no apparent role in the decline in the cesarean delivery rate. With the exception of Kaiser health maintenance organizations, managed care providers and indemnity insurers managed deliveries similarly. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:657-64.)
Financial Burden of Medical Out-of-Pocket Spending by State and the Implications of the 2014 Medicaid Expansions

This study is the first to offer a detailed look at the burden of medical out-of-pocket spending, defined as total family medical out-of-pocket spending as a proportion of income, for each state. It further investigates which states have greater shares of individuals with high burden levels and no Medicaid coverage but would be Medicaid eligible under the 2014 rules of the Affordable Care Act should their state choose to participate in the expansion. This work suggests which states have the largest populations likely to benefit, in terms of lowering medical spending burden, from participating in the 2014 adult Medicaid expansions.
Harnessing a Neural-immune Circuit to Control Inflammation and Shock

That the mind can influence the body during health and disease is an ancient notion which, in part because of its origins in anecdotal observations, has been an often and sometimes hotly debated concept. Over 20 years ago, Dr. Robert A. Good formulated a concise and elegant description of the
Combination of user- and enrollee-specific statistical information in verification systems

Instead of using matching scores between single enrolled and single test (or user) template, the matching scores related to all test templates or all enrolled ones can be considered to enhance the performance of biometric systems. The user-specific methods take into account the dependencies of matching scores assigned to different enrollees being matched to one test template. On the other hand, enrolled template specific methods consider the relationship among matching scores between different user inputs and one enrolled template. In this paper, we consider the combination of user and enrollee specific statistical information by utilizing various statistical models. The experiments show that the combination of user and enrollee specific methods can further improve the performance of both unimodal and multimodal biometric systems compared to solely using either user or enrollee specific models.
SAA Is Us: Promoting Participation in the Work of the Society

While archivists participate actively in their national professional association, the Society of American Archivists' (SAA) membership is aging. In 1979, 60 percent of all members were under forty;...
Observational Approaches in Historical Context

Where did all these observational approaches to ecology come from, and why now, when ecology has had a fairly long run as a respectable discipline using robust theory and controlled experiments, have they begun to emerge everywhere we look? This chapter uses the historical context of how the science of ecology has changed to illustrate that the current changes are both a reflection of an earlier period in ecology and also a unique manifestation, wholly of the current period in environmental history.
A Method for Assessing the in vitro Chemotactic Response of Neutrophils Utilizing 51FR-Labeled Hliman Leukocytes

A method is described for the quantitation of the in vitro chemo-tactic response of human neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes utilizing modified Boyden chambers, a layer of two micropore filters, and 51Cr-labeled leukocytes. Either human C5a or human kallikrein in the stimulus compartment resulted in migration of labeled neutrophils through the top micropore filter and into the second filter with maximum chemotaxis after 5-6 hrs of incubation at 37°C, measured by counting the 51Cr rzdioactivity in the second filter. The value of the 6 hr chemotactic response was directly proportional to the concentration of chemotactic factor and was reproducible within ±20% of the mean with duplicate OK triplicate chambers at each concentration of chemotactic factor. The development of an objective method for assessing chemotaxis is critical to studies of the relationship of rate of leukocyte migration to dose of chemotactic factors, and ultimately for the evaluation of intrinsic leukocyte responsiveness in various...
Activity of the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus and HDAC inhibitor vorinostat in heavily pretreated refractory Hodgkin lymphoma patients.

8508 Background: Preclinical models suggested synergistic antineoplastic activity of HDAC and mTOR inhibitors in Hodgkin lymphoma by reducing the activity of AKT, mTOR and HDAC. Methods: We designe...
Community-Based Multidisciplinary Computed Tomography Screening Program Improves Lung Cancer Survival

Background Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Overall survival is less than 20%, with the majority of patients presenting with advanced disease. The National Lung Screening Trial, performed mainly in academic medical centers, showed that cancer mortality can be reduced with computed tomography (CT) screening compared with chest radiography in high-risk patients. To determine whether this survival advantage can be duplicated in a community-based multidisciplinary thoracic oncology program, we initiated a CT scan screening program for lung cancer within an established health care system. Methods In 2008, we launched a lung cancer CT screening program within the WellStar Health System (WHS) consisting of five hospitals, three health parks, 140 outpatient medical offices, and 12 imaging centers that provide care in a five-county area of approximately 1.4 million people in Metro-Atlanta. Screening criteria incorporated were the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (2008 to 2010) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines (2011 to 2013) for moderate- and high-risk patients. Results A total of 1,267 persons underwent CT lung cancer screening in WHS from 2008 through 2013; 53% were men, 87% were 50 years of age or older, and 83% were current or former smokers. Noncalcified indeterminate pulmonary nodules were found in 518 patients (41%). Thirty-six patients (2.8%) underwent a diagnostic procedure for positive findings on their CT scan; 30 proved to have cancer, 28 (2.2%) primary lung cancer and 2 metastatic cancer, and 6 had benign disease. Fourteen patients (50%) had their lung cancer discovered on their initial CT scan, 11 on subsequent scans associated with indeterminate pulmonary nodules growth and 3 patients who had a new indeterminate pulmonary nodules. Only 15 (54%) of these 28 patients would have qualified as a National Lung Screening Trial high-risk patient; 75% had stage I or II disease. Overall 5-year survival was 64% and 5-year cancer specific survival was 71% in the screened patients, whereas nonscreened lung cancer patients during that time in WHS had an overall survival of only 19% ( p Conclusions A community-based multidisciplinary lung cancer screening program can improve survival of patients with lung cancer outside of a large multicenter study. This survival advantage was caused by a significant stage shift to earlier disease. Lung cancer CT screening may also benefit patients not meeting the National Lung Screening Trial criteria who are at moderate or high risk for lung cancer.
Cholinergic Pathways to the Cerebral Cortex in Rats

Recent experiments from several laboratories revealed that magnocellular nuclei of the substantia innominata (S.I.) of the basal forebrain of primates and rats show a direct and widespread projection towards the ipsilateral cerebral cortex (2,6). The large multipolar neurons of this area are usually referred to as the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM). Using a combined horseradish peroxidase (HRP) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) method those cells which project to the cortex were found to stain heavily for AChE (14). In addition, the basal nuclei are rich in choline acetyl- transferase (CAT)(16,17) and the NBM neurons are characterized as “cholinergic” by the pharmacohistochemical technique for AChE (Lehmann and Fibiger, this volume; and 18). This evidence, together with recent results using different lesion techniques suggests that magnocellular neurons of the forebrain represent the main, if not the only, origin for the cortical cholinergic projection (3,15,20,21,24).
Infinitesimal machinery

The author discusses the sacrificial-layer method of making silicon micromotors, the use of electrostatic actuation, and the importance of friction and contact sticking in such devices. The persistent problem of finding meaningful applications for these tiny machines is discussed, touching a range of topics along the way. The future of computation using a register made of atoms, and quantum-mechanical transitions for computation operations, is looked at. >
Prostate Biopsy Complications: A Dual Analysis

Objective To measure prostate needle biopsy (PNB)-associated complications and place of treatment: inpatient hospitalization and outpatient treatment. An electronic medical record (EMR) data query is compared to a patient questionnaire survey. Materials and Methods A total of 2410 patients underwent 2588 biopsies and were evaluated for PNB-associated complications. Two approaches were used: (1) EMR analysis based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and Current Procedural Terminology coding and chart review; and (2) patient-reported questionnaire and chart review validation. Serious complications were defined as any complication leading to a related hospitalization, visit to the emergency department (ED), urgent care (UC), or doctor's office within 30 days of the biopsy. Results The EMR study revealed 69 (2.67%) serious complications leading to either hospitalization or treatment at an ED, UC, or doctor's office. Thirty serious complications led to hospitalization (1.16%), 14 patients (0.54%) were treated at the ED, 1 was managed at a UC (0.04%), and 24 (0.93%) were treated at the doctor's office. Of the 847 (35.1%) questionnaires considered appropriate for analysis, 36 (4.25%) reported treatment in either the hospital, ED, UC, or doctor's office. Nine patients (1.06%) reported being hospitalized within 30 days of the procedure, whereas 27 patients (3.19%) were treated in an outpatient setting, 8 (0.94%) at the ED, 3 (0.35%) at a UC, and 16 (1.89%) at the doctor's office. Conclusion Our dual analysis study indicates a slightly greater than 1% incidence of hospitalization due to serious complications following PNB. Serious complications appear to be more frequently managed outside the hospital setting (ED, UC, and doctor's office).
Microstructure as a Tool for Proportioning High-Strength Concrete Mixes

Until relatively recently, concrete mix materials were selected and proportioned on the basis of certain general principles established through empirical tests, past experience with similar materials, and published tables. Increasingly, however, wc. need to produce high-strength concretes with what has been considered sub-optimal or even marginal quality materials. And, whereas in the past we could afford to achieve high strengths at age 28 or 56 days, there is much greater emphasis now on achieving strengths in excess of 8,000 psi in 24 hours or less. In response to these new demands for high-strength concretes, the concrete industry is setting aside many of the traditional methods for selecting and proportioning materials. Now, mix materials are selected deliberately for the characterisitics of their microstructure (e.g., the mineralogy and particularly crystal structure of the aggregates), and are proportioned to optimize the microstructure of the concrete. In this paper the author illustrates how the characteristics of a material’s microstructure are used as tools in selecting and proportioning mix materials. The significance of the microstructure of the aggregate particles, mortar-aggregate interface, and mortar are discussed in detail.
Envisioning a tourism of peace in the Gaza Strip

The idea that tourism can contribute to peace and positive futures is increasingly gaining currency in the global community. This paper reports on an initiative which demonstrates the potentials and limitations of such assertions in places of 'hot conflict' such as Palestine. In previous work, the authors were instrumental in setting up a peace incubator through a virtual classroom by linking students from Gaza with students from the United States. As a result of these efforts, in 2014 students of Gaza University developed a profound vision for the Gaza Strip in 2050 that identified tourism as the key to a renewed and thriving economy. They envisioned a future distinguished by peace and prosperity. All the problems that currently beset the region were seen as now addressed in 2050 to the satisfaction of the various parties. Additionally, a virtual museum developed by the students in a joint project of Indiana University's Indianapolis campus (IUPUI) and Gaza University, identified 252 sites of touristic potential. These sites together with the promise of the re-opening of the overland pilgrimage route from Gaza City to Jerusalem (Al Quds) would be center stage in attracting international tourists. Through a process of back casting, the various steps in achieving the vision were under deep consideration by students when the Israel launched its attack 'Operation Protective Edge' on 7 July, 2014, which soon led to widespread loss of Palestinian lives and the destruction of much of the urban landscape of the major cities of Gaza, including a number of the historic and cultural sites just identified as potential tourism assets by the students. The full consequences of this most devastating war is still to be realized but as the authors describe in this paper, the dream of making Gaza the jewel of the Mediterranean lives on in the minds of those who participated in the visioning exercise.
The relationship between food prices and animal welfare

The proportion of income spent on food has been in steady decline. Most people could readily pay more for food. Indeed, most consumers already pay more than necessary by buying specialized products or convenience foods. But there are costs associated with cheap food produced from animals that reach well beyond the dollars paid by citizens at the checkout register of a supermarket or fast-food restaurant. A morally significant effect of pressure for cheap food production has been modifications to production methods that may have effects on animal welfare (e.g., by decreased space allowances). Cheaper food for humans sometimes involves greater pain and suffering for food animals; however, improvements, possibly even major improvements, in welfare could be achieved with only small increases in price to the consumer. The obstacle to change is in part economic inertia; producers resist change because buyers expect low prices. Deployment of public subsidies and gradual change could avoid these short-term effects, although protection is needed against imports from countries with even lower welfare consideration and environmental standards. From the viewpoint of doing what is appropriate for animal welfare and the environment, free-market competition should no longer be the sole determinant of food prices. Animal scientists can serve the long-term interests of animal agriculture by combining efforts to do the right thing for the welfare of animals with more traditional goals, such as increasing production efficiency.
Analysis on the levels of bactericidal antibody against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C among healthy people in Shaoguan city between 2009 and 2011

Objective To evaluate the protection level of healthy people against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C by understanding the levels of serum bactericidal antibody against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C among healthy people.Methods From 2009 to 2011,811 healthy human serum samples from 8 age groups were examined for the level of serum bactericidal antibody by serum bactericidal assay.Results The positive rate of serum bactericidal antibody against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C was 25.40%,and the protective rate was 23.06%,GMT:1∶5.13(95%CI:1∶4.57~1∶5.89).Conclusion In Shaoguan city healthy human have a predisposition for the Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C.Decreases with age,the resistance against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C is weak.So we should promote the meningococcal A+C vaccination,and let all school-age children vaccinated against meningococcal A+C.
Literacies: Literacies to think and to learn

Overview We begin this chapter by exploring the similarities and differences between communication in humans and other animals. One key difference is our human capacity to apply symbols to meanings in the world, and to connect symbols with each other into symbol systems. Symbols represent general things – the concept of ‘dog’ as distinct from this dog, Fido. Although young children learn the word ‘dog’ at a young age, it is not until they are older that they use the word as a concept. Conceptualisation can also occur in the other modes; for instance, in visual or gestural meanings. All academic disciplines use literacies as a basis for communicating knowledge, and also for learners to represent knowledge to themselves in their thinking. Literacies, for this reason, are the most basic of all basics in education. Literacies and cognitive development Human thinking compared to other thinking in animals Animals other than humans can also think and communicate. However, no other animals have our species’ peculiar representational capacities (the way we make meanings for ourselves) and communicative capacities (the way we make meanings for others). Nor do they have our thinking capacities.
Advances in Behavioral Laboratory Methods that Inform Tobacco Regulatory Science: A TCORS Working Group Special Issue.

Objective The 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA) created unprecented enabling conditions for establishing national regulatory policy that reduces the burden of public health and societal problems associated with tobacco product use. The Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), created by the FDA to implement the TCA, developed a first-of-its-kind FDA/National Institutes of Health (NIH) collaborative program to fund Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS). Methods To assist the TCORS with addressing research priorites, working groups (WGs) comprised of FDA-CTP liasions and TCORS investigators were formed. Under the direction of the Center for Evaluation and Coordination of Trainin and Research (CECTR), the TCORS WGs seek to develop tangible work products in their respective areas of focus. Results The focus of the behavioral pharmacology WG evolved from publishing a narrow paper on behavioral methods in electronic cigarette research to a collection of papers on advances in behavioral laboratory methods that may inform tobacco regulatory science. Conclusion This Special Issue contains articles that address all of the CTP research priorities and demonstrates how advances in behavioral laboratory methods made by TCORS investigators can inform FDA efforst to regulate tobacco products.
Diffusion of Innovation

Diffusion of innovation is the process by which an innovative product spreads within a market. Several models have been proposed to describe this process. According to Rogers' model, the diffusion rate is influenced by product characteristics and diffusion progresses by word of mouth. Moore's crossing-the-chasm model focuses on differences between customer segments, and notes that word-of-mouth may not necessarily flow from early to later adopters. Both Rogers' and Moore's models offer managerial insights and implications. Diffusion models, such as Bass's model of durable goods sales, are often used to predict the rate of diffusion of innovative products into the market. Intriguing questions still remain regarding global diffusion of products. Keywords: diffusion of innovation; product diffusion; barriers to diffusion; diffusion models; crossing the chasm; Bass model; product life cycle
Treatment of groundwater contaminated with high levels of explosives using advanced oxidation processes

Current and former military installations around the world have numerous sites with groundwater contaminated with explosive compounds polluted from military related activities. The test influent used in this study was a groundwater collected from an US Army facility that was contaminated with high levels of military derived explosives. The sample had a total explosive concentration in excess of 75 mg/l. Bench-scale evaluations were performed to determine the effectiveness of the candidate advanced oxidation processes for treatment of the groundwater in terms of removing the pollutants to method sub-detection limits with these results formulating the basis for comparison along with generating data that can be used toward increasing the understanding of treatment mechanisms associated with the various processes. Results indicate that the ozonated systems generally resulted in the removal of the explosives to the targeted levels with 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene removal lagging in terms of removal due to its simultaneous formation and degradation. The oxidation system that was irradiated using the medium-pressure UV lamp and dosed with hydrogen peroxide and ozone achieved the best performance with complete removal of all targeted pollutants within 10 min of treatment.
Archaeological Data Indicate a Broader Late Holocene Distribution of the Sandbank Pocketbook (Unionidae: Lampsilis satura Lea 1852) in Texas

Abstract: One way that archaeologists provide unique conservation datasets is through the establishment of pre-Euroamerican baselines for animal communities that were part of human-environment interactions during the last few millennia. Freshwater mussel remains from archaeological sites offer a rich data source for establishing this type of baseline. We establish a conservation baseline for the late Holocene sandbank pocketbook (Lampsilis satura, Lea 1852) in the upper Trinity River of central and north Texas. These data may 1) lead to greater confidence in existing contemporary data for unoinid biogeography; 2) lead to information on whether or not community composition differs between the late Holocene and today; and/or 3) provide a justification for more intensive contemporary surveys. Such data are relatively easily acquired, inexpensive to generate, and highly informative for environmental management.