cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of the tumour suppressor, PTEN, in smooth muscle promotes a pro-inflammatory phenotype and enhances neointima formation

Aims Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is implicated as a negative regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and injury-induced vascular remodelling. We tested if selective depletion of PTEN only in SMC is sufficient to promote SMC phenotypic modulation, cytokine production, and enhanced neointima formation. Methods and results Smooth muscle marker expression and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines were compared in cultured SMC expressing control or PTEN-specific shRNA. Compared with controls, PTEN-deficient SMC exhibited increased phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activity, reduced expression of SM markers (SM-α-actin and calponin), and increased production of stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (KC/CXCL1) under basal conditions. PI3K/Akt or mTOR inhibition reversed repression of SM marker expression, whereas PI3K/Akt or NF-κB inhibition blocked cytokine induction mediated by PTEN depletion. Carotid ligation in mice with genetic reduction of PTEN specifically in SMC (SMC-specific PTEN heterozygotes) resulted in enhanced neointima formation, increased SMC hyperplasia, reduced SM-α-actin and calponin expression, and increased NF-κB and cytokine expression compared with wild-types. Lesion formation in SMC-specific heterozygotes was similar to lesion formation in global PTEN heterozygotes, indicating that inactivation of PTEN exclusively in SMC is sufficient to induce considerable increases in neointima formation. Conclusion PTEN activation specifically in SMC is a common upstream regulator of multiple downstream events involved in pathological vascular remodelling, including proliferation, de-differentiation, and production of multiple cytokines.
A global model for rapid thermal processors

A simple model for the components that make up a rapid thermal processing system is given. These components are the furnace, the pyrometer used to measure temperature, and the control system that utilizes the pyrometer measurement to control the power to the lamps. The models for each of the components are integrated in a numerical code to give a computer simulation of the complete furnace operation. The simulation can be used to investigate the interaction of the furnace, temperature-sensing technique, and the control system. Therefore, the interplay of heat transfer (furnace) properties, optical (pyrometer) parameters, and control gains can be studied. The objective is to define variability in wafer temperature as process parameters change. The following three applications of the model are included: (1) a simulation of open-loop operation; (2) a simulation of the ramp up and subsequent operation with a step change in wafer optical properties; and (3) a simulation of the rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition of polysilicon on silicon oxide which demonstrates the applicability model for actual processes. A technique for correction of pyrometer output to improve temperature control is also presented. >
Management of non-small cell lung cancer with direct mediastinal involvement.

Abstract The results of surgical treatment were analyzed for 102 patients with non-small cell lung cancer invading the mediastinum by direct extension (T3 and T4), but those who had N2 disease were excluded to eliminate the adverse prognostic effect of this nodal subset. The histologic type was squamous cell carcinoma in 55 patients, adenocarcinoma in 40, and large cell carcinoma in 7. There were 58 T3 tumors invading the mediastinal pleura or fat, phrenic nerve, vagus nerve, pericardium, or pulmonary vessels and 44 T4 lesions invading the aorta, vena cava, esophagus, trachea, spine, or atrium. Resection included lobectomy (33 patients), pneumonectomy (32 patients), and limited resection (6 patients). Complete resection was possible in 46 patients and incomplete or no resection was possible in 56. The interstitial implantation of radioactive sources to control residual tumor also was undertaken in 43 patients. The operative mortality was 6%. The overall survival (Kaplan-Meier) was 19% at 5 years (median survival time, 18 months). Factors found to significantly affect survival were complete resectability and the histologic type. With complete resection, the 5-year survival was 30% ( p = 0.005). The 5-year survival in patients with adenocarcinoma or large-cell carcinoma was 30%, compared with 14% in patients with squamous cell carcinoma ( p = 0.002). The extent of mediastinal involvement (T3 versus T4) influenced resectability and survival, and this approached statistical significance ( p = 0.055). We conclude that most patients with non-small cell carcinoma and mediastinal invasion do poorly with primary surgical treatment.
Best practices in community-oriented health professions education: international exemplars.

Introduction: During 1998± 2000, an international team of ® ve research- ers described nine innovative health professions education programmes as selected by The Network: Community Partnerships for Health through Innovative Education, Service, and Research. Each researcher visited one or two schools. Criteria for selection of these nine schools included commitment to multidisciplinary and community-based education, longitudinal community placements, formal linkages with government entities and a structured approach to community participation. The purpose of these descriptions was to identify key issues in designing and implementing community-based education. Methodology: Programmes in Chile, Cuba, Egypt, India, the Philippines, South Africa, Sudan, Sweden and the United States were visited. Before site visits were conducted, the researchers as a group agreed upon the elements to be described. Elements included overall institutional characteristics, curriculum, admissions practices, evaluation systems, research, service, community involvement, faculty development, postgraduate pro- grammes and the school's relationship with government entities. Here I describe the common features of each of the nine programmes, their shared dilemmas and how each went about balancing the teaching of clinical competence and population perspectives. Lessons learned: Based upon an analysis of the cases, I present seven ``lessons learned'' as well as a discussion of programme development, institutionalization of reform and long-term implications for health professions education. The seven lessons are:( 1) PBL and CBE are not seen as independent curricular reforms; ( 2) student activities are determined based upon sensitivity to locale; ( 3) health professionals need to work collaboratively;( 4) there is a connection between personal health and population health issues;( 5)population health interventions and treatment strategies need to be appropriate to local conditions;(6) graduates need to advocate for patients and the community in the public policy arena; and ( 7) organizational change takes a long time. Conclusions: Despite their differences, all nine exemplars are engaged in processes of organizational change. Schools are becoming more community-oriented and socially
A Numerical Study of the Kuroshio South of Japan

Abstract A numerical model is used to study the interaction of the Kuroshio with boundary constraints south of Japan. The model consists of two layers with the lower layer inert, and is both nonlinear and quasi-geostrophic. The boundary constraints are highly idealized. The Kyushu Peninsula and its adjacent continental shelf have the form of a V-shaped wedge on an otherwise rectilinear coastline; the Izu Ridge is represented as a square island. Solutions almost always form a meander downstream from Kyushu. The dynamics of meander formation involve the interaction of a Rossby lee wave generated by the Kyushu Peninsula and a westward disturbance forced by the Izu Ridge. Three different quasi-steady paths have been identified. The first path has a meander between Kyushu and the Izu Ridge, passes to the north of the ridge, and is associated with a current of low-volume transport. The second path has a large meander between Kyushu and the Izu Ridge, passes to the south of the Izu Ridge, and always occurs when ...
Bottom-Up Vs. Top-Down Approaches to Supply Chain Modeling

The term “supply chain management” crystallizes concepts about integrated planning proposed by operations research practitioners, logistics experts, and strategists over the past 40 years (e.g., Hanssman (1959), LaLonde et al (1970), Porter (1985)). Integrated planning refers to functional coordination within the firm, between the firm and its suppliers, and between the firm and its customers. It also refers to intertemporal coordination of supply chain decisions as they relate to the firm’s operational, tactical and strategic plans.
Adaptive gene- and pathway-trait association testing with GWAS summary statistics

Background Gene- and pathway-based analyses offer a useful alternative and complement to the usual single SNP-based analysis for GWAS. On the other hand, most existing gene- and pathway-based tests are not highly adaptive, and/or require the availability of individual-level genotype and phenotype data. It would be desirable to have highly adaptive tests applicable to summary statistics for single SNPs. This has become increasingly important given the popularity of large-scale meta-analyses of multiple GWASs and the practical availability of either single GWAS or meta-analyzed GWAS summary statistics for single SNPs. Results We extend two adaptive tests for gene- and pathway-level association with a univariate trait to the case with GWAS summary statistics without individual-level genotype and phenotype data. We use the WTCCC GWAS data to evaluate and compare the proposed methods and several existing methods. We further illustrate their applications to a meta-analyzed dataset to identify genes and pathways associated with blood pressure, demonstrating the potential usefulness of the proposed methods. The methods are implemented in R package aSPU, freely and publicly available. Availability and implementation https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/aSPU/ CONTACT: weip@biostat.umn.edu Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Energetic aspects of reproduction by the cliff swallow

-Energy budgets were constructed for the Cliff Swallow during the nest building, incubation, and nestling periods using time budgets and aerodynamic theory. Mean daily energy expenditures during these periods were 1.55, 1.23, and 1.28 watts respectively, with required food harvest rates of at least 3.95, 4.42, and 4.07 watts. The cost of constructing an average size nest (600 g) was approximately 122 kilojoules expended over about 7 days, but the multiple use of the nest makes the cost per brood considerably less than this. The ecological advantages accruing from the nest apparently are related primarily to physical protection from predators and reduction of intraspecific aggression, rather than microclimatic conditions established within the nest.Department of Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024. Accepted 25 March 1976. THE complexity of most avian nests indicates the central role of this structure to reproductive success, but the energetic cost of building a nest cannot be determined directly and no accurate data are available. Collias and Collias (1967) used time budgets and the meager data then available for the metabolic cost of flight to estimate the cost of different activities of the Village Weaver (Textor cucullatus). Utter and LeFebvre (1973) utilized D2018 studies and time budgets to estimate the daily energy expenditure of Purple Martins (Progne subis) raising nestlings. The present study quantifies the cost of nest construction by time budget analysis and the application of recent aerodynamic theory (Pennycuick 1969, Tucker 1973) and assesses the advantages gained from the nest for the Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Vieillot. The natural history of the Cliff Swallow has been described by Bent (1942) and Emlen (1952, 1954). The birds build gourd-shaped nests of mud, usually under overhanging rock formations, bridges, or eaves of buildings. Cliff Swallows reoccupy and repair old nests, and establish new colonies in suitable places near sources of mud and food. The clutch size is 3 to 6, the incubation period is 12 to 14 days, and 2 or 3 broods are raised per year. The few microclimatological studies of bird nests (Stoner 1936, Kendeigh 1961, Ricklefs and Hainsworth 1969, White et al. 1975) have indicated a degree of thermal stability and high humidities within nests, but the gaseous environment of bird nests has not been studied previously.
Beta-delayed proton decay of theN=83 precursor153Yb

Beta-delayed proton emission was observed for the N=83 precursor153Yb. This extends the region of delayed proton emission in the lanthanides across the N=82 shell for the first time. The 4.0±0.5 s delayed proton activity was assigned to153Yb on the basis of mass separation, coincident Tm K x rays, and coincident γ-ray transitions in the daughter nucleus152Er. Proton final state branching ratios are consistent with a 7/2- precursor spin. The proton branching ratio is (8±2)×l0−5.
Perceived Organizational Climate and the Process of Salesperson Motivation

The author examines how organizational climate contributes to salespersons’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to perform. On the basis of expectancy-valence theory of motivation, specific relation...
Electrostatic stabilization of β-lactoglobulin fibrils at increased pH with cationic polymers.

In order to improve the stability of β-lactoglobulin fibrils formed in acidic conditions to increased pH values (pH 3–7), formation of electrostatic complexes between fibrils and cationic polymers chitosan (CH), amine-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (APEG), low molecular weight poly(ethylenimine) (LPEI), and high molecular weight poly(ethylenimine) (HPEI) was investigated by electrophoretic mobility, turbidimetry, and atomic force microscopy. Except for suspensions with APEG, addition of polycations increased ζ-potential values of the fibrils at pH 5, 6, and 7, verifying their interactions with fibrils. Maximal increase in ζ-potential at pH 7, indicating optimal electrostatic interactivity, occurred at concentrations (w/w) of 0.05, 0.01, and 0.01% (corresponding to 6.9, 50, and 4 μmol·kg–1) for CH, LPEI, and HPEI, respectively. Turbidity of fibril solutions at pH 5, indicating isoelectric instability, was decreased significantly with increasing concentration of CH, LPEI, and BPEI, but not with added APEG...
The Effects of Various Cooling Scenarios on a System of Integrated Circuits

The focus of this paper is on the system-level cooling of integrated circuits and the effect of various cooling scenarios on the temperature response. Specifically, this paper addresses the thermal response of a system of integrated circuits when the heat sink fin arrangement and the fan location are varied in order to optimize the effects of conduction and forced-convection heat transfer to cool the system.© 2003 ASME
Religious-based denial in the NICU: implications for social work.

Families of critically ill infants in the neonatal intensive care unit may be placed in the emotionally charged position of making treatment decisions about their infants, including the withholding of medical treatment. Some families, unable to deal with these issues, cope through a harmful form of religious denial; the enternal belief in a miracle. This article discusses the concept of death, religious-based denial, and health care team reactions to such family dynamics. The role of the social worker is reviewed in regard to: (1) dealing with his/her own feelings about religious-based denial (2) advocating for families, and (3) supporting and consulting with staff around this sensitive area.
Antigenicity of Streptofibrinolysin.

The low antifibrinolytic titer† of most commercial anti-streptococcus serums1 suggests the possibility that the specific antihuman fibrinolysin formed or secreted by certain strains of Streptococcus hemolyticus is not antigenic.To test this possibility, active antifibrinolytic immunization was attempted with rabbits. The selected vaccines were (a) centrifugates from 24-hour broth cultures of fibrinolytic streptococci, and (b) lytic enzymes isolated from such cultures by the alcohol-precipitation technic.2 Control injections were made with (c) heat-killed streptococci centrifuged free from lytic broth. There were also available for comparison (d) a series of rabbit precipitins for the Lancefield streptocarbohydrate A. This specific capsular sugar is apparently genetically linked with the antihuman fibrinolytic function.3Three methods of immunization were used with these rabbits. Six animals (Group A) received 3 subcutaneous, 3 intraperitoneal and 3 intravenous injections at 3 to 4-day intervals, followed b...
ID: 111: THE S1P TRANSPORTER, SPNS2, MEDIATES HGF-INDUCED LAMELLIPODIA FORMATION AND MIGRATION OF HUMAN LUNG ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Rationale We have demonstrated earlier that HGF-induced lamellipodia formation in human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs) was through c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase and PI3 kinase/Akt signal transduction. Here, we show that HGF-mediated lamellipodia formation is dependent on intracellular S1P generation mediated by sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), the S1P transporter, Spns2 and S1P1 in HLMVECs. Methods HLMVECs were treated with HGF (20 ng/ml) for different time points. Lamellipodia were detected after HGF treatment by immunofluorescent staining of Spns2, cortactin and actin in lamellipodia, and lamellipodia were quantified by measuring cell periphery fluorescence intensity. Pearson9s correlation coefficient was used to statistically quantify co-localization of proteins in lamellipodia. Endogenous SphK activity was blocked by SphK1 specific inhibitor PF-543, and expression of SphK1 in cells was down-regulated by siRNA. Cellular S1P levels were quantified by mass spectrometry. Results HGF stimulated phosphorylation of SphK1, and its localization to lamellipodia of HLMVECs. Down-regulation of SphK1, but not SphK2, with siRNA or inhibition of SphK1 with PF-543 (1–5 µM) attenuated HGF-induced lamellipodia formation in HLMVECs. The HGF-mediated phosphorylation of SphK1 and its localization in lamellipodia was dependent on PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling apthways. HGF increased S1P levels in HLMVECs, which was blocked by inhibition of SphK1 with PF-543. Further, HGF induced serine phosphorylation and translocation of Spns2, the S1P transporter, to lamellipodia, which was Akt dependent. The HGF-induced lamellipodia formation in HLMVECs was blocked by down-regulation of Spns2, suggesting extracellular action of S1P in lamellipodia formation. Down-regulation of S1P1, but not S1P2 or S1P3, with siRNA attenuated HGF-induced lamellipodia formation. Further, HGF stimulation enhanced association of Spns2 with S1P1 and blocking SphK1 activty with PF-543 attenuated the association between Spns2 and S1P1. Additionally, HGF-induced migration of HLMVECs was attenuated by down-regulation of Spns2. Conclusion These results suggest that HGF/c-Met mediated lamellipodia formation and motility is dependent on intracellular generation of S1P via activation and localization of SphK1 to cell periphery and Spns2 mediated transport of S1P to outside for signaling via S1P1 in HLMVECs. This work was supported by NIH/HLBI P01 HL98050 to VN.
The anemia of infection. XIX. Studies on free erythrocyte coproporphyrin and protoporphyrin.

1. The amount of free coproporphyrin and protoporphyrin its the erythrocytes of twenty normal male subjects was found to be 0.76 ± 0.26 and 31.3 ± 11.9 µg./100 ml. of packed RBC, respectively. In ten normal female subjects the values were 0.71 ± 0.23 and 44.6 ± 19.6 µg./100 ml. of packed RBC, respectively. 2. In eighteen male patients with chronic infection, mean values of 1.53 ± 0.61 µg./100 ml. of packed RBC for free erythrocyte coproporphyrin and 181.2 ± 90.6 µg./100 ml. of packed RBC for free erythrocyte protoporphyrin were found.
Electrooptic phase sensitive confocal scanning optical microscope

Confocal scanning optical microscopes (CSOMs) have two advantages over conventional microscopes: (1) improved transverse resolution, imaging twice the spatial frequencies of conventional microscopes; (2) a shallow depth of focus making them ideal for optical sectioning because there is no glare from out-of-focus portions of the sample.1 Optical microscopy can become a still more sensitive tool for diagnostics if some method of imaging phase information is available. In conventional microscopes this is most widely accomplished with Zernike phase contrast systems or Nomarski DIG techniques. In CSOMs heterodyne interference techniques have been used.2 We have developed an electrooptic cell, which when placed in a conventional CSOM converts it to a Zernike-type phase sensitive CSOM.
Dynamic Fracture Criteria

While the analysis based on elastostatics predated a complete understanding of the dynamic crack problem, and therefore, was not quantitatively correct, the trends described in their results—that the dynamic crack initiation toughness would first decrease slightly as the loading rate increased and then subsequently increase dramatically—are indeed intriguing and important. An accurate evaluation of the loading rate dependence of the dynamic crack initiation toughness and an understanding of the microstructural mechanisms responsible for such rate dependence are essential for the assessment of the safety of structures subjected to dynamic loading. In this chapter a survey of investigations in dynamic crack initiation, its rate dependence, and the fracture mechanisms responsible for rate dependence is discussed. Shockey et al. (1983a,b) interpreted the loading rate dependence of the dynamic initiation toughness by stating that while it was necessary for the stress intensity factor to reach a critical value, it was not sufficient; they postulated that the critical value of the stress intensity factor must be maintained for a minimum time for the fracture processes to develop completely.
Modeling feedback effects in metal under ESD stress

The feedback model of on-chip interconnect metal heating during electrostatic discharge (ESD) is extended to capture and simplify overall behavior of the metal. Of greatest interest to risk assessment is the peak temperature Tmax reached during an ESD event, and it is discovered that Tmax for Human Body and Charged Device Model (HBM, CDM) events follows its own simplified feedback equation with constant parameters. These constants are a function of the electrical and thermal properties of the metal layer. The result is a simple relation between Tmax and current density for the HBM or CDM event under consideration, a valuable aid to risk assessment and design rule checks. The summary equations capture the results of many detailed finite element and numerical convolution calculations of heat flow for on-chip metal.
Stress and reward processing in bipolar disorder: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

Objectives A link between negative life stress and the onset of mood episodes in bipolar disorder (BD) has been established, but processes underlying such a link remain unclear. Growing evidence suggests that stress can negatively affect reward processing and related neurobiological substrates, indicating that a dysregulated reward system may provide a partial explanation. The aim of this study was to test the impact of stress on reward-related neural functioning in BD. Methods Thirteen euthymic or mildly depressed individuals with BD and 15 controls performed a Monetary Incentive Delay (MID) task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging during no-stress and stress (negative psychosocial stressor involving poor performance feedback and threat of monetary deductions) conditions. Results In hypothesis-driven region-of-interest analyses, a significant group-by-condition interaction emerged in the amygdala during reward anticipation. Relative to controls, while anticipating a potential reward, subjects with BD were characterized by amygdalar hyperactivation in the no-stress condition but hypoactivation during stress. Moreover, relative to controls, subjects with BD had significantly larger amygdala volumes. After controlling for structural differences, the effects of stress on amygdalar function remained, whereas groups no longer differed during the no-stress condition. During reward consumption, a group-by-condition interaction emerged in the putamen due to increased putamen activation in response to rewards in participants with BD during stress, but an opposite pattern in controls. Conclusions Overall, findings highlight possible impairments in using reward-predicting cues to adaptively engage in goal-directed actions in BD, combined with stress-induced hypersensitivity to reward consumption. Potential clinical implications are discussed.
Resequencing Analysis of the Human Candidate Ras and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Gene Family In Multiple Myeloma

Abstract 301 Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable B-cell malignancy characterized by the clonal proliferation and accumulation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Despite the growing number of sequencing studies, the comprehensive view of somatic mutations in multiple myeloma is far from clear. One of the most frequently altered gene families in most human cancer is the Ras and the tyrosine kinase (TK) genes, which encode for important regulators of various signal transduction pathways. To uncover the somatic mutation profile of Ras gene and TKs in myeloma, we performed a systematic mutation screening from a selected group of 10 candidate genes in 42 primary myeloma patients. The candidate gene selections were based on the highly altered genes extracted from GEO data sets using Function Express, a data mining and viewer for microarray data. The sequencing of the entire gene region including the promoter and the 3`UTR was performed in the Genome sequencing center at Washington University medical center using the standard resequencing pipeline, from the design of the primers to data output. These data were analyzed with a clinical resequencing pipeline and visualized using the Mutation Viewer software (MV v5.1). We identified 24 nonsynonymous alterations in five genes (KRAS2, PIK3CA, INSR, LTK and MERTK) in our myeloma cohort (Table 1). In particular, we identified the previously reported pathogenic mutation in a KRAS gene and novel somatic mutations in the Kinase family (PIK3CA) that would be expected to cause structural changes. We assessed the frequency plots of the known variants and most but not all are significantly different from the normal data set. The overall results suggest that the germline genetic background besides the somatically acquired mutations may exert an important influence on the prognosis and outcome of the myeloma patient. Our genome-wide resequencing approach thus revealed previously known and novel oncogenic mutations in multiple myeloma, but its relevance needs to be considered in the context of other genetic abnormalities. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Revictimization After Adolescent Dating Violence in a Matched, National Sample of Youth

Abstract Purpose To assess if adolescent dating violence was associated with physical intimate partner violence victimization in adulthood, using a comprehensive propensity score to create a matched group of victims and nonvictims. Methods Secondary analysis of waves 1 (1994–1995), 2 (1996), 3 (2001–2002) and 4 (2007–2008) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a nationally representative sample of US high schools and middle schools. Individuals aged 12–18 reporting adolescent dating violence between the wave 1 and 2 interviews (n = 732) were matched to nonvictimized participants of the same sex (n = 1,429) using propensity score matching. These participants were followed up approximately 5 (wave 3) and 12 (wave 4) years later. At both follow-up points, physical violence victimization by a current partner was assessed. Data were analyzed using path models. Results Compared with the matched no victimization group, individuals reporting adolescent dating violence were more likely to experience physical intimate partner violence approximately 12 years later (wave 4), through the experience of 5-year (wave 3) victimization. This path held for males and females. Conclusions Results from this sample matched on key risk variables suggest that violence first experienced in adolescent relationships may become chronic, confirming adolescent dating violence as an important risk factor for adult partner violence. Findings from this study underscore the critical role of primary and secondary prevention for adolescent dating violence.
Authorial identities in the work of Linda Lê

Issues of authenticity, originality, and plagiarism have haunted Francophone literatures from the time Camara Laye was first accused of having copied the work of others. Official positions on plagi...
Dixit, Priya 2015. The State and “Terrorists” in Nepal and Northern Ireland

The last words of Priya Dixit’s book, The State and ‘Terrorists’ in Nepal and Northern Ireland (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2015), aptly sum up the political-scholarly orientation of t...
A Qualitative Inquiry Addressing the Experience of Depression in Impoverished Ethnically Diverse Women: Implications for Developing a Community-Based Model.

BACKGROUND: Literature suggests that a disparity exists relative to the higher prevalence of depression among the population of impoverished ethnically diverse women, the services available, and ca...
Racial disparities in temporal lobe epilepsy

Abstract Objective This study reports on epilepsy type period prevalence and black-white racial differences in a large patient population in the Southeastern United States. Methods For all patients visiting the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s seizure monitoring unit between 2000 and 2011 (n = 3240), video EEG diagnosis was recorded along with basic demographic information. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) diagnosis. Results The racial distribution was 77.3% white, and 20.0% black (other races were only 2.3% of the population). Most patients had either TLE (n = 630) or PNES (n = 1150) compared to other focal (n = 424) or generalized epilepsies (n = 224). The diagnosis of TLE was significantly greater for blacks than whites (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47–2.37). The period prevalence measures for the other conclusively diagnosed epilepsies were not significantly different. Women were disproportionately represented in the study population, and black women carried the most statistical weight for the TLE prevalence difference. Interpretation The nearly two-fold larger period prevalence of TLE among black patients is a striking finding that merits explanation. Although some selection bias exists due to a moderately lower than expected representation of blacks, socioeconomic status or access to care should not be assumed to be the only factors that might be responsible for the prevalence difference. Rather, all clues for distinct pathophysiological racial differences should be explored.
«Prozessintelligenz»: Gegenstand und Ziele der Studie

«Intelligente Prozesse, «intelligentes Prozessmanagement», «iBPM» sind Schlagworte, die in erster Linie eingesetzt werden, um Technologien zu vermarkten. Die Begriffe lassen viel Raum fur Interpretation und Assoziationen. Konnen Unternehmen den Hype ignorieren oder bietet «Prozessintelligenz» die Chance, das Prozessmanagement aus einem anderen Blickwinkel zu betrachten und weiterzuentwickeln? Doch was ist Prozessintelligenz? Welche Losungsansatze, Erfahrungen und Erfolgsmuster gibt es bereits in Unternehmen? Welche Methoden und Werkzeuge kommen zum Einsatz, um Prozesse «intelligenter» zu machen? Diesen Fragen hat sich die Business‐Process‐Management‐Studie 2015 gestellt, mit der das Institut fur Wirtschaftsinformatik der Zurcher Hochschule fur Angewandte Wissenschaften School of Management and Law seit 2011 regelmassig Status quo und Best Practices im deutschsprachigen Raum erhebt.
Dynamic mechanical characterization of aluminum: analysis of strain-rate-dependent behavior

A significant number of materials show different mechanical behavior under dynamic loads compared to quasi-static (Salvado et al. in Prog. Mater. Sci. 88:186–231, 2017). Therefore, a comprehensive study of material dynamic behavior is essential for applications in which dynamic loads are dominant (Li et al. in J. Mater. Process. Technol. 255:373–386, 2018). In this work, aluminum 6061-T6, as an example of ductile alloys with numerous applications including in the aerospace industry, has been studied under quasi-static and dynamic tensile tests with strain rates of up to $156~\mbox{s}^{-1}$. Dogbone specimens were designed, instrumented and tested with a high speed servo-hydraulic load frame, and the results were validated with the literature. It was observed that at a strain rate of $156~\mbox{s}^{-1}$ the yield and ultimate strength increased by $31\%$ and $33\%$ from their quasi-static values, respectively. Moreover, the failure elongation and fracture energy per unit volume also increased by $18\%$ and $52\%$, respectively. A Johnson–Cook model was used to capture the behavior of the material at different strain rates, and a modified version of this model was presented to enhance the capabilities of the original model, especially in predicting material properties close to the failure point. Finally, the fracture surfaces of specimens tested under quasi-static and dynamic loads were compared and conclusions about the differences were drawn.
Araceae, a Family with Great Potential

This paper highlights the most unique characteristics of Araceae: their high species diversity, high habit diversity, high rates of endemism, and high rates of new species discovery. Also discussed is the origin of the family in the Early Cretaceous period and its modern-day worldwide distribution, which shows high generic diversity in Asia and high species diversity in South America. The last 40 years have shown dramatic increases in the number of species known for most of the Neotropical genera but with most of the growth coming from Central America. The development of computerized determination keys has led to the realization that many more species are likely to be new to science. This study also recommends future directions and localities or regions where most aroid research should be concentrated.
'Open for Business': International Financial Institutions, Post-Conflict Economic Reform and the Rule of Law

What practices should international institutions adopt to promote economic development, peace and stability in post-conflict zones? The United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund amongst other such institutions have a common answer: practices that promote marketization and the Rule of Law. This article examples the relationship between the Security Council and the IFIs in the promotion of the rule of law in post-conflict situations, in order to assess the tension between IFI independence and the supremacy of Chapter VII resolutions. It also examines the development of IFI post-conflict policies generally, and the constitutional doctrines used to justify the expansion into international peace and security.
Norms Formation: The Gold Rush and Women's Roles

Does the mining-driven scarcity of women affect gender norms? Do gender norms persist over time? We explore the Gold Rush in Western United States in the late19th-century as a natural experiment to answer these questions. We use a geographic difference-in-difference methodology, exploiting the location and discovery of the gold deposits and its influence on sex ratios, to understand short term and persistent changes in women’s labor market participation and marriage market opportunities. Gold mining, through the oversupply of marriageable men with income, increased (decreased) marriage rates among women (men). Women married older men with higher prestige occupations. In parallel, the Gold Rush created a market based service sector economy, potentially catering to men with money but poor marriage prospects. Using all subsequent censuses up until 1940, we show that the effects persist over time.
Predictors of Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness and Literacy Among Korean-American Women.

Korean-American women experience a higher incidence of cervical cancer than non-Hispanic White women as well as other Asian-American women. A prominent cause of such a disproportional health risk among Korean-American women is a lack of awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer screening. Identifying factors related to cervical cancer screening awareness and literacy is critical for increasing cervical cancer screening among this population. Researchers surveyed 230 Korean-American women in a metro area in a Southeastern state, USA. Based on Anderson’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, predisposing, enabling, and need factors were explored to predict cervical cancer screening awareness and literacy. Monthly income, education, English proficiency, and annual checkups had significantly positive associations with cervical cancer screening awareness. Having an acquaintance giving support and receiving an annual checkup had significantly positive relationships with cervical cancer screening literacy. This study recommends culture specific guidelines to promote annual checkups through primary care physicians and the transfer of information about cervical cancer screening through acquaintances giving support.
Complex abdominal wall hernia repair with biologic mesh in elderly: a propensity matched analysis.

Complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR) has become a common surgical procedure both in non-elderly and elderly patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the outcomes of the elderly compared to nonelderly undergoing CAWR using propensity score matching. All patients who underwent CAWR using porcine-derived, non-crosslinked acellular dermal matrix (ADM) (Strattice™) between January 2014 and July 2017 were studied retrospectively. Propensity matched analysis was performed for risk adjustment in multivariable analysis and for one-to-one matching. The outcomes were analyzed for differences in postoperative complications, reoperations, mortality, hospital length of stay and adverse discharge disposition. One hundred-thirty-six patients were identified during the study period. Non-elderly (aged 18–64 years) constituted 70% (n = 95) and elderly (aged ≥ 65 years) comprised 30% of the overall patient population (n = 41). Seventy-three (56.7%) were females. After adjustment through the propensity score, which included 35 pairs, the surgical site infection (p = 1.000), wound necrosis (p = 1.000), the need for mechanical ventilation (p = 0.259), mortality (p = 0.083), reoperation rate (p = 0.141), hospital length of stay (p = 0.206), and discharge disposition (p = 0.795) were similar. Elderly patients undergoing CAWR with biological mesh have comparable outcomes with non-elderly patients when using propensity matching score.
A Novel Method for Predicting Power Transient CHF via the Heterogeneous Spontaneous Nucleation Trigger Mechanism

Using the Laplace transform for solving a two-region (cladding/liquid) conduction problem with an exponentially increasing heat flux boundary condition, an analytic temperature profile has been fou...
E-cigarette Product Characteristics and Subsequent Frequency of Cigarette Smoking

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of evidence regarding the association of use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) with certain product characteristics and adolescent and young adult risk of unhealthy tobacco use patterns (eg, frequency of combustible cigarette smoking), which is needed to inform the regulation of e-cigarettes. METHODS: Data were collected via an online survey of participants in the Southern California Children’s Health Study from 2015 to 2016 (baseline) and 2016 to 2017 (follow-up) (N = 1312). We evaluated the association of binary categories of 3 nonmutually exclusive characteristics of the e-cigarette used most frequently with the number of cigarettes smoked in the past 30 days at 1-year follow-up. Product characteristics included device (vape pen and/or modifiable electronic cigarette [mod]), use of nicotine in electronic liquid (e-liquid; yes or no), and use for dripping (directly dripping e-liquid onto the device; yes or no). RESULTS: Relative to never e-cigarette users, past-30-day e-cigarette use was associated with greater frequency of past-30-day cigarette smoking at follow-up. Among baseline past-30-day e-cigarette users, participants who used mods (versus vape pens) smoked >6 times as many cigarettes at follow-up (mean: 20.8 vs 1.3 cigarettes; rate ratio = 6.33; 95% confidence interval: 1.64–24.5) after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, baseline frequency of cigarette smoking, and number of days of e-cigarette use. After adjustment for device, neither nicotine e-liquid nor dripping were associated with frequency of cigarette smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline mod users (versus vape pen users) smoked more cigarettes in the past 30 days at follow-up. Regulation of e-cigarette device type warrants consideration as a strategy to reduce cigarette smoking among adolescents and young adults who vape.
Identification and evaluation of flood-avoidance routes in Tucson, Arizona

Abstract Campaigns such as “Turn Around, Don't Drown®” encourage motorists to avoid driving into flooded roadways, but thousands of flood-vehicle incidents occur each year. Motorists may not have a feasible alternate route, or they may not be aware of one. Furthermore, few studies within hazards research consider how vulnerability changes as an individual moves through space. A survey of Tucson, Arizona residents included a mapping activity to determine whether their typical routes intersect flood areas, and whether alternate routes exist that avoid flood areas without adding excessive travel time. Of the 452 routes provided, 185 intersect with areas known to flood during routine rain events, affecting 80% of participants. ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences in exposure rate among groups based on demographic characteristics. Network analyst was used to generate alternate routes that avoid the flood areas and to calculate how much additional time and mileage would be required. Most of the alternate routes added less than one mile to the trip, which is within participants' stated detour tolerance. These findings highlight the potential utility of a decision-support tool to help motorists choose safer, flood-avoiding routes during storms.
Repositioning the Culture of Power: Advocating for Systemic Change in Public Affairs Education

The present study sets out to characterize and analyze difficulties that typically face faculty of color who teach at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). Using personal narratives of junior fa...
Immune and Cell Therapy in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The promise of immunotherapy has shone brightly for decades in hematologic malignancies and specifically in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The last decade has witnessed the emergence of completely novel forms of immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint blockade, bispecific antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. These treatments have shown phenomenal, and in some cases possibly curative, successes in various relapsed/refractory lymphomas. This review summarizes the most notable successes and promising findings as well as some of the attendant failures. These treatments will doubtlessly transform the treatment paradigms across many lymphoma subtypes. Yet, only if we can better understand their mechanisms of action, toxicity, and resistance will be able to maximize their therapeutic benefit.
Evaluation of Sub-micrometer-Sized Particles Generated from a Diesel Locomotive and Jackleg Drilling in an Underground Metal Mine

Concerns have been raised regarding small respirable particles, i.e. sub-micrometer-sized particles, associated with mining activities. This evaluation was designed to investigate the emissions from jackleg drilling and diesel engines and to characterize the nature of emitted particles using gravimetric analysis and number metrics. The mass concentration to which workers are potentially exposed was determined from a 4-h sampling in the vicinity of drilling activities in an underground metal mine; this concentration was found to be lower than 0.6 mg m-3 of total respirable dust. This mass concentration is low; however, the number concentrations of emitted particles from drilling exceeded 1 × 106 particles cm-3 in areas 7-9 m downwind from the drilling operation. Sub-micrometer-sized particles were also observed in aerosol samples collected using a specialized sampler, and various elements associated with drilling were found among these emitted particles. Finally, the particles in the diesel exhaust were collected, and the exhaust was found to contain nanometer-sized particles.
The Airbnb effect: how tourist destinations are addressing short-term vacation rentals

This study examined the effect of short-term vacation rentals (STR) on two tourist destinations, an up-and-coming tourist destination Japan, and an established tourist destination Honolulu, Hawaii. The government's role in both destinations has addressed the introduction of STR's or Airbnb along with their legislative position. Each of the destinations selected for this study have addressed the issue of STR's or Airbnb in their own, unique way.
Body checking behaviors and eating disorder pathology among nonbinary individuals with androgynous appearance ideals.

Internalized sociocultural standards of attractiveness are a risk factor repeatedly linked to eating disorders; however, many nonbinary individuals do not conform to these standards. This study investigated the body checking behaviors and eating disorder pathology among nonbinary individuals with androgynous appearance ideals. Participants (n = 194) completed an online survey assessing body checking behaviors, body appreciation, gender congruence, and eating disorder pathology Body checking predicted eating disorder pathology, and body image significantly improved the model. Gender congruence did not additional variance in predicting eating pathology Though gender congruence was not a significant predictor of eating pathology, content analysis revealed unique body behaviors specific to nonbinary individuals’ gender identity and gender expression. Clinical implications include expanding perceptions of eating disorder presentation when working with nonbinary individuals with androgynous appearance ideals. Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.