cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of dyslipidemia: room for improvement?

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the appropriate focus of primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Basic investigation and evidence from animal models and epidemiological studies lend robust support to its role as a major risk factor for CHD. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors reduce plasma concentrations of LDL-C and have consistently shown substantial benefits in primary and secondary prevention. However, although treatment has dramatically reduced the risk of recurrent CHD in secondary prevention trials, it is becoming increasingly evident that even reduction of LDL-C to 100 mg/dL may not be adequate to restore the risk levels of such patients to the risk levels of those individuals free of CHD. Despite mean on-treatment LDL-C concentrations ranging from 97 to 113 mg/dL, recurrent CHD event rates in 3 secondary prevention trials were all ≈2% per year.1 2 3 The CHD event rate in the 40% subset of participants in the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study who lowered their LDL-C levels to <100 mg/dL (mean 95 mg/dL) was also 2% per year.4 These event rates are unacceptably high, and 2 approaches are being explored to determine whether there is room for improvement: (1) more aggressive lowering of LDL-C and (2) treatment of the “lipoprotein complex.” Although the first of these appears intuitively attractive, careful examination of curves relating CHD event rates to on-treatment LDL-C in the trials outlined above suggests an asymptotic relationship. The CHD risk appears to “flatten out” at 2% per year for LDL-C levels <120 mg/dL. In addition, although there are no data to show that dramatic reduction of LDL-C (eg, <50 mg/dL) might lead to increased risk of adverse events, subgroup analysis from the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT) suggests an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in individuals with …
Meeting the Need: Applying Concepts for Assessment and Planning With Child and Adolescent Trauma

National and international crisis events continue to elevate the need for an adequate response from the mental health community, especially among children and adolescents. Not only is caring for our young people a common desire across our diverse backgrounds but traumatic experiences also do not discriminate between people of all identities. With the growing expectation for counselors to be trauma informed (American Counseling Association, 2014; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, 2009), it is important for counselors and counselor educators to understand assessment and planning best practices expressed throughout the literature. A case study example is utilized to bring these concepts to life with practical considerations. A review of the literature from counseling and related fields offers an evidence-based context for providing meaningful and thoughtful responses to trauma among young people. Because adequate resources become crucial in managing trauma, careful att...
Factorization in Graviton Scattering and the "Natural" Value of the g-factor

The factorization property of graviton scattering amplitudes is reviewed and shown to be valid only if the natural value of the gyromagnetic ratio ${g}_{S}=2$ is employed---independent of spin.
Optimizing data collection for structure determination

The ultimate purpose of diffraction data collection is to produce a data set which will result in the required structural information about the molecule of interest. This usually entails collecting a complete and accurate set of reflection intensities to as high a resolution as possible. In practice, the characteristics of the crystal and properties of the X-ray source can be limiting factors to the data-set quality that can be achieved and a careful strategy has to be used to extract the maximum amount of information from the data within the experimental constraints. In the particular case of data intended for phasing using anomalous dispersion, the synchrotron beamline properties are relevant to determine how many wavelengths (one or more) should be used for the experiment and what the wavelength values should be. This will in turn affect the detailed strategy for data collection, including decisions about the data-collection sequence and how much data to collect at each wavelength. Collection of multiwavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) data at three different wavelengths can provide very accurate experimental phases. Two-wavelength MAD experiments may offer the best compromise between phase quality and minimizing the effects of radiation damage to the sample. However, MAD experiments are demanding in terms of beamline wavelength range, easy tunability, stability and reproducibility. When the beamline cannot fulfill these demands, single-wavelength experiments may be a better option.
Fractionally sampled decorrelator for CDMA Rayleigh fading channels

A coherent multiuser decorrelating detector for an asynchronous CDMA, time-varying Rayleigh fading channel is proposed and analysed. The detector uses fractionally sampled correlators' outputs at time instants corresponding to users' relative delays to simultaneously achieve two goals: the novel realisation of a one-shot decorrelator with lower computational complexity; and to exploit a form of the time diversity for improved error performance compared to symbol spaced sampling.
Optimal rate control for video transport over multi-hop wireless networks

Video communication is an important application area for a multihop wireless network. This paper studies the problem of finding the optimal encoding rates for a number of video sessions in such network. The objective is to maximize the video quality at the receivers and the optimization space takes into consideration, the interaction among all the active video sessions. A branch-and-bound solution procedure is proposed to solve this nonconvex, non-polynomial programming problem. Using analytical and simulation results, we show that this solution procedure is an effective approach for addressing such complex cross-layer optimization problem
An Expanded Approach to Batterer Intervention Programs Incorporating Neuroscience Research

Batterer Intervention Programs have been critiqued for failing to incorporate treatment strategies that are supported by neurobiology research. This article reviews findings that have informed the treatment of disorders that are strongly represented among perpetrators of intimate violence, such as addiction, posttraumatic stress disorder, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. The article argues for an expanded perspective that recognizes the relationships among childhood trauma, emotional regulation impairment, and intimate partner violence. Recommendations and ways to draw on emerging knowledge to invigorate existing programs are provided.
Psychological, Physical, and Academic Correlates of Cyberbullying and Traditional Bullying

Abstract Purpose To examine the relationship between children's and adolescents' experiences with cyberbullying and traditional bullying and psychological health, physical health, and academic performance. Methods Nine hundred thirty-one students in grades 6 through 12 completed an anonymous survey examining their experiences with cyberbullying and traditional bullying. Also included were measures of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, physical well-being, school attendance, and academic performance. Results Participants were categorized as belonging to one of four groups: cyber victims, cyberbullies, cyber bully/victims, and those not involved in cyberbullying. A similar categorization was done with traditional bullying. Those in the bully/victim groups (and particularly the cyber bully/victim group) had the most negative scores on most measures of psychological health, physical, health, and academic performance. Conclusions There appears to be a substantial, although not perfect, overlap between involvement in traditional bullying and cyberbullying. Additionally, the physical, psychological, and academic correlates of the two types of bullying resembled one another.
Transcriptional regulation of the human NaPi-IIb cotransporter by EGF in Caco-2 cells involves c-myb

The type IIb sodium-phosphate (NaPi-IIb) cotransporter mediates intestinal phosphate absorption. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that EGF inhibited NaPi-IIb cotransporter expression throu...
Applications of Multidimensional Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy to Membrane Proteins

A singular challenge in structural biology is the experimental determination of the structures of membrane proteins. Because these proteins are difficult to crystallize there are few examples with structures determined by X-ray diffraction (Deisenhofer et al., 1985; Weiss et al. 1991; Iwata et al., 1995). Multidimensional solution NMR methods are difficult to apply to membrane proteins because of the slow reorientation rates and broad resonance linewidths that accompany solubilisation in detergent micelles. Proteins in the other well characterized model membrane environment of lipid bilayers are even less well suited for solution NMR methods because the individual protein molecules are effectively immobilized when complexed with phospholipids. However, it is useful to keep in mind that NMR studies of membrane proteins are formidable because of the motional properties of the samples rather than any intrinsic properties of the proteins themselves and that solid state NMR spectroscopy is fully capable of overcoming the difficulties resulting from the very slow reorientation rates (Opella, 1994).
Fatal Adenoviral (Type 7) Respiratory Disease in Neonates

Two cases of fatal neonatal adenoviral type 7 respiratory disease are described. The clinical, laboratory, x-ray, and pathological features of these two neonates and those reported in the literature are highlighted. Suggestions are made regarding how to diagnose this disease early so that the patients can be isolated and further spread of the disease prevented.
Inhibition of protein, glycoprotein, ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis by D-glucosamine and other sugars in mouse leukemic cells L5178Y and selective inhibition in SV-3T3 compared with 3T3 cells.

Abstract d -Glucosamine inhibited DNA, RNA, protein and glycoprotein synthesis in L5178Y mouse leukemia cells at levels from 10–100 μmoles/ml. d -Glucosamine was the most inhibitory monosaccharide studied but other monosaccharides and derivatives at 100 μmoles/ml caused the following percent inhibition of protein synthesis: d -glucosamine, 95 %; UDP-glucose, 89 %; UDP- N -acetylglucosamine, 83 %; glucosamine 6-phosphate, 54 %; mannosamine 45 %; mannose, 45 %; galactose 24 %; galactosamine, 23 %; N -acetylneuraminic acid, 18 %; fructose, 17 %; N -acetylmannosamine, 13 %; N -acetyl-glucosamine, 10 %; glucose, 6 %; fucose, 5 %; N -acetylgalactosamine, 0 %; ribose, 0 %; arabinase, 0 %; and xylose, 0 %; similar results were found for DNA, RNA and glycoprotein synthesis. d -Glucosamine inhibited DNA, RNA, protein and glycoprotein synthesis to a much greater degree in SV-3T3 than in 3T3 cells. The 100 μmoles/ml of d -glucosamine caused the following decreases in μmoles of uridine nucleotides per 10 11 cells: UMP 66 to 28, UDP 55 to 31, and UTP 49 to 28 while increasing the UDP- N -acetylhexosamine pool from 48 to 102 μmoles per 10 11 cells. The inhibition of the synthesis of RNA, DNA protein and glycoprotein caused by the d -glucosamine could be reversed by the addition of uridine nucleotides at the correct concentration; uracil and uridine were ineffective. ATP and nucleotides other than uridine nucleotides were ineffective in reversing the d -glucosamine inhibition. The inhibition of macromolecular synthesis caused by d -mannose in the L5178Y cells could also be reversed by the simultaneous addition of correct concentrations of uridine nucleotides.
Effect of Guar Gum on Processing and Cooking Quality of Nontraditional Pasta

The effect on processing and cooking quality of pasta containing nontraditional ingredients and guar gum (GG) was characterized. Durum flour was fortified with soy flour or oat flour and with GG from three different vendors. Physical and chemical properties of GG at three concentrations (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4% w/v) varied among vendors. Protein and lipid contents were highest in soy flour than durum and oat flour. Bulk density, particle size distribution and water-holding capacity varied among durum flour and all nontraditional ingredients. Mixograms indicated that GG increased dough strength of durum flour and the increased strength varied among vendors. Hydrated ingredients were extruded as spaghetti, and dried using high temperature drying (70C), before pasta quality analysis. The effects of GG and GG vendor on dough strength were manifested in differences in extrusion rate. Guar gum, regardless of vendor, had no effect on the cooking quality of pasta. Practical Applications There has been very limited information on properties, quality characteristics and functionality of the gums from various sources. Also, no literature was found that studied the effect of different commercial sources of guar gum (GG) on the processing properties and cooking quality of pasta containing nontraditional ingredients. Therefore, this study was undertaken with an aim to compare and characterize GG from different vendors of food-grade gums and their subsequent effects on the processing and cooking quality of pasta containing nontraditional ingredients.
Perceiving the centroid of configurations on a rolling wheel

Undergraduates observed configurations of point-lights undergoing wheel-generated motions and judged how wheel-like the movement of each stimulus appeared on a 7-point scale. Viewer judgments were predicted by a metric defining the variable parameters for the motion path of each configuration’s geometric center—the centroid. The effects on judgments of eye movement and the stimulus characteristics of rotation, translation, and configuration were explored in six experiments. First, a strain operation on the dynamic stimuli did not affect the ability of the metric to predict perceptual judgments. Second, the predictive strength of the metric did not interact with the type of eye movements used in viewing the stimuli, though judged wheel-likeness was greater under pursuit vision than under static fixation. Third, variations in the extent of translation yielded little, if any, effect on observers’ judgments, nor did translation in a circular path. Finally, for stimuli having two lights extremely close together in the configuration, the metric’s predictive value was slightly lessened but only at the limits of visual acuity. Thus, within a wide range of presentation conditions, and for a wide variety of configurations, a metric that defined the variable parameters for the motion path of the centroid was an accurate predictor of observers’ judgments of goodness of perceived rotary motion.
Multistage-based switching fabrics for scalable routers

Rapidly growing demand for high-speed networks has prompted the investigation into scalable routers that are capable of forwarding data at the aggregate rate of multiterabits per second. Such a router contains many line cards (LCs) for admitting external links of various speeds. Those LCs are interconnected by a switching fabric to provide paths for packets to travel from arrival LCs to their respective departure LCs. The switching fabric employed in a router dictates the scalability and the overall performance of the router. It is thus crucial for future multiterabit routers to incorporate scalable switching fabrics capable of interconnecting large numbers of LCs. This work considers switching fabrics with distributed packet routing to achieve high scalability and low costs. Our fabrics are based on a multistage structure with different recirculation designs, where adjacent stages are interconnected according to the indirect n-cube connection style. They all compare favorably with an earlier multistage-based counterpart according to extensive simulation, in terms of performance measures of interest and hardware complexity. When queues are incorporated in the output ports of switching elements (SEs), the total number of stages required in our proposed fabrics to achieve a given performance level can be reduced substantially. The performance of those fabrics with output queues is evaluated under different "speedups" of the queues, where the speedup is the operating clock rate ratio of that at the SE core to that over external links. It is found via our simulation results that a small speedup of two is adequate for buffered switching fabrics comprising 4/spl times/8 SEs to deliver better performance than their nonbuffered counterparts with 50 percent more stages of SEs, when the fabric size is 256. The buffered switching fabrics under different traffic patterns are evaluated and discussed as well. Being scalable and of low costs, the proposed switching fabrics are ideally suitable for routers with large numbers of LCs.
A branch and bound algorithm for assembly line balancing with paralleling

SUMMARY A critical assumption in balancing assembly lines is that the line is ‘ serial ’ with no ‘ paralleling’ of tasks allowed. This constrains the cycle time to be at least equal to the maximum task time, which in turn limits the production rate. One alternative to increasing the production rate (hence lowering the cycle time) is by allowing parallel tasks in the assembly line at the cost of additional facilities. In this case, the problem becomes one of selecting the tasks to be paralleled such that the total cost is minimized. This problem is formulated as a mixed integer programme, and a branch and bound algorithm is presented for its solution. The structural properties of this programming problem are discussed, which con be used to improve the computational efficiency of our branch and bound algorithm. An illustrative problem and preliminary computational results are provided.
Measurements of metamaterial-inspired, electrically small antenna systems

The paper discusses analysis and measurements of electrically small antennas. The antennas discussed here are based on antennas designed from metamaterial inspired concepts. An electromagnetic reverberation chamber is used for the tests of the antennas. A reverberation chamber is basically a shielded room (metallic wall) with an arbitrarily shaped metallic rotating paddle and is an ideal environment for measuring the total radiated power of an antenna. Simulations and measurements of various antennas will be presented.
Francisella tularensis Type A Strains Cause the Rapid Encystment of Acanthamoeba castellanii and Survive in Amoebal Cysts for Three Weeks Postinfection

ABSTRACT Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of the zoonotic disease tularemia, has recently gained increased attention due to the emergence of tularemia in geographical areas where the disease has been previously unknown and to the organism9s potential as a bioterrorism agent. Although F. tularensis has an extremely broad host range, the bacterial reservoir in nature has not been conclusively identified. In this study, the ability of virulent F. tularensis strains to survive and replicate in the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii was explored. We observe that A. castellanii trophozoites rapidly encyst in response to F. tularensis infection and that this rapid encystment phenotype is caused by factor(s) secreted by amoebae and/or F. tularensis into the coculture medium. Further, our results indicate that in contrast to the live vaccine strain LVS, virulent strains of F. tularensis can survive in A. castellanii cysts for at least 3 weeks postinfection and that the induction of rapid amoeba encystment is essential for survival. In addition, our data indicate that pathogenic F. tularensis strains block lysosomal fusion in A. castellanii. Taken together, these data suggest that interactions between F. tularensis strains and amoebae may play a role in the environmental persistence of F. tularensis.
Simulations of the effect of advective-diffusive processes on observations of plankton abundance and population rates

The transport of plankters by water currents is acknowledged to have an important influ- ence on observations of organism abundance and population processes, but assessment of this effect has been difficult to achieve. This paper presents simulations using the theory of A.Okubo and co- workers. The transport of multiple current drogues over time in a physically realistic advective and dif- fusive current field was simulated. The impact of transport processes on the plankton abundance associated with each current drogue was then evaluated, and the results are presented graphically. Although plankton numbers were held constant in the simulation, the inferred, but incorrect, popu- lation rate parameters that would be obtained using successive observations of plankton abundance in the simulated flow field are also presented.
Sovereign bond issues: Do African countries pay more to borrow?

Abstract There is a new wave of external borrowing by African governments on private sovereign bond markets. The findings in this paper indicate that African economies pay higher-than-normal coupon rates on these markets; observed risk measures like agency ratings and debt to GDP ratios do not explain the deviation from the norm. We also find that countries in better financial standing tend to self-select into the private markets, such that their risk profiles cannot explain the high coupon rates. Further research steps and policy implications are discussed.
Implementing Tableaux and Resolution

In using either the resolution or the tableau system, the basic problem lies with the γ-rule. It allows us to introduce any closed term, but obviously some choices will be better than others. How do we decide? Our solution will be to postpone the choice, by going from γ to γ(x), where x is a free variable whose value we will figure out later. But this introduces problems with the δ-rule, since we won’t know which parameters are new if we haven’t yet said what terms we have used in γ-rule applications. Our solution for this will be to introduce a more general notion of parameter, allowing function symbols. Then the δ-rule will become: from δ conclude δ(f(x1,...,x n )), where f is a new function parameter and x1,...,x n are the free variables introduced so far. Intuitively, this forces the term to be new because we can figure out what it is only after we have made choices for x1,..., x n . The details will come later, but the basic issues confront us now. Both tableau and resolution proofs must be allowed to contain free variables, whose values must be chosen somehow.
Effects of Partial Hepatectomy on Extrarenal Erythropoietin Production in Rats

Studies were performed to determine the effects of partial hepatectomy on extra-renal erythropoietin production. Rats were either partially hepatectomized or sham operated. At intervals of from 5 min to 7 days afterward, both kidneys were removed from cohorts of the above two groups of rats and the animals were then exposed to hypoxia for 7.5 hr. Immediately afterward, their plasma was collected and its erythropoietin titer was assayed. Rats which were partially hepatectomized 2–4 days prior to nephrectomy and hypoxia had significantly higher plasma erythropoietin levels than did sham- operated controls, whereas rats hepatectomized 5 min, 1 day, or 7 days prior to nephrectomy and hypoxia did not. These data are consistent with the conclusion that extrarenal erythropoietin production is enhanced in association with rapid regeneration of hepatic cells.
End-to-End Alignment of Gold Nanorods on Topographically Enhanced, Cylinder Forming Diblock Copolymer Templates and Their Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Properties

We present a facile methodology for the end-to-end assembly of gold nanorods of various aspect ratios on corrugated, horizontal, cylinder-forming diblock copolymer templates. Although the depth of corrugation is significantly smaller than the diameter of the nanorods, they exhibit excellent selectivity (>98%) and alignment for placement in the polymer grooves due to capillary forces and the substrate’s topography. Enhanced corrugation of the diblock template is achieved by chemical swelling prior to deposition of the metallic nanorods. Graphoepitaxy of the diblock copolymer in nanoconfining channels is employed to achieve essentially perfect long-range orientation of the substrate, while subsequent deposition of nanorod arrays whose alignment maps onto that of the diblock template with high fidelity provides novel organic–inorganic hybrid surfaces whose surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) properties are characterized. These arrays of aligned gold nanorods exhibit polarization-dependent spectra for ...
Alpha spectroscopy for in situ liquid radioisotope measurements in rectangular microchannels

Using calculations and SRIM simulations of alpha particle energy spectroscopy, we show that it may be possible to determine the birth energies and concentrations of alpha-emitting radioisotopes from in situ measurements in fluid-filled rectangular microchannels. We quantify the effect of microchannel geometry on the alpha spectrum by comparing results for planar source volumes and rectangular microchannels. By reducing the dimensions of the microchannel, the contribution to the spectrum from low count rate, low energy radioisotopes may be revealed amongst the signal from higher count rate and higher energy alpha emitters.
Driving at Hyundai Speed in China: The Politics of Beijing Hyundai’s Success in the Chinese Market

This paper examines the rapid growth since 2002 of Beijing Hyundai Motor Company (BHMC) - the joint venture between Korea’s Hyundai Motor Company and the government-owned Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corporation. The success of BHMC is an outstanding achievement given 1) Hyundai’s late market entry, 2) Hyundai’s weak brand name, and 3) the relatively weak position of its Chinese partner in the foreign JV scene prior to Hyundai’s entry. This paper analyzes the politics behind BHMC’s initial success from 2002 to 2005 and examines the interplay between non-market and market factors. The author argues that the Chinese central government and Beijing’s municipal government not only adopted vigorous regional protectionist and promotion policies, but also provided Hyundai with considerable leeway to build its own supplier networks. Using the Beijing Hyundai case, the paper demonstrates the importance of non-market factors in shaping the Chinese auto industry, focusing on the way multinational firms interact with and the authorities and the regulations of host country. The Chinese auto industry serves as an interesting lens through which to examine the effects of different types of industrial policies and the interplay among rules at the international, national and regional levels.
Survey on Contamination Status of Food-borne Pathogens in Chilled Broilers

Objective To study the contamination status of food-borne pathogens in chilled broilers (chicken, drumstick, and chicken wing), and to provide a scientific basis for control of food-borne pathogens. Methods Food-borne pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella, Listeria, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli were detected in 84 randomly selected samples, including chilled chicken, chilled drumstick, and chilled chicken wing. Results Eight strains of Salmonella, 17 strains of Listerias, 45 Staphylococcus aureus, 1 O157H7 Escherichia coli were detected in 84 samples, with the detection rates of 9.52%, 20.24%, 53.57%, and 1.19%, respectively. Conclusions The contamination of food-borne pathogens in chilled broilers is very serious, especially the contamination of Staphylococcus aureus. Quarantine inspection must be strengthened in broiler slaughter, further processing, import and export of chilled broilers, and other links.
Association of Chromosome 1q Gain With Inferior Survival in Favorable-Histology Wilms Tumor: A Report From the Children’s Oncology Group

PurposeThe goal of this study was to analyze the association of copy number gain of 1q in favorable-histology Wilms tumors (FHWTs) with event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) within each tumor stage and with 1p and 16q copy number loss and/or loss of heterozygosity.MethodsUnilateral FHWTs from 1,114 patients enrolled in National Wilms Tumor Study-5 that were informative for 1p and 16q microsatellite markers (previously determined) and informative for 1q gain, 1p loss, and 16q loss using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification were analyzed.ResultsEight-year EFS was 86% (95% CI, 84% to 88%) for the entire cohort. Of 1,114 patients, 317 tumors (28%) displayed 1q gain. Eight-year EFS was 77% for those with 1q gain and 90% for those lacking 1q gain (P < .001). Eight-year OS was 88% for those with 1q gain and 96% for those lacking 1q gain (P < .001). Within each disease stage, 1q gain was associated with inferior EFS (stage I, 85% v 95%; P = .0052; stage II, 81% v 87%; P = .0775; stage II...
Radiation Therapy and Fertility

The impact of radiation on fertility has been known for decades. Its influence on human reproduction may be considered from many directions. Radiation’s capability to influence both fertility and mutagenesis is important to understand because the number of patients surviving childhood cancer as well as those of reproductive age receiving radiotherapy is increasing. Counseling these patients should be based on the knowledge of the data amassed from longitudinal studies. This chapter will provide guidance based on this data and the recommendations made by professional medical societies with expertise in this area.
Systemic Chemotherapy Combined with Resection for Locally Advanced Gallbladder Carcinoma: Surgical and Survival Outcomes

Background Preoperative chemotherapy is a strategy for converting to resection and/or assessing disease biology before operation. The utility of such an approach in gallbladder carcinoma (GBCA) is unknown. This study evaluated outcomes of GBCA patients treated with chemotherapy for locally advanced or lymph node-involved tumors. Study Design Patients who received systemic chemotherapy for locally advanced or lymph node-positive GBCA were identified from a departmental database. Patients were excluded if there was any evidence of distant metastases or if records were inadequate to determine initial chemotherapy and response. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), operative results, and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Results Seventy-four patients were included, from 1992 to 2015. Eighty-nine percent of patients (n = 64) were treated with gemcitabine and 57% with gemcitabine/platinum (n = 42). At initial response assessment, 17 patients (23%) had progression. The remaining patients had stable disease (n = 38, 51%) or partial response (n = 19, 26%). Twenty-two patients (30%) underwent attempt at resection, which was definitive for 10 patients (14%). Median OS for the entire cohort was 14 months (95% CI 11.3 to 17.9). Among patients with surgery, definitive resection was associated with a median OS of 51 months (95% CI 11.7 to 55.3) compared with 11 months (95% CI 4.1 to 23.6) for those with unresectable disease (p = 0.003). Conclusions Even without distant metastases, locally advanced or lymph node-positive GBCA is associated with poor outcomes. Definitive resection was possible in a subset of patients selected for surgery after a favorable response to chemotherapy and was associated with long-term survival. We recommend surgical re-evaluation after chemotherapy to select potential operative candidates.
My Wife Is Trying to Kill Me

It had already been a historic winter. The day after Christmas, heavy snows fell in the Northeast crippling the cities and towns of northern New Jersey and New York. It was now January 25 and northern New Jersey had just suffered through two weeks of arctic-like weather. On January 24 the temperature dropped to single digits. On the morning of January 25 the National Weather Service was predicting a day that would be mostly cloudy with a high of 36 degrees Fahrenheit and that light snow would start falling the following morning. The newscasters’ prediction of the weather on every radio and television station was consistent as I relaxed at home the evening of the 25th. At some time that evening, as a precaution against another foul-up in the forecast, the New Jersey State Police issued a winter weather awareness alert for a potential winter storm the following day, January 26. The warning included the advisory that residents and commuters should prepare for the impending winter weather expected the following day and which could affect commuters. I had a New Jersey Drug Utilization Review Board (DURB) meeting scheduled for that morning. The DURB is a statewide committee established by the Department of Human Services to look into issues of medication utilization in various populations in the state covered by a state-sponsored medication program. I wondered whether I would be going to that meeting, obviously depending on what the weather would bring. I prepared to go to sleep early so that I could get up early in case the weather brought significant snowfall and I would need to make a decision on whether to attend the meeting or not. As my wife and I sat discussing what we would be doing the following day, a telephone call came from the New Jersey poison center. Diantha Clark, one of the nurse specialists in poison information, was on the line. She had received a call from an intensive care unit physician about a thirty-nine-year-old patient who had been in the hospital for eleven days. He was admitted for symptoms of gastritis, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. He had eaten rice and beans for lunch, prepared by his wife, and developed the symptoms soon afterward. When seen in the emergency department he was complaining of severe abdominal pains and diarrhea. The physicians examining him made the tentative diagnosis of either an intestinal viral gastroenteritis or food poisoning with moderate dehydration. He was given intravenous fluids for the dehydration and admitted to the hospital.
Reporting Budget-Impact Analyses

Budget-impact analyses can be presented in reports, articles published in peer-reviewed journals, or interactive models programmed in software such as Microsoft Excel. For all types of presentations, reporting of the budget-impact analysis should follow the general standards from the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) for economic evaluation analysis (Husereau et al. Value Health 16(2):e1–e5, 2013). These standards suggest that an economic evaluation be presented with sufficient detail that an interested researcher could reproduce the computer program and replicate the results of the analysis when using the described approach and input data provided. From this guidance, the following elements should be included for reporting budget-impact analyses: a complete method summary including the modeling approach; assumptions, values, and data sources (including derivations where relevant) for all input parameter values; comprehensive results comprising base-case aggregated and disaggregated results presented in tables or figures for the treatment mix with and without the new drug and the difference between them; extensive scenario and sensitivity analyses; and a discussion presenting conclusions along with strengths and limitations of the analysis.
Paleoecology-a cure for sequence syndrome?

During the Kimmeridgian and Tithonian stages (154.7-145.6 Ma) of the Late Jurassic, the Late Permian-early Mesozoic megacontinent Pangea was progressiuely fragmented by two rift systems that propagated westward out of the Tethys Sea and a third more persistent rift system that connected the Boreal and Tethys seas. By the late Tithonian, these major rift systems produced interconnected oceanic seaways that divided Pangea into four continental segments: North America, Eur-Asia, and northern and southern Gondwana
Do Resident Case Logs Meet ACGME Requirements? A Comparison Between Acute Care and Elective Cases.

Purpose Operative experience is at the core of general surgery residency, and recently operative volume requirements for graduating residents were increased. The ACGME has outlined 4 areas of required resident participation and documentation in order for a surgical case to be logged: determination or confirmation of the diagnosis, provision of preoperative care, selection and accomplishment of the operative procedure, and direction of the postoperative care. The purpose of this study was to examine whether general surgery residents are currently meeting the required care participation documentation standard and to examine the effect of acute care vs. elective cases on documentation. Methods The operative case logs of 7 PGY-3 and 7 PGY-5 general surgery residents from March 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and compared to the electronic medical record (EMR) to verify documentation of resident participation in each of the 4 required areas. Chart review was also utilized to classify cases as either acute care or elective. Results A total of 339 cases were reviewed (159 PGY-3 and 180 PGY-5). Of these, 251 cases were classified as elective and 88 were classified as acute care. Overall, documentation of comprehensive care (participation in all four required areas) was found for 44% of cases, with residents reporting participation in a higher percentage of comprehensive care (all 4 domains completed) than was actually documented in the EMR (71.9% vs. 44.4%, t[13] = 2.57, p = 0.023, d = 1.13). Comprehensive care was documented more frequently in elective cases than acute care cases (49.7% vs. 38.3%), and there was less discrepancy between perceived and documented comprehensive care within elective cases (67% vs. 49.7%, t[13] = 1.17, p = 0.27) than acute care cases (80.9% vs. 38.3%, t[13] = 4.40, p = 0.001). Conclusions Despite ACGME requirements, the majority of cases logged by general surgery residents do not have documentation by the operating resident in the EMR verifying provision of comprehensive care. Elective cases were more likely to meet documentation requirements than acute care cases, and we purport that this is possibly secondary to restricted work hours. We expect that other programs would find similar compliance in the documentation of comprehensive care. These results question whether the requirement for documenting comprehensive care to log a surgical case is practical in surgical residency training, particularly with an increasing demand for operative volume in the setting of limited work hours.
Using an in vitro system for maintaining Varroa destructor mites on Apis mellifera pupae as hosts: studies of mite longevity and feeding behavior

Varroa destructor mites (varroa) are ectoparasites of Apis mellifera honey bees, and the damage they inflict on hosts is likely a causative factor of recent poor honey bee colony performance. Research has produced an arsenal of control agents against varroa mites, which have become resistant to many chemical means of their control, and other means have uncertain efficacy. Novel means of control will result from a thorough understanding of varroa physiology and behavior. However, robust knowledge of varroa biology is lacking; mites have very low survivability and reproduction away from their natural environment and host, and few tested protocols of maintaining mites in vitro are available as standardized methods for varroa research. Here, we describe the ‘varroa maintenance system’ (VMS), a tool for maintaining in vitro populations of varroa on its natural host, and present best practices for its use in varroa and host research. Additionally, we present results using the VMS from research of varroa and host longevity and varroa feeding behavior. Under these conditions, from two trials, mites lived an average of 12 and 14 days, respectively. For studies of feeding behavior, female mites inflicted wounds located on a wide range of sites on the host’s integument, but preferred to feed from the host’s abdomen and thorax. Originally in the phoretic-phase, female mites in VMS had limited reproduction, but positive instances give insights into the cues necessary for initiating reproduction. The VMS is a useful tool for laboratory studies requiring long-term survival of mites, or host–parasite interactions.
The potential of natural composite materials in structural design

Abstract Fiber-reinforced composites are widely used in advanced structural applications, including aerospace. The reinforcement in these composites is usually synthetic or mineral fibers, such as carbon or glass fibers. Due to the advantages of natural fibers over their synthetic or mineral counterparts, they have been the center of attention for the past couple of decades. However, there are challenges to overcome before natural composites become more widespread in the advanced structural industry. In this study, two newly developed bio-based resins, derived from soybean oil, are combined with surface-treated flax fiber to produce novel bio-composites. Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength, tensile and flexural moduli, interlaminar shear strength, and color gloss of the composite specimens before and after exposure to accelerated weathering (UV and moisture) have been studied. The results of this study reveal that bio-based composites using vinyl ester resin or 100% vegetable oil-based resins have the potential to be used in structural applications such as aerospace applications. In this study, the mechanical properties of manufactured composites showed improvement when using alkaline-treated flax fiber as reinforcement. In addition, after being exposed to accelerated weathering, the mechanical properties of composites using treated flax fiber showed lower reductions, with the exception of flexural strength. In general, it has been shown that the bio-based composites manufactured in this study meet, and most of the time exceed, the target properties set, based on commercially available pultruded fiberglass composites.
Materiales compuestos en arquitectura recursos e impacto ambiental

The article takes the topic of Composite Materials for its application in architecture and emphasizes two aspects: 1. definition, classification, mechanical and thermal properties, and uses in architecture of Composite Materials; and 2. life cycle analysis of some of the raw materials that make up. It seeks to establish whether the Composite Materials, to be included in the architectural projects, contribute to reducing the environmental impact caused by the construction industry or whether, on the opposite, provide greater environmental pollutants loads. It explores three kinds of composite materials: metal matrix, ceramic matrix and organic matrix. For the life cycle assessment, SimaPro software is used. It is concluded that the organic matrix composite materials, generate low environmental impact; the ceramic matrix, medium impact; and the metallic matrix, high impact.
Comprehensive care of ICU survivors: Development and implementation of an ICU recovery center

Abstract Purpose To describe the design and initial implementation of an Intensive Care Unit Recovery Center (ICU-RC) in the United States. Materials and methods A prospective, observational feasibility study was undertaken at an academic hospital between July 2012 and December 2015. Clinical criteria were used to develop the ICU-RC, identify patients at high risk for post intensive care syndrome (PICS), and offer them post-ICU care. Results 218/307 referred patients (71%) survived to hospital discharge; 62 (28% of survivors) were seen in clinic. Median time from discharge to ICU-RC visit was 29 days. At initial evaluation, 64% of patients had clinically meaningful cognitive impairment. Anxiety and depression were present in 37% and 27% of patients, respectively. One in three patients was unable to ambulate independently; median 6 min walk distance was 56% predicted. Of 47 previously working patients, 7 (15%) had returned to work. Case management and referral services were provided 142 times. The median number of interventions per patient was 4. Conclusions An ICU-RC identified a high prevalence of cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, physical debility, lifestyle changes, and medication-related problems warranting intervention. Whether an ICU-RC can improve ICU recovery in the US should be investigated in a systematic way.
Bronchial Thermoplasty. A Novel Therapy for Severe Asthma.

This article presents an overview of bronchial thermoplasty, a novel treatment for severe asthma. Within, the authors discuss the rationale for bronchial thermoplasty in severe asthma, current clinical evidence for the use of this procedure, clinical recommendations, and future directions.
Parallel Cost Approximation Algorithms for Differentiable Optimization

This chapter presents a unified analysis of decomposition algorithms for continuously differentiable optimization problems defined on Cartesian products of convex feasible sets. The decomposition algorithms are analyzed using the framework of cost approximation algorithms. A convergence analysis is made for three decomposition algorithms: a sequential algorithm which encompasses the classical Gauss—Seidel scheme, a synchronized parallel algorithm which encompasses the Jacobi method, and a partially asynchronous parallel algorithm. The analysis validates inexact computations in both the subproblem and line search phases. The range of feasible step lengths within each algorithm is shown to have a direct correspondence to the increasing degree of parallelism and asynchronism, and the resulting usage of more outdated information in the algorithms.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Vancomycin in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Objectives:Describe the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in pediatric patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and provide dosing recommendations to attain an area under the curve for 24 hours greater than 400 in this population.Design:Retrospective, population pharmacokinetic analysis.
Fathers' cortisol and testosterone in the days around infants' births predict later paternal involvement

Abstract Human paternal behavior is multidimensional, and extant research has yet to delineate how hormone patterns may be related to different dimensions of fathering. Further, although studies vary in their measurement of hormones (i.e., basal or reactivity), it remains unclear whether basal and/or reactivity measures are predictive of different aspects of men's parenting. We examined whether men's testosterone and cortisol predicted fathers' involvement in childcare and play with infants and whether fathers' testosterone and cortisol changed during fathers' first interaction with their newborn. Participants were 298 fathers whose partners gave birth in a UNICEF-designated “baby-friendly” hospital, which encourages fathers to hold their newborns 1 h after birth, after mothers engage in skin-to-skin holding. Salivary testosterone and cortisol were measured before and after fathers' first holding of their newborns. Basal and short-term changes in cortisol and testosterone were analyzed. Fathers were contacted 2–4 months following discharge to complete questionnaires about childcare involvement. Fathers' cortisol decreased during the time they held their newborns on the birthing unit. Fathers' basal testosterone in the immediate postnatal period predicted their greater involvement in childcare. Both basal and reactivity cortisol predicted fathers' greater involvement in childcare and play. Results suggest that reduced basal testosterone is linked with enhanced paternal indirect and direct parenting effort months later, and that higher basal cortisol and increases in cortisol in response to newborn interaction are predictive of greater paternal involvement in childcare and play, also months later. Findings are discussed in the context of predominating theoretical models on parental neuroendocrinology.