cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When Do Ideologies Produce Alliances? The Holy Roman Empire, 1517–1555

Recent research suggests a conditional relationship between states' domestic regimes or ideologies and their alliances. I argue that the likelihood that alliances will form along ideological lines increases with the fear among at least two governments of ideology I that they are threatened by transnational rival ideology J . Understanding the power of demonstration effects—that when J advances in one country it gains credibility in others— I -governments will have an incentive to enter an international agreement to oppose J domestically. Such domestic-security agreements will exacerbate the security dilemma, raising fears among J -governments that I -governments are forming a bloc directed at J and J -governments. J -governments will tend to respond by increasing cooperation among themselves, inducing corresponding fears among I -governments; the coalescing I - and J -blocs will tend to spiral into alliances. I - or J -governments wishing to avoid ideologically based alliances may signal an absence of rollback intentions through various means. I demonstrate this process of alliance formation with a lengthy case study of alliance formation in the Holy Roman Empire in the sixteenth century.
Scalability of inter-domain edge tunnels using bandwidth brokers: a region-based approach

In this paper we present a scalability study on inter-domain tunnels using bandwidth brokers. Our approach is based on collections of autonomous systems called regions. We analyzed our architecture through simulation. Our analysis results show that scalability of the approach depends on the size of the regions, and as the size of the region decreases, scalability of the approach increases. We show that our architecture increases state scalability as well as signaling scalability for Diffserv networks.
Identity around the world: An overview

This chapter outlines Erik Erikson’s theory of identity, empirical operationalizations of this theory, and key assumptions that have characterized the study of identity in adolescence and emerging adulthood. It discusses the origins of psychosocial identity theories in North American cultural contexts and crosscultural issues involved in using neo-Eriksonian identity models in other contexts. In particular, the chapter examines the individualist assumptions that underlie the neo-Eriksonian approach. The chapter concludes with a review of the other six chapters in this volume and of the countries on which these other chapters focus. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of the serotonin transporter polymorphism and obsessive-compulsive disorder: systematic review.

We investigated the association between the long (l) and short (s) alleles of the serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) in the promoter region of the SLC6A4 gene and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using meta-analysis to combine all published data from case–control and family based association studies (2,283 cases). In stratified meta-analysis we investigated whether age of sample (child and adult), ethnicity (Caucasian and Asian) and study design (case–control and family-based association studies) moderated any association. In the overall meta-analysis we found no evidence of association between genetic variation at the 5-HTTLPR locus and OCD. We did find significant heterogeneity between studies. In the stratified meta-analyses, we demonstrated a significant association between the l-allele and OCD in family-based association studies and in studies involving children and Caucasians. Our meta-analysis suggests the possibility that the l-allele may be associated with OCD in specific OCD subgroups such as childhood-onset OCD and in Caucasians. Further meta-analyses based on individual patient data would be helpful in determining whether age of OCD onset, gender and the presence of comorbid illness (e.g., tics) moderates the relationship between 5-HTTLPR and OCD. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
New information on the braincase of the North American therizinosaurian (Theropoda, Maniraptora) Falcarius utahensis

ABSTRACT Many disarticulated bones from multiple individuals of a primitive therizinosaurian, referred to Falcarius utahensis, were found in the paucispecific Crystal Geyser bonebed in the Lower Cretaceous Cedar Mountain Formation of eastern Utah. To date, more than 2000 specimens from this species have been excavated. Included in this collection are two partial braincases, one of which is designated the holotype. Here we describe the braincase morphology of Falcarius utahensis. These specimens help establish the primitive cranial condition for the Therizinosauria and further substantiate intraspecific and contralateral braincase pneumatic variation in theropods. When combined with new observations on the cranial remains of the therizinosaurid Nothronychus mckinleyi derived from computed tomographic (CT) scans, the braincase morphology of Falcarius clarifies several evolutionary trends within the Therizinosauria and establishes a suite of synapomorphies for the Therizinosauridae. Trends within the clade i...
Organ Donation: Opportunities for Action. James F. Childress and Catharyn T. Liverman (Eds.)

Over the past 2 decades, the prevalence of organ donation as a medical option has become more apparent with increases in technology and immunosuppressive medications. Although these and other advan...
Single-controllable-switch-based switched reluctance motor drive for low-cost variable- speed applications

A new low-cost, brushless variable-speed drive requiring only a single controllable switch is presented. The proposed converter (referred to as new single-switch converter) overcomes the drawback of the original single-switch-based four-quadrant motor drive [8] in terms of recovery energy circulation. The drive system is realized using an asymmetric two-phase switched reluctance motor (SRM) and the proposed converter. The new drive system retains the unique features of self-starting for all rotor position and four quadrant operation of the original single-switch-based switched reluctance motor drive system. The paper presents operation principle, modeling, simulation, and design considerations of the converter in conjunction with the motor. Simulation results are based on a nonlinear model of the motor drive system. A prototype drive has been built and tested to verify its practical viability. The experimental results correlate well with the simulation, and demonstrate a performance comparable to conventional asymmetric bridge converter based drive with two switches per phase. The market relevance of this new drive system is primarily due to its lowest cost structure, packaging compactness, self-starting feature, variable-speed operation and four-quadrant capability. Because of these features, the new drive system offers a viable alternative for conventional fixed speed brush-commutator motors and variable-speed permanent magnet brushless dc motor drives in many high volume applications in the low-cost, energy efficient, high-volume categories such as fans, blowers, hand tools and home appliances.
Anticoagulation during pregnancy in women with prosthetic valves: evidence, guidelines and unanswered questions

The management of women with mechanical heart valves during pregnancy remains difficult and controversial. There is no ideal anticoagulation regimen for this unique population, as there are inherent risks and benefits of each approach for both mother and fetus. There has been limited data available to guide the clinician in the optimal treatment strategy for an individual patient. The AHA/ACC Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Valvular Heart Disease created class recommendations for this population based upon current evidence, which is summarized in this review.
The Social Construction of a Contraceptive Technology: An Investigation of the Meanings of Norplant:

This essay looks at Norplant qua technology and uses analytic frameworks from the social construction of technology to explain the trajectory of its brief history. The author contend that there were multiple uses of Norplant, in terms of rhetorical strategies, symbolic representations, and contraceptive intentions, constructed by reproductive scientists, population control advocates, pharmaceutical manufacturers, doctors, birth control clinic staffers, government regulators, legislators, judges, women’s health activists, potential users, and actual users. However, while relevant social groups shaped the discourse surrounding Norplant in the 1990s, its ultimate fate was determined by choices made by potential users. At the ‘‘consumption junction’’ of the late twentieth-century contraceptive marketplace, American women ignored the meanings constructed for Norplant by developers, producers, providers, and policy makers and made their decisions based on what Norplant meant to them. Individuals’ decisions to c...
Acquisition of a language computational model for NLP

This paper describes an approach to actively acquire a language computational model. The purpose of this acquisition is rapid development of NLP systems. The model is created with the syntax module of the Boas knowledge elicitation system for a quick ramp up of a standard transfer-based machine translation system from L into English.
Transfers and Incentives: Some Microeconomic Consequences of German Reunification

The German Monetary Union of 1990 resulted in government income-transfer policies that had two opposing effects on the work incentives of East Germans. We model the outcome of the political process as one in which the government is concerned with both income growth and current levels of consumption in East Germany. When the German government can commit itself to a transfer policy, we find that the presence of a paternalistic government (1992, 1993) is welfare-enhancing. However, balancing equity with efficiency may not be time-consistent. We examine time-consistent transfer policies and show that the combination of incentives may cause labor productivity to fall in response to government transfers.
Deep Sequencing Reveals Potential Antigenic Variants at Low Frequencies in Influenza A Virus-Infected Humans.

ABSTRACT Influenza vaccines must be frequently reformulated to account for antigenic changes in the viral envelope protein, hemagglutinin (HA). The rapid evolution of influenza virus under immune pressure is likely enhanced by the virus9s genetic diversity within a host, although antigenic change has rarely been investigated on the level of individual infected humans. We used deep sequencing to characterize the between- and within-host genetic diversity of influenza viruses in a cohort of patients that included individuals who were vaccinated and then infected in the same season. We characterized influenza HA segments from the predominant circulating influenza A subtypes during the 2012-2013 (H3N2) and 2013-2014 (pandemic H1N1; H1N1pdm) flu seasons. We found that HA consensus sequences were similar in nonvaccinated and vaccinated subjects. In both groups, purifying selection was the dominant force shaping HA genetic diversity. Interestingly, viruses from multiple individuals harbored low-frequency mutations encoding amino acid substitutions in HA antigenic sites at or near the receptor-binding domain. These mutations included two substitutions in H1N1pdm viruses, G158K and N159K, which were recently found to confer escape from virus-specific antibodies. These findings raise the possibility that influenza antigenic diversity can be generated within individual human hosts but may not become fixed in the viral population even when they would be expected to have a strong fitness advantage. Understanding constraints on influenza antigenic evolution within individual hosts may elucidate potential future pathways of antigenic evolution at the population level. IMPORTANCE Influenza vaccines must be frequently reformulated due to the virus9s rapid evolution rate. We know that influenza viruses exist within each infected host as a “swarm” of genetically distinct viruses, but the role of this within-host diversity in the antigenic evolution of influenza has been unclear. We characterized here the genetic and potential antigenic diversity of influenza viruses infecting humans, some of whom became infected despite recent vaccination. Influenza virus between- and within-host genetic diversity was not significantly different in nonvaccinated and vaccinated humans, suggesting that vaccine-induced immunity does not exert strong selective pressure on viruses replicating in individual people. We found low-frequency mutations, below the detection threshold of traditional surveillance methods, in nonvaccinated and vaccinated humans that were recently associated with antibody escape. Interestingly, these potential antigenic variants did not reach fixation in infected people, suggesting that other evolutionary factors may be hindering their emergence in individual humans.
An IMRT technique to increase therapeutic ratio of breast irradiation in patients with early stage left breast cancer: Limiting second malignancies

10791 Background: The clinical application of IMRT for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer has been the subject of increasing study in recent years. IMRT plans have improved target coverage and red...
Quantum Mechanical Basis for Kinetic Diameters of Small Gaseous Molecules

Kinetic diameters are often invoked in discussing gas adsorption and permeation in porous and polymeric materials. However, how these empirical kinetic diameters relate to the size and shape of the molecules as manifested by their “electron cloud” is unclear. In this paper, we obtain the quantum mechanical (QM) diameters of several common gaseous molecules by determining the cross-sectional sizes of their iso-electronic density surfaces at a predetermined small value. We show that the QM diameters are in good agreement with the kinetic diameters. For example, the trends for important gas pairs such as O2 versus N2 and CO2 versus N2 are consistent between the QM diameters and the most often quoted kinetic diameters. Hence, our work now provides a quantum mechanical basis for the empirical kinetic diameters and will be useful for designing separation media for small gaseous molecules according to their sizes.
A probable acid mucopolysaccharide present in granulation tissue.

SummaryChemical and histochemical observations concentrate on a mucopolysaccharide which appears to be important in bone healing.
Abstract 3270: Improved response of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase 1/2-dependent tumors using combination drug therapy.

Mitogen activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) inhibitors have failed to demonstrate a sustained clinical benefit for the treatment of melanoma or other MEK1/2 dependent cancers. We hypothesize combined treatment with inhibitors of MEK1/2 plus another cancer pathway would provide a more durable tumor response for MEK1/2 driven cancers. To test this we examined in vitro synergy between MEK1/2 inhibitor PD0325901 and inhibitors to eleven common cancer pathways using MEK1/2-driven melanoma cell lines and canine hemangiosarcoma cell isolates. Combination indices (CI) were calculated following the methods of Chou and Talalay (Chou and Talalay, 1984). Of the combinations tested, tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors sorafenib and dasatinib, and the dual PI3 kinase and mTOR inhibitor rapamycin showed synergy (CI Citation Format: Nicholas John Andersen, Elissa Boguslawski, Roe Froman, Nicholas Duesbery. Improved response of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase 1/2-dependent tumors using combination drug therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3270. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3270
Boundaries, Redistricting Criteria, and Representation in the U.S. House of Representatives

Many U.S. states require redistricting authorities to follow traditional districting principles (TDPs) like the creation of compact districts and respecting the integrity of county and town boundar...
Precautions When Using Halothane

Halothane is a potent inhaled anesthetic that is used extensively in veterinary practice. Certain properties and side effects warrant careful monitoring of patients anesthetized with it and may preclude its use in certain individuals.
Structural Basis for Translation Termination on a Pseudouridylated Stop Codon.

Pseudouridylation of messenger RNA emerges as an abundant modification involved in gene expression regulation. Pseudouridylation of stop codons in eukaryotic and bacterial cells results in stop-codon read through. The structural mechanism of this phenomenon is not known. Here we present a 3.1-A crystal structure of Escherichia coli release factor 1 (RF1) bound to the 70S ribosome in response to the ΨAA codon. The structure reveals that recognition of a modified stop codon does not differ from that of a canonical stop codon. Our in vitro biochemical results support this finding by yielding nearly identical rates for peptide release from E. coli ribosomes programmed with pseudouridylated and canonical stop codons. The crystal structure also brings insight into E. coli RF1-specific interactions and suggests involvement of L27 in bacterial translation termination. Our results are consistent with a mechanism in which read through of a pseudouridylated stop codon in bacteria results from increased decoding by near-cognate tRNAs (miscoding) rather than from decreased efficiency of termination.
Ma Yifu's "Theory of Six Classics and Mind" and the Philosophical Connotations of Confucian Classics:From "Classic Hermeneutics"to "Ontological Hermeneutics"

Ma Yifu's "theory of six classics and mind" holds the position that six classics are based on the righteousness of one's mind.His theory reflects the regression of Chinese culture.However,it needs not only a further ontological analysis but also a further understanding of the issues concerning Confucius' all-encompassing unity.Therefore,we should start with the ontological hermeneutics of Ma Yifu's "theory of six classics and mind" and rethink the philosophical connotations of Confucian classics in order to realize the modern transformation of six classics and promote ancient Chinese learning.
Analysis on Safety Protective Equipments for Live Working on±800kV UHV DC Transmission Line

To ensure the personnel safety of live working on±800kV UHV DC transmission line,analyses and comparative tests reveal that safety protective equipment should be developed to meet the following requirements:(1)internal electrical field strength of the screen clothes is not higher than 15kV/m,and the maximum electrical field strength of exposed parts of the body of local is not higher than 240kV/m;(2)the current flowing through the body inside of the screen clothes is not higher than 50μA;(3)current-carrying capacity of screen clothes meets the potential transferring requirements.Accordingly,special screen clothes are developed.Test results according to corresponding standard on this kind of screen cloths show that:(1)AC shielding efficiency is 69.44dB,and DC shielding efficiency is not less than 57dB,which meet the requirements of electric field protection;(2)more than 99.8%of the ion current is hindered,which meets the requirements of current protection;(3)no noticeable temperature rise under the pulse electric current,which meets the requirements of potential transfer.Combining these results with the application in the actual work,the screen clothes meet the requirements of safety protection for live working on±800kV UHV DC line.
Cause Analysis and Control Measures of Slagging on Furnace Water Wall of Newly Constructed 600 MW Boiler

Variable coal quality affects the combustion and results in slagging on waterwall,which will eventually affect the safety and operation stability of a boiler.Through the case of a newly constructed 600 MW unit,an analysis is made on the slagging causes and corresponding prevention measures are proposed,which can be used as a refence for slagging prevention of the same type boilers.
Study on level of dietary iodine intake and its contribution rate of residents in Zhejiang

OBJECTIVE To assess the level of dietary iodine intake and its contribution in Zhejiang. METHODS A total of 9798 subjects were recruited in this survey with multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method in April, 2010, the 24-hours dietary recall method and the "food composition table" were used to obtain the dietary iodine intake, and edible salt and drinking water samples were collected to detect the content of iodine. RESULTS A total of 9798 subjects were included in this survey. The mean intake of dietary iodine in Zhejiang residents per standard man-days was (395.13 ± 78.16) µg/d, which in between of Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) 150 µg/d and Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) 1000 µg/d; the iodine intake of 18.40% (1803/9798) subjects was lower than estimated average requirement of iodine (EAR), 4.68% (459/9798) subjects was higher than the UL. The means of dietary iodine intake in various areas were (498.85 ± 96.77) µg/d, (384.50 ± 88.76) µg/d and (326.33 ± 78.32)µg/d in inland areas, sub-coastal areas and coastal areas, successively (F = 27.17, P < 0.05); the proportions of dietary iodine intake lower than EAR were 34.89% (1239/3551), 10.48% (370/3530) and 7.14% (197/2717) in coastal areas, sub-coastal area and inland areas, successively (χ(2) = 62.87, P < 0.01) , while those higher than UL were 5.10% (180/3530), 4.86% (132/2717) and 4.14% (147/3551) in sub-coastal area, inland areas and coastal areas.In the condition of ignoring cooking loss, the mean contribution of dietary iodine intake in edible salt, all kinds of food and drinking water were 74.92% (296.03/395.13), 23.85% (94.24/395.13) and 1.23% (4.86/395.13), successively; the contributions of edible salt in inland areas, sub-coastal areas and coastal areas were 83.72% (417.64/498.85), 73.05% (280.88/384.50) and 66.83% (280.09/326.33), successively; the contributions of drinking water in sub-coastal areas, coastal areas and inland areas were 1.61% (6.19/384.50) , 1.44% (4.70/326.33) and 0.65% (3.24/498.85) , successively (χ(2) = 7.24, P = 0.032) ; the contribution of laver in coastal areas, sub-coastal areas and inland areas were 22.57% (73.65/326.33), 17.11% (65.79/384.50) and 8.09% (40.36/498.85), successively (χ(2) = 82.17, P < 0.01) ; the contribution of sea fish in coastal areas, sub-coastal areas and inland areas were 2.38% (7.77/326.33), 0.72% (2.77/384.50) and 0.68% (3.39/498.85) (χ(2) = 19.47, P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS The dietary iodine intake of Zhejiang residents was at recommended intake levels; the iodized salt turns out to be the main source, the iodine nutrition level was relatively low in coastal areas of Zhejiang, which the coverage of iodized salt should be improved.
TREATMENT OF ANOREXIA AND WEIGHT LOSS WITH MEGESTROL ACETATE IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER OR ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME

Anorexia is a symptom of cancer and a cause of decreased caloric intake and weight loss. Successful treatment for anorexia can improve the patient's well-being and prevent or reverse the effects of anorexia on nutrition. Following reports of appetite enhancement and weight gain in uncontrolled studies of high-dose (320 to 1,600 mg/d) megestrol acetate in patients with cancer or AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), several randomized, placebo-controlled trials have been completed. These trials demonstrate that megestrol acetate therapy improves appetite and food intake in patients with anorexia and advanced cancer, leading to weight gain in a subset of patients. The mechanisms of action of megestrol acetate (a progesterone derivative) probably include both behavioral and metabolic effects. Several carefully designed randomized trials are under way to establish the optimal dose and to determine the mechanism of weight gain. Patients with cancer or AIDS who complain of anorexia and whose nutritional status is compromised may benefit from megestrol acetate therapy.
High voltage 4H-SiC Bi-directional IGBTs

We experimentally demonstrate, for the first time, bi-directional 4H-SIC planar gate, insulated gate bipolar transistors fabricated on 250-μm thick, lightly doped freestanding substrates. On Si face, forward voltage drop (at 50 A/cm2) of 9.7 V was obtained at room temperature, with a differential on-resistance of 140 mΩ·cm2, indicating good conductivity modulation. We have also demonstrated control over minority carrier injection by using a backgate bias, which can be used to drastically reduce switching losses.
Echocardiographic Guidance of Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) has become an established treatment option for patients with refractory symptoms due to the obstructive variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (Fifer and Sigwart, Eur Heart J 32(9):1059–1064, 2011; Fifer, Circulation 116(2):207–216, 2007; Holmes et al., Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 66(3):375–389, 2005; El Masry and Breall, Curr Cardiol Rev 4(3):193–197, 2008). Trans-thoracic echocardiography is often the initial modality performed when a diagnosis of HCM is suspected and results are typically used to help determine which treatments might be appropriate to help relieve obstruction. A multidisciplinary team approach to procedure selection and guidance is an ideal management strategy for patients with obstructive HCM. Once the decision has been made to proceed with ASA, real-time intra-procedural echocardiography is the ideal imaging modality to help define the anatomy and mechanism of the obstruction and contrast echocardiography is used to guide the selection of the appropriate septal perforator into which the alcohol will be infused. Imaging during and after ASA is useful to predict procedural success and to monitor for complications.
Closing the Opportunity Gap: Identity-Conscious Strategies for Retention and Student Success

AbstractVijay Pendakur and his colleagues argue that higher education has largely failed underrepresented students by ignoring the particular challenges and needs associated with students’ diverse identities in their academic success and persistence programs. They call for an intersectional approach that builds these programs with identity consciousness, and they share numerous examples for how institutions can establish them. Faculty, student affairs professionals, institutional leaders, and policy makers with interest in these issues will find both thoughtful, stimulating material and beneficial practical guidance within this work.
Abstract 2722: Characterization of human lung enzymes involved in the reduction of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)

4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is the primary tobacco-specific nitrosamine (TSNA) related to cancer. The major metabolic pathway for NNK is carbonyl reduction to 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) which, like NNK, is a potent lung and pancreatic carcinogen in rodents, with it estimated that 39-100% of NNK is converted to NNAL in cigarette smokers. NNAL is formed as both (R)- and (S)-NNAL enantiomers; while (S)-NNAL is more readily formed from NNK, it is also more readily glucuronidated and detoxified by the phase II UGTs than is (R)-NNAL in monkeys and probably in humans. Therefore, both (S)- and (R)-NNAL are likely to be important metabolites in the NNK carcinogenic process. In the present study, we demonstrated that while (S)-NNAL is the major form (>90%) produced using lung cytosolic fractions, lung microsomes formed primarily (R)-NNAL (>95%). Consistent with previous studies using placenta-fractionated cytosolic enzymes, we demonstrated that several cytosolic enzymes including the aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) 1C1, 1C2, and 1C4, as well as carbonyl reductase I (CBR1) were active against NNK, with all of them forming primarily (>90%) (S)-NNAL. This pattern is consistent with that observed for lung cytosolic fractions. Using HEK293 cells over-expressing microsomal enzymes HSD11β1, HSD11β2, HSD17β12, SDR5A1, SDR5A3, HSD17β1, HSD17β2 or HSD3β7, only HSD11β1 and HSD17β12, all of which were reported to be expressed in lung, exhibited activity against NNK. Most interestingly, both enzymes formed primarily (R)-NNAL (>80%), which is consistent with that observed in lung microsomes. Real-time PCR showed that HSD17β12 was expressed at a level that, on average, was three-fold higher than that observed for HSD11β1 in a screening of normal lung tissue specimens from five individuals. These data suggest that both cytosolic and microsomal enzymes are active against NNK and that HSD11β1 and HSD17β12 are the active microsomal reductases in human lung microsomes, contributing to the exclusive formation of (R)-NNAL Citation Format: Joseph Ashmore, Ying Liu, Amity Peterson, Sabrina Fechtner, Gang Chen, Philip Lazarus. Characterization of human lung enzymes involved in the reduction of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2722. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2722
Refugees, Stress in

Refugees, a legal term designating those who fled to another country to escape ethnic cleansing, war, persecution, or national disasters, represents a highly vulnerable group. Refugees display a high prevalence of somatic disorders (hypotension and diabetes), social isolation, and depression. Post traumatic stress disorder is especially high is subject to exacerbations and results in considerable morbidity and impairment.
Neurologic complications of polytrauma

Abstract Neurologic complications in polytrauma can be classified by etiology and clinical manifestations: neurovascular, delirium, and spinal or neuromuscular problems. Neurovascular complications include ischemic strokes, intracranial hemorrhage, or the development of traumatic arteriovenous fistulae. Delirium and encephalopathy have a reported incidence of 67–92% in mechanically ventilated polytrauma patients. Causes include sedation, analgesia/pain, medications, sleep deprivation, postoperative state, toxic ingestions, withdrawal syndromes, organ system dysfunction, electrolyte/metabolic abnormalities, and infections. Rapid identification and treatment of the underlying cause are imperative. Benzodiazepines increase the risk of delirium, and alternative agents are preferred sedatives. Pharmacologic treatment of agitated delirium can be achieved with antipsychotics. Nonconvulsive seizures and status epilepticus are not uncommon in surgical/trauma intensive care unit (ICU) patients, require electroencephalography for diagnosis, and need timely management. Spinal cord ischemia is a known complication in patients with traumatic aortic dissections or blunt aortic injury requiring surgery. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair has reduced the paralysis rate. Neuromuscular complications include nerve and plexus injuries, and ICU-acquired weakness. In polytrauma, the neurologic examination is often confounded by pain, sedation, mechanical ventilation, and distracting injuries. Regular sedation pauses for examination and maintaining a high index of suspicion for neurologic complications are warranted, particularly because early diagnosis and management can improve outcomes.
Feed Ingredients | Feed Supplements: Organic-Chelated Minerals

A number of different classes of organic trace minerals are commercially available as dietary supplements for ruminants. Organic trace minerals consist of a trace mineral bound to an organic molecule. In plant tissue trace minerals are present as inorganic salts and ions and as organic complexes and chelates. Bioavailability of organic trace minerals and animal response to supplements is reviewed.
Coupled equilibria in H-bond donating ring-opening polymerization: The effective catalyst-determined shift of a polymerization equilibrium

Abstract In the classic view of catalysis, a catalyst cannot alter the thermodynamically-determined endpoint of a reversible reaction. This conclusion is predicated on the assumption that the catalyst does not perturb the energy of product or reactant or does so to an equal extent. In the H-bond mediated ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactone monomers, the strength of the interactions of thiourea with product and reactant are not equal, and the magnitudes of these interactions are of similar energy to the free energy of reaction. The total monomer concentration at equilibrium in the thiourea/base cocatalyzed ROP of lactones is shown to be a function of the initial concentration of thiourea. Because the binding of thiourea to monomer and the polymerization reaction itself are both reversible, the application of varying amounts of thiourea catalyst directly alters the total amount of monomer in the reaction solution at equilibrium, which can be recovered at the end of the reaction.
Four Decades and Counting: The Continued Failure of the War on Drugs

Private individuals and policymakers often utilize prohibition as a means of controlling the sale, manufacture, and consumption of particular goods. While the Eighteenth Amendment, which was passed and subsequently repealed in the early 20th century, is often regarded as the first major prohibition in the United States, it certainly was not the last. The War on Drugs, begun under President Richard Nixon, continues to utilize policies of prohibition to achieve a variety of objectives. Proponents of drug prohibition claim that such policies reduce drug-related crime, decrease drug-related disease and overdose, and are an effective means of disrupting and dismantling organized criminal enterprises. We analyze the theoretical underpinnings of these claims, using tools and insights from economics, and explore the economics of prohibition and the veracity of proponent claims by analyzing data on overdose deaths, crime, and cartels. Moreover, we offer additional insights through an analysis of U.S. international drug policy utilizing data from U.S. drug policy in Afghanistan. While others have examined the effect of prohibition on domestic outcomes, few have asked how these programs impact foreign policy outcomes. We conclude that prohibition is not only ineffective, but counterproductive, at achieving the goals of policymakers both domestically and abroad. Given the insights from economics and the available data, we find that the domestic War on Drugs has contributed to an increase in drug overdoses and fostered and sustained the creation of powerful drug cartels. Internationally, we find that prohibition not only fails in its own right, but also actively undermines the goals of the Global War on Terror.
Bioactivity of electric field-pulsed human recombinant interleukin-2 and its encapsulation into erythrocyte carriers.

The molecular integrity of human recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2), as measured by size exclusion chromatography, was not altered when exposed to high electrical field intensities. In addition, the biological activity was unaffected, as evidenced by the ability of the rIL-2 to stimulate the proliferation (by cell growth assays and tritiated thymidine uptake) and differentiation (by cytotoxicity assay) of human lymphocytes into killer cells. Electroporation conditions chosen for the loading of rIL-2, based upon those which provided for good recovery of carriers and minimal hemoglobin release, involved a lower field intensity (i.e., 6 kV/cm instead of 7 or 8 kV/cm) and multiple pulses (eight pulses, 5 microseconds) rather than a single pulse (40 microseconds). Human erythrocyte carriers consistently encapsulated 5-7.5% of the rIL-2 by electroporation (6 kV/cm, eight pulses, 5 microseconds duration). A rIL-2 concentration of 600,000 U/ml surrounding the erythrocytes during loading resulted in ca. 245,000 U/ml carriers, which represents a therapeutically significant quantity. Thus, rIL-2 shows potential as an encapsulated agent for slow release in the erythrocyte carrier system.
Sodium Diisopropylamide in Tetrahydrofuran: Selectivities, Rates, and Mechanisms of Alkene Isomerizations and Diene Metalations

Sodium diisopropylamide in tetrahydrofuran is an effective base for the metalation of 1,4-dienes and isomerization of alkenes. Dienes metalate via tetrasolvated sodium amide monomers, whereas 1-pentene is isomerized by trisolvated monomers. Facile, highly Z-selective isomerizations are observed for allyl ethers under conditions that compare favorably to those of existing protocols. The selectivity is independent of the substituents on the allyl ethers; rate and computational data show that the rates, mechanisms, and roles of sodium–oxygen contacts are substituent-dependent. The competing influences of substrate coordination and solvent coordination to sodium are discussed.
A multiscale comparison of stochastic open-cell aluminum foam produced via conventional and additive-manufacturing routes

Abstract With the exciting potential of additive manufacturing of metals to produce geometrically complex structures come many unknowns and uncertainties regarding the process-microstructure-property relationships of the additively manufactured (AM) parts, especially in comparison to their conventionally manufactured counterparts. This work attempts to elucidate some key differences between AM and cast parts by conducting a multiscale comparison of samples that are intended to be identical, except for the route by which each was manufactured. The samples of interest are open-cell foams of an Al-Mg-Si alloy (Al 6061). The baseline open-cell foam is conventionally produced via investment casting. Copies are produced using laser powder bed fusion. Full-field deformation is characterized under compressive loading using in-situ X-ray computed tomography. The foams are compared in terms of global load versus displacement response, local failure mechanisms, and characteristics of the grain structure.
Fully integrating academic advising with career coaching to increase student retention, graduation rates and future job satisfaction: An industry approach

Higher education institutions in the United States are under increasing pressure to retain and graduate more students. Traditionally, the academic advisor helps students to meet degree graduation r...
The Impact of Career and Technical Education on Students With Disabilities

Evidence suggests that participating in career and technical education (CTE) in high school, on average, positively affects general education students when transitioning from education to the workforce. Yet, almost no large-scale causal research has explored whether academic benefits also accrue to students with disabilities in CTE. This omission is glaring given that students with disabilities participate in high school CTE programs at high rates. We use multiple years of administrative data from Massachusetts to estimate the effect of participating in CTE on the academic outcomes of students with disabilities. Compared with peers with similar disabilities who do not participate in CTE, students with disabilities in CTE programs perform comparably on standardized measures of student achievement but have higher probabilities of graduating from high school on time or earning industry-recognized certificates. Implications for policy and practice, particularly with regard to scaling access to similar program...
[11] Identification of stressor-activated areas in the central nervous system

Publisher Summary Immune system does not function in a manner that is independent of influences originating within the central nervous system (CNS). There is no longer any question regarding whether stress can influence the function of the immune system. Both increases and decreases of immune function may be induced by stress. Just as the immune system is activated by an antigen, so too must the central nervous system be activated by a stressor. An antigen activates the immune system and a stressor activates the central nervous system. The immune system must be able to perceive the presence of an antigen, while the central nervous system must be able to perceive the presence of a stressor. Perception of a stressor by the central nervous system induces biochemical changes within the central nervous system, and measurement of these changes and their location within the central nervous system may help in understanding the mechanism of stressor-induced immune alteration.
Higher Order G-structures

In this chapter we give a cursory treatment of abstract G-structures on manifolds thus paving the way to various applications to be followed in Chapter 7. Our exposition throughout this chapter follows [Ko] closely.
Evaluation of a valveless thermal desorption system for organic aerosols and vapors. Transfer lines and preconcentration module.

Abstract Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are distributed in the atmosphere between the gas- and aerosol-phases. The low vapor pressures of some SVOCs makes thermal extraction and transfer through gas chromatographic (GC) systems difficult. We evaluated a programmable temperature vaporization (PTV) GC inlet, which served as the preconcentration module, and four open-tubular capillaries (Silcosteel- and Siltek-treated stainless steel, Silcosteel-treated stainless steel coated with 100% dimethylpolysiloxane, and deactivated fused silica) as transfer lines in a valveless, whole-sample analytic system. Thermal extraction of C9–C36 n-alkanes at 300 and 320 °C from fused silica and quartz wool in the PTV inlet was equally efficient. Adsorptive losses of C22–C36 n-alkanes to stainless steel surfaces that protruded into the PTV inlet were suspected. Thus, treatment of the outer surfaces of transfer lines is recommended for effective thermal transfer of SVOCs. Transfer efficiencies began to decline after n-C24, n-C28, and n-C30 in Silcosteel-treated stainless steel, deactivated fused silica, and Siltek-treated stainless steel transfer lines, respectively. Thus, quantitative recovery at 320 °C of compounds with vapor pressures less than about 3 × 10−8 Pa is not expected in valveless SVOC thermal desorption systems that use Siltek-treated stainless steel transfer lines and fused silica or quartz wool as preconcentration substrates.
Patient Perception in Triggering Events and De-escalation in a Psychiatric Hospital: Implications for Seclusion/restraint

This study investigated a self-report instrument at a psychiatric hospital as it did/did not apply to the events leading up to an incident of seclusion/restraint. This study also investigated the relationship between number of days spent in the hospital, and number of incidents of seclusion/restraint. Ninety patient charts were reviewed which included a total of 140 incidents of aggression that resulted in seclusion/restraint. The seclusion/restraint records were obtained and hard copies of the patient chart were utilized to review the Behavioral Assessment form (Appendix A). Within each chart exists a copy of the Behavioral Assessment form as well as a typed report that covers the events leading to the incident of seclusion/restraint. The report was read in an effort to identify any of the information that the patient reported on the Behavioral Assessment form. The results suggest that patients are accurate at identifying the factors leading to aggression, the additional triggers to aggression, and the successful interventions that decrease aggression. No relationship was observed between days spent in the hospital and number of incidents of aggression. The data suggests that patients are accurate at identifying what factors cause them to become aggressive as well as the triggers that increase the aggression. Patients were also accurate at judging what interventions help to de-escalate them during an aggressive incident. The results suggest that psychiatric hospitals should utilize such forms as the Behavioral Assessment form to encourage patients to identify such factors related to aggression.
Minimal Efficacy of Nitisinone Treatment in a Novel Mouse Model of Oculocutaneous Albinism, Type 3.

Purpose Oral nitisinone has been shown to increase fur and ocular pigmentation in a mouse model of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) due to hypomorphic mutations in tyrosinase (TYR), OCA1B. This study determines if nitisinone can improve ocular and/or fur pigmentation in a mouse model of OCA type 3 (OCA3), caused by mutation of the tyrosinase-related protein 1 (Tyrp1) gene. Methods Mice homozygous for a null allele in the Tyrp1 gene (C57BL/6J-Tyrp1 b-J/J) were treated with 8 mg/kg nitisinone or vehicle every other day by oral gavage. Changes in fur and ocular melanin pigmentation were monitored. Mature ocular melanosome number and size were quantified in pigmented ocular structures by electron microscopy. Results C57BL/6J-Tyrp1 b-J/J mice carry a novel c.403T>A; 404delG mutation in Tyrp1, predicted to result in premature truncation of the TYRP1 protein. Nitisinone treatment resulted in an approximately 7-fold increase in plasma tyrosine concentrations without overt toxicity. After 1 month of treatment, no change in the color of fur or pigmented ocular structures was observed. The distribution of melanosome cross-sectional area was unchanged in ocular tissues. There was no significant difference in the number of pigmented melanosomes in the RPE/choroid of nitisinone-treated and control groups. However, there was a significant difference in the number of pigmented melanosomes in the iris. Conclusions Treatment of a mouse model of OCA3 with oral nitisinone did not have a favorable clinical effect on melanin production and minimally affected the number of pigmented melanosomes in the iris stroma. As such, treatment of OCA3 patients with nitisinone is unlikely to be therapeutic.
Dietary Acid Load in Relation to Inflammation and Glycemic Status in Women with Breast Cancer (P18-095-19)

Abstract Objectives To determine the associations between dietary acid load and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among breast cancer survivors. We hypothesized that high dietary acid load is positively associated with CRP and HbA1c. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, we analyzed data collected from 3088 breast cancer survivors enrolled in the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study who had provided detailed four randomly selected self-reported 24-hr dietary recalls over a three-week period followed by a blood sample that was used to validate the dietary self reports and measure of plasma CRP and HbA1c from washed red blood cells. Two commonly used dietary acid load scores were created, namely the potential renal acid load (PRAL) score and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) score. The PRAL score takes into account the intestinal absorption rates for contributing nutrient ionic balances for protein, potassium, calcium and magnesium and the dissociation of phosphate at pH 7.4. The NEAP score uses total protein and potassium intake as the main components involved in acid production. Results PRAL and NEAP were both positively associated with plasma CRP and HbA1c. In multivariable adjusted models, compared to women in the lowest quartile, those in the highest quartile of PRAL and NEAP had 32% and 31% increases in CRP, respectively and 9% and 6% increases in HbA1c, respectively after adjustment for total calorie intakes, age, body mass index, breast cancer stage, hormone receptor status, and type of chemotherapy. Conclusions This is the first demonstration that dietary acid load is associated with CRP and HbA1c in breast cancer patients. Our study identifies a novel dietary factor that may lead to inflammation and hyperglycemia, both of which are strong risk factors for breast cancer recurrence and other comorbidities. Funding Sources SDSU start-up funds.