cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Newspaper Coverage as Indirect Effects of a Health Communication Intervention: The Florida Tobacco Control Program and Youth Smoking

News coverage is associated with a variety of health behaviors, but studies have yet to assess the indirect effects of news coverage generated by a health promotion campaign. The Florida Tobacco Control Program (FTCP), a youth-led marketing and grassroots campaign launched in Florida in 1998, provides the opportunity to examine the effects of program-related newspaper coverage on youth smoking behavior. Articles were collected from Florida daily newspapers, content analyzed to identify the prevalence of topic-specific coverage, and merged by county and year to the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, a statewide, representative survey of Florida middle school and high school students administered between 1998 and 2002. Trend comparisons and logistic regression models, controlling for alternate explanations, show that FTCP newspaper coverage (particularly coverage of youth advocacy efforts) contributed to observed declines in current smoking. Newspaper coverage of health communication campaigns may represent a me...
A code for calculating the time evolution of beam parameters in high intensity circular accelerators

Beam emittances in a circular accelerator with a high beam intensity are strongly affected by the small angle intrabeam Coulomb scattering. In the computer simulation model we present here we used three coupled nonlinear differential equations to describe the evolution of the emittances in the transverse and the longitudinal planes. These equations include terms which take into account the intra-beam scattering, adiabatic damping, microwave instabilities, synchrotron damping, and quantum excitations. A code is generated to solve the equations numerically and incorporated into a FORTRAN code library. Circular high intensity physics routines are included in the library such as intrabeam scattering, Touschek scattering, and the bunch lengthening effect of higher harmonic cavities. The code runs presently in the PC environment. Description of the code and some examples are presented.
Extremum Seeking Control based on Numerical Optimization and State Regulation - Part I: Theory and Framework

We consider the employment of numerical optimization and state regulation to solve the extremum seeking control problem, which does not separate the dynamics from the extremum seeking loop. Extremum seeking is realized via a state regulator that drives the state traveling along a convergent set point sequence generated by a numerical optimization algorithm. In this paper, we propose a novel design of the state regulator via output tracking for state feedback linearizable systems, where the construction of reference signal and determination of regulation time are discussed in detail. We trade off the finite time state regulation to obtain flexibility in designing robust extremum seeking controller. Simulation examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme and illustrate some design guidelines.
Meta-analysis of dropout in treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder.

Objective Many patients drop out of treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); some clinicians believe that trauma-focused treatments increase dropout. Method We conducted a meta-analysis of dropout among active treatments in clinical trials for PTSD (42 studies; 17 direct comparisons). Results The average dropout rate was 18%, but it varied significantly across studies. Group modality and greater number of sessions, but not trauma focus, predicted increased dropout. When the meta-analysis was restricted to direct comparisons of active treatments, there were no differences in dropout. Differences in trauma focus between treatments in the same study did not predict dropout. However, trauma-focused treatments resulted in higher dropout compared with present-centered therapy (PCT), a treatment originally designed as a control but now listed as a research-supported intervention for PTSD. Conclusion Dropout varies between active interventions for PTSD across studies, but variability is primarily driven by differences between studies. There do not appear to be systematic differences across active interventions when they are directly compared in the same study. The degree of clinical attention placed on the traumatic event does not appear to be a primary cause of dropout from active treatments. However, comparisons of PCT may be an exception to this general pattern, perhaps because of a restriction of variability in trauma focus among comparisons of active treatments. More research is needed comparing trauma-focused interventions to trauma-avoidant treatments such as PCT.
USING CONCEPT MAPS TO ASSESS SCIENCE KNOWLEDGE OF PRE-SERVICE ELEMENTARY METHODS STUDENTS

The purpose of this study was observing the initial state of the pre-service elementary students’ content knowledge in science. Concept maps are designed to demonstrate the prior knowledge students have acquired around a variety of topics (Ruiz-Primo & Shavelson, 1996) as well as providing a valid assessment tool that is respectful of nontraditional learners who may have previously avoided the topics being assessed due to lack of understanding (Hough et al. 2007). Pre-service students were given a blank sheet of paper and asked to make a concept map with science as the central node. The results indicate that elementary pre-service students have less breadth and less organized science content knowledge than their secondary counterparts.
Compactifications of the N=2∗ flow

Abstract In [ hep-th/0004063 ] Pilch and Warner (PW) constructed N =2 supersymmetric RG flow corresponding to the mass deformation of the N =4 SU(N) Yang–Mills theory. In this Letter we present exact deformations of PW flow when the gauge theory 3-space is compactified on S3. We consider also the case with the gauge theory world-volume being dS4 instead of R3,1. The solution is constructed in five-dimensional gauged supergravity and is further uplifted to 10d.
FIXED‐RATIO DISCRIMINATION: EFFECTS OF INTERMITTENT REINFORCEMENT

Four pigeons had discrimination training that required the choice of a left side-key after completing a fixed-ratio 10 on the center key, and a right side-key choice after fixed-ratio 20. Correct choices were reinforced on various fixed-interval, fixed-ratio, random-interval, and random-ratio schedules. When performance was examined across successive 15-second intervals (fixed-interval and fixed-ratio schedules) accuracy was high in the first 15-second interval, decreased in one or several of the next 15-second intervals, and then increased again as reinforcement was approached. When performance was examined across correct trials on fixed-interval and fixed-ratio schedules, accuracy was lowest immediately after reinforcement, followed by a systematic increase in accuracy as the number of correct choices increased. These patterns were due primarily to errors on fixed-ratio 20 trials. Systematic accuracy patterns did not occur on random-interval or random-ratio schedules. The results indicate that when choice patterns differed on fixed-interval and fixed-ratio schedules, the differences were due to the method of data analysis.
Fourier-domain holographic optical coherence imaging

We demonstrate the first spatial Fourier-domain holographic (FDH) optical coherence flythroughs of rat tumors and mouse corneas. FDH eliminates scattered background in the holographic reconstruction and improves signal-to-noise over previous image-domain holography of tissue
An ex vivo analysis of Sertoli cell actin dynamics following gonadotropic hormone withdrawal.

ABSTRACT: The receptors for the steroid hormone testosterone and the peptide hormone follicle-stimulating hormone are localized to the somatic Sertoli cell in the seminiferous epithelium. In the rat, prolonged gonadotrophic hormone withdrawal has been shown to result in substantial germ cell apoptosis. Previous studies have shown that, coincident with the loss of germ cells following hypophysectomy, the actin cytoskeleton of the Sertoli cell becomes disorganized and diffuse throughout the cell's cytoplasm. The molecular mechanisms that govern Sertoli cell actin filament dynamics in response to the loss of gonadotrophic hormones remain undefined. It was therefore hypothesized that hypophysectomy brings about a decrease in the amount of polymerized actin (F-actin) within the Sertoli cell and that this decrease is associated with changes in the expression of genes known to govern Sertoli actin dynamics. To this end, Sertoli cells were isolated from adult control and hypophysectomized rats. Sertoli cells from hypophysectomized rats were found to contain significantly less (72%) F-actin relative to untreated controls, although overall, β-actin protein and mRNA expression remained constant. The expression levels of genes known to directly influence the amount of F-actin in cells were then examined by Northern blot analysis. Cofilin and profilin I gene expression was unaffected by hypophysectomy, whereas the expression of profilin II and espin both decreased significantly (47% and 42%, respectively). Taken together, these results suggest that, following hypophysectomy, the actin cytoskeleton of the Sertoli cell shifts to a predominantly depolymerized state, perhaps in part because of decreases in profilin II and espin gene products.
Genital Dysplasia in Women Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Background: Women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at increased risk for the development of dysplastic genital lesions. Traditionally, markers of immunosuppression were predictive of the development of dysplasia. Recent advances in antiretroviral medications allow restoration of a once-depressed CD4 cell count and suppression of HIV replication. In this new era, additional predictive markers of genital dysplasia are needed for management of women infected with with HIV. Objective: To find predictive markers of genital dysplasia in women infected with HIV. Design: Observational study of a consecutive sample of 200 women infected with HIV from an urban university clinic. Measurements of histopathology, CD4 count, CD4 nadir, HIV viral load, human papillomavirus (HPV), and usage of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were evaluated for an association with genital dysplasia. Results: There was a trend toward a protective effect against any genital dysplasia when HAART had been prescribed [relative risk 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56, 1.06] and HAART therapy resulted in an immune response (relative risk, 0.61; 95% CI, 36, 1.02). High-risk HPV DNA was a strong predictor of dysplasia (P .0003). A lower CD4 count nadir was strongly associated with genital dysplasia (P .0003). Conclusion: A history of greater immunosuppression, as measured by the nadir of a patient’s CD4 count, is the strongest predictor of genital dysplasia in women infected with HIV. (J Am Board Fam Pract 2004;17:108 ‐13.) There is an increase in the rates of both detection and persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Up to 20% of these coinfected patients develop HPV-induced premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix within 3 years of HIV diagnosis. 1– 6 The progression of an untreated HPV-induced dysplastic lesion may lead to invasive cervical cancer, an AIDS-defining illness. 6,7
The Treatment Team

In addition to providing standard consultation (e.g., clarifying diagnosis, providing psychopharmacologic recommendations, ordering diagnostic studies), an added goal of the consultant may be to influence, over time, the treatment team's ability to use psychodynamic and attachment theory concepts in difficult cases. It is helpful for the psychiatric consultant to teach treatment-team members that the way patients and families perceive the team is a replay of a dynamic that’s familiar to them and that they therefore unconsciously seek to recreate. When the consultant works with the same treatment team over time, he or she may be in a position to familiarize members with psychodynamic and attachment theory concepts in the medical setting, thus improving the manner in which the team approaches patients. Treatment-team members frequently have countertransference reactions to patients, families, and to psychiatric consultants. The members who are especially at risk are those with a limited ability to mentalize. However, it is important to remember that in contemporary theory, the psychiatric consultant’s countertransference also contributes to consultative process interactions in here-and-now moments.
Colorimetric measurement of uric acid.

A convenient modification of the uric acid method devised by Kern and Stransky has been described. Its reliability has been demonstrated largely by other workers.
Critical porosity; the key to relating physical properties to porosity in rocks

Many classes of rock such as sandstones, dolomites, chalks, and cracked igneous rocks have each a distinct characteristic porosity above which the material behaves as s suspension. The porosity at which this system changes, or transforms from isostress to solid load-bearing is defined here as the critical porosity {phi}{sub c}. It is easy to envision that at {phi}{sub c} not only the mechanical moduli, but also other properties such as strength and electrical conductivity, may also undergo transformations. Consequently, the critical porosity must be a fundamental property of a given porous system, not just of one of its physical properties. The observed values of {phi}{sub c} range from .005 for cracked granites to .30 or .40 for limestones, dolomites and sandstones, .60 for chalks and .90 for volcanic glasses. The data suggest that (1) A critical porosity value {phi}{sub c} exists which is typical of a given class of porous materials. Each class is defined on the basis of its common mineralogy or diagenetic porosity reduction processes. (2) Given {phi}{sub c} it may be possible to closely approximate the relation between porosity and velocity, over the entire range of porosity, with a modified mixture relation, in which the mixed componentsmore » are the pure solid on one end, and a critical suspension on the other. (3) Without {phi}{sub c}, theory cannot yield reliable or useful velocity-porosity relations.« less
Abstract 2697: Fully-automated Identification of Acute Stroke Lesion Volumes with CT Perfusion

Purpose: Mismatch between volumes of infarct core and critically hypoperfused tissue (CHT) may be used to identify acute stroke patients who could benefit from reperfusion therapies. We present a fully-automated, operator-free approach for identifying the core and CHT lesion volumes with CT perfusion (CTP). Methods: 31 scans of 25 acute stroke patients who underwent CTP followed by MRI (range: 23-120 min) were analyzed. CTP was obtained as a one or two 2cm slabs. MRI included DWI and PWI. Reference stroke lesion metrics were MRI-based: core via DWI (ADC -6 mm 2 /s), and CHT via PWI (Tmax>6s). CTP and PWI scans were processed with an automated image analysis program (RAPID) with delay-independent deconvolution. MRI maps were coregistered to CTP. Contralaterally-relative CBV CT and CBF CT ( cr CBF CT , cr CBF CT ) maps were computed by putting into ratio the original and corresponding laterally-mirrored and smoothed rCBV CT and rCBF CT maps (obtained by vertical flip and coregistration of the anatomic images, see Fig). Stroke core in CTP was delineated by thresholding cr CBV CT and cr CBF CT , and CHT by thresholding Tmax CT . Optimal thresholds were obtained by ROC analysis and minimization of lesion volume differences between CT and MRI. Results: For identification of stroke core in CTP, cr CBF CT performed better than cr CBV CT . Optimal threshold was cr CBF CT 95% 57-63%) and specificity 88%, (CI 95% 87-89%); median volume difference between CBF CT and DWI lesions was 0 ml (IQR: -6ml to 6 ml); correlation of volumes was r 2 =0.72 ( p MR >6s) were most accurately identified by Tmax CT >6s with sensitivity 72% (CI 95% 70-74%), specificity 97% (CI 95% 96-97%); median volume difference between Tmax CT and Tmax MR was -3ml (IQR: -10ml to 0ml); correlation of CHT volumes r 2 =0.89 (p Conclusions: The processing methods and CTP thresholds presented in this study show a great promise for fully-automated outlining of stroke lesions using CTP. Such a technique could be of great value for CTP-based patient selection in clinical trials and clinical practice.
Collision-induced photodissociation of the 3(1) Pi u state of Cs2.

Excitation of the 3 $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{\mathit{u}\char21{}}$X $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\mathit{g}}^{+}$ transition in ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{2}$ by the 476.5-nm line of an argon-ion laser in the presence of inert gases results in emission from the 7${\mathit{p}}^{2}$${\mathit{P}}_{3/2}$ and 7 $^{2}\mathrm{P}_{1/2}$ atomic states of Cs. This verifies 6 $^{2}\mathrm{S}_{1/2}$+7p $^{2}\mathrm{P}$ as the dissociation products of 3 $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{\mathit{u}}$ and a dissociation energy of 4730.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.8 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for the 7${\mathit{p}}^{2}$${\mathit{P}}_{3/2}$ limit or 4911.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.8 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for the 7 $^{2}\mathrm{P}_{1/2}$ limit.
Ekphrasis and the theme of artistic failure in Ovid's Metamorphoses

In his review of the first edition of Brooks Otis's Ovid as an Epic Poet , William Anderson challenges the notion that structural symmetry is the principle that governs Ovid's narrative design. To propose an alternative view of Ovidian aesthetics, he takes for his example the weaving contest of Arachne and Minerva in Book 6. Minerva's tapestry which depicts her own victory in the contest for the naming of Athens is arranged in a completely symmetrical design. The judging gods stand six on either side of Jupiter; the disputants likewise stand on opposite sides. Each corner of the tapestry contains a panel showing the punishment of mortals who in one way or another have challenged the gods, and the whole is framed with an ornamental border of olive leaves. “The goddess,” as Anderson says, “produced a perfect piece of Classicistic art, structurally balanced and thematically grandiose, in support of the established order.” With this monumental and authoritarian piece of work, the tapestry of Minerva's rival Arachne contrasts in every way. It is flagrantly asymmetrical and lifelike: a swirl of divine figures in unedifying situations … one god after another gratifying his lust for a human woman. There is no apparent structure to the tapestry which consists of nine affairs of Jupiter; six of Neptune; four of Apollo and one each of Liber and Saturn. Juxtaposed as they apparently are, they have a cumulative effect, much as Baroque paintings do by contrast with the neatly arranged masterpieces of Raphael.
PLACENTA PREVIA. AN EVALUATION OF EXPECTANT MANAGEMENT AND THE FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR FETAL WASTAGE.

Abstract 1. 1. Two hundred and twenty-six cases of placenta previa with a total perinatal mortality rate of 12.4 per cent are reviewed. 2. 2. The fetal mortality rate in the 123 cases of partial placenta previa was 5.7 per cent and 20.4 per cent in the 103 cases of total placenta previa. 3. 3. The factors responsible for the perinatal wastage are discussed. 4. 4. A uterine incision through the placental site does not appear to increase the perinatal loss. 5. 5. Expectancy offered no advantages to 45 per cent of the cases because the infant was of term size. In another 21 per cent, despite prematurity, maternal and fetal indications dictated immediate delivery. 6. 6. Expectant management was feasible in only 34 per cent of the cases. In this group, expectancy increased the perinatal salvage so that it approximated that of the immediately treated group. 7. 7. Thus, two decades after the introduction of expectant management, the problem of prevention of prematurity and intrauterine anoxia still remains.
Justifying Cost-Justifying Usability

Publisher Summary In the mid- to late 1990s the Internet came into being (or at least, became available to the masses), and the number and breadth of computer users grew exponentially. This chapter presents a short history of cost-justifying usability and a short list of why the Internet age offers an even stronger need to employ such an approach. There are basic HCI cost-benefit frameworks that apply to the Web as well as they do to traditional software development projects; however, there are some unique aspects of cost justifying usability for the Web as well. In the realm of HCI design, the most significant event was the advent of (or, perhaps more accurately, the wide availability of) the Internet. The breadth and lack of knowledge about the characteristics of new or anonymous site visitors, or Web-based application users, argues for new best practices in usability studies, new accepted levels of statistical confidence, and new vigilance as to the user profiles of potential visitors, actual visitors, and buyers. But whatever those practices, confidence levels, and profiles are, this breadth makes it all the more important to know the costs and benefits of employing usability engineering for the site or application, and the costs of not employing usability engineering. The point is that the presence of the Internet and the easy-to-use Internet site development tools means that more and more less-qualified people are serving as designers, thus making usability engineering even more necessary.
Classification of Urban Areas: Inferring Land Use from the Interpretation of Land Cover

Ancillary data are vital for successful image classification of urban areas. This chapter explores the role of ancillary data (information from beyond remote sensing) for improving the contextual interpretation of satellite sensor imagery during spectral-based and spatial-based classification. In addition, careful consideration is given to the crucial distinctions between urban land cover and urban land use, and how the inherent heterogeneous structure of urban morphologies is statistically represented between hard and soft classifications.
Expression and Structural Analyses of Human DNA Polymerase θ (POLQ)

DNA polymerase theta (pol θ) is an evolutionarily conserved protein encoded by the POLQ gene in mammalian genomes. Pol θ is the defining enzyme for a pathway of DSB repair termed "alternative end-joining" (altEJ) or "theta-mediated end-joining." This pathway contributes significantly to the radiation resistance of mammalian cells. It also modulates accuracy in repair of breaks that occur at stalled DNA replication forks, during diversification steps of the mammalian immune system, during repair of CRISPR-Cas9, and in many DNA integration events. Pol θ is a potentially important clinical target, particularly for cancers deficient in other break repair strategies. The enzyme is uniquely able to mediate joining of single-stranded 3' ends. Because of these unusual biochemical properties and its therapeutic importance, it is essential to study structures of pol θ bound to DNA. However, challenges for expression and purification are presented by the large size of pol θ (2590 residues in humans) and unusual juxtaposition of domains (a helicase-like domain and distinct DNA polymerase, separated by a region predicted to be largely disordered). Here we summarize work on the expression and purification of the full-length protein, and then focus on the design, expression, and purification of an active C-terminal polymerase fragment. The generation of this active construct was nontrivial and time consuming. Almost all published biochemical work to date has been performed with this domain fragment. Strategies to obtain and improve crystals of a ternary pol θ complex (enzyme:DNA:nucleotide) are also presented, along with key elements of the structure.
Hoijer, Harry (1904–1976)

Harry Hoijer was one of the greatest anthropologist-linguist of the 20th century. He received his formal education at the University of Chicago; he met Edward Sapir there, with whom he developed a close working relationship. Hoijer moved on to UCLA, where he made significant contributions to both the anthropology and linguistics programs. In his lifetime, Hoijer authored around seventy articles and books on issues of language and culture and on the diachronic development and synchronic structures of American Indian languages, most notably Athapaskan.
Physicians and blocking: can we tear down this wall?

A patient was brought to the emergency department (ED) by family complaining of chronic headaches and a question of new neurological abnormalities. A week prior, this patient had been hospitalised at a nearby institution and diagnosed with a large intracranial tumour with associated bleeding, with plans for neurosurgery follow-up after discharge. Imaging in the ED confirmed the haemorrhaging brain tumour; images from the prior hospitalisation were not available for comparison. The neurosurgery service was paged for admission but deemed that emergent surgery was not indicated and thus declined to admit the patient to their team, though offered to serve as a consultant. However, they also did not recommend discharge. The neurology service was then paged for admission but after evaluation declined because of the haemorrhage associated with the brain tumour. The oncology service was then called to admit, but per policy deemed it inappropriate to admit a patient with a primary brain tumour to their team. An ED change of shift occurred, neurosurgery was paged again, and on repeat assessment deemed the patient suitable for discharge with follow-up at the previously scheduled clinic appointment. Hours had passed between the initial admission page and discharge. The above patient’s fate highlights an unfortunately common phenomenon in academic teaching hospitals, one that current physician trainees are closely acquainted with and which more experienced physicians easily recall—‘blocking’. Blocking, the denial of patient admission by a hospital team to their own service, is not without reason. Specialty teams may be paged for consultation or admission when a patient’s …
Pentoxifylline and vitamin E drug compliance after adjuvant breast radiation therapy.

Abstract Purpose Breast fibrosis is a common late effect after therapeutic irradiation that can result in pain, poor cosmesis, and functional impairment. Randomized trials have demonstrated that radiation fibrosis may be preventable with a medication regimen of pentoxifylline and vitamin E. This study investigates patient compliance with pentoxifylline therapy while examining possible correlations to compliance. Methods and materials We identified 90 patients who were prescribed pentoxifylline (400 mg 3 times daily) and vitamin E (400 IU once daily) after adjuvant breast radiation. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical record analysis. Data were collected, including patient age, comorbid conditions, concurrent medications, duration of pentoxifylline and vitamin E therapy, dose adjustments, patient-reported side effects, and cause for discontinuation. A multivariate analysis of the correlation between medication compliance and these categorical variables was assessed with a χ2 analysis of independence. Results Patient compliance with pentoxifylline and vitamin E therapy was found to be poor in 33 of 87 patients (38%) in the cohort, necessitating either dose reductions or discontinuation of therapy. There was a statistically significant correlation between concurrent antiemetic therapy and successful completion of pentoxifylline regimen. Of those on antiemetic therapy, 89% completed pentoxifylline as prescribed versus 48% of those without antiemetics (P Conclusions Patient compliance with pentoxifylline appears to be worse in clinical practice compared with previously published studies. Nausea was the most frequently reported indication for treatment modification or discontinuation. Concurrent antiemetic therapy was correlated with strong regimen compliance, but concurrent PPI therapy was correlated with poor compliance, independent of comorbid conditions.
The Role of the Information Society in Promoting a Better and a More Democratic Governance

One of the major shifts that our society has witnessed in the past few decades is the paradigm shift from traditional bureaucracies to network arrangements in policy making and service delivery. This paper explores the New Governance as a paradigm shift in Public Administration with an emphasis on the democratic aspect of it. Approaching the New Governance from an Open Systems Theory perspective, this paper argues that the advent and the widespread use of ICTs and the “infosphere” – and the “information society” that has emerged from it – would help in promoting a better and a more democratic governance by providing new channels to put democracy into practice. This paper also acknowledges the dark side of the “infosphere” and the ethical challenges that have come along with it.
Prognostic impact of AnxA1 and AnxA2 gene expression in triple-negative breast cancer.

// Lee D. Gibbs 1 and Jamboor K. Vishwanatha 1 1 Institute for Molecular Medicine and Texas Center for Health Disparities, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76017, USA Correspondence to: Lee D. Gibbs, email: Lee.Gibbs@live.unthsc.edu Keywords: annexin; triple-negative breast cancer; prognosis; survival; relapse Received: June 12, 2017 Accepted: December 08, 2017 Published: December 23, 2017 ABSTRACT Objective: Previous studies have shown Annexin A1 (AnxA1) and Annexin A2 (AnxA2) association with the aggressive behavior of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Our aim was to determine the correlation of AnxA1 and AnxA2 with poor prognosis of TNBC patients. Methods: We analyzed the gene expression of the human annexin family from microarray datasets and correlated with clinical outcomes to determine their ability to predict prognosis. Results: Within a mean follow-up time of 57.2 months in our TNBC cohort, high AnxA1 expression was an independent indicator of poor overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR), 2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.22-3.78] and relapse-free survival (RFS) prognosis [HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.28-2.17]. Additionally, high AnxA2 expression was an independent indicator of poor OS [HR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.14-6.25], RFS [HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.12-1.89], RFS [HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.12-1.89), and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) prognosis [HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.16-1.95]. Analyses of TNBC patients with both high AnxA1 and AnxA2, demonstrates a significant decrease in OS ( P =0.0017) and RFS ( P =0.0002) when compared to the expression of genes independently. Furthermore, AnxA1 prognostic impact relies on high AnxA2 expression and both are preferential for TNBC when compared to other breast cancer subtypes. Conclusion: Together these findings indicate that AnxA1 and AnxA2 are preferential dual prognostic predictors among TNBC patients.
Blood Lead Levels of Children in Flint, Michigan: 2006-2016.

Objective We evaluated the increases in blood lead levels (BLLs) observed in young children in Flint, Michigan, during their exposure to corrosive Flint River water during the years 2014 and 2015 and compared their BLLs to those of Flint children measured during the years 2006-2013 and 2016. Study design This was a retrospective study design using BLLs extracted from databases from 2006 to 2016. We analyzed a population sample of 15 817 BLLs from children aged ≤5 years with potential exposure to contaminated Flint River water. Percentages of BLLs ≥5.0 µg/dL and geometric mean (GM) BLLs were analyzed over time. Results A significant decline in the percentages of BLLs ≥5.0 µg/dL from 11.8% in 2006 to 3.2% in 2016 was observed (P Conclusion These findings suggest that the 11 year trend of annual decreases in BLLs in children in Flint, Michigan, reversed to a degree consistent with random variation from 2010 to 2011, and again during the exposure to Flint River water in 2014-2015. Historically, public health efforts to reduce BLLs of young children in Flint have been effective over the 11-year period studied.
Health Policy Analysis: Antitrust Law and Regulation on Health Care Providers

The purpose of this theoretical policy analysis report was to determine if antitrust laws should be based upon concrete wrongful conduct and should not force the health care industry to adopt defensive, cumbersome business practices that actually impede their ability to compete. The role of antitrust is to ensure that competition is preserved and protected so that it can be harnessed. It is in the government interest to supports efforts that bring more competition to the health insurance marketplace that lowers costs, expand choice, improve quality; with the role of antitrust to ensure that competition is preserved and protected to help improving the U.S. health care system, together with regulation to expand coverage and control cost of health care for general population. Therefore, antitrust cases and sanctions need to be tightly tied to defensible theories of wrongful conduct in order to properly reflect what society thinks is wrong and clarify what is punishable conduct.
Teaching Vaginal Hysterectomy via Simulation: Creation and Validation of the Objective Skills Assessment Tool for Simulated Vaginal Hysterectomy on a Task Trainer and Performance Among Different Levels of Trainees.

OBJECTIVES The use of simulation-based education to train surgeons is widely accepted. Although many authors describe the use of an Objective Skills Assessment Test (OSAT) to assess performance of various surgical procedures, there is a paucity of research on use of this modality to evaluate vaginal surgery skills. We created a vaginal hysterectomy procedure-specific checklist (PSC) to complete the OSAT (which is composed of a PSC and a global rating scale [GRS]). The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of a novel evaluation strategy for vaginal hysterectomy using an OSAT combining PSC and GRS. METHODS This is a descriptive prospective study from a single institution. After orientation to the model, participants were filmed performing vaginal hysterectomy. A blinded grader scored each subject using the PSC and GRS. RESULTS Medical students, residents, fellows, and attendings performed vaginal hysterectomy on a simulated model. Mean PSC and GRS scores increased significantly with surgeon level of experience (P < 0.001). Procedure-specific checklist scores significantly correlated with GRS scores (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The vaginal hysterectomy model and PSC have been studied across different surgeon levels using OSATs. Training programs should consider using this low-cost task trainer as a teaching tool.
Understanding Semantic Completeness in Rule Frameworks for Modeling Cardinality Constraints

Modeling organizational rules during conceptual design provides a more accurate picture of the underlying domain and helps enforce data integrity. In a database development context, there are many advantages to explicitly representing rules during conceptual design. Early modeling ensures they are visible to designers and users, thus improving requirements and validation. The rules can then be semiautomatically translated into logical design code. One limitation to widespread adoption of such modeling is variance in standards and semantics of rules. We consider cardinality constraints—a useful and integral part of conceptual database design. Many papers discussing classification frameworks for cardinality exist. Completeness of such schemes has always been in question since well-defined criteria do not exist to evaluate them. We suggest a “reverse engineering” approach, i. e., one of defining conceptual modeling constraint completeness based on mappings from the relational model. We develop a correspondence from relational algebra operator combinations to existing semantic constraint types. In doing so, we also come up with a new category of set-level cardinality constraints not previously examined in literature. We believe our work demonstrates a unique approach to establishing conceptual framework completeness and enables standardization of rule semantics which in turn allows for semantics-based (as opposed to procedural-based) representation. On the implementation side, it supports developing automated mechanisms for translating constraints to improve developer productivity.
Substituting values for censored data from Texas, USA, reservoirs inflated and obscured trends in analyses commonly used for water quality target development

We calculated four median datasets (chlorophyll a, Chl a; total phosphorus, TP; and transparency) using multiple approaches to handling censored observations, including substituting fractions of the quantification limit (QL; dataset 1 = 1QL, dataset 2 = 0.5QL) and statistical methods for censored datasets (datasets 3–4) for approximately 100 Texas, USA reservoirs. Trend analyses of differences between dataset 1 and 3 medians indicated percent difference increased linearly above thresholds in percent censored data (%Cen). This relationship was extrapolated to estimate medians for site-parameter combinations with %Cen > 80%, which were combined with dataset 3 as dataset 4. Changepoint analysis of Chl a- and transparency-TP relationships indicated threshold differences up to 50% between datasets. Recursive analysis identified secondary thresholds in dataset 4. Threshold differences show that information introduced via substitution or missing due to limitations of statistical methods biased values, underestimated error, and inflated the strength of TP thresholds identified in datasets 1–3. Analysis of covariance identified differences in linear regression models relating transparency-TP between datasets 1, 2, and the more statistically robust datasets 3–4. Study findings identify high-risk scenarios for biased analytical outcomes when using substitution. These include high probability of median overestimation when %Cen > 50–60% for a single QL, or when %Cen is as low 16% for multiple QL’s. Changepoint analysis was uniquely vulnerable to substitution effects when using medians from sites with %Cen > 50%. Linear regression analysis was less sensitive to substitution and missing data effects, but differences in model parameters for transparency cannot be discounted and could be magnified by log-transformation of the variables.
Partially Ordered Knowledge Sharing and Fractionated Systems in the Context of other Models for Distributed Computing

The latest sensor, actuator, and wireless communication technologies make it feasible to build systems that can operate in challenging environments, but we argue in this paper that the foundations needed to support the design of such systems are not well developed. Traditional models based on strong computing primitives, such as atomic transactions, should be replaced by weaker models such as the partially ordered knowledge sharing model, which we motivate in this paper and put into context of existing research. We also introduce a general probabilistic semantics for our model and the flavor of its specialization to characterize fractionated systems, an interesting class of systems with a potentially large number of redundantly operating components that can be programmed independently of the actual number that is deployed or operational at runtime.
Effects of native deer on invasive earthworms depend on earthworm functional feeding group and correlate with earthworm body size

Abstract Above and belowground interactions between animals can influence species abundances, biological invasions, and ecosystem processes. A deeper understanding of above and belowground interactions among animals might benefit from considering functional groups or functional traits, yet most studies have focused on plant functional traits. Here, we consider the possible role of functional group and body size for interactions between invasive earthworms and deer. White-tailed deer are overabundant and are often times considered ecosystem engineers within many forest communities, while invasive earthworms have become an emerging threat to forest communities. We therefore asked a series of questions determine if there were any connections between these two species, with the first being: Do white-tailed deer influence invasive earthworm populations? Because invasive earthworms are divided into different functional groups based on their placement in the soil column and feeding mode, we asked if each of the earthworm functional groups would respond differently to the presence of deer. Finally, we asked if earthworm body size might correlate with the effects of white-tailed deer. We sampled earthworms across 44 paired deer exclosure and control sub-plots across four spatial regions in Ohio, USA. Our analysis controlled for phylogenetic relationships among invasive earthworms, to ensure that confounding effects of evolutionary history did not obscure our ability to detect trait correlations. We found that control sub-plots had more than twice as many endogeic, or soil-dwelling earthworms (e.g. Octolasion tyrtaeum) than paired deer exclosure sub-plots, in the three regions in which they were found. Smaller earthworms were more likely to have higher abundance in the presence of deer, including in phylogenetically corrected tests. If deer overpopulation has a positive effect on some functional groups of invasive earthworms, this suggests that managing deer is important, not only for their aboveground effects on plant communities, but also for their belowground effects on invasive earthworms. More generally, studies of above and belowground interactions might benefit from considering animal functional traits, such as body size, which correlates with functional feeding group.
Breakthrough CMV Infections on Letermovir Prophylaxis in CMV-Seropositive Allogeneic Hematopoeitic Cell Transplant (allo-HCT) Recipients

Introduction Letermovir (LTV) is the first agent approved for CMV prophylaxis (ppx) in CMV-seropositive allo-HCT recipients. In the phase III study, the use of LTV after transplant through day 100 resulted in significantly less episodes of CMV infection and decreased mortality at week 24 when compared to placebo. Although clinical trials demonstrated the benefit of LTV, we sought to determine the efficacy of this agent and to characterize breakthrough CMV infections at our institution. Objectives and Methods This is a retrospective study evaluating the characteristics of breakthrough CMV infections in allo-HCT recipients who did or did not receive LTV for ppx. We reviewed all allo-HCT recipients who were eligible for LTV starting in March 2018 and who had reached day 100 by September 2018. Clinically significant CMV infection (CS-CMVi) was defined as CMV viremia or disease that resulted in initiation of anti-CMV therapy. All patients received twice-weekly pre-emptive monitoring for CMV viremia. Results A total of 74 CMV-seropositive patients underwent allo-HCT and reached day 100 by September 2018. Fifty-three patients (72%) received LTV, and 21 patients (28%) did not. Patients on LTV for ppx were less likely to have CS-CMVi when compared to patients on no ppx (11 patients (21%) vs. 11 patients (52%), p = 0.01). The median viral load (VL) at initiation of anti-CMV therapy was similar between the 2 groups (median CMV DNA IU/mL: 1078 on LTV vs. 914 on no ppx, p = 0.57). CMV resistance genotype panels were sent after breakthrough in 8 patients (3 on LTV, 5 on no ppx) and no mutations were detected. Less patients who were on LTV ppx had a second CMV event when compared to patients who were on no ppx [1/11 (9%) vs. 3/11 (27%), respectively]. All-cause mortality was numerically higher in patients who had positive CMV VL and were not on LTV for ppx (12% no ppx vs. 7% on LTV, p = 0.57). Conclusions Patients who were on LTV for prophylaxis had less CS-CMVi, less episodes of CMV infections and trend towards lower all-cause mortality by day 100. Larger sample size is needed to further define breakthrough CMV infections while on LTV and the need for anti-CMV therapy.
Cardiovascular reactivity and psychological hyperarousal in hot flash-associated insomnia disorder

AbstractObjectives:Given the neurocognitive hyperarousal observed in patients with insomnia disorder and associations of nocturnal hot flashes with cardiovascular disease risk, we examined whether women with hot flash-associated insomnia disorder demonstrate exaggerated cardiovascular responsivity t
The sitter’s impression: Memory and early modern portrait medallions:

While the communicative nature of early modern Italian portraits becomes increasingly overt during the 15th and 16th centuries, the continued, and increasing, prevalence of the portrait medallion m...
Small-Scale Turbulent Dynamo

By following the Kazantsev theory and taking into account both microscopic and turbulent diffusion of magnetic fields, we develop a unified treatment of the kinematic and nonlinear stages of turbulent dynamo and study the dynamo process for a full range of magnetic Prandtl number \(P_m\) and ionization fractions. We find a striking similarity between the dependence of dynamo behavior on \(P_m\) in a conducting fluid and \(\mathcal {R}\) (a function of ionization fraction) in partially ionized gas. In a weakly ionized medium, the kinematic stage is largely extended, including not only exponential growth but a new regime of dynamo characterized by linear-in-time growth of magnetic field strength, and the resulting magnetic energy is much higher than the kinetic energy carried by viscous-scale eddies. Unlike the kinematic stage, the subsequent nonlinear stage is unaffected by microscopic diffusion processes and has a universal linear-in-time growth of magnetic energy with the growth rate as a constant fraction 3 / 38 of the turbulent energy transfer rate, showing a good agreement with earlier numerical results. Applying the analysis to the first stars and galaxies, we find that the kinematic stage is able to generate a field strength only an order of magnitude smaller than the final saturation value. But the generation of large-scale magnetic fields can only be accounted for by the relatively inefficient nonlinear stage and requires longer time than the free-fall time. It suggests that magnetic fields may not have played a dynamically important role during the formation of the first stars. This chapter is based on Xu and Lazarian (ApJ 833:215, 2016, [1]), Xu and Lazarian (New J Phys 19:065005, 2017, [2]).
Post-polio Syndrome

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a constellation of new and progressive symptoms developing several years following infection with the acute viral illness poliomyelitis caused by the poliovirus. PPS is characterized by the onset of fatigue, weakness in one or more extremities, including the potential to involve the muscles of the respiratory system, and pain.
Elucidating the role of an immunomodulatory protein in cancer: From protein expression to functional characterization.

Abstract Several fundamental discoveries made over the last two decades, in the field of cancer biology, have increased our understanding of the complex tumor micro- and macroenvironments. This has shifted the current empirical cancer therapies to more rationalized treatments targeting immunomodulatory proteins. From the point of identification, a protein target undergoes several interrogations, which are necessary to truly define its druggability. Here, we outline some basic steps that can be followed for in vitro characterization of a potential immunomodulatory protein target. We describe procedures for recombinant protein expression and purification including key annotations on protein cloning, expression systems, purification strategies and protein characterization using structural and biochemical approaches. For functional characterization, we provide detailed protocols for using flow-cytometric techniques in cell lines or primary cells to study protein expression profiles, proliferation, apoptosis and cell-cycle changes. This multilevel approach can provide valuable, in-depth understanding of any protein target with potential immunomodulatory effects.