cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STABILITY OF TETRACONAZOLE-RESISTANT ISOLATES OF CERCOSPORA BETICOLA AFTER EXPOSURE TO DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE AND TIME TREATMENTS

Cercospora leaf spot caused by Cercospora beticola is one of the most damaging foliar diseases of sugar beet. The sterol demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide tetraconazole is widely-used to manage Cercospora leaf spot. However, there has been an increase in prevalence of tetraconzole-resistant isolates in recent years. Knowledge about the stability of tetraconazole resistance in tetraconzole-resistant isolates after exposure to cold temperatures in the absence of the selection pressure imposed by tetraconazole application would be important information for fungicide resistance management. To explore this, we inoculated sugar beet plants with two known tetraconazole-sensitive and two known tetraconazole-resistant isolates of C. beticola . Four weeks after inoculation, symptomatic leaves were harvested and subsequently exposed to six different temperature/time treatments: -20oC (4 weeks), 4oC (4 weeks), 20oC (4 weeks), -20oC (2 weeks)/4oC (2 weeks), -20oC (1 week)/4oC (1 week)/-20oC (1 week)/4oC (1 week), and -20oC (1 week)/20oC (1 week)/-20oC (1 week)/20oC (1 week). Subsequently, spore production, spore germination, radial mycelial growth, sensitivity to tetraconazole, and disease severity were evaluated for each isolate and compared to the control (the same fungal isolates used in the inoculation series and maintained on CV8 media). After exposure to all temperature/time treatments, all tested isolates were found stable for the parameters evaluated. However, the tetraconazole-resistant isolate 09-347 after exposure to -20 oC and -20 oC /4 oC /-20 oC /4 oC treatments became 38.6 and 32.8 times more sensitive to tetraconazole , respectively. Taken together, cold temperatures do not appear to impart a significant fitness penalty in C. beticola .
Use of Mental Health Services in Primary Health Care Delivery Systems in a Developing Country: A Survey of Selected General Hospitals in Delta State Nigeria

Studies on the use of mental health services in Nigeria are scarce. Most of the existing studies have focused on psychiatric illnesses. However the context for the assessment and treatment of many mental health disorders in developing countries including Nigeria is moving from mental hospitals to primary health care providers (PHC). This present study was conducted in Delta State Nigeria to assess the use and provision of mental health services in PHCs (General Hospitals). Two sets of questionnaires were used for the study; one set was given to health practitioners (15), while the other was given to 50 community respondents who were patients in these facilities. The results show that there is low utilization of mental health services in PHCs. In addition, patients do not have a positive attitude towards the use of formal mental health services and also lack an awareness of the availability of these services in PHC settings.
Prospective identification of potentially actionable molecular alterations in cancers of unknown primary.

4110 Background: Patients with cancers of unknown primary (CUP) represent a heterogeneous population, and the frequency of actionable molecular alterations in their tumors remains unknown. These pa...
CDMA communication system for mars areostationary relay satellite

Stationary orbits around Mars, which are known as areostationary orbits, have similar characteristics as Earths geostationary orbits. An areostationary Relay Satellite is expected to be used for future communication network for the exploration of Mars. An areostationary Relay Satellite at 17,000 km above Mars surface is always in the same place in the sky on Mars, receiving data from the rovers/landers and low Mars orbiters and transmitting it to an Earth station. The areostationary satellite enables almost all time communication, except for certain durations when Mars is in between the areostationary Relay Satellite and the Earth. In this paper we define a code division multiple access (CDMA) communication system between various assets such as rovers/landers on Mars surface, low Mars orbiters such as MRO, CubeSats in vicinity of Mars, and an areostationary relay satellite at 17,000 km above Mars surface. We assume data rates between 50 Kbps and 1 Mbps operating at 8.40 GHz frequency. We define the transmit power, antenna size, and data rates for the assets communicating with the areostationary relay satellite. Since the areostationary relay satellite simultaneously receives data from many users we have chosen the code division multiple access (CDMA) as a multiple access scheme, which does not require time/frequency coordination among users. Further-more we compute the link budgets for various communication links, we define the modulation format, the PN spreading and chip rates. We provide a new theoretical analysis for multiuser interference, and simulate the performance of coded CDMA communication system. For coded system we use standard CCSDS LDPC codes proposed by NASA for space applications. Using CDMA, the communication structure of all assets on Mars operates at one single RF frequency. However the initial states of spreading PN codes assigned to users are different such that if all users communicate simultaneously with the areostationary relay satellite over a given band will have low cross correlation that reduces the multiuser interference.
The Logic of Securities Law

This book opens with a simple introduction to financial markets, attempting to understand the action and the players of Wall Street by comparing them to the action and the players of main street. Firstly, it explores the definition of a security by its function, the departure from the buyer beware environment of corporate law and the entrance into the seller disclose environment of securities law. Secondly, it shows that the cost of disclosure rules is justified by their capacity to combat irrationalities, fads, and panics. The third section explains how the structure of class actions is designed to improve deterrence. Next it explores the economic harm from insider trading and how the law fights it. In sum, the book shows how all these parts of securities law serve the virtuous cycle from liquidity to accurate prices and more trading and how the great recession showed that our securities regulation reacted mostly adequately to the crisis.
Next generation assessment technology: The potential and pitfalls of integrating individual and community risk assessment

The recent inclusion of community-level risk variables in (some) fourth generation risk assessment instruments, ostensibly to make more accurate individual-level predictions of the likelihood of re...
Momentum enhancement due to hypervelocity impacts into pumice

Abstract Momentum enhancement refers to the effect of more momentum being transferred to a target than resides in the impactor. This increased momentum transfer is due to crater ejecta leaving the impacted body in the direction opposite to the impactor travel direction. An application for this effect is using hypervelocity impactors to deflect potentially hazardous asteroids and comet nuclei. A concern with historical work with consolidated material is the effect of porosity in the impacted body on momentum enhancement. Hypervelocity impact tests were performed of aluminum spheres striking pumice boulders. The pumice boulders ranged in mass from 70 to 486 kg and had an estimated porosity of 70 – 75%. Two different projectiles diameters were used (2.54 cm and 4.45 cm) to study the effect of size scale. Impacts occurred at roughly 2.1 km/s. Depth of penetration was measured, an estimated crater radius was measured (though the crater geometries were irregular), and momentum enhancement was measured. Significant scatter was observed in the results even though the tests were carefully controlled, with measured momentum enhancements ranging from 1 to 1.69 and the average being β = 1.3.
GaN Negative Differential Resistance Components with Terahertz Operation Capability: From Fundamentals to Devices

Negative differential resistance (NDR) devices are solid-state components based on the NDR principle, providing a solution for low-cost, low noise, and high power microwave radiation sources. Such devices are widely used in intrusion alarms, microwave test instruments, and automotive collision avoidance systems. Currently, these devices are fabricated on GaAs and InP that are III-V, direct bandgap semiconductor materials exhibiting NDR. Although the devices based on these materials have proven to be reliable, they are limited in power and operation frequencies because of basic material features related to the band structure and transport properties. For higher frequency and high power applications like military radar, high-speed communications, and possibly biological agent detection, it is essential for exploring other semiconductor materials. One such material that is being investigated for these applications of NDR devices is gallium nitride (GaN). GaN is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material whose velocity-field characteristics are expected to present NDR. The advantages of using GaN over GaAs and InP—in terms of increased power handling capability and higher operation frequency—are directly related to its larger intervalley energy gap and higher peak and saturation velocities. In GaN, further confirmation is required regarding the presence of a transferred-electron effect and the processing technology of GaN is in its early stages, it has a lot of potential and thus is worth investigating.
An evaluation of the stability of image quality parameters of Elekta X-ray volume imager and iViewGT imaging systems.

Introduction A robust image quality assurance and analysis methodology for image-guided localization systems is crucial to ensure the accurate localization and visualization of target tumors. In this study, the long-term stability of selected image parameters was assessed and evaluated for the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) mode, planar radiographic kV mode, and the radiographic MV mode of an Elekta VersaHD. Materials and methods The CATPHAN, QckV-1, and QC-3 phantoms were used to evaluate the image quality parameters. The planar radiographic images were analyzed in PIPSpro™ with spatial resolution (f30, f40, f50), contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and noise being recorded. For XVI CBCT, Head and Neck Small20 (S20) and Pelvis Medium20 (M20) standard acquisition modes were evaluated for uniformity, noise, spatial resolution, and HU constancy. Dose and kVp for the XVI were recorded using the Unfors RaySafe Xi system with the R/F low detector for the kV planar radiographic mode. For each metric, values were normalized to the mean and the standard deviations were recorded. Results A total of 30 measurements were performed on a single Elekta VersaHD linear accelerator over an 18-month period without significant adjustment or recalibration to the XVI or iViewGT systems during the evaluated time frame. For the planar radiographic spatial resolution, the normalized standard deviation values of the f30, f40, and f50 were 0.004, 0.003, and 0.003 and 0.015, 0.009, and 0.017 for kV and MV, respectively. The average recorded dose for kV was 67.96 μGy. The standard deviations of the evaluated metrics for the S20 acquisition were 0.083(f30), 0.058(f40), 0.056(f50), 0.021(Water/poly-HU constancy), 0.029(uniformity) and 0.028(noise). The standard deviations for the M20 acquisition were 0.093(f30), 0.043(f40), 0.037(f50), 0.016(Water/poly-HU constancy), 0.010(uniformity) and 0.011(Noise). Conclusion A study was performed to assess the stability of the basic image quality parameters recommended by TG-142 for the Elekta XVI and iViewGT imaging systems. The two systems show consistent imaging and dosimetric properties over the evaluated time frame.
Monitoring Task Fatigue in Contemporary and Future Vehicles: A Review

This article reviews advancements in methods for detection of task-induced driver fatigue. Early detection of the onset of fatigue may be enhanced by spectral frequency analysis of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and analysis of eye fixation durations. Validity may also be improved by developing algorithms that accommodate driver sleep history assessed using mobile actigraphic methods. Challenges to development of fatigue indices include ensuring that metrics are valid across the range of task demands encountered by drivers. Future autonomous vehicles will place novel demands on the driver, and research is needed to test the applicability of current fatigue metrics.
Spin-polarized tunneling

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on spin-polarized tunneling in superconductors and ferromagnetic materials. The superconducting tunneling conductance technique is used for measuring the spin polarization of conduction electrons in a ferromagnetic material very different from 3d metals. Using a spin-split superconducting film remains the most unambiguous method of measuring the spin polarization of the tunnel current from a ferromagnetic metal because of the long coherence length of superconductors and the complete understanding of the theory and experimental method of superconducting tunnel spectroscopy. In spin-polarized tunneling, the polarization of the tunnel current is derived from the spin imbalance of the density of states of spin-up and spin-down conduction electrons at the Fermi energy. Spin-polarized tunneling between superconductors and ferromagnets show that the conduction electrons tunneling from ferromagnetic metals are spin polarized with degrees of polarization that are characteristic of each metal. The spin polarization of the tunnel current from ferromagnetic electrodes is extremely sensitive to surface and interface properties because of the short coherence length characteristic of the ferromagnetic state.
Actin-Bound Nucleotide/Divalent Cation Interactions

The protein actin is a major constituent of the cytoskeleton of virtually all eukaryotic cells. The relatively stable actin filament structure of muscle cells is essential to muscle contraction; the motile events of non-muscle cells involve active reorganization of the actin filament network. Actin has binding sites for one tightly bound divalent cation and one adenosine nucleotide per molecule. These ligands are important to the stability of the actin molecule and actin filament, and to the ATP hydrolysis that is involved in actin polymerization in a way which is still incompletely understood.
Fast-beam laser lifetime measurements of the cesium 6 p 2 P 1 / 2 , 3 / 2 states

We provide a detailed description of our fast-beam laser lifetime measurements in atomic cesium. Selective excitation of the neutral ${}^{133}\mathrm{Cs}$ $6p{}^{2}{P}_{1/2}$ and $6p{}^{2}{P}_{3/2}$ states is accomplished with resonant diode laser light directed transversely to the atomic velocity. The in-flight decay of the excited-state fluorescence is observed with a position-correlated single photon-counting detector. The Doppler-shifted $6p{}^{2}{P}_{3/2}$ resonance, when probed with longitudinally propagating laser radiation, provides a precise means for determination of the beam velocity, and converts the position scale to a time scale. Our lifetime results are $35.07\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10 \mathrm{ns}$ for the $6p{}^{2}{P}_{1/2}$ state and $30.57\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.07 \mathrm{ns}$ for the $6p{}^{2}{P}_{3/2}$ state. These results represent a data set larger than in our previous work, and include beam divergence corrections which have been evaluated by two different methods. We present comparisons of our results with previous measurements and with relativistic many-body calculations of atomic transition matrix elements in this neutral alkali system.
Some Experimental Considerations in Atomic Absorption

A study of the various parameters that must be optimized for the best atomic-absorption analysis has been made. Two of the instrument variables we have investigated are the burner and hollow-cathode lamp. A comparison of the total consumption and laminar flow burners for Fe, Mg, and Pb is given, evaluating sensitivity, analytical precision, and possible interferences. A study of hollow-cathode lamps is also presented in which single and multielement types are operated both with ac current and with dc current in conjunction with a chopper. The effects of various lamps and their manner of operation on sensitivity and precision are given for the analysis of aqueous solutions for Fe, Mg, Pb, and Ca. For Fe, e.g., a change from 0.065 to 0.305 absorbance units was obtained for a 10 ppmaqueous standard, depending on the choice of lamp and whether it was used with ac or dc. Advantages and disadvantages of the various possibilities are discussed.
Ultra-Wideband Impedance Spectroscopy of a Live Biological Cell

For the first time, the impedance spectrum of a live Jurkat T-lymphocytes human cell was characterized in a single sweep, spanning six decades of frequency from 9 kHz to 9 GHz. The ultra-wide bandwidth bridged the traditional impedance spectroscopy at kilohertz–megahertz frequencies with the recently developed microwave dielectric spectroscopy, which can probe the cell interior without being hindered by the cell membrane. Based on the measured scattering parameters and a simple cell model, an equivalent circuit of four nondispersive elements, including membrane resistance, membrane capacitance, cytoplasm resistance, and cytoplasm capacitance, was extracted and found sufficient to explain the so-called $\beta $ relaxation over the frequencies measured. These extracted cell parameters are in general agreement with the literature but are believed to be more accurate, giving the relatively small standard deviations, the configuration with a cell in intimate contact with the measurement electrodes, and the ultra-wide bandwidth of the measurement.
Interpretant and Interpretation

We do not approach the work of the poet or musician in the same way that we would the geometer’s diagram or the philosopher’s proposition. But, as Peirce points out, the work of the poet or novelist is not so utterly different from the scientific man. The artist introduces a fiction; but it is not an arbitrary one; it exhibits affinities to which the mind accords a certain approval in pronouncing it beautiful, which if it is not exactly the same as saying that the synthesis is true, is something of the same general kind. The geometer draws a diagram, which if not exactly a fiction, is at least a creation, and by means of observation of that diagram he is able to synthesize and show relations between elements which before seemed to have no necessary connection. (1.383)
Abstract 1228: Comparative genomic analysis of young-onset and late-onset colorectal cancer

Background: Young-onset colorectal cancer, the majority of which are sporadic, may have distinct molecular characteristics and etiologies. However, thus far, the genomic landscape of young-onset CRCs has remained largely uncharacterized. This study aimed to compare somatic mutation differences between young-onset and late-onset CRCs using the AACR GENIE data, a consortium of patients treated at 8 global cancer centers. Methods: Clinical and DNA mutation data on 2,081 CRC samples were downloaded from Sage Bionetworks (Synapse ID: syn7222066). A total of 162 samples from CRC patients who had more than one samples or were likely to have Lynch syndrome were excluded. Young-onset CRCs were defined as cancers arising at age 10% mutation frequency include: TP53 (66.86%), APC (59.46%), KRAS (47.42%), PIK3CA (18.40%), SMAD4 (12.71%) and BRAF (10.06%). The metastatic CRCs were on average slightly older than primary CRCs (mean age=56.96 vs. 55.90, two sample t test P=0.09). Comparing gene mutation between 300 young-onset versus 655 late-onset primary CRCs, mutation rate per Mb was slightly but not significantly higher in the latter (median=3.74 vs. 4.14, P=0.2199). DOT1L (9.82% vs. 1.95%, P=0.0014), IGF1R (6.12% vs. 1.72%, P=0.0057), BRCA1 (5.61% vs. 1.47%, P=0.0069), JUN (6.25% vs. 1.17%, P=0.0104), PTCH1 (7.14% vs. 2.7%, P=0.0151), TSHR (5.36% vs. 1.17%, P=0.0253), EIF1AX (3.06% vs. 0%, P=0.02811), JAK2 (2.0% vs. 0.46%, P=0.0311), EP300 (8.67% vs. 4.41%, P=0.0414), PHOX2B (2.20% vs. 0.27%, P=0.0419), SMC1A (3.57% vs. 0%, P=0.0446) and CSF1R (3.02% vs. 1.03%, P=0.0439) had a significantly higher mutation rate in the young-onset primary CRCs. Meanwhile, KRAS was mutated more frequently in late-onset primary CRCs (44.0% vs. 51.3%, P=0.03679). For metastatic CRCs, NTRK1 was found mutated in 12 (3.80%) out of 316 later-onset metastatic CRCs but none out of 129 young-onset metastatic CRCs (P=0.0223). Meanwhile, CIC was mutated in only 1 out of 103 young-onset metastatic CRCs but 17 (6.44%) out of 264 late-onset metastatic CRCs (P=0.0302) and TP53 had a nearly 8% higher mutation rate in young-onset metastatic CRCs (79.01% vs. 71.19%, P=0.0488). Conclusions: Mutation rates were found significantly higher in many genes among young-onset primary CRCs compared to late-onset primary CRCs. Citation Format: Jingqin Luo, Marios Giannakis, Graham Colditz, Jean Wang, William Chapman, Adetunji T. Toriola, Yoshiko Mito, Reiko Nishihara, Jonathan Nowak, Charles Fuchs, Edward Giovannucci, Andrew T. Chan, Adam Bass, Shuji Ogino, Ryan Fields, Yin Cao. Comparative genomic analysis of young-onset and late-onset colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1228.
Resilience, environmental concern, or energy democracy? A panel data analysis of microgrid adoption in the United States

Abstract Microgrids are known to be one of the most effective forms of decentralized energy systems, mainly because of their ability to run independently of the central grid and efficiently integrate a number of distributed energy resources. In terms of a country-wise microgrid market, the United States has the highest capacity share in the world. However, within the country, significant variation exists in the adoption of microgrids by the states. In this context, this paper presents an empirical analysis of the drivers behind high and low microgrid adoption in states across the United States. The results illustrate that the states that frequently experience disasters, and hence have high resilience concerns are more likely to adopt microgrids. On the other hand, higher citizen support for energy choice and pro-environmental attitudes of citizens do not have statistically significant effects on microgrid adoption. By examining the determinants of microgrid adoption in states, this paper provides a basis for understanding the socio-political foundations of the trend of decentralization in the energy system.
Street Crime Victimization Among Homeless Adults: A Review of the Literature

This article reports the current state of scientific knowledge concerning specific forms of street crime victimization affecting homeless adults, ages 18 or over. This interdisciplinary systematic ...
Transition Considerations for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a condition in which there is a defect in adrenal steroidogenesis leading to defective cortisol production, salt wasting, and varying degrees of hyperandrogenism. This lifelong endocrine condition requires multiple medications, frequent laboratory evaluation, and close monitoring to prevent adverse long-term outcomes. The management of CAH can be challenging, especially during the transition from pediatric to adult care. During adolescence, specific treatment and educational topics for patients and families must be addressed by the medical team to help prepare for managing CAH in adulthood. The aim of this chapter is to discuss management goals in the adolescent period, psychosocial and educational issues specific to CAH that should be addressed with patients and families, and appropriate transition practices from pediatric to adult care.
The impacts of assumptions on theories of tooth development and evolution at the turn of the nineteenth century.

Throughout the last quarter of the nineteenth century, researchers became increasingly interested in explaining the ways in which mammalian teeth, especially molars, and their complex arrangements of cusps arose along both developmental and evolutionary timescales. By the 1890s, two theories garnered special prominence; the tritubercular theory and the concrescence theory. The tritubercular theory was proposed by Edward Drinker Cope in 1883, and later expanded by Henry Fairfield Osborn in 1888, while the concrescence theory was developed by Carl Rose in 1892. Reviews concerning the evolution of mammalian molar teeth tended to paint the two theories as occupying opposing sides, and debates arose between their main proponents; however, their tenets do not seem logically incompatible. Throughout this paper, I argue that the conflict that arose was due not to the content of the theories, but to a diverse array of commitments Cope, Osborn, and Rose held, which turned into background assumptions within the setting of these theories. This history traces the context in which Cope, Osborn, and Rose developed the tritubercular and concrescence theories, and the ways in which the assumptions that these investigators held influenced their perceptions of their theories.
Nationwide Readmission Rates Following Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Does Age Matter?

Abstract Introduction/Objectives: Despite minimal evidence that evaluates the effect of age on percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) morbidity, pediatric and elderly patients are considered high-risk...
Comparative Effectiveness of Four Specialized Nutritious Food Products for Treatment of Moderate Acute Malnutrition in Sierra Leone (P10-140-19)

This study compared the effectiveness of 4 specialized nutritious foods (SNFs) used for the treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) in children <5 years of age in Pujehun District, Sierra Leone. This was a cluster-randomized trial operating through a supplementary feeding program (SFP) providing SNFs for treatment of MAM. Three study foods were fortified blended foods – Super Cereal Plus w/amylase (SC + A), Corn-soy Blend Plus w/oil (CSB + w/oil), and Corn-soy-whey Blend w/oil (CSWB w/oil) – and one was a lipid-based Ready to Use Supplementary Food (RUSF). From 4/2017 to 11/2018, children with MAM, defined as mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) ≥11.5 cm and <12.5 cm without bipedal edema, were enrolled at participating health clinics and received rations bi-weekly until they reached an outcome or for up to 12 weeks. A stratified randomization technique was used to select 28 sites and randomize them into 7 per arm based on pre-determined criteria. During the study, an 8ᵗʰ site was added to the CSWB w/oil arm due to low enrollment. The primary outcome was graduation from SFP defined as MUAC ≥12.5 cm within the 12-week treatment period. Mixed-effect regression assessed whether there were differences in graduation rates among children treated with one of the 4 SNFs. A total of 2683 children were enrolled out of a planned sample size of ∼5000. Overall: 63% graduated from MAM, 19% developed severe acute malnutrition (SAM), 7% defaulted (missed 3 visits in a row), 1% died, and 10% reached no outcome within 12 weeks. Twenty-five % were transferred into the study from SAM treatment. By study arm, graduation rates were: 62% in CSWB w/oil, 65% in SC + A, 64% in CSB + w/oil, 62% in RUSF. In an unadjusted model, statistically significant differences in graduation rates between the arms were not detected. Data analysis is ongoing to determine if this finding is maintained in adjusted models. The 4 foods performed comparably in treating MAM in unadjusted analysis. Decision-making by donors, governments, and programmers on which food to program should also be based on cost-effectiveness analysis. Supported by the Office of Food for Peace, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, U.S. Agency for International Development.
Abstract 1871: Tannic acid: A natural anticancer agent for non-small cell lung cancer

Background Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths across globe. Statistically, 70-80% of lung cancer cases fall under non-small cells lung cancer (NSCLC) category. Recently, usage of natural compounds (e.g. EGCG, curcumin, resveratrol, apigenin, etc.,) for cancer therapy has gained lots of attention. However, poor dissolution profiles of these natural compounds lead to unfavorable pharmacological doses and administration. For this purpose, we have candidate, a water-soluble natural polyphenol, Tannic acid (TA, C76H52O46), which, a natural polyphenol that is richly found in plants such as green tea. This molecule exhibits anti-oxidant and anti-proliferative activities, which is being used as an alternative therapeutic option in cancer therapy. However, role of TA in NSCLC was not examined. Therefore, the aim of present study is to assess the molecular effects of TA in NSCLC cells. Methods For this study, two NSCLC cell lines (A549 and H1299) and one normal lung cell line (BEAS-2B) were used. We investigated the anti-proliferative effects of TA on NSCLC cells using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) tetrazolium (MTT), and colony formation assays. The anti-invasiveness and anti-migratory potential of TA was evaluated through Matrigel and Boyden chamber studies, respectively. Cell cycle and apoptotic effects of TA was evaluated through flow cytometry and western blot studies. The quantification of secreted VEGF was assessed by ELISA. Also, for affirmation results of gene expression profiles we performed q-PCR studies. Results Cell proliferation study demonstrated a dose dependent anti-cancer effects of TA on NSCLC cells. However, TA had no significant toxicity effects on human bronchial epithelial cells. Similarly, colony formation results exhibited dose dependence reduction in response to escalated dose of TA exposure. Both the invasion and migration results confirm its anti-metastatic role. Extracellular VEGF quantification showed lower VEGF secretion with TA treatments compared to the control cells. The cell cycle analysis evidently showed TA efficiently induced G1 phase cell arrest in NSCLC cells which was further confirmed through western blotting studies of relevant proteins (Cyclin D1, P53, p21, p18, BAX, BCL-2). We also achieved to show the decreased expression of VEGFR2, p-AKT, and cleaved caspase 7 indicating TA induces apoptosis. Conclusion Overall, these results demonstrate illustrate anti-cancer activity of TA by targeting the VEGF related pathways in NSCLC. This approach can lead to an alternative therapeutic strategy for lung cancer, with ideal PK/PD profiles. Citation Format: Elham Hatami, Prashanth K.B. Nagesh, Pallabita Chowdhury, Advit Bhaskar Shetty, Manish K. Tripathi, Subhash Chauhan, Meena Jaggi, Murali Yallapu. Tannic acid: A natural anticancer agent for non-small cell lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1871.
Accurate Force Field Parameters and pH Resolved Surface Models for Hydroxyapatite to Understand Structure, Mechanics, Hydration, and Biological Interfaces

Mineralization of bone and teeth involves interactions between biomolecules and hydroxyapatite. Associated complex interfaces and processes remain difficult to analyze at the 1 to 100 nm scale using current laboratory techniques, and prior apatite models for atomistic simulations have been limited in the representation of chemical bonding, surface chemistry, and interfacial interactions. In this contribution, an accurate force field along with pH-resolved surface models for hydroxyapatite is introduced to represent chemical bonding, structural, surface, interfacial, and mechanical properties in quantitative agreement with experiment. The accuracy is orders of magnitude higher in comparison to earlier models and facilitates quantitative monitoring of inorganic-biological assembly. The force field is integrated into the AMBER, CHARMM, CFF, CVFF, DREIDING, GROMACS, INTERFACE, OPLS-AA, and PCFF force fields to enable realistic simulations of apatite-biological systems of any composition and ionic strength. Sp...
Temporal Horn Choroid Plexus Papilloma Presenting with Seizures in Adulthood: Clinical Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are benign World Health Organization grade I tumors that comprise 2%–4% of all brain tumors among children and less than 1% of brain tumors in adults. Most adult cases occur in the fourth ventricle, with only 1 previous report describing an adult patient with a temporal horn CPP. Case Description We report a rare case of a temporal horn CPP presenting in an adult with seizures. We performed a minimally invasive subtemporal approach for gross total resection of the lesion. Conclusions CPP presenting in the temporal horn is rare among adults. We discuss the surgical nuances of the subtemporal approach for resection and review the literature regarding adult presentation of CPP and the treatment strategies for adult CPP.
Compounding Complexity: Examining Multiple Factors Leading to Challenges Within Grandfamilies.

Background and objectives Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren in the absence of the biological parents, often referred to as custodial grandparents, are prevalent across the United States. The objective of this project was to establish a grounded theory as a tool for practitioners and researchers to understand the experiences of members of grandfamiles. Research design and methods In-depth, unstructured interviews with custodial grandparents and grandchildren from 15 grandfamilies were conducted. Classic grounded theory was the methodology used to ask the question, "What are the challenges within grandfamilies and how do they respond to these challenges?" Results The theory emerging from the data, Compounding Complexity, provides an explanatory framework of three interrelated categories of factors that affect complexity in grandfamilies: situational, relationship, and emotional complexity. Conflict and change were found to be consistent across the categories of Compounding Complexity. Discussions and implications Next steps include adding data from interviews with biological parents to Compounding Complexity and applying the theory. Understanding relationship, situational, and emotional complexity in the context of conflict and change enables practitioners to advance their work with grandfamiies.
Analysis of the effect of laparoscopic salpingostomy in the treatment of infertile caused by hydrosalpinx

Objective To analyze the effect of laparoscopic salpingo.stomy in the treatment of infertile caused by hydrosalpinx,and explore the reasonable treatment method for improving pregancy rate.Methods 130 infertile women with hydrosalpinx were treated with salpingostomy firstly,some unsuccessful cases were treated with salpingectomy.The pregnancy rate between successfully salpingostomied patients and unsuccessfully salpingostomied patients was also compared.Results 85 cases were salpingostomied successfully,the successful rate was 65.4％,among these patients 40 received IVF-ET,there was no difference in the natural pregnancy rate between singly hydrosalpinx (17.9％) and double hydrosalpinx(16.7％) (x2 =0.06,P ＞ 0.05),but the artificial pregnancy rate in single hydrosalpinx(70.0％) was higher than double hydrosalpinx (35.0％) (x2 =4.912,P ＜ 0.05).Among 45 unsuccessfully salpingostomied patients,14 cases underwent salpingectomy,all patients received more than two times of IVF-ET treatment,the pregnancy rate in salpingectomied patients (21.4％) was higher than unsalpingectomied (3.2％) (x2 =3.946,P ＜ 0.05).The artificial pregnancy rate of successfully salpingostomied patients (52.2％) was higher than unsuccessful patients (21.4％) (x2 =4.055,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Salpingostomy can raise the pregnancy rate (natural or artificial),it is beneficial to do salpingectomy for unsuccessfully salpingostomied patients who want to receive IVF-ET. Key words: Laparoscopy; Salpingostomy; Fallopian tube diseases; Infertility, female
Do "brassy" sounding musical instruments need increased safe distancing requirements to minimize the spread of COVID-19?

Brass wind instruments with long sections of cylindrical pipe, such as trumpets and trombones, sound “brassy” when played at a fortissimo level due to the generation of a shock front in the instrument. It has been suggested that these shock fronts may increase the spread of COVID-19 by propelling respiratory particles containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus several meters due to particle entrainment in the low pressure area behind the shocks. To determine the likelihood of this occurring, fluorescent particles, ranging in size from 10–50 μm, were dropped into the shock regions produced by a trombone, a trumpet, and a shock tube. Preliminary results indicate that propagation of small airborne particles by the shock fronts radiating from brass wind instruments is unlikely.
An integrated approach to solving influence diagrams and finite-horizon partially observable decision processes

Abstract We show how to integrate a variable elimination approach to solving influence diagrams with a value iteration approach to solving finite-horizon partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs). The integration of these approaches creates a variable elimination algorithm for influence diagrams that has much more relaxed constraints on elimination order, which allows improved scalability in many cases. The new algorithm can also be viewed as a generalization of the value iteration algorithm for POMDPs that solves non-Markovian as well as Markovian problems, in addition to leveraging a factored representation for improved efficiency. The development of a single algorithm that integrates and generalizes both of these classic algorithms, one for influence diagrams and the other for POMDPs, unifies these two approaches to solving Bayesian decision problems in a way that combines their complementary advantages.
Stochastic Equations and Martingale Problems

Progressive functions, drift and diffusion rates, Langevin equation, linear equations, weak, strong, and functional solutions, stochastic flows, Picard iteration, explosion, uniqueness, path-wise and in law, martingale problems, weak existence and continuity, measurability and mixtures, strong Markov and Feller properties, transformation of drift, scaling, transfer of solutions.
Explaining Fear of Identity Theft Victimization Using a Routine Activity Approach

The current study aims to estimate and explain citizens’ fear of identity theft victimization by examining data collected from a nationally representative sample of South Korean residents. Specific...
Longitudinal associations of sleep problems with alcohol and cannabis use from adolescence to emerging adulthood.

STUDY OBJECTIVES This study examined longitudinal associations of sleep problems with alcohol and cannabis use across six annual waves of data from adolescence to emerging adulthood. METHODS Participants were 3,265 youth from California (ages 16-22 across waves). At each wave, past-month alcohol use and cannabis use, mental health, and several dimensions of sleep health (i.e. social jetlag, bedtimes, time in bed, trouble sleeping) were assessed via questionnaire. Parallel process latent growth models examined the association between sleep and alcohol or cannabis use trajectories and the role of mental health in contributing to such trajectories. RESULTS Smaller declines in social jetlag (r = 0.11, p = 0.04), increases in trouble sleeping (r = 0.18, p < 0.01), and later weekday (r = 0.16, p < 0.01) and weekend bedtimes (r = 0.25, p < 0.01) were associated with increases in likelihood of alcohol use over time. Declines in weekend TIB (r = -0.13, p = 0.03), as well as increases in weekday TIB (r = 0.11, p = 0.04) and later weekday (r = 0.18, p < 0.01) and weekend bedtime (r = 0.24, p < 0.01), were associated with increases in likelihood of cannabis use over time. Most associations remained significant after controlling for time-varying mental health symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Trajectories of sleep health were associated with trajectories of alcohol and cannabis use during late adolescence to emerging adulthood. Improving sleep is an important target for intervention efforts to reduce the risk of substance use during this critical developmental transition.
Surgical Axillary Staging Before Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Who Gets It and Why We Should Avoid It

Surgical axillary staging demonstrating positive nodal disease before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) necessitates axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) post-NAC. Despite evidence supporting post-NAC surgical staging, we hypothesized that there is persistent use of pre-NAC staging and that it is associated with aggressive clinicopathologic features and a higher rate of subsequent ALND. Stage I–III breast cancer patients who underwent lymph node staging surgery and received NAC between 2013 and 2017 in the National Cancer Database were included. Sequence of staging surgery and chemotherapy administration was determined. Multivariable regression was used to assess characteristics associated with pre-NAC staging. Rate of ALND was compared between those who had pre- and post-NAC surgical axillary staging. In total, 120,538 met inclusion; 68% received NAC first and 32% had pre-NAC staging. Pre-NAC staging surgery was associated with younger age (age < 30 versus 40–49 years, HR 1.1) and decreased with older age (ages 70–79/80+ versus 40–49 years, HR 0.86 and 0.73). Advancing clinical T stage, lobular subtype, higher grade, and HR+/HER2− subtype were also associated with pre-NAC surgical staging. Women who underwent pre-NAC surgical staging were more likely to undergo ALND. Over 30% of women underwent surgical axillary staging prior to NAC, resulting in higher rates of ALND in this cohort. While certain features suggestive of aggressive behavior (grade and T stage) were associated with pre-NAC surgical axillary staging, women with more aggressive tumor subtypes (triple negative/HER2+) were less likely to undergo pre-NAC surgical axillary staging. Pre-NAC surgical axillary staging should be performed only in rare circumstances to avoid unnecessary ALND.
Nobel Laureate Harry Markowitz: Creator of the Modern Portfolio Theory

Harry Markowitz’s modern portfolio theory, by demonstrating that portfolio diversification can reduce investment risk, has become the bedrock of investment management practice and earned Markowitz the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. Modern money managers create optimal portfolios for their clients by maximizing the expected return for a specified risk tolerance. Trillions of dollars in institutional assets are invested under modern portfolio theory guidelines. Markowitz’s portfolio theory also laid the foundation for the capital asset pricing model, a theory of price formation for financial assets.
Experimental data sets on the evaluation of graphene oxide as a thyroid endocrine disruptor and a modulator of gas gland cells in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) larvae at the onset of maturity

Abstract This article presents the experimental datasets obtained from the histological /histochemical studies of endocrine disrupting effects of graphene oxide (GO) on thyroid follicles and gas gland (GG) cells of Japanese medaka larvae at the onset of maturity. The experiment was conducted on one day-post hatch (dph) starved fries (orange-red variety) immersed in different concentrations of GO (2.5-20.0 mg/L) and no GO (controls) in embryo-rearing medium (ERM) for 96 h under laboratory conditions (25±1˚C; light cycle 16 h light: 8 h dark). After treatment, larvae were maintained in balanced salt solution (BSS) with food and allowed depuration for 6 more weeks in a GO-free environment. On 47 dph, the larvae were anesthetized in MS 222 and their total lengths (mm) and weights (mg) were measured, and they were then cut into three small pieces (head, trunk, and tail). Head and trunk regions were fixed in 4% PFA in 20 mM PBS for 48 h at room temperature and the post-anal tail was preserved in TRI reagent and kept at -20 ˚C until analysis. Tissues in 4% PFA were used for cutting 5µm thick paraffin sections in a manual rotary microtome. Sections of head regions were evaluated for thyroid follicles after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) or Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Trunk sections were used for swim bladder (SB) inflation studies and for phenotypic sex (ovary and testis) of the larvae after HE staining. Genetic sex assessment was made from tail DNA by genotyping Y chromosome-specific male sex-determining gene dmy. Digital images were captured by using either an Olympus B-max 40 microscope attached to a camera with Q-capture Pro 7 software or an Olympus CKX53 microscope with DP22 camera and CellSens software. Images of thyroid follicles and GG cells were analyzed using imagej software. HE stained histological sections of thyroid follicles near the heart and branchial regions were captured and the area (µm2) of individual follicles (minimum 3) available in the entire section were measured. The heights of thyrocytes (µm) were determined directly. Manual counting of GG cells was made from the digital images captured in several regions of the SB avoiding blood cells and other cells which have indistinct nucleus and pale cytoplasm; results were expressed as the number of GG cells/mm2. Data were analyzed by GraphPad prism version 7.04. For normally distributed data, one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Tukey's test or unpaired parametric “t” test including Welch's correction was used. Otherwise, Kruskal-Wallis test followed by nonparametric Mann-Whitney's test as a post hoc test was used. Data were expressed as means ±SEM and the level of significance was set at p
Understanding Environmental Pollution a Primer

Understanding Environmental Pollution systematically introduces pollution issues to students and others with little scientific background. The first edition received excellent reviews, and the newedition has been completely refined and updated. The book moves from the definition of pollution and how pollutants behave, to air and water pollution basics, pollution and global change, solid waste, and pollution in the home. It also discusses persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals, and pesticides, and it places greater stress on global pollutants. The relationship between energy generation and use, and pollution is stressed, as well as the importance of going beyond pollution control, to pollution prevention. Impacts on human and environmental health are emphasized throughout. Students are often invited to come to their own conclusions after having been presented with a variety of opinions. This textbook provides the basic concepts of pollution, toxicology and risk assessment for non-science majors as well as environmental science students.
Soil Adaptability for No-Tillage

The unique properties of individual soils determine their limitations and suitability for land use. Because of these wide ranges of differences among soils of the world it is understandable that no one tillage system would be best suited for all soils. Soil properties and climatic conditions should be carefully evaluated before selecting a tillage system. Soil conditions that favor no-tillage farming or modifications of these systems will be discussed in this chapter as well as conditions that are less favorable for the adoption of no-tillage farming techniques.