cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Before the Fall: Lehman Brothers 2008 (TN)

This case examines Lehman Brothers in the months preceding its collapse. Following the announcement of a huge and unexpected second quarter loss, the CFO was removed from her post after only seven months in the job. This case explores the challenges faced by a firm leader as she attempts to manage a situation that threatens the firm's survival. In particular, the case allows for an examination of how changes in a firm's performance and position are communicated to key external stakeholders in an effort to retain their confidence, while market conditions worsen, the balance sheet deteriorates, and the firm's credibility is challenged by a short selling hedge fund.
EARS: Efficient Entity Authentication in Remote Systems

With the rapid pace of electronic business, strong authentication is required to mitigate risks of simple password-based authentication systems. In this paper, we present a two-factor entity authentication scheme for remote systems, which provides strong authentication, greater flexibility and requires less computational cost.
Comparative effects of dietary tannins in ducks, chicks, and rats.

Abstract Studies were conducted to compare the effects of feeding high-tannin sorghum (HTS)- and low-tannin sorghum (LTS)-based diets suboptimal in protein to ducks, chicks, and rats. In the first series of experiments, Savanna (HTS) depressed both growth and feed efficiency of chicks and rats when compared with animals fed RS-610 (LTS). In contrast, ducks fed Savanna-based diets exhibited greater weight gains, but poorer feed efficiency values than birds fed RS-610. In a second series of experiments, Pioneer 8333 (LTS) and DeKalb BR-64 (HTS) sorghum-soybean meal diets were fed to chicks, ducks, and rats. As compared with animals fed 8333, BR-64 depressed both growth and feed efficiency of chicks and rats, but did not significantly affect either parameter in ducks. The lack of effect of HTS on duck growth may have been due to the formation of tannin-protein complexes upon exposure of the ground grain to water. This theory was based on the following observations: 1) ducks consumed water immediately after eating to facilitate swallowing the dry-mash diet; 2) a large amount of feed was deposited on the bottom of each water trough and subsequently consumed; and 3) ground HTS, which had been soaked for 4 h, had virtually no assayable tannin after drying. However, despite the marked reduction in assayable tannin content of treated HTS versus HTS mat was dried only, the former material still depressed growth and feed conversion of rats. Thus, the lack of a growth-depressing effect of sorghum tanning in ducks fed dry-mash diets is both unique and unexplained.
EPA's National Dioxin Air Monitoring Network (NDAMN): Design, implementation, and final results

Abstract The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) established the National Dioxin Air Monitoring Network (NDAMN) in June of 1998, and operated it until November of 2004. The objective of NDAMN was to determine background air concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs). NDAMN started with 10 sampling sites, adding more over time until the final count of 34 sites was reached by the beginning of 2003. Samples were taken quarterly, and the final sample count was 685. All samples were measured for 17 PCDD/PCDF congeners, 8 PCDD/PCDF homologue groups, and 7 dl-PCBs (note: 5 additional dl-PCBs were added for samples starting in the summer of 2002; 317 samples had measurements of 12 dl-PCBs). The overall average total toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentration in the United States was 11.2 fg TEQ m −3 with dl-PCBs contributing 0.8 fg TEQ m −3 (7%) to this total. The archetype dioxin and furan background air congener profile was seen in the survey averages and in most individual samples. This archetype profile is characterized by low and similar concentrations for tetra – through hexa PCDD/PCDF congeners, with elevations in four congeners – a hepta dioxin and furan congener, and both octa congeners. Sites were generally categorized as urban (4 sites), rural (23 sites), or remote (7 sites). The average TEQ concentrations over all sites and samples within these categories were: urban = 15.9 fg TEQ m −3 , rural = 13.9 fg TEQ m −3 , and remote = 1.2 fg TEQ m −3 . Rural sites showed elevations during the fall or winter months when compared to the spring or summer months, and the same might be said for urban sites, but the remote sites appear to show little variation over time. The four highest individual moment measurements were 847, 292, 241, and 132 fg TEQ m −3 . For the 847 and 292 fg TEQ m −3 samples, the concentrations of all congeners were elevated over their site averages, but for the 241 and 132 fg TEQ m −3 measurements, only the PCDD congeners were elevated while PCDF and dl-PCB concentrations were similar to the site averages.
An oncolytic parasite to treat polycythemia vera.

No abstract available. (Published: 6 November 2015) Citation: Libyan J Med 2015, 10 : 30003 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v10.30003
Growth and lipolysis of rat adipose tissue: effect of age, body weight, and food intake

The purpose of the present work was to study age- and weight-controlled rats to determine which is the primary factor in reducing the lipolytic response of free fat cells and which has the greater effect on the ratio of fat cells to nonfat cells in adipose tissue. The method for estimating fat cell and nonfat cell numbers is based on the analysis of adipose tissue and fat cell DNA and lipid. In adequately fed rats, epididymal adipocyte hyperplasia is complete between 9 and 14 wk of age. Chronic underfeeding delays, but does not eliminate, normal fat cell hyperplasia and is accompanied by a net loss in the nonfat cell population. During 9–14 wk of age, rat epididymal adipose tissue enlarges mainly through adipocyte hypertrophy. Total fat cells from the epididymal adipose tissue of control rats represent only 20–23% of the total cell population. Chronic underfeeding increases the percentage of fat cells in the fat pad from 23 to 28%. Noradrenaline-stimulated lipolysis is proportional to fat cell numbers but is inhibited when fat cell lipid increases to over 80% of fat pad wet weight. Rat age is apparently not primarily responsible for the decreased noradrenaline-stimulated lipolysis in fat cells of 350-g rats in vitro.
A Study of Pointer-Chasing Performance on Shared-Memory Processor-FPGA Systems

The advent of FPGA acceleration platforms with direct coherent access to processor memory creates an opportunity for accelerating applications with irregular parallelism governed by large in-memory pointer-based data structures. This paper uses the simple reference behavior of a linked-list traversal as a proxy to study the performance potentials of accelerating these applications on shared-memory processor-FPGA systems. The linked-list traversal is parameterized by node layout in memory, per-node data payload size, payload dependence, and traversal concurrency to capture the main performance effects of different pointer-based data structures and algorithms. The paper explores the trade-offs over a wide range of implementation options available on shared-memory processor-FPGA architectures, including using tightly-coupled processor assistance. We make observations of the key effects on currently available systems including the Xilinx Zynq, the Intel QuickAssist QPI FPGA Platform, and the Convey HC-2. The key results show: (1) the FPGA fabric is least efficient when traversing a single list with non-sequential node layout and a small payload size; (2) processor assistance can help alleviate this shortcoming; and (3) when appropriate, a fabric only approach that interleaves multiple linked list traversals is an effective way to maximize traversal performance.
Blockade of angiotensin receptors in rat rostral ventrolateral medulla removes excitatory vasomotor tone

The rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) plays a primary role in the tonic and phasic control of arterial blood pressure. Stimulation of angiotensin receptors in this region appears to contribute to the tonic excitatory drive of RVLM neurons involved in the control of blood pressure, but the extent of this contribution has not been previously evaluated. The present study used bilateral microinjections of angiotensin receptor antagonists into the RVLM of chloralose-anesthetized rats to determine the degree to which tonic blood pressure was dependent upon this angiotensin-mediated input. Bilateral injection into the RVLM of 1 nmol of [Sar1, Thr8]angiotensin II or [Sar1, Ile8] angiotensin II decreased blood pressure approximately 40 mmHg. The decrease in blood pressure elicited by these angiotensin antagonists was nearly as great as that elicited by complete bilateral inhibition of the RVLM produced by local injections of muscimol or elicited by inhibition of the autonomic nervous system by intravenous injection of chlorisondamine. The decrease in blood pressure caused by injection of these angiotensin antagonists was localized to the RVLM and was dose related. Responses elicited by [Sar1, Thr8]angiotensin II were eliminated by coinjection of angiotensin. In addition to markedly decreasing resting blood pressure, 1 nmol of [Sar1, Thr8]angiotensin II injected into the RVLM, also completely antagonized the increase in blood pressure elicited by blocking the tonic inhibitory influence exerted on the RVLM by neurons in the caudal ventrolateral medulla. These results demonstrate that tonic stimulation of angiotensin receptors in the RVLM accounts for much of the excitatory sympathetic vasomotor drive emanating from the RVLM.
Material Characterization of Additively Manufactured Part via Multi-Level Stochastic Upscaling Method

An integrated multiscale modeling framework that incorporates a simulation-based upscaling technique is developed and implemented for the material characterization of additively manufactured cellular structures in this paper. The proposed upscaling procedure enables the determination of homogenized parameters at multiple levels by matching the probabilistic performances between fine and coarse scale models. Polynomial chaos expansion is employed in upscaling procedure to handle the computational burden caused by the input uncertainties. Efficient uncertainty quantification is achieved at the mesocale level by utilizing the developed upscaling technique. The homogenized parameters of mesostructures are utilized again at the macroscale level in the upscaling procedure to accurately obtain the overall material properties of the target cellular structure. Actual experimental results of additively manufactured parts are integrated into the developed procedure to demonstrate the efficacy of the method.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Honoring Our Intellectual Ancestors: A Feminist of Color Treaty for Creating Allied Collaboration

There are many unspoken norms in the culture of academia that are subtly communicated and integrated into academic socialization, from the doctoral training process into advanced professional devel...
Injury Deaths Related to Hurricane Sandy, New York City, 2012.

OBJECTIVE: This project aimed to describe demographic patterns and circumstances surrounding injury deaths in New York City (NYC) related to Hurricane Sandy. METHODS: Injury deaths related to Hurricane Sandy were classified by using data from multiple sources: NYC's Office of Vital Statistics death records, Office of Chief Medical Examiner case investigation files, and American Red Cross disaster mortality data. Injury deaths were classified as being related to Hurricane Sandy if they were caused directly by the storm's environmental forces or if they were indirectly caused by an interruption of services, displacement, or other lifestyle disruption. RESULTS: We identified 52 injury deaths in NYC related to Hurricane Sandy. Most decedents were male (75%); nearly half were aged 65 years and older (48%). Most (77%) deaths were caused by injuries directly related to Hurricane Sandy. Ninety percent of direct deaths were caused by drowning; most (73%) occurred within 3 days of landfall. Half (50%) of the 12 indirect deaths that occurred up to 30 days after the storm were caused by a fall. Nearly two-thirds (63%) were injured at home. Three-quarters (75%) of fatal injuries occurred in evacuation Zone A. CONCLUSIONS: Risk communication should focus on older adults, males, and those living in evacuation zones; more evacuation assistance is necessary. NYC's fatal injury profile can inform future coastal storm planning efforts. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;page 1 of 8). Language: en
Incrementation: Part Two

While rate equations are exact, the matching (linearized) incremental equations are approximations. It is very important that approximations do not lead to results that differ very much from exact solutions. Incremental formulations for both Green-Lagrange and Almansi strain are given, based upon their corresponding rate equations. Incremental Green-Lagrange and Almansi deviatoric strain expressions are determined, also based upon their corresponding rate equations. The respective error expressions, for incremental Green-Lagrange and Almansi strains and for incremental Green-Lagrange and Almansi deviatoric strains, based upon comparisons with exact expressions are given. A numerical example demonstrating errors associated with incremental strain formulations is presented.
Immune checkpoint blockade in lymphoid malignancies

Malignant cells may subvert and escape endogenous host immune surveillance by up-regulation of immune inhibitory signals known as immune checkpoints. These checkpoints are important therapeutic targets, and antibodies that block checkpoint signaling have shown remarkable efficacy in some solid tumors as well as in some refractory hematologic malignancies. In hematologic cancers, the mechanism of these checkpoints is complex, as the tumor and immune system are one and the same. In this review, we evaluate the biology of checkpoint inhibition, review the current data on its efficacy in lymphoid tumors, and explore uncertainties in the field, including those involving the precise mechanisms of action, the appropriate timing of therapy, and the differences in response rate between lymphoid tumor types.
Regulation of total and myofibrillar protein breakdown in rat extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscle incubated flaccid or at resting length

The present study characterized total and myofibrillar protein breakdown rates in a muscle preparation frequently used in vitro, i.e. incubated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL) muscles of young rats. Total and myofibrillar protein breakdown rates were assessed by determining net production by the incubated muscles of tyrosine and 3-methylhistidine (3-MH) respectively. Both amino acids were determined by h.p.l.c. Both total and myofibrillar protein breakdown rates were higher in SOL than in EDL muscles and were decreased by incubating the muscles maintained at resting length, rather than flaccid. After fasting for 72 h, total protein breakdown (i.e. tyrosine release) was increased by 73% and 138% in EDL muscles incubated flaccid and at resting length respectively. Net production of tyrosine by SOL muscle was not significantly altered by fasting. In contrast, myofibrillar protein degradation (i.e. 3-MH release) was markedly increased by fasting in both muscles. When tissue was incubated in the presence of 1 munit of insulin/ml, total protein breakdown rate was inhibited by 17-20%, and the response to the hormone was similar in muscles incubated flaccid or at resting length. In contrast, myofibrillar protein breakdown rate was not altered by insulin in any of the muscle preparations. The results support the concepts of individual regulation of myofibrillar and non-myofibrillar proteins and of different effects of various conditions on protein breakdown in different types of skeletal muscle. Thus determination of both tyrosine and 3-MH production in red and white muscle is important for a more complete understanding of protein regulation in skeletal muscle.
A paler shade of green? The toxicology of biodiesel emissions: Recent findings from studies with this alternative fuel.

Abstract Background Biodiesel produced primarily from plants and algal feedstocks is believed to have advantages for production and use compared to petroleum and to some other fuel sources. There is some speculation that exposure to biodiesel combustion emissions may not induce biological responses or health effects or at a minimum reduce the effects relative to other fuels. In evaluating the overall environmental and health effects of biodiesel production to end use scenario, empirical data or modeling data based on such data are needed. Scope of review This manuscript examines the available toxicology reports examining combustion derived biodiesel emissions since approximately 2007, when our last review of the topic occurred. Toxicity derived from other end uses of biodiesel - e.g., spills, dermal absorption, etc. - are not examined. Findings from biodiesel emissions are roughly divided into three areas: whole non-human animal model exposures; in vitro exposures of mammalian and bacterial cells (used for mutation studies primarily); and human exposures in controlled or other exposure fashions. Major conclusions Overall, these more current studies clearly demonstrate that biodiesel combustion emission exposure- to either 100% biodiesel or a blend in petroleum diesel- can induce biological effects. There are reports that show biodiesel exposure generally induces more effects or a greater magnitude of effect than petroleum diesel, however there are also a similar number of reports showing the opposite trend. It is unclear whether effects induced by exposure to a blend are greater than exposure to 100% biodiesel. Taken together, the evidence suggest biodiesel emissions can have some similar effects as diesel emissions on inflammatory, vascular, mutagenic, and other responses. General significance While acute biodiesel exposures can show toxicity with a variety of endpoints, the potential effects on human health need further validation. Additionally there are few or no findings to date on whether biodiesel emissions can induce effects or even a weaker response that petroleum diesel with repeated exposure scenarios such as in an occupational setting. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Air Pollution, edited by Wenjun Ding, Andrew J. Ghio and Weidong Wu.
Hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension augments lung injury and airway reactivity caused by ozone exposure

Ozone (O3)-related cardiorespiratory effects are a growing public health concern. Ground level O3 can exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions; however, research regarding therapeutic interventions to reduce O3-induced lung injury is limited. In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypoxia-associated pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a frequent comorbidity that is difficult to treat clinically, yet associated with increased mortality and frequency of exacerbations. In this study, we hypothesized that established HPH would confer vulnerability to acute O3 pulmonary toxicity. Additionally, we tested whether improvement of pulmonary endothelial barrier integrity via rho-kinase inhibition could mitigate pulmonary inflammation and injury. To determine if O3 exacerbated HPH, male C57BL/6 mice were subject to either 3 weeks continuous normoxia (20.9% O2) or hypoxia (10.0% O2), followed by a 4-h exposure to either 1ppm O3 or filtered air (FA). As an additional experimental intervention fasudil (20mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally prior to and after O3 exposures. As expected, hypoxia significantly increased right ventricular pressure and hypertrophy. O3 exposure in normoxic mice caused lung inflammation but not injury, as indicated by increased cellularity and edema in the lung. However, in hypoxic mice, O3 exposure led to increased inflammation and edema, along with a profound increase in airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. Fasudil administration resulted in reduced O3-induced lung injury via the enhancement of pulmonary endothelial barrier integrity. These results indicate that increased pulmonary vascular pressure may enhance lung injury, inflammation and edema when exposed to pollutants, and that enhancement of pulmonary endothelial barrier integrity may alleviate such vulnerability.
The Influence of Teacher and Peer Relationships on Students' Classroom Engagement and Everyday Motivational Resilience

The quality of students’ relationships with teachers and peers is a fundamental substrate for the development of academic engagement and achievement. This chapter offers teachers and researchers a ...
Surgery for Ischemic Infarcts

This chapter describes the surgical management of ischemic infarcts. The first surgical procedures on patients with massive infarctions were performed to alleviate severe brain swelling erroneously attributed to a tumor. The primary factors that determine the severity of an ischemic injury are the depth, duration, and the extent of the initial ischemic insult. Medical therapies for massive infarction in the cerebral hemispheres or the cerebellum are directed toward preventing additional ischemic injuries and controlling cerebral edema. Depending on the cause of vascular occlusion, anticoagulation is often indicated to prevent additional embolic events or thrombus propagation. A moderately elevated perfusion pressure must be maintained while avoiding both hypotension and excessive hypertension. Among patients who initially present with a massive cerebellar infarction and minimal brainstem dysfunction, timely surgical decompression can be lifesaving and result in a functional and independent survival. Massive hemispheric infarction presents a more complex decision process owing to the attendant severe, permanent neurologic morbidity. Without surgical intervention, brainstem compression leads to death in 80% of patients whose level of consciousness decreases despite maximal medical therapy. Resection of the infarction has resulted in the rapid resolution of midline as well as uncal herniation accompanied by a rapid return to the baseline level of neurological function.
Genetic-Based Dissection Unveils the Inputs and Outputs of Striatal Patch and Matrix Compartments

Summary The striatum contains neurochemically defined compartments termed patches and matrix. Previous studies suggest patches preferentially receive limbic inputs and project to dopamine neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), whereas matrix neurons receive sensorimotor inputs and do not innervate SNc. Using BAC-Cre transgenic mice with viral tracing techniques, we mapped brain-wide differences in the input-output organization of the patch/matrix. Findings reveal a displaced population of striatal patch neurons termed "exo-patch," which reside in matrix zones but have neurochemistry, connectivity, and electrophysiological characteristics resembling patch neurons. Contrary to previous studies, results show patch/exo-patch and matrix neurons receive both limbic and sensorimotor information. A novel inhibitory projection from bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to patch/exo-patch neurons was revealed. Projections to SNc were found to originate from patch/exo-patch and matrix neurons. These findings redefine patch/matrix beyond traditional neurochemical topography and reveal new principles about their input-output connectivity, providing a foundation for future functional studies.
Within‐subject analysis of a prevention strategy for problem behavior

Although decades of research on functional analysis methodology have identified common contingencies that maintain problem behavior and effective interventions, relatively little research has been conducted on strategies to prevent the initial development of problem behavior. We conducted a 2-part case study, the purposes of which were to illustrate the use of sensitivity tests as the bases for intervention (Study 1) and subsequently to assess the efficacy of a prevention strategy using a single-subject design (Study 2). Results showed that the sensitivity tests identified establishing operations that may set the occasion for the development of problem behavior and that interventions based on differential reinforcement prevented increases in the severity of problem behavior relative to untreated and control baselines. Benefits and limitations to this individualized approach to prevention are discussed.
Work and the Transition to Motherhood: Introduction

The transition to motherhood represents a unique life phase and affects all life spheres, including work. Through this chapter, we provide an overview to challenges that face women and families as they transition to being parents. First, we are introducing background data on the characteristics of the interface between work and family. Second, we introduce the chapters in this book, and the angles the chapter authors adopt towards shedding light on our understanding of work and the transition to motherhood.
Gender and ethnicity classification using deep learning in heterogeneous face recognition

Although automated classification of soft biometric traits in terms of gender, ethnicity and age is a well-studied problem with a history of more than three decades, it is still far from being considered a solved problem for the case of difficult exposure conditions, such as during night-time, in environments with unconstrained lighting, or at large distances from the camera. In this paper, we investigate the advantages and limitations of the automated classification of soft biometric traits in terms of gender and ethnicity in Near-Infrared (NIR) long-range, night-time face images. The impact of soft biometric traits in terms of gender and ethnicity is explored for the purpose of improving cross-spectral face recognition (FR) performance. The main contributions are, (i) a dual database collected in NIR band at night time and at four different distances of 30, 60, 90 and 120 meters is used, (ii) a deep convolution neural network to perform the classification in terms of gender and ethnicity is proposed, (iii) a set of experiments is performed indicating that, the usage of soft biometric traits to perform face matching, resulted in a significantly improved rank-1 identification rate when compared to the original biometric system (scenario dependent).
External Stimuli Responsive 2D Charge Transfer Polymers

2D conjugated charge-transfer polymers hold the fundamental importance of both atomically defined molecular structures and unique spatial confinement for distinctive and exotic material properties. However, such 2D crystalline networks exhibit a fundamental processing challenge in polymer science and molecular assembly, which precludes emerging applications for 2D polymers. Here, an operationally simple solvothermal crystallization of conjugated charge-transfer polymer into a freestanding and ultrathin 2D nanosheet directed by electrostatic recognition, π–π interaction, and charge-transfer complexation is reported. High flexibility and 3D stacking capability of ultrathin 2D conjugated polymers provide a robust solution-processing platform to uncover their emerging optoelectronics and multisensing capabilities. Resembling covalent organic framework assembly, these materials potentially open up a new exciting field of 2D conjugated networks with the structure flexibility and materials-by-design opportunities for all organic electronics.
Neuronal activity controls the development of interneurons in the somatosensory cortex.

BACKGROUND Neuronal activity in cortical areas regulates neurodevelopment by interacting with defined genetic programs to shape the mature central nervous system. Electrical activity is conveyed to sensory cortical areas via intracortical and thalamocortical neurons, and includes oscillatory patterns that have been measured across cortical regions.
Macropinocytosis of Nab-paclitaxel Drives Macrophage Activation in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease that is largely refractory to currently available treatment strategies. Therapeutic resistance is partially attributed to the dense stromal reaction of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumors that includes a pervasive infiltration of immunosuppressive (M2) macrophages. Nab-paclitaxel (trade name Abraxane) is a nanoparticle albumin-bound formulation of paclitaxel that, in combination with gemcitabine, is currently the first-line treatment for pancreatic cancer. Here, we show that macrophages internalized nab-paclitaxel via macropinocytosis. The macropinocytic uptake of nab-paclitaxel induced macrophage immunostimulatory (M1) cytokine expression and synergized with IFNγ to promote inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in a TLR4-dependent manner. Nab-paclitaxel was internalized by tumor-associated macrophages in vivo , and therapeutic doses of nab-paclitaxel alone, and in combination with gemcitabine, increased the MHCII + CD80 + CD86 + M1 macrophage population. These data revealed an unanticipated role for nab-paclitaxel in macrophage activation and rationalized its potential use to target immune evasion in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(3); 182–90. ©2017 AACR .
Whole blood mRNA expression for prognosis of metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma (mCCRCC).

500Background: The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) prognostic score is based on clinical parameters and has several limitations. We analyzed whole blood mRNA expression in mCCRCC patients (pts) and compared it to MSKCC for predicting overall survival (OS). Methods: A prospective collection of whole blood in PAXgene RNA tubes from mCCRCC pts was performed between 2011 and 2015 with uniform processing. A discovery set (DS) of 19 randomly selected pt samples was used to generate whole transcriptome RNA sequencing and signatures describing differential gene expression patterns associated with OS. We calculated the fragment per kilobase of transcript per million (FPKM) of each transcript and gene to identify correlations between the differentially expressed genes and MSKCC score. Candidate genes were selected based on statistical significance (p<0.05) and associations with OS. In an independent validation set (VS) of 47 pts with mCCRCC, we used the nCounter Analysis System (NanoString Technologi...
Demography, defence budgets, and the transatlantic alliance

US defence spending is likely to continue to fall as an aging population and increased health care expenditures place heavier demands on the federal budget over the next 20 years. Thus, while the US has always provided the bulk of the Alliance’s military might, we may soon face a situation in which the US will have little choice but to prioritise in a manner that shifts more of the burden to the European members. At the same time, many of the European allies with whom the US has build up 60 years of interoperability through NATO are experiencing far larger demographic stresses that may affect their ability to fund their militaries even at current levels. Preserving a robust alliance may require a rationalisation of defence structures coordinated across the transatlantic space rather than simply within the member states.
Finite element simulation of residual stress in machining of Ti-6Al-4V with a microstructural consideration:

Machining-induced residual stress plays significant role in the corrosion resistance and fatigue life of the manufacturing end-product. The high temperature condition in the turning process could i...
Case Example of Predominantly Affective Animal Cruelty Offenses

This chapter indicates that family violence and mistreatment of animals lerts law enforcement to potential mistreatment of children as noted in the cases.
Clinical application of sustained auditory evoked potentials.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses clinical application of sustained auditory evoked potentials. Clinical applications of evoked potentials range from the investigation of the effects of psychoactive compounds in normals to the search for neurophysiologic alterations that might accompany psychopathology. The chapter presents the results of 3 separate clinical studies designed to investigate the central nervous system (CNS) alterations seen: (1) in normal aging, (2) in schizophrenia, and (3) after long-term excessive consumption of alcohol. In each study, a similar paradigm is employed, allowing comparison among the results of the 3 studies. In each study evoked potentials were obtained during the presentation of sustained auditory stimuli 500 msec in duration. The stimulus series consisted of 500 Hz tones delivered at 4 different intensities above sensation threshold. The inter-stimulus interval (ISI) is 1500 msec and the stimuli were presented in a pseudo-random sequence with intensity following every other with equal frequency. The subjects received the stimuli through stereo headphones while sitting in a sound-attenuating booth.
Uterotonika und Tokolytika

Der Uterus besteht aus glatter Muskulatur mit spontaner kontraktiler Aktivitat. Sehr komplexe, nur teilweise erforschte Regelmechanismen machen es moglich, das die Uterusmuskulatur wahrend der Schwangerschaft uber lange Zeit stumm ist, um sich dann unter der Geburt rhythmisch und postpartal tonisch zu kontrahieren. Geburtshelfer und Anasthesisten mussen den uterinen Tonus in verschiedenen Situationen medikamentos beeinflussen. Indikationen zu seiner Manipulation konnen der Tabelle 11 entnommen werden.
Epidermoid tumors. Review of the literature

Reports of epidermoid tumors from 1965 through 1986 were reviewed with emphasis on new and unusual findings. Clinical data considered were rapid onset, rare symptoms, size and rate of growth, and complications. Uncommon locations included multiple sites in one patient and the anterior fontanelle. The radiologic data from computed tomography were the main contributors to diagnosis. An immunohistochemical test disclosed that cells of craniopharyngiomas are keratin-positive. Histologically benign epidermoids can behave as highly malignant tumors, and can become carcinomatous. Postoperative results for benign tumors were often excellent. Evidence was presented of the close relation among epidermoid and dermoid tumor, craniopharyngioma, ameloblastoma (adamantinoma), Rathke's cleft cyst, and aural cholesteatoma.
Future Directions for Material Style Studies

In the course of this book, an integrated theoretical framework has been built for studying material style in a holistic, anthropological manner. The task of integrating diverse current approaches to style within one framework was begun by taking stock of many of the factors that can determine the content, diversity, origin, and transformation of a material style. Also, various theories that pertain to these different factors were reviewed. Two possibilities for integration at the level of high theory were explored using social-psychological and selectionist-historical perspectives. Together, these two perspectives give order to factors that determine material style at the levels of the individual, society, and the ecosystem. The concepts that are central to the ordering capabilities of these two frameworks include the self and its reactive and proactive components, the process of re-creation of the self, cultural and natural selection, the effects of cultural practices, the transmission of practices, the origins of novelty, and descent with modification.
Detection of Environmental Contaminants by Biosensors

This chapter presents a fractal analysis for the binding and dissociation of various environmental pollutants either in solution or in the gas phase to receptors immobilized on different biosensor surfaces. The fractal analysis is offered as an alternative way to improve the understanding of the kinetics in the heterogeneous case with diffusion-limited reactions occurring on structured surfaces. Binding and dissociation rate coefficients as well as fractal dimensions in the binding and in the dissociation phase are provided, and on the basis of prefactor analysis of aggregates, quantitative and predictive equations are developed for the binding rate coefficient k as a function of the fractal dimension D f or the toluene concentration in solution for the binding of toluene in solution to MC1061-pXylRS-lacZ; the binding rate coefficient k as a function of the fractal dimension D f for the binding of 3-methylbenzylchloride, 3-nitrotoluene, and nonane to the MC1061-pXylRS-lacZ biosensor; the binding rate coefficient k as a function of the molecular weight of the aromatic and non-aromatic compounds in solution; and the binding rate coefficient k as a function of xylene concentration in solution. The analysis demonstrates that the binding rate coefficient k is only mildly sensitive to the degree of heterogeneity or the fractal dimension present on the biosensor surface. The order of dependence on the fractal dimension D f is found to be −0.7958 for the binding of various concentrations of toluene in solution to the MC1061-pXylRS-lacZ electrochemical biosensor, and it is equal to 0.6470 for the binding of aromatics and non-aromatics (3-methylbenzylchloride, 3-nitrotoluene, and nonane) in solution to the MC1061-pXylRS-lacZ electrochemical biosensor.
Are personality disorder traits ego-syntonic or ego-dystonic? Revisiting the issue by considering functionality

Abstract The present study tested an ego-syntonic assumption of personality disorders (PDs) by addressing whether people with higher PD traits ascribe higher functionality to various behavior categories (or “expressions”) of PD traits. Participants (N = 241) completed indices of five PD traits, indicators of PD-trait-expression functionality including perceived frequency of strategic expression and beliefs that expressions are beneficial, are normative, and can be easily executed, and an index of anticipated self-recrimination. Participants with high levels of PD traits reported enhanced functionality to expressions of their PD trait but still indicated that these expressions were dysfunctional and likely to evoke self-recrimination. Findings extend understanding of how people with maladaptive traits perceive these traits and contribute to the issue of ego-syntonicity of PDs.
Salvage nitrous oxide cryotherapy of refractory colon neoplasia embedded within an endoclip.

Background and study aims This is a case report on use of the CryoBalloon as a salvage technique for ablation of residual neoplasia at an endoscopic mucosal resection site. The site contained an embedded clip that could not be removed at two different sessions by three experienced endoscopists. On follow-up endoscopy, the clips and residual polyp no longer remained. The subtle scar that was present was biopsied and confirmed complete eradication of neoplasia and no polyp tissue. This case shows the potential of the CryoBalloon to ablate unwanted tissue outside of the esophagus.
Variations in Surface Albedo Arising from Flooding and Desiccation Cycles on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

AbstractDesert playas, such as those in northern Utah, form a landscape often in stark contrast to surrounding mountain ranges due to their minimal topographic relief, lack of vegetation, and salin...
Measuring and predicting the vapor pressure of gasoline containing oxygenates

Abstract This review describes the measurement and prediction of volatility characteristics, especially Reid vapor pressure, of gasoline blended with oxygenates such as those that could be derived from biomass. Including more advanced biofuels containing oxygen in gasoline affects critical fuel properties related to the volatility of the blended fuel. The vapor pressure of oxygenate-gasoline blends typically exhibits non-ideal behavior requiring updated measurement and prediction tools to ensure the resulting fuel meets all safety and performance specifications. This review, the first covering the measurement, prediction and impact on vapor pressure of oxygenates other than alcohols, discusses the suitability of established methods to measure Reid vapor pressure in blends containing oxygenates. The review then surveys methods used to predict vapor-liquid equilibria along with a description of suitability of these methods for use on gasoline-oxygenate blends. Finally, the outputs of a series of models are compared to Reid vapor pressure measurements for a series of oxygenates in a real gasoline to illustrate the potential and shortcomings of the models.
Effects of Choir Spacing and Riser Step Heights on Acoustic and Perceptual Measures of SATB Choir Sound Acquired from Four Microphone Positions in Two Performance Halls.

We assessed the effects of singing in two venues on acoustic and perceptualmeasures of performances by an SATB choir (N = 28) as it sang in three spacing conditions, on two different riser unit hei...
Learning the Face Shape Models for Facial Landmark Detection in the Wild

Facial landmark detection in the wild is challenging due to the appearance and shape variations caused by facial expressions, head poses, illuminations, and occlusions. To tackle this problem, we propose two probabilistic face shape models that could capture the face shape variations in different conditions. The first model is a undirected graphical model constructed based on the Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM). It decouples the shape variations into expression related and pose related parts. The second model is a directed hierarchical probabilistic model that specifically uses the head pose and expression labels in model construction. It embeds the local shape variations for each facial component, and automatically exploits the relationships among facial components, expressions and head poses. Experiments on benchmark databases show the effectiveness of the proposed probabilistic face shape models for facial landmark detection in the wild.
Effects of yoga, aerobic, and stretching and toning exercises on cognition in adult cancer survivors: protocol of the STAY Fit pilot randomized controlled trial.

Cancer survivors experience compromised quality of life due to impaired cognitive function as a result of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Although exercise has proven to be effective in improving cognitive function across the lifespan, interventions comprehensively testing the effectiveness for cancer survivors are limited. The STAY Fit Trial is a three-armed pilot randomized controlled trial designed to compare the effects of a 12-week yoga, aerobic walking, and stretch and tone intervention on cognitive function among adult cancer survivors. This pilot study aims to recruit 75 adult cancer survivors who will complete assessments of cognitive function, cardiovascular fitness, physical activity, and psychosocial measures at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. The aims of STAY Fit are (1) to assess the efficacy of yoga to improve cognitive function among cancer survivors, compared to aerobic exercise and an active control group; (2) to examine changes in cardiovascular fitness as a result of the interventions; and (3) to assess changes in quality of life among our population as a result of the exercise interventions. The STAY Fit Trial will test the effectiveness of yoga, aerobic exercise, and stretching and toning exercises in improving cognitive function and fitness among adult cancer survivors. The results of this pilot study will enable us to understand the most effective physical activity modality to improve cognitive function in this population and potentially combat cancer-related cognitive impairment. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03650322 . Registered on 28 August 2018.
A physical and mathematical model for prediction of microstructural features in cast iron parts

Abstract Significant progress has been achieved recently in modeling microstructural evolution during solidification of castings by coupling macroscopic heat transfer with microscopic solidification kinetics models. This paper describes a 2-D heat transfer-solidification kinetics model which was developed for predicting the thermal history and microstructural data for shaped castings. Basic models for dendritic and eutectic solidification, as well as their coupling are discussed. In particular, a physical model for the evaluation of chill formation, i.e. of the gray/white structural transition in iron castings was developed. This model is based on the concept of the existence of a critical cooling rate at which a gray to white transition occurs. The critical cooling rate for the gray/white structural transition was experimentally determined on a step-casting. This rate was then used in the heat transfer-solidification kinetics model to determine the time-temperature history of the test casting, and to predict the region of chill formation in the casting. The model was also used to predict the interlamellar spacing, graphite flake size and eutectic grain size in hypoeutectic gray iron as a function of cooling rate. Predicted results were then compared with experimentally obtained data. Validation of calculated results was performed against experimental data in terms of temperature history, evolution of fraction of solid, chill pattern and other microstructural characteristics. Other information such as solute element profile, undercooling, equivalent grain radius as a function of time are also discussed.
Pharmacists opioid risk and safety counseling practices: A latent class analysis approach.

Abstract Background The opioid crisis is a global public health issue, especially present in the United States. Limited research addresses pharmacists’ opioid medication counseling practices particularly their risk and safety counseling practices. Objectives The objective of this paper is to categorize pharmacists based on their opioid risk and safety counseling practices to inform future interventions and research to improve practice. The percent of pharmacists falling into each of these underlying, unobservable subgroups is identified using latent class analysis. Methods This study was conducted as a statewide survey of pharmacists using the modified Dilman technique. The survey consisted of ten items about pharmacists’ opioid risk and safety practices when dispensing an opioid medication. Descriptive statistics were conducted followed by latent class analysis. This approach categorized pharmacists based on their responses to the survey items. Results Responses from 216 pharmacists were used in this study. In the three-class model which was deemed the best fit, the first class shows a profile of pharmacists who counsel on almost all opioid risk and safety topics and composed 16.75% of the total respondent population. The second class shows a profile of pharmacists who hardly counsel on any opioid risks and safety topics and comprised 39.80% of the respondent population. The third class shows a profile of pharmacists counseling on opioid risk and safety topics mostly for new or long-term prescriptions, but not for refill or short-term prescriptions. This group constituted 43.45% of the respondent population. Conclusion This study identifies distinct classes of pharmacists in terms of the frequency with which their opioid counseling does or does not include key elements of risk and safety topics. A small minority usually include the risk and safety issues. Training and resource interventions targeting pharmacists who do not counsel patients about opioid risks are important to help them become more comfortable and adept as opioid risk and safety educators.