cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complex Litigation: Medical Monitoring

Commentary and analysis of the emergence of the medical monitoring class in mass tort litigation under various Rule 23 provisions. Plaintiffs seek certification of a medical monitoring class when claimants have been exposed to a toxic substance or have used a medical device but may not manifest a medical condition or injury until years later. Plaintiffs have sought medical monitoring in various mass tort cases, including exposure to radioactive nuclear substances, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, lead paint, and other chemical contamination. Plaintiffs also have sought medical monitoring in actins relating to heart valves, pacemakers, and tampons. In seeking a medical monitoring class, plaintiffs typically request that the defendant create a fund to bear the expense of future medical monitoring of the class members’ conditions. The article reviews the ways in which federal and state courts have dealt with requests for certification of medical monitoring classes, including appropriate characterization as a claim or a form of relief. The article focuses on the decision from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, in Redland Soccer Club Inc. v. Department of the Army, in which the court recognized a claim for medical monitoring, setting forth the elements of this claim. The article also discusses other medical monitoring decisions in Day v. NLO, 144 F.R.D. 330 (S.D. Ohio 1992) (approving a medical monitoring class) and Barnes v. American Tobacco Co., 161 F.3d 127 (3d Cir. 1998) (affirming decertification of a medical monitoring class). Finally, the article explores whether plaintiffs have a Seventh Amendment right to a trial by jury of medical monitoring class claims.
Raymond Pearl's Review of J M Keynes's A Treatise on Probability: Another Fiasco

R. Pearl’s attempt to review J M Keynes’s A Treatise on Probability for Science is only a near fiasco compared with the failed attempt made by Ronald Fisher to review Keynes’s book for the Eugenics Society. It provides the educated reader with minimal value. How this review made it through the referees, associate editors, and editors at the journal, Science, is a mystery worthy of investigation. Again, anyone attempting to read or review Keynes' A Treatise on Probability, without having any knowledge or familiarity of how J M Keynes made use in the A Treatise on Probability of George Boole’s application of his logic to probability in chapters 16-21 of The Laws of Thought (1854), is foolish.
Commentary: Changing Perspectives on Practitioner Research

The authors of this article have been writing together about practitioner research and inquiry for more than 25 years. In this article, they trace the roots of this interest to their work with K-12 teachers and school leaders over many years and their dissatisfaction with the idea that external researchers produce all the knowledge necessary to change teaching, learning and schooling. The article also highlights the notion of "inquiry as stance," which contrasts with the idea that inquiry is a project or a problem-solving technique.
Removable high intensity iridium-192 brain implants. Technique and in vivo measurements in canine brain.

A preclinical evaluation of the technical details and dosimetry for temporary high intensity 192Ir brain implants is presented. The canine brain was used for this quality assurance study in which direct in vivo dose measurements were done by thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD rods). Precise and reproducible positioning of the TLD rods and 192Ir ribbons were assured by simple accessories which can be utilized in the clinical situation. The neurosurgical procedure for this non-routine interstitial implant of the brain, suitability of type and size of afterloading cannulas and facility for firmly anchoring them to the scalp, and comparison of measured doses with computer-predicted values are details assured by the canine study. Agreement between the in vivo determination and computer-generated doses was consistently in the range 2–5%. Data derived from this preclinical evaluation are currently used in both stereotactic and non-stereotactic brain implants at our institution. Details are presented for the implant procedure, dose measurements and brachytherapy planning for multiple ribbons. The latter incorporates direct interaction on computed tomography (CT) images for a hypothetical patient case.
Shamanic Journeys into the Otherworld of the Archaic Chichimec

A spatial analysis of rock art located within the lower Pecos region of southwest Texas and northern Mexico reveals the presence of a recurring motif that depicts anthropomorphic figures passing through an opening in a serpentine arch. An extensive review of the ethnographic literature and archaeological record of cultures within Mesoamerica and the Gran Chichimeca indicates that this motif is widespread and generally associated with specific beliefs about the shamanic journey into the spirit world. Based on analogies drawn from the ethnographic literature, the lower Pecos region motif can be interpreted as a pictographic representation of the shamanic journey made by Archaic Chichimecans into the spirit world. The evidence also indicates that the cosmologies of the cultures within Mesoamerica and the Gran Chichimeca were well established in the Chihuahuan Desert at least 4,000 years ago.
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Presenting with Recurrent Ataxia, Bulbar Weakness, and Respiratory Dysfunction (P06.135)

Objective: To report a case of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in a patient presenting with recurrent bouts of ataxia, bulbar weakness, and respiratory dysfunction. Background Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) can have a variable presentation leading to delay in diagnosis and treatment. We present a case of a 55-year-old man with recurrent bouts of ataxia and bulbar weakness as his initial presentation of CIDP. Design/Methods: A literature search was performed to look for comparable reports. Results: A 55-year-old diabetic man developed progressive ataxia, fatigue, dysarthria and dysphagia over a six-month period. He then presented to the hospital with acute bilateral upper extremity weakness and respiratory distress requiring intubation. He was found to be areflexic except at the biceps tendon and had difficulty weaning the ventilator. An MRI of the brain as well as initial CSF studies were normal. The patient was presumed to have a variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome and was treated empirically with plasmapheresis. He improved and was extubated. He went on to develop neck extensor weakness, followed by two further episodes of ataxia and respiratory failure at 6 and 9 months thereafter. Each time, he was treated with plasmapheresis and improved. Repeat CSF analysis at 9 months showed 1 RBC, 2 WBCs, 92 glucose, and 60 protein. Complete metabolic, autoimmune, infectious, and paraneoplastic workup was negative. Anti-GQ1b antibodies were negative. Acetylcholine receptor and anti-musk antibodies were negative. Nerve conduction study showed mild to moderate, motor and sensory, mixed axonal and demyelinating polyneuropathy. EMG showed evidence of denervation/reinnervation changes. Single fiber EMG demonstrated mildly increased jitter, though not in the neuromuscular junction disorder range. The patient was started on prednisone and is currently doing well. Conclusions: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy can have a variable presentation and should be considered in patients with recurrent, unexplained ataxia and bulbar weakness. Disclosure: Dr. Malka has nothing to disclose. Dr. Muntean has nothing to disclose.
Environmental safety issues for genetically modified animals

Organisms modified by the techniques of modern biotechnology may differ significantly from normal organisms or organisms modified by other methods. Before transgenic organisms are introduced into the environment, the potential environmental effects should be assessed. In general, modification of ecologically important traits in undomesticated species presents the greatest environmental risk. Transgenic livestock probably pose low risk to the environment. Transgenic fish and live virus-based vaccines pose greater risks and present challenging questions for environmental risk assessment.
INFLUENCE OF GRAPHITIZATION ON OXIDATION RESISTANCE OF CARBON/CARBON COMPOSITES PREPARED BY HIGH PRESSURE IMPREGNATION AND CARBONIZATION

Felt-based carbon/carbon (C/C) composites were prepared by a super high pressure impregnation and carbonization process (SPIC) and graphitization at high temperatures. The oxidation kinetics of the C/C composites was investigated at different temperatures (773—1 173 K). The oxidation morphology and microstructure of the C/C composites before and after graphitization were investigated by means of SEM and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technology. The experimental results show that the oxidation resistance of the C/C composites can be dramatically improved by graphitization, oxidation reactions always begin from the carbon matrix and the oxidation rate increases with the increase of oxidation temperatures. When the oxidation temperature is below or above 973 K, the corresponding apparent active energies are 7.91 × 10~4 J/mol and 2.80 × 10~4 J/mol before graphitization and the corresponding apparent active energies are 1.08 × 10~5 J/mol and 4.42 × 10~4 J/mol after graphitization, which indicates that two different oxidation mechanisms occur below and above 973 K.
Analysis on the Growth of Staphylococcus aureus in Raw Milk and Sterilized Milk

Objective To investigate and compare the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) in raw milk and sterilized milk.Method The growth of S.aureus in raw milk and sterilized milk at different temperature was surveyed by using the third method of GB /T4789.37—2008.The data were analyzed with MicroFit 1.0 software,and the parameters on the growth of S.aureus were analyzed with SPSS statistical software.Results The maximum growth rate (mumax) of S.aureus in raw milk was lower significantly than that in sterilized milk.There was no significant difference on lag time and doubling time of S.aureus both in raw milk and sterilized milk.Conclusion The statistical analysis results showed that the growth of S.aureus in raw milk and sterilized milk was different significantly (P0.05).
Rapid Continuous Determination of Pentachlorophenol in Water

[Objective]To establish continuous,rapid and sensitive method for determination of pentachlorophenol in water.[Methods]Automatic headspace solid-phase micro-extraction(SPME) was adopted to perform sample pretreatment.The modified method(optimized extraction and gas chromatographic conditions) was used for sample determination.[Results]The detection method of pentachlorophenol residual in water by automated headspace SPME was established.The linear range were 0.053～106 μg/L,and the correlation coefficient r = 0.9 999.The detection limit was 0.0 082 μg/L,recoveries were between 92.1%～ 106.7%,and RSD was less than 5.3%.[Conclusion]This method is simple,fast,with high sensitivity and good accuracy,and is suitable for continuous determination of pentachlorophenol residual in water.
Aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer: an update.

Background Tamoxifen has been the endocrine treatment of choice for patients with breast cancer. The development of selective aromatase inhibitors has offered an alternative management approach for patients in whom a hormonal approach is indicated. Methods The authors reviewed reports in which aromatase inhibitors were compared with tamoxifen for the treatment of metastatic disease, as well as information pertinent to their use as adjuvant therapy. Results Both nonsteroidal (anastrozole and letrozole) and steroidal (exemestane) aromatase inhibitors for metastatic disease appear to provide superior efficacy and a better toxicity profile in first- and second-line treatment of metastatic disease than tamoxifen. Early results from the ATAC trial suggest anastrozole is superior to tamoxifen for disease-free survival, particularly in receptor-positive patients, and in reducing the incidence of contralateral breast cancer. Conclusions Aromatase inhibitors have important roles in optimal management of postmenopausal patients with hormone-responsive metastases in both the adjuvant and advanced-disease settings.
Small Aggregates, Big Manipulation: Vote Buying Enforcement and Collective Monitoring

Vote buying is widespread in developing democracies despite the secret ballot. What explains its resilience? I argue that brokers condition future payments on published electoral results to enforce these transactions and that this is effective at inducing voters' compliance only when the results of small voting groups are available. Using monitors' and citizens' reports of electoral manipulation and survey data from Colombia, I find a robust negative correlation between the average polling station size and various measures of vote buying. Evidence from a variety of identification strategies suggests that this relationship can be attributed to aggregate monitoring sustaining these transactions and not to the brokers' increased ability to identify compliers or other characteristics of places where polling stations are small. Replication Materials The data, code, and any additional materials required to replicate all analyses in this article are available on the American Journal of Political Science Dataverse within the Harvard Dataverse Network, at: http://dx.doi.org/10.7910/DVN/K6ZOOW.
Temporal patterns of growth hormone in blood and seminal plasma of mature dairy bulls.

This study was conducted to determine if growth hormone (GH) concentration in bovine seminal plasma would be proportional to but less variable than blood plasma GH. The relationship between GH in blood and seminal plasma was also examined critically. Blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 5.75 h, while semen was collected at 30-min intervals over the same time period. Average seminal plasma GH concentrations were 3.2 times higher (P less than .05) than blood plasma GH concentrations (40.4 +/- 15.8 ng/ml vs 12.6 +/- 1.2 ng/ml, respectively). The within animal correlation between blood and seminal plasma was consistently low and nonsignificant (P greater than .05). Overall blood plasma GH and seminal plasma GH concentrations were weakly correlated (r = .418; P greater than .05) among bulls. A predictable relationship between blood and seminal plasma GH concentration does not exist under the conditions of this study.
Dissociation of doubly charged clusters of lithium acetate: Asymmetric fission and breakdown of the liquid drop model

RATIONALE Electrospray ionization (ESI) results in the formation of multiply charged cluster ions which then fragment via two competing processes: fission (charge separation) via Coulomb repulsion, and evaporation of one or more neutrals from the fragmenting ion, as described by Rayleigh's liquid drop model. Unimolecular and collision-induced dissociation (CID) of doubly charged lithium acetate clusters, (CH3 COOLi)n Li2 (2+) , demonstrated that Coulomb fission via charge separation is the dominant dissociation process with no contribution from the neutral evaporation processes for all such ions from the critical limit to larger cluster ions, although the latter process was normally observed in most earlier studies of multiply charged clusters. METHODS Doubly and higher charged lithium acetate cluster ions were generated by ESI. Unimolecular and CID of mass selected doubly charged cluster ions above the critical limit were recorded at high resolution using an LTQ Velos Orbitrap mass spectrometer. RESULTS Unimolecular and collision-induced dissociation of doubly charged lithium acetate clusters proceed via symmetric fission processes and the intensity of the fragment ions decreases as the cluster size increases. Dissociations via neutral evaporation of a monomer or larger clusters are not observed. CONCLUSIONS Doubly charged clusters of lithium acetate above the critical limit dissociate via symmetrical fission processes and not neutral evaporation. These results are clearly in disagreement with the Rayleigh liquid drop model that has been used previously to predict the critical size and explain the fragmentation behavior of multiply charged clusters. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contraception: Efficacy, Risks, Continuation Rates, and Use in High-Risk Women

The clinical update serves as a brief review of recently published, high-impact, and potentially practice-changing journal articles summarized for our readers. Topics include menopause, sexual dysfunction, breast health, contraception, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. In this clinical update, we selected recent publications relevant to the use of contraceptive methods. We highlight articles on continuation rates of long-acting reversible contraception versus nonlong-acting methods, updated risks of intrauterine devices, use of estrogen-containing contraceptives during anticoagulation for venous thromboembolic events, and the efficacy of oral and emergency contraception in women with elevated body mass index.
Ten Years of African Studies

In the process of looking at the record of the Association's accomplishments over the past ten years, I came across some of the early records of the negotiations which brought the Association into existence, and I thought it might be of interest if I were to compare what has been done to what was envisaged as the task of the Association when the idea was first suggested. The origins of the Association go back to a seminar on Africa which met privately and informally in New York in 1954. Out of this group a plan was put forth for the formation of an African Institute, and an organizing committee, consisting of William A. Hance, Jean Comhaire, Alan Pifer, and Nicolaas Pansegrouer, was constituted to take care of the practical steps toward organizing such an institute. The proposed activities of the Institute included the assembly of documents and periodicals referring to Africa, the provision of scholarly and technical information and consultative services to educational, religious, governmental, and business groups, and the facilitation of visits to Africa for study and observation. Names suggested for the new body were the North American Institute of African Studies and the American Institute of African Studies. Not unsurprisingly, much of the discussion at this time, as now, centered about financing the new Institute.
Human monocytic ehrlichiosis complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome

Human monocytic ehrlichiosis can manifest as a disease causing multi-organ failure. Rarely, it can cause secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment for both ehrlichiosis and HLH is lifesaving. Therefore, clinical suspicion of HLH must remain high in the setting of an ehrlichiosis infection.
Authority, invention, and context in feminist rhetorical criticism

ABSTRACTFocusing on authority, invention, and context as key concepts in feminist rhetorical scholarship, this essay argues that contemporary feminist rhetorical criticism is distinguished by its attention to rhetoric's constitutive capabilities. In recent books treating topics ranging from political discourse to intersectionality to feminist activism, feminist rhetorical critics' attention to the diverse symbolic strategies that function to make women/gender/sex/feminism and difference itself meaningful in the always contingent contexts in which they operate fully displays the unique range of skills that rhetorical critics—of any variety—can and should bring to the understanding of public discourse.
Lung Injuries in Combat

This chapter is based on two universal truths in combat trauma: (1) You WILL be faced with severe thoracic injuries that require quick decisions and operative intervention, and (2) Most of you are not fellowship trained cardiothoracic surgeons and will not have one immediately available. You may be given the advice that “damage control in the chest is just like damage control in the abdomen” – don’t be lulled into complacency. Losing the comfort level and deep understanding of anatomic relationships that you have in the abdomen makes combat chest surgery an entirely different and often unforgiving adventure. There are two things you can do to set yourself up for success in thoracic trauma – Prepare and Practice. Prepare by reviewing any anatomy text or surgical atlas to get familiar with the critical structures and relationships as well as basic operative techniques. Practice by either scrubbing in to elective thoracic cases if you can, or by reviewing common thoracic injury scenarios and how you will handle them. Do not forget the most basic lesson of the soldier – “you will fight as you train.”
International Variations in Homicide and Warfare

Variations in attitudes toward war and killing may influence national and cultural differences in the acquisition and use of deadly weapons and the perpetration of individual and collective violence. The concept of moral disengagement explains how individual and group differences in judgments about the justifiability of violence lead to individual and group differences in the willingness to inflict suffering on others. This article summarizes recent studies of international and cultural differences in attitudes toward war and killing. These studies reveal a wide variations in attitudes that are related to objective measures of homicide and military spending.
Pre-transplant Evaluation

Conventional hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is a vigorous procedure with significant risk for non-infectious and infectious complications. Reduced-intensity HSCT is often offered to recipients with advanced age and/or significant comorbid clinical conditions. Appropriate identification of recipients who will likely have a chance for benefiting from these rigorous procedures is essential. Screening of donors is necessary to identify all potential risks of harm to the donor and to identify potential transmissible illnesses to the recipient.
Point force singularities outside a drop covered with an incompressible surfactant: Image systems and their applications

Image systems for Stokes flow singularities outside a drop covered with an incompressible surfactant are derived. They are used in finding the mobility matrix for two surfactant-laden drops of arbitrary sizes and the velocity of a microorganism outside a surfactant-covered drop.
Uncovering the reaction mechanism initiating the nucleation of lead sulfide quantum dots in a hines synthesis

Lead sulfide quantum dots remain the subject of considerable research interest due to their tunable quantum confinement, which leads to exciting photovoltaic and energy storage applications. A major advantage arises from their low-cost fabrication by solution processing. High quality quantum dots can be synthesized in small quantities via colloidal synthesis. However, despite remarkable advances in the synthesis of highly monodisperse dots with precisely programmable structure and composition, details of the mechanism involved in the transformation of molecular precursors to nanoscale crystals remains poorly understood. Surprisingly little is known about the early stages of nucleation, including the stoichiometry, structure, or crystallinity of the hypothesized critical nucleus. Notably, these questions are beyond today's experimental capabilities; the best current technique, in situ X-ray scattering, still requires theoretical models to invert the experimental data. Using accurate Density Functional Theory (DFT), coupled with the Nudged Elastic Band (NEB) method for energy barrier construction, we have analyzed a previously posited reaction mechanism, uncovered some energetically unfavorable aspects, and discovered a new reaction mechanism with a lower energy pathway to PbS quantum dot formation. This new mechanism validates experimental results by Zherebetskyy et al. who revealed the important presence of water molecules in these systems. We provide evidence that the growth of PbS dots occurs in a polymerization-like process, rather than the reactants-to-surface mechanism proposed in earlier work. We also uncover the significant role played by a hydrogen-bonded dimer of lead carboxylate hydrate, which forms in non-polar solvents.
Coarse-to-fine multi-task training of convolutional neural networks for automated information extraction from cancer pathology reports

Information extraction and coding of free-text pathology reports is an important activity for cancer registries to support national cancer surveillance. Cancer registrars must process high volumes of pathology reports on an annual basis. In this study, we investigated an automated approach using a coarse-to-fine training of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for extracting the primary site, histological grade and laterality from unstructured cancer pathology text reports. Our proposed training scheme consists of two stages. In the first stage, the multi-task learning (MTL) with hard parameter sharing approach is used to train a multi-task MT-CNN model for all the tasks. Then, the TM-CNN model parameters are used to initialize a CNN model for each task to be fine trained individually using its corresponding dataset. The performance of our proposed approach was compared against a state-of-the-art CNN and the commonly used SVM classifier. We observed that the proposed model consistently outperformed the base line models, especially for the less prevalent classes. Specifically, the proposed training approach achieved a micro-F score of 0.7749 over 12 ICD-O-3 topography codes which is a significant improvement as compared with state-of-the-art CNN (0.7101) and the SVM (0.6019) classifiers. Also, the results demonstrate the potential of the proposed method for handling class imbalance within each task. It significantly improves macro-F score by 24% and 12% of the primary site and histology grade tasks, respectively.
Transmembrane Domains Mediate Intra- and Extracellular Trafficking of Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1

EBV latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is released from latently infected tumor cells in small membrane-enclosed extracellular vesicles (EVs). Accumulating evidence suggests that LMP1 is a major driver of EV content and functions. LMP1-modified EVs have been shown to influence recipient cell growth, migration, differentiation, and regulation of immune cell function. Despite the significance of LMP1-modified exosomes, very little is known about how this viral protein enters or manipulates the host EV pathway. In this study, LMP1 deletion mutants were generated to assess protein regions required for EV trafficking. Following transfection of LMP1 or mutant plasmids, EVs were collected by differential centrifugation, and the levels of specific cargo were evaluated by immunoblot analysis. The results demonstrate that, together, the N terminus and transmembrane region 1 of LMP1 are sufficient for efficient sorting into EVs. Consistent with these findings, a mutant lacking the N terminus and transmembrane domains 1 through 4 (TM5-6) failed to be packaged into EVs, and exhibited higher colocalization with endoplasmic reticulum and early endosome markers than the wild-type protein. Surprisingly, TM5-6 maintained the ability to colocalize and form a complex with CD63, an abundant exosome protein that is important for the incorporation of LMP1 into EVs. Other mutations within LMP1 resulted in enhanced levels of secretion, pointing to potential positive and negative regulatory mechanisms for extracellular vesicle sorting of LMP1. These data suggest new functions of the N terminus and transmembrane domains in LMP1 intra- and extracellular trafficking that are likely downstream of an interaction with CD63.IMPORTANCE EBV infection contributes to the development of cancers, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and posttransplant lymphomas, in immunocompromised or genetically susceptible individuals. LMP1 is an important viral protein expressed by EBV in these cancers. LMP1 is secreted in extracellular vesicles (EVs), and the transfer of LMP1-modified EVs to uninfected cells can alter their physiology. Understanding the cellular machinery responsible for sorting LMP1 into EVs is limited, despite the importance of LMP1-modified EVs. Here, we illustrate the roles of different regions of LMP1 in EV packaging. Our results show that the N terminus and TM1 are sufficient to drive LMP1 EV trafficking. We further show the existence of potential positive and negative regulatory mechanisms for LMP1 vesicle sorting. These findings provide a better basis for future investigations to identify the mechanisms of LMP1 targeting to EVs, which could have broad implications in understanding EV cargo sorting.
Optimization of fuel loadings for high power test reactors

Optimum fuel utilization for Plum Brook Reactor, using criticality data for effects of neutron leakage and burnup uniformity in core point model
The RecE Pathway of Bacterial Recombination

There appear to be three pathways of recombination active or potentially active in strains of Escherichia coli (Clark, 1971, 1973). The operation of two of these three pathways has so far been associated with nuclease activities. The RecBC pathway makes use of exonuclease V (ExoV), the product of the recB and recC genes (see e.g. Goldmark and Linn, 1972). The RecE pathway does not use ExoV; it proceeds in cells that contain exonuclease VIII (ExoVIII). The RecF pathway also does not use ExoV. The RecF pathway appears to be inhibited by exonuclease I (Exol) in that it operates at high efficiency only when Exol is mutationally inactivated by sbcB mutations. Here we wish to consider the role that ExoVIII may play in the RecE pathway, particularly in comparison with the roles that can be postulated for ExoV in the RecBC pathway and for the exonuclease of lambda (Exoλ) in the Red recombination system of lambda.
Anterior Greater Auricular Point: Novel Anatomic Landmark to Facilitate Harvesting of the Greater Auricular Nerve.

Background The greater auricular nerve (GAN) may be used as a nerve graft during neurosurgical procedures to repair damaged nerves. There is extensive literature on localization of the GAN at the posterior triangle of the neck, but objective information on localization of the GAN at the anterior triangle of the neck close to cranial neurosurgical fields is lacking. The aim of this study was to introduce simple and reliable landmarks to localize the GAN at the anterior triangle of the neck to facilitate its harvest during neurosurgical procedures. Methods The GAN was exposed bilaterally in 11 cadaveric specimens at the point of crossing the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (anterior greater auricular point [AGA]). Distances from the AGA point to the angle of the mandible and the tip of the mastoid process were measured. Additionally, the location of the crossing point between the GAN and an imaginary line passing through the mastoid tip and the angle of the mandible (M-A line) was found relative to these bony landmarks. Results Mean (±SD) distances from the AGA point to the mastoid tip and the angle of the mandible were 29.1 ± 3.4 mm and 27.5 ± 4.5 mm, respectively. The GAN was always found to cross the M-A line in its middle third (mean 48.2% ± 6.9% from the mastoid tip). Conclusions The AGA point and the M-A line are reliable landmarks for locating the GAN at the anterior triangle of the neck and for helping neurosurgeons expose and harvest the GAN efficiently.
Student-created independent learning modules: An easy high-value addition to radiology clerkships.

Rationale and Objectives Modern radiology clerkships require a rigorous, in-depth curriculum usually involving a variety of educational activities. With increasingly constrained faculty time and departmental resources, finding activities that are easy to implement and of high educational value can be a challenge. Materials and Methods We introduced a novel educational activity to our radiology clerkship in which students created independent learning modules (ILMs) that were reviewed by their classmates. Feedback surveys were used to assess the activity and guide a revision to the program. Feedback surveys after the revision were used to assess the overall perceived value of the program. Results Twenty-seven students in two successive sessions of our elective radiology clerkship completed the ILM activity and provided feedback. Sixty-four students in five subsequent sessions completed a modified version of the activity and provided feedback. Students in this final group rated the activity's educational value at 8.3/10, with most describing both the creation and reviewing of the ILMs as similarly or more educationally valuable than lectures (41 of 64 [64%], 48 of 64 [75%], respectively). Students indicated the target ILM length of 15 minutes was “about right” (61 of 64 [95%]), and that the overall proportion of the course dedicated to the ILM activity was appropriate (49 of 64 [77%]). Conclusions A novel student-created ILM activity was highly reviewed by radiology elective students, both with regard to the educational value of creating and taking the ILMs. Clerkship directors wishing to supplement their curricula with an easy-to-implement high-value activity may consider adding a student-created ILM assignment.
A Comparative International Study of Differences in Beliefs Between Future Teachers and Their Educators

In this study we investigate the extent to which differences exist in beliefs about teaching and learning mathematics between future teachers and their teacher educators/professors across five countries, including Chinese Taipei, Poland, Russian Federation, Singapore, and the United States. The analyses include teacher educators and future primary and secondary teachers grouped within institutions within countries and is based on meta-analytic methods to estimate effects within institutions and synthesize them across institutions within a country. We found significant differences in a number of beliefs about teaching and learning mathematics, and for some countries, the differences between future teachers and their educators vary across institutions. In a number of important and somewhat consistent ways, variation in differences in beliefs is explained by future teachers’ opportunities to learn in the areas of mathematics pedagogy, general pedagogy, and field experiences provided by their teacher preparation programs. In addition, program coherence, mathematical content knowledge, and mathematical pedagogical knowledge also moderate the magnitude of differences in beliefs between future teachers and their educators. We discuss the implications of our findings for the design of the curriculum and experiences provided by teacher education programs.
Computational study of full-scale VHTR lower plenum for turbulent mixing assessment

Abstract Next-generation nuclear reactors are poised to efficiently provide reliable power at enhanced safety levels for many years to come. Among the fundamental designs for these reactors is the very-high-temperature reactor (VHTR), which employs helium as the primary coolant and has the potential of reaching elevated temperatures such that chemical processing (e.g., electrolysis for hydrogen production) is viable alongside traditional electricity generation. This and other next-generation reactors also represent a strategic bridge for ultimately transitioning from fossil fuel-dominated energy portfolios to one where renewable options abound. For the VHTR, the ultimate goal of constructing a new plant will be preceded by additional fundamental research aimed at generating trusted models for behavior prediction under normal and accident scenarios. This paper presents a detailed computational fluid dynamics simulation of the lower plenum, where hot coolant from the core mixes together in a turbulent fashion before traveling to power conversion equipment. Because the flow is expected to enter the lower plenum across a wide range of temperatures and velocities, concerns exist when the mixing is incomplete. The potential hot spots on cylindrical support pedestals and the uniformity of the main outlet are the primary metrics of interest in this study, along with flow velocities and temperatures at different locations within the lower plenum. Three locations are probed in detail and suggest a large range exists for approach velocities and temperatures. A large degree of stratification is also seen on the surfaces of the support pedestals, suggesting a facility should accommodate testing for such behavior. The characterizations presented provide the valuable data needed in order to design appropriate experimental testbeds, where scaled modeling can be carried out in a manner meaningful in predicting the full-scale behavior.
Abstract 2362: NF-κB (p65) mediates interleukin-1 (IL-1) repression of androgen receptor (AR) in AR+prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines

Inflammation promotes cancer initiation and progression. The Nuclear Factor Kappa-Light-Chain-Enhancer of Activated B cells (NF-κB) family of transcription factor proteins, p65 (RelA), RelB, c-Rel, p105/p50 (NF-κB1), and p100/52 (NF-κB2), form homo- and heterodimeric complexes that mediate inflammatory cytokine signaling. We previously reported that the inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) and IL-1 beta (IL-1β), repress androgen receptor (AR) levels and activity in AR+ prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines. AR drives PCa tumorigenicity and, thus, AR is a therapeutic target. Our data suggests that IL-1 selects for ARlow/-PCa cell subpopulations that can evade AR-targeting therapy. Using RNA sequencing, we identified an IL-1-regulated gene signature predicted to supported AR-independent tumorigenicity in PCa cells. Pathway analysis of the RNA sequencing data predicted that AR is a target molecule of p65 (RELA). p50:p65 heterodimers are known to mediate IL-1 signaling, therefore, we investigated if NF-κB (p50:p65) signaling mediates IL-1 repression of AR. We found that siRNA silencing of p65 is sufficient to attenuate IL-1 repression of AR mRNA and protein levels and AR activity in AR+ PCa cell lines, while siRNA silencing of p50 had no effect on IL-1 repression of AR. Our data suggests that p65 represses AR levels, directly or indirectly, in response to IL-1. Thus, therapeutic inhibition of p65 activity could prevent the accumulation of inflammation-induced treatment-resistance ARlow/- PCa cell subpopulations. Citation Format: Shayna Elizabeth Thomas-Jardin, Haley Dahl, Monica Bautista, Freedom Ha, Joan Jacob, Afshan Fathima Nawas, Mohammed Kanshwala, Chao Xing, Nikki Delk. NF-κB (p65) mediates interleukin-1 (IL-1) repression of androgen receptor (AR) in AR+prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines [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 2362.
25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC): Findings from CALGB 80303.

4022 Background: Data from animal and cell line models suggest that vitamin D metabolism is important in pancreatic tumor maintenance and may contribute to this tumor’s chemoresistance. While vitam...
Cyber Baselining: Statistical properties of cyber time series and the search for stability

Many predictive cyber analytics assume, implicitly or explicitly, that the underlying statistical processes they treat have simple properties. Often statistics predicated on Wiener processes are used, but even if not, assumptions on statistical stationarity, ergodicity, and memorylessness are often present. We present here empirical observations of several common network time series, and demonstrate that these assumptions are false; the series are non-stationary, non-ergodic, and possess complicated correlation structures. We compute several statistical tests, borrowed from other disciplines, for the evaluation of network time series. We discuss the implications of these results on the larger goal of constructing a meaningful cyber baseline of a network or host, intended to establish the bounds of “normal” behavior. For many common network observables used in defensive cyber operations, it may prove to be unrealistic to establish such a baseline, or detect significant deviations from it.
Interplay between RNA-binding protein HuR and Nox4 as a novel therapeutic target in diabetic kidney disease.

Abstract Objective Glomerular injury is a prominent pathological feature of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Constitutively active NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is a major source of reactive oxygen species that mediates hyperglycemia-induced mesangial cell (MC) fibrotic injury. However, the mechanism that Nox4 utilizes to achieve its biological outcome remains elusive, and the signaling pathways that regulate this isoform oxidase are not well understood. Here, our goal is to study the detailed mechanism by which NAPDH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is post-transcriptionally regulated in MC during diabetic pathology. Methods We studied the protein expression of HuR, Nox4 and matrix proteins by western blotting, while we assessed the mRNA stability of Nox4 by RT-PCR and polysomal assay, examined in vitro cultured glomerular mesangial cells treated by high glucose (HG) and diabetic animal induced by STZ. The binding assay between HuR and the Nox4 promoter was done by immuno-precipiating with HuR antibody and detecting the presence of Nox4 mRNA, or by pull-down by using biotinlyated labeled Nox4 promoter RNA and detecting the presence of the HuR protein. The binding was also confirmed in MCs where Nox4 promoter-containing luciferage constructs were transfected. ROS levels were measured with DHE/DCF dyes in cells, or lucigenin chemiluminescence for Nox enzymatic levels, or HPLC assay for superoxide. HuR protein was inhibited by antisense oligo that utilized osmotic pumps for continuous delivery in animal models. The H1bAc1 ratio was measured by an ELISA kit for mice. Results We demonstrate that in MCs, high glucose (HG) elicits a rapid upregulation of Nox4 protein via translational mechanisms. Nox4 mRNA 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) contains numerous AU-rich elements (AREs) that are potential binding sites for the RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR). We show that HG promotes HuR activation/expression and that HuR is required for HG-induced Nox4 protein expression/mRNA translation, ROS generation, and subsequent MC fibrotic injury. Through a series of in vitro RNA-binding assays, we demonstrate that HuR acts via binding to AREs in Nox4 3′-UTR in response to HG. The in vivo relevance of these observations is confirmed by the findings that increased Nox4 is accompanied by the binding of HuR to Nox4 mRNA in kidneys from type 1 diabetic animals, and further suppressing HuR expression showed a reno-protective role in a type 1 diabetic mouse model via reducing MC injury, along with the improvement of hyperglycemia and renal function. Conclusions We established for the first time that HuR-mediated translational regulation of Nox4 contributes to the pathogenesis of fibrosis of the glomerular microvascular bed. Thus therapeutic interventions affecting the interplay between Nox4 and HuR could be exploited as valuable tools in designing treatments for DKD.
A Matter of Conscience: Examining the Law and Policy of Conscientious Objection in Health Care.

Conscientious objection refers to refusal by a health care provider (HCP) to provide certain treatments, including the standard of care, to a patient based upon the provider’s personal, ethical, or...
Abstract PR07: The role of keratinocyte desmoglein 1 in shaping the melanoma tumor niche

Melanoma is an aggressive cancer arising from transformation of melanocytes residing in the basal layer of the epidermis, where they are in direct contact with surrounding keratinocytes. Keratinocytes and melanocytes communicate through both contact and paracrine signaling, a niche called the pigmentary unit. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced melanocyte mutations drive melanoma formation and progression, but the role of keratinocytes and an altered microenvironment in melanomagenesis is understudied. We showed that the keratinocyte-specific desmosomal cadherin, desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), is reduced in response to acute UV exposure. Here, we show that Dsg1 is progressively reduced in regions surrounding human dysplastic nevi, melanoma in situ, and stage I/II melanomas, preceding loss of E-cadherin that occurs in later stages. Since we previously showed that Dsg1 suppresses EGFR/Erk1/2 signaling and regulates keratinocyte cytokine profiles, we hypothesized that altered keratinocyte Dsg1 expression governs melanocyte behavior and transformation through paracrine signaling. Dsg1 knockdown via shRNA elevated phospho-EGFR, phospho-Stat3, phospho-ERK and nuclear NFκB, accompanied by increases in IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, and CXCL1 proinflammatory cytokine mRNAs and secretion of IL6, IL8, and CXCL1. Melanocytes grown in conditioned media from Dsg1-deficient keratinocytes increased MITF transcription, while AXL transcript levels remained unchanged, a signature associated with early-stage melanoma. Consistent with increased MITF, melanocytes cultured in conditioned media from Dsg1-depleted keratinocytes increased pigment secretion, reversible by inhibiting the melanocortin 1 receptor. Melanocytes incorporated into Dsg1-deficient 3D human skin equivalents mis-localized to suprabasal layers, similar to pagetoid behavior in early melanoma. This, combined with the loss of keratinocyte Dsg1 surrounding human melanoma lesions, led us to examine mechanisms of sustained Dsg1 loss in the tumor niche. Keratinocytes cultured in melanoma cell-conditioned media reduced Dsg1 expression, suggesting that Dsg1 downregulation is maintained by melanoma cells post-transformation. We postulate that keratinocyte Dsg1 downregulation may initially be part of the skin’s protective response against UV exposure through its role in increasing pigmentation. However, chronic Dsg1 loss may contribute to melanoma initiation and be important for the maintenance of the promelanoma tumor niche. This abstract is also being presented as Poster A02. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Hope E. Burks, Christopher R. Arnette, Jennifer L. Koetsier, Joshua A. Broussard, Valarie Ogwo, Quinn R. Roth-Carter, Pedram Gerami, Jodi L. Johnson, Kathleen J. Green. The role of keratinocyte desmoglein 1 in shaping the melanoma tumor niche [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Melanoma: From Biology to Target; 2019 Jan 15-18; Houston, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(19 Suppl):Abstract nr PR07.
Influence for social good: exploring the roles of influencer identity and comment section in Instagram-based LGBTQ-centric corporate social responsibility advertising

Brands have increasingly collaborated with influencers on their social advocacy efforts through social media influencer advertising. This study explores the effects of influencer identity and comme...
Rural Learners of English: Needs and Challenges

Nominally, Indian rural learners of English are also part of the 21 century learners. But they are handicapped very clearly with certain disadvantages and marked by some traits that constrained them from fully realizing their potentials. They acutely feel the need for English for their survival now more than ever. English is the gateway to the 21 century skills that a global citizen desires to master. It is no longer a status symbol and a mark of luxury to them. On the other hand, it opens up the vista of the more liberalized expanded world. Their challenges in acquisition of English outnumber their needs for English. No serious thought is given to their English language needs and challenges that they face. Syllabuses and teaching methods do not reflect their aspirations and problems. They are always looked at in the urban mould. Hence, the present study analyzes their needs and challenges in meeting them in terms of skills and sub-skills. It is hypothesised that there should be a paradigm shift in English language curriculum from being urban-biased to becoming pro-rural. It ends with a set of recommendations either for implementation or for further study.