cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endobronchial ultrasonography-guided transbronchial needle aspiration, an effective modality for sampling targeted thoracic lesions in adult lung transplant recipients

Introduction Lung transplantation (LTx) is performed for end-stage lung diseases that would be otherwise fatal. Pulmonary allograft recipients are a unique patient population as they are at high risk for malignancy and infectious complications due to the need for immunosuppression. Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive technique for evaluating abnormalities of the mediastinum/lungs. To our knowledge, this report is the first in the literature addressing targeted EBUS-FNA biopsies in patients who have undergone LTx. Material and methods During 5 years from May 1, 2009 to May 1, 2014, 582 patients underwent LTx at the Cleveland Clinic. A review of records indicated that 14 of these patients later underwent EBUS-FNA. Demographic and diagnostic parameters were recorded. Results A total of 14 patients (mean age 64 years) underwent EBUS-FNA after LTx. The mean interval between LTx and EBUS-FNA was 15 months. EBUS-FNA yielded cytologic material diagnostic of malignancy in 10 patients (71%) with one-half of those cases being squamous carcinomas. Conclusions EBUS-FNA is a useful diagnostic modality in lung allograft recipients and is of value in confirming and staging thoracic malignancies in this population. Carcinoma subtyping is feasible by EBUS-FNA, and performance of ancillary studies to confirm clonality in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders is possible.
Simultaneous segmentation and registration for functional MR images

A simultaneous segmentation and registration model is proposed for functional MR (fMR) image alignment that is significant for minimizing motion artifacts on fMRI data analysis. Due to T/sub 2/* weighted signal loss and decreased resolution, in fMR images, the images can't be aligned reliably by only using image information. Our approach uses the shape of a contour pre-segmented in a high resolution image to find the unknown contour in each of the time series images, and the spatial transform that maps the interface to the given contour. This is achieved by minimizing an energy functional depending on the information of the image gradient and the shape of interest, so that the boundary of the object can be captured either by higher gradient or by the prior knowledge of its shape. In the meantime, the registration is achieved by the transformation determined in shape matching. The model has been tested both on synthetic data and fMR brain image data. The experimental results showed the effectiveness of this model in feature determination and time series image registration. The existence of the solution to the proposed model is also discussed.
Opportunities for improved distribution modelling practice via a strict maximum likelihood interpretation of MaxEnt

Maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modelling, as implemented in the Maxent software, has rapidly become one of the most popular methods for distribution modelling. Originally, MaxEnt was described as a machine-learning method. More recently, it has been explained from principles of Bayesian estimation. MaxEnt offers numerous options (variants of the method) and settings (tuning of parameters) to the users. A widespread practice of accepting the Maxent software's default options and settings has been established, most likely because of ecologists’ lack of familiarity with machine-learning and Bayesian statistical concepts and the ease by which the default models are obtained in Maxent. However, these defaults have been shown, in many cases, to be suboptimal and exploration of alternatives has repeatedly been called for. In this paper, we derive MaxEnt from strict maximum likelihood principles, and point out parallels between MaxEnt and standard modelling tools like generalised linear models (GLM). Furthermore, we describe several new options opened by this new derivation of MaxEnt, which may improve MaxEnt practice. The most important of these is the option for selecting variables by subset selection methods instead of the l1-regularisation method, which currently is the Maxent software default. Other new options include: incorporation of new transformations of explanatory variables and user control of the transformation process; improved variable contribution measures and options for variation partitioning; and improved output prediction formats. The new options are exemplified for a data set for the plant species Scorzonera humilis in SE Norway, which was analysed by the standard MaxEnt procedure in a previously published paper. We recommend that thorough comparisons between the proposed alternative options and default procedures and variants thereof be carried out.
Significance Arithmetic: Application to a Partial Differential Equation

The methods of significance arithmetic are applied to the numerical solution of a nonlinear partial-differential equation. Our approach permits the use of initial values having imprecision considerably greater than that of rounding error; moreover, the intermediate and final quantities are monitored so that at any stage the precision of such quantities is available. An algorithm is found that represents faithfully the solution to a difference-equation approximation to Burgers' equation.
Radiative transfer based scaling of LAI retrievals from reflectance data of different resolutions

The problem of how the scale, or spatial resolution, of reflectance data impacts retrievals of vegetation leaf area index (LAI) is addressed in this article. We define the goal of scaling as the process by which it is established that LAI values derived from coarse resolution sensor data equal the arithmetic average of values derived independently from fine resolution sensor data. The increasing probability of land cover mixtures with decreasing resolution is defined as heterogeneity, which is a key concept in scaling studies. The effect of pixel heterogeneity on spectral reflectances and LAI retrievals is investigated with 1-km Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data aggregated to different coarse spatial resolutions. It is shown that LAI retrieval errors at coarse resolution are inversely related to the proportion of the dominant land cover in such pixel. Further, large errors in LAI retrievals are incurred when forests are minority biomes in non-forest pixels compared to when forest biomes are mixed with one another, and vice versa. A physically based scaling with explicit spatial resolution-dependent radiative transfer formulation is developed. The successful application of this theory to scaling LAI retrievals from AVHRR data of different resolutions is demonstrated. These principles underlie our approach to the production and validation of LAI product from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) aboard the TERRA platform.
Smoking topography predicts abstinence following treatment with nicotine replacement therapy.

Objective: Smoking topography refers to how a person smokes a cigarette and includes measures of the number of puffs and puff volume, duration, and velocity. This study examined the relationship between smoking topography and abstinence from cigarettes following nicotine replacement therapy. A secondary objective was to determine the relationship of smoking topography to carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. Method: Participants ( n = 113) smoked one of their preferred brands of cigarette through a smoking topography device prior to participating in an open-label trial of transdermal nicotine versus nicotine nasal spray. A subset of participants ( n = 50) provided breath CO samples prior to and following smoking the cigarette. Results: Mean V max [odds ratio (OR), 1.12; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.02-1.24; P = 0.02], mean puff volume (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.98; P = 0.01), mean interpuff interval (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00-1.11; P = 0.03), and cigarette type (full flavor versus light/ultralight; OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.14-0.89; P = 0.03) were significant predictors of abstinence in a model controlling for treatment group and nicotine dependence. Controlling for time since last cigarette and initial CO level, mean puff velocity ( β = 0.171; P = 0.01) was the only significant predictor of CO boost. Conclusion: These results suggest that smoking topography may be useful to predict abstinence after using nicotine replacement therapy and to assess harm from smoking.
An application of the theory of multiple intelligences in mathematics classrooms in the context of origami

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences may be applied in mathematics classrooms in the context of an origami project. The paper discusses an origami project and the mathematics behind the project. The paper finally uses the origami project to discuss how Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences and idea of entry points can be applied in mathematics classrooms to help students understand and appreciate mathematics [H. Gardner, Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons, Basic Books, New York, 2006].
Pre-resuscitation Lactate and Hospital Mortality in Prehospital Patients

AbstractObjective. Serum lactate elevations are associated with morbidity and mortality in trauma patients, but their value in prehospital medical patients prior to resuscitation is unknown. We sought to assess the distribution of blood lactate concentrations prior to intravenous (IV) resuscitation and examine the association of elevation on in-hospital death. Methods. A convenience sample of adult patients over 14 months who received an IV line by eight EMS agencies in Western Pennsylvania had lactate measurement prior to any IV treatment. We assessed the lactate values and any relationship between these and hospital mortality (our primary outcome) and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). We also compared the ability of lactate to discriminate outcomes with a prehospital critical illness score using age, Glasgow Coma Score, and initial vital signs. Results. We included 673 patients, among whom 71 (11%) were admitted to the ICU and 21 (3.1%) died in-hospital. Elevated lactate (≥2 mmol/L) occurred i...
Analysis of Synaptic Gene Expression in the Neocortex of Primates Reveals Evolutionary Changes in Glutamatergic Neurotransmission

Increased relative brain size characterizes the evolution of primates, suggesting that enhanced cognition plays an important part in the behavioral adaptations of this mammalian order. In addition to changes in brain anatomy, cognition can also be regulated by molecular changes that alter synaptic function, but little is known about modifications of synapses in primate brain evolution. The aim of the current study was to investigate the expression patterns and evolution of 20 synaptic genes from the prefrontal cortex of 12 primate species. The genes investigated included glutamate receptors, scaffolding proteins, synaptic vesicle components, as well as factors involved in synaptic vesicle release and structural components of the nervous system. Our analyses revealed that there have been significant changes during primate brain evolution in the components of the glutamatergic signaling pathway in terms of gene expression, protein expression, and promoter sequence changes. These results could entail functional modifications in the regulation of specific genes related to processes underlying learning and memory.
AN OPTIMAL GUIDANCE LAW FOR PLANETARY LANDING

A guidance law which minimizes the commanded acceleration along with the (weighted) final time is developed. This guidance law is a linear function of the states (relative to the landing point) and a nonlinear function of the time-to-go. The time-togo is obtained as a solution to a quartic equation which is solved analytically. The advantage of this guidance law is that it does not involve any iterations whatsoever. It is the exact solution to the two-point boundary-value problem associated with the first variation necessary conditions. It also satisfies the second variation necessary conditions for a minimum. An example of a lunar landing is given to demonstrate the optimality of this guidance law.
Criminal Trials as Culture Wars : Southern Honor and the Acquital of Frank James

More than any other nation, the United States was formed by individuals for whom public justice was central to identity. What the country has lacked in public religious spectacle we have replaced with public narratives of crime, justice, and redemption. A century before we became addicted to simulated spectacles of triumph, tragedy, life, and death in movie theaters and sports arenas, we sought out the real thing in criminal trials and executions. These legal proceedings were often the most widely-attended public events in the community.
Peroxynitrite does not impair pulmonary and systemic vascular responses.

The effects of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) on vascular responses were investigated in the systemic and hindquarters vascular bed and in the isolated perfused rat lung. Intravenous injections of ONOO- dec...
Erosion by volcanic base-surge density currents: U-shaped channels

Small U-shaped channels eroded by volcanic base surges occur on the steep outer slopes of some tuff cones but rarely on the gentle outer slopes of tuff rings. This suggests that their development is a function of velocity. Corroborating evidence from the 1952 phreatomagmatic eruption of Barcena Volcano is as follows: U-shaped furrows were cut by volcanic density currents on the steep slopes of the volcano, but at the base of the volcano, where the velocity decreased, dunes were deposited with long axes perpendicular to the furrows. These dunes were similar to those deposited by base surges on the low slopes surrounding Taal Volcano, Philippines, during its 1965 eruption. To be preserved, U-shaped base-surge channels must be quickly buried by deposits from penecontemporaneous eruptions; otherwise, as ready-made avenues for run-off, stream action soon destroys them. Even if preserved on the steep sides of a volcano, however, exposures in cross section are rare because (1) the channels are filled with pyroclastic deposits or (2) later stream dissection parallels them without revealing the cross-sectional profile or else completely destroys them. An explanation of the origin of U-shaped channels stems from (1) the parameters of base-surge flow deduced from descriptions of historic base surges and their deposits, (2) descriptions of prehistoric base-surge deposits, (3) the development of U-shaped furrows by base surges at Barcena Volcano, Mexico, and (4) descriptions herein of prehistoric U-shaped channels and their depositional fill at Koko Crater, Hawaii. Fortunate circumstances of erosion on the side of Koko Crater provide excellent cross-sectional exposures along a short stretch of the shoreline. U-shaped channels eroded by base surges superficially resemble equilibrium semicircular channels cut by streams and mud-flows, but the profiles develop by a different mechanism. The fronts of advancing volcanic base surges develop a cleft and lobe pattern; the lobes appear to be individual turbulent cells that splay outward from the source. To carve a smooth U-shaped profile, the concentration of particles must increase gradually (perhaps exponentially) from the edges of the lobes to their central part, where the boundary effects are least and forward velocity is greatest. Small channels that are cut into erodible material by turbidity currents also have rounded cross-sectional profiles and may be cut by a mechanism similar to that ascribed here to base-surge flow.
Suspension Polymerization for Preparation of Timed-Release Dosage Forms

An investigation was undertaken to develop a process, utilizing suspension polymerization, for the production of timed-release medicated dosage forms. The effects of production variables upon dissolution of acetaminophen from these dosage forms were studied. Nonexpanded spherical polystyrene beads produced in the presence of acetaminophen exhibited no timed release of medication. However, timed release of medicament was observed when spherical polystyrene beads produced in the absence of acetaminophen were expanded with the aid of a blowing agent and subsequently allowed to absorb medicament. In general, 64% of the available drug was released from the free expanded polystyrene beads within the 1st hr of dissolution, with an additional 29% being released by the conclusion of dissolution testing.
Does Self-Affirmation, Cognitive Processing, or Discovery of Meaning Explain Cancer-Related Health Benefits of Expressive Writing?

Although expressive writing has positive effects on health, little is known about the underlying psychological mechanisms for these effects. The present study assessed self-affirmation, cognitive processing, and discovery of meaning as potential mediators of the effects of expressive writing on physical health in early-stage breast cancer survivors. A content analysis of the essays showed that self-affirmation writing was associated with fewer physical symptoms at a 3-month follow-up assessment, with self-affirmation writing fully mediating the effects of the emotional expression and benefit-finding writing conditions on reduced physical symptoms. Cognitive processing and discovery of meaning writing were not associated with any physical health outcomes. Consistent with evidence showing that self-affirmation plays an important role in buffering stress, the present study provides the first evidence for self-affirmation as a viable mechanism underlying the health benefits of expressive writing.
Mercury Retention, A Trait of Chickens

Abstract AS FAR as is known, no reports comparing retention of mercury in different strains or strain crosses of animals is available. In an investigation of the metabolism of phenylmercury acetate (PMA) in animals, differences in mercury retention were noted by Miller et al. (1959) in livers and kidneys of strains of chickens selected for resistance (R) and susceptibility (S) to the avian leukosis complex. EXPERIMENTAL The experiment reported herein was designed to gain further information on the mercury retention of the two strains mentioned above, the reciprocal crosses of these lines and sex differences in retention. The chickens used were obtained from two lines of White Leghorns that have been involved in a selection program for resistance and susceptibility to disease, with particular emphasis on avian leukosis, for 26 generations. They originated from the same general base at the Western Washington Experiment Station and have been maintained as a closed …
RF Characteristics of a high-performance, 10-fF//spl mu/m/sup 2/ capacitor in a deep trench

We report the properties of a novel polysilicon-insulator-polysilicon trench capacitor with a 380-/spl Aring/ Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ dielectric that is designed and fabricated for high-frequency bypass and decoupling applications. The capacitor has a specific capacitance as high as 10 fF//spl mu/m/sup 2/ normalized to its footprint area, and a breakdown voltage greater than 15 V at room temperature. The measured S-parameters are in excellent agreement with simulations of an equivalent circuit model that includes a shunt substrate resistance to ground (R/sub sub/). A geometric factor /spl mu/ is defined as the ratio of the imaginary parts of Y/sub 11/ and -Y/sub 21/ at low frequency. The values of /spl mu/ and, consequently, R/sub sub/ are extracted from fitting the measured S-parameter data, and the layout dependence of /spl mu/ and R/sub sub/ is also explained by the model.
Cooperation beyond the dyad: on simple models and a complex society.

Players in Axelrod and Hamilton's model of cooperation were not only in a Prisoner's Dilemma, but by definition, they were also trapped in a dyad. But animals are rarely so restricted and even the option to interact with third parties allows individuals to escape from the Prisoner's Dilemma into a much more interesting and varied world of cooperation, from the apparently rare ‘parcelling’ to the widespread phenomenon of market effects. Our understanding of by-product mutualism, pseudo-reciprocity and the snowdrift game is also enriched by thinking ‘beyond the dyad’. The concepts of by-product mutualism and pseudo-reciprocity force us to think again about our basic definitions of cooperative behaviour (behaviour by a single individual) and cooperation (the outcome of an interaction between two or more individuals). Reciprocity is surprisingly rare outside of humans, even among large-brained ‘intelligent’ birds and mammals. Are humans unique in having extensive cooperative interactions among non-kin and an integrated cognitive system for mediating reciprocity? Perhaps, but our best chance for finding a similar phenomenon may be in delphinids, which also live in large societies with extensive cooperative interactions among non-relatives. A system of nested male alliances in bottlenose dolphins illustrates the potential and difficulties of finding a complex system of cooperation close to our own.
Conveying the intellectual challenge of ecology: an historical perspective

The roots of ecology are historically extremely diverse, with contributions from many fields of science. A sampling of ways of thinking ecologically, ranging from the early 19th to the early 20th century, reveals the richness of ecological science. By examining historical examples from biogeography, natural history, the science of energy, and biomedical sciences, we can appreciate the many different contexts in which ecological thinking has evolved, whether as part of larger projects to systematize and unify knowledge of the world, or in response to particular problems that were solved by taking a fresh approach. It is important, when educating students and the public, to convey this diversity of ecological thought and the nature of ecology as an integrative discipline.
Dynamic rotational seeding and cell culture system for vascular tube formation.

Optimization of cell seeding and culturing is an important step for the successful tissue engineering of vascular conduits. We evaluated the effectiveness of using a hybridization oven for rotational seeding and culturing of ovine vascular myofibroblasts onto biodegradable polymer scaffolds suitable for replacement of small- and large-diameter blood vessels. Large tubes (12 mm internal diameter and 60 mm length, n = 4) and small tubes (5 mm internal diameter and 20 mm length, n = 4) were made from a combination of polyglycolic acid/poly-4-hydroxybutyrate and coated with collagen solution. Tubes were then placed in culture vessels containing a vascular myofibroblast suspension (106 cells/cm2) and rotated at 5 rpm in a hybridization oven at 37°C. Light and scanning electron microscopy analyses were performed after 5, 7, and 10 days. Myofibroblasts had formed confluent layers over the outer and inner surfaces of both large and small tubular scaffolds by day 5. Cells had aligned in the direction of flow by da...
A Study of Cross-Market Branch Banking in Illinois: A Multiple Regression Quadratic Assignment Procedure Approach

This paper investigates the role of a host of geographical factors in shaping the cross-market branch banking network, using Illinois as a case study. The study adopts the multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure from social network analysis in non-parametric estimation. The research finds that cross-market branch banking is subject to distance decay. While the urban place hierarchy including market size and population density contributes positively to the role of places as control centers, its role in forming cross-market branch banking markets is more profound. The network centrality contributes positively to places' role as market centers, as does market concentration. Income level is positively associated with the role of control centers. Inward interstate banking tends to weaken the role of a place as a control center and market center. The information, art/entertainment, and government sectors play a positive role in attracting branch banking while the role of the retail is negative. The information industry is also a positive factor in forming control centers.
Random version of Dvoretzky's theorem in $\ell_p^n$

Abstract We study the dependence on e in the critical dimension k ( n , p , e ) for which one can find random sections of the l p n -ball which are ( 1 + e ) -spherical. We give lower (and upper) estimates for k ( n , p , e ) for all eligible values p and e as n → ∞ , which agree with the sharp estimates for the extreme values p = 1 and p = ∞ . Toward this end, we provide tight bounds for the Gaussian concentration of the l p -norm.
How male attractiveness mediates the effect of an immune challenge on reproductive traits and sickness behavior in the Texas Field Cricket ( Gryllus texensis)

Trade offs between life-history traits are well studied; however, most studies examine only two life-history traits at a time. For instance, in invertebrates, there is much evidence for the trade-off between reproduction and immunity but no studies that consider how investment in attractiveness might mediate this trade-off. In this study, I test two hypotheses. First, attractive male crickets (Gryllus texensis) have acquired larger resource pools than unattractive males and can invest more in all life-history traits. Attractive males should therefore have better body condition and show a less pronounced trade-off than unattractive males. Second, that attractive and unattractive males start with similar sized resource pools and allocate these resources differently. Since attractive males have invested some of their limited resources on sexual attractiveness they should have fewer resources left at their disposal than the unattractive males and should have worse body condition and show a more pronounced trade-off between reproduction and immunity than unattractive males. I tested these hypotheses by comparing body condition and testes size in attractive and unattractive males and injecting them with saline or LPS and examining their behavior. Attractive and unattractive males did not differ in their body condition or testes size. Attractive males increased their calling activity when immune-challenged. These results support the hypothesis that attractive and unattractive males have similar sized resource pools and attractive males invest in sexual attractiveness at the expense of immune-competence.
Vibrational Properties of Boroxine Anhydride and Boronate Ester Materials: Model Systems for the Diagnostic Characterization of Covalent Organic Frameworks

The vibrational characteristics of 28 different boronic acid, boroxine anhydride, and boronate ester species have been systematically investigated using a combination of experimental infrared (IR) spectroscopy and computational modeling. IR bands characteristic to each boron-containing functionality have been categorized and assigned in conjunction with density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31G(d)), with the aim of better understanding and distinguishing the vibrational characteristics of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) built from boronic acids. In several cases, vibrational assignments differ from those previously reported in the literature on boronic acid-based COFs. Vibrations commonly regarded as diagnostic for one functionality are found in regions of the IR spectrum where other functionalities also show characteristic peaks. The collective experimental and computational results reveal that several alternative bands in the IR region can be used to more diagnostically distinguish between boronic acid,...
The Global Middle Class: How Is It Made, What Does It Represent?

Abstract One important phenomenon to be observed in the world today is the rapid growth of the middle classes in emerging economies, especially in Asia. This development called for a new concept, the global middle class. The purpose of this paper is twofold: one is to examine the ways this term is currently used and clarify its meaning, and the other is to examine one empirical case of South Korea and highlight important processes involved in the making of a global middle class. The term global middle class has 2 meanings: (1) all the middle classes that exist in the world or (2) the affluent and globally oriented segments of the middle classes in developing countries. These 2 different conceptions serve different purposes and address different aspects of globalization's effect on the affected economy and society. While the expansion of the middle classes around the world is an unquestionably welcome phenomenon, the rise of the affluent global middle classes in developing countries represents a more compl...
Inducible Anisogamy and the Evolution of Oogamy from Isogamy

The initial and decisive step in the evolution of oogamy from isogamy involves the generation of sizedifferent gamete types in isogamous ancestors. Recent data with isogamous dioecious Chlamydomonas species reveal a potential for the evolution of anisogamy which can be demonstrated experimentally. These species possess, in each sex, two different pathways of gametogenesis. A vegetative cell may produce just one large gamete by intracellular differentiation or may produce four small gametes by means of two gametogenic mitoses. Combination of sexually complementary gametes of different production modes creates phenotypically a distinctly anisogamous copulation. At this developmental potential, any mutation which fixes one or the other mode of gametogenesis will establish micro- or macrogamete producers. Such genetically anisogamous lines will then be subjected to selection for increasingly divergent evolution of the gametic differentiation.
Investigation on Influenza A H1N1 Vaccination in Futian District of Shenzhen City During 2009-2010

[Objective]to provide experience for Influenza A H1N1 vaccination at the next stage and further improve the prevention and control work.[Methods]A descriptive epidemiological method was applied to analyze the people receiving influenza A H1N1 vaccination and the Adverse Events Following Immunization(AEFI) in Futian District of Shenzhen City from November 5,2009 to February 12,2010.[Results]In the first phase,100 668 people were vaccinated and 55 cases of AEFI were reported,including 41 cases of the general reaction,7 cases of the abnormal reaction and 7 cases of the coupling disease.The reaction rate was 54.6/100 000.The difference of results between age distribution was significant(χ~2=15.0415,P=0.0046)[Conclusion]The vaccination practice in Futian District showed that Influenza A H1N1 vaccine was safe.Because of the over reports on suspected abnormal reaction from the media and the over-sensitivity of some people and other reasons,the coverage of some focus groups are not high.Correctly guiding the public opinion is important in the later period to increase the public scientific understanding of influenza A H1N1 vaccination.
Abstract P4-10-03: Compliance improvement with enhanced, patient-specific breast clinic infrastructure

Background : NCCN provides guidelines for breast cancer post-therapy surveillance (clinic appointments, mammograms, and anti-hormone therapy use). The multidisciplinary breast care clinic (MDC) was designed with a specific infrastructure to serve women with state-federal safety net funding. The purpose of this study was to determine patient compliance in this population. Methods : A retrospective chart review was performed on 82 previously diagnosed breast cancer subjects seen at the MDC during 2011-13. Post-therapy surveillance compliance for clinic appointments (CA, n=82), annual mammography for subjects with one or both breasts intact (MAM, n=75), and yearly evaluation for subjects prescribed anti-hormone therapy (AHT, n=61) was assessed. Compliance was compared based on subject characteristics: age, stage, distance from home to MDC, insurance carrier, race, and ethnicity. Results : The per patient average combined compliance for all post-therapy surveillance was 87.7% at 12 months, 57% at 18 months, and 76.9% at 60 months. There were no trends in the analysis of average of CA kept based on insurance carriers. HMO participants had the highest percentage compliance at (95.0%; n= 2). After that, the ranking was as follows: 73.7% of those who are under the Breast Cancer Early Detection Program (BCEDP) (n=9), 68.6% under Cal Optima (n= 63), 68.2% straight Medicare (n= 2), and 63.1% for subjects with MediCal (n= 6). While no trend was identified for MAM by insurance carrier, the compliance was overall higher (average of 90%) when compared to CA (average of 74%) and AHT compliance (average of 87%). The overall cumulative percent compliance by test category and characteristic groups was: Conclusions: Given the perceived challenge of consistent, reliable follow up in this patient population, the results of this analysis are quite encouraging with averages for mammogram at 87%, AHT compliance of 76%, and CA at 68%. The compliance patterns discovered in this evaluation document the expectations and serve as a real-life practical, community standard. Mammography emerged as a driving component of compliance. The overall average combined compliance reduction at 18 months may be associated with possible visits to non-MDC facilities when mammography was not performed. An attempt to define outlier groups for potential infrastructure modification, based on unique group characteristics, was unsuccessful. While this may be attributed to the small n values, an alternate explanation is that the consistent infrastructure designed for a diverse, underinsured population resulted in a lack of variation. Citation Format: Carandang MI, Wagman LD, Babaran W. Compliance improvement with enhanced, patient-specific breast clinic infrastructure. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-10-03.
Comparison of real-time ultrasound and other live measures to carcass measures as predictors of beef cow energy stores.

Thirty-nine mature cows were divided into three condition groups on the basis of their subcutaneous fat thickness as determined by real-time ultrasound. A representative animal from each group was measured and slaughtered. The remaining cows with each group were stratified evenly into two groups with one group fed to gain weight and the other to lose weight. Several ultrasound and other live measures were taken every 4 wk and two animals per subgroup were randomly slaughtered. Carcass data were collected and one side of each carcass was boned, ground, mixed, and subsampled for fat and protein determination. Four regression equations were generated to predict percentage of fat (FAT), percentage of protein (PROT), total fat (TOTFAT), total protein (TOTPROT), total calories (CAL), CAL per live weight (CAL/WT), yield grade (YG), and marbling (MARB). The first equation used all live measures (SUB), the second equation used only objective live measures (OBJ), the third equation incorporated traditional live measures (EAS), and the fourth equation used only carcass data (CAR). Adjusted R-squares of the most appropriate equation using the SUB, OBJ, EAS, and CAR measurements were .82, .73, .82, and .82 for FAT; .82, .57, .61, and .66 for PROT; .89, .87, .86, and .85 for TOTFAT; .95, .95, .93, and .74 for TOTPROT; .93, .92, .91, and .90 for CAL; .83, .78, .83, and .82 for CAL/WT; .86, .86, .78, and .93 for YG; and .75, .70, .74, and .74 for MARB, respectively. It seems that condition score or ultrasound with other objective live measures is as accurate in predicting cow composition as carcass measures.
UofL at SemEval-2016 Task 4: Multi Domain word2vec for Twitter Sentiment Classification

In this paper, we present a transfer learning system for twitter sentiment classification and compare its performance using different feature sets that include different word representation vectors. We utilized data from a different source domain to increase the performance of our system in the target domain. Our approach was based on training various word2vec models on data from the source and target domains combined, then using these models to calculate the average word vector of all the word vectors in a tweet observation, then input the average word vector as a feature to our classifiers for training. We further developed one doc2vec model that was trained on the positive, negative and neutral tweets in the target domain only. We then used these models in calculating the average word vector for every tweet in the training set as a preprocessing step. The final evaluation results show that our approach gave a prediction accuracy on the Twitter2016 test dataset that outperformed two teams that were among the top 10 in terms of AvgF1 scores.
CHAPTER 12 – Fusion Energy Applications

When two light elements collide with sufficient energy they may “fuse” and form a third, heavier, element. A simple mass balance would show that there is a small mass loss in this process, corresponding to a significant energy release. Many light elements can undergo exothermic fusion reactions, but fusion of the isotopes of hydrogen and helium are the easiest reactions to induce. The most probable fusion reactions and their released energies are: 1H 1 +1H 1 → 1D 2 +positron =1.4MeV 1H 1 +1D 2 → 2He 3 =5.5MeV 1H 1 +1T 3 → 2H 4 =19.9MeV 1D 2 +1D 2 → 2H 3 +neutron =3.3MeV 1D 2 +1D 2 → 1T 3 +1H 1 =4.0MeV 1D 2 +1T 3 → 2He 4 +neutron =17.6MeV 1D 2 +2He 3 → 2He 4 +H =18.2MeV
Automated reasoning for web page layout

Web pages define their appearance using Cascading Style Sheets, a modular language for layout of tree-structured documents. In principle, using CSS is easy: the developer specifies declarative constraints on the layout of an HTML document (such as the positioning of nodes in the HTML tree), and the browser solves the constraints to produce a box-based rendering of that document. In practice, however, the subtleties of CSS semantics make it difficult to develop stylesheets that produce the intended layout across different user preferences and browser settings. This paper presents the first mechanized formalization of a substantial fragment of the CSS semantics. This formalization is equipped with an efficient reduction to the theory of quantifier-free linear real arithmetic, enabling effective automated reasoning about CSS stylesheets and their behavior. We implement this reduction in Cassius, a solver-aided framework for building semantics-aware tools for CSS. To demonstrate the utility of Cassius, we prototype new tools for automated verification, debugging, and synthesis of CSS code. We show that these tools work on fragments of real-world websites, and that Cassius is a practical first step toward solver-aided programming for the web.
CMOS mm-wave transceiver techniques beyond 50 GHz

Deep sub-micron scaled CMOS offers relatively low RF performance at mm-wave frequencies compared with III-V technologies and the high levels of process variation further exacerbate design margins and lesser performance. Instead of optimizing mm-wave circuits for performance at design time, we instead adopt a “maximum tune-ability” approach in which the mm-wave front-end circuitry is made highly tunable and optimized at run-time by digital control and optimization algorithms to overcome process variation effects.
Bulky Ligands as Entropic Inhibitors of Receptor Uptake by Endocytosis

Receptor internalization by endocytosis controls diverse cellular processes from the rate of nutrient uptake to the timescale of essential signaling events. While many of the biochemical motifs that enable uptake have been thoroughly investigated, the physical factors that influence receptor internalization remain poorly understood. Specifically, recent work from several groups has demonstrated that the steric bulk of receptors inhibits their uptake by multiple types of trafficking vesicles including caveolae, COPII vesicles, and clathrin coated pits. However, the mechanism by which endocytic structures differentiate among receptors of different sizes to control their uptake remains unclear. Using bulky ligands to acutely increase receptor size, here we show that receptor uptake is governed by a thermodynamic balance between receptor-vesicle binding energy and the entropic cost of confining receptors within nascent vesicles. Specifically, we used quantitative fluorescence imaging to precisely map the distribution of receptors among clathrin-coated pits at the plasma membrane surface. In agreement with a simple thermodynamic model, these data show that the increased entropic cost of internalizing bulky ligands inhibits receptor uptake, driving accumulation of ligated receptors at the plasma membrane. Further, by examining the differential uptake of two receptors competing for space within the same population of endocytic structures, our results reveal the relative importance of receptor size and receptor affinity for endocytic sites. From a biological perspective, these results can predict how processes such as ligand binding and dimerization, which alter both the effective size of receptors and their biochemical affinity for endocytic structures, will impact receptor uptake rate. From an applied perspective, this work guides the design of bulky ligands that can drive the accumulation of specific receptors at the plasma membrane surface, a tool that may be useful for modulating diverse pathways in cell physiology and signaling.
Exploring Approaches to Facilitate Diabetes Therapy Intensification in Primary Care

Several landmark studies have provided strong support for the position that vigorous treatment of diabetes in the majority of individuals has the potential to reduce the morbidity and mortality of the disease by decreasing its chronic complications (1,2). In response, many advances have been made that include the introduction of highly successful therapies and tools such as more effective medications, blood glucose meters, insulin delivery systems, and needle sizes. Yet, despite this progress, people with diabetes can still have challenges in meeting target goals (3,4) and experience distress related to their treatment plan (5–7). Intensive therapies that have been shown to prevent or slow the progression of complications require people with diabetes to learn and maintain demanding, complex self-care routines. These therapies and routines are often met with fear and reluctance, and adhering to them can be difficult (5,7,8). Furthermore, providers report challenges in introducing advanced therapies for people with diabetes. A survey of physicians’ attitudes found that primary care providers (PCPs) consider diabetes more difficult to treat than other chronic diseases because it requires more monitoring and medication adjustment to achieve treatment goals (9). Physicians also report that there is inadequate support for the increased time and effort required to treat diabetes patients and that neither clinics nor patients can afford what it takes for comprehensive care (9–11). Diabetes self-management education and support (DSME/S) have repeatedly been shown to improve clinical, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes (12–14). In addition, DSME/S are reported to reduce the onset or advancement of diabetes complications (15), improve quality of life (16,17), enhance self-efficacy and empowerment (18,19), increase healthy coping (20), and decrease the presence of diabetes-related distress (21,22) and depression (23, …
Of Mice and Men: Species-Specific Organoid Models of Neocortical Malformation.

Cellular changes underlying malformations of human cortical development may be difficult to identify with traditional mouse models. Two recent Cell Stem Cell papers, Li et al. (2017) and Bershteyn et al. (2017), use human cerebral organoids to identify specific cellular defects in neurogenesis that may explain PTEN-related macrocephaly and Miller-Dieker lissencephaly.
Scoping review to develop common data elements for lumbar spinal stenosis.

Abstract Background Context Common data elements (CDE) represent an important tool for understanding and classifying health outcomes across settings. Although CDEs have been developed for a number of disorders, to date CDEs for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) have not been fully developed. To facilitate the identification of CDEs and measures to assess them, this technical study leverages the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), peer-reviewed research, and a panel of experts to identify CDEs specific to LSS. Purpose The study aimed to define CDEs for disease characteristics and outcomes of LSS using the World Health Organization's ICF taxonomy, and to facilitate the selection of assessment instruments for research and clinical care. Design This is a scoping review using a modified Delphi approach with a technical expert panel composed of clinicians and scientists representing the academia, policy and advocacy stakeholders, and professional associations with expertise in LSS. Methods This is a scoping review to identify measures that assess LSS symptoms. Thirty-one subject matter experts (SMEs) prioritized ICF codes and evaluated instruments measuring specific domains. We used a modified Delphi technique to evaluate item-level content and achieve consensus. Results SMEs prioritized 53 ICF codes; 3 received 100% endorsement, 27 received ≥90% endorsement, whereas the remaining 23 received ≥80% endorsement. Prioritized ICF codes represent diverse domains, including pain, activities and participation, and emotional well-being. The review yielded 58 instruments; we retained 24 for content analysis. Conclusions The retained instruments adequately represent the ICFs activities and participation, and body function domains. Body structure and environmental factors were assessed infrequently. Adoption of these CDEs may guide clinical decision making and facilitate comparative effectiveness trials for interventions focused on LSS.
Role of Pattern Recognition Receptors in the Modulation of Antimicrobial Peptide Expression in the Corneal Epithelial Innate Response to F. solani.

Purpose: Fusarium solani (F. solani) keratitis is a potentially sight-threatening fungal infection of the cornea. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as human β-defensins (hBDs) and cathelicidins, essential components of the immune system, likely have a protective role against F. solani keratitis. We examined the role of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), Dectin-1, and TLR2 in F. solani–induced modulation of AMP expression in vitro. Methods: Human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were exposed to heat-inactivated F. solani or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of F. solani (Zymosan or Zymosan Depleted) for 6, 12, or 24 hours following which AMP mRNA and protein levels were determined. Involvement of TLR2 and Dectin-1 was confirmed by using siRNA knock-down (TLR2 and Dectin-1) or chemical inhibitor BAY 61-3606 (Dectin-1). The functional significance of AMP upregulation was tested using culture supernatant from F. solani or PAMP-treated HCECs against F. solani in the presence of hBD2 or LL37 neutralizing antibody. Results: We confirm that HCECs express Dectin-1 and TLR2. HCECs demonstrated upregulation of AMPs hBD2 and cathelicidin LL37 following exposure to heat-inactivated F. solani or PAMPs. TLR2 and Dectin-1 knockdown and BAY 61-3606 treatment decreased AMP mRNA upregulation confirming PRR involvement. The culture supernatant from F. solani or PAMP-treated HCECs showed substantial killing of F. solani and hBD2 or LL37 neutralizing antibody significantly decreased this effect implicating involvement of these AMPs. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that Dectin-1 and TLR2 have an important role in regulating F. solani-induced AMP expression in corneal epithelial cells.