cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transparency, Corruption, and Democratic Institutions

This essay examines some of the institutional arrangements that underlie corruption in democracy. It begins with a discussion of institutions as such, elaborating and extending some of John Searle’s remarks on the topic. It then turns to an examination of specifically democratic institutions; it draws here on Joshua Cohen’s recent Rousseau: A Free Community of Equals. One of the central concerns of Cohen’s Rousseau is how to arrange civic institutions so that they are able to perform their public functions without being easily abused by their members for individual gain. The view that Cohen sketches on behalf of Rousseau offers a clear framework for articulating institutional corruption in democracy. With this account of democratic institutions in place, the essay turns the discussion to the role of transparency in deterring institutional corruption. The basic thought here is perhaps unsurprising: to ensure that a democratic institution is serving its public function and not being manipulated for self-interested gain, its activities must be subject to public scrutiny, and so these activities must be transparent to the public. Saying this makes the role of transparency in a well-functioning democracy clear, but it does not settle how transparency is to be realized. The essay argues that transparency can be realized in a democracy only by an extra-governmental institution that has several of the familiar features of the press. If this is correct, it follows that in its design and in many, though not all, of its activities, WikiLeaks provides a contemporary example of such an institution.
Optimal steady-state operation of the Tennessee Eastman challenge process

Abstract Optimal steady-state conditions are determined for the six operating modes of the industrial challenge problem proposed by Downs and Vogel. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear program with 50 variables and 44 nonlinear constraints. It uses the full state vector from the Downs and Vogel FORTRAN code, and thus is not a demonstration of optimization in a plant environment. Solutions are obtained using MINOS 5.1. The results show that the base case provided by Downs and Vogel is far from optimal. The operating cost (primarily purge losses) is easily reduced by more than 30%. In general, reactor pressure and liquid level should be held at their upper and lower bounds, respectively. Steam use can be eliminated, and the agitator speed can be fixed at its upper bound. The compressor recycle valve is closed in four of the six cases (the exceptions being the two cases requiring production of 90/10 G/H). Production can be increased by 59% for the 50/50 G/H product, but only by 4% and 12% in the 10/90 and 90/10 cases, respectively (relative to the nominal rates). Product rates are limited by reactant E for the 10/90 case, and by D otherwise. Most process variables change significantly with operating mode, and should not be held at constant setpoints. Other factors related to process control are discussed.
On the origins of urban Wolof : Evidence from Louis Descemet's 1864 phrase book

Based on evidence from a French-Wolof phrase book published in Senegal in 1864, this article makes the case that urban Wolof, a variety of the language characterized by significant lexical borrowing from French, is a much older variety than scholars have generally claimed. Historical evidence suggests that urban Wolof emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries in the coastal island city of Saint-Louis du Senegal, France’s earliest African settlement and future capital of the colonial entity that would be known as French West Africa. The intimate nature of early contact between African and European populations and the later role played by the metis or mixed-race population of the island as linguistic brokers contributed to a unique, urban variety of Wolof that has important links to today’s variety of urban Wolof spoken in Dakar and other cities throughout the country. (Historical sociolinguistics, urban language, lexical borrowing, linguistic brokers, Wolof, French, Saint-Louis du Senegal)*
An inherently linear phase-oversampling vector modulator in 90-nm CMOS

A four-antenna vector modulator (VM) beamforming receiver in 90-nm CMOS operating between 2.4 and 4.9 GHz is presented. The VM is based on a phase-oversampling technique that allows the synthesis of inherently linear, high-resolution complex gains without complex variable gain amplifiers. It achieves 360° phase shift programmability with 8-bit digital control, a measured 24 dB for interferers impinging from different directions.
Thrombomodulin as a model of molecular mechanisms that modulate protease specificity and function at the vessel surface.

The protein C anticoagulant system generates an "on demand" physiologic anticoagulant response. The pathway is initiated when thrombin binds to the endothelial cell thrombin binding protein, thrombomodulin. The complex exhibits dramatically altered macromolecular specificity. It rapidly cleaves the protein C zymogen to form the anticoagulant, activated protein C. Complex formation between thrombin and thrombomodulin also prevents thrombin, the enzyme responsible for clot formation and a potent platelet activator, from being able to clot fibrinogen or to activate platelets. Structural, kinetic, and competition studies suggest that thrombomodulin blocks these clotting reactions by masking the binding sites for fibrinogen and the platelet thrombin receptor. Stimulation of protein C activation appears to occur through conformational changes in the extended binding pocket of thrombin. This prevents repulsive interactions with protein C that exist when the free enzyme attempts to dock with this substrate. In ad...
EVOLUTION OF CHEMISTRY AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE CORROSION OF ENGINEERED BARRIER MATERIALS

The evolution of environmental conditions within the emplacement drifts of a potential high-level waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, may be influenced by several factors, including the temperature and relative humidity within the emplacement drifts and the composition of seepage water. The performance of the waste package and the drip shield may be affected by the evolution of the environmental conditions within the emplacement drifts. In this study, tests evaluated the evolution of environmental conditions on the waste package surfaces and in the surrounding host rock. The tests were designed to (i) simulate the conditions expected within the emplacement drifts; (ii) measure the changes in near-field chemistry; and (iii) determine environmental influence on the performance of the engineered barrier materials. Results of tests conducted in this study indicate the composition of salt deposits was consistent with the initial dilute water chemistry. Salts and possibly concentrated calcium chloride brines may be more aggressive than either neutral or alkaline brines.
Models for Gene Therapy

There have been a number of approaches for gene therapy of cancer, directed either at the tumour or at normal host cells. Cancer-directed strategies include tumour-suppressor gene transfer, gene knockdown, suicide gene transfer, and oncolytic viruses. Host-directed strategies include anti-angiogenic, immunomodulatory, and drug-resistance gene therapy. In this chapter, preclinical models are discussed for each of these approaches. Keywords: cancer gene therapy; preclinical; tumour suppressor; knockdown; suicide; oncolytic; anti-angiogenic; immunomodulatory; drug resistance
Searching for Large Raindrops: A Global Summary of Two-Dimensional Video Disdrometer Observations

AbstractA dataset containing 9637 h of two-dimensional video disdrometer observations consisting of more than 240 million raindrops measured at diverse climatological locations was compiled to help characterize underlying drop size distribution (DSD) assumptions that are essential to make precise retrievals of rainfall using remote sensing platforms. This study concentrates on the tail of the DSD, which largely impacts rainfall retrieval algorithms that utilize radar reflectivity. The maximum raindrop diameter was a median factor of 1.8 larger than the mass-weighted mean diameter and increased with rainfall rate. Only 0.4% of the 1-min DSD spectra were found to contain large raindrops exceeding 5 mm in diameter. Large raindrops were most abundant at the tropical locations, especially in Puerto Rico, and were largely concentrated during the spring, especially at subtropical locations. Giant raindrops exceeding 8 mm in diameter occurred at tropical, subtropical, and high-latitude continental locations. The ...
Multiscale (inter/intra-frame) fractal video coding

Presents a fractal image compression algorithm for inter/intra-frame video coding. The authors have shown previously how the iterated transformation theory (ITT) compression algorithm proposed by Jacquin (1993) can be modeled as the solution of a second kind two-scale functional equation. This approach allows one to introduce a chain of functional equations which one can use to build a pyramid algorithm for still image compression. The present authors use the prediction property of the ITT-chain to create a inter-frame video coder. They combine the inter-frame video encoder with the still-image ITT-pyramid to generate a hierarchy of bit streams that can be used in multimedia applications. >
Nuclear import and DNA binding of human papillomavirus type 45 L1 capsid protein.

During the life cycle of human papillomaviruses (HPVs), the L1 capsid proteins seem to enter the nucleus twice: once after the virions infect the cells, and later during the productive phase when they assemble the replicated HPV genomic DNA into infectious virions. We established for the high-risk HPV45 that when digitonin-permeabilized HeLa cells were incubated with L1 homopentameric capsomers, the HPV45 L1 protein was imported into the nucleus in a receptor-mediated manner. In contrast, intact capsids were not able to enter the nucleus. Immunoisolation assays showed that HPV45 L1 capsomers interact with cytosolic karyopherin α2β1 heterodimers. HPV45 L1 bound strongly to karyopherin α2, and weakly to karyopherin β1, as did its nuclear localization signal (NLS). Nuclear import of HPV45 L1, or of a GST-NLSHPV45L1 fusion protein was efficiently mediated by karyopherin α2β1 heterodimers, and only weakly by karyopherin β1. Nuclear import required RanGDP, but was independent of GTP hydrolysis by Ran. Together, these data suggest that the major nuclear import pathway for HPV45 L1 major capsid protein in infected host cells is mediated by karyopherin α2β1 heterodimers and that GTP hydrolysis by Ran is not required for import. Remarkably, HPV45 L1 capsomers can interact nonspecifically with different types of HPV-DNA, and the DNA binding region of HPV45 L1 overlaps with its NLS sequence. J. Cell. Biochem. 79:225–238, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Activity and interactions of methane seep microorganisms assessed by parallel transcription and FISH-NanoSIMS analyses

To characterize the activity and interactions of methanotrophic archaea (ANME) and Deltaproteobacteria at a methane-seeping mud volcano, we used two complimentary measures of microbial activity: a community-level analysis of the transcription of four genes (16S rRNA, methyl coenzyme M reductase A (mcrA), adenosine-5′-phosphosulfate reductase α-subunit (aprA), dinitrogenase reductase (nifH)), and a single-cell-level analysis of anabolic activity using fluorescence in situ hybridization coupled to nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (FISH-NanoSIMS). Transcript analysis revealed that members of the deltaproteobacterial groups Desulfosarcina/Desulfococcus (DSS) and Desulfobulbaceae (DSB) exhibit increased rRNA expression in incubations with methane, suggestive of ANME-coupled activity. Direct analysis of anabolic activity in DSS cells in consortia with ANME by FISH-NanoSIMS confirmed their dependence on methanotrophy, with no ^(15)NH^+_4 assimilation detected without methane. In contrast, DSS and DSB cells found physically independent of ANME (i.e., single cells) were anabolically active in incubations both with and without methane. These single cells therefore comprise an active ‘free-living’ population, and are not dependent on methane or ANME activity. We investigated the possibility of N_2 fixation by seep Deltaproteobacteria and detected nifH transcripts closely related to those of cultured diazotrophic Deltaproteobacteria. However, nifH expression was methane-dependent. ^(15)N_2 incorporation was not observed in single DSS cells, but was detected in single DSB cells. Interestingly, ^(15)N_2 incorporation in single DSB cells was methane-dependent, raising the possibility that DSB cells acquired reduced ^(15)N products from diazotrophic ANME while spatially coupled, and then subsequently dissociated. With this combined data set we address several outstanding questions in methane seep microbial ecosystems and highlight the benefit of measuring microbial activity in the context of spatial associations.
Using graphs and random walks for discovering latent semantic relationships in text

We propose a graph-based representation of text collections where the nodes are textual units such as sentences or documents, and the edges represent the pairwise similarity function between these units. We show how random walks on such a graph can give us better approximations for the latent similarities between two natural language strings. We also derive algorithms based on random walk models to rank the nodes in a text similarity graph to address the text summarization problem in information retrieval. The similarity functions used in the graphs are intentionally chosen to be very simple and language-independent to make our methods as generic as possible, and to show that significant improvements can be achieved even by starting with such similarity functions. We put special emphasis on language modeling-based similarity functions since we use them for the first time on problems such as document clustering and classification, and get improved results compared to the classical similarity functions such as cosine. Our graph-based methods are applicable to a diverse set of problems including generic and focused summarization, document clustering, and text classification. The text summarization system we have developed has ranked as one of the top systems in Document Understanding Conferences over the past few years. In document clustering and classification, using language modeling functions performs consistently better than using the classical cosine measure reaching as high as 25% improvement in accuracy. Random walks on the similarity graph achieve additional significant improvements on top of this. We also revisit the nearest neighbor text classification methods and derive semi-supervised versions by using random walks that rival the state-of-the-art classification algorithms such as Suppor Vector Machines.
Operating room myths: what is the evidence for common practices.

Purpose of review In order to ensure patient safety and prevent surgical site infections (SSIs), operating theaters/rooms have evolved into complex, highly technical environments. Prevention of healthcare-associated infections, and strategies to limit patient harm, have gained momentum over the last decade. This article aims to examine and dispute some commonly held beliefs with specific reference to: laminar airflow, noise and operating theater door openings and how these impact SSI. Recent findings Laminar airflow may not be necessary for prosthetic implant surgery. Some recent data suggest that there may be patient harm. With the development of better surgical techniques and perioperative care, such costly systems may not be needed. Operating rooms with a high number of door openings have also been shown to experience higher SSI rates, as have operating rooms with high noise levels. These may serve as surrogate markers for operating room discipline. Initiatives which target these areas may be worth considering when devising strategies to reduce SSIs. Summary Improved surveillance systems for SSIs are needed and should include operating theater airflow type. This will allow further analysis of the effect of laminar air flow on SSIs and provide evidence for a decisive recommendation. Cultivating a culture of good operating theater discipline may also reduce SSIs.
Abstract P4-01-12: Compliance with Recommended Follow-Up after MRI-guided Core Needle Biopsy of Suspicious Breast Lesions: A Retrospective Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess patient compliance with recommended follow-up after MRI-guided core needle biopsy and investigate the reasons why patients did not comply with their recommended MRI imaging follow-up. Materials and Methods: A HIPAA compliant retrospective review was performed of 576 MRI-guided core needle biopsies between 2007–2010 with IRB approval and waiver of informed consent. Of 576 biopsies, 73.3% (422/576) were compliant and 26.7% (154/576) were noncompliant with follow-up recommendations and composed this study. Imaging and surgical planning was determined by comparing imaging findings, clinical findings, and biopsy histology. Results: Out of 135 lesions in patients noncompliant with follow-up imaging, 50.4% (68/135) were referred for biopsy by non-affiliated physicians, 41.5% (56/135) received a screening MRI, and 40.3% (56/135) were a focus or foci. Referring physicians provided information regarding the follow-up status of 88/154 (57%) lesions in noncompliant patients, of which 44/88 (50%) were followed by mammogram instead of MRI. Among compliant patients, 7/178 (3.9%) lesions seen on follow-up MRI were found to be high risk or malignant. Conclusion: Compliance with follow-up MRI recommendation after core needle biopsy is low. Three characteristics were found to be associated with noncompliance with follow-up imaging: referral from non-affiliated physician, screening MRI, and a focus lesion. Moreover, patients who do not comply with recommended MRI follow-up are more likely to have follow-up mammography. Follow-up imaging among compliant patients found high-risk lesions and malignancy. Facilities performing MRI-guided core biopsies should therefore be aware of a high risk of noncompliance with follow-up. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-01-12.
Effect of Light Trap Height and Light Source on the Capture of Cathartus quadricollis (Guérin-Méneville) (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) and Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in a Warehouse

Four suction light traps were used in a balanced incomplete block design in which six treatment designations were assigned based on vertical trap placement (1.8 or 3.7 m from the floor) and source of light (blacklight, whitelight, or no light). The traps were used in a warehouse for 15 nights to capture adults of the square necked grain beetle, Cathartus quadricollis (Guerin-Meneville), and the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). Blacklight, whether placed high or low, was the most effective light source in attracting both sexes of both species. Analysis of variance revealed that, whereas trap height alone was not a significant factor, the interaction of height and light source did significantly affect the capture of C. maculatus . The high blacklight trap outperformed the low blacklight trap in capturing female C. maculatus , whereas the high no-light trap was the least efficient in capturing both sexes. The most efficient traps outperformed the least efficient ones by factors of 960 and 38 for C. quadricollis and C. maculatus , respectively.
Deus após Deus: Uma Tentativa Anateísta de Re-imaginar Deus

Neste ensaio, Richard Kearney examina a possibilidade filosofica do retorno a nocao de Deus apos a morte de Deus. Ele chama esta possiblidade de ana-teismo, sugerindo uma terceira via para alem da oposicao entre teismo dogmatico e ateismo. Para este fim, ele explora alguns caminhos: o caminho hermeneutico, inspirado em Paul Ricoeur que falou de um movimento da religiao ao ateismo e a fe; o caminho Messiânico-escatologico de Levinas, Derrida e Benjamin; e a estetica de alguns poetas e artistas. O ensaio investiga a aposta ana-teista sob tres categorias principais: tempo, espaco e imaginacao. Traducao de: Maria Helena Silva Soares DOI:10.12957/ek.2015.21846
Integrated coherent combining of angled-grating broad-area lasers

In this paper, we investigated coherent beam combining of angled-grating broad-area lasers in a completely integrated approach. We obtained the simultaneous coherent beam combining and single transverse mode operation on a single chip through the integrated coupling regions and the transverse Bragg resonance (TBR) gratings, respectively. The proposed combining method can be easily extended to a zigzag-like laser array. We analyzed the scalability of the zigzag-like combining structure and compared it with other coherent combining methods. Two and six angled-grating broad-area lasers are fabricated and coherently combined by use of the proposed method. The high contrast interference fringes within an overall single lobe envelope in the measured far field prove that the emitters in the array are indeed coherently combined. By p-side-down bonding, we obtained over 1 Woutput power with over 90% combining efficiency in the two coherently combined lasers.
Phase Transitions In Blends Of Liquid Crystalline Polymer/Polyether Imide

A thermotropic liquid crystalline copolymer consisting of bisphenol E diacetate, isophthalic acid and 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid was blended with polyether imide by dissolving in a mixed solvent of phenol/1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane in a ratio of 60/40 w/w and co-precipitating the ternary solution in non-solvent (methanol). Wide-angle x-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed that the blends were completely amorphous with a single glass transition temperature. The single phase was probably entrapped during solvent removal, but these mixes were unstable and phase separated upon heating. Mesophase structure developed in the LCP rich region with continued annealing. The evolution of crystalline texture was monitored by time-resolved wide-angle x-ray diffraction following a temperature jump from ambient to 265 °C. The recrystallization process of LCP was found to slow down in the blend state relative to that of the neat LCP.
Clinical Effects of Anatomical Plate in Treatment of 32 Patients with Tibial Pilon Fracture

Objective:To investigate the operative opportunity and clinical effect of anatomical plate for treating tibial pilon fracture.Methods:From July 2009 to October 2011,32 cases with Pilon fractures were treated in orthopedics,there were 21 cases of type Ⅱ and 11 cases of type Ⅲ.All fractures were treated with anatomical plate,The average period of follow-up was 16 months.Results:Treated with anatomical plate,There were 28 cases(87.5%)got anatomy reduction of articulation surface.Evaluated by Mazur's standard:17 were excellent,11 were good,the excellent and good rate was 87.5%.Conclusion:Selecting the operative opportunity appropriately and adopting stable internal fixation with anatomical plate can obtain a good curative effect in treating tibial pilon fracture.
Optimizing SRAM bitcell reliability and energy for IoT applications

This paper compares six different 8T SRAM bitcells targeting different design space requirements - such as reliability and low power/energy - for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Different bitcells leverage the varying characteristics of high-threshold (high-VT) and standard-threshold (standard-VT) devices to affect SRAM metrics like write margin (WM), Data Retention Voltage (DRV), Hold Static Noise Margin (HSNM), Read Static Noise Margin (RSNM), write and read energy, standby leakage power, and variability. The reliability for each bitcell over process (intra- and inter-die variation) and temperature variation is also evaluated. Measured results for a commercial 130nm test chip compare the most promising two 8T bitcell structures targeting low leakage and low energy.
Carotid artery dissection and motor vehicle trauma: patient demographics, associated injuries and impact of treatment on cost and length of stay

Background Blunt carotid arterial injury (BCI) is a rare injury associated with motor vehicle collision (MVC). There are few population based analyses evaluating carotid injury associated with blunt trauma and their associated injuries as well as outcomes.
Commentary: Slepian Wavelet Variances for Regularly and Irregularly Samples Time Series

This commentary compares the wavelet variance described by Debashis Mondal and Don Percival with the Fourier power spectrum more familar to astronomers. Slepian Wavelets can also be used as tapers for spectral analysis in general, and I briefly describe the corresponding multi-taper estimation of power spectra and time-frequency distributions, demonstrated on the same data analyzed in their paper.
Censorship Policy of the Colorado Department of Corrections: A Case Study of Policy Implementation in a Gender Resistive Corrections Culture

This case study research examined the censorship policy in the Colorado Department of Corrections. This examination included a review of current and past policies, interviews with current and forme...
Effect of surfactants on carryover liquid volume in immiscible phase magnetic bead separation

Abstract This manuscript describes the transport of beads across an interface of two immiscible liquids, an aqueous phase and an oil phase, through a microfluidic channel and across another interface into an elution reservoir. This technique can be used for isolating molecules that bind to the beads from the surrounding aqueous material, i.e separation of particular biomolecules from a sample. However, the interface allows a small volume of aqueous liquid to be carried over along with the beads. Carryover liquid from sample to elution reservoir may be detrimental in downstream applications like polymerase chain reactions. Here we quantify carryover volume in relation to different surfactant and protein doped sample liquids. Our data suggest that the carryover volume increases rapidly with an increase in the oil-liquid interfacial tension (γ) up to a critical interfacial tension, γ > ∼20 dynes/cm, at which point the carryover volumes remain roughly constant. Our experiments also show that lower values of γ produce more numerous smaller bead clusters while higher γ allows movement of fewer large bead clusters. Lastly, we identify two modes of liquid carryover, interstitial and enveloping, and the conditions under which either occur. We discuss our results in comparison to literature studies.
Immunotherapy Immediately Following Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma: Early Recovery of Aggressive Cytotoxic Cells and Improved Immune Recovery.

Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) is effective for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), however the majority of patients relapse. Recent evidence shows an improved outcome if absolute lymphocyte count is increased immediatedly following APBSCT in patients with hematologic malignancy. We designed a phase II trial evaluating a dose escalation of SQ IL-2 and standard dose GM-CSF post-transplant for myeloma patients. Patients (n=18) received melphalan 200mg/m 2 with GM-CSF 250mg/m 2 /day beginning on day 5. IL-2 began on the day of transplant and continued 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Peripheral blood samples were obtained at baseline (pre-transplant) and every week for 4 weeks post-transplant and evaluated using flow cytometry for cell subsets using antibodies directed against CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25 and CD56. Control patients (n=11) consisted of MM patients who received melphalan 200mg/m 2 with either G-CSF or GM-CSF without IL-2. IL-2 at a dose of 1 X 10 6 IU/m 2 /d was not tolerated in 2 of 6 patients due to grade 4 fatique and diarrhea (n=1) and grade 4 supraventricular arrhythmia (n=1). A dose of 6 X 10 5 IU/m 2 /d was well tolerated by 12 patients. Level 3 or greater toxicities included nausea (n=5), diarrhea (n=3), anorexia (n=11), mucositis (n=9). Engraftment of neutrophils occurred on day 12 and platelets on day 18. The LOS was 21 days in IL-2 treated cohort and 18 days in control group. Absolute lymphocyte counts on days 10–15 were increased an average of 152% in the IL-2 cohort (range 25–390%) over the control group. At day 21, there was a marked increase in the number of CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (43 %, +/− 7.5%) , CD56 +NK cells ( 78.3 %, +/− 9.1), and CD8+CD56+ NKT cells (36.8 %, +/− 9.8%) compared to patients’ baseline levels. Cytotoxicity of Day #21 PBMNC in the IL-2 cohort was strikingly increased at 28.1% (18.5 – 29.2%) compared to 5.5 % (3.59 – 6.52%) at baseline when tested against a human myeloma cell line (RPMI 8226) using chromium release assays (E: T ratio = 100:1). These results demonstrate a tolerable regimen of immediate post-transplant immunotherapy with marked increase in the number and function of early cytotoxic effector cells. The enhanced immune recovery may translate into an improved outcome.
MP66-14 TESTICULAR MICROLITHIASIS: A CASE-BASED, MULTINATIONAL SURVEY OF CLINICAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

INTRODUCTION Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is a condition characterized by calcium deposits within the testis, usually detected incidentally during ultrasonography of the scrotum. TM has been associated with the presence of, and possibly the development of, testicular malignancy. Our aim was to document international clinical management practices for TM and to analyze what factors and perception of risk influence conservative versus active management and follow-up. METHODS European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU) and Society for Pediatric Urology (SPU) members were invited to complete an online case-based survey of clinical management practices of TM. Eight cases had a single variable changed each time (classic versus limited TM, unilateral versus bilateral, prior cryptorchidism versus no cryptorchidism) to ascertain the provider's perception of risk. The respondents completed multiple choice questions on initial management, follow-up plan, length and interval of follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with decisions on management and follow-up. RESULTS There were 265 respondents to the survey from 35 countries (Table). Median time in practice was 13 years. Factors that were significantly associated with more aggressive initial management (more than counseling on self-examination) included: not yet in independent practice, low volume TM cases per year, those practicing pediatric and adult urology, classic appearance of TM and cryptorchidism. Factors that were significantly associated with urologist follow-up and active investigation included: European practitioners, low TM case volume per year, those practicing both pediatric urology and pediatric surgery, classic TM appearance and a case history of cryptorchidism. Interval and length of follow-up was wide-ranging, with most respondents favoring annual follow-up. CONCLUSION Management of TM varies and a mix of surgeon and case factors significantly influences management strategies. This baseline understanding of the lack of systematic management suggests the need for the development of consensus guidelines and prospective study.
Single Nucleotide Variant Detection Using Next Generation Sequencing

Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) occur when a single nucleotide (e.g., A, T, C, or G) is altered in the DNA sequence. SNVs are by far the most common type of sequence change, and there are a number of endogenous and exogenous sources of damage that lead to the single base pair substitution mutations that create SNVs. The biologic impact of SNVs in coding regions depends on their type (synonymous versus missense), and in noncoding regions depends on their impact on RNA processing or gene regulation. Nonetheless, selection pressure reduces the overall frequency of single base pair substitutions in coding DNA and in associated regulatory sequences, with the result that the overall SNV rate in coding DNA is much less than that of noncoding DNA. The utility of a clinical next generation sequencing (NGS) assay designed to detect SNVs depends on assay design features including an amplification-based versus hybrid capture-based targeted approach, DNA library complexity, depth of sequencing, tumor cellularity (in sequencing of cancer specimens), specimen fixation, and sequencing platform. From a bioinformatic perspective, many popular NGS analysis programs for SNV detection are designed for constitutional genome analysis where variants occur in either 50% (heterozygous) or 100% (homozygous) of the reads; these prior probabilities are often built-in to the algorithms, and consequently SNVs with variant allele frequencies (VAFs) falling too far outside the expected range for homozygous and heterozygous variants are often ignored as false positives. Thus, sensitive and specific bioinformatic approaches for acquired SNVs require either significant revision of the software packages designed for constitutional testing or new algorithms altogether. Some bioinformatic tools are optimized for very sensitive detection of SNVs in NGS data, but these tools require high coverage depth for acceptable performance and rely on spike-in control samples in order to calibrate run-dependent error models, features that must be accounted for in assay design. There are a number of online tools that can be used to predict the impact of an SNV and evaluate whether an SNV has a documented disease association. Guidelines for reporting SNVs detected in constitutional NGS testing have been developed; consensus guidelines for reporting somatic or acquired SNVs are under development.
Imaging optical scattering of butterfly wing scales with a microscope.

A new optical method is proposed to investigate the reflectance of structurally coloured objects, such as Morpho butterfly wing scales and cholesteric liquid crystals. Using a reflected-light micro...
Scrotal and penile lymphedema: surgical considerations and management.

AbstractFrom 1971 to 1981, 6 patients with scrotal and penile lymphedema There treated with total excision of the scrotal and penile skin. Split thickness skin grafts were used to cover the penis and form a neoscrotum. Of the patients 2 men had primary idiopathic lymphedema, while 4 had secondary lymphedema resulting from foreign body injections or trauma with subsequent chronic infection.Surgical considerations using split thickness skin grafts versus posterior lateral scrotal skin flaps are compared.
The Interprofessional Education Environment: Places and Pedagogies.

Interprofessional education (IPE) can occur in many places and in many ways. In this article, we focus on the inclusion of standards from the Interprofessional Education Collaborative in several different environments. We consider traditional classrooms and classrooms that integrate clinical placements for varying amounts of instructional time. We also consider a various types of simulations, including virtual and augmented reality, and their potential for advancement of IPE.
Estimates of Incidence and Prevalence of Visual Impairment, Low Vision, and Blindness in the United States

Importance Updated estimates of the prevalence and incidence rates of low vision and blindness are needed to inform policy makers and develop plans to meet the future demands for low vision rehabilitation services. Objective To provide updated estimates of the incidence and prevalence of low vision and blindness in the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants Visual acuity measurements as a function of age from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, with representation of racial and ethnic groups, were used to estimate the prevalence and incidence of visual impairments. Data from 6016 survey participants, ranging in age from younger than 18 years to older than 45 years, were obtained to estimate prevalence rates for different age groups. Incidence and prevalence rates of low vision (best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] in the better-seeing eye of Main Outcomes and Measures Prevalence and incidence rates of low vision and blindness in the United States. Results Of the 6016 people in the study, 1714 (28.4%) were younger than 18 years of age, 2358 (39.1%) were 18 to 44 years of age, and 1944 (32.3%) were 45 years of age or older. There were 2888 male (48%) and 3128 female (52%) participants. The prevalence of low vision and blindness for older adults (≥45 years) in the United States in 2017 is estimated to be 3 894 406 persons (95% CI, 3 034 442-4 862 549 persons) with a BCVA less than 20/40, 1 483 703 persons (95% CI, 968 656-2 370 513 persons) with a BCVA less than 20/60, and 1 082 790 persons (95% CI, 637 771-1 741 864 persons) with a BCVA of 20/200 or less. The estimated 2017 annual incidence (projected from 2010 census data) of low vision and blindness among older adults (≥45 years) in the United States is 481 970 persons (95% CI, 375 541-601 787 persons) with a BCVA less than 20/40, 183 618 persons (95% CI, 119 878-293 367 persons) with a BCVA less than 20/60, and 134 002 persons (95% CI, 83 383-215 567 persons) with a BCVA of 20/200 or less. The total annual incidence for each BCVA criterion is 12.4% of the total prevalence. Conclusions and Relevance Low vision and blindness affect a substantial portion of the older population in the United States. Estimates of the prevalence and annual incidence of visual impairment assist policy planners in allocating and developing resources for this life-changing loss of function.
The moderating effects of intelligence: An examination of how IQ influences the association between environmental factors and antisocial behavior

Abstract Purpose Prior scholarship has illustrated that key criminological concepts from both social learning theory and social control theory influence antisocial behavior. While generally robust in their methodologies, potential moderating effects have rarely been considered within the criminological literature. Specifically, it can be hypothesized that some individual differences influence the observed association between key criminological concepts and antisocial behavior. To address the limitations of some existing scholarship, the current study examines the moderating effects of IQ on the association between key criminological constructs and antisocial behavior. Methods Using the restricted available Add Health data (N = 1102–3556), the current study conducted 48 regression analyses (44 OLS and four binary logistic regression analyses) moderated by IQ, wherein antisocial behavior was regressed on peer drug use, maternal conflict, paternal conflict, maternal involvement, paternal involvement, parental supervision, neighborhood disadvantage, school attachment, and social support on antisocial behavior. Results The findings provided evidence suggesting that IQ moderated the effects of key criminological constructs on antisocial behavior such as peer drug use and neighborhood disadvantage. However, the moderating effects of IQ diminished as participants aged. Conclusion Overall, the findings generally provided evidence suggesting that IQ moderated the association between criminological concepts and antisocial behavior.
Role of epigenetics in the development of childhood asthma

Purpose of reviewEpigenetic marks are emerging as mediators of genetics and the environment on complex disease phenotypes, including childhood asthma and allergy.Recent findingsEpigenome-wide association studies over the past year have added to the growing body of evidence supporting significant ass
Office-Based Addiction Treatment in Primary Care: Approaches That Work

Primary care is an important setting for delivering evidence-based treatment to address substance use disorders. To date, effective approaches to treat, care largely incorporate pharmacotherapy with counseling-based interventions and rely on multidisciplinary teams. There is strong support for primary care-based approaches to address alcohol and opioid use disorder with growing data focused on people living with human immunodeficiency virus and those experiencing incarceration. Future work should focus on the implementation of these effective approaches to decrease health disparities among people with substance use and to identify optimal approaches to address substance use in primary care and specialty settings.
Titin and Nebulin: Giant Multitasking Protein Rulers in Muscle

When a striated muscle cell is stimulated, e.g. by nerve impulses, it is activated from the resting state. It develops contractile force, shortens, and then relengthens to its original dimension when stimulation ceases. The resting muscle, in the absence of any stimulation, is remarkably elastic when stretched and released. More than a century of muscle research has focused on the understanding of the structure and molecular processes which underlie active contraction. The widely accepted sliding filament model states that muscle develops active force by the cyclic attachment and detachment of myosin crossbridges to actin filaments and that muscle shortens when actin filaments are pulled to slide pass thick filaments, without changing the length of either filament (Huxley 1990). Despite major advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of active contraction, surprisingly little is known of how contracted muscle restores its length and how resting muscle responds to stretch and compression. It is also unclear how muscle cells manage to control the uniform and precise length of thick and thin filaments in the sarcomere. Recent studies of sarcomere-associated cytoskeletal lattices begin to shed light on both questions (reviewed by Wang 1985; Maruyama 1986, 1994; Price 1991; Trinick 1992).
Autoantibody-Associated Cross-Reactive Idiotypes Expressed at High Frequency in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Relative to B-Cell Lymphomas of Follicular Center Cell Origin

Using murine monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) specific for immunoglobulin (Ig) cross-reactive idiotypes (CRI), we performed immunohistochemical analyses on frozen tissue sections and cytocentrifuge preparations of Ig-expressing malignant cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) of follicular center cell origin. Twenty percent (4/20) of the Ig kappa light chain- expressing CLL cells reacted with 17.109, a MoAb against a major CRI on human IgM autoantibodies that is encoded by a conserved Ig variable- region gene (V gene) of the V kappa IIIb sub-subgroup. Another MoAb specific for V kappa IIIb framework determinant(s) reacted exclusively with all the 17.109-reactive CLL cells. Only one of 20 kappa light- chain-expressing CLL cells reacted with 6B6.6, a monoclonal antibody specific for a CRI commonly found on rheumatoid factor (RF) paraproteins with light-chain variable regions of the V kappa IIIa sub- subgroup. Finally, greater than 20% (8/34) of all CLL reacted with G6, a MoAb specific for an Ig heavy chain-associated CRI present on several RF paraproteins. In contrast, these CRIs were expressed at significantly lower frequencies in NHL of follicular center cell origin. Only one of 30 NHL expressing kappa light chains reacted with the 17.109 MoAb. Also, in contrast to the concordance between the 17.109-CRI and V kappa IIIb framework determinant(s) in CLL, two lymphomas in addition to the 17.109-reactive lymphoma were recognized by the anti-V kappa IIIb framework MoAb. None of the NHL reacted with either the 6B6.6 or the G6 MoAbs. These results are the first to demonstrate that CLL and NHL differ with respect to the expression of autoantibody-associated CRIs. The data support the notion that NHL of follicular center cell origin differs from CLL in its utilization and/or somatic mutation of Ig variable-region genes. The physiological and immunotherapeutic implications of these findings are discussed.
Ultrasound-guided cervical puncture for nusinersen administration in adolescents.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal-recessive disease affecting motor neurons and is the most common genetic cause of death in infants. Intrathecal nusinersen is the only therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for SMA. Deformities and spinal instrumentation from orthopedic surgeries are common in children with SMA, complicating traditional intrathecal access for nusinersen delivery. Cervical punctures are routinely performed in adults for cervical myelograms and should be considered for children with SMA as a viable form of intrathecal access. This retrospective study assessed technical feasibility and complications of ultrasound-guided cervical puncture for nusinersen administration. We reviewed 14 consecutive ultrasound-guided cervical punctures for nusinersen administration with local anesthesia. We reviewed technical success and complications. All procedures were technically successful. There were no major complications. Two minor complications included headaches that resolved by observation within 24 h after the procedure. Our series describes a successful novel method of ultrasound-guided cervical spine access for intrathecal administration of nusinersen, adding to the armamentarium of procedures for delivering nusinersen to adolescents with challenging lumbar spine access caused by scoliosis and spinal instrumentation. This technique has the advantages of real-time ultrasound guidance and potential avoidance of general anesthesia in children.
Intentionality in Reducing Health Disparities: Caring as Connection

Objective Inadequate health care quality may contribute to Native American health disparities through racial/ethnic discrimination by health care professionals. Nursing approaches to relationships and caring offer a means to understand health disparities through an unconventional lens. The study objective was to examine health disparities within the context of patient/nurse relationships. Design A descriptive-qualitative method guided data collection and analysis. Eleven nurses who serve Native Americans were interviewed. They described attitudes, meaningful relationships, and nurse leadership. Results Nurses discussed their perceptions of and experiences with Native American patients. Four themes emerged: shared patient/nurse values, patient-centered care, external forces, and stereotype-driven care. Conclusions Are we ready for the challenge to advocate for, build, and sustain organizational structures that support caring relationships? Implications for public health nursing include being intentional about recognizing implicit biases and ethnocentrism; examining nurses' complicit roles in perpetuating racism; and developing mechanisms to collectively advocate for improved Native American health.