cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FDA drug approval summary: gefitinib (ZD1839) (Iressa) tablets.

On May 5, 2003, gefitinib (Iressa), ZD1839) 250-mg tablets received accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as monotherapy treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of both platinum-based and docetaxel chemotherapies. Information provided in this summary includes efficacy and safety results of relevant clinical trials. Effectiveness was demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, phase II, multicenter trial comparing two oral doses of gefitinib (250 mg/day versus 500 mg/day). Two hundred sixteen patients were enrolled. The 142 patients who were refractory to or intolerant of a platinum and docetaxel comprised the evaluable population for the efficacy analysis. A partial tumor response occurred in 14% (9 of 66) of patients receiving gefitinib 250 mg/day and in 8% (6 of 76) of patients receiving gefitinib 500 mg/day. The overall objective response rate for both doses combined was 10.6% (15 of 142 patients) (95% confidence interval 6.0%-16.8%). Responses were more frequent in females and in nonsmokers. The median duration of response was 7.0 months (range 4.6-18.6+ months). Other submitted data included the results of two large trials conducted in chemotherapy-naive, stage III and IV NSCLC patients. Patients were randomized to receive gefitinib (250 mg or 500 mg daily) or placebo, in combination with either gemcitabine plus cisplatin (n = 1,093) or carboplatin plus paclitaxel (n = 1,037). Results from those studies showed no benefit (response rate, time to progression, or survival) from adding gefitinib to chemotherapy. Consequently, gefinitib is only recommended for use as monotherapy. Common adverse events associated with gefitinib treatment included diarrhea, rash, acne, dry skin, nausea, and vomiting. Most toxicities were Common Toxicity Criteria grade 1 or 2. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been observed in patients receiving gefitinib. Worldwide, the incidence of ILD is about 1% (2% in the Japanese postmarketing experience and about 0.3% in a U.S. expanded access program). Approximately one-third of the cases were fatal. Physicians should promptly evaluate new or worsening pulmonary symptoms. If ILD is confirmed, appropriate management includes discontinuation of gefitinib. Gefitinib was approved under accelerated approval regulations on the basis of a surrogate end point response rate. No controlled gefitinib trials, to date, demonstrate a clinical benefit, such as improvement in disease-related symptoms or greater survival. Accelerated approval regulations require the sponsor to conduct further studies to verify that gefitinib therapy produces such a benefit.
Protein Phosphatase 1, Protein Phosphatase 2A, and Calcineurin Play a Role in Estrogen-Mediated Neuroprotection

It is becoming increasingly clear that protein phosphatases are important modulators of cellular function and that disruption of these proteins are involved in neurodegenerative disease processes. Serine/threonine protein phosphatases (PP) such as protein phosphatase PP1, PP2A, and calcineurin are involved in hyperphosphorylation of τ- as well as β-amyloid-induced cell death. We have previously shown serine/threonine protein phosphatases to be involved in estrogen-mediated neuroprotection. The purpose of this study was to delineate the role of PP1, PP2A, and calcineurin in the mechanism of estrogen mediated neuroprotection against oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Treatment with protein phosphatases inhibitor II, endothall, or cyclosporin A, which are specific inhibitors of PP1, PP2A, and calcineurin, respectively, did not have an effect on cell viability. However, in combination, these inhibitors adversely affected cell survival, which suggests the importance of serine/threonine protein phosphatases in maintenance of cellular function. Inhibitors of PP1, PP2A, and calcineurin attenuated the protective effects of estrogen against glutamate-induced -neurotoxicity but did not completely abrogate the estrogen-mediated protection. The attenuation of estrogen-induced neuroprotection was achieved through decrease in the activity of theses serine/threonine phosphatases without the concomitant decrease in protein expression. In an animal model, transient middle cerebral artery occlusion caused a 50% decrease in levels of PP1, PP2A, and PP2B ipsilateral to the lesion in a manner that was prevented by estradiol pretreatment. Therefore, we conclude that in the face of cytotoxic challenges in vitro and in vivo, estrogens maintain the function of PP1, PP2A, and calcineurin.
Examining Artificial and Human Intelligence [review of Thinking about Android Epistemology; Ford, K.M. et al.; 2006]

This article reviews Thinking about Android Epistemology, edited by Kenneth M. Ford, Clark Glymour, and Patrick J. Hayes.
Introduction to Atmospheric Photochemical Modelling

Atmospheric photochemical processes often occurring at altitudes of tens of kilometers above the Earth’s surface can be of paramount importance to the existence of life on Earth. The so-called ozone layer formed by a complex variety of chemical and photodissociation processes at altitudes near 22 km, absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation before it reaches the ground where it can damage living organisms. The deoxyribose nucleic acid molecules (D.N.As.) of most organisms absorb very strongly at wavelengths around 300 nm. Had this radiation not been prevented from reaching the ground, it would have caused immediate and significant tissue damage and lead to formation of cancer cells and genetic mutations.
Entamoeba histolytica cell surface calreticulin binds human c1q and functions in amebic phagocytosis of host cells.

ABSTRACT Phagocytosis of host cells is characteristic of tissue invasion by the intestinal ameba Entamoeba histolytica, which causes amebic dysentery and liver abscesses. Entamoeba histolytica induces host cell apoptosis and uses ligands, including C1q, on apoptotic cells to engulf them. Two mass spectrometry analyses identified calreticulin in amebic phagosome preparations, and, in addition to its function as an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone, calreticulin is believed to be the macrophage receptor for C1q. The purpose of this study was to determine if calreticulin functions as an E. histolytica C1q receptor during phagocytosis of host cells. Calreticulin was localized to the surface of E. histolytica during interaction with both Jurkat lymphocytes and erythrocytes and was present in over 75% of phagocytic cups during amebic erythrophagocytosis. Presence of calreticulin on the cell surface was further demonstrated using a method that selectively biotinylated cell surface proteins and by flow cytometry using trophozoites overexpressing epitope-tagged calreticulin. Regulated overexpression of calreticulin increased E. histolytica9s ability to phagocytose apoptotic lymphocytes and calcium ionophore-treated erythrocytes but had no effect on amebic adherence to or destruction of cell monolayers or surface expression of the GalNAc lectin and serine-rich E. histolytica protein (SREHP) receptors. Finally, E. histolytica calreticulin bound specifically to apoptotic lymphocytes and to human C1q. Collectively, these data implicate cell surface calreticulin as a receptor for C1q during E. histolytica phagocytosis of host cells.
New report asks why pediatric hospital readmission rates vary widely.

“Ten diagnoses accounted for 30% of all pediatric hospital readmissions.” HOSPITAL READMISSION RATES have become important indicators of quality of care in adults, but little is known about pediatric readmissions. A new study published in the January issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association looks at readmission rates at dedicated pediatric hospitals and found great variability. To determine the prevalence and variation of readmissions within 30 days, investigators analyzed 568,845 unplanned admissions at 72 children's hospitals (almost 15% of the pediatric discharges in the United States) between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. They used data from the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHHI) Case Mix, adjusting hospitals' readmission rates for chronic conditions that increase the risk of re-hospitalization. The researchers found that the overall readmission rate was 6.5%; 39% were within 7 days and 62% were within 14 days (by contrast, reported readmission rates at adult hospitals range from 20 to 25%). Variability between hospitals was wide, with hospitals with 1 SD above the mean having a readmission rate of 7.2% versus 5.6% in hospitals 1 SD below the mean, a relative difference of 28.6%. Among readmitted children, 35% had a chronic condition and 30% had two or more chronic conditions. Ten diagnoses accounted for 30% of all pediatric hospital readmissions. Readmission rates for the 10 highest diagnoses were: anemia/neutropenia (23%); ventricular shunt (18%) sickle cell anemia (17%); seizures or gastroenteritis (7%); upper respiratory infections (6%); pneumonia, appendectomy, or bronchiolitis (5%) and asthma (3%). Older children (age range, 13–18 years) had high readmission rates, as did black, and children with public insurance or length of stay 7 days or longer. For those children with the 10 diagnoses with the highest readmission rates, their readmission rates were 17 to 66% higher in hospitals with higher than
Detergent Mediated Effects on the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography of Proteins

Abstract Present chromatographic systems for the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of hydrophobic-proteins are generally limited to size-exclusion or ion-exchange chromatography. A major stumbling block to the successful chromatography of membrane-proteins is their limited solubility. Detergent is usally required to solublize these proteins. This detergent causes some problems in size-exclusion chromatography, but does not always interfere with the separation. It is more deleterious in anion-exchange chromatography, where ionic detergents can poison the column, and reversed-phase chromatography, where strong interactions can occur between the stationary phase and detergent. Successful chromatography of membrane-proteins requires favorable detergent/stationary-phase interactions that enhance, rather than interfere with, the separation. To study these “detergent-mediated effects” a series of protein standards were chromatographed by reversed-phase HPLC. The column was then saturated with deterge...
Organization of the nigrothalamocortical system in the rhesus monkey.

The nigrothalamocortical connections and their topography were analyzed by autoradiography and double or triple retrograde labeling with the fluorescent dyes Fast Blue, Diamidino Yellow, and Propidium Iodide. Injections of tritiated leucine into different parts of the substantia nigra (SN) revealed that the medial SN projects to the medial magnocellular subdivisions of the ventral anterior (VAmc) and mediodorsal (MDmc) nuclei of the thalamus while the lateral SN projects to the more lateral and more posterior part of the VAmc, and the paralaminar, parvicellular, and densocellular subdivisions of the mediodorsal nucleus (MDmf, MDpc, and MDdc). With the exception of the MDmf, terminal areas observed in the mediodorsal nucleus were in the form of scattered clusters of grains. Analysis of the thalamus in cases with fluorescent dye injections into the lateral orbital gyrus (Walker's area 11), principal sulcus (area 46), anterior bank of the arcuate gyrus (areas 8 and 45), supplementary motor area (area 6), and motor cortex (area 4) revealed topographic organization of the nigrothalamocortical projection system. The parts of the VAmc and MDmc which receive afferents from the medial part of the SN in turn project to the most anterior regions of the frontal lobe including principal sulcus and orbital cortex. The lateral posterior VAmc, MDmf, MDpc, and MDdc, all of which receive afferents from the lateral part of the SN, project to more posterior regions of the frontal lobe including, in addition to the principal sulcus, the frontal eye field and also areas of the premotor cortex. These findings indicate that the SN has preferential targets in the thalamus and cerebral cortex which are segregated from those of the globus pallidus and cerebellum. Whereas the motor cortex is the primary target of cerebellar output (Asanuma et al., 1983b), and the premotor cortex is the target of pallidal output (Schell and Strick, 1984), the SN output appears to be directed more anteriorally—;to the prefrontal cortex.
Micromachined Accelerometers With Optical Interferometric Read-Out and Integrated Electrostatic Actuation

A micromachined accelerometer device structure with diffraction-based optical detection and integrated electrostatic actuation is introduced. The sensor consists of a bulk silicon proof mass electrode that moves vertically with respect to a rigid diffraction grating backplate electrode to provide interferometric detection resolution of the proof-mass displacement when illuminated with coherent light. The sensor architecture includes a monolithically integrated electrostatic actuation port that enables the application of precisely controlled broadband forces to the proof mass while the displacement is simultaneously and independently measured optically. This enables several useful features such as dynamic self-characterization and a variety of force-feedback modalities, including alteration of device dynamics in situ. These features are experimentally demonstrated with sensors that have been optoelectronically integrated into sub-cubic-millimeter volumes using an entirely surface-normal, rigid, and robust embodiment incorporating vertical cavity surface emitting lasers and integrated photodetector arrays. In addition to small form factor and high acceleration resolution, the ability to self-characterize and alter device dynamics in situ may be advantageous. This allows periodic calibration and in situ matching of sensor dynamics among an array of accelerometers or seismometers configured in a network.
Attachment Theory: A "Secure Base" for Psychotherapy Integration

Attachment theory is well positioned to serve as a foundation for assimilative psychotherapy integration. It has an exceptionally strong empirical base and provides a life span developmental framework often absent in current treatment models. Attachment theory focuses on the need for proximity to a sensitive caregiver in childhood who provides a sense of security and a safe base from which to explore. Affect regulation and relational behavior in later life are greatly affected by the vicissitudes of attachment relationships, with significant implications for psychopathology and psychotherapy. Attachment theory should help bridge the current gap between researchers and practitioners because it underscores the centrality of relationship in the therapeutic process but possesses a long tradition of empiricism. I propose three criteria that a foundational theory requires at this time and suggest that attachment theory satisfies them with its breadth of explanatory power, strong research base, and potential for integration with a wide array of other methods.
Mini‐Sosie High‐Resolution Seismic Method aids hazards studies

A dramatic example of just how catastrophic earthquake damage can be occurred in 1989, when a nationally televised World Series game in San Francisco was preempted by the M 7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake. The surprising amount and distribution of damage reinforce the importance of seismic-hazard studies in urban areas, where potential for damage and loss of life is greatest. Unfortunately, many large urban centers developed before the advent of seismic-hazard microzonation mapping, ground-response building codes, and standardized air-photo reconnaissance. Decades of building, paving, and utility installation have modified the land surface to the extent that surficial geologic expression of faults and evidence of prehistoric earthquakes are either inaccessible or totally obliterated.
MACE: lossless compression and analysis of microarray images

The ubiquity of microarray expression data in state-of-the-art biology has been well established. The widespread adoption of this technology coupled with the significant volume of image-based experimental data generated per experiment (averaging 40 MB), have led to significant challenges in storage and query-retrieval of primary data from microarray experiments. Research in the yet nascent area of microarray data-compression seeks to address this problem. In this paper, we propose a conceptually novel approach that achieves significantly better lossless compression. Unlike lossy compression, our algorithm is guaranteed against loss of information that may have potential biological relevance. The proposed method supports key operations such as automated grid and spot finding, histogram-based automatic thresholding for spot segmentation, and subsequent foreground and background separation. Based on the proposed approach, we have developed a standardized format for storing microarray data that encapsulates all the relevant information, including both the Cy3 and Cy5 expression images significantly compressed. We have also developed a software application called MACE (Microarray Compression and Extraction application) to compress-decompress microarray data and generate the aforementioned format. Compression-decompression results on a wide class of microarray experiments involving different spot layouts validate the effectiveness of our approach and its potential to significantly address the aforementioned challenges in storage and management of microarray data.
Innovation and Intellectual Property: The Case of Genomic Patenting.

In an effort to balance static and dynamic efficiency in the production and use of knowledge, societies institute intellectual property policies. In the United States, the patent system is a well-established mechanism to provide inventors with time-limited protection of new technologies in exchange for disclosure of information about their inventions. Emerging biotechnology, specifically the filing of patents on gene sequences, raises serious questions about whether the patent system is appropriately weighing societal costs and benefits in its grants of intellectual property protection. Gene sequences represent a hybrid case between discrete inventions and more general pieces of information that are useful for many, potentially very different, purposes. This information content in genes makes it possible for a patent on a gene to cover a wide range of possible technological applications and, as a result, be of unknown breadth when issued. This analysis explores the potential effect of these characteristics on future innovation in biotechnology.
High voltage photoconductive switches using semi-insulating, vanadium doped 6H-SiC

SiC manufacturers are continually improving the purity of their wafers, however, interband impurities, while detrimental in many applications, can be useful in the operation of photoconductive switches. Compact, high-voltage photoconductive switches were fabricated using c-plane; vanadium doped 6H-SiC obtained from II-VI, Inc. This material incorporates a large amount of interband impurities that are compensated by the vanadium amphoteric, but at present is only available as c-plane wafers. In order to avoid micropipe defects, lateral switches were fabricated to allow validation of material simulations. Low resistivity contacts were formed on the semi-insulating material and a high-voltage encapsulant increases the surface flashover potential of the switch. Material characteristics were determined and switch parameters were simulated with comparisons made to experimental data.
[Ca2+]i signaling in renal arterial smooth muscle cells of pregnant rat is enhanced during inhibition of NOS

Vascular resistance and arterial pressure are reduced during normal pregnancy, but dangerously elevated during pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), and changes in nitric oxide (NO) synthesis have ...
Revenge as the Dark Double of Retributive Punishment

It is an assumption widely shared by both retributivists and anti-retributivists that revenge is a morally impermissible basis for inflicting harm. Retributivists have thus exercised great ingenuity in demonstrating that retribution is fundamentally different from revenge. But this is, I argue, to misconstrue the problem. The problem is rather to recognize the essential continuity between revenge and retribution, and to address the question whether there is a moral basis for the very idea of inflicting harm in response to moral wrongdoing. I argue that the only plausible such moral justification is the defense of honor, and that the debate needs to be focused on the legitimacy of honor as a moral basis for punishment.
Detection of and compensation for blocked elements using large coherent apertures: ex vivo studies

When imaging with ultrasound through the chest wall, it is not uncommon for parts of the array to get blocked by ribs, which can limit the acoustic window and significantly impede visualization of the structures of interest. With the development of large-aperture, high-element-count, 2-D arrays and their potential use in transthoracic imaging, detecting and compensating for the blocked elements is becoming increasingly important. We synthesized large coherent 2-D apertures and used them to image a point target through excised samples of canine chest wall. Blocked elements are detected based on low amplitude of their signals. As a part of compensation, blocked elements are turned off on transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx), and point-target images are created using: coherent summation of the remaining channels, compounding of intercostal apertures, and adaptive weighting of the available Tx/Rx channel-pairs to recover the desired k-space response. The adaptive compensation method also includes a phase aberration correction to ensure that the non-blocked Tx/Rx channel pairs are summed coherently. To evaluate the methods, we compare the point-spread functions (PSFs) and near-field clutter levels for the transcostal and control acquisitions. Specifically, applying k-space compensation to the sparse aperture data created from the control acquisition reduces sidelobes from -6.6 dB to -12 dB. When applied to the transcostal data in combination with phase-aberration correction, the same method reduces sidelobes only by 3 dB, likely due to significant tissue induced acoustic noise. For the transcostal acquisition, turning off blocked elements and applying uniform weighting results in maximum clutter reduction of 5 dB on average, while the PSF stays intact. Compounding reduces clutter by about 3 dB while the k-space compensation increases clutter magnitude to the non-compensated levels.
Managing the logistics of transitioning between PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residencies

Q: How can pharmacy residents and residency program directors help ensure a logistically smooth transition between postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) and postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) programs? A: Transitioning from a PGY1 to a PGY2 program is an exciting and busy time for pharmacy residents, preceptors, and
Adaptive differential evolution algorithm with bidirectional randomly multi-mutation strategy

Aiming at the balance problem between global search and local search in the adaptive differential evolution algorithm,a multi-strategy mutation operator based on symbolic function was designed and an improved Adaptive Differential Evolution algorithm with Bidirectional Randomly Multi-mutation(ADE-BRM)algorithm was proposed further.To increase the possibility of escaping from the local optimums and finding the global optimal solution,the original mutation rate Fwas replaced by a random number which leaded the population to search randomly in two directions.Two interval selection strategy of crossover rate CRwas designed to further simplify the complex parameter selecting and improve the versatility of the algorithm.Comparison tests indicated that ADE-BRM algorithm had faster convergence,higher precision and stronger ability of jumping out of the local optimums.
Correcting rotational errors in three stage QKD

Qubits traveling through a quantum channel often interact with the environment which causes errors at the receiving end. These errors are often indistinguishable from errors caused by an eavesdropper and therefore must be corrected before a quantum key exchange protocol proceeds forward. Logical qubits are often used in order to make error correction possible. In this paper, we apply logical qubits to detect collective rotational errors and discuss how they can be corrected in the context of three-stage quantum key distribution protocol.
Improved aerosol radiative properties as a foundation for solar geoengineering risk assessment

Side effects resulting from the deliberate injection of sulfate aerosols intended to partially offset climate change have motivated the investigation of alternatives, including solid aerosol materials. Sulfate aerosols warm the tropical tropopause layer, increasing the flux of water vapor into the stratosphere, accelerating ozone loss, and increasing radiative forcing. The high refractive index of some solid materials may lead to reduction in these risks. We present a new analysis of the scattering efficiency and absorption of a range of candidate solid aerosols. We utilize a comprehensive radiative transfer model driven by updated, physically consistent estimates of optical properties. We compute the potential increase in stratospheric water vapor and associated longwave radiative forcing. We find that the stratospheric heating calculated in this analysis indicates some materials to be substantially riskier than previous work. We also find that there are Earth-abundant materials that may reduce some principal known risks relative to sulfate aerosols.
Comparative evaluation of the fecal-tagging quality in CT colonography: barium vs. iodinated oral contrast agent.

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose of this evaluation was to compare the tagging quality of a barium-based regimen with that of iodine-based regimens for computed tomographic (CT) colonography. Materials and Methods. Tagging quality was assessed retrospectively in three different types of fecal-tagging CT colonographic cases: 24 barium-based cases, 22 nonionic iodine-based cases, and 24 ionic iodine-based cases. For the purpose of evaluation,the largeintestinewas divided intosix segments,and thetagginghomogeneity ofa total of420segments (70patients) was graded by three blinded readers from 0 (heterogeneous) to 4 (homogeneous). Results. For barium-based cases, the average score for the three readers was 2.4, whereas it was 3.4 for nonionic iodine and 3.6 for ionic iodine. The percentages of segments that were assigned scores of 4 (excellent tagging [100%]) were 11.6%, 61.9%, and 72.9% for the barium-based, nonionic iodine-based, and ionic iodine-based regimens, respectively. The homogeneity scores of iodine-based fecal-tagging regimens were significantly higher than those of the barium-based fecal-tagging regimen (P < .001). The CT attenuation values of tagging in the cases were also assessed: the minimum and maximum values were significantly higher for the iodine-based regimens than for the barium-based regimen (P < .001).
Accuracy and Precision Assessment

Volumetric glassware, mechanical pipettes, and balances are used in many analytical laboratories, including those doing food analysis. The use of this glassware and equipment must be mastered to help ensure accurate and precise results. The objective of this laboratory exercise is to familiarize, or refamiliarize, oneself with the use of balances, mechanical pipettes, and volumetric glassware, and to assess the accuracy and precision of the data generated.
A randomized controlled trial comparing two types of retractors at caesarean delivery

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine if the use of a self-retaining, symmetrical retractor (OB/Mobius®) during caesarean delivery is associated with differences in post-operative pain experience. Consenting women undergoing caesarean delivery were randomly assigned to OB/Mobius® versus conventional retraction instruments. Women were blinded to retractor type and filled out surgical pain surveys each post-operative day. Additional outcome variables were collected through a provider survey and chart review. Of the 154 randomised women, 144 completed the study. There was no difference in the symmetry, quality or intensity of postoperative pain based on the method of retraction. The OB/Mobius® retractor did not confer an improvement in the quality or intensity of post-caesarean discomfort in the first three days following delivery. Nor did the groups differ in operative times, blood loss or pain medication usage. However, the retractor may offer improved visualisation and retraction in obese women.I...
Barriers to Holistic Coaching for Positive Youth Development in South Africa

The purpose of this article is to identify and explore the barriers to holistic coaching in a variety of sport settings in a non-North American-centric culture. Data were derived from a series of i...
Catholic culture and the impact of pilgrimage on faith: an educator’s experience

In 2014, forty-five educators from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney embarked on a sacred journey to Rome for the canonisation of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II. The pilgrimage was designed to offer faith formation, professional development and a means of sharing the faith with their school communities upon return. This study seeks to explore the impact of pilgrimage on the faith of the Catholic educator, his or her practice and subsequently the culture of the school. The study adopts a phenomenographically inspired approach to data collection and analysis. Through two phases of interviews it was found that pilgrimage provides a means of encounter with the traditions of the Catholic faith and culture, the practice of daily prayer and an experience of Christian community. The study supports the views of Victor Turner, who claims that it is through an experience of communitas that one reaches liminality, and thus has an experience of transformation or reaffirmation of what one holds dear; and it concludes that pilgrimage provides a creative means of faith formation for lay staff in Catholic schools.
The Low Countries in Broader Perspective

This article argues that the BMGN – Low Countries Historical Review would have an even greater impact on scholarship both about the Low Countries and Europe more generally if the editors were to include articles written in French, thus capturing the history and culture of the entire Low Countries, past and present, not just its Dutch-speaking regions. It also suggests that the editors might well expand the range of the published articles to more fully reflect new directions in historical scholarship. In particular, articles intersecting with scholarship on art history, linguistic and literary theory, or anthropological/archeological work on material culture might be encouraged. This article is part of the forum 'Outside In? Reflections on BMGN – Low Countries Historical Review: Introduction' In dit artikel wordt gesteld dat BMGN – Low Countries Historical Review een veel grotere invloed zou hebben op de geschiedschrijving van Nederland en van Europa in het algemeen als er ook artikelen in het Frans zouden worden opgenomen. Op die manier zou de aandacht niet slechts uitgaan naar het gedeelte waar Nederlands wordt gesproken, maar naar de geschiedenis en cultuur van de gehele Lage Landen, vroeger en nu. In dit artikel wordt eveneens gesteld dat de redactie van BMGN – Low Countries Historical Review er goed aan zou doen ook stukken op te nemen waarin meer aandacht wordt besteed aan nieuwe richtingen binnen de geschiedschrijving, en vooral ook artikelen waarin wordt verwezen naar kunsthistorisch onderzoek,theoretische studies op het gebied van linguistiek en literatuurwetenschap, of naar antropologisch/archeologisch werk over materiele cultuur. Dit artikel maakt deel uit van het forum 'Outside In? Reflections on BMGN – Low Countries Historical Review: Introduction'
Critical Geography as Theory and Praxis: The Community–University Imperative for Social Change

University administrators, faculty, and staff must engage in newly fashioned community-university collaborations that better address systemic inequities and injustice during this complex time in U....
Childhood spasticity assessment

Increasingly the medical community is being called upon to treat children who, having sustained an acute neurologic injury and, surviving it, are left with a fixed functional handicap.
U.S. medical students choice of careers and its future impact on health care manpower.

During the last 10-15 years, the health care system of this country has faced major challenges, among them, spiraling increases of health care costs, physician manpower maldistribution, excessive production of subspecialists, shortages of primary care physicians (family practice, general internal medicine, and general pediatrics), and lack of access to health care, predominantly among the poor and disadvantaged populations. As a way of shedding light on some of these challenges, the authors conducted a study among junior medical students from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston which focused on some of the factors that might influence medical students' choice of careers. In this article, the authors review the most salient findings for some of the problems that currently plague the health care system of this nation. Certainly, the outcome of this study has important educational and health service delivery implications not only in the United States but abroad as well, particularly among developing nations.
On the Legitimacy of Model Calibration in Structural Dynamics

In structural dynamics, a finite element model is often calibrated to better reproduce experimental measurements collected from the structure. When the agreement between measurements and predictions is unsatisfactory, the model is parameterized and calibrated to improve its overall accuracy. We argue that model calibration may not always be legitimate to improve test-analysis correlation, because a calibration study attempts to compensate for parametric errors when, in fact, the disagreement between measurements and predictions may originate from other sources (e.g. discretization error). In this work, a scaled model of a three-story frame structure that responds mostly in bending is tested experimentally and modeled with finite elements. The agreement between measurements and predictions is assessed relative to the overall level of experimental variability. Truncation error is quantified by performing mesh refinement studies. Guidance on the legitimacy of model calibration is formulated by comparing the overall levels of truncation error, parametric uncertainty, and experimental variability. It is concluded that, while useful, model calibration is a technique that should be deployed only after other sources of modeling error have been rigorously quantified and adjusted for. (Publication approved for unlimited, public release on September 29, 2011, LA-UR-11-5608, Unclassified.)
An Analysis of Automated Software Diversity Using Unstructured Text Analytics

Automated software diversity promises to reduce an attacker's ability to reuse exploits across application instances. However, many questions remain regarding the efficacy of and application of software diversity. In particular, researchers have observed a lack of robust metrics to compare diversity strategies. Our work represents a step toward such metrics by using common methods from unstructured text analysis to differentiate strategies. Our investigation is agnostic to particular diversity strategies, and we analyze several methods of generating feature vectors from diversified binaries and comparing the resulting clusters in a high-dimensional space.
Cultural Music Translation

There are often clear stylistic differences between works of different cultural origin. Such distinctions are noticeable even between the musics of geographically adjacent countries, such as Germany and France. Put simply, music is full of cultural elements. In this chapter, we consider the music of local cultural regions within music as a ‘whole’. This whole comprises all music from every culture. Interestingly, music can be translated from one cultural shape to another by use of technology, which emphasizes the global nature of music.
1 Experimental Design

The chapter discusses the three principles of good experimental design-random assignment, replication, and local control-that were championed by Ronald A. Fisher. The chapter also shows how complex experimental designs are constructed from and understood in terms of three simple building block designs: the completely randomized design, randomized block design, and Latin square design. Missing observations and missing cells are common in the behavioral sciences and education. Procedures for dealing with unequal cell n's in randomized block designs and completely randomized factorial designs are illustrated using a regression model and a cell means model. The merits of the two models and the classical model are examined. Researchers sometimes use confounding to reduce the size of blocks or to reduce the number of treatment combinations in an experiment. The advantages and disadvantages of group-treatment confounding in split-plot factorial designs, group-interaction confounding in confounded factorial designs, and treatment-interaction confounding in fractional designs are examined. The chapter discusses a variety of analysis of covariance designs. These designs enable a researcher to (a) remove that portion of the dependent-variable error variance that is predictable from a knowledge of the concomitant variable thereby increasing power and (b) reduce bias by adjusting the dependent variable so that it is free of effects attributable to the concomitant variable. Keywords: experimental design; analysis of variance; design of experiments; cell means model
The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and Environmental Regulation

This article examines the environment-related provisions of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) to assess how and how much they contribute to a larger megaregulatory program for the Asia-Pacific region. The TPP calls for ‘high levels’ of environmental protection and effective enforcement; incorporates duties from several multilateral environmental agreements; adds new provisions addressing several important environmental problems; mandates administrative best practices; promotes corporate social responsibility and the use of voluntary certification systems; and provides implementation mechanisms for most of these provisions ranging from Party negotiations to committee processes and binding arbitration. On the whole, it promotes a model of environmental regulation consistent with that of most OECD countries. The resulting movement toward cross-border regulatory alignment is likely to make member state environmental programs increasingly legible and navigable for transnational business actors. Alignment dynamics are likely to contribute to increased economic and political integration through implementation of common administrative techniques, increasing communication and idea-sharing among mandated committees and resulting networks of officials, and increased trade and regulatory interactions across member states. The TPP’s environmental regulatory program is quite different from China’s current model, and seems likely to provide an important arena for engaging and countering Chinese policies. While the TPP’s environmental provisions are likely to spur improved environmental regulation in some member countries, they do not point toward a governance system capable of controlling the environmental degradation brought by continuingly intensifying production and trade.
Evaluating the Criterion Validity and Classification Accuracy of Universal Screening Measures in Reading.

Educators use universal screening to identify students who may be at risk for not meeting proficiency on the state assessment. Given the potential high-stakes of state tests, using accurate screene...
Phantom-based model eyes for adaptive optics performance assessment

Ophthalmic adaptive optics (AO) senses and corrects for ocular aberrations providing cellular-level resolution of the retina. Because AO instruments adapt to each subject’s eyes in a personalized manner, AO as an enabling technology creates a unique challenge for medical device regulation in terms of standardized performance assessment. One way to assess device performance is with biomimetic phantoms that match retinal anatomy. To that end, we developed an AO model eye with a retinal phantom that mimics the human photoreceptor mosaic. Cylindrical cone photoreceptors that match the size, spacing, and arrangement in human eyes were created using two-photon polymerization (TPP) – a type of 3D printing. The AO model eye was also engineered to allow imaging in both scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography modes, and reflections were managed to allow wavefront sensing and AO correction. TPP should allow a wide variety of phantoms to be fabricated easily and quickly. Results from testing on two different AO imagers revealed interesting information on interference phenomena (speckle and waveguiding). More recent progress toward complex instrument stress tests, using a dynamic AO model eye with a multi-element deformable lens to assess aberration correction, will be discussed. The AO model eye is a regulatory science tool that can significantly enhance the ability of regulators and developers to evaluate and quantify AO device performance.
Interpreting verbal behavior.

Skinner distinguished between two complementary aspects of science – experimental analysis and interpretation (Skinner, 1957, 1974; see also Donahoe, 1993; Donahoe & Palmer, 1989, pp. 25-129, Donahoe & Palmer, 1994; Palmer & Donahoe, 1992). Some phenomena occur under circumstances that permit essentially all of their determining antecedents to be manipulated and all of their relevant consequences to be measured. Research seeking to uncover the necessary and sufficient conditions for reinforcement using model laboratory preparations is directed at phenomena of this sort. However, many phenomena – and almost all complex phenomena – occur under circumstances that cannot meet these requirements. Phenomena of this latter sort are typically products of complex contingencies involving many biobehavioral processes acting concurrently over prolonged periods of time. Even if experimental analysis had successfully characterized all of the constituent processes, uncertainty would continue to enshroud the origins of these phenomena: The initial conditions and the sequence in which the selecting contingencies acted would remain at least partially unknown. To maintain that complex phenomena cannot be subjected to experimental analysis does not preclude them from being incorporated within science. However, for interpretation to be compelling, other methods must supplement experimental analysis.
Climate change and urban forest soils [Chapter 10]

Abstract With the proportion of the global population living in urban areas expected to reach 67% by 2040, soils located in these areas, or urban soils, will become increasingly important, particularly with regards to how these soils respond to climate change and their ability to provide ecosystem services. Moreover, urban areas to a large degree have already experienced elevated air temperatures, carbon dioxide concentrations, and increased variability in precipitation, and thus can serve as analogs for how forest soils will respond to climate change. This chapter reviews the wide range of soil characteristics in urban landscapes, their response to both urban environments and changes in climate, their potential to serve as analogs for understanding the future effects of climate change on soils, and how they provide ecosystem services including those that assist in mitigating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions.
Named entity recognition in prehospital trauma care

Natural language processing (NLP) methods would improve outcomes in the area of prehospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data collection and abstraction. This study evaluated off-the-shelf solutions for automating labelling of clinically relevant data from EMS reports. A qualitative approach for choosing the best possible ensemble of pretrained NLP systems was developed and validated along with a feature using word embeddings to test phrase synonymy. The ensemble showed increased performance over individual systems.
P21-activated kinase 4 in pancreatic acinar cells is activated by numerous gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters and growth factors by novel signaling, and its activation stimulates secretory/growth cascades

This study demonstrates that the only Group-II p21-activated kinase (PAK) in rat pancreatic acinar cells is PAK4, and thus differs from islets/pancreatic cancer. Both gastrointestinal hormones/neur...
The Effects of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome on Language Delay from Birth to 10 Years

Abstract Purpose To examine the longitudinal effects of a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) on language development over the first 10 years of life. Design and methods This study used a retrospective, longitudinal design. The data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) to examine the effects of NAS on language delay over time while controlling for demographic, prenatal, and household factors. Results There was a significant difference in the pattern of language delays over time between the NAS and non-NAS groups. At the age of 5 (est: −1.788, p Conclusions Children with a history of NAS had significantly different rates of language delays over time. Children with a history of NAS had significantly higher rates of language delays at 10 years than children without NAS. Practice implications There is a need to increase developmental surveillance, along with referrals for specialized services, for children with a history of NAS through middle childhood.
scGNN: a novel graph neural network framework for single-cell RNA-Seq analyses

ABSTRACT Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-Seq) is widely used to reveal the heterogeneity and dynamics of tissues, organisms, and complex diseases, but its analyses still suffer from multiple grand challenges, including the sequencing sparsity and complex differential patterns in gene expression. We introduce the scGNN (single-cell graph neural network) to provide a hypothesis-free deep learning framework for scRNA-Seq analyses. This framework formulates and aggregates cell-cell relationships with graph neural networks and models heterogeneous gene expression patterns using a left-truncated mixture Gaussian model. scGNN integrates three iterative multi-modal autoencoders and outperforms existing tools for gene imputation and cell clustering on four benchmark scRNA-Seq datasets. In an Alzheimer’s disease study with 13,214 single nuclei from postmortem brain tissues, scGNN successfully illustrated disease-related neural development and the differential mechanism. scGNN provides an effective representation of gene expression and cell-cell relationships. It is also a novel and powerful framework that can be applied to scRNA-Seq analyses.