cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A joint model of cancer incidence, metastasis, and mortality

Many diseases, especially cancer, are not static, but rather can be summarized by a series of events or stages (e.g. diagnosis, remission, recurrence, metastasis, death). Most available methods to analyze multi-stage data ignore intermediate events and focus on the terminal event or consider (time to) multiple events as independent. Competing-risk or semi-competing-risk models are often deficient in describing the complex relationship between disease progression events which are driven by a shared progression stochastic process. A multi-stage model can only examine two stages at a time and thus fails to capture the effect of one stage on the time spent between other stages. Moreover, most models do not account for latent stages. We propose a semi-parametric joint model of diagnosis, latent metastasis, and cancer death and use nonparametric maximum likelihood to estimate covariate effects on the risks of intermediate events and death and the dependence between them. We illustrate the model with Monte Carlo simulations and analysis of real data on prostate cancer from the SEER database.
Channel length scaling behavior in transistors based on individual versus dense arrays of carbon nanotubes

Recent advances in the solution-phase sorting and assembly of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have enabled significant gains in the performance of field-effect transistors (FETs) constructed from dense arrays of aligned SWCNTs. However, the channel length (LCH) downscaling behaviors of these arrays, which contain some organizational disorder (i.e., rotational misalignment and non-uniform pitch), have not yet been studied in detail below LCH of 100 nm. This study compares the behaviors of individualized SWCNTs with arrays of aligned, solution-cast SWCNTs in FETs with LCH ranging from 30 to 240 nm. The on-state conductance of both individual and array SWCNTs rises with decreasing LCH. Nearly ballistic transport is observed for LCH < 40 nm in both cases, reaching a conductance of 0.82 Go per SWCNT in arrays, where Go = 2e2/h is the quantum conductance. In the off-state, the off-current and subthreshold swing of the individual SWCNTs remain nearly invariant with decreasing LCH whereas a...
Review of America, the Owner’s Manual: Making Government Work for You

(2010). Review of America, the Owner’s Manual: Making Government Work for You. Journal of Public Affairs Education: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 111-116.
Sustaining compliance with pediatric asthma inpatient quality measures.

To reduce readmission risk in children hospitalized with asthma, The Joint Commission (JC) mandated hospitals to initiate preventive measures and provide patients/caregivers with a home management plan of care (HMPC) at discharge. Standard methods for recording HMPC compliance require hospitals to commit considerable resources. We developed an asthma-specific “reminder and decision support” (RADS) system to facilitate patient discharge while supporting many clinical and administrative needs, including: 1) providers’ compliance with asthma preventive measures, 2) creation of patient’s discharge instructions, 3) recording HMPC components for JC accreditation, and 4) creation of discharge summaries with auto-faxing mechanism to primary care providers for follow-up. RADS resulted in significant increased and sustained HMPC compliance (73% vs. 89%, p<0.01) and reduced labor time (53 vs. 15 hours/week, p=0.02) compared to standard methods. Most quality improvement interventions achieve short-term goals, but long-term improvements require decision support tools that support multiple needs while minimizing resource use.
Cyclic Fixed-Bed Sorption Processes for Bioseparations — Design Aspects

Some important concepts and methodologies for the design and operation of cyclic fixed-bed sorption processes for the recovery of biologicals from dilute solutions and their separation from mixtures are reviewed. A brief overview of critical problems and research opportunities is presented. This is then followed by the analysis of a case study involving the recovery and separation of amino acids by ion exchange. Experimental methodologies and modeling approaches that we have adopted in the study of these processes are reviewed.
Introduction to Public Key Cryptography

We begin with an introduction to private and public key cryptography, and then proceed to introduce elliptic curve cryptosystems.
Asteroiden, Meteore und Meteorite

In der ersten Nacht des 19. Jahrhunderts, am 1.Januar 1801, entdeckte Giuseppe Piazzi eine neue Welt. Bei der Anfertigung einer Himmelskarte bemerkte er einen Stern, der sich seit der letzten Beobachtung am Himmel bewegt hatte. Dieser Wandelstern entpuppte sich als kleiner Planet, der so weit entfernt war, das man selbst durch ein groses Teleskop seine Oberflache nicht erkennen konnte. Piazzi taufte ihn Ceres, nach der Gottin der Fruchtbarkeit und Schutzheiligen Siziliens. Noch bevor die anderen Astronomen von Piazzis Entdeckung horten, verschwand Ceres hinter der Sonne, und als das Objekt wieder am Abendhimmel auftauchen sollte, fand man es nicht wieder. Als der junge Mathematiker Carl Friedrich Gaus von diesem Problem horte, machte er sich daran, ein mathematisches Verfahren zu entwickeln, mit dem sich aus drei Beobachtungen die gesamte Bahn des Asteroiden berechnen lies. Nun waren die Astronomen erfolgreich: Ein Jahr nach der Entdeckung fanden sie Ceres wieder.
The Essential Aspects of Self-Hypnosis

In an extensive research study in my Laboratory the similarities and differences between self-hypnosis and hetero-hypnosis were investigated as well as the phenomena of self-hypnosis when practiced regularly over some time. Our results showed that the essential characteristics of self-hypnosis are: 1. The Fading of the General Reality Orientation 2. Absorption in the experience 3. Receptive, expansive, free-floating attention; that is, an ability to let the mind wander freely and to wait for what floats into awareness. 4. Rather large fluctuations in trance depth, particularly in the beginning of learning to employ self-hypnosis.
Evaluation of Integrated Pest Management Interventions: Challenges and Alternatives

If properly conducted, evaluation can play a significant role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programming. Some issues and challenges associated with IPM program evaluation undermine the potential role evaluation can play in IPM programming. The major issues include lack of attention on the evaluation of IPM programs; inadequate resource allocation for evaluation; lack of evaluation knowledge among the stakeholders; lack of attention to identify the evaluation needs of the stakeholders; underutilization of evaluation results; lack of an IPM evaluation theory base; and the use of diverse definitions for IPM programs making it difficult to focus evaluations. The major challenges undermining the implementation of IPM evaluation are planning evaluations with various stakeholders of IPM; selection of impact indicators to reflect the broad benefits of IPM programs; documentation of long-term outcomes; conducting evaluations with limited resources; and empowering stakeholders to conduct evaluations. These issues and challenges are reviewed with the intention of finding alternatives for the development of IPM program evaluation as a useful tool. Stakeholder identification, incorporation of their evaluation needs, and empowering them to conduct evaluations; focusing evaluations by using logic models; application of an appropriate evaluation model, approach, and design to plan evaluations; and utilization of evaluation results for program improvement, accountability, marketing, advocacy, and policymaking are discussed as practical alternatives to improve the current situation of IPM evaluation.
Acute Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Relation to the Use of Drugs

The relation of acute thrombocytopenic purpura (TP) to the use of drugs was investigated in a case-control study conducted in eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and the Philadelphia region; 62 cases over the age of 16 years with acute onset and with a rapid recovery were compared with 2,625 hospital controls. After control for confounding by multiple logistic regression, use of the following drugs in the week before the onset of symptoms was significantly associated: trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (relative risk [RR] estimate, 124), quinidine/quinine (101), dipyridamole (14), sulfonylureas (4.8), and salicylates (2.6). The overall annual incidence of acute TP was estimated to be 18 cases per million population. The excess risks for the associated drugs were estimated to be 38 cases per million users of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole per week, 26 per million for quinidine/quinine, 3.9 per million for dipyridamole, 1.2 per million for sulfonylureas, and 0.4 per million for salicylates. Associations with sulfonamides, quinidine/quinine, sulfonylureas, and salicylates have been previously reported, but the present study has provided the first quantitative measures of the risk. The association with dipyridamole was unexpected. In general, despite large RRs, the incidence rates attributable to the drugs at issue (excess risks) were low, suggesting that TP is not an important consideration in the use of the various drugs.
Illustrating the Monetary Impact of Transportation Projects/Alternatives using the Values of Travel Time and Travel Time Reliability:

State agencies, regional agencies, cities, towns, and local municipalities design and maintain transportation systems for the benefit of users by improving mobility, reducing travel time, and enhan...
Factors Associated with Use of Recreational Facilities and Physical Activity Among Low-Income Latino Adults

The purpose of this study was to identify longitudinal correlates of low-income, urban, Latino adults’ use of recreational facilities and engagement in physical activity (PA). This secondary data analysis is from a placed-based initiative; the parent study recruited a cohort of parents of kindergarteners from schools in intervention and control communities. Using a self-administered questionnaire, we collected baseline correlates and 1-year follow-up recreational facilities use and PA outcomes. We conducted ordinal logistic regression to assess correlates for recreational facilities use and PA outcomes. Our sample of 273 Latino adults was mostly female and married or living with partners. Meeting PA guidelines at baseline was associated with higher odds of using parks, walking, and moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA. Those who considered PA to be important had higher odds of using trails (adjusted OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.15–4.84) and of moderate-intensity PA (adjusted OR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.21–5.91). Reported perception that the neighborhood is very safe to walk was associated with higher odds of using trails (adjusted OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.39–8.53) and parks (adjusted OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.19–7.16). Quality of recreational facilities was directly associated with walking (adjusted OR = 1.61 95% CI 1.01–2.57). Speaking English was associated with higher odds of engaging in moderate-intensity PA (adjusted OR = 3.28 95% CI 1.70–6.33). Results from this study of urban, low-income Latinos indicate that promotion is needed not only for sustained use of recreational facilities among current users, but also for concerted efforts to reach less acculturated Latinos and make recreational facilities appealing to currently inactive adults. Both individual-level and neighborhood-level interventions are needed to build positive attitudes towards PA, while also enhancing neighborhood safety and the quality of neighborhood recreational facilities.
Endocrine Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract Endocrine disorders are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the interaction between the endocrine and renal systems is complex. Hormones are both synthesized and excreted by the kidneys, and endocrinopathies also play a role in uremic dysfunction. We review the hypothalamic–pituitary–target organ axis and discuss how this axis is affected by CKD, with emphasis on target endocrine glands including the gonads, adrenal glands, liver, thyroid gland, and adipose tissue.
Photoacoustic Tomography: Deep Tissue Imaging by Ultrasonically Beating Optical Diffusion

Photoacoustic tomography has been developed for in vivo functional, metabolic, molecular, and histologic imaging by physically combining optical and ultrasonic waves. Broad applications include early-cancer detection and brain imaging. High-resolution optical imaging—such as confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, and optical coherence tomography—is limited to superficial imaging within the optical diffusion limit (~1 mm in the skin) of the surface of scattering tissue. By synergistically combining light and sound, photoacoustic tomography provides deep penetration at high ultrasonic resolution and high optical contrast.
Quantum Mechanics of the electron particle-clock

Understanding the electron clock and the role of complex numbers in quantum mechanics is grounded in the geometry of spacetime, and best expressed with Spacetime Algebra (STA). The efficiency of STA is demonstrated with coordinate-free applications to both relativistic and non-relativistic QM. Insight into the structure of Dirac theory is provided by a new comprehensive analysis of local observables and conservation laws. This provides the foundation for a comparative analysis of wave and particle models for the hydrogen atom, the workshop where Quantum Mechanics was designed, built and tested.
Woodbrooke in Wider Context: The Enduring Thread of Adult Education

The usual story told of Woodbrooke's history is an entirely Quaker-centric account, focused on the currents in the Religious Society of Friends in Britain in the mid-nineteenth century, the 1895 Manchester Conference, and its aftermath. However, the currents affecting the religious concern for the education of adults stretch back through all denominations into the eighteenth century, and the Quaker activities were characteristic of the era. Similarly, the fortunes of Woodbrooke in the twentieth century are within the mainstream of other adult education provision and are affected, even though not directly controlled, by the cultural changes creating and created by state-funded adult education. This article traces the threads to situate Wood­ brooke within a wider narrative, both influenced by and influencing the trajectory of adult education provision in Britain.
CSR commitments, perceptions of hypocrisy, and recovery

This paper examines perceived hypocrisy when a failure is aligned with prior social performance. It is hypothesized that commitment to a CSR domain creates greater performance expectations thus exacerbating the effects when an aligned failure occurs. Study 1 demonstrates that failure alignment and severity increase perceived hypocrisy which negatively impacts customer evaluations of trust, repurchase intent, and brand attitude. Study 2 evaluates two response strategies of apology and compensation vs. no response. An apology significantly reduced perceptions of hypocrisy only when the failure was unaligned with prior CSR. Compensation significantly reduced hypocrisy in both the unaligned and aligned conditions.
Aloe-vera leaf extract as a green agent for the synthesis of CuO nanoparticles inactivating bacterial pathogens and dye

The present work describes the aloe-vera, as a green agent for the facile synthesis of copper oxide NPs and their deliberation for antibacterial and photocatalytic activities. The synthesis has bee...
Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP) in the Electronic Health Record: A Validation Study

Background The impact of malnutrition on pediatric patients in the acute care setting is significant. Hospitalized patients with malnutrition have been shown to have poor clinical outcomes. Nutrition screening is the first critical step in identifying and treating malnutrition. Although several pediatric nutrition screening tools exist, none incorporate both electronic health record (EHR) compatibility and the recommended indicators of pediatric malnutrition, a gap recently identified in a systematic review by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The aim of this study was to prove the validity of a new version of Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP), EHR-STAMP, modified for incorporation into the EHR and inclusion of updated pediatric malnutrition indicators. Methods An interprofessional team modified the existing STAMP for integration into the EHR. Audits were performed by the research dietitian to assess accuracy and provide feedback for continuous improvement of the tool design. Results A total of 3553 pediatric inpatients were studied from August 2017 to May 2019. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity improved with each modification to the EHR-STAMP. The final version of the EHR-STAMP found 85% accuracy, 89% sensitivity, and 97% specificity, with a positive predictive value of 60% and a negative predictive value of 94%. Conclusion The EHR-STAMP is a highly reliable tool in the screening of nutrition risk for pediatric hospitalized patients. The tool is easy to use, EHR compatible, and incorporates the current indicators recommended for assessing pediatric malnutrition.
Anti-cancer Effects of Silibinin: The Current Status in Cancer Chemoprevention

The naturally occurring flavonolignan Silibinin (also known as Silybin) is a bioactive constituent of silymarin isolated from the seeds of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum L. Gaernt.), a member of the Asteraceae family. The milk thistle plant is a part of the native vegetation in Southern Europe, Southern Russia, Asia Minor and Northern Africa. This multi-functional flavonolignan possesses strong hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, immune-modulatory, antidotal and anti-neoplastic properties. To date, over 600 peer-reviewed research reports and limited clinical trials have evaluated the anti-oncogenic efficacy of silibinin to combat tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. As a promising agent, silibinin mediates a wide-range of potent chemopreventive and anti-cancer activities in several frequently diagnosed epithelial malignancies, including skin, colon, prostate and lung. In addition, several combinatorial anti-cancer strategies of silibinin with other therapeutics exhibit synergistic interactions to suppress drug-induced toxic effects and chemoresistance. In this chapter, the pre-clinical and clinical efficacy of silibinin and/or silymarin derivatives against several cancers will be reviewed. Moreover, the chapter will summarize silibinin effects on key signaling pathways, such as: transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B), which are crucial to the anti-cancer activity of silibinin in cancer prevention, disease progression/recurrence and reversal of drug resistance.
Disputed rpoB Mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes.

Discordant results between genotypic drug susceptibility testing (gDST) and phenotypic DST (pDST) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates with disputed (discordance between gDST and pDST results) mutations affect rifampin (RIF)-resistant (RR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) treatments due to a lack of practical clinical guidelines. To investigate the role of disputed rpoB mutations in M. tuberculosis and TB treatment outcomes, initial isolates of 837 clinical RR- or MDR-TB cases confirmed during 2014 to 2018 were retested using agar-based RIF pDST and rpoB gene sequencing. MICs were determined for isolates with disputed rpoB mutations. Disputed rpoB mutations were identified in 77 (9.2%) M. tuberculosis isolates, including 50 (64.9%) and 14 (18.2%) phenotypically RIF- and rifabutin (RFB)-resistant isolates, respectively. The predominant single mutations were those encoding L533P (a change of L to P at position 533) (44.2%) and L511P (20.8%). Most of the isolates harboring mutations encoding L511P (87.5%), H526N (100%), D516Y (70.0%), and L533P (63.6%) had MICs of ≤1 mg/liter, whereas isolates harboring the mutation encoding H526L (75%) had a MIC of >1 mg/liter. Of the 63 cases with treatment outcomes available, 11 (17.5%) cases died, 1 (1.6%) case transferred out, and 51 (81%) cases had favorable outcomes, including 8 and 20 cases treated with standard-dose RIF- and RFB-containing regimens, respectively. Excluding cases that transferred out or received no or 1-day treatment, we observed statistically significant differences between the outcomes using active and inactive fluoroquinolones (FQs) (P = 0.008, odds ratio = 0.05 [95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.38]) in 57 cases (where active means a case susceptible to the drug and inactive means a case resistant to the drug or drug not used). We concluded that disputed rpoB mutations are not rare. Depending on the resources available, sequencing and/or MIC testing is recommended for better management of RR- and MDR-TB cases.
How increasing proton and electron conduction benefits electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

Summary The renewably powered electrochemical conversion of CO2 into fuels and chemicals offers a pathway to decarbonized industrial processes that are difficult to abate with electricity alone. Electrocatalytic activity, selectivity, reaction kinetics, and stability are critical factors for the development of electrochemical CO2 reduction technology. While the activity and selectivity of various electrocatalysts have been reported in a number of publications, the understanding of kinetic issues of mass and charge transport from a perspective of materials science and engineering is lacking. This work covers the critical role of the triple-phase boundary of CO2, protons, and electrons in CO2 conversion. Proton and electron conduction in electrocatalysts are discussed as composite materials and single-phase materials, respectively. Relatively established composite proton- and electron-conducting electrocatalysts (PECEs) are reviewed from state-of-the-art research, and suggestions are given for further potential improvement. In contrast, as the development of single-phase PECEs for electrochemical CO2 reduction is still nascent, perspectives for future development are proposed. Metal-organic framework materials are suggested and discussed as one of the ideal material candidates for single-phase PECEs with strategies to increase proton and electron conductivity.
Algorithmic personalization of source cues in the filter bubble: Self-esteem and self-construal impact information exposure:

How do users pick out online information sources? Building on a self-regulation perspective to media use, this study investigates routes to self-enhancement (i.e. state self-esteem [SSE] increase) ...
When web add-on correction comes with fear-arousing misinformation in public health crisis: focusing on the role of risk perception in belief in misinformation

The goal of this research was to study how fear-arousing misinformation (FAM) elicits a backfire effect of web add-on correction and whether situational fear and situational threat appraisals inter...
Wulfenit—extraLapis 58 with contributions by Rudolf Hasler, Rupert Hochleitner, Michael Huber, Berthold Ottens, Tomasz Praszkier, Les Presmyk, Peter Megaw, and Stefan Weiss; in German. Christian Weise Verlag, Munich; www.lapis.de. 114 pages; 2020; €19.80 plus postage and handling (softbound).

Wulfenite is one of the most widely distributed and available of all brightly colored minerals and, as such, has been the object of an almost unlimited array of photographs that, if arranged proper...
Cross-sensor radiometric normalization of Planet smallsat data using Sentinel-2 to improve consistency across scenes and environments

Commercial smallsats are emerging as a key resource for the remote sensing community, with Planet Labs, Inc. operating the largest constellation. Global coverage is achieved through the combined efforts of many different sensors, but the unique spectral response of each sensor results in radiometric inconsistencies across the constellation. These inconsistencies have been an obstacle for researchers as the images do not match the quality the remote sensing community has come to expect from traditional platforms such as Landsat or Sentinel. Various approaches have been offered to correct cross-sensor radiometric inconsistencies in Planet image acquisitions, with many utilizing high radiometric quality platforms such as Landsat or Sentinel to normalize Planet surface reflectance via a linear transformation. These approaches have largely been applied in homogenous regions, and performance in heterogeneous landscapes is not well understood. The Planet surface reflectance images were transformed linearly using Sentinel-2 surface reflectance as a reference. Transformations were tested in six heterogeneous National Ecological Observatory Network sites where airborne hyperspectral data was available for validation. The probability density functions of the transformed Planet images and the corresponding Sentinel reference images were compared using the D statistic of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The absolute spectral accuracy of the transformed Planet images was evaluated against airborne hyperspectral data. Results show that the transformations were effective in transforming the empirical cumulative distribution functions of the Planet images to be more similar to that of Sentinel regardless of initial offsets.
A Kinematic Evaluation of Linear and Parabolic Pointing in Virtual Reality

We present the results of a study investigating the influence of task and effector constraints on the kinematics of pointing movements performed in immersive virtual environments. We compared the e...
Daniel Byman. A High Price: The Triumphs and Failures of Israeli Counterterrorism

How should a state respond to terrorism? Should it respond harshly, by using excessive force and by punishing noncombatants? This strategy might deter future attacks, but critics argue it will inst...
Using Student Modeling to Estimate Student Knowledge Retention.

The goal of predicting student behavior on the immediate next action has been investigated by researchers for many years. However, a fair question is whether this research question is worth all of the attention it has received. This paper investigates predicting student performance after a delay of 5 to 10 days, to determine whether, and when, the student will retain the material seen. Although this change in focus sounds minor, two aspects make it interesting. First, the factors influencing retention are different than those influencing short-term performance. Specifically, we found that the number of student correct and incorrect responses were not reliable predictors of long-term performance. This result is in contrast to most student-modeling efforts on predicting performance on the next response. Second, we argue that answering the question of whether a student will retain a skill is more useful for guiding decision making of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) than predicting correctness of next response. We introduce an architecture that identifies two research topics that are meaningful for ITS decision making. Our experiments found one feature in particular that was relevant for student retention: the number of distinct days in which a student practiced a skill. This result provides additional evidence for the spaced practice effect, and suggests our models need to be aware of features known to impact retention.
Antigen dependent checkpoints for generating a persisting effector CD8 T cell population during chronic parasite infection (MPF6P.737)

We have previously shown that an immunodominant CD8 T cell response to a MHC class I Ld-restricted parasite antigen confers strong resistance against chronic T. gondii infection in mice. Here we show that despite its lower precursor frequency, this immunodominant T cell population is activated earlier, and expands more rapidly during the priming phase compared to the subdominant populations. The number of these T cells is maintained near their peak values throughout chronic infection, with no sign of a contraction phase. Moreover, this population maintained its effector functions and phenotypes without exhaustion. We identified a transient subset within this immunodominant T cell population, which survives, proliferates and gives rise to terminally differentiated effectors only in the presence of persisting antigen in vivo. We propose that the timing and quality of antigen presentation at the acute and chronic phases of infection are critical to the generation and maintenance of this subset, and thus to the overall protective ability of the immunodominant population.
Analytic Tomography: Computerized Tomography, X-rays, and the Radon Transform

Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to give an informal introduction to the subject of tomography. There are very few mathematical requirements for this chapter, so readers who are not specialists in the field, indeed who are not mathematicians or scientists, should find this material accessible and interesting. Specialists will find a graphic and intuitive presentation of the Radon transform and its approximate inversion. Tomography is concerned with solving problems such as the following. Suppose that we are given an object but can only see its surface. Could we determine the nature of the object without cutting it open? In 1917 an Austrian mathematician named Johann Radon showed that this could be done provided the total density of every line through the object were known. We can think of the density of an object at a specific point as the amount of material comprising the object at that point. The total density along a line is the sum of the individual densities or amounts of material. In 1895 Wilhelm Roengten discovered x-rays, a property of which is their determining of the total density of an object along their line of travel. For this reason, mathematicians call the total density an x-ray projection . It is immaterial whether the x-ray projection was obtained via x-rays or by some other method; we still call the resulting total density an x-ray projection.
Symmetry of solutions to some systems of integral equations

In this paper, we study some systems of integral equations, including those related to Hardy-Littlewood-Sobolev (HLS) inequalities. We prove that, under some integrability conditions, the positive regular solutions to the systems are radially symmetric and monotone about some point. In particular, we established the radial symmetry of the solutions to the Euler-Lagrange equations associated with the classical and weighted Hardy-Littlewood-Sobolev inequality.
Virus replication and cytokine production in primary alveolar macrophages and airway epithelial cells induced by emerging canine H3N8 influenza virus (LB510)

Canine H3N8 influenza virus was first recognized as a serious infectious pulmonary disease in racing greyhound dogs in 2004. Disease resulted from direct transmission of commonly circulating equine...
The promise of omics-based approaches to cancer prevention

Cancer is a complex category of diseases caused in large part by genetic or genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic or epigenomic alterations in affected cells and the surrounding microenvironment. Carcinogenesis reflects the clonal expansion of cells that progressively acquire these genetic and epigenetic alterations—changes that, in turn, lead to modifications at the RNA level. Gradually advancing technology and most recently, the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS), combined with bioinformatics analytic tools, have revolutionized our ability to interrogate cancer cells. The ultimate goal is to apply these high-throughput technologies to the various aspects of clinical cancer care: cancer-risk assessment, diagnosis, as well as target identification for treatment and prevention. In this article, we emphasize how the knowledge gained through large-scale omics-oriented approaches, with a focus on variations at the level of nucleic acids, can inform the field of chemoprevention.
WAVEFORM ACTIVATED REARRANGEMENT OF N-BUTYLBENZENE MOLECULAR IONS DURING TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY IN THE QUADRUPOLE ION TRAP

Abstract The “molecular thermometer,” n -butylbenzene, when analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry, produced an unusual product ion mass spectrum. Instead of the expected tandem mass spectrum containing fragments at m/z 91 and m/z 92, an unexpected base peak at m/z 119 was observed. Tandem parameters such as q z , collision-induced dissociation (CID) voltage, trap temperature, and space charge were examined. When n -butylbenzene was analyzed by other ion trap mass spectrometers in our laboratory and other laboratories, analogous results were obtained. This phenomenon was investigated and found to be associated with the Varian protocol used in ion isolation during the tandem mass spectrometry experiment on commercial instruments. Studies were performed in an attempt to cool the precursor ion prior to activation with no change in the mass spectrum. Comparison of n -butylbenzene with other butylbenzene isomers gave evidence that rearrangement was taking place during the isolation of the precursor in the tandem experiment. Thorough investigation of the commercial protocol was undertaken that linked the cause of the rearrangement to the broadband waveform used in the precursor ion isolation step of the tandem mass spectrometry experiment.
Exposure to supplemental oxygen downregulates antioxidant enzymes and increases pulmonary arterial contractility in premature lambs.

Background: The optimal oxygen concentration for the resuscitation of premature infants remains controversial. Objectives: We studied the effects of 21 versus 100
View from the top: At Intel, decision-making without walls: Effective decision-making, says the president of Intel, means striking a balance between the forces of knowledge and the power of experience

A major transition is under way in industry and commerce across the United States. We hear about it in such terms as “sunrise versus sunset” or “high-tech versus smokestack” industries. At the same time, we hear politicians constantly talk about changes in industrial policy. Underneath all these seemingly dynamic cliches, a major shift in the nature of work itself is taking place. Word processors are replacing typewriters, computer-controlled machinery is replacing manual work, and maintenance engineers are replacing production workers. It is clear from all this movement that as work changes, the worker — the person who makes it all happen — must change also.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery: evaluation, surgery, and follow-up of 250 patients.

Although much has been written about the surgical technique of functional endoscopic sinus surgery, little has appeared about its long-term results. Two hundred fifty patients underwent endoscopic nasal office evaluations and subsequent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (42 unilateral + 208 bilateral = 458 procedures) for nasal polypo-sis and chronic sinusitis from January 1986 to June 1988. Immediate postoperative data indicated that 8.3% developed minor complications and 0.7% developed major complications. Two hundred twenty-one patients were available for long-term follow-up at 12 to 42 months (mean = 17 months) with success rates of 89.7% for relief of sinonasal polyposis and 80.2% for relief of chronic sinusitis.
OS073. Over-expression of MIRNA-203 results in increased inflammatory response in endothelial cells: a mechanism of increased endothelial inflammatory response in preeclampsia

Introduction MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and play important roles in various biological and pathological processes. Several miRNAs have been found to regulate endothelial cell (EC) function. Studies have shown that miR-203 plays an important role in the inflammatory response. Objectives The present study was designed to specifically investigate miR-203 in the regulation of endothelial inflammatory responses and to determine if over-expression of miR-203 expression could lead to increased inflammatory response that is associated with endothelial activation/dysfunction in preeclampsia (PE). Methods Total RNA was isolated from ECs from 8 normal and 11 PE pregnancies. miR-203 expression was determined by real-time PCR. Relative miR-203 expression was calculated by comparative C T with formula 2 −ΔΔCt . To determine if increased miR-203 expression is associated with increased EC inflammatory response, ECs were transfected with pre-miR-203. Successful transfection of pre-miR-203 in ECs was confirmed by RT-PCR and U6 expression. EC production of ICAM, IL-6, and IL-8 were measured by ELISA. EC mRNA expressions for ICAM, IL-6, and IL-8 were determined by RT-PCR. miR-203 induced increased inflammatory response was also determined by leukocyte-endothelial adhesion assay. Leukocyte myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was measured as an indicator of leukocyte adhesion. Results (1) miR-203 expression was significantly increased in ECs from PE compared to normal pregnant controls ( p p p Conclusion miR-203 expression is increased in PE-ECs. Over-expression of miR-203 in ECs results in: (1) increased endothelial adhesion molecule ICAM production and expression; (2) increased inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and IL-8 productions and expressions; and (3) increased leukocyte and endothelial adhesion. Increased endothelial adhesion molecule expression and cytokine production are well-recognized endothelial inflammatory responses in PE. Therefore, our data provide strong evidence that increased miR-203 expression could be a molecular mechanism that leads to endothelial activation/dysfunction in PE.
Cycloheximide prevents kainate-induced neuronal death and c-fos expression in adult rat brain.

The present study was directed at evaluating the possible involvement of protein synthesis in excitotoxin-induced neuronal damage and prolonged expression of the proto-oncogene, c-fos. Kainic acid-induced seizure activity elicited varying degrees of neuronal damage and cell loss in selectively vulnerable regions of the adult rat limbic system. Pretreatment with cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, did not alter behavioral seizure characteristics, but markedly attenuated damage to susceptible neuronal populations. A prolonged increase in c-fos mRNA was observed byin situ hybridization up to 16 h after the onset of seizures in regions exhibiting neuronal death. Pretreatment with cycloheximide did not affect the transient induction of c-fos observed in numerous structures, but significantly reduced the prolonged expression of c-fos mRNA in kainatevulnerable regions. Despite producing massive seizure activity, systemic kainic acid administration during the early postnatal period did not induce any neuronal death, and did not result in prolonged c-fos expression in any brain structures. The developmental onset of selective neuronal vulnerability coincided with that of prolonged c-fos expression in susceptible neuronal populations. In adult rats, seizure activity induced by pentylenetetrazole did not produce neuronal damage nor did it produce prolonged c-fos expression. These results not only demonstrate that kainate-induced neurotoxicity and the prolonged expression of c-fos are both prevented by cycloheximide, but also strengthen the idea that prolonged c-fos expression is a marker of neuronal death.
Risktaking and Driver Behaviors: A Laboratory Study

A number of variables have been implicated as predictors of actual risky driving behaviors. However, due to differing methodologies, the literature shows few consistent findings. The current study is an attempt to establish a more complete understanding of the relationship between risk related characteristics and actual risktaking decisions. It was predicted that individuals who had a greater propensity for taking risks would also be more prone to making risky decisions in a simulated driving task.Sixty subjects (30 male, 30 female) were selected based on their Kogan and Wallach Choice Dilemma risktaking scores (15 high and 15 low risktakers in each gender group). Subjects participated in two 1 1/2 hour experimental sessions. Session one was a video tape risk choice session and session two, a battery of demographic, driving and risktaking characteristic questionnaires were given.The most significant finding in this study involved the misuse of speed and distance in making turn decisions. All subjects adop...
Toward Regenerating a Human Thumb In Situ

Regenerative technology promises to alleviate the problem of limited donor supply for bone or organ transplants. Most expensive and time consuming is cell expansion in laboratories. We propose a method of magnetically enriched osteoprogenitor stem cells, dispersed in self-assembling hydrogels and applied onto new ultra-high-resolution, jet-based, three-dimensional printing of living human bone in a single-step for in situ bone regeneration. Human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were enriched with CD 117+ cells, dispersed in different collagen I and RAD 16I hydrogel mixes, and applied onto three-dimensional printed β-tricalcium phosphate/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds, printed from ultra-high-resolution volumetric CT images of a human thumb. Constructs were directly implanted subcutaneously into nude mice for 6 weeks. In vivo radiographic volumetric CT scanning and histological evaluations were performed at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks, and expression of bone-specific genes and biomech...
Polymerization catalysis at the millennium: frontiers in stereoselective, metal-catalyzed polymerization

Select recent advances in the area of stereoselective polymerization catalysis are surveyed. Although heterogeneous catalysts are the pillars of the chemical industry, homogeneous polymerization catalysts offer unmatched opportunities for the precision synthesis of new polymer architectures. In addition, these discrete ‘single-site’ catalysts offer extraordinary potential to examine reaction pathways at the molecular level via mechanistic studies. This article will examine discrete catalysts for stereoselective polymerization, with an emphasis on technologically important processes.
Wheelchair repairs, breakdown, and adverse consequences for people with traumatic spinal cord injury.

Abstract McClure LA, Boninger ML, Oyster ML, Williams S, Houlihan B, Lieberman JA, Cooper RA. Wheelchair repairs, breakdown, and adverse consequences for people with traumatic spinal cord injury. Objectives To investigate the frequency of repairs that occurred in a 6-month period and the consequences of breakdowns on wheelchair users living with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), and to determine whether certain wheelchair and subject characteristics are associated with an increased number of repairs and adverse consequences. Design Convenience sample survey. Setting Sixteen Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems Centers that are part of the national database funded through the Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Participants People with SCI who use a wheelchair for more than 40h/wk (N=2213). Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The frequency of wheelchair repairs and occurrence of adverse consequences caused by a wheelchair breakdown in a 6-month period. Results Within a 6-month period, 44.8% of full-time wheelchair users completed a repair, and 8.7% had an adverse consequence occur. People who use power wheelchairs required significantly more repairs ( P P Conclusions Frequent repairs and breakdown can negatively impact a person's life by decreasing community participation and threatening health and safety. Mandatory compliance with the American National Standards Institute and the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America standards, changes in insurance reimbursement policy, and patient and clinician education are necessary to reduce the number of repairs and adverse consequences that occur.
Generalization of Nose's isothermal molecular dynamics: Necessary and sufficient conditions of dynamical simulations of statistical ensembles

We examine the necessary and sufficient conditions that a dynamics is suited for mimicking a specified statistical ensemble. Some delicate points related to the Nos\'e scheme and its generalizations are clarified.
The sarcoplasmic reticulum: a comparative study.

Abstract The diversity of cellular membrane structures associated with regulation of intracellular calcium level is described in several different groups of organisms and cells. All the instances reported refer to cellular processes related to movement, in which calcium ion acts as trigger and/or modulator. In addition, a simplified five-stage picture of the underlying view of evolution of these structures is presented. In short: (i) the choice made by nature in using calcium as intracellular messenger was very early in the history of life; (ii) all cellular structures devoted to intracellular calcium regulation, from the simplest form of amoeba to the highly sophisticated apparatus of mammalian skeletal muscle, can be linked together in the chain of evolution. Because the evidence is still sparse, any conclusion more positive would be speculative and of little value. Hopefully, in the coming years, with a better understanding of membrane architecture as a whole and its protein components (i.e. calcium channels, calcium-binding proteins), we will be able to test the first segments of this evolutionary hypothesis.
Coherence Resonance in a Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Ion Channel

Biological ion channels are able to generate coherent and oscillatory signals from intrinsically noisy and stochastic components for ultrasensitive discrimination with the use of stochastic resonance, a concept not yet demonstrated in human-made analogs. We show that a single-walled carbon nanotube demonstrates oscillations in electroosmotic current through its interior at specific ranges of electric field that are the signatures of coherence resonance. Stochastic pore blocking is observed when individual cations partition into the nanotube obstructing an otherwise stable proton current. The observed oscillations occur because of coupling between pore blocking and a proton-diffusion limitation at the pore mouth. The result illustrates how simple ionic transport can generate coherent waveforms within an inherently noisy environment and points to new types of nanoreactors, sensors, and nanofluidic channels based on this platform.