cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clingen Cancer Somatic Working Group: standardizing and democratizing access to cancer molecular diagnostic data to drive translational research

A growing number of academic and community clinics are conducting genomic testing to inform treatment decisions for cancer patients. In the last 3-5 years, there has been a rapid increase in clinical use of next generation sequencing (NGS) based cancer molecular diagnostic (MolDx) testing. The increasing availability and decreasing cost of tumor genomic profiling means that physicians can now make treatment decisions armed with patient-specific genetic information. Accumulating research in the cancer biology field indicates that there is significant potential to improve cancer patient outcomes by effectively leveraging this rich source of genomic data in treatment planning. To achieve truly personalized medicine in oncology, it is critical to catalog cancer sequence variants from MolDx testing for their clinical relevance along with treatment information and patient outcomes, and to do so in a way that supports large-scale data aggregation and new hypothesis generation. One critical challenge to encoding variant data is adopting a standard of annotation of those variants that are clinically actionable. Through the NIH-funded Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen), in collaboration with NLM ClinVar database and >50 academic and industry based cancer research organizations, we developed the Minimal Variant Level Data (MVLD) framework to standardize reporting and interpretation of drug associated alterations. We are currently involved in collaborative efforts to align the MVLD framework with parallel, complementary sequence variants interpretation clinical guidelines from the Association of Molecular Pathologists (AMP) for clinical labs. In order to truly democratize access to MolDx data for care and research needs, these standards must be harmonized to support sharing of clinical cancer variants. Here we describe the processes and methods developed within the ClinGen Somatic WG in collaboration with over 60 cancer care and research organizations as well as CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited clinical testing labs to develop standards for cancer variant interpretation and sharing.
Paramagnetic resonance of Cu 2+ ions in the superconductor Y 0.2 Ba 0.8 CuO x

A strong paramagnetic resonance signal characteristic of Cu/sup 2+/ ions in chemically bondx/sup 2/-y/sup 2/> states is observed in the high-T/sub c/approx. =90 K superconductor Y/sub 0.2/Ba/sub 0.8/CuO/sub x/. The line intensity of the ioniclike signal shows a deviation from Curie behavior at Tapprox. >T/sub c/. It is speculated that the phase that is responsible for the signal is an example of an Anderson lattice with an unusually high Kondo temperature.
Advances in Urban Remote Sensing: Examples From Berlin (Germany)

Urban remote sensing has long been a niche aspect of modern remote sensing. Aerial photo interpretation, based on national aerial photo surveys, is an established method in urban planning and in the context of urban ecological applications. Thermal remote sensing also has a long tradition in the urban context. Many other remote sensing approaches have become established in major fields of research, but not in urban remote sensing.
Commentary: Bayesian Analysis Across Astronomy

This contribution is a commentary on seven papers presented in the session “Bayesian Analysis Across Astronomy” at the Statistical Challenges in Modern Astronomy V conference held at Pennsylvania State University in June 2011. I provide a perspective on the current state and future direction of Bayesian astrostatistics with an emphasis on the development of multilevel models to link astronomical data to astrophysical theory. I am tasked with providing a commentary on seven of the eight papers presented in the “Bayesian analysis across astronomy” session at the fifth Statistical Challenges in Modern Astronomy conference (SCMA V). Of course, it is impossible to comment in detail on so diverse a set of papers in the brief allotted space. At the editors’ suggestion, I will instead use my commentary as a sort of bully pulpit to provide a perspective on the current state and future direction of Bayesian astrostatistics. The seven papers provide a contemporary vantage point; my participation in the previous SCMA conferences, spanning two decades, provides a somewhat more historical vantage point.
Estimating global agricultural effects of geoengineering using volcanic eruptions.

Solar radiation management is increasingly considered to be an option for managing global temperatures1,2, yet the economic effects of ameliorating climatic changes by scattering sunlight back to space remain largely unknown3. Although solar radiation management may increase crop yields by reducing heat stress4, the effects of concomitant changes in available sunlight have never been empirically estimated. Here we use the volcanic eruptions that inspired modern solar radiation management proposals as natural experiments to provide the first estimates, to our knowledge, of how the stratospheric sulfate aerosols created by the eruptions of El Chichon and Mount Pinatubo altered the quantity and quality of global sunlight, and how these changes in sunlight affected global crop yields. We find that the sunlight-mediated effect of stratospheric sulfate aerosols on yields is negative for both C4 (maize) and C3 (soy, rice and wheat) crops. Applying our yield model to a solar radiation management scenario based on stratospheric sulfate aerosols, we find that projected mid-twenty-first century damages due to scattering sunlight caused by solar radiation management are roughly equal in magnitude to benefits from cooling. This suggests that solar radiation management-if deployed using stratospheric sulfate aerosols similar to those emitted by the volcanic eruptions it seeks to mimic-would, on net, attenuate little of the global agricultural damage from climate change. Our approach could be extended to study the effects of solar radiation management on other global systems, such as human health or ecosystem function.
Real-Time Life-Cycle Assessment of High-Voltage Circuit Breakers for Maintenance Using Online Condition Monitoring Data

Life-cycle assessment of high-voltage (HV) circuit breakers (CB) in transmission systems, if efficiently done, can lead to an optimal decision on when, where, and how to perform maintenance. This paper elaborates a new approach on the identification of CB's deterioration/recovery states, i.e., the so-called life-cycle assessment, using its control circuit condition monitoring data. Reliability-oriented performance indicators, which can assess the condition of different physical parts of an HV CB in real time, are introduced first. Then, a quantitative methodology to define the probability of the CB falling into each class of deterioration/recovery states, i.e., healthy, vulnerable, troubled, and failed, is proposed. Using this approach, maintenance decisions can be effectively made on different parts of an HV CB, the impact of maintenance can be quantified, and system-wide maintenance optimization with respect to the condition-based distinction of CBs can be made possible. Field condition monitoring data recorded at different time intervals during the CB operation is utilized to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Larger nephron size, low nephron number, and nephrosclerosis on biopsy as predictors of kidney function after donating a kidney

It is unclear whether structural findings in the kidneys of living kidney donors predict postdonation kidney function. We studied living kidney donors who had a kidney biopsy during donation. Nephron size was measured by glomerular volume, cortex volume per glomerulus, and mean cross-sectional tubular area. Age-specific thresholds were defined for low nephron number (calculated from CT and biopsy measures) and nephrosclerosis (global glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, and arteriosclerosis). These structural measures were assessed as predictors of postdonation measured GFR, 24-hour urine albumin, and hypertension. Analyses were adjusted for baseline age, gender, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hypertension, measured GFR, urine albumin, living related donor status, and time since donation. Of 2673 donors, 1334 returned for a follow-up visit at a median 4.4 months after donation, with measured GFR 5 mg/24 h in 13%, and hypertension in 5.3%. Larger glomerular volume and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy predicted follow-up measured GFR 5 mg/24 h. Arteriosclerosis predicted hypertension. Microstructural findings predict GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , modest increases in urine albumin, and hypertension shortly after kidney donation.
Effects of domestic cooking on flavonoids in broccoli and calculation of retention factors

Abstract The flavonoid contents in vegetables are strongly influenced by domestic cooking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of domestic cooking on the structurally complex flavonoids in broccoli. Raw broccoli was cooked by boiling, steaming and microwaving. Seven kaempferol (Km) glycosides and one quercetin (Qn) glycoside were identified and quantified in raw and cooked broccoli by HPLC-MS. Boiling resulted in significant loss of all flavonoids, while steaming and microwaving led to minor loses or even increases of the flavonoids. Apparent retention factors (AR) and true retention factors (TR) were calculated for individual flavonoids. AR ranged from 35.6% to 147.5% and TR ranged from 30.4% to 174.1%, respectively, depending on the cooking method and chemical structures of flavonoids. Two different ways to calculate total retention factors, "Retention Factor by Glycoside" and "Retention Factor by Aglycone", were also calculated. In conclusion, domestic cooking significantly altered the flavonoid contents in broccoli, with cooking method and chemical nature being key influential factors. Acylated Km tri- or tetra-glycosides appeared to be more resistant to domestic cooking.
Microwave measurements of cyclopropanecarboxylic acid and –OD isotopologue

Abstract The microwave spectrum of cyclopropanecarboxylic acid has been measured in the 5–15 GHz region using a Flygare–Balle type, pulsed-beam Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer. These lower-frequency measurements are at a much higher resolution then the previous waveguide studies. The experimental rotational constants obtained in this study were A = 7625.0432(17) MHz, B = 2724.7672(8) MHz, and C = 2382.0755(5) MHz. The centrifugal distortion constants determined were Δ J = 0.4010(25) kHz, Δ JK = 3.04(17) kHz, Δ J = 0.0434(72) kHz, and Δ K = −11.32(24) kHz.
Globalization and National Identities: Crisis or Opportunity?: Paul Kennedy and Catherine J. Danks; New York: Palgrave, 2001, 256 pages

Globalization and National Identity: Crisis or Opportunity, edited by Kennedy and Danks, offers a critical analysis of globalization and the parallel issue of national identity confronting many nat...
Critical comparison of the boundary effect model with cohesive crack model and size effect law

Abstract For several decades it has been clear that the size effect on structural strength, exhibiting a major non-statistical component, is a quintessential property of all quasibrittle materials. However, progress in design codes and practice for these materials has been retarded by protracted controversies about the proper mathematical form and justification of the size effect law (SEL). A fresh exception is the American Concrete Institute which, in 2019, becomes the first concrete code-making society to adopt the SEL based on quasibrittle fracture mechanics. This article begins by discussing several long-running controversies that have recently abated, and then focuses critically on the so-called Boundary Effect Model (BEM), promoted for concrete relentlessly for two decades, in ever-changing versions, by Xiaozhi Hu et al. The BEM is here compared to the quasibrittle SEL based on asymptotic matching. Its errors, weaknesses and inconsistencies are identified—including incorrect large- and small-size asymptotic size effects, conflicts with broad-range comprehensive test data and with the cohesive crack model, incorrect aggregate-size dependence of strength, illogical dependence on ligament stress profile, inability to capture the statistical part of size effect at large sizes, simplistic effect of boundary proximity, and lack of distinction between Type 1 and 2 size effects. In contrast to the SEL, the BEM is not applicable to mixed and shear fracture modes and to complex geometries of engineering structures, and is not transplantable from concrete to other quasibrittle materials. The purpose of this critique is to help crystallize a consensus about the proper size effect formulation, not only for concrete structures but also, and mainly, for other quasibrittle materials and structures, including airframes made of fiber composites, ceramic components and micrometer-scale devices, and for failure assessments of sea ice, rock, stiff soils, bone, and various bio- or bio-mimetic materials, for all of which the non-statistical size effect is yet to be widely accepted in practice.
The spectrum of genomic alterations in young adult non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

8077 Background: Identification of targetable genomic alterations in patients (pts) with NSCLC can have a profound impact on treatment and clinical outcomes. Given the complexity and cost of compre...
Molecular Length Based Target Identification using a Nano-Gap Sensor

This paper reports the detection of gas molecules with an identical functional group, but in different lengths due to varying numbers of CH 2 backbone units, by utilizing a nano-gap gas sensor. Significance of such a gas sensor lies on its ability to distinguish molecular lengths by down to 0.15nm in this testing. The fabricated nano-gap sensor, after being functionalized by a specific linker on the surface, successfully captured all three target gas molecules of 2-CH 2 -diamine (0.3nm), 3-CH 2 -diamine (0.45nm) and 5-CH 2 -diamine (0.75nm). The capture of each target molecules demonstrated significant differences in both resistance and capacitances, resulting in successful identification of 2-CH 2 -diamine (0.3nm), 3-CH 2 -diamine (0.45nm) and 5-CH 2 -diamine (0.75nm) by producing different on/off resistance ratios of 105, 2905 and 3832 and capacitance changes of 4.45pF, 16.21pF and 26.64pF, indicating the capability of identifying multiple gas molecules in different lengths despite identical functional groups.
A Control Barrier Perspective on Episodic Learning via Projection-to-State Safety

In this letter we seek to quantify the ability of learning to improve safety guarantees endowed by Control Barrier Functions (CBFs). In particular, we investigate how model uncertainty in the time derivative of a CBF can be reduced via learning, and how this leads to stronger statements on the safe behavior of a system. To this end, we build upon the idea of Input-to-State Safety (ISSf) to define Projection-to-State Safety (PSSf), which characterizes degradation in safety in terms of a projected disturbance. This enables the direct quantification of both how learning can improve safety guarantees, and how bounds on learning error translate to bounds on degradation in safety. We demonstrate that a practical episodic learning approach can use PSSf to reduce uncertainty and improve safety guarantees in simulation and experimentally.
Mixed-Autonomy Traffic Control with Proximal Policy Optimization

This work studies mixed-autonomy traffic optimization at a network level with Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL). In mixed-autonomy traffic, a mixture of connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) and human driving vehicles is present on the roads at the same time. We hypothesize that controlling distributed CAVs at a network level can outperform the individually controlled CAVs. Our goal is to improve traffic fluidity in terms of the vehicle's average velocity and collision avoidance. We propose three distributed learning control policies for CAVs in mixed-autonomy traffic using Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO), a policy gradient DRL method. We conduct the experiments with different traffic settings and CAV penetration rates on the Flow framework, a new open-source microscopic traffic simulator. The experiments show that network-level RL policies for controlling CAVs outperform the individual-level RL policies in terms of the total rewards and the average velocity.
Toward a Grassroots Culture of Technology Practice

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can support grassroots social movements toward greateroutreach and better day-to-day communication. In this paper, we present the results of action research with alarge-scale grassroots social movement, the Southern Movement Assembly (SMA), exploring their uses andperceptions of ICTs. We find that the ICTs chosen by the SMA are often at odds with their grassroots cultureof inclusion and participation-which results in inequitable sociotechnical realities within the movement. Forexample, people with technical skills gain more power as they start to control organizational processes. Astechnical skills are most commonly associated with racial, gender, and socioeconomic privileges, this leads toinequitable participation. We conclude by calling for a grassroots culture of technology practice rooted inanalyses of systemic exclusion with a continuous effort to center the marginalized voices and experienceswith technology.
Association of uterine dimensions and route of contained morcellation following laparoscopic hysterectomy

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine if uterine dimensions on preoperative imaging are associated with route of contained morcellation during laparoscopic hysterectomy. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy and requiring morcellation for specimen extraction from March 2017 through August 2019. A contained extraction system was inserted and manual morcellation was performed vaginally, abdominally, or via a combination of both methods in cases of failed vaginal extraction. RESULTS A total of 47 patients were treated. Median age was 47 (range 38-70). Morcellation was performed vaginally for 29 patients (61.7%), abdominally for 13 patients (27.7%), and via combined approach for 5 patients (10.6%). The combined group had the highest frequency of patients who were black (vaginal: 24%, abdominal: 31%, combined: 100%; P=0.005), the longest median total operating time (vaginal: 167 minutes, abdominal: 183 minutes, combined: 268 minutes; P=0.006) and the longest median time of uterine morcellation (vaginal: 14 minutes, abdominal: 37 minutes, combined: 85 minutes; P<0.001). There was strong evidence of a positive correlation with time of uterine morcellation for both largest uterine diameter (Spearman's r: 0.62, P<0.001) and uterine volume (Spearman's r: 0.70, P<0.001). These associations remained consistent after multivariable linear regression models that were adjusted for route of morcellation, hysterectomy type, and BMI (both P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Larger uterine dimensions are associated with increased total operating and morcellation times. Uterine size and volume on preoperative imaging were not associated with route of morcellation, but there was a trend towards failed vaginal extraction when uterine dimensions exceeded 16 centimeters.
Diet during Pregnancy and Gestational Weight Gain in a Michigan Pregnancy Cohort.

Background Gestational weight gain (GWG) has important health implications for both the mother and offspring. Maternal diet during pregnancy may play an important role in achieving adequate GWG, although its precise role is unclear. Objectives Associations between maternal dietary components (fruits and vegetables, added sugar, percentage energy from fat, dairy) and GWG were examined in 327 pregnant women from the Archive for Research on Child Health cohort. Methods Self-reported usual dietary intake was assessed with validated dietary screening tools at the first prenatal visit. GWG was obtained from the birth certificate and was categorized as inadequate, adequate, or excessive according to the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Associations between dietary components and GWG were assessed using multivariable regression models, stratified by maternal prepregnancy BMI category. Results Only 31.5% of women had adequate GWG, with 24.8% gaining insufficient weight and 43.7% gaining excessively. Women who consumed more fruits and vegetables were suggestively less likely to have excessive GWG (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75, 1.00) in the minimally adjusted model, but the association became nonsignificant after adjusting for covariates (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.03). In stratified models, higher fruit and vegetable intake was linked to lower likelihood of excessive GWG among women with obesity (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.97), whereas higher added sugar intake was linked to a slight reduction in likelihood of excessive GWG (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84, 0.99) among women with a prepregnancy BMI in the normal range. Other dietary components were not significantly associated with GWG. Conclusions These results suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables during pregnancy may reduce risk of excessive GWG among women with obesity. With the rising prevalence of obesity among women of reproductive age, interventions to increase fruit and vegetable intake during pregnancy may have broad public health impact by improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Practical Frequency Synchronization in Power Systems Using Extended High-Gain Observer Under Unknown Time-Varying Power Demand

In this paper, we consider the frequency synchronization problem in a network of lossless, connected and network-reduced power system. Frequency synchronization is an important problem in power systems as frequency deviation can lead to degraded power quality, tripping of generators, etc. We present a load-estimator-based consensus algorithm that achieves practical frequency synchronization in the presence of unknown time-varying power demand. It is shown that the synchronization error can be made arbitrarily small by tuning a controller parameter. Finally, simulations are performed to show the efficacy of the proposed controller.
Comparison of the PHQ9 and ImPACT symptom cluster scores in measuring depression among college athletes.

Accurate identification of athletes in need of mental health services is essential. The clinical utility of the Patient Health Questionnaire − 9 (PHQ-9), a stand-alone measure of depression, was ex...
Identification of Differentially Methylated Regions Associated with a Knockout of SUV39H1 in Prostate Cancer Cells

Epigenetic alterations, such as histone methylations, affect the pathogenesis of tumors including prostate cancer (PCa). Previously, we reported that metformin reduced SUV39H1, a histone methyltransferase of H3 Lys9, to inhibit the migration of PCa cells. Since histone methylation is functionally linked to DNA methylation, we speculate that the knockout of the SUV39H1 gene will affect the genomic DNA methylation profile to regulate PCa cell migration and invasion. The genome-wide DNA methylation level is lower in SUV39H1 knockout (KO) cells than wild-type (WT) ones. However, the methylation levels in functional regions of CpG Islands (CGI), 5' untranslated region (UTR5), and exon regions are higher in KO cells than WT cells. Analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) identified 1241 DMR genes that have differential methylation on CG sites when comparing the KO and WT samples. Gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathways analysis showed that knockout of SUV39H1 affects gene sets and pathways that are heavily involved in cell shapes, cell recognition, adhesion, motility, and migration. Our study suggests that SUV39H1 plays an important role in PCa migration via the epigenetic regulation of methylation on CG sites, and is a novel and legitimate target to inhibit PCa cell migration.
Topical Therapy I: Corticosteroids and Vitamin D Analogues

Psoriasis is a common disease affecting approximately 2% of the population worldwide. Topical therapies play an integral role in the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate disease. The mainstays of treatment are topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, or a combination of the two. This chapter will discuss the pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action of topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues for the treatment of psoriasis. Additionally, long-term adverse effects of these medications, vehicle selection, potency, and combination use with other treatment modalities will also be discussed.
Thinking About the Unthinkable: Active Shooter Preparedness in Library Environments

There is limited aggregated data showing the amount and levels of preparedness training for active shooter situations in public, academic, and K-12 libraries in California and across the United States. The purpose of this research is to assess the state of preparedness of librarians, staff, and volunteers working in these libraries for active shooter situations. In 2018, the authors collected data from academic, public, and school library personnel about their attitudes and levels of preparedness for active shooter situations. It is hoped that this research will contribute to the development of best practices in raising safety awareness in academic and public libraries.
Fast Geometric Multigrid Preconditioned Finite-Difference Frequency-Domain Method for Borehole Electromagnetic Sensing

To model the responses of borehole electromagnetic sensing in complicated geological environments, the geometric multigrid preconditioned finite-difference frequency-domain (FDFD) method is examined on its numerical performance as a fast forward modeling solver in this work. The geometric multigrid method is employed as a preconditioner for the biconjugate gradient stabilized method to efficiently solve the linear system resulting from the finite-difference method based on the staggered Yee's cell. The Gauss-Seidel method is utilized as both presmoother and postsmoother for the multigrid method, and the bilinear approach is employed to construct the restriction and prolongation operators between coarse and fine grids. The F-cycle coarsening scheme is used to balance the convergence and computational efficiency of the multigrid method. Numerical examples of borehole electromagnetic sensing are included to examine the performance of the method, which not only demonstrates its accuracy but also shows its capability as a fast solver for practical application. The geometric multigrid preconditioned FDFD method can work as a good candidate for 3-D modeling-based interpretation and evaluation for borehole electromagnetic sensing.
The Moderating Effect of Internalized Transphobia on the Association Between Gender Congruence and Sexual Satisfaction for Transgender Men

Despite the population of transgender individuals in the United States doubling from 2011 to 2016, this population is one of the most understudied in counseling and related disciplines. Of the avai...
An enhanced centrifuge-based approach to powder characterization: The interaction between particle roughness and particle-scale surface topography described by a size-dependent ‘effective’ Hamaker constant

Abstract Many industries process and manufacture powders and have to account for powder adhesion. Therefore, tools that predict powder behavior based on particle scale measurements are beneficial to industry. Simulations of the centrifuge technique, utilizing substrates with hemispherical indentations, were performed to extend the powder characterization capabilities of the technique. These simulations used a simulated rough powder, modeled as spheres with sinusoidal topography, to determine the percentage of particles remaining as a function of centrifuge rotational speed, indentation size, and particle size. It was discovered that an equivalent powder of smooth spherical particles could be used to describe the adhesion behavior of the rough powder by establishing a size-dependent effective Hamaker constant distribution. This development made it possible to describe the surface roughness effects of the powder through one adjustable distributed parameter. These results demonstrate the capability of the enhanced centrifuge technique for advanced powder characterization.
Natural history and progression of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: insights from ATTR‐ACT

Aims Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive, fatal disorder that remains underdiagnosed. The Tafamidis in Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial (ATTR-ACT) was the first large clinical trial to include both wild-type (ATTRwt) and hereditary (ATTRv) patients. A description of the natural history of ATTR-CM, utilizing data from placebo-treated patients in ATTR-ACT, will provide a greater understanding of presentation and progression of ATTR-CM and may aid in disease awareness, earlier diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Methods and results Changes in clinical endpoints (mortality, cardiovascular [CV]-related hospitalizations, 6-min walk test [6MWT] distance and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary [KCCQ-OS] score) from baseline to Month 30 in the 177 patients (134 ATTRwt, 43 ATTRv) who received placebo in ATTR-ACT were assessed. ATTRwt patients tended to have less severe disease at baseline. Over the duration of ATTR-ACT, there were 76 (42.9%) all-cause deaths, and 107 (60.5%) patients had a CV-related hospitalization. There was a lower proportion of all-cause deaths in ATTRwt (49, 36.6%) than ATTRv (27, 62.8%). There was a similar, steady decline in mean (SD) 6MWT distance from baseline to Month 30 in ATTRwt (93.9 [93.7] m) and ATTRv (89.1 [107.2] m) patients. The decline in mean (SD) KCCQ-OS score was less severe in ATTRwt (13.8 [20.7]) than ATTRv (21.0 [26.4]) patients. Conclusions Patients with ATTR-CM experience a severe, progressive disease. In ATTR-ACT, placebo-treated patients with ATTRv, compared with ATTRwt, had more severe disease at baseline, and their disease progressed more rapidly as shown by mortality, hospitalizations and quality of life over time.
Preintervention Clinical Determinants and Measured β-Cell Function As Predictors of Type 2 Diabetes Remission After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

BACKGROUND Bariatric surgery results in improved glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Single and clusters of clinical determinants have been identified as presurgery predictors of postsurgery diabetes remission. Our goal was to assess whether the addition of measured preoperative β-cell function would improve established clinical models of prediction of diabetes remission. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Presurgery clinical characteristics, metabolic markers, and β-cell function after oral and intravenous (IV) glucose challenges were assessed in 73 individuals with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes and again 1 year after gastric bypass surgery. Single and multivariate analyses were conducted with preoperative variables to determine the best predictive models of remission. RESULTS Presurgery β-cell glucose sensitivity, a surrogate of β-cell function, was negatively correlated with known diabetes duration, HbA1c, insulin use, and the diabetes remission scores DiaRem and advanced (Ad)-DiaRem (all P < 0.001). Measured β-cell function after oral glucose was 1.6-fold greater than after the IV glucose challenge and more strongly correlated with preoperative clinical and metabolic characteristics. The addition of preoperative β-cell function to clinical models containing well-defined diabetes remission scores did not improve the model's ability to predict diabetes remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. CONCLUSIONS The addition of measured β-cell function does not add predictive value to defined clinical models of diabetes remission 1 year after surgical weight loss.
An ultramicroporous metal-organic framework with record high selectivity for inverse CO2/C2H2 separation

Removing of CO2 to purify CO2/C2H2 mixture through porous material is a more energy saving method compared with the traditional cryogenic distillation. Those CO2-selective adsorption porous materia...
Risk Factors for Sustaining a Lower Extremity Injury in an Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadet Population

Injuries acquired during Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) participation can potentially affect a cadet's future and career in the armed forces. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with lower extremity injuries in an Army ROTC cadet population. There were 195 (165M, 30F) cadets enrolled in an Army ROTC program, 18 to 33 years old, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 23.5 ± 2.85. Injury data were retrospectively obtained from the electronic medical records maintained by a Certified Athletic Trainer. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, and incidence rate for physical training (PT) were calculated. Survival analysis determined association between injury and several variables (Military Science [MS] year, army physical fitness test scores, BMI, sex, previous lower extremity injury, PT exposures, most frequent boot worn, current and prior physical activity, and collision sport participation). Kaplan-Meier curves were used for the categorical variables. Incidence rate was 60 lower extremity injuries/100 person-years during PT. The survival analysis revealed MS year (p < 0.001) and PT exposures (p < 0.001) were significant in predicting risk of injury. All other variables were not significant. On the basis of this preliminary data, footwear and activity have no implications on risk of lower extremity injury. Preventative measures should be focused toward younger cadets because of their increased risk for injury.
The Relationship of the Learning Styles of High School Teachers and Computer Use in the Classroom

This study sought to determine if the dominant learning styles of high school teachers is related to the amount of time computers are used in the classroom by students. It also examined the types of software used by those teachers, and their levels of technology adoption. Subjects (N=177) were from high schools in a large urban school district. Instrumentation included the Gregorc Style Delineator, a modified version of the Snapshot Survey and the Stages of Adoption of Technology. An ANOVA showed no statistical significance between teachers with different dominant learning styles in the numbers of minutes per week that computers were utilized in their classrooms with students. A chi square test showed no statistical significance in the types of software used in the classrooms of teachers with different dominant learning styles. A chi square test showed no statistical significance in the Stages of Technology Adoption of teachers with different dominant learning styles.
The MERTK Signalling Pathway in Cancer

MERTK is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is aberrantly expressed in a number of cancers and is a member of the TAM family of RTKs, along with TYRO3 and AXL. Recent studies have elucidated a role for MERTK in a variety of oncogenic processes including cancer cell growth, proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, survival and transcriptional regulation. In addition, MERTK also functions to suppress anti-tumour immunity. These functions are mediated by MERTK signalling through classical oncogenic pathways such as MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT. Transcription factors, such as NF-κB, as well as a number of apoptotic proteins have also been identified as key downstream signalling molecules. Multiple therapies that specifically target MERTK are in development. Clinical application of translational agents targeting MERTK has the potential to enhance outcomes for patients with a variety of types of cancer. Key Concepts MERTK is a member of the TAM family (Tyro-3, Axl and MerTK) of receptor tyrosine kinases. MERTK is activated by ligand-induced dimerisation and subsequent auto-phosphorylation of the kinase domain. MERTK regulates known oncogenic and pro-survival signalling pathways, including MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, NF-κB and other transcription factors, and numerous apoptotic proteins. The outcome of physiologic MERTK signalling depends on which ligand stimulates the receptor and the function of MERTK in that cell type. MERTK is aberrantly expressed in many solid tumours and haematological malignancies. MERTK plays roles in cancer cell survival, proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and transcriptional regulation. MERTK plays a role in immune modulation of cancer cells. Specific inhibition of MERTK is a promising therapeutic strategy. Keywords: MERTK; RTK; cancer; TAM family; GAS6; oncogene; MAPK; PI3K; apoptosis
Localization of adenosine A2a receptor in retinal development and oxygen-induced retinopathy.

Purpose To investigate the association of adenosine A2a receptors (A2aR) with retinal vasculogenesis and angiogenesis that occurs in the canine model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Methods One-day-old dogs were exposed to 100/o oxygen for 4 days and killed in oxygen (5 days old) and at 3, 10, 17, and 23 days after exposure to hyperoxia. Room air control animals were killed at 1, 5, 8, 15, 22, and 28 days of age. Immunolocalization of A2aR was performed on frozen sections, and reaction product density was quantified using microdensitometry. Cell types were identified in serial sections using antibodies against von Willebrand factor (endothelial cells) and GFAP (astrocytes), and enzyme histochemistry for menadione-dependent a-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (M-a-GPDH) (to label angioblasts and developing blood vessels). Results A2aR immunoreactivity was associated with forming blood vessels and angioblasts in the nerve fiber layer (NFL) of peripheral retina. As development progressed, vascular labeling decreased, whereas labeling of neuronal elements increased. In OIR, A2aR immunoreactivity in the NFL was reduced after exposure to hyperoxia and significantly elevated in the inner retina throughout vascularized retina and in advance of forming vasculature in all oxygen-treated animals returned to room air. A2aR immunoreactivity was also prominent in fronds of intravitreal neovascularization. Conclusions A2aR immunoreactivity was associated with developing retinal vessels. As development progressed, vascular-associated A2aR labeling decreased and, concomitantly, labeling of neuronal elements increased. A2aR immunoreactivity was significantly elevated at the edge of forming vasculature in all animals returned to room air after hyperoxia and in intravitreal neovas cular formations. These results provide additional evidence for the importance of A2aR and its ligand adenosine in retinal vascular development and in the vasoproliferative stage of canine OIR.
Update on malignant ovarian germ cell tumors

The evolution of therapy for malignant ovarian germ cell tumors has been one of the true success stories in oncology. This article reviews the major advances in this field, with emphasis on more recent developments. During the past two decades, the nomenclature and histologic criteria for the major histologic subtypes have been standardized. Although the role of secondary debulking is uncertain, it probably has merit in selected patients. The use of second-look laparotomy should be limited as much as possible. Chemotherapeutic regimens have evolved to the current “gold standard” —the combination of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin, with overall disease-free survival rates of greater than 95%. For patients with metastatic dysgerminoma, chemotherapy has replaced radiation therapy as the treatment of choice. For those few patients who do not respond to first-line therapy, the combination of vinblastine, ifosfamide, and cisplatin is the most popular regimen for the subset of platinum-sensitive tumors. For those with platinum-resistant tumors, dose intensification with autologous bone marrow rescue or Phase II drugs are being investigated. Studies on the late effects of treatment reveal that reproductive potential can be preserved in most young patients. In summary, although the progress in this field has been phenomenal, small incremental advances will continue to occur during the 1990s.
Public Opinion and International Conflict

Should the opinions of citizens in a democracy matter in decisions of war and peace? The answer to this critical question depends on the stock we place in the ability of the mass public to come to meaningful decisions regarding the conduct of foreign affairs. In this essay, I examine public opinion about war over the past 75 years and make the case that our assessment of the mass public depends in large part on the nature of the information it receives from political leaders. Contrary to the conventional wisdom regarding public opinion and foreign policy that emerges from scholarly and journalistic accounts, events do not directly influence the public. Instead, citizens learn about wars largely from political leaders. Public opinion during times of war is therefore shaped by many of the same attachments and enmities that matter in domestic politics. As in other areas of politics, public opinion is primarily structured by the ebb and flow of partisan and group-based political conflict. Keywords: public opinion; war; American history
Competing and Conflicting Identity Plotlines: Navigating personal narratives of entering teaching

This self-study explores the range of stories I tell about coming to teach, my perceptions of the various audiences as I engage in the telling of such stories, and the competing and conflicting plotlines entailed in the set of stories. Using positioning theory and narrative inquiry tools, I identify and unpack a canon of stories that have one of two plotlines: “Of course I am a teacher” and “I never intended to become a teacher.” I conclude by describing the effects of this self-study on my work both with students in school and with teacher candidates preparing to teach.
Abstract 16458: Micro RNA 221 and 222: An miRNA Cassette With Opposing Effects on Angiogenesis

Background: Micro RNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by degradation of mRNAs or inhibition of protein translation. Many miRs are co-expressed and co-regulated and some miRs have been shown to positively and negatively affect angiogenesis. Here we report that miR-221 and 222 are co-expressed but have completely opposite effects on angiogenesis. Methods and Results: The expression of miR221 and miR222 were detected in human plasma and in cell culture using real-time qPCR with available primer-probe sets. Both miRs showed higher expression (miR221: 4 fold, p=0.03; miR222: 1.4 fold, p=0.05) in a subset of patients with the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) when compared to other PAD patients. The forced overexpression in human endothelial cells with miR-221 mimic results in an increase in cell proliferation, increase cell viability and forms more tube like structures on matrigel assay under hypoxic serum starvation (HSS) compared to the negative control (p<...
Kelvin Waves and Tropical Cyclogenesis: A Global Survey

AbstractConvectively coupled atmospheric Kelvin waves are among the most prominent sources of synoptic-scale rainfall variability in the tropics, but large uncertainties surround their role in tropical cyclogenesis. This study identifies the modulation of tropical cyclones relative to the passage of a Kelvin wave’s peak rainfall (i.e., its crest) in each basin. Tropical cyclogenesis is generally inhibited for 3 days before the crest and enhanced for 3 days afterward. Composites of storms forming in the most favorable lags illustrate the dynamical impacts of the waves. In most basins, the tropical cyclone actually forms during the convectively suppressed phase of the wave. The 850-hPa equatorial westerly anomalies provide the cyclonic vorticity for the nascent storm, and 200-hPa easterly anomalies enhance the outflow. The wind anomalies persist at both levels longer than the Kelvin wave’s period and are often related to the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). The onset of these wind anomalies occurs with the ...
Oscillatory Neural Networks

Oscillatory neural networks are found throughout the nervous system. They are responsible for many repetitive motor activities and have recently been shown to play a role in cognition. In spite of the many different mechanisms that underlie neural oscillations, they can be understood using a common mathematical framework. Most neural oscillators arise from slow or delayed negative feedback. The timing of groups of oscillators depends both on the arrangement of their connections and their intrinsic properties and, in particular, on their phase resetting curve. Linear chains of oscillators can produce travelling waves, and these waves control undulatory movement in many animals. There are many mechanisms for generating waves in a chain including asymmetry in coupling, heterogeneities and pacemakers. Key Concepts: The mechanisms for the creation of neural oscillators generally involve delayed negative feedback. Coordination of neural oscillations occurs through coupling that can take many forms including direct electrical coupling and chemical synaptic transmission. The phase-response curve of an oscillator shows how perturbations shift to timing and how the oscillator responds to stimuli. The timing patterns produced by networks of oscillators depend on the nature of the coupling, the internal dynamics of the oscillator and the connectivity pattern. Metachronal waves, for example, found in the swimming of the lamprey or the leech can be viewed as a chain of coupled neural oscillators item. Cortical oscillations may play a role in attention and enhancement of sensory coding. However, unlike the simple CPGs described in most of this article, the role of rhythms in higher brain regions remains controversial and is not yet settled. Keywords: rhythms; inhibition; synchrony; central pattern generators; neural oscillator; nonlinear dynamics
A Epistemologia da Pesquisa Qualitativa

Este artigo discute questoes relevantes a epistemologia da pesquisa qualitativa. Para tanto, discute-se e questiona-se a suposta dicotomia entre a pesquisa qualitativa e a quantitativa. Sustenta-se aqui que as semelhancas entre tais metodos sao mais relevantes do que suas diferencas. Ambos os metodos procuram descrever a realidade social e tem a mesma base epistemologica, ainda que com enfase em questoes diferentes. Para esclarecer a origem de tal dicotomia, menciona-se a origem da epistemologia como disciplina e seu carater filosofico. Finalmente, as especificidades e vantagens da pesquisa qualitativa, especialmente a etnografia e a pesquisa de campo, sao discutidas por meio da analise de alguns aspectos de tais formas de observacao da realidade social: o ponto de vista do ator, a observacao do mundo cotidiano e a descricao completa e densa.
Education and the IEEE

The Educational Activities Board (EAB) of the IEEE provides a means for effective interaction between academia and industry. It works to promote the development of innovative curricula and programs to address the evolving needs of its members. The EAB works with the various IEEE Sections to encourage the involvement of its members with the student community and to explain the role of the engineer in the community. The EAB has several mechanisms in place to help members prepare for careers and employment in the rapidly changing technical field. This paper highlights the educational activities of the IEEE.