cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clear cell adenocarcinoma and nephrogenic adenoma of the urethra and urinary bladder: A histopathologic and immunohistochemical comparison

Because of histological similarities between nephrogenic adenomas and clear cell adenocarcinomas of the urinary tract, there is the potential for diagnostic confusion between these two entities. The histopathologic features of 13 nephrogenic adenomas and five clear cell adenocarcinomas of the urethra and urinary bladder are compared in this report, and detailed immunohistochemical staining profiles are provided for these tumors. Only 2 of the 13 nephrogenic adenomas contained clear cells, and these constituted less than 10% of the lesions. In contrast, four of the five clear cell adenocarcinomas contained prominent areas with clear cells. Nephrogenic adenomas generally showed only mild cytologic atypia, whereas four of the five clear cell adenocarcinomas showed severe atypia. A single mitotic figure was identified in only two of the nephrogenic adenomas, whereas the mitotic rate in the clear cell adenocarcinomas ranged from 2 to 14 per 10 high-power fields. None of the nephrogenic adenomas showed evidence of necrosis, but focal necrosis was noted in four of the five clear cell adenocarcinomas. In general, the nephrogenic adenomas and clear cell adenocarcinomas showed negative to weak staining with CK903 but strong staining with AE1, AE3, and Cam 5.2. Variable staining was observed with Brst-3 and antibodies to S-100, CEA (monoclonal and polyclonal), LeuM-1, and CA19.9. Nephrogenic adenomas and clear cell adenocarcinomas were all negative for prostate-specific acid phosphatase (PSAP), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and estrogen and progesterone receptors (except for two nephrogenic adenomas, which showed only focal weak staining for estrogen receptor). Neither bcl-2 nor c-erbB-2 staining was able to discriminate between the tumors. However, strong staining for p53 was noted in each clear cell adenocarcinoma and in none of the nephrogenic adenomas. MIB-1 positivity in nephrogenic adenomas ranged from 0 to 13 (average of 5.5) per 200 cells, whereas the positive range for clear cell adenocarcinomas was 33 to 70 (average of 47) per 200 cells. In summary, histopathologic features that favor clear cell adenocarcinoma over nephrogenic adenoma include a predominance of clear cells, severe cytological atypia, high mitotic rate, necrosis, high MIB-1 positivity, and strong staining for p53.
Risky Sexual Behavior in Gay and Bisexual Men Internalized Heterosexism, Sensation Seeking, and Substance Use

This study investigated risky sexual behavior in a sample of 209 gay and bisexual men. Using structural equation modeling, the mediating relations of substance use factors (expectations about the sexually enhancing effects of substance use and substance use during sex) between internalized heterosexism (IH) and sensation seeking and unprotected anal intercourse were examined. Expectations that substance use would enhance sexual activity mediated the relationship between IH and risky sexual behavior. Both substance use factors mediated the relationship of sensation seeking to risky sexual behavior. Greater sensation seeking was associated with greater expectations about the sexually enhancing effects of substances, which in turn was associated with greater unprotected anal intercourse. Unexpectedly, less sensation seeking was related to more substance use during sex, which in turn was associated with more risky sexual behavior. Overall, the variables in the model accounted for 66% of the variance in sexual...
The Financial Crisis: Professional Lessons for Physicians

The financial crisis of 2008 is considered one of the most serious US economic downturns in the past 100 years, exceeded in severity only by the Great Depression of the 1930s. It included the collapses of a number of large financial institutions, government bailouts of many banks, a large drop in stock prices, and severe losses in the housing markets, associated with high rates of eviction and foreclosure. The wealth of Americans fell by trillions of dollars. People around the world are still laboring in its aftermath. The Levin-Coburn report of the US Congress found that the crisis resulted not from some unpredictable and unavoidable natural disaster but from complex and high-risk financial instruments [1]. This financial crisis illustrates 5 important professional lessons to which physicians and medical organizations need to attend if we are to avoid similar problems in our own ranks.
Protein Synthesis Is Required for the Transition to Ca2+‐Dependent Regulated Secretion in Progesterone‐Matured Xenopus Oocytes

Calcium (Ca) ionophores trigger cortical granule exocytosis in progesterone-matured Xenopus oocytes (eggs), but not in immature oocytes. Prior work suggested that this secretory transition involved a Ca-dependent isoform of protein kinase C (PKC). To address this possibility, we treated eggs with several different inhibitors of Ca-dependent PKCs. Although these agents (eg., staurosporine, Ro31-8220) completely blocked cortical granule exocytosis that is triggered in eggs by phorbol esters, they had no impact on ionomycin-evoked secretion of cortical granule lectin. These data suggest that Ca-dependent PKCs do not mediate secretory triggering in eggs. Instead, further investigation revealed that protein synthesis (but not RNA synthesis) was required for eggs to secrete in response to ionomycin. Moreover, we observed that when oocytes were matured by injection of maturation promoting factor (MPF), they failed to secrete in response to ionomycin. Collectively, these results suggest that the progesterone-dependent maturation pathway induces these cells either to synthesize de novo, a protein that mediates Ca-dependent secretory triggering, or that intrinsic Ca-sensing machinery is modified in a protein-synthesis-dependent fashion. Initial efforts to distinguish between these possibilities (using Ca overlay, pharmacological and immunoblot strategies) revealed that such Ca-binding proteins as calmodulin, synaptotagmin1, CAPS, rabphilin-3A and calcineurin were unlikely to transduce the secretory effects of ionomycin in eggs. Thus, the cortical reaction in these cells may rely on a novel mechanism for initiating Ca-dependent exocytosis.
Human Cytomegalovirus Protein UL38 Inhibits Host Cell Stress Responses by Antagonizing the Tuberous Sclerosis Protein Complex

Human cytomegalovirus proteins alter host cells to favor virus replication. These viral proteins include pUL38, which prevents apoptosis. To characterize the mode of action of pUL38, we modified the viral genome to encode an epitope-tagged pUL38 and used rapid immunoaffinity purification to isolate pUL38-interacting host proteins, which were then identified by mass spectrometry. One of the cellular proteins identified was TSC2, a constituent of the tuberous sclerosis tumor suppressor protein complex (TSC1/2). TSC1/2 integrates stress signals and regulates the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a protein complex that responds to stress by limiting protein synthesis and cell growth. We showed that pUL38 interacts with TSC1 and TSC2 in cells infected with wild-type cytomegalovirus. Furthermore, TSC1/2 failed to regulate mTORC1 in cells expressing pUL38, and these cells exhibited the enlarged size characteristic of cytomegalovirus infection. Thus, pUL38 supports virus replication at least in part by blocking cellular responses to stress.
Analytic solutions for LLCC parallel resonant converter unify the design and analysis of two- and three-element converters

A practical method for the steady-state design of parallel resonant DC/DC power converters is presented. The method uses a set of pre-derived equations from an LLCC-type series-parallel resonant converter (LLCC-SPRC). Although four tank elements are used in an LLCC-SPRC, only two ratios of these tank elements are needed during design. The values of the four tank elements can be found from the design results. In addition to designing an LLCC-SPRC, the prederived equations can also be used to design and analyze conventional LCC-type series-parallel (LCC-SPRC), LLC-type parallel (LLC-PRC), and LC-type parallel (LC-PRC) resonant power converters. In other words, four power converters can be designed by the same equations. A design procedure along with design examples is given. Experimental circuits are implemented and measured based on the design results to verify the validity of the derived equations and the design procedure.
Using Item Response Theory and Adaptive Testing in Online Career Assessment

The present article describes the potential utility of item response theory (IRT) and adaptive testing for scale evaluation and for web-based career assessment. The article describes the principles of both IRT and adaptive testing and then illustrates these with reference to data analyses and simulation studies of the Career Confidence Inventory (CCI). The kinds of information provided by IRT are shown to give a more precise look at scale quality across the trait continuum and also to permit the use of adaptive testing, where the items administered are tailored to the individual being tested. Such tailoring can significantly reduce testing time while maintaining high quality of measurement. This efficiency is especially useful when multiscale inventories and/or a large number of scales are to be administered. Readers are encouraged to consider using these advances in career assessment.
The Macroscopic Entrainment Processes of Simulated Cumulus Ensemble. Part II: Testing the Entraining-Plume Model

Abstract According to Part I of this paper, it seems that ignoring the contribution from descendent cloud air in a cloud model for cumulus parameterization (CMCP), such as the spectral cumulus ensemble model in the Arakawa–Schubert parameterization, is an acceptable simplification for tropical deep convection. Since each subensemble in the spectral cumulus ensemble model is formally analogous to an entraining plume, the latter is examined using the simulated data from a cloud-resolving model (CRM). The authors first follow the analysis procedure of Warner. With the data from a nonprecipitating experiment, the authors show that the entraining-plume model cannot simultaneously predict the mean liquid water profile and cloud top height of the clouds simulated by the CRM. However, the mean properties of active elements of clouds, which are characterized by strong updrafts, can be described by an entraining plume of similar top height. With the data from a precipitating experiment, the authors examine the spec...
Sensitivity of KRAS-Mutant Colorectal Cancers to Combination Therapy That Cotargets MEK and CDK4/6

Purpose: The emerging need for rational combination treatment approaches led us to test the concept that cotargeting MEK and CDK4/6 would prove efficacious in KRAS-mutant (KRASmt) colorectal cancers, where upregulated CDK4 and hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma (RB) typify the vast majority of tumors. Experimental Design: Initial testing was carried out in the HCT-116 tumor model, which is known to harbor a KRAS mutation. Efficacy studies were then performed with five RB+ patient-derived colorectal xenograft models, genomically diverse with respect to KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutational status. Tolerance, efficacy, and pharmacodynamic evaluation of target modulation were evaluated in response to daily dosing with either agent alone or concurrent coadministration. Results: Synergy was observed in vitro when HCT-116 cells were treated over a broad range of doses of trametinib and palbociclib. Subsequent in vivo evaluation of this model showed a higher degree of antitumor activity resulting from the combination compared to that achievable with single-agent treatment. Testing of colorectal patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models further showed that combination of trametinib and palbociclib was well tolerated and resulted in objective responses in all KRASmt models tested. Stasis was observed in a KRAS/BRAF wild-type and a BRAFmt model. Conclusions: Combination of trametinib and palbociclib was well tolerated and highly efficacious in all three KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer PDX models tested. Promising preclinical activity seen here supports clinical evaluation of this treatment approach to improve therapeutic outcome for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 22(2); 405–14. ©2015 AACR .
Nitric oxide and nitrosocysteine mimic nonadrenergic, noncholinergic hyperpolarization in canine proximal colon

Previous evidence suggests that nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) inhibitory neurotransmission in visceral muscles may be mediated by nitric oxide (NO). We have demonstrated that NO and the NO carrier S-nitrosocysteine can mimic the hyperpolarization in colonic muscle caused by nerve stimulation. The finding that S-nitrosocysteine breaks down fast enough to cause inhibitory junction potential (IJP)-like hyperpolarizations suggests that NO could be stored as a nitrosothiol in secretory vesicles in nerve terminals. Oxyhemoglobin blocked hyperpolarization responses to NO and S-nitrosocysteine and NANC IJPs. These findings suggest that NO is a biologically active transmitter substance in NANC inhibitory neurotransmission. NO enhanced the open probability of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in isolated colonic muscle cells. These channels may mediate the hyperpolarization response to NANC neurotransmission in colonic muscles.
Electronic Structure Of (AgSb)xPbn-2xTen

Complex quaternary chalcogenides (AgSb)xPbn-2xTen (0<x<n/2) are thought to be narrow band-gap semiconductors which are very good candidates for room and high temperature thermoelectric applications. These systems form in the rock-salt structure similar to the well known two component system PbTe (x=0). In these systems Ag and Sb occupy Pb sites randomly although there is some evidence of short-range order. To gain insights into the electronic structure of these compounds, we have performed electronic structure calculations in AgSbTe2 (x=n/2). These calculations were carried out within ab initio density functional theory (DFT) using full potential linearized augmented plane wave (LAPW) method. The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) was used to treat the exchange and correlation potential. Spinorbit interaction (SOI) was incorporated using a second variational procedure. Since it is difficult to treat disorder in ab initio calculations, we have used several ordered structures for AgSbTe2. All these structures show semimetallic behavior with a pseudogap near the Fermi energy. Te and Sb p orbitals, which are close in energy, hybridize rather strongly indicating a covalent interaction between Te and Sb atoms.
THE EARLY EVOLUTION OF THE PERISSODACTYLA.

Perissodactyls arose from phenacodontid condylarths in the late Paleocene, in a major adaptive shift involving two functional complexes: specialization of the limbs for running, including a radical remodelling of the ankle joint that restricted lateral movement, and a change in molar cusp pattern and jaw musculature that increased transverse shear (Radinsky, 1966b). An initial adaptive radiation occurred shortly after the emergence of the order, and by the beginning of the Eocene at least three, and perhaps four, of the five perissodactyl superfamilies were already differentiated. Secondary radiations followed soon thereafter and produced 14 families of perissodactyls, most of which appeared relatively early in the history of the order. This paper will review the evidence of the factors responsible for the major adaptive radiations of the Perissodactyla.
Science Issues Related to Wafer Cleaning in Silicon Technology

This paper highlights a number of basic science issues related to wafer cleaning in silicon technology. Particle removal techniques, metal contamination, surface passivation, and integrated processing are used as key examples of areas of active research related to wafer cleaning. It is highlighted that wafer cleaning plays a far more significant role in device processing than just for contamination removal. However, even contamination removal faces formidable challenges such as the determination of safe contamination limits and the detection of trace amounts of contamination, all of which go well beyond the traditional realm of contamination control.
Matrix effects in blood gas proficiency testing.

Materials currently used for blood gas proficiency testing are unlike whole blood in several obvious respects, which by definition introduces matrix effects as possible sources of error that can affect proficiency testing results. Data from recent College of American Pathologists surveys are reviewed and aqueous and fluorocarbon matrices for PO 2 and PCO 2 testing are compared. Closely related to matrix effects are other sources of error unique to proficiency testing samples, such as sample temperature and sample packaging. Proficiency testing programs are seriously hampered by not being able to use either whole blood or a better surrogate than is currently available
A cytoplasmic peptidoglycan amidase homologue controls mycobacterial cell wall synthesis

Bacterial cells are surrounded by a protective cell wall. Some bacteria, including the species Mycobacterium tuberculosis that causes tuberculosis, have the ability to change the properties of their cell wall when exposed to stressful conditions. These changes may also help the bacteria to resist the antibiotics used to treat the infections they cause. However, little is known about how changes to the cell wall are regulated. By carrying out genetic experiments in a non-infectious relative of M. tuberculosis and by performing biochemical assays with M. tuberculosis proteins, Boutte et al. have now investigated the role of a bacterial protein called CwIM. This protein was predicted to be an enzyme that cuts peptidoglycan, a network of sugars and short proteins that forms part of the bacterial cell wall. Such an enzyme would allow the peptidoglycan to expand and remodel. However, Boutte et al. found that CwlM does not act as an enzyme. Instead, it regulates an enzyme called MurA, which is present inside bacteria and helps to make the peptidoglycan network. Thus, CwIM actually helps to determine how much peptidoglycan a cell produces. When activated, the CwlM protein binds to MurA and stimulates it to start producing peptidoglycans. However, Boutte et al. observed that CwlM is active only when cells have plenty of nutrients. When nutrients are scarce, CwlM deactivates and reduces the activity of the MurA enzyme. This quickly shuts down the production of peptidoglycan and makes starved cells tolerant to antibiotics. Notably, increasing peptidoglycan production in starved cells, by enhancing the activity of the MurA enzyme, makes the cells more vulnerable to several antibiotics. Future work could now investigate the conditions under which CwlM is activated and deactivated in M. tuberculosis during an infection. It also remains to be seen whether other enzymes are regulated in a similar way to MurA.
The Nature and Origin of Atomic Ordering in Group III-V Antimonide Semiconductor Alloys

Group III-V antimonide semiconductor alloys exhibit several types of atomic ordering when grown by molecular-beam epitaxy and metal-organic vapour-phase epitaxy. This chapter describes in detail the ordered structures that are observed and discusses in depth the current understanding of the origin of the ordering. The atomic ordering is, in general, induced at the surface during growth. The type of ordering observed is shown to depend on the growth technique and the structure of the growth surface. For (001) surfaces, it is found that surface reconstruction, in particular, the formation of surface dimer bonds, plays a key role in the ordering process. Growth of layers with different surface reconstructions results in distinct types of atomic ordering. A segregation of different-sized atoms that is driven by dimer-induced subsurface stresses is believed to occur. This lowers the strain energy associated with the surface dimerisation and accommodation of the different-sized atoms at the reconstructed growth surface. Surface atomic steps play an important role in “phase-locking” consecutively ordered surface layers. It is concluded that this model is currently the one most able to explain the majority of the observed ordering behaviour in group III-V and group IV alloy semiconductor layers grown on near (001) orientation substrates.
Reseña de "La question du mal chez Leibniz. Fondements et élaboration de la Théodicée" de Paul Rateau

Rateau, Paul. La question du mal chez Leibniz. Fondements et elaboration de la Theodicee . Paris: Honore Champion, 2008.
Pyrrolizidine, Quinolizidine, and Indolizidine Alkaloids

Pyrrolizidine, quinolizidine, and indolizidine alkaloids are chemically diverse and restricted in distribution. Some similarities in structures and biosynthesis exist, but as the pathways become more clear, these three major groups of alkaloids definitely are of distinct origins. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are derived from arginine or ornithine and possess two fused 5-membered rings that share a nitrogen atom. Quinolizidine alkaloids are derived from lysine and have two fused 6-membered rings that share a nitrogen atom. Indolizidine rings have a 5-membered ring fused to 6-membered ring and share a nitrogen atom. Pyrrolizidine, quinolizidine, and indolizidine alkaloids are involved in many plant-herbivore interactions, but are of anthropocentric importance chiefly because of their involvement in livestock poisoning, although several have antitumor activity and others are used medicinally. The phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids are a major subgroup of indolizidine alkaloids.
Scaling effects in the static and dynamic response of graphite- epoxy beam-columns

Scale model technology represents one method of investigating the behavior of advanced, weight-efficient composite structures under a variety of loading conditions. It is necessary, however, to understand the limitations involved in testing scale model structures before the technique can be fully utilized. These limitations, or scaling effects, are characterized. in the large deflection response and failure of composite beams. Scale model beams were loaded with an eccentric axial compressive load designed to produce large bending deflections and global failure. A dimensional analysis was performed on the composite beam-column loading configuration to determine a model law governing the system response. An experimental program was developed to validate the model law under both static and dynamic loading conditions. Laminate stacking sequences including unidirectional, angle ply, cross ply, and quasi-isotropic were tested to examine a diversity of composite response and failure modes. The model beams were loaded under scaled test conditions until catastrophic failure. A large deflection beam solution was developed to compare with the static experimental results and to analyze beam failure. Also, the finite element code DYCAST (DYnamic Crash Analysis of STructure) was used to model both the static and impulsive beam response. Static test results indicate that the unidirectional and cross ply beam responses scale as predicted by the model law, even under severe deformations. In general, failure modes were consistent between scale models within a laminate family; however, a significant scale effect was observed in strength. The scale effect in strength which was evident in the static tests was also observed in the dynamic tests. Scaling of load and strain time histories between the scale model beams and the prototypes was excellent for the unidirectional beams, but inconsistent results were obtained for the angle ply, cross ply, and quasi-isotropic beams. Results show that valuable information can be obtained from testing on scale model composite structures, especially in the linear elastic response region. However, due to scaling effects in the strength behavior of composite laminates, caution must be used in extrapolating data taken from a scale model test when that test involves failure of the structure.
Historical review of efforts to reduce noise-induced hearing loss in the United States.

Background Noise-induced hearing loss is a centuries-old problem that is still prevalent in the United States and worldwide. Aim To describe highlights in the development of hearing loss prevention in the U.S. from World War II to the present. Methods Literature review. Results Approaches to occupational noise-induced hearing loss prevention in the United States over the past seven decades are described using a hierarchy of controls framework and an interdisciplinary perspective. Historical timelines and developmental milestones related to occupational noise-induced hearing loss prevention are summarized as a life course. Discussion Lessons are drawn for other countries in their hearing conservation efforts. Conclusion Future developments building on the hearing loss prevention work of the past 70 years can prevent the problem of occupational NIHL in the 21st century. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:569–577, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discriminative ability of commonly used indices to predict adverse outcomes after poster lumbar fusion: a comparison of demographics, ASA, the modified Charlson Comorbidity Index, and the modified Frailty Index.

Abstract Background Context As research tools, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification system, the modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI), and the modified Frailty Index (mFI) have been associated with complications following spine procedures. However, with respect to clinical use for various adverse outcomes, no known study has compared the predictive performance of these indices specifically following posterior lumbar fusion (PLF). Purpose This study aimed to compare the discriminative ability of ASA, mCCI, and mFI, as well as demographic factors including age, body mass index, and gender for perioperative adverse outcomes following PLF. Study Design/Setting A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed. Patient Sample Patients undergoing elective PLF with or without interbody fusion were extracted from the 2011–2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Outcome Measures Perioperative adverse outcome variables assessed included the occurrence of minor adverse events, severe adverse events, infectious adverse events, any adverse event, extended length of hospital stay, and discharge to higher-level care. Methods Patient comorbidity indices and characteristics were delineated and assessed for discriminative ability in predicting perioperative adverse outcomes using an area under the curve analysis from the receiver operating characteristics curves. Results In total, 16,495 patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. The most predictive comorbidity index was ASA and demographic factor was age. Of these two factors, age had the larger discriminative ability for three out of the six adverse outcomes and ASA was the most predictive for one out of six adverse outcomes. A combination of the most predictive demographic factor and comorbidity index resulted in improvements in discriminative ability over the individual components for five of the six outcome variables. Conclusion For PLF, easily obtained patient ASA and age have overall similar or better discriminative abilities for perioperative adverse outcomes than numerically tabulated indices that have multiple inputs and are harder to implement in clinical practice.
Directive-Based Partitioning and Pipelining for Graphics Processing Units

The community needs simpler mechanisms to access the performance available in accelerators, such as GPUs, FPGAs, and APUs, due to their increasing use in state-of-the-art supercomputers. Programming models like CUDA, OpenMP, OpenACC and OpenCL can efficiently offload compute-intensive workloads to these devices. By default these models naively offload computation without overlapping it with communication (copying data to or from the device). Achieving performance can require extensive refactoring and hand-tuning to apply optimizations such as pipelining. Further, users must manually partition the dataset whenever its size is larger than device memory, which can be especially difficult when the device memory size is not exposed to the user. We propose a directive-based partitioning and pipelining extension for accelerators appropriate for either OpenMP or OpenACC. Its interface supports overlap of data transfers and kernel computation without explicit user splitting of data. It can map data to a pre-allocated device buffer and automate memory-constrained array indexing and sub-task scheduling. We evaluate a prototype implementation with four different applications. The experimental results show that our approach can reduce memory usage by 52% to 97% while delivering a 1.41× to 1.65× speedup over the naive offload model.
Wavelength-Resolved Photon Fluxes of Indoor Light Sources: Implications for HOx Production.

Photochemistry is a largely unconsidered potential source of reactive species such as hydroxyl and peroxy radicals (OH and HO2, “HOx”) indoors. We present measured wavelength-resolved photon fluxes and distance dependences of indoor light sources including halogen, incandescent, and compact fluorescent lights (CFL) commonly used in residential buildings; fluorescent tubes common in industrial and commercial settings; and sunlight entering buildings through windows. We use these measurements to predict indoor HOx production rates from the photolysis of nitrous acid (HONO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ozone (O3), formaldehyde (HCHO), and acetaldehyde (CH3CHO). Our results suggest that while most lamps can photolyze these molecules, only sunlight and fluorescent tubes will be important to room-averaged indoor HOx levels due to the strong distance dependence of the fluxes from compact bulbs. Under ambient conditions, we predict that sunlight and fluorescent lights will photolyze HONO to form OH at rates of 106–...
Multiple Quantum Well-Based Spatial Light Modulators

In this paper recent theoretical and experimental work in the area of multiple quantum well modulators is presented. The theoretical work includes the application of the effective mass approximation to compositional MQW structures and the use of a two-band tight-binding approximation to doping modulated Nipi structures. The theoretical calculations are used to obtain electric-field-dependent absorption and refractive index in the above MQW structures. Experimental electroabsorption in compositional MQW structures is described, as well as preliminary optical characterization of Nipi structures. Concepts of photoactivated and electrically addressed MQW-spatial light modulators are presented. Finally, theoretical evaluation of quantum dot arrays and their potential use in spatial light modulators is discussed.
Representativeness in Statistical Reasoning: Identifying and Assessing Misconceptions

The purpose of the study was to develop a valid and reliable test instrument to identify students who hold misconceptions about probability. A total of 263 students completed a multiple-choice test...
Variation in Pediatric Procedural Sedations Across Children's Hospital Emergency Departments.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the trends in pediatric sedation use over time and determine variation in use of procedural sedation across children’s hospital emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: We analyzed ED data from 35 hospitals within the Pediatric Health Information System for patients RESULTS: Of the 1 448 011 patients potentially requiring sedation who presented to the ED, 99 951 (7.9%) underwent procedural sedation. Medication usage in 2014 included ketamine (73.7%), fentanyl and midazolam (15.9%), ketofol (7.3%), and propofol (2.7%). Use of fentanyl and midazolam increased, whereas use of ketamine, pentobarbital, etomidate, chloral hydrate, and methohexital decreased over time. Significant variation exists in the use of sedation across hospitals; in 2014, the sedation rate ranged 0.2% to 32.0%, with a median of 8.0%. The diagnosis with the largest variation in procedural sedation use was dislocation, with sedation rates ranging from 2% to 35%. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variability across pediatric EDs in the use of procedural sedation, suggesting sedations may be performed too often or too little in some hospitals.
The International Regime for Treating Civil War, 1988–2017

The post–Cold War international order has promoted a “standard treatment” for civil wars involving the use of mediation to end conflicts and the deployment of peacekeeping forces to implement the r...
Real-time geoprojection and stabilization on airborne GPU-enabled embedded systems

We describe the challenges and capabilities of implementing a fast, efficient georegistration system on low-power embedded systems. The input to this are 2-D images and refined camera metadata sensor measurements, the output are registered aerial images that can be used in image tracking and 3D reconstruction. We propose future application in real-time on-device processing, given initial speeds on embedded systems. Because the method used doesn’t rely on image-to-image feature correspondences as in other methods, the computation is significantly faster and improved upon further by GPU programming.
Exploration of Factors Related to Depressive Symptomatology in Family Members of Military Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a family affair, affecting those with the injury and their families. Psychological distress, often measured as depression or depressive symptoms, is highly prevalent...
Pathogenesis by Aerosol

Aerosols are the most likely and effective mode of dissemination of a bioterrorist agent whether it is a toxin or a bacterial or viral agent. The ideal biological threat agent would be delivered in a particle size that would allow it to persist suspended in the air for long periods of time and be inhaled deeply into the lungs of unsuspecting victims. The size range of particles that meet both of these criteria is 1–5 µm in diameter.
Hox Genes and Stem Cells

Stem cells are cells that undergo self-renewal as well as differentiation into progenitor cells. They are abundantly present, although ill defined, during development and it is believed that most, if not all, adult tissues harbor small populations of stem cells. Adult stem cells have been described for intestine, skin, muscle, blood and nervous system and may provide a tissue specific resource for tissue damage repair. A balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation maintains homeostasis in adult tissue. Thus normal tissue stem cells are defined by three common properties. (1) extensive self-renewal capacity, (2) strict control of stem cell numbers and (3) ability to undergo extensive differentiation to reconstitute all the functional elements in a given tissue. In this chapter we review the evidence that Hox genes may be involved in stem cell maintenance and control of self-renewal in different cellular and developmental contexts. Strong evidence exists for their role in controlling Drosophila neuroblast numbers and fate decisions and for their role in controlling expansion, self-renewal and lineage specification in the mammalian hematopoietic stem cells. There are tantalizing clues for their involvement in stem cell expansion during embryonic development and later in the process of oncogenesis.
Antianxiety Drugs: Clinical use in Psychiatry

Each year, millions of patients visit physicians seeking relief from tensions, fears, worries, anxieties, and depression. Most physicians have found psychopharmacological agents, prescribed within the context of supportive, ventilating, or nonexploratory, as well as dynamic and insight-oriented psychotherapy, most useful for alleviating these disturbing emotions. Psychopharmacological agents do not, of course, represent a panacea for all neurotic ills. They do not, for example, directly affect the psychodynamic and environmental factors responsible for emotional problems; they do not directly affect the characterological or personality side of the patient (Joyce, 1971). By relieving the symptoms of anxiety, tension, and depression, however, they often render a patient less miserable and able to cope with intrapsychic and extrapsychic stress more appropriately.
MODIS Land Products and Data Processing

The two Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments on-board NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra and Aqua satellites make key measurements for understanding the Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems (Salomonson et al., 1989). Global time-series of terrestrial geophysical parameters have been produced from MODIS/Terra for over 5 years and for MODIS/Aqua for over 2.5 years. These well calibrated instruments, a team of land scientists and a large data production system have allowed for the development of a new suite of high quality land product variables at spatial resolutions as fine as 250 m in support of global change research and natural resource applications. This chapter summarizes the MODIS land science team’s products, describes the data processing approach and describes the process for monitoring and improving the product quality.
Heart transplant rejection with hemodynamic compromise: A multiinstitutional study of the role of endomyocardial cellular infiltrate

Background: The natural history of patients experiencing hemodynamic compromise with rejection has been incompletely characterized. This multiinstitutional study examined the outcome of such episodes, particularly with regard to the extent of cellular infiltrate on the index endomyocardial biopsy. Methods: From January 1, 1990, through June 30, 1994, 3367 patients in the Cardiac Transplant Research Database experienced 4137 episodes of rejection. Severe hemodynamic compromise occurred in approximately 5% of the rejection episodes, and this proportion remained relatively constant over time. Results: Recipient risk factors for rejection with severe hemodynamic compromise included black race, female recipient sex, and diabetes. The 3- month actuarial survival rate was 60% after rejection with severe hemodynamic compromise versus 95% after rejection with no or mild compromise. Low initial biopsy score conferred a higher early survival, but a lower survival at 2 years after rejection with severe hemodynamic compromise. Among patients who survive an initial rejection episode with severe hemodynamic compromise, survival at 2 years after an episode was 46% among those who had a low initial biopsy score versus 84% with a high biopsy score. Conclusions: Rejection with hemodynamic compromise, although rare, represents a major complication of heart transplantation with a poor long-term outcome. Survivors of hemodynamically compromising rejection episodes associated with low biopsy scores in the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grading system have a significantly worse long-term outcome than survivors of episodes associated with high scores. These findings suggest that immunologic mechanisms other than lymphocytic infiltration of the cardiac allograft are important and distinct causes of allograft dysfunction.
FUEL NKU: Service Learning in a Dynamic Higher Education Community.

Transdisciplinary initiatives offer valuable opportunity for students and faculty members to address community challenges, especially those challenges related to social justice. FUEL NKU is a campus food pantry for students at a metropolitan university, and is uniquely situated to serve the student population while incorporating multi-faceted aspects of a macro level project. This paper describes a collaboration among two doctoral students, one faculty member, and one MSW practicum student to address long-term sustainability of a beloved campus program.
A Phase 2 Trial of Regorafenib as a Single Agent in Patients with Chemotherapy Refractory Advanced and Metastatic Biliary Tract Adenocarcinoma

Background Biliary tract cancers (BTC) are rare, aggressive neoplasms. Most patients present with advanced/unresectable or metastatic disease at diagnosis, with no second-line regimen demonstrating clinical benefit. This phase II study evaluated efficacy and safety of regorafenib in patients with advanced/unresectable or metastatic disease after standard therapy.
Resource allocation trade-offs and the loss of chemical defences during apple domestication.

Background and aims Most crops have been dramatically altered from their wild ancestors with the primary goal of increasing harvestable yield. A long-held hypothesis is that increased allocation to yield has reduced plant investment in defence and resulted in crops that are highly susceptible to pests. However, clear demonstrations of these trade-offs have been elusive due to the many selective pressures that occur concurrently during crop domestication. Methods To provide a robust test of whether increased allocation to yield can alter plant investment in defence, this study examined fruit chemical defence traits and herbivore resistance across 52 wild and 56 domesticated genotypes of apples that vary >26-fold in fruit size. Ninety-six phenolic metabolites were quantified in apple skin, pulp and seeds, and resistance to the codling moth was assessed with a series of bioassays. Key results The results show that wild apples have higher total phenolic concentrations and a higher diversity of metabolites than domesticated apples in skin, pulp and seeds. A negative phenotypic relationship between fruit size and phenolics indicates that this pattern is driven in part by allocation-based trade-offs between yield and defence. There were no clear differences in codling moth performance between wild and domesticated apples and no overall effects of total phenolic concentration on codling moth performance, but the results did show that codling moth resistance was increased in apples with higher phenolic diversity. The concentrations of a few individual compounds (primarily flavan-3-ols) also correlated with increased resistance, primarily driven by a reduction in pupal mass of female moths. Conclusions The negative phenotypic relationship between fruit size and phenolic content, observed across a large number of wild and domesticated genotypes, supports the hypothesis of yield-defence trade-offs in crops. However, the limited effects of phenolics on codling moth highlight the complexity of consequences that domestication has for plant-herbivore interactions. Continued studies of crop domestication can further our understanding of the multiple trade-offs involved in plant defence, while simultaneously leading to novel discoveries that can improve the sustainability of crop production.
Social media design for youth political expression: Testing the roles of identifiability and geo-boundedness:

Previous research has examined how political expression on social media can affect young people’s engagement in political life. Yet a focus on dominant platforms (i.e. Facebook) and a lack of exper...
The Functionality and Confidence a Client Receives When Utilizing the MCPThumb: A Single Case Study

Date Presented 04/06/19 There are a limited number of body-powered prosthetics available for partial thumb amputates. The loss of thumb function affects operations such as manipulation and pinch. The MCPThumb is a body-powered thumb prosthetic that allows individuals with a partial thumb amputation to regain function and confidence during everyday tasks. Results from this study indicated that the participant performed to a higher functional level while utilizing the MCPThumb. Primary Author and Speaker: Susan Denham Additional Authors and Speakers: Ethan Powell Contributing Authors: Jinha Jeong, Ashley Langford, Anna Moore
Characteristics of thawed pooled cryoprecipitate stored at refrigerated temperature for 24 hours.

Background The need for thawed cryoprecipitate is growing. However, according to current guidelines, the shelf-life of pooled thawed cryoprecipitate at room temperature is limited because of possible bacterial contamination and loss of clotting factor activity. Here we assessed microbial growth and retention of clotting activity in cryoprecipitate stored at 4 °C after thawing to see whether its shelf life could be safely extended. Materials and methods Pooled thawed cryoprecipitate units (n=10) were maintained at room temperature for 6 hours and then placed at 1-6 °C for 18 hours after thawing. We examined the cryoprecipitate pools for fibrinogen, factor VIII, and von Willebrand factor activity at the following time points: 0 hours (immediately after thawing), after 6 hours at room temperature, and after 24 hours at 1-6 °C. A 5-mL aliquot from each pool was collected for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures at the 24-hour time point. Results Mean fibrinogen concentration and von Willebrand factor activity were similar at each time point, but factor VIII activity decreased significantly over the storage period. Bacterial growth was not detected in any cultured pooled sample. Discussion Extended storing of thawed cryoprecipitate at 1-6 °C does not appear to increase the risk of bacterial contamination or affect coagulation factor activity.
Successful Treatment of Granuloma Annulare with Certolizumab

Generalized granuloma annulare (GA) is a subtype of GA that consists of widespread annular papules and plaques varying in size. There are no randomized trials of treatment for GA, however topical treatment, phototherapy, and various systemic therapies, have been reported to be effective. We report the first case of generalized GA that is successfully treated with certolizumab pegol.
Modified mRNA as a Therapeutic Tool for the Heart

Despite various clinical modalities available for patients, heart disease remains among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Genetic medicine, particularly mRNA, has broad potential as a therapeutic. More specifically, mRNA-based protein delivery has been used in the fields of cancer and vaccination, but recent changes to the structural composition of mRNA have led the scientific community to swiftly embrace it as a new drug to deliver missing genes to injured myocardium and many other organs. Modified mRNA (modRNA)–based gene delivery features transient but potent protein translation and low immunogenicity, with minimal risk of insertional mutagenesis. In this review, we compared and listed the advantages of modRNA over traditional vectors for cardiac therapy, with particular focus on using modRNA therapy in cardiac repair. We present a comprehensive overview of modRNA’s role in cardiomyocyte (CM) proliferation, cardiac vascularization, and prevention of cardiac apoptosis. We also emphasize recent advances in modRNA delivery strategies and discuss the challenges for its clinical translation.
Growth in patience in Christian Moral Wisdom and contemporary positive psychology

Moral education requires interdisciplinary engagement across philosophy, psychology, and education. Positive psychologists regularly acknowledge the breadth and depth of wisdom regarding the cultiv...
Variational Symplectic Accelerated Optimization on Lie Groups

There has been significant interest in generalizations of the Nesterov accelerated gradient descent algorithm due to its improved performance guarantee compared to the standard gradient descent algorithm, and its applicability to large scale optimization problems arising in deep learning. A particularly fruitful approach is based on numerical discretizations of differential equations that describe the continuous time limit of the Nesterov algorithm, and a generalization involving time-dependent Bregman Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics that converges at an arbitrarily fast rate to the minimum. We develop a Lie group variational discretization based on an extended path space formulation of the Bregman Lagrangian on Lie groups, and analyze its computational properties with two examples in attitude determination and vision-based localization.