cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting false negative errors in digital breast tomosynthesis among radiology trainees using a computer vision-based approach

We developed a model to predict whether a lesion will be missed by a trainee.The user model can be used to select the most challenging cases for each trainee.Our model improved the status quo of case presentation to trainee in tomosynthesis. PurposeDigital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) can improve lesion visibility in comparison to mammography by eliminating breast tissue superimposition. While the benefits of DBT in breast cancer screening rely on well trained radiologists, the optimal training regimen in DBT is unknown. We propose a computer-aided educational system that individually selects the optimal training cases for each trainee. The first step towards this goal is to capture the individual weaknesses of each trainee. In this study, we present and evaluate a computer algorithm for this purpose with particular focus on false negative errors. MethodsWe developed an algorithm (a user model) that predicted the likelihood of a trainee missing an abnormal location. An individual model is applied for each trainee. The algorithm consists of three steps. First, the lesions on DBT images are segmented by a 3D active contour method with a level set algorithm. Then, 16 features are extracted automatically for the segmented lesions. Finally a multivariate logistic regression classifier predicts the likelihood of error based on the extracted features. The classifier is trained using the previous interpretation data of the trainee. We evaluated the individual predictive algorithms experimentally using data from a reader study in which 29 trainees and 3 expert breast radiologists read 60 DBT cases. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, along with a repeated holdout approach, was used to evaluate the predictive performance of our algorithm. ResultsThe average area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the algorithms which predicted which lesions will be detected and which will be missed by a specific trainee was 0.627 (95% CI: 0.579-0.675). The average performance was statistically significantly better than chance (p<0.001). Under the status quo, training involves no specific strategy for case presentation, and this random behavior corresponds to AUC of 0.5. Therefore, the proposed algorithm may provide a significant improvement in distinguishing abnormal locations that will be detected by a trainee from those that will be missed. ConclusionsOur algorithm was able to distinguish abnormal locations that will be detected by a trainee from those that will be missed. This could be used to enrich the training set with cases that are likely to prompt error for the individual trainee while still maintaining a range of cases necessary for comprehensive education.
Subsarcolemmal mitochondria isolated with the proteolytic enzyme nagarse exhibit greater protein specific activities and functional coupling

Skeletal muscle mitochondria are arranged as a reticulum. Insight into the functional characteristics of such structure is achieved by viewing the network as consisting of "subsarcolemmal" (SS) and "intermyofibrillar" (IMF) regions. During the decades, most, but not all, published studies have reported higher (sometimes over 2-fold) enzyme and enzyme-pathway protein-specific activities in IMF compared to SS mitochondria. We tested the hypothesis that non-mitochondrial protein contamination might account for much of the apparently lower specific activities of isolated SS mitochondria. Mouse gastrocnemii (n = 6) were suspended in isolation medium, minced, and homogenized according to procedures typically used to isolate SS mitochondria. However, the supernatant fraction, collected after the first slow-speed (800×g) centrifugation, was divided equally: one sample was exposed to nagarse (MITO+), while the other was not (MITO-). Nagarse treatment reduced total protein yield by 25%, while it increased protein-specific respiration rates (nmol O2 min-1 mg-1), by 38% under "resting" (state 4) and by 84% under maximal (state 3) conditions. Nagarse therefore increased the respiratory control ratio (state 3/state 4) by 30%. In addition, the ADP/O ratio was increased by 9% and the activity of citrate synthase (U/mg) was 49% higher. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated that the MITO+ preparation contained less contamination from non-mitochondrial proteins. We conclude that nagarse treatment of SS mitochondria removes not only non-mitochondrial proteins but also the protein of damaged mitochondria, improves indices of functional integrity, and the resulting protein-specific activities.
Feasibility and Safety Assessment for Advanced Reactor Concepts Using Vented Fuel

Recent interest in fast reactor technology has led to renewed analysis of past reactor concepts such as Gas Fast Reactors and Sodium Fast Reactors. In an effort to make these reactors more economic, the fuel is required to stay in the reactor for extended periods of time; the longer the fuel stays within the core, the more fertile material is converted into usable fissile material. However, as burnup of the fuel-rod increases, so does the internal pressure buildup due to gaseous fission products. In order to reach the 30 year lifetime requirements of some reactor designs, the fuel pins must have a vented-type design to allow the buildup of fission products to escape. The present work aims to progress the understanding of the feasibility and safety issues related to gas reactors that incorporate vented fuel. The work was separated into three different work-scopes: 1. Quantitatively determine fission gas release from uranium carbide in a representative helium cooled fast reactor; 2. Model the fission gas behavior, transport, and collection in a Fission Product Vent System; and, 3. Perform a safety analysis of the Fission Product Vent System. Each task relied on results from the previous task, culminating in a limited scopemore » Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) of the Fission Product Vent System. Within each task, many key parameters lack the fidelity needed for comprehensive or accurate analysis. In the process of completing each task, the data or methods that were lacking were identified and compiled in a Gap Analysis included at the end of the report.« less
Penicillamine-induced cupriuria in normal subjects and in patients with active liver disease.

SummaryThe urinary excretion of copper was measured in four normal subjects and in six patients with chronic active liver disease following the oral administration of 1.5 g of D–penieillamine/day. All individuals excreted a maximum of 663 to 1390 μg of copper/day and there was no difference between the two groups. Since patients with Wilson's disease excrete more than 1400 μg of copper in the urine/day following penicillamine therapy, this test may be of value in differentiating patients with Wilson's disease from patients with chronic active liver disease.We are indebted to Miss Jacqueline Thomas and Mrs. Alice Tustison for technical assistance.Fig. 1. Urinary excretion of copper in normal subjects and in patients with chronic active liver disease before and after the oral administration of 1.5 g of D–penicillamine/day beginning at Day 0.
Analysis of the Impact of Leading Edge Surface Degradation on Wind Turbine Performance.

Over time it has been reported wind turbine power output can diminish below manufacturers promised levels. This is clearly undesirable from an operator standpoint, and can also put pressure on turbine companies to make up the difference. A likely explanation for the discrepancy in power output is the contamination of the leading edge due to environmental conditions creating surfaces much coarser than intended. To examine the effects of airfoil leading edge roughness, a comprehensive study has been performed both experimentally and computationally on a NACA 633 − 418 airfoil. A description of the experimental setup and test matrix are provided, along with an outline of the computational roughness amplification model used to simulate rough configurations. The experimental investigation serves to provide insight into the changes in measurable airfoil properties such as lift, drag, and boundary layer transition location. The computational effort is aimed at using the experimental results to calibrate a roughness model that has been implemented in an unsteady RANS solver. Furthermore, a blade element momentum code was used to assess the impact on the performance of a turbine as whole due to discrepancies in clean vs. soiled airfoil characteristics. The results have implications in predicting the power loss due to leading edge surface roughness, and can help to establish an upper bound on admissible surface contamination levels.
Tacit coordination in close dyads: The use of social focal points

Tacit coordination is crucial for many social interactions, including those among couples. Two different coordination requirements have been distinguished. Matching problems require interdependent ...
United Kingdom VAT Court Challenges as Signals of Motivated Overall Tax Minimization Planning

Recent evidence shows that activities to minimize value added taxes (VAT) have become important to overall tax reduction planning. Utilizing the sample of companies in the United Kingdom that have contested their VAT burdens in the courts for 2004 through 2009, the characteristics of companies that engage in such VAT minimization activities are identified. Companies that engage in such VAT minimization activities exhibit statistically significant lower effective tax rates (ETRs) and cash effective tax rates (CETRs). They also have statistically significant larger book-tax differences (BTDs).
Phosphorus removal and recovery from dairy manure by electrocoagulation

Livestock manure waste, containing high level of phosphorus (P) will impair water environment if it is directly discharged to water body or improperly land applied. P recovery from animal manure not only addresses its environmental concerns, also provides a value added product as a fertilizer for better managing P. Electrocoagulation (EC) is proved to be an efficient approach that can be applied in the municipal and industrial wastewater for P removal and recovery; however, its application in the livestock manure management is less researched, especially with different selection of the electrode materials. In this study, EC process was evaluated on P removal and recovery from dairy manure. Four commonly seen electrodes, including Al, stainless steel, low carbon steel and cast iron, were compared. The results showed low carbon steel achieved the most efficient P removal (96.7%). The average particle size of manure solids was increased from 32.2 to 126.9 μm. The simulation experiment suggested that iron release and hydrolysis, which then worked as coagulants, is the major mechanism for P removal. EC by low carbon steel is an effective method for P separation from liquid phase of dairy manure to solid phase.
Anarchy and Apocalypse

To go from the world of Howards End to that of The Secret Agent is to walk from the drawing room into the streets, from a genteel and protected atmosphere to a world that is immediately rather than distantly dangerous. It is to go from the ultimately resolved threat of personal disaster to a turgidly public realm, where disintegration is not an individual but a social possibility. To consider that these two novels were written in the second half of the same decade, and also that they are both laid in Edwardian London, to think of these novels as contemporaneous is to begin to understand the gulf that lay between the much-privileged persons that made up Bloomsbury and the emigrant Pole who made London his own, and yet remained in an important sense an outsider. Certainly Conrad’s ability to treat persons beyond the range of Forster’s experience, to penetrate to the lower edges of the middle class and beneath, and to make credible the actions in which these classes engage, gives a sense of the gloomy atmosphere of a London in which the cult of personal relations would be an unthinkable luxury. While it is just possible to imagine Conrad’s lady patron at a luncheon given by the Schlegel sisters — perhaps the Assistant Commissioner’s wife would also be invited — it is impossible to suppose that any of the other characters of The Secret Agent would be permitted to darken the doors of the house in Wickham Place, without having lost an umbrella in the Queen’s Hall.
Co-Stimulatory Blockade With CTLA4-Ig Permits Transplantation Of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells and HLA Incompatible T Cells In NOD/SCID γ Null (NSG) Mouse Model

Our previous studies have shown the ability of human CD34+ cells to stimulate T cell alloproliferative responses in-vitro. Here, we investigated anti-CD34 T cell alloreactivity in-vivo by co-transplanting human CD34+ cells and allogeneic T cells of an incompatible individual into NSG mice. Human CD34+ cells (2x105/animal) were transplanted with allogeneic T cells at different ratios ranging from 1:50 to 1:0.5, or without T cells as a control. No xenogeneic GVHD was detected at 1:1 CD34:T cell ratio. Engraftment of human CD45+ (huCD45+) cells in mice marrow and spleen was analyzed by flow cytometry. Marrow engraftment of huCD45+ cells at 4 or 8 weeks was significantly decreased in mice transplanted with T cells compared to control mice that did not receive T cells. More importantly, transplantation of T cells at CD34:T cell ratios from 1:50 to 1:0.5 resulted in stem cell rejection since >98% huCD45+ cells detected were CD3+. In mice with stem cell rejection, human T cells had a normal CD4:CD8 ratio and CD4+ cells were mostly CD45RA+. The kinetics of human cell engraftment in the bone marrow and spleen was then analyzed in mice transplanted with CD34+ and allogeneic T cells at 1:1 ratio and sacrificed at 1, 2, or 4 weeks. At 2 weeks post transplant, the bone marrow showed CD34-derived myeloid cells, whereas the spleen showed only allo-T cells. At 4 weeks, all myeloid cells had been rejected and only T cells were detected both in the bone marrow and spleen. Based on our previous in-vitro studies showing that T cell alloreactivity against CD34+ cells is mainly due to B7:CD28 costimulatory activation, we injected the mice with CTLA4-Ig (Abatacept, Bristol Myers Squibb, New York, NY) from d-1 to d+28 post transplantation of CD34+ and allogeneic T cells. Treatment of mice with CTLA4-Ig prevented rejection and allowed CD34+ cells to fully engraft the marrow of NSG mice at 4 weeks with an overall 13± 7% engraftment of huCD45+ marrow cells (n=5) which included: 53±9% CD33+ cells, 22±3% CD14+ monocytes, 7±2% CD1c myeloid dendritic cells, and 4±1% CD34+ cells, while CD19+ B cells were only 3±1% and CD3+ T cells were 0.5±1%. We hypothesize that CTLA4-Ig may induce the apoptotic deletion of alloreactive T cells early in the post transplant period although we could not detect T cells in the spleen as early as 7 or 10 days after transplant. Here we demonstrate that costimulatory blockade with CTLA4-Ig at the time of transplant of human CD34+ cells and incompatible allogeneic T cells can prevent T cell mediated rejection. We also show that the NSG model can be utilized to test immunotherapy strategies aimed at engrafting human stem cells across HLA barriers in-vivo. These results will prompt the design of future clinical trials of CD34+ cell transplantation for patients with severe non-malignant disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, immunodeficiencies or aplastic anemia. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Radical Interpretation and Logical Pluralism

I examine Quine’s and Davidson’s arguments to the effect that classical logic is the one and only correct logic. This conclusion is drawn from their views on radical translation and interpretation, respectively. I focus on the latter, but I first address, independently, Quine’s argument to the effect that the ‘deviant’ logician, who departs from classical logic, is merely changing the subject. Regarding logical pluralism, the question is whether there is more than one correct logic. I argue that bivalence may be subject matter dependent, but that distribution and the law of excluded middle can probably not be dropped whilst maintaining the standard meanings of the connectives. In discussing the ramifications of the indeterminacy of interpretation, I ask whether it forces Davidsonian interpreters to adopt Dummett’s epistemic conception of truth vis-a-vis their interpretations. And, if so, does this cohere with their attributing a nonepistemic notion of truth to their interpretees? This would be a form of logical pluralism. In addition, I discuss Davidson’s arguments against conceptual schemes. Schemes incommensurable with our own could be construed as wholesale deviant logics, or so I argue. And, if so, their possibility would yield, in turn, the possibility of a radical logical pluralism. I also address Davidson’s application of Tarski’s definition of truth.
Use of Prazosin for Pediatric PTSD-Associated Nightmares and Sleep Disturbances: A Retrospective Chart Review

Introduction Youth exposed to trauma have an increased risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated sleep disturbances and nightmares. The alpha-1 antagonist prazosin reduces sleep disturbances and nightmares in adults with PTSD; however, its use in youth with PTSD has not been systematically evaluated. We retrospectively examined the tolerability and clinical outcomes associated with prazosin treatment in youth with PTSD-related nightmares and dysomnias.
Tacrolimus-Induced Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenia In Solid Organ Transplant Patients

Background Immune thrombocytopenia (IT) is an uncommon complication in patients who have undergone solid organ transplantation. A few case reports have suggested a role for tacrolimus in inducing IT in such patients. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted in two major academic institutions with a high volume of transplant surgeries. We identified cases of refractory IT in solid organ transplant patients who were on tacrolimus as their graft-rejection immunosuppressant, in whom platelet counts recovered after discontinuation of the medication. Retrospective chart review was performed. All other etiologies for thrombocytopenia were excluded. Finally, descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results Ten patients were identified of which five each were renal and liver transplantations. Median age was 48 years. The median time from transplantation to onset of IT was 5.9 years (range 2.1-20 years) ([table 1][1]). In all but one case, the nadir platelet count was less than 5000/μL. Multiple therapeutic strategies including intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids, chemotherapy, rituximab, splenectomy, and romiplostim were attempted without any response. Bone marrow biopsy was consistent with IT in 9 of these patients; one patient did not undergo the procedure. Two patients were treated for H.pylori IgG positivity without any platelet recovery response. After tacrolimus was discontinued, median time to platelet recovery to greater than 50,000/μL was 8.5 days (range 5-81; n=8) ([table 2][2]). Median time to platelet count recovery to greater than 100,000/μL was 14 days (range 5-88 days; n=10). Median follow-up duration after platelet recovery of greater than 100,000/μL was 30 months (range 2-60; n=10). One patient, who recovered counts after nearly 3 months of discontinuation of tacrolimus, was on romiplostim for 2 years. If this patient is excluded from the analysis, the median time to platelet count recovery of greater than 100,000/μL was 13 days (range 5-35; n=9). Of note, 6 patients were on a steroid taper at the time of discontinuation of the medication. All except one patient was transitioned to immunosuppression using cyclosporine A; one patient was safely taken off immunosuppression. View this table: Table 1 Patient characteristics View this table: Table 2 Time to platelet recovery after discontinuation of Tacrolimus Conclusion Tacrolimus appears to occasionally cause a refractory IT in solid organ transplant recipients, which only appears to resolve with cessation of the drug. The onset of the IT usually occurs after at least two years of taking the medication. A trial of tacrolimus discontinuation for at least a 3 month period, substituted by another immunosuppressant such as cyclosporine A, should be attempted when seeing these patients, especially if there is consideration to perform a more invasive procedure such as a splenectomy or splenic artery embolization. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: #T1 [2]: #T2
The Relationship of Supply Chain Visibility to Firm Performance

The ability to “see” from one end of the supply chain to the other is needed to effectively and efficiently manage and control global supply chain processes that span multiple firms. Supply chain v...
Using student positioning to identify collaboration during pair work at the computer in mathematics

Abstract When students share a computer in a mathematics class, the types of interactions that constitute collaboration can vary from more typical group work settings. The way that students position themselves towards one another through utterances and exchanges has implications for how students collaborate. In this paper I illustrate a method that uses techniques from Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) to analyze how collaboration can be traced to strings of individual utterances and acts. Drawing on positioning theory and techniques from SFL, I pose the question, how can episodes of collaboration be operationalized through individual utterances and actions? These methods allow for comparison between different models of computer-based interaction and suggest how to foster collaboration in technology-rich settings. Additionally, this study suggests how a broad phenomenon such as collaboration could be described and measured by considering collaborative episodes on a small scale.
Psychological Interventions Promoting Resilience Among Transgender Individuals: Transgender Resilience Intervention Model (TRIM):

Transgender people experience disproportionately high mental and physical health risks. Minority stress theory identifies distal and proximal stressors that contribute to negative mental health out...
New video resource for calculus-based introductory physics, design and assessment. I. Electricity and magnetism

A new online video resource named Freshman Physics Classroom (FPC) was developed by a team in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Texas A&M University to supplement calculus-based introductory physics courses. This article describes the development of this resource and reports the results from the first term of deployment, spring 2017, for student performance on both course examinations and the Brief Electricity & Magnetism Assessment (BEMA). The video modules received a high approval rating (>85%) from students according to anonymous clicker surveys administered twice over the course of the semester during lectures. Data from midterm exams show that students who engaged with the resource tended to outperform students who did not make use of the FPC video modules. Distributions of exam scores indicate that students with partial understanding of a subject from the course (lectures, recitations, and so forth) benefited from engagement with the video modules. Students from the spring semesters of 2015–2017 showed nearly identical levels of conceptual knowledge according to pre-testing conducted using BEMA, where spring 2015 and spring 2016 were used as a control group. Normalized gains were higher on average for those students who made use of the FPC video modules than for those who did not. Overall, the FPC video modules demonstrated a positive influence on student conceptual understanding and problem solving ability.
Decision Support Tool for Selecting Supplemental Energy Technologies for Healthcare Facilities in a Developing Country

Many Nigerian healthcare facilities do not have consistent access to electricity, which is required for many modern-day healthcare services and operations. The energy needs for such healthcare facilities can be supported by supplemental energy technologies to increase the reliability of electric power. These additions can include green or traditional technologies and would be established within any facility's preexisting electricity infrastructure. In this project, we developed a decision support tool that provides a list of candidate healthcare facilities to fund for supplemental energy generation in Nigeria, based on the effectiveness of implementing reliable energy technologies. The selection of energy technologies is unique to the region and type of facility. The combination of location-specific factors provides a recommendation for the most reliable energy technology. The decision support tool is designed to be used by health policy decision makers and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to prioritize funding efforts that are in the best interest of the population, as well as the environment, in developing countries where infrastructure development projects would provide the greatest impact. The tool recommends the optimal energy generation technology for each region, prioritizes the facilities based on access and coverage parameters, and then takes into account budget and planning constraints. The project aims to encourage developing countries, starting with Nigeria, to reevaluate their energy infrastructure needs in relation to health facilities.
MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF IGG4-RELATED PAPILLITIS AND RETINAL DISEASE

Purpose To report a case of IgG4-related ophthalmic disease, which presented with papillitis and subretinal deposits. Methods Observational case report with multimodal imaging. Results A 52-year-old man with a history of persistent lymphadenopathy presented with decreased vision in his left eye. Funduscopic examination demonstrated cuticular drusen in both eyes and florid edema of the left optic nerve, along with scattered circumscribed grey-yellow subretinal deposits that were distinct from the cuticular drusen. Swept-source optical coherence tomography demonstrated a hyper-reflective subretinal material corresponding to the grey-yellow subretinal deposits on clinical examination along with diffuse outer retinal disruption. Fundus autofluorescence revealed scattered hypoautofluorescence corresponding to cuticular drusen and also larger patches of hypoautofluorescence corresponding to the grey-yellow subretinal deposits. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated hypofluorescence corresponding to the large subretinal deposits and leakage at the optic nerve. Lymph node biopsy demonstrated IgG4-positive plasma cells and elevated serum IgG4 levels leading to a diagnosis of IgG4-related ophthalmic disease. The patient was treated with oral prednisone with subsequent resolution of the optic nerve edema. Conclusion We describe multimodal imaging of unique retinal and optic nerve findings associated with IgG4-related ophthalmic disease. Our report broadens the spectrum of ocular involvement associated with IgG4-related disease.
Blend your passion with your craft: Artisanal habits in academic writing

Abstract Introduction The artisanal dimension of writing, as highlighted in Helen Sword's BASE model, is explored in the context of pharmacy education. Positing that “technical” and “artisanal” are adjectives on a continuum, this viewpoint suggests that pharmacy academicians may be writers embodying a blend of both. Commentary Perspectives and pearls from a variety of Mississippi artists and artisans are suggested as ways for academics to embrace artisanal habits as they apply creativity to their scientific writing. Implications If authors have employed artisanal habits, it is likely that the readers will ultimately come away with an appreciation for the care that the writer took, and the initiative implicit in the writing to share with others–regardless of whether readers find the content itself to be in line with or counter to their expectations and assumptions.
Novel Techniques and the Future of HIPEC (Immunotherapy, Viral Therapy)

Cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) has been shown to improve survival in select patients with advanced peritoneal malignancies. However, many patients present with unresectable disease, and recurrence is frequent in those who undergo CRS/HIPEC. For these patients, investigators are developing novel therapies that utilize the body’s own immune system to rid the body of cancer. The use of regional immunotherapy is a promising approach for patients with advanced peritoneal malignancies. Advances in the field of cancer immunotherapy and gene therapy over the last three decades have provided a novel class of therapies with immeasurable potential. Today, multiple strategies to harness an immune response to cancer are available, which include antibody-, T-cell-, and viral-based approaches. Each has its respective challenges but also hold unique advantages to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and induce an immune-mediated tumor response.
Effects of drugs on cellular dynamics visualized in live cells labeled with GFP in the nucleus and RFP in the cytoplasm

3337 Analysis of the effects of targeted drugs is usually made on cells in vitro or in vivo after they have been fixed or extracted under various conditions. Considerably greater information on the mechanism of specific drug targeting could be obtained in studies where analysis is made on living cells in vitro and in vivo . Toward this goal, we have labeled cancer cells with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) linked to histone H2B in the nucleus and with red fluorescent protein (RFP) on a retrovirus in the cytoplasm. Both cytoplasmic and nuclear dynamics can be visualized in these cells in the living state due to the differential labeling of nucleus and cytoplasm with fluorescent proteins. Human PC-3 prostate cancer cells were labeled with GFP in the nucleus and RFP in the cytoplasm as described above. These cells were used as a model system to determine the specific nuclear-cytoplasmic effects of various agents. When the dual-labeled PC-3 cells were treated with Taxol, the GFP-labeled nucleus was found to undergo dramatic early changes. The nucleoplasm appeared to attach to the nuclear membrane, resulting in the nucleus assuming a ring-like structure. This event preceded the cells entering apoptosis. In contrast to the effect of Taxol, which inhibits tubulin depolymerization, vinblastin, which inhibits tubulin polymerization, resulted in the contraction of the GFP-labeled nuclei. High dose thymidine also resulted in the nucleus assuming ring-like structures prior to entering apoptosis. The tumor cells labeled with GFP in the nucleus and RFP in the cytoplasm can also be readily analyzed in the living state for their cell cycle position as shown by the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. Therefore, cell cycle arrest by specific agents can be readily visualized in living dual-color cells. The various stages of apoptosis are also readily visualized in the dual-color cells. These observations can be made in vivo as well as in vitro . Thus, the cells labeled with GFP in the nucleus and RFP in the cytoplasm can be highly useful to establish the mechanism of drug targeting in the living state.
Side-viewing photoacoustic waveguide endoscopy

Abstract Side-viewing hollow optical waveguides allow for minimally invasive endoscopy by concentrically guiding light and sound for photoacoustic generation and detection. Here, we characterize the side-viewing photoacoustic waveguide (PWG) endoscope by scanning 7.2 μm diameter carbon fiber threads within phantom tissues and animal tissues. Photoacoustic signals are carried along the 5.5 and 10.0 cm length of the PWG with minimal attenuation. Thus, this technology enables 360°, deep-tissue photoacoustic imaging. Photoacoustic signals were identified up to 8.0 mm from the PWG imaging window in an optically clear medium. The outer diameter of this device is measured as just over 1.0 mm, with the potential to be further miniaturized due to its unique design. The PWG is an ideal candidate for a myriad of pre-clinical and clinical applications where typical photoacoustic endoscopy systems are impractical, due to their size. Presented here, is the first side-viewing photoacoustic waveguide endoscope.
The Vector Poisson Channel: On the Linearity of the Conditional Mean Estimator

This work studies properties of the conditional mean estimator in vector Poisson noise. The main emphasis is to study conditions on prior distributions that induce linearity of the conditional mean estimator. The paper consists of two main results. The first result shows that the only distribution that induces the linearity of the conditional mean estimator is a product gamma distribution. Moreover, it is shown that the conditional mean estimator cannot be linear when the dark current parameter of the Poisson noise is non-zero. The second result produces a quantitative refinement of the first result. Specifically, it is shown that if the conditional mean estimator is close to linear in a mean squared error sense, then the prior distribution must be close to a product gamma distribution in terms of their Laplace transforms. Finally, the results are compared to their Gaussian counterparts.
Psychometric Properties of Cross Ethnic-Racial Identity Scale-Adult (CERIS-A) Scores: A Replication Study

In this paper, we examined the internal consistency and structural validity of Cross Ethnic-Racial Identity Scale-Adult (CERIS-A) scores. The CERIS-A, developed to assess ethnic-racial identity att...
Strategic Writing for UX: Drive Engagement, Conversion, and Retention With Every Word: Torrey Podmajersky [Book Review]

This book aims to teach other user experience (UX) writers and technical communicators the content strategy that they need to “fix the words” for their companies. Pulling from her experience working at companies like Xbox, Microsoft, and Google, the author provides a digestible, practical guide to aid UX and microcopy writers in creating content that is consistent, brief, and useful within digital experiences. The author argues that the key in creating user brand affinity is having a consistent voice across a digital experience. That is why content strategists must establish voice guidelines. Strategic Writing for UX does have some drawbacks. Unfortunately, the author does not cover how junior UX writers or writers without organizational support can argue for broader overhaul of a product’s content or for implementing a content strategy. Her suggestions and examples are smart and insightful, but if a reader works for a company that would not invest in content strategy, then the writer would not have much opportunity to put the author’s suggestions to use. And, perhaps ironic for a book on UX, the book’s example illustrations are often difficult to read. Overall, the book is a straightforward how-to, which is a strong addition to the emerging field of books on UX writing and provides a strong reference for UX and microcopy writers overhauling entire products. Content strategists and technical communicators alike will benefit from keeping a copy of this book handy, particularly when it is time to argue that product writing is about more than just “fix[ing] the words.”
The use of a free vascularized osteocuteanous flap from the medial femoral condyle for two separate cases of ulnar shaft nonunions in a single patient: A case report

Abstract The free vascularized osteocutaneous flap from the medial femoral condyle is an attractive option for limb salvage given its low donor morbidity site and reliable vascular supply. Its use was originally described for the use of nonunions with small bony defects and has shown reliable results for a variety of reconstructive needs. We present a case of a female patient who underwent two free vascularized corticoperiosteal medial femoral condyle grafts to her right ulna during two separate surgeries for treatment of consecutive ulnar shaft nonunions. The patient had a prior malignant soft tissue tumor resection of her forearm followed by chemotheraphy and radiation, which presented unique challenges during their course of limb salvage. Six months after the most recent procedure, the patient has a functional limb and no evidence of nonunion on imaging.
Percutaneous Cryoablation of Large Tumors: Safety, Feasibility, and Technical Considerations.

INTRODUCTION Large tumors may prove unsuitable for surgical cure or other local therapies due to their size, involvement of critical structures, prior non-ablative treatment failure, or coexisting disease burden. This study was performed to assess the safety and feasibility of percutaneous cryoablation for treatment of large tumors exceeding 6 cm in size, and to highlight the key technical considerations inherent to such cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS This single-institution retrospective study identified 77 patients (42 male, 35 female; median age 55 years) who underwent 96 cryoablation procedures for treatment of 78 tumors (mean diameter 9.8 ± 3.6 cm) from 2008 through 2020. Technical success, procedure-related complications, mortality, oncologic outcomes, and procedural logistics were evaluated. Technical success was defined as ice ball extension at least 5 mm beyond the tumor margins. RESULTS Intentional subtotal ablations were performed in 32% of cases due to tumor encroachment on vulnerable structures or as part of staged/combined therapies. Of the 68% of cases that were planned for complete ablation, the technical success rate was 100%. Major complications occurred after 19/96 (20%) procedures, with hemorrhage and acute kidney injury each occurring in 6/96 (6%). Post-procedural myositis occurred in 24/96 (25%) cases and was not considered a major complication in the absence of acute kidney injury. Local recurrence occurred in 2/23 (8.7%) of patients undergoing ablation for cure or local control at a median follow-up duration of 13 months. CONCLUSION Percutaneous cryoablation may be used to treat large (> 6 cm) tumors with a high degree of technical success and an acceptable safety profile.
B2B Branding in Emerging Markets: A Sustainability Perspective

Abstract B2B companies, especially in emerging markets, operate in socio-economically and ecologically vulnerable areas. We develop a conceptual model for how they can leverage sustainability to build their corporate reputation and reap both social and financial rewards. In doing so companies change their orientation from being market, customer or even shareholder driven and transcend to being stakeholder driven. To demonstrate this we examine seven case studies of select industrial companies in emerging markets that have adopted the triple bottom line approach. Based on this we recommend a research agenda for B2B brand building on a sustainability marketing platform in emerging markets.
Acquiring similarity cases for classification problems

The situation assessment and similarity components of the interpretive case-based reasoning process are integral for a successful case retrieval. However, for classification problems there are domains where it can be difficult to define sets of relevant features to extract from a problem description. Likewise it is not always obvious which of these features to apply to the similarity assessment process and what, if any, weights they should be given. We suggest learning the concept of similarity by training on a set of past situations. Rather then develop a general function, we store the knowledge gained in individual similarity comparisons as similarity cases. These similarity cases define a similarity space that can be searched to identify how new problem situations can be classified. This paper describes our approach of acquiring similarity cases in the context of a straightforward classification task. A proof of concept system was built that creates similarity cases from a repository of known spam email messages and can use the similarity cases to classify unknown messages as positive or negative examples of spam.
Degradation of Escherichia coli Chromosome After Infection by Bacteriophage T4: Role of Bacteriophage Gene D2a

Mutations in the D2a gene of bacteriophage T4 have recently been shown to result in the stabilization of cytosine-containing phage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) made after infection by phage gene 56 (deoxycytidine triphosphatase) mutants. In the experiments reported here, we investigate the role of the D2a gene in the degradation of the host chromosome. We find that if T4 endonuclease II, a product of the phage gene denA, is active, host chromosome degradation appears normal, regardless of the presence of the D2a gene product. However, if T4 endonuclease II is absent, a small amount of host chromosome degradation occurs, but only if the D2a product is present. These results are interpreted in terms of the hypothesis that D2a controls a nuclease which degrades cytosine-containing DNA. Neither D2a nor denA mutations affect the shut-off of host DNA synthesis.
Public Versus Private Land Ownership to Preserve Wildlife Habitat

Conversion and fragmentation of native habitats are considered the primary threats to endangered wildlife. While a purely market-based economy does not compensate private landowners for the public environmental services that their property provides the general public has expressed a willingness to pay for environmental services. This willingness to pay has been expressed through federal and state government agencies that buy and manage environmentally sensitive lands. Public ownership insures the provision of environmental services from a particular property. At the same time it provides the landowner with a measure of compensation for relinquishing his or her property rights. Annualized costs for acquisition and maintenance in southwest Florida were estimated to be $30 per acre. Limited public monies and a desire to improve flexibility of conservation programs have led to discussions of creating conservation leases for private landowners. Involving private landowners in a habitat conservation program has the opportunity to enhance the overall flexibility of achieving environmental goals. True flexibility of incentive payments to private landowners will depend upon the linkage of payments to habitat quality and the measurement of the level of environmental services provided by individual landowners.
Building strategic alliances

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight findings from research presented at the 2007 International Academy of African Business and Development Conference in London, UK.Design/methodology/approach – A select group of papers were chosen from the proceedings and presentations made at the conference for this report. The International Academy of African Business and Development Conference draws participants from the USA, Europe, Africa and Asia.Findings – Research findings from the empirical studies indicated women and people of color face continue to face barriers in employment and the workplace. Women continue to experience gender role stereotypes detrimental to their careers and entrepreneurial endeavors.Originality/value – The research papers selected give some insight into the issues of gender and diversity from a cross‐cultural perspective.
Optimizing Faculty Use of Writing as a Learning Tool in Geoscience Education

As geoscience educators, we focus on helping students understand technical content and learn to think like geoscientists. Although research substantiates writing as a tool for teaching technical content and disciplinary thinking, geoscience educators often do not integrate writing in geoscience education because of the frustrations and exigencies involved. To address these issues, this paper describes the literature on using writing as a learning tool in both cross-disciplinary and geoscience teaching contexts. Further, we describe our Less is More approach, designed so faculty can spend less time grading student writing and still yield more learning benefits from incorporating writing. This approach involves five strategies, including explicitly integrating assignments with course objectives, designing effective assignments, incorporating process writing, evaluating writing effectively and efficiently, and consulting appropriate campus resources. Results of an initial assessment using this approach with ...
Gravitational Lenses as Tools in Observational Cosmology

The study of gravitational lenses is intimately tied to observational cosmology. When we observe a gravitationally lensed quasar, we are viewing a single object along two or more neighboring paths (null geodesies) of cosmological dimensions (Figure 1). What we see depends on bulk properties of the universe, such as Ho and qo, on the large scale structure and inhomogeneities along the paths, and on the small scale structure in and around the primary deflector. Furthermore, the deflection of light depends on the gravitational field along the line of sight, so it is sensitive to all forms of matter: luminous or dark, baryonic or exotic. Thus the images of gravitationally lensed quasars contain an imprint of the universe that is virtually inaccessible by any other means. The hope of decoding this imprint has stimulated observers and theorists to expend many thousands of hours of telescope time, computer time and cogitation on the elucidation of gravitational lens properties
Failed arthroplasty after proximal humerus fracture

Failure of arthroplasty for proximal humerus fracture is a common problem with a variety of modes of failure. Revision of failed arthroplasty is complex and commonly has inferior clinical outcome to primary arthroplasty. Successful management often balances the combined modes of failure like tuberosity malunion or resorbtion, rotator cuff deficiency, glenoid arthritis, bone loss, component loosening, stiffness, or infection. Revision to reverse shoulder arthroplasty has attractive properties to solve issues with instability, rotator cuff dysfunction, and glenoid arthritis but is fraught with significant complication rates and outcomes inferior to primary reverse replacement for cuff tear arthropathy.
The Collapse of the Harm Principle Redux: On Same-Sex Marriage, the Supreme Court’s Opinion in United States v. Windsor, John Stuart Mill’s essay On Liberty (1859), and H.L.A. Hart’s Modern Harm Principle

In an article published in 1999, titled The Collapse of the Harm Principle, I argued that the harm principle, originally articulated in John Stuart Mill’s essay On Liberty (1859), had collapsed under the weight of its own success and no longer serves, today, as a limiting principle on the legal enforcement of morality. Several readers raised forceful questions about the relationship between Mill’s original essay and the harm principle, as well as about the continuing vitality of Mill’s argument. In this article, I return to my original argument to draw an important distinction and clarify a central point. The argument in The Collapse of the Harm Principle can be slightly restated and, I believe, continues to shed light on contemporary debates over the legal regulation of morality: Today, the hegemony of the modern harm principle, developed by liberal legal thinkers at mid-twentieth century, continues to generate a proliferation of harm arguments, and the competing claims of non-trivial harms have effectively neutralized the limiting function of the harm principle. I then demonstrate the continued vitality of the argument by exploring the recent Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage, United States v. Windsor, which, I argue, reflects perfectly the collapse of the harm principle.