cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple Cutaneous Granular Cell Tumors Simulating Prurigo Nodularis

: A 37-year-old black man with 64 pruritic cutaneous granular cell tumors represents the highest number of such lesions ever reported. The clinical resemblance to prurigo nodularis are the unique features. Partial response to intralesional corticosteroid injection is noted.
The Future of the Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition (MICE) Industry Buyer-Seller Relationship

Abstract Is the future of the buyer-seller relationship between meeting planners and hotel salespeople in the MICE industry more likely to be high tech or high touch? A series of Hotel Sales and Marketing International (HSMAI) “think tanks” could not agree on an answer to this question (Rach, n.d.). However, since the 1980s, the emphasis in business-to-business selling has been on building long-term buyer-seller relationships through the relationship/consultative selling approach (i.e., high touch) (Alessandra & Barrera, 1993; Swenson & Link, 1998). The question is whether technology, particularly the growth of the Internet, may be causing the selling environment to change from the relationship/consultative approach to a traditional, transaction oriented approach (i.e., high tech). The framework for the proposed analysis is the continuum of buyer preferences for working relationships with sellers (Anderson & Narus, 1991). What is proposed is that further research needs to be done in the area of understand...
An off‐campus counseling experience

(1967). An off‐campus counseling experience. Peabody Journal of Education: Vol. 45, No. 1, pp. 47-51.
Crystal structure of the 25 kDa subunit of human cleavage factor Im

Cleavage factor I(m) is an essential component of the pre-messenger RNA 3'-end processing machinery in higher eukaryotes, participating in both the polyadenylation and cleavage steps. Cleavage factor I(m) is an oligomer composed of a small 25 kDa subunit (CF I(m)25) and a variable larger subunit of either 59, 68 or 72 kDa. The small subunit also interacts with RNA, poly(A) polymerase, and the nuclear poly(A)-binding protein. These protein-protein interactions are thought to be facilitated by the Nudix domain of CF I(m)25, a hydrolase motif with a characteristic alpha/beta/alpha fold and a conserved catalytic sequence or Nudix box. We present here the crystal structures of human CF I(m)25 in its free and diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap(4)A) bound forms at 1.85 and 1.80 A, respectively. CF I(m)25 crystallizes as a dimer and presents the classical Nudix fold. Results from crystallographic and biochemical experiments suggest that CF I(m)25 makes use of its Nudix fold to bind but not hydrolyze ATP and Ap(4)A. The complex and apo protein structures provide insight into the active oligomeric state of CF I(m) and suggest a possible role of nucleotide binding in either the polyadenylation and/or cleavage steps of pre-messenger RNA 3'-end processing.
TNF reduces LIF endocytosis despite increasing NFκB-mediated gp130 expression

To examine how the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) modulates the response of cerebral microvessels to other cytokines, we used rat cerebral microvessel endothelial RBE4 cells to simulate the in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB). The gp130 receptor, which is shared by the interleukin (IL)-6 family of cytokines, showed specific upregulation by TNF. TNF treatment (5 ng/ml for 30 min to 24 h) increased gp130 at both the levels of transcription and protein expression. The stability of gp130 protein was mediated by NFκB activity, as the inhibitors quinazoline and MG132 not only blocked the increase induced by 6 h of TNF treatment, but also reduced its basal level of expression. By contrast, the lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine and the extracellular regulated kinase inhibitor U0126 showed no effect. Despite the increase of gp130, TNF caused a significant reduction in the cell binding and endocytosis of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), another proinflammatory cytokine that binds to the gp130 co-receptor and its unique gp190 receptor. This is consistent with our previous findings that TNF reduces gp190 expression and Stat3 activation. Thus, TNF stimulation results in decreased responsiveness of RBE4 cells to LIF, indicating complex regulatory interactions of cytokines at the BBB. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 161–166, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of Surfactant Hydrophobicity on the Pathway for Unfolding of Ubiquitin

This paper describes the interaction between ubiquitin (UBI) and three sodium n-alkyl sulfates (SCnS) that have the same charge (Z = −1) but different hydrophobicity ( n= 10, 12, or 14). Increasing the hydrophobicity of the n-alkyl sulfate resulted in (i) an increase in the number of distinct intermediates (that is, complexes of UBI and surfactant) that form along the pathway of unfolding, (ii) a decrease in the minimum concentrations of surfactant at which intermediates begin to form (i.e., a more negative ΔGbinding of surfactant for UBI), and (iii) an increase in the number of surfactant molecules bound to UBI in each intermediate or complex. These results demonstrate that small changes in the hydrophobicity of a surfactant can significantly alter the binding interactions with a folded or unfolded cytosolic protein.
Effect of cricopharyngeus myotomy on postlaryngectomy pharyngeal contraction pressures

After total laryngectomy, the cricopharyngeus muscle, when intact, appears to inhibit the free flow of saliva and secretions past the pharyngeal repair into the upper esophagus. The authors hypothesize that cricopharyngeus myotomy reduces sphincteric pressure, thereby diminishing forces against the pharyngeal suture line. Peak pharyngeal pressures were recorded in patients who underwent total laryngectomy with and without cricopharyngeus myotomy. In patients without concurrent myotomy, peak pharyngeal pressures were all greater than 60 mm Hg. With concurrent myotomy, peak pharyngeal pressures averaged less than 40 mm Hg. Concurrent myotomy carries with it the potential for minimizing postoperative fistulization, eliminating dysphagia of cricopharyngeus spasm, and improving the acquisition of alaryngeal speech.
Gall Size-Dependent Survival for Asphondylia atriplicis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on Atriplex canescens

“Bottom-up” factors strongly influenced the spatial and temporal pattern of survival of Asphondylia atriplicis Townsend (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutall (Chenopodiaceae) at three locations in Phoenix, AZ. In contrast, “top-down” effects of natural enemies did not influence the pattern of A. atriplicis mortality. A. atriplicis induces a fleshy, multilocular, rounded stem-gall near the apical meristems of A. canescens. A. atriplicis survival increased as gall size increased, and as the depth of larva in the gall increased. Larval mortality from unknown factors on A. atriplicis decreased with gall size, but the overall interval parasitism rate did not change significantly with gall size. The interval parasitism rate for the eurytomid parasitoid group with the shortest ovipositor was negatively correlated with gall size, but interval parasitism by all other parasitoids was not influenced by gall size. Gall size was strongly influenced by the bottom-up forces of environmental and plant heterogeneity. Gall size varied among seasons, sites, and plants. Larval survival and gall-size covaried in each season and site and among plants.
Restoring forest in wetlands dominated by reed canarygrass: The effects of pre-planting treatments on early survival of planted stock

Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is an aggressive and persistent invasive species in formerly forested wetlands of the northern United States. Heavy shading reduces the dominance of reed canarygrass, so a promising long-term approach to restoration of reed canarygrass-dominated wetlands is the establishment of woody plants that will overtop and shade the grass. The first step toward developing this long-term restoration method is to determine a combination of reed canarygrass control methods and suitable trees and shrubs to provide high early survival of the native woody plants. We tested 23 tree and shrub species in five treatments to determine: 1) the woody species that have the highest survival when planted in treated stands of reed canarygrass, and 2) the pre-planting treatments that lead to the highest rates of survival. Near-monocultures of reed canarygrass were herbicided, mowed and herbicided, herbicided and plowed, or herbicided and burned. One- to three-year-old, mostly bare-rooted trees and shrubs were hand-planted into these treatments and into untreated control plots at three sites, and over two growing seasons. Fall herbicide followed by spring plowing provided the highest survival for the majority of species planted. However, all experimental treatments (controlling reed canarygrass with a single herbicide application) provided reasonably high survival of the 10 most successful woody species. Those pre-planting treatments and study sites that developed the greatest herbaceous species diversity after treatment had the highest tree and shrub survival. The early establishment success we found using these methods is encouraging for development of a technique for restoring swamp forest in degraded reed canarygrass-dominated wetlands.
TIME-DEPENDENT ALTERATIONS IN THE DEFORMABILITY OF HUMAN NEUTROPHILS IN RESPONSE TO CHEMOTACTIC ACTIVATION

Transit times of individual human neutrophils through single capillary-sized pores were measured to determine the time-dependent changes in the mechanical behavior of the cells during activation by the chemotactic agent formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) and in response to cytochalasin B (CTB) and colchicine. FMLP elicited a two-phase response consisting of a rapid increase in cell stiffness, which peaked between 2 and 3 minutes, followed by a partial recovery of deformability to a level significantly above that of control after 5 minutes. The mechanical changes closely followed changes in F-actin content, although the peak in cell stiffness appeared to lag the F-actin response. Treatment with 3 mumols/L CTB produced a transient decrease in cell rigidity followed by a return to control level in 10 minutes, whereas treatment with 30 mumols/L CTB resulted in a sustained decrease in cell transit times to a level 60% of control. Addition of 3 mumols/L CTB to cells prestimulated with FMLP produced a rapid (1 to 2 minutes) cessation of changes in cellular deformability produced by the FMLP. Colchicine treatment did not decrease cell rigidity, but produced a delayed increase in F-actin content accompanied by increased stiffness of the cells. These results implicate actin as the major determinant of the mechanical behavior of the neutrophil, as measured by whole cell deformability tests. The significant changes in cell deformability that occur in response to fractional changes in F-actin content suggest that changes in the structure of the actin network occur during these processes.
Religion, Spirituality, and Positive Psychology: History and Definitions

This chapter serves as an introduction to the underlying themes and assumptions of this volume, Faith from a Positive Psychology Perspective. First, we review the history of the relationship between religion, science, and the field of psychology, highlighting the tensions that have existed among these fields for decades. Second, we offer an introduction to the field of Positive Psychology as an exemplary context in which to understand the relationship between religion/spirituality and optimal human functioning. We view religion and spirituality as one of many character strengths/virtues that has the potential to contribute to optimal human functioning and ultimately “the good life.” Third, because defining the constructs of religion/spirituality and optimal human functioning have been such a challenge to their empirical study, various definitions of religion, spirituality, well-being, and optimal functioning adopted in the social sciences are offered. Finally, we close the chapter by identifying the specific goals and objectives of Faith from a Positive Psychology Perspective.
A Method for Combining Isolates of Phytophthora sojae to Screen for Novel Sources of Resistance to Phytophthora Stem and Root Rot in Soybean

Soybean cultivars with specific single resistance genes (Rps) are grown to reduce yield loss due to Phytophthora stem and root rot caused by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora sojae. To identify novel Rps loci, soybean lines are often screened several times, each time with an isolate of P. sojae that differs in virulence on various Rps genes. The goal of this study was to determine whether several isolates of P. sojae that differ in virulence on Rps genes could be combined into a single source of inoculum and used to screen soybean lines for novel Rps genes. A set of 14 soybean differential lines, each carrying a specific Rps gene, was inoculated with three isolates of P. sojae, which differed in virulence on 6 to 10 Rps genes, individually or in a 1:1:1 mixture. Inoculum containing the 1:1:1 mixture of isolates was virulent on 13 Rps genes. The mixed-inoculum method was used to screen 1,019 soybean accessions in a blind assay for novel sources of resistance. In all, 17% of Glycine max accessions and 11% ...
Probing Diels–Alder reactivity on a model CNT sidewall

Abstract We have synthesized a cycloparaphenylene containing a perylene motif that is a model for a carbon nanotube sidewall. The reactivity of the sidewall model towards a Diels–Alder reaction using a masked acetylene was examined and similar reactivity was observed between the macrocyclic and planar substrate. This study suggests that a Diels–Alder reaction is a viable method for carbon nanotube growth using an appropriate template.
Behavior of Male Twospotted Spider Mites in Response to Quiescent Female Deutonymphs and to Web

The behavior of adult male Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acarina: Tetranychidae) was influenced by the presence of quiescent female deutonymphs and by female deutonymph web. Male tracks were recorded by long exposure infrared photography. Initial analysis of tracks was made by computing the angular change per millimeter of travel and the use of the coefficient of a straight line. There was a significant correlation between these techniques. The coefficient was therefore used in most analyses. The presence of quiescent female deutonymphs caused the tracks of males to become more linear with time. Males alone showed general convoluted movements during the test period. Female deutonymph web initiated relatively linear male travel, but there was no trend toward linearity with time. Web and quiescent female deutonymphs combined, induced relatively linear male travel; and the trend toward linearity continued with time. A multicomponent system stimulates male searching behavior for quiescent female deutonymphs.
Treaties, Executive Agreements, and the Panama Joint Resolution of 1943

A recent Congressional debate appears to have been one of the opening skirmishes on the question of whether the postwar commitments of the United States should be accepted by treaty or by unfettered executive discretion. On August 13, 1942, President Roosevelt transmitted to Congress a request for the passage of an enclosed draft joint resolution ostensibly “authorizing the execution of certain obligations under the treaties of 1903 and 1936 with Panama, and other commitments.” The President's message, after referring to the “thoroughly cooperative” attitude of the Panamanian Government in the present crisis and stating that “on March 5, 1941, the President of the Republic of Panama issued a manifesto making available for use by the United States certain defense sites in the territory of that Republic,” added that the time had come to make certain concessions long desired by the Republic of Panama. “Accordingly,” continued the message, “I deem it advisable that this Government convey to Panama the water and sewerage systems in the cities of Panama and Colon; that it relinquish its extensive real-estate holdings in the cities of Colon and Panama, so far as these holdings are not essential to the operation and protection of the Canal; and that it liquidate the credit of two and a half million dollars made available to the Republic of Panama by the Export-Import Bank for the construction of Panama's share of the Chorrera-Rio Hato Highway, a road essential to our defense requirements and constructed in accordance with standards made essential by these requirements.”
KRAS Mutant Pancreatic Cancer: No Lone Path to an Effective Treatment

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest cancers with a dismal 7% 5-year survival rate and is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2020. KRAS is mutated in 95% of PDACs and is a well-validated driver of PDAC growth and maintenance. However, despite comprehensive efforts, an effective anti-RAS drug has yet to reach the clinic. Different paths to inhibiting RAS signaling are currently under investigation in the hope of finding a successful treatment. Recently, direct RAS binding molecules have been discovered, challenging the perception that RAS is an "undruggable" protein. Other strategies currently being pursued take an indirect approach, targeting proteins that facilitate RAS membrane association or downstream effector signaling. Unbiased genetic screens have identified synthetic lethal interactors of mutant RAS. Most recently, metabolic targets in pathways related to glycolytic signaling, glutamine utilization, autophagy, and macropinocytosis are also being explored. Harnessing the patient's immune system to fight their cancer is an additional exciting route that is being considered. The "best" path to inhibiting KRAS has yet to be determined, with each having promise as well as potential pitfalls. We will summarize the state-of-the-art for each direction, focusing on efforts directed toward the development of therapeutics for pancreatic cancer patients with mutated KRAS.
Learning the Speech Front-end with Raw Waveform CLDNNs

Learning an acoustic model directly from the raw waveform has been an active area of research. However, waveformbased models have not yet matched the performance of logmel trained neural networks. We will show that raw waveform features match the performance of log-mel filterbank energies when used with a state-of-the-art CLDNN acoustic model trained on over 2,000 hours of speech. Specifically, we will show the benefit of the CLDNN, namely the time convolution layer in reducing temporal variations, the frequency convolution layer for preserving locality and reducing frequency variations, as well as the LSTM layers for temporal modeling. In addition, by stacking raw waveform features with log-mel features, we achieve a 3% relative reduction in word error rate.
Occasional decisiveness: Exception, decision and resistance in Kierkegaard and Schmitt:

This article explores the political potential of Kierkegaard's Repetition and develops a model of non-sovereign agency by analysing the figure of the ‘young man’, the main protagonist of the book. ...
The etiology of chronic interstitial pneumonitis associated with lipid deposition; an experimental study.

SUMMARY K. pneumoniae and Past. pseudotuberculosis in the presence of high blood-lipid levels produced a pneumonitis in rabbits characterized by deposition of large quantities of cholesterol and fat in the inflammatory areas. The pathologic lesions closely resembled “cholesterol,” “endogenous lipid,” or “foam cell” pneumonia previously described in human beings and were similar to several other types of xanthomatous lesions. In the presence of normal blood-lipid levels, fat and cholesterol also appeared in small amounts in chronically inflamed areas. Similar phenomena occurred in ischemic muscle, suggesting that the process was dependent upon local physicochemical conditions. The suggestion is made that local acidosis developing in an injured or infected tissue has an adverse effect upon the colloidal lipids. The effect of lowered pH is largely on the charge exhibited by colloidal lipids and proteins. The pathologic significance of the reaction between basic proteins, phospholipids, and negatively charged (anionic) lipids is discussed.
Sleeve Advancement Distal Hypospadias Repair

We report the technique and late results of a procedure for selected cases of distal hypospadias called sleeve advancement urethroplasty. This procedure incorporates correction of chordee, distal urethral mobilization and glans plasty in patients with coronal or distal subcoronal hypospadias. A total of 69 boys underwent this procedure at our institution: 59 as a primary repair and 10 for correction of meatal retraction after a previous failed reconstruction. Cosmetic results were excellent in most patients. Complications included meatal retraction in 2 patients and mild meatal stenosis in 2 in the primary repair group, and meatal stenosis in 3 (with associated fistula in 1) in the secondary repair group. Although not a replacement for meatal-based flap procedures, and more tedious to perform than the meatal advancement and glanuloplasty procedure, we have been impressed with the superior cosmetic results and minimal morbidity of the sleeve advancement urethroplasty.
Epidermal nevus syndrome

Epidermal nevi are linear hamartomas of epidermal structures that usually appear at birth or during infancy. Patients with the epidermal nevus syndrome have epidermal nevi with abnormalities of the central nervous system, eyes, and bones, and other cutaneous alterations.
Evaluation of the Microwave Heating Technique as an Alternative Method for Preparing Technetium-99m-Sulfur Colloid

Objective: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate microwave heating preparations of 99mTc-sulfur colloid during a 4-wk period. Methods: The 99mTc-SC kit preparation was performed according to the package insert with microwave heating modifications. Results: During the first 2 wk, patient studies (n = 14) showed excellent images, however during the last 2 wk patient studies (n = 18) demonstrated lung uptake with clumping (n = 16). The average radiochemical purity of the microwaved 99mTc-SC preparations for the first and second 2-wk periods were 98.9% ± 0.9% (n = 9) and 99.3% ± 0.4% (n = 9), respectively. Eight of 18 microwaved 99mTc-SC kits were used in 16 patient studies which showed lung uptake. The 99mTc radioactivity of the prepared 99mTc-SC ranged from 51–241 mCi for the first 2 wk, and 62–242 mCi during the last 2 wk. There is no particular day of the week associated with the use of 99mTc eluates. The preparation and injection of the microwaved 99mTc-SC were all randomly performed by different nuclear medicine technologists. When comparing lot numbers of the cold kits, two kits came from one lot number, whereas 16 kits from another lot number. Conclusions: Our findings showed the microwave heating method may not be an optimal method to prepare 99mTc-SC, although the reason for the lung uptake is not clear.
QMC Computation of Confidence Intervals for a Sleep Performance Model

A five-dimensional Bayesian forecasting model for cognitive performance impairment during sleep deprivation is used to approximately determine confidence intervals for psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) prediction. Simulation is required to locate the boundary of a confidence region for the model pdf surface. Further simulation is then used to determine PVT lapse confidence intervals as a function of sleep deprivation time. Quasi-Monte Carlo simulation methods are constructed for the two types of simulations. The results from these simulations are compared with results from previous methods, which have used various combinations of grid-search, numerical optimization and simple Monte Carlo methods.
Revitalizing a Structural Antitrust Policy

The outstanding truths of life, the great and unquestioned phenomena of society, are not to be argued away as myths and vagaries when they do not fit within our little molds. If necessary, we must ...
Defining Molecular Details of the Chemistry of Biofilm Formation by Raman Microspectroscopy

Two protocols that allow for the comparison of Raman spectra of planktonic cells and biofilm formed from these cells in their growth phase have been developed. Planktonic cells are washed and flash-frozen in <1 min to reduce the time for metabolic changes during processing, prior to freeze-drying. Biofilm is formed by standing cells in 50 μL indentations in aluminum foil in an atmosphere of saturated water vapor for 24–48 h. The results for Escherichia coli type K12 cells, which do not readily form biofilm, are compared to those for Staphylococcus epidermidis cells, which prolifically synthesize biofilm. For E. coli, the Raman spectra of the planktonic and biofilm samples are similar with the exception that the spectral signature of RNA, present in planktonic cells, could not be detected in biofilm. For S. epidermidis, major changes occur upon biofilm formation. In addition to the absence of the RNA features, new bands occur near 950 cm–1 and between 1350 and 1420 cm–1 that are associated with an increase...
Temporal Learning Using Second-Order Memristors

Utilizing internal dynamic processes in memristors may allow the devices to process temporal data natively. In this letter, we show the ability of second-order memristors to process information in the time domain, and discuss a memristive STDP network that can learn and classify temporal as well as classical data patterns.
Structures and Mechanisms of the Non-Heme Fe(II)- and 2-Oxoglutarate-Dependent Ethylene-Forming Enzyme: Substrate Binding Creates a Twist.

The ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE) from Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola PK2 is a member of the mononuclear nonheme Fe(II)- and 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-dependent oxygenase superfamily. EFE converts 2OG into ethylene plus three CO2 molecules while also catalyzing the C5 hydroxylation of l-arginine (l-Arg) driven by the oxidative decarboxylation of 2OG to form succinate and CO2. Here we report 11 X-ray crystal structures of EFE that provide insight into the mechanisms of these two reactions. Binding of 2OG in the absence of l-Arg resulted in predominantly monodentate metal coordination, distinct from the typical bidentate metal-binding species observed in other family members. Subsequent addition of l-Arg resulted in compression of the active site, a conformational change of the carboxylate side chain metal ligand to allow for hydrogen bonding with the substrate, and creation of a twisted peptide bond involving this carboxylate and the following tyrosine residue. A reconfiguration of 2OG achieves bidentate...
Organic Chemistry Students’ Understandings of What Makes a Good Leaving Group

Thirty-six students enrolled in Organic Chemistry II participated in individual, semistructured, think-aloud interviews about the factors that contribute to the stability and reactivity of organic species in the context of unimolecular and bimolecular nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions. The students were provided with the mechanistic steps for these reactions. Most students correctly identified the leaving groups in these reactions and referred to them as “good leaving groups”. However, less than half of the students could explain the electronic and structural factors that justify characterizing a species as a “good” leaving group. Nearly one-third of the students who were interviewed were unable to provide any explanation of what factors result in a chemical species being a “good” leaving group. These findings are discussed through the lenses of both Perry’s scheme of intellectual development and Ausubel and Novak’s theory of meaningful learning.
PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY AND THE STUDY OF PROTOCRITIC PROCESSES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses protocritic processes of the brain. The term protocritic is derived from Henry Head (1920) who, on the basis of experiments in which he severed his own peripheral nerves and studied his sensations as regeneration occurred, discerned two modes of feeling: epicritic and protopathic. Epicritic sensations carried local signs, that is, they allowed the stimulus to be referred to a point in space–time. By contrast, protopathic feelings, which occurred while the nerves were regenerating and before they had re-established their normal spectrum of fibre-sizes, globally reflected the intensive dimension of the stimulus. The foregoing analysis and the review of evidence indicates that systems of core brain stem, basal ganglia, and limbic forebrain structures can be discerned in which neurochemical events underlie to a large extent the behavioral functions that are regulated by these structures. Three classes of systems have been discerned. One class determines specific neuromuscular readiness and neurosensory readiness. A second deals with the momentary cessations of ongoing behavior; cessations that are interrupting distractors, the intervention of satiety, or the recurrence of reinforcing events. The third class of systems coordinates the readiness of the organism with the processes that lead to their momentary suspension. The neurochemical constitution of this class of systems is hormonal with neuropeptides operating on the hormonally induced neural state to regulate behavior.
The relationship between chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

e22111Background: There are nearly 3 million survivors of breast cancer and the number continues to grow as advancements in treatments improve overall survival. This increase in survivorship necess...
Comparative Analysis of Non-Isolated and Isolated Type Partial-Power Optimizers for PV-Battery Series Inverter Architecture

A seamless battery integration with higher power conversion efficiency and lower system power rating can be achieved by adopting the DC-series battery integration topology into a photovoltaic (PV) string inverter system, the PV-battery series inverter. The PV-battery series inverter uses the partial-power processing technique to achieve flexible current control between PV string and battery. In the process of designing the partial-power DC-DC optimizer, different types of DC-DC converters and different size of batteries can be considered, and the system efficiency and the power rating vary based on the system design. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the different type partial-power optimizers for the PV-battery series inverter in residential rooftop applications « 10kW PV output power, < 500V DC-bus voltage), in consideration of the DC-DC converter topology. Non-isolated and isolated bidirectional DC-DC converters are considered and selection of battery voltage in each case is made to have the optimized system design. The operation of the designed DC-DC optimizer is verified through controller hardware-in-the-loop test.
Emerging Perspectives on Planning and Change Processes.

The development of ideas in planning and change has been affected by empirical studies from practice. Historical theories relative to planned change are being modified by this impact and are shifti...
Safety of the 9-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

BACKGROUND: The 9-valent human papillomavirus vaccine (9vHPV) was approved for females and males aged 9 to 26 years in 2014. We analyzed postlicensure surveillance reports to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). METHODS: We searched VAERS data for US reports of adverse events (AEs) after 9vHPV from December 2014 through December 2017. We calculated reporting rates and conducted empirical Bayesian data mining to identify disproportional reporting. Physicians reviewed reports for selected prespecified conditions. RESULTS: VAERS received 7244 reports after 9vHPV: 31.2% among females, 21.6% among males, and for 47.2%, sex was not reported. Overall, 97.4% of reports were nonserious. Dizziness, syncope, headache, and injection site reactions were most commonly reported; the most commonly reported AEs were similar between females and males. Two reports of death after 9vHPV were verified; no information in autopsy reports or death certificates suggested a causal relationship with vaccination. Approximately 28 million 9vHPV doses were distributed during the study period; crude AE reporting rates were 259 reports per million 9vHPV doses distributed for all reports and 7 per million doses distributed for serious reports. Syncope (a known AE associated with human papillomavirus vaccination) and several types of vaccine administration errors (eg, administered at wrong age) exceeded the statistical threshold for empirical Bayesian data mining findings. CONCLUSIONS: No new or unexpected safety concerns or reporting patterns of 9vHPV with clinically important AEs were detected. The safety profile of 9vHPV is consistent with data from prelicensure trials and from postmarketing safety data of its predecessor, the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine.
Generation of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (KSCBi007-A) derived from a patient with Prader–Willi syndrome retain maternal uniparental disomy (UPD)

Abstract Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of paternally expressed genes in an imprinted region of 15q11.2–q13. We established a human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line, KSCBi007-A, from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a 5-month-old girl with PWS that retained maternal uniparental disomy (UPD). Methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) of genomic DNA revealed the maternal UPD in the hiPSCs. The generated hiPSC line expressed pluripotency markers and showed the ability to differentiate into three germ layers in vitro. This hiPSC line could be used as a cellular model of an imprinting disorder in humans.
Engineered Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines for Validation of CAR T Cell Function

A set of genetically engineered isogenic cell lines is developed to express either folate receptor alpha or mesothelin, and a control cell line negative for both antigens. These cell lines also express fluorescent and bioluminescent reporter transgenes. The cell lines are used to authenticate specificity and function of a T-cell biofactory, a living vector that is developed to express proportionate amounts of engineered proteins upon engaging with disease cells through their specific antigenic biomarkers. The engineered cell lines are also used to assess the cytolytic function and specificity of primary T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors; and the specificity of monoclonal antibodies. The strategy described can be used to generate other cell lines to present different disease-specific biomarkers for use as quality control tools.
The Science of Education.

Charles Pierce, the nineteenth century American philosopher, distinguished between four different ways of knowing (Cohen & Nagel, 1934), or as he put it, fixing belief. These four ways were (1) the method of tenacity, (2) the method of authority, (3) the method of intuition, and (4) the method of science. Since the 'science of education' obviously refers to the application of the method of science to the problems of education, we might, perhaps, best begin with a consideration of what we mean by science. One of the basic aims of science, other than the description of empirical phenomena, is to establish general principles by means of which the empirical phenomena can be explained and accounted for. In other words, one of the basic aims of science is theory, a set of interrelated constructs, definitions, and propositions that by specifying the relations among the relevant variables presents a systematic view and explanation of natural events. Of course, such explanation is not valuable only for its own sake but also in many cases because of prior interests in prediction and/ or control. In any case, not all sciences have developed theories to the same degree. In fact, the scientific disciplines can be and often are ordered according to the degree to which theoretical procedures or explanations are used as contrasted with correlational procedures or explanations. The latter, the less highly developed sciences, rely on describing the relationship between phenomena rather than accounting for them from general principles that may not be immediately given. In pursuing a goal of theory formation, the method of science is a specialized form of all reflective thinking and inquiry. Dewey, in his famous analysis of reflective thinking (Dewey, 1933, pp. 106-118), has given a general paradigm of problematical inquiry, and Kerlinger (1964, pp. 13-16) has adapted it for the special case of scientific
Bioremediation potential of bacterial species from a contaminated aquifer undergoing intrinsic remediation

Abstract As a mean to understand bacterial species involved in an ongoing bioremediation of a confined aquifer contaminated by a municipal solid waste landfill, culture-dependent and fluorescence microscopic techniques were used. Water samples from the contaminated aquifer and a background aquifer were extracted and subjected to chemical, bacteriological and microscopic analysis. Eighty-seven bacterial species were isolated, representing four phyla: Actinobacteria (25.3%), Bacteroidetes (16.1%), Firmicutes (3.4%) and Proteobacteria (55.2%). Among the Proteobacteria were Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria, in order of increasing abundance. A clear distinction between uncontaminated and contaminated groundwater was observed. Water samples from the uncontaminated groundwater had both low cell density and low species richness, as is expected of oligotrophic aquifers. On the other hand, water samples from the contaminated groundwater had higher cell density and species richness. The highest species richness was recorded from the distal well. The difference observed between the uncontaminated and contaminated groundwater samples highlights the influence of the landfill leachate on the microbial ecology. Majority of the species detected in the contaminated groundwater represented taxa frequently recovered from contaminated environments, with 47% of these having documented bioremediation potential either at species or at genus level. It is likely that the landfill leachate promoted a community of mostly heterotrophic culturable bacteria, as comparison between direct microscopic and plate counts seems to suggest so.
Introducing Text Analytics as a Graduate Business School Course

The Introduction section relates to the emerging interest of text analysis and brief assessment of the overall market. Included is a brief discussion of the growth of the technology and how it deviates from data mining. Teaching objectives are discussed in the second section and details of the class activities can be found in the third section. It is not in the scope of this paper to provide a tutorial on how to conduct text analytics research, but to demonstrate how the course can be managed as a semester-long course. A number of formal feedback sessions were conducted with the students and these results are reported in the fourth section. Lessons learned and Limitations are discussed in the fifth and sixth sections.
Effect of Aggressive Experience in Female Syrian Hamsters on Glutamate Receptor Expression in the Nucleus Accumbens

Our social relationships determine our health and well-being. In rodent models, there is now strong support for the rewarding properties of aggressive or assertive behaviors to be critical for the expression and development of adaptive social relationships, buffering from stress and protecting from the development of psychiatric disorders such as depression. However, due to the false belief that aggression is not a part of the normal repertoire of social behaviors displayed by females, almost nothing is known about the neural mechanisms mediating the rewarding properties of aggression in half the population. In the following study, using Syrian hamsters as a well-validated and translational model of female aggression, we investigated the effects of aggressive experience on the expression of markers of postsynaptic structure (PSD-95, Caskin I) and excitatory synaptic transmission (GluA1, GluA2, GluA4, NR2A, NR2B, mGluR1a, and mGluR5) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), caudate putamen and prefrontal cortex. Aggressive experience resulted in an increase in PSD-95, GluA1 and the dimer form of mGluR5 specifically in the NAc 24 h following aggressive experience. There was also an increase in the dimer form of mGluR1a 1 week following aggressive experience. Aggressive experience also resulted in an increase in the strength of the association between these postsynaptic proteins and glutamate receptors, supporting a common mechanism of action. In addition, 1 week following aggressive experience there was a positive correlation between the monomer of mGluR5 and multiple AMPAR and NMDAR subunits. In conclusion, we provide evidence that aggressive experience in females results in an increase in the expression of postsynaptic density, AMPARs and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors, and an increase in the strength of the association between postsynaptic proteins and glutamate receptors. This suggests that aggressive experience may result in an increase in excitatory synaptic transmission in the NAc, potentially encoding the rewarding and behavioral effects of aggressive interactions.
Input complementarity, patent trolls and unproductive entrepreneurship

Abstract I introduce and analyze an equilibrium model of discovery, innovation, patenting and infringement. Firms that innovate must adapt complementary inputs, and are ex ante uncertain about whether adaptations will be costly and whether they will infringe other patents. If adaptation requires undiscovered technology, then the firm faces a direct cost but never infringes another firm’s patent. If adaptation requires technology previously discovered by another firm, then the firm faces no direct cost but may infringe another firm’s patent and pay a licensing royalty. The main analysis considers the desirability and feasibility of having some firms specialize in discovery and patenting—that is, behave as non-practicing entities—while other firms innovate. I find that non-practicing entities increase welfare only if the cost of discovery and patenting is sufficiently low. But if royalties are too high, then too many firms choose to be non-practicing entities instead of innovating, and welfare is higher without them. If litigation is costly, then it may be optimal to deter non-practicing entities by eliminating patents for discoveries.
Interfacing with cryogenic sensors via 180 nm CMOS operating near 1 Kelvin

We present a scheme to interface with cryogenic sensors using standard 180 nm CMOS ASIC operating near 1 K temperatures. The 180 nm CMOS technology is highly accessible and inexpensive, both desirable traits for large-scale cryogenic electronics operating in the sub-Kelvin range. We present results showing this technology’s viability at temperatures reaching below 100 mK and discuss design considerations in the overall architecture, power reduction strategy, and signaling choices.
An examination of hybrid organized criminal groups’ alliances with terrorist groups

Alliances between organized criminal groups and terrorist groups are understudied relative to other crime-terror dynamics, and alliances between hybrid organized criminal groups and terrorist groups are virtually unstudied. This article compares organized criminal groups and hybrid organized criminal groups’ alliances with terrorist groups, employing the cases of the Camorra, D-Company, and the Albanian Mafia. It concludes that ‘pure’ organized criminal groups ally with terrorist groups solely for profit or survival, but that hybrid organized criminal groups, which mix profit and political motives, ally with terrorist groups for profit, survival, and ideological reasons. Finally, it offers thoughts on the future of the study of the crime-terror nexus.
Interpreting Congressional Silence: CAFA's Jurisdictional Burden of Proof in Post-Removal Remand Proceedings

According to the Senate Judiciary Committee, abuses of the class action device by aggressive lawyers and lenient state judges have “undermine[d] the national judicial system, the free flow of interstate commerce, and the concept of diversity jurisdiction as intended by the framers of the United States Constitution.”1 In response, Congress passed the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 (CAFA) in a stated attempt to reestablish the “fair and prompt” resolution of class actions.2 CAFA attempted to achieve this end by broadening the federal judiciary’s ability to hear large class actions, making significant modifications to both statutory law and judge-made federal precedent on subject matter jurisdiction and removal.3 Soon after CAFA’s February 2005 enactment, many district courts found that CAFA had the potential to alter more than its text explicitly provided. CAFA did not contain a statutory provision that disturbed the long-standing rule that a party attempting to remove a state action to federal court bears the burden of establishing federal subject matter jurisdiction. However, portions of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Report and the House Sponsor’s Statement explicitly express the intent to change the common law rule and instead require an objecting plaintiff to demonstrate that applicable jurisdictional requirements are unfulfilled.4 This Note concludes that the congressional statements did not shift the burden of establishing diversity jurisdiction to class plaintiffs as part of CAFA’s effort to favor federal jurisdiction. This Note argues that a court
Collaborative research: quality graphics for federal statistical summaries - results

The specific objective of our dgQG research is to develop and assess quality graphics for federal statistical summaries. The goal has been to develop methods for generating quality graphics that facilitate exploration by agency users evaluating data quality and looking for emergent trends, decision making by public policy makers, and communication of statistical summaries to the public. Among the project accomplishments, efforts can be categorized into three general foci: developing ESDA methods, supporting public communication, and facilitating internal data quality review by agency staff. Examples of ESDA advances are highlighted below.
External Optical Feedback Effects in Distributed Feedback Semiconductor Lasers

Publisher Summary Semiconductor lasers are used as a coherent light source in a number of applications, including optical communication systems, optical data storage systems (compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs) etc.), optical measurement systems, printing, etc. The simplest type of semiconductor laser (also called “laser diode”) is the Fabry–Perot (FP) type semiconductor laser. A Fabry–Perot type laser diode uses the reflectivity of the facets (semiconductor-air interface) for providing necessary optical feedback to sustain laser oscillation. On the other hand, distributed feedback (DFB) semiconductor lasers use an internal Bragg grating within the laser cavity to provide optical feedback. The grating works as a wavelength-selective device to achieve highly stable narrow-linewidth laser operation. Distributed feedback lasers are particularly useful in wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) optical communication systems where different DFB lasers transmit optical signals of different wavelengths that are very closely spaced. Because of their present and future technological significance, research activity on DFB lasers has increased manifold during the recent years. A major problem with semiconductor lasers, both FP and DFB types, is that these semiconductor lasers are highly sensitive to the laser light which re-enters the laser cavity after being reflected by an external reflector. External optical feedback of the laser light usually causes instability of operation of a laser diode and generates excessive noise in optical communication systems. A variety of optical elements, including lenses, fiber endfaces, etc. can be the source of unwanted optical feedback. Rayleigh backscatter from fiber can be another source of optical feedback. Packaged laser diodes may also receive optical feedback because of the external cavity formed between the laser diode chip and a transparent window of the package.