cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolic stability of glutaraldehyde cross‐linked peptide dna condensates

The stability of peptide DNA condensates was examined after introducing glutaraldehyde to cross‐link surface amine groups. A 20 amino acid peptide (CWK18) was used to condense DNA into small (70 nm) condensates. The reaction between glutaraldehyde and peptide DNA condensates was indirectly monitored using a fluorescence‐based assay to establish reaction completion in 4–5 h when using glutaraldehyde‐to‐peptide ratios of 1 to 4 mol equiv. Higher levels of glutaraldehyde cross‐linking led to significant increases in particle size. The improved stability imparted by glutaraldehyde cross‐linking was demonstrated by the increased resistance of DNA condensates to shear stress induced fragmentation. The cross‐linked condensates were also significantly more resistant to in vitro metabolism by serum endonucleases. A decrease in the magnitude of transient gene expression was determined for cross‐linked DNA condensates which also resulted in a 10‐day steady‐state expression when cross‐linking with 4 mol equiv of glutaraldehyde. The results suggest that cross‐linking DNA condensates may provide a means to alter the time course of transient gene expression by inhibiting DNA metabolism.
Job Satisfaction and Family Status

Some previous researchers found an association between job satisfaction and family status, with married parents expressing the most job satisfaction and single adults expressing the least. The present study used secondary analyses of NORC national probability data to test the generalizability of the earlier findings. We found that married men and women across the nation do infact claim to like their jobs more than single people do. The quality of the marriage has little apparent effect.
MiTF links Erk1/2 kinase and p21 CIP1/WAF1 activation after UVC radiation in normal human melanocytes and melanoma cells.

As a survival factor for melanocytes lineage cells, MiTF plays multiple roles in development and melanomagenesis. What role MiTF plays in the DNA damage response is currently unknown. In this report we observed that MiTF was phosphorylated at serine 73 after UVC radiation, which was followed by proteasome-mediated degradation. Unlike after c-Kit stimulation, inhibiting p90RSK-1 did not abolish the band shift of MiTF protein, nor did it abolish the UVC-mediated MiTF degradation, suggesting that phosphorylation on serine 73 by Erk1/2 is a key event after UVC. Furthermore, the MiTF-S73A mutant (Serine 73 changed to Alanine via site-directed mutagenesis) was unable to degrade and was continuously expressed after UVC exposure. Compared to A375 melanoma cells expressing wild-type MiTF (MiTF-WT), cells expressing MiTF-S73A mutant showed less p21WAF1/CIP1 accumulation and a delayed p21WAF1/CIP1 recovery after UVC. Consequently, cells expressing MiTF-WT showed a temporary G1 arrest after UVC, but cells expressing MiTF-S73A mutant or lack of MiTF expression did not. Finally, cell lines with high levels of MiTF expression showed higher resistance to UVC-induced cell death than those with low-level MiTF. These data suggest that MiTF mediates a survival signal linking Erk1/2 activation and p21WAF1/CIP1 regulation via phosphorylation on serine 73, which facilitates cell cycle arrest. In addition, our data also showed that exposure to different wavelengths of UV light elicited different signal pathways involving MiTF.
Hydrologic Response of a Central Nevada Pinyon-Juniper Woodland to Prescribed Fire

This study was conducted to determine the effect of prescribed fire on surface hydrology in Great Basin pinyon-juniper (Pinus monophylla Torr. & Frem.—Juniperus osteosperma Torr.) woodlands. Infiltration rates were measured using a single ring infiltrometer over an elevation gradient (2 103, 2 225, and 2 347 m) at 3 microsites (tree canopy, shrub canopy, and interspace) and 2 tree cover types (intermediate and high) in August 2001, before a spring prescribed burn conducted in May 2002, and then following the prescribed burn in August 2002. Infiltration experiments were used to calculate saturated hydraulic conductivity (K(hs)) rates, and water drop penetration times were determined to evaluate the development of water-repellent soils. Infiltration rates before the burn were greater at the low elevation than at the mid and high-elevation study sites because of differences in measured soil texture. Before burning, the infiltration and saturated hydraulic conductivity (K(hs)) rates measured on interspace and shrub canopy microsites were less than on tree canopy microsites at the midelevation study site (2 225 m). Following burning, the intermediate tree cover tree canopy microsites had greater infiltration rates than interspace microsites; all other microsites were similar to each other. No significant differences in K(hs) rates existed among the microsites after burning. However, on the higher elevation study site before the burn, the interspace microsites had final infiltration rates less than the tree canopy microsites, and burning caused no deviation from this trend. Saturated hydraulic conductivity rates at the high elevation did not differ by microsite before the burn, but after burning interspace microsites had K(hs) rates less than tree canopy microsites. Burning increased water repellency of surface soils (0-3 cm) for all cover types. Spring burning in Pinyon-juniper woodlands may produce a hydrologic response depending on surface soil texture and vegetation cover.
Propagation of Uncertainty in Cooperative Multirobot Localization: Analysis and Experimental Results

This paper examines the problem of cooperative localization for the case of large groups of mobile robots. A Kalman filter estimator is implemented and tested for this purpose. The focus of this paper is to examine the effect on localization accuracy of the number N of participating robots and the accuracy of the sensors employed. More specifically, we investigate the improvement in localization accuracy per additional robot as the size of the team increases. Furthermore, we provide an analytical expression for the upper bound on the positioning uncertainty increase rate for a team of N robots as a function of N, the odometric and orientation uncertainty for the robots, and the accuracy of a robot tracker measuring relative positions between pairs of robots. The analytical results derived in this paper are validated both in simulation and experimentally for different test cases.
Simulating subhaloes at high redshift: merger rates, counts and types

Galaxies are believed to be in one-to-one correspondence with simulated dark matter subhaloes. We use high-resolutionN-body simulations of cosmological volumes to calculate the statistical properties of subhalo (galaxy) major mergers at high redshift (z = 0.6–5). We measure the evolution of the galaxy merger rate, finding that it is much shallower than the merger rate of dark matter host haloes at z> 2.5, but roughly parallels that of haloes at z< 1.6. We also track the detailed merger histories of individual galaxies and measure the likelihood of multiple mergers per halo or subhalo. We examine satellite merger statistics in detail: 15–35 per cent of all recently merged galaxies are satellites, and satellites are twice as likely as centrals to have had a recent major merger. Finally, we show how the differing evolution of the merger rates of haloes and galaxies leads to the evolution of the average satellite occupation per halo, noting that for a fixed halo mass, the satellite halo occupation peaks at z ∼ 2.5.
USE OF ABRASIVES IN WINTER MAINTENANCE AT THE COUNTY LEVEL

The use of abrasives in winter maintenance is a well-established practice. Typically, sand is placed on the road in amounts up to 340 kg/lane-km (1,200 Ib/lane-mi). The sand is intended to increase friction between the vehicles and the often snow- or ice-covered pavement. Yet very little information exists on the value of sanding as a winter maintenance procedure. What information does exist tends not to support sanding as a process. Studies suggest that at highway speeds sand is swept off the road by relatively few vehicle passes (8 to 12) and that friction gains from sanding (when the sand remains on the road) are minimal. There are increasing environmental concerns about sanding. Some U.S. cities have already stopped sanding because of air quality concerns. Others are required to clean up all sand as soon as possible after application, using street sweepers. The state of the practice of abrasives usage in Iowa counties is reviewed. On the basis of these practices and the existing studies on abrasives u...
A Distributed Throughput-Optimal CSMA with Data Packet Collisions

This paper addresses a distributed throughput- optimal CSMA for wireless networks, which is called the preemptive CSMA. Distinguished from other throughput-optimal CSMAs in the literature, it achieves the optimality even with the throughput loss caused by discrete backoff time, non-zero carrier sense delay and data packet collisions. Moreover, the analysis on the preemptive CSMA provides the understanding on the relationship among the throughput-optimal CSMAs.
A wireless MIMO channel probing approach for arbitrary antenna arrays

This paper introduces a method for experimentally probing indoor wireless channels to compute MIMO transfer function matrices, H. The data is gathered using rotating transmit and receive antennas to observe the multipath ray structure of the channel. H can be computed for any arbitrary transmit and receive array sizes and geometries using the single probe data set. Estimating H is crucial for space-time coding communications algorithm performance analysis. Example results are presented.
The State of the Castle An Overview of Recent Trends in State Castle Doctrine Legislation and Public Policy

Second Amendment issues regarding the right to bear arms in the home have come into focus recently with the U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision in District of Columbia v. Heller. Despite strong antigun sentiment in the wake of high-profile shootings, sweeping new castle doctrine legislation has passed in 23 states in the last 4 years. These laws effectively expand individuals’ right to defend their home and possessions with lethal force without the necessity to retreat. To date, there is little criminological research that examines the evolution of the modern castle doctrine legislation in the United States. The present article addresses this gap in the literature by offering a historical perspective on the legal etiology of the castle doctrine relating to self-defense and then analyzes existing and pending castle doctrine legislation through December 2008. A discussion of the legal and criminological implications of these statutes on public policy is offered.
Benign angiopathy of the central nervous system presenting with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Background: Primary central nervous system vasculitis has traditionally been described as an aggressive condition, with significant morbidity and mortality. A subgroup of patients has been identified who have a similar clinical presentation, but with a benign course. This syndrome of BACNS is successfully treated with low-dose steroids and calcium-channel blockers. Histologic confirmation, when performed, is normal. Methods: Intracerebral hemorrhage is a rare presenting finding in the setting of BACNS. We present 2 patients with acute onset of headache and neurologic impairment secondary to an ICH. Results: Cerebral angiography showed characteristic findings of diffuse vasculitis. Both patients were subjected to biopsy and both failed to reveal evidence of vasculitis. Conclusion: This report is the first to document the normal histologic features of BACNS in the setting of an ICH. Although these angiographic changes are similar to vasculitis, these processes can be differentiated on clinical grounds, which is of vital importance as the treatment and clinical course of BACNS is more benign. Furthermore, the presence of an ICH in the setting of vasoconstriction seen on angiography may represent a novel feature in some patients with BACNS and is not necessarily a harbinger of the more malignant PCNSV.
Issues in the Use of Ability and Interest Measures with Women

This article summarizes problems entailed in the use of ability measures and interest inventories with women clients. Several purposes of assessment are reviewed, followed by types of bias in tests and inventories and the responses of test publishers to these issues. Finally, guidelines for counselors in the use and interpretation of these measures with women clients are summarized.
Framing the ocean, 1700 to the present: envisaging the sea as social space

For much of human history the sea was seen as vast, forbidding, and dangerous. As time passed and technologies advanced, various peoples began to travel across open tracts of the oceans to, in the ...
Perithecial Material of Erysiphe and Microsphaera on Trifolium Pratense

Powdery mildew of red clover, prior to 1921, was of extremely uncommon occurrence in the eastern United States. That year it suddenly became more abundant and in 1922 reached epiphytotic proportions in several states in the eastern half of the country. Massachusetts and Michigan reported it as common everywhere. Pennsylvania, Ohio, Minnesota, and Iowa reported seriously destructive outbreaks, local in some cases, statewide in others. Collectors, interested in learning the identity of the species, searched for perithecia and met with a surprising lack of success. The Plant Disease Bulletin of the United States Department of Agriculture for July 1, 1922, states: "The name of the mildew is not known definitely, for as yet the perithecial stage of the fungus does not seem to have been found. Efforts should be made to discover the perfect stage this year and thus settle the question of nomenclature." 2 Reporting for Pennsylvania, C. R. Orton stated that a careful search throughout the preceding season had failed to reveal perithecia. Reports from the other states in which the conidial stage was so abundant were also negative; and in the years that have followed, eastern plant pathologists have not reported finding any perithecial material. The Plant Disease Bulletin for August 1922 stated, however, that the perfect stage of Erysiphe Polygoni DC. had meanwhile been reported as having been found on red clover in Washington,3 Oregon, and Idaho as early as 1915; and that B. F. Dana had re-
Kinetic Study of the Steam Reforming of Isobutane Using a Pt–CeO2–Gd2O3 Catalyst

Steam reforming of isobutane on a 0.5% Pt–Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 catalyst was carried out from 300 to 700 °C under integral conditions with a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 12,000 h−1. The major products were H2, CO2, CO and CH4. The other products produced were ethane, ethylene, propane and propylene with a total molar composition of less than 1.5%. A complete conversion of isobutane was achieved at 700 °C, Kinetic data was obtained by changing the partial pressure of the reactants and the temperature under differential conditions with a GHSV of 55,400 h−1. This was done after observing stable isobutane steam reforming for 160 h and under conditions where the mass transfer limitations were insignificant. An empirical Langmuir–Hinshelwood type model that best fit the kinetic data available was developed.
Experimental Investigation of the Structure and Dynamics of Laminar Separation Bubbles

This work is an experimental investigation of the dynamics of the laminar separation bubbles, which are typically present on the suction side of lifting surfaces at a large angle of attack. The separation bubble was generated on a flat plate by an adverse pressure gradient induced by The adverse pressure gradient was generated by using an inverted wing with a NACA 643-618 airfoil mounted above the flat plate. Using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), a parametric study of the effect of the upstream flow velocity and the induced pressure gradient on the mean flow topology and the unsteady behavior of the separation bubble was carried out in the low-speed water tunnel of the Hydrodynamics Laboratory at the University of Arizona. The topology of the laminar separation bubble, and in particular the unsteady flow dynamics, were found to be strongly dependent on these parameters. For certain conditions, strong vortex shedding near the reattachment region of the bubble was observed, which is a characterisc behavior of short bubbles. High-resolution spatio-temporal PIV measurements were made to analyze the formation and breakdown of these flow structures. The frequency of vortex shedding was determined from Fourier analysis of the time series of the velocity fluctuations. The non-dimensionalised frequencies were found to be nearly independent of the Reynolds number for the range of Reynolds numbers investigated here.
A Reconsideration: The Not So Fundamental Sociology of Garibaldi Marto Lapolla

In 1935 Vanguard Press brought out The Grand Gennaro, a novel by Garibaldi Marto Lapolla (1888-1954) which dealt with the rise and fall of an Italian immigrant "rag king" in turn-of-the-century New York. Like Lapolla's two earlier novels, The Fire in the Flesh (1931) and Miss Rollins in Love (1932), The Grand Gennaro received a few favorable reviews. The New York Times' F. T. Marsh grouped it with "the better class of our contemporary novels" and praised it for its insight, sympathy and semi-detached critical approach. Another reviewer lauded its honesty and lack of sentimentality and the informed understanding it showed in deciphering the social organization and cultural background of the Italian-American community.1 For the most part, however, the novel attracted relatively little critical attention. Nor did it sell very well and as a consequence soon went out of print. Apparently discouraged by his lack of critical and commercial success, Lapolla abandoned fiction writing and spent the rest of his working life pursuing his other career: that of an educator in New York City's public school system.2 Most authors and novels that appear briefly on the American literary scene before disappearing from view richly deserve the obscurity they achieve. But that judgement applies to neither Lapolla nor The Grand Gennaro. Although not an exquisite stylist, Lapolla was certainly as good as many of the better known ethnic/immigrant social realists of the 1930s and 1940s. Indeed, Rose Basile Green considers him "one of the first Italian-Americans to master the rhetoric of fiction with literary distinction."3 Additionally, although his novel is characterized by many of the aesthetic "flaws" that a later generation of formalist critics used to dismiss the literary value of social realism, it also displays the sensitivity to everyday life and social organization that give the genre its evocative power. Lapolla's abbreviated and unsuccessful career as a novelist, as well as
Development and Properties Research of Tin-Containing Ferritic Stainless Steel

The mechanical properties,the corrosion resistance and the effect of Sn on the microstructure of the Sn-containing ferritic stainless steel matrix were studied on the basis of the metallurgical reaction equilibrium of the smelting process. The morphology and composition evolution of the deoxidization inclusions were analyzed. The results showed that the yield of tin is pretty high in consideration of its low melting point. The enrichment of tin around the sulfide inclusions is observed in scanning electron microscope. The new type ferritic stainless steel has better corrosion resistance than SUS 430 stainless steel,and the excellent plasticity and strength which can meet the requirement of deep drawing process. Therefore,it can substitute partly the application of SUS 430 in the industrial production.
Fetal lung maturation: amniotic fluid catecholamines, phospholipids, and cortisol.

The identification of β -adrenergic receptors in the fetal lung led us to investigate amniotic fluid catecholamine levels in relation to other indices of fetal pulmonary maturity in late pregnancies (n=62). Significant correlations were found between the percentage of phosphatidylglycerol and concentrations of norepinephrine (r=0.44, p
Aortography and Selective Angiography

This section provides a comprehensive procedural report for aortography and selective angiography procedure with up-to-date explanatory notes, synopsis of the indications and contraindications and potential complications in an organized and practical format.
State Estimation, Data Assimilation, or Filtering for Complex Turbulent Dynamical Systems

State estimation, also called filtering or data assimilation, is the process of obtaining an accurate statistical state estimate of a natural system from partial observations of the true signal from nature.
Single-Layer Halide Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes with Sub-Band Gap Turn-On Voltage and High Brightness

Charge-carrier injection into an emissive semiconductor thin film can result in electroluminescence and is generally achieved by using a multilayer device structure, which requires an electron-injection layer (EIL) between the cathode and the emissive layer and a hole-injection layer (HIL) between the anode and the emissive layer. The recent advancement of halide perovskite semiconductors opens up a new path to electroluminescent devices with a greatly simplified device structure. We report cesium lead tribromide light-emitting diodes (LEDs) without the aid of an EIL or HIL. These so-called single-layer LEDs have exhibited a sub-band gap turn-on voltage. The devices obtained a brightness of 591 197 cd m–2 at 4.8 V, with an external quantum efficiency of 5.7% and a power efficiency of 14.1 lm W–1. Such an advancement demonstrates that very high efficiency of electron and hole injection can be obtained in perovskite LEDs even without using an EIL or HIL.
41. U2 snRNP Spliceosome Proteins Block Recombinant AAV Vector Transduction

The recent approval, continued success and safety of recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors in gene therapy clinical trials have paved the way for therapeutic modalities for a range of genetic disorders. However, efficient therapeutic gene expression by AAV vectors can often require high vector doses, presenting potential challenges related to production and dose-related toxicity. In this regard, a particularly well known barrier to AAV transduction is the host proteasomal machinery. To identify specific host restriction factors, we screened an siRNA library that revealed several candidate genes including the PHD finger-like domain protein 5A (PHF5A), a U2 snRNP-associated protein. Disruption of PHF5A expression selectively increased transduction by multiple AAV serotypes. Notably, genetic disruption of U2 snRNP and associated proteins, such as SF3B1 and U2AF1, also increased AAV vector transduction, suggesting the critical role of U2 snRNP spliceosome complex in this host-mediated restriction. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of U2 snRNP by meayamycin B, a potent SF3B1 inhibitor, substantially enhanced AAV vector transduction of clinically relevant cell types. Further study indicated that U2 snRNP proteins suppress AAV vector transgene expression through recognition of incoming AAV capsid and enhanced histone recruitment to the vector genome, independently of the cellular splicing machinery. In summary, we postulate a novel cellular mechanism involving spliceosome U2 snRNP proteins in regulating AAV vector epigenetic modification and its manipulation to enhance transgene expression for human gene therapy.
Structure Learning from Partial Rankings

Aggregating and statistical reasoning with ranked data are tasks that arise in a number of applications from analyzing political elections to modeling user preferences over a set of items. Representing distributions over rankings,however, can be daunting due to the fact that the number of rankings of n items scales factorially. Moreover, it is crucial for probabilistic models over rankings to be able to handle partially ranked data since real world data more often consists of partial rankings rather than full. In this work, we study a class of models over rankings called hierarchical riffle independent models, which can be thought of as being analogous to graphical models but more appropriate for ranked data. We show in particular that Bayesian conditioning based on top-k partial ranking evidence can be performed efficiently in these models, and apply our algorithms to estimate the structure of a riffle independent model from top-k rankings.
Growth Pattern and Size-Dependent Properties of Lead Chalcogenide Nanoclusters

In this chapter we review the structural evolution of lead-chalcogenide (PbX) n (X = S, Se, and Te; n = 1–32) nanoclusters and how various properties of these clusters change with increasing cluster size. We first give an overview of different experimental techniques that are used to synthesize or generate lead sulfide clusters. The growth mechanism and size-dependent electronic structure and stabilities of these clusters obtained from density functional theory (DFT) based computational studies are also discussed in detail. The importance of the synergy between computational study and experiments is demonstrated by focusing on lead sulfide clusters.
Disproportionate Representation in Special Education: A Synthesis and Recommendations

Disproportionate representation of minority students in special education remains a very controversial, unresolved issue. This synthesis summarizes historical perspectives and current knowledge about disproportionate representation with respect to: (a) definitions of disproportionate representation and related issues of interpretation; (b) national and state-level estimates of disproportionality for four ethnic groups; (c) legal, policy, research and teacher education responses to disproportionality; and (d) hypothesized causes and predictors of disproportionality. Authors stress the need for: coherent and well-articulated conceptual frameworks, responsible use and representation of data, research dialog that is informed by appreciation of the complex sociopolitical history and current context, and the need for effective advocacy to improve the educational success of minority students.
Pushing Stones Uphill: Why Patients Are Lost to Follow-Up After Uncomplicated Ureteroscopy.

Abstract Introduction: We sought to determine the rate of and factors associated with patient nonadherence to prescribed follow-up after uncomplicated ureteroscopy. Materials and Methods: The records of 247 consecutive patients who underwent ureteroscopy at a tertiary referral center from November 2010 to February 2016 were reviewed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the impact of demographic, procedural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors on the rate of compliance with secondary prevention counseling. Results: Forty-five patients (18.5%) were lost to scheduled follow-up for secondary prevention counseling after ureteroscopy. Lost to counseling rates were broad based and not associated with traditional predictors of poor follow-up such as age, gender, marital status, and distance traveled. On multivariate analysis, compared with those using commercial insurance, patients with Medicare (odds ratio [OR] for follow-up 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21, 1.1 p = 0.095)...
Carbonation-induced volume change in alkali-activated slag

Abstract In this work, the volume changes of alkali-activated slag (AAS) paste prepared using various types of activator were characterized at nitrogen and atmospheric conditions. The results show that atmospheric carbonation of AAS results in volumetric expansion and disintegration, which may be attributed to the generation of crystallization stress in restrained pore spaces. This study suggests that the carbonation-induced volume change in cementitious materials is a combined result of chemical reactions and physical characteristics, depending on hydrated phase assemblage, composition, and pore structure of cementitious solids. The potassium ions (K+), compared to sodium ions (Na+), can enter the interlayer space of calcium-alumina-silicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H), distort the C-A-S-H layers stacking, coarsen the pore structure, and make AAS more vulnerable to carbonation. It is suggested that the high alkali content in AAS systems contributes considerably to its poor volumetric stability under carbonation.
Neurogenetics of Neurotransmitter Release in Caenorhabditis elegans

The human brain is an extraordinarily complex and beautiful organ. It has 100 billion neurons and an inestimable number of synaptic connections. Since there are very few opportunities to ethically test experimental hypotheses on the human brain, we rely on model organisms to understand how neurons work in humans. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has contributed substantially to our understanding of the development and function of our own nervous system because its nervous system – comprising only 302 neurons – is small and invariant, and because techniques to manipulate the genome are straightforward.
Controlling the excited-state dynamics of low band gap, near-infrared absorbers via proquinoidal unit electronic structural modulation

While the influence of proquinoidal character upon the linear absorption spectrum of low optical bandgap π-conjugated polymers and molecules is well understood, its impact upon excited-state relaxation pathways and dynamics remains obscure. We report the syntheses, electronic structural properties, and excited-state dynamics of a series of model highly conjugated near-infrared (NIR)-absorbing chromophores based on a (porphinato)metal(II)-proquinoidal spacer-(porphinato)metal(II) (PM-Sp-PM) structural motif. A combination of excited-state dynamical studies and time-dependent density functional theory calculations: (i) points to the cardinal role that excited-state configuration interaction (CI) plays in determining the magnitudes of S1 → S0 radiative (kr), S1 → T1 intersystem crossing (kISC), and S1 → S0 internal conversion (kIC) rate constants in these PM-Sp-PM chromophores, and (ii) suggests that a primary determinant of CI magnitude derives from the energetic alignment of the PM and Sp fragment LUMOs (ΔEL). These insights not only enable steering of excited-state relaxation dynamics of high oscillator strength NIR absorbers to realize either substantial fluorescence or long-lived triplets (τT1 > μs) generated at unit quantum yield (ΦISC = 100%), but also crafting of those having counter-intuitive properties: for example, while (porphinato)platinum compounds are well known to generate non-emissive triplet states (ΦISC = 100%) upon optical excitation at ambient temperature, diminishing the extent of excited-state CI in these systems realizes long-wavelength absorbing heavy-metal fluorophores. This work highlights approaches to: (i) modulate low-lying singlet excited-state lifetime over the picosecond-to-nanosecond time domain, (ii) achieve NIR fluorescence with quantum yields up to 25%, (iii) tune the magnitude of S1–T1 ISC rate constant from 109 to 1012 s−1 and (iv) realize T1-state lifetimes that range from ∼0.1 to several μs, for these model PM-Sp-PM chromophores, and renders new insights to evolve bespoke photophysical properties for low optical bandgap π-conjugated polymers and molecules based on proquinoidal conjugation motifs.
Attention in Context

Many figures in phenomenology, including founder Edmund Husserl, have uniquely addressed what cognitive scientists call attention. For example, Husserl (1991) discussed dynamic temporal attention, attentional shifting (1970), attentional capture (1982), and serial attention (2001). Jean-Paul Sartre (1956), Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1962), and Aron Gurwitsch (1964, 1966) discussed attention in terms of gestalt principles, including the nature of visual search, illusions, salience, and context effects, often criticizing various psychological concepts of attention. But for each of these phenomenologists the context or margin in attending was the main interest not the focus of attention. In contrast, experimental attention research emphasizes the focus of attention. Things are changing. Phenomenologists still emphasize context and margin, but now cognitive scientists are starting to as well. This means that the theoretical trends in contemporary attention experiments and a century of phenomenology of the structures of consciousness and perception, can both be used to put attention in context. This chapter shows that current cognitive science of attention substantially intersects with a gestalt-phenomenology of attention, even if this intersection is not yet effectively articulated by phenomenologists or utilized by experimenters in formulating hypotheses, models, and theories. It also suggests that phenomenology and cognitive science of attention can be co-revelatory in theory and practice.
Associations between childhood ADHD, gender, and adolescent alcohol and marijuana involvement: A causally informative design.

Abstract Background We report whether the etiology underlying associations of childhood ADHD with adolescent alcohol and marijuana involvement is consistent with causal relationships or shared predispositions, and whether it differs by gender. Methods In three population-based twin samples (N = 3762; 64% monozygotic), including one oversampling females with ADHD, regressions were conducted with childhood inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms predicting alcohol and marijuana outcomes by age 17. To determine whether ADHD effects were consistent with causality, twin difference analyses divided effects into those shared between twins in the pair and those differing within pairs. Results Adolescents with more severe childhood ADHD were more likely to initiate alcohol and marijuana use earlier, escalate to frequent or heavy use, and develop symptoms. While risks were similar across genders, females with more hyperactivity-impulsivity had higher alcohol consumption and progressed further toward daily marijuana use than did males. Monozygotic twins with more severe ADHD than their co-twins did not differ significantly on alcohol or marijuana outcomes, however, suggesting a non-causal relationship. When co-occurring use of other substances and conduct/oppositional defiant disorders were considered, hyperactivity-impulsivity remained significantly associated with both substances, as did inattention with marijuana, but not alcohol. Conclusions Childhood ADHD predicts when alcohol and marijuana use are initiated and how quickly use escalates. Shared familial environment and genetics, rather than causal influences, primarily account for these associations. Stronger relationships between hyperactivity-impulsivity and heavy drinking/frequent marijuana use among adolescent females than males, as well as the greater salience of inattention for marijuana, merit further investigation.
Offenders Living With Mental Illness: How Are They Perceived By Future Professionals?

Summary This study investigates the attitudes of Criminal Justice and Social Work majors toward offenders living with mental illness. Multivariate regression analyses were used to explore differenc...
Occipital Condyle Fractures and Concomitant Cervical Spine Fractures: Implications for Management.

Background Occipital condyle fractures (OCFs) have traditionally been described based on anatomic characteristics; however, recent literature has proposed management based on biomechanical stability and neural element compression. The treatment of biomechanically stable fractures varies between observation and cervical immobilization. Before determining the best management approach, an understanding of concomitant cervical spine fractures in the presence of OCFs is important. The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine the rate of occurrence of biomechanically significant cervical spine fractures with OCFs. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of 13,363 patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center between 2013 and 2017 with a diagnosis of OCF. Results Forty-six patients presented with OCFs, with an average Glasgow Coma Scale score of 12 on presentation and an average Injury Severity Score of 23. The average patient age was 42.1 years, and 4 patients had bilateral OCFs. Approximately 30% of these patients had associated intracranial injuries and 59% had an associated cervical spine injury. The overall rate of associated potentially biomechanically significant cervical spine fracture was 43.5%. Treatment of OCFs included collar immobilization (83%) and observation (17%). The average duration of follow-up was 3.37 months. Conclusions This study characterizes cervical spine fractures that occur concomitantly with OCFs. The results indicate that more than one-half of patients with OCFs do not have biomechanically significant fractures elsewhere in the cervical spine. This subset of patients will be the cohort for a prospective study to assess whether collar immobilization is necessary.
Concordant, non-atypical breast papillomas do not require surgical excision: A 10-year multi-institution study and review of the literature.

Abstract Purpose Non-atypical papillomas (NAPs) diagnosed on core needle biopsy (CNB) frequently undergo surgical excision due to highly variable upstaging rates. The purpose of this study is to document our dual-institution upgrade rates of NAPs diagnosed on core needle biopsy and review the upgrade rates reported in the literature. Materials and methods Following IRB approval, CNB results from Duke University (7/1/2004–6/30/2014) and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (1/1/04–6/30/2013) were reviewed to identify non-atypical papillomas. All cases with surgical excision or 2 years of imaging follow up were included. In addition, a literature review identified 60 published studies on upgrades of NAPs diagnosed at CNB. Cases in our cohort and the published literature were reviewed for confounding factors: [1] missing radiologic-pathologic concordance and/or discordance, [2] papillomas included with high-risk lesions, [3] high risk lesions counted as upgrades, [4] review by a nonspecialized breast pathologist, and [5] cancer incidentally detected. Results Of the 388 CNBs in our dual-institution cohort, 136 (35%) patients underwent surgical excision and 252 (65%) patients had imaging follow up. After controlling for confounders, no cancers (0/388) were found at surgical excision or during follow up imaging. The literature review upstaging rate was 4.0% (166/4157) but 1.8% (4/227) after excluding studies with confounders. The combined upstaging rate from the literature and this study was 0.6% (4/615). Conclusion The upstaging rate for CNB diagnosed NAPs was 0% in our cohort and 0.6% overall after adjusting for confounders. This low rate does not warrant reflexive surgical excision and diagnostic imaging follow up should be discretionary.
Constitutively active erythropoietin receptor variants in human ovarian and breast cancers

3428 The erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) serves as a specific receptor for erythropoietin (Epo). Epo stimulates the proliferation and inhibits the apoptosis of erythroblasts in the bone marrow, and plays a role in the protection of neurons and cardiac muscle cells from hypoxic damage. Human recombinant Epo (rHuEpo) is widely used in the management of cancer and therapy related anemia in patients with malignant neoplasms. Although rHuEpo is effective in correcting anemia and improving quality of life, recent clinical trials suggested that its use may be associated with earlier tumor recurrence/progression and decreased survival. Various human cancer cells were recently shown to express EpoR and in vitro studies suggested that Epo can stimulate signaling mechanisms and proliferation in some cancer cells providing a potential biologic basis for the observed adverse effects rHuEpo in cancer patients. Other studies, however, found that exogenous Epo failed to stimulate tumor growth in in vivo tumor models. Given the lack of biologic response to Epo despite the presence of high levels of EpoR in some tumor cells, we tested the hypothesis that EpoR is constitutively active and contributes to tumor growth independent of Epo in such tumors. We found that despite expression of high levels of EpoR, exogenous Epo fails to stimulate EpoR-related signaling mechanisms, proliferation or invasiveness in A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells. We have specifically down-regulated EpoR expression in A2780 cells using a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmid and found that blocking EpoR expression resulted in markedly suppressed cell proliferation and invasiveness in vitro . EpoR-specific shRNA also abrogated ovarian cancer cell growth in vivo . Western blot analysis revealed a decrease in the activation status of EpoR signaling pathway components in A2780/EpoR shRNA tumors compared to controls. In order to examine the potential mechanisms of constitutive EpoR signaling in breast and ovarian cancer cells, we measured the mRNA expression levels of all eight exons of the EpoR gene. We found that, in contrast to UT-7 cells expressing functional, wild type EpoR, mRNA regions coding for the extracellular portion of EpoR were expressed at significantly lower levels compared to C-terminal regions, suggesting the presence of altered EpoR mRNA species in these cancer cells. Increased ratio of C- vs N-terminal EpoR mRNA levels determined by qualitative RT PCR in archived breast cancer samples significantly correlated with lymphatic invasion and nodal metastasis. A SMART RACE PCR assay confirmed the presence of altered EpoR mRNA variants in breast and ovarian cancer cells, in contrast to the full length wild type EpoR mRNA present in UT7 cells. Our findings suggest that variant forms of EpoR may be constitutively active in some cancer cells and provide the first evidence for the potential role of an Epo independent EpoR mediated pathway in tumor growth.
THE MULTIMODALITY TREATMENT OF STAGE III A/B NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER: The Role of Surgery, Radiation, and Chemotherapy

The optimal treatment of stage III a/b non–small cell lung cancer continues to evolve. Depending on the specific clinical situation, surgical resection and/or radiation therapy may be utilized with or without concominant chemotherapy. Because of the heterogeneity of this disease, there can be no one uniform approach to treatment. Approximately 10 years ago, the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging (AJCC) and International Union Against Cancer (UICC) divided stage III lung cancer into two distinct divisions 34 : one potentially surgically approachable (stage IIIa), and the other usually treated by nonoperative means (stage IIIb). In this international classification, stage IIIa included those patients with tumors designated T3 by virtue of involvement of potentially resectable structures, such as the adjacent chest wall, diaphragm, pericardium, or proximal airways. The presence of involved ipsilateral mediastinal or subcarinal lymph nodes (N2) also placed tumors into this category. Stage IIIb are those tumors designated T4 by virtue of involvement of usually unresectable structures, such as the trachea, great vessels, and vertebral body, or with a malignant pleural effusion. Additionally, tumors with involvement of contralateral mediastinal or supraclavicular lymph nodes (N3) are included in this subgroup. Although improved prognostic ability was gained by this subdivision of stage III disease, with stage IIIa associated with a better prognosis than stage IIIb, 34 heterogeneity within these subdivisions remains. For example, a small peripheral lesion with isolated chest wall involvement (T3N0), and a larger lesion with chest wall and mediastinal nodal involvement (T3N2), are both grouped under stage IIIa. Despite having the same stage of disease, a patient with the former should fare better than a patient with the latter, more advanced lesion. Thus, careful consideration of the specific tumor (T), node (N), and metastatic (M) characteristics of a given patient are essential. In the new (1997) consideration of the staging system, T3N0-1 will be classified as stage IIb to indicate its more favorable prognosis. Accurate staging of lung cancer is essential, because the selection of treatment approach is T and N dependent. 35 Traditionally, with the exception of T3N0 tumors, most stage IIIa and IIIb lesions have been treated with external beam radiation therapy, with 5-year survival rates of less than 10%. 11 Multimodality treatment approaches, however, have shown definite promise, especially for N2 and T3 disease, and they are the subject of this treatise.
Management of Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer

With recent advances in chemotherapy and surgery, resectability of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) has dramatically increased and 5-year survival has significantly improved. In this chapter, we review the evaluation, treatment, and outcome of patients treated with surgery for colorectal liver metastases. Methods to improve resectability (portal vein embolization and two-stage resection) are reviewed. Major pathologic response, optimal radiologic response, and RAS wild-type tumor predict improved 5-year survival after resection in patients treated preoperatively with modern chemotherapy.
E-Mail Alerts and RSS Feeds for Distance Learning Administrators.

A distance learning administrator’s need for an executive survey of breaking developments is not unique—especially when so much information is now available. One author used the following comparison to describe the information age in which distance learning administrators now live and work: “A weekday edition of the New York Times contains more information than the average person was likely to come across in a lifetime in seventeenth-century England” (Wurman, 1989, p. 32). This same author also stated, now almost 20 years ago, that “more new information has been produced in the last 30 years than in the previous 5,000 . . . and the total of all printed knowledge doubles every eight years” (Wurman, 1989, p. 35). It is no wonder that “seven out of 10 office workers in the United States feel overwhelmed by information in the workplace, and more than two in five say they are headed for a data ‘breaking point,’ according to a recently released Workplace Productivity Survey, . . .” (Tahmincioglu, 2008). Some distance education administrators fear that they might not be keeping up with critical developments in their field because there is just too much information to sort through; or that they are not receiving the best information available; or they just don’t have enough time to get through it all, so why try. One author captured this current-day information overload with these words: