cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modern Rice Technology and Income Distribution in Asia

Studies seven Asian countries, with diverse production environments and agrarian and policy structures, to determine to what extent the adoption of modern rice varieties (MVs) only in the irrigated and the favourable rain-fed lowland areas has exacerbated inequalities in income distribution.
Sa-I-Gu Revisited: Interview with Elaine Kim

Elaine Kim has been a pioneer in Asian American Studies. Her first book, Asian American Literature: An Introduction to the Writings and Their Social Context(1982), uncovered a large body of literature by and about Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino Americans. In combining this literature in one study, Kim's book challenged the limited notion of Asian American literature found in Aiiieeeee! An Anthology of Asian American Writers(1974), which included works by and about second-generation Chinese and Japanese Americans - and to a lesser extent Filipino Americans.
An orthodontic survey of Libyan schoolchildren.

There are many orthodontic surveys available of Western populations but those of older cultures make an interesting comparison.
The Late Carboniferous Reefs Palaeoecology Characteristics of Langping, Tianlin County,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Some Huanglong framework reefs develop in Langping,Tianlin County of Guangxi province. The size of these reefs that developed in crinoids clastic beach is generally small. Reef-building and accessory reef organism species are variety. The maturity of reef biocenoses is poor. Only a single reef-building way exists. The distribution of reefs is patchiness. Huanglong reefs in Lang Ping develop under the absence of major global skeletal reef-building animals. No obvious advantage reef-building organisms appear. Reefs are significantly affected by large-scale clastic beach in study area. A variable reef-building environment,the obvious selection preference of high-energy water and debris,not extensive distribution of consolidated and hard substrate,frequent change of water energy,crinoids flourish adapting to the environment and the not development of algae in the study area, which make the patch reefs in Langping have the typical"patch reefs in clastic beach mode"feature. Reef-building organisms ecology has an important influence to patch reefs concrete morphologies. The discovery of Late Carboniferous skeletal patch reef in clastic beach contributes to further researching ancient reef ecosystem.
Lived Experiences of South Asian Women Facing Domestic Violence in the United States

ABSTRACTThis article describes the lived experiences of domestic violence among a convenience sample of 20 South Asian women. The experiences of abuse are drawn from in-depth telephonic interviews conducted all across the United States. The analysis describes four major categories of abuse: (a) types of abuse; (b) abuse involving children; (c) family involvement in abuse; and (d) formal and informal support. Implications for social workers working with South Asian women are shared.
Primary and Secondary Chemoprevention of Malignant Melanoma

The incidence of malignant melanoma (MM) continues to rise in the United States. While sun protection and full body skin examinations remain the mainstay of preventative care, chemoprevention of the deadly disease has become an increasingly popular field of study. In this focused review, we discuss current findings and analyze the risks and benefits of various agents investigated for the primary and secondary chemoprevention of MM. Such agents include topical retinoids, vitamins, and supplements, Polypodium leucotomas extracts, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), statins, sunscreens, and field therapy with topical imiquimod for primary and secondary chemoprevention. We further identify a need for expanded high quality human research on the topic.
Genetic algorithms applied to design optimization

A shape optimization technique for the design of electromagnetic devices is reported. This new technique makes use of the genetic algorithms (GAs) to explore the search space. From the design parameters, the shape of the device is constructed by means of uniform nonrational b-splines. The proposed method is implemented for the optimization of the shape of a pole face in an electric motor. For the magnetostatic analysis of the modeled device, the finite element method (FEM) is employed. The results presented indicate that GAs proved to be an efficient search method for design optimization problems in electromagnetics.
Evaluation of sperm morphology of electroejaculates of spinal cord-injured men by strict criteria.

Objective To compare sperm morphology of electrostimulated ejaculates of spinal cord-injured (SCI) men with that of manual ejaculates of an able-bodied population. Design Retrospective study. Patients Spinal cord-injured men (n=21) participating in a reproductive rehabilitation program and able-bodied men (n=163) attending a male fertility clinic. Setting Male fertility clinic of a university urology practice. Main Outcome Measures Morphological characteristics of sperm evaluated by strict criteria. Results Electroejaculates of SCI men had significantly higher percentages of small sperm heads, vacuolated sperm heads, and sperm with tail defects than found in manual ejaculates of able-bodied men. Cellular elements of nongerminal origin (white blood cells, red blood cells, epithelial cells) were also more likely to be present in electroejaculates. Conclusion When evaluated by strict criteria, electroejaculates exhibit specific defects in sperm morphological profile. A pervasive pattern of teratozoospermia exists that may reflect underlying defects contributing to decreased fertility in SCI men.
Tactile Feedback from the Hand

The last decade has seen remarkable advances in upper-limb neuroprosthetics. Several groups have developed algorithms that enable control of devices by decoding the neural signals recorded over an array of electrodes. These advances have encouraged researchers to move onto control of neuroprosthetic hands, which faces two complications: (1) hands are geometrically far more complex than arms, (2) hands are also sensitive and sophisticated sensory systems. In this chapter, we review the role of tactile and proprioceptive sensation in hand function, with a focus on the integration of multiple inputs to extract information about our haptic interactions with objects. We argue here that creating a seamless somatosensory prosthetic system will require both a detailed understanding of how individual deformations of the skin result in modulation of neurons in primary somatosensory cortex, but also how those signals are combined to create a somatosensory image.
Predation and scavenging on other birds by Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta) during a spring snowstorm

ABSTRACT Severe weather can cause birds to abandon normal foraging habits and switch to more opportunistic behaviors. We report 47 incidents of Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta) consuming five bird species during a spring snowstorm on the high plains of southeastern Wyoming, including four previously undocumented species. Over half (57%) of our observations were of meadowlarks scavenging dead birds, 13% were of meadowlarks preying on live birds, and in 30% of the cases we could not determine how consumed birds died. Interestingly, the species most frequently depredated by meadowlarks, Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris), is larger than any avian species previously known to be preyed on by meadowlarks. Our observations suggest that meadowlarks may be more capable and frequent predators of adult birds than previously recognized.
A time-series active layer thickness retrieval algorithm using P- and L-band SAR observations

In this paper, an active layer thickness (ALT) retrieval algorithm is presented wherein time-series of P- and L-band radar observations are used simultaneously to retrieve the depth from ground surface to permafrost table. Several model assumptions for two active layer soil conditions (maximum thaw and partially frozen) are made based on observations of in situ soil temperature and soil moisture data. It is expected that P- and L-band radar measurements can provide different aspects of active layer soil structure for retrieving accurate ALT. Monte Carlo numerical simulations are performed to show the potentials of the proposed inversion scheme and its capability of resolving subsurface features in a layered soil structure.
Burnout in Pediatric Residents and Physicians: A Call to Action

The evidence is growing that burnout in trainees, as well as in practicing physicians, comes at a cost to the physicians, those they interact with at home and work, and their patients.1 In their article in this issue entitled “Pediatric Resident Burnout and Attitudes Toward Patients,” Baer et al2 surveyed pediatric residents at 11 programs in New England to better understand the pathogenesis of burnout in these trainees; the goal was to assist in efforts to develop effective measures to prevent and/or address these maladaptive responses. It is unsurprising to those who work with trainees that 101 of 258 pediatric residents reported being “burned-out.”3–5 In fact, many studies show higher rates of burnout in pediatric trainees (40%–75%) depending on site and year of training.6,7 In the study by Baer et al,2 there were no significant differences in burnout rates according to sex, race/ethnicity, and relationship or parental status; younger residents (<30 years of age) were slightly less likely to report burnout than older residents. Residency factors (year of training, program size … Address correspondence to John D. Mahan, MD, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 700 Children’s Dr, Columbus, OH 43205. E-mail: john.mahan{at}nationwidechildrens.org
Interleukin‐19 Can Simultaneously Reduce Atherosclerosis and Increase Perfusion in Hind Limb Ligated LDLr−/− Mice

Peripheral arterial disease is often a co-morbidity with hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. We have previously characterized Interleukin-19 (IL-19) as an anti-inflammatory, Th2 cytokine. Pas...
Novel flexible heteroarotinoid, SL-1-18, promotes ERα degradation to inhibit breast cancer cell growth.

SL-1-18 (1-(chrysen-6-yl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)thiourea) is new flexible heteroarotinoid (Flex-Het) analog derived from the parent compound, SHetA2, and our previous study showed comparable activity to SHetA2 in terms of inhibiting ER+ breast cancer cell growth. This current study aims to determine the molecular mechanism underlying SL-1-18's effect on breast cancer cell growth. Our results indicate that SL-1-18 inhibits cell proliferation of ER+ breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and T-47D) by preventing cell cycle progression. SL-1-18 treatment correlated positively with decreased expression of key cell-cycle regulators, such as cyclin D1, as well as other ERα-target genes at both the transcript and protein levels. Interestingly, decreased expression of ERα was also observed, with a significant reduction at the protein level within 2 h of SL-1-18 treatment, while the decrease in mRNA occurred at a later time point. ERα degradation was shown to be mediated by the ubiquitination-proteasome pathway. In summary, this is the first study to show that a Flex-Het- SL-1-18- can promote the degradation of ERα via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and should be further developed as a therapeutic option for ER+ breast cancer.
Abstract 178: Cerebral Microbleeds and Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Post Intravenous Thrombolysis (IVT)

Background: Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) is the most feared complication of IVT for ischemic stroke, and patients who have cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) can potentially be at greater ri...
Framing communication in health care action teams

It is widely believed that health care teams can improve patient care and increase safety. However, intrateam communication has often proven to be problematic in part because the different frames o...
Outage analysis of massive MIMO system

In this paper, we investigates shadow fading impact on a multi-user massive multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) system. By deploying a large antenna array on the base station, the random channel vectors between users and base station antennas become pairwise orthogonal. This important property of massive MIMO makes small scale fading effect asymptotically vanish while large scale fading still remains. Based on this fact, we analyze the uplink achievable rate and cell coverage area under outage constraint considering log-normal shadow fading effect for both single-cell and multi-cell scenarios. Numerical results are used to evaluate the performance in the presence of shadow fading.
Investigating how various atmospheric pressure plasma jet modes effect plant species: A study of plasma technology within seed germination

Atmospheric pressure plasma jets have a wide range of applications in the biological field. This technology has recently been applied to agriculture because it enhances the cultivation. It is speculated that the reason plants grow better when treated with non-thermal plasmas is since it sterilizes, provides abiotic stress, and alter the genetics of the plant. The following research is focused on determining the most effective plasma treatment method to produce the best cultivation and the chemical mechanism present in seeds after various atmospheric pressure plasma jet modes have been subjected to the surface of the seed.
Abstract 16898: Time Course and Associated Cardiac Conditions of Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis

Objective: In patients with aortic stenosis (AS), the development of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction adversely affects the natural history and is associated with poor outcomes following aortic valve replacement. However, the timing and possible reasons for transition from preserved to impaired LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with AS have not been described. The aim of this study was to describe the time course of development of LV dysfunction and associated conditions in patients with severe AS. Methods & Results: Between 1/1/2009 and 12/31/2012, 667 (19%) of 3528 patients with severe AS (aortic valve area (AVA) ≤1 cm2) identified from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Echocardiographic Laboratory database; had LVEF ≤50%. Of those 667 patients, 263 (39%) had previous echocardiograms (median: 71.6 months, 25 IQR: 36.3, 75:118.2) before the development of severe AS, allowing an assessment of change in LVEF over time. Among these 263 patients, 8 (3%) had dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 225 (86%) had ischemic heart disease (IHD), 5 (2%) had other significant valve disease, and 25 (10%) had no concomitant heart disease before the development of severe AS. The evolution of development of reduced LVEF at several time points is shown in the Figure. The initial LVEF was 34±12 % in DCM patients, 51±13% in IHD patients and 61±9 % in AS patients without other heart diseases (p Conclusion: In patients with severe AS, a majority of the patients (86%) with reduced EF had ischemic heart disease. Although there was a gradual decline in LVEF before development of severe AS, the decline was more rapid after AS became severe in almost all patients regardless of associated cardiac condition. More frequent monitoring may be indicated in AS patients especially when AVA reaches 1cm2 and concomitant IHD.
Joint RADAR waveform design for networked ISR systems

In this paper we describe methodologies for joint design and exploitation of heterogeneous RF Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) sensor networks. In this work, we provide an algorithm that simultaneously optimizes a waveform set that overtly incorporates the aspect variant nature of the target and clutter signatures along with the mutual interference of the waveforms. The basis of the optimization is a maximization of the composite signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio. The work reported here generalizes the single optimal waveform design approach of Pillai et. al. to the case of J simultaneous waveforms. Knowledge of the target spectral support for each aspect is assumed and the waveform set is jointly optimized. Simulation results are given that show the waveform characteristics and the increase in signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio over sets of chirp waveforms and independently optimized waveforms.
Carbonic anhydrase, coral calcification and a new model of stable isotope vital effects

The stable isotope compositions of biogenic carbonates have been used for paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic reconstructions for decades, and produced some of the most iconic records in the field. However, we still lack a fully mechanistic understanding of the stable isotope proxies, especially the biological overprint on the environmental signals termed “vital effects”. A ubiquitous feature of stable isotope vital effects in marine calcifying organisms is a strong correlation between δ^(18)O and δ^(13)C in a range of values that are depleted from inorganic calcite/aragonite. Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain this correlation, one based on kinetic isotope effects during CO_2(aq)-HCO_3− inter-conversion, the other based on equilibrium isotope exchange during pH dependent speciation of the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) pool. Neither mechanism explains all the stable isotope features observed in biogenic carbonates. Here we present a fully kinetic model of biomineralization and its isotope effects using deep-sea corals as a test organism. A key component of our model is the consideration of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase in catalyzing the CO2(aq)-HCO_3− inter-conversion reactions in the extracellular calcifying fluid (ECF). We find that the amount of carbonic anhydrase not only modulates the carbonate chemistry of the calcifying fluid, but also helps explain the slope of the δ^(18)O-δ^(13)C correlation. Differences in CA activity in the biomineralization process can possibly explain the observed range of δ^(18)O-δ^(13)C slopes in different calcifying organisms. A mechanistic understanding of stable isotope vital effects with numerical models can help us develop better paleoceanographic tracers.
A Comprehensive Approach to Sequence-oriented IsomiR annotation (CASMIR): demonstration with IsomiR profiling in colorectal neoplasia

MicroRNA (miRNA) profiling is an important step in studying biological associations and identifying marker candidates. miRNA exists in isoforms, called isomiRs, which may exhibit distinct properties. With conventional profiling methods, limitations in assay and analysis platforms may compromise isomiR interrogation. We introduce a comprehensive approach to sequence-oriented isomiR annotation (CASMIR) to allow unbiased identification of global isomiRs from small RNA sequencing data. In this approach, small RNA reads are maintained as independent sequences instead of being summarized under miRNA names. IsomiR features are identified through step-wise local alignment against canonical forms and precursor sequences. Through customizing the reference database, CASMIR is applicable to isomiR annotation across species. To demonstrate its application, we investigated isomiR profiles in normal and neoplastic human colorectal epithelia. We also ran miRDeep2, a popular miRNA analysis algorithm to validate isomiRs annotated by CASMIR. With CASMIR, specific and biologically relevant isomiR patterns could be identified. We note that specific isomiRs are often more abundant than their canonical forms. We identify isomiRs that are commonly up-regulated in both colorectal cancer and advanced adenoma, and illustrate advantages in targeting isomiRs as potential biomarkers over canonical forms. Studying miRNAs at the isomiR level could reveal new insight into miRNA biology and inform assay design for specific isomiRs. CASMIR facilitates comprehensive annotation of isomiR features in small RNA sequencing data for isomiR profiling and differential expression analysis.
Experimental and theoretical study of bed load particle velocity

ABSTRACTThis paper reports an experimental study of sediment particle velocity in the Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory at the University of Arizona. The experiments were performed in a rectangular channel filled with a layer of coarse sand or gravel. The instantaneous particle velocity was measured by using the images captured with a commercial camera. An innovative image processing technique was developed for tracking individual particle motion, which leads to the determination of instantaneous particle velocity vector. Both the mean particle velocity and the distribution of particle velocities were analyzed. It was found that the instantaneous bed shear stress dominated the particle velocity as well as the probability density function of its distribution. This observation is consistent with the theoretically derived equations for particle velocity and its distribution. Furthermore, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test confirmed the agreement between the distribution of experimental data and that obtained from th...
A Macroeconomic Profit System Model of Advanced Market Economies

This chapter provides a two-sector macroeconomic model consisting of a business sector and a nonprofit sector. This profit system model is developed from the microprofit system model of the firm in Chapter 2. Using annual US macroeconomic data in the period 1959–2008, the empirical representation of the model is estimated, its reliability is tested, and different applications are investigated, including economic forecasting, monetary policy, fiscal policy, and business cycle analysis. In brief, the results demonstrate the crucial role of profits in the economy. Profit drives not only business sector and national output but is a prime determinant of capital stock and employment. Given the major influence of profits on the economy, it is not surprising that it also plays a role in the transmission of inflation. Moreover, we show that changes in profit can lead to business cycle fluctuations in economic activity.
Removing the Mystery: Evaluation of a Parent Manual by Adolescent Parents.

The purposes of this study were to (1) have adolescents evaluate a parent manual that had been developed specifically for parents of children from birth to age 3, and (2) modify the manual based upon the results of the evaluation. The manual was designed to be easily read and understood by parents with low education levels, the focus being to promote quality parent-child interactions. The study was designed to determine the usability of the manual by gathering information pertaining to format, readability, and content. Participants were between 14 and 18 years of age and were enrolled in a high school program for teenage mothers. Both written and verbal responses were collected and a qualitative approach was used to analyze the data. Results showed that overall comments about the manual were favorable; the manual was readable and usable by adolescent mothers of young children. However, responses indicated that the manual may not have been as relevant for adolescents expecting their first child. They suggested including more basic child-care information instead of primarily focusing on typical development and parent-child interactions. Participant recommendations were considered and the manual was revised.
Structure and organization of a winter community of cavity-inhabiting, web-building spiders (Pholocidae and Theridiidae) in a Chihuahuan Desert habitat

Populations of Chihuahuan Desert spiders that construct webs in naturally occurring cavities were followed over a 20-week-period with modified pitfall traps. Of the three species studied, Psilochorus imitatus (Pholocidae) was the most abundant, followed in order by Artema atlanta (Pholocidae) and Latrodectus hesperus (Theridiidae). Canonical correlation analysis indicated a strong dependence of L. hesperus upon soil temperatures. A principal axis factor analysis explained 87 per cent of the variance in the spider-weather-habitat aspect system with five common factors. This model also gave a good fit to all monitored variables. This analysis demonstrated the importance of habitat aspect upon spider distributions, and allowed an examination of the partitioning of niche space by the three species. Experimental laboratory manipulations suggested that groups of A. atlanta can behaviorally dominate solitary L. hesperus females by restricting orb web construction, and suggested that patterns observed in the field may be shaped by interspecific competition.
Selecting the Best Instrument to Measure Family Perceptions of End-of-Life Communication in Intensive Care Units.

Background:Good communication with the family is a clinical imperative for high quality end-of-life (EOL) care in intensive care unit (ICU). Many interventions aim to improve EOL communication, and...
Chemical and mechanical control of the invasive shrub Cytisus scoparius in forest clearings in western Washington, USA

We conducted a large-scale, multiple-year study in harvested areas of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirbel] Franco) forests in western Washington, examining the effectiveness of control methods on the widespread invasive shrub Scotch broom [Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link]. We tested both chemical and physical control methods, using three different approaches that are management relevant: (1) triclopyr, a POST herbicide, at different times of year and on different-sized plants; (2) cutting (or brushcutting) of mature individuals; and (3) scarification of soil surface to remove seedlings once versus multiple times. We measured initial mortality, seed germination, and percent cover of C. scoparius in plots for 3 yr following treatments. Triclopyr treatment resulted in greater mortality and reduced percent cover compared with all other treatments with the effect persisting for 2 yr after spraying. Further, triclopyr had the same effect on C. scoparius cover and mortality irrespective of time of year applied. Similar to soil scarification, triclopyr treatments resulted in a flush of seedlings, suggesting that removal of conspecific competitors and not soil disturbance per se promotes seed germination. Brushcutting was generally effective in reducing C. scoparius cover in the short term, but effects did not persist as long as triclopyr treatments, in part due to large differences in stump resprouting rates across sites. Soil scarification to remove seedlings, even over multiple years, did not result in reduced C. scoparius cover. Triclopyr is an effective approach for controlling both emerging and established stands of C. scoparius.
FDG-PET/CT for predicting pathologic response of locally advanced breast cancer to neoadjuvant therapy: influence of receptor subtype

1316 Objectives To determine: 1) the ability of FDG-PET/CT to predict, early in neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), pathologic complete response (pCR); and 2) whether the predictive performance of FDG-PET/CT differs according to ER, PR, and/or HER2 status. Methods In this prospective, IRB-approved study (NCT01222416) 37 patients (pts) with LABC received up to six cycles of NAT prior to surgery. FDG-PET/CT was performed prone before (t1) and after the first cycle (t2). ROIs were analyzed using lean body mass-corrected SUV (SULpeak) at t1 and t2 (and their percentage difference, %[t2-t1]/t1) as primary endpoints. Receptor subgroups included HER2+ (n=17), ER+ and/or PR+/HER2- (n=7), and ER-/PR-/HER2- (n=12). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV, respectively) were calculated. Group AUCs were statistically compared via bootstrapping with 500 replicates. Results Thirty-seven pts completed t1 and surgery; 30 (81%) completed t2 (12±6 days after first dose). Twelve pts (32%) achieved pCR; 25 (68%) were non-responders (NR). Table 1 summarizes the ROC findings. No significant AUC differences between the receptor subgroups relative to control (All Pts) were observed. Conclusions Initial findings suggest that FDG-PET/CT, performed within the first cycle of NAT, is not able to reliably predict pathologic response in LABC. These results contrast with those from recent studies, perhaps owing to the small sample size and/or short t1-to-t2 interval. Research Support NCI U01 CA142565, NCI 1U01 CA174706, NCI P50 CA098131, and NCI P30 CA68485; Kleberg Foundation
Chapter 11 – Protein Engineering

A variety of enzymes have been in industrial use since before genetic engineering appeared. However, a mere couple of dozen enzymes account for over 90% of total industrial enzyme use. Some common examples are listed in this chapter. These proteins are used under relatively harsh conditions and are exposed to oxidizing conditions not found inside living cells. Consequently, these particular proteins are unusually robust and stable and are not at all representative of typical enzymes in this respect. It is notable that most of them are hydrolases that degrade either carbohydrate polymers or proteins.
Colloid cysts of the third ventricle in children.

Objective The rarity of colloid cysts in children makes it difficult to characterize this entity and offer meaningful advice on treatment. Infrequent case reports exist, but to date there has been no age-specific assessment. The purpose of this study was to define any differences between children and adults who are evaluated and treated for colloid cysts of the third ventricle. Methods Patients with colloid cysts were reviewed and stratified by age. Individuals ≤ 18 years of age were defined as pediatric patients and those > 18 years of age as adults. Clinical and radiographic data, treatment, and postoperative outcomes were compared between both groups. Bivariate analysis was conducted using the Fisher exact test for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous variables. Results Of 132 endoscopic resections (121 primary, 10 secondary, and 1 tertiary) of a colloid cyst, 9 (6.8%) were performed in pediatric patients (mean age 14.1 years, range 9-18 years) and 123 (93.2%) were performed in adult patients (mean age 43.8 years, range 19-73 years). Cases were found incidentally more commonly in pediatric than adult patients (66.7% vs 37.4%, p > 0.05), and pediatric patients had lower rates of hydrocephalus than adult patients (11.1% vs 63.4%, p 0.05) and length of stay (1.6 days vs 2.9 days, p > 0.05) were not significantly different between the groups. Postoperative complications (6.5% in adults, 0% in children) and recurrence (2.4% in adults, 0% in children) were rare in both groups, and there were no treatment-related deaths. The mean postoperative radiological follow-up was longer in pediatric patients (45 months, range 4-89 months) than adults (44.1 months, range 1-171 months). Conclusions While differences exist between children and adults regarding colloid cyst presentation, these are in keeping with the predicted evolution of a slow-growing lesion. Consistent with this observation, children had lower rates of hydrocephalus and a smaller mean maximal cyst diameter. Contrary to the published literature, however, sudden deterioration was not observed in pediatric patients but occurred in adult patients. In this limited pediatric sample size, the authors have not recorded any postoperative complications or recurrences to date. These encouraging results with endoscopic removal may positively impact future decisions related to children given their protracted life expectancy and projected rates of progression.
A Preliminary Scalability Analysis of SPEC CPU2017 Benchmarks

The SPEC CPU benchmark suites of compute-intensive benchmarks are widely used for evaluating performance of modern computer systems. Following a shift from single-core to multi-core processors, the latest suites, SPEC CPU2017, include benchmarks that are multi-threaded. This paper explores the scalability of CPU2017 benchmarks by investigating their performance in modern computer systems as a function of the number of threads for speed benchmarks and the number of copies for rate benchmarks. Based on the experimental study conducted on a pair of in-house machines, we categorize benchmarks into groups that ‘scale-well’, ‘scale-moderately’, and ‘scale-poorly’. In addition, we analyze the publicly available SPEC CPU2017 results to explore scalability trends of individual benchmarks on a wider variety of computer systems. The main findings of the study are as follows: (a) A number of speed multi-threaded benchmarks that use OpenMP saturate after a certain number of threads. The paper provides the maximum speedups and thread count needed to reach saturation. (b) Memory intensive rate benchmarks scale poorly because their demands for shared resources exceed the capacity of modern computer systems. The study aims to inform performance analysts of the limitations of the speed benchmarks in extracting system parallelism and to provide scalability expectations for the rate benchmarks on modern computer systems.
The Prognostic Value, Sensitivity, and Specificity of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging before Salvage Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer.

Abstract Aim To determine the operational characteristics of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to salvage radiation therapy (SRT) for biochemically recurrent prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy. Methods and materials We reviewed the medical records of 386 patients who underwent MRI prior to SRT. We assessed associations of pre-SRT MRI findings with biochemical recurrence (BCR), distant metastasis (DM), prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM), and salvage androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) use following SRT. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MRI for detecting local recurrence were also calculated. Results Pre-SRT MRI was positive for local recurrence in 216 patients (56%), indeterminate in 46 (12%), and negative in 124 (32%). On univariate analysis, BCR following SRT was significantly less likely for patients with positive (HR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.42–0.8) or indeterminate (HR: 0.6: 0.36–1) MRI findings, compared to patients with negative imaging (p = 0.003). These associations remained significant on multivariate analysis (p For the entire cohort, the sensitivity of MRI for local recurrence was 61.0% (53.5–68.1%), specificity 60.0% (44.3–73.0%), PPV 86.1% (78.9–91.5%) and NPV 27.6% (19.0–37.5%). Sensitivity of MRI was better in men with higher pre-SRT PSA (80.0% for PSA > 1.0), and specificity was improved with lower pre-SRT PSA (73.9% for PSA 0.1–0.5). Conclusions Positive or indeterminate MRI findings prior to SRT were associated with improved biochemical control following SRT, across PSA levels. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for local recurrence were 61% and 58.7%, respectively.
Natural Killer Group 2D (NKG2D) Receptor Signaling Shapes T Cell Thymic Education and Their Functional Imprint

Few costimulatory molecules have been shown to deeply impact the development and function of CD8 T cells. To our knowledge, only CD28, the archetype of TCR co-stimulation, has been reported to affect thymic T cell development. The role of NKG2D in peripheral T cells as a TCR costimulatory receptor is well established. However, its contribution to thymic education is unknown. We present data indicating noticeable differences in T cell development, TCR signaling, function and transcriptional program of T cells from NKG2D deficient mice compared to WT mice. We found changes in the Vβ chain usage and stagnation of the double-positive (DP) stage. Mechanistically, these changes were accompanied by TCR signaling strength reduction, shown by TCR Vβ5 chain, CD3, CD5 and CD45 reductions. Functionally, we found that peripheral T cells were unresponsive to peptide stimulation. Conversely, aCD3/CD28 antibodies mediated their phenotypic activation; however, generated functionally impotent cells. Finally, underpinning a defect in TCR signaling, we found that NKG2D deficient cells were unable to phosphorylate ERK or S6. From these data, we concluded that NKG2D shapes T cell thymic education and their functional imprint.
Guidance for Behavior Analysts in Addressing Racial Implicit Bias

In the practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment, implicit bias, which can be defined in behavioral terms, needs to be addressed because it may inadvertently lead to overt forms of discrimination on the basis of race. Although little research has been conducted within the field of ABA on racial implicit bias, information gathered from related fields can provide insight as to how behavior analysts can promote positive change in this area. Drawing from existing literature, recommendations are provided regarding assessment and administration of interventions to reduce racial implicit bias for clinicians. The purpose of this article is to provide strategies that behavior analysts can implement to assess and reduce behaviors related to implicit bias exhibited by practitioners, thereby reducing racial discrimination with clients and staff.
Doublet potentiation during eccentric and concentric contractions of cat soleus muscle

Sandercock, Thomas G., and C. J. Heckman. Doublet potentiation during eccentric and concentric contractions of cat soleus muscle. J. Appl. Physiol. 82(4): 1219–1228, 1997.—The addition of an extra ...
Technology as a Tutor, Tool, and Agent for Reading:

The use of computer-based technology in teaching reading with students with disabilities is outlined in this article. Research from the last 10 years is presented and discussed using the metaphors ...
Association of Epsilon-Aminocaproic Acid With Blood Loss and Risk of Transfusion After Periacetabular Osteotomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Abstract Background Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) reorients the acetabular cartilage through a complex series of pelvic osteotomies, which risks significant blood loss often necessitating blood transfusion. Therefore, it is important to identify effective strategies to manage blood loss and decrease morbidity after PAO. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA), an antifibrinolytic agent, with blood loss from PAO. Methods Ninety-three patients out of 110 consecutive patients that underwent unilateral PAO for acetabular dysplasia met inclusion criteria. Fifty patients received EACA intraoperatively. Demographics, autologous blood predonation, anesthetic type, intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL), cell-saver utilization, and transfusions were recorded. Total blood loss was calculated. Two-sample t -test and chi-square or Fisher's exact test were used as appropriate. The associations between EACA administration and calculated EBL, cell-saver utilization, intraoperative EBL, and maximum difference in postoperative hemoglobin were assessed via multiple regression, adjusting for confounders. Post hoc power analysis demonstrated sufficient power to detect a 250-mL difference in calculated EBL between groups. Alpha level was 0.05 for all tests. Results No demographic differences existed between groups. Mean blood loss and allogeneic transfusion rates were not statistically significant between groups ( P = .093 and .170, respectively). There were no differences in cell-saver utilization, intraoperative EBL, and/or postoperative hemoglobin. There was a higher rate of autologous blood utilization in the group not receiving EACA because of a clinical practice change. Conclusions EACA administration was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in blood loss or allogeneic transfusion in patients undergoing PAO.
Molecular cloning of the human XRCC1 gene, which corrects defective DNA strand break repair and sister chromatid exchange.

Abstract We describe the cloning and function of the human XRCC1 gene, which is the first mammalian gene isolated that affects cellular sensitivity to ionizing radiation. The CHO mutant EM9 has 10-fold-higher sensitivity to ethyl methanesulfonate, 1.8-fold-higher sensitivity to ionizing radiation, a reduced capacity to rejoin single-strand DNA breaks, and a 10-fold-elevated level of sister chromatid exchange compared with the CHO parental cells. The complementing human gene was cloned from a cosmid library of a tertiary transformant. Two cosmid clones produced transformants that showed approximately 100% correction of the repair defect in EM9 cells, as determined by the kinetics of strand break repair, cell survival, and the level of sister chromatid exchange. A nearly full-length clone obtained from the pcD2 human cDNA expression library gave approximately 80% correction of EM9, as determined by the level of sister chromatid exchange. Based on an analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA insert compared with that of the 5' end of the gene from a cosmid clone, the cDNA clone appeared to be missing approximately 100 bp of transcribed sequence, including 26 nucleotides of coding sequence. The cDNA probe detected a single transcript of approximately 2.2 kb in HeLa polyadenylated RNA by Northern (RNA) blot hybridization. From the open reading frame and the positions of likely start sites for transcription and translation, the size of the putative XRCC1 protein is 633 amino acids (69.5 kDa). The size of the XRCC1 gene is 33 kb, as determined by localizing the endpoints on a restriction endonuclease site map of one cosmid clone. The deduced amino acid sequence did not show significant homology with any protein in the protein sequence data bases examined.
First Reported Case of Primary Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma with Pure Squamous Cell Histology: A Case Report.

Background In the United States, approximately 2500 cases of cholangiocarcinoma occur each year. The average incidence is 1 case/100 000 persons each year. Surgical resection is the mainstay for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. The result of surgery depends on location of the tumor, extent of tumor penetration of the bile duct, tumor-free resection margins, and lymph node and distant metastases. There has been an increase in the incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) globally over a period of 30 years from 0.32/100 000 to 0.85/100 000 persons each year. Epidemiologically, the incidence of IHCC has been increasing in the U.S. from year 1973 to 2010. Case report We are reporting a first case of primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma of pure squamous cell histology. A 64-year-old man presented with right upper-quadrant pain, jaundice, and weight loss. Imaging studies revealed a large hepatobiliary mass, intrahepatic bile duct dilation, normal common duct, and absence of choledocholithiasis. Delayed-contrast magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen showed peripheral enhancement of the central lesion, which is typical of cholangiocarcinoma in contrast to hepatocellular carcinoma or metastasis. Cancer antigen 19-9 was markedly elevated. Liver function tests were deranged. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed high degree of left hepatic duct stricture. Brush cytopathology was positive for atypia. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy for en-bloc resection of the hepatobiliary mass with colon resection, liver resection, and cholecystectomy. Histology revealed keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. Based on these findings, a definitive diagnosis of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the intrahepatic bile duct was made. Conclusions Squamous cell carcinoma of the biliary tree is very rare and the majority of tumors are adenocarcinomas. Cholangiocarcinomas containing a squamous cell component have a poor prognosis due to its aggressive behavior. However, prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma with pure SCC histology is unknown because this is the first case in the literature.
The integration of the market for soybeans and soybean products

Abstract This article addresses the question of whether soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil produced in the USA and exported were part of a single, world geographic market during the decade of the 1980s. An answer to this question is sought using an approach to defining a geographic market based on the notion of instantaneous causality. The empirical results, based on prices for soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil for three spatially diffuse locations, suggest that there was but a single identifiable world market for these commodities over the period of study. This has implications for the continued presence of soybean production subsidies and discussions on international agreements designed to reduce or eliminate these subsidies.
Finite element modeling of the three-point bend impact test

Abstract A dynamic finite element program has been applied to the analysis of the three-point bend impact specimen. First, the behavior of an unsupported specimen struck at its center was modeled. From this it was predicted that the best striker force response in an impact test would be obtained with an overhang at each end of 22% of the total length. This prediction was tested by modeling supported specimens of different lengths and by comparison with experiment. Reference curves of dynamic stress intensity for different material properties and impact speeds can be prepared from the numerical analysis. Providing the test geometry has been carefully chosen, a static displacement based stress intensity calculation appears valid even when pronounced oscillations are seen in the striker force.
On nonreflecting boundary conditions

Unbounded domains often arise in engineering applications, such as acoustic or electromagnetic scattering from a body of arbitrary shape immersed in an infinite medium. Numerical methods can handle complicated geometries, inhomogeneous media and nonlinearities. Yet they require an artificial boundary, which surrounds the region of interest, to truncate the unbounded exterior domain and fit the infinite problem on a finite computer. As a consequence, nonreflecting boundary conditions must be imposed at the artificial boundary, to ensure that it appears transparent to the propagating waves and does not generate any spurious reflections. This research develops exact nonreflecting boundary conditions at artificial boundaries for the numerical solution of the Helmholtz equation and the time dependent wave equation in unbounded domains. These boundary conditions ensure that the solution inside the bounded domain coincides with the solution of the original unbounded problem. In the time harmonic case, the modified DtN condition is introduced to remove the difficulties that arise when the exact DtN (Dirichlet-to-Neumann) condition is truncated for use in computation. This ensures well-posedness and higher accuracy of the truncated boundary condition. The DtN map is extended to elliptic and spheroidal coordinates. By using new local boundary conditions derived for these coordinates, the truncated DtN condition in elliptic and spheroidal coordinates is modified to remove difficulties. A sequence of new and more accurate local boundary conditions is derived for polar coordinates in two dimensions. Numerical results illustrate the usefulness of these improvements. In the time dependent case, an exact nonreflecting boundary condition is derived for the wave equation in three space dimensions. It holds on a spherical artificial boundary, and is local in time but nonlocal in space. For solutions consisting only of a finite number of spherical harmonics, it is reduced to a boundary condition local in space and time. To make the boundary condition more suitable for numerical computation, it is shown how to remove the high order derivatives which occur in it. The boundary condition is combined with finite difference and finite element formulations. Uniqueness of the solution is proved and stability issues are discussed. Numerical examples illustrate the improvement in accuracy over standard methods.