cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remission in depression: definition and initial treatment approaches:

Although remission is recognized as the optimal outcome of treatment for depression, remission lacks a universally accepted definition. This is partly due to the lack of objective biologic markers or tests that confirm a response to treatment and no well-defined end points of treatment. Significant symptoms may still exist even though patients may have a full response as measured by currently available standardized psychiatric rating scales. In addition, many patients may experience marked improvement in depressive symptoms but still have impaired psychosocial and work function. Wellness should be determined by evaluating a combination of three key domains: symptoms, functional status and pathophysiologic changes. In choosing an initial medication for depression, physicians are often guided by a mix of evidence-based medicine and unvalidated or even inaccurate clinical lore. In general, most available agents have comparable effectiveness; however, the subtype of depression and age of the patient should be considered.
On the Response of a Structure Moving Through a Random Load Field

Structure dynamic response for motion through homogeneous frozen random load field with spacewise variations, applying analysis method to beam
Adaptor Protein-3 (AP-3) Complex Mediates the Biogenesis of Acidocalcisomes and Is Essential for Growth and Virulence of Trypanosoma brucei

Acidocalcisomes are acidic calcium and polyphosphate storage organelles found in a diverse range of organisms. Here we present evidence that the biogenesis of acidocalcisomes in Trypanosoma brucei is linked to the expression of adaptor protein-3 (AP-3) complex. Localization studies in cell lines expressing β3 and δ subunits of AP-3 fused to epitope tags revealed their partial co-localization with the vacuolar proton pyrophosphatase, a marker of acidocalcisomes, with the Golgi marker Golgi reassembly and stacking protein, and with antibodies against the small GTPase Rab11. Ablation of the β3 subunit by RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in disappearance of acidocalcisomes from both procyclic and bloodstream form trypanosomes, as revealed by immmunofluorescence and electron microscopy assays, with no alterations in trafficking of different markers to lysosomes. Knockdown of the β3 subunit resulted in lower acidic calcium, pyrophosphate, and polyphosphate content as well as defects in growth in culture, resistance to osmotic stress, and virulence in mice. Similar results were obtained by knocking down the expression of the δ subunit of AP-3. These results indicate that AP-3 is essential for the biogenesis of acidocalcisomes and for growth and virulence of T. brucei.
Escitalopram for Severe Asthma and Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Proof-of-Concept Study

Background Depression is common in asthma and may be a risk factor for asthma-related morbidity and mortality. However, minimal data are available on depression treatment in asthma. Previously, we reported greater sustained depression remission and less oral corticosteroid use in asthma patients treated with citalopram. Method A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial of escitalopram was conducted in 26 outpatients with asthma requiring at least one course of oral corticosteroids in the prior 12 months and major depressive disorder (MDD) with baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) scores of ≥ 20. Results Total evaluable sample (n = 25) showed significant baseline to exit reduction in HAM-D and Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report (IDS-SR) scores, with no significant between-group differences, although the findings favored escitalopram. Depression remission on the HAM-D, from week 1 to exit, showed a trend (P = 0.06) favoring escitalopram. Relative risk for remission at week 12 was 6.5 with an estimated remission rate of 39.1% with escitalopram and 6.0% with placebo. Between-group differences in oral corticosteroid use were not significant. Changes in Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) correlated significantly with changes in IDS-SR in the escitalopram, placebo, and combined sample groups (τ = 0.49–0.60, P Conclusions Medium effect sizes and a remission trend were observed favoring escitalopram over placebo on depression measures. Changes in self-reported depressive symptoms correlated with changes in asthma symptoms. A larger trial is needed to confirm the findings from this pilot study.
On the lattice dynamics of hcp hafnium

Abstract We measured the phonon dispersion curves of hcp Hf at 295, 800, and 1300 K. We find that (unlike the other modes) the zone center [001]LO mode softens appreciably as the temperature decreases and at room temperature this branch exhibits a dip at the zone center. This anomalous behavior is similar to that observed in hcp Zr, Ti, and Tc and seems to be characteristic of the hcp superconducting elements.
THE PRESENCE OF A GELATIN-LIQUEFYING ENZYME IN CRUDE PEPSIN PREPARATIONS

A protein fraction has been isolated from crude pepsin preparations which is about 400 times as active as crystalline pepsin in the lique-faction of gelatin. The activity as measured by the digestion of casein, edestin or egg albumin is less than that of crystalline pepsin. It is more resistant to alkali than the crystalline pepsin.
Neutron Rietveld Refinement

A polycrystalline powder can be represented in reciprocal space as a set of nested spherical shells positioned with their centers at the origin (Warren 1990) (Fig. 1⇓). These shells each arise from a reciprocal lattice point from the myriad (e.g. ~109 mm−3 for 1μm crystallites) of small crystals, ideally with random orientation, in the sample. These shells each have some thickness or broadening from both instrumental effects and the characteristics of the crystalline grains themselves. Their magnitude is related to the crystalline structure factors (in this instance for neutron scattering) as well as the symmetry driven overlaps (i.e., reflection multiplicities). An experimentally measured powder diffraction pattern is a scan through this suite of shells which by its nature is a smooth curve comprising a sequence of peaks resting upon a slowly varying background. Figure 1. Reciprocal space construction for a powder diffraction experiment. The myriad reciprocal lattice points for the crystallites combine to form nested spherical shells centered at the reciprocal space origin. The techniques for obtaining this data using neutron scattering are discussed elsewhere in this volume (e.g., Vogel and Priesmeyer 2006, this volume). Early data analysis attempted to extract values of the individual structure factors from peak envelopes and then apply standard single crystal methods to obtain structural information. This approach was severely limited because the relatively broad peaks in a neutron powder pattern resulted in substantial reflection overlap and the number of usable structure factors that could be obtained in this way was very small. Consequently, only very simple crystal structures could be examined by this method. To overcome this limitation, H.M. Rietveld (1967, 1969) realized that a neutron powder diffraction pattern is a smooth curve comprised of Gaussian peaks on top of a smooth background and that the best way of extracting the …
Implications of record peak current density In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As Esaki tunnel diode on Tunnel FET logic applications

Inter-band tunnel field effect transistors (TFETs) have recently gained a lot of interest because of their ability to eliminate the 60mV/dec sub-threshold slope (STS) limitation in MOSFET. This can result in higher I ON -I OFF ratio over a reduced gate voltage range, thus predicting TFETs superior for low supply voltage (V DD ≤ 0.5V) operation. Unlike Si and Ge, III-V semiconductors like In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As have smaller tunneling barrier and tunnelling mass, thus making them a design choice to eliminate drive current (I ON ) limitations in TFETs [1–2]. In this work, (i) we present the experimental demonstration of record peak current density (J PEAK ) In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As Esaki tunnel diode, formed using MBE grown in-situ doped epitaxial layers [4]. (ii) Using a non-local tunneling model in Sentaurus device simulator [3], the measured current-voltage characteristics (J-V) is modeled and the model parameters are calibrated. (iii) Novel In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As ultra thin body (7nm)-double gate-TFET (UTB-DG-TFET) design to boost I{ON} is discussed using the calibrated non-local tunneling model. (iv) Pulse transient response of the novel In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As TFET inverter is presented and compared with Si based MOSFET inverters at a supply voltage of 0.5V.
FDA Drug Approval Summaries: Pemetrexed (Alimta®)

The purpose of this report is to summarize information on pemetrexed (LY231514; MTA; Alimta; Eli Lilly and Company; Indianapolis, IN), a drug recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The review of the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed is summarized below. Pemetrexed is a pyrrolopyrimidine antifolate. It inhibits thymidylate synthase, glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase, and dihydrofolate reductase. In a single, randomized, single-blind, multicenter phase III trial, the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed combined with cisplatin (Platinol; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Princeton, NJ) were compared with those of single-agent cisplatin in 448 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Two hundred twenty-six patients were randomized to receive pemetrexed and cisplatin, while 222 patients were randomized to receive cisplatin alone. The primary study end point was survival. Median survival times were 12.1 months for the pemetrexed plus cisplatin treated arm and 9.3 months for the cisplatin alone arm. Pemetrexed causes myelosuppression. The most common adverse events were neutropenia, fatigue, leukopenia, nausea, dyspnea, and vomiting. On February 4, 2004, pemetrexed was approved by the FDA in combination with cisplatin for the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma whose disease is unresectable or who are otherwise not candidates for curative surgery. The recommended dose of pemetrexed is 500 mg/m(2) administered as an i.v. infusion over 10 minutes on day 1 of each 21-day cycle together with cisplatin at a dose of 75 mg/m(2) infused over 2 hours beginning 30 minutes after the pemetrexed infusion. Patients must receive oral folic acid and vitamin B(12) injections prior to the start of therapy and continue these during therapy to reduce severe toxicities. Patients should also receive corticosteroids with chemotherapy to reduce the risk of skin rashes. Approval was based on superior survival as a clinical benefit.
THE INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS: AN INTERACTIVE COURSE FOR STUDENTS OF LANGUAGES AND LINGUISTICS [CD-ROM, Version 2.0]. Jürgen Handke and Frauke Intemann. Ismaning, Germany: Max Hueber Verlag, 2000. 78.00 DM.

Introduction to Linguistics 2.0 (henceforth IL2.0) is an attempt to provide an introduction to linguistics in the form of an interactive CD-ROM. According to the CD booklet, it can be used as “an autonomous learning environment,” offering “a valuable alternative to conventional methods when it comes to presenting linguistic phenomena in a lively and exciting way” (p. 2). Although I am very sympathetic to the authors' intentions, I did not find that the goals were attained in an optimal way. At most, IL2.0 can be used for introducing a unit in a class or for users who want to know whether they should take a linguistics course. In a sense, it is like a demo tape. Its content is extremely weak, especially when we compare it with recent introductory linguistics textbooks (e.g., Fromkin, 2000; Radford, Atkinson, Britain, Clahsen, & Spencer, 1999).
Factors explaining male/female differences in attitudes and purchase intention toward genetically engineered salmon

Frequently observed male/female differences in attitudes toward genetically engineered (GE) foods have not received adequate explanations. We examined (a) the ability of two hypotheses (safety concern and institutional trust) to explain male/female attitudes toward GE salmon and (b) the effect of attitudes on male/female differences in purchase intent. A survey (n = 501) was administered in two branches of a regional supermarket chain. After reading an information booklet, men and women's scores on a knowledge quiz did not differ but women had significantly more negative attitudes toward GE salmon than men. Attitudinal male/female differences were attributed to women's lower trust in government agencies and scientific organizations, and higher level of perceived health risks compared to men – supporting both hypotheses. But the essential basis of these attitudinal male/female differences appeared to be women's greater concern about the ethics/morality of this application. Attitude differences were the major contributor to male/female differences in purchase intention. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Escalation of regional conflict: testing the shatterbelt concept

Abstract Most 20th-century wars among major powers have originated in shatterbelts, geographic regions from which local turmoil escalates to serious competition among outside larger states. Because of the concept's impredseness, the relevance of shatterbelts to war and peace largely has been ignored within international affairs literature. Accordingly, this article clarifies and tests pertinent features of the concept, then delineates several world regions as contemporary shatterbelts. It identifies four conceptual problems encountered in traditional descriptions as a means toward improving the term's utility: shatterbelt uniqueness, dynamism, location, and escalation potential. From this investigation, an improved definition is suggested: a shatterbelt is a geographic region over whose control great powers seriously compete. Great powers compete because they perceive strong interests for doing so and because opportunities are present for establishing alliance footholds with states of the region. Consequently, a high potential exists for escalation of conflict into major power warfare. A shatterbelt originates when rival great powers have footholds in a single area. Six contemporary world regions met the criteria of this standard: the Middle East, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle America, and South Asia.
The action of spike frequency adaptation in the postural motoneurons of hermit crab abdomen during the first phase of reflex activation

Cuticular strain associated with support of the shell of the hermit crab, Pagurus pollicarus, by its abdomen activates mechanoreceptors that evoke a stereotyped reflex in postural motoneurons. This reflex consists of three phases: a brief high-frequency burst of motoneuron spikes, a pause, and a much longer duration but lower frequency period of spiking. These phases are correlated with a rapid increase in muscle force followed by a slight decline to a level of tone that is greater than that at rest but less than maximal. The present experiments address the mechanisms underlying the transition from the first to second phase of the reflex and their role in force generation. Although centrally generated inhibitory post-synaptic potentials (IPSPS) are present during the pause period of the reflex, intracellular current injection of motoneurons reveals a spike frequency adaptation that rapidly and substantially reduces motoneuron firing frequency and is unchanged in saline that reduces synaptic transmission. The adaptation is voltage sensitive and persists for several hundred milliseconds upon repolarization. Hyperpolarization partially restores the initial response of the motoneuron to depolarizing current. Spike frequency adaptation and synaptic inhibition are important mechanisms in the generation of force that maintains abdominal stiffness at a constant, submaximal level.
Effect of Poor Sleep Quality and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness on Factors Associated With Diabetes Self-Management

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the association of impaired sleep quality and daytime sleepiness on self-reported diabetes control and psychological and social factors that affect diabetes self-management.MethodsParticipants were 107 adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with self-reported daytime sleepiness. Subjective sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS); sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Global score and its 3 factors of Perceived Sleep Quality, Sleep Efficiency, and Daily Disturbances. The Diabetes Care Profile (DCP) scales (Control Problems, Social and Personal Factors, Positive Attitude, Negative Attitude, Self-Care Adherence, and Diet Adherence) were used to measure difficulty in maintaining glycemic control and factors important for diabetes control.ResultsPoor sleep quality was associated with significantly worse scores on the DCP scales, with lower diabetes control, negative attitude, decreased positive attitude...
What do ‘Europeans’ Think? Analyses of the European Union's Current Crisis by European Elites*

The EU has been in ‘crisis’ at least since the 2005 referendums. This article presents different explanations for crisis held by high-level EU insiders, based on in-depth interviews with ‘Europeans’, people whose lives have been deeply invested in the EU through careers either committed to ‘building Europe’ or to observing Europe's building sites professionally. The results demonstrate a variety of causal stories that explain the present situation, the conviction that the EU is entering a new and very different era and pervasive sense of pessimism, all in the form of penetrating analyses.
Pteroylglutamic Acid-like Effect of Dehydroisoandrosterone on Growth of Certain Microorganisms.∗:

SummaryDehydroisoandrosterone acetate was found to have pterovlglutamic acid-like activity for Streptococcus jaecalis, Lactobacillus casei and sulfonamide-treated Escherichia coli. The activity of the steroid differs from that of thymine but is of the same order of magnitude.We are indebted to Lederle Laboratories Division, American Cyanimid Company for the supplies of pteroylglutamic acid and pteroylglutamic acid antagonists used in this study.
A New Freshwater Amoeba: Cochliopodium pentatrifurcatum n. sp. (Amoebozoa, Amorphea)

Cochliopodium pentatrifurcatum n. sp. (ATCC(©) 30935(TM) ) is described based on light microscopic morphology, fine structure, and molecular genetic evidence. Cochliopodium pentatrifurcatum n. sp. (length ~ 25 μm) is characterized by surface microscales (0.3 μm tall) containing a circular porous base (~ 0.6 μm diam.) with a thin peripheral rim. Five radially arranged feet, emanating from the base, support a short central column terminating apically as a funnel-shaped collar (~ 0.5 μm diam.) composed of five radial, trifurcate rays extending from the center toward a thin peripheral rim. The central spine is 0.5-0.6 μm long. The comparative morphologies and combined molecular genetic evidence, SSU-rDNA and COI, indicate that the new species falls in a clade sufficiently different from other species to suggest that it is a valid new species.
A fine-grain parallel architecture based on barrier synchronization

Although barrier synchronization has long been considered a useful construct for parallel programming, it has generally been either layered on top of a communication system or used as a completely independent mechanism. Instead, we propose that all communication be made a side-effect of barrier synchronization. This is done by extending the barrier synchronization unit to collect a datum from each processor, compute an aggregate function, and return the corresponding result to each processor. This paper describes a scalable prototype implementation of PAPERS (Purdue's Adapter for Parallel Execution and Rapid Synchronization). Despite the fact that the prototype is implemented as very simple TTL hardware connecting conventional workstations, measured performance on fine-grain parallel communication operations is far superior to that obtained using conventional workstation networks. It is comparable to the performance of commercially available supercomputers.
Synergistic Self-Administration of Ethanol and Cocaine Directly into the Posterior Ventral Tegmental Area: Involvement of Serotonin-3 Receptors

Ethanol (EtOH) and cocaine are both self-administered into the posterior ventral tegmental area (VTA). Self-administration of either drug is prevented by coadministration of a serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonist. Electrophysiological studies indicated that cocaine and EtOH can act synergistically to stimulate VTA dopamine neurons. The current experiment assessed whether cocaine and EtOH would synergistically interact to produce a reinforcing action within the posterior VTA. Adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of 13 groups. There were three control groups: artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), a subthreshold EtOH (100 mg%) group, and a subthreshold cocaine (25 pmol/100 nl) group. The other groups self-administered 50 or 75 mg% EtOH containing 6.25, 12.5, or 25 pmol/100 nl cocaine or 100 mg% EtOH containing 3.12, 6.25, 12.5, or 25 pmol/100 nl cocaine. All rats received the assigned infusate for sessions 1 through 4, aCSF alone in sessions 5 and 6, and the original infusate during session 7. The effects of adding a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist [tropisetron, C17H20N2O2 (ICS 205,930) and C17H22N4O.C4H4O4 (LY278-584)] on coadministration of EtOH and cocaine (75 mg% + 12.5 pmol/100 nl) were determined. Rats failed to self-administer aCSF or the subthreshold concentration of EtOH or cocaine. All three concentrations of EtOH (50, 75, and 100 mg%) combined with cocaine (12.5 and 25 pmol/100 nl) supported self-administration. Adding a 5HT3 receptor antagonist attenuated coadministration of EtOH + cocaine. Overall, the data indicate that the reinforcing properties of EtOH and cocaine interacted synergistically within the posterior VTA, and these synergistic effects were mediated, at least in part, by activation of local 5-HT3 receptors.
Preparation of silica aerogel using ionic liquids as solvents

Ionic liquids have been used as effective solvents to synthesize aerogels; a long aging time can be used to produce stable aerogel structures without the need for supercritical drying processes.
Creep rupture of a GFRP composite at elevated temperatures

Abstract A study of the tension and compression behavior of glass-fiber reinforced polyester composite material under sustained loads and elevated temperature is presented. Time-dependent thermal deformation and failure stresses were measured at three different temperatures ( T=25 , 50, and 80°C). Using curve-fitting equations a simple empirical model was developed to predict the time-to-failure. The model takes into account superposition of time–temperature effects. Creep curves predicted by this model are similar to those reported in literature.
Influence of Al and Ti Additions on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Leaded Brass Alloys

Brass has an attractive combination of properties, namely, good corrosion resistance, good wear properties, and high thermal and electrical conductivity. In this study, influence of selected alloy additions (Al and Ti) on performance of leaded brass alloys (CuZn39pb3) was investigated. The observation of microstructures, compression tests, and hardness tests were performed. The results of metallographic and mechanical tests indicate some influence of small amount additives of Al and Ti. Optical emission spectrometer (OES), light optical microscope (LOM), micro-Vickers hardness tester, and compression testing machine were used in this investigation. Consequently, Al had a significant effect on microstructure and mechanical properties of CuZn39Pb3 alloy. A larger compression strength at 0.31% wt of Al was obtained, as compared with the other alloys. Adding of Al and Ti led to the modification of the microstructure; thus, the compression strength was increased.
Survivor interaction contrast wiggle predictions of parallel and serial models for an arbitrary number of processes

a b s t r a c t The Survivor Interaction Contrast (SIC) is a distribution-free measure for assessing the fundamental prop- erties of human information processing such as architecture (i.e., serial or parallel) and stopping rule (i.e., minimum time or maximum time). Despite its demonstrated utility, there are some vital gaps in our knowledge: first, the shape of the serial maximum time SIC is theoretically unclear, although the one 0-crossing negative-to-positive signature has been found repeatedly in the simulations. Second, the the- ories of SIC have been restricted to two-process cases, which restrict the applications to a limited class of models and data sets. In this paper, we first prove that in the two-process case, a mild condition known as strictly log-concavity is sufficient as a guarantor of a single 0-crossing of the serial maximum time SIC. We then extend the definition of SIC to an arbitrary number of processes, and develop implicated methodol- ogy of SIC in its generalized form, again in a distribution-free manner, for both parallel and serial models in conjunction with both the minimum time and maximum time stopping rules. We conclude the paper by demonstrating application of the theorems to data from a short-term memory search task.
Traceability for integration

Software traceability (as required by DOD STD 2167A for software developed for the Department of Defense) sound like a good idea from the sponsor's point of view, and it seems like a natural (and even useful) task for the developer. The author takes a closer look at how you do it and whether it is helpful or it is simply another documentation chore. The article is derived from lessons learned in practice and from reviewing the research work of the students from several semesters of a Johns Hopkins University graduate course on software engineering. >
Equilibrium and Diffusion Rate Effects of Univalent and Divalent Ions in a Bifunctional Resin

Although considerable effort has been invested in research of equilibria and rates of exchange for monofunctional ion exchange, little has been published on these topics for bifunctional resins. Nevertheless, bifunctional resins have been the central issue in research on fixed bed, thermal cycling processes, such as the Sirotherm process and cycling zone adsorption. A major portion of the potential applications of the thermal-cycling processes involves purification of dilute, aqueous, mixed salt solutions. Consequently, the properties of such resins, while in contact with mixed salt solutions, are relevant.
What Is a City? An Essential Definition for Sustainability

The debate over the definition of the city and the elements of the urbanization process has a long history in the social sciences. These debates highlighted the significant differences in social outcomes between studies that defined cities as social entities and those that examined cities as strictly social processes. With increasing interest in environmental and resource management concerns, the debate over what a city is and what are the processes of urbanization have taken on even greater importance. While, in one sense, it has become easier to identify “the urban” due to new imaging and mapping technologies, taking the definition of cities as simply entities has important consequences for our ability to identify sustainable pathways. There is much that environmental and ecological studies can bring to the definition of the city, but a there is also much that these studies can learn from previous social research. By focusing on cities as entities and ignoring social processes, these new studies may conflate numerous developmental processes, and at the same time ignore the fundamental aspects that define the urban, resulting in a misunderstanding of social, economic and environmental consequences.
Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy Following Dengue Fever: A New Association for an Old Disease

ABSTRACTPurpose: An association between antecedent viral illness and acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) has long been suspected. The authors propose dengue fever as a possible cause of APMPPE, based on three patients who travelled to or lived in endemic areas and had serologic evidence of prior exposure.Methods: Review of case records of two patients.Results: The index patient presented with APMPPE after her second confirmed dengue infection. A second patient with positive serology for dengue was subsequently identified, who had acute onset of posterior uveitis with APMPPE-like features. Dengue antibody titers were positive in both patients.Conclusions: APMPPE may be another manifestation of dengue fever. Ophthalmologists should take travel histories and consider ordering dengue serology in appropriate patients with APMPPE even if fever is absent, and especially in patients with the possibility of attenuated systemic disease and a primarily immunologic reaction to subsequen...
Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Erosion and Flood Probability in the US Pacific Northwest

A simple total water level (TWL) model is employed to investigate the relative importance of various climate controls on the potential for an increased probability of coastal erosion and flooding on sandy beaches of the US Pacific Northwest. Model results suggest that if decadal-scale increases in storm intensity (wave height) continue into the future, this process will have a greater impact on increasing the probability of coastal hazards, via the relationship between wave height and wave runup, than even relatively high estimates of relative sea level rise (RSLR) rates over the next century. RSLR appears to be more important to potential hazards than an increase in the frequency of major El Nino events (from approximately one to two events per decade). The combined effect of each of these climate controls operating simultaneously is predicted to increase erosion/flood frequency by as much as an order of magnitude for some beach slopes and dune crest elevations. These results confirm the need to incorporate climate-controlled processes in methodologies designed to assess the risks of enhanced coastal hazards to humans and infrastructure.
Risk Control,Risk Premium and Auditing Fees: Empirical Evidence from the Reports of Listed Companies in Shenzhen in 2007

Quality of internal control is one of the decisive factors to influence the auditing fees in theory.Because no methods can be used to obtain the internal control information of listed companies,there is little empirical evidence in this field.That CSRC required listed companies to disclose internal control self-reports since 2007 gives us an opportunity to observe the quality of internal control.According to the theory of auditing valuation and the data of the listed companies in Shenzhen Stock Exchange of 2007,we focus on the question of how risk control affects auditing fees and whether risk premium is included in the auditing fees.We find that there is a positive relationship between risk control and auditing fees,and risk premium is included in the latter.
Abstract IA12: Mechanisms of tumorigenesis due to somatic mutations in DICER1 and DROSHA in childhood kidney cancers

Wilms tumor is the most common pediatric kidney cancer and the fourth most common childhood cancer overall. Wilms tumor is treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and, while most children are cured, patients suffer adverse late effects of therapy and survival remains poor in those with advanced-stage disease. Known driver mutations (in WT1 , WTX , and β-catenin) account for only one-third of Wilms tumor cases. To better define the genomic landscape of Wilms tumor, we performed whole-exome sequencing of 44 Wilms tumors to identify somatic mutations. Through this approach, we identified recurrent somatic mutations in MYCN , DROSHA , and DICER1 , which were mutually exclusive with known Wilms tumor driver mutations in WT1 and β-catenin. DROSHA and DICER1 somatic hotspot mutations occur at or near critical metal-binding residues in RNase III domains and partially or completely disrupt enzyme activity. Examination of miRNA expression in tumors, in vitro processing assays, and genomic editing in human cells demonstrate that DICER1 and DROSHA mutations influence miRNA processing through distinct mechanisms. While DICER1 RNase IIIB mutations preferentially impair processing of miRNAs that derive from the 5′ arm of pre-miRNA hairpins, DROSHA RNase IIIB mutations globally inhibit miRNA biogenesis through a dominant-negative mechanism. Despite their distinct mechanisms of action, DROSHA and DICER1 mutations result in decreased expression of several common tumor-suppressing miRNAs, including multiple members of the let-7 and miR-15/16 families. We also identified a patient carrying a germline DICER1 loss-of-function allele who subsequently developed multiple malignancies with distinct DICER1 RNase IIIB somatic hotspot mutations, suggesting that DICER1 can act as both a tumor-suppressor and an oncogene depending on the nature of the mutation. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms through which mutations in miRNA biogenesis components reprogram miRNA expression in human cancer and suggest that mutations causing impairment of miRNA processing define a distinct subclass of Wilms tumors. Citation Format: Kenneth S. Chen, Dinesh Rakheja, Yangjian Liu, Abhay A. Shukla, Joshua T. Mendell, James F. Amatruda. Mechanisms of tumorigenesis due to somatic mutations in DICER1 and DROSHA in childhood kidney cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer: Mechanisms to Medicines ; 2015 Dec 4-7; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(6 Suppl):Abstract nr IA12.
Uses of Research Evidence by State Legislators Who Prioritize Behavioral Health Issues

Objective:Disseminating behavioral health (BH) research to elected policy makers is a priority, but little is known about how they use and seek research evidence. This exploratory study aimed to identify research dissemination preferences and research-seeking practices of legislators who prioritize BH issues and to describe the role of research in determining policy priorities. The study also assessed whether these legislators differ from those who do not prioritize BH issues.Methods:A telephone-based survey was conducted with 862 state legislators (response rate, 46%). A validated survey instrument assessed priorities and the factors that determined them, research dissemination preferences, and research-seeking practices. Bivariate analyses were used to characterize and compare the two groups.Results:Legislators who prioritized BH issues (N=125) were significantly more likely than those who did not to identify research evidence as a factor that determined policy priorities (odds ratio=1.91, 95% confidenc...
Learning: The Maximum Likelihood Approach

We discuss in this chapter the process of learning Bayesian networks from data. The learning process is studied under different conditions, which relate to the nature of available data and the amount of prior knowledge we have on the Bayesian network. Introduction Consider Figure 17.1, which depicts a Bayesian network structure from the domain of medical diagnosis (we treated this network in Chapter 5). Consider also the data set depicted in this figure. Each row in this data set is called a case and represents a medical record for a particular patient. Note that some of the cases are incomplete, where “?” indicates the unavailability of corresponding data for that patient. The data set is therefore said to be incomplete due to these missing values; otherwise, it is called a complete data set. A key objective of this chapter is to provide techniques for estimating the parameters of a network structure given both complete and incomplete data sets. The techniques we provide therefore complement those given in Chapter 5 for constructing Bayesian networks. In particular we can now construct the network structure from either design information or by working with domain experts, as discussed in Chapter 5, and then use the techniques discussed in this chapter to estimate the CPTs of these structures from data. We also discuss techniques for learning the network structure itself, although our focus here is on complete data sets for reasons that we state later.
The Imagination of REA:APPRRE

AbstractIn this article I strive to show how the Religious Education Association, an Association of Professors, Practitioners, and Researchers in Religious Education (REA:APPRRE) can maintain a robust sense of scope and purpose by remembering and renewing its understanding of the imagination of REA:APPRRE.
Genetic changes associated with testicular cancer susceptibility

Testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is a highly heritable cancer primarily affecting young white men. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been particularly effective in identifying multiple common variants with strong contribution to TGCT risk. These loci identified through association studies have implicated multiple genes as associated with TGCT predisposition, many of which are unique among cancer types, and regulate processes such as pluripotency, sex specification, and microtubule assembly. Together these biologically plausible genes converge on pathways involved in male germ cell development and maturation, and suggest that perturbation of them confers susceptibility to TGCT, as a developmental defect of germ cell differentiation.
Developing a dance movement therapy approach to qualitatively analyzing interview data

Abstract The objective of the study was to develop a model for an embodied-artistic approach to qualitatively analyzing interview data that could contribute to an enhanced narrative account and/or offer an alternate perspective. A new model was formulated by adapting and/or critically applying a combination of previously developed analytical frameworks. Dance/movement therapy (DMT) skills that encompass ways of listening through an embodied, empathic, aesthetic manner; and a movement observation and assessment tool, Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) were at the core of this explicatory process. The researcher’s movement preferences were identified in the preparatory phase with a certified movement analyst (CMA). Interviews were conducted with two subsets of dance/movement therapists (N = 6) to: (a) develop the approach in the induction phase (n = 3); and (b) test the approach in the validation phase (n = 3). In the induction phase, the video footage of the dances was shared with a CMA and the participants for peer review, and the approach was revised. In the validation phase, the revised model was tested with a different subset of dance/movement therapists. The findings that are shared pertain to the evaluation of the method rather than the outcome of the study that was conducted concurrently as part of explicating the method.
Channel noise effects on neural synchronization

Abstract Synchronization in neural networks is believed to be linked to cognitive processes, while abnormal synchronization has been associated with disorders such as epilepsy and schizophrenia. We examine the synchronization of small Hodgkin–Huxley neuronal networks. The principal features of Hodgkin–Huxley neurons are protein channels in the neural membrane that transition between open and closed states with voltage dependent rate constants. The standard assumption of infinitely many channels neglects the fact that real neurons have finitely many channels, which leads to fluctuations in the membrane voltage and modifies neuronal spike times. These fluctuations are referred to as channel noise. We demonstrate that regardless of channel noise magnitude, neurons in the network reach a steady state synchronization level dependent only on the number of neurons in the network, equivalent to the steady state level of uncoupled Poisson neurons. The channel noise only affects the time to reach the steady state synchronization level.
Analyzing Circle of Willis blood flow in ischemic stroke patients through 3D Stroke Arterial Flow Estimation

Background The objective of ischemic stroke (IS) treatment is to achieve revascularization in cerebral arteries to restore blood flow. However, there is no available method to extract arterial flow data from clinical CTA images. We developed 3D Stroke Arterial Flow Estimation (SAFE), which provides blood flow data throughout the Circle of Willis based on 3D CTA and allows comparison of arterial flow distribution in the brain. Methods We implemented a newly developed 3D vascular reconstruction algorithm for clinical stroke CTA images. Based on the patient-specific vascular structure, SAFE calculates time-resolved blood flow information for the entire Circle of Willis and allows quantitative flow study of IS cases. Clinical IS cases are presented to demonstrate the feasibility. Four patients with CTA images and CT perfusion data were studied. To validate the SAFE analysis, correlation analysis comparing blood flow at the MCA, ICA, and BA was performed. Results Different blood flow patterns were found in individual IS patients. Altered flow patterns and high collateral flow rates were found near occlusions in all cases. Quantitative comparison of blood flow data showed that SAFE obtained flow data and CTP were significantly correlated and provide complementary information about cerebral blood flow for individual patients. Conclusions We present SAFE analysis for collecting detailed time-resolved cerebral arterial flow data in the entire Circle of Willis for IS. Further study with more cases may be important to test the clinical utilization of SAFE and helpful to the study of the underlying hemodynamics of stroke.
Analog hardware implementation of spike-based delayed feedback reservoir computing system

The rate of enhancement is starting to saturate and slow down which indicates the end of Moore's prediction due to the fundamental performance limits of the chips. The need of breaking through the barrier has directed researchers into several directions, for instance, novel computing architecture. Reservoir computing, a novel concept in the field of machine learning, has emerged over the past few years. Combined the memory and spatio-temporal processing of recurrent neural networks, reservoir computing possesses the capability of processing temporal information. In this paper, we present an analog hardware implementation of delayed feedback reservoir computing system. We build a new class of computationally efficient spike timing-dependent encoders and delay-based reservoirs within reservoir networks. This approach allows us to avoid using power-consuming analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and operational amplifiers (Op-AMPs), resulting in significant savings in power requirements and design area.
Morbidity Associated with Urinary Diversion in the United States: A Contemporary Evaluation Using the NSQIP Database

Abstract Introduction We identified preoperative differences between patients undergoing incontinent vs continent diversion, and compared 30-day complication outcomes between the 2 procedures. Methods Using the NSQIP® (National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) database we identified patients undergoing urinary diversion incorporating bowel, with or without cystectomy, between 2010 and 2012. We compared preoperative characteristics, surgical parameters and 30-day postoperative outcomes. We stratified patients based on the continence status of the diversion as incontinent vs continent. Results We identified 1,959 urinary diversions in the NSQIP database, including 1,568 incontinent diversions (80.0%) and 391 continent diversions (20.0%). Significantly higher rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (9.1% vs 4.3%), previous cardiac surgery (4.3% vs 1.8%), hypertension (63.3% vs 47.1%) and disseminated disease (4.7% vs 2.1%) were noted in patients undergoing incontinent diversion. Patients undergoing continent diversion were significantly more likely to have received preoperative chemotherapy (10.5% vs 5.2%). Operative time was longer for continent diversion (388 vs 336 minutes). Postoperative urinary tract infection (13.8% vs 7.9%) and sepsis rates (11.5% vs 7.9%) were significantly higher with continent diversion, whereas transfusion rates were higher with incontinent diversion (45.2% vs 37.1%). Thirty-day readmission rates (18.2% vs 15.6%), length of stay (10.2 vs 10.7 days), presence of at least 1 NSQIP captured complication (61.4% vs 64.0%) and mortality (1.5% vs 2.1%) were not statistically different between continent diversion and incontinent diversion. Conclusions Urinary diversion incorporating bowel continues to carry a significant risk of postoperative morbidity. While continent diversion offers potential long-term advantages, these must be balanced against longer operative times and higher rates of postoperative infectious complications.
Comparative analysis of multi-port converter under various modulation indices

Multi Port Converter with PV and the Wind Energy Conversion System presented. The proposed work consists of the operation of the proposed converter system under low wind power generation by which the excess of energy extracted from PV System. It can be achieved by changing the modulation indices of the Control Switch Sw1, while the complexity of the entire system is reduced. The Proposed system with varying modulation indices can improve the operating capability of the multi-port converter system, which can be utilised for balancing the Loads where High Voltage is required with low wind speeds. The improvements in the output voltage, power and Peak Diode Current across the Diode are validated using MATLAB/Simulink Software.
Development and validation of quasi-steady-state heat pump water heater model having stratified water tank and wrapped-tank condenser

Abstract Heat pump water heater systems (HPWH) introduce new challenges for design and modeling tools, because they require vapor compression system balanced with a water storage tank. In addition, a wrapped-tank condenser coil has strong coupling with a stratified water tank, which leads HPWH simulation to a transient process. To tackle these challenges and deliver an effective, hardware-based HPWH equipment design tool, a quasi-steady-state HPWH model was developed based on the DOE/ORNL Heat Pump Design Model (HPDM). Two new component models were added via this study. One is a one-dimensional stratified water tank model, an improvement to the open-source EnergyPlus water tank model, by introducing a calibration factor to account for bulk mixing effect due to water draws, circulations, etc. The other is a wrapped-tank condenser coil model, using a segment-to-segment modeling approach. The HPWH system model was validated against available experimental data. After that, the model was used for parametric simulations to determine the effects of various design factors.
Spectral-based quantitative ultrasound imaging: A model free approach

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) imaging can improve the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound. Spectral-based QUS approaches utilize backscattered ultrasound signals to extract additional information about tissue state. These technique have traditionally relied on scattering models to differentiate tissue state. However, the use of machine learning approaches may obviate the need for models. A model-based and model-free (principle component analysis (PCA)) approach to spectral-based QUS were compared for their ability to differentiate fatty from non-fatty liver in a rabbit model. PCA was observed to provide better differentiation of fatty from non-fatty liver, i.e., PCA predicted fatty liver 86% of the time versus 36% for model-based. In addition, three calibration approaches for spectral-based QUS were compared: the traditional reference phantom, reference free, and an in situ calibration target. To test the calibration procedures, a phantom was scanned with and without a lossy layer placed on top and integrated backscatter coefficients (IBSCs) were calculated from the scattered data. Utilizing an in situ calibration target provided the ability to account for transmission losses and attenuation. The root mean square error between IBSCs estimated from the phantom with and without the lossy layer were 8.28 for the reference phantom versus 1.24 for the in situ calibration approach.