cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transperitoneal Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Anterior Approach

The American Cancer Society reported the 2008 prostate cancer incidence to be 186,320 with 28,660 deaths. Approximately one in six men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. The past several years have witnessed a rapid adoption of the use of the da Vinci® Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) for radical prostatectomy. Although Abbou first reported this procedure in 2001 (Abbou CC, Hoznek A, Salomon L et al., J Urol 165:1964, 2001; Hoznek A, Salomon L, Olsson L E. et al., Eur Urol 40:38, 2001), Menon’s pioneering experience has spurred the rapid diffusion of the procedure across the USA. Since its initial description, several large series have demonstrated equivalence to the classic open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) with regard to continence and potency data (Kaul S, Savera A, Badani K et al., BJU Int 97:467, 2006; Menon M, Kaul S, Bhandari A et al., J Urol 174:2291, 2005; Shikanov SA, Eng MK, Bernstein AJ et al. J Urol 180:663, 2008; Wood DP, Schulte R, Dunn RL et al. Urology 70:945, 2007). Recent single institution series reported equivalent and perhaps improved positive margin rates with the adoption of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) as compared to open RRP and laparoscopic RRP (Tewari A, Rao S, Martinez-Salamanca JI et al., BJU Int 101:1013, 2008; Smith JA, Jr, Chan RC, Chang SS et al., J Urol 178:2385, 2007). The technical benefits of the robot including wristed instrumentation, three-dimensional image display, and tremor filtration certainly aid the surgeon in performing this challenging operation. In this chapter we describe our technique for transperitoneal RALP using the anterior approach.
Yet Another Path: Another Path: Expanding De Soto's Framework Using Ostrom's Insights

This paper offers a constructive critique of Hernando De Soto’s position regarding formalization of individual property in developing countries. This paper borrows the insights of Elinor Ostrom to argue that in many instances alternative resource management is a viable and sometimes preferable alternative to privatization, especially in instances where effective alternative institutional are already in place. Furthermore, I will argue that such possibility is not only in accord with De Soto’s overall theory, but that in fact it is a necessity given De Soto’s own philosophical presuppositions. I conclude then that, although De Soto is correct in stating that formal and government-recognized titling is a necessary step for the advancement of developing countries, it is shortsighted to ignore the efforts to consider communal systems of property and common pool resources as viable alternatives to individual property rights. This paper was prepared for the Miller Upton Forum on the Wealth and Well-Being of Nations at Beloit College.
Boat operators in Bocas del Toro, Panama display low levels of compliance with national whale-watching regulations

Abstract In Bocas del Toro, Panama, unregulated dolphin-watching tourism has resulted in international concern. There are less than 100 resident bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) in Bocas del Toro that are genetically isolated from other populations in the Caribbean. Over just three years (2012–2014), at least 10 resident dolphins have died due to boat collisions. Panama does, however, have official whale-watching guidelines. This study conducted a boat-based survey from July to August 2013, to evaluate compliance with these guidelines. Indeed, the results show that dolphin-watching boats in Bocas were frequently violating Panama's whale-watching guidelines. During 817 min of direct observation, boats were closer than the regulated 100 m 71% of the time. Boat engines were only switched off or idle 31% of the time when vessels were 50 m or closer. Only 55% of all observed dolphin-watching interactions were following the whale-watching guideline of 1–2 boats concurrently. Forty-five percent of the time, 3–15 boats were watching the dolphins. Results from this study provide evidence of a high level of noncompliance with Panama's whale-watching guidelines. Thus, these results indicate that the resident dolphin population in Bocas del Toro, Panama will be threatened if this unmanaged whale-watching tourism continues.
The Influence of Human–Elephant Conflict on Electric Fence Management and Perception Among Different Rural Communities in Laikipia County, Kenya

Electrified fences are commonly used in Kenya to prevent human–elephant conflict. This research addressed the social perceptions of electrified wildlife fences by assessing community-level individu...
Measuring in situ primary and competitive DNA hybridization activity on microspheres.

Microspheres serve as convenient substrates for studying DNA activity on surfaces. Here, in addition to employing conventional sample preparation involving multiple wash and resuspension steps prior to flow cytometry measurements, we also directly sampled the reaction volume to acquire in situ measurements of primary and competitive hybridization events. Even in the absence of post hybridization wash steps, nonspecific binding events were negligible and thus allowed for direct, quantitative assessment of hybridization events as they occurred on colloidal surfaces. The in situ results indicate that primary duplex formation between immobilized probes and soluble targets on microsphere surfaces is less favorable than predicted by solution models. The kinetics of competitive displacement of primary hybridization partners by secondary targets measured in situ or post washing also deviate from expectations based on theoretical solution thermodynamics, but are consistent with predicted kinetic trends stemming fr...
Person-centered care and organizational culture in long-term care.

FOR those who have been in healthcare for any period of time, “buzzwords” about the latest new terminology bring to life an old idea. Every few years, experts and consultants bring to long-term care (LTC) providers the latest example of a new design to solve the quality of life and quality of care p
Sampling for Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae) in Strawberries

Several suction sampling devices were compared with a beating tray and a whole-plant sample for determining population abundance of Lygus hesperus (Knight) as well as some beneficial predatory arthropods (Geocoris spp., Hemerobius spp., Chrysopa camea (Stephens), Orius tristicolor (White), and spiders) in California strawberry fields. The Allen-vac (A-vac) sampler best approximated the whole-plant sample for L. hesperus and beneficials except spiders. The beating tray provided the most consistent though lower estimates, but could provide a useful estimate of L. hesperus and beneficial arthropod abundance in an integrated pest management monitoring program. The D-vac provided a slightly lower estimate of L. hesperus density than did the A-vac samples or beating-tray samples at a greater cost in sampling time. For each regression of relative technique against the corresponding whole-plant estimate, the intercept was not significantly different from 0. Taylor’s power law was used to develop variance-mean models for each sampling type tested.
Effect of Light Exposure and Carbohydrate Content of Snap Bean Leaves on Chinese Rose Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Feeding

Chinese rose beetle, Adoretus sinicus Burmeister, preferred to feed on snap bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L., leaves that were grown under ambient sunlight conditions compared with leaves from plants that had been placed in 24 h darkness before feeding trials. Carbohydrate content in the leaves of plants grown in sunlight was significantly higher than that of leaves from plants that had been exposed to 24 h of darkness. Application of exogenous carbohydrates to leaf explants from plants exposed to 24 h darkness resulted in significantly more feeding on these explants compared with controls (plants grown under ambient sunlight). The results suggest that the amount of available carbohydrate content in leaves is involved in the selection of feeding material by the Chinese rose beetle.
Timing a Looming Object

We present a novel approach to extracting information relating to the absolute speed of a looming stimulus. The method makes use of two properties of looming detectors: They respond faster to a large approaching object with lower firing rate. The curves obtained by integrating the activity of the looming detectors in response to stimuli of various sizes looming at different speeds intersect within a small range. After proper thresholding, the integrated activity provides a temporal signal which reflects the absolute speeds of a looming object. This mechanism offers a flexible way for timing interaction with a looming object
Thinking and Practice about Contribution of the Standardized Production Base of Green Food's Raw Materials

Heilongjiang province took the lead in the creation of green food base.Heilongjiang province is the largest standardized production base of green food's raw materials in the country.There were 3 lessons we could learn from the base's creating-should standardize production to improve the level of base construction;strengthen leading enterprises to drive standardization of base construction;organize and implement together to promote the standardization of base create work.Thus,it could provide theoretical guidance for the development of leading enterprises,improving the ecological environment and increasing rural incomes.
Antithymocyte globulin reacts with many normal human cell types

Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is frequently effective therapy for aplastic anemia. Its mechanism of action is often assumed to be upon a lymphocyte inhibitor of hematopoiesis. However, specificity for T lymphocytes would not be anticipated from consideration of the method of preparing ATG. In fact, using flow microfluorometry and fluorescence immunohistochemistry, we have found that ATG binds to virtually all circulating lymphocytes, granulocytes, and platelets, as well as to bone marrow cells. Extensive absorption of ATG with either granulocytes or lymphocytes does not eliminate reactivity with the opposite cells, indicating that ATG recognizes some distinct antigens on each cell type. Treatment of cells with ATG blocks the binding of monoclonal antibodies directed against either lymphocyte differentiation or histocompatibility antigens. ATG also binds to visceral tissues, including thymus and testis cell membranes and the nuclear and cytoplasmic components of tonsil, kidney, liver, breast, lung, and intestine. In vitro cytotoxicity of ATG was demonstrated for both T and non- T lymphocytes and platelets. Despite its name, ATG is not specific for a particular cell type, and it would be premature to conclude that its effect is mediated through a specific lymphocyte population.
Very low frequency earthquakes spatiotemporally asynchronous with strong tremor during the 2014 episodic tremor and slip event in Cascadia

We find very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) in Cascadia during the 2014 episodic tremor and slip event under Washington and Vancouver Island using a grid search centroid moment tensor inversion method. The very low frequency earthquakes occur when and where there is no strong tremor detected, contrasting with previous findings where tremor and very low frequency earthquakes have a clear spatiotemporal relationship. This challenges our current understanding of the dynamic relationship between the different types of slow earthquakes and their relationship to slow slip. We interpret these findings to suggest that VLFEs and tremor may have their own “seismic cycles,” resulting from asperities of different sizes or characteristics that respond pseudo-independently to stress loading. We propose that very low frequency earthquakes and tremor are subject to asynchronous seismic cycles.
Taxonomic validity of the ceratopsid dinosaur Ugrosaurus olsoni (CoBabe and Fastovsky)

Ceratopsid diversity at the end of the Cretaceous plays a role in interpreting faunal events at or near the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary in North America. The addition of a new ceratopsid genus within this time frame thus has potential ramifications for the interpretation of these events.
The religious psychology of Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) a vecu a Londres principalement et fut critique, essayiste, biographe, poete et lexicographe. Celebre pour sa tres vaste erudition, il etait aussi connu a cause de la profondeur et de l'intensite de sa foi anglicane. Ses oeuvres principales sont le Dictionnaire, le Promeneur, Rasselas, Shakespeare et La vie des poetes. Selon lui, pour connaitre la volonte de Dieu a laquelle il est essentiel de se conformer, il suffit de lire l'Ecriture, puis les ecrivains de l'eglise primitive. Il pense que les differences entre catholiques et protestants relevent plus de la politique que de la religion. Il insiste beaucoup sur le comportement moral et rationnel, et cherche constamment comment combattre l'egoisme, l'illusion et la cruaute.
Colonization of internal organs by Salmonella serovars Heidelberg and Typhimurium in experimentally infected laying hens housed in enriched colony cages at different stocking densities

Abstract Contaminated eggs produced by infected commercial laying flocks are often implicated as sources of human infections with Salmonella Enteritidis, but Salmonella serovars Heidelberg and Typhimurium have also been associated with egg-transmitted illness. Contamination of the edible contents of eggs is a consequence of the colonization of reproductive tissues in systemically infected hens. In recent years, the animal welfare implications of diverse poultry housing and management systems have been vigorously debated, but the food safety significance of laying hen housing remains uncertain. The present study evaluated the effects of 2 different bird stocking densities on the invasion of internal organs by Salmonella serovars Heidelberg and Typhimurium in groups of experimentally infected laying hens housed in colony cages enriched with perching and nesting areas. Laying hens were distributed at 2 different stocking densities (648 and 973 cm2/bird) into colony cages and (along with a group housed in conventional cages at 648 cm2/bird) orally inoculated with doses of 107 cfu of 2-strain cocktails of either Salmonella Heidelberg or Salmonella Typhimurium. At 5 to 6 d post-inoculation, hens were euthanized and samples of internal organs (cecum, liver, spleen, ovary, and oviduct) were removed for bacteriologic culturing. The overall frequency of Salmonella isolation from ceca after inoculation with strains of serovar Heidelberg (83.3%) was significantly (P 0.05) between stocking densities or cage systems in the frequencies of isolation of either Salmonella serovar from any of the five sampled tissues. These results contrast with prior studies, which reported increased susceptibility to internal organ invasion by Salmonella Enteritidis among hens in conventional cages at higher stocking densities.
Phase Behavior of Diblock Copolymer-Homopolymer Ternary Blends: Congruent First-Order Lamellar-Disorder Transition

We have established the existence of a line of congruent first-order lamellar-to-disorder (LAM–DIS) transitions when appropriate amounts of poly(cyclohexylethylene) (C) and poly(ethylene) (E) homopolymers are mixed with a corresponding compositionally symmetric CE diblock copolymer. The line of congruent transitions, or the congruent isopleth, terminates at the bicontinuous microemulsion (BμE) channel, and its trajectory appears to be influenced by the critical composition of the C/E binary homopolymer blend. Blends satisfying congruency undergo a direct LAM–DIS transition without passing through a two-phase region. We present complementary optical transmission, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic mechanical spectroscopy (DMS) results that establish the phase behavior at constant copolymer volume fraction and varying C/E homopolymer volume ratios. Adjacent to the congruent composition at constant copolymer volume fraction, the lamellar and disordered ph...
Gasb versus fasb: user perceptions of the alternative formats for preparing the statement of cash flows

This paper reports results of a survey that examines user perceptions of alternate formats of the Statement of Cash Flows (SCF) mandated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The formats were compared using seven reporting issues. The findings indicate that users found the GASB SCF model to be superior to the FASB model for all issues. The study has implications for both standard-setting bodies. The GASB has already considered the results in developing a new reporting model for governmental entities. The FASB may at some point want to reconsider its SCF reporting requirements.
Computation of vector ARMA autocovariances

Abstract This note describes an algorithm for computing the autocovariance sequence of a VARMA process, without requiring the intermediary step of determining the Wold representation. Although the recursive formula for the autocovariances is well-known, the initialization of this recursion in standard treatments (such as Brockwell and Davis (1991) or Lutkepohl (2007)) is slightly nuanced; we provide explicit formulas and algorithms for the initial autocovariances.
Histidine decarboxylase (HDC)-expressing granulocytic myeloid cells induce and recruit Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in murine colon cancer.

ABSTRACTThe colorectal tumor microenvironment contains a diverse population of myeloid cells that are recruited and converted to immunosuppressive cells, thus facilitating tumor escape from immunoediting. We have identified a genetically and functionally distinct subset of dynamic bone marrow myeloid cells that are characterized by histidine decarboxylase (HDC) expression. Lineage tracing in Hdc-CreERT2;R26-LSL-tdTomato mice revealed that in homeostasis, there is a strong bias by HDC+ myeloid cells toward the CD11b+Ly6Ghi granulocytic lineage, which was accelerated during azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced colonic carcinogenesis. More importantly, HDC+ myeloid cells strongly promoted colonic tumorigenesis, and colon tumor progression was profoundly suppressed by diphtheria toxin A (DTA)-mediated depletion of HDC+ granulocytic myeloid cells. In addition, tumor infiltration by Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) was markedly impaired following HDC+ myeloid cell depletion. We identified an H...
Highly photoresponsive, ZnO nanorod-based photodetector for operation in the visible spectral range

While significant advances have been made for gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-coupled zinc oxide (ZnO) as visibly blind, ultraviolet photodetection devices, very few ZnO nanomaterial systems have been developed specifically for use in the visible wavelength regime. Further efforts to develop ZnO-based visible photodetectors (PDs) are still highly warranted in order to better understand the precise effect of AuNP load, operation wavelength, and beam position on the device output. In this study, we demonstrate significantly enhanced, photoresponse behaviors of AuNP-coupled ZnO nanorod (NR) network devices in the visible wavelength range with their photoresponse capacity comparable to, if not far exceeding, most commercial PDs as well as recently reported, visible, AuNP-coupled ZnO detectors. In addition, the nature and degree of the photoresponsivity enhancement are systematically elucidated by investigating their light-triggered electrical signals under varying incident wavelengths, AuNP amounts, and illumination positions. We discuss a possible photoconduction mechanism of our AuNP-coupled ZnO NR PDs and the origins of the high photoresponsivity. Specifically related to the AuNP amount-dependent photoresponse behaviors, the nanoparticle density yielding photoresponse maxima is explained as the interplay between localized surface plasmon resonance, plasmonic heating, and scattering in our photothermoelectric effect-driven device. We show that the AuNP-coupled ZnO NR PDs can be constructed via a straightforward method without the need for ultrahigh vacuum, sputtering procedures, or photo/electron-beam lithographic tools. Hence, the approach demonstrated in this study may serve as a convenient and viable means to advance the current state of ZnO-based PDs for operation in the visible spectral range with greatly increased photoresponsivity.
Chapter 2 – Mentoring Organically

This chapter defines traditional and informal mentoring, identifies the principles and traits of good mentors and then combines two theories to provide a framework for mentoring organically through relationships. Munroe’s levels of friendships and Kram’s stages of mentoring are used to illustrate through anecdotal examples how organic mentoring can work.
‘Superweeds’ or ‘survivors’? Framing the problem of glyphosate resistant weeds and genetically engineered crops

In this paper, we explore how efforts to frame the socio-environmental problem of glyphosate resistant weeds— superweeds—at particular scales shape calls for certain governance strategies and regulatory responses. We use a political agronomy approach and the politics of scale literature to understand the linkages and relationships between socio-political and economic forces and the problem of glyphosate resistant weeds. We draw on in-depth interview data with representatives from farm groups, consumer and environmental advocacy organizations, agriculture and biotech companies, government regulatory agencies, and agricultural extension agents, together with a content analysis of websites of GE supporters and opponents. Together these data are used to explore how the problem of superweeds is being framed by proponents and opponents of GE crops, and among agricultural scientists, advocacy organizations and business. We conclude that when environmental problems associated with pesticide resistance are ‘scaled up’ to incorporate more systemic agricultural issues and are linked with broader socio-economic and political issues that impact a larger public, there are greater possibilities for pushing for government intervention and regulation to address environmental burdens and externalities.
Abstract WMP66: Minnesota Prehospital Stroke Scale For Prediction of Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion

Intro: Recent randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the benefit of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients with Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion (ELVO). Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale is widely used tool by EMS but not specifically designed to predict ELVO. Previously reported prehospital stroke scales for ELVO have been limited, and not widely used. It is imperative to establish a simple and accurate tool for EMS to predict ELVO facilitating rapid patient transport to hospitals capable of endovascular intervention. Hypothesis: Minnesota Prehospital Stroke Scale (MPSS) can predict the presence of ELVO with high accuracy comparable to NIHSS. Methods: The MPSS assesses five parameters: Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Leg weakness, Speech difficulty and Eye deviation, with total score ranging 0-10 (See Table). We set MPSS 6 or above and NIHSS 7 or above as a cutoff for ELVO. We retrospectively analyzed all the stroke code patients seen in ED between January 2015 and April 2015 at a primary stroke center (n=120). We selected patients arriving in less than 6 hours with prehospital stroke alert activated by EMS. Hemorrhagic stroke patients were excluded. The following data were collected: 1) Presence of ELVO, 2) Initial NIHSS in ED, and 3) MPSS abstracted from initial ER NIHSS, then assessed the results using 2x2 table for ELVO and MPSS vs. NIHSS. Results: Of 28 patients meeting criteria, 6 (21%) had ELVO (ICA, M1/M2): Mean MPSS was 7.5, whereas mean NIHSS was 15 for ELVO patients. Mean HPSS was 1.6, whereas mean NIHSS was 5.1 for non-ELVO patients. Sensitivity 83%, specificity 100%, PPV 100%, NPV 96%, and accuracy 96% for HPSS; sensitivity 83%, specificity 77%, PPV 50%, NPV 94% and accuracy 79% for NIHSS. Conclusion: MPSS may be a useful tool for predicting ELVO. Further studies are necessary to validate the efficacy of the scale.
Effect of Shift, Schedule, and Volume on Interpretive Accuracy: A Retrospective Analysis of 2.9 Million Radiologic Examinations.

This retrospective analysis of 2.92 million examinations demonstrates that major diagnostic radiologic interpretive discrepancies are associated with shift length and higher diagnostic examination volumes and are more likely to occur later in a shift.
Exploring College Students’ Shopping Motivation for Secondhand Clothing

Trade and use of secondhand clothing has been a norm of the western society since antiquity. Today, popularity of vintage fashion, desire for uniqueness and conspicuously low prices of branded luxury used clothes has given rise to a range of consignment stores, boutiques, and high-street concessions that resell previously worn garments (Hansen 2010). Although trade of secondhand clothing is on increase, there is lack of research done on motives that drive consumers to purchase secondhand clothing.
Effect of nanowire curviness on the percolation resistivity of transparent, conductive metal nanowire networks

We study the effect of nanowire curviness on the percolation resistivity of transparent, conductive metal nanowire networks by Monte Carlo simulations. We generate curvy nanowires as one-dimensional sticks using 3rd-order Bezier curves. The degree of curviness in the network is quantified by the concept of curviness angle and curl ratio. We systematically study the interaction between the effect of curviness and five other nanowire/device parameters on the network resistivity, namely nanowire density, nanowire length, device length, device width, and nanowire alignment. We find that the resistivity exhibits a power law dependence on the curl ratio, which is a signature of percolation transport. In each case, we extract the power-law scaling critical exponents and explain the results using geometrical and physical arguments. The value of the curl ratio critical exponent is not universal, but increases as the other nanowire/device parameters drive the network toward the percolation threshold. We find that, for randomly oriented networks, curviness is undesirable since it increases the resistivity. For well-aligned networks, on the other hand, some curviness is highly desirable, since the resistivity minimum occurs for partially curvy nanowires. We explain these results by considering the two competing effects of curviness on the percolation resistivity. The results presented in this work can be extended to any network, film, or nanocomposite consisting of one-dimensional nanoelements. Our results show that Monte Carlo simulations are an essential predictive tool for both studying the percolation transport and optimizing the electronic properties of transparent, conductive nanowire networks for a wide range of applications.
Actinide Hydrocarbyl and Hydride Chemistry

This chapter presents an overview of recent chemical progress involving molecules with actinide-to-carbon and actinide-to-hydrogen sigma bonds. The synthetic, structural, chemical/mechanistic, thermochemical, and bonding aspects of this chemistry are developing at a rapid rate.
THE BOTTOM-UP APPROACH TO MATERIALS BY DESIGN

ABSTRACT Bottom-up approach implies understanding the building blocks and then assembling them into a useful structure. For nanoparticle and multilayer composites used in aggressive loading environments, this requires an understanding of the length scales controlling the strength and toughness of the blocks. Here, we examine both nanospheres of silicon and thin films of Au in the 30 to 300 nm regime. With mechanical probing by nanoindentation we show that length scales can be defined by volume to surface ratio with connectivity to dislocation evolution. These can predict to first order the variations in hardness that may be initially high due to an indentation size effect but then later dislocation harden due to a back stress mechanism. For small nanospheres of Si, hardnesses in the 15-30 GPa regime are measured, while for very thin Au films the apparent hardness can vary from 2 to 6 GPa.
Summary by Professor G. Basevi of Session 1: “Sustainable World Economic Growth: A New Dimension of Economic Policy Cooperation”

Professor Y. Ono’s main comments addressed three aspects of Hamada’s chapter. The first is the nature of the two-level game used for analyzing policymaking, on the one hand, and the pressures to influence policymakers, on the other hand. The second deals with extensions of the analysis from tariffs to other means of protection. The third concerns the assumption that free trade is an optimal policy, relative to which alternative policies must be compared.
genome uncoupled1 Mutants Are Hypersensitive to Norflurazon and Lincomycin.

Chloroplast development and function relies on the coordinated regulation of chloroplast and nuclear gene expression. Generally, the nucleus is in charge; however, chloroplasts also can signal back to the nucleus via retrograde signaling pathways ([Koussevitzky et al., 2007][1]; [Woodson and Chory,
An open-label, non-randomized, multi-arm, phase II trial evaluating pembrolizumab combined with cetuximab in patients with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC): Results of the interim safety analysis.

6033Background: Pembrolizumab (a humanized monoclonal antibody blocking programmed death receptor-1[PD-1]), and cetuximab (a chimeric monoclonal antibody inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor...
Distinct Plastids Trigger Local Signaling for Systemic Stress Response in Plants

Plastids comprise a complex set of organelles in plants that can undergo distinctive patterns of differentiation and redifferentiation during their lifespan. Plastids localized to the epidermis and vascular parenchyma are distinctive in size, structural features and functions. These plastids are termed ‘sensory’ plastids, and data show their proteome to be distinct from chloroplast, with specialized stress-associated features. The distinctive sensory plastid proteome derives from spatio-temporal regulation of nuclear genes encoding plastid-targeted proteins. Perturbation caused by depletion of the sensory plastid-specific protein MSH1conditioned local, programmed changes in gene networks controlling chromatin, stressrelated phytohormone and circadian clock behavior, and producing a global, systemic stress response in the plant. A similar systemic stress response resulted from over-expression of a second sensory plastid protein, PPD3. We posit that the sensory plastid participates in sensing of plant environmental stress, integrating this sensory function with epigenetic and gene expression circuitry to condition heritable stress memory.
Transformation from pityriasis rubra pilaris to erythema gyratum repens-like eruption without associated malignancy: A report of 2 cases.

Erythema gyratum repens (EGR), considered one of the most specific cutaneous paraneoplastic phenomena, is characterized by a serpiginous morphology and a migrating scaly border. EGR is associated with malignancy, most commonly bronchial, esophageal, and breast, in more than 80% of cases.1, 2 Here we report 2 cases of patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP), whose eruption transformed to an EGR-like eruption without any evidence of malignancy.
Consent and Trade: Trading Freely in a Global Market

In a time of changing trade norms, when free trade seems to be giving way to new kinds of nationalism, some fundamental questions about trade are still not being asked. Is trade consensual or coercive? Is 'free trade' as currently practiced really free? If not, what difference can trade law make in addressing economically oppressive practices that nationalistic trade policies cannot? In this book Garcia offers an examination of trade law's roots in consensual exchange, highlighting the central role of consent in differentiating trade from legally facilitated coercion, exploitation or predation. The book revisits the premise of consensual exchange which underlies the rhetoric of 'free trade', and then examines the social and political conditions that are a necessary part of a more genuine trade law system, in service of the idea that recovering consent in trade law can promote human flourishing on a global scale.
Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption 3 Years After the Berkeley, California, Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax

Objectives. To estimate changes in sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) and water consumption 3 years after an SSB tax in Berkeley, California, relative to unexposed comparison neighborhoods.Methods. Dat...
Perfluoropolyether Fluids (Demnum®) Based on Oxetanes

Until the 1980s, perfluoropolyether (PFPE) oils had only limited, specialized uses, but since then their applications have expanded very rapidly. Major applications now include working fluids for vacuum pumps designed for semiconductor manufacturing and base oils for high-temperature lubricating greases.
Aggressive Subsets of Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract Background Relative to other metastatic breast cancer subtypes, metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) has a shorter duration of response to therapy and worse overall survival. Among patients with mTNBC, it is hypothesized that inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and young women have particularly aggressive phenotypes. We investigated clinical and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) characteristics of inflammatory-mTNBC and young-mTNBC. Patients and Methods We evaluated 158 patients with mTNBC who were stratified into 3 groups: (1) IBC; (2) patients aged 45 years or younger at primary diagnosis without IBC (non-IBC young); and (3) patients over age 45 at diagnosis without IBC. We evaluated clinicopathologic characteristics, sites of metastasis, survival outcomes, and the fraction of DNA in circulation derived from tumor (TFx). Results Analysis of metastatic sites revealed that young patients without IBC had the most frequent lung metastases (P = .002). cfDNA analyses of first sample showed that TFx was highest in the non-IBC young group but not elevated in the IBC group (analysis of variance P = .056 for first TFx). Individually, median overall survival from metastatic diagnosis for the IBC group was 15.2 months; for the non-IBC young group, 21.2 months, and for the non-IBC over 45 group, 31.2 months. Patients with IBC and young patients without IBC had worse prognosis relative to patients over 45 without IBC (log-rank P = .023). Conclusions Among patients with mTNBC in this single-institution cohort, patients with IBC and young patients without IBC had significantly worse overall survival compared with patients over 45 without IBC. Young patients without IBC had significantly higher cfDNA TFx, whereas patients with IBC did not have elevated TFx despite a poor prognosis. These findings demonstrate that further analyses of mTNBC subsets are warranted.
Cell ratcheting through the Sbf RabGEF directs force balancing and stepped apical constriction

During Drosophila melanogaster gastrulation, the invagination of the prospective mesoderm is driven by the pulsed constriction of apical surfaces. Here, we address the mechanisms by which the irreversibility of pulsed events is achieved while also permitting uniform epithelial behaviors to emerge. We use MSD-based analyses to identify contractile steps and find that when a trafficking pathway initiated by Sbf is disrupted, contractile steps become reversible. Sbf localizes to tubular, apical surfaces and associates with Rab35, where it promotes Rab GTP exchange. Interestingly, when Sbf/Rab35 function is compromised, the apical plasma membrane becomes deeply convoluted, and nonuniform cell behaviors begin to emerge. Consistent with this, Sbf/Rab35 appears to prefigure and organize the apical surface for efficient Myosin function. Finally, we show that Sbf/Rab35/CME directs the plasma membrane to Rab11 endosomes through a dynamic interaction with Rab5 endosomes. These results suggest that periodic ratcheting events shift excess membrane from cell apices into endosomal pathways to permit reshaping of actomyosin networks and the apical surface.
Proteomic Profiling of Human Skeletal Muscle in Health and Disease

Skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the body by mass [1] and as such can affect many processes in addition to its obvious roles in locomotion and breathing. In these roles, diseases of skeletal muscle can have profound effects on human health. Because it also is sensitive to the effect of insulin to enhance glucose uptake, storage, and metabolism, it also is a key organ in insulin resistance and deranged glucose metabolism in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus [2], one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. The complex polygenic nature of this disease, reaching the limits of predictive power of knowledge gained by genome-wide association studies [3], and the profound genotype/environment interaction required to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus compel additional approaches to understanding pathogenesis of the disease. These approaches by necessity, therefore, must be able to deal with complexities of biological changes in tissues. Proteomics offers investigators such an approach. Skeletal muscle is the largest single contributor when insulin stimulates clearance of glucose from the blood in humans [4] and is one of the major regulators of body amino acid metabolism [5]. Because of these and other vitally important functions, human skeletal muscle has been a widely studied organ, with nearly 20,000 citations in PubMed as of June 2018. Moreover, although not as accessible as blood, skeletal muscle can be sampled readily by the use of percutaneous needle biopsies taken under local anesthesia. Because of the low rate of adverse events during these procedures and the lack of lasting effects [6], muscle biopsies can readily and ethically be performed not only in patients in need of diagnosis of disease but also in healthy control volunteers. This chapter will focus on studies of human skeletal muscle using mass spectrometry-based proteomics technologies. The primary focus will be on studies using biopsies to obtain skeletal muscle, but with selected references to studies using in vitro primary cultures of human myoblasts or differentiated myotubes. This chapter is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to represent the array of areas which have proven to be amenable to mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis in humans and for which such analyses have contributed in a major way to our base of knowledge.
Greenhouse gas emissions and extracellular enzyme activity variability during decomposition of native versus invasive riparian tree litter

Invasive plants alter riparian vegetation communities and shift biogeochemical processes by changing decomposition rates and the soil chemical environment created by leaf litter. It is unclear if this mechanism shifts nutrient dynamics favoring invasive dominance; riparian areas in the Southwestern USA invaded by salt cedar and Russian olive often still host mixed stands of native plants. To test the hypothesis that invasive plant success is related to altered litter inputs, microbial activity and nutrient cycling, we performed laboratory incubations examining greenhouse gas emissions and microbial extracellular enzyme activity (EEA). The responses of GHG flux and EAA were measured from decomposing translocated litter from native and invasive woody perennials between soils where they were growing. Litter decomposition from two invasive species (salt cedar and Russian olive) and two native trees (coyote willow and Fremont cottonwood) were tracked for 3 months. Soil respiration, carbon content and EEA were all more closely related to soil origin than leaf litter species. The highest decomposition rate was from willow soil. Soil nitrate at the end of the experiment was highest for soils collected under cottonwood. Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were significantly greater from Russian olive litter than other species, on all soil types. Patterns observed here suggest that (1) plant influences on local soil properties over the lifetime of a plant have a greater control on decomposition processes than short-term litter input source, (2) EEA is strongly related to available C resources, and (3) the invasive shrub Russian olive may be responsible for previously undocumented large N2O emissions in riparian systems in the USA.
Neck abscess secondary to pocket shot intravenous drug abuse.

A 37-year-old woman presented to us for the complaints of pain and swelling over her right side of the neck and high spiking fever for the last 3 days. Her previous medical history was significant for intravenous drug abuse and she reported injecting heroin and methamphetamine by mixing with tap
“Left ventricular lipoma….. a rare case”, case report

A cardiac lipoma is a rare primary cardiac tumor. They are usually asymptomatic and carry a good prognosis. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR) is the confirmatory investigation of choice. We present a case of left ventricular lipoma in an asymptomatic patient, which was successfully treated with surgical resection. Cardiac lipomas are rare and are usually benign. There is no guideline on the management of cardiac lipomas and treatment is individualized.
Fractal Dimension Analysis of Widefield Choroidal Vasculature as Predictor of Stage of Macular Degeneration.

Purpose To evaluate the fractal dimension (Df ) of the choroidal vasculature using widefield indocyanine green (ICG) angiography and correlate it with the stage of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods Widefield ICG angiography performed on 38 eyes was retrospectively analyzed using the FracLac application within the National Institutes of Health ImageJ software to determine regional fractal dimensions in the macular field and widefield. These values were then associated with a diagnosis of no AMD, non-exudative AMD (subdivided into early/intermediate stage vs. advanced stage), or exudative AMD (subdivided into with or without geographic atrophy). The mean values were compared using Wilcoxon's test. Results Early/intermediate non-exudative AMD and exudative AMD without geographic atrophy were found to have statistically significantly lower Df values compared to an absence of AMD when examining the macular field. Exudative AMD with geographic atrophy was found to have a statistically significant lower choroidal fractal dimension compared to no AMD when studied in the widefield. Conclusions Advanced stages of macular degeneration were found to have significantly decreased the fractal dimensions of choroidal vasculature on widefield ICG compared to early/intermediate stages, possibly implying a generalized reduction in complexity and/or vessel caliber of the choroid with advancing stage of AMD. This finding agrees with previous understanding of the development of choriocapillaris atrophy in advanced macular degeneration. Translational Relevance These findings suggest that using automated fractal analysis techniques can aid in differentiating stages of macular degeneration and, with further study, may be used to predict advancement of macular degeneration.
RFID Design Fundamentals and Applications

Basic Principles of Radiofrequency Identification Antennas for RFID Transponders Transponders Antennas for Interrogators Interrogators Interrogator Communication and Control The Air Communication Link Commands for Transponders
Assessment by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption – Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry of the Diversity of Endophytes and Rhizobacteria Cultured from the Maize Microbiome

Abstract Many endophytes and rhizobacteria associated with plants support the growth and health of their hosts. The vast majority of these potentially beneficial bacteria have yet to be cultured, in part because of the cost of identifying bacterial isolates. Matrix-assisted laser desorption – time of flight (MALDI-TOF) has enabled high throughput “culturomics” studies of host-associated microbiomes but analysis of mass spectra generated from plant-associated bacteria requires optimization. In this study, we aligned mass spectra generated from endophytes and rhizobacteria isolated from heritage and sweet varieties of Zea mays. Multiple iterations of alignment attempts identified a set of parameters that sorted 114 isolates into 60 coherent MALDI-TOF taxonomic units (MTUs). These MTUs corresponded to strains with practically identical (> 99%) 16S rRNA gene sequences. Mass spectra were used to successfully train a machine learning algorithm that perfectly classified isolates. The 60 MTUs provided > 70 % coverage of aerobic, heterotrophic bacteria readily cultured with nutrient rich media from the maize microbiome and allowed prediction of the total diversity recoverable with that particular cultivation method. Acidovorax sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Cellulosimicrobium sp. dominated the library generated from the rhizoplane and the heritage variety contained a relatively high number of MTUs specific to that niche. This suggests a rapid, inexpensive method of describing the types of bacteria cultured from niches within maize microbiomes and the coverage achieved with a cultivation strategy.
The Benefits of Elderly Education in the Context of Active Ageing

The ageing of the population is an inevitable social development trend and is presenting many challenges to modern society. The issue of population ageing has involved politics, economy, culture, society and other fields. With the increase of ageing population, the well-being of the elderly will determine the realization of harmonious society. The development of education for the elderly is an inevitable trend of social development. Education for the elderly will contribute to the harmonious development of the whole society. The concept of active ageing is gaining popularity among governments. Continuing education for the elderly in the context of active ageing has many potential benefits. Elderly education can improve the quality of life of the elderly, help them maintain physical functions and productivity for a longer period of time, create opportunities for the elderly to form learning groups, meet new friends, increase social participation, and reduce the feeling of alienation. The development of education for the elderly can also help to develop and use the potential human resources of the elderly and thus promote economic development. The analysis of the benefits of elderly education will draw people’s attention to the importance of the development of elderly education and encourage people from all walks of life to support the further development of education for the elderly. While there are many benefits of continuing education for the elderly, there exist some challenges, one of which is the lack of special teachers for elderly education. The lack of specialized teachers at the Open University for old people can be solved partly by taking advantage of the learners’ lifelong work experience and accumulation of knowledge, and encouraging them to become volunteer teachers. Another solution is to offer various kinds of online courses to facilitate flexible learning at the elderly’s convenience. The development of elderly education will contribute to the active ageing process.