cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Virtual Reality Technologies for Research and Education in Obesity and Diabetes: Research Needs and Opportunities

The rising rates, high prevalence, and adverse consequences of obesity and diabetes call for new approaches to the complex behaviors needed to prevent and manage these conditions. Virtual reality (VR) technologies, which provide controllable, multisensory, interactive three-dimensional (3D) stimulus environments, are a potentially valuable means of engaging patients in interventions that foster more healthful eating and physical activity patterns. Furthermore, the capacity of VR technologies to motivate, record, and measure human performance represents a novel and useful modality for conducting research. This article summarizes background information and discussions for a joint July 2010 National Institutes of Health - Department of Defense workshop entitled Virtual Reality Technologies for Research and Education in Obesity and Diabetes. The workshop explored the research potential of VR technologies as tools for behavioral and neuroscience studies in diabetes and obesity, and the practical potential of VR in fostering more effective utilization of diabetes- and obesity-related nutrition and lifestyle information. Virtual reality technologies were considered especially relevant for fostering desirable health-related behaviors through motivational reinforcement, personalized teaching approaches, and social networking. Virtual reality might also be a means of extending the availability and capacity of health care providers. Progress in the field will be enhanced by further developing available platforms and taking advantage of VR's capabilities as a research tool for well-designed hypothesis-testing behavioral science. Multidisciplinary collaborations are needed between the technology industry and academia, and among researchers in biomedical, behavioral, pedagogical, and computer science disciplines. Research priorities and funding opportunities for use of VR to improve prevention and management of obesity and diabetes can be found at agency websites (National Institutes of Health: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/index.html; Department of Defense: www.tatrc.org).
On the stationarity of multivariate time series for correlation-based data analysis

Multivariate time series (MTS) data sets are common in-various multimedia, medical and financial application domains. These applications perform several data-analysis operations on large number of MTS data sets such as similarity searches, feature-subset-selection, clustering and classifications. Correlation-based techniques, such as principal component analysis (PCA), have proven to improve the efficiency of many of the above-mentioned data-analysis operations on MTS, which implies that the correlation coefficients concisely represent the original MTS data. However, if the statistical properties (e.g., variance) of MTS data change over time dimension, i.e., MTS data is non-stationary, the correlation coefficients are not stable. In this paper, we propose to utilize the stationarity of the MTS data sets, in order to represent the original MTS data more stably, as well as concisely with the correlation coefficients. That is, before performing any correlation-based data analysis, we first executes the stationarity test to decide whether the MTS data is stationary or not, i.e., whether the correlation is stable or not. Subsequently, for a non-stationary MTS data set, we difference it to render the data set stationary. Even though our approach is general, to focus the discussion we describe our approach within the context of our previously proposed technique for MTS similarity search. In order to show the validity of our approach, we performed several experiments on four real-world data sets. The results show that the performance of our similarity search technique have significantly improved in terms of precision/recall.
STATIC SCHEDULING OF SYNCHRONOUS DATA-FLOW GRAPHS UNDER RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS

Numerous customary applications in digital signal processing may be characterized by synchronous data-flow graphs (SDFGs). Our previous experiments with SDFGs led to the development of a technique which constructs a static time-optimal schedule on a model system possessing limitless functional elements. In this paper, we now introduce a modification of this method for scheduling an SDFG to realize efficient performance in a more restricted environment. Herein, we summarize our approach, assess its time complexity and exhibit its value on sample applications.
LOW TEMPERATURE RELAXATIONAL DYNAMICS OF THE ISING CHAIN IN A TRANSVERSE FIELD

We present asymptotically exact results for the real time order parameter correlations of a class of $d\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}1$ Ising models in a transverse field at low temperatures ( $T$) on both sides of the quantum critical point. The correlations are a product of a $T$-independent factor determined by quantum effects, and a $T$-dependent relaxation function which comes from a classical theory. We confirm our predictions by a no-free-parameter comparison with numerical studies on the nearest neighbor spin-1/2 model.
Rapid screening of antibody–antigen binding using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and gold nanoparticles

A rapid one-step screening method to evaluate the specificity of antibody–antigen binding was developed using antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles (Ab–AuNPs) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Influenza A virus was used as a model antigen to develop this platform and antigen-specific antibodies were attached to the surface of AuNPs. Introduction of virus to the nanoparticle solution resulted in aggregation of the AuNP probes provided that the antibody had an affinity for the virus. A fundamental concern of the work was to ensure aggregates only formed in the presence of the antigen. Therefore, optimal conditions for synthesizing and maintaining the stability of the Ab–AuNP conjugates were investigated by varying pH and antibody concentration, and a protocol for preparing stable Ab–AuNP conjugates is presented. Thereafter the AuNP probes were exploited in a DLS assay to screen the binding specificity of four antibodies to two different isolates of influenza virus (subtype H1N1). The DLS data for antibody binding were in concordance with the results obtained with a conventional ELISA, thereby validating the DLS platform. Importantly, the DLS assay was completed in 30 minutes relative to 24 hours via ELISA.
Immunotherapy of idiopathic inflammatory neuropathies.

Evaluation of peripheral neuropathy is a common reason for referral to a neurologist. Recent advances in immunology have identified an inflammatory component in many neuropathies and have led to treatment trials using agents that attenuate this response. This article reviews the clinical presentation and treatment of the most common subacute inflammatory neuropathies, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and Fisher syndrome, and describes the lack of response to corticosteroids and the efficacy of treatment with plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, although sharing some clinical, electrodiagnostic, and pathologic similarities to GBS, improves after treatment with plasma exchange and IVIG and numerous immunomodulatory agents. Controlled trials in multifocal motor neuropathy have shown benefit after treatment with IVIG and cyclophosphamide. Also discussed is the treatment of less common inflammatory neuropathies whose pathophysiology involves monoclonal proteins or antibodies directed against myelin-associated glycoprotein or sulfatide. Little treatment data exist to direct the clinician to proper management of rare inflammatory neuropathies resulting from osteosclerotic myeloma; POEMS syndrome; vasculitis; Sjogren's syndrome; and neoplasia (paraneoplastic neuropathy).
The emotionally disturbed child: disturbed or disturbing?

The notion that a child's behavior may be more “disturbing” than disturbed has been of interest to educators of behaviorally deviant children. Behavior indicative of deviance in children was studied with respect to the relative degree of “disturbingness” which each was judged to reflect. Four factor dimensions of disturbingness were identified and discussed with regard to future research and educational implications.
Stoichiometry of altered hERG1 channel gating by small molecule activators.

Voltage-gated K+ channels are tetramers formed by coassembly of four identical or highly related subunits. All four subunits contribute to formation of the selectivity filter, the narrowest region of the channel pore which determines K+ selective conductance. In some K+ channels, the selectivity filter can undergo a conformational change to reduce K+ flux by a mechanism called C-type inactivation. In human ether-a-go-go–related gene 1 (hERG1) K+ channels, C-type inactivation is allosterically inhibited by ICA-105574, a substituted benzamide. PD-118057, a 2-(phenylamino) benzoic acid, alters selectivity filter gating to enhance open probability of channels. Both compounds bind to a hydrophobic pocket located between adjacent hERG1 subunits. Accordingly, a homotetrameric channel contains four identical activator binding sites. Here we determine the number of binding sites required for maximal drug effect and determine the role of subunit interactions in the modulation of hERG1 gating by these compounds. Concatenated tetramers were constructed to contain a variable number (zero to four) of wild-type and mutant hERG1 subunits, either L646E to inhibit PD-118057 binding or F557L to inhibit ICA-105574 binding. Enhancement of hERG1 channel current magnitude by PD-118057 and attenuated inactivation by ICA-105574 were mediated by cooperative subunit interactions. Maximal effects of the both compounds required the presence of all four binding sites. Understanding how hERG1 agonists allosterically modify channel gating may facilitate mechanism-based drug design of novel agents for treatment of long QT syndrome.
Quantitative evaluation of performance through bootstrapping: edge detection

A new quantitative performance evaluation technique for computer vision systems is proposed. In real situations the complexity of input data and/or computational procedure can make the traditional error propagation methods infeasible. Using bootstrapping, a numerical technique for deriving statistical characteristics from a single sample, the authors perturb the nuisance properties of the input image to obtain distributions for the output variables. The performance thus is evaluated for the given input and system and not under simplifying assumptions. The task of edge detection is used as example.
Initial Stages of Yield in Nanoindentation

We have used the interfacial force microscope to perform nanoindentations on Au single-crystal surfaces. We have observed two distinct regimes of plastic deformation, which are distinguished by the magnitude of discontinuities in load relaxation. At lower stresses, relaxation occurs in small deviations from elastic behavior, while at the higher stresses they take the form of large load drops, often resulting in complete relaxation of the applied load. These major events create a relatively wide plastic zone that subsequently deepens more rapidly than it widens. We discuss these findings in terms of contrasting models of dislocation processes in the two regimes.
Broadcast campaign precedents from the 1924 presidential election

In the 1920s broadcasters set policies that influenced the treatment of political candidates on the air. During the 1924 Presidential election, the National Association of Broadcasters, American Telephone and Telegraph, Radio Corporation of America, and General Electric formed policies to treat candidates fairly in allocating airtime and assessing charges. These policies helped set the stage for the inclusion of the equal opportunities clause, Section 18 (now Section 315), in the Radio Act of 1927. This essay examines the policies broadcasters initiated in the 1924 election for the coverage of political campaigns.
Commercially Available Systems: OptiMedica’s Catalys Precision Laser System

OptiMedica was founded in Silicon Valley in 2004 to deliver innovative ophthalmic technologies and transform existing standards of care in retina, glaucoma and cataract. Our breakthrough technologies include the PASCAL® (Pattern SCAnning Laser) family of photocoagulators for the treatment of retinal disease and glaucoma and the Catalys™ Precision Laser System for the treatment of cataract [1–4].
Electron cryotomography reveals ultrastructure alterations in platelets from patients with ovarian cancer

Thrombocytosis and platelet hyperreactivity are known to be associated with malignancy; however, there have been no ultrastructure studies of platelets from patients with ovarian cancer. Here, we used electron cryotomography (cryo-ET) to examine frozen-hydrated platelets from patients with invasive ovarian cancer (n = 12) and control subjects either with benign adnexal mass (n = 5) or free from disease (n = 6). Qualitative inspections of the tomograms indicate significant morphological differences between the cancer and control platelets, including disruption of the microtubule marginal band. Quantitative analysis of subcellular features in 120 platelet electron tomograms from these two groups showed statistically significant differences in mitochondria, as well as microtubules. These structural variations in the platelets from the patients with cancer may be correlated with the altered platelet functions associated with malignancy. Cryo-ET of platelets shows potential as a noninvasive biomarker technology for ovarian cancer and other platelet-related diseases.
Operational experiences with disk imaging in a multi-tenant datacenter

Disk images play a critical role in multi-tenant datacenters. In this paper, the first study of its kind, we analyze operational data from the disk imaging system that forms part of the infrastructure of the Emulab facility. This dataset spans four years and more than a quarter-million disk image loads requested by Emulab's users. From our analysis, we draw observations about the nature of the images themselves (for example: how similar are they to each other?) and about usage patterns (what is the statistical distribution of image popularity?). Many of these observations have implications for the design and operation of disk imaging systems, including how images are stored, how caching is employed, the effectiveness of pre-loading, and strategies for network distribution.
Tightening concise linear reformulations of 0-1 cubic programs

A common strategy for solving 0-1 cubic programs is to reformulate the non-linear problem into an equivalent linear representation, which can then be submitted directly to a standard mixed-integer programming solver. Both the size and the strength of the continuous relaxation of the reformulation determine the success of this method. One of the most compact linear representations of 0-1 cubic programs is based on a repeated application of the linearization technique for 0-1 quadratic programs introduced by Glover. In this paper, we develop a pre-processing step that serves to strengthen the linear programming bound provided by this concise linear form of a 0-1 cubic program. The proposed scheme involves using optimal dual multipliers of a partial level-2 RLT formulation to rewrite the objective function of the cubic program before applying the linearization. We perform extensive computational tests on the 0-1 cubic multidimensional knapsack problem to show the advantage of our approach.
Estimation of Asteroid Landing Trajectories Via Line-Of-Sight Measurements

The problem of estimating the landing trajectory of a pod to be delivered on the surface of a target asteroid is considered. The lander is deployed from a spacecraft orbiting the target body and imaged with a camera on board the mothership. Thus, series of line of sight measurements have been simulated to estimate the dynamical state of the pod during its descent by means of estimation algorithms. Based on the analysis we find that optical-only observations can support improved knowledge on the surface landing site. The impact of additional measurements and errors in the dynamical parameters will also be assessed.
Advances in Mechanical Ventilation

The chief reason that patients are admitted to an intensive care unit is to receive ventilatory support. In this article, I update the basic principles of mechanical ventilation, which I reviewed in the Journal in 1994,1 and discuss recent advances. Basic Principles The indications for mechanical ventilation, as derived from a study of 1638 patients in eight countries,2 are acute respiratory failure (66 percent of patients), coma (15 percent), acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (13 percent), and neuromuscular disorders (5 percent). The disorders in the first group include the acute respiratory distress syndrome, heart failure, pneumonia, sepsis, complications . . .
Turbulence and Acoustics in Propulsion

The prediction of the far fleld acoustic signature in propulsion systems is complicated by the physical complexity of the acoustic sources and the transfer of energy to the far fleld. In this study, a low speed ducted rotor was used to provide experimental data in a simplifled system. Careful measurements of the approach turbulence allowed for detailed modeling of the unsteady lift on the blades. This and other source models have been combined in order to provide an estimate of the net or blocked dipole sources. An algorithm was developed to use the model source functions to separate the source from the acoustic transfer function. The results indicate a very complex acoustic source. The models adequately represented the broadband sources, but did not capture the sources related to the blade passing frequency. The duct transfer function showed large local maxima at integer multiples of the resonant organ pipe mode, and complex behavior in between these modes.
The Removal Effect of Gelatin for Heavy Metals

Gelatin reacted with Copper (II) ion in dilute aqueous solution to form water-soluble and foamy complex. The good effect of copper removal by gelatin was observed by the foam treatment of this solution. And also lead was effectively removed by the same treatment. The effect was further raised by the adsorption treatment using gelatin powder before the foam treatment. About 99 % of copper in the pH range from 6.5 to 7.3 and nearly 100% of lead about pH 7.0 was removed respectively.
Avoidance decrement: Replication and further analysis

Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats, 8 females and 12 males, were run 100 trials with a buzzer or tone CS for 10 consecutive days in a wheel turn avoidance apparatus. About 50% of the Ss showed a decrement in avoidance performance with continued training. CS and sex variables did not systematically affect the decrement phenomenon. Non-decrementing Ss displayed higher avoidance performance then decrementers both within and between sessions. No significant difference in warm-up magnitude between decrementers and non-decre-menters was found. These data are interpreted as indicating the learning of a competing CER (freeze) response to the CS which may produce the decrement phenomenon.
Alveolar type II cells maintain bioenergetic homeostasis in hypoxia through metabolic and molecular adaptation

Although many lung diseases are associated with hypoxia, alveolar type II epithelial (ATII) cell impairment, and pulmonary surfactant dysfunction, the effects of O(2) limitation on metabolic pathways necessary to maintain cellular energy in ATII cells have not been studied extensively. This report presents results of targeted assays aimed at identifying specific metabolic processes that contribute to energy homeostasis using primary ATII cells and a model ATII cell line, mouse lung epithelial 15 (MLE-15), cultured in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. MLEs cultured in normoxia demonstrated a robust O(2) consumption rate (OCR) coupled to ATP generation and limited extracellular lactate production, indicating reliance on oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production. Pharmacological uncoupling of respiration increased OCR in normoxic cultures to 175% of basal levels, indicating significant spare respiratory capacity. However, when exposed to hypoxia for 20 h, basal O(2) consumption fell to 60% of normoxic rates, and cells maintained only ∼50% of normoxic spare respiratory capacity, indicating suppression of mitochondrial function, although intracellular ATP levels remained at near normoxic levels. Moreover, while hypoxic exposure stimulated glycogen synthesis and storage in MLE-15, glycolytic rate (as measured by lactate generation) was not significantly increased in the cells, despite enhanced expression of several enzymes related to glycolysis. These results were largely recapitulated in murine primary ATII, demonstrating MLE-15 suitability for modeling ATII metabolism. The ability of ATII cells to maintain ATP levels in hypoxia without enhancing glycolysis suggests that these cells are exceptionally efficient at conserving ATP to maintain bioenergetic homeostasis under O(2) limitation.
AN USUAL CAUSE OF ACUTE ONSET DYSPNEA

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare presentation of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Typically presenting symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea, with EKG/laboratory findings concerning for acute MI in otherwise low-risk patients typically peri-partum women. 66 year old female with
Complications Associated with Cheek Tooth Extraction in the Horse

Common indications for cheek tooth extraction in the horse include dental fracture, periodontal disease, severe decay/ caries, mandibular fracture with alveolar/tooth involvement, and periapical abscess. Complications secondary to extraction of cheek teeth are prevalent. Typical complications may include retained root tip(s), collateral damage of neighboring teeth and alveolar bone, mandibular fracture non-union or delayed union, cemental ankylosis, dilacerated root(s), oroantral/oronasal fistula, palatal deviation of cheek teeth, bone sequestration, sinus involvement, alveolar plug failure, and palatine artery laceration. This paper presents a series of cases that had complications following cheek tooth extraction. Anticipation of problematic extractions, recognition of complications, and appropriate treatment will aid the clinician in managing the inevitable cheek tooth extraction complication.
Mixed explicit implicit parallel algorithm for structural dynamic integration and its implementation

It is one of the most advanced subjects to carry out the parallel algorithm design for finite element methods on distributed memory MIMD computer in computational mechanics. Based on domain decompositon method, a new mixed explicit implicit parallel algorithm for structural dynamic analysis was presented and implemented on micro processors cluster. The detailed algorithm implementation process was described, the principle of this algorithm was explained in an intuitive physical sense, and the essence of weak coupling among elements belongs to this algorithm is pointed out. Meanwhile, the program designed based on PVM parallel platform was implemented on micro processors cluster. Numerical examples show the high reliability and the effectiveness of this algorithm, and the key point to improve the parallel efficiency further is how to determine the elements number of implicit integration domain reasonablely.
Advances in remineralization for early carious lesions: a comprehensive review

A greater understanding of the dental caries process and improved and more diverse methodologies to assess early demineralization and caries has enabled development of a new class of remineralizing therapeutics. Hence, an emerging goal of modern dentistry is to manage non-cavitated carious lesions non-invasively through remineralization in an effort to prevent disease progression and improve strength, esthetics, and function of teeth. A critical element fundamental to this current therapeutic philosophy is the need for new and highly efficacious technologies for enamel remineralization. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of new compositions and to review contemporary nonfluoridated systems in terms of their basic composition, mode of delivery, and currently available evidence.
Splenectomy for thrombocytopenia

The effects of splenectomy in 49 thrombocytopenic patients managed since 1979 were assessed and compared with our previous experience of 174 patients. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) constitutes a common indication for splenectomy, which effects a cure in 86% of these patients. The platelet count rises above 100,000/mm3 by the eighth postoperative day in 88% of responders. Urgent splenectomy is indicated for patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) because it is associated with the highest cure rate. Splenectomy in patients with myeloproliferative disorders causing thrombocytopenia effectively raises the platelet count but has been followed by the greatest incidence of complications among the hematologic disorders studied. In patients with chronic lymphatic or hairy cell leukemia, splenectomy almost always returns platelet counts to normal levels and there is an impressive improvement in the quality of life. A wide variety of disorders characterized by thrombocytopenia is responsive to splenectomy. Accessory spleens have been removed in 17% of ITP patients and are often present in patients with myeloproliferative disease, but only rarely noted in other patients with thrombocytopenia.
Heat Exchanger Lab for Chemical Engineering Undergraduates.

Third year chemical engineering undergraduate students at The University of Akron designed and fabricated a heat exchanger for a stirred tank as part of a Chemical Engineering Laboratory course. The heat exchanger portion of this course was three weeks of the fifteen week long semester. Students applied concepts of scale-up and dimensional analysis to predict performance of a larger vessel. The students had hands-on experience in fabricating their heat exchangers and practical application of scale-up principles. The student teams presented the results of their scale-up design to a “customer” that included discussions of economics and marketing. The assessment of the student performance was based upon oral presentations and their understanding and application of heat exchange concepts. Student feedback on the lab was positive. The students preferred the freedom to design, fabricate and test their own designs.
Risk assessment in an information centric world: threats, vulnerabilities, countermeasures and impacts (a work in progress)

What is this project trying to answer? How do you do analysis of risk across the domain of information technology using metrics based on empirical evidence for decisions that are evidence based in mitigation and allow for decision processes based on the best information?
New Political Orientation and Economic Development

In the nineteenth century, Karl Marx was clearly the most revolutionary political economist. His Communist Manifesto argued scientifically that means of production and private ownership determine the economic relationship between the ruling elite and the exploited. The state, he claimed, is an instrument in the hands of the rich to exploit the poor, and the most advanced countries industrially should first have a violent revolution by the working class. All such claims are now debatable because events did not occur as he predicted. His followers in subsequent generations had to reinterpret his ideology. Lenin, Stalin, and Mao Zedong all made their revisions and reinterpretations to meet their own immediate national circumstances. But none so far has succeeded in creating a classless society to get rid of the state as an ‘instrument of exploitation’.
Scandal at the Top in TV News

Revelations in 2015 that NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams and Fox News opinion show host Bill O’Reilly exaggerated their war reporting highlights problems with the promotional culture of US broadcast journalism. These scandals demonstrate the difficulty of maintaining credibility within legacy journalism as opportunities grow for the surveillance of journalists and their digital footprint. The author argues that these cases offer important instructional value for journalists and journalism educators. First, she points out that journalists need to acknowledge the limitations of memory not only in their reporting but also in later recollections of their roles in historical events. Second, the cases demonstrate that networks overly promote the personalities of their anchors and hosts, thereby creating a culture where self-aggrandizement is not sufficiently challenged.
Copper Ion Binding Site in β-Amyloid Peptide

β-Amyloid aggregates in the brain play critical roles in Alzheimer's disease, a chronic neurodegenerative condition. Amyloid-associated metal ions, particularly zinc and copper ions, have been implicated in disease pathogenesis. Despite the importance of such ions, the binding sites on the β-amyloid peptide remain poorly understood. In this study, we use scanning tunneling microscopy, circular dichroism, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to probe the interactions between Cu2+ ions and a key β-amyloid peptide fragment, consisting of the first 16 amino acids, and define the copper-peptide binding site. We observe that in the presence of Cu2+, this peptide fragment forms β-sheets, not seen without the metal ion. By imaging with scanning tunneling microscopy, we are able to identify the binding site, which involves two histidine residues, His13 and His14. We conclude that the binding of copper to these residues creates an interstrand histidine brace, which enables the formation of β-sheets.
Exploring the innovation strategies of young firms: Corporate venture capital and venture capital impact on alliance innovation strategy

Abstract We investigate how governance structure and power influence alliance exploration strategy. Adopting a real options perspective and the agency view, we suggest that innovation strategies differ based on the firm's governance authority. We find that the motivations of corporate venture capitalist firms, venture capitalists, and firm founders may have an impact on the formation of exploratory alliances among adolescent firms. Using a sample of 122 adolescent firms, we examine the influence that governance structure has on the firm's alliance portfolio and innovation potential. While the influence of corporate venture capitalist firms alone do affect alliance formation strategy, corporate venture-backed firms with founders having high influence (knowledge or ownership in the firm) are more likely to form innovation-focused alliances. In contrast, venture capitalist-backed firms tend to avoid innovation-focused alliances, preferring more exploitive ones, even when founders have high influence within the firm.
Novel stratification of the recurrence risk following surgical extirpation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma using tissue biomarkers in the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway.

372 Background: Aberrant activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway promotes invasiveness and metastatic potential in a variety of malignancies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of altered expression of mTOR pathway components with recurrence outcome in non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients. Methods: Immunohistochemistry for phos-S6, phos-mTOR, mTOR, phos-AKT, HIF-1α, RAPTOR, PTEN, PI3K, and phos-4EBP1 was performed on tissue microarrays of patients treated for non-metastatic kidney cancer between 1997-2010. Patients were defined as having a low ( 5 altered biomarkers; respectively) with the actual and predicted relapse rates was assessed. Results: The study included 419 non-metastatic ccRCC patients (...
RNA trans-splicing.

RNA trans-splicing joins two or more RNA molecules into one RNA molecule. This process is a variation of the more familiar and common intron removal during nuclear pre-mRNA splicing. Both splicing reactions are a series of cleavage and ligation reactions resulting in the precise excision of introns and in the joining of exons to generate mature RNA. In nuclear pre-mRNA splicing, the introns are flanked by exons on the same RNA molecule; in trans-splicing the exons are on two different RNA molecules. For brevity, we refer to pre-mRNA splicing as cis-splicing.
SmartRSVP: Facilitating Attentive Speed Reading on Small Screen Wearable Devices

Smart watches can enrich everyday interactions by providing both glanceable information and instant access to frequent tasks. However, reading text messages on a 1.5-inch screen is inherently challenging, especially when a user's attention is divided. We present SmartRSVP, an attentive speed-reading system to facilitate text reading on small screen wearable devices. SmartRSVP leverages camera-based visual attention tracking as a play/pause control channel, and uses implicit physiological signal sensing to adjust speed in real-time to make text reading via Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) more enjoyable and practical on smart watches. Through two pilot studies, we received positive feedback on the visual attention controlling feature and confirmed the feasibility of the speed adjusting feature of SmartRSVP. This paper reports the preliminary results of the studies.
Family first? The costs and benefits of family centrality for adolescents with high-conflict families

Youth who do not identify with or value their families (i.e., low family centrality) are considered to be at risk for maladjustment. However, the current study investigated whether low family centrality may be adaptive in negative family contexts (i.e., high family conflict) because youth’s self-worth should be less tied to the quality of their family relationships. Multilevel models using daily diaries and latent variable interactions using longitudinal questionnaires indicated that, among a sample of 428 Mexican American adolescents (49.8% male, Mage = 15.02 years), lower family centrality was generally detrimental to youth’s well-being. However, for youth in adverse family environments, low family centrality ceased to function as a risk factor. The present findings suggest that family centrality values play a more nuanced role in youth well-being than previously believed, such that low family centrality may be an adaptive response to significant family challenges.
Alveolar Bone Growth with Orthoeruption

This teenage patient presents with pronounced esthetic and functional dental concerns An anterior frontal view of the patient rsquo s dentition shows virtually total facial blockage of the maxillary right central incisor creating mesial contact of the right lateral incisor with the left central incisor immediately lingual to the blocked out right central incisor A similar severe misalignment takes place with the orientation of the mandibular left canine and adjacent mandibular left premolar and mandibular left lateral incisor In addition the patient exhibits a pronounced overbite with maxillary anterior teeth entirely covering the opposing mandibular teeth and with an overjet of mm This case report illustrates the potential to grow alveolar bone with the orthodontic systems known as Fastbraces reg Technologies that is based on the non extraction mechanically aided continuation of eruption by moving the roots towards their final position from the onset of therapy Post treatment clinical photos and radiographic results show dramatic esthetic and functional improvement with the elimination of the severe pretreatment crowding and occlusal discrepancy with the establishment of a stable occlusion and good intercuspation
Distribution of immunoglobulins in human rectal mucosa. I. Normal control subjects.

Summary Eight normal subjects were studied utilizing a simplified technique for determining the number of pyroninophilic and immunoglobulin-containing cells per unit area of interstitial tissue in the rectal mucosa. Histologically normal proctoscopic biopsy sections were stained with methyl greenpyronin and fluorescein-labeled monospecific antisera against various human immunoglobulins. Cell density indices for pyroninophilic cells exceeded the sum of the cell density indices for immunoglobulin cells in each subject. IgA-containing cells predominated over IgM, IgG, and IgD cells. These quantitative histological and immunohistochemical data provide normal values for continuing studies of local immunological processes in the normal and diseased gastrointestinal tract. In addition, IgA repeatedly was identified within the apical portion of the cytoplasm of epithelial cells of rectal mucosal glands. The predominance of IgA in gastrointestinal tissues and secretions and the finding of intraepithelial cell IgA support the concept of a unique type of local IgA system, the biological importance of which remains unknown.
Promoting Public Sector Sustainability Through Participation

The importance of succession planning is widely recognized by public managers, as is the need for spreading it across different government levels and types. The continued capacity of the public sector to execute public policy is particularly crucial for any democratic society. Nevertheless, most public organizations lack a succession plan, while those that do exist often react to turnover as opposed to being permanent. This chapter explores the impediments to succession planning caused by variables such as politics, stakeholders, intra-organization disjuncture, demographics, and legal constraints. In response, the author builds on strategies outlined by previous writers, providing heightened emphasis on those that attend to the challenges specific to or predominant in public administration. Recommendations incorporate proven horizontal, inclusive, and participatory measures meant to improve public sector succession planning.
Malnutrition and the Development of Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Patients Undergoing Primary Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Although an abundance of literature exists linking malnutrition with infectious complications in surgical patients, there is little specifically examining the link between malnutrition and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). This study evaluated the relationship between abnormal nutritional parameters and development of PJI in patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods We retrospectively reviewed TJA patients from 2000 to 2016 with preoperative nutritional screening at a single institution. Any development of PJI at 2 years was assessed as the primary outcome. The Musculoskeletal Infection society criteria were used to define PJI. The association between the aforementioned nutritional markers and PJI was evaluated in a bivariate analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression. Performance for markers was assessed using receiver operator characteristic curves. Sensitivity and specificity were also compared. Results Multivariate analysis demonstrated that low albumin (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.428-9.085; P Conclusion The most valuable predictor of PJI following primary TJA, among nutritional parameters examined, was preoperative albumin with a very high specificity and positive predictive value.
Catalytic Production of Liquid Hydrocarbon Transportation Fuels

Lignocellulosic biomass resources are abundant worldwide and have the potential to displace petroleum in the production of liquid fuels for the transportation sector of our society. Bioethanol, the dominant biofuel used today, suffers from low energy density and high solubility in water, properties that are undesirable for transportation fuels. The production, from lignocellulosic sources, of liquid hydrocarbon fuels that are chemically similar to those currently used in the transportation sector is a promising alternative to overcome the limitations of bioethanol. The transformation of highly functionalized biomass into oxygen-free liquid fuels can be carried out by gasification, pyrolysis, and aqueous-phase processing, as outlined in this chapter, with particular emphasis on the catalytic aspects of these processes.
The demonstration of the L.E. phenomenon in patients with penicillin hypersensitivity.

Of 6 patients with penicillin reactions, 3 whose reactions were severe were found to possess the "L. E." factor in the plasma and "L. E." cells in the bone marrow. The 3 who failed to show the "L. E". phenomenon had only minimal reactions to penicillin. Since the group studied was small, no conclusions regarding the incidence of the "L. E." phenomenon in penicillin reactions can be drawn. The findings are discussed in the light of the possibility that the phenomenon may be related to hypersensitivity reactions as well as to systemic lupus erythematosus.
What Does Brazil Have to Gain from a Truth Commission after Two Decades of Democracy

This chapter considers what Brazil might gain from creating a truth commission to examine human rights abuses that occurred more than twenty years ago. Considering the myriad goals attributed to truth commissions, the 2004 UN report suggests that they have the potential to uncover information, promote human rights, strengthen democracy, encourage victim healing, and promote reconciliation. Below, I consider the prognosis for a truth commission contributing to each of these ends in Brazil and the policy choices that may be necessary in order to achieve these ends. Brazilians should not expect too much from a truth commission and there may be unpleasant compromises necessary to achieve some of these goals. Nonetheless, on balance, a truth commission would be a positive step.
A Lamin-Binding Ligand Inhibits Homologous Recombination Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks.

Nuclear lamins are type V intermediate filament proteins. Lamins, including LA, LB1, LB2, and LC, are the major protein components forming the nuclear lamina to support the mechanical stability of ...
Potentials of noninvasive low-level laser therapy for neonatal thrombocytopenia

More than 20% of all newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit experience abnormally low platelet counts, called neonatal thrombocytopenia. Neonatal thrombocytopenia could increase a risk of hemorrhage, especially within the brain and adversely affect its development. No drugs or therapies are currently available for these sick newborns besides platelet transfusions. However, too many platelet transfusions could induce anti-platelet autoantibodies and other complications in some cases. One innovative idea for an alternative and non-invasive therapy for thrombocytopenia is low-level laser treatment (LLLT). LLLT is very safe, like blue-light-mediated treatment of newborn jaundice that has been used in clinics for decades with a long record of safety. LLLT stimulates the expression of a group of genes involved in mitochondrial generation in megakaryocytes (MKs) that are the precursor of platelets. This stimulation increases mitochondrial mass in MKs and enlarges the cells, which in turn elevates the rate of platelet production per MK. Our early investigation demonstrated that LLLT could quickly increase the number of circulating platelets and greatly reduce the risk of bleeding in thrombocytopenic adult animals. To explore a potential of this novel modality in management of neonatal thrombocytopenia, we investigated whether LLL could increase the platelet biogenesis in fetal liver and bone marrow MKs that intended to have low polyploidy compared to those MKs in adults. We found that LLL enhanced platelet production in MKs differentiated from fetal bone marrow and livers albeit at a slightly less efficiency. In addition to increased production of platelets from MKs, LLL appeared to increase the number of MKs differentiated from MK precursors in both bone marrow and liver of newborn mice in vivo as well, in contrast to little megakaryocytopoiesis induced by LLLT in adult mice. The ability of LLLT to increase not only platelet generation from MKs but also megakaryocytopoiesis in both livers and bone marrows in newborns suggests a potential for LLLT to manage neonatal thrombocytopenia and reduce the number of transfusions for thrombocytopenia-afflicted newborns.
Source Identification of Particulate Metals/Metalloids Deposited in the San Juan River Delta of Lake Powell, USA

Whereas mining and non-mining sourced particulate metal/metalloids (PM) (> 0.45 μm) are present in the tributaries of the San Juan River, USA, the individual contributions of PM from the San Juan River tributaries to the sediment of the San Juan River Delta of Lake Powell were previously unknown. Suspended PM signatures, including enrichment factors (ratios of PM concentrations to ubiquitous metals such as aluminum), lead isotopes, color, and particle size, were used to tie layers in a San Juan River sediment core to upstream tributary sources. Tributary PM concentrations and loads were compared to Lower San Juan River suspended PM loads to estimate the relative contribution of tributary PM (both mining and non-mining sourced) directly upstream of Lake Powell. Results suggest elevated enrichment factors of lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc in deposited sediment were sourced from mined tributaries, whereas elevated manganese in deposited sediment was sourced from unmined tributaries. Sediment Pb isotope ratios reflected the depleted signature of the mineralized vein (present in the headwaters of mined tributaries), the enriched signature of the Chinle Sandstone (predominant underlying geology of unmined tributaries), or a mixture of these two endmembers. These independent lines of evidence were used to link probable tributary source and runoff category to sediment layers, where ~ 10% and 5% of the overall PM deposited in the sediment core was attributed to mining versus non-mining sources, respectively. Because traditional dating methods were not possible, runoff category signatures were used to estimate that the 3.37 m San Juan River Delta core was deposited over ~ 1.3 years.
Localizing the genes for ataxia-telangiectasia: a human model for inherited cancer susceptibility.

Publisher Summary Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder and provides an unique human model for studying the genetic susceptibility to cancer due to a single gene. AT is characterized by a progressive cerebellar ataxia beginning around 1 year of age and typically progressing to wheelchair confinement by 10 years of age. Few other disorders can be confused with AT. Occasionally, a misdiagnosis of cerebral palsy is made early but is usually corrected by 5 or 6 years of age, as the neurological symptoms become more severe and telangiectases appear over the eyes and the ears. At postmortem examination, three striking sets of findings are commonly observed in the cerebellum, in the thymus, and throughout most organs. A provocative signature of a defective AT gene product is the presence in some patients of large clonal populations of peripheral T lymphocytes. In these patients, up to 100% of T cells can carry the same karyotypic abnormality, such as a translocation or inversion (or both). After many years of using nongenetic approaches in attempts to identify a common denominator of AT pathogenesis, an approach that has been called “reverse genetics” was adopted in 1984. This involves localizing the AT gene(s) by linkage analysis, isolating and analyzing the gene, and thereby identifying the defective protein product. The chapter provides other approaches, such as comparative mapping and syntenic groups, high-resolution karyotyping, and pulsed field gel electrophoresis.