cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GENETIC VARIATION FOR PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY IN THE LARVAL LIFE HISTORY OF SPADEFOOT TOADS (SCAPHIOPUS COUCHII).

Phenotypic plasticity in life-history traits is common. The relationship between phenotype and environment, or reaction norm, associated with life-history plasticity can evolve by natural selection if there is genetic variation within a population for the reaction norm and if the traits involved affect fitness. As with other traits, selection on plasticity in a particular trait or in response to a particular environmental factor may be constrained by trade-offs with other traits that affect fitness. In this paper, I experimentally evaluated broad-sense genetic variation in the reaction norms of age and size at metamorphosis in response to two environmental factors, food level and temperature. Differences among full-sib families in one or both traits were evident in all treatments. However, variation among families in their responses to each treatment (genotype-environment interaction) resulted in variation among treatments in estimated heritabilities and genetic correlations. Age at metamorphosis was equally sensitive to temperature in all families, but size at metamorphosis was more sensitive to temperature in some families than in others. Size at metamorphosis was equally sensitive to food level in all families, but age at metamorphosis was sensitive to food in some families but not in others. At high temperature or low food, the genetic correlation between age and size at metamorphosis was positive, generating a potential trade-off between metamorphosing early to attain higher larval survival and metamorphosing later to achieve larger size. This trade-off extends across treatments: families with the largest average size at metamorphosis achieved larger size with the longest average and greatest plasticity in age at metamorphosis. Other families achieved shorter average larval periods by exhibiting greater plasticity in size at metamorphosis but had the smallest average size at metamorphosis. This trade-off may reflect an underlying functional constraint on the ability to respond optimally to all environments, resulting in persistent genetic variation in reaction norms.
The association of attitudes about contraceptives with contraceptive use in a random sample of Colorado women

Abstract Context Research regarding unintended pregnancy often focuses on how women make decisions about whether or not to use contraceptives, and structural barriers to contraception. Less research examines how multidimensional attitudinal characteristics may be associated with effective contraceptive use. Methods In fall 2007, we conducted a random telephone survey of 801 sexually active women in Colorado to assess associations of the attitudinal dimensions of Planning, Partner Communication, and Stigma and Misinformation with contraceptive use. We also examine demographic differences on hypothesized predictors. Results Stigma and Misinformation is higher in Latina women, women on Medicaid or with no insurance, women with less than a college degree, and women living in small towns or rural areas. Partner Communication attitudes are most positive among those with a bachelor's degree, and those with less than a high school degree, while they are most negative among those living in small towns and rural areas. In multivariate analysis, planning to use contraceptives is associated with greater likelihood of more effective contraceptive use. Higher levels of planning and partner communication are associated with greater likelihood of any contraceptive use. Discussion In addition to addressing structural barriers to contraception, interventions to address the need to plan for contraception are vital to mitigate the high prevalence of unintended pregnancies in the United States.
312 ROLE OF UP-REGULATION OF AT1 RECEPTOR IN OXIDATIVE STRESS, INFLAMMATION, AND PROGRESSIVE INJURY IN RENAL MASS REDUCTION.

Significant reduction of renal mass triggers a chain of events that result in glomerular hypertension/hyperfiltration, proteinuria, progressive glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial injury, and end-stage renal disease. These events are mediated by a constellation of hemodynamic, oxidative, and inflammatory reactions, which are, in part, caused by local activation of AT1 receptor (AT1r) by angiotensin II (Ang II). In the present study, we explored the effects of renal mass reduction (5/6 nephrectomy) with and without AT1r blockade (losartan, 30 mg/kg/d for 8 weeks) on AT1r and AT2r expressions and pathways involved in oxidative stress and inflammation [NAD(P)H oxidase subunits, NF-κB, 12/15-lipo-oxygenase, COX-1, COX-2, MCP-1, PAI-1, and renal infiltration of T cells and macrophages], as well as renal function and structure. The untreated group exhibited a marked increase (334%) in AT1r (but not AT2r) abundance in the remnant kidney. This was coupled with up-regulations of NAD(P)H oxidase [gp91phox (164%), p22phox (132%), and P47phox (183%) subunits], COX-2 (227%), 12/15-lipo-oxygenase (198%), MCP-1 (269%), and PAI-1 (10-fold), activation of NF-κB, and interstitial infiltration of T cells and macrophages, as well as deterioration of renal function and structure. AT1r blockade prevented or attenuated the associated biochemical and histologic abnormalities and decelerated the rate of deterioration of renal function and structure in this model. Thus, the study demonstrated a link between up-regulation of AT1r and oxidative stress, inflammation, and progression of renal disease in rats with renal mass reduction.
Analysis of results for examination and certification of pazi disease elimination in6 counties( cities) in Sichuan province

Objective To assess the control effect of pazi disease in Jianyang,Anyue,Renshou,Guanghan,Dayi,Zizhong, 6 counties of Sichuan province. Methods Carring out self- examinations in 6 counties( cities). The residential population of the disease districts were clinically examined for pazi disease. The clinical manifestation of pazi disease( except the old patients registered) were given X- ray for the corresponding key joint. Surveying the incidence of residential population nearly five years, and collecting the basic situation, the prevention measures and the pazi disease data over the years in the disease districts were also included. The counties which have got the eliminating standard after self- assessment applied for the application of examination and certification to the health administrative department step by step. The provincial health administrative department received the examination application and organized the group to carry out the examination and certification in theses counties. Results 6counties in 40 endemic villages of 13 endemic townships( towns) carried out clinical examinations and X- ray diagnoses. 242 patients( all old patients) were confirmed and there were no new cases in recent five years. The organization appraisal management scores were all above 90( standard point was 80). The provincial assessment group selected 60 households from 6 villages of 6townships( towns) of 6 counties to check the patient's conditions and the implementation of control measures. There were no new cases in recent five years. The scores for appraisal management index in all counties were above 90. The results were the same as those of self- examinations in counties. Conclusions 6 counties( cities) in Sichuan province have realized the goal for eliminating pazi disease.
Research on urban flood simulation:a review from the smart city perspective

Smart city is the emerging pattern of city development. However, in recent years, frequent urban floods have brought serious challenges to the management and development of smart cities. Urban flooding simulation is not only one of the key technologies of city flood control and mitigation, but also an important decision support tool for smart city disaster risk and emergency management. This article first indicates the connotation of smart city and smart water, and analyzes the new requirements of smart city development and management on urban flood inundation models. Second, it discusses the newly available data support of urban flood simulation models brought by the development of smart cities, and compares three existing hydrological models from the perspective of city emergency management decision-making. Third, this article points out that under the support of big data and technology of smart cities, the hydraulic-based distributed urban flood simulation models have a promising prospect in application. By analyzing the development of urban flood simulation models, we conclude that micro-level simulation, integration with remote sensing and GIS technologies, and emphasis on spatiotemporal process of flood inundation and smart service are the inevitable trend of development of urban flood simulation models.
Sveillance on foodborne pathogenic bacteria in foods in Jiu quan city between 2010 and 2012

Objective To investigate and identify the contamination of main foodborne pathogenic bacteria and the kind of high-risk foods and to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of foodborne diseases in jiuquan. Methods Based on the standard operation procedures in the handbook of National Surveillance on Foodborne PathogenicBacteria,1157 food samples in jiuquan from 2010 to 2012 were collected and analyzed for the occurrence of Salmonella,Listeria monocytogenes,Vibrio parahaemolyticus,Vibrio vulnificus, Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus cereus,Enterobacter sakazakii,Shigella sonnei and Escherichia coli O157∶H7 in foods. Results The 1157 food samples tested,100 pathogenic strains were isolated,detective rate was 14.19%,including raw meat16.67%(5/30),Raw poultry 33.33%(10/30),Fresh and frozen aquatic products17.50%(7/40),Frozen cooked rice products17.5%(7/40),The cooked meat products 6.92%(9/130),Instant non-fermented bean products14.5%(9/62),Infant formula food44.76%(47/105),ice cream5.0%(1/20),vegetable salad10.00%(18/180),The instant the local characteristic food10.77%(14/130),Cakes and biscuits1.25%(1/80),Cooked rice products 29.00%(29/100),rice dumpling5%(1/20),raw milk22.50%(18/80). Foodborne Bacterias were n’t detected in Instant egg products,Fresh fruit and vegetables, The fresh fruit and vegetable juice. Conclusion Raw meat,raw milk and aquatic food products are the main kinds of food contaminated by foodbornepathogens in jiuquan. As the ready-to-eat food,such as Instant non-fermented bean products,Local snacks,vegetable salad,cooked meat are at higher risks for causing foodborne diseases.
Using Cognitive and Physical Ergonomic Requirements to Promote Healthy Snacking Behavior: A Refrigerator Design Analysis

The science of Human Factors provides an important approach toward solving poor eating and drinking habits of US citizens. The focus of our three-prong investigation was to address the influences of snacking behavior. First, self-report interviews suggested that cognitive-behavioral factors such as cravings and food item availabilities were critical to poor snacking choices. Second, analysis of individuals’ actual refrigerator contents showed snacking food and drink items were available form top to bottom shelves, but was more likely available as drinks (milk, juice, sodas, and alcohol) and as dairy products. Third, a review of anthropometric data revealed a decreased range of motion in obese participants in critical movements to the task of refrigerated snack selection. From this approach we concluded that current and common top-freezer style refrigerators fail to provide users with the organization and guidance needed to promote healthy snack selection.
Coincidence measurements with a quasi-continuous detector for small animal PET

The authors have previously designed and constructed a single-plane small-animal PET instrument with spatial resolution of approximately 1 mm. A volumetric block design, a generalization of the single plane designs that does not use individual crystal elements in both dimensions, has been generated. The novel characteristic of this design is that the crystal elements are discrete in the transaxial dimension and continuous in the axial dimension allowing for easy fabrication and low light losses. The singles response of this design has been previously characterized. The purpose of the work reported here was to establish methodology for the correction of non-uniformities in the singles block responses and to apply them to simple coincidence measurements in order to demonstrate their effect
Therapeutic and Chemopreventive Effects of Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA): Potential Role in Patients with Barrett's Esophagus

Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) is widely used for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases. Major mechanisms of this action are protection of cholangiocytes against cytotoxicity of hydrophobic bile acids, stimulation of hepatobiliary secretion, and protection of hepatocytes against bile acid induced apoptosis. UDCA has also been shown to modulate mitochondrial transmembrane potential and prevent increases in mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production. Moreover, UDCA has been shown to have a chemopreventive role in mouse models of colon cancer and in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and concomitant In- flammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), low dose UDCA lowers the risk of IBD-associated colorec - tal neoplasia. Our studies suggest that oral UDCA may protect against DNA damage induced by hydrophobic bile acids such as Deoxycholic acid (DCA) in the metaplastic mucosa of patients with Barrett's esophagus. We have found that DCA induces carcinogenic DNA damage in Bar- rett's metaplasia. UDCA which counters the DNA damaging effects of DCA therefore might have a role as a chemopreventive agent in Barrett's metaplasia. Future clinical studies on the use of UDCA for chemoprevention in patients with Barrett's esophagus should be considered.
The BCRs Expressed by Leukemia Cells from TCL1 Transgenic Mice Resemble Those of Unmutated B-CLL.

Abstract Introduction: Eμ-T cell leukemia-1 (TCL-1) transgenic (Tg) mice serve as models of human B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). These animals develop oligoclonal expansions of CD5+ B cells, one of which transforms into a B-CLL-like cell at ~13 - 18 months of age. A major unanswered question is whether the IgV gene restrictions seen in the TCL1 Tg model resemble those identified in human B-CLL. Therefore we analyzed the DNA sequences of the expressed, rearranged VHDJH and VLJL from 11 TCL1 Tg mice for V gene use, association with specific D and J segments, and shared H and L CDR3 motifs. Methods: Total RNA was isolated from spleens and lymph nodes of mice with obvious leukemia and reverse-transcribed to cDNA. To determine the Ig VH genes used by B cell clonal expansions, consensus FR1 primers and consensus JH primers were used for PCR. For Ig VL genes, Vκ consensus primers and Cκ primers were used. PCR products were either sequenced directly or cloned into vectors and then analyzed. DNA sequences were compared to the mouse Ig V gene germline genes deposited in NCBI GenBank and IMGT V-Quest. To confirm that nucleotide differences were actual point somatic mutations and not polymorphisms of known VH germline genes or heretofore unrecognized germline genes, PCR was performed on DNA from splenocytes of non-Tg mice using primers specific for the intron upstream of FR1 and the recombination signal sequences 3′ of the gene. PCR products were cloned and up to 60 colonies were sequenced. Using this approach, three new germline genes were identified and reported to GenBank. HCDR3 motifs were used to search both nucleotide and protein databases to identify similar sequences of known antigen specificity or B-cell subset origin. Results: DNA sequences of the VHDJH and VLJL from all (n=11) TCL1 Tg mice studied were Conclusions: The clones that eventually become leukemic in TCL1 mice resemble those of human B-CLL cases with the worst clinical outcome in that they do not exhibit significant levels of Ig V gene mutations and they are structurally similar to autoantibodies and anti-microbial antibodies. Therefore, this model will be valuable in analyzing the development and progression of B-CLL cells from normal CD5+ B cells and the role that antigen-receptor engagement by autoantigens and microbial antigens plays in this process.
Cost and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy versus ureteroscopy in the treatment of lower ureteral calculi.

AbstractWe retrospectively reviewed the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL†) and ureteroscopy experience relative to cost and efficacy of a group of practitioners skilled in the use of both procedures for the treatment of lower ureteral stones. Although the initial success rate was higher with ureteroscopy, no significant difference could be found in final success or complication rates. The cost of ESWL was approximately 60% higher than that for ureteroscopy (mean $7,320.26 versus $4,568.47, p <0.005). Given the current restraints on resources, and the equal efficacy and morbidity of both procedures, ureteroscopy must be considered the procedure of choice in the management of lower ureteral stones.
Organic Engagement of Public Ecologies

This chapter articulates a public engagement methodology that carefully navigates the middle ground between idealist and cynical purposes, combining Warner’s understanding of publics with vernacular rhetoric and ethnography, leading to a coherent set of principles for more ecologically valid research, which we call “organic public engagement.” Working from the conclusions of the previous four chapters and research in quasi-ethnography and ethnographic approaches to science and technology studies, we develop six principles that guide organic public engagement. The chapter concludes with a description of how the methodology was deployed in a specific case, offering a concrete example for future research and practice.
A Deep Through-Microhole Fabricated Inside a Glass Optical Fiber by Use of a Near Ultraviolet Femtosecond Laser

We have demonstrated an inline/picoliter fiber optic spectrometer cell for providing a new method of optical fiber sensing. The spectrometer cell consisted of a microhole fabricated by femtosecond laser drilling. Sample solutions were introduced into the spectrometer cell which had a sensing volume of several picoliters. The microhole was preferable as penetrating through the optical fiber because of introducing the liquid samples smoothly. In this paper, the parameters of laser system in order to make the microhole penetrating through a glass optical fiber were unraveled. A near ultraviolet 400 nm of femtosecond laser pulse launched into the glass optical fiber. A pulse duration and a repetition rate were 350 fs and 500 Hz, respectively. The femtosecond laser pulses with energy of 70 μJ were focused by an objective lens with numerical aperture of 0.65. After 180 shots, the through-microhole which corresponded the depth of 125 μm was structured.
Longitudinal Assessment of the Doppler-Estimated Maximum Gradient in Patients With Congenital Valvar Aortic Stenosis Pre- and Post-Balloon Valvuloplasty.

Background— Aortic stenosis has been reported to manifest a slow rate of progression in mild disease, with a greater likelihood of progression in patients with moderate-severe disease. The natural history of the Doppler-estimated maximum gradient (DEMG) in patients after balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAVP) has not previously been studied on a large scale. Methods and Results— A retrospective review was performed of 360 patients from 1984 to 2012 with aortic stenosis, providing a total of 2059 echocardiograms both before and after BAVP. Patients were excluded if they had an intervention within the first 30 days of life. The relationships between the aortic stenosis DEMG and several predictors (age at initial study, body surface area, valve morphology, and initial DEMG) were explored using linear mixed effect models. Patients with a unicommissural aortic valve had a significantly higher rate of progression compared with those with a bicommissural aortic valve (0.81 and 0.45 mm Hg/year; P P 2 per year; P Conclusions— There is a statistically significant increase in the DEMG over time in patients with aortic stenosis. After balloon dilation, the DEMG rate of change is reduced compared with that pre-dilation. Given the effect of body surface area on DEMG progression, more frequent observation should be made during periods of rapid somatic growth.
Quantitative Limbic System Mapping of Main Cognitive Domains in Multiple Sclerosis

Background and Objective: Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) but underlying mechanisms and their imaging correlates are not completely understood. The gray and white matter structures of the limbic system (LS) play crucial roles in different aspects of cognition. To investigate their role in MS related CI, and since a detailed evaluations are lacking in the literature, we used a comprehensive neuroimaging approach to evaluate CI’s correlations with the main components of the LS. Methods: Ten non-cognitively impaired MS patients and 30 MS patients with diagnosed CI, who underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation were included in the analysis. Microstructural integrity, volumetry of main limbic gray and white matter structures and cortical thickness were assessed for associations with CI. Results: Fornix and cingulum/cingulate cortices were found to be the strongest correlates of CI in MS. As expected LS’gray and white matter structures were involved in various cognitive functions. Uncinate fasciculi showed significant correlation with verbal and visuospatial learning and memory, phonemic and semantic fluency; hippocampi with visuospatial skills, phonemic and semantic fluency, executive functions and processing speed; thalami with verbal learning, visuospatial skills, semantic fluency; and amygdalae with verbal recognition discrimination. Conclusion: This comprehensive neuroimaging approach elucidated the role of the main limbic structures in cognitive functions associated with MS related CI.
A novel stereo vision tracking system used in air traffic collision risk model

This paper presents the design and implementation of a stereo camera system used to produce accurate three-dimensional flight tracks of aircraft during the visual approach segment of an instrument landing approach procedure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed a model of collision risk for all phases of flight. Currently, the data available for low-altitude segments is sparse because radar is not capable of operating below certain altitudes in most terminal areas. Instrument approaches are particularly critical because the reduced visibility forces the pilot to rely on the navigational equipment and the airspace set aside for such an approach. The FAA desires to collect accurate data on flight paths during instrument approaches in order to more thoroughly model the risk of collision with obstacles during this critical phase of flight. The current system uses classic geometry and image processing to determine a frame-by-frame East-North-Up position of the approaching aircraft relative to the centerline point of the runway threshold. Truth flight tests indicate that the position accuracy can be maintained within three meters in the vertical and cross-track directions, and less than 30 meters in the distance measurement.
Error of Approximation

In this chapter we will be interested in determining the error d(x, K) made in approximating the element x by the elements of a convex set K. We have already given an explicit formula for the distance d(x, K) in the last chapter (Theorem 6.25), and a strengthening of this distance formula in the particular case where the convex set K is either a convex cone or a subspace (Theorem 6.26). Now we will extract still further refinements, improvements, and applications of these formulas.
Pretext and Justification: Republicanism, Policing, and Race

On April 4th, 2015, Police Officer Michael Slager gunned down Walter Scott in North Charleston, South Carolina with a cool that resembled target practice. Scott’s name joined a heartbreaking list of men of color killed by unjustified police violence. The video also broadcast to the world the spectacular violence always lurking beneath the surface of daily interactions between police and men of color. The “Black Lives Matter” movement has fiercely insisted Scott’s death not be viewed as an isolated incident but understood as woven into the fabric of American policing. American policing harms individual people of color, guts communities and establishes an image of black or brown men as criminal. Tragically, current Fourth Amendment law insulates the very police practices that allow a different policing regime for communities of color and ensuring that the death toll of unjustly killed black and brown men will continue. This Article reveals why policing reform cannot be achieved by piecemeal alteration of case law or even by focusing on doctrinal law alone. First the article makes clear why the racial harms of contemporary policing are borne by individual persons of color, unravel communities of color and change the very social meaning of race. Yet, careful examination of Fourth Amendment doctrine reveals the Supreme Court’s commitment to viewing Fourth Amendment rights as individually held and thus devoid of racial and social context. This view purposefully silences the Fourth Amendment’s ability to address the volatile interaction of race and policing. Without a philosophical transformation placing the Fourth Amendment on different theoretical grounds, our bonds as civic equals, there can be little progress. Changing our understanding of Fourth Amendment justification allows us to imagine a new world of policing. A world where policing must secure civic bonds requires disabling the ability of police to use pretextual stops as a tool of racial domination. But further, this article illustrates how a different political justification naturally leads to untying powers of police we take for granted; separating traffic or order maintenance from criminal investigation. Thus, this article serves as the philosophical grounding for the often-invoked shift of policing from a warrior culture to a guardian culture, illustrating not only how to prevent policing from standing as racial oppression but viewing policing as in service of our civic bonds.
Development and Feasibility Testing of a Videogame Intervention to Reduce High-Risk Sexual Behavior in Black and Hispanic Adolescents.

Abstract Objective: Develop and test feasibility of a mobile videogame intervention to decrease high-risk sexual behavior in black and Hispanic adolescents. Materials and Methods: Iterative design ...
C-ICT for Discovery of Multiple Associations in Multimodal Imaging Data: Application to Fusion of fMRI and DTI Data

Fusing datasets from different brain signal modalities improves accuracy in finding biomarkers of neuropsychiatric diseases. Several approaches, such as joint independent component analysis (ICA) and independent vector analysis (IVA), are useful but fall short of exploring multiple associations between different modalities, especially for the case where one underlying component in one modality might have multiple associations with others in another modality. This relationship is possible since one component in a given modality might have associations such as subject covariation with multiple components in another modality. We show that the consecutive independence and correlation transform (C-ICT) model, which successively performs ICA and canonical correlation analysis, is able to discover such multiple associations. C-ICT has been demonstrated to be useful for the fusion of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography data but has not been tested for other data combinations. In this study, we apply the C-ICT to fuse fMRI and MRI-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) datasets collected from healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia. In addition to independent components that show significant differences between the two groups in the fMRI and DTI datasets separately, we find multiple associations between these components from the two modalities, which provide a unique potential biomarker for schizophrenia.
Mir-roring hypoxia in EGFR-TKI tolerance

Understanding the mechanisms by which tumour cells adapt or succumb to targeted therapies is crucial to improving cancer treatment. A study in this issue of Nature Metabolism demonstrates how microRNAs, metabolic pathways and pseudohypoxia play a major role in the drug tolerance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors in lung adenocarcinoma.
Political Opposition, Legislative Oversight, and the Performance of the Executive Branch

The separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches is a cornerstone of democracy. This system of checks and balances, however, can be circumvented by partisan loyalties if legislators strategically avoid exerting oversight when their own party controls the executive branch. It is thus an empirical question whether the separation of powers prevents the abuse of power in practice. We answer this question by measuring the extent to which members of political opposition parties in a city council effectively check the mayor's performance in Brazil. We employ a regression discontinuity design to estimate the causal effect of an additional politically opposed legislator, and we find that political opposition increases oversight action and decreases corruption, with the effect fully concentrated on mayors facing reelection pressure. We trace the impact of oversight, via a reduction in healthcare spending irregularities, all the way to impacts on healthcare service delivery and health outcomes.
Understanding the “How” and “Why” Aspects of Racial-Ethnic Discrimination: A Multimethod Approach to Audit Studies:

Researchers have used audit studies to provide causal evidence of racial discrimination for nearly 60 years. Although audits are an excellent methodological tool to investigate the “what,” “where,”...
Running economy and its correlation to performance and fitness variables in recreationally-trained distance runners

Specific physiological attributes such as maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and running economy (RE) have been suggested to help predict long distance performance in endurance athletes. Despite t...
Maximizing Thermoelectric Figures of Merit by Uniaxially Straining Indium Selenide

A majority of the electricity currently generated is regrettably lost as heat. Engineering high-efficiency thermoelectric materials which can convert waste heat back into electricity is therefore vital for reducing our energy fingerprint. ZT, a dimensionless figure of merit, acts as a beacon of promising thermoelectric materials. However, engineering materials with large ZT values is practically challenging, since maximizing ZT requires optimizing many interdependent material properties. Motivated by recent studies on bulk indium selenide that suggest it may have favorable thermoelectric properties, here we present the thermoelectric properties of monolayer indium selenide in the presence of uniaxial strain using first-principles calculations conjoined with semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory. Our calculations indicate that conduction band convergence occurs at a compressive strain of −6% along the zigzag direction and results in an enhancement of ZT for p-type indium selenide at room temperature. Fu...
Management of Congenital Aniridia-Associated Keratopathy: Long-Term Outcomes from a Tertiary Referral Center.

Purpose To report the outcomes of medical and surgical management for congenital aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK) over a long-term follow-up period. Design Retrospective, comparative case series. Methods Medical records of patients diagnosed with congenital aniridia were retrospectively reviewed. Age, sex, ethnicity, follow-up time, AAK stage, noncorneal abnormalities, ocular surgeries, and complications were recorded. The visual acuity equivalent (VAE), approximate Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (appETDRS) letter score, was calculated using recorded Snellen visual acuities. Results A total of 92 eyes of 47 patients (31 females) with mean age of 48.0 ± 18.0 years and mean follow-up of 78.6 ± 42.2 months were included. At the initial visit, 12 eyes (13%) were classified as Stage I AAK, 33 eyes (35.9%) were Stage II, 25 eyes (27.2%) were Stage III, 17 eyes (18.5%) were Stage IV, and 5 eyes (5.4%) were Stage V. Limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) and Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro) were frequently performed in eyes with Stages III-V. These advanced corneal surgeries significantly improved the median (95% confidence interval [CI]) of calculated appETDRS scores from 2 (0-20) to 26 (15-41) (Snellen values, 20/20,000 to 20/300; P = 0.0004). Patients with earlier Stages (I-II) of AAK were managed medically and had stable visual acuity through their final visits (appETDRS score of 26 [20-35] to 35 [26-35]; Snellen, 20/300 to 20/200; P > 0.05). The appETDRS VAE was significantly improved from 20 (0-35) to 30 (20-55), Snellen, 20/400 to 20/250, following LSCT (P = 0.021) and from 2 (0-20) to 2 (0-41) after KPro; Snellen, 20/20,000 VAE but with improved 95% CI after follow-up (P = 0.019). Conclusions With proper characterization and staging of AAK, individualized medical and advanced surgical interventions preserves and improves visual acuity.
Effects of resin distribution patterns on through-thickness air removal in vacuum-bag-only prepregs

Abstract Prepregs with discontinuous resin patterns facilitate air removal and impart robustness to vacuum-bag-only processing of composites. However, optimal pattern characteristics have not yet been identified. A geometric model was developed to guide the fabrication of prepregs with various discontinuous patterns and laminates with different orientations and ply counts. The model was used to evaluate metrics related to gas transport: projected surface area exposed, sealed interfaces, and tortuosity. Statistical analysis revealed that single layer surface area exposed and ply count had the greatest effect on projected surface area exposed; orientation had the greatest effect on sealed interfaces and tortuosity. From these insights, prototype prepregs were fabricated to measure through-thickness permeability. Prepregs with a large percentage of sealed interfaces and high tortuosity exhibited lower permeability. The study demonstrated a methodology to differentiate/screen patterns for gas transport efficiency. The model can guide prepreg design and support robust production of composites via out-of-autoclave manufacturing.
Older adults in hematologic malignancy trials: Representation, barriers to participation and strategies for addressing underrepresentation.

Abstract Despite a high incidence of hematologic malignancies in older adults, available data indicate that there is disproportionately low representation of adults ≥65 years with hematologic malignancies (greater in patients ≥75 years) in clinical trials. Biological and clinical differences between older and younger adults and diversity within older patients necessitate adequate representation of the older subpopulation in hematologic malignancy trials. This would allow trial results to be generalizable and inform treatment decisions in the older patient population. Restrictive eligibility criteria may be barriers to adequate representation, as older adults do not typically meet these criteria. Efforts to broaden eligibility criteria in clinical trials have been proposed and may promote enrollment of a representative older population with hematologic malignancies. Collaboration among a diverse group of stakeholders will be needed to implement current proposals and evaluate their impact on increasing representation of older adults in trials evaluating therapies for hematologic malignancies.
Memory of Others' Disclosures Is Consolidated during Rest and Associated with Providing Support: Neural and Linguistic Evidence

Social scientists have documented the power of being heard: Disclosing emotional experiences to others promotes mental and physical health. Yet, far less is known about how listeners digest the sen...
Impact of Altitude-based Hemoglobin Modification on Pediatric Iron Deficiency Anemia Screening.

Objective To determine if additional children attending primary care clinics in moderate-altitude areas would screen positive for anemia if the hemoglobin cutoff were modified for altitude. Study design This cross-sectional study evaluated children aged 11-19 months of age who had a screening hemoglobin conducted between January 2011 and December 2017 at 4 moderate-altitude (1726-2212 m) and 8 low-altitude (1-20 m) US military clinics. The primary outcome was anemia prevalence (hemoglobin Results Before altitude modification, anemia prevalence was 4.4% in the moderate-altitude group (n = 1488) and 16.8% in the low-altitude group (n = 7090) (prevalence OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.17-0.29). After applying the World Health Organization model, anemia prevalence in the moderate-altitude group increased to 14.7% (prevalence OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.70-0.97). Nonapplication of the model at moderate altitude resulted in a false-negative proportion of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.63-0.76). Conclusions Nonuse of the World Health Organization altitude-based modification model for hemoglobin may result in a large percentage of US children with anemia at moderate altitude screening falsely negative for anemia. Although ancestry disparities in altitude acclimatization may limit universal application of the current World Health Organization model, the existing standard of care may leave children at moderate altitude at risk for complications from iron deficiency anemia.
Roman Political Thought: From Cicero to Augustine

1. Cicero: to save the res publica 2. Lucretius: the poetics of power: 3. Sallust: giving endurance to memory 4. Virgil: politics, violence, and memory 5. Livy: political thought as remedium 6. Seneca and jurisdiction 7. Tacitus: the political psychology of despotism 8. Marcus Aurelius and the cosmopolis 9. Augustine: political thought as confession.
Immunotherapy in Cervical Cancer.

This review aims to summarize the current immunotherapy studies and the potential targeted therapies showing promise in the treatment of cervical cancer. There are promising ongoing monotherapy and combination therapy trials using different immune checkpoint inhibitors, poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase inhibitors, tumor angiogenesis inhibitors (i.e., bevacizumab), antibody-drug conjugates, therapeutic vaccines, and tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (adoptive immunotherapy). Some of these novel modalities are also being evaluated in combination with standard platinum-based chemotherapy regimen. At this time, pembrolizumab is approved for the treatment of relapsed or metastatic programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) positive cervical cancer after frontline chemotherapy treatment. Multiple novel therapeutic modalities are emerging as safe and effective for the treatment of cervical cancer patients. Development and participation in investigative treatments can provide benefit and improve outcomes in cervical cancer.
Adjuvant treatment and outcomes for patients with stage IIIA grade 1 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma

Objectives: Among patients with advanced stage endometrial cancer, those with FIGO stage IIIA grade 1 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma (EEC) have favorable outcomes. Adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence is not standard and remains controversial. The aim of this study was to describe associations between adjuvant therapy use and survival among women with stage IIIA grade 1 EEC. Methods: Women who underwent primary surgical management for stage IIIA (FIGO 2009 staging, excluding cases up-staged based on positive cytology alone) grade 1 EEC between 2004-2016 were identified in the National Cancer Data Base. Demographics and receipt of adjuvant therapy were compared using t-test for continuous variables and chi2 for categorical, dichotomous variables. Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank test, and multivariable cox proportional hazard models adjusting for age, comorbidity, academic facility, tumor size, and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) status (±/unknown; reported after 2009) were used to estimate overall survival (OS) based on adjuvant treatment modality. Results: A total of 1,343 patients were identified; 310 (23.1%) received no adjuvant treatment, 357 (26.6%) had chemotherapy alone (CT), 232 (17.2%) had radiation alone (RT), and 444 (33.1%) had chemotherapy and radiation (CT+RT). Those who received CT were younger than those who received RT or no adjuvant treatment (56.3 years vs 62.1 years, p Download : Download high-res image (77KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: The use of adjuvant CT for the treatment of stage IIIA grade 1 EEC is increasing over time. Adjuvant CT, but not RT or CT+RT, is associated with improved OS. LVSI demonstrated a prognostic association with OS, but was only reported since 2010, limiting power to assess an interactive association between adjuvant therapy and survival. Patients with LVSI+ disease may benefit from additional therapy, however, prospective trials are needed.
Main Trends and Challenges of Socio-Economic Development in H1 September 2018

Two, virtually opposite, trends have developed in the Russian economy early in September. The former refers to disclosure of plans for launching new, mostly infrastructural, megaprojects, while the latter is that the Bank of Russia has recognized publicly that it may raise the key interest rate.
Opportunities and advances in mesoscale science

Abstract The mesoscale, where the granularity of atoms and the quantization of energy give way to apparently continuous and infinitely divisible matter and energy, opens up a new frontier of scientific opportunity. This opportunity has been embraced by the scientific community and the fruits of the exploration of mesoscale science are beginning to emerge. In this brief introduction, we highlight the themes and directions described in greater detail in the articles that follow. In particular, the implications of mesoscale science for energy storage, high-strength structural composites, magnetic interactions, materials aging, and degradation science, as well as the characterization capabilities necessary to explore these phenomena, are discussed.
The size, operation, and technical capabilities of protein and nucleic acid core facilities.

A survey of 40 protein and nucleic acid chemistry facilities has provided data about the capabilities of core facilities and the cost of the services they provide. Approximately 43% of the +158,000 average annual operating budget for a typical university facility is derived from service charges. After correcting for the various degrees of subsidization of the different facilities, it was found that it costs a typical university facility +65 to carry out an acid hydrolysis and amino acid analysis on a protein. A 25-residue peptide can be synthesized and cleaved for +2078, whereas sequencing the same peptide costs +874. A 25-residue oligonucleotide can be synthesized for +258. The total work output per month of an average facility corresponds to 65 amino acid analyses, 15 amino acid sequencing runs, three peptide syntheses, and 16 oligonucleotide syntheses. Depending on the approach used, from 85 to nearly 200 pmol of protein are required to obtain an accurate amino acid composition. To sequence the first 1...
Electronic Structure: Determination of electronic structure: the three basic methods

There are nine and sixty ways of constructing tribal lays, And every single one of them is right! Rudyard Kipling, In the Neolithic Age Overview of Chapters 12–17 There are three basic approaches to the calculation of independent-particle electronic states in materials. There are no fundamental disagreements: all agree when applied carefully and taken to convergence. Indeed, each of the approaches leads to instructive, complementary ways to understand electronic structure and each can be developed into a general framework for accurate calculations. Each method has its advantages: each is most appropriate for a range of problems and can provide particularly insightful information in its realm of application. Each method has its pitfalls: the user beware. It is all too easy to make glaring errors or over-interpret results if the user does not understand the basics of the methods. The three types of methods and their characteristic pedagogical values are: 1. Plane wave and grid methods provide general approaches for solution of differential equations, including the Schrodinger and Poisson equations. At first sight, plane waves and grids are very different, but in fact each is an effective way of representing smooth functions. Furthermore, grids are involved in modern efficient plane wave calculations that use fast Fourier transforms. Chapter 12 is devoted to the basic concepts and methods of electronic structure. Plane waves are presented first because of their simplicity and because Fourier transforms provide a simple derivation of the Bloch theorem.
Some results on two forms of erasure-correction coding for packet radio networks

We present some preliminary results from our investigation of two forms of erasure-correction coding, fountain coding and network coding, when they are employed for file transfers in a distributed packet radio network. The radios adapt the modulation and channel coding of the transmitted signals in response to variations in fading on the links of the network. The control information for the adaptive transmission protocol is provided by simple statistics that are derived in the demodulators and decoders of the radio receivers.
Noninvasive Measurements of Human Brain Temperature Using Volume-Localized Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Elucidation of the role of cerebral hyperthermia as a secondary factor that worsens outcome after brain injury, and the therapeutic application of modest brain hypothermia would benefit from noninvasive measurements of absolute brain temperature. The present study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of using 1H magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy to measure absolute brain temperature in human subjects on a clinical imaging spectroscopy system operating at a field strength of 1.5 T. In vivo calibration results were obtained from swine brain during whole-body heating and cooling, with concurrent measurements of brain temperature via implanted probes. Plots of the frequency differences between the in vivo MR peaks of water and N-acetyl-aspartate and related compounds (NAX), or water and choline and other trimethylamines versus brain temperature were linear over the temperature range studied (28-40 degrees C). These relationships were used to estimate brain temperature from 1H MR spectra obtained from 10 adult human volunteers from 4 cm3-volumes selected from the frontal lobe and thalamus. Oral and forehead temperatures were monitored concurrently with MR data collection to verify normothermia in all the subjects studied. Temperatures determined using N-acetyl-aspartate or choline as the chemical shift reference did not differ significantly, and therefore results from these estimates were averaged. The brain temperature (mean +/- SD) measured from the frontal lobe (37.2 +/- 0.6 degrees C) and thalamus (37.7 +/- 0.6 degrees C) were significantly different from each other (paired t-test, p = 0.035). We conclude that 1H MR spectroscopy provides a viable noninvasive means of measuring regional brain temperatures in normal subjects and is a promising approach for measuring temperatures in brain-injured subjects.
Conflict and third-party intervention

The paper looks at various scenarios of possible concern for intervening third parties when two factions are engaged in a conflict and act strategically against one another. A standard conflict model is used to determine appropriate intervention strategies in order to lower the overall level of conflict. Choosing a suitable strategy in such a setting, the third party must not only take into account the direct impact of its efforts but also the indirect impacts that result from the strategic interaction among the parties involved.