cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convexification of optimal power flow problem by means of phase shifters

This paper is concerned with the convexification of the optimal power flow (OPF) problem. We have previously shown that this highly nonconvex problem can be solved efficiently via a convex relaxation after two approximations: (i) adding a sufficient number of virtual phase shifters to the network topology, and (ii) relaxing the power balance equations to inequality constraints. The objective of the present paper is to first provide a better understanding of the implications of Approximation (i) and then remove Approximation (ii). To this end, we investigate the effect of virtual phase shifters on the feasible set of OPF by thoroughly examining a cyclic system. We then show that OPF can be convexified under only Approximation (i), provided some mild assumptions are satisfied. Although this paper mainly focuses on OPF, the results developed here can be applied to several OPF-based emerging optimization problems for future electrical grids.
IQGAP1 is necessary for pulmonary vascular barrier protection in murine acute lung injury and pneumonia.

We recently reported that integrin αvβ3 is necessary for vascular barrier protection in mouse models of acute lung injury and peritonitis. Here, we used mass spectrometric sequencing of integrin co...
Spiroannelation via Organobis(Cuprates): 9,9‐Dimethylspiro[4.5]Decan‐7‐One

Spiroannelation via organobis(cuprates): 9,9-dimethylspiro[4.5]decan-7-one intermediate: 3-chloro-5,5-dimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one product: 9,9-dimethylspiro[4.5]decan-7-one Keywords: addition, to CC–CO and CC–CN; alkylation, C-alkylation; annulation, carbocyclic-[5]; cyclization, condensation; metalation reactions, copper; metalation reactions, lithium; replacement reactions, hydroxy by halogen; assay methods, for 1,4-dilithiobutane, with 2-butanol or menthol, 1,10-phenanthroline indicator; assay methods, for 1,4-dilithiobutane, with 2-butanol or menthol, 1,10-phenanthroline indicator; lithium, wire; tetrahydrofuran; toluene; oxalyl chloride, toxicity
Differential processing of ultraviolet or ionizing radiation-induced DNA-protein cross-links in Chinese hamster cells.

SummaryThe yield and repairability of DNA—protein cross-links have been compared after γ- or U.V.-irradiation of Chinese hamster V79-379 lung fibroblasts. Using a filter-binding assay, cross-linked DNA can be specifically isolated after doses between 10 and 100 Gy of γ-radiation and fluences between 20 and 300 J/m2 of U.V.-radiation. After ionizing radiation, the majority of DNA cross-linked to protein is released with biphasic kinetics, requiring 1 h for removal of 50 per cent of the cross-linked DNA and 24 h for 90 per cent release. In these cells, U.V.-induced cross-linked DNA is not removed; on the contrary, the yield of apparent DNA—protein complexes increases during postirradiation incubation. Prior γ-irradiation, to initiate the associated repair system, does not stimulate release of U.V.-induced cross-linked DNA. Inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide affects neither the removal of γ-ray-induced cross-linked DNA nor the increase in U.V.-induced cross-linked DNA. 3-Aminobenzamide, an inhi...
Student Attitudes toward Technology-Mediated Advising Systems

The literature on broad-access colleges suggests that low persistence and completion rates may be improved through better advising that employs a teaching-as-advising approach. While resource constraints have traditionally limited the ability of colleges to reform advising practices, technological advances have made it possible to implement technology-based advising tools, some of which can replace face-to-face services. Using focus group interview data from 69 students at six colleges, this study investigates students’ attitudes toward technology-mediated advising. More specifically, we seek to understand how students’ perceptions and experiences vary across different advising functions. We find that students are open to using technology for more formulaic tasks, such as course registration, but prefer in-person support for more complex tasks, such as planning courses for multiple semesters and refining their academic and career goals.
The Roepke Lecture in Economic Geography Catastrophic Earthquake Insurance: Patterns of Adoption

In California, earthquake insurance is not mandatory and is relatively expensive. Investment in earthquake insurance is one indicator of individual/ household response to hazards in the urban environment. This paper reports on a series of three surveys of California homeowners undertaken in 1989, 1990, and 1993 in Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties. The surveys addressed six hypotheses: rates of insurance subscription have increased; socioeconomc and demographic characteristics distinguish the insured from the uninsured; insurance purchase is systematically related to geophysical risk at the home site; perceived risk is a predictor of insurance purchase; experience with an earthquake increases perceived risk and motivates insurance purchase; and mandatory noncatastrophic insurance increases the propensity to buy nonmandatory catastrophic insurance. The surveys yielded three primary findings. First, the proportion of households subscribing to earthquake insurance increased steadily, from about 5 percent in 1973 to approximately 40 percent in Santa Clara and Los Angeles counties in 1989 and 50 percent in those counties in 1993. Second, the geographic pattern of insurance subscription has consistently been unrelated to relative geophysical risk: those in areas susceptible to high degrees of ground shaking are no more likely to purchase insurance than those in less risky areas. Third, the strongest and most consistent predictor of earthquake insurance purchase is perceived vulnerability: those who perceive that their homes or communities are likely to experience earthquake damage are more likely to purchase earthquake insurance. Future research should involve cross-cultural studies, specifically addressed at questions of the universality of the empirical relationships between personality, demographic-economic status, and insurance purchase, or, more broadly, earthquake-mitigation behavior.
Latina Birth Outcomes in California: Not so Paradoxical

Objectives To investigate Latina-White differences in birth outcomes in California from 2003 to 2010, looking for evidence of the often-cited "Latina paradox" and assessing the possible role of socioeconomic factors in observed differences. MethodsUsing statewide-representative data from the California Maternal and Infant Health Assessment, an annual population-based postpartum survey, we compared rates of preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) in five groups: U.S.-born non-Latina Whites ("Whites"), U.S.-born Mexican-Americans, U.S.-born non-Mexican Latinas, Mexican immigrants, and non-Mexican Latina immigrants. Logistic regression models examined the relative likelihood of PTB and LBW for women in each Latina subgroup compared with Whites, before and after adjustment for socioeconomic and other covariates. Results In unadjusted analyses, women in each Latina subgroup appeared more likely than White women to have PTB and LBW, although the increased likelihood of LBW among Mexican immigrants was statistically non-significant. After adjustment for less favorable socioeconomic characteristics among Latinas compared with Whites, observed differences in the estimated likelihoods of PTB or LBW for Latina subgroups relative to Whites were attenuated and (with the exception of PTB among U.S.-born Mexican Americans) no longer statistically significant. Conclusions We found no evidence of a "Latina paradox" in birth outcomes, which some have cited as evidence that social disadvantage is not always health-damaging. As observed in several previous studies, our findings were non-paradoxical: consistent with their socioeconomic disadvantage, Latinas had worse birth outcomes than non-Latina White women. Policy-makers should not rely on a "Latina paradox" to ensure good birth outcomes among socioeconomically disadvantaged Latina women.
Subclavian-coronary artery anastomosis in infancy for the Bland-White-Garland syndrome: a three-year and five-year follow-up.

Two infants, 4 months and 8 months of age, with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery, underwent direct anastomosis of the left subclavian artery to the left coronary artery. In the patient operated upon at 4 months of age, the anastomosis proved to be patent by angiographic study 3 years postoperatively. However, in the patient operated upon at 8 months of age, the study 5 years postoperatively revealed clinically unsuspected occlusion at the anastomosis site. After operation, both patients symptomatically improved. The heart size decreased on radiograms, the left ventricular ejection fraction improved, and the electrocardiographic abnormality resolved to a great extent. Since the preferred treatment for this abnormality and the ideal age for operation are yet to be established, long-term angiographic follow-up of all such surgically treated patients is needed. An advantage of the subclavian-coronary artery anastomosis is its applicability in the infant.
Use of the slide show audiometric technique with mentally retarded children

Because of the apparently high incidence of hearing impairment and difficult to test subjects among the retarded, there is a need to continually strengthen our audiologic assessment armamentarium. This paper (a) discusses the instrumental (or operant) conditioning audiometric technique called the peep show, (b) presents the slide show as an inexpensive means of using this operant technique, (c) considers the use of the slide show technique with mentally retarded children, and (d) compares the slide show to previously reported operant conditioning techniques of this type.
Choice of Health Plan: Findings from the 2009 EBRI/MGA Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey

This paper explores differences in choice of health plan using data from the 2009 EBRI/MGA Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey. It examines the likelihood of having a choice of plan by various demographics and work-related variables. It also examines choice by health status and health behaviors. The relationship between satisfaction with health insurance and health care and health plan choice is then explored, as is the role of type of health plan. Most employers do not offer a choice of health plan. In 2009, 86 percent of employers offering health benefits offered only one health plan; 13 percent offered two choices; and 1 percent offered three or more choices. Large firms are more likely to offer health insurance and to offer a choice of health plan than small firms. Forty-five percent of large firms offered two or more choices, whereas 13 percent of small firms did so. As a result, about one-half of covered workers had a choice of health plan, and according to the 2009 EBRI/MGA Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey, 59 percent of adults ages 21-64 with employment-based health coverage had a choice of health plan. While the percentage of individuals with traditional employment-based health benefits who have a choice of health plan was in large part unchanged since 2005 (ranging from 54 percent to 62 percent), the percentage of individuals with a consumer-driven health plan (CDHP) and a choice of health plan rose steadily between 2005 and 2009, increasing from 47 percent to 70 percent. Increasing choice of health plan is a key component of health reform advocates. The health insurance exchange is built on Alain Enthoven’s model of managed competition, which entails sponsors acting on behalf of groups of individuals to negotiate with insurers and offer participants a menu of choices among different plans. To obtain the benefits of competition requires that insurance policies be easily comparable to facilitate consumer choice, and quality measures be developed that consumers can use to make informed decisions. The PDF for the above title, published in the February 2010 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the fulltext of another February 2010 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: “Labor Force Participation Rates: The Population Age 55 and Older, 2008.”
Women’s mobilisation for legislative political representation in Africa

This article argues that women’s movements advocating for political representation in African legislatures are a key factor in explaining how rates of female legislative representation have tripled between 1990 and 2015. Coalitional efforts to introduce electoral quotas challenge key claims in the literature on developing countries that suggest that culture, a lack of economic growth, and oil revenues serve as impediments to increases in women’s legislative representation. Case studies of Senegal, Mauritania and Algeria illustrate some of the problems with these arguments and show the significance of collective women’s mobilisation.
Bmi1 marks distinct castration-resistant luminal progenitor cells competent for prostate regeneration and tumour initiation

Identification of defined cell populations with stem/progenitor properties is key for understanding prostate development and tumorigenesis. Here we show that the polycomb repressor protein Bmi1 marks a population of castration-resistant luminal epithelial cells enriched in the mouse proximal prostate. We employ lineage tracing to show that these castration-resistant Bmi1-expressing cells (or CARBs) are capable of tissue regeneration and self-renewal. Notably, CARBs are distinct from the previously described luminal castration-resistant Nkx3.1-expressing cells (CARNs). CARBs can serve as a prostate cancer cell-of-origin upon Pten deletion, yielding luminal prostate tumours. Clonal analysis using the R26R-confetti allele indicates preferential tumour initiation from CARBs localized to the proximal prostate. These studies identify Bmi1 as a marker for a distinct population of castration-resistant luminal epithelial cells enriched in the proximal prostate that can serve as a cell of origin for prostate cancer.
National human resource development in a transitioning society: the case of Cambodia

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this inquiry is to provide an in-depth analysis of the needs, strategies, practices, goals, and challenges pertinent to national human resource development (NHRD) in the transitioning society of Cambodia. Building on the foundations provided by Harbison and Myers’ seminar NHRD model and, more recently, Paprock’s framework, this paper offers: (a) a description of the historical context in which human resource development (HRD) is embedded – the political, sociocultural, and economic past, respectively; (b) an overview of the country’s transitional context; (c) an examination of its current HRD environment – the prevailing political and economic structures, HRD-related problems and issues, formal education systems, and incentives for and the allocation of strategic human capital; (d) a discussion of HRD in the country – how it is perceived and its necessary goals and components; and (e) the implications for HRD strategy.
Development of a screening questionnaire for DSM-5 intermittent explosive disorder (IED-SQ).

Abstract Objective This study was designed to develop and test a screening approach to identify individuals with DSM-5 Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), a disorder of recurrent, problematic, impulsive aggression. Methods A screening approach to diagnose DSM-5 IED (IED-SQ) was developed by combining items related to life history of aggression and items related to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for IED. In study 1, the IED-SQ was studied in 72 adult participants; 33 that met DSM-5 criteria for lifetime IED and 39 that did not. In study 2, the IED-SQ was given to 740 undergraduates at a US university. Measures of aggression and anger expression and anger control were assessed in both studies. Results In study 1, the IED-SQ demonstrated strong concordance with the best estimate diagnoses (Kappa =.80) for lifetime IED by DSM-5 criteria and good test–retest reliability (kappa =0.71). In study 2, the IED-SQ identified 4.3% of the undergraduate sample as meeting DSM-5 criteria for lifetime IED, a rate comparable to that in recent epidemiological studies. Participants identified as meeting DSM-5 criteria for lifetime IED, in both studies, had higher aggression scores, and higher anger expression, and lower anger control scores, compared to participants that did not meet DSM-5 criteria for lifetime IED. Conclusions These data suggest that the IED-SQ is a useful screening tool that can quickly identify the presence of IED by DSM-5 criteria in adults.
BIOMECHANICAL AND HISTOLOGIC EFFECTS OF AUGMENTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILISATION THERAPY ON ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY IN A RABBIT MODEL

Summary Statement ASTM therapy is commonly used to treat Achilles tendinopaty. However, there was no report to evaluate the biomechanical effects, especially the dynamic viscoelasticity. We have shown that ASTM treatment was biomechanically useful for chronic Achilles tendinopathy in an animal model. Introduction Achilles tendinopathy is a common chronic overuse injury. Because Achilles tendon overuse injury takes place in sports and there has been a general increase in the popularity of sports activities, the number and incidence of Achilles tendon overuse injury has increased. Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (ASTM) therapy is a modification of traditional soft tissue mobilization and has been used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. ASTM therapy is thought to promote collagen fiber realignment and hasten tendon repair. It might also change the biomechanical behavior of the injured tendon, especially the dynamic viscoelasticity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of ASTM therapy in a rabbit model of Achilles tendinopathy by quantifying dynamic biomechanical properties and histologic features. Patients & Methods The hind limbs of 12 rabbits were used, and 24 Achilles tendons were injected with collagenase to produce tendon injury. One hind limb of each animal was then randomly allocated to receive ASTM therapy, while the other received no treatment and served as a control. ASTM was performed on the Achilles tendon for 3 minutes on postoperative days 21, 24, 28, 31, 35, and 38. The Achilles tendons were harvested 10 days after the last treatment. Specimens were examined with dynamic viscoelasticity and light microscopy. Results The mean±SD cross-sectional area for the treated and untreated tendons was 12.30±5.47 mm 2 and 9.57±8.36 mm 2 , respectively. The difference between the treated and untreated tendons was statistically significant ( P P =.05). The loss modulus was significantly lower in the treated tendons than in the untreated tendons ( P Discussion/Conclusion We have shown that ASTM was a biomechanically useful treatment for chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Biomechanical and histologic data showed the treated Achilles tendons had better biomechanical function and histologic outcomes than the untreated tendons.
Falls and social isolation of older adults in the national health and aging trends study

A longitudinal secondary analysis of 2 years of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study was undertaken to determine the extent to which social isolation predicts falls in older adults. Social isolation during Year 1 (baseline) was operationalized as a multiple-indicator measure based on Social Network Index participation domains. Falling during the previous year was self-reported using Year 2 data. Logistic regression models revealed social isolation significantly predicted falls (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.05, 1.17]). The relationship remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, and education (OR = 1.08; 95% CI [1.02, 1.14]). The relationship weakened after adjusting for self-reported general health, depression risk, and worry about falling (OR = 1.02; 95% CI [0.96, 1.08]). Adjusting for Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), assistive mobility device, and activities of daily living further weakened the relationship (OR = 0.99; 95% CI [0.94, 1.04]). SPPB demonstrated the strongest correlation with social isolation (r = -0.42; p < 0.01). Fall prevention intervention studies specifically targeting social isolation may incorporate physical performance as a shorter-term and cost-effective proxy outcome for falls. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2018; 11(2):61-70.].
Unscripted: Exploring representations of older unpartnered women’s sexuality

ABSTRACTImages of sexually active women beyond the age of 50 are lacking in popular culture and in particular on television. Dominant sexual scripts depict older women as generally asexual. The television program Hot in Cleveland features unpartnered midlife and older women as main characters. In this article, based on analysis of four seasons of Hot in Cleveland, we look closely at portrayals of sexual activity to see whether they underscore dominant sexual scripts mocking older women’s sexual interest, position aging as sexual decline, or reinforce the narrative of “successful” aging/aging as progress. We find that women are depicted as desirable and desiring, counter to the narrative of aging as sexual decline. Hot in Cleveland thus provides sexual scripts for older women and reinforces the idea of lifelong sexual desire.
Visible spectrum-based non-contact HRV and dPTT for stress detection

Stress is a major health concern that not only compromises our quality of life, but also affects our physical health and well-being. Despite its importance, our ability to objectively detect and quantify it in a real-time, non-invasive manner is very limited. This capability would have a wide variety of medical, military, and security applications. We have developed a pipeline of image and signal processing algorithms to make such a system practical, which includes remote cardiac pulse detection based on visible spectrum videos and physiological stress detection based on the variability in the remotely detected cardiac signals. First, to determine a reliable cardiac pulse, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied for noise reduction and independent component analysis (ICA) was applied for source selection. To determine accurate cardiac timing for heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, a blind source separation method based least squares (LS) estimate was used to determine signal peaks that were closely related to R-peaks of the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. A new metric, differential pulse transit time (dPTT), defined as the difference in arrival time of the remotely acquired cardiac signal at two separate distal locations, was derived. It was demonstrated that the remotely acquired metrics, HRV and dPTT, have potential for remote stress detection. The developed algorithms were tested against human subject data collected under two physiological conditions using the modified Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and the Affective Stress Response Test (ASRT). This research provides evidence that the variability in remotely-acquired blood wave (BW) signals can be used for stress (high and mild) detection, and as a guide for further development of a real-time remote stress detection system based on remote HRV and dPTT.
A Mechanical Strength Critic for a Simultaneous Engineering Design Environment

Critic-based design systems are systems whose architecture consists of a central synthesis module responsible for initiating design decisions and a set of independent asynchronous modules, called critics, responsible for providing feedback on these decisions. Critics can signal flaws in the design and provide evaluations that can guide the synthesis module in making additional design decisions. Critics form a modular, expandable library that is particularly suited for distributed design environments. This paper describes the structure and operation of a mechanical strength critic. The critic is part of an Automated Simultaneous Engineering (ASE) environment whose initial domain is the design of window regulators. We describe the architecture of the system and show its performance on some typical mechanical parts from a car window regulator assembly.
Prism spectrometers for FINESSE

New designs for the FINESSE spectrometer (0.45-5 µm at a resolution of greater than 80 at f/6.5) are placed in context by reviewing history of unit magnification relays and spectrometers. The FINESSE star tracker and spectrometer use the same focal plane to improve stability.
Multi-Hypergraph Learning for Incomplete Multimodality Data

Multi-modality data convey complementary information that can be used to improve the accuracy of prediction models in disease diagnosis. However, effectively integrating multi-modality data remains a challenging problem, especially when the data are incomplete. For instance, more than half of the subjects in the Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative (ADNI) database have no fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and cerebrospinal fluid data. Currently, there are two commonly used strategies to handle the problem of incomplete data: 1) discard samples having missing features; and 2) impute those missing values via specific techniques. In the first case, a significant amount of useful information is lost and, in the second case, additional noise and artifacts might be introduced into the data. Also, previous studies generally focus on the pairwise relationships among subjects, without considering their underlying complex (e.g., high-order) relationships. To address these issues, in this paper, we propose a multi-hypergraph learning method for dealing with incomplete multimodality data. Specifically, we first construct multiple hypergraphs to represent the high-order relationships among subjects by dividing them into several groups according to the availability of their data modalities. A hypergraph regularized transductive learning method is then applied to these groups for automatic diagnosis of brain diseases. Extensive evaluation of the proposed method using all subjects in the baseline ADNI database indicates that our method achieves promising results in AD/MCI classification, compared with the state-of-the-art methods.
Inferring cross-sections of 3D objects: a 3D spatial ability test instrument for 3D volume segmentation

Understanding 3D shapes through cross-sections is a mental task that appears both in 3D volume segmentation and solid modeling tasks. Similar to other shape understanding tasks --- such as paper folding --- performance on this task varies across the population, and can be improved through training and practice. We are --- long term --- interested in creating training tools for 3D volume segmentation. To this end, we have modified (and evaluated) an existing cross-section performance measure in the context of our intended application. Our primary adaptations were 1) to use 3D stimuli (instead of 2D) to more accurately capture the real-world application and 2) evaluate performance on 3D biological shapes relative to the 3D geometric shapes used in the previous study. Our findings are: 1) Participants had the same pattern of errors as the original study, but overall their performance improved when they could see the objects rotating in 3D. 2) Inferring cross-sections of biological shapes is more challenging than pure geometric shapes.
Automatic Detection and Quantitative DCE-MRI Scoring of Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness.

Purpose To develop a robust and clinically applicable automated method for analyzing Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE-) MRI of the prostate as a guide for targeted biopsies and treatments. Materials and methods An unsupervised pattern recognition (PR) method was used to analyze prostate DCE-MRI from 71 sequential radiotherapy patients. Identified regions of interest (ROIs) with increased perfusion were assigned either to the peripheral (PZ) or transition zone (TZ). Six quantitative features, associated with the washin and washout part of the weighted average DCE curve from the ROI, were calculated. The associations between the assigned DCE-scores and Gleason Score (GS) were investigated. A heatmap of tumor aggressiveness covering the entire prostate was generated and validated with histopathology from MRI-ultrasound fused (MRI-US) targeted biopsies. Results The volumes of the PR-identified ROI's were significantly correlated with the highest GS from the biopsy session for each patient. Following normalization (and only after normalization) with gluteus maximus muscle's DCE signal, the quantitative features in PZ were significantly correlated with GS. These correlations straightened in subset of patients with available MRI-US biopsies when GS from the individual biopsies were used. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for discrimination between indolent vs aggressive cancer for the significant quantitative features reached 0.88-0.95. When DCE-scores were calculated in normal appearing tissues, the features were highly discriminative for cancer vs no cancer both in PZ and TZ. The generated heatmap of tumor aggressiveness coincided with the location and GS of the MRI-US biopsies. Conclusion A quantitative approach for DCE-MRI analysis was developed. The resultant map of aggressiveness correlated well with tumor location and GS and is applicable for integration in radiotherapy/radiology imaging software for clinical translation.
Sno-capped: 5' ends of preribosomal RNAs are decorated with a U3 SnoRNP.

Abstract Efficient ribosome biosynthesis is crucial for cell viability. Work recently published in Nature [1] demonstrates that a large ribonucleoprotein processes 18S rRNA in S. cerevisiae , indicating that macromolecular particles regulate ribosome maturation [1–3] and revealing the complex nature of this process.
Reference Guide to Menus

This chapter contains detailed information about the entries of the three main menus (NUMERICS, UTILITIES, and VISUALAID) as well as the nine graphical views of PHASER (PhasePort, Set up, Xi vs. T, etc.); see Figures 6.1–2. You should first browse through the chapter to get acquainted with the capabilities of PHASER, and then return to it for reference purposes later. For a short synopsis, consult Appendix A.
Autosomal dominant macular atrophy at 6q14 excludes CORD7 and MCDR1/PBCRA loci

PURPOSE. Localization of the gene responsible for autosomal dominant atrophic macular degeneration (adMD) in a large pedigree UM:H785. METHODS. Standard ophthalmologic examinations were performed. Microsatellite markers were used to map the disease gene by linkage and haplotype analyses. RESULTS. The macular degeneration in this family is characterized by progressive retinal pigment epithelial atrophy in the macula without apparent peripheral involvement by ophthalmoscopy or functional studies. Acuity loss progressed with age and generally was worse in the older affected individuals. The rod and cone function remained normal or nearly normal in all tested affected members up to 61 years of age. The phenotype in our family has characteristics similar to Stargardt-like macular degeneration with some differences. Haplotype analysis localized the disease gene in our adMD family to an 8-cM region at 6q14, which is within the 18-cM interval of STGD3 but excludes cone-rod dystrophy 7 (CORD7; centromeric) and North Carolina macular degeneration and progressive bifocal chorioretinal atrophy (MCDR1/PBCRA; telomeric). The mapping interval overlaps with that of recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP25). CONCLUSIONS. These results implicate at least three genetically distinct loci for forms of macular degeneration that lie within a 30-cM interval on chromosome 6p11-6q16: CORD7, adMD, and MCDR1/PBCRA. Because the critical interval for the adMD family studied overlaps with STGD3 and RP25, these loci could be allelic.
Dysfunction of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Diabetic Retinopathy

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells derived from the bone marrow and other tissues (such as spleen, adventitia, fat, and skeletal muscles) that express hematopoietic and endothelial markers. Bone-marrow derived EPCs constitute a small but critical component of circulating blood and play roles in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases. The numbers and function of circulating EPCs have been suggested to predict the functional state of the endothelium as well as the ability for endogenous vascular repair. In addition, EPCs have been proposed to be responsible for the pathological neovascularization in response to ischemia. The role of EPCs in diabetes is complex (and controversial) due to the diabetic paradox wherein patients have a propensity for both poor vessel growth in their peripheral vasculature leading to ischemia of the heart and extremities as well as increased angiogenesis in the retinal vasculature causing retinal complications. Understanding of the normal physiological functions of EPCs and their alteration in diabetic retinopathies will allow therapeutic modulation of their function for novel therapeutic approaches in the near future.
Intercollegiate Social Media Education Ecosystem

The popularity of social media among students and practitioners has encouraged marketing educators to find ways to incorporate social media into their classrooms. We offer results from an intercoll...
The Party Reacts: The Strategic Nature of Endorsements of Donald Trump:

Many scholars expect that the “party decides” on presidential nominees who are both electable and willing to pursue an agenda acceptable to the supporting coalition. By most accounts, the nominatio...
Proceedings of the 2017 Workshop on Forming an Ecosystem Around Software Transformation

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the Second Workshop on Forming an Ecosystem Around Software Transformation (FEAST 2017). This year's workshop is held in conjunction with the 24th ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS) on November 3, 2017 at Dallas, Texas, USA. The workshop is geared toward discussion and understanding of several critical topics surrounding software executable transformation for improving the security and efficiency of all software used in security-critical applications. The scope of discussion for this workshop will include topics that may be necessary to fully explore the power and impact of late-stage software customization efforts. The call for papers attracted strong submissions from both academy and industry, with topics including binary rewriting and transformation, software and protocol debloating, cyber-physical systems, mobile, and Intel SGX. In total 10 full technical papers are accepted. We also encourage attendees to attend the keynote and invited talk presentations. ALLVM: Enabling Sophisticated Late-Stage Program Analysis and Transformation Across the System Stack, Vikram Sadanand Adve (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) New Directions for Container Debloating, Somesh Jha (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Nietzsche, Critical Theory, and Cultural-Linguistic Theology

In this chapter I am interested in developing Foucault’s archeological reasoning in a post-metaphysical stance and its ethical implication, by explicating the significance of Nietzsche to Foucault and the tradition of critical theory. The concern is to undertake a critical review of Foucault’s insufficient critique of historicism and anti-humanism in terms of Dilthey and Gadamer. Nietzsche’s effective history (wirkliche Historie) underlying Foucault does not necessarily contradict Gadamer’s Wirkungsgeschichte, such that I critically incorporate Foucault into hermeneutical realism for an archeological theory of interpretation. To enhance a new model of postcolonial political theology and cultural theory, I supplement it with cultural-linguistic theology (George Lindbeck) in a phenomenological frame of reference, utilizing Barth’s theology of speech act.
Sexual Identities and Racial Attitudes among Black, Latinx, and White Individuals

Some recent studies suggest that lesbians, gay men, and bisexual people are generally more racially progressive than heterosexuals. However, the findings of these “political distinctiveness” studie...
Hibiki: A Graph Visualization of Asian Music

Creating a visualization for a specific subdomain is an arduous task since most commercial visualization tools are often written in a way that allows them to be appli-cable to multiple subject domains. These tools are cer-tainly powerful, but inherently weaker since they were not written with a specific subject domain in mind. Thus, many researchers may want to create their own visualization. The goal of this project is to create a Neo4j data-base and an interactive web interface for a dataset that covers the intricacies of the East Asian Music scene, primarily focused on Japanese music. This paper serves as documentation to help other authors understand the processes involved when designing and creating similar tools. We break the project down into 3 separate compo-nents. First, we introduce the fundamentals of a Neo4j Graph Database and data mapping design decisions. Next, we explore what an ETL process looks like and how to implement it using Ruby libraries. Finally, we look at the design of the graph visualization software, it's components, and key design decisions. We end the discussion with some analysis of the visualization's effectiveness to provide information and how to improve computational efficiency of the visualization.
A Blockchain-Based Internet of Things (IoT) Network for Security-Enhanced Wireless Battery Management Systems

Wireless battery management systems (WBMSs) are recently proposed to solve critical wiring-harness issues in conventional BMSs. It is expected that the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud/edge computing technologies are expected to advance the WBMSs by fully utilizing IoT wireless network, powerful computing and unlimited cloud support, resulting in providing significant value in cost reduction, extended scalability, and greater visibility in the lithium-ion battery energy storage systems. However, the WBMSs present a growing threat from cyber-attacks as the WBMSs are always connected on networks and a lack of cybersecurity perspective is still prevalent in BMS usage and design phase. This paper explores blockchain technology for ensuring the communication and data security of an loT-enabled WBMS from malicious cyber-attacks. The concept of the proposed blockchain-based IoT network for WBMSs is validated by experimental studies.
Insurance Status Predicts Survival in Women with Breast Cancer: Results of Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program in California.

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP) Act, passed by Congress in 2000, provides time-limited coverage to uninsured breast or cervical cancer patients. We examine survival differences between BCCTP cases and insured controls. Stage I–III breast cancer patients, covered under California’s BCCTP from 2005 to 2009 (N = 6343), were 1:1 matched with California Cancer Registry controls on age, race/ethnicity, and cancer stage. Overall and disease-specific (OS and DSS) survival were compared using multivariate regression. BCCTP cases were more often unmarried [odds ratio (OR) 2.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.30–2.66], with poorly/undifferentiated tumors (OR 1.26, CI 1.13–1.40), classified as ER negative (OR 1.10, CI 1.02–1.20) and/or PR negative (OR 1.09, CI 1.01–1.17). Cases were more likely to undergo mastectomy (OR 1.13, CI 1.05–1.21) or no surgery (OR 1.64, CI 1.31–2.05) versus lumpectomy. Cases were also more likely to undergo radiation (OR 1.11, CI 1.03–1.19). Endocrine therapy rates were marginally lower in cases (OR 0.93, CI 0.86–1.00). OS and DSS were shorter in BCCTP cases on multivariate analysis (HR 1.29, CI 1.17–1.42 and HR 1.27, CI 1.14–1.42, respectively). When stratified by socioeconomic status (SES), cases had significantly shorter OS and DSS except in the lowest quintile. When stratified by stage, cases had significantly shorter OS and DSS, except for stage I. The BCCTP provides uninsured breast cancer patients with comprehensive and timely care. Although our results suggest that BCCTP delivers quality care, BCCTP patients have shorter survival rates, even after accounting for SES and stage differences. Further assistance to vulnerable populations is warranted, including longer duration of treatment coverage, and surveillance adhering to NCCN compliant surveillance programs.
Advances in Spinal Fusion Strategies in Adult Deformity Surgery

BackgroundAs the frequency of adult deformity surgery (ADS) continues to increase, our understanding of techniques that enhance fusion must continue to evolve because pseudarthrosis can be a seriou...
Numerical modelling of seepage through earthen dams with animal burrows: a case study

This study investigates the effects of wildlife activities by beavers, muskrats, gophers, and ants on seepage through Barr Lake, Commons Pond, Lake Elizabeth, Village Pond, and Walden Place Dams in...
Incidence and Clinico - Hematological pattern of Diamond Blackfan Anemia: 10 years experience in a single center

Abstract The study aimed to determine the incidence and clinico-hematological pattern of Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA), a congenital form of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). A retrospective observational descriptive cohort study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, The Children’s Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Lahore, for a period of 10 years (January 2008 to December 2017.) Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Among 19,475 cases reviewed, 74 patients (0.4%) were diagnosed as congenital PRCA with a male to female ratio of 4.2:1 and a mean age of 5months. In this cohort, 23% of patients had a positive family history. Thirty-four percent of patients presented with congenital anomalies involving cleft lip and palate (23.5%), thumb and upper limb defects (20.5%), craniofacial anomalies (14.7%), and cardiac and urogenital malformations in 8.8 and 5.8% patients, respectively. Red blood cell (RBC) counts and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration levels were low with a range of 0.5–3.0 × 1012/μl and 2.5–6.5 g/dl, respectively. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels remained within the range of 2–20%. Bone marrow aspirate showed
Monitoring bone healing in animal model and human using diffuse optics

Even though vascularization is recognized as an important factor in bone healing, there are limitations in terms of assessing vascularization in both preclinical and clinical scenarios. Diffuse optics have a potential to fill this gap by providing deep-tissue, non-invasive, longitudinal monitoring of total hemoglobin concentration, blood oxygen saturation and blood flow. Using rodent models with bone grafts or bone fractures, we will demonstrate the potential to build a prediction model for bone treatment efficacy assessment. In addition, the construction of a multi-modal diffuse optical imager to detect nonunion and monitor treatment in foot fractures will be introduced. Validation studies to compare diffuse optics with gold standard methods will be presented.
Identifying metabolic alterations associated with coral growth anomalies using 1H NMR metabolomics

Coral growth anomalies (GAs) are tumor-like protrusions that are detrimental to coral health, affecting both the coral skeleton and soft tissues. These lesions are increasingly found throughout the tropics and are commonly associated with high human population density, yet little is known about the molecular pathology of the disease. Here, we investigate the metabolic impacts of GAs through 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics in Porites compressa tissues from a site of high disease prevalence (Coconut Island, Hawaii). We putatively identified 18 metabolites (8.1% of total annotated features) through complementary 1H and 1H–13C heteronuclear single quantum correlation NMR data that increase confidence in pathway analyses and may bolster future coral metabolite annotation efforts. Extract yield was elevated in both GA and unaffected (normal tissue from a diseased colony) compared to reference (normal tissue from GA-free colony) samples, potentially indicating elevated metabolic activity in GA-impacted colonies. Relatively high variation in metabolomic profiles among coral samples of the same treatment (i.e., inter-colony variation) confounded data interpretation, however, analyses of paired GA and unaffected samples identified 73 features that differed between these respective metabolome types. These features were largely annotated as unknowns, but 1-methylnicotinamide and trigonelline were found to be elevated in GA samples, while betaine, glycine, and histamine were lower in GA samples. Pathway analyses indicate decreased choline oxidation in GA samples, making this a pathway of interest for future targeted studies. Collectively, our results provide unique insights into GA pathophysiology by showing these lesions alter both the absolute and relative metabolism of affected colonies and by identifying features (metabolites and unknowns) and metabolic pathways of interest in GA pathophysiology going forward.
A Population-Based Study of the Incidence and Natural History of Degenerative Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Abstract Objective To investigate the incidence and natural history of degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) and compare results between ascending (aTAAs) and descending TAAs (dTAAs). Patients and Methods This population-based cohort study used the Rochester Epidemiology Project database from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2015. Patients were classified as the aTAA or dTAA group. Results Of 238 Olmsted County residents studied, 131 (55.0%) were women; 154 (64.7%) were in the aTAA group, and 84 (35.3%) were in the dTAA group. Median age was 77.0 years (interquartile range, 69.1-83.8 years). The overall age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate was 13.8 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI, 12.1 to 15.6) and varied from 9.9 in 1995 to 1999 to 19.0 in 2005 to 2009. It was 9.0 (95% CI, 7.5 to 10.4) for the aTAA and 4.9 (95% CI, 3.8 to 5.9) for the dTAA group. Overall 5-year survival was 62.5%, lower than the expected survival of 73.7% for the US 2010 census population (P Conclusion The incidence of TAAs was stable from 1995 to 2015 and mortality for those with TAAs remains higher than for the general population. Older age and smoking status were associated with overall mortality, whereas larger aneurysms and dTAAs were associated with aortic-related events.
Women’s Leadership Development in Higher Education: Conclusion and Implications for HRD

The Problem.The intentional preparation of future leaders for higher education remains a critical need today in institutions across the globe. Many colleges and universities are now seeking to desi...
CF102 an A3 adenosine receptor agonist induces in vivo apoptosis of Hepatocellular carcinoma

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 5712 The A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is highly expressed in solid tumors and has been suggested as a potent target for cancer treatment. In this study we first show that both human and rat Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) cells highly express the A3AR and that CF102, a highly selective agonist to the receptor induces apoptosis of HCC in vivo . Increased A3AR expression levels were detected in tumor tissues and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from patients with HCC. Similar data was observed in N1S1 HCC tumor bearing rats, demonstrating that A3AR expression levels in the PBMCs reflect receptor status in the remote tumor. The high expression level of the receptor was directly correlated to over expression of NF-κB, known to act as a transcription factor of A3AR. To explore whether A3AR may be utilized as a specific target to combat HCC, CF102 was administered orally thrice daily to N1S1 tumor bearing rats. CF102 induced marked dose response inhibition of tumor growth via de-regulation of the NF-κB and the Wnt signal transduction pathways, resulting in apoptosis of tumor cells.Taken together, A3AR is highly expressed in tumors and PBMCs of HCC patients and tumor bearing rats. CF102 targets the A3AR, to induce apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition. The NF-κB signal transduction pathway is involved in receptor expression and functionality. These data suggest A3AR as a novel biomarker target therapy to be developed for the treatment of HCC.