cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Notch Signaling Promotes Growth and Invasion in Uveal Melanoma

Purpose: To determine whether uveal melanoma, the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, requires Notch activity for growth and metastasis. Experimental Design: Expression of Notch pathway members was characterized in primary tumor samples and in cell lines, along with the effects of Notch inhibition or activation on tumor growth and invasion. Results: Notch receptors, ligands, and targets were expressed in all five cell lines examined and in 30 primary uveal melanoma samples. Interestingly, the three lines with high levels of baseline pathway activity (OCM1, OCM3, and OCM8) had their growth reduced by pharmacologic Notch blockade using the γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) MRK003. In contrast, two uveal melanoma lines (Mel285 and Mel290) with very low expression of Notch targets were insensitive to the GSI. Constitutively active forms of Notch1 and Notch2 promoted growth of uveal melanoma cultures and were able to rescue the inhibitory effects of GSI. MRK003 treatment also inhibited anchorage-independent clonogenic growth and cell invasion and reduced phosphorylation levels of STAT3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2. Suppression of canonical Notch activity using short hairpin RNA targeting Notch2 or CBF1 was also able to reduce tumor growth and invasion. Finally, intraocular xenograft growth was significantly decreased by GSI treatment. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Notch plays an important role in inducing proliferation and invasion in uveal melanoma and that inhibiting this pathway may be effective in preventing tumor growth and metastasis. Clin Cancer Res; 18(3); 654–65. ©2012 AACR .
Analysis of Nonlinear Phenomena for Optical Soliton Transmission in DWDM Systems

The key feature of optical soliton transmission is the capability of pulses to maintain their shape even when transmitted over very long distance. However, the optical soliton technique in DWDM systems is difficult to use because of optical fiber nonlinearities. CPM leads to spectral broadening and FWM may result in significant crosstalk among the channels. Understanding the effects optical fiber nonlinearities is crucial in order to optimize system performance. In this study, the effects of optical fiber nonlinearities are evaluated in conjunction with various EDFA gain ratios in 16 channel and 32 channel optical soliton transmission systems.
Progenitor cell therapies for traumatic brain injury: barriers and opportunities in translation

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) directly affects nearly 1.5 million new patients per year in the USA, adding to the almost 6 million cases in patients who are permanently affected by the irreversible physical, cognitive and psychosocial deficits from a prior injury. Adult stem cell therapy has shown preliminary promise as an option for treatment, much of which is limited currently to supportive care. Preclinical research focused on cell therapy has grown significantly over the last decade. One of the challenges in the translation of this burgeoning field is interpretation of the promising experimental results obtained from a variety of cell types, injury models and techniques. Although these variables can become barriers to a collective understanding and to evidence-based translation, they provide crucial information that, when correctly placed, offers the opportunity for discovery. Here, we review the preclinical evidence that is currently guiding the translation of adult stem cell therapy for TBI.
Taylor hardening in five-power-law creep of metals and Class M alloys

Previous work on aluminum and stainless steel show that the density of dislocations within the subgrain interior (or the network dislocations) are associated with the rate-controlling process for five-power-law creep-plasticity. Furthermore, the hardening in stainless stress is shown to be consistent with the Taylor relation if a linear superposition of ‘‘lattice’’ hardening (so, or the stress necessary to cause dislocation motion in the absence of a dislocation substructure) and the dislocation hardening (aMGbq 1=2 )i s assumed. It is now shown that the same relationship appears valid for aluminum with the same values of a observed in other metals, where dislocation hardening is established. It appears that the constant, a, is temperature independent and, thus, the dislocation hardening is athermal. It is also shown that constant-stress creep behavior, where the total interior dislocation density decreases during primary (hardening stage) creep, is consistent with Taylor hardening. 2003 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The MathSigner: an interactive learning tool for American sign language

We present a new highly interactive program to teach American sign language (ASL) for K-3 mathematics by 3D animation. We aim at increasing: (1) the opportunity for deaf children to learn arithmetic via interactive media; (2) the effectiveness of (hearing) parents in teaching arithmetic to their deaf children; (3) the effectiveness of ASL K-8 mathematics teachers. Using state-of-the-art 3D computer animation technology we have created a learning tool to be used for K-8 classroom and home learning, and for closed captioning in interactive media and Internet.
The Use of Total Cost of Ownership Concepts to Model the Outsourcing Decision

The outsourcing decision considers the issue of whether an organization should perform certain activities internally or purchase these services from third parties. One of the key issues in outsourcing is the potential for cost reduction. This paper suggests the use of total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis as an excellent approach for understanding the true cost implications of the outsourcing decision, rather than focusing on price.
Effect of Inhibitors of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase on the Induction of GRP78 and Subsequent Development of Resistance to Etoposide

Abstract We have recently demonstrated that cell lines deficient in poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis due to deficiency in the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PADPRP) or depletion of its substrate NAD+ overexpress GRP78. Furthermore, this overexpression of GRP78 is associated with the acquisition of resistance to topoisomerase II-directed drugs such as etoposide (VP-16); (S. Chatterjee et al., Cancer Res., 54: 4405–4411, 1994). Thus, our studies suggest that interference with NAD+-PADPRP metabolism could provide an important approach to (a) define pathways of GRP78 induction, (b) study the effect of GRP78 on other cellular processes, (c) elucidate the mechanism of GRP78-dependent resistance to topoisomerase II targeted drugs, and (d modulate responses to chemotherapy in normal and tumor tissues. However, in the in vivo situation, it is impractical to interfere with NAD+-PADPRP metabolism by mutational inactivation of PADPRP or by depletion of its substrate NAD+. Therefore, we have examined several inhibitors of NAD+-PADPRP metabolism including 3-aminobenzamide, PD128763, and 6-aminonicotinamide for their ability to reproduce the results obtained with cell lines deficient in NAD+-PADPRP metabolism relative to the induction of GRP78 and subsequent development of resistance to VP-16. Our studies show that 6-aminonicotinamide treatment is highly effective in the induction of GRP78 and subsequent development of resistance to VP-16, whereas treatment with 3-aminobenzamide or PD128763 does not induce GRP78 and thus does not result in VP-16 resistance.
"Testing - One, Two, Three ... Testing!": Toward a Sociology of Testing

This article explores testing as research site in the sociology of technology. A fully generalizable analysis is offered of testing in terms of a notion of projection. Prospective, current, and retrospective testing are identified The article is illustrated with examples of testing a clinical budgeting system in the United Kingdom National Health Service and the testing of the O-rings on the space shuttle Challenger. Lastly, the theme of "testing the user" is developed Some comments are offered on the pervasiveness of testing in society at large.
Scalable and efficient multirate data distribution

In this paper, we address the rate assignment issue by introducing rate-controlled streams (RCS). A RCS is a data stream encoded from an original source data, with a specific sending rate. We propose a mathematical framework in which multiple RCSs can be combined to form a new RCS with higher rate, deriving conditions for achieving optimal stream-combining in terms of the aggregate rate. We then study how to optimally assign rates to multiple streams which are sent over different channels with possible packet loss to meet rate constraints imposed by receivers.
Presence and possible function of root effect hemoglobins in fishes lacking functional swim bladders

The adult hemoglobins of 15 species of teleost and the midgestation fetal hemoglobin of the seaperch Embiotoca lateralis show a pronounced decrease in oxygen-carrying capacity at low pH, a Root effect. All of these fishes lack a functional swim bladder, which is generally thought to be the likely site of Root effect hemoglobin function. All of the teleosts examined, including the fetal sea perch, however, have a choroid rete, a structure that is proposed to be involved in oxygen secretion to the eye. The data are inconsistent with the generalization that only fishes with swim bladders possess Root effect hemoglobins, and that the only function of Root effect hemoglobins is in the secretion of oxygen to a swim bladder. The data for the fishes examined in this study suggests that a better correlation may exist between Root effect hemoglobins and the presence of a choroid rete. This is consistent with the hypothesis that Root effect hemoglobins may be involved in the physiology of the eye in many fishes.
Pharmacokinetic studies of propoxyphene I: Effect of portacaval shunt on systemic availability in dogs

The elimination kinetics and systemic availability of d-propoxyphene were determined in dogs before and after construction of a portacaval shunt. For this purpose, the drug was administered intravenously and orally, in aqueous solution, according to a balanced experimental design. The total plasma clearance of propoxyphene ranged from 14.4 to 31.8 ml/min/kg before the shunt and decreased appreciably in two of four dogs after shunting. There was no significant change in the serum protein binding of the drug. The systemic availability increased from an average of 25% before to an average of 54% after shunting (p < 0.05). The ratio of areas under the plasma concentration–time curve of norpropoxyphene to propoxyphene was not significantly affected by the shunt when propoxyphene was administered intravenously; it decreased substantially after shunting when the drug was administered orally. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicates that orally administered propoxyphene is subject to prehepatic as well as hepatic first-pass elimination in dogs. The magnitude of the first-pass effect is similar to that in humans. These results suggest that the dosage of orally administered propoxyphene should be reduced in patients with portacaval shunt or with cirrhosis of the liver.
Ancient Culture and Technology

Ancient Culture and Technology Engineering in the Ancient World. J.G. Landels. (University of California Press: Berkeley, 1978.)
2.5 V 43&#8211;45 Gb/s CDR Circuit and 55 Gb/s PRBS Generator in SiGe Using a Low-Voltage Logic Family

An alternative design approach for implementing high-speed digital and mixed-signal circuits is proposed. It is based on a family of low-voltage logic gates with reduced transistor stacking compared to series-gated emitter-coupled logic. It includes a latch, an XOR gate, and a MUX with mutually compatible interfaces. Topologies and characteristics of the individual gates are discussed. Closed-form propagation delay expressions are introduced and verified with simulations. The proposed design style was used to implement a 43-45 Gb/s CDR circuit with a 600MHz locking range and a 55 Gb/s PRBS generator with a 27-1 sequence length. The circuits were fabricated in a SiGe BiCMOS technology with fT=120 GHz. Corresponding measurement results validate the proposed design style and establish it as a viable alternative to emitter-coupled logic in high-speed applications. Both circuits operate from a 2.5 V nominal power supply and consume 650 mW and 550 mW, respectively
Multiple Testing of Hypotheses in Biomedical Research

Abstract Multiple Comparisons are standard staple when testing in the environment of Analysis of Variance. The number of experimental conditions or populations is usually small. The assumptions that are needed to be fulfilled for the validity of Analysis of Variance are normally met. Biomedical research is branching away to encompass more complex phenomena. The Genome Wide Association Studies involve a complex disease and thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms waiting to be explored for a possible association with the disease. Identifying those single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the disease under focus falls into the realm of multiple testing. Special methods are needed to test thousands of null hypotheses at the same time using data that is correlated across the spectrum of hypotheses. What constitutes a Type I error is an issue. There is no clear understanding what Type II error is. The purpose of this article is to lay out in a systematic fashion basic ideas in multiple testing primarily addressed to biomedical researchers. Parametric and nonparametric procedures in multiple testing are discussed. Several definitions of Type I error are presented and their merits and demerits outlined. The Family Wise Error Rate and False Discovery Rate are discussed at length. A number of multiple testing procedures are presented. A number of examples are presented to highlight the concepts and applications.
Characterization of Nipah virus infection in a model of human airway epithelial cells cultured at an air-liquid interface.

Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging paramyxovirus that can cause lethal respiratory illness in humans. No vaccine/therapeutic is currently licensed for humans. Human-to-human transmission was previously reported during outbreaks and NiV could be isolated from respiratory secretions, but the proportion of cases in Malaysia exhibiting respiratory symptoms was significantly lower than that in Bangladesh. Previously, we showed that primary human basal respiratory epithelial cells are susceptible to both NiV-Malaysia (M) and -Bangladesh (B) strains causing robust pro-inflammatory responses. However, the cells of the human respiratory epithelium that NiV targets are unknown and their role in NiV transmission and NiV-related lung pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Here, we characterized NiV infection of the human respiratory epithelium using a model of the human tracheal/bronchial (B-ALI) and small airway (S-ALI) epithelium cultured at an air–liquid interface. We show that NiV-M and NiV-B infect ciliated and secretory cells in B/S-ALI, and that infection of S-ALI, but not B-ALI, results in disruption of the epithelium integrity and host responses recruiting human immune cells. Interestingly, NiV-B replicated more efficiently in B-ALI than did NiV-M. These results suggest that the human tracheal/bronchial epithelium is favourable to NiV replication and shedding, while inducing a limited host response. Our data suggest that the small airways epithelium is prone to inflammation and lesions as well as constituting a point of virus entry into the pulmonary vasculature. The use of relevant models of the human respiratory tract, such as B/S-ALI, is critical for understanding NiV-related lung pathogenesis and identifying the underlying mechanisms allowing human-to-human transmission.
Ground substance

Ground Substance presents work from LabStudio, a hybrid architectural-biological design unit founded by Jenny Sabin and Peter Lloyd Jones at the University of Pennsylvania, whose mission is to produce new modes of thinking in design and biomedicine through modeling of multi-dimensional biological systems with experiments in fabrication and material construction.
Low-Intensity, Stocker-Based Channel Catfish Culture

AbstractLow-intensity production of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus is characterized by low stocking rates, low installed aeration capacity, and no automated dissolved oxygen monitoring. Two studies conducted in nine 0.25-acre ponds quantified production characteristics of stocker Channel Catfish stocked for low-intensity food-fish production in single- or multiple-batch culture. In the multiple-batch study, 0.5-lb stockers (carryover fish) were stocked at 4,500 fish/acre and 0.044-lb fingerlings at 6,000 fish/acre. Stockers were grown to mean individual weights of 1.25, 1.75, or 2.25 lb. In the single-batch study, 0.5-lb stockers were stocked at 3,500, 4,500, and 5,500 fish/acre. All fish were fed a feed containing 32% protein daily to apparent satiation. Ponds were harvested in October and fish were weighed. Growth of carryover fish and understock (fingerlings) in multiple-batch culture was linear and growth-curve slopes did not differ significantly. Carryover fish size-class distributions differed ...
The immediate and prolonged effects of climate extremes on soil respiration in a mesic grassland

The predicted increase in the frequency and intensity of climate extremes is expected to impact terrestrial carbon fluxes to the atmosphere, potentially changing ecosystems from carbon sinks to sources, with positive feedbacks to climate change. As the second largest terrestrial carbon flux, soil CO2 efflux or soil respiration (Rs) is strongly influenced by soil temperature and moisture. Thus, climate extremes such as heat waves and extreme drought should have substantial impacts on Rs. We investigated the effects of such climate extremes on growing season Rs in a mesic grassland by experimentally imposing 2 years of extreme drought combined with midsummer heat waves. After this 2 year period, we continued to measure Rs during a recovery year. Two consecutive drought years reduced Rs by about 25% each growing season; however, when normal rainfall returned during the recovery year, formerly droughted plots had higher rates of Rs than control plots (up to +17%). The heat wave treatments had no effect on Rs, alone or when combined with drought, and during the growing season, soil moisture was the primary driver of Rs with little evidence for Rs temperature sensitivity. When compared to aboveground net primary production, growing season Rs was much less sensitive to drought but was more responsive postdrought. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that ecosystems become sources of CO2 during drought because carbon inputs (production) are decreased relatively more than outputs (respiration). Moreover, stimulation of Rs postdrought may lengthen the time required for net carbon exchange to return to predrought levels.
MicroRNAs in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: MiRacle or miRage for prognosis and targeted therapies?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a heterogeneous disease and has a highly variable clinical course with survival ranging from a couple of months to several decades. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that regulate transcription and translation of genes, have been found to be involved in CLL initiation, progression, and resistance to therapy. In addition, they can be used as prognostic biomarkers and as targets for novel therapies. In this review, we describe the association between miRNAs and the cytogenetic aberrations commonly found in CLL, as well as with other prognostic factors. We describe the presence of miRNAs as extracellular entities in the plasma and serum of CLL patients and discuss their role in resistance to therapy. Finally, we will explore the potential of targeted miRNA therapy for the treatment of CLL, with a special emphasis on MRX34, the first miRNA mimic that is currently being evaluated for clinical use.
Orientation Sensing with Color Using Plasmonic Gold Nanorods and Assemblies.

Colorimetric analysis of broadband illumination scattered from isolated gold nanorods and reduced symmetry Dolmen structures provide a visible measure of the local nanoscale orientation of the nanostructures relative to the laboratory frame of reference. Polarized dark-field scattering microscopy correlated with scanning electron microscopy of low and high aspect ratio gold nanorods demonstrated accuracies of 2.3 degrees, which is a 5-fold improvement over photothermal and defocused imaging methods. By assigning the three color channels of the imaging detector (red, green, and blue) to the plasmon resonance wavelengths of the nanostructure, the quantitative display of orientation improved by 200%. The reduced symmetry of a gold nanorod Dolmen structure further improved the sensitivity of colorimetric orientation by a factor of 2 due to the comparative intensities of the resonances. Thus the simplicity, high accuracy, and sensitivity of visual colorimetric sensing of local nanoscale orientation holds promi...
A Spectral Analysis Algorithm to Obtain Scalar Turbulence Data from Deflectometric Measurements

A novel algorithm based on spectral analysis of time-resolved deflectometric measurements is developed to obtain statistics of the local scalar field in non-reacting or reacting turbulent flows. The algorithm has been used to investigate time-averaged axisymmetric jet with statistically stationary turbulence. The paper presents the theoretical framework of the algorithm and its validation using synthetic turbulent scalar data simulating refractive index difference field. Synthetic data are used to generate line-of-sight deflectometric data, which are subsequently used to determine the local distributions of mean and root-mean square (RMS) of refractive index difference, and related turbulence parameters. A comparison of direct and reconstructed profiles shows the promise of the algorithm to determine statistics of the local scalar field from the line-of-sight measurements in turbulent flows. Nomenclature B = autocorelation function for refractive index difference (overhead dot is for the gradient field) d = jet diameter f = frequency in Fourier domain kx, ky = wave numbers or Fourier modes in X and Y direction, respectively l = integral length scale Nx, Ny = number of data points along X or Y direction. P = power spectral density (suffix x for gradient field) r = radial coordinate t = time T = time period for statistical stationarity x, y = transverse and longitudinal co-ordinates X, Y = maximum dimensions along x and y directions. α = shape factor of Gaussian spectral density function considered for data generation. δ = refractive index difference Δ = increment η = the value along y-coordinate µ = represents mean of the quantity indicated in subscript σ = represents the standard deviation of the quantity indicated in subscript. Θ = deflection angle φ = phase angle ξ = the value along x-coordinate
The Radial Tire, a Peaceful Revolution

Abstract Now, summing up in terms of everyday life, the consequences of the turning the tire industry took 40 years ago, we can refer to a peaceful revolution. It resulted in: 1. Precise steering and cornering. 2. Higher speeds, together with safer and more stable conditions. 3. Less wear and longer use (at least twice as many kilometers, high re-treadability for heavy trucks). 4. Materials and energy savings. 5. Much lower cost per mile. 6. Much safer and quieter drive. 7. Transportation of persons and goods never a problem. Can we imagine today our industry turning out 2 or 3 times more tires than it does, manufacturing 3 or 4 times more rubber, our vehicles burning 15–20% more fuel, to say nothing of the extra energy needed for production. What about the mountains of scrap tires, 2 or 3 times higher? Just like any radical change, we cannot imagine bypassing it. The only dark side can be found in the forgetfulness or contempt of a valiant and inexpensive servant, which ends in bad maintenance and danger...
Intervention in School and Clinic: An Analysis of 25 Years of Guidance for Practitioners

Decreasing the well-documented research-to-practice gap in special education is thought to partially depend on practitioner access to quality evidence-based interventions. Practitioner journals are one such resource for obtaining this information. The current study is a systematic review of articles published over the last 25 years (1990–2014) in a prominent special education practitioner journal, Intervention in School and Clinic. Findings from review of 925 articles showed that 64% focused specifically on information related to students with learning disabilities (LD) or other mild disabilities. Forty-three percent of articles focused on educational practices based on intervention research for students with LD or other mild disabilities. Another 32% focused on information relevant for teachers of these students including strategies for managing other non-instructional teaching responsibilities, practices in general education settings, and changes in special education law and policy. Overall, this journa...
Treatment of advanced Hodgkin's disease.

Combination chemotherapy with MOPP and its variants and ABVD have greatly improved the outlook for patients with advanced Hodgkin’s disease. Alternating combinations including MOPP/ABVD, CAD/MOPP/ABV, and MOPP/ ABV seem to have improved upon the results of treatment with MOPP alone. The role of adjunctive radiation therapy has not often been tested in randomized control trials. Challenges for the future include improving upon results for patients with a poor prognosis and reducing toxicity for the rest of the patients with advanced disease.
Urinary undiversion in adults.

AbstractAt our medical center 7 adult patients with various types of urinary diversion have undergone total reconstruction during a 3-year period. Followup has ranged from 12 to 36 months. Initial pathological conditions included 3 patients with obstruction, 3 with myelodysplasia and associated incontinence, and 1 with massive vesicoureteral reflux. Thorough radiologic, endoscopic and urodynamic evaluation, as well as physiologic testing after vesical hydrodistension, allows careful preoperative selection of reconstruction candidates.Followup studies, including excretory urography and voiding cystourethrography at 3 and 12 months, as well as monthly urine cultures during the first year, have shown that 5 of the 7 patients (71 per cent) are free of vesicoureteral reflux. Two patients have persistent reflux after reconstruction and sterile urine cultures on antibiotic suppression. Renal function has been maintained in 5 of the 7 reconstructed patients (71 per cent) and social continence has been achieved in...
Physiological Roles of the Dual Phosphate Transporter Systems in Low and High Phosphate Conditions and in Capsule Maintenance of Streptococcus pneumoniae D39.

Unlike most bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) has two evolutionarily distinct ABC transporters (Pst1 and Pst2) for inorganic phosphate (Pi) uptake. The genes encoding a two-component regulator (PnpRS) are located immediately upstream of the pst1 operon. Both the pst1 and pst2 operons encode putative PhoU-family regulators (PhoU1 and PhoU2) at their ends. This study addresses why S. pneumoniae contains dual Pi uptake systems and the regulation and contribution of the Pst1 and Pst2 systems in conditions of high (mM) Pi amount and low (μM) Pi amount. We show that in unencapsulated mutants, both pst1 and pst2 can be deleted, and Pi is taken up by a third Na+/Pi co-transporter, designated as NptA. In contrast, either pst1 or pst2 is unexpectedly required for the growth of capsule producing strains. We used a combination of mutational analysis, transcript level determinations by qRT-PCR and RNA-Seq, assays for cellular PnpR~P amounts by SDS-PAGE, and pulse-Pi uptake experiments to study the regulation of Pi uptake. In high Pi medium, PhoU2 serves as the master negative regulator of Pst2 transporter function and PnpR~P levels (post-transcriptionally). ΔphoU2 mutants have high PnpR~P levels and induction of the pst1 operon, poor growth, and sensitivity to antibiotics, possibly due to high Pi accumulation. In low Pi medium, Pst2 is still active, but PnpR~P amount and pst1 operon levels increase. Together, these results support a model in which pneumococcus maintains high Pi transport in high and low Pi conditions that is required for optimal capsule biosynthesis.
Neuropsychiatry, neuropsychology, and behavioral neurology : a critical comparison

Neuropsychiatry, neuropsychology, and behavioral neurology share similar interests in brain-behavior disturbances. Recent advances in neuroscience have encouraged an increasing convergence of the three disciplines. These fields have differences in theoretical basis, professional and developmental background, most common brain-behavior focus, and principle clinical methods and therapies. This article compares neuropsychiatry, neuropsychology, and behavioral neurology and suggests how improved interdisciplinary knowledge and interactions can lead to greater understanding of the neurobiologic basis of behavior. NNBN 8 : 297-302, 1995
Mandated Reporting and Safety Issues

Health-care professionals may have legal and/or ethical mandates to protect from harm vulnerable individuals like children, the elderly, and the disabled. They may also be required to protect society from incompetent or potentially unsafe drivers, potentially transmitted infections, and impaired colleagues. Such mandates are typically implemented by reporting such concerns to designated authorities. Specific reporting requirements and responsibilities vary by jurisdiction and are subject to interpretation. The Internet provides another avenue for professionals to learn information about the safety and welfare of their patients. Some information may come to professionals’ attention inadvertently; other information may be deliberately sought online. As a result, ethical, legal, and clinical dilemmas may arise for health-care professionals. Professionals should pause before searching online about patients; try to maintain the treatment frame; and, if safety concerns are found, consider obtaining consultation about how to proceed.
Setting up per videochirurgia avanzata

Per una serie di ragioni, la chirurgia mininvasiva rappresenta una vera e propria sfida per i chirurghi pediatri. Ogni cosa risulta piu piccola, i tessuti sono piu fragili e gli angoli sono piu acuti.
Aneurysms: North America

Based on an analysis of abdominal aortic aneurysm prevalence in 21 global regions, North America has one of the highest rates at 256 cases per 100,000 in the world; only Australasia had a higher rate [1]. This 2010 rate represents a substantial decrease from the 1990 prevalence estimate of 300 per 100,000, and possibly reflects a parallel drop in smoking patterns over this same time period [1]. Given current epidemiologic data, the United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends a single ultrasound screening of males aged 65–75 years who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes [2]. Selective screening based on medical and family history and goals of care is suggested for males in this age category who have not smoked. Screening is not recommended for women who have never smoked and the task force found insufficient data to recommend for or against screening of women aged 65–75 who have smoked.
Mechanisms of Diastolic Dysfunction in Heart Failure With a Preserved Ejection Fraction: If It’s Not One Thing It’s Another

It has been nearly 30 years since the first series of patients with the syndrome of heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) was reported.1 It has proven to be a controversial topic. Because left ventricular (LV) EF is preserved, it was assumed that HFpEF results from altered diastolic properties. However, some argued that these patients did not truly have HF or had subtle forms of dilated HF. Symptomatic of this debate is reluctance to use the term diastolic HF (we prefer HFpEF because diastolic dysfunction is also present in HF with a reduced EF) as well as disagreement over the exact EF cutoff, that is, should a perfectly normal EF be required to diagnose HFpEF or does a modest reduction qualify? Article see p 1239 Although many questions remain, in the intervening years several features have emerged. HFpEF is a complex and extremely common syndrome, accounting for >50% of patients with HF.2–6 It is more prevalent in women, and its prognosis is similar to HF with a reduced EF. The clinical presentation ranges from dyspnea with physical activity to a pattern of restrictive cardiomyopathy, with marked elevations of right and left filling pressure at rest, often with considerable pulmonary hypertension (HTN). Essentially all patients with HFpEF have diastolic dysfunction,7 specifically, reduced LV passive compliance and/or slowed or incomplete relaxation. Various other cardiovascular abnormalities are common,3–6 including subtle abnormalities of systolic function. Although a small number of patients have HFpEF in association with specific cardiac diagnoses, for example, hypertrophic and infiltrative cardiomyopathy, constrictive pericarditis, all of which have profound effects on diastolic compliance, the vast majority have a history of HTN.3,4,8 In many patients, especially elderly women, HTN is exclusively systolic,9 resulting from reduced arterial …
Finanzwirtschaftliche ex-ante Bewertung intangibler Benefits

Eine vollumfangliche und okonomisch fundierte ex-ante Bewertung von IT-Projekten ist im heutigen kompetitiven Umfeld fur Unternehmen aller Branchen essentiell, um eine zielgerichtete Allokation der zur Verfugung stehenden Ressourcen und eine wertorientierte Steuerung des IT-Portfolios zu gewahrleisten. Aufgrund der hohen Komplexitat moderner IT-Systeme sind die Implikationen von IT-Projekten meist vielfaltig und weitreichend und umfassen insbesondere auch eine Vielzahl sogenannter intangibler Benefits, welche schwer quantifizierbar sind, wie z.B. eine verbesserte Informationsgrundlage oder eine verbesserte Servicequalitat. In diesem Zusammenhang fokussiert der Beitrag auf die Moglichkeiten, intangible Benefits mittels finanzwirtschaftlicher Methoden zu bewerten und zeigt auf, wie durch eine detaillierte Analyse der zugrundeliegenden Wirkungszusammenhange die finanzwirtschaftliehen Implikationen intangibler Benefits quantifiziert werden konnen. Hierzu wird ein strukturierter Bewertungsprozess vorgestellt und Kernherausforderungen, praxisorientierte methodische Ansatzpunkte und zentrale Erfolgsfaktoren werden diskutiert. Anschliesend werden anhand konkreter IT-Projekte eines globalen Technologiekonzerns Erfahrungen aus der Praxis aufgezeigt und die Vorgehensweisen bei der finanzwirtschaftlichen Bewertung verschiedener intangibler Benefits erlautert.
“No One Talked About It”: Social Work Field Placements and Sexual Harassment

ABSTRACTIncreasing student safety is an important part of Title IX compliance for colleges and universities. Sexual harassment is an all too common experience for college students, although little is known about incidences in social work field placements. The extent of training and preparation received by students from social work program and field instructors is also unknown. This study explores the extent of training and knowledge about sexual harassment in social work field placements from a sample of 535 BSW and MSW students. Only 51% of social work students received training about sexual harassment, with 21% receiving training from their school’s field office. Participants who had received training felt more prepared to address safety concerns in field. Implications for social work education are discussed.
The problem of the Atlantic Ridley Turtle ( Lepidochelys kempi ) in 1958

The general nature of the enigna posed by the Atlantic ridley (Lepido­chelys kempi) has been outlined by CARR (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), and by CARR and CALDWELL (7). Although gaps in om understanding of the zoogeography and reproductive life of the ridley remain, slow progress toward a solution is being made. Recent observations along the Mexican shore of the Gulf of Mexico, showing that ridleys nest at least occasionally in Veracruz, together with other bits of relevant information, are discussed below.
Military-related trauma is associated with eating disorder symptoms in male veterans

Objective Eating disorders are understudied among male veterans, who may be at increased risk due to the high rates of trauma exposure and experiences of multiple traumatization in this population. This study sought to examine the associations between specific types of trauma (i.e., childhood physical abuse, adult physical assault, childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual assault, and military-related trauma) and eating disorder symptoms in a large, nationally-representative sample of trauma-exposed male veterans. Method Survey data were collected from N = 642 male veterans. Traumatic experiences in childhood and adulthood were assessed using the Trauma History Screen and the National Stressful Events Survey. Eating disorder symptoms were assessed with the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale. Analyses also controlled for age and body mass index. Results Multiple traumatization was associated with increased eating disorder symptoms. However, military-related trauma was the only trauma type that was uniquely associated with eating disorder symptoms when controlling for other trauma types. Examination of different types of military-related trauma indicated that this association was not driven by exposure to combat. Discussion Noncombat, military-related trauma was associated with eating disorder symptom severity in male veterans. Results highlight the need for better assessment of eating disorder symptoms in this population.
Interventions for Tobacco Cessation in Patients Being Treated for or Recovering from Substance Use Disorders

Pharmacotherapy alone and pharmacotherapy plus counseling are effective for tobacco cessation among patients being treated for or recovering from alcohol and substance use disorders. Counseling interventions without pharmacotherapy are not effective for tobacco cessation among patients in treatment for or recovery from substance use disorders.
You blind? What, you can't see that?: the impact of colorblind attitudes on young adults' activist behavior against racial injustice and racism in America

Colorblindness and social dominance orientation (SDO) are social attitudes that contribute to the continuation of racism in the United States (U.S.). Colorblindness encourages people to no longer see race, so when race does matter, they cannot see it. SDO reflects the extent to which people support group equality. The current study was conducted to examine if those social attitudes affected young adults (age 18–35) activist behavior against racism in the U.S. Two hundred twenty-two participants completed a survey consisted of previously validated scales: Colorblind Scale as reported by Neville et al. (Journal of Counseling Psychology 47:59–70, 2000), Social Dominance Orientation7(s) as reported by Ho et al. (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 109:1003–1028, 2015), and Activism Orientation Scale as reported by Corning and Myers (Political Psychology, 23:703–729, 2002). The survey was distributed at a University in the Mid-Atlantic region with results revealing that colorblind attitude and social dominance orientation significantly associated negatively with activist behavior. I conclude with explaining the importance of combating colorblind ideology in the fight against racism in the U.S.
Novel chip-scale high-g whispering gallery mode resonator as a magnetometer

We present a novel magnetometer consisting of chip-scale whispering gallery mode resonators with high-g factors (>106) realized using MEMs fabrication techniques. A permanent magnet is elastically coupled to a whispering gallery mode borosilicate microbubble. Magnetic forces from applied external magnetic fields induce deformation in the microbubble which can be sensitively monitored through changes in the optical resonance characteristics. We calculate the force and simulate the resultant deformation in the microbubble. The effect of different permanent magnet orientations and microbubble shell thickness is experimentally investigated and modeled. We experimentally demonstrate a large sensitivity of 1.9 GHz/mT on a microbubble with 1.1 μm shell thickness.
Geographic variation in thermal tolerance and morphology in a fiddler crab sister-species pair

Temperature-adaptive physiological and morphological variation plays a large role in determining species’ geographic ranges and responses to climate change. We examined critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and two thermally relevant morphological traits across multiple populations of two species of fiddler crabs, Leptuca panacea and Leptuca pugilator, spanning a latitudinal thermal gradient from South Padre Island, Texas (26.0850°N) to Long Island, New York (40.9357°N). CTmax was measured on crabs collected in 2015, while morphology was measured on crabs collected between 2012 and 2015. CTmax differed among populations and was greatest in populations experiencing a warmer thermal regime. CTmax did not differ between the two species at the site where they overlapped and experienced identical thermal regimes. These results indicate that large-scale (latitudinal) thermal gradients can shape thermally relevant physiological characteristics. Geographic patterns of the two morphological measurements (carapace width and relative claw length) were not consistent between the two species, and often ran counter to our expectations. Thermoregulatory ability is optimized by large body size and a large claw, and we thus hypothesized that carapace width and claw length would be positively correlated with environmental temperature. Carapace width exhibited a positive relationship with environmental temperature in L. panacea, but conversely exhibited a negative relationship in L. pugilator. Claw length was negatively correlated with temperature in both species. These morphological results highlight the need to consider the multiple, presumed interacting selective pressures shaping morphological variation among populations and species.
Learning Cloud Dynamics to Optimize Spot Instance Bidding Strategies

As infrastructure-as-a-service clouds become more popular, cloud providers face the complicated problem of maximizing their resource utilization by handling the dynamics of user demand. Auction-based pricing, such as Amazon EC2 spot pricing, provides an option for users to use idle resources at highly reduced yet dynamic prices; under such a pricing scheme, users place bids for cloud resources, and the provider chooses a threshold “spot” price above which bids are admitted. In this paper, we propose a nonlinear dynamical system model for the time-evolution of the spot price as a function of latent states that characterize user demand in the spot and on-demand markets. This model enables us to adaptively predict future spot prices given past spot price observations, allowing us to derive user bidding strategies for heterogeneous cloud resources that minimize the cost to complete a job with negligible probability of interruption. Along the way, the model also yields novel, empirically verifiable insights into cloud provider behavior. We experimentally validate our model and bidding strategy on two months of Amazon EC2 spot price data and find that our proposed bidding strategy is up to 4 times closer to the optimal strategy in hindsight compared to a baseline regression approach while incurring the same negligible probability of interruption.
Relational Coherence and Cumulative Reasoning

According to Keith Lehrer’s (1974, 1986, 1988, and 2000) theory of knowledge, coherence is the basis of epistemic justification.
Nonlinear Webs, Membranes and Shells

This chapter will discuss the nonlinear theories of webs, membranes and shells. The webs and membranes are extensively used to model bio-tissues and membranes experiencing arbitrary initial configurations. Since any webs cannot resist any compressive forces, it is very difficult to determine the corresponding deformations and stresses in the webs. Traditionally, one used the membrane theory with certain constraints to determine the final configuration of webs. However, the webs can be of non-continuum and continuum. Thus, the network non-continuum web will be presented first from the cable theory, and the continuum web will be developed. Further, the nonlinear theory of membranes will be developed in an analogy way. The nonlinear theory of shells will be developed from the general theory of the 3-dimensional deformable body, and such a theory of shells can be easily reduced to the established theories.
Can an element form a two-dimensional nanosheet of type 15 pentagons?

Abstract Type 15 pentagon was recently discovered three decades since the 14th type of pentagon was reported in 1985. In contrast to such a long time span, the list of two-dimensional (2D) materials keeps growing longer on a monthly (if not daily) basis according to emerging experimental and theoretical reports. Combining these two seemingly irrelevant topics, we apply density functional theory (DFT) calculations to examine the possibility of forming a 2D nanosheet with the vertices of type 15 pentagons occupied by boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorous, sulfur, gallium, germanium, or tin atoms. We find that none of the optimized eight nanosheets remain the same initial structure filled with type 15 pentagons after the geometry optimizations by a DFT calculator. Instead, we obtain different rearranged structures for each nanosheet, most of which have not yet been reported before. For example, gallium atoms form a 2D nanosheet structure with a triangular pattern similar to single-layer boron sheet called borophene. These new 2D materials exhibit formation energies comparable to that of single-layer silicene, implying the feasibility of being grown on a substrate. The electronic structure shows that all the eight nanosheets are metallic (or semi-metallic for the carbon nanosheet), compensating for the dearth of metallic systems in existing 2D materials that are mostly semiconducting. Our work shows that linking a pentagonal geometry with DFT calculations yields both educational and scientific merits.
On-Chip Asymmetric Microsupercapacitors Combining Reduced Graphene Oxide and Manganese Oxide for High Energy-Power Tradeoff

Given the rapid miniaturization of technology, it is of interest to produce viable on-chip micro-electrochemical energy storage systems. In this study, interdigitated asymmetric microsupercapacitors were fabricated using photolithography, lift-off and electrodeposition methods. Manganese oxide (MnOx) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) comprised the pseudocapacitive and the double layer component, respectively. Symmetric MnOx//MnOx, rGO//rGO as well as asymmetric rGO//MnOx microsupercapacitors with three different MnOx thicknesses were constructed and characterized in aqueous media. The asymmetric microsupercapacitor with the intermediate MnOx film thickness displayed the optimal energy-power trade-off superior to that of both the symmetric and well as the other asymmetric configurations. The optimal microsupercapacitor exhibited a high stack energy density of 1.02 mWh·cm−3 and a maximal power density of 3.44 W·cm−3. The high energy-power trade-off of the device is attributed to the synergistic effects of utilizing double layer and pseudocapacitive charge storage mechanisms along with in-plane interdigital microelectrode design within one optimized micro-device.