cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1591: Comprehensive molecular profiling of circulating tumor cells from metastatic breast cancer patients

Background: Recent enumeration studies on CTCs have demonstrated the clinical value of these cells. The molecular biology of CTCs, however, remains poorly understood. Methods: We performed RNA and DNA profiling of CTCs from metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. 244 blood samples from 162 MBC patients were subjected to immunomagnetic enrichment and fluorescence activated cell sorting (IE/FACS) to isolate highly pure CTCs. Microfluidic-based multiplex QPCR analysis was utilized to determine the expression levels of 64 cancer-related genes. Parallel genome-wide copy number analysis by array comparative genomic hybridization was also performed on CTCs isolated from the same enriched blood samples. Results: Transcriptional analysis of CTCs was successfully performed in 151 samples from 105 patients. We observed the up-regulation of several genes including CCND1, EPCAM, KRT7 and MUC1 and the down-regulation of hematopoietic-related genes including PTPRC (CD45) and CD68 (adjusted p Conclusions: Parallel gene expression and copy number profiling provided novel insights on the biology of CTCs. Molecular characterization of CTCs may shed further light on the biology of metastasis and disease progression. Citation Format: Mark Jesus Mendoza Magbanua, Louai Hauranieh, Ritu Roy, Praveen Pendyala, Eduardo Sosa, Janet Scott, Hope Rugo, John Park. Comprehensive molecular profiling of circulating tumor cells from metastatic breast cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1591. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1591
Sustainable Territories: Rural Dispossession, Land Enclosures and the Construction of Environmental Resources in China

As urbanization and industrialization continue to spread through China's countryside, the central government has officially declared the construction of master planned eco-industrial zones and eco-...
Relations of trauma exposure with current religiousness and spirituality

ABSTRACTMany theorists posit that religiousness/spirituality (RS) may change after trauma. However, empirical findings regarding RS following trauma are inconclusive. The present study examined the relationship between potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and current RS by considering the cumulative effect of PTEs and multiple dimensions of RS. In our sample of 245 undergraduates (60% female, 79% White), there were no differences in RS between participants who did and did not have PTEs. When analysed as a continuous variable, the number of PTEs was positively correlated with many RS dimensions (i.e., daily spiritual experiences, religious strain, religious comfort, provident and challenging God images, belief in God) but not all (i.e., organised religious involvement, belief in afterlife, benevolent God image). These results suggest that PTEs relate distinctly to different aspects of RS and that examining multiple dimensions of RS may be a more informative way of studying this association.
An Investigation Into the Psychometric Properties of the Test Anxiety Measure for College Students

The psychometric properties of a new, multidimensional measure of test anxiety, the Test Anxiety Measure for College Students (TAM-C), were examined in a sample of 720 undergraduate students. Results of confirmatory factor analyses provided support for a six-factor (Cognitive Interference, Physiological Hyperarousal, Social Concerns, Task-Irrelevant Behaviors, Worry, and Facilitating Anxiety) model. Cronbach’s coefficient alphas ranged from .75 to .95 for the TAM-C scores. Gender differences were found on four of the TAM-C scales, with females reporting higher levels of test anxiety than males. Convergent and discriminant evidence of validity for the TAM-C scores was found. Implications of the findings for mental health professionals who work with college students are discussed.
Summaries of Safety Labeling Changes Approved by the FDA: Boxed Warnings Highlights July-September 2016.

The FDA's MedWatch program safety labeling changes for boxed warnings are compiled quarterly for drugs and therapeutic biologics where important changes have been made to the safety information. Search of Drug Safety Labeling Changes (SLC) database was conducted on October 10, 2016 for date range “7/1/2016–9/30/2016”, labeling section “Boxed Warning”. These and other label changes are searchable in the Drug Safety Labeling Changes (SLC) database, where data are available to the public in downloadable and searchable formats. (Drug Safety Labeling Changes are available at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/safetylabelingchanges/?source=govdeliveryu OR serious adverse reactions that can be prevented/reduced in frequency or seve...
Effects of Parental Monitoring and Knowledge on Substance Use and HIV Risk Behaviors Among Young Men Who have Sex with Men: Results from Three Studies.

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS and have elevated rates of substance use. Parenting practices, such as knowledge of child whereabouts and monitoring of behavioral rules, protect against these outcomes among heterosexual youth. This article examined the relationship between these parenting practices and substance use and HIV risk behaviors among YMSM. Data are reported from three similar studies of YMSM: ChiGuys (ages 14–18), Crew 450 (ages 16–22), and RADAR (ages 16–29). The ChiGuys and RADAR studies report cross-sectional analyses, whereas Crew 450 reports latent growth curve analyses. In ChiGuys and Crew 450, participants reported significantly higher scores for parental knowledge of general activities than parental knowledge of gay-specific activities. Parental knowledge of general activities was significantly associated with less binge drinking in both samples and with condomless sex in the ChiGuys sample. Parental monitoring was significantly associated with less marijuana use and condomless sex in younger RADAR participants (16–18 years) and with less drug use in older participants (>18 years). Findings support the need for further research on the influences of parents on YMSM health risk behaviors and the value of exploring family- and parent-interventions to address YMSM health.
Biomechanical Stability of a Stand-Alone Interbody Spacer in Two-Level and Hybrid Cervical Fusion Constructs.

Study Design:In vitro human cadaveric biomechanical analysis.Objective:To evaluate the segmental stability of a stand-alone spacer (SAS) device compared with the traditional anterior cervical plate (ACP) construct in the setting of a 2-level cervical fusion construct or as a hybrid construct adjacent to a previous 1-level ACP construct.Methods:Twelve human cadaveric cervical spines (C2-T1) were nondestructively tested with a custom 6-degree-of-freedom spine simulator under axial rotation (AR), flexion-extension (FE), and lateral bending (LB) at 1.5 N m loads. After intact analysis, each specimen underwent instrumentation and testing in the following 3 configurations, with each specimen randomized to the order of construct: (A) C5-7 SAS; (B) C5-6 ACP, and C6-7 SAS (hybrid); (C) C5-7 ACP. Full range of motion (ROM) data at C5-C7 was obtained and analyzed by each loading modality utilizing mean comparisons with repeated measures analysis of variance with Sidak correction for multiple comparisons.Results:Comp...
Broadening Participation in the Arab World

In my talk, I will present two important projects that I've been leading during the past several years focusing on increasing diversity and innovation in computer Science education. I will first focus on the research that I have been leading for the past few years on the Representations, Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Computing in the Arab World. Women in Computing is an important and timely topic. Despite the remarkable progress that women made in almost all professions in the US, Canada, Australia, and several countries in Europe, however, their underrepresentation in the fields of computing raises an on-going societal concern. Very few women are in senior-level positions and the number of women technology-entrepreneurs is scarce. Various international studies have documented the underrepresentation of women at every level of science and technology.
The prokaryotic Na+/Ca2+ exchanger NCX_Mj transports Na+ and Ca2+ in a 3:1 stoichiometry

Intracellular Ca2+ signals control a wide array of cellular processes. These signals require spatial and temporal regulation of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which is achieved in part by a class of ubiquitous membrane proteins known as sodium-calcium exchangers (NCXs). NCXs are secondary-active antiporters that power the translocation of Ca2+ across the cell membrane by coupling it to the flux of Na+ in the opposite direction, down an electrochemical gradient. Na+ and Ca2+ are translocated in separate steps of the antiport cycle, each of which is thought to entail a mechanism whereby ion-binding sites within the protein become alternately exposed to either side of the membrane. The prokaryotic exchanger NCX_Mj, the only member of this family with known structure, has been proposed to be a good functional and structural model of mammalian NCXs; yet our understanding of the functional properties of this protein remains incomplete. Here, we study purified NCX_Mj reconstituted into liposomes under well-controlled experimental conditions and demonstrate that this homologue indeed shares key functional features of the NCX family. Transport assays and reversal-potential measurements enable us to delineate the essential characteristics of this antiporter and establish that its ion-exchange stoichiometry is 3Na+:1Ca2+ Together with previous studies, this work confirms that NCX_Mj is a valid model system to investigate the mechanism of ion recognition and membrane transport in sodium-calcium exchangers.
Interfacility transfers for US ischemic stroke and TIA, 2006–2014

Objective To investigate changes in emergency department (ED) transfers for ischemic stroke (IS) and TIA. Methods We performed a retrospective observational study using the US Nationwide Emergency Department Sample to identify changes in interfacility ED transfers for IS and TIA from the perspective of the transferring ED (2006–2014). We calculated nationwide transfer rates and individual ED transfer rates for IS/TIA by diagnosis and hospital characteristics. Hospital-level fractional logistic regression examined changes in transfer rates over time. Results The population-estimated number of transfers for IS/TIA increased from 22,576 patient visits in 2006 to 54,485 patient visits in 2014 ( p trend p trend Conclusions Interfacility ED transfers for IS/TIA more than doubled from 2006 to 2014. Further work should determine the necessity of IS/TIA transfers and seek to optimize the US stroke care system.
Project Leadership: A Question of Timing:

Project managers face a profession coupled with a number of unique challenges. Tasked with the successful implementation of their project, these leaders are given a mandate to operate their project...
Sandia National Laboratories, California sewer system management plan.

A Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) is required by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) for Sanitary Sewer Systems (General Permit). DOE, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Sandia Site Office has filed a Notice of Intent to be covered under this General Permit. The General Permit requires a proactive approach to reduce the number and frequency of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) within the State. SSMPs must include provisions to provide proper and efficient management, operation, and maintenance of sanitary sewer systems and must contain a spill response plan. Elements of this Plan are under development in accordance with the SWRCB's schedule.
Evaluation of fixed dose four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate for warfarin reversal at a level 1 trauma center

FDA-approved dosing of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) in the USA is based on an INR and weight; however, there are data suggesting that a fixed dose of 4F-PCC may be sufficient for INR reversal and hemostasis [1,2]. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a fixed dose of 1,500 units of 4F-PCC. Historically, warfarin reversal included a combination of factor IX complex, vitamin K, and fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Using a fixed dose of 4F-PCC may also provide significant cost savings when compared with traditional dosing.
Prognostic value of radionuclide exercise testing after myocardial infarction

Abnormal systolic ventricular function and persistent ischemia are sensitive indicators of poor prognosis following myocardial infarction. The use of exercise improves the utility of both radionuclide ventriculography and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in the identification of postinfarction patients at high risk of subsequent cardiac events. 51 references.
Case 45: Endophthalmitis After Open Globe Injury Repair

A 45-year-old man presented with a Zone I open globe injury of the right eye after being struck by a rock and had prompt surgical repair of the open globe injury within 7 h of his injury. Despite hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics, the patient developed high intraocular pressure post-operatively and a hypopyon was seen on post-operative day 3. He was promptly referred to a retinal specialist and underwent intravitreal tap and injection of antibiotics. Six months after the initial injury, the patient underwent cataract extraction with pupilloplasty. He obtained excellent visual recovery, with a visual acuity of 20/20 1 year after his initial presentation.
Through the lens of terror: re-imaging terrorist violence in Boukhrief’s Made in France

ABSTRACTNicolas Boukhrief’s film Made in France (2015) charts an unsettling path into the world of terror, with the radical intent to shake public perceptions and disrupt state discourses by redirecting the gaze inward to investigate the very disturbing, and much repressed, phenomenon of home-grown terror. The film marks a major departure in Western films about terrorism, in that it frames the story through the perspective of the terrorist, and maps a different cartographic imagination, directing attention away from conceptions of terrorism as dispersed, networked or de-territorialised to establish a geography in which terror is located in the inner domain and manifests itself as a state of rupture or ‘anomie’. Made in France avoids the trap of perpetual binaries (‘us’ versus ‘them’ rhetoric) to deliver a trenchant message about the growing threat couched in the social fabric, and in our contemporary times. By shifting the gaze from the more generalised subject of ‘terrorism’ to focus on individual terror...
International remittance rails as infrastructures: embeddedness, innovation and financial access in developing economies

Remittances to developing economies constitute one of their most important and consistent forms of capital inflow, but have long been limited by costs and risks associated with trans-border payment...
Efficiency of Cathodoluminescence Emission by Nitrogen-Vacancy Color Centers in Nanodiamonds

Correlated electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging using functionalized nanoparticles is a promising nanoscale probe of biological structure and function. Nanodiamonds (NDs) that contain CL-emitting color centers are particularly well suited for such applications. The intensity of CL emission from NDs is determined by a combination of factors, including particle size, density of color centers, efficiency of energy deposition by electrons passing through the particle, and conversion efficiency from deposited energy to CL emission. This paper reports experiments and numerical simulations that investigate the relative importance of each of these factors in determining CL emission intensity from NDs containing nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers. In particular, it is found that CL can be detected from NV-doped NDs with dimensions as small as ≈40 nm, although CL emission decreases significantly for smaller NDs.
RSS-Based Localization with Maximum Likelihood Estimation for PUE Attacker Detection in Cognitive Radio Networks

With the rapid proliferation of mobile users, the spectrum scarcity has become one of the issues that have to be addressed. Cognitive Radio technology addresses this problem by allowing an opportunistic use of the spectrum bands. In cognitive radio networks, unlicensed users can use licensed channels without causing harmful interference to licensed users. However, cognitive radio networks can be subject to different security threats which can cause severe performance degradation. One of the main attacks on these networks is the primary user emulation in which a malicious node emulates the characteristics of the primary user signals. In this paper, we propose a detection technique of this attack based on the RSS-based localization with the maximum likelihood estimation. The simulation results show that the proposed technique outperforms the RSS-based localization method in detecting the primary user emulation attacker.
Implementing BIM and Finite Element Analysis in a Structural Integrity Investigation of Curtain Walls

ABSTRACT Evaluating the structural integrity of curtain walls during the life cycle of a building project can assist architects in developing better designs, help contractors establish better insta...
Converting and expanding mobile support tools for tuberculosis treatment support: Design recommendations from domain and design experts.

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the top ten causes of death globally despite it being largely treatable. Poor adherence to treatment directly contributes to poor outcomes, such as, prolonged infectivity and the development of drug resistance. Mobile phone-based interventions have the potential to improve treatment outcomes. Objective The purpose of this study was to solicit design and domain expert feedback of a previously developed TB support intervention converted to a mobile application. Methods We used prototyping in iterative cycles that included integrating findings from prior formative research with endusers and soliciting feedback from design and content experts. In this project, we used low-fidelity prototype evaluation to inform the design of high-fidelity prototypes for further testing and iterative refinement. Results We received 12 survey results. Overall, the participants agreed that the functions would be easy to learn and use. Recommendations for improvement included: simplify the reporting by offering broad categories; split complex screens to be more intuitive and user friendly; modify feedback graphics to display data more clearly; incorporate instructions for each task/function to guide users and collapse the information once users had viewed it; display navigation icons on each screen and add a main menu button; have medication tracker be homepage and limit redundancies. Several potential functionalities were suggested, such as adding a notes/journal and a social feature. We were able to easily incorporate recommendations and feedback into the high-fidelity prototypes and continue testing and refinement. After we came to a stable prototype through testing, we gave the interactive prototype to our developers to program a base functioning model. Conclusion The proposed design recommendations provide valuable insight to inform initial conversion of an interactive intervention to customize patient support, which include a smartphone app and a direct drug metabolite test reengineered for home use. Iteratively developing low- and high-fidelity prototypes with content and design experts to guide initial programming of a functional beta app paves the way to better explore further refinement needs and recommendations with endusers rather than using hypothetical scenarios.
Reserpine Substantially Lowers Blood Pressure in Patients With Refractory Hypertension: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Background Refractory hypertension (RfHTN), a phenotype of antihypertensive treatment failure, is defined as uncontrolled automated office blood pressure (AOBP) ≥130/80 mm Hg and awake ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) ≥130/80 mm Hg on ≥5 antihypertensive medications, including chlorthalidone and a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. Previous studies suggest that RfHTN is attributable to heightened sympathetic tone. The current study tested whether reserpine, a potent sympatholytic agent, lowers blood pressure (BP) in patients with RfHTN. Methods Twenty-one out of 45 consecutive patients with suspected RfHTN were determined to be fully adherent with their antihypertensive regimen. Seven patients agreed to participate in the current clinical trial with reserpine and 6 patients completed the study. Other sympatholytic medications, such as clonidine or guanfacine, were tapered and discontinued before starting reserpine. Reserpine 0.1 mg daily was administered in an open-label fashion for 4 weeks. All patients were evaluated by AOBP and 24-hour ABP at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results Reserpine lowered mean systolic and diastolic AOBP by 29.3 ± 22.2 and 22.0 ± 15.8 mm Hg, respectively. Mean 24-hour systolic and diastolic ABPs were reduced by 21.8 ± 13.4 and 15.3 ± 9.6 mm Hg, mean awake systolic and diastolic ABPs by 23.8 ± 11.8 and 17.8 ± 9.2 mm Hg, and mean asleep systolic and diastolic ABPs by 21.5 ± 11.4 and 13.7 ± 6.4 mm Hg, respectively. Conclusions Reserpine, a potent sympatholytic agent, lowers BP in patients whose BP remained uncontrolled on maximal antihypertensive therapy, lending support to the hypothesis that excess sympathetic output contributes importantly to the development of RfHTN.
Analysis on Corrosion Fracture of Guyed Rod of Cable Stayed Iron Tower in 110 kV Transmission Line

The guyed rod is of great importance for supporting tower and resisting wind pressure, and its reliability is an effective guarantee for safe and stable operation of power grid. In this paper, the fractured guyed rod used for cable stayed iron tower in a 110kV transmission line was investigated by means of macro-morphology inspection, chemical composition analysis, microstructure analysis, scanning electron microscope, mechanical properties test, soil physicochemical properties inspection and energy spectrum analysis. The result showed that electrode potentials difference existed between different parts on the surface of the guyed rod caused by the uneven distribution of oxygen concentration was the major reason for electrochemical corrosion. Under the action of oxygen concentration cell, the effective cross-sectional area of the guyed rod decreased below the critical value, leading to the final fracture of the guyed rod.
Test-Retest Reliability and Correlates of Vertebral Bone Marrow Lipid Composition by Lipidomics Among Children With Varying Degrees of Bone Fragility.

The reliability of lipidomics, an approach to identify the presence and interactions of lipids, to analyze the bone marrow lipid composition among pediatric populations with bone fragility is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), and the minimal detectable change (MDC) of vertebral bone marrow lipid composition determined by targeted lipidomics among children with varying degrees of bone fragility undergoing routine orthopedic surgery. Children aged 10 to 19 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (n = 13) or neuromuscular scoliosis and cerebral palsy (n = 3), undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery at our institution were included in this study. Transpedicular vertebral body bone marrow samples were taken from thoracic vertebrae (T11, 12) or lumbar vertebrae (L1 to L4). Lipid composition was assessed via targeted lipidomics and all samples were analyzed in the same batch. Lipid composition measures were examined as the saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated index and as individual fatty acids. Relative and absolute test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), SEM, and MDC. Associations between demographics and index measures were explored. The ICC, SEM, and MDC were 0.81 (95% CI, 0.55-0.93), 1.6%, and 4.3%, respectively, for the saturated index, 0.66 (95% CI, 0.25-0.87), 3.5%, and 9.7%, respectively, for the monounsaturated index, and 0.60 (95% CI, 0.17-0.84), 3.6%, and 9.9%, respectively, for the polyunsaturated index. For the individual fatty acids, the ICC showed a considerable range from 0.04 (22:2n-6) to 0.97 (18:3n-3). Age was positively correlated with the saturated index (r 2 = 0.36; p = 0.014) and negatively correlated with the polyunsaturated index (r 2 = 0.26; p = 0.043); there was no difference in index measures by sex (p > 0.58). The test-retest reliability was moderate-to-good for index measures and poor to excellent for individual fatty acids; this information can be used to power research studies and identify measures for clinical or research monitoring. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The use of a patient advocate to improve the experience in pediatric radiology

There is increasing emphasis on improving the patient experience with a shift to patient- and family-centered care throughout all areas of health care. In 2013, the American College of Radiology launched Imaging 3.0, an initiative aimed at encouraging and enabling radiologists to work on culture change to increase focus on appropriateness, efficiency, quality, safety and patient satisfaction. Many groups have subsequently used these and other tools to improve the overall patient experience, focusing on the entire imaging journey to include initial order placement, registration in the department, image acquisition, departure from the department, and how and when the patient and family receive the imaging results. In our department we have used multiple strategies and have applied quality-improvement methods and patient/family-centered care models to improve quality, safety and the patient experience. Most of these efforts have included team members across the department, including radiologists, technologists, quality-improvement personnel, managers and nurses. In addition, for the last 12 years, a key member of these teams has been our patient and family advocate (PFA). We describe the important role that a PFA can play in improving the patient and family experience in pediatric radiology.
The Absent Dulcinea: Joaquín Rodrigo’s Song to Music Itself

Joaquin Rodrigo wrote that music arose in response to the human need to make an image of the surrounding world. Affected by Ortegas view of life as the interaction of self and circumstance, Rodrigo...
Toward a triangular theory of love for one’s musical instrument:

This article presents an application of a triangular theory of love as it applies to love for musical instruments. The triangular theory comprises three components: intimacy, passion, and commitmen...
Weibull Racing Survival Analysis for Competing Events and a Study of Loan Payoff and Default

We propose Bayesian nonparametric Weibull delegate racing (WDR) to explicitly model surviving under competing events and to interpret how the covariates accelerate or decelerate the event times. WDR explains non-monotonic covariate effects by racing a potentially infinite number of sub-events, relaxing the ubiquitous proportional-hazards assumption which may be too restrictive. WDR can handle different types of censoring and missing event times or types. For inference, we develop a Gibbs-sampler-based MCMC algorithm along with a maximum a posteriori estimation for big data applications. We use synthetic data analysis to demonstrate the flexibility and parsimonious nonlinearity of WDR. We also use a data set of time to loan payoff and default from this http URL to showcase the interpretability.
Voltage and cathode emission mechanisms of a magnetized, constricted, orbiting plasma in helium 6.7–850 Pa

We present a semiquantitative description of several important properties of a magnetized cold-cathode plasma in helium over a wide pressure range 6.7–850 Pa. We focus on the 'constricted orbiting' mode where the plasma attaches to the cathode as a moving 'dot' and the voltage and rate of cathode erosion are both unusually low. We propose that the low plasma voltage and observed motion of the plasma adjacent to the cathode can be attributed to field emission as the source of electrons from the cathode, a process that is aided by the charging of an oxide film by ions. We find that the observed dependence of plasma voltage on pressure is consistent with the assumption that the axial electric field must increase in regions of strong crossed magnetic field to maintain current continuity.
Impedance Transparency and Performance Metrics of HBT-Based N -Path Mixers for mmWave Applications

MOS N-path mixer-first receivers are capable of providing instantly-reconfigurable RF impedance and bandwidth while achieving moderate noise figure (NF) and high linearity, but their frequency tuning range is limited by both LO (local oscillator) generation and the RF port input capacitance. State-of-the-art mm-wave MOS N-path receivers often compromise performance to cover the mm-wave range, but this paper presents the theory and design considerations for a new topology of N-path mixer which makes use of high fT HBTs and breaks this trade-off between performance and tuning range. Here, we borrow from a previously derived LTI model for MOS-based N-path mixers to derive an analogous model for the HBT-based counterpart which provides a meaningful comparison between the performance of the two topologies. We show that the HBT-based implementation is capable of operation beyond the frequency limits of MOS-based implementations while maintaining comparable NF and linearity without consuming exorbitant power. Measurements done on a proof-of-concept chip in GlobalFoundries BiCMOS8HP are consistent with our models and simulations. By organizing process parameters and user-selected design variables into dimensionless ratios, we provide expressions for key performance metrics which enable the designer to make informed decisions about trade-offs and optimizations for both LO generation and the mixer core.
Electrophilic nitro-fatty acids suppress psoriasiform dermatitis: STAT3 inhibition as a contributory mechanism

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with no cure. Although the origin of psoriasis and its underlying pathophysiology remain incompletely understood, inflammation is a central mediator of disease progression. In this regard, electrophilic nitro-fatty acids (NO2-FAs) exert potent anti-inflammatory effects in several in vivo murine models of inflammatory diseases, such as chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. To examine the therapeutic potential of NO2-FAs on psoriasiform dermatitis, we employed multiple murine models of psoriasis. Our studies demonstrate that oral treatment with nitro oleic acid (OA-NO2) has both preventative and therapeutic effects on psoriasiform inflammation. In line with this finding, oral OA-NO2 downregulated the production of inflammatory cytokines in the skin. In vitro experiments demonstrate that OA-NO2 decreased both basal IL-6 levels and IL-17A-induced expression of IL-6 in human dermal fibroblasts through the inhibition of NF-κB phosphorylation. Importantly, OA-NO2 diminished STAT3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation via nitroalkylation of STAT3, which inhibited keratinocyte proliferation. Overall, our results affirm the critical role of both NF-κB and STAT3 in the incitement of psoriasiform dermatitis and highlight the pharmacologic potential of small molecule nitroalkenes for the treatment of cutaneous inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis.
Self-Reported Satisfaction of Older Adult Residents in Nursing Homes: Development of a Conceptual Framework.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Resident satisfaction is an integral part of nursing home (NH) quality of care. However, there is no uniform categorization framework to classify self-reported satisfaction of older adult residents in NHs. This scoping review systematically investigated the studies reporting data on older residents' satisfaction to evaluate the quality of NH service and to create a conceptual model for older residents' satisfaction. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used Donabedian's structure-process-outcome model as a theoretical framework. In three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL), potential studies were searched using specific inclusion criteria identifying original studies that investigated older adult residents' satisfaction in NHs. RESULTS Fifteen studies, including 264,133 residents and 15,577 NHs, were selected for this review. Although a wide variety of resident satisfaction measures were used in the included studies, all these indicators reflect five primary domains: Psychological, Clinical, Social, Environmental, and Spiritual, with the common focus of improving the quality of life of residents. Though technical competence is a fundamental aspect of healthcare service, we found autonomy, environment, meaningful activities, and interpersonal quality of professionals as the most important predictors for the resident's satisfaction. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS The current review has synthesized a broad range of satisfaction measures, which will help future researchers and policymakers provide guidance for further improvement of NH care services and as a heuristic device to spur research. Future research is needed to apply this conceptual framework for comparisons of self-reported resident satisfaction in other institutional settings across countries.
Divisive Social Movement on Social Media: Examining #ADOS

This exploratory study examined Twitter content addressing the controversial social advocacy movement, American Descendants of Slavery. We collected 1.7 million tweets using the hashtag #ADOS. A sa...
Locally Transmitted Trypanosoma cruzi in a Domestic Llama (Lama glama) in a Rural Area of Greater New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Trypanosoma cruzi-associated megaesophagus was diagnosed in a domestic Louisiana-born llama with no significant travel history. The llama resided in the same rural area of greater New Orleans, Loui...
Ab initio molecular dynamics of pipe diffusion in fcc Ni beyond transition state theory

Abstract Advances in first principles methods provide a means to explore the rate constants of mechanisms that constitute diffusion. We apply these to atom-vacancy exchanges near a partial core of a 1 2 1 1 ¯ 0 > screw dislocation in fcc Ni at finite temperatures. Intrinsic properties of this dynamic approach contrast limitations of widely used harmonic transition state theory (HTST) approximations, revealing direction-dependent free energy profiles within the zero-temperature period of the dislocation and temperature-dependent correlation effects. The calculated free energy profiles indicate increased dislocation periods at elevated temperatures, similar to temperature-dependent period doubling in semiconductors. In contrast to static HTST, the dynamic approach indicates an intra-cell asymmetry in energy profile that is related to the dynamic geometry rearrangements. This arises from different philosophies underlying the two methodologies. The absolute values of the rate constants, however, are within the same order of magnitude, with the HTST method generally underestimating rates by a factor of 2-5. Combined with a twofold increase in rates due to thermal expansion at high temperatures, this partially explains why previous theoretical works report lower diffusivities for pipe diffusion than experiments.
Effectiveness of Netarsudil as an Additional Therapy for Glaucoma in Patients Already on Maximally Tolerated Medical Therapy.

Purpose This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of netarsudil (Rhopressa) in patients with inadequately controlled IOP on otherwise maximally tolerated medical therapy. Methods This is a retrospective study of patients started on netarsudil at Stanford University. Exclusion criteria included glaucoma surgery or laser within 6 months of starting netarsudil and other modifications to the baseline medication regimen within 4 weeks of starting netarsudil. The primary outcome was treatment success, defined as IOP reduction meeting a predetermined target, and no further medication, laser, or surgery recommended subsequent to starting netarsudil. Results Sixty-two eyes were included, and 36 (58%) achieved treatment success at first follow-up. Mean baseline IOP was 19.5 ± 5.6 mmHg on a mean of 3.5 ± 0.7 ocular hypotensive medications. The mean change in IOP from baseline to first follow-up was -3.53 mmHg (-17%). In patients who achieved treatment success, mean IOP change was -5.22 mmHg (-28.0%). Of the eyes with baseline IOP ≤ 20 mmHg, 69% achieved treatment success, compared to only 17% of eyes with baseline IOP ≥ 21 mmHg (P < 0.05). Conclusion Netarsudil is effective in lowering IOP for patients on otherwise maximally tolerated medical therapy, for which glaucoma laser or surgery would have been the only remaining therapeutic options. Treatment success was more likely in eyes with baseline IOP under 20 mmHg.
Regulatory small RNAs in plants

The discovery of microRNAs in the last decade altered the paradigm that protein coding genes are the only significant components for the regulation of gene networks. Within a short period of time small RNA systems within regulatory networks of eukaryotic cells have been uncovered that will ultimately change the way we infer gene regulation networks from transcriptional profiling data. Small RNAs are involved in the regulation of global activities of genic regions via chromatin states, as inhibitors of’ selfish’ sequences (transposons, retroviruses), in establishment or maintenance of tissue/organ identity, and as modulators of the activity of transcription factor as well as ‘house keeping’ genes. With this chapter we provide an overview of the central aspects of small RNA function in plants and the features that distinguish the different small RNAs. We furthermore highlight the use of computational prediction methods for identification of plant miRNAs/precursors and their targets and provide examples for the experimental validation of small RNA candidates that could represent trans-regulators of downstream genes. Lastly, the emerging concepts of small RNAs as modulators of gene expression constituting systems networks within different cells in a multicellular organism are discussed.
Genotype Tagging with Limited Overfitting

Due to the high genotyping cost and large data volume in genome-wide association studies data, it is desirable to find a small subset of SNPs, referred as tag SNPs, that covers the genetic variation of the entire data. To represent genetic variation of an untagged SNP, the existing tagging methods use either a single tag SNP ( e.g., Tagger, IdSelect), or several tag SNPs ( e.g., MLR, STAMPA). When multiple tags are used to explain variation of a single SNP then usually less tags are needed but overfitting is higher. This paper explores the trade-off between the number of tags and overfitting and considers the problem of finding a minimum number of tags when at most two tags can represent variation of an untagged SNP. We show that this problem is hard to approximate and propose an efficient heuristic, referred as 2LR. Our experimental results show that 2LR tagging is between Tagger and MLR in the number of tags and in overfitting. Indeed, 2LR uses slightly more tags than MLR but the overfitting measured with 2-fold cross validations is practically the same as for Tagger. 2LR-tagging better tolerates missing data than Tagger.
Miniature Laser Diode Pumped Nd:YAG Lasers

Progress in high power laser diodes operating near 0.81 micron allow the construction of efficient, low power Nd:YAG lasers. We describe an end pumped Nd:YAG oscillator with 25% slope efficiency and 2 mW threshold. The demonstrated frequency stability of the diode pumped monolithic Nd:YAG laser is less than 10 kHz in 0.1 sec.
Stokeswaves with vorticity

The existence of periodic waves propagating downstream on the surface of a two-dimensional infinitely deep body of water under the force of gravity is established for a general class of vorticities. When reformulated as an elliptic boundary value problem in a fixed semi-infinite cylinder with a parameter, the operator describing the problem is nonlinear and non-Fredholm. A global connected set of nontrivial solutions is obtained via singular theory of bifurcation. The proof combines a generalized degree theory, global bifurcation theory, and Whyburn’s lemma in topology with the Schauder theory for elliptic problems and the maximum principle.
Chronic pain in the outpatient palliative care clinic.

Chronic pain is common. Many patients with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses have chronic pain that is related to their disease, and some have comorbid chronic nonmalignant chronic pain. As ...
Electrochemically controlled iron isotope fractionation

Variations in the stable isotope abundances of transition metals have been observed in the geologic record and trying to understand and reconstruct the physical/environmental conditions that produced these signatures is an area of active research. It is clear that changes in oxidation state lead to large fractionations of the stable isotopes of many transition metals such as iron, suggesting that transition metal stable isotope signatures could be used as a paleo-redox proxy. However, the factors contributing to these observed stable isotope variations are poorly understood. Here we investigate how the kinetics of iron redox electrochemistry generates isotope fractionation. Through a combination of electrodeposition experiments and modeling of electrochemical processes including mass-transport, we show that electron transfer reactions are the cause of a large isotope separation, while mass transport-limited supply of reactant to the electrode attenuates the observed isotopic fractionation. Furthermore, the stable isotope composition of electroplated transition metals can be tuned in the laboratory by controlling parameters such as solution chemistry, reaction overpotential, and solution convection. These methods are potentially useful for generating isotopically-marked metal surfaces for tracking and forensic purposes. In addition, our studies will help interpret stable isotope data in terms of identifying underlying electron transfer processes in laboratory and natural samples.
Got Film? Is It a Readily Accessible Window to the Target Language and Culture for Your Students?

: This article reviews what we know about integrating film into our foreign language classes and addresses the aspects of film and the media literacy issues that impact deeper understanding of the target language and culture. In addition, I illustrate the interplay of these factors in planning instruction that integrates film in the third and fourth year of university study. Finally, I describe a classroom application: the delivery of the feature film Yerma (Tavora, 1998) via a course management system for an advanced Spanish conversation and composition class and the strategies and techniques employed to promote translingual and transcultural competence.
Prenatal diagnosis of a skeletal deformation resulting from leiomyomata uteri

Introduction: Leiomyomata uteri are associated with preterm labor and fetal loss, but we generally do not consider that they might cause fetal deformations. As a result, preconceptional myomectomy is not recommended as it may further impair fertility through intraperitoneal adhesion formation. Case Report: We report on a patient who presented with profuse vaginal bleeding at nineteen weeks gestation. Sonogram demonstrated placenta previa and several myomas; the largest two measuring seven and five cm. The right femur was bent at a 90° angle while the remainder of the skeletal survey was normal. Severe oligohydramnios was present, limiting internal organ visualization of the fetus In light of the heavy bleeding and oligohydramnios, the patient was informed of the poor prognosis for this pregnancy, and its risks to her, however she opted not to interrupt it. The patient continued to bleed intermittently, and then, four weeks later she bled profusely necessitating emergency hysterotomy to evacuate the uterus. A non-viable, 450gram male infant was delivered and the patient was transfused four units of packed red blood cells The patient did not initially consent to autopsy, and cell culture for karyotype was not obtained. Autopsy confirmed the presence of an acutely deformed femur, and an X-ray showed normal bone mineralization. A horseshoe kidney was the only internal malformation identified. Discussion: Deformations of the head, limbs, and thorax have been associated with uterine malformations such as bicomuate uterus, with a frequency of 30%, Reports of deformations caused by leiomyomata uteri are sparse, and this is the first prenatal report of such an event. The asymmetry of the skeletal abnormality makes it unlikely that this is syndromic, even with the horseshoe kidney, as this is usually isolated. It is possible that the oligohydramnios contributed to the constrained, deforming fetal environment. Events of this sort should be considered when counseling patients as to the risks that leiomyomata uteri may entail in pregnancy. Reference: Miller, ME, Dunn, PM. Smith, DW. Uterine malformation and fetal deformation. J Pediair 1979:94:378
Table selection and log-linear models

Abstract The use of multi-dimensional contingency tables has become commonplace in the analysis of epidemiological data. This paper examines two problems in this methodology. First, for data having many response or dependent variables, it is often unclear as to which of many possible tables should be analyzed. A simple algorithm, which provides a systematic approach to this problem, is discussed with the use of an example. The second problem concerns the interpretation of a log-linear model after it has been fitted to a set of data. The collapsibility theorems are used as an aid in summarizing a particular model. The data used concern the occurrence of soft-tissue sarcomas in the limbs.
Strategies For Selecting A Fixed Palette Of Colors

This paper addresses strategies for the selection of fixed palettes of visually articulated colors. To access a computer's color generating capacity, of whatever magnitude, we need to work within some kind of logical display of its color possibilities. Also, in many display applications, the palette of colors is limited. The usual solution is to span the gamut of the display device with uniformly quantized increments. Since these increments are uniform with respect to the color process rather than with respect to the human visual system, the resulting palettes tend to appear non-uniform. Our approach is to start with a visually efficient color space, the Logical Visual Display, which is a refinement of the Munsell system, with its approximate visual uniform quantization. The orthogonal nature of this space makes it easy to adjust the relative resolution of all dimensions of visually perceived color. The division of our display space into planes of constant equal lightness value is advantageous to color mixing and dithering. Colors thus organized are the basic building blocks necessary for facile specification of communicative color sensation. We have found that there is little computational overhead for using these color palettes, since efficient search strategies, such as binary trees, can be independent of uniform, or symmetrical, incremental quantization.