cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for aggressive nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and the role of endoscopic ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration.

Background: Nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-pNETs) are increasingly being diagnosed but management, especially of small tumors, remains a clinical dilemma. Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is now routinely used for diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) but has not been well studied as a tool for identifying aggressive disease. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of the cytology database identified all patients at our center who underwent EUS-FNA from 1999 through 2011 and were diagnosed with NF-pNET. Results: A total of 50 patients were identified. Though patients with metastatic disease had a mean tumor size of 40 mm compared to 25 mm in patients without metastatic disease (P = 0.04), we also identified several patients with tumors 20 mm (P = 0.13). Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, we found that using a cutoff point of 20 mm only led to a sensitivity of 85% in screening for metastases, while lowering the cutoff point to 18 mm allowed for a sensitivity of 95%. Conclusion: Currently, guidelines suggest that only patients with tumors greater than 20 mm undergo surgical resection, as tumors less than this size are thought to have low risk of metastases. Our analysis suggests that these recommendations could lead to undertreating patients with small tumors. Tumor size alone may be inadequate as a marker for aggressive NF-pNETs. Given this, other risk factors for aggressive pNETs should be studied to help identify the patients most likely to benefit from surgery.
Internalized Racism, Perceived Racism, and Ethnic Identity: Exploring Their Relationship in Latina/o Undergraduates

For Latina/o undergraduates, ethnic identity is an important construct linked to self-esteem and educational attainment. Internalized and perceived racism have been hypothesized to hinder ethnic identity development in Latina/o undergraduates. To assess if internalized and perceived racism were inversely related to ethnic identity, the author conducted a hierarchical linear regression with 373 Latina/o undergraduates. There was a significant relationship between internalized racism and ethnic identity. Findings indicate a need to challenge internalized racism in Latina/o undergraduates.
Pharmacological Characteristics of Neohetramine, a New Antihistaminic Drug. II

SummaryThe above observations indicate that Neohetramine possesses well-marked anti-histaminic properties. In addition it has slight atropine-like actions; it does not alter epinephrine or sympathetic nerve responses.
Total heterotopic ossification of an acellular dermal matrix used for abdominal wall reconstruction

Heterotopic ossification is an observable phenomenon in the setting of abdominal wounds, estimated to effect 25% of all patients after midline abdominal surgery. The development of acellular dermal matrices has revolutionised the approach in repairing abdominal hernias, especially for potentially contaminated wounds. We describe a case of heterotopic bone formation incorporating the whole of an acellular dermal matrix in a patient on chronic steroid therapy.
Als je aan het verleden lijdt

Traumatische ervaringen als een ongeval, mishandeling of verkrachting kunnen diepe sporen nalaten. Er kunnen ernstige psychische klachten en gedragsveranderingen door ontstaan die worden samengevat onder de noemer posttraumatische stressstoornis (PTSS). Voor dergelijke klachten, die zich soms nog vele jaren na de traumatische gebeurtenis kunnen voordoen, is EMDR als behandelmethode effectief gebleken. Ook hoogbejaarde en kwetsbare ouderen kunnen er goed mee worden geholpen.
Cell lineage analysis in mammalian embryogenesis.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes different approaches to lineage analysis in mouse embryo and discusses their limitations. It emphasizes newly developed techniques that provide new directions for lineage studies in mammalian embryogenesis. Cell lineage studies are a fundamental component of the comprehensive analysis of any developmental system. Such studies define the fate of cells in the living embryo from egg until birth, identify when and where cells are set aside or allocated to different cell lineages, and determine the progenitor cell number as cells become allocated. Lineage studies delineate the basic developmental decisions that occur during embryogenesis and provide the background for further investigation of mechanisms underlying these decisions. The complementary relationship between cell lineage analysis and the molecular genetics of development is illustrated by recent research in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila , where mutations in genes controlling lineage development are characterized and the wild-type genes cloned. There are important advances in all the three main techniques for lineage analysis in mammalian embryos. Development of ubiquitous in situ genetic markers has greatly enhanced the power of chimera analysis, such that this technique is currently by far the most powerful for later lineage analysis from cells marked in preimplantation stages. Injection of exogenous tracers has elucidated lineage relationships in the intact preimplantation embryo and the precision of marking has also allowed generation of short-term fate maps of the postimplantation embryo.
Harnessing epigenome modifications for better crops

Chemical DNA modifications such as methylation influence translation of the DNA code to specific genetic outcomes. While such modifications can be heritable, others are transient, and their overall contribution to plant genetic diversity remains intriguing but uncertain. In this issue, Gouil and colleagues (pages 2655–2664) characterize the epigenome phenomenon termed ‘paramutation’ underlying a tomato photosynthesis-related gene defect, and in doing so expand our understanding of how epigenome modifications are conferred with exciting implications for crop improvement. It has long been recognized that DNA harbors information of richer texture and fidelity than the DNA sequence alone. Just as recorded texts contain information while volume, emphasis and accent contribute to the ultimate meaning conveyed by language, DNA sequence presents the genetic code while epigenome modifications influence specific conversion of this code into phenotypic traits. Epigenome contributions to genetic diversity and outcomes are gaining in appreciation as genomes and their modifications become ever more readily characterized and cataloged. As examples, whole genome sequencing and genomic DNA–protein interaction studies have revealed that many genomes, including those of important crops, include large repertoires of DNA- and RNA-derived mobile genetic elements rendered silent via chemical modifications, including cytosine methylation and methylation or acetylation of DNA-associated histone proteins (Cui and Cao, 2014). Also heritable epigenome reprogramming is critical in plant embryo development (Schmitz and Ecker, 2012), while developmental epigenome changes contribute to fruit maturation and ripening (Zhong et al., 2013), with additional modifications acquired in response to stress conditions. Recent evidence suggests the existence of molecular mechanisms in place to erase these induced modifications prior to meiotic transfer (Iwasaki and Paszkowski, 2014). A number of epi-alleles (stable genetic variants in DNA methylation patterns, but not DNA sequence) have been reported (Weigel and Colot, 2012), confirming that some heritable genetic diversity is anchored in the epigenome. The realization that a number of genetic diseases are traceable to the epigenome, including some cancers (Timp and Feinberg, 2013), has accelerated interest and inquiry into mechanisms of epigenome modification and resulting manifestations that can contribute to illness. Similarly, research in plants is spurred on by the knowledge that a clearer mechanistic picture of epigenome mechanisms will facilitate our understanding of their relative contributions to crop genetic diversity and open doors to their use for crop improvement.
The link between male employment and child maltreatment in the U.S., 2000-2012

Abstract Child maltreatment rates are strongly linked to adult male behavior, suggesting that labor market conditions, by influencing male behaviors, can influence maltreatment rates. Using the unemployment rate as the sole measure of labor market conditions, past studies generally conclude that employment conditions do not systematically influence child maltreatment rates. By contrast, this study found that state-level child maltreatment rates were statistically significant and inversely related to the state-level employment rates of men, aged 20 to 34 yrs old. It also found that the interaction of child poverty and living in a single-parent household is positively related to child maltreatment rates. Policies to reduce employment problems are discussed.
Cooperative Navigation of Multiple Torpedoes with Communication Delays

Focused on the acoustic communication delay problem with multi-torpedoes cooperative navigation,based on the Synchronous-Clock range measurement and delayed communication information,an unbiased state and consistent covariance estimate algorithm is proposed.The algorithm can computer the measurement innovation covariance exactly,control the increasing of torpedoes' position error with communication delays,and gain the accurate position of torpedoes.Simulation results prove that the algorithm can prove the navigation performance efficiently under short communication delays.
A new multispectral imaging instrument for in-situ characterization of flocs and colloidal aggregates in natural waters

In-situ sampling, characterization and quantification of colloidal aggregates and flocs in ambient water is complex but needed in order to understand their role in development and maintenance of moving fluid muds, muck, bottom boundary lutocline layers and nephelometric interfaces in aquatic systems. These bottom boundary interfaces and associated processes contribute to sedimentation, particle deposition and resuspension of total particulate matter and associated nutrients. Increasing the scientific understanding of the above requires advances in environmental sensing instrumentation (passive and active) to successfully understand these aquatic interfaces. Standalone in-situ sensors that automatically perform multiple steps including sampling, separation, and detection have the potential to greatly advance analytical science. A new in-situ multispectral optical camera system for environmental monitoring and surveillance of delicate flocs and related aggregate structures is described. Results of the system show that flocs - 0.1 mm –10.2 mm diameter (mean diameter of 2.77 mm), with a variance of 5.952 mm and a median effective cross-section area of 30 mm2 can be measured using the passive multispectral optical imaging system. The system is lightweight, compact and suitable for shallow or deep water deployment. When combined with fixed station acoustic echogram instruments, nephelometric (turbidity) waves can be easily observed. Time sequential analysis of imagery allows the system to be used as an optical particle velocimetry system (OPVS). Initial shallow water testing resulted in Lagrangian particle velocities of 0.3 to 3 cm sec-1 to be measured. Similar results were obtained from an acoustic velocity current meter (MAVS3) and a Marsh McBirney 201D electromagnetic current meters. When combined with results from direct methods using sondes for estimating sediment mass fluxes, the combined systems provide data necessary for sediment and water quality modeling. The new optical sensor system will help address analytical needs reported in past studies and provides a new standard method and protocol for measuring the movement of sediment and particulates in the aquatic bottom boundary layers.
Imaging of lower extremity trauma from Boston Marathon bombing

The goal of this study is to describe the imaging features of lower extremity blast injuries in patients encountered in the radiology departments from the Boston Marathon bombings. A total of 115 patients presented to four acute care hospitals on April 15, 2013, 43 of whom presented with lower extremity injuries and were included in this study. The imaging findings of primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary blast injuries were evaluated. Forty-one of 43 patients sustained secondary blast injuries to the lower extremities with 31 patients (70 %) having retained shrapnel, seven patients (16 %) having soft tissue lacerations without retained shrapnel, and ten patients (23 %) having lower extremity amputation (7 % double amputees). Eight of these patients (20 %) had lower extremity fractures, and five patients (12 %) had vascular injuries. Two of the 43 patients (5 %) had only tertiary injuries, and five of 43 patients (12 %) were noted to have lower extremity burns, consistent with quaternary blast injury. No primary blast injury occurred in the lower extremities. A vast majority of lower extremity injuries were from secondary blast injury, most commonly from retained shrapnel in 70 % of patients and 23 % of patients sustaining lower extremity amputation. Retained shrapnel in the lower extremity was most commonly ball bearings and pressure cooker fragments, and most injuries affected the leg, followed by the thigh and foot.
Sediment Liquefaction: A Pore‐Water Pressure Gradient Viewpoint

Liquefaction of fully saturated sediments subjected to earthquake motion is often defined by the condition when effective stress reaches zero. On the other hand, the gradient of excess pore‐water pressure represents the net local surface force, which plays a crucial mechanical role for liquefaction. Herein, we consider two definitions of liquefaction, which yield different liquefaction initiation times and depths. Two hypothetical cases of liquefaction, earthquake‐induced and tsunami‐induced, are given to highlight the differences in the definitions of liquefaction. The results from the hypothetical cases show that the effective stress definition of liquefaction is a special case of the pore‐water pressure gradient definition of liquefaction.
Evolution in the concentration of activities in lithography

From a perusal of the proceedings of the SPIE Advanced Lithography Symposium, the progression of new concepts in lithographic technology can be seen. A new idea first appears in a few papers, and over time, there is an increase in the number of papers on the same topic. Eventually the method becomes commonplace, and the number of papers on the topic declines, as the idea becomes part of our industry’s working knowledge. For example, one or two papers on resolution enhancement techniques (RETs) appeared in the proceedings of the Optical Microlithography Conference in 1989 and 1990. By 1994, the total number of papers had increased to 35. Early lithographers focused on practical issues, such as adhesion promotion and resist edge bead. The introduction of simulation software brought on the next era of lithography. This was followed by a period of time in which RETs were developed and brought to maturity. The introduction of optical proximity corrections (OPC) initiated the next major era of lithography. The traditional path for scaling by using shorter wavelengths, decreasing k 1 and increasing numerical aperture has given way to the current era of optical multiple patterning and lithography-design co-optimization. There has been sufficient activity in EUV lithography R and D to justify a separate EUV Lithography Conference as part of the annual Advanced Lithography Symposium. Each era builds on the cumulative knowledge gained previously. Over time, there have been parallel developments in optics, exposure tools, resist, metrology and mask technology, many of which were associated with changes in the wavelength of light used for leading-edge lithography.
Machine learning based job status prediction in scientific clusters

Large high-performance computing systems are built with increasing number of components with more CPU cores, more memory, and more storage space. At the same time, scientific applications have been growing in complexity. Together, they are leading to more frequent unsuccessful job statuses on HPC systems. From measured job statuses, 23.4% of CPU time was spent to the unsuccessful jobs. We set out to study whether these unsuccessful job statuses could be anticipated from known job characteristics. To explore this possibility, we have developed a job status prediction method for the execution of jobs on scientific clusters. The Random Forests algorithm was applied to extract and characterize the patterns of unsuccessful job statuses. Experimental results show that our method can predict the unsuccessful job statuses from the monitored ongoing job executions in 99.8% the cases with 83.6% recall and 94.8% precision. This prediction accuracy can be sufficiently high that it can be used to mitigation procedures of predicted failures.
A Study of Outcomes of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma in the Elderly

Abstract Abstract 4950 Introduction: Despite improvements in outcome using chemoimmunotherapy, treating elderly patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains challenging. Reliable risk stratification beyond age is lacking and consequently elderly patients are often treated with reduced-dose therapeutic regimen with palliative intent. We retrospectively analyzed outcomes of DLBCL patients aged 65 and older treated at the University of Pennsylvania. Patients and method: We identified 41 patients (pts) with diagnosis of DLBCL and age >65 years. Median age was 74 years (range: 65–86). Eight pts (20%) were age 80 or older. There were no differences in IPI, elevated LDH, or bcl-2 expression, whereas bcl-6 expression was more common in patients >80 years with 75% (6/8) vs. 27% (24/33) (p=0.01). Overall, 31 pts were treated with R-CHOP, 2 pts with R-HyperCVAD and one pt with R-CVP. Seven patients with a median age of 77 years were considered too frail for standard chemotherapy and were treated with a “split R-CHOP” regimen consisting of: rituximab 375 mg/m2 day 1, cyclophosphamide 375 mg/m2 day 1 and 15, adriamycin 25 mg/m2 day 1 and 15, vincristine 1 mg day 1 and 15 and Prednisone 50 mg day 1–5 and day 15–19. Results: Overall, the complete remission (CR) rate was 56% with seven treatment related deaths (17%). For patients between 65 to 80 years of age and deemed fit for standard chemotherapy (n=28), CR rate was 57% with four treatment related deaths (14%). Among patients over 80 and deemed fit for standard chemotherapy (n=6), the CR rate was 50% with 2 treatment related deaths (33%). Frail patients treated with the “split R-CHOP regimen” (n=7) had a CR rate of 57% with one (14%) treatment related death. For all patients, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 1 year with a median overall survival (OS) of 2 years. The median PFS for pts between 65 and 80 years of age treated with standard chemotherapy was 16 months. Median PFS in pts >80 years of age treated with standard chemotherapy was 7 months, whereas median PFS in frail pts treated with “split R-CHOP regimen” was 11.7 months. Conclusions: Our data reveal interesting findings about elderly pts treated for DLBCL. PFS and OS in general are poor as has been reported by others. In our data set, pts>80 years considered fit for standard chemotherapy, had a shorter PFS then fit patients between 65 to 80 years. Intriguingly, PFS among frail elderly patients treated with a “split R-CHOP” regimen appears to be superior to that of elderly deemed more robust who were treated with standard dose RCHOP-21. Though limited by small numbers, our institutional data suggest that frail patients can tolerate a modified R-CHOP regimen although survival remains short. Download : Download high-res image (14KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Joule Heating and Thermal Denaturation of Proteins in Nano-ESI Theta Tips

Electro-osmotically induced Joule heating in theta tips and its effect on protein denaturation were investigated. Myoglobin, equine cytochrome c, bovine cytochrome c, and carbonic anhydrase II solutions were subjected to electro-osmosis in a theta tip and all of the proteins were denatured during the process. The extent of protein denaturation was found to increase with the applied square wave voltage and electrolyte concentration. The solution temperature at the end of a theta tip was measured directly by Raman spectroscopy and shown to increase with the square wave voltage, thereby demonstrating the effect of Joule heating through an independent method. The electro-osmosis of a solution comprised of myoglobin, bovine cytochrome c, and ubiquitin demonstrated that the magnitude of Joule heating that causes protein denaturation is positively correlated with protein melting temperature. This allows for a quick determination of a protein's relative thermal stability. This work establishes a fast, novel method for protein conformation manipulation prior to MS analysis and provides a temperature-controllable platform for the study of processes that take place in solution with direct coupling to mass spectrometry. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
Herbs, Phytoestrogens, and Other CAM Therapies

Publisher Summary Most complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for menopausal symptoms are benign. Studies should be done to delineate both benefits and risks because CAM therapies are widely used. The current evidence on the use of phytoestrogens and herbs for hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms is unimpressive—most studies of herbs found them no better than placebo. Hot flushes are notoriously placebo-responsive. Among herbs tested for hot flushes, limited evidence supports a beneficial effect only for black cohosh. Red clover has been shown ineffective in two of three trials. Single trials show no effect of dong quai, wild yam, evening primrose oil, ginseng, and a Chinese herb mixture. Although some trials of herbs were quite small and may have been underpowered, it is clear that the herbs tested to date lack a dramatic effect. Behavioral techniques, including relaxation and biofeedback, may be helpful for some women. Because of the well-established risks of hormone therapy, interest in CAM therapies for menopausal symptoms may increase. A variety of complementary therapies deserve further research.
Isolated resonant DC-DC converters with a loosely coupled transformer

We present a dc-dc resonant converter structure that has a pair of loosely coupled inductors in place of one filter inductor and two resonant inductors. Not only the number of inductors is reduced by one, but in this arrangment the transformer provides galvanic isolation and requires a sub-unity coupling coefficient which eases the implementation, especially at high switching frequencies. Various topologies, including class-E, DE, and Φ2, benefit from this structure. Since the new converter structure is equivalent to the conventional structure, existing design methodologies are directly applicable. We demonstrate four dc-dc converters consisting of a class-E inverter and a class-E rectifier with the efficiency of 74%, 90%, 92%, and 96% and the input-to-output voltage ratio ranging from 4 to 12.
Learning How to be a Man the Hard Way

Each time I turn my attention to this piece, my stomach starts to churn. Two decades after a sexual assault I still feel like a sixteen-year-old huddled in the corner sobbing. My hands shake.
Novel Algorithm to Help Identify Stroke Mimics.

Background Stroke is a major cause of disability in the United States. A portion of patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms in the emergency room who receive tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) do not end up having a true stroke, leading to unnecessary health-care costs. The aim of our study is to identify those patients who have a high likelihood of experiencing a stroke mimic using a novel stroke mimic score and to identify a cutoff point with a high specificity of ruling in stroke mimics. Methods We reviewed literature on stroke mimics and the various associated risk factors. We devised a 9-point scoring system and applied it retrospectively to patients who received tPA from 2010 to 2014 to calculate a score for each patient. Results The final sample size was 105 patients, out of which 25% turned out to be patients with stroke mimics. Patients with stroke mimic were significantly younger and more likely to have history of seizure, migraine, or prior psychiatric illness. History of atrial fibrillation had the highest correlation with true stroke. We found approximately 100% specificity in ruling in a stroke mimic if a patient scored more than 5 points. Conclusions Our stroke mimic scoring system along with a basic neurologic examination could be a useful tool in the identification of stroke mimics with a high specificity in the emergency room setting. These patients may require further studies such as rapid magnetic resonance imaging, which would decrease unnecessary tPA administration and hospital admissions.
The Detection and Identification of Biochemicals

In this chapter, we review the application of tunneling spectroscopy to the study of biological molecules. These studies have included molecules with a wide range of molecular weights and include amino acids, bases, nucleotides, nucleic acids, and proteins. These compounds represent the important building blocks of biological materials, and detailed descriptions of them can be found in standard texts on biochemistry.(1.2) Using inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (IETS) techniques to examine these molecules involves the same problems as encountered in many other IETS studies, although resolution problems associated with molecules of large molecular weight play an increasingly important role.
Pico Iyer. Abandon: A Romance

(2003). Pico Iyer. Abandon: A Romance. South Asian Review: Vol. 24, Globalization and Diaspora, pp. 259-261.
Exploring the Capabilities of Mobile Devices Supporting Deep Learning

With the increasingly more powerful mobile devices, it becomes possible to perform more deep learning tasks on the devices, and there are also important advantages of learning on devices, such as personalization and efficiency. However, a good understanding of the capabilities of modern mobile devices for deep learning is generally lacking. To address this gap in knowledge, this paper presents a comprehensive study on performing training and inference of deep neural networks (DNNs) on mobile devices. This study is based on TensorFlow+, an extension of the widely used TensorFlow framework that enables it to train DNNs on devices and use the available GPUs to accelerate the learning. The most significant results of our study are: 1) The size of the network is crucial not only to meet the device's memory constraint but also for training performance; 2) Hardware acceleration is important to the learning speed on devices. By accelerating both the forward and backward path with the device's GPU, our extended TensorFlow can cut down the training time by 44.8%; 3) Comparing CPU, memory, and battery usages, memory size is the most serious constraint to training networks on devices.
Whole-transcriptome changes in gene expression accompany aging of sensory neurons in Aplysia californica.

Large-scale molecular changes occur during aging and have many downstream consequences on whole-organism function, such as motor function, learning, and memory. The marine mollusk Aplysia californica can be used to study transcriptional changes that occur with age in identified neurons of the brain, because its simplified nervous system allows for more direct correlations between molecular changes, physiological changes, and their phenotypic outcomes. Behavioral deficits in the tail-withdrawal reflex of aged animals have been correlated with reduced excitation in sensory neurons that control the reflex. RNASeq was used to investigate whole-transcriptome changes in tail-withdrawal sensory neurons of sexually mature and aged Aplysia to correlate transcriptional changes with reduced behavioral and physiological responses. Paired-end sequencing resulted in 210 million reads used for differential expression analysis. Aging significantly altered expression of 1202 transcripts in sensory neurons underlying the tail-withdrawal reflex, with an approximately equal number of these genes up- and down regulated with age. Despite overall bidirectionality of expression changes, > 80% of ion channel genes that were differentially expressed had decreased expression with age. In particular, several voltage-gated K+ and Ca2+ channels were down regulated. This marked decrease in ion channel expression may play an important role in previously observed declines in aged sensory neuron excitability. We also observed decreased expression of genes and pathways involved in learning and memory. Genes involved in the stress response showed increased expression in aged Aplysia neurons. Significantly altered expression of many genes between sexually mature and aged Aplysia suggests large molecular changes that may impact neuronal function. Decreased ion channel mRNA observed could mean fewer receptors present in aged neurons, resulting in reduced excitability of PVC sensory neurons, ultimately leading to reduced tail-withdrawal reflex observed in aged Aplysia. Significant changes in other genes and pathways, such as stress response and learning and memory, have previously been shown to occur with age in many vertebrate organisms. This suggests that some effects of aging are common across many animal phyla.
Determination of Drug Binding to Microtubules In Vitro

Many naturally occurring compounds and their synthetic analogs bind to soluble tubulin or to tubulin in microtubules. These compounds are often important drugs or drug candidates. They can potently alter both the dynamics and the polymer mass of microtubules. The binding affinity of a drug for soluble tubulin heterodimers is a common and relatively readily determined biochemical characteristic of a tubulin-targeted drug. However, it is only one important aspect of the drug-tubulin interaction. In solution and in cells, soluble tubulin is in equilibrium with polymerized microtubules. It is as important to determine drug binding to microtubules as it is to determine binding to soluble tubulin, since drug binding to microtubules frequently alters their function. The affinity of a compound for microtubules often differs vastly from its affinity for soluble tubulin. Here, we present detailed instructions for assessing binding stoichiometry and affinity to assembled unstabilized microtubules using radiolabeled drug. In addition, using examples from binding results with several important drugs including vinca alkaloids, colchicine, eribulin, and taxanes, we discuss aspects of the interactions with microtubules that may alter the experimental design of the drug-binding experiments.
The Aquatic Interface

Soil-mediated effects are an important factor in determining the chemistry of surface waters even though (1) some waters do not intimately contact soil before entering lakes and streams and (2) soil-contacted waters often are further modified by contact with rocks and minerals after leaving soils and before being discharged to surface waters. The nature of soil-mediated effects is often not well understood. Some workers have been skeptical that acid deposition could cause significant acidification of surface waters that come into contact with soils because of the large buffering capacity inherent in soils through such processes as cation exchange, mineral dissolution, and protonation of organic acids (Krug and Frink 1983). Others have assumed that the combination of documented increases in acidity along with high SO 4 2− concentrations in areas of heavy acid deposition loading were sufficient a priori evidence to implicate acid deposition as the major causative agent (Schindler 1980; Schofield 1980). The resultant controversy has been enormous, as might be expected when apparently conflicting evidence is available on an issue that bears on regulatory policies that, in turn, could cost huge sums for compliance. It is unrealistic to expect that we can currently contribute sufficient insight into the relevant processes to resolve such a conflict. However, given our current level of understanding, perhaps this chapter can help to focus efforts on those processes that have a valid theoretical basis and, thus, help toward arriving at a rational resolution of the conflict.
Towards Consistent Vision-Aided Inertial Navigation

In this paper, we study estimator inconsistency in Vision-aided Inertial Navigation Systems (VINS) from a standpoint of system observability. We postulate that a leading cause of inconsistency is the gain of spurious information along unobservable directions, resulting in smaller uncertainties, larger estimation errors, and possibly even divergence.We develop an Observability-Constrained VINS (OC-VINS), which explicitly enforces the unobservable directions of the system, hence preventing spurious information gain and reducing inconsistency. Our analysis, along with the proposed method for reducing inconsistency, are extensively validated with simulation trials and real-world experiments.
Sentinel lymphadenectomy: a safe answer to less axillary surgery?

The surgical evolution of breast cancer treatment over the past century from Halsted through Haagensen and Urban has demonstrated the utility of radical and ultra-radical surgery. Patey, Meyer, and subsequently Fisher’s studies have initiated the movement toward surgical breast conservation. The continued progress toward lesser surgery has brought the value of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) under close scrutiny (Frazier et al. 1977; Silverstein et al. 1987; Balch et al. 1993).
INACTIVATION OF CYTOCHROME P-450 BY SUICIDE SUBSTRATES. PARTIAL STRUCTURE OF THE RESULTING PROSTHETIC-HEME ADDUCTS

The following substrates alkylate the prosthetic-heme of cytochrome P-450 during catalytic interaction with the enzyme: 2-isopropyl-4-pentenamide, methyl 2-isopropyl-4-pentenoate, norethisterone, 1-ethynylcyclohexanol, 1-ethynylcyclopentanol, and 3-phenoxy-1-propyne. Mass spectrometric studies suggest that an oxygen atom is incorporated into each substrate prior to or during the alkylation process.
Smart ring: a wearable device for hand hygiene compliance monitoring at the point-of-need

Hand hygiene compliance is one of the most effective means to prevent the spread of infections and diseases. The centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands for at least 20 s. However, current hand hygiene compliance monitoring relies on either direct observation or complex electronic compliance monitoring systems. Here, we reported a simple, inexpensive, compact, wearable fluid sensing device, dubbed “smart ring”, for real-time monitoring hand hygiene compliance. The proposed smart ring was prototyped by 3D printing technology and includes an electrochemical fluid sensor, a LED indicator and an embedded electronic board. The ring is capable of detecting hand-washing events and monitoring hand-washing time without need for any expensive electronic monitoring instrument and well-trained personnel. It has been successfully demonstrated to detect a variety of hand-washing agents, such as tap water, soaps, sanitizers, and antimicrobial agents. Such a simple, compact, wearable device could open the door to improve hand hygiene compliance and reduce infection rates in our daily life, especially in hospitals, food businesses and schools.
Do Peri-Transplant Respiratory Viral Infections Increase Incidence of Idiopathic Pneumonia Syndrome or Bronchiolitis Obliterans in Pediatric Pateints?

Background Upper respiratory viral infections are common in the pediatric population. Idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) and bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) are rare, but devastating and life-threatening complications post hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). It has been suggested in work by others that IPS and BO are consequences of early inflammation, and recent data support this hypothesis (Versluys et al, Translational and Clinical Immunology, 2018). Respiratory viral infections early in the peri-transplant period may result in inflammation leading to development of IPS and BO post HSCT. Objectives The primary objective of this study was to determine whether pre-transplant respiratory viral infection or colonization increase incidence of IPS and BO. We hypothesized that patients who acquire respiratory viral infections in the peri-transplant period have increased incidence of IPS and BO. Methods We abstracted and analyzed clinically collected data and compared the frequency of post-transplant respiratory viral complications with the presence of upper respiratory viral infections within 30 days prior to transplant. A Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) or a nasal swab were used to identify upper respiratory viral infections. Epstein Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and other upper respiratory viral infections were tested in 181 patients, transplanted between 2008 and 2018. Outcomes studied included IPS, BO, transplant associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), graft versus host disease (GVHD), and overall survival (OS). Patients who did not have a BAL or a nasal swab within 30 days prior to transplant were excluded. Results Forty seven of 181 patients had a positive BAL or nasal swab prior to HSCT (group A). There were 53 documented respiratory viral infections in group A. Two tested positive for either coronavirus, herpes simplex virus (HSV) or para-influenza virus, 3 tested positive for adenovirus, human herpes 6, influenza, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), EBV and CMV were detected in 9 patients, 1 patient had human metapneumovirus and there were 16 rhino virus infections documented prior to HSCT. Some patients tested positive for more than 1 respiratory viral infection at the time of testing. Results of our study are summarized below in Figure 1. Conclusion Contrary to our hypothesis, our data do not support an association between upper respiratory viral infections prior to transplant and post-transplant IPS or BO. Our data may differ from the findings of others due to a relatively small number of events in our population, or to differences in patient populations being studied, or to differences in transplant strategies.
Family-School Partnerships in Ethnocultural Communities: Reorienting Conceptual Frameworks, Research Methods, and Intervention Efforts by Rotating Our Lens

In this introductory chapter, the authors will explore research seeking to “flip the script” with respect to where authority and expertise are located within home-school connections in ethnocultural communities. The primary aim is to describe how a reorientation from the predominant “school-to-home” perspective to a “home-to-school” perspective in the field of family-school partnership research could revolutionize programmatic and intervention efforts. By adopting a rotated lens through which to view family-school partnerships that acknowledges these partnerships are both relationally and culturally situated, this introductory chapter will also focus on the need for a diversity of methods and transdisciplinary approaches to guide research with ethnoculturally diverse communities. Throughout the volume, challenges and potential directions for research that contribute to better understandings of culture and context in the family-school space will be explored.
Low Birth Weight is More Common in Food Insecure Pregnant Malawian Women with Moderate Malnutrition

AimTo determine if food insecurity for pregnant women with moderate malnutrition (MAM) affects gestational weight gain, infant weight and length. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial enrolled 18...
Abstract 1951: Increased glioma collagen is associated with greater blood flow and peri-tumoral fluid flux, but less infiltration

Introduction: Composition of the glioma microenvironment (TME) determines tumor growth rate, invasion, metastasis and resistance to treatment. Compared to normal brain, tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) has a higher concentration of structural proteins including collagen, laminin, tenascin, and vinculin. We compared collagen expression in two rat models of glioma, human U251 grown in immune-compromised rats and 9L in syngeneic Fischer-344 rats, representing primary and recurrent glioma features, respectively. Experimental procedures: The U251 and 9L cells were implanted in the right brain hemisphere of female RNU rats (n=10) and Fischer-344 rats (n=7), respectively. Rats were imaged 2 to 3 weeks after implantation by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Tumor size, blood flow, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), blood-to-tumor forward volumetric transfer constant (Ktrans), peri-tumoral contrast flux (Flux), hydraulic conductivity (K), and extracellular volume fraction (VD) in the tumor (VD-tumor), tumor rim (VD-rim) and its periphery (VD-peri) along with tumor interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP) were measured. Immediately after imaging, brains were processed for paraffin embedding and histopathology. Brain sections (6 µm) containing the tumor were stained for collagen using Picrosirius red and adjacent brain sections with hematoxylin and eosin (HE 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1951.
The Struggle Over Black Lives Matter and All Lives Matter

The Struggle Over Black Lives Matter and All Lives Matter is a localized study of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and the #AllLivesMatter (#ALM) countermovement as played out in Memphis, Tenn...
Eyes on the Prize: Procedures and Strategies for Collecting Money Judgments and Shielding Assets

This is an excerpt from a new, concise handbook on the civil procedure that few talk about and many do not know exists. It charts the metamorphosis by which the caterpillar of a money judgment is transformed into the butterfly of... money. It is a law student- and new practitioner-oriented guidebook survey of the mechanics and strategies for every step of the process of collecting (or defending against collection) on a money judgment, including domestication and discovery, seizure and turnover, liens and priority battles, exemptions and asset protection, fraudulent conveyance recovery and bankruptcy. It offers a detailed analysis of common, modern asset classes — bank accounts, wages, business investments and securities, and intellectual property — and governing federal and state law in three representative states: New York (traditional), California (innovative), and Illinois (aggressively modernized), with comments on selected highlights in other states (Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and others). An accessible, hands-on resource for reviving the study of post-judgment collections and defense law in the 21st century, the book concludes with hypothetical practice exercises and carefully edited statutory appendices to supplement basic courses in Civil Procedure, Remedies, Bankruptcy, Secured Finance, and other courses.
Introduction to Best-Packing and Best-Covering

In this chapter we discuss two fundamental problems of discrete geometry, the best-packing problem and the best-covering problem. In Section 3.1 the general best-packing problem is introduced. We show that it is the limiting case as \(s\rightarrow \infty \) of the Riesz s-energy problem, see Proposition 3.1.2. In that section we also estimate the minimal pairwise separation of an N-point s-energy minimizing configuration on a path connected compact set. Section 3.2 introduces the general best-covering problem and discusses the basic relationship between best-packing distance and mesh ratio on a given compact set.
Using Web-based Information To Facilitate Inclusion Practices in Rural Communities

The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act in 1997 places greater emphasis on the inclusion of students with special needs in the general education classroom. For many rural schoo...
Solubility and Activity Coefficients of Three Triazine-Type Compounds in Various Low Ionic Strength Aqueous Solutions

In this work, three triazine-type compounds were studied for their solubilities in aqueous and saline environments. Using potentiometric titration and gravimetric methods, the solubility of cyanuri...
A biocultural examination of home food production and child growth in highland Peru.

OBJECTIVES Chronic malnutrition remains a persistent global health issue. This mixed methods investigation in rural Peru examines the role of home food production (HFP) in reducing child malnutrition by testing the following hypotheses: (a) higher HFP will be associated with higher infant z-scores than those with less HFP and (b) infants with higher HFP will exhibit improved longitudinal growth outcomes across 6 months. METHODS Ethnographic methods include semi-structured interviews and participant observation. A household survey and anthropometric data were collected twice, from 86 infants under of 24 months old. A HFP index (HFI) was generated based on reports of animals for meat consumption, eggs, milk, and agricultural products for home consumption. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine patterns of HFI and infant anthropometrics. Multivariate regressions were used to examine the relationships between HFP and infant height for age (HAZ), weight for age (WAZ), and triceps skinfold for age (TSAZ) in both rounds and 6-month change between rounds (6MΔ). RESULTS There were no relationships between HFI and infant z-scores in round one, however, HFI was significantly positively related to HAZ (B = 0.091, P < .039) in round two and with 6MΔ in HAZ (B = 0.09, P < .047). HFI did not predict WAZ or TSAZ in either round. CONCLUSIONS HFP represents an important influence of infant growth in Nunoa, likely through nutritional improvement due to increased availability of animal-sourced foods and through contribution to household economy and maternal empowerment.
Engaging Parents in Education for Discharge (ePED): Evaluating the Reach, Adoption & Implementation of an Innovative Discharge Teaching Method

Abstract Purpose This paper describes the evaluation of the implementation of an innovative teaching method, the “Engaging Parents in Education for Discharge” (ePED) iPad application (app), at a pediatric hospital. Design and methods The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was used to guide the evaluation. Three of the five RE-AIM elements are addressed in this study: Reach, Adoption, and Implementation. Results The Reach of the ePED was 245 of 1015 (24.2%) patient discharges. The Adoption rate was 211 of 245 (86%) patients discharged in the five months' study period. High levels of fidelity (89.3%) to Implementation of the ePED were attained: the Signs and Symptoms domain had the highest (93%) and Thinking Forward about Family Adjustment screen had the lowest fidelity (83.3%). Nurse themes explained implementation fidelity: “It takes longer”, and “Forgot to do it.” Conclusions The ePED app operationalized how to have an engaging structured discharge conversation with parents. While the Reach of the ePED app was low under the study conditions, the adoption rate was positive. Nurses were able to integrate a theory-driven practice change into their daily routine when using the ePED app. Implications for practice The rates of adoption and implementation fidelity support the feasibility of future hospital wide implementation to improve patient and family healthcare experience. Attention to training of new content and the interactive conversation approach will be needed to fully leverage the value of the ePED app. Future studies are needed to evaluate the maintenance of the ePED app.
Off-Label Use of Intravenous Olanzapine for Agitation After Neurologic Injury

Background: Small studies have described the off-label use of intravenous (IV) olanzapine for the management of acute agitation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy an...