cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motor perseverations in schizophrenia

Classical neuropsychological descriptions of prefrontal syndromes emphasize qualitative, productive symptoms, among which the phenomena known as motor perseverations occupy a central position. The now popular assertions that selective prefrontal dysfunction characterizes chronic schizophrenia would be more compelling if such productive symptoms could be reliably elicited in these patients. The present study demonstrated the presence of conspicuous motor perseverations in a sample of chronic schizophrenic inpatients, elicited using techniques that were developed and validated in studies of patients with known frontal lobe lesions. The observedperseverations closely resemble, both in severity and typology, those documented in cases with focal damage to prefrontal cortex. The findings support the contention that prefrontal dysfunction exists in chronic schizophrenia.
Shape factor analysis of progressive rat hepatoma images

We explore the hypothesis that shape factors can be used as tools to probe disease progression in addition to being used for simple classification. We define and apply a new shape factor to digital images of tumor cross sections of progressive rat hepatoma. Using a number of standard pathological measures, each image is also associated with a "disease time," a continuous variable between 0 and 1 with 0 being disease initiation and 1 being a near-fatal condition. The images are converted to data files that represent the 2-D shapes of the tumors. Their shape factors are then determined and plotted versus disease time. The results show that the shape factor can indicate and localize the tumor structural phase transition that occurs between uniform growth and infiltration.
A Low-Power Blocking-Capacitor-Free Charge-Balanced Electrode-Stimulator Chip With Less Than 6 nA DC Error for 1-mA Full-Scale Stimulation

Large dc blocking capacitors are a bottleneck in reducing the size and cost of neural implants. We describe an electrode-stimulator chip that removes the need for large dc blocking capacitors in neural implants by achieving precise charge-balanced stimulation with <6 nA of dc error. For cochlear implant patients, this is well below the industry's safety limit of 25 nA. Charge balance is achieved by dynamic current balancing to reduce the mismatch between the positive and negative phases of current to 0.4%, followed by a shorting phase of at least 1 ms between current pulses to further reduce the charge error. On +6 and -9 V rails in a 0.7-mum AMI high voltage process, the power consumption of a single channel of this chip is 47 muW when biasing power is shared by 16 channels.
"I Was Born Here, but My Home, It's Not Here": Educating for Democratic Citizenship in an Era of Transnational Migration and Global Conflict

In this article, Thea Renda Abu El-Haj shares her research on how a group of Palestinian American high school youth understand themselves as members of the U.S. community, of the Palestinian American community, and of communities in Palestine. She argues that, for these youth, coming to terms with who they are has a great deal to do both with how they view themselves and how Palestinian Americans are viewed in the imagined community of the United States, especially after September 11, 2001. Her research reports on the tensions these youth face as they deal with school issues, like pledging allegiance to the U.S. flag, teacher harassment, and disciplinary sanctions related to being framed as "terrorists," that affect how they think about citizenship and belonging. Given the complex way these and other youth experience belonging, Abu El-Haj ends with a call for a greater commitment to, and a more nuanced understanding of, citizenship education.
Low-Order Modeling of Internal Heat Transfer in Biomass Particle Pyrolysis

We present a computationally efficient, one-dimensional simulation methodology for biomass particle heating under conditions typical of fast pyrolysis. Our methodology is based on identifying the rate limiting geometric and structural factors for conductive heat transport in biomass particle models with realistic morphology to develop low-order approximations that behave appropriately. Comparisons of transient temperature trends predicted by our one-dimensional method with three-dimensional simulations of woody biomass particles reveal good agreement, if the appropriate equivalent spherical diameter and bulk thermal properties are used. We conclude that, for particle sizes and heating regimes typical of fast pyrolysis, it is possible to simulate biomass particle heating with reasonable accuracy and minimal computational overhead, even when variable size, aspherical shape, anisotropic conductivity, and complex, species-specific internal pore geometry are incorporated.
Research on methods of hydro-generator fault diagnosis and software design

The hydro-generator fault diagnosis system includes many aspects.This paper discusses two kinds of analysis methods which are fault diagnosis expert system and fault tree.This paper introduces the principle and framework of the fault diagnosis expert system and fault tree,the designing and realization of the two kinds of methods and also the application example is given in this paper.
Improved rough clustering method based on genetic algorithm

Traditional clustering methods use hard calculations to divide data objects,but in reality,the objects of different classes often do not have clear boundaries between different kinds of clusters.Rough set theory provides a method of dealing with uncertain boundary objects.Therefore,the rough theory and k-means method are combined.Meanwhile,the traditional k-means clustering method must be given in advance the number of clusters k,but in the actual cases,k is difficult to establish;In addition,traditional k-means algorithm has powerful local search capability,but easily falls into local optimum.Genetic algorithm can get the global optimal solution,but the convergence is fast.In view of this,this paper presents an improved rough clustering method based on genetic algorithm.The algorithm can dynamically generate the number of k-means clustering,using max-min principle to generate the initial cluster centers.Rough set theory's upper and lower approximation set is combined to deal with the boundary object.Finally,the UCI's Iris set is used to test the algorithm.The experimental results show that the algorithm has higher accuracy rate and more stable performance.
Influence of rifampin on tocainide pharmacokinetics in humans.

The effects of metabolic enzyme induction by rifampin on the pharmacokinetics of tocainide were studied in eight healthy volunteers. In an open, unrandomized fashion, volunteers received tocainide hydrochloride 600 mg orally. Blood samples were obtained immediately before and at various time intervals up to 48 hours after the dose. Urine samples were collected before and at various intervals up to 72 hours after the dose. Serum and urine samples were assayed for tocainide content by high-performance liquid chromatography. After a four-week washout period, volunteers ingested 300 mg of rifampin by mouth every 12 hours. After 10 doses, subjects received a second oral dose of tocainide hydrochloride 600 mg, and blood and urine samples were collected as before. During the sampling period, subjects continued to ingest rifampin 300 mg orally every 12 hours. Significant differences in elimination rate constant (average increase, 0.0545 to 0.0748 hr-1), elimination half-life (average reduction, 13.2 to 9.4 hours), oral clearance, and area under the concentration-time curve (average reduction, 76.8 to 55.0 mg.hr/L) between the control and rifampin treatment phases were observed. Volume of distribution and renal clearance of tocainide were not significantly different after rifampin treatment. Tocainide appears to be susceptible to significant drug-drug interactions mediated by metabolic enzyme induction.
Quadratic regularization design for 3D axial CT: Towards isotropic noise

Potential advantages of statistical image reconstruction (SIR) methods over conventional filtered back-projection (FBP) method include reduced patient dose, improved noise and spatial resolution properties. However, the use of statistical weightings and sophisticated modeling of the system that are responsible for these improvements can lead to anisotropic and nonuniform noise characteristics and spatial resolutions. As an extension to our previous work that aimed for more isotropic and uniform spatial resolution, we propose a quadratic regularization design method for 3D axial X-ray computed tomography (CT) to achieve isotropy and uniformity of noise characteristics in the reconstructed image. In practice, noise properties may affect diagnostic quality of the reconstructed image as much as the spatial resolution. Simulations and a phantom experiment demonstrate that the proposed method leads to more isotropic and uniform noise characteristics in 3D axial CT with modest computational cost.
Experimental Modeling of Unsaturated Intermediate Geomaterials for Sustainable Design of Geotechnical Infrastructure

Over the last few decades, intensive and sustained experimental efforts have been undertaken worldwide that have defined the threshold of our understanding of unsaturated soil behavior. The adoption of matric suction and the excess of total stress over air pressure, that is, net normal stress, as the relevant stress state variables, have facilitated the investigation of key features of unsaturated soil behavior via either axis-translation or vapor transfer technique. The present paper documents some of the most recent advances in experimental modeling of intermediate geomaterials over a whole range of suction-controlled paths and modes of deformation. Its main sections describe the test protocols and corresponding results from suction-controlled resonant column, biaxial, triaxial, and ring shear testing programs recently accomplished at the Advanced Geomechanics Laboratory (AGL) of the University of Texas at Arlington, via either axis-translation or vapor transfer technique.
Reliability of a 3D Body Scanner for Anthropometric Measurements of Central Obesity.

BACKGROUND Central obesity poses a significant risk for cardiovascular diseases, but the reproducibility of manual measurements of waist and hip circumferences has been questioned. An automated 3D body scanner that uses white light rays could potentially increase the reliability of these anthropometric measurements. METHODS We assessed the reproducibility of anthropometric measurements performed manually and using a 3D-scanner in 83 adult volunteers. Manual measures of WC and HC were obtained using unmarked, non-elastic ribbons in order to avoid observer and confirmation bias. The 3D-scanner was used to create body images and to obtain WC and HC measurements in an automated fashion. RESULTS The inter-observer mean differences were 3.9 ± 2.4 cm for WC; 2.7 ± 2.4 cm, for HC, and 0.006 ± 0.02 cm for WHR. Intra-observer mean differences for manual measurements were 3.1 ± 1.9 cm for WC, 1.8 ± 2.2 cm for HC and 0.11 ± 0.1 cm for WHR. The 3D-scanner variability for WC was 1.3 ± 0.9 cm, for HC was 0.8 ± 0.1 and 0.005 ± 0.01 cm for WHR. All means were significantly different (p<0.05) between manual and automated methods. CONCLUSION The 3D-scanner is a more reliable and reproducible method for measuring WC, HC and WHR to detect central obesity.
Associations between women's perceptions of domestic violence and contraceptive use in seven countries in West and Central Africa

Abstract Objectives This study examined associations of women’s attitudes toward domestic violence (DV) and contraceptive use in West and Central Africa. Study design We used data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys for women in seven countries in West and Central Africa (2009–2011, n = 80,055). Main outcome measure We measured contraceptive use as none, traditional, or modern contraceptives. DV approval was measured as no, low, or high tolerance of wife beating. Multinomial logistic regression estimated odds of using traditional or modern methods versus none, adjusting for age, education, wealth, residence, parity, marital structure, spousal age-difference, and religion. Results Many women had no or low DV tolerance (41%, 44%, respectively); most used no contraception (81%). In adjusted results, women with low DV tolerance had lower odds of using traditional contraceptive methods (odds ratio, OR = 0.87; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.78–0.98) or modern methods (OR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.78–0.95) compared to women with no tolerance. Women with high DV tolerance had 28% lower odds of traditional contraceptive use (95% CI: 0.60–0.90), and 38% lower odds of modern contraceptive use (95% CI: 0.59–0.88) compared to women with no tolerance. Conclusion The high prevalence of DV approval may threaten the success of programs aimed at improving women’s reproductive health, including contraceptive use.
Protein structure prediction using Rosetta in CASP12

We describe several notable aspects of our structure predictions using Rosetta in CASP12 in the free modeling (FM) and refinement (TR) categories. First, we had previously generated (and published) models for most large protein families lacking experimentally determined structures using Rosetta guided by co-evolution based contact predictions, and for several targets these models proved better starting points for comparative modeling than any known crystal structure-our model database thus starts to fulfill one of the goals of the original protein structure initiative. Second, while our "human" group simply submitted ROBETTA models for most targets, for six targets expert intervention improved predictions considerably; the largest improvement was for T0886 where we correctly parsed two discontinuous domains guided by predicted contact maps to accurately identify a structural homolog of the same fold. Third, Rosetta all atom refinement followed by MD simulations led to consistent but small improvements when starting models were close to the native structure, and larger but less consistent improvements when starting models were further away.
Case Study of the Integrated Model for Estimation of Sediment Load in Artificial River Channel

AbstractSedimentation is one of the most important factors affecting stream channel stability. A proposed model was developed to estimate the sediment load of an artificial channel by the integrati...
Financial Incentives and Vulnerable Populations — Will Alternative Payment Models Help or Hurt?

Financial Incentives and Vulnerable Populations Understanding clinicians’ likely responses to the incentives provided by alternative payment models, and therefore the potential consequences for vulnerable populations, is critical if we wish to maximize benefits and reduce harms.
Statement of Gail Heriot in the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights' Report: Race Neutral Enforcement of the Law?: DOJ and the New Black Panther Party Litigation

In late 2010, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released a report entitled Race Neutral Enforcement of the Law?: DOJ and the New Black Panther Party Litigation (An Interim Report). This Statement was part of that report. It discusses accusations that the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division failed to execute the law in a race neutral manner in disposing of the litigation over the New Black Panther Party incident in Philadelphia in 2008. The Statement also discusses evidence that the Civil Rights Division has failed to execute the law in a race neutral manner on other occasions, including United States v. Brown, which involved election irregularities in Noxubee County, Mississippi.
All-Optical Photoacoustic Sensors for Steel Rebar Corrosion Monitoring.

This article presents an application of an active all-optical photoacoustic sensing system with four elements for steel rebar corrosion monitoring. The sensor utilized a photoacoustic mechanism of gold nanocomposites to generate 8 MHz broadband ultrasound pulses in 0.4 mm compact space. A nanosecond 532 nm pulsed laser and 400 μm multimode fiber were employed to incite an ultrasound reaction. The fiber Bragg gratings were used as distributed ultrasound detectors. Accelerated corrosion testing was applied to four sections of a single steel rebar with four different corrosion degrees. Our results demonstrated that the mass loss of steel rebar displayed an exponential growth with ultrasound frequency shifts. The sensitivity of the sensing system was such that 0.175 MHz central frequency reduction corresponded to 0.02 g mass loss of steel rebar corrosion. It was proved that the all-optical photoacoustic sensing system can actively evaluate the corrosion of steel rebar via ultrasound spectrum. This multipoint all-optical photoacoustic method is promising for embedment into a concrete structure for distributed corrosion monitoring.
THE BIRTH OF A PARADIGM

There is no better, there is no more open door by which you can enter into the study of natural philosophy than by considering the physical phenomena of a candle.
Skin-associated lymphoid tissue

Skin-associated lymphoid tissues represents a conceptual framework on which an understanding of cutaneous immunity can be built. It is clear that regional specialization of the immune system exist, and one such specialization is represented by SALT. The skin contains, especially within the epidermis, several important types of lymphoreticular cells whose interactions with antigens and with neighboring keratinocytes lead to elaboration of antigenic signals that can be acted on by immunocompetent lymphocytes. The recirculating properties of a subset of skin-seeking T lymphocytes equips them to migrate preferentially through dermal vessels and the lymph nodes that drain the skin, creating a network of surveillance and communication that ensures that appropriate immune effectors and regulators are produced, and that threatening cutaneous pathogens are eliminated without compromise of skin function. As new experimental information is gathered concerning SALT, new insights are likely to emerge that will illuminate the immunopathogenesis of cutaneous disorders with a strong inflammatory and/or malignant component. It can be anticipated that these new insights will lead to novel therapies for the treatment and prevention of these diseases.
Evaluation of the HCFA model for the analysis of mortality following hospitalization.

From 1987 through 1990, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) evaluated variations in the mortality rates experienced by patients admitted to hospitals participating in the Medicare program. This study was conducted to evaluate the adequacy of the model used for that purpose. Detailed clinical data were gathered on 42,773 patients admitted to 84 statistically selected hospitals. The effect of risk adjustment using the HCFA model, which is based on claims data, was compared to a risk-adjustment model based on physiologic and clinical data. Models that include claims data were markedly superior to those containing only demographic characteristics in predicting the probability of patient death, and the addition of clinical data resulted in further improvement. The correlation of ranks of hospitals based on a model that uses only the claims data and on one that uses, in addition, clinical data, was .91. As a screen for the identification of "high (mortality) outlier" hospitals, the claims model had moderate sensitivity (81 percent) and specificity (79 percent), a high negative predictive value (90 percent), and a low positive predictive value (64 percent) when compared to the clinical model. The two mortality models gave similar results when used to determine which structural characteristics of hospitals were related to mortality rates: hospitals with a higher proportion of registered nurses or board-certified physician specialists, or with a greater level of access to high-technology equipment had lower risk-adjusted mortality rates. These data suggest that the current claims-based risk-adjustment procedure may satisfactorily be used to characterize variations in mortality rates associated with hospitalization. The procedure could also be used as a basis for further epidemiological analyses of factors that affect the probability of patient death. However, it does not positively identify outlier hospitals as providers of problematic care.
An endodextranase inhibitor from batch cultures of Streptococcus,mutans

Abstract An inhibitor of Streptococcus , mutans endodextranase was detected in proteins prepared from batch cultures of S. , mutans strains representing serotypes a through g . Affinity chromatography of strain 6715-49 proteins, which apparently were free of endodextranase activity, yielded an active endodextranase and, in a separate peak, the endodextranase inhibitor. The presence of the inhibitor in culture fluids accounts for the absence of endodextranase activity in batch-grown cultures of S. , mutans known to produce this enzyme.
Towards a theory of software design: Timeless principles of software system design.

The design and implementation of a software system is the result of many interwoven sequences of decisions. Often, these decisions are made under less than ideal conditions of uncertainty and/or incomplete information. Furthermore, many of these decisions do not have clear “right/wrong” answers — they are value judgments dependent upon the current knowledge of the system and its intended domain. Unfortunately, many of the “design principles” of software development are either specific to a particular aspect of the design or applicable only in a particular implementation paradigm. This paper presents a set of axiomatic design principles, based on established design practices from other disciplines, and illustrates their applicability to software system design. Several wellknown specific software design principles are derived from this fundamental set. Preliminary results of an ongoing study using these principles are discussed to demonstrate their value in guiding judgment decisions made with incomplete knowledge.
Plea Bargaining and the Criminal Defendant's Obligation to Plead Guilty

One criticism of plea bargaining holds that: "So long as defendants routinely expect to receive some form of sentencing consideration in exchange for an admission of guilt, the essence of a system of bargain justice is present." Taken as a criticism ― that "bargain justice" is defective justice and that the "routine" upon which it depends should be significantly reduced, or eliminated ― this view is quite mistaken. On the assumption (which I believe to be true, but for which I do not argue here) that a large majority of the criminally accused are in reality guilty, many ― and probably most ― criminal defendants should plead guilty. Any defendant who discharges this duty should receive favorable sentencing consideration. This is not a matter of offering a carrot or threatening a stick to do what would ideally be unnecessary, or a tactical concession in order to wrest a quota of dispositions from reluctant defendants. It is an entirely proper element of sentencing, even a right of the pleading defendant. In short, I argue that defendants (most of whom are, in reality, guilty) should "routinely" plead guilty, and receive a reduced sentence when they do. Here is how I have organized the argument. In Parts I, and II, and III, I defend the view that the common good, particularly the principles and norms which justify and shape punishment of criminals, not only allows, but requires favorable consideration of the pleading defendant. That is, a sound view of crime and punishment includes favorable consideration of the defendant who pleads guilty. Then, I explore the question: when does the common good call for a trial, even where the defendant is, in reality, guilty? Part IV anticipates and meets one leading objection to plea bargaining in general, and to my account of its moral supports. Part V meets others. I consider in Part VI the defendant's point of view. Defendants have reasons to plead, or to go to trial, which are outside the common good of political society. For these reasons, many guilty defendants properly go to trial. Who are these defendants? How should they be treated by the sentencing judge? Specifically, should they receive the consideration given to the pleading defendant, because, like the pleading defendant, defendants who go to trial thereby serve the common good, or do what they ought to do, all things considered? Finally, I briefly consider the implications of my analysis for the conduct of criminal defense attorneys.
Tokenism or representation? The political careers of the first African women in Kenya’s Legislative Council (LEGCO), 1958–1962

This paper re-visits Kenyan history at the point of transition to independence but this time, with a focus on women’s history. It examines the political careers of the first African women in coloni...
Barriers to physical activity: a study of academic and community cancer survivors with pain.

Despite the numerous benefits of physical activity (PA) for patients with cancer, many cancer survivors report challenges to participating in PA. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess barriers to PA and (2) to examine participant characteristics associated with modifiable barriers to PA among cancer survivors with pain. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study at one academic medical center and 11 community hospitals. Participants completed the 12-item Physical Activity Barriers After Cancer (PABAC) instrument (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.75). Multivariable regression models examined participant characteristics associated with PABAC scores with a higher score indicating more barriers to PA. Among 662 survivors, 67% had moderate or severe pain (rating 4 or greater on a scale of 0 to 10). Seventy-five percent of survivors did not meet the American Cancer Society PA recommendations on average, and these individuals had higher mean PABAC scores (beta coefficient (β) = 2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96–3.09, p < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, cancer survivors who were non-white (β = 1.55, 0.28–2.82, p = 0.02), treated at a community hospital (β = 1.07, 0.09–2.05, p = 0.03), had surgery (β = 1.69, 0.69–2.69, p = 0.001), or within 12 months of diagnosis (β = 1.15, 0.20–2.10, p = 0.02) reported greater barriers to PA. The majority of cancer survivors with pain are not adequately participating in PA. Key demographic and clinical characteristics are associated with survivors’ barriers. Efforts to overcome specific barriers are needed to promote PA after a cancer diagnosis.
Pyogenic Granuloma of the Retina: A Case Series.

Aim To describe the clinicopathologic features of pyogenic granuloma (granulation tissue proliferation) extending from the retina. Methods We describe 3 patients who underwent enucleation for endophthalmitis. The eyes were processed routinely for histopathologic examination. Results All 3 enucleated eyes contained granulation tissue with reactive vascular channels and intervening stroma infiltrated with inflammatory cells. The vascular channels were arranged in a fan-like configuration and the tissue was classified as representing pyogenic granulomas. Conclusions Pyogenic granulomas (granulation tissue) may emanate from the retina in cases of endophthalmitis. This is distinct from neovascularization that may occur in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, or other etiologies.
Deletion of the type 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor increases heroin abuse vulnerability in transgenic rats

Opioid abuse is a rapidly growing public health crisis in the USA. Despite extensive research in the past decades, little is known about the etiology of opioid addiction or the neurobiological risk factors that increase vulnerability to opioid use and abuse. Recent studies suggest that the type 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR2) is critically involved in substance abuse and addiction. In the present study, we evaluated whether low-mGluR2 expression may represent a risk factor for the development of opioid abuse and addiction using transgenic mGluR2-knockout (mGluR2-KO) rats. Compared to wild-type controls, mGluR2-KO rats exhibited higher nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine (DA) and locomotor responses to heroin, higher heroin self-administration and heroin intake, more potent morphine-induced analgesia and more severe naloxone-precipitated withdrawal symptoms. In contrast, mGluR2-KO rats displayed lower motivation for heroin self-administration under high price progressive-ratio (PR) reinforcement conditions. Taken together, these findings suggest that mGluR2 may play an inhibitory role in opioid action, such that deletion of this receptor results in an increase in brain DA responses to heroin and in acute opioid reward and analgesia. Low-mGluR2 expression in the brain may therefore be a risk factor for the initial development of opioid abuse and addiction.
Irinotecan-Eluting 75–150-μm Embolics Lobar Chemoembolization in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: A Prospective Single-Center Phase I Study

Abstract Purpose The primary end point of this trial was to determine the feasibility and safety of transarterial chemoembolization with the use of 75–150-μm drug-eluting embolics loaded with irinotecan (DEE-IRI) for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) refractory to systemic chemotherapy. Materials and Methods Fourteen patients (mean age 57.9 years) with liver-dominant metastatic disease (14.3% unilobar, 85.7% bilobar), who had failed at least 1 line of chemotherapy, were enrolled and received up to 4 (mean 2.3) cycles of DEE-IRI lobar transarterial chemoembolization. Technical complications and adverse events were recorded, and response was assessed by means of imaging-based criteria. Levels of irinotecan and angiogenesis biomarkers in the serum were measured at multiple time points. Results Thirty-two DEE-IRI transarterial chemoembolizations were successfully performed, and the full dose (100 mg) was delivered in all cases. The only grade 3–4 toxicity was abdominal pain (29%). One patient had objective response according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and World Health Organization, and 3 patients had objective response according to the European Association for the Study of the Liver. The median overall survival was 18.14 months, and the 1-year survival was 65%. The average plasma Cmax of the active metabolite was 41.5 ± 26.1 ng/mL, with average Tmax of 1.3 ± 0.5 hours. The treatment significantly reduced levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) at 24 hours. Conclusions Lobar transarterial chemoembolization with the use of DEE-IRI is a technically feasible and well tolerated palliative treatment for patients with refractory liver-predominant CRC metastatic disease and has acceptable pharmacokinetics. VEGFR1 is a potential biomarker for predicting treatment efficacy and risk of adverse events.
Natural Product Bis-Intercalator Depsipeptides as a New Class of Payloads for Antibody–Drug Conjugates

A potent class of DNA-damaging agents, natural product bis-intercalator depsipeptides (NPBIDs), was evaluated as ultrapotent payloads for use in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Detailed investigation of potency (both in cells and via biophysical characterization of DNA binding), chemical tractability, and in vitro and in vivo stability of the compounds in this class eliminated a number of potential candidates, greatly reducing the complexity and resources required for conjugate preparation and evaluation. This effort yielded a potent, stable, and efficacious ADC, PF-06888667, consisting of the bis-intercalator, SW-163D, conjugated via an N-acetyl-lysine-valine-citrulline- p-aminobenzyl alcohol- N, N-dimethylethylenediamine (AcLysValCit-PABC-DMAE) linker to an engineered variant of the anti-Her2 mAb, trastuzumab, catalyzed by transglutaminase.
Ex situ phenology of Zizania texana, an endangered aquatic macrophyte, under different water velocities

Abstract Texas wild rice (Zizania texana Hitchc.; TWR) is an endangered aquatic macrophyte limited to a 5 km stretch in the upper reach of the San Marcos River in Texas, USA. This study examined the phenology of TWR under different water velocities ex situ over 24 months. The results indicate that TWR exhibits fast initial growth rates of 0.4 m d−1 in total leaf length at 14 weeks in water velocities of 0.4 m s−1. The macrophyte exhibits a plastic reproduction system utilizing both sexual and asexual propagules. Differential development of the pistillate and staminate spikelets prevent self-fertilization and enhances genetic diversity. Plants in slower water velocities produced greater number of flowers and tillers compared to higher water velocities. Seed production was variable among flows but greater in lower water velocities. No difference was detected for seed germination among water velocities which averaged > 57% at 30 days and > 80% at 60 days. The high amount of seeds and tillers produced per plants indicate TWR exhibits reproductive plasticity possibly due to evolving under extreme floods and droughts. At 24 months, TWR allocated greater amounts of biomass to its roots compared to shoots regardless of water velocity which may provide further evidence of an evolutionary function to survive extreme flow conditions by establishing a deep root system.
A comparison of the detection of biomarkers in infections due to low risk versus high-risk human papillomavirus types

Abstract Adjunctive immunohistochemistry tests for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection include p16 and Ki67 as well as the more recently discovered biomarkers importin-β, exportin-5, Mcl1, and PDL1. The purpose of this study was to compare the expression of these biomarkers in HPV infection due to the high-risk types such as HPVs 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, and 51 versus lesions that contain the low risk types HPV 2, 6 or 11. We studied 35 lesions with low risk HPV types (verruca vulgaris = 10 cases, condyloma acuminatum = 15 cases, CIN 1 with HPV 6/11 = 10 cases) and 25 CIN 1 or 2 lesions with a high-risk HPV type. The 25 high-risk positive CIN 1–2 cases had strong expression of the panel p16, Ki67, importin-β, exportin-5, Mcl1, and PDL1 where each protein localized to the cells in the parabasal aspect of the lesion. In comparison, neither p16, importin-β, exportin-5, Mcl1, nor PDL1 were increased in the epithelia of the lesions with the low risk HPV types; Ki67 showed variable expression. HPV viral capsid L1 protein and viral DNA were excellent markers of infection in the lesions with low risk types. Thus, p16, importin-β, exportin-5, Mcl1, and PDL1 are not only biomarkers of high-risk HPV infection but can also differentiate such lesions from those that contain low risk HPV types. Low risk HPV infections can be best differentiated from their mimics by viral L1 capsid detection and/or HPV DNA by in situ hybridization.
Management of Chemotherapy Tissue Extravasation

Although the occurrence of inadvertent tissue extravasation during the administration of chemotherapy is relatively infrequent, this problem is important because of the severe tissue necrosis that may develop at the extravasation site. Several issues are of interest in consideration of this clinical problem: (1) Controversy exists as to which administration methods should be used to prevent an extravasation. (2) The diagnosis of an extravasation must be differentiated from that of other local toxicities of chemotherapy that may present with similar symptoms. (3) Surgical interventions have been refined to increase the success rate of the graft or flap applied after surgical debridement. (4) Numerous potential antidotes have been tested in an attempt to prevent subsequent necrosis after an extravasation occurs. Each of these areas is considered after a review of the problem.
Dual Actions of Ketorolac in Metastatic Ovarian Cancer

Cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy are cornerstones of ovarian cancer treatment, yet disease recurrence remains a significant clinical issue. Surgery can release cancer cells into the circulation, suppress anti-tumor immunity, and induce inflammatory responses that support the growth of residual disease. Intervention within the peri-operative window is an under-explored opportunity to mitigate these consequences of surgery and influence the course of metastatic disease to improve patient outcomes. One drug associated with improved survival in cancer patients is ketorolac. Ketorolac is a chiral molecule administered as a 1:1 racemic mixture of the S- and R-enantiomers. The S-enantiomer is considered the active component for its FDA indication in pain management with selective activity against cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. The R-enantiomer has a previously unrecognized activity as an inhibitor of Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate) and Cdc42 (cell division control protein 42) GTPases. Therefore, ketorolac differs from other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by functioning as two distinct pharmacologic entities due to the independent actions of each enantiomer. In this review, we summarize evidence supporting the benefits of ketorolac administration for ovarian cancer patients. We also discuss how simultaneous inhibition of these two distinct classes of targets, COX enzymes and Rac1/Cdc42, by S-ketorolac and R-ketorolac respectively, could each contribute to anti-cancer activity.
Deep Surfaces: Pottery Decoration and Identity in the Mission Period

In the southeastern United States, many Native American societies invested iconographic meaning in the surface decorations incised or stamped on pottery. While some symbols represented cosmological concepts, others probably designated tribe, village, clan, or other social units. This is certainly true of groups that lived in La Florida, where, at contact, there were clear correlations between some Native American groups and pottery types. During the mission period, however, these associations became blurred. Variability diminished, and three pottery types dominated assemblages of utilitarian wares used by Native Americans and Spaniards. Heretofore, this stylistic turn of events was explained as the result of new allegiances and identities that emerged in the 1600s. It is argued here that, in the Southeast (as elsewhere), the market was responsible for some of this uniformity. Cosmological concepts present in the prehistoric variant of one of these types were retained for some time, however.
IMPACT OF EARLY DIURETIC ADMINISTRATION ON IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY AND LENGTH OF HOSPITAL STAY AMONG PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE: A META-ANALYSIS

Early administration of diuretics in the setting of acute congestive heart failure has been a topic of debate in recent years. However, the most impactful door to diuretic time (D2D) has not been identified. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of early diuretic administration (D2D <60
Leadership and Special Education: A Study of Power Shifts.

The reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) signals dramatic changes for all facets of education. This autoethnography investigates the diagnostic and placement practices in...
Retinopathy of Prematurity

This article discusses the epidemiology, classification, and current clinical management of acute retinopathy of prematurity (ROP; stages 1 through three) as well as the treatment of progressive stage 4 ROP. Also discussed are the genetics and the current understanding of the pathophysiology of ROP as learned from models of oxygen-induced retinopathy, focusing on the mouse model of hyperoxia and capillary loss, followed by relative hypoxia and proliferation, and the rat model of repeated fluctuations in oxygen. The roles of oxygen, reactive oxygen species, and growth factors in vascular development and disease are discussed.
Application of gray model in predication of brucellosis incidence in Anyang City, Henan Province

Objective To predict incidence trend of brucellosis in Anyang, Henan Province, so as to provide basis for instituting aimed preventive management. Methods To construct gray model (GM) according to incidence and rate of brucellosis of Anyang from 2004 to 2015, and predict the incidence rate of brucellosis of Anyang from 2016 to 2018. The data of brucellosis in Anyang were from the Infectious Disease Report Information Management System for Disease Control, China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, the population data were from Anyang Bureau of Statistics. Results The GM (1,1) had good accuracy in predicting and test, the posterior error ratio (C)= 0.32, and the probability value (P)= 0.99. The model could be used for extrapolating prediction. The actual incidence rate was compared with the predicted value, the value was basically consistent, fit effect was good. The predictive morbidity of brucellosis was 2.92/105, 3.12/105 and 3.43/105 from 2016 to 2018 in Anyang, the incidence showed an increasing trend. Conclusions The GM (1,1) has high precision for predicting incidence of brucellosis. We need to take into account the epidemic characteristics of infectious diseases and social factors in actual practice. Key words: Brucellosis; Gray model; Prediction; Incidence trend
TINJAUAN KECERDASAN YUSUF BERDASARKAN KECERDASAN SPIRITUAL (SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE), KECERDASAN EMOSIONAL (EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE), KECERDASAN INTELEKTUAL (INTELLECTUAL INTELLEGENCE) DAN KETANGGUHAN (ADVERSITY QUOTIENT)

One of the people chosen by God to prepare a country and its people in fulfilling His plan, that person was Joseph. Joseph as the maker of history and the link that connects the Book of Genesis to the Book of Exodus, was chosen by God to fulfill His plan, not by going through a smooth road, but there are many steep and abyss as a life experience to go through. The inclusion and guidance of God, made Joseph have something "special", namely intelligence. Intelligence is not only in terms of intellectual intelligence, but various intelligence is given by God to enable Joseph to live his life. This paper reviews Joseph's Intelligence based on Spiritual Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence, Intellectual Intelligence and Adversity Quotient. Joseph's life experience, privileges and obedience ultimately brought success in fulfilling God's plan to preserve the life of a nation.
Iterative Learning Control for Video-Rate Atomic Force Microscopy

We present a control scheme for video-rate atomic force microscopy with rosette pattern. The controller structure involves a feedback internal-model-based controller and a feedforward iterative learning controller. The iterative learning controller is designed to improve tracking performance of the feedback-controlled scanner by rejecting the repetitive disturbances arising from the system nonlinearities. We investigate the performance of two inversion techniques for constructing the learning filter. We conduct tracking experiments using a two-degree-of-freedom microelectromechanical system (MEMS) nanopositioner at frame rates ranging from 5 to 20 frames per second. The results reveal that the algorithm converges rapidly and the iterative learning controller significantly reduces both the transient and steady-state tracking errors. We acquire and report a series of high-resolution time-lapsed video-rate AFM images with the rosette pattern.
Morning Glory Disc Anomaly

It is believed that morning glory discs arise from abnormal development of the posterior sclera during gestation. One hypothesis suggests that the disc and surrounding tissue prolapse posteriorly as a result of failure of the embryological fissure to close. The anomaly resembles a morning glory flower, from which the name was derived. The disc is enlarged, with a core of glial tissue in its center. Around the disc is found altered pigment epithelium. The arteries may be sheathed, and the vasculature appears to emanate radially from the disc. Visual acuity in these eyes is limited to no better than 20/200 in most cases. Many of the patients present with strabismus. Because the disease is unilateral, patching therapy may be helpful to fulfill the visual potential of the affected eye. The condition is found more commonly in females.
Microcanonical phases of string theory on AdSm × Sn

Banks, Douglas, Horowitz and Martinec [1] recently argued that in the microcanonical ensemble for string theory on AdSm × Sn, there is a phase transition between a black hole solution extended over the Sn and a solution localized on the Sn. If we think of this AdSm × Sn geometry as arising from the near-horizon limit of a black m−2 brane, the existence of this phase transition is puzzling. We present a resolution of this puzzle, and discuss its significance from the point of view of the dual m−1 dimensional field theory. We also discuss multi-black hole solutions in AdS.
phoenixin(smim20), a gene coding for a novel reproductive ligand, is expressed in the brain of adult zebrafish

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a highly conserved neuroendocrine decapeptide that is essential for the onset of puberty and the maintenance of the reproductive state. In addition to its role as hypothalamic releasing hormone, GnRH has multiple functions including modulator of neural activity within the nervous system and of resulting behaviors. These multiple functions are reflected by the existence of multiple isoforms. Despite its importance as a critical hypothalamic releasing hormone, the gnrh1 gene has been lost in zebrafish, and its reproductive function is not compensated for by other GnRH isoforms (GnRH2 and GnRH3), suggesting that, surprisingly, zebrafish do not use any of the GnRH peptides to control reproduction and fertility. Previously we proposed that Phoenixin/SMIM20, a novel peptide identified in mammals and the ligand for the orphan GPR173, is a potential candidate to control the initiation of sexual development and fertility in the zebrafish. Here we confirm the sequence of the zebrafish phoenixin/smim20 gene and by RT-PCR show that it is expressed early in development through adulthood. Subsequently we show that phoenixin/smim20 is expressed in the adult brain including the regions of the hypothalamus important in the control of fertility and reproduction.
Understanding the influence of climate, genetic variation, and herbivory on aspen (Populus tremuloides) growth in Yellowstone National Park

Predation is commonly cited as a top-down effect that structures food webs, with the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone as perhaps the most famous example. However, despite two decades of research, there is still debate as to whether wolves (Canis lupus) have indirectly benefited aspen (Populus tremuloides) by reducing herbivory from elk (Cervus canadensis). As such, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of top-down and bottom-up forces on aspen recruitment in northern Yellowstone. The UW-NPS grant funds were used to conduct a genetic analysis of 59 aspen stands in an effort to determine whether genetic variation is one control of aspen recruitment. During summer 2018, 122 leaves were collected and sent to the Mock Lab at Utah State University. The samples will undergo DNA extractions at 12 microsatellite loci, which will provide us with genotype and ploidy level, with the genotype at a resolution to distinguish clones. Concurrently, we measured aspen heights and browse rates, as well as soil moisture. The median aspen height in 2018 was 110 cm (SD=135), and the browse rate was 0.45. Stands varied in volumetric water content (VWC), ranging from a mean VWC of 2.7% to 45.2%. Featured photo by Yellowstone National Park on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/efXLV2