cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fine Needle Aspiration of a Metastatic Germ Cell Tumor to Supraclavicular Lymph Node

Objective: Germ cell tumors are the most common tumors in men in their second decade. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the management of germ cell tumors depends on whether the tumor is diagnosed as a seminoma or a nonseminoma. Fine needle aspiration biopsy, compared to incisional biopsy, is relatively safe and facilitates rapid assessment of these tumors. Methods: An ultrasound guided FNA biopsy was performed, and air-dried slides and alcohol-fixed slides were made for Diff-Quik staining and Papanicolaou staining, respectively. The syringes were rinsed and cell block was prepared. The resected specimen was fixed in 10% formalin and processed by routine histology techniques. Results: We report a case of a 22-year-old male with an enlarged scrotal mass and a supraclavicular nodule. A superficial fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed on the nodule and the correct diagnosis was made via cytomorphology and immunohistochemistry. The cytologic diagnosis was correlated with the incisional biopsy results. Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration biopsy is very helpful in the initial triage of germ cell tumors. When the aspirate contains sufficient diagnostic material, a specific diagnosis may be reached. Likewise, as different germ cell tumors have characteristic immunohistochemical profiles, a cell block from an aspirate may be critical for correct diagnosis. However, because germ cell tumors often contain mixed elements, cytologic diagnosis may not be entirely representative due to incomplete sampling. Thus, it is important to correlate cytologic diagnosis with the excisional tissue biopsy results. * NCCN : National Comprehensive Cancer Network hCG : human chorionic gonadotropin AFP : alpha fetal protein PLAP : placental alkaline phosphatase SALL4 : sal-like protein 4 HPL : human placental lactogen H&E : hematoxylin and eosin IHC : immunohistochemistry
The in vivo fractional rate of gingival collagen production in non‐diabetic and diabetic rats

A new approach (pool-expansion) has been applied for quantifying the in vivo fractional rate of gingival collagen production. This approach obviates a major shortcoming inherent in a lraditional tracer approach; decreasing specific radioactivity S. R., DPM/μg proline of tissue free-Phlproline oocurring throughout the interval during stuch production is meausured, Poolexparision, involving the injection of excess unlaheled proline concomitant with a tracer amount of nidiotabeled proline, has been judged successful for incisor gingiva of non-diabetic control rats by the following enteria. (I) the S. R. of gingival tree-PHlproline remained constant from 0.5 to 2 h after Phlproline anjection and (2) during this interval, radiolabeled collagen Phlhydroxyprobne S. R. inereised linearly in contrasl pool-expansion in gingiva of diabetic rats was less successful 0.5 h after injection, the S. R. of gingival free S. R. of gingival freep-Phlproline was less than that after 2 h. indicating incomplete pool-expansion at 0.5 h. For meisor gingiva of non-diabetic control rats, the fractronal rate of collagen production 1–1% a day is slouer than that in rat skin, For incisor gingiva of diaberic rats, the fractronat rate in reduced by 65%
Indium-doped SnO2 nanoparticle–graphene nanohybrids: simple one-pot synthesis and their selective detection of NO2

We demonstrate novel nanohybrids of indium- and ruthenium-doped SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on a reduced graphene oxide (RGO) surface prepared using a simple one-pot method at a relatively low temperature. The size of the doped SnO2 NPs on the RGO is as small as 2–3 nm with uniform distribution. We find that the introduction of dopants facilitates the NP nucleation on graphene oxide. The gas sensing responses of the resulting nanohybrids demonstrate that the addition of indium in SnO2 significantly enhances the sensitivity to NO2 compared with RGO–SnO2. The sensor also shows excellent selectivity to NO2 when other common gases such as NH3, H2, CO and H2S, are present. The sensing mechanism responsible for the superior sensitivity and selectivity of the nanohybrids is also discussed.
The Dynamic Flux of Continuing Higher Education: Redefining the New Roles, Responsibilities, and Expectations

Continuing higher education has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, illustrated by such innovations as MOOCs, globalization, strategic collaborations with government and industry, and increased entrepreneurship. As a result, continuing education (CE) units have experienced a fundamental shift in the way they conduct business in our field.
Complexity of VTA DA neural activities in response to PFC transection in nicotine treated rats

Background The dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are widely implicated in the addiction and natural reward circuitry of the brain. These neurons project to several areas of the brain, including prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accubens (NAc) and amygdala. The functional coupling between PFC and VTA has been demonstrated, but little is known about how PFC mediates nicotinic modulation in VTA DA neurons. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of acute nicotine exposure on the VTA DA neuronal firing and to understand how the disruption of communication from PFC affects the firing patterns of VTA DA neurons.
Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Analysis of Airway Anatomy in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Purpose To identify abnormalities in airway size and shape that correlate with the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Materials and Methods This was a retrospective case series of patients undergoing treatment of OSA who had preoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans of the upper airway available. Patients who had undergone CT scanning for nonairway pathologic features during the same period served as the controls. Digital 3D-CT reconstructions were made and 12 parameters of airway size and 4 of shape were analyzed. The posterior airway space, middle airway space, and hyoid to mandibular plane distance were measured on the lateral cephalograms of the patients with OSA. Bivariate analysis was used to identify the factors associated with the presence and severity of OSA as measured by the respiratory disturbance index (RDI). Multiple regression analysis identified the factors that correlated with the RDI. Results Of the 44 patients with OSA, 15 (10 men and 5 women) had pre- and postoperative CT scans available. In addition, 17 patients (11 men and 6 women) were used as controls. The airway length was significantly increased in the patients with OSA ( P P P P = .04) an inverse correlation with the RDI. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that the presence of OSA is associated with an increase in airway length. Airways that were more elliptical in shape and mediolaterally oriented (greater lateral/retroglossal anteroposterior dimension ratio) had a decreased tendency toward obstruction.
A single-level dual rank IE-QR algorithm to model large microstrip antenna arrays

A single-level dual rank IE-QR algorithm is introduced so that the resulting dense method of moments (MOM) matrix is efficiently compressed. For a system of N equations, an amount of work of the order O(N/sup 2/) has traditionally been required for both matrix assembly and matrix-vector multiplication in an iterative matrix solver. The algorithm of the present paper reduces the memory requirement and CPU time for both matrix assembly and matrix-vector multiplication to O(N/sup 3/2/) making it practical to solve for large antenna arrays with full wave approach. In conjunction with a "geometric-neighboring" preconditioner for matrix solution using GMRES, the current approach solves problems involving large antenna arrays using only a fraction of what are needed by conventional MOM both in term of memory and total CPU time.
Hospice Care in the United States: The Process Begins.

The hospice concept represents a return to humanistic medicine, to care within the patient's community, for family-centered care, and the view of the patient as a person. Medical, governmental, and...
Characteristics of Variable Speed Wind Turbines Under Normal and Fault Conditions

Variable-speed wind turbines with full power processing capability are the new technology trend for large wind power plants. In this type of turbine, there is an interface between the generator and the utility grid. In this paper, we investigate the characteristics of a variable-speed wind turbine connected to a stiff grid or a weak grid, the role of reactive power compensation in optimizing the operation of the wind turbines, and the operation of a wind turbine under normal and fault conditions. Both steady state and dynamic analysis are presented.
Are Financial or Moral Scandals Worse? It Depends.

Previous analysis finds that people respond differently to “financial” (e.g., tax evasion) and “moral” (e.g., sexual misconduct) political scandals. However, experimental and observational studies tend to reach different conclusions about which type of scandal induces a stronger negative reaction from the public. We use an experiment embedded in a national survey to examine the possibility that these divergent findings can, in part, be explained by a failure to consider the effects of abuses of power. Consistent with previous experimental work, we find that people respond more negatively to financial scandals than to moral scandals when they do not involve abuses of power. However, abuses of power substantially affect responses to both types of scandals. We also find that moral and financial scandals affect personal and job evaluations of a politician differently. These findings support our contention that to understand public responses to scandal, it is crucial to consider the relationship between the scandalous behavior and the official's formal responsibilities.
Long-term Drug Treatment for Obesity: A Systematic and Clinical Review

Importance Thirty-six percent of US adults are obese, and many cannot lose sufficient weight to improve health with lifestyle interventions alone. Objective To conduct a systematic review of medications currently approved in the United States for obesity treatment in adults. We also discuss off-label use of medications studied for obesity and provide considerations for obesity medication use in clinical practice. Evidence Review A PubMed search from inception through September 2013 was performed to find meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized, placebo-controlled trials for currently approved obesity medications lasting at least 1 year that had a primary or secondary outcome of body weight change, included at least 50 participants per group, reported at least 50% retention, and reported results on an intention-to-treat basis. Studies of medications approved for other purposes but tested for obesity treatment were also reviewed. Findings Obesity medications approved for long-term use, when prescribed with lifestyle interventions, produce additional weight loss relative to placebo ranging from approximately 3% of initial weight for orlistat and lorcaserin to 9% for top-dose (15/92 mg) phentermine plus topiramate–extended release at 1 year. The proportion of patients achieving clinically meaningful (at least 5%) weight loss ranges from 37% to 47% for lorcaserin, 35% to 73% for orlistat, and 67% to 70% for top-dose phentermine plus topiramate–extended release. All 3 medications produce greater improvements in many cardiometabolic risk factors than placebo, but no obesity medication has been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity or mortality. Most prescriptions are for noradrenergic medications, despite their approval only for short-term use and limited data for their long-term safety and efficacy. Conclusions and Relevance Medications approved for long-term obesity treatment, when used as an adjunct to lifestyle intervention, lead to greater mean weight loss and an increased likelihood of achieving clinically meaningful 1-year weight loss relative to placebo. By discontinuing medication in patients who do not respond with weight loss of at least 5%, clinicians can decrease their patients’ exposure to the risks and costs of drug treatment when there is little prospect of long-term benefit.
Probe rank approaches for gene selection in oligonucleotide arrays with a small number of replicates

Motivation: One major area of interest in analyzing oligonucleotide gene array data is identifying differentially expressed genes. A challenge to biostatisticians is to develop an approach to summarizing probe-level information that adequately reflects the true expression level while accounting for probe variation, chip variation and interaction effects. Various statistical tools, such as MAS and RMA, have been developed to address this issue. In these approaches, the probe level expression data are summarized into gene level data, which are then used for downstream statistical analysis. Since probe variation is often larger than chip variation and there is also a potential interaction effect between probe affinity and treatment effect, strategies such as a gene level analysis, may not be optimal. In this study, we propose a procedure to analyze probe level data for selecting differentially expressed genes under two treatment conditions (groups) with a small number of replicates. The probe level discrepancy between two groups can be measured by a difference of the percentiles of probe perfect-match (PM) ranks or of probe PM weighted ranks. The difference is then compared with a pre-specified threshold to determine differentially expressed genes. The probe level approach takes into account non-homogenous treatment effects and reduces possible cross-hybridization effects across a set of probes. Results: The proposed approach is compared with MAS and RMA using two benchmark gene array datasets. Positive predictivity and sensitivity are used for evaluation. Results show the proposed approach has higher positive predictivity and higher sensitivity. Availability: Available on request from the authors. Contact: dtchen@uab.edu
The effects of nest size and insulation on thermal properties of tree swallow nests

The nest environment can have important influences on incubation behavior and nestling development in birds. Nest thermal properties, particularly nest composition and size, can have a major influence on heat loss. To examine the role of nest size and insulation on clutch cooling rates, we collected tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor nests and measured the cooling rate of eggs in a controlled thermal environment. We also examined the thermal benefits of nest feathers by comparing the cooling rates of nests with and without feathers. Nests with more feather insulation and heavier, deeper cupped nests cooled at slower rates. In addition, nests with feathers cooled at much slower rates than did the same nests without feathers. Our results show that nest insulation and size play important roles in nest cooling rates, which may ultimately affect incubation costs and thus reproductive performance.
The Colostrum Problem and It Solution

Summary 1. The blood of the newly born calf contains no globulin or immune bodies. Colostrum is very rich in globulin and immune bodies. The globulin and immune bodies in colostrum pass into the blood of the newly born calf unchanged in the alimentary canal. These facts, and the further facts that disease and death rate is much higher among animals which do not receive colostrum than it is among those which do receive colostrum indicates that it is essential for newly born calves to get colostrum. 2. If the colostrum is infected with pathogenic organisms, these organisms may be inactivated by pasteurization. Pasteurization does not change the properties of colostrum to any appreciable extent provided the pasteurization is done in a water bath thereby avoiding local hot zones. On account of the relatively rapid rise of the temperature coefficient of heat-coagulation of proteins with rise of temperature, the lower pasteurization temperatures offer a wider margin of safety than the higher pasteurization temperatures; 140°F, is the safest temperature for pasteurizing colostrum. 3. Pasteurizing colostrum at 140°F. for twenty to thirty minutes does not appreciably change the properties of colostrum and experience shows that calves fed on such pasteurized colostrum get along in every respect as well as calves that are naturally fed, and very much better than calves which received no colostrum. 5. The satisfactory method to raise a calf from a cow infected with tuberculosis is therefore to separate the calf from its mother at birth, and feed the calf its mother's pasteurized colostrum during the first two to three days after birth. The colostrum should be pasteurized in a water bath at 145°F. for twenty minutes, or preferably at 140°F. for thirty minutes.
THE POLITICS OF ETHNIC CHANGE: CRASS-ROOTS RESPONSES TO ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC RESTRUCTURING IN MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA

This paper offers an in-depth analysis of grass-roots responses to urban economic and demographic restructuring. It is a case study of the politics of ethnicity and slow growth in Monterey Park, Ca...
Crucial Role for Ecto-5′-Nucleotidase (CD73) in Vascular Leakage during Hypoxia

Extracellular adenosine has been widely implicated in adaptive responses to hypoxia. The generation of extracellular adenosine involves phosphohydrolysis of adenine nucleotide intermediates, and is regulated by the terminal enzymatic step catalyzed by ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73). Guided by previous work indicating that hypoxia-induced vascular leakage is, at least in part, controlled by adenosine, we generated mice with a targeted disruption of the third coding exon of Cd73 to test the hypothesis that CD73-generated extracellular adenosine functions in an innate protective pathway for hypoxia-induced vascular leakage. Cd73(-/-) mice bred and gained weight normally, and appeared to have an intact immune system. However, vascular leakage was significantly increased in multiple organs, and after subjection to normobaric hypoxia (8% O(2)), Cd73(-/-) mice manifested fulminant vascular leakage, particularly prevalent in the lung. Histological examination of lungs from hypoxic Cd73(-/-) mice revealed perivascular interstitial edema associated with inflammatory infiltrates surrounding larger pulmonary vessels. Vascular leakage secondary to hypoxia was reversed in part by adenosine receptor agonists or reconstitution with soluble 5'-nucleotidase. Together, our studies identify CD73 as a critical mediator of vascular leakage in vivo.
Development of Axonal Arbors of Layer 4 Spiny Neurons in Cat Striate Cortex

Spiny neurons in layer 4 of cat striate cortex are the primary recipients of geniculocortical afferents and provide crucial links to other cortical layers for processing visual information. Using intracellular staining, we examined the development of the local axonal projections of these neurons to determine (1) whether the laminar specificity of their projections emerged specifically or was sculpted from transient exuberant projections and (2) whether the emergence of excitatory connections from layer 4 to layer 2/3 could contribute to the activity-dependent development of clustered horizontal connections of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons. Differences in the extent of projections to infragranular (layers 5 and 6, which receive sparse projections) versus superficial layers (layers 2/3 and 4, which receive extensive projections) developed specifically from the outset. By postnatal day 15 (P15) projections to infragranular layers matured and were indistinguishable from those in the oldest animal studied (P33). In contrast, projections to superficial layers continued to increase in complexity after P15. Projections within layer 4, which were the most elaborate at all ages studied, reached maturity at about P20, while those to layer 2/3 continued to increase in complexity through P33. No evidence for exuberant projections to any of these cortical layers was observed. At very early postnatal ages (P5) projections to the subplate region were evident. These disappeared by P8-P11, suggesting the presence of transient connections from layer 4 spiny neurons to subplate neurons. Binocular deprivation did not prevent the emergence of projections from layer 4 spiny neurons into layer 2/3 or development of normal laminar differences in projection density. Connections from layer 4 to layer 2/3 emerged after horizontal connections in layer 2/3 were crudely clustered, but in synchrony with the later refinement of clusters. Collaterals from layer 4 cells first crossed into layer 3 at P11, but were extremely short (extending only 50–200 microns beyond the laminar boundary) and uncommon (only 4 of 19 cells). Since by P8 horizontal projections of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons are already crudely clustered, the emergence of crude clustering is probably independent of layer 4 to layer 2/3 excitatory projections. The proportion of cells projecting to layer 2/3 and the complexity of their arbors both increased in the subsequent weeks, closely matching the timing of both the refinement of crudely clustered horizontal connections and the emergence of visual responsiveness in layer 2/3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Efficient compilation of concurrent call/return communication in actor-based programming languages

Concurrent call/return communication (CCRC) allows programmers to conveniently express a communication pattern where a sender invokes a remote operation and uses the result to continue its computation. The blocking semantics requires context switching for efficient utilization of computation resource. We present a compilation technique which allows programmers to use CCRC with the cost of non-blocking asynchronous communication plus minimum context switch cost. The technique transforms CCRCs into non-blocking asynchronous sends and encapsulates continuations into separate objects. A data flow analysis is used to guarantee that only necessary context is cached in continuation objects.
Ichnofossil record of selective predation by Cambrian trilobites

Abstract Evidence of predatory activity can be observed in the fossil record in the form of drill holes, repair scars, bite marks, and recognizable skeletal fragments in coprolites and preserved gut tracts. It is less common, however, to find fossil snapshots of predators caught in the act of feeding on their prey. Such interactions are preserved in recurring associations of the ichnogenera Rusophycus and Cruziana, most commonly attributed to trilobites, with burrows of likely vermiform (worm-like) organisms. In this study, we examine the Cambrian (Furongian Epoch, Steptoean Stage) Davis Formation, near Leadwood, southeastern Missouri, USA. In the lower to middle Davis Fm., several silty shale beds are extensively burrowed, from which we report a new occurrence and large number of Rusophycus traces associated with burrows of vermiform organisms. Within these beds, Rusophycus traces intersect vermiform burrows more often than expected by random chance and display a positive correlation in size between paired tracemakers. The median diameter of Rusophycus-associated vermiform burrows is significantly smaller than that of the non-intersected burrows. These results suggest that the paired traces record size selective predatory behavior. Moreover, low angle predator–prey trace intersections, though few in number, occurred more frequently than expected by random chance, supporting previous hypotheses that low angle attacks are preferred as they may improve prey handling success rates.
Alternate Ways to Quantify Antibodies.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is now a predictable disease with the measurement of antibodies in the peripheral blood directed against proteins within insulin-producing β-cells.1 There are currently four main biochemical islet autoantibodies measured that are directed against insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, islet antigen 2, and zinc transporter 8. The presence of two or more islet autoantibodies in children with a first-degree relative having T1D indicates preclinical T1D as nearly 100% of these children develop diabetes, marked by abnormal glucose homeostasis, provided long-term follow-up.2
Moss and vascular plant indices in Ohio wetlands have similar environmental predictors

Abstract Mosses and vascular plants have been shown to be reliable indicators of wetland habitat delineation and environmental quality. Knowledge of the best ecological predictors of the quality of wetland moss and vascular plant communities may determine if similar management practices would simultaneously enhance both populations. We used Akaike's Information Criterion to identify models predicting a moss quality assessment index (MQAI) and a vascular plant index of biological integrity based on floristic quality (VIBI-FQ) from 27 emergent and 13 forested wetlands in Ohio, USA. The set of predictors included the six metrics from a wetlands disturbance index (ORAM) and two landscape development intensity indices (LDIs). The best single predictor of MQAI and one of the predictors of VIBI-FQ was an ORAM metric that assesses habitat alteration and disturbance within the wetland, such as mowing, grazing, and agricultural practices. However, the best single predictor of VIBI-FQ was an ORAM metric that assessed wetland vascular plant communities, interspersion, and microtopography. LDIs better predicted MQAI than VIBI-FQ, suggesting that mosses may either respond more rapidly to, or recover more slowly from, anthropogenic disturbance in the surrounding landscape than vascular plants. These results supported previous predictive studies on amphibian indices and metrics and a separate vegetation index, indicating that similar wetland management practices may result in qualitatively the same ecological response for three vastly different wetland biological communities (amphibians, vascular plants, and mosses).
Group induction

Machine perception often requires a large amount of user-annotated data which is time-consuming, difficult, or expensive to collect. Perception systems should be easy to train by regular users, and this is currently far from the case. Our previous work, tracking-based semi-supervised learning [14], helped reduce the labeling burden by using tracking information to harvest new and useful training examples. However, [14] was designed for offline use; it assumed a fixed amount of unlabeled data and did not allow for corrections from users. In many practical robot perception scenarios we A) desire continuous learning over a long period of time, B) have a stream of unlabeled sensor data available rather than a fixed dataset, and C) are willing to periodically provide a small number of new training examples. In light of this, we present group induction, a new mathematical framework that rigorously encodes the intuition of [14] in an alternating optimization problem similar to expectation maximization (EM), but with the assumption that the unlabeled data comes in groups of instances that share the same hidden label. The mathematics suggest several improvements to the original heuristic algorithm, and make clear how to handle user interaction and streams of unlabeled data. We evaluate group induction on a track classification task from natural street scenes, demonstrating its ability to learn continuously, adapt to user feedback, and accurately recognize objects of interest.
Ultrastructural study of virilizing adrenocortical adenoma.

Electron microscopic study of an adrenocortical adenoma from a 32-year-old woman with biochemical and clinical manifestations of virilization disclosed its component cells to exhibit mitochondrial and other features of reticularis cells. This identification allows for its ultrastructural distinction from lesions encountered in Cushing’s syndrome and primary aldosteronism. In addition, nonspecific changes indicative of augmented steroidogenesis were prominent in the clear as well as predominant compact or granular cells of the virilizing adenoma, suggesting that the fasciculata and reticularis may represent a single functioning unit. Cells of adjacent non-neoplastic adrenal cortex, although generally smaller than those of the adenoma, were ultrastructurally similar. Clinical, morphologic, and biochemical studies indicate the benignity of this virilizing adenoma despite focal areas of cellular atypia.
“But a Local Phase of a World Problem”: Black History's Global Vision, 1883–1950

As a scholar who owes his formative intellectual training to ethnic studies programs and Third World solidarity movements, I am intrigued by recent discussions of how "globalization" has pushed United States scholars to think beyond the nation-state, develop "transnational" and international approaches, and reconsider "diaspora" as an analytical framework.' Black studies, Chicano/a studies, and Asian American studies were diasporic from their inception, a direct outgrowth of the social movements of the late 1960s and early 1970s that gave birth to those programs. Whether they are speaking of borderlands, migrations, or diasporas, ethnic studies scholars examine the hyphen between places of "origin" and America. My particular intellectual mooring, however, was the black studies department at California State Uni-
Surgical Treatment of Dislocation of the Hip in Cerebral Palsy

Soft tissue release of the hip joint, open reduction of the femoral head and derotational, varus and shortening osteotomy of the femur have been performed for dislocation of the hip in cerebral palsy. This retrospective study evaluated 11 hips in 7 patients.Results were analyzed a mean of two years and four months after treatment with assessment of their range of hip motion, locomotion, radiological findings and postoperative complications.In all cases, postoperatively, the femoral head had been reduced in a concentric position, and when reviewed, flexion and adduction contractures had recovered. Locomotion improved in all cases. Worsening of acetabular dysplasia was not found in any cases. Ectopic bone formation was found in 5 hips in 3 patients, and 2 hips of 1 patient needed surgical resection.
Trends in survival of stage IV breast cancer (BC) among Caucasian and African American (AA) BC patients (pts)

1000 Background: The aim of this review was to look at the trends in survival over time in patients(pts) with de novo stage IV BC and to identify factors that impact survival. Methods: We searched the SEER registry to identify pts with de novo stage IV breast cancer diagnosed between 1988 and 2003. Pts who were male, did not have microscopic confirmation of disease, had more than one primary, and who had a prior malignancy were excluded. Pts were divided into three groups based on their year of diagnosis separated into 5-year intervals: 1988 - 1993, 1994 - 1998, and 1999 -2003. Overall survival (OS) and BC specific survival (BCS) were calculated from the date of diagnosis to the date of death, last follow-up, or 12/31/03. Survival outcomes were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox models were fit to determine the characteristics that were independently associated with survival. Follow-up time was censored at 3 years for Cox analyses. Results: 15,438 pts were identified. 3796 pts were diagnosed fr...
Use of an Esophagostomy Tube for Management of Traumatic Subtotal Glossectomy in an African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

Abstract A 6-month-old intact male African pygmy hedgehog ( Atelerix albiventris ) was presented for evaluation of a traumatic subtotal glossectomy. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes, mild dehydration, and a macerated tongue missing approximately 1cm of the rostral tip. Severe anemia was identified via packed cell volume. The traumatic subtotal glossectomy was debrided and closed through primary intention. An esophagostomy tube was placed for nutritional support and medication administration. This report describes placement, maintenance, and successful use of this esophagostomy tube to manage severe oral trauma in a novel exotic pet species.
Predicting Utah v. Streiff's Civil Rights Impact

The Supreme Court’s recent Utah v. Strieff decision declined to apply the exclusionary rule to evidence seized as a result of an arrest that followed an unconstitutional stop. The opinion, in conjunction with Justice Sotomayor’s dissent, has reanimated discussions regarding when, if ever, criminal defendants can expect the exclusionary rule to apply. When applied, the exclusionary rule renders inadmissible evidence recovered through “unconstitutional police conduct”; the evidence’s exclusion reinforces the Fourth Amendment’s ban on unreasonable searches and seizures. Unlike most discussions of Strieff, which focus on its implications for criminal defendants,this Essay examines how Strieff will impact civil rights plaintiffs’ ability to recover damages for unconstitutional stops under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.Strieff is just one of several recent cases in which the Court has declined to apply the exclusionary rule. The Court’s decreased application of the exclusionary rule has been accompanied by its increased faith in the threat that Section 1983 civil liability poses to law enforcement officers. For example, in Hudson v. Michigan, the Court declined to apply the exclusionary rule to a knock-and-announce violation. It described how Section 1983 liability, expanded significantly since it was first made available in 1961’s Monroe v. Pape decision, would stand in for the exclusionary rule in producing the desired deterrent effect.In Fourth Amendment jurisprudence, both the exclusionary rule and Section 1983 are cited as different means to the same hypothetical end: deterring future constitutional violations. The exclusionary rule suppresses illegally seized evidence in circumstances where applying the rule is such a severe penalty that the risk of future application prevents illegal law enforcement conduct. The rule only applies when the need for its deterrent effect outweighs the rule’s “substantial social costs,” including the risk that the guilty go free. In contrast, Section 1983 purportedly deters law enforcement officers from engaging in constitutional violations with the threat of having to pay damages to the victim of the violation.Like Hudson, Strieff assumes that when the exclusionary rule is not applied, Section 1983 will adequately deter future unconstitutional stops. This Essay challenges that conclusion. First, it examines how Strieff may limit civil rights plaintiffs’ ability to recover meaningful damage awards for the events caused by unconstitutional stops. Second, it explains that in a civil rights case arising out of a Strieff-like scenario, civil rights plaintiffs will only be able to recover nominal damages. Third, it explains that the damages limitation will discourage attorneys from representing civil rights plaintiffs like Edward Strieff. It concludes that Section 1983 is an inadequate surrogate for the exclusionary rule, and that as a result, absent the exclusionary rule, there is no real deterrent preventing police power abuse.
Evaluation of an iterative cascade gamma ray correction algorithm for non-standard PET nuclides at various counting statistics in high resolution small animal PET imaging

We describe an evaluation of an iterative cascade gamma ray correction algorithm which was developed to improve the quantitative accuracy of small animal PET imaging with non-standard PET nuclides. The cascade correction algorithm uses the emission image and the attenuation map of the object to compute the shape or the spatial distribution of the coincidences caused by the cascade gamma rays, and the distribution is then scaled to the measured coincidences similarly to the typical scatter estimation methods. The sinogram profiles of the cascade estimate were compared with those of the scatter estimate and the prompts - randoms, and the cascade fraction was evaluated at various counting statistics for various random fractions and count rates. A quick convergence for the shape and the magnitude of the cascade estimate was observed and found to be not sensitive to the number of counts or count rate within the frame. A higher variation of the cascade fraction was observed for frames with lower number of counts. In addition, a higher overestimation of the cascade fraction was observed for frames with a higher random fraction and/or with a lower number of counts. As a result, a calibration for the scaling of the cascade estimate was applied for the high random fraction and low count situations, and the improvement was demonstrated using the sinogram profiles.
Stacking and Electrostatic Interactions Drive the Stereoselectivity of Silylium-Ion Asymmetric Counteranion-Directed Catalysis.

Computational analysis shows that the enantioselectivity of asymmetric Lewis-acid organocatalysis of the Diels–Alder cycloaddition of cyclopentadiene to cinnamates arises from stacking interactions that favor the addition of the diene to the more hindered face of the dienophile, while electrostatic interactions control the diastereoselectivity by selectively stabilizing the endo transition state. These results not only explain the stereoselectivity of these silylium-ion-ACDC reactions but should also guide the development of more effective ion-pairing asymmetric organocatalysts.
The Audience of Lady Gaga: Beyond the Little Monsters

Like a successful use of various media, reaching an audience is a necessary condition of fame. Discussing the role of various audiences in the formation of Lady Gaga’s fame across the globe, this chapter reviews the idea of symmetry that is established between the singer and her fans and their multiple ways of interaction, including live concert performances. It is argued that the singer’s most devoted fan base of the Little Monsters functions as a part of her spectacle, which has attracted attention from a large and diverse range of audiences displaying variable levels of devotion, indifference, and dislike. This perspective broadens the scope of the publics of Lady Gaga’s fame to fans, non-fans, and anti-fans alike.
Abstract 507: Ionizing radiation regulates mutant p53-mediated cancer cell invasiveness through targeting cyclin D1

Ionizing radiation (IR) is widely used as a main treatment for solid tumors, however, its potential influence and its role in the invasion and metastasis of cancer still remain unknown. In this study, we found that IR showed an inhibitory effect on the invasion of mutant p53 expressing cancer cells through targeting cyclin D1, which has been known as implicated in invasion and metastasis. Our data showed that gamma-irradiation (5 Gy) decreased trans-well migration of mutant p53 expressing cancer cells. It has been reported that following exposure to IR cyclin D1 is rapidly degraded via the ubiquitin pathway. We showed that IR-induced cyclin D1 degradation is restored after 24 hr in H1299 p53 negative cells. In contrast, cyclin D1 depletion was not recovered in H1299 mutant p53 cells, suggesting its inhibiting effect on cyclin D1 regulation. In addition, the levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 were decreased in mutant p53 expressing cancer cells, indicating the reduction of cell migration and invasion. These data indicate that IR suppresses the restoration of cyclin D1 via the mutant p53, thus inhibiting the invasion of cancer cells expressing mutant p53. Citation Format: Shin-Hee Lee, Phillip Craigmile, Shiyong Wu. Ionizing radiation regulates mutant p53-mediated cancer cell invasiveness through targeting cyclin D1. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 507. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-507
First for LCDs

In my article "Upward trend for flat displays" (June pp37–40), I intended to give credit for the first practical liquidcrystal displays (LCDs) to James Fergason at Kent State University, and Martin Schadt and Wolfgang Helfrich at Hoffman la Roche, in 1971, rather than to Terry Scheffer and Juergen Nehring in 1981.
Human Rights and Taxation of Menstrual Hygiene Products in an Unequal World

This book chapter, written in connection with the New York University School of Law Center for Human Rights and Global Justice Conference on "Human Rights and Tax in an Unequal World," argues that taxation, gender, and human rights are all linked. The authors use the lens of the "tampon tax" – sales, VAT and similar taxes imposed on menstrual hygiene products – to explain the relationship between and among affordable menstrual hygiene products and the human rights to be free from discrimination, to sanitation, to education, to dignity, and to work. The chapter refers to examples from India and Kenya to illustrate the importance of access to both affordable menstrual hygiene products and private, hygienic sanitation facilities. Some state and local governments in the United States have taken actions to facilitate access to menstrual hygiene products, including elimination of all sales taxes and the provision of free products in public schools, jails and homeless shelters. In the United States, private plaintiffs have also brought class action law suits challenging the sales tax on menstrual hygiene products. Although no similar case has come before the European Court of Human Rights or the European Court of Justice, both of those courts have recognized the links among gender, taxation, and human rights. Several European cases might be helpful precedents for a future legal challenge. Public attention to this issue remains important, and the tampon tax is part of much needed gender-focused tax reform.
Exact reasoning about uncertainty

This paper discusses the use of uncertain knowledge in expert systems. The discussion is focused on the use of these systems to support decision making in complex, uncertain environments. Within this context, our research indicates that strictly probabilistic representations, which enable the use or decision-theoretic reasoning, are highly preferable to recently proposed alternatives. Furthermore, the language of influence diagrams and a corresponding methodology that allows decision theory to be used effectively and efficiently as a decision-making aid is discussed. A system, called RACHEL, that helps infertile couples select pertinent medical treatments provides an illustration of this methodology.
How does salesperson connectedness impact performance? It depends upon the level of internal volatility

Abstract Salespeople feel connected to their coworkers when they know they can depend on and talk with one another. Employing social exchange theory, this study investigates the impact of connectedness on salesperson performance. Specifically, the paper reveals the processes by which this relationship occurs, and the conditionality of the process itself. In fact, connectedness increases performance by one of two paths or both, depending on internal volatility. Specifically, connectedness increases performance either through sales strategy implementation or through selling effort, or both. The findings show that under conditions of high internal volatility, such as manager turnover, connectedness increases performance via sales strategy implementation. Under conditions of low internal volatility, connectedness increases performance through selling effort. In this scenario, management provides the sales strategy allowing salesperson interaction to focus on motivating selling effort, resulting in higher levels of performance. Under conditions of average internal volatility, connectedness increases performance through both sales strategy implementation and selling effort. This research contributes to the industrial sales literature, both theoretically and managerially, by illuminating the value of connectedness within the sales force.
A keyword-aware recommender system using implicit feedback on Hadoop

Abstract Recommendation mechanisms offer an effective way to utilize user observations and ratings. The cold-start problem is most prevalent to affect the accuracy and reasoning of recommendation tasks, since new users or items have no side information in recommendation domains. A common architecture of keyword-aware recommender systems is proposed to improve the problem of cold-start users using extra information from external user or item domains. Keywords in a textual description of the extra information are significant factors in estimating user rating of items. Gathering the extra information through WEB scraping methods advances the dimensionality of keyword spaces. To implement the proposed architecture, textual descriptions for the users, who have installed APPs, and the movie-related items are expressed as extra information of the user and item domains. The keyword datasets of users and items drive the estimation of user initial ratings, and make further movie’s recommendations to cold-start users. A Big Data environment is essential to perform rating estimation with extensive datasets to establish a high-quality recommendation model. Experimental results obtained from the analysis of keyword similarity and rating accuracy represent that the proposed architecture of keyword-aware recommenders is effective and promising, as well offer profitable recommendation services on improving the recommendation accuracy.
Conservation of cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels and their regulation in Drosophila: A novel genetically-pliable channelopathic model

Dysregulation of L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) underlies numerous cardiac pathologies. Understanding their modulation with high fidelity relies on investigating LTCCs in their native environment with intact interacting proteins. Such studies benefit from genetic manipulation of endogenous channels in cardiomyocytes, which often proves cumbersome in mammalian models. Drosophila melanogaster, however, offers a potentially efficient alternative as it possesses a relatively simple heart, is genetically pliable, and expresses well-conserved genes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed an abundance of Ca-α1D and Ca-α1T mRNA in fly myocardium, which encode subunits that specify hetero-oligomeric channels homologous to mammalian LTCCs and T-type Ca2+ channels, respectively. Cardiac-specific knockdown of Ca-α1D via interfering RNA abolished cardiac contraction, suggesting Ca-α1D (i.e. A1D) represents the primary functioning Ca2+ channel in Drosophila hearts. Moreover, we successfully isolated viable single cardiomyocytes and recorded Ca2+ currents via patch clamping, a feat never before accomplished with the fly model. The profile of Ca2+ currents recorded in individual cells when Ca2+ channels were hypomorphic, absent, or under selective LTCC blockage by nifedipine, additionally confirmed the predominance of A1D current across all activation voltages. T-type current, activated at more negative voltages, was also detected. Lastly, A1D channels displayed Ca2+-dependent inactivation, a critical negative feedback mechanism of LTCCs, and the current through them was augmented by forskolin, an activator of the protein kinase A pathway. In sum, the Drosophila heart possesses a conserved compendium of Ca2+ channels, suggesting that the fly may serve as a robust and effective platform for studying cardiac channelopathies.
A Biosocial Model of BPD: Theory and Empirical Evidence

In this chapter, we describe our biosocial developmental model of borderline personality disorder (BPD) with particular attention to recent empirical findings. We discuss core constructs and theories for conceptualizing BPD. Reliable biological and environmental precursors to BPD are reviewed and discussed within the greater context of the developmental psychopathology perspective. Particular attention is given to complex heterotypic trajectories have been identified and supported via recent longitudinal research. Based on existing evidence, we hypothesize that trait impulsivity and emotional sensitivity interact with family-level risk factors to increase risk for BPD. We also theorize that self-inflicted injury and other clinical features that emerge by adolescence are reliable predictors of later BPD onset for many individuals. Finally, we highlight future directions for research, intervention, and prevention of adolescent BPD traits.